In Memoriam

’40s

Dorothy M. Yannaccone ’44, 100, died on July 30 in Watsontown.

Janice Stahl Geiling ’45, 101, died on Nov. 19 in Elizabethtown. She was a grade school teacher in the Palmyra public school system, a Sunday School teacher at Holy Trinity, and a volunteer with the Girl Scouts of America. Geiling was a member of the Volksmarching Club of America and Palmyra Women’s Club.

’50s

Janet Eppley Bucher ’50 died on Jan. 13, 2025, in Lititz. After graduating with degrees in English and French, she taught in the Mechanicsburg, Manheim Central, and Annville-Cleona school districts. She was President of the Young Women’s Christian Association and met her late husband, Rev. Norman B. Bucher Jr. ’50, at LVC. She supported him as a pastor’s wife throughout his career.

Bucher loved gardening, cooking, sewing, and serving others. Most of all, she loved her family and was always ready to help and support them in any way she could. She was a faithful member of Christ Church UCC in Annville, participating in the choir, Sunday School, and ladies’ groups.

Her husband Norman, son Mark Bucher P’14, P’23, daughter Jane, brother Robert Eppley, and sister-in-law Martha C. Eppley ’43, P’75, predeceased her. Her son Alan, his wife Kathy, daughter-in-law Jasmine Ammons Bucher ’97, M’11, P’14, P’23, niece Alicia Shemon ’04, ’06, niece Roberta Eppley Beisecker ’75, P’04, P’06, and grandchildren Rosemary Bucher ’14, Aaron Bucher ’23, Kaitlin Fiske, and Andrew Bucher, survive her.

Dr. Robert Kline ’50, ’72 died in June, per his wife, Ann. After earning his bachelor’s in Biology, he returned to LVC to earn a second degree in German. Dr. Kline, a WWII veteran, was the College’s doctor and on-field physician at athletic events while running a private practice. He was one of the first honorees to receive the Hot Dog Frank Athletic Service Award in 1988. A daughter, Kathryn K. Grove P’13, P’15, and two grandsons, Charles R. Grove ’13 and Dr. Christian A. Grove ’15, D’17, survive him.

The Rev. Dr. Paul E. Stambach ’52, P’81 died on July 12 in Sarasota, Fla. He served numerous Evangelical United Brethren and United Methodist churches during his career, becoming District Superintendent of the State College District of the United Methodist Conference from 1992 until his retirement in 2000. A daughter, Dr. Ann Stambach ’81, survives him.

Robert G. Miller ’56 died on Sept. 9 in Frederick, Md. He was the Technical Director for the Valspar Corporation. He also served in the U.S. Army for two years.

James W. Dougherty ’58 died on Oct. 20 in Lancaster. He founded and headed Dougherty Office Supply Co. before enjoying a 25-year career with the Manheim Auto Auction.

Jack M. McDonald ’58 died on Dec. 22 in Millersville. He served on active duty in the U.S. Army and was a member of the Pennsylvania Masons for over 50 years. His wife, Janice Noll McDonald ’61, predeceased him.

Rev. Dr. John C. Britcher ’59 died on March 6 in Tacoma, Wash. He was a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1954 to 1957 before enrolling at LVC, then earned master’s degrees in Divinity, Counseling, and Sociology and a Ph.D. in Psychology.

1LT Britcher served as the first clinically trained Chaplain at Brooke AMC in Texas before going to Vietnam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service. He later served in North Carolina, Virginia, Washington, and Germany, among others, receiving the Soldier’s Medal for Valor for risking his life to save others and retiring as a Lt. Col. As a Pastor, he served churches in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Washington.

Richard M. “Satch” Savidge ’59 died on Nov. 29 in Pottsville. He taught Biology for 43 years at Tri-Valley High School and was the school’s Head Basketball Coach and Athletic Director there.

