A tradução do óbito do Perereca se encontra no nosso site: mvtimes.com/category/on-island/saudades.

Geraldo Ferreira, known to all as Gerry, died in his sleep on Nov. 10, 2015, in his apartment overlooking a slice of Oak Bluffs Harbor, where he had become a fixture over the past 12 years.

The son of Ondina and Jose Ferreira, Gerry came to this country from Ipatinga, Brazil, looking for opportunity, eventually making his way to the Island. He spoke often and lovingly of his family, lamenting the distance between them. He spoke of his father most often, who, at 88, was in poor health. He planned to visit him this year, a plan cut short. Neither he nor his father lived with the knowledge that the other had died; Gerry and Jose died on the same day, Nov. 10, 2015, within hours of each other, a continent apart.

Gerry meant a lot to a lot of people. Through his endearing generosity, his ebullient nature, and his zest for life, he made many steadfast friends here on the Island and abroad. From students in Serbia to sushi chefs from Beijing, he touched all those he came in contact with, and brought them under his wing. Many first-time visitors identify him as their lasting connection to the Island. He seemed to feed half of the downtown at lunchtime, always traditional Brazilian fare. He propped up those in need, tutored Americans in Portuguese, fixed local kid’s bicycles, poured himself out, always available to lend an extra hand, consistently putting others before himself. He was, truly, one in a million.

On most summer nights you could find him dancing at the Ritz, or the Coop, or the Sandbar, to any song, though his favorite was Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba.” Often he was the only one dancing, until others caught his boundless enthusiasm and joined in. While there, he was known to bus tables and sweep the floors to the music, much to the surprise of bartenders and waitresses. In the winter, whenever it snowed, he was the first person out in the morning shoveling his and his neighbor’s walkways.

Gerry had a tremendous work ethic, and took pride in running the Washashore Laundromat, as well as working at Coop de Ville and the Sandbar. He catered to everyone in the community; his cathartic presence brightened lunch hours as he held court in his living room discussing minute and serious doings in the downtown.

Gerry is survived by sisters Celina, Angela, and Sonia, and brothers Jose, Wilson, and Luis, as well as three children and multiple nieces and nephews, as well as his Island family of friends, who were so important to him. His brother Hugo predeceased him.

Gerry was an invaluable member of this community, his presence already deeply missed by those fortunate enough to have known him. Those who did know him knew a loving and generous man, not without internal conflict. He lived openly and honestly, and in his own way set an example of love, hard work, and generosity we can all aspire to.

A service in Gerry’s memory will be held at the Loft this Saturday, Nov. 21, at 2 pm, led by Brazilian Pastor Cláudio Alves, who will conduct the ceremony in English and Portuguese. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The post Geraldo Ferreira appeared first on Martha's Vineyard Times.

Sue M. Rice of Acton died peacefully at her home on Nov. 11, 2015. She was 87.

Sue was born in Brookline on April, 4, 1928, the daughter of Edward and Helen (Hirschberg) Rich, and was the wife of the late Dr. Jacob (Jack) Rice of Lynn. She grew up in Brookline, and received a bachelor’s degree in communication from Boston University.

She and Jack made their home in Lexington for several years, and later on Martha’s Vineyard. She was an avid doll collector, and spent many years repairing antique dolls and teddy bears before turning her hobby into a business, the Martha’s Vineyard Doll Co. Sue and Jack also enjoyed many winters in Mount Dora, Fla., eventually returning to Yarmouthport in later years.

She is survived by her daughter Rachel Rice of Plainfield, her son Mathew Rice and his wife Maryann King of Ayer, and a granddaughter, Madeline Rice of Los Angeles, Calif. A memorial service will be held in the spring. Please go to badgerfuneral.com for more information.

The post Sue M. Rice appeared first on Martha's Vineyard Times.

Jack “Mervie” Schimmelman, a theatrical director who was more than that — a visionary artist, restlessly determined to grapple with issues and ideas on the stage right up to his very last days — died on Nov. 5 on Martha’s Vineyard after years of medical complications, throughout which he never gave up a singular determination to make art.

