Obituaries

March 26th, 2008

 

1930s

Richard A. Schwenck '33, of Miami; Jul. 13. He was a retired salesman and veteran of World War II, having served as a communications engineer in the U.S. Army. He enjoyed his family and playing bridge. He is survived by two sons, a granddaughter, a niece, and two nephews.

Rita Lynch Billingkoff '35, of North Attleboro, Mass.; Nov. 21. She was a retired elementary school teacher and member of the Massachusetts Teacher's Association. She belonged to St. Mary's Church. She enjoyed reading, traveling, and both the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox. She is survived by a son, five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Joseph B. Grossman '35, of Quincy, Mass.; Dec. 11, of Alzheimer's. He was part of the third generation to run the Grossman's Lumber Co. He started working for the family business as a salesman and had attained the title of supervisor when the company was bought out by Evans Products Co. in 1969. He served as director of Home Owners Federal Savings and Loan for 46 years. He was actively involved with the Quincy and New England Councils of Boy Scouts of America, receiving the Silver Beaver and Silver Antelope awards (high commendations for adults who contribute to councils). He is survived by a daughter, four grandchildren, including Andy Molinsky '90 and five great-grandchildren.

Oliver W. Hayes '37, of Amherst, N.H.; Nov. 29, of complications from surgery. He was of counsel and cofounder of Hayes Soloway P.C. in Manchester, N.H. He was earlier employed by National Research (later the Norton Co.) as chief patent counsel. During that time he was elected president of the Boston Patent Law Association and listed in Who's Who of American Men of Science. He served on various town committees and was a member of the Mayflower Society. He enjoyed gardening, collecting antiques, and traveling. He is survived by a daughter, a son, and a granddaughter.

John W. Manchester '37, '39 AM, of Shelburne, Vt.; Oct. 19. He taught college courses in finance, accounting, and business administration at Nathaniel Hawthorne College in Antrim, N.H., until he retired in 1992. Prior to his teaching career, he held several positions in finance: chief financial officer for S.W. Industries, as well as chairman and controller of its U.S. parent company and its Scottish subsidiary; Raytheon Company comptroller for foreign operations in Rome and Tokyo; and comptroller for several textile manufacturers in South Carolina, Alabama, and New York. He was also at one time a special agent for the F.B.I. Phi Beta Kappa. He enjoyed poetry, literature, classical music, opera, and Broadway musicals. He is survived by two daughters; sons Robert '66 and John '74; nine grandchildren, including Jessie Manchester '98; and five great-grandchildren.

Alfred S. Howes '38, of Scarsdale, N.Y.; Nov. 8. He was a business and insurance consultant. Over the course of his career he worked with Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Co. and the New York State Temporary Commission on Banking, Insurance, and Financial Services. He served as past president of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Life Insurance Underwriters, sat on the boards of 26 companies, and qualified as a member of the Million Dollar Roundtable every year from 1950 to 2003, when he retired. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a member of the Brown Club of New York, the Fort Orange Club in Albany, the University Club in Albany, the Fort Schuyler Club in Utica, and the Princeton Club. He enjoyed gardening, collecting stamps, and playing bridge. He is survived by three daughters and three grandchildren.

Helen Tobin Auger '39, of Enfield, N.H.; Nov. 2, of cancer. She was a retired elementary school teacher. Her memberships included the Enfield Historical Society, the Fifty Plus Club, and the Shaker Museum. She is survived by her husband, Harry, as well as a daughter, a son, and three grandchildren.

 

1940s

Edward H. Jones '40, of North Kingstown, R.I.; Jun. 30. He was a retired vice president of Allendale Mutual Ins. Co. He is survived by his wife, Florence, as well as a daughter and three sons.

