Tag Archives: Williston Northampton School

Sara Strait Egan ’84

Sara Strait Egan passed away on August 8th, 2024, with her family by her side, after a nearly two year battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bradley Charles Egan, who passed away on April 29th, 2022, at their home in Madison, CT.

Sara was born on September 20th, 1965, to Charles “Sandy” Strait and Joan Sommer (Strait) Kratky, and was raised in Fairfield, CT with her older siblings, Don and Jody. Sara attended Fairfield University for two years before transferring to Skidmore College, where she majored in English. After graduating in 1988, she worked in various editing roles for publications and magazines in CT.

Brad was born on December 11th, 1959, to Paul and Ruth Egan, and was raised primarily in Norwalk, CT and Wilmington, DE with his older sister Sara. Brad attended Connecticut College, where he played on the hockey and tennis teams, as well as spent a year studying abroad in England. He graduated in 1982 with a degree in Economics and Political Science, and embarked on a successful career in management consulting, commercial real estate lending, and real estate development.

Brad and Sara were introduced by mutual friends in the summer of 1987 and started dating long distance, with Sara finishing up school at Skidmore before she moved to Stamford, CT after graduating. Brad proposed on the rocks in Rowayton, CT in December 1989, and they were married in Westport, CT on September 29th, 1990. They had their first son, Kyle, in 1993, and moved to Madison, CT a couple of years later, where Blake was born in 1996. They loved the town of Madison and their neighborhood, instantly making lifelong friends. They were very active in their community, including as local business owners, being involved in Madison Little League, and helping to organize the annual neighborhood charity golf tournament. Brad loved coaching the boys’ Little League teams, and when Blake and Kyle later went on to play soccer, tennis, baseball, and football, Brad and Sara never missed a game. They were immensely proud of their sons and found great joy in the boys’ accomplishments through sports, school, and in their careers.

Brad and Sara were not just partners but best friends for their nearly 32 years of marriage. They made each other laugh and found entertainment in the little, everyday things. Together they enjoyed tennis, skiing, reading, spending time at the beach, cooking new recipes for their family, walks with their dogs, and spending summers with their family in Maine. They had so much fun together, and brought the same infectious joy to everyone around them.

Brad had a quick wit and sharp mind, assessing any situation quickly and accurately and delivering hilarious one-liners. He was confident and self-assured, and was the life of every party. He had a great mind for real estate, and found success in commercial real estate, flipping houses, and owning and running Shoreline Modular Homes in Madison. Throughout his career, he always put his family first and prioritized spending time with them over his work.

Sara was loving, patient, and kind, and lit up every room with her bright and gentle spirit. She was the best cook, whether it was Eggs Benedict every Easter and Christmas morning, or lobster dinners for birthdays spent in Maine. She adored all animals, especially her four Springer Spaniels throughout her life: Freckles, Cocoa, Bailey, and Colby. Following Brad’s sudden passing and her cancer diagnosis just 5 months later, she showed incredible strength and tenacity in the face of unimaginably painful circumstances and fought her cancer until the very end.

Above all, Brad and Sara loved their family unconditionally and devoted their lives to each other and their sons. They will be endlessly missed by Kyle, Blake, Sara’s mother Joan, stepmother Agnes, sister Jody, brother Don, Don’s wife Debbie and children, Brad’s sister Sara, Kyle’s wife Laura, Blake’s girlfriend Emily, their beloved Springer Spaniel Colby, and countless friends and neighbors.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society Relatives and friends are invited to attend Brad and Sara’s memorial service on Saturday, September 14th, 2024, at 11:00 am at St. Margaret Church, 24 Academy Street, Madison, CT 06443.

Brian W. Bourque ’90

Brian W. Bourque, 53, of West Springfield, MA, died unexpectedly, surrounded by his family, Monday night, January 26, 2026, after complications during surgery.

Brian was born in Springfield, the son of Wilfrid J. and Cindy (Sutter) Bourque Jr. and has lived in West Springfield his entire life. He was a 1990 graduate of the Williston Northampton School and was the vice-president of Cardinal Homes of West Springfield. A communicant of St. Thomas the Apostle Church. Brian loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also loved spending time at the Cape.

Besides his parents, he leaves two daughters Madelyn M. and Claire M. Bourque and their mother Katie Bourque: his sisters Lisa Pellegrini and Amy Bourque ’93 and her fiancé Steve Scott and nieces and nephews Abby Bourque, Andrew and Nathan Pellegrini and Max Schaetzer.

