class notes

ALUMNI, FACULTY, AND STAFF: We would love to hear from you and share your latest news with the Belmont Hill School community. Please email your notes and photos to alumni@belmonthill.org. Length and content are subject to editorial approval; some submissions may appear as excerpts. The deadline for the Summer/Fall Bulletin is June 1, 2021. VETERAN’S PROFILE: Have you served in the military? To be publicly recognized in the Belmont Hill School Military Register, please complete the online form found under “Alumni” on the website. If you have any questions, please call the Alumni Office at 617.993.5203.

1953

DICK CHAIKIN ’53 writes, “Having had a periodontics practice at Charles River Place since 1965, I retired in 1997 due to a hand injury (a friend shook my hand too hard; lost my dexterity after a couple surgeries). Ned Ryerson was a patient there, only until I suggested some surgery. I wrote a textbook on perio surgery, became editor of a dental journal (seven languages), and taught at BU School of Dentistry as well as Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Gave lectures in Japan, Europe, South America, and the United States. Been retired in Palm Beach Gardens ever since, first at Ballen Isles and now in a rented apartment nearby OH, and as some of you may know, I became fluent in Turkish along the way. I look forward to reading about y’all in Class Notes each time.”

1954

BILL TAGGART ’54 writes, “Thanks to the Alumni House for arranging the Zoom on September 24 so that our Class of 1954 could meet and talk. This was very enjoyable since there has been no traveling for us since last spring and we don’t see any in the foreseeable future.”

1955

From GIL SWIFT ’55 comes: “Hi, everyone! Sue and I just concluded our 60th year at our favorite place on earth, Nisswa, MN. We spent five months at the log cabin her dad built with a high school teaching buddy in 1947–1950. It is on a small lake and the woods around make a perfect setting. Hope all of you are staying healthy. Wish all of you the very best!”

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1. Happy 100th Birthday to Nelson Darling ’37!

His son Tom Darling ’77 submitted this photo with a note: “This photo includes a Christmas light decorated Roman numeral “C” (100) made by my brother Bill’s (’67) wife Betty to commemorate the occasion. Charles Jenney would be proud.”

2. Denise and John Shane ’50 with their Belmont

Hill face masks.

3. Bob Togneri ’55 in his new Belmont Hill mask.

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1956

This from BILL CUNNINGHAM ’56: “We approach our 65th anniversary with the sobering reminder that life expectancy was 60 when we were born. I reflect on my fond memories of Belmont Hill faculty and classmates and stay close to DAVE HAWKINS ’56 and JON WILCOX ’56. We graduated into a very different world and had more fun than people seem to experience today. My beloved wife, Deedee, and I are Florida residents in Vero Beach and summer at Lake Sunapee in New London, NH. Our daughter, Margaret, and son-in-law, Ted Lyon, live in Winchester, MA, and have two sons, ANDREW LYON ’26 and JAMES LYON ’25, at Belmont Hill.”

1957

This from CLAUDE (TED) WELCH ’57: “A major recent change in my life occurred in mid-May. I moved from Buffalo, NY, my home for more than 55 years, to Auburndale, MA. My new home is in Lasell Village, in an absolutely wonderful place. Any Belmont Hill alumnus nearing or at retirement age might consider checking it out. One of the best aspects is its location: 0.2 miles easy walk to the Riverside T stop, so that I can easily reach my daughter’s home. My son lives in Newton Highlands, barely four miles away via I-95. The residents and staff interact well, and I have been greeted in a most friendly fashion during the 10 days since I moved in. I look forward to watching future Belmont Hill events, especially when my grandson, JACK DYER ’23, participates and spectators can attend. We did tour the campus in the fall of 2019. The facilities have changed mightily since I graduated in 1957! Am I wrong, but is Mr. Croke in the bottom left-hand corner of the large mural, in the athletic center?” (Editor’s note: No, Ted, you are correct.)

Claude Welch ’57 with grandson James Dyer ’23.

1959

From NAT FLECK ’59: “My wife, Debby Pigman, and I have been in New Orleans for the last 16 years. Shortly before retiring we bought a retreat (a geodesic dome, actually) in Mississippi; it is a half mile from beautiful white sand beaches. We love it there. We are spending most of our time there during the pandemic. Maybe ten cars pass it in a day. I have my vegetable garden (winter season is best) and am starting a wildflower field across the road. Paradise.”