John J. McLaughry '40, of Needham, Mass.; Nov. 28, after a long illness. He served as the director of summer and special projects at Brown, until he retired in 1979. He also served as the football coach at Brown (1959–66), Amherst (1950–58), and Union (1947–49). As a student, he was captain of the football team and a 1938 All-American. He played on the Eastern College All-Star team that defeated the New York Giants in 1940. He played a season of professional football for the New York Giants after graduation. He was named to the Brown Football Hall of Fame and was an incorporator of the Brown Football Association. He was a member of the Providence Art Club, where his work was shown several times. He is survived by his wife, Lois, as well as a daughter, two sons, a stepson, and six grandchildren.

Jean Perry Reynolds '40, of Lincroft, N.J., and Ft. Myers Beach, Fla.; Sept. 29. She was a retired librarian for Rhode Island College. She enjoyed playing duplicate bridge and was a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan. She is survived by two daughters, three granddaughters, three great-grandchildren, and a sister.

Richard B. Earle '42, of Conway, N.H.; Oct. 16. He had a wide range of occupations, but throughout his career he always taught skiing. Before becoming an initial investor/instructor for the Wildcat Mountain Ski Resort, in New Hampshire's White Mountains, he was a pilot for the civilian air corps and flew supply missions to the Canadian Arctic. He also worked as an X-ray technician and laboratory manager for Memorial Hospital in North Conway, and wrote for Ski magazine. He was a founding member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America and a delegate to two International Congresses of Ski Instructors held in Italy and Austria. Having a lifelong love for classical music, he worked at WBNC radio in Conway hosting an afternoon classical radio program. He volunteered with the New Hampshire Music Festival, served a term as board president, and was introduced to the Barnstormers Theater. He then joined the Actor's Equity Union and became a regular actor. He is survived by four sons, seven grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

M. Eileen Brennan Pratt '42, of Simsbury, Conn.; Nov. 10. She was a homemaker and member of St. Mary's Church Ladies Guild and McLean Auxiliary. She is survived by two sons, two daughters, eight grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and a brother.

John C. Wellington '42, of Southwest, Me.; Nov. 19, of prostate cancer. He was a retired radio news announcer, director, and talk show host for WLBZ radio in Bangor, Maine. His morning talk show, "Let's Talk It Over," dealt with important issues of the day. He volunteered at Southwest Harbor Medical Clinic as the unofficial greeter and general helper, always trying to ease patients with his humor. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He enjoyed tennis and golf, and was a member of the Causeway Club. He is survived by a daughter, a son, two stepsons, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Evelyn Reilly Gunning '43, of North Providence, R.I.; Aug. 17. She worked at Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. until 1946. She volunteered with Reading for the Blind and the After Abortion Hotline and served as past president of the Rhode Island Association of Mental Health. She is survived by a daughter, a sister, and several nieces and nephews.

William L. Jenney '43, of New Bedford, Mass.; Nov. 22. He was a retired general surgeon. Throughout his career he held many titles, including chief of staff at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford, fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and associate professor at both Tufts and Harvard medical schools. He was a member of the New Bedford Chapter of the American Academy of General Practice, and the New Bedford and Massachusetts Medical Societies. He was a former executive board member and chairman of the religious planning committee of the New Bedford Port Society, serving as a docent and piloting tours of the Seamen's Bethel. An accomplished musician, he played the flute and piccolo in the Dartmouth Community Band and the Tri-County Symphonic Band. He was an avid sailor. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie, as well as a son, two daughters, and six grandchildren.

Edwin Wilks '43, of Brewster, Mass.; Sept. 23. He was a retired branch office manager for Stein-Hall Ltd. in Montreal, Canada. During World War II he served in the U.S. Navy. An avid golfer, he was a member of Captain's Gold Course. He is survived by his wife, Doris, as well as a daughter, two sons, and seven grandchildren.

