Geoffrey Hale Purdy, 84, died early Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Danbury, Connecticut, after a brief illness. Born August 6, 1940, in New York City, he was the son of Ken W. Purdy, the noted author and journalist and Jeanne Hale, a well-known literary agent.

Purdy’s early years were spent in New York City and Wilton, Connecticut. At the age of 10 he contracted a severe case of polio and required the use of a wheelchair for the rest of his life. What might have limited others was just one of the many obstacles he overcame in a life of extraordinary determination and achievement.

After his recovery he attended Williston Academy in Easthampton, MA, graduating in 1959, then matriculating to Harvard University.

Purdy then spent more than four decades as a programmer and engineer at IBM, contributing to pioneering innovations in the development of the internet – notably how cable TV systems could be used to deliver high speed internet to businesses and homes. Throughout his career, he mentored several generations of influential programmers who went on to make breakthroughs in internet technology, satellite communications, and cybersecurity. His technical expertise extended beyond his professional work-as a self-taught gunsmith he spent his entire adult life collecting, studying and repairing antique weaponry. He was also an accomplished inventor who held many patents, a mechanic and engineer.

In 1965, Purdy married Susan Gold, who would become a Julia Child award-winning author of 33 children’s and baking books, including “Pie in the Sky.” The couple settled in Roxbury, Connecticut, where Purdy and his wife built the home that served as their primary residence for the remainder of his life. He divided his time between Roxbury and Craftsbury, Vermont, where they had a log cabin on a lake.

A voracious reader with deep knowledge of history, Purdy maintained particular interests in the Civil War and World War II throughout his life. He inherited from his father a deep love of vehicles of all sorts, he always worked on his own cars and converted his endless fleet of Volvos to be driven with “hand controls” which he manufactured and installed himself.

Purdy was predeceased by his father, mother, and stepmother Lucille Purdy. He is survived by his wife Susan Gold Purdy, daughter Cassandra Purdy, sister Tabitha Purdy Song, numerous nephews and nieces, and friends from all walks of life whom he encountered throughout his varied career and interests.

In lieu of flowers, please send money to World Central Kitchen www.worldcentralkitchen.org.

Charles W. DeRose, 84, of Florence, Massachusetts, passed away on July 1, 2025 after a long illness.

Born in Northampton on April 8, 1941 to Charles N. and Cora F. DeRose, Charlie—known for his adventurous spirit and boundless curiosity—lived a life full of energy, generosity, and deep community ties.

Charlie was a standout athlete at Northampton High School, excelling in football, basketball, and track. He continued his athletic and academic pursuits at The Williston Northampton School, earning All-American Honors as a tackle for their football team, and later attending Cornell University and the University of Vermont, graduating in 1966. During his time at Cornell, Charlie met his beloved wife, Leila Kelly. After graduation, Charlie began his career in newspaper publishing at the Burlington Free Press. In 1968, he returned to Northampton at his father’s urging to join the family business at the Daily Hampshire Gazette, selling ads for the paper. After his father’s passing in 1970, Charlie and his brother, Peter, became co-owners of WHMP AM and FM, which they managed until its sale in the 1980s, as well as co-publishers of the Gazette.

“Newspaper ink gets in your blood,” Charlie liked to say. That ink had been in the family since 1929, when his grandmother, Harriet DeRose, purchased the Gazette. Charlie’s first job there, cleaning space bands in the Linotype machines for Jimmy Hogan, sparked a lifelong dedication to local journalism. Under his and Peter’s leadership, the paper became known for its sense of community. It expanded with a move to Conz Street and saw steady growth through the 1990s. He was profoundly thankful for the people he got to meet in all walks of life, to the “Gazette Gang”, and the readers who made it all possible.

In 1995, Charlie stepped back from active management of the paper and embarked on a new venture, purchasing Meriden Precision Plastics. He successfully ran the company for five years until its sale, when he fully retired. Charlie’s adventurous spirit extended well beyond business. An accomplished pilot, he famously traded his new wife’s car for his first airplane. His spontaneous flights—often with friends or kids aboard—became legendary. One particularly memorable flight involved launching a hot air balloon from his own modest backyard, with at least one child aboard, and landing gently in a Hatfield potato field—where a kind farmer offered his phone to call home.

