1946 

Charlie H. Rose ’46 passed away on February 10, 2024.
Brother of Doris Rose ’57 and the late Elizabeth Rose Hainey ’51

1947 

Anne “Nancy” Ritschard Hall ’47 

Anne “Nancy” Ritschard Hall, age 93, lifelong resident of Riverton, NJ passed peacefully at her home on January 28, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Nancy was born June 5, 1930, to the late Elizabeth (nee’ Miller) and Victor A. Ritschard. She grew up in Riverton and attended Westfield Friends elementary school and Moorestown Friends high school, then graduated from Swarthmore College and obtained her teaching credentials from Vassar College.

Nancy was a lifetime member of Riverton Yacht Club and proud fourth generation member of The Porch Club of Riverton. She volunteered for many years as a candy striper at Zurbrugg Memorial Hospital in Riverside, NJ, which was established by her Swiss uncle Theophilus Zurbrugg. Nancy was also a longtime member of Calvary Presbyterian Church, Riverton, and volunteered her time at their thrift shop.

Nancy applied her teaching skills by establishing and operating the Hobby Horse Nursery School from her home in Riverton from 1961 to 2006, impacting the lives of generations of children. Nancy was honored as the Parade Marshall for the Riverton 4th of July Children’s Parade upon her retirement in 2006, and she enjoyed participating in the annual parade and 4th of July activities throughout her life.

Nancy and her husband Bill enjoyed many hobbies together including their love of square dancing, bicycling and camping. She was well known for her love of gardening, especially growing prized tomatoes, raspberries and lima beans. Nancy and Bill were also very involved in helping establish and support Urban Promise, a Christian-based charter school in Camden, NJ, where they not only volunteered their time, but were honored with the establishment of the Bill & Nancy Hall Scholarship Fund to foster education for youth in the community.

Nancy was extremely proud of her Swiss Heritage, obtaining her Swiss Citizenship in 2015, and loved her regular trips to her home there where she especially enjoyed hosting family and friends to share with them the beauty of the alps she so loved. Nancy and Bill were also instrumental in introducing the Bernese Mountain Dog breed to the United States, raising litters here that spread the beautiful breed throughout the US.

Nancy is survived by her beloved husband of 72 years, William A. Hall, of Riverton, NJ and her loving children, Betsy Xanthis (John), Marge Hall (Jeffrey Schmidt) and John Hall (Susan). Also surviving are her brother, John Ritschard, her seven grandchildren and her twelve great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her nieces, nephews and their families, along with many dear friends and neighbors.

1949

Frances Hessert Barnes ’49 passed away on July 22, 2022.

1950

J. Robert Jamison ’50

J. Robert Jamison, 91, was born on May 15, 1932, and recently passed away on April 10, 2024, in Marlton, New Jersey. He attended Westfield Friends School (class of ’44’) and Moorestown Friends School (class of ’50’). J. Robert Jamison served in the US Army. In order to honor his memory, donations can be made to Wiley Church.

1951 

Harry Ellis ’51 

Harry graduated from Moorestown Friends High School and then served as a private in the army during the Korean War.

Upon returning home, Harry began a long career in the auto industry, owning an auto loan finance company and an auto insurance agency with his brother called “100 Haddon Avenue Corporation”. Later Harry drove for Rapid Rover, transporting people to and from the Philadelphia Airport. He also worked as real estate agent for Main Street Realty in Collingswood, NJ.

Harry loved surf-fishing and especially surfing from the Margate Pier. He had owned a house in Surf City and later Harvey Cedars, both on Long Beach Island.

When his children were young, Harry would go deer and duck hunting where Brendan T. Byrne and Bass River State Forests are now. He would often take his son, Harry and daughter, Jocelyn hunting.

Harry had a fondness for beagles but later in life his wife adopted a little Lhasa Apso named Sophie who became his constant companion.

Harry is predeceased by his parents, Everette Stafford Ellis, Sr., and Eva Mae Ellis (nee Teaf); sibling, Everette S. Ellis, Jr., and son Harry M. Ellis III.

Harry is survived by his wife Marilyn A. Ellis (nee Ziegler); children, Leslie Ellis (Brian Reilly), Robin M. Ellis of Pocomoke City, MD and Jocelyn M. Ellis (Ronald I. Radcliff, Jr.) of Burlington, NJ; stepdaughter, Michelle Y. Armstrong (David M.) of Newark, DE; two nephews, once niece and four grandchildren.

1954 

J.S. “Lee” Braddock ’54 

Job S. Braddock, Jr., 87, passed away on Wednesday February 28, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Lee’s remarkable journey began after graduating from Rutgers, where he made history as the first-ever commissioned officer to graduate from the university and went on to serve in the United States Navy. His service to the country he loved was exemplary, marking the beginning of a life devoted to both patriotism and community.

After his military service, Lee embarked on an entrepreneurial path, demonstrating his resilience and determination. Beyond his professional pursuits, Lee devoted nearly five decades to Rotary International, embodying the organization’s motto of “service above self.” His commitment was further recognized as he served as a District Governor for Rotary, representing the greater good, even traveling to Australia in the name of service.

Lee was a family man at heart, finding joy in spending time with his loved ones. He is survived by his loving wife, Deborah Braddock, four sons Steven Braddock, Jon Braddock, John Leighty, Michael Vest Braddock, one daughter Kathleen Braddock, 17 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and his brother, Robert Braddock. Lee’s dedication to family extended beyond blood relations, as he cherished the bonds he created with friends over the years.

Lee’s passion for sports, particularly baseball and soccer during his time at Rutgers University, reflected his vibrant spirit and zest for life. His love for these sports mirrored the teamwork, camaraderie, and dedication he brought to every aspect of his life.

As we bid farewell to Lee, let us remember him for his selfless service, love for family and friends, and the indelible mark he left on both his community and Rotary International. May his memory inspire us to live with the same commitment to service above self, as he did throughout his remarkable life.

Gertrude Betts Entwistle ’54 

Gertrude Betts Entwistle born May 30, 1936 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2023, in Morristown, Tennessee at the age of 87. Affectionately known to all as Trudy, she spent her life touching the hearts of those in and around her home town of Medford, New Jersey.

Trudy was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Winfield Betts and Helen Cleaver Betts, her brother Richard Van Betts, and sister Jane Strasdas. She is survived by her dedicated husband, Douglas Entwistle, and their children: daughter Kathi and David Jensen, son Brian and Mari Entwistle, and son Keith and Annette Entwistle. Trudy’s son Bruce Entwistle also preceded her in death. Trudy leaves a lasting legacy through her grandchildren: Drew Jensen, Kendall Jensen, and Hannah Entwistle.

At 16 years old, Trudy became a volunteer candy striper, igniting a lifelong dedication to selfless service as a Registered Nurse. Her extensive career as a healthcare professional, spanning over 40 years, reflects a remarkable commitment to healthcare and public well-being. She was employed at Burlington County Memorial Hospital Mount Holly, New Jersey where she served as Floor Nurse, Critical Care Nurse, and Nursing Care Coordinator. Trudy’s commitment to public service included serving in the Women’s Army Corp., The Salvation Army and other humanitarian causes in addition to her professional duties. 

In her spare time Trudy volunteered as a First Responder and was a lifetime Member of the Medford Emergency Squad and a member of the Medford Lakes Emergency Squad. Trudy was a founding participant in the Paramedic Unit at Burlington County Memorial Hospital. She was a teacher at the Burlington County First Aid Academy conducting CPR training classes for the community.

In her retirement, Trudy and Doug settled in Dandridge, Tennessee, where she continued to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Trudy was an avid reader, she also found joy in collecting miniature dollhouses, which served as a creative outlet and a source of delight for her. Her interests reflected her appreciation for the small details in life, much like her dedication to nursing and helping others.

Trudy often imparted valuable life’s lessons to her grandchildren, emphasizing the importance of compromise and understanding to Hannah, or playing “Mother May I” on the back deck when Kendall was a little girl.

Known for her dry sense of humor, Trudy’s signature greeting was “Greetings and Salutations,” and her response to inquiries about her well-being was often, “I’m upright”, when frustrated, simply, “Fiddlesticks.” Her ability to unapologetically always be herself let you know exactly what she was thinking, suggesting a level of self-awareness, confidence, and authenticity that can be both inspiring and admirable, allowing those around her to understand and appreciate her for who she truly was.

Trudy’s enduring legacy as a genuine hero is evident in the multitude of lives she has impacted through her nursing career, military service, volunteer work, and community outreach programs. Her narrative stands as a beacon of inspiration to future healthcare professionals and alike, showcasing the profound influence one person can wield on a community through unwavering dedication, boundless compassion, and selfless service.

Her expertise and adaptability in the nursing field shone as a testament to her commitment to excellence. Additionally, her dedication to education and advocacy for life-saving skills underscores her profound sense of responsibility. Trudy’s promotion for child car seat safety and active involvement in diverse community initiatives underscores her holistic approach to healthcare. Her sincere concern for the well-being of individuals at every stage of life never wavered, emphasizing her warm intentions and steadfast ability to care for others.

In keeping with her Religious Society of Friends beliefs, we would ask that you celebrate her “inner light” in memoriam with the Quaker funeral tradition, focusing on quiet reflection and giving thanks for a life well-lived. Trudy will be remembered not only for her simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, service, and stewardship but also for the warmth, kindness, and laughter she brought to all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

We want to express our heartfelt thanks to each member of Life Care of Morristown, Tennessee staff, from the nurses and caregivers to the administrative and support teams. Their collective efforts created an environment that allowed Trudy to experience a sense of peace and tranquility in her final moments.

1956 

Marianne Thompson Seto ’56 passed away on November 19, 2018.

Elizabeth Davis Anneseley ’56 passed away on July 21, 2023.

1957

Rowland Ricketts ’57

Rowland Ricketts, Jr. passed away peacefully on April 16 at 84 years of age in Moorestown, NJ. Rowland was born on November 18, 1939, in Philadelphia, PA to Dr. Rowland Ricketts and Jean Napier Ricketts. He grew up in Merchantville with his parents, 2 sisters, and extended family. After attending St. Peter’s Choir School in Philadelphia and Moorestown Friends School, he received his BA and MA in History from Trinity College in Hartford, CT and an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, MO.
Rowland had a long career in the life insurance industry, working first at Connecticut Mutual, then National Life of Vermont, and finally General American in St. Louis, MO, where he retired as Senior Vice President of Individual Operations in 1995. He loved his work community so in retirement he continued to consult for various insurance companies in the US and Great Britain. In 2017, he was inducted into the Association of Home Office Underwriters’ Hall of Fame for his work in founding the Fellows of the Academy of Life Underwriting.

He was a life-long member of the Episcopal Church starting at Grace Church, Merchantville as a child. In Connecticut he and his wife led the youth group at St. Peter’s, Hebron and made life-long friends with several families there. He attended Christ Church Montpelier, VT and Church of the Good Shepherd in St. Louis, MO where he was active in the choir and returned to Grace Church later in life.

Rowland loved playing the piano and genealogy. His children fondly recall waking on Saturday mornings to the sound of his fingers on the keys, filling their home with happy music. Whenever he visited a new city for work, he would call all the Ricketts in the local phonebook to see if any were related, and he travelled to England, Wales, Scotland, Slovakia, and Argentina to research the family history, connecting to distant family members who have now become close.

Rowland dedicated countless hours to his fight against water in their home in Merchantville. Every time it rained, he could be seen hauling hoses out to the street to pump out their driveway so the basement wouldn’t flood. His children believe that these hours of passionate labor followed by days of passionate ranting kept him full of life for years! His grandchildren referred to him lovingly as The Curmudgeon and Grumpalupigus as he found great pleasure in complaining about everyone and everything, and he did so in a way that kept us all laughing and entertained.

Rowland is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Mary-Lynn (nee Kevolic), sister Jean Ricketts, daughter Rachel Adams and her husband Lee of Cherry Hill, NJ; son Rowland Ricketts, III and daughter-in-law Chinami Ricketts of Bloomington, IN; and five grandchildren, Emily, Max, Anen, Ewan and Bren. Rowland was preceded in death by his sister Mary Ricketts.

1961 

Diana Myers Zanzot ’61 passed away on February 14, 2024.

Carl Herckner ’61 

Carl Herckner passed away peacefully in Simpsonville, SC after years of illness. Through those years, he kept his optimistic outlook on life as he bravely experienced his physical and mental decline. Friends and neighbors in his Boxwood residential community say they will miss his Sinatra-like singing voice, which brought smiles to many people.

Carl was a graduate of Pfeiffer University and received a MBA from Hillsdale College. He had a stellar career in sales and management and retired from Mohawk Fine Paper of Cohoes, NY. In his retirement and prior to his illness, Carl enjoyed golf at Verdae in Greenville, SC and Champion Hills in Hendersonville, NC, where he once lived. He also ticked off his travel “bucket list,” accompanied by his wife Katherine Elaine Garrott

Carl is survived by his devoted wife and caregiver; daughter Katherine Hall Herckner (Digna) of Anderson, SC; brother Harry Herckner (Pam) of Cherry Hill NJ.; stepdaughter Bonita Longwater Davies (Christopher) of Mobile, AL; and stepson Walter Baird Garrott, III (Jamie) of Dallas, Texas. Carl was the proud grandfather of Wally and Tommy Garrott of Dallas and Bayden, Isabel and George Davies of Mobile.

“We are grateful to the multidisciplinary team with Wren Hospice for their excellent, compassionate care of Carl for months until his passing,” said wife Katherine, “and we are thankful to so many friends and family, who have generously given their support and prayers for us.”

Sarah Hess Mellor ’61

Sarah Ann, “Sally” Mellor, was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She passed away on Monday, February 26, 2024 surrounded by her family.

Sally was born on September 10, 1943, in Williamsburg, Virginia, the daughter of Martin and Sarah Hess. She grew up in Moorestown, NJ where she fell in love and married David, her husband of 60 years. Together they raised 6 children.

Throughout her life, Sally maintained a sweet and simple presence that gathered the trust and hearts of many. A passionate teacher, her kind demeanor will continue to nurture love and faith in others.

Having the heart of a true servant, Sally selflessly cared for many friends and family throughout the years. Much joy came to her through serving others. She was a strong woman of faith—a true example of Christlike love, allowing grace and welcoming the hand of friendship to all who crossed her path.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents and her daughter, Amy.

She is survived by her husband, David, her son Jon (Tina), daughters Dawn (Llorrac), Nancy (Max), Jeni (Timmy), Sara (James) as well as 20 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Margaret Johnson and Bill Hess as well as nieces and nephews.

The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from so many family and friends.

1964 

Mary Loveland Chisholm ’64
Sister of Samuel “Cappy” Loveland ’58 and the late Crane Loveland ’60

1968 

Karl Foord ’68 passed away on April 24, 2024.
Brother of Lynn Foord ’73

1973 

Robert Rosenthal ’73 passed away on March 20, 2022.

2015 

Oscar Raymond Mayer ’15 

Oscar Raymond Mayer left this world in peace on November 21, 2023 surrounded by his loving family and friends. He experienced sudden cardiac arrest on November 19, 2023 after completing Mile 25 of the Philadelphia Marathon adjacent to the “Three Angels” statue on Kelly Drive with his “Fourth Angel”, his sister Libby, by his side. Despite the best efforts of heroic bystanders and a talented team of physicians, nurses and therapists at Penn-Presbyterian Hospital, Oscar “Ray” passed away two days later. His wishes to be an organ and tissue donor were realized and he gave the gift of a better life to multiple people.

Oscar, “Ray”, was a bright “Ray of sunshine” for all who were fortunate enough to cross his path. He was born in Indianapolis, IN at Methodist Hospital on May 10, 1997 as the first child of Catharine Carbonetta Mayer and Oscar Henry Mayer. He grew up in Riverton, NJ and attended Riverton School through 7th Grade. He then attended Moorestown Friends School through high school and graduated in 2015. Ray went to Camp Ockanickon every summer starting at age 7 and later became a counselor, spending his summers in high school life guarding at the waterfront and helping campers foster a love for the outdoors. Throughout these years, Ray also developed a passion for fencing and later served as a captain of the team and was the lead saber fencer at Moorestown Friends School. He also discovered his artistic talent in both the visual and performing arts as he acted in multiple plays/musicals and developed skills across multiple artistic mediums.

Ray went on to Ithaca College where he found his fierce passion for the environment and majored in Environmental Studies with minor in Art. During this time, he also decided to start going by his first name, Oscar. He played a pivotal role in studying and conserving the beautiful Natural Lands nature preserve on the Ithaca College campus. The time Oscar spent in the natural lands was among the many experiences that inspired him to hike the Appalachian Trail. Because of the need to start hiking in the spring, he accelerated his studies and graduated one semester early in December of 2018.

Soon after, he returned to Riverton and was fortunate to meet the love of his life, Katie Corris, of Cherry Hill, NJ. They were a perfect match with their shared values of nature and travel, and they became inseparable from the start. Their love was strong enough to sustain a 5-month separation during Oscar’s Appalachian trail adventure, relying on GPS texts and letters sent in resupply boxes to nurture their connection.

Oscar and Katie’s love flourished as they seamlessly integrated into each other’s lives. They settled in Haddonfield, NJ in a cozy apartment with their two cats, Bean and Basil, and their dog Banjo. Their mutual love helped them grow into two beautiful people. Oscar and Katie enjoyed many local activities together with friends and family like taking hikes with Banjo and enjoying local breweries. They also cherished time spent visiting family across the country which took them to places such as Oregon, the Chesapeake Bay, and Florida. Oscar and Katie also volunteered on multiple veterinary relief missions to Central and South America. Oscar’s gentle manner and positive energy made him a crucial part of the animal care team.

After the Appalachian trail, Oscar stayed connected with his passion for the outdoors and served as a nature educator at Fernbook Farms in Chesterfield, NJ. He then continued his environmental efforts at the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection where he made many friends and was a valued co-worker. Oscar’s work most recently included spearheading a grant program which aimed to improve air quality by reimbursing the installation of electric vehicle charging stations throughout the state.

