Tag Archives: Williston Northampton School

Eric R. Catuccio ’96

Eric Robert Catuccio passed away September 4, 2025 at the age of 47 surrounded by immediate family in Florida. He was born on August 14, 1978 in Springfield, MA to Robert A. Catuccio and Jana Henrickson Catuccio.

He graduated from the Williston Northampton School in 1996 where he excelled in math and sciences. He participated in varsity water polo, lacrosse and swim team.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts College of Engineering in Chemical Engineering in 2001 and a Masters Degree in Polymer Science from the University of Connecticut in 2007. He worked as a consulting chemical engineer.

He is survived by his parents and brother, Jonathan Catuccio ’95; sister-in-law, Alicea Ricciardi Catuccio ’95; and dearest nephew, Benjamin and niece, Ella Catuccio. He also leaves many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

Whether it was late night Buffalo Wings or his famous canned delicacies, Eric always shared his love of chemistry and cooking with his friends and family. He would be the first one to pull up a chair for a late arrival with his trademark warm and welcoming smile.

There are no services planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Melanoma research, such as https://melanoma.org.

Paul M. Mahan ’79

Paul MacAlister Mahan, 65, of Grayslake, Illinois, passed away on April 4, 2025, surrounded by family.

Born on March 23, 1960, Paul grew up in Lake Bluff, Illinois. As a child, and the son of two architects, Paul could often be found drawing with pencil and paper. In pursuing his love of the arts, Paul attended Williston Northhampton School. There, under the influence of Barry Moser, Paul developed a passion for printmaking and honed his artistic style. Paul then went on to the University of Illinois, Chicago, where he received a BFA in Printmaking and a BA in Industrial Design. Paul spent many summers at the Ox-Bow School of Art, Saugatuck, MI, where he explored a variety of mediums, including paper making and sculpture.

Throughout his lifetime, Paul had a passion for music, starting with piano lessons as a child, moving onto synthesizers, teaching himself the flute and clarinet, and designing and building instruments. After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in his mid-twenties, Paul found himself with limitations to his dexterity and mobility. Continuing to follow his passions, Paul became a partner in the Music Source, in Grayslake, for many years.

Paul is survived by his brother, Donald (Sally), and his nieces, Madeleine (Patrick) Bartels and Camille (Nathan) Shoaf, and favorite kiddos, Hazel, Ellie and Freddie. He was predeceased by his parents, Verner MacAlister Mahan and Donald H. Mahan Sr., and his stepmother, Margaret F. Mahan. A memorial service will be held on April 18.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National MS Society in memory of Paul.

Nancy (Archbald) Warsawski ’81

Nancy Ellen Warsawski passed away peacefully March 26, 2025 surrounded by family at Baystate Springfield, after a long battle with Cancer.

Nancy is survived by her husband Joseph Warsawski, sons Jake and Sean Boyle, stepson Jonathan Warsawski, stepdaughter Rebecca Warsawski, brothers Kevin Archbald and wife Diane, Robert Archbald and Cathy, Patrick Archbald ’79 and Kathleen, Michael Archbald ’76 and Montserrat. Several nieces and nephews, 8 grandchildren and one great grandson.

When Nancy was growing up in Pottsville, PA, she excelled in sports. Nancy was on the swimming and diving team where she won trophies. When Nancy moved back to Massachusetts after her mother passed Nancy still excelled in sports. Her lacrosse team from Williston Academy traveled to England to play a team from there, never told me who won. From there Nancy went to HCC where she got her degree in Medical Secretarial, from there she was Senior Regent and a college of Regent at Greenfield Moose Family Center 316 , and a former member of Yarmouth Moose Family Center 2270 and a long time member of the Millers Falls Rod and Gun.

Nancy loved to travel with her husband to Old Orchard Beach, Las Vegas and Cape Cod.

There will be a celebration of her life on May 4, 2025 at 12pm at the M.F.R.&G. located at 210R Turners Falls Road, Montague, MA 01351. If you want to donate make checks out to M.F.R.&G. Building fund.

Kenneth R. Rankin ’93

Mr. Kenneth R. Rankin Sr. of West Orange, NJ passed away suddenly at the age of 50 on Saturday, June 3, 2023. There will be a funeral service celebrated at the Biondi Funeral Home of Nutley on Monday, June 12 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to time of service. The interment will be at Rosedale Cemetery, 408 Orange Road, Orange, NJ.

