Obituaries
September & October 2025
Barbara B. Wardwell
April 15th, 1927 - August 17th, 2025
Gorham, Maine—Barbara B. Wardwell, beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 17th, 2025, at the age of 98. A longtime resident of Forest Circle in Jay, Maine, Barbara lived a life marked by devotion to family, education, and community.
Born on April 15th, 1927, in East Millinocket, Maine, to the late Lala Glidden and Stephen Bacon, Barbara grew up alongside two sisters. After losing her father at a young age, she found strength and joy in her extended family, spending her years in northern Maine, attending Sunday School, and excelling in academics and school activities.
During high school Barbara worked summers as a chambermaid in Bar Harbor, and she later attended Gorham State Teachers College. While in college, she worked at the Islesboro Inn, where she met J. Edward Wardwell of Islesboro. They married in 1948, raised two sons in Pittsfield, Maine and moved to Jay, Maine in 1974.
Barbara dedicated her career to teaching in schools across Maine, always referring to her students as “her kids.” Her true passion, however, was nurturing her own family. She created a warm and loving home and spent countless summers on Islesboro enjoying cookouts on the town beach, sharing stories on the front porch, and building lifelong friendships. Barbara was known by her family and friends to have an optimistic outlook on life, a quick wit, and a wonderful sense of humor that filled any room with laughter. She also carried a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life, finding happiness in everyday moments and sharing that joy with those around her.
In retirement, Barbara continued her tradition of summering in Islesboro. She crafted memorable meals, welcomed new friends, and introduced her grandchildren to the magic of island life. After Ed’s passing, she remained a steady presence in her grandchildren’s lives, offering love, wisdom, and family history with remarkable clarity. Barbara’s legacy lives on in the stories she shared, the values she instilled, and the bonds she nurtured. Her memory will be cherished by all those who knew her.
Barbara is predeceased by her husband J. Edward Wardwell of Islesboro, Maine who passed away in 1998, and by her sister Gloria Morneault of Millinocket, Maine who passed away in 2009. Barbara is survived by her sister June Michaud of East Millinocket, Maine; her children Gary of Gorham, Maine and David with wife Diane of Hooksett, NH; her grandchildren Elizabeth with fiancée Ryan of Boston, MA, and Alexandra with partner Alex of Weare, NH.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s honor to Boardman Cottage, 131 Main Road, Islesboro, ME 04848.
A graveside service will be held on Islesboro at the Maple Grove cemetery on Saturday October 11th, 2025, at 2:00pm.
July & August 2025
Edward G. D'Alessandro Sr., Esq.
1930 - July 13th, 2025
Edward G. D’Alessandro Sr., Esq., a towering figure in New Jersey legal circles and a man whose zest for life touched his family and friends, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, July 13th, 2025 at age 95. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 54 years, Joan E. D’Alessandro, and is survived by his children Donna D’Alessandro, Jan D’Alessandro Haffenreffer, Edward G. D’Alessandro, Jr. and Jill D’Alessandro, son-in-law Mark Haffenreffer, grandchildren Francesca D’Alessandro Wadsworth and Sam E.C. Wadsworth, and granddaughter-in-law Hope Elizabeth Wadsworth.
A son of Newark who never forgot his roots, Edward spent his later years as a cherished resident of Green Village, N.J., and Islesboro, where his iconoclastic ways and immense generosity became legendary among neighbors and friends.
A Legal Giant with Heart
Ed’s distinguished legal career spanned over six decades and was marked not only by professional achievement but by an unwavering commitment to justice and public service. After graduating from Rutgers University and Boston University Law School, he was admitted to the New Jersey Bar in 1954—the beginning of a career that would see him argue cases from local courtrooms to the U.S. Supreme Court.
His service as assistant prosecutor in Essex County from 1957-1959 was merely the start of a remarkable journey through the corridors of power and justice. As an active trial lawyer in state and federal courts, Edward became known for his sharp wit, commanding presence, and ability to find the human story in every case.
