In Memoriam

’40s

Fredricka “Freddie” Albert ’42 died on May 27 in Lititz. She taught English at Hershey High School and Freeport and Locust Valley high schools in Long Island, N.Y. Freddie was a world traveler, bird watcher, and loved Shakespeare. She also enjoyed playing bridge, swimming, photography, and the arts.

Mildred Palmer Neideigh ’47 died on April 29 in Hamburg. She was a voice and piano instructor and vocal soloist while serving as a substitute teacher in the Hamburg Area School District. Mildred was in full-time ministry at Trinity Reformed Church in Shenandoah, First Reformed Church of the United Church of Christ in Hamburg, St. John’s UCC in Gibraltar, and First Reformed Church in Wernersville for more than 50 years.

’50s

Floyd Baturin, Esq., ’51 died on Jan. 10 in Harrisburg. He graduated from LVC after serving in the Marine Corps during the Korean War, later earning his law degree from the Dickinson School of Law. Floyd practiced alongside his father and three children for more than 60 years at Baturin & Baturin Law Offices. He was an active member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, War Veterans’ Councils, and American Legion.

Joan Mattern Franks ’51 died on March 21 in Northfield, N.J. She taught music throughout the Neshaminy School District in New Jersey for 42 years. Married to Neshaminy’s head football coach, Harry, Joan passionately supported the team, missing only two games in 28 years. She was inducted into their Football Hall of Fame for her extraordinary contribution to the program.

Harold G. Heisey ’51 died on March 30 in Mechanicsburg. He retired from AMP Inc. after many years as an accountant. Harold spoke fondly of his days at LVC playing baseball and was a lifelong Philadelphia Phillies fan. He spent the winter months in Lakeland, Fla., and was a member of the Pine Street Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg.

Myrna Shenk Heminway ’51 died on March 24 in Cape May County, N.J. She loved gardening, making jelly and jams, and baking. Myrna was a pianist for the Tabernacle United Methodist Church and later the Maranatha New Covenant Church, both in New Jersey. Her husband, Lewis C. Heminway Jr. ’51, predeceased her.

Lois L. Adams ’52 died on June 5 in Tower City. She was passionate about children’s educational success and served as the director of special education at the Radnor Township School District. An annual award in Lois’ name is presented to an eighth grader who has shown growth, improvement, and motivation during their middle school years.

William S. Vought Jr., ’53 died on Jan. 25 in Mount Joy. He had a 37-year career at the research center of Armstrong Cork Company, interrupted by two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. William retired as a senior research scientist. He and his wife, Nina, were avid square dancers and competed in challenge-level square dancing competitions.

Gene Helms ’54 died on Feb. 28 in Fort Myers, Fla. He served with the 101st Airborne of the United States Army during the Korean War and the Corps of Engineers during the construction of the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line. Gene was a vice president at Cargill Inc. Once retired, Gene earned his captain’s license and enjoyed boating and fishing.

Nancy Daugherty Cortner ’55 died on Jan. 11 in Sykesville, Md. A member of LVC’s Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, she taught at Air Force bases in Bermuda and England, using the opportunity to travel throughout Europe, Russia, and the Middle East. Widowed after only four years of marriage, Nancy worked to support her two young daughters. She later married Col. Sanders Cortner.

Dr. William “Bill” Erby ’55 died on Dec. 2, 2021, in Oak Creek, Wis. After earning his doctorate in chemistry at Syracuse University, Bill was a chemist at Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Air Products and Chemicals. He then served in executive positions at Daubert Chemical Company before starting a chemical company, Miltec Inc.

Beverly Ross Lupfer ’55 died on Feb. 25 in Wilmington, Del. She and her husband, Lloyd, lived in many places, including Holland, Belgium, and England, but Beverly preferred spending time at her cabin in Henry’s Valley, surrounded by her family. She loved reading, bridge, animals, and antiques.

