Susan Wilder Hobby of Martha’s Vineyard and Plymouth, formerly of Sherborn and Newburyport, passed away peacefully with the love of her family at her side in her home on August 4, 2021. She is the beloved wife of 60 years of John M. Hobby. 

She was born in Long Island, N.Y., on May 3, 1937, daughter of Ira and Evelyn (Hooper) Wilder. She had one brother, Geoffrey Wilder, whom she cherished. She was a graduate of Allegheny College, where she received her bachelor’s degree in English. Early in her career she worked for McGraw Hill in New York City as a textbook editor. She met her husband on a blind date, and was engaged three weeks later. After Jack and Susan married, they moved about the country in their early years, and soon began their family. They settled in Sherborn, where they enjoyed many years, and summered in Chilmark since the early 1970s. Susan worked as a teacher in the Chickering School in Dover, as well as the Newburyport High School. She was the best mother to John, Roger, and Jill — always with a big smile, supporting them with her sound advice, and cheering them on at all of their various activities. 

Susan was an accomplished artist with a deep love of painting in different mediums. She had an ability to be creative on so many levels. She loved preparing for her art shows on Martha’s Vineyard, where so many supportive members of her community would buy her art and commission paintings. This is where she really thrived and felt a strong sense of purpose.

Although Susan suffered a stroke 20 years ago, she continued to handle life with such grace and positivity. She lost the use of her right hand, but continued painting with her left hand, and was featured in an art show at the Spalding Rehabilitation Center. Nothing was impossible in her mind and she conveyed this message to her family and friends, she embodied this sentiment while facing many challenges in her later years with her supportive husband by her side. She maintained her sense of humor and strong willpower in order to continue to do the things she loved most, and truly inspired others along the way. 

Susan is survived by loving husband John; her sons John Hobby Jr. and his wife Christine of Franklin, Roger W. Hobby and his wife Kristen of Medfield; and her daughter Jill Hobby Napior and her husband Jason of West Tisbury. She was the cherished grandmother of Ryan Hobby, Matthew Hobby, Maggie Hobby, Thomas Hobby, Lauren Hobby, Stella Napior, Camden Napior, and Leo Napior. Susan was a loving and caring aunt to her two nephews, Chris and Scott Wilder, and nieces Jennifer Koslowski and Sandy Wilder Evers; and is survived by her sister-in-law, Susan Wilder-White. She will be forever loved and so dearly missed. 

A celebration of Susan’s life will be held at a later date. Cremation will be at Vine Hills Crematory in Plymouth. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her name may be made to Susan Hobby Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 494, Medfield, MA 02052. We plan to donate to the organizations that helped her through her challenges.
For the online guestbook and tribute wall, visit cartmelldavis.com.

The post Susan Wilder Hobby appeared first on The Martha's Vineyard Times.

On Saturday, August 7, 2021, Roger William Wey, loving father and friend, passed away at the age of 80. 

Roger was born on March 26, 1941, in Boston to George and Jean Wey. He graduated from Winthrop High School, and attended Wentworth Institute of Technology.

Roger had a passion for travel and adventure. After leaving college, he worked on the MS Minnesota, a Swedish freighter, and traveled extensively around the Baltic Sea. After leaving the ship, he traveled throughout Europe by hitchhiking through Yugoslavia, Hungary, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, and Greece. When he returned to the States, he worked at the West Dover Inn in Vermont, and skied most of that winter. 

Roger moved back to Boston and joined the local carpenters’ Union No. 33, where he worked as carpenter foreman on a number of high-rise buildings in downtown Boston. Shortly afterward, he was married to Marilyn Lohnes. After spending several years in Boston, he moved his family outside the city to Bridgewater. He continued to commute into the city for work until the summer of 1975, when he decided to move his family to Martha’s Vineyard, where he had built a house on East Chop. He started his own construction company, Wey Construction, during a tough business cycle. He was able to persevere during this time, and built many houses on the Vineyard. 

Roger had an extensive career in public service. He served as a selectman in Oak Bluffs for 21 years. He also served on the Oak Bluffs board of appeals, the Martha’s Vineyard Commission, as a Dukes County commissioner, the Oak Bluffs Council on Aging, and the Dukes County Retirement Board. 

