In Memoriam

’40s

Bernardo J. Penturelli ’48, P’75 died March 28, 2020, in Exeter Township. He was a member of Knights of the Valley, LClub, Symphony Orchestra, and an athletic team manager while attending LVC. Penturelli served on LVC’s Board of Trustees from 1978–1981, and was an honorary member from 1981–1987. He was the owner of Blue Mountain Mushroom Company in Lenhartsville. He is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Penturelli Greer ’75. He was predeceased by 26 days by his wife, Martha Miller Penturelli ’49, P’75.

Martha “Marcie” Miller Penturelli ’49, P’75 died March 2, 2020, in Exeter Township. She was a member of Delta Lambda Sigma while at LVC. She was co-owner of Blue Mountain Mushroom Company in Lenhartsville. She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Penturelli Greer ’75. Her husband, Bernardo J. Penturelli ’48, P’75, died 26 days after her passing. Martha and Bernardo were members of LVC’s Lifetime Vickroy Society in recognition of their cumulative lifetime giving total of more than $100,000.

’50s

William “Bill” Fisher ’50 died Nov. 14, in Lancaster. He served in the U.S. Army from 1950–1952, stationed in the German peace-keeping force. He started his newspaper sports writing career at the Milton Evening Standard, but it was at Lancaster Newspapers, where he made his mark. He interviewed Muhammad Ali at his Poconos training camp and was part of Joe Paterno’s inner circle of reporters. Fisher always had the best seat in the house—at ringside, on the track, and in the press box. He was inducted into many local and state Sports Halls of Fame. He was a member of Covenant United Methodist Church.

Rev. Paul W. Kauffman ’50 died Aug. 3, in Newport. He received his first license to preach at age 17 and continued in the ministry for 72 years. He served at churches in Ohio and Maryland, and several churches in Pennsylvania, including West Fairview, York Area Parish, Montgomery, Harrisburg 29th Street, Harrisburg First and Otterbein. Kauffman was director and counselor of Camp Penn Church Camp, past chaplain of Tall Cedars of Lebanon Forest #43, visiting chaplain of the Visiting Nurses Association, and a former ambulance driver for Newport Ambulance League.

Dr. Valentino V. Sica ’50 died Dec. 5, in Sparta, N.J. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in World War II. After conducting his medical training in Rome, Italy, Dr. Sica opened a medical practice in Rochelle Park, N.J., that he maintained for 40 years. He had a general practice of medicine, ranging from seeing patients in his office and in the hospital to assisting with surgeries, before retiring in 1994. Dr. Sica avidly volunteered as the town and school physician.

In 2019, he donated more than $1 million to establish an endowed scholarship at LVC and was inducted into the College’s prestigious Laureate Society. Dr. Sica felt that his time at LVC provided a solid foundation for his medical training and career, so established The Sica Scholarship to provide similar opportunities for today’s students.

Ruth Withers Cooper ’51 died Oct. 9, in St. Petersburg, Fla. She was a lifelong learner, dedicated and well-respected educator, and an avid reader. She enjoyed gardening, working on jigsaws and word puzzles, and spending time outdoors. Cooper was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Harry F. Cooper ’53; brother, Edward Withers ’44; sister, Irene Withers Blair ’48; and sister-in-law, Nancy Saurman Withers ’47.

Elyzabeth Briody Fry ’51 died Aug 11, in Carlisle. She was an administrator in the East Pennsboro School District (EPSD) for many years before becoming an Intermediate Unit reading specialist for the Harrisburg schools for 17 years, from which she retired. She and her husband, Bill, also an educator and administrator in the EPSD, traveled abroad to many countries and enjoyed visiting schools and meeting students as part of their travels.

Robert C. Knowlton ’51 died Oct. 8, in Camp Hill. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force, 5th Air Force. He was employed with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue for more than 30 years. He was a member of American Legion Post 109 in Mechanicsburg, and a life member of VFW Post 7415 in New Cumberland. Knowlton was predeceased by a brother, Elbridge N. Knowlton ’50.

Janet Weidenhammer Baker ’52 died Sept. 29, in Hendersonville, N.C. She worked at Hooker Chemical Corporation until she retired to raise her family. She was a dedicated volunteer, serving on the DeGraff Hospital Volunteer board in North Tonawanda, N.Y., Harris Methodist H.E.B. Hospital Auxiliary in Dallas, Texas, and was an active member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Hendersonville. In 2015, Baker retired from the church choir after singing in choirs for 75 continuous years. She was predeceased by a brother in-law, William L. Baker ’61.

