Dr. Julia Hendrix Miwa, age 62, of Wellesley, MA, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025, after a year-long battle with a rare epithelioid sarcoma cancer. Born January 24, 1963, she grew up in Teaneck, New Jersey and went on to lead an extraordinary life defined
by enduring curiosity, deep engagement with family and community, and remarkable generosity toward others.

Julia, the fourth of six children, was born in Bethesda, Maryland to Ellis and Jean Hendrix. She graduated from Teaneck High School, actively participating in a variety of extracurricular activities, including track and field, swimming, and the marching band. Her love of science led her to major in Chemistry at Haverford College, where she excelled both academically and athletically. She helped build the nascent Haverford Women’s Swimming Team and eventually became the starting goalkeeper for the college’s Women’s Lacrosse Team. Upon graduation, she returned to Teaneck and taught Chemistry and Physics at her high school alma mater for two years and inspired the next generation of students before pursuing graduate studies in Chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

At MIT, Julia joined the Lansbury lab, where she successfully synthesized the complex amyloid protein implicated in Alzheimer’s disease and earned her PhD. She was an avid cyclist, completing century rides to Lake Winnipesaukee and Provincetown. She combined her swimming and lacrosse skills with weightlifting to become a formidable water polo goalkeeper.

With an eye towards teaching at the collegiate level, Julia accepted a post-doctoral research position in the Bartlett Group at UC Berkeley. There, she expanded her research on protein folding and long-chain amino acid synthesis. Living in the Bay Area, she embraced new activities such as rock climbing and grass doubles volleyball. Two years into her post-doc, she applied for and was awarded a tenure-track teaching opportunity at Wellesley College. This undergraduate-only institution was her dream job: teaching advanced chemistry topics to exceptional students in small classrooms through lectures, labs, and research projects. Julia’s engaging and enthusiastic teaching style quickly earned her recognition among students and faculty, including the prestigious Pinansky Prize for Outstanding Teaching.

Over more than three decades at Wellesley College, she explored innovative instructional approaches, with a focus on making her notoriously challenging organic chemistry subject material more intuitive and accessible. One of her most significant pedagogical contributions
was the creation of a tutorial-style, chemistry-centric, quantitative skills track, designed to help students from underserved high schools strengthen their math abilities without delaying their academic progress. Longitudinal studies determined that her students subsequently
matched the performance of their more highly prepared peers, and succeeded equally in STEM majors. Her augmented-track teaching approach has since been adopted by other departments, such as Economics and Physics, opening more doors for disadvantaged students.

Julia’s impact extended beyond the classroom through her tireless mentoring. Students credit her with influencing their career choices in medicine, public service, research, and teaching. Most significantly, she supported her students as whole individuals, regularly attending their theatrical performances, choral concerts, and athletic competitions, enthusiastically present as a “fan in the stands” who understood there was more to life than problem sets.

In her personal life, Julia was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She was an adventurous traveler, versatile athlete and coach, creative “dance mom,” and someone known for her generosity, patience, humor, and unwavering support. As a first-generation college graduate, she took pride in seeing both her daughters complete their own degrees. She served on the Wellesley Community Children’s Center Board and ran the 2023 Boston Marathon to raise funds for the center. She volunteered with the Wellesley ABC program and dedicated countless hours to Wellesley POPS, creating and altering costumes for high-school theater and chorus productions.

Julia is survived by her husband Brett Miwa; daughters Elise (married to Alex Guenette) and Cordelia; her mother Jean Case Hendrix; siblings Kathleen Schimmoller, Susan Hendrix, Mary Occhipinti, and John Hendrix; a large and loving extended family; and cherished pets Miller and Ramona.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Julia Miwa on January 24, 2026 at 1PM in the Wellesley College Houghton Chapel. Not coincidentally, that date would have been her 63rd birthday, chosen so all can commemorate the blessing that was her coming into our world. Inspired by her undergraduate experience at Haverford College, the event will draw upon the format of a Quaker Meeting, beginning with an extended period of silence for personal reflection, and followed by opportunities for some who knew her to share brief comments for others to contemplate in turn.  A reception will follow the celebration.

