Memorials
Robin Barkley Sweet
We have learned of the passing of former classmate and friend Robin Sweet on September 16, 2024. One of four siblings and a Darien native, Robin attended both Middlesex and DHS. After high school, Robin went on to Finch College in New York and earned a Master's Degree from Columbia in Business and Arts.
Robin started her business career as Assistant Project Director at Bergdorf Goodman’s Department Store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. She earned her acclaimed business reputation working for Vogue Magazine before launching her own publishing company, SWA International Inc. with her partner Jerald Wagner. All the while, she participated in many organizations and charities.
Always an athlete, Robin was an accomplished tennis player and later enjoyed croquet, playing in clubs both in Newport, RI and West Palm Beach FL.
Donations in Robin's name may be made to Friends of Jupiter Beach and the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary in Palm Beach County.
Robert "Bob" Beatty
We learn the sad news of another classmate passing from the ill effects of cancer. Bob Beatty, classmate, Marine, former IBMer, passed on June 29, 2024. He is survived by his wife Michele, four children and 5 grandchildren.
After high school, Bob enrolled at Amherst College and then served in the Marines for 5 years. He worked for both IBM and Wang Labs and then later as an executive recruiter.
Always known as a sailor, Bob lived on his boat, Intemperance, in the 1980s, and retired near the water, both in West Palm Beach and on Cape Cod.
A memorial service will be set at a later date.
Jordy Perry Kay 1951-2023
Jordy Perry Kay passed from us on December 16, 2023. The eldest of three siblings, her family moved to Connecticut from Rhode Island. After high school, Jordy attended Rollins College and returned to Darien to marry and raise two sons. In 2005 she moved to Chandler, Arizona where she continued her work as an optician.
Jordy leaves behind her two boys - Andrew (Michelle) and George (Sarah Steltz) and three grandchildren - Perry, Lowen, and Kaylee. She is also survived by her siblings - Beth Allen and Robert Perry, and many nieces and nephews.
The family held a celebration of Jordy’s life on August 17, 2024 at the Weed Beach Paddleball Pavilion.
Paul Hepp
Paul Frederick Hepp, aged 73, passed away in Jacksonville, FL on Saturday June 22, 2024. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and amazing friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Paul was born on October 4, 1950, in Stamford, CT and enjoyed his formative years living in Darien, CT. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, West Virginia, and was an avid member of Theta Xi. After college he chose to relocate to Florida where he began his working career as an Account Representative at Roadway Express and Consolidated Freightways. Throughout his career, he was known for his hard work, dedication, and customer service. He was then able to move to Jacksonville, FL and Georgetown, TX where he spent his retirement years enjoying time with his children and grandchildren.
More than anything, Paul was a devoted father and grandfather. He loved spending time with his family, watching their sporting events, fishing, hunting, going to the beach and having quality time together. He was always there to offer guidance, loving words, support, and encouragement to others no matter what challenges they faced.
Paul is survived by his son, Kyle Hepp and wife Kristin of Georgetown, TX and daughters, Danielle Scaffidi and Lesley Hepp and her significant other John Kelly of Saint Johns, FL; grandchildren, Selena Hepp, Weston Hepp, Cade Scaffidi, Austin Scaffidi, Bryson Hepp and Bella Rose Kelly.; siblings, Katherine Watson, and Nancy Bostwick. His memory will be cherished by all who know him.
Cliff Powell
We mourn the passing of Cliff Powell, who died February 9, shortly after his 73 birthday. Growing up in Darien, Cliff had many friends. His musical talents led him to play guitar and keyboards in the Middlesex Jr HS band "The Checkmates," alongside Tim Potts, Ed Tyler, Bill McNichol, and Rusty Wadhams.
Cliff became a well-known fitness trainer in Milford, CT, where he lived with his wife Sandy. It was a blessing to be reunited with Cliff at the class 50th reunion in 2019. He will be missed.
