Suzanne K. Blake, 61, of Edgartown, passed away at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital on Sept. 3, 2020. She was the wife of John (“Jack”) Blake.

In addition to her husband, Suzanne is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Ryan) Mullaney (Brian), her sons, David Ryan, and John Ryan (Stephanie), and her grandchildren, Ryan, Taylor, and River.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Suzanne’s name can be made to the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard, online at animalshelterofmv.org/donate, or by mail at Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard, 1 Pennywise Path, P.O. Box 1829, Edgartown, MA 02539.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, and a complete obituary will appear in this paper then.

 For online guestbook and information, visit ccgfuneralhome.com.

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Suzanne K. Blake, 61, of Edgartown passed away unexpectedly, in the arms of her husband Jack, on Sept. 3, 2020.

Sue was born on April 24, 1959, in Washington, DC, daughter of the late Priscilla and John F. Kleinstuber. She married the love of her life, Jack, on May 18, 2009, on the Island.

Sue worked for many years as a dental hygienist in several Coast Guard base medical offices around the country while she raised her children with their father, Tom. After retiring from dental hygiene, she found true love and happiness “on the water,” working and laughing with Jack as an “oyster girl.” She always had a smile on her face, and sparkle in her beautiful golden eyes when she was on the farm with Jack raising the oysters and just being truly happy together. If she saw you in town, you might get to hear her “whoo-whoop” as she waved you over for a big, warm hug. Sue was endlessly generous in every aspect of her life, especially with her love. No one she knew ever celebrated Thanksgiving alone; there was always room at her table, and always a vacancy at the “Sueryan Hotel.” When you were at her house, she would just be “putzing” around, making sure everyone had a full belly, a full drink, and most important, full hearts. Her love will forever be felt by so many.

Sue went by many titles over the years, daughter, sister, wife, hygienist, mom, friend, confidant, oyster farmer. In 2012 she added a new name to that list, MumMum. Hearing her granddaughters call her that made her so happy, and she proudly displayed pictures and talked about them to everyone she ran into. The time spent with her “girls” was cherished, and they love her very much.

Sue is survived by her husband Jack; her children Jennifer (Brian), David, and John (Stephanie); her granddaughters Ryan, Taylor, and River; her sister Nancy; her brothers John, Kevin and Edward; and too many nieces, nephews, and in-laws to list. She loved you all. With respect to Sue’s memory, there will be no services at this time. She would never want anyone to get sick, and once a time comes that we can gather and celebrate her life, we will.

In lieu of flowers, what would have made her the happiest if you call someone you love and tell them how much, share a story and a laugh, and remember how wonderful and contagious her laugh was. Give your sweetie an extra-tight squeeze tonight. Next time you are in line at the grocery store, let the person behind you with a full cart go first. Adopt that puppy or kitty that needs a loving home; if you can’t adopt, you could donate to your local shelter. Mom made this world a better place, and her memory would be best served if we all tried to be a little kinder every day.

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Frank S. Yeomans of Chilmark died of natural causes on Sept. 2, 2020. 

Frank was the son of Ann Sears and Moreau Yeomans, and was born on Oct. 23, 1939, in New York City. He attended Milton Academy, graduated from Harvard College in 1961, and graduated with a master’s degree from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. Frank was a star sprinter while attending Harvard. Early in his career he was a history teacher, but soon after that became a wealth advisor. He worked for several Boston firms prior to starting his own company, First Lexington Capital.

Frank had three children, Stephen, Peter, and Christopher. Peter died tragically at age 4 in a drowning accident in Canada. 

Frank’s many interests included tennis, rugby, wrestling, track and field, and sailing. He was most relaxed while sailing, and owned a 35-foot sailboat for many years. After he moved to Martha’s Vineyard, he became very involved in local politics, and served on the Chilmark finance committee.

Frank is survived by his wife Sylvia Yeomans; his stepson Adam and wife Aimee; and his two sons, Stephen, and Christopher and his wife Jennifer.

There will be a private ceremony. A celebration of life will be held at a later date, yet to be determined.

Donations may be sent in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.

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Robert Louis Graves Jr. (“Junior”) of Sarasota, Fla., born Feb. 2, 1933, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 7, 2020. 

