Obituaries & Death Notices

[Media statement from the office of Cape & Islands District Attorney Robert Galibois] Cape & Islands District Attorney Robert J. Galibois today announced that on March 21, 2025, a Grand Jury indicted Thomas Hayes, 23 years old, of Sandwich, MA, for his role relating to the death of a 71-year-old woman, occurring in July 2024, in the town of Sandwich. A Barnstable Grand Jury returned 2 indictments against the defendant Thomas Hayes, charging him with Manslaughter, and Assault and Battery on…

The Steamship’s interviews for a new general manager won’t involve the inclusion of a member of the public, at least for now. The ferry line’s board considered a request to include a nonvoting public member in the general manager interview process, but on Friday tabled the matter without debate. The ferry line is looking for its next director after Robert Davis announced in September that he would step down effective in November 2025. The Steamship, board chair Jim Malkin explained, has received…

The Oak Bluffs woman who is charged with leaving a child in a car for multiple hours is now facing manslaughter after the child died at a Boston hospital on Wednesday. Aimee Cotton, 41, was arraigned at the Edgartown District Court house on Thursday, March 20 after police arrested her on a warrant for the elevated charges. A judge set bail at $21,000 and she is due back at Edgartown District Court on April 3 for a probable cause hearing. The incident occurred on Thursday…

Capt. Everett Lee Whorton Jr., 80, of Oak Bluffs, peacefully yet unexpectedly passed away at home on Sunday, March 16, 2025. He was the beloved eldest son of Everett L. and Helen (Santos) Whorton, who affectionately called him “Joey.” Born on Sept. 12, 1944, in Oak Bluffs during the Great Atlantic Hurricane of 1944, Everett’s life began amidst a storm, setting the tone for his adventurous spirit. Everett spent his early years through first grade in…

Ted Edward Desrosiers, a man who could fill a room with laughter and make everyone feel like an old friend, passed away on March 11, 2025. He lived with a full heart, a quick wit, and an unshakable love for his family, his friendships, and the Island community that meant so much to him. Born in Fall River on July 9, 1950, to Arthur J. and Ann B. Desrosiers, Ted spoke of his hometown as if it were Paris. He had a way of making everything — places, meals, stories —…

Sean Allen Chalifoux, 49, of Venice, Fla., passed away in front of loved ones, after succumbing to his injuries after being struck by a car, on Jan. 8, 2025.  He was born on March 17, 1975. Sean was a beloved waiter and bartender at several Venice establishments for more than three years. He never met a stranger who didn’t become an instant friend. He will be remembered for his wit, humor, and incredible smile, as well as his kindness and willingness to help…

Patsy Shelton Fullin of Vineyard Haven passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on March 14, 2025. She was 74.  Born on May 14, 1950, in Oak Bluffs, she was the daughter of Virginia Shelton of Edgartown. A kindhearted and humorous woman, Patsy had a deep love for her family and friends, always going out of her way to show her affection. Over the years, she worked in various establishments on the Island bartending, including Hearts in Heart Haven in Oak Bluffs,…

Karin Magid, former owner of Red Pony Farm, passed away on Feb. 17, 2025. She was born on August 31, 1943, to Maurice Magid and Erika Stolzberg Magid in White Plains, N.Y.  Karin grew up near Scarsdale, studied at Sarah Lawrence College, lived in France, had a film career in England alongside her former husband Michael, and went on to operate an antique business–cum–dressage barn on Martha’s Vineyard. She was a force and an enigma:…

I am writing a late column this week, on Monday morning. Rain is pouring down, and the wind is blowing hard enough to almost flatten light shrubbery and saplings in our woods. Abby wasn’t interested in going out until Mike donned his rain jacket and walked to the door. I can’t imagine she was eager for their customary morning walk, but she trotted out behind Mike, and came back totally soaked a few minutes later. Now she is resting next to me on the sofa, where I settled with a second cup of…

