Fishers Island Obituaries from the Gazette
As I come across obituries, I will post them to the list, noting where the information came from. I will be looking for obits from other papes and times. I have these references on hand, and all the information is listed.
November 1990 Issue Vol. 4, No. 4
Abbondanza-Josephine, 86, died July 15, in California. She was born Josephine Amoruso on March 23, 1904 in Mr. Vernon, New York. She married Romeo Abbondanza in 1923, and he predeceased her in 1966. Mrs. Abbondanza was a resident of Fishers Island since the early 1940's until she moved to California in 1986. She was a seamstress and a housekeeper at Our Lady of Grace Church. She is survived by two daughters; Susan in Northridge, California, and Dorothy Minetti of Ledyard, CT. Mrs. Abbondanza was buried on Fishers Island at St. John's Cemetery. The following is a note written by her nephew Robert Mangano. August 1, 1990 was one of those days on Fishers Island that reminded me of the postcards I would send to friends back in the city, the sky was so blue, at air so clean. Today, though, we have come together, aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends to say our final goodbye to Josephine Abbondanza, Aunt Josie. As the service in Our Lady of Grace Church progressed with tears in my eyes, my mind would wander back to the summers I spent on Fishers, progressing from childhood years at Dock Beach to my teen years at Isabella Beach. I was very lucky to have had two families that were residents of Fishers, the Ripantis and the Abbondanzas-their generosity and love allowed me to enjoy some of my fondest summer memories. I spent countless days at the beach collecting shells-going to the movies at night, I even played softball and worked at Doyens Store for a few summers, making friends I'll never forget. Goodbye Aunt Josie, I know you are watching us now as we say our payers, we all have so much to thank you for-myself three decades of great summers and mostly for the girl I met in 1969 and married in 1972-God Bless you Aunt Josie, Rest in Peace, your nephew, Robert Mangano
May 1989 Issue Vol. 3 No 2
Arasimowicz-John who was known as John Chestnut, died at home on February 16 after a long illness. He was 76 years old. Mr. Chestnut was the retired caretaker of "Gray Gulls" at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Reynolds duPont. A life member of the American Legion, Mr. Chestnut was also the oldest member of the Fire Department. The image most people will retain of Mr. Chestnut is that of the lone figure surf-casting on a rock off Chocomount Beach. There are many young men, both friends and relatives, who were taught by John and owe their fishing prowess to him. Mr. Chestnut is survived by his wife of 21 years Tomassina (Massint); a brother, Theodore of Wethersfield, CT; two sisters, Melen Zito and Anne Wall, both of Fishers Island. Donations may be made in his memory to the Fishers Island Fire Department of the Fishers Island Sea Stretcher.
May 1989 Issue Vol. 3 No 2
Arasimowicz-Trudy, died on Sunday, March 12, following heart surgery at Hartford Hospital. A native of Berlin, Germany, Trudy was 60 years old. She is survived by a son James, who is stationed with the U.S.Air Force in England; a daughter, Mickey Beauchamp of Verdun,Quebec; and three grandchildren. The following letter was written by Trudy's granddaughter, Heidi Beauchamp: "In 1979, Edward and Trudy Arasimowicz moved to Fishers Island with dreams of living happy and relaxing years while spending time with their family and friends. The bought and fixed up a home that was warm and open while they lived there. As the years went on and Eddy passed away, Trudy continued to live on the Island and worked at the Fishers Island Shopping Center. She was always busy knitting and crocheting sweaters and blankets as well as making quilts and constantly looked towards the times she could visit her family. Trudy Arasimowicz was the most loyal, hard=working and caring person I know. I am proud to say that she will always be my grandmother-although things will never be the same again. Fishers Island has become our second home and we would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all her friends and relatives for their acts of kindness and expressions of sympathy during the recent loss of our dearly beloved mother and nana. She will forever be in our hearts.
May 1993 Vol. 7, No. 2
Bicknell-Alfred S of 185 Fishtown Road, Mystic, Conn. died December 23, 1992. He was 85. Born September 1, 1907 in Nahant, Mass., Captain Bicknell had lived in Mystic sines the early 1940's. He retired in 1980 after 33 years at the helm of Fisher Island ferries. Capt. Bicknell was known for his cheerful disposition and ever-present beret. He will best be remembered for the many years of steadfast service he provided for the Island with the M/V Mystic Isle, said Marien Operations Manager Mark Easter. Capt. Bicknell served as primary capitan of the Mystic Isle during her 27 years of service from 1951 to 1978. In 1951, he was a member of the the crew that delivered the Mystic Isle from Lake Erie to New London via the Saint Lawrence Seaway and the North Atlantic. While en route in the Atlantic, the crew encountered a violent storm that sank a merchant vessel much larger than the Mystic Isle, Capt. Easter said.
June 1991 Vol. 5, No. 2
Buckner-Helen, an active member of many Fishers Island organizations, died February 20 in Florida at the age of 73. Mrs. Buckner, who was born in Short Hills, NJ, fist came to Fishers Island with her family in 1949. After living in a Mansion House cottage for several years, she move to her present home on the East End in 1956. On Fishers Island, Mrs. Buckner was actively associated with St. John's Church, as a parishioner, a member of the Vestry, and for tow terms as a Senior Warden. Through the church she helped support a scholarship fund for Fishers Island School children.It gave aid to every student throughout their college years. "She became involved in the Sanger Fund at the start," said Mark Andrews. "She had a keen interest and spent time going over details." Another major interest was the Island Peoples Project (IPP). "She was always at our events," said former IPP president Cathy Zanghetti. "No matter what I asked her for, big or little, she would reply, no problem. I'll bring it from New \York!. Each year, for instance, she supplied the hundreds of IPP balloons forth July fourth parade. Her abiding interest in the Island and its birds led her to support the Museum and Ed Horning's bird walks. "Every year I took a group to her property," said Mr. Horning, "We would go to the pond, the shore, the salt marsh. We always saw many species of birds". "She was one of the most generous persons I have ever know", said Mr. Horning. "One year she arranged for Kay and me to go on to the Platte River at Grand Island, Nebraska to see the shan hill cranes; an experience I'll never forget. Although best known for her philanthropy, Mrs. Buckner's first devotion was to her family. She was always there for their games attend events, She was actively involved, said the principal of noe of the schools her children attended. She was not like many New York mothers, said Ella Foshay Rothfield. I remember her taking a group of us to Bronxville to make wax candles and to put sprinkles on them all at a huge craft table. Mrs. Grant Sanger remembers a trip to Naples, Florida. Our Families were great friends-all of us lived in Mansion House cottages. We were together in a hotel in Naples-16 children, Helen's, mine, and her brother Tom's. Anyone else on the floor must have moved out! In recent years she was similarly devoted to her grandchildren. She took them on trips, and while on Fishers, was always present for their sport events and and other projects. She opened her house for their scavenger hunts and swim parties. Mrs. Buckner was active in programs off-Island as well, especially in New York City where she maintained an apartment. "She had a tremendous interest in individual people, and had a lot of energy," said her son Tom Buckner."She was much more hands on" in philanthropy than many realized. "When we were younger, she ran a Salvation Army thrift shop into which she put untold hours," he explained, "Four months before her death, passing through Harlem, she pointed out a building which she had recently visited." She touched a lot of people, young and old said her daughter Elizabeth Buckner Orr, "when we were young, she started a nursery school in Bronxville. One of the great interests was in the Bronx Botanical Garden where she worked for years. Her charitable interests were manifold, She had the ability to look around and would focus where there was real need, said Bernie Walsh. She knew who were the doers and if they were sincere, she would help them. In New York City, her major interests were the Brick Presbyterian Church, the Salvation Army, the Metropolitan Opera, the Chapin School, the YMCA, and the Botanical Garden where she endowed a garden in memory of her sister Jane Irwin. She is survived by her two sons, Thomas of Manhattan, and Walker, Jr. of Boston' two daughters, Mary Buckner Shea of Scarsdale, NY, and Elizabeth Buckner Orr of Manhattan, and by 12 grandchildren, Mrs. Buckner was buried at the Fishers Island Cemetery.