His love for the water was equally enduring. Inspired by childhood summers in Rhode Island and his father’s passion for boating, Charlie owned a long line of vessels that became floating hubs of joy for family and friends all along the East Coast. Community service was a core value for Charlie, instilled by his parents and lived out through decades of involvement. He served in various volunteer leadership roles at the March of Dimes walkathons, the Northampton Teen Center, the YMCA, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, the Academy of Music, the Hampshire Community United Way, Northampton National Bank, SCORE small business mentoring, and Northampton Neighbors. He also served on the Parking Commission and helped guide downtown parking lot development in the 1980s. In recognition of their civic contributions, Charlie and his brother Peter were named Northampton Citizens of the Year in 1988.

Charlie is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Peter L. DeRose. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Leila (Kelly) DeRose; his sister-in-law, Florence L. DeRose, his brothers-in-law Sherman (Judy Abrams) Kelly, Hugh (Caroline Thomas) Kelly, and James Jenkins; his children, Elizabeth DeRose (Ron Pickett) and their children Jake, Tyler, Samantha and Leila, and 7 grandchildren; Anne (John) Westlund ’90 and their children, Emma and Samuel, and Nathan DeRose ’95.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 from 4 to 6 pm at Czelusniak Funeral Home at 173 North St, Northampton, MA 01060. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and share memories of Charlie.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in his name to: Cooley Dickinson Hospital Development Office P.O. Box 329, Northampton, MA 01061 or to Northampton Neighbors P.O. Box 23, Northampton, MA 01061.

Dr. John T. Curtiss, 84, of Groton Long Point, C.T., passed away peacefully April 10, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Sue Ellen (Jones) Curtiss and father to Matthew ’90 and Andrew. John was born in Ithaca, N.Y., May 19, 1940, the son of William Marshall and Evelyn (Turner) Curtiss. He married his college sweetheart, Sue Ellen, Aug. 21, 1964, and they spent the last 61 years of their lives together.

John attended Williston Academy, Bates College, and University of Pennsylvania Dental School. After graduating from dental school, John and Sue settled in San Diego, while John served his tour in Vietnam as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy – a role he was stoically proud of and of which he shared many memories, especially in recent years. Upon his return from Vietnam, John and Sue started their family by welcoming their first-born, Matthew. After his discharge from the Navy, John and Sue found their forever hometown in Mystic, close to where John opened his dental practice in Groton, and where they also welcomed their second son, Andrew.

John was a long-time member of Ram Island Yacht Club, Black Hall Club and Stonington Country Club. John enjoyed boating with friends in the summers in Mystic, spending winter weekends in Vermont skiing at Haystack and Mount Snow, followed by spontaneous gatherings with close friends, and sometimes strangers, at their wonderful Vermont farmhouse. Most of all, John loved the game of golf. If he wasn’t tooling around in his garage with one of his prized antique cars or building epic bonfires in the fields of Vermont, you could always find him on the golf course. One of John’s proudest moments was his hole-in-one that he (finally) made at the age of 77. It could be said John chose to leave us when he did, so he could have one of the best views of The Masters.

John touched many people in his full life. He was charming, thoughtful, genuinely kind and had an amazing sense of humor. He made you feel as if you’d been friends for years, even if you just met him; His door and his arms were always open.

John is survived by the love of his life, Sue Ellen; his sons, Matthew (CC) of Groton, and Andrew (Mary Kay) of Simsbury; his grandchildren, Evin, Lily and Jane, whom he adored and loved to watch play sports and perform in theater; his sister Carolyn Peele; and several nieces and nephews. John is predeceased by his parents, William and Evelyn; and his sister Cornelia McDade.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at Ram Island Yacht Club. The Dinoto Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Frederick W. Johnson, 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 7, 2024, surrounded by the love and blessings of his family. He was born in Southampton, MA to Rudolf Oscar H. and Alice E. Johnson.

