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Spring 2025 Obituaries

These include death notices reported by December 1, 2024.

Dr. Darrell “Skip” Windfred McIndoe, 93, of Fulton, Maryland passed away on July 5, 2024. He was born in 1930 to Clarence Wilbert McIndoe and Dorothy Morrow McIndoe in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. He is survived by his four children, Wendy McIndoe Austin (Robert), Allegheny Trustee Emeritus D. Bruce McIndoe ’79, Ronald Scott McIndoe (Kathy), and Holly Beth McIndoe Beaulac ’85 (Chad), and ten grandchildren. Skip was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Sherri Lee Condon, his wife, Carole McClain McIndoe ’52, his brother Melvin Douglas McIndoe, and his parents.

While at Allegheny, Skip was a member of Phi Kappa Psi and lettered in football and track. He joined the United States Air Force in 1955 and earned his medical degree from Temple University in 1956. Skip retired as a Colonel from the USAF in 1979, and then he continued practicing medicine in Towson and Woodbine until his retirement. In addition to his many career achievements, he enjoyed traveling, reading, playing the piano, cooking, and gathering with his family.

Skip delighted in later years in being the oldest alumnus returning to Allegheny for reunion weekends. He and Carole long supported the College as donors and volunteers, with Skip serving on his reunion committees several times. After spending hours on campus reading back issues of “The Campus” in preparation for their 50th reunion, the McIndoes underwrote the digitization of the complete collection in 2005. One can access it here: The Campus. Believing that alumni support of the College should start immediately upon graduation with small annual gifts that grow with time, the McIndoes helped to establish “Allegheny Students for the Advancement of Philanthropy,” a student organization dedicated to educating peers about the critical importance of alumni and student support for the College. Skip was also passionate about the environment and a long-time benefactor of Allegheny’s environmental science program.

Richard “Rooney” Ashby Myers on September 19, 2024

Edward E. Werley on June 18, 2024

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Charles Azel Barney on July 14, 2024

John Allen Beardsley on July 7, 2024

Cmdr. Richard Hannah Davis on November 19, 2024

Shirley A. Kragnes Rather on September 2, 2024

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Susan Williams Byron on May 22, 2024

Susan Byron, a woman of strength, fierce intelligence, and unwavering dedication, was born May 19th, 1932 and peacefully passed away on May 22nd, 2024 surrounded by her loved ones. Sue leaves behind a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew her; a legacy filled with love, laughter, and family tradition. She will be remembered most for her incredible humor, razor sharp wit, and staunch tenacity for a life worth living. Susan’s marriage to Robert Byron was a testament to enduring love and partnership. For nearly 70 years, they stood side by side, weathering life’s challenges with unwavering devotion and affection. Sue was a mother to Robert, Martha, and David Byron as well as a loving grandmother to a large family of grandchildren who grew up gathered around her kitchen table in Pirates Quay, 2N, begging for the last piece of fried flounder or spoonful of “Soup Chicken”. Though she may be gone, her spirit will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with her.

She is survived by husband Robert Byron ’54; daughter Martha Byron, son David Byron, and daughter-in-law Debra Pecora; brothers David Williams, Bill Williams, and sister Winifred Williams; grandchildren David Smith, James Byron, Lee Byron, Samuel Byron, Nicholas Byron, John Byron, Caroline To (Smith), Brett Byron, Emily Byron, Hannah Mickelson, and William Mickelson; Great-grandchildren Declan Smith, Gavin Smith, Otto Huron, Miles Huron, Grayson Miller, Max Byron, Brooks Byron, Martin To, and Emerson Byron.

Jean Fellows Foust on November 19, 2024

Paul Gadigian on July 13, 2024

Mary Anne “Nan” Kilburn Trevathan on August 27, 2024

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John Richard Kenny on September 10, 2024

Thomas J. Klasek on April 6, 2024

Thomas pursued graduate studies at Hunter College while living in New York City. Returning to Cleveland, activities included performing and directing community theater production in the area and performing in the Playreaders group of the Rocky River Senior Center. He taught English. Speech and Drama at the high school level, was a church soloist and choir member, as well as, a world traveler who particularly enjoyed visiting Thailand, and a Yoga retreat in the Bahamas. Retirement from Cleveland State University was in 1981. He was the Director of the Ohio Technology Transfer Organization in the College of Business. He is survived by his daughter, Faith Klasek.