CAROLYN SCHREINER CALDER (1951-2024)
( by Penny Fox Parkin)
Carolyn was my lifelong friend since we first met in 8th grade at Mather Jr. High in 1964. Music was the connective tissue between us, right from the beginning, primarily The Beatles, The Byrds, and Buffalo Springfield. Our lifelong friendship is meaningless without the soundtrack: The Animals, The Blues Project, Simon and Garfunkel, Hendrix, Cream, Joni Mitchell, the Moody Blues, Jackson Browne, Yes, the Allman Brothers, Earth, Wind and Fire. In my mind there lives this shimmering scene: when we first dropped the needle on the Sargent Pepper LP in her bedroom on the last day of 10 th grade. When David Crosby died last January, we called each other and wept.
We spent the night at each other’s homes almost every weekend, and know each other’s families intimately. We shared our first apartment in Manhattan in 1975, in the Yorkville neighborhood, which was mostly populated by old German and Polish ladies pushing their grocery carts.
We walked to the Met or the Guggenheim or the Whitney on the weekends. She taught me how to look deeply into a painting while not uttering a word. There’s a huge J. M. W. Turner at the Met which we have stared at in complete silence for long periods of time. She taught me there are more shades of green than any other color, and what a miracle it is that Cezanne could paint so many varieties of green in one single canvas. She taught me about black and white photography, her Nikon SLR camera. She loved to sketch and paint, especially “en plein air” and took classes in Provincetown, Massachusetts with her sister Bev (DHS class of ’67) for many summers. She worked in oils, acrylics, and pastels, yet her talent shone through most clearly in her watercolors.
I moved to L.A. in 1978; we stayed in touch and she visited us frequently.
When we moved back East in 1990, Carolyn became “Auntie” to my children. She was my stalwart support during a difficult divorce, and the death of my son. We offered each other compassion and understanding as we experienced the health challenges and deaths of our parents, and of her husband Scott, who died last May. What is the essence of a human being? Is it their accomplishments, their adventures, their families? Yes, that’s part of who they are, but I believe that how that person makes you feel when you are in their presence is their gift to the world.
And Carolyn’s gift was her sensitivity, her artists’ eye, her passion for music, her loyalty, her caring, her ability to forgive. Everyone should have a true and loving friend like Carolyn.
“Nobody sees a flower really; it is so small. We haven’t the time,
And to see takes time – like to have a friend takes time.”
Georgia O’Keefe
Sandy McGill
Sandy McGill passed from us on August 17, 2023. A Darien native, Sandy attended Hollow Tree School, Middlesex and the Darien High School. A good athlete, he enjoyed soccer and hockey and was a member of the DHS state championship hockey team in 1969. McGill went on to graduate from Williams College and traveled extensively in Europe before returning to launch a successful career in TV broadcasting.
Sandy was an early victim of COVID 19 and struggled valiantly to overcome its effects. It was only late last year friends and family felt he had escaped to resume a healthy life again.
Sandy leaves his wife Alice and son Ian.
Sally Armus Shutts
Sally Armus Shutts died March 6, 2023 after a brief illness. She was the daughter of Harry and Ellen Armus and a long-time resident of Darien. Well-liked and high energy, she went on from DHS to earn her bachelor's degree from Ashland University (Ohio) in Early Childhood Education. She married DHS graduate Sam Shutts and the couple have a son, Jason.
Her many interests lead her both to be involved in community service, and, with her husband, travel the world. Together they visited all seven continents and over 100 different countries.
The Class of 1969 also thanks Sally for her 35 years of service on the Reunion Committee.
Classmate Dale Cannon MacQueen passed from us October 26, 2022. She will be missed.
After graduating from DHS, Dale went on to earn both a bachelor's and master’s degree at UConn. It was at UConn Dale met and married fellow student Tom MacQueen.
While starting her career in the medical field, Dale later became an educator. Living in Woodstock, CT, Dale taught at both Woodstock Middle and Woodstock Academy schools. She spent her last 15 years at the Rectory School, a private boarding school in Pomfret, CT, where she also coached both the cross country and track and field teams.
Dale and Tom have a daughter Kyle born in 1985. Her family speaks of Dale’s love for animals, her musical talents and a love of travel.
Dale Cannon
Dave Terry
Classmate Dave Terry has passed away after a valiant fight against Alzheimer’s. He led a very full life and leaves many friends behind, the most cherished of which is Anne Irvine, our mutual classmate and his first love in high school and, for the last five years after they reunited, his partner and best friend.