Oscar enjoyed an extremely active lifestyle and his love for running began in high school where he ran cross country. Running became an outlet for Oscar. In October of 2022, he completed the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC. He trained extensively for his marathons, competing in multiple half-marathons, 10-milers, 18-milers and he completed an Olympic triathlon earlier this fall. Oscar also completed multiple MS 150s alongside his dad during his time in college.

Oscar “Ray” has left behind his great love, Katie Corris, his parents Catharine Mayer and Hank Mayer, his sister Libby Mayer, his grandparents, cousins, and many loving friends. Oscar “Ray” embodied kindness, generosity, and compassion. His authentic smile and warmhearted spirit were infectious. There will be a celebration of his life to come in the future. For those interested in supporting Oscar “Ray”, charitable donations can be made to the Oscar Raymond Mayer Memorial Fund at Ithaca College, which will support current and future students who share his passion for the outdoors and the environment.

MFS Community

Kenneth Banks 
Father of School Committee Member Kenette Banks ’02

Kenneth Earl Banks was born in Camden, NJ on May 13, 1934. As the youngest child of Claude Banks and Carrie Banks (née Coward), Kenneth was the baby of their seven children, born into a family of history makers. His brother, John Banks, was a pitcher for the Negro National Baseball League and Negro American Baseball Leauge and his other brother, Horace Banks, was a Motor Mechanic on the U.S.S. Mason – the only all-Black warship to sail in WWII. With these as his guides, Kenneth understood that it was in his blood to make a positive impact on the world. Throughout his life, he made his own history in Camden and across his community.

Kenneth started working at Gene’s Pharmacy in Camden, NJ after school when he was 13 years old with then-founder and owner Eugene “Gene” L. Kleinfeld. Gene took a liking to Ken and he worked part-time at the store until graduating from Camden High School in 1955. After graduating, he worked at the pharmacy full time and attended the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in Philadelphia, PA. Kenneth later took over as owner and ran the pharmacy for the next 30+ years. Gene’s Pharmacy was one of the cornerstones of Camden and everyone knew Mr. Kenny.

Kenneth served in the U.S. Army as a Private from 1956-58. He was stationed at Monterey Bay, California at Fort Ord and traveled to Germany as a part of his military service. On June 14th, 1969, he married Sarah Delores Cousin, his wife of almost 50 years. Together they had one daughter, Kennette Alysia Banks, (born in 1984).

Kenneth was a consummate entertainer. Throughout their marriage, he and Sarah’s home in Mt. Laurel was the gathering spot for birthdays, Christmas brunches and dinners, and numerous community and family events. The winner of multiple baking competitions at church, Kenneth could often be found in the kitchen, making something delicious for his guests and family.

It’s likely that Kenneth got his start as an entertainer in the early ’60s as a part of the social group, The Magnificent Seven. Over about nine years, the group -which also included Louis “Lou” Walls, Fred Pratt, Donald “Ducky” Burts, and Paul Martin- promoted shows, concerts, and events and brought some of the biggest names of the day in the music industry to Camden, NJ and the greater Philadelphia area. The Magnificent Seven’s impressive list of entertainers and talents featured the likes of Stevie Wonder, Chuck Jackson, LLoyd Price, Tommy Hunt, Kenny Gamble (Gamble & Huff) and the Romeos, Jimmy Smith, and Junior Walker & The All Stars, among others. In April of 1968 the group organized a citywide “Cindy Day” to honor Cynthia “Cindy” Birdsong, after Cindy joined the international singing group, The Supremes.

Kenneth enjoyed many honorary titles throughout his life: he was “Uncle Kenny” to some, “Unc” to others, father to one, and friend to many. He attended Nazarene Baptist Church in Camden, NJ with his father before becoming a member of Kaighn Avenue Baptist Church in Camden and later Second Avenue Baptist Church in Moorestown, NJ. Through his pharmacy, his entertaining, and his role as an active community member in Camden and Moorestown, Kenneth made his corner of the world that much better. Before his passing on October 11, 2023, Kenneth was preceded in death by Claude Banks, Jr., Horace Banks, John Banks, Mildred McCollum (née Banks), and Bertha “Mae” Thomas (née Banks). He leaves to further celebrate his life, his daughter, Kennette Banks, sister, Eleanor Wayman, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, special friends (Chaka Pratt, Paul Martin, Charity) and many other family members and dear friends.

Dinesh Desai 
Former School Committee member; Father of Aani ’22 and Haila ’24 Desai

Dinesh Desai, age 74 of Moorestown Township, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on March 27, 2024. He was born in Vatar, India, a small village in the state of Gujarat. With a loan from his uncle and Dinesh’s brilliance he went on to attend and graduate from IIT in Mumbai in Chemical Engineering. He then attended Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana graduating with a Master’s in Chemical Engineering. This forged his lifelong love of Montana and the Big Sky area. Dinesh furthered his education over the years to include an MBA from Temple University.

Dinesh had an amazing, successful career in business, working for ARCO chemical which brought him to the Philadelphia area where he began a life of entrepreneurship. Using his business genius and personable nature, he left ARCO and purchased Western Sky Industries and then Emtec, Inc. He was a leader and played an integral part in growing the companies into thriving businesses.

Dinesh was a self-proclaimed sportaholic, being an avid golfer, tennis player, and skier. He spent hours outdoors in his backyard hitting golf balls rain or shine.

He led an amazing life. His smile warmed the room and made everyone at ease. He engaged with everyone in the same warm, friendly manner regardless of status or stature. He was an avid reader and contemplator of life’s biggest questions. He touched so many people with his generous heart and warmth. He loved to tell a good story with a drink engaging with everyone.

Dinesh is predeceased by his parents, Raijibhai and Shantaben Desai of Mumbai, India.

He will be especially missed by his daughters and their mothers, Angeli Desai, Reena Desai and their mother Renuka Desai (Mody) of Los Angeles, CA; Aaniella Desai and Sahaila Desai and their mother Susan Desai (Orczyk) of Moorestown, NJ. Dinesh is also survived by his brother Kishore and his wife Asha of Mumbai, India; his brother Bharat and his wife Pratibhai of Cherry Hill, NJ; his sister Neela and her husband Rashmi of Cherry Hill, NJ and his brother Manoj and his wife Anjani of Mumbai, India. He will also be missed by his nieces and nephews, Rajiv, Meghna, Abhijit, Avinash, Palak, Purvi and her husband Shishir, Mansi and her husband Kalind. He was also a Great Uncle to nephews Krishiv and Aariv and niece Seyla.

He was a huge supporter of underprivileged children in the US and India. He was involved in the Camden Scholars program at Moorestown Friends School, supporting students to excel in middle and high school. He also established SSBD Desai High School in Gujarat, India which provides education to underprivileged children in his village.

James Durr 
Father of Zachary Durr ’18

James Robert Durr, 69, of North Hanover New Jersey, passed in his sleep on the morning of April 5th. A lifelong Sykesville resident born in 1954 to Herman Durr Jr. and Marguerite Driber Durr, a dairying family. James harbored a passion for nature from a young age. A student of the woods, with keen appreciation of beauty often unperceived, he learned to make a living by the land’s bounty. From nothing, by workmanship unmatched James built a farming enterprise that spans over one thousand acres. A pillar of his community James served as mayor of North Hanover New Jersey with heartfelt devotion to his home and community. The earth trembled in honor of his departure. James is survived by his wife Lisa, sons Zachary, Jacob, Daniel, and James, and daughter Casey.

Elizabeth Graham 
Mother of W. Robb Graham ’76 and Julia Graham Slater ’86

Elizabeth “Betty” Graham. (nee Cooper), age 90, of Moorestown, N.J., passed away on March 7, 2024 at The Evergreens. She was born on September 11, 1933 in Philadelphia, PA to Walter and Adelaide (Smyton) Cooper.

Betty grew up in Philadelphia enjoying many summers visiting Bridgeton & Vineland, NJ with her cousins from her mother’s family side, the Smyton’s & Callahan’s. She often reflected on her fond memories of escaping city life to play and roam freely on the farms enjoying the countryside. She graduated from John Bartram High School in Southwest Philadelphia in 1952.

She met her husband, Robert W.M. Graham, while working as the secretary to the Dean of the Veterinary School at the University of Pennsylvania and they married on August 4, 1956. They eventually settled in Cinnaminson where Bob opened his veterinary practice the Cinnaminson Animal Hospital. Betty supported and helped Bob run the practice for nearly 40 years. They raised their family first in Cinnaminson then moving to Moorestown in Betty’s dream Victorian home in 1974. After becoming empty nesters, they moved to Riverton where they especially enjoyed the 4th of July festivities and hosting their annual BBQ.

Throughout their marriage they enjoyed many great adventures together including skiing, cycling, Irish Ceilidh dancing and a great deal of travel throughout the United States, the British Isles and Europe. Betty was passionate about antiques, her menagerie of animals and loved the music of her ancestors, enjoying all forms of Celtic music, especially Bob’s bagpipes!

After Bob’s death in 2000, she moved to Delanco and became an active member of the Newton’s Landing community. She continued to enjoy traveling to many corners of the world with family and friends. At 86, she finally made it to New Zealand and Australia which was a lifelong aspiration.

An active member of Covenant Presbyterian church in Cinnaminson since 1960, Betty was involved in Vacation Bible School, Sunday school, women’s auxiliaries, bible studies, and various committees throughout the years. She participated in many organizations including Newcomers, Junior Woman’s Club, the Woman’s Club and Questers. When her daughters became Girl Scouts, she was a Leader. Later in life, serving breakfasts to the homeless at New Visions Camden brought her great joy.

Betty is survived by her loving children, W. Robb Graham and his wife Donna of Moorestown, NJ, Courtney Graham and her husband Ralph Woollaston of Lewisville, NC, and Julia Slater and her husband Craig of Moorestown, NJ. Also surviving are her grandchildren Patrick, Kayla, Caitlyn, Robert, Kristen, Graham, Brodie & Elizabeth Skye, great-grandchildren Kyleigh, Holden, Luca, Finley, Olivia, Miles & Violet and many dear friends.

Roger Graham 
Father of Dana Graham ’75 and Tracey Graham ’80

Roger K. Graham, 94, of Moorestown, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2023. Roger is survived by his wife of 73 years, Polly (nee Anderson), and his children, Dana and Tracey Graham.

Born on May 24, 1929 in New York City, Roger grew up in Meriden, CT. He graduated from The Choate School and from MIT before earning his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Chicago. He had a notable 43-year career at Rohm & Haas, primarily in Bristol, PA.

Very active in the community, Roger had served as President and Treasurer of the Moorestown Y’s Men’s Club. He was also a Past President of the Resident Council at the Evergreens retirement community.

Roger was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown, where he enjoyed singing in the choir. His love of music was put to good use in support of the West Jersey Chamber Music Society.

Roger and Polly traveled extensively, visiting each of the continents except Antarctica. He left behind many beautiful photos of their travels. In his free time, Roger enjoyed listening to classical music, working on crossword puzzles, and rooting for the Phillies, 76ers, and Eagles.

Lester Hopton 
Father of Ted Hopton ’90

Lester Charles Hopton, Jr. (b. 1937) of Moorestown, NJ, died Jan. 21, 2024 at age 86. Graduate of Pingry School and MIT, member of Phi Beta Epsilon, and retired from Campbell Soup Company.

Married to Patti Dee in 1960, they raised two children then divorced in 2013, and he spent the last 10 years together with his life partner, Lynn Conant.

Committed to community service, Lester was an Eagle Scout, scoutmaster, civil rights activist, president of the Burlington County League of Women Voters, elected to Moorestown Town Council, and Clerk of Moorestown Meeting.

Predeceased by his ex-wife, he is survived by his sister, Elsie MacKethan, his children, Ted Hopton and Jeremiah Gold-Hopton, four grandchildren, and his life partner, Lynn Conant.

Kenneth Lockerby
Father of Jenny Lockerby ’03

Kenneth Hughes Lockerby, a retired journalist and copy editor for the Philadelphia Daily News passed away on October 29, 2023.  A resident of Haddonfield, NJ, Ken was 83.

Ken was born in Cincinnati, OH on April 22, 1940 to Kenneth M. (K.M.) Lockerby and Alice Hughes.  He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Cheryl Lockerby, a son, K.C. Lockerby (Michelle Campbell) of Collegeville, PA, a daughter, Jenny Lockerby (Andrew Flechtner) of Chicago, IL, 3 granddaughters: Maria and Grace Lockerby and Alice Flechtner and many friends, many of whom are friends of Bill W. as well.

Ken was a 1957 graduate of Towson High School, Towson, MD.  He served in the U.S. Army as a Specialist 4/E4 and photographer in Korea and France 1959-1962.  Upon his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, Ken attended and graduated from West Chester University in 1967 with a B.S. in English.  He started his journalism career with the West Chester Daily Local from 1967-1971 as a reporter, editor and columnist then worked for the Wilmington News Journal from 1971-1979 as a copy editor and ultimately the Philadelphia Daily News where he held various editing positions, mostly copy editor, from 1979-2012 when he retired.

Ken’s hobbies included: reading, travel, tennis, crossword puzzles and being with friends.  He was a proud and grateful member of Alcoholics Anonymous with 46 years of sobriety.  In the AA rooms, he was known as “funny Ken from West Chester.”  Ken was known for his intelligence and wit.  If you were playing partners in Trivia Pursuit, you wanted him as your partner.  Ken will be remembered as a loyal friend and the “master of the one-liner,” according to his wife, Cheryl.

Clifford Vincent Melvin 
Husband of Betsy Dunn Ross ’72

Clifford Vincent Melvin, age 67, passed away December 15, 2023 at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital. He was born April 20, 1956 in Pensacola, Florida. He was the son of Sherman and Lorraine Melvin. Clifford was a graduate of University of Florida and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. He was a United Methodist Minister for over 35 years. Most recently, he attended Community Church of Vero Beach.

In Vero Beach, he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, United Against Poverty, Beachland Elementary, and Salvation Army. While in Huntingtown, Maryland he served with Honduras Compassion Partners, Summit Men, and End Hunger.

Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth “Betsy” Ross; son, Matthew Vincent Melvin; mother, Lorraine Melvin; sisters, Cindy Scott and Jeanette Roccanova; brothers, Glenn Melvin and Paul Melvin. He was predeceased by his father, Sherman V. Melvin and brother, Robert Melvin.

Steven Oxler 
Father of Lizzie Oxler ’03

Steven Jay Oxler, MD, FACEP, CAPT USN (ret), 76, of Moorestown, NJ entered into eternal rest Thursday, January 4th, 2024. Steve was born in Charleston, SC on October 25, 1947 to the late Herbert and Eva (Levy) Oxler. After graduating from Rivers High School, Steve attended Clemson University and began his lifelong support of Clemson athletics. Upon graduation, he headed back to Charleston to attend Medical School at the Medical University of South Carolina. He was commissioned in 1969 as a Navy Health Professions Scholar, and upon completion of his Doctor of Medicine degree, he traveled to Philadelphia, PA to begin his career in the United States Navy as a resident in Internal Medicine. He was stationed at the Philadelphia Naval Hospital until his separation from Active Duty in 1979. He joined the Navy Reserves in 1982, and was recalled to Active Duty in 1991 as a member of Fleet Hospital 15, serving in Al-Jubail, Saudi Arabia. He retired as a CAPT from the USN in 2003.

Steve loved being an Emergency Medicine Physician: interacting with colleagues, teaching and mentoring medical students, residents, Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics, and serving and caring for the greater community of South Jersey. By the time he retired from clinical medicine in 2017, Steve considered himself fortunate to have formed partnerships with Emergency Medicine colleagues at West Jersey Health, Zurbrugg and Rancocas Hospitals and Underwood (now Inspira). He had been an instructor in the Paramedic Sciences since 1985. Steve was an active member of the board of trustees for Healthcare Quality Strategies Incorporated.

Steve’s love of teaching and Emergency Medicine extended into the classrooms of University of the Sciences, Rowan University and Rowan College at Burlington County where he taught Anatomy and Physiology and Disaster Preparedness up until December 2023. Steve was a consultant to the Defense Medical Training Institute at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX. He was a subject matter expert in the fields of Mass Casualty Triage and the medical treatment of Chemical and Biological Warfare. An avid sports fan, Steve combined his love of boxing and mixed martial arts with his clinical expertise as a ringside physician beginning in 1995 with the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board. In 2014, he was inducted into the New Jersey State Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He continued to work boxing and MMA events until 2023.

When not ringside, Steve could be found rinkside, cheering on the Philadelphia Flyers, as a 30-plus year season ticket holder. Steve was a super fan of field hockey and women’s lacrosse, especially teams his daughter Lizzy played on or coached. He never missed a game and was a fixture on many sidelines over the years.

There was not a craft or jewelry show Steve did not attend in the greater Philadelphia area, nor a Motown or Classic Rock concert he missed. He loved to travel to Las Vegas and nearby Atlantic City and Philadelphia to hone his poker skills and visit his family and friends. He cherished his summers on Cape Cod, where he saw family, ate oysters at happy hour, and spent time on the beach. In the last ten years, Steve became a road warrior, making frequent trips to and from Louisiana to visit Lizzy, his daughter, as she worked on and completed her doctorate at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2022.

Steve is survived by his wife Karen Flaherty Oxler, RADM USN (ret) whom he met at the Philadelphia Naval Hospital and was married to for 41 years. He leaves a daughter, Elizabeth (Lizzy) Oxler of West Chester, PA. His is also survived by a sister Sherri Dangerfield (Michael) of Charleston, SC, brother Jeffrey P. Oxler of Vancouver, Canada as well as nieces Erin (Joe) Oxler, Amie (Mike) Armet, and Kari (Graydon) Aguiar.

Warren Davis Sawyer 
Former School Committee Member; Father of Martha Sawyer DeLuca ’66, Janet Sawyer Thomas ’67, and Stephen Sawyer ’76; Husband of MFS teacher Ruth Sawyer

Warren Sawyer died peacefully at home on 11/30/2023 at age 103. A celebration of his life will take place on Sat. 1/6/2024 at 2:00 PM in the Holly Room at Medford Leas. All are welcome. No flowers please. Contributions in his name can be made to Moorestown Friends School or the American Friends Service Committee.

