Tag Archives: Class of 1956

Carol (Glesmann) Baker ’56

Carol (Glesmann) Baker, born August 26, 1938 in Holyoke, Massachusetts, died peacefully with her family by her side on October 19, 2024. Carol was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Maryon Glesmann and her sister Susan Glesmann ’62.

At a young age, Carol worked in the family ice cream business (Glesmann Ice Cream Company that was started by her grandfather in 1927 in Holyoke, MA) helping her father experiment making new ice cream flavors and of course taste testing them all! Up until the last few days of her life, whenever she ate ice cream, she would say it wasn’t as good as Glesmann Ice Cream.

Carol graduated from Simmons College in Boston with a B.S. in Nursing and joined the Navy in 1961. After attending Officer Candidate School (where she was the honor graduate) she was commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy Nurse Corps. During her 2-year tour of duty, she was assigned to Bethesda Naval Hospital. After being introduced by her cousin, she met and fell in love with her future husband Eldon Peter Baker, Jr. They were married on October 20, 1962. Carol left the Navy when son Christopher was born in 1963. A year later they welcomed Mark to the family. After Chris and Mark started school, Carol returned to Nursing and retired after 23 years as a Pediatrics ICU nurse at Fairfax Hospital in Virginia. Her granddaughter Lauren (Chris and Laurie) and grandson Nicholas (Mark and Gwyn) were both born in the same hospital that Carol retired from.

Carol and Peter together discovered their shared joy of travel and for many years actively traveled through 49 of the 50 states, all the Canadian provinces and even the U.K. in an Airstream travel trailer as members of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International (WBCCI). They traveled as far south as Key West, FL and as far north as Point Barrow, AK on the artic circle. As a family we spent many weekends and summers touring the country. Together we shared many great adventures and memories. Later in life, Carol and Peter had an Airstream motorhome and would spend months at a time traveling around the country and spending winters in Florida. Carol was an avid member of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America (EGA) and her needle working skills are on display in many works hanging in family and friends’ homes.

Carol was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister. Left to cherish her memories are her husband of 62 years, Eldon P. Baker, Jr, sons Christopher P. Baker, wife Laurie; Mark E. Baker, wife Gwyn; grandchildren: Lauren, Brian, Nicholas and Rachel, great grandson Wyatt; brother Edward Glesmann, wife Jeanette; and her nieces and many friends across the country.

The funeral service will be held at Peevey Funeral Home, Saturday, October 26th, at 2:00pm., with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Forest Park East Cemetery.

Arie Kopelman ’56

Arie Kopelman, the former president and chief operating officer of Chanel Inc., who was credited for helping drive massive growth for the French luxury brand, died October 7, 2024, at the age of 86.

Kopelman’s daughter Jill Kargman posted news of his death on her Instagram account and said the cause of death was pancreatic cancer.

In a company statement, Chanel said, “We are deeply saddened to learn of Arie Kopelman’s passing. Arie was a visionary leader who carved an ambitious plan for Chanel, laying the foundation for a solid and enduring business. Known for his charisma and empathy, he embodied the qualities of a leader who cared deeply about mentoring those around him, creating a unique and rare culture. Arie was also a passionate philanthropist, supporting many cultural and charitable endeavors during his tenure at the House. He leaves behind an extraordinary professional and personal legacy – one that he should be immensely proud of.”

Born Sept. 23, 1938 in Brookline, Massachusetts, Kopelman attended the Boston Latin School and Williston Academy and graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 1960, where he studied pre-medicine but majored in art history. He later received an MBA from Columbia University.

Kopelman is survived by his wife, Coco, daughter Jill Kargman and son-in-law, Harry Kargman; son Will Kopelman and daughter-in-law, Alexandra Michler and six grandchildren. Kopelman’s fraternal twin brother, David, a judge, died in 2022, and his younger brother, Robert, died of lung cancer in 1999.

A private family service is planned, and a memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

To read more about Arie’s life and work, please visit WWD.

Fredrick H. Lambert ’56

Fredrick H. Lambert, 85, of Holyoke, Massachusetts, died peacefully on November 22, 2023 at his home with his family by his side. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dorothy (Cooper) Lambert, and five children; Bryan M. (Penny) of Southampton, Gregg A. of Granby Todd M. of Easthampton, Keith A. (Serein) of Florida, and Kelly J. Camp (Steve) of Easthampton. He leaves his sister Deborah Lambert (Frank Cushing) and her son Alan. He also leaves 5 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Fred was born in Westfield, MA to Romaine F. Lambert and Luella Hamilton Pease. He attended schools in Westfield and Southampton. He graduated from Williston Academy in 1956 and joined the Air Force and was trained at Chanute AFB then joined ANG unit in Westfield, MA.

