The Memorial Wall

Daniel "Danny" Robert Plaisance, Sr. passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at the age of 68, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease. Danny was the son of the late Donald Plaisance Sr. and the late Ella Kempton Plaisance. He is preceded in death by his sister, Deborah Plaisance Gwin; and brother, Donald Plaisance Jr. Danny is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Nancy Heroman Plaisance; children, Daniel Plaisance, Jr. (Noelle), Todd Plaisance (Bonnie), and Sarah Plaisance Breckenridge (Jack). Referred to as "Pops", his memory is kept alive by his grandchildren, Adeline, Brooklyn, Daniel III, Maggie, Kate, John Jr., and one due this summer. He is also survived by his siblings, Lloyd Plaisance, Sr. (Sherry), Kathleen Balhoff (Thomas), Randall Plaisance, Sr. (Alcia), Valerie Honeycutt (Blayne), Fred Gwin (spouse of predeceased sister, Deborah), and Debbie Hays Plaisance (spouse of predeceased brother, Donald). Danny was a star athlete in track, baseball, and football, playing at both Catholic High School and Broadmoor High School. After graduating from Broadmoor High School, he earned a business degree from The University of Southwestern Louisiana. For 37 years, Danny shared his passion for books with the Baton Rouge community as the proud owner of Cottonwood Books. His customers became lifelong friends, as more than half of the people who walked through his door, he knew by name. As a customer once said; he is iconic, he loved what he did and he loved his bookstore, and it showed just in the way he ran it. Visitation will be at St. Jean Vianney Catholic Church, 16166 S. Harrell's Ferry Rd., Baton Rouge, LA, on Friday June 7, 2024, from 11:30am until the Mass of Christian Burial at 1pm. Burial will immediately follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the American Parkinson's Disease Association in Danny's memory.

Bill Estabrooks, a former Nova Scotia MLA and cabinet minister, is being remembered as a political titan who was unabashedly himself, cared deeply about his community and always put Nova Scotians first.

His daughter, Trisha Estabrooks, told CBC News her father died Tuesday evening in Edmonton, where he spent his final years. He was 76.

Bill Estabrooks was a member of the Nova Scotia NDP, representing the riding of Timberlea-Prospect for 15 years.

A former teacher and school administrator, Estabrooks served as a minister for numerous departments including energy and transportation under the only NDP government in Nova Scotia's history.

He was also known as an avid Boston Bruins fan, often donning the team's attire on the floor of the legislature.

Estabrooks, who was born in Sackville, N.B., developed Parkinson's disease and retired from provincial politics in 2013.

But he didn't go easily, telling CBC News at the time that he loved his job.

"I have 500 clean, polished election signs in my basement, and if my health was ready, I would go again in a minute, but I just can't go," he said through tears in May 2012, when he announced he would not reoffer.

"It's tough you know. I'll miss it."

On Thursday, condolences were pouring in from former colleagues, politicians and community members.

Liberal MLA and former premier Iain Rankin described Estabrooks as a political titan and mentor.

Rankin now represents the riding of Timberlea-Prospect and sought guidance from Estabrooks when he first decided to run for office.

"It was good advice he gave me. He said, 'Remember, the people actually vote for you — your name on the ballot — and never lose sight that it's the people's seat. It's not an NDP seat, it's not a Liberal seat. This is the people's seat,'" said Rankin.

"He was a constituency-first MLA and I think that is important."

Rankin said Estabrooks had the ability to connect with people from all walks of life, insisting that people refer to him as "Bill" and often donning a T-shirt during his time at the legislature that read "Call Me Bill."

"I think a lot of politicians should really look at Bill's career and how he did put people first, always, and no matter what the issue was," said Rankin. 

"Our real job is to help people, especially those that need it the most, and Bill really understood that."

Trisha Estabrooks said her family has been overwhelmed by the messages of love and support, including from former students he taught more than three decades ago.

"I knew he was a special guy growing up and obviously as I became an adult, I could feel that and see that," said Trisha Estabrooks in a phone interview from Edmonton.

"He believed in people and that's what made him an amazing teacher and mentor and coach. He overwhelmingly always saw the good in people."

She said her father moved to Edmonton from Nova Scotia five years ago to live in a care home and be closer to family, including his two grandchildren, 16-year-old Ella and 12-year-old Will.

One of the first things he put up in his room: a laminated copy of the front page of the Boston Globe showing himself with his false teeth in a mug of beer, a longtime Stanley Cup playoff tradition of his.

"As much as I tried to get him to be an [Edmonton] Oilers fan, no way in hell was that going to happen," she quipped.

