1930s

Gladys Hebden Mengel ’38, of Exeter, N.H., formerly of Rumford, R.I., and Sanford, N.C.; Mar. 17. She was a first-grade teacher in East Providence, R.I., and later taught high school chemistry and served as adviser to the school newspaper. She was active in several community organizations, including the local libraries, where she volunteered to teach reading to children, and was a Girl Scout troop leader. She was also a former president of the East Providence Citizens’ League. Phi Beta Kappa. She enjoyed camping, cooking, and entertaining. She is survived by a daughter, son Walter Mengel ’77, two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two sisters, and several nieces and nephews.

Martha Ahlijian Kevorkian ’39, of East Greenwich, R.I.; Feb. 24. During World War II, she worked in Washington, D.C., at the U.S. War Department Signal Corps because of her experience with languages. She later taught for 40 years at various Rhode Island schools, including URI. She was a member of many philanthropic and religious organizations and Phi Beta Kappa. She was included in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, 1938–1939. She is survived by a daughter, a son, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, three grandchildren, and a nephew.

1940s

Clyde K. Fisk ’40, of Somerset, N.J.; Mar. 31. He was a retired president of Fisk Associates. He was a U.S. Navy engineer with the Bureau of Yards and Docks in New London, Conn., and later at the Bureau of Aeronautics in Lakehurst, N.J. In 1953 he became a chief estimator for the Construction Services Corp. He was a consulting engineer and partner at Harold J. Hamilton Associates for eight years before founding Fisk Associates. He was a licensed professional engineer in New York, a professional planner and land surveyor in New Jersey, and president of the New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers. He was listed in Who’s Who in the East and was a member of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society and the National Association of Clock and Watch Collectors. He is survived by four sons, including Stephen ’69 and Robert ’72, ’73 ScM; five daughters-in-law; eight grandchildren, including Brian Fisk ’98, ’00 ScM, Jennifer Fisk ’99, and Michael Fisk ’02; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Fred J. Ball ’41, of Cleveland; Feb. 22. He was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1945 and practiced law in Cleveland for more than 40 years. At various times throughout his career he served as president of the Cleveland Legal Aid Society, the Council for Economic Opportunities, and the Golden Age Centers of Greater Cleveland. He was also a trustee for the Cleveland YMCA, a volunteer for the United Way, and a deacon and trustee of Fairmount Presbyterian Church. He read the newspaper to city jail inmates and was the 2015 recipient of the Ohio State Bar Foundation’s Ritter Award. He is survived by four children and six grandchildren.

Sylvia Rose Pitnof ’41, of Milton, Mass.; Mar. 19. She was the organist and choir director at Temple Shalom in Milton for more than 40 years. She was a piano soloist with the Brown Orchestra and played numerous piano programs in the Providence area. Phi Beta Kappa. She is survived by daughter Deborah Wilson ’68, two sons, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

John H. Stone ’42, of Youngstown, Ohio; Mar. 23. After his U.S. Navy discharge as a lt. commander, he worked for U.S. Steel before joining Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co., from which he retired in 1978. He then pursued an interest in farming, traveled, and was active in church affairs. He was an elder of the Poland Presbyterian Church and a former battalion commander of the local U.S. Naval Reserve. He is survived by three daughters, two sons-in-law, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Leota Cronin Hill ’43, of Sherrill, N.Y.; Jan. 31. She was a homemaker involved in Christ Church and her local community. She was a docent at the Mansion House in Oneida and served on the board of trustees as treasurer. She also volunteered at Oneida City Hospital and was active with the League of Women Voters and the Twentieth Century Club. Phi Beta Kappa. She enjoyed traveling and is survived by four children, including Linda Hill-Chinn ’66; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Robert O. Case ’44, of Chicago, formerly of Deerfield, Ill.; Feb. 11. He was an attorney for the U.S. Navy in Washington, D.C., rising to the rank of captain, and was a JAG for the U.S. Air Force Reserves in Chicago. For the majority of his career he worked in private practice in Chicago, specializing in corporate and securities law. He started his own law firm, which later became Walsh, Case, Coale, Brown & Burke. After 55 years, he retired as Of Counsel with Holland & Knight. He was an avid reader of history and biographies and enjoyed debates about world affairs. He also had a private pilot’s license and was active in the Lawyer-Pilots Bar Assoc. and in Angel MedFlight. He was on the board of directors of Exmoor Country Club. He is survived by four daughters, including Pamela Case Stanger ’83; two sons; two daughters-in-law; three sons-in-law; nine grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.

Anne Rossman Berkelhammer Krause ’45, of Providence; Mar. 16. She was a homemaker and an active member of both Temple Beth El and Jewish Family Services in Providence. She enjoyed playing tennis and golf. She is survived by two sons; two daughters-in-law; three grandchildren, including Abby Berkelhammer ’08 MAT; three great-grandchildren; and a sister.

Robert L. Gifford Jr. ’46, of Wyomissing, Pa.; Apr. 6. He was a structural engineer at Gilbert Associates for 33 years. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War and retired from the reserves in 1975. He was an active member of Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, where he taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and was a member of the church council. He was also involved with the Boy Scouts and was a member of the Mayflower Descendants. After retiring, he volunteered at Reading Hospital and was the inaugural recipient of the Bob Gifford Legacy Award for Volunteerism. He is survived by a daughter, a son, a son-in-law, eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, a sister, and a brother.

Deloss C. Shull ’46, of Greeley, Colo., formerly of Sioux City, Iowa; Mar. 12. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he practiced law in Sioux City for 41 years. He was a member of the Sioux City Rotary Club, the Spirit Lake Yacht Club, the Iowa Bar Assoc., the American Bar Assoc., and the First Congregational Church in Sioux City. He enjoyed sailing, woodworking, playing tennis, and traveling. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; two daughters; four grandchildren; two sisters; a niece; and five nephews.