Herbert Boothman Jr '44, of Swansea, Mass.; Nov. 16. He was employed by the Fall River Gas Co. until he retired as executive vice president in 1997. He was a trustee and member of the board of investment of the former Union Savings Bank and upon its merger with Citizens Union Bank served as director of the executive committee, retiring in 2006. During World War II he served in both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army, and was discharged through the U.S. National Guard. He was a member of the South Swansea Union Church, the Swansea Rotary, and the Fall River Lodge of Elks #118. He was a former president of the Montaup Country Club. In addition to enjoying golf, he was an avid bowler and an umpire for the Fall River youth leagues. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, as well as a daughter, a son, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a brother.

Richard S. Boynton '45, of Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich.; Oct. 17, of heart failure. He was a retired sales engineer for TRW Inc. During World War II he served as first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, where he flew 29 missions over Germany and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. An avid golfer, he was a member of the Woodland Golf Club in Newton, Mass., and the Senior Men's Club in Grosse Pointe. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, of 342 Ridgemont Rd., Grosse Pointe Farms 48236, as well as two daughters, four sons, and eight grandchildren.

Jean Balcom Holbrook '45, of Wolfeboro, N.H.; Oct. 28. She was a retired lab technician from Huggins Hospital in Wolfeboro. She is survived by a daughter, a son, and two grandchildren.

Joan O'Gorman '45, of New York City; Nov. 26.

Heath O. Washburn '46, of Santa Barbara, Calif.; Nov. 7. He had a long career with the Santa Barbara County Public Works Department in the Architect/Engineering division. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army and later spent two years in the U.S. Merchant Marines. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, as well as two daughters, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Kenneth MacDonald '49; of Bay Village, Ohio; Jul. 31. He is survived by a daughter, four sons, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

 

1950s

Moss H. Bergwall '50, of Barrington, R.I.; Dec. 1. He was a retired sales engineer for Megatherm Corp. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. An avid golfer, he was a cochairman of the PGA Greater Hartford Open tournament. He was a communicant of St. John's Episcopal Church in Barrington. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; two sons; a daughter; seven grandchildren; and brothers Joseph '46 and Harold '50.

Paul H. Daube Jr '50, of Deerfield, Ill.; May 7. He was the founder of The Daube Co., an influential buying group for independent retailers. Eventually The Daube Co. served as the merchandising arm of Big & Tall Associates. He is survived by his wife, Shirlee; a daughter; two sons, including Scott '80; and several grand/great-grandchildren.

Arnold L. Ginsburg '50, of West Palm Beach, Fla.; Oct. 27. He is survived by his wife, Jane; a son; and two daughters, including Donna Ginsburg '79.

Janet Pressler Newberger '50, of Dallas; Sept. 13, of a brain tumor. She was a community volunteer who enjoyed cooking, sailing, and traveling. She is survived by her husband, Morris, of 17 Royal Way, Dallas 75229, as well as a daughter and two sons.

Frank S. Scott '50, of Cranston, R.I.; Nov. 13. He was a landscape architect involved in the building and developing of numerous residential and commercial properties throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. He served thirty years as chair of the Cranston School Building Committee. During World War II he served in the U.S. Navy. He volunteered with civic and religious organizations throughout Rhode Island and was very supportive of Brown. He is survived by his wife, Barys; sons Mark '75, '86 MD and Neil '79; a daughter; daughter-in-law Diana DiGianfilippo Scott '75; two grandsons, including Mark II '05; granddaughter Dana Scott '09; a sister, and two brothers.

John W. Works '50, of Silver Lake, Ohio; Nov. 12, after a long illness. He was a retired professor of finance at the Univ. of Akron, following a long career at Duquesne. He was a veteran of the Korean War. He is survived by his wife, Trudy, as well as a daughter, two sons, and three grandchildren.

George F. Colwell '51, of The Plains, Va.; Oct. 18, of Alzheimer's. He was a retired self-employed beef farmer. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Belleau Wood in the Pacific theater. He was a member of the Lions Club, the Farmers Cooperative, and the Fauquier Livestock Exchange. He is survived by two sons, two daughters, six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and a brother.

Robert F. Granucci '51 of Wallingford, Conn.; Aug. 4. He is survived by five sons, eleven grandchildren, and a sister.

