Allegheny Magazine

These include death notices reported by June 30, 2022.

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Mary McConnell Burney on February 6, 2022. Because my family asked me to do so, I am writing my own obituary. That, in itself is pretty odd, but it has the merit of saying what is important to me in my life.

I was Mary Anika McConnell Burney, only child of Virgil Melbourne McConnell 1903 and Florence Cornelia Carlson. I became the wife of John Crouse Burney Jr. and then the mother of Loren Woods Burney Deveau and Dana McConnell Burney Swist. Then mother-in-law to David Swist. I was the grandmother to Danae and Ian Deveau and Adam and Alex Swist. I am very proud of them all, for they are nice people, each with different talents. I was the great grandmother to Loren Deveau Center.

I was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on February 6, 1923. I lived to be 99 so don’t expect a short story! My father was working in advertising at the time my mother produced me. When I was about 2 my parents returned to Chautauqua where my father became owner and editor of ” The Furniture Index”. I had a golden childhood, but my teenage years were marred by the Great Depression that caused my father to lose his newspaper and return to New York to find work. My mother and I lived with relatives for almost 2 years. These years left a lasting mark but also provided a spirit toughening.

I graduated from Newtown H.S. in Elmhurt, N.Y. in January of 1939 and worked in window design in N.Y. until the following fall when I attended my father’s alma mater, Allegheny College for 2 years. I worked for Gibbs & Cox Naval Architects during World War II for 2 years then attended Pratt Institute Art School for 3 years. After graduation I found a job at Longines Wittnauer. During the summers of art school I waited tables at The Ben Mere Inn in Sunapee, N.H. and met a young officer, John Crouse Burney Jr., on his way to Germany. He proved to be very persuasive and we were married in Wiesbaden, Germany November 12, 1949. That was the beginning of a busy life as an army wife with 35 moves in Europe, North America and the Far East, and with many military separations.

When we retired from the army in 1979 The Burney Company was founded. This investment management firm was to be part of our last 43 years. We settled in Portsmouth, R.I. where I designed and built our dream house and lived happily with my husband of 72 years and my 2 daughters close by.

Finally, I’ve made lists of greatest joys and regrets, sort of a life inventory.

Greatest Joys: 1. family close and distant 2. wonderful friends 3. creative projects designing home, Christmas cards and landscape. Greatest Regrets: 1. losing touch with old friends 2. harsh words, said in anger 3. Lack of creative endeavors.

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Norma Jean Fix Butts on April 7, 2022. Norma Jean Butts, 97, of Laurel passed away on April 7, 2022 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel. She was born on Nov. 7, 1924, in Sharpsburg, Pa., to Elizabeth Jean and James Cranston Fix. Norma graduated from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa., and attended the University of Mississippi as a graduate student, where, in exchange for starting the Kappa Kappa Gamma chapter at Ole Miss along with two other ladies, her tuition was paid.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Cranston Fix; the father of her children Lampkin Herbert Butts; and her son-in-law Jack Young.

She is survived by her children Pamela Mashburn (Troy) of Memphis, Lampkin Butts (Susie) of Laurel, Elizabeth Young of Laurel, James Norman Butts of Laurel; Bennie Butts (Pam) of Madison and Stephen Butts of Laurel; 15 grandchildren, Erin Mashburn Moulton (Christian), Christie Butts Sutton (Trey), Hannah Mashburn Snowden (Matthew), Stephanie Butts Felder (Jeremy), Troy Mashburn (Taya), Casey Butts (Lauren), Benjamin Butts (Whitney), Sarah Mashburn Finley (Joel), Jeremy Young, Nicolas Butts, Jason Young (Kayla), Alex Butts Katte (Markus), Katharine Butts Wagner (Wesley), Christopher Butts and Sara B. Butts; and 22 great-grandchildren.

To all who knew her, Norma was a loving daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. She was a charter member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and retired from the Jones County Youth Court, working for both Judge Billy Joe Landrum and Judge Sara Entrekin. Norma worked weekends as a ward clerk at the emergency room at South Central Regional Medical Center and was a past friend of the Jones County Library System and the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art.

Norma had a love for people, always carried a bright smile on her face and had a big, grateful heart. She loved her family, animals, bridge, crossword puzzles and was an avid reader. Norma will be fondly remembered by her family.

The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to the loving, caring sitters who took such good care of Norma including Leigh Byrd, Stephanie Newell, Kasey Sherman and Elaine Gavin.

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Charles Parker Long on Oct. 6, 2020. Charles Parker Long passed away on Oct. 6,2020 in Green Valley, Arizona. He was born in South Bristol, New York on August 12, 1924, son of the late Wendell P. and Katherine Illingworth Long.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Louise Clarke Long; daughter, Terry Ellen (Larry) Stevenson ’76 ; son, Stephen Wendell Long; and brother, William Wendell Long.

He is survived by his wife, Martha J. Long; son, Jeffrey Clarke (Majorie) Long ’77 of Canandaigua, NY; daughter, Elizabeth Long (Robert) Brennan ’82 of Martinsburg, WV; stepdaughter, Jennifer Dix of Kingman, AZ; stepson, Chuck (Elizabeth) Dix of Tallmadge, OH; 10 grandchildren, 8 great- grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was a graduate of Allegheny College and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He served in the Marine Corps during World War II. He practiced Family Medicine in Naples, New York for nearly 40 years and was a past president of the New York State Academy of Family Physicians.

He was a member of Valley Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon, a Stephen Minister, medical committee, and as co-producer of the Hope and Healings services, Network of Caring, and greeter at the La Joya services at La Posada. He was a man who valued medicine, family, friends, and faith.

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David Hugh Connolly on May 8, 2022. David Hugh Connolly, 93, died peacefully at home May 8, 2022. He was born on October 19, 1928, in Highland Park, Michigan, to Roy Titus Connolly and Marie Murray Connolly. He was a graduate of Cranbrook Preparatory School and in 1950 received his bachelor’s degree from Allegheny College where he received the Mulfinger Prize for English.

He served in the United States Army as a commissioned officer from 1950 to 1953. While stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia, he met his future bride Nancy Cumming of Augusta. They married on September 12, 1953, and he made Augusta his home.

After briefly working as reporter for the Augusta Chronicle, he attended law school at the University of Georgia and graduated cum laude in 1957. During law school, he was Editor-in-Chief of the Student Editorial Board, a member of the Honor Court, and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He and Nancy returned to Augusta where he joined his father-in-law’s law firm, Cumming, Nixon, Eve, Waller & Capers.

Although he remained a member of the Georgia Bar, his career path would take him into the business world. In 1966, he became vice-president of Sherman & Hemstreet, Inc, a local real estate firm of which he would later become president and co-owner in 1973. He also served as vice-president at Georgia Railroad Bank and Trust Company, and executive vice president of its parent company First Railroad & Banking Company of Georgia. He was a member of First Railroad’s Board of Directors as well as that of First Union Corporation after that company’s purchase of First Railroad.

But perhaps his greatest interest and satisfaction stemmed from real estate development and rehabilitation of economically depressed areas in and around Augusta. Connolly’s focus was not on profit but to improve the economic and aesthetic condition of Augusta. This focus was best illustrated by the non-profit Augusta Tomorrow, Inc., a corporation of which he was a founder and first president. Organized in 1982, the company was a joint venture between the City of Augusta and private businesses established to revitalize downtown Augusta that had suffered economically in the 1970s and early 1980s. The partnership not only rehabilitated depressed and under-utilized buildings but succeeded in opening up Augusta’s riverfront for public use and recreation.

Similarly, Connolly led the effort to create the Augusta Canal Authority, on whose board he served. The authority was central to the developing the historic Augusta Canal and surrounding area into a public space for the Augusta community. Thanks to these efforts the Augusta Canal was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

Connolly’s contributions to improving the quality of life in Augusta went beyond real estate. He was a member of the National Science Center for Communication and Electronics Foundation, Inc., served on the Board of Directors for the Greater Arts Council and the Walter L. Shepeard Community Blood Center, Inc., and was president of Historic Augusta, Inc. and the Augusta Symphony League to name just a few. Additionally, he was a founding board member of the Senior Citizens Council of Augusta-Richmond County, a trustee of the Gertrude Herbert Memorial Institute of Art, and a member of the Downtown Development Authority for the City of Augusta and the Augusta Canal Authority. He took particular pride in participating in the planning and construction of the new Augusta Library in 2010, serving at one point as chair of the Architectural and Site Selection Committee.

The medical business community benefitted as well from his knowledge and skills, especially St. Joseph’s Hospital, St. Joseph Center for Life, Inc., and their parent company Carondelet Health System, Inc. In each of those institutions, Connolly sat on their Boards of Directors, and often was elected as either vice-chair or board chair.

In these and other activities, Hugh Connolly exemplified the concept of civic virtue, the idea that the interests of the community come first. He believed in offering his experience and talents not for personal advancement or accolades but for the good that would come from improving his adopted hometown for the benefit of all its citizens. His efforts were a reflection of those beliefs. These contributions were recognized by the community. In 1992, he and his wife Nancy received the first Angel Award presented by the Sacred Heart Cultural Center and the CSRA Girl Scout Council. The Augusta Bar Association honored his service presenting him with the Liberty Bell Award in 1995. Carondelet Health System, Inc, gave him the Sister Mary Kevin Ford Award in 2000.

Hugh Connolly was a member of the Augusta Country Club, its board of governors, and served as president from 1981-1982, Additionally, he was a member of the Augusta Assembly of which he was treasurer for several years. As a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd he was elected to the vestry and also held, in succession, the positions of junior and senior warden.

