May1, 2026 - We are finally
getting the web site up to date! And, the
web site will continue for at least one more
year. We will have discussions in the near
future to set a path forward in hopes of keeping
all Pottermen up to date and in communication.
Please plan to add you input to the process.
The following obituaries for Pottermen
brings our records up to the current date.
In memoriam:
March 12, 2026 Bruce
B. Marsh, `56 Bruce Burton Marsh, 91,
passed away at home on Thursday, March 12, 2026,
while surrounded by family.
Born on
August 8, 1934, at home in Dickinson Center, NY,
Bruce was the son of the late Laurence and
DeEtta (McCallum) Marsh. He grew up on the
family dairy farm in Brushton, NY, attended
school in Dickinson, and graduated from St.
Regis High School in 1952. After earning his BS
at Albany State Teachers College in 1956, he
attended the University of Rochester. There he
met Frances Bourvic, whom he married in 1960,
and completed his PhD in Physics in 1962.
Bruce joined the State University of New
York at Albany as a Physics professor. During
his 30-year tenure, he taught graduate and
undergraduate classes, conducted extensive
research, and developed curriculum for two-year
colleges (in conjunction with SUNY Binghamton).
In 1980, he took a year sabbatical conducting
research at Aarhus University, Denmark and CERN,
Geneva, Switzerland. Known for his dedication to
the next generation of scholars, he served on
the research committees for 34 PhD candidates
and mentored countless undergraduate students in
research projects. In 1989, Bruce was appointed
as SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor.
After retiring from Albany, Bruce continued
his work in physics education as a consultant at
both Union College and Hong Kong University of
Science and Technology, and as a Fulbright
Scholar at University of San Carlos, Cebu,
Philippines. In 1997, Bruce and Fran partnered
with another couple to own and operate EduCue
LLC, developing the Personal Response System
used to enhance classroom teaching worldwide.
During this time, they moved from their home of
40 years in Alplaus, NY, to the Pamlico River in
Blounts Creek, NC. They officially retired after
selling the company in 2004.
A true "jack
of all trades," Bruce spent years renovating
their 1875 Alplaus home; if something was
broken, he always found a way to fix it. Both he
and Fran were long-time volunteers with the
Alplaus Fire Department. Together, they traveled
the world, visiting every continent except
Antarctica.
Bruce became an avid runner
at 50, after quitting smoking, to focus on his
health. Competing in everything from short
sprints to half marathons, he frequently won
first place in his age group well into his 80s.
He also enjoyed hunting, gardening, skiing, and
hiking 30 of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks.
Moving to North Carolina, he embraced new
pastimes like gill fishing, boating, and
crabbing. At 77, Bruce hiked Mount Kilimanjaro
with son, Steven.
In addition to his
wife, Frances, Bruce is survived by children
Cheryl (James), Steven (Jackie), and Craig
(Evelyn); grandchildren Jennifer (Stephen)
Snyder, Cassie (Scott) Caldwell, Katelyn Marsh,
Elizabeth (Connor) Marsh, Cesar Avila, and Sage
Marsh; and great grandchildren, Roslyn and Reid
Caldwell and Olivia and Nolan Snyder. He is also
survived by sisters, Nancy (Arthur, deceased)
Greguire and Darlene (John) Langdon,
brother-in-law Jean (Atika) Bourvic, as well as
numerous nieces and nephews. Bruce was
predeceased by siblings Betty (Meredith,
deceased) Wood, John (Gloria, deceased), and
Keith (Irene, deceased).
In a final act
of education, Bruce donated his body to the
Anatomy Department at Brody School of Medicine,
East Carolina University. The family wishes to
thank the physicians and health care workers at
Vidant Health who took care of Bruce during his
declining health. In addition, we thank Cypress
Coast Care for the personalized care provided to
Bruce and Fran over the last 9 months.