Robert W. Hanna '51, of Stoughton, Mass.; Nov. 21. He was an engineer at Raytheon in Bedford, Mass., until he retired in 1975. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and the U.S. Navy. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, as well as five daughters and seven grandchildren.

Anthony A. Malo '51, of Montreal, Quebec; Dec. 6, of Parkinson's. He was the owner and president of Nelco Inc., a family-run plumbing and heating business. He served a term as chairman of the board of the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating, and was a member of the Royal Montreal Golf Club. While at Brown, he was a member of the 1951 hockey team that played in the NCAA Championship, and he was inducted into the Brown Hall of Fame in 1998. He played professional hockey in Wembley, England, for a year before starting his business. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, as well as a daughter, a son, and four grandchildren.

Gordon Schonfarber Jr '51, of Coventry, R.I.; Jul. 21, of cancer. He was the retired owner of Schonfarber Advertising in Providence. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Advertising Federation of America, the Rhode Island Country Club, St. John's Episcopal Church in Barrington, R.I., and the Masons. He enjoyed golfing, gardening, and reading. He is survived by four daughters and seven grandchildren.

King Y. Ming '52, of San Francisco; Nov. 10, of Parkinson's. He was a cost analyst for Sperry Rand in New York City until he retired in 1987. He was a member of Chinese American Citizens Alliance, where he also served as treasurer and auditor. He enjoyed ballroom dancing. He is survived by his mother, Sara Ming; his wife, Dawn; two sons; a granddaughter; a sister; and a brother.

Edward T. Casey '53, of Belchertown, Mass.; Nov. 8. He was a retired junior high school teacher. A well known piper, he was a member of the Springfield Kiltie Band, the John Boyle O'Reilly Club, and the Quaboag Highlanders, who present an award in his honor each year, the Ed Casey Heart O' Gold Award. During World War II he served in the U.S. Navy and received the Victory Medal. He was also a member of the Massachusetts and National teachers associations. As a member of Sacred Heart Church in Springfield, he served as parish collector, Eucharistic minister, lector, and choir member. He is survived by his wife, Madeline, as well as two daughters, two sons, and four grandchildren.

Marilyn Leary Howe '53, of Jefferson, Mass.; Nov. 7, following an illness. She was a retired professor of psychology at Quinsigamond Community College. She enjoyed reading, traveling, and the arts. She is survived by two sons.

Everett H. Upton '53, of Smithsburg, Md.; Jul. 22. He was a retired Providence public school teacher. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He is survived by a nephew.

Russell J. Houldin '54, of West Hurley, N.Y.; July 1, 2006. He is survived by his wife, Carole.

Matthew S. Perlman '57, of Potomac, Md.; Dec. 5, of pancreatic cancer. He was a partner in the firm Arent Fox Kintner Plotkin & Kahn, retiring in 2001. As a specialist in government funding and construction, he worked on many high-profile projects in Washington, D.C., including the building of the Verizon Center and the Ronald Reagan Building. He served as a legal officer for the U.S. Air Force and a judge on the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals, and from 1967 to 1969 was an assistant general counsel with the U.S. Department of Transportation. In 1993 he won a case before the U.S. Supreme Court about postal rates on behalf of the Greeting Card Association. He enjoyed the Washington Redskins, Brown football, and travel with family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Julia; daughters Penelope Perlman Blank '90, Deborah Perlman Osofsky '92, and Sarah Perlman '94; son, Jacob '98; and four grandchildren.

James H. Moulton '58, of El Cajon, Calif.; Jul. 22.

Joseph V. Richardson '58, of Antioch, Calif.; Jun. 27. He is survived by a brother.

Marilyn McKenna Jenkins '59, of Gravois Mill, Mo.; Nov. 22, of cancer. She was a retired medical records technician and a proud homemaker. Throughout her life she volunteered as a Sunday school teacher, Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout den mother, camp counselor, and swimming instructor. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, reading, crossword puzzles, and animals. She is survived by her husband, William, two daughters, two sons, two stepdaughters, four stepsons, thirteen grandchildren, nine step-grandchildren, and three step-great-grandchildren.

