CLASS NOTES
In Memoriam William Dean Elias ’69, a former advertising executive who became a real state developer, builder, and restorer in Palm Beach, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 12, 2008, in New York. He was 56. Born in New York on August 30, 1951, Mr. Elias was educated at the American School in London and graduated from Brunswick School in 1969. He earned an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. In the early 1970s, Bill moved to Toronto, where he met his future wife, Pauline Rosenberg. While there, he founded Elias Marketing and Communications, an advertising firm specializing in real estate marketing and research. After nearly two decades in the advertising business, Bill quit and moved his family to Palm Beach. Mr. Elias, better known as Bill, went on to found E=mc Inc. in downtown West Palm Beach and decided to do what he loved: restore architecturally significant homes. His first project was a home on El Brillo Way, which he renovated and resold. Other projects ranged from modest — by Palm Beach standards — lakefront townhouses to sprawling oceanfront properties, such as Amado and Nuestra Paradiso. Mr. Elias was active in civic and charitable causes, including the Palm Beach Human Rights Council, Comprehensive AIDS Program of Palm Beach County, Foundation for Comprehensive Community Care, National Association of Children of Alcoholics, Ryan Licht Sang Bipolar Foundation, and United Cerebral Palsy. Mr. Elias is survived by his mother, Rea Elias of Jupiter Island; his daughter, Vanessa Elias Krelstein; his sons, Jonathan and Benjamin Elias; a granddaughter, Stella Rose Krelstein; his brother, Albert Elias; son-in-law Lee Krelstein; former wife Pauline Rosenberg Elias; and his partner, Dale Henderson.
Bryce L. Holland, former Brunswick trustee and father of Bryce Holland, Jr. ’70, George Holland ’72, Andrew Holland ’74, and David Holland ’81, died January 17, 2008 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 80 years old and lived the last seven years of his life in Winter Park, Florida. Prior to retiring to Florida, he resided in Greenwich for more than 40 years. Mr. Holland was born in Atlanta, Georgia and raised in Weaverville, North Carolina. He graduated in 1952 from the University of Virginia and was a veteran of the Korean War, serving his country as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Following military service, he joined the Dell Publishing Company in New York City. After more than 25 years as a business executive, Mr. Holland commenced a successful second career as a residential real estate broker with Douglas Elliman Pickering Associates. Later in life, he was inducted into the Thomas Jefferson Society of Alumni for his esteemed association with the University of Virginia. He was active in community affairs as well, contributing years of service to the Board of Directors of the Milbrook Club, and to the Board of Trustees of Brunswick School from 1965 to 1971. His wife of 56 years, Marianne; his sons Bryce Jr. of Seattle, George of Greensboro, Andrew of Winter Park, and David of Atlanta; and 11 grandchildren survive Mr. Holland. His beloved daughter, Melissa, predeceased him. James (Jay) H. O’Brien, Jr., a lifelong White Plains resident, passed away on June 9, 2008. Jay was born on September 5, 1946 graduated from Baldwin-Wallace College (Ohio) and obtained his law degree from Cleveland State. He joined the Westchester District Attorney’s office in 1972. Jay retired in 1995 and went into private practice. He was predeceased by his wife, Deborah (Boldon) in 1997. Surviving are four children: Chris and his wife, Suzanne, of Rye, New York; Craig and his wife, Carrie, of Stamford, Connecticut; Jamie ’06 (currently at Georgetown University); Timmy ’09 (currently at Kent School); and a granddaughter, Caleigh.
Eugene F. O’Callaghan ’48 passed away in February 2008 at age 79 from Pulmonary Fibrosis. Gene spent his first two years of high school at Mamaroneck High School, followed by two more years at Brunswick School, plus a post-grad year, making him a part of both the Class of 1947 and 1948. After Brunswick, Gene served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and ended up settling in Ohio with his wife of 46 years, Nanette. He is survived by his wife; children, Michael, James, and Kathleen Huston; grandchildren, Madison, Ella and Callaghan; brother, Richard; and sister, Jane Mahncke. Frank W. Wearin Jr. “Bill” ’62 passed away on January 13, 2008 from cancer at Greenwich Hospital. Born July 1, 1944 in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of Edith E. Wearin and the late Frank W. Wearin Sr. A long-time Greenwich resident, Frank attended Brunswick School from the seventh grade through Senior year, and is remembered fondly by his classmates. Remembered for many things, but most especially for his prowess on the football field and hockey rink. After Brunswick, Bill attended Lycoming College and from there went on to have a career on Wall Street. In 2001, he retired from Merrill Lynch after working as a stock broker on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange for over 30 years. Bill was a member of The Union League Club and Buttonwood Club, both of New York City; Desert Falls Country Club of Palm Desert, California; and Greenwich Country Club. He is survived by his, mother Edith E. Wearin; wife Diane H. Wearin; sister Ann W. Finnegan; two daughters, Jennifer W. Duncan and Kimberly D. Wearin; and two grandsons, William J. Duncan and Thomas J. Duncan.
Summer 2008
REUNION 2008 ALERT! Celebrate the years since graduation at Homecoming Weekend on September 26–27! Reunion year for classes ending in 3 and 8. Please send your news to Cat Scott Martin Martin (cmartin@brunswickschool.org/800.546.9425) to keep us all informed!
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