John Thomas Gray

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John Thomas Gray, age 100, of Trumbull, CT peacefully passed away November 5, 2025, at his residence at Middlebrook Farms surrounded by family. A member of The Greatest Generation, he was born on September 23, 1925, in New York City, NY to the late William Alexander Gray and Mildred (Holden) Gray. He graduated from Pelham Memorial High School in 1942. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served during WWII from 1943 to 1946 and was an Ensign aboard the USS Defense in the Pacific Theatre. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1947. He loved “The Big Green” and was proud to be the first of three generations of graduates.  He married Doris Moore Gray at Huguenot Memorial Church in Pelham Manor, NY and they were together for 70 years prior to her passing in January 2025.

            John worked in marketing and advertising for Booz Allen Hamilton, BBDO New York, Best Foods, the Guild Bascom Bonfigli agency in San Francisco, Ralston Purina in St Louis, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Mama Mary’s Pizza. John was a former Elder and Sunday school teacher at Huguenot Memorial Church. He was also a member of Mattapoisett Congregational Church in Mattapoisett, MA, and former member of Toastmasters International.

            John was an avid golfer and enjoyed sailing, writing poetry, reading, playing Bridge, sudoku and other games. He also loved to sing and dance, and played harmonica and piano. He most enjoyed spending time with his family. His pride and joy were his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and pets.

            In addition to his parents and wife he was predeceased by daughter Susan Leslie Gray Cmejla, her grandson Craig S. Lancaster, his three brothers Duncan Gray and wife Jean (Campbell) Gray, William Gray and wife Joan (Blanchard) Gray and James Graham Gray and wife Joan (Fitzpatrick) Gray.

            Survivors include his devoted children William Alexander Gray (Lynnette Cubeta Gray), Linda Gray Connolly (Jay Connolly), Karen H. Gray (Tracy Djerf), his  brother-in-law Harvey M. Moore, Jr.(Vicki Moore), loving  grandchildren, William, John and Lauren Gray, Kelsey Connolly Crawford (Ben Crawford), Ian William Connolly, Keith Lancaster ,Jenny Cmejla Herbst (Gregg Herbst) and Jeff Cmejla, his cherished great grandchildren Charlotte and Jack Crawford, and Caylin and Ashlyn Herbst, numerous nieces and nephews and his cat Penny and granddogs Lincoln and Silas.

            There will be a celebration of life and military service for John on Saturday, November 15 at 11:00 am at Mattapoisett Congregational Church, 27 Church Street Mattapoisett, MA 02739. Interment will take place at a later date at Huguenot Memorial Church, 901 Pelhamdale Ave. Pelham Manor, NY.

            Memorial contributions may be made to Moby Kit Rescue (Mobykitrescue.org) or Mattapoisett Congregational Church.

            Arrangements in care of the Cyril F. Mullins Funeral Home, 399 White Plains Rd. Trumbull, CT. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit mullinsfh.com

November Reflections

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            November deserves the last flourishes of fall. Too many people go directly into Christmas from Halloween as though guided by commercialism.

            Not me. “The trail doesn’t end here,” I tell myself. Yet some folks will skitter away, their energy flagging, their enthusiasm waning, their journey complete. November is upon us and so is the choice: to chill or not to chill.

            Many have a tendency to turn inward. People begin to burrow, persuaded by the fading daylight and cooler temperatures. No doubt these nesting instincts are a reflection of nature as the animal kingdom recedes and the plant world winds down.

            Yet there are those of us who would still like to venture out and be a part of this fabulous season. As I set out on my bike ride Saturday, I took in many similar-minded people; walking, cycling, even skateboarding. The life around me continues as before. The neighbor’s children are heard in some outdoor game, and over the other side, my neighbor Jim is still tending his glorious gardens, just as energetically as he did in June; digging, potting, tending – making it look so easy and so worthwhile.

            Of course, I can’t pretend it’s June, though one can have moments that are summery in the fall, depending on the day’s disposition. Sunday was one such – spent sailing Buzzards Bay – like reenacting July… the sun kept us warm, apart from when the sails momentarily blocked it out. We returned home to the warmth of a blazing fire pit – a creature comfort that we will rely on through winter.

            The inescapable inwardness will eventually happen – whether huddled in your eiderdown or outside in the bracing air. Fall invites reflection, even on a warm day. Personally, I prefer to experience it out in the fresh air – taking the wicked with the gentle. Fall is a season of textures and every one of them rekindles a memory…

            The leaves underfoot take us back to those that we waded through in the schoolyard. It’s a familiar pattern ingrained in us, magnified by their acrid, decaying scent. The noisy rustle they made as we raked them up high and jumped in is readily retrievable. Because we were children once, we dared touch everything and that left an impression that can still be tapped.