Marian Hess Peppel ’55 died on Dec. 28, 2021, in Springfield. After starting as an elementary school teacher, she worked at a doctor’s office and then retired from BCM International. Marian will be remembered for her love of music and beautiful soprano voice. She studied music at LVC and was a Delta Lambda Sigma sorority member.

Dorothy Crist Smith ’55 died on April 27 in Willow Street. She was a writer and editor at Merck Sharp and Dohme, a subsidiary of Merck Pharmaceuticals. She served as a deacon in several Presbyterian churches. Dottie was an avid sailor and a member of Sweet Adeline groups.

Thomas Gordon Wolfgang ’55, P’82 died on April 2 in Lititz. He taught at Manheim Township High School for many years, conducting madrigals and chorus and directing plays and musicals. Thomas is a founding member of the Lancaster Actors’ Company. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Bettyjane (B.J.) Swisher ’54, daughter, Heidi Limbert ’82, and son-in-law, Ivan Wittel ’79. Thomas’ final wish was to be laid to rest overlooking LVC’s campus in Grandview Cemetery.

J. Bashore “J.B.” Yorty ’56 died June 10 in Lebanon. He taught music in the Palmyra Area School District for 39 years. J.B. was the organist and music director at Covenant United Methodist Church in Lebanon for 41 years. He was honored as an outstanding Lebanon-area musician by the Harmonica Music Club.

Margaret “Marge” Jane Teates ’58 died on Feb. 7 in Roanoke, Va. After graduating with a biology degree, she earned a master’s degree in social work at Kansas University. Marge was a technical typist at Virginia Tech’s Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering. She volunteered for many organizations, including the American Cancer Society and Christiansburg Presbyterian Church.

LeRoy E. “Cuppy” Copenhaver ’59 died on March 25 at the Lebanon VA Hospital. Before LVC, he served in the U.S. Army as a high-speed radio operator during the Korean War, achieving the rank of Staff Sargent. LeRoy was a trumpet player, playing in numerous local bands and orchestras. He and his wife, Janice, were active in the Volksmarch community.

Dr. Arthur L. Ford Jr. ’59, professor emeritus of English, died on April 12 in Lebanon. He joined LVC’s English Department in 1965 and served as the dean of international programs until retiring in 2001. (see previous page)

David A. Tobias ’59 died April 2 in Northfield, N.J. After LVC, he earned degrees from Columbia College and The Julliard School. He played percussion at Radio City Music Hall, was an instrumentalist for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and wrote music for the Ice Capades. As the band director at Oakcrest High School for almost 50 years, David’s greatest dedication was to the Oakcrest Marching Ambassadors.

’60s

Kenneth R. Nelson ’60 died on May 20 in Scotia, N.Y. The founder of LVC’s chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Ken received a master’s degree in music and conducting. He taught in the Penn Ridge and Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake school districts while serving as music director at his church and the Schenectady Light Opera Company.

Dr. Robert “Bob” A. Gray ’63 died on April 12 in Wyomissing. His wife, Dianne E. Gray ’63, preceded him in death. Originally from Aberdeen, Scotland, Bob and his family emigrated to the United States when he was seven. He began his career as an associate professor of media and computer courses, teaching at several institutions. He was promoted to full professor at Kutztown University, retiring in 2007 as a professor of instructional technology.

George J. Hiltner III ’63 died on April 29 in Cherry Hill, N.J. He spent his career in higher education, initially in admissions, then worked in career counseling at Suffolk County Community College in New York for 30 years. George earned a master’s degree in counseling. He was a church organist and choir director.

Ellis W. McCracken Jr., Esq., ’63 died on April 10, 2021, in Hendersonville, N.C. In 2001, he was inducted into LVC’s Athletic Hall of Fame for his baseball and football accomplishments. That same year, the Hall recognized his 1961 football squad as the Team of Honor for their 1961 MAC Championship win. Ellis’ father, Ellis W. McCracken Sr., was the Dutchmen’s head football coach from 1954 to 1960. Ellis retired as vice president and general counsel from Anheuser-Busch in 2000.

