Search Archived Marriage Records
Ruth Stewart Connelly, 89
12/05/09 - Ruth Stewart Connelly passed away peacefully on November 26, 2009 in Westerly.
She was born in New York City on July 31, 1920, the youngest of the four children of Elmer and Charlotte Stewart.
As a child, Ruth enjoyed taking cruises with her family, making the annual trip with her father to the Army-Navy football games, and she loved to perform at local playhouse productions and piano recitals.
Ruth graduated from Mt. St. Ursula Academy in Yonkers, N.Y., the Froebel League Professional School, the University of the State of New York, and Westfield State Teachers College. Her career as a teacher included the South Brooklyn Little Italy House Nursery School, Miss Hewitt’s Academy of New York City, Little Yankee Kindergarten in Agawam, Mass., and the Woodland School in Southwick, Mass. where she taught Special Education and served for a time as interim principal, retiring in 1984.
Ruth resided in Agawam, Mass., for 37 years where she participated in numerous church, social, political, and athletic organizations with her family, neighbors and friends.
Retirement was spent between Cape Cod in Eastham, Mass., Blowing Rock, N.C., and Flagler Beach, Fla., where she enjoyed her dog Heidi, traveling, golf, entertaining and working with Special Olympics.
She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, former Massachusetts State Representative Edward W. Connelly, and her eldest son, Capt. Edward “Ned” W. Connelly Jr., USMC, Vietnam ‘68.
Ruth is survived by son Michael and his wife Judy of Block Island; son John and his wife Kathy of Longwood, Fla., six grandchildren: Kirsten, Erin, Ned, Kate, Jay and Liz, and seven great-grandchildren: Amaris, Owen, Cora, Alexander, Kiley, Clive and Maisie Ruth.
A Memorial Service will take place at the Agawam Congregational Church on Friday, December 11, 2009 at 11 a.m., followed by a reception in the church fellowship hall.
Ceremonies at the Agawam Center Cemetery will be at the convenience of the family.
Donations may be made to: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10001
Walter Covell, 91
Walter Covell, who created the crossword puzzles for Block Island Times the last two years, died suddenly on Veterans Day, November 11, 2008.
Covell was born January 6, 1917 in Barrington, son of Louis Everett and Maude Evelyn (Clarke) Covell of Barrington, former husband of the late Harriette Frances (Tabakin) Covell, father of Alex and Christopher Covell; grandfather of Jason and Emilie Covell and great-grandfather of Kyle Covell.
Covell enjoyed a long life passionately engaged in providing entertainment and diversionary pleasure to others. During his college years at Brown University (Class of 1938), following up on his original primary school credit as the minister in “Tom Thumb’s Wedding,” he performed with Brown’s “Sock and Buskin” theater group. He began his professional career as an NBC page in New York City, then worked as an announcer for several radio stations in the Northeast and midwest.
After service with the U.S. Merchant Marines in World War II he returned to Rhode Island where first he narrated a radio series on WEAN in the late afternoons called “New England Notebook.” He then became a creative pioneer in television at WJAR with a regular live program called “Backstage Stories,” as the only actor in a series of short theatrical pieces. Renamed “Solo Drama,” Covell had a period of national exposure with the ABC network in 1952, receiving an award for that year’s most original show. While continuing to appear on camera in such programs as “The Wife and I,” “Riddle Skits,” “Tip Top Circus” and “Walt’s Time” he would serve the balance of his professional career in program management in Providence at both WJAR and WSBE until his retirement in 1978.
He continued to appear thereafter in primary roles with such regional and local theater groups as Barrington Players, Trinity Square, Barker Playhouse, Cabot Street and Matunuck’s Theater by the Sea. He also developed a talent for creating word puzzles, which, besides the Block Island Times, were published in the New York Times and numerous crosswords specialty publications. He also had wide public exposure in the role of Colonel Mustard for Parker Brothers’ video version of the “Clue” board game, in the television series “Spenser for Hire” and others, and in several major motion pictures, most recently in “Edge of Darkness” with Mel Gibson.
