William Frederick “Bill” Armstrong died Friday evening, May 19th, 2023 – a week shy of his 98th birthday – at Shrewsbury Crossing in Shrewsbury, MA, where he had lived for the past 14 months. His three children were with him that night and, while the last several years had had its challenges, his final days were peaceful.

He was born in Worcester on May 29th, 1925, and spent his early years in Shrewsbury and Worcester with his parents and two brothers. From the stories we have heard, those were good – and often boisterous – years, and up until the week he died, he enjoyed touring the streets of Shrewsbury. Following a stint in the U.S. Army, he returned home, spent a year at St. Mark’s in Southborough before heading to college at Harvard, where he met Nancy Rice who he married in July, 1950.

His middle years were focused on his career and on raising a family. His career focused on all things related to the manufacturing of felt and we never lacked for a felt tablecloth or a Christmas tree skirt. His jobs took him to Wrentham, MA; Newburgh, NY; Ridgefield, CT; New York City; and, finally in 1970, to Grafton, MA, after taking a job with the Felters Company in Millbury. During those years, he and Nancy raised their family and gave their children a wonderful upbringing, with lots of outdoor activities, Cape Cod vacations, ski trips to Vermont, animals galore, and holidays full of family and friends.

He was predeceased by his wife, Nancy (Rice) Armstrong, in 1975 and never remarried. He spent the last 50 years based in Grafton but maintained strong ties to Falmouth, where he loved to sail, golf, and vacation. He also enjoyed trips to Vermont where he served as the center for the traditional Thanksgiving Day football game, a role that he played into his 90’s. He was thrifty….really thrifty, loved animals (particularly dogs), and was very happy puttering around his yard, tending to the lawn, cutting down trees, and keeping his equipment in working order, without spending any money on it. If he could do it himself, he did. If it could be fixed with duct tape, it was. That willful spirit remained until the end, with him insisting that he did not need help and he could manage things on his own.

In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his parents, Stuart and Dorothy (Bickford) Armstrong, and his brothers, Richard Armstrong and John Armstrong. He is survived by his children, William F. Armstrong, III (Becky McCullough), of Falmouth, MA, Abby Armstrong of Sharon, VT, and Halley Allen (Gus) of Holden, MA as well as by his grandchildren, George Armstrong, Emma Armstrong, Sarah Allen Neidhardt (Kyle) and Elizabeth Allen (Michael Boller), and his great granddaughter, Ada Elliott Neidhardt. He is also survived by his nephew, Stuart Armstrong (Mike Levesque), and his nieces, Leslie Armstrong (Jeff Bacon) and Susan Armstrong. He also always enjoyed seeing his numerous nieces and nephews on the Rice/Gainey side of the family when he was on the Cape.

Over the past few years there were many visits from friends and family and an abundance of kindness from the wonderful nurses and staff at Shrewsbury Crossing and Notre Dame Hospice, which made such a difference and for which we are so appreciative. Thank you very much!

Calling hours will be held at the Roney Funeral Home in North Grafton, MA from 4:00 – 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 30th. He will be buried with Nancy in Falmouth at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Smile Train – https://www.smiletrain.org/ – an organization our father supported over the years.

Joel Schiavone, of New Haven, CT, died in hospice Monday, April 22, 2024, at the age of 87, after a period of declining health.
He is survived by his partner Emily McDiarmid; his children Allyx ‘88, Josie, Bryan, and Maxim Schiavone; and grandchildren Penn ‘20, Josie and Ripley.

Douglas Swanson Fuller, born January 22, 1949 and died April 8, 2024 after a robust fist-fight with bone cancer. Son of Robert and Janet Fuller and grandson of Robert Swanson, owner of James W. Elwell, the oldest ongoing transatlantic shipping company in the U.S.

Doug graduated from Williston Academy in Massachusetts, then The Ohio State University. His career was in commercial real estate becoming a Senior Vice President of Olympia & York Properties in NYC.

His passions included travel with Pam, skiing with the grandkids, fly fishing, skeet shooting and Buckeye football.