August 1992 Vol. 6, No. 3
Bogert-Lawrence H., one of the most prominent and active members of the Fishers Island community, died June 15 at New York Hospital after complications following heart surgery. He was 80 years old and lived in Manhattan, Hobe Sound, Fl., and Fishers Island. Mr. Bogert graduated from St. Paul's School and Yale University Class of 1934. Known as "Bogie" he was active in sports at Yale and was a member of Psi Upsilon and Scroll and Key. John Wilmerding, his roommate at St. Paul'd and at Yale, introduced him to Fishers Island. His family stayed with the Wilmerdings at the Salvage house when Larry was about 12. I remember he went sailing with John, said Mrs. John Wilmerding. Mr Bogert also returned many times during college vacations. After marrying Margaret Milbank, he and his wife rented on Fishers Island starting in 1940 and bought their current home in 1946. Mr. Bogert was involved in a multitude of Fishers Island charitable activities, as well as golfing events. He was on the vestry and served as Junior Warden of St. John's Church and he served on the board of the Fishers Island Club, the Fishers Island Development Corporation and the Sanger Fund. One of the things he was most proud of doing was being part of the group that oversaw the purchase of the Hay Harbor Club and the Fort Wright properties in the 1950's, said Mr. Bogert's son Jerry. He was also proud to be instrumental in raising funds for the Sanger Fund. Number on priority for Larry was his family, said close friend John Bartol. He had unswerving devotion to Margie, his wife, and was very proud of his sons. He did a lot throughout his life helping people he considered less lucky than he was. During his business career, Mr. Bogert worked at Bankers Trust and then at Eastman Dillon from 1948-73, where he became syndicate partner. He also served as a governor of the Association of Stock Exchange Firms and was president of the Investment Bankers Association of America. Mr. Bogert is survived by his wife Margie, two sons, H. Lawrence 3rd of Manhattan, and Jerry M of Bedford Hills, NY and four grandchildren.
August 1991 Vol. 5 No.3
Curtis -Vinal, The flags flew at half staff on the Island for a week this July in honor of the passing of an Island institution. Vinal Curtis suffered a heart attack and died at home on July 14. He was 77. Born on July 12, 1914, in Easton, Maine, the son of Lewis and Minne English Curtis, Vinal married Alphonsine Poitras on September 4, 1949. The Curtis's lived in Easton until 1949when they left for Florida, where Vinal worked as a trucker. After a time they moved back to Maine where they saw and advertisment placed in the Bangor Daily News by the late Henry Walsh and first learned of Fishers Island. After their initial move to Fishers Island, the Curtis's moved back and forth from Maine to Fishers Island several times. Vinal worked as the caretaker of "Treasure" first for the Kirkland's and later for the Grays. Not believing in retirement, he also worked as a professional house painter. In 1981, Tom Doherty told Vinal of the job at the East End gate and Gazette editor Rick Moody summed it up best in a recent profile of Vinal, "the rest--a smile, and a wave primarily--is history." Vinal was loved for his gentle good natured manner. "Vinal was an outstanding representative of FIDCO at the gate" said Tom Doherty. He was a real people person and the gate job was ideal for that reason. Bill Ridgway, past president of FIDCO, said, "Vinal was great at the gate. He was tough....he wouldn't take any nonsense, but the reality of it was that deep down inside he was a real sweetheart!" Anyone who took the time to stop and chat for a minute was always treated to some of Vinal's "Down East" sense of humor and genuine charm. There were many lucky individuals who had a personal relationship with the Curtis's. Mildred Dixon was on such person. When asked about Vinal, Mrs. Dixon said " I knew him for years and in that time we had a real friend. He was always there when you needed him. Besides Mrs. Curtis, Vinal is survived by two sons, Karl L Curtis of Ft. Fairfield, ME; A. Roy Curtis of Winslow, ME; a stepson, Don D Dumais of Oklahoma City; two daughters Cookie Turner of Easton and Louise Searcie of Texas; a stepdaughter, Dorothy Grimm of West Palm Beach; 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. As a tribute to Vinal and to assist Mrs. Curtis, FIDCO has created a special fund for those who wish to contribute money, Checks may be make payable to "Vinal Curtis Fund" and mailed to FIDCO, Drawer E. Fishers Island, NY
June 1991 Vol. 5, No. 2
Dalkowski-Leo, 82, died on April 22, 1991 at Uncason-Thames Hospital in Connecticut. Born on August 28, 1908 in Bayonne, NJ, Mr. Dalkowski was the son of John and Michaelina Pochobowsky Dalkowski. He married Virginia "Ginger" Karnot on May 30, 1928, in Simsbury, CT. Before moving to Fishers Island in 1965, Mr. Dalkowski led a full and busy life in New Britain, CT. He worked there as the service manager for a Mercedes and Cadillac dealership. A master mechanic, Mr. Dalkowski also taught mechanics at night in the Connecticut Vocational school system. Mr. Dalkowski, a life member of the New Britain Federation of the Musicians, played alto saxophone, the clarinet and the violin. In 1930s and 40's, Mr. Dalkowski headed his own band, the Merry Cavaliers. The group played popular music, jazz and Italian and Polish music at small clubs, weddings and parties throughout Connecticut and Long Island. An active member of Our Lady of Grace Church on Fishers Island, he served there as a speaker, usher and server. He was also a member of the Holy Family Retreat League as well as a charter member of the St. Francis of Assisi Church in New Britain. In his later years, Mr. Dalkowski moved to Fishers Island and in 1965 he began work for the David Wilmerding family. He turned his green thumb to keeping the property beautiful. During the summer of 1980, Mr. Dalkowski was instrumental in keeping Warner Brothers organized during the filming of the movie "the World According to Garp". Like many others, he was immortalized as an extra in that movie. A stroke in the fall of 1980 forced Mr. Dalkowski into retirement. Because of renovations at Our Lady of Grace Church, Services for Mr. Dalkowski were held in Union Chapel. Father Paul Gaumond was very apologetic for not being able to conduct the service in the church where he had been such an active member. The Dalkowski family assured him that Mr. Dalkowski was comfortable in the Union Chapel as it was there that he played violin for some of the services. Mr. Dalkowski is survived by his wife Ginger; his son Richard of East Lyme; sisters Helen Dalkowski of Waterford and Roman Catholic Sister Mary Aedmando of New Britain; and five grandchildren. Contributions may be made to his memory to Our Lady of Grace Church.
July 1998 Vol. 12, No. 2
Davidson-Marian, J. of Locust Valley, an energetic woman devoted to her friends, and to Fishers Island, died April 1, after a valiant battle with cancer. She wes 61. Also known as "JQ", Ms. Davidson had been coming to Fishers Island since 1974. She owned White Pepper Antiques and for the past six years had organized and annual fund raiser through venders' sales at the Hay Harbor Club. Mom had more friends than anyone I-or anyone else I have spoken with-have ever known anyone to have. She was creative, spunky and full of life, said her daughter, Heidi Davidson. And she loved golf! Ms. Davidson's children found the following poem an appropriate farewell:
I pray the I may live to golf until my dying day;
And when it comes to my last putt, I then most humbly pray.
