In Memoriam
We celebrate and honor our graduates and faculty who have passed on and send our deepest condolences to their families.
- 2020 - 2023
- 2010 - 2019
- 2000 - 2009
- 1990 - 1999
- 1980 - 1989
- 1970 - 1979
- 1960 - 1969
- 1950 - 1959
- 1940 - 1949
- 1930 - 1939
- 1920 - 1929
- Faculty/Staff
- Trustee Emeritus
2020 - 2023
2010 - 2019
2000 - 2009
2000 - 2009
- Class of 2000
- Class of 2001
- Class of 2002
- Class of 2003
- Class of 2004
- Class of 2005
- Class of 2006
- Class of 2007
- Class of 2008
- Class of 2009
Class of 2000
Class of 2001
Class of 2002
Class of 2003
Class of 2004
Class of 2005
Class of 2006
Kevin Michael Audia - December 26, 1988 - October 23, 2021
Class of 2007
Class of 2008
Class of 2009
1990 - 1999
1980 - 1989
1970 - 1979
1960 - 1969
1960 - 1969
- Class of 1960
- Class of 1961
- Class of 1962
- Class of 1963
- Class of 1964
- Class of 1965
- Class of 1966
- Class of 1967
- Class of 1968
- Class of 1969
Class of 1960
Class of 1961
Class of 1962
Porter “Skip” Griffin, III - February 13, 1944 - December 7, 2016
Gerard “Jerry” L. Lemelin - September 14, 1941 - June 5, 2021
Rev. Dr. Robert S. McKie - April 28, 1944 - June 2, 2020
Cheryl (Beecher) Morris - June 3, 1944 - July 11, 2019
James D. O’Meara - October 11, 1943 - August 28, 2019
Gail (Roarke) Sindland - October 18, 1944 - April 13, 2018
Judith Van Alstyne - May 29, 1944 - November 17, 2016
Class of 1963
Class of 1964
Class of 1965
Class of 1966
Class of 1967
Class of 1968
Gaeton Angelo English - July 20, 2021
Elizabeth E. (Walsh) Troy - March 7, 2020
Class of 1969
1950 - 1959
1950 - 1959
- Class of 1950
- Class of 1951
- Class of 1952
- Class of 1953
- Class of 1954
- Class of 1955
- Class of 1956
- Class of 1957
- Class of 1958
- Class of 1959
Class of 1950
William Anstett, Sr. - November 16, 1931 - March 21, 2017
Andre (Green) Carey - November 23, 2016 (Obituary Not Found)
Frances (Jacobs) Corey - June 20, 1932 - June 24, 2021
George C. DeMars - May 20, 1932 - February 17, 2020
Mary (Sequenzia) Dileo - October 18, 1931 - October 31, 2019
Marian (Santoro) Hall - June 5, 1932 - March 16, 2022
Frederick J.S. Humphrey - January 31, 1931 - April 15, 2017
Janet (Anderson) Miller - November 2, 2016 (Obituary Not Found)
Nancy (Kane) Sneider - September 7, 1932 - June 12, 2021
Class of 1951
John Alden Bushnell - July 26, 1933 - March 19, 2022
George C. Centrella, Sr. - April 18, 2020
Jayne "Duke" (Burwell) Gustaffson - February 20, 1933 - March 29, 2022
Nancy Ann (MacCallum) Hudon - May 10, 1933 - July 22, 2021
Ann (Kenney) Lizotte - November 3, 1933 - January 2, 2018
William Chester Sesko - August 22, 1933 - July 30, 2020
Class of 1952
Charlene (Whiting) Blatt - January 24, 1934 - August 19, 1993
Leverett Clark - December 26, 1934 - August 13, 2021
Fouad "Fred" G. Ferris - October 25, 1934 - March 28, 2021
Diana (Beach) Hine - January 24, 1934 - December 24, 2021
Jacqueline (Asselin) Mottai - August 3, 1934 - November 23, 2021
Mary (Darling) Ransom - November 21, 1934 - May 27, 2021
Class of 1953
Maurice “Moe” Asselin - July 29, 1935 - November 22, 2019
Yvonne Beaudoin - May 8, 1935 - December 3, 2019
Mary (Vernali) Brady - May 3, 1934 - June 28, 2021
John "Jack" Milton Darcey - January 2, 1936 - January 9, 2022
Joan (Hoxie) Diemel - March 22, 1935 - February 20, 2021
Clara (DeSanti) Haburey - August 12, 1934 - April 14, 2022