Phyllis Taylor 
Former Lower School Director

Phyllis Brooks Taylor, 86 years old, was born on April 7, 1937 in Poughkeepsie, New York. She recently passed away on January 15, 2024 in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Phyllis attended Scarsdale High School, Julliard School of Music, and DePauw University. In order to honor her memory, donations can be made to The Moorestown Friends School.

Alexander Wohler passed away on April 17, 2024.
Father of Maya Wohler ’26

Daniel Zuccarelli 
Father of Atticus Zuccarelli ’32

Daniel Raymond Zuccarelli, on January 2, 2024 age 46 of Moorestown, NJ.  Beloved husband of Amanda Zuccarelli (nee Swain).  Loving father of Atticus.  Cherished son of Raymond and Deborah Zuccarelli (nee Haines).  Dear brother of Jason Zuccarelli.

Dan was a gentle, kind soul, loved by everyone he knew. One of his friends put it best when he said that on January 2, 2024, “we lost a good one, maybe the best one.”

He was an avid gamer, loved all things Disney, was well read and had a passion for board games; he enjoyed playing them with both family and friends. He loved the beach and spent time there every summer with his family. Dan loved traveling and took many trips both inside and outside of the US. The two he valued most were recent trips he took to Nevada and California. He and his wife were remarried by Elvis in Vegas and went on to take their son to Disneyland. They made many wonderful memories.

While he initially resisted adding pets to his little family, he quickly became smitten with the two cats they adopted, Wayne and Garth.

Dan valued education. He completed his bachelor’s degree in communications at Temple University and his master’s degree in library science at Drexel University. He worked for NFL Films for nearly 20 years and used this knowledge to advance many of the archive procedures that are in place there today.

Dan fought an incredibly courageous battle against cancer for the past three years with the help of his dedicated team at Penn Medicine Abramson Cancer Center. He endured almost 100 sessions of chemotherapy, brain surgery, gamma knife radiosurgery, radiation and many other treatments and procedures. He was motivated by his unwavering love for his family, especially his beloved wife Amanda and precious 9-year-old son, Atticus. He wanted his legacy to be that he never gave up, and he truly never did. He fought until the last moment.

Dan expressed the desire to encourage others to become organ donors by making it known on their driver’s license. Because of his illness, he was unable to make that designation and wanted to ask others to do it in his place.

1946

Anne Held LaBudde ’46

Obituary After a brief decline on April 20th, our mother Anne Poyntell Held LaBudde died at 6pm that evening, re-joining our dad, Roy (… just in time for Heaven’s cocktail hour). She was 93. In recent years, Mom lived at St. John’s in assisted living. The family is very grateful for the compassionate care St. John’s provided to both Mom and Dad (and to Anne’s mother fifty years ago). Anne was born to Gertrude Kemper Best Held and Jacob Henry Held on November 2, 1928, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the middle of three children and only daughter. She attended Moorestown Friends School in Moorestown, NJ, and Smith College in Northampton, MA. Shortly after returning to Milwaukee, she met her life partner, Roy LaBudde, and together they built his law career, advising small and medium sized businesses and their families, with mom often called on to entertain clients and law partners on short notice. After marrying dad in 1952, mom gave birth to three boys: Peter (Barbara), Michael (Frances) and Jack (Sue). Deedles, Mikey, Gackies and their spouses all survive her. Still hoping for a daughter, mom was inadvertently blessed with identical twin girls, Susan and Sarah (James) Wolffe, only a few days after she learned she was carrying twins. (Scrupulous about treating Dude and Sissy equally, mom sent identical letters to the girls at camp, alternating who received the original, who the carbon copy, starting with Sarah). They raised their family in Bayside. Anne was preceded in death by her steadfast loving husband Roy, her two brothers Robert and John, great-granddaughter Emma, dear brothers-in-law Donald LaBudde and William Brunsell, son-in-law Brian Akers, nephew Robert Held, and too many friends to mention. Further survived by eight grandchildren, three great grandchildren, her dearest sister-in-law Thea LaBudde Brunsell, and beloved nieces and nephews including Bill and Thea’s better-behaved kids, son Paul (Meribeth) and daughter Ann (Gery), who are as close as her own. Mom loved architecture and designed the homes they built for their growing family and retirement. She was an excellent, canny golfer, and co-ran a successful gift-shop for almost 20 years with some friends. As a mother, mom was the uncomplaining, patient, and calm center amid the typical LaBudde-family exuberance, impetuousness & untamed rough-and-tumble. Mother was serene amid rambunctiousness, even when meals devolved into competition, experiments and food fights. While her children were often charmed by bad ideas hastily executed, mom was graced with forbearance. Her hands-off parenting style totally fit the 1960s & 1970’s suburban vibe. After the girls staged a sword fight on the mansard roof (with family heirloom sabers) for a home movie, mom and dad simply padlocked the attic door. A son —who shall not be here named— playing William Tell with his new bow-and-arrow set, shot a tennis ball clean out of the mouth of the trusting neighbor boy across the street (after the girls declined the opportunity). As a helpmeet, sister-in-law, and friend, Mom was a pro at hosting parties, holiday celebrations, cocktail parties, and vacations, pulling together meals and travels flawlessly, time and again. Over the years we skied out West, station-wagoned across the country (5 kids, no seat belts, unlimited bubble gum), and went up north. She schlepped us to hockey games and wrestling meets, field hockey and track, ski races and hospitals ERs. Mom and dad launched us all through college into professional lives, debt-free. Mom often led or expressed by action and example, rather than words. A steady rather than adventurous cook, we children still recall the Chicken Breast Decade and the Salmon with Soy Sauce Decade, confidently deployed after the first, tentative early days of broiled-hamburger-on-toast. She made the most out of onion salt. Her one care package sent to college (when Sarah asked) was a box of cake mix. Above all, mom and dad knew how to have—and share—joyful fun. Together they cultivated many cherished friendships, cemented through travel, parties, bridge games, theater trips, tennis, meals, and volunteer work. She and dad embodied generosity and hospitality. Holiday meals routinely included friends and extended adopted family, especially our beloved “uncle Jack,” Jacob Bernheim, dad’s law partner and friend, and dad’s childhood friend Dick Evans. There was always, always room for an extra seat at the table. Mom and dad were true & loving partners, dad always grateful he got to “marry up,” as he put it, contrasting his homespun, Germanic-Lutheran “peasant” origins with mom’s “classier” ones. Mom’s passing was gentle and peaceful as her local children and spouses shared her final hours with stories, moments of quiet reflection, and laughter, with us drawn even closer together under the quiet shelter of her departing but enduring love. The family requests no flowers, but memorials to St. John’s or Christ Church of Whitefish Bay. Memorial service planned for early May, details to be posted on Jelacic Funeral Home website. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Anne Poyntell (Held) LaBudde, please visit our floral store.

1949

Margaret Ann Warwick ’49
Sister of David Warwick ’55

We are sad to announce that on April 11, 2023, at the age of 91, Margaret Ann Warwick (Marlton, New Jersey) passed away. She was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Ralph Warwick and Margaret Warwick. She is survived by her brother David (Sharon); her nieces, Amy Engelhart (Andy) and Stacy Adams (Robert); and her great-nephews, Daniel and Jacob Engelhart.

1951

Elizabeth Rose Heiney ’51
Sister of Charles ’46 and Doris Rose ’57

Elizabeth “Betty” Rose Heiney, age 89 of Monroe, passed away peacefully in her home on June 22, 2023. Born in Bordentown, NJ, to the late Charles Chard and Marion Blomgreen Rose, Betty was a Monroe resident for the last 50 years.
A graduate of Moorestown Friends High School, Moorestown, NJ, Wilson College, Chambersburg, PA (BA), and Cornell University (MA), Betty taught Social Studies at Hamilton High School, Highland Park, NJ, Milford High School, Milford, CT, and Masuk High School, Monroe, CT, until her retirement in 1994.

After retirement, Betty volunteered for 16 years at Bridgeport Hospital Emergency Department. She loved to travel (having taken over 20 trips abroad with her late husband, Harold), classical music, Broadway musicals, watching Jeopardy and the Mets, as well as being the leader of the Hammertown Road Marching Band. She was an active member of the Monroe Congregational Church Choir and volunteered her time with WMNR Fine Arts Radio, Monroe.
Betty was predeceased by her loving husband of 54 years, Harold G. Heiney, and her daughter, Karen J. Brown.
Betty is survived by her son, Greg Heiney of Lakeland, FL, her daughter, Sue Waters of Monroe, her brother, Charles Rose of PA, and her sister, Doris Rose of VT.

1953

Mary Ricketts ’53
Sister of Rowland Ricketts, Jr. ’57

1957

Frank Walker ’57

1959

Richard Matlack ’59
Brother of Louis ’53 and James Matlack ’56

Richard (Dick) Matlack, aged 82, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2023 at Quarry Hill Retirement Community in Camden, Maine, after living valiantly with Parkinson’s Disease in his later years.

He is survived by Hilary Duckering Matlack, his wife of 57 years, his children Duncan and Megan, and four grandchildren.

Dick was born Feb. 1, 1941, grew up in Moorestown, New Jersey, and spent summers at his family camp on Megunticook Lake in Camden.

Upon graduating from Princeton University in 1963, he volunteered for two years with the Quakers as a Conscientious Objector in Algeria, North Africa. While there he helped rebuild the country’s infrastructure after the Algerian War of Independence.

It was there that Dick met Hilary who was volunteering as a nurse with an English organization sponsored by the United Nations. The two were married July 17, 1965, in Nottingham, England. They settled at Westtown Boarding School in West Chester, Pennsylvania, where he taught high school chemistry.

In 1969, Dick and Hilary moved to Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and he started his 30-year career with Scott Paper Company.

From 1980 to 1987, Dick and his family transferred to Muskegon, Michigan, with the Paper Company. In 1987, he and his family returned to Maine, and he retired in 1999.

A year later he and Hilary moved full time to their former summer camp in Owls Head, Maine, which they purchased in 1967.

In retirement, Dick enjoyed many activities, including kayaking, sailing, woodworking, and creating in his machine shop.  During the holiday seasons he enjoyed volunteering at the Farnsworth Museum where he helped set up and run the model trains.

He was also active with the George’s River Land Trust, serving on its Board of Directors for many years.

1960

Crystine Tyler Kavalunas ’60
Sister of Ellen Tyler Miller ’64 and Joseph Tyler ’62

Crystine Tyler Kavalunas, of Moorestown, died Wednesday June28, 2023 at the age of 80.  She would have been 81 on Saturday (July 1st).

She was preceded in death by her mother, Katharyn M. Tyler, who died in 2012, and her father Douglas Beck Tyler, Esquire, who died in 1997.  She is survived by her husband, Donald J. Kavalunas of Moorestown; her daughter, Jennifer Tyler Kavalunas of Moorestown; her brother, Joseph Beck Tyler, II (Jeanne) of Philadelphia; and her granddaughter, Madison Marie Kavalunas of Moorestown.

Cyrstine was born July 1st, 1942, in New Jersey.  She grew up in Riverton before attending Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA.  After college she met Donald J. Kavalunas, then of Cleveland, Ohio one summer on the beach in Avalon, New Jersey.  On September 19th, 1970, they were married at Sacred Heart Church where the funeral mass is to be held.  Following their marriage, they moved around and eventually landed in Kalamazoo, Michigan where they adopted their first and only child, Jennifer T. Kavalunas.  They later moved to Moorestown where they have lived together for the last 40 years, raising their daughter, and helping to raise their granddaughter.

Crystine was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and housewife.  She consumed herself with the things she enjoyed most and took care of her family and friends first before herself.

The family wishes to give heartfelt thanks to the Emergency Medical Technicians of the Lenola Fire Company in Moorestown and the emergency room doctors of Jefferson Hospital in Cherry Hill for helping Crystine in her time of need.

1965

Elizabeth Schellenger ’65
Sister of Ned Schellenger ’64

Elizabeth “Boo” Clayton Schellenger passed away peacefully on June 24, 2023, in Greenville, NC. She was born on April 12, 1947, in Camden, NJ, to the late Edward and Margaret Clayton Schellenger II.

Boo was a beacon of love and strength to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy of courage and kindness. Memories of her generous nature and adventurous spirit will live on, forever bringing comfort into our hearts and minds.

Elizabeth is survived by her children, Victor (Connie) Commean of Woodstock, IL and Kelly Commean of Greenville, NC and her brother, Edward (Maryann) Schellenger III.

1980

Meredith Wynne Nichols ’80

Meredith Wynne Nichols passed away on June 15, 2019 the at the age of 56. A graduate of the MFS class of 1980, Merrie graduated from Vassar College with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition and Medieval English. While earning her Master’s in Opera Performance, she was the lead female role in the Boston Conservatory’s productions of Seymour Barab’s “Fortune’s Favorites” and Leonard Bernstein’s “Trouble in Tahiti.” She was active in the Early Music scene in Boston, singing with ensembles and playing The Soul in the earliest known opera, Hildegard von Bingen’s “Ordo Virtutum.” From 1988-1995, Merrie was chief administrator of Biophysics at Harvard University.

After settling in Flagstaff, AZ, she focused on private teaching, and apart from serving as a church soloist, her last dramatic performances were as the Narrator in Poulenc’s “Story of Babar, the Little Elephant” at Coconino Community College, and as Praskovia in “The Merry Widow.”

In 1995-96, Merrie had the unique experience of serving on a Radisson cruise ship, duties of which included performing music. She visited 16 countries between the coasts of Philippines and Italy, including Oman where she entertained royalty from that country.

Merrie was a stage director for the Crittenden Opera Workshop in Washington, DC from 1998 to 2007. She was on the music faculty of Northern Arizona University from 1998-2001, teaching applied voice and vocal diction, and at Coconino Community College from 2005-15 as a Professor of Music, Popular Music, Opera, and Singing. Some of her private voice students through Coleman Wynne Music (established with concert pianist Chase Coleman in 1998) have gone on to careers on Broadway and film. After leaving CCC, her teaching focused on older adults who wanted to improve their singing, which she greatly enjoyed.

Merrie enjoyed listening to every genre of music from medieval chant to glitch hop. Some of her favorite musical artists were Eva Marton, Beverley Sills, Renata Tebaldi, Joan Sutherland, Cecilia Bartoli, and opera singers. In other genres Celia Cruz, Steely Dan, The Beatles, Usher, Marlene Dietrich, Ella Mae Morse, Annie Lennox, The Ramones, Madeline Kahn, K.D. Lang, and many more. Her knowledge and appreciation of music was boundless.

At MFS, Merrie was involved with groups including Religious Life, Newspaper, Ski Club, Student Council, Choir, and was manager of the wrestling team. Merrie always thought fondly of her time at MFS, considering it among the happiest of her life. She was known for her quick wit and acerbic sense of humor, as well as her immense musical talent. She was kind and passionate. She made an impact on many lives, and will be forever missed.

Obituary prepared by Steve DiPilla ’79

MFS Community

Helen Brotzman
mother of Michael Brotzman ’99

On May 12, 2023; devoted wife of the late Bruce; cherished mother of Michael C. Brotzman; beloved sister of Carol E. Curtis and the late Dr. Charles D. Tourtellotte; dear sister-in-law of Barbara Tourtellotte; loving aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Helen graduated from Haddonfield Memorial HS class of ’63 before attending the Univ. of Delaware. She was a talented singer who was active in the USO during college, traveling through Germany performing “Kiss Me, Kate.” Helen obtained her Master’s in Education at Rowan Univ. Her teaching career began in Camden and then she taught 3rd through 5th grade at Central and Lizzy Haddon Elementary Schools (1975-1984). She took a recess from teaching when Michael was born. She was involved in the PTA, the Haddonfield community and especially the First Presbyterian of Haddonfield as a member for over 50 years. Helen returned to teaching in 1993 and subsequently retired from Jackson Twp. school system in 2008. Helen loved reading, the Haddonfield Public Library, gardening and had an interest in Colonial furniture.

Susan Nelson
Wife of Warren Nelson ’58

Susan Keeny Nelson (nee Eberly) was born November 13, 1940, to Mary Keeny Eberly and Norman McKinley Eberly in Carlisle, PA, where her mother was a homemaker and her father was a journalist. Susan died August 5, 2023, attended by family and friends, and is survived by her husband of 51 years, Warren Louis Nelson, of Arlington, VA. She is also survived by her brother Joseph Eberly (Shirley), sister Mary Evans, nephew Edward Evans, nieces Rebecca Manning (Trisha Goetz), Virginia Harvey (Michael), Lynn Eberly (Andy Scherrer), and many other loving family members, friends, and neighbors.

Susan graduated from State College High School in Pennsylvania in 1958 and then from Penn State in 1962 with a degree in Liberal Arts, having been Assistant Professional and Training Director of the Penn State Collegian newspaper. After several years working for the state of Pennsylvania, the US Census Bureau, and the American Friends Services Committee (the charitable arm of the Quaker community), Susan was hired by Doubleday in Washington, DC, to arrange local interviews and appearances with nationally touring authors and to filter unsolicited manuscripts before sending the best on to the New York office. She met Warren through a mutual acquaintance in 1969; they married in 1972 in the Quaker Meeting House of Harrisburg, PA, the wedding having been postponed for a week because of flooding in the Susquehanna River from Hurricane Agnes.

Susan was recruited away from Doubleday to work for the burgeoning newsletter industry in 1982, specifically as a DC correspondent for a newsletter that was reporting on the Iranian American Claims Tribunal. Her later career included writing for newsletters on the US energy industry. After retirement, Susan was active in her neighborhood and in volunteering, including as docent for the National Building Museum, through several roles with the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club including service on its Executive Council, and with the Washington Friends Meeting.

All through the years, she devoted considerable time to her floral and vegetable garden.

Thomas Reilly
Former husband of former Librarian Martha Reilly, father of Rosemary Reilly ’07 and Catherine Reilly Palazzola ’09

Born in Red Bank, NJ, he spent his youth in Atlantic Highlands, playing baseball, basketball, and the organ in various garage bands. He also caddied at the local golf course, and through all his years, declared it is his favorite job. He was an altar boy at St. Agnes Parish, where he also attended elementary school. He attended Mater Dei High School in Middletown and then proceeded to earn a bachelor’s degree at the University of Dayton, a master’s degree at the University of Tennessee, and a doctorate in clinical nutrition at Case Western Reserve University.