Visiting hours will be held at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home Thursday, February 5th starting at 10:30am and concluding with a funeral home service at noon followed by burial in St. Thomas Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Thomas the Apostle annual fund, 75 Pine Street,West Springfield, MA 01089 or the Deer Hill Rod & Gun Club, 225 Porter Hill Road, Cummington, MA 01026.

Kelly (McCormack) Houseman ’86

May 21, 1967 — December 20, 2025

Kelly K. Houseman (nee McCormack), 58, of Buffalo, NY, entered into rest on December 20, 2025.

Beloved wife of David Houseman, and formerly Paul Higgins Jr.; devoted mother of Patrick Higgins (Brittney Fahnestock); stepmother of Matthew and Daniel Houseman; loving daughter of Corley (nee McDonald) Gordon and the late Maxwell L. McCormack Jr.; daughter-in-law of Richard and Judy Houseman; former daughter-in-law of Carolyn Higgins and the late Paul Higgins Sr.; dear sister of Patty (Brian) Elwell, Patrick (Jackie) McCormack; sister-in-law of Mark Higgins, Katherine (Brian) Huck, Kevin (Kimberly) Higgins, and Christopher (Michelle) Higgins; adored aunt of Jake (Jamie) Elwell, Madeline Elwell (Jacob Smith), Maxwell McCormack, Connor, Blake, Tyler Huck, Russell, Ryan, Justin, Stephen, and Timothy Higgins; special friend of Ian Leach. Also survived by cousins, family, and friends.

Kelly earned a degree in Criminal Justice from Rochester Institute of Technology and was an active goalie for the women’s hockey team. She excelled as a paralegal for various Buffalo Law Firms, before finding rewarding work as a Human Resource Assistant for Belmont Housing Resources for WNY.

A Celebration of Life will be celebrated at a time convenient to the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Kelly’s memory may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo at www.hospicebuffalo.com

David J. Partyka ’75

David J. Partyka, Ph.D., 68, of Chicopee, Massachusetts, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025.

David was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, on August 31, 1957, the beloved son of the late Max C. and Esther (Noga) Partyka. David attended Williston Northampton School, and Clark University before moving to Tallahassee, Florida to obtain both his Master’s Degree and his Doctoral Degree in clinical psychology at Florida State University. He was both a clinical and consulting psychologist in both private practice and for state agencies in Tallahassee. He later moved to Savannah, Georgia, where he was an outpatient forensic evaluator for the State of Georgia. He moved back to Chicopee in 2017, and was most recently a Clinical and Forensic Psychologist in private practice. He was a dedicated to his profession and continued to educate himself in his field.

David’s family was most important to him. He was an avid boater and sailor and he enjoyed skiing and ice boating. His enjoyment of these activities only increased when he shared them with his mom, dad and sister. He enjoyed his summers in West Dennis on Cape Cod, a special place for him. He was at home on the ocean and the waters of Bass River.

David was predeceased by his loving parents, and several aunts and uncles. He is survived by his loving and devoted sister, Mary D. Partyka, who was also his best friend. He leaves behind his dear aunt and uncle, Helen and Gerald Ratelle of Ludlow, and many cousins and friends.

A private celebration of his life was held on December 1, 2025, at Grise Funeral Home in Chicopee. Contributions can be made in David’s name to the Friends of Bass River at 17 Point of Rocks Road, Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts 02675. (www.friendsofbassriver.org).

Robert Bagley, Former Faculty

Robert Bagley, born on June 17, 1954, in Wolverhampton, England, passed away on November 18, 2025, in Northampton, Massachusetts. He was 71 years old.

Robert spent time after grammar school going to the ATC, an air training corps, to be a pilot in the RAF, before he dedicated much of his life to education and mentorship. After time at Lakewood Prep, the Hun School, and Pennington School, he spent three decades at Williston Northampton School, where he built a lasting legacy through the countless students whose lives he touched. His commitment to teaching and his enduring presence in the classroom left an indelible mark on the school community.

Beyond his professional life, Robert was known for his intelligence and quick wit. He had a gift for storytelling and a well-timed joke, always ready to share a laugh or a thoughtful insight. Those who knew him appreciated not only his knowledge but also the warmth and humor with which he shared it. Robert found great joy in the outdoors. Whether working in his woodworking shop, casting a line while fishing, or simply enjoying nature as an avid outdoorsman and educator, he embraced the world around him with curiosity and appreciation.

He leaves behind a loving family: his daughter Robin ’96; his son James ’03 and James’s wife Amy; and their two children, Victoria and Robert. He is also remembered by his sister Karen and her husband Stephen, along with many nieces and their families. Robert was predeceased by his beloved wife Susan who passed away in 2016.

A celebration of life will be held on a later date to celebrate his 72nd birthday. May Robert Bagley’s memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to be part of his life.

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.