Covell was a member of the Barrington Town Council, the Screen Actors Guild, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and past president of the Roger Williams Family Association. All who knew him were inspired by his unquenchable spirit and enthusiasm for life.
While funeral arrangements will be private, all are welcome to attend a memorial service in his honor that will be held January 3, 2009 at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 191 County Road, Barrington.
Jacob Schmitt, 87
Jacob D Schmitt, 87, passed away on Saturday, June 29, at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, N.Y., of cardiac arrest. He was the spouse of Werner L. Feibes. Werner was also his partner in the firm of Feibes & Schmitt, Architects, since 1956, when Jacob came to Schenectady from Erie, Penn., his birthplace. In 1970, Jacob came to Block Island and fell in love with this place, where it is difficult to get out of the sight of water and where there is such a sense of’ community. Jacob acquired a site on Cooneymus Road and built a wonderful little house of great creative distinction. When an extraordinary piece of land came on the market in 1982, on Corn Neck Road, near the very lightly developed tip of the island with the most fabulous view, he could not resist. The place was called “Moon Hill” because twice each year the moon and the sun rise and set simultaneously and that, to Jacob, was magic. He spent his last two weeks there.
Kathie Graham
Fri, 10/11/2013
Kathie Graham, a frequent visitor to Block Island for nearly 35 years, died after an extended illness at her home in Scituate Harbor, Mass., at the age of 70. She is survived by David and Dottie Graham of Sheffield Farm, Block Island; nephew Peter Welch Graham and his wife Pamela Keith Graham of New Jersey; and a niece, Megan Bohen Graham of Providence.
Kathie was educated at the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Newton, Mass., the Newman Preparatory School and the Hickox Business School in Boston. She was on the statistical staff in OB/GYN at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Brighton, Mass., for many years. She retired in 1975.
Kathie was predeceased by her parents, Robert F. and Elinor Long Graham of Brookline, Mass., and her three brothers, Paul, of New York; Robert, of Quincy, Mass., and the Rev. Gilbert James Graham, O.P., of Chicago, Ill.
Kathie Graham, a frequent visitor to Block Island for nearly 35 years, died after an extended illness at her home in Scituate Harbor, Mass., at the age of 70. She is survived by David and Dottie Graham of Sheffield Farm, Block Island; nephew Peter Welch Graham and his wife Pamela Keith Graham of New Jersey; and a niece, Megan Bohen Graham of Providence.
Kathie was educated at the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Newton, Mass., the Newman Preparatory School and the Hickox Business School in Boston. She was on the statistical staff in OB/GYN at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Brighton, Mass., for many years. She retired in 1975.
Kathie was predeceased by her parents, Robert F. and Elinor Long Graham of Brookline, Mass., and her three brothers, Paul, of New York; Robert, of Quincy, Mass., and the Rev. Gilbert James Graham, O.P., of Chicago, Ill.
Nancy B. Doolittle
Tue, 08/13/2013
Nancy B. Doolittle, 63, of Block Island and Naples, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2013 in Naples. Nancy was born in Providence, R.I., to Gilbert J. and Harriet Butterfield on April 3, 1950. She graduated from the Wheeler School in Providence and earned her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University, a master’s degree from Harvard and continued studies at Brown University.
Nancy is survived by John T. Doolittle, of Block Island and Naples, Fla., and sister Susan Hathaway-Blois of Westboro, Mass. She was the sister of the late Carol Butterfield.
An elementary school teacher in Cleveland Heights, Ohio for 27 years, Nancy also taught English as a Second Language in Providence and Block Island. Nancy was a friend of the Block Island Free Library and requests that any gifts in her remembrance be given to the library.
A family memorial service will be announced.
Nancy B. Doolittle, 63, of Block Island and Naples, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2013 in Naples. Nancy was born in Providence, R.I., to Gilbert J. and Harriet Butterfield on April 3, 1950. She graduated from the Wheeler School in Providence and earned her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University, a master’s degree from Harvard and continued studies at Brown University.