Charles E. Wernert Sr. ’59 died on Aug. 14 in Schuylkill Haven. He devoted his life’s work to the special education field. He first worked as a Special Education Teacher and later as a School Physiologist. He was a Special Education Supervisor, Director of Special Education Mediation, and retired as Director of Special Education.

’60s

Marsha C. Grosky ’60 died on Dec. 23 in Dresher. She taught in several school districts during the 1960s and broke barriers as the sixth woman to serve on the Lebanon School Board. Grosky was deeply involved in the Lebanon community, volunteering with numerous hospital auxiliaries, including the Lebanon County Medical Society and Good Samaritan Hospital. Her husband, Dr. Murray B. Grosky ’57, predeceased her.

Richard Stanley Miller Sr. ’60 died on Nov. 5 in Malvern. He taught in McAllisterville and West Philadelphia before becoming the Instrumental Music Director at E.T. Richardson from 1964 until 1993. After retiring, he built the Drexel University Concert Band and led its Pep Band. Miller played French Horn in the 553rd Air National Guard, New Holland Band, and Lukens Band in Coatesville, the latter of which he was the Conductor and Music Director.

Miller’s bands, orchestras, and jazz ensembles received numerous recognitions as among the top instrumental programs in the country by the Music Educators National Conference and he twice received the National Band Association’s Citation of Excellence Award. The Pennsylvania Chapter of the International Bandmaster’s Phi Beta Mu fraternity presented him with its Outstanding Bandmaster’s Award in 1996 and Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024. Many of his students went on to study at Curtis, Eastman, and Julliard.

He and his wife, Janet T. Miller ’63, established LVC’s Kenneth A. Spengler Memorial Counseling Fund to support therapy and mental health assistance as students navigate college life and beyond. Last April, the Millers were honored during the College’s annual Thomas Rhys Vickroy Society dinner, which recognizes those whose contributions total $100,000 or more during their lifetime.

Robert M. Bechtold ’64 died on Oct. 16 in Brandermill, Va. He spent most of his federal career at the U.S. Department of Labor and Census Bureau.

James L. Cromer ’64 died on July 19 in Sugar Grove, Ill. He retired from Caterpillar in 1998 as Business Manager for the Aurora, Ill., plant. He began singing in his church choir in Dillsburg, continued with the Philos Four at LVC, and sang bass with the choir and Back Row men’s group at Westminster Presbyterian Church. His wife, Marsha H. Cromer ’66, survives him.

Sydnae Morgan Steinhart ’64 died on Nov. 24 in Houston, Texas. She was a Music Librarian at Bowdoin College in Maine.

Richard L. Shenk ’66, P’92 died on Sept. 23 in Lebanon. He owned multiple businesses, including a CPA Accounting firm, the former Martin’s Farm Market in Lebanon, and College Hill Poultry in Fredericksburg. A daughter, Katherine M. Morrison ’92, M’93, survives him.

Bonnie M. Witmer ’66 died on July 7 in Lancaster. She taught 3rd-grade and Learning-Disabled Students in the Lancaster City School District and taught private piano lessons for over 40 years.

Linda Rohrer Hollar ’67 died on Oct. 27 in Hagerstown, Md. She taught French in local schools and on closed-circuit TV to Washington County students.

Dr. William “Bill” J. Lamont Jr. ’67 died on Nov. 5 in Petersburg. He earned a second bachelor’s from Delaware Valley College, then his master’s and Ph.D. from Cornell University. Lamont taught at North Carolina State University and Kansas State University before joining the Pennsylvania State University faculty, retiring in 2017 as Professor Emeritus of Vegetable Crops in the Department of Plant Science. Serving on active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1967 to 1971, he spent 25 months in Japan before leaving active duty as a Petty Officer Second Class. In 1975, Lamont was accepted into a highly competitive special program for Naval Intelligence Officers in the Naval Reserves, rising from Ensign and retiring with the rank of Commander after 30 years.

