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from Union College Magazine, Summer 2021

Letters

8 PETER HEINEGG

Peter Heinegg, professor emeritus of English, is being remembered for his deep intellectual engagement, energetic lectures, sharp wit and compassion.

Heinegg, who retired in 2017 after 42 years at Union, passed away on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. He was 79.

He arrived at Union in 1976 to begin a teaching career that would cover an astonishing range of topics including major English authors, Yiddish literature, Italian Renaissance literature and the Bible. He led terms abroad in Greece and Italy. To every course, he brought his energy and wide-ranging interests to get students to consider the big idea.

He received the Stillman Prize for Excellence in Teaching in 2000 after one student nominator wrote, “Taking a Heinegg class is like getting a drink from a fire hydrant. His classroom is not only an intensely interesting place, but a place where you get a real sense that something is truly at stake in the act of learning, that one is not merely dealing with facts but also ideas that matter.”

An animated lecturer, he often paced the room making sweeping gestures. A student once said, “Many lectures ended with his long hair jutting in every direction as though a storm had come through.”

Of his teaching, Heinegg wrote, “I feel a prophetic enthusiasm and I hope it’s catching. I also like the prophet’s role because it lets me dive into riffs, tirades and rhetorical spritzes; to be defiant and outrageous. American culture needs constant satirical needling, so I never stop reminding students what a crazy world we live in.”

He eschewed cooperative learning, calling it “folly” to have students lead one another. He wrote, “I’m in charge here … and in the meantime I make them take off those dumb baseball hats.”

He described himself as a “classic first born” who was “naturally inclined to be a professional nurturer and father figure.” He had a “devout religious upbringing” and spent seven years in Jesuit seminaries before going to graduate school.

Heinegg’s recent publications include: Dim and Dimmer: Prospects for a New Enlightenment (R&L Publishers, 2014); a contribution to Anthology of World Religions (Norton, 2014); and Bitter Scrolls: Sexist Poison in the Canon (University Press of America, 2010).

He was a regular book reviewer for Cross Currents and America. He also translated more than 50 books. For several years in the late 1980s, he penned regular op-eds in the Schenectady Gazette, many of which he described as pessimistic takes on American culture.

He served at Union as department chair, member of the Faculty Review Board and member of the committee that formed Religious Studies.

He earned his B.A. in 1965 from Fordham University, and his Ph.D. in 1971 from Harvard University.

The Heinegg home, just a few blocks east of campus, was frequented by students and colleagues who came to share meals and lively discussions. A number of faculty lived with the family over the years. Heinegg often biked and walked back and forth to campus. During many of his walks, he would read a book.

Heinegg spent his last night reading German poetry and watching films from Iran, said his wife, Rosie. In his last night, he also remarked to his wife that he had done exactly what he’d always wanted in life. “All he ever wanted was to read, write and teach literature,” she said. “He was an academic’s academic.”

Survivors include his wife, Rosemarie, who was an adjunct lecturer at Union who taught psychology and first-year preceptorial; son, Max ’95; and daughter, Alexandra. for the local BOCES, and worked for Buffalo City School District and the Museum of Science evaluating school science programs. A lifelong volunteer fireman in the Dye Hose Company of the Albion Volunteer Fire Department, he also belonged to the Lake Plains Players and was a 70-year member of the Albion First Presbyterian Church. He was 79.

Steve Rathje ’70, of Stony Creek, N.Y., who studied musical composition at Temple University and was a well-loved area musician, Jan. 21, 2021. He wrote the “Passacaglia for Orchestra,” which was played by the Philadelphia Symphony and which he conducted. A member of several bands, including Adirondack Gold and Desert Sky, Steve was named Songwriter of the Year at the Southern Adirondack Country Music Awards for his song “One Too Many.” A prolific square dance caller who was head groundskeeper of Cronin’s Golf Course for 26 years, he was 72.

George W. Hemstead III ’71, of Englewood, Fla., and Albany, N.Y., who held a master’s degree from the Sage Colleges and was— among other things—a self-taught architect, horologist, photographer and fisherman, Oct. 27, 2020. Chip, who worked for the New York State Department of Parole, served as director of support operations until his retirement in 2011.

Edmund J. Wnek ’72, of Amsterdam, N.Y., who served in the U.S. Army and spent 37 years with General Electric, Dec. 18, 2020. He retired as manager of non-destructive testing for steam turbines and was a member of several organizations, including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the St. Michael the Archangel Fraternal Aid Society. Edmund, who enjoyed traveling, dancing, trout fishing and was a communicant of St. Stanislaus Church, was 90.

Dale M. Fisher Sr. G’72, of Painted Post, N.Y., who held a B.S. from Alfred University and an I.A. M.S. from Union College, Jan. 3, 2021. He worked at Carborundum Company in several engineering and management positions before joining Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, where he held management positions until he retired in 1999. He was 81.

