Tag Archives: Class of 1958

Paul M. Blair ’58

Paul Martin Blair, 85, died September 9, 2026, in Norwalk, Connecticut, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. A private family service will be held this fall on one his favorite ski runs in the Catskills NY.

Paul was born on October 4, 1940, in Jamaica, Queens NY, to the late Henry and Edna Blair, both first generation immigrants. He spent his childhood and adolescence in Northport Long Island and attended Williston Northampton Prep School in MA, where he graduated in 1959 as a multi-sport athlete. Following high school, he attended Colgate University in Hamilton NY where he played and lettered in lacrosse and wrestling three years in a row. After college, he voluntarily joined the US Marine Corps where he served his time at Camp Legeune NC. He spent his early professional life working on Wall Street where he honed the art of arbitrage working with his father and brother at Henry Blair and Co securities option firm, and Harris Upham. By 1976, he was elected as Vice President of the American Stock Exchange. Soon after the 70’s crash, he turned in suits and briefcase and, with his wife Cynthia, opened Briar Hardware in Briarcliff NY. When they closed the store, he spent the remainder of his working life in security. He lived the early part of his adult life in Westchester County between Chappaqua and Bedford, and his last 15 years in Norwalk CT.

Known by his family as Big Paul, he will be remembered for his quick wit, his love of family and family gatherings, his enjoyment of fast cars and downhill skiing, his love of sports, including any college lacrosse and especially his beloved NY Giants and the old Brooklyn Dodgers, his pride for his children and grandchildren, his turkey carving and egg bunking prowess, and desire for ice box cake on every birthday.

Paul is predeceased by both his parents and two of his three brothers, Peter Blair ’57 formerly Warren NY and his brother John formerly of New Haven CT. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Mulbury Blair; their four sons, Bryan Blair and wife Kelly Mofield of Chappaqua NY, Chris Blair and his wife Tracy of Southlake TX, Peter Blair and his wife Paola of Norwalk CT, and Paul Blair and his wife Jamie of Atkinson NH; his 13 grandchildren, Tilden, Graham, Schuyler, Seamus, Marcus, Henry, Lily, Joseph, Sean, Charlie, Maddy, Presley and Oliver; numerous grand nieces and nephews from the Gabriel, McClenachan, Mulbury, Pawlowski and Palmer families; his brother Jimmy Blair of Lafayette LA; and his nephews Matthew, David, Eric and Nate Blair. The family asks that donations in memory of Big Paul be made to your own favorite charity and that you raise a glass in his memory every time the NY Giants score, admitting that “we love them, but they don’t make it easy.”

George H. Burtch ’58

George H. Burtch, 86, passed away early Monday morning, September 7, 2026, in Watertown, New York.

He was born, February 12, 1940, in the town of LeRay, NY, son of Clarence H. and Ethel E. Burns Burtch. He graduated from Alexandria Central High School and attended both Williston Academy and St. Lawrence University.

He was a real estate broker for many years and was also president of Putnam and Kellett, Inc. Insurance Agency.

George was past president of the Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce, Past president of the Alexandria Bay Rotary Club, served two terms as trustee for the Village of Alexandria Bay, an honorary member of the Alexandria Bay Fire Department, a member of the Clayton Fire Department, volunteered at the Cape Vincent Correctional Facility, and a member of the American Correctional Association Union.

Marriages to Jill Eggleton, Nancy Wimmer and Donna Eggleston, all ended in divorce.

He is survived by a son, Robert G. (Jennifer Simpson), Alexandria Bay, three daughters, Elizabeth “Liz” Burtch, Rochester, NY, Elaine “Lainey” (Dave) Scott, Ranson, WV, and Ellen (Tim) Connors, Oak Island, NC, five grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a grandson, Jessie Monica.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, September 9th from 5-8pm at the Costello Funeral Home, Alexandria Bay. The funeral will be held Thursday, September 10th, at 11am at the funeral home with Rev. Jeff McIlrath, officiating. Burial will follow at Barnes Settlement Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in George’s name to the Reformed Church of the Thousand Isles, 54 Church St, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607 or the Alexandria Bay Fire Department, 110 Walton St, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607.