Junior, as he was lovingly called, was born in Springfield, where he worked as a machinist. After many years in Springfield, he and Shirley moved to their beloved Martha’s Vineyard, where he was the proud owner of Graves Machine and Tool. When not at his shop, he could always be found on a beach or bridge fishing, as he was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman. He won first place in the National Field Archery Association’s Massachusetts State Championship in 1997, and scored in the top three in several other New England archery competitions. He was a former vice-president of the Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club, and served as a board member of the Chappaquiddick Sportsmen’s Club. After retirement, he relocated to Sarasota.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Sr. and Laura Graves; sisters Thelma Freeman, Loretta Armstrong, and Estelle Webb; his first wife, Shirley Hinson Graves, and sons Joel and Keith Graves. He is survived by his wife, Ellie Jenkins Graves. Junior and Shirley were blessed with eight loving children; surviving him are Robert III, Phillip (Debbie), Kathy (Doug), Michael (Mildred), Peter (Joyce), Laura (Jeff), and three stepchildren. He also leaves to cherish the memories and mourn his passing his beloved sister Barbara Webb and sister-in- law Maurita Bledsoe; as well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Due to COVID-19, a memorial service for his remains will be held at the Oak Bluffs Cemetery, and will be announced in the spring or summer of 2021.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be sent to the Martha’s Vineyard Rod & Gun Club, P.O. Box 1799, Edgartown, MA 02539-1799. The nonprofit club promotes safety in fishing, hunting, archery, firearms use, and boating.

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Louise Frances Griffin Gould passed away peacefully at home in Vineyard Haven on Sept. 9, 2020, at the age of 87. 

A full obituary will follow in another edition of this paper.

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David Mayoh Lawton of Portsmouth, R.I., and East Chop passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, Sept. 5, 2020. He was loved and is greatly missed by his wife of 54 years, Judy (Hartley) Lawton, his family, and his many friends.

Dave was born on January 24, 1936, in Providence to Charles Hamilton Lawton and Sarah Mayoh Lawton. He spent his early years in Pawtucket with his sisters Suzanne (Jeffers; deceased) and Carolyn (Volmer). Dave attended the Moses Brown School (’54), and went on to study at Brown University, where he graduated in the class of 1958 with a bachelor’s degree in history and political science.

After attending Brown University, Dave enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves, attaining the rank of sergeant. He served in the 309th Transportation Company (Heavy Truck) unit, and was called to active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis. 

Dave joined his family business, C.H. Lawton & Son, an agency specializing in real estate and insurance. He served on the board, and a term as president, of the Pawtucket Board of Realtors. Amidst an active career of many years, one highlight for him was that he was part of early efforts to leverage technology in real estate, and participated in the committee that created the statewide Multiple Listing Service. Additionally, Dave was a certified general commercial and residential appraiser. Dave served on the tax board of review for 25 years while residing in Lincoln, R.I., and ultimately as Lincoln’s tax assessor for two years, before retiring in 2002 when he moved to Portsmouth. 

Dave had infinite interests. Many lifelong passions centered around, or were cultivated by, his time spent on Martha’s Vineyard. He spent every summer of his 84 years on East Chop until this summer, when the pandemic kept him watching the boats go by in Portsmouth. From his earliest days, Dave enjoyed boating, beginning with sailboats and racing, and later powerboats and fishing. He loved spending time at the beach, reading and chatting with friends and teaching his children, and then his grandchildren, to swim over the years. Dave supported the East Chop community any way he could, and enjoyed his time serving on the boards and various volunteer committees at the clubs. 

Other deep interests included all things cars and auto racing. He loved to fix cars, race cars, watch cars race, and build cars. He also enjoyed carpentry and woodworking, with a major source of pride being his blue ribbon in the M.V. Agricultural Fair in the toy category for his model of the ferry boat Katama. He was always busy with projects big and small, and was happy to help others and draw on his many talents. 

Dave was quiet, but always had plenty to say when engaged in conversation. He was interesting, wise, patient, and the first person to call when advice, support, or help was needed. Dave was a consummate gentleman, a devoted husband, an incomparable father, and a loving grandfather. 

