Fall 2023 Obituaries
These include death notices reported by June 1, 2023.
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Ernest “Ernie” Dante Del Signore on August 25, 2022. In the early morning of August 25, 2022, Ernest (Ernie) Dante Del Signore, age 101 years and 10 months, passed peacefully in his sleep at his son’s home in Houston, TX. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Martha Kenan Del Signore ’47, and his brother Anthony. He is survived by his four children: sons Lee; Bruce and wife, Debbie; Brian and wife, Leah; and daughter, Kathy Del Signore Landkrohn ’76 and husband, Kevin. He is also survived by two brothers, Ramon and Richard Del Signore; three grandchildren, eight nieces and nephews, and their children and grandchildren.
Ernie was a WWII veteran and served as a Corporal with the 1010th Engineer Treadway Bridge Company in Europe. Before and after the war, he attended Allegheny College and graduated in 1943. He pursued a career as an industrial engineer for U.S. Steel until his retirement in 1978. Ernie was friendly with everyone, and a real believer in people. He loved conversation, possessed a great sense of humor, and had the reputation of being quick with a pun. His favorite post-retirement activities included visiting with family, attending symphonies, raising bees as a hobby with his wife, Martha, and traveling with her to enjoy nature and bird migration routes. He also loved reading, was especially fond of Shakespeare, and enjoyed listening to classical and Latin music at home where he loved to turn it way up.
Analee “Pat” Patterson Durant on January 28, 2023. Analee (Pat) Patterson Durant died January 28, 2023 in Hanover, NH. She was born Analee Frances to Aldith (Olson) and Barton Montgomery Patterson on August 3, 1922 in Davis, West Virginia. Pat celebrated her 100th birthday last August surrounded by family. Upon graduation from Davis High School at age sixteen, Pat was recognized for perfect attendance, never absent or tardy during all her school years. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of WVA in 1943 then went directly to Washington, DC for a job in the war effort. She was hired by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), precursor to the CIA, and sent to Calcutta (now Kolkata), India for the duration of the war. While in Calcutta she first met the love of her life and future husband, Captain William (Bill) B. Durant, USN. After WWII Pat’s spirit of adventure led her to employment with the American Red Cross to help repatriate Japanese internees from Shanghai, China back to Japan. While in Shanghai, Pat reconnected with Bill Durant. Her experiences in India, China and Japan were just the beginning of a life of travel and frequent moves. After returning to the U.S. Pat and Bill began their married life together in Schenectady, NY. For the next eighteen years they were a Navy family, mainly stationed in Arlington, VA between stints in Hawaii, California and Sasebo, Japan. Pat took up golf, bridge, painting, and flower arranging as well as working as a school bus driver while raising their four children. In 1965 they relocated to Hanover, NH where Pat worked summers for Dartmouth College organizing college conferences. Pat continued her Red Cross work as a volunteer at local bloodmobile drives. Always a lover of the outdoors, she enjoyed skiing, hiking, bird watching, and gardening while also honing her golf and bridge skills. She later took up duplicate bridge and would travel New England for tournaments. As grandchildren started arriving Pat and Bill began organizing biennial vacations to Cape Cod for the whole family. This tradition continued with only a few missed years until Pat was no longer able to travel. Many of the most treasured memories for the family came from these special times together. “Granny” was famous among the grandchildren for her fabulous family dinners, always delicious if not extravagant, and she made it all seem easy. Not only was she an excellent cook, she was a talented seamstress and prolific knitter. Pat’s beloved husband, Bill, died in 2000 after a long journey with dementia. She was predeceased by her two sisters, Betty Gooding and Patty Thompson. She is survived by her four children: William and his wife Susan, of Cornish, NH; Peter and his wife Mary Beth, of Washington, DC; David and his wife Kathy of Woodbine, MD; Judith and her husband Steven Ladd, of Meriden, NH. She will also be missed by her 11 grandchildren and their spouses, 19 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Carl William Schermerhorn on February 24, 2022. Carl William Schermerhorn 100 of Franklin, IN passed away peacefully of natural causes on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at Otterbein Franklin Seniorlife Community in Franklin, Indiana. Carl was born on July 2, 1921, in Meadville, Pennsylvania to the late William Levi 1913 and Lottie Vildena (Smith) 1913 Schermerhorn. He was married to Jane (Goodrich) Schermerhorn for 53 years until her passing in 1998. Carl and Jane lived in the Indianapolis area since 1948. In his later life, he shared a happy companionship with June Hathaway of Franklin, Indiana. Carl started his engineering career at Wright Patterson Air Force Base (Dayton, Ohio) and subsequently worked at the Naval Avionics Center (Indianapolis) for 39 years, retiring in 1987. He was an active member of both the Irvington Presbyterian Church and the Eastminster United Presbyterian Church for 48 years, serving on the Board of Deacons, Board of Trustees, and Board of Elders. Carl was also active in Boy Scouts as a Cubmaster and Assistant Scout Master and received the Scouter of the Year Award from the Indiana Pioneer District in 1967. Carl loved to travel and some of his favorite trips include the World’s Fairs of 1934 and 1939, the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and the Thousand Islands. Carl also shared a love for puns and jokes and delivered them with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. He also loved animals and had many dogs and cats throughout his life. Carl is survived by his four children – Nancy Rudd (Tom) of Powell, OH, Roger Schermerhorn (Tacy Smith) of Missouri City, TX, Tim Schermerhorn (Joyce Thomas) of Chrisney, IN, and Cindy Indrutz (Jeff) of Galveston, IN, and three grandchildren – Jessica Rudd of Columbus, OH, Derek Rudd of Powell, OH and Zachary Rudd of Shaker Heights, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and infant brother Richard Irwin Schermerhorn. Carl will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
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Marjorie Jenkins Crouse on August 5, 2022. Marjorie Jenkins Crouse, age 99, of Friendship Village, Upper St. Clair, formerly of Smithton, died Friday, August 5, 2022, at her residence. She was born June 3, 1923, in Wilkinsburg, a daughter of the late Edward A. and Anna Freeman Jenkins. She was a member of Hope Memorial Lutheran Church in Smithton, daughter of the American Revolution, and had worked at Westinghouse, in East Pittsburgh during World War ll. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John (Jack) Crouse; and two sisters, Ann Jenkins Ivy ’42 and Sarah Jenkins Reetz ’46. She is survived by two sons, John Crouse, Jr., and his wife, Trish of Plymouth Meeting, PA, George Crouse of Bridgeville; and two granddaughters, Jacqueline Crouse of Sarasota, Florida and Jennifer Crouse of Charleston, South Carolina.
Delana Taft Smith on January 3, 2023. Delana Smith passed away peacefully January 3, 2023. Delana was born in 1922 in Erie, PA. She moved to Florida over 60 years ago. She lived in Winter Haven and Fort Lauderdale before making her home in Lakeland. She was predeceased by her parents, Ross and Fannie Taft; her sister, Beatrice T. Sieman; her first husband, George E. Smith ’44 and her second husband, Daniel W. Smith. She is survived by her daughter, Lindley Miller; grandchildren, Ryan Dyches, Morgan Gavalas and step grandchildren, Erik Leschak and Brittany Smith and her great-grandchildren, all of Tampa. She is an alumni of Allegheny College, a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, the Rachel Circle of UMT and a member of Presbyterian Church in the Highlands. The family would like to thank the many friends and loving caregivers who helped Delana through life’s journey. Delana will be dearly missed.
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Dr. Arthur C. Bittner on February 7, 2023. Dr. Arthur C. Bittner of Glenshaw, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2023 at the age of 98 at his home surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary Winschel Bittner, with whom he shared a 67-year loving marriage. He is survived by his seven children: Terri Ballard (Bill); Lorraine Bittner (Bernard MacDonagh); David Bittner; Gregory Bittner (Denise); Mary Lou Mitsch (Richard); Callie Bartos (Scott); and Bob Bittner (Kim). Also surviving Arthur are his 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Arthur was preceded in death by his eight siblings: Edward; Clarence; Mary (Bittner) Joseph; Sylvan; Henry; Victor; Leonard; and Aloysius. Arthur was born on August 21, 1924 in Glenshaw, Pennsylvania, son of Edward A. Bittner and Caroline (Kessler) Bittner. He grew up on Middle Road in Glenshaw where he attended St. Mary’s grade school. Arthur graduated from Etna High School and later Allegheny College; he then attended the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and started his optometric practice which grew to include his son and grandchildren and became the present-day Bittner Vision Associates. Arthur was the last surviving charter member of the Etna Shaler Rotary Club where he served for over 50 years alongside his father, brothers, and son. He was a history buff, an avid golfer, and enjoyed nature and outdoor activities. He was fun-loving with an ever-present sense of humor. He was a gifted storyteller and his favorite memories were of time spent with family. According to Arthur: “Each person should be aware that there will always be the need to help someone somewhere.”
Paul F. Jenkins on December 23, 2022. Paul F. Jenkins, 100, of Basking Ridge, NJ died on December 23, 2022, in Morristown, NJ. He was a WW II and Korean War veteran of the Air Force. Paul was born to Edward B. Jenkins and Emily Vollmers Jenkins in White Plains, NY.
Paul is survived by his loving wife, Wanda P. Jenkins ’47, of 74 years and his children Diane Gilbert, Susan LaCourse (Richard), and his son Craig Jenkins. He is preceded in death by his son, Garland Jenkins (Ulla) and his brother, William E. Jenkins. He is survived by 12 grandchildren, Whitney Jenkins, Kelly Gilbert Cauley (Daniel), Brendan Gilbert, Brian Gilbert, Lauren LaCourse Niewiadomski (Chris), Monique LaCourse, Matthew Jenkins, Mark Jenkins, Dana Kuehler, Jimmy Engstrom (Chiara), Jerry Engstrom (Jennifer), Mikael Engstrom, and 9 great-grandchildren, Grace, Timothy, Donovan, Gabriella, Andrew, Sebastian, Annika, Kierstin, Konrad, as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Paul was honored to be an Eagle Scout and was proud to have been voted Mayor for the Day in White Plains by his fellow Boy Scouts. He graduated from White Plains High School, NY and received his B.A. degree in Economics from Allegheny College in 1946, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and met his bride, Wanda. In the middle of college, WWII broke out and he joined the Army Air Corps which later turned into the Air Force. He was trained as a fighter pilot and became a flight instructor. He flew everything from Stearman Biplanes to jets, but his favorite was the P-51. During the Korean War he became an Aircraft Engineering Officer for the 82 nd Fighter Squadron at Larson Air Force Base in Moses Lake, WA. After the Air Force, he joined the Wyoming Air National Guard and then the US Air Force Reserves. His economics degree led him to be involved in historic advances in technology. He worked on projects that involved the building of Bell X-1 aircraft that broke the sound barrier, the first nuclear reactor, the first nuclear submarine, missile defense systems, and the Apollo Support Team. This was followed by heavy involvement in the development of computer information systems. He continued his career at AT&T until he retired in 1994.
Paul cherished being with his family the most and continued his love of flying after discharge from the military. He had a great sense of humor and made his family and friends laugh from his jokes. His favorite movies were Top Gun, Top Gun: Maverick and Singin’ in the Rain.
Virginia Wood Kerr on November 16, 2022. Virginia Kerr June 18, 1926 – November 16, 2022. Virginia Kerr (nee Wood) passed away peacefully in her Brandon, Florida home on November 16th. She was born and raised in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Francis Wood, stepmother, Mary Wood, sister and brother-in-law, Marian and Thomas Dinning, brother, Robert Wood, and husbands Wilmer “Matt” Matson, Dr. Herbert Patton, and John Kerr. Virginia is survived by her four children, Jeanne Keaton, William (Patricia) Matson, Thomas(Mary) Patton, and Marianne (Paul) Gruzlewski. In addition, she is survived by 7 granddaughters and 18 great grandchildren. Virginia earned her BA from Allegheny College and her master’s degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh. She began her Distributive Education teaching career in Bradford, Pennsylvania in 1968 and retired in 1985. She was a well-loved teacher. Virginia enjoyed rooting on her Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, and Pitt Panthers. She was a gifted seamstress and loved to teach others her skills. In addition, she enjoyed crafting and was an avid reader. Each year she volunteered her time and knowledge to the St. Lucie County Fair where she oversaw the Women’s World pavilion. Virginia loved to dance and enjoyed all types of music and the performing arts. Her family will tell you that she was never hesitant to give her opinion or advice on most topics. Family meant everything to her. She enjoyed getting together whenever possible and sharing her stories of growing up and growing together. She will be greatly missed.
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Jane J. Bell on February 18, 2022.
Winifred Sutter Stutz on June 30, 2022. Winifred Sutter Stutz, our wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend passed away in her sleep on June 30, 2022, while residing at Wesley Glen in Columbus, OH. She was born Winifred Helen Sutter on June 13, 1925 to Walter Hoffman Sutter and Martha Catherine (Fallon) Sutter, in Cleveland, Ohio. She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Martha Sutter, sister Katharine Hangen, brother Robert Sutter and husband David Eugene Stutz. Winifred is survived by her five children Paul (Gayle) Stutz of Oakland, California; Anne/Andi (Art) Prince of Westerville, OH; Mary Stutz (Gerard Nervig) of Custer, South Dakota; Emily Shipman (John) of Columbus, OH; and John Stutz (Michele) of Kansas City, KS. She is survived by her nine grandchildren: Amy Stutz, Michael and Laura Prince, Christine Nervig, Katie Shipman, Rachel, Daniel, David, and Benjamin Stutz. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss her.
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Jane Carman Nelson on May 21, 2023. Jane C. Nelson, 95, formerly of Meadville passed away, Sunday, May 21, 2023, at Rolling Fields.
She was born in Meadville on May 30, 1927, a daughter of George and Nellie Roberts Ellison 1916. She married George H. Nelson August 31, 1946. He preceded her in death April 30, 2003.
Jane was a 1945 graduate of Meadville High School and attended Allegheny College. She was a Real Estate agent for ERA Richmond Real Estate and previously worked as program coordinator for the Crawford County R.S.V.P. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where she formerly had served as a Deacon, Lay Minister, and Circle leader.
Jane was also a former member of the Meadville Medical Center Board of Corporators, former board member of Crawford County Mental Health Mental Retardation, Meadville Business and Professional Women, and Community Health Advisory Council. She was a 10-year volunteer at MMC and 6-year volunteer at Wesbury in Pastoral care.
Survivors include a son, Eric Nelson of Meadville; three daughters, Anne Shuttleworth of Meadville, Dr. Donna Nelson (Jake) of Manassa, CO, and Joan Nelson (Steve) of Concord, NH; two grandchildren, Kim Shay (Daniel) and Jacob Nelson Hall; three step-grandsons, Greg Shuttleworth (Amanda), Adam Shuttleworth (Erica), and Matt Shuttleworth; one great-grandson, Tanner Shay; and five step-great-grand-grandchildren, Luke, Addison, Taylor, Sam, and Shalynn Shuttleworth.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; adopted father, Nevin Carman; a brother, John Ellison; a half-sister, Connie Carman Sekerak Hicks ’48; and a son-in-law, Allen Shuttleworth.
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Robert A. Carman on April 8, 2023. Robert A. Carman of Plymouth Meeting, Pa passed away on April 8, 2023 at the age of 99. Born September 20, 1923 to the late Frederick and Mildred (nee Peiffley), Robert was the beloved husband of the late Edna (nee Leonard) ’45; loving father of Vicki Cresswell (John), and Sherry Lytle (Marshall); cherished grandfather of Rob Roberts (Brianna), Brent Roberts, Matt Lytle (Kara), Jess Lytle, Josh Lytle; and beloved great-grandfather of Talon, Lyra, Halle, Kyla, Dulce, Luka, Boone, Carman, and Quinn. He also leaves to cherish his memory his step-grandchildren Jana Cresswell, John (Kristin) Cresswell, Jaclyn (Brian) Stocker, and step-great-grandchildren Connor, Matthew, Brody, and Kira.
Bob was proud of his service as a pilot in WWII. Following the war, he received his degree from Allegheny College, where he was also on the football team.
Bob worked for Westinghouse in Meadville until it closed. A career move brought the family to Plymouth Meeting, where Bob became a Vice President of Labor Relations for Acme Markets in Philadelphia.
As well as golfing, gardening, fishing, and bowling, he enjoyed wine making with his good friend and flying partner, Larry Edmunson.
Family vacations were spent in Ocean City, N.J. where “Pop” taught the grandchildren to enjoy fishing for flounder.
After retirement, Bob spent many years serving on the Board of the SAAC Center in Norristown. “Pop” loved attending the sporting events of his grandchildren and later great grandchildren. He was loved by all and will be sorely missed.
Jeanne Dahlquist Sluyter on February 20, 2023. Jeanne Dahlquist Sluyter died peacefully on February 20, 2023. She was born on October 31, 1927, in New York City. She was the daughter of the late Walter E. Dahlquist and the late Betty Rankin Dahlquist, and grew up in Great Neck, NY. She was also predeceased by her sister Dorothy Dahlquist Boeing, and her husband Robert N. Sluyter. She is survived by her four children and their spouses, David ’79 and Amy G. Sluyter, Jeffrey and Marilia Sluyter-Beltrao, Susan Sluyter and Ted Fitts, and Lauren Sluyter Olsen and Odd Joran Olsen. She is also survived by her four grandchildren and their spouses Caroline Sluyter and Caroline Perry, Stephanie and James Charbonnet, Nicolas Sluyter-Beltrao, and Eric Sluyter, his partner Elizabeth Redlich, and four great-grandchildren Tarran and Avery Perry-Sluyter, and Tyler and Simon Charbonnet. Jeanne gained a Bachelor of Arts degree and worked as an advertising set designer until meeting the love of her life, Bob. They were longtime residents of Wellesley, and Needham, Massachusetts. Jeanne was an avid painter who spent many hours with her oils and watercolors, and enjoyed exhibiting them locally. She loved skiing and walking in the woods with family and friends. For most of her life Jeanne was actively involved with the League of Women Voters, Wellesley Village Church, and a spectrum of social justice and civil rights causes. She was a volunteer art teacher, reading tutor, and a host mother in an urban scholarship program. She volunteered from early days at Rosie’s Place woman’s shelter, did outreach mentoring at MCI-Framingham, a medium-security prison for women, and represented the church on a mission to Nicaragua, delivering medical supplies. Jeanne was a loving and devoted mother whose enduring support and unconditional love will always be cherished by her children. She was an adoring, faithful partner to her husband, Bob, and could never get quite enough of his crackling humor, whimsy and hijinx. Jeanne was also a woman of deep faith, persistence, and kindness, who firmly believed “Things always work out eventually.”
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Robert N. Chambers on December 23, 2022. Robert N. Chambers passed away Dec. 23, 2022, in Annapolis, Maryland. Born Oct. 16, 1926, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Thomas Emmett Chambers and Pearl Slates.
Bob graduated from Culver Military Academy, Class of 1944, and Allegheny College, Class of 1950.
He served in the Air Force during WWII in the South Pacific Theater.
After college he returned to New Castle to join his father in the family business, the Chambers Motor Company.
Bob married Mary Patricia “Patti” Preston in 1951. After retiring from the car business in 1984, Bob and Patti spent the winter months in Tucson, Arizona.
Bob was an active and generous community supporter. In New Castle, he served on the Jameson Hospital and the First Western Bank boards, was a benefactor of the New Castle YMCA, and an active member of Clen-Moore Church. He and Patti co-founded the Lawrence County Eye Bank.
After Patti’s death in 2013, he moved to the Ginger Cove retirement community in Annapolis, Maryland. He embraced his new home and was quick to make friends. At Ginger Cove, he found a kindred spirit in Mrs. Jane McCarl and their friendship enriched his twilight years.
He is survived by three sons, Robert, James (Niecy) and David; six granddaughters, Halley, Patricia Batchelor (Michael), Katherine Papendick (Steve), Julia, Emily and Lisa; and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his blessed wife, Patti; his sister, Lois ’38; and his son, John Ray.
Our beloved “Babbo” was outgoing, open-minded, affectionate and giving. He demonstrated a genuine interest in everyone he met and treasured time spent with family and friends.
Thomas J. Ferris on September 25, 2022. THOMAS J. FERRIS September 25, 2022 Age 94, of Baldwin, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 25, 2022. He was the beloved husband for over 59 years to the late Ernestine A. “Aneesa” Ferris; loving father to Lisa (Al) Ernst, Stephen J. Ferris and Mark Ferris; cherished grandfather “Jidu” to Michael and Maria Ernst and Max and Daniel Ferris; brother of the late Margaret Lyons and Maurice Ferris; also survived by many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Tom spent his entire professional career working in the legal industry retiring as a Workers’ Compensation Judge. He was very active in his church and community and also served as Chairman of the South Park School Board in 1971. He enjoyed spending time with Aneesa and his family. He also loved to dance and together with Aneesa enjoyed playing cards with friends. As a young man, he enjoyed spending time with family at Conneaut Lake and later in life vacationing with his family at the beach. Tom was a fun-loving man who was truly the happiest being in the company of family and friends.
Kenneth Fullom on August 22, 2022. Kenneth Fullom In the early morning of August 22, 2022, at the age of 96 Kenneth peacefully passed away at home in his sleep. He was born in Centerville, PA March 8, 1926, a son of the late Clifford and Ethel Daily Fullom. After graduating from Bloomfield High School in 1944 he enlisted in the Army and served in the 83rd Infantry Division, 322nd Field Artillery during the Battle of the Bulge. After his time of service to his country he graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Indiana Technical College. He was employed by the State of PA many years as a civil engineer in the bridge division. He was a member of Chapel Hill UCC, Mechanicsburg American Legion post 109, Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, and the Society of Mayflower Descendants. He found great enjoyment fishing, hunting, wine making and gardening. Always enthusiastic to travel but his greatest joy came from spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 65 years, Shirley Jean (Tolan) Fullom; two sons Clifford and wife Christine of Franklin, NC; Curtis and wife Sheri of Punta Gorda, FL; a daughter Elizabeth Byrom and husband Terry of Enola; granddaughters April Lambatos (Anthony) of CO; Sandy Goldstein of CO; and Olivia Fullom of FL; grandson Curtis Fullom (Rachel) of ILL; a brother Ronald Fullom (Barbara) of Lima, OH; 4 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother Gerald Fullom and his sister Lorraine Foltz.
Mary Constance “Connie” Callahan Hornickel on May 13, 2023. Mary Constance “Connie” Callahan Hornickel, 94, of Washington, died Saturday, May 13, 2023, in Genesis HealthCare, Bridgeville, after many calls and visits from family and friends.
She was born May 28, 1928, in Delaware, Ohio, a daughter of Mary Sowash Maxwell Callahan 1912 and Dr. Frank Howard Callahan 1912.
She attended elementary schools in Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. Moving with the family to New York City, she attended Horace Mann School for Girls, part of Teachers College, and graduated from Northfield Mount Hermon in Gill, Mass. in 1946. She received a BA in 1950 from Allegheny College in Meadville, where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and active in student government, religious activities, and choral music.
Connie received a Master’s in Nursing from Yale University of Nursing in 1953, specializing in Pediatric Nursing. For several years, she worked in hospitals in Denver, Colo.; New York City, N.Y.; Cleveland, Ohio; Wheeling, W.Va.; and Waynesburg University in Waynesburg.
On June 24, 1961, in Delaware, Ohio, she married Robert Marshall “Skip” Hornickel, proprietor of Colonial Pharmacy in Canonsburg.
For almost 25 years, they lived in Scenery Hill, while raising their two children and rehabbing an old Tavern on Route 40, the Old National Pike. They then moved to Amwell Township and later Washington.
Connie was a very active member of the Church of the Covenant, serving on the Board of Deacons, a ruling elder and clerk of sessions. She greatly valued the mission work of Presbyterian women and spent many hours serving meals and planning programs for the 55 Plus group.
She was a lifelong lover of music, attending Pittsburgh Symphony Choral and River City Brass Band concerts, sports and musical events involving her grandchildren. Connie was a charter member of her neighborhood book club and enjoyed playing Bridge, doing crossword puzzles, and reading.
She was known and appreciated by family and friends for her quick sarcastic wit, happy demeanor, and immediate willingness to help a friend on a moment’s notice.
On Thanksgiving Day, 2022, Connie was thrilled to hold her first great- granddaughter, Estelle Jordan Sutton, born July 30, 2022.
Surviving are her two children: daughter, Helen Elizabeth Taras (John) of Durham, N.C., and son, Dr. Howard Hornickel (Kristan) of Washington. Connie has five loving grandchildren, Jordan Taras Sutton (Rob) of Swampscott, Mass.; Cate Taras Nuccio (Tim) of Beverly, Mass.; and Kyle, Alexis and Ryan Hornickel of Washington. Surviving is her brother, Howard Callahan of Santa Rosa, Calif. Several beloved nieces, nephews and cousins also survive along with dozens of valued friends.
