Obituaries

Carole L. Gray ’65 MAT, of Punta Gorda, Fla., formerly of Providence, R.I.; Feb. 14. She taught math at Warwick Veterans High School (R.I.) for 35 years. She also earned a law degree from Suffolk University and was admitted to the Rhode Island Bar in 1981.

Myron G. Anderson ’59 PhD, of St. Cloud, Minn., formerly of Hartford, Conn.; Feb. 10. He was a professor of philosophy at Trinity College before moving and accepting a position in the philosophy department at St. Cloud State University. He retired after 60 years at SCSU.  

Roger L. Emerson ’58 AM, of London, Ontario; Feb. 28. He taught social science and humanities for a year at the University of Minnesota and for two years taught in the humanities program at MIT before joining the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, where he remained in the history department for the rest of his teaching career, becoming professor in 1983. He was the author of more than 60 articles and seven books. He sat on the editorial board of Hume Studies from 1984 to 1994 and was a longtime member of the Eighteenth-Century Scottish Studies Society, becoming its second president in 1984. He was the 2008 recipient of the ECSSS lifetime achievement award. 

 Federico J. Barrera ’28, of Madison, Conn.; Mar. 8. At the time of his passing he was studying math and engineering. In 2023, he was recognized for his academic excellence and dedication to learning, earning the Seal of Biliteracy in both Spanish and French. He also received the Madison Board of Education Senior Scholar Recognition Award, the English Reading Award for Journalism, the Scholastic Writing Award, and distinctions in mathematics, physics, and world languages. He participated in chess, debate and math team, and fencing, and played instruments including the quena, piano, cello, and guitar.

Toyin A. Mustapha ’13, of Hanover Park, Ill.; Jan. 30. She is survived by her mother, two sisters, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Tracey M. Wilson ’93 PhD, of West Hartford, Conn.; Feb. 24, from melanoma. She taught history for 36 years at Conard High School in West Hartford. She created a local history and African American history class that is still offered today. During her tenure, she initiated both the middle school Gay Straight Alliance and an LGBTQ+ Teacher Alliance and she led human rights exchange trips to South Africa. In addition to her work in the school, she collaborated with students outside the classroom creating Empty Bowls, a program to address hunger, and she spent summers at St. Johnsbury Academy teaching AP history teachers. In 2004, she was named West Hartford’s town historian and wrote a monthly column on local history for 15 years for West Hartford Life. Her columns were compiled into a book, Life in West Hartford, that was published in 2018. After retiring, she turned to researching and teaching about the legacy of slavery in West Hartford. Her research and work led to significant changes in the West Hartford landscape that included adding the name of an enslaved man, Prut, to the West Hartford Veterans War Memorial, renaming Dinah Road in honor of a mother and daughter, both named Dinah, who were enslaved in West Hartford in the 1700s, establishing the Blue Back Civil Rights Mural, and placing witness stones for more than 60 enslaved residents in the Town Center cemetery. She was instrumental in working with the West Hartford African American Social & Cultural Organization in naming Bristow Middle School for Bristow, an enslaved resident who bought his freedom from enslaver Thomas Hooker. In 2023, she was the recipient of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce Noah Webster Award. She was also active at the Universalist Church of West Hartford, serving as a member of its governing board and as moderator. She and her wife, Beth Bye, who survives her, are proud to be known as the first gay couple to have been married in West Hartford.  

John I. Rector ’71, of Pawtucket, R.I.; Mar. 6. He was co-owner of Leo’s restaurant, a favorite haunt of many Brunonians. After working at the Grad Center Bar and eventually becoming its manager, it was only natural that John, along with a friend, would start his own place in downtown Providence. Leo’s opened in 1974, serving as a peaceful place for a diverse community. John welcomed eccentrics. He and his partner salvaged and restored an old mahogany bar from McGovern’s on Smith Hill, and commissioned artists to make tiles for the tables. Dan Gosch’s giant mural “What’ll It Be,” which depicted a bar-load of people, from elderly twin sisters eating hotdogs to the founder of Textron, came to represent the melting pot that was Leo’s. In the two decades it operated, it was closed only two days a year—Christmas Day and Labor Day.  In addition to being a restaurateur, John also served as vice president of development for Save the Bay, raising over a million dollars in donations. A birthday celebration of his life, with live music and an AV show, was held at the Met in Providence on May 17.  

Walter H. Kunnen ’71, of Naples, Fla., formerly of Warren, Pa.; Nov. 6, of pancreatic cancer. After Brown he attended Georgetown University School of Medicine and completed a surgical residency at Baylor College of Medicine, followed by an orthopedic residency at the University of Massachusetts in Worcester. In 1979, he completed a radiology residency and fellowship. Settling in Warren in 1981, he practiced radiology at Warren Radiology for 34 years. He retired to Florida in 2018.

Esmond V. Harmsworth ’90, of London, England, formerly of Boston and Newport, R.I.; Apr. 13. After graduating from Harvard Law School, he was a founding partner of the former Zachary Shuster Harmsworth Literary Agency, which merged with Kuhn Projects in 2016 to form Aevitas Creative, of which he was president. Each year he sponsored the Esmond Harmsworth lecture at Oxford University’s Rothermere American Institute. He was an active philanthropist and supported numerous causes pertaining to literary arts, free expression, fine arts, and LGBTQ rights. He was a benefactor of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Equity Without Borders, and GrubStreet to “ensure writers of all backgrounds have what they need to develop their voices and share their stories.” 

Jonathan M. Strain ’84, of New York City; Feb. 11, after being struck by a car. He had an extensive career in commercial real estate for more than 40 years. He worked with Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, became a partner at Juniper Capital, and, most recently, at Sail Harbor Capital. While at Brown, he was a member of the lacrosse team and continued to coach boys’ lacrosse in Montclair, N.J. He enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, and skiing.

Leonard Boudreau ’83, of Clearwater, Fla., formerly of Providence, R.I.; Feb. 5, of lung cancer. He had a career at Suncoast Hospice working in the health information department. An accomplished musician, he was a longtime member of the Providence Mandolin Orchestra.

 Brenda J. Balon ’83, of South Burlington, Vt., formerly of Needham, Mass.; Mar. 5. After earning an MBA from Simmons College, she worked for many years as a program manager for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Massachusetts. She was active in the South Burlington community and is survived by her husband Douglas Smith ’86.

Laura Mann LeBlond ’78, of Princeton, N.J.; Mar. 11. After graduation she worked as a project engineer for Westinghouse in Bloomington, Ind. During the 1980s she worked in Singapore. She later earned an MBA from the University of Indiana and went on to develop and write books for the PC market with her former husband that included PC Magazine Guide to Using Quattro Pro.  

David C. Schmittlein ’77, of Waban, Mass.; Mar. 13, of cancer. He was the longest serving dean of MIT’s Sloan School of Management at the time of his passing. Previously, he was a professor of marketing and deputy dean at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania for 27 years. During his tenure at MIT, he was instrumental in expanding the school’s international reach, with initiatives that included opening an MIT Sloan Latin America office in Santiago, Chile, in 2013, and partnering with the Asia School of Business in Malaysia in 2015.

Meredith Miller Post ’75, of Norwalk, Conn.; Sept. 17, 2024. She had a 20-year career writing for daytime television as a writer for As the World Turns and Days of Our Lives. She additionally produced plays. She was a member of the Dramatist Guild, Writers Guild of America, and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and a recipient of  the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Writers Guild of America Annual Award.

Philip E. McMorrow ’75, of Calabasas, Calif., formerly of Westwood, Mass.; Apr. 5, 2024. While at Brown, he was featured in Sports Illustrated as a junior helping lead the Bears to the Ivy League Rugby Championship. After receiving his MBA from the Anderson School of Management at UCLA, he joined Morgan Stanley and was a successful broker and investment manager. He also was a model and television and movie actor.

Richard Halpern ’75, of Franklin, Mass.; Mar. 9, of a traumatic brain injury after a fall. He had a nearly 45-year career in marketing, communications, and business research for a range of technology and science firms. He was a member of the Massachusetts Climate Action Network and the Association of Independent Information Professionals. He is survived by his brother Samuel “Skip” ’72.  

James  Zisson ’74, of Palm Beach, Fla.; Feb. 15. Survivors include sons Ethan ’13 and Alec ’16.

Donald W. McLane ’73, of Twisp, Wash.; Feb. 16. While at Brown, he played hockey and lacrosse. His professional life consisted of varied positions—including being a teacher, a logger, and a contractor—before he followed his passion into theater as a fixture in the Methow Valley (Wash.) theater scene. He was an actor, director, and maker of documentaries. He worked on Everybody’s All-American. In 1993 he was awarded the Artist Trust Fellowship in Media for his documentary work with the Colville Indian Reservation. He volunteered at the Paschal Sherman Indian School and served on the Methow Valley Community Accountability Board.

Carole St. Pierre-Engels ’72, ’76 MD, of Presque Isle, Me.; Feb. 17. Following her internship, she went on active duty in the commissioned officer corps of the U.S. Public Health Service, assigned to be the physician for the Washburn Maine Medical Center. After completing her service, she worked at the Cary Memorial Hospital emergency room, where she advanced to become the medical director of the emergency department. In addition to her medical practice, she was named the medical director of Region 5 Aroostook County of the State of Maine Emergency Medical Services. She served as both president and secretary of the Aroostook County Medical Society. She also served for several years as president of the Aroostook Emergency Medical Services Council.

Dominic “Paul” DiMaggio ’72, of Atkinson, N.H.; Feb. 15. After earning an MBA from Boston University, he joined his father’s company, Delaware Valley Corp., and successfully led it as CEO until his passing. He was an active member of his community and had planned to retire to Maine. 

 Stephen D. Bither ’70, of Portland, Me.; Mar. 25, after a brief illness. He graduated from the University of Maine Law School and operated the law office of Stephen D. Bither. He volunteered with numerous organizations and for more than 50 years was pianist, vocalist, songwriter, and business manager of the Wicked Good Band, which appeared on Good Morning America, CBS Sunday Morning, and PBS. 

Jay A. Fluck III ’65, of Warren, R.I.; Mar. 30. Fluck was named to the Brown Athletic Hall of Fame for his rugby leadership and success as coach. He played, coached, or managed Brown rugby until 2022. In 1968 he founded the Ivy League Rugby Tournament and in 1969 he cofounded the Providence Rugby Club. During his 29-year coaching career, he won eight Ivy League tournament titles and qualified for nationals in 1996. In 2009, he became director of Brown’s rugby program, overseeing fundraising and administration, a position he held until his death. In 2015 the Linton A. “Jay” Fluck Head Coaching Chair for Men’s Rugby was created and endowed with support from anonymous donors. He was a commercial real estate broker and an executive vice president and partner with CBRE in Providence. He was awarded the 1994 Lear Award by the Greater Providence Board of Realtors and in 2001 was recognized as Realtor of the Year. An all around athlete, during winters he volunteered with the ski patrol at Mt. Snow in Vermont. Jay suffered a stroke in 2022 and also had Parkinson’s.  

Colette A. Coolbaugh ’65, of Lawrenceville, N.J.; Feb. 18. She earned her JD from Rutgers School of Law and was employed as staff attorney for the New Jersey superior courts. She was an advocate for women’s rights and engaged in local civic causes. She was a member of several township societies and clubs. 

Price Chenault ’65, of Aberdeen, Wash.; Nov. 3, 2024. He attended Albany Medical School, did a residency in orthopedic surgery at Vanderbilt, and was an attending physician on submarines for the U.S. Navy. Following his service, he practiced orthopedic surgery briefly in Fall River and Cape Cod before joining a private practice group in Aberdeen, where he was a well respected practitioner for 30 years. He was a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery. Survivors include brother David ’70. 

John Peck ’64, of Providence, R.I.; Mar. 15,  of a sudden illness. Many Brunonians know him for his iconic Providence poster: “Providence, Rhode Island, where it rains two days out of three except during the rainy season when it snows like a bitch.” At Brown, he was a well-known disc jockey by the name of “Dr. Oldie” on WBRU. Shortly thereafter, he cohosted “The Giant Jukebox” radio show until it ended in 1983. After graduating he went underground, forming a publishing collective known as Mad Peck Studios, whose cartoons, rock posters, humorous advertisements, and reviews were anthologized in 1987 by Doubleday & Company. His comic-strip music critiques appeared in Fusion, Creem, Rolling Stone and other music publications, and in The Village Voice. He had designed a T-shirt for the J. Geils Band that became the group’s logo. He made concert posters for Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin and, most notably, for the final concert in the U.S. by the British group Cream, in Providence in November 1968. During  the 1970s he had a weekly comic strip syndicated to underground newspapers and in 1971 he illustrated Comix: A History of Comic Books in America. 

Ronald B. Strasberg ’64, of Orlando, Fla., formerly of Elmhurst, N.Y.; Feb. 2, after suffering 13 years with Alzheimer’s. He had a successful career as a pilot with Eastern Airlines and ended his career with U.S. Air. He enjoyed playing tennis and won multiple tennis championships during the 1970s and 1980s, becoming a top-five tennis player on the East Coast.

Thomas P. Johnson ’64, of Framingham, Mass.; Feb. 5. He worked in computer technology. 

