In Memoriam

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

The Passing of Jean Zabek

To the Williams community, It is my sad duty to share the news that retired student medical services secretary Jean Zabek passed away on Thursday, March 5, at Williamstown Commons. She was 76. Born and raised in Adams, she came to Williams in 1985 and served the Health Services Office… Continue reading »

The Passing of Phyllis Wylde

To the Williams community, I write to share the sad news that retired senior catalog assistant Phyllis Wylde passed away on Sunday, March 1, at Berkshire Medical Center. She was 86. A native of North Adams, she attended local schools and was a member of the First Baptist Church and… Continue reading »

The Passing of George LeFave

To the Williams community, It is my sad duty to inform you that retired custodian George Francis LeFave passed away on Thursday, January 30, at his home in North Adams. He was 87. A North Adams native, he was a veteran of the Korean War and served in the U.S. Continue reading »

The Passing of Robert Kove

To the Williams community, I write with the sad news that retired museum monitor Robert “Bob” Kove passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, January 27. He was 85. An Albany native, he graduated from Siena College with a degree in chemistry, and then served in the U.S. Marine… Continue reading »

The Passing of John Anderson

To the Williams community, It is my sad duty to inform you of the death of retired museum security officer John R. Anderson, who passed away on Friday, January 3, in Dalton. He was 88. John was born in Quincy, Mass., and attended local schools. A veteran of the Korean… Continue reading »

The Passing of William Grant

To the Williams community, I write today with sad news of a retired faculty member who has passed away. William “Bill” Chase Grant Jr., professor of biology, who taught at the college for 35 years, died on November 28. He was 95. Born in Baltimore, Md., Bill served three years… Continue reading »

The Passing of Marsha Altschuler

To the Williams community, With the passing of Marsha Altschuler, Professor of Biology, Emerita, and former chair of the biology department, on Thursday, September 12, I want to take this opportunity to recognize her many contributions to the Williams community and share a few remembrances from friends and colleagues who knew… Continue reading »

The Passing of Grace Eleanor Bump

Williams staff and faculty, We just learned the sad news that retired assistant supervisor in Facilities Grace Bump passed away on Tuesday, July 16, at Williamstown Commons. She was 97. A North Adams native, she attended local schools and worked at the former Cornish Wire factory (now Cable Mills) in… Continue reading »

The Passing of Elizabeth Louise Milanesi

Williams staff and faculty, I write to share the sad news of the passing of Elizabeth Louise “Betty” Milanesi, former assistant to the College Librarian. Betty passed away at her home in North Adams on Wednesday, at the age of 81. Betty was born in 1937, the daughter of Howard… Continue reading »

The Passing of Alfred Cross

To the Williams community, It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing of retired custodian Alfred “Al” Cross, who passed away on Sunday, July 7, in Pittsfield. He was 91. Al was born in Adams and attended local schools. He joined the Williams staff in 1969 and… Continue reading »