Jack Schimmleman was born on Feb. 17, 1948, and grew up in Forest Hills, N.Y. His sister, Elaine Marcus, wrote about his early years:

“Jack was a sensitive, loving, very talented and supportive brother. When our parents divorced, Jack was 13 and I was 10. He was the big brother who looked after and supported me in those difficult years. I remember him playing baseball, and went to all his games. He was one of the fastest lefties in his league, and was considered the Sandy Koufax of Forest Hills.

“He was very handsome as a teenager, and had many friends, male and female. One very close friend was Howie Elson, and they maintained their friendship through the years. Jack was always fun to be with. He was intelligent, unique, and inspiring, and could hold a conversation about anything. He attended Hunter College, and graduated with a B.A. in theater.

“He was an uncle to my two daughters, and lived on Long Island only minutes away from us. He enjoyed spending holidays and special occasions at our home. My daughters thought he was very funny. He attended their bat mitzvahs and brought much joy to them. Jack traveled extensively, and wrote about living a bohemian existence in a cave in Greece. He also spent several years in London and Paris. He loved French culture and French food, and spoke French fluently with a Brooklyn accent.

“In the early ’80s he founded the Sea of Life Theater in New York, where he staged original productions combining drama, music, and dance, influenced by Meredith Monk, who he admired. He was a man of big ideas, and his productions addressed issues and ideas that could not be contained by a single discipline. As a director/creator, Jack synthesized dance, vocal improvisation, minimalist sets, and poetic overlay, combining the archetypal with the super-specific. Jack never interpreted the stories of others. He was a true original.

“After becoming a surrogate father to Dasha Koltunyuk, he realized, as he wrote, ‘that there is no business in this show business, so I became a legal secretary’ to help support Dasha. All the while he continued to write on the issues of the day, as well as poetry and fiction. He wrote a novella, ‘Tales of Crete’; a memoir (more or less), and worked on a novel, ‘Satori in Brighton Beach (or How I Found Redemption on Barrow Street).’ He also wrote a creation myth for children titled ‘Circle of Fire.’

“In his later years he wrote for the Huffington Post, often championing idealistic causes, and profiling creators he admired, including Art Garfunkel, Kate Taylor, Island artist Rose Abramson, and his beloved Dasha.

“Jack had visited Martha’s Vineyard off and on before moving there permanently in 2012 for the final years of his life. During this time he began to develop a vision for a Vineyard-based performance piece called ‘1854,’ inspired by a petition from an Island abolitionist group of Edgartown families who were asking the federal government to enable the continuation of a congressional debate to abolish slavery. Jack saw this piece as not merely a site-specific opera written and performed by Island artists and musicians, but also as a community organizing effort. He said, ‘My aim is to enable this piece to be embedded in the cultural life of the Island. In that respect, I hope to make it a part of one semester’s curriculum in the local high school, and to present small parts of the performance in some of the island libraries.’

“‘1854’ was Jack’s evolving vision. As he researched the project and spoke with Island groups about the story, the focus of the piece grew into an ambitious work about tolerance, acceptance, and love. He poured every bit of his dwindling energies into it. His Facebook page proclaimed on Nov. 5 this year that ‘moving forward, “1854, A Folk Opera,” will officially be known as “1854, An Island Musical.”’

“Jack Schimmelman died the same day.”

Jack is survived by his daughter, Dasha Koltunyuk of Manhattan, New York, his sister Elaine Marcus and niece, Amanda Marcus of Wantagh, NY and his niece Jillian Marcus of Boynton Beach, Florida.

A memorial of Jack’s life will be held on December 12 at the Anchors Council on Aging building in Edgartown at 1:00.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to continue production of his work-in-progress, “1854- An Island Musical.”

The post Jack “Mervie” Schimmelman appeared first on Martha's Vineyard Times.

Mary Kidder Rogers, former Oak Bluffs tax collector, died peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015. She was 88.

Mary was born on July 10, 1927, in Bridgeport, Conn. At a young age, her family moved to the Vineyard from Connecticut. Mary and her family spent the winter in West Tisbury and the summer in Oak Bluffs.

