Shelburne Falls & West County Independent

08/20/2026

Robert T. "Red" Taylor
HAWLEY – Robert "Red" T. Taylor, age 82, passed away peacefully Aug. 7, 2026.
He was born Jan 17, 1944, the son of Verginia and Theron Taylor, Jr.
He loved his dog, Trapper, and his Sunny Dell Farm. He served in the Army National Guard as a cook, he drove truck for Wirthmore Feeds, he worked at Allstates Asphalt for 44 yrs.
He liked collecting guns, hunting, skiing, motorcycling and snowmobiling.
He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia Holt. He is survived by his brother, Douglas Taylor, and sisters, Janice Griswold, Sharon Taylor, and Kathryn Welles.
A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

08/18/2026

Thelma Ramona James

COLRAIN – Thelma Ramona James, nee Hughes, age 99, passed away on Aug. 10, 2026 at home in Colrain with her youngest daughter and a grand-daughter at her side.

She was born on July 16, 1927 in Urlings Village on the beautiful Caribbean Island of Antigua as the oldest daughter of Dennis Hughes and Henrietta (Prince) Joseph.

Thelma known to her children and many others as “Mothsy," migrated with her youngest children and her husband to St. Thomas, USVI in 1982 and continued to reside there until 5 years ago when she moved to Colrain to live with her youngest daughter.

Thelma was a woman of boundless energy, full of smiles, great humor and a deep love of God. She was always the light in any room she occupied and never failed to encourage those around her. She was often sought out for advice, prayers and good company. She believed that “a joyful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22) and strove to bring joy and laughter to others.

Thelma is mourned by her children: Dalma James, Wilbur James, Cleo Hampson, Myron James, Gerro James, Julie Arter, Cindy Churchill, and her stepson Jessie James and his children; her 18 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and numerous relatives and friends spread across many countries.

She was predeceased by her husband, Lemuel C. M. James; her grandson, Rishaul Nital; and her siblings, Eulynis Joseph, Ashton Joseph, and Lorene Christian.

Celebration service will be held Aug. 22, 2026 at 2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Shelbourne. Repast will follow immediately at Fellowship Hall. Attendees are invited (optional) to wear yellow, green, or floral attire to celebrate her life.

Final funeral services and internment will be held in St. Thomas.

08/17/2026

John M. Crowley

CONWAY — John M. Crowley, 83, of Conway, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026 at the Baptist Hill Road home where he lived for the past 42 years.

Crowley, as he was commonly called, was born in Presque Isle, ME at the US Air Force Hospital on Dec, 1, 1942, the son of Joseph and Patience (Lyon) Crowley. John was the second of their five children. His father, a doctor, spent most of WWII in England, periodically supervising the transport of wounded vets from continental Europe to England then to the U.S. and back.

As they followed their father’s career after the war, Crowley and his four sisters were constantly on the move. First they lived in Brattleboro, VT; then, in the northeastern coal mining region of Martin, KY; next, in South Bend; and last, in Lafayette, IN. Their education was largely in Catholic schools, but included a few notable years home-schooled by nuns. John would go on to attend Indiana University. Upon graduation in 1965, he moved to New York City. There he worked as a photographer’s printer, an editor of the NYC phonebook, and a documentary script writer of films, including several about car racing, although he did not yet drive. Most importantly, he began writing novels.

In the early 1980s, when asked by his partner (and eventual wife), Laurie Block, what his long-term goals were, John replied without hesitation, “to write enough books to fill a long shelf-books that people will read." This was a goal he achieved.

Of his many published works, titles include Little, Big, The Translator, Four Freedoms, and Ka: Dar Oakley in the Ruin of Ymr. His legacy also includes the scripts for more than two dozen documentary films, the most notable being "America Lost & Found" and the "World of Tomorrow."

Crowley also contributed to works about disability history produced in film, radio, and on the web by his wife. These works include "FIT: Episodes in the History of the Body," the "Beyond Affliction" series, and www.disabilitymuseum.org. For several decades, Crowley also taught creative and screen writing at Yale University.

Another important goal was to one day own a house. This would become John's and Laurie’s place of work and residence in Conway, where the decades until his death were happily spent. He also very much wanted children, a decision he embraced wholeheartedly. Hazel and Zander’s presence gave him the greatest joy of his adult life.

John is survived by his wife, his children, his sister Jo, nieces Anne and Rachel, nephews Liam, Peter, Dan, and Nathan, as well as several grand-nieces, grand-nephews and in-laws. All enjoyed his dinner table tales, gentle manner, and good cooking.

He will be missed, but his legacy beyond family remains readily available via interlibrary loan. His books will carry his heart and spirit forward into the future.

If time allowed, John loved to mull a logic puzzle or draw a caricature. In his last years, art and music brought him peace. John will be buried in a private ceremony.

A public memorial will be announced later this fall.

Local arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home. To send condolences, visit kostanskifuneralhome.com.

08/12/2026

Stop by and support the Bridge of Flowers as well as area artists who are donating 50-100% of sales. This year the show includes work by more than 75 participating artists. Friday through Sunday at the Shelburne-Buckland Community Center.

