In Memoriam

OBITUARIES

Alumni

John V. N. Klein ’49 on December 22, 2021 (Lexington, VA). A six-year day student from Smithtown, John played on the baseball and football teams, and was an editor for Res Gestae his senior year. After Stony Brook, he attended the University of Virginia, where he received his undergraduate and law degrees. After college, John joined his father’s law firm. Three months after being admitted to the bar, he became Smithtown town attorney in 1956, where he served for six years. John then ran for Smithtown town supervisor, a post he held for six years. For two years he served as Chairman of the newly created County Legislature. While holding this position, John received the Alumni Achievement Award from The Stony Brook School in 1971. He was elected Suffolk County Executive in 1972 and served two terms. As Suffolk County executive, John was responsible for conceiving and implementing a first-of-its-kind Farmland Development Rights Program, which has preserved over 11,000 acres of farmland on Long Island. In 1980, he joined the law firm Meyer, Suozzi, English and Klein, P.C. and in 1984 became managing attorney where he served for 12 years. For over two decades John served as a director of the Long Island Association, the leading business leaders’ advocacy organization for Long Island. In March 2000, he was featured as “Long Islander of the Century” by Newsday. He and his wife Audrey retired to Lexington, VA in 2008. John was predeceased by his beloved wife of over 62 years, Audrey Rowe Klein. He was the son of the late W. Royden Klein and Elmira Van Nostrand Klein. He was the brother of the late William R. Klein Jr. ’38 and Douglas S. Klein ’40.

He is survived by nephew William R. Klein III and family, and nephew Douglas S. Klein and family.

Ronald Hole ’49 on August 29, 2021 (Glen Cove, NY). Ronald was a boarding student at The Stony Brook School for two years. At The Brook, he was on the football, wrestling and track teams, and was also in the choir. After graduating, he went on to attend Wesley College in Delaware, New York University and SUNY Farmingdale.

He was predeceased by his wife Camille. He is survived by his children Cynthia, Lisa

and Christopher, grandchildren Victoria and Dianna, and great-grandchildren Mia and Frankie.

John Edward “Ted” Gailer, Jr. ’55 on December 21, 2021 (Griffin, GA). Ted was a day student at Stony Brook for six years. He loved sports, and played football, basketball, and most notably baseball. After graduating from Stony Brook, Ted attended Lafayette College in Easton, PA, where he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. He was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. His career as a civil engineer began in Allentown, PA with PennDOT. He later accepted a position with Lehigh Portland Cement Co. – who moved him to Spokane, WA – and then to Chattanooga, TN – when they purchased a carpet mill in Georgia. Ted went on to make Georgia his home – and work in the carpet and textile industries – in manufacturing, sales, and marketing.

His love of sports continued through his life, as he enjoyed watching his Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta Braves – who gave him the ultimate gift with their 2021 World Series Championship. Ted loved golf – both as a player and a fan. He enjoyed attending PGA events and following his favorite players. When not playing – Ted worked as a Course Marshal at Sun City Peachtree Golf Club. Ted loved being on or around the water – sailing on the Long Island Sound as a young man – and enjoying the beach throughout his life.

He is predeceased by his parents, John Edward Gailer and Evelyn Millichamp Gailer; daughter, Deborah Long; and son, Jeffrey Gailer. In addition to his wife of 37 years, Alta Workman Gailer, Ted is survived by his children and their spouses, John Gailer III (Susanna); son-in-law, Brian Long; David Gailer (Donna); Denise Jostes (Alan), 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, his sister and brothers-in-law, and beloved nieces and nephews.

Albert Meyer ’57 on December 24, 2021 (Wilmington, NC). After Stony Brook, Al spent one year at Hobart before enlisting in the US Navy for four years. In 1963, Al went to work with RH Macy, where he started first as a salesman. He moved up into the Upper-Management training program and held positions in both the flagship store in Herald Square, Manhattan and in branch stores. Al left the company after 9 years to form his own marine supply company, The Suffolk Boat Locker in Centereach, NY.

Realizing that self-employment was not for him, Al returned in 1981 to department store management, starting with Abraham & Straus, where he remained until their parent company bought Macy’s. He then worked as Store Manager of the Furniture Outlet in Carle Place until taking early retirement in 1997.

