In Memoriam

Nancy O. Alderman
Nancy Osterweis Alderman, 85, a resident of the New Haven area for her entire life, died peacefully, surrounded by family members, at Yale-New Haven Hospital on January 1, 2025, after months of pulmonary illness. She was born on March 16, 1939, in New Haven, Connecticut, the daughter of Rollin G. Osterweis and Ruth Loewenstein Osterweis.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, Myles Alderman, her loving children Myles Alderman, Jr. (Linda) of West Hartford and William Alderman (Lori Goldenberg) of Danbury, her cherished grandchildren Myles III, Kelsea, Mackenzie, and Brooks, her numerous nieces and nephews, and her sister Ruth O. Selig. She was predeceased by her sisters, Sally O. Kopman, and Rollyn O. Krichbaum.
She started college with the class of 1960 at Connecticut College and completed her bachelor's studies at Yale University in 1994. She subsequently earned her Master of Environmental Science degree from Yale School of the Environment in 1997.
Nancy was an initiator in the movement to protect human health from environmental harms. She worked closely with physicians, scientists, and the general public to help identify carcinogens and other toxins (such as asbestos, radon, formaldehyde, PFAS, flame retardants, diesel exhaust fumes, synthetic turf, fracking, wood smoke, and BPA). Nancy spearheaded efforts with governors, attorneys general and legislators to implement laws, rules, and regulations to mitigate these risks.
Nancy Alderman founded or led numerous environmental and community organizations and initiatives, including but not limited to: Environment & Human Health, Inc, Picnic in the Park for The New Haven Symphony Orchestra and the Connecticut Fund for the Environment, Eli Whitney Folk Festival, and the Farmington Canal Rail-to-Trail Organization. She served on the boards of the following organizations: Environmental Defense Fund, Connecticut Fund for the Environment, New Haven Symphony, New Haven Colony Historical Society, Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, and The Foote School Association. She served on the Connecticut Governor's Pollution Task Force, the Advisory Board of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Governor Weicker's Committee on Greenways for the State of Connecticut, and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Task Force.
Following her graduation from the Yale School of the Environment, Nancy founded Environment & Human Health, Inc., a not-for-profit organization dedicated to protecting human health from environmental harms through research, education and the promotion of sound public policy. Environment & Human Health, Inc. is composed of doctors, public health professionals and policy experts committed to the reduction of environmental health risks to individuals.
Her contributions to the protection of human health and the environment have been recognized by numerous organizations, including: The Connecticut Bar Association Environmental Law Section's Clyde Fisher Award in recognition of her significant contribution to the preservation of environmental quality through work in the fields of environmental law and environmental protection, The New England Public Health Association's Robert C. Huestis/Eric Mood Award for outstanding contributions to public health in the environmental health area, The National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides Award for vision and leadership advancing knowledge and action to protect health and the environment, The Trust for Public Land in recognition of a successful partnership in creating the Farmington Canal Trail, and the Foote School Alumni Achievement Award. She was an Associate Fellow of Benjamin Franklin College at Yale University.
Those interested in learning more about Nancy's work can find her papers, speeches, letters, testimonies and other publications at the Whitney Library in the New Haven Museum.
Nancy loved time with family and friends, engaging in spirited discourse with levity and laughter. She looked forward to hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas. She loved and was immensely proud of her immediate and extended family. For years, Nancy was a competitive tennis player and outdoor enthusiast, who enjoyed walks in the woods, cross-country skiing, and bicycling. She cherished time in the mountains of Vermont and a joyful "cocktail hour." Nancy loved classical music and introducing her favorite pieces to her family. She was always learning and took delight in sharing her new insights with others.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, January 19th, 11:00 am at Congregation Mishkan Israel, 785 Ridge Road, Hamden, Connecticut. The Robert E. Shure & Son Funeral Home, New Haven, is in care of Arrangements. To sign an online registry book or to leave a message of condolence, please visit; www.shurefuneralhome.com .
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Nancy's memory to Environment & Human Health, Inc., c/o Gaboury Benoit Yale School of the Environment, 205 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511.

Obituary

Chava Burgueño, 73, of Hamden, CT died at home with his family on Saturday, March 15, 2025 after a brief illness.

