Longtime Harthaven and Los Angeles resident Peter M. Grandfield died at his home in Brookline on Dec. 27, 2018, following a diagnosis with ALS.

Since his birth in 1952, Peter spent every summer at his family’s house on Martha’s Vineyard. He learned to swim and sail at the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club, and was a popular tour bus driver for many summers in the ’70s and ’80s. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1980s, fulfilling a lifelong dream to work in the entertainment industry. He worked behind the scenes on “Glory” and many independent films. He later joined the Teamsters, working as a driver on movie sets and studio lots.

He had a dry, observant sense of humor, and was a kind, generous, and reliable friend who was very well liked wherever he worked and lived. He was an avid photographer as well as an expert board game player and puzzle solver.

He is survived by his siblings, Dorsey, Michael, and Mark Grandfield; by Mark’s wife Tova Ferro; nieces Kate and Ava Grandfield; grandniece Lillian Geary; and many cousins and friends. He is predeceased by his parents, Dorothy Grandfield of Brookline, and Joseph Grandfield of Florida. One of Peter’s proudest roles was as uncle to his nieces. He was deeply loved, and will be sorely missed.

A funeral service is planned for January 5, 2019 in Brookline. There will be a memorial and celebration of his life on the Vineyard in late spring.

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Nancy B. Gerstmar, 89, of West Tisbury, died peacefully at home on Dec. 10, 2018. She was the wife of the late M. Kenneth Gerstmar, and daughter of Edgar and Henrietta Brewer.

Nancy was born in Pottsville, Pa. Her family moved soon after to Winthrop, where she grew up and graduated from Winthrop High School. She was working at a local bank when she met and married the love of her life, Kenneth. Their three children were her greatest joy. She loved her home, and was a marvelous cook. She enjoyed traveling, reading, and birdwatching, and was an avid Boston Red Sox fan. But Nancy was always happiest surrounded by family and friends.

She will be dearly missed by her children and their spouses, Susan Adams and Rodney Petruska of Voluntown, Conn., Scott Gerstmar and Ellen of Vineyard Haven, and Karen Alberice and Gary of West Tisbury. She is also survived by six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Nancy will also be missed by many cousins, her sister and brother-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.

Donations may be made in Nancy’s name to Hope Hospice, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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Patricia Elaine Roddy, born on August 21, 1928, in Greenwich, Conn., died peacefully on Dec. 23, 2018, at home on Martha’s Vineyard, under the loving care of her family. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 60 years, Maurice F. Roddy, her sister, Gloria Allaire, son-in-law and Island resident David Willey, and granddaughter Bridget Potvin.

Pat was loved and adored by her seven children, Susan Roddy, Patricia Roddy (Tom Tolar), Sharon Coogan (Greg Coogan), Nansu Roddy, Jacqueline Willey, Barbara J. Roddy (Russ Peters), and Bryan Roddy (Deborah Roddy); and the matriarch of 16 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Pat’s loved ones are especially grateful to the Martha’s Vineyard community who provided care and support, including Sean O’Reilly, Alex Baxter, Stacia Broderick, Liz Gale, and Lisa Larsen from VNA; Laurie Perry and Gwen Meade of Hospice of M.V.; and Dr. Simmons, Jean Vinci, R.N., and Prudy Carter Donovan, N.P., from MVH.

The Roddy family will be forever grateful for the beautiful and loving care provided by Christiana Adusei.

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Roy Bunker Hope died surrounded by family on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, at Falmouth Hospital.

Roy and his twin brother, Robert, were born at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital on Jan. 18, 1939. Roy lived most of his life on the Vineyard, and retired to Bourne in the last 10 years.

After graduation from the Vineyard Haven High School, Roy entered the U.S. Air Force, and was stationed for five years in Kansas and Germany as a radar operator.

He returned to the Island from his duty in the service and soon thereafter began his career with the utility company ComElectric as a lineman. Fortunately for him, in those days they didn’t have GPS, because the big yellow trucks could often be found parked at Linda Jean’s or the Airport Diner, or wherever they served hot coffee. He retired from keeping the lights on in 1997.

Roy married Elizabeth (Betsy) Healey in 1965. Together, they had three children, Roy, Brenda, and David.

Roy met his second wife, Sherrill (Sherry) McMorrow, in 1976 at the Ocean View Restaurant after she accidentally tripped him. With her three daughters and his two sons and daughter, they became the Brady Bunch for the next 42 years. Roy was known as “Big Roy” to his stepdaughters, and in later years as Pa.

Back during a time when there was a bit more of South Beach, many summer weekends included 4-wheeling and cookouts with all the kids. For almost 10 years, until 1997, he and Sherry owned and ran the Last Resort food truck at the Big Bridge.