Ed had over 30 published cases on the appellate level, most of which he won, changing New Jersey Law for the benefit of his clients and altering the legal landscape in New Jersey and nationally. Most significantly, Ed is recognized as one of the preeminent alcoholic beverage attorneys in the country for winning a series of decisions that redefined the nature of alcoholic beverage wholesaler and supplier franchise rights on behalf of his clients. Ed represented a who’s who of the leading alcoholic beverage companies, including Allied Beverage Group, F&A Distributing Co., Jaydor Corp., Reittman Industries, Royal Distributors & Importers, Breakthru Beverage, High Grade and Peerless Beverage companies. Ed left his mark on the industry as he battled on behalf of his beverage clients with the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control, with which he developed a special relationship of mutual respect. He served on the Special Advisory Council on the Future of New Jersey, and was a member of countless prestigious organizations including the American, New Jersey, Essex, and Morris County Bar Associations, the American Trial Lawyers Association, and the National Association of Defense Lawyers in Criminal Cases.
Ed’s counsel was sought by everyone from the Newark PBA to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, the Essex County Republican organization, the Essex County Osteopath Society, the Morristown Housing Authority to multiple industry trade associations, including Credit Compliance Corporation, Beer Wholesalers Association of NJ, and N.J. Wine & Spirits Association. His legal expertise extended to representing leading corporations across all industries, including banks and brokerage firms, such as Purcell Graham and Carteret Savings, dozens of insurance companies, including Chubb & Sons, Reliance, Crum & Forster, and Gulf Insurance, and countless closely-held entities. A real-life Atticus Finch, he represented his corporate and individual clients with the same passion and dedication that he brought to every aspect of his life.
A Life of Service and Passion
Beyond the courtroom, Ed poured his energy into his family and to the causes close to his heart. As a director of the Newark Boys Club and the Newark Police Athletic League, he championed opportunities for young people. His service as a trustee of West Essex General Hospital and Christ the King Church, and his support of the New Jersey Symphony Foundation, Garden State Ballet Foundation, and The National Italian American Foundation reflected his beliefs in the power of healing and in the arts.
But it was perhaps Ed’s infectious love of all of the best things in life that people remember the most. He was an avid jazz and opera fan, who joined the Metropolitan Opera Club in 1971 and exposed his young children to both genres, fostering a lifelong love of music. Family and friends fondly recall Ed sharing stories of seeing Frank Sinatra and the jazz greats, including Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Fats Domino, and Thelonius Monk, play in iconic NY venues while his favorite tunes played in the background. Ed was a dedicated NY Giants fan and season ticket holder since 1954 with a near-unblemished attendance record well into his 80s. Ed loved being on the water—he was happiest while navigating the waters of the Caribbean or the rugged coast of Maine, where he felt most at peace. He was a member of the Chaine des Rotisseurs, the world’s oldest international gastronomic society, and was devoted to preserving the camaraderie and pleasures of the table, both of which were among his greatest loves. His children “fondly” remember the military-like precision with which he would plan their holiday meals, sending them to specialty markets hours away from each other to pick up his favorite breads, antipasti, and desserts, all required to concoct the perfect meal. He was also a member of the Tarratine Club, the Metropolitan Club in NY, and the Morris County Golf Club in NJ.
Ed was a loyal friend and confidante who had the unique propensity of giving his full attention and sage advice to each person he was with. His warmth, generosity, and uncanny ability to remember every detail about the lives of those he cared about made him a cherished patriarch not just to his family, but to the extended network of clients and friends from all walks of life who considered him family.
Services
Family and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass on Saturday, July 26th at 10:30am at Christ the King Church in New Vernon, N.J, 16 Blue Mill Rd, New Vernon, with burial to follow at New Vernon Cemetery. Interment will follow at New Vernon Cemetery. Hours of visitation will be held at the Doyle Funeral Home, 106 Maple Ave., Morristown on Friday, July 25th from 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the Green Village Fire Department, the New Vernon Volunteer First Aid Squad, the Islesboro Ambulance Association, or to your favorite charity, in Ed’s name—a fitting tribute to a man who believed deeply in giving back to the community.