Paula Libby Feldman ’47, of Providence; Jan. 24. After earning her master’s in social work from Simmons College, she worked for the State of Rhode Island from 1968 to 1994 and for the Eleanor Slater Hospital in Cranston, R.I., from 1994 to 1997. She is survived by daughters Karen Feldman ’74 and Linda Feldman Kwerel ’74; a son-in-law; two granddaughters; one great-granddaughter; and two sisters, including Pat Libby ’56.

Joseph H. Birman ’48, of Los Angeles; Dec. 23, 2015. He was a professor of geology at Occidental College and a part-time consultant in applied geology before founding Geothermal Surveys in Pasadena, Calif. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Forces and a member of Sigma Xi. He is survived by two sons, two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Charles F. Wochomurka Jr. ’48, of Brentwood, Tenn.; Apr. 9. He worked for the family business before owning and operating his own; both focused on button manufacturing and the distribution of apparel trim products. He was a Mason, a Shriner, and a member of the Lions Club in several of the cities in which he lived. A pilot, he owned planes and enjoyed flying cross-country; he also enjoyed sailing around Martha’s Vineyard and the New England coast. During World War II he served in the U.S. Navy as a naval air cadet. He is survived by a daughter; two sons, including Charles F. Wochomurka III ’76; a daughter-in-law; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law.

Norman F. Grossman ’49, of Weymouth, Mass.; Mar. 21. He worked for his stepfather at Congress Sportswear manufacturing jackets until 1960, when he and his brother purchased the company, which they sold in 1985. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and earned a Medal of Honor. In the 1980s he worked for Coldwell Banker as a real estate broker. He volunteered at the Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton, Mass., and was president of the board of trustees at Massachusetts Bay Community College from 1983 to 1992. He was a member of Temple Israel of Boston and the Belmont Country Club, where he was also president. He is survived by five children and their significant others, as well as eight grandchildren.

Eugene P. Simard ’49, of Baton Rouge, La., formerly of Montreal; Dec. 7. He served in the Canadian army prior to attending Brown. He was an accomplished athlete and one of the founders of the Bocage Racquet Club in Baton Rouge. He is survived by his wife, Sara; two sons; two daughters-in-law; and two grandchildren.

Alfred C. Toegemann ’49, of Cranston, R.I.; Feb. 24. He received his law degree from Boston College and had a long career at Amica Mutual Insurance Co. Hired by Amica as an underwriter, he received Charter Property Casualty Underwriter designation in 1959. In 1969 he was named an officer of the company and in 1980 was promoted to senior vice president. He retired in 1993 as senior vice president of the legal/legislative department after 44 years with Amica. He was a member of the Providence Rotary Club, the Brown Faculty Club, the Turks Head Club, the Anawan Club, and the Atlantic Tuna Club. He enjoyed spending time fishing on his boat, rooting for the New York Yankees, and watching football and hockey. He is survived by two daughters, two sons, two daughters-in-law, a son-in-law, six grandchildren, and a brother.

1950s

James S. Baby ’50, of Clearwater, Fla., formerly of Cleveland; Feb. 20. He was an insurance agent for Progressive. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army. He played piano and trumpet in a Dixieland band and, after moving to Clearwater, played with the Black Cat Jazz Band. He is survived by his wife, Marilou; a daughter; a son; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Clemence L. Cameron ’50, of Cutchogue, N.Y.; Oct. 24. He was a retired civil engineer. He specialized in ports and harbor infrastructure, which allowed him to travel the world. He was a vice president for Dravo Van Houten, assistant vice president for Frederick R. Harris, and director of Constructora Elmhurst. During World War II he served in the U.S. Navy. He enjoyed cooking, gardening, and playing golf. He is survived by his wife, Jean; a daughter; three sons, including Robert ’81; and three grandchildren.

William A. Gager ’50, of Ramsey, N.J.; Mar. 7. He worked in banking for 42 years. During World War II he served in the U.S. Navy. He was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, where he sang in the choir for 40 years. He enjoyed reading, music, and playing bridge and tennis. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor; three sons; three daughters-in-law; four grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.

Edward L. Margolies ’50, of New York City; Jan. 9. He was a professor of English and American Studies at CUNY Staten Island. In 1977 he was a Fulbright Scholar at Radboud University Nijmegen in the Netherlands, and in 1979 he taught at the Sorbonne. He wrote several books exploring the work of African American writers in the United States, including Native Sons and The Art of Richard Wright. He is survived by his wife, Claire; three sons; and a sister.

John S. Ramaker ’50, of Racine, Wisc., formerly of Northfield, Ill.; Oct. 12. After working as director of finance for the Northwood Institute and a sales representative at Pitney Bowes, he became executive director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago from 1966 to 1987. He served in ROTC and was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Racine and of the Chicago Association of Commerce and Industry. At Brown he was a member of the football team and the Glee Club. He enjoyed watching sports, especially the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers. He is survived by his wife, Joanne; three daughters; a son; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a sister; and several nieces and nephews.

M. Virginia Walker ’50, ’50 AM, of Jupiter, Fla., and Williamsburg, Mich.; Sept. 22. She taught in the marketing department at Northwestern Michigan College until her retirement in 1991. She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Traverse City, Mich.; the Traverse City Country Club; the Riverbend Country Club; and the Tequesta Country Club. She is survived by a daughter, a son, a son-in-law, three grandchildren, a great-grandson, and two cousins, including Louise Copp Bergstrom ’49.