She graduated from the Tisbury School in 1945, where she met, and later married, her soulmate, Otis A. Rogers. It was on the Vineyard that they built their life, raised their family, and just recently celebrated 69 years of marriage.

During her early years of marriage, she helped provide for her family working at various jobs. In the summer, she waitressed at LaBells restaurant and the Boston House. She and Otis would invite young summer workers over to their house to enjoy their company and to give them a home away from home.

In 1964, she became Oak Bluffs tax collector. Her work meant a great deal to her, and she was well respected in the community. She was not intimidated by technology, and helped to initiate the process of automation in the town. She traveled to UMass Amherst for education in her field, and was certified. Mary was an active member of the Massachusetts Collector and Treasurers Association. She was compassionate to anyone in need, and through her position successfully helped many people with a gentle kindness until her retirement in 1989.

Over the years Mary was an involved member of her church, Trinity Methodist, where she belonged to an active women’s group, the Triniters. This group organized fundraising and provided for church needs.

Mary was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and is survived by her husband, Otis Rogers, and two children, Russell Rogers and Nancy Giordano and her husband Richard, and grandchildren Daniel Rogers and his wife Kimberly, Leanne Bartkowski and her husband Jeffrey, and Michael Giordano.

Mary spoke with fondness of her days in West Tisbury skating and sledding, and the many friends she had there while enjoying a close-knit community. While most of her time off was devoted to her family, Mary loved the beach, collecting beach plums, and making her jelly and red pepper relish. She and Otis would find their solace in the car. They traveled for many years to Florida on vacation, and met with many of their Island friends. Almost daily, Otis and Mary could be seen on their drives all over the Island, which they affectionately nicknamed sentimental journeys. Her children and grandchildren provided a light in her life. She would spend any time she could with them, and would eagerly attend anything that they were involved in.

During the last years of her life, Otis held steadfast at her side while supervising the group of angels who provided for her needs with dignity, respect, and a great deal of love.

A funeral service for Mary will be held at 11 am, Tuesday, Nov. 24, in the Trinity United Methodist Church, Trinity Circle, Oak Bluffs, with the Rev. Richard Rego officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Oak Bluffs. Donations in Mary’s name may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 2580, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011. Arrangements are under the care of Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Oak Bluffs.

The post Services Tuesday for Mary Rogers, former Oak Bluffs tax collector appeared first on Martha's Vineyard Times.

Sheila Carroll Hall died unexpectedly at Falmouth Hospital on Nov. 20. She was 82.

Sheila was born in New York City on Sept. 28, 1933, to Helen Carroll and Paul Mahoney, and grew up in the Bronx. She married Gerald Hall in 1956, and they were married for 54 years. They made their home in New Jersey, later retiring to North Carolina, Arizona, and finally The Villages, Florida. After Gerry’s death in 2010, Sheila moved to the Vineyard to be near her daughter before settling into assisted living at Heritage at Falmouth.

Sheila and Gerry traveled extensively in their later years. Sheila was a gifted knitter. She loved music and dancing, life and people.

She is survived by her two daughters, Carol Bell of Phoenix, Ariz., and Maureen Hall of West Tisbury; her former son-in-law Brian Bilsback of Vineyard Haven; grandchildren Shannon Chavez and Suzanne Bell of Arizona; Nicholas HallBilsback and his wife Catherine Green of the Bronx, N.Y.; Mariah HallBilsback of Sunnyside, N.Y.; Emma HallBilsback of West Tisbury; great-grandson Dylan Chavez of Arizona; sister Kathleen Mahoney of Bronxville, N.Y.; brother Paul Mahoney of Binghamton, N.Y.; brother John Mahoney of Flower Mound, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will be held on Dec. 12 at 11 am at St. Augustine’s in Vineyard Haven. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Post Polio Health International at 4207 Lindell Blvd., #110, Saint Louis, MO 63108-2930.

The post Sheila Carroll Hall appeared first on Martha's Vineyard Times.

Juanita Hazel Rose Jackson, a quiet affable lady with a sense of humor, died at Windemere on Friday, November 20, 2015. She was 96.