Wilma Stambach Garland ’52 died July 17, in Lititz. In the 1950s, she and her husband, Roy, taught all subjects at Red Bird Mission in Kentucky for Roy’s Alternative Service (Conscientious Objector) during the Korean War. Wilma then started teaching English at a public school in York, later teaching seventh grade English for 25 years at Marticville Middle School in the Penn Manor School District in Lancaster. She was a long-time active member at Lancaster Church of the Brethren.

Donald S. Gingrich ’52 died July 20, in Middletown. He was a music educator who taught at Annville High School, University of Georgia, and Georgia State University from where he retired in 1991. He loved all music but was especially knowledgeable of classical music. Gingrich’s favorite baseball team was the Atlanta Braves.

Dr. George D. Curfman ’53 died Dec. 10, in Palmyra. Curfman, professor emeritus of music, retired in 1994. (See memorial on p. 31)

John Ervin ’54 died Nov. 11, in Lawrenceville, N.J. He taught music in Roseland and Caldwell Township, N.J., public schools after serving in the U.S. Army. He then taught music for 36 years at The College of New Jersey. A classical pianist, Ervin performed multiple solo recitals, including at Carnegie Recital Hall at Kennedy Center, Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. He was a member of Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in Ewing, N.J. for 58 years. For many years during the summer months, he served as camp manager at Red Fox Music Camp in the Berkshires in New Marlboro, Mass., during summers for many years.

Dr. Gene R. Adams ’56 died Dec. 25, in New London, Conn. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from LVC in just three years, earning his medical degree at Jefferson University in Philadelphia at age 24. He served as a U.S. Air Force pediatrician in Wiesbaden, Germany. Adams spent the rest of his career as a private practice pediatrician in New London and was chief of pediatrics at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital. A skilled diagnostician, he played a central role in the discovery of a treatment for Lyme Disease in children.

Sandra Weit Shipman ’58 died Sept. 23, in York. She was a dedicated volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, and Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen. She was a board member for Homeland Ministries of the United Church of Christ (UCC), and the vitality committee of the Penn Central Conference of the UCC. Shipman was an active member of Faith UCC in York.

Janice Weaber Graby ’59 died Feb. 14, in South Carolina. She worked in education from 1959 to 1980 as a first-grade teacher, special education teacher, assistant principal, assistant professor of education, and an elementary principal. She began a career in property and casualty insurance, and founded Hilton Head Insurance Agency, where she was president from 1984 until 2010. Graby served on the board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Columbia (S.C.) and was a member of the Columbia Rotary Club. She is survived by her husband, Dr. James K. Graby ’59.

’60s

Samuel E. Butz ’60 died July 10, in Chambersburg. He was a partner in the family business—the former Modern Home Appliance Company—in downtown Chambersburg for many years. He was a member of The Presbyterian Church of Falling Spring in Chambersburg, and a lifelong member of the Chambersburg Country Club. Butz had a lifelong passion for golf, playing well into his 80s.

Marianne Kanoff Loney ’60 died Sept. 9, in Harrisburg. She was a cancer researcher at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia before teaching the first earth and space science program at Gettysburg High School, and English at John Harris High School. Loney was a co-founder of the Kidney Foundation of Central PA, and president of the board of the Mental Health Association of Central PA. She was an active member of St. Joan of Arc Church in Hershey. She served as a pastoral minister at Hershey Medical Center, and later became an independent grief counselor.

L. Nelson “Nels” Umble ’60 died Nov. 12, in Carefree, Ariz. He was the founder, chair, and CEO of several consulting firms, representing private and public sector employers throughout the U.S. for more than 30 years. Umble traveled internationally on Christian missions. He was recognized for his volunteer services with The Opportunities Industrialization Center in Arizona and was a champion in serving young people, so they would become good citizens in service to others. He and his wife, Marian, provided funds to LVC to educate students about chemical abuse prevention.

Dr. Michael M. Brown ’62 died Aug. 30, in Warminster, Md. He was a biology professor and department chair at McDaniel College, where he taught for 42 years. He conducted microbiology research and was the co-founder of the Summer Science Institute at McDaniel, which he headed from 1982 to 2000. Brown was a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Society of Plant Physiologists, and American Institute of Biological Sciences. He is survived by his brother, Dr. Eric Brown ’66, and a nephew, Michael Hoover ’04. He was predeceased by his aunt, Gladys Brown Hoover ’41.

