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William C. Green '62
William C. Green ’62, January 18, 2006, in Randolph, Vt., at 67. He earned a master’s in education from Adelphi University and a master’s in library science from C.W. Post College and was a library media specialist for Long Island’s Sachem Central School District for 29 years, retiring in 1994. He served in the Army National Guard and was co-coordinator of the Bethel Area Food Shelf. He is survived by his wife, Sandra, a daughter, a stepson, a stepdaughter, three grandchildren, a brother, and a sister.
J. Wesley Miller '63
J. Wesley Miller III ’63, September 13, 2005, in Springfield, Mass., at 64. An educator and a lawyer specializing in art law, he earned his J.D. in 1981 from the College of Western New England Law School. He taught English at Heidelberg College, Ohio, and at the University of Wisconsin. A social activist, he catalogued “street literature,” fliers, and posters that reflected contemporary history. He is survived by an aunt, Martha Miller Bowen, and several cousins.
Sally F. Patterson '66
Sally F. Patterson ’66, December 13, 2005, in Bucksport, Maine, at 60. She worked for many years as a programmer for IBM. After retirement she returned to Bucksport and volunteered at Fort Knox historic site and became the proprietor of Penobscot Narrows gift shop. She is survived by her sisters, M. Jane Patterson Paxton ’65 and Polly Currier, and her brothers, James and Robert Patterson.
Carole A. Bernardini
Feb. 9, 2018, in Augusta, Maine, at 77. A nurturing woman with a strong work ethic, she worked in the Marchese Blue Light Pub for many years. She supported the Colby men's hockey team, who considered her their “Maine adoptive mom” for more than 30 years, and reportedly never missed a game. There was a moment of silence in her honor at Alfond Ice Rink following her death. She also cared for people with intellectual disabilities in her home and advocated for their rights. Predeceased by her husband, Clarence, who worked in Colby's Security Department, she is survived by four children, two foster daughters, 14 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren.
John “Swisher” Mitchell
July 25, 2018, in Waterville, Maine, at 91. An accomplished athlete, he earned his nickname playing basketball for Waterville High School, leading the team to an undefeated season and the New England Basketball Championship in 1944. He served in the U.S. Navy 1946-47 and then enrolled at the University of Rhode Island (URI), where he played point guard, was named All-Yankee Conference pick and Honorable Mention All-American, and graduated in 1951. His sports prowess earned him induction to the URI Athletic Hall of Fame, the Maine Sports Hall of Fame, and the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. He taught history and was an assistant principal in the Waterville school system for 23 years, earning a master's in teaching from the University of Maine, Farmington, along the way. He directed the Waterville Boys and Girls Club, and he taught and coached in Bangor and in Tucson, Ariz. He came to Colby in 1967 and worked for 40 years as assistant coach to head coach Dick Whitmore. In 2017 Colby basketball alumni joined together to endow the assistant men's basketball coaching position in his name. Survivors include two daughters; four grandchildren, including Danielle Bolduc Marquis ’99; two great-grandchildren; two siblings, Barbara Atkins and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader George J. Mitchell; and extended family, including niece Mary Mitchell Friedman ’79.
Francis B. Smith '34
Aug. 18, 2018, in East Naples, Fla., at 110. He studied physics and acoustics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology after Colby, and he played first chair violin for the New England Conservatory of Music. He worked for many years for Hammond Organ Company, and then spent the rest of his career as an electronic engineer. He was a lifelong sailor who owned a series of sloops and, in retirement, was a navigation instructor for the U.S. Power Squadron. He volunteered as a security patrol officer at Naples Estate, worked out faithfully in the gym, and loved to read. Predeceased by his great-grandfather Harrison A. Smith, Colby Class of 1825, he is survived by his wife, Priscilla. He had three sons, 10 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Arline Bamber Veracka '39
Aug. 11, 2018, in Norwood, Mass., at 98. During World War II, she worked as a service representative for New England Telephone, resigning in 1951 to become a mother. She began substitute teaching a few years later and in 1969 started full-time teaching at Norfolk County Agricultural High School. She described volunteerism-in her community and her church-as a way of life. Three children and extended family survive her.
Dorothy Emerson Martin '41
Aug. 16, 2018, in Wakefield, Mass., at 98. Home, family, kindness, and hard work defined her life. Described as a stoic woman, she found pleasure in baking, sewing, gardening, and raising roses. Predeceased by her husband, William H. Martin ’41, she is survived by three children, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Ruth Sanderson Rudisill '42
July 26, 2018, in Davenport, Iowa, at 97. She earned a B.S. in library science from Simmons University in 1943, and during the next 45 years held various roles in libraries in New York, Illinois, and New Jersey: children's librarian, cataloguer, librarian, and chief librarian. She took time off to raise her children and make a home each time she moved with her career army officer husband, all the while finding time for Girl Scouts, her church, golf, swimming and skiing, and quilting. She is predeceased by her grandfather Elisha Sanderson (whose Colby class year can’t be verified) and her father, Arthur Sanderson ’27. She bore six children and had at least 19 grandchildren and two great-grandsons.
Joan Hunt Banfield '47
Aug. 1, 2018, in Stamford, Conn., at 91. She worked for five years as a research lab technician at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons before devoting herself to her family and home. She enjoyed opera and the theater, played bridge and golf, and made time to travel. Predeceased by her parents, Robert ’27 and Doris Dewar Hunt ’26, she is survived by her husband of 66 years, Dr. Richard Banfield, four children, six grandchildren, and a brother.
