Obituaries

GEGGEL, Amelia Sarah Age 32, of Cambridge, formerly of Dover, passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2016. She was the cherished wife of Eric Mattison, the loving daughter of Robert & Karen (Brown) Geggel, the inspiring older sister of Ezra Geggel & his wife Michal Miller, the treasured granddaughter of Elizabeth Geggel & her late husband Carl, and the late Pierce & Norrine Brown, and a hero to her aunts and uncles, cousins, extended family and friends. Amelia overcame challenges throughout her life. She was born with a rare ear condition and endured multiple surgeries and ensuing complications. Despite wearing hearing aids, she was always an excellent student, graduating from the Noble & Greenough School, Wesleyan University, and the Harvard School of Public Health. Innately knowing how to meet life’s challenges, she became an advocate for environmental causes and social justice. Her authenticity, spirit, and sense of responsibility to the larger world made her a natural leader and a role model to her family and friends.

Diagnosed with incurable sarcoma six years ago, Amelia knew she had only a short time to fill this world with her energy. Despite her constant chemotherapy schedule, Amelia finished her master’s degree and worked full time for an environmental consulting firm. She met her perfect match just prior to her diagnosis; three years later they married on the coast of Maine. Eric stood by her throughout her treatments, providing humor and support in equal measure. She traveled and hiked across five continents – to New Zealand, Patagonia, Chile, England, Belgium, Puerto Rico, Taiwan, Cyprus, Brazil, the Rockies, and throughout New England. Her personality, dry sense of humor, creativity, and genuine, remarkable strength will serve as an inspiration to all those fortunate to have known her and her story. Services will take place at Temple Aliyah, 1664 Central Avenue, Needham on Sunday, May 1, 2016 at 1:30 p.m., with burial at Beit Olam East, 60 Old Sudbury Road, Wayland. Following burial, memorial observance will be at the home of Robert & Karen Geggel until 8 p.m. and continuing Monday, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., and on Tuesday and Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to First Descents, which provides outdoor adventures for young adults with cancer (www.firstdescents.org) or a foundation to be established by the family to honor the causes Amelia cared deeply about.

Surrounded by love near and far, in the comfort of her home, Lori passed away very peacefully last night, January 7, shortly after 5:00pm. She has been warmed by everyone’s love and support over the years, and held in a sacred space the last few weeks, and truly blanketed in prayers and care the last 24 hours. Lori was an old soul, a sage beautiful lady, and had an accepting understanding of death as part of life’s journey. Perhaps that understanding moved her to live her life with such deep gratitude and so mindfully in the moment as she did. Those of us that were gifted the opportunity to walk with her through the last few weeks feel in our hearts that Lori found a calm peace and trust that allowed her to quietly transition on this eve. She has left her physical body but she is with us forever in our hearts, our memories, perhaps in sunsets and sunrises, or in any place of beauty we choose to hold her. Most of all she lives on in her beautiful courageous daughter Emilia. Please hold Emilia, Matt, Mike, and the rest of Lori’s family in your thoughts and prayers as everyone travels this journey of such great loss. Possibly the only thing greater than the loss is the deep love Lori showered everyone with, and the great love everyone has forever for her.

Rest peacefully dear Lori – we love you for all of eternity.

Bradley James Toomey unexpectedly passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 9, 2016 at his home in Kansas City. Brad was born in Amesbury, MA on May 4, 1957 to Alice Leary Toomey and Daniel Joseph Toomey, who both preceded him in death. He was a graduate of Amesbury High School, Vermont Academy in Saxton’s River, VT and Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT where he was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon and studied environmental chemistry. Brad is survived by his wife of 30 years, Joan Dungey Toomey, his children, Mary Eliza Toomey and Daniel Joseph Toomey II, and his brother, Bruce Toomey, and his family in Anchorage, AK.

Brad was a talented athlete, participating in baseball, track, football, and skiing while growing up in Amesbury, often on teams that his father helped coach. Later, Brad skied, ran sprints and hurdles, and played football for Vermont Academy and then played football and pole vaulted at Wesleyan. Brad passed along his enthusiasm for sports while coaching young football players and cheering on his children on the ski hill and at all of their meets and games. The night before he passed, he was watching his son run track and could not have been happier.