1961

DAVE BURKE ’61 writes, “Now living in Charleston, SC, the finest city in the country, in my opinion. My brother, RON ’59, and I semi-retired from our manufacturing business after selling it to a Canadian company in 2016. Having trouble acquiescing to the pressure to be politically correct in every aspect of life. Consider myself a southerner through and through. If you have any college-age kids coming along, I can’t recommend sending them to Duke strongly enough.”

This from BILL HOFMANN ’61: “I left the School to do my last three years at Lawrenceville after five years at Belmont Hill. Went to BU and Suffolk to get a BS, BA, and an MBA. Went to work in my father’s insurance agency part time and went to school part time. Served as president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Massachusetts in 1986. Ran for the Massachusetts State Senate in 1990 and lost with 45% of the vote. Became president of the Independent Insurance Agents of America in 2000. Served 12 years on the board of Commonwealth Auto Reinsurers (Massachusetts assigned risk pool) with four as president. Retired in 2011 with four offices and 45 employees.”

WADE WELCH ’61 writes, “After 51 years in Boston, I moved my office to 175 Washington Street, Suite B21, Winchester, MA, on January 1, 2021. All other contact information is unchanged. Jane, Tracy, her husband, Steve, and grandchildren, Tory, Amanda, and BRADFORD ’ 26 are all well. Bradford is in Form I at the Hill. I hope you and yours are likewise. Best, Wade!”

1963

DICK VIETOR ’63 writes, “Being cooped up for seven months is getting weary. My family is all still healthy… but also suffering from being pent up. However, the last few months have been pretty productive for research and writing. I have been teaching virtually, and beginning next week, go back to Harvard to teach in a virtual classroom, to executives all over the world. That’s exciting.”

1968

From STEVE FORTE ’68 comes: “I have been in contact with classmate JEFF GOLD ’68 as he readies for his annual sail from Bar Harbor, ME, to Panama. It’s a long journey for Jeff and we hope to rendezvous in Panama this winter if it all works out. I have moved to Victoria, BC to be closer to my daughter who attends prep school in Mill Bay as her twin brother plays more competitive basketball in Victoria.”

1970

ROB GOGAN ’70 retired from Harvard University in October of 2020. Rob helped found and markedly improved the recycling programs at Harvard. In 1990, its recycling rate was 5%; today it is more than 50%. Rob has made a tremendous impact beyond the environment by helping people through reuse. Harvard’s surplus furniture program has helped thousands of people locally and abroad. For 15 years, Rob assisted in collecting donations of make-up, hair and skin treatments, feminine hygiene products, and other grooming goods for homeless women at the Cambridge Family Center. Rob will continue serving on the RAC and MassRecycle, a statewide nonprofit.

1971

BOB KITTREDGE ’71 writes, “After floundering in the corporate world for three years (IBM), I was the last to see my incompatibleness there and moved to California and morphed into a hippie. These were the free and happy years. I married a younger

French woman and had my first child at age 50 – finally mature enough for the task. At 60 my three concussions caught up with me and Parkinson’s moved in. I am still self-reliant and pain-free; hoping for magical breakthroughs and reliable self-driving cars to arrive just when I need them. Prosperity soothes all the rough edges, however, as does my family’s ongoing love. Philosophically: (you have been waiting to hear this, of course) the only thing that makes any sense is...joy. May our golden years have plenty!”

1972

STEVE HANSON ’72 writes, “Enjoying San Diego – for 27 years now. When I am not sailing or enjoying the great outdoors Southern California offers, I work! Not retired – career number three with the second business I have founded. Serial entrepreneur. Mergers and acquisitions of small to medium-size businesses. I look forward to visiting the Boston area soon to see my father, siblings, and friends.”

1973

DAN SCHLEY ’73 writes, “Having suffered the indignity of COVID-19, a small group of intrepid competitors decided to form their own head race, the first of its kind, in an unusual location over a non-standard distance while giving full consideration to the need for social distancing and responsible interaction. The first Head of the Ponds Regatta was a 7500 meter head race on Mashpee-Wakeby Pond on Cape Cod.”