Of course, as an Island boy, Roy grew up with a love for the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. The Derby was always looked forward to, and although a place at the podium eluded him, Roy won Sportsman of the Year in 1979. He was present along with Sherry and his son Roy at one of the Derby’s most legendary moments — the Columbus Day Blitz of 1981.

Fall, a time he truly enjoyed, was spent with his sons, friends, and family at hunting camps in New York, West Virginia, and Iowa. His homemade chowder and boiled dinners were always favorites at camp. Roy took his last stand in Iowa on Nov. 10, 2017.

Roy was predeceased by his parents, Clinton “Curly” Irvin Hope and Evelyn May Bunker, as well as his brother, Robert Irvin Hope.

Roy is survived by his loving wife, Sherrill Hope, of Bourne, and his sister, Marcia Hope Merrill, of Vineyard Haven. He is also survived by his children, Roy Clinton Hope and his wife Kathy Lacek Hope of West Tisbury, David Hope and his wife Meggan Mantenuto Hope and their children Lily and Landon of Bourne, and Brenda Hope of Sarasota, Florida, as well as his stepchildren, Michelle McMorrow of Bourne and her son CPL Christopher R. Perry, USMC, and his wife Morgan Reardon Perry of Garner, N.C., Brenda McMorrow of Bourne, and Lee McMorrow of St. Petersburg, Fla.

He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews, all of whom will miss their beloved Uncle Roy.

Roy loved his children with all his heart, and did his best to support and steer them through life. He enjoyed his grandchildren very much, and went to many youth hockey games to watch Landon and Christopher play. Some of his very last words were “God bless my kids.” God bless you, Dad. Safe journey, and we will all be looking for you.

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Victoria Labbancz, 99, died on the early morning of Dec. 31, 2018, of natural causes at Green Acres, Edgartown, where she had resided for the past three years.

Known by her lifelong nickname, Dede, she was born in Stamford, Conn., in 1919. She worked, married, and was widowed, and lost her immediate family of seven siblings before her.

She lived in the Turn of River area of Stamford most of her life, until moving to the Vineyard in 2015.

She leaves behind her caregivers, niece Linda DeWitt and partner Robert Green, and nephews Edward DeWitt of Falmouth and Jack DeWitt of Bourne and their families, and her dear cousin, Sister Mary Teresa of the Carmelite Monastery in Roxbury.

There will be a spiritual remembrance officiated by Father Michael Nagle at St. Augustine Church in Vineyard Haven on Jan. 19, 2019, at 12 noon.

Donations in her memory can be made to the Good Shepherd Parish, c/o Fr. Michael Nagle, P.O. Box 1058, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568, or to the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard, 1 Pennywise Path, P.O. Box 1829, Edgartown, MA 02539.

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Deborah (McCormick) Reed died on Saturday evening, Jan. 5, 2019, at her home in Edgartown. She was predeceased by her husband, Malcolm W. Reed Jr., in April 2018.

Her memorial service will be held at a later date, and a complete obituary will appear at that time.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Smile Train, P.O. Box 96231, Washington, DC 20090-6231, or smiletrain.org or to the Federated Church, P.O. Box 249, Edgartown, MA 02539.

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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Richard J. Andrade Sr. of Vineyard Haven died on Jan. 13, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. He was an Island native, where he and his three brothers, Arnold, Daniel, and Joseph (all pre­deceased him) were raised by their grandparents Joseph and Louise Fialho, also of Vineyard Haven.

Richard was an avid sports fan. Growing up, he played baseball and later coached a Little League team. He loved his Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins, and traveled to Boston to see them all.

In 1945, Richard served in the Merchant Marines, and he was sent to Antwerp, Belgium. On his return to the states he spent time in Clearwater, Fla., where he met his idol, Ted Williams.

In 1948 he returned to Martha’s Vineyard and married his high school sweetheart, Martha Fay Brennan, and together they had seven children.

In 1953 Richard began his career as the Prudential Insurance agent serving Martha’s Vineyard. He retired after 32 years, and spent his post-retirement years playing golf and working as a starter at Mink Meadows Golf Course.

He loved hunting, fishing, and golfing. The notches on his golf bag included three holes in one. His door was always open to all (especially at four o’clock, happy hour), and you never knew who might show up for laughter and libations.

Richard was an active member of St. Augustine’s Church in Vineyard Haven, and a member of the St. Vincent De Paul Society and the Redman Society.

Richard was predeceased by his wife, Martha Fay Brennan; and by his children Terry Andrade and Richard Andrade Jr. He leaves his children Carol Andrade, Judy Martinek, Debbie J. Luce, Robert Andrade, and Thomas Andrade; eight grandchildren, Jesse Martinek, David Luce, Sarah Luce Motta, Tim Luce, Jocelyn Andrade Alexander, Derek Andrade, Zachary Andrade, and Benjamin Andrade; and two great-grandchildren, Jayden Luce and Mason Luce.

