Charles W. Schmidt, 90, died on Tuesday morning, Sept. 25, 2018, at his home in Seven Gates Farm in West Tisbury. He was the husband of Martha (Moore) Schmidt.
His memorial service and burial will be held at a later date, and a complete obituary will appear at that time.
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Michael D.K. Minkiewicz of West Tisbury, 85, died on Sept. 11, 2018, at Falmouth Hospital from complications related to Parkinson’s disease.
He was born in Warsaw, Poland, where his father was an engineer at Ursus manufacturing. Their happy life was tragically interrupted by the Nazi invasion of September 1939. They escaped via Romania, and eventually to France, where several attempts to obtain passage were finally successful. Leaving from Portugal, they sailed to Baltimore, then took the train to Montreal. Their first morning, his father tried to order hot chocolate, and Mike was very surprised to get a chocolate ice cream soda! A strange new world!
His father had tutored him throughout their journey, and Mike was well ahead of his peers when he started school. He completed high school early, and received his B.Eng. in Honors Physics from McGill University in 1953, age 19. After some graduate work he was employed at Canadian Marconi, where he was swept up in the “Canadian Brain Drain,” as American military contractors sought out engineering talent for a rapidly expanding industry. He, along with 20 of his co-workers, came to Airborne Instruments Laboratory, first in Mineola, then Deer Park, N.Y. His specialty was radar systems, and he worked on projects in places ranging from Florida to the Marshall Islands to Alaska.
On a visit home to Montreal in 1963, he met Catherine Hospodarewska through mutual friends. Her parents had also emigrated from Poland during the war, she was an architectural student at McGill, and she loved skiing and cars; what could be a better fit? They were married the next year, and set up home in Hampstead, then Huntington, N.Y. Their children, Christianna and Andrew, were born during the early ’70s.
Mike was an avid and skilled sportsman, and his family followed as best they could. Skiing in the Laurentians, Vermont, Europe, and Colorado. Racquet sports: squash and tennis; he was fast and accurate. Rock climbing and hiking (Catherine would take the back trail and bring lunch). Driving his Corvette in gymkhanas. And then he got into sailing! Starting off in a Sunfish, he soon discovered you could race those too. Moving up to a Greenwich 24 and then a Pearson 30, he was a member of Lloyd Harbor and Centerport Yacht clubs, and served on race committees there as well as chairing the junior sailing program.
In the ’80s the military industry slowed down, with many companies cutting back and even closing. Mike chose early retirement, and accepted an offer from MITRE, in Bedford. This entailed a family move to Wayland, west of Boston. By now the children were growing up and off to college, even getting married. Not too long, and it was retirement for real. First, the empty-nesters moved to Brookline to sample a more urban lifestyle. Along the way they had purchased a “camp” in Martha’s Vineyard, hidden away in North Tisbury, where they found a congenial lifestyle, and Mike took up fishing with his usual ardor. And with Cathy’s retirement, they rebuilt the house as a year-round residence.
Both of them contributed to several carpentry projects, such as decks and pergola, sheds and fence. And there was gardening to be done; Mike helped with the heavy lifting. The many organizations on the Island provided opportunities for social involvement. Mike was a member of the First and Third men’s lunch group, Vineyard Haven Yacht Club, the Rod and Gun Club, and MV Surfcasters, and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.
He is survived by his wife Cathy, his children, Christianna and Andrew, as well as daughter-in-law Kate Myers and their children, Annie, Sophie, Mikey, and Mary Clare. Memorial services are planned for later in the year.
In lieu of flowers, please direct your generosity to the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust, P.O. Box 96, Menemsha, MA 02552.
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Gladys Irene (Magee) Small, 90, of Vineyard Haven, died on August 30, 2018, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital after a brief illness. She was a resilient, kind, gracious, and loving person, and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Gladys was born in Coles Island, New Brunswick, Canada, on Sept. 30, 1927, to John and Margaret Small. She came to Martha’s Vineyard in 1945 with her former husband, the late Sterling Magee, with whom she had three children: Carol Magee, William Magee, and Nola Mavro (husband Richard).