Congratulations to KEN VICTOR ’73 on the recent critical praise of his 2019 poetry collection, We Were Like Everyone Else. The Montreal Review of Books said “Victor’s poetry does not shirk from ugly realities, but rather exposes them with grace and intelligence.” The Malahat Review wrote that “there is much to admire in We Were Like Everyone Else – the book reads like a Greatest Hits album.” And finally, Today’s Book of Poetry blog said that “books of poetry this fine are as rare as hen’s teeth... . We Were Like Everyone Else will be amongst the best poetry you read this year.”

1974

From BILL HARRIS ’74 comes: “Hey...it’s been too long. Family’s good. Anna is a structural engineer and Willis is a budding astrophysicist. Unfortunately, I divorced Merrilee, a very good woman. I’ve been starting tech companies – just sold one and starting another and mostly watching my hair turn gray. Best to all.”

1975

JOHN COUGHLIN ’75 writes, “I imagine you’ll be reading this surprising note in the middle of deep winter 2021, with the end of COVID-19 on the horizon. Our family’s best news of 2020 was that my son JACK was admitted in Form I to Belmont Hill’s Class of 2026! Had a few pre-admission consultations with classmates FRANK BROSENS ’75 and Wellesley bus mate TIM FULHAM ’74, but Jack did all the hard work himself, and he and the School are a great match. Special commendations to Head Greg Schneider and his full team at ‘Bel Hill’ for orchestrating almost ‘normal’ school conditions under the not unsubstantial challenges of the pandemic. Looking forward to providing additional updates/flashbacks as we accompany Jack on his journey at his new home on the Hill.”

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1977

HAL MELCHER ’77 writes, “After decades of raising a family and working in New Jersey, one positive result of COVID-19 is that it pushed me to move full time to the New Hampshire farm that I helped my dad build after the oil embargo. I am still a commercial property/casualty business

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1. Henry Emmett ’73: “It’s not the destination; it’s the journey.”

2. John Coughlin ’75 and son Jack ’26.

3. Ken Martin ’65, Jay Harvey ’74, Tony

Green ’74, and Dan Green ’82 gathered for a round of golf in Woods Hole this summer.

insurance broker for clients throughout the country for some years to come, but, more importantly, I am looking forward to a time when this pandemic has passed and we can host a big BBQ party for a class reunion (2021?). It has been fun reconnecting with classmates these past years. Hopefully, being in the area will lead to even more laughs, fun, and adventures with you all. Reach out to me via email: hp401@aol.com.”

1978

From FRED HAGEDORN ’78 comes: “Well, after nearly 29 years in Chicago, I have returned to New England. I am now living in Concord, NH, as of February 2020. Need to rebuild my Executive Coaching practice, but COVID-19 has put a dent on those plans. Thankfully, the reason for the move was that my wife, Sarah Alger, has become the first Director of Major Gifts for NH Public Radio. It is good to be back closer to home and to Belmont Hill. My brother’s son is in the Second Form, and I look forward to seeing him in many activities at our school.”

1979

CHRIS AVERY ’79 writes, “Had the opportunity to play golf with TED FARNUM ’79 a couple of years ago. Would love to catch up with any of you. I live on the seacoast of New Hampshire and spend my time golfing, playing music, and enjoying a career in hotel tech (amazingly, surviving the pandemic career-wise). Let me know if anybody wants to play golf. My heart belongs to Wentworth by the Sea and would love to catch up with any of you.”

1983

HARRY DUVALL ’83 writes, “It’s a school year like no other.” (Harry is the executive director of the Edgerley Family South Boston Boys and Girls Club. Edgerley partners with three Boston Public Schools and they have about 60 children enrolled in the allday remote-learning programs.) “The staff has re-deployed and adapted as tutors and proctors in safe, engaging environments. For parents and kids to be able to plan for a space for their kids to go to school while it’s remote, I think there is a really big need for it. The students are fed two meals and a snack and they log on to their individual programs. If they have any questions or need help, staff is nearby. It’s just great to see the kids engaged in learning and engaged with our staff, albeit in a different way.”

1. Class of 1983 get-together at Cross

Services. For social distancing purposes, this was the first outdoor meal. Chip Tarbell ’76 was working the grill and Warren Cross Jr. ’17 stopped by for a while to say hello. We enjoyed hearing of his experiences at Babson College where he is a senior. Class of 1983 classmates from left to right,

Andrew Washburn, Warren Cross,

Chris Sweeney, Josh Levy, Robert

Cleary, and Steve Kaplan. In front is Jack Gaziano.