Ronald A. Siff '59, of Shrewsbury, Mass.; Nov. 13. He was a retired vice president of the B-W Footwear Manufacturing Co. in Webster, Mass. and a former partner in the Longview Farms Recording Studio in North Brookfield. He was on the board of directors for the Webster Boys Club and a trustee of Worcester Academy. In 2005 he was inducted into the Worcester Academy Hall of Fame for his 50-plus years of alumni work at the school. He was also on the board of directors of the Worcester Jewish Community Center and regional director in the New England Region of the Classic Car Club of America. He is survived by three daughters, three sons, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, brother Robert '48, niece Karen Siff-Exkorn '82, and nephew Lawrence Siff '84.

 

1960s

John M. Levy '62, of Littleton, Colo.; May 11. He is survived by his wife, Sandra, two daughters, two sons, and five grandchildren.

Thomas M. Rhine '63, of Hartford, Conn.; Nov. 9, of cancer. He had a successful residential real estate career until retirement in the early 1990s. He was a member of the Rhode Island National Guard, Trinity Episcopal Church, and the Town and Country Club. He enjoyed reading, traveling, and being with friends and family. He is survived by three children, three grandchildren, and a brother.

Walter Parrs Jr. '64, of Memphis; Sept. 5, of pancreatic cancer. He was a retired lawyer. He was a member of the American Bar Association, International Bar Association, and India House of New York City. He is survived by his wife, Marianne, of 3492 Windgarden Cove, Memphis 38125, as well as a daughter, two sons, two grandchildren, and a brother, Eugene '67.

John C. Given '66, of Staatsburg, N.Y.; Oct. 30. He was a columnist and winemaker. His professional career began as a journalist for Westinghouse Broadcasting and the Chicago Daily News, writing in Italy, Honolulu, Buffalo, and New York City until 1988. After becoming a winemaker, he wrote a wine column for the Poughkeepsie Journal while starting his own winemaking business. He became the winemaker for Benmarl (New York State's first farm winery), eventually producing his own line of wines, which were sold in 13 states. During the Vietnam War he served in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps. He is survived by his wife, Anne-Catherine, as well as four stepchildren, a sister, and a brother.

Adiele Nwachuku '66, '68 AM, of Middletown, Conn.; Nov. 3, after a long illness. He was a senior applications support analyst for Aetna. Prior to holding this position he taught computer science and became head of the department of electronic engineering at Enugu Institute of Management and Technology in his homeland of Nigeria. He was instrumental in establishing the Department of Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology at the newly formed polytechnic in Nekede. Following this position, he became the first academic professor of technology at Anambra State University and its successor, Enugu State University of Technology. He held various positions there, including professor, dean, and deputy vice chancellor before returning to the United States in 1995. He was an Eze or traditional ruler of his community of Ujuru in Nigeria. He is survived by his wife, Margaret, as well as a daughter, two sons, and three grandchildren.

 

1970s

Bruce A. Henderson '71, of Malibu, Calif.; Nov. 5, of a brain tumor. He was the Chairman and CEO of Imation Corp., a global data storage and consumer technology company. He co-authored two books: Lean Transformation: How to Transform Your Business Into a Lean Enterprise, and A Workbook for Assessing Your Lean Transformation. He is survived by his wife, Carla, and two daughters.

William L. Kolkmeyer '72, of Cincinnati; Jul. 14. He is survived by his wife, Maureen, and four daughters.

James D. Newey '72, of Castro Valley, Calif.; Dec. 1, 2006, of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He was the assistant agricultural commissioner for the county of Alameda. In addition to his active interest in the history of Alameda County, he was a skilled carpenter, an avid tennis and golf player, a beekeeper, and an accomplished jazz pianist. He is survived by his wife, Ann, and a daughter.

