Today’s Obituaries: Shawn T. Cunningham, 59, of Haverhill

Shawn T. Cunningham, 59, of Haverhill, died on Saturday, Aug. 5 at Anna Jacques Hospital in Newburyport, with his devoted wife Carla Vachowski at his side. Shawn was born on Jan. 29, 1964 in Haverhill to Norman N. and Marion A. (Tobey) Cunningham. He was educated in Haverhill Public Schools and was a graduate of Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, class of 1982.

The Public May Pay Respects Saturday to Late Atkinson Fire Chief Murray

Firefighters pay tribute to Atkinson Fire Chief Brian S. Murray Saturday morning followed by calling hours for the public. Murray died unexpectedly Sunday. He leaves his wife Lisa and daughter Gianna. According to a statement, “Fire Chief Murray was a member of the fire service for over 34 years, serving the Stoddard, Gilford, Durham, Manchester, Salem and Atkinson Fire Departments. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Fire Chief Murray was a beloved member of our extended community, actively engaging with residents, schools, former colleagues and local organizations.

Peter Wood Waldron, Former Bradford College Creative Arts Chair, Set Designer, Dies at 69

Peter Wood Waldron, 69, was a scenic designer, arts center manager, teacher, husband and father who loved life, loved the arts and loved showing people a good time. Born in Birmingham, Ala., Waldron was the oldest child of Martin O. Waldron Jr, a Pulitzer-Prize-winning reporter, and Ann Wood Waldron, a journalist and author. With his three younger siblings, Peter grew up in Tallahassee, Fla., and Houston, Texas, as the family relocated in support of Martin’s journalism career. Peter enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin and majored in technical theater. He also worked as a stage manager at Austin’s famed Paramount Theatre.

Last City-Hired Administrator of Haverhill’s Hale Hospital, Nathaniel Bond, Dies at 89

Nathaniel Bond, who oversaw the 1984 move of the city-owned Hale Hospital from Buttonwoods Avenue to a new Lincoln Avenue campus, died Sunday at age 89. Bond was the last of city-hired administrators when he took over in 1982. His lost his job four years later when an insurance company forced the city to hire a national management company later blamed for the hospital’s failure. City officials claimed in 1985 that American Municipal Bond Assurance Corporation insisted on “veto” power over management hiring as a condition of its insurance on a $37 million refinancing of the hospital. Bond, of North Andover, came to the Hale from Beverly Hospital and accepted the job as administrator of Nantucket Cottage Hospital in June.

Shay Patrick Sullivan, Whittier Tech Teacher, Dies at 44

Shay Patrick Sullivan, a devoted husband, father and son, peacefully passed away on June 11, just shy of his 45th birthday, surrounded by his loving family in Plaistow, N.H.

Born on July 6, 1978, in Methuen, Shay was a passionate educator who dedicated his career to teaching. After earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism from UMass Amherst, he started his career as a reporter for the Longboat Key Observer. He later went on to earn a master’s degree in education from UMass Lowell and, from there, spent 14 years as an English teacher at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School in Haverhill, where he found true fulfillment in guiding and inspiring young minds. Shay’s commitment to education went beyond the classroom, as he proudly served as president of the teacher’s union. He cherished his role in mentoring and shaping the lives of his students.

Richard Kelso Atwood, Former Owner of Haverhill’s Atwood Memorial, Dies at 93

Richard Kelso Atwood, a former owner of Atwood Memorial Co., passed away June 3, at the age of 93. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was pre-deceased by his wife Lorraine, who passed away on May 3. He leaves behind his family, Sally Atwood Finan and spouse Douglas, Richard Atwood and spouse Meredith, Judy Atwood Ducey and spouse Thomas, Norman Roy and spouse Lynn, and Dr. Gary Roy. Grandchildren: Melissa Finan Holleran and spouse Edward, Scott Finan, Geoffrey Atwood and spouse Luis Williams, Andrew Atwood, Elizabeth Ducey, Thomas Ducey, Michael Ducey, and spouse Chloe.