Born February 22, 1952 in Tijuana, Mexico as Francisco Salvador Burgueño Herrera, he immigrated to Los Angeles at the age of seven and legally changed his name to Chava during his naturalization in 1986. Chava, the Mexican nickname for Salvador, was not only what he was called by his family, but a simpler name for casting agents as he navigated Los Angeles as a young actor. Chava was raised by his mother, and bookended by two sisters, as well as an older half-sister and two half-brothers. Being surrounded by female influence, including the loving care of Abuelita Panchita, greatly developed his emotional intelligence and nurturing side, a contrast from the traditional male in Mexican culture.

In middle school, he was cast in his first theatre production, The Sound of Music, an experience that changed his life. In 1972 he enrolled at Southwestern Community College in San Diego, quickly leaving the study of architecture behind to join the theatre department. Connections made at Southwestern soon led him to the doors of the Old Globe Theater, where he won the Craig Noel Classical Audition Festival and participated in the Old Globe Theater Educational Tour, a traveling band of actors who brought Shakespeare to local students via flatbed truck.

While working with Old Globe, Chava was introduced to his wife of 31 years, Katherine (née Gartside) when he auditioned for a Mexican Christmas Pastorela of which Katherine was the stage manager. The two married a year later, and welcomed two daughters, Celina and Helena, in the years that followed. The core of Chava's family life was spent in Hamden, where the Burgueños moved after Katherine accepted a job at the Yale School of Drama. He partnered with Katherine as the at-home-dad, proudly bearing the role of "homemaker": responsible for school pick-ups, laundry, and most important to him, cooking for everyone. As their daughters grew older, Chava also worked part-time first at Atticus Bookstore & Cafe in New Haven, and later as a pre-school teacher at Mishkan Israel Nursery School in Hamden and an after school teacher at the Foote School in New Haven.

He went on to pursue his Associates degree in Early Childhood Education at Gateway Community College in his 50's, and his excellence in teaching was reflected in the many families he touched over 18 years. Chava will be remembered most for how he cherished his home and family.

He spent the final days of his life in contented retirement, filling his days with the activities he loved: turning the family yard into a maze of gardens; grocery shopping around Hamden for the best deals; filling the walls of his home with his latest art projects; endless hours watching live theatre; group fitness classes at the YMCA; sunny days at the beach; classic television programs and the lead up to Oscars season; cooking and singing in his yellow kitchen, and making people laugh. But, most important to Chava were "his girls"; traveling with Katherine to visit their two daughters wherever they landed and reveling in their adult lives.

His diagnosis in November 2024 slowed him and took him soon, but in his last four months, Chava was only peaceful in his ever constant self-reflection: "I had a harmoniously vibrant life." Chava is survived by his wife, Katherine Burgueño, and two daughters, Celina Burgueño and Helena Burgueño (Jacob Rosenkalt), as well as loving family and friends around the globe.

The family would like to thank the teams at Smilow Cancer Hospital for their exceptional care during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Chava's honor to Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen in New Haven or giving blood and platelets at your local Red Cross. A memorial service will be held in Hamden later this summer. The Washington Memorial Funeral Home, 4 Washington Ave., North Haven has been entrusted with arrangements. washingtonmemorialfh.com

Sandra Ellen Draper, of Hamden, CT who passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024, shortly after her 60th birthday, was a beloved figure in the New Haven community. Born in New Haven, CT to Mabel and Oscar Draper, Sandy's educational journey began at the Yale Child Study Center, followed by Foote School and Westover School, where she emerged as a class leader at her 1982 graduation.
She pursued higher education at Ithaca College before transferring to Southern Connecticut State University, where she earned her Bachelor's degree. Sandy embarked on a dedicated career in social services, contributing her talents to Yale-New Haven Hospital, Continuum Care, Leeway, and the Hamden Housing Authority.
Sandy was known for her deep love of cats and her remarkable ability to rescue and rehome orphaned felines, often finding them loving homes among friends and family. Her kindness and dedication extended beyond her professional life to everyone she knew.
She is remembered fondly and missed by her brother, cousins, goddaughter, many friends and colleagues. Sandy's legacy will endure through the countless lives she touched and the compassion she embodied.
Sandy's family will receive relatives and friends at a Celebration of Life Service which will take place on Thursday, September 26th at 6:00 p.m. at the Washington Memorial Funeral Home, 4 Washington Ave., North Haven. www.washingtonmemorialfh.com

Ann Miller Finicane passed away at home on June 13, 2023 in the care of her family. She was loved deeply and will be remembered for her gentle spirit, sharp intellect, and elegant grace. 

The youngest of two, Ann attended The Foote School in New Haven, Abbot Academy in Andover, and Harvard College. After college, she completed the joint JD-MBA program at Harvard University.

