MEMBERS AND FRIENDS WHO PASSED AWAY IN 2022
PC Carol Marvin, 79 – Member since 1986
August 21, 1943 – December 3, 2022
Life Member and Past Commodore Carol R Marvin passed away quietly at Orchid Cove Nursing Home in Vero Beach, Florida on Saturday December 3, 2022.
Carol and her husband of 60 years, PC Addison L Marvin, joined PYC in 1986. Before their move to Florida in retirement, both Carol and Addison were very involved in PYC. Carol was on the Board of Directors, serving as Commodore in 1999. (Obituary)
Elaine Syracusa, 85 – Member since 1983
May 18, 1937 – October 8, 2022
Life Member Elaine Syracusa passed away peacefully on Sat, Oct. 8 in her home surrounded by family, after living with cancer. Elaine, along with her late husband Tony, had been an active and dedicated Portsmouth Yacht Club member since 1983. Obituary
Leonard M. Small, 98 – Member since 1982
August 23, 1923 – May 8, 2022
Life Member Len Small was a talented woodworker, craftsman, and gifted sailor. Len and his late wife Marie were longtime Dover, NH residents and joined PYC in 1982. Obituary.
Brooks Kennedy, 81 – Member since 1978
March 13, 1942 – March 14, 2022
Life Member Brooks had been an avid sailor/boater, and was very involved in the early years of the Portsmouth racing circuit. He served on the Board of Directors and the House and Docks Committee, and was involved in the design and acquisition of the club’s 24′ Eastern launch. Brooks and his wife Mary joined PYC in 1978. (Obituary)
Frederick “Ted” Gray, Jr, 85 – Member since 1964
July 3 1936 – February 23, 2022
Life Member Ted Gray towered above his fellow members while loudly extolling his yankee view of our town, our club and anything with which Ted was acquainted with. A dear friend to our members and always one to lift our spirits. We pass on our condolences to Suzanne, his son, PYC members Justin, and his family. We will miss his timeless sense of humor. (Obituary)
Darcy Scott, 69 – Member since 1993
March 15, 1952 – Feb 18, 2022
Darcy will be missed by her friends at PYC. She blended her love of adventure with her creative talents in writing a number of novels, 3 based on the coast of Maine. We will miss her charming and engaging presence. (Obituary)
Diana Appleton, 86 – Member since 2005
November 2, 1935 – January 15, 2022
Born in Bournemouth, England, Diana and her husband John emigrated to the US in 1964. They retired in 1995 and moved to New Castle where they enjoyed sailing, traveling, and entertaining friends and family .(Obituary)
MEMBERS AND FRIENDS WHO PASSED AWAY IN 2021
James R “Jim” Kilcoyne, 82 – Member since 2000
February 26, 1939 – December 11, 2021
Jim, along with his wife Jane, had been a PYC member sinc2 2000. Jim was passionate about baseball and was long-suffering New York Mets fan. He was an avid reader and spent many hours working through all the crossword puzzles he could find. Obituary
Vaughan Sanborn, 81 – Member since 2008
December 30, 1939 – October 3, 2021
Along with his wife Elizabeth, he has been members of PYC since 2008. Vaughan was be laid to rest in a private ceremony in the Rye Central Cemetery. A “Celebration of Life” was held at Abenaqui Country Club on Thursday, October 14th from 3:30 – 5:30 pm. (Obituary)
Ann Mowers, 82 – Member since 1979
July 10, 1938 – May 5, 2021
Life Member Ann and her late husband Davi, were active members of the Portsmouth Yacht Club since 1979. She also volunteered at the Portsmouth Regional Hospital and was a member of the Red Hat Society. (Obituary)
Jerry Young, 84 – Member 1995 – 2017
1936 – April 15, 2021
Jerry and her husband Paul joined PYC in 1995. They enjoyed sailing and cruising on Reprise, and served as PYC Cruise Directors for almost 10 years. They moved to Denver, CO in 2018 to be near family. for health reasons.
