Tag: Obituary

AMSTERDAM, N.Y. — Donna L. Reston, 84, an antiques dealer who was quite well known in upstate New York, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2022, two days after receiving a brain injury resulting from a fall. Her son James was by her side when she passed. The daughter of the late Thomas Lees and Leona Lees (Canary), Donna was born on August 17, 1938. She resided in Amsterdam her entire life. She received her high school diploma from Amsterdam High School and bachelor of arts and master of arts degrees (in history and social studies) from the University at Albany. Donna began her career as a high school history teacher at Scotia-Glenville High School from 1960 to 1968 and continued her teaching career at Fonda-Fultonville High School from 1968 to 1979. In 1980 she left teaching to become a full-time, self-employed antiques dealer; the business was called Reston’s Books and Antiques and continued until her death. Donna was passionate about Mohawk Valley history and cared deeply about preserving local cultural heritage. She spent many years as a member of the Palatine Settlement Society helping to restore the historic 1747 Nellis Tavern in St Johnsville, N.Y., contributing not only to building and restoration work but also making several donations of antique furniture, which are now on display in the tavern’s interior rooms. She was also proud of her numerous sales of historic items to the New York State Museum in Albany, N.Y., as a contribution to preserving New York state cultural history. During her career she helped inspire interest in local historic artists, including Fritz Vogt and Claude Mann, not only selling their work but also writing several newspaper articles promoting their work. Donna loved life and loved meeting new people, often striking up a conversation with complete strangers

CONNECTICUT — Susan Christine MacKay, 67, passed away Saturday, September 3, 2022, in Connecticut after a long battle with cancer. Susan was born March 14, 1955, in Detroit, Mich. She was adopted by John Walker MacKay and Evabelle Kathryn “Kay” MacKay (nee Atkinson). The MacKays settled in Grosse Point Park in 1959, buying a home on East Jefferson Avenue. In December 1964, they welcomed a son, also via adoption, into their family. After graduating from Grosse Pointe South High School, Susan attended Northern Michigan University in Marquette. Upon returning to Grosse Pointe Park, she embarked on a 20-year career as an X-ray technician at various hospitals. She bought a home in the area and began an enduring relationship with Peter Callaway Field. Susan and Peter shared a fascination with Colonial-era antiques and built a career as collectors and dealers of such items. In July 1996, after a long search, they bought their dream home — a carefully preserved Cape Cod built in 1787, in the small town of Chaplin, Conn. From there, they traveled all over New England and the Midwest to buy and sell antiques. In 2004, Susan had the profound pleasure of meeting a biological brother she never knew she had: Joseph Bowman of Woodhaven. Susan enjoyed close and loving relationships with Joe, his wife, their children and grandchildren for the rest of her life. Several years after Peter’s untimely death from cancer in November 2010, Susan met Dr Zoran Pazameta, professor of astronomy and physics at Eastern Connecticut State University. They married in 2017 and divorced amicably three years later. They continued living together, with Zoran caring for Susan during her battle with cancer until she required admission into a nursing home, where she passed away several weeks later. Susan loved animals and was a passionate

BOLTON, CONN. — Norma Fricke Chick, 81, beloved wife, mother, and Nana, passed away peacefully on October 5, at home in Bolton, surrounded by her family, after a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis. She is now breathing easy reunited with the love of her life, Alden, who predeceased her in 2012. She was born in Hartford, Conn., on April 22, 1941, to the late Norman G. and Margaret (Curry) Fricke. Norma settled in Bolton where she met and married her best friend, Alden, with whom she shared 40 wonderful years. She was the owner of Autumn Pond Antiques and the two of them traveled throughout the country to antique shows. Her favorite pastime was spending time with her family, especially her adored grandchildren. She enjoyed watching the UConn Women’s basketball, Notre Dame basketball and football teams and, most of all, her beloved Chicago Bears. Norma is survived by her children, Christopher Rich and his wife, Natalie Ardeel, of Wellesley, Mass.; Kimberly DeFilippis and her husband, Frank, of Bolton; Scott Rich and his wife, Lori, of Bolton; Tracey Zajac and her husband, Edward, of Woodbury, Conn.; and Rebekah Hope and her husband, James, of Atlantic Beach, Fla.; grandchildren Jeremy Chick, Olivia Rich, Derek DeFilippis, Jacob Rich, Emily Rich and Julie Rich; sisters Janet Targgart and Donna Sterling; brother-in-law John C.A. Chick and his wife, Laurie; many nieces and nephews; Kobby Kodom and a special granddaughter, Rachael Chick Kodom and her brother, Michael. She was predeceased by her brother-in-law Jack Targgart, nephew Doug Targgart, niece Leslie Targgart Dwyer and her loving and devoted canine companion, Marley. Upon her death, she donated her body to the School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University for medical education and research. A memorial service was held at Bolton Congregational Church on Thursday, October 13, at 11

