Bill Blasdale '61

A Visionary Leader and Dedicated Alumnus 

In Memory of R. William Blasdale ’61  

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A Letter from Head of School Tony Jaccaci

February 1, 2025

Dear Tabor Community,

It is with a sense of loss and respect that I share the passing of alumnus and trustee emeritus, R. William Blasdale. Known as Bill to most, he was a distinguished alumnus of Tabor Academy, Class of 1961. His unwavering dedication and service to the Tabor community spanned nearly four decades. Bill, a Trustee Emeritus and former Board Chair, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of committed service, philanthropy, and leadership that profoundly shaped Tabor Academy's growth and success. 

Bill's journey with Tabor began as a student where he actively participated in various clubs, serving as the president of the Print Shop, Russian Club, and the Debate Club. His leadership skills were evident early on, setting the stage for his future contributions to the school. 

Following his graduation, Cum Laude, from Tabor, Bill earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Princeton University and later a diploma in financial planning from Boston University, becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). His professional career was marked by his role as Co-founder and President of Seamark Financial Services, where he provided expert investment advisory services. Before this, he was the President and CEO of Julius Koch USA, a textile manufacturer in New Bedford, MA, for 28 years. 

A generous supporter of Tabor since the 1970s, Bill and his wife Mary Jean sent both of their children to Tabor, Spencer ’85 and Amy ’90. Furthering his connection to his alma mater, Bill’s philanthropy included more than forty years of giving, supporting both the annual fund and the endowment, particularly through the Webster Scholarship Fund and the Richard S. & Katharine E. Wickenden Fund. His steadfast support ensures that future generations of students can benefit from the exceptional education that Tabor offers. 

Bill's dedication to Tabor was further exemplified through his service on the Board of Trustees from 1982 to 2014, including his tenure as Board Chair from 1991 to 2006. He was, as Former Head of School Jay Stroud described, “as dependable and as essential to Tabor life as the tides themselves. Bill’s wisdom, profound common sense, and extraordinary sense of balance and proportion helped our Board become the engine for change and growth that characterized the more than two decades we worked together.”  

Under his leadership, Tabor experienced significant transformation, including a five-fold increase in the endowment, a doubling of annual applications, and the completion of numerous facilities, such as the renovation of the math/science wing of the Stroud Academic Center, the construction of the Marine and Nautical Sciences (MANS) Center, and the Fish Center for Health and Athletics. 

An involved member of the community, Bill was known for his inspiring Commencement addresses and the personal touch he brought to graduation ceremonies, proudly presenting diplomas to graduating students. In 2001, Tabor recognized his extraordinary contributions with the Distinguished Service Award; he was also later honored with the Elizabeth Taber Award for Outstanding Service to Education. Upon completing his tenure on the Board of Trustees, Bill remained engaged with Tabor as a Trustee Emeritus from 2014 until his passing. 

Beyond Tabor, Bill’s commitment to community service was evident through his roles in his hometown of Mattapoisett, where he served as a selectman for six years and then town moderator for 22 years, was active in the Lions Club, and contributed to the Planning Board. He also served on the Board of Trustees for Southcoast Health System, where he was Chair of the Governance Committee and a former Board Chair.  

Bill once reflected on his service to Tabor’s Board, stating, “The opportunity to have a positive impact on the educational opportunities available to our students is very special. Tabor gave me a superb educational foundation, and it is a privilege to be able to give back in some measure for all that I received from the school.” 

Bill Blasdale’s legacy at Tabor is one of profound influence. His dedication to students’ academic and personal growth, combined with his contributions to enhancing the school’s community and culture, has left an indelible mark on the School by the Sea. His memory will be cherished, his contributions celebrated, and his spirit acknowledged as a beacon of thoughtful leadership, warm-hearted concern, and gracious care within the Tabor community.  

With Sympathy,

Tony Jaccaci
Head of School