Per Bruce's wishes, there will be no memorial
service. Those wishing to honor his memory may
donate to Alplaus Fire Department (309 Alplaus
Ave, Alplaus NY 12008) or Maynard Children's
Hospital (2100 Stantonburg Rd. Greenville NC
27834).
December 12, 2025
James P. Morrissey, `57 SARATOGA
SPRINGS, NY- James P. Morrissey, 93, of Saratoga
Springs, New York, passed away peacefully at his
residence on December 12, 2025. Born in Victory
Mills, New York, on March 18, 1932, he was the
beloved son of the late James P. and Susan
Martis Morrissey. A proud graduate of Saratoga
Springs High School in 1950, James distinguished
himself as editor of the school's prize-winning
yearbook and was honored with the prestigious
Yaddo Medal.
During the Korean War, James
served his country with tremendous pride in the
United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Mellette
(APA-156) and on the USS PCE(C) 873. His
dedication and leadership at just 19 years old
earned him recommendation for Warrant Officer, a
distinction he carried with deep honor
throughout his life. His military service
remained one of his proudest achievements, and
he often spoke of it with reverence and
gratitude.
Following his service, James
pursued higher education at the Albany State
University of New York supported by both a New
York State Regents Scholarship and a New York
State War Service Scholarship he earned his
bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as
certification as an Educator Administrator from
the University of Albany. Jim was a Fraternity
life member of the Edward Eldred Potter Club
Fraternity and a founding officer of Phi Delta
Kappa.
James began his career in
education teaching mathematics at Stillwater
Central District High School. Within four years,
his talent and leadership led to his appointment
as principal of Saratoga Springs Junior High
School then on Lake Ave. James was instrumental
in planning the new Junior, Senior Saratoga
Springs H.S. After that Jim became the Mohonasen
Central School District Assistant Supt. Jame3s
ended his Career in Education at North Salem HS
as Math Supervisor. He had spent 30 years in the
field of Education and it was time to retire.
Beyond education, James was deeply rooted in
the Saratoga community. For more than 50 years,
he managed the family business, Morrissey's
Parking Lot at the Saratoga Race Course, before
passing it on to his nephew in 2011. His love
for Saratoga Springs extended far beyond
business—he was a devoted history buff who
delighted in the stories of his hometown, the
traditions of the Saratoga Race Course, and the
broader sweep of American history and politics.
James was also a man of wide-ranging
intellectual passions. He loved literature and
was an avid reader, often sharing favorite books
and insights with family and friends. He prided
himself on being largely self-taught in matters
of personal finance, developing a keen expertise
that reflected both his discipline and
curiosity.
In retirement, James remained
active and engaged. He and his wife were board
members for The Friends of Opera Saratoga. He
also served faithfully as Financial Secretary at
St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and contributed to
civic life as a Wilton Democratic Committeeman.
He and his wife, Anne, shared a love of travel,
spending summers at their cherished second home
on Cape Cod and exploring destinations near and
far. He was also a member of the Carellon Club
of Albany Alumni and American Legion Post 107.
James will be remembered as a devoted
husband, a respected educator, a proud veteran,
and a man of integrity whose love of history,
literature, and community enriched the lives of
all who knew him.
In addition to his
parents, Jim is predeceased by his brother, John
M. Morrissey. He is survived by his loving wife
Anne Fleming Morrissey. They were married 40
years and did everything together. Also: his
nephew, Michael J. Morrissey wife, Christine;
their children, Margaret, Laura, Shawn and
several cousins .
Relatives and friends
are invited to call from 10am to 11am on
Thursday December 18, 2025 at St. Paul's
Lutheran Church, 149 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs,
NY where James was a devoted member and longtime
financial secretary. A funeral service
celebrating his life will begin promptly at 11am
followed by burial with military honors in the
Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery,
200 Duell Rd. Schuylerville, NY.
In lieu
of flowers, memorial contributions may be made
to the Heart Fund or to St. Paul's Lutheran
Church, causes close to Jim's heart and
reflective of his lifelong commitment to service
and community.
