In Memoriam

We will be sharing information on a scholarship fund in honor of Jock Burbank ’56. For more information, please contact Susie Danziger (sdanziger@harveyschool.org)

John “Jock” Burbank Jr. ’56

July 10, 2020

John “Jock” Howard Burbank Jr. was born March 3, 1942, in Providence, Rhode Island, and died at his home in Healdsburg, California, on July 10, 2020. He was predeceased by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. John H. Burbank (Mimi), and is survived by his two younger brothers, Michael Burbank of Waldoboro, Maine, and Stephen B. Burbank (Ellen) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Jock grew up in Bedford Village, New York, and attended The Harvey School (’56) in Hawthorne, New York, now in Katonah, and Phillips Exeter Academy (’60) in Exeter, New Hampshire. After a semester at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, he joined the Army, learning Russian at the Presidio of Monterey in Monterey, California, and later translating intercepted Russian messages in the I.G. Farben Building in Frankfort am Main, Germany. Upon his honorable discharge in 1964, Jock began his teaching career at Harvey full-time while attending Columbia University, School of General Studies (’68, Phi Beta Kappa), in New York, at night. After moving to New Haven, he received his master’s degree in Slavic languages and literature from Yale (’70), where he also became fluent in Czech.

Jock was a lauded scholar, a passionate linguist, and a beloved educator, teaching and serving in several distinguished administrative positions — from department head and assistant headmaster at The Harvey School to headmaster at Shady Side Academy Middle School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and finally at Wyoming Seminary Lower School in Forty Fort, Pennsylvania.

Jock relished good literature, especially Russian and Czech, and delighted in linguistically based humor — in puns, word games, and literal translations of foreign expressions and expletives. Among other articles and pieces that he had translated and written about from Czech and Russian, at the time of his death he had been writing a book for teachers about how to teach Dostoevsky to students. Live music, squash, ice hockey, football, and bocce were particular favorites of his, along with both good French and Italian food. But most of all Jock cherished his four children, John H. Burbank III of San Francisco and Healdsburg, California, Elizabeth G. Burbank of New Haven, Connecticut, Michael G. Burbank (Chisti) of Woodstock, New York, and David G. Burbank of Healdsburg. He is also survived by his adored grandsons, Maxmillian Burbank and Samuel Burbank, Gray Burbank, nephew Peter Burbank, step-grandson Jonah Cohen, and his two former wives, Suzanne G. Kelley and Michelle G. Burbank, both of whom remained close friends with Jock until his death. A warm commemoration of Jock’s life will take place at a future time.

Tributes to Jock Burbank ’56

“We are saddened by the news of the recent death of John “Jock” Burbank Jr., who was first a student at Harvey and later an esteemed member of the faculty. Jock taught at Harvey first in 1964–1968 when he and his wife, Suzy, lived in an apartment in the O’Malley dorm. He was a Fifth Form corridor master and taught English, history, and gym in the lower school grades and coached varsity football. In 1975, Jock returned to Harvey to teach English and French as well as hold positions as chair of the modern languages department, director of admissions and financial aid, and associate headmaster, among others. Jock developed long-time friendships with fellow Harvey teachers and was especially close to Rose Baldwin and her family. On several of his visits to Harvey alumni functions in the past years, Jock shared that he considered his many years at Harvey a major part of his life and treasured his remembrances. Jock’s two brothers, Michael ’58 and Stephen ’60, are also Harvey alumni.” — Susie Danziger, Director of Development

“When I became assistant headmaster at Harvey, Jock Burbank was my mentor. He taught me to put the students first in any decision I made. Jock taught me to listen but to push toward resolution at the right time. He worked tirelessly, often into the late hours of the night. When I became an administrator, I was surprised how much work there was to do, but Jock’s selfless commitment to excellence in everything he did was a model for me. Aside from this, he was always approachable, kind, and sensible. He gave me the confidence to believe that I could succeed as an administrator. I really owe him everything. Jock was my friend, my colleague, and my teacher. I love him, and I feel his loss deeply.” — Jan Jacobi, (faculty 1973–82)