John Morgan Jr. on October 12, 2024

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William “Bill” T. Deane on September 9, 2024

Award-winning CBS journalist and all-news-radio pioneer, William “Bill” Thomas Deane, 90, of New York, New York, passed away suddenly on September 9, 2024, in Naples, Florida, surrounded by friends and family.

On the frontlines of the latter half of the twentieth century’s most important stories, the seeds of Bill’s journalism ambitions took root beside a Depression-era cathedral-style radio in the living room of his grandparents’ Rochester, New York home. On-the-spot “This is London” was appointment radio for young Bill, and the WWII reports from the other side of the pond inspired him to become a CBS journalist just like the announcer, Edward R. Murrow. Little could Bill have known that half a century later, he’d be honored with the annual Radio and Television News Director’s Association Award titled after the same announcer’s namesake.

Yet Bill’s path from Upstate New York to CBS Radio Network Editor in New York City was circuitous. His start began at radio stations perched atop the snow-covered hills of Northwest Pennsylvania. While he studied speech and drama at Allegheny College by day, Bill broadcasted from WTIV Titusville and WKRZ Oil City by night. The hours were long, but worth it. Bill was honing his announcing skills for bigger stations in larger markets after graduation. Yet, too often, the best-laid plans go astray. With the receipt of his Allegheny degree came an Army draft notice with a direct flight to basic training at Fort Hood, Texas.

But even the military could not restrain Bill’s creativity. While stationed at Aberdeen Proving Ground, he developed Monitor, a formatted radio show aired to regional commercial market outlets. He also had authority over post radio announcements and information released to Baltimore and Washington D.C. television stations on productions involving military post activities.

By 1960, with two years of active duty and two of four years of Army Reserves behind him, newly armed with a master’s degree in television from Syracuse University, Bill found himself on the sun-soaked beaches of Miami on vacation. The contrast between the snowbelt and the sunbelt was undeniable, and Bill decided to stay. He joined forces with the WFUN radio station team, establishing a groundbreaking new format: 24-7 top-40. Bill shed his “Dizzy Dean” WNDR Syracuse, New York radio show handle used throughout his master’s degree studies and adopted the new WFUN persona “James Madison Bey.” As a celebrity disc jockey under a new alias, Bill engaged in promotional events reflective of the station’s call letters and basked in the glitz and glamour of the 1960s Miami entertainment scene. While stars such as Bobby Darin and Chubby Checker jockeyed him for airplay time, young up-and-coming musicians sought his direction. Bill was even called upon to greet “The Fab Four” when John, Paul, George, and Ringo landed at Miami International Airport during the initiation of the British Invasion.

But when the fun in the sun wore thin and the Cold War heated up, Bill’s original calling to investigate serious matters prevailed. From News Director at WBBF Rochester, and then KBTR Denver, where he established their first all-news format quadrupling ratings within three months, to Radio Anchor and Editor at KYW, Philadelphia, Bill eventually moved to ABC Network News in New York City before joining CBS Radio Network in 1975 where he remained for the next three decades.

At CBS Radio Network, his star rose quickly with a promotion to Full Editor. He led the all-important afternoon drive assignment desk and was integral to many awards and ‘firsts’ shared by the newsroom team. Getting the story on fast was important, but as his general manager said, “Bill also made certain it was right. Just when a reporter thought they’d asked all the pertinent questions, Bill would come up with one more that would make the story.” Affectionately known in the newsroom as the “Deane Machine,” he never forgot how hard it can be on the new guy and always made time for young desk assistants looking for that big break. Bill helped push people to be their very best, and many he mentored are now integral parts of newsrooms throughout the country and household names nationwide.

By the mid-2000s, Bill elected retirement from CBS to write the book Smooth Criminal, A One-Man American Crime Wave, a true story chronicling the life of a CIA operative he met during the Cold War period in Miami. Bill then collaborated with another Alleghenian, his daughter Jennifer ’86, in writing a screenplay by the same name. In retirement, Bill sailed around the world numerous times via cruise ship lines as a featured guest lecturer on twentieth-century broadcast journalism.

Outside of his radio broadcast work, Bill lent his voice to commercial and industrial voiceovers and used his acting talents in off-Broadway shows. He was a member of the Radio Television News Directors Association, New York Press Club, Investigative Reporters & Editors, Society of Professional Journalists, Radio Television Digital News Association, AFTRA, EQUITY, SAG, WGAE, and the winner of many awards, including the Edward R. Murrow for Best Coverage of a Major Breaking News Event, the Assignation of Yitzhak Rabin.