August 5, 2024
Donald E. Sonberg, `52
North
Andover - Donald "Don" Sonberg of East Orleans,
MA passed away peacefully on Monday August 5,
2024 at the age of 93. Don is survived by his
loving wife Ollie of 68 years, his younger
brother Richard (Kay), his two sons, Donald Jr
(Donna) and Ken (Diane), as well as five beloved
grandchildren, Ryan (Caroline), Christopher,
Emma (Blake), Justin and Mia, his two sister
in-laws, Anne Pittore and Elizabeth Fischer and
many nieces and nephews.
Don graduated
from SUNY Albany in New York, where he received
his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in
mathematics, science, and administration. He
served as a Corporal with the 31st Infantry
Division in the United States Army.
After
retiring from his 32 year teaching career in
Pleasantville, NY, he and Ollie moved to Cape
Cod to enjoy his 19ft center console boat,
fishing in Cape Cod Bay with his family and
friends. His model railroad layouts, vegetable
gardens, woodworking, poker group and wine
tasting club kept him busy and happy!
In
lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Snow
Library, 67 Main St. Orleans MA 02653
https://friendsofsnowlibrary.org/
or Orleans Conservation Trust, 203 South Orleans
Rd., Orleans, MA 02653
https://orleansconservationtrust.org/ .
July 4, 2024 Douglas E. Bauer, `75
Douglas E. Bauer, Sr., 70, of Malta,
NY, formerly of Rotterdam, NY, passed away
unexpectedly on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at
Saratoga Hospital.
Doug was born in
Ridgewood, New York and is the son of the late
Erwin and Irene Bauer. Doug graduated from
Mohonasen High School (Class of 1972) and earned
a Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Albany in Business
Administration in 1976. Doug began his career as
a Purchasing Agent at Northeastern Industrial
Park before transitioning to a finance career at
General Electric Company and Knolls Atomic Power
Laboratory. Doug held various positions during
his nearly 40 years at KAPL, retiring as Finance
Manager.
Doug’s life was motivated by
Christian ideals. He provided prayers, support,
visitation, and counseling to countless family,
friends, and strangers. He was a member of the
New Apostolic Church and undertook numerous
voluntary ministries throughout his life.
Doug had a curious nature and cultivated
many interests, including reading, the outdoors,
golf, team sports, and following the stock
market. His greatest joy was to spend time in
thoughtful conversation with family, friends,
and strangers.
Doug is survived by his
wife of 47 years, MaryBeth (née Robbins), as
well as his sons, Douglas (Jessica Fears) and
Benjamin, brother Bruce Bauer (Susan),
brothers-in-law John Robbins (Jennifer), Norman
Robbins (Jeanette), William Robbins (Cindy), 5
nieces, 2 nephews, 5 great-nieces, 2
great-nephews, and several aunts, uncles, and
cousins, all of whom were cherished by Doug.
Doug loved his family dearly and was
especially proud of his two sons. Doug was a man
of integrity and caring, always maintaining a
positive mindset and offering words of wisdom,
encouragement, and support to all. He will be
sorely missed.
Relatives and friends are
invited to visit with Doug’s family on Saturday,
July 13, 2024, from 9:30 to 12 Noon at Cannon
Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave., Colonie, NY.
Funeral services will commence at 12 Noon at the
funeral home.
Memorial contributions may
be made to Two Wolf Foundation, a nonprofit that
fosters connection, continued service, and
post-traumatic growth for military veterans and
first responders. Two Wolf Foundation helps
these volunteers continue their national service
by leading a range of conservation and
stewardship projects on public lands. Donations
can be made through the organization’s website,
https://www.twowolf.org
June 8, 2024 Keith W. Olson, `57
Keith Waldemar Olson, 92, Shelburne, VT
Keith Olson passed away peacefully on June 8,
2024 in his home in Shelburne, VT. Born on
August 4, 1931 in Poughkeepsie, NY, Keith was
the youngest of Ernest and Elin (Rehnstrom)
Olson’s three children. He was raised in Hyde
Park, NY and held dear his hometown roots in the
Hudson Valley.