Trisha Estabrooks recalled when her father first won a seat in the legislature after two failed attempts. Donning a Bruins jersey, he walked confidently into a hotel crowded with hundreds of NDP supporters.

Sweeney, John Michael U.S. Marine, former Chief Executive Officer of the Twin Cities Newspaper Guild, St. Paul Pioneer Press reporter and editor, died June 1st, 2024 at the Minneapolis Veterans Home. He passed away from complications of Ataxia and Parkinson's disease, of which he willfully fought until his last breath, at the age of 80. Mike, Sweeney, Sweenah, Dad and Paca, as known by family and friends, was born on April 10th, 1944. He was the first and only baby born at the Camp Lockett Army Base in Campo, California. His family made their way from California to Montana and eventually to Hopkins, Minnesota where he was raised as the eldest of five brothers and two sisters. He attended Most Holy Trinity Elementary School and Benilde High School where he developed life-long friendships. He then joined the United States Marine Corps and served as a combat correspondent in the Vietnam War. Upon his return from Vietnam, he was recognized by the State of Minnesota with a Distinguished Journalist award for his reporting of the war. He refused to attend the ceremony due to his strong opposition to the continued U.S. presence in Vietnam. After completing his journalism degree at the University of Minnesota, he spent time honing his writing skills at the Fairmont Sentinel and the Associated Press in Bismarck, ND. He returned to the Twin Cities to work at the Pioneer Press where he spent the next 22 years as a journalist, editor, and newspaper guild steward. His specialty was covering crime and the court system. He went on to become the Chief Executive Officer of the Twin Cities Newspaper Guild until his retirement in 2006. In retirement, Mike partnered with his close friend and renowned novelist John Camp to write a book loosely based on a story he wrote years prior for the Pioneer Press. The novel "Bad Blood" went on to win a Thriller Writers Award. Outside of his professional passion, he enjoyed camping with his children and friends in the Boundary Waters, photographing loved ones, running marathons, studying and achieving a TaeKwonDo Brown belt, golfing, skiing and reading an endless number of books, and of course, the newspaper. One of his favorite traditions was attending family reunions in Billings, Montana. He was a colleague, an editor, a mentor and a friend to many journalists worldwide who were influenced by his unwavering commitment to journalism and adherence to the principles of simplicity, objectivity and truth. The greatest joy of his life was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. They called him "Paca," dubbed by his first granddaughter when she couldn't pronounce grandpa. He spent his free time taking them to the park, movies, museums and on road trips. He was proud of the young adults the first four had become and anxious to see who the last two would become. His family knew him as the fiercely intelligent and sometimes stubborn brother with a dry sense of humor, passion for current events, and unconditional love for his family. Mike is preceded in death by his mother and father John and Marian Sweeney. He is survived by his wife Angeles, his children Kathleen, Carlo and Michael, daughters-in-law Tanya and Jacquie, grandchildren Fiona, Lauren, Gustavo, Kate, Sebastian and Julian, siblings Bill, Mary Ann (Jack), Kathleen (John), Joe (Wendy), Tom (Carla) and Terry (Barb), numerous nieces and nephews and countless lifelong friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. 

JAMES (Cal) CALLENDER HEMINWAY JR. April 28, 1936 – June 1, 2024, Cal died at 88 on a glorious June day. He had rototilled his garden, planted more dahlias, declared he was mad to be dying, gave thanks and our beloved curmudgeon moved on. The youngest of James Callender Heminway, Sr. and Helen Greene Heminway’s three children, Cal was born in Mount Kisco, New York and spent his childhood in Chappaqua, NY. He was predeceased by his sister, Anne Heminway Botto and he is survived by his brother, Richard Merritt Heminway, of Olympia, Washington. Cal’s commitment to Granby and family started when he and, wife, Sue, moved to town in 1960. They raised their four children – Sarah (Earl Semmelrock) of Pomfret, Deborah (Tom Sherer) of Old Lyme, Seth (Julie Fry) of Leverett, MA and Bill (Elizabeth Dyer) of Shoreham, VT. Cal was an attentive father and grandfather to his 10 grandchildren – Cody, Sothea and Seth Semmelrock; Andrew and Will Sherer; Colter and Selwyn Heminway; and Polly, Owen and Eliot Heminway. For many years, Cal cared for Sue until her death from Parkinson’s Disease in 2020. After graduating from Hotchkiss, Cal earned his BA from Yale, proudly served in the U.S. Navy, and enjoyed the domestic and international challenges as an IBM executive. Upon retirement, he pursued his Masters in Public Administration at the University of Hartford and then enjoyed another 20 years as a financial advisor. Cal valued public education and dedicated 32 years to the Granby Board of Education (1981-2013) serving as chair for over 10. Cal was an incorporator and treasurer of the Granby Education Foundation and was instrumental in the creation of the Salmon Brook Ecology Center. Cal served as Granby’s education representative to the statewide quality and diversity forums (mid-1990s), Treasurer and Chair of the Capital Region Education Council, Vice Chair of the Connecticut Commission for Education Technology, Vice Chair of the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC), President of the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE), and was an incorporator and board member of the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council. He also served as trustee and treasurer for Westover School (Middlebury, CT) and Marvelwood School (Kent, CT). In 1963, Cal joined the nascent Granby Volunteer Ambulance Association where he was a driver and EMT for twenty years and served on the board for many of those years. As president, he was instrumental in building the Ambulance Barn. As he served without discussion, this Granby volunteer list is incomplete: the Historical Society, Land Trust, Stony Hill Village and many roles over the decades at the First Congregational Church of Granby. A life-long student of history, he read voraciously, and debated thoughtfully, especially over a glass of fine red wine. With love and respect, Cal tended his gardens, split firewood, crafted furniture, traveled ,and gathered regularly with his bridge group. A devoted family man and public servant, his energy was boundless even in his later years as he fought pulmonary fibrosis. 