Juanita moved to Vineyard Haven from Boston three years ago when it became difficult to manage alone to stay with her daughter, Joyce Rickson.  She spent some time at the Henrietta Brewer House until she moved to Windemere where she declined.

Juanita was on December 29, 1919, and grew up in New Bedford in a family of whalers and businessmen who were movers.  She had two older sisters, Virginia and Catherine, and two brothers, one older, Clinton or “Bill,” and one younger, Fabe.  All are deceased.

Juanita was five-years-old when her mother, Alice Fabio Rose, died. When she was 16, her grandmother sent her to Boston to join her father, Charles Rose and her two sisters. At the age of 18, she was married to Bertram Jackson, a mariner and a skipper in the Merchant Marines during WWII.  He was also a musician and played tympani with the Boston Community orchestra. They had two children, Bert of Detroit, and Joyce of Vineyard Haven.

Juanita, a hard worker, retired from Polaroid in Cambridge where she maintained clerical storage room and copying volumes of research material.

Her hobbies were reading and sewing, and she was active in local senior activities. She lived in a high rise in a neighborhood surrounded by medical centers, colleges, music and art institutes where was a cordial friend to many students and young professionals who moved through the busy Brigham Circle area.

Juanita is survived by her two children, Bert his wife, Audrey of MI and Joyce Jackson Rickson of Vineyard Haven; four grandchildren, Paul M. Norwood, Tali  Jackson, Eban Jackson, and Laila Jackson Hanks; two great grandchildren Kyle Hanks and Jackson Hanks; her nephew Eric Rose and niece Terri Gillum of MI; and god daughter, Michelle Branch Lopes and her sons. Benoit and Bradley Brookens;

A graveside service will be held on Friday, December 4, 1 pm in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Parker Street, New Bedford. Arrangements are under the care of Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, Oak Bluffs.

The post Juanita Hazel Rose Jackson appeared first on Martha's Vineyard Times.

Janice Feltz of West Tisbury died at Massachusetts General Hospital on Tuesday, November 24, 2015.

She was the wife of the late Francis F. Cournoyer. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, November 30, from 5 pm to 8pm in the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs. A graveside service will be held at 11 am, Tuesday, December 1 in the West Tisbury Cemetery, State Road, West Tisbury with Rev. Michael Nagle officiating.

Donations in Janice’s name made be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675, www.woundedwarriorproject.org or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000 Dept 300, Memphis, TN 38148-0552

A complete obituary will follow in a future edition.

The post Services Tuesday for Janice Feltz of West Tisbury appeared first on Martha's Vineyard Times.

Linda Lee Schatz Wheaton passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thanksgiving, Nov. 26, at the home of her older daughter in East Falmouth. She was the wife of the late Calvin Frederick Wheaton of Washington Depot, Conn. Linda was born at the New Milford Hospital on May 1, 1939. She grew up in Wingdale, N.Y., with her father, Bruno Schatz, her mother, Elsie Blank Schatz, and her two younger sisters, the late Heidi Schatz Terralavoro and the late Sharon Schatz.

Linda spent many years raising her own family in Washington Depot, Conn. From there, she moved to Martha’s Vineyard. In the latter years of her life, Linda spent her time between Connecticut and Massachusetts. Throughout her life, Linda’s passion for working with people could be seen in her various occupations as a bookkeeper, real estate agent, and shopkeeper.

Linda was a loving friend, mother, and grandmother, who will be sadly missed by many. She is survived by her two daughters, Susan Lynn Wheaton Guerin of East Falmouth, and Michelle Lee Wheaton Stafford of Newington, Conn. Additionally, she is survived by her four loving grandchildren, Julia Elsie and Theo Calvin Guerin of East Falmouth, and Andrew Charles and Addison Lynn Stafford of Newington, Conn., as well as her two sons-in-law, Pierre Guerin of East Falmouth and Mark Stafford of Newington.

Linda’s infectious smile, laugh, and zest for finding the fun in life will surely be remembered by all who had the good fortune of knowing her. As Linda was fond of saying, “You’ll miss me when I’m gone.” No words could ring any truer in these sad days. We all carry amazing memories of an incredible woman whose strength, positivity, and love will help us through the difficult days ahead. You will be greatly missed, Mom, Mamauthe, Grammy, Friend!