After graduating Roosevelt
High School (Hyde Park), Keith worked for IBM in
Poughkeepsie prior to being drafted into the US
Army during the Korean War. He served for two
years in the Army Finance Corps. Keith then
began a career in academia with degrees from the
State University of NY, Albany (B.A. 1957; M.A.
1959) and the University of Wisconsin (Ph.D.
1964). He became a distinguished historian, with
a focus on twentieth century US history. He
taught at Syracuse University (1963-1966), and
the University of Maryland, College Park
(1966-2008) where twice he received outstanding
teaching awards. He published several books
including The G.I. Bill, the Veterans, and the
Colleges (1974) which was a runner-up for the
Frederick Jackson Turner Prize and the
well-regarded Watergate: The Presidential
Scandal That Shook America (2003). He authored
numerous journal articles and book chapters and
he was frequently interviewed on radio and
television regarding presidential history of the
twentieth century. Keith was a two-time
Fulbright Fellow, teaching in Finland (1986-87,
1993-94). In 2000 the University of Tampere,
Finland awarded him an honorary Ph.D. Upon
retirement from the U of MD he became a
Professor of History Emeritus.
While in
undergraduate school Keith met and married
fellow student Marilyn J. Wittschen and together
they raised two daughters. Keith was devoted to
his family and the four spent happy summers
camping and hiking. His extended family was also
important to him and he enjoyed traveling to and
spending time with older and younger generations
both in the US and in Sweden. Keith was
immensely proud of his Swedish heritage; his
father and his maternal grandparents had
immigrated from Sweden. He became active in the
American Scandinavian Foundation and served as
president of the Washington, DC/National Capital
Area chapter for two terms (1977-79; 1998-99).
Keith was an avid runner for decades, which
brought him much joy and many friendships.
Keith was predeceased by his wife Marilyn,
brother Russell and sister Adele (Sis). He is
survived by daughter Paula Olson and husband
Douglas Kinzey, daughter Judy Olson Hicks and
her three children Elin, Woodson, and Orrin
Hicks. He is also survived by nieces Lynne
Guinn, Diane Rolfs, Florence Kaiser, nephew
Scott Olson and their spouses; and many dear
friends.
The family deeply appreciates
the professional and personal care that the
nurses, LNA’s, and staff gave Keith during his
time in the Linden wing of the Wake Robin
Retirement Community. A remembrance gathering
for Keith was held at Wake Robin in August.
Donations in Keith’s memory may be made to:
University of Wisconsin History Department
https://history.wisc.edu/alumni-and-friends/supporting-excellence/
June 20, 2023 Herbert J. Egert, `53
(From the Suffolk Times, July 25, 2023)
Herbert John Egert of East Marion,
N.Y., passed away peacefully in his home on
Thursday, June 20, 2023. He was 92. He was born
Dec. 10, 1930, to Herbert and Dorothy (Batz)
Egert in Riverhead, N.Y.
Herb graduated
from Westhampton High School where he had been
class president and captain of the football,
basketball and baseball teams throughout most of
those years. He also lettered in track, and
participated in the senior play, senior chorus
and the yearbook staff. He went on to receive
his bachelor of arts and master of arts degrees
from Albany State Teachers College, where he was
a starting pitcher on their baseball team. He
also did a good bit of boxing for them, knocking
out their number one man during orientation.
Best of all, that’s where he met and married
Louise.
Herb began teaching mathematics
in Troy, N.Y., later moving to teach at
Greenport High School in 1955. He became the
high school principal in the mid to late ’70s
for a few years, then returned to teaching. Herb
loved his students, and enjoyed making an impact
on their lives. After an exemplary career,
predominantly as the mathematics department
head, Herb retired from GHS in June 1986.
During his years in East Marion, Herb was a
long-time member and treasurer at St. Peter’s
Lutheran Church, and a long-time member and
treasurer of the East Marion Fire Department.