Robert Hopkins Jr. ’69, of Scranton, Pa.; Mar. 16, from Alzheimer’s disease. He was a vice president of CB Richard Ellis in Boston. He retired in 2017. Survivors include daughters Rebecca Hopkins Smith ’98 and Emily Hopkins ’07; brother Mark ’73; and his former wife, Linda Bacon Hopkins ’69.  

Kathryn A. Shibley ’67, of Springfield, Va.; Jan. 4, of an infection. After earning a master’s degree from the University of Chicago, she had a career as a psychiatric social worker for Arlington County. She enjoyed singing as a member of the Paul Hill Chorale. She volunteered and enjoyed solving crossword puzzles and reading the New Yorker. Survivors include son Stephen Francis ’02.   

Richard J. Meiners ’67, of Cape Coral, Fla., formerly of Portland, Me.; Mar. 19. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years following graduation. He then married and moved to Portland, where he started Pinetree Garden Seeds as a one-page mail order catalog (it’s now 132 pages). He ran the business for more than 30 years and it is now being operated by his stepdaughter.

Robert W. Luken ’67, of Highland, Ill.; Mar. 29. After earning a master’s degree in finance and accounting from the University of Chicago, he worked for his father before starting his own company in 1970, Luken Investments. He retired in 2023. He enjoyed traveling and collected artifacts from the South Pacific, of which he donated a significant number to Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. Survivors include his brother Ralph ’62.

Gail B. Steinberg Hasson ’63, of Mount Pleasant, S.C.; Dec. 29. She was a computer programmer and software engineer for General Instruments and Grumman. She was an officer of East Cooper Women’s Club. 

William “Bill” Feinberg ’63, ’66 AM, ’73 PhD, of Cincinnati; Mar. 9, of leukemia. He was a professor in the department of sociology at the University of Cincinnati from 1967 to 2001. After retiring from the university, he devoted himself to sculpting. He worked with wood, metal, clay, and stone. Survivors include his wife, Karen Lauter Feinberg ’61, ’66 AM.

Helen Schmidt Haunstrup ’62, of Provincetown, Mass.; Jan. 29, after suffering 10 years with Alzheimer’s. After graduating, she spent time in Europe and upon return to the U.S., she married and began teaching in New York City. She and her husband bought a boat and sailed through the Caribbean searching for treasures that they brought back to sell in an antique shop they opened. When the shop failed, they turned it into a restaurant. After her husband’s passing in 2019, she continued to work in the restaurant until Covid. 

John H. Auld ’62, of Port St. Lucie, Fla., formerly of Vermont; Mar. 14. He worked in commercial real estate both in Vermont and Florida. Before working in real estate, he was an English professor, a drug and alcohol program administrator, and worked for Congressman James M. Jeffords. Always an athlete, he played on Brown’s soccer and lacrosse teams and continued later as a coach and then referee. He was a member of  the National Intercollegiate Soccer Official Association, the United States Soccer Federation, St. Lucie Association of Realtors, and the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County, and he earned his Certified Commercial Investment Member designation. Survivors include his wife, Susan Daniels Auld ’62.    

Carolyn Malkowski Rusiackas ’61, of Darien, Conn.; Feb. 10. She taught in the Winchester elementary schools before moving to Darien, where she was a real estate agent and volunteer at the local library. In 1991, she changed career paths and joined the campus ministry at Fairfield University. For more than 20 years she served in this role, guiding Eucharistic ministers and lectors in their service at campus masses. She retired from full-time ministry in the mid-2010s.

James A. Moreland ’61, of Winter Park, Fla.; Feb. 10. After earning his JD from University of Chicago Law School and his LLM from Boston University, he moved to Florida and began practicing law in Orlando and Winter Park before joining the State of Florida DOT and the Orange County Attorney’s Office, where he served as a municipal judge. He coached hurdlers at Lake Highland Prep School and volunteered with Junior Achievement, Seniors Against Crime, and the State Attorney’s Office. Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Vose Moreland ’61.

Mathew Frauwirth ’61, of Santa Fe, New Mex.; Jan. 8. He is survived by his wife, Meri, and son Kenneth ’92. 

Alan L. Benford ’61, of Manchester, Conn.; Feb. 10, of pancreatic cancer. After serving in the Navy, he taught social studies and was a guidance counselor at South Windsor High School. He retired in 1996 and embarked on a second career that lasted 25 years as a tour guide at the Mark Twain House in Hartford. He enjoyed visiting national parks and worked as a reservations clerk at Yellowstone National Park for three summers. He was also involved in multiple local interfaith social justice movements and was an avid cyclist, bicycling more than 1,000 miles at age 70. 

Robert E. Stetson ’60, of Littleton, Mass.; Mar. 31. After Brown he attended Andover Newton Theological Seminary and was ordained as an American Baptist minister. He actively participated in the Masonic Lodge and served on the Council on Aging. 

Wilmar A. Jennings ’60, of Providence, R.I.; Feb. 16. He taught at Howard University in Washington, D.C., for seven years and then changed careers. After earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture, he was hired by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to do permafrost engineering in Alaska, where he remained until his retirement and relocation to Providence. He was an accomplished pianist and played the organ at the Church of the Saviour in Providence. 

Stephen J. Jackson ’60, of Tiverton, R.I.; Feb. 10. He worked as the IT director at Frionor Norwegian Frozen Fish in New Bedford, Mass., for 35 years. He served in the U.S. Navy and retired from the Naval Reserves after serving 18 years, with the rank of Lt. Commander. He was active in his community and enjoyed working on construction projects. 

 J. Robert Ims ’60, of Venice, Fla., formerly of Aquidneck Island, R.I.; Mar. 5. He worked at Raytheon Co. as a design engineer, retiring in 1995 as a principal engineer. A year later he was back in electronics, repairing sophisticated navigation and communication equipment on boats in the Newport area. He fully retired in 2007.

Daniel S. Wolk ’59, of Brant Lake, N.Y.; Aug. 19, 2024. He was Rabbi of Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester for 43 years. He also taught a course on ethics and Holy Scriptures at School of the Holy Child in Rye, N.Y., for 50 years. He enjoyed writing and published three books and numerous articles. Survivors include stepson Scott A. Siege ’89.   

Leonard B. Santos ’59, of Hummelstown, Pa.; Feb. 18. He served in the U.S. Navy Submarine Force for 28 years, retiring as captain. Following his military service, he managed a law firm, was vice president of a junior college, and was director of operations at Cortana Corp of Arlington, Va. He was an active member of the Derry Presbyterian Church and served as an elder,
deacon, and choir member. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason. 

Richard D. Marden ’59, of Old Saybrook, Conn., and Randolph, Mass.; Mar. 8. After service in the U.S. Navy, he began a lifelong career with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston as a bank examiner.  

Thomas W. McNeill ’58, of Naples, Fla., formerly of Chicago; Mar. 11. He was professor emeritus of Rush College of Medicine and an orthopedic surgeon and partner at Midwest Orthopedics at Rush Medical Center from 1979 to 2000. Previously, he was a clinical associate professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Illinois. A captain in the U.S. Air Force, he served as chief of orthopedics at Homestead Air Force Base from 1967 to 1969. He was a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. 

Anne Jarvis Whiton Hill ’58, of Duxbury, Mass.; Mar. 23. She had a long career in nursing that began with working in an operating room in Hawaii and included serving as the Hobomock Elementary School nurse for many years. She also worked as a flight attendant with United Airlines and later joined Clipped Wings, an organization of retired airline attendants focused on volunteerism. She sang in the St. John’s choir in Duxbury for more than 50 years. 

Richard J. McClear ’57, of Boynton Beach, Fla., and Frankfort, Mich.; Mar. 30. He graduated from the University of Michigan Law School and had a legal career that spanned five decades. He was a commercial defense litigator and partner at Dyer, Meek, Ruegsegger, King and McClear, later becoming a partner in the Dykema Gossett Law Firm. For a time, he chaired the negligence section of the State Bar Association of Michigan. He was an avid golfer, and in addition to having been captain of Brown’s golf team, he had 11 holes in one and qualified for the U.S. Amateur, the U.S. Senior Amateur, and the U.S. Senior Open. 

Mary “Polly” Griscom ’57, of Santa Barbara, Calif., formerly of Wayne, Pa., Hartford, Conn., Washington, D.C., and Hanover, N.H.; Sept. 17, 2024. She worked in advertising at N.W. Ayer & Son and then became assistant advertising director at Nan Duskin Boutique in Philadelphia. She later owned and operated Artist’s Signature Gallery in New Haven, representing 75 Connecticut artists. During this time she also became a printmaker. In 2001 she moved to Santa Barbara to avoid the cold winters. She was a member of the Santa Barbara Art Association and served on the board of Santa Barbara Studio Artists for many years. Survivors include daughter Georgia Fiedler Ford Griscom ’82. 

Barbara J. Borngesser Breer ’57, of Sherborn, Mass.; Apr. 6, of cancer. She worked as a systems engineer at IBM, where she met her future husband. She eventually left IBM to do computer programming from home, allowing her to be involved in her children’s activities, including volunteering in their schools and being a Cub Scout den mother and a Girl Scout leader. In 1964 she helped start a chapter of the League of Women Voters in Sherborn and served for two years as provisional leader and then president. Survivors include son Douglas ’84. 

Nancy Pollack Stavis ’56, of Key Biscayne, Fla., and Brookline, Mass.; Feb. 6. She was a skilled tennis player and competed in New England, Cape Cod, and Florida. She enjoyed architecture and took pleasure in designing and building attractive and efficient spaces in each of her homes and consulting on family projects. She was a member of Sigma Psi and Phi Beta Kappa. Survivors include daughter Sara Stavis Altman ’82; grandson Evan W. Altman ’13; brother-in-law Fred Stavis ’55; and nephew John A. Stavis ’89. 

Barbara Schoen Silverman ’55, of Syracuse, N.Y.; Mar. 11. After earning a master’s degree from Syracuse University she taught English at Cazenovia Junior High School for 20 years. 

Harold Fliegelman ’55, of Norristown, Pa.; Sept. 18, 2024.   

Robert Paine Carlson ’55, of Eastham, Mass.; Mar. 21, of congestive heart failure. For more than 30 years he worked at Monsanto Chemical Co. Retiring to Eastham, his interest in Cape Cod history and colonial gravestones grew into an intense study and documentation. He published extensively about gravestones, stone carving, and the history of Cape Cod prior to 1800. His quest to document the gravestones of the Paine family led to a website (capecodgravestones.com) documenting more than 44,000 names and inscriptions of Cape Cod gravestones. He was instrumental in the formation of the Eastham Cemetery Commission and served as its chairman for many years. Survivors include son Douglas ’83.

Don M. Branner ’55, of Roseville, Calif.; Feb. 8, after a long illness. After Brown he served in the U.S. Navy. Following his military service, he earned a law degree and practiced family and elder law into his late 70s. He enjoyed playing golf and was an avid fan of the San Francisco Giants and 49ers. 

Douglas MacCallum Jr. ’54, of Franklin Lakes, N.J.; Mar. 28. After graduating, he served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, followed by time in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He worked at IBM for 35 years, retiring as director of industry relations. He later spent five years at United Computer Corp as senior vice president and managing director of United Software Services. 

John Gorham ’54, of Scituate, R.I.; Jan. 27. An attorney, he was a partner at Gorham & Gorham from 1958 until his retirement in 1997. Upon retiring, he became chairman of the Champlin Foundation. During his tenure, he was involved in conserving acres of land in a partnership with the Nature Conservancy, the Department of Environmental Management, and other conservation focused organizations and municipalities throughout the state. He founded the Champlin Scholars Program at Brown. He was involved in numerous civic organizations and was a member of the North Scituate Volunteer Fire Department. Survivors include daughter Rebecca Gorham Norton ’89 and sister Desire Gorham Palmer ’64.

Anne Dufour Cannon Clouser ’54, of Norristown, Pa.; Mar. 1. She was active in the Junior League and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Survivors include son Scott Cannon ’85.

Natalie R. Austin ’54, of Providence, R.I.; Mar. 21, following complications from a fall. She worked as a legal secretary and volunteered at Rhode Island Hospital and the local senior center. She was a member of the Community Church of Providence and served in many different roles that included church clerk, organist, choir member, and historian. She spoke six languages and enjoyed traveling the world. 

Everett C. Sammartino ’53, of Cranston, R.I.; Mar. 31. In addition to teaching law at Rogers Williams Law School, he worked for the
U.S. Attorney’s Office for 30 years and was a magistrate for the Rhode Island Family Court.

Walter L. Pierson Jr. ’53, of Westborough, Mass., formerly of Old Saybrook, Conn.; Apr. 4. After serving in the U.S. Army, he had a 25-year career at Southern New England Telephone in New Haven, Conn. He enjoyed singing in the choir and participating on several committees as a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregational Society of Westborough. 

Marcia Wallace Kurtzhalz ’53, of Moorestown, N.J.; Feb. 6. She was a caseworker for the State of Pennsylvania before retiring in the 1980s. She enjoyed volunteering, especially with Planned Parenthood and Meals on Wheels. 