He was preceded in death by Nancy, his wife of 50 years, in 2003. He is survived by children: David H. Connolly, Jr. (Harriet), Virginia C. McNutt (Tim), Thomas C Connolly (Etta), Nancy C. Tribble (Jack), Jane C. Leonard, and Lucy C. Shuler, grandchildren: Katharine Sykes, Hugh Sykes, Thomas C. Connolly, Jr. (Lauren), Vaughn Connolly, Nancy T. Ralston (Harris), William J. Tribble, Virginia T. Anderson (David), Hank Leonard, Janie Leonard, Jack Shuler, David Shuler, and three great-grandchildren: Sadie R.L. Connolly, Thomas C. Connolly, III, and Jane C. Ralston, as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

The family would like to recognize and thank the caregivers: Cynthia Meriweather, Brittany Meriweather, and Ronda Pitts for the comfort and kindness they provided to Mr. Connolly. Similarly, the family extends their thanks to son-in-law Woody Shuler for the pleasant and meaningful companionship he offered to our father over the years but most especially during his final days.

Roger McCrea on June 2, 2022. Roger McCrea was born August 11, 1928 in Jamestown, NY and died June 2, 2022 at his home in Mooresville, NC, surrounded by his wife of 68 years, Greta Samzelius McCrea ’51 and other family members. His 93 years of life were full and lived with purpose. Rog and Greta had 4 children, Tina ’79 (Glenn Buttermore), Lisabet (Brad Beer), Chris, and John ’87 (Dee Browder), 7 granddaughters: Linnea, Kara, Katelyn, Chloe, Wallis, Quinn and Sloan, and 3 great-grandsons.

Rog was the first in his family to attend college, graduating in 1950 from Allegheny College, in Meadville, PA, where he met Greta. He served in the Army during the Korean War . Rog got an MBA from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh in 1963, while working at Westinghouse in Pittsburgh, where he spent his career. In his spare time, he planned family vacations, skied and sailed with his children, took them to church and tried to get them to wear a belt and socks. Rog volunteered with the church, Lion’s Club and Boy Scouts. In retirement he chaired the library capital campaign and guided blind skiers. Upon moving to Mooresville in 2005 to be near the three youngest granddaughters, he took up driving them to activities and presiding over the homeowners’ association. He drove for Meals on Wheels until he turned 90. Rog always voted, frequently gave blood, and never left his bedroom without being fully dressed for the day.

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Charles E. Hollerman, M.D., on May 4, 2022. Charles was a dedicated member of the Allegheny Singers as well as a brother at Phi Delta Theta while pursuing his Chemistry major at Allegheny. Charles graduated from Cornell Medical School class of ’55 and served in the Navy for two years as a Flight Surgeon on active duty and seven more in the Naval Reserve attaining the rank of Commander. He completed his residency in pediatric nephrology, and served as Professor of Pediatrics at Georgetown Medical School and the University of South Dakota Medical School where he became Dean, before moving to hospital administration where he was director of medicine at major hospitals in Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Cincinnati. Over the course of his career he authored over 40 publications, including a comprehensive text on Pediatric Nephrology. Throughout he maintained a love of teaching and learning. A voracious reader, he always had a book or two on hand to read or recommend. He also enjoyed hiking in the mountains of Virginia and gardening outside of his residence. Chuck was always up for a game of bridge with friends. Above all else, he loved to spend time with his family both at home and in attendance at athletic and artistic events involving his children and grandchildren, Grace, Reid, and Jacob Stasolla. He is survived by his wife of 68 years Catharine Louise (Smith) Hollerman whom he met through the Allegheny singers’ work with local church choirs, specifically the Methodist church in Cochranton, as well as children James (MS, Pure Mathematics, Nebraska), Karen Perry (M.A.T., Chatham College), Jeff ’83 (PhD, Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh) and Pamela Stasolla (MA, Psychology, The New School). Reflecting Charles’ lifetime devotion to teaching and learning, all his children work in educational settings, with Karen teaching middle school math in Virginia, Pam working in early childhood education in Pittsburgh, and both James (Math) and Jeff (Psych/Neuroscience) currently serving on the faculty at Allegheny.

Janice Ruth Heintzelman Shea on June 9, 2022. Janice Ruth Shea age 92 of Lenoir City passed away Thursday evening, June 9, 2022. Janice graduated from the Moravian Seminary for Girls High School in Bethlehem, PA in 1947 and Allegheny College in Allegheny, PA in 1951, where she was a member of the Phi Mu Sorority. She received a Master of Science degree in bacteriology from the University of Tennessee. She has been a member of Central United Methodist Church of Lenoir City since 1961, where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. Janice loved singing and sang in community singing groups, entertaining in local retirement homes. She often shared her memories of singing with a group of performers that toured American Military Bases in the Asian Pacific during the Korean War. Along with her husband, Dr. Walter Shea, she was one of the organizers of the Loudon County Association of Exceptional Citizens, the original fund-raising group for the Loudon County Adult Training Center, which provides day, vocational, and residential programs to individuals with developmental disabilities in the Loudon County area of Tennessee. Janice held offices in other community groups such as the Loudon County Chapter of the Red Cross, the Lenoir City Women’s Club and the Loudon County Arts in the Schools Program. She enjoyed being active earning her Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification in her 60’s in order to teach swimming to developmentally disabled children, youth and young adults. Janice also took clogging lessons in her 60’s with a group of friends, who entertained in retirement homes. During the past 6 years she has been a resident of River Oaks Place where she loved her neighbors and the staff, and enjoyed singing with groups that came in to entertain them. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Dr. Walter C. Shea, Jr.; parents, Dr. John and Valois Heintzelman; brother, John Heintzelman. Survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Valois and Les Robinson of Lakewood, CO, Rebecca Ann Shea of Lenoir City, Wendy and Alan Messler of Greenback; grandchildren: Eliza Emily Albin, Carlton James Albin, Mason Shea Messler, and Blake Alan Messler, and sister-in-law, Margaret Ann Bell of Las Vegas, NV.

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Elizabeth “Betty” Anne Michon McClelland on May 26, 2022. Elizabeth Anne McClelland (Betty), 91, of Charlotte, NC passed away at home on May 26, 2022.

Betty was raised in Summitt, NJ. Her first husband Carl Lindquist was killed in the Korean War shortly after their marriage. She attended Allegheny College and worked in New York City for NBC. In 1958, she married Richard Lee McClelland (Dick), Princeton Class of 1950, and moved to Princeton, NJ where she lived for close to 50 years. Betty was actively raising three sons and establishing and helping to manage Dick’s dental Practice. She earned her BA degree in Music from Thomas Edison College. Music and specifically the piano were always a vital part of Betty’s life. During this time, she also became a licensed realtor, was an active community volunteer of Trinity Church, and was President of the Present Day Club.

Betty was predeceased by her husband Dick, her parents Alfred and Hazel Michon, and her brother Ted Michon. She is survived by her three boys and their spouses, Scott and Marilyn, Bill and Annie, Craig and Penny, as well as her 9 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter. Betty is also survived by her sister Carole Little of Washington State.

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Dr. William B. Courtney on April 1, 2022. He was born January 4, 1932, in Somerset, Pennsylvania, the son of the late James O. and Dorothy Burleigh Courtney. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Elizabeth Solliday Courtney; his brother, Graham Courtney, and his sister, Dorothy Howell.

He was a graduate of Somerset H.S., Allegheny College and Temple Medical School. He interned at West Penn Hospital and served his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Wake Forest University. He served in the United States Navy as a Lieutenant Commander where he performed clinical research at the National Cancer Institute. He came to Greensburg in 1963 and practiced at both the Jeannette District Memorial Hospital and Westmoreland Regional Hospital. At Westmoreland Regional Hospital he was the Chairman of the department of obstetrics and gynecology and President of the Westmoreland Hospital Medical Staff. He was also a member and past President of the Westmoreland County Medical Society, a member on the Executive Committee of the Pittsburgh Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Pittsburgh Obstetrics and Gynecology Society, a member of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, the AMA, and the College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Greensburg where he served as a Deacon and an Elder. He also served on the boards of many volunteer organizations including the Greensburg Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris fellow, the Westmoreland County Chapter of the American Cancer Society where he formerly served as President, Boy Scout Council, and the United Way. He was active in the Greensburg Country Club. Also, he was a member of and served on the Board of Directors of the Westmoreland Woodlands Association and the Pennsylvania Forestry Association. He liked all sports and the great outdoors. After retirement he devoted much of his time and energy to his tree farm.

He is survived by his brother, James O. Courtney and sister, Louise Courtney. In addition, he is survived by his daughter, Beth Courtney Carlson and husband, Andy, of Summit, New Jersey, and their children, AJ, of Montana, and Lisa, of North Carolina; Bill Courtney and wife, Leigh, of St. James, North Carolina, and their daughters, Elizabeth, of Louisiana, Catherine, of North Carolina, and Carolyn, of Tennessee; and Tyler Courtney and his wife, Katy, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and his children, Ty, Maddie, and Kenzie, all of Pennsylvania.

Joy Reznor Gallagher on March 20, 2022. Joy Reznor Gallagher, age 90, of Grove City passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 20, 2022, at The Waters of Wexford, following a brief illness.

Joy was born in Mercer, PA on Oct. 21, 1931, to George Foster and Clare M. (McOmie) Reznor.

She married Dr. Daniel B. Gallagher on Feb. 23, 1957; he preceded her in death on June 13, 1983.

She was a graduate from Grove City High School in 1949 and attended St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, before completing her degree at Allegheny College, in 1953. She earned a master’s in Educational Psychology and Guidance at Slippery Rock University, in the 70’s.

Joy taught junior high school in Ohio and Pennsylvania for several years before marrying her husband. She later was active as a real estate agent in Grove City.

Joy was active in her community and county for many years including serving on the Boards of Mercer County Mental Health and the Mercer County Community Counseling Center. She was a 25-year member of the Grove City Foundation and a founding member of the YMCA of Grove City and the Grove City Area Historical Society. She was the secretary of the first Parish Council at the Church of The Beloved Disciple and an active member of the Rosary Society.

Joy’s leisure pursuits included playing golf, gardening, bridge and book clubs, and raising sheep and lop-eared rabbits. Her great love of the natural world prompted her to establish and monitor several bluebird trails in the area. She was an advocate and supporter of numerous wildlife and conservation organizations.