Gladys was family-oriented, and she was especially good with children. In addition to raising her children and helping to raise her grandson, Gladys loved to read, was an expert seamstress, a member of the American Sewing Guild, and made everything from adult and children’s clothes and dance costumes to drapes and upholstered furniture. She knitted beautiful, intricate sweaters, and was interested in other crafts and homemaking arts, including designing and making sculptured lampshades, as well as cooking and canning, for which she took classes with the 4-H Extension Service. She particularly loved picking beach plums and grapes and making them into jelly.
Through the years, Gladys also worked as a retail clerk at Shirley’s Hardware, Lillian’s Clothing Store, Mosher Photo Service, and LeBaron’s of Martha’s Vineyard, as well as for the Welch family at their various stores. She was known for her integrity and reliability, and made many friends.
Gladys was the grandmother of Timothy Mavro (wife Kandace) and great-grandmother of their children, Lennox and Ethan Mavro, who were the spark of her later years. Gladys was the sister of Edward Small (wife Audrey), Margaret McKay (husband Robert) and Glendon Small. Gladys was predeceased by her sister, Florence Bater and her brother, Arthur Small and leaves many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service was held in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven on Sept. 5, 2018.
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Robert E. Deese III, fondly known as Butch or Butchy throughout his childhood to friends and family, died on Sept. 4, 2018, in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Butch was the son of Catherine (Amaral) Deese and Robert E. Deese II. He was born on May 17, 1967, in West Palm Beach.
Butch came to the Vineyard as a young boy, and it was there he came to love many activities such as fishing, golfing, and hunting with his Uncle Nelson on Chappy. He loved the family tradition of being a firefighter, and became a volunteer firefighter assigned to Engine 4, as that was in his family’s history.
He is survived by two daughters, Amanda and Sinead Deese; three grandsons, Eathan, Jayden, and Grayson, all of Port Saint Lucie, Fla. He is also survived by his mother Catherine of Chilmark; sisters Lisa and Tammy of Hyannis; brothers William of Virginia Beach and Brian of Colorado; as well as many half-sisters and -brothers along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be fondly remembered by his stepfather Edmund Barrett. He was predeceased by his father, Robert Junior.
A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at the P.A. Club on Saturday, Oct. 13, at 1 pm. Please bring a dish to share.
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James Douglas Morgan, 94, of Chilmark died on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. He was married to Roberta (Allen) Morgan.
A graveside service will be held in Abel’s Hill Cemetery, South Road, Chilmark, on Sunday, Sept. 30, at 12:15 pm, officiated by the Rev. Dr. Charlotte Wright, with a Masonic service by the Oriental–Martha’s Vineyard Masonic Lodge. A reception will follow at the Chilmark Community Center; please bring a dish to share.
Donations may be made in his memory to an Island charity of one’s choosing. A complete obituary will appear in another edition of this paper.
Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guestbook and information.
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Muriel Edmire Cournoyer, 80, died peacefully on Sept. 14, 2018.
Born in New Bedford, she was the daughter of Alida and Adrien Bourcier.
Muriel was a devoted mother and wife. Her family was always her top priority. She was a woman of great faith, and believed in the power of prayer. Muriel always wore a smile, carried a tune, welcomed all, and never hesitated to compliment others. She was drawn to nature, especially the beach, where she experienced her “slice of heaven.” Muriel and her husband George, at one time residents of Martha’s Vineyard during their 60 years of marriage, traveled to many destinations. Muriel took care of many elderly people, and received her CNA license at 70 years of age. She was very active in many church groups.
She is survived by her husband George; her five children, Robert (Joann), Richard, Ronald Cournoyer, Renee (Greg) Sikorski, and Rosemarie (Michael) Gildner; and her brother, Ernest. She thrived being a part of the lives of her 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Muriel was predeceased by her brothers, Richard and Laurent, and her sisters, Gertrude, Doris, and Alice.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Sept. 27, 2018 at 1 pm at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 1100 8th Avenue North, North Myrtle Beach, S.C., 29582.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to EWTN to support spiritual growth.
Lee Funeral Home and Crematory of Little River and North Myrtle Beach is serving the family. A guestbook is available at leefhandcrematory.com.
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Michael S. Achille died peacefully at his home in Oak Bluffs on Sept. 26, 2018. He was 85.