Bernice Glazer Rosenthal, Ph.D., a professor emeritus of history and trailblazer for women in academia, died at her home in Manhattan on June 1. She was 86, and the cause of death was complications from Parkinson’s disease.

An expert on Russia and the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, Rosenthal published numerous books and articles, including New Myth, New World: From Nietzsche to Stalinism (Penn State U. Press, 2002)—seen as an authoritative study of Nietzsche’s influence in Russia. Her work was cited repeatedly by scholars around the globe.

She joined the faculty of Fordham in 1970 and taught undergraduate and graduate students for 45 years. In 1990, she became the first woman promoted to full professor in the history department. 

In 2010, at a ceremony where she was honored for 40 years of service at Fordham, Rosenthal was lauded for having “earned a place in the star-studded pantheon of European historians.” 

Maryanne Kowaleski, Ph.D., the Joseph Fitzpatrick S.J. Distinguished Professor Emerita of History and Medieval Studies at Fordham, said that when she arrived on campus in 1982, Rosenthal was part of a faculty group called Women at Rose Hill that advocated for issues such as fair pay.

“It was a huge influence during my first years, not only because it allowed me to meet many of the other female faculty at the University but also because of the supportive community it provided at the time,” she said.

She also taught courses focused on Tsarist and 20th-century Russia, European intellectual history, and religion and revolution. Among students, Rosenthal was also known for her classes on the history of food, women in modern European history, and the occult. She was often sought after as an expert on the Soviet Union; she appeared on television a show on Ivan the Terrible for A&E’s Biography Series.

Her daughter Lara said some of her most vivid memories of her mother include her sitting in a black leather reclining chair with a book and a yellow notepad. When Lara was 8, her friends visited for a sleepover, and instead of playing games, she said, they tried to count how many books her mother had on the wall.  

“In high school, sometimes I would leave one of my books from English class or a history class on the coffee table, and when I came home from school, she would have read the whole thing, cover to cover in one day,” she said. 

“Her superhuman reading speed astounded and completely annoyed me, as I was just a mere mortal in my reading speed.”

Although Parkinson’s Disease took a toll on her mother, Lara said as her body got weaker, her spirit grew stronger, and they grew closer.

“Many years ago, Bernice said she wanted the words Eshet Chayil, which is Hebrew for ‘a woman of valor,’ on her headstone. At that time, I was annoyed at her and just said something along the lines of ‘Ok, fine,’” she said.

“These last few years, we were able to have some very honest and healing conversations that were not possible earlier in her life, and this meant the world to me. She has earned her Eshet Chayil and it will be on her headstone with my love and my blessing.”

Joseph N. Mirabella, 77 of Pottsville, died peacefully Thursday evening at home surrounded by his loving wife of 48 years, his sister, family and close friends after a long hard-fought battle with Parkinson's Disease.

He was born February 20, 1947, in Pottsville a son of the late Joseph M. and Stella Strasico Mirabella.

He was a 1965 graduate of Nativity BVM High School.

He was a Navy veteran having served during the Vietnam War.

Prior to retiring he worked for Eisenhower Nissan-Sabb and Bohorad's Men's Clothing Store, Pottsville.