Fred attended Williston Academy in Easthampton, MA and then graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a B.A. in Zoology. After graduating from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1967, he began his career at Edmund’s Veterinary Hospital in Northampton, MA and married his longtime friend Mary Burr. Together they started a family, and in 1973 moved to Dennis where Fred opened the Dennis Animal Hospital, one of the first veterinary hospitals on Cape Cod.

Being a veterinarian was a passion of Fred’s. He had a dedicated work ethic and spent 57 years of his life treating and caring for countless pets and developing genuine relationships with his clients. He was known for his knowledgeable and friendly disposition and was wholeheartedly devoted to the wellbeing of his patients. He spent his final years at Sturbridge Animal Hospital retiring in July at the age of 83. Throughout his career, he was an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association as well as the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association of which he was past-president. While living in Dennis, Fred served on the Dennis-Yarmouth School Committee and was a member of the Harwich-Dennis Rotary Club. He also obtained his pilot’s license and enjoyed flying over areas of New England.

Fred was blessed with three loving children, Peter Johnson of Santa Rosa, CA, Kate Dodge of Manchester, MA, and Rebecca Pearson of Brewster, MA. His love for his family grew with the addition of his beloved grandchildren, Bode Dodge, Heidi Dodge, Calla Pearson and Eve Pearson, whom he was fondly referred to as Papa. He cherished time with his family, especially enjoying ice cream sundaes, watching sports games, and celebrating birthdays and special occasions. In addition, Fred loved his many pets over the course of a lifetime, always considering them a part of the family.

His memory remained keen for the entirety of his life. He loved to tell stories, often reminiscing about his childhood with incredible detail. He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Bolton of Mill Valley, CA and brother, Mark Johnson of Southampton, MA. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, Richard Johnson of Amherst, MA.

In honor of Fred’s memory, donations can be made to The Veterinary Scholarship Trust of New England (www.veterinaryscholarshiptrust.org) and/or to the McCarthy Care Center, 73 Service Rd, East Sandwich, MA 02537. Services will be private.

Allen Vaughan Shaw passed away suddenly, October 16, 2024, in Rockville, Maryland. He was born May 19, 1940 at Hale Hospital in Haverhill, Massachusetts, the eldest child of Eugene Kenneth Shaw and Evelyn Frances (Vaughan). He grew up at the family homestead, Number 12 King Street in Groveland and as a teenager worked on a local dairy farm, which he reminisced about frequently. An animal lover from an early age, he raised a Holstein cow named Bobolink, after which his adventures in dairy farming came to a close.

Allen was educated at Williston Northampton School, where he was known as Al Shaw, graduating in 1959. He played varsity football and was a member of the varsity track team, boasting a 4 minute mile and excelled in the 440. Allen also participated in the school glee club, student council, and was sports editor of The Willistonian school paper.

Allen went on to study geology at Tufts University and received his Master’s Degree from Michigan State. He continued his formal education at the University of Arizona, University of Oklahoma, and University of Texas at Dallas.

His career began in oil exploration, working for Conoco in the Western United States. He lived in the Rocky Mountain region for many years before moving to Arizona and then to Texas to work for Sun Exploration. In the early 90s, he moved back to the East Coast and transitioned to environmental geology, working for URS Corporation and Bechtel. Allen stayed active in his field and served as past editor of AEG News, the newsletter for the Association of Engineering Geologists.

During his time in Wyoming, he met Dorsey Winchester and they were married in 1970, becoming an instant family with Dorsey’s children Lynne, Shannon, Casey, and Marty before adding two more daughters, Ryan and Morgan.

At the time of his death, he was living with his companion of 19 years Christine (Tina) Chisena and their kitties, Frank and Lola, in Maryland.