Michael was born Jan. 16, 1933, in Sturgis, S.D. He grew up in Hingham, graduating from Hingham High School and going on to Springfield College, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Michael served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War, where he attained the rank of sergeant, and was a drill instructor at Parris Island, earning multiple Expert Marksmanship awards and other commendations.
Michael retired after 30 years as an educator with the Nanuet Public School System in Nanuet, N.Y. As a guidance counselor, he created the guidance department at Nanuet’s George MacArthur Barr Middle School, and as the founder of the varsity football team and as a wrestling coach at Nanuet Senior High School, he was instrumental in positively influencing and leading hundreds of young people over the course of his career.
Mike was a renaissance man: Not only an academic and athlete, he was also a gifted poet, publishing three volumes of his work, and served as the poet laureate of Oak Bluffs. He was a member of the American Legion, a Freemason, an artist and songwriter, an entrepreneur and community leader, and a devoted member of the West Tisbury First Congregational Church, where he served as deacon. He was larger than life, well-traveled and well-read, with a sharp and quick wit. He loved life and laughter, and was outstanding at experiencing both.
Michael was predeceased by his father, Silvan G. Achille, and his mother, Mary Esther Chesney Achille, and by his cherished wife, Karen Sue Achille. Michael is survived by his brother, Carl Achille and his wife, Susan, of Hingham. He is also survived by his daughter, Christine Achille Gunter and her husband, Jack, of Donaldsonville, La.; his son, Michael Coulter Achille of South Orleans; his daughter, Jennifer DeVivo Imbrogno and her husband, Dan, of West Tisbury; his son, Mark Gerald Achille of South Orleans; his son, Lt. Col. Matthew DeVivo of Raleigh, N.C.; and his daughter, Jennifer Achille Parks and her husband, David, of Chico, Calif. He was the beloved grandfather of eight, and loving uncle to several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Michael’s life will be held in Martha’s Vineyard at the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury on Saturday, Nov. 10, at 2 pm, with a reception to follow.
Michael wishes that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his name to Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 1748, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568, or the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury, P.O. Box 3000/PMB 3111, West Tisbury, MA 02575.
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Mary Ann Svetz, 72, of Buffalo Road, Corry, Pa., died on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018, of injuries from a motor vehicle pedestrian accident.
She was born on August 7, 1946, in Corry, a daughter of Thomas J. and Pauline Kondrlik Svetz.
Mary Ann was raised and educated around the Carter Hill area in Corry. She graduated in 1964 from Corry Area High School. Throughout her working career, she worked at Corry Rubber Corp., Fisher’s Big Wheel, then at Walmart, retiring from there in 2017. She also worked part-time at Cox’s Auction.
Mary Ann was a member of St. Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church in Corry, and St. Elizabeth Ladies Guild. She volunteered at church and enjoyed going to the county fairs and craft shows. She also enjoyed bowling, working out at Snap Fitness, and caring for her dog, Daisy.
In addition to her parents, Mary Ann was preceded in death by her brother, Stephen J. Svetz Sr., and sister-in-law, Shirley Svetz. She is survived by two brothers, John Svetz and his wife, Joan, of Oak Bluffs, and Joseph Svetz of Erie, Pa.; and a sister-in-law, Delores Svetz of French Creek, N.Y. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews, and two great-great-nephews.
Family and friends may call at the Bracken Funeral Home, Inc., 315 North Center St. in Corry, on Friday from 5 until 7 pm, and attend the funeral Mass on Saturday at St. Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church, 26 West Pleasant St. in Corry, at 10 am. The Rev. D.G. Davis will officiate. Burial will be in St. Elizabeth Cemetery in Corry.
Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of NW PA, 2407 Zimmerly Road, Erie, PA 16506, or to a charity of one’s choice.
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Stuart H. Parker Sr., 84, of Oak Bluffs died on Sept. 17, 2018.
Stuart was born in Taunton on May 11, 1934. He attended the Huntington School for Boys in Boston, and graduated from Taunton High School. He served in the U.S. Army after high school. In 1960, Stuart received a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of New Hampshire. He began his career in industrial sales for the agricultural sector in the Midwest. He became an avid sailor on the Great Lakes.
Stuart moved to the Island with his now-deceased wife, Anita Parker, in 1997. He worked for the Hy-Line Cruises line, was a member of the Island Community Chorus for many years, and served as a deacon at the Federated Church in Edgartown.