Dr. George Rudolph Plitnik ’63 died on September 20, 2021, in Mount Savage, Md. He was a physics professor at Frostburg State University, best known for his “Physics of Harry Potter,” which he taught in a wizard costume. His research led to a book and published papers in acoustics.

Robert R. Shope ’63 died on May 13 in Canton, Ohio. After working in the banking industry for more than 30 years, he retired in 2001 as a senior vice president of J.P. Morgan Chase Bank. Bob was an avid gardener. He was passionate about traveling the world with his wife of 56 years, Sandy Deiner Shope ’64.

Dr. David Dwight Grove ’64 died on March 31 in Greensboro, N.C. After attending the University of Chicago Medical School, he served as a physician in the U.S. Army, reaching the rank of Major. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Duke University, continuing to practice cardiology for more than 40 years. David was active in the classical music community and Christ United Methodist Church.

Dr. Robert “Bob” Lewis ’64 died on Oct. 2, 2021, in Arizona. After LVC, he attended Hahnemann University (now Drexel University) Medical School. Bob was a Captain in the U.S. Air Force before starting his ophthalmology residency in Texas. He later opened a practice in Tempe, Ariz. Bob, who wrote award-winning poems, essays, and short stories, retired in 2012.

Charles “Chuck” Hornberger ’68 died on Jan. 22 in Scarborough, Maine. He worked at the Children’s Hospital of Boston in radiology information systems for 27 years. After retiring, he directed a University of Southern Maine singing group. Chuck was a member of the Maine Pops Concert Band and his church’s choir.

’90s

Christine Gill Flowers ’93 died on May 22 in Mead, Wash., after a year-long battle with cancer. A standout member of LVC’s track & field team, she went on to compete with the Lilac City Figure Skating Club, testing through the ranks of U.S. Figure Skating. Christine enjoyed snowboarding, wake surfing, and playing bass guitar.

FRIENDS OF THE COLLEGE

Jeanne Beaver Daubert P’77, P’84, P’93 died on Feb. 13 in Hershey. She earned an elementary education teaching certificate from LVC and completed her graduate studies at Millersville University. She retired from Northern Lebanon School District after a nearly 40-year career. Three of Jeanne’s seven children graduated from LVC: Suzanne D. Fox ’77, Alison Daubert ’84, and Aaron Daubert ’93.

Mary Elizabeth Eshleman died on Feb. 3 in Palmyra. She served as the executive secretary in LVC’s President’s Office until her retirement. Mary and her late husband, C. Raymond, spent the winter months in Florida. She was an active member of Fairland Brethren in Christ Church in Cleona.

John S. Gergle died on March 25 in Palmyra. He led LVC’s baseball team as head coach from 1995 to 1999. John served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He also was the head coach for Lebanon Catholic High School and the pitching coach for Cedar Crest High School and Millersville University.

Mattia “Tia” Guinivan died on March 17 in Lancaster. Tia was LVC’s director of project management in the Advancement Office from 1999 to 2004.

Dr. Paul A. Heise, professor emeritus of economics, died on Feb. 4 in Lebanon. He started his education at a Franciscan monastery, which was interrupted by three years in the U.S. Army. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Georgetown University, a master’s from Harvard University, and Ph.D. from The New School for Social Research. Paul spent 25 years in government service, serving in the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office, State Department, and Labor Department. He handled trade negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, and later became the liaison between labor and the White House during President Jimmy Carter’s administration.

After teaching at several colleges, Paul joined LVC as a tenured assistant professor of economics in 1991. He was promoted to associate professor in 1995 and full professor in 2002 before retiring in 2004. He also wrote a bi-weekly column for the Lebanon Daily News. He is survived by Roberta “Bobbie” Warshaw, his wife of 27 years.

John D. “Pa” Kissinger died on June 15 in Annville. He was a U.S. Army veteran who enjoyed gardening. He was also a sports fan and collector of sports memorabilia.

