Obituaries

JOHN W. ENGROFF JR., the executive director of the Franklin-Grand Isle (Vermont) Community Partnership and an educator, died July 4, 2008, at age 69. He was a member of the Commons Club, received a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, and a Ph.D. from Harvard University. He had also been associated with several educational and social service institutions in northern Vermont. Among those who survive are his wife, Audrey Reinehr Engroff, two children, a granddaughter, a brother, and a sister.

MILES D. EHRLICH, an editor, writer, and environmentalist, died July 15, 2008, at age 50. Survivors include his mother, eight brothers and sisters, seven nieces and nephews, and a close friend, Susan Johnson.

LOIS E. EGASTI, a human resources executive who founded and was president of the Hurricane Voices Breast Cancer Foundation, died of breast cancer Apr. 15, 2003. She was 47. After receiving a master’s degree in public and private management from Yale University, she worked in human resources at Cummins Diesel Engine Company, Wellesley College, and Lotus Development Corporation. She started the Foundation to make a difference in the search for a cause and a cure for breast cancer. Survivors include her husband, Jeffrey L. Shames ’77, a daughter, two sisters, and a brother.

BENNETT I. ENOWITCH, M.D., a psychiatrist and former medical director at several managed care companies in the Hartford, Conn., area, died Jan. 6, 2009, at age 74. He was a member of the John Wesley Club. In addition to a master’s degree in public health, he received his medical degree from the University of Basel and a further medical degree from the University of Geneva. More recently, he received a master’s degree in Comparative Literature from Wesleyan and in 2003 he received a Ph.D. in German literature with a subspecialty in Swiss Literature from the University of Connecticut. Board certified in psychiatry and neurology since 1972, he was appointed a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Among those who survive are his wife, Elisa Cohen Enowitch, two children, three grandchildren, a brother, and a cousin, Paul S. Ruderman ’79.

Bennett I. Enowitch, 74, of West Hartford, husband of Elisa (Cohen) Enowitch, passed away on Tuesday, (January 6, 2009) due to complications from leukemia. Born in Middletown, he was the son of the late Elliot and Anne (Chester) Enowitch. He graduated from Middletown High School and then received his A.B. degree from Wesleyan University. Upon graduating from Wesleyan University, Dr. Enowitch studied microbiology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. After studying in Tennessee he began working for the United States Army at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. He was stationed in Mercury, Nevada, for several months researching the radiation effects of the atomic bomb. All research took place at ground zero. He then entered Yale University’s School of Public Health, receiving a Masters in Public Health in 1959. He then continued his education by graduating from the University of Basel School of Medicine in Basel, Switzerland in 1965. He also received a medical degree from the University of Geneva Institute of Human Genetics in 1966. Dr. Enowitch was able to study at the Basel Tropical Institute of Medicine as well. Upon returning from Europe, he completed his psychiatric residency at the Institute of Living in Hartford, He was a member of Hartford Hospital’s Senior Staff for 19 years. He worked for several insurance companies doing specialized work in utilization review cases and was the Medical Director at several managed care companies. He worked at CIGNA (Connecticut General) for over 21 years. Dr. Enowitch has been Board Certified in psychiatry and neurology since 1972. He became a Diplomat Fellow in 1978 and a Life Fellow in 1999. In 2003 the American Psychiatric Association appointed him as a Distinguished Life Fellow. In January, 2008 Dr. Enowitch was appointed by Governor Jodi Rell to become a member of the Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee. This past April, 2008 Dr. Enowitch was chosen by his peers as Connecticut Magazine Top Doctors. Dr. Enowitch also became the American representative for the University of Basel Medical School alumni organization. Throughout his career he was able to give speaking lectures at various hospitals around the world. He spoke at the An Ding Hospital in Beijing, China, hospitals in Peru, and Switzerland. Since Dr. Enowitch has always had a passion for reading, he decided that he wanted to pursue a Master’s Degree in Comparative Literature from Wesleyan University. He completed this and then entered the PhD program in German Literature at the University Of Connecticut. He received his M.A in German Literature and then in 2003 completed his studies by receiving his PhD in German Literature with a sub-specialty in Swiss Literature. His dissertation was focused on a Swiss writer and medical doctor. The Peter Lang Publishing House based out of Bern, Switzerland, was very much interested in his work and decided to publish his dissertation. Dr. Enowitch was clearly a true intellectual. He could always be found reading several books at once. He loved reading. He would read great writers from Germany, France, Italy, South America, etc. He also enjoyed reading biographies, literary criticism, and philosophy. Dr. Enowitch was very dedicated to his practice. He treated all his patients with kindness and respect. He was a true renaissance man. He enjoyed listening to classical music as well as Jazz, he was especially a huge fan of Stan Kenton. He loved to reminisce about growing up listening to Fibber Magee and Molly, The Shadow, The Quiz Kids amongst others. He enjoyed talking about the old days in Hartford, the State Theater, The Hartford Chiefs, etc. He also was huge fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dr. Enowitch was both a scholar and a gentleman. He leaves his loving wife of 44 years, Elisa Cohen Enowitch, his best companion; a devoted son and his best friend Boris Enowitch of West Hartford who assisted him and helped care for him whenever needed; a caring daughter, Schalleen Connelly, of Farmington and his son-in-law Michael Connelly, three grandchildren, and a brother Gerald Enowitch of Boynton Beach, Fla. Dr. Enowitch also leaves his brother-in-law Albert Cohen and his wife Nina Cohen of Panama. The Family wishes to thank Dr. Peter Tutschka for all of his help and his friendship. They also want to thank Dr. Tutschka’s entire staff at the Saint Francis Cancer Center. Services will be private and at the convenience of the family at the Pine Street Cemetery, Middletown. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dr. Enowitch’s memory to the Cancer Center Holiday Fund- in care of Dr. Peter Tutschka, Saint Francis Mount Sinai Regional Cancer Center, 114 Woodland Street, Hartford, CT 06105. The Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church Street, Middletown is handling the arrangements. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www. doolittlefuneralservice.com.

