Still Missing You
They say there is a reason
They say that time will heal,
But neither time nor reason
will change the way we feel.
For no one knows the heartache
that lies behind our smiles,
No one knows how many times
we have broken down and cried.
We want to tell you something
so there won't be any doubt;
You're so wonderful to think of
but so hard to be without.
We cannot bring the old days back,
when we were all together,
But the memories we made at school,
will live in our hearts forever.
Author Unknown
Classmates who are no longer with us:
Patrick Allen, Thomas Beaudoin, William Biggart, Gary Borkowski, Judith Brent, Lester Briggs, Bruce Coe, Peter Daly, Donna Dixon, Wayne Ferdyn, Patricia Fish, Larry George, Sally Gokey, Heidi Hansen, Sandra Higgins, Melinda Jansen, Tim KIrby, Mariann Mawhinney, Thomas May, Robert Mixer, Michael Moran, Dennis O'Keefe, Davis Pafenbach, Joseph Posik, Bettijean Russell, Janet Snyder, Jeffrey Torres, Dan Walden, Wesley Warren, and Sandra Wendling.
Obituaries of many of our classmates have been found and recorded below. If there is an obituary missing, it is only because it was not found through a Google search. If anyone has any information on those who have missing information, please contact [email protected] and this list of memories will gladly be updated.
Patrick Allen
Thomas Beaudoin
William Biggart 7/1/48 - 2/8/16
William Henry Biggart,III, 67, of 329 North Street, Dalton, died Monday, February 8, 2016, at Hillcrest Commons. Born in Pittsfield on July 1, 1948, a son of Mary Jean Cormier Biggart and the late William H. Biggart, Jr., he was a 1967 graduate of Wahconah Regional High School. A Viet Nam War veteran, Mr. Biggart enlisted with the United States Navy on August 20, 1968, served more than a year and a half aboard the USS Diamond Head, and was honorably discharged on May 1, 1970. He was then transferred to the Naval Reserves. Mr. Biggart had been employed by General Electric Company where he had been an assembler for twenty five years. He was a member of American Legion Post 155 in Dalton. He enjoyed going to classic car shows with his friend, Jim Chivers.
Gary Borkowski 12/30/48 - 6/5/15
Gary J. Borkowski, 66, resident of Jackson, passed away at Vibra Hospital, Springfield, MA on Friday, June 5, 2015 of complications from a stroke. Born December 30, 1948, he was the son of the late William, Sr. and Sophie (Wojtlowski) Borkowski, Plymouth MA. Gary graduated from Wahconah Regional High School in Dalton MA. He was proud to be a veteran of the Vietnam War, and of his years at General Electric in Pittsfield. He loved good food, folk and country music, was a guitar enthusiast, photographer, painter, and an avid fly fisherman, especially along the Battenkill River.
Judith Brent 4/2/49 - 5/2/00
Lester Briggs 10/18/02
Bruce Coe 5/6/49 - 4/24/02
Bruce E. Coe, 52, of Lutz, FL, formerly of Pittsfield, died April 24, 2002 at home. Born May 6, 1949, in Pittsfield, son of Vera C. Bemis Coe of Pittsfield and the late George E. Coe, he graduated from Wahconah Regional High School in Dalton. He moved to Florida in October 1982. Mr. Coe served in the Army National Guard. He was employed by General Electric for 10 years. At the time of his death, he had been employed by Express Metal Co. in Tampa, FL for 19 years. He enjoyed collecting antiques and visiting flea markets. He leaves two sons, Timothy and Jeffrey Coe, both of Pittsfield.
