Tag Archives: Williston Academy

Sarah Wallis Stevens

sarah-wallis-stevens-1961-ab197242f1ef905cSarah Wallis Stevens, who for two decades served as “First Lady” of Williston Academy, died peacefully in her sleep Feb. 9 of natural causes at her assisted living home in Middletown, Connecticut, according to her family.

Sarah Stevens was the wife of Phillips Stevens, headmaster of the Easthampton-based academy from 1949 to 1972. The school, founded in 1841 as Williston Seminary, merged with the Northampton School for Girls in 1971 to form the coed Williston Northampton School, which now attracts students from around the world.

Described as a woman of “extraordinary warmth and empathy,” Stevens provided care and guidance to thousands of Williston Academy students, said her daughter Ruth P. Stevens, who lives in New York City.

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Gary Mysorski ’69

MysorskiGary James Mysorski, 64, passed away at his home in Rockport, TX February 23, 2016. He was born in Northampton, MA August 18,1951 to Benjamin and Marjorie Mysorski. Gary graduated from Williston Academy in 1969.

Gary spent nearly 30 years with the YMCA, both domestically and abroad, getting the most enjoyment from his involvement with youth and aquatic programs. Gary met the love of his life while working at day camp in San Antonio. His tenure with the Y eventuality led him to Rockport, where “every day felt like a vacation.” Gary enjoyed the sights, activities, and most of all the people of this community, where both his children graduated high school. Gary was very active in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Kiwanis, the Art Center, and volunteered in various activities within the community. In 2001, Gary found his calling developing and directing programs with Port Aransas Parks and Recreation – all the enjoyment of the work he had grown to love. After 13 years, he retired to spend his time with Genie travelling, visiting friends, and enjoying the outdoors, the atmosphere, and the lifestyle that this community provides.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years Genie Mysorski; sons, Geoff Mysorski and his wife Laura, Matt Mysorski and his wife Katie; sister, Jill Morrill and her husband Jim; grandchildren, Milo and Sebastian, and many dear friends and relatives.

Robert Jackson ’44

JacksonRobert Blake Jackson, 89, died peacefully Friday, February 12, 2016, at his Woodbury home. He was the husband of Marcella “Marcy” Jackson.

Mr. Jackson was born November 11, 1926, in Hartford, the son of Blake Smith and Freda Wilhelmina Welz. He graduated from Williston Academy in 1944 and was drafted into the U.S. Army from the freshman class of Amherst College. An infantry sergent, he sailed the Atlantic in a troop ship and crossed France in a boxcar to serve with the Armed Forces Network in Frankfurt, where he hosted a radio program from 1944 to 1946 before returning to complete his studies on the G.I. Bill for a degree in psychology. A member of Phi Delta Theta, he graduated from Amherst in 1950.

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Robert Gardiner ’50

GardinerRobert W. Gardiner, 83, of Centerville, passed away Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016. Robert was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

Robert served as a minister for over 30 years in the United Church of Christ. He was an avid reader and poet. Robert had a love for classical music and also enjoyed long walks and talks with family, friends and members of his congregation.

He was raised and educated in the Boston area, attending Williston Academy, Amherst College, Tufts University and Andover Newton Theological School. Robert ministered in Wellesley, Pittsford, Vermont, and Southampton.

Robert is the beloved husband of Lorraine Gardiner. He is the devoted father of Dr. Matthew F. Gardiner ’88 and his wife Dr. Mary Beth Cunnane. Robert is the cherished grandfather of Nathaniel, Sophia and Luke. He is the loving son of the late Frederick and Gertrude (Worthington) Gardiner.

Richard Knowland ’46

KnowlandRichard G. Knowland, Jr., 87, of Fayetteville, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2015 in the Crown Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation, Cortland.

He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving as a pilot in the US Air Force. Mr. Knowland was employed by Agway in DeWitt for more than 30 years, retiring as Payroll Master.

He was predeceased by his wife, Marlene Knowland in 2008.

