In Memoriam

Sharing news about the passing of Williams faculty, staff, students and retirees.

In Commemoration of Professor Karen Kwitter

Dear Williams colleagues, I write with the promised remembrance of our colleague Karen Kwitter, the late Ebenezer Fitch Professor of Astronomy, Emerita. Relationships were central to Karen’s work and life: she had a gift for connection that helped her translate advanced research ideas into accessible terms for her students. As… Continue reading »

The Passing of Douglas Blair

Dear colleagues, Williams mourns the loss of Dining staff member Douglas “Doug” Blair, who died on Saturday, October 26.  Doug grew up in South Williamstown, the son of Douglas and Diane Blair. He attended Mount Greylock Regional High School, where he was a member… Continue reading »

In Commemoration of Ed Derby, Sr.

Williams colleagues, I write with the promised commemoration of Ed Derby, Sr., who retired in 2022 with the title of Lead Power Plant Operator, and passed away on August 8, 2024, after an illness. Ed joined Williams in 1982 and worked here for 40 years. Born in Pittsfield, MA, he… Continue reading »

The Death of Retiree Dr. John Allen Miner

To the Williams community, I write to honor the death of retired Director of Mental Health Services Dr. John Allen Miner, who passed away peacefully at home on September 7 at the age of 74, surrounded by loved ones. John joined Williams in 1998 as a staff psychiatrist after working… Continue reading »

The Death of Retiree Mary Gaule

Williams mourns the passing of retiree Mary Gaule, who passed away on Sunday, September 8, at Hillcrest Commons in Pittsfield, at the age of 99. Mary joined the Dining team in 1985 and worked in Faculty House for many years retired as a member of the waitstaff there in 1999. Continue reading »

In Commemoration of Professor Stephen Fix

To the Williams community, I write with the promised commemoration of our late colleague, Robert G. Scott Class of 1968 Professor of English and former Dean of the College Steve Fix, who died on April 23, just a few months short of his planned retirement. A native of Dorchester, MA,… Continue reading »

The Death of Professor Emerita Karen Kwitter

Williams colleagues, In sadness, I write with news that Karen Kwitter, Ebenezer Fitch Professor of Astronomy, Emerita, passed away on Monday, peacefully and surrounded by her loved ones. A memorial ceremony will be held at the Williams College Cemetery tomorrow, Thursday, August 22, at 10 AM. Continue reading »

The Death of Retiree Ed Derby, Sr.

With sadness, Williams notes the passing of retiree Edward J. Derby, Sr., of Williamstown, who died last Thursday at the age of 66. Ed worked in Facilities from 1982 until 2022, retiring with the title of Lead Power Plant Operator. Funeral services will be held this Thursday, August 15, at… Continue reading »

The Death of Retiree Julie Peterson

Williams mourns the death of Julie Peterson, who passed away on June 25, 2024, at the age of 89. Julie worked at Sprague Electric and the U.S. Forest Service before joining Williams, where she would work for 33 years as secretary to presidents Frank Oakley and Hank Payne… Continue reading »

In Commemoration of Tonio Palmer

To the Williams community, I write with the promised commemoration of Tonio Palmer, former director of entrepreneurship at the ’68 Center for Career Exploration, who died on April 28. A cherished member of our community, he remains present in our hearts and minds. Passionate… Continue reading »