He began his career at the Tennessee Dept. of Public Health, focused on maternal and fetal nutrition, and from there moved into teaching clinical nutrition at several universities. He finished out his career in the field of medical writing across the greater Philadelphia area.

Tom was the first in his family to attend college, and his enthusiasm for education never waned. The friendships he formed at Dayton remained some of his most treasured for over 50 years. He spent his 20s in Tennessee, and during these formative years, he made many memories, lifelong friendships, and met Martha, his dearest friend and wife of 35 years. He would later describe this time as some of the best years of his life. Martha and Tom raised their three daughters, Molly Claire, Rosemary Kathleen, and Catherine Jane in Cleveland Heights, OH; Greenville, NC; and Sewell, NJ.

He was a self-proclaimed baseball “junkie,” avid college basketball fan (“Go Flyers”), and an aficionado of music of all kinds. He had many passions, including delicious food, the arts, and nature, in particular birds and flowers.

A loyal friend, a devoted husband, and adored father and grandfather, Tom was considered a gentle soul by those who knew him. He was truly one of a kind, and as he would say, he “marched to the beat of his own drum.” He was genuine, compassionate, and generous to all. Above all else, he felt his greatest accomplishment was his family.

His family will miss his special way of looking at the world, his unique humor, and his ability to endear himself to all who met him.

He was the beloved husband of 35 years to Martha Reilly (nee Savage). Devoted father of Molly (Daniel), Rosemary (Juan), and Catherine (Joseph). Treasured grandfather of Kieran, Finn, Olympia, and Adriana. Son of the late Mary Catherine and late James Reilly. Dear brother of Theresa, late James, late John, and late Patricia. He will be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

1942

Janet Hall Birdsall ’42

On April 3, 2022; Age 96; lifelong Haddonfield resident; Beloved wife of the late Robert Birdsall, Sr.  Survived by her children Robert, Jr. (Gretchen) of Moorestown, Katherine Alessi (Tom) of Little Egg Harbor and Edward (Peggy) of Toms River; four grandchildren Robert III, Stephen, Abigail and Michael; and eight great grandchildren.

Born in 1925, Janet was a 1942 graduate of Moorestown Friends School, where she played basketball, field hockey, tennis and was a member of the Glee Club.  She attended Emerson College in Boston, MA.  Janet served in the AWVS of PA as a volunteer in Pennsylvania Hospital, and was employed at H.A.T. (Helicopter Air Transport) at the old Camden Airport which inaugurated the air mail service from 30^th Street Station to Airport in Sikorsky and Bell helicopters. Janet had a keen interest in the family business, Fessenden Hall of Pennsauken, which started in 1890 and is thriving today under the sixth generation.  She was very involved in community affairs and was a member of many organizations including:  Junior Auxiliary and Maternity Auxiliary of Cooper Hospital, Tavistock Country Club and golf team member 1957-2004, and John Estaugh Chapter of Questers International.  Janet volunteered with Interfaith Caregivers and was a past board member of the Ronald McDonald House of South Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Janet may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of South Jersey, www.rmhsnj.org/DONATE-NOW or to Camp No Worries, www.campnoworries.org/support/donate/

1943

Robert B. Bottomley ’43

Bob’s passions fueled his direction in life. His legacy will be one of goodness to his family, his community, and his country.

Passion for learning led him through The Hotchkiss School, Yale University, and The University of Virginia Law School. Passion for his country was made evident by volunteering during World War II at 17 years of age with the American Field Service in Italy.
His passion for the law led Bob to join the law firm of Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps in 1961 as a senior partner. In his 28 years with the firm, Bob practiced primarily in the areas of estate planning, estate and trust administration, and real estate. During his time with the firm, Bob was a mentor to many lawyers and paralegals who joined the firm over the years and is well remembered as a kind, patient and knowledgeable attorney and teacher.

His passion for Italian opera leads to serve on the board and as president of the San Diego Opera. Bob had an in-depth knowledge of a large number of operas, serving as a panelist with opera personnel from other cities.

Bob had two beloved homes, La Jolla and the North Shore of Kauai. Along with his spouse of 67 years, Eleanor, they built friendships and were active in both communities while traveling extensively throughout the world. Eleanor passed in 2018. For over 70 years, Bob was a passionate golfer at La Jolla Country Club, calling the club his home away from home.

Bob’s greatest passion of all was his family. He leaves behind a daughter, Robyn (Glenn Gutridge), and two sons, Bob Jr. (Margaret Black) and Bill Bangs (Margie), two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

A celebration of a life well-lived will be private for immediate family only. Condolences can be made through Union Tribune Legacy Book; donations can be made to the San Diego Opera.

1949

Molly Wood Logan ’49

Mary Elizabeth Wood Logan, our beloved Molly passed away on April 10, 2023. Her indomitable spirit prevailed over seven years of declining health until her heart finally failed her.

From her birth in 1932 in Moorestown, NJ, she maintained a rootedness in her origins and the Quaker religion in which she was raised. Her life reflected her commitment to community – to both lifelong and recent friendships; to the natural world explored on vacations at her beloved “second home” in the Poconos; and to service for others. Her busy life as a homemaker in suburbs of northern New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia and finally Wilmington included both serious tennis and volunteer services – to Cub Scouts, Abington Friends School, Philadelphia public schools and her PEO sisterhood, for which she served two terms as chapter president. She was a dedicated supporter of Hockessin Friends Meeting, Moorestown Friends School (class of 1949) and Mount Holyoke, which she served for many years as class of 1953 treasurer.

Remarkably optimistic and playful by nature, Molly had a gift for providing solutions to problems simple and complex, thanks to her native thoughtfulness, curiosity and keen mind – a blessing to her often impatient husband Richard. Her all-pervasive interest was for her family, and she took special pride in the accomplishments of son Christopher, daughter-in-law Heidi, grand-daughters Naomi and Rachel, and nephew Robert Blood, along with loving memories of departed parents Dorothy and Robert Wood, sister Peggy Blood, brother-in-law George Blood and niece Deborah Blood. Her final days were enhanced greatly by the care of the Cokesbury Village medical staff and Hospice team and the support of her affectionate friends.

1953

Zoe Tsigounis ‘53

Zoe M. Tsigounis, beloved daughter of Constantine (Gus) and Sophia V. Chigounis, peacefully passed away on December 10, 2022 after undergoing heart valve surgery at the Onassis Clinic in Athens. Zoe was born on September 27, 1935, in Camden, NJ. Her family moved to Merchantville two years after her birth. She went to elementary school in Merchantville and graduated from Moorestown Friends School in 1953. She then attended Goucher College and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. Zoe’s father had emigrated to America from the village of Elika, located in Laconia, southeastern Peloponnesus, when he was eleven years old. In the summer of 1953, Gus returned to Greece with his family for vacation. On that trip, Zoe met Michael Tsigounis, the man she would marry. Michael’s family owned large tracts of agricultural land mostly dedicated to the production of olives in the area of Elika. He put aside his career in law to manage the family’s lands. After meeting on vacation, Zoe and Michael continued their correspondence and eventually decided to wed. In the summer of 1958, they were married at the St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Philadelphia. Soon after the wedding the couple returned to Elika, where Michael managed the family estate and Zoe enthusiastically devoted herself to village life. In 1936, Zoe’s father had built a house by the sea in the village of Marathia with the intention of spending summers there when he retired. This house is where Zoe found her true joy in life. She loved to entertain, not only relatives but friends from all over the world. At Zoe’s house, strangers became friends and friends became family. All were welcome for excellent meals, intellectual conversations, the latest gossip, and advice and remedies for various ailments, doled out by Zoe with her characteristic wit and warmth. After Michael’s death in 2012, Marathia became her fulltime residence. From here, she managed Tsigounis olive operations. She also loved the sea and swam on a daily basis well into her eighties. She is survived by her brothers, Anthony C. (Mary) and John C. Chigounis along with many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. Besides her husband, Michael, she was predeceased by her parents, Gus and Sophia Chigounis. May her memory be eternal.

1958

Jay Denbo ‘58
brother of Michael Denbo ‘63

Dr. Jay Alan Denbo Age 82, of Philadelphia, PA died on Sunday, February 26, 2023. Jay is survived by his wife, Phyllis (nee Ruttenberg), children, Seth (Catharine Gray) and Jennifer (Harlan Eplan), granddaughters, Maddy Eplan and Charlotte Gray, and brother Michael (Elise). Memorial Service, Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 11 A.M. at Society Hill Synagogue, 418 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. www.laurelhillphl.com

1963

Janet Savage Sleeper ’63

Janet S. Sleeper of Moorestown passed away on October 11, 2022 at her residence. She was 76.

Born in Bryn Mawr, PA, the daughter of the late David and Elizabeth Savage, Janet was a longtime resident of Medford. She graduated Moorestown Friends School in 1964. Mrs. Sleeper was a retired Medical Transcriptionist and loved quilting and needlepoint in her spare time.

The wife of the late James David Sleeper, Jr., she is survived by 2 sons: James David Sleeper III (Kristen) of Mount Laurel and Brian Douglas Sleeper of Medford; 7 grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Jonathan, Emily, Avery, Olivia, and James David IV. She is also survived by her brother David Savage Jr. (Patricia) of Greenwich, Rhode Island.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Quilts of Valor https://www.qovf.org/ or Quilts for Kids https://www.quiltsforkids.org/

1965

Stephen E. Darnell ’65
son of former faculty member, the late Mona Darnell

Martha Spangler Garrigues ‘65

1966

Ellen Doak Winslow ‘66
sister of Mimi Doak Pakenham ‘58

Peter Douglas ’70

Peter Douglas died peacefully on September 28 at age 70 after a very long battle with Alzheimer’s. Originally from Cherry Hill, NJ, he was the only son of the late Judge Warren and Ruth Douglas. Peter had a career in banking but his happiest decision was when he left banking to become a stay-at-home dad to Graham and Kate. Stay-at-home dads were unheard of in that time and yet Peter enjoyed every minute of raising 2 wonderful kids and he was very proud of them. He was an active member in several historical societies and held leadership positions in The Society of Colonial Wars and Founders and Patriots. He volunteered for several nonprofits and at community activities.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Debbie, and his kids Graham and Kate. Interment will be held in Princeton, NJ at a later date. Contributions in Peter’s memory can be made to Teen Court in Sarasota.

1987

Christopher Barnes ‘87
son of former faculty member Margaret Barnes Mansfield; brother of Katherine Barnes ’89

Christopher Barnes, age 53, of Greeley Colorado, was hit and killed while walking home Saturday evening February 4, 2023. After majoring in chemistry at Wesleyan University, he moved to Laramie, Wyoming to continue his studies. His passion for chemistry shone throughout his life; In the kitchen, his recipes always used “proportions of choice,” leading to (usually) tasty experiments. A kind, quiet man with a wry sense of humor and an infectious belly laugh, Chris was courageous in the face of many challenges. He enjoyed playing games like Go, chess, bridge and poker. As a manager of a convenience store, he found purpose in helping the people from all walks of life. He loved being adventurous and seeing places he’d never been. He is survived by his husband, Cody Oshkide, daughter, Jade Barnes, mother, Margaret Mansfield, sister, Kathie Barnes, and a loving extended family. His father Kim Barnes predeceased him. His memory lives in his acts of kindness, his work with restorative justice, and in our hearts. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Center on Colfax, https://lgbtq colorado.org, or The Coalition for Colorado, https://www.colorado coalition.org. To leave condolences for Christopher’s family, www.lighthousefamilylfm.com

MFS Community

Grace Kennedy Blackburn
former faculty and staff member; mother of Richard A. Garcia-Kennedy ‘73, Jean Kennedy ’74, and Tom Kennedy ’76

Alan Bobbe
husband of former faculty member Frances Kraft Bobbe ’45 and father of Francie Bobbe Pearce ’71

Alan Llewellyn Bobbe, 97, died on Monday, January 16, at Riverside Regional Hospital. He was born on a farm in Albion Township, North Dakota, on July 11, 1925. Though he went to live with relatives in Wisconsin at age 16, his home state left an indelible mark. He recorded a patchwork of these early memories in his book “Crazy Quilt”, as well as in a memoir “Born On The Prairie and Thereafter.”

In 1943, Alan graduated from Sheboygan High School, and enlisted in the Navy. After training at Purdue University and Oberlin College, he served as a radarman aboard the U.S.S. Chenango (CVE-28) in the Asian Pacific. The ship was among those that retrieved prisoners of war from Nagasaki after V-J Day.

Alan returned to Oberlin, where he earned a B.A. in political science. It was there that he met his future wife, Fran Kraft. They married in 1951, and raised their family in Moorestown, NJ. He served on the finance committee of Moorestown Methodist Church, and was a past president of the Moorestown Free Library Association. During family vacations in Barnegat Light, NJ, he discovered a love of sailing. He enjoyed competing in races, first with a sunfish and then a celebrity.

Alan made a career in advertising. He was a media executive for Aitkin-Kynett in Philadelphia. He then became a senior vice president at Montgomery & Associates in King of Prussia. His commute shortened in his last position as Marketing Director for Virtua Mount Holly Hospital, NJ.

After retiring, Alan moved to Newport News. He joined Trinity Lutheran Church, where he served as a Stephen Minister. He was a docent at the Mariners’ Museum and a member of the Bronze Door Society. He continued to travel before moving to Warwick Forest. He was always an avid reader. But when this became more challenging, he took up needlepoint, stitching both kit and original designs.

He was preceded in death by his parents Albert Edward Bobbe and Isla Hazel Bobbe Simmons, stepfather Carl Simmons, his brother Norman Leroy Bobbe, and his wife Frances Kraft Bobbe.

He is survived by his daughter Francie Bobbe Pearce (Al) of Newport News, and sons David Bobbe (Cindy) of Bryant Pond, ME, and Peter Bobbe, (Dee) of Burnsville, NC. He leaves five grandchildren Annie Pearce, Erik Bobbe (Julie), Victoria Bobbe Weymouth (Tim), Mark Bobbe (Katie), Chris Bobbe (Richard), and Sarah Bobbe. He has three great-grandchildren Miles Bobbe, Owen Bobbe, and Sylvia Weymouth. Mark took the wonderful photograph of him used here.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to send a memorial, please consider the Frances Kraft Bobbe ’41 Fund (Moorestown Friends School), The Seamen’s Church Institute of Philadelphia and South Jersey, The Stephen Ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church, and the Mariners’ Museum.

Julia Dunn
mother of Betsy Dunn Ross ‘72, Gerritt Dunn ‘74, David Dunn ‘76, and Jonathan Dunn ‘82

Julia (Judy) P. Dunn passed away in Vero Beach, FL on Dec 23, 2022. Judy was born in Philadelphia, PA, on September 3, 1931, and attended Springside School, graduating in 1949. She was an exceptional athlete, earning 9 Varsity letters in three sports. Thereafter, she worked in a secretarial pool and attended Hahnemann Hospital School of Nursing in Philadelphia, before marrying John Struthers Dunn, Jr. in 1953. She returned to Hahnemann as the kids grew, and finished her RN degree in 1978. Over their 58-year marriage, Judy and Struthers lived in Philadelphia, PA, and in Haddon Heights, Haddonfield and Moorestown, NJ before moving to Vero Beach, FL. They spent summers in Strathmere, NJ. After Struthers retired in 1985, they traveled the world, and spent the coldest months in Rincon, Puerto Rico. Strathmere, though, was Judy’s Happy Place. For many years, she spearheaded the annual July Fourth Parade, and she was an enthusiastic, loyal founding member of the locally infamous Roundbottoms. When Judy and Struthers relocated to The Racquet Club in Vero Beach in 1997, she played tennis for years and coordinated many lively social events. They both were deeply involved in music ministry at Community Church of Vero Beach for many years, where both played Hand Bells, and Judy sang in Choir. Struthers died in 2011, and in 2016, Judy moved to Indian River Estates. She is survived by her five adult children, 6 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life is planned for 11am on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 in the Chapel at Community Church of Vero Beach (1901 23rd St. Vero Beach, FL 32960). An additional memorial service will take place in Strathmere, NJ in September, 2023. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Community Church of Vero Beach (address above), noting Judy Dunn Music Ministry on the memo line; or to your favorite charity.

Paul Fischer
father of Molly Fischer ‘15

Paul F. Fischer, age 68, of Moorestown, passed away on March 8, 2023.

Paul was born on November 17, 1954 to the late Clare and Frederick Fischer in Philadelphia, PA. He loved spending time with his family and friends. In his free time, he enjoyed trains and Star Trek. He will be missed deeply by his loved ones.

Paul is survived by his wife Jessica (nee Roberts); his children, Molly, Mackenzie and Justin; siblings, Greg Fischer, Nancy Howe and Mark Fischer; mother and father in-law, Irmgard and Ernest Roberts.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Paul’s name to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

George Fisher
father of George Fisher ‘69, Miriam Fisher ‘70, Margaret Fisher ‘75, and Stuart Fisher ‘78

Dr. George Ross Fisher of Philadelphia died on March 9, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in 1925 in Erie, Pennsylvania, to two teachers, George and Margaret Fisher, he grew up in Pittsburgh, later attending The Lawrenceville School and Yale University (graduating early because of the war). He was very proud of the fact that he was the only person who ever graduated from Yale with a Bachelor of Science in English Literature. He attended Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons where he met the love of his life, fellow medical student, and future renowned Philadelphia radiologist Mary Stuart Blakely.  While dating, they entertained themselves by dressing up in evening attire and crashing fancy Manhattan weddings. They married in 1950 and were each others’ true loves, mutual admirers, and life partners until Mary Stuart passed away in 2006.  A Columbia faculty member wrote of him, “This young man’s personality is way off the beaten track, and cannot be evaluated by the customary methods.”