Fred and Dottie were married on August 18 of 1967. Weeks later, on October 1, the Guard Unit from Westfield was activated and left for Phalsbourg, France on Nov. 1, where he served during the Berlin Conflict. They returned in early August of 1962. Life got back to normal; the Lambert family grew quickly and lived in Southampton for 28 years.

Fred’s work life was in the automotive parts business. Time for pleasure often had to do with something with wheels and an engine such as car or motorcycle races or car meets. Any vehicles he owned were cared for lovingly and with pride. He had many friendships that started at a car meet.

Fred and sons enjoyed outings on their motorcycles over the years. Dottie rode as his passenger, depending on the bike. In later years, stories about motorcycle adventures came to life around the holiday dinner table when the now grown-up family was together. Talking about family trips in the motorhome also triggered good memories, too.

Fred spent one-on-one time with his daughter Kelly during the years that her Mom was working 3-11. He never aspired to be a cook, so dinner out was a special treat for both.

Maintaining a good-looking lawn was a must and a joy. The word meticulous would be appropriate. Cleaning up after a snow storm ran a close 2nd, with sculpted paths around the house and up to the shed.

Fred’s life was centered around his family: parent, in-law, and children and their children. He and Dottie attended church together and sometime also sang in the choir. At Christmastime he loved singing “The First Noel” and particularly found joy in singing the descant part in the refrain. He found joy in the simplest things. He was such a good guy.

A private service was held on December 5th at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Agawam. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

David E. Sirman ’56

David Elliott Sirman died Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at his home in West Simsbury, CT. David was the son of Emory Thomas Sirman and Pauline Humphrey Sirman. He was born in Springfield, Mass. on March 30, 1938. He grew up in West Hartford and graduated from Williston Academy and Colby College. He received a Master’s Degree in Education from Central Connecticut State University. Before going into business for himself, he taught at the Pleasant Valley School in Barkhamsted. In addition to his parents, David was predeceased by his two older brothers, Donald Stainthorpe Sirman and John Humphrey Sirman. He leaves his wife of 60 years, Elise Hooker Sirman; two sons, Russell Hooker Sirman of West Hartford and Thomas Hathaway Sirman of East Hartland; two grandsons, Joshua David Sirman and Emory Russell Sirman of West Hartford; a daughter-in-law, Mami Nishimune of West Hartford; his sister-in-law, Barbara Hooker Thorp of West Simsbury and a niece, Donna Sirman Ramsey of Tennessee. David’s family would like to thank the staff at McLean Hospice, and Companions and Homemakers for their help. The family especially wishes to thank the team of Juliana Arcala, David Bernadino, Greg Brown, and Shenelle Rochester for the exceptional care they gave David. They made a big difference. All arrangements are private and at the convenience of the family. Carmon Windsor Funeral Home has care of the arrangements.

Wayne S. Jostrand ’56

Wayne S. Jostrand, 83, of Vero Beach, FL died peacefully on March 28, 2022.

Born September 26, 1938 in Springfield, MA, Wayne attended Williston Northampton School before graduating from Yale University in 1960. He subsequently earned a doctorate degree in engineering from Yale’s graduate school. In 1965, he married Emily Henry in Riverside, CT where they raised their family and lived for over 30 years. After a long successful career at IBM, Wayne continued working with several smaller technologies companies. Upon retirement, they moved to Chatham, MA where they lived for 21 years before moving full time to Vero Beach, FL. Always active in his community, Wayne generously gave his time to the First Congregational Church in Old Greenwich CT, The Atwood House Historical Museum in Chatham, MA, and the Community Church of Vero Beach, FL He was an avid sports enthusiast and lifelong fan of the NY Giants and Boston Red Sox. He enjoyed sailing, tennis, running, and skiing. Wayne will always be remembered for his brilliant mind, quick wit and great sense of humor.

He is predeceased by his parents Alphild and Emil Jostrand, and by his son, William Henry Jostrand. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, their children Sten Jostrand (Kay) and Katherine Angell (Jake) and five grandchildren.

A memorial will be held for the family in Old Greenwich, CT in July.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery, 57 West 57th Street, Suite 904, New York, NY 10019.

