Alumni News
3 Questions: Jacob Farmer-Rylands (’26)
This article was originally published in the 2026 issue of focus magazine, the annual publication of the BU School of Theology. This article can be found on page 7. By Steve Holt. Photo courtesy of Jacob Farmer-Rylands.
In 2025, Master of Theological Studies candidate Jacob Farmer-Rylands (’26) worked as a pastoral development intern at Kailua Christian Church (KCC), a United Church of Christ congregation on Oahu. He also served as a chaplain at the nonprofit Institute for Human Services (IHS), providing spiritual care for people experiencing homelessness and recovering from substance abuse.
How did your summer in Hawaii help shape your pastoral identity?
My summer taught me how to do ministry with, rather than to or for, marginalized populations. And I learned that providing presence and spiritual care can be effective even when people do not want to engage in explicitly religious conversation. My pastoral identity is grounded in presence, partnership, and shared humanity.
You also engaged in research. Was there a takeaway or two you can share?
I researched mainline church decline and ministry in a postcolonial context. Studying the history of colonization and evangelism in Hawaii, along with visiting sites such as ’Iolani Palace, Kawaiaha’o Church, and the Bishop Museum, helped me better understand how churches operate in historically colonized environments. I also saw firsthand the challenges modern mainline churches face, including sustaining spiritual and financial vitality, individualism, and imagining creative forms of ministry and discipleship in a changing world.
What is bringing you hope these days?
I find hope these days in the work I am honored to do as president of the BU School of Theology Student Association. I am grateful to collaborate with other student leaders, STH deans, and the wider community to represent and amplify student voices in this time of institutional, national, and global change. I am also encouraged by my work as a graduate assistant for the Trauma-Responsive Congregations grant project, where I can put my learning from Hawaii into practice by supporting healing, advocacy, and community-building within local churches.
Festus A. Asana, Th.D., (’90)
The Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC) is mourning the death of one of its former leaders, the Very Rev. Dr. Festus Ambe Asana, who passed away in Orlando, Florida, USA, in the early hours of Monday, June 22, 2026. The announcement was made by the current Moderator of the PCC, Rt. Rev. Miki Hans Abia, who described Dr. Asana’s death as a great loss to the church, the Christian community, and Cameroon at large. Dr. Asana served as Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon from 2009 to 2014. During his four-year leadership, he was widely known for promoting discipline, transparency, accountability, and strict respect for church laws and regulations.
Church members and colleagues remember him as a calm but firm leader who worked tirelessly to strengthen the administration of the PCC, one of the largest Protestant churches in Cameroon. His tenure was marked by efforts to improve governance within the church and encourage ministers and Christians to uphold high moral and spiritual standards. A trained theologian and respected church educator, Dr. Asana also played an important role in theological training and leadership development.
Many pastors and church workers benefited from his guidance and mentorship over the years. Even after leaving office, he remained active in church affairs, often offering advice on important institutional matters and speaking out on issues affecting the church. He was a strong defender of the PCC Constitution and consistently encouraged unity and respect for established church structures.
Dr. Asana succeeded the late Rev. Dr. Nyansako-ni-Nku as Moderator and was later succeeded by Rt. Rev. Dr. Fonki Samuel Forba. Since news of his passing became public, tributes have continued to pour in from church leaders, former colleagues, pastors, and Christians across Cameroon and the diaspora.
Many have described him as a man of faith, wisdom, integrity, and service whose contributions helped shape the modern Presbyterian Church in Cameroon. Religious observers note that Dr. Asana belonged to a generation of church leaders who guided the PCC through important periods of growth and social change. His influence extended beyond the pulpit, as he frequently encouraged Christians to contribute positively to society through education, peacebuilding, and community development.
As the church reflects on his life and legacy, prayers and messages of condolence continue to be sent to his family, friends, and the wider Presbyterian community. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days by the family and church authorities. A Legacy of Faith and Service For many Presbyterians, Dr. Festus Ambe Asana will be remembered not only as a former Moderator but also as a dedicated servant of God who devoted his life to ministry, theological education, and the strengthening of church institutions. His passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the history of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon.
