HADLEY, Walter Hoffman died peacefully at home with his girls by his side on October 15, 2019. Born in Alexandria, VA on 12 October 1941, Walter was a long time South Amherst resident and moved to Hadley 15 years ago.
In 1967 he joined the Amherst Fire Department and was promoted to Lieutenant 1974. Upon retirement, he worked as a dish washer for what is now known as Kelly’s Restaurant, where he then became one of the group at table 1 for coffee and laughs each morning. After his wife passed in 2012, he joined and attended the AA meetings at several locations and looked forward to those meeting each week. He got involved in traveling to other locations to give his talk on how important it was to him to stop drinking and what he had missed over the years behind the bottle. He was able to give his final talk at the AA meeting the Friday before his death, thank you to all of the nurses at CDH 3rd floor north for helping him meet one of his final wishes. Walt was sober for close to 8 years and his girls were very proud of him. He was President of the Amherst SALT Council where he volunteered to install Lockboxes for the elderly.
He leaves his four daughters, Lori Hoffman of Hardwick, MA; Brenda Martin of Colorado; Tina Adamczyk of Middletown, NY; Dawn Schabacker of Hadley, MA; five grandchildren, Gerry Basile, Desaraye Martin, Andrew and Matthew Adamczyk and Ashley Schabacker. Three great grandchildren, Mason, Aiden and Bailey. Sisters Connie Ruby of NC and Jackie Asbury of WV. He was predeceased by his wife Rosealine in 2012 and his parents Jack and Kay (Hall) Hoffman. Burial will be Friday, October 25th at 10:00 at the South Amherst Cemetery with a Celebration in Walter’s honor at 11:00AM at the South Congregation Church. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory payable to Amherst Firefighters Local 1764; P.O. Box 1234, Amherst, MA 01004 (memo line – In memory of Walt) to restore the Antique Fire Water Tanker.

Samuel C. White, 71, passed away peacefully, on Tuesday, October 8, 2019
at home.
Sam was born in Holyoke, MA on September 24, 1948 to the late Nicholas
and Elizabeth (King) White.
Sam was a member of the St. Francis Church in Belchertown. He joined
the Amherst Lodge of Odd Fellows #152 on 12/5/78; Oasis Rebekah Lodge
#145 on 1/6/87; Agawam Encampment on 2/12/03. Sam was Grand Patriarch
of MA in 1991 and Grand Master of MA in 1999. He was a true Odd Fellow
– he believed in Friendship, Love & Truth.
Sam worked at Atkins Farms as a farm foreman for over 40 years.
Besides his love for the Odd Fellows, he enjoyed working with Belgian
Draft Horses for many, many years, competing in horse pulls at fairs and
winning many ribbons and trophies. In 2016 at the Big E in Springfield,
MA, Sam won the World Championship Belgian Congress with his beloved
draft horses, Chet & Chief.
Sam and his wife, Donna, loved to go polka dancing. They loved the
music of the Eddie Forman Orchestra, which they followed for over 40
years, and Dennis Polisky and the Maestro’s Men.
Sam is survived by his wife of 42 years, Donna (McIntyre) White. He
also leaves a daughter, Stephanie Galko and her husband Thomas of
Easthampton, MA and a son, Nicholas of Wilmington, NC. He is also
survived by his brother, Nicholas, his wife Sandra of South Yarmouth,
MA, 2 grandsons, whom he adored, and several nieces, nephews, cousins
and many, many friends.
At the family’s request, there will be no calling hours. A memorial
service will be held at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst, Wednesday, October
16, 2019 at 10:00 AM.
Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com

Rita T. Bishko, 95, died peacefully on October 11 at Amherst Extended Care in Amherst.

Born Nov. 12, 1923 in Northampton, she was the daughter of late Leo R. and Durilda (Lanou) Rousseau.

She was raised and educated in Easthampton alongside her late younger brother Leo F. Rousseau.

Rita worked longest in Food Services at Umass Amherst for twenty-seven years until her retirement. Prior, she worked in the mills in Easthampton at Stanley Home Products and, after WWII, would work at American Maid Footwear until she met the love of her life, Arthur C. Bishko.

Rita married Art at Notre Dame Church on Feb. 20, 1954. Shortly after their marriage, newlyweds Art and Rita Bishko became residents of Hadley. They would live happily together until Art’s passing in 1978.