Kenneth was born in Orange, NJ to Robert and Carol (née Bomar) Rankin on April 29th, 1973. As a young child he was given the nickname of Kenny that continued through his life. Kenny was a graduate of St. Benedict’s Prep Class of ‘92 and during his education he was also a basketball standout. After having a gap-year he made the noble decision to follow in his father’s footsteps by joining the Newark Police Department. Leading to a long and eventful career with a legacy continued by his two sons. Kenny retired from the Newark Police Department in 2018 with the hopes of spending more time with his family and traveling the world.

Not only did Kenny excel at basketball, but he had a love for the sport of golf and was a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan. From a young age Kenny was a self-proclaimed aviation geek and enjoyed building model airplanes. He could also tell which type of aircraft was flying overhead by simply listening to the passing engines. Kenny was a dog person and had a passion for raising and training his multiple dogs throughout his life. He also had an illustrious social and travel life leading to an abundance of friends from all walks of life. Kenny loved traveling to different places. We are sure he will not rest in peace but continue his travels even more so now.

He is survived by his four loving children, Prince Rankin, Tiana Rankin, Kenneth Rankin Jr. and Maya Rankin, his two cherished grand-daughters, both of his devoted parents, his two dear brothers Richard and Thomas Zellars and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and his dog.

Gwendolyn Keiver-Hewett ’75

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend Gwendolyn Keiver-Hewett, 67, of Salem, MA. Wendy passed away on February 3, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind a profound void in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Wendy was an extraordinary woman whose strength, warmth, and unwavering love touched the lives of everyone around her. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Thomas Hewett; her children, Sadie Barlow (husband Kevin), and Tyler VanVeghten; and her grandchildren Emma, Liam and Olivia. She is also survived by her sisters Pam Rodgers, Nancy Goodrow (husband Patrick), Patti Heintzelman (husband Webb); her stepchildren Danny (wife Kara) and Rob, and grandchildren Molly, Ryan, Dylan and Cody. Wendy will be deeply missed by her many nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

Wendy is joined in rest by her parents Pat and Bob Keiver along with many other loved ones that were part of her life. Her family, both by blood and heart, was vast, reflecting the deep connections she fostered and the unwavering love she shared.

Among Wendy’s most significant accomplishments was raising her two children and later, her grandchildren, instilling in them kindness, resilience and determination. Family was at the center of her world and she dedicated herself to ensuring their happiness. She began her career in the Marblehead Public Schools, transitioning into computers and technology at Salem State University, and ultimately pursued her true passion as a Massage Therapist, where her healing energy shined.

Beyond being a mother, Wendy was a devoted wife, sister, and friend. Her laughter, wit, generosity, and vibrant spirit filled every room. She formed lifelong friendships, many of which began in childhood and continued through her deep connection with Fleur de Lis camp for girls. Whether playing sports, attending Green Mountain College, working at the Beach Club or playing softball, Wendy brought joy and camaraderie to every experience. She was always ready with a bit of mischief and an unwavering offer of support.
She cherished her time at Squam Lake, loved visiting beaches on the Northshore, and enjoyed watching storms, supporting small local restaurants, and driving her jeep with the top down. Her love of beaches and new adventures found her swimming in Greece, Hawaii, and French Polynesia. She had an unmatched sweet tooth and was in charge of bringing desserts and her iconic banana bread to every holiday gathering. Wendy’s dogs Max, Marley and Finn were more than pets, each with their own personality but sharing equal adoration for her as their “person.”

A passionate sports enthusiast, Wendy approached life with the same energy and passion that she brought to every game. Whether cheering from the sidelines or participating herself, her enthusiasm for sport and competition was infectious. She taught us all the importance of strength – not only physically but emotionally – facing life’s challenges with unwavering resilience and grace.

Wendy’s legacy of love, strength and spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who knew her. A service to honor Wendy’s life will be held on February 21st at 10:30 AM at Old North Church in Marblehead, MA.

While we will miss Wendy dearly, we take comfort in knowing that her love and light will continue to guide us always. In Lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Kaplan Hospice House in Danvers, MA or Fleur de Lis Camp for girls in Fitzwilliam, NH.

Christopher J. Simard ’75

Christopher J. Simard, 67, of Candler, North Carolina, died at home February 14, 2025 after a prolonged illness. Born March 26, 1957 in South Hadley, Massachusetts, Chris was the beloved son of Paul E. Simard and Allyene P. Simard and cherished sibling to Paul Simard, Peter Simard, Jane Simard, and Jonathan Simard.

Chris was known for his big heart and his passion for music, the Blues in particular, and in his younger days was a regular fixture in the Asheville music scene, often welcomed on stage by national acts to add his considerable skills on the blues harp to their show.

Chris graduated from Williston Northampton School, and attended University of North Carolina at Asheville.

Chris is pre-deceased by parents Paul and Allyene, and brother Paul, and survived by siblings Peter, Jane, and Jonathan, and his many dear friends in the Asheville community.

Rest in peace dear brother, you will be missed.

Lucía Núñez ’78

Lucía Núñez, a Cuban American educator, community activist and LGBTQ+ pioneer, died on September 30, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin.

Lucía was born January 3, 1960, in Cuba and left with her family in 1965. At age 16, Lucia went to boarding school in Easthampton, Massachusetts. She studied political science at Connecticut College and international education at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

In 1985, she joined the Peace Corps to support women, children, and schools in Honduras, and continued advocating for immigrant youth while working at Stanford University. After scouting locations from Oregon to New York, Lucía relocated her family to Wisconsin in 1999. At the time, the Hispanic population of Dane County was seeing triple-digit growth, with little to no infrastructure in place to provide culturally competent support. She joined Centro Hispano as executive director. She also served as deputy director of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, administrator of the State of Wisconsin Equal Rights Division, and the first director of the City of Madison Department of Civil Rights. She marched at Madison’s Latino immigrant rallies and was featured in Somos Latinas: Voices of Wisconsin Latina Activists, published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press. From 2016 until her retirement, she was the vice president of equity, inclusion, and community engagement at Madison Area Technical College.

Lucía is survived by Heidi Vargas, her wife of 35 years, and their two children, Carina Vargas-Nuñez, and Mateo Vargas-Nuñez.

To read the complete obituary please visit Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project and to make a memorial donation to the Lucía Núñez Becas (Scholarship) Program please visit Centro Hispano of Dane County.

Alicia L. du Pont ’74

Alicia Lee du Pont, of Mendham, NJ died peacefully on June 25, 2024 in Morristown, NJ after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born in Wilmington, DE and raised in Bernardsville and Morristown, NJ and New York, NY. She loved animals and devoted her career to working in veterinary medicine in both Orlando, FL, and northern New Jersey.

Alicia is survived by her parents, Dulcinea L. Green of Mendham, NJ and Peter R. du Pont of New York, NY; her sisters, Nichol du Pont of Mendham, NJ and Laura R. du Pont of New York, NY; and her brothers, Peter T. du Pont of Bangkok, Thailand, Scott T. du Pont of North Hollywood, CA and Andrew R. du Pont of New York, NY.

James F. Wzorek III ’89

James (Jay) Francis Wzorek III, son of Capt. James Francis Wzorek Jr, USMC, and JoAnn (Shurigar) Wzorek, was born September 17, 1971, in Milton, FL. He passed away in Ogallala, NE on November 7, 2024 at the age of 53 years.

At the age of 2, the family moved to Easthampton, MA. Later he moved with his mother and sister, Anya, to Gillette, WY, and later to Lander, WY. The family moved to Anchorage, AK, where he attended school through the 8th grade. For his high school years, he attended Williston Northampton in Easthampton, MA.He graduated there as Salutatorian of his class. He attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. He graduated in 1994 with a degree in Material Science Engineering.

Jay enjoyed sailing and his love of the water continued throughout his life. Later he moved to Montreal, Canada, where he worked with companies in the technology field. He left Montreal to work with technology companies around the world. He retired and resided in Denver, CO, and Ogallala, NE until his death.

He was survived by his partner Christina Workman, Ogallala, NE, his parents James Wzorek and step-mother Sue Lacy of Sun City West, AZ and JoAnn Shurigar of Kenesaw, NE, sister Anya Compton (Joe Lewis) Hastings NE, nephew Jonathan Compton, Hastings, NE, step-brother Mark Napier, Goodyear, AZ, step-sister, Nicole (Rob) Preble Rapid City, SD, and many relatives and friends.

The Celebration of Life will be held on April 12, 2025, in Kenesaw, NE at the Senior Citizen Center.