He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Pam, sister Susan McDonough, brother Rob Fuller, stepdaughter Angela Pinkerton, grandchildren Vivian, Ridge and Marley Pinkerton and Wyatt Estepp, nieces Jennifer Coppola, Ann Savery, Abigail McDonough, Cassidy Fuller, nephews Andrew McDonough, Matthew McDonough and Tim Fuller, cousins Janet Stewart, David Kindle, Tom Kindle and Andy Adams.

Doug was active in community organizations including being a member of the Advisory Board of The Ohio State Center for Real Estate, board member of The Liberty School, Durango, CO and board member of Music in the Mountains, Durango, CO.

Michael Laskin Kinsler, better known to others as Cal, Dad, Pop, or Mr K, age 70, passed away suddenly on March 22, 2024. Everyone who knew him knows how much he loved to tell stories. We wish that we could share some outrageous story that led to his untimely death. Unfortunately, he died of a heart attack with his beloved wife Martha and his adored bulldog Rocco by his side.

Michael was born and raised in Longmeadow, MA. He attended Williston Northampton School where his passion for sports began. He was a four year letterman in soccer, lacrosse, and ice hockey. He went on to study zoology and environmental science at the University of Vermont, graduating with a bachelor of science. He would have graduated in four years but he met the love of his life Martha McCanna and followed the theme of one of his favorite movies, Animal House, graduating seven years later. He obtained his masters degree at Antioch University of New England. His passion for learning was such that he went on to further his education for years beyond receiving his diplomas.

His first teaching position was at Rutland Town Elementary School where he was a science and math teacher for 21 years. Let’s not forget what a great sex education teacher he was. Never were his students so focused as they were in those classes. Michael accepted a position as a math teacher in 2000 at Barstow Memorial School, retiring in 2015. For nearly a decade he was the Girls Varsity Soccer coach at Rutland High School. He was recognized by his peers and was awarded Teacher of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Referee of the Year. Rumor has it that in 43 years refereeing he only made one bad call.
He was a man of diverse hobbies and interests including Chittenden dump socializer, Ben and Jerry’s connoisseur, expert organic gardener, Baird Farm enthusiast, pumpkin growing competitor, frog catcher, afternoon napper, king of leftovers, fierce competitor of the New York Times mini crossword, Wordle, and connections, vacuum apprentice, 60’s on 6 classic rock listener, passionate Boston Sports Fan, weatherman, snowman builder, famous ice candle maker, builder and man of all trades.

He leaves his best friend and beloved wife of 54 years Martha McCanna Kinsler of Chittenden, VT; adored children Dr. Erron Kinsler of Phoenix, AZ, Micah Kinsler and his wife Samantha Hodar of Scottsdale, AZ, Annah and her husband Dr. Gregory Sawyer of Cape Elizabeth, ME, and Jared Kinsler, Esq. and his wife Brianne of Sudbury, MA. He also leaves behind nine treasured grandchildren Eli Kinsler; Madison, Taylor, and Olivia Kinsler; Lylah, Jude, and Levi Sawyer; and Sloane and Tatum Kinsler. He is also survived by his cherished sister SueAnn Spahr, husband David, and their family of Scottsdale, AZ. He is predeceased by many family and friends, and his bulldogs Bertha and Brutus.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday March 30, 2024, from 1-3 pm at Mountain Top Inn and Resort. A private burial will happen at a later date.

Everyone who knew him knows how much he loved nature and valued preserving the beauty of this world, from animals to trees to rivers and lakes to gardening and birdwatching out his kitchen window. He began each morning checking his game camera to see what magnificent creature visited during the night. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made in his name to Vermont Land Trust VLT.org 8 Bailey Avenue Montpelier, VT 05602 or Four Winds Nature Institute https://fwni.org 4 Casey Road Chittenden, VT 05737.

Most importantly, Michael would want everyone to pause, be in the moment, and enjoy nature. Whether it be kayaking, watching bald eagles, going for a hike, catching a brook trout, or swimming in a fresh body of water. Breathe in the fresh air and think of him.

Victor H. Keiser, Jr. of Palm Coast, Florida, died in his home on March 12, 2023, at the age of 96.