08/11/2026

Herman Herzig

SOUTH DEERFIELD — Herman G. “Sonny” Herzig, Jr., 95, of South Deerfield, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on Jan. 17, 1931, he was the son of the late Herman G. Herzig, Sr. and Raigh M. (Caron) Herzig.

Sonny was raised in Colrain, where he attended local schools and began working at Dennison’s Lumber Mill after school at a young age, learning the value of hard work early in life.

After leaving school, Sonny proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving for three years, and one year as an ammunition supplier. Following his military service, he worked at Wells Tool and later became a boiler operator for Kendall Mills in Colrain, where he remained for many years.

Sonny was predeceased by his beloved wife, Carol B. (Brothers) Herzig, who passed away on May 8, 2019. Together they shared a life filled with adventure and companionship. They especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, motorcycling, riding ATVs and snowmobiles on Catamount, and spending time outdoors. In retirement, Sonny and Carol spent 20 winters in Winter Haven, FL. Sonny enjoyed golfing there, although family members often joked he played mostly to make Carol happy.

A man of many interests, Sonny had a special fondness for old Model T automobiles and proudly owned one for a time. He loved working on old car engines and lawnmowers and was a familiar face at local car shows. His mechanical skills, quiet humor, and willingness to lend a hand will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

He was also predeceased by his brother, Edward Herzig, and his sister, Judy (Herzig) Tetreault. Sonny is survived by his sister, Betty Ann (Herzig) Cormier of Virginia; his daughters, Susan C. (Herzig) James and Karen R. Herzig, both of South Deerfield; and his cherished grandchildren, Ronda (Churchill) Goshea and her husband, Chris Baranowski, of South Deerfield, Brandon Lively of Greenfield, and Judy Lowry of Turners Falls. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Miranda (Noyes) Saladino and her husband, Joseph Saladino, of Whately, Deven Goshea and his wife, Rocio Campos, of Orange, Nicholas, Jayson and Johnathan Scribner of Greenfield; and step-great-grandchildren, Cody, Connor and Cali Grace Baranowski; as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Sonny’s family will remember him as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, proud veteran, skilled mechanic, and a man who found joy in simple pleasures and time spent with those he loved. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no calling hours.

A graveside service with military honors will take place Saturday, Sept. 19 at 11 a.m., at West Branch Cemetery, Colrain.

08/07/2026

Anita M. Wall

SHELBURNE — Anita M. Wall, 88, formerly of Dragon Hill, Shelburne, died July 23, 2026 at the Legacy House of Centennial Hill in Las Vegas, NV.

She was born in Chicopee on Nov. 15, 1937, the daughter of Lillian (Petkus) and Rene Moineau. She was a graduate of Chicopee High School.

Anita married James K. Wall and enjoyed 56 years of a loving marriage. Together they owned and operated The Outpost on the Mohawk Trail. She enjoyed being active in the Mohawk Trail Association.

She was predeceased by her husband, James; sister, Bunny Frances; and her daughter-in-law, Bonnie (Thompson) Wall.

She will be missed by her daughter, Deborah; her partner, Arthur Connelly; her sons, Lawrence, Steven, and his wife, Melinda Connors; grandchildren, Eric and Kelsey, and two great-grandchildren.

She also leaves brothers, Rene, Donald, Robert and Anthony, along with several nieces and nephews.

A memorial graveside service will be held by the family at the East Shelburne Cemetery at a future date.

08/07/2026

Update: 2D8T (two districts, eight towns) sustainability project

BUCKLAND — Throughout the summer, the Mohawk Trail–Hawlemont Sustainability Initiative has maintained steady momentum, with significant progress occurring across several key areas.
On July 1, the Mohawk Trail and Hawlemont regional school districts formally launched their partnership with the Mass. School Building Authority (MSBA) about the creation of appropriate elementary space at Mohawk Trail Regional School.
As part of the initial “eligibility” phase of the process, the districts will form a building committee composed of building professionals, local officials, representatives of the districts, and other stakeholders.
The Committee will work closely with the MSBA as the process proceeds.
The work of the Educational Visioning Advisory Group is virtually complete and a draft vision for what education in a consolidated district could look like was presented to the project Steering
Committee in July.
Visioning work began early in 2026 and has included
focus groups, interviews, an educator survey, and an all-day “visioning” event that gathered the ideas and perspectives of community members, educators, and caregivers.
"The work is not done," says School Committee Chair Martha Thurber. "Input from stakeholders will continue to shape and sharpen the vision in the coming months."
Additional community outreach will ramp up in Aug./Sept. and will include community meetings/information sessions and meetings to update Selectboards.
For project updates, reports, resources, and meeting dates, visit
http://2districts8towns.org.

08/01/2026

Hurrah for Davenport’s!

We were pleased to nominate Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School for the ExxonMobil educational Alliance Grant to be used for math and science programs. Thank you vice principal Joseph Moynihan for taking the time to accept it.