Roger had a passion for running and exercise. He would regularly bike from East Chop to South Beach for a swim during the fall months. In the late 1990s, he participated in the Cycle for the Cause, a bicycle race from Boston to New York to raise awareness and to support efforts toward ending HIV and AIDS. He also helped organize many Oak Bluffs road races, including the Columbus Day, Memorial Day, NAACP, and the Thanksgiving Day road races. He loved participating and racing his friends and family to the finish line.

Roger continued his adventures in his later years. He traveled to Africa and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. He learned to surf in Costa Rica. In recent years, he took several road trips around the U.S., visiting national parks and many small towns across America. He enjoyed reading and learning throughout his life, valuing education and hard work. He will be remembered for his love for his family, his perseverance, and his integrity. 

He is predeceased by his parents, George and Jean Wey; by his son, Timothy Wey; and his faithful dog Dewey, who passed away a few short months ago. He is survived by his brother, George Wey; his children, Eric Wey (Karen) of Sugarland, Texas, Chris Wey (Debbie) of Tega Cay, S.C., Jennifer Fiore (Kyle) of Oak Bluffs, Rachel Stimits (Jason) of Merritt Island, Fla., Heather Boyle (Jaime) of Oak Bluffs, and Rebecca Bizzaro (Tom) of Northport, N.Y. He was also the proud grandfather of 14 grandchildren, Jessica, Ryan, Grace, Evan, Caroline, Cal, Nick, Ella, Ethan, Emma, Tyler, Savanna, Lilly, and Danny. 

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 15, from 5 to 7 pm at Chapman Funeral and Cremations, Edgartown Road in Oak Bluffs. A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 16, at 10 am in the Oak Bluffs Tabernacle in the Campgrounds, and burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Oak Bluffs. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 1748, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568, or to the United Methodist Church of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 2580, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557. Visit chapmanfuneral.com for online tributes and information.

The post Roger William Wey appeared first on The Martha's Vineyard Times.

Gertrude Mertens Goff (“Trudy”) died peacefully at her home in Edgartown on August 8, 2021.

Trudy was born to Robert and Gertrude Mertens on July 18, 1928. She grew up in Locust, N.J., with her two younger sisters, Ellen Brown and Jennifer Brock, and hordes of cousins. Her life was full of Huber volleyball, trying to ride farm animals, charades, Christmases with Grossmummy, and “never-ending” bike rides in Vermont. She attended Rumson Country Day School, Ethel Walker’s School, Bradford Junior College, and Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School. Trudy loved everything about school except math, science, English, and history. She got very high marks in sports, friends, and fun. 

Trudy married Allston Stone Goff Jr. on June 21, 1952, and they had four children in the following six years. After short stays in Vermont and Grenoble, France, the family settled in Houston, Texas, where Skip taught at St. John’s School. Summers were spent on Martha’s Vineyard with the Brock cousins, followed by a trip to Woodstock, Vt., with Mum and Big Bobby Mertens. In 1972, after Skip’s death, Trudy moved to Edgartown year-round.

Trudy worked hard as a committed volunteer at Texas Children’s Hospital and Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. She was often seen striding around town, working in the garden, or relaxing with a needlepoint. Her children and grandchildren gave her her greatest joy, and were unquestionably her greatest commitment. She loved them all enormously, generously, unconditionally, and tirelessly.

She will be truly missed by her children, Jennifer Goodspeed (Cumberland Foreside, Maine), Catherine Fitch (Dover), Lisa Pajolek (Osterville), and Robert Goff (Edgartown). She is also survived by 16 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Trudy’s life will be held at St. Andrew’s upon Father Chip’s return in December. 

The post Gertrude Mertens Goff appeared first on The Martha's Vineyard Times.

Alton L. Hardaway Jr., 72, died suddenly at his home in Oak Bluffs. 

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

Arrangements are under the care of Chapman Funerals and Cremations in Oak Bluffs. Visit chapmanfuneral.com for online tributes and information.