Glen E. Graper, 86 – Member since 1992
October 24, 1934 – February 19, 2021
Life Member Glen Graper passed away on Friday, February 19, 2021 from complications of COVID-19. Glen served on the PYC Board of Directors and as Parliamentarian. He had a passion for sailing, his Harley Davidson motorcycle, and and his “Gentle Giant” Newfoundland dogs. Our condolences go out to his wife of 39 years, Mary Lou, and their family. (Obituary)
MEMBERS AND FRIENDS WHO PASSED AWAY IN 2020
Peter G Kasnet, 70 – Member since 2013
December 19, 1950 – December 26, 2020
PYC member Peter Kasnet passed away suddenly at his home on December 26, 2020. Peter and his wife Deirdre O’Leary joined PYC in 2013. They enjoyed sailing their 41′ sailboat, Impressionist, out of Rye Harbor during the summer, and skiing in the White Mountains in the winter. (Obituary)
Robert E. “Bob” Watson, 86 – Member since 1975
February 27, 1934 – October 29, 2020
Life Member Bob Watson passed away on Thursday, October 29. Bob and his beloved late wife Ann, who passed away in May, 2020, had been club members since 1975. They will be greatly missed by the PYC Community.
Judy Wright, 73 – Member since 1990
March 8, 1947 – October 27, 2020
Life Member, Judy Wright, recently passed away in Vero Beach, FL. While Judy missed her friends in the Portsmouth area, she loved her new home in Florida. Judy and her husband PC Ed Wright, who predeceased her, became members in 1990.
George B. Almgren, Jr, 82 – Members since 1962
November 30, 1938 – October 21, 2020
Life Member and long time New Castle resident George Almgren passed away on October 21 at the age of 82. George was first part of PYC as a teen when his family joined in 1953. He joined the club himself in 1962, and rejoined in 1971. Along with Nancy, his wife of 43 years, he loved sailing and cruising the coast of Maine on his sailboat, Sunday Punch. Our condolences go out to Nancy and their family. (Obituary)
Gerard “Jerry” Green, 88 – Member since 1981
May 6, 1932 – September 12, 2020
Jerry passed away peacefully on September 12, 2020, at the age of 88. Jerry and his late wife GeGe had been a summer resident of Rye, NH since 1940, and moved there full-time in 1987. Jerry and GeGe joined Portsmouth Yacht Club in 1981, and enjoyed club activities, especially those involving sailing and traveling. Our sincere condolences to Jerry’s children, and grandchildren. (Obituary)
Ann Watson, 85 – Member since 1975
August 9, 1934 – May 25, 2020
Judith “Jud” Dionne, 83 – Member since 2002
March 19, 1937 – April 22, 2020
Jud and her husband, PC Art, retired to Rye in 2007, to a home where Judith could “see, hear and smell” the ocean. It was known as “Jud’s Place”. As residents of Rye, Jud and Art were members of the Beach Club and the Portsmouth Yacht Club. Judith was a long-time volunteer at the Rockingham VNA & Hospice. (Obituary)
Virginia “Jinny” Burgess, 93 – Member since 1991
October 25, 1926 – April 3, 2020
Jinny, along with her late husband PC Mal, had been a PYC member sing 1991.
Nikki Franklin, 83 – Member since 1983
June 14, 1936 – March 31, 2020 (Obituary)
Dalton “Dal” Franklin, Jr , 94 – Member since 1983
June 15, 1925 – March 29, 2020 (Obituary)
Charlotte Philbrook, 85 – Member since 1975
August 23, 1934 to March 13, 2020
Life Member Charlotte Philbrook passed away peacefully on Friday, March 13, 2020 at the Edgewood Centre. Charlotte and her husband Past Commodore Bob Philbrook have been PYC members since 1975. (Obituary)
Carolyn Jones-McAdams, 65 – Member 2011 thru 2019
January 11, 1955 – March 12, 2020
Carolyn Jones-McAdams passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 after a sudden illness. Carolyn and her husband Jim joined Portsmouth Yacht Club in 2011 and had just recently resigned in December, 2019. (Obituary)
Members and friends who passed away in 2019:
Phyllis Anne Joyce, 74 – Member since 2015
May 10, 1945 – November 13, 2019
Phyllis Anne Joyce passed away on November 13, 2019, after a long, hard fought battle with cancer. Phyllis and her husband Doug joined PYC in 2015 and she thoroughly enjoyed being a member. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wentworth-Douglass Foundation for the benefit of the Seacoast Cancer Center in memory of Phyllis Anne Joyce. (Obituary)
MGEN David C Meade, 79 – Member since 2005
August 21, 1940 – October 9, 2019
MGGEN David C Meade passed away on October, 2019, at the Watson Fields Facility in Dover after a lengthy period of failing health. David and his wife divided their time between in Hampton, NH and Vero Beach, FL. They spent many wonderful days on the boat and at the beach. They traveled extensively, but always returned to the NH Seacoast and called it home.(Obituary)
Martin “Marty” Turmelle, 85 – Member since 2011
September 11, 1934 – October 7, 2019
Martin “Marty” Turmelle passed away on October 2, 2019 at his home in New Castle. After retiring from Public Service of NH, Marty and his wife Denny owned and operated the Shiverick Inn in Edgartown, MA for 9 years, then made their home in New Castle for the past 18 years. They have been PYC member since 2011. (Obituary)
D. Richard “Dick” Blidberg, 74 – Member since 1979
January 1, 1945 – September 1, 2019
Dick Blidberg passed away on September 1 after a brief but tough battle with cancer. Dick had been a member of Portsmouth Yacht Club since 1978. He served on the Board of Directors, and was Rear Commodore for 2 years. He enjoyed sailing and cruising on Mischief. There will be a “Celebration of Life” at PYC on Saturday, October 12, 2:00 to 5:00 PM. Our condolences to his son, PYC Board member Scott, daughter-in-law Rachel, and grandson Alex.
