Edwin “Ted” Warner, Williamsburg’s oldest resident, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2019, at the age of 101. Born in Northampton, MA, August 30, 1917, he was the son of William Edwin Warner and Lucy (Jeanotte) Warner. Ted graduated from Northampton High School in 1935, following which he enlisted in the United States Navy for a four-year tour of duty. After his naval service, Ted joined his father in the operation of the family dairy farm in Florence. Ted was active in the affairs of his community. He served on the City Council, the Northampton School Board for 16 years, the Board of Public Works for 12 years, and the Hampshire County Retirement Board. He was a trustee of the Florence Savings Bank, a lifelong member of Elks Lodge #997, and a long time Director and Officer of the Three County Fair Association. At one time, Ted operated the Williamsburg Snack Bar and he owned and operated the Community Bowling Lanes in Westfield, MA. Ted was a licensed nursing home administrator and was the administrator for many years of the Hampshire County Long Term Care Facility in Leeds, MA. During his “retirement,” he enjoyed staying active in County Fair activities, following local and national politics, reading voraciously, and rooting for the Yankees.
Ted was predeceased by his wife, Irene Karnawitz, and their son, Mark, by four sisters, Ruth Toy, Louise Bordeau, Alice Whalen and Margaret Clark, and son-in-law Daniel Connor. He is survived by his wife Lillian (Dickinson) Warner, a daughter, Diane Connor and her sons, David and Joseph, a daughter, Lynn Warner and her husband, David Rousseau and their children, Nate and Ellie. Ted is survived by his sister, Lucille Clark of Williamsburg, MA, several nieces and nephews, step children, Robert Smart, Cynthia Kirby and Laurie Norris of Denver, CO, and step grandchildren Bob Smart, Michelle Woodley, Amy Streger, Valerie Peterson, Chris Kirby, Meagan Rosales, Ryan Norris and Evan Norris.
At Ted’s request, there will be no calling hours. The funeral service and burial will be private at the convenience of the family. It is requested that memorial gifts be made to the Mark Warner Scholarship Fund c/o the Principal, Northampton High School, 380 Elm St., Northampton, MA, 01060.

Richard “Dick” Connly, 79, of Easthampton, Massachusetts, died on January 1, 2019, the Feast Day of the Blessed Virgin, at the Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst, Massachusetts.

A brave and proud Marine has passed away and now guards Heaven’s Gates.

Dick was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on November 10, 1939 to Robert and Doris (McLaughlin) Connly.  Dick graduated from Saint Michael’s High School of Northampton in 1958 and entered the United States Marine Corps.  He married Patricia “Pattie” Lashway of Amherst, Massachusetts on April 4, 1959 and shared more than 59 years of marriage together with his beloved Queen.

Dick’s life was truly a love story.  He adored his wife and devoted his life to her, his seven children and his fourteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Dick was a man of great faith.  He was dedicated to the service of others and longed to live a life that was pleasing to his God. He gave countless hours to his parish communities as a lector, Eucharistic minister, Chairman of his prayer group, parish council and financial committees. He earned the Pius X award for excellence as a CCD instructor for more than ten years.  He was a good and faithful servant.

After serving his country, Dick was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps and returned to Massachusetts to begin a very successful career in the food services industry. Working for John Q. Sexton, Sysco and Thurston Foods, Dick distinguished himself as an exceptional salesman and executive, but he was even a better friend to countless colleagues and customers throughout western Massachusetts.

Dick was an incredible example of husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. His legacy to us all includes his love of family and of country; his incredible work ethic and his unwavering faith in God.

We would like to acknowledge the wonderful care of Dick’s doctor, Stephanie Oscieki, and her dedicated staff, his caregiver Deb Braman, and Dr. Rich Rosen and the compassionate and skilled men and women at the Hospice of the Fisher Home. Their devotion to Dick and his family sustained us all in our most difficult hours and we are deeply indebted to these incredible people for their love and kindness.

Funeral services will be held on January 7, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Church, 33 Adams Street, Easthampton, Massachusetts with Reverend Peter A. Gregory presiding.  Burial will be at Saint Brigid’s Cemetery, Hadley, Massachusetts with Military Honors.