Ann met her husband, Sean Finicane, in 1972. Having seen each other from time to time in the Central Plaza elevator, they officially met in the Central Square subway station when Sean gallantly rescued Ann from a group of overzealous teenage boys. They purchased a farm in Brimfield in 1981, went into business together, and married shortly thereafter. 

For the next forty years, they combined raising their three daughters with developing and running three businesses: Boston Equity Ltd. (mergers & acquisitions, financial consulting), Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park (hospitality), and The Cape Cod Factory Outlet Mall (real estate development). The corporate office for all three businesses was the guest house at their farm. 

Ann and Sean sold their last business and officially retired just a few years before her passing. A savvy lawyer and businesswoman, Ann was deeply respected in the professional arena, but it was as a mother that she will be missed the most. She leaves behind her husband, Sean, her brother, Perry, her three daughters, Moira (39), Erin (37), and Siobhan (36), and a gaggle of young grandchildren who will always remember their generous, gentle, and fun-loving Lolly. Ann touched so many with her gracious spirit and she continues to live on in the memories of those closest to her.  

George Miller "Huckleberry" Fox, age 50, of Washington, DC, passed away on November 3, 2024 from prostate cancer. Dr. Fox was born on October 6, 1974 in Philadelphia, PA. George graduated from Northfield Mount Hermon School and New York University before continuing his education at Cornell University earning a Masters Degree in Animal Science followed by a doctorate from The University of Florida in Plant Medicine. Huckleberry was a well known child actor who was in many noteworthy commercials and films. One of his most memorable cinematic moments is his tearjerker scene in the Academy Award winner film Terms of Endearment. Although he ended up being an accomplished scientist and diplomat of the United States Department of Agriculture, he was always an entertainer at heart. He is survived by his wife Mercy, two sons, five siblings and parents. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

GOODENOUGH, Daniel Adino Daniel, Takeda Professor of Cell Biology Emeritus at the Harvard Medical School (HMS), died of stomach cancer in peaceful hospice care in Concord, NH, at age 79. Dan rode his bike every day to the HMS, where he taught and conducted research for 40 years, 1971-2011. He was deeply committed to the teaching and counseling of medical students, for which he received numerous awards. He taught first-year Anatomy and Histology throughout his career and in 1985, with others, combined these subjects into a course called The Human Body. This became a keystone offering in the HMS New Pathways program, which he helped to launch, wherein problem-solving and small-group tutorials promoted self-directed learning. He also served from 1985-1989 and 1992-2001 as Master of the Holmes (now Hinton) Society, one of five academic societies to which entering medical students are assigned, and engaged in extensive mentoring, group facilitation and connection. Goodenough's lab research led to pioneering understandings of the structure and function of cellular junctions and the critical roles of junctional communication in biological processes. A lover of the planet and believer in the rights of all people, Goodenough devoted increasing attention to Racial and Environmental Justice in the 1990s. He co-designed interactive seminars at HMS called Human Health and the Global Environment, and partnered with a devoted group of scientists and activists to pioneer the course Emerging as a Culturally Competent Physician. He was a long-time supporter and Board Member of Alternatives for Community and Environment (ACE), whose mission is to eradicate environmental racism and classism. He was known as an activist who operated with humility and also as the person to call when a student organizer needed to be bailed out of jail. Many who knew and loved him appreciated his family-first philosophy and were motivated and inspired by his devotion to his wife, Carol, and the power of their commitment. At home, he showed his love for those around him by making music with family and friends, by the creative ways in which he taught his children and grandchildren and by the enthusiastic consumption of delicious food. In retirement, Dan and Carol shared a sustainable life at their New Hampshire farm and stayed active locally in the climate justice movement while tending to their large and flourishing gardens. Dan was born on July 6, 1944 to Erwin Ramsdell Goodenough and Evelyn Wiltshire Goodenough and raised in New Haven, CT. He attended Groton School before joining the Harvard Class of 1966 and earning a BA in Biology. After completing a PhD in Anatomy from the Harvard Medical School in 1970 and a postdoctoral fellowship at UC San Francisco, he joined the Harvard Anatomy Department in 1972. He became a Professor of Anatomy in 1981, and Takeda Professor in 1988, a position he held until 2011 when he retired to Henniker, NH. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carol Goodenough; his daughters, Sophie Goodenough and Abigail Ortiz; Abigail's husband, John Ortiz; his grandchildren, Anthony and Maya Ortiz; his sister, Ursula Goodenough; and many other beloved family members, young and old, on both sides, who knew Dan as a central and guiding force for love and the power of relationships. For all who want to remember Dan, please donate to your local 350.org chapter and vote with your feet at the next climate justice rally