Adelbert “Bert” Palmer, 95 – Member since 1968
January 23, 1924 – June 16, 2019
Adelbert “Bert” Palmer, 95, passed away on June 16 at his home with his family by his side. Bert, along with his late wife Agnes, was a long time New Castle resident, a PYC member since 1968, and enjoyed sailing on Black Coral. Our condolences to his daughter PYC member Amy Gworek and her husband, Jonathon, sons Sam Palmer and his wife Jennifer Feller, John Palmer, and their families. (Obituary)
Robert Gray, 97 – Member since 1996
September 16, 1922 – May 31, 2019
Robert Gray, 97, passed away on Friday, May 31, with his devoted wife, Annie, by his side. Born near Bristol, England, he became a U.S. citizen and joined the New York Times in 1952. In 1975 he “retired” to York Harbor. Robert and Annie have been partners in the Yacht Brokerage Company, “Gray & Gray”, for the last 37 years. Our condolences to Annie and family.(Obituary)
GeGe Green, 85 – Member since 1981
July 11, 1933 – May 24, 2019
Genevieve “GeGe” Green passed away peacefully on Friday, May 24, 2019, at the age of 85. GeGe had been a summer resident of Rye, NH since 1940. She and Jerry, her husband of 63 years, moved there full-time in 1987. Jerry and GeGe joined Portsmouth Yacht Club in 1981, and enjoyed club activities, especially those involving sailing and traveling. Our sincere condolences to Jerry, their children, and grandchildren. (Obituary)
Mark Connolly, 63 – Member since 2009
September 2, 1955 – April 13, 2019
Mark Connolly passed away on April 13 while he and his fiancee Terri Lareau were in Rancho Mirage, California. Mark, a 2016 Democratic candidate for governor and former state securities chief, had been a member of PYC since 2009. He was known as a man of the state of New Hampshire, dedicated to serving our state, a gentleman and a friend. (Obituary)
Jim McNally, 82 – Former Member
December 18, 1936 – February 26, 2019
Former member Jim McNally passed away on Feb. 26, 2019 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Jim and his wife Nan were members from 1991 to 2016. They lived in Kittery and enjoyed sailing and cruising on KATE before moving to Scottsdale, Arizona to be closer to family.