            Aromatic pine needles and cones that blanketed the front yard are associated with pumpkin carving, as this is where my children and I set up shop, carving our jack-o-lanterns every year, often having to blow on our hands to keep them warm. In fact, the smooth flesh of the pumpkin makes an interesting counterpoint to the delicate resiny needles… in a weird way, they were meant to be together.

            On the banks of ponds, the milkweed pods are bursting open to reveal their fluffy, silky, seedy floss that we used to scatter, then would watch it in fascination, floating through the air, unwittingly planting more in the process.

            The tactile forces of nature abound: The velvety cattails out in the marshes, the showy seed heads of various ornamental grasses and the ubiquitous goldenrod – now rather scrappy looking – which seems to have a reverse pointillism – the flowers become more defined as you get up close. Just think, these plants are the very descendants of our childhood landscape! We might not have known what they were called, but we took the time to notice them, to hold or pick them, as they were part of our dominion.

            Even if we follow a hand’s off approach, fall’s motherlode of sensory details enlivens us. The muted colors of once vibrant asters and ferns indicate their expiration date, while the tangled shoots of untended roses resemble fiendish tentacles from a children’s fairy tale. And hark, the sibilance of leaves coupled with the groan of a tree limb further animate the scene. You can be totally alone out on the trail and still feel the company of nature. Fall doesn’t fade meekly away. Nor do I want it to.

            I will continue to light the jack-o-lanterns for a few more nights and find a purpose to pursue out in the garden. That is something I never lack.

            “Like the fruits, when cooler weather and frosts arrived, and we shifted from the shady to the sunny side of the house and sat there in an extra coat for warmth – we too were braced and ripened.” – Henry David Thoreau

The Seaside Gardener

By Laura McLean

William’s Fund

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To the Editor;

            A neighbor-to-neighbor appeal for Tri-Town students.

            My name is Sheilah Sullivan. I’ve lived in Marion for 32 years, raised my children here and had the outstanding experience of teaching at Old Rochester Regional High School for 25 years. Working together with students – and sometimes with their families – in the community I live in was a privilege.

            Over the years, I saw how often a student’s biggest challenge wasn’t in the classroom, but at home: when the oil tank ran low, when a parent lost work, or when a child needed new glasses their family couldn’t afford. Those needs, when unmet, make it hard for any student to thrive.

            In 2010, my family and I started William’s Fund, named after my father, to quietly and quickly help students and families in moments of crisis. Growing up on the Cape in the sixties, I learned that neighbors look out for each other – and that small kindnesses matter most when times are hard.

            William’s Fund is a 501c3 nonprofit that provides assistance for hardships that arise unexpectedly and impact a student’s well-being – oil deliveries and utility bills, gift cards for groceries and clothing, eyeglasses, school supplies, and bedding for emergency camping or short-term housing, are examples.

            In the last two years we have distributed almost $42,000 in emergency assistance. This year, we expect needs to rise.

            Confidential referrals for assistance are made by the school social workers. The district does not benefit financially in any way.

            If you’re able, please consider a tax-deductible donation to help our local students stay safe, warm, and ready to learn.

            You can donate online through our secure website (www.orrwilliamsfund.org) or by check to William’s Fund, Inc., c/o Sheilah Sullivan, 39 Lewis Street, Marion, MA 02738.

            A letter with necessary information for tax-deductible donations will be provided.

            Thank you for helping us continue what this community does best – taking care of one another.

            If your employer matches gifts, I’d encourage you to submit your donation for a match to stretch your impact. To learn more or ask questions, email me at shesullivan@gmail.com (subject: William’s Fund).

            With gratitude,

            Sheilah Sullivan

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence. All letters must be typed and submitted directly to: news@wanderer.com.

ORR Unified vs. Tri-Town Police Basketball Fundraiser

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Save the date. Join us for the Annual ORR Unified vs. Tri-Town Police Basketball Fundraiser on Tuesday, November 18 at 6:00 pm. ORRHS Gym, tip-off is at 6pm Cost is $10 for Adults, $5 for students. There will be a concession stand and raffle for Celtics ticket. All proceeds benefit Unified Sports.

Rochester Land Trust

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The Rochester Land Trust will hold its Annual Meeting at Red Barn Farm on Sunday November 9 at 11:00 am. The Farm is located at 157 Vaughan Hill Road in Rochester.

            We will conduct our usual business meeting and then introduce two very special guests: Mark Rasmussen, President of the Buzzards Bay Coalition (BBC), and Gary Garretson, owner of the Slocum-Gibbs Cranberry Company, who recently sold his sprawling 1652 acre operation, much of it in Rochester, to BBC. Both Mark and Gary are passionate, engaging speakers who are amazing stewards of the natural landscape in Rochester and the surrounding region. Coffee and Cervelli Farms cider donuts will be served. All are welcome to attend. You won’t want to miss it.

