Deane J. Zarvis, 74, of Richmond died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield after a brief illness.
Deane Zarvis was born June 1, 1944, in Adams to the late James H. and Lillian F. Zarvis. He attended Pittsfield High School and was a 1962 graduate. After high school, Deane attended the University of Massachusetts and Antioch College, where he obtained his Ph.D. in forensic psychology. He also served in the Army Reserves during the Vietnam War. Zarvis worked for many years as a forensic psychologist at the Pittsfield District Court. Deane was married to Rebecca Fiske, a professor at Bard College at Simon’s Rock for 36 years. She predeceased him Jan. 3, 2018.
Deane was a renaissance man with many talents and interests. From designing and building his own homes, tapping maple trees on his property or tying his own fishing flies, Deane had a strong sense of self-reliance. He played both the piano and guitar, and instilled a love of music in his children and grandchildren. Family gatherings were certain to end with a musical performance of “Man of La Mancha.” He also enjoyed fishing the many local spots in the Berkshires and beyond. Deane was a prolific reader of classic literature, and his ferocious intellect and keenly attuned empathy brought the best out of others. He traveled extensively across the U.S. and Europe. He was a longtime member of a local tennis league and loved the sport. One of his favorite trips was attending the U.S. Open every year. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and cooking delicious Mediterranean food to share with them.
Deane Zarvis is survived by his children James C. H. Zarvis and wife Jamie A. Zarvis of Easthampton, Alexander B. Zarvis of Hinsdale, William N. Zarvis of Pittsfield, and Rachael L. Zarvis of Richmond. He also leaves his sister, Christine Adams and husband Jeffrey Rabidoux of Pittsfield; his grandchildren Kostis J. M. Zarvis and Lukas A. Zarvis; his nephew, Jesse Adams; and niece Jane Mercier.
A celebration of life for Deane Zarvis will be held Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Gateways Inn, 51 Walker St., Lenox. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Deane’s memory may be made to Mass Audubon. To share memories and stories, visit rochefuneralhome.com.
