Dr. William (Bill) A. Sweeney

The world lost one the kindest people as Dr. William (Bill) A. Sweeney died on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at home surrounded by family. He was 91 years old. Born in Philadelphia, PA, on November 26, 1933, to the late Dr. John and Olive Sweeney, Bill spent his childhood in the Philadelphia area, eventually matriculating at the University of Pennsylvania first as an undergraduate and subsequently to pursue his medical degree.

After serving our nation for two years in the Air Force, Bill transitioned into the career that defined his professional life as a Radiation Oncologist. He was one of the founding members of the Radiology Group of New Brunswick, where for over 40 years Bill served the local community with wisdom and grace. He was a former Chairman of the Radiology Department at Saint Peter’s University Hospital and a past President of the Saint Peter’s Executive Committee. Bill was well respected by his co-workers and became a valuable mentor to the next generation of aspiring Radiologists.

Bill and his first wife, Jeanne, eventually settled in Princeton, NJ, and were joined by son John, son Mark, and daughter Rita. Their house on Mercer Street became an open living room to their children and all of their friends. The years flew by in a series of sporting events, ski trips, and tennis matches.

After the untimely passing of Jeanne, Bill found a second chance at happiness when he married Dorothy (Dede) Shannon in 2010. Dede and Bill made it their mission to enjoy and savor life as witnessed by travels to Europe, Patagonia, Bermuda, and many treasured moments on the island of Virgin Gorda.

Bill was a voracious reader and lover of history and could often be found under a floppy hat sitting on a porch with the topic of the day in his hands. His wisdom seemed never ending yet he always made you feel like the smartest person in the room. Bill loved to travel, loved to be on the water, and most of all loved to be with family. Bill was a true gentleman and his warmth, generosity, and kind spirit shown through until the end. In his later days with limited mobility, the sense of humor never wavered and each, “Good to see you Bill” was met with his reply, “Well it is good to be seen.”

Bill is survived by his wife Dorothy (Dede); his son John (Cary), daughter-in-law Catherine Sweeney, son-in-law Charley Ehmann; three stepchildren Mike (Sarah) Shannon, Lawrence (Sarah) Shannon, and Courtney Shannon; four grandchildren Evan Sweeney, Heather Sweeney, Charley Ehmann, and August Ehmann; and six step grandchildren, Sam Shannon, Meghan Shannon, Addy Shannon, Peter Shannon, Simon Ehmann, and Ruby Ehmann. Bill was predeceased by his first wife Jeanne Sweeney, son Mark Sweeney, daughter Dr. Rita Sweeney (Ehmann), and brothers Joseph (Joe) Sweeney and John (Jack) Sweeney.

Memorial contributions in Bill’s honor can be made to SAVE, A Friend to Homeless Animals, 1010 Route 601, Skillman NJ 08558. SAVE had connected Bill and Dede with their beloved Zeke, who stayed by Bill’s side at all times.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be scheduled for the spring.

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Dr. William Parnelle Burks

Dr. William Parnelle Burks, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, doctor, and friend, died peacefully at the Princeton Medical Center on January 28, 2025, following a brief illness. He was 91.

Bill was born February 28, 1933, in Elizabeth, NJ, to the late Catherine Parnelle and Harry G. Burks, Jr. The middle of three brothers, he spent his early years in Hillside, NJ, and attended the Pingry School, where he was a standout scholar-athlete, quarterback, and third baseman.

Bill graduated from Princeton University with a BS in Biology in 1955. He was a member of the Quadrangle Club, active in tennis and golf, and quarterback of the sprint (150 lb.) football team, leading the team to an undefeated season in his senior year.

From an early age, Bill aspired to be a physician. He received his MD from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and did his surgical training at St. Luke’s Hospital, New York, advancing to Chief Resident, General Surgery. Following residency, he served as Captain in the United States Army Medical Corps, from 1964 to 1966, including a one-year tour of duty as a trauma surgeon in a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital unit in Vietnam.

Bill joined Princeton Surgical Associates as Partner in 1966. He was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and Attending Surgeon at the Medical Center of Princeton, including a tenure as Chief of General Surgery. An expert in arterial vascular surgery, Bill was a doctor of the old school. He offered compassionate care, a steady hand, and trusted counsel to patients, community members, family, and friends.

