In Memoriam
Remembering members of the Williston Northampton community

Douglas S. Fuller ’68

Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

Posted in: 1960s

Chloë Kriebel Metcalf ’06

Leave a comment

Chloë Constance Kriebel Metcalf died in her home in Kawasaki, Japan, on February 29, 2024, from a suddenly acute illness. She was thirty-six years old. It is fitting that she died on a rare date, as she was an extraordinary person.

Chloë was born in Seattle, Washington, but grew up in Northampton, where she attended the Smith College Campus School through grade six, the Williston Northampton School through grade eight, and then Northampton High School, from which she graduated as co-valedictorian in 2006. While she was in high school, she received special permission to take courses at Smith College, including four years of intensive Japanese, and most school days commuted up and down Elm Street on a kick scooter. After high school she moved to Montreal to study at McGill University, where she majored in biology and linguistics with a minor in Japanese. A junior year abroad at Sofia University in Tokyo was funded in part by a Japanese government grant awarded for her exceptional fluency. She returned to McGill for her senior year, which was to be her last in the western hemisphere. After graduating in 2010, she moved to Yokohama to work as a translator by day and pursue her musical ambitions as a rock songwriter and performer by night.

She was at work on the 43rd floor of her office building in Yokohama when the Tohoku earthquake hit in 2011. The building swayed and furniture rolled across floors. It was days before employees could safely be allowed to leave. They slept on the floor and ate from vending machines. Later she evacuated for a time to Osaka to avoid radiation from the nuclear plant meltdown in Fukushima. None of this undermined her resolve to make a life in Japan.

Throughout her life Chloë was driven by intense enthusiasms, creativity, and determination. Her passions included singing, acting, writing, playing the piano, drawing, costume design and sewing, botany, photography, coin collecting, art-rock music, science fiction, travel, and esoteric mysticism. She maintained a website of translations of her favorite Japanese band’s song lyrics, which acquired an international following and led to her creating a side business helping non-Japanese fans acquire concert tickets and CDs, and acting as a tour guide for their visits to Japan. These friends hosted her in turn, notably for a tour of Russia in which she performed with dancer Amy Gray in a number of cities including St. Petersburg.

The first band she fronted in Japan was called The The Kuro, but she hadn’t yet found the musicians who could help her fully realize her complex compositions. That changed after she met Kazunari Ishizaka, who approached her after one of her performances to say, “I am the guitarist you need.” She agreed, and their musical and personal collaboration, and the group Alien Idol which they founded together, was the great satisfaction of her creative life.

Chafing at the strictures of corporate employment, she came to work for years as a freelance translator, on projects as diverse as manga and scientific textbooks. At the time of her death she held what she described as her dream job with the company Abracadabra, translating Japanese pop culture materials for international fans.

Chloë’s parents, George Kriebel and Sarah Metcalf, and her brother Simon Metcalf ’09, traveled to Japan after learning of Chloë’s death to meet with her friends and deal with her affairs. A traditional Japanese cremation was performed there, along with a memorial service, which was gratifyingly well-attended. Her many mourners spoke of her talents, intellect, dramatic flair, beauty, charisma and kindness.

In addition to her immediate family, Chloë is survived by aunts, uncles and numerous cousins.

A local memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 11, at 1:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Society of Northampton and Florence, which Chloë attended throughout her childhood and youth. All are welcome.

Posted in: 2000s

Michael L. Kinsler ’71

5 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted in: 1970s

Nancy Smith Atwood ’50

Leave a comment

Nancy Coke Atwood left this earth peacefully on April 29, 2023, at the age of 90, at Mt. Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Mass., of complications from a heart attack.

Beloved mother of four children, Nancy retired in 2003 after many years as a psychotherapist in private practice in Boston and in Wellesley, Mass. With a warm and empathetic soul, and a deep commitment to her profession, she helped hundreds of families and individuals in the Boston area to overcome adversity and live better lives. She earned a PhD from the Heller School at Brandeis University in 1983 after earning two master’s degrees in urban affairs and social work at Boston University. She was a member of the adjunct faculty at Smith College School of Social Work and author of many articles on psychology and social policy in academic journals. She was also the co-editor of an anthology of memoirs about growing up in the American working class, “Coming of Age in a Hardscrabble World,” published by the University of Georgia Press and used as a college text.