Following graduation, Brad worked in the commercial insurance industry for over 30 years where he developed many professional relationships that became long-lasting friendships. He was always proud when his efforts earned the trust and commitment of his clients. Brad relished his old and new friends, never allowing the years or miles to get in the way of maintaining their friendships. This devotion was most evident in his detailed organization of the annual Vail Boys Trip attended by friends from around the country for many years. More recently, Brad nurtured a deep appreciation for music and often attended concerts of singer-songwriters whom he enjoyed.

Brad was a genuine, spirited, and compassionate man. He left us too soon, and we are enormously saddened by his loss.

A memorial service will be held at Unity Temple on the Plaza on April 18, 2016. The family will receive friends at 3 p.m. and the service will begin at 4 p.m., with a reception to follow in the Temple Room. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Brad’s name to the Wesleyan Memorial Fund at Wesleyan University c/o Marcy Herlihy, University Relations, 318 High St., Middletown, CT 06459 or Rockhurst High School, 9301 State Line Rd., Kansas City, MO 64114.

WARFORD, SUSAN D.G. 58, of Wakefield, beloved wife, daughter, mother, and sister passed away peacefully at her home Friday, surrounded by her family. Sue was married to Rick Warford for 33 years. Sue was born in Ft. Meade, MD, the daughter of Frank Gruskay of Connecticut and the late Bette (Gordon) Gruskay. Along with her husband and father, Sue is survived by two sons, Matthew Warford and his wife Paula of Boston, MA, and Lucas Warford of Washington, DC, her sister Nancy Gruskay of Boulder, CO and brother Jeffrey Gruskay of Branford, CT, as well as her loving nieces and nephews. Sue grew up outside New Haven, Connecticut and attended Wesleyan University. After graduating with a degree in Child Psychology, she earned her masters degree in Early Childhood Development from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Sue was passionate about nurturing young children, supporting their families, and educating future teachers. She began her career teaching at the University of Rhode Island Child Development Center (CDC) in 1987 and soon after became its director, a tenure that lasted 27 years. Under Sue’s leadership, hundreds of students and their families attended the CDC, and the school won accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, flourishing into the well-respected program that it is today. Sue also worked to better the education of young children outside of the CDC, teaching Early Childhood Education at URI and working as an education consultant for the state’s Early Learning Standards Project. Sue earned recognition for her leadership at the CDC and her role in the community. She was the URI Foundation’s Administrative Excellence Award winner in 2005, and the College of Human Science and Services Outstanding Professional Staff Award winner in 2004. In 2015, Sue was named the URI Association for Professional and Academic Women (APAW) Woman of the Year. Sue loved walking on Green Hill beach, sitting in mountain rivers, dancing to Van Morrison, and going to concerts with her husband. She was an avid reader, educator, and Sudoku-doer. Above all, Sue cared deeply for her friends and family and found the utmost joy in nurturing the people she loved. She will be greatly missed. Visiting hours will be at the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, Monday, April 25, from 4-7 pm. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 26, at 1:30pm at 230 Metaterraine Ave, South Kingstown. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Susan D.G. Warford to support cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.dana-farber.org/gift. For guest book and condolences, averystortifuneralhome.com.

Dr. David Lee Clair, 57, of the Lehigh Valley, passed away on Feb. 19, 2016. Born on Feb. 20, 1958, he was the son of Elaine (Eskin) Clair and the late Dr. Henry Clair. David was a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, Class of 84. He met his wife Carla in residency and they were married 26 years. David was a Urologist for 30 years and worked as a Urologic Surgeon at Lehigh Valley Hospital for 25 years. He was loved and respected by his patients and medical personnel. He was passionate about his family and snow skiing. In the summer he loved to hike with his wife and dogs. He made a positive difference the lives of those he had met on life’s journeys. His presence will be greatly missed. Survivors: A loving part of David will continue to live on in his family. He is survived by his wife, Carla Chiapella; son, Aaron Clair; mother Elaine Clair, and sister, Beth Eisenman and her husband Jesse. Services: Memorial, 3:30PM, Sunday, Feb. 28th, at Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, 1629 W. Hamilton St., Allentown 18102. A visitation will be held from 2 to 3:30PM in the funeral home. Shiva will be observed Monday Feb. 29th, from 4 to 8PM at the family’s home.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague, partner Alan Kraus. Since joining Latham in 2001, Alan applied his extraordinary talent and exemplary leadership in countless ways: as a formidable advocate for clients, an inspiring mentor to many, and a strong practice builder. A member of the New York and New Jersey offices, Alan was a consummate professional and a man of principle who embodied the values that the firm holds dear.