Throughout his life, Bill committed countless hours to ensuring the durability and vitality of the Princeton area community. Numerous institutions were dear to his heart. He joined the Board of Trustees of Princeton Area Community Foundation (PACF) in 1993, two years after the organization was founded and continued as trustee from 1993 to 2021, serving as Board Chair (1997–2006) during the organization’s critical, early growth years. Bill was a passionate fundraiser and fierce champion of PACF, believing that by raising money for the organization, he could help many nonprofits in the region. Honored as a Trustee Emeritus in 2021, he remained active with PACF until his death, serving on the investment committee and recruiting and mentoring new generations of fundraisers.

Bill also served on the Princeton Medical Center Foundation’s Board of Directors for nearly 20 years, playing an instrumental role in advocating and fundraising for the new hospital campus. In 2012, the Foundation honored Bill as the inaugural recipient of the Physician Philanthropist Award, an honor created in his name, as a tribute to his legacy of service, leadership, and generosity. He was named Trustee Emeritus of Princeton Day School, after a decade of distinguished leadership as Trustee (1970–80) and Board Chair (1975–80), and remained active in that role until his passing.

Bill was a patriarch, a healer, a gentleman, and a trusted and admired friend. He was a keen and curious listener, who somehow always knew the right thing to say. His love of athletics led him to tennis club championships and golf adventures with family and friends. A savvy investor, he delighted in the company of fellow members of the Princeton Investors Group.

Bill nurtured and sustained a deep affection for his alma mater Princeton, with yearly appearances in the P-rade, as season ticket holder and regular attendee at football and basketball events, and as a member of the Varsity Club. He served in a leadership capacity for his class, as Alumni Schools Committee regional chair, and, along with classmates in the great Class of 1955, founded Project 55, an organization that provides support for Princeton graduates seeking careers in public service.

For most of his life, Bill spent his summers in Madison, Connecticut, reveling in the company of generations of friends and family and enjoying the view overlooking Long Island Sound from his perch on the front porch. A faithful member of Trinity Church, Bill was a longtime member of the Bedens Brook Club, the Pretty Brook Tennis Club, and the Nassau Club.

Bill was predeceased by the love of his life, Judith S. Burks (1933–2021), whom he met at a tea dance hosted by his mother when he was 17. They were happily married for 66 years and raised four children in the Princeton community. Together with “Hoppy,” “Doc Doc” cherished and inspired their 14 grandchildren. He was their true north.

Bill is survived by his children and their spouses: Katharine and William Hackett (Skillman, NJ), Elizabeth (Holly) Burks and Paul Becker (Lawrenceville, NJ), Deborah and Michael Southwick (Old Greenwich, CT), and William Jr. (Whip) and Katrina Burks (Duxbury, VT), 13 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and his brother, Robert W. Burks (Morristown, NJ).

A service of remembrance will be held at Trinity Church, Princeton (33 Mercer Street), on February 22, 2025, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Judith and William Burks Fund at the Princeton Area Community Foundation and the Princeton Medical Center Foundation.

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Carol Lynne Jefferson

Carol Lynne Jefferson née Southwick, a classy woman of grace and wisdom, passed away peacefully on February 4, with her loving husband and daughters by her side. She fought a fierce battle with ovarian cancer. Her bravery was an inspiration.

Carol attended Trenton Junior and Trenton State College where she studied music and education. Before having children of her own, Carol gave her love to many little children as a kindergarten teacher at St. Hedwig’s School.  She continued to delight in her love for teaching as a substitute teacher at Stuart Country Day School, where her daughters attended.  Carol also taught piano for more than 50 years and thoroughly enjoyed the connections she made with her students and their families.

Carol, with her seemingly endless energy, was involved in many clubs and organizations including the Soroptimist Club of Princeton, the Princeton Dogwood Club, the PHCC Auxiliary, the Princeton Lioness Club, and St. Vincent DePaul at St. Paul’s Church. She was a former president of The Present Day Club, past fundraising chairman at Catholic Charities, program chairman at Plainsboro Senior Club, past board member of the Crawford House, a sustaining member of the Princeton Junior League, and past Commodore of The Great Oak Yacht Club on the Chesapeake Bay. Carol cherished all the special friendships she made with her fellow members in all these clubs and organizations.