Bill was a great believer in giving back, a practice he credited Allegheny for instilling in him. He had a passion for the Adirondacks and donated generously. Bill also honored his beginnings by supporting his alma mater. He recruited many New York City area high schoolers by introducing the unique benefits of an education in a rural setting away from the metropolis. He was a sometimes Sunday school teacher throughout his life and even officiated a religious Sunday service to inmates at Rikers Island prison for a time during his retirement.

William “Bill” Thomas Deane loved life and hung onto every bit until he could no longer. Above all, he was a loving father to his children, Jennifer and Russell. We were blessed to have had him with us for 90 years. His gifts of knowledge carry on in all those he lifted up and he will be missed dearly by all who were honored to know him.

Doris Jeanne Jones Lifton May 18, 2023

Doris Jeanne Lifton née Jones, passed away 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, popular and top student, she attended Allegheny College, joined Kappa Alpha Theta and after her sophomore year married a Phi Delt, Alfred K Lifton ’54 who was from Bronx, NY. Doris was the stereotypical housewife of her generation and stayed busy raising kids and being a strong supportive partner as Al’s career took them to stops across the country from Pittsburgh, to Valley Forge, PA, Scotch Plains, NJ, Fayetteville, NY, Danville, CA, and Atlanta, GA. Al & Doris were fortunate enough to retire early and moved in 1986 to Kiawah Island, SC where they were active with tennis, golf and social events.

Doris dedicated her life to being a wonderful mother, wife, sister and grandmother. She always knew the right thing to say and do and never missed a special date. She was active at Johns Island, SC Presbyterian Church where she sang for many years in the choir. Doris moved to Bishop Gadsden retirement community in Charleston after Al’s passing (2006) where she was well-loved for her singing and quick sense of humor. Predeceased by her brother Donald Jones, she is survived by daughter Carey Lifton-Kromer (Jean-Louis), son Doug ’79 (Phi Delta Theta), his sons Clay and Jesse ’08 (Phi Delta Theta), Jesse’s wife Sharon Bellina ’09 and their daughter Cora.

Dr. Arthur David Steffee Jr. on August 16, 2024

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Joyce Conley Carman-Baldus on October 31, 2024

Robert R. McMullin on August 31, 2024

Sara Phipps Semmelroth on July 29, 2024

Lloyd Charles Wisdom on July 10, 2024

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David Allen Blauch on October 14, 2024

Richard “Dick” Broman Lander in July 2024

Paul Milton Thomas, Ph.D., on September 6, 2024

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Martha Jones Feidt on November 18, 2024

Martha Jones Feidt passed away on 11/18/24. She is survived by daughters Lisa Feidt White ’85, Susan Melcher, and son, Robert Feidt. 5 grandchildren were the light of her life. Interesting fact (from Lisa Feidt White ’85): “Dr. Nels Juleus was one of her professors, then when I attended Allegheny, I had the honor of him being my counselor and taking classes from him and he remembered my mother! She was very proud of her Allegheny years, Her family had ties to Caflisch Hall to help build it.”

Sarah Stewart St. Clair on September 13, 2024

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Carol Murdoch Matregrano on November 23, 2024

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Robert Adams on July 5, 2024

Fr. Bernard Colussy, OFM, on July 24, 2024

Barbara A. Gartrell Conlin on September 23, 2024

Dr. David A. McKay on April 25, 2024

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Ronald R. “Ron” Brooks on July 14, 2024

Nancy Brant Cunningham on June 29, 2024

Joseph D. O’Neill on August 7, 2024

Edmund Ravenscroft on September 24, 2024

Robert Clay Stephenson on August 13, 2024

Raymond Michael “Mike” Terné on August 30, 2024

Beth Ann Sutherland Terry on October 26, 2024

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Gertrude “Gaye” Cushner Burkett on November 16, 2024

Gertrude “Gaye” Cushner Burkett, of Pittsburgh, died November 16, 2024. She graduated from Penn Hills High School in 1959. She was a talented dancer who performed at the Pittsburgh Playhouse while in high school. She graduated from Allegheny College in 1963 with a B.A. in English and obtained her Master’s in Education at the University of Pittsburgh.