Calling hours will be held Thursday, Dec. 3, at the Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home at 2 School Street in Woodbury, Conn., from 4:30 to 6:30 pm, with a short service around 6. For online condolences, please visit munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.

The post Linda Wheaton appeared first on Martha's Vineyard Times.

Helen (Goldberg) Issokson, 90, died peacefully in her sleep at home in Vineyard Haven on Oct. 31, 2015. Her life on the Vineyard ended as it began — with her smiling her way to her next adventure.

She was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Dr. Bernie Issokson, and her son-in-law Willie Pelletier. She is survived by her daughter Judy Issokson of San Diego, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins throughout the U.S.

Born in Springfield in 1925, Helen was raised in western Massachusetts, the only daughter of Morris and Ida Goldberg. Their Great Barrington farm was a haven for friends and relatives as well as various stray animals and treasured pets. The farm life figured formatively in her love of animals and generous hospitality for friends, family, and curious others.

Helen came to the Vineyard on Memorial Day weekend, 1947, with her parents to visit the Brickmans and Henry Cronig. During this visit she met Bernie. They were married in Springfield in 1948, and moved to the Island to build their life together. This life included one daughter, many pets, much laughter, many legendary meals, sufficient challenges, many walks to the post office and Vineyard Dry Goods, and decades of deep relationships with the Island community.

Helen’s married life was punctuated with family visits, entertaining friends at home, active participation at the Hebrew Center and with Friends of Tisbury, being Bernie’s receptionist and bookkeeper, and welcoming the myriad people Judy introduced to the Vineyard. Her life after Bernie was indeed different, yet full — developing and nurturing diverse interests and deep friendships with people of all ages and walks of life, exercising her resilience and adaptability (she started driving at 60, began using a computer at 75, readily migrated to general online communication and research, and always used contemporary slang judiciously and for emphasis). By all reports, she was consistently valued as a great storyteller, and for having a keen intellect, an irrepressible sense of humor, and a great laugh (check out her stories on YouTube). She was also valued for speaking her mind (captured in pages of notes from committee meetings and recalled by people who blocked her driveway when parking on Spring Street), exhibiting constructive impatience (embracing a faster computer two years ago because she was getting older and just couldn’t wait that long for something to download) and offering practical counsel (why complain about not being able to move a heavy object — go outside, find someone strong, and ask for help).

She believed in community, laughter, candor, friends, and family. She was articulate about her opinions and feelings — and lived her life with curiosity, compassion, courage, and common sense. Helen’s funeral took place Nov. 5, and she is interred at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Cemetery. Her memory may be honored by sending a donation to any local humane society, the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center, or the Vineyard Haven Public Library.

The family extends special thanks to Dr. Neider and his staff for decades of wonderful care and concern, and to the Hope Hospice staff for their collective kindness in Helen’s last few months.

The post Helen Issokson appeared first on Martha's Vineyard Times.

Hakeem S.M. Madison, 25, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015, at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. A funeral service will be held on Friday, Dec. 4, starting with a gathering at 11 am followed by a time of sharing and remembrance from 11:30 am to 12:30pm in the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs. A graveside service will follow at the Gay Head Cemetery, off State Road, Aquinnah.

The post Services Friday for Hakeem S.M. Madison appeared first on Martha's Vineyard Times.

Jonah E. Talbot, 32, of Vineyard Haven, passed away unexpectedly at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 1 pm to 3 pm in the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs. Donations in Jonah’s memory may be made to his children’s fund, with address and information to follow. A complete obituary will follow in a later newspaper edition.

The post Services Saturday for Jonah E. Talbot appeared first on Martha's Vineyard Times.

Mrs. Louise M. Estrella died at her Vineyard Haven home surrounded by family on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015. She was 93.

