December 6, 2023

Obituaries 12/6/2023

Evan R. Wolarsky M.D.

Evan Wolarsky died Saturday November 25 at home in Pennington, NJ, surrounded by his family.

Born in The Bronx, NY, in 1942, Evan was a graduate of Horace Mann ’59, Harvard College ’63 and the University of Pennsylvania Medical School ’67. He completed a five-year surgical residency at Columbia Presbyterian in New York in June 1974 with a two-year break after his internship year, during which he did research on wound-healing on a NIH grant.

Drafted during the Vietnam War, then deferred until the end of his residency, he served two years accompanied at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, retiring with the rank of full Commander in the USN.

He joined Hunterdon Surgical Associates in Flemington, NJ, in July 1976, where he practiced General Surgery until 1990, after which he assumed the newly created position of Medical Director of Hunterdon Medical Center. While working as Medical Director he joined the Executive MBA program at Wharton (at the time the oldest student Wharton had in the program), graduating in 1997 alongside his daughter Nina obtaining her B.A. from U Penn.

Evan was a gifted photographer. When he was a boy he received a Leica camera from his father, after which he became a serious, dedicated photographer. Many of his photographs hang in the homes of his friends. He was also a terrific home chef and baker, his talents in the kitchen widely enjoyed by his friends and family. He completed the NYC Marathon twice as well as the Boston Marathon.

Evan leaves his wife, Rosalie Siegel Wolarsky of Pennington, NJ; son Eric Wolarsky of Newtown PA, daughter-in-law Julia Nickles; daughter Nina Wolarsky of Los Angeles, son-in-law Hal Pohl; and grandchildren, Marcus and Yael Wolarsky and Lucy Margaret Pohl.

November 22, 2023

Obituaries 11/22/2023

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Elias Bloxom Baker

Elias Bloxom Baker

E. Bloxom (Bloxy) Baker IV, formerly of Princeton, NJ, passed away on November 12, 2023, in Salisbury, CT. Born in Philadelphia, PA, on February 18, 1945, he was the son of Elias Bloxom and Marjorie Credo Baker. He grew up in Princeton, NJ, attended Princeton Day School, and later graduated from the St. Georges School in Newport, RI, in 1963. He attended Princeton University, graduated in 1967, and was a member of the Cap and Gown eating club.

After graduation, he enlisted as an officer in the United States Army and later helicopter flight school. He served in the Army’s 3rd Calvary Infantry Division in Vietnam, stationed in Bien Hoa as a Bell Cobra helicopter pilot in the Blue Max Squadron. He was awarded a Bronze Star for his service and the Broken Wing Award for safely landing his helicopter when his tail rotor blade was shot off by enemy fire. After his tour of duty, he was stationed in Fort Hood Texas and trained in low level flying with night vision binoculars, followed by an assignment for several months to England in the Salisbury Plains teaching British pilots the same.

After his honorable discharge with the rank of Captain, he worked for Merrill Lynch in Manhattan as a commodities broker. Dissatisfied with corporate life he learned that Grover Lumber Company in Princeton was for sale, where he had worked for many years part time growing up. With the help of family and friends, he and his wife were able to buy the company. He was President of Grover Lumber Co for 20 years until the company was later sold to Princeton University.

A lifelong devotee to the sport of ice hockey, Bloxy was both a coach and the ultimate “hockey dad” to his three sons.

He is survived by his wife Nancy Luria of Salisbury and two step daughters, Cary Ullman of Lakeville, CT, and Samantha Harlow of Middlebury, VT; his three sons, with his former wife Nancy Howell Rogers, Charles of Sarasota, Fl, Henry (his wife Tiffany) of Wilton, CT, and Peter (his wife Wendy) of Montvale, NJ; three grandchildren (Henry, Lily, and Sophie); sisters Gertrude Millar (James) of Marshfield, MA, Leanne Baker of Nantucket, MA; and brother Warren Baker (wife Deborah) of Lakeside, MI.

A memorial service is planned for a later date in Princeton, NJ.

November 15, 2023

Obituaries 11/15/2023

Joyce Howe

Joyce Howe, 65, passed away on November 6 at home in Princeton, NJ, after a nine-year battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Alex Levine, her husband of 35 years, was at her side.

Manhattan-born, she grew up in Queens, first behind her father’s laundry in Jackson Heights, then in Corona. A proud 1976 graduate of Stuyvesant High School, she attended SUNY Buffalo, majoring in English, the school newspaper, and rock concerts and club shows. She returned to New York and worked for The New York Times, then Glamour Magazine, first as a flunky, later as a writer and editor, and began an 18-year career freelancing for countless publications and working for government agencies and nonprofits. Much of her writing dealt with women’s and Asian American issues. She and Alex lived in the East Village, Paris, Berkeley, Aix-en-Provence, and Oakland before moving to Princeton in 2002.

Joyce loved being an adoptive Princetonian almost as much as she loved considering herself a lifelong New Yorker. Her utter devotion to her daughters, Nathalie and Jade, included working at Community Park School in a variety of volunteer positions. Later, she ran the Power Lunch reading program and worked as an instructional assistant (and was a proud PRESSA member). She was also a passionate volunteer with Democratic presidential campaigns throughout her life, including with the PCDO in 2004, 2008, and 2012.

Joyce was a familiar face at each and every church rummage sale and countless garage sales, at the Bryn Mawr-Wellesley Book Sale, and in a comfortable chair near the magazines at Princeton Public Library, which she never left without visiting the used bookstore. She loved walking around town. Her favorite haunts included the Record Exchange, the Nearly New Shop, Tomo Sushi, Another Angle, the Garden Theatre and Montgomery Cinemas, McCarter Theatre, and anywhere she could meet a friend for coffee. She loved bumping into neighbors at Conte’s and Main Street, whose closing she lamented, along with those of Abel Bagel, Jordan’s, Micawber Books, and Jane. She never missed a CP, JW, or PHS musical, orchestra, or choir concert, talent show, or cabaret night. She was also an avid Town Topics reader.

Predeceased by her parents and sister Mary, she is survived by her loving husband and daughters Nathalie Levine (Anna Rose Gable) of Highland Park, NJ, and Jade Levine (Julia Lubey) of Manhattan; by her sisters Joan and Janet of Queens; her sister- and brother-in-law Lisa and Jim Levine of Princeton; her nephews Zeke and Elijah Levine and niece Freddie Levine; and countless other relatives and friends in Princeton, New York, the Bay Area, and around the country.

Her kind, loving, and devoted caregivers Ayishatu Ibrahim and Mariama Sumareh, whom we cannot thank enough, helped us through many difficult years and knew how to make Joyce laugh. We also thank the staff of Penn Medicine-Princeton Home Care for years of steadfast and compassionate support.

A celebration of her life will be held in Princeton in early 2024. Anyone so inclined is invited to contribute in her memory to 101fund.org, which supports Princeton High School graduates with need-based college aid. Joyce taught and loved many of them, and they loved her back.

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Alfred Lavern Bush

Alfred Lavern Bush of Princeton died at home on November 9, 2023. He was born in 1933 in Denver, Colorado, into a fifth-generation Mormon family. An avid mountain climber in his youth, Bush graduated from Brigham Young University in 1957 where he continued graduate studies in archaeology before joining the Fifth University Archaeological Society excavations at the Mayan site of Aguacatal in Campeche, Mexico, in the winter of 1958. The following summer he was a student at the Institute for Archival and Historical Management at Radcliffe College. Bush served in the Medical Service Corps of the U.S. Army in the Panama Canal Zone.

Alfred Bush moved to Princeton in 1958 to become an editor of the Papers of Thomas Jefferson. In the course of his research, he discovered a lost 1800 portrait of Jefferson by Rembrandt Peale, which was announced in his monograph The Life Portraits of Thomas Jefferson (1962). This portrait of President Jefferson now hangs in the White House and is featured on the Jefferson nickel.

In 1971 Bush proposed and organized an exhibition of ancient Mayan hieroglyphic texts at the Grolier Club in New York — a show that exhibited a purported fourth surviving Maya codex. Highly controversial, the codex underwent nearly 50 years of extensive testing before Mexican authorities declared it genuine in September 2018. Referred to as the Grolier Codex, it dates from the 11th century and is now recognized as the earliest surviving book from ancient America.

Bush became Curator of Western Americana at Princeton University’s Firestone Library in 1961 and served in that position for over 35 years. During his tenure he enlarged the size of the collection tenfold, expanded the collections of Native American materials, and added an important photographic archive. With Lee Clark Mitchell, he published The Photograph and the American Indian (1994) in conjunction with a major exhibition at Firestone Library. In 2006, following his retirement, the Princeton University Library Chronicle devoted an entire volume to Bush’s contributions to Native American studies. Equally at home in Princeton and in the American Southwest, Bush worked tirelessly to recruit Native American students and acted as an undergraduate advisor and friend to many. In 2020 he received the Princeton University Alumni Award, a rare honor for a non-alumnus, for his interest in and commitment to Native American students. Throughout his life, Bush remained an active researcher and essay writer.

Alfred Bush served for three decades on the editorial board of the Princeton University Library Chronicle, and was its editor from 1962 to 1977. He was elected an Honorary Member of the Friends in June 2023. Bush was also founding editor of Princeton History, first issued in 1971. In 2019 he was made an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Western History Association. He served until his death on the Visiting Committee of the Arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Alfred Bush had a genius for friendship. He took great pleasure in introducing his many diverse friends to one another, thus creating new webs of friendship that now span Mexico and the United States.

He is survived by his brother Vernon Bush of American Fork, Utah, and his sister Peggy Arnold of Grand Junction, Colorado; his adopted son Paul Tioux of Santa Fe, New Mexico; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

At Alfred’s request there will be no funeral or memorial service. Donations in his honor may be made to the Friends of Princeton University Library or the School for Advanced Research, Santa Fe, NM.

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Reinhard Paul-Gunter Kruegel

1939 – 2023

Reinhard Paul-Gunter Kruegel, 84, passed away in Elizabeth City, N.C., on September 27 after a long struggle with the aftereffects of Covid and other health issues. Reinhard was born in Bad Godesberg, Germany, to Gottwald Hugo Reinhard and Eleonore (née Hunninghaus) Kruegel on June 2, 1939, the youngest of five children.

Reinhard is missed dearly by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Linda Kruegel, his children and grandchildren: Michele (Lincoln Cairns) Kruegel and their daughter, Tallulah; Brian (Jenn) Kruegel and their daughter, Lahna. He also leaves behind his sisters Helga Waldinger and Gudrun Graff, his brother Hartmann Kruegel, numerous in-laws, and nieces and nephews across the United States, Germany, and Canada. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his sister, Lore Grohsgart.

Reinhard grew up in post-WWII Germany. After serving in the German Navy under NATO from 1957-61 he immigrated to Ontario, Canada, where his brother, Hartmann, and his family had established roots. He studied data processing before moving to Chicago in 1963 where he worked during the day at Continental Coffee. At night, Reinhard took classes at Lakeview High School to improve his English.

Due to his dedication and hard work, Continental Coffee transferred Reinhard to their New Jersey location where he managed the office as well as the data processing and credit departments. This is where he met Linda and they started their family.

Reinhard shared his passion for downhill skiing with Linda, Michele, and Brian. As a couple, Reinhard and Linda spent their off-hours ballroom dancing and playing tennis. Reinhard’s lifelong love of soccer motivated him to teach his son and anyone else who wanted to learn how to play the game. He turned his passion into action by getting involved with the Princeton Soccer Association and was one of the first parents to bring professional coaching to the fledgling club. A steward of the game, Reinhard blew his whistle or raised his flag as a referee for hundreds of matches at the club and high school levels.

In 1976, Reinhard became a naturalized U.S. citizen and his name is listed on the American Immigrant Wall of Honor on Ellis Island.

Reinhard earned his GED at Hackensack High School in N.J., later receiving his BS in Business Administration at Thomas Edison University in 1989. After a fulfilling career at Continental Coffee, he was Vice President of Information Technology at Brunswick Bank and Trust until retiring. Reinhard was at the forefront of computer programming. As a Certified Network Engineer, he contributed to the seamless transition of Y2K spending countless hours testing code and analyzing data. His efforts helped ensure customers had the proper balances in their accounts on January 1, 2000. After retirement, he was happy to remind people of how he paid his dues and didn’t want to troubleshoot problems with cell phones, computers, or television remotes.

Reinhard and Linda moved to Hertford, N.C., shortly after retiring. They made amazing new friends and filled their time with engaging activities. Reinhard sang bass with the Albemarle Chorale and volunteered for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). He enjoyed playing tennis, golf, and poker, bicycling, bowling, reading voraciously, solving sudoku, and complaining about North Carolina drivers. Reinhard loved going to the opera and enjoyed classical music. He could name any piece playing on the radio and its composer, usually before the DJ announced it.

A dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend, he was always ready with a glass of champagne to celebrate moments big and small alike. His booming voice and big heart will never be forgotten.

November 8, 2023

Obituaries 11/8/2023

Robert J. Galick

Bob was born in Detroit, Michigan, on June 20, 1929. He passed away at Capital Health Medical Center of Hopewell, Pennington, NJ on October 31, 2023.

Bob grew up on his parents’ dairy farm with many siblings in Harlingen, NJ. He graduated from Princeton High School in 1948.

Bob was a skilled union carpenter and construction superintendent in Princeton Local 781, where he was a member for 70 years. He worked on many projects in the area, including a number at Princeton University, where he was also an arborist and tree surgeon.

Bob was an avid reader, enthusiastic trout fisherman, and dog lover. He was also a founding member of the Cedar Grove Sportsmen’s Club, where he enjoyed hunting.

He loved to visit the Jersey shore, in particular Point Pleasant with his wife Doris, to whom he was married for 62 years, and his daughter, Deborah. He lived with his family in Princeton, NJ, in a house that he proudly built himself.

Bob was predeceased by the love of his life Doris in 2012. He then lived firstly at Acorn Glen/Brandywine assisted living facility in Princeton, and then at Brandywine assisted living in Pennington, NJ. In later life he always considered this to be his home, a place where he made many friends and participated in several activities.

He is survived by his daughter Deborah (Galick) Dalton, Robert Dalton (husband); grandchildren Michael Dalton (wife Ashley), Matthew Dalton (wife Kristin); two great-grandchildren James and Charlotte Dalton; and many nieces and nephews as well as two great-grand puppies Meha and Olive.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, George and Anna Galick.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at the Wilson Apple Funeral Home, Pennington, NJ, with visitation from 10-10:30 a.m. Interment to follow at Highland Cemetery, Hopewell, NJ.

Condolences are welcome at wilsonapple.com

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Hilda B. Melconian

Hilda Melconian, of Rumson, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was 88.

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, on March 11, 1935, Hilda was the second youngest of 11 children of Armenak and Marie Berejikian. After early schooling in Beirut, she moved to New York City in 1950, and graduated from George Washington High School, then attended City College of New York.

Soon after, Hilda began a fulfilling career at the United Nations, working for the Saudi Arabian and Cambodian Missions. She married Melcon Melconian, an engineer with Mobil Oil, in 1961, and together they enjoyed a socially active life in Manhattan, Los Angeles, and London. Their first son Gregory arrived in 1969, promptly followed by their second son Philip. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Princeton, New Jersey, where Mr. and Mrs. Melconian raised their children and lived for 45 years. Together with her husband, Mrs. Melconian emphasized the importance of family, faith, and community service.

Mrs. Melconian proudly served the Armenian-American community over the course of her life. Motivated by a sense of personal responsibility, she actively participated in and consistently supported many organizations, such as the Armenian Evangelical Church of New York (Board Member), Armenian General Benevolent Union (President’s Club), Armenian Assembly of America, Armenian Missionary Association of America (Board Member), and the Armenia Fund USA (Board Member). Throughout the years, Mrs. Melconian was valued by her fellow members for her balanced views, sound judgment, and desire to advance the mission of each organization while maintaining unity.

Reared in the Armenian Evangelical Church, Mrs. Melconian actively practiced her faith throughout her life. She regularly attended services and served for many years on the Church’s Board and other committees. She was instrumental in solidifying her Church’s financial future, managing a real estate transaction involving the sale of air rights in midtown Manhattan.

Those close to Hilda were aware of her genuine intellectual curiosity and cosmopolitan style. She loved history and following current events. She enjoyed classical music and the arts, and spoke five languages. She reveled in great conversations and always made people feel welcome. Hilda also participated in many cultural activities in Princeton and New York over many decades. Friends and family always will remember her as a cultured, elegant ,and warm lady who was motivated to help others.

Hilda was predeceased by her devoted husband of 46 years Melcon, and eight siblings. She is survived by two sons: Gregory (Nyire) Melconian and Philip (Rachel) Melconian; five grandchildren: Henry, Chloe, Carter, Cooper, and Kylie; two sisters: Jeanette Kendirgi and Ceta Amato; and many nephews and nieces.

Family and friends paid their respects on October 21 at St. Stepanos Armenian Church in Elberon, NJ, and at the Lawrenceville Cemetery in Lawrenceville, NJ. Thompson Memorial Home of Red Bank, NJ, was entrusted with the arrangements.

November 1, 2023

Obituaries 11/1/2023

Dr. William F. Besser

Revered, respected, and renowned for his professional and personal accomplishments affecting thousands of Princeton-area residents over the course of decades, Dr. William F. Besser, MD, 93, died of cancer on October 28, 2023, in his home.

Bill, an obstetrician and gynecologist in Princeton for half a century, and Ruth, his wife of 73 years, were residents of the Princeton community for more than 60 years.

His wisdom, skills, ethics, and integrity defined his years in private practice and his affiliation with Princeton Hospital, now known as Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center. He maintained a leadership role in the hospital’s Bioethics Committee since the committee’s establishment more than 40 years ago. He was a founding member, along with his medical practice partner, Dr. David Rose, of the local chapter of Planned Parenthood and went on to serve on the chapter’s board. 

His community service commitment was applauded far beyond Princeton. He and Ruth spent many summers volunteering on a Navaho Reservation at a United States Public Health Service facility in Shiprock, Arizona. He passed on the spirit of service to all of his children.

Bill’s most revered extracurricular activity was interacting with his family — his wife and four children, their spouses, and eight grandchildren. When their 48-year-old daughter Karen died in 2004, their lives were changed forever, but the tragedy had the effect of bringing the parents and three sons even closer together. Geographic distance never stopped Bill from maintaining continual contact with the children and grandchildren on a daily basis via email and text.

Bill loved to play and to compete. For years it was tennis, but he loved golf, bridge, cribbage, backgammon, bocce, and poker — any type of game. And he loved to win! In addition to games, he had many hobbies over his lifetime — painting and needlepoint were two favorites. Every wedding or birth was followed by a beautiful needlepoint pillow commemorating the event. He even taught a class at the Princeton Adult School, “Needlepoint for Men.” His needlepoint masterpieces are on display throughout their homes.

He and Ruth loved the Jersey shore and had a home in Barnegat Light. Their favorite activities were sailing, crabbing, and walking by the lighthouse with one of their beloved black Labs. His face would light up when people would stop to pet his dog and share some conversation. For each of his grandchildren when they were little, he would set out a pirate scavenger hunt for buried treasure. It was never clear who was having more fun, Bill or his grandchildren. The shore was also a place where he was able to enjoy his passion for food. He loved to cook, eat, and share recipes.

Born in Philadelphia on Christmas Day, 1929, two months after the crash of the stock market that marked the start of the Great Depression, to Dr. Joseph Besser, a family physician, and Pauline Besser, who worked alongside Joe as a nurse. Bill Besser said his professional and personal ethic was instilled in him by his parents. He attended Central High in Philadelphia, as had his father, brother, and other men in the family. He remained a loyal alum throughout his entire life. He went to Penn State as an undergraduate, where he met his wife and partner in life, Ruth. He graduated from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, as had his father, and followed that by a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. Following residency, the family set off to Germany, where he served in the U.S. Army during peacetime. It was the perfect place to enjoy life with his young family.

Bill made friends for life. From his days as a counselor at SGF camp, his time as camp doctor at Camp Comet, his poker buddies at Windrows, and his deep friendships from a lifetime in Princeton and Barnegat Light. He was a true and loyal friend.

He is survived by his wife Ruth Besser; children: Mitchell Besser (Annie) of Los Angeles; Andrew Besser (Joannie) of Los Angeles; Richard Besser (Jeanne) of New York; and eight grandchildren. He is predeceased by his daughter Karen and his brother, Gilbert.

A service honoring the life of Dr. William Besser will be held at Windrows in Plainsboro on November 11,
at 1 p.m.

The family requests donations in Dr. William Besser’s memory be made to Eden Autism. Bill and Ruth participated every year in the Eden Autism walk/run fundraiser. Edenautism.org or by mail: Eden Autism, 2 Merwick Road, Princeton NJ 08540.

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

October 25, 2023

Obituaries 10/25/2023

Paul Harding Rutherford

Paul and Audrey Rutherford

Paul Harding Rutherford, 85, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2023, at the Riverwoods Retirement Community in Exeter, NH. He had been a resident of Princeton for 45 years before moving to New Hampshire in 2010.

Paul was born on January 22, 1938 in Yorkshire, England, the son of Joseph William Rutherford and the former Annie Harding. After his family was required to relocate early in World War II, he attended the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle upon Tyne. He won a scholarship to Emmanuel College, Cambridge University, where he earned a B.A. in 1959, receiving first-class honors in the Mathematical Tripos. He remained at Cambridge for graduate work and completed a Ph.D. in 1962. After postdoctoral appointments at Princeton (1962-63) and the U.K.’s Culham Laboratory (1963-65), he returned to the United States as an immigrant in 1965 to join the research staff at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, where he remained for his entire subsequent career, serving as Associate Director for Research from 1980 to 1995. His research was in the theory of fully-ionized plasmas in strong magnetic fields and was supported as part of the quest for a controlled thermonuclear fusion reactor.

Paul met his future wife, the former Audrey J. Irvine, in Newcastle upon Tyne, and she accompanied him first to Cambridge for the completion of his graduate work and subsequently to Princeton. The Rutherfords became United States citizens in 1976.

Paul taught courses in plasma physics at Princeton University, and co-authored with Robert J. Goldston a graduate text, “Introduction to Plasma Physics”, published in 1995. He was the recipient of the U.S. Department of Energy’s E. 0. Lawrence Memorial Award for physics in 1983, with a citation for contributions to the basic theory of plasma confinement and to the toroidal fusion reactor concept.

Throughout his career, he had always been prominently involved in the international aspects of fusion research. In 1992, he was appointed Chair of the Technical Advisory Committee for the design phase of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), and he continued in that role from 1992 to 1998. The ITER is presently under construction at Cadarache in the south of France.

Having been an active member of Nassau Presbyterian Church in Princeton, he was equally active in the Congregational Church in Exeter, UCC.

In addition to his loving wife of 64 years, Paul was survived by daughters, Andrea Christine Rutherford of Andover, Massachusetts, and Julia Irvine Rutherford, of North Andover, Massachusetts, and by two grandchildren, Alexander McClintick and Samantha Trombly.

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Audrey J. Rutherford

Audrey Jones Rutherford, 89, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2023 at the RiverWoods Retirement Community in Exeter, NH. She had been a resident of Princeton for 45 years before moving to New Hampshire in 2010.

Audrey was born December 12, 1934, in Berwick upon Tweed, the daughter of James Irvine and the former Jane Ellen Thompson. Although she retained strong family ties to Berwick, on the border between England and Scotland, she spent her childhood in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, attending Heaton High School for Girls. The death of her father while she was still in high school precluded her from attending a full-time college, but she enrolled in the College of Commerce, now part of Newcastle University, taking evening and weekend classes. While serving in various positions in the Health Department for the County of Northumberland, she pursued further studies in local government. After becoming qualified as a Committee Clerk by the Local Government Examinations Board in 1958, she was appointed Committee Clerk of the Health Committee — becoming the first woman in the county to hold a position at that level.