Stuart is survived by his sons Stuart Jr. and Jeffrey (Tracy), daughter Jennifer Parker, and his stepdaughter Leslie Frizzell of Oak Bluffs. He was “Pop-Pop” to Emma Frizzell and Josh Potter and grandfather to Jessica, Renee, Tara, and Jack. He was predeceased by his brother Dr. Stanley Parker. He is also survived by his sister, Audrey Pollard of Taunton, and many nieces and nephews. He will be fondly remembered by Larry Kiely, the coffee crew at Mocha Mott’s, and the staff, old and new, at the MVCS Thrift Store.
The family requests no flowers, and that expressions of sympathy be in the form of contributions to Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, 111 Edgartown Rd., Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.
A public visitation will be held at Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown–Vineyard Haven Road in Oak Bluffs on Friday, Oct. 12, from 4 to 7pm. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 13, at 11 am at the Federated Church, North Summer Street in Edgartown.
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Gregory Daniel “Greg” Packish, 47, died unexpectedly on Monday, Oct. 1, 2018, at his home in Edgartown. He was the son of Richard F. and Noreen J. (Bettencourt) Packish, and father of Steven G. Packish.
A memorial funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Elizabeth’s Church, Main Street in Edgartown on Saturday, Oct. 13, at 11 am, and burial will follow in the New Westside Cemetery, Robinson Road, Edgartown.
Donations may be made in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601, or alz.org. Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guestbook and information. A complete obituary will follow in another edition of this paper.
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A gathering in loving memory of Dr. Robert (Bob) Franklin will be held on Sunday, Nov. 11, at 1:30 pm at Farm Neck Golf Club. Attendees are invited to share fond memories of Bob in a celebration of his life, followed by a light luncheon. Please RSVP to Martha Braunstein, Bob’s daughter, at martha.ruth.braunstein@gmail.com.
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Marjorie H. (Searle) Look, 89, of Edgartown died on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, at the Harbor Point Assisted Living Center in Centerville.
She was predeceased by her husband, Christopher S. “Huck” Look Jr., the former sheriff of Dukes County.
Visiting hours in the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs, will be held on Monday, Oct. 15, from 5 to 7 pm. Marjorie’s memorial service will be celebrated in St. Andrew’s Church, South Summer Street in Edgartown on Tuesday, Oct. 16, at 11 am, followed by burial in the New Westside Cemetery.
Donations may be made in her memory to Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 1748, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568, or to an Island charity of one’s choosing. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guestbook and information. A complete obituary will appear in another edition of this paper.
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Robert G. Hammond of Southbury, Conn., died on Sept. 2, 2018. Bob and his wife of 66 years, Nancy Temple Hammond, lived on Martha’s Vineyard for 13 years prior to moving to Southbury in 2002.
He and his twin brother, Don, began their lives on Oct. 29,1924. Along with younger twin brothers Phil and Bill, and older sister Marjorie Castimore, they spent their formative and school-age years in Scarsdale, N.Y.
Bob’s formal education was interrupted by WWII, during which time he was stationed in Guam and served as a radio technician and navigator on a B-29 in the Army Air Corps. With help from the GI Bill, he graduated college with a B.A. from Colgate University.
New York City was always a special place for Bob, and over years of daily commuting he developed an encyclopedic knowledge of the city. It was there he began a long career in the field of advertising and marketing. Working for larger corporations that specialized in consumer goods led to jobs and homes in California, then back to New York and New Jersey. Second careers had Bob and Nancy moving to Massachusetts and back to Connecticut, before finally retiring to Martha’s Vineyard in 1990.
The Vineyard was a homecoming, as they had been introduced in the mid-1950s, and rented regularly before purchasing their home on William Street in Vineyard Haven in 1965. Upon retiring into their recently remodeled home, the two quickly immersed themselves in the community they loved.
Bob volunteered for the Island Food Pantry, served for and became president of Tisbury Waterways Inc., was a member of the Vineyard Conservation Society, and played tennis whenever he could. Weekly poker games and a vibrant community of recent retirees filled out a very active social calendar. He had a lifelong love of music, particularly the music of his generation, and a passion for geography — specifically maps. The depth and breadth of deep space fascinated him, the wonders and fragility of Mother Nature concerned him, and the political leadership of our great country worried him. What he cherished most were the daily random encounters with anyone who had a few minutes. This usually occurred during a dog walk or while attending local sporting events, especially those involving one or more of his grandchildren, but nothing could top a day at the beach followed by a good meal with family, friends, and lots of discussion and laughter.
