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Granville C. Cooley age 86 of Paris, died Friday, August 6, 2021, at his home following a short battle with cancer.

Granville loved dancing and singing and the many friends he made doing so, especially his dear friends at the Friday Night Blues.

Born August 31,1934, in Tulare, CA, he was the son of the late Buford Cooley and the late Flossie Burkett Cooley.

He graduated high school in Blytheville, Arkansas, and went on to study journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.

He worked for United Press Chicago, Herald-Palladium of Benton Harbor, Michigan, and The Journal-Standard of Freeport, IL.

He was married for six years to the former Mary Elizabeth Street, who survives of Flippin, AR, and is survived by their two children, Mark Cooley and Carmen (Mark) Watkins, both of Paris; grandchildren, Jason Rabey and Jessica (Parke) Homesley; and seven great-grandchildren: Levi, Finley, Josh, Harlie, Ezra, Lily and Ruby.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 19 years, Donna Gail Rhodes Caldwell Cooley, with whom he shared a love for travel and a love for their church, First United Methodist of Paris.

Source: Published by the Paris Post-Intelligencer

Marjorie F. Brumitt, 92, died peacefully on September 11, 2021. She was born in Canton, Ohio to Lois Isabel Pence and John Edward Fick. 

Marge attended Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, where she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and an active participant in and fan of all NU sports prior to and after her graduation. She returned to Evanston after graduation to work at Kemper Insurance Company, and met and married her late husband of 61 years, Robert W. Brumitt. She was a volunteer with Evanston Hospital, the Kappa House Board, the Junior League of Evanston, Girl Scouts and most recently the First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette. There she served as an Elder, Trustee, Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher and was pleased to be a charter member of the Chancel Bell Choir. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and was happiest spending time with her family. She is survived by her children Jane, William (Yvana), Ellen (Robert) Brown, and Nan (Edward) Scott, her grandchildren, Haley, Stuart (Verity) and Connor Brown, Ella Brumitt, Cullen, Brennan and Maeve Scott, great-grandson, Hugo Brown, her brother John (Carole) Fick, her cousin Norman Jackson, brother in law Roland (Vicki) Brumitt and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by her sister Virginia (late John) Fellows, brothers in law Richard (Barbara) and Raymond Brumitt, and sister in law, Janice Brumitt. 

The family wishes to thank the staff at Emerald Place for their care and kindness these past few years. 

Source: Published by Chicago Tribune on Sep. 15, 2021.

Donald Read Shanor of Edgartown and Chappaquiddick, foreign correspondent, author, and former Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism professor, died on August 31, 2021, at his Edgartown home after a brief illness. He was 94. 

He and his late wife, Constance (Collier) Shanor, first came to Martha’s Vineyard in the early 1970s, and became year-round residents in 1993. Their Pierce Lane home was once an icehouse on Sheriff’s Meadow Pond, and was moved to its present site in the 1920s. To be closer to the ocean in the summer, the Shanors built, with their own hands, a getaway on Chappaquiddick.

Don was born on July 11, 1927, in Ann Arbor, Mich., a son of William and Katherine (Read) Shanor. He was a graduate of Comstock Park High School in Comstock Park, Mich., and the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., in 1951. In 1965 he received an M.S. degree from Columbia University

In 1945–46, Don served in the U.S. Naval Reserve in the Pacific. A lifelong animal lover (devoted especially to Chesapeake Bay retrievers), he frequently regaled his children about the time he adopted a monkey on a Pacific island stop and taught it how to type.

It was at Medill that he met Connie Collier, who would be his wife for the next 66 years. In the early 1950s, the young couple took a freight boat to England to find work as journalists. They lived abroad for several years — for a time, on a houseboat on the Thames River in London — when Don worked for United Press International. Later, as a foreign correspondent for the Chicago Daily News, covering Germany and Eastern Europe, the Shanors lived in Bonn, Germany, and Vienna, Austria. They also lived in Beijing, China, where Don taught journalism at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Don was on the faculty of the Journalism School at Columbia University from 1970 to 1993, where he headed the international division for foreign students. He was present at the fall of the Berlin Wall on Nov. 9, 1989. In the days that followed, he walked the entire 29-mile length of the barrier that divided East and West Berlin to interview Germans who had lived with the wall since 1961. Along the way, he collected small pieces of concrete rubble to bring home to his children. 

He was the author of five books, including “Soviet Europe,” and co-author, with his wife, of “China Today.” At the time of his death, Don was completing his late wife’s biography about Isabel Barrows, America’s first female ophthalmologist.

If he was not writing, chopping wood, or listening to classical music, Don Shanor was likely to be found with a hammer and nails building something. Once, he decided to build his own catboat. It was never sailed, however, though his granddaughter, Zoe Shanor, a frequent companion of his on outdoor adventures, is planning to get it — at last — into the water.

Even in his 80s, he was indefatigable. He looked forward to the Land Bank’s annual cross-Island hike, and enjoyed long rides on his Chinese bicycle, the Flying Pigeon. But there was nothing as wonderful as ice skating with Zoe on Sheriff’s Meadow Pond.