Nancy is survived by John T. Doolittle, of Block Island and Naples, Fla., and sister Susan Hathaway-Blois of Westboro, Mass. She was the sister of the late Carol Butterfield.
An elementary school teacher in Cleveland Heights, Ohio for 27 years, Nancy also taught English as a Second Language in Providence and Block Island. Nancy was a friend of the Block Island Free Library and requests that any gifts in her remembrance be given to the library.
A family memorial service will be announced.
Eunice Kelly
Mon, 02/17/2014
Eunice Kelly, adored wife of Francis “Bud” Kelly, died surrounded by family on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2014. Born Eunice Mary McGinn to the late Charles Timothy McGinn and Eunice (Granger) McGinn in Milford, Mass., on Feb. 23, 1931, she had grown up in Windsor Locks, Conn.
She often described her life as compartmentalized. In the compartment of education, Eunice graduated Summa Cum Laude from St. Joseph College and earned her master’s degree at Wesleyan University. A lifelong consummate reader, she never stopped taking courses nor met a course she didn’t love.
In the compartment of careers, the early years were in the field of training. Eunice was a training director at the legendary G. Fox and Co., and later training director at Carson Pirie Scott in Chicago. From the 1960s on her field was marketing, which included Director of Communications for St. Joseph College and a two-decade attachment to Westledge Associates, where she retired as senior Vice President of Marketing.
For over 40 years Eunice wrote a weekly column, “View from my Window,” which first ran in The Farmington Valley Herald in 1968. A humor/general commentary column, it garnered a host of local fans and regardless of what level of executive success she rose to, nothing was as gratifying to her as the bond she formed between her and readers. The adventures of her entire family, from grammar school days on, were chronicled in it. When grandchildren came along, readers were introduced to them as Kate the Great, Princess Whitney, Cool Dude Jay and Brenna the Beautiful.
In the compartment of culture, all the arts interested her, but theater and film were life-long loves. She often reminisced of halcyon days (from 1949-1954) when she was the ingenue at the Somers Stock Theater in Somers, Conn. Civic commitments were many. St. Joseph University and the friends of the Simsbury Public Library remained her favorites. Eunice was currently serving as a director on the Board and had been President of Friends during the expansion.
All compartments mattered to her, but overall there was just one compartment that soared above the rest in the province of her heart — that of family. Eunice always described herself as the luckiest of woman, married to a man who was her husband, her lover, the father of her children and her best friend. Mother of three sons, all of whom she adored, mother-in-law to three wives she thought of as her daughters, and grandmother to four who danced on the moon.
A family matriarch of wild Irish wit, tempered by a warm and compassionate heart, Eunice leaves behind her beloved husband Francis J. “Bud” Kelly Jr.; her son, Francis Joseph “Kel” Kelly, III, his wife Heather of Weston, Mass., and their children, Whitney Kelly of Boston, and Francis Joseph “Jay” Kelly, IV of Washington, D.C. and his fiancée, Laura Dean of Washington, D.C.; her son, Timothy Charles “Tim” Kelly, his wife Susie of Corvallis, Oregon, and their daughter, Katherine Virginia “Katie” Kelly of San Francisco, Calif.; her son, Christopher Matthew “Chris” Kelly, his wife Sharon and their daughter Brenna Marie Kelly, all of Simsbury, Conn. She is also survived by her brother, Bill and Lois McGinn of Boca Raton, FL and numerous nieces and nephews and an inner circle of treasured friends who at every stage enriched her life.
As the Irish believe, if love of family and friends could have saved her, she would be with us yet. Burial was held in Simsbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Eunice Kelly Memorial Library and Education Fund, 10 East Tomstead Road, Simsbury, Conn., 06070. Please visit Mrs. Kelly’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.