Connie was predeceased by the love of her life, husband Skip Hornickel, who died February 23, 2013; and wonderful sister, Elizabeth Maxwell Bunn, who passed July 12, 2014.
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Edward F. Brink on April 5, 2023. Edward F. Brink, 93, of Yarmouth Port, MA, passed away on April, 5, 2023, after a brief illness, with his children and grandchildren at his side.
Ed always said he was the luckiest person alive; it was his kindness and good nature that generated that luck. He is remembered as an extraordinary teacher, an athlete, and inspired dahlia gardener, who was dedicated to family, friends, and community.
Edward Francis Brink was born in Avalon, PA, on April 16, 1929, to Maxwell David Brink and Gretta (Cable) Brink, the seventh of ten children. Ed graduated from Avalon High School in 1947, where he received the Jack Brice Memorial Award for Athletics. In his sophomore year, a hayride with childhood friend Beverly Beitel cemented a lifelong love and partnership. Ed and Bev married on December 15, 1951. They were married for 70 years when Bev passed in 2021.
After graduating in Education from Allegheny College in 1951, Ed was drafted into the Army Signal Corps, and stationed in Alaska, where Bev joined him. In 1957, Ed began teaching at Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey). He retired in 1992 as a professor of Health and Physical Education, having coached championship soccer and tennis teams, and inspiring a generation of K-12 physical education teachers. A highlight of his career was a sabbatical at St. Martin’s College in Lancaster, England, where Ed taught in the fledgling Physical Education department. In 1995, Ed was inducted into the Trenton State College Athletics Hall of Fame.
Prior to living on Cape Cod, Ed and Bev enjoyed 35 years in Pennington, NJ, where they raised their children and were deeply involved in the Pennington Presbyterian Church. In 1997, they moved to Barnstable Village on Cape Cod, and to Heatherwood in 2010. Ed volunteered for projects with Audubon and helped with oyster propagation in Barnstable Harbor. He and Bev were members of Dennis Union Church, where he sang in the choir and worked on the auction pickup crew.
Ed is survived by his three children: Nancy Sue (and Steve); David Oliver (and Kathy); and Jonathan Edward (and Angela), and five grandchildren: David, Scott, Nicholas, Alexander, and Charlotte.
Dr. Alexander Drescher on November 26, 2022. Husband and wife, Dr. Alexander N. Drescher and Aline Drescher of Lanesborough, Massachusetts, died together at home on Nov. 26, 2022, at age 92 after more than 71 years of marriage. Born and raised in New York City, Bunny and Sandy met at Little Red Schoolhouse, fell in love as teenagers and were wed in 1951. They leave three sons: Thomas S. Drescher and his wife Andrea C. Brown of Los Angeles, CA; Peter D. Drescher of El Cerrito, CA; and William M. Drescher of Albuquerque, NM.
Alexander was the son of Harold J. Drescher, Chief Counsel of the Greyhound Bus Company, and Berta Rosen Drescher, a pianist. A graduate of Allegheny College and the College of Medicine of New York University, he later interned at NYU-Bellevue Medical Center and completed his residency at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx. In 1957-59 he was chief of pediatrics at the US Army Hospital in Fort Carson, CO, and subsequently returned to Albert Einstein as an instructor and researcher in kidney disease, infant nutrition and endocrinology. Dr. Drescher moved to Pittsfield with his family in 1962 and practiced pediatrics for many years. In the late 1970’s he went back to school and trained as a psychologist at the Institute for Living in Hartford, CT. During his time in the Berkshires, he also taught regular classes at Albany Medical College and served as Chair of the Mt. Greylock Regional High School Board of Education. In his later years, he became an independent scholar in English literature, specializing in the work of James Joyce, Herman Melville and Vladimir Nabokov. … Bunny and Sandy loved the Berkshires and especially their 1820’s farmhouse, built along a country road in Lanesborough and not modernized until they took possession in 1967. They spent many summers with their sons renovating and updating the building, riding their horses through the surrounding fields, and later on, driving a Haflinger-drawn cart across the county’s back roads and in the Tubs Parade in Lenox. They loved walking their dogs, chatting with their neighbors, and watching the sun set over the mountains from their front porch.
Jean Simpson Potts Fulenwider on October 28, 2022. Jean Simpson Potts Fulenwider, age 93, died on October 28th, 2022. Born in Lockport, NY, Jean was the daughter of Allen and Mary Potts. Jean earned her B.S. in Nursing from Western Reserve in Cleveland, OH. She was a resident of Fort Lauderdale, FL for over 25 years raising three children. After a divorce she lived in Raleigh, NC, McLean, VA and Slidell, LA before settling in the New Smyrna Beach and Port Orange, FL area. Jean was an avid traveler visiting dozens of countries in Europe, the Mediterranean, the South Pacific, the Caribbean, Iceland as well as the United States. A member of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America, Jean was also quite an accomplished knitter and needle-worker sharing her pieces with family and friends. Jean is survived by her sisters Jane Patrou, Kathleen Constant, three children from her marriage to the late Dr. R. G. Fulenwider: Robert (Kim), Ann (Gerhard), and Mark (Sandy), grandchildren: Justin (Martha), Lisa (Justin), Alex, Christa, Kyle and two great grandchildren, Bobby and Isabell.
Evelyn A. Koester Gatchel on February 1, 2023. Evelyn A. Gatchel died peacefully at Duke University Hospital on February 1. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Charles H. Gatchel.
She graduated from Lakewood High School in Lakewood, OH and was a 1951 graduate of Allegheny College in Meadville, PA, where she majored in music. Evelyn was also a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. She was a church soloist and taught voice and piano to many. She was a secretary for a few small companies, but her favorite job was that of a travel agent. This position literally allowed her to see the world, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Evelyn and her husband moved to Durham in 2002 and became residents of Croasdaile Village.
Evelyn is survived by her son, Larry, his wife Susan and their daughter Grace of Willoughby, OH; and her daughter Cheryl Petty, her husband Howard and their son Greg of Newport, TN, and their son Jay (Amy Choi) of Vernon Hills, IL and their two children Ariel and Howie.
Elizabeth “Liz” Stidger Hemenway on April 2, 2023. Elizabeth “Liz” Hemenway (nee Elizabeth Gillmor Stidger) passed away peacefully of heart disease at age 94 on Sunday April 2, 2023 in Marietta GA with loving family comforting her. She lived with brio to the last hour. Liz was deeply curious and wholly engaged in life, giving of herself with unmatched generosity, tact, and grace. She was treasured for her knowledge, intelligence, counsel, and laughter.
With her husband Brewster Roe Hemenway of Buffalo NY, a diplomat with the US Foreign Service, she travelled and everywhere embraced the people and cultures she encountered, making lifelong friends while maintaining close family ties back home, no matter the distance. She generously supported the music, theater, and visual arts everywhere she lived, advocated for many causes and instilled a deep appreciation of creativity and service in her children and grandchildren. Most of all, she inspired friends and family to be their best selves and never failed to lift them when they faltered.
Liz lived the Christian ethic throughout her life and later reflected “classical music became my religion.” Liz loved small gatherings with great food, wine, and conversation, especially about her beloved Buffalo Bills (she rarely missed a game) and the latest family, geopolitical, and cultural insights. She wielded her terrific sense of humor skillfully to bring friends and family together, break inevitable tensions, and express her boundless joy in life. Never lonely when she was alone, she also valued the quiet hours of her days.
Liz was born March 11, 1929 in Orange NJ to Ivan Read Stidger, M.D. 1911, of Moundsville WV and Ethel Bogart Graham, a nurse, of Lee MA. “Lizzie” was the youngest of three siblings, with Anne Stidger Pickering ’45, also a nurse, and Bill G. Stidger ’50, a businessman. Liz loved singing and dancing, was a gifted pianist, and delighted in the NY Metropolitan Opera. As an adult she sang with The Pitch Pipers, a female barbershop a cappella group, and with the National Cathedral Choir in Washington DC.
Liz graduated from Allegheny College in Meadville PA in 1951 with a BA in French and a minor in Secretarial Studies. She became a program planner with the US Department of State Fulbright Program in Georgetown, DC, where she met Brewster (“Brew”), then married him in 1956 to begin their journey with the Foreign Service starting with their first posting in Barcelona. The couple soon had their first child, Caroline (“Cari”) and Liz immersed herself fully in her career as Foreign Service Officer (FSO) spouse, with a lifelong delight in gathering people around common interests and in fostering mutual understanding through cultural exchange. Together with Brew, she hosted many dignitaries including three American presidents-to-be and even musician Louis Armstrong.
The next 20 years included posts in Quito, Ecuador (where her son Roe and daughter Janet were born); Montevideo, Uruguay; Bogota, Colombia; and Vienna, Austria; she always represented the best of her country and culture with grace and skill. At every post, Liz dedicated herself to helping the local community, taking keen note of local needs and becoming involved in establishing systemic solutions, always in partnership with local women. She worked to improve schools and hospitals, educate and support disadvantaged women, and promote the arts as a scaffolding for mental and spiritual well-being. Liz also took on leadership roles with US and international women’s organizations that were instrumental in successful diplomatic relations. And in the early 1970s, Liz joined the internal worldwide campaign of Foreign Service wives to change Foreign Service policy on spouse evaluation and unpaid work “I was happy to be on the front end of the endeavor with my angry letter!” The result was a new directive that abolished the policy and opened up opportunities for thousands of US women.
These experiences were punctuated by stateside posts in New York, Rhode Island, and around Washington DC. Home-leaves allowed Liz to reconnect with family in Buffalo, Gettysburg and Ontario, catch up with US culture, and, most important, visit her own kin at their rustic family cabin on a modest pond in the Berkshires. She spent weeks there every summer, truly at home, alone or with her family. She skinny dipped, walked the woods, read, told stories, enjoyed Tanglewood and art centers nearby, played Up-Jenkins, and taught everyone how to use the oil lamps, water pump, and wood stove. It was her sanctuary and touchstone.
Retiring from the Foreign Service to Buffalo with Brewster in 1985, they continued to venture abroad with many of their lifelong friends and family, ever fostering new experiences. The couple fully embraced Buffalo’s rich cultural and social scene. Liz joined the Garrett Club for its lively lectures and contributed to its success as board member and bridge champion. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels and Canopy of Neighbors, became a docent at Wright’s Darwin Martin House, fundraised, and supported the Burchfield Penney Art Center, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and more. She participated in both Trinity Episcopal Church and Westminster Presbyterian. Liz even created her own rabid Bills Mafia group and remained a member in good standing until her last breath. When Brew passed away in 2002, Liz continued to travel extensively, win at bridge and golf, ride ziplines and mopeds, spoil grandchildren, and retreat yearly to her Berkshire sanctuary. She never stopped finding ways to express her deep love for sister Anne and Anne’s husband Jim and for her dearest in-laws and “out-laws” (including Dodie, Georgia, Jackie, and Prudy). She even created a Covid-19 pod with her Buffalo Mafia friends, meeting every Tuesday at her place for cocktails and hors-d’oeuvres and securing a home for companionship and joy even in difficult times. In 2021, as living alone became more chore than pleasure, she moved into an independent living community in Marietta GA, just a few miles from her daughters. There, her charm, insight, warm personality and worldly experience won her still more new friends. Above all, Liz relished the frequent visits of all six children/spouses, and eight grandchildren and their spouses. Elizabeth Hemenway was alight with life and had a calendar filled with future events, anticipating the births of her first two great-granddaughters, due in April and August. Liz was known as a trusted and gentle soul who welcomed and drew out the best in people. Effortlessly sensitive to others, she was quick to mend rifts, offering and receiving sage counsel on a foundation of deep personal integrity.
Liz was preceded in death by her parents, husband Brewster Roe Hemenway (1928-2002), sister Anne Stidger Pickering (1923-2005) and brother William “Bill” Graham Stidger (1925-1967). Survivors include her three children: Caroline Graham Hemenway of Marietta, GA and spouse Earl Martin Chamberlin, Jr., Brewster Roe Hemenway, Jr. and spouse Sharon Rudolph Hemenway of Painted Post NY, and Janet Hemenway Taylor and spouse Mike Taylor of Marietta GA; and eight grandchildren ( Austin, Matthew, Samantha, Daniel, Stephen, Christopher, Andrew, and Benjamin) and their partners (Natalie, Hannah, Emily, Maebdh). Liz passed away just days before her first great granddaughter (Carter Emilia Taylor) was born; as Liz’s granddaughter-in-law Hannah affirmed, Carter gained a guardian angel to watch over her.
Dr. Peter Michael Lewinsohn on December 18, 2022. Peter Michael Lewinsohn, award winning scientist, passed away Dec. 18, 2022 at the age of 92. He died surrounded by his family.
Peter was born in Berlin, Germany, March 17, 1930 to parents Hugo and Mathilde Lewinsohn. As a result of the persecutions inflicted on German Jews, Peter’s family made the decision to immigrate to Shanghai, China in 1941, where the family spent the war years under difficult conditions.
Peter left Shanghai in 1947 to attend Yeshiva College (New York, N.Y.), and remained grateful throughout his life for the support he received from National Association of Jewish Women and other Jewish philanthropic organizations. Two years later, he chose to attend college and received a scholarship to attend Allegheny College where he majored in psychology. He always worked several jobs to help pay for his education, and had many happy memories of working together with his brother Tom as waiter and busboy in resort hotels.
Peter next attended Johns Hopkins University, receiving his PhD in Clinical Psychology in 1955. Following his graduate studies, he sought to gain clinical experience, and served on the staff of numerous hospitals and clinics. He also developed his facility with psychological and neuropsychological evaluation. Ultimately, he sought to pursue research in clinical psychology in a university setting, and accepted a position as Associate Professor in psychology at Southern Illinois University in 1963. In 1965 he began his long association with the University of Oregon, where he remained until his retirement in 1987. Peter was a dedicated teacher and researcher, and was well loved by the many graduate students who studied with him.
During his tenure at the University of Oregon, he pioneered the research and development of a cognitive, non-pharmacologic, treatment of depressed individuals. Working with graduate students, he created the Coping with Depression Course which has been translated into many languages and used around the world. This approach is embodied in Behavioral Activation, a widely used and highly effective treatment of depression.
Peter was a pioneer in applying the rigorous research approaches that he learned at Johns Hopkins University to clinical questions in psychology. He developed one the largest and most comprehensive studies that encompassed children, adolescents, and adults. From this study, he made key discoveries related to the etiology of depression across the lifespan.
His distinguished career included a number of awards; receiving the Psychologist Scientist award from the Lane County Psychologist Association, the Distinguished Scientist award from the Society for the Science of Clinical Psychology, the Professional Award from the Mental Health Association of Oregon, and the Gold Medal Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Application of Psychology by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Upon retiring from the University of Oregon, he joined the Oregon Research Institute, where he continued to collaborate with colleagues in numerous research projects into his 70’s.
Perhaps Peters’ greatest legacy has been the many graduate students and early career professionals who he inspired to pursue a research career in psychology.
Throughout his life, Peter was devoted to his family. In 1959 he married Cynthia Stiefel and they had two sons, David born in 1960, and Mark born in 1963. The Lewinsohn family moved to Eugene in 1965. Peter had an adventurous soul. He developed a wide range of interests, often joining his family on such activities such hiking, fishing, canoeing, backpacking, and skiing. He also loved travel, and often tried to learn the language in advance of the trip. Peter’s curiosity was insatiable, and he could often be found with a stack of books on his newest interest.
Peter is survived by his wife, Cynthia; his two sons; David and Mark; his five grandchildren; his brother, Tom; his daughters-in-law, Debbie and Kari; and brother-in-law, John; his sisters-in-law, Alice and Lesa.
Loyal Dean Moore on October 12, 2022. Loyal Dean Moore was born September 17, 1928 to Thomas and Margaret McCandless in Butler, PA. He graduated from Butler High School, enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Guam at the end of WW2.
Upon his return he attended Allegheny College where he met fellow student and future wife Marjorie Hughes ’50 and joined Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.
After Allegheny, Loyal continued his education at the University of Pittsburgh Pharmacy School
while Marjorie taught first grade in Coraopolis. They lived in Butler, PA and Massillon, OH prior to moving to Phoenix, AZ, where Loyal worked for Ciba. The following year the couple moved to Mercer Island, WA where they resided for almost 40 years. During those years Marj worked in real estate and Loyal as pharmacist for Group Health. After retiring in 1995 they settled on Bainbridge Island with yearly winter trips to Tucson, AZ, where they enjoyed the vibrant southwest art community and the company of local Allegheny alumni.
The couple touched many lives through philanthropy, support, and generosity directed primarily at helping less fortunate children and the young.
After Marjorie`s passing in 2016, Loyal continued wintering in Tucson while building his legacy of gifting to the entities he valued.
Loyal, the consummate gentleman, will be remembered for his love of family, his extended circle of friends, trustworthiness, and bountiful kindness. He often told friends that he’d just been lucky in life and exuded optimism and an ever positive stance upon those close to him.
He leaves behind his daughter Nancy and her husband Mike Pearson, grandchildren Joshua and Christopher Wells, Nichole, Ryan and Shane Pearson, and his partner and companion of 4 years, Judy.
Harold E. Reichard on January 2, 2023. Harold E. Reichard, 97, of Londonderry Village, Palmyra, passed away on January 2, 2023.
He was born July 10, 1925 in Greenville, PA to James and Echoe (Egbert) Reichard.
Mr. Reichard was a graduate of Westminster College, Allegheny College, Westminster Choir College, and the United States Navy School of Music. He was Minister of Music at Covenant United Presbyterian Church in Butler, PA prior to becoming a music educator at Milton Hershey School in 1964. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and an Elder at Derry Presbyterian Church.
Harold is survived by his wife of 71 years, Gladys (Diehl) Reichard; son, Gregory (Melinda) Reichard; daughter, Lynne (Neal) Walmer; grandchildren, Alex Walmer and Michael (Kirsten) Walmer; great-granddaughter, Evelyn Walmer; and sister, Sarah Crichton.
Todd James Taylor on February 15, 2023. Todd James Taylor passed away peacefully on February 15, 2023 with family at his side. He was 93. Todd was born on February 23, 1929 to Wannie Lee Taylor and Clare Strong Taylor in Johnstown, PA. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Allegheny College (1951) and his Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree from Boston University (1955) and then pursued a nearly 40-year career serving the Unitarian Universalist denomination. Todd was Minister of Education at Second Church in Boston in 1952 and was ordained on November 6, 1955 at the Channing Unitarian Church in Rockland, MA. Thereafter, he served in various positions including as Fellowship Consultant at Unitarian Universalist Association headquarters, Boston, MA (1963-67), Minister of Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, FL (1967-71), Interdistrict Representative, Florida Mid-South and Thomas Jefferson districts (1971-82), and Minister of First Unitarian Church in Albuquerque, NM (1982-87). Throughout his ministerial career, what Todd found most fulfilling was providing spiritual leadership to his congregants. Following his professional career, Todd participated in outreach organizations serving under-privileged populations around the world. Todd had a deep passion for writing, especially poetry, and self-published two volumes of original poems in 2019 and 2022. Todd is survived by his wife and beloved companion, Caroline Fenderson, of Palm Harbor, FL, a retired Unitarian Universalist Minister of Religious Education. Todd is also survived by his three adult children, Wannie Lee (Sonny, d. 2022), Todd Eliot (Allison), and Jenai Ann (Alan), their mother, Rev. Carol Ann (Marine) Taylor, and two grandchildren, Katie Taylor and Will Taylor. He also leaves three stepdaughters, Jenifer Valingo, Georgia Atkinson, and Michele Marcon and their partners and children. Todd was preceded in death by his parents, five siblings Wannie, George, Richard, Natalie, and Frederick and his loving and devoted wife of forty years, Carolyn Ford Taylor (d. 2014).
Carl K. Walrath on March 14, 2023. Carl K. Walrath, 96, a longtime resident of Oswego, NY, passed on March 14, 2023, at his winter home in Punta Gorda, FL. He was born on January 14, 1927, in Dryden, NY to Bertha C. Beard and Josiah Oran Walrath. Carl is survived by his wife of 65 years, Nancy J. (Franklin) Walrath, two children Karen A Walrath of Portland, OR and Carl Jeffrey Walrath of Fair Haven, NY, and two grandchildren Gloria E Mark and Lillian P. Mark both of Portland, OR.
Carl served in the Navy Airforce from 1944-1946 before attending college where he studied Business and History, graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA in 1951. After college, Carl moved to Syracuse, NY and began his career in the Insurance business. While working at USF&G he met his future wife, Nancy. He later worked as a Special Agent field representative for the Glens Falls Insurance Agency where he acquired the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters (CPCU) designation which required five years of study with each year ending with a five-hour written examination. By succeeding in this effort, he had attained the top professional status in the property and casualty industry, but he had a desire to run his own agency. In 1969 he purchased the Hubert and Brosmer Agency in Oswego, NY where Carl began a successful career purchasing and managing a large and growing insurance agency. In the 1970’s he acquired several other agencies and operated under the name Walrath, Cornwell and Riley with offices throughout Oswego County. In 1986 he joined forces with two other independent agencies to form Eastern Shore Associates, where Carl served as president and CEO until he retired in 1992. During his professional career in Oswego, Carl served on many community organizations, committees and boards, including terms as president of the Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce. Carl served on the board of the Oswego Hospital and Oswego County Savings Bank (which later merged with NBT Bank) and was instrumental in starting the City of Oswego Mural Committee
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Louise Williams Gizzie Crosley on April 26, 2023. Louise W. Gizzie Crosley, age 93, of Meadville, PA passed away peacefully at her residence on Wednesday April 26, 2023. She was born on March 4, 1930 in Johnstown, PA to the late Harold Klemmer Williams and Vivian Marguerite (Conn) Williams. She married John M. Gizzie ’50 on September 23, 1950. He preceded her in death on May 26, 2001. She then married Daniel P. Crosley ’53 on January 10, 2004. He preceded her in death on January 4, 2005.
Louise was a 1948 graduate of Meadville High School. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in English Literature in 1952 from Allegheny College. She later earned her Master’s degree from Edinboro State College. She taught 1st grade at Randolph East Elementary School in Guys Mills and then taught kindergarten and 1st grade in Lee County, FL. She was of the Unitarian faith.
She was a proud member of her college sorority, Alpha Chi. She also was a member of the Antique Study Club, bridge club, her “S&B” sewing club and in her later years, the quilting group at Active Aging.
Louise is survived by her three children, John W. Gizzie of Meadville, PA, James M. Gizzie and his wife, Lisa of Boca Raton, FL and Susan Louise Santek and her husband, Charles of Cocoa, FL; five grandchildren, John T. Gizzie of Chicago, IL, Alec W. Gizzie of New York, NY, Shana C. Black and her husband, Chris of Coconut Creek, FL, Evan A. Gizzie and his wife, Kate of Washington, DC and Bryan A. Santek of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; two great grandchildren, Cullen and Cadence Black; her sisters, Marianne Williams of Meadville, PA and Barbara W. Trautman of Phoeniz, AZ and her sister-in-law, Sandra Williams of Waterford, PA and three nieces and 3 nephews.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Harold D. Williams and her brother-in-law, Gerald W. Trautman.
Susan Herbig Galbraith on March 7, 2023. Susan Galbraith, a resident of Darien, CT and a former 40-year resident of Barrington, RI passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Born on May 7, 1931 in East Orange, NJ, she was the daughter of the late Henry Frank Herbig and Esther Priest Herbig and was raised in Ohio and New Jersey. Susan graduated from Mountain Lakes High School in Mountain Lakes, NJ and from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA where she received a degree in English literature with Phi Beta Kappa honors.
She was a lifelong artist, studying at the Art Students League in New York City, the Birmingham Art Society in Birmingham, MI, the Greenwich Art Society in Greenwich, CT, the Silvermine Art School in New Canaan, CT and the Newport Art Museum in Newport, RI.
She is survived by her daughter, Susan Galbraith Johnson and her husband Frank of Castleton, VT, Peter W. Galbraith of Manhattan, NY, Steven M. Galbraith and his wife Lucy of Darien, CT and five grandchildren, Katie and Harry Galbraith, Sarah and Mac Johnson and Lucy Johnson Fitzgerald.
Jack G. Goellner on December 9, 2022. On Friday, December 9, 2022, Jack G. Goellner, longtime director of Johns Hopkins University Press, died at Roland Park Place. He was 92.
Jack was born in Parma, Ohio, on August 16, 1930, the son of German immigrants Fred and Ella Goellner. After graduating from Allegheny College and completing a Master’s Degree at the University of Wisconsin, he served in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Having completed military service, he worked as a reporter for a Cleveland newspaper. In 1964 Jack and his family moved to Baltimore, where he accepted a position as Sales Manager at Johns Hopkins University Press. There he later served as Editor-in-Chief and, from 1974 until his retirement in 1995, as Press Director.
Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Lamb; loving children Katherine Reed (Charlie Spademan), Ellen Goellner, Michael Goellner (Kathy Harvey), Kirsten Oeste (Robert), stepson Paul Bentley and stepdaughter Marion Bentley; grandchildren Simon Tomko (Nellie Brylewski), Nicholas Reed, Jordan Oeste, Thomas Oeste (Sarah), step-grandchildren Ashley Bentley and Elijah Bentley; four great-grandchildren; and devoted brother Allan Goellner (Mary).
Dr. Frederick Kenneth Goodill on January 5, 2023. Frederick Kenneth Goodill, age 92, of Avila Beach, California passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2023. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/santa-barbara-cremation for the Goodill family.
Frederica “Freddie” Manglier Oakley on February 28, 2022. Freddie M. Oakley, 91, of Somerville, passed away on February 28, 2022. Born and raised in Washington D.C., she moved to Somerville with her husband. There she began her career as an elementary teacher for Somerville Central School district. Later, she taught fourth grade at Old York School in Branchburg for 29 years retiring in 1994. Her husband, Theodore Oakley ’53 was also a lifelong teacher in Branchburg, and passed in 1988. Freddie made a life changing decision in 2008, sold her house in Somerville. She moved to Arbor Glen (now Laurel Circle) in Bridgewater where she lived independently. Not just a resident of Laurel Circle, Freddie was a key participant on LC’s community boards and treasurer of various programs there. She also volunteered at the gift shop, thrift store, and, contributed her time to events which enriched everyone at LC. Freddie loved playing bridge, was a fierce competitor, team player, and took pride that her team was always among the top performers. Everyone knew Freddie and all will miss her presence, from her countless fourth grade students, to her entire community of friends and family. Her eldest child, Janet, passed in 1998. Surviving, are her daughters Judith Oakley of California, Maggie Bennett and her husband Bryce of Toms River, and son James (Oak) Oakley of Union. She had a close bond with her beloved daughter-in-law, Kelly Polan, Oak’s wife, who passed recently. She is also survived by her sister Barbara Perkins, and her two grandchildren Rachel and Samuel Bennett.
Winifred Ann Gates Perpetua on December 4, 2022. Winifred Ann Perpetua, age 91, of Newtown, PA, gained her angel’s wings on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, at Chandler Hall hospice after spending the day surrounded by her beloved family. Born in Manhattan, NY, she had resided in Lawrenceville, NJ, Spruce Pine, NC, and Millersville, PA. For the past 4 years, “Freddie” lived in Newtown, PA with her husband, Charles. Winifred was the salutatorian of her graduating class (1948) from Mineola High School in Mineola, NY. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from Allegheny College. Winifred was employed as a medical technologist at both St. Francis Hospital and Princeton Medical Center in New Jersey. She was a member of the Altar Rosary Society at St. Ann’s Church in Lawrence, NJ. Winifred was an avid gardener, an accomplished quilter and seamstress who enjoyed baking. She was known to family and friends for her perfect pie crusts and her sticky buns. Winifred was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many. Daughter of the late Frank Vernon and Helen Elizabeth (Rich) Gates; sister of the late Virginia “Tootsie” Gates; mother-in-law of the late Rich Jarvie; sister-in-law of the late Gerald “Jerry” Perpetua; Winifred is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Charles Vincent Perpetua, Jr.; her five daughters, Susan Hissick (Robert), Catherine Perpetua, Merry Ann Karas (Ed), Karen Norberg (Eric), and Bonnie Taft (Brad); eight grandchildren, Michelle Miller (Adam), Morgan Bennett (Anthony), Max Hissick, Brian Bethke, Emma Bethke, David Karas (Haley), Sara Norberg, Alicia Norberg and fianc John Benge; five great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Filomena Perpetua; a nephew, Michael Perpetua (Meredith); a niece, Amy Perpetua and other family and friends.
James D. Sheffer on February 14, 2023. Born April 28,1930 in Kane Community Hospital – the only child of Margaret Virginia Dale and Elias E. Sheffer. In 1941, the family moved to Bradford. James attended Hobson Place school and was a 1948 graduate of BAHS. After a brief stint at Allegheny College, He operated the Texaco station at 155 Washington Street. In January 1952 he entered the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict serving as a surveyor for the 465th heavy artillery battalion – being honorably discharged December 30, 1953 with the usual ribbons and medals.
He was graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 1958 with a degree in journalism, and minors in language, history, and philosophy. He forwent the opportunity to earn a masters degree through a teaching fellowship at Boston College to marry Jeanne Terese Moyer who preceded him in death in 2021.
He was employed at WESB Radio for more than 35 years where, as promotion director, he created hundreds of large and small contests, shows, and special events, as well as designed all associated print materials.
He worked for many years with James Giles Quaker State on Interstate Parkway where he was known as “Speed”. Mr. Sheffer was a member of the national fraternity Alpa Chi Rho when it was composed mainly of Christian veterans. He enjoyed backpacking with his wife, and collected books on unusual subjects, as well as vintage music.
He leaves 4 daughters, Marianne (Ken) Wilber and Christina (Ray) Roberts both of Florida; Charlene Jannazzo of Meadville, Pa and Margaret (Don) McIntyre of Malta, NY along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
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Elizabeth Emma Umbach Bronfeld on February 18, 2023. Beloved mother, sister, and grandmother Elizabeth Emma Bronfeld (Umbach), our mother, passed away on February 18 in the same peaceful and elegant manner in which she lived. Born in East Orange, NJ in 1930 and raised in Glen Ridge, NJ, Mom attended Allegheny College in Meadville PA, and went on to teach in the Wilmington, Delaware school systems until marrying Jack Wm. Bronfeld in 1955. Together they moved several times before building a home and raising a family in Shark River Hills, NJ. After the loss of her spouse of 50 years, Mom grabbed her passport and refused to remain still. While maintaining a home in NJ, Mom traveled the world: including South America, Antarctica, Alaska, North Africa, and the Northern Mexico Sierra Nevada Mountains (on horseback). Most of all she was able to enjoy long visits with her sons and grandchildren. Mom embraced and embodied the light, the music, the tastes, and the colors that life offers. With her continual kindness, sense of humor, ubiquitously positive, and unapologetic honesty, she easily made friends and admirers. Mom will be missed by many. She is predeceased by her mother Emma Umbach, and father Walter Umbach, and spouse Jack Bronfeld. She is survived by her brother Walter Umbach; three sons and four grandchildren: Jefferson Bronfeld, Jason Bronfeld with Deborah, their children Maxwell and Harrison, and Justin Bronfeld with Aimee, their children Alexander and Carly. We would like to acknowledge and thank the staff of Elizabeth Church Manor Nursing Home, which took extraordinary care of Elizabeth, and extended many kindnesses in her last years.
Gloria C. Cabizis Kline on May 4, 2022. Gloria C. Kline (Aglaia Constantine Cabizis Kline) 92, of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2022. She was the daughter of the late Constantine Nicholas (Gus) and Mary Petrick Cabizis and was preceded in death by her first husband, Edward Majeroni, second husband, Edward Kline, son, Alan David Majeroni, two sisters, Amelia and Anastasia Cabizis, two granddaughters, Ellyn Elise Adamz and Elaina Majeroni, grandson, Adam Kline, great grandson, Austin Scruton, and her fur baby, Happy. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Survivors include her children, John (Beth) Majeroni, of Savannah, GA, Cindy (Glenn) Adamz, of Soddy Daisy, TN, David Eric (Amanda) Majeroni, of Hixson, TN, Cathy (John) Jennings, of Nashville, TN, Connie (Troy) Mayne, of Hixson, TN, Rick (Cindy) Kline, of MN, twenty seven grandchildren, fifty one great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and several nieces and nephews. Gloria will be remembered for her willingness to help and lend a listening ear to all who needed her. She was always encouraging and honestly thought her children could accomplish anything they set their mind to…and loved to brag on them. One of her greatest joys were her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Countless visits were spent making cookies, reading or telling stories, teaching card games such as gin rummy and watching movies while staying up way past bedtime and having grandma make their favorite snacks. With the girls, she always had time to polish nails. Both children and grandchildren alike, have many fond memories of dancing and singing with Gloria. She loved changing the words to favorite songs to rhyme with their names and often made up silly songs while working and baking with them. Gloria enjoyed watching sports and rooting for her favorite teams. She truly loved her Greek heritage, always making sure everyone was fed and not hungry! She was also able to fulfill her wish to become a dual American/Greek citizen once her children were grown. In her later years she had her faithful companions Bandit (her cat) and Happy (her puppy) to spoil and fuss over. All who knew her loved her quick wit and ability to laugh, even in trying times. She will be greatly missed by all.
Irene F. Tveter Maxwell on June 8, 2022. Irene F. Tveter Maxwell, 91, of Mayville, passed away on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at her home, with family at her side. She was born October 1, 1930, in Mount Vernon, NY, the daughter of the late Trygve Norman and Margie Hinman Tveter. Irene was a 1948 graduate of Pleasantville High School. She then earned a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Biology from Muskingum University in New Concord, OH. She was a homemaker, substitute teacher, and dog breeder for AKC Shelties, championship Keeshonds, and Corgis. Irene was a long-time member of the Conewango Kennel Club where she was a past president, a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Westfield, NY, a past member of the Chautauqua Fire Department Auxiliary and a member of the AAUW (American Association of University Women). She enjoyed animals, dog breeding, gardening, bird watching and spending time with family. Irene is survived by her three children and their spouses eldest son Darrell Thomas Maxwell and his wife Suzie Maxwell of Houston Texas, daughter Mary Beth Maxwell Boyle & husband James E. Boyle of Stedman NY, and son Mark Maxwell & wife Tina Maxwell of Croton on Hudson, NY, her three adult grandchildren, Darrell Albert Maxwell, Noah John Maxwell, and Audrey Lynne Maxwell, and her loyal dog Chaz. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband; John J. Maxwell, science teacher, whom she married June 18, 1949, in Pleasantville, NY, and her two brothers, Thomas Tveter and Ronald C. Tveter.
Nancy Ruth Miller Swanson on December 13, 2022. Nancy Ruth Miller Swanson, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Barnes Tuesday. She was 91.
Except for a few years away at school, she resided in the village all her life, and Barnes was central to her existence. She loved to amble along its lanes and across its hilltops and she was a good and generous neighbor. At various points, she also was the secretary for the cemetery, the pianist at the Barnes United Methodist Church, the Sunday School superintendent, the host of the annual Barnes Picnic, and the church’s choir director. In 1979, after her six children were mostly grown, she co-founded The Valley Voice, the weekly newspaper for Barnes and Sheffield that was published out of the old library near her house for several years and then from Sheffield for another couple of decades. She wrote a column for the newspaper, “Out My Back Door,” in which she detailed her adventures as mother, grandmother, wife, and human being. She loved to write.
She loved her family more. David Swanson, to whom she was married for more than 60 years, died eight years ago. She was mother to David Nels Swanson ’77, Eric Swanson, Kirsten Turfitt, Karl Swanson ’83, Karen “Tia” Swanson and Elisa Gordon, who survive. She also is survived by her sons- and daughters-in law: Hallie Campbell Swanson, Susan Gerbron Swanson, Myron Turfitt, Mary Beth Devine Swanson, Christopher Mumma and Eric Gordon; 17 grandchildren and two great-granddaughters, the younger of whom arrived three days after her death.
She was born November 25, 1931, the only child of Ruth Titus Miller 1921 and Otto Lester “Nick” Miller. Her father died of complications from tuberculosis before she was 2 and her mother never remarried. She was raised in the Titus family home, surrounded by maiden aunts, her mother and grandmother. She was valedictorian of the Sheffield class of 1949 and received a degree in English from Allegheny College, the alma mater of her mother and aunts. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the Allegheny Singers, a membership that cemented her lifelong love of music, particularly hymns and choral singing.
Married the week after graduation, she helped put her husband through law school by selling books door-to-door and by teaching second graders. An amateur artist, she was later an art teacher at the old Sheffield High School, even though there was no art room. Undeterred, she instructed six grades of art students on the finer points of perspective from makeshift tables in the girls’ locker room.
Although she never learned to ride a bike or swim, one of her favorite places was Hatteras Island, North Carolina, where she and Dave would gather the children and grandchildren for an annual vacation and where she could read for hours in the sun without interruption. With Dave, she briefly took up downhill skiing in her 50s – though cross-country was more to her liking — hiked the Grand Canyon twice in her 60s and paddled through the Boundary Waters into her 70s.
For years she collected stocking presents for all her children and grandchildren. On the Christmases when members of the family would not be in Barnes, she sent the stocking presents out. They would arrive in a box a week before the big day, and there would always be seven presents for each family member, wrapped in their own papers so as not to cause confusion.
When her first grandchild was born in 1990, she wrote a letter to her that was published as a column. It said, in part:
“Look for the first snowflake in winter, listen for the first peeper or wild goose passing overhead in spring. When it is time for summer, watch the first shoots come up in the flower bed and look for the webs of the spider on the grass in the early morning. Autumn will be marked with bright leaves, and the squirrels, even in the city, will be burying treasures for the winter in the earth. As long as you can find pleasure in these small things, each season will bring happiness your way.”
These are words she lived by.
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Robert T. Buck on February 22, 2023. Robert T Buck, 91, entered the Kingdom of our Father, February 22, 2023 at home, surrounded by his wife and children.
Bob Buck, son of Edward Hastings and Eleanor Clark Buck, was born December 13, 1931, and grew up in Pittsburgh PA. He graduated from Mt. Lebanon HS, and attended The Kiski Preparatory School followed by Allegheny College, Meadville, PA. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity and was inducted into the Allegheny College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1981. He was also an intercollegiate All-American in the sport of Soccer.
Bob graduated with a B.A in Economics and was commissioned as a Lt. in the United States Air Force. He received his wings at Goodfellow Air Force base, flying the Mitchell B-25. Bob spent 3 1/2 years in the Air Force before returning to Pittsburgh to join Jones and Laughlin Steel Corp. Bob held various sales related positions and was ultimately promoted to Senior Vice President and Assistant to the President and CEO at LTV Steel Corporation. Bob’s professional career included a decade as Chairman of the Auto Steel Partnership of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Bob retired at age 68 and moved with his wife Sheila to Long Cove Club on Hilton Head Island, SC .
In retirement, Bob followed his passions and was very active. He was a Trustee at The National Museum of the 8th Air Force and spent 20 years as a docent. He was a member of Board of Directors for the Birthplace Chapter of the 8th Air Force Historical Society and served in various capacities, including 3 terms as President. Bob was an active member of St Luke’s Anglican Church where he has been an usher for approximately 7 years. He was a reluctant golfer and a lifelong Pittsburgh Steeler fan.
Bob is survived by his current wife of 43 years, Sheila; children from his first marriage, Thomas (Margaret), William (Karen) and Elizabeth Alley (Robert MD), and stepson Kevin McRoberts (Cheryl). Bob is also survived by first wife, Nancy Tatem Buck ’53 of Birmingham, Michigan. Bob has 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Jerrol “Jerry” Katherine MacGregor Mowell on January 12, 2023. Jerrol (Jerry) Katherine Mowell was born July 18, 1932 to William Harrison MacGregor and Katherine Louise MacGregor (nee Krieger) in Johnstown, PA. She graduated from Allegheny College with a BA in Elementary Education and taught lower elementary school before marrying Roger William Mowell on July 9, 1955 in Shaker Heights, Ohio. They raised four children: Kristen, Scott, Jody and Marcie; first in New Jersey and later in Houston. Jerry died peacefully at home surrounded by her family six days after suffering a brain bleed stroke. She is survived her beloved husband Roger, her son Scott (Valerie), and daughters Jody Rasplicka (Paul) and Marcie Phillips (David), eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She exemplified a life well lived.
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John Nichol Bair on February 5, 2023. John Nichol Bair, 89, died February 5, 2023 at St. Patrick’s Manor in Framingham, MA after battling an illness. He was raised in Vandergrift, PA and lived most of his adult life in Corning, NY. In 2017 he moved to the Boston area with his wife, Susan Hungerford Bair ’58, to live near their daughters, Cindy and Ellen. John was the son of the late Harold R. and Nancy N. Bair and is survived by his brother, James Bair and his wife, Peggy, and their four daughters; his wife, Susan Hungerford Bair, their daughters Cindy (Greg) Hulecki, and their children Andrew and Lacy; Jennifer Bair and her children, Jack and Cole Bernabei, and Ellen (Peter) Quirk, and their children Tucker, Grace and Lexi. John graduated from Kiski High School in Saltzburg, PA and matriculated to Bucknell University and later transferred to Allegheny College where he met the love of his life, and future wife, Susan Hungerford. Susan and John were married on June 15, 1957 in Corning, NY. After graduating Allegheny with a BA in Business, John was commissioned in the US Air Force. He served honorably as a 1st Lt. and navigator. John began his private career at Alcoa and later transitioned to a sales position with Corning Glass Works. In 1967, John moved his family to Big Flats, NY to run Hungerford Corporation, a family owned metal fabrication business that had been in Susan’s family since 1886. John was affectionately known by his friends as a “metal bender”. John most loved his time on Keuka Lake with his children, grandchildren, and friends. He also enjoyed walking, swimming, reading, recycling, listening and “dancing” to music. Those who knew John appreciated his colorful storytelling, as well. He left an indelible mark on the lives of his wife, family and friends. He loved meeting people and making friends, many of whom reached out to express their love and appreciation for the man that always had time to lend a hand, ask how you were doing, and engage you in enthusiastic conversation. All agree that John’s good nature, smile and joie de vivre was intact right up until the end. We all loved him, a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck
Noreen Swensen Cavari on February 11, 2023. Noreen Swensen Cavari, 89, resident of Waterloo, SC, passed away Saturday, February 11, 2023, at her home surrounded by her children. She was a widow of the late Rosario G “Jack” Cavari, they were married for 61 years before his passing in January of 2022.
Born January 17, 1934, in Teaneck, NJ, she was a daughter of the late Harry J. and Helen Hearn Swensen. She was a graduate of Allegheny College in 1955 and had a BSN in Nursing from Rockland Community College in 1974. She retired from Rockland County Department of Mental Health in Pomona, NY as a psychiatric nurse.
Noreen was a Eucharistic Minister at St. Margaret’s RC Church in Pearl River, NY and St. Bernadette RC Church in Port St Lucie, Florida. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Greenwood, SC.
Noreen was deeply loved by her family and friends. She always offered words of encouragement and support. She had great faith and boldy shared it with others. She was known for her generosity with family, friends, and with numerous charitable organizations. She was also known to keep the postal service in business with her many contributions. She loved family and extended family and times together were the best days of her life.
Surviving are daughters, Loretta and Michael Ewing of Waterloo, SC; Janis and Ernie Dean of Lake Worth, FL; son, John and Joye Cavari of Garner, NC. nine grandchildren, Jason (Livi) Ewing and Marc (Mary) Ewing, Jessica (Tyler) Stephany, Ashley and Kaitlyn Dean, Charity Cavari, Rebecca (Justin) Douthat, Andrew (Nadine) Cavari and Timothy Cavari; step-grandchildren, Eric (Jana) Dean, and Samantha Dean; great grandchildren, Antonella Ewing, Logan and Connor Stephany, Erica and McKenzie Dean, Keonte and Jack Dean. Also surviving are her sister, Virginia McGall of Freehold, NJ and brother, H. James Swensen of Palm City, FL.
She was predeceased by granddaughter, Stephanie Terry, Brother, Charles and wife Joan Swensen; a sister, Norma and husband James McGregor; brothers-in-law, James McGall, Paul and wife Frances Cavari, and Lawrence Cavari; and a nephew, Christopher McGregor.
Marilyn Craig Klemm Deckmann on April 5, 2023. Marilyn Craig Klemm Deckmann, 89, of Rehoboth Beach passed peacefully at home Wednesday April 5, 2023. She was born Aug. 28, 1933, in Pittsburgh, Pa., and always considered Pittsburgh to be her home.
She graduated from Perry High in 1951, attended two years at Allegheny College, and graduated with a degree in English from the University of Pittsburgh, while working as an executive secretary in the International Department of United States Steel where she met her husband, the late Richard W. Deckmann. She is survived by her two sons, Robert (Laura) and Douglas; and two grandchildren, Ross and Maria.
Marilyn was a woman of many talents and interests; her sewing skills were limitless. There was no project too difficult for her to take on. Her beaded jewelry-making hobby led to a side business selling her creations in local boutiques up and down the peninsula. She kept her mind sharp at the bridge table, loved finishing the Wall Street Journal crossword puzzle, and recently became an avid Wordle devotee. She was a lifelong Steelers fan, followed the players closely and would always don her black and gold on game days.
She was a devoted Christian and a friend to all. While she lived in many places during her life, she always found a local church home and was actively involved in those churches on many different levels. She was a Sunday regular and will miss the congregation at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, especially her sheep.
Marilyn took tremendous interest in her family. A bedrock of support and love, always offering sound advice and a continuous stream of informative newspaper articles, she kept up to date and actively participated in her family’s busy lives. She loved to celebrate family milestones – birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, etc., either at one of her beautifully dressed tables or arriving with a delicious offering of her own creation, usually somebody’s favorite.
Adored and loved by her sons, daughter-in-law and grandchildren, she will be deeply missed.
Nancy Needham Devney on August 7, 2022.
Jenette Redfield Gretzinger on March 10, 2023. Jenette Redfield Gretzinger, March 10, 2023. Peacefully, age 89. Predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Richard Gretzinger, her parents, Robert H. Redfield and Clarissa Newman, and her sister, Helen Sinnett.
Jenette was born July 17, 1933 in Olean, New York, and lived in Smethport, Pennsylvania enjoying small town life and graduating from Smethport High School.
Jenette is survived by her children, Stephen Gretzinger, Robert (Catherine) Gretzinger, Karen (Jim) Fenton, William (Tina) Gretzinger, and Chris Gretzinger; grandchildren Christopher (Emily), Amanda (Graig), Daniel, Elizabeth, Michael, Joshua, Lauren, Jon, Jack and Jonathan; great grandchildren Evelyn, Eleanor, Samuel, Margaret, and William; sister and brother Lisbeth Olton and Robert H. Redfield, Jr., and two brothers-in-law, two sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.
Before starting her family, Jenette worked at Eastman Kodak as a statistician after graduating from Allegheny College. After her kids were all in school, she worked at various branches of Eastman Savings and Loan.
Jenette expertly loved and supported her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren when young and in adulthood. Always making each one feel noticed, important, and accepted, she was generous and selfless. She spent countless hours with her grandchildren reading, playing, and encouraging their imaginations. She will be deeply missed.
Jenette lived in the town of Greece for over 60 years and served her community by working as a volunteer for the AARP Northwest Chapter, The Greece Community Partners, and was co-founder with her husband Richard of The Greece Summer Festival.
Marilyn E. Hansen Lentz on December 13, 2022. Age 90 Passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 13, 2022, in her home at Shoreview Senior Living surrounded by the prayers and loving embrace of her family. She was born Marilyn Esther Hansen on December 2, 1932, in Akron, Ohio to parents Estelle and Merrill Hansen. Marilyn is survived by her children Steve (Sue Perrine), Sue (Doug Hicks) and Randy; her grandchildren Robert (Mary Piereson), Brian (Katharina Hofstadler), Tyler James, Kelsey, Taylor (Toby Waite) and Mitchell; and her great grandchildren Henry and Elizabeth. She was preceded in death by her sister, Virginia Irwin, and her amazing and devoted husband of 65 years, Erv.
Mary Ann Funk March on October 24, 2022. Mary Ann March, 89, of Carlisle, PA, passed away on Monday, October 24, 2022, at the Thornwald Nursing Home. She was born January 30, 1933, in Latrobe, PA, to the late Mark N. and Ethel L. (Shively) Funk and she was the widow of Earl L. “Roy” March who passed away on August 4, 1998. Surviving are her children, Rev. Donald L. March (Donna, Deceased) of Carlisle, Connie A. (Robert) Otto of Mt. Holly Springs, and Linda K. (Larry) Hale of St. Louis, MO; eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Mark Neff Funk Jr; granddaughter, Kelley A. Otto; and daughter in law, Donna March.
