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Robert M. Delahunt '87
May 24, 2019, in East Weymouth, Mass., at 55. He graduated from Boston University School of Law in 1990, the same year he became the state prosecutor for the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office, where he served as director of civil rights. In 2001 he was named assistant district attorney for Massachusetts’s Middlesex county, followed by years in private practice and working for a firm in Boston. He taught courses at Boston University’s School of Medicine and School of Law and at the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Training Council. His fiancče, Lesley Eisner, a step-daughter, two grandchildren, and two sisters survive him.
Geoffrey O. O’Hara '91
Nov. 22, 2019, in Rumford, R.I., at 50. He earned a master’s in political science with a concentration in lobbying from American University and first started working in government as a legislative assistant for former Congressman Ronald Machtley. In 1995 he became vice president of government and public affairs for the National Association of Chemical Distributors. He started with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2001, rising to become its vice president of regional affairs and advocacy, managing the chamber’s seven regional offices and developing strategy and goals across all 50 states. He was active with the Wheeler School, where he grew up and attended through grade 12, serving as trustee 2009-14 and as president of the Alumni Association Board. In 2017 the school awarded him its Founder’s Award. He had a second home on Maine’s Capitol Island, where he loved to sail and welcome friends. Losing his battle with depression, he leaves his wife, Pamela, three children, and a sister.
John L. Dingee '93
Oct. 14, 2019, in Sandwich, Mass., at 48. He earned a law degree from Suffolk University in 1998 and worked in the Bristol County district attorney’s office for seven years before opening his own practice in Taunton, Mass. He was admired by his peers and recently received a lifetime achievement award from the Bristol County Bar Association. Before developing glioblastoma, he liked to hang out with friends at Naukabout Brewery, travel, and cheer on Boston sports teams. In addition to his parents and a brother, he is survived by his wife, Kelli Moors, and five children.
Jacob L. Seilheimer '03
Sept. 11, 2019, in Manchester, N.H., at 38. Described as both funny and sensitive, Jacob grew famous when, at close to 400 pounds, he trained for and then ran the Boston Marathon in 2007, a story told in Runners World magazine and various newspapers. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law in 2008, passed the bar, and worked in corporate tax consulting. In 2012 a seizure revealed a malignant brain tumor, and despite repeated surgeries and treatment, he died of brain cancer. He was dedicated to his home state of Wisconsin, helped keep his family’s beekeeping business viable, and made friends everywhere he went. He leaves his wife, Megan Yaple, a brother, and his mother.
Hannah Karp Laipson '46
Feb. 14, 2019, in Worcester, Mass., at 93. After starting her family, she began teaching English, first at Assumption College-from which she earned a master's in English in 1968-and then at Quinsigamond Community College, where she eventually became a full professor. A community activist, she served on boards of Jewish organizations and was chair of the board of Common Cause of Massachusetts, which gave her its Distinguished Service Award. She also received the Mary E. Tobin Award from the Massachusetts Association of Women Deans, Administrators, and Counselors in 1990. She sat on Colby's Alumni Council in the 1990s and was the secretary for her class 1986-91. Her three children, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren survive her.
William A. Crowther '47
Aug. 15, 2018, in Fairfield, Conn., at 94. He enlisted with the Navy in 1941-leaving Colby as a freshman-attended midshipman’s school at Harvard, became an ensign in 1944, and served in the Pacific. He returned to Colby on the G.I. Bill and gave the farewell address for “Senior Day” graduation weekend. He remained in the Naval Reserves for 19 years, retiring as a lieutenant, and worked as a copywriter and then creative director for ad agencies in New York City. Later, he moved to the client side of advertising, becoming creative director for the international division of Richardson-Vicks. He loved to sail on Long Island Sound, earned his pilot's license in his late 50s, and became a Connecticut auxiliary state trooper in his retirement. He served on the Town of Westport’s planning and zoning commission for nine years, including time as vice chair. He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Alice, three daughters, and four grandchildren, including James F. Manning ’17.
Calvin M. Dolan '47
April 30, 2017, in Audubon, Pa., at 92. An Eagle Scout, he came to Colby on a track scholarship but left in 1943 to enlist with the Navy, serving as a naval officer in the South Pacific during World War II. After graduating from Colby, he became a chemist and worked for General Electric’s aerospace division, where he was credited with numerous inventions and applications for heat shields on NASA reentry vehicles during the Mercury and Gemini years. Later, he earned a teaching certificate and taught chemistry. He enjoyed traveling, completing the New York Times crossword puzzle, gardening, and creating bas-relief carvings from slate. Four children, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren survive him.
Margaret Horsch Lightbody '48
Nov. 10, 2018, in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, at 92. She worked briefly as a social worker before adopting children and dedicating herself to her home and family. She was active in her community and became a master gardener. When her husband retired, they traveled globally. Predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Charles ’48, she is survived by two children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Ruth Barron Lunder '48
Oct. 4, 2018, in Swampscott, Mass., at 91. Family and home were her life’s primary focus. She also enjoyed reading, music, and dance, particularly the jitterbug. Predeceased by her brothers Edward Barron ’29 and Leo Barron ’35 and cousins Edith Barron ’38, Irving Ward ’39, Hanna Levine Schussheim ’48, and Sumner Levine ’53, she is survived by three children, nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and extended family, including cousins Burt Silberstein ’49 and Peter ’56 and Paula Lunder.
Virginia Brackley Piccirillo '48
Jan. 30, 2019, at 91. She proudly dedicated her life to raising 14 children, making a home, gardening to feed her family, and knitting almost constantly. She welcomed visitors, greeted people with an open hand, and shared vegetables and preserves. Traveling and square dancing were other pleasures. Survivors include her husband of 69 years, Vito, 13 children, 32 grandchildren, and dozens of great-grandchildren.
Elaine Noyes Cella '49
Nov. 26, 2018, in Portland, Maine, at 91. She worked for the State of Maine as a social worker before becoming a full-time mother and homemaker. Later in life, she was a partner in a Portland antiquarian bookstore, where she specialized in children’s books. She enjoyed music, art, dancing, and writing poetry. In 1961 her poem “No Longer Alone” won third prize in a poetry contest sponsored by Beta Sigma Phi. Four children, three grandchildren, and a brother survive her.