William “Bill” H. Hooke ’62 died Aug. 18, in Carlisle. He joined his father in the real estate business in 1962, where they developed multiple properties and businesses. Hooke founded Hooke Hooke and Eckman Realtors with his son, David, and partners in 2003. His community involvement included the Carlisle Family YMCA, United Way of Carlisle and Cumberland counties, and Bosler Memorial Library. He loved spending time at the Jersey shore and his cabin in Tioga County.

Barbara McLean Meyer ’62 died July 8, in Tom’s River, N.J. She worked as an accompanist at Juilliard and pursued her love of music in Paris before settling in New York City. She moved to the Jersey Shore with her family and played at many churches, including St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Meyer was also a public school music teacher for several years.

Dianne Ehrhart Gray ’63 died July 23, in Wyomissing. She retired from Kutztown University as a counselor for continuing education. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Dr. Robert A. Gray ’63.

Edgar George Morgan ’63, H’17 died July 4, in Lebanon. He was a legislative assistant in the Pennsylvania State Senate before becoming a consultant in the California State Legislature. He held executive-level positions with the National Oil Jobbers Council, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and U.S. Health and Human Services. Morgan spent the last two decades of his career working for the International Foundation for Elections Systems in Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kazakhstan. He twice served as a Distinguished Lazin Resident at LVC and was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2017. He also co-founded what is now the Mid-Atlantic European Union Simulation Consortium to educate U.S. students about European politics and events. In 2015, the consortium established the annual Edgar Morgan Award for Outstanding Student in his honor.

Harry Milton Voshell ’63 died Dec. 10, in Dover, Del. He served three years in the U.S. Navy Band, traveling on the Bon Homme Richard and USS Antietam aircraft carriers. He taught music at Wesley College, and later became the owner of B&B Music in Dover for more than 55 years. Voshell was nationally recognized and served on the board of the National Association of Music Merchants.

Barbara Speicher Moyer ’64 died July 25, in Marysville. She spent nearly 35 years as an elementary school teacher in the East Pennsboro School District. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Camp Hill. Moyer was fond of quilting and sewing and sharing those talents with her granddaughter. She was predeceased by a sister, Elizabeth Speicher Glick ’58, and her brother-in-law, Dr. Darwin Glick ’58.

Richard Edward Basta ’69 died Dec. 11, in Mountainside, N.J. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was the executive director of the New Jersey Chapter of Associated Building and Contractors for many years, and later became vice president at Morgan Stanley. He was inducted into the LVC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008 for football and wrestling.

’70s

Rev. Reginald C. Austin ’70 died May 15, in Florida.

James Craig Wilson ’72 died July 20, in Mesquite, Nev. He had a 20-year career as a controller for Hyatt Hotels. He became an activist and advocate for gay rights while living in Long Beach, Calif., and participated in one of the first marches for gay rights in Washington, D.C. Wilson moved to Mesquite, Nev., and helped establish the Greater Mesquite Arts Foundation. He was a national tennis tournament official and line judge in five U.S. Tennis Open Championship tournaments.

Raymond Bradley Jr. ’76 died Nov. 11, in Harrisburg. He was a co-owner and videographer of the former Rooftop Productions. He was an avid golfer and Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan. Bradley enjoyed reading and vacationing at the beach.

Mary Ellen Hume-Hamor ’76 died July 20, in New York City. While a student at Westlake High School in Thornwood, N.Y., she was very active in school plays and productions, and was a member of the Up with People musical group. She was a marketing manager for various companies throughout her career.

Mary Christine Woodland Schiller ’76 died February 24, 2020, in Los Angeles, Calif. She was a music teacher at Bensalem High School for about 10 years, until her health necessitated early retirement. She was known by her friends as a fighter, having led a loving and courageous life, overcoming many challenges and illnesses. Schiller was a member of Bel Air Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles.

Rev. Barry S. Kendall ’77 died Nov. 15, in Lebanon. He was the pastor at Salem Lutheran Church in Oberlin, after which he accepted a call to Messiah Lutheran Church in Lebanon. He served 39 years as a volunteer firefighter at Fairview Township Station 68, Oberlin Station 43, and Rural Security Station 43, where he was chaplain, deputy chief, and assistant chief. Kendall is survived by his wife of 42 years, Carey Diemer Kendall ’76, and daughter, Erin Kendall Trovinger ’12.