Members and friends who passed away in 2018:
P/C Fred Pettigrew, 89 – Member since 1974
November 21, 1938 – December 4, 2018
PYC Life Member and Past Commodore Fred Pettigrew passed away on Tuesday, Dec 4. Fred and his late wife Carole joined the Portsmouth Yacht Club in 1974, and is the brother-in-law of PYC P/C Art Wright. Our condolences to Fred’s son’s Jim, John and Dave, his grandchildren and great grandchildren. (Obituary)
Jay Edwards, 81 – Member since since 2009
August 1937 – November 29, 2018
Jay Edwards passed away peacefully on November 29, 2018. Jay and his wife, Sherle, had recently returned to Florida for the winter season. We will fondly remember Jay having a good time at club activities and piloting his beautiful Sabre named Lady Sherle, especially on PYC cruises. He was the owner and operator of the elegant Edwards Harborside Inn in York Harbor, Maine. Jay joined PYC in 1970 and again in 2009. (Obituary)
Norma Roberts, 90 – Member since 1988
April 30, 1928 – November 20, 2018
PYC Life Member Norma Roberts passed away on Tuesday, November 20. Norma and her late husband Ken joined the club in 1988. They enjoyed cruising on their sailboat, Eaglet, and were very active in PYC before moving to North Carolina in 2011 to be closer to family. (Obituary)
Joyce Kelly, 98 – Member since 1966
September 10, 1920 – October 31, 2018
PYC Life Member Joyce Kelly passed away on Oct 31, 2018 at the age of 98. Joyce and her late husband Emmitte joined PYC in 1966. Our condolences to her daughters Carolyn Scott, husband Richard, and Kathleen Kulisek, husband Michael, and their families. (Obituary,Legacy.com)
Phil Fusco, 78 – Member since 2008
July 17, 1940 – September 29, 2018
Phil Fusco passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 29 2018 at the Edgewood Center after a lengthy illness. Phil and his wife Rita have been PYC members since 2008. Our condolences to Rita, their children, and grand children. (Obituary, Legacy.com)
Betty Gailey, 85 – Member since 1979
August 5, 1932 – June 29, 2018
Elizabeth “Betty” Gailey, PYC Life Member, passed away on Friday, June 29, 2018. Betty and her late husband John had been members of PYC since 1979. Our condolences to her children Jane, John and Jim (PYC member) and their families. (Obituary, Legacy.com)
Sue Bowman, 85 – Member since 1986
May 2, 1933 – June 1, 2018
Suzanne “Sue” Bowman, 85, passed away on June 1 at the Durgin Pines Skilled Nursing Facility in Kittery, surrounded by her loved ones. Sue and her late husband Jim had been PYC members since 1986. Sue enjoyed swimming sailing and kayaking with family and friends at her Merrymeeting Lake Cottage. Our condolences go out to her children Kristin, Kathy and Ted, and their families. (Obituary, Legacy.com)
Trip Gray, 50 – Member since 2007
March 3, 1968 – May 14, 2018
Frederick S “Trip” Gray, III, 50, passed away on May 14 after a somewhat long illness. Trip is survived by his wife Stacy Gray and daughter Alexcia Saunders as well as his father PYC member Ted Gray and younger brother PYC member and former BOD member Justin Gray. Our condolences go out to the Gray family. (Obituary, Legacy.com)
P/C Nancy Gulley, 73 – Member since 2008
November 3, 1944 – April 28, 2018
Past Commodore Nancy Gulley passed away on April 28, 2018 at the age of 73, with her family by her side. Nancy and Jerry, her husband of nearly 54 years, have been PYC members since 2008. Family has requested the Club be open to members and their guests on Friday, June 15th for a reception in her memory. More details will be available in the near future. Our condolences to Jerry, as well as Stacey, Penny, Kevin, and their families. (Nancy’s Uncommon Obituary)
Members and friends who passed away in 2017:
Jim McHutchison, 76 – Member since 2015
May 8, 1941 – December 31, 2017
Jimmy McHuchison passed away on Dec. 31, 2017, after surviving a 4+ yr battle with mesothelioma, against all odds! Jimmy was an avid sailor with many miles under his keel, and held a US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner 100 ton license. He has been a PYC members since 2015, a longtime member of the Cruising Club of America, and past member of the Ocean Cruising Club. Our sincere condolences go to his partner, Pepper, his children and grandchildren. (Final Voyage, Cruising Club of America; Obituary, Lucas and Eaton Funeral Home).
Ingvars J. Vittands, 83 – Member since 1993
1934 – November 2o, 2017
Ingvars Vittands died on Nov. 20, 2017 at the age of 83. Born in Riga, Latvia, his family emigrated to the US in 1950. He eventually settled in NH where he had a 38 yr. career as an orthopedic surgeon. Ingvars, along with his wife Donna, has been a PYC member since 1993. His love of boats and sailing was well-known by friends and family. Our condolences go to Donna and all of his family. (Obituary, Fosters.com)
Michael D Dingman, 86 – Member since 1975
September 29, 1931 – October 3, 2017
Michael Dingman passed away on October 3 at his home in Lyford Cay, The Bahamas. Michael had been a member of PYC since 1975, and has lived in the Bahamas since 1995. Our condolences to his wife Betsy and their family. (Obituary, Nassau Guardian).