After marrying Paul Rutherford, she moved with her husband to Cambridge, where she lived from 1959 to 1962, working at Pye Electronics Ltd while her husband completed a Ph.D. in theoretical physics. She then spent a year in Princeton, New Jersey, after which the couple returned to England and lived in Wantage, Berkshire, for two years. In 1965, she and her husband emigrated to the U.S., where they lived for 45 years in Princeton, New Jersey, becoming U.S. citizens in 1976.

After raising two daughters in Princeton, Audrey was then able to fulfill a lifelong dream of becoming a preschool teacher. After appropriate certification, she taught for 10 years at the Cherry Hill Nursery School, following which she was a frequent substitute teacher at the University League Nursery School.

After her husband’s retirement, she moved to the RiverWoods retirement community in Exeter, New Hampshire, where she had lived since 2010. Having been an active member of Nassau Presbyterian Church in Princeton, she became active in the Congregational Church in Exeter, UCC. From early childhood, she has enjoyed all forms of needlework and was especially skilled in tapestry needlepoint.

The Rutherfords are survived by two daughters, Andrea C. Rutherford of Andover, Massachusetts, and Julia I. Rutherford of North Andover, Massachusetts; and two grandchildren, Alexander Rutherford McClintick and Samantha Grace Trombly.

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Manuel del Cerro

Manuel del Cerro, MD, died in Princeton, NJ, on Friday, October 13, 2023, at the age of 92.

He was an Emeritus Professor of Ophthalmology and Neurobiology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine. Dr. del Cerro was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on the 30th of August 1931. He grew up in that city, where he undertook all his formal education receiving his MD degree in 1958. After completing his residence in the department of Intensive Care, where he reached the position of Chief Resident, he became a member of the Faculty in the Department of Cell Biology of the Medical School of the University of Buenos Aires.

In 1957 he married Constancia (Coca) Nuñez. He and his wife left Argentina at the end of 1964 for the USA where Dr. del Cerro had been offered a faculty position at the Center for Brain Research of the University of Rochester, Medical School. He moved up through the academic ranks reaching the position of Professor of Ophthalmology and Neurobiology at the University of Rochester. Starting in the middle 1980s, Dr. del Cerro and his team, which included his wife Coca, did pioneering work on transplantation of developing retinal cells into the retinas of blind animals and humans. That work, published in national and international medical journals, proved the viability and in many cases the beneficial effects of those transplants. Dr. del Cerro was an invited speaker at numerous national and international professional meetings. He was a mentor to numerous students, many of whom reached prominence in the medical profession in the USA and abroad. After his retirement in 1989, Dr. del Cerro and his wife traveled extensively; he also pursued his hobbies of photography, chess, and reading, particularly of world history and history of art.

He is survived by his daughter Marilu DeCoste, and grandchildren Thomas, Samuel, and Christopher Joseph.

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Mary Jane Hayes

Mary Jane Hayes, 81, of Lawrence Township, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 16, 2023. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Mary Jane moved to Princeton as a young child and lived there most of her life, except for periods when she lived abroad. She attended the Miss Fine School and graduated from Princeton High School in 1960.

Mary Jane was a worldwide traveler and lived and worked abroad, including living on a Kibbutz in Israel, as well as time in Australia and Turkey.

A lover of all animals, she had two beloved dogs Amtrack and Johann. In her spare time, Mary Jane loved to be in her garden.

Mary Jane worked for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and then was the Administrative Officer for 29 years at the School of Mathematics of the Institute for Advanced Study, before retiring in 2017.

Mary Jane is predeceased by her father, Dr. John Raymond Burbidge, her mother Thelma Kirksey Burbidge, and her brother John Burbidge, Jr. She is survived by her sister Bettina Anne Burbidge, her niece Amy (John) Israelsson, her nephew James (Anna Maria) Hummerstone, and numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton, New Jersey.

Mary Jane will be truly missed by her close friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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Esther LaFranco

Esther LaFranco (nee Rubin), 91, of Princeton passed away peacefully on Monday, October 16, 2023. She was born on September 13, 1932, in Trenton, N.J., to the late Abraham Rubin and Bessie Barker. She was married to the late Antonio LaFranco and lived in Lawrenceville before moving to Princeton 29 years ago.

While singlehandedly raising her three young children, Esther earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration. She worked as a paralegal at the NJ Public Employment Relations Commission for more than 20 years. She was a proud member of the Princeton Community Democratic Organization and the Princeton Senior Center, where she was involved in memoir writing and other activities. She was an avid supporter of the Parkinson’s Foundation. In addition to memoir writing, Esther also was passionate about astrology, antiquing, politics, health and wellness, movies, the Boston Red Sox, and, most of all, her children and grandchildren.

She loved to share her stories and insights with family and friends and was always generous with her time and her love. She was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Esther’s favorite quotation was, “Family is the most important thing.” She lived by this motto, always prioritizing her family over herself. She taught her children and grandchildren to “always do the hard, right thing not the easy, wrong thing.” She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Esther is survived by three children, Mark Anthony LaFranco, Audrey Rita Maest, and Barry Richard LaFranco; her son-in-law, Christopher Maest; two grandchildren, Eric and Rachel Maest; and one sister, Frances Rubin.

Funeral service was on Thursday, October 19 at Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel, 1534 Pennington Road in Ewing Township. Interment followed at Brothers of Israel Cemetery, 1100 Cedar Lane Cemetery, Hamilton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

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Wesley Thompson

January 4, 1947 – October 17, 2023

Wesley R. Thompson, 76, of Caledonia, Michigan, formerly of Indiana and New Jersey, died at 10:07 a.m. on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at StoryPoint Assisted Living in Rockford, Michigan. He was born on January 4, 1947, in New York City to Ralph and Ruth (Lindveit) Thompson. Wes grew up in Griggstown, New Jersey, and married Sandra (Sandie) Thompson on September 5, 1970.

Surviving are his son Matthew (Erin) Thompson of Newaygo, Michigan; grandchildren Wyatt, Ruby, and Scarlett; cousin Elaine Trapp; niece Dana Oley; and nephews-in-law Patrick and Allen Carns of New Jersey. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and sister Arlene Oley.

Wes was an insurance underwriter and part time pastor by occupation. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1965-1971. Wes had a passion for theological studies, volunteering, music, and walking. He had a unique ability to listen to others with true care, provide compassion, and relate to all perspectives.  Above all, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a man of God who always put the needs of others in front of his.

According to his wishes, there will not be a memorial service. His ashes will be spread by family members.

Donations in his memory can be made to Feed My Starving Children (fmsc.org).

———

Lawrence Hunter Parsons

April 11, 1944 – October 18, 2023

Lawrence Hunter Parsons, known by all as Larry, passed away peacefully October 18, after many years of declining from dementia. He was a kind, generous, and respected member of the Princeton community, which he loved. A friend said of Larry that he was, “someone who rarely expressed criticisms of others, preferring to support, rather than destroy.”

Larry was a wonderful listener with great creative vision and insight. He used these qualities to contribute to many good causes and organizations in leadership roles such as the Princeton Photography Club and the Princeton Adult School. He is survived by his wife, Jean, his daughter, Meg D’Incecco and her husband John, their son, Leslie, and by his son Hunter and his wife Amber, and children Margot and Sheppard.

Though Larry’s career was in finance, his heart was with culture and beauty, which he expressed through his photographic art. He was devoted to Gallery 14 on Mercer Street in Hopewell where he was a member for many years.

As almost a miracle, a retrospective of Larry’s artwork at the Gallery was scheduled some time ago to open at the Gallery 14 on Saturday, November 4. Now it can be an immediate celebration of his life through his art! The opening reception will be from 1-5 p.m. on that day, and the show will run through December 3. It would be an honor to him for you to come to see the show when you can. A celebration service of Larry’s life is being planned for March at Nassau Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, he would have loved you to support the organizations of your choice that support the arts, education, the environment, and justice for humankind. Some of his favorites were Princeton Adult School, Princeton Pro Musica, Princeton Public Library, Centurion, Young Audiences, and Nassau Presbyterian Church, especially the hunger relief programs.

October 18, 2023

Obituaries 10/18/2023

Jeremiah Anthony “Tony” Dowling

Jeremiah Anthony “Tony” Dowling left for Heaven to find an eternal pot of Gold on October 9, 2023. Tony was a long time resident of Princeton Junction, NJ. He was born on May 31, 1935 in Dublin, Ireland. He spent his childhood on his grandparents’ farm in Ballylongford, County Kerry.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents Mary Dineen Dowling, Jeremiah Anthony Dowling, a guardian Uncle Thomas Dineen, Uncle Paddy Dineen, and a beloved grandson Patrick Thomas Marchbank.

Tony is survived by loving son Brendan Anthony Dowling, grandchildren Cameron, Cassidy, and Jackson of Cranbury, NJ, adoring daughter B. Kelly Dowling Marchbank (Jim) and granddaughter Sean Kerry of Black Forest, CO. He is also survived by the honorary family of Billy and Paula Hall of Princeton Junction, NJ, Dineen Family cousins in County Kerry, Ireland, and special lifelong family and friends: Millie (Dowling) and Joe Ratcliff, the Pisani/Trani/Wolf Family, the Consoli Family, the Cahills, the Fontaines, the Murphys, the Gennarellis, the Perones, the Herrmanns, the Ninis, the Turner Domestic and International family, all the “Shub” faithful, and thousands of others friends worldwide.

Prior to migrating to the United States, Tony graduated from Sheffield College, England, with a Civil Engineering Degree in 1956. He served in the U.S. Army Medical Service from 1957 to 1960 as a Dental Assistant. Tony worked several jobs sometimes simultaneously to include Fortunato Construction of Long Island, NY, and Princeton Rug and Furtniture Mart. In 1976, he began his illustrious career at Turner Construction: International and Domestic as Senior Estimating Engineer. Tony was excellent at his job working quotes down to the penny. His clients as well as his peers trusted his knowledge and integrity for all of his projects. While working for Turner, Tony literally traveled the world, gracing at least 55 countries. He spent the majority of time working in the Middle East. Some of his favorite projects were the Dubai Sail Building, Taipei 101, and the Amari Diwan Palace in Kuwait. But his proudest project and one of his last was the new Yankee Stadium where he wrote his children and grandchildren’s names and birthdays in the I-beam of the right field bleachers. Tony “Topped Out” his amazing construction career after more than 45 years, retiring in 2009.

Tony was a decades-long member of St. Paul’s Parish of Princeton, NJ, where he served as an usher for over 30 years. He also attended St. David the King in West Windsor, NJ. His Catholic Faith has always been foremost in his life and service to others. Tony has always been a cheerful giver.

Tony’s love of anything Celtic taking him back to his roots and everything New York Giants is truly what has made him infamous. The combination of these two loves is evident by the invention of the “Shub” — a shed that is a pub where Tony has created a loving community. A New York Giants season ticket holder since 1957, Tony is one of New Jersey’s most known “Super Fans” — even winning a radio contest while celebrating in the Meadowlands. Epic tailgate parties with the Giants’ “mobile” bus garnered him media attention. He has been interviewed by local media outlets highlighing his Giants Memorabilia Collections and the novelty of the Shub. His latest interview was only last year when NBC/New York reported on the rivalry of the Giants vs. Eagles NFC playoffs and that Princeton Junction is the dividing line between fans. His quote said it all, “We dislike the Cowboys, but we hate the Eagles.” The Shub is also tailgate central as traveling to the stadium grew harder in recent years. Watching the Giants in the Shub with the community of neighbors and friends near and far is where you would find Tony every Sunday after church of course. The Shub is truly a Cheers-like place where everybody knows your name and beverage of choice. It was his happy, safe, Shire-like place where everyone is always welcome and greeted with Irish cheer and “Big Blue” enthusiasm. A tray of fried chicken from Chicken Holiday, potato salad, and a cold Bud Ice in hand with the big screens lit up was Tony’s favorite place to be.

“TD” will be remembered as a man who was funny with a great sense of humor. He was smart and generous to a fault. He was fiercely loyal to his loved ones. He and his heart were bigger than life. He will be missed by so many and his absence will be a void never to be filled. Slan gofoill Gaelic for Bye for now!!! Here we go Giants here we go … it’s “tird and tree” …

Visitation and Wake were held at Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08542. A buffet tailgate party followed immediately after at the “Shub” in Princeton Junction. Funeral Mass was held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 218 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Tony’s name can be made to St. Paul’s School or your favorite Catholic Charities.

———

William B. Russel

William B. Russel, a 49-year resident of Princeton, passed away on September 24. He was 77.

Born in Corpus Christi and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, Bill attended Rice University where he earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees while also playing intercollegiate baseball in the Southwest Conference. During his five years there, Bill formed an abiding allegiance to Rice as the place which had awakened and nurtured his passion for math. He continued his education with a Ph.D. at Stanford University. There he met and married Priscilla Griffiths, a fellow graduate student. They then moved to England for a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at the University of Cambridge.

Arriving at Princeton University in 1974 Bill took a faculty position in the Department of Chemical Engineering (now Chemical and Biological Engineering). During his 42 years at Princeton, Bill served the university as member and chair of his department, director of the Materials Science Institute and, as dean of the Graduate School. He mentored 40 graduate students, who called themselves “Russel’s Sprouts” and produced numerous books and papers in the field of colloid science. His students recall him as patient, kind, and gentle blended with high standards and great depth of knowledge and, despite the numerous awards he received, unassuming in manner.

In Bill’s final professional chapter as dean of the Graduate School, he determined that a major goal would be to create much needed connections with both the students and the alumni. His first step was restoring and living in Wyman House, the unoccupied dean’s house next to the Graduate College. He then hosted frequent “Dinners with the dean” and “High Tables”’ for current graduate students and traveled the world gathering alumni for receptions and dinners. Bill retired from the university in 2016.

He approached his family life with the same passion and profound sense of responsibility that guided his professional life. Following the arrival of his sons Daniel and Bailey, for 18 years he arose each school day at 6 a.m. to prepare breakfast for the family, and then walked or biked the boys to school before heading to campus. He would return home for dinner before family reading for at least an hour, finally heading into his study to work. An avid hiker, biker, and camper, Bill started the boys early on these activities, taking them on a short backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail when they were 6 and 8 in anticipation of a weeklong expedition in the Grand Tetons later that year. Soccer and track were new to him, having grown up with baseball and basketball, and he learned to appreciate his sons’ accomplishments in these sports and, also, in ultimate frisbee which both boys eventually settled on as their sport of choice. In his final years, Bill loved to be outdoors and was often seen walking or biking around town.

Bill is survived by his wife, Priscilla, his sons and daughters-in-laws, Daniel and Lena of Palo Alto, California, and Bailey and Annika Walters of Laramie, Wyoming; by his beloved grandchildren, Kai and Katla; and by his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Edwin Keath of Bend, Oregon.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Somos Amigos Medical Mission in the Dominican Republic, (somosamigos.org) in support of his sister’s and brother-in-law’s volunteer work there, or to the Princeton Public Library (princetonlibrarywv.com/donate) which Bill enjoyed visiting during his retirement.

———

John F. Wilson

John F. Wilson (90) of Peterborough, NH, died on Thursday, October 5, 2023, when COVID rapidly overwhelmed his precarious health.

Born in Ipswich, Massachusetts, in 1933 to Esther Gregory and Frederick Colburn Wilson, John spent his youth exploring the parsonage of the First Congregational Church where his father was the minister, and it was rumored that pirates had buried treasure. He learned woodworking skills from a local craftsman and helped his father identify planes during WWII, among other adventures. After graduating from Mount Herman School, he attended Harvard College, where John met Ruth Alden Cooke. The two married between final exams and their graduation in 1954.

After earning his doctoral degree from Union Theological Seminary, John joined the Princeton University faculty in 1960, where he remained until his retirement in 2003. A historian of American religious history, John pursued scholarly work focused primarily on the relationship between church and state in America. His publications include Public Religion in American Culture, a critical edition of Jonathan Edwards’s History of the Work of Redemption, The Study of Religion in American Universities and Colleges, and Religion and the American Nation. He developed and was the director of the Princeton Project on Church and State and was president of the American Society of Church History. Within his academic field, John is remembered as a quiet but forceful presence. He served as an exemplary mentor to many doctoral students and young scholars.

In addition to producing scholarly work in his field, John spent countless hours serving Princeton University as a whole and the broader academic community. He was instrumental in developing the University’s residential college system and served as Dean of the Graduate School until he retired. He also served on the boards of Northfield Mount Hermon School, Union Theological Seminary, and Educational Testing Service. One of his graduate students observed that John’s four-decade career provides eloquent illustration for the maxim that there is no limit to what one person can accomplish if they don’t care who receives the credit.

Along the way, John and Ruth raised four children: Abigail, Nathaniel, Johanna, and Jeremy; they have 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In spare time, John loved to tackle challenging electrical or plumbing projects and any number of other household problems. New wasn’t better. A solution could be conceived and built with materials found in the garage or basement — which were always packed with things that may be useful some day! John was also the family navigator. From memory, he could recite the directions one should take and what lane to be in before taking an exit. He also maintained a vast collection of old-fashioned road maps; his children didn’t need AAA or Google maps, they had John.

In 2009, John and Ruth moved to RiverMead in Peterborough, where John made many close friendships and involved himself in several committees. He also served on the boards of the Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music and Peterborough Players, and enjoyed visiting his lake home, doing projects, and engaging with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

The family is planning a celebration of his life in spring or summer 2024.

To share a memory, or to leave the family a message of condolence, please visit John’s tribute page at jellisonfuneralhome.com.

October 11, 2023

Obituaries 10/11/2023

Rabbi Eric B. Wisnia

Rabbi Eric B. Wisnia passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023.

He was the devoted husband of Judith Glassburg Wisnia for 52 years, and is survived by his children, Sara and Avi Wisnia; siblings Karen Wisnia (Kirk Wattles), Jana Dickstein (I. Lee Dickstein), Michael Wisnia (Misa Wisnia), Michele Glassburg (Eldred Bullard), and Sandra Sloane (Bruce Solomon). He was also the father of the late Dov Benjamin Wisnia. He is remembered and loved by all of his many family members and countless friends, colleagues, and congregants.

Eric was born on November 6, 1949 in Brooklyn, NY, the son of Cantor David and Dr. Hope Wisnia, and was raised in Levittown, PA. He raised his own family in East Windsor, NJ, and later resided in Yardley and Dresher, PA.

Rabbi Wisnia graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Thought from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia in 1970. He received a Master of Hebrew Letters and was ordained at the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, OH, in May 1974. He was awarded a Doctor of Divinity degree in 1999. He served as assistant Rabbi at Congregation Shomer Emunim in Toledo, OH, from 1974 to 1977 before joining Congregation Beth Chaim in Princeton Junction, NJ. Rabbi Wisnia served Congregation Beth Chaim as Senior Rabbi from June 1977 until his retirement in February 2019, when he was named Rabbi Emeritus.

Rabbi Wisnia will be remembered for his exuberance, intelligence, guidance, and humor. He was a prominent religious and community leader who cared deeply about Judaism, Israel, ethics, and education. Over his four decades of leadership at Congregation Beth Chaim, he helped the synagogue grow from 160 to 600 families with comparable growth in the Preschool to 12th-grade religious school. During his tenure, the physical structure of the synagogue was rebuilt and expanded twice. A social action program, a cantor, and a volunteer congregational choir were added to enhance the ritual experience. He taught many classes at Beth Chaim, for both students and adults, while also officiating well over 4,000 important life cycle events for families all over the country. With his colleagues in the area, he organized and instituted many initiatives and programs that helped nurture a thriving Jewish community and fostered deep interfaith connections. His strong vocal support for the building of the Muslim Center of Greater Princeton in West Windsor led the mosque to honor him with a Community Service Award in December 2014. He operated with the philosophy that “we are all brothers and sisters, and when any of our rights are diminished, all of our rights are diminished.”

During his rabbinic career, Rabbi Wisnia served as President of the Mercer County Board of Rabbis, President of the New Jersey Association of Reform Rabbis, President of the Shore Area Board of Rabbis, and President of the Hightstown Area Ministerium. At the Medical Center at Princeton, he was on the Institutional Review Board for Medical Ethics, was a longtime Chaplaincy Committee member, and was past Chair of the Committee on Religious Ministries. He served the Jewish Committee on Scouting for the Central New Jersey Council Boy Scouts of America. He was also a past chairman of the Board of Directors of the Family Service Agency of Princeton and served on the Board of The National Brain Tumor Association. At the time of his passing, he was working on a book of Jewish Philosophy.

Rabbi Wisnia’s family is grateful that he was able to be a tissue donor and give the gift of life to others.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, October 1, at Congregation Rodeph Shalom in Philadelphia.

Rabbi Wisnia had many famous sayings, but one he loved to espouse the most was this: “Prayers don’t change things. Prayers change people, and people change things.” He will be dearly missed by the many souls he brought comfort to in times of need and by everyone he made feel welcome with open arms and a joke for every occasion. His teachings, his words of wisdom, and his puns will live on in all of the lives he touched.

Donations in Rabbi Wisnia’s memory can be made to the National Brain Tumor Society – please designate those donations to “Team Dov” (https://tinyurl.com/TeamDov2023).

For condolences, please visit OrlandsMemorialChapel.com/rabbi-eric-wisnia.

Funeral arrangements are by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel.

———

Charles S. Ganoe

Charles S. Ganoe, a retired banker and consultant, passed away in Princeton Hospital at age 94 on October 3, 2023. The cause of his death was heart failure according to his family. 

Born in Abington, PA, to Robert L. Ganoe and Leonette Rehfuss Ganoe, Charlie grew up in Philadelphia attending William Penn Charter School for 12 years, graduating from Princeton University and receiving an MBA from the Wharton Graduate School of the University of Pennsylvania.

In 1952, Charlie joined the Fidelity-Philadelphia Trust Company (later known as Fidelity Bank) as a trainee, rising to Senior Executive Vice President and Director of the bank and its holding company. During much of this period, Charlie managed the bank’s fast growing International Department, opening an international banking office in New York and establishing 10 offices and subsidiaries overseas. During this time, he also served as President of the Washington-based trade association for international banking, Bankers Association for Foreign Trade, was on the Board of the Export-Import Bank and was an informal advisor on international finance to several government agencies.

Charlie moved to Princeton in 1979 to take senior executive positions successively with The New York Bank for Savings, American Express International Bank, and The First American Bank of New York. In 1995, he opened his own consulting office, Ganoe Associates, in Princeton which he maintained until 2019 providing marketing advice for investment managers and, in later years, clubs and associations.

During the course of his career, Charlie was an officer and/or a board member of a number of companies and organizations. This included President of the Wharton Graduate School Alumni Association, the Princeton University Class of 1951, the Philadelphia Council for International Visitors, the Philadelphia Chapter of the Robert Morris Associates (now Risk Management Associates), and Princeton’s Constitution Hill Property Association. He also was Secretary Treasurer of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, and the Philadelphia Committee on Foreign Relations.

Charlie enjoyed writing. He was co-author of two books on international banking, won several awards for the dozens of pieces written for professional journals, and wrote a number of articles for general U.S. and European publications ranging from The New York Times to the Princeton Alumni Weekly.

Charlie traveled to Europe more than 100 times and flew around the world four times. All told, he visited more than 100 countries in all parts of the world. In addition to business, he was an adventurous personal traveler; he was one of the first Americans to visit the Soviet Union after the death of Stalin, and his travels in the recent years prior to his death took him to such places as Cuba, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Tibet, and North Korea. He and his wife loved good food and they always tried to eat at the top restaurants in the countries they visited. They were proud that, at one point in time, they had eaten at every Michelin 3-star restaurant in New York, London, Paris, and the Riviera, as well as the Spanish El Bulli, long rated the No. 1 restaurant in the world.

Captain of his high school baseball team, Charlie was an avid sports follower, especially Princeton football and basketball. He took up road racing at age 50; by the time he ran his final 10k race at age 76, he had competed in over 500 races including 12 marathons in the U.S. and Europe and over 40 half-marathons.

