Tag Archives: Williston Academy

Dalton F. McClelland, Jr. ’48

Dr. Dalton Finley McClelland, Jr. shuffled off his mortal coil on Saturday, December 3, 2022. He passed at peace and without pain, surrounded by family, just shy of his 92nd birthday.
His message: In Dalton’s final years, you may have heard him say we need to “put an end to all war” and “get on top of climate change.” All his life he was adventurous and inquisitive. Anyone who met Dalton became a friend, and he was generous to a fault. He worked and hoped for peace and to live a life of service, and to do his part to provide health care as a human right for all.
Life: He was born December 30, 1930 in Madras. India, where his father served as secretary for the International YMCA. In 1945, at age 14 he came to the United States, studied at Williston Academy in Easthampton, Massachusetts, then on to college at Oberlin and ultimately attended medical school at Case Western Reserve in Ohio. In the years between high school and medical school he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, stationed in England. He moved to the southwest to practice medicine first at the Presbyterian Mission Hospital in Embudo, NM, then at the Eastside Community Health Center in Denver, CO. After returning to New Mexico, to Española for a brief stint in private practice, he loaded up the Volkswagen van in 1973 with wife Beth and 6 children, and took a job at the new El Rio Neighborhood Health Center. There are a multitude of stories in the intervening years-some happy, some sad, during which time he became an active member of Southside Presbyterian Church and eventually a regular at the U.S. federal building on Friday afternoons, protesting US intervention in Central America, and other wars and aggression. He was also a devoted Red Sox fan, but in all other sports he would inevitably root for the “underdog”. When he retired from El Rio in 2001, he began a life of activism and volunteering with Samaritans, Clínica Amistad, Veterans for Peace, Women in Black, and countless others.
Survivors/Legacy: Dalton is predeceased by his parents, Dalton Finley McClelland, Sr. and Maud Kelsey McClelland, and his sister and brothers Marion Cramer, Harry and William McClelland, and his beloved daughter Amy Lynn McClelland. He is survived by his nine wonderful grandchildren, and by his children Jody Elizabeth Wilkens, Andrew Christopher McClelland, Karen Denise Cameron, Margaret Kay McClelland, Deborah Jean McClelland and Lee Ann Chamberlain, and numerous dear nieces, nephews and sisters in-law. He also leaves behind a multitude of friends and admirers. In his final years he lived independently at the Fountains at La Cholla community, where many will remember him fondly.
Memorials: In person celebration of Dalton’s life will take place in the early part of 2023, at a time and place yet to be determined. In the meantime we ask that you share memories here, and go out into the world and do something that reminds you of him (a nice hike in the desert, making a new friend, sitting down to a delicious meal with loved ones, something to make you or others smile).
Gifts in his memory: In lieu of flowers please consider contributing to Clínica Amistad, Casa María, Tucson Community Food Bank, Veterans for Peace-Jon Miles Chapter, Pima County Public Library, or any organization you feel embodies the Dalton that you knew & loved.

Richard G. Montville ’61

Richard Gunnar Montville, 80, of Middlebury, CT, died November 20, 2022 at Middlebury Convalescent Home. Rich was the husband of Ellen (Reifschneider) Montville. Rich was born August 6, 1942 in Waterbury, son of the late Walter G. and Lois (Truelove) Montville. A lifelong resident of Middlebury, he cherished his years on Lake Quassapaug. He was a member of the Middlebury Congregational Church. Rich was a graduate from the Williston Academy and Nichols College. At a young age, he served in the Army branch of the National Guard. A well-known insurance broker, he had a long career in Woodbury at the W.J. Burton Insurance Agency. Rich volunteered at the Waterbury Hospital and served as the head of the Child Guidance Clinic in Waterbury. He was an avid tennis player and enjoyed reading and re-learning to play the piano. He appreciated fine art and music. Ever gregarious, Rich had many friends and acquaintances. When he began traveling on Ellen’s airline passes, it seems he always knew or befriended someone on the plane or in the destination city. He adored dachshunds Lily and Addie. Besides his wife, he is survived by his son Samuel H. Montville, sister Karen Albini, and brother Jeffrey Montville. He leaves behind grandchildren Donovan and Molly Montville and Mary Kate and Shannon Fitzsimmons-Montville. At Rich’s request there will be no funeral services. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Lake Quassapaug Association, P.O. Box 285 Middlebury CT 06762 or Lakequassapaugassociation.org