2. Bob Sandler ’83 writes, “I moved to Los Angeles after college and live with my wife, Raquel, and son,

Sevi, in Venice, CA. I am in the real estate business. Warm regards from California.”

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1984

This from TAD GULESERIAN ’84: “This is our Post-Thanksgiving Football Game: 40 uninterrupted years. We’ve played in ice, snow, rain, mud, freezing temperatures, and this year we played amidst COVID-19. None of these conditions have been able to stop The Game. We wore masks and had sanitizer on hand. It was nice to get outside and reconnect with friends – especially this year. For this year’s edition we played in Arlington instead of the Belmont Hill Varsity football field. The Game included five members from the Class of 1984: CHRIS BROWN, WAYNE FITZPATRICK, MARK MARTINES, BRIAN MCCARTHY, and me. Also joining in The Game were 11 of our kids – including MATT MARTINES ’22 and LUKE GULESERIAN ’24. Due to COVID-19, after The Game we elected not to eat lunch indoors at Bertucci’s, but rather we dined outside on ribs, smoked brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread from Blue Ribbon BBQ. We look forward to November 26, 2021, for the 41st edition of The Game. Hopefully we will be back at Belmont Hill for this game.” JOE TULLY ’84 writes, “Despite dealing with the limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve been able to still play the occasional round of golf, including my third annual August member-guest with Coach KEN MARTIN ’65, George Tahan, and CHRIS SIMON ’80. This year Bob Brownell stood in for George and led the team to a cash prize. However, the highlight of the day was Chris’s hole-in-one on one of the most difficult holes on the course. I’ve also been able to play the occasional round with BRUCE WIMBERLY ’84, JOHN HARDING ’81, and JOE ABATE ’85. My bout with an erratic driver was helped immensely by a recent lesson with BRIAN GOLDEN ’85. As of this writing it remains to be seen whether my Sunday night hockey crowd will convene in November. This annual rite of winter, organized by JAMIE HINTLIAN ’78, includes ERIC PRICE ’81, JIM KILEY ’82, JIM REICHHELD ’83, and PAUL TUTUN ’85 with occasional guest appearances by TIM CASEY ’82 and PAUL CASEY ’79. Although Father Time has taken his toll on us, I can still track the puck pretty well, thanks to great vision care from JIM UMLAS ’82. I also regularly see JASON TSE ’00 and KYLE DUKE ’09 at my gym. Watching Kyle work out is worth the price of admission.”

1986

EDWARD PONZI ’86 writes: “Years go by but the old school remains. Please let me know if anyone is up in New Hampshire at the lakes in the summer. The dock is free and lunch is served. Regards, Edward.”

1989

From ROGER DUNCAN ’89 comes: “I’ll clear my 20th anniversary in the US Navy Reserves while on deployment in Africa this fall—serving as Public Affairs Officer at Camp Lemmonier in Djibouti through summer of 2021. My family is toughened to the reserve lifestyle, but every deployment is hard, especially with COVID-19 in the mix. My wife is carrying on well as Registrar at Bowdoin College, which has been lauded for its good COVID-19 response. Encourage you to look them up. Our two girls are taking on 1st and 7th grades aptly, with two days in school, three days at home. Being a

Class of 1984 Post-Thanksgiving Football Game.

kid is not easy in any era. As a parent and graduate, I imagine the challenges students face, maintaining the culture of competitive excellence of which Belmont Hill is proud. The men who come out of Belmont Hill are consistently awesome and I have faith that they are flexing to fit the mission! I’d welcome anyone working in the professional media to reach out directly and ask questions about Camp Lemmonier or the larger mission. As well, I’d love to mentor a recent grad interested in military service of any kind. Most of my career has been as a photographer, transitioning to Public Affairs leadership as a Chief Petty Officer. In high school, I had no idea the military needed my skills in photography, writing, and leadership. I undervalued my Belmont Hill education as a young adult. Not so, now! I have every confidence that Hillies of both artistic and traditional demeanor can excel in military service. Please do find me as you have interest. Or, just drop off a casserole at the house and fix that pesky garden gate for my wife. Whatever works for you is good with me!”