Dave leaves behind his wife, Judith (Hartley) Lawton, son David Jr. and wife Jeanne (Norton) Lawton of New Providence, N.J., and daughter Pamela Lawton Jacobi and husband John Jacobi of Bridgewater and Londonderry, Vt. He was predeceased by his son Craig Hartley Lawton (age 7). Dave was PopPop to grandchildren Tyler, Connor, and Cara Lawton, and Molly and Jake Jacobi. He was so very proud, and loved them all. 

Due to COVID-19 concerns, there are no memorial events at this time. The family plans a private graveside service and a memorial gathering during the summer of 2021. Online tributes can be left at memorialfuneralhome.com.

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Former Gov. Stephen Everett Merrill, 74, passed away at his home on Sept. 5, 2020, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born in Norwich, Conn., on June 21, 1946, he grew up in Hampton and attended Winnacunnet High School there before entering the University of New Hampshire from which he graduated, Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude, in 1969. At UNH, he was named colonel of his U.S. Air Force ROTC unit. 

After completing his legal studies in 1972 at Georgetown University, where he edited the law journal, he entered active military service, and was named legal counsel to the Secretary of the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of captain.

He then returned to his beloved home state in 1976, and became a partner at Devine, Millimet, Stahl and Branch, where he was a trial lawyer. His entry to politics came as legal counsel and then chief of staff for Gov. John H. Sununu. Sununu appointed Merrill New Hampshire’s 22nd attorney general in 1985, where he served with distinction for four years. He then returned to private practice in Manchester with his friend and colleague, John T. Broderick Jr. The Merrill and Broderick firm specialized in trial work.

Merrill was elected New Hampshire’s 77th governor in 1992. Widely popular, he served two very successful terms. He was known for service and dedication to his state, coining the term “the New Hampshire Advantage.” He chaired U.S. Sen. Robert Dole’s 1996 presidential primary campaign. 

Citing his young family, he declined to seek a third term, and instead returned to private practice with the national law firm of Bingham, Dana and Gould (later Bingham McCutchen) in Boston, and was chairman of Bingham Consulting.

The family includes his wife, Heather; two sons, Ian Merrill of Durham, and Stephen Merrill and his wife Karissa of Miami, Fla.; his brother Robert Merrill and family live in South Carolina. Stephen will be remembered with love and cherished by all who had the pleasure to know him, his intellect, and sense of humor.

Donations in his memory may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, or online at samaritanspurse.org.

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Roy Langley, 92, died peacefully at home in Edgartown on Saturday evening, Sept. 12, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Affectionately known as Bunga to many who knew and loved him, Roy leaves behind seven children and 12 grandchildren. 

A full obituary will appear in this paper at a later date. A celebration of life is planned for next summer.

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Richard James Walton, or “Dick,” as he was known to most, died unexpectedly on June 1, 2020. He was 74.

Richard was a local attorney who started his practice in Oak Bluffs in 1973. He was attracted to his profession by being able to help local people. He was one of the most diplomatic and genuine people one could meet, a straight talker with a great sense of humor and a kind heart. 

Richard was born on Feb. 25, 1946, in Chester County, Pa., in the town of Romansville. He was a 1964 graduate of Downingtown High School, where he played the tuba in the marching band. He was also a gifted accordion player, an instrument which he began playing at the age of 5. During his teenage years, Richard and his family traveled up and down the Eastern Seaboard visiting historic places and putting on square dances with their family friend, Christian Sanderson, a well-known Chester County historian and fiddler. Richard and his brother played accordions at square dances while their sister led the dances, and Mr. Sanderson called the square dances and played the fiddle. Mr. Sanderson instilled a love of history and geography in Richard — an interest that stayed with him his whole life.

Richard graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1968 with a degree in political science. At Vanderbilt, he played the tuba and sousaphone in the Vanderbilt Marching Band and the Peabody Wind Ensemble. He went on to study law, and received his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law in 1972. While in law school, he met his wife, Carole, who was also a student at Syracuse. They were married in 1972. Carole’s family owned a summer cottage in the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association in Oak Bluffs, and the Vineyard felt like a natural place for them to live after getting married.

Music continued to be a constant in Richard’s life while living on Martha’s Vineyard. He played the accordion in a three-piece Island band called the Vintage throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He also played the tuba in the Vineyard Haven Band for a number of years. Aside from the occasional birthday and family gathering, in more recent years — and much to his delight — Richard would bring out his instruments and play for his grandchildren, hoping to instill a love for music much like his own.

