Howard R.W. Shea, of Natick, MA, passed away peacefully on May 18th, 2025. Howard was born on April 4, 1937, in Holyoke, MA to the late Howard Shea and the late Gertrude Delaney and was brother to Rosalie Hobert (Shea) and the late Maureen Degaraff (Shea). Howard is survived by his wife June, son Michael and his partner Rachel Shearer, step-son Matthew Lacob and his wife Charissa, and granddaughter Ellowyn Joy, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A high school graduate of Williston Academy (now the Williston Northampton School), Howard attended Amherst College, where he was a proud member of Delta Kappa Epsilon, graduating with his bachelor’s degree in 1959. After college, Howard served in the Army National Guard, starting with a two-year full-time stint, followed by multiple years as a reserve. After serving, Howard took a job at Liberty Mutual in Boston, where he spent his entire 40-year working career as an insurance underwriter for major national accounts.

Howard was a lover of nature and wildlife. He enjoyed fishing, scuba diving and hiking. He was always quick to point out a soaring hawk or osprey, or even the occasional deer bounding through the backyard. He loved spending time at his Cape house in Chatham, getting up early for walks along the ocean at his favorite spot, Forest Beach or making his way over to Skaket Beach in Orleans to catch an amazing sunset.

Howard was an avid collector and was especially fond of coins and glass. He could often be found metal detecting all over Natick or by the bandstand in Downtown Chatham. He was a huge Boston sports fan and could usually be heard “coaching” the Patriots and Red Sox. An ice cream connoisseur, Howard would regularly remind us that there was always room for some ice cream after a good meal since it just “fills in all the nooks and crannies.” He was also a proud friend of Bill Wilson for an amazing 49 years.

His positive outlook, words of wisdom and thunderous laugh will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made as memorial contributions to the Dana Faber Cancer Institute or the Amherst College Fund.

Wentworth Lawrence Durgin died April 23, 2025 in his sleep. He was born on August 26,1948 the son of Eunice King Durgin and the Reverend Lawrence Lazelle Durgin. Father to Larry (deceased) and Sarah. He is survived by his sister Katherine “Kit” Durgin.

Worthy spent his childhood in Providence, Rhode Island. At 12 his family moved to New York City. In 1968 Worthy graduated from Williston Academy. He received his BA from the University of North Carolina, and later his MDiv from Yale Divinity School.

During Worthy’s career he held senior positions in fundraising with a variety of non-profits. Upon retirement from nonprofit work in Greensboro, North Carolina, Worthy moved to Raleigh in 2005 to care for Eunice, his mother. It was in Raleigh that Worthy found Anita Deters, the love of his life, who helped him get back on his feet and supported him in all his creative endeavors. Worthy enjoyed writing poetry and was most proud of his published book of poems, “Steps and Missteps”. Worthy was active in men’s work such as The Mankind Project.

Worthy’s positiveness, his sense of humor and his deep desire to help others who struggle will be missed. Worthy’s presence left the world a bit better than it was.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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, 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.