Visitation will be on Sunday, January 6, 2019 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Douglass Funeral Home in Amherst, Massachusetts.

Dick is predeceased by his son, Michael, and survived by his wife Pattie of Easthampton, and their children, Michele and her husband, Robert Foote of Holden, Greg and his wife Barbara of North Easton, Peter and his wife Linda of Fiskdale, Glenn and his wife Jacklyn of Northampton, Keith of Williamsburg, and Sean and his wife Sarah of Leicester.  Fourteen grandchildren also survive; Lindsay Scola, James Scola, Jeffrey Scola, Erica Scola, Caroline Connly, Aidan Connly, Veronica Connly, Olivia Connly, Jack Connly, Garrett Connly, Anna Connly, Austin Connly, Emmalee Connly and Michael Connly. Dick is also survived by his two great-grandchildren, Wesley and Theodore Scola, as well as his brother David of Northampton and his sister Joan of Florence.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dick’s name to Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts, www.fisherhome.org , the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org , or Our Lady of the Valley Beautification Fund, www.olveasthampton.org.

Joan V. Longtin, 83, of Greenleaves Retirement Community, died peacefully on Dec.22, 2018 at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton.
Born Feb.22, 1935, Joan was the daughter of Nelson and Mildred (Norman) Major. Joan is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Richard Longtin; her four children, Diane Mollison of Goshen, Dale Lannon Pierce and her husband David Pierce of Easthampton, Cheryl Page and her husband Russell of Woodbury, NJ and Dana Lannon of Pompano Beach, FL. Joan was predeceased by her stepsons, Norm, Ernie and Kyle. She also leaves a sister, Anita Pelis and her husband George of Leverett, 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
Joan was employed at Chartpak, National Gypsum, and the Town of Amherst. After retiring in 1994 she and Dick spent the next 17 years in Florida where they both enjoyed golfing and taking cruises to the South Caribbean.
After her health began to decline they moved back to Amherst where she remained at home under the compassionate, dedicated, and loving care of her husband, Dick.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 27th from 4-6 PM at the Douglass Funeral Service located at 87 No. Pleasant Street, Amherst, with a service following at 6:00 pm.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals at Cooley Dickinson Hospital as well as the VNA staff for their compassion and care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Muscular Dystrophy Association or the Cooley Dickinson VNA. 

Richard E. Hankinson died at home early December 22, 2018 surrounded by his family after serious illnesses culminating in hospice care. He was born July 11, 1944 in Willimantic, CT, the son of Denzel J. and Clarinda E. (Winegar) Hankinson.

During his young childhood, Dick also lived in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Texas before his family settled in Leverett and established the Hankinson Farm in 1951.

Dick graduated from Amherst Regional High School and attended Western New England College. In high school he played French horn with the school band and orchestra, and was active in Boy Scouts. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War working in power plants in England and Turkey. Dick was a long-time fleet manager at Mackin Construction Co. of Greenfield.

In 1985, Dick took ownership of the Leverett farm where he expanded the repertoire of animals. Over his many years, he was a passionate and caring owner of Hereford cows, a donkey, chickens, spring pigs, goats, dogs, cats, and an occasional sheep. He was an ardent steward of the land and forest, having spent many seasons curtailing invasive species and restoring native vegetation.

He was known for his generosity and wicked, droll wit. To Dick there were no strangers, just friends he hadn’t yet met. He was a member of the Leverett Congregational Church where he served as a deacon, trustee, and council member, and was integral in keeping the buildings functioning. He was a gifted musician, anchoring the tenor section of the church choir and sang in the Springfield Symphony Chorus. He also played a variety of instruments including the trumpet and harmonica, his favorites.

Dick is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years Mary (Wadsworth) Hankinson, daughter Sarah E. Hankinson and son-in-law James P. Wells of Vermont. He is also survived by brothers Denzel G. (Frances) and Thomas R. (Susan), as well as sisters Judith H. Ricker (Harold) and Nancy H. Paulin (Charles) all of Leverett; sister-in-law Nancy D. Hankinson of Rhode Island; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Denzel and Clarinda Hankinson, and his brother James A. Hankinson.