“I was very sad to learn of Jock’s passing. He gave so much to Harvey and was very supportive of me as one of the first women administrators at Harvey. I am forever grateful.” — Cornelia (Skiff Readinger Carew) Jones, (faculty 1982–87)

“As a French and Spanish teacher from 1978–85, I remember Jock fondly as my department chair and mentor. He was never in too much of a hurry to answer any questions I had, and he was quick to give praise when I did something well, like writing comments about my students at the end of each term. As Assistant Headmaster, he could be a tough disciplinarian to students when necessary, but he also had empathy for students who were struggling. In fact, it was often a contest between Jock and then Headmaster Harry Dawe as to which of them was going to be the ‘bleeding heart’ when one of the students had managed to get in trouble. At the start of my third year at Harvey, when my son, Scott Becker, was seeking admission to the fourth grade (First Form in those days), Jock invited both of us to an interview in the admissions office. He lit the fire in the fireplace and made us feel very much at ease. I remember thinking at the time that he was treating me as a parent of a prospective student and not as an employee in his department. My husband, Steve LaRue, and I considered Jock a good friend to both of us. He will be sorely missed.” — Sherry (Becker) LaRue (faculty 1978–85)

“I remember Jock on the Hawthorne campus as one of the two best hockey players ever. Jock was the best stick- handler, and Jim Robbins was the best skater on that wonderful old pond a stone’s throw from Smith House. Jock was also helpful at the Katonah campus during the years my son, Greg, was at Harvey in the early 80s. (Greg died eight years ago from T-cell lymphoma.) — Bruce Moss ’55

“Jock was a treasured classmate and a great friend while at Harvey, and we remained in contact throughout his life. After Harvey, right before I headed into the military, Jock and I hooked up in San Francisco and had a drive across the country that one day should be made into a movie. Every time we saw each other, we reminded each other about various parts of that journey. What I remember most about Jock was that he was solid through and through. I never saw him lose his temper, and he never got carried away. If he were a tree, he would be an oak. When I hear about old friends passing on, I am sad. But it also makes me realize that as we get older, always remember to stay in touch with old friends. You couldn’t ask for a better friend than Jock Burbank. Blessings to his family and all.” — Howdy Baldwin ’56 “Jock was the hero of our class (1956) and wonderful at everything he sought, affable, friendly, and a true leader for the school.” — Henry Smith-Miller ’56

“I remember Jock very well. The last time we met was at the ceremony for the Rose Baldwin Library. Jock and I had a nice conversation going over what we had been doing since our Harvey days. He was a fine person.” — Alexander McKown ’57

“Jock was a year ahead of me, and I knew him very well. In 1956, Harvey had an all-boys enrollment of just over 100, so you pretty much knew everybody. Alex McKown ’57 and I had him on the phone a few years back when we were renewing alumni ties. So, with his passing, I sort of feel like I lost a brother.” — Seth Morton ’57

“I am saddened by the news about Jock Burbank. He must have been about 22 when he came to Harvey — I think I was in the Fourth Form (12 years old). My main contact with him was in his role as basketball coach. I wasn’t much of a team-sport athlete, but he was a good enough coach to keep me engaged and improving. I always found him affable, kind, and helpful — a thoroughly decent man worthy of being well remembered.” — Robert Hard ’66

“Jock was at Harvey during my last year at the school. Years later, I shared an evening of drinks with him at my neighborhood bar in Cambridge while I was at Harvard. We bonded sharing stories of old times at Harvey. I’m sad to hear of his passing.” — Christopher (Colahan) Young ’66

ALUMNI

Robert P. E. van Marx ’42

August 19, 2020

Robert P. E. van Marx, 92, of North Branford, Connecticut, formerly of Darien, Connecticut, died peacefully at home August 19, 2020. He was the son of Alexander L. van Marx and Ellen May of Westport, Connecticut, and New York City. He was born in Amsterdam, Holland, Feb. 14, 1928. Robert and his family escaped from Holland prior to the three-day Nazi invasion. From England they secured passage to Canada and then to NYC.