She taught Honors English and Reading at Franklin Regional High School for over two decades. She also worked with the University of Pittsburgh Tri-State Study Council, providing support to local school districts, and was a University of Pittsburgh-certified Reading Specialist.

She is survived by her daughter, Katherine Burkett Curry ’88, and her granddaughters Julia and Lauren Curry, She predeceased by her son Christopher D. Burkett.

Gaye will be remembered as a life-long learner filled with intelligence, insight, and curiosity.

James Drake on June 11, 2024

Harvey H. Ekins on June 4, 2024

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Dr. Joseph C. Calabrese on August 4, 2024

William “Bill” Graham Dolde on August 20, 2024

Nancy Watkins Dunham on July 24, 2024

Martha Jane Lindsay Koepf on July 28, 2024

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Lana Shield Creal on September 14, 2024

John “Jack” Tjaden on August 21, 2024

Dr. Peter J. Wolfe on November 29, 2023

Peter J. Wolfe, Class of 1965, died November 29, 2023 in his home in Buffalo, NY.

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Sally Ann Dietz on September 15, 2024

Betsy Lynn Myers Maxwell on July 2, 2024

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Margaret “Peggy” Swan Lewis on June 16, 2024

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George Charles Dehne, Former Trustee, died January 19, 2025, at his home.

He was born on November 14, 1946, in Philadelphia, the youngest of three siblings. He shared 51 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Joan, who was not only his life partner but also his business partner. Together, they built GDA Integrated Services, with George leading the company as a visionary and Joan managing its financial operations as CFO.

His career in higher education marketing began during his tenure as special assistant to the president at Carleton College from 1977 to 1981. There, he developed a groundbreaking marketing program that won four Grand Awards for Public Relations and Admissions from CASE and garnered national attention in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Harvard Business Review. Earlier in his career, Dehne worked as a feature writer for United Press International, creative director for Young & Rubicam, and director of the news bureau at Wittenberg University. He co-authored the seminal work “Marketing Higher Education: A Handbook for College Administrators,” solidifying his reputation as a pioneer in the field.

Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Dehne extended his expertise on a global scale as a Senior Advisor to the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP) from 2008 to 2011, where he created and maintained the first Worldwide Global Survey of University Presidents.

A passionate supporter of a liberal arts education, Dehne served as a trustee at both The Trinity-Pawling School and Allegheny College, where his dedication and leadership left a lasting impact. His contributions to higher education were further recognized when he received an honorary doctorate from Morningside College in 2015, honoring his illustrious career as an admissions, financial aid, and public relations consultant to some of the nation’s leading colleges and universities, including Morningside itself.

Dehne was a lifelong learner, earning a master’s degree in education from Indiana University. He graduated from Allegheny College in 1968 with a BA in English and was a proud 1964 graduate of Germantown Friends School.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Joan; his siblings Nancy Dehne Myers and Theodore L. Dehne, Jr. (Victoria); his children Charles Nicholas Dehne (Carolyn) and Kathryn Elizabeth Dehne (Peter); and his five granddaughters: Adelaide, Waverly, Louella, Isabella, and Cypher. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roberta and Theodore L. Dehne 1927.

Leonard G. Hunter on June 5, 2024

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The Rev. Hugh Frank McKnight on June 17, 2024

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Deborah “Debby” Wood Appleyard on August 31, 2024

The Rev. Elaine Marie Rader Hower on October 21, 2024

John Travers White Jr. on July 26, 2024

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Tim Boomer on October 12, 2024

Tim Boomer died 10/12/2024, after a two year aggressive Parkinsonism decline. He maintained his wrestling, optimistic perseverance to the end. Soon after graduation, Tim ’71 and Jane Belden ’72 married and had two daughters, Megan (Dunnigan) and Shannon, all of whom survived Tim.

Jim D. Humes on September 7, 2024

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Darcy Mitchell Roediger on September 24, 2024

Brady W. Stewart III on October 15, 2024

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Alan Pierre Daniel Koseff on September 4, 2024

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Robert L. Purvis on August 16, 2024

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Scott A. Johnson on August 16, 2024

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Anne Linaberger on October 25, 2024