Bert H. Abbey ’60

Bert Howard Abbey, a longtime resident of Guilford, CT and Vero Beach, FL, most recently of Raleigh, NC, passed away peacefully at home on October 31, 2022. Bert was born in Portland, CT on February 22, 1942, son of the late Leeland Abbey and Merlene (Noonie) Abbey. Loving father of Hayden Holt (Jeremy) of Raleigh, NC. He is also survived by grandchildren Jack Arrick Holt and Reed Thayer Holt. Predeceased by sister Donna Abbey. Bert proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was a 1960 graduate of Williston Academy and earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Hartford. Before retirement, Bert worked as an entrepreneur designing watches for Ducks Unlimited. He enjoyed clamming, sports, family and history. Friends are invited to a graveside service on Saturday, November 12 at 10:00 a.m. in Alder Brook Cemetery, 375 Boston St., Guilford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Fisher House Foundation, Inc, 12300 Twinbrook Pkwy, Suite 410, Rockville, MD 20852; https://fisherhouse.org/

David H. Beach ’48

David Henry Beach, 92, of Dover, New Hampshire and formerly of Portsmouth, Newmarket and Byfield, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 31, 2022 at his home surrounded by loving family. David was born in Northampton, MA on February 19, 1930, a son of the late Galen H. and Lillian (Keith) Beach. He shared over 40 years of beautiful marriage with his late wife, Loretta (Gleason) Beach, who died in 2020. Previously married for 25 years to his first wife Norma Powell formerly Norma Dargie Beach.

He was raised in Southampton, MA and graduated from Williston Academy in Easthampton, MA in 1948. David went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Manufacturing Engineering from Northeastern University in 1954 and shortly after graduation he enlisted in the United States Army. David served his country honorably for 3 years in post-war Germany, returned home and settled in Byfield, MA to raise his family. An avid family man with all his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren throughout the years. He attended Byfield Parish Church in the earlier years serving as a deacon and singing in the choir for many of those years. He accepted a position as a Systems Analyst with Western Electric where he worked for over 31 years until his retirement. Many of those years were with Bell Labs in Andover, Mass. where he was instrumental in research and development of new phone communication systems.

David married Loretta in 1980 and they settled in Newburyport, MA. David and Loretta met while performing with the former New Essex Players of Newburyport and had acted in 11 theatrical shows together. David was also an avid barbershop quartet singer and enjoyed it immensely. Singing many barbershop and patriotic songs at random until his passing. After both retired, David and Loretta purchased an RV and toured the United States for the next 3 years, making 4 round trip excursions around the country. They relocated to Portsmouth, NH in 2012 after 14 years in Newmarket and then moved to Dover, NH in 2018.

David is survived by his two sons, James Beach of Salisbury, MA and Jeffery Beach and his wife, Jane of Deerfield, NH, his daughter, Lauren Nauman and her husband, Paul of Hopkinton, MA, his stepdaughter, Nancy Vawter and her husband, Brian of Dover, his stepson, Jim Doyle and his wife, Stacie of Denver, CO. David also leaves 9 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, his sister, Leona Hendrick of Southampton, MA and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and his wife, David was predeceased by siblings, Warren Beach, Hazel Polis, Verna Slocum and Mabel Emerson.

Services will be private. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Friends In Action friendsinactionnh.org in his name.