His grandson, Eric L. Himelright M’98, and his wife, Amy, established the John Kissinger Annual and Endowed Scholarship in Business at LVC in “Pa’s” honor. In a 2011 Valley article, Eric noted, “I have two brothers, and we were raised by a single mother. No one in our family had ever attended college, but my mother and grandfather did everything they could to make sure we had the opportunity.”

(l. to r.) Hailey Himelright, John “Pa” Kissinger, and Tyanna Himelright

Dr. Barney T. Raffield, professor emeritus of business administration, died on May 30 in Asheville, N.C. Born in Georgia, when he was six, his family moved to New Orleans, La., which he loved and called home. He later served six years in the U.S. Army Reserves.

After completing his bachelor’s and MBA at Southern Methodist University in Texas, Barney began a lifetime of collegiate teaching, completing his Ph.D. at Union Graduate School, now Clarkson University, in New York. He taught at numerous colleges and universities, including the University of Maryland and Penn State University, before arriving at LVC in 1990 as an associate professor of management. In 1997, he was promoted to full professor, later becoming professor of business administration and coordinator of the MBA Program. Barney ended his academic career after two decades at The Valley, retiring in 2009.

Barney realized that he loved smaller colleges where he could be an active mentor to his students, winning outstanding teaching awards and advising Greek life chapters at each institution, including TKE at LVC. He was an accomplished author of a textbook and many refereed journal articles.

He was beloved by students, colleagues, alumni, and fellow scholars during his two decades at The Valley. In 2001, he received a Fulbright Fellowship to teach marketing and business at a university in Eastern Ukraine. There, he received a Distinguished Professorship from the Donetsk University of Management.

After retiring from The Valley, Barney and his wife, Dr. Sharon “Sherrie” Hall Raffield, associate professor emerita of sociology, retired to Asheville, where he was active in his community and his church, the Basilica of St. Lawrence as an usher, docent, and Knights of Columbus.

In addition to Sherrie, Barney is survived by his two adopted children from South Korea, Mark Raffield (Jenny) and Kathleen Raffield Pajtis (David), an adopted son from Ukraine, Sergei Borzenkov, a sister, Olivia Taylor, and seven grandchildren.

William “Bill” C. Wenrich died on March 27 in Palmyra. A gifted athlete in baseball and basketball, he was inducted into LVC’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999. He played minor league baseball for the Chicago White Sox organization then served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1960. He began teaching and coaching at Morristown High School in 1962 and worked within that school district for 28 years. Bill was principal of Frelinghuysen Middle School and later Morristown High School.

DR. ARTHUR “ART” LEWIS FORD JR. ’59

Dr. Arthur "Art" Lewis Ford Jr. ’59

Dr. Art Ford, professor emeritus of English, died on April 12 in Lebanon. The two-time Faculty Fulbright Scholar was a star baseball player and student as an LVC undergraduate. After earning his Ph.D. and teaching English at Heidelberg College for four years, Art returned to his alma in 1965, where he was a professor of English and dean of international education until retiring in 2001.

Art, Mary Ellen Keiser Ford, his wife of 63 years, and children—Penny, Peggy, and Jean— lived in Cambridge, England, during the 1972–73 academic year where he was a visiting scholar at the University of Cambridge. He and Mary Ellen then lived in Damascus, Syria, during the 1984–85 academic year, where he was a Fulbright lecturer, and then at the University of Nanjing, China, where he taught, also in the Fulbright program. During the fall semester of 2000, he and Mary Ellen served as directors of LVC’s London, England, Study Abroad Program.

Among Art’s publications are three academic books and numerous articles. He also wrote Cinderella and the Seven Dwarfs, the story of LVC’s 1952–53 basketball team as it went to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen, the smallest school to advance that far. After his retirement, he wrote two novels, Shunned and The Offer, a fictionalized account of his and his wife’s travels and time living abroad.