Carol published a children’s book, Beanie and the Dolphin, which she dedicated to her grandchildren. Carol loved to travel and saw a lot of the world thanks to her “do it while you can” attitude! She enjoyed her yearly winters in the Florida Keys, years of boating fun on the Chesapeake Bay, and summers spent at the Jersey Shore. Carol lived a full life and touched the lives of everybody she met. She had a kind and giving spirit, and a caring soul full of love she wasn’t afraid to share. She loved her family fiercely and nothing made her happier than spending time with her grandchildren, her daughters and their spouses, and her dear husband. Carol’s love shines a bright light wherever she is and that light will shine on from heaven.

Carol is survived by her incredibly loving husband of 54 years, Bruce; their daughters and their spouses, Tracy Jefferson Shore and her husband Peter, and Jill Jefferson-Miller and her husband David; Her grandchildren, Molly and Meredith Shore; her brother Bob Southwick of Boone, NC; her sister-in-law, Shirley Kreszl; her nephews Tom and Doug; her goddaughter Nicole Schofer, and many other relatives and friends who each helped make her life special. Carol believed that she was put on this earth to love people and that she did with all her heart.

Friends and family can visit at Mather Hodge Funeral Home in Princeton on Wednesday, February 12 from 5-8 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Paul’s Church in Princeton on Thursday, February 13 at 10 a.m. The family will have a private burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carol’s memory can be made to the Fox Chase Cancer Center, Office of Institutional Advancement, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111 (foxchase.org/giving/ways-give/donate-now) or St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. Paul’s Church, 216 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542 (stpaulsofprinceton.org/st-vincent-de-paul-society).

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Cathleen Rolston Litvack

Cathleen Rolston Litvack passed away on February 9, 2025. Cate was born in Austin, Texas, on July 18, 1943, to Air Force navigator William Rolston and Edith Sperry. She attended 11 different schools and lived in three countries before she headed to Wellesley College, where she majored in political science. There she met James Litvack, whom she married two days after graduating in 1964. They lived in Cambridge while Jim attended MIT for graduate school in economics and then came to Princeton in 1966 when Jim joined the faculty.

Cate had an incredibly accomplished and varied career in politics and service. In local government, she served on the Princeton Planning, Recreation, and Library boards; two terms on Princeton Township Committee; and two years as Mayor of Princeton Township. She was also on the boards of the Princeton Area Community Foundation, American Red Cross, and First Fidelity Bank of Princeton. She was active in greater New Jersey politics as well, serving as the first female Executive Director of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, and worked on many political campaigns including Rush Holt’s Congressional campaign, Barbara Sigmund’s US Senate campaign, and Bill Bradley’s and General Wesley Clark’s Presidential campaigns.

As Mayor, two of her proudest accomplishments were the negotiation with the Institute for Advanced Studies and Princeton Township to designate the Institute Woods as a protected space, and establishing the Princeton-Pettoranello Sister City Foundation. The Italian government recognized her efforts as well, naming her Cavaliere (Knight of the Italian Republic). She studied Italian whenever she could, and when she gave her grandkids and their friends frequent rides around town, they also had the chance to learn Italian by way of the tapes that played in her car.

Cate was a huge supporter of land conservation and preservation, serving on the Board and as chair of the D&R Greenway for many years, helping to lay the foundation for the well-established organization it is today.

She combined her love of land preservation and history while serving as the first Executive Director of the Crossroad for the American Revolution for which she secured designation from the federal government for its National Heritage status. Most recently she served on the boards of the Old Barracks Museum, the Advocates for New Jersey History, and Trenton Arts Fund. Cate had an amazing memory for dates and trivia. Her family joked she was a walking encyclopedia, which she proved when she went on Jeopardy! as a contestant — and won!

Her drive for launching new initiatives and taking on anything that seemed fun and interesting also included working as VP at J&M Advertising, sales representative at Kea Wines, and even riding the dot-com boom as Vice President of Marketing at govWorks.com.