Dorothy Churchill Allen ’53, of Enfield, Conn.; Apr. 25, of congestive heart failure. After earning her master’s degree in psychological social work from Boston University, she began her career in social work with the Connecticut Veterans Administration before serving as director of Enfield Social Services, a position she held for more than 40 years. She was a founding member of the Enfield Juvenile Review Board, where she served for 57 years, and she opened her home to foreign exchange students for many years. She volunteered with the East Windsor Trolley Museum and with the Enfield Historical Society. Survivors include daughter Barbara Allen Mathews ’87 AM, ’94 PhD, and son Thomas ’86 AM, ’94 PhD. 

Ellen Arnold Lloyd ’52, of Gladwyne, Pa.; Jan. 26, following a brief illness. She worked in New York City as copy editor at Bonwit Teller and later, while raising a family, she worked as a children’s librarian. Eventually she was a grant writer and administrator for several Philadelphia-based nonprofit organizations. She sang in the Singing for Life Choir at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church and participated in the tutoring program for many years. She was a member of several clubs and enjoyed gardening, and received awards for her flower arrangements. Survivors include daughter Barbara A. Smith ’79.

Mary E. Williams Lindsay ’52, of Williamsport, Pa.; Mar. 20. She was a homemaker who also enjoyed doing charitable work and volunteering with Meals on Wheels. Survivors include daughter Janet Lindsay Weinberg ’86, son Richard ’78, and sister-in-law Mary Lindsay Welch ’52. 

Rev. Harrington M. Gordon Jr. ’52, of Charlestown, R.I.; Mar. 21. After graduating from Brown he entered Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Wisconsin and earned a master’s in divinity. He was ordained to the Diaconate at the Cathedral of St. John, Providence, and on March 24, 1956, he was ordained to the priesthood. After serving as curate of All Saints Memorial Church in Providence from 1955 to 1957, he was appointed rector of St. Mark’s Church in Warren, R.I., leaving in 1960 for an appointment as rector of Trinity Church in Pawtuxet. There, he served for more than three decades before retiring in 1994. Rev. Gordon also served the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island as director of the Episcopal Conference Center for more than 30 years. In 1989, he  was awarded the Max L. Grant Foundation Award for Distinguished and Meritorious Service on behalf of the Episcopal Charities Fund of Rhode Island. On December 1, 1960, he was appointed Rhode Island State Police Chaplain and nearly 30 years later was made an honorary lieutenant colonel. 

Eldrine French Emerson ’52, of North Andover, Mass.; Apr. 2. She taught mathematics and was the math coordinator for grades K-3 at the Buckingham Browne & Nichols School in Cambridge from 1975 to 1991. Earlier, she was a substitute teacher for the city of Melrose and developed a library for the Colonial Park Elementary School in Stoneham. Survivors include son Matthew ’79 and his wife Julia Andrew Emerson ’78. 

Carol Farmer Clayton ’52, of Basking Ridge, N.J.; Feb. 1. She enjoyed spending time with family, especially regular visits to Skytop Lodge and Quechee, Vt. 

William “Bill” Van Dusen Jr. ’51, of Indialantic, Fla.; Apr. 12. Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he earned a PhD in chemistry at the University of Notre Dame and accepted a position at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque. In 1964, he took a position at the Kennedy Space Center, where he spent 31 years holding various engineering roles with Southern Research, Bendix, and Rockwell. He was a contributor to the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs. His distinguished career earned him several accolades, including the Silver Snoopy Award, the NASA Award of Merit, and a Certificate of Appreciation from the Presidential Commission investigating the Space Shuttle Challenger accident.

Lester F. Lowe ’51, of Peterborough, N.H.; Feb. 23, from leukemia and complications from the flu and pneumonia. He began working at Metro Atlantic Chemical Co. (R.I.), later joining Dow Chemical (Mass.), before working with radiation physics and radiochemistry at the Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratory at Hanscom Field (Mass.). He retired in 1984 after contributing to several patents and publications. A lifelong learner, he was fluent in Spanish, German, and French and tutored Spanish and mathematics at Middlesex Community College. 

Rev. Peter R. Lawson ’50, of Petaluma, Calif.; Apr. 11. He graduated from Berkeley Divinity School at Yale University and was ordained deacon, then priest in the Episcopal Church in 1957. He served two parishes in Connecticut before heeding the call to urban ministry in Newark, N.J., and Indianapolis, Ind. There, he was elected dean of Christ Church Cathedral (1964-1971). He retired from St. James Church in San Francisco after 12 years, and became an author and an influencer in the lives of many in Sonoma County. Survivors include his sister Cynthia Lawson Samoiloff ’59.

Theodore Goldberg ’49, of Lexington, Mass.; Feb. 19. Survivors include his son Jonathan ’85, ’87 ScM.  

Gloria Markoff Winston ’48, of Providence, R.I.; Mar. 8. She was founder and president of Program Coordinators, which provided touring services to R.I. visitors. She also served as community relations director for Paramount Greeting Cards, a company founded by her father. She was a volunteer with Meals on Wheels and the Council of Jewish Women, a counselor and clinical assistant at Planned Parenthood, cochair of a capital fund drive for Butler Hospital, and the longest serving volunteer at the Miriam Hospital.

Ruth Bains Hartmann ’48, of New York City; Feb. 12, at 101 years of age. She was recruited by the OSS after graduation and spent the war years in Washington, D.C., as a cryptographer. After the war, she worked in publishing in New York City. She supported her husband’s photography career by freelance writing and collaborating with him on many projects. After his death in 1999, she published Where I Was, a book of his personal photographs. She promoted his photographic legacy through exhibitions of his work worldwide. Survivors include daughter Celia Hartmann ’78; son Nicholas ’73, ’73 AM; granddaughter Emily Hartmann Garfield ’09 and grandson-in-law K. Adam White ’08; niece Susanna Vennerbeck ’99; and nephew Ronald Kaufman ’78.

Paula E. Hoegsted Jespersen Diehl ’47, ’54 AM, of Swarthmore, Pa., formerly of Washington, D.C.; Mar. 11, after a brief illness. She moved several times while raising a family, including overseas, due to her husband’s job. She became involved in the arts while overseas and upon her return to the U.S. took courses at American University. She later earned a second master’s degree in music composition from Temple University and composed several works that she recorded

Dora DeRobbio Anjoorian ’45, of North Kingstown, R.I.; Feb. 19. She was the bookkeeper for M. DeRobbio & Sons from 1988 to 1998. She was former president of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Rhode Island Medical Association and a member of the Narragansett Bay Power Squadrons.

Catherine Schatz Brant ’40, of Washington, D.C., formerly of Boston and Larchmont, N.Y.; Jan. 7, at 104 years of age. She worked as an order clerk at a machinery company in Boston that supplied pumps and motors to Oak Ridge, Tenn., for the Manhattan Project. Following a move to Larchmont, she worked at Mamaroneck High School as a reading specialist before settling in D.C. She was honored four times by the mayor and the D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living for her longevity.

Dan E. Caldwell, FAC, of Pacific Palisades, Calif.; Jan. 8, after a four-year battle with cancer.He earned his bachelor’s degree at Stanford University and upon graduation, he entered active duty in the U.S. Navy, where he was a staff assistant in the Office of Emergency Preparedness, Executive Office of the President, in Washington, D.C. He was later assigned to teach national security affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. He received a master’s in international relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and returned to Stanford, where he earned a master’s and PhD in political science before beginning his career at Pepperdine in 1978. While at Pepperdine, he twice served as president of the Seaver College faculty and played significant roles in growing the political science program and launching the international studies program. He was integral in establishing the Scholarship Initiatives Office on campus, and was an advocate for Pepperdine’s student-veterans. He founded the Pepperdine Committee on Student-Veterans, which led to the creation of the Office of Student-Veteran Affairs in 2020. He had visiting appointments at UCLA, the University of Southern California, and Brown, where he helped to establish the Center for Foreign Policy Development (now the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs). He was also a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations and, for many years, the chair of its academic outreach initiative. He received many teaching awards. He was active in Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church and enjoyed hiking, skiing, boating, and playing tennis. He is survived by his wife, Lora; two daughters; a son and daughter-in-law; a son-in-law; and two grandchildren.  

Alfred Toselli, of Providence, formerly of Jamestown, R.I.; Sept. 18. He completed medical school at the University of Bologna and subsequent residencies at St. Joseph Hospital and Rhode Island Hospital before founding Pediatric Associates, Inc. in Rhode Island. He served as chief of pediatrics at St. Joseph Hospital for 10 years and was on staff at Rhode Island Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital, Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, and Pawtucket Memorial Hospital. He received numerous awards during his 45-year career that included being appointed clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at Warren Alpert Medical School and president of the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics from 1986 to 1988. He was active in Italian-American medical affairs and was awarded the Order of the Star of Italy with the rank of cavaliere by the president of Italy in 1974. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Linda B. Miller, of South Wellfleet, Mass.; Jan. 19. After graduating from Radcliffe College and Columbia University, she taught political science at Wellesley College for more than 30 years. She later joined the faculty of Brown and taught at the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs for more than 15 years. More recently, she taught an adult class at the Wellfleet Public Library. She is survived by her sister Devra M. Breslow ’54 and several cousins and friends. 

Thomas A. Storrs ’59, of Southern Pines, N.C., formerly of Waitsfield, Vt.; Jan. 13. After serving in the Korean War and graduating from Brown, he managed one of the first Boston Whaler dealerships in the 1950s on St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. He settled in Vermont and cofounded a construction company, then with another partner created the Blue Tooth, a ski bar. He followed that business with The Den, a gathering spot. Tired of Vermont winters, he moved to Southern Pines and enjoyed playing golf. He is survived by his wife, Janice, and a son. 

Lois A. Rappaport ’59, of New York City; Aug. 18, from cancer. She worked on Wall Street and in academia and then embarked on a decades-long career as a labor arbitrator and member of the National Academy of Arbitrators. Following her retirement, she was active as a tour guide for the Metropolitan Opera and served as a docent at the Museum of Natural History. She is survived by a stepdaughter, two granddaughters, and two great-grandchildren.

Charles E. Mangan ’59, of Cherry Hill, N.J.; Dec. 25. After completing his residency in obstetrics and gynecology and a fellowship in gynecologic oncology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), he joined HUP’s faculty and conducted groundbreaking research into gynecologic oncology. He published numerous articles in medical journals and became an associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. He remained at HUP for 20 years and then moved his practice to Pennsylvania Hospital, where he retired as chief of gynecologic oncology. Several times he was listed as one of Philadelphia Magazine’s “Top Docs.” He was a U.S. Army veteran and an investor in real estate, and traveled extensively, spending summers at his home in Newport, R.I. He is survived by his wife, Selena; three children; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. 

Francis W. Kennedy Jr. ’59, of Hampton, N.H.; Jan. 24. He taught chemistry at Haverhill High School and at Andover High School, where he was also the assistant track and field coach. He also owned and operated Playland Arcade at Hampton Beach with his brother for more than 50 years. He is survived by a sister, a brother, a niece, and nephews. 

James D. Gardner ’59, of Rockingham, Va.; Jan. 22. He worked in the wholesale tire industry for 47 years, retiring from Michelin in 2017. Additionally, he earned a master’s in theology and religious studies in 2009 from Caldwell College and was involved in ministries for several parishes, most recently with Friendship House at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. He coached at Parsippany Police Athletic League for 11 years. He enjoyed canoeing, hunting, fishing, archery, gardening, and reading. He is survived by his wife, Cathleen; two daughters; a son; two grandsons; three stepchildren; three step-grandchildren; two brothers; and many nieces and nephews. 

Jerry Davidson Dreyer ’59, of Boulder, Colo., and Naples, Fla.; Dec. 28. She was a homemaker and active community volunteer. She enjoyed traveling, reading, playing golf with her husband before his passing, and playing bridge and Mahjong. She is survived by three daughters, a son, two sons-in-law, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Dominic P. DiOrio ’59, of Tiverton, R.I.; Feb. 12. He worked at the Naval Underwater System Center for 34 years before retiring in 1996. From 1985 to 1987 he was a science adviser for the U.S. Navy Submarine Force Pacific Fleet and received a Superior Civilian Service award for his performance during this assignment. In 1979, he was ordained a deacon in the Catholic Church and served as chaplain at nursing homes and the Veterans Home in Bristol. He was an assistant deacon at several East Providence Churches and a chaplain of the Bristol Chapter of the Daughters of Isabella. He is survived by his wife, Doris; a daughter and son-in-law; a son and daughter-in-law; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a sister; and a brother. 

Mathew R. Graci, of Milford, Mass.; Feb. 7. He was a PhD chemistry student. He graduated from Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical High School in 2012 and joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged in 2021. Subsequently, he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Clark University in 2024 and began at Brown this past fall to pursue his doctorate in chemistry. He enjoyed reading, gardening, and cooking. He is survived by many relatives including his wife, Kate,  two children, and his parents. 