He lived a life of service and spent countless hours volunteering for many organizations, big and small. Allen regularly donated blood earning his 25-gallon pin and beyond. He also donated over 2500 hours of service to The Heard Natural Science Museum in McKinney, Texas, clearing hiking trails and hosting education workshops. More recently, he continued to live out his love of nature by volunteering at Brookside Gardens in Montgomery County, Maryland. Faith was important to Allen and he was dedicated in his service to Grace St Paul’s church in Tucson, Arizona as well as Holy Nativity Church in Plano, Texas. He served as lay reader, vestry member, event organizer, helped build the church playground in Plano, and served on the education board of the Montessori school at Holy Nativity.

Allen generously supported many organizations with monetary donations when he was unable to support them with his time and personal service. He was a faithful friend of the geology department at Tufts, his beloved alma mater, and made it a priority to support the department with a gift each year.

When he wasn’t out and about enjoying this beautiful world and its flora and fauna, many other hobbies and passions occupied his time. Allen was an accomplished baker (his focaccia bread had an informal fan club), chef extraordinaire (his butternut squash soup is a holiday favorite), and singer, his rich baritone voice was a joy to hear (just like his dad’s.) He was also an amateur photographer and an avid birdwatcher, often combining the two activities.

Allen was known to be competitive, an attribute often seen at the bridge table. He was an active member of the American Contract Bridge League, playing in local, district, and national tournaments throughout his life, from Casper, Wyoming, to Tucson, Dallas, and Washington, DC. He achieved the rank of Gold Life Master in the ACBL and won the Open Pairs at the National Capital 4th of July Tournament in 2023 with bridge partner and friend Jerold.

His talents as “Opa” boasted superb baby rocking skills, excellent bedtime story reader (he did all the voices, 10/10), nature walks, and teaching grandchildren how to bake the best treats ever.

Allen is survived by his companion, Tina, his children Marty Shaw (his wife Sandy, children Chris and Holly and their families), Ryan Shaw, Dr. Morgan (Shaw) McCormick (her husband Tim, children Keira and Maeryn), his brother David Shaw ’61 (his wife Janet, children Mark, Todd, Brett and their families), his former wife Dorsey, Lynne Livingston (children Todd and Cody and family), Shannon Smith Gray (husband Ken, children Kyle, Keefe, Kip and families ), Casey Digaetano (children Autumn, Beckon, Cameon, Jadon and families), and many friends that will cherish his memory. His sense of humor, wit, and the mischievous twinkle in his eyes will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Allen to Tufts University or to The Heard Museum of Natural History in Texas. Allen’s final gift was to be an organ and tissue donor. Please consider donating blood or becoming an organ donor.

Robert (Bob) M. Stilson, 82, a longtime resident of Fairfield, died on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Maplewood of Southport. He was the son of the late Minott A. O. Stilson and Mary Edith Williams Stilson.

Bob attended Williston Academy in Easthampton, MA, graduating in 1959, and spent a year at Kings College, England, as part of the English Speaking Union Exchange Program. He earned his B.S in Industrial Administration from Yale University in 1964 and an MBA from the University of Bridgeport in 1975. After graduating from Yale, Bob joined the US Navy in 1964 – 1967, serving as an operations officer on board a coastal minesweeper, MCS 290 Gannet, out of Sasebo, Japan, and as a Communications Officer in Norfolk, VA.

After the Navy, Bob joined Coopers & Lybrand in New Haven as an auditor, obtaining his CPA in 1972. His earlier employment consisted as an assistant production control manager at Risdon Manufacturing, Waterbury, controller for Broadstreet Communications, Hamden, controller for Turnkey Systems, Norwalk, and controller of Paper Sales involved in paper merchandising, converting, and warehousing. He joined Milton H. Friedberg Smith, CPAs, in Bridgeport as an audit manager in 1978. After a partnership with Stern & Stern CPAs, in 1982, Bob became Treasurer/Controller for Nutmeg Financial in Norwalk until 1985, when he joined Montrose Accounting Company, New York, NY, serving as Director of Finance/Controller until his retirement in 2010.