The post Alton L. Hardaway Jr. appeared first on The Martha's Vineyard Times.

William Ezra Shanok (“Bill”) passed away at home, with family, on March 13, 2021, after a long, brave battle with cancer. He was 78 years old.

Bill was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., at the Jewish Hospital, and was raised by his parents in a standalone home in Borough Park during World War II that would soon house three children: Bill, his sister Judy, and his little brother Danny. A proud Brooklyn boy who played stickball with the neighborhood kids, Bill saw his irreplaceable Dodgers leave for Los Angeles at 15 years old, and turned his attention instead to classical music, school, and a future at his father’s Glass Laboratories company, that was moving into the emerging industry of plastics manufacturing, becoming Silvatrim, where he eventually served as president. 

Graduating from Brooklyn Tech with certificates of excellence in chemistry, physics, and mathematics, he attended Worcester Poly Tech, where he gained a degree in chemistry in 1964. On his debut visit to Martha’s Vineyard, Bill met the love of his life, Susan Whiting, and they began a whirlwind courtship. The two eloped right after their respective Massachusetts college graduations, and set off on a European honeymoon that coincided with the plastics shows his work required. 

With his bride, Bill bought and revived a dilapidated brownstone in Chelsea, tamed a wild property in Chilmark, built around a relocated Menemsha fishing shack, and began raising a family of four cherished children that would grow to be dubbed the Shanok tribe. He traveled the world with his family, introducing them to the cultural and culinary wonders it held. Bill lived every day as a new adventure, and found happiness in life’s simple pleasures: walking his precious collies in Menemsha, brush-cutting on his tractor, and fishing, as long as it was on someone else’s boat! He was an accomplished, nationally ranked skeet shooter, who shared his skill with budding shooters. He was a fan of opera, classical music, golden oldies, and Yiddish stories. 

Bill was affable, gregarious, and very generous with his time, helping neighbors and strangers alike, whether it was engineering a DIY solution, or keeping an eye out for something “neat” someone needed. In short, he was a mensch! 

Bill was predeceased by his cherished son Gabe in 2010, lost his wife and best friend Susan last year, and leaves behind his three daughters, Tory Dolan, Sarah Kitchens, and Tovah Shanok, their spouses, and five treasured grandchildren, Emma, Katie, Will III, Gabriel, and Hazel. 

Bill and his beloved Susan will be laid to rest at Abel’s Hill on Sept. 11, followed by a celebration of their lives at the Chilmark Community Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to the Island Food Pantry.

The post William Ezra Shanok appeared first on The Martha's Vineyard Times.

William Edward Belcher, 78, died unexpectedly at his home in Tarpon Springs, Fla., on Saturday, August 7, 2021.

Bill was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and coach, who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

There will be a celebration of life in the future, and a full obituary will appear in another edition of this paper.

Donations may be made in his memory to the MV Touchdown Club, P.O. Box 2815, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.

The post William Edward Belcher appeared first on The Martha's Vineyard Times.

Kathleen F. Rose of Edgartown passed away peacefully, with family by her side, at Massachusetts General Hospital on August 13, 2021, after complications from surgery. 

A complete obituary and information about a celebration of life will appear in a later edition of this paper. 

Donations in her memory can be made to the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital Development Office, P.O. Box 1477, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.

The post Kathleen F. Rose appeared first on The Martha's Vineyard Times.

Donovan L. Bennett, 54, of Edgartown died unexpectedly on Saturday morning, August 14, 2021, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. He was the husband of Marva D. Bennett of Edgartown. 

Visitation in Chapman Funerals and Cremations, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs, will be held on Saturday, August 28, from 9:30 to 11 am, followed by a funeral service. Burial will be in the New Westside Cemetery, Robinson Road, in Edgartown. 

A complete obituary will appear in another edition of this paper. Visit chapmanfuneral.com for online tributes and information.

The post Donovan L. Bennett appeared first on The Martha's Vineyard Times.

Chad L. Grant, 44, died unexpectedly on Thursday, August 12, 2021, at his home in Edgartown. He was the son of Sandra Grant of Edgartown. 