Mildred "Milly" (Williams) Hudak - May 21, 1936 - February 1, 2022
John P. Lavieri - August 21, 1935 February 12, 2022
Mary (English) Mastrobattista - June 19, 1935 - March 2, 2020
John Charles Miller - December 9, 1935 - January 11, 2021
Mildred (Buzinsky) Petrunti - June 13, 1935 - January 16, 2022
Ivan S. Sharfman - December 6, 1934 - May 16, 2022
Robert C. Sullivan - April 16, 1932 - October 18, 2021
Ann (English) Bodey Travaglini - February 14, 1935 - December 23, 2019
Anthony Veneziano - May 16, 1934 - March 20, 2017
Class of 1954
Anthony Casciani, Jr - August 2, 1936 - April 8, 2022
Curtis K. Case - April 12, 1936 - January 17, 2020
Walter Farnham - April 5, 2021
Henry W. Haburey, Sr. - September 19, 2019
David James Pequignot - August 16, 1936 - January 26, 2021
Edward Carlton Slater - August 21, 2021
Joan Pelkey Sjoberg - January 15, 2021
Gail (Gramlich) Vincent - May 26, 1936 - September 13, 2021
James H. Wadhams - December 30, 1936 - April 4, 2020
Shirley (Dwyer) Williamson - January 14, 2022
Class of 1955
Jane (Moseley) Bronk - March 21, 2021
Richard Lee Capocefalo - September 27, 1935 - October 20, 2016
Richard M. Dings - July 21, 1937 - August 7, 2016
Suzanne (Turner) Dooley - December 12, 1936 - December 18, 2021
Leo P. Fracasso, Jr - July 9, 2021
Robert D. Herdling - January 13, 1937 - November 9, 2019
Norma (Lovely) Jarvis - December 6, 1937 - June 10, 2020
Ellenjayne “EJ” (McCurdy) King - October 27, 1937 - August 4, 2019
Nancy (Busher) Murphy - October 12, 1937 - May 14, 2020
Jeanette (Beecher) O'Brien May 23, 2022
Class of 1956
Pasquale S. Bazzano August 25, 1936 - March 4, 2017
Jacqueline (Carter) DeSantis March 18, 1936 - June 2, 2021
Jane (Raymond) Eschenbaum July 30, 1938 - September 4, 2021
Marion (Kucineski) Kelley December 1, 1938 - July 9, 2017
Beverly (Jenkins) Odell May 9, 1939 - November 26, 2019
Joyce (Cadrain) Roberts April 24, 1938 - December 30, 2021
Linda Marie (Gallant) Smith - March 14, 2021 - No obituary found
Class of 1957
Phyllis (Johnson) Case - November 1, 1939 - March 30, 2017
Thomas J. Davis - August 8, 1938 - May 6, 2022
Nancy (Pickard) Gibbs - April 20, 1939 - November 1, 2019
George Koenemund - January 5, 2020
Garfield “Gary” LaFountain - February 27, 2020
Shirley Ann (Onion) Martinez - January 10, 2021
William Ostrowsey - December 26, 1932 - August 6, 2016
John J. Phillips - January 11, 1940 - May 2, 2021
Wilbur Smith - September 4, 1939 - August 8, 2019
Paul Stotler - September 23, 2019
Charles K. Schwartz - March 3, 1939 - February 14, 2022
Edward N. Weaving - May 4, 2020
Carolyn A. (Robbins) Zucco - April 23, 1939 - December 1, 2019
Class of 1958
Class of 1959
Bernardino "Bernie" Nanni - June 25, 1940 - September 27, 2021
Anne "Boo" (Boothe) Pharo - November 12, 1941 - February 23, 2022
Judith (Wetmore) Puhalski - October 2, 1940 - June 10, 2019
Donna (Dickerman) Rohkohl - February 28, 1941 - August 26, 2017
Margaret “Peggy” (O’Neill) Veretto - October 8, 1940 - August 27, 2019
1940 - 1949
1940 - 1949
- Class of 1940
- Class of 1941
- Class of 1942
- Class of 1943
- Class of 1944
- Class of 1945
- Class of 1946
- Class of 1947
- Class of 1948
- Class of 1949
Class of 1940
Class of 1941
Class of 1942
Mary Kay (Coffey) Davey - April 28, 1924 - November 2, 2019
Mae (Gillette) Fecto - October 2, 1924 - November 12, 2019
Josephine LaGamba - February 2, 1924 - October 13, 2019
Frederick F. Leeney - June 2, 1924 - January 17, 2017