James Stern Zisson, 72, of Palm Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully on Feb. 15, 2025. He is survived by his sons, Ethan (Alessandra) and Alec (Aisa). Jimmy was a summer resident of Chilmark since 1988.   A private graveside service was held in West Palm Beach, Fla. Those who wish to honor his memory may make a donation to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund at Palm Beach Synagogue, 120 North County Road, Palm Beach, FL 33480. The post James Stern Zisson appeared…

There’s been some controversy over a fence at the West Tisbury Village Cemetery. The local historic district commission pushed back against a plan to use plastic fencing, and then the town decided to make more temporary changes when wood proved more expensive. Now, there is an idea to host a Day-of-the-Dead fundraiser to bring the wooden fence back to life. Meg Carman, a member of the town’s historic district commission, delivered her presentation as a resident to her town’s select board…

BOURNE – Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority Administrator Tom Cahir unexpectedly passed away Wednesday morning. He was 72 years old. Cahir also served as 3rd Barnstable District State Representative for 14 years from 1985 to 1999. As Administrator for the CCRTA, he oversaw the implementation of their dial-a-ride service, free transit for seniors, as well […] The post CCRTA Lead and Former Bourne State Rep. Tom Cahir Passes Away appeared first on CapeCod.com.

Joseph A. Costa of Vineyard Haven died peacefully, in the arms of his loving family, on Thursday, March 6, 2025. He was 94. He was born on June 4, 1930, in Vineyard Haven, to John and Margaret Costa, and was the youngest of four children. He met and married the love of his life, Vivian J. (Scott) Costa, in 1952 in Arizona, and they were married 70 years as of Oct. 1, 2022. Vivian passed away in June 2023. They were blessed with four children.…

Richard Arnold Carr (“Dick”) of Oak Bluffs quietly passed away at the age of 93 on March 2, 2025, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, surrounded by his children. Dick was born in New Rochelle, N.Y., son of Morris and Dorothy (Jones) Carr. He spent most of his childhood on Martha’s Vineyard, a place always held close to his heart. A proud veteran, Dick served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Intrepid, where he was a chef and recognized as a valued diver, allowing…

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“Well-behaved women seldom make history.” —Laurel Thatcher Ulrich It is Women’s History Month, so here’s to all the women who make this world a better place! St. Patrick’s Day is March 17, the day to celebrate Irish culture. On my recent trip to Ireland, I was reminded of the strength and overwhelming positivity of the Irish people. It is a country of extraordinary beauty. The green, rolling countryside is dotted with ancient ruins that the people revere, and every county is filled…

Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School principal Sara Dingledy is proposing new graduation requirements for 2025 after Bay Staters voted to remove the state’s standardized test as a graduation requirement in November. Dingledy recommends a passing grade in a number of English, Math, and science classes offered at the high school for the current school year while they await state guidance for following years. Dingledy’s proposal is that students pass one of the following English classes: English…

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Jed Devine, photographer, teacher, husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Oct. 29, 2024. He died at home on Martha’s Vineyard, surrounded by his wife Barbara Kassel, his son Jesse Devine, and his daughter Siobhan Devine.  Born on August 31, 1944, Jed grew up in Pleasantville, N.Y., the middle of three brothers. He attended Pleasantville High School, Deerfield Academy, and Yale, where he captained the baseball team, and received…

Barbara Thomas Murphy lost her long fight with Alzheimer’s disease on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. Breathing peacefully, she slipped away in her sleep. Our lives will never be the same. A true Islander, she was born May 1, 1946, at the hospital in Oak Bluffs to Mary and Bill Thomas. She grew up an Oak Bluffs girl who enjoyed working at the Red and White and walking down to Pay Beach with her friends. While attending Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, she met and began dating the love of her…

Richard Stanton (“Dick”) of Vineyard Haven died peacefully on Feb. 11, 2025, at the age of 86, with his beloved wife — “his Susie” — and his three loving sons by his side, after spending one last Super Bowl weekend enjoying the game together. Dick was a larger-than-life figure with a heart of gold. His piercing blue eyes, handsome, rugged features and distinguished white beard framed a face that radiated kindness and warmth. Dick lived in many places over…