Yet the achievement she was most proud of was her four children, whom she raised mostly by herself after the death of her husband, Roger Pratt Atwood, in 1965. She enjoyed reading, cooking, classical music, and spending time with her children and grandchildren, and she was a champion Scrabble player. She was active until late in life in the Unitarian Universalist First Church in Boston. She also enjoyed travelling, cultural events, and volunteer work for many progressive causes with her partner in later years, David Berkowitz, who died in 2019.

Nancy Coke Smith was born on January 2, 1933, in Norwalk, Connecticut, the daughter of architect Perry Coke Smith and artist and teacher Martha (“Patty”) Cary Smith, née Pratt, later Miller. Nancy graduated with a degree in English from Wellesley College in 1954 and later worked as a public-school teacher. Always creative and energetic, and with a spirit of compassion for those less privileged, she worked at several hospitals and mental-health facilities. She later developed a successful, licensed psychotherapy practice at her home in the Bay Village neighborhood of Boston, specializing in family therapy and substance abuse treatment. At Christmas every year, she would receive stacks of cards from her grateful patients.

Until 2007 she spent part of the year in her beloved house on Jerusalem Road in Cohasset, where she enjoyed walks on the beach and was an active member of the Straits Pond Watershed Association. She lived later at 36 Irving Street in Cambridge, until moving to Cadbury Commons nursing home in August 2022. She is survived by daughters Emily G. Gawboy of Leominster, Mass., and Gwendolyn C. Atwood, of Ghent, N.Y.; and sons Roger Alexander Atwood, of Washington, D.C., and Christopher P. Atwood, of Havertown, Penn., and a brother, Monty Johnston, of Natural Bridge Station, Va., and six grandchildren.

Posted in: 1950s

Victor H. Keiser, Jr. ’45

Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted in: 1940s

Alice (Palubinskas) Purington, Former Faculty

2 Comments

Alice Margaret (Palubinskas) Purington, 76, of Laconia, N.H., died in the care of hospice on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024 at Ledgeview in the Taylor Community in Laconia, N.H. Alice moved to the Taylor community with her late husband of 39 years, Stephen, in September 2018. Before coming to Taylor, Alice retired with Steve to The Farm in North Berwick after years on the faculty at Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass.

Alice was born in Lawrence, Mass. on Aug. 22, 1947 to the late Alice Lucille (Sewell) Daly and Felix Palubinskas. The family moved to Iowa when Alice was still quite young, for Felix and Lucille to pursue graduate studies at Iowa State University, before they returned to the East Coast and settled in Winchester, Mass. It was on Winslow Road that Alice spent most of her childhood, making friends that would carry into the fullness of her adulthood. Lucille’s mother lived with them, teaching Alice favorite recipes that would stay in regular rotation for decades to come. They spent summers at the cottage in Rockport, Mass. alongside cousins from both sides of the family that grew up alongside Alice as near-siblings. There was clamming on the beach, sun-bathing, bike-riding and so much reading and cooking! Eventually, Lucille and Felix bought property in North Berwick that would become a haven and retreat later passed down to Alice (and Steve). Alice graduated from Winchester High School in 1965, earned a B.A. in Biology at Vassar College, and a M.Ed. at Tufts University.

Always a traveler, Alice spent time after college in Europe and New Zealand, driving around in a VW bus with friends, having adventures, falling in love, serving as a travel-agent and opening a shop in New Zealand for home furnishings and local artisan crafts. Upon her return to the U.S., she briefly taught middle school before pursuing a graduate degree. After Tufts, she worked in the Admissions Office at Wellesley College, and then “jumped the desk” and went into college counseling in Massachusetts, first at Williston Northampton School and then at Phillips Academy Andover.

As a college counselor, Alice believed it her job to tell “the story” of a student in her recommendation letters, coining that term to keep the student at the center of her writing and inspiring her colleagues to do the same. She was a leader in her field, recognized by the College Board as one of the best, and sought out for advice and wisdom years after her retirement. To colleagues, she became known as the “dean of graciousness” as her empathy was palpable in every encounter, but also for the traditions of fun and revelry that she helped to start in the office. It was important to Alice that space felt inviting and warm. Any space she occupied exuded her spirit of care— furnishings were intentional and comfortable. The collection of people that knew and loved her grew with each chapter of her life — friends, colleagues, former students, neighbors and “puppy play group”.

It was at Williston Northampton School that she met Steve, who was also on the faculty there. They married months after finding each other, and remained very much in love ever after. Together they had so many glorious adventures and travels — Alice always made an itinerary!

