James A. Elliott ’68 (1946-2009) James A. Elliott ’68, a loyal alumnus and trustee of the College, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 3, 2009, at the age of 62. Upon graduation from W&J in 1968, Elliott was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. From 1969-1970, he served in the Korean Demilitarized Zone as platoon leader, executive officer, and company commander before being honored with the Army Commendation Medal and attaining the rank of major in the U.S. Army Reserves. Following service to his country, he earned an M.B.A. from Rutgers University and accepted a position as an investment analyst for the Ford Motor Company. He continued to seek out knowledge and education, earning a Master of Arts degree in economics from Eastern Michigan University in 1977. Elliott and his family moved to Dallas in 1980 where they have resided ever since. After serving as vice president for institutional sales for Salomon Brothers and also at Credit Suisse First Boston, Elliott joined Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. in 1994 as the first vice president for investments, a position he held until his death. Active in his community, Elliott served in many philanthropic positions in Dallas, including Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Hope Cottage, and The Hockaday School.
Alexander R. Travis ’49, Clinton, Ohio, died December 28, 2008, at the age of 86. He was employed at Goodyear Aerospace for 20 years, before retiring in 1987. He was also a proud U.S. Army Air Force veteran, having served in WWII. John Plummer ’50, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, died December 24, 2008, at the age of 80. He enjoyed a long career in restaurant, food service management, and hospitality education where he worked primarily in Chicago as an executive with Langford-Cooney, Service Systems, and Marriott. In 1987, he joined the Culinary Department at Joliet Junior College where he taught hotel restaurant management for nine years before retiring in 1996. Ross D. Resciniti ’50, Washington, died December 20, 2008, at the age of 83. During his career, he was employed as a history teacher at Claysville High School and as an assistant principal and guidance counselor in the Trinity School District. He served for three years in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Resciniti was also a charter member and officer in the Washington County Counseling Association, a PIAA wrestling official in the Tri-State area for more than 30 years, and was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 1998. Douglas Ross Robertson ’50, Waynesville, died October 29, 2007, at the age of 81. Philip L. Bachman ’51, Fairfax County, Virginia, died January 4, 2009, at the age of 79. He was a principal engineer for Melpar E-Systems in Falls Church before retiring in 1991, as well as a founding member of Providence Presbyterian Church in Fairfax.
Throughout his career, Elliott remained dedicated to his alma mater. A true ambassador of W&J in the state of Texas, he was the unofficial leader of the Dallas alumni group, hosting events in his home on numerous occasions, and served on the committee for the Class of 1968’s 40th Reunion. A member of the W&J Board of Trustees since 1984, Elliott was a term trustee and chair of the finance committee until his death. In recognition of his military service, professional accomplishments, and commitment to the College, W&J honored Elliott with its Distinguished Service Award in 2004. Elliott is survived by his wife, Linda of 39 years; three daughters, Landice (Alexander) Fox, Courtney (Gregory) Itson, and Bethany (Stephen) Holloway; three grandchildren; his mother, Betty; brother Harry; two sisters, Kathy Krygier and Diane Shea; as well as many other beloved relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Washington & Jefferson College and The Hockaday School.
Walter E. Maxwell ’51, died February 11, 2008, at the age of 86. William Henry McGoughran Jr. ’51, Colombia, Maryland, died December 8, 2008, at the age of 81. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and was later employed by A.O. Smith Corporation where he worked until his retirement in 1989. A passionate thespian, he delighted audiences with his talents at numerous Pittsburgh community theaters for many years. He later became a respected local stage director and published many of his short stories in New Bern, North Carolina and Pittsburgh periodicals. He was a member of Phi Delta Gamma fraternity at W&J. Clifford W. Hellberg ’52, Fox Chapel, died March 9, 2009, at the age of 83. He was employed by Schlage Lock Company in Detroit, Michigan, and later joined Gardner Display Company in Pittsburgh as a salesman. He eventually acquired an ownership position and in the early 1970s, he formed Creative Productions, which he successfully managed until it was sold to a national competitor in 2000. Robert K. Duffy Jr. ’53, Chalfont, died April 11, 2008, at the age of 76. Henry A. Leslie ’53, died September 19, 2008, at the age of 80. Edward G. “Jerry” Guckert ’55, died December 4, 2008, at the age of 75. He was a member of the College’s ROTC and spent eight years as a reserve officer, including one year of active duty in Ft. Eustis, Virginia. He received his designation as a certified public accountant as well as serving as deacon and church treasurer at the Cranberry Baptist Church which he and his wife helped to establish.
A. Samuel Kaufman ’55 died October 28, 2008, at the age of 75. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army and served in the Reserves for 28 years, achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was an instructor in the Army’s Command and General Staff School. Kaufman worked as an insurance salesman for a few years before going back to school to earn a master’s degree in education. He taught social studies at Baldwin High School for 26 years before retiring in 1990. William S. Polen, M.D. ’59, Glenshaw, died February 24, 2009, at the age of 71. He had been employed as an emergency room physician at the former Passavant Hospital of Pittsburgh. He later went into private practice and maintained an office for many years in Allison Park, before retiring in 1992. Polen was also a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. He was awarded many decorations for his service, including the Purple Heart. John A. Carr ’63, Delaware County, died March 2, 2009, at the age of 67. He was a mechanical engineer with Battelle Memorial Institute for 34 years until his retirement in 2004. During his career, he worked on the Alaska Pipeline, as well as in South Korea and Chernobyl. Harvey I. Cohen, D.D.S. ’64, Oil City, died January 14, 2009, at the age of 66. He was a dentist in the Kendall area for more than 37 years. William “Bill” Goaziou ’65, died April 20, 2008, at the age of 68. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, an elected official, a certified public accountant, and an adjunct professor at the University of South Florida and Hillsborough College. An avid supporter of soccer, Goaziou was named to the Florida Youth Soccer Hall 37