In addition to Nancy, Bob is survived by Bob Jr. and Marion Hammond and their three sons, Jared, Paul, and Nicolas; Carolyn Hammond and her daughter Lydia; Christy and Dave Ball and their daughters, Allie and Jenny; and 20 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his twin Don and wife Barbara, his sister Marge and husband Bill. Among his closest friends were his brother-in-law Charles Crumm and his wife Anne.
In Bob’s memory, any donations to the Island Food Pantry (P.O. Box 1874, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568) or the charity of your choice are greatly appreciated. There are plans for a gathering to remember Bob at Pomperaug Woods in Southbury, Conn., at a later date.
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Charles (Chuck) Wilson Schmidt, age 90, died Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, at his home in West Tisbury.
Chuck was a force of nature, inhaling life fully. He was extremely active, competitive, caring, and devoted to improving himself and whatever he worked on. His successful father and older siblings inspired him to excel at everything he did.
Educated at Deerfield Academy, he went on to Williams College, where he majored in chemistry, played baseball, squash, and hockey, and was a cheerleader and head of the Christian Association. His teasing friends voted him not “Most Handsome,” rather “Thinks He Is.”
In 1948 he joined S.D. Warren paper company, telling his father he liked trees. He loved the paper business because of the full cycle from sustainable forests to paper to printing to beautiful books and art. He worked with a unique and wonderful set of colleagues. Chuck started as an apprentice in the mill, then went on to sales, and finally became president. He was promoted the very same day that his classmates at the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program chose him as their president, as well.
After 33 years at S.D. Warren, he was hired as president of SCA Services, the third largest waste management company in the U.S. Next he became Babson College’s first executive-in-residence and full professor, lecturing on the mission of management. Babson honored him with a doctorate. He finished his business career as head of the appliance division of Raytheon.
Chuck was a motivator and mentor for family, friends, business associates, and nonprofits for which he worked. He could be tough, but it was tough love. He endowed scholarships at Williams College and the University of Maine, Orono. He was a great public speaker. He was full of quotes. One of his favorites is inscribed on stone pillars at Williams College, “Climb high, climb far, your goal the sky, your aim the star.”
He served on nine corporate boards, including the Boston Co., Mass Financial Services, New England Deaconess, and Mohawk Paper. On the nonprofit side, he served on the Corporation of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the National Board of the Smithsonian, A Better Chance, and others. He supported many local causes, including donating the cow weathervane atop the West Tisbury Agricultural Hall.
Chuck loved the outdoors, the environment, and environmental causes. When president of S.D. Warren, the company received more environmental awards than any other paper company. On Martha’s Vineyard in 1975, serving as president of the Seven Gates Farm Corp., and working with the board, he was instrumental in bringing in The Trustees of Reservations to preserve 1,100 acres of ponds, fields, woodland, and wetland, including two miles of shoreline. He supported friends in Maine on the International Appalachian Trail extension into northern Maine, Canada, and across to Europe.
Upon retiring, he changed his business card to “Chuck Schmidt — Sport.” The family counted 17 sports he had played. His highest level was as a semiprofessional ice hockey player. He had a passion for fly fishing. He was a lover of poetry, photography, motorcycles, animals, Volkswagens, books, singing, playing the harmonica, and decoys, to name a few.
As always, there were Chuck’s many adventures. Bungee jumping in New Zealand (at age 75!), a transatlantic race from Newport to Cork, Ireland, sailing in Croatia and the Caribbean, safari in Botswana and Zimbabwe, hiking out West, cross-country ski marathons in Switzerland, and running the NYC Marathon. One adventure he did turn down was when his good friend Woody Sayre asked him to join an expedition to climb Mount Everest.
Peace at last for a man so beloved by so many. Fond memories from all who knew him; his strong handshakes, his huge smile and hugs, always three kisses, sound advice, love for everyone about him and the pets as well.