Edward G. D’Alessandro Sr., Esq. lived 95 years to the fullest, and his legacy of service, friendship, and joie de vivre will continue to inspire all those who were lucky enough to know him.
Michael Kinnane
1933 - July 20th, 2025
Michael Kinnane died at home on Islesboro on July 20th at the age of ninety-one. He was born in Fall River, Massachusetts to Michael and Virginia Kinnane in 1933. He was an only child.
While serving in the Air Force in 1954, the USAF C-119 Flying Boxcar Michael was riding in experienced severe
turbulence near New Hope, Alabama. The rear doors of the plane were torn open, and Michael was sucked out along with one other serviceman. Luckily, both men were wearing parachutes and were able to land safely. The plane erupted in flames and crashed into a mountain, killing all nine men aboard. Michael and the other man were the only survivors.
After serving in the Air Force during the Korean War, Mike had a long and varied career. He was a commercial pilot and gave flight instruction. He owned a welding company, whose many jobs included servicing offshore oil rigs and constructing oil pipelines. He was a skilled carpenter and a licensed pipefitter.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Schnur, and by his sons William, of Warren, Maine and Michael, of Providence, Rhode Island, and his daughter, Sheila, of Warwick, Rhode Island, and by three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His sons Tim and Todd predeceased him.
Donations may be made in his name to the Islesboro Health Center Endowment Fund.
Thomas D. Gill, Jr
1943 - June 9th, 2025
Thomas D. Gill, Jr., of West Palm Beach, Florida, beloved husband of Joanne (Jody) S. Gill, passed away on June 9th, 2025. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Judge Thomas D. Gill and Marie T. Gill. Tom was raised in West Hartford and graduated from Kingswood Academy before earning his undergraduate degree from Yale University.
After college, Tom served four years in the United States Navy, volunteering as a swift boat commander on the Mekong River in Vietnam during his final year. Upon returning to the United States, he attended Columbia Law School, then clerked for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He began his legal career with Day, Berry & Howard in Hartford and, in 1982, moved to Boston to open a new office for the firm, where he became managing partner and remained until his retirement.
Throughout his life, Tom was deeply committed to civic and cultural organizations. In Hartford, he served on the boards of the Hartford and Connecticut Architectural Conservancies and as president of the Hartford YMCA. In Boston, he served as a director of the Boston Lyric Opera and Beacon Hill Seminars, and as a trustee of the Boston Athenaeum. He was also a trustee of the Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach, Florida.
An avid sailor, Tom, alongside his wife Jody, cruised and raced across the globe, crossing both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Of all his sailing adventures, he most cherished his time in the waters off Maine near the family’s beloved vacation home on Islesboro.
Tom is survived by his wife, Jody; three stepsons, Peter C. Forkner, Adam H. Forkner, and Benjamin S. Forkner; and three sisters, Kathleen G. Miller, Barbara E. Gill, and Margaret A. Gill.
Timothy Perot Greer
April 16th, 1957 - July 2nd, 2025
Timothy Perot Greer, age 68, of New Canaan, CT passed away peacefully on July 2nd, 2025, in Islesboro, ME, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born on April 16th, 1957, in Seattle, WA to Dr. Alexander and Dorothy Greer.
Tim grew up in Spokane, WA where he attended Saint George’s School. His winters consisted of competitive ski racing around the Pacific Northwest, most notably in Sun Valley, ID. Tim graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from Yale University in 1979 and a Master’s Degree in Architecture from Harvard University Graduate School of Design in 1982, where he was a recipient of The Graham Foundation Scholarship Thesis Award. Tim’s early architectural career included roles at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Gwathmey Siegel, Philip Johnson / John Burgee, and Butler Rogers Basket in New York City, as well as Roger Ferris & Partners in Westport, CT before Tim founded his own firm, T.P. Greer Architects, in New York, NY and New Canaan, CT in 2010.
Tim had a tremendous passion for his work and always said that he never wanted to retire because he truly loved what he did. His projects spanned both
residential and commercial designs in the New York City area, and also included homes, offices, apartments, hotels, and retail stores around the world. Tim donated his architectural services to the clubs he loved, including the Country Club of New Canaan and the Union Club of New York, as well as Christ Church of Dark Harbor, ME.