Eunice Kelly, adored wife of Francis “Bud” Kelly, died surrounded by family on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2014. Born Eunice Mary McGinn to the late Charles Timothy McGinn and Eunice (Granger) McGinn in Milford, Mass., on Feb. 23, 1931, she had grown up in Windsor Locks, Conn.
She often described her life as compartmentalized. In the compartment of education, Eunice graduated Summa Cum Laude from St. Joseph College and earned her master’s degree at Wesleyan University. A lifelong consummate reader, she never stopped taking courses nor met a course she didn’t love.
In the compartment of careers, the early years were in the field of training. Eunice was a training director at the legendary G. Fox and Co., and later training director at Carson Pirie Scott in Chicago. From the 1960s on her field was marketing, which included Director of Communications for St. Joseph College and a two-decade attachment to Westledge Associates, where she retired as senior Vice President of Marketing.
For over 40 years Eunice wrote a weekly column, “View from my Window,” which first ran in The Farmington Valley Herald in 1968. A humor/general commentary column, it garnered a host of local fans and regardless of what level of executive success she rose to, nothing was as gratifying to her as the bond she formed between her and readers. The adventures of her entire family, from grammar school days on, were chronicled in it. When grandchildren came along, readers were introduced to them as Kate the Great, Princess Whitney, Cool Dude Jay and Brenna the Beautiful.
In the compartment of culture, all the arts interested her, but theater and film were life-long loves. She often reminisced of halcyon days (from 1949-1954) when she was the ingenue at the Somers Stock Theater in Somers, Conn. Civic commitments were many. St. Joseph University and the friends of the Simsbury Public Library remained her favorites. Eunice was currently serving as a director on the Board and had been President of Friends during the expansion.
All compartments mattered to her, but overall there was just one compartment that soared above the rest in the province of her heart — that of family. Eunice always described herself as the luckiest of woman, married to a man who was her husband, her lover, the father of her children and her best friend. Mother of three sons, all of whom she adored, mother-in-law to three wives she thought of as her daughters, and grandmother to four who danced on the moon.
A family matriarch of wild Irish wit, tempered by a warm and compassionate heart, Eunice leaves behind her beloved husband Francis J. “Bud” Kelly Jr.; her son, Francis Joseph “Kel” Kelly, III, his wife Heather of Weston, Mass., and their children, Whitney Kelly of Boston, and Francis Joseph “Jay” Kelly, IV of Washington, D.C. and his fiancée, Laura Dean of Washington, D.C.; her son, Timothy Charles “Tim” Kelly, his wife Susie of Corvallis, Oregon, and their daughter, Katherine Virginia “Katie” Kelly of San Francisco, Calif.; her son, Christopher Matthew “Chris” Kelly, his wife Sharon and their daughter Brenna Marie Kelly, all of Simsbury, Conn. She is also survived by her brother, Bill and Lois McGinn of Boca Raton, FL and numerous nieces and nephews and an inner circle of treasured friends who at every stage enriched her life.
As the Irish believe, if love of family and friends could have saved her, she would be with us yet. Burial was held in Simsbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Eunice Kelly Memorial Library and Education Fund, 10 East Tomstead Road, Simsbury, Conn., 06070. Please visit Mrs. Kelly’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.