Robert D. Melin G’72, of Tempe, Ariz., who held an M.S. in business administration from Union and a B.S. in industrial engineering from the University of North Dakota, Dec. 27, 2020. Bob, who spent 20 years with General Electric, later worked for AMCA International and OnmiQuip, from which he retired as chief operating officer. An avid sports fan and skilled bridge player, he was a passionate reader and enjoyed his time in the Changing Hands book club with his nephew. He was 82.

Ronald H. Pushee G’73, of York, S.C., who held a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from UNH and a master’s from Union, Nov. 16, 2020. Ronald, who spent many years with General Electric informational services, retired as an IT/ computer security manager at Kesselring Atomic Power labs (West Milton, N.Y.). He loved Glad Menagerie Farm and raising his family there, as well as spending time at their camp in the Adirondacks. A firefighter with Harmony Corners Fire Department for 37 years, he also served as an EMT with Galway Ambulance Service. Ronald, who volunteered as treasurer for the Hearing Loss Association of America (Lakeland, Fla.), was 77.

Elbridge A. O’Neil Jr. ’73, of Clifton Park, N.Y., who spent more than 20 years with General Electric as a research chemist and secured several patents, Dec. 17, 2020. Later he worked for Window Tech Systems and spent his retirement enjoying his grandchildren and helping his granddaughter with science and math. He was 76.

William V.A. Waldron ’74, of North Kingstown, R.I., who served in the Army National Reserves and was a sales representative for Conestoga Wood Specialties, Jan. 26, 2021. Bill, whose greatest passion was sailing, was a certified captain and member of the Quonset Davisville Naval Yacht Club. A meticulous craftsman and woodworker, he designed and implemented renovations to his North Kingstown home and family homes in Mattapoisett. He was 71.

Douglas Warner III ’74, of Burlington, Ky., who served in the U.S. Marine Corps, attained the rank of captain and flew the EA-6B Prowler, Feb. 16, 2020. He was awarded numerous honors, including the Pistol Expert Badge, Navy Unit Commendation and Marine Corps Expenditionary Medal. Later, Doug spent more than 20 years with the FBI, serving on the Safe Streets Task Force and SWAT team in Newark, and volunteering for duty in Guantanamo Bay and Baghdad. Passionate about history, he enjoyed baseball, football, chess, flying and fishing. He was 68.

Dr. Alan J. Fogel ’75, of Altamont, N.Y., who graduated from Albany Medical College and operated his own medical practice, Nov. 12, 2020. Alan loved spending time with his family hiking, building a hockey rink the backyard each winter and building furniture out of broken hockey sticks. A doctor who served generations of families and treated his career as a calling, he was 66.

Edward J. Morgan G’75, of Slingerlands, N.Y., who held degrees from Stonehill College (B.A.), Siena College (M.A.), Union (M.S.) and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (M.S.), Dec. 22, 2020. First a teacher, he went on to work as chemist and executive in the Office of General Services for the State of New York. He was a longtime communicant of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church and Christ Our Light Catholic Church, and was active in many service organizations. An outdoor enthusiast and accomplished dancer, Edward was 84.

Jerome D. Williams G’75, of Newark, N.J., who was former provost at Rutgers

University-Newark and Prudential Chair in Business at Rutgers Business School, Jan. 29, 2021. A leader in the field of marketing and business school innovator, he was an advocate regarding the urgency of diversifying the professoriate. Jerome held a doctorate in marketing and social psychology from the University of Colorado, a master’s in industrial administration from Union College and a bachelor’s in English from the University of Pennsylvania. He was 74.

Paul E. Gundlach ’77, of Scotia, N.Y., who spent 32 years with General Electric before spending 20 more as a bus driver for Scotia-Glenville schools, Jan. 18, 2021. A member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and graduate of Hudson Valley Community College, Paul loved traveling the globe. Among the places he visited were China, Italy, Ireland and Germany. He was 77.

Martha E. Dolan ’78, of Lexington, Mass., an engineer who globally championed medical technologies that improved patients’ lives, Dec. 28, 2020. Devoted to her family, she held an MBA from Harvard Business School and worked for HewlettPackard and Philips Healthcare. Martha, who helped found an inter-college ice hockey team while at Union, later worked at Boston Children’s Hospital. She once bicycled across the U.S., loved the outdoors, skiing, sailing, canoeing and hiking. She was 64.

1980s

Vincent B. Smith ’80, of Endwell, N.Y., who attended Union College, Broome Community College and Utica College, graduating with a degree in accounting and business management, Jan. 3, 2021. Formerly an accountant and treasurer with Binghamton, Vestal and UnionEndicott school districts, he was also a fiscal advisor at the central business office of BOCES before retiring after 35 years of service. An active member at First Presbyterian Church of Johnson City, he coached softball for more than 10 years with the Binghamton Recreation League. An avid sportsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting, he was 62.