Cate was an avid gardener, and her gorgeous garden has hosted many events over the more than 50 years she and Jim have lived on Laurel Road. She loved to travel and explore architecture, art and theater. She enjoyed sharing this passion with her daughter on their many adventures together, and later with her grandchildren as well.

She and Jim played a lot of golf together in their over 60 years as members of Springdale Golf Club. During that time she served on the Board of Governors and chair of the Golf Committee; Cate could out-drive many men, and won the women’s club championship, along with many other tournaments.

Cate’s amazing determination, strength, wit, and graciousness was with her through to the end. In spite of her battle with ovarian cancer, she died peacefully at home with her family around her. She leaves behind her husband of 61 years, James Litvack; daughter Dana Molina and her husband Alberto Molina; grandchildren Catalina Molina and Milo Molina; sister Virginia Parrott Scott (Tim Scott); brother Benjamin Rolston (Lee Ann Ellison); niece and nephew Skye Parrott (Jeremy Malman), and Hank Parrott (Sara Dowling); and great-nieces and nephews Stig Malman, Oona Malman, Nova Malman, Nolan Parrott, and Blake Parrott.

There will be a celebration of life for Cate in April at Springdale. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the D&R Greenway, The Old Barracks Museum, or Trenton Arts Fund.

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Raja E. Soudah

Dr. Raja Elias Soudah of Princeton, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on February 9, 2025 at the age of 94. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Antoinette; his children Randa (Brian) of Los Angeles, California, Jumana of Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and Alex (Dina) of Flemington, New Jersey; grandchildren Alexandra, Anna, Jane, Matthew, Arthur, Claire and Kate; his sister, Dr. Ferial Jumean of Coral Gables, Florida; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Elias and Salma Soudah, brother Ibrahim, and sisters Clemanse, Laurice, Alice, and Mary.

Born on April 1, 1930 in Tulkarm, Palestine, Raja carved a path far from his birthplace. Given the opportunity to pursue a scholarship and studies in the United States, he arrived at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, at the age of 24 with enthusiasm and an unwavering drive. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Purdue, a master’s from Penn State University, and a Ph.D. from Rutgers University, all in agriculture, supporting himself through school along the way through various odd jobs that were the focal point of many an entertaining story.

Following school, Raja moved to Amman, Jordan, to pursue a career in his field. He met his future wife, Antoinette Saba, while she was working at the United States Cultural Center in Amman. They married in 1968, lived in Istanbul, Turkey, for a brief time, moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and then to Iselin, Somerset, and finally Princeton, New Jersey.

After stints at Rohm & Haas and New York Life, Raja concluded that he would be happiest being his own boss. In 1974, he started a small export automotive goods firm with a $500 loan and a typewriter. A natural salesman and entrepreneur, through hard work and grit, he built A.M.E. International into a profitable global business with its own line of products, and worked until he retired reluctantly in his late 80s.

Raja was the quintessential immigrant success story and self-made man, with an intrepid partner in Antoinette, who moved far from home to join him on his adventure. When he wasn’t working, Raja loved to garden, and each summer, he was happiest tending to his large backyard garden, yielding bumper crops of every vegetable you could imagine, including those sourced from his native Middle East. He collected antique clocks and liked nice cars. He traveled widely, and enjoyed Western movies, poker and blackjack, Johnny Walker Black, and beach vacations with his children and grandchildren at his and Antoinette’s home at the Jersey Shore. He was devoted to his family, both immediate and extended. He was deeply grateful for the opportunities America afforded him to build a full and rewarding life. He was an unstoppable force, always moving and moving quickly. He will not be forgotten by those lucky enough to know him.

Family and friends may visit on Thursday, February 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Kimble Funeral Home, 1 Hamilton Avenue, Princeton. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, February 14 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Church, 216 Nassau Street, Princeton, followed by interment at Princeton Cemetery.

Donations in Raja’s memory may be made to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (pcrf.net) or Anera (anera.org).

Extend condolences and remembrances at TheKimbleFuneralHome.com.

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Sotirios J. Vahaviolos

Dr. Sotirios J. Vahaviolos passed away peacefully in his home in Princeton, New Jersey, on February 6, 2025 at the age of 78. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Aspasia Felice (Nessas) Vahaviolos.