Anne Linaberger, an active and valued member of Allegheny’s Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business and Economics Board of Visitors, passed away on October 25, 2024. She was born on September 18, 1962 in Pittsburgh to James T. Linaberger ’59 and Elsa Held Linaberger ’60. In addition to her parents, Anne was preceded in death by her stepmother Sandra Kenyon Smith Linaberger ’62, uncles William E. Watson and Charles A. Linaberger, and brothers-in-law Jack Mazula and David Adkisson. Anne is survived by her husband Thomas J. Mazula, son J.T. Mazula, sisters Mara Linaberger (Michael Haynie) and Betsy Linaberger ’91 (Brian Best), nephew Liam Best, aunt Mara Linaberger Watson, cousins Lynn Watson Neumann and Edward Watson, stepsiblings William Smith, Jr. (Kristy), Tracey Armitage (Gregory), and Nicole Smith Manning ’93 (Michael), sister-in-law Audrey Mazula Adkisson, niece Jessica Mazula (Adam Wilms), and step nieces Sarah Haynie Schumar (Robert) and Samantha Haynie Voelker (Stephen).

Anne was Phi Beta Kappa and a magna cum laude graduate of Allegheny and earned a master’s in integrated marketing communications from West Virginia University. She also was a graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh. While at Allegheny, Anne was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, choir, student government, The Campus, WARC, and the Playshop Theatre.

Anne’s lifelong career in radio and television started in 1984 as an anchor, reporter and producer at WAMO, an AM/FM radio station that was part of the Sheridan Broadcasting Network. She spent a brief time as an anchor, reporter and producer at WDTV-TV in Bridgeport, WV, before moving back to Pittsburgh and serving in several roles at WTAE-TV. She moved permanently behind the camera at KDKA-TV where she spent nearly 20 years as an executive producer, assistant news director, and eventually news director.

Anne won dozens of national and regional awards including an Edward R. Murrow Award and two Emmys for outstanding broadcast news operation, plus an individual Emmy for personal storytelling. She was also a skilled educator with two decades of experience in the classroom and with on-line instruction at institutions including West Virginia University and Point Park University.

Anne was very proud of her volunteer service in top leadership positions on numerous non-profit boards of directors including North Hills Cares, Pittsburgh Youth Chorus (formerly Children’s Festival Chorus), the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and as a leader at Northmont United Presbyterian Church where she was a longtime member.

Anne was also a singer from an early age, singing in church choirs, in college, and as part of the Mendelssohn Choir for many years. She enjoyed spending her free time watching her son play baseball and with her family at Lake Chautauqua in Western New York state.

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Doreen Lynn Giebner on June 23, 2024

Gregory P. Niedbala on October 26, 2024

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Dr. Joseph Robert Weyers on June 10, 2024

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Kellie Sue Carlson Anderson on October 18, 2024

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Dr. Christopher J. Karns on August 7, 2024

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Sheila Mae Frantz Wood on July 28, 2024

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Lucille Ford, Ph.D., on September 2, 2024

Dr. William David Graham on June 25, 2024

Ralph I. Hocking on August 12, 2024

Jean Lynch on August 31, 2024

Janice Scharra McInally, Former Assistant Director for Donor Relations, died October 5, 2024.

She was born on September 20, 1963, to Patricia and Joseph Scharra in Akron, Ohio. She was a graduate of the University of Akron, where she met her devoted husband, Dave (former Allegheny dean of students and executive vice president), and was active in Alpha Gamma Delta sorority (serving as president), the Panhellenic Council, and many other aspects of student life.

She began her professional career at Allegheny, serving primarily in the Admissions and Development Offices for 25 years. During this time, Janice and Dave welcomed their children Will ’14 and Susannah ’15, the source of her greatest joy throughout her life. Janice and her family were active in First Presbyterian Church and numerous community organizations and were a constant presence on the Allegheny campus.

In 2013, Janice and Dave moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she served as the “First Spouse” of Coe College. Janice made the role her own, dedicating herself to many forms of service to Coe and countless local organizations, including as chair of the Alzheimer’s Association, and bringing joy wherever she went. In recognition of her service to the community, the Coe College Center for Health and Society bears her name. Upon retirement, she and Dave relocated to Urbandale, IA, to be near family. They became active in Heartland Presbyterian Church, a loving and welcoming community perfectly suited to Janice’s generous spirit.

Janice is survived by her loving husband Dave, son Will McInally (Liz Dean), daughter Susannah Johnson (Trey), and grandsons Nathaniel and Cameron Johnson. She is also survived by her brother Mike Scharra (Sherry), sister Judy Baxtresser (Earl), and many in-laws, nieces, and nephews, along with their children.