Surviving are three beloved children and their families; Daniel B, II (Joy), Sean ’83 (Janette), Mary (Dan) Messmer; 11 grandchildren; a brother, Bill (Ramona) Reznor; and numerous much-loved cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, Justin; three sisters, Anna Briggs, Jean McCartney, and Patricia McKinley, two brothers, George and Jesse Reznor.

The Rev. Dr. Robert John Klein on March 22, 2022. The Reverend Doctor Robert John Klein, the youngest of ten children, was born to Austria- Hungarian immigrants, Jacob Klein and Elizabeth Siege Klein in Sharon, Pennsylvania. Working in the steel mills there after graduating from high school, he received a scholarship to become a United Methodist Minister. He graduated from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania. He then attained his master’s in Divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary in Westminster, Maryland, where he met his future wife, Mary Alice Lambert, a student at nearby Shepherd College on a blind date. His ministry took him to Silver Spring, Maryland then back to the Northwestern Pennsylvania of his youth. Here his three children were born: Jennifer Elizabeth, Amanda Sue, and Robert Zachary. He was sent to build a church and foster the growth of that congregation in Summit Township outside Erie, Pennsylvania. Later he was sent to downtown Erie to revitalize Simpson United Methodist Church. He developed a desire to become a counselor and began to take classes. He saw a need to help serve the many youth struggling with drug addiction at that time. He eventually started a private counseling business.

In the early seventies the family moved to Parsons, home county of Mary Alice and with her began teaching at St. George in the Old Academy Building. He completed his Master’s in Counseling Psychology and became Superintendent of The Forestry Camp for Boys near Blackwater Falls State Park. Changing the name to Davis Center and the emphasis from punishment to rehabilitation, he created an innovative peer group counseling model still in use. He then was employed as a counselor at Appalachian Mental Health Center in Elkins, and opened a branch in Parsons. He began pursuing a doctorate in Counseling Psychology, became licensed and went into private practice as a psychotherapist All during this time he served numerous churches in short supply of pastors. He was hired as a supply minister for the Mill Creek Presbyterian Church building its membership. He lost his beloved wife, Mary Alice in 2002. He retired four years ago after a life of service to each community in which he lived. After a recent illness he passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving children. He interests ranged from the love of nature, music, art, and architecture to cooking, making jam, and traveling and learning about other cultures.

He is survived by his three children: Jennifer Elizabeth Klein of Reston, Virginia; Amanda Klein Snyder (Tim) of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Robert Zachary Klein of Parsons, West Virginia. He is also by four grandchildren: Samantha Fleming; Kyle Fleming; Zoe Snyder and Mary Elizabeth Snyder and one great granddaughter Zoe’s daughter, Nia.

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Mary Lindbeck Berglund on April 22, 2022. Berglund, Mary L. 89, of St. Petersburg passed away on April 22, 2022. She was the widow of Cmdr. Lester W. Berglund Jr., USN, whom she married June 24, 1953, and who died June 22, 1989. She was a resident of St. Petersburg for 44 years, moving there after being a Navy wife for 28 years. Mary was born in Jamestown, New York in January 1933. She graduated from Jamestown High School in 1950 at the top of her class. She attended Allegheny College in Pennsylvania until her junior year, when she left to be with her hometown sweetheart and fiance, who was training in the US Navy to become an aviator. They were stationed at many places around the world; her favorites were Yokosuka, Japan and Whidbey Island, Washington. Mary and Lester had four children together: Lisa, Steven, Christopher, and Cynthia. Mary was a loving and devoted wife and mother but still found time to give back to her community no matter where she lived. While Lester was serving in the Navy, including two tours of duty during the Vietnam War, she volunteered for Navy Relief and had many responsibilities as the Commanding Officer’s wife. Upon Lester’s retirement from the Navy, he and Mary moved aboard a 36 foot cabin cruiser and traveled for a year with their two cats. They sailed from New York to Canada and then back down the east coast all the way to Florida. After settling in St. Petersburg in 1978, Mary worked at the St. Petersburg Times for eight years. More recently, she volunteered for the League of Women Voters in St. Petersburg, where she twice served as President. She was a long time volunteer at We Help at the St. Pete Free Clinic. She also served on the Board of Friends of Weedon Island, a nature preserve. Another calling was helping others learn to read by volunteering for an adult literacy program. Mary enjoyed reading, piano, knitting, bird watching, babysitting for her grandchildren, crossword puzzles, swimming, the symphony, word games of all sorts, nature programs, and spending time with her children. Through a friend at the St. Petersburg Times, Mary met Dwight Lawton, her partner of 28 years. They later moved to the Westminster Shores retirement community. They shared a commitment to peace and justice. Mary Berglund is survived by her partner, Dwight Lawton; daughter, Lisa Berglund; and son, Christopher Berglund all of St. Petersburg; also daughter, Cynthia Smith (Matthew Smith), of Raleigh, NC; four grandchildren, Tory Smith of San Francisco; Lydia Smith and Zoe Smith of Raleigh, and Katrina Oetting of Jacksonville, Florida, and three great-grandchildren. Besides her husband, she was predeceased by her parents Dr. C. Otto Lindbeck and Doris Lindbeck; her brother, David Lindbeck and recently her son, Steven Berglund.

Ann Port Denio on February 27, 2022. Ann Port Denio passed away in peaceful sleep on February 27, 2022. She was born Patricia Ann Port on June 6th, 1932 in Titusville, Pa., the daughter of the late Ruth Ithain Gallagher and Harold Foster Port. Her childhood home was Ramseytown, outside of Brookville, Pa. raised by her Great Grandmother, Delilah Gallagher. She graduated from Brookville High School in 1950, subsequently attending and graduating from Allegheny College in 1954 after majoring in French and Spanish languages. While at Allegheny, she met and then married Alfred Denio, Jr. ’54 of Clarion, Pa. She was most dedicated to her 4 children which she raised by herself: Alfred Denio, 3rd; Peter Denio; Lisa Nicholson; and Susanne Wolff. Susanne preceded her in death. In addition to her 3 children, she is survived by her sister Virginia Farmati of Meadville, and her 11 grandchildren: Zack, Ben, Toby, Erin, Grace, Emily, Paige, Ryleigh, Quinn, Elon, Hunter and one great grandchild, Lucy.

Ann was supremely devoted to her 4 children, always putting them ahead of herself to assure that they were successful in life. She cultivated great friends among neighbors on 7th avenue in Clarion. This was a different age when children would go out and play in the neighborhood all day only to come in for meals and at dark. After graduating from Allegheny, she taught Spanish at Brookville high school before changing careers working for the Unemployment Office in Clarion for several years. She then worked for decades at Clarion University in the Communications Department office where she endeared herself to many of the college students with whom she remained lifelong friends. Ann loved animals and was always surrounded by her cats and dogs. She hosted many “bridge club” social gatherings, not a common interest these days. In addition, she belonged to a quilting club, making many new friends and making beautiful quilts for family, friends and neighbors alike.

Always of sharp wit and never to take no for an answer, it was heartbreaking to see dementia rob her of her personality and memory in the latter years of her life. The loving care of her sister sustained her for many more years than otherwise would have occurred.

James B. Knapp on May 23, 2022. James B. Knapp, age 89, a former Amherst resident and middle school teacher in the Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda Union Free School District, died in his home in Williamsburg, VA on May 23, 2022 after a sudden onset of ALS. Mr. Knapp was a native of Meadville, PA, where he attended public schools and received a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Allegheny College in 1954. Following a two year stint as a clerk typist in the U.S. Army’s 2nd Armored Division in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, he began studies at State Teachers College (now State University of NY at Fredonia) for a master’s degree in education. His first teaching job was at an elementary school in Celoron, NY in 1958, where he met another new teacher, Sheila S. Finch. The two of them married in Jamestown in September 1960.

In the summer of 1964 Mr. Knapp and his young family moved to Kenmore. He was hired by Ken-Ton Schools to be a sixth-grade teacher at the then-brand-new Holmes Elementary School in Tonawanda, where he taught for the next 18 years. In 1982, Mr. Knapp transferred to Benjamin Franklin Middle School and continued to teach sixth-grade classes up until his retirement in 1992. He and wife Sheila relocated later that year to southern Virginia; Sheila bravely fought a five-year battle with cancer before succumbing to the disease in February 1996. Mr. Knapp remarried a year-and-a-half later to Sydney Wharton Jones of Petersburg, VA. The couple made their home, first in Petersburg, then in Williamsburg, VA in 2010 up to the time of his passing. Outside the classroom, Mr. Knapp devoted his time to raising his family of five children in Eggertsville and sharing their activities.

Beginning in the 1970s he and a partner, Joel Weiss, ran a series of summer day camps for children in Western New York. For several summers in the 1980’s he found employment as a desk clerk at the now-demolished William Baker Hotel at Chautauqua Institution. It was also during this time that Mr. Knapp became a very active plateletpheresis donor at the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. He was an avid lifelong reader of many books and periodicals, and relished his discussions of current affairs with friends and relatives. In his earlier years, Mr. Knapp enjoyed traveling and outdoor camping with his family; he became an enthusiastic gardener after his retirement and loved to show off his latest botanical work to house guests. He was a lifelong Mason, being raised in Lodge # 408, Meadville, PA, and later joining Blandford # 3 in Petersburg, VA before becoming affiliated with Chickahominy Lodge # 286 in Toano, VA. Mr. Knapp is survived by his second wife of 25 years, Sydney Lynn Wharton Jones Knapp; sons, James B. (Anne) Knapp Jr. of Leesburg, VA; Robert M. (Lisa) Knapp of Montgomery, AL; Paul S. (Elizabeth) Knapp of Dinwiddie County, VA; daughters, Sheila C. Michelli of Vancouver, WA and Mary R. Knapp of Colonial Heights, VA; stepsons, Samuel G. (Anne) Jones V of Mt. Pleasant, SC and David W. (Delphine Aubourg) Jones of Edina, MN; cousins, Carol Ann Beers of Meadville, PA, R. Thomas Knapp of Galion, OH, David F. (Jane) Knapp of Port Richey, FL; fifteen grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

James P. Ryan on March 11, 2022. James P. Ryan, 89, of Glenwood, MD, a successful home builder and exceptional thoroughbred horse racing owner and breeder, died peacefully on Friday, March 11, 2022. Jim is survived by his wife, Mariam, of 27 years, five children, two step-children, 15 grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and ex-wife Linda Ryan.

