John G. David

 

AMHERST – John G. David, 72, resident of Amherst, NH, died on September 12, 2014 in Andover, Massachusetts, due to complications from Cruetzfeldt-Jakob disease.

He was born in Port Chester, NY on July 30, 1942, son of John A. David, Jr. and Muriel Gower David.  John and his brother Edward grew up in Mamaroneck, NY, attending Rye Methodist Church. He joined the Boy Scouts, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Rye Neck High School, and earned his BA in English from Bates College in Lewiston, ME, of which he remained an ardent supporter throughout his life.

After graduation in 1964 he was awarded the Graduate Internship in Radio and Television at the University of Texas. He completed additional coursework there in Philosophy, Physics and Electrical Engineering, and applied those credits towards his MA in Philosophy from the University of Connecticut in 1966. He taught philosophy at Nassau Community College from 1966 to 1969.

While living in New York City he met and married Eva Reque (Steege) and launched his professional technical career at Tektronix, Inc. This led to a move to Portland, OR, for a post at Tektronix headquarters in 1973. There he completed an MBA at the University of Portland. After their two children were born and entered school, the family moved to Amherst, NH in 1980, where John made his home for 34 years.

He was an active member of the Congregational Church of Amherst, UCC, where he was well known. He volunteered regularly, served on multiple committees, sang bass in the choir, and played the cello for special services several times a year.

John had a long career in technical sales, marketing and product management, starting with Tektronix, and including long service at Digital Equipment Corporation, and, most recently, Cushcraft Corp.

John was the founder and driving force behind the annual Souhegan Valley CROP Walk Against Hunger.

John was also a member and leader in the Amherst Lions Club, and a board member of the Nashua Chamber Orchestra, for which he played the cello. In the last 15 years he became very active in the NH Democratic Party.

In addition, John enjoyed traveling, sailing, skiing and the outdoors.  He had a lifelong passion for learning and was currently pursuing a MA in Philosophy at Boston University, with a concentration in the History and Philosophy of Science. He had hoped to return to teaching philosophy.

John’s first marriage ended in 1994. He remarried in 1997 to Nancy A. (Dillman) David. He was predeceased by Nancy, who died in 2011, and by his brother’s daughter, Emma who died in 2002 of a brain injury.

Family members include his fiancée, Elizabeth Rubino of Haverhill, MA;  son, John R. David and his wife, Jos K. Hill of San Francisco, CA; daughter, Katherine F. David of Manassas, VA; three grandchildren, Alessandra, Lucia and Etienna, daughters of Katherine; brother, Edward David and his wife, Janice of Farmington, ME; and nephew, Andrew David of New York, NY.

A memorial service will be held on October 4, 2014 at 11:00 am at the Congregational Church of Amherst, UCC, 11 Church Street, Amherst, NH.  Burial will be in Black Point Cemetery, Scarborough, ME at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Souhegan Valley CROP Walk. (donate at http://www.svnhcropwalk.org/ or by mail at PO Box 1015, Amherst, NH 03031). Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford.  To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com.

POSTED September 23, 2014

Elizabeth Davis Trombly

 

AMHERST – Elizabeth “Betsey” Gage Davis Trombly died unexpectedly at her home in Amherst, NH on September 14, 2014. The daughter of Donald Henry Davis and Dorothy Johnson Davis, Betsey was born on May 2, 1945 in Nashua, NH.

A graduate of Milford High School in Milford, NH, Betsey earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Western College, Oxford, OH; Montessori Certification from Fairleigh Dickinson College, NJ; a Masters in Elementary Education from Rivier College, Nashua, NH; completed the NH Teacher Certification Program through Rivier College; and achieved certification through the Orton Gillingham Program.  She joyfully taught adoring students at the Lexington (MA) Montessori School, the Lawrenceville (NJ) Montessori School and the Blue Hills (NJ) Montessori School.   From 1979 through 1998 she worked at home as a full time homemaker and raised her two sons. Betsey was employed during the last seventeen years at the Brookline, NH school system as a reading specialist where she passionately advocated for the learning rights of her students.  During these last several years she completely dedicated herself to improving the learning skills of her students and received much satisfaction by doing so.

Throughout her life, Betsey was an active member of the Amherst Congregational Church. As a child she sang in the youth choir and attended Sunday school.  As an adult she served as a Sunday school teacher, was a member of the Diaconate, and a member of the Search Committee. Additionally she served as chair of the Christian Education Committee and was a member of the Women’s Spirituality Group.

In addition to being a lifelong teacher, Betsey was a lifelong learner and an avid reader of books of all kinds. She spent hours preparing innovative materials to help address the individual learning styles of her many students. Over the years, she participated in various book clubs and was an expert at the art of Origami.

