CLASSNOTES OBITUARIES John Dana Smith ’65 John Dana Smith, Dana to all who knew him, passed away suddenly at home on the morning of September 5th, 2016, sitting by his pond under his favorite tree on Prosperity Farm in Vero Beach, FL. He is survived by Mardie, his loving wife of forty-two years; his children: Hannah Walsh and her husband Brian, Simon B. Smith ’97 and his wife Alex; his sister Barbara Skjelfjord; and grandchildren Jed, Owen, and Abigail Walsh. Dana arrived at Canterbury after having graduated from St. David’s School in New York City. Both schools remained very important to him through all of his years. Dana served in the U.S. Army with distinction and bravery as a combat engineer in the conflict in Vietnam, declining a battlefield commission during his tour after deciding he would return to civilian life. His civilian life included a contract as a bodyguard to the Prince of Morocco, a harrowing extended exploration of the Australian Outback, and a hunting safari across the Kenyan countryside. These adventures provided countless stories and legends that thrilled people for years, from kids around cub scout campfires, youth soccer teams he coached, and his children and their friends all throughout their lives. He married Mardie in 1974 and they began their lives and family on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. After several years, the stars aligned for a move to full time life in East Hampton, NY. Here he began a long and successful career as a trusted and beloved financial adviser. He was a long-standing member of The Devon Yacht Club, where he was able to resume his childhood love of sailboat racing. It was also on the bays and harbors of the East End where his love of hunting, shooting, and the breeding and training of Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers truly blossomed. These passions would remain deeply important to him and Mardie for decades, growing even more with their move to Vero Beach Florida in 2008. His deep sense of honor and integrity was a beacon and a rock for so many people whose lives he touched. He was a mentor, a friend, a spiritual adviser, a confidant, and a source of wisdom to all of his friends and family, and sometimes even virtual strangers. His family and friends will all miss his humor, his wit, his compassion, his love, and his advice on Paleo living. In addition to his wife and son, cousins John T. Smith ’60, Gerard L. Smith ’64, Hugh M. Smith ’72, Courtland C. Smith Stevens ’01, Gerard C. Smith II ’04, and Margaret R. Smith ’06 survive him. Gregory B. Smith ’30, his father; Gregory B. Smith Jr. ’63, his brother; Gerard C. Smith ’31, his uncle; and Brendan Shanley ’67, a cousin, pre-deceased him. Stephen B. Epifano ’67 Stephen B. Epifano, a lifetime resident of Fairfield, CT, died on July 3, 2016. After graduating from Canterbury, he attended Babson College. He was an accomplished builder and a vice president at E&F Construction Company in Bridgeport, a commercial building company co-founded by his grandfather, Philip Epifano Sr., in 1922. He then pursued a career in residential building and founded SBE Builders in 1989. Four children, three grandchildren, two nephews, and a brother, Edward F. Epifano ’66 survive him. Craig M. Speight ’83 Craig M. Speight ’83 died on December 14, 2016. He loved to travel and had friends all over the world. Those who knew Craig describe him as a kind and generous man. He grew up on New York City and Bermuda and also lived in Florida and California. Two sons, and a sister and a brother survive him.
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Pamela J. Quoka Pettinella ’03 Pamela J. Quoka ’03, of Oxford, CT, died on May 15, 2016. She was the manager of Pettinella Painting and Maintenance Services of Oxford and had previously worked at Oxford Paint and Hardware. A talented artist, Pamela excelled in faux finishes and interior painting. She loved cars and animals and enjoyed snowmobiling. Her husband, Jared Pettinella, two stepchildren, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins survive her.
Paddle Tennis Tournament Makes a Comeback
An enthusastic group of graduates turned out for a Paddle Tennis tournament at the Manursing Island Club, Rye, NY, on January 26, 2017. Front row, l-r: Anthony George ’78, Michael Burke ’78, Jed Dolce ’01. Middle row, l-r: Frank Taubner ’92, Billy Griffin ’72, director of advancement Glenn Schwitter, Rob Santangelo ’78, Elaine Mullen Peer ’77, Rob Everett ’77, Mari Everett, Peter Sinnott ’85, Tom Shea ’86, Thomas Peer, Alec Woodworth ’11. Back row, l-r: Ed Perley ’76, Bill O’Connor ’75, Stephanie D’Alton Barrett ’76, Peter Tucker ’78 (Society of Alumni president), George Malhame ’74 (Society of Alumni executive committee member), Doug Bergner ’10, Linus Cooke ’74, Jamer Breene ’74, Frank Clemens ’58, Pat Filan ’74, head of school Rachel Stone, president of the Board of Trustees Bob Steers ’71, trustee Doug Famigletti ’90, Matt Heissan ’89, Emmett Brown ’88, director of athletics Jim Stone.
Tournament winners Linus Cooke ’74 and classmate Jamer Breene.