Christopher M. Collins ’12 MPP, of Stamford, Conn.; Jan. 29, unexpectedly, in the American Airlines Washington, D.C., plane crash. After earning his bachelor of science in education degree from UMass Dartmouth, he taught middle school in North Attleboro, Mass. With a passion to influence education policy at a broader scale, he earned his master’s in public policy at Brown, then worked at New York City’s Office of Management and Budget. He then worked as an analyst at Moody’s Investors Service, focusing on how public money could be used to support higher education. He eventually became a senior analyst and vice president. He enjoyed the outdoors and had a lifelong affection for animals. He especially enjoyed walking the dogs at Lucky Dog Refuge in Stamford, Conn. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Thomas; his parents; a brother; a niece and nephew; his mother and father-in-law; and aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Steven M. Strang ’71 AM, ’81 PhD, of Medford, Mass.; Dec. 29. He began his career as a journalist and columnist at Bangor Daily News in Maine before becoming a teacher whose career spanned more than 51 years. He taught writing at MIT for 40 years and in 1981 founded and directed MIT’s Writing and Communications Center. He was the author of Writing Exploratory Essays. His fiction, poems, literary criticism, and pedagogical articles were published in many journals. He is survived by his wife, Ayni; a daughter; a son and daughter-in-law; and four grandchildren. 

Robert J. Schultz ’71 PhD, of Ocean Pines, Md.; Dec. 4. After completing post-doctoral work at the University of Michigan, he made significant contributions as a synthetic medicinal chemist for Starks Associates, a contractor for the National Cancer Institute in Buffalo, N.Y. He was transferred to Gaithersburg, Md., where he continued to work in drug synthesis. He retired from the National Cancer Institute in April 2006 as the project officer for the drug synthesis and chemistry branch of the developmental therapeutics program. He enjoyed cruising with his wife, fishing, and spending time with family. He is survived by his wife, Karen; a daughter; a son; two stepchildren; eight grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter. 

Kathleen Lebois Schwartz ’68 MAT, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Dec. 9. She was a math teacher in Sharon, Mass,. and at Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy of Connecticut. She is survived by her daughter Karyn Schwartz ’98; a son-in-law; a son and daughter-in-law; and three grandchildren. 

James W. Mills ’68 PhD of Durango, Colo.; Jan. 28, from pulmonary disease. He taught for four years at Drew University before moving to Durango in 1973 to be a professor of chemistry at Fort Lewis College for 32 years. While there, he was department chair, State Board of Agriculture representative, faculty liaison for construction of a new chemistry hall, and the recipient of the Alice Admire Teaching Award. He built a solar home and cofounded the Durango Friends Meeting community center. He is survived by his wife, Nadean; a daughter; a son and daughter-in-law; a granddaughter; a sister; a brother; and a sister-in-law. 

Edward J. Gallagher ’67 AM, ’72 PhD, of Providence; Dec. 31. He was emeritus professor of French studies at Wheaton College. He previously taught at Rosemont College (Pa.) and Washington University of St. Louis. He published four books ranging from medieval romance to novels of the twentieth century. 

Lois S. Stein ’65 AM, of Phoenix, Ariz.; Dec. 5, of Alzheimer’s disease. She taught Spanish language and literature for 10 years at Cornell College and initiated a variety of campus activities encompassing the language that included a Spanish Club, an annual Spanish theatrical production, and student trips to Mexico. She then taught at URI from 1966 to 1968 and at Assumption College during the summers of 1964 and 1965. She joined the faculty at the University of Chicago in 1987 and served as dean of students in the graduate division of the social sciences. She retired in 2006. She is survived by her husband, Harvey; two sons and daughters-in-law; a granddaughter; a sister; a brother and sister-in-law; and 10 nieces and nephews. 

William W. Smith Jr. ’65 AM, of Milwaukee; Dec. 16. He had an engineering career that moved him several times before he settled in Wisconsin. In retirement, he served on the board of directors of the Wisconsin Masters Games, where he helped to coordinate sporting events. He is survived by three children, 11 grandchildren, two great-grandsons, three sisters, and a brother.

Kay Engelmann Raymond ’64 AM, of Huntsville, Tex.; Nov. 26, after a short illness. She graduated from Radcliffe Institute of Advanced Study at Harvard, then received her master’s degree from Brown and a doctorate from Indiana University. She had faculty appointments at Indiana University, Emporia State University, the University of Alabama, and Sam Houston State University, from which she retired in 2014. In addition to teaching, she enjoyed mentoring and helping first-generation Hispanic students. She was the recipient of many leadership and advising awards, including a 2009 Educator of the Year Award from the League of United Latin American Citizens. She is survived by a daughter, a son-in-law, and a granddaughter.

Edwin L. Cooper ’63 PhD, of Los Angeles; Jan. 9. He joined UCLA’s department of anatomy in 1964 and became a full professor in 1973. He also served as vice chairman from 1989 to 1993. During his tenure, he played an important role chairing the first histology course for medical students and teaching immunology to the inaugural dental class. He enjoyed traveling. He is survived by his wife, Helene; a daughter; a son and daughter-in-law, and two grandsons. 

Cynthia Collin Stong ’62 AM, of Ann Arbor, Mich.; Nov. 14. After earning a degree in zoology from Wellesley College and attending a marine biology summer program at Woods Hole, she graduated from Brown with a master’s in biology and moved to Ohio, where she became an instructor in the biological sciences department of Bowling Green State University. She developed marine biology courses and led an annual undergraduate trip to the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (Miss.) to collect marine specimens to bring back to the lab at BGSU. In 1984, she was a guest researcher at the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute. During her tenure at BGSU she was honored with a Master Teacher Award and a Distinguished Educator Award. In the late 1980s, she was awarded a National Science Foundation grant to develop an ocean-focused curriculum for elementary, middle, and high school teachers. In collaboration with her honors students, she produced a children’s ocean activity book titled Sea Sense and Fun Sense. Nearly a decade after her retirement, BGSU awarded her a 2005 honorary doctorate in marine science education for her “dedication to students and teaching, leadership in marine biology education, service to BGSU, and a lifetime of achievements in her field.” She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, a sister and brother-in-law, and a brother and sister-in-law.

Phyllis Toal Dircks ’60 AM, of Huntington, N.Y.; Jan. 16. She began her teaching career as a professor of English literature at St. John’s, where she met her future husband, then taught at C.W. Post College of Long Island University for more than 50 years. During the course of her career, she was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Danforth Foundation Teacher Fellowship, the National Woodrow Wilson Fellowship, and the Long Island University David Newton Award for Excellence in Teaching. A specialist in contemporary American drama, she was a national expert on the works of playwrights Eugene O’Neil and Edward Albee. She authored several books and many scholarly articles. She was a member of the board of directors of Theatre Library Association and served the American Society for Theatre Research for many years as newsletter editor and archivist. She is survived by five children and 19 grandchildren. 

Richard F. Woodcock ’55 PhD, of Woodstock, Conn.; Dec. 12. He joined the research division of American Optical Co. in Southbridge, Mass., as an optical physicist and became a leader in their research and development department and a liaison for government sponsored research projects. He was involved in groundbreaking work related to fiber optics, lasers, and photochromic materials, securing 33 patents and writing more than 30 scientific papers. He was a member of the American Physical Society, Optical Society of America, the American Society of Testing and Materials, and Sigma Xi, as well as serving as a member of numerous Woodstock committees and organizations. He enjoyed camping, outdoor sports, woodworking, and jewelry making. He is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, and seven grandchildren.

Joseph M. Proud ’55 ScM, ’58 PhD, of Sudbury, Mass.; Dec. 6, following a brief illness. After earning his degree, he conducted experiments on nuclear explosions in Nevada before settling with his family in Waltham, where he had a 20-year career at GTE Sylvania. He was an internationally recognized physicist specializing in lighting. He retired in 1983 and enjoyed gardening, woodworking, painting, and playing the clarinet and saxophone. He is survived by a daughter, a daughter-in-law, four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, two sisters, and a brother. 

Laurence T. Brennan ’55 ScM, of Woodcliff Lake, N.J.; Dec. 28. He began his career as an actuary and later was a managing partner at Kwasha Lipton in Ft. Lee, N.J. Among his many career accomplishments, he helped to develop the cash balance defined benefit pension plan.His love for his autistic son led him to advocate for the neurodivergent and handicapped serving on nonprofit boards ranging from the national to the local: Autism Speaks, Eden Autism and the Opportunity Center. He was an artist, a musician, and a gardener/landscaper. He enjoyed yoga, reading, and swimming. He is survived by seven children, 10 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. 

Sheree-Monique S. Watson ’00, of Rosedale, N.Y.; Nov. 27, of cancer. After Brown, she obtained an MD from Columbia University and did her residency in pediatrics at the combined program of Boston Children’s Hospital and Boston Medical Center. She worked as a pediatrician. At the time of her death, she was months shy of completing her fellowship in pediatric gastroenterology at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Recently, she worked for LiveOnNY, NYC’s organ procurement organization. Being an organ recipient herself, organ donation was a cause dear to her heart. She was a track athlete in high school and college and ran multiple half marathons. She enjoyed participating in many shows, including various Shakespeare in the Park plays. She also enjoyed rock climbing, mountain biking, and white-water rafting. In addition to athletics, she enjoyed traveling, visiting museums, listening to music, and playing word games. She is survived by her husband, Juan Puyo; her mother; a brother, sister, and sister-in-law; a niece and nephew; and many aunts and uncles.

James J. McArdle ’96, of Alexandria Township, N.J.; Jan. 13. He worked as a tutor and also as a bartender at Grace in Lower Manhattan. For nearly five years he volunteered with the Hunterdon Helpline, where he helped senior citizens by shopping for them. He was active in A.A. in Flemington, N.J. He enjoyed cooking, reading and arguing politics. He is survived by his mother, a sister, an aunt, and cousins. 

Sasha J. Carr ’91, of Burlington, Vt., formerly of Norwalk, Conn.; Dec. 28. She was a sleep expert while in Norwalk dedicated to helping babies, children, and families get the rest they needed. She was also on the faculty of Family Sleep Institute. She published a children’s book, Putting Bungee to Bed. She also published The Caregiver’s Essential Handbook: More than 1,200 Tips to Help You Care for and Comfort the Seniors in Your Life. She enjoyed traveling and acting as a travel agent for kid-oriented vacations. She is survived by a son, her mother and stepfather, her father, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Michael L. Cowell ’81, of Berkley, Mass.; Nov. 21. During his time at Brown he studied business management while an athlete on the football team and an active fraternity member. A successful business career followed and culminated in his role as CEO of Precision Arrow Gear Group. He is survived by his wife, Heidi; two children; three grandchildren; seven siblings and their spouses; and many nieces and nephews. 

Mark L. Travis ’79, of Canterbury, N.H.; Nov. 2, following a rapidly progressive infection. Years earlier he was diagnosed with leukemia, undergoing chemotherapy and ultimately a bone marrow transplant. After college, he was a reporter at the Concord Monitor, working part-time and covering Pittsfield, New Hampshire. Shortly afterward, he moved to Lebanon (N.H.) to work as a reporter and regional editor for the Valley News. In 1983, he and his wife moved to Florida, where he worked at the St. Petersburg Times, first as a reporter and then as a bureau chief. In 1986, he returned to the Concord Monitor as a reporter, editor, and mentor for young reporters and launched several new publications, including the Concord Insider. He was awarded a journalism fellowship with the Nieman Foundation in 2002 and moved to Cambridge, where he spent an academic year at Harvard. In 2008, he became publisher of the Valley News and was diagnosed, but continued to serve as publisher until 2013, when he was named publisher of the Concord Monitor. A year later, he moved on from daily newspapers and joined an Upper Valley-based tech startup bringing local news into the digital age. He spent five years with the startup and in 2019 became a ghostwriter at Scribe Media. He retired in June of 2023. He was a member of the Canterbury Town History Book Committee and edited the town newsletter. He was also an active member of the Canterbury United Community Church, a volunteer at the annual Canterbury town fair, and a Canterbury cemetery keeper. He is survived by his wife, Brenda; daughter Leanna Travis ’22 MD; a son and daughter-in-law; and two grandchildren. 

Juan H. Hinojosa ’79, of Laredo, Tex.; Dec. 23, of cancer. After earning his master’s and doctorate in geophysics at Johns Hopkins University, he began researching and publishing papers before accepting a teaching position at the University of Texas at El Paso. He was invited to present his research on gravity and topography of Mars at Laredo State University and an offer to teach followed. He taught at Texas A&M International University for more than 36 years. His passion for research, discovery, and education earned him respect in his field, as well as several nominations and awards, including 2020 Distinguished Teacher of the Year. He is survived by two sons; Patricia Hinojosa, mother of his children; five siblings, including Jose Luis Hinojosa ’80 and Martha B. Hinojosa ’84; and many nieces and nephews.

Recia Kott Blumenkranz ’76, of Portola Valley, Calif.; Nov. 22, of cancer. After graduating from Brown and completing her medical training at Stanford and the University of Miami, she maintained a private dermatology practice in Menlo Park, Calif., for more than 30 years. When not working, she enjoyed gardening, literature, music, and traveling. She is survived by her husband, Mark ’72, ’75 MD, ’76 MMSc; three children, including Carla Blumenkranz ’05 and Scott ’08; five grandchildren; her mother; and a brother.

Frank Bellis Jr. ’75, of Wrightstown, N.J.; Nov. 3, of pancreatic cancer. He was the cofounder and principal of The Pharos Group. Before The Pharos Group, he worked in multiple roles that ranged from president and CEO to chief compliance officer and associate general counsel at the Claridge Casino Hotel in Atlantic City. He had also been corporate counsel and secretary at Inductotherm Industries (N.J.) and deputy attorney general for the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice. He served as vice chairman of Caring Inc. from 2003 to 2024. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; three sons; and two grandchildren. 