Charlie was a member of the Council on Foreign Relations for more than 45 years. He was also a member of the Delta Psi Fraternity (St. Anthony Hall), the Ausable Club, Princeton Club of New York, Merion Cricket Club, Nassau Club, and the Old Guard of Princeton. He and his family own a cottage on the grounds of the Ausable Club in the high peaks region of the Adirondacks where he spent his summer vacations and occasional holiday weekends in the winter. He and his wife also regularly vacationed in St. Barths in January.

Charlie was predeceased in 2009 by his wife, the former Frances-Sue “Susie” Williams, a prize-winning gardener who was the daughter of R. Norris Williams II, a survivor of the Titanic and winner of two U.S. singles titles, five U.S. doubles, one Wimbledon doubles, and one Olympic doubles title. He is survived by two daughters, Hemsley Ganoe Hughes (James) of NYC and Leyden, MA, and Alice Ganoe of Larchmont, NY, plus five grandchildren: William, Cate, Kurt, James, and John.

Burial is strictly private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Princeton University Class of 1951 Annual Giving, PO Box 5357, Princeton, NJ 08543.

———

Nancy “Hilary” Hays

Nancy “Hilary” Hays, of Princeton, NJ, and Brewster, MA, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2023, in Princeton surrounded by her family. Hilary, originally from East Liverpool, OH, settled in Princeton in 1971 after residing in Cambridge, MA.  She navigated the challenges of single motherhood, raising four teenagers as she pursued her education, earning both an MSW and a PhD in social work while working full-time. 

Hilary’s commitment to helping others led her to work at the Rutgers Community Mental Health Center and later at the Counseling Center at Princeton University. Her dedication to her field continued even after her retirement from Princeton, as she maintained a private practice until 2022. Along the way, she made many friends who appreciated her love, generosity, and kindness, and knew that a friendship with her was a friendship for life.

In 1983, Hilary brought her vision to life with the design and construction of her dream house in Princeton.  Her Master Gardener experience was put to work as she passionately created many beautiful gardens in her yard and people often asked her advice for their gardens.  With her gardening skills, she created many beautiful flower arrangements and she was asked to do the flower arrangements for weddings.

She loved the outdoors and was an avid walker as well as a runner. She ran the Marine Corp Marathon and was a member of the Carnegie Lake Crew team.  She also was an enthusiastic practitioner of yoga, sharing sessions with her “mat mates.”

Later in life Hilary resumed her piano talent from her childhood by taking up piano lessons.  She cherished the time spent with her family and friends at her home in Cape Cod with many celebrations and games on the beach.  She had a deep love for the dogs she had over the years that kept her both active and in good company.

In 1996, Hilary married her longtime friend, Tony Cline, and together, they created a life filled with adventures, entertaining, and world travels until he passed in 2016.

Hilary is survived by her children Robert “Bob” Ogilvie of Princeton, William “Bill” Ogilvie (Alice) of Austin, TX, Bradley Ogilvie (Qianmo) of Winfield, IL, and Beth Ogilvie-Freda (Mark) of Princeton; her step-children Lynn Cline (Kyle) of Santa Fe, NM, and Hugh Cline (Richard) of Long Beach, CA; and her beloved grandchildren, Rebecca Freda and Alex Freda. She is also survived by her sisters, Mary Ann Davidson and Sue Hays, nieces, and her dear family friend, Ellyn Geller.

A memorial service to celebrate Hilary’s life will be held on a date to be announced.

Contributions in her honor may be made to Princeton Senior Resource Center (101 Poor Farm Road, Princeton, NJ 08540) and SAVE (1010 Route 601 Skillman, NJ 08558).

October 4, 2023

Obituaries 10/3/2023

Eleanor (Pellichero) Aanonsen

Eleanor Aanonsen, 86, of Griggstown, passed away peacefully at home on September 27, 2023, after a long illness.

She was born on November 10, 1936, in New York, NY, and was a lifelong resident of Franklin Township. Eleanor attended Franklin Township public schools, and graduated from Princeton High School in 1954.

While raising her family, she worked for Boekhout Bus Service, driving a school bus throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

In her later years, she enjoyed social activities at the Sunset Hill “Country Club,” cocktails and conversation with friends, and sharing stories with her family.

She was predeceased by her parents Bert and Ethel Pellichero, brother Arthur, daughter Diane Kaarstad, and beloved husband Arnie (Arnold). She is survived by son Arthur Kaarstad and his wife Jennetta of San Antonio, TX; favorite uncle John Pellichero of Milltown, NJ; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family would like to acknowledge the many family members, neighbors, and church members that assisted in Eleanor’s care over the last many months.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 28, 10 a.m., at the Bunker Hill Lutheran Church. A short graveside service will follow at the Griggstown Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of the M.J. Murphy Funeral Home, Monmouth Junction, NJ.

September 27, 2023

Obituaries 9/27

Philip Harry Gallo

Philip Harry Gallo, a resident of the Princeton area for more than 40 years, died September 19, 2023 after living with dementia for several years. He was 93.

A loving father and grandfather, Phil was a sports car enthusiast, sailor, and avid sports fan, proud of his Air Force service and work at the forefront of the computer industry from the 1960s into the 1990s. He loved building and fixing things, from renovating houses to working on musical
instruments.

Born in Longview, Wash., to Domnick and Arline [Fancher] Gallo on November 22, 1929, Phil grew up in West Linn, Ore., and graduated from Willamette University in Salem, Ore., before joining the Air Force where he was trained as a navigator and bombardier.

In the 1950s, he was heavily involved in sportscar rallies, developing a fondness for MGs, Austin-Healeys, and Porsches. He met his future wife, Jean Soracy, in New Jersey, and they lived in Morristown, Concord, Mass., Seattle, Chatsworth, Calif., Princeton, and London, raising their three children. He lost Jean to cancer in 1985.

Soon after moving to Princeton in 1976, he became a regular at New York Jets football games and Princeton Tigers basketball games. He was also a longtime fan of the UCLA Bruins and any team with Bill Walton in the lineup. 

While living in Chatsworth and Princeton, he was active in community organizations, and environmental and veterans’ groups. Princeton Elks Lodge named him Man of the Year in 2014.

After marrying Gale De Wispelaere in 1991 and retiring in 1992, he filled his days investing in the stock market. He became a sailor, boating in the waters around Barnegat Bay, N.J., as well as the Caribbean. Well-traveled in the U.S., England and Europe, he became a regular on cruise ships later in life.

He also had a longtime interest in food and loved a Beefeater martini followed by a good bottle of wine; he was as comfortable in fine dining establishments in New York City, California, and Europe as he was at his favorite local joint, the Tiger’s Tale.  

Phil spent his 90th birthday with friends and family at Windrows, where he resided from 2015 until 2022 before moving to Waterstone memory care in Stamford, Conn. 

He is survived by his three children and their spouses: Philip Jr. and Betsy Bergman of Stamford, Conn., Paul and Lori Gallo of Brooklin, Maine, and Leslie and Myrton Graham of Springfield, Vt.; five grandchildren and their families — Monica Gallo of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Laura Gallo of Phoenix, Ariz., Andrew and Stephanie Graham of Lake Worth, Fla., Derek and Lila Graham of Springfield, Vt., and Erin and Ryan Hobson of Waterboro, Maine — plus two great-grandchildren, Dominic Gallo and Claire Graham, and a special niece, Susan Best of Redondo Beach, Calif. He was predeceased by his wives, Jean Gallo (1928-1985) and Gale Gallo (1941-2014).

———

Victor W. Laurie

Victor W. Laurie, 88, died on September 13, 2023. He was born in Columbia, South Carolina, on June 1, 1935, son of Victor H. Laurie and Kathleen Rice Laurie.

In 1950, at age 15, he entered the University of South Carolina in Columbia and graduated with a A.B. in  mathematics in 1953 and a B.S. in chemistry in 1954. During his time at the University of South Carolina, he received a number of awards and honors, including election to Phi Beta Kappa and selection for the Outstanding Senior Award. He was also active in several service organizations and served as president of the social fraternity Phi Kappa Sigma.

As a National Science Foundation Fellow, he studied at Harvard University and obtained his Ph.D. in physical chemistry for his research in the molecular spectroscopy group. For two years following, he joined the molecular spectroscopy laboratory at the National Bureau of Standards as a National Research Council Postdoctoral Fellow. In 1960, he joined the faculty of the chemistry department at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California, as an assistant professor. In 1966, he went to the chemistry department of Princeton University in Princeton, NJ, as an associate professor and was promoted to full professor in 1971.

Through his research, he made numerous contributions to the use of spectroscopy to determine molecular structure and pioneered the use of microwave spectroscopy to make molecular
polarizability measurements.

He was a Fellow of the American Physical Society. He was also an Alfred P. Sloan Fellow in 1963-1967 and a John Simon Guggenhelm Fellow in 1971. He served terms as an editor for the Annual Review of Physical Chemistry and for the Journal of Chemical Physics.

In his later years, he was very active in computer education. He wrote many articles aimed at helping the average person to be a safer and more knowledgeable user of personal computers. He also created and ran several well-known websites containing his articles. For five years he wrote a column with computer tips at the very popular website called Gizmo’s Freeware. He was particularly interested in helping senior citizens make better use of computers. His many lectures to senior citizen groups were very popular and for some years he was a volunteer teacher of computer courses at a local senior center. His contributions to computer education for senior citizens received citations from the national organization SeniorNet and from the local government.

He was a generous contributor to numerous charities and endowed a variety of fellowships in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, where he served on the Board of Visitors for several years. He was designated Alumnus of the Month in March 2006.

He is survived by his wife of many years, Donna Komar Laurie, who is a former New York Times editor. He is also survived by a son William Laurie and a daughter Kathleen Kish from a previous marriage, a step-daughter Margaret Spicer, a step-son Charles Stempler, numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren, a half-sister Betsy Sivec, and a nephew August Sivec.

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

———

Theodore L. Delbo

Theodore L. Delbo, 87, of Skillman passed away September 18 at the University Medical Center at Princeton. Born in Kulpmont, PA, he retired from the New Jersey State Museum where he was a carpenter for over 30 years. He was a member of St. Alphonsus RC Church in Hopewell where he was an usher, a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Hopewell Counsel 7103, and served in the Air Force.

Son of the late Theodore and Catherine Nemeth Delbo, husband of the late Joyce Delbo, he is survived by his children, Theodore W (Genevieve) Delbo, Anita (Mike) Christiansen, Joseph Delbo, and Lori Polakowski; two sisters, Valerie Slack and Eleanor Stout; grandchildren, Joseph (Ady) Delbo, Jaclyn Christiansen, Michaela Delbo, Rachael Delbo; and great-grandchildren, Holly Pyle and Lilly Pyle.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 27, 11 a.m. at St. Alphonsus RC Church, Hopewell.  The burial will be on Thursday at Kulpmont, PA. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests Mass Cards from St. Alphonsus Church (609) 466-0332 or the Knights of Columbus Hopewell Counsel 7103, PO Box 304, Hopewell, NJ 08525. Condolences are welcome at wilsonapple.com.

———

John Beidler

John Beidler, 78, died on August 25, 2023, a resident of Chapel Hill, NC. He was born in Biloxi, MS, and was the son of Henry and Pauline (Yerger) Beidler.

Prior to moving to Chapel Hill in 2022, John lived in Princeton for 65 years, attending Princeton Middle School, Princeton High School, and Princeton University, the latter of which he graduated from in 1976. While at Princeton, John was a member of the Ivy Club and a coxswain on the freshman crew team.

Soon after graduation, John enlisted in the Army for three years and rose in rank to First Lieutenant. He spent 12 months in Vietnam during which he was awarded various medals.

Upon leaving the Army, John attended Rutgers Law School earning his JD degree in 1973. He began his legal career as an associate with Smith Stratton and became a partner in the firm in 1978. While at the firm, John defended Johnson and Johnson on its N.J. products liability cases and in 1983, at the request of the General Counsel of J&J, he joined the legal department, where he was employed until his retirement.

John was a devoted husband to his wife, Marsha Wolf Beidler, whom he married in 1974; father to his two children, Dora and Evan, whom John and Marsha adopted from Bulgaria when the children were ages 5 and 3 respectively; and brother/brother-in-law to his sisters, Mary Hovik (Nils) and Susan Tabler (Brian), and Marsha’s siblings, Andrea Miller (Norm), Agnes Ross (Mike), and George Chillag (Diane). He also enjoyed being with his numerous nieces and nephew, Eliana Perrin, Suzanne Colman, Dana Gaines, Amy Chillag, and Thomas Ross.

John was a voluminous reader, reading mostly novels in his youth and texts on philosophy, religion, and politics in his adult years. He enjoyed gardening and bridge, but mostly he will be best remembered as the funniest person in the room, and we will all miss the laughter he brought to our lives.

John’s ashes will be interred in Princeton Cemetery and in Temple Judea Cemetery in Chapel Hill, NC. A gathering of friends and family will be held in both Princeton and Chapel Hill in the future.

September 20, 2023

Obituaries 9/20/2023

Nancy Swinski Deffeyes

Nancy Swinski Deffeyes, 86, of Princeton passed away on September 16, 2023, at Windsor Heathcare, Merwick in Plainsboro.

She was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, in 1937. Nancy attended Holyoke High School, Class of 1955, and Smith College, Class of 1959. After college she moved to Houston, Texas, and worked at Shell Oil in the research library. At Shell Oil she met Kenneth Deffeyes, and they were married in 1962. Nancy and Kenneth lived briefly in St Paul, Minnesota, and Corvallis, Oregon, before settling in Princeton, New Jersey in 1967. Nancy worked as a Librarian at Westminster Choir College in Princeton until her retirement in 2018. In retirement she worked part-time at Orchard Farm Organics in Princeton.

Nancy loved the outdoors, gardening, mystery novels, fine art, and classical music.

Predeceased by her husband Kenneth Deffeyes, parents Walter and Lena (Dulkis) Swinski, and sister Kathryn Swinski.

Nancy is survived by a sister Joan (Swinski) Kaeble, son Stephen Deffeyes, daughter Sarah (Deffeyes) Domingo, nephew (godson) Christopher Kaeble, niece Gretchen (Kaeble) Hazlett, granddaughter Emma Domingo, and grandson Michael Domingo.

A gathering remembering Nancy will be held at Orchard Farm Organics at 1052 Cherry Hill Rd in Princeton, on Saturday October 14, at 2 p.m.

Nancy’s ashes are to be scattered in the Pardee Memorial Garden, Princeton Cemetery, and Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park.

Please consider making a donation in Nancy’s memory to Princeton Tigers Women’s Basketball.

———

Joseph J. Kohn

Joseph J. Kohn, professor emeritus of mathematics at Princeton University, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2023, in Princeton. Joe was born in Prague, in the former Czechoslovakia, on May 18, 1932, the only child to architect Otto Kohn and Ema (Schwarz) Kohn. From early childhood it was clear that there was something special about Joe. His mother worried that he was too cerebral and often tried to get him outside and away from his books and figures.

In 1939, after the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia, Joe and 20-odd members of his family left for Ecuador aboard the Orbita, leaving behind the world they knew. The family lived in Quito and then Cuenca. In Ecuador, as news from Europe darkened, Joe’s father, a successful architect in Prague, struggled to find the strength and means to rebuild his architectural practice. In 1945, Joe and his immediate family emigrated again, this time to New York City, where his father and mother set up a furniture design business and Joe attended Brooklyn Technical High School (’50). To encourage integration into American society, new immigrants at the time were encouraged to join the Boy Scouts. Joe joined up, and although never the sporting type, he managed to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.   

Joe went on to study at MIT (’53) and then at Princeton University, where, under the tutelage of Donald Spencer, he earned his PhD in 1956. Joe then was a professor at Brandeis University for close to a decade before returning to Princeton in 1968 as tenured professor at Princeton University. He remained in the Princeton math department, serving three terms as Chair, until his retirement in 2008. Over the course of a long and distinguished career, he also was a visiting professor at many other universities, including Harvard University, the University of Mexico, the University of Buenos Aires, the University of Florence, the Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques in Paris, and the Charles University in Prague. In 1990 he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Bologna.

Joe was a major figure in modern mathematical analysis, whose groundbreaking work on the interaction between partial differential equations and functions of several complex variables has dominated that area of mathematical research for over a half century. Joe was a devoted mentor to 16 PhD students at Princeton and at Brandeis and countless other graduate students and junior scholars.

Joe won the Steele Prize of the American Mathematical Society in 1979 and the Balzano Medal from the Czechoslovak Mathematics and Physics Society in 1990, and the Stefan Bergman Prize in analysis from the American Mathematical Society in 2004. He was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1966 and to the National Academy of Science in 1988. He served as editor of the Transactions of the American Mathematical Society and the Annals of Mathematics, and as a member of the Board of Trustees of the American Mathematical Society and the Board of the Mathematical Sciences of the National Academy of Science.

In 1966 Joe married Anna Rosa Di Capua, of Quito, Ecuador. The Di Capua and the Kohn families had lived on the same street in Quito during the war and Joe’s first cousins (many of whom remained in Quito) arranged for the two to meet on one of Joe’s frequent visits to Ecuador.  It was evident to whomever met them that Joe and Anna Rosa shared a fundamental openness, kindness and a love for language, stories, food, art, music, and history. 

Joe was a devoted husband, father, and father-in-law (Lisa Stevenson), and nothing gave him more pleasure than to descend from his mathematical reveries on the third floor of their house on Sturges Way to tease, teach, and, most of all simply, to be near his three children — Eduardo, Emma, and Alicia. Years later he would do the same things with his two grandchildren, Benjamin and Milo. Together, the Kohn family liked to play chess, do puzzles, tell Jewish jokes and riddles, paint and — until the very end — to play Bananagrams. It’s no wonder that for over 50 years Joe and Anna Rosa’s Princeton home was a gathering place for mathematicians, family, friends, and anyone who liked good conversation about history, politics, or literature. 

Donations in memory of Joseph J. Kohn can be made to HIAS, the National Museum of Mathematics, and the Princeton Jewish Center.

September 13, 2023

Obituaries 9/13/2023

Setsuko Faith Yim

Setsuko Faith Yim of Princeton, NJ, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2023, at age 90.

Faith is survived by her four children and their spouses: Helene, Mark (Peter Hare), David (Linda Yim), and Leila (Richard Surratt); and five grandchildren: Leah, Michael, and Alex Surratt; Michael Yim; and Emi Hare-Yim. She is predeceased by her husband Michael, a research scientist at RCA’s David Sarnoff Research Center. She was a resident of Princeton for 60 years until her move to Atria Senior Living in Riverdale, NY, in March 2023.

Faith was born in Raymond, Alberta (Canada), on February 10, 1933, to Ishimatsu and Mitsue Sugimoto, who had emigrated from Nagoya, Japan. Growing up on her parents’ wheat farm, she attended the Bonnie View School, a one-room schoolhouse, and Raymond High School. It was at the University of Washington (Seattle) where she met her future husband, Woongsoon Michael Yim, graduating with a bachelor of fine arts degree. She later obtained a master of library science degree from Simmons College (Boston) and did graduate work in art history at Princeton University.

Faith worked as an illustrator in Boston and then as a substitute teacher in the Princeton Regional School system while raising her children. She returned to work full time at the Mercer County Library System in 1987, becoming head children’s librarian at the West Windsor branch before retiring in 2008. She spearheaded and commissioned the library’s large “Rain Forest Mural” by Ilya Spirin and was fond of creating programs that responded to the changing demographics of the region, including Chinese New Year and Diwali. Faith spoke with pride on seeing children from her reading and arts programs move on to high school and college; years later, they and their parents would see her around town and thank her. 

Faith enjoyed traveling, including several trips to Japan, Korea, and Canada. She was a lifelong lover of animals, especially her many cats over the years. She enjoyed printmaking and photography and enthusiastically used Facebook to connect with people from her past and present. Above all, Faith loved participating and sharing in the lives of her grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 16, at the Present Day Club, 72 Stockton Street, Princeton. All who knew Faith and would like to gather to remember her are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations by check to The Friends of the West Windsor Library, 333 N. Post Road, Princeton Junction, NJ, 08550 (memo line: Faith Yim Celebration) are kindly requested.

———

Janet Townsend

Longtime Princeton resident Janet Townsend passed away on September 7, 2023 with her three daughters by her side. Janet was born to Celestia (nee Davidson) and Edward R. Linner on September 13, 1932 in St. Paul, Minnesota, where her father was completing a PhD in Chemistry. The family moved to Poughkeepsie, NY, in 1935 when her father took a professorship at Vassar College. An only child, Janet grew up on the Vassar campus with a group of faculty children who enjoyed a carefree, unstructured childhood and remained close friends throughout their lives.

Janet graduated from Vassar College in 1954 with a B.A. in Art History and spent the following year studying in Marburg, Germany on a Fulbright Scholarship. On the boat over she met her future husband and fellow Fulbright Scholar, Charles Townsend. After completing her studies, she moved to Hawaii to take a job as a docent at the Honolulu Art Museum. In 1957 she and Charlie married and moved to Nuremberg, Germany, where Charlie completed his U.S. Army service and their first daughter Erica (1958) was born.

The young couple then settled in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where Charlie earned a PhD in Slavic Languages and Linguistics at Harvard. They welcomed two more daughters, Sylvia (1961) and Louise (1964), and in 1966 moved to Princeton, where Charlie joined the faculty as a professor of Slavic Languages. In 1968 and again in 1971 the family spent a year in Prague, in what was then Czechoslovakia, where Janet skillfully navigated life behind the Iron Curtain, managing family life and their young daughters’ education and activities. Janet and Charlie developed a love of Czech culture, made many Czech friends, and continued to visit their adopted country for decades afterwards.

Over the years Janet welcomed the families of many visiting scholars and helped them integrate into the Princeton community. She was a warm and supportive presence in the lives of Charlie’s many graduate students. Janet also worked at the Princeton Art Association and the Princeton Packet and was an active and hands-on volunteer at Planned Parenthood, the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank in Trenton, and at Youth Employment
Services.

Janet loved playing tennis and was a daily runner for many years. She also enjoyed playing bridge and Scrabble, attending concerts and plays, going to museums, and spending time with her grandchildren. She was an avid lifelong reader whose friends admired the depth and breadth of her knowledge of literature. She also loved to travel, and she and Charlie enjoyed many trips throughout the U.S. and Europe as well as to Asia, Africa, and South America.

Janet provided endless support and love to her husband, her daughters, and their families. She was predeceased by her husband and is survived by her daughters Erica Appel (Charles), Sylvia Townsend (Charles Cowens), and Louise Townsend (Ben Schmidt). She leaves behind her five beloved grandchildren, Rose Cowens (Paul Koutsoukis), Alice Cowens, Justine and Stephen Appel, and Isabel Schmidt, and her nephews Ross Adler (Pam) and James Townsend (Jenny), and nieces Sara Poumerol (Gilles) and Laura McWright (Glen), and their children. She especially cherished her two great-grandsons, Alexandros and Nikolaus Koutsoukis.

A memorial service will be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mercer Street Friends, the ASPCA, Planned Parenthood, or another nonprofit of your choice.

———

Tomoko Shimura

Tomoko Shimura, 63, of New York, NY, died on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 following complications arising from a stroke. Tomoko was born on May 1, 1960 in Japan. She grew up in Princeton, NJ, as the elder of two children and graduated from Bryn Mawr College in 1982.

For many years, Tomoko worked as an editor at Abaris Books where her focus was on Western European art history. In 2008, she assisted her father, Goro, in editing and producing all photographic images for his book on her parents’ Japanese porcelain collection, The Story of Imari.

In the summers, Tomoko enjoyed spending time with her family at their mountain home in Nagano, Japan. She will be remembered as a great music lover and delighted in the many opportunities to attend the Metropolitan Opera with friends and family enjoying performances by famed singers such as Placido Domingo.

Tomoko is survived by her brother, Haru. She was predeceased by her parents, Goro and Chikako. A memorial gathering to celebrate Tomoko’s life will be held at a future date.

———

Anthony D. Nini II

Anthony D. Nini II, age 71, passed away peacefully Monday morning, September 11, 2023, with his loving children and longtime companion Assumpta at his bedside.