Dave lived in Maui, HI for over 40 years after traveling all over the world in search of all things related to surfing, wind surfing, kite boarding and all other manor of sports. He was a creative, artistic, vastly intelligent, unique and wild spirit who loved life and all his many friends from around the globe. He had a small plane as well as drone pilot license.
He was a gifted photo journalist as well. His greatest love was his passion and faith in God. His greatest joy was reuniting with his love, Anne Irvine. The end of life on earth for Dave was a rocky, frustrating ride as his ability to do what he loved best had to be put aside and he had to focus on his fight against Alzheimer’s as the disease overtook his life. The good news is that he now rejoices with his Lord in Heaven and all pain and suffering is gone.
If you knew Dave, then you were blessed. He never forgot his time at Darien High School and loved and enjoyed calling so many of you “friend”. May he truly rest in joy and peace.
There is sad news of another classmate passing too soon. Stephen Jones died April 19, 2022 from health issues at his home in Bethesda, Maryland.
Steve grew up in Darien and after graduating from high school attended Franklin and Marshall College. He earned a Masters and JD from the American University.
Steve worked as an attorney at the U.S. Department of Labor for over 30 years. Amazingly, Steve completed 5 Boston marathons after the age 47. He leaves a wife, 2 daughters and 2 grandsons.
Steve Jones
Russ Wadhams
Rusty passed away on Christmas Eve 2021 after battling cancer. His partner Cindy Xie was beside him, and his sister Christy Wadhams Ehlers and her husband John had just visited. There was a private funeral service on January 2nd.
He will be missed by all that had a chance to know him; relatives, friends, co-workers, clients and colleagues alike.
Russ had an amazing career and was known as a gentleman amongst the rough-and-tumble crowd of contractors that serve New York City. He was a graduate of Pratt Institute, and started working in the trades even before he graduated. Russ never lost his passion for building beautiful and striking spaces. This passion led to helping found the company Fulton Landing.
Many friends and classmates of Russ gathered in NYC on April 30 to celebrate his life.
David Jefferson died in February 2021. He was given 2 years to live after he was diagnosed with an ocular melonoma. He survived the diagnosis by a decade.
Dave played sports like football and baseball and was even in Boy Scouts, but a lack of adult supervision led Dave to pranks (such as building a concrete swimming pool in the DHS common area). Dave married his wife Sharon in 1983 and they raised 2 daughters, Lauren and Bailey. Along with hiking and skiing, Dave was an avid sailor. He sailed across the Atlantic, making stops in such exotic places as Croatia and the Caribbean.
Dave Jefferson
Cortlandt “Chip” Ames has passed away. Chip moved to Darien from California at the start of 7th grade at Mather Jr. High. Quiet but friendly, Chip was buddies with fellow classmates Rusty Wadhams, Tim Potts and Georgiana Smith (Bloom). They were a quartet of sorts in high school and often spent weekends at Chip's house playing full tilt boogie music when his parents were out.
Chip was a smart guy but like many in high school "didn't apply himself" and found himself in and out of private school (like other DHS students). He tried and made the DHS wrestling team. He was an avid hunter, especially with a bow, and lived for awhile in Alaska.
He is remembered by friends as a sweet and kind person. Chip eventually moved back to California and had recently been in charge of a drug clinic in Santa Barbara. He died in Bend, Oregon in January 2019.
Deborah Garrison
We have just learned the sad news of the untimely passing of Debby Garrison. Anyone with any information, please contact us.
Cheryl Haines Sinkovic
Cheryl Haines Sinkovic, mother of three, grandmother of two, sister of one, and friend to us all, ended her long and courageous battle with cancer surrounded by her children, on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at her home in Indianapolis. An R.N. with a resume that spanned nearly forty years, she changed and saved countless lives, most recently with Indiana University Health.
She enjoyed sailing, traveling the world, gardening, singing, hosting unforgettable parties, and most notably, being the best mother that two sons and a daughter could ever have.
She is survived by her two sons- Bill Mathias Sinkovic (Crissa) and Thomas Haines Sinkovic; and her daughter, Rebecca Elaine Sinkovic. She is also survived by her two grandchildren - Tade Mathias Layden and Calla Rose Sinkovic. She was preceded in death by her husband Gerald Mathias Sinkovic, M.D. (The Doctor and Great Instigator).