Calling hours will be held at the Douglass Funeral Service in Amherst from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, December 28, with a funeral service at the Leverett Congregational Church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 29, reception to follow. Private interment will be at the Leverett New North Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Leverett Congregational Church at PO Box 324, Leverett, MA 01054 or Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice at 168 Industrial Drive, Northampton, MA 01060 as a thank you for their kind and comforting care.

Joan V. Longtin, 83, of Greenleaves Retirement Community, died peacefully on Dec.22, 2018 at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton.
Born Feb.22, 1935, Joan was the daughter of Nelson and Mildred (Norman) Major. Joan is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Richard Longtin; her four children, Diane Mollison of Goshen, Dale Lannon Pierce and her husband David Pierce of Easthampton, Cheryl Page and her husband Russell of Woodbury, NJ and Dana Lannon of Pompano Beach, FL. Joan was predeceased by her stepsons, Norm, Ernie and Kyle. She also leaves a sister, Anita Pelis and her husband George of Leverett, 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
Joan was employed at Chartpak, National Gypsum, and the Town of Amherst. After retiring in 1994 she and Dick spent the next 17 years in Florida where they both enjoyed golfing and taking cruises to the South Caribbean.
After her health began to decline they moved back to Amherst where she remained at home under the compassionate, dedicated, and loving care of her husband, Dick.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 27th from 4-6 PM at the Douglass Funeral Service located at 87 No. Pleasant Street, Amherst, with a service following at 6:00 pm.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals at Cooley Dickinson Hospital as well as the VNA staff for their compassion and care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Muscular Dystrophy Association or the Cooley Dickinson VNA. 

After a long battle with dementia, William (Bill) Michael Hexter passed away on December 20, 2018 at the Center for Extended Care in Amherst, MA at the age of 91. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Rachel (Ringler) Hexter of Amherst, MA, son Jim and daughter-in-law Eileen Haggerty, and daughter Karen, all of Boston, MA; and daughter Marla and son-in-law Larry Cohen of southeast PA. Bill was the proud grandfather of Abigail, David, Lillian, and Nora.

Born in Canton, Ohio in 1927 to the late Milton Hexter and Jean Bonda Hexter, Bill spent his early years in Cleveland, OH, Rochester, NY and Joliet, IL. He graduated from Joliet High School where he was a member of the ROTC. His family moved to the west coast in 1945, where Bill attended the University of California, graduating in 1949 from Berkeley and completing a Ph.D. in Biology in 1953. That year, he was hired by Amherst College. He made Amherst his home and remained there for the rest of his life.

At Amherst College Bill was committed to teaching and loved being in the classroom and challenging his students to academic rigor. A serious geneticist, he could be seen leaning over a microscope in his lab looking at fruit flies. He taught for over four decades, serving as pre-med advisor from 1965 to 1993 before retiring in 1997. The arrival of grandchildren brought him new joys. In retirement Bill and Rachel split their time between Amherst and Florida and traveled extensively.

Bill had a great sense of humor. He liked to say that there were only two things that he didn’t know. Unfortunately he never shared what these two things were! He was a talented bridge player and enjoyed games of trivia. And whether the Red Sox did well or not, he was a loyal fan, sharing his love of the game with his children and grandchildren.