Stuart O. Smith Sr. on January 6, 2023. It is with great sadness we share the passing of Stuart O. Smith, Sr., on January 6, 2023. He was the most generous, devoted, and selfless father, a beloved husband, and a much-cherished grandfather. He will be forever remembered and missed. He was truly a family man. Stu was born to the late Curtis Lee Smith and Evelyn Tousley Smith in Cleveland, Ohio, on January 31, 1933. He grew up in University Heights, Ohio, and graduated from Cleveland Heights High School, where he played football as the team’s quarterback, and was a sports enthusiast. He went on to attend Allegheny College in Pennsylvania before enlisting in the Army. He was stationed at the Panama Canal with a tank brigade. Stu raised his family in Lake Lucerne (Bainbridge Township), and Moreland Hills, Ohio. He later moved to Florida, where he lived on Captiva Island, Amelia Island, and up until last year, in Atlantic Beach at Fleet Landing Retirement Community with his wife, Jan. In 2022, he moved back to Cleveland. Stu was a loyal partner in business with his brother, Curtis Lee Smith, Jr., in a career that spanned over five decades. He put his energy into his business endeavors, which started in the 1950s with the family business, National Copper and Smelting Company, located in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood, a company that his grandfather had started in 1916. They eventually moved the business to Solon, Ohio, and after many successful years there, again moved the company to Huntsville, Alabama, in 1983. The brothers eventually sold the business as they looked to seek out and manage other business opportunities. These businesses included APSCO, Inc., and Handex Consulting and Remediation in the 1980s, and then New Horizons Worldwide Inc., a network of computer learning/training centers, from the 1990s until Stu’s retirement. Stu was preceded in death by his two brothers, Curtis Lee Smith, Jr. (Mary), and William Tousley Smith (Janet). He is survived by his wife, Janet (nee Peat); his two children: Stuart O. Smith, Jr. (Eva Julie) and Julie Smith Bonebrake (Geoffrey); grandchildren: Kevin Frederick Smith, Michael N. Smith, G. Douglas Bonebrake, Jr., Anna Catherine Bonebrake, and Curtis Stuart Bonebrake. Stu is also survived by many friends, nieces, and nephews.
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Doris Jeanne Jones Lifton on May 18, 2023. Doris Jeanne Lifton ne;e Jones, passed away serenely at the age of 89 on May 18, 2023, in Charleston, SC. Doris was born on February 26, 1934, and grew up in Edgewood (Pittsburgh), PA, surrounded by an extended family. An outgoing and top student, she attended Allegheny College where she fell in love with Alfred K Lifton ’54 from the Bronx, NY. The couple were married in 1954 and retired to Kiawah Island, SC, in 1984 after Al’s career took them to stops across the country including Valley Forge, PA, Fayetteville, NY, and Danville, CA. Doris dedicated her life to being a wonderful mother, wife and sister. She always knew the right thing to say and do and never missed a special date. She was active at Johns Island Presbyterian Church where she sang in the choir. Doris moved to Bishop Gadsden after Al’s passing (2006) where she was well loved for her singing and sense of humor. Predeceased by her brother, Donald, she is survived by daughter, Carey (Jean-Louis); son, Doug ’79; his sons, Clay and Jesse ’08 (Sharon ’09); and their daughter, Cora.
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Robert L. Gannon on December 12, 2022.
Dr. Edward “Ed” Andrew Kovach Jr. on April 23, 2023. Dr. Edward “Ed” Andrew Kovach Jr., 88, of Dunedin, Florida, passed away on April 23, 2023 in his residence.
Ed was born Feb. 18, 1935, in New Castle, Pennsylvania.
Ed was voted class president three years while attending New Castle High School in the class of 1953.
Ed was also class president of Allegheny College.
Ed proceeded to attend Temple University, where he earned his medical degree to become a successful doctor and surgeon, and also met his wife, Toni Mitchell, on a blind date, who was also attending Temple for her nursing degree.
Ed was a 20-year survivor of a heart transplant.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Helen (Westrick) Kovach; and his brother, Thomas Kovach.
Ed is survived by Toni, his loving wife of nearly 65 years; his five sons:, Eddie, Glenn (Christie), Doug (Karen), Todd (Debbie) and Brad; his 12 grandchildren; his two great-grandchildren; and his brother, Robert “Bob” Kovach (Elena Mae).
Dr. Frederick Quinn on November 27, 2022. Frederick Quinn, age 87, diplomat, author and Episcopal priest died November 27, 2022, in Arlington Heights, IL.
Born in Oil City, PA on September 16, 1935, he graduated from Allegheny College, Meadville, PA, in 1957 and later received masters’ degrees in African Studies and history and a doctorate in history from the University of California at Los Angeles.
From 1958 to 1990 he was a commissioned Foreign Service Officer, with overseas assignments in Rabat, Morocco, Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Saigon, Vietnam, Yaoundé, Cameroon, and Prague, the Czech Republic, where he first reported on the Charter 77 protest movement to the State Department. Domestic assignments included Deputy Assistant Secretary of Transportation, 1981-1982, head of public affairs and congressional relations for the Voice of America, and international coordinator for the Bicentennial of the US Constitution, where he worked closely with Chief Justice Warren E. Burger. After retiring as a minister counselor of the senior foreign service in 1990, he served as head of the rule of law programs for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Warsaw-based Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights from 1993 to 1995. During that time, he worked with 16 countries of central and eastern Europe then writing new constitutions and modernizing their judicial systems.
The author of over 100 articles in the scholarly and popular press, his books include The Federalist Papers’ Reader, To Heal the Earth, Democracy at Dawn, Notes from Poland and Points East, a London Times Literary Supplement international book of the year in 1998, Human Rights and You, The French Overseas Empire, and To be a Pilgrim, an Anglican Ethos in History.
Ordained an Episcopal priest in 1975, he served as Anglican chaplain in Prague and Warsaw, and as a chaplain at Washington Cathedral. He also served as interim rector or supply clergy in over 40 parishes of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and was a founding member of the Episcopal Churches’ Environmental Stewardship Team.
A member of the Cosmos Club, he chaired its Reciprocity Committee, 1991-1992, and was a member of its program and admissions committees.
Frederick is preceded in death by his former wives, Charlotte Smith Quinn and Carolyn Tanner Irish. He is survived by his two children, Chris (Kristin) Quinn and Alison (James) Vanderpoel; his grandchildren, Charlotte Quinn, Graham Quinn and Frederick Vanderpoel; his stepchildren, Stephen Irish, Jessica Irish (Stephen) Metts, Thomas (Grace) Irish and Emily Irish (Michael) Kohler; and his step-grandchildren, Benjamin Irish, Elizabeth Irish, Vivian Metts, John Kohler and Anna Kohler.
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Lamar L. Light on January 31, 2023. Lamar L. Light, 88, formerly of Mechanicsburg, PA, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, with his family by his side. He was the son of the late Stanley and Mabel (Miller) Light, born on July 12, 1934 in Palmyra. He was a 1952 graduate of Palmyra High School and earned his undergraduate degree from Allegheny College in 1958. He was a lineman in football, playing both in high school and college, and he would go on to serve his country in the U.S. Marine Corps; achieving the rank of Captain, he received a letter of commendation for building a Buddy Catapult System for the military and helping to build the runway project at Vieques Airport, PR. He would become a highly respected figure in the local business community, starting out with Furnival Machinery and State Equipment Company before joining L.B. Smith, Inc., where he would become the President and COO of the company. He took pride in all he did throughout his 30+ years with the firm. He transitioned in 2001, becoming Vice Chairman and part owner of Groff Tractor and Equipment, Mechanicsburg. He was Chairman of the Board from 2006 until his official retirement in 2012. Throughout the years, he would also serve on the board of directors for AED along with Dealer Council Boards for Terex, Volvo and Hitachi. He was a true professional in all he did, and he was someone who constantly thought of others. He and his wife, Janice, were an inseparable couple; supporting one another throughout the years while raising three girls. He was a golf enthusiast, spending 30+ years as a member of the Country Club of Harrisburg, and another 25+ with the West Shore Country Club. And because of the nature of his business dealings, he and his wife would travel the world, visiting Korea, Belgium, and golfing everywhere from the famous courses in Scotland, to the top US courses. Lamar and family were longtime members of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Camp Hill, and he was a 32nd Degree Mason with the Valley of Harrisburg A.A.S.R. He loved nothing more than being with his family, and he would generously plan family vacations to various destinations over the years, with Stone Harbor, The Greenbrier, Hawaii and Disney World highlighting the list. Once he entered the workforce, Lamar set off on a 60+ year career in the construction equipment industry, grooming countless employees throughout the field he loved. He loved teaching the “art” of selling to his salesmen and always made sure they carried around their “shut up” card in their coat pocket. Throughout the years, from being a top salesman to an executive, he always managed to make time for his family and the things that mattered most. He was a very down to earth person and the epitome of an honest and moral human, and he made it a point to be home with his family at dinnertime. He would tell you that the driving force behind his professional career, and success, was his devoted and supportive wife. And when grandchildren and great grandchildren came along, they quickly became his greatest source of joy. Surviving Lamar is his wife of 64 years, Janice (Shirk) Light; daughters, Anne-Marie Light Mettus ’81 (Richard) of Feasterville, Elaine Price (James) of Mechanicsburg, and Patti Jean Savastio (Michael) of Mechanicsburg; grandchildren, Megan Friedman (Matthew), Matthew Price, Carinne Mettus, Jonathan Mettus, Ellen Kremer (Kevin), and Thomas Savastio; great-grandchildren, Kellen and Owen; a sister, Shirley Kerr; and several nieces and nephews.
Ret. Lt. Col. Terrence “Terry” Moyer on December 29, 2022. Ret. Lt. Col. Terrence “Terry” Moyer, of Oleander Drive, passed away December 29, 2022, at Trellis Supportive Care in Winston-Salem, NC. He was born September 18, 1935, in Marysville, Perry County, PA, to the late Ivan and Delilah Eppley Moyer. After graduating from Allegheny College in 1958, Terry joined the Air Force and served five years of active service as a B-52 Bomber pilot and retired from PA National Guard as a Lt. Col. He retired after 37 years of service from Ingersoll-Rand Company, Construction & Mining Group as Executive Vice President and Western Regional Manager. His years with Ingersoll-Rand allowed extensive travel to all of the continental US including Canada, Hawaii, and Alaska. In addition to his parents, his brother Keith Moyer, preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Boger Moyer. Terry and Shirley had a loving 36 years of marriage. They enjoyed making friends as their journeys took them throughout the U.S. and Canada. Terry never met a stranger and will be missed by his numerous friends from his lifelong journey he leaves behind. “A good man!” Survivors include his wife, Shirley Boger Moyer, of the home; his children, Tracey (Rodney) of Philadelphia, PA, Michael of New Orleans, LA, Steve Russ (Patty), and Beth Russ, all of Mocksville; grandchildren, Kelsie Hatherlee, Kacie (Chris) Swiergiel, Kinley Hatherlee, and Tyler (Brittany) Russ; a very special cousin, Cheryl (Ed) Briner of Marysville, PA; and several other cousins, nieces, and nephews. Terry valued every moment he was able to spend with his grandchildren. He provided many opportunities for them, especially sharing his love of Wake Forest Sports with them, making them forever Deacon Fans. Terry also had a lifetime love for the New York Yankees. Terry enjoyed all things sports. Terry always worked hard to stay healthy and in good physical condition. Terry enjoyed gardening and loved sharing his harvest with his many friends and neighbors, sometimes called the “mater man”. Terry’s granddaughters were blessed to have his guiding wisdom and positive influence on their lives. Time and paper do not allow for the expression of love he had for these girls and they have for him. The twinkle in Terry’s eye was for his granddaughter, Kinley, and she says “Terry will be the most handsome star in the night’s sky and the most handsome ray of sunshine in the sun.” She says Terry always told her to do the right things and “I’m watching you.” Granddaughter Kacie says, “there will always be an empty place in my heart without you here. I know you are looking after me.” He always told her, “Kacie, I expect more from you.” Granddaughter Kelsie stated Terry always said “to get it done and be on time,” teaching her a great work ethic that I have been able to carry forward with me.” During Terry’s extended illness he worked extremely hard to get back on his feet and live a normal life. Every step of the way was his wife Shirley. The love they had for one another was not only visible during the good days but was especially evident during Terry’s illness. She was true to her vows of until death do us part. Forever she will be his Shirl. From the words of Elizabeth Ammons, “You can shed tears because they are gone, or you can smile because they lived. You can close your eyes and pray they will come back, or you can open your eyes and see all they left for you. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see them or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember only that they are gone, or you can cherish their memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind and feel empty, or you can do what they would want. Smile, open your heart, love and go on.”
Theodore Nelson Ross on March 3, 2023. Theodore Nelson Ross, 92, laid down his working tools on Friday, March 3, 2023. He peacefully passed away in his sleep at Spring Meadows Abilicenter. Theodore was born to Nelson and Esther in Conneautville, Pennsylvania on October 13, 1930. He is lovingly survived by his lifetime partner, Myra Lynn; daughters, Miriam and Autumn; and granddaughters, Aurora and Evelyn.
Theodore earned a Bachelors of Architecture from Carnegie Mellon’s Institute of Technology in 1961. He also achieved Council Certification from The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) in 1986. His creativity, intelligence, open mind and thirst for knowledge and truth were commendable.
Theodore was a Freemason of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons for 56 years. He was initiated into the Western Crawford Blue Lodge 258 in Conneautville, Pennsylvania on January 23, 1967. He passed to the degree of a Master Mason on March 27. He held the honor of Masonic Worshipful Master in 1981 and 1982. He also had the opportunity to earn the Fifty Year milestone.
Theodore was also a member of the Scottish Rite Freemasons in Erie, Pennsylvania. He achieved the title 32nd degree Grandmaster. He was also inducted into The Knights Templar in the mid 1980’s. Theodore was baptized into The United Methodist Christian Church. He kept his faith in God strong throughout all stages of his life.
Theodore loved his family, lodge brothers, and his fellow man dearly. He was caring and compassionate, and always had a jovial sense of humor. He was deeply loved and admired by those who knew him. We will forever hold him in our hearts. May God hold Theodore close.
Dr. John Robert “Bob” Utberg on January 30, 2023. Dr. John Robert “Bob” Utberg, age 86, of Ohio Township, on January 30, 2023. Born in Bellevue on November 9, 1936, son of the late Carl and Alice Woodward Utberg.
Beloved husband for 47 years of Cecile F. Scattaregia Danielson Utberg. Loving father of Robert Utberg ’86, Beth Bordeaux, and step-father of Carl Danielson. Brother of the late Carl Utberg and Bill Utberg ’51. Dear grandfather of Bode, Benji, Alexis, Alison, Logan, and step-grandfather of Chris and Anna.
A U.S. Navy Veteran, Bob was a proud alumni of Allegheny College, class of 1958, and Temple University School of Medicine, class of 1962. Bob was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. Sports played a big role in Bob’s life as he lettered in high school football, basketball and track, then continued on to play football at Allegheny College. He was a caring and devoted OB/GYN Physician for 40 years in practice at Passavant Hospital, helping countless mothers and delivering hundreds of newborns.
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Harry C. Blaney III on May 11, 2023. Harry C. Blaney III, a Foreign Service Officer for over 20 years, died of kidney cancer in his Bethesda, MD home on May 11, 2023. He is most noted for his work as a Member of the Policy Planning Staff of Secretaries of State Henry Kissinger and Cyrus Vance, covering energy, non-proliferation, technology, and environmental issues, as well as Law of the Sea.
Mr. Blaney served twice overseas in Brussels, Belgium–at the U.S. Mission to the European Communities, and at the U.S. Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) where he was Economic and Science Counselor.
Blaney was a White House Staff Member and Special Assistant to Daniel Patrick Moynihan who was then Counselor to the President. While at the White House, Blaney followed a wide range of environment and energy issues and served as Coordinator for the United States in NATO’s Committee on the Challenges of Modern Society (CCMS). Mr. Blaney also was Special Assistant to Russell E. Train, then the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ).
After retiring in 1988, Blaney held two volunteer jobs. First, as President and CEO for over a decade of the Coalition for American Leadership Abroad (COLEAD). This was an American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) initiative that brought together some 50 nongovernmental organizations to support U.S. engagement in world affairs and the “150 Account.” Second, Mr. Blaney was a Senior Fellow at the Center for International Policy (CIP), a Washington, D.C. think tank.
Mr. Blaney held degrees from Allegheny College (B.A.) and Yale University (M.A.). He also did graduate work and research at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies and at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Sal Domenic Cianella on February 17, 2023. Sal Domenic Cianella, 87, of Erie, PA, passed away on February 17, 2023. Sal was a loving husband to Dayle Cianella. Born on April 15, 1935, he was son to the late Peter and Mary (Fioretti) Cianella. Sal was raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. He was a fantastic basketball player before entering the Army after high school. He attended Allegheny College on the G.I. Bill and completed his MA at Loyola College of Chicago. He married Dayle in 1957 and in 1958 they had Kathy Jo. In 1961 Brian came along and in 1965 they added Tracy to the family. Sal worked for NASA for over 15 years and then transferred to the Department of Energy where he was head of Human Resources for European facilities. During this time he also coached sports teams and instilled a love of reading, knowledge and education in his children. He enjoyed bowling, golf and touring European countries with his wife. Along with his wife, Sal is survived by his three children; Kathy Jo Horan of Poolesville, MD, Brian Cianella (Julia) of Jupiter, FL, and Tracy Young (Rob) of Erie. He was a beloved Buhdee to his 6 grandchildren, PJ Horan (Katie), favorite and only granddaughter Courtney Low (Scott), Ryan Horan (Stephanie), Jake Cianella, Landon and Sam Oddono and his 6 great grandchildren, Johnny, Chris and Hallie Horan, Mikey and Huxley Low and Owen Horan. They all loved spending time with their Buhdee and will truly miss him. He courageously fought a four year battle against alzheimer’s disease, keeping his sense of humor until the very end. He will be greatly missed. Sal was preceded in death by one brother, Edward Cianella, and two sisters, Theresa Biletnikoff and Vera Cianella.
Carol Anne Enos Eckman on February 6, 2023. Carol Anne Eckman, 85, of Vashon Island, died Monday, February 6, 2023, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 17, 1937, in Connellsville, PA to parents George and Katherine Enos. An only child, she grew up surrounded by her beloved cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends, with whom she remained close throughout her life. Carol attended Allegheny College, where she earned a degree in teaching and met her husband of 64 years, Clifford Eckman ’58. As Clifford was in the Navy, they moved often while they grew their family. Cliff’s career in dentistry brought them to the West Coast where they eventually settled in Bellevue, WA. The mother of five children-Cathy (who died of illness in 1962), Chris, Grant, Curt, and Cynnie-family was the most important thing to Carol. She raised her children in an environment of love, learning, humor, adventure, silliness, fun, and generosity. If you were in trouble, you would know it, because she would use your full first and middle name. She loved her children’s friends and welcomed them into the family home, becoming a second mom to many, who fondly called her “Mrs. E.” or “Mom E.” She provided a safe place for countless people, with her million-dollar smile, warmth, kindness, wisdom, pragmatism, sharp wit, endless love, and natural ability to listen. An early commitment to volunteerism was exemplified by her service as a Grief Minister for Holy Family Parish in Kirkland, Auxiliary Member for Overlake Hospital, Board Member for The Overlake Hospital Foundation Board, and many more positions she held over the years. Carol made friends-close friends-in all aspects of her life, including her cherished Book Club of 30 years and her and Cliff’s Gourmet Dinner Club. In 1996, Carol and Cliff decided to spend their retirement years living full time on Vashon Island by the Salish Sea, with a majestic view of the Olympic Mountains. Carol dove right into her new community and became involved with the St. John Vianney Parish, Interfaith Council for Homelessness, the Vashon Opera, Vashon Garden Club, a Vashon Island book club, making countless friends and connections in the process. Her grandchildren grew up riding ferries, playing on the beach, shopping for presents at the Vashon Pharmacy, getting spa treatments from Granny, and listening to her famous, fantastical ad-lib stories. Carol and Cliff traveled extensively around the world, often on small-ship cruises. Gourmet cooking, family holidays, and dinner parties with Carol buzzing about in her apron; this was her happy place. Carol was a gardener, avid reader, tennis player, volunteer, philanthropist, devout Catholic, accountant, teacher, crossword puzzler, card player, cocktail maker, experienced world traveler, family gatherer, matriarch, devoted wife, the best Granny/Great Granny, best mother-in-law, the most thoughtful gift giver, dog lover, and a fantastic neighbor. She could snort-laugh with the best of them, and some of her children even inherited this trait. She loved her family, she loved life, she loved to have fun, she loved her faith, she loved giving back-she loved completely. Carol is survived by her husband Clifford Eckman, and her four children: Chris Eckman, Grant (Wynne) Eckman, Curt Eckman, and Cynnie (Erik) Foss, as well as four grandchildren: Dakota (Varvara) Eckman, Anna Foss, George Eckman, Elsa Foss, and her great-grandchild Theo Eckman.
Dr. Frederick “Fred” E. Fisher on January 9, 2023. Frederick (Fred) E. Fisher made his final addition to his curriculum vitae on January 9, 2023. Much like his aspirations, his career was vast and varied. Fred was born June 19, 1932, on the family’s small apple farm outside of Franklin, Pa.
He graduated from Oil City High School in 1950 and enlisted in the United States Air Force. After his discharge in 1953 he returned to the family farm and became an International Farm Youth Exchange student in East Pakistan for a year. This service was the beginning of decades of traveling the world.
Fred began his pursuit of higher education at Allegheny College earning a degree in economics. His pursuit became a passion earning an MBA from The University of Pennsylvania and an MBA at Wharton School of Business. He then went on to earn his third master’s and doctorate in public administration from the University of Southern California (USC).
Incredibly enough, Fred did find the time to earn a living in the midst of all his education. He was the assistant city manager for Windsor, Connecticut, and the city manager for both Grove City and State College, Pa. Forgoing the request of the grand old party to head to Washington, D.C., as a US Senator, Fred once again uprooted his growing family and headed to DC of his own accord. During his time in DC, he was the director of professional development for International City Management Association (ICMA) followed by vice president to National Training and Development Service (NTDS).
Eventually Fred opened his own international consulting firm, where he worked in over 100 developing and third world countries and traveled to 100 more. To ensure that boredom never set in, while traveling the world and lending a hand helping in raising four children, Fred also spent time as a professor at Penn State, The University of Pittsburgh, and USC. To top it all off, Fred and half the family spent five years in Kenya, came back to the states and then spent another three years in Slovakia before retiring to Biglerville.
Fred is survived by the love of his life for 64 years Margaret Gibson Fisher; his children, Lisa and Tom Gray of Bendersville, Andy and Ashley Fisher of Centerville, Va., Matt and Rowan Fisher of Harpers Ferry, W.Va., and Steve and Krysia Fisher of Takoma Park, Md.; his grandchildren, Sarah Harmon (Gavin), Jessica Patterson (Justin), Nicole Estell (Alex), Aspen and Piper Fisher, Ethan and Joel Fisher, and Fiona and Victor Fisher; and his great-grandchildren, Colton and Brooklynn Patterson and Parker Estell.
George T. Hagstrom on May 1, 2023. George T. Hagstrom, age 85, of Grove City, passed away on Monday, May 1, 2023, following a brief illness.
George was born in Jamestown, NY, on Nov. 26, 1937, to Martin and Lillian (George) Hagstrom. He married Linda Riefle ’62 on Oct. 1, 1960; she preceded him in death on Feb. 9, 2016.
He was a 1959 graduate of Allegheny College, where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity.
Following graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in The United States Air Force, and immediately went to navigator training.
He served as a KC-97 and a KC135 navigator and he was a Vietnam veteran.
George moved to Grove City in 1965, where he was an Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps instructor until 1968.
Also, he graduated from Youngstown State University with a mechanical engineering degree and worked and eventually become owner of Sturgeon Engineering.
He was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, VFW Post #519, and The Fraternal Order of Eagles, all of Grove City.
George was a 50 plus year member of Grove City Country Club and served in a variety leadership role including President and he was a past club golf champion.
George served as a commissioner of Pine Township for 5 years.
He is survived by a son, James Hagstrom, Grove City, a daughter in law, Catherine Hagstrom, Huber Heights, OH, two grandchildren, Katelyn and Erik Hagstrom, a brother, John Hagstrom ’64 and wife Jane, Indianapolis, and his companion in his final years, Dolores A. (Carlson) Jackman, Wheatfield, NY. George was preceded in death by his parents, wife Linda, and a son David G. Hagstrom ’84.
Dr. Wesley Peter Peterson on September 20, 2022. Dr. Wesley Peter Peterson, a passionate and compassionate man with a contagious smile, an easy laugh, and a generous spirit, passed away in Englewood, CO, at age 84. His many contributions will live on through his professional legacies, his volunteer and philanthropic efforts, and his whole-hearted love.
Peter was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence B. Peterson 1927 and Martha E. Hallberg; his sister, Marilyn Peterson Swanson ’53; his wife of 51 years, Mary Peterson; and his grandson, Colin Peterson. He is survived by his son, Eric P. Peterson (Anne Mairs); daughter, Lisa C. Peterson (Douglas Blaisdell); and two grandchildren, Trinity Mairs, and Molly Peterson ’23.
Born in Jamestown, NY, Peter graduated in 1955 as valedictorian from Southwestern Central High School, and in 1959, he graduated, Cum Laude, from Allegheny College, with honors in chemistry. Peter earned his M.D. from Harvard Medical School in 1963. During his time at Harvard, he met the great love of his life, Mary Laraway Denton. They wed on July 27, 1963.