1991

BEN COUGHLIN ’91 writes, “Greetings from San Francisco! With a junior daughter in high school and a son in 8th grade, I am constantly reminded of how lucky I was to spend my formative years at the Hill. We’ve tried to find our COVID-19 silver linings where we can, enjoying family cooking, hold ’em poker, and pickleball. On the professional front, our data center business continues to chug along while my wife, Annie, has been quite busy given her infectious disease specialization at UCSF. Sadly, this past year my dear mother, Sally, passed away after a long battle with cancer. I can recall so vividly my mom standing on the fields watching so many of my games at Belmont Hill, her red hair shining, and helping us bring home plenty of victories and ISL titles. I hope in these tough times that everyone can find some time to reflect on how fortunate we were to be a part of Belmont Hill and such an incredible community of teachers, classmates, character, and spirit. Here’s to a much better 2021!” JEREMY DAVID ’91 writes, “I happily reside in North Easton, MA, with my wonderful wife, Nikki, and our three awesome kids, Sofia, 15 (who carries on the ISL torch at St. George’s), Jonathan, 12, and Lucas, 11. After graduating from law school in 1999 and spending 18 years in private practice and wealth management, my partners and I launched our own investment firm, Little House Capital, in 2017, specializing in private and institutional money management. I think often of Belmont Hill and the amazing five years that I spent there, and I wish all of you the best for good health and prosperity in all the years to come.”

ARI KATZ ’91 writes, “Hi from Atlanta. We moved here seven years ago from New York and are really loving the South. In fact, there are a lot of northern transplants in our neighborhood. On the professional level, I am the chief of lateral partner recruiting and integration at King & Spalding, one of the largest law firms in the world. If you ever had told me in high school that I would have a career recruiting lawyers I would have laughed at you. It’s a ton of fun; filled with stimulating challenges, and professionally

The Katz family: Ari ’91, Noa, Zak, Stacey, Hannah, and Sophie.

rewarding. And that’s the key to life – do something that you enjoy doing every day. I am lucky to be one of those that can say that about my work. A little about the family as that’s the reason for living and for these updates. Stacey and I have four kids now (crazy times). We know the term ‘zone defense and offense.’ They are a great bunch. Zak is 16 and driving (omg) and prepping for where he wants to go to college; he has his own business too (huh? this generation is so different, but in a good way). Hannah is 14 and has a lot of followers with her TikTok videos. Sophie is 12. She keeps us on our toes as we travel all around the South since she is an elite goalie for her ECNL travel soccer team ranked number one in GA (as of this writing). We know all of the hotels in Birmingham, AL; Jacksonville, FL; Orlando, FL; Greenville, SC, etc. And Noa is 3 years old. A real ‘surprise’ still and a blessing at the same time. She runs the house; and that’s not a joke! She keeps us young at heart for sure. Time flies, but I have learned over the years to stop and look at the sunset; take long walks with my wife; listen to my kids’ ideas; and marvel at the amazing places we have traveled to as a family and the things we have been able to do together. My best bud from Belmont Hill is still my best bud – CHARLIE ROSENBERGER ’91. We get to see each other at least once a year, which is nice. Hoping everyone is happy, healthy, and safe. Enjoy the 30th!”

1995

MIKE KELLEY ’95 writes, “After spending two years enjoying the beaches and mountains in Los Angeles, my family decided that we are East Coasters at heart and moved back home, settling in Darien, CT. I recently joined ABC News and though working from home in a new job has been a challenge, it’s been great spending more time with my wife, Stef, and three kids, Emery, 8, Drew, 6, and Max, 4. We’re looking forward to seeing more of our families in New England and we hope to reconnect with classmates from Belmont Hill.”

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1996

From ALEX HERZLINGER ’96 comes, “After serving for six years as a US Army Infantry Officer (including some close calls in Iraq), I returned to Boston for Harvard Business School in 2007. After graduation, I joined the Craniomaxillofacial Division of a Swiss company called Synthes. Living through a major acquisition by Johnson & Johnson, several relocations, thousands of nights on the road, and thousands of hours on Zoom, over a decade later I find myself leading US Sales & Marketing for the same division.

My family and I live in Chadds Ford, PA (outside of Philadelphia). I am blessed by my wonderful wife, Brenda, and boys, Micah, 11 and Joshua, 9. We love to explore local museums, parks, trampolines, swimming pools, and lakes. We maintain our steadfast loyalty to the Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox despite myriad protests of Philly fans. My parents are still going strong in the Boston area, and recently celebrated 55 years of marriage. I was really looking forward to seeing everyone in person for the big 25...here’s to celebrating just as joyously over Zoom!”