Al was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, was active in the United States Power Squadrons for 31 years, belonged to the Three Village Historical Society, and acted as Treasurer of the Franklin Melville Memorial Foundation, a 25-acre private park and sanctuary.

A member of the Caroline Episcopal Church in Setauket, NY, Al served as Lay Eucharistic Minister, Brotherhood of St. Andrew Director, Church Warden, and received the Bishop’s Medal for Distinguished Service in the Diocese of Long Island. After relocating to Leland, NC in 2011, Al served as Verger at St. John’s Episcopal Church and was also a volunteer at the Bellamy Mansion.

Al is predeceased by both his parents Walter Meyer and Sylvia Meyer Hershey, and his stepfather, Warren Hershey ’31. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Bonnie Robertson Meyer, as well as his daughters Tracy Meyer and Jessica Meyer Booth, son-in-law Brett Booth, five grandchildren, and his brothers Walter Meyer and John Hershey.

John Gleed Coe ’58 on December 7, 2021 (Rio Rancho, NM). During his time at Stony Brook, John was a resident of Hegeman Hall, on the yearbook staff and a member of the choir. After graduation, he attended Dartmouth College where he earned a Liberal Arts degree as a music major. John was a lifelong musician participating in musical theater, various bands, and choruses notably the River City

Mixed Chorus, Omaha Nebraska which he helped found. He played piano, sang and composed original music for children’s theater, choruses, and his friends and family.

After college, John enlisted in the Peace Corps and spent four years in Ethiopia as a teacher of English and music to grades 7-12. This influenced his own music and John can be credited with composing the first musicals written in native Amharic using the five tonal scale and performed by his students. He also directed Orchestra Ethiopia comprised of musicians using traditional instruments. His Peace Corps experience translated to his lifelong career in Arts Administration in New Hampshire, Nebraska and Wyoming. John was passionate about the arts in all its forms and spent his professional life promoting and advancing the arts for the betterment of humanity. John volunteered for initiatives in his churches, communities and for the welfare of others whenever called upon. He was a member of St Paul’s Episcopal Church in New Hampshire, St. Christophers Episcopal Church in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Cortland, NY where he resided while caring for his mother, Fern Steig Coe, and St. Michael and All Angels in Albuquerque.

John leaves his imprint on his sister Elizabeth Coe, brother David Coe, Sister-in-law Sue Nixon, nieces Emily Douglas, Peggy Campbell, Debbie Curtiss and nephews Monty Montague III, Scott Coe, Robert Ramey and Bill Ramey along with their spouses and children.

John Holbrook ’58 on July 12, 2021 (Bethel, CT). John attended Stony Brook for only his senior year, but the 1958 Res Gestae notes that he was quick to pick up the routine of Stony Brook, through track, football, choir, and being appointed chaplain of the Student Organization. After SBS, John attended Brown University. He began his career with Proctor & Gamble, and went on to start Marketing Action Group and American Family Crafts, both in Danbury, CT. He later opened Holbrook Farm in Bethel, CT, an organic farm and market, which was a lifelong passion.

He served Bethel on the town Zoning Commission, helped get the Francis J. Clarke Business Park established, and even attempted a bid at First Selectman. He helped coach Bethel soccer teams to state championships and was a founding member of the Walnut Hill Community Church. He helped the Cambodian New Life Church and Jericho Center in Danbury get established by selling them his old factory building for one dollar. He and Lynn spent much of their time and resources supporting, visiting and praying for their dear friends, especially those serving God all over the world.

In addition to Lynn, his wife of 56 years, John is survived by his children; Amy Nichols and her husband Rev. John Nichols, Stephen Joseph Holbrook and Rev. Andrew Scott Holbrook and his wife Lauren; his sister Mary and five grandchildren.

Raymond Yu ’67 on August 5, 2021 (Key Largo, FL). Ray attended Stony Brook for five years and was on the football and track teams. He attended New York University and graduated with a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. In 1983, Ray founded WR Systems, Ltd., and became President and CEO and directed its growth into an innovative systems engineering firm of over 350 employees. While he is proud of his company’s success, having been a recipient of both National and Regional Small Business “Best Workplace Awards”, these recognitions reflect the values he brought to his company, which he attributes to the influence of The Stony Brook School’s motto, Character Before Career.

