Necrology

George Alan Shaler '57

Apr. 4, 1935-Apr. 4, 2019

George Alan Shaler ’57, an English literature teacher of Easthampton, Mass., was born on April 4, 1935, in Freeport, N.Y., a son of the former Mary Gilaspy and George Shaler, an engineer. He graduated from Freeport High School.

While at Hamilton, Shaler shined on cross country courses, winning a New York state championship in his sophomore year. He also was a member of the track team, Doers & Thinkers, Was Los, the Charlatans, College Choir, and Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Shaler majored in English literature and music, and developed a life-long passion for playing the organ.

In his 40th reunion yearbook, Shaler remembered with fondness Professor of Economics Sidney Wertimer. “Sid was everywhere; he knew everyone; he was always ready to offer special support and encouragement,” he wrote. “I got to know Sid early in our freshman year and attended a lecture he gave one evening in the chemistry auditorium, ‘Those Who Can … Should Teach.’ I haven’t been the same since.”

After graduation Shaler went to the University of Wisconsin at Madison, earning a master’s degree in English in 1959. He then began teaching at the Williston Academy, later known as the Williston Northampton School, in Easthampton. He would serve on the faculty there for 40 years.

While at the school, Shaler taught many literature courses, including one he created titled Dissident Voices, which focused on the African American writers Richard Wright and James Baldwin. A ­passionate amateur chef, Shaler taught cooking classes and was also a coach for his school’s athletic program, according to a published obituary. He coached football and track, and started a cross country team.

Shaler served as a trustee of the University of Massachusetts and as Easthampton town councilor, where one of his proudest achievements was assisting in the construction of the public safety complex. Active in local theatre, he continued to pursue his love of music as an organist who was in demand for religious services, holiday musical programs, and weddings.

A sabbatical during his career at ­Williston Academy enabled him to live abroad, where he spent some time teaching in secondary schools in the United Kingdom. That experience sparked a passion for foreign travel that continued in his retirement years when he visited every continent except Australia and Antarctica. What he enjoyed most, however, was spending time at his rustic cabin in the Adirondacks where he grew and hybridized daylilies.

Shaler died on April 4, 2019. He was 84 years old. Predeceased by his wife, the former Janet James, in 1973, he raised his children as a single father. Survivors include two sons, including George Shaler ’84, one daughter, and five grandchildren.

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