WILBUR K. COX JR., a retired Presbyterian pastor, died Apr. 2, 2006. He was 72. A member of Psi Upsilon, he received a doctor of divinity degree from McCormick Theological Seminary. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Danaher-Cox, five children, and 12 grandchildren.

It is with great sadness that I am writing to inform you of the death of my father, RICHARD W. ERIKSON. Richard passed away on September 11, 2005 after a brief, but valiant fight with lung cancer. He was active and involved with his family until the end, including sightseeing with several grandchildren in Manhattan on August 24th and spending the day at the beach with other grandchildren as recently as September 2nd. After several months of a persistent cough, Richard was admitted to the hospital on September 3rd and was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Richard enjoyed a full life. Richard worked his way up through the ranks at IBM starting right out of college in the accounts payable department where he held several positions until joining Electric Typewriter/Time Systems sales administration ? the precursor to the World Trade Office Products Division. Through due diligence and hard and dedicated work, Richard retired after 35 years with IBM as an Advisory Planner in the High Volume Products Operations in the IBM World Trade Americas Group. Over his 35 years with IBM, Richard enjoyed the excitement and challenges of an international business environment.

After an early retirement at age 55, Richard embarked on his second career, one he would rather not have chosen but never-the-less thoroughly embraced caregiver to his beloved wife Margaret who had been stricken by MS several years earlier. During his tenure as caregiver, Margaret and Richard had their dream retirement home constructed and they enjoyed the time at the shore together for many years until Margaret?s passing in 2002. At that time, Richard took the opportunity to really become his own person, and while lonely without Margaret, started to enjoyed the company of close friends and family.

In addition to Richard?s two careers, he was quite involved in the community. Over the years his involvement included Treasurer of the IBM Employee Club; Treasurer of WHCC; Board of Directors of PBC; Board of Directors of HRLH; Treasurer, Deacon/Trustee and Choir Member of the First Lutheran Church, Kearny, NJ; Treasurer, Auditor, Stewardship Committee and Choir Member of Nativity Lutheran Church, East Brunswick, NJ; Troop Committee Member Boy Scouts of America, East Brunswick, NJ; Auditor, Finance Committee, Teller and Choir Member at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Brookfield, CT; Finance Committee, Church Council and Choir Member at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Beachwood, NJ; Treasurer of the Senior Men?s Club, Pine Beach, NJ.

Richard is survived by his son William Erikson, grandchildren Jon, Evan and Caroline Erikson of Forked River, NJ; son and daughter-in-law Frederick and Lisa Erikson, grandchildren Frederick and Patrick Erikson of Williamsport, PA; and daughter and son-in-law Suzanne and Jeremy Bidwell, and grandchildren Nathaniel and Samuel Bidwell of Bloomfield, CT.

Services were held on September 15, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Beachwood, NJ with internment at Good Luck Cemetery, Lanoka Harbor, NJ. Richard will be greatly missed by those who knew him. Donations in his memory may be sent to St. Paul Lutheran Church Memorial Fund in Beachwood, NJ where Richard was an active member in the Choir and Church Council.