Bob went to The Harvey School where he learned English, where he then went to The Hotchkiss School and Yale University. He served in the U.S. Army in Washington, D.C. His business career was spent as a commercial banker in the International Division of Empire Trust Company, which became BNY Mellon.

Robert knew four languages. In 1964, he married Barbara “Holly” Hatcher. He leaves Holly, his devoted wife of 56 years, and a son, Robert C. He was predeceased by a son, Paul L., and brother, Paul Ernst. He is survived by a sister, Vera Metcalf, a nephew, Stephen Metcalf of Providence, Rhode Island, and a niece, Marilou van Marx Kaufmann of Annapolis, Maryland.

He lived with his family in Darien for 43 years where he was a member of the RTM Education Committee, Treasurer of the Darien Arts Association, and The Tokeneke Club. After retirement, he enjoyed and achieved recognition for his watercolors in Darien and on The Shoreline. In 2010, he moved to Evergreen Woods in North Branford. He was a member of Christ Church, Guilford, Connecticut. (Published in The New Haven Register Sept. 2, 2020.)

Sanford Elliott McCormick ’45

July 29, 2020

Sanford ‘Sandy’ Elliott McCormick, 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Fountain Hills, Arizona, July 29, 2020. Born in Manhattan, July 18, 1931, he attended Buckley, The Harvey School, Hotchkiss, and Yale University, from which he graduated in 1953, Phi Beta Kappa. He was a member of the Scroll and Key Society at Yale.

Fluent in both French and Spanish, Sandy received a graduate degree from L’Ecole des Sciences Politique in Paris and then served two years in the Air Force in Madrid, Spain, as aide translator to the commanding general. While on active duty, he authored the history of the base negotiations between the United States and the Franco government. For his service he received the Air Force Commendation Ribbon.

After returning to the United States in 1956, he joined Zapata Corp in Midland, Texas, as a landman for future President George H. W. Bush and Hugh Liedtke. After working for a number of other independent oil and gas firms in Midland in various

Max Daniel Weinstein ’98

July 5, 2020

Max Daniel Weinstein, social media manager and long-time New Yorker, passed away unexpectedly July 5, 2020, at the age of 40. Born in New York City, Dec. 21, 1979, to Stephen and Wendy Weinstein, Max spent his youth in Armonk, New York, graduating from The Harvey School in 1998. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Technical Theatre and Design from Adelphi University in 2002, graduating cum laude. After college, he worked behind the scenes in many off-Broadway productions, including assistant stage manager on “Sessions, A New Musical” with Algonquin Productions and Ten Grand Productions.

Max studied arts administration at NYU in 2010 and became the social media manager at Actors Federal Credit Union in 2012. He founded MDW Social Media, providing digital marketing and consulting services for small businesses. He was a member of Actors’ Equity.

Max Weinstein was a profoundly kind person. From a young age he showed limitless amounts of heart, excitement, and joy. He was a positive presence in every room and was known for seeing the good in people. He had a sharp wit and a lovable laugh. He loved his family and friends dearly and believed in showing up.

Max retained a strong connection to the school after leaving Harvey. He served on the Alumni Executive Council after graduating from college and then took on and continued in the role of class agent for his class. He attended the alumni events and was especially fond of the New York City Networking reception, where he could catch up with faculty as well as with other alumni. He was always interested in others, learning about them, and enjoyed the casual conversations at the alumni events.

Max had a passion for seeing live performances, whether it was a comedy show in a basement theater, a musical on Broadway, or a concert at Madison Square Garden. It would be an understatement to call Max a fan of classic rock, and he had the good fortune of seeing his favorite band The Who, live in concert, many times. Not everything in Max’s life was perfect however. Although he loved the band Phish, ironically, he was allergic to fish. In addition to his zeal for the performing arts, Max was dedicated to protecting the environment for future generations, motivated by his love for his nieces and nephew.

