Williams mourns the loss of retiree John Burdick, Sr., who passed away on February 4, at home, at the age of 85. A proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, John was a carpenter for most of his career. He joined Williams in 1981 and retired in 2001 as a foreman… Continue reading »
Williams mourns the loss of retiree Shane Edwin Riorden, who passed away peacefully on January 22, 2025, at age 100. Shane devoted his career to higher education finance, including 26 years at Williams, from 1960 to 1986, retiring with the title of Business Manager. Shane is survived by his daughters… Continue reading »
Williams colleagues, I write to share the sad news that Trustee Emeritus Francis (Fay) Vincent Jr. ’60 passed away on Saturday from complications of bladder cancer, in Vero Beach, FL. He was 86 years old. Fay, who served on the Williams Board of Trustees from 1970 to 1988, was… Continue reading »
Williams mourns the death of retiree John Markunas, who passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on December 18, 2024, at the age of 82. John joined the Williams Office of Information Technology in June 2000 after a varied and accomplished career in industry. He was also a proud… Continue reading »
To the Williams community, I write with the promised commemoration of former Professor of Mathematics Neil Grabois, who passed away on October 7, at the age of 88. While at Williams, Neil also served as Dean of the College, Dean of the Faculty and Provost (twice) before leaving in 1988… Continue reading »
Williams mourns the death of retiree Madeline Cuccia, who passed away on November 23, 2024, at the age of 83. Madeline joined the admission office as a secretary in September 1971 after ten years at Sprague Electric in North Adams, and retired from here in May 2003. In her initial… Continue reading »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »