In Memoriam

’40s

Dr. Miles Harriger ’47, of East Petersburg, died on Oct 2. A member of the LVC football and basketball teams, he served as a medic in the U.S. Army after graduation. He earned his medical degree and became a family physician serving the East Petersburg community for 43 years. Harriger served the community as a school doctor, deputy coroner, and Alcoa’s plant physician. He was a 32nd-degree Mason and American Legion member.

’50s

Ruth Anne Brown Zimmerman ’51 died on Nov. 12, in Thornton, Colo. She attended LVC on an academic scholarship after being crowned Miss Lebanon Valley in 1947. A natural musician, she did mission work and taught voice and choral music throughout Southeast Asia. Ruth worked in healthcare in Colorado and Oklahoma while stateside. She remained active throughout her retirement as a community volunteer and board member. Ruth attended many campus events as a loyal alumna. A niece, Andrea Moody ’93, and two nephews, Scott ’93 and Chad ’24 Moody, survive her.

Robert James Heath Jr. ’52 died on June 23, in Lewisburg. He earned his business management degree after serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. He retired as vice president of BonTon. Bob and his wife were Penn State football fans, attending games for over 40 years. He was a longtime member of and council treasurer for Trinity United Church of Christ.

Betty Bakley Craighead ’53, P’87, of Newtown, died on Dec. 20. She was part of LVC’s Student Government, yearbook staff, and editor of the college newspaper. Betty was voted 1952’s Miss LVC by her peers. She worked for over 30 years as the assistant librarian of the George School in Newtown. She was the wife of the late William Craighead ’52 and mother of W. Clay Craighead ’87.

Grace “Gracie” Mohn Adams ’53 died on Dec 3., 2021, in Bloomington, Minn. She was a member of LVC’s Delta Lambda Sigma sorority. Grace was an active member of the Bethlehem Lutheran and Mount Olivet Lutheran churches in Minnesota.

William “Bill” R. Shoppell Jr. ’53 died on Nov. 28, in Point Pleasant, N.J. After an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, Bill taught high school music for nearly 20 years before promotion to district music supervisor of five high schools. He received music awards, served on boards in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and shared his talents with many churches.

George Cardone ’54 died on Aug. 26, in Endwell, N.Y. He worked in the Union Endicott School District for over 30 years as a teacher, coach, and principal before retiring in 1984. George was active in his community and volunteered for Meals on Wheels.

Donald DeBenedett ’54, of Brick, N.J., died on Sept. 7. He participated in football and track at LVC, then joined the U.S. Army and played football for his division in Germany. Don became an English teacher and football coach at Irvington High School while earning two master’s degrees. He was promoted to elementary school principal in the same school district, retiring in 1992.

Alice May Daniel Kelly ’54, P’78, P’81, of Hunt Valley, Md., died on Dec. 17. She met her husband, William Kelly ’54, at LVC. The couple raised their family in Chambersburg before moving to Maryland. Three children, including William Kelly II ’78 and Mary Kelly Kalatha ’81, survive her.

J. Stanley Mull ’55, of Willow Street, died July 22. After graduating, he served four years in the U.S. Army, including two years in Germany. Stanley retired as chief financial officer of Farmers First Bank in 1996. His wife, Joan Wingert Mull ’55, survives him.

Rev. Wilbur Franklin Lantz ’57 died on Dec. 16, in Lancaster. He met his wife, the late June Ellen Lykens Lantz ’57, while attending LVC on the GI bill. After attending seminary and becoming an ordained minister, Wilbur worked in ministry for nearly a decade. He left the full-time ministry to forge a successful career in senior living communities until his retirement.

Eugene Ronald “Gene” Geesey ’56, P’76, LVC trustee emeritus, of New Oxford, died on Jan. 5, 2023. A board member since 1992, Gene graduated with an economics degree and played football, once running in a 97-yard touchdown. He was a Knights of The Valley member and chaired the Veteran’s Club. He chaired the Facilities Committee while a trustee.

Gene served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War (1951–53), where he was in the Counterintelligence Corps. He was president of the Geesey-Pollion Associates, an insurance bonding agency, and later CIB independent insurance agencies. He represented York County in the state legislature for six consecutive terms from 1969 until his retirement in 1980.

He and his wife, Barbara Hegley Geesey, were members of LVC’s Miles Rigor Society, which recognizes those individuals who have made planned gifts such as bequest intentions, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, insurance policies, real estate, and retirement plans for the benefit of The Valley.

In addition to his wife, six children survive Gene: Cynthia ’76 (Richard Jarvis), David (Wendy Heagerty), Ann (Jim Loder), Beth (Steve Birch), Sue Geesey-Jean (Albert Jean), and Joe (the late Ruth). Five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren also survive him.

Marshall “Delmar” Cook ’58, of Annville, died on Oct. 23, 2021. He served in the U.S. Air Force and the Korean War as a staff sergeant before LVC. Delmar taught in the Cornwall-Lebanon School District for his entire career, coached youth basketball at the Lebanon YMCA, and volunteered with Annville’s Boy Scout Troop 40.

Richard “Dick” Powell ’58, of Columbia, died on Sept. 1. He joined the U.S. Navy after graduation, playing trombone and baritone in the Navy Band. Dick earned a master’s in music education while serving as the band director at Eastern York High School. He supported the school’s music programs after retiring in 1995 and was the band director at V.F.W. Post 2435.

Gerald “Jerry” S. Wingenroth ’58 died on Sept. 20, in Ephrata. Jerry taught music in the Conestoga Valley School District for 31 years and served as the head of their music department. He was president of the Lancaster County Music Educators Association, for which he created the “Music in our Schools” program for the Lancaster-Lebanon IU13. He greatly influenced local, state, and national music organizations, and through his work with LVC. Jerry was an ardent supporter of his alma mater, including establishing the Gerald S. Wingenroth ’58 Endowed Scholarship, which is awarded annually to music students demonstrating academic strength and financial need. He was a member of Valley Musica, a supporter of the annual July 4th Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra concert on the academic quad, and a donor to multiple campus capital projects. These gifts granted him membership in the College’s Lifetime Vickroy Society and Miles Rigor Society. Jerry’s greatest joy was to see students succeed and become mentors themselves.

Dr. James F. “Jim” Wolfe ’58, of Blacksburg, Va., founding president and president emeritus of Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), died on Oct. 20. He was named VCOM’s founding president in 2001 after a 32-year career at Virginia Tech as the chemistry department chair and later university vice provost. He led VCOM through its initial development and growth, including opening South Carolina and Alabama campuses. Jim retired in 2015 but continued to serve on their board. He received an LVC Alumni Citation in 1973 and the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2009.

’60s

Kenneth Nelson ’60, of Scotia, N.Y., died on May 20. A founder of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia’s LVC chapter, Ken taught music in the Pennridge (Pa.) and Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake (N.Y.) school districts. He also served musically in his churches. Ken, a National Model Railroad Association member, was awarded the Master Model Railroader #688 in 2021.

Jane Levine Alexander ’62 died Nov. 26, in Lebanon. After graduating from LVC in three years, where she met her husband of 61 years, Edward Alexander ’60, she taught 2nd grade for 6.5 years before pausing to raise her family. Alexander continued as a substitute teacher in the Lebanon School District, taught English as a Second Language, and tutored in the area’s adult literacy program. She was an avid quilter who won several awards and was renowned for her incredible chocolate chip cookies.

Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Moore Brodt ’62, of Devon, died on May 25. She taught vocal music at Gladwyne Elementary School for 36 years. Liz created new student organizations and served as acting principal. She also taught private piano and violin lessons for over 60 years and played violin for the Main Line Symphony Orchestra for 34 years.

Delores Mounsey ’62, of Washington, D.C., died on Oct. 6. After graduating with a medical technology degree, Delores spent 40 years at Howard University advocating for health education. She served as the vice dean for the School of Allied Health and established the Delores Mounsey Endowed Scholarship at Howard.

Barry V. Bishop ’63, P’00 died on Aug. 9, in Manchester Township. He played baseball and was a member of PHILO and Alpha Phi Omega. Barry was the international controller at Dentsply International for most of his career and a longtime Asbury United Methodist Church member. Four children, including his daughter, Jodie St. Pierre ’00, survive him.

Dr. Eston Evans ’65, of Cookeville, Tenn., died Oct. 28. Eston served in the U.S. Air Force before earning his bachelor’s in German at LVC. He earned his doctorate in Germanic languages and was a professor at Tennessee Technology University. He was the director of the ESL Institute and Interim Foreign Language Department Chair until retiring in 2008. Eston’s wife, Margaret “Peggy” Fehr Evans ’66, died five weeks later. (see below)

Richard T. Irwin ’65 died on July 31, 2020, in Florida. He spent his career in banking and insurance while continuing to love his college major, history. Richard volunteered with the Quaker Meeting House Preservation Foundation in Randolph, N.J. He was predeceased by his wife, Linda Pierce Irwin ’67.

Margaret “Peggy” Fehr Evans ’66 died on Dec. 5, five weeks after her husband of 57 years, Dr. Eston Evans ’65 (see above). After living in Sweden, the couple settled in Texas to start a family. Peggy enjoyed an early social work career in Pennsylvania and Texas, then moved into higher education administration.

William S. “Bill” Zimmerman ’69 died on May 7, in California. Bill played basketball and lacrosse, then joined the U.S. Air Force, serving two Vietnam tours teaching English. He earned his master’s in counseling, focusing on drug and alcohol rehabilitation, before entering private marriage and family counseling practice. Bill was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award in 2004–05.

Editor’s Note: I apologize for the error I made in Ellis W. McCracken’s Jr., Esq., ’63 obituary in the Fall 2022 Valley (p. 29). Though his father was also named Ellis, he was not the legendary LVC coach.

’70s

Gary Fleagle ’71 died on July 28. He taught middle and high school band and choir during his 35-year career, retiring from Legg Middle School in Coldwater, Mich., in 2007. Gary served as a worship leader and choir director for numerous churches. He wrote and recorded songs for RBM Ministries, Bible School, and children’s choirs.

Nancy Jean Hunt Heckman ’73 died on Aug. 15, in Orrtanna, with her family by her side. Nancy was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, enjoying time spent with her family traveling to national parks and monuments across the country. She and her husband, Dr. Roger Heckman ’73, established The Heckman Family Scholarship at LVC in 2021 with a preference for students studying the sciences. Her husband, two daughters, and four grandchildren survive her. She will be missed by her siblings, nephews, and nieces, including Ann Fitz ’07 and Aimee Heckman ’08.

Dr. Judith Miller Klinefelter ’73 died on Oct. 25. After earning a nursing degree, she received her Ph.D. in education. Judith worked as a hospital and school nurse but was a nursing instructor at Penn State Hershey for most of her career. She founded the Twin Brooks Horse Show Association and served on the board of directors for the Penn National Horse Show.

Lorraine Lavella ’76, of Hershey, died on Dec. 18. She retired after 31 years as a critical care nurse at the Hershey Medical Center. Lorraine loved all animals, but especially her cats. She enjoyed spending time in her flower gardens, visiting the community pool, and vacationing at the beach.

Roberta “Robin” L. Burkholder Stock ’77, from East Hempfield Township, died on June 24. Robin was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota. After a 28-year career, she retired as vice president and manager of Sterling Branch Support, formerly Bank of Lancaster County. She enjoyed singing at church functions and weddings.

Gregory Scott Grace ’78, of Langhorne, died on July 2. Greg, founder and chief executive officer of Grace Actuarial Consultants, worked with insurance companies such as Cigna and American Reliance. He was an avid runner, participating in over 30 marathons, including many after his Parkinson’s diagnosis.

’80s

Mary Slane Greeley ’81, ’87, P’94, of Annville, died on Nov. 14. She loved to quilt and was a Hershey Bears season ticket holder for over 30 years. Mary was a registered nurse at Cedar Haven and HCR ManorCare Health Services, now ProMedica Senior Care. Her husband, David Greeley ’83, and daughter, Jill Greeley Sottile ’94, survive her.

Margo Smith Slabonik ’84 died on Dec. 23, in Millsboro, Del. She taught elementary school in the Lower Dauphin School District before retiring to Delaware. Margo was a longtime member of the LCBC church in Lancaster, then the Solid Ground Church in Lewes, Del.

Patricia Ann “Patti” Mongan Davis ’86, of Hillsdale, N.J., died on Jan. 12. Patti was a member of Gamma Sigma Sigma, cheerleader, and the 1985 Homecoming Queen. She taught first grade, impacting hundreds of children during her 20-year career. Patti enjoyed socializing with friends, kayaking on the Hudson River, live music, and cooking.

’90s

Emily Jones Getty ’98, M’05, of Holly Springs, N.C., died Oct. 30. She taught biology at Hershey High School, later becoming an associate professor of biology at Ivy Tech College (Ind.) and Wake Tech Community College (N.C.). Emily participated in and volunteered for the North American Flyball Association for over 20 years. Her husband, Phillip Andrew Getty ’97, survives her.

’00s

William W. “Bill” Renshaw III ’06, of Doylestown died on Aug. 9. He was a member of LVC’s inaugural men’s ice hockey team. Bill was a coach and general manager for junior hockey leagues.

Caleb Flick ’07 of Harrisburg, died on July 22. The director of Faith Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Caleb organized and created a concert series, “Concerts on Colonial,” which aired on WITF-TV with his production help. He played the organ at various churches in Lebanon and Berks counties, but his passion was piano. He performed internationally and judged a piano competition in Germany.

Kristin Marie Nawoczenski Wassil ’08 died on July 3, in San Mateo County, Calif. She loved hiking, traveling, and spending time with her husband and family. Kristin was a talented artist and enjoyed sharing her creativity with those around her.

’10s

Tim Ridewood ’11 died on Oct. 2, in Mechanicsburg. He was a four-year starter on the LVC football team and continued his love of sports as a participant and spectator after college. Tim was a project control manager for Day & Zimmerman of Philadelphia.

Marc S. Vasko M ’12 died on Dec. 13, in Manheim. He was an application systems analyst for Tower Health in Reading. Marc was an avid Phillies fan and enjoyed movies, music, history, and reading. He was the son of the late Deborah Hyduk Vasko ’94.

David Lee Butler ’23 died on June 21, in Allentown. While he excelled as a foursport athlete in high school, he played football at LVC from 2016–19. David played tailback, as well as a lineman, running back, and special teams member. He enjoyed helping others, especially his mom.

FRIENDS OF THE COLLEGE

Mark Bucher P’14, P’23 died on Dec. 26, in Palmyra. He was the son of the late Rev. Dr. Norman B. Bucher Jr. ’50 and Janet Eppley Bucher ’50; father of Rosemary ’14 and Aaron ’23 Bucher; and longtime partner of Jasmine Ammons Bucher ’97, M’11, P’14, P’23. A graduate of Penn State University, Mark was the technology supervisor for the Palmyra Area School District for over 35 years.

Marion Lee Davenport P’89, who attended LVC in the early 1960s, died July 5, in Saint Helena Island, S.C. The mother of Eric Rabenold ’89, Marion operated a birding and nature store in Fort Mill, S.C.

Judith A. Fox died on Dec. 24, in Lebanon. She worked for over 30 years in housekeeping at LVC, retiring in 2014. Remembered by her coworkers as dedicated to her job, the campus, and her colleagues in facilities, Judith was a kind yet quiet person. She was a lifelong member of the Annville Church of the Brethren.

Dr. Elizabeth “Libby” French, from Fredericksburg, died July 31. Libby loved teaching. After teaching at the elementary school level, she joined LVC as an assistant professor of education from 2010–14, receiving emerita honors after retiring in 2010. Libby also enjoyed teaching Sunday School.

William D. “Bill” McHenry died Jan. 4, in Hilton Head Island, S.C. Bill was the head LVC football coach for a decade, and athletic director. He started the men’s lacrosse program with the help of his brother, Bob, in the 1960s. Bill was inducted into LVC’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992. He and his 1961 and 1969 football teams were recognized by the Hall as Teams of Honor in 2009 and 2011 in honor of their Middle Atlantic Conference Championships.

Dr. Roger M. Nelson, professor emeritus of physical therapy (PT), died on Oct. 20 in Gettysburg. Nelson, founding chair of LVC’s PT Program, led the program to its inaugural and distinguished Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) recognition.

Nelson earned his bachelor’s in physical therapy from New York University, master’s from Boston University (Mass.), and Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. As a commissioned officer in the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS), he served as chief of the Physical Therapy Department at the San Francisco Hospital USPHS Hospital, after serving as assistant chief in Baltimore.

After completing his Ph.D., Nelson worked closely with Surgeon General C. Everett Koop. Retiring after 26 years with the USPHS, Nelson served as chair of the PT department at Thomas Jefferson

University in Philadelphia, then LVC. He recruited several former students and colleagues to help grow The Valley’s program and reputation.

“Roger was such a visionary, always several steps ahead of everyone,” noted Dr. Stan Dacko, LVC associate professor of PT, who succeeded Nelson as chair of the College’s PT Program. “He encouraged us not to be complacent with the status quo. These were not unactionable words from him. He provided concrete examples of how to adapt to changes in healthcare.”

Nelson was a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) board of directors from 1990–96, was honored by the APTA as a Catherine Worthingham Fellow, and received the highest honor afforded to a physical therapist nationwide with the Mary McMillan Lecture Award in 2013. He authored or co-authored over 50 publications and three textbooks and made over 180 presentations at local, national, and international scientific meetings. In recent years, he was engaged in developing CueTeddy, a robotic intervention tool for individuals with memory disorders.

Martha, his wife of 55 years; two children, Jennifer N. Vogel (Gary) and David K. Nelson (Kristen); and five grandsons, all of whom are Eagle Scouts like Dr. Nelson and his father, survive Nelson.

Ingeborg Maria Kampe Snoke died on Sept. 13, in Lebanon. Born in Manheim, Germany, she taught German in the ELCO School District before joining LVC’s Advancement Office. Ingeborg worked at LVC until retiring in 1999.