Regional Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, Full Time, Amedisys Hospice: Boston, Marlborough, Leominster, and Springfield MA
Job Description
Title: Regional Hospice Volunteer Coordinator
Compensation: $55k-67k annually
Application dates: open until filled
Contact information: Nikki Malatesta, nikki.malatesta@amedisys.com
Location: Hybrid/Remote, serving and traveling in between four locations: Boston, Marlborough, Leominster, and Springfield MA. 50-75% travel required.
Description: Amedisys, one of the nation's leading home health and hospice organizations, is seeking a compassionate and community-minded Regional Hospice Volunteer Coordinator to recruit, engage, train, and support volunteers who help provide meaningful support to hospice patients and their families.
Key Responsibilities:
Identify volunteer opportunities that meet the needs of hospice patients, families, and local communities.
Recruit, educate, and engage volunteers through community outreach and relationship-building.
Maintain compliance with the Medicare requirement that hospice programs utilize volunteer services.
Coordinate volunteer assignments and support plans based on patient and caregiver needs.
Collaborate with key hospice leaders and staff at each location to support advancement of that location's volunteer program.
Present information about hospice volunteer opportunities to individuals, congregations, and community organizations.
Assist with quality assurance activities and resolution of volunteer-service concerns.
Conduct in-person assessments and patient-related volunteer activities as needed.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree required (or three years of related experience in lieu of a degree).
Experience in volunteer leadership, community engagement, nonprofit service, healthcare, or related fields preferred.
Ability to work independently while supporting multiple hospice care centers across a region.
Comfort working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Additional Information
Apply here: https://careers.amedisys.com/join/jobs/50979?lang=en-us
Full Time Ministry Position, Mount Carmel Baptist Church: Mattapan, MA
A Full Time ministry position, focusing on the spiritual formation and Christian education of all age groups. This position will report directly to the Pastor with a close working relationship with the mission deacons (discipleship subgroup).
Contact Person
Barrett Freeman
Email: barrett@mcbc1803.org
Senior Pastor, Full Time, Memorial Baptist Church: Arlington, VA
Job Description
Memorial Baptist Church in Arlington, Virginia, is seeking a Senior Pastor to lead a thoughtful, relational, and multi-generational congregation located just minutes from Washington, D.C. We are a church that values meaningful worship, deep relationships, and faithful engagement with Scripture. We seek to be a gracious Christian presence in a diverse and often polarized cultural environment. Memorial is theologically thoughtful and grounded in Scripture.
The Senior Pastor will provide Scripture-centered preaching, guide worship in collaboration with music leaders, cultivate meaningful relationships, and provide pastoral care. The role also includes leading staff, working within a congregational governance structure, and helping align ministries around a clear and sustainable vision.
We seek a pastor who leads with conviction and grace and can foster unity among people with diverse perspectives.
Key priorities include building trust and guiding the church forward with clarity and purpose.
Candidates should demonstrate deep Christian faith, strong communication skills, appropriate theological training, and ordination within the Baptist tradition or a willingness to serve within Baptist practice.
Competitive compensation package includes availability of a parsonage, health insurance, and retirement benefits.
Submit resume/CV, cover letter describing your sense of calling, and links to recent sermons (video preferred) to memorialbaptistsearch@gmail.com.
For the full job description, visit https://memorialbaptistchurch.org/pastor-jd.html.
Additional Information
https://memorialbaptistchurch.org/pastor-jd.html
Senior Associate Pastor, Full Time, Belmont United Methodist Church: Nashville, TN
Belmont United Methodist Church
Job Description
Title: Senior Associate Pastor
Type: Full-time, exempt
Hours: 40+ with potential for more in isolated instances; some work required in the evening; some work from home possible on coordination with Senior Pastor
Reports to: Senior Pastor
Summary
Belmont United Methodist Church is a community of Christ-followers growing in love of God and neighbor. This is what we at Belmont believe Christian discipleship is, what we are to be, and what Jesus meant when he sent his followers to “make disciples.” We believe every person is of sacred worth, and created in God’s image. We commit to Jesus’s example of inclusive love, care, and intentional hospitality with God’s children of every race, ethnicity, nationality, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, faith story, physical or mental ability, economic status or political perspective. We respect diversity of opinion and expressions of faith. Therefore, as God loves us, so let us love and serve in the name of Christ.