Jim was born on December 4, 1932 in Pittsburgh, PA. Jim was preceded in death by his brothers, Ed Ryan, Bill Ryan, and sister Adele Moritz. He was also preceded in death by his ex-wife and the mother to his five children, Eleanor Ross.

Jim was best known as a philanthropist. Making his fortune in the home-building business, Jim worked closely with his brother, Ed, at Ryan Homes and founded Ryland Homes in 1967 in Columbia, MD. Ryland Homes grew to be one of the top home-building companies in the nation.

Jim served in the U.S. Airforce and graduated with his master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola College.

Jim’s advocation was horse racing, which eventually grew into a full-scale business. His operation, Ryehill Farm, employed Hall of Fame trainers and won the Belmont Stakes in 1983. For a decade he was one of the country’s leading owners and breeders in the thoroughbred industry. He became one of the game’s most visible and controversial figures in bringing to light the deplorable conditions in the stable areas of U.S. racetracks, leading to his founding of the Backstretch program.

Through the Ryan Family Foundation, Jim spent millions enhancing the lives of thousands by supporting various charities. The foundation supported over 100 different organizations, especially those having to do with the handicapped, housing for the poor, and inner-city programs for the homeless.

Jim Ryan’s true love affair was with people of the world, deeply stemming from his high social character. His love of humanity and his unhesitating generosity were among his main defining qualities. He always had a smile ready for anyone and loved giving advice whether in life or business. Working with Operation Smile in the Middle East, he met his wife Mariam and became a friend of the Palestinian people. He proceeded to build homes, start a dental clinic, fund loans and other missions in Palestine, the Middle East and Africa.

Jim will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

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Mary Kathryn Hackey Barsdate on June 12, 2022. Mary Kathryn Barsdate passed away on June 12, 2022 in Alexandria, Virginia. She is survived by daughters Kelly Barsdate of Gaithersburg, Maryland; Lory Barsdate Easton of Alexandria, Virginia; and grandchildren Kathryn Rose and Robert Victor.

Mary Kay was born on April 28, 1933, to Stephen and Kathryn (Shuster) Haschak in the small coal mining town of Windber, Pennsylvania. She attended Allegheny College, where she met Robert Barsdate ’59. The two were married in 1959, moved to Fairbanks in 1963, and raised their family in a house they built together off Farmers Loop Road. After living in the Last Frontier for 50 years, they ultimately retired to Marco Island, Florida, where Mary Kay adored the sunshine and warm water.

Mary Kay was passionate about education, literacy and the arts. She earned her BA and MA degrees and went on to teach high school, college and vocational courses. When she was elected to the Fairbanks North Star Borough School Board, her campaign bumper stickers read, “Have you hugged your kid today?”

Mary Kay served on the boards of the Fairbanks Library Commission, the Library Foundation, the Fairbanks Arts Association, the Alaska State Council on the Arts, Arts Alaska, Inc., the Literacy Council of Alaska, and many other civic groups. She received an Alaska Governor’s Award for the Arts (1986) and was named an Honorary Member by the Alaska Library Foundation (1992). A devout Russian Orthodox Christian, she helped to establish St. Herman’s Orthodox Church as a mission parish in Fairbanks. Mary Kay was honored with the Order of Saint Herman of Alaska in recognition of her lifetime of work for the church.

Mary Kay was a crack shot with a rifle and fiercely independent while also being a steadfast friend and generous neighbor. She was deeply devoted to her husband, supporting him through a long illness until his death in 2021.

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James W. Sexton on April 24, 2022. James W. Sexton, 87, New Oxford, passed away Sunday, April 24, 2022, at Transitions Healthcare in Gettysburg.

He was born July 28, 1934, in Titusville, Pa., the son of the late James W. and Elaine Reib Sexton.

Jim graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School in Titusville, and Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa. He trained as a nurse anesthetist and later entered the U.S. Air Force where he taught at the Air Force Academy for a number of years, achieving the rank of major. Following his time in the Air Force he moved to New Orleans and was employed for a law firm. After his retirement with the law firm he moved to the Gettysburg area to be closer to his sister.

James is survived by a sister, Sandra Beauchat and her husband Thomas of New Oxford. He was predeceased by a brother, John Sexton.

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James Carl “Jim” “Poncho” Villa on May 17, 2022. James Carl “Poncho” Villa of Erie Pa, passed away on May 17, 2022. He was 87 years old. He was born October 2, 1934, in North East Pa to Charles and Thelma Villa. He was a 1952 graduate of North East High School. In high school James was a stand out football player. After graduating he took his talents to Youngstown State University. Jim played one season at YSU and then joined the Marines. He was sent to Korea and spent 14 months there. Years later he would claim that while in Korea “his feet were never dry”.

When he returned from Korea he enrolled at Allegheny College (class of 1958) in Meadville Pa, where he continued his education in business and played football. Jim is one of only 2 Gators that have consecutive 200-yard rushing games and still holds records at his alma mater. According to a 2005 article from The Meadville Tribune, Villa became Allegheny’s first 1,000-yard rusher and led the nation in rushing with 1,073 yards in 1956. He rushed for six TDs in 1995, 16 in 1956, and 10 in 1957. “Poncho” was inducted into the Allegheny Sports Hall of Fame in 1981 and is also on Allegheny’s 1978 All Century Team. Jim was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the 11th round in 1957, he ended up playing in Canada for the Ottawa Rough Riders where an injury ended his career. He was inducted into the Metropolitan Erie Chapter Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2010 and the North East Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015.

Jim sold Pharma for Pfizer in his early career years until he decided to open VILLA MEDICAL SUPPLY. He owned and ran VMS for 22 years. After selling Villa Medical Supply he had many businesses. He opened a car lot, a gun shop that he ran with dear friends Tony Vacanti and Joe Ott (VOV OUTFITTERS) . He made hand carved signs (if you drive into North East, you can still see his work when entering town). He also opened Hearthside Gallery in North East. He finally “retired” after selling the gallery but continued to do wood work and make signs for friends and family.

Jim never met a club he didn’t want to join! He was a founding member of The Commodore Perry Yacht Club and Bay City Gun Club. He helped start S.O.N.S of Lake Erie and belonged to Ducks Unlimited. He enjoyed skeet shooting at the Erie Skeet Club and belonged to many other clubs in the Erie area.

Jim was an avid sports man, he hunted, fished, snowmobiled, rode 4 wheelers, and loved boating. He loved Lake Erie and being at camp with friends and family and cooking for everyone. He had a great sense of humor and was a fantastic story teller.

James was proceeded in death by his parents Charles and Thelma Villa; his grandson Billy Villa (parents Jamie and Wade Gibby); his brother Chuck Villa (Mary).

He is survived by his wife Donna Villa; and will be dearly missed by his children Sunee Blackhall (Scott); James Villa (Candi); Jamie Gibby (Wade) Patrick Villa (Debbie); Michael Villa (Judy); Jennifer Villa (Brett Podoll); Jeremy Villa (Diane) 2 step daughters Debbie Peterson (Tom) Diane Lyons (Mark) and their mother Carol Goellner Neuburger Villa and will be missed by his sisters Mildred Honey Politz, Georgiana Harrington and Glendy Villa. Grandchildren Lindsay, Charley, Piper, Bailey and Zack; Sarah and Jimmy and their mother Meg; Kathryn and Spencer; Trevor; Owen, Oliver and Eliza: Michell and 15 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A little know fact: Jim landed the Pa Air Guard plane, that sits on I-90, sideways in a cross wind…. he told youngest children that and they believed him well into their teens…the tradition continued with some of his grandchildren believing that until their mother final came clean … he didn’t really but Jim was just funny like that.

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C. Richard Hartung on March 24, 2022. C. Richard Hartung, 84, of Meadville and a resident of Wesbury United Methodist Community died there, Thursday, March 24, 2022.

He was born November 2, 1937 in Peru, IL a son of Lt. Commander Charles C. ’32 and Virginia Tufts ’35 Hartung. He married M. Joanne Wogan December 19, 1959 and she survives.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1961-1963 and then attended Allegheny College. He graduated in 1965 from Rutgers University with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. In 1983 he earned his MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He first worked at Airco in northern New Jersey and then for Chase Manhattan Bank in computer technical support.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Yesterday’s Sound Barbershop group and Meadville Roundtable. He and his wife enjoyed traveling.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, Joanne of 62 years, include: two sons, William Hartung (Patrice) of Magnolia, DE and Raymond Hartung (Colleen) of Flemington, NJ; a daughter, Jeanne Rose ’91 (Mark) of Meadville; nine grandchildren, Alex, Christopher, Kathleen, Virginia, Doris, Morgan, Corey, Kyle and Nicholas and one great grandson, Carl Gustafson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Lawrence Hartung.

James T. “Dutch” Linaberger on June 13, 2022. James T. Linaberger of Franklin Park (formerly of Penn Hills) passed away on June 13, 2022. Jim was born at home in Amity, PA on July 27, 1937. He was predeceased by his parents Rev. Walter A. and Jessie R. (Lytle) Linaberger, his wives Elsa Held Linaberger ’60 (2002) and Sandra Kenyon Smith Linaberger ’62 (2022) both of whom he met at Allegheny College, and his brother Lt. Col. Charles A. Linaberger.

He is survived by his daughters Anne ’84 (Thomas Mazula), Mara (Michael Haynie) and Elizabeth ’91 (Brian Best), two grandsons JT Mazula and Liam Best, his sister Mara Watson (William), niece Lynn Watson Neumann and nephew Edward Watson. In his second marriage Jim welcomed, loved, and is survived by his stepson William Smith, Jr. (Kristy), stepdaughters Tracey Armitage (Gregory), Nicole Manning ’93 (Michael) and six step grandchildren Hannah, Sheridan, and Trey Smith, Sarah Sheerer, and Matthew and Grace Manning. He is also survived by Mara’s stepdaughters Sarah Schumar (Robert) and Samantha Voelker (Stephen).