Anthony grew up in Princeton and resided in Somerset, NJ. He was an adoring father and grandfather. He was incredibly proud of his children and grandsons and was looking forward to the arrival of his first granddaughter in November. Family was his priority and greatest joy.

Anthony attended Villanova University where he earned his bachelor’s degree and went on to get his MBA from New York University. Passionate about his work as a self-employed CPA, he was loved by all of his clients. Anthony had a smile that would light up a room and gave the best, most loving hugs. He was charismatic and made far reaching connections and friendships for life. His favorite hobbies included running, coaching, teaching, and networking.  He could be found at Starbucks enjoying coffee and a nap. He and Assumpta loved to go ballroom dancing and shopping.

Most importantly, Anthony was guided by his deep connection to his Catholic faith. He loved spending time at church and was known to attend many masses during the week. Anthony left a great impact on many people through his kindness, generosity, faith, and important tax advice. 

Anthony is predeceased by his parents Anthony D. and Joanne L. Nini, his son Anthony D. Nini III, and sister Kathleen Nini. He is survived by his children Melissa Nini (John Tenuto) and Andrew Nini; his longtime companion Assumpta Yau; grandsons Rocco and Westin Nini; sisters Janice Nini Weinberg (Fred), Lynda Petrocelli (Joe), and Patricia Biscardi (Tom); aunts Antoinette Nelson (Nils) and Gloria Hutchinson (Bob); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial gathering will be held at Kimble Funeral Home, 1 Hamilton Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08542 on Friday, September 15, 2023 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. with a memorial mass following at noon in St. Paul Parish, 214 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ. Burial will be in Princeton Cemetery, Princeton, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lustgarten Foundation for pancreatic cancer research (Lustgarten.org)

Extend condolences and share memories at TheKimbleFuneralHome.com.

———

Katherine Marie (Webster) Dwight (“Kathie”)

Katherine Marie (Webster) Dwight (“Kathie”) passed away on May 19, 2023 at Riverwoods Exeter Retirement Community in Exeter, New Hampshire.

Kathie, born in Marion, Indiana, on April 15, 1936, was the eldest daughter of Jeanette and Lawrence Webster. She, however, grew up in Princeton, New Jersey, where her family moved when she was a small child. Kathie attended Pine Manor College and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BA in English. Following college, she moved to New York City where she met her husband-to-be Theodore W. Dwight, Jr. They were married on April 27, 1963 and moved to Tenafly, New Jersey, where, as a devout wife and mother, they raised their three children and lived for more than 35 years.

Kathie was active in the altar guild at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Englewood, NJ, and enjoyed recreating at the Englewood Field Club. Ever learning, she acquired a masters of Individual Studies in Art History from Sarah Lawrence College in 1987. She enjoyed annual visits to vacation homes on the coast of Georgia, near Savannah, and in Kennebunk, Maine.

Kathie is survived by her three children, Lawrence, his wife Julie and their two sons, Alexander and Ryan of Bethesda, MD; Charles, his wife Beata, their daughter Elisabeth, and son Benjamin of Toronto, Ontario; and Katherine (Katie) and her wife Meghan of Vacaville, CA; and by her sister Rosalind Webster Perry of Santa Barbara, CA.

A graveside service for family and friends will be held at Hope Cemetery in Kennebunk, Maine on September 16, 2023 at 11 am.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Katherine’s Book of Memories Page at bibberfuneral.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk, ME 04043.

September 6, 2023

Obituaries 8/6/2023

Kurt Henry Tazelaar

Kurt Henry Tazelaar, aged 64 and a lifelong Princeton resident, passed away peacefully at Princeton Hospital on August 15, 2023 after a courageous four-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was with his loving wife Sally and his brothers Eric and John as he passed. He was born in Boston, MA, on October 27, 1958.

Kurt was a tour de force to anyone who knew him. He was intensely analytical, he was a voracious and indiscriminate reader, and could discuss virtually any topic at a scholar’s level. He had a devastating and unmatched sense of humor. He never stopped learning and growing intellectually.

He was massively creative and massively talented. He loved music his entire life and started playing guitar as a young teenager on an acoustic 12-string guitar. He never took a lesson, wrote all his own music, and never wanted to sound like anyone else. In 1994 Kurt put together a band called Duf Davis and the Book Club, with Chris Breetveld and Tim Korzun (“Duf Davis” came from family names on his mother’s side). They played locally and put out several CDs, including “Endless Mindless Violence” and “I Hate People, No Exceptions.” He also performed solo in town, using a guitar style that was all his own. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of 20th century American music, listening to thousands of hours (regardless of genre) while working at the Princeton Record Exchange for decades. In his last performance shortly before his death, he gave a stirring rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “Summer Winds” at a friend’s party.

Kurt cared deeply about his role as a shepherd of the Earth. He became a vegetarian in his teens, recycled everything, and rode his bike whenever possible up until his last few months. In 2013, along with his wife, he was awarded a Sustainable Princeton Leadership Award. He was a relentless warrior against invasive species. He put in countless hours, even while on chemo, in Herrontown Woods, moving huge rocks by himself to improve the trails. A memorial bench for him will be placed in the woods.

He was a prolific abstract painter, producing hundreds of pieces. Kurt was entirely self-taught, never having an art lesson or ever painting in the style of anyone else. He never fell into any set pattern, using a multitude of techniques to produce stunning works. He met his soulmate Sally in the Ace Hardware store at the Princeton Shopping Center on June 10, 2012, where they struck up a conversation about building and painting birdhouses. They were married on March 13, 2015.

Growing up, Kurt spent part of each summer on Cape Cod and always loved its ambiance. While he was in remission, he went to the Cape with Eric, gorging on whole belly clams, biking, and dreaming of having a house there. A portion of his ashes will be taken to St. David’s Episcopal Church in West Dennis, where several relatives are interred.

In his 20s, Kurt volunteered at WPRB for several years as a host. He later volunteered at Princeton Community Television with Sally, where he worked with his good friend Adam Bierman.

He was a master of trivia, holding court at the Ivy Inn on Tuesday nights for many years with his team, Go Fact Yourself. Kurt had many great friends there, and would visit with other teams during breaks. After a long absence while he was on chemo, he and Sally returned and Kurt was greeted with a standing ovation, which meant the world to him. He was working on his own book of trivia, List Ten, at the time of his passing.

Kurt became the family genealogist, tracing the Tazelaar name back to an island in the Netherlands in the 1500s. He reached out to distant previously unknown relatives and shared the family history. He helped find grave markers in Princeton Cemetery for other families in search of relatives and would take wonderful photos for them.

Kurt hated buying anything new, throwing anything out, and doing anything before 2 p.m. He was a lover of cats, being a kind caretaker to Suzie, Joe, and the ever-charismatic George. He loved playing with his nieces, giving them rides and scaring them with his “powers.” He could make incredible noodle dishes, using a host of seasonings from Asian and Indian markets. He was a devoted son to his mother Doris.

Kurt leaves behind his wife Sally; his mother Doris; his brothers Eric and John; his sister-in-law Cecelia; his nieces Julia, Sophia, and Clara; his grand-nephew Winton; his stepchildren Paula, Matthew, and Philip; his step grandchild Derek; his aunt Frances; many cousins; and his cat George. His ashes will be buried in Princeton Cemetery, and he will be remembered at the Ivy Inn in the fall.

Dorothy Harweger Sams

Dorothy Harweger Sams, a resident of Princeton for over 50 years and a co-founder of the Lamplighter Bookstore (Nassau Street), peacefully went on to be with our Lord on March 20, 2023, at the age of 91 surrounded by family. She was born in Cisna Park, IL, in 1931. The day Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, she recounted as the most important day of her life, as just prior to hearing the announcement she had listened to Rev. Fuller on the radio and had made the decision to put her trust in Jesus as her savior; that decision then guided all the following decisions of her life.

Dorothy received her B.S. in Education from Illinois State Normal University (1953), and her M.A. in Education from University of Illinois (1958). In 1956 she married Burnett, and his work in computer science moved them to Dartmouth College, MIT, Bethesda, and Cranberry, NJ, before settling in Princeton where they raised their two daughters.

Dorothy taught grades 1-6 for eight years, in Champaign, Bloomington, and Urbana, Illinois, as well as in Hanover, NH, and Plainsboro, NJ, before staying home to raise her daughters. She volunteered in the public school, and served at Nassau Presbyterian, Kingston Presbyterian, and Princeton Alliance churches in various capacities. She, her husband, and friends co-founded the Living Word nonprofit organization, under which the Lamplighter Christian Bookstore was founded and provided Christian books and ministry to the Princeton University community for 25 years. She was passionate about both people and sharing the truths of the Bible, and devoted much of her time to recruiting volunteers and running fundraising efforts over its 25 years.

She loved spending time with her family and hosting international students in their home. She also enjoyed leading neighborhood Bible studies for 11 years, square dancing, dramatic readings, university lectures, and traveling to Europe, China, and Japan. Each Easter she thoughtfully created scavenger hunts with rhyming clues for her grandchildren.

In her later years she worked as a receptionist at Gund Investment Co. and taught at the Mercer Christian Academy in Ewing, NJ, for 10 years. She adored teaching and served as a Sunday School teacher at Princeton Alliance Church throughout her 70s. She will be remembered for how freely she gave to others in need, particularly in providing opportunities for people to hear the Bible taught and respond in faith to Jesus Christ.

Dorothy was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Burnett. She is survived by her two daughters, Barbara Becker of CO, and Deborah Smith of NJ; their husbands Gordon and John; and seven grandchildren, Cassandra (and Joshua), Kyle (and Karyn), Davidson, and Evelyne Becker and Daniel, JoAnna, and Jacqueline Smith. Dorothy spent her last five years living with Deborah’s family in NJ.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Burnett H. and Dorothy F. Sams Visiting Professor of Preaching Fund at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, 130 Essex Street, South Hamilton, MA, 01982. A private family memorial will be held. Condolences can be sent to Barbara.X.Becker@gmail.com.

August 30, 2023

Obituaries 8/30/2023

Samuel Goldfarb

Samuel Goldfarb, a longtime resident of Princeton, NJ, and a loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 21, 2023 at the age of 98 years.

Sam (also known as Stan) will be remembered for his devotion and generosity to the causes and people who mattered most to him, including his surviving wife of 72 years Irene (Dale) Goldfarb; his children Ruth Koizim, David A. Goldfarb, Sally Goldfarb (Joseph Straus), and Judy Goldfarb; his three grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. Sam was predeceased by his parents Max and Fannie Sams Goldfarb; his siblings Ruth Goldfarb, Jean Goldfarb Sherres, and Fred Goldfarb; and his son-in-law Harvey Koizim.

Born and raised in Jersey City, NJ, Sam was a proud graduate of Rutgers University. There, in addition to meeting Irene, the love of his life, on a blind date, he earned two bachelor’s degrees in engineering. He later earned a master’s degree in engineering from NJ Institute of Technology. Sam’s dedicated service to his undergraduate alma mater was recognized when he was named a Loyal Son of Rutgers, the highest award for service conferred by the Rutgers Alumni Organization.

After serving in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946, Sam held a variety of engineering positions at RCA, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, and other companies. His expertise and professional experience were wide-ranging, and he was sought after as a consultant into his 80s. From the days when he built model airplanes and ham radios as a boy, through his years working on innovative projects ranging from communication satellites to heart pacemakers to fusion energy, he remained fascinated by engineering, science, and technology for his entire life.

Since their arrival in Princeton in 1963, The Jewish Center of Princeton held a special place in Sam and Irene’s lives. For decades, they faithfully attended weekly Shabbat services together, always sitting in their favorite seats. Sam also served in multiple volunteer leadership positions at The Jewish Center.

Sam’s talents and passions were not limited to engineering. Whether piloting a single-engine plane with his future wife as a passenger on their second date, bodysurfing at the Jersey Shore, carrying a kid fireman-style upstairs to bed, or telling a funny story, Sam lived every day to the fullest. He had a vivid personality and leaves an unforgettable legacy.

Funeral services were held August 23 at The Jewish Center of Princeton with burial at Beth Israel Cemetery in Woodbridge, NJ.

Contributions in memory of Samuel Goldfarb may be made to The Jewish Center of Princeton, Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County, or a charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements are by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel. For condolences, please visit the obituary page at OrlandsMemorialChapel.com.

———

Harriet Teweles

Harriet Pakula Teweles of Princeton, NJ, passed away on Monday, August 21, 2023 at the age of 84.

Harriet — “Hatch” to her close friends — was born on February 8, 1939 in New York City. After spending the war years on a chicken farm in Connecticut, she grew up in Queens where she attended Forrest Hills High and Queens College. She studied for her post-graduate degree in U.S. History at the University of Wisconsin and stopped short of her Ph.D. to become a full-time mother.

She later went back to school at Trenton State to become a certified teacher of American Sign Language (ASL) and taught until her retirement at the Marie Katzebach School for the Deaf in Trenton.

She loved playing tennis and swimming, cheered for the Yankees, was a voracious reader and major patron of the arts. When she wasn’t traveling across the globe exploring different cultures, she enjoyed working as a docent at the Princeton Art Museum.

Harriet was committed to serving those in need and was dedicated to numerous causes and organizations, including local groups the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, Greenwood House, and HomeFront.

Mother of the late Jenny Rebecca Teweles, she is survived by her sons Joshua Teweles and Benjamin Teweles, and their families including grandchildren Tosh Teweles, Jacob Teweles, Genevieve Teweles, Eleanor Teweles, and Michaela Teweles.

Funeral services and burial were held on August 25 at Floral Park Cemetery in South Brunswick, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are respectfully requested to the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen.

Funeral arrangements are by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel. For condolences, please visit the obituary page at OrlandsMemorialChapel.com.

August 23, 2023

Obituaries 8/23/2023

John Earl Yates
1935 – 2023

A Short Story of a Long Life

A familiar short story of a long, full life for friends and family. An introduction to an extraordinary man for those who didn’t have the pleasure of meeting, we invite you.

June 21, 1935, on the summer solstice, the first day of summer a son was born to Earl Yates and Mary Gertrude Pamplin Yates. John Earl Yates came into this world in a bedroom of the family’s home in Kansas City, Missouri. Four years later, Marilyn Elizabeth Yates Porterfield, his dear sister, was born.

His father had exceptional patience and musical ability that he passed on to his children. He worked as a baggage handler for the Railway Express and as an expert car mechanic. Mary Yates, a loving and involved mother, was a seamstress known for making quality custom curtains for those in the area. Earl Yates spent those early years building his family a small house on a dirt road in the town of Barry, Missouri. Water was hauled from a spring across the street, and it wasn’t until the early 1950s that an indoor bathroom and running water was added. 

Summertime was spent working on their large garden and playing in the vast area around their home. As a young boy, John would drive a tractor, helping on the farm. It’s unknown if John turned over the tractor in a ditch before or after the neighbor’s dog, Pete, sadly became peg leg Pete. Even with his early questionable driving skills, he went on to teach his sister how to drive the tractor. When time allowed, fishing, squirrel hunting, learning how to play the guitar given to him by his father and building custom balsa wood airplanes filled those long, hot midwestern days. These were early signs of what would become his lifelong passions.

As the days shortened and became cooler, the potatoes and onions were put up in the tater house.  John and his sister were responsible for catching and hanging the chickens on the clothesline for “processing.”  The beans and tomatoes were canned, and favorite dill and sweet pickles were made. The grape vines produced enough for homemade jelly. His mother’s cooking, especially her peach cobbler, has not yet been matched. School began during these last days of summer. Just down the road there was a two-room school house with four grades in each of two classrooms. John excelled in school, especially in math, skipping fifth grade and graduating high school at 16. During this time, he earned the highest rank of Eagle Scout. He shared many stories of his scout experiences and was very proud of his God and County badge. It would take him about a year to earn this coveted badge. By now he had learned the guitar well enough to play in local honkytonks with a band that he and his friends put together. They would sneak in until they were able to get special permission to play legally. The band had entered a talent show in which the winners would go on to perform at the Grand Old Opry; they came in second. It was then that he decided to change direction from music to focus on a college degree.

Again, John entered into a competition with first place receiving a scholarship to college. He came in second and decided to attend a local junior college, Metropolitan College, which was just down the road. He would attend school during the day and had progressed to playing gigs in Kansas City as a member of the Musician Union to earn money to pay for his education. Two years later, he was accepted to the University of Kansas. He commuted from home in an old car his father put together. All was well until the seat fell through the bottom of the rusted car. He found a wooden box to sit on and continued driving to and from school and his gigs.

In 1955, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering and joined Midwest Research Institute in Kansas City. He would be an invaluable employee for seven years while working towards his Masters. In 1959, he received his Masters in Applied Mathematics from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. John’s father sold two acres of the farm to help pay for the last year of graduate school.  His manager and mentor at Midwestern Research Institute encouraged John to pursue his doctorate. With a new wife, Letha Gail Warren and three young children, he entered Stanford University in California earning his Doctorate in Aeronautical Sciences in 1966.

Dr. John E. Yates accepted a position with Aeronautical Research Associates of Princeton, NJ. He left Stanford with his family and embarked on a six week cross-county trip. The family visited many National Parks along the way, especially seeking out waterfalls, which were loved by John. The family settled in Princeton, NJ, in the summer of 1966.

John’s professional career would span six decades. The accolades and accomplishments increased in number and importance.  Some of the most notable projects would be his work on panel designs for the Saturn V rocket and other projects for NASA, the Navy, and the Air Force. He completed analysis of Fin Flutter on a currently flying supersonic missile. His most advance concept, the “DILLET” was tested on the model of the SEAWOLF class nuclear powered submarines. The “DILLET” was a device shown experimentally to reduce the intensity of the necklace interference vorticity.  His work was used in the analysis or design in over 260 vehicles. These included all of the current U.S. submarines, torpedoes, the Large Scale Vehicle, 75 towed vehicles, and 75 plus sonar vehicles. He would spend endless hours intently writing on his countless pads of graph paper. His children kindly referred to his work as “hieroglyphics,” which eventually filled 44 banker boxes of handwritten work. There was no need for his level of security clearance at home as we had no clue what it all meant. And yet, as brilliant as he was, John was unable to teach his children the classic freight train problem!

His intense professional work was balanced with his love of Barbershop singing. For 54 years he was fully invested with the society, as an active member with the Princeton Garden Statesmen, Hunterdon Harmonizers, Brothers’ in Harmony, and singing in several quartets. John’s contributions included being an assistant director, director, singing coach, and song arranger.

Later in life, John chose to stop performing due to the rigor of standing on risers for long periods of time. He would continue to support his chapters by traveling to Barbershop shows and
international competitions as moral support. In January of 2023, the Garden Statesmen inducted John into their Hall of Fame.

After his three children moved out and off the payroll, he immersed himself in new hobbies. These included windsurfing and restoring an 18th century home that he named The Vinca Farmstead at Ten Mile Run, an homage to his early years. He referred to his farm as his pre-Mozart home. Albeit a gentlemen’s farm, there was no garden or hanging chickens. Vinca Farmstead was a wonderful gathering place for friends and family. He would indulge his guests with his love of cooking, especially traditional Chinese cuisine, one of his many culinary explorations. He was, however, never able to convince his children that squirrel head soup and dumplings was delicious.

After retiring at the age of 75, he devoted his time to working on the farmstead. He would fully restore his 18th century home to last another 300 years. He would take pride in the park-like grounds that he reclaimed from being an overgrown horse pasture. Towards the later years of his life, John reignited his love of jazz guitar relearning his favorite jazz songs.

Family gatherings would include an awesome evening of working out songs to play with his son on bass and sons-in-law on sax and drums. He treasured these times with his family, as get-togethers with all three children were infrequent since they lived throughout the East Coast.

One of John admirable traits was his belief in giving. He contributed yearly to over 62 charities such as St. Jude’s, Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, Feed the Children, and many, many more. He knew he was fortunate and wanted to give back.

June 13, 2023, eight days shy of the summer solstice, the first day of summer, and John Earl Yates’ 88th birthday, he closed his eyes for the final time. Although he is no longer with us physically, the friendships he forged over the years will not be forgotten. Moreover, the values he instilled in his children of patience, kindness and humility will live on indefinitely.

John was pre-deceased by his parents Earl and Mary Yates and his ex-wife Gail Yates. He is survived by his sister Marilyn Porterfield and husband Larry of Missouri; his children, daughter Christine Young, husband Robert, and their daughter Dr. Jessica Young MD of Connecticut; daughter Karen Yates-King, husband Thomas, and their daughter Emily Rodriguez, husband Johan, and son Dr. Colin King MD, of Georgia; son John Yates, wife Stasia, and their son Jack and daughter Katie of Connecticut. Nephew Mark Carder and niece Brenda Kerrick-Gage, and three great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Penn Medicine and Princeton Medical Group for their kind care.

​A Celebration of Life will be held at Vinca Farmstead on September 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you plan to attend, please let us know by sending an email to johnyatescelebrationoflife@gmail.com.

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Priscilla Mary Katzeman Linsley

Priscilla Mary Katzeman Linsley, born in Girard, Pennsylvania, March 20, 1934, passed away peacefully Monday morning July 10, 2023 with family by her side in her home in Sun City, Florida. Priscilla forged many paths ahead of her time, including earning a Master’s in Library Science from Northern Illinois University in 1965. 

Priscilla was passionate and devoted to helping others personally and professionally, inspiring a career as a librarian and later as a grant writer for nonprofits. She was consistently involved in projects and programs that impacted many lives all over the world, some examples of which include: working on literacy in prisons, volunteering after Hurricane Katrina, serving on mission trips to Mexico and Nicaragua, planting olive trees in Palestine, and assisting more than 50 nonprofit agencies and working on special needs housing projects in her beloved city of Denver, Colorado. Priscilla was an avid traveler, establishing deep connections with the people and cultures of the places she went, while also being a self-proclaimed “I” (introvert) that loved playing bridge and hosting meals with family and friends.

Priscilla is survived by her loving daughters, granddaughters, and their husbands whom she loved dearly — Karen and David Miller, Lisa and Rick Little, Amy and Peter Gretsch, Anneliese and Bladimir Martinez, and Sarah Gretsch. She is preceded in death by her parents John and Charlotte Katzeman and her brother John Read Katzeman.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held at Sun City Methodist Church on Saturday, November 4 at 1 p.m. with an option to attend virtually. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Centurion Ministries, Sun City Methodist Church, or Friends of Sabeel-Colorado (mailed to Friends of Sabeel Colorado, P.O. Box 102504, Denver, Colorado 80250).

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Deborah (Debbie) Young Cook

Deborah (Debbie) Young Cook passed away peacefully at Gilchrist Hospice Center, Towson, MD, on August 15, 2023, where she was surrounded by family. She was predeceased by her parents Otto T. Young and Eleanor P. Young (Parke), her beloved husband of 51 years Theodore W. Cook, and her cherished son, Scott W. Cook. She was 73 years old. 

Debbie was born in Princeton, NJ, on July 30, 1950, and was raised in Rocky Hill, NJ, surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins and loved living in a small town. She believed that you could take the girl out of the small town, but you can’t take the small town out of the girl. She met her one true love, Ted, in this town one hot August day when they were 14 years old. Memories of her childhood and attendance at a two-room schoolhouse provided the values for her life and basis for her educational philosophy years later. Debbie attended Princeton High School (1968), received her BS from The College of New Jersey (1972), and MA from Rider University (1991) where she was awarded the Robert L. Foose Annual Graduate Award in Educational Administration.

A dedicated and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, she is survived by her son, Peter T. Cook and his wife Cathy, of Frankfort, IL; her daughter Dr. Kristin D. Cook, DDS and her husband, Adam Boozer of Elkridge, MD; her precious grandchildren and joys of her life, Hannah, Eleanor, Koal, Declan, Liam, Kaitlin; and her great-grandson Oliver. Also left to mourn her are those like daughters Heather Ireland of Stevenson, MD, and Kim Lant of Newark, NJ. Upon her retirement, Ted and Debbie relocated to Maryland to be nearer to Kristin (Adam) and her youngest grandchildren and a convenient airport where they could easily travel to visit Peter and his family in Illinois.