Raymond J. Dever Jr. ’72, of Tampa; Jan. 9. After Brown, he earned engineering master’s degrees from Caltech and Princeton and went on to have a 40-year career focused on environmental engineering that included environmental assessment, waste management, and wastewater treatment projects across the eastern U.S. He directed a regional profit center for a national engineering consulting firm for more than 10 years and served as an adjunct instructor at the University of Florida Training, Research, and Education of Environmental Occupations Center. He moved to Tampa in 1990, married, started a family, and earned a master’s in theology. He was deeply engaged with liturgical ministries, faith formation, and social justice and on Oct. 3, 2009, he was ordained a permanent Catholic Deacon for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. He served the community for 13 years. His perspective as a Catholic deacon was unique and as a father to a transgender daughter, he discovered a passion for ministry to the LGBTQ+ community and their families. He retired from engineering in 2013 and continued ministry work into his retirement with the support of the Diocese of Lexington, Ky., where he was incardinated in early 2024. He provided training and consultation on transgender issues to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and numerous Catholic dioceses and institutions. Striving to build awareness and compassion, he published articles in U.S. Catholic Magazine and America Media’s Outreach and regularly contributed to Bondings 2.0 blog with New Ways Ministry. In October 2024, he and his wife joined a group of LGBTQ+ Catholics for a private audience with His Holiness Pope Francis. He continued to advocate for greater acceptance of transgender people within the Church. He is survived by his wife, Laurie; three daughters; a son-in-law; and a sister and brother-in-law. 

Brookes M. Morin ’72, of Helena, Mont.; May 22, while fly-fishing the Missouri River. After graduation, he headed to Jackson, Wyo. After several years in Jackson, where he met his former wife, he moved to Missoula, Mont., and obtained an MBA. In 1979, he moved to Helena with his family and worked for the Legislative Auditor’s office, then for the City of Helena as assistant city manager. Later, he managed the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds and then worked at Fox Ridge Golf Course. Always an athlete, he excelled at alpine ski racing, tennis, golf, and soccer, achieving a hat trick on the Brown team and earning All-New England honors. He began fly-fishing at age 6, but his passion blossomed while in Jackson, where he was referred to as “the trout whisperer.” He also was a longtime birder. In retirement he traveled to New Zealand to fly-fish for months at a time. He enjoyed coaching and volunteering and managing Helena Industries, which provided jobs to neurodivergent employees. He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, a son and daughter-in-law, five grandchildren, a brother and sister-in-law, and two nieces.

John M. Manchester ’74, of Lewisburg, W.Va.; Jan. 17, of pancreatic cancer. After college he hitchhiked 23,000 miles across the U.S. and Canada, and later described his experience at a TEDxLewisburg event titled “Everything I Know About Public Service I Learned Hitchhiking.” He joined the solar energy division of the Tennessee Valley Authority, where he taught energy conservation and led solar energy projects. Following his return to West Virginia, he ran a sawmill, built his own house, edited the Mountain Messenger newspaper, served 16 years as the communications director of West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, and was elected to the Lewisburg City Council in 2001. He successfully ran for mayor of Lewisburg in 2003 and subsequently served until 2019, obtaining the title of the longest serving mayor in Lewisburg history to date. During his tenure he completed many long needed public improvements and Lewisburg achieved a 2011 designation as “America’s Coolest Small Town.” He received numerous awards, including the 2018 Distinguished Mountaineer Award from the State of West Virginia. He enjoyed writing, storytelling, hiking, and traveling, and visited all 50 states. He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, two granddaughters, two sisters, a sister-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. 

Francis R. Porter ’73, of Winchester, Mass.; Jan. 17. He graduated from Boston University Medical School and practiced medicine at Winchester Hospital and Lawrence Memorial Hospital for more than 30 years. He was an avid birder, enjoyed reading and photography, and was a fan of Boston sports. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; a daughter and son-in-law; two sons, including Matthew ’03; two daughters-in-law; and seven grandchildren.

George E. Dixon ’73, of Foster, R.I.; Nov. 29. While at Brown, he developed an interest in woodworking and apprenticed with master furniture maker Tage Frid at RISD. After graduation, he opened a woodshop with his twin brother in the South End of Boston, Dixon Brothers Woodworking, where he developed an interest in building custom staircases. After marrying in 1984, he moved to a farm in Foster and opened North Road Stair Builders, which designed and installed custom winding staircases across the Northeast. He developed a reputation as a master of the craft, and in 1996, he began giving woodworking lectures across the country. His teaching remains available on ThisIsCarpentry.com’s website and YouTube. On his farm, in addition to small farm animals, he kept bees, tended orchards, pressed cider with an antique press he restored, tapped maple trees, and repaired carts, tractors, and motorcycles. He also read a book every week. He is survived by his wife, Helen; sister Candis H. Dixon ’76; a brother; three children; and two grandchildren. 

Eric T. Reenstierna ’71, of Newton, Mass.; Feb. 5, after a two-decade battle with cancer. He had a long career as a commercial real estate appraiser but also worked at times as a lumber salesman, a photographer, a teacher, and a short order cook. Committed to protecting the environment, he served as president of the land trust for Newton and president of the Newton Conservators. He also served on the city’s Conservation Commission and its Community Preservation Committee. He was instrumental in saving a large tract of open space at Kesseler Woods. He volunteered at the Pine Street Inn working with the homeless and wrote six novels. He is survived by his wife, Anne; a daughter; a son; and six grandchildren. 

James E. Van Epp Jr. ’70, of Warren, R.I.; Nov. 7. He earned his PhD at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and completed a post doctorate degree at MIT. In addition to his academic accomplishments, he served in the U.S. Air Force as a second lieutenant. His taste in music spanned classical to early rock and roll, he enjoyed going to the theater and reading, and he was proud to be a member of the Boston Chapter of the Sherlock Holmes Society. He is survived by a sister and brother-in-law, a brother, a niece, and two nephews.

Richard P. Cole ’70, of Providence, R.I.; Nov. 19. He went on to earn a master’s in clinical psychology from St. John’s University and worked for several years as a state psychologist for the R.I. Department of Children, Youth, and Families. He enjoyed coaching his daughter’s softball team and later playing golf and working in his yard. He is survived by a daughter; a sister; two brothers, including Bill ’67; two sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews; and his former wife, Jennifer Bell-Cole. 

 Patricia A. Barald ’70, ’70 AM, of Washington, D.C.; Dec. 29. She earned a law degree from Cornell Law School and became the first woman to hold a full-time faculty position at the school. She was editor of the Cornell Law Review and was recognized by the Order of the Coif in 1973. She practiced her entire legal career at Covington & Burling, focused on environmental law, eventually becoming partner—at the time, only the third woman to hold that title. She was known for her commitment to her clients, her understanding of complex legal issues, and her mentoring of young attorneys. She is survived by her husband, James Toupin; a son; a grandson; and a sister. 

Nicholas C. Litchfield ’69, of Reno, Nev., formerly of Maine, Connecticut, and Massachusetts; Oct. 6. After graduating from Brown, where he met his future wife, he taught French at Gould Academy. They were married in 1970 and both took a leave of absence from their jobs to refit a small cruising boat and sailed for four years aboard their Take Five. On returning, he worked as a yacht broker and began learning computer science at the University of New Hampshire and Columbia University. They moved to Connecticut and he taught at Greens Farms Academy. He retired from Greens Farms Academy and moved to Wayland, Mass., where he renovated their house and briefly did IT work for a trading firm out of Chicago. He retired to Reno in 2011 and enjoyed skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Jahn Litchfield ’70; two sons and their spouses; four grandchildren; two sisters; and a brother. 

James W. Culbreth ’69, of Lilburn, Ga.; Sept. 3, 2024, of osteomyelitis of the spine. He had been an attorney at McKenna Long & Aldridge before retiring in 2009. He is survived by his wife, Loretta, and a son. 

Darryl L. J. Fanelli ’68, of Houston; Jan. 9. After graduating from the University of Houston’s Bates College of Law, he worked independently and as managing partner of a law firm with Raymond M. Hill. His focus was in real estate, trust and probate, financial contracts, and oil and gas rights and leases. He later worked at T-Mobile building out its southeastern network. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling extensively throughout Europe with his wife, restoring historic homes, literature, and poetry. He is survived by his wife, Ludmila Saposhkov Fanelli ’68; a daughter; a stepson; and two step-grandchildren.

Roger True ’67, of Fairfield, Conn.; Oct. 18, from squamous cell carcinoma. After graduating from Brown, he had a long career with the Fairfield County independent schools teaching courses in science and mathematics, coaching hockey and baseball, and filling many administrative positions that included department head, athletic director, dean of faculty, and head of Upper School. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially times spent with his wife on their boat in Cape Cod. He developed an interest in oceanography, marine biology, and meteorology and he enjoyed swimming, fishing, reading, solving puzzles, and attending sports events, especially Cape Cod League baseball games. He is survived by his wife, Anita Northy True ’67, and a brother, Richard ’65. 

Peter M. Getz ’67, of Columbia, S.C.; Dec. 15. While at Brown, he was a member of the Air Force ROTC and volunteered for service in Vietnam. He concluded his service as a captain of the Strategic Air Command. Following his military service, he earned an MBA at Georgia State University and met his future wife. They settled in Columbia and he opened Getzby’s Deli, which he operated until 1990. He is survived by his wife, Libby; two sons; a daughter-in-law; two grandchildren; and two brothers. 

Frederick M. Bush III ’67, of New York City and Jackson, Miss.; Jan. 21. After Brown he attended the University of Mississippi School of Law, where he graduated first in his class, was editor-in-chief of the law journal, and was named outstanding law graduate by the faculty. Upon graduating from Ole Miss, he joined his father in practice at Mitchell, McNutt & Bush as an associate. He earned a Master of Laws degree from Harvard Law School in 1972, and two years later he was named a partner in Mitchell, McNutt & Bush and remained there for 15 years. In 1989, he joined Phelps Dunbar, where he spent the remaining 36 years of his career. He was the managing partner of the firm’s Tupelo office for 22 years before being asked to relocate to Jackson to head Phelps Dunbar’s business practice, where he remained active in the firm until his death. He enjoyed traveling, black-and-white photography, water skiing, and trout fishing. He also possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of the television comedy Cheers. He was an Eagle scout and veteran of the U.S. Navy. He is survived by two sons, a daughter-in-law, three granddaughters, brother Richard ’70, a sister-in-law, his former spouse Martha H. Adams ’69, and several nieces and nephews. 

Michael W. Dennis ’65, of Haymarket, Va.; Jan. 26. He was a neurosurgeon in Washington, D.C., and one of the surgeons that operated on a secret service detail for President Ronald Reagan following his attempted assassination, performing a complex procedure to remove an exploding bullet. He volunteered as a public health worker through the Earth Watch program providing medical care to local communities in Ghana, Bolivia, Poland, Russia, and Zimbabwe. After retiring, he earned an MBA from George Mason University and went on to be a consultant to corporations and an expert medical witness. He was involved with the Lifelong Learning Program and a frequent lecturer. He was active in his local community and served in leadership positions for many organizations. He is survived by his wife, Judy; three children; and five grandchildren. 

James Shortell ’64, of Greenfield, Mass.; Nov. 7. After Brown, he went on to earn a master’s and PhD in psychology at UMass Amherst. While completing his doctoral dissertation, he worked at the Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Center in Norwalk (Conn.) and was then invited to become the staff psychologist of the East Spoke inpatient behavioral health unit at the Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, where he worked for the majority of his career, in addition to operating a private practice. He had a keen sense of humor and while working at East Spoke, he organized a humorous in-house newsletter called “The Loose Spoke” about and for his coworkers. He enjoyed designing holiday cards to make the recipients laugh. He spent time at his vacation home in Friendship, Me., where he enjoyed hiking and skiing. He is survived by his wife, Carol; three children; and two grandchildren. 

Jane Newhagen ’64, of Silver Spring, Md., formerly of Key West, Fla.; Jan. 20, of ALS. She taught elementary school at Palmer River Elementary School in Rehoboth, Mass., and at the International School of Paris in Paris, France. She was the author of three historical novels set in Key West, where she lived for 20 years: Sand Dollar, Pieces of Eight, and Chambered Nautilus. She is a coauthor of After Life, Images from the Key West Cemetery, and a contributor to the Key West Writers Guild anthologies. She served as archivist of the Key West City Cemetery for 14 years, creating the Cemetery Strolls that tell stories from Key West history and help fund cemetery restoration by the Historic Florida Keys Foundation. She served as archivist of the Key West City Cemetery from 2004 to 2018. She is survived by a daughter; son John ’89, ’01 PhD; and a brother. 

William J. Nathan ’64, of Slingerlands, N.Y.; Dec. 18. He was the owner of Nathan Office Interiors. He served as president of the Albany Rotary Club and as district governor of Rotary District 7190, and on several boards, including the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York. He was president of the Brotherhood at Congregation Beth Emeth. Before his wife’s passing, they were rarely seen apart and enjoyed traveling the world together. He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, a son, and two grandchildren. 

