Deceased July 19, 2020

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In Memory

Skip died on July 19, 2020, of Parkinson’s disease on Martha’s Vineyard, Mass., where he had retired with his wife, Norma (Holmes), in 2015. He was born and raised in Patterson, N.J., but lived in Montclair, N.J., for most of his life. 

He and I met as freshmen on the fourth floor of James, having been assigned adjacent rooms. We remained close throughout our four years at Amherst, although Skip was in DU and I was in Phi Delt. As was the custom at Amherst, we often partied in each other’s house. 

He graduated from Yale Law School, served in the Navy after successfully completing its OCS program, took specialized courses at NYU law school and joined his father in the Paterson, N.J., law firm. In addition, he was chair of the Montclair Planning Board for 19 years and served as scoutmaster of a Boy Scout troop in Montclair. We often would refer clients to each other. I also had the honor and pleasure of working on occasion with his dad. Upon Skip’s retirement, the New Jersey legislature passed a resolution recognizing his service, not only to the legal community but also for his enhancement of community affairs in the area in which he lived. 

Skip and I enjoyed most of our homecomings together with our wonderful wives, Norma and Joan. Skip served as our elected class president and vice president and as an Amherst Fund class agent. He and Norma were avid bird-watchers and hikers. 

Surviving Skip are his wife, Norma; his children, Robin Smith, Stuart Hunziker and Gordon Hunziker; seven grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. His family and friends will fondly remember Skip’s engaging sense of humor and his love of poetry and song.

Gary Holman ’51