Visitation in Chapman Funerals and Cremations, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs, will be held on Saturday, August 21, from 10 to 11 am, followed by a funeral service officiated by the Rev. Stephen Harding. Burial will be in the New Westside Cemetery, Robinson Road, Edgartown, with military honors provided by the veterans of Martha’s Vineyard. 

A complete obituary will appear in a future edition of this paper. Visit chapmanfuneral.com for online tributes and information.

The post Chad L. Grant appeared first on The Martha's Vineyard Times.

James E. Rogers, 86, died on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at his home in Oak Bluffs. He was the husband of Sylvia (Coutinho) Rogers. 

Visitation in Chapman Funerals and Cremations, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs, will be held on Friday, August 20, from 10 to 11 am, followed by a funeral service officiated by the Rev. Paul Fedak. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Vineyard Avenue, Oak, Bluffs with military honors provided by the veterans of Martha’s Vineyard. 

A complete obituary will appear in a later edition of this paper. Visit chapmanfuneral.com for online tributes and information.

The post James E. Rogers appeared first on The Martha's Vineyard Times.

Donna Davey of Oak Bluffs died on June 3, 2020, in her home.

Donna was born in Hartford, Conn., on August 30, 1957. She was the youngest daughter of Bertha (Weksner) Fennellly and William Davey of Wethersfield, Conn. She graduated from Wethersfield High School in 1975, and spent many summers at Soundview Beach in Old Lyme, Conn. As a child, Donna could be found on Hartford Avenue with her friends and cousins, eating fried dough and lemon ice, two of Donna’s favorites, while listening to live music.

Donna vacationed on Martha’s Vineyard, and fell in love with the Island. She relocated here, and worked at Linda Jean’s for many years. One night she went dancing and met the love of her life, R. Scott Graupner, who became her partner for 30 years.
Donna graduated with honors from Bridgewater State College with a bachelor of science in social work in 2001. She received a master’s degree from Boston University School of Social Work in 2002.
Donna worked from 2001 to 2004 for the Vineyard House as a case manager and clinical supervisor, and at Community Services as a clinician. She also brought a message of hope and recovery to those incarcerated at the Dukes County House of Correction. Following her work at Community Services, she was licensed as a clinical social worker in 2004, and entered private practice. Donna helped countless Islanders in their struggle to obtain and maintain sobriety, and become productive members of the Island community. Donna had an inviting smile and an uncanny ability to immediately connect with others.

Donna was kind, compassionate, nonjudgmental, funny, positive, and spirited. She loved animals, especially dogs. Donna was a dog owner for many years, and owned German shorthaired pointers. She enjoyed nature, music, reading, collecting, and traveling. She and Scott spent many weeks in Maine at the cottage they built. She also spent time in Naples, Fla., and traveled to China, Greece, Italy, and Africa.
Our Vineyard community loved Donna, and we miss her deeply.

She is survived by her stepbrother, Robert Fennelly of Wethersfield; by 22 cousins; by many friends, and by her beloved German shorthaired pointer Ruby. She was predeceased by her partner, R. Scott Graupner; her parents; and her sister, Lynn Davey of New Britain, Conn. She was also predeceased by her loyal pointers Baron, Uno, Wynston, and Myles.
There will be a celebration of Donna’s life at the Sailing Camp in Oak Bluffs on Sunday, August 29, from 4 to 6 pm. Please bring a mask, a photograph if you have one, and a story or two to share.
Donations in her name may be sent to Sandy Paws Rescue, P.O. Box 410, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, or to Vineyard House, P.O. Box 4599, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. 

The post Celebration of life for Donna Davey appeared first on The Martha's Vineyard Times.

Joseph P. Kenney Jr., 68, of Tisbury, passed away on August 22, 2021, at his home. He was the husband of Karen S. Kenney (Brelsford).

Joseph was born on Sept. 7, 1952, in Greenwich, Conn., to parents Joseph P. Kenney Sr. and Gertrude Kenney. He graduated from Greenwich High School and earned an associate’s degree from Chester Institute. He worked as the hardware manager for Hinckley’s in Vineyard Haven; prior to that he worked for Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, Conn. Joseph enjoyed woodworking and model-making.