Carl L. Olson, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Religious Studies, died January 29, 2025, in Meadville Medical Center.

Dr. Olson was born in Newark, NJ, on November 12,1941, the son of Carl and Rose (Haspel) Olson. On June 29, 1968, he married the former Peggy Eisenhower; she survives. He was a graduate of Union High School, and he received his B.A. in liberal arts from Penn State University in 1967, his Master of Divinity from Drew University in 1970, and his Ph.D. from Drew University in 1977.

Dr. Olson was a professor of religious studies at Allegheny for 36 years, with wide-ranging interests and an international reputation in his field. He offered courses in Eastern religious traditions, comparative philosophy, and method and theory in the study of religion. He wrote 22 books and multiple publications, enjoyed attending football and basketball games with his friend Lloyd Michaels, and enjoyed visits from his friend Glenn Holland.

Dr. Olson held numerous honors and appointments, including National Endowment for the Humanities Chair and the Teacher-Scholar Professorship of the Humanities at Allegheny. He traveled and lectured in India and Japan, held a Visiting Fellowship and was subsequently elected to Life Membership at Clare Hall at the University of Cambridge. While in England, he also lectured at Cambridge and Lancaster University and delivered the Walstrom Annual Lecture at Oxford University. For nine years, he served as book review editor for the International Journal of Hindu Studies.He is survived by his loving family including his wife of 56 years; two daughters, Holly Olson Paz ’96 and her husband, Marlon, of McLean, VA; Kelly Olson ’99 of St. Louis, MO; a brother, Gary Olson of New Jersey; three grandchildren, Ben, Alex, and Sophie; several cousins and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant Jeffrey Olson.

Dr. William Braxter Wiggins in October 2024

Paul G. Zolbrod, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of English and author, died on February 21 at home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was 92.

Paul’s best-known work was Diné Bahane’: The Navajo Creation Story, considered to be the most complete version of the sacred stories in print. (New Mexico University Press, 1984). In addition to being a cherished husband and father, he was a beloved professor and mentor who touched the lives of thousands of students.

Paul was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1932 to the late Caroline Engler Zolbrod and Herman Zolbrod, both immigrants. He graduated from Mt Lebanon High School and took a job driving a delivery truck until he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served in Japan from 1953-1955, changing his life’s course.

The GI Bill enabled Paul to get his bachelor’s degree in English at University of Pittsburgh. A self-described lackadaisical high school student, he graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1958. He was a Fulbright Fellow in France in 1958-59 and an Andrew Mellon Fellow at University of Pittsburgh, where he earned his doctorate, specializing in late Medieval and early Renaissance English literature. Paul joined the faculty of Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania in 1964. Several years later, a visit to the Museum of the Plains Indians sparked his curiosity about whether Native American oral tradition included epics such as those attributed to Homer. Thus began the research into Native American poetics that guided his scholarship for the rest of his life.

Paul was the recipient of two National Endowment for the Humanities Research Fellowships. Other books written by him include Reading the Voice: Native American Oral Poetry on the Page (University of Utah Press, 1995), Weaving a World: Textiles and the Navajo Way of Seeing, (with Roseann S. Willink, Museum of New Mexico Press,1996), Battlesongs: A Story of the Korean War in Four Movements (Museum of the American Military Family, 2017), and the forthcoming Paradise Revisited (Pleiades Press, 2025).

Teaching was Paul’s passion. He was a Frederick F. Seeley Professor of English at Allegheny College from 1989 to 1994. After he retired from Allegheny in 1994, he taught at the Crownpoint branch campus of Diné College for twenty years, as well as at New Mexico Highlands University and Pacifica Graduate Institute. To honor Paul, Allegheny alumnae and friends created the Dr. Paul Zolbrod Interdisciplinary Communications Fund to support work in the humanities, where contributions can be made in his honor.

Paul is survived by his wife Joanne McCloskey, his children Zoe Zolbrod and Aaron Zolbrod, his stepchildren Eric McCloskey and Laurel McCloskey, his grandchildren, Atillio Zolbrod DeBernardi, Adalina Zolbrod, and Lillian Zolbrod DeBernardi, his previous spouse Joan Dietrich Zolbrod, his sister Wilma Austern, and ten nieces and nephews. There will be a celebration of life in Albuquerque, New Mexico on March 28 that will be broadcast virtually, and a memorial in Meadville, Pennsylvania on May 30.

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