Widely known for his poise and eloquence as a trial lawyer, Alan maintained a robust practice in complex litigation that focused on product liability, toxic tort, environmental and commercial litigation. He also had significant experience in securities fraud, patent litigation, professional malpractice and employment matters. Alan tried more than 50 cases and argued numerous appeals in the federal Courts of Appeals, the New Jersey Appellate Division and Supreme Court and the New York Appellate Division and Court of Appeals.

“In my 12 years of working with Alan, he faced every challenge with unstoppable resolve — both in the courtroom, and in life,” says retired partner Dave McLean. “Alan was a phenomenal litigator with an unmatched passion for trial work who made an indelible mark on our team. The respect and affection in which Alan is held by so many reflect his tremendous integrity, his trusted leadership, and his strength of character.”

Partner Allen Gardner adds: “Alan’s strategic mindset and personal warmth really made him stand out as a lawyer. Always up for a challenge, he was a big-picture thinker who presented beautifully in the courtroom. And behind the scenes, Alan created a collegial work environment that benefitted everyone who was fortunate to work with him.”

“A Top-Notch Trial Lawyer”

Alan received his JD from the University of North Carolina School of Law. Alan earned a reputation as a skillful trial lawyer, defending clients in prominent product liability cases such as his defense of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in a multi-billion dollar RICO action brought against the tobacco industry by the Johns-Manville Personal Injury Settlement Trust that went to trial in the Eastern District of New York in 2000.

At Latham, Alan continued to amass an impressive body of work that encompassed a number of complex, high-profile matters. He considered his representation of Essex Chemical in New Jersey’s first natural resource damages trial to be among the most challenging cases of his illustrious career. Alan and Latham colleagues developed a creative defense argument that called into question key principles of New Jersey’s natural resource damages program — resulting in a complete defense judgment for their client. Months later, Alan also successfully tried a second natural resource damages case for Union Carbide Corporation.

Says partner Kegan Brown, who worked under Alan on both cases: “I learned how to litigate from Alan. He was a top-notch trial lawyer and a master writer who crafted simple, persuasive arguments that resonated in court. Most importantly, Alan was a team player who always made you feel like he had time for you. It was clear that he genuinely wanted to help others grow and succeed.”

Partner Gary Gengel adds: “Alan was there for us whenever we needed his advice and guidance. His calm demeanor, steady pace and strategic mind instilled confidence.”

Trusted Leader and Inspiring Mentor

Alan’s remarkable resolve, trusted leadership and boundless energy were evident beyond his practice work. At Latham, Alan chaired the local Litigation Department for six years and was a member of the Associates and Pro Bono Committees. He considered one of his greatest professional honors to have been elected to the American College of Trial Lawyers in 1999. Alan also was a distinguished member of our Trial Advocacy program, serving on its faculty for more than 10 years and making incredible contributions to teaching trial lawyer skills.

His many accomplishments and service to Latham have left an enduring imprint on our firm. As a leader in several aspects of firm management, Alan and his unflappable judgement and analytical eye were highly valued, and he was a role model and mentor to many. Partner Miles Ruthberg recalls: “Alan was an extremely accomplished lawyer and a positive and inspiring mentor. Soft-spoken, understated and big-hearted, Alan was always quick to praise others and to share his wisdom. He brought the same commitment and passion to mentoring many of us in the courtroom as he did on the golf course — a game which he loved and for which he was prodigiously gifted.”

Alan will be remembered with great fondness and appreciation by his colleagues, particularly those who benefited from his thoughtful guidance. Adds associate Blake Denton: “I am a better lawyer today because of Alan’s mentorship. He took an interest not only in my work on our cases together, but also my career and family. Alan’s loss is a double-loss for Latham because we lost not only an elite trial lawyer, but a kind, wonderful person.”

