Tag Archives: Williston Academy

Richard C. Aquadro ’47

Leave a comment

Richard Conz Aquadro, born to Virginia Conz and Mario Aquadro on July 17, 1926 in Northampton, MA, passed away peacefully on December 30th, 2019 surrounded by his loving family sharing great stories in a time of sadness. Richard, better known as “Dick”, grew up in Northampton, MA and graduated from Northampton High School in 1944. He entered the NAVY in December 1944, serving in World War II until 1945. Richard went to Williston Academy after the NAVY for a post graduate year then enrolled in Norwich University. He finished his education at MIT graduating in 1952 with a degree in Civil Engineering. Richard then married the love of his life, Marie Lawler and started not only his professional career with Perini Inc., but also his family with his first three daughters being born in Boston. He returned to Northampton in 1954 joining his father and brother in the family construction business, Aquadro & Cerruti, Inc, and rounded out his family with a son and daughter. Today as you drive through Northampton and the surrounding communities you will see some of their work from Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Smith College, Amherst College, Hampshire College, various elementary and high schools, municipality buildings, and projects on the UMASS-Amherst campus. Richard was well-respected throughout the industry and considered fair and honorable by everyone from the tradespeople, to the vendors, to the subcontractors to the engineers, to the architects and to various owners of the many buildings he helped to construct. Richard’s strong bond for his community was strengthened during his tenure serving on the Board of the Northampton Co-Operative Bank, currently known as Greenfield/Northampton Co-Operative Bank. He joined the Board in 1972 becoming the Chairman in 1976 and retired from the Board in 2007.

Richard enjoyed skiing with family and friends regularly at Berkshire Snow Basin, and those around him fondly remember him for his beloved ski vacations across the globe. When his family was young, they spent many summers on the shores of Cape Cod with friends. He loved to travel with Marie and bring anyone along that wanted to go. During his later years, he cherished his time in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where he developed new friendships and opened his house to many visitors. He was an avid reader, especially enjoying historical biographies of political figures. His love of learning never stopped, and he kept up on with the latest technology and was always aware of current affairs, especially pertaining to financial markets. Not to mention, he evolved with the social media era, and his accidental Instagram posts will be greatly missed.

He had intimate bonds with each of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that each will take with them ahead into life. He was genuinely proud of each one of them and kept up with their lives and education, supporting them always.

He is survived by his wife of 68 blissful years, Marie Lawler Aquadro ’45, and his five children Elizabeth Kouri ’70 and husband Kevin of Naples, FLA, Alison Gleason and husband Daniel of Leeds, MA, Kimberly Sapienza and husband Thomas of Chelmsford, MA, Richard D. Aquadro and wife Sabra of Northampton, MA, Jennifer Egan and husband James of Walpole, MA. He has thirteen grandchildren: Kevin, Daniel, Kristen, Bryan, Aileen, Christine, Timothy, Courtney ’11, Andrew, Anthony ’15, Ania, Natalie ’17 and John. Seven great-grandchildren: Sapphire, Theodore, Declan, Parker, Genevieve, Elizabeth and Marie. He is also survived by his brother Robert Aquadro of Florence, MA. The two brothers worked side by side creating one of the top General Contracting companies in Western MA. He was predeceased by his brother, Francis Aquadro and sister, Gladys Aquadro Stiles.

A funeral will be held at Our Lady of the Hills Parish, 173 Main Street, Haydenville, MA on Monday, January 6 at 10:00 am followed by a burial at Assumption Cemetery, Route 9/Haydenville Road, Leeds. Calling hours will be held from 1:00 – 5:00, Sunday, January 5, at CZELUSNIAK FUNERAL HOME, 173 North Street, Northampton, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Hills Parish, PO Box 277, Haydenville, MA 01039-9703, Our Lady of the Elms College, 291 Springfield Street, Chicopee, MA 01013 or to Northampton High School Virginia Aquadro Scholarship Fund (checks made out to the City of Northampton), c/o Northampton High School, 380 Elm Street, Northampton, MA 01060.

Posted in: 1940s

John W. Sands ’50

Leave a comment


John Woodbury Sands, of Hayward, CA, passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2019. He lived a long life full of generous service to his community and a passion for improving the lives of others.

John was born in Staten Island, NY and spent his early years in New Jersey. He graduated from Williston Academy in Easthampton, MA in 1950. After serving in the U.S. Marines, John earned a teaching credential from San Francisco State College, and began a 28-year career as a high school math teacher in Castro Valley, CA. A resident of Hayward since 1958, he was devoted to his community, serving as a member of the Human Relations and Human Services Commissions, as president of Hayward Neighborhood Alert and as site coordinator of Kids’ Breakfast Club at Longwood School. His service was recognized with awards from the City of Hayward, the Hayward Lions Club and the Hayward Area Democratic Club.