Belmont United Methodist Church (Nashville, TN), is seeking a full-time Senior Associate Pastor to lead and guide its inward (member-focused) and outward (community-focused) ministries. Qualified candidates will be deeply rooted in the Wesleyan tradition and spiritually aligned with the church's all-inclusive vision of God’s creation. The ideal candidate will respect tradition while simultaneously leading a growing and vibrant congregation to grow their Christian faith through participation in worship, outreach and discipleship. We are seeking a professional who combines strong organizational, communication, and management skills with essential soft skills—such as caring for people, building deep relationships, and maintaining a comforting pastoral presence. Candidates should be deeply committed to collaborating with staff and congregants to build a community around the tenets of Christian discipleship and service guided by love and justice. The position will require innovative thinking and the capacity to link the church with the world.
Senior Associate Pastor Position
The Senior Associate Pastor supports the mission of Belmont by guiding and creating ministries that help to manifest the vision, mission, core beliefs, and objectives of Belmont United Methodist Church. This position works directly with staff and laity to care for the members of the church and to support the church’s outreach ministries in Nashville and around the world.
The Senior Associate Pastor works closely with the directors of children’s, youth, young-adult and discipleship ministries to provide coordinated programming that focuses on spiritual formation and discipleship to welcome families and help them to grow rooted in the church. In this capacity, the role is both manager and collaborator.
This position also works closely with lay-members to guide and develop ministries of the church that nurture and attend to church membership including the Encore Ministry for senior members, the weekly Wednesday-night fellowship meal and program, the annual all-church retreat, and regular prayer and meditation retreats. In this capacity, the role is as pastor and organizer.
The Senior Associate Pastor is responsible for leading and supporting core ministries of the church that cultivate a dynamic, growing culture of Christian discipleship and formation.Belmont UMC’s Ministry Council is comprised of laity-led Christian service initiatives. The Senior Associate Pastor leads Belmont’s ministries by nurturing their leaders, collaborating with them to strengthen the ministry programs, and identifying and creating new opportunities to empower Belmont’s members to become active in Christian ministry beyond our walls, nurturing their growth in love of God and neighbor. The Senior Associate Pastor is expected to lead and manage Belmont’s ministry staff, work with staff to assess and create a strategic vision for ministry programming, support, recruit and empower lay persons in this work, and support the Ministry Council’s lay co-chairs.
The Senior Associate Pastor will also collaborate with the Senior Pastor, the Director of Music Ministries, and the worship committee to plan and conduct worship service. This may include celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion, occasionally preaching at 8:10 or 10:30 Sunday morning services, as well as special services to observe holy days throughout the year. Belmont’s congregation includes a group of refugees from Myanmar with whom services are occasionally coordinated, and whose leadership the Belmont pastors support. The Senior Associate Pastor will also collaborate to plan and conduct funeral services and weddings. The Senior Associate Pastor will coordinate the congregational care making pastoral calls and visits, working with encore ministry partners, tracking the congregational care with administrative staff, working with the Senior Pastor to assist with funerals and weddings.
Applicants will be expected to clearly articulate their theology and understanding of God’s relationship with God’s creation, as well as their experience in providing leadership and management for church ministry programs.
Qualifications:
Must be 21 years of age or older.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in a pastoral role required
Ability to relate to and work with congregants of all ages and motivate and recruit volunteers. Must have demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and group facilitation skills
Ability to plan and implement programs, events, and projects. Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
Alignment with the Christian faith and the mission of The United Methodist Church, with a strong commitment to discipleship
Master of Divinity from an accredited school and ordination (or in the process of ordination) required
Multilingualism will be considered an asset but not required
Basic computer proficiency. Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain confidential documents and information
Anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policy: Belmont United Methodist Church strives to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination and unlawful harassment. We will not permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, economic status, political perspective or any other legally protected category under applicable federal or state law. This standard of conduct applies to all managers, supervisors, employees, customers, and vendors.