We will miss Alan greatly and extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Davidson Moss ’68 

I am sorry to inform the Wesleyan community of the passing of Dave Moss ’68, Gamma Psi, from a heart attack on December 28, 2015.

Dave completed his first two years at Wesleyan, after which he was drafted into the Army.  He served as a medic with the First Cavalry Division in combat actions in Vietnam including the Tet Offensive.  Known as “Doc” Moss, he provided initial treatment of wounded soldiers and started a medical program for Vietnamese villagers as part of his service.

Dave returned to Wesleyan in 1968, but moved to Oregon without completing his degree — a move he later attributed to a reaction to his recent combat experience.  He subsequently received a BA and MA in history from the University of Oregon.  His career included staff work in the Oregon State Legislature, chief of staff for the Oregon Speaker of the House, work for the Associated Industries of Oregon, and the renovation of dilapidated properties into rental houses for modest-income persons.

Dave was a leader in his community as a city councilor in Salem, Oregon and was appointed by the Governor to serve as chairman of the State Ethics Commission.  He was known for speaking his opinions on important public issues regardless of their popularity, including support of gay rights as a councilman in the early 1990’s during a period of opposition for such measures.  He was an active volunteer and served on several charitable boards, including the Willamette Valley Hospice where he initiated an endowment fund, now named in his honor.  Upon his passing, the Governor of Oregon issued a condolence letter citing, among other things, his significant community service.

Dave was an active skier, whitewater rafter, sailor, carpenter, and historian.  As part of his personal research, he developed a paper titled “The Myth of the Vietnam Veteran,” which used social statistics to contradict the Hollywood image of the veteran as a drug-using, homeless, poorly-educated, suicidal loser.  He presented this paper to numerous civic organizations, along with a paper on post-traumatic stress syndrome which he believed was an actual condition, but with more subtle effects than were popularly attributed to it.

Dave leaves his wife, Patricia Graves Moss MAT ’70, daughter, Kathryn Reynolds and her husband Cody, sisters, Helen Ogden and Vikki Guy, along with numerous family, friends, and a community which he served.  He stood up for things that he believed in regardless of public opinion and was respected by all, including political and business persons of different philosophies, for his critical thinking and honest opinions.

Sincerely, Robert Pease ’69

James C. “Jim” Workman, 73, Allouez, passed away on Monday, April 25, 2016. The son of the late Donald and Florence (Emhardt) Workman was born on November 20, 2016 in Philadelphia, PA. Jim graduated from Wesleyan University, B.A. in 1964 and Harvard Law School, J.D. in 1969. He later married Sue Palmer on September 6, 1983 in La Crosse. Jim and Sue were members of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church.

Jim was an Attorney and also held a myriad of executive roles including general counsel and Chief Executive Officer at TRANE and American Standard Co. Following his retirement, Jim volunteered for many years as treasurer at the Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac.

He cherished his time with friends, colleagues and family. He also loved to travel with his family. As a dedicated philanthropist, Jim devoted much of his time and energy to the United Way.

Survivors include his wife, Sue; children: Gillian (Jon) Stein, West Hartford, CT; James H. (Julie) Workman, La Grange, IL; and godson Patrick McDonough; grandchildren: Daniel Stein, Caroline Workman, Owen McDonough, Steven Stein, Avery Workman, Keegen McDonough, Maggie McDonough, Casey Workman; cousins, Bill McCook and Ned McCook.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his cousin, Alan McCook, and Sue’s parents, Francis and Mildred Palmer.

Family and friends may visit at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 347 Libal St, De Pere, on Saturday, April 30, 2016 from 10:00am until the time of service at 11:00am. A memorial service for Jim will be celebrated at 11:00am with Fr. Eric Mills officiating. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Jim to your local Autism Speaks Chapter.

Jim’s family would like to thank everyone that has called and expressed condolences through this tough time.