1. Congratulations to

Adrienne and Jon

Mugar ’94 on the birth of Emily Jane, born on February 23, 2021.

Emily joins big sister four-year-old Elise.

2. Maddy and Paul

LeBlanc ’03 with Jane, 5, Beau, eight months, and Annie, 3.

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1997

This from SAM GORSTEIN ’97: “It has been an interesting and difficult year for us all, I expect. In the spring of 2018 I began working as a pediatric intensivist at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore in New York and have been working there ever since. During the COVID-19 surge in the spring we opened up our pediatric ICU to adults as well. It has been a humbling experience to see some of the sickest children and adults with this virus and the teamwork required to care for our patients.”

2003

The Belmont Hill Alumni House is proud to share a new podcast created by COREY GATEWOOD ’03 called “Black Men in Medicine” which he launched this past summer. In September, one of the episodes featured DR. ALBY COOMBS ’03 on running a private practice.

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1. Jackson Samuel Marcus, born on June 27, 2020, to Hanna and

Jamie Marcus ’03. Jackson’s middle name honors his late uncle,

Sam Letts ’00.

2. Alexander James Farkas, son of Zander Farkas ’04 and Christen

Paras, born on December 3, 2020.

3. Sarah and Garrett Hatton ’05 welcomed twins on February 5, 2021. Brady Coyne Hatton and Grace Gordon Hatton were born at 5:37 pm and 5:38 pm, respectively, at Brigham and Women’s

Hospital in Boston. “Mom and babies are doing great, and daughter Avery is excited to be a big sister to twins!” 4. Kennedy Lauren Keefe, daughter of Lauren and Kevin Keefe ’05, born on August 9, 2020.

5. Max Lacy Ritchie born on June 25, 2020, to Rachel and Chris Ritchie ’05.

6. Maxwell Patrick Corrigan-Chung born on September 12, 2020, to Jade

Benjamin-Chung and Devin Corrigan ’06.

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2006

From LORD NYADENYA OGHENOVA ORITSEBEMEGHO FRANCIS INYAGWA ’06 comes, “In the year 2020, I bought my first piece of land in Scotland and I am now an official Lord. In other news, I am pretty much self-employed at this point and love every second of picking my own hours and going all-in when it comes to business.”

2008

MICHAEL GLENMULLEN ’08 writes: “I recently moved back to Cambridge after quite a few years away. I spent the past five years in Los Angeles teaching math at an independent high school in Hollywood, CA, and tutoring privately. Prior to that, I worked as a PADI scuba diving instructor in Florida and Mexico for a few years. As much as I enjoyed adventuring around, I’ve now made a full homecoming, and I’m psyched to be back. Additionally, I’ve joined my family’s business in real estate, obtained my MA Real Estate License, and teamed up with The Petrowsky Jones Group at Compass’s Cambridge office.”

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2010

JACK DESBOIS ’10 writes, “In June I moved back to Topsfield, MA, after living for the past five years mostly in Middlebury, VT. Continuing struggles with chronic Lyme Disease and co-infections, and related mold and chemical sensitivities, compelled me to take a break from my performing arts career and instead spend time healing. My graduate studies are likewise on hold; I am halfway through a Master of Letters program in Shakespeare & Performance with Mary Baldwin University, writing a thesis on immersive storytelling approaches to teaching Shakespeare in elementary school classrooms. While resting and recovering from illness, I have not been idle. This fall my brother LEO DESBOIS ’07, sister Margot, and I started DesBois Tutoring & Enrichment (desboistutoring. com), a service offering academic tutoring and educational enrichment programs to families and schools. We’re doing our best to keep students learning!”

2017

JACK ABLON ’17 writes: “This summer I became a commercial pilot, and I was just elected a captain of Colgate’s men’s tennis team as I enter my senior year.”

1. Will Forde ’05 and his 1-year-old daughter, Mia.

2. Taylor Shortsleeve ’11 graduated from UMass Medical School on

March 31, 2020. Taylor served as a

“surge MD” during Massachusetts’

COVID-19 surge from March to

June. He appeared on the Today

Show with Al Roker in a segment discussing Massachusetts’ response to COVID-19. He became engaged to

Kendra Lastowka on June 5, 2020.

She is a graduate of UMass Medical

School who also served in the surge.

In July, Taylor entered into UMass’s three-year internal medicine residency program in Worcester, MA.