SALISBURY, MD. — George Charles Meekins, age 78, died peacefully, August 26, surrounded by family at the TidalHealth Peninsula Regional Hospital in Salisbury. He was born on May 3, 1944, the son of the late George A. Meekins and Ruth Ann Meekins of Worton, Md. George, Carol and Robert Meekins have had an open shop on the Eastern shore of Maryland for 40 years. Their love of Americana led to specializing in Eighteenth and early Nineteenth Century country painted furniture. They have also done several shows each year, sharing their recent discoveries with collectors throughout the United States. In his childhood with the influence of his parents and siblings he developed a loving heart, good work ethic and kindness he would carry throughout his life. After graduating Shenandoah Valley Academy High School in 1962, George would go on to graduate from Art School in Baltimore, Md., in the spring of 1964. George was beloved by his wife Carol Ann Meekins, they were married September 10, 1964. The couple settled in Caroline County, where they raised their three sons, George Craig Meekins, Robert Bryan Meekins and Christopher Ryan Meekins. George was a dedicated hard worker; he worked for more than 16 years for Home Mutual Life Insurance Company of Easton, Md. During his tenure he was an agent, covering Caroline, Dorchester and Talbot Counties and later became assistant district manager covering the Eastern shore of Maryland. George was awarded several top salesman awards from the company and frequently qualified for company trips to destinations such as Nashville, New Orleans, Greenbrier, Poconos, Jamaica and Bahamas. However, with his education in art, artistic ability, being a master woodworker craftsman and love for antiques, he would follow his heart and pursue a career to capitalize on his passion. Together with his wife they

THOMPSON, CONN. — John E. Dunn IV, 68, passed away in the comfort of his home on August 18. An art and antiques dealer for more than 40 years, John was a lifelong “treasure hunter.” His insatiable passion for history, craftsmanship and collecting that led him to this calling, also led him to cross paths with some of the most interesting and eccentric of individuals, with whom he fit right in. Able to strike up a conversation with anyone about anything, his infectious energy and larger-than-life personality always left an impact. Neither a rule follower nor an admirer of authority, John lived life on his own terms to the very end. Having migrated all over New England and down the coast to North Carolina, he was thrilled to return to spend his final chapter in the lush oasis of the quiet corner of Connecticut. His sense of humor, vast and eclectic knowledge and gregarious nature will be deeply missed by his children, family, friends, business acquaintances and many more individuals he met along his way. A family gathering will be conducted later to spread his ashes off the coast of North Carolina in tandem with his father. —Submitted by the family

NEW YORK CITY — Nula Murphy Thanhauser — beloved wife, mother and style icon to those who knew her — passed away on August 12. In the antiques trade, she was a noted antique/vintage handbag dealer. A first-generation American, Nula was born on January 17, 1943, in New York City to Mary Ellen Corroon Murphy of County Westmeath, Ireland, and James Halprin Murphy of County Clare, Ireland. She was the youngest of three girls and was predeceased by her sisters Myra Ellen Mahon and Clare Ann Slote.Nula graduated from Holy Cross High School, a Catholic preparatory school in Queens, and Marymount Manhattan College. She earned a master’s in social work at Fordham University and was committed to serving women and children as executive director of the Angel Guardian Home in New York City and the Philadelphia Society for Services to Children. In 1977, Nula married her husband of 35 years, Robert (“Roger”) Sidney Thanhauser Jr. They moved to the Society Hill section of Philadelphia, where they lived for more than 25 years and raised three beautiful daughters, Sarah, Kaitlin and Clare. Nula was passionate about service and community; she served on the St Peter’s School board of trustees, the Friends of Independence National Park and many worthy organizations. In 2005, she and Roger moved to East Hampton, N.Y., where they had spent summers for decades. In her 60s, Nula turned her passion for collecting antique and vintage purses into a second career. Her booth became a fixture at the top antiques shows in the United States, featuring Art Deco, Art Nouveau and Egyptian Revival handbags and accessories. According to Antiques and The Arts Weekly, Nula was a hit at one of her first shows in West Palm Beach: “Customers were six deep in her booth.” She became a

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA, MASS. — Distinguished antiques dealer and fine arts auctioneer & appraiser Robert E. Landry, 83, passed away peacefully at his home on June 20. Robert was born and raised in Salem, Mass. He was the son of the late Lionel and Irene (Melody) Landry. After graduating from Saint John’s Prep High School in Danvers, Mass., he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Robert lived and worked in Manhattan for a number of years before taking a job abroad in Paris, France, where he met his wife of 52 years, Marie-Therese (Josset) Landry. They eventually moved to Essex, Mass., and then to Manchester-by-the-Sea. For more than 50 years, Robert had an established estate auction and appraisal business, as well as an antiques shop at 164 Main Street in Essex. He took over the business, L.A. Landry Antiques, from his father, Lionel A. Landry, in 1970. “Bob” was well known for his knowledge and honesty in the antiques community. His yearly auctions drew buyers and collectors from all over New England and beyond. He was also a longtime member of the Appraisers’ Registry of New England. Robert is survived by his son, Chris Landry, and his wife, Alison, of Seattle, Wash.; daughter, Jennifer Landry, and her fiancé, Paul Famolari, of Beverly, Mass.; and granddaughter, Eleanor Landry. He is predeceased by his late wife, Marie-Therese Landry. A wake will be held on Friday, July 22, from 4 to 8 pm, at Murphy Funeral home, 85 Federal Street in Salem, Mass. A private burial service will be held the following day on Saturday, July 23. Those who wish to offer condolences to the Landry family may do so at www.murphyfuneralhome.com.