A devoted Catholic throughout her life, Rita’s love of God shown brightly in her involvement with St. John’s Church and much later Most Holy Redeemer. You could find her singing with her dear friends in the choir, running at the head of all fundraisers, bringing her favorite recipes to picnics and holiday parties, and regularly serving the sacraments with gentle blessings. Rita was a member of the Rosary Sodality, Prayer Group and the St. John’s Ladies Guild for many years. Her faith deepened when she became a Eucharistic Minister, bringing communion to nursing homes and homebound believers until her mid-eighties.

Rita was one who very rarely missed the opportunity to volunteer, whether it was with the Council on Aging, Hadley Senior Center, the church, a nursing home and, in her much younger years, the Defense Core during WWII where she led bomb shelter drills in her hometown of Easthampton.

Rita was an outstanding woman who was loved by all who knew her well. Her hobbies included traveling, singing, dancing, playing cards, gardening at her home and cemeteries of those she missed, cooking and baking with her granddaughter, and being a vibrant, social butterfly.

Mrs. Bishko leaves her beloved, adopted granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Alanna and Greg Owen; her dear niece, Carol Taylor, as well as many godchildren, family, and friends.

Flowers may be sent to Douglass Funeral Service, 87 N. Pleasant St. in Amherst or a memorial gift may be sent to Most Holy Redeemer Church, 120 Russell St., Hadley, 01035.

The funeral will be Thursday, Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. in the Most Holy Redeemer Church, with a brief calling hour from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. before the funeral at the Douglass Funeral Service, 87 N. Pleasant St., Amherst. Burial will follow in St. Brigid’s Cemetery in Hadley. 

Samuel C. White, 71, passed away peacefully, on Tuesday, October 8, 2019
at home.
Sam was born in Holyoke, MA on September 24, 1948 to the late Nicholas
and Elizabeth (King) White.
Sam was a member of the St. Francis Church in Belchertown. He joined
the Amherst Lodge of Odd Fellows #152 on 12/5/78; Oasis Rebekah Lodge
#145 on 1/6/87; Agawam Encampment on 2/12/03. Sam was Grand Patriarch
of MA in 1991 and Grand Master of MA in 1999. He was a true Odd Fellow
– he believed in Friendship, Love & Truth.
Sam worked at Atkins Farms as a farm foreman for over 40 years.
Besides his love for the Odd Fellows, he enjoyed working with Belgian
Draft Horses for many, many years, competing in horse pulls at fairs and
winning many ribbons and trophies. In 2016 at the Big E in Springfield,
MA, Sam won the World Championship Belgian Congress with his beloved
draft horses, Chet & Chief.
Sam and his wife, Donna, loved to go polka dancing. They loved the
music of the Eddie Forman Orchestra, which they followed for over 40
years, and Dennis Polisky and the Maestro’s Men.
Sam is survived by his wife of 42 years, Donna (McIntyre) White. He
also leaves a daughter, Stephanie Galko and her husband Thomas of
Easthampton, MA and a son, Nicholas of Wilmington, NC. He is also
survived by his brother, Nicholas, his wife Sandra of South Yarmouth,
MA, 2 grandsons, whom he adored, and several nieces, nephews, cousins
and many, many friends.
At the family’s request, there will be no calling hours. A memorial
service will be held at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst, Wednesday, October
16, 2019 at 10:00 AM.
Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com

Lyle Andrew McGeoch passed away suddenly on Saturday, October 5 in his home in Amherst. He was 60 years old. He was a good man who will be remembered above all for his indomitable kindness and generosity. He lived every day of his life the way he intended.

Lyle was born July 10, 1959 in Lower Merion, Pennsylvania, to Lyle Archibald and Florence (Parker) McGeoch. He grew up in Athens, Ohio. Lyle attended Princeton University and Carnegie Melon University, where he earned his Doctorate in Computer Science. It was there that he met the love of his life, Catherine Cole. The two were married on March 19, 1983 in Lafayette, Indiana and moved to Amherst in 1987. They raised two sons, Ian and Alex, both of whom were greatly influenced by his gentle, loving leadership and his integrity. From his example, they learned to be self-sufficient and always to do the right thing.