Dr. Michael Arato ’80, of Mt. Sinai, N.Y., who earned his M.D. from Columbia University after receiving his B.S., March 13, 2021. He passed away after a long and brave battle with lung cancer. Michael practiced OB-GYN in Stony Brook, N.Y., for over 30 years, delivering a generation of children to the community. At Union, Michael was active in student government and as a brother at Delta Phi fraternity. He was an accomplished and humble man who enjoyed many passions in life including his practice, cycling, good food and drink, and good company. He was 63.

Maj. George Lovejoy G’81 (retired), of Clifton Park, N.Y., who was a decorated Vietnam War veteran who retired from the USAF Reserves as a major, March 9, 2021. A graduate of Oklahoma University and Union College, he was an industrial engineer with the Watervliet Arsenal. Previously, he has worked for G.E. and Bennington College, and was a real estate agent with Berical Realty. A member of the Single Squares and the Spa Wheelers, he loved square dancing, cooking and spending time with friends and family. He was 86.

Alan B. Ginsburg ’82, of Albany, N.Y., who graduated from Albany Law School and spent 30 years as a lawyer and many years as an educator, Jan. 18, 2021. A member of Temple Israel and Beth Abraham Jacob, he enjoyed teaching courses in Judaic and legal studies. Alan cherished time with family and liked reading, watching musicals, New York sports teams and summers spent at Camp Givah. He was 59.

Dina M. Golas ’89, of Glen Ridge, N.J., who spent her career on Wall Street, most recently as managing director of institutional equity sales with RW Baird, Nov. 18, 2020. Dedicated to her family, she was a certified domestic violence counselor with the Montclair Police Department and a member of the board of directors for Fight Colorectal Cancer. Twice named Women’s Champion at Rock Spring Club, she was an avid golfer. Dina was 53.

1990s

Matthew E. Turner G’98, of Butler, Penn., who graduated from Mercyhurst College before earning a master of arts from Union College, Feb. 26, 2021. A longtime teacher at Burnt Hills- Ballston Lake High School, he taught social studies for more than 20 years. He also led exchange trips to Spain, was an advisor to CIVITAS and coached the boys and girls swim teams. Matthew was the first BH-BL teacher to complete the National Board Certification requirements and organized an alumni swim meet around the holidays. He enjoyed traveling to Europe and his favorite diner, the Burnt Hills Café. He was 47.

2000s

Emily Stauber ’04, of San Francisco, Calif., who held an MSW from Boston College, Dec. 1, 2020. Emily’s career as a social worker perfectly dovetailed with her caring and compassionate nature, and remarkable talent for genuinely making one feel happy, understood and special. She so positively impacted many people. She is remembered, celebrated and honored by many wonderful friends— friendships that were initiated and nurtured at Union College, and that are joined in effervescent memory by her family. She is survived by her mother, father, sister, aunts, uncles and cousins. Emily was a bright light that will shine forever. She made everyone she met a happier and more enriched person. Emily was 38. Raymond Cook, who over a three-decade career at Union endeared himself to students in the dorms he cleaned and was a favorite fan of student athletes. He died June 3, 2021, at the age of 57.

“Ray was a fixture, not only in our department, but also in our campus community,” said Loren Rucinski, director of facilities and planning. “Ray’s life was here on campus, and he endeared himself to many staff and students, particularly student athletes.”

Ray spent his entire career in housekeeping, but always made himself available after hours to watch over freshly-poured concrete or to survey the campus for burned out lights, Rucinski said.

He was close with the students in the dorms he cleaned, especially Fox Hall, where he worked for many years. After his shift, he would attend basketball and hockey practices as well as all home games. When men’s hockey made—and won—the Frozen Four in 2014, the team arranged for him to attend the games in Philadelphia.

Rich Patierne, manager of building services, recalled Ray’s love for the New York Yankees and Oakland Raiders. He could recite all the scores and highlights after each game.

“Union College was Ray’s family and he, in turn, treated this College like it was,” Patierne said. “He gave everything that he possibly had to make sure Union was a better place, whether by keeping an office or residence hall clean, attending sporting events, saying hello to all who knew him or by just being Ray.”

Men’s hockey players knew him as “Cookie,” a nickname that carries a measure of respect in the hockey community, according to head coach Rick Bennett. Ray was also known simply as “Cook,” “Cooks” or “The Boss”—the latter a reference to his icon, legendary Raiders owner Al Davis. Ray was also a member of St. Joseph’s Athletic Club, where he had many friends.