Saverio Caputi Jr. ’51, of Greenwood, Ind.; Feb. 3. He was a retired radiologist. He served as a lieutenant in the Medical Corps at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Newport, R.I., before moving to Indiana. Through the years he was chief radiologist at Winona Hospital and Kendrick Memorial Hospital in Indianapolis and at  Rush Memorial Hospital in Rushville, Ind. He was director of radiology at Metro Health in Greenwood, Ind., and opened a private practice in 1977, from which he retired in 1995. He was a member of the American Board of Radiology, a fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology, and Phi Beta Kappa. He is survived by his partner, Theresa; a daughter; two sons; a granddaughter; six stepchildren; and a step granddaughter.

Jason I. Green ’51, of Los Angeles; Feb. 25, after a short illness. A surgeon for 35 years in Los Angeles, he served as chief of the Surgical Review and vice chief of staff at St. Joseph Medical Center. In retirement he was a medical consultant. He was also a physician in the U.S. Navy. He was an avid tennis player and a member of the Los Angeles Tennis Club. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie; a daughter; two sons; two daughters-in-law; a son-in-law; and eight grandchildren.

Joyce Hall Poyton ’51, of Warwick, R.I., formerly of North Scituate, R.I.; Feb. 18. She was a homemaker who worked for a time at Brown as a biology researcher. She was a member of Wannamoisett Country Club, the Gentian Garden Club, the Social Order of the Beauceant, and the Order of the Eastern Star and was a member and former ladies’ club champion of Segregansett Country Club in Taunton, Mass. For 40 years she served on the Altar Guild of Trinity Episcopal Church in North Scituate. She enjoyed gardening and playing the piano and oboe. She is survived by a daughter, two sons, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and four grandchildren.

John C. Andrews Jr. ’52, of Augusta, Me.; Mar. 21. After serving in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in Germany, he worked for Dun & Bradstreet in Providence and in Portland, Me. In 1955 he joined Paul Revere Life Insurance in Worcester, Mass., where he remained for 33 years. While living in Princeton, Mass., he was a town assessor for 12 years and a selectman for one term. After retiring from Paul Revere, he joined Unum in Portland, Me., as director of individual underwriting. He retired from Unum in 1994, and in 2004 moved to Augusta, where he enjoyed restoring antique autos, attending auctions, watching cooking shows, and spending time with his wife, sister, and friends. He is survived by a nephew and his family.

Ernest Gleckman ’52, of Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; Feb. 20. He taught at the Univ. of Idaho before joining the faculty at Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie, where he taught English for more than 35 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and enjoyed classical music, literature, and accounts of exploration. He is survived by two children; a grandson; two stepchildren; two brothers; and nieces and nephews.

William D. Rogers ’52, of New York City; Feb. 7. He was an attorney at McLaughlin Stern & McLaughlin in New York City. At Brown he was a member of the band and a keeper of the Brown Bear. He later served as class president, alumni trustee, and chairman of the Brown Annual Fund. He earned the 1984 Brown Bear award. He was president of the American Korean Foundation, the International Human Assistance Program, and Ramapo Camp in Rhinebeck, N.Y., which serves children with social, emotional, and learning challenges. He enjoyed playing the piano. He is survived by his wife, Joy; son William D. Rogers Jr. ’80; five grandchildren; niece Linda Minton ’82 and nephew Stephen Saxl ’85.

Gerald Clemence ’53, of Bowie, Md.; Feb. 8. He was a systems manager for Honeywell, from which he retired in 1992. He was active in his local community. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; six children; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Alan LeGloahec ’53, of Wantagh, N.Y.; Apr. 3, of leukemia. He had a career in advertising. He spent more than 25 years with American Home before joining the advertising firm of Sieber & McIntyre, which was later bought by McCann-Erickson, where he finished his career in pharmaceutical advertising. A lifelong lover of military history, he traveled to battlefields and military historic sites across the country. He is survived by his companion, Rose Wormsley; two daughters; two sons; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

John A. Petty ’53, of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., formerly of Peabody, Mass.; Feb. 4. He was a quality engineer for more than 30 years at Textron Systems, formerly Avco, in Wilmington, Mass. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and enjoyed entertaining by his pool. He is survived by his wife, Mary; two daughters; a son-in-law; and a brother.

Kathleen Roan Melander ’53, of Warwick, R.I.; Mar. 4. She was a Presidential Award–winning science teacher and director of elementary science for the Warwick school system, where she raised the science department to a higher level of excellence by implementing an innovative curriculum and modernizing testing methods. She was a founder of the Rhode Island Aviation and Space Education Council, which sponsored annual activities to spark the next generation of space scientists. Before her work in science education, she had performed cancer research at McGill Univ. in Canada. After retiring, she returned to cancer research to refine a viable substance for cancer treatment. She was a former officer of the Rhode Island Science and Engineering Society. She is survived by her husband, Dennis; three daughters; two sons-in-law; six grandchildren; and a brother. 

Henry G. Turnbull ’53, of Newport, R.I.; Dec. 31, of pneumonia. He graduated from Nashota House Seminary in Nashota, Wisc., in 1957. In 1958 he was a missionary in Haiti. After returning to the United States, he assisted at Trinity Church in Newport and St. John’s Church in Barrington, R.I., before becoming rector of the Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist in Newport for 30 years. He collected stamps and Southwest Indian art. He was well read and enjoyed summers at the beaches in Newport and Middletown. He is survived by a brother, a sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

William P. Considine Jr. ’54, of Providence; Feb. 1, after a short illness. He ran the Considine Distributing Co. before moving to Arizona in 1969, where he briefly worked in real estate. He returned to Rhode Island in 1971 to run his father’s company, Wayne Distributing, over which he presided until its sale in 2010. He was later a director and co-owner of C&J Jewelry Co. in Providence. He was involved with the Special Olympics of Rhode Island, supported many Rhode Island charities, and was an avid supporter of the Pawtucket Red Sox. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a past member of Braeburn Country Club, the Point Judith (R.I.) Country Club, the Dunes Club in Rhode Island, and the Lyford Cay Club in Nassau, Bahamas. He enjoyed playing golf, visiting casinos, and traveling. He is survived by a daughter, two sons, a daughter-in-law, five grandchildren, a brother, and a sister-in-law.