Bob also practiced part-time as a sole CPA, servicing Montrose Accounting clients who needed audit review or compilation services. He prepared tax returns and performed bookkeeping services until 2015.

His main volunteer activities included serving as Treasurer for Friends of Christ in India (a non-profit supporting programs in children’s education and care for the sick and elderly in India), VITA and AARP volunteer tax preparer assistance programs, Vice Chairman of Fairfield’s Solid Waste & Recycling Commission, WestBridge Inc. (a non-profit performing repairs to homes of low-income families and inner-city churches), SCORE mentor, and as a land steward for the Aspetuck Land Trust. Past involvements include being Treasurer of Greenfield Hill Congregational Church, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Bridgeport, and Community Sailing of Fairfield. He also served as an elected member of Fairfield’s Representative Town Meeting and its Board of Finance. His passions were sailing and auditing courses at Fairfield University as part of the Life Long Learners program.

Bob was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be missed by his wife of 54 years, Susanne Whitaker Stilson; daughter, Laura Stoltenberg (Scott Stoltenberg), of Wayzata, MN; son, David Stilson, of Fairfield; and grandchildren, Gavin Johnson, Tanner Stoltenberg, and Emery Stotlenberg, of Wayzata, MN. He was the brother of Ann Kidder, of Auburn, AL.

Bob was devoted to helping and serving others – whether it was to his family, work associates, friends, community, or church.

Martin (Bo) Byram Burke, 83, beloved husband to Ellen S. Burke, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2024 following an illness. He was born on May 5, 1940 in Hartford, Connecticut, son of the late Francis (Greene) Burke and Edmond Burke. Bo was raised in the close-knit village of Rockville. He graduated from Williston Academy (now Williston Northampton School); Colgate University and Albany Law School where he earned his JD in 1963.

Throughout his 54-year legal career, Bo held positions in several law firms, beginning in 1963 with Joe Shapiro in Hamilton, NY where his first case involved the loss of a farmer’s cow. He practiced law at 130 Union Street, Rockville, with the support of a dedicated, kind and loyal staff. Bo was passionate about the law and municipal government, he served in the Connecticut State Legislature in the 1970’s, where among other accomplishments he sponsored the Freedom of Information Act in the House. He also served on the Connecticut Judicial Review Council, the Connecticut Law Revision Commission, as well as serving as the Town Attorney and Assistant Town Attorney over several administrations in Ellington and Vernon. He was known as a lawyer who could get things done and as one who nobly served his profession. Throughout his long and accomplished career he quietly acted as pro bono to many who faced overwhelming legal issues.

Bo held a lifelong passion for Maine and began vacationing there in the mid-’60s, with his family continuing through owning a camp on Flying Pond in Vienna, ME. He relished the peace and tranquility of Maine.

He leaves behind Ellen Schopfer Burke, his wife of 60 years, his sons, Matthew Burke and his wife Melissa Watson and their son Angus Burke of Lisbon Falls, Maine; Jonathan Burke of Bethel, Maine; Andrew Burke and his wife, Ingrid Kessler of Eugene, Oregon and Benjamin Burke and his wife Lauren Burke and their son Sullivan Burke of Portland, Oregon. He also leaves behind his sister, Susan Evans Burke of California and his first cousin Mary Jane Dempsey of Phoenix, AZ.

Bo will be laid to rest in a private ceremony. His family has the deepest gratitude for all who helped Bo including friends and neighbors, A & B Homecare Solutions, Vernon Visiting Nurse and Connecticut Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bo’s memory to Doctors Without Borders.