Dr. Marcia Moyer ’78 died Dec. 16, in Wernersville. She began her teaching career at West Chester Friends School and then taught in the Downingtown and Wyomissing school districts. Her passion for learning inspired her to earn her master’s degree in education from West Chester University, and her doctorate in education from the University of Pennsylvania. Moyer retired as a reading specialist in 2011.

Dr. Rebecca Nelson Shingleton, Esq., ’78 died Nov. 1, in York. She earned her law degree from Dickinson School of Law then earned her doctorate from Chesapeake Bible College & Seminary. She was an associate at Kagen, Griffith, Strickler, Lerman & Solymos; a partner with Kagen, MacDonald & Tortorici, and after retirement, was an estates paralegal. Shingleton was a former member of First Assembly of God and Mount Zion United Church of Christ.

’80s

David W. Baker ’80 died Oct. 4, in Lebanon. He began his career teaching percussion at Northern Lebanon High School before excelling in a 30-year career as a salesman in Boscovs’ suit department.

William “Bill” FX Casey ’81 died Aug. 9, in Sayville, N.Y. A talented distance runner, he was a member of LVC’s cross country team. He was a mechanical engineer at Dayton T. Brown, and later a sales manager at L3 Harris.

Charles Robert Sapp ’81 died Sept. 17, in Dover, Del. He was a member of the LVC Jazz Band, Symphonic & Concert Band, and Woodwind Ensemble. He received his master’s degree from Wilmington College. Sapp was a retired science teacher, musician, Lion’s Club member, and Eagle Scout.

’90s

Lynn Graver Roland ’90 died Aug. 19, in Lancaster. She worked for Lancaster Children and Youth as an intake supervisor, and a social worker for Hospice and Community Care. She was a member of Middle Octorara Presbyterian Church. Roland sang in the Southern End Community Choir and Lancaster Community Chorus.

Ilene C. Bennett ’93 died Nov. 6, in Camp Hill. She was a retired chemist from the PA Department of Environmental Resources, and a lifelong member of the Cathedral Parish of St. Patrick in Harrisburg.

Kim Koch Potocny ’94, P’04 died July 30, in Lebanon. She was a graduate of American University College. She was an LVC adjunct professor of music and organ for more than 20 years, and a member of LVC’s Phi Alpha Epsilon Scholarship Society and the Lebanon Choral Society. Potocny was a member of St. Mary’s Church, played the organ for several area churches, and was the handbell director at Zion United Methodist Church. She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Shannon Potocny Chabitnoy ’04, D’06, and son-in-law, Michael Chabitnoy ’10.

John J. Burch ’95 died Dec. 14, in Mechanicsburg. He played football at LVC. Post-graduation, he worked for SE Atlantic Beverage in Boynton Beach, Fla.,then for Long, Nyquist & Associates and Pace-O-Matic in Pennsylvania. Burch was a volunteer for Upper Allen Parks and Recreation Board and spearheaded the effort to construct a new dog park.

’00s

Zachary S. Parobek ’13 died Oct. 3, in Bethlehem. He was employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Revenue, Corporate Tax Division.

’20s

John “Jody Underwood ’21 died July 28, in Colorado. He graduated cum lude from LVC, where he was a member of the Psi Chi National Honor Society, of which his mother, Jennifer Anda, had also been a member at LVC. He was part of a research team for two years, assisting Dr. Michael Kitchens, professor of psychology, on a published paper on “The Bystander Effect.” Underwood loved reading, especially about science and philosophy, and was an amateur beekeeper, chef, painter, and woodworker. He was most at home in the mountains, particularly Colorado and Vermont.

FRIENDS OF THE COLLEGE AND COLLEGE FACULTY

William “Bill” E. Ames died Dec. 28, in Lebanon. He taught at Hershey High School, was assistant athletic director, and wrestling and track coach. Following retirement from teaching, he was full-time COO of Ames Services, which he owned with his wife, Josephine. Ames served as a South Londonderry Twp. Supervisor, then Lebanon County Commissioner, where he was engaged with LVC.