Max is survived by his parents Wendy and Stephen Weinstein; his siblings Jennifer, Ben and Alex Weinstein; sister-in-law Elizabeth Schuppe; brother-in-law Mark Donegan and his nieces and nephew, Rosie, Anabel, Zoe, and Joey.

A private funeral service will be held in New Paltz, New York. The family plans to hold a larger celebration that is worthy of Max’s impact, with more friends and colleagues at a later date when we can all gather together safely. (above posted on maxdanielweinstein.com)

executive positions, he moved to Houston where, in 1964, he founded his own firm, McCormick Oil & Gas. His company was listed on the American Stock Exchange. Its operations covered much of the U.S. and included offices in Houston, Corpus Christi, and Midland, Texas; Lafayette, Louisiana; and Denver, Colorado.

The company conducted one of the industry’s most successful public drilling programs, drilling 30 to 40 prospects annually. Its most significant discovery was the Oak Hill field in Rusk and Panola County, East Texas, where he conducted the first hydraulic fracture stimulation using more than 1 million pounds of sand. He sold his interest in 1985 and the following year, founded McCormick Resources, Inc., which was a pioneer in the application of horizontal drilling technologies to develop previously unproducible reservoirs with major reserve potential. The company helped pioneer horizontal drilling in the U.S. by leading a six-company industry consortium in a multiprospect program that tested oil and gas fields in a variety of geographic and geologic settings, triggering significant advances in technology. One of the more significant developments that resulted from this group of horizontal projects was the medium radius drilling curve for horizontal wells, which came to be known as the McCormick Radius. Until McCormick developed this medium radius, the industry was limited to using a very short or ultra-long radius.

McCormick Resources became a major operator of coalbed methane properties, including a 500-well program in the Black Warrior Basin in Alabama. Developed by MetFuel, Inc., a subsidiary of McCormick Resources, it is one of the largest coalbed methane developments to date. McCormick assembled a staff of more than 200 people and drilled and completed 500 wells in less than a 20-month period utilizing over 35 rigs simultaneously.

In 1995, McCormick founded McCormick Partners, Inc., putting together a joint venture between Output Exploration, Inc., a subsidiary of Input/Output, Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of 3D seismic acquisition equipment.

Sandy McCormick, ever the innovator, truly loved the energy business and was always looking at ways to push the frontier and always asking “Why not?”

He was a member of the All-American Wildcatters, Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO), Independent Producers Association of America (IPAA) and the Houston Producers Forum. During his career he was a frequent contributor of industry-related articles to a variety of publications. He testified before Congress and was a frequent guest on international, national, and local television including the BBC, NBC, and local Houston stations, discussing international and national oil and gas issues.

He gave generously of his time and many talents to numerous civic and business organizations, including serving on the boards of the Texas Medical Center, Continental Airlines, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, St. John’s College, United Negro College

Tributes for Max on Facebook

“There are no words to express our devastation and sadness that Max Weinstein passed away Sunday. We suspect it was a heart attack and are waiting for more information. Max was a wonderful person, a kindhearted, sweet, and gentle guy with a great sense of humor. He was a precious member of our family and a dear friend to so many. We are crushed and miss him terribly.” — Love, Steve, Wendy, Alex, Ben, and Jennifer Weinstein

“Max is one of the first students I met at Harvey. This is very sad news. He was a gentleman who had a great passion for the theater.” — Vinny Alexander, Harvey faculty and Chair of Performing Arts department

“I am so saddened by the news of Max Weinstein’s passing. When Max was an upperclassman at Harvey, I had the pleasure of having him work as a Harvey Cavalier Camp counselor. A warm, gentle soul who was always smiling, Max was an excellent role model for the children he supervised at camp. My deepest condolences to his family and close friends. Rest in peace, Max.” — Chris Del Campo, Harvey Communications Associate and former Director of Communications