Wayne E. Murray, 76 – Member since 1991
December 17 1940 – September 27, 2017
Wayne Murray passed away on Wednesday, September 27, after a battle with cancer that he fought with courage and grace. Wayne and his partner, Past Commodore Jackie Adams, have been active supporters of Portsmouth Yacht Club, cruising from Maine to the Bahamas on Last Time and later Exit Strategy. Wayne lived life with gusto, with a love for the sea and endless aquatic adventures. He loved skiing, traveling, art, gardening, dogs and reading. Our condolences to Jackie, his children Brian and Brigid, and their families. (Obituary – Seacoast Online)
Evelyn (Evie) Wingo, 94 – Member since 1977
April 4, 1922 – April 15, 2017
Evelyn (Evie) Wingo, 94, died Saturday, April 15, 2017, in her residence at Wentworth Senior Living in Portsmouth. A PYC Life Member, Evie and her late husband Art had been members since 1977. Evie was a “people” person – she enjoyed meeting new people and getting to know them. Our condolences to her children, Cathy, Gary, David and Paul, and their families.
P/C Jeffrey H. Marple, 76 – Former member
January 1, 1941 – January 20, 2017
Former member and Past Commodore Jeff Marple passed away on Friday, January 20, 2017. Jeff and his wife Sylvia have been New Castle residents since 1966. He was an avid fisherman and loved to chase tuna at Jeffrey’s Ledge, troll for bluefish or find Stripers chasing bait. Our condolences to Sylvia and their family.
Members and friends who passed away in 2016:
Barbara P.Wright, 75 – Member since 1978
February 1, 1941 – December 30, 2016
PYC Life Member Barbara Wright passed away on Friday, December 30, 2016. Barbie and her husband, P/C Art Wright, have been PYC members since 1978. She was also the sister of P/C Fred Pettigrew. Barbie was sweet, kind, gentle and always had a smile for others. She very much enjoyed sitting at the club reading while Art worked on club projects. Our condolences to Art and their family.
Agnes Palmer, 79 – Member since 1968
July 30, 1937 – November 9, 2016
Agnes Palmer, 79, died November 9, 2016 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Agnes, along with husband Bert, was a long time New Castle resident and PYC member since 1968. Agnes was an avid tennis player, enjoyed skiing, gardening and sailing on Black Coral. Our condolences to her husband Bert, her daughter PYC member Amy Gworek and her husband, Jonathon, sons Sam Palmer and his wife Jennifer Feller, John Palmer, and their families.
P/C William F. Fleming, 82 – Member since 1976
June 10, 1934 – August 31, 2016
Past Commodore and Life Member Bill Fleming passed away on August 31, 2016. Bill and his wife Lolly have been members of the PYC since 1976, and for many years enjoyed sailing their Pearson 30 Viewpoint. Bill has served as Commodore as well as Club Secretary. Our condolences to Lolly and their family.
John R. Kemen, 69 – Member since 2006
December 27, 1946 – July 26, 2016
John Kemen passed away unexpectedly on July 26, 2016. John and his wife Patti have been members of the PYC since 2006, and John served on the Board of Directors from 2010-2014. John enjoyed spending time on his boat Brothers II, which he shared with his brother-in-law, PYC member Dan Gabriel. Our condolences to Patti and their family.
Whitney Elliot Saidla,74 – Member since 1978
January 7, 1942 – June 23, 2016
Whit Saidla passed away on June 23, 2016. Whit was a member of the PYC since 1978. Sailing meant the world to Whit, having raced numerous times to Bermuda and spending many months sailing Pyewacket in the Caribbean with his family. Whether it be traveling to his favorite spots in France, applying his scientific mind in the kitchen or the laboratory, or pursuing his passion for sailing, Whit lived his life to the fullest!
P/C James Alfred Labrie, 80 – Member since 2016 and former member
July 26, 1935 – April 30, 2016
Past Commodore Jim Labrie passed away on April 30, 2016 in Portsmouth. Jim and his wife Ellen had recently rejoined PYC after an absence. Our condolences to Ellen and their family.
P/C Edward Nelson Wright, 74 – Member since 1990
March 26, 1942 – April 21, 2016
Past Commodore and Life member Ed Wright, Jr passed away on April 21, 2016 at his home in Vero Beach, Florida. Ed and his wife Judy joined PYC in 1990. They moved to Florida in retirement. Our condolences to Judy and their family.
Kenneth P. Roberts, 88 – Member since 1988
September 16, 1927 – January 24, 2016
PYC life member Ken Roberts passed away Jan. 24, 2016. Ken and his wife Norma joined PYC in 1988. Ken served as Club Secretary, Photographer, and a member of the Board of Directors. He was also a lifelong member of the Power Squadron, Past President of the Propeller Club, and Past Commodore of Pepperrell Cove Yacht Club. Our condolences to Norma and their family.