She was predeceased by her husband Manuel. She is survived by her three sons: Manuel 3rd and his wife Sharon; Clifford and his wife Diane; and John and his wife Wanda. She also leaves behind five grandchildren: Manuel 4th and his wife Jessica; Heidi and her husband Greg; Heath and his wife Dana; Andy, Kristen and Peter; eight great-grandchildren: Alley and Morgan Estrella; Amanda and Andrea Pachico; Kiley and Talia Estrella; and Olsen and Ellis Estrella. She also leaves a sister, Rose Souweine, and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, Dec. 11 at 11 am in the Oak Grove Cemetery, State Road, Vineyard Haven. The Rev. Michael Nagle will officiate. Memorial donations in Mrs. Estrella’s memory may be made to Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 1748, Tisbury, MA 02568 or VNA of Cape Cod, 255 Independence Drive, Hyannis, MA 02601. Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Oak Bluffs.

The post Louise M. Estrella appeared first on Martha's Vineyard Times.

Richard Kocian, a longtime resident of Martha’s Vineyard, died on Wednesday, Dec. 2, in Sarasota, Fla., after a short illness. He was 76.

Dick lived and worked in Fairfield County, Conn., until he fulfilled his wish of many years and made the Vineyard his full-time home.

Dick lived happily in West Tisbury for many years, and in Chilmark for the past seven years.  

He is survived by his wife Joan of Chilmark, sons Keith and Michael, and daughter-in-law Lisa.

The post Richard Kocian appeared first on Martha's Vineyard Times.

David Francis Hartigan Jr. of Norwalk, a former longtime Westport resident and former West Tisbury business owner and resident, died Dec. 3 after a brief illness. He was 90.

He was born to David F. Hartigan Sr. and Ann Devaney Hartigan on October 5, 1925, in Westport, where he attended Saugatuck Elementary School, Bedford Junior High School, and Staples High School.  He served in World War II in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman First Class aboard the USS James O’Hara. The pilot of an amphibious landing craft, he was awarded five battle stars for his participation in assaults at Iwo Jima, Leyte, Peleliu, Saipan, and Luzon.  

After the war he returned home to Westport and worked with his cousin John Hartigan as an auto trimmer at Riverside Motors in Westport. Dave also became a member of the famed Westport Advertisers semi-pro football team in the late ’40s and early ’50s. He married the late Mary Ann Virgulak of Norwalk on Sept. 22, 1951, and moved to Valley Road in Westport.

He eventually started his own auto- and boat-trimming business, which he moved to West Tisbury in 1986, where he lived until August of 2013. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, following the New York Yankees and Giants, and especially his family.

He was predeceased by his wife Mary Ann Hartigan, daughter Diane Hartigan, and sisters Ann Finch, Helen Hartigan, and Lorraine Kerrigan. He is survived by his daughter Marianne “Cookie” Yordon and son-in-law Matthew Yordon of Norwalk, Conn.; daughter Patricia Hartigan of Inverness, Fla.; son David F Hartigan III and daughter-in-law Kim Hartigan of Phoenix, Ariz.; sister Mary Vanderwerken of Shaftsbury, Vt.; grandchildren Molly Yordon of Norwalk, and Walker Hartigan, Alexandra Hartigan, Sara Ulacco, and Alora Hartigan of Phoenix.

Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian burial on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 12:30 pm, meeting directly at Assumption Church, 98 Riverside Avenue, Westport, Conn., with full military honors to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the Connecticut Audubon Society, 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. Condolences for the Hartigan family may be left online at hardingfuneral.com.

The post David F. Hartigan appeared first on Martha's Vineyard Times.

Rebecca Ellen Pachico Greer died unexpectedly on Friday, Dec. 4, 2015. She was 51.

She was the beloved wife of Jamie Greer and supermom to her three children, Kyle, Ryan, and Kelci.

Rebecca was born in the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital on Sept. 21, 1964. As a young woman, horseback riding brought her great joy.

She enjoyed living near the ocean, and took full advantage of it. Boating, crabbing, shell fishing, and sea glass hunting were just a few of her favorite hobbies.

Rebecca was blessed with a large and loving family. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Shirley and Arthur Pachico. She is survived by her sister Wendy Oliver and her children Stephanie and Kevin; her sister Christine Arenburg and her children Garret, Jill, Britney, and Mia; her sister Janet King and her daughter Clarissa; her brother Steven Pachico, as well as numerous great-nieces and -nephews, cousins and their children.