For anyone who would like to attend this event virtually at that time, there will also be a live zoom option at this link

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to support future chemistry students at Wellesley College using the designation “Julia Miwa Chemistry Department Fund” at wellesley.edu/give

If you’d like us to run a complete obituary of your loved one on Swellesley, please send to theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

Dr. H. Stephen Kott passed away peacefully at his home in Wellesley Hills on January 10, 2026, at the age of 90, with his wife by his side.

Steve is survived by Anne L. Kott, his wife of 66 years; his five children, Stephen R. Kott and his partner, Stephanie Landolphi, of Westwood; Douglas G. Kott of East Orleans and Kingston; Suzanne D. (Kott) Cahill and her husband, Robert, of Boston and Naples, FL; Jeffrey W. Kott of Newton; and David L. Kott and his wife, Elizabeth, of Port Washington, NY. He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Andrew T. Kott, Anna W. Kott, Megan A. Cahill, Ryan A. Cahill, James J. Kott and Stephen V. Kott.

Born in East Orange, New Jersey, Steve was the son of Hermann Kott and Helen Dancer Kott. He spent his childhood in Verona, NJ where he was valedictorian of his high school class. He was an accomplished athlete serving as Captain of his high school tennis team and also played basketball and ran track. Despite being tone deaf, he played a mean saxophone, including with the New Jersey All-State High School Band and a local dance band, the “Top Hats”.

Though he received offers from Yale and Princeton, he chose to attend the University of Michigan, where his ancestors had received degrees going back to the mid-1800s. He graduated from Michigan in three years with multiple honors, including induction into the Phi Eta Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Beta Kappa honor societies. At Michigan, he thoroughly enjoyed his time at the Beta Theta Pi fraternity house, and continued close friendships with his fraternity brothers throughout his lifetime. He hitchhiked throughout the mid-west to visit friends at other colleges. While at Michigan, he won a fraternity league wrestling title, joined the tennis team, and played saxophone in the pep band. He was a fanatical Michigan Wolverines football supporter.

Following Michigan, Steve attended Columbia University and the University of Virginia, earning his MD with honors in 1960, including membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. In his limited spare time at Columbia, he and a friend painted portraits of Alfred E. Neuman and sold them in Greenwich Village flea markets for extra beer money. While at Virginia, Steve and his roommate won the 1959 national NCAA bridge title. He completed his internship, residency and neurology fellowship at the University of Minnesota, where he and his wife Anne braved near-blizzard conditions to attend Minnesota Vikings games.

Steve was drafted into the US Army during the period of heightened tensions with the Soviet Union leading up to the Cuban missile crisis. He served in South Korea in 1962 as a Captain and Battalion Surgeon and was part of a MASH unit.

In 1966, he joined the Lahey Clinic at its original Kenmore Square Boston location, founded Lahey’s Neurology Department and moved his growing family to Wellesley. He practiced neurology at Lahey for the next 40 years, serving as Department Chairman and later as Chairman Emeritus. He also joined the faculty at Harvard Medical School, where he taught neurology and served on the Massachusetts Medical Society Examiners Board, helping to assess the proficiency of aspiring new neurologists. His career was recognized with numerous honors, including the New England Deaconess Hospital Best Instructor Award, America’s Top Doctors listings, AMA Physician Recognition Award and Lahey Clinician of the Year 1993. Steve was quoted in the Boston Globe and other publications on matters pertaining to neurology. He was especially proud of his research contributions to the treatment of Parkinson’s disease in the 1970-80’s. Known as an exceptionally skilled neurologist and deeply caring physician, he drew patients from around the globe to Boston for his medical opinions and care.

Although Steve’s passion and life mission was the care of his patients, he also enjoyed a rich life beyond medicine. He and Anne loved attending the Boston Symphony Orchestra, auditing classes at Anne’s alma mater, Wellesley College, attending services at the Wellesley Congregational Church, playing tennis in the Wellesley Tennis Association, and spending time with family at Nauset Beach in Orleans, MA. They cherished an active social life in Wellesley and surrounding areas and treasured their many dear friendships. Steve served on the Board of Trustees of Carleton Willard and North Hill.