Thanks to all the wonderful caretakers through his multiple adventures with health issues.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Martha Moore Schmidt, his children, Anne Schmidt Stites, Lee Schmidt Shorey, Will Schmidt (wife Katie), Heidi Schmidt LaLiberte (husband Rusty), grandchildren Eleanor Schmidt, Peter Schmidt and his wife Kayla, Winnifred Schmidt, Parker Shorey, Bethany Shorey, and Miles Shorey, all of whom he inspired into careers in business, education, healthcare, the environment, social services, and art. He was preceded in death by two wonderful sons-in-law, Jack Stites and Phil Shorey.
Donations may be made to The Trustees of Reservations, Andover St., North Andover, MA 01845, or the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury, P.O. Box 3000/PMB 3111, West Tisbury, MA 02575.
A church service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, Nov. 3, at the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury, with a reception following at the Schmidts’ home.
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Robert Earl Gilkes, 71, of Edgartown, died in his home after an 11-year battle with cancer, on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018.
Born in Oak Bluffs on Feb. 18, 1947, to Cooper Gilkes II and Amy (Noyes) Gilkes, Bob graduated from Laconia High School in New Hampshire, then attended New Hampshire Vocational Institute in Manchester, N.H.
Bob served honorably in the U.S. Navy as a helicopter recovery crewman on the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk during the Vietnam War, and was part of the Apollo recovery mission. Later he served as an antisubmarine sonar specialist in the North Atlantic.
He returned to the Vineyard, becoming a commercial fisherman, serving the Island community in various capacities, including president of the M.V. Fishing Club, Edgartown harbormaster, and most recently as a captain of the Chappaquiddick Ferry.
He was also proud to have been a member of the Oriental Martha’s Vineyard Masonic Lodge for the past 20 years. He was a commercial fisherman, charter captain, artist, and photographer, who loved his dogs. Having a passion for cataloguing the beach erosion, he gave his final seminar at the Edgartown Senior Center only two months ago.
Bob was proud to share his photography work and show his wood carvings.
Bob was predeceased by his mother and father, and is survived by his brother Cooper Gilkes III and sister-in-law Lela, and his two nephews, Tim and Dan Gilkes, and niece Tina (Gilkes) Polleys.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Save Our Seniors Program, Akita Rescue of WNY, Inc., P.O. Box 428, East Amherst, NY 14051, or Elder Services of Martha’s Vineyard, Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 2337, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, or to Hope Hospice, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601.
There is no formal funeral service at this time; his body was donated to Harvard Medical School.
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Gregory Daniel (“Greg”) Packish, 47, died unexpectedly on Monday, Oct. 1, 2018, at his home in Edgartown.
Greg was born in Oak Bluffs and grew up in Edgartown, graduating from MVRHS. After high school, Greg enlisted in the Marine Corps, serving in Desert Storm. Always proud to be a Marine. Semper Fi.
Greg was an Island icon. If you had the privilege to meet Greg, you never forgot him. Greg was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, and all adventures, and mostly telling the tall tales of them all.
Greg will be remembered as a daredevil with the biggest heart, only surpassed by that smile that always lit up the room. He was a fierce friend, by your side no matter what. Family always came first, and he kept everyone close.
Greg always enjoyed entertaining and cooking for everyone. He fed many armies over the years, with his charm and culinary skills, at all hours of the day and night.
Greg is survived by his mother, Noreen Bettencourt; his son, Steven Packish; aunts and uncles Mike and Maria Bettencourt, Bruce Bettencourt, Susan Bettencourt, Mardell Francis, Theresa Baptiste, Emmy Frank, Grace Rogers, and George Packish; his Bettencourt cousins, Catherine, Susan, Paul, Mark, Michael, Eric, Matt, Elizabeth, Kellie, Dan, Tim, and Greg; also by many cousins on the Packish side of the family.
Greg is predeceased by his father, Richard Francis Packish, his uncles Peter Bettencourt, Daniel Bettencourt, and John Bettencourt, and an aunt, Mary Bettencourt.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Elizabeth’s Church, Main Street in Edgartown, on Saturday, Oct. 13, at 11 am, and burial will follow in the New Westside Cemetery, Robinson’s Road, Edgartown.
Donations may be made in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601, or alz.org.
Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guestbook and information.
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James (“Jim”) Douglas Morgan of Menemsha died of natural causes on Sept. 25, 2018, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, surrounded by family.