When in the Lord's great finishing hole, on that final green so far,
That in His mercy He will judge My life's been lived near par.
(adapted by J. Grubb)
Ms. Davidson is survived by her children Helen "Heidi" Austin Davidson, Mathew Halstead Davidson and Marian Livingston Davidson; and a brother, John G. Jackson. Donations in her memory may be sent to the Marian Davidson Memorial Fund for Melanoma, The Skin Cancer Foundation, 245 5th Avenue, Suite 1403, New York, NY 10016.
May 1989 Issue Vol. 3 No 2
Doyen-Janice, 63, died at the Connecticut Hospice in Branford on February 23, 1989. The daughter of Jessie and Evelyn Jordan Richardson, Mrs. Doyen was born on February 15, 1926. She came to Fishers Island to work as a math teacher at the Fishers Island School.While working on Fishers Island, Mrs. Doyen met Serge J Doyen, JR who she married on April 16, 1949. In addition to teaching math, Mrs. Doyen tutored Fishers Island High School students and worked at the Fishers Island Post Office for a time. Besides her husband she is survived by two sons, Serge J Doyen III, and James Doyen; a daughter, Deborah; four sisters Polly Gove, Jean Brackett and Joanne Richter, all of Winthrop, Maine, and Geraldine Brackett of New Hampshire, and four grand children. Donations may be made in Mrs. Doyens memory to Connecticut Hospice, 61 Burham Drive, Branford CT 06405, or to the Chaplin fund c/o Lawrence & Memorial in New London
May 1988 Issue Vol.2, No 2
duPont III-Pierre a lifelong and well respected resident of Fishers Island, died this April at his Delaware home. He was 77 and had been in poor health for several months. Mr. duPont was a vice president of the DuPont company before retiring in 1965. He was very active in community affairs on Fishers Island. He was a president of the Fishers Island Country Club for many years and was a long-time director of the Fishers Island Development Corporation. (FIDCO) Int he period after WWII, Mr. duPont played an important role in a number of land transactions which helped to shape the current Fishers Island. He organized a group which purchased the mansion houses and the Hay Harbor area from the Ferguson Family in the 1940's. The mansion houses were then sold to individual families. He also played an important role in the purchase of the former Fort Wright area from the US government. Mr. DuPont was an active sailor and sailed in races to bErmuda and even Sweden. He was also a tennis enthusiast. "Pierre was vitally interested in Fishers Island," said long-time friend Lawrence Bogert. "His commitment to the Island was very deep. He was a thorough gentleman and had a marvelous sense of humor. He was respected by virtually everyone"Mr. duPont vacationed on Fishers Island as a child. He married his wife, the former Jane Holcomb, on Fishers Island in a ceremony presided over by Bishop Hobson according to Mr. Bogert. Mrs. duPont died in 1985. Mr. duPont is survived by his son Pierre duPont IV and two daughters, Jane duPont Kidd of Dallas and mIchele duPont Goss of San Francisco. Mr. duPont was also active in many civic duties in Delaware. He was a
May/June 1999 Vol 13 No. 2
Edwards- Richard Iver "Sonny" died Dec 4, 1998 at Mariner Health Care at Pendleton in Mystic, he was 70. Raised on Fishers Island, Mr. Edwards was born July 30, 1928 in Providence, RI, the son of Clarence and Hilda Magnuson Edwards. He was a lifelong coastal sailor on the waters between Maine and Florida and retired in 1986 from TRW in Greenfield, Mass. He returned to Fishers Island in 1987. Mr. Edwards is survived by a son, Richard Edwards of Bend, Ore; two daughters, Deborah Edwards of Chicago, Ill and Denise Fohlmeister of Munich, Germany; four brothers, Clarence "Buddy" Edwards of San Jose, Cal., Norman "Dink" Edwards of New London, Kenneth "Kenny" Edwards of Fishers Island; and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by a sister, Dorothy "Dottie" Calney. The funeral service was at Union Chapel
July 1998 Vol. 12 No. 2
Figall-John Pickett, died in March at the New London Rehabilitation and Care Center. He was 80. Born July 3, 1917 in Norwich, Conn., Mr. Figall served in the Army and was a veteran of World War II. He was a self-employed plumbing contractor on Fishers Island and was the husband of the late Therasa Figall. Mr. Figall is survived by a brother, Stephen Figall of Hobe Sound, FLa.; and two sisters, Fammin Momberger of Gilbersville, PA and Mae Ferraro of Coral Springs, Fla. Mr. Figall is buried in New St. John's Cemetery, Memorial contrubutions in his memory may be made to Our Lady of Grace Church or to the Fishers Island Ambulance Squad.
May/June 1999 Vol 13 No. 2
Gray-Martha Kent, of Richmond, VA, one of that city's popular landscape gardeners and one of Fishers Island's favorite friends, died Feb 16, she was 47. Affectionately known as "Moffie" Ms. Gray was the third generation of her family to live on Fishers Island. Her grandfather, Benjamin Gray was the Island doctor and her late father was Richmond "Dixie" Gray. Ms. Gray was an avid and accomplished golfer and won the Fishers Island Club golf championship. Her parents were also fine golfers. A native of Richmond, Ms. Gray attended St. Catherine's School and graduated in 1974 from Smith College in Northampton, Mass. She returned to Richmond upon graduation and began her landscaping practice, achieving prominence for her design and planting of numerous residential gardens throughout the greater Richmond area. They will remain her lasting legacy. Ms.Gray is survived by her mother, Mary Holt Gray of Richmond; her brother, Benjamin H Gray of Nashville, Tenn. and his wife Elizabeth Austin; her niece, Timmons Gray; her nephew, Stuart Gray and her Aunt Jeanann Gray Dunlap of Cincinnati, Ohio. Donations in her memory may be made to St. Marys Episcopal Church, Richmond.
June 1997 Vol. 11, No. 2
Guest-John, Spencer Churchill, a longtime summer resident of Fishers Island and an author and retired investment banker, died May 14 at his home in New Canaan, CT. after a long illness, he was 84. Mr. Guest's wife, Margaret Hauck Guest, 81 of New Canaan, died May 21 after a brief illness. An expert in Middle Eastern history, Mr. Guest wrote The Yezidis (1987), republished in 1993 as Survival Among the Kurds; the Euphrates Expedition (1992) and The Ancient Road, to be published this year. He retired as an advisory director of Shearson Lehman Hutton, in 1989. Mr. Guest was born in London, England May 14, 1913, the only son of Lt.-Col. the Hon. Christian Henry Charles Guest and the Hon. Frances Lyttelton Guest. He moved to the United States in1935 and became a U S citizen in 1960. A King's Scholar at Eton College, he received his B.A. and M.A. from Trinity College, Cambridge University, and his M.B.A. from Harvard University. He joined the investment banking firm of Huhn, Loeb & Co. upon his graduation from Harvard and remained with Kahn, Loeb and it successor firms until his retirement. He served in the British Army in the United States, the Middle East and Italy from 1941 to 1946. Mr. Guest has been chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Burke Foundation in White Plains, N a trustee of Hollins College in Roanoke, VA and of Robert College in Istanbul, Turkey, and a director of the British American Educational Foundation in New York. As a partner of Kahn, Loeb and subsequently a managing director of Lehman Brothers Kuhn Loeb Inc., Mr. Guest specialized in transportation finance and reconstructioning and was instrumental in the reorganizations of the Penn Central Railroad and the shipping interests of Tung Chee-hwa, the future leader of Hong Kong. Mr. Guest is survived by a son, Richard Guest of Norwals, Conn; a daughter, Cornelia Guest of North Salem; and for grandchildren.