Sotirios was born in Mystras, Greece on April 16, 1946, to Ioannis and Athanasia Vahaviolos. His childhood in Mystras was filled with a large and loving extended family and friends, with wonderful memories of adventures, diligent studies by candlelight, and caring for his beloved olive and fruit trees. Sotirios learned about hard work and grit as an apprentice at his father’s butcher shop.  This skill later helped support him during his academic studies by working as a butcher at a local supermarket. Upon arriving in the U.S., Sotirios enrolled at Farleigh Dickinson University where he earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering (graduating first in his class), and later at Columbia University where he received M.S. degrees in both Electrical Engineering and Philosophy, followed by a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering.

At the ages of 21 and 19, Sotirios and Aspasia met at a Greek community event, and the rest is history.  Together they raised their daughters, Athanasia, Stephanie, and Kristy in West Windsor and then Princeton, New Jersey, with family summer vacations in Greece, which Sotirios always hoped would instill in his daughters a love of his village and of his motherland.  Sotirios relished the simple things in life. Loud family gatherings filled with food, laughter, and love were what he enjoyed most. Watching his daughters and nephew grow, gaining sons-in-law, and becoming a grandfather brought him so much joy.  He motivated his family to be hardworking and to never forget their Greek roots.  Most of all, he admired his wife’s kindness and loyalty. He credited her for creating a beautiful life for them all.

Sotirios’ career revolved around the field of Acoustic Emission and Non-Destructive Testing, first at Bell Labs and later at the company he founded in 1978, Physical Acoustics Corporation which would later become MISTRAS Group, Inc. He worked very hard to realize his dream of taking his company public and managed to do so in 2009 on the NYSE.  He was a revered scientist and pioneer in the field he was so passionate about.  He was able to industrialize something that was a mere theory and created innovative equipment and services for the Oil & Gas, Aerospace, Transport, and Infrastructure industries to name a few. Throughout his career, Sotirios was a member of, or held leadership positions in, various industry and scientific organizations including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the American Society of Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), the Acoustic Emission Working Group (AEWG), and NDT Academia International.

Sotirios valued the Greek Community and loved his fellow Hellenes.  He sought to remain connected to Greece and was active in the Hellenic diaspora while also supporting and giving back to fellow Greeks and Greek-Americans as many had done for him.  Some examples of his community involvement include serving as President of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Hamilton, NJ where he congregated and enjoyed chanting at church. He was also proud to be named an “Archon” of the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle of the Holy Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. Additionally, Sotirios was very involved with Greek politics from a young age and was delighted to be chosen for an honorary position on the ballot for the at-large election list for the New Democracy party in 2012.

Sotirios leaves behind his children Athanasia Tia (Nikolaos Koufakis) Vahaviolos, Stephanie Vahaviolos (Michael) Foglia, Kristy Vahaviolos (Georgios) Kyriakopoulos, his nephew Dimitri Nessas, his beloved sister, Stavroula Xenofanes, and the grandchildren he adored so much – Alexander, Maya, Alana, Melina, Peter, Nicholas Sotirios, and Georgios Panagiotis. He was preceded in death by his parents Ioannis and Athanasia Vahaviolos and his brother, Apostolis Vahaviolos.

Calling hours will be on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 from 5-8 p.m. at the Brenna-Cellini Funeral Home, 2365 Whitehorse Mercerville Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619. A morning visitation will be held on Thursday, February 13 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1200 Klockner Road, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619 from 10-11 a.m. followed by funeral services and then a burial at Princeton Cemetery at 29 Greenview Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08542. Memorial contributions may be made in Sotirios’ memory to Columbia Engineering (engineering.givenow.columbia.edu), specifying the “Electrical Engineering Support Fund,” Columbia Alumni Center, 622 West 113th Street, MC 4524, New York, NY 10025 (and please be sure to note: “In Memory of Sotirios J. Vahaviolos) Or the SPARTA NURSING HOME FOUNDATION “OI AGIOI ANARGYROI” (girokomeio-spartis.gr/?page_id=65) at Episkopou Vresthenis 30, 231 00, Sparti, Greece.