Growing up as the son of a Methodist minister, Jim lived in many communities in western Pennsylvania, attending three grade schools (Kittanning, Smithfield, and Dunbar) and two high schools (Peabody and Beaver Falls). Jim graduated from Allegheny College in 1959 where he was senior class president, a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and, years later, served as a college trustee. In 2018 Jim and Sandi were co-awarded Allegheny’s Alumni Medal in recognition of their years of distinguished service to the college.

Jim spent his business career with The Peoples Natural Gas Company and retired as assistant to the president, charged with, among other duties, managing the company’s charitable contributions. He served on the boards of a number of organizations including the Better Business Bureau of Western PA, Grant Makers of Western PA, the United Methodist Church Union, and the Jumonville Foundation.

Jim was especially proud of his service on the boards of the Regional Trail Corporation and the Allegheny Trail Alliance where he played a crucial role in raising funds and government support for the completion of the Great Allegheny Passage. This groundbreaking rails-to-trail system that connects Pittsburgh to Cumberland, MD is enjoyed by thousands of people each year.

Jim loved the out of doors and, over the years, sailed on Chautauqua Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Lake Arthur, Deep Creek Lake, and the Ionian Sea. He water and snow skied, hunted small game, and biked the rails-to-trails, riding from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. four times. In retirement he took up the game of golf and played in 23 states, Canada, Scotland and France.

Jim was a singer and participated in church choirs from the age of 12 and in quartets in high school and college. In retirement he enjoyed reading, especially presidential biographies. He honorably served in the US Army, was a long-time member of Ingomar United Methodist Church, Hebron Presbyterian Church and served as a volunteer at UPMC Passavant Hospital.

Katherine A. O’Neil Nelson on November 14, 2021. Katherine A. Nelson, 84, of Meadville, died suddenly, at her home, on Sunday, November 14, 2021.

Born September 4, 1937 in Newark, N.J., Kathy was the daughter of the late John Francis and Emma Mattern O’Neil.

Kathy graduated from Allegheny College, with a double major in Mathematics and Chemistry. She earned her M.S. in Chemistry from the University of Maryland and worked for several years as a research chemist. At age 40, she enrolled in Dickinson School of Law, where she completed her J.D. Kathy clerked for a judge of the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania for one year and then worked at AMP Incorporated as a patent attorney until her retirement.
Kathy married Peter B. Nelson in 1961. The couple spent their early married years in College Park, MD, where their daughter was born. Later they moved to La Plata, MD and Aberdeen, MD, prior to settling in the Mechanicsburg, PA area in 1972, where they resided until moving to the Wesbury Retirement Community in 2012.

Kathy was an active member of Silver Spring Presbyterian Church for 40 years, serving, at various times, as a Deacon, an Elder, and a Trustee, as well as a Trustee of the Carlisle Presbytery. She was also an enthusiastic member of the church’s R.O.A.R (Reach Out And Rebuild) construction team.

Encouraged initially by her father, and later by mentors in higher education, as well as her proud and supportive in-laws and husband, Kathy was fearless in pursuing her interests in realms considered “unfeminine” by some of her era, whether that meant arguing with her high school about why girls couldn’t take woodworking classes, staring down recalcitrant basketball players a foot taller than her as a graduate student Teaching Assistant, being hired as AMP’s first-ever female attorney in 1981, or learning to read blueprints to help direct fellow R.O.A.R. volunteers.
Her meticulous nature and spatial awareness also contributed to her creative pursuits, which included sewing, knitting, crocheting, needlework, and quilting. When her daughter was young, Kathy taught sewing classes, and was skilled in creating anything from lingerie to men’s suits. In retirement, she fully embraced needlework and quilting, delighting in mastering new techniques, planning future projects, making new friends, and adding to her gadget collection.

An avid reader, Kathy loved to get lost in a book. She and Peter also enjoyed gardening, travel, and Scottish Country Dancing. Their move to Meadville provided Kathy, a loyal Allegheny alumna, opportunities to enjoy the college’s cultural offerings and pursue her life-long love of learning via Adult Learning Classes and participation in the Community Chorus.

Generous and thoughtful by nature, Kathy took pleasure in sharing her creative gifts and organizational skills with family, friends, and the various organizations of which she was a part. She and Peter, who died in 2018, enjoyed a loving partnership, based on care, faith, humor, and mutual respect.

Survivors include a daughter, Margaret, also of Meadville; a brother and sister-in-law, John and Pat, of Churchville, VA; a cousin, Nancy, of Winston-Salem, NC; and, in the Nelson family, a sister-in-law, Helen, of Portland, OR; three nieces, a great nephew, and a great niece.

’60

Mary Elizabeth “Libby” Taliak Adams on June 5, 2022. “Libby” (Mary Elizabeth) Adams passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, June 5, 2022.

Libby was born on June 14, 1938, and raised in Parma, Ohio, the daughter of Louis and Gladys (Vernon) Taliak.

Libby was married to her loving husband of 61 years, David Adams ’62, on May 20, 1961, in Meadville, Pennsylvania. They met while attending Allegheny College. They were long-time residents and raised their family in Overland Park before moving to Paola, nearly 20 years ago.
Libby’s passion and profession was teaching. She was an educator for 33 years, most of that time as an elementary teacher for the Kansas City Missouri School District and then as a computer resource teacher and division coordinator for the KCMO schools.

She was an avid reader and an extreme sports fanatic, cheering for her grandkids’ teams along with the Chiefs, the Royals, Jayhawk Basketball, NASCAR, Sporting KC, golf and even roller derby which she competed in during her youth along with a number of other sports and academic pursuits.

Survivors include her husband, David; children Steve Adams (Shari) of Overland Park, Sharon Adams of Paola, Craig Adams of Estes Park, CO, Deb Morrison (Justin) of Fort Collins, CO; her sister Peggy Collins of Scottsdale, AZ; her grandchildren Megan, Tom, Emerson and Dylan and her great granddaughter, Mari, and many other relatives and friends.

Hugh J. McClintock on March 18, 2022. Hugh J. McClintock, resident of Wesbury, died on March 18, 2022. He was born in Meadville, February 8, 1931, a son of Thomas and Dorothy McClintock. He married Nellie Benedict, February 12, 1966, she preceded him in death on October 31, 2006.

He was a self-employed businessman and consultant for many years in Dallas, TX, retiring in 1990. Prior to that he was employed as an engineer by Hughes Aircraft Company in California. He was a 1948 graduate of Meadville High School, a veteran of the Korean War, and a 1960 graduate of Allegheny College and Carnegie Mellon University. He was a member of the Conneaut Valley Lions Club. An avid fan of CVHS sports, he also enjoyed bowling and writing books.

Survivors include a sister, Joetta Knowles (Raymond), and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, James B. Foulk, and sister-in-law Mary Jo Foulk.

’61

Dr. John G. Henry on March 31, 2022. It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to John George Henry. Dr. John George Henry, 82, of Templeton, California, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2022, in his home of 46 years after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born in Lawrence, Kansas, on February 21, 1940.

Dr. Henry tirelessly dedicated himself to the health and well-being of his patients and his loving family. He was a general surgeon in Templeton and San Luis Obispo for over 35 years. He moved to Templeton, CA, to be part of Twin Cities Hospital when it opened in 1977 and retired in 2010. As a dedicated doctor, his business card always included his home phone number for his patients to reach him after hours.

John graduated from Allegheny College, Meadville, PA, in 1961 and completed Medical School at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, in 1966. Dr. Henry was a proud veteran, having served in the United States Navy and completed his medical training at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. Lieutenant Commander Henry was stationed in Port Hueneme, CA, and deployed with the U.S. Navy Seabees / MASH unit for a combat tour in Vietnam.

Dr. Henry and his family have resided in Hidden Valley Ranch in Templeton since 1976. This was his paradise. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Charlotte Henry, daughter Alison Henry of San Francisco, her husband Joseph, and son Rye Custodio, daughter Meredith Henry of Denver, Colorado, her husband Chad, son Colton Humphrey and sister Cindy Lapp and brother-in-law Richard of Dallas, Texas.

The Henry family is forever grateful for the love and support provided to Dr. Henry in his final years by Precilla Bolinas of Atascadero, CA, and Dave Condez of Paso Robles, CA.

Frederick L. Newman on June 8, 2022. Frederick L Newman, Ph.D. died on June 8, 2022. Fred was born on December 15, 1938 in New York as Frederick Tiger and was raised by his mom, Helen, and his adopted dad, Dr. David A. Newman in Mt Vernon, NY. He grew up playing jazz and was a fan of the New York Giants baseball team.

Fred accomplished much over his long academic career in mental health and substance abuse research and became an expert in statistical analysis. He earned a BA from Allegheny College in 1961 where he met his first wife, Charlotte “Trink” DeLancey Newman ’64. Fred then earned an MA from Kent State in 1963 and a PhD from the University of Massachusetts in 1966. He was a Fellow at the Center for Advanced Studies in the Behavioral Sciences (1971-72), the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Psychological Association, and the American Psychological Society, and was active in the Society for Psychotherapy Research. Dr Newman’s last academic roles were as Professor Emeritus in Health Policy & Management at Florida International University (Professor 1990-2010) and an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at University of Missouri Kansas City. Dr. Newman served as Associate Editor for the Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology (1991-1996 and in 2003), focusing on research methods. He coauthored three books, was referenced in over 60 journal articles and 17 book chapters. Professor Newman received teaching awards and special commendations for his teaching by external accreditation review groups.

Fred leaves behind his wife, Sharon Grosshart, who lives in Kansas City, MO. He also leaves behind three sons (married) and seven grand-children. Fred loved politics, cooking, reading mystery novels, traveling to Europe, and watching his kids and grandkids play sports and perform in shows. He was active in the Unitarian Universalist church, supported public radio and television, and supported equal justice causes such as SPLC.