David Ingersoll Hitchcock Jr., 94, died peacefully at Ingleside at
King Farm in Rockville, MD, on September 4, 2022. His beloved
wife of 66 years, Rachel Lee (Williamson) Hitchcock, and his
children had all said their farewells just before he slipped
away. Born in Salem, Mass., to David I. Hitchcock and Margaret
(Ballou) Hitchcock, David grew up in New Haven, Conn.,
attended Foote, Choate, and Pomfret schools, and graduated
from Dartmouth College (class of 1950). His lifelong love of
hiking, singing, and joyful fraternizing was honed at these
institutions among other boys who became and remained his
dearest friends.
After an unhappy two-year stint in the US Army, in which he
improbably was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, David went
to work in the mailroom of CBS news, where he occasionally
glimpsed his hero Edward R. Murrow giving nightly broadcasts
in the tense days of McCarthyism. In 1956, he married Rachel
Lee Williamson of Chestertown, MD, thus stunning his pals
who wondered how he could have won the affection of such a
beautiful, poised, and gracious woman.
Leaving CBS, he landed a job as legislative assistant to
Senator H. Alexander Smith (R-NJ), and gained experience
in the inner workings of American politics. In 1957, at
Smith’s urging, David joined the newly formed United States
Information Agency (later directed by Murrow) and began
his 35-year career as a public affairs officer. Though USIA

was established during the Cold War to promote US interests
overseas, David believed his job was to embody what he
considered the best American values: optimism, generosity,
open-mindedness, and intellectual curiosity. His first
assignment took him to Hue, Vietnam, where he was one of
many idealistic (and perhaps naive) young Americans working
to help build South Vietnamese democracy. In 1960, USIA sent
David to language training in Tokyo. He immediately fell in love
with Japan, mastering the language well enough not only to
make friends and dazzle restaurant owners and country inn
proprietors with his idiomatic command of Japanese, but also
to perform snippets of kabuki theatre, which for the rest of his
life he inflicted upon unsuspecting dinner guests with more
gusto than was strictly necessary.
In what became a two-decade long career in Japan,
David helped build American Studies and Fulbright programs
at Japanese universities, championed US-Japan cultural
exchange, built ties to journalists and intellectuals and, with
Lee as his gifted partner, enlivened countless evenings with
dancing, songs, and merriment for their ever-larger circle of
friends.
From 1977-1981, David served as Public Affairs Officer in
US Embassy-Tel Aviv, arriving with characteristic good luck
just in time to get a front row seat to the Egyptian-Israeli
peace process that resulted in the 1978 Camp David Accords.
Concluding his USIA career in Washington as deputy director
for management and then director of East Asian and Pacific
affairs, David retired in 1992 at the rank of Career Minister.

He threw himself into fundraising for Neve Shalom/Wahat-
Al-Salam (Oasis of Peace), a cooperative village in Israel

dedicated to peaceful coexistence between Arabs and Jews.
He spent long, sun-filled summers in New London, New
Hampshire, swimming and sailing on Lake Sunapee, growing
a white beard, and wielding chainsaws and loppers to tame
the verdant fields of his beloved Red House on Burpee Hill.
Every evening at sundown he gathered with friends and
family, made icy martinis, talked and talked a little more, and
laughed. A passionate student of music with regular tickets
to the symphony, he remained a terrible ham who delighted in
bellowing out the humorous songs of Gilbert and Sullivan, Cole
Porter, and Pete Seeger. Even as dementia began to cloud his
memory, his love of his family and dear wife never faded, and
photo albums jammed with happy faces of those he knew and
loved piled up by his bedside. In addition to his wife Lee, he is
survived by his children Charles Wellman Hitchcock, Evelyn
Taylor Hitchcock (and Nick Black), Lucinda Lee Hitchcock (and
Thomas Brendler), and William I. Hitchcock (and Elizabeth
Varon), and his grandchildren Rachel Lee Black, John Phillip
Black, Benjamin Lee Hitchcock, Emma Taylor Hitchcock, Phoebe
Lee Hitchcock Brendler and Violet Ballou Hitchcock Brendler—
progeny who can often be found greeting the end of day just
as David did: lifting a cold one in the company of family and
friends, with music and laughter in the air.
Details on a memorial service will be announced presently.

