Nicholas B. Van Dyck

Nicholas B. Van Dyck, whose strong commitment toward making the world a better place led to his serving as a Presbyterian pastor in parishes around the world and as a lecturer and administrator at Princeton Theological Seminary, as well as the executive director of two national education institutions, died on March 20, 2016 at home in Princeton from Lewy body dementia (LBD). He was 82 and had lived in Princeton since 1968. Son of Presbyterian missionaries who served in China from 1917 to 1949, Dr. Van Dyck was born in Pasadena, Calif., in 1933 and spent his early childhood in China. He was home-schooled before attending first grade in Shanghai. With the outbreak of World War II, the family returned to the United States where his father was given different assignments and was also often away in China. Young Nicholas attended schools in New York City, Princeton, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Grenloch, N.J., before receiving his diploma at the Stony Brook School on Long Island in 1951. During the 1950s he interrupted his college career to serve as a naval aviator aboard the carriers USS Tarawa and USS Antietam in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. His duties included serving as squadron legal officer and later public information officer for the US Sixth Fleet. Dr. Van Dyck graduated from Rutgers University in 1959 and Union Theological Seminary in New York in 1962. He was awarded a PhD in the use of language and mythology in Biblical interpretation at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Ordained in the Presbyterian Church USA in 1962, he served as pastor of parishes in Scotland, Palisades, N.Y., and Melbourne, Australia, as well as a lecturer at universities in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth, Australia. From 1968 to 1975, Dr. Van Dyck was a lecturer in Practical Theology and the associate director of Field Education at Princeton Theological Seminary. He was elected chair of the Association for Theological Field Education in 1975. At the Seminary he also directed summer programs in Organizational Development for pastors and officers and executives of non-profit organizations. This background and his interest in the impact of institutions and cultural forces on society led Dr. Van Dyck, along with members of the U.S. House and Senate plus corporation executives and creators of prime time televisions’ family programs, to found the National Council for Children and Television and its institute for writers, directors, producers, and advertisers. These efforts resulted in a decade of notable and well received family TV series from 1976-86. Dr. Van Dyck’s experience with churches, synagogues, mosques, and other houses of worship, as well as his work in television programming led to his being appointed director of Religion in American Life in 1988. This position, which he held for the next decade, involved marshaling media resources, especially public service advertising (the Invite-a-Friend Campaign), and religious congregations to strengthen the positive contributions of religion for greater family and neighborhood stability and worthwhile futures for all citizens, especially children. In Princeton, Dr. Van Dyck volunteered at Nassau Presbyterian Church and the Rotary Club, where he served as president. He also served on the executive committee of the Old Guard. He served on the boards of the YMCA, Family Services Agency, American Red Cross, Princeton Youth Fund, the George H. Gallup International Institute, and the Rotary Foundation, which provides scholarships for vocationally focused high school graduates.  He is survived by his wife Marcia, who brought a strong Quaker heritage to their marriage in 1958. He is also survived by their four daughters, Karen Rhoads Van Dyck, Jennifer Bevier Van Dyck, Sarah Paxson Van Dyck and Rebecca Booraem Van Dyck; their husbands and seven grandchildren, Jacob, Benjamin, Leander, Maximilien, Odessa, Ella, and Katherine.  A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, March 28 at noon at Nassau Presbyterian Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Coalition for Peace (www.peacecoalition.org). Alternatively contributions can be made to any other organizations which serve the needs of children or those which further interfaith relationships.