Missing her also are her sisters and brothers-in-law Beverly (Robert) Cramer, Carolyn (Ben) Foose; sister-in-law Maureen Cook; brothers-in-law Richard (Trish) Cook, Stephen (Cindy) Cook; a special niece Melissa Cramer Fetterolf (MD); and special nephews Larry Embry (WA) and David Cramer (NJ), who spent many hours with her in their childhoods.

Debbie was a valued member of the independent school community and began her educational career at a one-room schoolhouse where she affirmed her calling to education. Her commitment to education then led her to The Pennington School serving as teacher, Dean of the Middle School, Academic Dean, Assistant Head of School, and Interim Head of School from 1978 through 1993 before moving to Maryland where she served as the Head of School at St. Timothy’s School from 1993-2002. She then was Head of School at Lake Ridge Academy (OH), and finally Head of School at Chesapeake Academy (VA) from 2007-2017. She also served on committees of regional independent school associations and particularly enjoyed visiting schools as Chair of Accreditation Committees. She had a special gift for seeing what needed to be done to allow the schools to reach their fullest potential. Debbie retired after a successful 45-year career in education. She loved the interaction with students, faculty, and parents and thrived in meeting the challenges of being a school leader. Throughout her long career as educator and Head of Schools, she influenced many lives and was a natural mentor and school leader.

In her retirement Debbie wanted to spend as much time as possible with the people she loved. She spent precious time caring for her mother. She would bring her grandchildren to their piano lessons, soccer practices, et cetera just to get that special time in the car to catch up with them. She would talk daily with her friends and family to stay connected and let them know how loved they were. Debbie was a loyal friend. Those lucky enough to be able to call her a friend knew that she would do anything in her power to make their lives better, easier, or more fulfilling. She gave 100 percent to everything she believed in. She did not get as much time in retirement as we all wished for her, but she made the most of every day.

Debbie will be remembered as a compassionate, well-spoken, hardworking, honest, steadfast, fearless woman ahead of her time that still delighted in the small things. We are sad to lose such an amazing woman, but we are all better for the love she showed each of us through the years.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her memorial service at 1 p.m. on October 8, in the United Methodist Church in Pennington, NJ, 60 S. Main Street, with a reception to follow in the Silva Gallery of Art at The Pennington School.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Debbie’s memory to The Pennington School, 112 West Delaware Avenue, Pennington, NJ 08534; St. Timothy’s School, 8400 Greenspring Ave., Stevenson, MD 21153; Chesapeake Academy, P.O. Box 8, Irvington, VA 22480; The Maryland Food Bank; or a charity of your choosing.

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Fioralba Procaccini

Fioralba “Alba” Rossi Procaccini, 99, passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center of Plainsboro, NJ. She was surrounded by her family when she closed her eyes and peacefully entered God’s Kingdom. She was a strong-willed, determined woman that led a simple life. She took pride in entertaining her family, especially her grandson and his friends, with overflowing tables of food. Everyone will miss her meatballs and sauce. Fioralba was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church all her adult life. She had a deep faith in God and the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was born January 8, 1924 in Pettoranello, Italy, to Ernest and Cristina Rossi. She married Anthony Procaccini in 1948 and immigrated to the U.S. and resided in Princeton until her death.

She was one of 12 children. She is preceded in death by her parents Ernesto and Cristina Rossi, her husband Anthony, her son-in-law Wayne Storie, and seven of her siblings. She is survived by her daughter Sina Storie, her beloved grandson Wayne Steven Storie and his wife Christine, and great-grandchildren Isabella, Christina, and Jack Anthony Storie. She is also survived by her brother Alfredo, sisters Rita and Rosina, all in Argentina, and Mafalda, who lives in Australia. She leaves behind many cousins, nephews, and nieces in the U.S., Italy, Argentina, and Australia.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, August 25, 2023 at Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08542. Funeral will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 9 a.m. at the Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at St. Paul’s Church, 216 Nassau Steet, Princeton, NJ 08542. Burial will follow in St. Paul’s Church Cemetery.

The family wants to thank Anthony and Lisa Montrone and Mary Bliss for bringing Holy Communion weekly to Fioralba. We also extend thanks and gratitude to Dr. Toby Fisch and the medical staff at Penn Medicine ER and the ACE unit on the 5th floor of the hospital for the care given and treatment of Fioralba during her brief stay.

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Emily Frances (Vanderstucken) Spencer

Emily Frances (Vanderstucken) Spencer lost her courageous battle against lung cancer on August 16, 2023 at the age of 82.

Born in 1940 to Frances (Robinson) of New York City and Emile Felix Vanderstucken of Sutton County, TX. She grew up in Princeton, NJ, and spent her summers with family in Sonora, TX. Emily graduated from Miss Fine’s School (now Princeton Day School) in 1958 and subsequently graduated from Wheelock College, becoming a First Grade Teacher.

In 1965 she met Richard “Dick” Spencer (d 2003), and they were married in 1966. Emily and Dick spent several years chartering ski trips to Switzerland and France before settling down and starting a small family in Chester, NH, where they lived for 30+ years and made many lifelong friends. Summers were spent at Kennebunk Beach, ME, until 1998 when they moved to Kennebunk permanently.

Emily loved watching Red Sox games, taking train trips, watching Jeopardy (what is “she always had the answers?”), marathon cribbage games with her husband Dick and hosting their annual summer lobster bakes at the beach. She had a great sense of style when it came to designing the home they built together where she enjoyed playing the piano and flower gardening. Emily was a voracious reader and took great joy in mother daughter dates to Red Sox games and musicals at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Her life was filled with love by serving God in the Episcopal faith and generosity to many charities.

Surviving are her loving and devoted daughter Polly; sister-in-law Hillary; nieces Kristen, Kim and Linda; nephews Wyatt and Trip; great-nephews Ivan and Sasha; great-niece Olivia; a great-great-nephew and two great-great-nieces; two grand bunnies; and four grand dogs who will miss her treats and loving pats whenever they came to visit.

Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 26 at Trinity Episcopal Chapel (4 Woodland Avenue, Kennebunk, ME). In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity that promotes literacy or supports lung cancer research.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Emily’s Book of Memories Page at bibberfuneral.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk, ME 04043.

August 16, 2023

Obituaries 8/16/2023

Stan Waterman

Stan Waterman died on August 10, 2023 at home in Lawrenceville, NJ, with his wife of 73 years, Susy Waterman, close by. Stan was 100 years old.

One of the first pioneers of diving in America, his career spanned eight decades. Its unlikely beginning after Naval service in WW2 was in a frigid glacial pond in Maine but one which took him eventually across most of the world’s oceans. His gift as a writer and raconteur started with his studies under poet Robert Frost at Dartmouth College.

He taught himself photography and filmmaking, built his own underwater camera housings, and had the first dive boat operation in the Bahamas aboard his custom built Zingaro where he made one of diving’s earliest films, Water World, in 1954.

He traveled the backroads of America on the “gumshoe circuit” — long before television — showing his early, hand-spliced films, which he narrated live while managing music on a small tape recorder. When the projector on occasion stalled and his films caught fire, his skills of amusing anecdote, well-sprinkled with poetic reference, were called upon to complete the evening.

Among his many other films, the most successful was The Call of the Running Tide in which he packed his entire family off with him to Tahiti for a year. It became a National Geographic favorite and later, in 1992, the Discovery Channel featured Stan and his family in a two-hour special, aptly named The Man Who Loved Sharks. The September 2005 issue of Sports Illustrated featured a profile of Stan, also recalling his first appearance on its January 1958 cover.

His 1968 collaboration with Peter Gimbel on the extraordinary documentary epic, Blue Water, White Death, was released in 1971 after nearly two years of filming. It was some of the first great white shark footage ever presented and was unforgettable. He was also co-director of underwater photography for The Deep, a book and screenplay written by his close friend Peter Benchley with whom he went on to do many years of television production.

Arranged along his bookshelves are many awards and plaques, now covered in layers of dust. Nearby, an old Seibe Gorman diving helmet is surrounded by rare shells, stuffed shark toys, cigar boxes, and his much loved copy of Kenneth Graham’s Wind In The Willows, from which he often quoted.

Stan’s later years were spent hosting dive trips around the world where he continued pursuing mantis shrimps and entertaining his guests aboard with nightly “bijou entertainment.” When he finally hung up his fins at 90 years old he retired to his office where he smoked cigars, wrote, and published his two anecdotal books: Sea Salt and More Salt, reminiscing of his adventures as a father, a filmmaker, and a poet philosopher.

His children were lucky enough to have a father who took them with him on many of his adventures, and those shared memories have proved lasting ones that bind them to this day.

He leaves behind a wrecking yard of flooded camera housings as well as a host of good friends and loving family. Some of their kind thoughts have been included here verbatim as their eloquence could hardly be improved upon. A charismatic, engaging person, Stan was always self-effacing and had requested long ago that there be no flowers sent or donations to worthy causes, just a glass to be raised when next you’re gathered with family and friends.

He wished his epitaph to be his favorite lines from Masefield’s Sea Fever:

“I must go down to the sea again,
for the call of the running tide is a wild call
And a clear call that cannot be denied.”

He is survived by his wife Susanna; three children, Gordy, Susannah, and Gar; as well as six grandsons and two great-granddaughters.

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Ed Lloyd

An environmental litigator, activist, and scholar, Edward Lungren Lloyd III, passed away Saturday morning, August 5, 2023 just nine days shy of his 75th birthday (1948-2023). Ed was the director of the Environmental Law Clinic at Columbia University Law School from 2000 to 2022, and was the Evan M. Frankel Professor of Environmental Law there. He taught and trained hundreds of law students in the Clinic, giving them real-life experience representing nonprofit clients advocating for clean water and air, wetlands preservation, endangered species, “smart growth,” contaminated site remediation, and better transit options in the National Environmental Policy Act process. Professor Lloyd was also a member of Columbia University’s Earth Institute’s Practice Committee.

Before joining the Columbia Law School faculty, Ed served for 15 years as the founding director of the Rutgers University Law School Environmental Law Clinic in Newark, where he also supervised students on leading edge cases, establishing several administrative and environmental law precedents. He was previously staff attorney and executive director of the N.J. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG). Ed Lloyd was often invited to testify before Congress and the State Legislature on environmental bills and enforcement matters. His numerous affiliations include being appointed by Governor McGreevey to serve on the New Jersey Pinelands Commission, where he outlasted attempts to replace him for stands taken against incursions to the Pinelands’ pristine aquifers; Litigation Review Committee of the Environmental Defense Fund; board member of the Fund for New Jersey; co-founder and co-director of the Eastern Environmental Law Center, the sole public interest environmental law firm in New Jersey; chair of the board of Environmental Endowment, a grant-making institution; and member of the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Environmental Litigation (appointed by then Chief Justice Robert Wilentz). He taught environmental law at Judicial College for state court judges.

Prepared at Gilman School in Baltimore, where he won the Princeton Area Alumni math prize, and graduated from Princeton University in 1970 with a degree in chemistry, Ed then attended law school at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Ed returned to New Jersey and was admitted to the bar in 1974, at which he practiced for almost 50 years.

Ed’s love for Princeton University was unbounded. Until the last decade, he rarely missed a Princeton home basketball game, where his father Ed Lloyd, Jr. (Class of 1942) had been captain of the team. He never missed a reunion until 2022. Ed was proud to march in the P-rade (with son Alexander in the “pede”), then relax with classmates and family including sister Pamela Lloyd Coulter (Class of 1972), and before her untimely passing, cousin Barbara Price Krumland (Class of 1975), at Cloister Inn, where Ed lived as an undergrad and was treasurer.

Ed leaves his wife of 41 years, Janine G. Bauer, and two children, son Alexander Edward Lloyd, who graduated from Columbia Law School in 2019 and is a member of the New Jersey and New York bars, and daughter Abigail Elizabeth Lloyd, a social worker at Bellevue Hospital and Northwell Hospital in New York, sister Pamela Lloyd Coulter, Princeton University Class of 1972 (John V. Coulter), sister-in-law Sherry Ziegenbalg, brother-in-law Bruce Bauer (Frances), brother-in-law Jamie D. Bauer, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews of the expended Lloyd, Fanget, Driver, Price, Bovino, Wert, and Bauer families for whom he tried to be a role model, and succeeded. Ed was predeceased by his parents, Edward L. Lloyd, Jr. and Catherine Fanget Lloyd, and his brother, Robert G. Lloyd of Baltimore.

Ed will be sorely missed.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at the Nassau Presbyterian Church, 61 Nassau Street, Princeton.

Burial in Princeton Cemetery was private.

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Yngve Lennart Gustafsson

Yngve Lennart “Len” Gustafsson — our beloved husband, father, grandfather — passed away peacefully on August 4 in Princeton after a short illness. 

Born and educated in Sweden, Len considered himself a citizen of the world at an early age. During summer vacations as a teen, he took hire on Swedish ships delivering goods to foreign ports, exploring most of Europe. These voyages opened his eyes to new lands and fed his lust for travel and exploration. They also reinforced his national and cultural pride in Sweden and his hometown.

After earning degrees in engineering and economics he started his career with the Swedish-based Sandvik Steel, an international company with subsidiaries in many countries. His strong ambition and desire to grow his experience led him to push for a foreign post, and soon he was destined for a position in Dusseldorf, Germany, working and traveling all over Europe. This opened up further international opportunities, and he soon was on his way to the United States, settling in Glenrock, NJ, with his young family. He loved the freedom and non-bureaucracy of working in the American market and his initial three-year appointment turned into a lifetime in the States. Working closely with both Sweden and the USA, he traveled extensively.

Len had a lifelong passion for serving his hometown and his home country to the extent that in 1978 the Swedish Government appointed him Swedish Trade Commissioner and Vice Consul to the USA, based in Detroit, Michigan. Having one foot in both countries suited him well and gave him the opportunity to bring Swedish know-how to the auto industry and other industries. His experience and interest in both marketing and mergers and acquisitions came in handy to help many Swedish companies get a foothold in the United States. It also gave him a deep sense of satisfaction to serve and support the Swedish organizations in the Detroit/Bloomfield Hills area.

Len was always interested in what was in the forefront in business and joined the new exciting robotics industry, heading up a new Industrial Robotics Division for ASEA Inc. in Michigan.

After retirement from his corporate business adventures, he started his own consulting business.

Len was very civic minded and was a member of several organizations such as Odd Fellows, Rotary International, and served as president of the Princeton Rotary Club. He co-founded a Swedish supplementary school in New Jersey and served as its first president; he was a member of the Royal Roundtable of the Swedish Council of America; board member and lifetime member of the American-Swedish Historical Museum in Philadelphia, PA; Ambassador of Lidkoping (his hometown); an active member of Leif Ericson Viking Ship Organization; and sailed and worked on a replica of the Kalmar Nyckel tall ship in Wilmington, DE, combining his interest in history and boating.

Len was an avid sailor and was never as happy as when he was behind the steering wheel sailing one of his boats. He even planned to take his boat Makulu on a world tour but was stopped by Superstorm Sandy, which left his boat battered and piled up among many other boats in the harbor of Atlantic Highlands. Undaunted, he worked on repairing and lovingly restoring the boat over the next several years. During that same time, he worked with a team of young sailors who were interested in taking the boat on an educational world tour on which Len planned to partake.

Len loved sports and staying active. In his youth he played Bandy (a fast sport on skates) in his hometown, he had a mean backhand in tennis, he enjoyed ice sailing and downhill skiing, and he frequently played golf and once had a hole-in-one. In his later years he kept active with swimming, visits to his gym, and long walks with his wife.

Len looked forward every year to spending summers at his childhood summer house on a small island in lake Vänern, Sweden. There he could jump into his sailboat for a day trip or spend hours cruising around the archipelago. He topped it off each evening by watching the sunset right outside the dining room window.

Len is survived by his loving wife Elly; his three sons and their families: Bjorn and Tammy of Atlanta, GA, Erik and Debbie of Naperville, IL, Carl and Stephanie of Manhattan and his grandchildren Anna and Alexander; and friends and family in both Sweden and the Americas.

Len will be laid to rest at the church closest to his beloved summer home in Sweden.

A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date.

Donations in his memory may be made to the American-Swedish Historical Museum, 1900 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19145.

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James Adler Levy

James Adler Levy, 82, of Yardley, Pennsylvania, died at his home there on August 14 after a battle with several ailments.

Known as Jim or Jimmy, he was born in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1940. His family moved to Yardley in 1944 to a street called Alton Road, and with few gaps in time over the next 78 years, he lived his entire life on that street — first at his parents Charles and Elinor Levy’s house with his brother Paul, and then raised his own family at the house his parents built next door to his childhood home.

He was the son of Charles Levy, a businessman in Trenton and an owner of S.P. Dunham and Co. department stores, and his mother Elinor, an artist.

His wife of 37 years, Rebecca “Becky” Deitz Levy, pre-deceased him in 2004. She was his first love and a woman he not only idolized but who he called “the person with the most common sense of anyone he had ever known.” Becky and Jimmy built a wonderful life together in their community and loved playing golf and traveling together, and truly just being together. Becky was his rock and emotional head of what became his own family with his two loving and devoted children, Jonny and Rachel.

Jim attended Newtown Friends School, The Lawrenceville School, and graduated from Proctor Academy in Andover, New Hampshire. He graduated from The University of Pennsylvania in 1963. He started his career at Sears Roebuck as a young business trainee. He then joined his father at Dunham’s where he worked for many years. He learned how to be a businessman from his father who, along with Jim’s own brother, Paul, were his role models in life. Jim served in the Air National Guard.

At the age of 40, Jim set forth on a new career as an investment advisor at Smith Barney where he worked for 36 years. He was on the Board of Directors at Greenwood House for the Jewish Aged in Trenton, a Board Member of Har Sinai Temple of Trenton, and he served on The Newtown Friends School Board.

Jim was lucky in love not once, but twice. Jim’s daughter Rachel set him up on a blind date with Carol Sole of Michigan and Florida and Carol was Jim’s devoted companion since 2015. Jim and Carol shared much in common — love for travel, the arts, and for their own children and grandchildren.

Jim leaves behind a son Jonathan “Jonny” Levy and his wife Jill Nusbaum of Princeton, NJ, and a daughter Rachel Levy Lesser, and her husband Neil Lesser of Newtown. Jim was the proud grandfather to three adoring young adults, Joseph “Joey” Lesser, Rebecca Lesser, and Max Levy.

Jim is also survived by his brother, The Honorable Paul Levy and his wife Linda Levy of Lawrenceville, NJ,  his sister-in-law, Joanne Hochman of Savannah, GA. and many loving nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are Wednesday, August 16 at 11 a.m. at Har Sinai Temple, 2421 Pennington Road, Pennington, New Jersey.

Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, 1800 Hamilton Avenue, Hamilton, New Jersey.

Shiva will be observed at the Lesser residence  in Newtown, PA, immediately following the burial, and from 5:30–9 p.m. on Wednesday, August 16 and on Thursday, August 17 with minyans at 6:30 pm.

The family respectfully requests memorial contributions in his memory be offered to Greenwood House, Har Sinai Temple, Mill Hill Child & Family Development Center, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel. For condolences please visit OrlandsMemorialChapel.com.

———

Anne Cowin Fahey

Anne Cowin Fahey, 64, a longtime Princeton resident, died peacefully at home on August 4.

Anne will be remembered for her remarkable selflessness, her knack for nailing the little things, her humor, and her resilience. She took a stoic, glass-half-full approach to life through the tragic death of her husband, Kevin, in a car accident in 2006 and through her courageous three-year battle with ALS. Although her life was marked by deep lows, she chose to live a life filled with gratitude for the gifts life presented her: her children, her family, her friends, travel, and the arts. Behind a modest demeanor, Anne was exuberant, loyal, and loving, and determined to make the most of life. She will be deeply missed.

Born and raised in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, to Margaret and Lawrence Cowin, Anne studied French at the University of Michigan and graphic design at Pratt Institute. She lived in Detroit and New York City before settling in Princeton, New Jersey. In 1988, Anne married her high school sweetheart, Kevin, after an epic, 11-year long-distance relationship. She had met Kev at age 10, when they were castmates in a Cleveland Play House Youth Theater production. Nineteen years later, they returned to the Play House for their wedding. They had two children, Eamon and Byrne.

A talented graphic designer, Anne worked at Pentagram and later established herself as a self-employed designer, working with organizations including the Princeton Symphony Orchestra, 101: Fund, and Sustainable Princeton. Anne also brought her designer’s eye to thoughtful event invitations and inventive birthday cards for friends and family. In 2022, Anne’s design was proudly featured nationwide on the ALS Association’s Walk to Defeat ALS shirts.

After living in Aix-en-Provence for a year during college, Anne kept up her French language through conversation groups and later took up Spanish. Anne delighted in theater, music, good quality television, and travel. She would insist on taking a photo of her tour guide following any cultural tour. She loved food and cooking and nurtured this passion through relentless study and experimentation.

Anne is survived by her children, Eamon and Byrne; her mother Margaret Cowin; her sister Elizabeth Roth (George Roth); her brothers Tom Cowin and James Cowin; and niece Olivia Anne Roth; as well as her Fahey siblings-in-law and her partner David Myers. A memorial will be held at 12 p.m., Sunday, September 10 at Eno Terra in Kingston, NJ.

———

Molly Sullivan

Molly Sullivan, 84, died on Friday, July 14, 2023 at the Princeton Care Center, in Princeton, NJ. Born in Abilene, Texas, on April 27, 1939, she will be remembered for her wit, her rebellious and mischievous spirit, and her love of music and cats.

Molly took up violin from an early age and played in her high school orchestra, where she excelled in Latin, was a member of the Classics Club, and was a cheerleader. After graduating from San Angelo High School, she attended San Angelo College where she got her B.A, and started teaching Latin at the high school level. As a teacher, she was known for her quirky and distinctive teaching style, however she underestimated the popular rejection of the theory of evolution (this was West Texas in the 1950s) which led her to move on from this job to graduate school at University of Texas Austin.

There she met and married Henry Wood in 1964, moved with him to Rochester and Brooklyn, NY, then to Princeton, NJ. Together they had four boys. After Henry passed away in 1979, Molly married Carl Faith who turned out to be the love of her life. They loved traveling and spent many summers (and winters and falls) in Barcelona.

Molly taught Latin for many years at Steinert, Hamilton, Rutgers Prep, Flemington, and Ewing High Schools. Her love of the language continued after her retirement with her participation in a Latin translation group, taking on translation of previously untranslated classics, and translating English works into Latin. She was a longtime member of a local reading orchestra, and in retirement tutored young children in reading in the Grand Pals program.

Molly was a longtime dancer. For decades she studied dance in many styles: flamenco, belly dancing, and ballet, as well as practicing yoga and aerobics. In retirement she drove friends to exercise classes.

Left to honor Molly and remember her love are her four children, Zeno (Jill Dowling) Wood, Japheth (Mariel Fiori) Wood, Malachi (Jhilam Iqbal) Wood, and Ezra (Simi Hoque) Wood; and 10 grandchildren, Indrid Griffin Wood, Leila Rae Yorek Sundin, Tarquin Wood, Maya Wood, Doria Iqbal Sharif, Daphne Wood-Fiori, Lihuel Wood-Fiori, Vesper Woodhoque, Esme Woodhoque, and Quinn Woodhoque. Molly was predeceased by her husband Carl Clifton Faith and her parents Denny and Dorothy Sullivan. She had many, many cats over the years, among them Gray Cat, Black Cat, Chichen Itza, Rambam, Avicenna, Ms. Moo, Puddin, Kit Lee, and Tiger and Mischief.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 3 at Kimble Funeral Home, 1 Hamilton Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08542. There will be a gathering for guests from 10 to 11 a.m. with speakers beginning at 11 a.m. Afterwards, attendees and other friends and family are invited to join us for a reception at 199 Longview Drive. 

The family would like to extend our gratitude to all the kind and caring staff at the Princeton Care Center and Ennoble Care Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Planned Parenthood and the ACLU in Molly Sullivan’s name.