He was predeceased by his son, Joseph B. Kenney III, who passed away in 2005. He is survived by his wife, Karen; his daughter, Lauren Graham of Naugatuck, Conn; his sister, Sandra Kenney of Vineyard Haven; and by three grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 28, at 2 pm at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven, officiated by the Rev. Dr. Roger Spinney.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joseph’s memory can be made to the American Legion, P.O. Box 257, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.

For online tributes and more information, please visit chapmanfuneral.com.

The post Joseph P. Kenney Jr. appeared first on The Martha's Vineyard Times.

Donovan Fitzgerald Bennett, 54, of Edgartown, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. He was the husband of Marva Bennett and father of Ayinde Bennett and Aliyah Bennett.

Donovan was born on Sept. 14, 1966, at Revival, Sheffield, in Westmoreland, Jamaica. He was the son of Alton Bennett and Elaine Shaw-Banton.

He grew up in the parish of Hanover, Jamaica, graduated from the Rusea’s High School, and later completed his studies at the Montego Bay Community College and Duffs Business College.

In the late 1990s he immigrated to the U.S. After spending a few years in Florida, he moved to Nantucket, where he lived and worked. He later met and married Marva, and moved to Martha’s Vineyard where he lived until his death.

As a boy, he was an avid football fan and player himself. He participated in athletics including the 400 meters; this was his pet event.

His hobbies included watching sports (football, baseball, and cricket), listening to or watching the news, and talking with friends. He will be remembered for his humbleness, kindness, joviality, and his charismatic, smiling face — a people person who went all out to take care of his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Marva Bennett; his parents Alton Bennett and Elaine Shaw-Banton; son Ayinde Bennett; daughter Aliyah Bennett; stepchildren Monique, Andre; and Donomar, and step-grandchildren; brothers Ainsley Bennett, Leighton Bennett, Leroy Banton, and Christopher Banton; sisters Donna Thompson, Christine Banton, Patricia Banton-Thomas, Anne, and Charmaine; and by aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of friends here in the U.S. and Jamaica.

Visitation in Chapman Funerals and Cremations, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs, will be held on Saturday, August 28, from 9:30 to 11 am followed by a funeral service. Burial will be in the New Westside Cemetery, Robinson Road, Edgartown.

Visit chapmanfuneral.com for online tributes and information.

The post Donovan Fitzgerald Bennett appeared first on The Martha's Vineyard Times.

Herbert Paul Golub, 81, died on Thursday evening, August 19, 2021, at his home in Chilmark. He was the husband of Carol M. (Gustafson) Golub. 

His memorial service will be held in the Oriental–Martha’s Vineyard Masonic Lodge, 52 Edgartown Road, in Oak Bluffs on Sunday, August 29 at 1 pm; please arrive by 12:30 pm. The service is officiated by Rabbi Lori Shaller, followed by a Masonic funeral service. Arrangements are under the care of Chapman Funerals and Cremations, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs. Visit chapmanfuneral.com for online tributes and information.

The post Herbert Paul Golub appeared first on The Martha's Vineyard Times.

Eunice Shirley (Murray) Zelle, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, died peacefully on August 18, 2021, in Gainesville, Fla.

Eunice was born in New Bedford, where she spent her childhood. As a teenager, she moved to Fairhaven, where she lived most of her adult life, raising her family and caring for many people at all stages of life. In addition to being a devoted mother and grandmother, she was a foster mother to many infants, ran her own daycare, and was a home health aide to elders. Eunice was a devout Episcopalian who served on the altar guild and participated in Bible study as well as fellowship groups at her various home parishes throughout her life. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, as well as White Shrine. 

Eunice had a green thumb, and enjoyed gardening and tending to her plants. She loved animals of all kinds, and you would always find at least one dog or cat in her home, most recently her beloved and spoiled Chorkie, Annie.

Eunice loved the ocean, and in her 60s she retired to the island of Martha’s Vineyard, where she continued to serve others through her work at the Edgartown Council on Aging. While on the Island, she met and fell in love with William Zelle, whom she married in 2002. Bill and Eunice were two peas in a pod, and could frequently be found traveling, kayaking, boating, or hanging around the waterfront in Edgartown — most of all, simply enjoying one another’s company.