After training at the Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia where he was Chief Resident in Medicine, and spending a year at the NIH, he opened a practice in Endocrinology on Spruce Street where he practiced for fifty years. He also consulted regularly for the employees of Strawbridge and Clothier as well as the Hospital for the Mentally Retarded at Stockley, Delaware. He was beloved by his patients, his guiding philosophy being the adage, “Listen to your patient – he’s telling you his diagnosis.” His patients also told him their stories which gave him an education in all things Philadelphia, the city he passionately loved and which he went on to chronicle in his online blog, Philadelphia Reflections. Many of these blogs were adapted into a history-oriented tour book, Philadelphia Revelations: Twenty Tours of the Delaware Valley.

He was a true Renaissance Man, interested in everything and everyone, remembering everything he read or heard in complete detail, and endowed with a penetrating intellect which cut to the heart of whatever was being discussed, whether it be medicine, history, literature, economics, investments, politics, science or even lawn care for his home in Haddonfield, NJ where he and his wife raised their four children.  He was an “early adopter.” Memories of his children from the 1960s include being taken to visit his colleagues working on the UNIVAC computer at Penn; the air-mail version of the London Economist on the dining room table; and his work on developing a proprietary medical office software using Fortran. His dedication to patients and to his profession extended to his many years representing Pennsylvania to the American Medical Association.

After retiring from his practice in 2003, he started his pioneering “just-in-time” Ross & Perry publishing company, which printed more than 300 new and reprint titles, ranging from  Flight Manual for the SR-71 Blackbird Spy Plane (his best seller!) to Terse Verse, a collection of a hundred mostly humorous haikus. He authored four books. In 2013 at age 88, he ran as a Republican for New Jersey Assemblyman for the 6th district (he lost).

A gregarious extrovert, he loved meeting his fellow Philadelphians well into his nineties at the Shakespeare Society, the Global Interdependence Center, the College of Physicians, the Right Angle Club, the Union League, the Haddonfield 65 Club, and the Franklin Inn. He faithfully attended Quaker Meeting in Haddonfield NJ for over 60 years. Later in life he was fortunate to be joined in his life, travels, and adventures by his dear friend Dr. Janice Gordon.

He passed away peacefully, held in the Light and surrounded by his family as they sang to him and read aloud the love letters that he and his wife penned throughout their courtship. In addition to his children – George, Miriam, Margaret, and Stuart – he leaves his three children-in-law, eight grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and his younger brother, John.

Andrew Hauty
husband of MS/US French Teacher Jobi Dan’Sy and father of Lia ’33, Beckett ’36, and Quinn ’36 Hauty-Dan’Sy

Andrew F. Hauty, 68, of Marlboro and Medford, NJ, died on January 6 after a series of medical complications that led to respiratory failure. At the time of his death, he was surrounded by his family.

Andy was best known for his fun-loving and plucky spirit. He was spontaneous, joyful, and always up for a game, idea, action or shenanigan. He had a gift for helping those around him feel appreciated, valued, and uplifted. He had a rollicking, contagious laugh, which he deployed many times a day, in all contexts.

Born in San Antonio, TX, on January 30, 1954, Andy spent most of his youth in Newark, DE, and attended the University of Delaware where he studied criminal justice. After graduating, he worked for the Criminal Justice Council in Wilmington, DE, where he focused on special programming alternatives to incarceration. In 1989 he moved to New England and earned his MS in Education from Antioch New England Graduate School.

He went on to become a career educator, teaching at Townshend Elementary School, The Center School in Greenfield, MA, and Windham Southwest Supervisory Union, where he served as director of Wings Community After-School Programs as well as coordinator for the Deerfield Valley Community Partnership to prevent drug and alcohol abuse.

Andy’s boundless energy, imagination, and creativity were especially evident when it came to producing his one-of-a-kind youth theater productions. These extravaganzas were executed against many odds via extraordinary vision, hard work, and can-do attitude: Rewrite lyrics to popular songs? Sure! Write in 12 more parts? OK! Add a few new dance numbers to highlight certain cast members? Check! Outrageous costumes? Of course! Circus acts? Why not!

No idea was too daunting for these immersive, innovative productions which were fueled by Andy’s faith in the young performers and the community that surrounded them.

Andy also spent joyous time in the care and keeping of his vast lavender gardens and off-the-grid house, which he built and adored in Marlboro. A natural athlete, Andy ran cross-country and spent a year with the national team for modern pentathlon. He was an avid swimmer from a very young age and swam regularly all of his life, no matter where he lived, including a memorably chilly and gutsy swim to Alcatraz Island.

Andy loved action, especially in nature.  He and his wife Jobi shared a passion for rock climbing and most especially loved the Shawangunks of New York and Red Rocks of Nevada. He loved bike touring, hiking, and camping. He, Jobi, and his children Lizz and Lucia enjoyed wilderness canoe adventures in Maine, the Canada Maritimes, and Algonquin Provincial Park.

Andy spent most of his free time dreaming about his next travel adventure. He and Jobi lived abroad in Panajachel, Guatemala, for several years where they taught school and eventually founded Panajachel Colegio Internacional. Recently Andy, Jobi, and their children Lia, Beckett, and Quinn lived for two years in Bordeaux, France where they enjoyed van camping trips around Europe. In 2021, they moved to New Jersey where Andy continued to have dance parties with his children, swim as often as possible, work in the garden, and make his family laugh their butts off.

Andy loved deeply and was loved in turn by his family and many friends. He is survived by his wife Jobi; five children, Lizz, Lucia, Lia, Beckett, and Quinn; grandchildren Hayden, Ariana, and Luca; siblings Mike, Kathy, and Chris; sister-in-law Rose; nieces Savannah and Heather; nephews George and Jackson; parents-in-law Peggy and Art; first wife Jodi; his good dog Sebastien; and his cat Dog. Andy was preceded in death by his parents George and Patricia, and father-in-law Herb.

A public celebration for Andy will be held Saturday, May 27, at 2 pm at Memorial Hall in Wilmington. Please come prepared to celebrate Andy with that magically wild spirit that he could bring out in all of us. How to do that? We suggest donning tutus, flashy sunglasses, colored wigs, Hawaiian shirts, and… well, just surprise us in true Andy fashion!

If you have a favorite picture or story to share, bring it along for our interactive scrapbook. Visit the memorial website at www.andyhautymemorial.com for more information. Cards and letters can be sent to PO Box 345, Marlboro, VT 05344.
Memorial contributions may be made for the care and education of Andy’s youngest children. Checks payable to “Hauty-Dansy Children Memorial Fund” can be mailed to PO Box 345, Marlboro, VT 05344. You can also donate through Venmo @Jobi-Dansy with the note “Andy’s Kids.”

Sandy Heath
Former faculty and staff member; father of Suellen Heath Riffkin ‘79, Jenny Heath ‘82, and Lisa Heath Dainton ‘85

Dudley Dutton Heath, known all his life as “Sandy” due to a full head of blond hair in his youth, died peacefully on Sunday, February 12th, 2023. Although not a school day, “Dr. Heath,” as his students called him, chose to leave this world right as the dismissal bell rang at 3:00pm.

Sandy was born in Pasadena, California on Halloween Day in 1934. For the next 88 Halloweens, he loved to dress up in costumes and famously handed out Heath candy bars to friends and neighbors including those in Swarthmore, PA, which he considered to be his hometown, before moving to Marinette, WI as a teen. A star athlete in track and field, football, and basketball in high school, Sandy next traveled to Hanover, NH for college. After graduating from Dartmouth with a degree in Sociology he and Susan Lee Redington, who he’d met on a blind date in Cape May, NJ, were married on September 14th, 1957. The first few years of what would become their 60-year long marriage were spent in many different neighborhoods. They lived in Baltimore, MD; Media, PA; Dallas, TX; and Pine Bluff, AR before moving to New Jersey in the early 1970s. During those years, Sandy earned his Master’s degree in History from Temple and his Doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Pennsylvania. Much more importantly, “Susandy” also celebrated the births of their three daughters (Suellen Riffkin, Jenny Heath, and Lisa Dainton) during this time period.

Before moving to Medford Leas in 2006, Sandy and Sue made their home in Moorestown, NJ for over 30 years. As a teacher, administrator, and track coach at Moorestown Friends School,

Sandy was most proud of creating and implementing innovative programs like City Project and Intensive Learning which got students out of the classroom to explore Philadelphia and many other environments. Also committed to the broader community, Sandy served in many roles including being elected to the Moorestown Public School Board in 1978, clerking a number of Moorestown Monthly Meeting (Quaker) Committees, and serving on the board of Camp Dark Waters in Medford. He and Sue belonged to two book clubs, travelled regularly in retirement, and helped to organize groups and activities during their many happy years at Medford Leas.

Sandy will be greatly missed by his sister Barbara Morrison and his sisters-in-law Harriet Heath, Dell Redington, and Ellie Redington as well as his brother-in-law, Jim Redington. Papa / Uncle Sandy will forever be remembered by his seven grandchildren (Rebecca and Sophie Riffkin; Cole and Andy Pollard; and Sam, Zach, and Luke Dainton) and his many nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces/nephews for his ability and willingness to organize fun events and activities including miniature golfing, orienteering, building sand castles, and playing cards and board games.

Dad will be both remembered and missed by his three girls for his love of making to-do lists and plans, whether simply for the next hour or for more detailed and extravagant trips and parties; for making speeches (complete with props and other visual aids!) at family meetings; for setting a cheerful example of thoughtful integrity; and most of all for the steadfast care

and support he gave to our mom and to us throughout our lives. Enjoy your final bike ride home, Dad!

Gail Hohweiler
mother of Joan Hohweiler Herzog ’86

Gail Cresci Hohweiler, age 84, passed away early in the morning of April 4, 2023, in Baltimore, MD after a lengthy illness.

Gail was born in Vineland, NJ to the late Joseph and Mildred Cresci. She was a graduate of Vineland High School and Rosemont (PA) College. Following the sudden death of her husband, George Hohweiler in 1992, she decided to go do all the things she hadn’t had a chance to do while being a superb wife and mother. This included moving to Boston and then Florence, Italy where she ran a successful wine tour operation for over a decade. When that became tiresome, she returned to the United States and her beloved Jersey Shore, continued to travel (checking every box on her list except Cuba), and even had time to organize and host Stowe, Vermont’s first wine and food festival. While impressively independent and always on the move, she always had time for her children, relatives, and four grandchildren should they need it.

Gail is survived by her brother, Joseph Cresci, her two children Joan (Hohweiler) Herzog and John Hohweiler, her grandchildren – Jackson, Alex and Tighe Herzog and Kathleen Hohweiler, and various nieces, cousins, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers or donations, Gail would want you to pour yourself a nice Tuscan red wine and book a trip somewhere nice.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.wbfuneralhome.com

Mary Cloud Hollingshead
wife of Wickliffe Hollingshead ‘56

Mary Cloud Hamilton Hollingshead, 83, passed away on February 5, 2023 in Clarksboro, N.J. with her beloved husband of 61 years, Wickliffe Hollingshead, at her side. She was the eldest daughter of the late Mary Cloud Bosworth and William Henry Hamilton of Denver, Colo. Her proudest accomplishment was her family, including her two sons Wickliffe Stewart Hollingshead, II (Janet) and William Keith Hollingshead (Eileen); five grandsons Austin Martin, Hunter Quinton, Nolan Peaslee, Ryan Martin, and Matthew Stewart Hollingshead; four step grandchildren Eric, Alyssa, Brian and Lauren Salera; and sister Adnée de Mobrey Hamilton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Virginia Bosworth Hamilton Ammons.

Mary Cloud was born and raised in Denver, Colo. and spent summers in Bourbon County, Ky. with her grandparents on their 9-generation family-owned farm. She lived in Norfolk, Va. while Wick served in the Navy before moving to Southern New Jersey.

She graduated from Graland Country Day School, East High School, and Mary Baldwin College where she met her future husband on a blind date. Her Graland teachers instilled in her a deep and lasting curiosity of history, and her biology studies in college stimulated an interest in genetics. This educational foundation led to a life-long fascination of historic preservation and family genealogy. Her roots trace back to some of the Founding Families of America. She loved her rural setting on the first road in America with views that reminded her of Kentucky, and she delighted in learning about the historical significance of the Delaware Valley.

Mary Cloud loved people and parties, and she sparkled at social occasions. She was among the first class of debutants at the Denver Symphony Ball, and she continued to dance miles across the globe with Wick throughout their marriage. She was kind and generous to her many friends, had an adventurous spirit, and enjoyed traveling. She and Wick planned grandparent trips with each grandson to share the wonders of the real West she knew and always loved.

Mary Cloud was active in numerous charitable organizations and was a hard-working committee member. She served as past President of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the State of New Jersey, Colonial Daughters of the 17^th Century, and President of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. She also belonged to the Junior League of Philadelphia and Garden Club; National Society Daughters of 1812; Welcome Society of Pennsylvania, Descendants of Founders of New Jersey; Society of Daughters of Holland Dames; Swedish Colonial Society; and Daughters of the American Revolution.

Patti Dee Hopton
former School Committee member; mother of Ted Hopton ’80

Patti Jane Dee Hopton, age 84, died on 9/28/2022, in Medford, NJ. An excellent student, Patti was valedictorian at South Bend Central High School (1956), graduated from Wellesley College (1960, Biblical Studies), and took graduate courses in Library Science. In 1960 she married Lester Hopton and had two children: Ted (1961) and Jeremiah (1964).

Her spiritual journey was central to her life and it inspired her to work actively for housing and marriage equality. She had eclectic skills and recreational interests, including sewing, raku pottery, children’s literature, Gregorian Chants, collecting teddy bears, doing jigsaw and crossword puzzles, and spending summer vacations in New England. She adored the work of Maurice Sendak, loved pandas, and doted on her cat, Jethro.

Predeceased by her parents, Tommy and Betty Dee, she is survived by her two sons, Ted Hopton and Jeremiah Gold-Hopton; her daughter-in-law, Karen Gold; two granddaughters, Brooke Brighty and Kelsey Hopton; two grandsons, Daniel and Joseph Gold-Hopton; one granddaughter-in-law, Shanti Ballard-Downs; and her former husband, Lester Hopton, and his partner Lynn Conant..

She had a natural burial at Friends Southwestern Burial Ground on 10/7/2022 with a family graveside service, and there will be a Quaker memorial meeting for worship for her at 1PM on June 24, 2023, at Medford Leas in Medford, New Jersey to remember her and celebrate her life: all are welcome. Gifts may be made in her honor to Heifer International at heifer.org.

Harriet Levy
mother of the late George Brooks ’69

Ellen Nutt
mother of Danielle Nutt ’07

Ellen Carol Nutt of Delran, who grew up in Beverly and Burlington, passed away peacefully on December 3rd after battling colon cancer. She was 71.

Ellen was born in Mt. Holly, NJ to the late Albert and Anna Buser, the youngest of her five siblings, Albert “Boots” Buser, Don Buser, Barbara Gilbert, Gary Buser, and Wayne Buser.

Before opening Bills Bargains furniture store in Mt. Holly with her husband Bill nearly 50 years ago, Ellen worked a variety of jobs including at The Herald newspaper and Grant’s department store.

She enjoyed cooking and eating delicious food, visiting the NJ Shore, reading, and doing word search puzzles. Ellen loved animals and nearly all of her pets over the years were rescued, including her current beloved pets, dogs, Riley and Rita, cat Mable “Kitty”, and rabbit, Benjamin Bunny. Ellen had a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious laugh that family and friends will never forget.

Ellen is survived by her loving husband, Bill, devoted daughters, Jamie and Danielle, grandchildren, Ethan and Lilly, siblings, Barbara Gilbert and Don Buser, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A viewing for Ellen will be held on Friday, December 9th from 10:00am to 12:00pm, followed by a funeral service at 12:00pm, all at Weber Funeral Home, 112 Broad St., Riverton, NJ 08077.  Interment will follow at Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation in Ellen’s name to either the PSPCA at www.pspca.org or the Moorestown Christadelphian Ecclesia, of which Ellen was a long-time devoted member.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.weberfuneralhomeinc.com

Franklin Phillips II
father of Franklin Phillips III ’79, Robert Phillips ’80, and Mary Phillips Hunt ’84

Franklin Phillips II “Frank”, 92, of Jobstown, NJ, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 2, at Samaritan Hospice, Mount Holly, with his family by his side.

Frank was born September 9, 1930, In Philadelphia, PA. The son of the late Frederick Morris Phillips and Annabelle Hutchinson Phillips, he was raised on the family farm in Jobstown, NJ. He attended the William Penn Charter School in Philadelphia, and later, Princeton University, graduating in 1953. While at Princeton, he played the trumpet in the University band, was manager of the Swim team, a member of Terrace Club, and a member of the ROTC. After graduation, he served as a Lieutenant in the Army Infantry, stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. There he attained the skill designation of Marksman and competed at the National Matches at Camp Perry, OH.

In the summer of 1958, Frank would meet his wife, the late Mary Cheston Stokes Phillips “Mimi”, on a blind date, and they were married May 2, 1959, in Philadelphia. They raised three children: Franklin Phillips III, Robert Stokes Phillips, and Mary Cameron Phillips Hunt (Jeffrey) in Moorestown, NJ.

Frank worked as a Mechanical Engineer, but also spent time as a substitute Science Teacher at Moorestown Friends School. Involved in the community, Frank coached baseball two seasons with Moorestown Youth Baseball, served as assistant Scout Master for BSA Troop 40, and volunteered with the Girl Scouts. He was a former member of Trinity Church, Moorestown, NJ, where he sang in the church choir, was a member of the Stewardship committee, and served on the church vestry.

In the Summer of 1973, Mimi and Frank had a roadside farmstand, which would later become Mr McGregor’s Garden Farm Market & Deli. Frank designed the Dutch-Colonial style building himself, and the slab was poured in the Spring of 1978. In as much as it was a place of business, it also became a place where community friendships were formed. Many locals would often stop in just to have a friendly chat or pick up some sandwiches on the way to the beach or the air show. Frank especially enjoyed the hayrides for local children, where they could pick their own pumpkin to take home and decorate. One year when the pumpkin crop was compromised by excessive rain, Frank purchased a wagonload of pumpkins and randomly scattered them in the field. “We can’t disappoint the kids”.

Frank and Mimi attended St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Mt. Holly, and cherished the fellowship fostered by being part of that community. They loved spending time with family and friends at their beach house on Long Beach Island in Holgate, NJ, enjoyed traveling, and attending the many parties and reunions at Princeton.

He is survived by his children, son-in-law Jeffrey, Granddaughter Haley Hunt, sister Lydia P, Sudler, brother-in-law Walter Stokes (Alicia), sister-in law Alice B. Garman, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, wife, and brother Frederick Morris Phillips Jr.

Frank Tummarello
father of Peter Tummarello ’22

Frank John Tummarello Sr. (lovingly known as Killer, Dad, and Pop), 73, of Margate and Voorhees NJ, passed away to be with his Lord and Savior on December 28, 2022. Since the time he was born, Frank courageously battled many diseases such as Polio, Amyloidosis (which eventually led him to receive a heart transplant in 2016) and Cancer. Through his strength and determination, he continued to beat the odds year after year for his family and friends. Frank was a graduate of Holy Spirit High School and Mount Saint Mary’s University. He went on to teach at Holy Spirit High School where he also coached basketball. Frank was a successful businessman starting his first company at the young age of 13. His passion for food and sales is what drove him to have a successful career in the food and beverage industry for 60+ years. Frank loved the beach, playing golf and cards, but his true passion was his family. He was happiest when cooking large Italian meals for his family and friends. Frank was a devoted father, husband and loyal friend. Anyone who knew Frank was touched by his generosity, loyalty and kindness. Frank is predeceased by his beloved parents, Josephine and Peter Tummarello as well as his sister Mary Jo Tummarello. Frank is survived by his loving wife Kirsten Tummarello (Hollar) and devoted father to Kara Barilotti (James Barilotti), Lauren Tummarello (Gregory Chiarulli), Frank Tummarello Jr. (Kelly Mackley), and Peter Tummarello. Frank was known as “Pop” to his grandchildren Stella Barilotti, James Barilotti and Gregory Chiarulli Jr.. Frank is also survived by his sister Victoria Rich, brother in-law Frank Rich, many cousins, nephews, nieces and former wife Kathleen Sharp. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Gift of Life Donor Program https://www.donors1.org/. The family wishes to thank all of the doctors and nurses at Temple and Jefferson Hospitals who devotedly cared for Frank throughout the years.

Wayne Watts
husband of Tracey Marley Watts ‘80

Davida “Davie” Weiner
former faculty member; mother of Beth Weiner Barrow ’87 and Josh Weiner ’92

Davida Lewis Rutman Weiner, known to everyone as Davie, was born on March 4th,1944 in Philadelphia, PA to Albert and Dorothy Rutman. An only child, she attended Girls’ High in Philadelphia and went on to earn her Bachelors in Music as a flutist from the Oberlin Conservatory. She began her first career in 1975, when she came into her daughter’s kindergarten class at Moorestown Friends School and taught the students how to play the melody flute. Over the next 25 years, she created the instrumental music program at MFS, giving individual lessons to countless kids on every type of woodwind, brass, and percussion instrument (except the saxophone) and led the school’s ensemble program. Davie moved permanently to Harvey Cedars on Long Beach Island in 1993 with her golden retrievers in tow. She started her own business as a pet sitter; through Bone Voyage, she developed a loyal base of customers and friends, of both the two- and four-legged variety. She also continued playing her flute for weddings and other ceremonies. For the past twenty years, she has been a part of the St. Francis of Assisi Music Ministry and a beloved member of the community.

Davie is survived by her loving family: Beth, Chuck, and Ali Barrow of Alexandria, VA and Josh and Kelly Weiner of Crownsville, MD.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either the St. Francis Music Ministry or the Home For Good Dog Rescue. http://homeforgooddogs.org.
Make sure your donations are made using turquoise pen, with a Tito’s in your hand, Law and Order on the television, and plenty of dogs by your side.

Thomas Whitesell
husband of former School Committee member Debbie Whitesell; father of former faculty member Tracey Whitesell ’86

Thomas Ray Whitesell passed away peacefully, in his home surrounded by loved ones on January 25, 2023. He was born June 15, 1941 in Kingston, Pennsylvania. Son to James P. and F. Louise Whitesell (both deceased), he is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Deborah King Whitesell, and his children Evan Whitesell Heitzman (Thomas), Tracey Elizabeth Whitesell (Terrance) and James King Whitesell (Anna). He loved his six grandchildren, Thomas, Christopher, Elizabeth, Michael, Clayton and Rory. He is also survived by his sister, Susan Hillman (David).

Tom led a full and adventurous life. As a child, he lived for seven years with his family in Caracas, Venezuela where his father and grandfather led contracted efforts to build oil company housing and infrastructure. Upon completion of this project, the family moved back to the United States and settled in Palmyra, NJ. The Riverton elementary school is where Tom met the love of his life, Deborah, and many life-long friends.

The foundations for Whitesell Construction were laid out in the early 1950’s which saw 12-year old Tom learning to build houses alongside his father and grandfather in Cinnaminson, NJ, many of which were around the Riverton Country Club. The business was a family affair operating out of the Whitesell household, which included his mother who oversaw company bookkeeping and administration. As a young man, Tom worked on the projects when not in school, splitting the time between his father’s construction business and a joy in his life which was playing football.

Tom looked fondly upon his memories of playing football at Palmyra High School, Valley Forge Military Academy, and Temple University. His talent on the field landed him a football scholarship to Temple University where he played for the Owls for two years before heeding the call to return home to help run the family business full-time. When Tom was 23, he subsequently bought his father out of the construction business and started Whitesell Construction Co., Inc.

Tom initially operated the business as a residential and commercial contractor developing and selling properties in Burlington County; however, within several years, he discontinued residential construction and focused instead on building commercial and industrial facilities. Tom developed master-planned business parks to appeal to the business community and local municipalities. Award-winning projects would eventually take place in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester Counties, King of Prussia, and Bucks County. During its prime development days in the mid-1980’s, Whitesell’s staff grew to exceed over 550 personnel, performing all phases of development and management. All told, the company eventually developed over 250 commercial buildings and 20 million square feet of office, industrial, and retail properties throughout the Delaware Valley, including ten corporate campuses in southern New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania over the past six decades. Today the Whitesell organization remains the largest privately owned commercial real estate firm in southern New Jersey.

Tom loved his employees and considered them family. It was this culture that became ingrained into the business and was one of the pillars in its success. His care also extended deeply into the community where Tom served on a number of business, civic, and charitable boards over his lifetime including Cooper Hospital, the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey, Oaks Integrated Care, Burlington County College, Burlington County Council of Boy Scouts of America, and Burlington County Bank.

Tom and his wife Debbie were avid travelers. They enjoyed adventurous vacations throughout North and South America, Antarctica, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Caribbean. Tom also loved flying, time on his boats, and was always eager to include friends and family wherever he went.

Tom and Debbie spent over 20 years living in Palm Beach, Florida before they moved to North Palm Beach. Many beautiful family memories include fishing, boating and big family dinners, which were created in their idyllic home.

Along with his hard work ethic and drive, Tom was known for his remarkable creativity and vision. This vision extended into one of Tom’s greatest prides – his farm in Moorestown, NJ. There, he and Debbie spent many years breeding race horses and later providing facilities for the care and rehabilitation of retired race horses, as well as creating a beautiful nature refuge of trees, gardens and walking paths. At various times, Tom might also have been found donning his white apiary suit, tending to his beehives and harvesting honey.

While Tom was known for his business ventures and his various hobbies, he was also a generous philanthropist. His desire to help anybody in need was embedded into the fiber of who he was. He truly felt a passion and calling to help people. He could be found preparing his farm for large fundraisers or traveling to foreign countries to help build hospitals for children awaiting surgery. No cause was too small and no challenge too big – if a person was in crisis or need, he was always ready to lend a hand and help out. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Gifts in Tom’s memory may be made to Oakes Integrated Care, Urban Promise or Operation Smile.

1941

Roland “Bud” Pancoast Stratton, Jr. ‘41
brother of Elizabeth Stratton Moore ’45, husband of the late Jean Barclay Stratton

Stratton, Roland Pancoast Jr., M.D. Known as “Bud” to friends, peacefully passed away on July 21, 2022 at Medford Leas, just short of his 99th birthday. He was born at home at 121 East 2nd Street in Moorestown, NJ on July 27, 1923. Dr. Stratton earned his medical degree from Temple University in 1951 and established his Family Practice in Mount Holly, NJ in 1954. He was a member of the New Jersey Medical Society, the Burlington County Medical Society, the American Academy of Family Practice, Charter Fellow, and Board Certified in 1980. He was the Chief of the Department of Family Practice at Memorial Hospital of Burlington County. He cared for many, many people in Mount Holly and delivered most of their children. Dr. Stratton was one of the last doctors to do personal house calls to his patients’ homes. Dr. Stratton married Shirley Joan Friday in February 1950 and had 3 wonderful children, Heidi Sigrid Stratton, Roland Pancoast Stratton, III (Sandy), and Jock Kearney Stratton. After Shirley passed in 1969, he married Patricia (Stockton) Naughton, in 1971, who had 3 wonderful children of her own, Jane Ann (Naughton) Kovacs, John Joseph Naughton III (Jack), and Thomas Michael, Naughton (Tommy). After Patricia passed in 2002, he then married Jean (Luckhardt) Barclay Robbins on November 3, 2003, who had 4 wonderful children, Richard Barclay, Walter Barclay, Anne Barclay (Nan), and Allison (Barclay) Boyd. Jean passed away in August 2018. His grandchildren are Jennifer Stratton, Nathan Smith, Kristen Kovacs, Thomas Michael Naughton, Jr., Nicholas Sosa, and Robert Hutnick. His great-grandchildren are Vincent McCabe, Adrianna McCabe, A.J. Anderson (Anthony Jr.), Hayden Sosa, Nathan Smith, John Smith, and Baela Messmer. In his final years, Elizabeth Jane (B.J.) Tetlow was his constant companion. We are so grateful for her loving kindness and the enormous joy she gave to him.

1944

Richard Hollerith, Jr. ‘44
brother of the late Sara Hollerith Nietsch ‘40 and Lucia Hollerith Lefferts ‘43

Richard “Dick” Hollerith Jr., born October 4, 1926, in Philadelphia, grew up in Riverton, New Jersey. He was the son of Mary Spencer and Richard Hollerith and grandson of the inventor Dr. Herman Hollerith.

He attended Moorestown Friends School, graduated from Lawrenceville School, and was in the Navy V-12 program attending Dartmouth College. He graduated with a BA in geology and naval science and received a commission as ensign USNR.

Following his 1947 graduation from Dartmouth, he went to the Philadelphia Museum School of Art, now called the University of the Arts, and graduated in 1951 as an Industrial Designer. Shortly afterward, he married Joan Moore of Haddonfield, NJ with whom he had five children: Nanci, Spenny, Richy, John, and Sue. Spenny died when he was only a year old.

Dick worked in New York with Raymond Spilman, a well-known Industrial Designer, then worked as Director of Design for 10 years at the Monroe Calculating Machine Company which became part of Litton Industries. This was followed by working for Henry Dreyfuss Associates, all the while becoming active in the professional Industrial Design Society.

After his time with Henry Dreyfuss, Dick went out on his own as an Industrial Design Consultant and during the following years, he was involved in a startup computer printer company, became a contributing editor to the Industrial Design Magazine, with a press pass, spent four years on the board of the International Council of the Societies of Industrial Design in Brussels, Belgium. For many years, he was involved with concern for individuals with disabilities as a member of the President’s Committee on Employment of the Handicapped. In 1976, Dick received the Bronze Apple Award for his commitment to Design for the Handicapped and was elected a fellow of the Industrial Designers Society of America.

All of this greatly expanded his horizons, which included trips to many European countries, as well as Japan, Mexico, Moscow, Iceland, and East Germany. During one of his trips to Germany, he met Rosemarie “Romy” Wittel whom he married in 1983.

Dick and Romy enjoyed and appreciated life, loved to travel, stayed active, and looked forward to the children’s families and their adventures. He worked to encourage accuracy about his grandfather’s history, helped to get his grandfather into the Inventors Hall of Fame, and received the recognition of Herman Hollerith on behalf of the family from the Census Bureau in Washington D.C. He has owned his grandfather’s farm in Mathews, VA since 2000. In 2008, Richard and Romy moved to WindsorMeade in Williamsburg, VA.

He is survived by his wife, Romy; his two sons, Rich and John; his two daughters, Nanci and Susan; ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Should you wish, please make your contribution to the Charity of your choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.

1945

Mary Atkinson Hutto ‘45
sister of the late Edward H. Atkinson ’39

Mrs. Mary Atkinson Hutto, 93, a resident of Accomac from 2003 to 2017, passed away on April 27, 2021, following a battle with cancer. She is survived by three daughters, Rebecca Hutto (David Gottlieb), of Yardley, Pa., Virginia Christine Bruening (Kevin), of Huntsville, Ala., and Carol Vincent (Gordo), of Onley. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Leo Gottlieb, Matthew Bruening, Megan Bruening Wallace (Adam), Joseph Vincent, and Elizabeth Vincent; and three great-grandchildren, Seth, Jared, and Caleb Wallace. She was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Edgar Hutton Jr. (1923-2018); and her three older brothers.

Mary was born in Camden, N.J., on Sept. 13, 1927, the daughter of Francis Whitmer Atkinson and Elsie Haviland Atkinson. She graduated from Moorestown Friends School and attended Swarthmore College. She met her husband on a blind date while she was working as a bookkeeper and he was a new engineer at RCA. They married on July 9, 1949, and lived in Merchantville and then Cherry Hill, N.J.

Mary was a busy mother and volunteer while her girls were young. She served as PTA president and “Cookie Mother” for their Brownie troop. She was a talented home seamstress, making matching Easter dresses for her girls for many years. She even sewed her daughter Chris’s wedding gown, the bridesmaids’ dresses for Carol’s wedding, and all her girls’ high school prom dresses. Mary remained close to all three of her daughters throughout her life.

Though she was raised as a Quaker, after her marriage Mary became an active member of Collingswood (N.J.) Baptist Church. She was a deaconess, Vacation Bible School teacher, and chaperone for youth groups. In 1974, she became a teacher at the church’s Christian Day Nursery School and was soon asked to serve as its director. She greatly enjoyed this job and happily returned to college to take the required early childhood education courses. Throughout her life, Mary was a faithful Christian – active in churches wherever she lived.

In 1984, Ed retired from RCA and the couple moved to South Carolina. They remodeled Ed’s mother’s house in St. George and became very involved in the community. They traveled to Europe and Canada several times, but their biggest trip was a journey to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. Mary and Ed enjoyed “Elderhostels,” combining travel with learning opportunities. In 2007, Mary’s daughters took her to Rome for Easter as an 80th birthday present. While at home, she loved reading, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and knitting.

In her final years, Mary returned to her roots in a way. In late 2017, she settled into a Friends (Quaker) retirement home in Newtown, Pa., where she enjoyed the companionship of her fellow residents and her two cats, Gracie and Marky. She passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of April 27, after spending the previous afternoon with her daughters.

1950

Roger Peter Bray ’50
brother of Barbara Bray Richey ‘52

Roger Peter Bray of Atlanta, GA, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2022, at the age of 90. He was born April 19, 1932, in Philadelphia, PA to William Gardner and Helen Hughes Bray. Roger’s father was an old-time newspaper man and the family moved around where the work was—San Diego to Long Island ultimately to Pemberton, NJ. With his younger sister Barbara, Roger spent his teenage years on the family’s blueberry farm in Pemberton. It was there living the farmer’s life that Roger developed his strong work ethic, sense of determination, and wry sense of humor. Roger attended the Moorestown Friends School in Philadelphia from which he graduated high school. He was a determined athlete with a love for baseball and soccer. He was a lefty pitcher on the Gettysburg College baseball team and on the soccer team. He was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, serving as its chapter president, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English. Roger’s passion for flying developed as a teenager when he learned to fly crop dusters and earned his pilot’s license. This motivated him to join the Air Force ROTC in college and enter the U.S. Air Force on graduation in 1954 as a Lieutenant. His basic training took him to Spence Field in Moultrie, GA where he met Faye Scott, a local girl who worked at the air base as an assistant to the head of the station. Roger was immediately smitten and after an extended courtship, they married in 1955 and began what would be a 54-year life together. Roger was assigned to flight school in El Paso, TX, was promoted to Captain, and spent two years there in base housing with Faye and their boxer Ginger until he was honorably discharged in 1957. Roger joined Aetna Life and Casualty in group insurance sales and, prior to moving briefly to Hartford, CT for training, their first son Roger Peter, Jr. was born in Moultrie in 1957. His job took them to South Bend, IN where their daughter Laura Susan was born in 1960. In 1961, the family moved to Atlanta, GA ultimately living in Sandy Springs. During this time, their third child John William was born in 1967. Roger’s career took the family to Huntsville, AL then Albany, GA where they made many close friends and enjoyed an active social life. Roger was an enthusiastic member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church where he was an usher, taught Sunday school, and was both junior and senior warden of the vestry. The family moved back to Atlanta in 1977 and would remain until Roger retired in 2000. Faye’s love of the beach took them to Naples, FL where they lived until 2009 when they returned to Atlanta to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Unfortunately, Faye passed away unexpectedly soon after their return. Roger loved sports of all kinds, especially tennis. Among his Albany tennis pals, he was known as Boomer for his thunderous if notoriously inaccurate serve. He coached his kids in baseball and soccer. Roger was a man of the highest integrity, possessed a larger-than-life personality, and was well-loved by all who knew him. He was a warm, sensitive man with an incredible devotion to his wife and family. Joining Faye and many friends in Heaven for martinis and laughs gives us all great comfort and peace. Roger is survived by his children Peter (Louise), Laura Bray White (Bob), and John (Andrea); his grandchildren Sarah Hughes Bray (Taylor Boydstun), Scott Griffith Bray, John William Bray, Jr., and Anna McKenna Bray; his devoted sister Barbara Bray Richey; his step-grandson Robert Andrew White; and his best four-legged friend Buddy. Roger was predeceased by his wife Faye Scott Bray, and his parents William Gardner Bray and Helen Hughes Bray. The family would like to express our appreciation for the caregivers who made Roger’s last days the best they could be- Irish Thomas, the staff at Sunrise of Buckhead, and Inspire Hospice.