Joan Lawson (née Corbin) of Washington, D.C. and Somerville, MA, passed peacefully on September 7, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Joan joins her devoted husband of 46 years, John B. Lawson, who preceded her in death. She is survived by son and daughter-in-law David C. Lawson and Erin Stanford of Altadena, CA; by daughter Anne B. Lawson of Somerville, MA; by sister and brother-in-law Nancy Corbin Wolfe and Bert Wolfe of Tadley, U.K. and sister Diana Young of Bangor, ME; and by grandsons Clay and Reed Parker.
Born in New York City and raised in New Haven, CT, Joan attended the Foote School, Concord Academy, and Bryn Mawr College. She taught English at the American School of Tangier, Morocco, also working as a civilian employee of the Seventeenth Air Force in Rabat, (where she met John), and later for the Central Intelligence Agency. Joan had a talent for languages, including French, Spanish, Italian, Latin, German, and Arabic; she preferred to speak them in their countries of origin whenever possible, and spent many happy summers traveling in Europe, based in Brittany on the French Channel coast.
Joan was an incredible, dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She was a passionate photographer, aficionada of various fiber arts, avid naturalist, medieval scholar and choral singer. Over the years, she volunteered at organizations including the American Friends Service Committee, the League of Women Voters, the Woman's National Democratic Club, and the North Bethesda Camera Club, and served as board trustee at Concord Academy and Sidwell Friends School.
A memorial service will be held at a future date.
Donations in Joan's memory may be made to So Others Might Eat (some.org)
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.

We are deeply saddened to announce our beloved brother, Paul Alexander Lyga, passed away on January 27, 2025 at the very young age of 36. Paul always had and always will have a love and passion for life. Paul was always a very loving, sensitive, and caring gentleman, son, grandson, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, friend, dog lover and human being, especially since our mother passed away while we were teens and young adults. After our beloved mother, Antonina Berezecky Lyga, passed away from cancer in 2010, Paul has and always will have and feel a deep connection to our loving mom as we all have a lingering and everlasting love for our mother, family members and extended family members that have passed away over the years from the Berezecky, Lyga and Lytle ancestry. With our traditional, committed, Orthodox and Catholic values, our parents both raised Paul to be a loving, kind, caring, well-mannered gentleman. Paul was born in New Haven, CT at Yale New Haven Hospital. Paul grew up in a cozy, quaint neighborhood in Milford, CT and attended some and graduated from others numerous private schools such as Montessori School, The Foote School, St. Ann's School, Avon Old Farms School and then furthered his education at Clarkson University to study Engineering before leaving college to be a caretaker for our Mom, Grandma, Aunt and Dad while also starting his own business. Paul was a very thoughtful and successful entrepreneur while also a very humble, down to earth, compassionate and protective human being. Although he still enjoyed playing video games from childhood and loved sports, Paul most of all had a passion for spending time with his family and friends. Paul loved his family, friends, car, sports, snowboarding, trapshooting, reading, laughter, traveling, playing and listening to music, celebrating holidays and birthdays, summer bonfires, fine wines, foods and desserts, high end cars, luxury watches, custom trapshooting guns, partaking and winning in numerous trapshooting sporting events, memberships at the finest gun clubs and other fancy trips. Paul's avid passion for attending ice hockey, football, baseball and basketball sporting events with his sisters and nephew in Boston, Massachusetts will live on forever. Paul loved Boston and traveled to Boston frequently from Connecticut. Paul will always have a deep gratitude and love for all his friends, family and extended family members. Our beloved brother Paul always lived to value his roots, heritage, family, friends, but especially his close immediately family members physically and spiritually his grandma and grandpa, Maria and Alexander Berezecky; grandma and grandpa, Elizabeth and Harry Lyga; his parents, Antonina and Harry Lyga; his aunts and uncles, Donna Lyga, Joanne and Frank Lytle, Elizabeth and Michael Cerwinka; sisters, Lauren and Tatiana Lyga; and his young nephew Alexander Lapp. Our only hopes and wishes are for Paul to be happy, and for Paul's spirit and light to continue to live on forever to love, cherish, guide and protect our family forever. Paul will always be in our hearts and memory. Paul will always be loved, and cherished forever and ever. For eternal life. We love you Paul and we will always love you, Paul Alexander Lyga. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Paul's funeral service on Saturday March 15, 2025 at 10:30am in Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 99 York St. in Bridgeport. Paul will be buried on Monday March 17, 2025 at noon in St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery, South Bound Brook, NJ. 