Bruce R. Decker ’69 recently died according to a former classmate and teammate. A four-year football team member, he was inducted into the LVC Athletic Hall of Fame in 1987. A two-way player, Decker was named to the All-MAC First Team at Quarterback in 1968 and is tied for third on the program’s all-time interceptions list (13). His wife, Leslie B. Decker ’69, survives him.

Rev. Grant Telfer Nicholls ’69 died on Oct. 8 in Bryan, Ohio. After earning three master’s and pursuing a doctorate, he served many roles, ranging from volunteering with emergency and fire departments to serving as a Pastor and business owner.

’70s

Gary A. Arnold ’71 died on July 11 in Hershey. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he served during the Vietnam War before working as a Certified Public Accountant and Chief Financial Officer.

Gordon H. Arthur ’73 died on Aug. 9 in Loysville. He retired in 2010 after nearly 30 years as an Information Technology Specialist with Turbon International Inc.

Robert E. Weaver ’76 died on Nov. 22 in Cornwall. He was a Nursing Supervisor at Harrisburg State Hospital for 30 years and worked at No Longer Alone Ministries.

Franklin David Harpel ’78 died on Aug. 29 in Red Lion. He was a member of LVC’s soccer team and Alpha Phi Omega.

Dr. Anthony “Tony” Leach ’73

Dr. Anthony “Tony” Leach ’73, Pennsylvania State University Professor Emeritus of Music and Music Education, died on Jan. 8, 2025. One of LVC’s most distinguished Music graduates, he received the College’s Alumni Citation, June Herr Outstanding Educator of the Year Award, and Distinguished Alumni Award, its highest honor. After earning his master’s in Conducting and Ph.D. in Music Education from Penn State, Leach joined the school’s faculty in 1996, retiring as Professor Emeritus of Music and Music Education.

Leach founded Essence of Joy, one of PSU’s seven choral ensembles, in 1991. He directed the ensemble, focusing on the performance, education, and appreciation of sacred and secular music derived from African and African American choral traditions. He also directed Essence 2, a State College community choir.

’80s

David C. Lazorcik ’80 died on Nov. 4 in Lebanon. After a three-year stint in the New York City (NYC) Army Band, he earned his bachelor’s in Music Performance from LVC and attended the renowned drum school, Drummers Collective, in NYC. He studied and performed with many acclaimed artists and played throughout Central Pennsylvania. His wife, JoAnne Reisch Lazorcik ’76, survives him.

Rev. Dr. Richard E. Denison Jr. ’81 died on July 19 in Mechanicsburg. He earned his Doctor of Divinity degree from The University of Chicago Divinity School, becoming a veteran and military chaplain for 21 years, a Christian radio host, and a lifetime member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a Pastor for almost four decades and was the Lt. Col. Chaplain with the 193rd Special Operations Wing of the PA National Guard, seeing multiple overseas tours, including Operation Iraqi Freedom. His wife, Dr. Barbara Jones Denison ’79, and sister, Carol A. Brame ’84, survive him.

Russell “Russ” Dean Laucks ’86 died on Oct. 23 in Lebanon. He was a Software Developer and Manager at Berry Global, Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 415 of Cornwall, and Eagle Scout Program leader. His wife, Michele Midlick Laucks ’84 survives him.

’90s

Lisa Henry Beard ’93, P’24 died at home on Oct. 31. She taught elementary school in the Lebanon School District for over 30 years and was an LVC fitness instructor for over two decades. She was beloved by her elementary students and especially by her popular BODYPUMP class at LVC. She enjoyed walking, weight training and going to the beach and boating with her family.

Beard requested that memorial contributions be made to the Lebanon Valley Education Partnership, which connects her two alma maters, the Lebanon School District and LVC. Her husband of 32 years, Rick ’90, M’92, P’24, daughter, Emily ’24, and son, Tyler, survive her.

Michael Stephen Sobeck M’99 died on Nov. 11 in Manheim. He was PP&L’s Operating Manager for 36 years.

