Harold Bulkley Erdman

Harold Bulkley Erdman of Princeton and Edgartown, Mass., passed away peacefully on January 6, 2014 surrounded by his family. He was 88 years old.

Harold was born on May 2, 1925 in Englewood, N.J. to his parents Dr. Charles R. Erdman, Jr. and Lucy B. Erdman. His father was a professor of political science at Princeton University, two-term mayor of Princeton Borough, Commissioner of Economic Development for the State of New Jersey and a champion collegiate hurdler. Harold was the grandson of Edwin M. and Lucy K. Bulkley and Dr. Charles R. and Estelle P. Erdman. Mr. Bulkley was a partner at Spencer Trask and Company and Dr. Erdman was a professor at the Princeton Theological Seminary, pastor of the Nassau Presbyterian Church and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church.

Harold attended Miss Fine’s School, Princeton Country Day School and the Lawrenceville School, where he was president of his class and graduated cum laude in 1942. He attended Princeton University for one year before transferring to Yale University’s accelerated ’45W class for future World War II servicemen, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering and began his life-long membership in the St. Anthony Hall fraternity. After attending Columbia University Midshipmen’s School, he was commissioned ensign in the U.S. Navy and served as navigator on a troop transport ship, crossing the Pacific five times and returning thousands of soldiers to San Francisco during the months following the end of the war.

Harold then moved to New York City where he met his beautiful wife, Judy Peck, whom he married in 1948. He worked at Spencer Trask and Company and then at Reynolds Aluminum. In 1954 Harold co-founded New Jersey Aluminum Company, and served as president while the firm grew to 1,800 employees with plants in New Brunswick, N.J., Winton, N.C., Ahoskie N.C., Arizona, Texas, and California. The company became the world’s largest supplier of coaxial cable sheathing to the cable TV industry. He served as a director of Pardee Resources Company, Philadelphia, Pa. from 1968 to 1997, and as chairman of Amerlite, Atlanta, Ga. from 1986 to 1990.

Harold had a life-long love of sports, especially ice hockey. While at Yale he was high scorer on the varsity hockey squad and after graduating coached the Yale freshman hockey team to their first undefeated season. He was selected for the 1948 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team but was later deemed ineligible due to his “professional” status as a Yale coach. He was a member of the St. Nicholas Hockey Club in NYC for three years and a lifetime fan of the New York Rangers. He learned to play hockey growing up in Princeton and later co-founded and coached the Princeton Pee Wee Hockey League, teaching the wonderful game of ice hockey to hundreds of boys. In 2005 he was inducted into the Princeton Day School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Harold was a summer resident of Martha’s Vineyard since his family started visiting in 1927. Spending summers on the water, he taught his children and grandchildren and extended family the love of water skiing, fishing, and sailing. He named his water ski boat, the Ranger, after his favorite hockey team. He loved the Edgartown Yacht Club, both for its yachting and tennis, and later enjoyed spending time with friends at the Edgartown Reading Room. When not on the Vineyard, he treasured his time spent at the Pretty Brook Tennis Club in Princeton, often playing mixed doubles with Judy. He also enjoyed playing the piano, singing Dixieland jazz tunes, and listening to his favorite musician, Louis Armstrong.

Harold was a generous supporter of his community and alma maters. He was a trustee of Princeton Day School and trustee emeritus of the Lawrenceville School, treasurer and trustee of the Center of Theological Inquiry, chairman of the Princeton Republican Finance Committee, vice-chairman of the Princeton Zoning Board, Deacon of Nassau Presbyterian Church, and chairman of the Princeton Cemetery Committee. He was voted outstanding alumnus of the Lawrenceville School in 1998, and was a driving force behind Lawrenceville’s ’42 Athletic Field. He served as treasurer, reunion chairman and honored member of Princeton’s Class of ’46.

Of all of his business, athletic and philanthropic accomplishments, he was most proud and supportive of his family. He was a devoted husband, father, uncle, brother, and grandfather. He is survived by his loving and supportive wife of 65 years, Judy Erdman; their four children, Guy Erdman, Fred (and Cindy) Erdman, Jody Erdman, and Carl (and Debra) Erdman; nine grandchildren; his brothers Charlie, Peter, David and Michael and their families, including 14 children and 25 grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lawrenceville School Hockey Tournament, c/o Michael Goldenberg, The Lawrenceville School, 2500 Main St., Lawrenceville, N.J., 08648, and the Princeton Area Community Foundation, 15 Princess Rd., Lawrenceville, N.J., 08648.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at the Nassau Presbyterian Church, 61 Nassau St., Princeton, N.J., with a lunch reception to follow at the Nassau Club, 6 Mercer St., Princeton.