TERRIS DEVEREAUX
Passed November 25, 2016
Passed November 25, 2016
"For 50 years, Terris has been my brother, my BIG brother. Larger-than-life; generous to a fault; and endowed with seemingly insatiable appetites; being with him has always been an adventure. It would take an army of Boswell’s (or monkeys) to chronicle his exploits.
A little bit Armenian (pistachios) and a lot Irish, he remains 100% Terris.
Hooray for that!"
Steven Jones DHS '69
Peter Helwig
Classmate Peter Helweg, died suddenly Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at home.
Peter was married to Amy Lee on November 12, 1988, in Richmond, VA and leaves his wife, daughter Sarah and son Kris. Peter served in the U.S. Air Force from 1978 to 1982, stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University and worked as a commercial real estate appraiser for over 20 years in the Richmond area.
According to his family, Peter had a life-long love of ice hockey and many of us in Darien remember playing hockey with Peter on Stu Traver’s pond in the winters.
In the 1990s, Peter developed a passion for collecting golf memorabilia and, over the years, amassed an admirable collection of ceramics and artwork. Those lucky enough to see Peter at the 45th Reunion in 2014 remember this enthusiasm for golfing.
Peter connected with many classmates over Facebook and social media. It was a joy that he attended his 45th high school reunion and will be missed by his many life-long friends.
David “Doc” Ettele passed away peacefully on April 16, 2015 in American
Fork, UT, after a three-year battle with lung cancer. He was 65. David is survived by his sisters, Nancy Ettele of Herriman, UT and Janet Ettele of Bethel, CT, along with other family members. David graduated from Darien High School (CT) in 1969 and served in the US Army from 1971 to 1973 in Vietnam and White Sands Missile Range, NM. He was a member of VFW Post 12087 in Salt Lake City, UT
From Jim Morrison:
“Although he may have missed a few classes his senior year, Doc was always a class act. He passed this year in April from long term cancer and his last weeks were with his sister Nancy, Class of 69. I remember all the antics that Doc and I pulled in our senior year and always smile from the memory. His one-of-a-kind laugh always made those around him add to the activity and his love for our class can never be challenged. He was a Vietnam Vet who seemed to go to war in 1971 and never fully came home. He found himself wandering from one thing to another but never forgot his ties to our class.
I hope all will take a moment to say a small prayer for his soul and remember that whether you were a fan or not, Dave, almost President of the class, was and always will be a classmate from the Class of 69. “
David "Doc" Ettele
Allison Frame
We belatedly report the sad news that Allison Frame has past away. Allison was born August 7, 1950 and died September 22, 2002. We learned this news from the obituary of Allison's mother Jean, who recently passed away July 2014.
But from this earth, this grave, this dust,
Our God shall raise us up, I trust.
Peter Popov passed away suddenly on June 29, 2014. He leaves his wife, Lela Love, daughter Nicole Popov Doppelt and son in law Brad, and grandson Hunter. Peter graduated from Tufts University and Georgetown Law and worked in New York City for Overseas Shipholding Group. The Popovs also owned a family farm in Newmarket, New Hampshire along the shores of the Great Bay. Their love of this unique and important terrain lead them to protect over 150 acres of the rich wetlands and wildlife refuge. Peter was quoted as saying, “Human lives are relatively short and unpredictable compared to how long the land has existed. We believe that preserving such a beautiful and serene place is the best legacy we can leave." We classmates remember Peter from Middlesex and high school for his intellect, generosity, artistic talent and his kindness.
Peter Popov
Michael Brin passed after a short battle with cancer on April 14, 2014. Mike was born in Scotland and grew up in Connecticut, eventually moving to coastal Maine and the New Hampshire area. Mike worked in real estate in general contracting.
Mike is survived by his wife of 37 years Rene (Betts) Brin, his son Matt and wife Johanna.
Our friend and classmate Nancy Levering (Rozzelle) passed away on Feb 27, 2014. She was born on New Year’s Day in 1951. After college she worked in Hickory, NC as Director of Christian Education and met her husband, Stephen Rozzelle. Nancy and Stephen had two sons, Brent and Al, and a daughter Ashley.
