 |
February 2007
Minuteman Band Family Loses Alumnus
and Father
 It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of alumnus and parent, John (Doug) DeFuria '71.
He grew up in Cambridge and was a graduate of Cambridge High and Latin School. He received a B.A. in Political Science from UMass Amherst and an M.A. in International Relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
Doug was the owner/operator of Doug’s Plantcraft in Medford and Mountain View Farm in Gardner. He was an exhibitor and a winner of numerous awards at the Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s Spring Flower Show.
Doug loved nature, whether it was growing plants, landscaping, designing goldfish ponds or raising small farm animals. He will be remembered as a devoted and loving father to his sons, Jay and Josh, who were the joy of his life and a source of constant pride. His friends and family will remember him for his wit, his love and appreciation of life's small gifts and pleasures.
He was an avid supporter of the Minuteman Marching Band; his son, Jay, UMass Amherst '10, is a member and plays tenor Sax.
One of the Doug's last wishes was that those wishing to remember him, donate to the Minuteman Marching Band Building Fund.
Calling hours will be Thursday, February 21 from 3-5 p.m. at Fletcher-Hebert Funeral Home, 105 Central Street, Gardner, MA (www.fletcherfuneral.com).
|
|
Former UMass President John W. Lederle dies
John W. Lederle, 94, of Naples, Fla., who served as president of the University of Massachusetts from 1960-70, a period of time that saw unprecedented growth both on the Amherst campus and within the University system, died Feb. 13 at Naples Community Hospital of heart failure.
President Lederle, a longtime fan of the Minuteman Band, brought Dr. John Jenkins to UMass. Dr. Jenkins is still closely involved with band activities.
More...
|
|