Arrangements are under the direction of The Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, Princeton.

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Robert P. Aiman

Robert P. Aiman, 56, of Zephyrhills, Florida passed away on January 8, 2014 while under the care of East Pasco Hospice in Dade City, Florida.

Born in Princeton, New Jersey on March 20, 1957 to William B. and Ann C.L. Aiman, he was the youngest of three brothers.

Robert attended the Princeton Public Schools and remained in Central New Jersey until moving to Florida in 1985.

Bob enjoyed canoeing, sailing on Lake Carnegie, camping and the great outdoors, and spent many nights sleeping under the stars. He often said that lying on his back and gazing into the cosmos gave him a sense of peace and freedom he could not find any place else.

Bob was predeceased by his parents Bill and Ann Aiman and is survived by his brother William B. Aiman, Jr. and his wife Lori and their son William III, and by his brother James M. Aiman, his wife Liz, and their children Thomas and Caroline, and his sister Lea A.A. Gebauer and her two children Hale and Harry.

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Carl Faith

 A resident of Princeton, since 1960, Carl Faith died on Sunday, January 12, 2014 of heart failure at Princeton Hospital.

Carl Faith was born in a house on Fifth Street near the Ohio River in Covington, Kentucky. He was raised in Covington’s Peaselburg neighborhood, where he and his late brother Fred went to the 5th and 7th District Schools and Holmes High School.

He was drafted into the U.S. Navy in 1945, trained to be a radio technician, and graduated with the rank of Aviation Technician Mate, third class, in August 1946.

With the help of the GI Bill, he attended the University of Kentucky in Lexington, graduating magna cum laude with Honors in mathematics. In 1955 he received his PhD in mathematics from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, where he studied with the late Dr. Sam Perlis. He then taught at Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University, and Michigan State University, and was a Fulbright-NATO post-doctoral fellow at Heidelberg University in Germany. He was appointed full professor of mathematics at Rutgers University in New Brunswick and Piscataway, New Jersey, in 1962, and taught there until his retirement in 1997.

He was a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow and a Member of the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) from 1960-1962. He also was a visitor at IAS in 1973-74, 1977-78, and summers 1960-79. In 1970 he attended Tulane University’s Algebra Year, and in 1965-1966, he was a visiting scholar at the University of California at Berkeley.

In 1968, Faith was a consultant for the National Science Foundation and the U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in India, lecturing in New Delhi, Bombay, Madras, Calcutta, and Jaipur. In spring 1986 and fall 1989, Dr. Faith was a visiting professor at Centre Reserca Matematica in Barcelona, where he worked with the late Professor Pere Menal and his students Drs. Jaume Moncasi, Pere Ara, Dolors Herbera, and Rosa Camps.

In May 2003, he was honored by his alma mater in Covington and inducted into the Holmes High School Hall of Distinction.

In 2007, Professor Faith and Professor Barbara Osofsky of Rutgers, his PhD student, were feted at an international conference in Zanesville, Ohio in celebration of his 80th and her 70th birthdays.

Faith’s mathematical research was in abstract algebra, Galois theory, ring theory, and module theory; he is the author of numerous publications and books, including Rings and Things and a Fine Array of Twentieth Century Associative Algebra, American Mathematical Society, 1999; FPF Ring Theory, with S.S. Page, London Mathematical Society, 1984; Simple Noetherian Rings, with J.H. Cozzens, Cambridge University Press, 1975; and a definitive two-volume Algebra, Spring-Verlag, 1973, 1976.

Dr. Faith’s hobbies included travelling, multi-media art, photography, and poetry. He studied art at the Baker-Hunt Foundation in Covington and later at the University of California, Berkeley, as well as at the Princeton Art Association. Two of his works were selected for a juried show at McCarter Theater.

A book of poems, The Seduction of Hummingbirds and other Poems, and a memoir of his first nineteen years, The Sun Shines Bright: A Kentucky Boyhood during the Great Depression and World War II, were published by Xlibris, and are accessible at his website: carlfaith.com.

Dr. Faith is survived by his wife, Molly Sullivan; his daughter Heidi Faith of Mt. View, Calif.; four adopted sons: Zeno Wood, of Brooklyn, N.Y., Dr. Japheth Wood, of Kingston, N.Y., Malachi Wood, of Princeton, and Dr. Ezra Wood, of Amherst, Mass; and their respective spouses, Jill Dowling, Mariel Fiori, Dr. Jhilam Iqbal, and Dr. Simi Hoque. He is survived by 8 grandchildren: Clio Dowling Wood, Leila Yorek Sundin, Tarquin Iqbal Wood, Maya Iqbal Wood, Vesper Woodhoque and her twin siblings, Esme and Quinn, and Daphne Wood-Fiori. He is also survived by his first wife, Betty Frances Compton Selberg.