Douglas Edmond Roberts - October 2, 1924 - May 3, 2022
Class of 1943
Class of 1944
Class of 1945
Anthony "Skitch" Aquilino - July 12, 1928 - January 21, 2022
Arlene (Beecher) Cote - October 31, 1926 - February 9, 2022
Gloria (Spranzo) Delaney - July 31, 1927 - June 14, 2021
C. John DiCara - December 31, 1927 - December 9, 2021
Martha (Baker) Hills - June 16, 1928 - October 29, 2016
Grace L. (Paxcia) Kulinski - November 6, 1927 - January 16, 2021
Maria (Lavieri) Sollitto - February 17, 1927 - December 30, 2021
Class of 1946
William Bernard Brady - July 29, 1928 - April 3, 2015
Thelma (Pedersen) Dalene - February 24, 1928 - October 29, 2019
Ernestine (Ferrante) Narducci - September 9, 1030 - January 30, 2020
Michael Noviasky - June 7, 1926 - December 14, 2019
Mary Pappalardo - January 31, 1927 - November 13, 2018
Calvin Stewart - February 2, 1924 - August 5, 2021
William E. Welcome, Sr. - June 29, 1928 - August 10, 2021
Class of 1947
Margaret “Peggy” (Sampson) Carcano - May 2, 1929 - December 15, 2019
Arleen (Jacobs) Fecto - October 16, 1929 - April 5, 2021
Maurice “Moe” Grasso - April 5, 1929 - December 30, 2019
Rita (Lachat) King - April 26, 1929 - October 18, 2016
Zita (Darcey) Olson - July 5, 1929 - September 3, 2016
Delma (Desci) Perry - October 18, 1929 - November 7, 2019
Shirley (Witman) Pixley - May 5, 1927 - February 15, 2021
Class of 1948
Class of 1949
Willy Bakken - July 21, 2021 (no obituary found)
Rosemarie A. Bosco - May 19, 1931 - March 16, 2022
Joan (MacCallum) Bunch - October 8, 1930 - July 26, 2021
Henry Castonguay - November 28, 1929 - July 16, 2015
Cynthia (Plante) DeMartino - February 26, 1931 - August 27, 2021
Caroline (Olszanski) Franz - June 14, 1930 - July 18, 2021
Gloria (Kitteredge) Grasso - March 12, 1931 - October 20, 2021
Shirley (Nanni) Guerard - August 3, 1930 - June 25, 2020
Roger William Jones - February 2, 1932 - February 5, 2022
Paul F. Julian - April 13, 1930 - April 7, 2020
Francis Lambour - June 20, 1931 - December 8, 2016
Sylvia (Pinney) Mullen - April 3, 1931 - February 15, 2018
Marion (Pease) Naegelen - December 3, 2019
Elizabeth "Betty Ann" (Clauss) Rogers - August 2, 1931 - February 8, 2022
Charles Useforge - January 21, 1929 - March 15, 2017
Jeanne (Lachat) Wilcox - April 20, 1930 - May 26, 2020
Elaine (Johnson) Williams - June 15, 1931 - December 25, 2022
1930 - 1939
1920 - 1929
Faculty/Staff
Faculty and Staff
- Ernest Barker
- Joan Campi
- John Dombrowski
- David Gewanter
- Richard T. Healy
- Maryann Reynolds
- Edward Keeley
Ernest Barker
September 14, 1945 - April 12, 2019
Former long-time faculty member of The Gilbert School, from 1974 – 1999, Ernest Barker taught, art, crafts and supervised activities such as Raku Pottery, the Art Club and the Guitar Club. He contributed much to the intellectual growth of many young students and consistently expressed support for the school and its philosophy.
Mr. Barker’s retirement from Gilbert allowed him to pursue his passion to investigate and create. He was a sculptor, painter, potter, wrote three books, and lectured as his ancestor, Frederick Lucas, who served during the Civil War. He also owned the Artists’ Path gallery.
After his passing, many of Mr. B’s former students and former colleagues expressed their thoughts on what a talented, caring, and inspirational teacher he was, as well as a warm and generous man.