She is survived by a son, David Preston Trombly of Chicago, IL; two sisters, Carolyn Vatcher of Jackson, TN and her two daughters, Holly Trowbridge and Margaret Hargett, and a sister Margaret Trombly of South Royalton, VT and her children Michael Trombly and his wife Vicky; Matthew Trombly; and Jennifer Young and her husband Shane. She is also survived by nephews Stephen Crocker and his wife Brenda and children Riannon and Stephen, nephew Richard Crocker and his wife Libby and their children Andrea Bruneau, Heather Mason and Kimberly Crocker; and a niece Dorothy Crocker. Betsey’s son John Davis Trombly, for whom she had unconditional love, also died on September 14, 2014. Additionally, she is predeceased by her brother Preston Davis and her sister Jean Crocker.

On March 20, 1976 she was married to Rodney Trombly. They moved to New Jersey and returned to Amherst in 1986. They were subsequently divorced in 1998.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. in the Amherst Congregational Church, 11 Church Street, Amherst, NH.  A private burial service at the Meadowview Cemetery in Amherst will be held by the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dorothy Davis Scholarship Fund, to benefit a graduating Souhegan High School student,  c/o Margaret Trombly; 294 Whitney Hill Road; South Royalton, VT 05068; or to the Amherst Congregational Church, Education Endowment Fund c/o Amherst Congregational Church of Amherst, UCC; 11 Church Street; Amherst, NH  03031.  Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford.  To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com

 

POSTED September 23, 2014

Wallace F. Warren

 

AMHERST – Wallace F. “Robin” Warren, 92, resident of Amherst, NH died on August 31, 2014 at the Elliot Hospital, Manchester, NH.

He was born in Portland, Maine on May 26, 1922, a son of Ernest L. and Alys (Fassett) Warren.  He was raised and educated in Maine and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture from the University of Maine, Class of 1943.  Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the Pacific, including Guam and China, during World War II and was honorably discharged with the rank of First Lieutenant.

Robin’s family moved from Maine to Amherst where he met and married Dorothy Going in 1947.  They were married for 46 years before her death in 1993.

Robin started his working career early in life in the woods and on farms in Maine.  Later he worked in management for agricultural companies and enjoyed farming at his home in Amherst much of his life.

He enjoyed hunting, canoeing, camping, sailing, golf, woodworking and gardening. From Labrador to Cape Cod Robin loved fishing with his friends where he was known to “set the bar”, which was seldom challenged.

He was very active in town affairs and served on the Amherst School Board, Conservation Commission, Historical Society, and Ways & Means Committee.

Robin was a member of the Church of Our Saviour where he volunteered whenever called upon. Some contributions included Senior Warden, Lay Reader, Search Committee, and Finance Committee member.

In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his brother, Sam Warren and a sister, Lucia Warren Roberts.

Family members include two sons and their families, Stephen Warren and Susan Currier, their children, Jamin Warren and Noa Warren, and grandchildren, Ariana and Haley; Peter and Paula Warren, their children, Alena Warren and Nicholas Warren and his wife, Rheanna Cote, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 6th at 12:00 noon in the Church of Our Saviour, 10 Amherst Street, Milford. A reception will be held after the service at the Amherst Country Club. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Share Outreach, Inc., 1 Columbus Avenue, Milford, NH 03055.  Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford.  To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com

 

POSTED September 9, 2014

 

Gloria P. Morgera

 

AMHERST – Gloria P. Morgera, 88, resident of Amherst, NH died on September 16, 2014 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Stoneham, MA on July 28, 1926, a daughter of Walter and Marjorie (Smith) Joy. A resident of Burlington, MA for 24 years, Gloria made her home in Amherst for the past eight years She had been employed as a waitress at Blinstrubs Night Club in South Boston, MA for 15 years. She traveled cross country with her late husband spending their winters in California and summers in New Hampshire. She enjoyed cooking, entertaining and dancing. Gloria was very much a “people person” and loved life and The Lord. She was predeceased by her husband, Rocco C. Morgera, who died in 2009. Family members include three daughters, Linda Bannister of Mont Vernon, NH, Diana Smith of Amherst, NH with whom she made her home, and Rhonda Morgera of Nashua, NH; three sons, Stephen Desio of Corona, CA, Glenn Desio of Everett, MA and Mark Morgera of Irvine, CA; 15 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; many great-great grandchildren; a sister, Marilyn Novak of Glendale, CA; many nieces and nephews. There are no visiting hours. A Celebration of Her Life will be held on Saturday, October 25th at 12:00 noon in the Community Room at Parkhurst Place, 11 Veterans Road, Amherst, NH. Burial will be private in Riverside Cemetery, Milford. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to The Community Hospice House (checks can be made out to The Community Hospice House), Attn: HHHC Development, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054.

