The Reverend Donald Howard Peet, 93, of Westerly, R.I., formerly of Sandisfield, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Born in Waterbury, Conn., on January 12, 1932, he was the son of the late Howard and Hazel Peet.

Dad met Charlene, the love of his life, at the University of Connecticut in 1951, during a lively off-campus beer bash, an ironic setting for two devoted teetotalers. That chance encounter sparked a remarkable 75-year love story, and a partnership rooted in service, quietly touching the lives of countless individuals over three-quarters of a century.

Raised in Naugatuck, Conn., he pursued his passion for wildlife conservation at UConn, earning a bachelor's degree in 1953. After serving two years in the Army during the Korean War as a lieutenant ordnance officer, he followed his calling to the Virginia Theological Seminary, graduating in 1958. He was ordained a Deacon that year and as an Episcopal priest in 1959.

Dad dedicated his life to ministry in Connecticut, serving as Vicar at St. Paul's in Plainfield for six years, then as Rector at St. Andrew's Church in Milford for 15 years. He concluded his decades of devoted service as Rector of St. John's Church in East Windsor, where he led the congregation for 17 years before retiring in 1997.

He leaves his wife of seventy-one years, Charlene, and sons. Chris, Stephen, and John, and their wives, Susan, Roberta, and Erika, respectively, as well as cherished eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. His legacy lives on in the love and memories shared by all who were fortunate to call him family.

The Peets loved camping here. They bought property in 1966 and lived in their house on South Beech Plain Road from 1997 until recently. Don enjoyed fishing. He often spoke of the joys of fishing especially with his "Peet Boys" along the Clam River. Rev. Peet was associated with the St. James Church in Great Barrington for many years. In Sandisfield, Don and Charlene were inseparable, had many friends, and were highly esteemed. Don, who was interested in town history and supported historical events and organizations, was a member of the Sandisfield Historical Commission in the early-2010s.

Russell W. Loring, 83, of Otis, died Saturday April 5, 2025, at Fairview Hospital, Great Barrington.

Russ was born at the family home in Tyringham on July 18, 1941, the son of Charles and Beatrice Rowley Loring. He was the fourth of seven children.

Russ graduated from Lee High School and worked several local jobs before enlisting in the U.S. Army where he served two years in Germany. Upon returning from the service, he worked for the Massachusetts Turnpike where he stayed for 33 years. On July 4, 1980, he married his soulmate, the former Margaret Bond. Together they loved life, traveling, stock car racing, country music, entertaining, their animals and most of all, each other.

Russ was also well known in Sandisfield circles where he had family members and life-long associations including as a congregant of the New Boston Congregational Church for many years.

Besides his wife, Margaret, Russ is survived by a brother, Joe Loring and his wife, Evelyn and a sister, Rosa Alward. He is predeceased by his siblings: "Baby sister," Jim, Tunk and Ben, and a brother-in-law, Walt.

Friends wishing to do so may make donations to the Otis Rescue Squad in c/o the Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main Street, Lee, MA 01238.