August 9, 2023

Obituaries 8/9/2023

Michele Ryan

Michele Marie McCluskey Ryan, affectionately known as “Mickey,” departed this life on August 7, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was 80 years old. Born on January 2, 1943, at Princeton Hospital, she was a lifelong Princeton resident.

Mickey was a 1960 graduate of Princeton High School and received her diploma from Newport Hospital School of Nursing in 1963. After two years at Newport Hospital, she returned home in 1965 where she began her storied career at Princeton Medical Center. She returned to school while working full-time and raising her children to obtain her bachelor’s degree in 1991 at the age of 48 and her master’s degree in 1993 at the age of 50. Her career at Princeton Medical Center spanned 35 years, beginning as a staff nurse, and ascending the ranks to Executive Director of Nursing.

One of the highlights of her distinguished career was overseeing the Department of Redesign, a position created specifically for her. Her invaluable contribution to this position brought, in part, what is known today as Fast Track in the ER — created specifically to expedite less serious illnesses while treating all patients in the most efficient manner. She was a tireless advocate for patient care. She was known as no-nonsense but fair, which won her the respect and admiration of all who knew and worked with her. After her retirement in 2000 she was integral in growing the Ivy Inn from her brother’s vision to present day. Her guidance at her beloved Ivy during these years was invaluable. Mickey also had a home in Naples, Florida, where she enjoyed being a snowbird for many years.

Mickey was a recipient of the YWCA’s Tribute to Women in Industry award in 1998. She was a proud member and past president of the Ladies Auxiliary of Princeton Engine Company No. 1.

Mickey was predeceased by her parents Leo G. and Marion A. McCluskey, her brother L. Richard “Dickey” McCluskey, and her mother-in-law Kae Ryan. She is survived by her son, Richard Ryan, daughter, Kelly Ryan, and grandchildren Alexa Trani and Nicolas Trani. She is also survived by Cathy Levens and her children Jacie and Kenneth.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 10 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, 216 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ. Burial will follow at Princeton Cemetery. A celebration of a life well lived will follow the burial at Ivy Inn, 248 Nassau Street. Visiting hours will be private for the family.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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

———

Norman McNatt

Norman McNatt of Princeton Junction, NJ, died at home on July 26, 2023, after a short illness.

In his working life Norman taught English and European history at Wagner College, and served in administrative capacities at Rutgers University, the Institute of Advanced Study, Princeton, and Princeton University.

He was a self-taught, gifted cabinetmaker, an avid fly fisherman, and an energetic and accomplished restorer of his 100-year-old home in Princeton Junction, where he lived with his wife, Susanne McNatt, for 50 years. He and Susanne were high school sweethearts, and enjoyed more than 60 years as homemakers, travel mates, and helpmates. Susanne survives him.

For those who knew him, he wanted them to know how much he enjoyed all the happy hours with his tennis and fishing companions, and how grateful he was for all the friendship and kindness of friends over the years, and for treasured family members who enriched his life, especially his fellow Arsenal F.C. fan and best bud, Evan.

If anyone wishes to make a donation in his name, please consider Isles, Inc., of Trenton, (isles.org, 609-341-4700) or the Fund for Irish Studies (fis.princeton.edu, 609-258-4840).

Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of Aftercare Cremation Service, 729 State Route 18, East Brunswick, NJ 08816. To share condolences with the family please visit aftercarecremations.com.

———

Jane Taggart Whittaker

Jane Taggart Whittaker, 92, of Pennington, New Jersey, formerly of Brigantine, passed away peacefully at her residence on Thursday, August 3, 2023.

Jane was born to the late John and Marjorie Taggart in St. Petersburg, Florida, on May 24, 1931. She spent her childhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and her summers in Beach Haven, New Jersey. Jane graduated from Upper Darby High School in 1948 and received a BA degree from Hood College, Frederick, Maryland in 1952. Jane taught English and Literature to middle and high school students for several years in the Philadelphia area prior to her marriage in 1955 to Frank L. Whittaker. Jane and Frank raised their family in East Brunswick and Princeton, New Jersey. They retired together to their summer home in Brigantine, New Jersey.

Jane is survived by her children: Susan Ferguson and her husband John, Carol Ann Berry and her husband Rick, Margie Robinson and her husband Dave, Sally Wood, William Whittaker and his wife Eliza, Frank Whittaker, Jr. (predeceased in 2016) and his wife Jeanne. Jane was also predeceased by her loving husband, Frank in 2009 and her little daughter, Elizabeth in 1960. Jane is also survived by 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Jane will be remembered as a warm and loving mother, grandmother, and friend. She was proud of her family and loved spending time with them as much as possible. Jane brought joy and unconditional love to everyone she met. Jane was a longtime devotee of Self-Realization Fellowship. She attended, hosted, and often led services with the Princeton and Atlantic City SRF chapters.

Jane looked forward to the day she would be joined with her guru, Paramahansa Yogananda.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the viewing for Jane at Keates-Plum Funeral Home, 3112 Brigantine Avenue, Brigantine, NJ on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. A Life Celebration Funeral Service will be held at the Community Presbyterian Church, 1501 W. Brigantine Avenue, Brigantine on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 11 a.m. The interment will be held privately at Laurel Memorial Park in Egg Harbor Township.

To share your fondest memory of Jane, please visit keatesplum.com.

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Marie Edelman Berman

Marie Edelman Berman, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, died at her Sea Girt, New Jersey, home on Sunday, August 6, 2023 at the age of 90.

A longtime resident of Princeton, N.J., Marie was born on December 13, 1932 in Trenton, N.J., to Minnie (nee Kahn) and Jack Edelman. She was the youngest of four siblings, all of whom predeceased her: sister Ruth, brothers Milton and Aaron, and sister-in-law Evelyn. At Trenton High School she met her future husband of 65 years, Ronald Berman, who passed away in August 2018.

Marie attended Trenton State College, now The College of New Jersey, where she earned a BA in education. She worked as a public school teacher for a time before retiring to focus her energies on her growing family.

Marie and Ron were ardent and steadfast supporters of the community, generously donating their time and resources to myriad local organizations. They were also mainstays at Trenton Titans games, where, Marie in particular, cheered on her team vociferously from the owner’s box.

Marie is survived by the loving family to whom she devoted her life: sons Michael, Geoffrey, and Daniel; daughters-in-law Victoria, Joanne, and Karen; and seven loving grandchildren who were the great joys of her life: Zachary, Jeremy, Alexander, Harrison, Charles, Matthew, and Elisabeth. She was a beloved aunt to Milton Edelman, Paula Rosenzweig, and their families.

Always a proud Trentonian, Marie cherished her summers at the shore, and spent her last days at the beach surrounded by her family.

Funeral services were held on August 8 at Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel, 1534 Pennington Road, Ewing Township. The family respectfully requests memorial contributions to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Shiva will be observed at the Berman residence in Princeton on Wednesday, August 9, from 5:30–8 p.m.

For condolences please visit OrlandsMemorialChapel.com.

August 2, 2023

Obituaries 8/2/2023

John Sheldon Chatham

John Sheldon Chatham of Princeton and Stone Harbor, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. Born on December 24, 1934 and raised in Haverford Township, PA, he was the son of the late Walter E. Chatham and Jane M. Buckley Chatham.

John graduated from Haverford High School and Pennsylvania State University where he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and the Army R.O.T.C. Program. He served his country in the United States Army for five years and was stationed in Augsburg, Germany, where he rose to the rank of Captain. Immediately following the Military, John joined Ethicon, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, where he spent his entire career of 38 years.

The various assignments John held with Ethicon took him to many locations in the U.S. as well as Europe, South America, and Asia. While working in the Chicago area, he and his family became avid skiers with their frequent trips to Vail in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. After retiring in 2002, he volunteered his time working with Habitat for Humanity, serving as president of the Trenton-area organization.

John was a member of the Nassau Club, where he served on the Board of Trustees, a member of Springdale Golf Club, Nassau Gun Club, The Old Guard of Princeton, Princeton Officer’s Society, and the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and sons, playing golf, running, and tennis. One of his most favorite and memorable trips was taking his three sons to play golf on several of the great courses of Ireland. He especially enjoyed the many summers spent at his home and on the beach in Stone Harbor where he could often be found with a good novel and an abundance of sunscreen by his side.

During his retirement years, John looked forward to his weekly rounds of golf at Springdale, as well as having lunch with friends on a regular basis at the Nassau Club. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he especially cherished the time he spent with family, including visits with his young grandsons.

In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his brother, Walter E. Chatham, Jr., sister-in-law Julia Chatham, and nephew Gregory Chatham; his sister Rosemary C. Forrey and brother-in-law Robert C. Forrey. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Barbara Mylowe Chatham, and their three sons, John Jr. of Sacramento, CA; Craig and his wife Louise of Stow, MA; and Mark and his wife Sarah and their sons, Barrett and Henry Chatham of Darien, CT. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Dr. Eugene Mylowe and his wife Valerie of Scottsdale, AZ, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be held on Friday, August 4, 2023 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Paul R.C. Church at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 5, 2023. Interment at Princeton Cemetery will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Central New Jersey, 530 Route 38 East, Maple Shade, NJ 08052 or to a charity of choice.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, Princeton, NJ.

———

Judith Paulovic

It’s with great sadness to announce that Judith Paulovic passed away on hospice at home on July 3, 2023, aged 85 years old.

Judy was born in Philadelphia, PA, on March 15, 1938, daughter of Dudley Winter and Doris (Yearsley). She grew up on a farm with her four brothers and sisters in Bedminster Township, PA, and graduated from Pennridge High School.

Her passion for music led her to study at Westminster Choir College, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts.

Judy married the love of her life, David Paulovic, in Abington, PA, in 1965 and later settled in Kingston, NJ, where they started a family together and resided for 26 years.

Shortly after having their three children, Greg, Tanya and Nola, she opened a private piano business, teaching children in and around the Princeton area for the next 30 years.

She was an active member of All Saints’ Church and loved singing in choir. In addition to her love for her children and music, Judy lived a well-rounded life and enjoyed many hobbies, such as baking, sewing, and gardening.

Judy is survived by her loving and devoted partner of 10 years, Richard Polizzotti; and her children, Greg Paulovic, Tanya Twiggs, Nola Paulovic and their life partners, Vicky Vydra, Matthew Twiggs, and Oscar Romero; her grandchildren, Mckayla, Lucas, Lyla, and Brayden; a sister, Dorothy Schmidt; and brother, Dudley Winter Jr. She was predeceased by Marilyn Bowers and Thomas Winter. Proud aunt to 11 nieces and nephews, and 10 great-nieces and nephews. 

Private memorial services for close family and friends will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 11 a.m. in All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Princeton, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the All Saints’ Episcopal Church music fund.

———

John Joseph Balestrieri

John Joseph Balestrieri, 89, born in Princeton, NJ, on November 23, 1933, as the first American-born child of parents newly immigrated from the Isle of Ischia, passed away under hospice care in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 29, 2023, surrounded by his friends, family, caregiver, and beagle, Penny.

1930s: Raised in a duplex house on Birch Avenue. Son to Salvatore and Maria; brother to Sal, Louis, Dominick, Mary, and Fanny.

Always adventuring with his brothers and their scrappy gang of friends. His first job is with a traveling circus, picking up after elephants, along with his friends, in exchange for show tickets. Later, becomes a four-time marbles champion whose prize is a ticket to his first major league game.

1940s: In high school, he’s talented in baseball, football, basketball, and golf; known as Choo-choo on the football team, Deuce on the basketball team. Also in the marching band until his coaches make him choose. He wins a tournament between caddies with an impossible shot and is offered a pro-golf apprenticeship, but can’t persuade his mother.

Always a craftsman, he soon becomes a skilled wood carver, furniture maker, and draftsman; his student work is shipped to Chicago and displayed nationally. He has ambitions to be an architect after graduation but is guided by his parents to learn a trade.

1950s: Graduates high school and apprentices as a glazier; soon decides that being suspended by a rope from high buildings is not for him. Then apprentices with a notable area builder; learns how to build houses, and is never one to take shortcuts with his craft. From a job site rooftop, he watches Albert Einstein walk down to the brook and back each day; they wave to each other.

On weekends, he drives tanks in the New Jersey National Guard.

1960s: Starts his own contractor business; builds a furnished house in Princeton for his parents and sisters, and then a house for himself on the Jersey shore. He takes his youngest sister, Fanny, for cancer treatments in New York City; she passes away soon after graduating high school.

Works around Princeton and eventually in the home of a retired policeman and his wife; he meets and falls in love with their daughter, Louise. After many closely-supervised dates, they marry at St. Paul’s Cathedral on September 11, 1970.

1970s: First and only child, John Jr., is born. Their home and apartment building burn down; no one’s injured, but everything’s lost. They move in with his in-laws until he finishes the home he’s started in Skillman, NJ. Soon, the basement of their new home begins to fill with bowling trophies.

He opens a workshop and hardware store on Witherspoon Street but is forced to shutter it after a few years due to back-to-back economic recessions; he always regrets opening the store instead of accepting an offer to take over a successful cabinet shop business. He sells the shore house.

1980s: Joins the Princeton Elks Lodge and works hard with new friends to raise money and provide equipment for special-needs children; he runs weekly bingo and other fundraisers. Summers are spent camping, or at the beach, with his family.

Always a parent who supports his son in whatever he pursues, he continues working as a contractor-carpenter from his new home workshop. He saves money, along with his wife who runs a secretarial business, to surprise their son with his first computer, securing his future career.

1990s: A proud father attends his son’s college graduation.

2000s: Growing older but still possesses the energy of a younger man. His father-in-law passes, leaving the family to handle his house and possessions. Opens a nearly-new and furniture repair shop behind the Princeton Elks; he enjoys restoring and repairing pieces in the back while listening to Yankees games and entertaining visitors.

2010s: Takes care of his wife as she battles, and succumbs, to lung cancer over three short years. His grown son’s business allows him to spend more time with him; together they raise a puppy, Penny, plant a garden, and grow figs.

2020s: Sudden heart failure, but has the strength and the will to fight; he undergoes procedures, rehab, and eventually makes a full recovery. During the pandemic, his son and daughter-in-law live with him, managing his care and keeping him safe.

Moves into assisted living at Brandywine, Princeton to spend time with his last living sibling, Mary, before she passes away. He finds new friends, community, and the dance floor. After two broken hips (not related to dancing), he makes further speedy recoveries, and is dancing again.

Undergoes dialysis three times a week to stay alive; it drains his energy, until he can no longer find the strength to continue. He desires to leave the hospitals and return to his home at Brandywine, “a place where I was happy,” surrounded by his family, friends, trusted caregiver, and Penny. We are able to fulfill his dying wish.

Dad, you are greatly loved and will be missed by many. You were always there for your family and friends; generous with your spirit and quick with a joke or humorous remark. Wherever you are, I hope there’s a dance floor and I hope you’re still the first one out there. We love you.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023, from 12 to 1 p.m., with a memorial service at 1 p.m. at Mather-Hodge Funeral Home in Princeton.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

July 26, 2023

Obituaries 7/26/2023

John F. “Jack” Petrone Sr.

John F. “Jack” Petrone Sr., 95, of Princeton passed away on July 19, 2023, surrounded by his loving family at Penn Medicine in Plainsboro.

He was born and raised in Princeton, NJ. The son of Frank and Alice Rousseau Petrone, Jack lived his entire life in Princeton attending school at St Paul’s and graduating from Princeton High School and was a member of the Princeton High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Jack finished his education with a post graduate year at the Pennington Prep School. Jack then enlisted in the U.S. Army Medical Corp and was stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio Texas from 1946 to 1948. Upon his discharge from the Army, he returned to Princeton and married his high school sweetheart Jean Mae Rowles in 1948. They shared their life and love over the next 70 years until Jean’s passing in 2018.

Jack served as a Princeton Township police officer from 1955 to 1992, retiring as the chief. Jack was also a member of Princeton Engine Company No. 1 volunteer fire department for over 60 years. Jack was the owner and proprietor of Center Sports sporting goods store in the Princeton Shopping Center for nearly 20 years.

Jack served his community of Princeton proudly in a number of ways. He touched the lives of a generation of Princeton youth through the programs he established and participated in. Most notably he established and put in place the PBA Little League baseball program in 1958 along with his favorite project, the Baseball School at Marquand Park on Saturday mornings for pre-little leaguers. He was one of a handful of men that started the PMFL youth football program in 1963. He was the ice safety director for skating at Carnegie Lake for over 20 years. He opened the Valley Road school gym on Saturday mornings for the local youth to play. Most of these programs predated the Princeton Rec. Department’s existence.

Jack received a number of awards recognizing his volunteer work with the youth of Princeton. He received a national distinguished achievement award from Pop Warner for youth football and was named to the Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame. He received a lifetime achievement award from Joint Effort of Princeton. Jack received the Town Topics Man of the Week award for his contributions to the youth of Princeton.

Jack was a longtime member of Springdale Golf Club, a member of Post 76 American Legion, The Princeton Social Club, The Squatters Club of Princeton, and St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church.

Jack and Jean’s greatest joy in life was spending time with their children and grandchildren who affectionately referred to them as Pop Pop and Grammy. Their grandchildren provided them with a lot of love and joy.

Predeceased by his loving wife Jean R. Petrone, a son John F. Petrone Jr., parents Frank and Alice (Rousseau) Petrone, two sisters and a brother-in-law Delores and Jim Vandergrift, and Shiela Zalvino.

John is survived by four sons and five daughters-in-law James and Carol Petrone, Jeff and Leigh Petrone, Judd and Ginger Petrone, Jason and Kathleen Petrone, Gail Petrone; a brother and sister-in-law Tom and Ellen Petrone; a sister and brother-in-law Sandy and Ronnie Towne; brother-in-law Frank Zalvino; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Carol Ann and Fred Ingram, Larry and Betty Rowles; grandchildren Jaclyn and Ryan Gardner, Jaime and Akira Yamamoto, Dean and Caroline Petrone, Kelsey and Bobby Warshaw, Chris and Nicole Petrone, Brent, Todd, Jillian, Jordan, Judd Jr., Eva Mae, James, Jaxon, Travis; six great-grandchildren; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, July 24, 2023, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 216 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ. Burial followed in Princeton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jack’s honor to: Princetonlittleleague.com or pjflnj.org.

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

———

Marie T. Rickman

Marie T. Rickman, 64, of Princeton passed away on July 20, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and aunt. Marie was a pillar of strength in her home and community and will be remembered for her love of her family and friends, her festive parties, and her many beautiful gardens.

She was a dedicated volunteer Master Gardener of Mercer County, giving thousands of hours of her time. She served the organization as President from 2011–2012, becoming an Emeritus member in 2023. Marie received several awards from Rutgers Cooperative Extension including a State Award for the Native Plant Garden in 2012 and a State Team Award for past presidents in 2014.

She was born in Philadelphia, PA, and is a graduate of Cabrini College.

Predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law Richard and Mary Rickman, and by her sister Susan Trotter.

Marie is survived by her loving husband of 32 years Rodney L. Rickman; a son Richard Rickman; a daughter and son-in-law Kathryn Rickman and Mark Inverso; parents Anthony William and Ann (Cooney) Trotter; a sister and brother-in-law Ann and Buddy Carroll; five brothers and four sisters-in-law Anthony and Christina Trotter, Christopher Trotter, Robert and Jennifer Trotter, Peter and Rosa Trotter, Brian and Lanise Trotter; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law Richard and Sharon Rickman; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church 216 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ. Burial followed in Princeton Cemetery.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made. Please send checks made payable to Master Gardeners of Mercer County, c/o MGofMC, 1440 Parkside Avenue, Ewing Twp., NJ 08638. Add “Marie Rickman Memorial Fund” in the memo line.

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

———

Maida Danos Pollock

August 1, 1922 – July 6, 2023

Friends and colleagues remember and loved Maida for her deep intelligence, grace, and grit.

Maida was born in Szombathely (“Some bow tie”!), Hungary, and lived in Princeton for 49 years and died in Kula, HI. During her early life, Maida participated fully in the cultural life of her town and in Budapest, where she studied piano at the Liszt Academy.

Speaking foreign languages was part of daily life in her family. All that was interrupted when Hungary entered WWII: Maida’s cherished father was killed in Auschwitz; she and her mother were forced into labor in a German munitions factory where they remained for several months. Finally, they were rescued by a group of American soldiers. Because Maida spoke fluent English and could drive a car, she was employed by the army at a hospital.

Maida never wanted to return to Hungary because she felt betrayed by the government. When an opportunity came about to emigrate to the United States, Maida, her mother, and Maida’s husband arranged to sail here. In 1946 they arrived in New York, three weeks before the birth of Robert, brother to John, born later.

A difficult divorce in the ’60s forced Maida to move away from Long Island, and to the great benefit of Princeton, she moved to Princeton. A childhood friend, living in Princeton, suggested that Maida apply for a job in the Department of Music at the University. She was hired to work with such notables as Roger Sessions and Milton Babbitt. Maida became Director of Princeton University Concerts (PUC). A tribute announced by the PUC says it all: “In her 22-year tenure directing the series (1964-1986), Maida shaped its legacy in everlasting ways.”

In 2014, Maida moved to Kula where her entire family resides. Living in a guest cottage on John’s farm (he is an organic farmer) and close to Robert (a composer and pianist) and his family, Maida was surrounded by a landscape and family she loved.

In 2020, the PUC asked Maida “to share some memories about her time in Princeton and to curate a playlist featuring some of her favorite artists and repertoire from her tenure. Her voice lives in these recollections and tracks; her voice will forever live on in PUC’s spirit.”

Maida is survived by Robert (Klazine) Pollock and John Pollock; granddaughter Esther (Norbert) Jongeneelen; and great-granddaughters Celeste and Beatrice Jongeneelen.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ebb and Flow Arts, 50 Malia-Ull Pi, Kula, HI 96790.

———

Leroy Henry Hunninghake

Leroy Henry Hunninghake passed away peacefully on July 19, 2023 at RWJ University Hospital at Hamilton.

He was born and raised in Seneca, Kansas, where he graduated from Kelly High School where he was valedictorian and received his Doctor of Medicine and Surgery Degree at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He continued his internship and residency at Ann Arbor University of Michigan. He moved to Princeton, NJ, after and was the first Rheumatologist in New Jersey, opening practices at Princeton Rheumatology in Princeton and Monroe, NJ.

Leroy served as a medic for Public Service during the Vietnam War, where he received a plaque of honor from the President. He served as President of the NJ Medical Society for many years. He received many awards from the Medical Society, Princeton Hospital, and Robert Wood University Hospital in New Brunswick, where he was also employed. He enjoyed presenting talks to the community about rheumatology and autoimmune diseases as well as throughout the Northeast.

Leroy was a member of St. Paul’s Parish, where he regularly volunteered. He had a passion for medicine, Michigan and Kansas football and basketball, his Kansas farm, and regularly taking his children to farms and mini golfing when they were younger. He enjoyed helping the community and the sick, but most of all spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed birthdays with his sons.

Predeceased by his parents Henry and Mary Hunninghake, and brother Donald Hunninghake.

Leroy is survived by six sons and one daughter Zachary Hunninghake, Trevor and Kyle Hunninghake (and their mother Susan Hunninghake), Leroy Hunninghake Jr, Lisa Hunninghake, Christopher Hunninghake, and Michael Hunninghake (and their mother Rosemarie Hunninghake); two sisters and brothers-in-law Mary Lee and Jim Smith and Alice and Ron Wurtz; one brother and sister-in-law Gary and Margie Hunninghake; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and colleagues.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 3, 2023 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. with a funeral service at 8 p.m. at Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08542.

Burial will be on Friday, August 4, 2023 at 11 a.m. in Princeton Cemetery.

———

Sarah Louise Bennett Reichart

1931-2023

Sarah (Sally) died at her home in Princeton on Wednesday, July 12 in Hospice care. She was born in Chicago in 1931, soon moving to Boston where her father joined the faculty of MIT. In 1941, the family moved to Washington, DC, after her father joined the Navy. She graduated from the Holton Arms School in Washington, a life-rewarding experience for her.

