Obituaries

STEPHEN MAY (Age 84) July 30, 1931 – March 31, 2016 Independent art historian, writer and lecturer, passed away March 31, 2016 at Georgetown Hospital. The cause of death was complications following surgery in early February. Born in Rochester, NY, July 30, 1931 to University of Rochester professor Arthur J. May and Hilda Jones May, he graduated from the Harley School in Rochester, and earned a BA, Phi Beta Kappa, from Wesleyan University in 1953. After graduation and a cross-country road trip with two classmates, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. In his downtime while stationed at Fort Meade, MD, he observed the U.S. House and Senate in session, an experience that inspired his first career in politics and government. He received his JD from Georgetown Law School in 1961. After the Army he joined the staff of U.S. Rep. Kenneth B. Keating (NY), and later served as Keating”s Executive Assistant in the Senate. Back in New York, May was a member of the Rochester City Council, 1966 – 1973, and the city”s 62nd Mayor, 1970 – 1973. In state politics in the 1970s, he was Chairman of the New York State Board of Elections. In 1981 he returned to Washington as Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development until 1988. Upon retiring from government, Mr. May pursued a life-long interest and built a rewarding second career writing and lecturing about art. His passion was American painting and sculpture, especially Modern-ism, but his interests broadened to include European art; sport; art movements; architecture; museums; contemporary art, and the preservation of artist homes and studios. He reveled in the opportunity to share overlooked and underappreciated talent with his audience. His articles appeared in dozens of regional and national publications. He led art tours and lectured in museums, historical societies, senior residences, and other venues around the country. His work was infused with admiration for artists and their role in society. Mr. May divided his time between his home in the District and a farm in Union, Maine that his parents purchased in 1926. The Maine property, which includes a 19th century farmhouse, continues to be the favorite gathering place for the May family. Steve loved his life. He will be remembered as a gentleman, and for his civility, charm, optimism, wit, physical stamina, keen interest in politics, and especially for his enthusiasm for his work. He was predeceased by his brother, Christopher May, in October, 2015. In addition to his brother”s wife and children and their families, he leaves behind his wife, Kathryn B. Wilson, whom he married in 2007. Their marriage was the first for both bride (56) and groom (75), and they were touched when, following the wedding announcement, they received a flood of well-wishes from friends and strangers alike-many senior single people-who were inspired in hope for themselves and late-blooming relationships. Indeed, the nine-year marriage was one of happiness and devotion. Interment of ashes will occur in a private ceremony in Maine this summer. For more information and to add remembrances for his wife, go to www.ilasting.com/stephenmay.php. Direct written notes to Katie Wilson, 4101 Cathedral Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20016. In lieu of flowers, send donations to: The Harley School, Rochester, NY; The Farnsworth Museum, Rockland, ME; or the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, DC.In lieu of flowers, send donations to: The Harley School, Rochester, NY; The Farnsworth Museum, Rockland, ME; or the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, DC.

Philip Throop Church, 84, passed away on Friday, July 17, 2015. He lived in Fayetteville, NY for 49 years. He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Patricia; children, Peter (Barbara) Church, Susan (Curt) Andersson, and Daniel (Sheri) Church; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Katharine Cutler and Elizabeth Cernan. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Robert Church.

Phil was born in Winchester, CT to Russell and Margaret (Throop) Church, and was raised on several chicken farms, including Keewaydin Farm in Darien, CT. He tended chickens for his father from a very early age.

He met Pat in high school in Middletown, CT when she invited him to a Sadie Hawkins dance; he was a junior and she was a freshman.

He graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi from Wesleyan University in 1953 with B.A. in Mathematics. He received an M.A. in Mathematics from Harvard University in 1954, and a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Michigan in 1959.

He joined the faculty of Syracuse University in 1958. He was named the Francis H. Root Professor of Mathematics at Syracuse University in 1976. His research interests were singularity theory, global analysis, topology, and nonlinear elliptic differential equations. He published 51 research papers during his career. He was also a Danforth Fellow (1953-57); a member of the Institute for Defense Analyses in Princeton, NJ (1962-63); a member of the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, NJ (1962; 1965-66); an NSF Senior Postdoctoral Fellow (1965-66); a visiting fellow at Princeton University (Spring 1976); and a distinguished visiting professor at the University of Alberta (Fall 1986). He served on many committees during his 43 years at Syracuse University. He also served as an editor and on several committees for the American Mathematical Society over the years. He was named Scholar/Teacher of the Year at Syracuse University in 1989. In 2002 Syracuse University created the Philip T. Church Postdoctoral Fellow program.

Philip lived his life with integrity, always striving to do the right thing. He was a problem-solver and thinker and would work tirelessly to find the best solution, whether it was purchasing a car or writing a paper. He took his health seriously and worked hard to stay strong and vibrant. He was a true night owl; he did his best thinking in the weehours walking around the neighborhood or sitting at the kitchen table. He loved opera, musicals, and classic movies. He was a unique and wonderful man. His values and presence will be remembered by everyone he touched throughout the years.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday at the Eaton-Tubbs Fayetteville Chapel, 7191 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville. A service will follow the calling hours.