———

Julia Jeanette McClurg

Julia Jeanette McClurg, age 89, died of natural causes on Saturday, March 19 at Meadow Lakes in East Windsor, New Jersey. Born to Mary and Rev. David Ferguson on April 21, 1926 in Richmond, Indiana, Julia was the first-born girl in more than three generations of Fergusons. Julia graduated from Muskingum College in 1948, the same year she married Robert McClurg. Bob and Julie lived in and around Syracuse, New York where they raised their three children Scott, Mark, and Mary Beth. Julia’s interests included fashion, music, and nature. An active member of Park Central Presbyterian Church, Julia was an elder, choir member, and director of the first hand bell choir in Central New York. Within the community, Julia’s tireless efforts helped to launch the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra where she served on the Board of Directors. Julia was a life member of the auxiliary for UPSTATE University Hospital at Community General. When not playing golf at Skaneateles Country Club, Julia was a volunteer with Skaneateles F.I.S.H. (Friends in Service Here). Julia moved closer to her daughter following the death of Bob; she had resided at Meadow Lakes since October 2009. Mary Beth has been blessed by her Mom’s close proximity and the McClurg family is deeply grateful for the ongoing love, care, and support that Julia received while a resident at Meadow Lakes. Survivors include Scott (Suzanne), Happy, and Mary Beth (David); eight grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Julia was predeceased by her son Mark (Happy) in 1996 and husband, Bob in 2007. A memorial service is tentatively planned for the summer in 2016. Julia bequeathed her body to UMDNJ Medical School Anatomical Association. Memorial contributions are welcome at the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org), Park Central Presbyterian Church (www.parkcentralchurch.org). Syracuse Symphony Orchestra (www.symphonysyracuse.org), or Springpoint Living Senior Foundation (www.springpointfoundation.org).

———

Clare Brown Amabile

Clare Brown Amabile passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on March 18, 2016 in Princeton, New Jersey. Born in Westfield, New Jersey on August 13, 1922, she bore the imprint of the Depression, World War II, and the tragic death of a beloved older sister in her early years. However, resilient and ambitious, Clare built a successful market research firm, Clare Brown Associates, which was subsequently acquired by Maritz Market Research, Inc. She mentored those in her professional and personal networks and through Project Ready at St. Joseph Social Service Center in Elizabeth, N.J. An active volunteer throughout her life, she visited detained immigrants and asylum seekers at the Elizabeth Detention Center with First Friends. A woman ahead of her time, she was a yoga enthusiast and a believer in health food decades before these were part of the popular culture. Although her college education had been interrupted, she achieved her goal of completing her degree before her children, receiving her B.A. from the College of New Rochelle in 1979. Clare was predeceased by her husband, Frank R. Amabile, in 2004. She was a source of inspiration and encouragement to her children, Jean Telljohann of Manhattan and Princeton; Raymond Amabile of Wethersfield, Connecticut; and Gael Amabile of St. Paul, Minnesota; who survive her, along with six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial is celebrated today at St. Paul Catholic Church, Princeton at 10:45 a.m. Entombment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery Mausoleum, Newark, N.J. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Clare’s memory to The Little Sisters of the Poor Holy Family Residence, 330 Exchange Street South, St. Paul, MN 55102-2311. Remembrances may be left at TheKimbleFuneralHome.com.

———

Lawrence Shendalman

Dr. Lawrence Shendalman, 76, dedicated husband, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, dentist, and finisher of 22 New York City marathons passed away Friday, March 18, 2016 after a long battle with prostate cancer.  Dr. Shendalman was born in Toronto, Canada. He studied engineering physics at the University of Toronto. He then received a PhD in chemical engineering from Princeton University. Dr. Shendalman later returned to school at the University of Pennsylvania where he received the degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine. He was a partner at the Princeton Dental Group. He is survived by his wife (Anita) of over 51 years, daughters (Elissa and Melanie), two sons-in-law (William and Daniel), sister (Bernice), grandchildren (David, Charlie, Isabel, and Jack ). In addition, he is survived by a niece (Eva) and two nephews (Philip and Paul). Funeral services and burial are Sunday at 1 p.m. at Ewing Cemetery, 78 Scotch Road, Ewing Township. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, prostate research or Greenwood House. Shiva was observed at his residence on Sunday, March 20 and Monday, March 21 from 5 to 7 p.m.  Funeral arrangements are by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel, 1534 Pennington Road, Ewing Township.