Please submit a cover letter and resume to sara@belmontumc.org by July 22, 2026.
BUSTH International Students Celebrate 2026 Graduation at Niagara Falls
By Nar Shar Bo (MTS'27)
Standing in the mist where borders blur and the thunderous water drowns out the anxieties of the unknown, a group of international scholars found the perfect stage to celebrate their hard-earned success and embrace the journey ahead
This annual trip originated with a group of international students talking about how they were about to graduate but were not able to really travel or tour the areas around Boston because of studies, work, and financial resources. Clinical Assistant Professor of Contextual Theology & Practice Cristian De La Rosa offered the group the opportunity to choose where they wanted to go and helped find financial resources. Since then, Prof. De La Rosa, with the support of Director of Spiritual Life Charlene Zuill, has made the offer to a group of international students who organize and choose their US destination. Previous trips have taken students to Martha's Vineyard, Six Flags amusement park in Agawam, MA, Salem, MA, and Niagara Falls on the US/Canada border.
Confronting the Unknown: The International Student Reality
For an international student, graduation is rarely just a time of pure celebration; it is often a period fraught with immense legal and emotional transition. Maria Gorret Nampiima (‘26,SSW’26) recalled the heavy mental burden she carried into the month of May, just days before receiving the invitation to Niagara Falls: "I was wrestling with the unknown reality of the transition that lay ahead of me after graduation, including leaving my residence that I had called home for the last three years, navigating the frustration and anxiety around waiting for my OPT approval, and struggling to juggle my last weeks of internship and final papers.”
Without a job lined up and her legal status hanging in the balance of government paperwork, the trip became much more than a sightseeing tour; it became a psychological sanctuary. When asked about her post-graduation plans, Nampiima would tell people she was going to Niagara Falls. It was her escape and her source of joy in a time of deep despair.
This profound sense of relief was collectively shared by the travelers. Recalling the liberating atmosphere of the experience, graduate Dimitri Januar Bawole (‘26) summarized the emotional weight lifting off their shoulders, noting that while on the trip, “Everything seems good, nothing to worry about.”
Mabel Celestino (‘26), who joined the group to assist with logistics and celebrate alongside her peers, noted that the time spent discovering the magnitude of the falls allowed the students to engage in vital "meaning-making" after their intense years at STH. It was a rare window of time to exist in a new place with loose plans and only one rule: to enjoy.
Braving the Waters: The Maid of the Mist
When the group finally arrived at the state park, the magnitude of the landmark left them spellbound. Elizabeth Opoku-Baffour (‘26) described the Maid of the Mist voyage as an unforgettable, "sweet-scary" experience. As the boat pushed through the heavy mist and the crashing water boomed around them, the sheer force of nature was both terrifying and deeply spiritual. "Thankfully, I survived it!" Opoku-Baffour laughed, noting that the trip gave her a profound chance to admire the grandeur of creation up close.
Nampiima echoed that she "...enjoyed the splashing water on our faces and the screams of adults, children, and youth as we navigated our voyage on the rough side of the falls. It is a moment that words alone can't explain it all," she recalled. For those who preferred to stay on dry land, witnessing the magnitude of the wonder from the cliffs was no less impactful.
Finding Borders; Breaking Boundaries
A profound realization of the trip happened while floating in the middle of the river. Looking across the water, Nampiima noticed another tourist boat floating nearby, except its passengers were wearing bright red ponchos instead of blue she and her classmates were wearing. Someone tapped her on the shoulder and pointed out that those travelers were on the Canadian side of the falls. The students in blue began waving enthusiastically across the river, and the travelers in red eagerly waved back.
This simple exchange sparked a moment of deep theological and geopolitical reflection for the international graduates. In the middle of the river, they realized that the water didn’t care about international lines. "There was so much to ponder because in that river, we were all one," Nampiima reflected. "We didn't need a specific visa to share the water, yet things would change if we took the bridge that crossed the river from the US side to Canada."