“I am heartbroken over this. I taught Max in Algebra 1 many years ago, and he has been a good friend since. Back in the day, we would talk about music — a lot — specifically bonding over The Who and the album “Tommy.” Max was a great person, and I will miss him greatly.” — Mike Drude, former Harvey administrator “Another one of my classmates gone too soon. Max was the nicest person you could ever meet. So sad, he will be missed.” — Shantele Coram-Burse ’98

“It’s such sad news. Max was a genuinely kind person taken way too soon.” — Jason Ojeda ’98

“Those lucky enough to know my buddy, Max Daniel Weinstein, were graced with such a kindred spirit. Max was a kind soul who was a true friend through and through. He had a smile that lit up his entire face, a sense of humor that kept you chuckling, an honesty that never made you doubt his words, and a laugh that came from deep within. His passion and talent for theater kept momentum long after directing and stage managing for the Harvey stage. His spark for live performances — Phish, Ween, The Who — never waned and was a huge part of his life. Max never was a stranger to being behind the spotlight, but he was always an integral part of whatever was going on. I can honestly say that Max was one of my first real friends. We shared laughs, meals, concerts, long walks, and the occasional mishap throughout the years. We cheered each other on from middle school, through high school, and beyond. Max’s sudden departure from this world leaves me with an emptiness that stings, but my affection for him I will carry with me always. Max is simply someone who is impossible to forget.” — Amy Albert Morello ’98

Fund, the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, the Houston Municipal Arts Council, the Joffrey Ballet, and The Menil Collection.

He had a wonderful zest for life and travel, dearly loved his family and friends, and always had a great story to share. He recently completed an autobiography titled “Yankee Oilman.” He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara McCormick, and his three children Peter McCormick, Carolyn McCormick, and Leigh Kindley. He delighted in his five grandchildren, John McCormick (who predeceased him), Matthew McCormick, Claire Catrino, Cooper Jennings, Skylar Jennings, and two great-granddaughters, Katherine and Grace Catrino, Barbara’s daughter Kathryn Besemer, and granddaughter, Ayla Besemer. (www.messingermortuary.com/obituary/Sanford-McCormick)

Claude Liman ’57

September 5, 2020

On Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020, Claude Liman passed away due to a bike accident in London, Ontario. He will be truly missed.

Born in 1943 in Mount Kisco, New York, Claude came to Thunder Bay in 1973, and for 30 years taught American literature and creative writing at Lakehead University. Poetry was his love, with three books published. Claude was a strong athlete, enjoying downhill and cross country skiing, biking, running, and especially, golf. Of all his accomplishments, he was most proud of sharing his love of golf with his son Jesse and winning the Strathcona Club Championship.

Claude leaves behind his dear companion Wanda Drew; his children Sarah, Ben, and Rebecca; brother and sister, Sandy and Dusty; and his friend, Ellen. He was predeceased in April by his son, Jesse.

We shall be warm by our fire, see by light of pure beeswax. We bow down, like the trees, when we cannot control. “September Blizzard” by C. Liman (Published in The New Haven Register, Sept. 2, 2020)

Howard Snyder ’67

July 13, 2020

John Camuto ’07

December 19, 2020

John Camuto, a former footwear executive and the son of late shoe legend Vince Camuto, died Dec. 19, 2020. He was 31. The cause of death is believed to have been a heart attack, the family said.

John was born Feb. 17, 1989. He grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut; graduated from The Harvey School in 2007; and earned a Bachelor of Organizational Communications from Fairfield University in 2011.

In his teens, John began to work for his father as a mail clerk at Camuto Group, based in the family’s hometown. After taking a trip to Brazil with his father in 2007, John knew he wanted to follow in Vince’s footsteps, the family said.

Vince often marveled at John’s sense of style — and John got hooked on shoes as he shadowed his father during long days of design and business meetings. They strengthened their deep bond, and the company became known for its familial culture.

John helped Camuto Group expand internationally. He also developed his own collection, the VC John Camuto women’s shoe line.

In 2015, following the death of his father, John sat on the board of the Camuto Group advisers through the sale of the business to DSW Inc. (now Designer Brands) in 2018. After the deal — and following the end of a four-year non-compete agreement — John planned to pursue other entrepreneurial goals.