Vic was born in Akron, Ohio to Victor and Armilda (Brome) Keiser on November 18, 1926. He was predeceased by his wife, Betty Keiser; his daughter, Nina; his stepson, Mike Hanson; as well as his brothers, David and John “Jack” Keiser; and his stepbrothers David and Philip Martin.

He is survived by his brothers, Lincoln (Julé Crawford) and Jeffrey (Deborah) Keiser; grandchildren Daniel and Mindy Thomas; his stepchildren, Julie and David Hanson; his stepsister, Rebecca Fralick; nieces, Nancy and Lael Keiser, and nephews Jon, Luke and Nate Keiser, and Drew Martin; good friend, Marie Wolf, as well as many other relatives and friends of all ages.

Throughout his life, Vic was an adventurer, loving a good time and a sweet dessert. Though his family was scattered across the country, for years they gathered in Michigan for summer reunions, a summer tradition begun by his parents in the late 40s. As a young man, Vic spent his time in Michigan chopping wood, laying flooring, building sheds, painting, hanging light fixtures, and joining in any task needing his various skills. Later, he rode his bike for miles, stopping to rest at the local ice cream shop for his vanilla cone. He and Betty also rode their bicycle built for two around Onekama, stopping for ice cream to recharge. He loved playing word games like Botticelli around a fire on the beaches of Lake Michigan, using his sharp mind to stump young and old as they tried to guess the answers to his riddles or the mystery of his magic tricks. Finding Vic’s keys in the sands of the beach at Lake Michigan after a night around the fire was often the Grand Finale of a summer well spent, surrounded by his family and friends.

He also loved music, tv, old movies and Bridge, which he played at the master’s level until the end of his life. He was a skilled woodworker who for years had a backyard studio, creating furniture for Whitman College and his loved ones.

Vic attended Oberlin College where he met his future wife, Betty Detweiler, until his education was interrupted by World War II, when he left school and enlisted in the US Navy. After the war ended, he participated as a radio man for the Navy testing atom bombs at the Bikini Atoll. Following his discharge from the Navy, he returned to Oberlin, and later transferred to Lawrence College (now Lawrence University), where he was awarded his bachelor’s degree in mathematics. He taught mathematics at military service dependent high schools in Japan and Germany. He later attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he earned a Master’s degree in physics and mathematics, followed by a Ph.D. in mathematics. He taught at the university level at Idaho State University and then at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, where he taught for many years until his retirement. Following his retirement, he continued teaching at military dependent high schools in Iceland, Great Britain, and Austria. He also taught advanced mathematics courses at the high school level in Palm Coast as a volunteer.

Vic was a mentor to his younger brothers and younger relatives and friends. His kindness, love of life, and unassuming manner is his legacy to all who knew him. The world is emptier without him.

Martin (Bo) Byram Burke, 83, beloved husband to Ellen S. Burke, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2024 following an illness. He was born on May 5, 1940 in Hartford, Connecticut, son of the late Francis (Greene) Burke and Edmond Burke. Bo was raised in the close-knit village of Rockville. He graduated from Williston Academy (now Williston Northampton School); Colgate University and Albany Law School where he earned his JD in 1963.

Throughout his 54-year legal career, Bo held positions in several law firms, beginning in 1963 with Joe Shapiro in Hamilton, NY where his first case involved the loss of a farmer’s cow. He practiced law at 130 Union Street, Rockville, with the support of a dedicated, kind and loyal staff. Bo was passionate about the law and municipal government, he served in the Connecticut State Legislature in the 1970’s, where among other accomplishments he sponsored the Freedom of Information Act in the House. He also served on the Connecticut Judicial Review Council, the Connecticut Law Revision Commission, as well as serving as the Town Attorney and Assistant Town Attorney over several administrations in Ellington and Vernon. He was known as a lawyer who could get things done and as one who nobly served his profession. Throughout his long and accomplished career he quietly acted as pro bono to many who faced overwhelming legal issues.

Bo held a lifelong passion for Maine and began vacationing there in the mid-’60s, with his family continuing through owning a camp on Flying Pond in Vienna, ME. He relished the peace and tranquility of Maine.