Guest-Margaret H., Houch, 81 Died May 21. Her obituary will appear in the summer 1997 issue of the Fishers Island Gazette
July 1998 Vol. 12, No. 2
Hale-Linda, 45, a beloved member of the Fishers Island community, died March 8 at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital after a long battle with cancer. Linda died as she lived, with honor, humility and a sense of humor said her husband Dick Hale. She loved gardening, friends, Fishers Island, family a good time and nature, in no particular order-except friends first. Linda was born Oct. 1, 1952 in New Londow, the daughter of Joseph and Gloria Thayler Kruszewksi and was a 1970 graduate of New London High School She married Richard Hale, Sept. 10, 1983 on Fishers Island. Office manager for Pirate's Cove Marine, Linda had the uncanny ability to meet people for the first time and make them feel they had been friends for ever. I was stunned that there were so many people at the funeral, Dick said. I had chartered a ferry for Linda's elderly relatives, and after it left New London, I received a call that 26 cars had been left behind, and they had to run a second ferry. There wasn't a place to sit in Union Chapel, People overflowed into the corridors and into the kitchen. It was very touching. Island residents said that every person on the Island attended the funeral as a tribute to Linda. Linda is also survived by a brother, Joseph Kruszewski of East Lyme; and a sister, Nancy Wright of Chesapeake, VA. Burial was at New St. John's Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Cancer Center, c/o Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, 365 Montauk Ave., New London, CT 06320
January 1999 Vol. 13 No. 1
Hedge- Margaret Hollis, know to everyone as Margie, died Oct 1, 1998 in Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, New London, she was 62. Married to Corbin Hedge since 1953, Margie was well liked and respected by the numerous Island summer residents for whom she cleaned and cooked through the years. She we known as a hardworking wife and mother who enjoyed socializing with fellow Islanders. Printed at the request of Ms. Hedge's daughter, Thelma Shaw, is the following sentiment, by Benjamin Franklin: A man or woman are not completely born until they have died. Why the should we grieve that a new child has been born among the immortals? We are spirits, that bodies should be lent us while the afford us pleasure, assist us in acquiring knowledge or in doing good to our fellow creatures is a kind and benevolent act of God. When they become unfit for these purposes, and afford u pain instead of an aid, become an encumbrance and answer noe of the intentions for which they were given, it is equally kind and benevolent that a way is provided for us to get rid of them; death is that way". Ms. Hedge is survived by her husband Corbin Hedge; a son Richard Hedge of Groton, a daughter, Thelma Shaw of Middle Island, NY; ten brothers and sisters; and a granddaughter, Asha Shaw. Following a funeral service at Union Chapel, Ms. Hedge was buried in New St. John's Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sea Stretcher Fund.
June 1990 Vol 4 No. 1
Hoch-Ethel Alice, Fishers Island los a very dear and long-time friend when Mrs. Ethel Alice (Small) Hoch, 79, died January 24, 1990. Mrs. Hoch suffered two heart attacks and a stroke in the hospital after being admitted for a broken hip from a fall in her home on December 27, 1989. A small service was held on September 30, 1990 at the Crescent Avenue cemetery for internment. Las January many Island friends attended a memorial service at Union Chapel. Mrs. Hoch moved to Fishers Island in January 1960 with her husband, Dr. Ralph K. Hoch, MD, and children. As Dr. (Captain) Hoch retired from 30 years in the Navy to take the full-time medical practice here, Mrs. Hoch also "retired" from an adventurous like as a Navy wife. This included moving the family back and forth across the country every tow or three years, and two trips to Europe in the 1930s. In 1937 they lived in southern France with two young children while Dr. Hoch was stationed on a destroyer there. In 1940 Mrs. Hoch drove a 1938 Ford V-8 across country with her mother and three young children to set up a new home in Berkeley, California. During WW II Mrs. Hoch learned to cover the windows at light during air raid drills in the Bay Area while Dr. Hoch was stationed in the south Pacific for two years. Once, while Dr. Hoch was way, Mrs. Hoch took a toy gun and scared a burglar away from the house. In 1939 Dr. and Mrs. Hoch had tea with Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt in the White House as it was Navy custom for officers to call when stationed in Washington, DC. Mrs. Hoch was born August 18, 1910, in West Collingswood, NJ. She was the daughter of Harry A. C and Ethel Hollingshead Small. She was a graduate of Liberty High School and attended Temple University School of Nursing. She was married to Dr. Hoch on August 19, 1930, in Fall River, Mass. In 2980 her five children held a surprise 50th wedding anniversary at Union Chapel that was attended by many Island Friends, and Mrs. Hoch's two brothers and sister from Georgia, Florida, and New York state, and on of "Doc's" oldest friends, Judge William Stroey and his wife, from Delaware. Mrs. Hoch. Mrs. Hoch enjoyed travelling and she and her husband drove to Florida each winter for many years, visiting relatives and friends. In 1963, Mrs. Hoch traveled to Ecuador to visit her daughter Carol Ann who was serving as a teacher for Wycliffe Bible Translators. In 1967, it was to Bolivia where daughter Barbara was working with Wycliffe in bilingual education. During these trips Mrs. Hoch and her daughters lived in the jungle, rode on the backs of motorcycles (taxis!) hunted alligators, and once lived for a week in an isolated tribalvillage A bit more tame but equally enjoyable was a trip in 2986 down the Mississippi aboard the Delta Queen with Barbara and Ken and Betsy Small. On the Island Mrs. Hoch was a member of Union Chapel and was very active in the Ladies Aid, the Board of Trustees, and the Sunday School. She especially enjoyed the friendships formed at the Ladies Aid teas and projects. Mrs. Hoch also served as the School Board President in 1963 during a difficult time with an unpopular principal. Mrs. Hoch leaves her husband, Dr. Ralph K. Hoch, MD, five children and three grandchildren. Dr. Barbara E. Hoch, PhD, lives part-time in New London and part-time on Fishers Island; Carol Ann Peffley lives in Groton with her husband and two sons; Dick Hoch lives on Fishers Island and is the freight agent at the ferry dock; David Hoch lives with his wife in Coventry, R.I.; and Susanne Glovacki lives with her husband and infant son in Greenfield, Mass. Other survivors are her brothers Kenneth Small of Gainesville, Florida and Robert Small of Gainesville, Georgia. Contributions in Ethel Alice Hoch's memory may be made to the F.I. Fire Dept. Sea Stretcher; Union Chapel Bible School; or Artreach (a drama group of performers recovering from mental illness), 71 Maple Street, Norwich, Conn.