Peter R. Hewes ’58

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Peter Rawson Hewes of Groton, Connecticut who died at age 85 on Sunday, September 29, 2024 after a long battle with cancer.

Peter was born in New London, Connecticut on January 8, 1939 to Dr. Tyson Hewes and Anne Mariah (Moses) Hewes. Peter was a proud resident of Groton who grew up becoming an avid swimmer and lifeguard at Eastern Point Beach. He went on to become an All American Swimmer and Diver at Williston Academy. On shore, Peter was an incredible football player, and attained 12 Varsity letters prior to graduation.

Peter also attended Cornwall Academy during the summertime, and participated in the Boy Scouts of America, eventually earning the prestigious Eagle Scout ranking. In his teenage years, Peter became a camp counselor at Camp Wakenah, the oldest Boy Scout camp in America, and taught woodcrafting, sailing and canoeing. All of these accolades helped Peter gain acceptance to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland where he lived for a decade before returning to Connecticut.

Peter attended Paris Island Boot Camp, and was enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve. Peter proudly preserved his allegiance and commitment to the United Stated Marine Corps throughout his life.

Peter loved his engines and cars. Over the years, he collected Porsches, Volvos, MiniCoopers, Mercedes Benz, BMWs and Austin Healey’s. He raced cars at Lime Rock, Connecticut and at the Marlborough Race Track in Baltimore, Maryland. He later became a specialized mechanic for these powerful racing machines.

He formerly owned Hewes Chevron in Groton, where he and his team serviced specialized vehicles. He retired as a senior engineer with the International Union of Operating Engineers, but never stopped working on various engines or rebuilding vehicles.

Peter was an avid sailor and long time member of both the Off Soundings Yacht Club and the Shennecosset Yacht Club. He loved working on his Tartan 27 “Philabeg” with his boat partner and dear friend Dick Burke, even during his two year battle with cancer.

Whenever he had a chance, Peter could be found at sea, sailing with various friends. He is acclaimed for his camaraderie, fellowship, and a love of the sea.

Peter was generous with his knowledge and time, offering to help anyone he could. He volunteered his engineering skills to the Mystic Seaport Museum, helping keep their boats up and running. Peter had an extensive knowledge of many things, including the history of Groton, engines, boats, cars and pretty much all things machinery. He truly left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

One of Peter’s proudest accomplishments was celebrating almost 40 years of sobriety. He was also so proud of his children and grandchildren, and his stories will be fondly remembered for years to come.

The Facetime, phone calls, letters, cards, and visits Peter received during the final weeks of his life were a tremendous source of joy, peace, and comfort to him.

Peter was predeceased by his twin brother, David Hewes, and is survived by his brother James (Mary Liz) Hewes, and his children Lisa (Mark) Szaro, Pete Snow, Peter Hewes II and Marika (Joel) Michelangelo, and his grandchildren, Patrick, Cassandra, and Justin Snow, Tyler Szaro, Aria, Kira and Theo Michelangelo and great-grand children, Lyric and Clover Snow. Peter was loved by many friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly.

A graveside service will be held at the Colonel Ledyard Cemetery in Groton, Connecticut, at 11:00am on October 16, 2024. Family, friends, and others are invited to the Shennecosset Yacht Club following the service for a celebration to reminisce and honor the life of Peter. In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter’s name to his favorite breakfast program (Puffins Restaurant) can be made to Seabirds Enterprises , 169 Thames Street, Groton, CT 06340.