Peter Daly
Donna Dixon 6/30/49 - 8/2/17
Donna Jean Hatchell, 68, of Timmonsville, died on Wednesday, August 2, 2017. Donna was born in Pittsfield, Massachusettes. She was the daughter of the late Stanley L. Dixon and Ethel (Deangelus) Dixon. Donna lived for her family and enjoyed every moment with them. Surviving are her husband, Jack Hatchell, and children, Michael Carmel (Janel), the late Gary "Pooh" Brazee (Edith), Jack Hatchell Jr. (Carey), Amanda McCurdy (Brian), Robert Hatchell, Sebastian Hatchell, Nathan Hatchell, and Christopher Hatchell; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; brother Stanley "Moe" Dixon, and close family friend, Robbie Keith (China).
Wayne Ferdyn 9/17/49 - 1/28/09
Wayne Ferdyn, 59, died Jan. 28, 2009 in Manchester, VT. He was born in Pittsfield MA, Sept. 17, 1949 to Zigmund and Janice (Philbrick) Ferdyn. He graduated from Wahconah Regional High School in Dalton, MA, and attended Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield, MA. He served 10 years in the US Army National Guard. He was a dedicated and spirited salesman, most recently working 11 years with Niigata Daiichi. He enjoyed playing golf, fly-fishing, talking shop, and spending time with his family. He was especially proud of his children, and of coaching Pop Warner and high school football in Manchester. He leaves two sons, Toby Ferdyn of Essex, VT and Kyle Ferdyn of Hampton, and two grandchildren, Trey and Kira Ferdyn. He will be remembered as a kind and generous person, who always put others before himself.
Patricia Fish 3/17/49-12/1/73
Patricia Fish Stucklen, born on March 17, 1949, died suddenly of leukemia on December 1, 1973. She leaves her husband, Frederic Stucklen and two children: Tracy, age 3 and Richard, age 1. Patricia was the daughter of Harvey and Uke Fish of Washington MA, and sister to 3 brothers and 2 sisters. She was a 1967 graduate of Wahconah Regional High School and studied nursing at St. Luke's Hospital in Pittsfield MA.
Larry George 8/18/49 - 11/24/13
Lawrence Joseph George, 64, of Chapel Hill, NC, died Sunday, November 24, 2013, as a result of an automobile accident in Williamstown, MA. Born on August 18, 1949, in Pittsfield MA, he was the son of Lucille Fischer George and the late Lawrence Clarence George. A native of Dalton, MA, he graduated from Wahconah Regional High School. He subsequently attended Berkshire Community College for two years before matriculating to Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering technology. Lawrence was currently employed at the Williams College Science Center as an Instrument Support and Electronics Technician. He previously was employed in a similar position in the chemistry department at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC. He was an avid hiker, whitewater kayaker and cyclist. He was also a licensed amateur radio operator with a First Class Commercial Radio-Telephone license from the Federal Communications Commission. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Patricia Kenney George, as well as his son, Joseph Thomas George, both of Chapel Hill, NC.
Sally Gokey 7/22/49 - 2/25/15
Sally Eileen Gokey, 65, of 55 Spring Street, Pittsfield, MA, died Wed., Feb. 25, 2015 at Berkshire Medical Center. Born on July 22, 1949 in Pittsfield, she was a daughter of the late Stephen and Edith Payson Gokey. She was a 1967 graduate of Wahconah Regional High School and attended Berkshire Community College. She was last employed for the Hilton Hotel where she ran the gift shop for five years, prior to that she had been employed by Olan Mills Photography for many years. She had been active at the Cardiac Rehab at BMC for 15 years and had over 1500 visits. She enjoyed music and animals, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and family. She is survived by her son, David Gokey and his wife, Kersten, of Colorado Springs, CO, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Heidi Hansen 7/14/49 - 9/10/16
Heidi A.(Hansen) Nugent, 67, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on September 10, 2016. She was born in Port Chester, NY on July 14, 1949, daughter of Fred T. Hansen and Doris E. (Mortenson) Hansen. She lived in Washington, MA her whole life. Heidi married William H. Nugent on September 9, 1979. Heidi had three step-children, Brenda Childs, Joanne Roe, and William Nugent Jr. and their families. Heidi started her education after high school earning an Associates Degree. She went on to receive her undergraduate degree at Vermont College of Norwich University. Heidi earned her degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies with a specialization in Holistic Health from the Graduate School of the Union Institute and University. She believed in and practiced holistic alternatives throughout her life. She loved living on her farm and caring for her many animals, especially her beloved dogs. She enjoyed knitting and sewing. Her biggest joy was teaching yoga and holistic alternatives at BCC workshops, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, and at the Washington Town Hall. Heidi worked for Berkshire Community College from 1970-2010 in various positions in the Business Office. She retired as a Purchasing Agent. She was predeceased by her husband, William Nugent, on October 27, 2014.