Steve was a kind and gentle soul. He was exceedingly humble and self-effacing. With his ever-present smile, positive spirit and trademark chuckle, he had an innate gift for putting others at ease and making each person feel important. Generous and selfless, he delighted in helping others with any concern, illness or problem. He was deeply loved by his family, work colleagues, patients and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on January 24, 2026 at the Wellesley Congregational Church (Village Church), followed by a reception at the church. He will be interred at Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellesley, MA in a private family service.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the charity of your choice. For online guestbook, gfdoherty.com. Funeral arrangements by George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, Wellesley.

If you’d like us to run a complete obituary of your loved one on Swellesley, please send to theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

Timothy Noyes Driver, 59, of Wellesley, Massachusetts died peacefully on January 10, 2026 of glioblastoma. He was surrounded by the love, music, and storytelling of his immediate family.

Tim’s gentle spirit and infinite kindness helped everyone he knew feel seen and valued. His keen humor and wit drew smiles and easy laughter. Tim had a special grace about him that twinkled in his eyes and emanated from his being. His spirit will be sorely missed, particularly by his wife of 32 years, Lisa, and their three children, Jay, Eve and David.

Tim was born in Brooklyn, New York and grew up in an antique farmhouse he loved dearly on Plumbrook Rd. in Somers, NY. It was there that he developed a love of nature and the ability to build and fix things. It was also during these years that Tim discovered his fascination with entrepreneurship – starting his earliest business ventures with childhood friends. Tim attended Rippowam Cisqua School in Bedford, NY. He loved sports – particularly baseball, hockey, soccer, tennis, and golf.

Tim spent every summer of his life visiting family and close friends around the waters of Buzzard’s Bay and Martha’s Vineyard Sound. He felt most at peace sailing on those waters. And the “band of brothers” he grew up with there became woven into his soul. It was also during these summers that Tim’s lifelong love of music was cultivated – through family sings and late night guitar jams. Trips to Martha’s Vineyard in later years with Lisa, Jay, Eve and David further established his sense of belonging in those special places.

Tim went to high school at Milton Academy in Milton, MA. He learned leadership skills and the ability to use words for both reason and beauty. Some of his dearest friendships were made there. He felt a strong connection to his family’s legacy at Milton, and enjoyed spending school vacation time with his grandparents in nearby Needham, MA.

Tim attended Macalester College in Saint Paul, MN, where he majored in Political Science and became fascinated with journalism. He was drawn to the warmth and ease of the Midwest. Tim’s own sense of caring and comfortable grace were qualities that helped him foster friendships there that he treasured his entire life. During his college years and beyond, Tim enjoyed camping and going to concerts. Music – in particular Neil Young, Simon & Garfunkel, Coldplay and The Grateful Dead – was in his bones. He loved to travel – visiting family in England each year, biking through Europe with childhood friends, traveling to Japan, and spending a semester studying abroad in France.

After graduating college in 1988, Tim moved to New York City and began working for CNN in its early days. There, he honed his writing and communication skills and indulged his love of wrestling with the issues of the day. He met his wife Lisa there, and together, they moved to Washington, D.C. with CNN. Their early years were filled with constant laughter and adventure—including a trip to eastern Europe shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall. They were married in 1993, in a magical ceremony overlooking Buzzard’s Bay.

Tim decided to pursue his longstanding interest in business and entrepreneurship. He earned an MBA at Georgetown University in 1994, and worked for Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) and AOL (America Online) in its early days. Tim and Lisa made their home in Alexandria, VA and their children Eve and David were born there.

A job opportunity with Salary.com drew Tim and Lisa to the Boston area in 2001, where they enjoyed being closer to the mountains and the waters they both loved. They made their home in Wellesley, MA, where their youngest son, Jay, was born. Tim was devoted completely to his family. He coached baseball and soccer, he taught his children how to swim and ride bikes and ski, he built swingsets and sandboxes and playhouses, and worked with his children to build art projects to give as Christmas gifts to their mom and grandparents. Tim’s own curiosity and wonder never waned, and he found so much joy in playing with and teaching his children.