Friends are welcome to join his family at the burial on Friday, January 17, 2014 at noon in Princeton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Princeton Public Library or a charity of choice.

Arrangements are by Kimble Funeral Home, Princeton.

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George Nixon Wright

George Nixon Wright passed away peacefully, at home, on January 7, 2014. Wright, 86, died of natural causes. His wife of 65 years, Barbara, was by his side.

He was born George Bayard O’Brien to Edith Nixon and Warren Francis O’Brien on August 22, 1927. Upon his parents’ divorce and mother’s remarriage to Theron Wright, of Winnetka, IL, at the age of 7, George’s name was changed to George Nixon Wright. He attended New Trier High School where he graduated in three and a half years and joined the U.S. Army. Stationed first in an engineering program at Michigan State, Wright finished basic training at Fort Bragg North Carolina just as World War Two was drawing to a close.

After discharge, Wright attended Purdue University, majoring in chemistry and mathematics. On July 1, 1949, he married Barbara Virginia Dowd. The young couple lived first in Denver, Colorado where Wright was employed at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal in manufacturing pesticides. He moved on to a position with US Rubber where he progressed to a senior manager in the finance division. In 1956, he joined a Chicago investment firm and began what was to be his life’s work as a securities analyst for the pharmaceutical and health sectors. From the Chicago firm Duff, Anderson, and Clark, Wright accepted a New York based position at Goldman Sachs. He then moved to First Manhattan Co. for the remainder of his career. Throughout his years at First Manhattan, Wright was consistently recognized by the world’s largest drug companies and institutional investors for the preeminent quality of his research and analysis.

After retiring, he and Barbara became an active part of the Stonebridge Community in Skillman, New Jersey.

As a lifelong hiker, Wright enjoyed the outdoors, in walks along Lake Michigan, Jersey hills, Appalachian Trails, Rocky Mountains, British Isles, Chamonix — or wherever there was an open sky and a waiting trail.

A lover of music, he was attuned to current events in politics, business, and news of the world.

A hero to his family of whom he was always quietly proud.

Alongside his wife Barbara; Wright is survived by his sister, Jean Haider; his children and their spouses: Warren and Jennifer, Robin and Don, Wendy and Neil, and Roger and Maria; his grandchildren: Jack, Nick, Mary, Janet, Sarah, Ben, and Sokyo; and his great-grand-daughter, Luna.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army or Hampi Children’s Trust India, via All Saints Episcopal Church, Bay Head, New Jersey. A memorial service for immediate family is being planned for this summer.

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Henry Hobart (Tad) Tallmadge V

Henry Hobart (Tad) Tallmadge V was born in Kingston, Pa. on February 22, 1947 to Henry Hobart Tallmadge IV and Carol Weatherly Tallmadge. Tad lived most of his full and unusual life in and around Princeton. He found himself building structures of all kinds throughout his life. From neighborhood bus shelters to political signs, from house additions to his famous “Resoundings,” Tad found ways to recycle and reuse found materials in artful ways. Many of these Resoundings were given to family and friends, while others were donated to public institutions. They were constructed to catch the wind, to respond with music, and to bring joy. They were much like the life that Tad hoped to live and to bring to others.

Tad worked at a variety of places including Urken’s Hardware in Princeton, the State of New Jersy as a work compliance officer, the Bootstraps program in Trenton, Pete Jacques’s building company, and Princeton Energy Group, to name just a few. Often, Tad found himself frustrated yet activated by various political injustices which he saw. He responded in many ways, from signing petitions to building semi-public signs with his ideology clearly and strongly articulated.

Married for 32 years to Vicktoria Heath Jones Tallmadge, they have a son, Brigham Heath Tallmadge whose recent marriage to Alison Goeke brought them much joy. Vicktoria Tallmadge has taught pre-school at Crossroads Nursery School (affiliated with the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton) for 28 years. Tad’s daughter, Sky Tallmadge Rashkind (Jake) and grandchildren Nathan Weatherly and Lily May, spent many a toasty moment with their father/grandfather. They have all delighted in the large, funny, outgoing extended family, many of whom were gathered as Tad died on December 16, 2013. He thought a fitting epitaph would be, “Tad Tallmadge, Gracefully Succumbed to Gravity.” Perhaps a better characterization would be, “Quirky Visionary” or “Loyal Opposition.” He was a large presence in the lives of all of his family and he will be sorely missed, but the music of his Resoundings will chime on!

Donations can be made to the Princeton Home Care Hospice Program or Mercer Street Friends, 151 Mercer Street, Trenton, N.J. 08611.