Joe was a member of the former St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church, Port Carbon; the former Pottsville Club where he served as President of the board; the former Amor Franterno Club, East Ward Social Club, Schuylkill Haven; Walter Griffith AMVETS Post #180, Pottsville; and was the drummer for the band Wayne and the Impressions.

Joe lived a full life well before and after his diagnosis with Parkinson's, he enjoyed spending time with his wife, family and friends.

Surviving are his wife, with whom he celebrated 48 years of marriage with on May 15th, Sandra McNeely Mirabella; a sister, Denise M. Shade and her husband Robert, Kutztown; a brother Edward J. Mirabella and his wife Shirley, TX; nieces, nephews, 1 uncle, cousins, and friends.

McCormick, Donald M., Jr. "Mac" died on May 30, 2024, from heart failure due to Parkinson's Disease. He is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Janet (Frenzel) McCormick, and sister, Diane Jacobson. Mac graduated from Richfield High School and St. Mary's University. During his business career he worked for S. S. Kresge, Coast to Coast Stores, 3M, and the Federal Reserve Bank. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and Interfaith Caregivers, and was a volunteer for many church activities. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ann Austin McCormick, three children, Barbara McCormick Mann (Greg), Donald McCormick III (Brenda), and Mary McCormick (Wyatt Wegwerth) and four grandchildren, Anna Hennes (Alex), John Mann, Michael McCormick and Venus McCormick. 

Joan Carol (Pivar) Bergdorf, passed away quietly from complications of Parkinson’s Disease on May 26, 2024, with her husband and sons by her side. Born August 6, 1942, in Spokane, Washington, to John and Viola Pivar, Joan spent her childhood enjoying horseback riding at her Great-Uncle Bill’s ranch, playing tennis, lettering in golf, and collecting all manner of little creatures, including turtles, frogs, and a chameleon. The poor frog met his demise when Joan’s brother, John, accidentally backed over it with his tricycle, and we won’t mention what happened to the turtle. Joan also loved music and played violin, piano, and her favorite, the flute. The Pivar family made many long road trips to visit family in Chicago and camping trips throughout the Northwest and Canada. Joan was 15 years old and babysitting some ruffians, when in walked the children’s uncle. One look at that young marine in his dress blues and Joani was done for. They were married soon after her 18th birthday, and welcomed their two sons, Edward John and Jeffrey Scott, within four years of the nuptials, thus completing their little family. Out of high school, Joan began working for Lawrence D. Morse, CPA, doing clerical work. Larry was quick to recognize her work ethic, dedication, and aptitude for numbers. He quickly advanced her responsibilities and opened the door for her to take evening accounting classes at Kinman Business University. With two little ones at home, Joani made short work of those classes, passed the CPA exam, and began her profession as a certified public accountant. When Larry merged his practice with Schoedel and Schoedel, LP, Joan continued her career with Schoedel and Schoedel, furthering her circle of friends, coworkers, and clients, many of whom became close personal friends. As if that wasn’t enough, Joan was also active with figure skating, both as a loving (and dedicated) parent, ice show seamstress, and part-time official. Dropping off the boys on her way to work, picking them up after, making countless costumes for many show participants, and number crunching for numerous competitions throughout the Northwest, Joani’s tireless dedication to excellence continued to shine. When the boys grew up and went off to school, Joani fully embraced the accounting side of officiating and earned national certification with the United States Figure Skating Association, expanding her knowledge, skills, and experience to the national and international stage. George and Joan built their dream home in 1993, and retired to the Bergdorf family ranch in Priest River, ID. Joan carried her love of golf into adulthood and was quite proud of her “chicken”, which her daughter-in-law later realized was actually a “chip in.” In her “spare” time, Joan loved to tend to her beautiful garden, be the family seamstress (which she and her mom, Vi, called their stitch and bitch sessions), quilt and crochet family heirlooms, and most importantly, spend time with her four grandchildren, whom she adored with everything she had. Preceded in death by her parents, (John and Viola Pivar); Joan is survived by her husband, George of Priest River, ID; brother, John (Bonita) Pivar of Juneau, AK; son, Edward (Nancy) Bergdorf of Everett, WA; and son, Jeff (Dori) Bergdorf of Riverton, UT; four grandchildren: Kelsi (Jared) Pullan, Matthew Bergdorf, Alexander Bergdorf, and Christian Bergdorf; as well as three great-grandchildren: Kolt, Natalie, and Hunter Pullan.