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Laura Lyman Perrine on January 3, 2025. The wife of the late Frank Perrine, former Foote Head of School, she also established our Alumni & Development programs. Our thoughts are with the Perrine family during this difficult time.

Carol Frost Ross passed away peacefully on Monday, February 17th, at her home in New Haven.
Born on April 2, 1942, Carol was the second of three daughters of Gardner Lane Frost and Olive Russell Frost. After growing up in Lexington, MA and graduating from Lexington High School, Carol attended Wheaton College, where she expressed her lifelong love of music by studying the organ while attaining a degree in classics, which would be the focus of her career. She went on to earn a master's degree in classics from Bryn Mawr University.
Carol was a distinguished educator, having taught Latin and Greek at various institutions. She began her career in Cambridge, MA, where she met her future husband, Stephen A. Ross. Moving to New Haven in 1977, Carol taught Latin at the Foote School in 1979, eventually becoming head of the Latin department. While she retired from full- time teaching in 1996, she continued to teach and tutor at both Choate Rosemary Hall and Wilbur Cross High School.
Her impact extended beyond the classroom. Carol was an active supporter of women's health and rights, serving as the Immediate Past Chair of the Community Fund for Women & Girls' Advisory Board and as the Chair of the Advisory Council of Women's Health Research at Yale.
Carol's love for music never ended and her involvement in the arts was significant. She took lessons in both piano and recorder all her life through the Neighborhood Music School in New Haven. Her commitment to music education led to her first joining and then becoming President of the Board of Directors of the school and later Chair of the Board of the National Guild for Community Arts Education, who awarded her their National Service Award in 2020. In addition, she was a strong supporter of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra.
She was also a cherished member of the Garden Club of New Haven, where she helped in the conservation and beautification of New Haven's landscapes. Carol was a past president of the Club and Co-Chair of the Centennial Committee.
Carol is survived by her sisters, Patricia Vegnani and Janet Russell, son, Jonathan Ross, daughter, Kate Bosch and her husband Doug, and granddaughters, Lucy and Polly Bosch.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charitable organizations she was so dedicated to in life, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, the Neighborhood Music School, the Garden Club of New Haven, and Women's Health Research at Yale.
https://www.cfgnh.org/articles/carol-and-stephen-ross-fund-for-arts-education https://nmsnewhaven.org https://gardenclubofnewhaven.org/ https://medicine.yale.edu/whr/

Gregory Berthold Sawyer
Gregory Berthold Sawyer passed away in his home on January 21, 2025, at the age of 53 years from sudden heart failure. Although a longtime resident of Hamden, Connecticut, he was born on July 8, 1971, in Princeton, New Jersey. He was the second son of Willits Herbert Sawyer III and the late Margaret Jane Berthold.
Greg was a graduate of The Foote School, Hamden Hall Country Day School, and a postgraduate of Phillips Exeter Academy. He played football, wrestled, and excelled in chess while pursuing an academic concentration in American studies, drama, and film at Wesleyan University. While in attendance there, Greg was elected Vice President of Beta Theta Pi and served in the U.S. Marine Corps PLC program.
After working as a docent at the Connecticut Historical Society, he attained his teaching certificate at Southern Connecticut State University. The pursuit of education was a constant focus in Greg's life as either a student, a teacher, or as a coach. His career in education included teaching world history, core humanities, social studies, language arts, mathematics, and chess. He was also an athletic coach for wrestling, basketball, and football. As an experienced wilderness explorer and Outward Bound graduate, he ran Hamden Hall's popular Outdoor Adventure program for over ten years.
He took pride in his extensive collections of classic and vintage comic books, action figures, antique toys, and vinyl records. He loved to entertain friends and family. He enjoyed the sharing of knowledge, telling elaborate stories and recounting historical events to all. As a voracious board gamer and chess player, receiving high rankings in chess competitions, he was always up for a game.
Greg was a descendent of the Mayflower and a Life Member of the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York, The Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Connecticut, the Wyckoff Association, and The Society of Lees of Virginia.
He is survived by his father, Willits Herbert Sawyer III; his brother Edward Case Sawyer II; his nephew, Benjamin Prescott Sawyer; his niece, Lillian Grace Sawyer; his uncle, Charles E. W. Berthold; his cousins, Debra Smith, Mark Giblin, Michael Giblin, and Jack Sawyer; and his beloved dog, Buster Brown. His mother, Margaret "Peggy" Jane Berthold, predeceased him in 2023.
There will be funeral service at Trinity on the Green in New Haven, CT on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his beloved alma mater Hamden Hall, www.hamdenhall.org. You may contact the family through the Sisk Brothers Funeral Home, www.siskbrothers.com.