June 1997 Vol. 11, No. 2
Hoch-Ralph K, Dr., a retired Navy surgeon and the only practicing physician on Fishers Island for nay years, died April 12 at Mariner Healthcare at Pendleton, in Mystic, Conn. He was 95. Dr. Hoch, who lived on Hedge Street, retired from the Navy in 1960 and moved to Fishers Island where he began a family practice. He was also medical director of Sinclair Pharmacal, makers of Boroleum. Know for his friendly and caring manner, Dr. Hoch had all the qualities of a traditional country doctor. He often tried to retire, his family said, but he continued to provide medical care to the Island residents because there was no permanent medical facility here. Dr. Hoch, who was a ear, nose and throat specialist, had a distinguished medical career in the Navy. In the decade before he came to Fishers Island, he was chief of eye, are and throat service at the Naval Hospital at St. Albans, NY; executive officer at a naval hospital in Memphis, Tenn.; and commander of the Naval Dispensary in Washington, D.C. While in the military, Dr. Hoch served aboard a number of ships, including three destroyers. He was executive officer of a Navy field hospital in the Pacific theater during the World War II and also served during the Korean Conflict. In the 1930's, Dr. Hoch participated in a project to help refugees leave Spain during the Spanish Civil War. With a lifelong interest in sports, Dr. Hoch was captain of baseball teams at two colleges and played professional baseball in the old Eastern league. Born Nov. 19, 1901 in Woodside, Del., Dr. Hoch was the son of Charles I and Emma Keller Hoch. He attended Woodside schools and Wesley Collegiate Institute, the University of Delaware for pre-med studies and Temple Medical School in Philadelphia, from which he graduated in 1928. Dr. Hoch was a resident at Temple Hospital and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He married Ethel Alice Small Aug. 30, 1930 in fAll River, Mass. She died January 24, 1990. Dr. Hoch is survived by two sons, Richard J Hoch of Fishers Island and David L Hoch of Coventry, RI; three daughters, Barbara E Hoch of New London, Carol Ann Peffley of Groton, and Susanne Hoch Glovackie of Greenfield, Mass.; and six grandchildren. Funeral and burial with full military honors where on Fishers Island. Gifts in Dr. Hoch's memory may be made to Sea Stretcher, c/o Fishers Island Fire Department, Fishers Island, NY 06790 or to Union Chapel.
May 1992 Vol. 6, No.2
Horning,-Edwin H. Jr. of Hartshorn Ave. Worcester, Mass. died Jan 29 at home after an illness.. He was 44. Born June 28, 1947 in Sharon, CT, the son of Katherine T and Edwin H Horning, Sr., her moved with his family to Fishers Island in 1951, where he attended the Fishers Island School, graduating in 1965. Mr. Horning then attended St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1969. He completed graduate work at Clark University in Worcester, Mass. Mr. Horning was a self-employed artist and for the past few years, with his wife Patricia, displayed his paintings at their gallery on Fishers Island. He also showed his work in New England and New York. As a small child, Mr. Horning exhibited a gift for art and soon developed a deep intrest in the natural history of Fishers Island. He combined this interest with his art and created paintings of birds, butterflies and flowers in their natural setting. In later years, he created still-life paintings. May of his paintings hang on the walls of Island homes. Mr. Horning also took part in the annual benefit dinner for Ducks Unlimited and submitted several entries to the annual Duck Stamp Contest. He leaves his wife, Patricia L (Retchless) Horning, a son, Benjamin T Horning; three daughters, Katherine L, Laura E. and Amy R. Horning, all of Worcester; his parents, Katherine and Edwin H. Horning, Sr. of Fishers Island; and two sisters, Martha I Horning of Beacon, NY and Katherine H Greenberg of Winchester, Mass. A memorial service was held Feb. 24 at Union Chapel, Fishers Island. His longtime friend, the former minister of Union Chapel, Rev. Daniel Martin of Templeton, Mass. officiated, with Rev. Paul Gaumond of Our Lady of Grace Church.
June 1997 Vol. 11, No. 2
King-Edna, Mahoney, 88, a longtime Island resident, died March 4 at Memorial Hospital, Worcester, Mass. Mrs. King was born July 21, 1908 in Bronx, NY and attended Bronx public schools. The daughter of Francis and Josephine Mahoney, Mrs. King lived on Fishers Island for over 40 years, where she owned a house cleaning business. She was a member of Our Lady of Grace Church and the Rosary Society. Mrs. King moved to Leicester, Mass., two years ago. She was predeceased by her husband George T. King Sr. and a daughter, Joan Carr. Mrs. King is survived by two sons, Edward F King of Leicester and George T King Jr. of Mount Vernon, NY; and seven grandchildren. A memorial Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of Grace Church, Fishers Island. American Cremation Society of Haverhill, Mass. was in charge off arrangements.
January 1999 Vol. 13 No. 1
Leslie-George Robert, III of Westwood, Mass. formerly of Englewood, NJ and New York City, died peacefully at home April 3, 1998, two days before his 85th birthday. Mr. Leslie was born in New Jersey and moved to New York as an infant. He spent his childhood in New York City and attended Bovee and Pomfret. Afflicted with asthma, Mr. Leslie was foreced to leave Pomfret at the age of 14 due to illness. For the next eight years, Mr. Leslie ran the daily farm in Virginia where he raised horses and fox hounds. He returned to New York City when he was 22 years old, attended New York University and worked for Irving Trust Co., from which he retired as vice president in the late 1960's. Mr. Leslie summered at Hatchets Point in Connecticut and often sailed to Fishers Island with his first wife, Rosette King, who died in 1968. In 1969, Mr Leslie married Catherine McIntire Smith, whose family has a long history on Fishers Island. After marrying, we summered on Fishers Island, which my husband loved. Ms. Leslie said. We also cruised up and down the East Coast and around Florida in a a41 foot Hatteras; and in the winters, we traveled to Egypt, Africa and South America. For many years, Mr. Leslie's boat, Vitesse III, was a familiar sight berthed by the long dock at Fishers Island Yacht Club. We were very close. It was wonderful Ms. Leslie said. He was always considerate and berry close to my children. Both of my boys are in the financial world; just as he was. In addition to his wife, Mr. Leslie is survived by his loving family. Alexander G. Leslie, Peter D. Leslie, Rhoda MacCallum, Patricia S Perron, William TM Smith; 12 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
February 1990 Vol. 4 No. 1
Marshall-James, who had taken over as head of Bouton Services Construction Company, was killed in a plane crash in late November. Mr. Marshall, 38, was piloting his own plane from the Hartford area to Groton/New London Airport in stormy weather when the crash occurred in nearby Coventry. Mr. Marshall was alone in the single engine Cherokee plane during the early morning flight on November 30, and was planning to pick up employees at the Groton airport enroute to Fishers Island. A resident of Mystic, CT., Mr. Marshall had earlier in 1989 begun to assume control of Bouton Services from his father Tony Marshall, who was planning to retire completely from the business this spring. "He was going to make it (Bouton Services) his career," said the elder Mr. Marshall. The younger Mr. Marshall had already dade a good impression on Fishers Island. "He was a nice, hard-working guy. People really liked him", said Tom Doherty, president of the Fishers Island Utility Company. "I was really excited about working with him. He was down to earth, and he really knew the construction business. It was a tragedy. Before running Bouton Services, Mr. Marshall had operated his own contracting business, Marshall Construction, in Groton for several years. he was born in New London and lived most of his life in Mystic, although he had worked on Fishers Island for Bouton Service in the mid 1970's. Mr. Marshall was a Vietnam veteran having served in the Air Force there. Mr. Marshall had held his pilot's licensed for about 15 years and would regularly flew Bouton Services employees from Groton to the Island. Tony Marshall said that he has assumed working full-time at Bouton Services since his son's death. Mr. Marshall is survived by his daughter Stephanie, 12, who suffers from Batten's disease, an incurable illness which has left her permanently unconscious. Mr. Marshall and his ex-wife Catherine had received considerable media coverage when the challenged the Connn. Dept. of Mental Retardation over a requirement that caretakers ressuscitate their daughter if her heart or breathing stopped. The challenge by the Marshall's resulted in a change in state policy which allows for a review of each individual case.