“My interactions with Ray revolved around our practices as Ray seemed to always be there to watch,” Bennett said. “It was refreshing to get Ray’s perspective on the team and individuals. His connections with our student-athletes will be missed, and our coaching and support staff have lost a good friend.”

“Ray (Cookie) Cook has been a wonderful friend to the women’s basketball program,” said Mary Ellen Burt, head coach. “He always made it a point to stop on October 15 for the first day of practice. He managed to attend most of our games (and quite a few practices) and was a great supporter of the program. No matter where players or coaches went on campus, Cookie would always give a friendly wave or fist pump. He was always genuinely glad to be part of the UCWB family. I will personally miss Cookie and his warm heart and contagious smile.”

8 RAYMOND COOK

Sam Coatta '15 with Raymond

2010s

Alexander Coppola ’11, of Dalton, Ga., who attended St. John Fisher’s Wegman’s School of Pharmacy and was a clinical pharmacist at Hamilton Medical Center, Jan. 9, 2021. Previously a CVS pharmacist/ pharmacy manager, he was an EMT with Mohawk Ambulance and taught New York State EMT classes. Also active with Alplaus Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as a firefighter and president, Alex volunteered for medical missions in Peru, El Salvador and Honduras. A fourth-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and certified rescue diver who belonged to several pharmacist associations, he was 31.

Peter J. Meile ’14, of Ramsey, N.J., a popular member of Union football team who earned his B.A. in political science at Union, Dec. 17, 2020. He was a triplet who grew up playing football with his brothers, Matt and Billy. Former Coach John Audino recalled Peter as “not only a great football player, but an awesome young man who was a leader for all of us.” Audino described him as being highly self-motivated, smart and a “real nasty offensive lineman. His technique was unbelievable, and he gave his all for our program and his school.” He was 28.

Friends of Union College

James W. Morley, a prominent authority on international politics in the Asia Pacific region and Japanese foreign policy, who taught history at Union from 1948 to 1955, Sept. 27, 2020. From 1955 until his retirement in 2001, he taught at Columbia University, where he served as director of the East Asian Institute. At Columbia, James was the Ph.D. advisor and mentor to Professor Emeritus Donald R. Thurston, who succeeded James at Union. James held a number of government positions, and devoted much of his career to U.S.-Japan relations. He was 99. Benjamin M. Brown, of Rotterdam, N.Y., who was a self-taught chef who worked at Union College, Applebee’s, Davidson Brothers, Dolce Vita and other establishments, Nov. 12, 2020. Passionate about music and guitar, he played in multiple bands. Ben also enjoyed woodshop and art, as well as fishing. An avid sports fan, particularly of the Denver Broncos and Boston Red Sox, he studied at Brazosport College in Lake Jackson, Texas. He was 45.

Sonya (Broeren) Dudgeon, associate dean of admissions and West Coast and international recruiter who represented Union in China, March 22, 2021. Sonya came to Union from the admissions office at Kenyon College, her alma mater, where she also worked in college relations and human resources. She was 52.

Rev. Hugh G. Nevin Jr., of Slingerlands, N.Y., who published a book on the history of the Nevin family name and was a graduate of Williams College and Union Theological Seminary, Jan. 22, 2021. Also a graduate of Columbia University Teachers College, where he earned a doctorate in religion and education, he was an ordained Presbyterian minister. From 1980 until his retirement, Hugh provided ministry staffing at Union College and SUNY Albany, and initiated several projects as an employee of the United Ministries Board of Education for New York State. He was 87.

James L. Evans, of Rotterdam, N.Y., who recently celebrated 25 years with the maintenance department at Union College, Jan. 20, 2021. He was 65.

Raymond J. Jung, of Schenectady, N.Y., an accomplished bassist who served as adjunct professor of music, Feb. 1, 2021. A scholarship student at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, he was taught by the legendary guitarist, Pat Metheny. He performed with groups such as Renaissance and King Crimson and artists including Phil Collins, Jeff Berlin and Robert Fripp. He was 64. Michael G. Palmer, of Albany, N.Y., who spent 28 years at Union College as part of the Physical Plant team and who loved cheering on the hockey team, Jan. 16, 2021. A devoted father, Mike was an avid camper who enjoyed spending time in his vegetable garden with classic rock playing in the background. He was 70.

Barbara (Nolan) Rappaport, of Bar Harbor, Maine, who served as a cryptanalyst in WAVES and was part of a Navy-code breaking unit in Washington, D.C., Feb. 28, 2021. She graduated from Wellesley College before doing graduate work in botany at the University of Michigan. For 40 years, Barbara and her husband, Raymond, spent summers conducting research at Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory. After retirement in 1989, they conducted research there year-round. She was 97. I joined the Union community this past October. I am humbled by our loyal alumni and legacy families “ who have so thoughtfully included

Union in their estate planning.

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