A special thank-you to Debbie J. Luce, Bob Andrade, Connie Farina Andrade, and Sarah and Dyego Motta for their continued, loving care throughout these last years.

Dad, after nearly 94 years, your body got tired, but your mind and sense of humor were with you until the end. Thank you! Your sense of humor and love were the greatest gifts of all!

A visitation will be held Saturday, Jan. 19, at Chapman, Cole and Gleason, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. A graveside service will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, State Road in Vineyard Haven, and then immediately following, everyone is invited to a celebration of life at the American Legion Hall in Vineyard Haven. Potluck dishes are welcome. Donations can be made to the American Legion, P.O. Box 196, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 or St. Jude’s Hospital for Children, 510 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or stjude.org. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guestbook and information.

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Edith Chinlund Brown died peacefully on Jan. 5, 2019, just shy of her 83rd birthday.

Edie was born on Jan. 13, 1936, in New York City. She was the daughter of Edwin F. Chinlund and Helen Chinlund of New York and Vineyard Haven. She grew up on Gramercy Park, and attended Friends Seminary. After high school, she attended Wheelock College in Boston.

She met her future husband, Arnold K. Brown Jr., when she was 16 years old. Brownie, as he was known, was the Harvard roommate of Edie’s older brother, Steve Chinlund. Edie and Brownie married in New York on June 18, 1955, soon after graduation. Edie moved with Brownie as he served in the U.S. Army in Frankfurt, Germany, and then various U.S. posts.

After their Army years, Ed and Brownie settled in Barrington, R.I., with their daughters, Lynne and CIndy. Edie was busy raising her children, and was active in the League of Women Voters.

Edie summered on the Vineyard every year of her life with her family, and she and Brownie bought their home on Grove Avenue in Vineyard Haven in 1970. They moved to the Island full-time in 1974, and embraced their long-awaited year-round Island life. They purchased Woodchips Designers, and grew the business from its original roots on Beach Road in V.H. to the State Road location, employing many Islanders along the way. After they sold the company, Edie started her beloved career in real estate, working with the wonderful team at Landmarks Real Estate in Vineyard Haven. She liked all aspects of the Vineyard real estate business, and that career was a perfect fit for her.

Edie was a member of the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club for over 80 years, and her family enjoyed time on the water. She and Brownie owned several boats, including one of the first Wasque 32 built by the M.V. Shipyard, later to become the Vigilant II for the VHYC. They also enjoyed sailing on Chilmark Pond in their catboat, with long picnics across on South Beach. Their schooner, Good Fortune, was a fixture in Vineyard Haven Harbor for years, and they enjoyed many sailing adventures with Island friends.

Edie and Brownie enjoyed birding, and traveled regularly throughout the U.S. and Great Britain, adding to their life bird list. She enjoyed walks at Felix Neck and Cedar Tree Neck, and supported local conservation efforts. Edie was active with Island Elderly Housing as well as the West Tisbury Congregational Church.

Edie loved knitting and needlepoint, jigsaw puzzles, and a good mystery book. She spent many summer hours on the beach, chatting with friends. And she made an excellent tuna sandwich.

Edie was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 51, and she participated successfully in several research studies at Massachusetts General. She bravely met each life change with grace and strength. Over the years, Edie moved from her Grove Avenue home to Havenside, and then to Windemere, where she received wonderful attention from a loving group of caregivers, in addition to her family.

Edie was predeceased by her husband, Arnold K. Brown Jr., her son-in-law James Andrews, and her granddaughter, Meagan Andrews. Edie is survived by her brother, Stephen Chinlund, and his wife, Caroline, of New York; her daughters Lynne Brown Strang, and husband, Ed, of Burbank, Calif., and Vineyard Haven, and Cindy Brown Andrews of Edgartown; her grandchildren, Tabitha Andrews, and fiancé Mike Williams, of Hyannis, Trevor Strang of Burbank, Kurt Strang, and wife Erica, of Seal Beach, Calif., April Strang Sheriff, and husband Dave, of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; her great-grandchildren, Lukah Vieira of Edgartown, Michael Williams of Hyannis, Slater Strang and Summer Strang of Seal Beach; and many nieces and nephews.

As is family tradition, Edie’s ashes will be scattered in Vineyard Sound, off West Chop. She was very loved, and will be deeply missed.

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Daniel E. Harnen, 82, of Vineyard Haven died on Monday evening, Jan. 14, 2019, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara E. (Dahill) Harnen, in 2016.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, and a complete obituary will appear at that time. 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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Deborah McCormick Reed of Edgartown died at her home on Jan. 5, 2019. She was 88.