M. Anthony Gould ’64, of Washington, D.C.; Jan. 14, from complications of pneumonia. He was a founding partner of the commercial real estate firm Larson, Ball, Gould & Collins and had a 37-year career in real estate and banking. He was the recipient of numerous awards for his professional accomplishments and his commitment to community service. He enjoyed championing educational opportunities for young people. He worked to help students of color attend his high school alma mater and encouraged dozens of students to matriculate at Brown, viewing this advocacy as one of his most meaningful legacies. He served on the boards of Woodberry Forest School, the Brown University Sports Foundation, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Washington, and the Metropolitan Club of Washington. He is survived by daughter Margaret Gould Korn ’97 and her husband Adam Korn ’97; two grandsons; a sister; and a brother.  

Raymond M. Woller ’63, of Athens, Ga.; Nov. 30, of pneumonia. He taught philosophy at Kent State University and the University of Georgia. He had been a competitive swimmer both regionally and nationally. He suffered from aphasia in the last decade of his life, which in turn stole the love of language that had defined him. He is survived by his wife, Doris; a stepdaughter and her spouse; two stepsons and their wives; and three grandchildren. 

 Robert Kroin ’63, of Brookline, Mass.; Dec. 15, after suffering a heart attack. For 40 years he was the chief architect for the Boston Redevelopment Authority. He is survived by his wife, Judith; a son; two stepchildren; and six grandchildren. 

Walter E. Farnam Jr. ’63, of Newtown Square, Pa.; Jan. 22. He spent 22 years with Aetna Life and Casualty Co., where he became a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society and spent the last five years of his tenure heading the national accounts operations. He moved to Pennsylvania to head General Accident Insurance Company as president and COO, then as chairman and CEO. Later he chaired the boards of CGU Insurance Company and Crozer-Keystone Health System, and sat on the board of Kingsway Financial Services, Inc. He enjoyed time with his family, especially during the family’s annual trip to Bermuda, where he spent a majority of the time on his moped. A long-term member of Aronimink Golf Club, he enjoyed golfing, swimming, scuba diving, and skiing. He was also an avid fan of Philadelphia’s sports teams. He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, a son and daughter-in-law, and five grandchildren. 

Farrell Fleming ’62, of British Columbia; Nov. 27. After Brown, where he was a drum major and student manager of the Brown Marching Band, he earned a master’s in philosophy at the University of Washington and began teaching at the University of Manitoba in the 1970s. In 1978 he made a career change and joined a pioneering initiative to enrich the lives of older adults by fostering active community involvement, which became the Creative Retirement Institute at Edmonds College. He led the Institute for more than two decades and was proud of his accomplishments, including the installation of a medical onsite clinic at the Edmonds Senior Centre and the establishing of a cold weather emergency shelter for the homeless. In 2020 he was honored to be the marshal of the Edmonds Parade. He is survived by his wife Delaine; a daughter-in-law; and two grandchildren.

Carolyn Dee Nash Bates ’62, of Tucson, Ariz.; Jan. 21. While attending Brown, she met her future husband, Avery Bates ’61, who predeceased her. Together, they raised a family in Massachusetts and enjoyed life adventures before retiring to Tucson. She was a talented artist and antiques dealer and a spirited conversationalist. She is survived by her four children, eight grandchildren, and a brother.

Robert W. Schmid ’61, of Kingwood Twp., N.J.; Dec. 26. He worked at First National Bank of Central Jersey and then UltraBank, spending most of his career in the loan department before becoming head of marketing. He was later treasurer of Diehl’s Jewelers in Bernardsville, N.J., and the tax assessor for Franklin Twp. in Pittstown, N.J., where he also served on the township planning board. He volunteered at the Red Cross and was a member of the Somerville Rotary Club and the Jaycees, where he served as treasurer and president. He enjoyed time spent with his family as well as gardening, sports, traveling, and reading about history. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Marx Schmid; four sons and their spouses; three grandchildren; a niece; and a nephew.

Robert F. Lowe Jr. ’61, of Brewster, Mass.; Jan. 27. After Brown he earned an MBA from New York University and began a career in banking—first investment banking at Irving Trust and later, with Paine Webber and Prudential Securities, founding and managing a fundraising consultancy—followed by work at the Kennedy Collective in Connecticut. In 2004, he retired to Truro on Cape Cod, where he enjoyed sailing and volunteering his time to historic restoration projects. After visiting San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, he purchased a home there and split his time between San Miguel and Cape Cod. Ever true, he served as president of his class for most of his life and was instrumental with fundraising efforts for Brown’s track program. He is survived by three sons, two granddaughters, two great-grandchildren, and his former wife, Elizabeth Delima ’61. 

Charles R. Steinberg ’60, of New York City; Dec. 27, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. He earned his medical degree from Cornell medical school and completed his residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Cornell Medical Center, where he served as chief medical resident before going on to complete his fellowship in infectious diseases. He practiced internal medicine at New York Presbyterian Hospital for more than 50 years. During the Vietnam War, he served as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. In addition to his love of medicine, he enjoyed running, fishing, and family. He is survived by Judith Lambert; two daughters, including Carolyn Robb Steinberg ’87; two sons-in-law; and four grandchildren. 

Allan Soares ’60, of Sebring, Fla.; Feb. 6. At Brown, he played and coached hockey and golf. His passion for hockey continued after Brown as a player with various amateur teams, including the EHL’s New Haven Blades and AHL’s Providence Reds, and as a scout for the NHL’s St. Louis Blues. He coached the Roger Willliams hockey team and was player/coach of the Rhody Oldies Hockey Club. He also played golf and squash at Rhode Island Country Club, where he was a member of the Sunrise Athletic Group. He was a member of both the Cranston Schools Athletic Hall of Fame and Brown’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Aside from athletics, he worked in the financial services industry with New England Financial before starting his own firm, Benefit Development Group. He is survived by his wife, Karen; a daughter; and a son and daughter-in-law. 

Stephen A. Kramer ’60, of Billings, Mont.; Jan. 19. He was an otolaryngologist and surgeon. After Brown he attended medical school at Tufts University and a residency at Yale. In 1971, he and his wife moved to Billings and he worked at the Billings Clinic, from which he retired in 2015 as its longest serving physician. He believed in giving back to his community and provided medical assistance to underserved populations, including time visiting the Crow Indian Reservation and rural Montana. He volunteered with Planned Parenthood, Congregation Beth Aaron, Meals on Wheels, and the Friends of Pompeys Pillar. He was a Little League umpire even after his own children had grown and once received the honor of being asked to umpire in the Little League Western Regional Tournament. He and his wife traveled extensively and visited all seven continents. He enjoyed watching and playing sports, riding motorcycles, hiking, camping, skiing, and river rafting. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; a daughter and son and their spouses; three grandchildren; and a brother and sister-in-law. 

Alan R. Goldman ’60, ’71 PhD, of Fairfax, Va.; Jan. 10. He worked for the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington, D.C., for 28 years. He had enjoyed traveling with his wife prior to her passing. He is survived by two daughters, a son-in-law, and two granddaughters.

Alan Clayson II ’60, of Stamford, Vt.; Jan. 3. For several years he taught Latin/Greek at Berkshire School and Taft School. He owned and operated Berkshire Sports Wear and also worked at Eaton Paper as an art director. He volunteered with the Broadband Committee. He is survived by his partner, Michelle Shafto; a son and daughter-in-law; a granddaughter; and two sisters, including Nancy Anne Forster ’63 and her husband Alan Forster ’62.

Barbara A. Scott Page ’58, of Asheville, N.C., formerly of New York; Jan. 19, after a brief illness. She was an associate professor of sociology at SUNY College at New Paltz and a recipient of the president’s award for excellence in teaching. During her tenure she helped establish the school’s Women’s Studies program. She was also an advocate for environmental and social justice. She enjoyed classical music, jazz, modern dance, and traveling to New York City. She is survived by two sons, a grandson, and her former spouse Josiah B. Page ’58.

Ludlow Miller ’58, of Pleasanton, Calif., formerly of Philadelphia; Nov. 15. He served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy before becoming vice president at National Sugar Refining Company and then senior vice president at PNC Bank. In 2014 he relocated to California and enjoyed sailing, tennis, bocce, golf, and mountain climbing. While in Philadelphia, he served on numerous boards and committees. He is survived by his wife, Babbie; two daughters and sons-in-law; son Ludlow ’95 and his wife; seven grandchildren; a sister; and nieces and nephews. 

Richard C. Hatch ’58, of Nazareth, Pa., formerly of Northampton, Pa.; Oct. 28. After receiving his PhD from the University of New Hampshire, he joined the chemistry department at Muhlenberg College. During his more than 39 years at the college, he served in several positions that included professor of chemistry, chair of the chemistry department, and dean of the faculty, as well as serving on numerous faculty committees. In 1973 he received the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation Award, which is presented to a faculty member in recognition of outstanding teaching and for stimulating the intellectual development of students at Muhlenberg College. He enjoyed gardening and bird-watching and had a passion for the Philadelphia Eagles. He is survived by his wife, Deborah; a daughter; a son; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a brother. 

Albert P. Godreau ’58, of Arlington, Vt., formerly of Conn.; Nov. 30. He suffered from polio as a teen but overcame to play hockey at Kimball Union Academy and at Brown, where he lettered and played two seasons as goalie. He graduated and entered Naval Officers Training School and completed training as what today is referred to as a Navy Seal. A career in banking followed, then he worked in commercial real estate in New York City, Chicago, and Stamford, Conn. In 1993, he moved to Arlington and served as land use administrator and later as health officer for Arlington for more than 20 years. He enjoyed fly-fishing, birding, and traveling. He is survived by his wife, Mardi Crane-Godreau; four children; five grandchildren, and his former spouse, Nancy Godreau.

John P. Becker ’58, of Arlington, Va.; Feb. 11. He was a foreign service officer from 1961 to 2005. His diplomatic career took him and his family to various postings around the world and he concluded his career at the Department of State’s Office of World War II Reparations. He was an avid cross-country runner and finished the 1968 Boston Marathon in 3 hours and 37 minutes. In addition to running, he had a passion for music and sang with the Augustinerkirche Choir in Vienna, the Metropolitan Chorale, the Arlington Chorale, and a barbershop chorus in Arlington. He was also active with the Arlington Rotary and enjoyed gardening. He is survived by his wife, Priscilla; two daughters, including Alison Becker Weems ’89.5; and four grandchildren. 

Roger E. Stoddard ’57, of Concord, Mass.; Jan. 21. While a student at Brown, he cofounded Sibylline Books, selling books from his dorm room to support his studies. He served for four decades at Harvard’s Houghton Library, rising to senior curator of rare books and senior lecturer in the Department of English. He expanded Houghton’s collections and authored more than 200 works, from bibliographies to essays, including Marks in Books, Illustrated and Explained (1985). He was a member of several bibliophilic societies. In retirement he wrote numerous essays and completed A Bibliographical Description of Books and Pamphlets of American Verse Printed from 1610 through 1820. He and his wife enjoyed spending summers in Maine, where they cultivated a collection of Maine artwork. He is survived by his wife Helen Heckel Stoddard ’56; a daughter; a son; and four grandchildren.  

Barbara Toohey Smith ’57, of Rockville, Md.; Dec. 25. She was an active member of First Church of Christ, where she volunteered in various capacities for more than 50 years. Her passion for gardening led her to be a member of the Woodley Garden Club and she enjoyed walking her dogs and playing bridge. She is survived by three children and a grandson. 

Doris Finke Minsker ’57, of Scottsdale, Ariz., formerly of New York; Oct. 23. She was instrumental in the development of Knowledge Industry Publications with her husband, publishing books and magazines. They relocated to Scottsdale in 1995. She is survived by three children and four grandchildren. 

John F. Conner ’57, of East Hampton, N.Y.; Dec. 18. He was a national and internationally known runner. He ran for the New York Pioneer Club and the New York Athletic Club at Masters and World Veterans competitions. He finished in first place in numerous races and set world records; the Old Montauk Athletic Club’s Montauk Mile Cup is now known as the Montauk Mile John F. Conner Cup. His running career was sidetracked when he was hit by a truck from behind while cycling. Undaunted by a shattered hip, he went on to become a top age-group triathlete. After Brown he served in the U.S. Army, honorably discharged with the rank of corporal. His career encompassed a variety of positions, including working for the New York State Thruway Authority, in the New York University admissions office, driving a New York City taxi, and working at the Manhattan Art and Antiques Center. He worked for Ed Pospisil Real Estate, served as director for the Head Start program in East Hampton, and founded the John Conner Real Estate and John Conner Construction firms, building affordable houses for East Hampton families. He also served on the board of Windmill Housing, which offered affordable housing for senior citizens. He was among the organizers for the annual East Hampton Artists and Writers Charity Softball games and organized numerous foot races for charity. He also performed in amateur theater for 25 years. He is survived by his wife, Henrika; a son-in-law; a granddaughter; and cousins. 

Joseph B. Palmer ’56, of Salem, N.H.; Nov. 5. He was the owner of Palmer Spring Company, which he ran for 70 years. He is survived by his wife, Clara; three daughters; two sons-in-law; three sons; a daughter-in-law; 14 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. 

