Tag Archives: Williston Academy

Bion Howard ’69

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Bion HowardThe building performance industry has lost another friend with the passing of Bion D. Howard on 11/21/2011.

Bion was a tireless advocate of home energy ratings and building science. His background includes service with the National Association of Home Builders, the Alliance to Save Energy, NAHB Research Center, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) and consulting as the owner of Building Environmental Scientist and Consulting (B.E.S.T.). Mr. Howard also served on the RESNET Technical Committee.

RESNET Executive Director Steve Baden commented, “I had the pleasure to work closely with Bion on a number of initiatives ranging from the Department of Energy/Housing and Urban Development National Collaborative on Home Energy Ratings and Energy Efficient Mortgages to the planning committee of the Affordable Comfort Conferences. He was a tireless advocate for building science and home energy ratings. Everyone who worked with Bion appreciated his technical expertise and commitment. The building performance industry has loss a good friend.”

Posted in: 1960s

Richard Wells Dennison ’63

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dennisonRichard Wells Dennison, 68, of Vernon, beloved and devoted husband of Bernadette (Bean) Dennison, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 2, 2013 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Born February 20, 1945 in Baltimore, MD, a son to the late Wells C. and Mildred A. (Elliott) Dennison, he had lived in Manchester before moving to Vernon in 2006.

He was employed with Connecticut National Bank for 15 years and later worked with the Bank of Waterbury, Norwich Savings Society, New Haven Savings Bank and lastly American Savings Bank where he was Executive Vice President and Chief Informational Officer, retiring in 2003.

He was a member of the Gilman Dive Club and enjoyed many years of scuba diving. He was also a member and past president of the British Iron Association of Connecticut, and was a collector of numerous vintage motorcycles. Richard was also an avid lover of Labrador Retrievers, breeding and competing in many agility competitions over the years.

In addition to his wife, Bernadette, he leaves his loving daughters, Jennifer Case Dennison and her husband, John Fatteross of Westport and their children Jack and Will Dennison; and Abigail Case Lang and her husband, Dylan of Round Rock, TX; two sisters Carol Case Dennison and Lynne Steeves both of Old Saybrook; and among his many nephews and nieces he leaves Tanner Steeves and Julia Padilla.

Posted in: 1960s

Peter Homans ’68

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Peter HomansPeter Parkman Homans, 63, passed away on September 8, 2014, in Asheville, NC.

He was the son of William P. Homans Jr, Esq. of Boston, MA, and Ann C. Beecher of Asheville, NC. He was the loving father of Alexander of Cambridge, MA and Savannah of Somerville, MA. Peter is survived by his former wives, Cathrine Saunders Scott of England, and, Leslie Ahlgren Homans of Cambridge, MA, the mother of his children. He is also survived by brothers William P. Homans III, Robert Totty and Nicholas Ionnitiu; and sisters Ann Bruce Totty, Elizabeth Homans McKenna, MD, Penelope Craig and Ana Ionnitiu. In addition he leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends who knew and loved him.

Peter was a warm-hearted, vibrant conversationalist and a brillant cook, who enjoyed nothing better than gathering friends and family around a gourmet meal. He loved walking the beaches of West Tisbury, hiking in the Smoky Mountains, or throwing turkeys at his local bowling alley. Although he spent over 30 years as a Boston-based securities adviser to individual and institutional clients, his true passion was music. He was a gifted musician and accomplished composer and all kinds of music infused his life.

Posted in: 1960s

Charles Angell, Jr. ’32

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Charles H. Angell, Jr passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at the age of 99 years, 10 1/2 months. He had lived in the same house in Glencoe, IL for 62 years.

Charles was the loving husband of Lucinda M Angell, nee Marsh, deceased, whom he married on September 14, 1940. He was the father of Charles H. Angell III, deceased, (Gail), Susan F. Angell, Lucinda J. Angell (Harold C. Ogg), and Jeffrey C. Angell (Karen); grandfather of five; great-grandfather of nine. He was born in Springfield, MA, son of Charles H and Jessie F. Angell.

Charles was a graduate of Princeton University, class of 1937, with a BS in Chemical Engineering. His ROTC Unit was the last Horse Drawn Field Artillery Unit at Princeton. He was a veteran of World War II, stationed in New Guinea and the Philippines. After the war, Charles continued in the Reserves, finishing up with another year of Active Duty at Fort Lee VA, as a member of the 322 Logistical Command.

