Tag Archives: Williston Academy

John T. Curtiss ’59

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.

Richard W. Curtis ’63

The son of Marylou and Orman Curtis, Richard was blessed in a family with sister Barbara ’61, who predeceased him, and brother Jeffrey. Growing up in Easthampton, MA was idyllic with friends, winter and summer activities and sports, Boy Scouts, camping, initiation into work life (picking corn and veggies for a local farmer and delivering a daily paper after school) and travel with the family.

He attended Williston Academy, graduated from Dartmouth College, and completed graduate work at Georgetown before being drafted into the Army in 1969. Choosing to enlist for 3 years for language school, a most fortuitous choice as he continued to use some of the Portuguese in later years teaching English as a second language. Army service followed no straight path, but after stints in New Jersey, California, Texas, and Maryland, Richard spent a most enjoyable 13 months in Korea.

On return he moved to Colorado to accept a position with the Civil Service Commission giving him work access to the 6 mountain states, and later with the National Park Service in Denver- another fortunate move. The work involved travel to the national parks in 6 states to work, evaluate, and enjoy many of the natural and historical wonders of these national parks. Old man soccer became his passion spring and fall.

In Denver he met and in 1974 he married his loved Donna Greenfield, and together they rehabbed an old Denver Square home, explored the great neighborhoods of that vibrant city, visited her relatives and now mine in the Kansas City area, and began a delightful association with Rocky Mountain National Park, hiking every year from Grand Lake on the western side.

Vacation visits to Cape Cod (MA) to visit Barbara and spouse Ellis ’51 resulted in a move here in 2002, to a wonderful home in Brewster. We joined First Parish Brewster, a most welcoming UU church, toured Italy (especially) with friends, and loved the beaches and opportunities to get to know and appreciate better Barbara and Ellis.

Health problems forced a move to a senior center, and then to a more supportive facility. Later years dealt with additional health concerns, but these years with Donna have been some of the very best possible.

Quoting an unknow author: “The pain we feel from loss is the last reminder of the gift of a life deeply loved.” Richard’s loss of so many friends and family is deeply felt pain, and he thanks you all for being a part of him.

Edgar J. Fleury ’56

Celebrating the life of my wonderful father, Edgar “Ed” Fleury, who passed away March 17, 2025 at The Carolton in Fairfield, CT at the age of 88! It’s amazing that even after having a stroke over 25 years ago he still maintained his loving, kind and positive attitude. We will miss him dearly, but now will be up in heaven with his wife Paula. We will not be hosting services at this time as he had particular wishes for his ashes which we will do this late spring.

Edgar Joseph Fleury, 88, formally of Northampton and Hatfield MA, was born in Holyoke MA, February 8, 1937, and was the son of the late Edgar J. Fleury, and Madeline (Scott) Fleury. He graduated from Saint Jerome high school and then opened The College Campus Flower shop. He also worked for many years as a sales person at Danco furniture in W. Hatfield. Ed and his wife Paula moved to Fairfield years ago to be closer to Lisa their daughter.

Ed was predeceased by his sister Betty Jane Mercier and leaves behind a daughter Lisa Massucci, son-in-law Chris Massucci, grandson, Luca Massucci and granddaughter Nina Massucci.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Smith College Greenhouse which was a favorite place for Ed! Please indicate in memory of Edgar Fleury to the Smith College Friends of Botanic Garden.

Lee A. MacVaugh ’60

Lee Allen MacVaugh, longtime resident of Washington, DC passed away peacefully at home on January 17, 2024.

Lee was born October 4, 1941 in Cleveland, OH and educated at Ohio Wesleyan and American University.

As an educator and avid reader, he shared his love of history and economics with many students over the years at Sidwell Friends School and several others in the DC area. He loved teaching and playing and coaching tennis. He also taught summer courses at Georgetown University and was a substitute at Woodrow Wilson High School until his retirement.

Much loved and adored by his family, Lee is survived by daughter Ashley Paine MacVaugh, son Dugan Francis MacVaugh and sister Melissa Lee.

David S. Gould ’64

David Stanton “ Zack” Gould, born November 26, 1945 in Worcester, Massachusetts, died December 29, 2024.

Zack spent five years at Williston Academy where he lettered in soccer and lacrosse. He attended the University of Massachusetts and settled in Woods Hole, Massachusetts long enough to become a skilled, and eventually, itinerant mason. Zack lived in Cambridge until an amiable divorce prompted moving to Santa Fe, where he got married, acquiring two fine daughters as well as his wife, Mechele. Along with fireplaces, he became a skillful jeweler and was fine guitar player.

Lung and bone cancer did him in. It is not a cliche to state that he died surrounded by his family without undue pain.

Michael Chan ’66

Michael Chan passed away in his home in Dover, New Hampshire, on December 2, 2024, at the age of 80, shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. Born Chan Tin Foo on September 21, 1944, in Hong Kong, Michael was part of the Tan lineage.

Michael’s educational journey began at the Diocesan Boys’ School in Hong Kong. In 1965, he was sent to the United States to study at Williston Academy in East Hampton, Massachusetts. He later graduated from the University of New Hampshire, where he pursued a degree in hospitality, ultimately leading to a long career in the restaurant business. In 1999, he proudly became a naturalized citizen of the United States relinquishing his British citizenship.

Michael served as the general manager in Brockton for the well-known WeyLu establishment prior to coming to the Seacoast region to make his permeant home and owning his own restaurants. His commitment to excellence in hospitality was matched only by his unwavering work ethic and thriftiness, values he held throughout his life.