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Dr. Diane L. Duntley on May 17, 2022. Diane L. Duntley, 80, of Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh.

She was born on July 26, 1941 in Warren, PA to the late Paul R. and Audrey (Larson) Duntley.

Receiving her A.B. degree from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA, she earned her M.Ed. as well as her Ed .D. degrees from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Diane was retired from Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she served as Director of Academic Information Systems. She was an active professor involved in numerous university activities. Prior to her employment at IUP, she taught at the public schools in both Wilson and Spring Valley, New York as well as at the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Diane was involved in a number of community activities and organizations. Notably, she served on the Board of Directors of Family Hospice of Indiana County. In addition, she was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church where she participated in many church functions and organizations both at the parish and diocesan levels.

Diane is survived by her sister-in-law Luise Duntley, nieces and nephews as well as many colleagues and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Kevin R. Duntley.

Donald E. Wagner on May 15, 2022. In the early morning hours of Sunday, May 15, 2022, a bright and sparkling ray of light ascended to the heavens, as Donald E. “Don” Wagner’s spirit set forth to meet his beloved Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Well known, by so many, for his cheerful disposition and wonderfully contagious positive outlook, Don will be sorely missed, by all who drew strength and encouragement just meeting and “doing” life with him. As family and friends, we thank God for all of the years that he spent gracing the planet; for his high level of integrity and his strong work ethic which each one of us benefited from. We will look forward to spending eternity with him someday, as we each make our own journey, one by one to meet the Lord.

Don was born in Erie, PA, on October 20, 1940. He grew up in Millcreek, graduating from McDowell High School in 1958 and then Allegheny College in 1962, with dual degrees in business and art. He spent 4 ½ years as a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force, where he met his wife, Karen on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Don resigned his commission in 1967 at the rank of Captain and returned to Erie to be a part of his father’s well-known insurance agency, S. A. Wagner Agency, Inc., spending the last many years at the helm as President and CEO.

Don was extremely active in the community he loved, often behind the scenes. He served on the Board of the Erie Art Center, and was a long-time member of the Presque Isle Advisory Committee. Because of his love for the Park, he worked with the trees and plantings along Presque Isle Boulevard. Most notably, when the State defunded the lighting on the beautiful Perry Monument at Misery Bay on Presque Isle years ago, Don spear-headed a small group of local businessmen to replace the old expensive lighting and to fund year-around lighting, for the first time ever. Don funded and did maintenance on the light fixtures and timers with almost no public recognition for some 40 years, until the state took it back over after the current LED lighting system was installed. Don also faithfully served in leadership in two local churches, the former Sarah Hearn Presbyterian Church and his current home, Grace Fellowship International Church, downtown Erie, lending his considerable building and remodeling skills, among other talents there, and to family and many friends.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Sam and Marion Wagner and precious aunt, Peg Rouyer; his sister, Edith Wagner; brother, Robert “Bob” Wagner; and infant nephew, Tommy Wagner.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Karen Jube Wagner; brother, William “Bill” Wagner; his loving 98-year-old mother-in-law, Jeanne Jube; his sister-in-law, Claudia Jube Kellogg and husband, David; brother-in-law, Ronald Jube and wife, Penny; and MANY nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews! Among “family” are two important God-Daughters, Lisa Wheeler and Holly Brooks, both vitally important to Don, in this last season

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Doris A. Hicks Voorhees on May 19, 2022. Doris A. Voorhees, 80, passed away on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital. She was born in Canton, PA. on September 7, 1941 the daughter of the late Russell Hicks and Aileen Dodge Hicks.

She graduated from Coudersport area High School. She went on to Pre-Med from Allegheny College in Meadville, and nursing school from Corning Community College earning her Bachelor’s degree.

She worked at MATCH at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell and Soldiers and Sailors in Penn Yan, NY.

She was a member of the Bradford and Bath Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

She loved her digs and traveling to her sisters and spending time with family. She was devoted to the Bradford Fire Department.

She was predeceased by her parents and brother Thomas Hicks.

She is survived by sister Janice Cousins of Little Valley, NY, brother Russell (Connie) Hicks of Bath, NY, and many nieces and nephews.

’64

William M. Riggs Sr. on March 15, 2022. William Martin Riggs, Sr. passed away in his sleep Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at the age of eighty.

Will was born in Pittsburgh, PA, the second of three sons born to the late Margaret Reid Riggs, formerly of Edinburgh, Scotland, and Winston S. Riggs, formerly of Cleveland, OH. Growing up in Glenshaw, PA, Will was active as a boy scout and also as a member of the Order of DeMolay. He graduated in 1960 from Shaler High School in Glenshaw, PA.

Will attended Allegheny College in Meadville, PA and graduated in 1964. During the Vietnam War, Will served in the Medical Corps at Womack Army Hospital in Fort Bragg, NC. He married his first wife, Kathleen McKenzie, in Belle Mead, NJ in 1969. They had two children, W. Martin Riggs, Jr., and Karen Riggs. On August 8, 1977, Will was born again and entered a relationship with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. From 1978 – 1981, Will served the United Methodist Church in various roles including as a certified lay speaker and pastor. He married his second wife, Virginia Adams Alwill, in 1982. Will worked in the insurance industry for much of his career, followed by a time at AT&T Investment Management Corp. until his retirement in 2003.

In 2000, Will married Shirley Thomas Sickler, and afterwards they were members of First Baptist Church of New Market, Piscataway. He enjoyed his retirement years with Shirley visiting theaters and concerts, attending sporting events, taking short trips, serving in their church, and spending time with family and friends. Liking to be “busy”, he was usually in the middle of one project or another around the house, and no one could compete with his enthusiasm for a tasty dessert!

Will was preceded in death by his mother and father, as well as by his two brothers, Donald ’61 and Richard. He was survived by his wife Shirley until her death on March 22, and by his sister-in-law Donna Riggs. He is also survived by his children, Martin Riggs (Michelle) and Karen Riggs; his stepdaughters, Susan Morrison (Cal) and Stacy Becker (Gary); seven grandchildren, Corey, Cristal, Jason, Alexander, Maidelys, Blake, and Noah; five step-grandchildren, Laura, Amanda, William, Melissa and Daniel; and seven step-great-grandchildren, as well as a niece and nephew.

’65

Sue Plummer Baur on March 23, 2022. Sue Baur, 78, of Lawrence, Kansas, died Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at home.

She was predeceased by her husband, Doug Baur ’63, and is survived by daughter Cynthia Gibson of Greenville, South Carolina; and daughter Christie Peterson, son-in-law Charles Peterson, and granddaughters Zoe Peterson and Kya Peterson, all of Oskaloosa, Kansas.

Born in Painesville in 1943, Sue was the daughter of Robert Plummer and Eleanor Semple Plummer of Perry, and the younger sister of John Plummer. After graduating from the Perry Public School, Sue went on to Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania, where she met Doug, and they embarked on a lifetime of travel and adventure.

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John C. Carson on March 31, 2022. John C. Carson, 76, of 5 Forman Street, passed away Thursday (March 31, 2022) at The Bradford Manor.

Born February 1, 1946 in Bradford, he was the son of the late Julian Andrews and Alice Margaret (Shortell) Carson.

On August 21, 1971 in St. Bernard Church, he married Theresa Cuiffini, who survives.

A 1963 graduate of Bradford High School, he attended Allegheny College, The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and then graduated from Kent State University in 1968 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology and Sociology.

After graduating from college, he returned to Bradford and began teaching at The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. In 1970, he took a position with the Bradford School District and taught social studies at Bradford Area High School until 1973. After his teaching career was finished, he worked for several organizations, including Zippo Manufacturing, The City of Bradford and NEOG Construction Corp. In 1990, he took a job with Dr. Walter Brodis and began his career in the medical billing field. He worked for a few physicians in Bradford and then for Bradford Regional Medical Services, where he was retired as the Physician Billing Manager in 2009.

After retirement, he worked for the Bradford Area School District Credit Union and then for Servco Services on the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Campus.

He was a founding member of the Board of Directors of Evergreen Elm and served as the organization’s treasurer for many years. He also served on the Board of Directors for Future’s Rehabilitation Center and The Bradford Family YMCA. In addition, he was also a member of the Planning Commission for The City of Bradford as well as assisting in the organization of the BHS Class of ‘63 Class reunions.

In addition to his wife of 50 years, he is survived by two daughters, Tracy A. Carson of Bradford and Leslie M. (David Scheffer) Carson-Flowers of Piedmont, SC; one son, Jeffrey M. (Damian Sipko) Carson, also of Bradford; a grandson, Jackson Edward Flowers of Piedmont, SC; a sister, Nancy Andrews Carson of Bradford and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Carson Michael Flowers on May 18, 2006.

Alan Lee on April 19, 2022. Alan W. Lee, 76, of Buffalo Township, passed away Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at Concordia Lutheran Ministries in Cabot, after a courageous battle with dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Alan was born Oct. 29, 1945, in Natrona Heights, a son of the late Frances (Schmidt) and John D. Lee Sr. Alan was a graduate of Freeport High School, Class of 1963. He received his undergraduate degree from Allegheny College and his doctor of pharmacy from University of Pittsburgh, School of Pharmacy. He owned and operated the family business, Lee Pharmacy in Freeport for many years before selling the business in 1997. The pharmacy was originally owned and operated by his father, John D. Lee Sr., and after his passing, was owned and operated by his brother-in-law, Earl E. Ebig, becoming Ebig Pharmacy. After Alan graduated from pharmacy school, the business was sold to him, becoming Lee Pharmacy again. While owning Lee Pharmacy he also had a Christmas tree farm on his property that he cared for and sold Christmas trees during the holidays. After selling his business, he enrolled at Penn State University, where he received a degree in turfgrass management and always dreamed of opening his own golf course on his property. Alan then worked at Treesdale Golf and Country Club for a short period of time before returning to working as a pharmacist at Medco Pharmacy. Alan retired in 2012 to enjoy time with his family and to enjoy his property in Buffalo Township. Alan enjoyed golfing, model trains, working his Christmas tree farm, being outdoors, spending time with the many dogs the family had over the years, and spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter, Kailyn, who held a special place in his heart. Alan also cared for his extended neighborhood family and enjoyed having them and their children over to swim in the family pool. Alan is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Roseann (Snyder) Lee; his son, Jeff A. Lee, of Freeport; his daughter, Dr. Jennifer A. Lee; and his granddaughter, Kailyn R. Batten, both of Buffalo Township. Alan is also survived by his brother, J. Daniel (Betty) Lee Jr., of Amelia Island, Fla.; and numerous nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, all out of state. In addition to his parents, Alan is preceded in death by his sister, Joanne Ebig; and his brother-in-law, Earl E. Ebig. The family would like to thank and recognize Concordia Lutheran Ministries and Good Samaritan Hospice in Cabot for the excellent care and compassion shown by the entire staff to both Alan and his family during this very difficult time.