Jim was born on March 30, 1924 to Clarence and Mary (Douglas) Morgan, and grew up in Menemsha. He attended the Chilmark School and graduated from Tisbury High School.
Jim started his commercial fishing career at the age of 12, and retired from fishing in his eighties. His career was interrupted by World War II, when he went into the Merchant Marine with his friend Louis Larsen, crossing the Atlantic several times in convoys. He served one year in the Army, stationed in Colorado. His 70 years of fishing were spent on George’s Bank for swordfish, around the Island for scup, fluke, flounder, and squid, and in Tisbury Great Pond and Menemsha Pond for oysters and scallops.
On Sept. 29, 1955, Jim married the love of his life, Roberta (Allen) from Tisbury. They were married just shy of 68 years. They had two children, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. During their married life, they enjoyed traveling around New England, creating art, working on their house, going to Linda Jean’s and Humphreys, and being with friends and family. Although Jim’s mobility was limited toward the end of his life, it didn’t stop him and Roberta from traversing the Island and socializing with people.
Jim loved Irish music, whether it be at home, in his shanty, or on the boat. One could
always find Jim if you followed the music. He also loved to read, and had a large
collection of books, with several by his side at all times. He enjoyed poetry, and would memorize poems and recite them to his family. He was an established artist, creating carved boat models, weathervanes, and paintings that he sold at his wife’s shop. Jim was a kind and generous man with a great sense of humor. The thing he was most proud of was his family. He felt that there was nothing more important than family, and proved it every day with his own.
Jim is survived by his wife, Roberta Allen Morgan; his daughter, Barbara Morgan
Armstrong and her husband, John; his son, James Morgan and his wife, Diane; grandchildren Colin Ruel and his wife, Nettie; Patrick Ruel and his partner, Beatrice Whiting; Lily Morgan and Alistair Morgan; three great-grandchildren, Asa Ruel, Lenora Ruel, and Razmus Ruel; and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service was held at the Chilmark Cemetery on Sept. 30, 2018.
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On Sept. 5, 2018, a bright, sunny day on Martha’s Vineyard, Jon E. Newman peacefully died at his Oak Bluffs home on Sengekontacket Pond. Living with aggressive cancer during the last four years of his life did not diminish his positive spirit and focus on appreciating each day and living it fully.
Jonathan was born on Sept. 15, 1949, in Mount Kisco, N.Y., the oldest of four children of Ruth Brodkin Newman and Dr. Nathan Newman. They resided in Katonah, N.Y. He was a graduate of John Jay High School and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, with a degree in computer systems engineering. Jon married the love of his life, Nancy Stibolt Newman, in October 1971.
Jon had a successful career with IBM for 35 years. He joined the company in the fall of 1971 as a systems engineer. He continued his education at night, earning two master’s degrees and little sleep. His M.B.A. changed Jon’s career path. Various promotions took him, Nancy, and their sons, Todd and Erik, to Woodstock, N.Y., Simsbury, Conn., Sudbury, and Wilton, Conn. Jon’s last position was vice president of mergers and acquisitions at IBM in Somers, N.Y.: “the best job ever.” Following his retirement in June 2009, he and Nancy moved to their beloved home on Martha’s Vineyard.
In addition to spending time with his family, Jon loved being outdoors — jogging, hiking, and skiing. He also had a keen interest in learning about wines, cooking, and pairing food and wine in special meals. However, his true passion was sailing. An accomplished sailor, he and Nancy spent their summer vacations sailing on Rainbow and later, Langeline, to Block Island, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Maine, Florida, the Chesapeake, Nova Scotia, and the Bahamas. They also loved to travel, and took trips to Europe, Alaska, the Grand Canyon, Hawaii, Mexico, Denmark, New Zealand, and cruised the Baltic Sea.
Jon first visited the Vineyard in 1970. Nancy vacationed here with her family. Their Vineyard story began with Jon’s proposal. They built their home in Waterview Farm in 1983, and in 2009 became year-round wash-ashores. Jon loved the relaxed Vineyard pace, clamming in Sengekontacket, relaxing with friends, and hiking his favorite Island trails. He was active in First and Third, a winter member of Edgartown Yacht Club, and a committed member of the Y.
He loved living here. Martha’s Vineyard will always be Jon’s home.