August 1992 Vol. 6, No. 3
McCance-Elizabeth Ferguson, 82, granddaughter of Henry Ferguson. Died on June 2 on Fishers Island after a long illness. Mrs. McCance was born in Schenectady, , NY, June 21, 1910, the daughter of Margaret Ellen and Samuel Ferguson. at an early age, she moved with her family to Hartford, where her father was president of Hartford Electric Light Company. Mrs. McCane graduated from Miss Porter's School in Farmington, Conn. and attended art school in Paris. She came every summer for 82 years to Fishers Island, said her daughter Ellen McCance Parker. She grew up in the current Thomas Russell house. Later she inherited her Aunt Eleanor Ferguson's bungalow up the hill, also with the former stable and chauffeur's quarters. She was married to Thomas McCance in 1932 at St. John's Church. The minister for the ceremony was Arthur B Kinsolving, father of Arthur Lee Kinsolving, who later was pastor of St. John's Church for many years. Mrs. McCance lived first in New York City, where her husband was a partner in Brown Trothers Harriman. Later they moved to Mt. Kisco, NY.
August 1993 Vol. 7, No. 3
Middleton-Ernest, long-time Island resident, died June 26 after a long illness. He was 78. He attended the Fishers Island School and first worked for Mr. Romanian, the grocer. When the Farms started building a power plant about 1940, he went to work for them. He was one of the original operators of the plant generator, which required 24 hour shifts. Because the plant was considered critical to Fort H. G. Wright and, therefore, to the war effort, he was exempt from Army Service said Ed White, who later worked with him. He knew everything there was to know about the power plant and was always helpful. Later Mr. Middleton did electrical, line and outdoor work for the Farms. He retired from the company in 1980, after 39 years with the Farms. Later he worked for Z&S Contracting. Mr. Middleton, whose father was on of the founders of the Fishers Island Fire Department, was a life member of the fire department. He is survived by his wife, Mary; a son, Ernest Middleton III, and a daughter, Mary Ellen Middleton of Gales Ferry, Conn.
July 1998 Vol. 12, No. 2
Mountzoures-Louis Phillip of New London, owner of the Fishers Island Fruit & Produce Co. for 50 years, died April 1 at Mariner Health Care of Bridebrook in East Lyme after a short illness. He was 94. Mr. Mountzoures founded the fruit and produce company on Fishers Island in 1923, and the following year he took on two partners, his brother George, and Angelo Poulios. That partnership continued until 1974, when Mr. Mountzoures's sons, John, bought the business. Longtime Island residents remember Mr. Mountzoures's horse and wagon deliveries and his "beautiful garden" on land now flourishing with the Walter family's horticultural efforts. A popular figure in the New London community, Mr. Mountzoures was a well known restaurant operator who worked winters from 1920 to 1941 at many of the city's downtown restaurants. He was a chipper at Electric Boat from 1941 to 1944 and opened the Paramount Sandwich Shop in 1944. A firm believer in the work ethic, Mr. Mountzoures was seldom ill and attributed his longevity to steady habits, moderation and a daily nip of Greek brandy. He enjoyed frequent visits with family and friends and held a driver's license for 75 years. Mr. Mountzoures was born in Georgustsatis, North Epirus, Albania, the son of Philp George Mountzoures and Katarina Zingus Mountzoures and emigrated to the United States in 1920. He settled in New London and became an American citizen in 1928. Mr. Mountzoures had great pride in his American citizenship and prominently displays and American flag at his home. Mr. Montzoures was the last surviving charter member of the the Order of AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) Chapter 250, New London, chartered in 1930. He was also the oldest member of the New London Lodge of Elks and founder and life member of St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church. Mr. Mountoures married Sophia Pappas, Jan. 29, 1929 in Georgutsatis. She died Oct. 7, 1997. Two brothers and a sister also predeceased him. Mr. Montzoures is survived by six sons, and three daughters, 19 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
January 1999 Vol. 13 No. 1
Reed-William T, III, of Manakin-Sobot, VA, and Fishers Island, died Oct. 4, 1998 after suffering a stroke while vacationing in Prague, Czcheoslovakia. Mr. Reed was predeceased by his brother, Frederick Scott Reed, 58, who died Sept. 7, 1998. Mr. Reed was a devoted conservationist and environmentalist. In 1971 newspaper interview, Mr. Reed said conservation "is so much in me for one reason I was born and raised in the country. I became interested in conservation 10 years ago when I began seeing the deterioration of the environment". Mr. Reed founded the Conservation Council of Virginia in 1968 and was elected its president in 1971 when it consisted of 49 Virginia conservation groups. A former member of the Board of Directors of the Environmental Defense Fund. Mr. Reed was also vice president of the Atlantic Rural Exposition, which runs, among other things, the State Fair of Virginia. Born Jan 2, 1934, Mr. Reed attended St. Christopher's School and graduated from Woodberry Forest School and Hampton-Sydney College. He directed tobacco leaf purchases fro Larus & Brothers Co. from 1958-1965; and in 1971, he purchased the Goochland Gazette, serving as its editor and publisher until 1986. Mr. Reed was described by family, friends and associates as kind, cheerful, a leader and "just an incredible person". I'm going to remember Bill as someone with a real zest for life," said his sister, Rossie Fisher, I'm going to remember him as someone who was aware of the fragileness of the environment and who was working to protect it way before others (as early as the 1960's). Equally passionate about music, especially opera, Mr Reed was a charter member, former director and vie chairman of the Virginia Opera. At a 1975 benefit auction for the Richmond Symphony, h won the opportunity to lead the symphony in the in the Prelude to Act I of Carmen. Another high bid placed Mr. Reed, who could not read music, in the chorus of the Metropolitan Opera in a New York performance that year. Mr. Reed is survived by his wife, Helen Scott Townsend Reed; three sons, William T. Reed of San Francisco, Laird Scott Townsend Reed of Charlottesville, VA and Philip Winston Reed of Richmond,VA. Contributions may be made to the Virginia Symphony, 300 W Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23219 or to an environmental organization of the donor's choice.