Submitted by Jim Sittig, Waverly, Penn. WAVERLY, PENN. — On May 2, my brother, John Edgar Sittig passed away in his sleep; he was at his home in Beaufort, S.C. He was born on our mother’s birthday, January 8, 1950, and was the eldest son of antiques dealers Charlotte and Edgar Sittig of Shawnee-on-Delaware, Penn. Born into the world of antiques, he learned his trade from our parents. Upon graduating from East Stroudsburg High School, he enlisted into the United States Navy and received his honorable discharge after which he pursued his personal interests. He entered the Art Institute of Idaho in Ketchum, Idaho, where he devoted his studies to studio pottery and where he honed his artistic abilities. Active in the Monroe County Arts scene in Pennsylvania, he started a pottery studio and built the first wood fired pit Raku kiln in Monroe County, in which he presented his unique vision of pottery, from slab forms to traditional and unitarian forms. His early passion for folk art and textiles led him back to the family business and he developed a discerning eye for samplers, show towels, coverlets, quilts and, above all, the primitive and unique.John was an avid canoeist and kayaker. A swimmer through his youth, he later taught cross country skiing at Pocono Manor. Raised in a family of six children in a large historic home and property, he learned to play golf, tennis, downhill skiing and swimming, in which he had plenty of competition with his brothers and sisters. We once molded youth golf attire for Arnold Palmer and his clothing business at Shawnee Inn. When our father passed away, John helped our mother full time in the antiques business, doing shows up and down the East Coast. At the Ellsworth, Maine, show, John met his

LIVINGSTON, N.J. — Books and manuscripts expert, Christopher Coover, passed away on his 72nd birthday on April 3 at a hospital in Livingston, N.J. His family confirmed the immediate cause was pneumonia complicated by Parkinson’s disease. From 1980 to 2016, Coover’s 35-year career at Christie’s in New York City saw him sell Leonardo da Vinci’s Hammer Codex, which had belonged to oil magnate Armand Hammer, to Microsoft chairman Bill Gates in 1994 for the then-record price of $30.2 million. In six sales from 2002 to 2007, he presided over Malcolm Forbes’ collection of American historical documents for more than $40.9 million. Other notable sales included $2.4 million for Jack Kerouac’s manuscript for On the Road and $3.4 million for the 1864 election victory speech given by Abraham Lincoln. He helped sell the letter George Washington wrote on the ratification of the Constitution for $3.2 million, as well as Washington’s personal annotated copy of the 1789 Acts of Congress, for $9.8 million. He was born in Greeley, Colo., on April 3, 1953, to James Burrell Cover, a professor and music librarian, and Georgena Walker, a teacher and specialist in early childhood education. Soon after his birth, the family moved to Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where his parents worked for Vassar College. He attended Arlington High School, and later Kenmore West High School in Buffalo, N.Y., after his father took a job at SUNY Buffalo. In addition to his tenure at Christie’s, Coover was an appraiser on the PBS series, Antiques Roadshow. Coover donated his collection of literary and historical and manuscripts to Columbia. Coover is survived by his wife, Lois Adams, son Timothy, daughter Chloe, and two sisters, Mauri and Regan Coover.

Submitted by Marie Miller SARASOTA, FLA. — Lawrence “Larry” Ronald Miller of Dorset, Vt., and Sarasota, Fla., passed away in his sleep on April 6, at his home in Sarasota. Larry was born on November 13, 1940, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Jacob Miller and Jean Stoch Miller. He went to James Madison High School as well as Oceanside High where he graduated in 1953. He went on to Hofstra College for a year. Larry went into business for himself and became a successful businessman, owning Monarch Beverage in Long Beach, N.Y., as well as Monarch Trucking in Island Park, N.Y. He worked tirelessly in these businesses so he could retire at the age of 45. Retirement didn’t last long, however, because he happily joined his wife, Marie Miller, in the antiques business for another 35 years. When not working, he enjoyed many things. Skiing in Vermont was his passion for 25 years. Nothing could keep him off the slopes, even broken bones. He was an avid vegetable gardener, skilled woodworker and voracious reader. Boating was always a big part of Larry’s life. He earned a “Captains” license and was active in the Power Squadron. He also loved taking his RV on adventures. He made two trips across the country with Marie. Larry loved talking to people and was always ready with stories and his sense of humor. He was compassionate and kind, always willing to help anyone who needed it. He will be missed by many. He is survived by his loving wife, Marie, together for 61 years, daughter Tammy Miller Lathan, grandson Sean Lathan, granddaughter Megan Lathan, nephews Peter Weinstein, Robert Delman, Scott Delman and Dennis Weinstein. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Jean Miller, sister Eileen Weinstein and sister Gerry Delman. There is