He was a kind and caring gentleman. I know that he was beloved at Gilbert, yet I met him in his “retirement” years, as he thrived as an artist and history writer. Sending heartfelt sympathy to his family, whom he held so dear. Deirdre Houlihan DiCara, ‘73
I was just thinking of him recently. As an artist and teacher now for 30+ years, I can say he was a model of bringing humanity and wonder to the world. Jim Langer, ‘82
Joan Campi
John Dombrowski
David Gewanter
December 14, 1947 - April 15, 2022
David Gewanter was a highly regarded mathematics and physics teacher. Mr. Gewanter brought his talents to The Gilbert School science department at the end of his impressive teaching career, from which he retired in 2021. A former student said that he taught students “to be honest to themselves and others, to learn by doing, and to make the most of your lives.” Both in and out of the classroom, he always taught that gratitude and joy were essential to good living, and emphasized the importance of love and kindness in all one’s affairs.
Richard T. Healy
June 3, 1931 - October 1, 2021
Richard T. Healy began his long career at The Gilbert School as a social studies and history teacher in 1957. In 1963 he traded the classroom for the guidance office and counseled students as a guidance counselor from 1963 to 1973. Mr. Healy then ultimately served as Gilbert’s vice-principal for more than 20 years, retiring in 1981.
Maryann Reynolds
Maryann Reynolds
Maryann Reynolds, March 2020: Mrs. Maryann Reynolds taught art at The Gilbert School from 1972 to 1994. She was a beloved faculty member, enthusiastic and devoted teacher, and influential mentor to countless students.
From the Family of Maryann Reynolds: “With great sadness we report the death of Gilbert’s much admired and respected Art Teacher, Maryann Reynolds. She left the Gilbert Family unexpectedly due to undetected pancreatic cancer. Interestingly, prior to her untimely death Maryann had been receiving letters from ex-students from around the country remembering not only the solid background in art fundamentals that she provided students but also her compassionate, nurturing, and sincere disposition in and out of the classroom. Many will remember the outstanding projects she and her students created that decorated the halls and rooms of Gilbert School for Homecoming, Graduation, and school concerts and events. Together with her husband Jack, a former member of the Gilbert English Department, Maryann took students on many cultural adventures which included major museums and Broadway plays in New York City, music concerts, as well as schooner sailing adventures off the coast of Maine. During retirement Maryann became an accomplished baker selling her goods regionally in Maine, whose quality was praised by baking instructors at King Arthur Flour. She is survived by husband Jack, daughter Maria, son Alex, four grandchildren - William, Max, Dominic, Una, and sister Rose. She is missed and will be remembered.”
To reach out to Jack and family: 189 Meeting House Rd., Solon, ME 04979
Upon the occasion of her retirement, Dr. Robert F. Gazda, Former Headmaster of The Gilbert School had this to say about her: “Mrs. Reynolds taught at The Gilbert School for twenty-two years. I had the pleasure of working with her the two years prior to her retirement in June, 1994, and during that time, she accented herself as a dedicated, committed, and extremely capable educator. Her ability to establish and maintain a positive rapport with the wide variety of students she served helped create a classroom environment which was productive and fun! Mrs. Reynolds’ projection of a sincere and infectious enthusiasm for both art and for education in general was key to her success. Outside of class, she was always willing to extend herself to young people. Mrs. Reynolds was always first to volunteer for any duty and assignment. She interacted extremely well with the faculty and staff and often shared her astute and valuable perspectives with the administration.”
Gerri Griswold, Class of 1975 perhaps said it best: “Sad news from Maine where our beloved Gilbert School art teacher, Maryann Reynolds passed away from cancer. She was the most gentle creature, a whisper of a woman, an inspiration, a cheering squad, and a den mother to the humble, brilliant, and talented misfits that made up my posse – Steve Gauthier, Bill Heath, David Lasko and David Cuatt. She made the torture of high school less painful and a hell of a lot of fun. RIP . . . you may now spread your special kindness to those in another dimension . . . Those lucky souls.”
Thank you for your love and dedication to your colleagues and students. Rest in Peace, Mrs. Reynolds.
Edward Keeley
January 15, 1932 - February 24, 2021
Former long-time faculty member of The Gilbert School, Edward F. Keeley, passed away on February 24, 2021. Mr. Keeley directed The Gilbert School band program as instrumental teacher and conductor of bands from 1964 – 1988. Mr. Keeley organized the Laurel City Summer Band with concerts in the park, created The Gilbert School Summer Music Program for students, and conducted The Pleasant Valley Players musical theater orchestra for many years.