Jacob Kirkpatrick Higgs
Fri, 07/26/2013
Jacob Kirkpatrick Higgs, former resident of Sheffield Farm, Block Island, died July 13, 2013 at his home in Thomasville, Georgia. A private interment was held for family and a celebration of his life was held at his home for family and close friends on July 16. Jacob Higgs was the son of James E. Kirkpatrick and Helene H. Kirkpatrick. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Jacob Wilson Higgs, and his sister, Sarah K. Kavanaugh. Born in Greenville, N.C., on Nov. 21, 1933, Jake grew up there and attended Greenville schools. In 1953, Jake married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ann Smoot. He served four years in the U.S. Air Force, from 1953 to 1957, including stations in England and North Africa. He graduated from Duke University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Upon graduation, Jake worked for Hazeltine Corp., Long Island, N.Y., for five years. He and his family moved to Concord, N.H., in 1966 where he worked for 35 years as a design engineer at Sprague Electric Company. He became a premier expert in Hall Effect Devices, sharing his expertise on this subject worldwide and earning seven U.S. patents for his work. Jake was an accomplished multi-sport athlete and sports enthusiast. He played football, basketball and golf in high school, scoring his first hole-in-one his senior year. In his early 30s, he started playing tennis so he could teach the game to his children. He went on to earn the N.H. State Doubles Championship title. He cultivated a love of sports and physical wellbeing in all his children. He was blessed by an exquisitely sharp mind and a gentle heart. Never daunted by the uphill climbs, he was always humble and self-effacing about his accomplishments, enjoying challenges and taking them in stride as he did his life. He is survived by his wife of 60 years; three daughters, Elizabeth Newton (Joseph) of Lafayette, Calif., Mary Thomas (known as Kira) Higgs of Portland, Oregon, Laura Furber (Thomas) of Montpelier, Vermont, and a son, John Shaw Higgs of Concord, N.H.; three granddaughters, Stasia and Alyssa Furber and Sasha Newton; and a nephew, Dr. Patrick Kavanaugh (Alison) of Chapel Hill, N.C.. The family expresses profound gratitude to Bethany Hospice in Valdosta, Georgia for its medical professionalism and generosity of spirit in their care for him and the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to pancreatic cancer research through the Lustgarten Foundation (www.lustgarten.org) or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org). Friends and family are invited to sign the online guest register at www.allenfh.com
Kathryn Hiza
Tue, 08/13/2013
Kathryn Ahern Hiza, loving wife of 56 years to Robert J. Hiza, mother to four sons, grandmother of 11 and friend to so many, passed away peacefully on a beautiful summer afternoon at home in Orange, Conn., on July 17, 2013. At her side were husband Bob and son Chris. Kathryn was born in Bridgeport, Conn., on Feb. 13, 1934 and graduated from Stratford High School in 1952. She attended Albertus Magnus College and met Bob on a ski trip to Vermont and they were married six months later. She then decided to major in her family and became an original stay-at-home mom, raising four active sons to become fine young men, husbands and fathers.
After a weekend at the Spring House in 1964, she was determined that future vacations would be on Block Island. After five summers at Cutting Cottages, Kathryn declared she was not leaving without a piece of the Block, and she and Bob bought their “diamond in the rough” on Beacon Hill Road. The next 40 summers were a splendid mix of fun in the sun for the family, with Kathryn zipping around in her jeep and signature straw hat, summer jobs for the boys and taking the rough edges off our diamond.
Over the years, and especially this past year, the family would all reminisce about events on Block Island that involved people such as Willis Dodge keeping the old Jeep running for Kathryn; Flora Totten (their neighbor who never owned a car) walking into town to work at the Blue Dory every day; Gene Rankin’s summer concerts at the Spring House; Tom Littlefield delivering water to our cistern ($12 a load); Captain Evans, on the original Block Island ferry from New London, misjudging his momentum and crunching into Payne’s Dock (which Bob would redesign decades later); Buster, the first mate on the Quonset; Paul and Victor Filippi, who kept their boys employed and out of most trouble many summers at Champlin’s and Ballard’s, and so many others…
But more than almost anything, Kathy lived for and was most proud of her 11 grandchildren, who returned every summer to Block Island from all over the world for her annual and much-anticipated theme party, the last of which was a luau with hula dancers, tiki torches and “Jeep Sledding” about the property (which is precisely as dangerous and exciting as it sounds). As her sons grew up, moved on and travelled the world raising their own families, the one constant was her unconditional love for them, her husband, and 11 grandchildren (who were the joy of her life), and her love was the North Star that guided them all faithfully back every summer to celebrate and console, mourn and marvel, and to now look fondly back at the milestones of the passing years. She could drive a nail, a World War Two-era Army Jeep (standard shift, 3-speed, no top, not much brakes) and a household of adventurous boys and men simultaneously; she loved her gardens in Connecticut and on the island, hats of all kinds, and the warm, soft surf on Crescent Beach in August, where she can still be felt in the summer breeze.