John is survived by his loving wife of sixty-six years, Marion; devoted children Amy Barakos (Dimitri) of Dripping Springs, TX, Peter Sands of Hayward, and Tim Sands (Laura) of Blacksburg, VA; grandchildren Jessica Barakos of Las Vegas, NV, Alex Barakos of Oakland, Amanda Schwab (Zack) of Chicago, IL, Kenneth “K.C.” Sands (Anna) of Chicago, IL, Kathryn Sands of Chicago, IL, and Haley Sands of Washington, D.C.; and great grandson, Owen Schwab of Chicago, IL.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial on Monday, Dec. 16, 2019 from 3-5 PM at Sorensen Chapel, 1140 B Street in Hayward.

 

Posted in: 1950s

Herbert E. Riedel ’45

Leave a comment

Herbert E. Riedel, 91, of Glens Falls, NY, passed away peacefully at Glens Falls Hospital on September 16, 2019. He was the third son of Marjorie and Wallace Riedel of Easthampton, Massachusetts. He leaves behind, his wife, Marilyn of 66 years; two daughters, Sally Bromfield (Walt), Julie Fingeret (Rick); five grandchildren, Corinne Bromfield, Stuart Bromfield, Martha Goodwin (Devin), Benjamin Fingeret, Joshua Fingeret; and two great grandchildren, Jack and Paige Goodwin.

Herbert graduated from Williston Academy and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a degree in chemical engineering. He served in the army at the Army Chemical Center. He worked for International Paper in several locations, including, North Tonawanda, New York, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, South Glens Falls, New York City, and Corinth. After he retired, he and Marilyn visited 25 foreign countries plus Alaska and Hawaii. When not traveling he volunteered as President of the Glens Falls Senior Center, President of the Board of the Meikleknox Presbyterian Home in Cambridge, drove for Meals on Wheels, served on the Town Emergency Planning Board and the President of Golden Kiwanis. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Glens Falls, serving as trustee and usher. He donated his body to the Anatomical Gift Program at The Albany Medical College.

A Memorial Service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church at the convenience of the family.

Posted in: 1940s

Lawrence E. Bachman ’64

Leave a comment

Lawrence “Larry” Bachman, 74, of Farmington, CT, passed away unexpectedly Monday, December 2, 2019, at his home. Born in New Britain, son of the late Clarence and Ruth (Peck) Bachman, he was a former Newington resident, moving to Farmington in 2006. A graduate of Williston Academy, he attended Rutgers University and later received his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Hartford. Larry owned and operated Advanced Electronic Development in Old Saybrook and later worked for H&R Block for over 20 years. He was a former member of Shuttle Meadow Country Club. Surviving is his son, David Bachman and his wife Lisa of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Funeral services are Monday 10 AM at Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain. Burial will follow in West Meadow Cemetery, Newington. Calling hours are Monday morning from 9:15 AM until the time of the service. Memorial donations may be made to Masonicare Charity Foundation, 22 Masonic Avenue, Wallingford, CT 06492.

Posted in: 1960s

James Harvey Dreikorn ’66

1 Comment

James Harvey Dreikorn, 72, of Longmeadow, MA died unexpectedly on Sun. Nov 3, 2019 with loved ones by his side. Born on June 20, 1947 in Ft. Worth, Texas, he lived the majority of his life in Massachusetts. He graduated from Williston Academy and Kansas State University.
Jim had a distinguished career in the baking industry: President of Dreikorn Bakery, Chairman of N.E Bakery Employees, Director of Quality Bakers of America, Chair of Young Bakery Executives of the American Bakers Association, and V.P of Nissen Baking Co., a member of “The Wild Yeast.” In addition, he was a Director of Westbank.
Jim was dedicated to his volunteer work and was a devoted Trustee to Clarke School for the Deaf, a position he had held since 1986. He was also a Board Member of the Ronald McDonald House in Springfield, MA.
Jim was an avid golfer, gardener, dog lover and Patriots fan. Even after years of living in New England, he remained a proud Texan and his personality matched the size of his native state. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, Godfather, and friend; a loyal confidant whose charisma, charm and humor will be sorely missed.
Jim is predeceased by his parents, Anita and Otto Dreikorn. He is survived by his sister, Darlene (Harvey) Ducker of Friendswood, TX, step-sister Nancy (Dreikorn) Crider of Stuart FL, and friends and loved ones, of which there are too many to count.
Donations can be made in Jim’s memory to Clarke School for the Deaf, 45 Round Hill Rd., Northampton, MA 01060, Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut and Western MA, 501 George Street, Suite A, New Haven, CT 06511, or The Make A Wish Foundation of Western MA, 181 Park Avenue, Suite 12, West Springfield, MA 01089. Private funeral arrangements will be held at the convenience of his family.