Sandra Higgins 8/15/49 - 3/18/12
Sandra Higgins Parks, a longtime resident of Plainfield, died Sunday, March 18, 2012, at Mount Greylock Extended Care Facility in Pittsfield of complications from Multiple Sclerosis. The daughter of Bertha Irish Higgins and the late Richard Higgins, Sandy was born August 15, 1949, and grew up in West Cummington. She graduated from Wahconah Regional High School and Greenfield Community College. On April 11, 1970 she married her high school sweetheart, Russell Parks, and in 1976 they built their home in Plainfield where they raised their three daughters. Sandy was a talented craftswoman who loved to sew, knit and quilt. In the early 1980s, Sandy founded Pine Knoll Knits, a company specializing in knitwear for children with physical disabilities. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed gardening. She researched her family"s genealogy dating back to the 1700s. Sandy was diagnosed with MS in 1985. She courageously battled this disease as it quickly progressed and prevented her from enjoying the activities she loved so much. Her graciousness, wonderful sense of humor and good manners remained strong and all those who cared for her until the end were as deeply saddened as her family. She leaves her husband, Russell Parks, her daughters Wendy Somers, Sara Parks, and Amy Parks, son-in-law Keith Somers and two grandchildren.
Melinda Jansen
Timothy Kirby 6/24/49-7/26/17
Timothy F. Kirby, 68, of Barnstable, MA, passed peacefully at the McCarthy Care Center of Hope Hospice in Sandwich, MA. on July 26, 2017, after a courageous battle with lymphoma. Born in Pittsfield on June 24, 1949, the son of the late William E. "Spud" Kirby and Martha R. Kirby, he is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Marguerite Kirchner Kirby, and his son, John Kirby (Deirdre). He is also survived by his brothers: Dr. Craig Kirby (Patricia), and Christopher Kirby (Kristen), and four nieces and nephews: Katherine (Aaron), Matthew, Brendan, and Melissa. Tim retired after a 30 year career with Proctor and Gamble. He was active in his hometown of Dalton, serving on the Select Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, as president of the Dalton Little League, and as a referee for the Dalton Youth Football Program. He officiated football at the youth, high school, and collegiate levels, ultimately as an ECAC official. He was a lifelong member of the Elks organization, and a long time member of Wahconah Country Club.
Mariann Mawhinney 9/6/49 - 1/31/04
Mariann M. Jacobs, 54, of 46 Franklin Street, Dalton, died Saturday at home. Born in Pittsfield, MA on Sept. 6, 1949, daughter of John J. and Regina Foley Mawhinney, she was raised in Dalton and graduated from Wahconah Regional High School. She also graduated from Berkshire Community College with an Associate Degree in art in 1969. Mrs. Jacobs was a waitress at Friendly"s Restaurant in the Allendale Shopping Center in Pittsfield for 25 years, until leaving in 1993. She was a communicant of St, Agnes Church. She enjoyed animals, music and going to Truro and Provincetown on Cape Cod. She leaves two daughters, Karyn Jacobs of Boston and Jennifer Jacobs of Dalton, and her longtime companion, Gordan Soldato of Pittsfield.
