GENE E. NOBLE ’47

GENE E. NOBLE, the co-owner, general manager, and treasurer of the Rutland (Vt.) Daily Herald, died Dec. 2, 2013, at age 89. He was the son of Leroy B. Noble of the class of 1914. A member of Delta Tau Delta, he served in the U.S. Army with the 10th Mountain Division during World War II. During his 40 years with the Daily Herald, he oversaw many innovations and acquired the Barre-Montpelier Times Argus. He was also active in his community. Predeceased by his wife, June Haseltine Noble, survivors include three children, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

CLASS OF 1947 | 1947 | ISSUE 3

Brittany Marshall ’08 writes to share sad news: the loss of William B. Mervine of Westport, Conn., who died July 4, at home. He was 93.

Sandy Mclean | rmcleanjr@aol.com
2270 Melville drive, san marino, ca 91108

WILLIAM B. MERVINE ’47

WILLIAM B. MERVINE, former national sales manager for Kaiser Aluminum, died July 4, 2014. He was 93. A member of Beta Theta Pi, he received an MBA from New York University. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army Air Forces and was later awarded the Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters as well as the Presidential Citation for meritorious achievement while participating in sustained bomber combat. After his retirement from Kaiser, he worked for Alcoa. His son, Richard Mervine ’75, predeceased him. Survivors include his wife, June Miller Mervine, and one daughter.

EDWARD L. STRATTON ’47

EDWARD L. STRATTON, 88, a manager who worked in sales, marketing, and education at IBM for 37 years, died June 29, 2013. A member of Sigma Nu, he received his degree with honors and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was also active in community organizations. Among those who survive are his wife, Anne (Nancy) Stratton, four children, 13 grandchildren, his sister, and a large extended family.

Class of 1947 | 2014 | Issue 1

Bill Smallwood has done it again!! And I thank him again and hope other classmates send in their thoughts and memories. Let’s share some ideas with each another. All e-mails and letters will be used. Let’s challenge Bill!!!

Ex-POW Picnic: Plymouth, Vermont

Each summer we gather at Plymouth State Park

midst clusters of birches in paper white bark

The distance some travel in crossing the state

feels shorter just knowing there’s much to relate.

The women chat freely on domestic things

of gardens and grandkids and what new life brings.

Then on rustic tables they generously spread

green salads and baked beans with juicy brown bread.

Old soldiers assembled still picture their foe

as memories swing over to days long ago

when duty demanded at terrible cost

the battle, then capture, with all freedom lost.

Abruptly our leader bids all of us know

how illness has laid two comrades down low

And further sad tidings list one comely wife

departed, while seeming so full of life.

The schedule we’ll follow includes a parade

to mark when our country’s freedom was made.

We’ll march in a body on Fourth of July

as National Guard fighters do their fly-by.

With eating now over some make for home base,

while those living closest help clean up the place.

Now, future campers, a word of advice

from well meaning oldsters who paid a full price:

The wisdom which aging can sometimes bestow

prompts veterans of combat to share what they know. 

Strong vigil for country’s a must at all times

to counter war’s outbreak and terrorist crimes.

—Bill Smallwood

Sandy Mclean
2270 Melville drive, san marino, ca 91108 rmcleanjr@aol.com

JOHN H. UNDERHILL JR. ’47

JOHN H. UNDERHILL JR., 84, who spent his career in the insurance industry, first with John Hancock and later with Deland Gibson Insurance Associates in Wellesley, Mass., died Apr. 22, 2010. A member of Eclectic, he was the son of John H. Underhill of the class of 1918 and the nephew of Frank T. Underhill of the class of 1917. Cousins included Frank H. Underhill and Donald P. Underhill of the classes of 1918 and 1921 respectively. He served both in the U.S. Army and the Army Reserves. Among those who survive are his wife, Rebecca Stout Underhill; two sons; two grandchildren; a niece, Carolyn Taylor Casey ’78; and a cousin, the Rev. William D. Underhill ’53.

GERALD TSAI ’47

GERALD TSAI, 79, a fund manager and financier who pioneered the creation of performance–oriented mutual funds, died July 9, 2008. After spending one semester at Wesleyan, he transferred to Boston University, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics. He started Fidelity Investments’ first aggressive growth fund, and from that first success he established other funds, which he sold or out of which he created conglomerates. He was the chief executive of Primerica and was one of the founders of what eventually became Citigroup. Three children and five grandchildren survive.

SHELDON F. SMITH ’47

SHELDON F. SMITH, who retired as director of social work at the Southbury (Conn.) Training School, died May 10, 2011. He was 87. He was 87 and received his master’s degree in social work from the University of Connecticut. He also consulted for Yale University and its Institute for the Aging. Predeceased by his wife, Barbara J. Smith, he is survived by four children, three grandchildren, his sister and brother, and a large extended family.