Sylvia Dowden Schroeder ’54, of South Portland, Me.; Feb. 28. She had a career in social work and retired from Community Counseling Services in 1998. She served on the board of the Baxter School for the Deaf and volunteered with several community organizations. She enjoyed cooking, knitting, reading, and traveling. She is survived by a daughter, a son, a son-in-law, and two grandsons.

Rodney N. Mara ’55, of Wilton, Conn.; Jun. 20, 2015. He was a retired president of XL Communications in Wilton and former public information representative for New England Electric System in Boston. At Brown he was president of the debating union. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He is survived by his wife, June.

Jane Laponsie Alsfeld Rasmussen ’55, of Wilton, N.H.; Mar. 9, of the effects of Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis. Library director of the Wilton Public and Gregg Free Library for 28 years, she was a member of the Hillstown (N.H.) Group of librarians from the Hillsborough area and, after losing her first husband, of the Adventurers, a group of travelers who have lost spouses. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and traveling. She is survived by her husband, Richard; two daughters; two sons-in-law; five grandchildren; and a sister.

Barbara Wheeler Goodman Lees ’56, of San Luis Obispo, Calif.; Jan. 7. She was a self-employed musician who played cello, French horn, and piano and sang in choirs. She was a cellist in symphonies in Plymouth, Mich.; Ventura, Calif.; and San Luis Obispo. She also taught music. A member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, she is survived by three sons, three daughters-in-law, and six grandchildren. 

Haig H. Pakradooni III ’56, of Virginia Beach, Va.; Mar. 14. He retired as a captain in the U.S. Navy after 31 years of active duty as a surface warfare officer. He served at the Naval War College, the National War College, and the Pentagon. He was stationed at the Bureau of Naval Personnel and on the staff of the U.S. Atlantic Command in Norfolk, Va. His post–naval career included financial positions with the city of Norfolk, Waste Management Inc., and Nansemond-Suffolk Academy; CFO for the National Maritime Center Authority; and project manager for the development and construction of Nauticus, the National Maritime Center in Norfolk. He was a master docent at the Chrysler Museum of Art and various staff positions in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia; a son; a daughter-in-law; two grandchildren; a stepdaughter; and three step-grandchildren.

Jean Cusick Sphar ’56, of Seattle; Sept. 8. She worked for many years as an occupational therapist at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. In 1986 she decided to change careers and worked at Vairo Library at Penn State’s campus until her retirement in 2012. She enjoyed knitting and sports, especially following the Philadelphia Eagles, Penn State’s Nittany Lions, and the Seattle Seahawks. She is survived by her daughter, a son-in-law, and two grandsons.

William H. Miller ’57, of Burlington, Mass.; Dec. 18, 2015. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he was an electrical engineer at Raytheon. After retiring he built and operated model railroads, skied, traveled, and spent time with his grandson. He is survived by a daughter, two sons, and a grandson.

Charles E. Drake ’58, of Brantingham, N.Y., formerly of Manlius, N.Y.; Mar. 30. He worked for Eastman Kodak for 25 years and later owned and operated The Travel Bug of Manlius. After selling the business in 1995, he retired to the Adirondacks. He was past president of the Fayetteville Manlius Rotary Club and a member of the Brantingham Golf Club, Phi Gamma Delta, and Trinity Episcopal Church, where he was a lector. He enjoyed skiing, tennis, boating, and golfing. He scored five holes-in-one during his lifetime. He is survived by his wife, Audrey; two daughters, including Jennifer Drake ’87; a son; two sons-in-law; six grandchildren; a sister; and several nieces and nephews.

Richard L. Emmons ’58, of Stamford, Conn.; Feb. 19. He owned Arness House in Connecticut and New Jersey, an ad specialty business. For 15 years he volunteered as a chief certified instructor and then as a master instructor with Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (CARE), teaching kids and their families how to fish. He donated more than 2,000 hours to CARE, established and conducted 113 classes, and taught 8,200 students. He was only the second instructor in CARE history to become a Master Instructor. He earned the 2011 Aquarion Water Company’s Aquarion Environmental Champion Award and was nominated as one of the  2011 Field & Stream Heroes of Conservation. He also volunteered with Take a Vet Fishing. He is survived by his wife, Lynne; two sons; a daughter-in-law; two nieces; a brother; a sister-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.

Richard E. Krolicki ’58, of Palm Coast, Fla., formerly of Providence; Apr. 8. He owned a precious metal jewelry manufacturing business in Providence before retiring to Palm Coast. He enjoyed playing golf and sailing. He is survived by his wife, Janet; a daughter; two sons; three grandchildren; a niece; and two nephews.

Richard Beck ’59, of Canadensis, Pa.; Apr. 11. He was retired from the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey. He enjoyed nature and reading. He is survived by a brother and sister-in-law.

Robert R. Rose ’59, of Fair Haven, N.J.; formerly of Rumson, N.J.; Mar. 21, 2014. He was a member of the New York Stock Exchange for 33 years and retired from Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette. He was a member of the Navesink Country Club, the Monmouth Beach Bath and Tennis Club, and the Buttonwood Club. He enjoyed fishing. He is survived by his wife, Dolly; a daughter; two sons; a daughter-in-law; and four grandchildren.