Ronald S. Prentice ’51

Ronald S. Prentice died on July 27, 2022 at home. He was born October 4, 1932, in Pittsfield, MA, the son of Fred and Lucy (Turner) Prentice.
Ron graduated Pittsfield High School, Class of 1949. After High School, he graduated from UMass Amherst, with a degree in Business. While there, he was actively involved in ROTC. Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, spending time stationed in Italy. He had the opportunity to see several countries in Europe, while on duty. He retired from the Army on May 20, 1963 as a Captain and remained in the Reserves, stationed in Ludlow, MA. Serving his Country was very important to him and one that created a tremendous amount of pride. Once out of the Army, he was a Sales Manager for Lindenmeyr Munroe and Rourke Eno Paper Company, both in the paper distribution business.
In 1959, he married Madeleine T. (Rougeau) Prentice, of North Adams, MA. They celebrated their 61st anniversary in October 2021. Once married they settled in East Longmeadow, MA eventually moving to Westford, MA, where they lived for over 42 years. They then moved to Pepperell, MA, where they have lived for eight years.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Gertrude, who died in 1928, prior to his birth. Surviving in addition to his wife, are his son Glen Prentice of Attleboro, MA and daughter Sandra (Prentice) Estes of Pepperell, MA. Six grandchildren; Tara (Prentice) Cherubino and her husband Kevin of Johnston, RI, Heather Prentice and Kelly Prentice and her fiancé Brandon Osborn, all of Norton, MA, Christopher Estes and his wife Heatherlee (Webb) Estes of Baldwinsville, MA, Jonathon Estes and Timothy Estes of Pepperell, MA. Six great grandchildren; Devin Prentice, Haylee Estes, Christopher Estes Jr., Ryker Estes, Nathan Cherubino and Ethan Cherubino. Additional family members include Debra (Plummer) Prentice of Norton, MA and Chris Estes of Fitchburg, MA.
He was a very skilled craftsmen working with wood, having created several pieces of furniture and art. Along with his wife Madeleine, they started a small craft business and sold wooden bunnies with ears and posts to depict various seasons and events. They attended craft fairs throughout New England and were very successful.
He was known as “Papa”, which he felt was his greatest accomplishment. He was extremely proud of his family as they were his whole life, worshipping every minute he had with them. He was always smiling and ready for a hug anytime somebody needed one.
A service of remembrance will be held at a later date and will be private.
In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of Ron’s honorable and faithful military service, donations in his memory may be made to a Veterans Service Organization of one’s choice.

William A. Hamilton III ’61

William Alvin Hamilton III died peacefully on October 31, 2022. Billy was born June 6, 1943, to Elizabeth Mahin Hamilton and W. Alvin Hamilton Jr while Alvin was stationed at Norfolk Naval Base in Virginia. The family returned to Jacksonville where Billy made lifelong friends at Ortega Elementary, Lakeshore Jr. High, and Williston Academy in Easthampton, MA. He excelled at football, lacrosse, and wrestling, and he continued an SEC championship wrestling career while studying at The University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee. In 1967 he earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida School of Law in Gainesville and practiced law for 50 years in Orange Park and Jacksonville. Billy married Jane Fulkerson Harvey on March 6, 1993.

Whatever the season and throughout his life, Billy could be found enjoying the outdoors with Janie and his many friends. A consummate sportsman, he loved to fish, hunt, dive, ski, and sail; he was both fun and fiercely competitive. His support of the Florida Gators and Jacksonville Jaguars was unflagging. Billy and Janie thoroughly loved traveling and their frequent adventures took them to the Caribbean Islands, Europe, Central America, Australia and New Zealand.

Billy is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Janie Hamilton, his son William A. Hamilton IV (Kathryn) of Charlottesville, VA and his daughter Elizabeth Hamilton Miles of Ponte Vedra, FL, and two grandchildren, Chandler E. Hamilton and Susan L. Miles. He is also survived by his two sisters, Patricia H. Donahoo of Jacksonville and Nancy H. Zimmerman (Jeffrey) of Tumwater, WA.

A funeral service will be held at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church at 4129 Oxford Ave, Jacksonville, FL on November 16th, 2022 at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, Community Hospice, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, or a charity of your choice.

Philip E. Shumway ’42

Philip Earl Shumway, 100, of Amherst Massachusetts, born July 27, 1922 passed away on Friday, November 4th, 2022. Philip was a husband to the late Dorothy Czeczot, and beloved father to their children, Alan, Jayne, and the late Scott Shumway. Philip remarried and was a husband to the late Ilse Shumway ’74 and beloved father to Philip, Spencer, Jennifer, Clarissa, and the late Geoffrey Shumway. Philip also leaves behind 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren that he had the joy of watching grow in his lifetime.

Beyond his family, Philip found great love in flying and carpentry. He joined the US Army Air Corps (known today as the Air Force) during WWII where he flew on the front lines of a medical evacuation and supply mission piloting the DC-3 transport. Much of his tour was spent in the China Burma Hump where he earned the rank of Captain. Philip received many accolades (including the distinguished flying cross) for his efforts during his time in the service. Upon his return home, Philip attended Wentworth Institute. Following graduation, Philip worked as a carpenter and general contractor. He was a perfectionist in his work and his eye for detail never faded with time. He constructed many buildings in the Amherst area, including the visitor center on Mount Sugarloaf in Sunderland, MA. Philip was a true gentleman and he will be greatly missed by all the lives he touched during his 100 years, which he happily celebrated surrounded by family and friends.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, November 9th from 5:00-7:00 pm at Douglass Funeral Home in Amherst. The burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Boston Children’s Hospital or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Philip W. Wilkinson ’55

Philip Wardner Wilkinson
January 6, 1936 – October 13, 2022

Phil graduated from Williston Academy, a preparatory school in Easthampton, MA., and then attended Colgate University to earn his undergraduate degree. During his college years, Phil was a successful athlete earning his Varsity Letter for Soccer and Track & Field. He graduated from Colgate in 1959 with a degree in Economics; afterward, he continued his education and attended graduate school at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL earning a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.