Stephen P. Griffey '76, of Southborough, Mass.; Nov. 8, following a long illness. He was a retired surgeon at the UMass Medical Center. He is survived by his wife, Katharine; his father, Louis; two sons; five sisters; and a brother.

 

1980s

Todd N. Jacobs '85, of Ridgewood, N.J.; Jul. 28. He was an attorney with O'Melvery Meyers LLP in New York City. He is survived by his parents, Al and Jean Jacobs; his wife, Johanna; two daughters; and a sister.

Elizabeth L. Schroeder '89, of Redmond, Wash.; Aug. 22, of diabetes complications. She practiced, taught, and did research in the new field of pediatric and adolescent gynecology at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. In 2001 she became a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She enjoyed theater, music, and travel. She is survived by her parents, Paul and Mary Jo Schroeder, and numerous friends.

 

1990s

Theodore Romanoff '97, of New York City; Aug. 25. He is survived by his mother, Janet Romanoff.

 

GS

Forrest M. Batson '34 PhD, of Fair Lawn, N.J.; Nov. 4. He was the manager of technical services for Allied Corp., now Honeywell, in Morristown, N.J., until he retired in 1972. He was a member of the Central Unitarian Church of Paramus, N.J. He is survived by a daughter, four grandchildren, and a sister.

Jeanette Dearden Denning '41 AM, '43 PhD, of Somerset, Mass.; Oct. 21. She was a retired professor of English at Bristol Community College, where the Denning Prize is named in her honor. She was a volunteer for the Fall River Historical Society, most recently proofreading the Society's newest book on Lizzie Borden, which will soon be published. Previously, she was a dictionary editor and war department translator. She is survived by a daughter and a son.

Nathan Taragin '42 AM, of Boca Raton, Fla.; Apr. 27. He was a rabbi at the Jewish Center of Highbridge in New York, retiring in 1994. A member of the New York Board of Rabbis, he was named New York City Chaplain of the Year in 1976. He enjoyed gardening, and is survived by his wife, Beatrice, a daughter, a son, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Katharine Littlefield Poor '46 AM, of Arlington, Mass.; July 29. She was a writer and artist. She wrote a weekly column, "New York Observer," for the Providence Journal about art exhibits, theater, films, and places to explore. From 1942 to 1945 she was the dean of the academic department at the Katharine Gibbs School in Providence. She is survived by a son and three grandchildren.

Franklin S. Coyle '60 AM, '72 PhD, of Hendersonville, N.C.; Oct. 29. He had a long and successful teaching career at Barrington College in Providence and Oral Roberts Univ. in Tulsa, Okla. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Hendersonville. He is survived by a brother, a sister, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Iris Kinoian '61 MAT, of Providence; Oct. 6. She was a lifelong educator and worked for the past fifteen years as a secretary for St. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church. She is survived by two sisters, a brother, and several nieces and nephews.

Peter H. Luce '63 AM, of Vineyard Haven, Mass.; Oct. 25. He had a long public service career in San Francisco and was an accomplished actor and director. In retirement he was very active in the Tisbury Senior Center on Martha's Vineyard, leading play-reading groups and performing at the Vineyard Playhouse. He was also a member of the Vineyard Peace Council and initiated a youth scholarship program. He is survived by his wife, Susan, as well as a son, a daughter, a grandchild, and a brother.

Robert P. Ryan '63 PhD, of Braintree, Mass.; Mar. 30. He was a retired physicist.

Susan J. Briggs '69 MAT, of Anacortes, Wash.; Nov. 3. She taught English as well as preschool and parent education classes for Bellevue Community College before becoming an elementary school librarian. In retirement on Washington's Guemes Island, she was very active in community affairs: Neighbors Helping Neighbors, the Women's Fellowship of Guemes Island Community Church, Guemes Island Community Council, Guemes Connects, and the Brown Baggers Book Club. She ran Housewatch, a small business caring for the pets and homes of friends while they traveled. She is survived by two sons.

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