A Brilliant Send-Off
On the final night of their journey, the students gathered along the edge of the gorge for one final spectacle. On the Canadian side, a magnificent display of fireworks began to launch into the night sky. It was a bittersweet, beautiful moment shared among friends who had arrived as stressed-out students and were leaving as triumphant seminary graduates. Standing together in the glow of the fireworks, they celebrated their collective wins, ready at last to face whatever unknown paths lay ahead of them.
"It was such a blessing to wrap up my academic and spiritual journey at BUSTH with my awesome friends," says Inyeop Choi ('26). "This trip was a wonderful time of rest, and it reminded me how grateful I am for the BU STH community."
Banner photo courtesy of Emmanuel Odei-Larbi ('27).
Director of Music and Worship, Full Time, First United Methodist Church: Corpus Christi, Texas
First United Methodist Church of Corpus Christi is seeking a passionate, creative, and spiritually grounded leader to serve as our next Director of Music and Worship. This full-time position offers a unique opportunity to shape and lead a vibrant music ministry that enriches worship, nurtures discipleship, and inspires congregational participation.
We are looking for an individual who combines musical excellence with a heart for ministry, someone who can build meaningful relationships, cultivate volunteer involvement, and collaborate closely with clergy, staff, and church members to create worship experiences that glorify God and strengthen our faith community.
About the Role
The Director of Music and Worship reports directly to the Senior Pastor and is responsible for organizing, supervising, and developing a comprehensive music ministry that supports all worship services and special events of the church. Salary Range from $55,000-$70,000 depending on experience.
Key responsibilities include:
• Directing the Chancel Choir and overseeing all choral ministries.
• Recruiting, equipping, and encouraging volunteer singers, instrumentalists, and music leaders.
• Planning and coordinating music for weekly worship services in collaboration with pastoral staff.
• Supervising paid and volunteer music personnel, including accompanists, music associates, and choir leaders.
• Coordinating audio, visual, and worship support elements.
• Planning seasonal and special music programs, concerts, cantatas, and outreach events.
• Serving as a resource for weddings, funerals, and other church celebrations.
• Managing the music ministry budget, library, instruments, and equipment.
• Providing spiritual leadership and fostering a Christ-centered environment for all participants in the music ministry.
Qualifications
Required
• Bachelor’s degree in Music, Sacred Music, or a related field.
• Demonstrated proficiency in choral directing and ensemble leadership.
• Ability to lead congregational singing and coordinate vocal and instrumental music for worship.
• Familiarity with audio and visual technology used in worship settings.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with clergy, staff, volunteers, and church leadership.
• Commitment to the mission, values, and vision of First United Methodist Church.
Preferred
• Master’s or Doctoral degree in Sacred Music or a related discipline.
• Experience performing and/or teaching organ, piano, handbells, keyboard, or other instruments.
• Supervisory and administrative experience.
• Knowledge of traditional mainline Protestant worship, liturgy, and hymnody.
• Familiarity with current trends in sacred music and the integration of diverse musical expressions into worship.
Who We Are Looking For
The ideal candidate is:
• A mature Christian leader with a vibrant faith.
• A gifted musician and skilled conductor.
• An effective organizer and team builder.
• A collaborative ministry partner.
• A mentor who encourages spiritual growth among musicians and volunteers.
• Someone who values both musical excellence and congregational engagement.
To Apply
Qualified candidates are invited to submit a cover letter, résumé, and any relevant recordings, links, or supporting materials that demonstrate their musical leadership and ministry experience to our Pastor of Business Administration at lrush@ccfumc.com.
We welcome candidates who feel called to serve in a dynamic congregation committed to worship, discipleship, and community impact.
First United Methodist Church of Corpus Christi, Texas is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from qualified individuals who are passionate about using their musical gifts in service to Christ and His Church.