 

POSTED October 14, 2014

 

 

Alysse Bassett Irion

 

EXETER – Alysse Bassett Irion was born in Allentown, PA on July 21,1926.  She grew up in Hartford CT before moving to Westfield, NJ.  She married Robert Irion, her Westfield high school sweetheart, in 1949.

She was a graduate of Syracuse University.  Alysse and Bob moved to Needham, MA in 1954 where they raised three children - Donald Irion of Fairfield, CT, Derryl Irion Street of Jamaica Plain, MA and Holly Dunlea of Loudon, NH.

Alysse was an artist, photographer, gourmet cook and lifelong volunteer.  She worked in inner city schools in Syracuse, NY and Roxbury MA, founded Needham’s Friendly Visitors Program, was a Stephen Minister and helped Sudanese families settle in NH.   For the past 15 years, Alysse lived in the Riverwoods Community in Exeter where she was a photographer for the community. Prior to moving to Exeter, she made her home in Amherst for many years. She is survived by her three children and five grandchildren.   A memorial service wase held in Riverwoods, Exeter on Friday, October 10th.   In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Salvation Army.  To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com

 

POSTED October 14, 2014

 

 

Keith E. Hunt

 

AMHERST – Keith E. Hunt, 84, longtime resident of Amherst died on September 23, 2014 at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Massachusetts.

He was born in Stockbridge, Vermont on August 23, 1930, a son of Lucian C. Hunt, Sr. and Lora Belle (Larmie) Hunt.  Mr. Hunt was raised and educated in Stockbridge, VT and graduated from Whitcomb High School, Bethel, VT.

He was employed by IBM for 37 years, and retired as Branch Manager for the National Service Division.

He enjoyed spending time outside whether it was hunting in the woods, working around his home or completing major and minor projects.

Mr. Hunt was an active and beloved membermember of The Congregational Church of Amherst, UCC, where he had served as a deacon and trustee.  In addition, he was a longtime member of the Amherst Lions Club.

He loved spending time with his family and most especially adored his three grandchildren.

Mr. Hunt was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving 4 years from 1951-1955.

He was predeceased by two sisters, Margaret and Lucy; and five brothers, Arthur, John, Lewis, Allen and Lucian Jr.

Family members include his wife of 59 years, Jane (Lincoln) Hunt of Amherst; three sons and daughters-in-law, Steven and Linda Hunt of New Boston, NH, Kevin and Donna Hunt of Hollis, NH, Brian and Brenda Hunt of Parker, CO; three grandchildren, Bethany, Keith and Peter Hunt; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Arlene and Frank Dorgan of Westfield, MA, Irene and George Curtis of Northboro, MA; a brother and sister-in-law, Peter and Nancy Hunt of Williston, VT; many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on October 18th at 9:00 a.m. in the Congregational Church of Amherst, 11 Church Street, Amherst.  Burial with military honors will be held in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Stockbridge, VT at 3:00 pm.  Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford.  To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the memorial fund of the Congregational Church of Amherst, UCC; 11 Church Street, Amherst, NH 03031.

 

POSTED October 14, 2014

 

 

Henry E. “Bill” Harris, Jr.

 

AMHERST – Henry E. “Bill” Harris, Jr., 89, resident of Amherst died on October 2, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving family.  Bill was born in Boston, MA on August 14, 1925, a son of Henry E. Harris, Sr. and Gertrude (Mulvey) Harris.  He graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy in Pennsylvania and joined the Army Air Corp where he served as a gunner aboard B-24s during World War II in the European Theatre.  After his honorable discharge from the military, he attended Babson College.

As the owner of Kenmore Stamp Company in Milford, NH he helped millions of collectors find value and enjoyment from the hobby of stamp collecting.

Bill was a lifetime member of Hampshire Hills Health Club and a competitive athlete.  He was an avid squash and tennis player, enjoyed hiking, skiing, motorcycle riding, traveling, reading about history, playing bridge and was a wonderful pianist.  A loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, his greatest joy was spending time with his family.

He was formerly a resident of Mont Vernon, NH for more than 50 years and was active in establishing the Purgatory Land Trust.

He was predeceased by two sisters, Betty Harris Munyon and Elise Harris Bezreh; two brothers-in-law, Dr. Norman Crisp, Jr. and Dr. Jack Crisp; and a sister-in-law, Charlotte Kulis.