In her late 70s, after Bill’s death, Eunice moved to Florida, where she enjoyed the second stage of her retirement, owning her own townhome, shopping, gardening, Bunco, traveling, and being with the people she loved. In Florida and throughout her life, she always enjoyed making things and giving them to people, whether it was huge pots of delicious soup; beautiful needlepoint creations to decorate the walls, or afghans, hats, and scarves to keep people warm. In 2017 she moved to Courtenay Springs Towers, and jumped right in with meeting new friends, volunteering, participating in the knitting group, and dressing up her beloved dog Annie, for every holiday occasion. Her apartment was colorfully decorated with her precious trinkets and collectibles, and a puzzle on the table. Up until her death, Eunice would be found knitting dishcloths to give to friends and painting with acrylics.

More than anything, Eunice loved life, and she loved being with her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, William (“Bill”) Zelle; by her sons, Stanley Murray Jr. and Stephen J. Murray; and by her siblings, Kenneth Smith, Augustus Smith, Harold Robins Jr., and Gertrude Robins. She is survived by her children, Patricia Oliver (John), James Murray, Michael Murray, and Erica Elliott (Mark); by her grandchildren Melissa Howell (Alex) and Neil Oliver (Nichole); by her sister Elsie Hacking (George); and by numerous extended family and friends. We are all deeply grateful to have known and loved Eunice, and to have been known and loved by her. Her memory is and will always be a blessing to us and to so many others.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Eunice’s name to St. Francis Reflections (formerly Hospice of St. Francis), online at reflectionslsc.org/donate, or by mail at 1250-B Grumman Place, Titusville, FL 32780. A memorial service is planned for the spring of 2022 in Massachusetts.

The post Eunice Shirley Zelle appeared first on The Martha's Vineyard Times.

Dorothy May (Lacombe) Gregory, 76, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at her home in West Tisbury. She was predeceased by her husband, Francis Patrick Gregory. 

Her funeral service will be held at a later date, and a complete obituary will appear in a later edition of this paper. Donations in her memory may be made to the Vineyard House, P.O. Box 4599, or Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, 111 Edgartown Road, both in Vineyard Haven, MA 02568, or to an Island charity of your choice. Visit chapmanfuneral.com for online tributes and information.

The post Dorothy May Gregory appeared first on The Martha's Vineyard Times.

Everel Adams Greene Black, of Edgartown, died at her home on August 11, 2021, at 101 years of age. 

Everel was the daughter of Louis M. and Zelda Greene. She graduated from Tisbury High School and Waltham School of Nursing. In 1941, Everel married John L. Black of Edgartown.

While raising a family, she taught 4-H to many Edgartown girls. She enjoyed fishing with her husband John, who died in 1988. She was a porcelain artist and teacher, and also painted in oils.

Everel was a direct descendant of President John Adams.

She is survived by a son, William A. Black; and daughters Jeanne Black and husband James Crave, and Shirley and husband William Wilcox; by five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild; by nieces and nephews; and by caregivers Anndra, Elaine, Cay, and Lexus. 

Funeral services for Everel will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Everel’s memory can be made to Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 1748, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.

For online tributes and more information, visit chapmanfuneral.com.

The post Everel Adams Black appeared first on The Martha's Vineyard Times.

Donald H. Lyons, 94, of West Tisbury, died at his home on August 24, 2021. He was the husband of Joan L. Merry.

A funeral service for Donald will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 1, at 5 pm at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Donald’s memory can be made to Grace Episcopal Church Mission and Outreach, P.O. Box 1197, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.

The story of Don will be told at a later date.

For online tributes and more information, visit chapmanfuneral.com.

The post Donald H. Lyons appeared first on The Martha's Vineyard Times.