In 1967, Peter completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital. He served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps from 1967-1969, first as a staff physician in Kansas, then in Vietnam, as Director of the Emergency Room in Ah Khe. In 1969, Peter moved his family to Denver, CO to complete a fellowship in pulmonary diseases. He then served as the chief resident in internal medicine at the University of Colorado Medical Center. In 1972, Peter started his private practice in pulmonary diseases and continued in that practice until he retired in 2001. During his time in the medical profession, Peter served as Medical Director, Respiratory Care Department, at Porter, Littleton, Swedish, and Craig hospitals. He authored or co-authored 13 articles in professional journals and was interviewed for the McNeil/Lehrer NewsHour. He also co-authored a chapter in the textbook, “Spinal Cord Medicine,” which had far-reaching implications for students of respiratory medicine. While working at Craig Hospital, Peter researched and developed protocols to wean patients from ventilators. He was instrumental in composing the Clinical Practice Guidelines, “Respiratory Management Following Spinal Cord Injury” which contained his protocols. The guidelines were published by the Paralyzed Veterans of America, translated into several languages, and used around the world.
Peter loved traveling and camping in Colorado and around the U.S. Peter and Mary also went overseas, traveling to China in 1983, Africa in 1989, and both Israel and Russia in 2008. In 1996 and again in 1998, Peter was invited to Vietnam to train doctors how to use ventilators, and he took Mary with him. While in Vietnam, Mary and Peter established a close friendship with Loc and Phuong Tran, and offered to host their son, Toan, as he completed high school and community college in Denver.
In retirement, Peter was an active member of First Universalist Church of Denver, teaching Sunday School and serving on several committees. In 2007 and again in 2010, he received awards from the church for his work in social justice. In 2012, Peter was awarded Allegheny’s Gold Citation for his professional and volunteer contributions. He had a passion for mentoring students, which began while he was at Harvard and continued in retirement as he tutored in several Denver area schools. He also designed a summer internship at Craig Hospital and established scholarship funds at four schools.
Loving and beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Peter enjoyed spending time with family throughout his life, whether that meant sitting and conversing or participating in activities such as skiing, hiking, attending sporting events, playing board games, or cheering on his kids and grandkids in their activities. Peter will be missed, but his legacy will live on in those whose lives he’s touched. As he often said in his later years, “I’ve had a good life.”
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Derry Gates Bird on December 9, 2022. Derry Gates Bird, son of Derry Gates Bird Sr. and Graham Gloster Bird, was born in Marietta, Ohio, on March 10, 1936, and passed peacefully away at Allied Hospice Services on Dec. 9, 2022, after a brief stay at Celebration Villa in Peckville.
Derry grew up in Cleveland and discovered baseball and his beloved Cleveland Indians at the age of six. He attended Meadville High School and Allegheny College where he discovered his love for musical theater and drama under the direction of his mother, Graham. He proudly served in the United States Navy for six years aboard the Destroyer Tender USS Hamul, including two years of active duty in the Pacific.
He spent more than 40 years in broadcasting at radio and television stations in Ohio and Pennsylvania, including 29 years at WDAU/WYOU in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre market. He worked as an anchor, a field reporter, and for 15 years as a weather forecaster. His favorite contributions were as host of the weekly nature-oriented segment, “Birds’ Eye View,” which enabled him to travel the back roads of NEPA doing stories on subjects he loved. He retired in 2000 and was in high demand. He served for many years as board chairman of the Pocono Environmental Education Center, president and longtime board member of the Lackawanna Audubon Society, the Nature Conservancy and others.
Derry was a member of the Casual Day Committee of NEPA Cancer Society and delivered Meals on Wheels.
Derry was a tenor. He sang with the Singers Guild of Scranton and was a board member and performer with the Robert Dale Chorale (Arcadia Chorale). He also sang in the choir of the Church of the Epiphany in Glenburn where, in addition, he served as a member of the vestry, senior warden, a lay reader, chalice bearer and served on many church committees.
Survivors include Nancy, his wife of more than 62 years; his daughter, Stacie and her husband, James Ruth; his son, Christopher and his wife, Peg, and their sons, Zachary and Aaron; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James Bird; and sister, Kate Paquette.
Nancy Robinson Hulsen in April 2023. Nancy (Robinson) Hulsen was born in Nassau Hospital, L.I., N.Y. on Feb. 18, 1938. She grew up in the village of Bellerose, Nassau County and graduated from Sewanhaka High School, where she met the love of her life, Bob Hulsen. Then she attended Allegheny College as an English major followed by Katharine Gibbs and in 1959 married Bob. After moving to Buffalo, her husband went into business for himself and Nancy did the accounting, as well as acting as bookkeeper and in-house accountant for 2 electrical construction companies and spending a short time at Smith Barney. While raising four daughters, Nancy was President of the Welcome Wagon Club; President of the Clover 4-H Club; Chairperson of the Orchard Park Community Church; one of the founding members of the O.P. League of Women Voters and elected to Who’s Who. After Nancy and Bob retired to Summerville, SC in 2002, Nancy worked for a Financial Planner in the Charleston area. Following that, she donated time as a House Guide at Middleton Place as well for the Preservation Society of Charleston and the Summerville Kitchen Tour and volunteered at a reading program for young children. Nancy leaves 4 daughters: Jeanne Hulsen (Kristin Hartley) of Burlington, VT; Catherine Gonzalez (Oscar Gonzalez) of Worthington, OH; Jill Hulsen of Mount Pleasant, SC; and Amy Tang (Lester Tang) of Scottsdale, AZ as well as 3 grandsons, Ryan Gonzalez (Sharon Gonzalez), and Nathan and Jasper Tang.
Robert W. McCreary on March 23, 2023. Robert W. McCreary, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF, Retired, and United Airlines Flight Officer, Retired, took his “flight west” on March 23, 2023 after a long battle with appendiceal cancer, a rare form of colorectal cancer. He was born near Erie, PA on July 29, 1938. He was predeceased by his parents, H. Gordon McCreary and Clara Argow McCreary, and his infant son, William Campbell McCreary. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Susan, daughter Mallory McCreary (Arthur Winer), granddaughter Lemony, his son Robert G. McCreary (Marta), grandson Alexander, his sister Susan Mason, and 3 nieces and their families.
A 1960 Distinguished AFROTC graduate of Allegheny College, Meadville, PA, he entered pilot training at Graham AB, FL, and received his silver wings at Webb AFB, TX. He completed his initial training in the C-130 Hercules aircraft at Sewart AFB, TN and later transferred to Langley AFB, VA.
While deployed to Okinawa, he met the woman who would become his lifetime love, Susan Abernathy of Newport News. After numerous overseas deployments, including Southeast Asia, where he flew over 500 combat support sorties in Vietnam, he retired from the Air Force in 1984. He then became a commercial airline pilot, retiring from United Airlines in 2001 to Mathews County.
He was an active member of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Gloucester, a former officer of the Retired Officers of Mathews County Association (ROMCA), a member and longtime Director of the Middle Peninsula Croquet Club, an original member and former president of Concerts by the Bay, and a member of the military Order of the Daedalians.
Stuart Charles Sherman in March 2023. Stu was born July 14, 1938 to Sam and Dorothy Sherman and grew up in “Da Bronx”. Stu attended DeWitt Clinton High School (New York), Allegheny College (PA), and Brooklyn Law School. After admission to the NY & 2nd Federal District Bar, Stu had a short career practicing law and banking, he became part of a nursing home startup company in Kansas City. After that, Stu started a company that developed and managed apartments in Kansas, Missouri, and Louisiana.
In 1973, he sold that company and moved the family to Albuquerque to be the development manager for the Sheraton Old Town Inn (now the Hotel Albuquerque). Remaining in Albuquerque, Stu developed commercial real estate projects mostly in Albuquerque and Santa Fe including being an original developing partner of the Hotel Eldorado.
Stu was an active member of the Albuquerque community including Monte Vista Elementary school PTA, board member at Sandia Prep School, early board member of the Balloon Fiesta and Ski New Mexico, Chairman of the Albuquerque Airport Advisory committee, and a UNM Faculty Adjunct.
Stu was an avid tennis player and skier, and after giving up those sports, took up golf and his claim to fame is hitting two holes in one on the number six hole at the Albuquerque Country Club. When he turned eighty, he bragged that he could shoot his age, but only through holes fifteen and sixteen at ACC.
Stu is survived by the love of his life and best friend of 63 years, Rosalie. Their life together started as a summer romance in 1959. Married in 1961, they created a beautiful family, dearly loved and respected by Stu. Daughter Tracy Sherman, son Andy and Daughter-in-Law Hollis, cherished grandchildren Max and Dorothy, Son Keith, and Daughter Candee Stanton. He is also survived by brother Michael and nephews Adam and Roger.
Stu leaves behind many longtime friends who were such an important part of his life, and so many friends of his children whom he mentored and whose successes he enjoyed.
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S. Walter Andersen on December 19, 2022. S. Walter Andersen of Lakewood, NY passed fairly suddenly but peacefully on Monday, December 19, 2022.
Walter was born October 12, 1936, in Herkimer, NY to Stanley Walter and Elizabeth Casler Andersen.
He attended Jamestown Highschool, Allegheny College where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and State University of New York at Fredonia Teacher’s College. He was the Director of the YMCA in Dorchester, Ma. and then had a long, storied career as an elementary school teacher for Hamburg Central Schools in Hamburg, N.Y. He was also a varsity and junior varsity football coach, served as President of the Lions Club and was the town Santa Claus for many years.
He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Holly Andersen of New York City and his grandchildren, Kelsey Andersen, Kaitlyn Andersen-Flynn, Kyle Andersen, Alison Hirsch and Gregory Hirsch and a daughter in law, Susan Sara Andersen of Warren, NJ.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Young Andersen whom he married July 19, 1958 and who died December 1, 2019 and son, Scott W. Andersen who died September 4, 2010.
Dr. Jack “Jacob” Kolff on May 7, 2023. Dr. Jack (Jacob) Kolff of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania and Raquette Lake, New York died of a stroke complicated by Parkinson’s Disease on May 7, 2023. He was born on August 23, 1938 to Dr. Willem and Janke (Huidekoper) Kolff in Groningen, The Netherlands. He emigrated to Cleveland with his family in 1950. He received his BS from Allegheny College (He was a pre-med major, was a member of Phi Delta Theta and was on the swim team.), MD from Case Western Reserve and completed his cardiac surgical residency at the Cleveland Clinic. He also served two years in the Air Force. Dr. Kolff was invited back to The Netherlands for two years to develop the Cardiac Surgical Department at the University of Leyden before moving to Philadelphia where he established the first heart transplant program at Temple University while also actively developing the artificial heart. Since no insurance company would cover the cost of these early heart transplants, he and his wife started a national not-for-profit organization (NTAF, now Help Hope Live) to assist families and communities in raising money appropriately to help cover medically related transplant costs. He later initiated a private cardiac surgery practice in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Not only was Dr. Kolff a cardiac surgeon, but he was also a teacher, a mentor, and an inventor who touched many people’s “hearts”. He was wonderfully curious, forever inquisitive and genuinely interested in learning from others.
Dr. Kolff and his wife Patricia (McAuley) of 56 years loved to ski, hike, garden, camp, and travel the world. Summers were spent in their beloved Adirondack camp with family and friends where he most enjoyed time in his boathouse and driving his 1931 Chris Craft. Most importantly, time with his family gave him the greatest joy whether it was working together in his wood shop, exploring nature or just sharing their life experiences. His love for life was clearly expressed through his wonderful smile and kind blue eyes.
Dr. Kolff is survived by his wife Patricia, son Dr. Jeffrey Kolff ’91, daughters Tara Kolff Shehab and Courtney Kolff Hunnewell, greatly loved grandchildren Addison and Phoebe Kolff, Hugo Shehab and Jack, Wyatt and Sadie Hunnewell as well as one sister, three brothers, seven nieces and a nephew.
Carmen E. Merritt on April 23, 2023. Carmen E. Merritt, 83, of Saegertown, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 23, 2023, at home, surrounded by his family.
Carmen was born in Corry, on October 25, 1939, a son of the late Russell S. and Helen R. (Roush) Merritt, Sr.
In 1959 Carmen married his high school sweetheart, Vina Lilley.
He was a 58 year member of Twelve Apostles Lutheran Church where he taught the Confirmation Class, Sunday School, served as Council President and sang in the choir for 55 years.
A graduate of Corry High School, Carmen was also a graduate of Allegheny College and University of Pittsburgh where he earned his Master’s Degree in Social Work and accreditation in Academy Certified Social Workers (ACSW). In 1979 he was appointed Delegate to the National Association of Social Workers Convention in San Antonio, TX. From 1964-1974 Carmen served as Director of Social Services at Bethesda Home for Children. From 1974-2001 he was the Director of Erie County Foster Parent Program. His life’s purpose was caring for others. He had a deep seeded passion for orphaned children and believed every child should have a roof over their head and food on their table. He taught classes for foster parents at a state level and built strong friendships with many foster parents locally. He enjoyed fixing things and working on projects. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, bowling and growing his vegetable garden, which he was very proud of. Carmen will be most remembered as a man who had a passion for life, was loving, kind, and caring to others. He loved his family deeply and will be sadly missed.
In addition to his wife, Vina, of 63 years, Carmen is survived by a son Scott Merritt; a daughter in law Melanie Merritt; grandchildren Amber Bradshaw (Patrick), Kyle Merritt, Andrew Merritt (Sarah), Meredith Merritt, Stephen Merritt, Justin Merritt, Carmen M. Merritt; two great grandchildren Connor and Cole Bradshaw. In addition to his parents, Carmen was preceded in death by two sons Carmen R. Merritt and David D. Merritt.
Sharon “S.A.M, aka Sammy” Ann Myer on May 20, 2023. Sharon Ann Myer (S.A.M, aka Sammy) passed away peacefully on May 20th, 2023. Sharon was born on October 28, 1939, in Port Jervis, New York to Emil and Geraldine Myer. She grew up in the small town of Godeffroy, New York near the confluence of the Delaware and Neversink Rivers. Sharon was an only child. She was raised as a Free Methodist. She graduated from Port Jervis High School in 1957 and in the fall of that year she went off to college. In the Spring of 1961, she received her under-graduate degree from Allegheny College of Pennsylvania. Sharon was introduced to her soon to be husband John A Fantham of San Mateo, CA on a dinner date while John was stationed in the Army at Fort Manmouth, New Jersey. They were married on June 9th, 1962 at Saint Mary’s Church in Port Jervis, New York. Although Sammy loved New York and could not bear the thought of leaving her parents she packed her bags and moved to Berkeley, CA. Sharon continued with her higher education studies and received her master’s degree in Psychiatric Social Work from the University of California Berkeley. While finishing up school Sammy and John’s family was about to grow. Later that summer, on July 28th 1964 their first son, Thomas Arthur Fantham was born. In 1965 John and Sammy left the Bay Area and relocated to Capitola, CA. John David Fantham was born on August 30th, 1966. Joseph Alan Fantham was born on July 10th, 1971. In between raising three boys and taking care of the house Sammy continued her professional career as a Social Worker. She spent many years helping people less fortunate as an employee of the State of California and later at the Santa Cruz Community Hospital. With a growing family Sammy and John purchased a couple acres in the town of Soquel, where they built their forever home. In the late 70’s, living in the town of Soquel Sharon decided to convert to Catholicism. In the early 80’s Sammy decided to get into the Real Estate business. While working Real Estate Sammy was reacquainted with her true passion, painting. Early in life Sammy was a skilled Oil painter, this time round she converted to water coloring. From there, Sammy began to do art showings around the county of Santa Cruz. Sharon was a strong-willed woman, full of grace, integrity, faith, courage, and love. Sharon was a Social Worker, an artist, an antique enthusiast and dealer, Real Estate Agent, and an avid yoga participant. She sang in Sweet Adeline’s and played bridge with her friends on a weekly basis. She was a two-time cancer survivor. No words can adequately capture the incredible woman Sharon was to her husband, her sons and their wives and her many friends. Sharon is preceded in death by her mother, Geraldine May (Miller) Myer and her father, Emil Winterberg Myer. Sharon is lovingly remembered by her husband of sixty-one years, John A Fantham, her children Tom Fantham (Kerry), John D Fantham (Julie), Joe Fantham (Yesenia), her grandchildren Rachelle, Justin, Elizabeth, John-Thomas, Jonathan, Dominic and Balam. Sharon is also fondly remembered by her many dear friends. We miss you; we love you! You fought an incredible fight, and we are comforted knowing you are now with your parents and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Carolyn Knorr Stephens on September 5, 2022.
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James David Bullions on March 6, 2022. Bullions James David March 6, 2022. Beloved husband of Mary (Weyman) Bullions; loving father of Wendy (Ronald) O’Dowd and Linda ’87 (Joseph Baldick) Bullions; grandfather of Ryan, Kristen O’Dowd, Andrea, Rachel Baldick; brother of John (Barbara) Bullions.
Lt. Col. Harold Everett “Bud” Goeble Jr. on February 8, 2023. Lt. Col. Harold Everett “Bud” Goeble, Jr., 82, passed away on February 8, 2023 in Austin, Texas. Bud was born on February 26, 1940, in Roaring Springs, PA, to Harold Goeble, Sr. of Mosiertown, PA and Catherine Bach Goeble of Pittsburgh, PA. He was raised in Cranesville, PA, and graduated from Albion Area High School in 1958, and from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA, in 1962, majoring in mathematics. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the USAF.
Bud began his military career at Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo TX as an intelligence officer. He met Sherry Robertson at San Angelo College in the fall and they were married on April 19, 1963 at Goodfellow AFB, TX. Sherry was the love of Bud’s life. His military tours included Clark Air Base in the Philippines, the National Security Agency, Thailand during the Vietnam War, Elmendorf AFB in Alaska, the Foreign Technology Division at Wright Patterson AFB in Ohio, HQ European Command in Stuttgart Germany and Kelly AFB in San Antonio, TX. In 1967, the USAF sent him to Texas A&M University where he graduated with a Masters Degree in mathematics with a minor in computer science.
His military awards include Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and Air Force Overseas Long Tour.
Bud possessed a strong faith, compassionate spirit and generous heart. He showed this through his involvement in church activities and volunteering to help the elderly. He was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight in the San Angelo chapter. He worked to bring world-wide healer, Alan Ames, to visit many of the Catholic churches in the south Texas area. He and his wife dedicated many years to delivering Meals on Wheels and helping those in need.
Service, respect, and honor were codes he lived by and tried to teach to others. One of Bud’s accomplishments occurred after the death of his son. He and Sherry developed legislation to provide protection for police officers who died in the line of duty. They campaigned to bring together all the surrounding communities to build an Alamo Area Law Enforcement Memorial. Luckily they were able to see the memorial come to life.
Bud enjoyed being active playing soccer, golf, racquetball and bowling. He and Sherry participated in several bridge groups over the years. Bud was also a member of the American Legion and the VFW.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents and his son, San Antonio Police Officer Douglas Scott Goeble who died in the line of duty in April 1991.
Bud is survived by his loving wife Sherry; daughters Cheryl (and husband Sean) Thomas of St. Louis, MO and Deborah (and husband Eric) Heflin of Austin, TX; grandchildren Taylor Rivers of Groveton, TX; Ben, Kevin and Claire Thomas; Corbin, Spencer, Royce and Kyra Heflin; and great granddaughters Maryssa and Jade Rivers.
John D. Petruso on January 24, 2023. John D. Petruso, Sr., 82, of Meadville, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at Meadville Medical Center, surrounded by his family.
John was born in Meadville, on November 7, 1940, a son of the late Dominic J. and Lena (Frisina) Petruso.
On July 18, 1964 John married Joan Marie Lemon; she survives.
He was an active lifetime member of St. Mary of Grace Roman Catholic Church where he served as an altar boy in his early years and a Eucharistic Minister later in life. Additionally he served on the Finance Council for many years and volunteered with church events.
John was a 1958 graduate of Meadville High School. He went on to study two years at Edinboro College before enrolling at Allegheny College, earning his Political Science Degree in 1962. He continued his education at Case Western Reserve School of Law where he earned his Juris Doctor Degree in 1969. He began his career with Stuart Culbertson’s firm before opening his own practice in the early 1970’s. He and Attorney Gary Fabian began working together and they eventually formed the Fuller, Kinnunen, Petruso, Gamble, Fabian and Hall Firm, retiring on February 13, 2013. He enjoyed his profession and was proud to be an advocate for his clients. He was a member of Crawford County Bar Association, having served as President, and was also a member of PA Bar Association. John was community minded and served on countless boards including West Mead Township Board of Supervisors, Kiwanis Club where he served as President, United Way where he served as Chairman, National AAA Board of Directors, President and Director of Meadville Area Little Gridders. Whatever organizations John became involved with, he took a leadership role and supported them whole heartedly. Most of his adult life, John supported the Red Cross by donating blood every eight weeks making him one of their top donors. His loyalty and devotion to his faith and his family were second to none; he was his family’s rock of strength. He will be sadly missed.
In addition to his wife, Joan, of 58 years, John is survived by four children John D. “Jack” Petruso, Jr. ’90 (Lori) of Saegertown, Steve J. Petruso, Polly J. Petruso both of Meadville, Jeffrey M. Petruso of Pittsburgh; two grandchildren Alex Petruso of Salt Lake City, UT, Elliot Petruso (fiance’ Miranda) of Pittsburgh; a brother Anthony G. Petruso (Holly) of Prescott, AZ, many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a brother Russell Petruso and a sister Sally Petruso.
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Patricia A. Dorler on July 17, 2022. Patricia A. Dorler, age 81 passed away on July 17, 2022 at the Christiana Hospital.
She was born in Wellsville, NY on May 28, 1941,to the late Lawrence and Ruth Gettings Dorler. Patricia retired as a patent research chemist from the Dupont Company where she spent her entire career. She was a woman of great faith, living her life honoring her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Pat faced many trials in her life, but she survived them by putting them in her Lord’s hands. She was a long-time member of Concordia Lutheran Church.
Pat loved books. She was a voracious reader, and could always be found with a good book or her Kindel in a favorite easy chair. She is survived by her brothers, Robert Dorler (Donna) of Erie, PA and Lawrence Dorler of Jamestown, New York, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Christine Dorler.
Florence Williams Hollands on March 22, 2023. Florence W. Hollands 82 of Sherrills Ford, NC passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Her strength and courage were evident for her entire life. She spread joy and happiness wherever she went. Flo grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School and received her degree in English from Allegheny College. She started her career at Brookings Institute in Washington D.C. and then moved to Gulf Oil before starting her greatest “jobs” of Mom and Gigi. She loved traveling, gardening (her biggest passion being the meticulous care of 18 hybrid rose bushes) and reading every book imaginable. She advocated strongly for a new library in Sherrills Ford and never hesitated to give advice. Her extensive volunteer hours helped so many others. Everyone loved hearing her incredible stories about life’s many gifts and travel adventures. Flo really enjoyed calling Sherrills Ford home with the perfect flower weather and all the kind people. Flo is survived by her husband Patrick, the love of her life for 57 years, along with daughters Megan Reese, Rebecca Orendorff (Kris), and her grandchildren Sam, Andrew, Jake, Skyler, Molly, Jada, Kelsey, AJ, Elijah and Isaac. They remember her best as loving, smart, inspiring, kind-hearted, admirable, caring, compassionate, funny and thoughtful. Forever in our hearts!
Marjorie A. Bush Wright on January 24, 2023. Marjorie A. Bush Wright of Paxinos and formerly of Myerstown, went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, at her home. She was born June 3, 1941, in Coudersport, the only daughter of the late Kline M. Bush and Myrtle M. (Weierick) Bush. She graduated in 1959 from Kane Area High School and in 1963 from Allegheny College with a degree in secondary education. During college, Marjorie was a nanny in Finland in 1962 with the American Student Services. Following college in 1964 she married the late Frederick L. Wright III ’63 with whom they shared seven children. Marjorie taught school in Akron, Ohio, Commodore Perry, Northern Lebanon and New Covenant Christian School until retirement in 1996. She was a host for Foreign Exchange students and Fresh Air children on their family farm for many years while raising her family. Following her retirement, she worked for Friendship Community and volunteered at Jubilee Ministries where she was on the Board for 10 years. Marjorie was a member of the Lebanon Christian Fellowship Church and enjoyed music, flowers, bird watching and her cat Kiki. Surviving are children, Frederick L. Wright IV of Lebanon, Jeffrey M. Wright of Jonestown, Carrie M. Meyer of Manheim, Elisabeth A. Ross and husband Shawn L. of Paxinos, Andrew J. Wright and wife Rebecca L. of Harrington, Del., Eric G. Wright and wife Rosanna H. of Lincoln N.H.; 27 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
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Robert S. Bates Jr. on April 3, 2023. Bob Bates (Robert S. Bates, Jr) passed on April 3, 2023 in Carmel, IN. Bob was born in Meadville, PA on July 23,1938 to Robert Sacket Bates ’31 and Margaret Herr Bates ’32. He attended Denison University, served in the Army for two years, then graduated from Allegheny College. He was a reporter for Meadville Tribune in PA, and Activities Director for the YMCA in both Reading, PA and Anderson, IN, and employed by the Social Security Administration in Richmond and Indianapolis. Family and church were first and foremost in his life. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife Sandra Walters, his step son-in-law Lawrance Morrissey, and his brother-in-law Jon Starn. Surviving, in addition to his wife Jean Swickard Bates, is a son Rob Bates (Amy), a step-daughter Jennifer Morrissey, a step-son Jeff Hickman (Christie), a son Andrew Bates (Karen), a son David Bates (Holly), and a son Jon Bates (Mallory). There are 13 grandchildren, Cassi, Matt, Maddi and Will Bates, Aidan, Alyssa and Eli Morrissey, Margaux and Finn Hickman, Regan Bates, Ellie, Emma, and Lyla Bates. Also surviving are two sisters, Sue Bates Starn ’57 and Becky Skeen (David), brother-in-law David Swickard (Kristine), and sister-in-law Nancy Swickard and nephew Alex. Other nephews and nieces include Allison Mackin, Kathy VanEeuwen, Jon and Michael Starn, and Alex and Chloe Swickard.