Don is survived by his sister, Alice Marsh of Grand Rapids, Mich..; two daughters, Rebecca Shanor of New York City and Lisa Shanor of Oak Bluffs; and a granddaughter, Zoe Shanor of Oak Bluffs. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by a son, Donald Jr.; a brother, Richard; and a sister, Katherine Baum. A private celebration of life will be held.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation, Box 1088, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.

Source: Published on The Martha’s Vineyard Times

Linda J. Bennett of Saddle Brook NJ and formerly of Ringwood NJ passed away peacefully on September 12th, 2021.

She is preceded in death by her parents William and Claire (nee Friedman) Reichenfeld and husband Alan J. Bennett, and survived by her sister Marilyn (Larry) Owens. She was a loving mother to children Joshua (Susan) Bennett, Samantha (Mark) Stankiewicz, and Matthew Bennett. She was a proud and doting grandmother to Carolyn Bennett, Cayla Stankiewicz and Anya Stankiewicz. 

Linda was born in New York City in 1942 and moved to Plainfield, NJ where in high school she met her future husband, Alan Bennett. She went on to earn a BA at Montclair State College and MA at Northwestern University with degrees in Journalism. 

She worked for the Bergen Record as a reporter, then as a technical editor for publisher Prentice Hall and later for the American Management Association, among others. After retirement, she enjoyed working at the Bergen Ethical Culture Society for 11 years where she developed wonderful friendships and camaraderie. Visitation with the family will be held at the C.C. Van Emburgh Funeral Home, 306 E. Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood NJ on Saturday, September 18th at 10:00 AM and at 2:00 PM. To celebrate Linda’s tireless advocacy for the disabled, please consider a small donation to Bancroft Neurohealth at www.Bancroft.org.

Source: Published by C.C. Van Emburgh – Ridgewood on Sep. 13, 2021.

Richard Albert Hill, 90, of Naperville, IL died peacefully on October 17, 2021. “Dick” was the son of Swedish immigrants Albert and Anna Hill and is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Nancy Hill (Parkinson), his two children Janet Hill of Chicago and Steven (Laura) Hill of Westerville OH, and two grandchildren Erica Hill and Kelly Hill. Born March 5, 1931, in Chicago, IL Dick was raised in Oak Brook and attended Northwestern University where he received BS and MS degrees in Journalism from the Medill School of Journalism. Dick remained a loyal, but frustrated, Northwestern football fan for life. 

After a short stint in the Army, Dick began his career as a writer for United Press International in North Dakota and often told many weather stories about how cold it was there. He met his future wife Nancy, while working in North Dakota. A job with Illinois Bell brought Dick back to the Chicago area where he and Nancy lived and raised their two children. They remained in Naperville for over 50 yrs. Dick enjoyed a 35-year career with AT&T, Illinois Bell, and Ameritech working in Public Relations, Media Relations and Corporate Communications, often being the voice of the company to report telephone news to the public. 

During his career, Dick developed a passion for sailing on Lake Michigan. Many family adventures were had sailing into the ports in Michigan and Wisconsin. Dick was a man of good humor and his stories and jokes always entertained friends and family. He will be greatly missed, but his family is grateful for their warm memories of this tall, gentle, humble, good-natured man.

Source: Published by Naperville Sun on Oct. 24, 2021.

Richard (Rich) Kreisman, 64, died peacefully on October 7, 2021, at home in San Francisco, after a courageous two-year battle with lymphoma. His loving partner, Jack Fahy, and their dog, Gemma, were by his side. 

Rich spent his first ten years in Philadelphia and then moved to Rockville, Maryland, where he graduated from Robert E. Peary High School. After majoring in journalism at Northwestern University, he worked as a reporter and editor. Rich then created a consulting business specializing in digital content licensing and content acquisition. He collaborated with Outsell where he was VP and Practice Leader of Science, Technology and Healthcare. Outsell CEO Anthea Stratigos wrote, “Rich worked on an amazing number of projects, and never did he deliver one that didn’t meet or exceed the client’s expectations. That is who Rich was, – caring, and complete in whatever he did.”

Rich enjoyed tutoring adults who needed help with reading. He also was an exceptional advocate for his mother and others at the facility where she lived. Rich had many close friends by whom he was cherished for his charm, wit, and sense of humor. He was uniquely able to “dig in deep” and “get real,” allowing everyone to feel seen, heard, and loved.

Rich is survived by his partner Jack; sister Sandy Kreisman and her husband Robert Buganski and son Sam Buganski; his uncle Harold Borushok and his wife, Judy; and several cousins. He was pre-deceased by his parents Renee and Irv Kreisman and three dogs: Penny, Otto, and Franny. 

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Nov. 4 to Nov. 5, 2021.

Susan Mae Tomaro (1966-2021) loved life and loved her family, both given and chosen. She was the most beautiful, generous and loving soul. She was tender, gentle and kind. She gave fully of herself to both loved ones and acquaintances. 