Jamie T. Irvine IV ’58

Jamie Thompson Irvine IV, 84, passed away peacefully at his home in Vero Beach, FL on Wednesday September 27, 2023, surrounded by his family.
Born on June 10,1939 in St. Louis, MO to Jamie T. Irvine III and Kathryn (Waychoff) Irvine, Jamie spent his childhood in Old Greenwich, CT. He later settled in Darien, CT where he raised his family. He attended The Williston Northampton School where he was the President of his class. He continued his education at the University of Virginia where he was a member of St. Elmo Hall (Delta Phi Fraternity). He went on to attend business school at the Thunderbird School of Global Management. He then worked as an insurance executive in New York, holding roles at Johnson & Higgins and Carroon and Black.
An avid sailor, Jamie participated in many East Coast regattas including the Block Island Race and the Bermuda Race. One of his proudest accomplishments was racing the original maxi yacht, Stormvogel, across the Atlantic Ocean. He was a member of the New York Yacht Club and also a longtime member of the Riverside Dyer Dinghy Association. He spent most of his winter weekends frostbiting.
Jamie, better known as “Turbs” by his closest friends, was known for his contagious personality and lived a full and energetic life. At home he was often outdoors in his bountiful vegetable garden, growing tomato plants from seed over the winter which he delivered to friends in the spring. He was also an excellent cook, baking bread or making chili which was enjoyed in front of a roaring fire, watching favorite sports events with family and friends. Jamie was an avid tennis player and golfer, and played paddle tennis in the winter months; “I got it!” was a constant refrain on the courts. One of his favorite events that is a fond memory for all who participated was the “Turkey Day Paddle” tournament. Started with just four players, this annual event grew to a full forty player roster, hosted Thanksgiving Day morning for nearly twenty years. Donations from the event went to support many local organizations.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Alicia (Cici) Irvine; and children Kathryn (Trevor) Tasker, Alicia (Michael) Pizzi, Katie (Brian) Hastreiter, and Victoria (Frederick) Klorczyk. He is also survived by his 5 grandchildren A private family service will be held in his memory.

Richard J. Sandulli ’58

Richard J. Sandulli passed away peacefully on July 23, 2023, at his residence in Juno Beach, Fla., after a brief illness.

He was born on Jan. 20, 1940, to Louise P. Sandulli and Dr. Gaetano R. Sandulli of Waterbury, Conn., and attended McTernan School (now Chase Collegiate School) in Waterbury, Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, Mass., and Duke University in Durham, N.C. He later obtained a law degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and a M.A. in tax law from the University of Connecticut.

Richard had a long and noteworthy career in corporate finance, starting at Dean Witter Reynolds Inc., and continuing with a variety of other investment banking firms for almost 40 years.

He leaves a wife, Betsey Parsons Sandulli of Juno Beach, Fla., and two sons, Walter E. Sandulli of Whitehouse Station, N.J., and Richard P. Sandulli of Kamuela, Hawaii; as well as a brother, Joel C. Sandulli of Watertown, Conn. Mr. Sandulli is survived by two grandsons.

A celebration of life will be on Nov. 4 at 10.30 a.m. at the Hickcox Funeral Home in Watertown, Conn. Friends and acquaintances of Richard are cordially invited to attend and celebrate the memory of a man whose love and generosity affected all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Richard H. Wendin ’58

Richard Hale Wendin, 83, passed away peacefully Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023. He was born Sept. 18, 1939, in Detroit, to Sigurd R. Wendin and Martha C. (nee Rich) Wendin.
Dick attended Maire Elementary School and Williston Northampton School in Massachusetts. He graduated from Yale University in 1962, and served in military intelligence with the U.S. Army in post-war Germany. Dick had a lifelong career with Heber, Fuger and Wendin and remained active as an investment advisor through July of this year.
The beloved “City Man” leaves many friends as a member of the Detroit Racquet Club and welcomed patron to local eastside haunts. He proudly served as commander of American Legion Post 372 for many years. Dick cherished his lifelong visits to the family’s Castle Park resort community in Holland, Mich.
His parents and his sister, Constance W. Sholem, predeceased him. He is survived by his brother, Sigurd Robert Wendin Jr. (Caesara) of Connecticut; nephews, Sigurd Robert Wendin III (Louise) and Michael Sholem (Sadie) of the United Kingdom and Theodore F. Wendin of New Jersey; and nieces, Caesara W. Brungraber (Griffin) of Oregon and Joanna Margaret Sholem of the U.K. He also leaves behind grandnieces and grandnephews, Sigurd R. Wendin IV, Sasha Wendin and Henrik Wendin, Bruce, Zoe and Chase Brungraber, and Florence, William and Reuben Sholem.
The family is most grateful for the great care Dick received, especially from the staff at Beechwood Manor in St. Clair Shores. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