For thirty years Lyle and Cathy worked together at Amherst College, with offices right across the hall from one another. Lyle adored being a professor and found great fulfillment in helping and caring for every one of his students. He advised hundreds over the course of his career and was class dean to the class of 2017. He served on nearly every faculty committee at the College, and was the College parliamentarian for many years. At the time of his death he was the Brian E. Boyle ‘69 Professor of Computer Science and chair of the Computer Science department.

Lyle was always looking for ways to help others. He was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church, where he served as treasurer and played in the handbell choir. He donated blood as often as he could. On multiple occasions, he lead youth groups in hurricane relief efforts in and around New Orleans.

In recent years, Lyle and Cathy split their time between living in Amherst and in Vancouver, Canada, where she works. He enjoyed exploring the city on his bicycle, attending hockey games, and watching curling matches.

More than anything, he enjoyed spending time with friends and family, from large holiday gatherings to unannounced Saturday morning visits from his grandson. He loved family weddings and playing cards with close friends. He was always welcoming no matter the time of day, and always made guests feel at home.

Lyle is preceded in death by his father Lyle Archibald. He is survived by his wife Cathy, his sons Ian and Alex and their wives Alicia and Jill, his grandson Rigel, his mother Florence, his brother Peter, his sister Betsy Nurre, and nine nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his many friends.

Funeral services will be Saturday October 12, 2019, 10:00 am at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Hadley. Burial will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Amherst. Calling hours will be Friday from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst. A memorial celebration of the life will be held at 3:00pm Saturday, December 14th, in Johnson Chapel on the campus of Amherst College, with a reception to follow. All are welcome. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Way of Hampshire County, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County, or any organization that helps people.

Doug was born in Rockhampton, Australia. Following his schooling, he joined the Australian Air Force, which participated with the British Royal Air Force, and flew 31 missions in World War II in the Far East as a radio operator.

After the war, he went to the University of Queensland and received his PhD from the London School of Economics. While studying, he worked at Vauxhall Motors in charge of the pension fund. Following receipt of his degree, he was invited to the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania where he rose to Professor of Finance. He served for the school for 15 years. Subsequently, he was invited to the University of Western Australia as the Chair of Economics in Perth, Western Australia, where he served for 5 years. Then he was invited to the University of Massachusetts, where he finished his career as Professor of Economics, retiring at 70 in 1994.

He published widely in economics and theology, having many books to his credit, including Studies in the Theory of Money 1690-1776, Money and Banking, The Theory of the Firm, Economics and Man, The Texture of Truth, The Fracture of Faith. He taught Sunday School. He read widely. He loved music, having played the French horn in his youth, and his piano in later life. He could play anything if he heard it once and transpose it to another key.

His wife, Miriam, predeceased him in 2013 and his son, Paul, in 2001. His survivors include several nieces in Australia, and in this country, Ann Hopkins of Hadley and her daughters, Kimberly Hopkins Hickie and Kristen Hopkins Rushin and her family.

Funeral services will be held at the Douglass Funeral Home located at 87 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, on Thursday October 10, 2019 at 10 am, burial will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Amherst.

Deborah A.P. Ritzer, 81, of Easthampton passed away peacefully September 30,2019 . She was born in Boston, Ma. Daughter of Kingsley and Justine (Bristol) Perry.

She was educated in the Amherst Public Schools and later attended Lasalle College.

Deborah was employed by USDA. Deborah was a member of DAR, Amherst Women’s Club, Red Hat Society and was a avid Bridge player. Deborah loved to travel the world with various family and friends. Visiting with her many cousins in Falmouth was a great joy to her. As was her frequent road trips to Grafton VT. Her love of shopping and animals was evident to all.

She leaves her children Scott, Michelle and Heather and their spouses. She also leaves her twin brother and two sisters, David, Brille and Regina and their spouses. Her loving grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is predeceased by her husband Henry.

A memorial service will be held October 12, 2019 at 11am at the First Church in Amherst, MA. Burial will be private and will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Deborah’s memory can be made to: Clark School for the Hearing and Speech at Clark Schools.org or American Heart Association at Heart.org.

Robin MacRostie, of Amherst, made her great escape from this mundane world at 4am on Sunday, September 29. All her life, she was known and loved for her brave and creative spirit, works of art and movement and innovative problem solving ability.

Over the past 4 decades, she was involved in many aspects of arts and activism in the Pioneer Valley. She was a longtime member of The Dance Generators and an active participant in many Valley dance events.