In the late 1980s, Richard and Carole bought a 150-year-old farmhouse on 50 acres in Freedom, Maine. Restoring it became a favorite family pastime, as well as a source for some classic family stories. Maine was one of Richard’s favorite places to be, and he and Carole were in the midst of their long-talked-about major renovation (which he designed and for which he drew the plans) at the time of his passing. 

Richard was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church of Martha’s Vineyard, and in the summertime he also enjoyed attending the Tabernacle services at the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association. He valued religion, and his favorite book of the Bible, perhaps befittingly, was Ecclesiastes. Richard’s father died unexpectedly at the age of 52, and each year he lived beyond that age he considered a gift. “However many years a man may live, let him enjoy them all” (Ecclesiastes 11:8). Indeed, it would be hard to find a person who aged more gracefully and appreciatively than Richard.

Richard is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carole, of Oak Bluffs, as well as his children, James Walton (Rachel) of Halland, England; Anna Walton of New Orleans, La.; and Catherine Walton (Kyle Anderson) of Oak Bluffs. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Lucy, Emily, and Thomas Walton, and Julian and Miles Anderson. He is survived by his sister, Jane Pusey, and her partner, Steve Benner; sister-in-law, Robin Barrett, and her husband, Michael; brother-in-law, David Kish, and his partner, Mariko Kawaguchi; sister-in-law Mary Lou Kish; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Sara and Francis Walton, as well as his brother, John Walton.

Donations in Richard’s memory may be made to the United Methodist Church of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 2580, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, or the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association, P.O. Box 1685, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.

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John Early, 74, died on Sept. 11, 2020, after struggling for many years with complications of Parkinson’s disease. A longtime resident of West Tisbury, and later Chilmark, he gave much of his adult life to Martha’s Vineyard organizations and causes while leading one of the Island’s premier construction companies. He leaves a legacy of service, solidly and honestly built dwellings, and lives touched.

John G. Early was born on Oct. 19, 1945, the oldest of five children of Tom and Virginia Early. He grew up in Old Greenwich, Conn., in a boisterous household full of siblings, all their friends, and cousins who lived next door. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Greenwich and Cornell University, where he received his B.A. in political science in 1967, and did postgraduate coursework in Asian history, language, and culture, hoping his planned Peace Corps assignment would take him to Thailand. Instead, the Peace Corps sent him to India, where he spent more than four years working on drought relief and well-drilling projects, and gaining an abiding taste for food so spicy it would kill a normal man.

Returning from India in 1972, John came to Martha’s Vineyard, the home of his childhood summers, to ponder his options for the future. He never left. He worked as a carpenter with Sam Sherman in the variously named Xanadu Construction and Noman’s Construction, where he teamed up with the late Gordon Otis and Marc Widdiss, as well as Len Butler, Glenn Andrews, and other fine craftsmen who would work with him the rest of his career. By 1975, his business had morphed into John G. Early, Contractor and Builder, with a pyramid and flag logo as enigmatic as the boss. The crew scratched crude pyramids into concrete at all their projects to signify stability and permanence, but the symbol also gave rise to John’s nickname of “Pharaoh,” and jokes about his being a sphinx for his habit of listening more than speaking. He was a master of wry one-liners. John treated his crew like family, but when asked how many people worked for him, he was known to quip, “About half of them.” His parents’ retirement home, built on land in Seven Gates Farm his grandfather acquired in 1924, was his company’s first ground-up building project. In the 40 years John headed the company, the crew completed some of the Vineyard’s signature homes, as well as renovations small and large, many for repeat clients.

John was driven to serve. As his illness cramped his acuity and mobility, his greatest frustration was no longer feeling of use to others. When he ran for selectman of West Tisbury at 30, a hippie with long hair who drove a truck, nobody imagined he’d serve 30 years, contribute to the work of just about every town committee, and see the town through explosive growth and change. Among his missions was improving the Town Hall, a project that was underway when he retired. He also served on the West Tisbury School building committee, and was the town’s delegate to the Martha’s Vineyard Commission for decades. For 40 years, he was an active member of the West Tisbury Volunteer Fire Department, rising to assistant chief. Though he joked that the department “never lost a foundation,” he took its work and the safety of his colleagues very seriously. He was a first responder at heart, not only as an EMT and firefighter, but as the person family and friends turned to for comfort, help, and advice in any emergency, personal or community. Concerned about preserving the human fabric of the Island, John worked for affordable housing, served for many years as president and board member of Island Elderly Housing, and was president and a longtime board member of Vineyard House, the Island’s sober living community.