In 2006, Tim took the leap into entrepreneurship and founded the company Retirementjobs.com to help people over 50 find work that was meaningful. Tim was ever the optimist and lived in the world of possibilities. For twenty years, he worked joyfully to create businesses and partnerships designed to “make aging easier” for people around the world. His company evolved into Age Friendly Ventures, Inc. and included Mature Caregivers, The Age Friendly Institute, and the Certified Age Friendly Employer program. Tim’s passion was contagious. In addition to organizing and hosting The Revolutionize conference, bringing together people from all sectors of the Age Friendly movement, Tim spoke at Harvard Business School, Stanford Business School, and many other conferences and events. Tim was so grateful for the many colleagues and friends who devoted time and resources to helping him cultivate his ideas and fuel his passion for creating and innovating with an eye toward social impact.

Tim’s love of sports and camaraderie was ongoing. Tim and Lisa and their children spent many winters skiing with dear friends at Mt. Sunapee. Tim’s paddle tennis league at The Weston Golf Club brought him valued friendships and much appreciated winter exercise. Tim always loved playing golf. He was able to enjoy a wonderful trip to South Carolina to play with his closest college friends shortly before his diagnosis. Tim also loved watching baseball, and in recent years, he and Lisa became “super fans” cheering on their son Jay, traveling to stadiums far and wide and forging important bonds with other parents of athletes. The summer they spent in Waquoit, spectating at Cape League games and enjoying time on Tim’s boat, “The Flying Goose,” was a true highlight.

Tim appreciated his community in Wellesley, and served on the Wellesley Free Library Foundation and on the Wellesley Little League Board. Another volunteer priority for Tim was serving on the Board of Learning Courage – an organization whose mission was very important to Tim.

In Tim’s final months, the support of his family and friends brought him immense comfort and joy. Even when his body was failing, he defied the medical odds and rallied to partake in many nights of laughter, conversation, music, and favorite foods and drink. He was so grateful to the people who generously helped to feed and sustain him and his family during this time.

Tim always said his greatest accomplishment in life was his family. He was extremely proud of his three children. Whether it was Jay’s baseball games, Eve’s book tour, or David’s musical talents, Tim was eager to support their interests. He was unfailingly committed to his life long partnership with Lisa, and he loved his extended family so very deeply. In addition to his wife Lisa and their three children, Jay, Eve, and David, Tim is survived by his mother, Marilyn Mann Driver, his brothers, Nick Driver of San Francisco, CA and Mark (Claire) Driver of Santa Monica, CA, his brothers-in-law, Tom Raffo of West Palm Beach, FL, and Bill (Melissa) Raffo of Accord, NY and the nieces and nephews he loved seeing whenever possible. Tim is predeceased by his father, William R. Driver III., and his grandparents, William R. Driver Jr. and Charlotte Noyes Driver.

A visitation will be held Friday, January 16th, from 3p-6p at Doherty Funeral Home in Wellesley, MA. A funeral service for family and friends will be held the following morning, January 17th, at 11am at The Village Church in Wellesley, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Care Dimensions Hospice and Palliative Care.

If you’d like us to run a complete obituary of your loved one on Swellesley, please send to theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

Jonathan Bernard Nicolas, lovingly known to many as “Tantan” entered eternal rest on January 2, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with organ failure. His life was defined by hardship, hope, resilience, compassion, faith, and his unwavering devotion to those he loved.

Born on December 20, 2001, to his parents, Jonane Noel and Bernard Nicolas, he was their beloved Tantan. To his friends and the music community, he was simply Jonny Boy. To everyone who knew him, he was a soul of rare sincerity—a man with a “heart of gold” who walked through life’s greatest storms with a quiet, unbreakable grace.

As we honor the life and legacy of Jonathan, his connection to his family was deep, almost spiritual, from the very beginning. It was Jonathan who first revealed to his mother that she was pregnant, almost manifesting his baby sister. He became Nagee’s best friend and fiercest protector when promoted to big brother. As a son, Jonathan carried a deep, tender love for his father, Bernard, and a profound admiration and love for his mother, Jonane, who cared and advocated for him until his final breath.

To his nuclear family, whom he loved so dearly: Jonathan’s greatest dream was to build a future for you. He dreamed of building a back porch and an extension on the kitchen, so that in the winter he could still sit out back, and in the summer, he could host the family and friends’ gatherings he loved so much. He took immense pride in his home and the structure of his house; it made him feel important and secure. But more than the building, he loved the dynamics of this family. He often said he never felt alone because of the way you all surrounded him with love.

