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John J. Ratoff '52
John J. Ratoff ’52, October 26, 2007, in Exeter, N.H., at 81. During World War II he served in the Navy as a crew member on a PB4Y Liberator aircraft. He earned a degree in pharmacy from Northeastern and operated Toby’s Drug Store in Hampton, N.H., for 20 years. He served in the New Hampshire legislature for two terms and held other positions in the state, including liquor commissioner and commissioner of the Department of Employment Security. His children, Andrea Checovich, Nancy Johnson, and John A. Ratoff, three brothers, two sisters, and 10 grandchildren survive him.
Mary Ellen Betts Harrison '53
Mary Ellen Betts Harrison ’53, September 8, 2007, in Springfield, Vt., at 76. She graduated from Andover Newton Theological School in 1956 and became an ordained minister that same year. Her work focused on youth ministry. Along with her husband, Harold, she raised two sons.
Aaron B. Schless '58
Aaron B. Schless ’58, September 14, 2007, in East Hampton, N.Y., at 70. He received his law degree in 1961 from Columbia University and practiced law in Connecticut. He also served as the assistant town attorney for Fairfield, Conn. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis, and son, Daniel ’03.
Suzanne Burleigh Meyer '62
Suzanne Burleigh Meyer ’62, September 3, 2007, in Fairfax, Va., at 66. She received her master’s in education from the University of Maine and taught art at elementary schools in Maine, New York, Ohio, and Virginia. She belonged to the Methodist church for 27 years and participated in adult education. Survivors include her husband, David, two sons, a sister, and one grandson.
Philip E. Stearns '67
Philip E. Stearns ’67, September 2, 2007, in West Hartford, Conn., at 62. An English teacher for 35 years at Manchester (Conn.) High School, he mentored his students in independent study projects, through AFS Intercultural Programs, and during summer trips to Europe. Described as full of life and words, he relished conversation, good food, and cats. His partner, Stephen Purdy, and a cousin survive him.
Thomas G. Maynard '69
Thomas G. Maynard ’69, August 25, 2007, in Durango, Colo., at 60. He earned a master’s from Hunter College and worked as an urban planning consultant. A jazz musician and a composer, he served on the board of directors for the San Juan Symphony. He was also a runner, competing in triathlons, marathons, and cross-country ski races. Survivors include his wife, Lorna Gail LaDage, five children, his parents, a brother and two sisters, and one aunt.
Susan Gernert Gernert Adams '78
Susan Gernet Adams ’78, August 26, 2007, in Chappaqua, N.Y., at 51. A television producer for Dateline NBC, she was a four-time Emmy Award winner. She also worked for Nightline and Primetime Live at ABC and covered the 1988 Olympics in Seoul. Survivors include her partner, Pope Brock, two daughters, and a sister.
Janice Miller Thorpe '79
Janice Miller Thorpe ’79, August 6, 2007, in Montclair, N.J., at 50. Employed by Automated Data Processing, Inc., she developed a passion for tennis at Colby and it continued through her life. She played in several adult leagues and was an instructor. A natural left-hander, she relearned the game right-handed after a wrist injury. Her husband, William, two stepsons, her mother, her sister, and two nephews survive her.
Shawn E. Gager '92
Shawn E. Gager ’92, September 14, 2007, in Boston, Mass., at 36. She received her M.B.A. from Babson and was an IT consultant for Darwin Partners. She played ice hockey and coached hockey at the Brookwood School. A dedicated athlete, she was an avid runner, a mountain biker, a scuba diver, and an expert skier. Photography and travel were other passions. Her sudden death was a result of an infection that entered her spinal fluid. She is survived by her father and stepmother, John and Linda, a sister, two uncles and two aunts, a niece, and her fiancé.
Robert S. Silberman '03
Robert S. Silberman ’03, September 26, 2007, in Stamford, Conn., at 26. A media buyer for OMD in New York, he died from Ewing’s sarcoma. Adventurous and energetic, he played hockey and lacrosse, snowboarded, hiked, and cycled. He is survived by his parents, Mary and Alan ’50, two sisters, Lauren and Alison ’00, and his dog, Molly.