She was born on Sept. 16, 1930, in Attleboro to Sam and Virginia McCormick, who were longtime summer residents of Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. She died peacefully at her beloved 300-year-old saltbox home, which has been in Deborah’s family since 1945. She never missed a summer on Martha’s Vineyard, and in 1989 moved to Edgartown year-round with her late husband Malcolm (“Mac”) Reed.

Deborah was raised in Attleboro, went to House in the Pines Boarding School in Norton, and to Goucher College, where she was an English major. She was an avid horsewoman in Attleboro and Norton, and on Martha’s Vineyard, riding all around West Tisbury with her mother when she was young (back when the horses could just walk on the ferry!). She also loved sailing and racing with the Edgartown Yacht Club, or just being on the water or swimming at any of the Vineyard beaches. She loved everything there was about the Vineyard, from the people she knew in each community to knowing that each town was unique in its own way. Her parents made sure they explored a different area of the Island on their Sunday drives so they were familiar with every town.

Mac and Debby met in Edgartown over a Regatta weekend in 1958, and were married the following April, 1959. They lived in Darien, Conn., for 35 years, where they raised their three children and where Deborah was active in many organizations, including the Red Cross, Junior League, the First Congregational Church, Ox Ridge Hunt Club, and Pegasus Therapeutic Riding program, just to name a few. Once here on Martha’s Vineyard she joined PEO, the Unity Club, volunteered at Council on Aging, Rising Tide Therapeutic Riding Program, and Sheriff’s Meadow. She also loved her retail jobs at Traditions and Past and Presents.

She is survived by their children, Christopher Reed, Lucinda Reed Wittenberg, and Melissa Reed, who are now Island residents; daughter-in-law Molly Burt Reed and son-in-law Charlie Wittenberg; and seven grandchildren,: Olivia Reed, Colby Reed, Benjamin Wittenberg, Jackson Wittenberg, Charlotte Hammond, Malcolm Hammond, and Tessa Hammond. She is also survived by her brother, Peter McCormick, and his wife, Fair Alice Bullock McCormick, of Marion.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, Feb. 2, at 11:30 am at the Federated Church in Edgartown. A private interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Federated Church, the Martha’s Vineyard Animal Shelter, or the Smile Train, an organization to help children with cleft lips.

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Elaine H. Eugster (née Koppelman), 81, died on Jan. 11, 2019, from injuries sustained in a fall.

Elaine was born on March 28, 1937, in Brooklyn, N.Y. She graduated from high school at the age of 16, and earned her undergraduate degree from Brooklyn College, majoring in mathematics and minoring in physics. At Yale University, she earned an M.A. and A.B.D.(all but dissertation) in mathematics, but after spending two years on her doctoral thesis, she discovered that the solution to the mathematical problem she had been working on had already been published in an obscure mathematics journal in Poland.

By this time, 1961, she had been hired as a teacher by Goucher College, a small liberal arts college for women in Towson, Md., contingent upon finishing her thesis, for which her advisor had suggested a new, unrelated problem. She had no experience as a teacher, but the advice given to her by a friend who had done a little teaching is something she followed for the rest of her life: “On rainy days, wear bright colors.”

Finishing her thesis was not easy, however, and after two years of struggling, she was ready to give it up, even though it would mean leaving academic life, which she loved. By this time, she had met the man she would marry, who suggested that she combine her interest in math with her love of history and pursue a doctorate in the history of science at Johns Hopkins University. By contrast with her previous struggles, this experience was a breeze, and she received her Ph.D. in 1969, four years after she had begun. In later years, she earned a second master’s degree from Hopkins, this time in electrical engineering and computer science, which was awarded in 1987.

Over many years, Elaine happily played the role of field assistant for her husband Hans, a world-renowned geologist. Together, they traveled the globe, as his explorations took him from the Green River area of Wyoming to Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Bolivia, China, Sicily, and Greece.

Thinking ahead to the time when they might not want to travel so much, in 1984 they bought a Vineyard camp — an A-frame with one room upstairs and one down, with no electricity or indoor plumbing, deep in the woods down a dirt road. Over the four summers they had together on the Island, they began to improve the place, building a screened-in porch in one summer, a second A-frame the next year, and a deck to connect the two structures the year after that.

After Hans’ sudden death in 1987, Elaine was not sure whether to keep their home in Maryland, or even to stay at her job. Taking a leave of absence from Goucher, she volunteered for the Peace Corps, and was sent to teach data processing in Seychelles.

She did ultimately return to both home and job, for a time. But in 2001, 40 years after she had begun teaching, she retired from Goucher and moved to the Island, building a winter home across the field from the camp. Here, she created a rich life centered on near-constant volunteer work, participation in book clubs, the Want to Know Club, and the Peter Luce Play Readers, travel, and attendance at many cultural events, particularly those offered by the Yard, the Vineyard Playhouse, and the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society.