John E. Delhagen ’56, of Fort Myers, Fla., formerly of Allentown, Pa.; Jan. 23. His career began in sales at Westinghouse in Pittsburgh before switching to a career as a stockbroker. He also taught personal finance at the Allentown Business School. In 1972, he moved to the Pocono Mountains to build and operate the Jim Thorpe KOA campground with his family. He had an entrepreneurial vision and partnered with Carbon County Tourism. He was an active member of several organizations, including the Brown Alumni Association and Mensa. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and he enjoyed playing poker, golfing, and fishing. He is survived by two daughters; son J. Edward III ’83; a daughter-in-law; a son-in-law; and three grandchildren. 

John A. Vivian ’55, of Standish, Me.; Oct. 18, after a long illness. After graduating from Brown, where he met his future wife, Dawn Ratcliffe Vivian ’55, who passed two months after him, he served as a naval officer for three years. Following his service, he became an officer in the banking sector, eventually becoming president of the Quincy Cooperative Bank. He enjoyed singing and was a devout Christian. He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, three sons, a daughter-in-law, 10 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, brother Richard ’51, and a sister-in-law.

Dawn Ratcliffe Vivian ’55, of Standish, Me.; Dec. 11. In addition to being a kindergarten teacher, she was also a youth choir director and organist at several churches in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Maine. She enjoyed serving on the welcoming committee to newcomers at St. Ann’s Church in Windham, Me., and spending time with her children when they all could get together. While at Brown, she met her husband, John A. Vivian ’55, who passed away two months prior. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, three sons, a daughter-in-law, 10 grandchildren, and
several great-grandchildren. 

Susan Morgan Rolontz ’55, of New York City; Jan. 29. She was an editor, writer, and executive vice president at the Tobe Report, a New York-based fashion forecasting publication that published a weekly report predicting trends and styles for global retailers. She covered the fashion circuits of New York, London, Milan, and Paris, attending and photographing more than 100 runway shows each season. She is survived by daughter Lee A. Rolontz ’84; a son; a daughter-in-law; a son-in-law; and four grandchildren. 

Warren F. Ilchman ’55, of Bronxville, N.Y.; Nov. 21, from respiratory failure and pneumonia. He taught at Williams College and UC Berkeley and received a Fulbright to India. His career turned to university administration and he was made dean at Boston University, executive vice president of academic affairs at SUNY Albany, then president of Pratt Institute. He authored 17 books during his career. He was named Asia advisor to the Ford Foundation, director of the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy, and founding director of the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans from 1998 to 2011. He was a member of the National Academy for Public Administration, the American Society for Public Administration, and proud president of his Brown class for many years. Phi Beta Kappa. He enjoyed traveling and gardening and is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, a son and daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren. 

Constance Payan Danforth ’55, of Portsmouth, R.I.; Jan. 16. While attending Brown, she met her future husband, John L. “Skip” Danforth ’52, who predeceased her in 2009. She was active in garden clubs in Barrington, R.I., and Montclair, N.J., and she and Skip volunteered with Tap-In, assisting the elderly with appointments. She enjoyed summers spent at Craigville, Mass., with extended family. She is survived by two daughters, two sons, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and seven grandchildren. 

William R. Corbus ’55, of Chipley, Fla.; Jan. 9. He was employed by a certified public accounting firm in Arlington before moving to St. Petersburg, Florida, in 1973, where he and his wife became owners and managers of the Panasea Motel, Treasure Island. After the sale of the motel, he became a deacon and custodian at Azalea Baptist Church in St. Petersburg. In 1999 he retired to McIntosh, Florida, and enjoyed fishing and being an active member of Orange Lake Baptist Church. He relocated to Chipley in 2010. He enjoyed reading, history trivia, game shows, and football. He is survived by his wife, Jean; two daughters; a son-in-law; a granddaughter; a niece; and four nephews. 

Sylvia Moscovitz Zigun ’54, of Hamden, Conn.; Jan. 10. After earning a master’s in nursing from Yale, she married and raised two sons. She later returned to school to pursue a master of science degree at the University of Bridgeport and completed her PhD in health psychology at the Union Institute, eventually becoming a psychotherapist. She served as chair of nursing services for the Southeastern Fairfield Chapter of the American Red Cross from 1974 to 1976. She was recognized as a noteworthy psychotherapist and health educator, earning an entry in Marquis Who’s Who. She also became a licensed ham radio operator. She was devoted to the Jewish community and served as vice president of Congregation Rodeph Sholom Synagogue and president of its Sisterhood. She was an active member of several medical professional organizations, Phi Beta Kappa, and Sigma Xi. She is survived by two sons and their spouses, seven grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.

Brian B. Wallace ’54, of Centerville, Mass.; Jan. 7. He served two years in the U.S. Army after graduation, then taught in Boston-area school districts while working part-time at his aunt’s bar. He met his future wife there and eventually became a nightclub partner. Because of his success in business, he was able to retire early and enjoy gardening, boating, tennis, and reading. He is survived by his wife, Lorna Roderick; three daughters, including Brooke Wallace ’05 and Brittany Wallace ’07; a son-in-law; two grandchildren; and two sisters.

Rosamond “Roz” Waldron Wadsworth ’54, of Philadelphia; Nov. 5. For seven decades she enjoyed a musical career as an accomplished soprano soloist, voice teacher, choral director, and concert producer. She earned her master’s from Eastman College of Music and taught for several years in Kentucky before returning to Rhode Island in the late 1950s. She taught music in Providence public schools; voice, language, and diction at Barrington College; then developed a private teaching practice that she continued into her 80s. She assisted in organizing and producing for musical causes. She founded Concerts at the Point in Little Compton, which continue today. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, a son, a former daughter-in-law, three grandchildren, and seven nieces and nephews.

George D. Morrison ’54, of Naples, Me.; Jan. 5. After graduating from Brown, where he was a member of the football and baseball teams, he operated his own sales agency and stayed active in business well into his 70s. He is survived by three daughters, seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, a niece, and a nephew.

Joan P. Baxter Fogarty ’54, of Alexandria, Va.; Jan. 17. In addition to being a homemaker, she enjoyed working at Good Shepherd Catholic Church for 20+ years. She also enjoyed playing tennis and vacationing in Newport, R.I. She is survived by her husband, Joseph Fogarty; six children; 15 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. 

Herbert S. Cohen ’54, of Boston; Dec. 11. He was the founder of the Cohen Law Group, which he owned and operated for 65 years while practicing law. He served as class vice president for many years and volunteered his time and legal expertise as general counsel for Freedom House. He is survived by daughter Kathryn Cohen ’04; a son; two grandchildren; brother Stafford ’56; a sister-in-law; and two nephews, including Matthew Cohen ’87. 

Clarence C. Barksdale ’54, of St. Louis, Mo.; Dec. 25. Following graduation from Brown and service in the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Corps, he joined First National Bank in St. Louis. He was named president 16 years later, the youngest person to hold the title at that time. He was instrumental in the renaming of the bank to Centerre Bancorporation before its buyout from Boatmen’s Bancshares. In 1989, he retired from banking and became vice chairman and a member of the board of trustees at Washington University, where he remained until 2004. During his career he served on numerous boards and was a trustee of Brown. He volunteered with many civic organizations that included the Missouri Botanical Society, the Boy Scouts of Greater St. Louis, St. Louis Zoo, and the Muny Opera. He was named one of TIME Magazine’s “Top 200 Young Leaders in the Country” in 1974 and St. Louis Globe-Democrat “Man of the Year” in 1982. He enjoyed crossword puzzles and playing tennis. He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law; a son and daughter-in-law; three grandchildren, including Elizabeth C. Barksdale ’23; his brother Henry ’50; and many nieces and nephews.

Ronald “Ron” J. Abdow ’54 of Longmeadow, Mass.; Jan. 22. He excelled as a two-way end for Brown’s football team. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy for two years followed by work in his father’s scrap iron business in Worcester before becoming a Big Boy franchise owner in Massachusetts and Connecticut with his brother George. He remained in the restaurant business for nearly 50 years. He was known for his philanthropy, community leadership, involvement in Brown athletics, and his career as a Division 1 college football official. He officiated numerous perennial rivalries and in the 1988 Orange Bowl, which saw Miami beat Oklahoma for the national title. In 1997, he was recognized by the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame. He served as chair of several boards, trustee for Baystate Medical Center, and director for several regional banks. He also served as a member of the Brown Sports Foundation. He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Gladys Abdow. He is survived by three children and their spouses, including Steven ’81 and David ’83, and five grandchildren.

Joanna Chiotinos Zauchenberger ’53, of Leawood, Kans.; Nov. 23. She continued her education at Yale, earning a master’s in education, and taught French in a local school. Her husband’s job saw them move to California and then to Kansas, where she continued to teach French at the Barstow School in Kansas City, Mo., for more than 25 years. During that time, she was also regional director for the American Institute for Foreign Study and enjoyed taking students abroad to learn. She and her husband were donors to the Lyric Opera and she volunteered as a guide at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art on weekends. She is survived by two sons, a daughter-in-law, two grandsons, and a great-grandson.

Roger E. Marchand ’53, of the Villages, Fla., formerly of Webster, Mass.; Nov. 26. He owned and operated Marchand Insurance Agency with his wife, son, and daughter before retiring to Florida in 1999. As a representative of Travelers Insurance, he was awarded the Health Quality Award, was the 1973 and 1976 National Health Production leader, and for five years was the Northeast Regional Health Production Leader. He was a World War II Marine Corp veteran. He enjoyed camping, sports, and card games. He is survived by four daughters, three sons, a daughter-in-law, two sons-in-law, 13 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. 

Barbara Reese Howard ’53, of Warren, N.J.; Dec. 30. She taught preschool at Plainfield’s YWCA and joined Head Start’s early education program. She became an advocate for inclusive special education and earned her master’s in special education from Rutgers University. Her passion for teaching was extended through tutoring. She was a member of the International Reading Association and Literacy Volunteers of America. After retirement, she established a library at a women’s shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children. Seeing the need for Jewish education and social connections, she and her husband helped found the Mountain Jewish Community Center, which became Temple Har Shalom. She was an active member of the League of Women Voters and the National Organization for Women (NOW). She was one of “The Smart Chix,” a special friends community of retired Warren educators. She was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling, attending events at Temple Har Shalom, exercising at Healthy Bones, attending yoga classes, and hosting women at Rosh Chodesh gatherings. She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, two sons, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, a sister, a niece, and nephews. 

Ulises Giberga ’53, of New York City; Dec. 1. He had a long career with Chase Manhattan Bank and Republic National Bank of New York. In retirement, he pursued his passion for acting with the St. Bart’s Players. He also enjoyed playing squash, tennis, and bridge. Phi Beta Kappa. He is survived by his wife, Katherine Jane; two daughters and sons-in-law; a son; and five grandchildren. 

James Y. Sweet ’52, of Rosman, N.C.; Jan. 14. After graduating, he served in the U.S. Army and went on to work for the Army Security Agency, and later the National Security Agency, from which he retired as deputy chief in 1986. He was the recipient of the NSA 1967 Citizenship Award and the 1985 Meritorious Civilian Service Award. He enjoyed playing golf, sculpting clay, weaving Nantucket Lightship baskets, and traveling. He is survived by his wife, Caryl; six children; and 23 grandchildren. 

David R. Nichols ’52, of Princeton, Mass.; Jan. 13. After Brown, where he was a member of the cheerleading squad and active in Phi Gamma Delta, he earned a master’s degree in geology from Cornell University. His thesis helped map the bedrock geology of the coast of Rhode Island for the United States Geological Survey. He was then drafted into the U.S. Army Artillery Corps and was an instructor stationed at Fort Chaffee. Upon discharge, he began his career as an exploration geologist in Lowell, Vt. In 1961, he accepted an engineering position at Norton Company in Worcester, and he and his family settled in Princeton, where he had a 29-year career. He returned to Vermont frequently, having built a log cabin in Morristown. His interest in nature and the outdoors led him to join scouting, achieving the distinction of Eagle Scout, and working with many troops. He enjoyed photography, camping, sailing, hiking, cycling, and playing tennis and the piano. He was a member of the Princeton Library Renovation Committee, serving as geologist and fundraiser, and several local boards. He is survived by his wife, Christine; three children and their spouses; three grandchildren; four stepchildren and their spouses; seven step-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren. 

Gerald Berkelhammer ’52, of Montgomery Township, N.J.; Dec. 31. After receiving his PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Washington, he worked at American Cyanamid Company for 42 years, where he rose to be the executive director of chemical discovery. During his career he received 41 patents and authored 11 chemical journal papers. He was a member of the American Chemical Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Sigma Xi, and Phi Lambda Upsilon. He volunteered at Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, now known as Learning Ally, and was a member and treasurer of Community Without Walls. For more than 70 years he was an avid tennis player and competed in the Mercer County Men’s Tennis League. He also enjoyed skiing, gardening, and camping. He is survived by his wife, Sheila; daughter Jill Zorn ’78; two sons, including Fred ’80; a daughter-in-law; a son-in-law; and five grandchildren. 