1960s

Harry G. Doten Jr. ’60, of Tucson, Ariz.; Mar. 9. A U.S. Army veteran, he was a retired school administrator who enjoyed camping, kayaking, and the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia; a daughter; two sons; four grandchildren; and two nieces.

Arthur L. Forziati ’60, of Buzzards Bay, Mass.; Feb. 19, of cancer. He taught at Kimball Union Academy (N.H.) before changing his career to home building and contracting. He served two terms as Commodore of the Sandwich Yacht Club and enjoyed classical music, the opera, and fishing. He is survived by his wife, Maureen; a son; and two brothers.

Richard J. Miskinis ’60, of New Providence, N.J.; Sept. 1. He was a stockbroker at RBC Wealth Management in Florham Park, N.J.

Karen Hokanson Walker ’61, of Santa Fe, N.Mex.; Mar. 5, after a long illness. She taught history and economics at Santa Fe Preparatory School before founding Karen Walker Real Estate. She was a member of several city committees and published Understanding Santa Fe Real Estate in 1990. She was the recipient of the 2006 Historic Preservation Award for her home and of the Old Santa Fe Assoc. Leadership Award. She is survived by two sons, a daughter-in-law, a grandson; a sister; a brother; and an ex-husband, Alfred J. Walker ’59.

John A. Reis ’62, of Maylene, Ala., formerly of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and New Jersey; Mar. 5, after a battle with an autoimmune disease. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, he worked in banking in New Jersey and later was a project manager for Total Fire Sprinkler in Florida. He was a cantor at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church and enjoyed cooking. He is survived by his wife, Maria; three daughters; two sons; seven grandchildren; a sister; and several nieces and nephews. 

Robert O. Bent ’62, of Naples, Fla., formerly of Naperville, Ill.; Mar. 18, after a stroke. He was an executive of Standard Oil until his retirement in 1992. He then worked with and invested in Synergy Corp. before retiring to Naples. He was an active member of Naperville Country Club. He served on the board of Marianjoy Rehabilitation Center in Illinois  and was chairman of the board from 1988 to 1990. He enjoyed playing golf and cooking. He is survived by a daughter and a son.

Peter A. Nickerson ’63, of Buffalo, N.Y.; Feb. 2, of blood clots in his lungs. He was a retired professor of pathology and anatomical sciences in the University at Buffalo’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. As a NASA predoctoral fellow in 1967, he was recruited to join UB’s faculty, where, in addition to teaching an honors seminar, he taught a pathology course for dental students. From 1974 to 2015, when he retired, he was director of pathology for graduate studies. He served on several committees over the years: He was chair of the Medical Faculty Council, a SUNY senator, a president of the SUNY-Buffalo chapter of Sigma Xi, and a five-term chair of the UB Faculty Senate. He was a member and former president of the Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Assoc. He enjoyed reading and watching vintage movies. He is survived by friends and colleagues at UB. 

David A. Abramson ’64, of Nyack, N.Y.; Dec. 31. A retired attorney, he is survived by his wife, Ellen Fuchs Abramson ’67, and a son, Marc, ’95.

John J. Dumas ’64, of Hanapepe, HI, formerly of Fairfax, Calif.; Jan. 12. An artist, he taught ceramics and painting in Fairfax before moving to Hawaii in 1998. He later joined the Higashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii and was ordained as a Buddhist priest in 2006. He is survived by two sisters, three nieces, and four nephews.

Michael L. Gradison ’64, of Indianapolis; Feb. 12. He was the retired executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana and remained a board member after retiring. He was a founding member of the Pro-Choice Coalition of Indiana and the Indiana Repertory Theatre, where he also served as president of the board of directors. He was on the Advisory Board for Planned Parenthood of Central and Southern Indiana and past secretary of the executive committee of the Indianapolis Urban League. In 1992 he was the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indiana Civil Liberties Union. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. In recent years, he’d become a dedicated member of the Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis. At Brown he was a program director for WBRU. He is survived by a daughter, a sister, and cousins.

Mircea Manicatide ’64, of Fairfield, Conn.; Feb. 28, of pancreatic cancer. He worked at Connecticut General Life Insurance for 14 years in the underwriting, actuarial, and systems departments. He later spent 11 years as assistant to the president of Buck Consultants in New York City. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a member of the Nutmeg Curling Club. In retirement he was an avid bird-watcher and enjoyed curling and traveling. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Dabb Manicatide ’64; a daughter; and a son-in-law.

Joan Hayes Donoho Hughes ’65, of Rockland, Del.; Mar. 3, of cancer. She was a technical writer for the former Smith Kline French. After receiving her MBA she worked as the co–lead accountant for 10 years at the Delaware Division of the Arts. An activist  always looking to empower the underrepresented, she was on the board of Planned Parenthood, a supporter of the Ulster Project Delaware, and a member of the League of Women Voters. She enjoyed traveling and planned an annual ski trip with friends for many years, visiting a different Western mountain each time. She also enjoyed bird-watching and was a master bridge player. She is survived by her husband, Thomas; sons Christopher ’91 and Geoffrey ’94; two daughters-in-law; five grandchildren; three stepchildren; and a sister, Nan Hayes Huseby Godet ’69. 

Donald C. Richards ’65, of Newport, R.I.; Jun. 18, 2016. He taught at Portsmouth (R.I.) High School for more than 20 years and was the announcer for its baseball team and for the Portsmouth Babe Ruth League. He was a member of the Preservation Society of Newport County and enjoyed reading, solving crossword puzzles, and talking politics and history. He is survived by a sister, a brother-in-law, two nephews, and a great-niece and great-nephew.