The Farm became a place of retreat and a destination for family and friends, with Steve and Alice as hosts alongside their chocolate labs, Canfield and later Guinness and Moxie. Stunning gardens of flowers and vegetables, a big kitchen that was often filled with friends cooking together, nooks and crannies for serious conversations or dwelling in the exquisite beauty of place, any time of the day, any season of the year. On the back patio in the sun, or on the front porch at sunset, Alice loved listening to the crickets, talking politics, puzzling, or reading a good book, with dogs and loved ones close at hand.

Alice believed in the making and keeping of small traditions. Favorites included: lunch at Barnacle Billy’s on Fenway’s Opening Day; Derby Day Parties; strawberries and champagne for Wimbledon; pancakes for Maine Maple Sunday; celebrating the blossoming of the daffodils in April; toasting the blooming of the clivia plants; and of course, “open the bottle” night.

In her retirement years, Alice became active in the North Berwick Historical Society, helping to author a volume on the town’s history. She and Steve also served as Trustees of the Hurd Library in North Berwick.

Alice lived with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis during the last 20 years of her life. She was the grateful recipient of a single-lung transplant in 2010, which gave her and those who loved her the gift of so many more years.

Alice was predeceased by her husband, Stephen, on Dec. 12, 2023. Together, they leave behind a great extended family of siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews and “greats”, and friends as close as family, including an honorary daughter, Gina Finocchiaro of Andover, Mass.

A time to honor and remember both Steve and Alice will take place in the spring. Please send an email to revginaf@gmail.com to be added to the notification list once details are confirmed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the D.A. Hurd Library, 41 High St., North Berwick, ME 03906.

Posted in: Former Faculty

Stephen D. Purington, Former Faculty

Leave a comment

Stephen Donald Purington, 72, of Laconia, New Hampshire, died in the care of hospice Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at Ledgeview in the Taylor Community in Laconia. Steve moved to the Taylor community with his wife of 39 years, Alice, in September 2018. Before coming to Taylor, Steve retired with Alice to The Farm in North Berwick, ME, after years on the faculty at the Pike School in Andover, MA.

Steve was born in Springfield, MA on September 7, 1951 to the late Donald and Iris Elaine (Whitten) Purington. He had three younger sisters: Karen, Lisa (who predeceased him) and Susan. The family returned to Portland, ME, which was home for both Don and Elaine and their families. Living first with Don’s parents on Virginia Street, they then moved into the house that Don built for the family on Jackson Street in Portland, which was next door to Elaine’s parents. They spent summers on Little Sebago Lake enjoying water-skiing, party-boats and so many lake friends. Steve graduated from Deering High School in 1969, and then went on to study at Monmouth College (Associates Degree), University of Southern Maine (Bachelors Degree) and later at Tufts University (Masters in Education) where he was teaching assistant for Alice’s mother, Dr. “Pal”, in the psychology department.

A consummate educator and student, in and out of formal classrooms, Steve was continually learning and teaching. He had a passion for math, statistics and technology, and often was the one with the latest gadgets and up-to-date devices. He was a reliable source of tech-support at work and at home for family and friends! Steve was someone that loved non-fiction books, a long Sunday morning with multiple newspapers to read, the crossword, cable news, college football on the TV, and all the golf tournaments. He was a member of the Wicked Good Band in high school and for many years to come. He played the washtub bass and a wicked jug! He also enjoyed noodling on the guitar on his own and with his nephews, nieces and friends.

As a math teacher and coach of water polo, swim, football and lacrosse, Steve set high- expectations, but was also known for his puns and dad-like jokes, NPR in the classroom on a Friday afternoon, and his steady encouragement when a student was struggling. All was made better when his dog was at his side in the classroom and on the field. He taught at the Darrow School (NY), Williston Northampton School (MA), Phillips Academy Andover (MA) and the Pike School (MA).

Among the many loves that Steve held, his devotion to his wife, Alice, was the greatest. They met on the faculty at Williston-Northampton, and married short months after, very much in love ever after. Together they shared many adventures and travels — favorites included Cambridge Beaches in Bermuda, Caneel Bay on St. John’s, St. Andrews in Scotland, Australia and New Zealand and numerous cruises, and many boat rides. They had precious years on Notched Pond in Raymond, ME. In all of their travels there was always fabulous food and drink, exquisite music, and stunning landscapes and birds to admire with awe.

In retirement years, Steve’s role as a caregiver was front and center. He not only cared for Alice, but also for their beloved property in North Berwick, and the chocolate labs that shared it with them (Canfield, Guinness and Moxie). Steve took meticulous care of those many acres, and the dozens of friends and family who came to visit and stay with them there. There were “house- parties” and Kentucky Derby Days, Maine Maple Sundays, and Wimbledon breakfast mornings, and also a number of family and friend life-events: baptisms, a dog-wedding, a burial, bridal and baby showers, retirement and anniversary celebrations.