Pamela Elizabeth Whittey Zaiko, of Palm Beach, Fla., formerly of Martha’s Vineyard, passed away on Feb. 23, 2025. Pamela was born on March 27, 1950, in Hartford, Conn., a daughter of the late Carolyn Grant Whittey and Austin Whittey Jr. She was raised in New England and Coral Gables, Fla., and attended Our Lady of Lourdes Academy and the University of Miami. Pamela and her husband, Calvin C. Zaiko, were proprietors of the Beach House — an inn on the coast of Oak…

Michael E. Tillman Sr. of Vineyard Haven, a beloved father, husband, brother, godfather, and uncle, passed away peacefully at home from natural causes on March 2, 2025, at the age of 71. Born in Bastrop, La., to Ernest and Jessie Tillman (Sonier), Mike and his family lived in parishes west of Baton Rouge before relocating to Thibodaux following the passing of his father. His first job was at Goulas’ Pool Hall.  After high school, Mike worked at Thompson Construction…

Antone S. Gaspar III (“Kippy”) passed away peacefully on Feb. 25, 2025, at the Cape Cod Hospital.  He was 67 years old, lived in Falmouth, and was born and raised on Martha’s Vineyard. For many years he ran Pilgrim Road Auto Repair, which he built from scratch.  He enjoyed the time he spent with his friends, riding his motorcycles, and racing in his boat. Besides his dogs, Missy and Tiny, his greatest enjoyment was spending time with his grandchildren. Kippy…

Town elections are quickly approaching on Martha’s Vineyard, and the deadline to pull papers has come and gone in some towns.  Among the noticeable vacancies across the Island, Gail Barmakian has announced she will not be seeking reelection to the select board in Oak Bluffs after some 15 years; Jim Malkin in Chilmark is stepping down at the end of his third term on the town’s select board; and longtime Edgartown select board member Michael Donaroma is facing a challenger. There are also contested…

After serving five terms on the Oak Bluffs select board, long-time member Gail Barmakian will not be seeking re-election this year.  Barmarkian is instead focusing on wastewater issues, and she is running for the town clerk position. The decision to not seek reelection to the select board is not entirely her own choice. A bylaw passed by voters during the 2023 annual town meeting forbids a select board member from holding another elected position simultaneously. Under…

Nancy S. Howes, 88, of Dennis, peacefully passed away on Feb. 12, 2025.  Nancy was born and grew up on Martha’s Vineyard. She met and married her soulmate and moved to Dennis in 1956. Nancy worked in the administration department of Cape and Vineyard in Hyannis, where she undoubtedly gained her exceptional organizational and bookkeeping skills. Later she worked as the secretary at their family-owned television repair business. Nancy was a devoted, loving wife, mother,…

To the Editor: Barbara Murphy and I met in the fall of 1976, when I began teaching at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School and she was completing her first year teaching there. I was teaching social studies and for Barbara, it was Spanish. We quickly became fast friends, and for all these years remained so. We had so much laughter and fun as co-teachers, and we loved our high school kids. We were very serious about what we taught, and we had so much fun teaching it. We were also advisors for…

Robert George (“Bob”) of Silver Spring, Md., formerly of Chilmark, died peacefully on Feb. 20, 2025, of natural causes. Born on August 2, 1942, in New York City to Elaine and George L. George, Bob attended Columbia College, where he made lifelong friends. Bob earned great respect as a financial planner, admired for his professional knowledge, integrity, and dedication to his clients.  He grew up playing piano, and shared his love of music with his family, especially…

Vineyarders at the Oak Bluffs Public Library on Saturday were faced with a heavy question — how they would like to be buried. They were there to hear about “green burial,” an unconventional process that does away with environmentally harmful materials used in a typical burial in the United States, especially in embalming fluid. With green burial options including housing a body in a cardboard box or wrapping it in a fabric shroud, everything that goes underground is meant to be biodegradable.…