Ray valued his family and friends, and he loved making new friends. Ray’s friends remember him for his sweet and gentle soul, kind heart and his generous spirit. Whether in business or in his personal life,

Ray was always available to help others, even during the years he was the primary caregiver for his mother. Ray loved traveling, cooking, dancing, and listening to music. Ray enjoyed riding around on his motorcycle, boating, diving and snorkeling. Ray loved entertaining, especially throwing Superbowl and pool parties.

He is survived by his wife, Jody Nyland Yu, his sister, Pat (Tom Cleveland), his brothers, Dave Yu ’65 (Janet) and Art Yu ’69 (Sheila), his nieces and nephew, and many cousins in the U.S. and in China.

YongSoo Ha ’72 on February 18, 2018 (Dobbs Ferry, NY). After Stony Brook, YongSoo graduated from Cornell University with a degree in electrical engineering. Through a friend in Ithaca, he met the love of his life and wife of 30 years, Kathleen. They married in a country wedding ceremony near Ithaca with a reception overlooking Cayuga Lake.

YongSoo managed the IT department at The Brearley School in Manhattan, where he also helped coach the girls’ lower school basketball team. Prior to Brearley, he ran the IT department at the Queens College School of Law. For over twenty years YongSoo enjoyed a consulting relationship with the Christian A. Johnson Endeavor Foundation. Other consulting clients included the Nathan Cummings Foundation. He also made a career out of being a proud swim team dad, rising at 4:00 AM to drive his daughters Alyssa and KC to practice, and traveling throughout the northeast and to the midwest to root for them at meets.

YongSoo loved spending time with family, eating Korean BBQ, watching sports, and seeing films with his wife. YongSoo was the biggest enthusiast of Saab automobiles and Apple computers. He was an avid sailor in his early years, and grew to love Montauk vacations in his later years. His love for music was vast, including rock, reggae, and soul. Perhaps his finest delight aside from family was any hunt that involved finding the next best place to sample the next best food trend.

He is predeceased by his parents Iksuh and Kuin Ha and older brother, the late Yonghi Ha.In addition to his wife Kathleen, and daughters Alyssa and Kathryn “KC”, he is survived by his loving niece Christina Ha-Solis of Dobbs Ferry and loving nephew Robert Ha of Long Beach, CA. He also leaves a niece, Mina Ha of Seoul, Korea. Very dear to him were his goddaughter Maya Solis and great-nieces Ava Solis and Rosalie and Qiqi Ha. YongSoo will be lovingly remembered by his mother-in-law and dearly trusted friend, Joan Bowen, and the entire Bowen family, especially Constance Bowen Borro.

Mark Johnson ’73 on February 16, 2020 (Bay Village, OH). Mark attended Stony Brook for three years, and graduated in 1973 from Lutheran West in Rocky River, OH. He received a degree in emergency medicine from Cuyahonga Community College, and since then worked in the first responder field of medicine, carrying on the family medical legacy of his RN mother and MD grandfather. For 25 years he operated his own business, Emergency Medical Training Associates, conducting seminars for public organization and institutional staff in CPR, first aid techniques, workplace safety and OSHA compliance all over the Great Lakes region.

Mark was involved in BSA Scouting for many years, being blessed to have his dad as his first BSA Scoutmaster at Troop 34 in the ’60s. As his sons became of scouting age, Mark went on to be a Cubmaster of Pack 729 and then a Scoutmaster of Troop 729 for over two decades. He received the BSA Greater Cleveland/Lake Erie Council’s highest volunteer recognition, the Silver Beaver Award.

Two of the many things that Mark held dear, were his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and, being a lifelong Cleveland area resident, allegiance to the region's professional sports teams. Mark grew up in a Presbyterian and Baptist Family Church tradition and was formerly a part of the faith community at Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church just down the street from his home. He followed all the professional sports teams in the area but was particularly attached to the Tribe and the Dog Pound. At home, Mark enjoyed being out on the back patio manning the grill and barbecuing while listening to Indian and Browns games on the radio and watching the wildlife.

Mark was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Eileen Johnson, and his youngest brother David McCleery Johnson. Mark is survived by his beloved wife of over 40 years, Carol Borocz, as well as his children, Emily, Trevor, David and Lee. He is also survived by his brother, Eric Johnson ’70 and sister Marcia Binkley, as well as nephew Asher Johnson ’05, family, friends and colleagues.