She was predeceased by her parents Lorraine Perlman Melworth and Samuel Melworth and by James “Mac” MacRostie, her partner in love, life and community theater.

Her legacy and memory lives on in her daughters, Marah and Marta, grandson Taran, Taran’s father Ryan, sisters Andrea and Dee, and many other loving relatives, colleagues and friends.

A graveside service will be held at 10am Wednesday, October 2, at Wildwood Cemetery in Amherst, MA, to be followed by a reception at Pioneer Valley Cohousing, at 120 Pulpit Hill Rd. 

Lamont Evaine Allen Jr. was born in Brooklyn, NY on April 14,1987 & departed suddenly on Tuesday, September 24, 2019. He was raised in Amherst, Ma. And attended A.R.H.S. then furthered his education by attending Job Core and Salter School becoming a medical assistant. Before his sudden departure, he was an outstanding employee of Bluegreen Resorts. Lamont leaves behind to cherish his memory his proud parents Lamont Allen Sr. and Michelle Lewis. His Grandparents Oscar Allen and Brenda Allen. His Brothers Michael and Jeremiah Lewis. His sisters Alexandria Allen and Serita Whitney and his Godchildren Yvonna Marie Stewart, Shurron Gilliam, and Samaritan Gilliam-Jones. A host of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and so many others that will miss him immensely. Lamont was a man that marked the world in an unforgettable way and touched the hearts of so many.
A graveside service will take place on Tuesday, October 1st at 12:30pm at the South Amherst Cemetery, followed by a reception at the Amherst VFW on Main Street. Please join us in celebration of his life.
Thank you all and God Bless.

Patricia M. Foley (Kapelewski) passed away suddenly at her home on Friday, September 20, 2019. Patricia grew up in Easthampton and attended Immaculate Conception school and graduated from St. Michael’s High School in 1956. She received her x-ray technician certificate from Cooley Dickinson Hospital in 1957. On November 28, 1957 she married James P. Foley of Northampton (also an alum of St. Michael’s High School). Pat worked for many years in the Easthampton Public School system as a kindergarten aide. The family moved to South Amherst in 1971 where Jim owned and operated John’s Mini Mart. Pat worked as a receptionist/office manager for National Evaluations Systems of Amherst and Hadley from 1988 until her retirement in 2016.

Patricia is predeceased by her parents: Joseph and Irene (Brodeurs) Kapelewski; sister Irene Warwzyniak and husband of 54 years Jim (aka Winkie). She is survived by two daughters Mary Foley of Adams and Tricia Bachand and her husband Paul of Belchertown; three grandchildren: Brian and his wife Samantha of Belchertown, Chelsea and her husband Nathan Loomis of Poultney, VT and Dylan Bachand of Palmer. She also leaves behind her two great-grandchildren Bailey and Brayden Bachand of Belchertown. Pat leaves many much-loved nieces and nephews and cherishes the recent good times they shared together.

Pat enjoyed learning something new each day and meeting new people. She was an avid horseracing fan and followed the sports’ racing sheets religiously. Her and her husband traveled the states to see the many race tracks (and do a little betting). Throughout the years Pat also crocheted beautiful doilies and blankets, but proudly her biggest labor of love was crocheting her daughter’s wedding dress. Pat loved spending time with family, friends, her grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom all of which brought her immense joy and happiness. One of the biggest highlights of her life was “living long enough” to read a scripture at her granddaughter Chelsea’s wedding in July 2018.

Patricia was a breast and ovarian cancer survivor. She never complained about her health and always had a great attitude. Whatever hand she was dealt in this life she handled with great strength, grace and determination. She enjoyed living alone and independently. Pat was a wonderful friend to all who knew her and will be missed by her sister-in-law Kathleen Kowalski of Northampton. A Celebration of Life is being planned for Pat at the convenience of the family.

If you would like to honor Patricia’s life, please make a donation to Shivering Shamrocks, 4 East Walnut Street, Belchertown. For years Pat generously supported the Springfield Shriner’s Childrens’ Hospital and of her daughter’s annual plunge into the Connecticut River to raise money for the kids.

The daughters of Patricia Foley would like to say a very special thank you to family friend Patty Courtney and the Amherst Fire and Police Departments.