Herb also enjoyed working as a projectionist at
Skyway Drive-in and bartending at Townsend
Manor. Following his retirement, he became a
lobster and conch fisherman, but ultimately,
found his calling in commercial blue fishing.
That man could catch fish!!
Herb loved
golfing, playing cards, bowling, throwing darts,
hunting, participating in fantasy baseball and
drinking beer. He loved sports, but most of all,
he loved people.
Herb was preceded in
death by Louise, his wife of 66 years; his
parents; his sister, Marion Ruppert, and her
husband, Bill, along with their son, Will; his
mother-in-law, Martha Eichler; his
brothers-in-law, Ted and Kremer Hann; and niece,
Amity Sawyer.
He is survived by his three
fabulous children, Herbert (Amy) Egert,
Christine White, and George (Jeannine) Egert;
his sisters-in-law, Freda Sawyer and JoAnne
Hann; grandchildren Mark (Melissa) Egert,
Kristen, Stephen and Michael Egert, Ann Louise
White; his great grandson, Jackson Egert along
with many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Special thanks are extended to East Marion Fire
Department, East End Hospice, all of Herb’s
amazing caregivers, and the Greenport community
of friends for your support.
Please join
the family of Herb Egert for visitation and a
celebration of his life at Horton-Mathie Funeral
Home in Greenport, N.Y., Saturday, July 29, from
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a prayer service at 1
p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family has
suggested that memorial donations be made to:
East Marion Fire Department, P.O. Box 162, East
Marion, NY 11939
East End Hospice, 481
Westhampton-Riverhead Road, P.O. Box 1048,
Westhampton Beach, NY 11978
North Fork Animal
Welfare League, Inc., P.O. Box 297, Southold, NY
11971
To send flowers to the family or
plant a tree in memory of Herbert John Egert,
please visit our floral store.
https://www.horton-mathie.com/obituary/Herbert-Egert#obituary
January 9, 2023 William R.
Dorrance, `42 William Dorrance
June 25, 1921 - January 9, 2023
Dr. Dorrance
passed away in his home in Atherton after a
stroke at the age of 101. He was born in Albany,
N.Y. to Ida and Joseph Dorrance. He grew up with
the support and mentorship of his much older
siblings, Sam and Rose, who were instrumental in
his pursuing a career in medicine.
He was
graduated from Albany Medical College at the top
of his class and trained at Mt. Sinai Hospital
in N.Y. before serving in Japan as a U.S. Army
captain and physician in 1945. Afterward he
completed his residency in internal medicine at
Mt. Sinai.
He moved to California with
his family in 1951, where he assumed a position
at Kaiser Permanente Oakland, before
establishing a private practice in Redwood City.
He also served on the faculty in clinical
medicine at Stanford University School of
Medicine.
Dr. Dorrance was treasured by
his friends and family for his intelligence,
sensitivity, kindness and generosity. He loved
to discuss ideas and had a depth of knowledge in
many subjects, including medicine, history,
science, politics, art, and music. He shared his
love of live theater, art and music with his
wife of 55 years, Elsa Dorrance, and after she
passed, with his partner of 23 years, Marian
Davis. Dr. Dorrance loved to learn and was a
true polymath. He was physically active all his
life, swimming and attending the SF Symphony up
until the last days of his life.
Dr.
Dorrance was predeceased by his cherished wife
Elsa Smith Dorrance; his siblings Rose Kalter
(Henry), Samuel Dorrance and Dave Doran; and
nephew Robert Kalter (Nancy Glass). He is
lovingly remembered by his partner, Marian
Davis, sons, David Dorrance (Linda Schneider),
Richard Dorrance and Mark Dorrance, and by his
daughter, Jeanie Dorrance (Staeppan Snyder); his
grandchildren, Joya Tillem, Sam Dorrance
(Gracie), Nate Snyder and Alana Snyder; his
niece, Joanmarie Kalter; his six
great-grandchildren; and his grandnephews and
grandnieces.