Predeceased by her beloved husband, Hans P. Eugster, she is survived by three stepdaughters: Rachel Eugster (Jay Baltz), Erica Eugster (Mac Greene), and Sandra Eugster (Duncan Carlsmith); seven devoted step-grandchildren, Aaron and Samuel Baltz, Alex Greene, Ariana Moran (Atom), Lydia and Sophia Greene, and Mirabel Levine, and two brothers, Fred and Arthur Koppelman.

There will be a memorial service on March 31 at 11 am at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center, to which anyone who wishes to gather to remember Elaine is invited. (Please check the MVHC calendar to confirm timing.)

Donations in Elaine’s memory may be made to one of the many Vineyard organizations to which she devoted so much time and energy (list follows), or to the Hans Eugster Research Fund, which she established in her husband’s memory at the Johns Hopkins University, where he was a distinguished professor and department chair. Mail checks payable to the Hans Eugster Research Fund to Krieger School of Arts and Sciences Development Office, 3400 N. Charles St., Wyman Bldg. Ste. 500, Baltimore, MD 21218, Attn: Nancy Gregoire, or visit krieger.jhu.edu/giving, select “give now,” on the donation form designate your gift to “other,” and type in “Hans Eugster Research Fund.”)

Vineyard causes and organizations dear to Elaine’s heart, many of which will miss her selfless contributions on their boards or as volunteer and patron, included the Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group, Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library, the Committee on Hunger, Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society, Polly Hill Arboretum, Vineyard Playhouse, and the Yard.

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Carmel M. (Reidy) Gilbert, 60, died unexpectedly on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, at her home in Oak Bluffs.

Carmel was born in Mount Hibernia Hospital in Mallow, Co. Cork, Ireland, on Jan. 18, 1959, the daughter of John and Mary Ann (O’Meara) Reidy.

She moved to the Vineyard back in 1987 to start a new life. Carmel knew how to bring joy wherever she went. She brightened up the days of many with her glowing smile and amazing sense of humor. She always knew how to cheer others up. Her fiery red head will be remembered by many.

The past 11 years she spent working as head of housekeeping at the Edgartown Inn. She made many close friends over her 32 years here on the Vineyard, friends whom she held dearly. Though she is gone now, she will live forever in the hearts of many, and her memory carried on for generations.

She is survived by her two children, John Patrick Murray and Jennifer Abreu, her three grandchildren, her son-in-law, as well as her three brothers, and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. She was predeceased by her beloved younger sister a little over a year ago.

Visitation in Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs, will be on Saturday, Jan. 26, from 12 to 2 pm, with a funeral service at 2 pm in the funeral home. A reception will follow.

Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guestbook and information.

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William (“Will”) Anderson Farrissey, 27, died and passed from this earth on Jan. 22, 2019, at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.

Will was born in Oak Bluffs on March 14, 1991. He was an avid dog lover and waterman. He was very comfortable while at sea or when working with his hands. He was well-known around the docks of Martha’s Vineyard. Will knew the true value of family, and kept several close friends. He had a quick wit and could really make people smile, while at times being either a teddy or a grizzly bear.

Will was often the center of a loving and loyal family and community. The Farrissey family would like to express their sincere love and appreciation to ALL who helped support Will and their family.
He leaves behind his mother, Katherine (Anderson) Farrissey, father Andrew, along with his brother Andrew, sister Colleen Farrissey Hickey and her husband Patrick. Additionally he is survived by his maternal grandparents Maureen (Fischer) and William Anderson. Will is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Nancy (McDonald) and Andrew Farrissey.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, Jan. 27, at the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown–Vineyard Haven Road, Oak Bluffs; 508-693-1495. Visiting hours will be from 10 to 12:30 pm. Will’s funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1 pm on Sunday, Jan. 27, at St. Augustine’s Church, 56 Franklin St., Vineyard Haven. He will be cremated afterward.

A reception will follow the Mass at the Portuguese-American Club in Oak Bluffs on Vineyard Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Will Farrissey to the Portuguese-American Club, by mail to the Holy Ghost Association of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 2203, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.

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James C. Cage III (“Jim”) of Oak Bluffs, 73, died in his sleep on Jan. 19, 2019, at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital from respiratory failure.

He was born July 5, 1945, in Texas to James C. Jr. and Corinne Cage. Jim married Susan Phillips in Oak Bluffs in September 1994. He was previously married to Jacque Cage in Tisbury. In July 2000, he retired from the Oak Bluffs Police Department. In 1992, Jim opened the business Rose Bud Balloons in Oak Bluffs. He was a talented artist and photographer; he won ribbons from the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society and the All-Island Art Show. His note cards can be found at Rose Bud Balloons in Oak Bluffs.

He was a Vietnam veteran and a sergeant in the Army’s Military Police. He received a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Army Commendation Medal.