It is with great sadness that I am writing to inform you of the death of my father, RICHARD W. ERIKSON. Richard passed away on September 11, 2005 after a brief, but valiant fight with lung cancer. He was active and involved with his family until the end, including sightseeing with several grandchildren in Manhattan on August 24th and spending the day at the beach with other grandchildren as recently as September 2nd. After several months of a persistent cough, Richard was admitted to the hospital on September 3rd and was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Richard enjoyed a full life. Richard worked his way up through the ranks at IBM starting right out of college in the accounts payable department where he held several positions until joining Electric Typewriter/Time Systems sales administration, the precursor to the World Trade Office Products Division. Through due diligence and hard and dedicated work, Richard retired after 35 years with IBM as an Advisory Planner in the High Volume Products Operations in the IBM World Trade Americas Group. Over his 35 years with IBM, Richard enjoyed the excitement and challenges of an international business environment.

After an early retirement at age 55, Richard embarked on his second career, one he would rather not have chosen but never-the-less thoroughly embraced ? caregiver to his beloved wife Margaret who had been stricken by MS several years earlier. During his tenure as caregiver, Margaret and Richard had their dream retirement home constructed and they enjoyed the time at the shore together for many years until Margaret’s passing in 2002. At that time, Richard took the opportunity to really become his own person, and while lonely without Margaret, started to enjoyed the company of close friends and family.

In addition to Richard?s two careers, he was quite involved in the community. Over the years his involvement included Treasurer of the IBM Employee Club; Treasurer of WHCC; Board of Directors of PBC; Board of Directors of HRLH; Treasurer, Deacon/Trustee and Choir Member of the First Lutheran Church, Kearny, NJ; Treasurer, Auditor, Stewardship Committee and Choir Member of Nativity Lutheran Church, East Brunswick, NJ; Troop Committee Member Boy Scouts of America, East Brunswick, NJ; Auditor, Finance Committee, Teller and Choir Member at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Brookfield, CT; Finance Committee, Church Council and Choir Member at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Beachwood, NJ; Treasurer of the Senior Men?s Club, Pine Beach, NJ.

Richard is survived by his son William Erikson, grandchildren Jon, Evan and Caroline Erikson of Forked River, NJ; son and daughter-in-law Frederick and Lisa Erikson, grandchildren Frederick and Patrick Erikson of Williamsport, PA; and daughter and son-in-law Suzanne and Jeremy Bidwell, and grandchildren Nathaniel and Samuel Bidwell of Bloomfield, CT.

Services were held on September 15, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Beachwood, NJ with internment at Good Luck Cemetery, Lanoka Harbor, NJ. Richard will be greatly missed by those who knew him. Donations in his memory may be sent to St. Paul Lutheran Church Memorial Fund in Beachwood, NJ where Richard was an active member in the Choir and Church Council.

MICHAEL A. EPSTEIN, 77, who had a long career on Wall Street and who was more recently a visiting scholar at MIT’s Laboratory for Financial Engineering, died Apr. 22, 2009. He was a member of Sigma Chi and served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Affiliated with Cowen and Company, he had also been on the Board of Governors of the American Stock Exchange and had served as a director, past president, and 30–year member of the Market Technicians Association and its foundation. Survivors include his wife, Erika Epstein, and five children.

William W. Ellis, 78, a longtime salesman for the Reynolds Metals Co., died Sept. 16, 2008. He was a member of Psi Upsilon and was recently named to the Wesleyan University Athletics Hall of Fame, as a member of the 1952 track team and captain of the 1953 track team. He placed first in the 100– and 220–yard dashes at the 1953 All Collegiate New England meet. A veteran of the Army, he served in France during the 1950s. Among those who survive are four brothers.

WILLIAM H. DARR, an artist, educator, and art historian, died July 30, 2006 at age 86. He received his degree with honors and with high distinction in creative art. Elected to Phi Beta Kappa, he received an M.F.A. from Yale University. During World War II he served in the U.S. Civilian Public Service. After studying and working with Diego Rivera in Mexico, he taught at Amherst and Earlham colleges, and at Drake University, until he left in 1974 to found his own school in Florence, Italy, the Studio Arts Center International. His paintings are in private and public collections around the world. He is survived by his second wife, Lillian K. Darr; four daughters from his first marriage to Suzanne Clark Darr, who died; three stepchildren; two grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and two brothers.

RICHARD E. DONLEY, the founder of Mountain High Alfalfa, which markets hay for farmers to dairymen and horse breeders throughout the U.S., died Aug. 4, 2006. He was 59. A member of Esse Quam Videre, he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. After receiving his degree magna cum laude and with high honors from the College of Social Studies, he received an M.B.A. from Harvard. While an undergraduate, his research into the psychological motivation of presidential speeches received national attention and was published in Time magazine. Active in human rights organizations in Colorado, he also published two books. Among those who survive are his partner, Ron Mahka; his second mother, Jean Donley; a brother; and a nephew.