Immediately after graduating from Northwestern, Phil moved to New York City, taking a job in Product Development with the American Mustard company French’s. He lived in a fantastic apartment on the Upper Westside of Central Park!

Shortly after moving to New York City, Phil met and married the love of his life, Mary Rothmann. Phil and Mary were married on May 9th, 1970, and soon began to plan their epic off-shore sailing trip aboard “Vibrant.” Phil & Mary spent nine months sailing from Long Island Sound to the Bahamas.

Once back on land, Phil moved with Mary to Fairport, NY, to start a family. Phil worked for several companies in marketing, consulting, and product distribution in the Rochester area. On days off, Phil & Mary enjoyed sailing “Vibrant” at Sodus Bay with sons Eric and Philip, enjoying many summer vacations across Lake Ontario. A loving and supportive father, Phil could always be found at the sidelines of his son’s soccer games and in the front row of their concerts, line judging at their ski races, or heading up Boy Scout meetings or trips.

In retirement, Phil enjoyed skiing, sailing, and traveling with Mary. Together they visited Italy, Sweden, Russia, South America, the Galápagos Islands, Alaska, Montana, California, and Canada, and even made time for a Semester at Sea enrichment voyage. In addition, he created many intricate sculptures and did so for many years side by side with Mary at several local art galleries.

He is survived by his children, Philip Wilkinson Jr. and his wife Theresa of Pittsburgh, PA, and Eric Wilkinson and his wife Emily of Charleston, SC. His four grandchildren, Kiera, Theo, Mary Catherine, and Julia Wilkinson loved him dearly. He is also survived by his sister Suzanne Meldrum of Pawling, NY, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held on Friday, October 14th, at 1:00 p.m. at Simons Funeral Home in Pittsburgh, PA.

A second memorial service will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Fairport, NY conducted by Rev. Ken Peppin on October 29th at 4:00 p.m. The family would like to invite guests to attend a reception before the service at 2:00 pm also at St. Luke’s Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bridges Hospice, 4130 Monroeville Blvd. Monroeville, PA 15146 or online at www.bridgeshospice.org

The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, caregivers, and Bridges Hospice staff who provided such excellent care and the thoughtfulness and prayers of devoted friends.

Duncan S. Cook ’50

Duncan passed away October 4, 2022 at the Weatherly Inn in Tacoma. After attending Williston Academy in Massachusetts, he graduated from Lehigh University and received a Master’s degree from USC. He entered the Army and served 28 years as a senior aviator and advisor. He was a loving husband to Joan for 66 years and father to Elizabeth (Betsy) Yohai, (Steve), Meredith Blackwell (Lyndon), and Peter Duncan Cook. He cherished his grandchildren, Rachael Yohai and Ryan Blackwell. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to LCOP or the charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held at Little Church on the Prairie on Oct. 21 at 2pm.

Charles E. Stoneham ’49

Charles Ernest Stoneham, of Paxton, MA, was born in 1930 in Salem, MA, and died on October 1, 2022 at age 92.
After attending Williston Northampton School, Charles went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics at Williams College and furthered his career with advanced courses in engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Charles had a long career as an Engineer at Sprague Electric Company at the plant that has now become MassMOCA in North Adams, MA, as well as at Concord, NH and Worcester, MA facilities. He was involved in semiconductor research that led to advancements helping to further space travel and electronics.
Charles met the love of his life, Inge Kolterer, at their workplace in North Adams where she was a lab technician. He married Inge in 1958, and recently referred to their 64 years together as the best thing that happened to him in his life. He was close to his family and had regular long conversations with each of his children, including the night before he passed.
Charles leaves his wife Inge, three children, Charles, Susan and Christa, and their spouses, Cathy, Eduardo, and Jerry, as well as four grandchildren, Jessica, Gregory, Carlos, and Malcolm, and Jessica’s husband Steve. Charles was predeceased by his parents, sister, two nieces, as well as many colleagues and friends.
A memorial service honoring his life will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 22, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. Burial will follow at Mooreland Cemetery in Paxton.