2017 on Martha's Vineyard: Farewell to Beloved Islanders
Cheryl B. Stark, an iconic Island artisan and co-founder of C.B. Stark. News of her death received more than 70 comments on the Gazette website. "You touched so many lives, not just as a master of your trade but as a loyal and wonderful friend," one person wrote.
Cheryl B. Stark, an iconic Island artisan and co-founder of C.B. Stark. News of her death received more than 70 comments on the Gazette website. "You touched so many lives, not just as a master of your trade but as a loyal and wonderful friend," one person wrote.
Lynn Murphy, a fixture on the Menemsha waterfront since the 1940s. He was the inspiration for the character of Quint in Jaws and received a Congressional Medal for his actions following hurricanes on the Vineyard.
Lynn Murphy, a fixture on the Menemsha waterfront since the 1940s. He was the inspiration for the character of Quint in Jaws and received a Congressional Medal for his actions following hurricanes on the Vineyard.
Gerald Jeffers was a legendary figure on Chappaquiddick, where he repaired cars, ran a small store, drove the school bus and plows, and was a volunteer firefighter. "Gerry was the soul of Chappy. He will be missed by everyone," Jennifer Schifter commented on his obituary.
Gerald Jeffers was a legendary figure on Chappaquiddick, where he repaired cars, ran a small store, drove the school bus and plows, and was a volunteer firefighter. "Gerry was the soul of Chappy. He will be missed by everyone," Jennifer Schifter commented on his obituary.
Francine Kelly was executive director of Featherstone Center for the Arts from 2003 to 2010, a period of growth for the organization. She championed artsts and was known as the Queen of Collaboration.
Francine Kelly was executive director of Featherstone Center for the Arts from 2003 to 2010, a period of growth for the organization. She championed artsts and was known as the Queen of Collaboration.
Nelson Smith was a captain and a fisherman, a veteran and an Islander with deep roots. "With him vanishes another of those expert old Vineyard storytellers," Tom Dunlop wrote. "There was drama in every yarn he told."
Nelson Smith was a captain and a fisherman, a veteran and an Islander with deep roots. "With him vanishes another of those expert old Vineyard storytellers," Tom Dunlop wrote. "There was drama in every yarn he told."
ABell Washburn received medals and citations for her work helping animals and founded what is now the Animal Shelter of Martha's Vineyard. She rescued hundreds of Island dogs and cats.
ABell Washburn received medals and citations for her work helping animals and founded what is now the Animal Shelter of Martha's Vineyard. She rescued hundreds of Island dogs and cats.
Brandy Wight (left), founded the Granary Gallery with his business partner and husband, Bruce Blackwell. Island artists and photographers said he encouraged them early in their careers.
Brandy Wight (left), founded the Granary Gallery with his business partner and husband, Bruce Blackwell. Island artists and photographers said he encouraged them early in their careers.
Chris Abrams was an early childhood educator known to some as the kid whisperer. "Chris’s fingerprints are all over this Island. Her quiet work enriched us all," Linda Thompson wrote.
Chris Abrams was an early childhood educator known to some as the kid whisperer. "Chris’s fingerprints are all over this Island. Her quiet work enriched us all," Linda Thompson wrote.
Charles H. (Cee Jay) Jones, the unofficial mayor of Oak Bluffs who presided over the Circuit avenue information booth. He was remembered for the phrase "ta ta and apple pie" and received a Congressional Medal for his service in World War II.
Charles H. (Cee Jay) Jones, the unofficial mayor of Oak Bluffs who presided over the Circuit avenue information booth. He was remembered for the phrase "ta ta and apple pie" and received a Congressional Medal for his service in World War II.
Tony Lombardi, former director of Alex's Place at the YMCA, had a career marked by generosity and caring. "He touched so many lives and he was larger than life," his close friend and coworker Laurel Redington said.
Tony Lombardi, former director of Alex's Place at the YMCA, had a career marked by generosity and caring. "He touched so many lives and he was larger than life," his close friend and coworker Laurel Redington said.
Rev. Alden Besse, an Episcopal pastor, was president of the Martha's Vineyard Peace Council and spiritual leader of the Vineyard Crop Walk.
Rev. Alden Besse, an Episcopal pastor, was president of the Martha's Vineyard Peace Council and spiritual leader of the Vineyard Crop Walk.
Dr. Howard Attebery was a dentist, veteran, photographer, scientist, and microbiologist. His late in life courtship with Cynthia RIggs captured hearts around the world.
Dr. Howard Attebery was a dentist, veteran, photographer, scientist, and microbiologist. His late in life courtship with Cynthia RIggs captured hearts around the world.
In 2017 the Vineyard said goodbye to beloved Islanders.
Among them were Island characters and well-known members of the community, including Cheryl B. Stark, 70, the artisan jeweler whose store has been a Main street fixture in Vineyard Haven for five decades; Nelson Smith, 92, captain, fisherman, legendary storyteller and descendant of the first colonial settlers of the Island; Gerald Jeffers, 84, a Chappaquiddick native and fixture who traced his Island Wampanoag roots back more than 200 years; Lynn Murphy, 88, longtime Chilmark resident and salty Menemsha character who helped inspire the character Quint played by Robert Shaw in the movie Jaws; and Dr. Howard Attebery, 94, whose courtship of Island author Cynthia Riggs after 62 years apart, and their subsequent marriage, made news around the world.
Others left lasting legacies in the causes they championed. AnnaBell (ABell) Washburn, 90, was a celebrated pioneer in the animal rights movement known as Martha’s Vineyard’s cat lady; she helped open what is now the Animal Shelter of Martha's Vineyard. Francine Kelly, 77, was executive director of Featherstone Center for the Arts during a period of growth for the Island institution. Brandon (Brandy) Wight, 100, was a pioneering Island art dealer who co-founded the Granary Gallery in West Tisbury who gave countless Island artists starts to their careers. Chris Abrams, 69, was an early childhood educator with a special way with children; she taught preschoolers and teachers for 30 years.
Tony Lombardi, 59, the former director of Alex’s Place at the YMCA, left a lasting impact with Island youth he mentored. The Rev. Alden Besse, 93, a retired Episcopal pastor and president of the Martha’s Vineyard Peace Council, will be remembered annually at the Vineyard Crop Walk, which he helped to start.
Many remember "ta ta and apple pie," the familiar saying from Charles H. (Cee Jay) Jones, a longtime volunteer at the Oak Bluffs visitor information booth and well-known summer resident. He also received a Congressional Gold Medal for his military service. Mr. Jones died on Oct. 9 in Winston-Salem, N.C. He was 100.
More from 2017 on the Vineyard:
The Year in Nature and Science