He knew his village was vast and he felt every ounce of your support. Your unconditional love was his foundation. From his reverence for his Grandma Soso, his living sanctuary with whom he would share his deepest secrets as she lovingly prepared his favorite meals like Pasta Alfredo and Diri Blanch ak Sos Pwa Nwa and legume. To his bonus moms, Betsy Komjathy and Sheila Corkhill, along with his Wellesley family, who raised him as their own child. They were pillars in his life who guided him, protected him, and showed him a mother’s love in every way including whipping up his favorite dish and making sure he got his homework done. Thank you for being the constant that ensured he was always had a home away from home or a hand to hold. In battling his illness, every night, he found peace with his cousin, Jean Jean (Mike) through these “little chats” that became his refuge. And like the others, Jean Jean would prepare a meal, and they would eat, talk, and rest, knowing they had each other. Even amid turmoil, Mr. Beaubrun, his stepdad, emerged as a pillar of stability and guidance, drawing him in with a consistent and reassuring disposition. Jonathan was supported by a strong community who claimed him as their own. His village must now find comfort knowing he is holding hands with Grandma Nena, who preceded in death, as she ushers him though his journey to our heavenly father.

Since the age of nine, Tantan fought a health battle that would have sidelined anyone else. But he “took it with heart.” Despite the struggle of two liver transplants, he never lost his kindness. A lover of sports, he dreamed of the football field. When his body wouldn’t let him play, his resilience led him to a full scholarship at Curry College for Sports Management. He loved the camaraderie of sports so much that in middle school and high school, he volunteered as a manager for basketball, lacrosse, and football, supporting his friends and being part of the teams. At his graduation, we were all so moved and surprised to see the crowd holding up signs that read “Congratulations Jonathan.” It was as if he were the Mayor of Wellesley—a celebrity in his own right, purely because of his kindness and his spirit. Above all, he was a loyal friend.

As Jonny Boy, he was a musician at heart and a gifted dancer. Last year, we saw him at his highest point, performing his favorite song on stage with his team. In that moment, he wasn’t a patient; he was a star. He showed us that even when the body is tired, the spirit can still sing.

Jonathan will be remembered for his quiet strength and the love and comfort he brought into the lives of everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. His unwavering devotion to his family, friends, and community leaves an enduring legacy.

He was man of deep faith, often leaning on his favorite scripture found at 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you”. May his memory continue to be a blessing to all that knew and loved him.

Tantan, you have finished your work. You were a source of pride. You fought with the strength of a giant, and now you are free of pain, free of suffering, and free to soar as our angel, protecting us here on earth.

With his earthly journey now complete, he rests peacefully in the loving arms of his Heavenly Father. Jonathan is survived by his loving parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and a host of cousins, extended family members, bonus family members, and dear friends who loved him dearly.

Rest in power, Jonny Boy. We love you, Tantan.

The family of Jonathan Bernard Nicolas gratefully acknowledges with sincere appreciation your prayers, support, flowers, cards, and all acts of kindness shown during this time of bereavement.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the American Society of Transplantation

May God bless you.

Joanne Pucci, a longtime resident of Wellesley, passed peacefully on December 30 at the age of 87 in her home. She was many things in her life: an immigrant, a citizen, a mother, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother. But above all, she was the Matriarch and heart of her family.

Born with deep Italian roots and a strong sense of family, she came to the United States at age 22, pregnant with her first child and not knowing any English — with her husband Marcello determined to build a better life. And she did just that! She worked hard to become a U.S. citizen, a milestone she was deeply proud of, and she never took for granted the opportunities she earned through persistence and grit. Her life was a testament to quiet strength — the kind that doesn’t seek recognition but shows up every day and does what needs to be done.

Over the years, she wore many hats. She worked on a Haemonetics assembly line for medical devices performing detailed, demanding work with care and reliability. She later became a familiar and friendly face as a lunch lady in the Wellesley High School, where her kindness was felt by countless students. Many of those students knew her simply as “Nana.” Through it all, she was a full-time mom in every sense — steadfast, devoted, and always putting her family first.