1952

Wayne Bancroft ‘52
brother of the late Jay G. Bancroft ’55

Marlton – On April 11, 2022; Age 87; of Marlton, NJ; Beloved husband of Susan Martusus; Devoted father of John Bancroft (Michele) of Moorestown, Judy Fornier (Greg) of Mt. Laurel, Joan Lombardi-Duckett (Steve) of DE, Wayne Bancroft (Gena) of Raleigh, NC and the Late Jennifer Ramos Salvito (Tom); Dear Step-father of Michael Martusus, Jonathan Martusus, and the late David Martusus. Cherished PopPop of 12 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

Formerly of Haddonfield, Wayne went to Moorestown Friends HS and was a 1956 graduate of Princeton, where he was captain of the Golf Team. He served his country as a U.S. Marine and after an honorable discharge, Wayne started his own business, Merit Cortage, a textile company in Moorestown, building it from the ground up. Wayne, an avid golfer, was a long-time member of Tavistock Country Club, winning many championships. In his leisure time, Wayne also enjoyed gardening. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

MFS Community

Jane Cleaver
former School Committee member, wife of the late Robert E. Cleaver ‘46, and mother of David Cleaver ‘72, Carol Cleaver Stoneback ‘73, Richard Cleaver ‘76, Steven Cleaver, and Cathy Cleaver

Jane Renee Titus Ackerson Cleaver, age 93, died Friday morning May 6th, 2022 at the Wiley Christian Retirement Community in Marlton, New Jersey. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. Cleaver, on April. 19, 2015. They were married for 62 years.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1929, she was the daughter of the late Alfred H. and Edna Pope Ackerson. Jane grew up in Forty Fort, PA, and was a graduate of the Wilkes-Barre Day School and Fairfax Hall of Waynesboro, VA.
Prior to her retirement, she worked for Sears Roebucks for over 20 years.

She was an active member of the Moorestown Monthly Meeting, working as the Meeting Secretary, Clerk of the Meeting, and in various other capacities over the years.

Surviving are her five children, David, New York, NY; Carol Stoneback (Wayne), Gainesville, VA; Richard (Deanna), Marlton, NJ; Steven, Richmond, IN; and Cathy Cleaver (David), Valencia, Spain. She was the proud grandmother to six grandchildren: Kristen Wheeler, Erica Cleaver, Ashley Santos (Geovanny), Thomas Corrao, Emily Cleaver, and Elizabeth Corrao, and great-grandmother to Ava and Kali Santos. She also had nine nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Marilyn Barker in 1986 and Barbara Mason in 2009.

Jane remained active her entire life. She loved music, especially country music, playing the piano, and doing a variety of arts and crafts. She practiced yoga before it was widely popular and participated in community theater, which is where she and her husband first met. In her later years, she particularly enjoyed painting and always looked forward to a friendly conversation.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Wiley Community Retirement Community for their compassionate care. Her family knew that she was not only well cared for but well loved.

Shirley Good
former Third Grade Teacher, mother of David E. Good ’69 and Alice B. Good ’74 

Shirley Good (nee Roberts) passed away peacefully on March 2, 2022. Born in Trenton, NJ to the late Joseph M. and Berendena S. (Hoekstra) Roberts, she was 95 years old.

Shirley was the beloved wife of the late William E. Good, who passed away in 2007; the loving mother of Alice B. Good of Riverton, NJ, and David E. Good of Naperville, IL; cherished grandmother of Andrew Good, Eleanor Good, Sean Cesaretti, and Ryan Cesaretti. She will be dearly missed by her family.

A private graveside committal service will be held on Friday, March 11th at 12:00 pm at Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson, NJ. A memorial service for friends and relatives will be held at Givnish of Cinnaminson, 1200 Route 130 N., on May 21, 2022, at 1:00 pm.

Shirley was a graduate of Earlham College and had a master’s degree in education from Rutgers University. In her youth, she was a medical technician. For most of her life she was a school teacher and in her later years went back to college and became a medical technologist. She taught 3rd grade at Moorestown Friends School for many years and also opened a preschool in Palmyra. She loved all facets of education, both giving and receiving.

She met her husband, William, in Riverton and they were married at Calvary Presbyterian Church. She had many diverse talents. Shirley sang soprano in the Covenant United Presbyterian church choir in Cinnaminson. She joyfully played the piano and organ. She was an expert in sewing- making clothes, doing needlepoint, and knitting. She was also an avid traveler and visited many parts of the world including Japan and Australia. One of her favorite trips was a bicycle tour of Holland, her mother’s homeland.

Kathy Johnson
wife of James C. Johnson ‘66

Kathy Johnson, wife of Jim Johnson, of Riverton, NJ passed away peacefully in her sleep on the evening of Saturday, May 28, 2022, of heart failure. She was 71 years old at the time of her passing.

She was well-known in her community. Among her family and friends, she was known to be a compassionate, nurturing person who had a love for people and animals alike. Kathy had an inquisitive nature which often found her trying out new things and experiences. She was a bold individual who always spoke her mind. Kathy was a creative, colorful person who enjoyed: cooking, baking, and quilting. She collected: cookbooks, Lenox, Wedgewood, and Longaberger baskets. She will surely be missed by her family and friends. Kathy’s family would like to thank Chelsa Robertson for her devotion and care of Kathy.

Kathy is survived by: her husband Jim, her stepson Glenn, her sister Eileen, her cousin Doris, her cousin Eugene, her sister-in-law Helen, as well as, nieces, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

Simon Liebman
father of Chase Liebman ‘29

Meghan Duffy Newman
former faculty member, wife of faculty member Drew Newman, and mother of Claudio and Mateo 

Meghan was a native of New Jersey, born in Our Lady of Lourdes hospital on July 5th, 1970. Each year, it seems, people all over America seem to know it’s her birthday, and they always helped her celebrate with parades and fireworks!

She grew up in Haddonfield, NJ, with her parents Terence and Kathleen Duffy, and siblings Molly and Brendan. Although a shy and introverted child, she had a gift for connecting with people and building life-long friendships. After graduating high school in 1988, Meghan headed to the College of the Holy Cross, where she earned a double major in English and Art History.

Graduate work in art history brought her to American University in Washington, DC where she loved working at the National Gallery of Art and the National Museum of American Art. A chance encounter helped her find work in the business side of art, arranging sales and exhibitions for life-sized realistic sculptures by Seward Johnson, Jr.

It was during this time that she met Drew, the man who was to be, in her words, the love of her life. They married in 1998 and soon afterward relocated to Philadelphia for a museum services start-up. The dot-com job fizzled out, but Meghan landed on her feet, getting into event planning and fundraising for the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts while it was literally a hole in the ground.

In 2001, she moved to Collingswood, NJ, taking on a “fixer-upper” house that she loved more than she ever thought she would. It was the home she warmed with dinners, her eclectic decor style, and parties with friends.

Having children proved elusive, but Meghan’s desire to be a mother was not to be deterred, and she was overjoyed to adopt her two sons from birth. Meghan shifted to independent grant writing so she could better balance her career with parenting, and found joy being at home with the boys while serving arts and education clients throughout the Philadelphia area.

An avid traveler, Meghan roamed from Arthur’s Seat to Kilauea, Hurricane Ridge to the Florida Keys, taking in culture or enjoying nature. Still, there was nowhere dearer to her than Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park. She visited there annually for over 40 years, sharing her favorite places with her husband and sons, returning home with a backpack full of “souvenir” rocks each time.

In early 2020, Meghan was diagnosed with ALS, which weakened her muscles but did not dim her light. She eagerly worked at using technology to allow her mobility and give her a voice. Even when largely housebound, she cheerfully greeted caregivers, enjoyed time with visiting old friends, and found ways to build friendships and connect with the Collingswood baseball community.

Meghan passed away peacefully on the morning of May 14th, 2022, at the age of 51 years. She is survived by Drew and her sons, Claudio and Mateo.

John A. Pollitt
father of Nicole A. Pollitt ‘09 and Toni L. Pollitt ‘12

Hannah Wilson
mother of Suzanne Wilson Lankenau ’68, James Wilson ’72 and Carol Wilson Walz, grandmother of Stephen Lankenau ‘95, Eileen Lankenau Noakes ‘98, Julie Walz Aspell ’04, and Hannah Wilson ’21

Hannah Broomell Wilson, 100, of Medford Leas NJ died peacefully at her home on May 28, 2022. Born in Philadelphia and raised in Germantown PA, Hannah attended Green Street and Germantown Friends Schools there, and the George School in Newtown PA. She graduated from Swarthmore College in 1944 with a major in Biology. She worked in biological labs at Woods Hole on Cape Cod, and the Wistar Institute in Philadelphia.

In June 1948 she married Robert E. Wilson (Bob), an electronics engineer who shared her love of nature and wilderness adventure. On their own, and then with their three children, they hiked and backpacked in the Rocky Mountains, Sierras, and the Appalachians. In summers they went wilderness canoeing with friends in the northern USA and Canada. In winter they canoed the Everglades and Okefenokee.

Hannah loved sports, especially field hockey, tennis, and in later years water volleyball. A team player, she played to win, earning her water volleyball nickname, ‘Hurricane Hannah’.

She was active in Moorestown and Quakertown Friends Meetings in New Jersey. Always curious, she was interested in people and how to nurture their talents. When her children were grown, she became an accomplished weaver and then took up pottery.

She is survived by her 3 children and their spouses, Suzanne Lankenau (Steve), Carol Walz (Jack), and Jim Wilson (Sally); by her 9 grandchildren Harold Lankenau (Andrea), Eileen Noakes (Doug), Jeffrey Lankenau (Lindsay), Julie Aspell (Nolan), Beverly Bongiorno (Chuck), Emily Wilson, David Wilson (Kaitlyn), Briana Defoe and Hannah Wilson, and by her 13 great-grandchildren Gabe, Skye, Doug, Tristan, Logan, Brody, Brielle, Jay, Vivienne, Annie, James, Benjamin, and Olivia.

In gratitude for their help in enabling her to die peacefully in her own home, the family suggests that those wishing to make a contribution in Hannah Wilson’s memory do so to Samaritan Hospice at Samaritan South Jersey Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box  71425, Philadelphia, PA 19176.

1949

Gordon Krusen ’49 attended Friends schools in New Jersey before being accepted into a Navy ROTC program at the University of Virginia. He graduated in 1953 with a commission and a degree in economics before setting off on the battleship Missouri for the summer. He and Sally were married in 1953 but, sadly, divorced when their two children were quite young. Having tasted the commuter life across the river to Philadelphia, he decided to pack up and go west to California. Gordy put his experience with boats to good use as a yacht salesman as well as participation in numerous well-known races. He gave up on yacht sales when one of his clients asked him to restore an antique yawl that was berthed in Sweden and needed extensive restoration. He took it on and with his first mate, Gerd Oberg, sailed the Mediterranean in summer and spent winters in Sweden. His daughter, Lisa was born in September of 1973.

When the same client bought an estate on Fishers Island off the coast of Connecticut he offered Gordy the opportunity to restore a land-based property rather than another yacht; Gordy jumped at the opportunity but Gerd did not want to leave Sweden so Lisa and Gerd stayed there, to be reunited with Gordy several years later.

Gordy kept his last illness pretty much to himself knowing the consequences of not taking recommended treatment, recognizing that the treatment would be debilitating, he opted to feel better for a shorter period of time rather than a longer life but feeling unwell. He was a man who made his own decisions.

After sharing his conviction that he had had a wonderful, interesting, and fulfilling life he said it was time to go. Like a cat, he had many lives, constantly curious he was unique in walking away from one life to another without looking back.

Gordon Malan Krusen died on June 2 at the healthcare center at Essex Meadows. He was being cared for by Hartford Healthcare’s hospice team. Gordy was born on June 25, 1931. He leaves his wife Susan Budlong Cole, his brother, Leslie C. Krusen Jr. “Pete” in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and his two daughters, Kathryn Krusen (her husband Randall Kostick) and their daughter Samantha of San Francisco and Lisa Oberg of Stockholm, Sweden and her two sons Marcelo and Lucas Oberg Leone. A son, David, predeceased him, as did his first wife, Sally Shipman Krusen. He also left two loving stepdaughters, (Susan’s daughters) Jen, with husband Ben Smith, and Katherine and husband Dennis Brake.

At the request of the deceased, there will be no services and no calling hours. Burial at the Eight Mile River cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in his name to either Compassion and Choices or the Lyme Land Trust.

Gordy died as he lived, as his own man. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

1955

Alfred T. Driscoll ‘55, 85, of Moorestown, NJ, passed away on November 26th, 2021 surrounded by his wife and four children.

Alfred T’s parents were former New Jersey Governor Alfred Eastlack Driscoll and Antoinette Ware Tatem Driscoll. He was born October 14th, 1936 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Haddonfield, NJ, graduated from Moorestown Friends School, and later University of Maine (Orono), where he majored in Engineering/Physics and minored in Electrical Engineering. In 1960, he joined the US Air Force. He served on numerous bases around the world, including in Thailand, Vietnam, Germany, Spain, and Alaska as an aircraft maintenance officer and finally squadron commander. One of his favorite assignments during his time in the Air Force involved accident investigation of aircraft bird strikes. He retired in 1982 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

After retiring from the Air Force, Alfred T. spent a portion of each year working with a birding tour group on Attu, a remote Aleutian island, and helped make it possible for the birders to stay in the very primitive facilities of the former military outpost. An avid birder with an impressive life list, he traveled extensively throughout North America in search of rare birds. He served as the president of the San Bernardino, CA Audubon Society, was active in the Fort Walton Beach, FL Area Audubon Society, and later, the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club. He participated in the annual hawk-banding in Cape May, NJ for many years, as well as other birding and conservation efforts. Although passionate about adding rare birds to his life list, the lifelong friends he made along the way were even more significant to him. He also enjoyed assisting his wife, Ann, and the Moorestown Garden Club, by building structures for the club’s entries in the Philadelphia Flower Show.

Though Alfred T’s career took him all over the world, he returned each summer to his family’s rustic summer retreat in central Maine. His childhood experiences and escapades at the lake in Maine, especially with his cousins, were larger than life and shaped his future decisions and paths. Always an innovative problem solver, he was passionate about maintaining and improving the buildings and grounds of “The Boulders” as well as teaching his children and grandchildren to do the same to ensure that it would be well cared for and enjoyed by generations to come. Long before solar power was common, Alfred T. invented his own “solar system” for the camp along with a “water works” (pumping, filtration, and plumbing system); he devoted countless hours to making the camp efficient and comfortable for all. Alfred T. and Ann hosted the many friends they had made throughout their years in the military and through their hobbies, and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the friends made locally, their immediate family, and generations of extended family, including his cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was also active as president of the lake’s community association for many years.

Alfred T. is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ann Theresa Hodum Driscoll, his brother, Peter Eastlack Driscoll, his brother-in-law, Charles Norman Hodum, and was predeceased by his sister, Patricia Ware Driscoll. He is also survived by his four children: Alfred Austin Driscoll, his wife Haley Coles Driscoll, and their sons Alfred Coles Driscoll and Robie McCammon Driscoll; Theresa Ann Driscoll Callahan, her husband Steven Xavier Callahan, and their children Savannah Driscoll Carole and Samuel Austin Martin, and Theresa’s stepson Christopher Howell Martin; Suzanne Maria Driscoll, her partner, H. Royer Smith, her children, Sophia Driscoll Gamber, Olivia Driscoll Gamber, and Elijah Driscoll Gamber, and their father David Edward Gamber; Amy Driscoll Weinberger, her husband Keating James Weinberger, their children: Nicole Marie Faries, her husband William Faries, and their son William (Liam) Faries; Jessica Antoinette Bourne, her husband Mark Jude Bourne Sr., and their children, Isalina Ann Bourne and Mark Jahmal Bourne Jr.; Thomas Peter Pilatsky II; Joshua Alexei Pilatsky; and Kyle Joon Weinberger.

1961

Walter C. Brod ’61

1963

Margaret A. (“Peggy”) Strickland Cunane ’63 passed away peacefully on October 27, 2021, at the age of 76, of Pennsauken, NJ.

Beloved daughter of the late Gerald & Dorothy Strickland (nee Willetts). Loving wife of 23 years to Charles L. Cunane of Pennsauken, NJ. Dear sister-in-law of William Cunane (Annabelle) of Greenboro, NC, Frank Cunane (Barbara) of Marlton, NJ, Elizabeth Cunane of Gloucester City, NJ, Marie Cunane (the late Pete) of Stratford, NJ, and the late George Cunane. Also survived by her dear relatives in Canada, several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, many loyal church friends and longtime close friends.

Peggy graduated from Moorestown Friends School and Drexel University. She grew up Bala Cynwyd and Pennsauken. Peggy worked for Camden County Consumer Affairs, listening to complaints, then worked for Sandone & Co. Florist as an Event Coordinator. She was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir. Peggy & Charlie married in 1998, then in 2001 she became confined to her bed.  For 20 years she networked through telephone and social media, organizing church events and making many “towel” wedding cakes for friends. She was truly an amazing person, always upbeat, never down, and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

2003

Rex Adam McWilliams ’03, known as JR to family, passed away suddenly on Nov. 18, 2021, at his home in Boynton Beach, Fl. Rex is survived by his parents, Carol Pate-McWilliams and Rex McWilliams, Sr., also of Boynton Beach, in addition to a sister Susan Rinaldi (Richard) of Tampa, and brothers Michael of Tampa and Carter (Fatima) and Brent (Donna) of Hainesport, NJ. He is also survived by five nieces and four nephews.

Rex was a member of the Moorestown Friends School, class of 2003, Moorestown, NJ, and a graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a BS degree in Health Administration. He lived in Moorestown until 2007 and always considered it his home with fond remembrances of classmates and friends from the Sunnybrook Makos and YMCA Hurricanes swim teams. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown and a participant in choir, youth, and mission programs there.