Ronald L. Cheli, Sr., 91, formerly of Marshfield, died on Sunday, May 26 at the Oakdale Nursing and Rehab facility in West Boylston, MA. Ron died of complications from Parkinson’s Disease. He lived for 15 years in Marshfield and was married to Carol A. (Govoni). They were married for 47 years. He is survived by his wife and by 3 sons: Mark Cheli, Gregg Cheli, and Ronald Cheli, Jr. He was predeceased by daughters Leah and Wendy. He is also survived by grandsons Scott Cheli, Myles Cheli, and Shane Cheli. He was predeceased by a grandson, Adam Cheli.

Ron was born in Vineland, NJ to Louis and Rose (Renzi) Cheli. He graduated from Vineland High School and attended the University of Maryland, He then enlisted in the USAF and served for 20 years. He retired as a Master Sergeant. Upon retirement he joined the Prudential Insurance Company in Linwood, NJ. He and his wife then opened their own businesses on the South Shore including 3 insurance agencies, 2 real estate businesses, 4 residential care facilities, and a school teaching insurance across the state.

Ron was a member of the Marshfield Kiwanis Club and the Sons of Italy in Marshfield, serving in elected positions at both organizations. He was an avid golfer and mostly enjoyed spending time in Myrtle Beach, SC along with his friends every winter. Ron and Carol traveled a lot through Europe, with their most memorable experience was when the saw Pope John Paul in person in the Vatican. Over the years, they have collected numerous pieces of artwork from all the places they visited.

Ron and Carol loved to entertain in their homes for their many friends, family, and clients. Ron also enjoyed the 1930 Model A that he bought, restored and drove.

Wilbert E. Fleming, 77, entered the gates of heaven at Summit Commons Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Providence, RI, on May 26, 2024, after a courageous 12-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease, surrounded by loved ones.

Wilbert was born and raised in Natchez, MS. Affectionately known as “Pee Wee” to his family, he was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, brother-in-law, son-in-law and friend. Wilbert studied Public Administration at Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA and Roger Williams University in Providence, RI. He had a long-standing career in public administration working for Providence Housing-Chad Brown, Rhode Island Housing, Providence Mayor’s Office, and Providence Community Action. Wilbert was a board member of several organizations including the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation, Community Preparatory School, John Hope Settlement House, The Providence Black Repertory Company and Urban League of Rhode Island. He was also a member of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of Rhode Island. Wilbert was involved in many community action initiatives throughout his life and he enjoyed every minute.

Wilbert loved the Lord, and he was baptized in Natchez, MS in 1963. He united with the Ebenezer Baptist Church after settling in Providence. He was a devoted member of Ebenezer for over 40 years where he participated in Bible Study, Church School and the Men’s Ministry. He was also a member of the Trustee Ministry Wilbert was a dedicated community activist and leader, known throughout Rhode Island for helping others and getting things done. He also marched in the civil rights movement as a young man. Wilbert was a veteran having served in the US Army from 1966 to 1969. His first son Delon was born in 1973. He met the love of his life Ardena in 1983 when she was working at the Biltmore in Providence. They married on September 26, 1987 and had two more sons Nigel and Evan. Wilbert loved music, watching “Patriots” football, gardening, cooking soul food (especially beans and collard greens), sweet treats, and spending quality time with family. He loved to laugh and enjoyed life to the fullest. Wilbert’s favorite event was going to the RI Black Heritage Ball each year. He was charismatic and had style. He had a way of making everyone he encountered feel special. Wilbert was also a warrior for justice. From an early age, he had a passion for making a difference and helping the disadvantaged. Wilbert’s beautiful spirit and good work touched many lives, and his legacy will be forever in our hearts.

Wilbert was preceded in death by his mother Emma Lee (Foster) Calvit, his father Johnny Fleming and his stepfather Alton Calvit, Sr. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife Ardena of 37 years; three sons Delon Gomes-Fleming (Quishona) of Cleveland, OH, Nigel Fleming (Kelsey) of Pawtucket, RI and Evan Fleming of Jersey City, NJ; step-daughter, Trina Barton of Providence, RI; eight brothers, Alton Calvit, Jr. (Yvonne), Michael Calvit (Mary Grace), Randolph Calvit, and Larry Calvit of Houston, TX, Walter Calvit of Natchez, MS, Julian Calvit (Lori) of Pawtucket, RI; Lee Calvit (Joan) of Warwick, RI, and George Fleming (Clarissa) of Euclid, OH; two sisters Pat Fleming-Hembree, and Debra Calvit of Plainfield, NJ; one brother in law, Donald Lee (Shelley) of Stafford,VA; one grand-daughter Jayla Gomes of Cleveland, OH; step grands Antwan and Skyleigh Cummings of Cleveland, OH and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.