Stephen K. Oberbeck ’56


Stephen Kitt Oberbeck ’56, of Sanibel, FL, passed away January 26, 2022. After receiving his diploma at Williston Academy, Steve attended Brown University and was awarded a fellowship at the Iowa Writers Workshop. From there he began a career of writing which included a decade as cultural editor at Newsweek where he wrote book, theater, art, music and film reviews.
He edited the Book & Arts page for the St Louis Post-Dispatch and wrote frequently on cultural subjects for the many publications including The New York Times, New York Post, Newsweek, Newsweek International, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, and the Paris Herald Tribune. He published numerous poems, short stories and creative commentary in various national and international periodicals. In 1968 he was awarded an Alicia Patterson Foundation grant to live and travel in Europe and report on the intersection of art and technology.
As a marketing writer, coach and business analyst, he worked with many global companies including Fidelity Investments, Nomura Group, Saab, Chrysler, Exxon Mobil, PepsiCo, Price Waterhouse and Philip Morris, writing speeches for top-tier corporate executives, producing major marketing materials and conducting media & marketing seminars.
After moving to Sanibel Island, FL, Steve continued to share his craft by leading writing workshops on memoir, short story, and Great Themes film. There, he mentored many burgeoning Island authors to put in writing their first personal memoirs and works of creative fiction. Steve was a vigorous and passionate participant in weekly current events discussions at BIG Arts Center, a docent at The Shell Museum, and a regular at the Sanibel Recreation Complex where he enjoyed swimming countless laps in the pool.
Steve is survived by his daughter Sally, three grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and grandnephews.

Anthony V. Orlandella ’56

Anthony V. Orlandella, 83, of Falmouth, MA, formerly of Chatham and Wayland, passed away suddenly on September 8, 2021.

Tony was born on August 21, 1938 in Boston, MA to Felix and Lena Orlandella, and grew up in Newton. He attended Williston Academy. He earned his undergraduate degree and law degree at Boston University. He was the loving husband of Barbara Orlandella (predeceased) with whom he shared 54 years of marriage.

They raised their three sons in Wayland, MA and moved to Cape Cod in the early 1990’s. Tony worked at InnSeason Resorts with coworkers who were his dear friends.

He loved playing cards and golf, but more than anything, Tony loved being in the company of and cooking for close family and friends. His homemade manicotti and the ability to cook a roast to perfection are a few of his many passions, but it’s Tony’s quick wit and distinctive sense of humor that will be missed most. Known to many as Papa Tony, Joe, or Buddy, he had countless friends who were lucky to know him. From his fraternity brothers to close friends who became family. Tony was one of a kind.

Tony is survived by three sons: Lieutenant Colonel Michael Orlandella and wife Cruzkaya of Augusta, Georgia, David Orlandella and wife Lisa of Chatham, and Peter Orlandella and wife Erika of Falmouth and six beloved grandchildren Olivia, Peter Jr., Joseph, Michael Jr., Cecilia, and Georgiana.

A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Anthony’s Church in East Falmouth at 10am on Tuesday, September 14, 2021. Burial will follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held immediately after at the Cape Cod Winery, 4 Oxbow Road, East Falmouth. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Tony’s life.

Judith Schwartz Berg ’56

Judith Berg died on December 10, 2020 at the age of 82. Judy was born in Fall River, MA, daughter of the late Joseph Schwartz and the late Lillian (Baskin) Schwartz, both of Fall River; and sister of the late E. Robert Schwartz. She leaves behind her daughter, Paula Berg and granddaughter, Lila Berg, of Wayland, MA, and her son and daughter-in-law, Steven Berg and Cynthia Scuderi, of Portsmouth, NH. As a child, Judy loved singing, art and social events. She received her teaching degree from Bridgewater State College when her youngest child was four, beginning a thirty -two year career as an elementary special education teacher in the Fall River Public Schools. She was beloved by her many students and will be remembered as a patient, dedicated and stable presence. Judy volunteered for many years for the Samaritans, where she worked the suicide prevention hotline. She was a loving and present daughter, mother and grandmother. After she raised her children, Judy enjoyed sharing many great years as a foster mother to one of her former students. Judy was fun-loving, carefree and loved to travel. She was a caring friend and trusted confidante to many, enjoying many deep and lifelong friendships. Judy lived in the moment and embraced every day. Judy was most happy with the time she spent with her granddaughter, Lila, whom she loved with her whole heart and soul. A Graveside Service will be held at 12noon in Temple Beth El Cemetery, 4620 N. Main Street, Fall River, on December 11, 2020, all are welcome. A celebration of Judy’s life will be held when it is safe to gather in person.