Family members and friends remembered John as fun-loving and generous. “It was impossible to not smile and laugh around John. He was the one everyone waited for to arrive at family holidays and was at the center of every photo we took,” the Camuto family said in a statement. “John was a light in all our lives that tragically went out too soon.”

He is survived by his mother, Kristen Scott, and brother Christopher, Harvey Class of 2012 — and other siblings Robert, Andrea, and Philip Camuto, and Jamie Scott.

Sacha Kantor ’15

June 6, 2020

Sacha passed away unexpectedly in June 2020. The Sacha Fund was established in his memory, supporting paid internships for high school students in the field of visual arts, creative writing, dance, and theater through the ArtWorks program.

FORMER FACULTY/STAFF AND TRUSTEES

Theodore D. O’Connor II

December 1, 2020 (Harvey 1980–2001)

On Dec. 1, 2020, Theodore “Ted” David O’Connor died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family in his home in Argyle, Texas. Ted was born in West Haven, Connecticut, Aug. 26, 1942 to his parents, Theodore and Helen O’Connor. He is survived by his two brothers, Kevin and Brian O’Connor, his loving wife of 54 years, Karen, his three children and seven grandchildren: son, Theodore O’Connor III, Harvey class of 1988, and his wife Yuka and their son Shogo, of Brooklyn, New York; son, Beck O’Connor, class of 1990, and his wife Teresa and their three children Maggie, Molly, and Becca of Buffalo, New York; and daughter, Katherine Webster, Harvey class of 1993 and her husband Michael and their children Riley, Connor, and Neve, of Argyle, Texas.

Ted received his undergraduate degree from Duquesne University and served in the U.S. Army before attaining a master’s degree from Wesleyan University. He served as an educator for more than 50 years, including roles as teacher, headmaster, and rugby coach. Ted spent 20 years of his life in education at Harvey. In addition to teaching history, Ted served as Dean of Faculty, Head of the Upper School, and history department chair. He was the founder and advisor of Harvey’s Model UN and served as the Director of College Placement. He was one of the first faculty to be inducted into Harvey’s Alumni Hall of Fame. When he moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, after the 2001 school year, Ted taught at the Ville de Marie Academy. Ted was a loving husband, father, and grandfather; a teacher; a role model; and a mentor, friend, and leader to many through the years.

Susan Tannenbaum

October 26, 2020 (Harvey 1983–2015)

“I had the fortune to work with Susan from my arrival in 1995 until her retirement in 2015. Susan, in her roles of Upper School Assistant and Registrar, was instrumental in the smooth day-to-day operations of our Upper School. Susan coordinated meetings and worked closely with the College Office in communications with colleges and universities. She loved her job very much and put forth great effort daily to make the school a better place.” — Phil Lazzaro, Head of the Upper School

Mary T. Tergesen

September 2, 2020 (Harvey 1988–91)

Mary Tergesen, a longtime Rye resident, died Sept. 2, 2020, of Parkinson’s disease. She was 82 years old.

Born in Endicott, New York, in 1937 to George Emmons and Natalie Stets Emmons, Mary was the oldest of three children. She graduated from The College of New Rochelle in 1959 and attained two master’s degrees. In 1958, she met her husband, Neil Tergesen, at a Princeton University dance. They married in 1963 and settled in Rye in 1965.

Mary began her career as a Latin teacher and a guidance counselor at Harrison High School in the early 1960s. She paused her career to raise her family and became very active in the community. She served on the parent teacher organization at Osborn School and was also a dedicated parishioner at The Church of The Resurrection, where she helped start a home-based religious education program in the 1970s. Later, she served as a Eucharistic Minister and was a member of the Rye Women’s Interfaith Group.

Starting in 1982, she returned to work and held various positions at schools including The Harvey School in Katonah, New York; Rye Middle School; and Rye High School. Mary attained her dream job teaching Latin, allowing her to share her love of the classics. She retired from the Rye School District in 2000 and continued to tutor students in Latin.