Frank R. Cinquina ’66, of West Orange, N.J.; Apr. 4, of cancer. He was a retired attorney. He was a partner at Schwartz & Andolino in Newark, N.J., and at Garrity, Graham, Favetta & Flinn in Montclair, N.J., before retiring in January 2015 as an associate of Sachs, Maitlin, Fleming & Greene in West Orange. He was a member of Mensa, a wine connoisseur, and an avid bowler and animal lover. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn.

Bart R. Alfano Jr. ’67, ’69 MMSc, of Dover, Mass.; Feb. 16. A physician in private internal practice for 40 years in Framingham, Mass. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. He served as president of Metrowest Physician Services, was a past trustee of Framingham Union Hospital, a past president of Greater Framingham Health Alliance, and a member of the American College of Physicians. He was proud of his wine collection and enjoyed traveling, especially summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro, trekking in the Himalayas, and hiking in more than 20 national parks. He is survived by his wife, Jean Ryan Alfano ’67; son Michael ’99; daughter-in-law Elizabeth Levy Alfano ’99; two grandchildren; a sister; a brother-in-law; and a niece and nephew.

Howard S. Barden ’67, of Madison, Wisc.; Feb. 18. He was a professor before working in medical genetics at UW-Madison. He was then a senior scientist for Lunar Corporation/GE Lunar Healthcare. He published numerous articles in scientific journals and enjoyed biking, gardening, traveling, reading, the arts, and nature. He is survived by his wife, Lindy; a daughter; a son; five grandchildren; a sister; brother Albert Barden III ’67, and niece Merrill B. Collins ’92.

1970s

Robert W. Daly ’73, of Providence; Feb. 2. He worked at Chase Manhattan Bank in international lending. After earning his MBA from Harvard, he worked for various companies, including Bain & Co.; Daly, Hutcheson & Co.; Adler & Co.; and TA Associates, where he was a general partner for health-care investments and served on several boards. He later helped organize MedEquity Investors; chaired Total Sleep Holdings; and founded the Periodic Breathing Foundation. He held more than 30 patents for medical devices, instruments, and products to address sleep-related respiratory problems. He copublished numerous medical papers and funded research in the area of respiratory control and sleep disorder breathing. Phi Beta Kappa. He enjoyed sailing, skiing, photography, playing the guitar, and collecting Russian realist paintings. He is survived by his wife, Mary Wall Coe Daly ’73; daughter Ann Daly ’15 AM; a son; two stepchildren; a grandson; a sister; and a brother.

Robert W. Putnam ’73, of Dayton, Ohio; Apr. 10, of pancreatic cancer. He spent 30 years as a professor at Wright State University’s School of Medicine, serving on the admissions committee, mentoring students and junior faculty, helping create the STREAMS program to increase minority involvement in the sciences, and publishing in his field of intracellular pH and respiratory physiology. He served on the editorial board of the American Journal of Physiology and the Mid-American Research Consortium Peer Review Committee of the American Heart Assoc. He was awarded the Researcher of the Year Award from the Miami Valley Chapter of the American Heart Assoc. in 1997 and the Wright State University Trustees’ Award for Faculty Excellence in 1996. As a volunteer, he tutored, taught Sunday school, and coached. He is survived by his wife, Lois; three daughters; two grandchildren; a sister; a brother; a sister-in-law; a brother-in-law; and nieces and nephews.

Amy N. Wyman ’73, of Marlborough, Mass.; Mar. 28, of cancer. She had a lifelong interest in promoting peace and fighting for social justice and equality as a member of the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness. She is survived by her son, a brother; and a sister, Judy Wyman Kelly of 52 Thomson Rd., W. Hartford, Conn. 06107.

Anthony P. Sarola ’75, of Manhasset, N.Y.; May 21, 2016, of multiple myeloma. He is survived by his wife, Louise; two daughters; two sons; three grandsons; a sister; and his parents.

1980s

Victoria Noerdlinger Lane ’85, of Portland, Ore.; Jan. 18, of pancreatic cancer. She was a self-employed clinical psychologist. She volunteered for 25 years at the Oregon Country Fair and enjoyed music, dancing, reading, traveling, sailing, swimming, gardening, cooking, and shopping on the Internet. She is survived by her husband, Scott Bowler, of 7323 SW 32nd Ave., Portland 97219; a son; her parents; a sister; two brothers; a sister-in-law; a brother-in-law; and seven nieces and nephews.

Robert Bry ’86, of Saint Louis, Mo.; Mar. 5. He graduated from St. Louis Univ. Law School and was sworn into the Bar Association by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. He worked for Sen. John Danforth in Washington, D.C., for a year before becoming a national sports agent for professional athletes. He enjoyed reading and playing golf. He is survived by five children; his mother; sister Lauren Rechan ’88; and a brother.

Neil A. Russakoff ’88, of Tucson, Ariz.; Sept. 23, of complications from bone marrow transplantation due to chronic lymphocytic leukemia. A pediatrician, he was employed with Arizona Community Physicians from 1993 to 2016. He enjoyed running and completed five marathons. He also played the guitar and was an Atlanta Braves baseball fan and Arizona Coyotes ice hockey fan. He is survived by his wife, Maria Isaacs Russakoff ’88; and two sons.

1990s

Andrew R. Thompson ’96, of Tenafly, N.J.; Feb. 25, as a result of a vehicle accident. He was a partner at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP focusing on public and private company mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and activist defense, both in the United States and abroad. He received his J.D. from Columbia Law School and was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and senior articles editor of the Columbia Business Law Review. Phi Beta Kappa. He is survived by his wife, Wendi; two sons; his mother and stepfather; his father and stepmother; a sister; and a brother.