———

Nancy J. Baran

Nancy J. Baran, 63, of Princeton Junction died March 15, 2016, at home, surrounded by her family. On April 15, 1952 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Nancy was born to John A. Baran and Loretta T. Kofomehalis, the eldest of three children. She spent many happy hours in the company of her beloved grandmother, Anna Baran. A lifelong reader and the editor of her high school newspaper, Nancy recognized very early that words were powerful tools. “Why?” was always her favorite question. A graduate of Lafayette College and charter member of the 619 High Street Feminist Defense League, she married John F. Wagner in 1974. Nancy earned a J.D. at Seton Hall University School of Law and began her career in private practice. Nancy was a tremendous intellect and a solutions-focused lawyer. She made a career in financial services law at Prudential for 34 years. Nancy was particularly proud of the critical role she played on the Living Needs Benefit Team, which allowed terminally ill policyholders to access their life insurance proceeds while they are living. This was a groundbreaking benefit in the life insurance industry, and she was pleased that it was able to help terminally ill policyholders provide for their loved ones, access end-of-life care, and protect their families’ homes. Nancy’s creativity, intellect, and passion made her a major contributor to this effort. She was a pioneer in the field of privacy and drafted major legislation on this issue, leading Prudential’s first privacy office. As Chief Legal Officer of Prudential Select Brokerage, she pioneered its third party sales force model, the cornerstone of its successful sales strategy. Nancy’s thoughtful leadership over many years was extremely valuable, particularly in a time of evolving state and federal regulation of insurance companies. She advised on, and helped Prudential come to the right answers about some of the most critical issues it has faced in recent years. She was a problem solver, creative influence, dear friend, mentor, and caring colleague who invested deeply in others. She always had a moment to listen and offered a deep well of sage advice. Her colleagues viewed her as a role model for anyone trying to manage a successful career, rich family life, and wide circle of friendships. Nancy was an accomplished cook who used food to gather the people she loved, and took pleasure in experiencing other cultures through their recipes. Guests from around the world had their first American Thanksgivings at her table. An amateur biologist, she was deeply interested in the natural world. In childhood, she imagined becoming the next Jacques Cousteau. She could often be found with binoculars and field guide in hand, at home or in Chincoteague, Va., teaching someone to identify a bird. As a gardener, Nancy carefully selected plants that would attract her beloved birds, butterflies, and insects, and she made sure something was blooming in her yard from February through the late fall. Fresh flowers gave her tremendous pleasure and she kept them in her house year-round; Nancy shared them by arranging the flowers for her church. Nancy had a deep faith in Jesus Christ, and was a member of Windsor Chapel for over 30 years. She served on the boards of several international missions agencies, most recently World Team, which shared the hope of Christ across the world. Nancy’s greatest accomplishment was her family. She is survived by her husband, John Wagner; children, Elizabeth, Jonathan, Andrew, and William; their spouses, whom she adored, Anthony DiSanti, Pattie Wagner, and Allison Simi; grandchildren Henry and Josephine DiSanti-Wagner, to whom she loved to read her extensive collection of children’s literature; sister Thresa Dewar and her husband, Mark; brother Jay and his wife, Tyna; nieces, nephews, and many friends. Her family celebrated her life on Sunday, March 20, at 12:30 p.m. at Windsor Chapel, 401 Village Road East, West Windsor. Friends were asked to call on Saturday, March 19, at Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton, from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mercer Street Friends Food Bank.

———

Carl Bennett Good

Carl passed away quietly on Monday, March 14, 2016 at his home in Cooperstown, N.Y., with Pamela, his wife of 54 years, by his side. Frequent visits from family and friends had made Carl’s last days happy and comfortable. Carl, a member of the Princeton University Class of 1959, resided in Princeton for 36 years. He began his career at IBM after which he was president of RJ Newman, an historic building restoration company. Carl then joined Homasote Company in Trenton, designing and marketing industrial packaging made from recycled materials. He retired in 2002. In Princeton, Carl and Pam raised their family and traveled widely. Carl was active in the Princeton community and contributed to the town’s many performing arts associations. Carl was a member of the Board of Trustees of the professional Princeton Ballet Company. On occasion he appeared on stage with the company; Carl astonished the audience and himself, gamely dancing a minuet in the annual performance of The Nutcracker. Carl and Pam settled in Cooperstown, N.Y., where Carl dedicated himself to the Village and its natural resources. Carl served on the Board of Directors of the Otsego Lake Association and a number of committees to preserve the Village and its environment. Carl was also active in the Rotary Club of Cooperstown and supported the club’s many activities. Carl is survived by his wife and two daughters, Gretchen Good Pingel and Lisey Bennett Good; sons-in-law J. Spencer Pingel and Leonard Scott Snyderman; and his grandchildren Rory, Fritz and Sophie.  Donations in Carl’s memory may be made to the Otsego Lake Association, PO Box 13, Springfield Center, NY 13468, and the Rotary Club of Cooperstown, PO Box 993, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Plans for a memorial service will be announced later this spring. Arrangements are under the care of Tillapaugh Funeral Service, Cooperstown.