Posted in: 1960s

Cornelius A. Moylan ’46

Leave a comment

Cornelius Anthony Moylan, 90, of West Hartford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at St. Mary’s Home in West Hartford. He is predeceased by his devoted and loving wife of 57 years, Maria (“Millie”) Lopez Moylan who passed away on January 3, 2009, his brother Robert Francis Moylan who passed away on September 10, 2014, and his brother Gerald Edwin Moylan, who passed away on February 10, 2017. He was born on December 9, 1928 in Hartford, Connecticut, the son of the late Honorable Cornelius A. Moylan and Anne (Durkin) Moylan. Neal briefly attended Buckley High School, then attended and graduated from Williston Academy in Massachusetts. He attended Yale University, graduating in 1950 with honors. Neal then obtained his Master’s Degree in history from Trinity College in Hartford Connecticut. After a stint in the U.S. Naval Reserves, Neal went into his true calling of teaching. He taught for over a decade at Bulkeley High School in Hartford, Connecticut, followed by a long and distinguished career as Chairman of the History Department at Greater Hartford Community College in Hartford, Connecticut. He also taught history classes at Central Connecticut State College. Neal met and married the woman of his dreams, Maria “Millie” Lopez Moylan in 1952 in Washington D.C. They loved spending time with their three children and various dogs especially at West Hill Lake in Winsted, Connecticut. Additionally, they loved the opera and classical music which they listened to almost every night. He loved reading historical tomes and novels which he shared with his many friends and family. He spoke often of wonderful childhood memories spent at Old Lyme Shores, Connecticut. Neal is survived by his son, Cornelius A. Moylan III (Patricia) of North Conway, New Hampshire, son, Christopher T. Moylan (Amy) of Wethersfield, Connecticut and grandchildren, Justine, AJ and Christopher, son, Gerald M. Moylan of Loudon, New Hampshire, his brother, Richard D. Moylan (Martha) of Georgetown, Massachusetts, his sister, Muriel (Moylan) Nevens of Delmar, New York, and his sister-in-law, Carol (Neumeister) Moylan (Robert) of West Hartford, Connecticut and by many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by the many students whose lives he touched including Joseph Hourihan, former student and family attorney whom he considered family. The family wishes to thank the staff at St. Mary’s Home in West Hartford, Connecticut for their care and compassion in his final days with us. Neal now reunites with the love of his life Maria Moylan throughout eternity, while most assuredly keeping an eye on his family from above. Calling hours are Friday, November 1st from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home,1084 New Britain Ave., West Hartford, with a mass to be held on Saturday, November 2nd at 10:30 AM at Saint Lawrence O’Toole on 494 New Britain Avenue in Hartford., Connecticut.

Posted in: 1940s

Thomas M. Leahy ’66

Leave a comment


Thomas M. Leahy, 71, of Baltimore, MD, formerly of North Haven, CT, passed away on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 in Baltimore, MD. He was born in New Haven on April 18, 1947; son of the late Clarence J. and Gertrude Butler Leahy.

Thomas graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, King’s Point, NY and served as a Licensed Engineering Officer on many U.S. flag vessels. After retirement he worked for MEBA, Marine Engineers Beneficial Association, as a union official in Baltimore for many years. Thomas is survived by his sister Carole Leahy and many relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the National Kidney Foundation, Inc., 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016 or a charity of one’s choice.

Posted in: 1960s

Arnold J. Gelfman ’61

1 Comment

Arnold J. Gelfman, 75 of Ocean, NJ, passed away peacefully July 23, 2019 at Monmouth Medical Center.

Born in Northampton, MA, Arnie attained his undergraduate degree at University of Massachusetts, his master’s degree from Western Michigan University and began his doctorate at American University. Arnie has resided in Ocean for 43 years where he served on the Planning & Zoning Board and was president of the Kepwell Park Homeowners Association. He was president of the Jewish Federation, Monmouth County in 1990-1992, a board member of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Monmouth County, a former board member of both Congregation Brothers of Israel and Temple Beth El, now Congregation Torat El and B’nai B’rith, Ocean. Arnie is a member of both Congregation Brothers of Israel and Congregation Torat El.

In 2016, after 43 years, Arnie retired as Executive Director of Planning, Assessment & Research at Brookdale Community College. There is was the co-founder of Brookdale Community College Career Clinic and Testing Center. Arnie was also President and Owner of Career Choice Institute of NJ, a consulting firm, working with insurance companies and attorneys throughout NJ as a vocational expert.

Arnie will be remembered as a kind and giving person who was honored with many community and professional awards. He enjoyed sports, especially the NY Yankees. Family was most important to Arnie.

Arnie was predeceased by his parents Harold and Lena (August) Gelfman and his niece, Victoria Gelfman. Surviving is his wife of 43 years, Margo, his son Austin Gelfman, Sherman Oaks, CA, his brother & sister-in-law Richard & Lenore Gelfman, Columbia, MD; his nieces Hillary Gelfman, Chicago, IL & Dr. Joanna Gelfman, Ellicott City, MD and Leela.

Funeral service Friday, July 26th 1:00 PM at the Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, 10 Morrell Street, Long Branch. Burial to follow in Brothers of Israel Cemetery, West Long Branch.

Donations may be made in memory of Arnie to Monmouth Medical Center Foundation, Department of Oncology, 300 Second Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740.

Posted in: 1960s