Students

Carlos M. Bledt III ’15 ScM, of Providence; formerly of Madison, N.J.; Jan. 25. A Rutgers undergraduate, he began his doctoral studies at Brown in 2012. As a member of engineering and physics professor Jingming Xu’s research team, he worked on theoretical and experimental investigation of optical surface wave phenomena at specialized media interfaces, particularly focusing on Dyakonov surface waves and designing next-generation technological capabilities for optical systems applications. In 2013 he was selected to receive a three-year National Defense Science and Engineering fellowship. He was a member of the International Society of Optical Engineering and the Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration. He is survived by his parents and a brother.

G.S.

M. Douglas Sackman ’40 AM, of South Deerfield, Mass., formerly of East Rockaway, N.Y.; Mar. 26. He was a high school English teacher, assistant principal, guidance counselor, and baseball coach in East Rockaway. He also served briefly as a volunteer fireman and fire chief. He retired to Massachusetts, where he was a guide at Historic Deerfield and a member of the Melville Society. He enjoyed music, reading, and watching Duke basketball and the New York Yankees. He is survived by six children, 12 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.

Frank H. Holland ’43 ScM, of New London, N.H., formerly of Rochester, N.Y.; Mar. 16. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II he worked at Kodak for 32 years. In retirement he enjoyed music, gardening, and genealogy. He is survived by a daughter, a son, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, four grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-granddaughter.

Emma Shelton ’49 PhD, of Bethesda, Md.; Mar. 29, of complications from Alzheimer’s. She was a retired research biologist of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). In 1949 she joined NCI as a research biologist and remained there until her retirement in 1978. NCI awarded her the Public Health Service’s Superior Service Award in 1978 for “fundamental contributions to an understanding of biological organization at both the cellular and molecular levels.” After retiring, she became secretary and executive director of the American Society for Cell Biology. She published widely, and her works were cited in many studies conducted in the United States and beyond. In 1964 she spent a year at l’Institut Louis Pasteur in Paris, exchanging knowledge about research methods with cell biologists from Europe and Japan. She remained an avid learner and intrepid traveler, retracing the path of the Old Silk Road in China and, at age 68, trekking in the Himalayas. She continued to chop wood in her seventies, was an accomplished bird-watcher who took part in many Bloomin’ Birdathons through the Audubon Naturalist Society, and enjoyed gardening and genealogy. She is survived by her friend Kate Millar and nieces and nephews.

M. Virginia Walker ’50 AM (see ’50).

Elizabeth Hickson Murray ’56 ScM, of Charlottesville, Va.; Mar. 31. After working briefly in the radiology department at the University of Virginia, she was a founding board member and subsequently coordinator for the Ivy Creek Foundation until 1992. She wrote a wildflower column for Virginia Wildlife for 10 years and broadcast a weekly “Natural History Note” on WTJU for 15 years. She was active in conservation efforts and worked on the Virginia Wilderness Committee helping with the passage of six Virginia Wilderness Bills between 1975 and 2009. She enjoyed traveling the world. She is survived by her husband, Jim; a daughter; two sons; two daughters-in-law; a son-in-law; three grandchildren; a sister; and a brother.

Edith Swanson Middleton ’59 MAT, of Seattle, formerly of Aberdeen, Wash.; Jan. 21. She taught at Concord Academy in Massachusetts and then was a lab technician at Harvard Medical School before moving to Seattle, where she worked as a lab technician at Virginia Mason Hospital. Both in Aberdeen and Seattle she was a realtor for more than 40 years and for a time was the owner and director of Waukeela Camp for Girls in Eaton Center, N.H., a camp she’d attended and worked at as a young girl. She was a former president of the Aberdeen YMCA Swim Team, cofounder of Grays Harbor Women’s Tennis Club, board member of the Seattle Girls’ School, and a member of the Women’s University Club, the Seattle Tennis Club, and the Ancient Skiers Club. She is survived by two daughters, a son, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and two grandchildren. 

Ara A. Shiragian ’62 ScM, of East Greenwich, R.I.; Mar. 19. For 39 years he worked at CAL Chemical in Coventry, R.I. He was a deacon of the Armenian Congregational Church in Providence and also served as a Sunday school teacher and youth group leader. He was a member of the board of the Armenian Martyrs Committee. He retired at age 90 as his Alzheimer’s began. He is survived by his wife, Arpie; two daughters, including Joy Shiragian ’87; two grandchildren; a sister; and four nieces and nephews.

Barbara P. Olsen ’64 PhD, of Hamilton, Ontario; Jan. 24. She worked as a research chemist prior to raising her family. After re-entering the workforce, she was employed as a social work administrator and consultant. She enjoyed classical music, reading, movies, and connecting with people through the boards and associations on which she was a member. She is survived by a daughter, a son, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. 

Catharine Smith Conley ’65 ScM, of New Glarus, Wisc.; Mar. 10. She worked at the Rockefeller Institute in Manhattan before moving to Wisconsin. She was a docent at the Elvenjem Art Museum and an active member of the local garden club. She enjoyed literature, music, poetry, and opera. She is survived by her husband, Bob Elkins; a daughter; two sons; a daughter-in-law; four grandchildren; a sister; and two brothers. 

Joan Barker Melvin ’65 PhD, of Bloomfield, Conn.; Dec. 29. She was a retired biology professor. She taught at Winsor School in Boston and at Wellesley, where she was also dean of students. She was active in her local parish. She is survived by a daughter, two sons, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and four grandchildren.