Art was named a Distinguished Alumnus of Columbia High School and received an Alumnus Citation Award from Lebanon Valley College. He was also made an Honorary Fellow at Cambridge Ruskin University in England.

In addition to Mary Ellen, Art is survived by a sister-in-law, June Ford; daughters Penny Nechanicky (Jeff), Peggy Neiswender (Daryl), and Jean Gress (Michael); and six grandchildren.

WILLIAM “BILL” LEHR JR., ESQ., H’19

William "Bill" Lehr Jr., Esq., H’19

William “Bill” Lehr Jr., Esq., H’19, longtime member and two-term chair of LVC’s Board of Trustees, died on May 11. He had a distinguished professional career but was equally well known and respected for his extensive philanthropic and volunteer work. Bill served on the boards of more than 30 non-profit and public-private organizations, acting as chair of the board for more than a dozen of them at the national, regional, and state levels, including The Susquehanna Art Museum, WITF, The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, and Lebanon Valley College.

After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, Bill received his juris doctorate degree from the Georgetown University Law Center. He also graduated from Stanford University’s Executive Program and completed The Governing for Nonprofit Excellence course at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Business Administration. He received an honorary doctor of humane letters from LVC in 2019, and the College’s Founders Medal in 2015.

From 2004–2016, Bill was chair of the board of Capital Blue Cross. He also served as chief executive officer from 2008–2012 and as president from 2008–2010 at Capital Blue. Lehr previously served as senior vice president, secretary, and treasurer of Hershey Foods Corporation, from which he retired in 1995 after a 28-year career.

In addition to their extraordinary service to The Valley, Bill and his wife of 60 years, Beverlee, created The William and Beverlee Lehr Scholarship at LVC and financially supported several campus projects, including the annual Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra free concert in July. One of the College’s dining areas, Lehr Dining Hall, is named in their honor.

In 2018 Beverlee, a ceramic artist and licensed massage therapist, donated Priscilla’s Wall: 106 Seasons to the LVC’s permanent art collection. Priscilla’s Wall is installed in the Jeanne and Edward H. Arnold Health Professions Pavilion.

HELEN TEWKSBURY NEIDIG

Dr. Howard A. “Tony” Neidig ’43, H’04, and Helen Tewksbury Neidig

Helen Tewksbury Neidig died on Feb. 13 in Lebanon, one month shy of her 101st birthday. She was the wife of the late Dr. Howard A. “Tony” Neidig ’43, H’04, with whom she co-owned Chemical Education Resources (CER) from 1984 to 2000. Helen served as operations manager for CER. Previously, she was an administrative assistant to the president of Keystone Junior College from 1963 to 1972.

Helen was a faithful member of the Dalton United Methodist Church. She was past president of the Junior Women’s Club and Dalton PTA, chairman of the LVC Annville Forum Luncheon and Fashion Show, treasurer of the Lebanon Valley College Auxiliary, and a member of the Dalton Borough Council.

“Helen was a good friend, and we enjoyed many happy times together,” said lifelong friend Patricia Lutz Walter ’57, P’85, P’91. “She was even-tempered and had a giving spirit. A sentence in Helen’s obituary sums up her life the best. ‘Helen led an exemplary life seeking only the happiness of others and her family.’ She is missed.”

Helen and Tony were active and distinguished members of the Lebanon Valley College family. They embraced, supported, and promoted the mission of LVC, including serving as honorary co-chairs of the fundraising campaign to revitalize the College’s science center into the Neidig-Garber Science Center. They established the Neidig Chemistry Scholarship Fund to support LVC’s students and the Neidig Chemistry Research Fund to enhance student-faculty research opportunities in the sciences.

The couple’s very happy marriage united two families with four children: Linda Banigan O’Leary, John Banigan, Kathy Neidig Calabrese ’73, and Nancy Neidig Bentzel. The latter are married to Frank O’Leary, Gail Banigan, Tony Calabrese, and Dan Bentzel, respectively. In addition, 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren were born into the family.