Carole White
Mon, 01/30/2012
Carole A. White (McSweeney), born in Wakefield, Rhode Island, in 1947, died on January 28 at the age of 64 after a courageous battle with cancer.
After graduating from Cranston High School East in 1965, she attended the University of Rhode Island, where she received a Bachelors of Political Science in 1974 and a Masters of Public Administration in 1975. She moved to Block Island in 1980 with her Irish setter, Kelly Bean, and lived here full time from 1980 to 1995. She was employed at the National Hotel and later at the Samuel Peckham Inn, where she worked the next 30 years with her longtime companion, Lew Gaffett. Starting in 1995, she wintered in Culebra, Puerto Rico, and subsequently in Sarasota, Florida, while continuing to summer on Block Island.
She is survived by her parents, Eugene F. and Rita M. McSweeney of Sarasota, Florida; sisters Barbara McSweeney of Geneva, Switzerland and Gail Newton of Rochester, N.Y.; their husbands; four nieces and nephews; and four grand nieces and nephews.
A celebration of her life will be held in Sarasota, Florida, in February and on Block Island later in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations to Tidewell Hospice or the American Cancer Society would be welcome.
Carole A. White (McSweeney), born in Wakefield, Rhode Island, in 1947, died on January 28 at the age of 64 after a courageous battle with cancer.
After graduating from Cranston High School East in 1965, she attended the University of Rhode Island, where she received a Bachelors of Political Science in 1974 and a Masters of Public Administration in 1975. She moved to Block Island in 1980 with her Irish setter, Kelly Bean, and lived here full time from 1980 to 1995. She was employed at the National Hotel and later at the Samuel Peckham Inn, where she worked the next 30 years with her longtime companion, Lew Gaffett. Starting in 1995, she wintered in Culebra, Puerto Rico, and subsequently in Sarasota, Florida, while continuing to summer on Block Island.
She is survived by her parents, Eugene F. and Rita M. McSweeney of Sarasota, Florida; sisters Barbara McSweeney of Geneva, Switzerland and Gail Newton of Rochester, N.Y.; their husbands; four nieces and nephews; and four grand nieces and nephews.
A celebration of her life will be held in Sarasota, Florida, in February and on Block Island later in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations to Tidewell Hospice or the American Cancer Society would be welcome.
Kevin Smith, 48
Mon, 05/11/2009
05/09/09 - Kevin A. Smith passed away on May 3, 2009, on Block Island. He was born April 7, 1961, the son of the late Capt. Carlton Spencer Smith of Block Island and the late June Marie Byrnes of Preston, Conn.
A life-long resident of Block Island, Kevin died unexpectedly after a brave battle. He leaves his longtime companion and best friend, Joan Wholey of Block Island; and his three daughters, Amanda Kirby, Jenny and Lizzy Smith, plus two grand children, who all reside in Oregon.
He also leaves his brothers and sisters: Deniece Cecelia Champlin of Preston, Conn., Carlton Albert Smith of Brownsmead, Ore., Jeanette Deborah Lobe of Olympia, Wash., Capt. Steven Charles Smith of Bradford, R.I., Laurie J. Remondi of Preston, Conn., and Gregory Scott Smith of Preston, Conn., and many nieces and nephews. Not to be forgotten is his black lab Lucy, a dear friend who Kevin worshipped.
Kevin was known for his love of metal detecting, treasure hunting and being a man of few words. But his smiling eyes spoke volumes. Growing up on the island he loved the ocean and all that came with it. He worked for many years for ZMA Designs and was a meticulous craftsman and a jack-of-all-trades.
Those who had the good fortune to know Kevin knew of his love of Block Island. With that in mind memorial gifts to the Block Island Historical Society or the Block Island Rescue Squad would be appreciated in lieu of flowers. A service in his honor will be held at Settlers Rock at a later date.