An educator, Mary was also a lifelong learner. She enjoyed reading and traveling and took summer courses and workshops in topics, including spoken Latin.

Mary approached having Parkinson’s disease in the same manner she approached her life, as something to learn from. She demonstrated courage, strength, and resilience and relied strongly on her faith to assist her throughout her life. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, friends, and relatives. She is survived by her husband, Neil, her four children, Anne, Kristine (KK), Louise (Didi), and Mark, their spouses, and her eight grandchildren.

She is also survived by her sister, Anne Emmons Murphy, and her brother-in-law, Dr. E. Dennis Murphy, of Wilmette, Illinois. She was predeceased by her brother, George Emmons, of Stamford, Connecticut. (Published myrye.com 9/5/2020)

Julia F. Beck

June 16, 2020 (Harvey 1982–2015)

Julia Fernandez Beck was born December 5, 1926 in Hoboken, New Jersey, to Rufino and Josephine Fernandez of Spain. Julia was the oldest of three sisters, Lilly and Maria (Cookie), who preceded her in death.

She was a graduate of James Monroe High School in the Bronx. Julia became the secretary to the president/owner of the Clinton Trust Company in Manhattan. There she met Charles Beck and married in 1948. They moved to Flatbush, Brooklyn. She then became the secretary to the chairman of the Nedicks Company and moved to Bronx, New York, and later worked at the Hotel Concourse as the secretary to the president/owner.

Julia became a housewife after having her second son while also caring for her ill father and running his business. She relocated to Mount Kisco, New York, with her mother Josephine and her three youngest children. After her mother passed, she became employed at The Harvey School as office manager and secretary to the headmaster. She eventually moved to Brewster, New York, and continued at The Harvey School for 33 years, where, on retirement, she was honored with a commemorative plaque placed within the school. She touched many lives while working there. Headmaster Barry Fenstermacher, who worked alongside Julia for 29 years, stated, “There was no equal to her, she had no selfishness and had the world’s fastest fastball.”

In 2016 she moved to Oxford, Connecticut, to be with her daughter Laura. Her youngest son, Raymond Beck, preceded her in death. She leaves behind three children, Charles Beck Jr. of Brooklyn, New York; Stephen Beck of Clearwater, Florida; and Laura Coniglio of Oxford, Connecticut; as well as five grandchildren, Ashley, Charles, Kristian, Casey, and Frankie, and a great-grandson, Kale.

Julia will be greatly missed. She was an outstanding individual, a strong woman, and an incredible mother.

A memorial service will be held in the future. Brookside Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home & Crematory, 200 Benson Road, Middlebury has been entrusted with the services. (www.brokksidememorial.com/obituary/julia-beck)

If you would like to send a note to her daughter, the address is below: Laura, Frank and Frankie (grandson) Coniglio 79 Shelton Road, Oxford, CT 06478

Tributes: I Remember Julia

By Barry Fenstermacher, Headmaster Emeritus

Strong, successful schools have many ingredients. Most important, I think, is the loyalty and devotion of its people. Julia Beck was slight in stature but huge in heart and had a lasting impact at Harvey. She was, by virtue of her selfless dedication and professionalism, a large part of why things worked smoothly at school for all of her 33 years of service.

Her skills were many. She was fluent in Spanish, could take shorthand dictation, and she mastered the new computer technology as it became dominant in the workplace. She never seemed to develop “hardening of the attitudes” common in others. She was a thoroughly modern Julia. We worked together during successes; failures; tragedies; both personal and otherwise; and events like September 11, 2001; Harvey celebrations, weddings, funerals, and even in the welcoming of faculty babies. She always made sure we did or said the right things when we were called on.

Those who were at Harvey with her will never forget her graduation memo verifying each person’s gown size and correct academic hood — that she sent out on the third day of school in September! That one action showcased Julia’s attention to detail. It provided hope to us all that we would get to the end of another year because of the certainty her memo promised.