Rebecca loved taking care of people and had a passion for life. She was a devoted mother and wife. She will be sorely missed.

Prayers, condolences, flowers, and memories are gladly accepted. Please make memorial donations to the James and Rebecca Greer Relief Fund at gofundme.com.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Oak Bluffs. Service arrangements are pending.

The post Rebecca Ellen Pachico Greer appeared first on Martha's Vineyard Times.

Phil Upham of Edgartown died peacefully at his home on Friday, Nov. 13, 2015, with his wife by his side.

Phil was born in the town of Weston, where his ancestors had settled in 1740, on Nov. 11, 1936, the son of Maurice Upham and Hazel (Bassett) Upham.

After graduating from Weston High School, he joined the Army National Guard, and completed his basic training at Fort Dix.

Phil worked for the town of Weston for 35 years, 33 of those years as a firefighter. When he joined the fire department, his father was the fire chief. Phil also had his own part-time welding business.

Some of his early jobs as a kid were as a golf caddy (the family home was on the second hole of the Weston Country Club) and doing chemical plating for Raytheon.

While restoring Willys Jeeps was a love of his, it was certainly not his only love. His beloved wife of 53 years, Alice (Ali) Ferreira Upham, was his

first true love — after their first date they both knew they were meant for each other, and they were engaged six weeks later, much to the chagrin of of their mothers.

He loved fishing with his sons when they were younger, and later he spent time with his son Kurt on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. Norton Point and Chappaquiddick were some of their favorite spots. Phil also loved to go clamming and metal detecting. Friendships were crafted, and more people fell in love with this caring, kind, loyal, loving, strong, and wonderful man. He loved taking his granddaughters for ice cream at Dairy Queen in Edgartown.

Phil and Ali came to the Vineyard for a weekend in 1968 and fell in love with it. They bought land in 1970, and in 1989 they started to build their dream house.

Phil is survived by his beloved wife Ali and his children: Kimberly Upham Arms and her husband Jonathan of Littleton; Keith Upham and his wife Cynthia of Natick; and Kurt Upham and his wife Colleen of Wayland.

Phil was the loving and proud grandfather of Madison Upham of Natick, and twins Sydney and Caroline Upham of Wayland. Phil also leaves his brother, Donald Upham of Aiken, S.C., and his wife Joyce, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Phil’s funeral service was held on Nov. 19 at the John C. Bryant Funeral Home in Wayland. Burial followed in the Linwood Cemetery, Weston. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Philip’s memory to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 304, Chicago, IL 60611- 3201 (pulmonaryfibrosis.org/ways-to-give/donate-now).

The post Philip M. Upham appeared first on Martha's Vineyard Times.

Louis Sylvan Stix died at his Edgartown home on Monday, Dec. 7, 2015. He was 84. A service is being planned for a later date and time, to be announced. A complete obituary will follow in a later newspaper edition. Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Oak Bluffs.

The post Louis Sylvan Stix appeared first on Martha's Vineyard Times.

Nancy Bermudes of Vineyard Haven died on Nov. 30, 2015. She was 82. A full obituary will appear in a later edition of this paper.

The post Nancy Bermudes appeared first on Martha's Vineyard Times.

John Dowley Lewis died Dec. 6, 2015, at St. John’s on the Lake, Milwaukee, Wis. He was 88.

Born in Evanston, Ill., Jack lived in Milwaukee, Wis., spent winters in Tucson, Ariz., and summers on Martha’s Vineyard.

Jack graduated from New Trier High School in Winnetka, Ill., and Princeton University in New Jersey with a degree in mechanical engineering. He served in the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II, and was on one of the first ships at Bikini Atoll for the testing of the atomic bomb.

Jack started his career working for Owens Corning Fiberglass in Toledo, Ohio. He learned the foundry business working for Campbell Wyatt & Cannon in Muskegon, Mich., before becoming a manufacturer’s representative and starting his own sales business, Lewis Sales Co., selling industrial machinery and chrome plating. Later, he owned Southern Plating and Wisconsin Chromium.