Dennis A. Sampson on April 12, 2022. Longtime Pewaukee resident Dennis A. Sampson, age 77, passed away unexpectedly April 12 surrounded by family. The son of Norman and Betty Sampson, Dennis was born in Warren, PA, on October 21, 1944. Dennis is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years Kathleen (Steele) Sampson, son Eric (Jennifer Brix), daughter Jessica, daughter Laurel (James Pearson), brother Douglas (Sandra), and sister-in-law Virginia. Further survived by grandchildren Sophia Sampson, Megan Maroney, and AJ Maroney. Also survived by Kathy’s cherished family Kenneth Steele, Margaret Steele (Gregg Nettesheim), Dorothy Steele (Robert Hodgson); and many nieces and nephews. Dennis was also known as ‘Dad’ to AFS student Georg Rotomer of Austria; Jose, Freddie and Octavio; as well as others to whom he provided guidance and wisdom throughout his life. Dennis was predeceased by his parents, his brother David and his sister Ruth.

Dennis and Kathy met during a Junior Year Abroad program at Schiller College in KleinIngersheim, Germany in 1964. While studying in Germany they took many adventurous side trips and forged life-long friendships. They married at First Baptist Church of Waukesha shortly after earning their undergraduate degrees. Dennis, a graduate of Allegheny College went on to earn a Master of Library Science degree at Western Michigan University. While a librarian at Indiana’s Manchester College, Dennis completed a Master of Business Administration degree from Ball State University.

Moving to Wisconsin in the early 1980’s to be nearer Kathy’s family, Dennis embarked on a 20+ year career with the American Baptist Homes of the Midwest. Dennis retired from ABHM while serving as Director of Tudor Oaks Senior Living Community in Muskego. Retirement was short-lived and Dennis went on to serve as Interim Director or Director for several Waukesha County libraries and senior living communities. Finally semi-retiring, Dennis stayed sharp preparing taxes seasonally as a CPA at Nolan Accounting and solving Sudoku puzzles.

Besides his zeal for numbers and life-long learning, Dennis valued family, church, and community involvement. He credited the strong influence of Kathy’s family with teaching him unconditional love, generosity of spirit, and civic duty. The legacy of volunteerism and caretaking, established by his parents and in-laws, was amplified and lived on in Dennis. Dennis served many years on boards and committees at FBC Waukesha, American Baptist Churches of WI, Milwaukee Christian Center, Pewaukee Village Board, Whitnall Park Rotary Club, Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens, Pewaukee Area Historical Society, Pewaukee Public Library Foundation, Community Development Block Grant Committee and others. He was a ready volunteer for community and church events throughout his life. He enjoyed photographing nature and people and captured many such events on film.

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Susan Coffey Gargone on March 11, 2022. Mrs. Susan J. (Coffey) Gargone, of Waltham, died Friday, March 11, 2022 at her home. She was 74.

Susan was born in Sewickley, Pennsylvania on October 26, 1947, a daughter of the late David and Dorothy (Klopp) Coffey. She was a 1969 graduate of Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania and a 1971 graduate of the Katherine Gibbs School in Boston.

Until her retirement she worked for years as an administrative assistant at Unitrode and at JSC Transportation, both in Waltham.

A Waltham resident for more than fifty years she remained loyal to her beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. The Pirates didn’t fare as well as she adopted the Red Sox as her favorite baseball team. Susan was a member of the Joseph F. Hill American Legion Post No. 156 Auxiliary and enjoyed her time playing bridge, cribbage and shuffleboard with the friends she made there.

The wife of the late Edward A. Gargone, she leaves her step-sons, David J. Gargone (Janice) of Merrimack, New Hampshire and Peter S. Gargone (Isabella) of New York City; her step-grandchildren, Samantha, Christopher, Alex and Giulia Gargone; her brother, Donald Coffey (Ruth) of Harvard, Illinois; her sister-in-law, Edyie Coffey of Baden, Pennsylvania and several nieces and nephews.

Susan was also the step-mother of the late Edward A. Gargone, Jr. and sister of the late Richard Coffey.

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Paul R. DeArment on March 16, 2022. Paul R. DeArment, age 73, born in Meadville, currently of Wexford, passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. Beloved husband for 51 years of Carol Frick DeArment ’70.

Father of Darren (Sarah) DeArment, Andrew (Damaris) DeArment, and the late Sean DeArment; grandfather of Philomena, Elise, Mary Grace, and a grandson due in April; brother of Gayle (Barry) Chapin, Diane (Shawn) Merhaut, and Sally (Tom) Gawlinski.

He enjoyed a long career in finance and was an avid reader of history, an enthusiastic outdoorsman, and took great joy in spending time with his grandchildren.

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Thomas G. Nichols III on February 24, 2022. Thomas G. Nichols, III, September 23, 1950 ~ February 24, 2022 Born Wabern, Germany to Suzanne Meyers and T. Guy Nichols, Jr. Attended St. Louis School in Clarksville, MD; Good Council High School in Wheaton, MD; graduated from the American International School in New Delhi, India; attended Allegheny College in Meadville, PA, Long Island Univ. in Brooklyn, NY and University of Nevada, Reno, NV. Tom worked for many years at the Washington Source for Lighting/Red Star Pictures in Hyattsville, MD. He retired in 2018. Survived by his brothers Dan Nichols, Tony Nichols and Vincent Rucker and their families; as well as many cousins and close friends.

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Glenn M. Gratta on March 6, 2022. Glenn Michael Gratta passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2022, far too soon. He was 70 years old. Glenn was born on March 8, 1951, in Aliquippa, PA. He attended Hopewell Highschool, and Allegheny College where he was president of Alpha Chi Ro fraternity and a baseball player. He graduated with a Bachelors of Political Science and initially aspired to be a lawyer.

Glenn loved his family, friends, fraternity brothers and teammates. Glenn was a jack of all trades, worked construction and spun records as a disk jockey. He drove across the country and worked on a ranch in Wyoming. He later worked as a sales and marketing manager and VP. Glenn traveled all over the US and eventually the world where he built amazing relationships with customers and colleagues, who became cherished friends and family.

Glenn’s work took him to Houston in the 1970’s, where he met his wife Amy Standridge. In 1977 Glenn married Amy. They began their journey together, moving to MN, KY, CO, back to KY and finally to Libertyville, IL where his family settled down. In 1980 Glenn and Amy welcomed twin daughters, Jessica Stanczak (Gratta) and Gretchen Gratta. Glenn loved being a father, he loved his wife, his children, his pets, vacations and all adventures. He never stopped planning adventures they could all have together.

Glenn was a loving husband and father, an adored grandfather (aka, Papa), a fun and charismatic best friend, a devoted son and brother. In addition to Amy, Gretchen, and Jessica, Glenn is survived by his son-in-law Michael Stanczak, his amazing grandchildren, Peyton and Landon, his sister Lori Piccolomini (Gratta), his brother David Gratta, and his niece Sara Piccolomini.

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Christine Cassatt Givner on June 6, 2022. Christine Givner (nee Cassatt), 69, of Fredonia, N.Y., died on June 6, at Buffalo General Hospital after a short bout with cancer.

Christine was born on Feb/ 9, 1953. to Norman Cassatt and Betty Flasher in Warren, Pa.

After Chris graduated from Warren High in 1971 as class valedictorian, she went on to study a multitude of disciplines at Allegheny College. ultimately earning her PhD in Education at the University of Pittsburgh. After receiving her PhD at Pitt, she started her career as a researcher at John’s Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., for three years. She then moved on to become a professor of Education specializing in mild to moderate disabilities at Trinity College in Burlington, Vt. While at Trinity, she received numerous awards for excellence in the field. After half a decade at Trinity, she moved on to become a full professor of Education at Cal State. Los Angeles, focusing on the promotion of inclusion in the classroom and being appointed to the Chair of the College of Education. She then proceeded to become the founding Dean of the College of Education at SUNY Fredonia, where she worked tirelessly for 16 years.

Chris retired as the dean emeritus in the spring of 2020. Chris was a devout Catholic as a member of St. Anthony’s parish in Fredonia, an avid reader and life-long learner. She mentored countless numbers of students, professors, and administrative faculty members. In 1972, Christine Cassatt met James Givner in Pittsburgh through mutual friends. Chris and Jim went on to have one child, Jelani Givner (daughter-in-law Rachel Ross); and one grandchild, Paxton Ross-Givner.

In 2020 upon retirement, Chris spent her time gardening, crocheting, reading, interacting with family members near and far, and keeping social and professional ties with neighboring New York State administrators (YaYa sisters).

Christine was predeceased by her father, Norman; mother, Betty; sisters: Patty and Geraldine (Ta).

She is survived by her sister, Diane and brothers Dennis and Mark. Christine leaves behind several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

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Kathleen Stefanko Dean on March 5, 2022. Kathleen Stefanko Dean, age 66, passed away March 5, 2022, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was born June 23, 1955, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Thomas N. and Elizabeth (Kaesmeier) Stefanko.