Raymond H. Kellman, retired fashion photographer and longtime Chilmark resident, died on Friday, August 27, 2021, at age 97.
Raymond was born on Oct. 17, 1923, to Max Kellman, an immigrant tailor from Poland, and Mollie (née Kaplan) Kellman from Brooklyn, N.Y. His life spanned nearly a full century. He grew up in Brooklyn during the Depression along with two sisters, Ruth and Shirley. He worked for his father, pushing racks of clothing through the streets of New York City to clothing stores. As a young boy, Ray was inspired by his sisters’ fashion magazines to enter the world of photography, and saved up for his first camera at the age of 14, a Rolliecord.
His CCNY college education was interrupted by WWII, when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, where he flew B-24 bombers, eventually becoming a flight instructor until the end of the war. Prior to his time in the Army Air Corps, he met and fell in love with Lillian Strauss. They married in 1945 in her parents’ living room, the beginning of a love affair that lasted 70 years and was an inspiration to others.

After WWII, Ray began his career as a commercial fashion photographer. He was self-taught, and began photographing on the streets of Manhattan. He pioneered the use of natural light and shooting outdoors. He became a successful fashion photographer, and his photographs appeared in the New York Times magazine, Vogue, Vanity Fair, and many other magazines. He experimented with lighting, and innovated techniques. He was self-employed through his 35-year career, and mentored many assistants who went on to become successful photographers. 

Ray and Lillian raised a family of three children, Chrissie, Peter, and Lisa. Though the intensity of his work in New York kept him very busy, he always made family a priority, including summer beach outings and family travels. He also became an accomplished recorder player.

Ray and Lillian fell in love with Martha’s Vineyard, and moved here in 1980, where they formed many strong friendships and participated fully in life on the Island. It was important for Ray to give back to the community he loved so much. He served on the Conservation VCommission for 26 years, and was on the board of M.V. Community Services. He was one of the founders of the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society, helping to put on its annual summer concert series. His own music group, the Island Consort, in which he played recorder, performed at weddings and concerts for many years. He taught photography classes at the Featherstone Center for the Arts, sharing his love for photography and the arts.

Ray and Lillian traveled the world, finding particular jou in spending time in Southern France. He made connections with other musicians, leading to lifelong friendships. He enjoyed spending time in his vegetable garden on the Island, learning to bake bread, and entertain friends with delicious meals. He loved to sing, and any word could set him off into a song.

Throughout his life, Ray took pleasure in creating a beautiful home,nurturing friendships, and contributing to the life of the community he embraced. His generosity, his vitality, his humor, his engagement with people and the world at large will be missed by those he left behind, his daughter Chrissie Kellman; son Peter Kellman and wife Kim; daughter Lisa Kellman and partner Dino Lucas; his grandchildren, Michael and Matthew Kellman; and by many close friends. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Lillian Kellman.
A memorial is being planned. Donations can be made in his name to Martha’ Vineyard Community Services, 111 Edgartown Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 12568.

The post Raymond H. Kellman appeared first on The Martha's Vineyard Times.

Don Lyons died on August 24, 2021, at the age of 94, after suffering with kidney disease. Even with only his wife Joni, his nurse Fiona, and the cat as audience, Don continued singing to the very end. As Joni said, “Don was always a class act — in living and in dying.”

Don was born in Greenfield on July 15, 1927, and grew up in Floral Park, N.Y. His school activities were highlighted by music and baseball.

While studying at Bowdoin College in Maine, he was able to celebrate his lifelong delight in music by becoming a member of the Meddiebempsters, an a capella double quartet that toured nationally and overseas. He eventually directed the group.

Don postponed the completion of his studies by joining the U.S. Marines just at the end of WWII. After being stationed in China for the duration of his service, he returned to Bowdoin, where he received his bachelor’s degree.

Don married Helen Herrick, and they became the parents of Mark and Laurie. Helen died after the birth of their second child. Don and Hope Dixon were married a year later, and welcomed children Christopher, Naomi, and Beth.

Receiving his master’s at the Episcopal Theology School in Cambridge, the newly ordained Rev. Don Lyons’s initial parish was in New Hampshire. Then, in 1958, he became canon of the Cathedral of St. Paul in Boston. Following that, he became archdeacon of the Diocese of New Hampshire. He’d been recognized for his intelligence, deep faith, and his ability to lead. But his heart had always been much closer to the daily activities of ministry, and he wanted to return to parish life.