Dr. Howard Lewis Applegate

Dr. Howard Lewis Applegate, professor emeritus of history, died on Dec. 20, in Honey Brook. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history at Drew University before earning his master’s in American history and Ph.D. in early American history at Syracuse University. He began his administrative and cultural historian career there, holding several titles including director of the George Arents Research Library. The family moved to Pennsylvania, where Applegate was the founding president of the Balch Institute of Ethnic Studies in Philadelphia. In 1976, he received the Liberty Bell Award from the city of Philadelphia and American Bicentennial Medal presented by Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden.

In 1983, Applegate joined LVC as professor of history and American studies, eventually becoming chair of history and American studies. He held several other titles at the College, including secretary of the College, dean of continuing education, vice president of college relations, and registrar, until his retirement from full-time teaching in 2000. After retirement, he volunteered as College historian, recording numerous oral histories of LVC alumni, faculty, and administrators.

Applegate was an avid collector of automotive photographs and literature, American stories and railroad memorabilia, and Holgate wooden toys. He wrote several books on topics ranging from automobiles to Coca-Cola. He was predeceased by Shelby, his wife of 62 years. Shelby was an artist who was active in the College and Mt. Gretna creative communities.

Dr. George D. Curfman ’53, professor emeritus of music, died Dec. 10, in Palmyra. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. Curfman graduated from LVC with a music degree then earned his master’s degree from the University of Michigan and doctorate from Penn State University. He returned to The Valley in 1961 to teach music education, where he served in various rules, including chair of the Music Department, until his retirement in 1996.

Curfman was a member of the PA Music Education Association, Music Education National Conference, and PA Music in Higher Education—Classroom and Studio Division. He served as president of the latter organization.

Curfman was a member of Palm Lutheran Church in Palmyra, past president and Paul Harris Fellow of the Annville Rotary Club, and a member of the PA Music Educators Association. For the latter, he served on a committee to establish public school music curriculum requirements. Curfman served as the organist for St. James Lutheran and Messiah Lutheran churches in Lebanon, and St. Mark Lutheran Church in Annville. He was predeceased by his wife, Virginia Wagner Curfman ’52.

Francis “Frank” J. Dixon died Dec. 16, in Lebanon. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He went to work for Proctor and Gamble, and after several years ran a new chain of discount drug stores in Lebanon, eventually growing the chain from 23 to 93 outlets in Pa. and New Jersey. When the chain was taken over by Rite Aid, Dixon founded Brandywine Recyclers with branches in Myerstown, Annville, Ephrata, and Lancaster. He also was a real estate developer. Dixon established the Francis J. Dixon Charitable Foundation in 1988. He received LVC’s Founder’s Medal in 2008. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Elsie Dixon, and granddaughter Meghan Crego ’05.

Dr. Jeanne Cooper Hey

Dr. Jeanne Cooper Hey, professor emerita of economics, died Nov. 22, 2021, in Reading. She graduated from Bucknell University with a degree in mathematics and chemistry in 1954, and worked for DuPont in Wilmington, Del. At age 57, she earned her doctorate in economics and joined the faculty at LVC. Hey served on numerous LVC committees, and as a member and secretary of the executive board of the Pennsylvania Division of the American Association of University Professors, later becoming the chapter’s vice president and president. She received the College’s Vickroy Distinguished Teaching Award in 2000 and retired as chair of the Department of Economics and Political Science at age 72.

Hey was a serious cyclist and every summer she and two friends embarked on a 1,000-mile unassisted cycling journey—a tradition they continued deep into their 70s. She was an avid cross-country skier, traveling to Norway and Alaska in winters. Hey was an active member of First Unitarian Universalist Church of Berks County.

O. Kent Reed

O. Kent Reed, associate professor emeritus of physical education, died Aug 7, 2021, in Palmyra. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He grew up in Wellston, Ohio, and played baseball and football as a member of the Capital Southeastern all-star team. While attending Otterbein College, he was a football letterman and team captain. He taught and coached football, basketball, and track at various Ohio high schools, including Lakeside, Willard, Cardington, and Clear Fork, and was named Central Ohio Coach of the Year. Reed then received his master’s degree in education from Eastern Kentucky University and worked as a professor and football, track & field, and cross-country coach at LVC, where he coached numerous All-Americans. After a successful 42-year career at LVC, he retired as chair of the Physical Education Department. Coach Reed is survived by a daughter, son-in-law, and sister.