Thomas R. Patton III, died unexpectedly on April 1, 2015 while traveling with his wife Pam in Australia. He was a long-time resident of Chatham, and formerly lived in Sudbury, MA. He was 75 years old. Tom was born in Philadelphia, PA and was a graduate of Wesleyan University, in Middletown, CT. He served as an officer in the United States Navy and started his career as a registered representative at F.S. Moseley & Co. in Boston. After leaving F.S. Moseley, Tom joined a real estate development company and eventually formed his own real estate management company, The Alden Group, in Burlington, MA. Tom was a resident and engaged community member in Sudbury from 1969 to 1993. He was active in the Sudbury United Methodist Church, the Lincoln-Sudbury Boosters Club, the Greenwood Club, and in his spare time enjoyed running road races, coaching his childrens sports teams, and camping with family and friends. Seeking adventure and a change of pace, Tom and his family moved to Chatham in 1993 and opened the Carriage House Inn, which he and Pam sold in 1997. He was a Realtor with Kinlin Grover Real Estate until his retirement in 2014. He was active in community affairs, including the Chatham Chamber of Commerce, serving as President for several years, First Night Chatham, and Nauset Neighbors. He was a member of Chatham Platform Tennis Association, Monomoy Yacht Club, and Cranberry Valley Golf Club. Whether he was dressed up as a shark at the First Night road race or corralling volunteers at the Chatham town picture with his bullhorn, he brought energy and enthusiasm to life. Tom enjoyed his retirement with daily walks with his golden retriever Annie, reading, and visiting his grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling and had adventures with Pam in Alaska, Costa Rica, China and Africa. Tom continued to stay active by riding his bike and playing paddle tennis and golf. He was particularly proud of raising money for charity through the annual Sandwich to Provincetown Last Gasp Bike Ride. His 2015 ride would have been his 15th year. He leaves his wife, Pamela, his son Christopher and his wife Hylah, of Charlotte, VT and his daughter Kate Eliot and her husband Peter, of Ipswich, MA. He is also survived by his sister Elizabeth Beam of Sherrills Ford, NC, and her two children, Thomas Beam and Elizabeth Pirone. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Binney and William Patton and Sarah and Emma Eliot, and his beloved dog, Annie. A Memorial Service will be held at the First Congregational Church of Chatham onMonday, April 13, 2015, at 1:00 pm. All family and friends are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Cape Cod Charitable FunRaisers – capecodcharitablefunraisers.com/funraiser/lastgasp or mail to CCCF, Po.Box 362 Centerville, MA 02632.

Published in The Cape Codder from Apr. 7 to Apr. 14, 2015

– See more at here.

Herman K. Golnik, Jr., 77, of Middletown, passed away peacefully on Monday,October 12, 2015 after a short illness. Herman was born in Bristol, CT, on August 6, 1938, the first son of the late Jenny (Brouillard) Golnik and Herman K. Golnik, Sr. After moving to Middletown, CT, he attended the public schools and upon graduation from high school attended Wesleyan University where he graduated in 1960 with a degree in government. While teaching and coaching at Monson Academy in Monson, MA and later Middletown High School, he received his Master’s in Education from the University of Hartford. He attended Vanderbilt Law School and received his JD in 1967. Throughout his career he worked for a series of financial institutions in New York City, Detroit and Orlando that included American Express, National Bank of Detroit and Sun Banks, NA of Florida. He also spent time working for Chrysler at their 8 Mile Assembly facility as a tool and die maker and teaching in the Detroit Public School System. After retiring, he moved back to Middletown where he occasionally was a substitute teacher. He enjoyed politics and baseball and loved the New York Yankees. Herman was predeceased by his son Alexander A. of Craig Key, Florida. He is survived by his children: Dr. Karl C. and his wife Kathleen of Cincinnati, David C. and his wife Yvonne of Richardson, Texas, Jonathan A. and his wife Phyllis of Carlisle, MA, Benjamin A. and his wife Allison of St. Paul, MN and Katie M. (Holt) and her husband Jason of Longwood, Florida. He leaves 9 grandchildren; Charlotte, Reid, Ian, Seth, Zeke, Tillie, Alex, Elizabeth and Charlie. He is also survived by his brother, David A. and his wife Patrice of Wooster, OH. Honoring Herman’s wishes a cremation has taken place. There will be calling hours on Saturday, October 17th from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at the Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church Street, Middletown followed by a graveside service to lay to rest Herman, at 10:30 a.m. at Indian Hill Cemetery, 383 Washington St., Middletown. To share memories or send condolences to the Golnik family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.