In Memoriam | Fitchburg State University

Laura A. Bayless former Vice President of Student Affairs, passed away on July 4, 2026 after a fierce battle with glioblastoma. Joining Fitchburg State in 2017, Laura’s legacy is defined by her tireless dedication to the mission of this institution and the students we serve. She knew student success was measured not just in grades, but in the diverse opportunities of a thriving community where every member felt seen, heard, and valued. Laura built a remarkable career upon that foundation, and that work will endure. Read her obituary to learn more about Laura's remarkable life.

Jean Susan Kressy former Nursing faculty for nearly 50 years, on March 14, 2026. Donations in her memory may be made to Jean Kressy Nursing Scholarship at fitchburgstate.edu/GIVE (select "other" for the fund and indicate "Jean Kressy Scholarship" in the comment box). Read an obituary for Ms. Kressy.

Zachary W. Miner former faculty, of Lunenburg, on June 10, 2026. He taught a variety of courses in sociology and criminology. Dr. Miner was a highly-regarded member of our Behavioral Sciences faculty, where he taught a variety of courses in sociology and criminology. He was also an accomplished researcher, with published works exploring topics like police training, stigma, and firearms culture. Beyond his teaching and research interests, Dr. Miner served for several years as co-chair of our Undergraduate Research Conference, helping to create and present signature showcases of student work. Read an obituary for Dr. Miner.

Adam J. Keyes '04 of Auburn, on May 23, 2026. Adam received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Fitchburg State. While here, he served in the Student Government Association (SGA), becoming the student representative to the Board of Trustees and was a student-athlete, playing football for the Falcons. He went on to earn a Master of Public Administration from the University of New Haven. At the time of his passing, Adam was pursuing his Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies at Marshall University, further exemplifying his lifelong dedication to academic growth. Adam spent over 20 years in higher education focusing on the people behind the processes. He was a leader who believed in building collaborative teams and translating institutional goals into real-world support for the students he served. Most recently, Adam served as the Director of Educational Affairs at UMass Chan Medical School, acting as a senior strategic partner and a steady hand in guiding admissions, financial aid, and student services. Prior to this, he brought his compassionate leadership to Dean College as Vice President for Student Success & Campus Life, where he served on the executive cabinet and worked to expand student access and support. Read an obituary for Mr. Keyes.

Faculty and Staff

Linda M. (Carney) Dupell '00 of N. Fort Myers, Fla. on March 3, 2026. She served for many years at Registrar at Fitchburg State University. Read an obituary for Ms. Dupell.

Roy Hall, III former staff, of Lunenburg, on May 25, 2026. Read an obituary for Mr. Hall.

1940s

William E. Locke '49

of Reading, North Reading and most recently Brooksby Village in Peabody, on February 22, 2026. Read an obituary for Mr. Locke.

Mary (Jennison) Smith '49

of Sandy Springs, GA, and Rocky Hill, CT, on March 1, 2026. Read an obituary for Ms. Smith.

1950s

James J. Connolly, Jr. '57

of Englewood, FL, on March 28, 2026. Read an obituary for Mr. Connolly.

Jeannette A. Roberge '50

of Leominster, on May 25, 2026. Read an obituary for Ms. Roberge.

Kenneth G. Skinner '50

of Concord, formerly of Bedford, on July 5, 2026. Read an obituary for Mr. Skinner

Frederick Knowlton Utley III, Dr. '59

of Belchertown, on March 6, 2026. Read an obituary of Dr. Utley.

Harry Zeroogian '59

of Avon, CT, on June 14, 2026. Read an obituary for Mr. Zeroogian.

1960s

Philip C. Barth '69, '75

of Waterford, CT, on April 10, 2026. Read an obituary for Mr. Barth.

Louis "Lou" Cormier '60

of Cape Cod and formerly of Fairfield, CT, on April 10, 2026. Read an obituary for Mr. Cormier.

John M. Delaney '61

of Townsend, on March 12, 2026. Read an obituary for Mr. Delaney.

Marie (Kelly) Jacques '62, '78

of Templeton, on June 1, 2026. Read an obituary for Ms. Jacques.

Beverly A. (Johnson) Lareau '61, '91

of Gastonia, NC, on February 15, 2026. Read an obituary for Ms. Lareau.

Barbara A. (Mallet) Rushford '62

of Athol, on July 2, 2026. Read an obituary for Ms. Rushford.

Roger Stevens '66

of West Springfield, on June 10, 2026. Read an obituary for Mr. Stevens.

1970s

Pauline J. Beliveau '70

of Leominster, on February 26, 2026. Read an obituary for Ms. Belliveau.

Cynthia "Cindy" (Drummond) Choate '76

of Exeter, NH, on February 16, 2026. Read an obituary for Ms. Choate.

Kevin E. Connolly '76, '82

of Dunstable, on June 28, 2026. Read an obituary for Mr. Connolly.

Richard T. Courtney '73

of Truro, on March 1, 2026. Read an obituary for Mr. Courtney.

Donald DePiero '75

of Peabody, formerly of Beverly, on March 4, 2026. Read an obituary for Mr. DePiero.

Eric T. Groves '78

of Dracut, on April 24, 2026. Read an obituary for Mr. Groves.

Michael S. Hamilton '79

of Bedford, NH, on June 15, 2026. Read an obituary for Mr. Hamilton.

James "Jim" S. Haynes '71

of Monson, on June 10, 2026. Read an obituary for Mr. Haynes.

Susan "Sue" R. Hirsh '79

of Sunrise, FL, on May 27, 2026. Read an obituary for Ms. Hirsh.

Edward G. McCarthy '70

of Clinton, on July 1, 2026. Read an obituary for Mr. McCarthy.

James "Jim" R. Riel '73

of Westford, on April 28, 2026. Read an obituary for Mr. Riel.

Cornelius "Neil" P. Rogers, Sr. '73

of Weymouth, and formerly of Shrewsbury and Whitinsville, on June 26, 2026. Read an obituary for Mr. Rogers.