05/09/09 - Kevin A. Smith passed away on May 3, 2009, on Block Island. He was born April 7, 1961, the son of the late Capt. Carlton Spencer Smith of Block Island and the late June Marie Byrnes of Preston, Conn.
A life-long resident of Block Island, Kevin died unexpectedly after a brave battle. He leaves his longtime companion and best friend, Joan Wholey of Block Island; and his three daughters, Amanda Kirby, Jenny and Lizzy Smith, plus two grand children, who all reside in Oregon.
He also leaves his brothers and sisters: Deniece Cecelia Champlin of Preston, Conn., Carlton Albert Smith of Brownsmead, Ore., Jeanette Deborah Lobe of Olympia, Wash., Capt. Steven Charles Smith of Bradford, R.I., Laurie J. Remondi of Preston, Conn., and Gregory Scott Smith of Preston, Conn., and many nieces and nephews. Not to be forgotten is his black lab Lucy, a dear friend who Kevin worshipped.
Kevin was known for his love of metal detecting, treasure hunting and being a man of few words. But his smiling eyes spoke volumes. Growing up on the island he loved the ocean and all that came with it. He worked for many years for ZMA Designs and was a meticulous craftsman and a jack-of-all-trades.
Those who had the good fortune to know Kevin knew of his love of Block Island. With that in mind memorial gifts to the Block Island Historical Society or the Block Island Rescue Squad would be appreciated in lieu of flowers. A service in his honor will be held at Settlers Rock at a later date.
Robert Emerson Geer, 92
Mon, 01/05/2015
Robert Emerson Geer, 92, died peacefully at his home on Block Island on Jan. 3, 2015. Born in Providence, R.I. on Aug. 28, 1922, he was the son of Robert L. and Natalie (Ellis) Geer. Robert grew up and raised his family in Three Rivers, Mass., and lived there for many years before relocating to Block Island 33 years ago. He served his country in the Coast Guard during World War II and worked as the Comptroller for Robinson Thread Company in Worcester for many years before his retirement. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary L. (Miller), who died in 2002.
He will be deeply missed by his five children: Nancy J. Cole, Stanton A. Geer and wife Cynthia, and Peter E. Geer, all of Block Island; Susan R. Shea and husband George Donnelly of Charlestown, R.I.; and David A. Geer and wife Judy of Portugal. He also leaves eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother Stanton Avery Geer.
A Memorial Service will be Friday, Jan. 9 at 11 a.m. at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home, 1475 N. Main St, Palmer, Mass. Burial will follow with military honors in Four Corners Cemetery. For those wishing, please make donations in his memory to Home & Hospice of Rhode Island, Block Island Volunteer Fire & Rescue Squad and the Block Island Medical Center. For more information, please visit www.beersandstory.com.
Robert Emerson Geer, 92, died peacefully at his home on Block Island on Jan. 3, 2015. Born in Providence, R.I. on Aug. 28, 1922, he was the son of Robert L. and Natalie (Ellis) Geer. Robert grew up and raised his family in Three Rivers, Mass., and lived there for many years before relocating to Block Island 33 years ago. He served his country in the Coast Guard during World War II and worked as the Comptroller for Robinson Thread Company in Worcester for many years before his retirement. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary L. (Miller), who died in 2002.
He will be deeply missed by his five children: Nancy J. Cole, Stanton A. Geer and wife Cynthia, and Peter E. Geer, all of Block Island; Susan R. Shea and husband George Donnelly of Charlestown, R.I.; and David A. Geer and wife Judy of Portugal. He also leaves eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother Stanton Avery Geer.
A Memorial Service will be Friday, Jan. 9 at 11 a.m. at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home, 1475 N. Main St, Palmer, Mass. Burial will follow with military honors in Four Corners Cemetery. For those wishing, please make donations in his memory to Home & Hospice of Rhode Island, Block Island Volunteer Fire & Rescue Squad and the Block Island Medical Center.