John’s love of music, particularly the blues, began at an early age. As a teenager, when not taking apart cars, he headed a garage band, playing lead and rhythm guitar, harmonica, and occasionally keyboards. While at Cornell, he performed with a four-man band called the Eight Balls, which toured Northern New York State and earned him his college expenses. On the Vineyard, he played pickup with a great many local musicians, including Johnny Hoy, Maynard Sylva, and the Stragglers. Fishing, either in the Derby or wetting a line from shore, or his boat the Loan Shark, was a passion in his younger years.

John is survived by his wife, Shakti Reynolds; stepdaughter Lauren McDowell Santos and her husband Lou and son Colton Ka’eo of Kailua, Hawaii; stepson Ross McDowell and his wife Sophia and their son Reno of Encinitas, Calif. He is also survived by his four siblings, Alice Early (Larry Hepler) of Chilmark, Elizabeth Early Sheehan (John) of Kerrville, Texas, Thomas Early (Connie) of Cedaredge, Colo., and Margaret Early and her sons Charles and Henderson Sykes of Lincoln. He leaves behind his cousins Anne Burns (Kevin) of Greenwich, Conn., Chas deGeofroy (Sarah Kuh) of Chilmark, and Louis deGeofroy (Karen Overtoom) of West Tisbury and their children, and cousins Stephen Shiels (Kathleen) of Fargo, N.D., and Michael Shiels of Naples, Fla. He was predeceased by his parents Virginia (Flannery) and Thomas G. Early of West Tisbury. His first wife was Dianne Powers of West Tisbury.

Anyone wishing to continue John’s legacy of community support may make a donation in his memory to Vineyard House, or Island Elderly Housing. The community will be invited to celebrate John’s life at a future time.

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William Dean Holtham, 71, died suddenly on Thursday morning, Sept. 10, 2020, at his home in Kingfield, Maine. He was the husband of Madeline Holtham, and father of Jessica Bradlee, Michael Holtham, and Megan Bliss. 

A service will be held at a later date, and a full obituary will follow in another edition of this paper.

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William Dean Holtham, 71, passed away at his home in Kingfield, Maine, on Sept. 10, 2020.

Summarizing a life well-lived by “Willy D” (his nickname, affectionately known by many) is quite a challenge. He was a force of nature, a live wire, a big guy with an even bigger heart. Sadly, that heart suddenly stopped beating, but the stories and memories are never-ending, unforgettable, and sometimes even unbelievable. 

Will was born in Winsted, Conn., on Jan. 15, 1949, to Vinson and Millicent Holtham. He was a graduate of Carson Long Military Academy before attending Ohio State College and then Wentworth Institute of Technology. He played football and ran track, where he earned the nickname “the Mighty Burner.”

He fondly recounted numerous stories of working at and/or managing Valleys Steak House, Anthony’s Pier 4, and the Cummaquid Restaurant before owning and operating his beloved Home Port Restaurant in Menemsha in 1977, followed by the Bite and Square Rigger Restaurant. 

Will was proud of the fact that he started working at the Home Port under the instruction of Chet Cummens by washing dishes and mopping floors, followed by years of hard work and tons of fun. “My favorite part was making people happy with my cooking,” Will said as he described his time at the restaurant as part of his fulfilled American dream.

He was a generous man with a passion for cooking, eating, entertaining, teaching, and bringing people together. It is no surprise that under Will’s guidance, lasting friendships and extended families were formed, and generations of employees developed an unrivaled work ethic. When not working in the kitchen or playing a prank on his next victim, he could be found golfing, fishing, hunting, or reclining in his favorite chair watching his boys, the New England Patriots, or searching for the next piece of yellowware on the internet. He could also be seen fearlessly darting around or into trees on his snowmobile through the backwoods of Maine, mapping out his plans the night before on what trails to ride.