He leaves behind Ellen Schopfer Burke, his wife of 60 years, his sons, Matthew Burke and his wife Melissa Watson and their son Angus Burke of Lisbon Falls, Maine; Jonathan Burke of Bethel, Maine; Andrew Burke and his wife, Ingrid Kessler of Eugene, Oregon and Benjamin Burke and his wife Lauren Burke and their son Sullivan Burke of Portland, Oregon. He also leaves behind his sister, Susan Evans Burke of California and his first cousin Mary Jane Dempsey of Phoenix, AZ.

Bo will be laid to rest in a private ceremony. His family has the deepest gratitude for all who helped Bo including friends and neighbors, A & B Homecare Solutions, Vernon Visiting Nurse and Connecticut Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bo’s memory to Doctors Without Borders.

Brian Cole Clarke passed away on January 5, 2024. Brian was born in Yonkers, NY on December 13, 1946, and spent his childhood in Dalton, Massachusetts with his parents and two brothers. He was a graduate of Williston Academy and earned a BS in engineering from the University of Massachusetts in 1969. He joined the United States Army ROTC program during his time at UMASS and subsequently served as a 2nd Lieutenant from 1969 to 1971 where he was deployed to Korea during the Vietnam War.

Brian had a successful engineering and business career, landing as the President of Sensor Engineering in Hamden, Connecticut. He obtained his MBA from the University of New Haven in 1985. Early on, his engineering career followed his automotive interests where he assisted in developing after-market automotive performance parts. His business career led him to many opportunities through several states and industries from Connecticut, Virginia, and Michigan before he ultimately retired and eventually moved to Johnson City, TN.

Brian married Judith Bowe in 1974 and raised their only child in East Haddam, CT enjoying the outdoor space, woodworking shop, and family time the property offered. Brian had many passions in his life and was not afraid of hard work and challenges. Early in life, he raced cars and revisited that passion when Raybestos needed a test driver through his work at Sensor Engineering. He won the SCCA World Challenge – T1 Rookie of the Year in 1996 and raced on numerous cup circuit tracks across the US – often taking his daughter with him to be part of the pit crew. He took ski trips with his friends, brothers, and daughter all across the United States. He enjoyed felling trees, woodworking, and the game of golf his entire life. In retirement, he continued his hobbies of woodworking and golfing and learned guitar. As a dog lover, he enjoyed the company of a good, faithful dog. Ultimately he was known as a very intelligent, kind, and generous man who often asked, “what can I do for you.”

Brian is preceded in death by his parents, Stephen ’40 and Lillian Winifred Clarke. He is survived by his wife Judith and daughter Nicole Henderson (husband Stephen), granddaughter Kelsey, and two brothers James ’68 (wife Annette) and David (wife Joan), as well as two nieces and two nephews. He leaves behind friends in many states and will be greatly missed. There will be a family celebration of life later in 2024.

James “Jim” Upshur Edwards III, a beacon of resilience and joy, passed away on December 19, 2023, leaving behind a legacy that embodies the celebration of a life well-lived. Born on September 19, 1946, in Manchester, NH, Jim navigated life with a disciplined approach, forged in the crucible of a Type I Diabetes diagnosis at the tender age of 11.

Jim’s journey through life mirrored the rhythmic strokes of a world-class swimmer. From his formative years at Williston Academy, a premier swimming institution in Easthampton, MA, to the currents of the University of North Carolina, where he swam on scholarship, Jim’s competitive spirit defined his aquatic prowess.

His commitment to fitness and nutrition, honed by the challenges of diabetes, manifested in daily pilgrimages to the YMCA. Yet, it was not just about physical well-being for Jim; it was a philosophy that radiated warmth and engagement. His engaging personality drew people close, savoring every moment with family and friends.

Beyond the pool, Jim navigated the currents of a successful career in international banking and dedicated himself to philanthropy, volunteering at an SBA start-up business incubator. His love for life extended to the culinary realm, with “regular” dining spots becoming the backdrop for cherished memories.