Food was her love language. If you were at her table, you were cared for. Sundays meant big family dinners, simmering pots of homemade sauce, and meatballs that brought everyone together. Her kitchen was a place of comfort and connection, filled with conversation, laughter, and the unmistakable feeling of home. Family favorites like fried dough and fried zucchini fritters became beloved traditions — especially after long, happy days at the beach on Cape Cod. She would always leave the beach before anyone else. And then the family would arrive home sun-tired and salty knowing something delicious was waiting.

She cherished her Italian heritage and the close-knit family bonds that came with it. Family wasn’t just important to her — it was everything. She loved gathering everyone together, watching generations overlap, and seeing her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren share time, stories, and meals.

In her later years, she found great joy in staying active and connected. She loved water aerobics and Zumba classes, showing up with energy and enthusiasm. Neighborhood walks were another favorite pastime — though they often took longer than planned, as she regularly stopped to chat with neighbors, both new and old, catching up on their lives, their families, and especially their children. These moments of connection brought her real happiness and reflected who she was: warm, curious, and genuinely interested in people.

The beach always held a special place in her heart. Some of her happiest moments were spent there with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren — feet in the sand, eyes on the water, fully present and content simply being together.

She lived a full life, rich not in extravagance but in love, effort, and shared meals. Her kindness, work ethic, and devotion to family will live on in traditions passed down, recipes lovingly recreated, and stories told around crowded tables. She passed away peacefully in her own bed, in the home she lived in for more than 50 years — a home filled with memories, love, and generations of family life. While her passing is deeply felt, there is comfort in knowing she lived a full life and was surrounded by love until the very end.

She built a legacy in the Wellesley community of three children (Addie Doherty, Anna Caruso and Lino Pucci), five grandchildren (Joe Doherty, Jillian Doherty, Bryan Doherty, Dean Caruso and Isabel Caruso) — all attended Wellesley schools — and four great-grandchildren (Avery Doherty, Joseph Doherty, Ronan Doherty and Seamus Doherty), with one more on the way.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday January 2, 2026 at George F. Doherty Funeral Home in Wellesley from 4:00–7:00 PM and a funeral mass will be held at Saint Paul’s Church, Wellesley on Saturday January 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM, with burial afterwards at Woodlawn Cemetery.

To honor her memory, family and friends are invited to celebrate her life by gathering around a table, cooking something for the people they love, and lingering a little longer in conversation — she would have loved that.

If you’d like us to run a complete obituary of your loved one on Swellesley, please send to theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

Edward (Ted) Joseph Thomas, born on April 19, 1962, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Natick, Massachusetts, on December 20, 2025.

Ted was born in Natick, Massachusetts, to Patricia and William Thomas, the third of their four sons. He spent his childhood and teenage years in Natick, where he attended Murphy Elementary School, Center School (under the guidance of the legendary Mr. Troy), Wilson Junior High, and Natick High School. From a young age, Ted showed a mischievous spirit and excelled in athletics. He participated in Pop Warner football, youth baseball, and basketball, and went on to have a storied career as a fullback for Natick High School. Ted was elected captain of the football team in his senior year. In addition to football, he ran track at NHS, specializing in the demanding 440-yard race. An avid skier, Ted also competed in regional freestyle events throughout New England and took part in diving as a member of the NHS swimming team. At 6’1” and 190 pounds, he brought enthusiasm and fun (If not success) to every sport, even those that required finesse.

After graduating from Natick High School in 1980, Ted attended Phillips Andover Academy as a post-graduate student, where he continued to excel both in academics and athletics. His dedication earned him admission to Williams College.

At Williams College, Ted (affectionately known to himself as Old 2-9 – reference to his jersey number) was a standout running back, starting on the varsity football team as a freshman and playing every season. Unfortunately, a torn ACL in his senior year ended his season early, but despite missing most of his final year, Ted remains ranked seventh in rushing yards in the Williams football record books. This accomplishment is even more remarkable given that he played before the rise of modern, offensively focused football strategies—making him the only pre-modern era player among the top ten. Ted also played lacrosse at Williams, eventually being elected captain of the team in his senior year. Another significant accomplishment, as his first try at lacrosse was during his freshman year at Williams.