She was at her best handling special events. Middle School Prize Night and the Upper School’s Commencement were her favorites. Few realize how much detail is in those two events, and Julia had a sixth sense in planning them. Weeks before, all of the school’s silver trophies and awards had to be sent to the jeweler for engraving. She wrapped every single event award, ordered the diplomas and checked their spelling, created and printed programs, secured the clergy, ordered gifts for visiting dignitaries and graduates, collected the faculty gowns and hoods after the ceremony, and then left a note on my desk of

who should get a thank-you note from me the day after the big events. Whew! I will always be left with the image of Julia watching over the ceremonies and their silver like a guard at Fort Knox. We never lost a single piece.

The only time I ever asked Julia to change anything concerned how she invited faculty or staff to a meeting with me. Her writing style and voicemails were direct and to the point: “The headmaster wants to see you tomorrow at 2:30. Be on time.” It took me some time to learn that her memo created great anxiety and struck fear in many a heart. I found out that fear of disappointing Julia was much higher on the anxiety scale than any meeting with me. She agreed with me and softened future notes by including the reason for the meeting. That seemed to help.

On the last day of school before Winter Break, Julia and I went off campus for lunch. We would talk about what we had accomplished and how we could do better. It was always clear from her comments that she loved Harvey. She loved her school friends. She cherished her family. Her appreciation for our Board of Trustees was so genuine. She loved to talk about her Yorkie, Muffin. She also never forgot my birthday and baked me my favorite cake — angel food with buttercream icing. That cake became the centerpiece of a short but “sweet” office party.

Once, Julia, my wife Rowena, and I realized as we were talking that I had spent about the same amount of time with both of them during the years. All three of us thought that was great. Julia is not gone for me. She is in my thoughts every day. She was a role model to anyone who knew her. She was a gift to Harvey that will affect eternity — who knows where her memory and influence will end?

Fond Memories of Julia

“I recall the many times when Julia would spot me in the hallway and call me into her office with an urgent-sounding and formal “Mr. Del Campo!” Somewhat intimidated by her sudden summoning, fearful that the headmaster might be unhappy with me for some reason, I would try to soften Julia up by regaling her with a few bars of John Lennon’s song to his mother, “Julia.” It always worked! She would flash me her huge, warm smile, and I would know everything was good, that I had done nothing wrong … this time. I grew very fond of her during the years.” — Chris Del Campo, Harvey Communications Associate and former Director of Communications

“Julia was a wonderful person and as loyal to Harvey as the day is long. I first recall meeting Julia when she had her office in the White Cottage. It was a long time ago, but she served as Headmaster Dawe’s secretary, then Interim Head Thomas Fulton for one year, before moving into the office which Jim Skrip currently occupies, serving Mr. Fenstermacher for the remainder of her career.

After Julia’s retirement, she was walking through the main building and wanted to show her family her old office that was locked. I opened it so that she could show them the plaque on the wall recognizing her years of service. Julia seemed pleased to be able to share that with them.

When I think of Julia, I recall the relationship between the core group of Julia, Mary Power (receptionist), Charmaine Stark (bookstore, attendance), Pat Morton (bookkeeper), Judy Ryerson (athletic office), Susan Tannenbaum (White Cottage secretary), Chris Romanowicz (bookstore, attendance) and my wife Dale (rink registrar) who were all very collegial (eating lunch together, going out after graduation for a nice luncheon, and generally enjoying each other’s company) while very capably serving the needs of the school. When our children were younger, Julia would keep an eye on them from her office (our apartment being next door ) while Dale and I were working. In her later years, on days when the roads were ice or snow covered, John Wahlers would drive Julia to and from school. Julia was not one to miss work for anything short of a full-scale blizzard.

When I think of Julia I recall her loyalty, professionalism, infectious laughter, and kindness. I also recall her interrogating those looking to gain access to the inner sanctum, her protective nature of three headmasters, and walking by her office with Julia typing away on her IBM Selectrix (Serial # 000001).

What a great lady, wonderful colleague, and great friend.” — Bruce Osborne, Harvey faculty and Director of Evarts Rink