Jeffrey Dickinson ’76 on June 30, 2021 (Bocas Del Toro, Panama). He was a member of the cast and crew for TAS productions. After Stony Brook, Jeffrey graduated from the College of the Redwoods in Arcadia, CA. His career was a master diesel mechanic but his love and passion was being a treasure diver. He captured his audience by sharing his stories of the sea and his dives. He seemed happiest at sea…or back at his home town of Skaneateles, where he caught up with old friends and talked about the good ole days growing up in the quaint community. He made lifelong friends wherever he went.

Jeffrey was a treasure diver for the Mel Fisher Family. He worked on these sunken treasure ships Atochia and Santa Maria, off Key West, Florida. He was enthusiastic doing his dives all over the world and had amazing stories that he shared. Jeff had worked for Detroit Diesel, Auto Diesel Electric and Saudi Airlines. He was most recently doing yacht repair in Panama.

Jeff is predeceased by his parents, Robert Phelps Dickinson and Barbara Cormier Dickinson, and his sister Marcia Dickinson Perry. Jeff is survived by his former wife and friend, Penny Nichols Davidson, brother Robert “Robbie” Dickinson, niece Deborah Perry, and great niece Piper Kiesznowski.

Jim Ceparano ’95 passed away on January 16, 2022.

Mugadu Ruhweza Isabirye ’04 passed away on December 26, 2021 (Atlanta, GA).

Joseph Nam Zoine ’10 on November 11, 2021 (Wickenburg, AZ). Joseph attended The Stony Brook School for two years. While at Stony Brook, he played football and basketball, and served on the Monro Dorm Council. Joseph went on to major in Biochemistry at Syracuse University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree before earning a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering at Boston University. He enjoyed reading, kickboxing, bike riding, playing guitar, dancing and traveling, including setting towards his goal of cycling across the United States.

Joseph is survived by his mother, Helen M. Annis, father, Terrence P. Zoine, sisters Jodi Willis and Andrea Annis-Carrillo, and Aunt Mi Sook Nam.

Faculty and Friends

Charles Robert “Bob” Fay on January 24, 2022 (Stratford, CT). Bob was the father of faculty Ron Fay, father-in-law to faculty Sarah Fay, and grandfather to James ’24, John ’24 and Meghan ’27. Louis De Frisco on July 30, 2021 (Islip, NY). Louis was the father of Director of Technology Devin De Frisco ’11. Donald R. Fonseca on January 10, 2022. Don worked at The Stony Brook School from 1977 to 1997 as a teacher, coach, and college counselor. He is survived by his children, Diane Brandt ’81, Sandra Duncan, and Cynthia Masters.

Norma Gaebelein on December 10th, 2021 (Rock Stream, NY). Norma and Donn together faithfully served The Stony Brook School community while Donn was Headmaster from 1963-1976. Always known for her cheerfulness and gracious hospitality, Norma organized and hosted countless dinners and events on behalf of the school. She was always welcoming of any alumn who knocked on the door of Grosvenor House. She was the perfect compliment to her husband Donn. From cheering at games and planting flowers on the campus to conversing at the Dining Hall, she, like many of the faculty wives, added her mother’s touch and sense of joy that did much to build the vibrant and loving community that is “The Brook.” She even established and conducted a Sunday School for legions of faculty children living on the campus. Her warm memory will be cherished by her family and generations of Brookers. She is survived by her loving husband of 71 years, Donn Gaebelein ’45, children Thad Gaebelein ’75 (Elektra ’75), Frank Gaebelein II ’80 (Monika), and Laura Mantius (Peter), 8 grandchildren including Peter Mantius ’95, Miriam Mantius Exum ’99, Erika Gray ’99, Natalie Parker ’01, and Thad Andrew Gaebelein II ’05, and 12 great grandchildren, and was predeceased by one daughter. Gail M. Harty on January 16, 2022 (Lindenhurst, NY). Gail was the sister of staff member Dana Saraniero, and aunt to Steven Saraniero ’20, Devin Saraniero ’21, and Reid Saraniero ’25. Jack Wheatly on Oct. 13, 2021 (Des Moines, IA). Jack was the father of faculty member Michelle Altug, and grandfather of Petek Altug ’04. Dorothy “Dot” Pulliam on November 15, 2021. Dot was the mother of Samantha Pulliam ’86, Kimberly Pulliam ’87 and Stephen Pulliam ’90. She was also grandmother of Leah Pulliam ’17 and Abby Pulliam ’19. Dot worked in the Admissions and Development offices at The Stony Brook School for ten years. Ruth Merz on November 23, 2021 (Mechanicsburg, PA). Ruth and her husband Bob served at The Stony Brook School from 1955-1962. Ruth taught piano and was Assistant Director of the King’s Men choir, and were dorm parents in Johnston Hall. Ruth was predeceased by her husband Robert L. Merz, and her daughter and son-in-law Ann Elizabeth Merz ’77 and Roman Fedoryka. Ruth is survived by her children Lawrie Merz ’75, Mimi Mears, Bob Merz, and Carrie Merz. Rev. Dr. Daniel E. Weiss on August 22, 2020 (Naples, FL). Dr. Weiss served as a Trustee of The Stony Brook School from 1981 to 1989, and insisted that professional and spiritual growth of Stony Brook’s faculty played a critical role in the health of the School, not merely for faculty advancement but to better understand student needs and to serve them. Dr. Weiss frequently spoke in Stony Brook chapel services. He retired as General Secretary of American Baptist Churches USA, earlier serving as President of Eastern College and Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Weiss and Rachel Weiss were the parents of Daniel Weiss, Jr. ’86 and Kristen Weiss ’87.