Sally lived in the Washington area until she attended Vassar College from which she graduated in 1952 with a double major in Music and Geology. She worked briefly for General Electric in Schenectady, then taught Science at the Brierley School in New York City before marrying Richard Benjamin Reichart on September 25, 1954. They had two children, Phyllis (Angela) and Andrew in New York, moving to Wayne, New Jersey and finally to Princeton in 1982.

In New York, Sally developed her lifelong interest in music and music history through a Master’s degree in Music at Brooklyn College and a PhD in Musicology at CUNY Graduate Center. Her late husband said that she loved learning and went through life “by degrees.” She taught and performed on the recorder and was a member of the New York Recorder Society.

After moving to Princeton, she earned a Master’s in Library Science at Rutgers and worked in the Princeton Public Library. In her later years, she did much scholarly genealogical research, enduring gifts for her family and others.

She was predeceased by her husband Richard in 2020. She is survived by her daughter Angela (Phyllis) in Knoxville, TN; her granddaughter Lila in Massachusetts; her son Andrew and his wife Joy in Berkeley, CA; and her brother, Ralph Bennett, Jr. and his wife Carol in Silver Spring, MD.

Sally and her family are especially appreciative of the support and assistance of her neighbors and Jessica Almodovar. A memorial gathering will be organized for mid-August; details to follow. Contributions to the Princeton Public Library in Sally’s name are welcome.

July 19, 2023

Obituaries 7/19/2023

Claire Matz Anderson
June 3, 1924 – July 10, 2023

Claire Matz (“Patty”) Anderson died peacefully at home in Princeton, New Jersey, on July 10, aged 99 years and 1 month. She was born in Evanston, Illinois, on June 3, 1924, daughter of Charles Henderson and Claire Dutton (McGregor) Matz. She grew up in Brookline and Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, and attended the Beaver Country Day school. She was 17 when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and she soon joined the war effort, working as a photographer’s assistant at the Harvard Underwater Sound Laboratory. Her father worked on a machine gun trainer at Polaroid Corporation, a top-secret project, and her mother drove a Red Cross ambulance and saw off troops leaving Boston for overseas assignments. Patty recalled unusually silent family dinners in those days in which no one was allowed to discuss their secret activities in support of the war effort.

In 1944 she met Major Harry Bennett Anderson of Memphis, Tennessee, who at the time was on leave from the Marines visiting his sister in Boston. Harry and Patty met at the U.S. National Doubles Tennis Championships at the Longwood Cricket Club in Boston, which perhaps accounts for their lifelong interest in following tennis championships. On February 10 of the following year, they were married during a heavy snowstorm in Boston and then had a brief honeymoon in Poland Springs, Maine. Within 10 years, they were the parents of four sons and had moved to the north shore of Long Island, Harry by then securing an executive position at Merrill Lynch in New York. In 1958 they settled in the village of Sands Point, where they built and later expanded their house overlooking Manhasset Bay.

Harry became Chairman of Merrill Lynch International, a position that put him in charge of all of Merrill Lynch’s international offices. In that capacity, both Harry and Patty were expected to visit all of the international offices on a regular basis and entertain the office managers and their spouses. It was a job perfectly suited for Patty, who loved traveling and meeting interesting people, and each visit would usually result in some funny incident that she would love to retell. They visited exotic places such as Beirut, Tehran, Johannesburg, Brasília, Buenos Aires, Beijing, and Moscow, as well as all the large financial centers of Europe and Asia. Patty made lifelong bonds with many of the managers and their families, and summers in Sands Point frequently included visits from their international friends passing through New York. A visit to Sands Point always included a relaxing environment, lots of good food cooked by Patty, and entertaining conversation.

Harry and Patty were very involved with the Family Service Association of Nassau County, an organization that helped families in need all over the county. They eventually became board members, retiring from the board only when they moved to Princeton in 1999, at which time FSA honored them at a black-tie banquet and presented them with an ornate plaque commemorating their years of service. In 1967 Patty came up with the idea of hosting a round-robin professional tennis tournament to raise money for FSA. The idea took off quickly and Patty was able to secure the Conolly Gynasium of C. W. Post College on Long Island (converted to an indoor tennis court) and she put together, according to The New York Times, “the biggest amateur indoor tennis event to be held on the island.” Patty was the Tournament Chair and headliners at the event included Billie Jean King, the then-current Wimbledon champion; Chuck McKinley, former Wimbledon title holder and Davis Cup player; Arthur Ashe, who at the time was the ranking amateur player in the country; and other top players. The event was played over two nights to a standing-room only crowd and was covered by the famous tennis journalist Allison Danzig in The New York Times. It was a big success for FSA, and the tournament was held again several times in subsequent years.

Patty and Harry were exceedingly devoted to their family, and they regularly organized extravagant family vacations to exciting places around the country, the Caribbean, and Mexico. They also often invited family on trips to Europe — France being their favorite country — and for more than 20 years they spent part of the summer in Basin Harbor, Vermont, where any family member could join them for a week relaxing on the lake or playing golf.

Patty was probably born 50 years too soon, as she had the executive qualities of organization, planning, and imagination. Given the opportunity, she would have been very successful in any business endeavor she set her mind to. Whenever she undertook a project, she did it with enthusiasm and energy, whether that be organizing a tennis tournament or putting on a sumptuous banquet for guests and family. She was the self-appointed family photographer, a task no one else wanted, but one for which we are eternally grateful when we look back through her beautiful photograph albums commemorating so many happy times. And her signature raspberry pie was so good that it has been adopted by the next generations and will adorn Thanksgiving tables for years to come. She was the glue that held the family together and she was the last surviving member of her generation. Her memory will be forever cherished.

Harry died in 2006 and Patty lived her remaining years at the Windrows retirement community in Princeton. She is survived by sons Alexander M. Anderson (Rebecca), Joseph C. Anderson (Philippa), Jeffrey M. Anderson; daughter-in-law Joie A. Anderson (widow of son Harry, who died prematurely in 1990); grandchildren Claire M. M. Anderson, Elizabeth A. Ray (Neel), Alexander M. Anderson Jr. (Carmen), Christopher A. Anderson, Sara B. Anderson, Louise E. Anderson, and Stephanie M. Anderson; and great-grandchildren Harry Ray and Ella Anderson.

———

Filomena Procaccini

Filomena (Carnevale) Procaccini, 91, of Princeton passed away on July 10, 2023, at Penn Medicine in Plainsboro surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Pettoranello del Molise, Italy. Filomena immigrated to the United States in the 1960s. She started a cleaning service business in the Princeton area. Her customers became like family to her. Filomena had a passion for cooking and baking. She loved to spend time with her family sharing her homemade recipes. She was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Filomena was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her two grandchildren were her world.

Wife of the late Antonino M. Procaccini, daughter of the late Sebastiano and Ermelinda (Paolino) Carnevale, sister-in-law of the late Filomena Carnevale, Luigi Antenucci, Almerindo Sferra, and Gennaro Buono.

Filomena is survived by a daughter Maria A. Procaccini; two grandsons Francesco Montano and fiancée Erin Lortz, Anthony Montano and wife Candice; two brothers and a sister-in-law Raffaele Carnevale, Nicola and Bambina Carnevale; three sisters Annunziata Antenucci, Antonietta Sferra, Vincenza Buono; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members in Italy. 

A mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Monday, July 17, 2023 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 216 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ. Burial followed in Princeton Cemetery, 29 Greenview Avenue, Princeton, NJ.

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

July 12, 2023

Obituaries 7/12/2023

Eleanor Young

Eleanor Mary Parke Young, of Rocky Hill, NJ, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2023 in Hunterdon Medical Center, Flemington, NJ, at that grand age of 96. Born December 30, 1926, she was daughter to Myrtle and William V. Parke of Princeton, NJ. Eleanor was the second oldest of five children.

A longtime resident of both Princeton, NJ, and Rocky Hill, NJ, Eleanor Young enjoyed her last 12 years residing in Irvington, VA, Elkridge, MD, and Ringoes, NJ, with loved ones.

While attending Princeton High School during the height of WWII, she began working as a Switchboard Operator on Nassau Street at Bell Telephone Company. On April 11, 1947, at the age of 20, Eleanor Parke married Otto T. Young Jr., her hometown sweetheart. Together, they shared a beautiful marriage of nearly 30 years before Otto’s
untimely passing.They were blessed with their three daughters and continued to reside in Rocky Hill.

Eleanor was an avid dancer. The family cherished her story of auditioning for the Radio City Rockettes, but she realized city life was not for her. Eleanor carried her talent for dance through life, quickly finding the dance floor to jitterbug, tap dancing in her basement, and in later years becoming a Philadelphia Mummer with The Happy Days String Band. She graced parades with elaborate feathered costumes and white gloved hands. She entertained with the best of them, and kept everyone on their toes with her endless energy. Given the opportunity when asked, Eleanor would always “Rather Be Dancing.”

While keeping an impeccable home, Eleanor dedicated much of her professional life to Mid Atlantic Hospital Association, as assistant convention manager, and to Church World Service CROP, where she managed the Rocky Hill office.She retired in 1997 and remained in her hometown of Rocky Hill, enjoying and maintaining her spectacular peony garden and beloved koi pond. She enjoyed winter trips to Florida, and “tootling” to Ringoes, Baltimore, and Phoenix to visit family.

Eleanor was a member of the Rocky Hill Reformed Church, Rocky Hill Fire Department Auxiliary, Eastern Star, Red Hat Society, and The Princeton Soroptimists Club. While living in Irvington, VA, Eleanor volunteered at the local food pantry and thrift shop. She took pride in the level of support she and her colleagues provided to the local community. She was a gifted letter writer and enjoyed putting pen to paper and sharing her heartfelt thoughts. She always remembered everyone’s birthday and prided herself by sending musical greeting cards to great-grandchildren and loved ones. She scripted beautiful letters adorned with a rose sticker by her signature making everyone feel loved. Christmas morning was not complete without her annual Christmas poem and lovingly decorated envelopes nestled in the Christmas tree.

Eleanor’s grandchildren have fond memories of playing dress up at her vanity, and enjoying sweet Lipton iced tea and Entenmann’s chocolate cake on her patio. It became a tradition for her to take grandchildren for their driver’s tests in her blue Buick Skylark, and give personalized handmade photo albums on their 18th birthdays. Eleanor’s sweet tooth was legendary. She perfected the peanut butter and jelly bean sandwich, always had Juicy Fruit gum in her handbag, taught her great-grandchildren to expect Dove chocolate on her bedside stand, and never turned down a piece of cake.

Eleanor is survived by her daughters Carolyn (Benjamin) Embrey-Foose of Show Low, AZ, Deborah (late Theodore) Cook of Elkridge, MD, and Beverly (Robert) Cramer of Ringoes, NJ; and grandchildren Larry (Leslie) Embrey of Tacoma, WA, Peter (Cathy) Cook of Frankfort, IL, Melissa (Aaron) Fetterolf of Millers, MD, David (Kellie) Cramer of Hopewell, NJ, and Kristin (Adam) Boozer of Elkridge, MD. She also leaves 14 great-grandchildren: Jackson, Bowen, Hannah, Eleanor, Rebecca, Tadd, Whitaker, Temperance, David, Austin, Koal, Declan, Liam, Kaitlyn; and great-great-grandchild Oliver.She was reunited in Heaven with her loving husband, Otto; grandson, Scott; brothers, William, Garrett, Allen; sister, Ruth; and son-in-law, Theodore Cook.

Eleanor wore many hats and adorned many titles. She was lovingly referred to as Mom, Mom-mom, Gigi, and Aunt Elle. She never closed a written letter or shared a personal greeting without a heartfelt hug and, “I love you a bushel and a peck.”It was Eleanor’s signature. She was truly a spectacular woman, and lived a beautiful, rewarding life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a gift or donation be given to a charity of your choice.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 15, 2023, at 11 a.m. in the Kimble Funeral Home, 1 Hamilton Avenue, Princeton, NJ. Calling hours will be held, preceding the service, beginning at 10 a.m. Burial at Rocky Hill Cemetery, Montgomery Avenue, Rocky Hill, NJ, immediately following.

Extend condolences and share memories at TheKimbleFuneralHome.com.

———

George W. Johnson

George W. Johnson, 78, of Princeton died Monday, July 3, 2023 at home. Born in Princeton, he was a lifelong Princeton resident. George was a graduate of St. Paul’s School, the Hun School of Princeton, and was a proud  student at  Lehigh University and was a member of the Theta Delta Chi Fraternity. George was an electrical contractor in the Princeton area his whole life. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Church, a life member of the Mercer Engine Company No. 3 Princeton Hook and Ladder, the Squatters Club, the Lion’s Club of Princeton, and the Harrison Athletic Club. George loved and was very active in flag football.

Son of the late Reuben and Cecelia (McCloskey) Johnson, brother of the late Thomas H. Johnson, brother-in-law of the late Martin F. Nestor, friend and brother-in-law of the late Jeff Lowe, he is survived by his wife of 57 years Catherine (Nestor) Johnson; a son George W. Johnson Jr.; a daughter Brooke A. Johnson; a sister and brother-in-law Margaret “Peggy” and Flavio Fener; three sisters-in-law Josephine Johnson, Lee Nestor, Marta Lowe; three cousins Missy Bruvik, Caroline Clancy, Sue Bruswitz; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by dear friends Noel Sabatino and Doug Hoffman.

A celebration of his life will be held in the spring of 2024.

In lieu of flowers, condolence cards can be sent to PO Box 288, Princeton, NJ 08540.

———

Arlo Dean Duba

Arlo Dean Duba died in Gunnison, CO, June 27, 2023, at the age of 93. He was born in 1929 in Platte, a Czech community in rural South Dakota.

Arlo met Doreen at the University of Dubuque where they were both studying. They were married in 1954. He was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1955. After completing his Ph.D. at Princeton Theological Seminary in 1960, he took a position at Westminster Choir College as Chaplain and Associate Professor of Religion. In 1968, he did post-doctoral research at the Liturgical Institute of Paris. In 1969, he was appointed Director of Daily Chapel Worship and taught worship and liturgical studies in Princeton Theological Seminary. In 1982 he was called to be the Professor of Worship in the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary where he was also the Dean. He was active in the North American Academy of Liturgy, Societas Liturgica, and the Association for Reformed & Liturgical Worship. Dr. Duba’s works continue to guide and renew the practice of worship and give voice to scripture in congregational singing.

Arlo is survived by his wife of 69 years, Doreen E. Duba; his children Paul (Karen) Duba, Bruce (Susan) Duba, John (Carrie) Duba, and Anne (Steven) Duba-Maack, and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Alvera Duba, and his siblings Ralph Duba and Eldora Duba Beeman. He donated his body to the CO State Anatomical Board.

Memorial contributions may be made toward the Arlo Duba Fund at Princeton Theological Seminary at giving.ptsem.edu or PO Box 821, 64 Mercer Street, Princeton, NJ 08542.

———

John Ross Lasley

John Ross Lasley, aka “Big Bad John,” longtime resident of Princeton, NJ, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. John had a long, happy, adventurous, and eventful life. His nickname BBJ was a result of his lifelong journey filled with endless humor and pranks amidst his deep love for his friends and family. He was a motorcyclist, a pilot, a skier, a scuba diver, a fisherman, and an avid reader of the New York Times. John had endless stories about his many adventures, some true.

Here are the facts: John was born in New Haven, CT, on April 15, 1927, the first child of Ross Art Lasley and Harriet May Kingsley Lasley. During his childhood, he lived in Boston, New York City, Westport, CT, and Pelham, NY. He attended Pelham Memorial High School before moving with his family to a Flemington, NJ, farm where John became proficient at milking the cows. That was a job he performed each morning before taking the bus to Somerville High School. After two years, he transferred to Valley Forge Military Academy, graduating in 1945. John then joined the Navy and served at Great Lakes and Corpus Christie, TX. Following his discharge from the Navy, he enrolled at Yale University, leaving after two years to join Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus as a roustabout. According to John, his parents were delighted that he left Yale to join a circus. Such was the sarcasm of Big Bad John.

After his circus experience, he worked as a management consultant for his father’s company, R.A. Lasley Inc., in the Chrysler Building in NYC. There, John met Katharine Parker, of Onancock, Virginia, who was smitten because “his tie was askew.” They married and had four children: Janet, Martha, David, and Tom. During the early fifties, John commuted to NYC, returning home every night to build his house on Cherry Valley Road in Princeton. He and Katharine worked well past dusk many nights. The completed house was where John and Katharine lived for most of the 59 years of their marriage. It was where their children grew up and where BBJ passed away.

In 1956 John went to work for Opinion Research Corporation in Princeton and retired as senior vice-president 29 years later. At that point he opened an office in Princeton for the Wirthlin Group. Finally, in 1994 John really retired.

Through the years John was very active in the community, serving as Executive Director of the Princeton All-Star Fishing Team, Chairman of the Board of Nassau Savings and Loan, Nassau Club President, Rotary Club President, Executive Director of the Jaycee Football Classic, a Director of the Medical Center at Princeton, Chairman of the Princeton Borough Transportation Committee, member of the Elmo’s Eels, and much more. The Princeton Chamber of Commerce once named him Man of the Year. John enjoyed fishing, gardening, Dixieland jazz, fireworks, and cooking.

After Katharine died, John (at the age of 84!) went on match.com. That led to meeting Dottie Batho whom he married in 2013. They found much happiness and love together, and enjoyed entertaining and traveling, taking over 20 trips and cruises, along with many other adventures.

John outlived his first wife Katharine, his daughter Janet, his brothers, Bob and Jerry, and his sister-in-law, Anna. He is survived by his wife Dottie; his children Martha, David, and Tom (Meg); his son-in-law Marc (Sue); his stepchildren Emily, Peter, and John; his grandchildren Jake, Cory (Mike), Woody (Brittany), Caylin (Steve), Charlie, Q, Ever, Cage, and Tru; his great-grandchildren Edward, Archer, Serenity, and Ivy; his step-grandchildren Christina, Victoria, Amanda, and Lilly; his nieces and nephews Johnny, Sue, Roberta, Kate, Dan, Barbara, Susan, Alison, Beth, and Ross; his sisters-in-law Joan, Judy, and Elizabeth; his brother-in-law John; special friend Sam DeTuro; and many other great friends.

Facts are only part of BBJ’s story. It was his engaging personality, amazing adventures and deep relationships that tell the rest of the story. If you want to share a story about John or post a tribute, please go to aloiafuneral.com. When a date is determined, that website will announce the details for a Celebration of John’s Life. We hope you will join us.

If you wish to make a contribution in memory of John, please contribute to NAMI Mercer in Hamilton, NJ, namimercer.org, an organization which meant a great deal to John and his first wife Katharine.

———

Keith T. Larini

In loving memory of Keith T. Larini, who peacefully departed from this world on June 2, 2023, at the age of 70. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

Keith is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years, Jean Larini, who was not only his partner in life but also his source of strength and joy; his two children Todd and Michaela Larini and Jennifer and Jason Spencer; his grandchildren  Sophia, Vincent, and Anthony Larini, Finley and Barrette Spencer; as well as a brother Ken and Maggie Larini and sister Kim and Dom Sferra and nieces; and countless friends.

Keith was born in New Jersey and later became a resident of Princeton, where he established and successfully ran his own painting and construction company.

In 2001, Keith and Jean stumbled upon the enchanting island of St. Croix, USVI and instantly knew they had found their future home.

With determination and perseverance, they made their dream a reality and moved to St. Croix in 2015. Embracing the island life, Keith found solace in being near, in, and around the water. He quickly became an active member of the island community, forming lifelong friendships and cherishing every moment spent in paradise. Keith’s infectious joy was evident as he proudly showcased the beauty of St. Croix to visitors from the states and beyond.

Keith’s departure leaves a void that will be deeply felt, but his memory will forever reside in the hearts of his loved ones. He was a firm believer in celebrating life and always encouraged those around him to embrace each moment.

As Keith would often say, “Let’s get the party started.” Let us raise our glasses and toast to Keith, a remarkable individual who lived life to the fullest and brought immeasurable happiness to those fortunate enough to know him. Cheers to Keith.

———

Phyllis M. Chase

Phyllis M. Chase, 79, of Princeton, passed away on July 9, 2023, at home surrounded by her loving
family. 

Phyllis was born in Elyria, Ohio, but lived in Princeton for the past 48 years. She worked as the travel coordinator for Princeton University for 29 years and was active in Princeton University athletics, known to coaches and athletes through the years. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend. She was kind, thoughtful, and had a smile that would light up a room. She influenced many people in the community and was loved by all who knew her. 

Phyllis is survived by her loving husband Bryce S. Chase; four sons Cory Myers and partner Laura Marks, Kevin Myers, Mathew Myers, Bryce Chase Jr. and daughter-in-law Amy; and daughter and son-in-law Stephanie and Marshall Haegley. She had 10 grandchildren, Bryce M., Court, Mandisa, Irene, Chase, Sophia, Ashton, Amber, Alyssa, Arianna; sister Gail Barney and her partner Sonny Erb; nieces Erin Carpenter and Kristen Barmeu. She had great friends, the “tennis ladies” Maryann, Linda, Bel, and Altina, and her protégée Kim. 

She was predeceased by her parents Robert and Genevieve (Zechman) Murphy. 

Please join us at her Memorial Visitation Thursday, July 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton, NJ (matherhodge.com).  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phyllis’ name to the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, Box 872, Trenton, NJ 08605-0872 (trentonsoupkitchen.org).

June 28, 2023

Obituaries 6/28/2023

Eileen McCoy Whang

August 5, 1958 – June 23, 2023

Eileen McCoy Whang, of Princeton, NJ, died at age 64, at home on June 23, leaving this earthly world in peace.

Selfless and loving, strong-willed, and feisty, Eileen always thought of and put others first, despite the incredible obstacles that she herself faced. She was a natural caregiver, both for her own immediate and extended family, as well as for all those she encountered on a daily basis, personally and professionally. An excellent communicator and a supportive listener, Eileen without fail met everyone on an equal level, easily and uniquely engaging each diverse individual in the warm attentive manner that all who met her doubtless must have felt.

Eileen was predeceased by her father Thomas James McCoy, Jr., her mother Eileen Carey McCoy, and her brother Thomas James McCoy, III. She is survived by her devoted husband KyuJung Whang, daughter Maura Carey Whang and son-in-law Deegan McClung, son Andrew (Drew) James Whang and daughter-in-law Adrienne Polk, and her grandson Remy James Whang, and her spirit welcomes her second grandchild, due in August. She is also survived by numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, cousins, and great friends, too many to count.

Born on August 5, 1958, in Arlington, Virginia, Eileen grew up in Convent Station, NJ, the daughter and younger sister of three strong personalities, who learned together and over time, through their individual and shared life obstacles, that “it’s all about attitude,” and that “if you can’t control it, don’t worry about it,” two refrains that would serve Eileen well throughout her life.

After graduating from Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child in Summit, NJ, Eileen attended Syracuse University, graduating with dual Bachelor of Science Degrees in Human Development and Early Childhood Education in 1980. It was at Syracuse where she met Kyu, and the two shared 42 years together in a remarkable marriage, raising two astounding and steadfast children in the diverse town of Lawrenceville, NJ.

While living in central New Jersey, Eileen spent 15 years teaching at University League Nursery School in Princeton, but devoted much of her time to helping others, notably serving as a tutor for the Literacy Volunteers of America in Mercer County, and remained an ardent proponent and cheerleader of her children’s interests and activities.

In 2006, after Kyu was recruited by Cornell University, Eileen and Kyu relocated back upstate. It was at this time that Eileen came into her role as a dependent care consultant at the University, helping faculty and staff navigate their personal and work lives, which included things like supporting adult children caring for aging parents, a particular life job that Eileen was actively living out herself. She continued her altruistic work while living in Ithaca, which was anchored by her volunteering and nonprofit leadership for the Foodnet Meals on Wheels and the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes, work which was made evermore poignant by her own diagnosis with thymic carcinoma shortly after her move upstate.