08/01/2026

Stephen Daniel Morganelli
Jan 10, 1951 — Jul 26, 2026

Stephen D. Morganelli, 75, of Venice, Florida, passed away peacefully in his sleep after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Stephen was the beloved son of the late Samuel D. Morganelli and Jennie (Nicolini) Morganelli. He was raised in Canton, Massachusetts, where he attended Canton Public Schools and graduated from Canton High School in 1968. He went on to earn a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, beginning a lifelong vocation dedicated to teaching and inspiring young people.

Following college, Stephen settled in Deerfield, Massachusetts, and began his teaching career at Mohawk Trail Regional High School in Shelburne Falls, MA. He later taught at the Academy at Charlemont in Charlemont, MA, before moving to Caledon, Ontario, Canada, where he served as a religious education teacher at the St. Francis Center. Stephen eventually made Venice, Florida, his home, where he continued teaching science and math at Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School until his retirement.

Teaching was never simply a profession for Stephen—it was his calling. He devoted himself wholeheartedly to his students and their families, organizing school events, leading fundraising efforts, and creating unforgettable experiences, including Disney trips that became cherished memories for countless students. His classroom extended far beyond four walls, and the relationships he built with students and their families lasted a lifetime. His kindness, patience, and unwavering encouragement touched generations of lives, leaving a legacy that will continue through all those he inspired.

Stephen also treasured his family and friends. He had an adventurous spirit and a love of travel, and he especially looked forward to spending summers on Cape Cod, where time with loved ones created memories that will be cherished forever. He was the family historian as he had a love of sharing stories and retelling vivid memories of the past. His generous heart, thoughtful nature, gentle sense of humor, and genuine compassion made everyone around him feel welcomed and valued.

Stephen is survived by his loving mother, Jennie Morganelli of Venice, Florida; his brothers, Alan Morganelli of Venice, Florida, Ronald Morganelli and his wife, Joanna, of Hanover, Massachusetts, and Richard Morganelli and his wife, Diane, of Stoughton, Massachusetts; and his sister, Carol Kelly and her husband, Thomas, of Raynham, Massachusetts. He also leaves behind several nieces and a nephew, along with many great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom will miss him dearly.

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Wednesday, August 5, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Farley Funeral Home, 265 Nokomis Avenue, Venice, Florida. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 6, at 11:00 a.m. at Epiphany Cathedral, 310 Sarasota Street, Venice, Florida. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation https://www.npcf.us/donate/

Stephen's life was defined not by the years he lived, but by the countless lives he touched with his compassion, generosity, and unwavering dedication to others. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, former students, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Use a credit card to donate now directly to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation to support the fight against pancreatic cancer.

07/30/2026

Joseph M. Scelsi

ASHFIELD – Joseph Maria Scelsi passed away in his family’s arms at his home in Ashfield on July 15, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born on July 13, 1961 in Pittsfield, Joe was the only child of Anthony D. Scelsi and Carmella (Polcaro) Scelsi, who both predeceased him.

He attended Pittsfield schools in early years and later graduated from UMass/Amherst with an undergraduate degree in business and an MBA from the Eisenberg school.

To all that knew or met Joe, it was apparent how even-tempered, kind, and sincere a person he truly was. He was always accepting of people and a man who never spoke poorly of anyone. Joe was ever-caring to his family and a fair, considerate coworker to those he collaborated with and managed in various roles over 40 years.

Joe started his working career as a young teenager apprenticing in his parent’s self-made business, the C. Scelsi’s Berkshire Bakery. In this busy, loving atmosphere Joe cultivated his craft of baking and developed his passionate work ethic, paving his way into managing bakeries for Price Chopper Supermarkets in Amherst and Pittsfield in subsequent years.

Upon completing his MBA, he held positions in finance, working for Berkshire Life and later as finance director for the Words & Pictures Museum. Words & Pictures was a nonprofit, graphic art gallery and educational facility curated and owned by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle co-creator Kevin Eastman in downtown Northampton. This position at the comic museum introduced him to the world of sequential art, for which he developed a lifelong appreciation, leading his son, Tony, along the journey with him.

During Joe’s final decade of employment and prior to developing early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, he worked as the general manager of the Berkshire Mall, then as operations manager for the Lee Prime Outlets.

Joe is survived by his wife of 44 years, Karin Abderhalden and his son, Anthony Scelsi, and wife, Jennifer (Pride) Scelsi, and their daughter, Jolene (Jo), of Greenfield. Additionally, he leaves his brother-in-law, William R Abderhalden, II, of Lee and several nephews, niece, and cousins.

All are welcome to attend a vigil service on Tuesday, Aug. 4 with calling hours from 9-10:30 a.m. at Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral Home, 5 Elm St., Pittsfield, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Community, 489 Main St., Dalton, with burial following in the family plot at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Pittsfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Highland Ambulance EMS, 12 Williams Dr., Goshen, MA 01032 or in Joe’s memory to Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice, PO Box 329, Northampton, MA 01061-0329.

To add to the Book of Memories, visit flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.