Charles worked first for Dow Chemical in New England. When Charles and Lucinda moved to Glencoe in 1952, he began working for Corite Reynolds, where he later became president. After leaving Corite, he started working as a consultant in Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics. He soon grew to love his consulting work, since it literally took him all over the world–all 7 continents, all 50 states, all countries in Europe, and others too many to mention. As part of his consulting work, Charles spoke at scientific conferences, again all over the world. In their leisure time, he and Lucinda continued their love of traveling, and took their children on some fabulous vacations

Posted in: 1930s

John Laliberte ’38

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LaliberteJohn P. Laliberte, 94, died peacefully on Friday, November 21 at Renaissance in Holyoke.

Born on August 8, 1920, he was the son of Amedee and Irene (Lavoie) Laliberte.

He attended schools in Holyoke’s Highland Grammar School which was constructed by his paternal grandfather Joseph, president of the Laliberte Construction Co. and then Williston Academy, graduating in 1938.

John proudly served his country in the US Army during WWII. His military service was followed by 40 years of service with the Fisk Tire Co, U.S. Rubber Co & Uniroyal Tire Co as chief chemist in the technical and quality control division. He and his family enjoyed membership for 50 years at the Holyoke Canoe Club, where he served on the board of directors.

He will be forever missed by his sons, David and his wife Jean and Paul Laliberte all of Troy, AL. He also leaves a grandchild Jennifer Gruber and husband Nick, great grandchildren, John Harrison Gruber and Hawkins David Gruber all of Lincoln, Nebraska and brother-in-law, Chuck Viens of South Hadley. He was predeceased by his wife Lois, son Donald and sister Annette Viens.

Posted in: 1930s

Richard E Waite, Sr. ’42

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Richard WaiteRichard E. “Dick” Waite, Sr., 91, of West Brandywine, passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2015.

He was the husband of the late Ruth A. Waite, his beloved wife with whom he shared 65 years of marriage.

Born on May 13, 1924, in Winchington, Massachusetts, Richard graduated from Williston Academy in 1942 and received a BA degree in economics from Bowdoin College. His college studies were interrupted by service in Europe during WW II as a combat infantryman with the 84th Division. He fought in some of the most significant battles, the Battle of the Bulge and The Siegfried Line and participated in concentration camp liberations.

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Posted in: 1940s, Class of 1942

Vance Likins ’41

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Vance LikinsMr. Vance F. Likins, Jr., age 94, died peacefully on Monday, April 20, 2015 after a lengthy illness.

He was the beloved husband of Christine (Robinson) Likins, with whom he shared 68 years of marriage.

Born in Cambridge, Vance was the son of the late Vance Likins, Sr. and Marthella (Church) Likins.

Prior to his retirement, Vance worked as an Insurance Adjuster for Aetna Insurance Co. for over 28 years. Vance and his wife spent many hours on Siesta Key and enjoyed walking the beach. He enjoyed his Jazz Music and he and wife traveled the world with the Count Basie Band.

In addition to his wife, he leaves one son: Vance F. Likins, III and his wife Beverly of Marblehead. He was the grandfather to Sandy Norris, Meri Likins and Skip Likins. He was the great grandfather to Shawn, Sarah, Shayla, Susie Emily, David, Tabitha, Isabella and Lucky. He was the brother to Priscilla Doty of Bethesa, MD and the late Sam Likins and Cynthia Vernardakis.

Posted in: 1940s, Class of 1941

Robert Capece ’50

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Robert CapeceRobert J. Capece of Harwich Port, MA entered into rest on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, Florida at the age of 83.

Born December 12, 1931 in Boston, MA; he was the son of Dr. Nicholas J. and Hazel Capece of Milford, MA. Robert was predeceased by his wife Patricia Capece.

He was a graduate of Boston University, class of 1954. He retired from Greenleaf Finance LLC in Milford in 1992.

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Posted in: 1950s, Class of 1950

Barry Purrington ’46

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Barry PurringtonBarry Jay Purrington, 86, of Whitehouse, Texas passed away December 10, 2014 in Tyler, Texas.

Barry was born February 8, 1928 in Pittsburg, PA, to Rollo & Marian Purrington.

Mr. Purrington grew up in Haydenville, Massachusetts before joining the Navy in 1946. After serving his country, Barry received his Bachelor’s Degree from Carnegie Institute of Technology. He enjoyed woodworking and piano tuning in his spare time. Barry was a faithful member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tyler.

Surviving are Wife, Jean Purrington of Whitehouse, Daughter, Kim & Glenn Strauss of Tyler, Son, Jay Purrington of Irving, Son, Dan & Robyn Purrington of Huntington, WV, 9 Grandchildren, 9 Great Grandchildren, Brother, Bruce Purrington, and Brother, Dick Purrington.

Barry was preceded in death by his Parents.

Posted in: 1940s, Class of 1946