After graduating from Williams College, Ted moved to New York City and worked for several years at Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. He then joined Benfield Blanch, a reinsurance company, specializing in new client development. After gaining valuable experience, Ted returned to Massachusetts and embarked on a career in residential development. He was highly successful, building speculative luxury and custom homes in Wellesley and surrounding towns. Sadly, a stroke in 2017 forced him to step away from his career, leaving him disabled and unable to continue his work in the field he was passionate about.

In 2004, Ted married Vanessa Richards and moved to Wellesley, Massachusetts. Together, they welcomed two sons: Ethan Thomas and, two years later, Owen Thomas. Ethan and Owen were the lights of Ted’s life and his greatest joy. He cherished watching them grow, succeed in athletics and academics, and simply enjoy life. Whether fishing in Quogue, Long Island, skiing, playing golf or watching the N.E. Patriots, time with his sons was Ted’s greatest passion. He and Vanessa co-parented and guided Ethan and Owen into becoming outstanding young men.

Ted was known for his infectious personality—generous, kind, loving, fun, and above all, a unique and hilarious sense of humor. People were naturally drawn to him, and he maintained lifelong friendships from Natick, Williams College, Middlebury College, and beyond. Ted was a loyal friend; an incredible father and his social bonds endured throughout his life.

Ted’s passing is deeply felt by his family and friends, especially his sons Ethan and Owen, his loving parents Pat and Bill Thomas, his brothers Billy, Jack (Barbra), and Jeff (Kellie), his uncle The Reverend Monsignor Jeremiah McGrath (who will officiate the funeral Mass) as well as countless friends. In addition to his immediate family, Ted leaves behind eleven nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly and his second family, Steve, Mike and Jon Rich and their dad, Walter.

A funeral mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Church in Natick, Massachusetts. The family will receive visitors from 4 PM to 7 PM on Friday, January 2, 2026, at John Everett & Sons funeral home in Natick, Massachusetts.

Donations may be made in Ted’s memory to the Natick Service Council, Inc. 2 Webster Street, Natick, MA 01760.

For online guestbook and directions, please visit www.everettfuneral.com

 
If you’d like us to run a complete obituary of your loved one on Swellesley, please send to theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

Dr. Gary Wang, a longtime resident of Wellelsey, passed peacefully after a brief illness on December 14. He was born on March 4, 1929, in Shenyang, China. A lifelong scholar, innovator, and devoted family man, he lived a life marked by intellectual curiosity, perseverance, and quiet joy.

Gary started a career in medicine but was forced to leave medical school after one year due to civil war. Undeterred, he redirected his talents to engineering. In 1952, he graduated magna cum laude from Cheng Kung University in Tainan, Taiwan. He went on to earn a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University in 1956, followed by a professional degree in Electrical Engineering from MIT in 1963. In 1970, he was awarded a prestigious NASA Fellowship at the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned his Ph.D. in 1972.

His career included work at Honeywell, NASA, and the U.S. Department of Transportation. In 1974, he founded his own company, Transtech, and invented Sinoterm, a Chinese character computer system. He chose the name Transtech to reflect his goal: to transfer technological advances back to his homeland.

Dr. Wang loved playing tennis and was an active member of the Wellesley Tennis Association and the Natick Racquet Club. He also enjoyed singing, especially in later years, with friends from the local senior community. He lovingly chauffeured his grandchildren to their many activities and became a familiar presence at Captain Marden’s takeaway counter, where staff knew him by name and by his regular breakfast order. He frequently visited the Wellesley Public Library to read the newspaper and play Sudoku, savoring the simple pleasures of routine and reflection.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 70 years, Betty Lee Wang. He also leaves behind his daughter, Dr. Tina L. Wang, and son-in-law, Chris Simon, of Wellesley, and grandchildren, Steph, Samantha, and Justin Simon and extended family. The family would like to thank Eliana and Yohanny for their loving care. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gary’s name may be made to the donor’s choice.

This obituary originally was published at the Henry J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home website.

If you’d like us to run a complete obituary of your loved one on Swellesley, please send to theswellesleyreport@gmail.com