As a police officer, he was often perceived as stern. He was a wonderful man once you got past the stern exterior. Jim wasn’t shy about voicing his opinions even when others didn’t agree; some people would say he didn’t play well with others. He made life interesting, and had a great sense of humor. Boating, art, stargazing, and friends were things he loved. He enjoyed celebrating holidays with costumes and his outdoor inflatables. You never knew what he would be wearing — masks, hats, light-up necklaces, or his ostrich costume. He loved his family and New England Patriots. He would look forward to going to Offshore Ale to share stories with his friends and have a beer. May the memories of Jim be happy ones. Don’t be sorry; share a positive thought with his family.

Jim is survived by his wife, Susan Phillips; by his sons, Richard (R.J.) Cage, Maine, and John David Cage and wife Johanna, in Massachusetts; by his grandchildren, Jeremy and Erin Alex Cage in Indiana, and lan and Evie Cage, in Massachusetts; by his sister, Annette Zach and husband Arnold in Minnesota; by many nephews, nieces, and cousins; and by his beloved pets, Anna, Theo, and his dog Sammy.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be announced later. Chapman, Cole and Gleason has care of the arrangements. Memorial donations can be made to a charity of your choice. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guestbook and information.

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John G.C. Banks (“Jay”) died peacefully on Dec. 16, 2018, at his home in Westwood, of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, at the age of 77.

John was born on Jan. 21, 1941, in Mount Kisco, N.Y., and raised in Redding, Weston, and Lyme, Conn. He was the son of Charles G. Banks and Martha S. Banks. John graduated from the Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Conn., in 1959. He began his college career at Brown University in 1959 and, at long last, received his bachelor’s degree from Columbia University in 1967. In the interim, he served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, initiating one of his favorite lifelong affiliations. He achieved a treasured meritorious promotion to private first class upon his graduation from boot camp at Parris Island, S.C., and was a sergeant at the time of his discharge in 1967.

John was working in New York City at Bankers Trust when he met Julie Spencer on a blind date. They married a year later in 1965, in Julie’s hometown of Syracuse, N.Y. After two years in the city, they moved to Mansfield, where he worked as a reporter and photographer for the Mansfield News. In 1968 John became a television reporter for the NBC affiliate in Syracuse, and later became their anchor for the 6 pm news, a job he loved. John left the news business in 1982 and began his 25-year career as a stockbroker with Tucker, Anthony & R.L. Day, which survives today as part of RBC Wealth Management. In 2007, John and Julie retired to their home on Martha’s Vineyard, and spent 11 delightful years as year-round residents. In 2018, John and Julie moved to Fox Hill Village in Westwood, to be closer to family and Boston.

John loved the outdoors, especially the Adirondacks and Martha’s Vineyard. He loved canoeing, mowing lawns, and cutting trees. He especially loved fishing for trout and ocean game with his wife, children, grandchildren, or whoever would go with him. He was a voracious reader, and did the New York Times crossword puzzle daily. Singing was his passion, which began as a child in the church choir. He continued to sing in the choir, glee club, and octet during his three years at Hotchkiss. John then joined the Jabberwocks a cappella group at Brown University. Later in life, he sang in the choir at the Federated Church in Edgartown and the Island Community Chorus, which were great sources of enjoyment and friendship for him. John was a volunteer driver for Vineyard Village at Home, and also served as president of the First & Third Luncheon Club, an affiliation that brought him great pleasure. He served as a deacon of the Federated Church, and was also a member of the Martha’s Vineyard Rod & Gun Club. His sense of humor, penchant for bowties, and wonderful bass voice will be missed by many.

John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Julie, his son John and wife Sarah of Pittsford, N.Y., his daughter Julia Hauck and her husband John of Westwood, and five lively and interesting grandchildren, all of whom he loved deeply: Alison and Parker Banks and Sloane, Jack, and Reid Hauck. John is also survived by his brother, Charles G. Banks Jr., of Carlisle, Pa., and sister, Sandra Tucker of Pittsburgh, Pa.

A celebration of his life will be held on April 13, 2019, at 11 am at the Federated Church in Edgartown. Donations in his memory may be made to Vineyard Village at Home, P.O. Box 1356, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568, or to Island Community Chorus Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 4157, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.

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Emil (“Rip”) Rippcondi of Bradenton, Fla., died peacefully the morning of Jan. 20, 2019, with his loving daughter Frances by his side.

The son of Emil Rippcondidi and Anna Ross, Emil was born on Jan. 11, 1937, in Jersey City, N.J., where he grew up with his four sisters. Restless and seeking fame and fortune, Emil joined the Air Force soon after high school.

He received technical training as an aircraft radio repairman at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. One of his crazier exploits during his early years of service was having to venture out onto the wing of a plane, during flight, to perform engine maintenance. In the late ’50s Emil was transferred to Morocco. It was during this tour of duty that he served as the radio operator on the plane ferrying U.N. peacekeeping troops in and out of the Congo after independence from Belgium resulted in civil war.