Jonathan Merrill Whiting, known as Jay to many, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Jan. 10, 2025, after a short illness. He was 73. He led a life characterized by a spirit of curiosity and adventure, creativeness of thought, loyalty to his friends and, above all, a devotion to his family. Born in Boston on Feb. 9, 1951, he was the son of Dr. Richard G. Whiting and Rosemary Christine (Menzies-Wilson) Whiting, a Scottish social worker. He was educated in Boston…

Mary M.U. McGuire (“Linda”) died peacefully on Feb. 24, 2025, at her home in West Tisbury, surrounded by her daughter and sons. She was 85 years old. She was born in New York City to the actress Mildred Dunnock and the banker and WWII veteran Keith Urmy. She studied at Sarah Lawrence before entering Yale Drama School, where she met her husband of 43 years, Dennis McGuire. They had three children, Keith, Dan, and Patricia. In addition…

Floyd C. Norton, 95, of Edgartown passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family who loved him so much, on Feb. 14, 2025, after suffering a stroke.  Floyd was born on August 5, 1929 in Oak Bluffs, to Samuel Norton and Mildred Jackson. His childhood home was the Anchors (presently occupied by the Edgartown Council on Aging) on the waterfront in Edgartown. He came from a long line of seafaring men on both sides of his family, and that largely influenced…

With the right documentation, electric vehicles with cosmetic damage will be able to ride on Steamship Authority ferries following an update to a policy that has faced scrutiny, although local mechanics say the amendment may not go far enough.  As of Feb. 20, the ferry line’s policy will allow a damaged electric vehicle to board Steamship vessels if the owner can provide documentation from a mechanic certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) noting that the vehicle…

Gerard Patrick Dowd died on Feb. 18, 2025, in Homosassa, Fla. Gerry was raised in a loving household in Randolph, MA, as one of seven siblings.  In 1975, he relocated to Oak Bluffs with his wife, Cheryl Dowd, where they raised their three children, J.P., Mike, and Carolyn (“Chick”).  Gerry was esteemed for his remarkable patience and generosity, as well as his dedication as a husband, father, and grandfather. He devoted countless hours to various organizations…

Ellie Tuck, a longtime Vineyard resident, died on Jan. 30, 2025, just days after her 84th birthday. Born to Eleanor Elizabeth Grigas and Philip Reilly, Eleanor Elizabeth Reilly entered our world on Jan. 10, 1941, at St. Raphael’s Hospital in New Haven, Conn. Four brothers followed: Philip Hugh, Vincent Edward (now deceased), Daniel Castus, and Peter Francis. Ellie credited her father’s knowledge and passion for reading with inspiring her love of reading throughout…

#tdi_2 .td-doubleSlider-2 .td-item1 { background: url [https:] 0 0 no-repeat; } #tdi_2 .td-doubleSlider-2 .td-item2 { background: url [https:] 0 0 no-repeat; } 1 of 2 John Forte (left) and Fiona Brown in Forte's recording studio in Chilmark after recording the demo for the theme song. —Courtesy Liz Whitham Three Islanders…

The Rev. David G. Christensen Jr., 82, of West Tisbury, and Stratford, Conn., passed away on Feb. 20, 2025, at Civita Care at West River in Orange, Conn.  David was born in Springfield on Oct. 29, 1942. He spent his youth playing sports and creating stories for his little brother Jim. He was inspired by his parents’ great faith, and was called to pursue a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Springfield College and his master’s of divinity from Hartford Seminary. …

Ruth C. (Jepson) Spohn, 78, of Oak Bluffs, formerly of Waterford, Conn., passed away on Febr. 15, 2025. Born on April 24, 1946, Ruth was the beloved daughter of Clarence Richard Jepson and Ella Grace (Townson) Jepson. Being the only daughter of Clarence and Ella, she learned to do everything from baking her mother’s famous waffles to doing repairs around the house. These skills came in handy when in the 1950s, her parents purchased a cottage in the Martha’s Vineyard…

Joan Barbara Turits Feldman died on Feb. 6, 2025, at the age of 89, with devoted family by her side.  Joan lived her life with a deep love for her family and friends, and with a passion for fairness, justice, and the gentle treatment of all creatures. Joan was married to Milton R. Feldman for 51 years. Together, they raised three daughters, ran two retail businesses, and made time to travel, enjoy dining, and kvell about their grandchildren. Joan was a New Yorker,…

Roger L. Thomas of Oak Bluffs died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Feb. 14, 2025, at the age of 73.  A full obituary will follow in a later edition of this paper. The post Roger L. Thomas appeared first on The Martha's Vineyard Times.