Nancy’s last years of life were difficult. The couple lost their son Brent to a tragic car accident in 2011. In 2012 Nancy broke her hip and had a difficult time with a long rehab. Finally, her husband pre-deceased her by two weeks in February 2014. May she rest in peace.
Elizabeth MacColl Horton Adams, a 1969 DHS graduate, died at home in Indian Harbour Beach, Fla. on March 06, 2014 surrounded by her loving family. She was 63 years old. Born June 12, 1950, Liz was the daughter of Janet and (Rev.) Lawrence Horton, a former pastor of the Noroton Presbyterian Church. Liz married Richard Adams, a ’67 Darien High School graduate. The couple have one son, Benjamin.
Liz is survived by her husband Dick and son Benjamin, her brother Peter Horton (DHS ’67) three grandchildren- Ashley, Kate and Luke along with nieces and nephews.
Joan Anderson
We remember Joan Anderson, who passed away peacefully on Monday, November 18, 2013. She is survived by her two daughters, Erica D. Christopoulos and Kate T. Christopoulos, both of Manchester, CT. After graduating from DHS, Joan studied at the Art Institute of Boston. Before getting married, she traveled the world and eventually settled in Manchester, Connecticut. Joan was an accomplished artist, an avid gardener and, according to reliable sources, a chef extraordinaire.
John W. “Jack” Balentine, 60, passed away from cancer on Thursday, February 23, 2012, at home surrounded by family.
Born in Port Chester, NY, Jack grew up in Darien and graduated from the Darien High School in 1969. He graduated from Syracuse University in 1973. He was employed by Gannett Flemming and the Fluor Corporation for many years and resided in Medford, NJ. A life-long athlete, Jack was a member at the Little Mill Country Club, and enjoyed golfing, sailing, boating and fishing. He is survived by his loving wife, Christine, two daughters- Brittany and Alyssa -his mother Mary and brother, Keith. Jack will always be remembered for his kindness, enthusiasm, charity and sense of humor. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Christina Hornbeck
Christina Hornbeck died in August 2010. Known for her diminutive stature and ability to command an audience, Hornbeck was as big a presence on Wall Street as she was in her hometown, Hastings on Hudson. Hornbeck loved music and art, and had a penchant for dressing a bit ostentatious. She is survived by her two children, Ruth and Matthew Reader; her mother, Helen Hornbeck; and brother, Jeff Hornbeck. We also know she survived two attacks at the World Trade Towers. It was a blessing to be with her on our 40th reunion.
We report the passing of our friend and classmate Mark Freeman. Mark is remembered for his kindness and good humor, and for his athletic abilities, a result achieved mainly by being just so much bigger than everyone else. Mark passed away December 17, 2009 at the age of 59 near his home in Georgetown, Kentucky. Mark was a retired Major of the USAF. His career as a pilot began 36 years ago when he flew F-4 Phantoms for the USMC and for over a decade he flew his favorite commercial airliner, the 747-200. Along with his wife Janet of 36 years, Mark is survived by his mother, two children and two grandchildren.
Danny Summerton -
"I am sad to report that my brother Daniel Summerton passed away from a sudden heart attack back on June 27, 2006 at his home in Sumner, WA. Dan is survived by his beloved wife Katie and daughter Jo. Dan was an IT support engineer at Echostar Communications at the Kent, WA office where he was highly regarded by his colleagues. He was a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, and a friend to all who would always go the extra mile. "The Road goes on Forever and the Sun Shines on for Miles". - With best regards to the Class of 1969 40th Reunion." Dale Summerton - Class of 1973
Paula Mahan Dabney (1951-1995)
The DHS Class of 1969 wishes to pass along the news of the passing of Paula. After repeated attempts at contacting her, we were informed of this sad news. Bright and fun and brassy, she will be missed.
May the good Lord be with you
Down every road you roam
And may sunshine and happiness
surround you when you're far away from home
Be courageous and be brave...
And in my heart you'll always remain
Forever Young
And may you never love in vain,
and in my heart you'll always remain
Forever young, forever young,
Forever young