FRIENDS OF THE VALLEY

Professor Philip G. Morgan P’95 died on Dec. 24 in Lebanon. He graduated from Pittsburg State University in Kansas with a master’s in Music Education and retired from LVC after 34 years as a Voice and Music Professor. He continued to teach private lessons at LVC and at home.

Morgan enjoyed singing, listening to classical and jazz music, and being a vocal coach to hundreds of students during his career. One such mentee, Dr. Robert J. Schalkoff ’88, now a college professor and administrator, wrote:

“Mr. Morgan was my ‘life’ coach and lifelong mentor… He is often on my mind as I mentor students and strive to be a good role model. Mentors like Mr. Morgan are with you for the long haul.”

Morgan spent several summers as a vocal coach at Hersheypark for their seasonal productions, working with young singers, several of whom made it to Broadway and TV. He was a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and Voices of Palmyra Choral Group.

His wife, Susan P’95, children, Mireille Cottle P’18 and Anthony Morgan ’95, and grandson, Tyler Cottle ’18, survive him.

Vincent “Coach Vince” Pantalone, retired LVC Football coach and educator, died on Dec. 5. After a highly successful career as a high school head football coach, where he was a three-time Mid-Penn Coach of the Year and the 1995 PIAA District III Coach of the Year, he retired from teaching high school English and coaching to begin a second career as a college coach. He spent 13 years coaching at LVC, working with the linebackers and quarterbacks before being promoted to Defensive Coordinator. Retiring from coaching after 38 years, Pantalone remained at LVC, becoming the inaugural Coordinator of the Dutchmen First Program, which helps first-generation students succeed at The Valley.

An LVC colleague noted, “Vince was everything that a person should be: husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and coach. Through his warmth, positive attitude, and encouragement, he impacted the lives of thousands of young people during his over 38 years in education.”

Pantalone was a star wide receiver at Moravian College, where he was a four-year starter and team MVP as a senior. He was inducted into the Moravian Sports Hall of Fame in 1997.

Harkening back to his love of teaching literature to high school students, Pantalone fulfilled a lifelong dream, publishing a novel, Incident on the Road to Canterbury, after retiring.

Carla, his wife of 41 years, daughters, Rachel Pantalone Hoover ’11, and Julia Pantalone Scudero, and sons, Robert and Phillip, survive him. A son, Nicholas ’13, and twin daughters, Marie and Elizabeth, preceded him in death.

Lois “Anne” Ristenbatt P’12, retired LVC Mailroom and Copy Center Technician, died on Nov. 20, after battling a long illness. She was a beloved member of the LVC community, who retired in 2023. “Anne’s warmth, kindness, and tireless work ethic were hallmarks of her LVC tenure.” She was a valued co-worker who became a friend to many employees and students. Co-workers deeply appreciated her smile, laughter, and willing assistance and will long remember and cherish the impromptu conversations with Anne in the Mailroom.

Whatever the students needed, Anne was there to make it happen and did so enthusiastically. She made mundane tasks more enjoyable with a friendly attitude and smile. Anne mentored students and RAs who worked closely with her in the mail center.

She was a devoted member of Salem Lutheran Church in Lebanon. Daughters, Hannah Ehlers Ristenbatt ’12, Rachel Reinhart, Lois Heisey, six beloved grandchildren, and husband Mike Ristenbatt survive her.

Warren K.A. Thompson P’92, Associate Professor Emeritus of Religion and Philosophy, died on Jan. 14, 2025, in Lebanon.

Born in San Antonio, Texas, he earned a master’s in Philosophy and was a beloved LVC Professor for 35 years. He continued as an Adjunct for many years after retiring. Thompson was a train enthusiast, avid book reader, and one of the Flying Dutchmen’s most avid basketball fans, rarely missing a game. He especially enjoyed books about WWII, the Holocaust, politics, and murder mysteries.

His wife, Ann S. Thompson P’92, daughter, Sarah M. Smith ’92, and grandson, Dylan Smith, survive him.