She graduated from North Hills High School in Pittsburgh, attained a Bachelor of Science degree from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA and a Master of Science degree in Medical Genetics from Indiana University. Later in life, she returned to school for art degrees and took courses at Herron School of Art and Design in Indianapolis and at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, NM.

She resided in Colorado Springs since 2016 and formerly resided in Indianapolis, Indiana, Burlington, Vermont and Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Kathleen worked as an actuarial associate for State Life Insurance Company and Beckley & Associates in Indianapolis as well as Vermont Life in Montpelier, Vermont. She also worked as a software tester at IBM in Rochester, Minnesota. She was a talented artist in many mediums, but especially in watercolor. She was also very involved with vocal performance with several musical groups including the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, the Colorado Springs Chorale, and the Vermont Symphonic Choir.

She is survived by her two daughters, Stefanie and Carly Dean, and her brother, Bruce Stefanko. She was preceded in death by her parents.

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Marian Davis “Mimi” Hartney on May 7, 2022. Marian Davis “Mimi” Hartney, of Naples, Florida, and formerly of Penfield, New York, died peacefully on May 7th after battling cancer bravely for several years. She was 64.

Mimi was born on August 31st, 1957, in Norfolk, Virginia, to David C. and Marian (Ransburg) Hartney. A natural athlete, she was the first choice for neighborhood pick-up games, having the distinction of being the child who could hit the wiffle ball across the street. She went on to play on the boys’ high school varsity tennis team and earned a spot on the all-conference tennis team while a student at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA. Mimi was a gifted musician and played the piano, organ, flute and violin.

An imp from the beginning, Mimi carried her quick wit, strong will, generous heart, and work ethic throughout life. She loved reading and enjoyed friendly and challenging competition: paddle tennis, golf, tennis…and Scrabble. She also had a keen sense for order and aesthetic, whether it be creating an event flyer, arranging merchandise on a shop floor, or giving her brother much needed wardrobe advice. Mimi delighted in sushi and saki, and in getting her hands dirty in the soil of her garden, from raising tomatoes and other vegetables in Penfield to bananas and papayas in Naples. She also enjoyed adventures and vacations with her family in fun and far-away places such as The Finger Lakes, Alaska, Vancouver, Breckenridge, and on European rivers from Budapest to Amsterdam.

On the faculty of Allendale Columbia School for 25 years, Mimi taught physical education and coached girls’ soccer and volleyball. She fell in love with the beach before she could walk, and retired to Naples, Florida, where she worked in the pro shop at Palmira Golf Club and enjoyed her colleagues and the members.

Mimi is survived by her best friend and partner, Bonnie Gallea, with whom she shared three children, Chris, Michelle and Lisa, and seven grandchildren. She is also survived by her parents of Pittsford, NY, brother David (Donna), sister Ann Matteson (Keith), four nephews, a great niece, and many wonderful friends. Mimi was predeceased by her four beloved dogs – Gretel, Fred, Jake, and Sophie.

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Laura Fredricka Heeschen on June 25, 2022. Laura Fredricka, 64, passed away at her home in Meadville, PA surrounded by family and friends on Saturday, June 25, 2022, from complications related to Multiple Sclerosis, a disease that she resisted for more than 25 years. Laura was born in Meadville, PA on March 8, 1958 to Carl F. and Marie L. Heeschen. She was the youngest of five children.

Laura graduated from Meadville High School in 1976, where she excelled academically, ran track, and was a starting fullback on the high school’s first soccer team, which was coed at the time. While taking a high school world literature class, she met her future husband, Brian J. Hill ’81. Their first date was an Arlo Guthrie concert at Allegheny College in February 1976. From that time forward the couple was inseparable, celebrating the date of the concert as their anniversary for the next 46 years.

Laura graduated from Allegheny College with a B.A. in Art. After college she had a varied and interesting career, working in two photography shops/studios, including Van Tuil Photo in Meadville, assisting Allegheny College in its library and as an admissions counselor for potential students, and directing the Rolls Royce Museum in Mechanicsburg, PA. She found most rewarding, however, her years as the ecotour program manager for the French Creek Project, where she informed thousands of kayakers and canoeists about the natural and human history of French Creek in northwestern Pennsylvania, while assisting them in their efforts to paddle the creek. Laura was an accomplished photographer, painter, calligrapher, and muralist. She completed three stunning murals in Meadville – at the Meadville Market House, on the back of the former Kerr’s Jewelry Store on Market Square, and, most notably, a four-thousand square foot mural on the former Meadville Coca Cola Bottling building on North Street. Her depiction of a vending machine as part of that mural was so realistic that people tried to put quarters in the imaginary slot. Laura carried her artistic sensibility to her home in Pittsburgh, which she transformed from an ordinary, white-walled, serviceable dwelling to a vivid and welcoming home whose bright kitchen produced many meals she shared with friends and acquaintances. The yard and garden also benefited from her dedication to landscaping with shape, color, and scent.

Likewise, the family home she shared with her sister and Brian in Meadville bore the stamp of her flair for color and design, from patio planter combinations to unique light fixtures to the intricate tiling on the bathroom floors, each a work of art. Laura lent her eye and energy to public projects as well. She served as member of the Meadville Beautification Committee, assisted the Meadville Council on the Arts, and helped to manage the gardens at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Diamond Park, where she was a member for more than 50 years. Laura traveled extensively with her husband, family, and friends as she hiked, biked, canoed, rode horses, and Nordic skied in various parts of the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Most recently, she and her husband explored the backroads and communities of northwest Pennsylvania in her accessible van. Her last outing was in her electric wheelchair on the abandoned road at Woodcock Lake, where she enjoyed listening to spring peepers, seeing birds, smelling wildflowers, and reveling in the natural beauty of Crawford County. Ms. Heeschen was an unabashed feminist, active in political campaigns and supporting candidates from her early teen years to recently providing support for Lt. Governor John Fetterman’s bid for the U.S. Senate. She was troubled deeply by the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capital by those who reject the underlying laws of the Republic. Her heart went out to the police officers and families, who were impacted by, or later died because of their courageous effort to defend the Capital and the constitutional principles and processes of our American democracy. Laura enjoyed cooking, gardening, and entertaining, particularly in Meadville at the home where she grew up and lived until her passing. She took pleasure in providing a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner for friends and family, hosting a soiree on the back patio under the apple and maple trees among a wide variety of flowers, and providing libations to guests around the family pool each summer.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Brian J. Hill, her daughter Heather Hill and granddaughter Bridget, both of Tampa, FL, four siblings – Conrad Heeschen (Pamela Prodan) of Wilton, ME; Judith Heeschen (Bingley) of Meadville, PA; Anthony Heeschen (Petra Bergman) of Portland, ME; and Paula Heeschen ’78 (Arthur Zulick ’76) of Stroudsburg, PA –as well as many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews, who live across the U.S. from Portland, ME to Los Angeles, CA and everywhere in between. Throughout her life, she took great pleasure in visiting and hosting her family.

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Kimberly Ann Rye on May 1, 2022. The family of Kimberly Ann Rye, 60, sadly announces that following a brief but serious illness she passed away peacefully Friday, May 1, 2022 at Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. She had resided in Alpharetta from 2007 until the time of her death.

Kim was born September 28, 1961 to Georgianne Smith and Bernard Rye in Willoughby, OH, grew up there and graduated from South High School in 1979. She went on to graduate from Allegheny College in 1983 with a BA in Political Science/History, receive a Juris Doctor from The Ohio State College of Law in 1987, and an AS from Columbus State Community College in 1996 specializing in Interpreting/Transliterating Technology.

Kim was preceded in death by her devoted father, Bernard Rye and two aunts, Dolores (Rye) Zonarich and Barbara (Smith) Wolski.

Surviving to cherish Kim’s memory: her mother, Georgianne Smith, brother, Jeffrey Rye (Kelley); Aunt, Marcela Blout (Frank); Uncle, Forrest Smith (Maureen); Uncle Frank Zonarich. Cousins, James Smith (Kim); Margaret Flynn (Aaron); Alyssa Rae Younger (Kyle); Stephen Zonarich.

Also mourning Kim’s loss are Alpharetta friends, Donna, Jeff, Todd, Jason, and Dave also acknowledging Jennifer, Doug, Kathy, John, Kay, and Caroline among others.

Kim was so fortunate to have had all of you in her life. Words cannot express how eternally grateful Jeff and I will always be for your loyalty.

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Susan K. Hodges on August 19, 2021. Susan was a faithful Christian, loving wife, mother, and gifted artist. She was kind, generous, and quick to help those in need. Susan is survived by her husband, Rafael, and their two children, Olivia and Kique.

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Kimberly E. Fierst on October 29, 2021. Kimberly E. Fierst, age 32, of Pleasant Hills, passed away surrounded by loving family on October 29, 2021. Kimberly is survived by her parents, Raymond and Barbara Fierst; two brothers, Nicholas (Shannon) Fierst and Andrew N. Fierst; a niece, Nora, nephew, Danny and her nephew/Godson, Colin as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Kimberly was the Director, Episodic Portfolio, Curated Health Solutions at Highmark Health. Was a loving and caring person, a selfless individual who loved sports, fishing and reading.

Friends

Richard Edward Adsit, Sr. on June 7, 2022. He worked in campus security at Allegheny.

John Rosseel Overton McKean on February 24, 2022. He started his career in higher education as dean of men and assistant professor of history at Allegheny.

Randal Paul Miller on March 30, 2022. He shared his love of math, statistics and computer science with two generations of college students over a 40-year teaching career, including teaching at Allegheny.

Peggy Thail Baker O’Brien on February 23, 2022. She worked for 21 years at Allegheny in the Office of Residence Life.

Richard L. Osborne on January 7, 2022. He worked as an electrician for Allegheny.

Grace A. Ott on November 12, 2019. She worked as a nurse at the Allegheny College Health Center.

Virginia M. Wentz on February 26, 2022. She worked at Allegheny as an office manager of the maintenance department and in shipping and receiving in the library.