Reverend R. Wayne Parrish (’84)
Wayne Parrish, of Sudbury, passed away on June 9, 2026. He was born in 1946 in Richmond, Virginia. Wayne’s love language was acts of service, which shaped all of his relationships and his career as a pastor. He was constantly asking what he could do for the people around him, always putting others first. Whether a friend or a stranger in the parking lot, the needs of others guided his actions. The hole he leaves will never be filled.
Wayne was the first in his family to go to college; his father’s proudest day was dropping him off at Duke. He played in the marching band and developed a love for Duke basketball, rivaled only by his allegiance to the Red Sox. Few years went by that didn’t see Wayne in the bleachers cheering on Roger Clemens or Pedro Martinez. He cried when the Sox won the World Series in 2004.
Wayne’s life was guided by a deep faith. He ran Logos bookstores in Cambridge and New York in the ‘70s and then was called to the ministry in his thirties and attended divinity school at Boston University. He found his niche as an interim minister, serving many churches in the Cincinnati Presbytery before moving back to Massachusetts and continuing his career as the Executive Presbyter of the Boston Presbytery. His creativity, compassion, and love permeated his ministry, both with his parishioners and in the community; he served as a chaplain to the Cincinnati Police Force and volunteered leading book groups at a local prison.
Wayne loved summers on the Outer Banks and Cape Cod. He was happiest at the beach, jumping the waves, digging in the sand with his grandkids, or reading a book with his feet in the surf. He was an avid reader; before having kids he routinely read over 150 books per year. Nothing made him happier or prouder than his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. He always made time for a game of catch or some one-on-one basketball, and loved nothing more than being on his knees playing with the kids. He loved holidays and celebrations—especially the decorations.
Boxes and boxes of Christmas ornaments and knick-knacks would emerge from the basement around Thanksgiving—and not disappear until after Epiphany. He was renowned for his collection of creche sets and his holiday-themed ties. No celebration was complete without music, another of Wayne’s loves. He was always humming a tune–and often conducting along with it.
He is survived by his wife Carole, children Adam and Rebecca, son-in-law Dave, grandchildren Zella and Cooper, and sisters Jo Anne and Lynn. His memorial service was Saturday, June 20, at 11:00 am at the Presbyterian Church in Sudbury, Massachusetts, 330 Concord Road. The service was live-streamed and recorded for those who could not attend via the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82223148755?pwd=Aa98yPbjIH0B0VMuORhXPJVXJySb2c.1
Meeting ID: 822 2314 8755 Passcode: 631477 Phone number: 1-929-205-6099
In lieu of gifts or flowers, we are encouraging donations in his name to the Alzheimer's Association.
Dr. William F. Abel (’73)
Following a long illness, William Fritz Abel (Bill), 81, passed away peacefully at his home in Waterbury Center, Vermont, on June 19th, 2026 with his second wife, Jane Gallagher, at his side. The couple, who instantly knew they had met the love of their lives in a whirl of wild, improvisational dancing, never stopped grinning as they moved joyfully together for the duration of their 28-year love affair.
With a passion for life, Bill spent much of his free time exploring and nourishing the diversity of nature around him wherever he lived, gravitating to Vermont's mountains, woodlands and lakes in his free time throughout his adult life, ultimately retiring to the home he and Jane created there in the foothills of the Worchester Mountain Range. A dedicated supporter of the Vermont Land Trust and many other environmental organizations, Bill reveled in frog and bird song and the annual spring search for ephemeral wildflowers along Sweet Road. He was especially fond of and fascinated by the courage and daring of Chickadees and the annual journeys of Hummingbirds and Monarch Butterflies, marveling at how these tiny, delicate creatures could survive to navigate their annual pilgrimages from South America to his particular backyard flowers and bird feeder. Bill also felt a deep kinship with a majestic old Maple tree beside Stagecoach Lane while confronting the physical challenges of the cancer that eventually claimed his life. He dubbed the tree, The Mighty Maple, inspired by its remarkable life force in the face of a serious lightning strike years earlier, and went out of his way to protect and preserve it.
