UMass Boston

It has saddened us to learn of the passing of the following members of the UMass Boston community since our last issue.

ALUMNI

Naomi Gernes Axelrod ’80

Steven W. Besaw ’67

Dorothy Ann Bowler G’71

James E. Boyce G’94

Barbara M. Brooks ’58, G’61

Professor Barbara A. Burke G’79

Amanda J. Buttitta ’97

Richard T. Cawley ’60

Louise Aronian Chinian ’54

John J. Coates ’84

John P. Comerford ’70

Thomas J. Crowley ’75

Peter S. Cullinane ’71

Paul J. Dee ’72

Joanne Marie DePalma ’12

Phillip J. DiChiara ’74

Grace Welchlin Donahue ’59

Edward D. Donnelly ’77

Stephanie A. Doucette ’96

Robin Rogers Drayer ’84

Joyce F. Eno ’89

Norma Ethier CER’95

Lawrence F. Fallon Jr.

Gerald J. Feeley ’88

Richard E. Frankfurt ’71

Patricia A. Sullivan Furia ’69

Stephen Gaspar ’74

Dominic A. Gizzi ’77

Marjorie M. Gorman ’69

Betsy J. Gunn ’84

Kevin F. Hager ’90

James E. Hegarty ’69

Barbara Hennessey ’67

Fraidoon Hovaizi ’83

Kimberley J. Jaeger ’85

Marjorie A. Jones ’72

James A. Kearney ’79

Janice C. Kenneally ’94

Stephen J. Kennedy ’72

Paul F. Kenney ’70

Bernice Tattlebaum Kohn ’65

Mary M. Leno CER’94

Philip G. Levendusky ’68

William G. Leydon ’75

James T. Lodge ’66

Arthur S. Lynch ’69

William J. MacLellan Jr. ’88

Edward C. MacRae ’77

Francis  Manning ’58, G’60

Luis F. Martinez ’77

William T. McDonough ’66, G’68

Robert T. Milling ’65, G’70

Timothy J. Murphy ’76

Virginia M. Neely ’50

Daniel F. O'Connell ’90

Diane M. O'Neill ’95

Paul J. Pellegrino ’78

Dominic M. Perrelli ’07

Diana V. Phillips ’95

Walter Punch G’80

Shirin Nouvelle Rhyno ’72

Jeanne Rogers Rosengard ’54

Jon W. Sanders ’09

Albert Shaw ’77

Renee A. Simmons G’13

Linda F. Stepper ’69

Mary Hall Terrelonge ’98

Elizabeth A. Van Atten G’92

Ruth Whitman ’68

 

FACULTY AND STAFF

Professor Emeritus Spencer M. Di Scala

Mary Heatley

Professor Daniel M. Hodges

Prudence C. King

Professor Mary A. Oleskiewicz

 

FRIENDS

Ludwin C. Brown

Norma Fenochietti

John Finn

John J. Finnegan

Laurence Haar

Broovelt L. Lacet

Dennis Mattos

Marilyn McElaney P’01

Kathleen McCullough Mosco

Guntram B. Mueller

Mary Parker

Robert Redford H’90

John P. Comerford ’70

John passed away on October 17 in Seattle, WA at the age of 76. Born in Boston and raised in Neponset, he embraced life with joy, faith, and curiosity. He attended Boston College High School before graduating from the University of Massachusetts Boston in 1970, later helping to found and chair the Alumni Association during the merger with Boston State College. A lifelong learner, John earned a doctorate and five master’s degrees, with studies at Harvard, the University of Cambridge, and the University of London. John served in the Army and Air Force; worked in Boston government; and joined the Carter Administration, where at the age of 29, he was appointed by President Carter as the founding President of the National Consumer Cooperative Bank. He later led two commercial banks and held senior roles in the investment and insurance industries. John is survived by his wife, Sheila Preston Comerford; daughter, Kayla Preston (Bud Dieken); cousin, Jay McLaughlin (Weezie); and many beloved nieces, nephews, and godchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to UMass Boston.

 

Prudence Christine King

After 85 full and accomplished years, Prudence passed peacefully on October 26. Born in New York City and raised in Chicago, she earned her undergraduate degree from Mount Vernon College, later earning a master’s degree from Boston University and a doctorate in education from Harvard. She began her career as a high school teacher known for her humor and ability to connect with students. Prudy spent 25 years at UMass Boston, first as a professor and later as the Assistant to the Vice Chancellor of Administration and Finance, where she played a key part in designing the Master Plan  that brought new buildings to the campus. She eventually returned to her passion—teacher preparation—as Director of the Undergraduate Teacher Education Program. Her personal life was enriched by her deep bond with her husband, Dan; together they kayaked, sailed, biked, and filled their lives with lively conversation. A devoted lifelong learner and volunteer, Prudy’s warmth, wit, and courage leave a legacy.

 

Marilyn R. McElaney

A beacon of love and wisdom, Marilyn passed away peacefully on June 1, 2025, surrounded by her adoring family. Born in Boston to Arthur and Henrietta Ryan, Marilyn was a proud alumna of Girls Latin School and went on to earn both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Boston College. She later served in BC’s Development Office, reflecting her lifelong commitment to education. Marilyn nurtured her love of learning as an active and joyful member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UMass Boston, where she remained engaged until her final days. Family was the center of Marilyn’s world. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Frank, and leaves her children Carol Corbett G’01 (Charles) and Michael (Lorna) McElaney; her grandchildren Andrea, Neil (Julie), and Matthew (Leah); and great-grandchildren Chip and Millie. She also cherished her extended family and many lifelong friends. An avid reader and curious mind, Marilyn’s warmth, kindness, and generous spirit will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her.