Memorial gifts in his name may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Wilson “Bill” Henderson, 87, of Pelham, MA, passed away peacefully on December 17th, 2018 in his home, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born in East Longmeadow on April 17th, 1931. He was the son of Francis and Olga (Wilson) Henderson. He attended center school in East Longmeadow, Forest Park Junior High School, and technical high school in Springfield. Bill went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from M.I.T. in 1953, where he played varsity basketball and baseball. Bill won the MVP award on his 1952 baseball team.
After serving two years in the U.S. Army, and receiving the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal, Bill worked 33 years as a field engineer for Daniel O’Connell & Sons, constructing many of the buildings in downtown Springfield and on the Amherst College and UMass campuses. Through his relationship with his soon-to-be father-in-law, Bill was introduced to the love of his life, Gail, who would later become his wife of 49 years. Bill was fortunate enough to retire early and enjoy time with his loving wife while they travelled all over the country with good friends.
Much of his later years were spent hunting, fishing and gardening. Bill really enjoyed playing ball with his grandchildren while young. He and Gail were a continuous support system for their grandchildren. Bill’s love for sports drove his devotion to each grandchild and the activity that they chose to be involved in. He and Gail spent countless hours watching their grandchildren play sports, dance in recitals, and ride horses. One of his favorite activities was taking them to their Brimfield lake house to swim. Their happiness and educational success meant the world to him and he devoted his later years to making sure that they, and his children, were taken care of.
Predeceased by his wife, Gail (Strapakas) Henderson, in 2015, he leaves behind his oldest daughter, Michelle, and her husband Steve Rogalski of Shutesbury, and their three children, Megan, C.J., and Nikki. He also leaves behind his youngest daughter, Suzanne, and her husband Leo Velez of Belchertown, and their four children, AJ, DJ, Carly and Angelina. In addition to his loving children and grandchildren, Bill leaves his sister-in-law Lynn and her husband Albert Majewski of Florida, and their two daughters.
A memorial service to honor Bill will be held on Sunday, January 27th, 2019 from 12pm-3pm at the Hadley Farms Meeting House located at 41 Russell St. in Hadley, MA. Donations in Bill’s name may be made to: Disabled American Veterans, Department of Massachusetts, State House Room 546, Boston, MA 02133

Larry Smith, 82, died on Saturday, November 10, 2018. He had been struggling with an illness that, over time, impaired his ability to engage fully with the people and activities he loved.
He was a loving father and a wonderful friend. He will be missed and always remembered for his wisdom, kindness, integrity, and his wonderful and delightfully irreverent sense of humor. He is survived by his two children, Natania and Ilan; three grandchildren, Adeline, Eloise, and Asher; brother Timothy; first wife Clary; and many close friends and colleagues. His late wife, Anne Mochon, passed away earlier this year.
He was a well-known local artist and co-operative member of Gallery A3. His paintings and watercolors were displayed and enjoyed by many in Gallery A3 as well as in local restaurants and movie theaters.
Larry graduated from the University of Michigan with a M.S degree in art and design. He also attended Hunter College in New York City, where he further studied art. He was a student for several years at the Art Student’s League in New York City. He was a professor of art and design at Holyoke Community College before retiring a number of years ago. His colleagues at HCC and at Gallery A3 remained his closest friends.
Larry’s life will be celebrated by family and friends at a memorial service this spring.

Charles Francis Suprenant, passed away Friday, December 14, 2018 at the age of 93. Born on May 2, 1925, he leaves 5 children: Linda Browning of Millers Falls, Charlie of Colrain, Barry of Montague, Gail of Northampton, Nancy Gibavic of Leverett and 2 granddaughters, Aubrey Everett of Quincy and Abigail Gibavic of Brooklyn. He was predeceased by his wife Lillian May Frost. Charles was the oldest of 6 children and leaves his youngest sister Jean Thompson of Texas. Many thanks to his nephew Jim Suprenant, for his love and support. All services are private.

Raymond J. Hayes loving husband and father, passed away on Thursday, December 13, 2018, at the age of 87. He died surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on July 8, 1931 son of Charles and Rose Hayes.

Raymond will be missed by his wife of 65 years, Joanna Hayes. He leaves behind five children Maureen and Joe Zak of Sunderland, Kathryn and Kevin of Shutesbury, John and Patty of Hadley, Kevin and Jeri, and Daniel; of Shutesbury. Raymond will be missed by his nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his granddaughter Jessica Hayes. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Raymond was a mason at the University of Massachusetts. He loved hunting, fishing, and farming and shared his passion with his children. He was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan, and was known by many as the “Brooklyn Farmer”. When he was young he rode horses in Madison Square Garden.

We would like to thank the Cooley Dickinson hospital staff and the Shutesbury and Amherst Fire Department for their compassion and care throughout his illness.

Calling hours will be held at the Douglass Funeral Home Tuesday December 18, 2018 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Brigid’s Church in Amherst, Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in West Cemetery, Shutesbury.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the “Jessica Hayes Memorial Scholarship Endowed Fund” University of Massachusetts Amherst, Development Office, Memorial Hall 134 Hicks Way, Amherst, Ma 01003.