Eventually, Emil was reassigned to Otis Air Force Base on Cape Cod, where he met the love of his life, Janice Mosher of Martha’s Vineyard. Emil was transferred back to Keesler (family in tow!) as an instructor, where his aptitude and passion for educating others began to flourish. As his military career progressed, he was transferred again, to Patrick A.F.B., Florida, where he became a master instructor.

He was most proud of his military service during the “space race,” training operational crew members and participating in Apollo 7, the first two lunar landings (Apollo 11 and 12), and the ill-fated Apollo 13, flying in the ARIA planes, acting as communication relay between stations around the globe. In recognition of his outstanding efforts, he received the Air Force Commendation Medal, First Oak Leaf Cluster, for Meritorious Service.

After his military service, Emil’s technical knowledge and educational expertise were put to great use on the Space Coast, where he continued to support a variety of emerging-technology projects. It was during this period that Emil focused his knowledge of automobiles into owning and operating a Mobil service station in Melbourne, Fla. Somehow, during all of this, he managed to support a family, serve God as a leader in his church, and get a business administration degree from Rollins College.

Emil and family did move around a tad. Serving your country creates adaptability: Missouri, Mississippi, Massachusetts, Florida, Maryland, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Germany. Emil would say his best decision was moving to Cumming, Ga. It was where he and Janice were finally grounded (“This is the last move,” she said). Life was settled and could be loved. More animals were cared for, service to his church continued, volunteer outreach as a court-appointed advocate for children began.

Emil retired from Hewlett-Packard, and soon after got right back at it with Daniel’s Charters. He loved working for Daniel’s. All the knowledge and skills he had gained over the years was put to great use. Building relationships, writing proposals, driving buses (impromptu tour guide for NYC? You got it!), writing manuals, teaching others to drive. He did it all. He created great friendships, the lifelong kind.

He loved his country, his friends, his family, and God.

Before it’s too late, write that book …

Emil was predeceased by his wife Janice and sister Joan Gray. He was the loving father of Frances Rippcondi and her husband, Charles Parker, of Palmetto, Fla., Wendy Colwell and her husband, Darryl Colwell, of Brandon, Fla., Janine Campbell and her husband, Bruce, of Clermont, Fla., Robert Rippcondi and his partner, Elizabeth Kane, of Vineyard Haven, and brother of Elizabeth Muchow, Janet Worman, and Nancy Montagnino. Emil was the proud grandfather of Kevin Kausch, Kirsten England and her husband, Mark, Angela Wallner and her husband, John, Kaleigh Colwell, and Adam Colwell, and great-grandfather of Skye and Elijah England and Henry Wallner.

A memorial service celebrating Emil’s life was held at Living Faith Lutheran Church in Cumming, Ga., on Jan. 26. A private, military burial service will be held this week at the Oak Grove Cemetery on State Road in Vineyard Haven.

Donations to help advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children may be made in Emil’s memory to CASA of Forsyth County, 875 Lanier 400 Pkwy., Box 7, Cumming, GA 30040.

Local 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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Jason Anthony Aldo Leone, 47, of Vineyard Haven, and Block Island, R.I., died on Jan. 29, 2019, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Erin L. (Netro) Leone.

Born in Providence, R.I., he was a son of Leone Leone and the late Lori (Macaruso) Leone.

Jason was an entrepreneur and self-employed glazier. He was a volunteer for the Block Island Fire & Rescue Department, provided his services for the annual Fourth of July fireworks display on the Island, and was involved in many other services.

Besides his wife and father, he is survived by his children, Maria H. Leone, Jason Leone Jr., Mossimo Leone, children of Julie (Terrio) Leone and Anthony Leone and Lucas Leone. He was the brother of Michelle Leone-DeBrito and Leone Anthony Aldo Leone. He also leaves his niece Gabriella.

Calling hours will be held Thursday from 5 to 8 pm at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 600 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, R.I. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian burial Friday at 10 am at St. Pius Church, Providence, and at 12:30 Saturday at St. Andrew Church, Church Street, Block Island. Burial will follow at Block Island Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Block Island Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, P.O. Box 220, New Shoreham, RI 02807. Please share memories at WoodlawnGattone.com.

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Carole Wood, 78, died on Jan. 31, 2019, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Carole last resided in Vineyard Haven, with her husband Robert “Woody” Wood, yet they have established roots with family and friends in the towns of Nantucket, Pembroke, and beyond.

Carole was an important partner with her husband Woody. Together they operated an auto-parts business on the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket for over 20 years. Carole, with Woody by her side, was more than a parent. Carole and Woody’s business continues to provide the livelihoods of half their family, as well. Carole will be remembered for her positive impact on the lives of many.