            For those who are interested, we will first host a walk on the property and surrounding lands, over 200 acres, all under permanent conservation. The walk starts at 10:00 am and will last under an hour.

            For more information, call Wendy at 774-454-4418.

November Food Drive at Mattapoisett Library

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Give Back and Clear Your Fines. Through November 30, the Mattapoisett Free Public Library is partnering with the student Community Service Club of Old Rochester Regional High School to collect donations for a local food pantry.

            For each non-perishable, non-expired item donated and brought to the library, the library will waive $1.00 in overdue fines (up to the total amount owed). Suggested donations include canned and boxed food, diapers, baby formula, pet food, toiletries, and paper goods. Donations must be non-expired and unopened. In addition, donations apply only to overdue fines and not to fax, copy, print, or lost/damaged item fees.

            We can partner to support local families this holiday season. Every can, box, and bottle helps.

            For more information, please visit us at 7 Barstow Street, browse our website at www.mattapoisettlibrary.org or call the library at 508-758-4171.

Notice to Veterans

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On November 11 the students at Rochester Christian Learning Center will honor veterans at 9:00 am, in the fellowship hall at First Congregational Church of Rochester, located in the center of Rochester. Please join the students who will be serving coffee and donuts to the veterans as one of their community service projects. Please RSVP by calling 774-395-1013 so a headcount can be estimated.

Marion Witches Cast Halloween Spells

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            On Halloween, just as the sun began to dip towards the horizon, it seemed the entire town came to show off their outfits for the Marion Art Center’s Annual Halloween Parade. The MAC’s very own volunteer witches guided the parade, which departed from the Marion Music Hall and hiked down Main Street, up Spring Street, and back down Cottage Street to the Music Hall finale.

            Even with the wind and clouds (maybe that added to the spooky atmosphere), there was a huge turnout. Leading the parade was the Sippican School drummers, helmed by band teacher Hannah Moore. Included in the drummer line, there was even a humongous dinosaur on the bass! The MAC witches followed just behind, pointy hats, magic, and all.

            Sippican School teachers and staff stood outside the school at the parade’s halfway-point, handing out candies and other goodies. When the parade column arrived back at the Music Hall, they were rewarded with treat bags conjured by the magical powers of the MAC witches!

            It was a fantastic intro to Halloween, with kids departing on their way to trick-or-treat just after, already wired up with some candy.

Marion Art Center Halloween Parade

By Sam Bishop

Disagreement Delays Appointment

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            Weeks of delays in achieving quorums necessary to hold a joint meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board and Mattapoisett Board of Health ended when, on October 30, the boards came together. They met to ostensively make a final decision on who would temporarily fill the vacant seat on the Board of Health. A seat became vacant when Alexandra Nicolosi was compelled to resign due to her relocation to another town.

            As has been the custom, when an elected seat of this board is vacated, the Select Board makes a temporary appointment after conferring with the remaining members of the Board of Health and accepting letters of interest from the public.

            When the boards attempted to meet, the Board of Health failed to produce a quorum. There was some discussion about Douglas Schneider and Kathleen Eckland, the two residents who had expressed written interest in temporarily filling the seat.

            Long-time Board of Health member and Chairman Carmello Nicolosi declined voting on a replacement and instead said, “take it to the ballot.” He said he wanted to have the slot voted on rather than a temporary appointment being made.

            Board of Health member Michelle Bernier wanted to discuss the choices, but Select Board Chairman Tyler McAllister said that was not the point of the meeting; that discussion had previously taken place, and they were moving on to pick between Eckland and Schneider. Bernier said that discussion had not taken place. But with Nicolosi declining to vote, opting instead to put it on a ballot, an impasse ensued.

            In a follow-up with Town Administrator Mike Lorenco, he said that the Select Board could call for a special election, but that no decision had been made.

Mattapoisett Select Board

Mattapoisett Board of Health

By Marilou Newell

Autumn Walk with MLT and Queer Hikes at Brandt Island Cove

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Join Mattapoisett Land Trust and Queer Hikes on Saturday November 8 at 10:00 am for a casual walk on MLT’s Brandt Island Cove District trails. Wander the woodland trail south along the saltmarsh, stopping at the observation platform to see if there are any osprey or tree swallows still around. The walk will continue to the southern tip of the woods where the view opens up to Hammond and Brandt Island Coves and out into Buzzards Bay.

            The group will meet at the Anchorage Way kiosk on the corner of Anchorage Way and Tara Road. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and dress warmly – walking by the saltmarsh can be cold and windy. Please reach out to manager@mattlandtrust.org with any questions.