At the heart of Jim’s universe was his beloved family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Margaret Anne “Maggie,” who stood by his side; his children, John David Burton and Andrea Edwards Scalia and grandson, Joseph Edmund Scalia. Jim’s familial bonds were unbreakable.

A service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at Christ Episcopal Church, 1412 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC. The family will receive friends following the service in the Blue Room at the church. The service will be livestreamed at: https://www.christchurchcharlotte.org/funeral-live-broadcast/ for those unable to attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), 200 Vesey Street, 28th Floor, New York, NY, a cause close to Jim’s heart. As we bid farewell, let us remember Jim Edwards not for his final stroke, but for the vibrant ripples of a life lived fully.

It is with deep reverence that we announce the passing of Denis Kurt Berube, devoted husband, father, brother, and friend. Denis passed away peacefully on January 2nd, 2024, in his home surrounded by family.

Born on July 26th, 1942, in Holyoke, Massachusetts, to George and Evelyn Berube, Denis was the embodiment of curiosity, determination, and integrity. He spent his youth steeped in the delights of childhood farm life. He loved to share the stories of fly fishing in the Deerfield River, woods filled with adventure, the rewarding work of farm chores, and life among his beloved family and pets.

Denis came into the world with an incredible capacity to be both perfectly present in almost any moment and laser focused on the journey ahead. He held the innate wisdom of knowing that one must be solidly planted in the now in order to reap the fruits of the future. He always knew that he wanted to be an engineer and saw precisely how to get there. Years before he would become a teenager, he began saving money and planning how a farm boy of humble means would attend a local elite prep school. With the help of his dedicated parents and his own steadfastness he got himself into Williston Academy in Easthampton, Massachusetts where he relished life as a boarding student, tenacious athlete, and rising young man. He gave tirelessly to this institution throughout his life as he walked his two daughters through their own Williston journeys and continued to offer his time, money, and passion to help further develop the school long after he and his children had graduated.

From Williston Denis went on to study Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and to earn his Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from Union College. He received his executive training at GE Crotenville. And so began an extraordinarily rich life that would take him places most can only dream of. He traveled to nearly every corner of the world; constantly observing, learning, and enjoying. He took little for granted and truly relished in his lived experiences. From life beneath the surface in a submarine to flying at Mach speed off an aircraft carrier he truly met life with courage and commitment at every turn.

Alongside Joanna, the love of his life, he built an empire of dreams come true. They worked tirelessly together to make an enduring and meaningful impact on the world at large through business, philanthropy, education, and development. 40 years of devout perseverance, understanding, commitment and love took them on grand adventures that will carry on beyond time and space.

Hard work was an enduring side of Denis, matched equally by his ability to play hard; a life motto that he held to his dying day. He had a lifelong affair with his ability to truly appreciate the moment and a patience for enjoyment that was unmatched. These traits made him a worthy Bridge opponent, a skilled athlete, an avid sports fan, and a voracious reader. From the black diamond ski slopes and most competitive golf courses all the way to the pickleball courts and nearly everything in between, he was a contender. He never met a sport that didn’t delight him, and he seemed to be good at them all. He loved science fiction and quantum theory, blue cheese and potato chips, ice cream, and puzzles. He also really loved naps. It was the simple pleasures among the luxury that he savored the most.

Denis spent his final 20 years building a life where he could fall easily into peace and pleasure on an Island and in a home that he adored. Eternally a masterful creator, he built his second architectural masterpiece on Kiawah Island, a seaside retreat that provided him his greatest reward – simplicity. He loved everything about the nature and ease of life in Kiawah. His day was full if he witnessed the sunrise and the waves crash. He was once an avid sailor, and the ocean always called him home.

Denis is survived and celebrated by his adoring wife, Joanna Lau, daughter Caitlin Berube ’13, daughter Blythe Berube Rowan ’92, Son-in-Law, Dr. Christopher Rowan, grandsons, Riley Rowan and Teo Rowan, brother Charles Berube, and many nieces and nephews.

Denis will be cremated, and his family will make a pilgrimage to honor his life at his most sacred places. We ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Kidney Cancer Foundation and in place of a public celebration of life, what a beautiful tribute it would be to do something you truly enjoy today and raise a glass to him.