Jon is survived by his wife, Nancy Newman of Oak Bluffs; their sons Todd Newman of Encinitas, Calif., and Erik Newman of Concord, N.H., daughters-in-law Heather and Laura, and grandchildren Charlie and George, Alice and Reid; Ruth Newman, Jon’s mother, and his sister Sue Newman of Ithaca, N.Y.; brothers George Newman of Basalt, Colo., and Bob Newman of Placerville, Colo., and their wives, Liz and Chris. Nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive him. Family and friends mourn his passing.
A memorial service to celebrate Jon’s life is planned for Friday, Oct. 26, at 12 pm, at the Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club in Edgartown. Memorial donations in Jon’s name may be made to Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 1748, Vineyard Haven, MA.
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Marjorie H. Look of Edgartown died Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, at Harbor Point Nursing Home in Centerville.
Marjorie was born in Oak Bluffs on June 23, 1929, in the little white house that served as the hospital at that time. She was the daughter of Leland P. Searle and Emma Mello Searle of Edgartown. Marjorie was the oldest of six children, and spent her entire life in Edgartown.
Marjorie married Christopher S. Look Jr. (“Huck”), and together they raised five children in their home on West Tisbury Road. Together they bought Wells Oil Service, and Marjorie took on the office work, answering the phone and scheduling appointments as well as keeping five children in line. After the children were grown, she worked many summers for Brickman’s in Edgartown. In her later years she opened an antique shop on Winter Street in Edgartown called the Curiosity Shop. She had a passion for the older items she sold, and loved meeting new people to share that passion with. She supported Huck when he became sheriff of Dukes County, and stood by his side as he held that position for over 25 years. After retirement, Marge and Huck enjoyed winters in Dania Beach, Fla., and were able to travel extensively.
The family wishes to thank all Marjorie’s caregivers for the past four years, especially Judeen Bernard for her loving care. They also thank Marjorie’s cousin, Beatrice Lawry, who spent almost every Sunday morning with Marjorie, talking and laughing about the old days and their families. Marge looked forward to those visits every week.
Marjorie is survived by her children, Diana L. Butynski and son-in-law John, Christopher S. Look III and daughter-in-law Leslie and Joyce L. Look, all of Edgartown. She was predeceased by her husband Christopher and her two sons, William L. Look and David R. Look. Marjorie leaves seven grandchildren whom she adored, Lucas Butynski and his wife Emily, Seth Butynski and his wife Theresa, Kaitlyn Leber and her husband Casey, Nathan Costa, Matthew Look, Cassidy Look and her fiance Tony Jackson, Christopher S. Look IV, and Jacob Murphy. She also leaves two great-grandsons, Connor James Leber and Andrew Francis Butynski. In addition, she is survived by her siblings, Flora Lee Morgan and husband Ralph, brother Kenneth Searle and wife Johnny, all of Pepperell, Donald Searle and wife Judith, and Douglas Searle of Oak Bluffs. She also leaves her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Searle of Vineyard Haven. On the Look side of the family, she is survived by her brother-in-law Thomas Teller, sister-in-law Leslie Carroll and her husband William, brother-in-law Peter Look and his wife Phyllis, all of Edgartown. Marjorie was predeceased by sister Evelyn Morgan and brother Leland Searle, as well as sisters-in-law Nancy Look McCormack, Estey Look Teller, and Barbara Look Lee.
Everyone who knew Marjorie was aware she loved sending cards for every occasion. The family is requesting that you put a card in the mail to a special person in your life to honor Marjorie. Donations may be made in her memory to Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 1748, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568, or to an Island charity of one’s choosing.
Visiting hours in the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Road in Oak Bluffs, will be held on Monday, Oct. 15, from 5 to 7 pm.
Marjorie’s memorial service will be celebrated in St. Andrew’s Church, South Summer Street, in Edgartown on Tuesday, Oct. 16, at 11 am, followed by burial in the New Westside Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guestbook and information.
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Diana E. Batten, 67, of Edgartown died suddenly on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. She was the wife of Douglas G. Batten.
Her funeral service will be held at a later date, and a complete obituary will follow in another edition of this paper. Donations in her memory may be made to the D.A.V., P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or dav.org, or to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Rd., Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 or woundedwarriorproject.org. Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guestbook and information.
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