A Celebration of Life will be
held April 16. Memorial contributions may be
made to the American Heart Association. To plant
trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy
Store.
Published by San Francisco Chronicle
from Apr. 13 to Apr. 14, 2023.
July 13, 2022 Sven Sloth, `54
Sven Ejvind Sloth, 88, Jacksonville,
FL, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2022 from
cancer. He was born on Dec. 7, 1933 in Chicago,
Ill., the son of Danish immigrants Neils Sloth
and Anna Katrina Jensen. He graduated Charlotte
Valley HS in1950 at the age of 16. He then
graduated Albany State Teachers College majoring
in Chemistry. In 1954 he decided to become an
aviation cadet in the Air Force. He began
navigator training in Jan 1955 graduating 2nd
lieutenant in Nov 1955. He became an A.F. pilot
and moved up the ranks to become Lt. Col Sloth.
He served in Vietnam from 1971-1972. He then
continued his education at RPI receiving a
Masters in Management. His last assignment was
at Griffis AFB in Rome, NY before retiring
in1974 after 20 years of meritorious service in
the U.S.A.F. with numerous commendations.
On June 24,1956 he married his college
sweetheart Patricia Louise Wilson. They had 4
children together: Kim, Eric, Nels and Kristin.
The family lived in different parts of the U.S.
based on his A.F. assignments. After retirement
he and his family moved to Delhi, NY. He served
as Bursar at Delhi Tech; did accounting work,
and taught math, business and computers at the
college. He ran a rental property with his
family and served the village of Delhi as a
trustee.
His life led him to Florida
where he taught business and accounting at
Florida State College of Jacksonville - retiring
from college teaching in 1999.
In 1982 he
married Ingrid Stevens Meyerhoff and brought her
son, Ben, into his life as his own. He and
Ingrid lived in Jacksonville, Fl for 20 years
and then moved to Oneonta where they lived until
Ingrid’s passing in 2006. Together they enjoyed
gardening, choir, family gatherings, and
traveling extensively throughout the U.S. and
abroad, including living in China for a year.
In December 2007 he married Eileen
Cornwell. They enjoyed time together in NY and
then Jacksonville until his death. He said he
couldn’t have asked for a better person to share
this stage of his life with. Eileen was a loyal,
caring, and dedicated spouse who shared his
passion for travel and cards. She brought
laughter and a caring companionship to his life.
Sven was a brilliant, generous, and kind
gentleman. He was an avid fisherman, card, and
cribbage player; had a wonderful sense of humor
and always seemed to have a twinkle in his eye.
Additionally, he will be remembered for having a
great pride in his family, his vitality, his
poems, songs, and joking ways. He had many fond
memories of his Danish heritage including
learning Danish folk dancing and gymnastics at
the Danish Athletic Club in Chicago and many
family gatherings at Moster Karen’s. He
maintained Danish traditions throughout his life
by sharing Danish food (herring, ‘stinky
cheese’), song (Hunskaleva), and dance (around
the Christmas tree).
He loved his
children and adored his grandchildren. He
brought people into his life and made them feel
like family. He will be missed by all those that
had the privilege of knowing him.
Sven
is survived by his wife Eileen; his children Kim
(David) Cripps Perazone, Eric (Norma) Sloth,
Nels Sloth, and Kristin Sloth, step-children
Benjamin Meyerhoff (former spouse Erin),
Benjamin Kellogg and Emily Kellogg;
grandchildren Ian Cripps, Kathrina Little, Eric
Sloth Jr., Chloe Sloth, Christian Sloth, Eileen
Sloth, Anya Sloth, Sasha Sloth, and Caleb, Noah
and Adah Meyerhoff, Tracey (Joe) Henderson and
Kerri (George) Samuel; great grandchildren: Emma
and Grayson Cripps, George Little, Elizabeth and
William Henderson, Quinn Samuel; brother, Harry
Sloth; his ‘adopted’ Chinese family: Qian,
Xinming, Qing Liu; and many cousins, nieces,
nephews, and friends.