July 1998 Vol. 12, No. 2
Righter-Sarah W., "Sally" Williams, of Bedford Hills and Fishers Island, an instrumental figure in the development of the Katonah Museum of Art, died May 9 at home in Bedford Hills. She was 90. Ms. Righter's friends and family remember her as a naturalist, birder, horsewoman, dancer, prodigious reader, skier, sailor, Mexicophile, brilliant conversationalist, modernist and style-setter. Active in the early days of the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum in Manhattan, Ms. Righter began as a volunteer at the Katonah Museum of Art when it was known as the Katonah Gallery and was located in the basement of the Katonah Village Library. She served on the museum's board of trustees from the 1050's to 1976. Mrs. Righter is said to have set the standards for the museum, which is know today as the "finest museum out side of a major city in the United States. She was realy nice, and people just loved her. She was warm and friendly but very executive in manner. She always got things done, seemingly effortlessly, a museum colleague said. Born on a large dairy farm in Bedford Hills to Nelson and Henrietta McCormick Williams, Mr. Righter was a direct descendant of Robert McCormic, the inventor of the reaping machine, which revolutionized farming and farm labor all over the world. Ms. Righter attended Rippowam School and was the first winner of the Rippowam Prize for leadership and scholarship. Her favorite horse, Grey Lady, accompanied her to Miss Walker's school in Simsbury, Conn. She later graduated from Smith College. In 1931, she married Volney F Righter who said, We were married for 67 years-happy days from the beginning to end. Ms. Righter was a member of St. Matthew's Church, vice chairman of Rippowam School and vice president of the Republican Parts, all in Bedford, and was also a sponsor of the Antioch Baptist Church in Bedford Hills and president of the Bedford Hills Community House, which her mother founded.Ms. Righter is survived by her husband, Volney F Righter; two sons, James Righter of Boston, Mass. and Robert Righter of Denver, Colo.; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
February 1990 Vol. 4 No. 1
Sanger-Dr. Grant, died of cardiac-arrest on December 14th, while dining with friends at the Harvard Club in New York City. He was 81 years old and lived in Mount Kisco. The second son of Margaret Sanger, founder of Planned Parenthood, he graduated from the Princeton University in 1931, and from cornell University Medical College in 1935. After a two-year- internship at Bellevue Hospital, and a five-year residency in surgery at Presbyterian Hospital in New York, he joined the Navy in December 1941, and served mainly in the Pacific-first on an aircraft carrier, and later on an LST Hospital Ship, taking pare in the Iwo Jima and Okinawa campaigns. kAt the end of the war, he was discharged with the rank of Commander. After the war, he joined the Mount Kisco Medical Group as its firs surgeon. In 1955, he returned to the Presbyterian Hospital, where he specialized in the treatment of breast cancer, attaining the rank of Associate Professor of Clinical Surgery prior to his retirement in 1973. Dr. Sanger was a former board member of the Margaret Sager Research Bureau, and was active throughout his life in the Planned Parenthood movement, speaking at many local meetings. He was also devoted to his Alma Mater, Princeton, where as and undergraduate he served as Class President, Later as Chairman of the Alumni Council. In 1970, he became President of the Princeton Rowing Association, and raised a large amount of money for the purchase of equipment, and on several occasions crews were enabled to compete in the Henley Regatta in England. His enthusiasm for Princeton football was legendary, and he was to be seen cheering for the team at almost every game. Dr. Sanger met his future wife, Edwina Campbell, while both war interns at Presbyterian Hospital, and they were married in 1939. Mrs. Sanger said "I first came to the Island in 1930 to visit a college friend, Betsy Bonbright. After our marriage, we rented a house for 2 weeks in June for our first vacation together.After World War II, we bought Mansion House Cottage #6, where we lived every summer for many years, raising our 6 children there." In 1948, the Army closed Fort Wright, leaving the Island without a doctor. The doctors Sanger were asked to serve as as temporary physicians for the summer month, which they did together for 4 years, until a year round resident doctor was found. Dr. Sanger loved gold, and was usually seen everyday on the course. He was Chairman of the Greens Committee of the Fishers Island Club for several years, working to improve the quality of the course. his efforts to improve the circulation of water on the 13th hole resulted in the naming of the "Sanger Pond" after him. He served as Senior Warder of St. John's Church and for may years headed the Fishers Island Cemetery Committee, tending to every detail for the properties. His strong loyalties, his love of sports and of fair play, his energy and attention to detail his friendly smile, and his easy rapport with people, make him loved by all who knew him. His is survived by his wife; three sons-Michael of Baltimore,Alexander of New York City, and Morgan of Tortola, B.V.I., and a daughter, Anne, of Bozrah, CT and 11 grandchildren. Per-decreasing him were two sons, Peter and Stephen.
August 1999 Vol. 13 No.3
Schmid-Flora T., of the Village of Golf, FL, and New York City died May 27, shortly before her 87th birthday. Born of English ancestry July 4, 1912 in Chattanooga, Tenn. Mrs. Schmid grew up in Savannah, Ga. At the age of 20, she left the South with her sister Arlene and headed for New York City where she acted in several plays and enjoyed a life in the theater. After several years, she went into business and, at 24 met her future husband Carl J. Schmid. They married three years later and remained married for 44 years. Mr. Schmid died in 1985. My mother was always a beautiful woman and my father took great pride in her. She had an astute business sense, and he took her everywhere with him and depended on her for her tireless involvement with customers all over the world, said daughter Elaine Browne. The family company Julius Schmid Inc., manufactured a number of different products by was best know for its work in the field of birth control. When the company was finally sold, employees captured my parents' special relationship in a loving portrait of the two of them with the caption, "Those who travel together, stay together". The pharmaceutical industry presented the Schmids with the industry's highest award for outstanding accomplishments. In addition to her close involvement with the family business, Mrs. Schmid worked for many charities. She was interested in issues of population control and devoted many hours to a home for unwed mothers, Grosvenor House, in New York City. Fishers Island held a cherished spot in Mrs. Schmid't hears. She and her husband began summering here in 1951. They were brought to Fishers Island by their close friends Helen Buckner and Margo and Carl Maw and rented the Ridgway stable for many years until they bought a home on Isabella Beach. Mr. Schmid put in one of the first weedless lawns on the Island and was often seen after 6 pm patrolling his property to prevent rabbits from leaving brown spots on the lawn. Mrs. Schmid, a devoted wife and mother renovated their Island home, providing a happy enviornment for her children and grandchildren. After 25 years, the Schmid's sold their house to Christabel and Paul Vartanian. My parents planted 100 blue spruce trees on that property, and they remain very much a part of Fishers Island, Mrs. Browne said. The Roots that my family put down here many years ago still run deep through the generation. Mrs. Schmid is survived by two daughters, Kaye and Elaine; a sister, Arlene; and three grandchildren, Christov, Carlene and Laurel. Donations in Mrs. Schmid's memory may be mad to Planned Parenthood, 26 Bleeker St. NY, NY 10012, or to The Sanger Fund, Fishers Island, NY 06390
May 1992 Vol. 6, No. 2
Thibodeau-Norman, Joseph, 67, died in February at Uncas on Thyme Hospital, Norwich, Conn. Born October 16, 1924 in Van Buren, Me., he was the son of Rene and Mary Ann Bouchard Tibodeau. He married the former Martha LaPonte on November 11, 1947 in Van Buren. Mr. Thibodeau was an Army veteran of World War II. In 1964, he and his wife moved to Fishers Island, where he was employed as a landscaper and caretaker at several estates. Mr. Thibodeau was a member of Our Lady of Grace Church and was a life member of the Fishers Island Fire Department. Besides his wife, he is survived by three sons, Peter P Thibodeau of Ledyard and Gregory C and Alan R. Thibodeau, both of Fishers Island; six daughters, Norma Thibodeau of Colona, Colo., Susan Haines of Hampton Bay, NY, Diane Gregg of Sacramento, Cal., Leah Thibodeau McDonald of Cotuit, Mass., and Lillian Bullock and Renee Thibodeau, both of Newport, RI; two brothers, Edmund Thibodeau of Chino Valley, Ariz., and Donald Thibodeau of Virginia Beach, VA.; two sisters, Renemae Casteel of Kingsport, Tenn., and Patricia Thibodeau of Methuen, Mass.; and 13 Grandchildren. Donations in his memory may be made to either the Sea Stretcher Fund, c/o the Fishers Island Fire Department or to Our Lady of Grace Church.