He is survived by his wife, Alice of Laconia, NH and leaves behind his sisters Karen White (partner Ed Getty, children James and Joseph) of Gray, ME; Susan Marean (husband Steve, children Wesley and Chase) of Windham, ME; predeceased by sister Lisa Jordan and husband Wayne (children Andrea Laskey and Kimberly Bickford). Additionally, he has numerous cousins, nephews and nieces and “greats” on Alice’s side, and friends as close as family, including an honorary daughter, Gina Finocchiaro of Andover, MA.

A memorial service will be held remotely on Friday, December 29, at 1:00pm. Please reach out to revginaf@gmail.com for a link to that gathering. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the D.A. Hurd Library, 41 High Street, North Berwick, ME 03906.

Posted in: Former Faculty

Martin B. Burke ’59

Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

Posted in: 1950s

Varick M. Warren ’78

1 Comment

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden death of Varick M. Warren of Warwick, NY on February 1, 2024.
Varick was born September 15, 1960, in Douglaston, NY to Marjory Ann (nee Thomas) Warren and the late Douglas James Warren of Warwick, NY. He lived in Douglas Manor, NY until age 12 when his family moved to Manhattan. He attended Waldorf School in Garden City, NY and New Lincoln school in Manhattan, NY and graduated from Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, MA where he played on the ice hockey team. He was a great player and still played multiple times a week in Newburgh, NY, until his passing, and of course was a huge Rangers fan. Varick was an active member of the Ultimate Advantage weightlifting community, spending multiple days per week supporting and mentoring others. Varick loved Fire Island where he spent most of his childhood summers and continued to vacation there every summer. There he flourished, going fishing, body surfing, and sailing, among a few hobbies while developing lifelong friendships which he cherished dearly.
Varick had an accomplished career beginning on Wall Street back in the 1980’s. Eventually he transitioned into the produce industry where he excelled for over 30 years. Most recently he was Chief Operating Officer at Solata Foods, Newburgh, NY. He was an innovator and an esteemed fixture in the industry, always thinking ahead and developing new products. He was highly respected by his colleagues and co-workers. He had a huge heart and was known for offering opportunities to so many.
Varick was charismatic, generous, and knew how to make others laugh. He was a kind, big hearted man, who was always there to help those in need. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Varick was a very loved husband, son, father, brother, uncle, and friend, of which he had many. Varick is survived by his two children, Mckenzie and Molly Warren; his loving wife, Neide Vera; her four children: Amanda, Kimberly, Maria, and Anna Vera and their children: Alan Vera, Sophia Rajos, and Penelope Reales; his mother, Marjory Warren; two sisters, Shaun Bangert and Andrea (Oney) Huffman; and his cat, Kitty.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. with a funeral service at 6:00 p.m. at Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 17 Oakland Avenue, Warwick, NY.
In lieu of flowers, please reach out to Mckenzie Warren (mckenzie.j.warren@gmail.com) to support the creation of a scholarship fund in his name.

Posted in: 1970s

James A. Hardy ’74

2 Comments

James “Jim” Arthur Hardy passed away at home surrounded by family in the early morning hours of January 31, 2024. Jim is survived by his wife of 40 years June (Egan) Hardy, his mother Joan (Zielny) Hardy, his son Wesley Hardy ’04 and daughter-in-law Shelly, his brother John “Jack” Hardy ’71 and sister-in-law Kathy, and many nieces and nephews. An Easthampton native born July 10, 1956, James was known for his wit, and dry sense of humor. He graduated Cum Laude from The Williston Northampton School earning a medal in wrestling and went on to study art at UMASS under John Grillo. A lifelong recreational fisherman introduced to the sport by his grandfather Alexander Zielny, James maintained maps of the “best spots” both new and old. A job as a bank teller in his youth expanded into a thirty-year career in the securities industry, affording him the ability to create an at-home art studio later in life. His works have been on display in multiple local exhibitions; and fill his family’s homes. Donations can be made to The Hospice Foundation of America.

Calling hours will be Monday, February 5, 2024 from 3:30 to 6:30 pm at the Czelusniak Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Tuesday at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s Annunciation Chapel, Beacon St. in Florence, MA at 10 am.

Posted in: 1970s

Remembering members of the Williston Northampton community