Dr. James Hester

James McNaughton Hester, president of New York University from 1962 to 1975, who guided the University through the turbulent times of the 1960’s and helped to chart the course for the renowned international institution that it is today, passed away on Wednesday at his home in Princeton. He was 90 years old.

Following his tenure at NYU, Dr. Hester served as rector of The United Nations University in Tokyo from 1975 to 1980, president of the New York Botanical Garden from 1980 to 1989, and president of The Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation from 1989 to 2004. In later years, Dr. Hester fulfilled a lifelong ambition and became a professional portrait painter, and had numerous showings of his work.

James McNaughton Hester was born on April 19, 1924 in Chester, Pa. and grew up in Long Beach, Calif. where his father was a United States Navy chaplain. Dr. Hester entered Princeton University but interrupted his studies to serve as an officer in the Marine Corps in World War II. He graduated from Princeton in 1946. He worked with the U.S. Army in the occupation of Japan. He was named a Rhodes Scholar in 1947 and attended Pembroke College at Oxford. Much of the rest of his career was spent doing the public service that Cecil Rhodes called, “the world’s work.” He returned to service with the Marines during the Korean War, where in his words, he “learned useful doctrines of leadership and management.” Following the Korean War, he received his DPhil from Oxford in 1955.

In 1960, Dr. Hester became dean of both the undergraduate and graduate schools of arts and sciences at NYU, and in January 1962, was named president. As president of NYU, Dr. Hester earned a reputation for the role he played in strengthening the University and as a spokesman for urban, private higher education. He also served on the President’s Task Force on Higher Education and on the Board of the American Council on Education.

Dr. Hester married the former Janet Rodes in 1953. He is survived by his wife; their three children Janet, Margaret, and Martha; and seven grandchildren. His brother Raymond and his sister Virginia also survive him.

Dr. Hester was an enthusiastic participant in life and remained active throughout, leading the carolers at The Windrows in Princeton in holiday songs this past month.

A memorial service will be held at Princeton University Chapel on Saturday, February 7 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Princeton University, Princeton, N.J. or to the Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama 36104 in honor of Dr. Hester.

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Harriet A. Rodwell

Harriet A. Rodwell, 96, of Crooked Street, died peacefully on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at her residence. She was born on January 21, 1918 in Schenectady, N.Y. and was the daughter of the late Walter and Valeria (Maleski) Laniewski. Mrs. Rodwell was a well-known and much loved long time retail clerk at the former Halls Drugs in Schenectady. Among her family she was first generation Polish American. Harriet attended Nott Terrace High School in Schenectady and in her early years was employed by the Mica Insulator Company of Schenectady. She was married to the late William A. Rodwell and for many years resided in the village of Scotia where they raised their two children.

Harriet was the matriarch of her large family. She was fortunate to do what she loved most; assisting with the care of her grandchildren and over her lifetime, caring for the beloved family dogs; Poochie, Beau, Barney, Roy, Willie, Jack, Kayla, and Arthur.

Harriet leaves behind her beloved daughters, Nancy L. (C. Andrew) Brauer of Princeton, and Valerie B. (the late Mark) Ryan of Charlton, N.Y. She was the loving grandmother of Katherine (Mark) Carmichael of Princeton; Kristen (Alaric Trousdale) Brauer, PhD. of San Jose, Calif.; Peter (Stephanie) Brauer of Crofton, Md; Jeffrey (Laura Valdmanis) Brauer of Philadelphia, Pa.; Matthew (Rebecca) Ryan of Charlton, N.Y.; and Dr. Sara (David Jackson) Ryan of Wilton, N.Y. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren. She was the caring sister of Jane Dreves, Bette (Raymond) Franklin, Lillian Lemmo, and the late John Laniewski.

At Harriet’s request, there will be no public calling hours and her funeral will be held privately at Our Lady of Grace Church, Ballston Lake, N.Y. Contributions in Harriet’s name may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.

With confidence, the family has placed their trust in the loving care of the Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, 21 Midline Road, Ballston Lake, N.Y. and they encourage you to view and leave messages on Ms. Rodwell’s Book of Memories at www.TownleyWheelerFH.com.

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Herbert T. Broadway Sr.

“The Watermelon Man”

Herbert T. Broadway Sr., 86, died December 27, 2014 peacefully at his residence, Independence Garden Apartments in Trenton, of heart failure.

Herbert was born on August 20, 1928 in Anson County, N.C. He resided most of his life in Princeton until he moved to Trenton about 10 years ago. Although residing in New Jersey, his first love was Wadesboro, N.C., where his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and favorite cousins lived. Whenever he was out of New Jersey, we knew he was on the road, going to see his extended family, especially his Uncle Lester.

Herbert was the son of the late John and Jossie Broadway. He grew up on the farm of the late Duncan Campbell in Belle Mead where his parents worked. He attended the Harlingen School. In 1942, he and his growing family moved to Princeton where he attended The Witherspoon School for the Colored.

Always the wanderlust, Herbert left Princeton as a teenager and began his life exploring the U.S.A. He became familiar with every backroad and highway, thus leading to his love of becoming a truck driver as well as a driver for family members and friends who needed a driver to anywhere in the U.S.A.

Herbert was a member of The First Baptist Church of Princeton, where he was baptized by Reverend William Parker.

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Jossie Broadway; his brothers Clayton, Robert, Lee, James, and Hosted; his sisters Lina B. Boone and Johnsie B. Burnett. He is survived by his son Herbert Broadway Jr., wife Karin of Hamilton; daughters Lakay Broadway of Texas; Barbara Boone and husband Vincent of East Windsor;, Maxine McNeil and her siblings (children of Doris Holder); brothers John Broadway and wife Florence of Lawrenceville; Romus Broadway of Princeton; and sister Frances B. Craig of Princeton. Also, five grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins who were all dear to him. He loved his friends with whom he met daily at The Garden on Brunswick Avenue and his fellow tenants at Independence Garden Apartments.

Although many people in the Princeton and Trenton areas knew Herbert as “The Watermelon Man” who was licensed to sell, or “Kind Sir” due to his impeccable manners, his family knew him as the brother who was well read, well traveled, knowledgeable in politics, religion, world history, and above all, could diagnose any automotive problem. He was also the person who would stop anything to drive us anywhere.

The funeral will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at noon at Mount Pisgah AME Church, 170 Witherspoon Street, Princeton. The visiting hours at the church will be from 10 a.m. to noon. Burial is private.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hughes Funeral Home, 324 Bellevue Avenue, Trenton, N.J. 08618.