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Henry Fielden Clancy

Henry Fielden Clancy, 81, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on January 11, 2014.

Henry was born in New York City on June 7, 1932 to Theresa Dean and Henry John Clancy. A graduate of All Hallows High School (1950) and the University of Notre Dame (1954), he began his career as a chemical engineer spending 41 years at American Cyanamid. During this time, he traveled the globe, living in Mexico, Brazil, and India before settling in Princeton to raise a family with his beloved wife Pat. Upon retirement from Cyanamid, he consulted as an environmental and safety engineer at ERM in Ewing.

A lover of golf, Henry spent much of his free time at the Bedens Brook Club cultivating friendships, renovating the clubhouse, and occasionally landing a hole in one. His deep faith compelled him to a lifetime of charitable work both locally as well as globally. One of Henry’s proudest moments was spending time with Mother Theresa during one of his many trips to India. His genuine love of life, sense of humor, good nature, and kind spirit were evident in each and every interaction he had.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Pat, his children Henry, Melissa, Jonathan, and Christina as well as his cherished grandchildren Margot, Ellie, and Charlotte.

Visiting hours will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15 at Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 16 at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, 214 Nassau Street, Princeton.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders.

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Doris Lynn Kratzer

Doris Lynn (Clements) Kratzer, 70, of Browns Mills, N.J., passed peacefully to eternal rest with her loving family by her side on January 9, 2014. She was the wife of the late Samuel William Kratzer, who passed away in 2011.

She was the daughter of the late Wilfred J. and Doris E. (Behrens) Clements. Lynn graduated from The Katherine Gibbs School of Business with an associate’s degree in 1963. She married her husband, Sam, in 1968. They were happily married for 43 years. Lynn began her career at The Campbell Soup Company, and then worked for American Cyanamid for more than 30 years as an executive assistant. Later, she worked for Princeton University in the history department for more than 15 years as an assistant to professors and students.

Lynn enjoyed her work, but her favorite and most treasured roles were that of wife, mother, and grandmother. She had a passion and true artistic talent for needlework, embroidery, and rug hooking. Lynn was a former instructor of needlepoint and embroidery at Mercer County Community College. She was also passionate about volunteering. While at American Cyanamid, Lynn dedicated many years to collecting Christmas gifts for Project Angel Tree and various local shelters.

Lynn is survived by: Son, Todd S. Kratzer, his wife Rena and their daughter Sophia of Browns Mills, N.J.; daughter Victoria L. “Tori” White, her husband Andrew and their daughter Sienna of Bethlehem, Pa.; sisters Barbara Clements and her husband James Huffman of Princeton, and Judy Clements of Denton, Tex.; brother, Bill Clements and his partner Martha of Northampton, Mass.; nephew Ted Clements and his mother Linda Babcock; and many loving co-workers and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2014 at the University Chapel in Murray-Dodge Hall of Princeton University. A memory tribute may be placed at www.longfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the Long Funeral Home in Bethlehem, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lehigh Valley Hospice Friends of Nurses Award, 2166 S. 12th Street, Suite 101, Allentown, Pa. 18103.

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Antonio Mennella

Antonio Mennella, 77, of Skillman, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 among family and friends. Born and raised in Ischia, Italy, Antonio served in the Italian Navy and the Italian Merchant Marines. He immigrated to the United States in 1963 where he lived in Princeton, and then ultimately Skillman, for more than 35 years.

He was employed at S.T. Peterson Construction Company and was a member of the Laborers Local 50 Union and lastly with Dow Jones and Co., Inc. He retired in 2001.

A cancer survivor of more than 10 years, he possessed enormous strength. He
was a devoted and caring father and pop-pop. He enjoyed gardening, cooking, and spending time with
his family.

Son of the late Filippo and Angela Mennella, brother of the late Raffaele Mennella. He is survived by his wife, Maria Mennella of Skillman; his sisters, Maria Mennella and Luigia Mennella of Ischia, Italy; his sister and brother-in-law Gerardo and Giuseppina Mattera of Ischia, Italy; his son and daughter-in-law, Filippo and Fiona Mennella of Florence; his daughter and son-in-law, Thomas and Elisabeth Pyle of North Wales, Pa; and three grandsons, Thomas Pyle, Nicholas Mennella, and Alexander Pyle.

The funeral was held at 11:45 a.m. on Monday, January 13, 2014 at M.J. Murphy Funeral Home, 616 Ridge Road at New Road, Monmouth Junction, N.J. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 1 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church, 214 Nassau Street, Princeton. Burial was private. Friends were able to call on Sunday, January 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Penn Medicine — Perelman School of Medicine. For contribution details, call (215) 898-0578 or visit www.pennmedicine.org/giving/how-to-give.