Robert A. “Bob” Fearon ’51, of New York City; Jun. 4, 2024. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force just before the end of World War II. Upon being honorably discharged as a sergeant he headed to Dartmouth College, but two days later he enrolled at Brown, where he made numerous lifelong friends, was a member of Sigma Chi, was head cheerleader his senior year, and was elected to the Board of Trustees in 1975. His career began as a staff writer for General Electric, where he also met his future wife, Mary. He moved to Time Magazine and worked in both their New York and London offices before transitioning to advertising at IBM. He then cofounded Friedlich, Fearon, and Strohmeier before being recruited to join Doremus & Co., a firm focused on Wall Street. He served as president of the American Association of Advertising Agencies, and during that time he formed Fearon, O’Leary and Kaprielian. He concluded his career at his own firm, The Creative Zone. Additionally, he was an amateur photographer and while living in New Canaan, Conn., served on the board of the Silvermine Guild of Artists, during which time he created The Doors of Dublin, an internationally known award-winning poster. The images and rights were purchased by the Irish Tourism Board in Dublin. He was also a member of Mensa International. His true passion was writing and he spent the final years of his life penning novels. In 1983, he met Nancy Barnett Morse, with whom he formed a more than 40-year partnership; she survives him. In addition to Nancy, he is survived by daughter Jennifer Fearon ’77; son  Jeffrey ’75; two grandchildren; Nancy’s two sons, including  Richard Turits ’83; Nancy’s four grandchildren; and Mary, the mother of his children.

Dorothy Blair Sage ’51, of Peace Dale, R.I.; Sept. 17. She had been employed with MIT in their personnel department before marrying and moving to Peace Dale. She embraced her Rhode Island community and was involved in a local bowling league, was part of a play reading group, and enjoyed playing croquet, painting, and traveling. She also hosted international students and made lifelong friendships. She is survived by four stepchildren and 10 grandchildren.

Lewis R. Mills ’51, of St. Louis, Mo.; Dec. 8. He was awarded the Order of the Coif upon graduation from Washington University Law School and received a Juris Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin. After serving in the U.S. Army, he returned to St. Louis to practice law. He joined the faculty of Washington University Law School in 1964 and taught courses in corporate law, securities regulation, and legal history. He served as acting dean of the law school from 1972 to 1973, then returned to the practice of law at Peper, Martin, Jensen, Maichel & Hetlage. In 1997 he joined Thompson Coburn, where he worked until his retirement. He enjoyed reading, fishing, cooking, and traveling. He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, a son and daughter-in-law, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. 

George C. Petropoulos ’50, of Middletown, R.I.; Jan. 7. He obtained a law degree from Boston University and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Following his military service, he worked briefly in private practice before joining Raytheon, where he had a successful 34-year career. A lifelong member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, he served on several committees and was past president of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association. He is survived by his wife, Agnes; two daughters and their spouses; a grandson; nieces; and nephews. 

Carol Wentz Foulke ’50, of Fairfax, Va., formerly of Woodstown, N.J.; Jan. 2. She was a social worker before stopping work to raise a family. Once her children were grown, she returned to social work at the Salem County Health Department’s Office of Family Planning. She volunteered with CONTACT, a local crisis hotline, and was an active member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. She was also a member of AAUW, the Woodstown Women’s Club, and many choral groups, and was a 60-year member of the Bridge Club. After retiring, she enjoyed sailing and traveling with her husband, who predeceased her. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, a daughter-in-law, two granddaughters, and two great-grandchildren. 

Madeline Rocchio Dee ’50, of East Greenwich, R.I.; Oct. 11, of cardiac arrest. While at Brown, she met her future husband, Robert K. Dee ’50. They were married for almost 62 years before his passing. She was an avid reader and a member of a book club for many years. She was a passionate Democrat and a lifelong globetrotter. Physically fit and active throughout her life, she enjoyed playing tennis, skiing, swimming, and walking. In her final decade, she took up tandem kayaking and cycling on a three-wheeled bike. She is survived by daughter Nancy Dee ’82; two sons; a son-in-law; two daughters-in-law; a grandson; sister Elena Rocchio ’52; and nieces and nephews, including Laurel Rocchio ’78.

Henry E. Dirks Jr. ’49, of Prospect Park, Pa.; Jan. 20. He had a 35-year career working for Dun & Bradstreet as an analytical reporter and later he worked with Colonial Penn Insurance. He was a veteran of the U.S. Naval Air Corps and was a lifelong fan of the Eagles and Phillies. He also enjoyed gardening, golf, and working on home projects. He is survived by his wife, Annamaria; a son and daughter-in-law; and three grandchildren. 

Dorcas Hamilton Cohen ’48, of Kennebunkport, Me., formerly of New York City and Westfield, N.J.; Jan. 20. While attending Brown, she met her future husband, Frederick J. Cofer ’48, who predeceased her. Due to Fred’s military service, they traveled to Europe and returned to settle in New York City, where Dorcas worked at Vogue. As Fred’s career advanced they moved several times, settling in Westfield. Dorcas returned to school, earning a PhD in clinical psychology from Rutgers. After her children were grown, she returned to NYC and worked at Beth Israel Hospital as the director of family therapy as well as maintaining a private practice. She married a second time to Solomon Cohen, and they enjoyed traveling before his passing. She retired to Maine and enjoyed watercolor painting, knitting, and tennis. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, a son and daughter-in-law, two stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

Margaret Poh Byrne ’47, of Devon, Pa.; Dec. 22. After Brown, she worked in communications for the Newark Evening News and for Babcock & Wilcox, where she met her future husband, who predeceased her in 1990. She was a talented oil painter and enjoyed decoupage work, braiding wool rugs, sewing her own clothes, gardening, cooking and baking, and welcoming rescue dogs and cats into her home. She is survived by two sons, a daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, two great-granddaughters, many nieces, and a nephew. 

Eugene F. Mullin Jr. ’46, of Lewes, Del.; Nov. 9. He attended Brown through the Navy ROTC program and served in the U.S. Navy for two years and in the Naval Reserve until 1958. He began studies at Harvard Law School but due to family circumstances, transferred to George Washington Law School. He went on to become a lecturer at George Washington Law School and was a founding partner of Mullin and Connor. In addition to his professional career, he had a variety of interests that included scuba diving, reading, and literature. He is survived by five children, 10 grandchildren, and a great-grandson. 

Edward N. Clarke ’46, ’51 PhD, of Worcester, Mass.; Jan. 16. He matriculated at Brown through the Navy ROTC program, served in World War II, and was honorably discharged with the rank of lieutenant. He remained in the Naval Reserves until 1957. He earned a graduate degree at Harvard and then returned to Brown to earn his PhD. He was among the earliest engineers and scientists helping create the semiconductor industry while working at Sylvania and Sperry Semiconductor, and he was one of the founders of National Semiconductor Corp. In 1965, he joined Worcester Polytechnic Institute as the associate dean of faculty, director of research, and professor of engineering and science. During his 30-year career at WPI he created the Solar Energy Center. He retired in 1995 but remained active in academics, continuing engagements with WPI, Brown, Nichols College, and the U.S. Naval War College Foundation in Newport, R.I., until age of 95. He was drawn to nature for relaxation, was an avid swimmer and downhill skier, and he also enjoyed hiking in the hills and mountains of the Northeast. He is survived by a daughter, three sons, three daughters-in-law, 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, a sister and brother-in-law, a sister-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. 

Richard A. “Dick” Grout ’42, of Traverse City, Mich.; Dec. 19 at 104 years of age. He was a decorated World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Army as part of the first wave during the D-Day landings on Omaha Beach, achieving the rank of captain. He later led engineering companies in critical operations. After living in Boston and Los Angeles, he and his wife relocated to Michigan and remained until her passing in 1985. He remarried and enjoyed traveling worldwide with his wife until her passing in 2014. He was involved with Suttons Bay Rotary Club and in 2022, at the age of 101, joined the Rotarians in a skydiving fundraiser. He was a founding member of the Traverse City International Affairs Forum. In January 2024, he was awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal for his role in liberating France during the war. He is survived by his three children and their spouses, two stepchildren, six grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, seven step-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Rev. Deborah McGill-Jackson ’76 of Newport News, Va., who died Sept. 25 from complications of a stroke, was an author, educator, and preacher. She was one of 14 women at Brown who chartered the Iota Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in 1974 and would go on to work at its corporate office, as well as pursuing legal studies at DePaul University Law School and Indiana University School of Law, before she answered the call to the ministry. She earned a master of divinity with distinction in worship and administration from the school of theology at Virginia Union University, becoming ordained in January, 1982. As a chaplain, she ministered in various settings that included seven universities, two seminaries, and the Women’s Correctional Center (Va.). She taught courses in history, the humanities, political science, sociology, English, and world religions. She was a noted author and preacher and was included in Those Preachin’ Women: Sermons by Black Women Preachers. In 2014, she was honored by Hampton University Ministers’ Conference (HUMC) as a woman in ministry founder. She was instrumental in forging the way for women participating in the conference when she was the first woman permitted to participate in a public capacity in 1981. The honor was bestowed on her by former United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Dr. Suzanne Cook-Johnson, the first president of the HUMC. During the last year of her life she celebrated her 50 years of service to Alpha Kappa Alpha by attending Brown’s Black Alumni Weekend and at the Iota Alpha chapter’s chartering anniversary weekend, where she was given the distinction of being a golden soror and received her flowers for being a charter member of the chapter. Before retiring in 2019, she served as an assistant professor in the College of Education and Continuing Studies and as the assistant university chaplain of Memorial Church at Hampton University. McGill-Jackson served on the board of the Peninsula Head Start Program, Aberdeen Gardens Historic Foundation, and other academic and civic organizations. Additionally, she spent several years teaching religion and history at Norfolk State University and social science courses at Strayer University, and was affiliated with several churches. She is survived by a daughter, a son and daughter-in-law, four granddaughters, a sister and brother-in-law, a sister-in-law, and several nieces and nephews. 

Joseph A. Chazan FAC, of Providence, a leading doctor, professor, businessman, and supporter of local arts, died Jul. 26. After completing his training at the former Boston City Hospital, he was a renal fellow at New England Medical Center and Beth Israel Hospital and served as a doctor in the public health service in Birmingham, Ala., before joining the Brown faculty. He developed and initiated the kidney dialysis program at Rhode Island Hospital. For many years he was clinical professor of medicine at Brown and director of renal diseases at Miriam Hospital, Memorial Hospital, and Rhode Island Hospital. In 1973, he established the Artificial Kidney Center of Rhode Island, the state’s first free-standing dialysis clinic. He went on to open eight more R.I. clinics and two in Massachusetts and was the founder of Nephrology Associates Inc. A great supporter of the arts, through the years he donated much of his collection to more than 40 museums. All the dialysis clinics he was associated with were furnished with art by local artists. “I think it would be nice if there were many more professionals who adorn their offices with local art instead of posters and prints,” he would say. In 2008 he launched NetWorks Rhode Island, a visual arts project. His wealth of knowledge and experience were instrumental in shaping the WaterFire Arts Center and its programs. He was involved with the Steel Yard, the Rhode Island Philharmonic, AS220, Farm Fresh, and the Providence Public Library. In 1978, he and his wife Helene, who predeceased him, established a scholarship in their names at the Rhode Island Foundation for the benefit of the Wheeler School. In 1984, they endowed the Friends of Glass scholarship at RISD, and in 1985, they established a scholarship fund for University at Buffalo medical students. He was honored with the 2013 Pell Award for outstanding leadership in the arts, while the American Kidney Fund named him its national caregiver of the year. The RISD Museum presented a selection of objects donated by the Chazans in its 2005 exhibition “Chazans’ Choice,” and in 2019 presented him with the RISD president’s medal of honor. He was proud of his Jewish heritage and served as a member and supporter of Temple Beth-El for more than 60 years. He is survived by his partner Vicki Veh; two daughters and sons-in-law; a son and daughter-in-law; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. 

Ezra F. Tawil ’92 AM, ’00 PhD, of New York City; Jan. 23, 2024, of melanoma. He was an English professor at the University of Rochester. Prior to joining that faculty in 2011, he taught in English departments at Wesleyan, Harvard, and Columbia universities. He authored two books, The Making of Racial Sentiment: Slavery and the Birth of the Frontier Romance and Literature, American Style; and The Originality of Imitation in the Early Republic. He also edited two books during his career. Eight of his essays and articles appeared in a variety of scholarly journals and publications. He is survived by his wife, Kirsten Lentz ’00 PhD; a son; and three sisters. 

Mojtaba Rajaee ’90 ScM, ’92 PhD, of Brookfield, Wisc.; Oct. 21, of metastatic squamous cell cancer to the lungs. After emigrating to the U.S. and earning an education, he worked as a mechanical engineer at Harley-Davidson. He also previously worked as an engineer at Zebra Corp. and Hewlett-Packard and taught as an adjunct professor at URI, UW-Milwaukee, and Marquette University. He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He enjoyed bird watching, playing table tennis and chess, and listening to famous Iranian musician Mohammad-Reza Shjarian. He is survived by his wife, Zahra; daughter Sareh Rajaee ’11 MD; a son; and a granddaughter.  

Donna M. Piazza ’80 PhD, of Hampden, Mass.; Oct. 14. She was a clinical assistant professor of psychology in the department of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. She was also a member of the staff of McLean Hospital and had a long career in private practice. She is survived by her husband, John R. Muenster; a son; two sisters; three brothers; and several nieces and nephews.