Francesco Tamma ’22 on October 21, 2021 (Southampton, NY). Francesco was a senior at The Stony Brook School, and first arrived on campus as a 7th grader. He was a bright, kind, beautiful young man. As a curious and excellent student, he loved European studies, math, the sciences and anything related to the natural world. He was most passionate about architecture, especially the design of cities and their infrastructure. Francesco loved music and was an accomplished violinist who played for the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. As an explorer, both literally and intellectually, he traveled throughout Europe and especially loved visiting family in Italy, where he practiced his Italian. While encouraged to play tennis, squash, lacrosse, soccer, basketball and golf, with classic self deprecation, he claimed to be “completely useless at all of them.” His true love was sailing which he excelled at, due to his vice-like grip and rather long arms. Known for his absurdist sense of humor, Francesco was notorious for the outlandish outfits he wore to school events (picture a full length green body suit). His friends note that everyone would agree that the quintessential Francesco quote was, “Don’t be sad because sad spelled backwards is das…and das not good.” Francesco always had his own point of view, which made him a wonderful dinner companion. An adult friend reflects that, “You never felt like you were with a kid when you talked to him.” He loved video games and dogs and could often be found rolling around on the floor with his dog, Mamita. He also loved his mother, Annamaria’s Pasta In Brodo and enjoyed cooking himself. His brother, Jamie, fondly remembers a Thanksgiving in 2019 when he first learned to carve a turkey and “really got into it.” Francesco was proud of getting into the one of the most prestigious schools in England. After just under a year, the pandemic started, and he decided to return home to his beloved Stony Brook School. At Stony Brook, he was loved by friends and teachers alike. On a clear sunny day shortly after his death, the entire senior class gathered on the back field, stood in a circle and released balloons into the sky. Each classmate was asked to write a memory of him on their balloon. The balloons were covered in memories. While Francesco’s talents and passions can be enumerated by others, who Francesco was is best told in his own words: “Identity is perhaps not something we must fit into but something that unfolds ahead of us. It lies in what we decide to make of ourselves which makes life much more interesting than trying to fit into boxes…” Francesco will be dearly missed by everyone whose lives he touched. He is survived by his mothers, Annamaria Tamma and Diana Cochran, as well as his brother Jamie Cochran (and his wife Megan), his niece and goddaughter, Georgia Cochran, nephew James Francesco Cochran and his grandmother Stella Cochran.

Celebrate The Stony Brook School’s Heritage

AN ENDURING VISION, 100 YEARS OF CHARACTER BEFORE CAREER

Look back at the history of The Stony Brook School through historical photos and documents. Read stories of what The Stony Brook campus was like from alumni and faculty from decades ago. From humble beginnings The Stony Brook School has become an unwavering place of faith with constant vision for the future. Enjoy this gathering of memories to honor our collective Stony Brook story.