Susan Gibson Schiller ’58

Susan Gibson Schiller, 83, passed away on June 9, 2023, at Blossom Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in Salem, Ohio. She was born on Aug. 2, 1939, in Youngstown to the late William K. and Constance (Tice) Gibson. Susan graduated from the Northampton School for Girls before attending Centenary College in Hackettstown, N.J., and Youngstown State University. She worked at the Salem Public Library for over 25 years and prior to that was a receptionist for Dr. Howard Moore. She was a charter member of the Board of AID and sat on the Century House board. Susan also volunteered for the Salem Historical Society and its museum for many years. Susan married the late Royal Schiller on Aug. 5, 1961, and they had one son, David A. Schiller. Susan will be remembered by her brother, William K. Gibson Jr. of Poland; sister, Jane Salter ’64 of Corvallis, Oregon; and five nieces. She is preceded in death by her husband, son, parents and one niece. Visitation will be from 4-5 p.m., Wednesday, June 14 at Stark Memorial. A memorial service will immediately follow at 5 p.m., Wednesday, June 14. Burial will take place at Grandview Cemetery. Memorial donations in Susan’s name, can be made to the Salem Public Library, 821 E. State St., Salem, Ohio 44460; or Salem Historical Society Museum, 208 S. Broadway, Salem, Ohio 44460. If unable to attend, join our complimentary “Hugs from Home” program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.

Howard ‘Marshall’ Benjamin ’58

April 19, 1939 – February 20, 2023

Marshall was born at the Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital in Los Angeles, California – growing to a tall, blonde, handsome man with a heck of a sense of humor. A “Valley” boy, he attended Birmingham High where he lettered in football and baseball, then spent two years at Williston Academy in Massachusetts, lettering in the same sports. In the third grade he met his life-long buddy, Pat Connelly, and a year later, Skip Townsend. It was the 1950s – a great time for kids to grow up in the San Fernando Valley. After two years in the Army National Guard, Marshall started classes at USC joining Phi Kappa Psi fraternity for a lot of fun, and a few beers at the “901 Club”. Then on April 1, 1977, Marshall met Judy Lusk at Casey’s Bar in Downtown Los Angeles. They married a year later. Marshall and Judy traveled a lot – all the states and many European countries, finally settling down in Carmel Valley, California. Here at Garland Park, Marshall walked his dogs on the trails, in the hills and along the river. But the best time of all for the Benjamins? …fall and football and USC! Marshall and Judy did not miss watching one USC game in almost 46 years. “Who’s calling those stinkin’ plays?” was heard every season. And so … Marshall leaves behind his wife, Judy; his son, Erik; sister, Susan Stone; Beezee; his pals at Hertz; old-friend, Tim Townsend, and oldest-friend, Pat Connelly. Marshall has “run the race.” He is in the Heavenly realm with Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior. We’ll meet again, Marshall. We love you. We miss you. FIGHT ON!

Mary Ellen Debarbieri Kozuch ’58

Mary Ellen Kozuch, 81, of Huntsville, Alabama died Saturday, April 23, 2022.

Mary Ellen was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts and moved to Huntsville in 1963. Preceding her in death were her parents, Edward and Dorothy Debarbieri; husband, Joseph Anthony Kozuch; and sister, Linda Debarbieri.

Mary Ellen leaves her beloved son Joseph Kozuch, her cherished grandchildren Alexander (Emily) LaRussa-Kozuch; Haley Kozuch, and Weston Kozuch; and a host of other relatives and friends. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, May 2, 2022, at the St. Brigid’s Cemetery in Easthampton.