Susan “Susie” Warner passed away peacefully in her home on July 27th surrounded by loved ones. She is survived by her devoted husband of 49 years, Lawrence Warner of Marion, her 2 loving children and 4 adoring grandchildren.

Per Susie's request, there will not be a public service. To celebrate Susie's life, please consider a donation to the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library in Branford, CT.

George Harold (“Harry”) Welch Jr Obituary

November 23. 1928-April 8, 2024
 

Harry Welch died peacefully at his home in Ludlow Vermont on Monday April 8 with family by his side as the solar eclipse was commencing.  He was the devoted husband of Elizabeth (“Betsy”) Clemons Welch (September 6, 1929-September 27, 2015) who died at home as a super blood moon rose in the sky.  Harry leaves his four children Kim (David Levin), Toby (Peg Alden), Barclay (Kristen), and Bonnie (Gary Peck), 6 grandchildren Sam, Lindsay (Gary Spohn), Nell, Mallory (Aaron Levy), Anja (Bobby Christopher) and Christian, and 6 great grandchildren (Eleanor, Ava, Oakley, Cutler, Beatrice, and Clara).  He loved his family deeply and cherished spending time together at Peace and Plenty farm.  One of his great grandchildren considered him “his best friend”. 

Harry grew up in New Haven Connecticut (son of G. Harold Welch and Harriet Wilford Hitchcock Welch) and was the oldest of 5 children.  He leaves behind his bothers Noble and Wilford.  Harry attended The Foote School and he and Betsy remained close friends with 5 of his kindergarten classmates, and later their spouses and families, throughout their lifetimes.  Harry attended Groton School where he was a Prefect before going on to Yale University graduating in 1950.  He was an accomplished equestrian and competed with the Yale Polo team.  After college Harry was recruited to join the CIA and served the agency in Vienna Austria.  Upon returning to the states, he began a career in banking at the New Haven Savings Bank, graduating from the Stonier School of Banking, then moved to White Weld & Co. where he led the New Haven office.  His career also included serving as President of the Edward Malley Company and President of the Yale-New Haven Hospital Development Corporation.

Harry and Betsy believed strongly in supporting organizations in their communities through active volunteer and board engagement.  Of note, Harry served on the board of The Yale New-Haven Hospital Corporation (Trustee and Board Chair), The New Haven Water Authority (Trustee and Board Chair), Aviex LLC and Lightbridge Corporation and the predecessor company Thorium Power.  During his time with the Water Authority Harry was prescient in describing water as the next vital resource we must preserve.  Harry was a Trustee of Hamden Hall Country Day School and the Foote School.  He was a member of the Standing Committee for Grove Street Cemetery in New Haven, and a fellow at Jonathan Edwards College (Yale). Harry and Betsy also served together as Trustees of Spring Lake Ranch in Shrewsbury Vermont.  Harry was a class agent for many years for his Yale and Groton classes.   

Harry was a member of the Club at Mory’s, the New Haven Lawn Club and the Oquossoc Angling Association where he and Betsy spent their honeymoon and later in life, many summer visits at their camp.  Harry was a Justice of the Peace in Ludlow Vermont and as part of that role he was a local election official.

Reading was one of his favorite activities (he and Betsy belonged to a vibrant Vermont book group), as was tinkering with various pieces of farm equipment. He loved Peace and Plenty, purchased in 1968, with his whole heart and spent his weekends and then retirement improving and preserving the property, haying the fields, mowing the many trails he and the family created.

Jaska Hill was a friend and caretaker for Harry for many years.  Harry was fortunate to have a wonderful extended care team.     

Donations may be made in his memory to the Betsy Welch Endowed Scholarship Fund  Foote School 50 Loomis Place New Haven CT 06511

https://www.footeschool.org/supporting-foote/ways-to-give/endowment

Harry was devoted to his many many friends who, along with his family, will miss him deeply.