Will leaves behind his wife of 28 years, Madeline Holtham; daughter Jessica Bradlee (son Parker Bradlee); son Michael Holtham (wife Jessie and daughters Jolene and Margot); and daughter Megan Bliss (husband Eli and son Harper). He is also survived by his sister, Judy Giegler (whom we are sure he would like to razz just one more time), and two nieces and a nephew.

If you find a piece of blue sea glass on Menemsha Beach, think of him — as Willy D would say, “It’s a thing of beauty, guy.” Fair winds, Willy. You were mahvelous, and you will be missed tremendously. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local food pantry, or to Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust, P.O. Box 96, Menemsha, MA 02552

A celebration of life will be announced and held at a later date.

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Steven John Milkovich, 55, of Edgartown, passed away on Sept. 22, 2020. 

A complete obituary will appear in a later edition of this paper, and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

For online guestbook and information, visit ccgfuneralhome.com.

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Joseph Francis Duart III (“Chuck”), 69, of Vineyard Haven, passed away on Sept. 18, 2020, at Cape Cod Hospital. He was the husband of the late Dorothy M. (Couto) Duart.

A graveside burial service will be held on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 1 pm in the Oak Grove Cemetery, on State Road in Vineyard Haven.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joseph’s memory can be made to Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands, online at donate.justgiving.com/donation, or by mail, 68 Route 134, South Dennis, MA 02660. 

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In August 2020, Jeffrey Shenefelt died at his home in Vineyard Haven.

Jeff was born in Cincinnati, Oooo-high-oh, as Jeff liked to say, on Feb. 1, 1952, the fourth of six children. He attended grade school in the Indian Hill section of Cincinnati, in his spare time volunteering at Camp Stepping Stone to care for disabled children, which began a lifelong practice of caring for those in need — disabled children and adults.

He briefly attended Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, before heading West to live in the Mission District of San Francisco. In San Francisco, he made lifelong friends and took classes at the Art Institute of San Francisco, where he made an awardwinning clay animation film, and enjoyed painting in many forms. Jeff also began driving a cab, which became another large part of his life.

From San Francisco he moved to Boston, and continued to drive a taxi. His paintings and stories from this time in his life are legendary among his friends and acquaintances. He also carried on his love of caring for others by working at Fernald State School in Waltham, then known as a home and treatment center for “mentally retarded, emotionally disturbed adults.” The most violent of the residents were collected into one building, Farrell Hall, where I met Jeff, working with men in a locked ward, practicing nonviolent self-defense, encouraging them to do their best, smiling mostly, and always having a kind word or deed about to be done or just completed.

After Fernald, Jeff moved to Martha’s Vineyard in 1990, having seen an ad in the Gazette that workers were needed in a “halfway” house on Barnes Road to care for residents who were challenged mentally and physically. He lived in a friend’s house in Edgartown for three years or so, and met his love, Lynn, at an AA meeting. Jeff had recognized that alcohol had made his life unmanageable while living in Cambridge, before his move to the Vineyard. Jeff drove a taxi on Martha’s Vineyard, and worked in the produce department of Reliable Market.

Lynn and Jeff lived in Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven. It was Lynn’s dying wish that Jeff not drink again, and Jeff did his best to honor that wish, thankful that he had had the time he did with Lynn, knowing her wish was his wish. Approximately five years ago, Lynn died of respiratory failure in Jeff’s arms, in the same room where Jeff later died. Jeff carried her with him at all times by wrapping pieces of her clothing onto the staff he carried. She was sorely missed.

Throughout Jeff’s life, God/Jehovah and Jesus were prominent figures. To him they, and the Bible (“Read Psalms through Revelations” he used to say), were guiding lights, protectors, teachers, and comforters. They were and are his salvation. He loved the Lord, a forgiving God who spoke to him often.

Besides his love of God and nurturing, he loved nature, starting with his days in Indian Hill searching for frogs, snakes, and salamanders in the local stream, through to his last days when he used to hop the bus to watch the sunset or sit in his backyard and commune with nature while constructing assemblages or painting nature, people, life.