Tim’s artistic talents also extended to painting. He took great joy in creating (and occasionally selling) beautiful abstract watercolors, particularly on weekend afternoons with his daughter. Tim’s watercolors regularly decorated the walls of his architectural projects over the years.
Outside of architectural and artistic pursuits, Tim was a consummate athlete. He grew up playing squash in Spokane, WA on the court that his father had built on their property. At Yale, Tim played on the varsity squash team. While in college, he ran the New York marathon twice and the Boston marathon (finishing in under 3 hours). In his 20s, Tim summitted all five glaciated peaks in Washington state (most often with his father or brother). Throughout his life, Tim won many different squash tournaments, both singles and doubles, at the Union Club of New York and the Country Club of New Canaan. He frequently played alongside his sons, his brother, or his nephew. Tim was also an avid cyclist and skier, skiing all over the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
In everything that he did, Tim had a cheerful spirit. He had a playful sense of humor, especially with his three children. They will miss his nicknames, his catchphrases, his terrible accents, his “dad-jokes,” and most of all his unwavering sense of optimism and support for their endeavors.
Tim is survived by his mother, Dorothy Greer of Spokane, WA, his wife, Caroline Gillespie Greer of New Canaan, CT and Islesboro, ME, his previous wife, Kathryn “Kim” Matthews of New Canaan, CT and their children, William, Henry, and Anne Greer of New York, NY, his brother, Dr. William (Tracy) Greer of Berwyn, PA, and their children, Logan (Oliver) Embry and Alexander (Meshal) Greer of New York, NY, and his sister, Elizabeth Greer and her children, Robson, Mathew (Monika) and Kate Edwards of Sun Valley, ID. Tim was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Alexander Greer.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 18th, 2025, at 2:00pm at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in New Canaan, CT, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN).
Tim will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
To plant trees in his memory, please visit the Sympathy Store: https://sympathy.legacy.com/en-us/funeral-flowers/productdetails/?type=obituary&p=209372161&pn=timothy-greer&affiliateId=4228&sku=tre-tim&pm=240
David Yeaton Randlett
1933 - July 20th, 2025
David Yeaton Randlett, 81, passed away on November 9th, 2024 at Morton Hospital, in Clearwater, Fla., of a heart attack and kidney failure. Born in Camden in March of 1944, David was the second son of Rawson and Enid Randlett. He is survived by his wife, Toni, and 4 children: Rawson and his wife Robin Randlett, David Jr. and his wife Jerri Randlett, Scott Derome and his wife Monica, and Brian Derome. David has grandchildren: twins Ross and Chaplin, granddaughter, Emerson, Jack and Katie Randlett, and Emerson and Al Derome, as well as several nieces and nephews. He is survived by his older brother Bradford and wife Jan, his only sister Janet and her husband Pete Anderson, of Islesboro, and he is predeceased by his younger brother Warren.
David grew up on Islesboro and graduated from Islesboro Central School. He played the saxophone, performing at school. He was creative, and from a young age he busied himself by starting a number of businesses. As a teenager he worked with his father, who had a painting business on the island. David eventually left Islesboro to pursue work in Boston. There, he founded a commercial painting company. He later moved to Tewksbury, Mass. In the years following, he started a business removing junk cars from the island. Many people recall his ambitious efforts to run the work from Islesboro to Massachusetts. After a few busy years, he opted to relocate to Florida after a friend told him about the busy work environment there. He moved to St Petersburg, Fla. in 1979 and founded a construction company named Penobscot Building and Remodeling, as well as a real estate rental business. He maintained contact with several friends from Islesboro: Captain David Speed, Everade Dodge, Dale Hatch, and Don Durkee, among others. David had a wonderful personality and made people feel at ease. They enjoyed his comic stories. He had genuine interest in the welfare of his family and friends, and he was a devoted and loving husband and father.
He is missed very much by all of us.
David’s remains will be buried at the Maple Grove cemetery on Islesboro at a later time. Advance notice will be given for a celebration of his life, to be arranged on Islesboro.