Nancy Griffiths Worms (76) of Hamden, widow of Donald “Dewey” Worms, passed away on Wednesday October 23rd, 2024, at her home after a long battle with cancer. Her daughters are grateful to have been by her side. Born July 11, 1948, in New Haven, to the late Kenneth and Genivieve Griffiths, and predeceased by her sister Barbara Kavanaugh, Nancy attended The Gateway School (1966) followed by Hood College (1970). Nancy began her teaching career shortly after graduation at Fairland Elementary School in Silver Spring, Maryland and continued it later at The Foote School in New Haven, Connecticut. As a first and second grade teacher, Nancy was known for her warm and nurturing style, focused on the whole child. But it was Nancy’s work as a daughter, a sister, a mother and a grandmother that was her true lifelong commitment – tending to her family relationships with the same warmth, nurturing and unconditional positive regard. Nancy never missed a chance to help, to talk, to bake, to celebrate, to spend time together – a holiday, a birthday, a Sunday evening, the chance to send a special package, to spend an afternoon or a vacation together– she made sure to be there for all of it . Nancy will be deeply missed by her two daughters, Katie Donroe and her husband Adam Donroe of Cheshire, Wendy Worms and her husband Brett Wilson of Petaluma, and her four grandchildren Paisley and Oliver Donroe and Nathaniel and Benjamin Wilson. Her kindness, warmth and endless generosity will live on in them

Funeral service will be held Tuesday morning at 11:00 in Spring Glen United Church of Christ, 1825 Whitney Ave. Hamden. Burial will follow in Centerville Cemetery, Hamden. Calling hours will be prior to the service from 9:30-11:00 at the church. Arrangements are with Sisk Brothers Funeral Home, 3105 Whitney Ave., Hamden. www.siskbrothers.com

Anthony Willard JOHNS ISLAND - Anthony Lawson Willard, 79, of Johns Island, South Carolina, passed away, March 29, 2025. Married to Dorothy Willard for 51 adventurous years, Tony was born in New Haven, Connecticut on December 19, 1945. Tony was one of five children who were raised in the church community as his father served as the minister at Trinity Church. He earned his B.A. at Westminster College before attending the Thunderbird School of Global Management, where he earned his Master's Degree and met the love of his life and future wife, Dorothy. Their love for each other and their tremendous business acumen led them to professional opportunities in Indonesia, Sydney, and Tokyo before returning to the United States. Throughout these travels and subsequent chapters in New Jersey, Michigan, and South Carolina, Tony was always a friend to all, a faithful servant to God, and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His passion for travel, photography, tennis, and golf made for incredible stories and experiences that always brought smiles and wonder to those lucky enough to be around him. He is survived by his children, Scott Willard and his wife, Rachel Willard (3 children), Weston Willard and his wife, Anna Willard (2 children), and Amanda Willard and her husband, Michael Ott (3 children). There will be a private family ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please make donations to the The Dorothy Willard Scholarship Fund. Checks to be made to the P.E.O. Foundation, with a reference to the The Dorothy Willard Scholarship Fund on the memo line. And Mailed to: P.E.O. Foundation Attn: Cathy Dyer 4842 Highlander Lane Hollywood, SC 29449

Clifton Duane Willard, Il passed away peacefully in his sleep March 14, 2023 of natural causes. He is preceded in death by his wife Eileen Willard, daughter Alexandra Willard, parents Louisa S. Willard and the Rev. C. Lawson Willard, Jr, sister Caroline Bond Willard, brother C. Lawson Willard, lll and niece Sarah Elizabeth Penegar. He is survived by sister Dr. Sarah Willard Penegar, brothers Sherwood S. Willard (Magrieta), and Anthony L. Willard (Dorothy, deceased). He is also survived by nine nieces and nephews. A true Renaissance man, Clif was an accomplished pianist, artist, a self-taught technology and computer enthusiast, and was an exhibitor at the 1982 World’s Fair. Clif became an early member of the Atari users’ group and used his knowledge of technology to create a 3-D experiential learning program to help others better understand learning disabilities. Clif earned a Bachelors’ degree from Pace University, was a member of Sigma Zeta Chi, president of the Art Society as well as president of his graduating class of where he delivered the student commencement address. Originally from New Haven, CT- Clif moved to Knoxville, Tennessee in 1974. He attended the University of Tennessee and earned a Master’s degree in Communications and later a Masters’ degree in Educational Counseling Psychology. Clif served on the boards of Agape Inc, and Jellinek Center Inc. and other non-profits’ through the years. Clif was a “Friend of Bill W’s” for over 46 years and founded local meetings in Knoxville that continue to help those in need. Generous of spirit -he loved being of service to others. May he Rest In Peace. The memorial service will be held on April 15, 2023, at 11:00am at St. James Episcopal Church, 1101 N Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917. Receiving friends will follow the service at the church. Donations may be made in Clif's name to Young- Williams Animal Center 3201 Division St, Knoxville, TN. 37919