Floyd Norton of Edgartown died peacefully at home on Feb. 14, 2025, at the age of 95.  A full obituary will follow in a later edition of this paper. The post Floyd Norton appeared first on The Martha's Vineyard Times.

After 97 years of his best living, Norman F. Robinson passed away peacefully on Nov. 9, 2024 — missing his goal of 100, one of his few shortcomings in life.  Born in St. Petersburg, Fla., on Jan. 18, 1927, Norm grew up in many states, eventually landing in Louisville, Ky., where he graduated from the University of Louisville School of Engineering in 1952. Norm’s military service began with the Army Air Corps in June 1945 (Japan), and ended back home in the Air…

#tdi_1 .td-doubleSlider-2 .td-item1 { background: url [https:] 0 0 no-repeat; } #tdi_1 .td-doubleSlider-2 .td-item2 { background: url [https:] 0 0 no-repeat; } 1 of 2 Jose Luis Collaguazo Crespo at a job site. —Courtesy GoFundMe The family of Jose Luis Collaguazo Crespo is fundraising for his funerary expenses. —Courtesy GoFundMe…

Turkeys found dead in Edgartown this month have been designated as preliminary positive cases of bird flu, the first official indication of the disease’s presence on Martha’s Vineyard. Brice Boutot, the health agent in Edgartown, told The Times that advice for the public regarding bird flu, also known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, remains the same — people should avoid diseased birds and protect their own animals from exposure. MassWildlife officials announced results on Friday for…

The 20th annual “Oscar-Nominated Short Films” theatrical release, presented by Shorts, starts at the M.V. Film Center on Feb. 14. The international films are divided into three categories: live-action and animation, which are reviewed here, and documentaries, which will be reviewed next week. The live-action shorts address a wide range of narratives. “Anuja,” by writer and director Adam J. Graves, is a beautiful film from India about sisterly love. We meet the two young girls whose mother…

I grew up in a very nice suburb, as suburbs go. Everyone conformed to the unspoken rules. For example, every property had a well-maintained green lawn. Well, almost everyone. The front yard of one property at the end of my block was a burst of colorful, often overgrown, boldly antiestablishment wildflowers. It was joyously out of place. It snubbed its nose at the buttoned-down commuters who passed by each morning on their way to the train station. I was a secret admirer…

Whenever I spoke to my father, Jules Feiffer — who passed away on Jan. 17 — he would ask me, “What are you working on?” If I answered, “I’ve been busy putting together the first midwinter Islanders Write, and getting ready to launch an Islanders Write newsletter,” his reply would be, “What are you really working on?” Creative work was the real work for my father. It was the important work. From the age of 5 to 95, he was drawing and he was writing.…

The Truth of Us Is Complicated By Kai Adia The simple grace of breath giving rise to our chest, a mantle upholding the highest vision of our stories, the people we meet and the lines we string together to make the full knot bridge … I think I’m open to the idea of an unseen hand playing the keys Tapping our chests If it is a creator of love Watching, guiding, and linking the sound waves between us into heart lines ringing a resounding note on the bridge. Just don’t forget This presence…

Ronald E. Jackson (“Ron”), 86, passed away on Jan. 13, 2025, at his home in Sarasota, Fla. Ron was married to Margaret (Freeman) Jackson for 65 years. They moved from West Roxbury to Martha’s Vineyard in 1970. He earned his pilot’s licence, and he owned a plane. He enjoyed many flights around New England. One of his most memorable flights was bringing Bobby Orr to the Island for an Alumni Tournament Fundraiser. Ron was a hockey player and fan who had…