Mr. Keeley contributed much to the growth of generations of students. With his ability to motivate and inspire he impacted many lives as a musician and educator. He leaves a lasting legacy at The Gilbert School.
Mr. Keeley’s retirement from Gilbert allowed him to pursue his many and varied interests in cooking, gardening, travel, and golf, and to enjoy UCONN Women’s Basketball, Hartford Symphony concerts and his greatest passion – his family.
After his passing, many of Mr. Keeley’s former students and former colleagues expressed their thoughts on what a caring, inspirational, and talented teacher he was, as well as a vivacious, humorous, warm and generous man.
This is awful news, but somehow appropriate that he be remembered during the month where we celebrate music education. Ed was a force of nature, and his students thought so highly of him. There are stories of him needing a tuba player and walking down to the cafe during lunch and finding the tallest student he could find and saying, "Hello, I would like you to play tuba in the band". The student didn't know what to do, so he just agreed! Ed will be sorely missed but his impact on music and Gilbert certainly lives on. – Scott Minnerly, Band Director, Music Teacher - The Gilbert School
Just got the news that my amazing high school band director, Edward Keeley, passed away a few days ago. To know The Gilbert School in the 60’s, 70’s and ‘80’s was to know Mr. Keeley. I always marveled at the fact that in a school of less than 500 students, over 100 found their way to first period lunch and then band. My first trips to Florida, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Boston were because of this man and his wonderful wife. And for four years of band practice, private practice, concerts, parades, and sporting events, we got zero credit on our report cards, but what we received in personal growth was immeasurable. Thank you, Mr. Keeley from the bottom of my heart. May you rest peacefully and bring your beautiful music to the heavens and beyond. – Paul Gallo, 1985
The world has become decidedly less exceptional. Mr. Edward Keeley directed the Gilbert School Jazz Band, Concert Band, and Marching Band, all of which I was a part. He challenged us with the most remarkable arrangements; let me tell you, UCONN Concert Band was dim compared to the light we lit! We played those challenging arrangements and we played them well because of Mr. Keeley! Exchange concerts were creative and fun. Summer band brightened Wednesday evenings in the park. Being part of band got me through high school. I loved every minute. Thank you, Mr. Keeley! --Jane Stoltze Loftus, 1982
I’ve dreaded this day for so long …. What a blessing it was to have been able to connect and converse with Mr. Keeley on Facebook. He was my mentor throughout High School, and taught me to excel, achieve, and triumph. (E.A.T.) I love him for everything he stood for and a good part of him will always move forward with me through life, giving back to the ones I teach. My condolences to your whole family and to us, The gilbert School Family, Thank you Ed. – Joseph Smith, 1987
He was an inspiration and mentor to so many over his decades of wondrous achievement at Gilbert. Parents and students all adored his good nature and humor. He took what Ma Sonier and others who were involved in the music program at Gilbert started to an extraordinary level. RIP my friend – Jim Cormier, 1984
When I first saw him on Facebook a few year ago, he asked how my trumpet was . . . I was amazed that he would remember me and what I played. He had a good mix of pushing you to do better, praising you when you did well, being serious when he needed to and letting off some steam when he needed to also. My band time was among my favorite time in high school – Ron Mele, 1978
Mr. Keeley taught us more than the love and appreciation of music. He gave us a safe place to be different and to see parts of our world some of us would never have had the chance to see. More than anything for me, he taught respect -- for him, for others, and for myself. To see the gifts of others and to show us what could be achieved through hard work and dedication. -- Joyce Ann Gallo, 1987
Losing a beloved teacher is tough, but this is especially tough because Mr. Keeley affected all of us, even those not in band. He set the standard for the music department and encouraged everyone to rise to it and give their best. Oh yes, and learn from his example. -- Lynn Schnier, 1975
THE EDWARD KEELEY MEMORIAL FUND
A music department memorial find has been set up by the W. L. Gilbert Trust in Mr. Keeley’s memory. Anyone wishing to make a donation may send a check to the W. L. Gilbert Trust Corporation, with the memo line marked Edward Keeley Memorial Fund, and mail to The Gilbert School, 200 Williams Avenue, Winsted, CT 06098. Donations may also be made via The Gilbert School website by clicking on the link and listing the Edward Keeley Memorial Fund in the special instructions.
All donations will benefit The Gilbert School Music Department.
Trustee Emeritus
This list is not complete and will be revised on a regular basis.
Please send information for our In Memoriam page to gilbertalumni@gilbertschool.org.