Marlene Elizabeth Brown Matson on February 23, 2023. Marlene Elizabeth (Brown) Matson passed at home surrounded by family, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, after a courageous battle with an autoimmune liver disease. She was blessed to have great care with the condition throughout her life and her last days were made brighter by UPMC Hospice. Marlene was born to Laura (Deller) and James Brown Jr. on the North Side of Pittsburgh, July 25, 1942. She attended Bellevue High School, where she was active in the arts. She continued her artistic passion at Allegheny College, where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, Chapel Choir and acted in several plays. It was at Allegheny that she met the love of her life, Joseph Matson ’64. Together they built a lifetime full of memories and a wonderful family. After graduating with a degree in elementary education, Marlene taught in both the Willoughby Eastlake, Ohio, and the North Hills, school districts. She was an amazing mother and raised a wonderful son, Tim (Melissa), and daughter, Amy Dansevicus (Dave). Her grandchildren, Lauren Crowder (Chris) and Michael Matson were the joy of her life. In addition, her dogs were always treated as royalty. While working and raising her children, she later furthered her personal education and became a nurse at St Margaret’s Hospital. Through this new career, she found much reward as she provided care and emotional support to patients and their families. In retirement, she continued to serve others through Bethesda Lutheran Church in Lower Burrell. She enjoyed creating and teaching Sunday and Bible school programs and finding new, creative ways to bring the stories of Jesus’ love to young kids. She was active in the prayer ministry and loved reaching out to others through the Clothesline Ministry. Marlene found purpose in loving her family and helping others and had a unique way of reaching out to those who were not well or in need. Marlene also found joy in the little things: Time with family in Myrtle Beach, searching for shells, creating artistic crafts, writing poetry, shopping, reading and especially caramel lattes. She was a bright light to so many, and her light will continue to shine in all who knew and loved her.
Stephen L. Simonton on December 4, 2022. Steve Simonton fought relentlessly for his family, friends, clients, community and any underdogs he met during his 80 years on earth. And he won. Frequently and on big stages.
He also fought for his life. He endured five surgeries, two radiations and two rounds of immunotherapy over a three-year mega-fight against an aggressive form of myxofibrosarcoma. Cody and the state of Wyoming lost a titan of our community when Steve peacefully surrendered to cancer at 10:40 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in his home with loved ones.
Steve was a protector. He had people’s backs. He made his people feel seen and safe.
After listening to the difficulties of hundreds of legal clients for almost half a century, Steve developed a penchant for problem-solving. Combined with his competitive spirit he was a ferocious advocate. People wanted him in their corner and he wanted to be there.
Whether you were a client, an old friend or new acquaintance, Steve listened. He asked, “Why?” He asked “Could you please explain that again?” He sought to thoroughly comprehend your issues and goals. Once he felt comfortable with what you were facing, he wanted to help you defeat your adversary or break down the barriers between where you were and where you dreamed to go.
He was vulnerable in sharing the entire spectrum of human feelings with his people. He could disagree with an entire room, thrusting his finger in the air to emphasize the points about which he was most passionate. And he was equally at ease holding someone’s hand and crying freely. But he could most often be heard engaging in witty, “punny” banter with anyone who was up for talking hysterical nonsense. He was funny, creative, genuine, patient, big-hearted and generous.
He enjoyed country swing dancing, red wine and steaks at Cassie’s. He was an accomplished tomato gardener. He ran an unofficial bird and deer sanctuary in his yard. He was an avid protein and salad chef. He was a devout Denver Broncos, Wyoming Pokes and Cody Broncs fan. He looked forward to celebrating the Fourth of July, especially with his Cody Stampede aficionado sister Judy (Simonton) Catchpole and her family.
Steve valued time in the outdoors. Steve loved motorcycle touring with friends on his Harley. He loved fishing, camping, riding horses, boating, snow skiing, scuba, autumn drives to hear the elk bugle and pack trips to the mountains around Cody. He was at home telling stories and playing cards or dice in a campsite.
Civic engagement
Steve demonstrated his protector instincts serving on the Cody Volunteer Fire Department for 15 years.
He served 30 years as a member of the Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association (WTLA) Board of Directors, including as an officer and as president.
He was chairman of the Fee Dispute Committee of the Wyoming State Bar.
He sat on the Wyoming Commission on Judicial Conduct and Ethics.
Steve sat on the Board of Trustees of the Cody Medical foundation for over 20 years.
He served for 10 years on the Board of Trustees for the West Park Hospital, eight of those as chairman.
He dedicated eight years to the Park County Travel Council and three years on the Park County Museum Board. He was also a Forward Cody board member.
Life & Recognition
Steve was a Cody native, graduating from Cody High School in 1960. He was an Eagle Scout and played quarterback on winning CHS teams.
He found a dusty certificate in his attic promising free college tuition at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa., to descendants of one of his ancestors. Upon his inquiry, the school informed him they stopped honoring the certificate decades earlier. They did offer him work-study in the campus cafeteria. This turned out to be compelling enough for him to drive 1,700 miles to attend a college he’d otherwise never heard of.
He quarterbacked the Allegheny Gators football team, served as president of the Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji) fraternity, participated in ROTC, and was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree with a combined major in Political Science and History.
He also met Kaye Wynn ’65. They married before he started at the University of Wyoming Law School where he graduated 1967. That year, Kaye gave birth to their daughter Shelley. Steve served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force as a Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) officer. The three were stationed at Air Force bases in Tacoma, Wash., the Philippines, Vietnam and ultimately Cheyenne, where son Mike was born in 1972.
The family moved back to Cody in 1973 and Steve started a private law practice. In 1975, his brother George ’69 joined him to form Simonton and Simonton. The District Court in Cody recently honored the Simonton family with a permanent exhibit in the courthouse, noting the longest practice of law by a family in Park County history (including father, James).
Steve was awarded the prestigious Martindale-Hubbell “AV-rated” trial attorney designation, recognizing strong legal ability and high ethical standards via a rigorous peer review. He was the recipient of the WTLA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In one of the last cases he brought to trial, he won a Park County record jury verdict for his client.
Steve lived a life of only one regret: that he did not have more time with his grandsons. His heart for parenting and grandparenting was not limited to his bloodline. Steve was a father figure and mentor to many, contributing significant time and resources to help several generations of coachable Codyites.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents Marjorie and James Simonton, beloved daughter Shelley, nephew Lyon Davis and Shelley’s dog Champ, whom Steve adopted after Shelley’s passing.
Steve is survived by son Mike (Natania Crane) Simonton and grandsons Jack (4) and Max (2) of Chicago; brother George (Lyn) Simonton of Cody; and sister Judy (Glenn) Catchpole of Casper and their children Glenda Thomas, Fred Catchpole and Katie Finnoff. He’s also survived by great-nieces and great-nephews and his former wife Kaye (Richard) Schlueter of Colorado Springs, Colo.
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Barb J. Rautner on January 25, 2023.
Barbara A. Montgomery Reusch on April 11, 2023. Barbara was the first-born daughter of Samuel and Lillian Montgomery. She was born in Darby, Pennsylvania on March 3, 1943. When she turned three, Barbara and her family moved to Island Heights, NJ. Her sister Linda was born the following year in 1947. Barbara attended Island Heights Elementary School and Central Regional High School, where she was involved in vocal music, student government, and athletics. Barbara studied piano and organ with Elsie Madsen Fischer and was the accompanist to the school’s choirs and would later serve as the organist and choir director of the Island Heights Methodist Church. Barbara graduated Valedictorian of her class. While at Central Regional, Barbara discovered her love of Spanish, which became her major, along with education, at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA. She spent a semester abroad at the University of Mexico and did her student teaching in the Cleveland, Ohio School System. She graduated from Allegheny with honors.
In the summer of 1963, Barbara met Franklin Reusch on a blind date. He was temporarily stationed at Fort Dix after being newly commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. From that first date, the relationship flourished and Barb and Frank were engaged in December of that year. The following December, they were married in Island Heights, NJ. Frank was sent to Germany in March 1965 and Barb followed in late spring. They lived in Kaiserslautern, Germany and were blessed with the birth of their daughter Heather in 1966. In 1967, Frank received orders for Vietnam, where he served from October 1967 through October 1968. During that time, Barb and Heather lived in an apartment in Toms River. Although Barb and Frank were separated by thousands of miles, their love inspired daily letters between the two of them for their year apart. Nine months after Frank had returned from Vietnam, they were once again blessed when Barb gave birth to their son Sean. From 1970-1975, Frank taught at Toms River High School North, Ocean County College, and earned his Psychology certification at night at Kean College. Barb kept the home fires burning and was doing the lion’s share of child rearing. In 1975 she began working at St. Joseph’s High School, where she shared her love of Spanish with students in grades 9-12. Barb taught there for 10 years and during that time she attended Georgian Court College where she earned her master’s degree as a reading specialist. Barb would later return to Georgian Court as an adjunct professor. Barb transitioned into the Toms River Public Schools in 1985, when she began her work as a reading specialist in Toms River Intermediate West. Many of her students were from families that had recently immigrated from Central America and who had limited proficiency in English. Barb’s previous experience as a world language teacher helped her to understand some of the struggles of these students, many for whom Spanish was not the primary language. She understood that in addition to linguistic struggles, many of her students came from families who struggled financially and who didn’t have the same advantages as other students at school. Barb wanted to give her students learning experiences that would give them social capital and allow them more social mobility. She created the Wheel of Facts with her colleague and her students learned history, art, literature, and music, in addition to becoming better readers.
In June 2003, Barb retired from public school teaching, knowing that she would soon become a grandma. Heather gave birth to Katie, Barb and Frank’s first granddaughter that December. Sean’s son Miles followed in March 2008 and his daughter Ruby in April 2011. Barb was a doting grandma who loved sending care packages, cards, and special notes to her grandchildren, talking to them on the phone or through Facetime or, best of all, spending face-to-face time with them. She loved baking with Katie and reading her creative writing, and she reveled in the musical accomplishments of Miles and Ruby, attending piano and violin concerts virtually. Barb also enjoyed being an aunt to her nieces Laura, Amy, and Beth, and to her grand-niece Hannah and grand-nephew Rashawn. The news of each milestone and accomplishment always brought her a great deal of joy!
Barbara’s adult life was a continuing ministry that manifested itself in many different places and ways. In the beginning of their marriage, Barb and Frank worked together in the Methodist Church doing mission work in Frakes, Kentucky for two consecutive summers. Eventually, Barb became an active member of the Presbyterian Church of Toms River, where she served as an Elder, a Deacon, and a member of the Pastor Nominating Committee. Barb and Frank’s was a mixed marriage while she was an active member of the Presbyterian Church, he was/is a Quaker, and yet despite these differences, they worked as a cohesive team in a ministry of social justice, both living their belief that it is imperative to help the disenfranchised, the poor, the oppressed, and the forgotten or invisible. They worked in the ecumenical AIDS ministry of Ocean County, offering dinners to patients with AIDS and to their friends and families, and serving in an outreach program with individual AIDS patients. When the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Northern Ocean County began, Barb and Frank became active members in its ecumenical ministry for homeless families. During the past 20 plus years, they helped cook meals for participating families, set up sleeping accommodations, clean facilities, share meals, and provide financial support.
Barb’s journey of faith led her to Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church, where she quickly became involved in serving as Clerk of Session, participating in the Lydia Circle, attending book clubs and Bible studies, helping with Vacation Bible School, and promoting church involvement in support of refugees through Interfaith Rise.
Barb was a lifelong learner, as well as an educator. Her passion for learning and teaching led her to become a member of the Ocean County Historical Society. Once she retired, Barb served on the OCHS Board of Directors, was the editor of the society’s newsletter, The Scroll, and was a frequent contributor of articles about the history of Ocean County. She and Frank were in charge of the Society’s gardens surrounding the museum and she loved creating the summer planters (far more than she enjoyed weeding). Throughout her life, Barbara turned to baking as an expression of love. It was another one of her ministries. She loved to feed those around her with kindness, compassion, and cookies. Oatmeal chocolate chip, shortbread, ginger snaps, you name it. Barb kept King Arthur in business. And let’s not forget her pies apple, pumpkin, cherry, pear, chocolate chip, mince meat. Barb baked for church. Barb baked for the Historical Society. Barb baked for birthdays, holidays, and just because she loved you. Food brings people together in fellowship and that is what Barb chose as her life’s mission creating communities filled with loveIn August 2022, Barb was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. She and Frank headed to University of Pennsylvania Hospital and were told that it is a slow growing cancer and that she would need a two-part surgery to remove her thyroid and the surrounding lymph tissue in her throat. Once she healed from her surgery, she would be treated with radioactive iodine, which would kill free-floating cancer cells. Her surgeon thought she would have a good five years of life after the surgery. Her first surgery was the day before Thanksgiving. It was very successful and she was scheduled for her second surgery towards the end of January. On January 4th, after having a great follow-up appointment with the doctors at Penn, Barb suffered a seizure. She was rushed to the hospital and was later diagnosed with glioblastoma, the most aggressive kind of brain cancer, and a cancer which is terminal. She had brain surgery in January and was in the hospital for about a week before she was transferred to rehab for physical, occupational, and speech therapy for two weeks. She made it home and then began a 6-week treatment of chemotherapy and radiation. Sadly, she had a massive seizure and had to be hospitalized four weeks into her treatment. She was in the hospital for about a week and a half and then put on hospice. Barbara died early in the morning of April 11th with her beloved husband of 58 years by her side.
Barbara is survived by husband Franklin Reusch, daughter Heather Reusch, son Sean Reusch and his wife Bridget Dolkas, grandchildren Katie Fallon-Reusch, Miles Reusch, and Ruby Reusch, niece Laura Thompson and her partner Chris Ammann, niece Amy Thompson, grand-niece Hannah Ammann, and grand-nephew Rashawn Walker
Carol Elizabeth Dain Simoneau on December 27, 2022. Carol Elizabeth Dain Simoneau, 79, a longtime Stowe resident, died on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022. She was born in Meadville, Pa., on Sept. 23, 1943, to Robert ’36 and Winifred Pattinson Dain. She spent a year of her childhood in the Panama Canal Zone with her parents while her father was a supply officer in the U.S. Navy. Carol graduated from Meadville Area High School in 1961 and Allegheny College in 1965. After leaving college, Carol went to work for Doubleday Publishing in New York City. After years in New York, Carol moved to Stowe to work for several hotels owned by the Mountain Company. There she met her husband, Henry Simoneau. Carol owned her real estate rental firm, Simoneau Realty, providing rental opportunities to skiers and locals alike. Carol was well thought of in the community and is remembered fondly. Carol is survived by her sister, Janet Dain-Faris, of Henderson, Nev.; as well as her niece, Jordan of Connecticut; and nephew, Zachary of Nevada.
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Gary Davisson Taber on November 14, 2022. We are sorry to announce the death of Gary Davisson Taber. He was a good person, well educated, devoted to his family, and will be remembered whenever snow falls from above or the sound of a train rolls down the track.
Gary is survived by his wife of 54 years, Claudia, his two daughters, Greta Taber and Lydia King, his son-in-law Riley King, and his grandson, Aidan Taber whom he loved unconditionally.
Since you’ve left us, we hope that you have found “something good” and that your prayers for snow have been fulfilled. We love you.
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Daniel Graham Mowrey on November 21, 2022. Daniel Graham Mowrey passed away suddenly on November 21, 2022 in Santa Fe, NM. “Dan”, “Danny”, or “Grandpa Dan” was born on November 10, 1945 to Esther Graham Mowrey and Paul Mowrey of Erie, PA.
From a young age, by all who knew and loved him, Dan was considered a unique character who marched to his own drum. Generous and genuine, he was as likely to crack a joke as he was to help a complete stranger. An accomplished violinist, mathematician, and antiques dealer, he was also known for his ability to take a nap just about anywhere.
A 1963 graduate of Erie, PA’s Academy High School, Dan graduated with a mathematics major from Allegheny College in 1967 and earned his Master’s in Mathematics from Penn State University in 1973. After a brief career as a programmer at IBM, Dan went on to play violin for the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra and the Colorado Philharmonic. In the late 1970s, his life-long love of music evolved into a career as a violin and stringed instrument dealer in Boston, MA. Over the following decades, his scope and expertise expanded to a prodigious knowledge of musical instruments, antiques, and artworks of all kinds. Antiques were his passion and he spent countless hours reading art books to perfect his craft. He delighted in roaming second-hand stores throughout the country, searching for rare finds.
Dan had an appreciation for travel, exploring the world for both business and pleasure. Longtime friends and business associates will remember his ubiquitous, eclectic booths at the Brimfield Antique Flea Markets in Brimfield, MA. He was also especially fond of spending time with loved ones in Chautauqua, NY; Aspen, CO; and Santa Fe, NM, where he settled after retiring in 2018. Noteworthy among his many loved hobbies and passions were opera and classical music, museums and art, astrophysics, delicious food, and the outdoors. Passionate about preserving the environment, Dan enjoyed hiking the mountains of the Southwest and National Parks with his children and partner well into his 70s. He was a great friend to many and was much loved in return. Often referred to as a “brother”, Dan was the most gracious of listeners, always taking time to understand the details of his loved ones’ lives. A comforting presence to many, he had the rare gift of being able to put others at ease.
Dan is survived by his daughter, Laura Mowrey Chesebro (Jonathan Chesebro) and grandchildren, Jesse and Isabel Chesebro of Takoma Park, MD; his son Joseph Daniel Mowrey (Kimberly Remis) of Baltimore, MD; and his sister Janet Chapman (Nancy Colalillo) of Las Vegas, NM. He is also survived by his long term partner Yueyan Zhang and her daughter Becky Zhang (Alex Schmidt ) and her grandson Leonard Schmidt of Bentonville, AR; nephew Graham Chapman (Dana Chapman) of Buda, TX; his cousin David Meil (Betty Meil) of Westerville, OH; former spouse Nancy Bracken of Golden, CO; and his beloved best friend Vladimir Slobodskoy of Newton, MA. Dan loved his life and will be dearly missed.
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Dr. Kent R. Logan on May 7, 2023. Kent is memorable for his intelligent and compassionate child-centered life. And through every turn, he nurtured his own inner-child and inspired others to claim their own. During seminary, he found field work in special education, which then became his lifetime work of educational advocacy for inclusion of all children with disabilities.
Alongside his impish twinkle came a deep faith in playfulness and possibility. He loved family life, embracing role-equality and deep parenting, from childbirth to raising two daughters to delighted grandparenting as Papa. And loving those in the widening circles of his siblings’ families, and their now-adult kids.
Kent had a framed cross-stitch in his home office that read, “Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a daddy.” He was fun and gentle, open and present with his daughters Hillary and Hannah, and supported them with fierce pride and role-modeling throughout their education, careers, and marriages. He has showered his four grandchildren with such heartfelt love as though they were his own.
Kent and Mary met on the first day of orientation at Yale Divinity School in 1971, and married in New Haven, 1972, traveling to Quebec City by train in the snows of December for their honeymoon. A love of travel was kindled and led to a Eurail pass for seven months throughout Europe. In England, Kent paused to volunteer at the newly built hospice in Sheffield. Mary photographed early Methodist churches for Yale, continuing a deep love and practice of art and spiritual expressions.
This past year, they celebrated 50 years of marriage. Hannah collected video messages from family and friends across their half-century of life together. Beautiful and heartfelt memories, messages, and congratulations were shared from their wide and loving community.
In his spiritual life, Kent practiced Centering Prayer, Tai Chi, yoga, hiking in the woods, and talking on Zoom with his men’s group and writing group. He immersed himself in Wisdom traditions, and poetry and essays fed his searching mind. He loved God and sought answers to all of his spiritual questions. At St. James Episcopal Church, he found solace in the healing service. He also took communion to residents of the nursing center at Highland Farms. In quiet conversation, he talked about God’s love for gay and trans people, carefully prying open closed minds. He often baked bread for the Eucharist, sure that it is preferable to any substitute. His long-time favorite hymn was “Be Thou My Vision.”
Kent was widely known in several church communities as a master of children’s sermons. He could tease and teach simultaneously, using props and hands-on experience to engage children with scripture, and endearing that depth of learning to the grown-ups, too.
From the center of his faith and conviction, he transformed the lack of access in education for those with disabilities, advocating for the humanity and intelligence of all human beings. Over his long career, he ushered in an era of inclusion for kids in public schools. He earned a Masters and Ph.D in Severe and Profound Disabilities at Georgia State University. He worked in schools and directed federal grants in Clayton County, Decatur City, DeKalb County, and Gwinnett County, and taught at Kennesaw State University. His consulting work took him to Puerto Rico, Cuba, US Virgin Islands, Guam and the Mariana Islands. In the U.S. he consulted with universities in Oregon, New Mexico, Virginia, Maryland, as well as across Georgia.
Kent never met a cookie he didn’t like. A family tradition of decorating Christmas cookies is now 40 years old. There were must-have pancakes and waffles, and he loved peanut butter on everything. For years, he baked bread for the family every week.
Kent also loved: his cat Toby, orange tabby cats in particular, dogs, labyrinths, a beautiful home, jewelry, turquoise, gold, good art, expensive things, vacations, mountains, the woods, New Mexico, hiking, camping, Lake Winfield Scott, spiral notebooks, data collection, sports cars, driving fast, his BMW, Car and Driver magazine, Consumer Reports, thoroughly researching a new purchase, filling cracks in the floor with wood putty, classical music, classic rock, and playing the piano.
Kent lived with Parkinson’s disease for 20 years. For much of that time, he was able to keep the worst of the symptoms at bay with medication and exercise. In 2019, Kent and Mary moved to Givens Highland Farms retirement community, where they weathered the Covid pandemic and Kent’s deteriorating mobility. This May, he contracted an undetected infection and died quickly, surrounded by family and the love of his wider community.
Kent is remembered by Mary Callaway Logan, spouse of 50 years; brother-in-law Bill Callaway; daughters Hannah Logan Morris and Hillary Logan Bolter; daughter-in-law Anne Morris; son-in-law Torry Bolter; grandchildren Sophie and Autumn Bolter and Margot and Eliza Morris; and sisters Peggy Barrett and Cindy Owensby, brother Bruce Logan, and their extended families.
William Hawkins Ostrander on January 2, 2023. William Hawkins Ostrander, passed away on January 2, 2023. He was the youngest of three children born to Eugene and Ruth Ostrander in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a boy he played little league, mowed lawns for neighbors, delivered the Pittsburgh Press beginning at age eight, saw Game 7 of the World Series at Forbes Field in 1960, earned the Eagle Scout award, and worked for Kopp Glass and US Steel before going off to college. He graduated from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1970 and a master’s degree in education in 1971. In a career spanning 42 years, William or “Mr. O” as he was affectionately known by many, taught both special needs children and gifted children at Madison and Geneva Schools in Northeast Ohio. He also was an administrator at East Shore Center, serving children in Lake and Geauga Counties. William leaves behind his loving wife of 48 years, Gayle Prizner Ostrander ’70, son Nathan Hawkins (Leslie) Ostrander, daughter Kate Prahl (Kel) McClanahan, and son Cowles Strong (Emily) Ostrander and three grandchildren: Noa, Saoirse, and Felton. He is also survived by his sister Jeannie (Richard) Daggett and brother Robert (Debbie) Ostrander and two cousins, Judy Noggle and Susan Warboys, all of whom were supportive during his challenge.