Rex was most recently employed in the recovery behavior field and had a vast network of colleagues and friends associated with recovery in South Florida. Rex’s hobbies were music, gaming, golf, and more recently Fantasy Football. Rex loved all animals, particularly his dogs Diesel and Luke.

MFS Community

Edwin F. Begg
former School Committee member

Edwin Francis Begg, after a long battle with congestive heart failure, passed away on February 24 at the age of 93, in his home in Moorestown where he lived with his wife Monique. Both his wife and his son, Daniel, were at his side.

The son of Sterling Begg and Eunice Rutherford, Edwin was born and raised in Wappingers Falls, NY. He attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

At the outbreak of the Korean War, he was drafted into the U.S Army, where he was sent to New Mexico to help design missile systems for the military. At the end of his service, he went on to attend Harvard Business School, from where he graduated with an M.B.A.

In 1956, he met the girl of his dreams and made a 750-mile round trip every other weekend to court the woman who became his wife. In April, they would have celebrated their 63rd year of marriage.
He has worked for Kodak, RCA, GE, and Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin). One of his proudest accomplishments was his involvement in the space program for RCA in collaboration with NASA, including nine unmanned missions to the moon.

He was a devoted husband and father, and always made time for his family.

He is survived by his brother, William Begg, and William’s wife Lunnet, many nieces and nephews, his wife Monique, his son Daniel, Daniel’s fiancée Brenda Cahall, and her large extended family, including four brothers and their families, two daughters and son-in-laws, and her five grandchildren.
He enjoyed classical music, photography, hiking, reading books about history and politics, and traveling. He was also an active member of the local community, and regularly attended township council meetings, and wrote letters to the editor of local publications.

He was looking forward to celebrating his 63rd wedding anniversary at The Victor Cafe in Philadelphia in April. His wife, son, and fiancée plan to go there to celebrate his memory.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to the RPI Scholarship fund.

Deborah M. Binder
former faculty member

Deborah Binder, age 66 years of Merchantville, formerly of East Lansdowne, PA was called to Redemption with the Lord on October 29, 2021, after a brief illness.

Beloved daughter of, Joan Binder (nee Molko) and the late John “Jack”.  Loving sister of Jack (Cindi), Bill (Sandy), Chris (Lisa), and Mark. Devoted aunt of 14 nieces and nephews and 15 great-nieces and nephews.

Deborah lived her life in service to the Lord and her fellow man.  For the last five years, she was the Assistant Director of the National Shrine of Saint John Neumann in Philadelphia. She shared her devotion to Saint John Neumann with thousands who participated in pilgrimages from all over the world. Debbie’s was a labor of love and she lived the example of Saint John Neumann in her dedication to the most abandoned, including the poor.

Debbie’s devotion to her faith called her previously to a dedication to service as the Assistant Director of the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia for ten years.  She touched the lives of many as she modeled the values of St. Rita of Cascia exemplifying both love of God and love of neighbor.

Deborah was an active member of her parish, Saint Peter in Merchantville NJ. She believed in the sanctity of all life and was dedicated to leading the Pro-Life ministry in her parish and beyond.  She embraced her faith through daily participation in Mass and prayerful reflection.  Debbie was a Lector and an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

Deborah grew up in East Lansdowne, Pa attending Saint Cyril’s elementary school, Archbishop Prendergast High School, and graduating from Temple University. She began her career and life of service as an art teacher and progressed to a Principal spending 27 years in this calling.  Debbie saw beauty in all of God’s creation and she received special joy from connecting children to art.

Debbie was also devoted to her family and was always there to support and share in the joys of celebrating life with her nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Holidays especially Christmas were a time of joy and laughter and provided Debbie with a special time to connect.

Deborah was always an engaged listener and connector. She was genuinely kind. She had a great sense of humor and laughed easily. She was a beloved friend to so many and touched the lives of all that she met.  She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

Edith Mapp Brimm
mother of Charles Brimm, Jr. ’75

Edith Mapp Brimm, 94, formerly of Camden, a pioneering Black nurse who, with much grace and dignity, overcame racism, physical ailments, family hardship, and countless economic challenges, died Tuesday, Dec. 14, of aspiration pneumonia at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.

Mrs. Brimm was the first Black licensed practical nurse to work at Camden’s old West Jersey Hospital in the early 1950s. She later overcame uterine and colon cancer and was separated from her husband for months at a time because he couldn’t go to school where she lived due to racial enrollment quotas, and she couldn’t work where he went to school due to employment restrictions.

And when her husband needed money for college tuition, and a loan to kick-start his medical practice, it was Mrs. Brimm who stepped up. “She was a strong woman,” said her daughter, Linda. “When anyone was having a bad day, she would always say, ‘And this, too, shall pass.’”

Mrs. Brimm was married for more than 60 years to the flamboyant Charles E. Brimm, a popular family doctor in Camden who made house calls, served on the Camden City Council, and for whom the Dr. Charles E. Brimm Medical Arts High School is named. He died in 2010.

Anthony A. DeCrosta
father of Alec DeCrosta ’06

A Kind, Sensitive, and All-Round Decent Human Being

Anthony A. DeCrosta, formerly of Greater Philadelphia, died suddenly at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville after surgery for a bladder condition. A loving husband to Renée Jones DeCrosta and a great Dad to Anthony “Alec” DeCrosta, Tony was born in Allentown PA to Anthony and Eleanor DeCrosta (née Longo) – both deceased.

Tony was a writer and painter and was educated at Penn State University and the prestigious IOWA Writers’ Workshop at Iowa University for his MFA. He had a successful and fulfilling life, as a journalist for Rodale Press and Elsevier, and then as co-owner of Stratus Communications an international advertising agency in Philadelphia. He won many national awards for his writing and advertising campaigns including the prestigious Jesse H. Neal award for excellence in journalism. If there were awards for a great husband and loving father, he would have won those too!

He leaves behind his grieving wife Renée, son Alec, his sister, Penny DeCrosta Beuch of Fairfax Virginia, many saddened friends both in St. Augustine, Philadelphia PA, Allentown PA, Moorestown NJ, and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and his dog Finnegan who he loved and cared for deeply. Tony and his wife were members of the Unitarian Fellowships of Cherry Hill NJ and of St. Augustine.

Our dear Tony, we know this stage is but a transition and we will keep happy memories of you in our hearts and minds forever. You were the best and we’ll never stop loving you – Renée & Alec
As an animal lover, Tony asked that any contributions in his name be made to Ayla’s Acres No-Kill Animal Rescue, P.O Box 1634, St. Augustine, FL 32085. https://aylasacres.org/

Kenneth Dorsey
father of Ryan Dorsey ‘15, Justin Dorsey ‘16, and Kristina Dorsey, stepfather of Kendra Whitfield ’09

Louise Morgan Geary
former faculty member, mother of Jill Geary Patterson ’86 and Jan Geary Michaeleree ’87

Prudence P. Haines
wife of Bruce S. Haines ‘73

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Prudence Procter Haines of Wallingford, Pennsylvania, who passed away on October 27, 2021, leaving to mourn family and friends. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Prudence Procter Haines to show support.

She is survived by: her husband Bruce; her children, Jennifer and Samuel Haines; her mother Winifred West; and her sisters, Ellen Wilson, Margaret Procter, and Katharine Procter. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Please make memorial contributions to Providence Friends Meeting or Delaware Valley Friends School, 19 East Central Avenue, Paoli, PA 19301.

Liem Huynh
father of Marcella Thanh-Guyet ’20

Liem T. Huynh, age 57 years of Pennsauken, passed away on October 2, 2021, at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden.

Survived by his longtime companion Luan Trung, his parents Ngan Huynh and Hoan Vo, and 2 brothers and a sister.

Donald Kapel
father of Sheri Kapel Herzberg ’82

December 15, 2019. Husband of Susan (nee Segal), of Blue Bell PA. Father of Sheri (Howard) Herzberg and Greg (Rima) Kapel; brother of Sandy Berman; also survived by 4 grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to Services Wednesday, 10:30 A.M, Cong. Beth Or, 239 E. Welsh Road, Maple Glen PA 19002. Interment Haym Salomon Memorial Park. The family will return to the residence of Greg and Rima Kapel. Contributions in his memory may be made to JNF, or Cong. Beth Or.

Kenneth Kemple
husband of former faculty member Linda Kemple, father of Keith Kemple ’98

On Monday, Sept. 6th we said goodbye to Kenny (aka Tarp) Kemple. We’re not necessarily saying goodbye, but rather “until we meet again” to a man who was the best of all worlds as a husband, a father, a son and a friend.

Kenny was a man for all seasons. He was always prepared to meet life head-on with indisputable energy and enthusiasm. Whether you knew him or not, he left an indelible, blissful feeling on your spirit. He took every opportunity to brighten the days of those he came across by offering to help if he could, or simply with a clever comedic expression of understanding to lighten the mood.

One of the original “Beverly Boys” to the end, those early days provided Kenny with memories that lasted a lifetime. He made it his mission to follow the lives of his fellow Beverly cohorts as well as the many friends he met along the way. He often recalled stories of times that were so instrumental in forming the man he became. He never forgot a face or name and always greeted old friends as if he spoke to them yesterday. If you knew Kenny, you invariably enjoyed his infectious laugh.

Kenny was a man of substantial moral fiber who you knew you could trust. He enjoyed talking with people from all walks of life. He never judged but rather chose to look for the positive in everyone. One could say he was a “glass half full” kind of guy.

Kenny loved his family the most. It was his family that sustained and nurtured his sense of purpose and spirit. He is survived by his mother Dorothy and credited her and his late father Jack for shaping him into the successful man he became. He often spoke of their infinite patience with their only child and shared his mother’s enthusiasm for the Dallas Cowboys.

Kenny met the love of his life, Linda Laessle, fifty years ago, which resulted in a 41year marriage; one that would take them both on a glorious adventure, including the birth of their son Keith, world travel and boating. He had met his partner in crime, fueling each other’s passion for life and collecting quite a catalog of memories along the way. Their son Keith was clearly one of his great joys in life. He was proud of the man he had become and often shared Keith and his partner Heather’s stories of their travels abroad.

We won’t grow tired of sharing Kenny’s many anecdotes and our lives are forever brightened having had him in it. For now, it’s not goodbye Kenny. You story will continue in our hearts. Thank you for the great memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge
4 Sawmill Rd, Medford NJ

Rebecca Broomell Gatchell McIlvain
mother of Joan McIlvain Bradley ’68

Robert H. McGonigle
father of Chandler Hart-McGonigle ‘11 and Taylor Hart-McGonigle ‘13

We are sad to announce that on November 8, 2021, at the age of 71, Robert McGonigle of Lumberton, New Jersey, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania passed away. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

He was predeceased by: his parents, Daniel McGonigle and Lillian McGonigle; and his brother Daniel McGonigle. He is survived by: his wife Debra Hart; his children, Chandler, Taylor Hart-McGonigle and Brian McGonigle; his daughter-in-law Sarah McGonigle; his sister Patricia Lawrence; his brother-in-law Larry Lawrence; and his granddaughter Kailey McGonigle. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, friends, and pets.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Burlington County Library System Foundation at: https://www.bcls.lib.nj.us.

Sarah Jo “Jody” Pomeroy
former faculty member, wife of the late staff member Richard Pomeroy, and mother of Linda Pomeroy Giardinelli ’81

Sarah Jo “Jody” Pomeroy, 86 of Chestertown Md. peacefully went home to be with the Lord on January 31, 2022, in Florida, surrounded by her loving family.

Jody was born on September 4, 1935, in Long Beach, California, to the late Col. and Mrs. Francis M. Wulbern.  She spent her childhood living in many states across the U.S. as the daughter of an officer in the Marine Corps. The family later settled in San Diego, where she was a graduate of San Diego High School. Jody then earned her B.A. from San Diego State University, where she was a member of Alpha Phi, enjoyed drama and met her husband, Richard. She was an original Chargette for the San Diego Chargers football team home games. Jody taught elementary school in California and then for 18 years in New Jersey, where since 1969, she and her husband continued to raise their children. She retired from Moorestown Friends school in 1996 where upon she comfortably resided in Kennedyville, Md by the Sassafras River with her husband. Jody was a longtime member of Hope Fellowship in Chestertown where she taught Sunday School and sang with the choir. She enjoyed baking, boating on the Sassafras, and spending time with her family.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years Richard Pomeroy and her brother Julian H. Wulbern, of San Diego, CA.

Jody, affectionately known as Grammy, is survived by her son, Bradley Pomeroy; her daughter and son in law, Linda and Joe Giardinelli, three grandchildren: Rachel (Giardinelli) Remick and husband Jason, Jessica (Giardinelli) Simone and husband Bob and Gideon Giardinelli, as well as six great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to Hope Fellowship Church, Celebrate Recovery Ministry, 892 Washington Ave. 21620

William C. Probsting
former faculty and former Head of School at Westfield Friends (1974-2013)

William Cumpston Probsting, 77, passed away at his home in Riverton on Monday, September 20, 2021. Many family members and friends were at his bedside when he expired.

Bill was a life-long resident of Riverton, living in the house on Howard Street that has been in his family for three generations. He lived a life of service, friendship, loyalty, and love. He was a voracious reader and inspired others in the joy of reading. Family and friends alike knew him as a patient, caring, spirited, and sometimes mischievous man.

Bill Probsting was headmaster of Westfield Friends School from 1974 to 2013. During his tenure at Westfield, the school grew in numbers, upgraded its facilities, and broadened and enriched its K-8 curriculum. After his retirement from Westfield, Bill continued to serve his community through membership on the board of the Burlington County Action Partnership, which for a period he chaired, on the board of the Riverton Historical Society, and through involvement with other non-profit organizations in the area.

His legacy lives in the hundreds of children he nurtured and educated, the family and friends who loved him, and the community he served with selfless devotion.

Bill Probsting was predeceased by his mother, Lenore Showell Probsting, and his father, Gustav Henry Probsting. He is survived by two sisters, Trudy O’Toole of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Louise Toal of Woodbury Heights, New Jersey, and by several cousins, nieces and nephews, and grandnieces and nephews. His family has begun planning a gathering to celebrate Bill’s life during the July 4^th holiday, 2022.

Donations in his honor can be made to the Riverton Historical Society (www.rivertonhistory.com) and to Westfield Friends School (www.westfieldfriends.org) for the scholarship in his name that has been established there.

Terri Sedlacek
mother of Lori Sedlacek ’05

Teresa “Terri” Sedlacek passed away unexpectedly at her home on October 21, 2021. Terri was born May 12, 1950, in Philadelphia, PA, and would hate that everyone knows her age now. She grew up in South Philadelphia with her parents John and Anne (Janowiak) Zimmie, and sister Jo Anne. Terri knew from a young age that she wanted to be a nurse and worked for decades at hospitals in Philadelphia and South Jersey, as well as time as a hospice nurse and a volunteer parish nurse. While working in Philadelphia, she met her husband, the late Thomas V. Sedlacek, MD. They were married for nearly 20 years before his death in 2000. Prior to Tom’s death, he and Terri traveled extensively, a hobby she continued with their daughter Lori – some of her recent favorites were a cruise of the Norwegian fjords in 2016 and a long weekend in Puerto Rico in 2019. Terri was extremely close to her daughter Lori, talking on the phone twice daily and having brunch together regularly on the weekends. Terri was a warm and gregarious person who would strike up a conversation with anybody. She loved running errands because she could talk to the cashiers and would often relay their conversations in her nightly chats with Lori.

Terri is survived by her daughter, Lori Sedlacek; her sister Jo Anne Zimmie and brother-in-law Anthony Ciampoli; nephew Christopher Ciampoli; and her dear cousin and godmother Catherine (Janowiak) Krammer (with whom she also spoke daily). Terri is also survived by her many friends who were like family to her, who will not be named individually so as not to inadvertently exclude anyone.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Seeing Eye (https://www.seeingeye.org/) as Terri often spoke fondly of her time fostering puppies for them; or any other charity of your choice. While Terri’s death was not Covid-related, she would also ask that everybody get vaccinated if they have not already, as she was appalled by its effects.

Irving Willard “Pete” Tallman
brother of Carol Tallman Crawford ‘61

Eugene Towers
husband of Shelly Lario Towers ’58

Eugene Francis Towers, 85, of Cherry Hill and Ocean City, passed away peacefully at his home in Ocean City on December 4, 2021.

Gene was born on April 3, 1936, to Harold and Mabel Towers in Corinth, New York. He graduated from Corinth High School, where he lettered in four sports.  After high school, he enlisted in the Army for two years and thereafter studied business at the University of Miami.  While there, he met the love of his life and future wife of 60 years, Rochelle Marie “Shelly” (nee Lario).  He was also a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity.

After graduation, he began his career as a certified life underwriter and financial advisor with Provident Mutual. He was a president of the Provident Mutual Leaders Association and was a member of the Million Dollar Round Table and Top 50 of his company.

Gene and Shelly have three children: Randall [Milagros], Scott [Cynthia], and Cristian [Amy]; and seven grandchildren: Nicholas, Lucas, Alexandra, Mackenzie, Jackson, Bridget, and Aubrey.  In addition to his children and grandchildren, Gene is also lovingly survived by his siblings, Carolyn Watulak [Gary], Richard, Terrance [Patricia], and in-laws Beverly Towers, Berta Towers, Russell Boggs, and James Lavery. Gene was predeceased by his sisters, Kathy Lavery, Veda Boggs, and Pauline Densmore as well as his brothers, Harold Jr. and Donald Towers.  He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who were a big part of his life.

Gene was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He was unendingly proud of his children and grandchildren and always tried his best to support them.  Anyone who knew Gene knew that he was the most loving husband and father a family could ask for.  He was a friend to all who met him and willing to help anyone in need.

Gene was also a passionate traveler and could often be found on a cruise to exotic locales when he wasn’t at home.  He also enjoyed golfing, dancing, and tennis.  Gene was a member of the Ocean City Yacht Club, the OC Riverboat Club, and the OC Married Couples Club.