Shady Hill Mourns the Passing of Joe Segar

Joseph C. Segar, Director of Shady Hill from 1963 to 1989, died on Wednesday, September 1, at his home in Barnstable. He was 85 years old. In a letter being sent to the Shady Hill community from Head of School Mark Stanek, Joe was remembered in the following way:

"Upon his retirement in 1989, a number of teachers, former students, and parent volunteers wrote about Joe for the Shady Hill News. He was remembered as an approachable, energetic, intelligent, and devoted school leader who led the school during some of our country’s most turbulent times. Assuming the directorship only months before President Kennedy's assassination, he proved himself to be a thoughtful and visionary leader during that difficult time, and in the succeeding years.

 

"He worked tirelessly with the Board to attract and enroll a more diverse student body, setting a goal of at least 20% students of color at the school, and under his leadership the school began race awareness groups. He expanded faculty sabbaticals and summer fellowships; oversaw the construction of the Beehive, the previous Gym, and the Science Building; and even inspired what we now know as Shady Hill's Flex Week. He was a friend to young and old, and the impact of his leadership is still very much a part of the school today.

 

"In addition to leading Shady Hill, Joe served on the Board of Wheelock College from 1966 to 1995. Following his retirement from their Board, he served on the College’s Corporation for an additional six years, truly a remarkable term of leadership and support for the College.

 

"He was married to Carol Coggeshall Segar, who died in May 2007, and was a long-time Shady Hill kindergarten teacher. For all of the years they worked together here, Joe and Carol’s extraordinary partnership promoted and strengthened our school.

 

"Joe leaves his sons Mark Segar, Timothy Segar ’66, Andrew Segar ’67, John Segar ’72, and Michael Segar ’77; and ten grandchildren. I know many of you join with me in extending our deepest sympathy to the Segar family, along with our profound gratitude for all that Joe and Carol contributed to Shady Hill."

Services are planned for Saturday, September 18, at 2:00 PM at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 3055 Main Street, Barnstable Village, MA. At the suggestion of the family, in lieu of flowers please consider a gift to Shady Hill School’s Annual Fund in support of diversity initiatives.