Susan was the best partner that her husband Mark Delucchi could ask for. She completed him in every way. She was his North Star, his everything. She deeply loved her children. Clare, Celeste and Nicholas were her world. Everything she did was for them. Everyday, we see Susan in them as they express their excitement and joy, as they show tenderness and love, as they face challenges with grace and determination, and as they combat injustices with their wisdom and strength. They are amazing children because of her.

Family was important for Susan. Her grandmother, Susan, and her father, Nick, were very much a part of how she lived out her love and life. Though far from family, she was always connected to the love of her mother, Jeanne; her aunt and uncle, Kathy and Bob; her siblings Cindy & John and Nick & Blyth; and Kayla, Jordan, Anna and Jay. She loved the warmth and caring she received from Mark’s family, particularly his mother Carol and Godmother Marie.

She loved and pampered our dog, Momo, and Wrigley & Sammy before him. Susan loved taking the dogs on walks in the Grove, Stow Lake and the beach. She treasured time in the water and being in nature. Swimming, paddling, camping and hiking were sacred times for her in places like Big Basin, Moab, Crane Cove and in our National Parks. There she would connect with herself and with those around her. She was true to her Midwest roots, loving pickles, polka, a good kringle, twizzlers, and hoppy IPAs.

She was an avid reader of the news and literature. She loved her Milwaukee Brewers and Northwestern Wildcats and adopted the Giants. A gifted writer and editor, teacher and accountability coach; she helped countless people tell their stories of how they have transformed their world. Children and young adults with disabilities held a special place in her heart. As a cancer survivor, she was devoted to the study of lymphoma, participating in studies and seminars to further this field of research. 

Susan’s family is eternally grateful for the outpouring of love and support during her cancer treatment and at her sudden death on November 8th. She passed away blanketed in the love of both family and friends from around the world and from our local community.

Small private services will be held to remember this beautiful woman. To honor her, please consider a donation to the things she cared deeply about, such as the Sempervirens Fund to protect the redwood forests in Santa Cruz, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to support those with blood cancers, Camp Kesem that provides support to kids and families impacted by cancer, or the charity of your choice. Susan truly lived a life for others and calls us to do the same.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Nov. 11 to Nov. 14, 2021.

Lawrence Edwin Dickerson, Jr., 90, a retired Lockheed Martin manager and Marine Corps Reserve colonel, died October 26, 2021.  

Lawrence was born July 31, 1931 in Oak Hill, West Virginia, the son of Lawrence Edwin, Sr. and Gertrude McQuade Dickerson.  He graduated from Oak Hill High School, where he played football, was a member of the track team and editor of the school newspaper, in 1950.  After graduation, unable to afford college, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps.  He served as a staff sergeant during the Korean War before returning to the U.S. to attend the Marine Corps Officers Candidate Screening Course.  He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1952 and subsequently served as a platoon leader in the 2nd Marine Division and as a company commander and instructor in the Marine Corps Infantry School at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. 

After release from active duty, Dickerson enrolled at Northwestern University and graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism.  At Northwestern he was president of the Alpha Delta Phi social fraternity and Pi Alpha Mu professional fraternity.  While still a student, he married Charlotte Griffiths of Canton, Ohio.  

Dickerson remained in the Marine Corps Reserve, serving as Executive Officer of 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines and a regimental staff officer in the 15th Staff Group.  He and three other members of Mobilization Training Unit IL-2 were awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation from the Secretary of the Navy.  Other military awards included the Organized Marine Corps Medal with two bronze stars, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Korean Service Medal with a bronze battle star, and the United Nations Service Medal.  He retired in 1981 as a colonel after 30 years of service.  

Lawrence and his family lived in Arlington Heights, Illinois and Yardley, Pennsylvania before moving to Burke, Virginia.  In Virginia, he was employed by GE Aerospace, which through merger with Martin Marietta and Lockheed became Lockheed Martin Corporation.  He won a GE Systems Operation Award of Excellence in 1987 and Lockheed Martin President’s Award in 1997.  

While living in Illinois, he was a trustee of the Arlington Heights Memorial Library; President of the Chicago Chapter, Marine Corps Reserve Officers Association; a coach in the Arlington Heights Boys Football League and a Boy Scout leader.  

Dickerson participated in more than 1500 road races and track events, running in all 50 states and was a USA Track and Field Masters All American.  He ran on GE, Martin Marietta and Lockheed Martin track teams in corporate competition, winning several national championships as well as running the Chicago, Boston, Penn Relays, Prevention, and Marine Corps Marathons. He was also president of the Mount Vernon Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, a Director of the Potomac Valley Track Club, a docent at the National Museum of the Marine Corps and a USA Track and Field official.  

Dickerson authored Running All the Way:  A Marine, a Runner, a Journey through Life, a memoir.  Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Charlotte Griffiths Dickerson of Burke, Virginia; three children Catherine Dickerson Scott of Carmel, Indiana; Andrew and Erin Brady Dickerson of Evanston, Illinois; Steven and Susan Dickerson Vinisky of Crozet, Virginia; four grandchildren, William (Bill) Scott, Andy and Amy Scott Knueven, Madeline Dickerson, and Charlotte Dickerson; and great grandchildren, Adam Knueven and Anna Knueven.

Source: Obituary on Tribute Archive