August 1992 Vol. 6, No. 3
Van Atta-Helen Ulmer, 78, mother of Barron Died and long time summer resident of Fishers Island, died July 9 on Fishers Island. Mrs. VanAtta was born March 3, 1914 in Midland, Tex. where she grew up and was educated. She attended the University of Texas. "My father and mother chartered a boat in 1946 and on of the places they stopped and particularly liked was Fishers Island, Mr. Kidd said,. The next year, my father bought the Zimbalist house, overlooking Hay Harbor. We came every summer. Divorced and remarried, Mrs. Van Atta purchased her own home near Middle Farms in the late 1970s and returned each summer. Mr. Van Atta is survived by her son, Barron Kidd of Dallas, Tex. and four grandchildren
August 1989 Vol. 3 No. 3
Vowles-Arnold, a long-time resident of Fishers Island, died at his home in Milford, Maine, on June 24 after a brief illness. He was 74. Mr. Vowles moved to Fishers Island from Maine in 1966 and worked for the Fishers Island Utility Co. for 14 years until retiring about 1980. He then worked Z&S Contracting until 1986 when he returned to his hometown in central Maine. Prior to living on Fishers Island, Mr. Vowles had worked for the Penobscot Chemical Fiber Company in Old Town, Maine, for 23 years. Mr. Vowles was widely respected on the Island for his friendly and even temperament and conscientious work habits. "He was unreal," said Mario Zanghetti, former owner of Z&S Contracting. "Arnold was the first guy there in the morning and the last one to leave at the end of the day. "You know, I don't think I ever saw him mad one in the eight years I worked with him. "Arnold was and unusual guy. Every customer that came in contact with him, loved him:. Vinal Curtis was anther long-time fried of Mr. Vowles. "He had the nicest personality of anyone that I have come into contact which". Mr. Curtis said. K" He was the same guy every day. There were no ups and downs with Arnold. He's the nicest friend to have. Mr. Vowles first learned of Fishers Island when he was visiting a son in the New London area in the mid-60's. Mr. Vowles saw an ad in the New London paper announcing a n opening at the Fishers Island Utility power plant. He took the ferry over, accepted the job and then moved to the Island with his wife, Lila. Mr. Vowles was an enthusiastic bowler and was a member of the Union Chapel. He developed a strong affection for Fishers Island, but moved back to Main in 1986 to help look after his mother. He is survived by his wife Lila of Milford, his mother Celia Vowlers of Old Town, two daughters, including Shirley Doucette of Fishers Island, and four sons, including Bruce Vowles of Norwich; 23 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held in Old Town and burial was conducted at Goulds Ridge Cemetery in Passadumkeag, Maine. Donations are being made in Mr. Vowles' memory to the Fishers Island Seastreacher.
May/June 1999 Vol 13 No. 2
Wall-Virginia Gardner Fincke of New York City and Fishers Island, died March 11 at home in New York, She was 93. A woman of firm beliefs, Ms. Wall had a strong sense of patriotism and loyalty. She exemplified the finest spirit of community service and athletic competition and was a beloved model for her children and greatgrandchildren. Ms. Wall was born Oct 28, 1905 in Boston, Mass. She first came to Fishers Island in June 1949 with her late husband Albert Carey Wall and their two daughters, Virginia and Maria. The Walls rented the Rybitsky house, which was constructed in th 1890's on the corner of Halcyon Avenue and was the first house built on Fishers as a summer residence. Mr. Rybitsky, a carpenter and builder, had gradually restored a and added onto the house in the late 1940's , living there while he worked. The Wall family purchased the house in 1952. The structure appealed to Virginia Wall's sensibility for authentic Victorian detail and welcomed her decorative style and possessions. At that time, the neighborhood was enlivened by the large Gordon family, by yount Chet Lasell (in the Gerry house) taking aim at Mrs. Wall's clothesline! said Virginia Finke Thors., Ms. Wall's daughter. Ms. Wall, who had previously spent summers in Maine, arrived on Fishers Island with her wooden Bullseye sailboat, the Blue Heron. She raced every Wednesday and Saturday, first in the Bullseye and then with Dodo Osborn in QAs. In her later years, Ms. Wall, a keen competitor, survived each sailboat race with binoculars and offered definitive comments on the outcome. On the further athletic front, Virginia and Al Wall won the mixed doubles tennis tournament at Hay Harbor Club the first year they were there. Ms. Wall's New York interests included the Museum of the City of New York, of which she was a trustee for many years. Colonial Dames; Bellevue Hospital School of Nursing; and Planned Parenthood in Boston, she worked until the time of her death for the restoration f the Shirley-Eustis House, and legacy of interest and commitment from her mother. With her dignity and style, always tempered by her incisive wit, Virginia Wall will be missed on Fishers Island. Ms. Wall is survived by tow daughters, Virginia Fincke Thors and Maria Wall Patterson; and six grandchildren. Funeral services were held at St. James' Episcopal Church in New York City and burial was in Cambridge Mass. Contributions in her memory may be made to St. James' Episcopal Church, Madison Avenue at 72nd St NY, NY 10021 or to Shirley-Eustis House, 33 Shirley St, Boston, Mass. 02119
July 1998 Vol. 12, No. 2
Whitney-Betsey Cushing Roosevelt, a prominent figure on Fishers Island in the 1950's and 1960's, died March 25, at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset. She was 89. A philanthropist in medicine and are, Ms. Whitney inherited the bulk of on of the great American fortunes when her husband John Hay "Jack" Whitney died in 1982. Betsy Maria Cushing was born in Baltimore May 18, 1908 to Dr. Harvey Cushing, a neurosurgeon, and Katherine Crowell Cushing, of a socially prominent family in Cleveland. Betsy Cushing attended Miss May's private day school in Boston and the Westover School in Middlebury, Conn. Dr. Cushing was a stern father and Mrs. Cushing reportedly groomed her daughters "to marry into the highest level of European nobility on into America's moneyed aristocracy.: according to David Grafton, author of the 1992 book, The Sisters; The Lives and Times of the Fabulous Cushing Sisters. Ms. Whitney was the last of the three Cushing sister of Boston. Her sisters were Minnie Cushing Astor Fosburgh and Babe Cushing Mortimer Paley. Mrs. Whitney's first marriage was to James Roosevelt, eldest son of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt. Said to be the President's favorite daughter-in-law, the young Mrs. Roosevelt did not enjoy the same favor with Eleanor Roosevelt. The two women were simply too strong and too different in personal style and social preferences. Mr. Grafton said. The the-Betsey Cushing Roosevelt divorced her husband in 1940, and in 1942 she married Jock Whitney. In 1949, Mr. Whitney adopted his wife's two daughters and in 1957 moved his family to London when President Eisenhower named Mr. Whitney Ambassador to the Court of St. James. There, Mrs. Whitney renewed a friendship with the Queen mother and became close to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Mrs. Whitney had many residences through the years and was know for making them cormfortable and welcoming. The Jock Whitney's are just about as down-to-earth as any people can be with a quarter of a billion dollars, Mr. Grafton wrote, quoting a friend of Ms. Whitney's. In addition to a large summer house on Fishers Island, Mr. Whitney also owned the famed Greentree in Manhasset, where she spent her declining years; a plantation in Georgia; a town house and apartment in Manhattan; a 12-room house in Saratoga Springs; a golfing cottage in Augusta, GA. and a spacious house in Surrey, England not far from the Ascot racecourse. In addition, the Whitney's shared a Kentucky horse farm, also named Greentree, with Mr. Whitney's sister Joan whitney Payson. Among Ms. Whitney's many activities, she established the Greentree Foundation in 1983 to assist local community groups; was a benefactor of North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset; donated major art works to the Museum of Modern Art and Yale University; donated $15 million to New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center; and gave $8 million to Yale Medical School, then the largest gift in the school's history. Ms. Whitney made art history in the 1990's when she put up for sale, through Sotherby's one of Renoir's most famous paintings, As the Moulin de la Galette, The sun-dapped cafe'e scene brought $78.1 million, the second-highest price for any artwork sold at auction. Ms. Whitney is survived by her daughters Kate Whitney and Sara Wilford, both of Manhattan; eight grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.