Dr. William Alan “Bill” Welsh on April 24, 2023. William Alan Welsh (Bill) passed away on April 24, 2023 at his home after living with dementia for several years. Bill was born March 5, 1948 to William C. and Theodosia Welsh in Pittsburgh, PA. Bill loved his birth city, especially his favorite sports teams, The Steelers, The Pirates and The Penguins. He moved to Maryland for his job with W. R. Grace, where during his long career there he was able to travel to many different countries, meeting new people, experiencing different cultures and making new friendships. Family was most important to him, and Bill loved and was most proud of his daughters, Kerry and Caitlin, and his grandson, Brenden. He was also happy to welcome Kerry’s husband Dave into the family, enjoying the rivalry between their favorite Baltimore and Pittsburgh teams. In his free time, he also enjoyed the flora and fauna in his own backyard, including the small fish ponds he built where the fish, lilies and the volunteer frogs and snapping turtle called home; the multiple bird houses and feeders he kept watch over and the many visiting night-time creatures. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Karen; his mother-in-law Roselyn Orndorff (Nana); his brother-in-law Greg Orndorff and Cathy Hornick; his beloved sister, Winnie Welsh Slatery ’60; his brother Timothy Welsh and his wife Retta; his nephews David ’84 and John ’88 Slatery and their wives Andrea and Sharon Nemecek Slatery ’89; his nieces Whitney and Wallis Welsh; grand-nieces Erin and Kelly Slatery; grand-nephew Michael Slatery; and his cousins Debra Williams-Baker; Judy Smith; Bud Williams and Johnny Williams. We will forever keep Bill with us in our hearts and in our memories.
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The Rev. Dr. Theodore G. “Ted” Cole on January 15, 2023. Theodore G. “Ted” Cole, age 79, of Mill Village, passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2023. He was born June 19, 1943, to the late Lawrence and Adda Cole.
As a youngster, Ted was active in the Boy Scouts, earning his Eagle Scout award in 1961. Ted graduated from Fort LeBoeuf High School in Waterford in 1961, and went on to attend Allegheny College. While there, he accepted an appointment to serve as a student pastor at Bethel United Methodist Church in Titusville.
Ted married the late Donna Peterson Cole in 1965. Together, they had two beautiful children: Amy and Aaron.
Ted enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1965 as an Administrative Specialist, earning the Viet Nam Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal. He was discharged in 1972 and returned to Allegheny College, graduating from there in 1972. He attended Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and graduated with a Master of Divinity degree in 1976 and his Doctor of Ministry Degree in 1991.
Ted went on to serve a number of churches throughout the Western Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church. These appointments included: Somerset Grace UMC; Wattsburg and Phillipsville UM churches; Ellwood City UMC; and Oil City Trinity UMC, from where he retired in 2001.
After retirement from full-time ministry, Ted accepted a half-time position at Edinboro United Methodist as Pastoral Assistant. His passion while serving in this capacity was teaching Bible with a specialty in first century Christianity. Ted was active in the Barbershop Harmony Society, singing in the Venango and Meadville barbershop choruses.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Donna, his sister Donna Hadzega, and his brother Lloyd Cole.
Ted is survived by his children – Amy Williams and husband Charles, and Aaron Cole and wife Kimberly. He is also survived by his special grandchildren – Sarah Honsaker and fiancé Matt Smith, and Tayhjal Williams; two sisters – Barbara Hadzega of North East, and Kathy Rohrer of Waterford; and a brother, Larry, from Bear Lake.
Karen LaRue Davis on April 27, 2023. DAVIS, Karen LaRue Age 72, of Newton, died at home, in the comfort of her family, on April 27, 2023, from glioblastoma. Born to Peggy Lou (Seyler) ’48 and John Herschel Davis ’46, and raised in Shaker Heights, OH. She was the adored bossy older sister of Wendy and Halle. Karen attended Allegheny College, the University of Glasgow for her junior year, and obtained a Master’s degree at the Harvard School of Public Health. She retired in 2017 from Brown University as VP for Human Resources. She previously served in leadership positions at Harvard University, NYU School of Medicine, SUNY/Downstate Medical Center, and the NYC adult homeless shelter system. Karen married Randall Block on April 20, 1986, in Rockport, MA. He survives her, as do their children, Jeffrey and Peter; their daughter-in-law, Caroline Cogan; grandson Connor; and her sisters, Wendy Davis and Halle Davis of Burlington, VT.
Horace “Ford” Rutherford Livengood II on March 15, 2023. Horace Rutherford Livengood, II (Ford), passed away suddenly on March 15, 2023. Ford was a loving and steadfast husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Ford was born in 1949 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Hugh and Winifred Livengood, and he grew up in Hillside. He attended the Pingry School, Allegheny College, and Rutgers Law School. Before law school, he worked for the New York City Planning Commission. He served as an Assistant Prosecutor in the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office from 1980-2007, working alongside colleagues he loved in Newark, a city he cared about deeply. At the Prosecutor’s Office, Ford met Geri Livengood, his wife. They would have been married for 40 years in April; theirs was a loving partnership filled with gratitude and happiness. They have two children, Rebecca and James, whom they raised in South Orange. Ford, an enthusiastic and excellent cook, made dinner for the family every night. After retiring from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Ford worked as a criminal defense attorney and coached trial advocacy at Rutgers Law School-Newark.
He was an active member of the Episcopal Church. He served on the vestry and as the senior warden at St. Andrew and Holy Communion Church in South Orange, and then on the vestry at Christ Church, Newton. With the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, Ford served on the Commission on Ministry, the Ecclesiastical Court, and as the Church Attorney.
He loved sailing and was a member of Raritan Yacht Club from 2005-2018. He and Geri spent many happy weeks on the Raritan Bay, Chesapeake Bay, and Long Island Sound, enjoying companionable silence, exacting weather observation, and hours talking with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife and children; his daughter-in-law Sara Livengood and his son-in-law Nathaniel Wenstrup; his four grandchildren; his sister Becky; and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends whom he loved so much. He was predeceased by his brother John. To know Ford was to know that a wise, steady, and warm friend was available, day or night, for lifting up, bailing out, and cheering on. He will be missed.
James J. Tarrant on January 30, 2023. James J. Tarrant, whose interest from an early age in the global ecology movement led him to become a leading expert on environmental policy in Indonesia and elsewhere in the developing world, died on January 30, 2023 after a long illness. He was 72.
Growing up in Pittsburgh, Jim received a gift of a spinning globe, which fascinated him. Inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s appeal to idealistic youth, Jim decided he would join the Peace Corps, which he did in 1972 after graduating from Allegheny College. He was sent to Ethiopia, where he taught English in a mountainous village school and helped set up water infrastructure. This began a lifetime practice of long, vivid letters and humorous drawings.
Jim received a Masters from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and a Ph.D. from the University of Sussex Institute of Development Studies. In his first overseas posting in the early 1980s, Jim set up environmental education centers at Indonesian universities, under the mentorship of Indonesia’s pioneering environment minister, Dr. Emil Salim. Indonesia is well renowned as one of the most significant places on Earth for a diversity of unique species in its magnificent rainforests and coral reefs. He then did extensive field studies on the traditional methods West Java farmers used to manage upland watersheds which became the basis of his Ph.D. In Indonesia he met his future wife, Cynthia Mackie, who also worked on nature conservation.
Jim subsequently embarked on a series of assignments for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other donors on environmental and energy projects in Egypt, Cypress, Eastern Europe, Rwanda, Russia and Southeast Asia. The family returned to Indonesia in 1997 during a tumultuous period when the strongman ruler Suharto was toppled from power. Jim managed a major USAID project to improve Indonesia’s rainforest and coral reef management. This was a foundational initiative that built a robust cadre of Indonesian experts and model field programs that continue to inspire efforts to this day.
Jim is survived by his widow Cynthia Mackie; their two children Kevin and Melati Tarrant; his mother, Kathleen Tarrant; two brothers, Bill and David; two sisters, Peggie, Mary Sue; nine nieces and nephews: Tavleen and Jasleen Tarrant; Narkeez and James Carlton, Natalie and Jackson Tarrant, Meredith Bendl and Steven DeGrace, and James Joseph O’Leary.
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Dr. Calvin “Vin” Duane Neithamer on December 4, 2022. Dr. Calvin “Vin” Duane Neithamer, Jr., 71, of Alexandria, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 4, 2022, after battling Parkinson’s and dementia. He was born on May 14, 1951 in Portsmouth, VA, to Calvin, Sr. ’47, and Grace Tarno Neithamer.
Vin earned his medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh. He did his residency in radiology-diagnostics at the University of Colorado, and completed his fellowship at New York Presbyterian Hospital (Cornell Campus). Because of his education and training, Vin decided to go into the new field of interventional radiology, and became one of the first 100 interventional radiologists in the world. The combination of his bedside manner, work ethic, skill, and experience were unmatched in the field.
Vin enjoyed several hobbies, including music, art, and photography, but his greatest joy was his family.
In addition to his parents, Vin was predeceased by his wife, Susan. He is survived by his sons, Jason (Brittany) Neithamer of Arlington, VA, and Gregory (Christine McFadden) Neithamer of Boston, MA. He is also survived by his sisters, Heidi (Thomas) Rees of Madison, VA, and Julie (David) Lewis of Erie, PA.
David Weitzel on January 8, 2023. David Weitzel Of Edgewood, born December 4, 1951, passed away suddenly at his home on January 8, 2023. Preceded in death by his parents, William K. Weitzel and Melrose F. (Fleming) Weitzel. Survived by his siblings; Paul J. (Helen Volger) Weitzel of Onancock, VA, Lynn M. Woods of Marina del Rey, CA, and Christine Ann (Dale) Pollick of Hardeeville, SC. Also survived by nephews; Toby Woods of CA, Ryan Baldwin of Winchester, VA, David S. Weitzel of Berlin, Germany, and Christopher Woods of CA. David lived a principled life of character, reason, humor, compassion, scholarship and inquiry into local and family history, and a dedication to family and friends. David was the brother and friend that everyone hopes for.
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Robert Edward Coddington on May 6, 2023. Robert Edward Coddington, 69, of Cranberry Township, passed away on Saturday May 6, 2023. He was the son of the late William Jr. and Jeanette Coddington Sr. Beloved husband of the late Pamela Ann Coddington, father of Kimberly Ann (Louis) Racioppo, Baden, grandfather of Megan, Brittney, Ryan, and Haley Racioppo, brother of William M. Coddington Jr. of Schertz, TX, uncle of WM Coddington, also nine cousins. Rob was a 1975 graduate of Allegheny College. He was an avid reader, enjoyed airshows, and his furry companion, Crobsy. Robert’s dream was to go to Ireland, but was taken from this world far too soon to achieve that dream. He was a proud grandfather who was proud of his grandchildren. Robert will be buried in Saint Bridget Cemetery, Meadville, with his parents.
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Catherine “Cathy” Smale Caldemeyer on December 2, 2022. In the morning of December 2nd, 2022, Catherine (Cathy) Smale Caldemeyer passed away in her home surrounded by loved ones. She is survived by her husband Dr. Robert Caldemeyer ’76, her three children, Lisa Diedrichs (Joshua), Christopher Caldemeyer (Christine), and Madeline Young (Daniel), and three grandchildren Katherine, John, and Mabel, who called her Chi-Chi. She is also survived by her siblings, John Smale Jr., Lisa Smale and Peter Smale.
Born in Terrace Park to John and Phyllis Smale, Cathy attended Hillsdale School, now the Seven Hills School. She went on to graduate from Allegheny College in 1976 with a Bachelors in Art History. There, she met Rob, and they married at the Cincinnati Queen City Club on December 29th, 1977. After Rob completed his medical residency and they had started their family in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, they moved to Wyoming, Ohio. In 1996, Cathy opened a clothing boutique, Arte, bringing New York and Paris fashions to Cincinnati. In 2006, the Caldemeyers moved to Mt. Adams, where they still reside. Cathy served on the boards of The Cincinnati Parks Foundation, The Taft Museum, and The Seven Hills School. Her advocacy for the City of Cincinnati was profound. Standing on the shoulders of her parents, Cathy devoted herself to the beautification of Cincinnati and its greenspaces, particularly John G. and Phyllis W. Smale Riverfront Park. Even after she fell ill, Cathy ensured that Smale Park would be completed, consistent with her father’s vision, so that Cincinnatians could enjoy it in perpetuity. In 2022, Cathy, with the help and encouragement of her friend John Pepper, completed a years-long project to publish the book, Here Forever, chronicling her father’s life and career. It was one of her proudest accomplishments, and among the final things she wanted to do in her lifetime. In the months before her passing, the Cincinnati Parks and Foundation staffs dedicated a beautiful shade garden in Smale Park to honor Cathy’s legacy. In memory of a fearless advocate and lover of parks, may visitors find their shade in Cathy’s Garden.
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Dr. Wilbert A. Rump on April 20, 2023. Dr. Wilbert A. Rump, 67, a resident of Union Springs, Alabama, passed away at his home on Thursday, April 20, 2023. Will was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania to Pal and May Rump. He attended Allegheny College for his undergraduate degree and received his doctorate from University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He undertook his residency in the UAB Montgomery Internal Medicine Residency Program where he met his future wife, Teresa. They were married on September 1, 1984. Upon completion of his residency, they moved to Union Springs which quickly became their home. He began his practice in 1985 and retired in 2020. Over those 35 years, he had the privilege to serve his beloved patients and the residents of Union Springs. This was his ministry. We, as his family, pray that his community remember him as fondly as we will and carry on his love and dedication. He is survived by his wife, Teresa D. Rump; four children, Richard G. Rump (Kourtney), Aaron G. Rump, Jordan E. Freeman (Trey), and Katherine D. Rump; six grandchildren, McKenzie Rump, Wilson Rump, Gentry Rump, Xander Freeman, Wyatt Rump, and Karson Rump; two brothers, Duane V. Rump and Floyd C. Rump (Susan); two sisters, Lois J. Fussell (Larry) and Ruthann Hayden.
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Dr. John Young Gallup II on December 28th, 2022. Dr. John Young Gallup II, 67, of Bel Air, MD passed away peacefully at home on December 28th, 2022. John was the devoted husband of Mary Russell Gallup for 11 years.
Born in Philadelphia, PA on November 4th, 1955, he was a son of the late Andrew Young Gallup and Margaret Allendorfer Gallup. In his childhood, John lived through out the east coast – in Burlington, VT, Johnstown, PA, Somerset, NJ, and Orchard Park, NY. At John’s secondary alma mater, Orchard Park Senior High School, he was president of Key Club, an integral member of the varsity swim team and Eagle Scout.
John attended Allegheny College in Meadville, PA, for his undergraduate education where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, in Baltimore, MD. John practiced dentistry in the Baltimore area for more than 20 years; he loved making people’s lives better through dentistry.
In addition to his wife, Mary, John is survived by his siblings, Harry “Toby” Gallup II (Lindy) of Bridgewater, NJ, and Pamela “Pam” McVeigh of Alexandria, VA; by his nephew Andrew Gallup, and, niece Margaret “Maggie” McVeigh, and by stepchildren, Peet Colgin and Mary Colgin, of Bel Air, MD. More than anything, John loved his family and his pets; he will be dearly missed by family and friends.
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Lorna Mary “Molly” McGrory Anton on March 17, 2023. Lorna Mary Anton, “Molly”, of Lehigh Acres, FL, and formerly of Naples, FL, passed away March 17, 2023, at home, while under Hospice care. Molly was born on August 5, 1957, in Massachusetts, where she grew up. She was a member of Belmont High School’s graduating class of 1975. Molly continued her studies, graduating from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA., and then the University of New England in Biddeford Pool, Maine. Upon graduating, she pursued a career in Occupational Therapy that spanned over 40 years.
She traveled extensively and lived in many of our United States, including Massachusetts, Maine, Kansas, Louisiana, and California. Anyone who knew Molly would say she was one of the most giving people they know.
Molly leaves behind her loving husband, Randy Anton, and son, Emerick Anton, of Lehigh Acres, FL., both of whom provided her with amazing, and loving care, including, but not limited to, her final days. She also leaves behind her father, John J. McGrory of Bonita Springs, FL.; brothers, John G. McGrory of San Carlos, FL., Daniel P. McGrory of Fort Myers; her sister, Kathleen M. “Kate” Foran, as well as many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Lorna T. McGrory.
Molly was a very active communicant of her parish, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. When one thinks of the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, particularly “It is in giving that we receive”, Molly will sure come to mind.
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Margaret “Peggy” Brayer Findle on March 7, 2023. Margaret Brayer “Peggy” Findle. Age 64, of South Fayette, formerly of Upper St. Clair, on March 7, 2023. Beloved wife of Patrick Findle, loving mother of Matthew (Carrie) Findle, Sarah Findle and Jennifer (Justin) Birkmeyer, devoted grandmother of Calvin and Evelyn Findle and June Birkmeyer, cherished daughter of Barbara and the late James Brayer, sister of Deborah (David) Root, Thomas (Colleen) Brayer and Douglas (Lisa) Brayer, also loving Aunt to many nieces and nephews. Peggy was a graduate of Allegheny College, where she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, Panhellenic President, a Resident Advisor and participated in the Terrapin synchronized swimming program. Among many jobs, including her most cherished as a mother and grandmother, she had a passion for working with kids and worked most recently at Southminster and Westminster Nursery Schools. She was also a volunteer for Reading Is Fundamental and World Vision. Her friends and family were the center of her world. Beloved for bringing a warm and welcoming presence to any room, Peggy was always focused on the wellbeing of others first. She treasured time spent at the Outer Banks in North Carolina and reading to her grandchildren. She was blessed with many extra years on earth thanks to the donation of a kidney from an anonymous organ donor.
Thomas J. Haffely on February 3, 2023. Thomas J. Haffely, age 64, of Findlay Township, Imperial, PA, in the presence of family on Friday, February 3, 2023, in Allegheny General Hospital. Beloved husband of 28 years to Mary P. (Bloom) Haffely. Son of Betty (Eidemuller) Haffely and the late John Haffely. Cherished stepfather of Jonathan Buzza and Jordan Buzza and wife, Mariah. Brother of Cathy Grimm and husband, Bernie. Doting grandfather of Grayson, Joey, and Johnny; and his niece and nephew, Nicole and Bradley. After attending Allegheny College, Tom worked at GSK (Glaxo-Smithkline) as an IT Specialist for decades, as well as PNC Bank. He was an active member of Resurrection Lutheran Church. An avid bowler, Tom had multiple 300 games to his credit. He greatly enjoyed spending time at his camp with his wife, family, and friends. Tom was a steady, dependable presence to his family and will be dearly missed. We pray that he may rest in the peace of the Lord.
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Karen Lightell on November 29, 2022. Karen Lightell, 63, of Mt. Lebanon died peacefully with her family at her side after living with cancer for 25 years. She was born in Greentree and was a graduate of Keystone Oaks High School and Allegheny College in Meadville, PA. Daughter of the late Wilbur and Estella Lightell; loving mother of Dillon (Natalie Slack) and Andy (Lacey Barker) Baker; sister of the late Gwen Miller and Susan (Jimmy) Despinis; aunt of Stephanie (Brad) Wilson and great aunt of Stella Wilson; she is also survived by her loving dog, Beau. Karen was an accomplished communications executive, having worked in Washington, DC, for the worldwide firm of Burson-Marstellar and as Press Secretary to Congressman Bill Goodling. Upon returning to Pittsburgh, she once again worked for Burson-Marsteller, followed by Dymun-Nelson and Red House Communications. She also led communications for the Senator John Heinz History Center. Karen was an avid reader who took pride in being a member of her local book club for more than 20 years. She was also a lifelong lover of nature, art, music, movies, and history. She traveled throughout Europe, Latin American, South East Asia, and in the Western United States, including Alaska; and across the country for many mission trips, including New Orleans soon after Hurricane Katrina. She was active in many political campaigns and chair of The League of Women Voters’ Poll Workers Recruitment Committee. Her family wants to acknowledge the love and steadfast support of her Mt. Lebanon friends and travel companions over the many years, as well as the doctors, nurses, and staff of UPMC, who helped her live and thrive for longer than she or anyone thought possible.
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Malcolm James Ferguson on April 22, 2023. Malcolm James Ferguson, age 62, passed away on April 22, 2023, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was born May 7, 1960, in Pittsford, New York, the eldest of three sons of Bruce and Frances (nee Grove) Ferguson. He graduated from Pittsford-Sutherland High School in 1978 as a highly accomplished quarterback and point guard; he was a captain of the basketball team. He graduated from Allegheny College as an Alden Scholar in 1982 and from the University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business in 1986. He was a certified commercial lender at Mellon Bank and had a successful career in commercial leasing and corporate finance. At the time of his death, he was Director of Business Development for Somerset Environmental Solutions and a director and principal of Maritime Capital Management Partners USA, LLC. Mal gave his kindness, humor, and affection freely and often with the sole exception of a select few in Pittsburgh sports media. He loved writing, nature, and Five for Fighting. Devoted father to Phillip and Cameron Ferguson and beloved former husband of Christine (nee Spampinato) Ferguson-Rau, Malcolm is also survived by brothers, Miles and his wife Patricia, and Mark, niece Rachel, and nephews Duncan and Jujuante Riggins.
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Deborah Beard on January 22, 2023. Deb Beard, a longtime Erie science teacher known for her enthusiasm and zest for adventure, died Sunday, January 22, 2023 after a long illness. She was 61.
In her career, she taught chemistry, physics, and biology to students at Strong Vincent, East and Erie high schools, coached tennis and track, and participated in classroom collaborations with NASA.
She was a 1983 graduate of Allegheny College and a 1979 graduate of Harbor Creek High School, where she was student president and broke records on the women’s track team. After graduation, she worked for the Science Center of Long Island and as a chemist in private industry before returning to her hometown to teach.
She enjoyed adventures such as a bike ride around Lake Erie and driving a 51-foot-long semi in Patagonia while on an extended trip to Argentina. She also was a fan of professional tennis and supporter of her students in high school sports competitions. One year, Strong Vincent football players attending her chemistry class ended up calling their plays by elements in the periodic table, rather than numbers.
Deb is preceded in death by her mother, Fay Riley. Survivors include her brothers, David and Michael, her sisters-in-law, Gail and Shelly, and six nieces and nephews, Amber, Brenden, Eric, Holly, Jordan, and Morgan.
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David George Hagstrom on January 28, 2023. Hagstrom, David George was born 20 October 1961 in Knob Noster Missouri to parents Linda (Reifle) ’62 who preceded him in death and George Hagstrom ’59 who survives him as well as a brother, James Hagstrom. He graduated from Grove City, PA High School in 1980 where he played on the golf and basketball teams.
He graduated from Allegheny College in 1984 where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He was a 3-time NCAA Division III golf All-American, and a member of the 1983 NCAA Division III National Champions. He was elected to the Allegheny College Golf Hall of Fame in 1995.
He entered the United States Air Force in 1985 as a 2nd Lieutenant and served in a variety of acquisition and logistics positions until he retired in 2005 from Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Dave continued on at the base as a civilian and supported the Air Force Research Laboratory.
Dave was a devoted husband of 33 years to Catherine (Murphy) and a loving Father to Katelyn and Erik who all survive him. He loved spending time with his family and friends to include snorkeling in the Caribbean and playing golf at NCR Country Club.
The True Gentleman creed from his Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity sums up his life and character:
“The True Gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety, and whose self-control is equal to all emergencies; who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity; who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another; who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power, or boast of his own possessions or achievements; who speaks with frankness but always with sincerity and sympathy; whose deed follows his word; who thinks of the rights and feelings of others, rather than his own and who appears well in any company, a man with whom honor is sacred and virtue safe.”
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George “Ross” Kiener on May 14, 2023. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of George “Ross” Kiener following his courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer.
Ross passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, May 14, 2023 at Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln Massachusetts. He was 59 years young.
Born on January 1, 1964 in Buffalo, New York, to Carol (Squier) Kiener and the late George Kiener, Ross was raised in Hamburg, New York, and was a 1982 graduate of Hamburg High School.
Ross was a graduate of Allegheny College in Meadville, PA where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science and economics. He was a proud member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, through which he created lifelong friendships. Ross’s strong work ethic and dedication was admired by all. He was a loyal and valued employee for over two decades at Cambridge Energy Research Associates where he served as the Executive Director of Global Events. Following his time at CERA, Ross worked as an independent marketing consultant for best-selling author Safi Bahcall.
Ross was a devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend. Throughout his life, he inspired many with his unwavering kindness, sense of humor and his remarkable ability to connect with others.
In his personal life, Ross enjoyed spending time with his family and loved the outdoors. He was a great athlete, who loved to ski, golf, play tennis, and take long walks with his dog Maggie. Ross was also a lifelong fan of his beloved Buffalo Bills, and a car enthusiast.
Ross is survived by his loving family, Wife Pam Taylor of Killington VT, son Tyler Kiener of Somerville, daughter Courtney Kiener of South Boston, mother Carol Kiener of Orchard Park NY, brother Robert Kiener of Lakewood, Ohio and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Ross was predeceased by his father George A. Kiener.