Jack was a lifelong member of Rotary Club of Milwaukee; he was a founding member of the Rotary Club in South Haven, Mich.; he co-chaired the first two Lake Front Festivals of the Arts in 1964 and 1965 at the Milwaukee Art Museum; served on the board and then as chairman of the Board of Piney Woods Country Life School in Jackson, Miss., a boarding school for African-American children founded in 1909 to prepare students for careers and college. Jack was on the board of directors for Riveredge Nature Center, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, and the Milwaukee Chamber Theater. He also sang in his church choir and with the Bel Canto Chorus.

Jack’s greatest passion was mountaineering. His was the first ascent of Brussels Peak in Canada, and one of the first winter climbs of the Grand Teton with Paul Petzold, a renowned climber and founder of National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). He was a climbing guide in the Tetons during the his college summers. Jack also enjoyed hiking, tennis, squash, sailing, snorkeling, skiing, and enjoying nature, making sculptures from found natural objects, and traveling in the U.S. and worldwide.

He is survived by loving wife of 65 years, Phoebe Reese Lewis, five children, 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: Lloyd Lewis (Patrick) Eagan of Madison, Wis., and their sons, Gavin and Brendan (Kinnic) Eagan, and great-grandchildren, Aidan and Juniper Quynh Eagan. Thekla Lewis (John) Metz of Evanston, Ill., and their daughters, Phoebe and Miranda Metz. Meredith Lewis (Tom) Degen of Madison, Wis., and their children, George, Thekla, Eleanor, and Henry Degen. Graham (Elizabeth Powell) Lewis of Chicago, Ill., and their sons, Brynn and Rhys Lewis. Bradley (Kristen) Lewis of Belmont, and their children, Everett and Lynn Lewis. He is also survived by his sister Barbara Lewis Howell of Vineyard Haven, and brother Albert Theodore “Ted” Lewis and his wife Anne Heuer Lewis of Glenview, Ill, and by other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by father Dunbar Lewis and mother Gladys Dowley Lewis of Glencoe, Ill.

A memorial service is scheduled for Dec. 21 at 4 pm at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 1100 N. Astor St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. Memorials can be made to Piney Woods Country Life School in Jackson, Miss., the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, or the Milwaukee Art Museum.

The post John Dowley “Jack” Lewis appeared first on Martha's Vineyard Times.

Paul A. Pearlson of Livingston, N.J., died peacefully at home with his family on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015. He was 87.

Born in Cambridge, he resided in New York City before moving to Livingston in 1970.

Like many of his generation, Paul had an extremely strong work ethic throughout his life. After serving four years in the U.S. Army in the Korean War, he earned his business degree at the Stern School of Business at New York University. While working full-time as an accountant, he earned a law degree at NYU School of Law.

Paul was the treasurer/assistant secretary for Louis Berger Group Inc., an international engineering company in Morristown, N.J. He traveled extensively worldwide for business before retiring in 2011 after 40 years.

Paul was dedicated to his family, and helped many people over the years, whether it was a colleague who was behind on his mortgage payments or a young person struggling to continue his or her education.

Paul was kind yet direct; he earned the term “unfiltered” early on. Those who were fortunate enough to know him enjoyed his classic Boston accent and his unfettered responses. He enjoyed spending time on Martha’s Vineyard with his family, especially his sister Eleanor and her colorful cast of characters — he was always welcomed as a kind man who called it like it was.

He was predeceased by two sisters, Dr. Jean Henry and Eleanor D. Pearlson of Chilmark. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Margaret (Hospidor) Pearlson; two daughters, Leslie D. Pearlson of Vineyard Haven, and Elizabeth A. Pearlson and her husband Marco Constant of Moss Beach, Calif; sister Frieda Rabinovitz of Los Angeles, Calif.; and his beautiful granddaughter Saldanha Constant.

Private arrangements were held under the direction of the Costello-Runyon Funeral Home. The family is grateful to the Livingston First Aid Squad (lfas.org). To send condolences, please visit costello-runyon.com.

The post Paul A. Pearlson appeared first on Martha's Vineyard Times.