Rafael Osuna ’66 PhD, of Durham, N.C.; Feb. 13, of cancer. A professor emeritus of romance studies at Duke, he’d earlier taught at Middlebury, UNC Greensboro, and SUNY Albany. He joined the faculty at Duke in 1977 and taught Spanish literature. He published many books and articles, including books of poetry and an autobiographical novel. He is survived by a daughter, a son, and a grandson. 

Hadassah Finkelstein Davis ’68 AM, of Providence; Dec. 28. After earning her master’s in history, she continued her interest in Rhode Island history by writing booklets about Roger Williams and the history of Providence. She coauthored History You Can See: Scenes of Change in Rhode Island 1790–1910, and the Rhode Island Historical Society presented her with an award for service to Rhode Island history. She was active with the Providence Athenaeum and the Harvard-Radcliffe Club of Rhode Island. She is survived by her husband, Philip, a professor emeritus at Brown; four children, including Joseph Davis ’82; three grandchildren; and two siblings.

Bart R. Alfano Jr. ’69 MMSc (see ’67). 

Richard R. Rantilla ’70 ScM, of Bluffton, S.C., formerly of Farmington Hills, Mich.; Feb. 4. He worked for General Motors before joining Electronic Data Systems, where he focused on quality and operations management. After retiring, he became an adjunct professor at Kettering Univ. He was a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the American Society for Quality, and the Automotive Industry Action Group. He enjoyed traveling, boating, hiking, reading, and playing golf. He is survived by his wife, Cylene Kramer Rantilla ’71 ScM; two sons; two daughters-in-law; four grandchildren; and three brothers.

Harry C. Huguley ’72 AM, of Troy, N.Y.; Apr. 7. After working as the administrator for Rhode Island’s Institute of Mental Health, he became a mental health administrator for the New York State Office of Mental Health in the Division of Forensic Services. In 1987, after moving to Troy, he became a deacon at the Macedonia Baptist Church, where he was also a member of the men’s ministry, sang in the choir, and taught Sunday school. During the Vietnam War he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He is survived by his wife, Juana; a daughter; three sons; three daughters-in-law; a son-in-law; seven grandchildren; and two sisters.

Jennifer A. Young ’72 ScM, of Port Charlotte, Fla., formerly of Worthington, Ohio; Mar. 3, after a brief illness. She was a teacher and a department chair in the Worthington school system and was president of the Worthington Education Assoc. She retired as an assistant principal at Worthington Kilbourne High School in 2002. She was a leader in the Ohio State Univ. Graduate Principal Development Program. A scholarship in her name will be established at the Worthington Kilbourne High School. She enjoyed playing bridge, golf, sailing, and woodcarving. She is survived by her life companion, Michele Matto.

Nancy C. Hillman ’74 MAT, of Barrington, R.I.; Nov. 23. She was a retired Barrington school teacher. She is survived by two sons and two daughters-in-law.

Sharon E.W. Kirmeyer ’75 AM, ’94 PhD, of Washington, D.C., formerly of Raleigh, N.C. Sept. 24. She was a demographer of morbidity disease in women and of infant mortality. She was employed for 10 years by the United Nations in New York City, then spent 10 years at the Futures Group in Raleigh and retired from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2016. She is survived by three brothers. 

Donald M. Sorenson ’75 AM, of Laconia, N.H.; Jan. 30. He founded and sold Sorenson Insurance Agency in New Bedford, Mass.; was owner of Allen, Russell & Allen Ltd. in Laconia; and was a licensed insurance advisor until his retirement in 2011. During the Vietnam War he served in the U.S. Navy. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, where he was elected commander, was a member of the Swift Boat Sailors Assoc., the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, and the Republican Party. He was a Shriner and served as chief aide of Bektash Temple for many years. He belonged to various Masonic organizations and was a former member of the Laconia Rotary. An avid New England Patriots fan, he had season tickets and arranged his schedule to watch every game. He is survived by his wife, Sarah; a sister; and nieces and nephews.

Michael E. DiRamio ’90 AM, of Weymouth, Mass.; May 26, 2016. He was a philosophy instructor and senior lecturer from 1991 to 2011 at Northeastern Univ. Known for his hypnotism skills, he ran various smoking cessation programs funded by the Mass Dept. of Public Health from 2000 to 2002 and presented at hypnosis conventions. He was a member of the National Guild of Hypnotists. He is survived by his mother, a brother, a sister-in-law, and cousins.

Ingrid Semenza ’90 AM, ’96 PhD, of Santa Clara, Calif.; Mar. 2, of a hemorrhagic stroke. She raised and homeschooled her two sons while involved with the La Leche League and various home-schooling groups in Santa Clara. From 2009 to 2012 she taught individual students math, Latin, and SAT preparation. Later, when her sons transitioned into the Harker School in San Jose, she became an active volunteer and fund-raiser for the school, participated in the Parent Development Council, and supported annual giving campaigns. In 2014 she became an office manager at Xangati, a technology company in San Jose, and took on other support roles in finance, HR, marketing, sales, and executive support. She enjoyed baking, dancing, walking, and staying active. She is survived by her husband, Paul; two sons; a sister; a brother; and brother-in-law Brown Professor Michael Paradiso ’81 ScM, ’84 PhD.

Craig J. Yennie ’12 PhD, of Providence, formerly of Hartford, Conn.; Nov. 8. He graduated from Sports Sciences Academy in Hartford and attended Trinity College, where he earned a degree in chemistry before earning his PhD at Brown. While in Connecticut he cofounded the South End Knight Riders Youth Center (now known as the Compass Youth Collaborative). He published several chemistry studies and enjoyed teaching and tutoring students. He also liked playing pool, watching sports, and traveling. He is survived by his mother, three sisters, and four nephews.