As we start a new year, we look back with fond remembrance of those Harvard residents, friends, and relatives to whom we said goodbye in 2024. Each in their own way helped weave the tapestry of life here by being a good neighbor, by volunteering, or by holding a special place in someone’s heart.
Jean Chilton McCrosky
Activist and teacher, loved writing, art, and the outdoors; died Jan. 11, 2022
Steven B. Franzeim
Cribbage player, sports fan, youth soccer coach, engineer; died Jan. 14, 2023
Christopher Lee Brown
Brother of resident, outdoorsman, inventory analyst; died Jan. 4, 2024
Glennard Elder Frederick
Longtime resident, active in Unitarian Church; died Jan. 4, 2024
Daniel F. Kelleher
Gamemaster, golfer, lover of family, fun, and a good, clean joke; died Jan. 12, 2024
David Alan Luther
Former resident and community volunteer, engineer, outdoorsman; died Jan. 14, 2024
Jean Elizabeth Cronin
Dedicated pediatric nurse, active volunteer, longtime town resident; died Jan. 25, 2024
Conrad Gerard Dufresne
Former resident, devoted father, IT professional; died Feb. 4, 2024
Steven Lee Smith
Avid sailor, skilled craftsman, Harvard scoutmaster; died Feb. 10, 2024
Alexander C. Combs III
Committed to social causes, preserving natural spaces, historical architecture; died Feb. 15, 2024
Patricia Boerner
Nurse, fundraiser for cancer research, volunteer who helped others; died Feb. 17, 2024
Mary Catherine Randig
Dedicated teacher, accomplished pianist, gardener, family genealogist; died Feb. 20, 2024
Frank J. Brown
Mathematics teacher, skilled photographer, longtime Harvard resident; died March 19, 2024
Francis L. Federhen
Former resident, Historical Society president, snowmobiler, antique car lover; died March 27, 2024
Irene M. Strang
Great Books leader, skilled seamstress, loved theater, films, cats, and opera; died March 28, 2024
William R. Thurston
1996 Citizen of Note, founder of cancer support center, president of high-tech company; died April 6, 2024
Thomas Archie Thornton
Skilled craftsman, longtime UPS driver, community volunteer; died April 18, 2024
Elizabeth Hayden
Enjoyed puzzles, the beach, theater, and dancing; died April 30, 2024
Jayden Liu
2022 Bromfield graduate; excelled at soccer, tennis, pool; loved music; died May 30, 2024
Richard (Rick) Maiore
Tireless volunteer in service to town, devoted to family, 2015 Citizen of Note; died May 30, 2024
Mary Frances Blankenship Moore
Former resident, devoted to family, known for her warmth and grateful attitude; died June 1, 2024
Patrick Walker
Literacy activist, created community-based violence prevention program; died June 11, 2024
Priscilla Endicott
Avid horsewoman, conservationist, music lover; died June 22, 2024
Dorsey Thomas Mears Jr.
Former resident, conservation commissioner, Little League coach; died July 3, 2024
John T. Zimmer
Longtime resident, community volunteer, gardener, land steward; died July 17, 2024
James Maxwell
Award-winning construction contractor, longtime resident, devoted to family, friends; died July 25, 2024
William James McElhaney III
Longtime firefighter, avid gardener, woodworker, animal lover; died Aug. 2, 2024
Katherine Finkelpearl
Longtime resident, art librarian, talented artist, set designer; died Aug. 5, 2024
Jana Minar
Mother of resident, devoted grandmother, dedicated gardener; died Aug. 31, 2024
Richard Daniel Powderly Jr.
Firefighter, men’s clothing outfitter to generations of customers; died Sept. 2, 2024
Melinda Rutherford Finnicum
Former Harvard resident, bookstore manager; died Sept. 15, 2024
Adrian Angus
Dedicated public defender, committed to social justice and public service; died Sept. 18, 2024
Edward Barron
Longtime Harvard resident, EMT, cyclist, and sailor; died Sept. 21, 2024
Charles Y. Brush
Investment manager, lover of jazz, lifelong NY Yankees fan; died Oct. 1, 2024
Rose Perry Ruze
Skilled sailor, French horn player, preschool founder; died Oct. 26, 2024
Bunker L. Davis Jr.
Known for a life of service to family, country, and community; died Oct. 27, 2024
Joseph R. Henry
Landscape architect, led design of school play-grounds, loved drag racing, sailing; died Oct. 31, 2024
Carol Friedman
Interior designer, loyal NY Giants fan, loved fresh flowers and fine wine; died Nov. 3, 2024
Stephen L. Brown
Proud Navy veteran, sales professional, devoted grandfather; died Nov. 5, 2024
Burr William Tupper
Verde Building Company owner, environmental supporter, grew up in Harvard; died Nov. 11, 2024
Mary B. Lenertz
Devoted to animal rescue, secretary to Digital Equipment Corp. president; died Nov. 23, 2024
Margaret (Meg) Kennard Burt
Dedicated to music and the arts, her students, caring for family and friends; died Nov. 24, 2024
Gail M. Kaepplein
Studied the Shakers, docent at Fruitlands, proud descendant of Maine settlers; died Dec. 8, 2024
Carol Sweet MacLennan
Teacher, library trustee, tireless caregiver, mender of all things torn or broken; died Dec. 13, 2024
Jennifer Fenton-Jones
Active volunteer, dedicated teacher and mother, known for warmth and optimism; died Dec. 23, 2024
Joseph A. Bongiardina
Decorated Army officer, management consultant, world traveler; died Dec. 29, 2024