Thomas May
Robert MIxer
Michael Moran
Dennis O"Keefe 11/6/49 - 11/1/06
Dennis G. O'Keefe, 56, of Lower Makefield Township, PA, died Wed. at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia. Born in Dalton on Nov. 6, 1949, son of Eugene and Marjorie Fuller O'Keefe, he was a 1967 graduate of Wahconah Regional High School, where he served as class president for four years. He was also a 1968 graduate of Mount Herman Prep School, and a 1972 graduate of Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine where he received his bachelor's degree. He resided in Lower Makefield Township for the past 25 years. A Marine Corps veteran, he served in Vietnam from 1973 until being honorably discharged with the rank of first lieutenant in 1975. Mr. O'Keefe was an insurance consultant for more than 25 years, working for himself and various insurance and financial companies. He enjoyed golf and was a member of the Yardley PA Country Golf Club and American Legion Post 155 in Dalton. He leaves his wife of 29 years, Rosalie Leone O'Keefe, a son, Brian O'Keefe currently studying in Italy, and three daughters, Meagan O;Keefe of Philadelphia, Lauren O'Keefe of Boston and Erin O'Keefe of Lower Makefield Township. Dennis will be remembered as a loving husband, father, son, and brother.
David Pafenbach 11/11/48 - 9/26/05
David S. Pafenbach, 56, of 994 Shaw Road died Mon., Sept. 26, 2005 at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield after a short illness. Born in Pittsfield on Nov. 11, 1948, son of Fred and Phyllis Sargent Pafenbach. He was a graduate of Wahconah Regional High School, a member of the First Congregational Church of Dalton, and was a veteran who served in the Air Force in Vietnam. Mr. Pafenbach was a machinist at Lander Inc., in Pittsfield. Previously, he worked as a papermaker at Crane & Company in Dalton for 25 years. He was also a supervisor at Schweitzer-Mauduit in Lee. He enjoyed trains, sail boating, and his golden retrievers. He leaves his wife, Patricia Walker, whom he married in 1999, and three daughters, Jennifer Lander and Carrie Aherne, both of Pittsfield, and Lisa Cyr of Belchertown, and seven grandchildren.
Joseph Posik 9/12/49 - 7/13/15
Joseph A. Posik, 65, of Decatur, IL died July 13, 2015 at Decatur Memorial Hospital after a short illness. Joe's remains were donated to the Chicago Anatomical Gift Society for research. Joe was born September 12, 1949 in Freeport, Long Island, NY the son of William and Mabel Posik. In 1963 the family relocated to Windsor, MA. Joe was educated in public schools and graduated from Wahconah Regional High School in 1967. He also attended Santa Ana Community College in CA. Joe was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and faced his predicament with humor and courage. Joe enjoyed computers and was an avid Diablo player.
Bettijean Russell
Janet Snyder 12/10/49 - 4/2/16
Janet E. (Snyder) Marchetti, 66, a life long resident of Pittsfield and winter resident of Largo, FL, passed away unexpectedly on Sat., April 2, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. She is the beloved wife of Anthony Marchetti to whom she was married for 40 years. She was born in Pittsfield, MA on Dec. 10, 1949, the daughter of John and Elaine Snyder. She attended schools in Dalton and graduated from Wahconah Regional High School in 1967. She then went on to receive a degree from Becker College. Prior to her retirement, Janet worked for many years in the Pittsfield Public Schools as a baker in the cafeteria. She also worked at the Big Y Supermarket in Pittsfield. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary in Dunedin, FL, and she enjoyed traveling with her husband. In addition to her husband, Janet leaves two sons, John Marchetti and his wife Kimberly of Seminole, FL, and Michael Marchetti and his wife Melissa of Pittsfield, and one grandson, Noah Anthony, who was the light of her life.
