In Memoriam

Robert Bernbach ’56
“Knowing how strongly Robert felt about Marlboro, I am making this contribution in his memory,” wrote Linda Bernbach ’56. Her husband, Robert Bernbach ’56, died on December 24, 2012, at the age of 79. They had been married almost 52 years, and lived in Pleasantville, New York. Robert spent three years at Marlboro College, which he combined with classes at New York University, Columbia University, and Washington and Jefferson College for his bachelor’s degree. He studied history and literature at Marlboro, where he was remembered for his quiet, courteous good nature. “He accepts, usually, whatever situation arises,” reflected one professor, “and he has the saving grace of humor.” After college Robert served for two years in the army, stationed at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, and Fort Drum, New York. He started his career in magazine advertising sales working for various national magazines, including House Beautiful, Ladies Home Journal, and American Home magazine. In 1980 Robert founded Robert Bernbach Advertising Representatives and specialized in direct response advertising, recently representing publications like The Saturday Evening Post, Newsweek, AAA Magazines, The Old Farmer’s Almanac, and Working Mother. He worked until he passed away, and was succeeded as president of RB Advertising Representatives by his daughter Stephanie Bernbach-Crowe. He is survived by Linda, Stephanie, his son Erik, and four grandchildren.

Mary Fullerton, former staff member
“I remember Mary Fullerton knitting in her spare moments,” said receptionist Sunny Tappan ’77. “That was back when the receptionist had to take messages for all faculty, and most of the staff, and put them into their Mather mailbox.” Mary Bugbee Fullerton, who was receptionist at Marlboro from 1984 to 1993, died on February 15, 2014, in Burlington, Vermont. She was born in 1923 in Cornish, New Hampshire, and married George Fullerton of Plainfield, New Hampshire, in 1943. The couple later divorced, and Mary raised her two children, Michael and Patricia, in Vermont herself. She worked in kitchen and cafeteria management, in the records department at the Brattleboro Retreat, and eventually retired as receptionist and switchboard operator at Marlboro College. Mary loved nature and the outdoors, including mountain climbing, and read extensively about cosmology, geology, English history, and much else. She was also an avid Red Sox fan and enjoyed auto racing. In her last days, she was very pleased to have lived long enough to see the Daytona 500 race won by her favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Mary is survived by her two children, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.