Contributions: may be made to Syracuse University, Math Department, 900 S. Crouse Ave., Syracuse, NY 13244.

For a guest book, please visit: www.SCHEPPFAMILY.com.

Kostas “Gus” Roustis, 92, of Glastonbury, beloved husband of the late Anoula (Stamos) Routsis, died Wednesday, May 17, 2016 at home. Born in Albania on December 12, 1923 to the late Dimitri and Janulla (Kazaqi) Ruci, he came to the U.S. when he was 14 years old. Gus earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Wesleyan University, Middletown in 1951, served in WWII in the OSS, and worked as a chemist at Pratt& Whitney Aircraft where he designed batteries and holds patents for metallic coating of engine parts. He was a member of the Greek Orthodox Church in Hartford, raised his children in East Hartford and retired to Florida for three decades before returning to CT to live with his daughter Barbara in Glastonbury. Gus’s whole life, he kept up with his friends around the world and always put family first. He is survived by his three daughters, Christine Fritz, Diane Turnshek, and Barbara Traverso, his eight grandchildren, Robert Fritz, Barbara Fritz, James Turnshek, Steven Turnshek, Alex Turnshek, Matthew Turnshek, Jeremy Traverso and Melina Traverso, his brother Vasil Ruci, and his sister-in-law Tina Stamos. He was predeceased by his brother, Jeorgi Routsis and his sister Melpomeni (Ruci) Nika. A funeral service will be held, Saturday, May 21 at the Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Ave., Glastonbury. Military Honors will follow the service outside the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Wesleyan University (Chemistry Department) 45 Wyllys Ave., Middletown, CT 06459. For online condolences please visit www.mulryanfh.com.

Warren Russell Kaufmann, 86, of Sarasota and formerly of Syosset, NY, passed away Feb. 18, 2016. He is survived by his wife, of 65 years, Cynthia J. Kaufmann.

He was also preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey (Beth) A. Kaufmann, 57.

Mr. Kaufmann was a 1st Lieutenant United States Army Korean War veteran having been stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany. He served his basic training at Ft. Bliss, in El Paso, TX.

He graduated from Hempstead High School in 1946 and received his BA at Wesleyan University.
In addition to his wife survivors include his two daughters, Joanne (Tony) Cinelli and Janette (Mark) Harrison, of Sarasota; his son, James (Michele) Kaufmann, of Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren, Anthony, Christine, Joshua, Deanna, Rebecca, Rachel, Matthew, Jonathon, and Sarah, 5 great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Wounded Warrior Project.

A memorial service will be conducted Friday, Feb. 26, 2016 at 11:00am at the Beautiful Savior LCMS, 7461 Prospect Rd., Sarasota, FL 34243.

David S. Wadsworth died peacefully on Wednesday March 16, 2016 at Cathedral Village in Philadelphia after a long illness.  His wife of 55 years, Rosamond W. Wadsworth, was at his side.  He was 87 years old.

David Stanley Wadsworth was born in Providence, RI on October 28, 1928, the only son of Milton S. and Amy K. Wadsworth, and grandson of the Rev. William Kugler, the first pastor in the new building of Westport Point United Methodist Church. He grew up in Providence and spent summers with his family at the beloved family homestead in Westport Point, Mass. He attended Classical High School in Providence, graduating ahead of his class, at age 16, in 1945.  He earned a B.A. in economics from Wesleyan University, served as a finance officer in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and went on to supervise the first computer installation for Rhode Island Hospital Trust National Bank in Providence.

 

 

Bruce Menin, 88, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2016 in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. He is survived by his loving family; His wife of 59 years, Mary F. Menin, daughter Ann (David) Kaiser, granddaughter Lauren Kaiser, and a brother Richard B. (Lucille) Menin.

A celebration of Bruce’s life will be held on Monday, February 8, 2016, 3pm at the Lakewood United Church of Christ, 100 Carr St., Lakewood, 80226.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bruce’s name to the Lakewood United Church of Christ.

Robert P. Cook, Jr., died at age 90 on March 1, 2016 with his family by his side.

Mr. Cook, resident of Walnut Creek, Calif. and longtime resident of New Canaan, was born on Sept. 5, 1925 in Arlington, Mass. to the late Robert Parker and Christine Darling Cook.

Mr. Cook defended his country in WWII as one of the original crewmembers of LCI-1091, on which he served as a signalman from the time of its commissioning in Lake Michigan in September 1944 until the end of its occupation duties in Japan in December 1945. LCI-1091 is now a museum ship for the Humboldt Bay Naval Sea/Air Museum at Eureka, Calif. and is one of the only examples afloat of this special class of seagoing amphibious assault ships.

Mr. Cook graduated from Wesleyan University in 1949 and spent 35 years working for International Silver Company in Meriden, Conn. as general sales manager. His honesty, loyalty, humor and impeccable good manners served him well in his professional life, and his private years were marked by an extraordinary kindness. All of his summers were spent at his family residence on Southport Island, Maine, which he viewed as the most wonderful place on earth.

Bob was preceded in death in 2011 by his wife and pal Charlotte C. Cook, his partner of 63 years.