Don and his family moved to the Vineyard in 1966. He would serve for nearly two decades as rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Vineyard Haven, providing a gentle and forward-thinking leadership. The ’60s were a decade of transformation and manifestation everywhere. As an activist, Don was deeply involved in the civil rights and peace movements. At Grace Church, Don was a proponent for change, and didn’t hesitate to take on things that might challenge “the way it’s always been.”

His innovations included writing, producing, and directing biblical musicals for the 35 children in the church school. Their active participation brought their teachings alive in a way that no other art form can. So, it was an easy decision for Don to welcome the newly established Island Theatre Workshop’s Children’s Theatre, directed by Mary Payne, to sing, dance, orate, and create in the Grace Church Hall, beginning in the summer of 1968. The Lyons children were an integral part of that troupe for years, showcasing their talents and beautiful voices. Not only was Don a kind and compassionate pastor, but along with that lovely singing voice, he was gifted with being a natural actor and quick study — “born to tread the boards.” From Shakespeare to Gilbert and Sullivan, he provided decades of entertainment to Vineyard audiences. He played so many roles that a trip to the Gazette archives would be necessary to list them all. From the deepest dramas to the lilting vitality of musical comedies, Don was always a gleeful addition to any ensemble, professional and pitch-perfect on stage, and a wonderful support to all the cast and crew in the wings.

After his decades as a church leader, he retired and became the sports editor for The MV Times, no surprise as he’d been a Little League umpire for many years. Don wrote for the Times until he retired at 85.

In 1991, Don married Joni Merry. For the past three decades, their warmth and joy in each other have been palpable and infectious. How people have delighted in their casual playfulness and compatible senses of humor.

Don’s desire to create something new prompted him to make a garden on their property in West Tisbury. What he found was that there was already a “garden” — of enormous rocks. He created a fulcrum and lever to remove them nearly single-handedly. Finding himself with a huge rock collection, his curiosity provoked him to consider what he might do with this bounty. He fashioned a wooden sled to transport the rocks, and set about building stone walls all around the property, and capped the project off by building a round stone house with a roof, just to see if he could.

As a humanitarian, he was always interested in how people lived and helped each other. That interest took him and Joni across the globe, traveling to 60 countries, mainly those not generally visited by many tourists. Anyone who knows the Island knows that our Vineyard community is a varied one. As a pastor and a friend, Don provided discreet assistance and gentle kindness to many in need. He always practiced patience, and has been a teacher to so many. Always a compassionate and caring advisor, Don worked as a support to the recovery community on the Island as well as serving on several boards of directors, including Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, Island Theatre Workshop, and Camp Jabberwocky. A round window created by artist Barney Zeitz was set into the parish hall in honor of Don’s dedication and work at Grace Church.

Don was predeceased by his sister, Alice Eckhardt, and his brothers, Charlie and Eddie Lyons. He is survived by his wife, Joni Merry; his children, Mark Lyons and partner Cindy Walker of New Hampshire, and Laurie and husband Russ Redgate, and grandsons Michael and Christopher of Marstons Mills; Christopher Lyons of Florida; Naomi Lyons of Arizona; Beth Lyons of Maryland; Jennifer and husband Howie Marlin of Vineyard Haven, grandchildren Sam and Hannah, and great-grandchild Olivia Marlin; Jessica Williamson and husband Alex Czarowicz, and grandchildren Annabella, Sophia, and Thomas of Cambridge; Greg and wife Leslie Williamson of Vineyard Haven, and grandchildren Andrew and Ellie Williamson. Don is also survived by Fiona Kaweesa, his beloved and ever-present nurse from Uganda. She was assisted by the VNA Hospice of Cape and Islands.

A funeral service will be held at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury at 5 pm Wednesday, Sept. 1. Masks are mandatory.

Memorial gifts may be given to Missions and Outreach at Grace Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 1197, 34 Woodlawn Avenue, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.

The post Services Wednesday for Don Lyons appeared first on The Martha's Vineyard Times.