Carole leaves behind a large, loving family consisting of two sisters (Deborah and Cheryl), seven sons (Jack, Wes, Larry, Bill, Rob, Dave, and Derek), 11 grandchildren (Christina, Melissa, Joanna, Billie, Allie, Amy, Racheal, Margaret, Ashley, Brendan, and McKenna), and 14 great-grandchildren (Samantha, Tori, Joseph, Adrian, Emma, Connor, Tristan, Mason, Christian, Cadence, Hayden, Billy, Michael, and Jay).

Family, friends, and loved ones are invited to attend services and share their wonderful memories at Shepherd Funeral Home, 7 Mattakesett St., Pembroke, 02359, on Thursday, Feb. 7, between the hours of 10 am and 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations to the Senior Behavioral Health Clinic at Beth Israel Deaconess-Plymouth at bidplymouth.org/donate-now, or to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.

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Romeo George (“Bud”) Lambert, 95, died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home.

He was born in Springfield to Romeo F. and Elizabeth (Moore) Lambert. Bud grew up in Springfield, where he lived for many years, and he was a resident of Englewood, Fla., for 20 years, and Wilbraham for 8 years. He retired from package machinery in East Longmeadow after 40 years. He was an active Shriner and, was very involved for many years with the Gulf Coast Banjo Society.

Bud was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Olive Harriet (Salls) Lambert, who died on Feb. 26, 2016. He is survived by his children, son Terry Lambert and his wife Dorothy of Springfield, son Thomas Lambert and his wife Charlene of Enfield, Conn., daughter Sheryl Cheney and her husband Ronald Mease of Enfield, Conn., and son Jeff Lambert and his wife Joanne of Oak Bluffs; his siblings, sister Gloria Lambert of Granby, Conn., brother Robert Lambert of Sanford, Maine, and brother, Gary Lambert of Hampden; as well as 10 grandchildren, Kristen, Benjamin, Jessica, Nathan, Jenna, Justin, David, Christopher, Holly, and Michael.

Bud’s family would like to thank the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home for its remarkably compassionate care, especially the tender, loving staff of the Third Floor North.

Committal services with military honors will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 5, at 3 pm in the chapel of the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St., Agawam. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, 110 Cherry St., Holyoke, MA, 01040. For additional information, please visit nowakfuneral.com.

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Joan I. Svetz, 89, of Oak Bluffs died peacefully with her husband of 60 years, John Svetz, by her side. Last rites were administered prior to her passing at the Royal Nursing Center in Falmouth.

Joan was born Dec. 17, 1929, in the Bronx, N.Y., to Thelma and Robert VanCamp. She graduated from high school in Oceanside, Calif., in 1947. Joan and John initially met working at General Dynamics in Groton, Conn., and later married and resided in North Stonington, Conn. They moved to Spartansburg, Pa., where they both enjoyed dairy farming, raising animals, and gardening. They moved on to Martha’s Vineyard to build their current home and enjoy their retirement years.

Joan and John became well-known Island gardeners with expansive yard gardens and intricate ponds designed by John. They were highlighted in the gardening book “A Garden Lover’s Martha’s Vineyard,” by New England garden writer and radio personality C.L. Fornari. Joan took many friends and Island visitors through her gardens to share their beauty and her knowledge. Joan also enjoyed the Christmas holidays, as John would be tasked with the long list of interior and exterior decorations to be appropriately positioned. Joan had an eye for the creative, and an extensive Santa Claus collection. She was highlighted in the Vineyard Style magazine for her holiday decoration displays, referenced as Mrs. Claus on the Vineyard that Christmas season. Her other love was her diverse antique collection, in which John played an integral part to creatively find display places throughout the house.

Besides her husband John, she is survived by daughter Cheryl Palmer and her husband Fred of East Falmouth, son Gary Svetz and his wife Chris of Meadville, Pa., son James Svetz of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., son Jeff Svetz, and son Mark Svetz. She is also survived by her grandchildren Rebecca Claussen, Jonathan Palmer, Joshua Svetz, Matthew Svetz, and Samuel Svetz; great-grandchildren Lilli Claussen, Kayla Palmer, and Katalina Palmer; and her younger brothers Robert VanCamp and his wife Julie of Lopez Island, Wash., and James VanCamp of Pinehurst, N.C.

Joan’s request was for simple end-of-life arrangements, so there will be no immediate official services. There will be a graveside memorial service scheduled in June, held at the Oak Grove cemetery in Oak Bluffs, for family and friends to be announced. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to honor Joan’s memory, please consider making a donation in her name to the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 1829, Edgartown, MA 02539.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation and gratitude to the Royal Nursing Center staff for their love and care of Joan during her final days.

Arrangements are being handled by the Chapman, Cole and Gleason funeral home on Martha’s Vineyard.

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