Charles (Charlie) Pinnell II passed away peacefully in his home Thursday, February 24th, after a lengthy illness. He was born January 17th, 1940 to Kenneth and Marjorie (Knight) Pinnell in East Orange, NJ and raised in nearby Summit, NJ. Charlie prepped at Williston Academy in Easthampton MA, and graduated in 1959. Throughout his life, Williston held a truly special place in Charlie’s heart. It was there he developed into a fine student and where his academic curiosity and confidence were nurtured. He attended Tufts University, and graduated in Political Science in 1963, then attended Rutgers Law School, and graduated in 1966. While at Rutgers, Charlie met the love of his life, Joanne, and the two were married in September 1966. Immediately after their wedding, the couple left the east coast and moved to Washington State, settling in Bellevue where they raised their family. Charlie spent nearly his whole career with the US Attorney’s office in Seattle, representing the government in both criminal and civil cases. His friends and peers remember him as a highly capable attorney, friend, and mentor. He was a successful trial attorney who enjoyed the academic preparation for trial as much as the trial itself. He was also an excellent orator and writer, demonstrating and honing these skills throughout his career. After 30 years of service, he retired from the Department of Justice in 1998. In his retirement he pursued his love for the outdoors: skiing, fishing, and hiking with his family and friends whenever possible. Charlie was a lifelong learner and well informed. He was an avid Seahawks fan who held a season ticket for over 30 years. Amongst his strongest and most memorable traits were his sense of humor, his love for English Setters (not to mention all creatures, great and small), and sharing his genuine appreciation for the Pacific Northwest. Charlie is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Joanne V. Pinnell. He is also survived by his sister Mary and her husband Tom Zabresky of PA, his daughter, Christan Pinnell Seitz and her husband Tristan, his son Kenneth N. Pinnell, and his son Charles M. Pinnell and his wife Carla. He is also survived by his granddaughter Mahri Seitz, grandsons Brandt Seitz, Kalum Pinnell, and Mika Pinnell. He is mourned by his family, many friends, and colleagues who remember him for his wit, intelligence, and ability to find the best in others. A celebration of Charlie’s life is scheduled for June at his home in Monroe, WA.

Brewster Holman Staples, 81 of Pownal, ME passed away at his home on December 23, 2020 with his wife by his side.

He was born in Malden, MA, April 29, 1939 to Dr. Clark and Frances (Hall) Staples. After graduation from Williston Academy, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1958-1964. He was a medical technologist during his years of study at Bryant and Stratton and Suffolk University in Boston. Brewster worked in the insurance and financial service industries; earning the LUTCF designation in 1988. He retired from Metropolitan Insurance Company and belonged to the Southern Maine Association of Life Underwriters; serving as its president and winning four National awards.

Bruce enjoyed his years of boating, camping, traveling to Nova Scotia and Key West many times with his loving wife of 51 years. He was an avid fisherman and looked forward each year to his week at Moosehead Lake in Rockwood. He was most happy at his home on the farm, always working the land and enjoying nature; talking with all who stopped by.

Brewster was a long-time member of South Freeport Church UCC, member of the Acacia Lodge #21 AF & AM in Durham, ME, Grand Organist of the State of Maine for many years and also a member of the AMVETS Post 2 in Yarmouth, ME.

Throughout his life, Brewster was recognized for his volunteer service to youth, including handicap children at the YMCA in Woburn, MA; raising rabbits for 4H in Massachusetts and Cumberland associations. Whether working seasonally at LL Bean for 15 years or participating in community activities, Brewster was respected and highly thought of by all who knew him.

He was predeceased by his parents and brothers, David and Clarke Staples. His is survived by his beloved wife and soulmate, Judith (Hayes) Staples; daughters, Deborah Staples Ferrara and husband Jim of Rangeley, Jennifer Staples LeClair and husband Robert of Key West; son Jay (John B.) Staples and wife Bonnie of Topsham; his dear sister, Anne Staples Dixon of Essex, CT and many loving grandchildren and special nieces and nephews. He is also survived by daughters, Tracie Staples Thomas and husband Dan and Kendall Staples and their families in Virginia.

A small graveside memorial will be held in June in Pownal, ME.

Richard T. Potsubay, age 79, of Clearwater, Florida passed away on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. Richard was born July 4, 1941 in Brooklyn, New York to Samuel F. Potsubay and Virginia Taylor. Richard lived a devoted life to his career and family. He enjoyed reading, writing, and traveling. There will be a graveside service at 2:00 pm, Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park.