Mr. Cook is survived in life by his two daughters, Alison Downs of Solana Beach, Calif. and Leslie Weaver of Lafayette, Calif.; his sons-in-law Michael Downs and John Weaver; his four grandsons Miles Stenehjem, Garrett Stenehjem, Kyle Weaver and Ian Weaver; and their wives Anita Stenehjem, Patricia Weaver and Annelise Weaver.

A family graveside service to celebrate Mr. Cook’s life was held on Saturday, March 12, at Lakeview Cemetery in New Canaan.

Willard A. “Will” Lockwood, 91, of Easton, MD, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2015. He is survived by his beloved wife, Eleanor Bloch Lockwood; his brother, Hanford N. Lockwood, of Burlingame, CA; and sister, Isabel Lockwood of Marlborough, MA; his daughters, Andree A. Lockwood of New York City; Rachel Gonzalez-Falla and her husband, Jose, of Austin, TX; son, Winthrop F. Lockwood and his wife, Emily Wassyng, of Brooklyn, NY; and granddaughter, Andree Gonzalez-Falla, of Brooklyn, NY. Born on March 4, 1924, in Washington, D.C., Will was a son of Col. Hanford N. Lockwood and Lillian Atkinson Lockwood. He graduated from Wesleyan University in 1945. He founded the Wesleyan University Press and was its Director from 1957 to 1979. He relocated in Easton in 1980, where he served as Managing Editor at the Cornell Maritime Press. Will was an avid amateur letterpress scholar and printer, as well as an award-winning photographer. He was dedicated to serving his communities both in Connecticut and Maryland. He was a longtime director of City Savings Bank in Middletown, and served as president of the Association of American University Presses. He was a volunteer for CASA of the Mid-Shore, serving as an advocate for children for over 20 years. He also served on the Talbot County (MD) Arts Council; and was a proud member of the Rotary Club for over 50 years. Will was a gentleman, and a generous and devoted friend and neighbor. He will be greatly missed. A service will be held in Easton at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home in Easton.
Published in The Hartford Courant on May 17, 2015 – See more here.

William W. Whitten, MD of South Hadley, MA died peacefully after a brief illness on February 20, 2016. Born in Staten Island, NY on September 11, 1923, he was the son of the late George Henry Whitten and Mabel Mathews Whitten.

Bill graduated from Curtis High School in Staten Island and received degrees from Wesleyan University (Class of 1946) and New York Medical College. His specialty was pediatrics, had a private practice in Larchmont, NY for more than 35 years and became Chief of Pediatrics at New Rochelle Hospital Medical Center. He also pursued a research interest in pediatric oncology and was an attending physician at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center Babies Hospital and was an assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Bill was a Lieutenant in the Navy, stationed in New London, CT and with the 6th Fleet in Norway.

Married to Nancy Freck Whitten for over 40 years, they resided in Rye, NY until retirement when they split their time between St. Croix and Greensboro, VT in their log home overlooking Lake Caspian before moving to a retirement community in South Hadley, MA.

An avid sailor, Bill was proud to have been the oldest member of the Larchmont Yacht Club at the time of his death.

Bill is survived his son, William W. ‘Skip” Whitten, Jr. of Old Lyme, CT, daughters Betsy Dennison of Pompton Lakes, NJ, Kathy Cihi of Norwalk, CT and Anne Falk of Bend, OR, stepdaughter Melinda Peabody of San Rafael, CA, nine grandchildren and two step grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Nancy Freck Whitten and his sister, Marjorie Badeau.

All services will be private. Beers and Story South Hadley Funeral Home www.beersandstory.com has been entrusted with the arrangements. – See more here.

Anderson, Frederick 2/14/1924 – 8/13/2015 Ann Arbor Frederick M. Anderson, professor emeritus of philosophy, was born in Springfield, Ma, February, 14, 1924. He was preceded in death by five brothers and one sister. He has one remaining brother, Richard, who lives in Farmington, Mass. He has two sons, Marc and Michael (Seiko) their four children, Chloe, Chase, Charlotte and Carter and one daughter, Kathryn (Derek) Peters who have two children, Emorie and Rorie. He has two stepchildren, David Brown and Rebecca (Thomas) Renkert and their three children, Sarah, Allison and Alexander and his wife, Barbara. After being fired from a prep school because he had an epileptic seizure in the lunch room, his sister Elizabeth, suggested he apply to Harvard for his PhD. He did and was accepted. Fred taught philosophy at Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts and then at Eastern Michigan University. After he retired, he taught literature at Elderwise, which he greatly enjoyed because as he taught them, he was learning. He was a man who never demeaned people nor did he suffer fools easily. He did things most of us wouldn’t think of doing; for example, calling Julia Child for a recipe for scallops which she kindly gave him. He loved baseball; saw Babe Ruth play, Mickey Mantle, and Miguel Cabrerra, to name a few, but as time went on he really couldn’t see or hear much of the game. We will all miss Fred for his foibles, his understated way of teaching, his understanding of humanity and the impact he had on all of us.

Published in Ann Arbor News on Aug. 16, 2015