He may be remembered as an “Island character,” walking in Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs mostly, singing and drumming at Open Mike at the Music Store, or dancing at Tivoli Day, the Ritz, the P.A. Club, etc. on one leg, his index finger pointing up to God, his hair long and stringy, his eyes closed in contemplation and sheer enjoyment of the music, the people he met, his opportunity to say a good word or do a good deed. He had a sense of style, was artistic, musical, lovable. His denim vest was handpainted by himself. On his back he wore the words, “Not Insane, Crazy.” He was a “wild and crazy guy” with a heart of gold. 

Let us not be sorrowful. Let us rejoice in his homecoming. Jeffrey Allen Shenefelt has gone home to God, who gave him his life, for which we are eternally grateful. Rest in peace.

Please make donations to the Island Food Pantry.

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Royal Sinai Dumont passed away on Sept. 2, 2020, at the age of 98. In this new era of separateness, he was blessed to have his youngest daughter, Ann (Grenier), at his bedside for the last day. He was also known to family as Mickey, Mike, or Uncle Mickey, a nickname from an aunt who was not impressed with “Royal.”

He was born in South Lowell to Arthur and Alida (Ida Lebuef) Dumont in April 1922. In grade school, he became bilingual, adding English to his French, and this began his lifelong love of language and words. He had a working knowledge of five languages. Royal attended middle school at St. Anne’s on the Hudson (currently Marist College) in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., then returned to and completed high school in Lowell. 

Next up was the experience of WWII. Royal served in the Air Force in Northern Africa, then on to Italy. He returned home,and shortly thereafter met and married Hilma (Flanagan), his wife of 64 years prior to her passing in 2012. He finished his education at Boston College, then Boston University. 

Royal taught junior high in Salem, N.H., for several years before moving to Poughkeepsie, N.Y., to work for the up-and-coming IBM (1956 to 1965). The family returned to Massachusetts, and Royal worked for IBM Boston until his retirement. After retirement, Royal returned to substitute teaching, as well as a stint at the IRS.

Royal embarked on a totally new adventure in 1980. He and Hilma (with strong urging from their children) purchased Misty Meadows Horse Farm on the isle of Martha’s Vineyard from Jim Alley and Bill Honey. He often claimed to have worked harder in retirement than prior to it. Royal was famous for the pony rides on Silkie the pony that he personally gave to hundreds of children during that time, and being forever the teacher, they became mini lessons. The time at Misty Meadows filled the need for contact with people. Dad loved people, and the folks he met, Islanders, summer folk, celebrities, financial wizards, artists, writers, politicians, became a part of the world he graced. In 2000, shortly after their 50th wedding anniversary, the Dumonts sold the farm to Jerome and Carol Kenny.

The final chapters of life well lived were spent as snowbirds between Martha’s Vineyard and Orlando, Fla., with travel to France to visit family.

It is hard to summarize 98 years. The facts are the facts. The essence of the man must also be acknowledged. My dad was a loving husband and father. He was kind, gentle, funny, and generous, possessed infinite patience, and was an optimist through and through. He was well-loved, and will be missed.

Royal was predeceased by his wife, Hilma, his daughter Sharon (Finer), and his grandchild Sidra. He is survived by his daughters, Karen Dumont, of West Tisbury, and Ann Grenier (Paul), of Temecula, Calif., and son Michael (Julia), of Maitland, Fla., as well as his grandchildren, Jessica Finer, Rebecca, Ben, and Jennifer Grenier, and Gabriel Finer; along with many, many nieces, nephews, and their families.

RIP, Dad. No more white canes or bus rides, and hopefully, a full table at the coffee shop in the sky …

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S. David Cronig, the last of five Cronig siblings, died at 106 with his family by his side on Thursday, Sept. 24, in Vineyard Haven. 

With such a long and somewhat public life, there are any one of many stories to tell about David, Grace (David’s wife of nearly 80 years, who passed four years ago), their children, or the grocery store. David was enormously proud of his work and service to the Island community in the growth of the market over the years, and took great pleasure from an unwavering commitment to his role as a Freemason. 

But now, it seems one important story to tell is about Dave, Grace, and their grandchildren, whom many of you may know, Rubin and Lily. Donald, Rubin and Lily’s dad, was actually the baby in the family, being born after Marsha and Jeffrey, both now deceased.