Ross is loved deeply. His love, sharp wit and generous nature will live in our hearts forever.
Kimberly Zarichansky Owsiany on January 22, 2023. Kimberly Zarichansky Owsiany age 57 of West Deer, formerly of Franklin Park, passed away as a result of cancer on January 22, 2023. She is survived by two daughters, Katherine M. Owsiany, currently of Atlanta Georgia, formerly of Charlottesville, VA and Laura E. Owsiany, currently of Cleveland, OH, both daughters of Robert M. Owsiany ’78. She is preceded in death by a brother, Patrick Michael Zarichansky, of North Huntingdon. Kimberly graduated from Allegheny College in 1986 and received a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia. She worked for the US Treasury Department for over 20 years and served as the Treasurer of the National Treasury Employees Union.
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Anne McConnell Shannon on February 7, 2023. Anne McConnell Shannon, 56, of Mendon, NY, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ while surrounded by her family on February 7, 2023, after a 5½ year battle with brain cancer.
Faith, family, and friends were the priorities in Anne’s life, and she will be fondly remembered for being a faithful servant, a devoted wife, and a loving and caring mother, daughter, sibling and friend.
Anne was born on April 1, 1966, in Warren, OH and raised in Sharon, PA. She married Michael Shannon ’85 in 1990. Anne and Mike were blessed with two wonderful children, Grace Victoria and John Caleb. Throughout her life, Anne lived in New York City, Ridgefield, CT, Cary, NC and then Mendon, NY, where she and Mike raised their children.
Anne was a graduate of Sharon High School and Allegheny College. After college, she worked in advertising for Young & Rubicam in New York City. Realizing her true calling was teaching, Anne earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Columbia University and her Education Administration Certification from SUNY Brockport. Anne taught English in the Pawling and Honeoye Falls-Lima school districts for 9 years prior to having children.
One of Anne’s many accomplishments was going back to school to earn a paralegal degree and then working for a local law firm after her initial cancer diagnosis and resulting surgery and treatment.
Anne’s effervescent personality would light up a room. She loved to have fun and had a flair for the dramatic. Anne had the gift of hospitality and the ability to connect with people. This resulted in her having many lifelong friends, whom she cherished.
Anne served as a camp counselor at the Summer’s Best Two Weeks Christian camp in Ligonier, PA. Over the years, she led many Bible studies at her church and in the community, including Community Bible Study fellowship, and initiating a “Sonshine Girls” bible study for young girls in the Honeoye Falls area which she led for years. She served on her church’s Hospitality Team and as the northeast region event coordinator with Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Anne was always the first to respond to any needs of her family, friends and community, doing so with love, compassion and a servant’s heart. She gave freely of her time and will be remembered for joyfully coordinating the Stars & Stripes VeteRun 5K held annually on Veterans Day in Mendon Ponds Park.
Anne loved the outdoors, trail running, biking, Nordic skiing, tennis and golf. She competed in many endurance events including triathlons and the Wine Glass Marathon. To say that Anne was competitive is an understatement.
Anne especially loved her time spent with family and friends on Kueka Lake and Nantucket Island and her trips to Glacier and Yellowstone National Park. She loved her dogs and enjoyed walking them on the trails in the nature preserve next to her home.
Anne is survived by her husband Michael Shannon; daughter Grace Shannon; son John Shannon; parents William and Eugenia McConnell; brothers William (Jennifer) McConnell and John (Shannon) McConnell, all of Hermitage, PA; sister Catherine Mettenburg (Joseph) of Fox Chapel, PA; and nieces and nephews Riley, Murphy, Gigi, Hugh and Mason, all whom she loved dearly.
Anne is also survived by her father-in-law Richard Shannon and her beloved sisters and brothers-in law Tim Shannon (Marianne); Molly Auble (Gabriel); Kelly Keen (Michael); and Dan Shannon (Stacy); and nieces and nephews Ryan, Katie, Taylor, Isabelle, George, Jackson, Garrett, Patrick, Caroline, and Victoria. She was predeceased by her mother-in-law, Victoria Shannon and brother-in-law, Patrick Shannon.
One of Anne’s favorite scripture verses, and one she faithfully lived out, especially during her battle with cancer, was Psalm 115:1 “Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name goes all the glory, because of your unfailing love and faithfulness.” And we will also remember a quote she had prominently displayed in her home: “Live a good life. In the end, it’s not the years in the life, but the life in the years.” — Abraham Lincoln.
’90
Stephan Durell Wood on March 8, 2023. Stephan Durell Wood, born July 28, 1968, passed away on March 8th, 2023. Stephan was the son of the late Freeman John Wood Jr. and Roswitha Stephan “Stephie” Wood nee Stephan. He is survived by his mother Stephie, his brother Freeman John ’86 (Kimberly) Wood III, his sons Christopher James Wood, Matthew Joshua Wood, and Myles Anderson Wood, and his nieces Hanna Elizabeth Wood, Ellen Louisa Wood, and Georgia Grace Wood. Stephan graduated Culver Military Academy in 1986 and Allegheny College in 1990 where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. After graduation, he started his career with Specialized before transitioning to cyber security sales. He was passionate about lacrosse, the guitar, and biking. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
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Michael D. “Goody” Goodelle in April 2023. It is with incredible sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Donald “Goody” Goodelle who passed away unexpectedly near his home in Avon, Ohio. He was only 54 years young. He will be missed in so many ways by his family, colleagues, and many friends.
Mike was born in Erie, Pennsylvania and attended St. George Catholic School where he graduated as the Daughters of the American Revolution award winner. He then went on to McDowell High School, where he was a dedicated athlete in football and track and field. He played in Erie’s Save An Eye All-Star Football Game in 1987, ran sprints and relays in Penn Relays and the state championship in 1986 and 1987. Mike also excelled academically; he was a National Honor Society inductee and Model United Nations representative. One of his greatest joys was being a member of McDowell’s class of 1987.
Mike continued to play football then ran cross country and track and field at Allegheny College. He remained extremely close with his teammates, affectionately known as the RATS, Runners Against Training. He served as a Resident Advisor his junior and senior year and earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics with a minor in Spanish. He completed his graduate studies at Indiana University, Indianapolis with a Master of Health Administration. Mike’s career in health care included director positions at the Richard L. Roudebush Veterans’ Administration Medical Center and Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, Hamot Medical Center in Erie, and Mercy Health in Lorain County Ohio. Most recently Mike held the position of Director of Strategic Planning at University Hospitals in Cleveland. He worked at UH for almost a decade to find ways to make care more accessible, most recently reimagining and expanding UH’s urgent care model. Mike was known as a friend and mentor to leaders throughout the system and leaves behind dozens of dear coworkers.
Above all else, Mike was a family man. He adored “his girls”, Alicia Gebhardt Goodelle, his loving wife of 28 years, and his daughters, Lena Nicole, age 22, and Juliet Jean, age 20. The highlights of his life centered on watching his daughters flourish, Lena as a dancer at Magnificat High School and Loyola University Chicago, and Juliet as track and field star at Avon High School and Health Sciences student at The Ohio State University. Mike was eagerly awaiting Lena’s graduation from Loyola University Chicago in May and will be there in spirit cheering her on to her next adventure as she starts her career in Chicago. He lovingly and proudly supported Juliet’s choice to pursue a career in health care, following in his footsteps. Lastly, as a family man, Mike begrudgingly supported his girls’ wishes to bring a puppy into the family, and ultimately became best friend to Henry Angus, his “15 pound cockapoo.”
Anyone who was friends with Mike knew he had a broad span of interests. He spent time fishing with one of his best friends, Tom Mushett, golfing with his brothers, nephews, and neighbors, and playing soccer in leagues in Erie and then Cleveland. Much to the dismay of his in-laws, he was a life-long, avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Much to the dismay of the Goodelle side of the family, he grew to love the Cavs and Indians/Guardians after moving to Cleveland. But his biggest sports obsession was the English Premier League and Chelsea Football Club which he followed on a daily basis.
Mike was also a voracious lover of music. His playlists covered everything from classical piano to metal, 90’s grunge to EDM, and lots of jazz and blues. He recently started playing the guitar again to fill the empty nest after both girls left for college.
Michael was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Donald Braine, paternal grandparents Lewis and Jeanette Goodelle, and father-in-law Richard Gebhardt.
In addition to Mike’s beloved wife and daughters, he is survived by his hero, his maternal grandmother Jackie Braine, his loving parents Gary and Kathy Goodelle, brothers Jason Goodelle ’92 (Helena), Craig Goodelle (Kelly), and sister Abby Goodelle Gerlach ’97 (Drew ’98), aunt and uncle Cheri and Bob Melani, cousin Stef Trudnowski (Mike), mother-in-law Marilyn Gebhardt, brother-in-law Keith Gebhardt (Kathy), sister-in-law Ann Kelly (Liam), and nieces and nephews who he cherished with all his heart.
Mike was the best there is in all of us. He was an amazing husband, father, son, brother, uncle, colleague, and friend to anyone he met. But really, words can’t describe how great of a person he was, and how much goodness he brought to this world.
’92
Bonnie L. Scott Cornell on February 9, 2023. Went to be with the Lord after a short illness. Bonnie owned her own insurance business for many years in Waynesburg, PA, she was a gifted salesperson. She retired in Rock Hill, SC She loved horses, and being with her family.
Bonnie is survived by her husband Carl (Pete) Cornell of South Carolina four step daughters: Kim Mailliard (Carl), Julie Cornell, Allison Cornell, and Dawn Reed several nieces and nephews
Many grandchildren, and a brother William L Scott. She was proceeded in death by her parents LeRoy and Mildred Scott, and a sister Wynan Hart.
’95
Garth Leeper Ploski on January 3, 2023. Garth Leeper Ploski, 49, of Meadville, passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at UPMC Hamot following complications from a stroke.
He was born April 26, 1973 in Meadville, a son of Robert (Butch) and Kendra Leeper Ploski. He married Erica Tietz July 26, 1997.
Garth was a 1991 graduate of Meadville High School and a 1995 graduate of Allegheny College with a B.A. in Communications. In his youth, he worked as a cadet at Meadville City Hospital which developed his passion for helping people. He worked as a paramedic at Meadville Area Ambulance Service and had also worked at various long term care facilities.
Garth was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he served as council president. He was a former member of the Meadville Jaycees and created the first Explorer Post with Meadville Area Ambulance Service. An avid reader, Garth enjoyed woodworking and traveling, especially a memorable trip to Russia. He was also a certified life coach with the Dave Ramsey organization.
Survivors, in addition to Erica, include three children, Anastasia Ploski (Townsend Pritchard) of Meadville, Savannah Ploski of Cochranton, and Chandler Ploski of Cochranton; his parents, Robert (Butch) and Kendra Ploski of Meadville; best friends, Gerard Glock (Connie) and Tyler Hickernell (Sydney Lesseski); and aunts, uncles, and cousins.
’98
Robert “Bobby” John Francis Kidder on April 29, 2023. Robert (Bobby) John Francis Kidder, 47, of Kill Devil Hills, NC, formerly of Richmond, VA and Follansbee, WV, passed away peacefully in his sleep April 29, 2023. Born May 8, 1975, in Wheeling, WV, he was the son of Diann Kidder of Chesterfield, VA and the late Terry Kidder.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by both his maternal and paternal grandparents and his beloved canine pal, his schnauzer, Kaos.
Bobby was a graduate of Allegheny College and played fullback for the Gators from 1994 to 1997. He also played football for Youngstown State and was a member of their 1993 National Championship team. He was a stand-out athlete at Madonna High School in Weirton, WV, earning varsity letters all four years in basketball, baseball, and football before graduating in 1993. During that time, he was also named on the All-State teams for all three sports. Bobby was also a lover of all sports. He was a diehard Larry Bird and Boston Celtics fan, Dale Murphy, and Atlanta Braves fan, and bled black and gold for life for his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. Bobby also capitalized on his love of golf and great golfing abilities to teach it by coaching the Golf Team at Cosby High School in Chesterfield, VA from 2012 – 2017. Bobby was 24-year veteran in the golf industry. In 2022, he joined Duck Woods Country Club in Southern Shores, N.C. as the General Manager (GM) and COO. Prior to this, He worked for ClubCorp as the GM at Stonehenge Golf and Country Club in Richmond, VA and Indigo Golf Partners (formally Billy Casper Golf) as the Regional GM for the Prince William County, VA portfolio. His clubs earned regional awards for ACE the Guest Experience (2019), Most Improved Facility (2020), and Service Through Safety (2020). Bobby was also the GM at Magnolia Green Golf Club, in Chesterfield, VA and during his tenure, the club received national awards for ACE the Guest Experience (2013 & 2014) and was also named one of the top 10 New Golf Courses by Golf Digest (2015). As an individual, Bobby was recognized as the General Manager of the Year (2014) and was also the recipient of The Coach’s Award (2017), which is given to an individual who ” always demonstrates a positive attitude and provides above and beyond support to our BCG clients and their clubs. They show a passion to lead and improve themselves, as well as their team, and demonstrate a humility that brings out the best in everyone they work with. They are continually looking for the next challenge and motivate their teams to exceed all expectations”.
Bobby was a hardworking, loving, kind, caring, compassionate, empathetic man who never knew a stranger. He loved his family and friends fiercely and saw the good in everyone. To know him was to love him.
He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 15 years, Nichole, of Kill Devil Hills, NC; a son, Petty Officer Second Class, Morgan (Michele) Kidder of Chesapeake, VA; two sisters, Joelle Kidder of Chesterfield, VA and Tara (Jason) Hornick of Follansbee, WV; his granddaughter, Diana Grace; his nine nieces and nephews: Bailee, Bohdi, Cameron, Dominic, Dylan, Gabriella, Garrett, Gia, and Lea; many Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins, and his schnauzer, Toby. He will be forever loved and missed by his family and friends.
William Martin “Billy” Trimble on May 20, 2023. William Martin “Billy” Trimble, 47, formerly of Madison, was called home to God Saturday, May 20, 2023. His last two decades on this earth were not always easy and we rejoice that his soul has finally found peace and rest and that he has joined our Lord and Father in heaven. He is without a doubt having fun with family and friends who have left before him, debating intellectual topics, playing games and sports and telling jokes as only he could. He was a proud graduate of Norwin Senior High School (class of 1994) and of Allegheny College (class of 1998), where he graduated with honors as an economics major. He was a lifelong learner and loved being helpful to others and caring for the family’s many canine companions. His adult life was challenged by untreated mental illness and addiction that he always thought he could out-smart and we believe he truly wanted to be rid of so his true heart could shine. His death is freedom from this torment and now he can love and protect us from heaven. Billy was preceded in death by his father, David Blaine Trimble, paternal grandparents, C. Blaine and Gertrude Trimble, and maternal grandparents, Roman and Helen Uram. He is survived by his mother, Linda (Uram) Trimble, and sister, Beth (John) Davis.
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Sondra Lynn Binotto Jankowski on May 19, 2023. Sondra Lynn Jankowski, 45, passed away at her residence on Friday, May 19, 2023. She was born on November 6, 1977, in Washington County, Pennsylvania.
Sondra was a 1996 graduate of Trinity High School in Washington, PA. She attended Allegheny College where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English. Sondra graduated from Washington and Lee University with her Juris Doctorate degree in 2003. She married the love of her life and best friend, Michael in 2005. They have two wonderful children, Emma and Cole. Sondra practiced law for several years before she decided to be home with her children. Being a homemaker kept her busy and she was always on the go with her daughter’s Volleyball team and many other school and sports activities. She loved being home with her family, enjoyed reading and watching college volleyball. She had an immense love for animals, especially her cats. She had a special place in her heart for her favorite cat, Penelope. Sondra’s love and compassion for animals was great, but greater for her family and friends. She loved her kids more than life and was always there for everything they needed. Sondra was a bright soul who had so many more things to do in this life. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Preceding her in death are her grandparents; George “Bunko” and Margaret Aubrey, Phillip and Marge Binotto.
Sondra leaves behind her loving husband, Michael Jankowski; daughter Emma Jankowski; son Cole Jankowski; Mother Debbie Binotto; father-in-law Marion Jankowski; mother-in-law Jean Jankowski; brother-in-law Mark (Brenda Maxwell) Jankowski; Uncle Barry (Linda) Aubrey and many extended family members and a host of great friends.
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Heather Marie Green Wiechert on March 27, 2023. Heather Marie (Green) Wiechert, age 42, previously of Concord Township, Ohio, passed away surrounded by her loving family in Bel Air, Maryland, on Monday, March 27th, 2023 after an eight year struggle with metastatic breast cancer.
Heather was the devoted wife of Matthew David Wiechert, a loving mother of two beautiful children Brenner Gray Wiechert and Auden Rose Wiechert, and a loving Aunt to Emily Schneider.
Born on May 30, 1980 in McCook, Nebraska, Heather is survived by her parents Robert and Veta (Persinger) Green, and brothers Rob (Kim Conniglio-Green) Green and Derek (Paul Melynkowski) Green, and maternal grandmother, Bessie Ann Persinger; also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, and many close friends near and far.
Heather grew up in Lake County, Ohio, where she attended St. Justin Martyr Elementary School (Eastlake, Ohio) and Notre Dame Cathedral Latin High School (Chardon, Ohio) where she was actively involved in her schools and many many groups within the community. After high school, Heather attended Allegheny College in Meadville, PA, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a minor in Art.
After graduating from college in 2002, Heather worked as an art teacher at several schools in Phoenix, Arizona, as well as Bisbee, Arizona, and was proud yet humbled to receive letters from former students who attributed their success and journey in life to instruction received in her classroom(s).
Heather was an accomplished artist, and a member of the Arizona Artists Guild. Her works of art generally incorporated something of importance to her, were packed full of expression or were light hearted with a smidgeon of silly. “What a beautiful mess!” She opened her first gallery (Heather Green Studios) in Phoenix, Arizona, before relocating and reopening in Bisbee, Arizona.
In 2012, Heather ended her teaching career to become a full time mother. She excelled at mother-hood, and it was no surprise that her children would become her greatest masterpieces, nurturing them at every turn to help them learn and grow. Before relocating to Joppa, MD to be near family, she served as Board President at Bisbee Montessori School.
Heather led an extraordinary life, and will be remembered by so many as a most remarkable person who showed empathy, kindness, support and compassion for others always. As evidenced during her life, she welcomed opportunities to make the world a better place for the communities she served and touched the lives of many people.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the doctors and nursing staff at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center, University of Arizona Cancer Center, and especially Dr. Pavani Chalasani, Dr. Natalya Melnyk and staff for the excellent care she received.
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Allen Condon on April 10, 2023. Allen Condon, 28, of Meadville PA passed away on Monday, April 10th, 2023, surrounded by his family after a valiant six-month battle with cancer.
Allen was born on July 19th, 1994, in New Haven, CT to William and Elizabeth Condon. He graduated from Branford High School in 2012 and continued his education at Allegheny College. Allen received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2016.
Allen was a poet and a talented musician. He was involved in both the choral department and the Student Experimental Theater at Allegheny College. He excelled in building theater sets, lighting design, and stage management. These talents expanded further into the community, and he became very well known in the local theater and dance community for bringing productions to life with his technical theater management, designs, and builds. Allen was also a member of The United States Institute for Theater Technology (USITT), an organization which aims to advance the skills and knowledge of theater, entertainment and performing arts professionals involved in the areas of design, production and technology.
Allen loved the community of Meadville. He was instrumental in organizing “Second Saturdays” where local crafters and merchants would have booths to display and sell their products. The events would also include local artists performing folk music, dance, and sharing poetry. Allen was a lead bartender at the Voodoo Brewing Company and a Freight Associate at Home Depot.
Allen was kind and compassionate. He loved spending time with friends and family, and never thought twice about helping a person or cat in need. His steadfast love and support will be missed by those who knew and loved him.
Allen is survived by his father William Condon (Maria Klingel); partner, Christian Lentz; siblings, Lila Condon, Crystal (Condon) Dubin, Stephen Negri, and Stacey (Abraham) Cordero; nephews, Shawn Negri, Benjamin Cordero, Lucian and Brayden Dubin; nieces, Grace Cordero; Aisling Dubin. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Condon.
Friends
Gloria Mae Roberts Anderson on December 27, 2022.
Gregory Thomas Bean on May 3, 2023. A 2003 Clarion Area High School graduate, Bean was born in Franklin, Pennsylvania, on November 13, 1984, to Terrance Bean and Gayle Truitt-Bean.
When asked to describe the 6-foot-2, former guard/forward, Bean was known as simply “the best.” The best son, the best brother, the best friend. Later in life, those who knew “Bean” knew him as the best coach, the best mentor, the best recruiter, the best scout and even the best person to call while on a long drive during a recruiting trip.
Bean graduated from Clarion University and started his basketball coaching career in 2005. After serving as the varsity assistant coach and head junior-varsity coach at Clarion Area, Bean was named the head coach of the Redbank Valley Bulldogs in 2010. In 2015, Bean led the Bulldogs to their first District IX Championship since 1980. During his time at Clarion Area and Redbank Valley, a Sunday Hoops tradition was born. What started as Bean’s former teammates, grew to his recent graduates from high school coming back to challenge the veterans.
A new challenge took Bean to the collegiate level, with stints at Medaille College, Waynesburg University and Allegheny College. He served as the assistant men’s basketball coach at Allegheny from 2019-2023. While coaching was the driving force in Bean’s life, if he wasn’t in the gym, he could be found on the greens at the Country Club of Buffalo, Country Club of Meadville or local favorite Pinecrest Country Club.
Survivors include his parents, Terrance (Shelly Boughner) Bean of Clarion and Gayle Truitt-Bean of Clarion; a sister, Erin (Evan Halteman) Bean of Waco, Texas; grandmother, Phyllis Truitt of Marysville, Ohio; uncles, Tom (Susan) Truitt of Marysville, Ohio and Michael K. (Barb) Bean of Akron, Ohio; aunts, Kathy Bean of Akron, Ohio and Nancy Bean of Akron, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, John “Jay” Truitt; and his uncles, Timothy and Patrick Bean.
Florence Alma Brown on January 27, 2023. She was born Florence Alma Guild in East Troy, Pennsylvania. She met her husband, Ellis Arthur Brown, from Guys Mills during summer vacation at Canadohta Lake in Pennsylvania and moved with him to start a family in Cleveland, Ohio, during the war years. They later moved to Linesville, Pennsylvania, to get away from the city and raise their children, Norm and Tom, in a small-town environment.
Brown retired from Allegheny College as director, printing services, in 1985. Her family included: father: Roy Wilson Guild; mother: Dora Alma Corey; deceased brothers: Arthur and Frank; sister: Grace; deceased nephew: Floyd (Buzz) Wagner and deceased wife: Patricia of Erie; sons: Kurt, Kris, Keith, Kevin, Kenneth and Kyle; deceased husband: Ellis Arthur Brown; deceased son: Norman Lynn Brown; son: Thomas Arthur Brown; and several grandchildren.
Anne A. Holder on February 17, 2023.
Sister Eva Jones on December 25, 2022.
Dr. Charles Brown Ketcham H’44 on April 15, 2023. His wife of 73 years, Joyce Parker Ketcham, was by his side.
Ordained as an elder in the United Methodist Church, Dr. Ketcham began his professional career in 1955 as the parish minister at Rockaway Valley (NJ) United Methodist Church. He accepted an appointment as chaplain to Allegheny College in 1957 and remained at Allegheny until his retirement in 1988. At Allegheny, following his tenure as chaplain, he was named chairperson of the Department of Religion and Philosophy and was appointed the Bishop James M. Thoburn Professor of Religion, a chair he held for 21 years. He also received an honorary degree from Allegheny.
Dr. Ketcham authored five books along with many chapters, articles, reviews and photographs. In 1978-79, he was visiting professor at the University of Kent, Canterbury, England. Following his retirement in 1988, Dr. Ketcham and his wife moved to Conway, Massachusetts. From 1990-1999 he taught at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, in the Department of Religion and Biblical Literature.
A native of Ohio, Dr. Ketcham was the son of Mount Union College President Charles Burgess Ketcham and Lucile Brown Ketcham, Alliance, Ohio. During WWII, Dr. Ketcham served in the 54th Armored Infantry Bat., 10th Armored Division, Europe.
He was educated at Western Reserve Academy, Mount Union College (B.A.); the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, where he was a Fulbright Scholar, University of Zurich, Switzerland Drew Theological Seminary (M., Div); and the University of St. Andrews, Scotland (Ph.D. in systematic theology). Dr. Ketcham was also a Visiting Scholar at Union Theological Seminary (NY) and a Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard Divinity School.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Parker Ketcham. He is predeceased by his son, Merrick Scott Ketcham ’78, and his sisters, Dorothy Schaffner and Lucile McIntosh.
Catherine “Katie” Elizabeth Pope on May 23, 2023.
Sebastian Clemens “C” Sommer on December 10, 2022.
Robert Wolfe on March 19, 2023.