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HALE STURGES Obituary

Sturges, Hale II 75, of Boston, MA & Harpswell, ME, died on October 14, 2014 after a 15 month battle with appendiceal cancer. In addition to his wife of 52 years, Karen Steffensen Sturges, he is survived by daughters, Meg McDermott and Annie Gatewood, their husbands, Jay McDermott and Bob Gatewood, grandchildren, Jake, Peter and Ben McDermott, Julia and Ellie Gatewood, brother, Sheldon Sturges, brother in law, Jon Steffensen and sister in law, Liz Frantz Steffensen. Hale was predeceased by his parents, John Braddock Sturges and Hilda Ware Sturges. Hale graduated from Milton Academy 1956, Harvard University B.A. 1960 and Middlebury M.A. 1965. Hale began his career at Middlesex School teaching French and Latin, coaching hockey and baseball, while serving as a dorm master from 1960-1965. He continued his career teaching French at Phillips Academy, Andover until he retired in 2004. During his time at Andover, Hale served as Chairman of the French Department and Chairman of the Foreign Language Division, as well as being a varsity baseball coach throughout and a house counselor for 22 years. He held the Beinecke Foundation Faculty Chair for 21 years and served as Vice President and President of the Cum Laude Society. Hale authored 3 French text books, Une Fois Pour Toutes, Encore Une Fois, and Par Tout Le Monde Francophone. In addition, he wrote a sociological study, The People of Pleure: Portrait of a French Village. Hale served on the boards of The American Memorial Hospital, Reims, France, (president 1998-2011, director 1993-2014) and Mother Caroline Academy, Dorchester, MA for two terms. In retirement, Hale continued to teach and share his love of the French language and literature through Beacon Hill Seminars, where he taught courses in French and English, as well as serving as Vice President of the board and a member of the curriculum committee. He also taught English as a second language to recent immigrants. Until his illness, he recorded books every week at the Learning Ally. He shared his passion for the Boston Red Sox with all, but particularly his grandchildren. A memorial service will take place Saturday, November 15, 2:00pm at Cochran Chapel, Phillips Academy, Andover, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hale Sturges Scholarship Fund, Phillips Academy, 180 Main Street, Andover, MA 01810.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Oct. 17 to Oct. 19, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
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Soji Adu

October 27, 2025

Mr. Sturges was the best dresser ever - not to mention his over - all, Superstar appearance and raw handsomeness. He is one of the main reasons I was so privileged to attend Phillips Academy (Andover.). When my father passed - away, Mr. Sturges helped me snap -out of my funk! I am eternally grateful for having been his student. When I returned for reunion around 2015 or so, he greeted me with intense enthusiasm and glee as he showed everyone... Rest in Peace!!!

November 10, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss. Professor Sturges was most influential in helping me cope with the loss of my father when I was a student in his class. I was very happy to have seen him at my twenty-fifth reunion at Phillips Academy. He was all smiles and ever-so debonair... - Soji Adu

Danny Rubin

November 1, 2014

Goodbye, dear friend; I'll always have a place for you in my heart.

Mary & John Petrow

October 29, 2014

We are so sorry for your loss,
Love, John and Mary Petrow

October 24, 2014

Hale, we will miss you. You were a great member of Milton's Class of '56 and a special person going forward during reunion after reunion after reunion!! Karen, my sincere condolences... Betsy Reece Hall

Peter Dorsey

October 24, 2014

Mr. Sturges, I still have to call him that, was a gentleman. I'm sure we tested his patience over the three years he was our housemaster, but he was always measured and fair in his response. He'll be missed.

October 23, 2014

All the Goulds will miss Hale very much indeed. John Gould

Paul Kalkstein

October 22, 2014

Hale brightened several generations of student and faculty lives at Andover. He was at once humble and inspirational. I don't expect to forget his voice or his humor. He was a model teacher and mentor.

October 22, 2014

I always looked forward to seeing Hale at my Andover Reunions. A great guy and a big influence in the lives of many. He will be missed. My sympathies, Rick McKallagat

Peter Morin

October 22, 2014

Hale Sturgis is a man for whom I have held unabated affection and respect for over 40 years. A superb teacher, a consummate gentleman, a beloved housemaster, an intellectual giant. I thought of him often, and I looked forward to seeing him every time I returned to campus, and I am sad to know I cannot do so once more.

michael krumpe

October 21, 2014

I am very sorry for your loss.
Michael Krumpe

Heidi Schulz

October 20, 2014

What an amazing man and we are so honored to have met him a few times in Anchorage, KY at Meg and Jay's. Sending peace and blessings.
Heidi and Ken Schulz

Richard Soo Hoo - Chairman, Harvard Club of Merrimack Valley

October 19, 2014

The Harvard Club of the Merrimack Valley will greatly miss Hale Sturges, his wisdom, and his help. He taught and guided many bright students. We appreciated Hale's efforts in interviewing and so helping Harvard to select the best students for admission. May you rest in peace.

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Memorial Events
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Nov

15

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

Cochran Chapel, Phillips Academy

Andover, MA

Funeral services provided by:

J.S. Waterman Langone Chapel

580 Commercial Street, Boston, MA 02109

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