What you may not know is that Grace and Dave were consummate grandparents: proud, hands-on, and always present. They enjoyed every minute with their grandchildren right until the last moments, squeezing Lily’s hand at the end. They played any game ever asked of them, taught many others, and always listened to the stories and ramblings their young (and older) grandchildren offered up. They shared dinners, and bagels with lox, celebrations and sadness with dignity and joy for many years in many locations.

We will miss David and Grace, but we will be forever grateful to have had and to hold their love and presence, as it continues to inform our days now and always. David and Grace have been interred together in the Hebrew Cemetery in Vineyard Haven, where they lived for most of their lives. 

Special gratitude and love also to his (and Grace’s) longtime caregiver, Danille, without whom his elder life would not have been possible. 

Please direct donations in memory of David and Grace to the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center, the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School, and Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard.

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William Philip Reynolds, 75, of Edgartown passed away on Sept. 27, 2020, at his home. A complete obituary will appear in a later edition of this paper, and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

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Hugh C. Crall, of Oak Bluffs, and Bradenton, Fla., passed away peacefully on Monday, Sept. 21, 2020, in Boston. He was 86. A beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Hugh was known for his devotion to his wife of 64 years, Jeannine, love of family, kindness to those in need, and unmatched determination to take on any challenge. 

Hugh grew up in Watervliet, N.Y., and attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, earning a B.S. in chemical engineering in 1956. He began his career with Union Carbide Corp. in Niagara Falls, and moved to Massachusetts, where Foster Grant saw his promise and sent him to law school. A degree from night school at Suffolk University translated into a decades-long career with American Hoechst and Hoechst Celanese as a patent lawyer. Admitted to multiple federal courts including the U.S. Supreme Court, Hugh’s practice required extensive international travel to Europe, Asia, and South America. Ultimately, his most treasured time was that with family and friends.

Hugh was never afraid of any projects — tackling a renovation with his dad George after work. He also managed to build a plane, earn his instrument rating as a pilot, and raise three daughters. He loved hunting with his Irish setters, taking long fishing trips, camping, boating, and clamming on Martha’s Vineyard.

Retirement brought a new chapter, where Hugh dove into countless projects for family and friends, but moreover was a loyal friend and eager to help his neighbors. 

Hugh was preceded in death by his father, George H. Crall, mother Mary P. Crall (Bennett) and daughter, Karen Crall-Fallon (Donald). He is survived by his loving wife, Jeannine M. Crall (Casavant), daughter Kathleen D. Wagenbach (Jeffrey), daughter Jennifer M. McCormack (James), and seven grandchildren, Alison, Jeannine, Elizabeth, Meghan, Donald, Jeffrey, and Rylee.

Although services will be private, the family will host a celebration of our Hugh’s life in the summer of 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Visit parkerbrosmemorial.com to leave a message of sympathy for the Crall family.

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Robert S. Reed Jr. (“Bob”) passed away peacefully in his sleep on Oct. 1, 2020.

Bob moved to Martha’s Vineyard in 1988 after many trips back and forth before finally making the leap to move here with his family. He worked in the construction trade until 2012, when he suffered a stroke and finally had to stop. After retirement, he enjoyed helping family and friends with home improvements and collecting cans for recycling, with many here knowing him as “the Can Man.”

He was predeceased by his parents, Robert S. Reed Sr. and Phyllis Reed; his wife, Diane Reed; his brother, Benjamin Reed; his sister, Linda Breyer; and the granddaughter he raised, Jasmine Reed. Bob is survived by his sons, Robert S. Reed III and his wife Marna of Citra, Fla., Shawn Reed and his wife Isabella of West Tisbury; his daughters, Sherri Bradshaw and her husband Chris of Tisbury, Sara Guice and her husband Chris of Warwick, R.I., Shannon Reed of New Bedford, and Yvonne Codner of Leavenworth, Kan. He is also survived by two grandsons he raised, Philip Reed and his wife Shelly of Edgartown, and Elijah Reed of New Bedford. Bob leaves behind many other grandchildren and great-grandchildren who called him Papa. His legacy is a large one, and he will be truly missed.

Bob will be laid to rest on Oct. 23, 2020, in Acacia Park Cemetery in North Tonawanda, N.Y., next to his wife whom he loved as much as life itself.

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