Family members include his wife with whom he would have celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary in December, Mary Ann (Crisp) Harris of Amherst; a daughter, Meg Perez and her husband, Joe of Amherst, NH; two sons, Mark Harris, Henry E. Harris, III and his wife, Terrie all of Manchester, NH; three grandchildren, Alex Perez, Andrew Perez and Ellis Harris; a sister, Janet Harris of Sherborn, MA; a brother, Robert Harris and his wife, Betty of Goffstown, NH; two brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Paul Bezreh of Sherborn, MA, Richard and Laura Nielson of Foxborough, MA and Colette Crisp of Nashua, NH; many nieces and nephews.

Memorial visiting hours are on Sunday, October 19th from 1:00-4:00 pm in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford.  A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 20th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2 Somerset Parkway, Nashua at 1:00 pm.  Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Mont Vernon, NH at a later date. Donations in his memory can be made to the Mont Vernon Conservation Commission or the Souhegan Valley Boys & Girls Club.  Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, Milford.  To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com

 

POSTED October 14, 2014

 

Michael D. Lautenschlager

 

MONT VERNON – Michael D. Lautenschlager, 26, resident of Mont Vernon, NH died on September 26, 2014 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Nashua, NH.

He was born in Columbia, Maryland on June 19, 1988, a son of David E. and Karen (Westcott) Lautenschlager.  Michael made his home in Mont Vernon for the past 17 years.  He graduated from Nashua Community College with a degree in Mechanical Design.

Michael loved spending time with his family and their dogs going camping and hiking.  He was a very loving and kind person, devoted to his family.

In addition to his parents of Mont Vernon, family members include two brothers, Daniel J. Lautenschlager and Joseph R. Lautenschlager; grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Joslin Diabetes Center, 1 Joslin Place, Suite 745, Boston MA  02215.  Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, Milford.  To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com

 

POSTED October 14, 2014

 

James M. O’Mara, Sr.

 

KISSIMMEE, FL – O’Mara, James M. Sr. formerly of Dedham, MA age 75.

James, “Jim” O’Mara born April 7, 1939 in Boston, Mass. passed away quietly after a long illness on October 16, 2014.  He was 75 years old.   Beloved husband of the late Barbara (O’Brien) O’Mara and loving spouse of 21 years of Sharon O’Mara of St. Cloud, Florida.   Former employee of the Dedham Water Company.   Jim is survived by his four children, sons, James O’Mara, Jr. and his wife Patti of Amherst, NH; Steven O’Mara and his wife Joli of Hanover, MA; John O’Mara and his wife Clair of Las Vegas, NV; and a daughter, Leisa O’Mara of Walpole, MA.   James is also survived by ten grandchildren:  Alyssa O’Mara of Nashua, NH;  Michael, Patrick and Shannon O’Mara of Amherst, NH; Kevin O’Mara of South Boston, MA; Tim and Danny O’Mara of Hanover, MA; Ashley and McKenzie O’Mara of Las Vegas, NV; and Meaghan O’Mara of Providence, RI.

Jim was one of three siblings born and raised in Boston, MA.  His brother, Robert and his wife Lorraine, live in Readville, MA.  He is predeceased by his sister, Mary Hart.

Jim was very involved in his church, the Christian Life Church of Kissimmee, Florida.  He enjoyed playing Poker, Cribbage and spending time with his family.  A memorial service will be held at a later date at The Christian Life Church in Kissimmee, FL.  Online condolences can be given at fiskfh.com.

 

POSTED October 28, 2014

 

Bruce W. Silva

 

AMHERST —Bruce W. Silva, 62, of Amherst passed away at Community Hospice House in Merrimack NH surrounded by his loving family.  Born on June 4, 1952 in Salem MA to George W. and Emily K. (Kohurt) Silva of Peabody, MA.

Bruce was a loving husband and father. Bruce graduated from Peabody High School and attended Fitchburg State College.  He worked for Unifirst Uniform Corporation in Nashua for 34 years.  He loved being on the road and servicing his customers. Bruce was quite the handy man tackling many projects both at his home and at his mothers’.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand.  During the last several years he developed a love of gardening with his wife, Lise Silva.  Bruce enjoyed planting a variety of plants in their yard.

He is survived by his mother Emily K. Silva, a sister Linda Prushinski and her husband Bill Prushinski of Interval NH, his wife of 25 years Lise Silva of Amherst and his daughters Ashley and Crystal Silva, his niece Amy Osetek, her husband Dan and their daughter Lorelei of Center Conway NH and many nieces and nephew.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donation may be made to Community Hospice House 210 Naticook Rd. Merrimack, NH  03054 and St John Neumann Catholic Church 708 Milford Rd. Merrimack, NH 03054.

 

POSTED November  12, 2014