In the late 1960s Bill's passion for life led him to begin pouring his energy into the start of a groundbreaking career as a leader in the national movement to reintegrate people with intellectual and developmental disabilities into the lives of their communities. His work was instrumental in closing down institutions incarcerating such people across Massachusetts, where he first landed as a graduate student in the Boston University (BU) School of Theology, accompanied by his first wife, Paula. Choosing a career of advocacy for people with developmental disabilities as his ministry, he later earned a PHD in organizational psychology at BU in 1990. Beginning his career while still a student in the School of Theology, as a "house parent" with Paula, a graduate student in special education at the time, the couple was hired to run the first community-based residence in Massachusetts for men coming out of a nearby institution called The Fernald State School. Throughout his life, Bill enjoyed relating many humorous, heart-warming stories about his experiences with the men he had served and lived with in that residence and what he learned from his relationships with them.
After a painful break-up with his wife near the end of their time as house parents, Bill spent a year reorienting his heart and mind while living on a sailboat with a home port in the Florida keys. However, the day-to-day experiences he had had with the men in the community residence drew him back to an advocacy career in Massachusetts, where he was hired in 1975 to become the first paid employee for a group of parents of children with developmental disabilities who called themselves The South Norfolk County Association for Retarded Citizens or SNCARC (now known as the Arc of South Norfolk). His first office was in his car.
Under Bill's leadership over the next 35 years, the Arc of South Norfolk expanded significantly, adding many more services to the initial employment training program begun by the parent group. Programs such as the Harbor Counseling Center, the Family Autism Center, the Autism and Law Enforcement Education Coalition (ALEC), and Community-Based Day Supports were brought into being under Bill's leadership. He also led the growth of the organization's widening footprint to include 19 residential homes, two employment centers, and two day habilitation programs, fighting and winning a number of necessary legal battles to make those programs possible. Bill hired and mentored Dan Burke and Leo Sarkissian early in their careers, gifted leaders who continued to work closely with him. They skillfully carried on the legacy of his work after Bill's retirement in 2010, remaining valued friends until the end of his life.
Born in San Angelo, Texas, Bill spent his childhood in several places where his father's career as a chemical engineer led the young family. His mother easily found work as a librarian wherever they lived, giving birth along the way to Bill's three younger siblings. When Bill was 6, his brother Rick was born in Dayton Ohio, where the family first moved from Texas. A year and a half later his sister Kathy entered his life, following which the family moved to Tulsa Oklahoma, then Toledo Ohio, ultimately landing in Morgantown West Virginia when Bill was 14. His father's career culminated there as a government research scientist and his mother's as a medical librarian at West Virginia University. His youngest brother, Gary, was born soon after the family's final move.
Growing up, Bill was an adventurous bicycle rider, tree climber, hiker, skier and camping enthusiast, often telling stories about life in his favorite home town of Toledo Ohio, where he had been a dedicated boy scout under a troop leader who led the boys into many outdoor adventures and taught them to play the harmonica. As a standing substitute for a popular musical group called, The Harmonicats, Bill's boy scout leader landed the troop a spot on a local radio program, playing their harmonicas as part of a talent contest, something Bill never forgot, surprising his grandchildren and others with his skill on the harmonica until the year before his death. With a gifted musical ear, Bill enjoyed a wide variety of genres. He could tell you the name and composer of many classical pieces after hearing only the first few bars of music. He was also a big fan of Jazz and the Motown rock 'n roll that highlighted his teenage years.
A beloved husband, brother, stepfather, uncle, grandfather and great uncle, Bill is survived by his wife, Jane, his stepdaughters, Lilah Behrend and Clara Willliamson and their families, and his siblings, Rick Abel, Kathy McLaughlin, Gary Abel and their families.
In lieu of a funeral service or flowers Bill would have been honored to know that those who wished to honor his life instead took some time to commune with the mysterious sacredness of life in a beautiful natural setting in the same spirit in which he did as a contemplative. A financial donation to Lifeworks, National Audubon Society, or Vermont Land Trust would honor the big-hearted spirit of Bill's life, or you might choose to plant a tree in his honor.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.