Surviving are three children, Charles Knowland of Waterloo; Sue (Erich) Haesche of Groton and Tom (Rachel) Knowland of Manchester, CT; 9 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and many, many dear friends and neighbors.

Burton Lenk ’46

LenkBurton D. Lenk, 77, died May 10, 2004 at Cape Cod Hospital, Hyannis, after a brief illness.

He was the husband of Frances S. (Hoback) Lenk. Born, raised and educated in Boston, he was a retired executive in the hardware manufacturing industry.

Besides his wife, survivors include two sons, Neil Lenk of New Hampshire and Kevin Lenk of Ipswich; two daughters, Sandy Lenk of Methuen and Cathy Lenk of New Hampshire; a stepson, Frank A. McDonald III of Hyde Park; and three grandchildren.

William Dunham ’46

DunhamWilliam B. Dunham died on January 11, 2016 in New York.

Although he had a long career in finance, human resources, and real estate, he is best remembered for his role in the traditional jazz scene. First drawn to jazz in boyhood, he played with the Crimson Stompers at Harvard as part of the then thriving college jazz band circuit. Eventually settling in New York, Mr. Dunham organized one of the early traditional jazz bands, the Grove Street Stompers, to play Monday nights in Greenwich Village. Mr. Dunham led the band for over fifty years. At times leading jazz musicians, such as Wild Bill Davison were featured with the group. Arthurs Tavern, where the band played, remains one of the most celebrated locations for traditional jazz world-wide, still following the format instituted by Mr. Dunham.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sonya, daughter Amy, son-in- law Richard and three grandchildren.

John Lauris Blake, Jr. ’46

blakeJohn “Buck” Lauris Blake, Jr., age 87, a resident of Gwynedd Estates in Ambler died on September 17, 2015.

He was the devoted husband of Patricia Anne Kramer Blake. He is also survived by his loving children and their spouses: John, III and Patti Blake and Debbie and Denny Gardiner; by his step-children and their spouses: Eric and Chris Stanmyer, Robert and Connie Stanmyer, Thomas and Susan Stanmyer and Ann Stanmyer; by 15 grand-children and by 7 great-grand-children. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Tefft Blake and by his step-son, James Stanmyer. He is also survived by his step-brother, Walt Bradford.

William Alpert ’41

William AlpertWilliam of Woodmere passed away on July 21, 2015 at the age of 92.

He was a devoted husband to the late Helen Mills Alpert. He is survived by his brother, Richard Alpert (Ram Dass), beloved father to his daughter Patricia Alpert Benson, son Peter Alpert, and grandfather to grand-daughters Rachel and Rebecca.

Graduate of Williston Academy, Dartmouth College and Boston University School of Law. Veteran of the Army Air Corp (First Lieutenant and Pilot Instructor WWII). Former Assistant Attorney General. Prominent Manhattan attorney. Former President Temple Beth-El in Cedarhurst.

Jerry Finger ’50

fingerJerry Elliott Finger passed away on the 3rd of February 2016, after a life well lived. He died surrounded by, and comforted by friends and family. His death was caused by complications from emphysema. Jerry lived a full life that included many achievements and experiences, but none were greater than the relationships he enjoyed with friends, family, associates and business partners, students and the many lives he touched and made better by his enthusiasm and generous heart.

He was born on the 11th of October 1932, in Houston, Texas to Hyman and Bessie Finger. He was later joined by his two brothers, Marvy and Ronny, to whom he was close to his entire life. Growing up, he attended Sutton Elementary School and later attended military school at Allen Academy in Bryan, Texas for part of his middle school years. He only ran away once from Allen Academy, and it was because he had the flu and came home to get proper care from his mother. He attended high school at San Jacinto High School and graduated in 1949. Only seventeen upon graduation from high school, he attended Williston Academy in Easthampton, MA in 1950 for an additional year of study, and during that time, spent a summer with his Uncle Tobias Gordon in Wharton, Texas, where he developed a life-long passion for reading.

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