Sven was
predeceased by his parents and siblings, Eric
(Selma) Sloth, Arthur (Gladys) Sloth, Lillian
Siegh-Bichel; his step-siblings Neils (Eunice)
Norberg, Anne (Fred) Buck, Axel (Jeane) Norberg,
Ester (Robert) Lee, Frida (Ray) Brown, Alice
(Howard) Nichols, and Eleanor (Earl) Ikola.
There will be a military burial service at
the Jacksonville VA National Cemetery on Friday
8/12 at 1 pm. A celebration of life will take
place in the Oneonta, NY area at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations
may be made in Sven’s name to Community Hospice
& Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Road,
Jacksonville, FL 32257 or give online at
support.communityhospice.com.To send family
on-line condolences please visit
www.adignifiedalternative.net.
April 13, 2018 Ben P. Siino, `55
(Information about Ben's passing is
incomplete)
His death was reported in the
UAlbany Magazine, but no obituary is available.
Ben graduated from Albany in 1955 and pursued a
law degree from St John's Universtity, whcih he
attained in 1958. He practiced law in his
own firm in White Plains, NY.
May 25, 2016 AnthonyMacaluso, `64
(From the Southampton Press, August 22, 2016)
Anthony James Macaluso of East Moriches
died on May 25. He was 74. Born on February 23,
1942, in Oceanside, he was the son of Sicilian
immigrant Mario and Katherine Macaluso. He spent
his early childhood in Baldwin before moving to
East Moriches. A star baseball catcher and
graduate of Center Moriches High School, he
would later attend New York State College for
Teachers, Albany. At Albany, Mr. Macaluso played
outfield for the varsity baseball team, and
graduated with a degree in education, while also
receiving an invitation for a tryout with the
Milwaukee Braves.
Soon after college, Mr.
Macaluso met Karen Christensen from Southold.
They married in 1966 and resided in East
Moriches, where they raised a family. In 1965,
Mr. Macaluso was hired by the Hampton Bays
School District, where he spent his career as a
sixth-grade math and social studies teacher. He
was fond of his current events quizzes to ensure
his students were paying attention to what was
going on in the world. He took great pride in
the future successes of his students, many of
whom he still stayed in touch with or often saw
around town.
A strong advocate of
community service and volunteering, Mr. Macaluso
was a former member of the local Lions Club, a
referee for the local girls kickball league, and
an active member of the East Moriches Fire
Department, where he served for 55 years. He
served 46 years as secretary/treasurer for the
fire department, and was awarded the prestigious
Firefighter of the Year award in both 1978 and
2015. The firehouse was his second home and its
members were an extension of his family,
survivors said. During the summers, he worked as
head bartender in the grill room of the
Westhampton Country Club for more than four
decades. He was well known and loved among the
membership and fellow staff, and enjoyed being
part of the many good times there.
Mr.
Macaluso’s passion was fishing with family and
friends aboard his 22-foot FL Tripp boat, behind
which he loved to drag umbrella rigs in the
ocean and Moriches Bay, in search of bluefish
and striped bass. Other hobbies included golf,
World War II history, growing vegetables and
watching the Dodgers, Islanders, and Giants
football.
Mr. Macaluso was predeceased by
a nephew, Steven Okorn. He is survived by his
wife of 49 years, Karen (Christensen); a sister
and brother-in-law, Joan and Frank Okorn of
Flushing; a brother-in-law, John Christensen and
wife Joan of Nevada; two daughters, Melissa
Lusczek and husband James of Virginia, Kara
Earley and husband Ken of Virginia; and a son,
Peter and wife Nicole of North Bellmore; four
grandchildren; two nephews and two nieces.
Funeral services were arranged by the
Follett and Werner Funeral Home in Westhampton
Beach. Interment was at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery
in Coram.
Memorial donations may be made
to the East Moriches Fire Department Benevolent
Association, Box 727, East Moriches, NY 11940.