Jeffrey Torres
Wesley Warren 10/3/48 - 3/23/07
Wesley J. Warren, 58, of 32 Colman Drive, Wolcott CT, a native of Dalton. died Friday at home. Born on Oct. 3, 1948, son of Fred and Elaine Hart Warren, he graduated from Wahconah Regional High school and Springfield Technical Community College. He received a bachelor degree in print technology/photographic science from Rochester Institute of Technology and his master degree in business administration from the University of New Haven in CT. He served three years in the Army during the Vietnam War, two of those years in Germany. Mr, Warren was employed by Midland Paper in Westport, CT in print production management, Previously, he had been employed by Executive Greetings Inc., in New Hartford, CT and by Atlas Editions/Newfield Publications and Field Publications. He recently had become a member of the Certified Purchasing Managers Association. He enjoyed woodworking and was a fan of the New England Patriots. He and his wife, the former Linda Knappe, would have celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in May. Besides his wife, he leaves two sons, Shawn Warren of Meriden CT, and Jason Warren, currently stationed at Fort Wainwright in Alaska, and a daughter, Erica Warren of Wolcott, CT.
Daniel Walden 9/18/49-7/11/17
Daniel W. Walden, 67, of 181 High Street, Dalton, passed away on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at Berkshire Medical Center after a courageous battle with leukemia. Born in Pittsfield, he was the son of the late William and Kathleen Honiker Walden. A lifelong Dalton resident, he was educated in Dalton schools and was a 1967 graduate of Wahconah Regional High School. He also attended the New England Automotive School in Connecticut. Dan was employed as an assembler for twenty-seven years at General Electric, where he also served as a union steward. He retired in 1999. After his retirement, he joined Abbott's Limousine & Livery Service in Lee as a transportation specialist where he worked for the past sixteen years. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He was a member of the Midnight Cruisers Car Club and a longtime fan of the New England Patriots. He also enjoyed doing car restorations. He leaves his wife, Cheryl Burgess Walden of Dalton whom he married on October 24, 1970, three daughters: Kristen Walden-Farley and her husband Todd of Dalton, Carrie Walden and her significant other Brendan Farrell of Dalton, and Katie Walden and her significant other Matthew Zurawik of Dalton; a son, Paul Burgess of Lanesboro and a sister, Debra Helms and her husband, Jerry of Hinsdale. He also leaves his eight grandchildren, Jacob, Alyssa, Taylor, Brady, Layla, Evan, Caleb, and Kiara, as well as his best friend, Don Pelkey of Windsor.
Sandra Wendling 7/11/49-11/25/13
Sandra L. Behne, 64, of D4 Woodstream Dr., Pittsfield, died Monday at Berkshire Medical Center. Born on July 11, 1949 in Pittsfield, she was the daughter of the late Charles F. Wendling Sr. and the late Evelyn Bordeau Wendling. A Dalton native, she had resided in Pittsfield since 1999. She was educated in the Dalton schools and was the owner and operator along with her husband of Beaumonde Fashions, a clothing and fashion shop with stores in Gt. Barrington and Pittsfield. She had also worked in the banking industry and at Crane & Company in Dalton. She was a communicant of St. Agnes Church. An avid gardner, she also loved to shop and follow the fashion industry. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her family and grandchildren. She leaves her husband, Christian H. Behne Jr. of Pittsfield whom she married on February 24, 1990, a son, Michael E. O'Keefe Jr. of Pittsfield, her twin daughters: Alicia M. Trask and her husband Bryan of Hooksett, NH and Brigitte L. Dougherty and her husband Scott of Lenox MA; two brothers: Gerald Wendling and his wife Doreen of Dalton and Robert C. Wendling and his wife Jamie of Pittsfield; four sisters: Nancy Tripp of Florida, Debra Montgomery and her husband James of Arizona, Judith Morrisey of California, and Doreen Daly and her husband Lawrence of Pittsfield. She also leaves eight grandchildren. She was predeceased by a daughter, Colleen O'Keefe and by a son, Edward O'Keefe, by two brothers: Charles F. Wendling Jr. and Clement Gage, and by a sister, Lois Porter. She was also predeceased by a grandson, Joshua R. O'Keefe.