Michael was not only hardworking, but lived simply, and was generous to those around him. His heart was especially tied to the Nicolson family of Enfield, NH, who ‘adopted’ him during his time as a young student. Michael cherished the years spent with John and Karin Nicolson, celebrating holidays, and creating lasting memories with their children and family; John Nicolson III ’70 (deceased), Robert Nicolson and Karin Tarring. Though his parents predeceased him, their love and influence remained in his life.

He leaves behind a close circle of friends, including Amy Sherwood of Amesbury, MA, Lori Lander of Cape Coral, Florida, and Anne Sy and Eddie Ng of Dover, NH. No services are planned. His desire was to be cremated and rest in a beautiful place.

Daniel D. Carpenter, Jr. ’68

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Daniel Dechert Carpenter, Jr., 74, of Hamden, CT and Temagami, Ontario, on January 1, 2025.

He was predeceased by his parents, Daniel Dechert Carpenter, Sr. and Jane Winslow Conyers of Pembroke, Bermuda and his brother William Stratton Carpenter ’65 of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Survivors include Peter Chapin Carpenter ’72 (Pembroke, Bermuda), Deborah Carpenter Jerome ’73 (Barrington, RI), Jennifer Carpenter Reid ’77 (Joseph) (Easthampton, MA), Clare Jerome (Sarasota, FL), Jennie Jerome Cybowicz (Adrian) (Cranston, RI), Gates Jerome (Sarasota, FL) and Sam Jerome (Hannah) (Franklin, MA) and Kristin Carpenter (Albuquerque, NM.) He also leaves his beloved great niece Natalie and great nephew Milo Cybowicz.

Born and raised in Bermuda and Easthampton, Dan graduated from Williston Academy, class of 1968. As an ESU student, he attended The Gresham’s School in England before matriculating at Dartmouth College, Class of 1973. Dan was a devoted educator at The Eaglebrook School and expert canoeist and guide through the wilderness of northern Ontario, where he had a lifelong association with Keewaydin Canoe Camps. Over the course of his life, he inspired thousands of students and campers from all over North America who had the good fortune to know him as teacher, mentor and friend. During his retirement years, Dan immersed himself in his passions for organic gardening and photography of flora and fauna. He continued to enjoy happy summers in the provincial forest surrounding his family’s island on Lake Temagami.

Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date. Arrangements are in care of Beecher and Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. Memorial Contributions may be made in his honor to: The Carpenter Long Trip Fund at the Keewaydin Foundation, 500 Rustic Lane, Salisbury, VT 05769 or at www.keewaydin.org .

Frederick W. Johnson ’59

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.

Gordon M. Henry ’66

Gordon Montagu Henry, 75, passed away on December 16th, 2024, with loved ones by his side. The youngest son of Otis and Barbara Henry, he was born and raised in Bermuda with his brother, Thornton (Tim) ’62.

He attended the Roger B. Chaffee School on the Kindley Air Force Base and graduated from Williston Northampton School in Massachusetts (1966). He earned his BA in History from Washington and Lee University in Virginia (1970) and then studied Hotel Administration at Cornell University. Gordon soon returned to the island he loved to build a life-long career rooted in service and hospitality.

To know Gordon was to know a true Bermudian – warm, welcoming and fun-loving. He loved a good party and loved to dance. He loved to garden, cook and entertain. He was proud of his TWO holes-in-one on the golf course, most recently this past summer at Turtle Hill. He kept busy and active – often found walking for miles along South Shore. Most recently, he loved to help his team win Quiz Night on Mondays with his vast knowledge of U.S. history. He was a life-long member of Mid Ocean Club, and also a member of Coral Beach & Tennis Club and Christ Church in Warwick.

He is survived by his loving partner, Pamela Sawyer (Bolton, CT); his loving daughter, Melissa Henry Fisher, and son-in-law, Todd Fisher – and his two grandchildren, Chase and Henry Fisher (Sudbury, MA), his former wife, Linda Henry, former sister-in-law, Sally Childs, sister-in-law, Ann Henry (West Palm Beach, FL); niece, Ruth Keyes and nephews, Brad and John Henry – and their families. He also leaves behind many dear, lifelong friends who were like family and will miss him greatly.

A special celebration of Gordon’s life will be held at a later date TBD. Please honor Gordon’s memory by thinking of him and appreciating the beauty of Bermuda each time you pass by or take a swim in Harrington Sound – a cherished childhood place where his ashes will soon be scattered. Rest in Peace, Gordy (to his Bermudian friends) / Gordo (to his grandchildren).

M. Edward Provost ’53

M. Edward Provost, 89, Rochester, Indiana, passed away at 8:54 A.M. Friday, June 28, 2024, at Wynnfield Crossing, Rochester.

He was born on November 5, 1934 in Springfield, Massachusetts, the son of Edward N. and May (Merrill) Provost. Ed was a veteran having served with the United States Air Force and had attended Purdue University. On September 30, 1998, in Granby, Connecticut, he married Harriet (Bonine) McAllister and she survives.

Ed had worked as a salesman for Burns Construction, Macy, Indiana for over forty years. He was a member of the American Legion, Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, and attended Wesley Methodist Church in Culver, Indiana. He was a sports enthusiast, an avid golfer, and a big fan of Big Ten Sports, especially Purdue University.

Survivors include his wife, Harriet Provost, Rochester, Indiana, son Curtis Adams, Boynton Beach, Florida, daughter, Tamara Provost, Westfield, Indiana, step-daughter, Gwen (Fiance’ Adam Hoover) McAllister, Carmel, Indiana, five grandchildren, sister, Jacqueline Neumann, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Preceding him in death were his parents and step-son, James Brent McAllister.

Memorial services will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, July 13, 2024 at Wynnfield Crossing in the Chapel, 1729 Wabash Avenue, Rochester, Indiana. Burial will be held at Riverside Cemetery, Woodstock, Vermont.