Kendra is enrolled in Tufts’ five-year orthopedic surgery residency. Both are living in Natick, MA.

3. Congratulations to Caitlin and

Ryan Young ’06 on the birth of their daughter, Reece, on January 22, 2021.

In Memoriam

ARTHUR K. BIRNIE ’53

Arthur Kidder (Pete) Birnie, of Madison and North Branford, CT, and Brewster, MA, died on November 18, 2020. He was 85.

Son of the late Mary Kidder Birnie and Walter Hart Birnie, Mr. Birnie was born in 1935 and raised in Winchester, MA. He went on to Dartmouth College and married Barbara Birnie, his wife of over 60 years.

Mr. Birnie was a longtime member and active golfer at the Madison Country Club where he savored the lighthearted camaraderie and sincere fellowship shared with many on and off the course. Additionally, he gave countless hours to Madison through active involvement in a wide range of organizations that benefited all aspects of the community.

He was seen by many as a consummate gentleman who valued thoughtful conversation and was always prepared to share his intellectual spirit on a variety of topics in great detail. Baseball trivia, Jeopardy!, board games, puzzles, and card games were constant companions during his life. Mr. Birnie also had a lifelong enthusiasm for trains and birds. His quick wit and dry sense of humor were appreciated by all who were in his presence. Above all, he valued a sound work ethic and had an unwavering respect for and commitment to education.

Best known by all for his integrity, authenticity, loyalty, and gentlemanly and familyoriented qualities, he leaves the world and those he touched in a more fulfilled and stronger place. In addition to his loving wife, Barbara, Mr. Birnie is survived by his daughter, Deborah Birnie, and his son, Douglas Hart Birnie; his daughter-in-law, Mary Fatigati Birnie; his sister and brother-in-law, Sally and William Stoops; and his grandchildren, Nicholas Kidder Birnie, Meaghan Hart Birnie, Kaitlynn Mary Yandell, Brian Douglas Yandell, and Caroline Birnie Yandell. He was also the brother of the late Richard W. Birnie ’62 and Hart Birnie Holan.

JOSEPH G. TELLIER ’53

Joseph G. Tellier, of Belmont and Bourne, MA, died on March 4, 2021. He was 86.

Born in Cambridge, MA, he was the son of the late Marie and Augustus Tellier. Mr. Tellier was raised in Belmont, MA, and went on to attend Kimball Union Academy. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1957 from Boston University, where he played goalie on the hockey team.

Mr. Tellier worked for many years in commercial real estate and was a longtime member of Woodland Golf Club. He was a devoted family man and an enthusiastic boater.

He was the beloved husband of Jean Almond Tellier. Also surviving him are his daughter, Michele Britt, and her husband, Jonathan, of Belmont, MA; his son, Joseph Scott Tellier ’86, and his wife, Kerri, of Weston, MA; his grandchildren, Caitlyn, Declan, and Kiernan Tellier; and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Edward Tellier of Belmont and Centerville, MA. PETER G. DAVIS ’54

Peter Graffam Davis, of New York, NY, died on February 13, 2021. He was 84.

Born in Concord, MA, in 1936, Mr. Davis grew up in Lincoln and Cambridge. He went on to Harvard College, where he majored in music and graduated in 1958. He later studied at the Staatliche Hochschule für Musik and at Columbia University, where he earned a master’s degree in composition in 1962.

By 1967 he had become music editor of High Fidelity and Musical America magazines as well as New York correspondent for The Times of London. He wrote for The New York Times, serving as music critic and classical music page editor in the 1970s and early 1980s before leaving to become classical music critic for New York Magazine from 1981 to 2007. Mr. Davis fell in love with opera more than 70 years ago and its treasures sustained him, as did his truly caring friends. He wrote for Opera News among numerous other publications and was the author of the critically acclaimed book, The American Opera Singer (1997), now considered essential reading. His wit and insights delighted all who knew and read him.

Mr. Davis is survived by Scott V. Parris, his husband since 2009 and devoted life partner of 41 years; two sisters-in-law, eight nephews and nieces; and many great-nephews and great-nieces. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Stephen Davis, John Davis ’49, and Ted Davis ’51. Mr. Davis expressed lifelong gratitude to Belmont Hill for permitting him during his six years there to practice the piano, which he played as an accompanist for numerous shows at the School.