Eileen too had three other cancers over the course of her life, but the thymic carcinoma diagnosis in 2007, at age 49, initiated a path of obstacles that Eileen had to navigate for the next 16 years and for the rest of her life. Despite countless chemotherapy and radiation treatments, surgeries, losses of hair, and innumerable hours of exhaustion, uncertainty, and pain, Eileen never let her disease define her or let her family make it their life, though inevitably in many ways it was.

In 2017, Kyu was recruited by Princeton University, so the pair made the move back to central New Jersey. Eileen felt that given some increasing limitations, rather than work she would focus on community service. She served on the Board of the YWCA of Princeton and was deeply involved in an adult tutoring program run by the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, where, despite her personal hurdles, she remained engaged and felt productive giving back and helping others.

In December 2022, Eileen and her family made the difficult but ultimately life-sustaining decision to no longer seek any curative medical treatment. Eileen remained resolute that she was at peace with this decision, had no regrets, lived the life she wanted, and successfully set an example for her children, grandchildren, and others.

Eileen would like to be remembered for what brought her the most happiness and joy: traveling the world with Kyu and her family; enjoying a well-prepared meal; sharing time with friends; amusing in a good novel; ever-seeking knowledge and challenging her own beliefs; dancing with Kyu, and dancing in the rain; taking walks in all four seasons; soaking in the tub; spending time with her family at their homes in Princeton and on Long Beach Island, in particular putting up a good fight in their annual Cocktailfest; visiting her children in New York; delighting in watching her young grandson grow up, and her grandchild-to-be swell in her daughter’s belly; taking comfort in seeing Kyu’s face every time he would come home.

Throughout her life, and in her last six months in particular, not a day passed that Eileen and her family were not aware of the incredible gift of mutual joy and time they shared together, and she felt blessed and beyond fortunate. Eileen undoubtedly considered herself to be a lucky woman, and was more than content in the manner in which she had to leave the family she created behind.

Eileen’s Celebration Service will be held on Saturday, July 1, at 10:30 a.m. at the Princeton University Chapel. Visitation hours will be held the night before at Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, from 4-6 p.m.

Gifts in Eileen’s memory may be made to the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (trentonsoupkitchen.org) or the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes (crcfl.net).

June 21, 2023

Obituaries 6/21/2023

LaFerne S. Keller

LaFerne S. Keller, age 97, died peacefully and went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, May 26, 2023 at her daughter’s home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Richfield, Pennsylvania, on April 1, 1926. She was the first person in her family to graduate from college and earned her degree in Elementary Education from Bloomsburg State Teachers College in 1949.

She began her career teaching first grade in Oxford, NJ, and moved to Princeton, NJ, in 1953 after her marriage to Gene Keller Sr. She continued to teach in Hightstown, NJ, until they started their family.

Even though LaFerne retired from teaching, she continued to be actively involved with children during her lifetime. She spent many years teaching Sunday School, being a Girl Scout Leader and babysitting for her grandchildren.

LaFerne was the leader of both a Girl Scout troop and an Explorer Scout High Adventure Post from 1966-1979. Throughout the years, she remained close to a small core group of girls who affectionately called her “Mom.”

LaFerne had a strong faith and was very active in the churches that she attended. Most recently she attended The Blawenburg Reformed Church where she served as an elder for several years. One of her favorite things to do was to make homemade candy including lollipops, chocolates, and peanut brittle for the church’s annual Christmas bazaar.

She is survived by her loving children Gene H. Keller Jr. of Princeton, NJ, Patricia L. Keller (Joseph Kwiatkowski) of Holland, PA, and Jared M. Keller (Kathryn Williams) of Lambertville, NJ.

She is also survived by her sister Eunice Auker and brother Stanley (LaDonna) Shirk, all residing in Richfield, PA; her two grandchildren, Alex Kwiatkowski of Nashville, TN, and Julianne Kwiatkowski of Wayne, PA; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene H. Keller Sr; her son, Jonathan A. Keller; her sisters Miriam Sheaffer and Naomi Shellenberger; and her brothers Sonny, Donald, and Elvin Shirk.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life Ceremony at Blawenburg Reformed Church on County Highway Route 518 on Friday, June 23 at 3 p.m.

Internment will be on Saturday, June 24 at the Richfield Cemetery at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in LaFerne’s name can be made to The Blawenburg Reformed Church, 424 Route 518, Blawenburg, NJ 08504.

———

Alexander Duane “Sandy” Welch

The world lost a standout man on June 15, 2023 when Alexander Duane Welch passed away peacefully at age 78.

Born in 1944 to the late Barbara and Alexander Welch in Pensacola, Florida, where his father was based in the Navy, Alex was raised to value service and do things properly. But he rebelled when needed. He grew up in Waban, Massachusetts, where the family moved when his father completed his service and became a labor lawyer. His grandfather was the CEO of then Boston institution, department store Jordan Marsh. His grandfather a few greats back, James Duane, was a Founding Father and first post-colonial Mayor of New York City. When Alex grew up, five o’clock cocktail parties, golf events, and charity balls were de rigueur. Alex would caddy and work at Jordan Marsh during his breaks from the Mount Hermon school and around summers with cousins in Maine.

But don’t let this gentility fool you. Serious and devilish in equal measure, Alex had a wicked sense of humor and an endless capacity for practical jokes. If love can be measured by the number of times peanut butter was spread where it didn’t belong (like on telephone earpieces), his family were well-loved. He also had a penchant for small-scale arson. Over the course of his life, carpets, closets, hornet nests, and front lawns were inadvertently burned in the name of ambiance or pest control. And those are just the incidents we know about.

He received an ROTC scholarship and attended Tufts University to study history. After graduating, his service in the Marine Corps brought him to the Defense Language Institute in California (where he learned Indonesian), the USS Intrepid for exercises off the coast of Canada, the DMZ in Korea, and ultimately to Vietnam. The Marine Corps was in many ways his core, the centrifugal force for brotherhood and friendship, and the subject of many a great tale told often late into the night.

After Vietnam, he continued to chart an explorer’s course, raising a family and frequently moving around the world, living in Jakarta, Singapore and Melbourne working for companies like Gillette, L’Oreal, Alcoa, and Richardson-Vicks. When Alex and his first wife divorced, Alex became a full-time Dad with a capital “D” to a 12-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son. He moved back to Melbourne for a job with a digital marketing start-up so his children could be close to extended family there. His hours were long and dinners were feast or famine. His son once ate an apple core. So it was to everyone’s delight that he met Anne Marie, a strong-willed, sensible New Yorker who shared a sense of humor and his passion for learning and curiosity about the world. He convinced her to become his wife and she put things right. They built a life together over 35 years worthy of a novel, living in Hong Kong, Los Angeles, and ultimately Princeton, with many travels in between. Sailing on the Chesapeake was a particular love, and they went on expeditions as often as they could. Both competitive people, there was some vying for the captain role and control of the tiller. But Alex soon realized he was best cast as first mate.

When physical limitations curtailed Alex’s travels, he kept exploring by connecting with others and through books, often on history. The last trip he wanted to take was to the Civil War battlefield in Antietam with his son and the last book he read only weeks before he passed was Ron Chernow’s 1,104-page opus Grant. But even more than his constant curiosity, it was his generosity people valued above all. He had an acute sense of just what people needed — whether you were close family or someone he met in everyday life. Every interaction was an opportunity for connection. And this thread will continue through those who survive him: his wife, Anne Marie; brothers Bruce and Chris; two children, Deanna and Cameron, and their respective partners, Stephen and Carolyn; many cousins; and three beloved grandchildren Ava, Logan, and Owen, who knew him affectionately as Grandpa Sandy. He signed his emails and texts to them: “Love GPS” — a fitting moniker for a man famous for the world’s longest short-cuts.

Service in celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 26 at Nassau Presbyterian Church, where the family are longtime members and grateful for shared comfort in faith.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (mcsf.org).

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

———

Joanne L. Nini

Joanne L. Nini died peacefully, on Tuesday. June 13, 2023, surrounded by family at the age of 91. At 8 years old Joanne (Giovanina) and her mother made the long journey from Pettoranello, Italy, to Princeton, New Jersey. She and her husband Anthony D. Nini owned Nini Chrysler Plymouth, a Princeton institution in its heyday. A homemaker raising five children, her daughter stricken with encephalitis and bedridden, she never wavered in her faith and turned to the Blessed Mother and Padre Pio for strength. She was often heard saying “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade” and she certainly made the sweetest lemonade from her life’s challenges.

Joanne was known for her math mind, creativity, love of a good prank or joke, amazing pizzelles, and knack for finding out your whole life story over a cup of coffee. As a business owner of antique and collectible shops she befriended many. Joanne’s passions were flea markets and horse racing. When she and Tony built their successful racing stable and breeding farm, no one was more proud. She enjoyed time with friends at Monmouth Park. She was an avid bowler bringing home numerous trophies. Her smile shined bright in every room, but it was its brightest at her kitchen table, racing form open, coffee ready, with company coming. With the coffee brewing non-stop she welcomed all to her home. Known as Jenny to her family and childhood friends, she made friendships for life.

Joanne is predeceased by her parents Guido and Maria Teresa, her brother Antonio, her husband Anthony D. Nini, her daughter Kathleen, and her grandson Anthony. She is survived by her children Anthony Nini (Assumpta), Janice Nini Weinberg (Fred), Lynda Petrocelli (Joe), and Patricia Biscardi (Tom); sisters Antoinette Nelson (Nils) and Gloria Hutchinson (Bob); grandchildren Bradford Schreffler, Kristin Santizo (Milton), Elliott Schreffler, Ariela Weinberg-Shibre (Biniyam), Melissa Nini (John Tenuto), Andrew Nini, Nicole Petrocelli, Joseph Petrocelli, Kristina Biscardi (Joe Vare), Thomas Biscardi, and Amanda Biscardi; great-grandchildren Rocco Nini, Westin Nini, Angelo Santizo, Roman Santizo, and Aviel Shibre; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; a most dear friend, by her side throughout, Beverly DiBenedetto; and her exceptional caregivers Judi and Zena.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Paul Parish, 216 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542 followed by burial in Princeton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Princeton-Pettoranello Sister City Foundation or St. Paul Parish.

Extend condolences and share memories at TheKimbleFuneralHome.com.

———

Elizabeth Irene Shields

Elizabeth Irene Shields, 100, a longtime and beloved school nurse in the South Brunswick school system, died peacefully at home in Kendall Park, NJ, her two daughters by her side, on Wednesday, June 14.

Known by her middle name, Irene is the widow of Princeton native Thomas Francis Shields, a World War II U.S. Marine veteran who died in March 2000 after their 51 years of marriage.

She was born on a farm in Warwick Township in Chester County, Pennsylvania, on February 6, 1923, the fourth of 12 children of the late businessman farmer William M. Painter and onetime schoolteacher Grace Anne McCord Painter.

Her modest upbringing was typical of farming families that once formed the bedrock of America but today are so few. No shoes in the summer, washing in a basin or the creek, starting out in a one-room schoolhouse and Sundays at the country church built by her grandfather. She learned, by necessity, to sew — a skill she transmitted to her daughters — and suffered her brothers’ antics in the days when kids made their own fun. All honed a perseverance and work ethic that stood her through life.

Home life centered around the kitchen, evenings on the porch. Charity was primordial, notably during the Depression. Irene remembers her mother having “John the Bum,” a local vagrant, come eat with the family despite their many mouths. And living was frugal. Irene was enchanted the first time she saw a real magazine at an aunt’s house. At home, their only dream book was the “Sears and Roebuck” catalogue, whose pages did double duty in the outhouse.

After high school, she graduated from the Reading Hospital School of Nursing in Pennsylvania and landed her first job in 1944 at the former Princeton Hospital on Witherspoon Street, living in the nurses’ quarters nearby.

It was in Princeton where she met her future husband at a gathering of young nurses and soldiers, shortly before the men’s deployment overseas. Tom tore a dollar in two and said if I come back we’ll join the halves. He did, after heavy battle in the Pacific. The rest is history.

They married in 1948, settling downtown on Maple Street, with two daughters born in the next four years.

In 1957, the family moved to Kendall Park, a post-war development just north of Princeton that attracted many veterans thanks to the GI Bill and spawned a thriving community with elementary schools, a newspaper, and a shopping center.

Irene helped transform their brand new barren lot, transplanting peonies, irises, lilacs, and Rose of Sharon from her parents’ farm along with the cherished rain lilies in the family for generations.

On Sundays she made the same “creamed eggs on toast” she had been served in her own childhood after church, a dish her family had dubbed “eggs à la Goldenrod” for a touch of class.

When ready to return to work, Irene developed the nursing program for Kendall Park’s three new elementary schools, remaining until 1967 when she moved on as the first nurse at the newly opened Crossroads Middle School in nearby Monmouth Junction.

She was a loyal team member much loved by staff and students, many of whom remember her until this day. Her quiet and calm demeanor held forth not only through minor student problems but many emergencies.

Irene’s huge extended family was all important. She joined them every Thanksgiving and for old-fashioned family reunions every June in Pennsylvania.

She is survived by her two daughters, Renee Shields of Grand Junction, Colorado, and Nancy Shields of Paris, France, as well as two grandsons, Matthew Marino — and his partner Charlotte Vinet — and their son Miles, and Michael Marino, all of Paris.

A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she and her late husband were very close to their daughters despite the distance, traveling many times to Europe and the western U.S. to places they might never have seen otherwise.

She is predeceased by seven of her 12 siblings: Robert, Grace, Gross and Fred Painter, Ada Philips, Virginia Smith, and Minnie Kemp.

Her surviving sister and brothers are Narrie Herr of Maryland, Hunter Painter of Ohio, and Hervey and Jesse Painter of Pennsylvania. She also leaves behind 16 nieces and nephews and many more great-nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton.

Viewing will be Wednesday June 21 from 12 to 1 p.m. at the funeral home with a service immediately after. Burial will follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery, Nassau Street, Princeton.

Friends and family of the deceased who wish can access the website at matherhodge.com to extend sympathies and find details regarding the memorial.

June 14, 2023

Obituaries 6/14/2023

William D. Hogan

William D. Hogan, 84, of Princeton passed peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 7 following a courageous 12-week battle with peritoneal cancer.

Born in Paterson, NJ, and raised in Hawthorne, he was predeceased by his parents Caroline and William L. Hogan; his brother Richard F. Hogan; his sister Maureen Hogan; and his daughter Erin Doreen Curcio.

Bill leaves behind his beloved wife Elaine (nee Martinetti); his daughter Kimberly and Karl Moore of New Hope; his son William P. Hogan of Hamilton; his adored grandchildren Audra (21) and Logan (16); his brother Kevin Hogan of Pickerington, OH; his son-in-law Shawn Curcio of Lenoir, NC; and many nieces and nephews.

A loyal Son of Xavier High School ’56 in Manhattan, Bill graduated as an ROTC Captain, and believed his Jesuit education became the foundation of his independent thinking, respect for hard work, and positive attitude.

He earned a BS and MA from Montclair State College, and began teaching math and coaching basketball at DePaul High School in Wayne and Our Lady of the Valley in Orange. At 28, he was recruited by IBM starting in their Cranford office, promoted to the Strategic Planning Staff at headquarters in Armonk, NY, and became sales manager when the Trenton office opened. He moved to Lawrenceville, and in 1969 was named basketball coach at Notre Dame High School.

He owned Hogan’s Restaurant and Carnegie Hall in Lawrenceville for 10 years.

Bill owned an executive search firm specializing in placing salespeople throughout the United States. He subsequently founded Hogan Leadership Group, a consulting firm working with small businesses to develop and grow their companies. He wrote and published three consulting books for his clients to use as reference tools. They included his trademark storytelling, time management and hiring skills, and an honest approach to selling. His third book, Stop Selling, is still being sought on Amazon.

He proudly served on the Board of Stuart Country Day School and was a longtime member of The Bedens Brook Club. 

Bill’s love of basketball was lifelong. He and Elaine were season ticket holders for Princeton University basketball for over 25 years where he shared many nights critiquing the game in the stands with Pete Carril. This year, he won the 2023 Moore Family March Madness Challenge trophy which his daughter, Kimberly, proudly presented to him.

Bill had a lifelong respect and passion for the game of golf. He was the first known player to shoot his age at Bedens Brook with a score of 73. Subsequently, he shot his age 18 times. In 21 years, he played 4,051 rounds of golf averaging over 200 rounds per year. He also had three holes-in-one. Two at Bedens Brook and one at Querencia, in Cabo San Lucas. He was truly the Bedens Brook Legends Club Champion and was honored this week with Mens Day being renamed The Hogan. His walk, smile, and swing will grace the course forever.

At age 19, Bill was honored to caddie for the legendary golfer, Ben Hogan, at a tournament at Ridgewood Country Club.

His passion for work and sports golf, basketball, tennis, and skiing were only surpassed by his love and unwavering commitment to his family, friends, and Catholic faith.

SON OF XAVIER, MARCHING ON!

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 17 at the Church of St. Ann, 1253 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648. Visitation will be in the church chapel from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Bill’s memory to Stuart Country Day School, 1200 Stuart Road, Princeton, NJ 08540.

Arrangements are under the direction of The Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08542.

———

William Louis Howarth

William Louis Howarth died peacefully at the Princeton Medical Center on June 6, 2023, of interstitial lung disease. He was 82.

Will was born in Minneapolis, grew up in Springfield, Illinois, and received a B.A. from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign in 1962 and a Ph.D. in English from the University of Virginia in 1967. He was a member of the Princeton University faculty for 51 years, specializing in American Studies, literary nonfiction, and eco-criticism. He served as Editor-in-Chief of The Papers of Henry D. Thoreau, wrote 14 books, reported on literary America for the National Geographic Society, and was a founding member of the Princeton Environmental Institute.

He is survived by his wife, Anne Matthews, three siblings, and a daughter and a son.

There will be no services, but gifts in his memory to the Ridgeview Conservancy of Princeton or to the Friends of the Princeton University Library are appreciated.

———

Maxine A. Gurk
August 28, 1928 – June 7, 2023

Maxine A. Gurk, a longtime resident of Princeton, passed away at home on June 7, 2023. She was predeceased by her husband, Herbert M. Gurk in 2013. She is survived by her children Lisa Gurk Herman (Michael) of New Orleans, LA, David Gurk of Ann Arbor, MI, and Rebecca Gurk (Stuart Mangel) of Columbus, OH; her grandchildren Katie (Mike Noble) and Peter Herman, Josh, Molly, and Ben Mangel; and her great-grandson, August Noble.

Born to the late Bernard and Helen Auerbach, Maxine was raised in Philadelphia. In 1960 she moved to Princeton with her husband where they found a welcoming community and formed lasting friendships. Maxine was a frequent participant in charitable activities for the town and the local chapters of Hadassah and Jewish Women International. As a JWI member, she visited numerous schools, inspiring children with stories about heroes who fought for tolerance. She was deeply involved in the Princeton Jewish Center and served as president of its Women’s Division. Before Princeton Borough and Township consolidated, Maxine served for many years on the Joint Commission on Aging.

As a senior in high school, Maxine chose between two great interests: art and education of young children. She was awarded a scholarship to Moore College of Art but instead accepted one to the University of Pennsylvania, receiving her BS in Education in 1950. While at Penn, she combined her two passions by teaching ceramics at a South Philadelphia settlement house. After graduating, she taught first grade at the University of Pennsylvania’s Illman-Carter Children’s School, where she served as a demonstration teacher for educators from across the country and abroad. During that time, Maxine earned a qualification for teaching the deaf from Temple University, which she used to teach preschoolers at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf and teenagers at the Society of the Friends of the Deaf in Philadelphia.

Maxine met and fell in love with her future husband, Herb, in 1951 while working as an arts and crafts counselor at Indian Lake Camp in the Pennsylvania Poconos, where he was also a camp counselor. They married in December 1952.

For the last 22 years of her career, Maxine worked at the Rocky Hill Cooperative Nursery School, serving as head teacher and director. She daily marveled at her good fortune to have a job she loved so much. In her retirement, her pleasures included writing memoirs and poetry and continuing her lifelong love of art as a prolific painter, using various media with an emphasis on watercolor. For several years she was the co-curator of the Princeton Jewish Center’s art gallery and, after moving to Princeton Windrows, served as an illustrator for a number of Windrows publications. She also enjoyed volunteering in the Grand-Pals program of the Princeton Senior Resource Center, as an English as a Second Language teacher, and as a tutor in Mercer County Community College’s Adult Literacy Program.

Services were held at The Jewish Center in Princeton followed by burial in Beth Israel Cemetery, Woodbridge, NJ.

Donations in memory of Maxine Gurk may be made to The Jewish Center of Princeton (thejewishcenter.org/donation) or the Princeton Senior Resource Center (princetonsenior.org/support/donate).

Extend condolences and share memories at TheKimbleFuneralHome.com.

———

Martha Kingsley

Martha Kingsley passed away at Stonebridge at Montgomery in Skillman, NJ, on June 2, 2023.

Martha was born in Vienna, Austria, on July 7, 1925. At the young age of 13, she was forced, by Hitler’s advance into Austria, to leave her family behind and travel solo to New York aboard the Queen Mary. This was the beginning of the indomitable spirit that she demonstrated throughout her life. There she resided with her aunt and uncle until seven years later after the war when her mother and father were finally able to rejoin her.

She met her beloved husband, Ben, in a swimming pool in New York City where she mistakenly entered the deep end of the pool, and then suddenly had to call for help because she was not able to tread water.  Ben happened to be substituting for his cousin as a lifeguard that day, even though he actually had no training. He subsequently went in to try to “save” her, and Martha ended up pulling him down as well, inspiring one heroic soul to jump in and save the both of them! That was the beginning of a wonderful union which lasted 50 years until Ben’s passing, producing three sons, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren!

Martha graduated from Julia Richman High School in Manhattan in 1942. Her senior yearbook memorably characterized her as a “sweet and sincere friend of the truest blend.” After 20 years of childraising, Martha was determined to go back to school, and subsequently obtained her teaching degree from Trenton State College.  She then taught for over 21 years in first grade in the Mill Lake School in Monroe, New Jersey. Martha used to joke that she “never graduated from first grade,” but that turned out to be a great benefit to the many students that were shaped and touched by her teaching.

At the end of her teaching career, her friends and colleagues wished her a proverbial “long and healthy retirement.” Little did they know how prescient that would be, as she pursued a healthy and active retirement for the next 34 years. During that time, she made good on some lifelong desires such as trying her hand at painting (she ended up producing more than 50 paintings in her Senior Center class) and taking trips around the world. She enjoyed many diverse experiences on those trips such as riding on an elephant or in a rickshaw in India; visiting Buddhist temples in Thailand; praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem; cruising along the Rhine in Germany; donning a kimono in Japan; and coming full circle by going back to her home in Vienna, which she had been forced to leave some 50 years prior.

Not surprisingly, she always told anyone willing to listen (and usually more than once) that she had lived a wonderfully full life, had no regrets, and was SO grateful for everything, and most especially her beloved family! Perhaps that attitude was part of the “secret sauce” that enabled her to live until the ripe “young” age of 97.

At Stonebridge, where she lived out her remaining 13 years, she couldn’t walk through the hallways without numerous residents and staff members stopping her along the way with a warm greeting and a smile. One staff member commented that she’s “kind of like a legend around here.” Another said that Martha looked at her like an adopted daughter. What always stood out for those of us who knew and loved her were the warmth and kindness we could see shining through her eyes!

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 16, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Stonebridge at Montgomery, 100 Hollinshead Spring Road, Skillman, NJ  08558.

Extend condolences and share memories at TheKimbleFuneralHome.com.

June 7, 2023

Obituaries 6/7/2023

Naomi Kark Schedl

Naomi Kark Schedl passed away on May 10, 2023. She was born on January 12, 1920 in Cape Town, South Africa. She was the daughter of Dr. Solomon Ezekiel Kark and Rebecca Rossenstein and had two older siblings, Robert and Bernard.

Naomi matriculated with honors from the Good Hope School in Cape Town. She came to the USA in 1941 to attend Radcliffe. When she arrived, she discovered that Radcliffe was a women’s school and she didn’t want to go to a college segregated by sex. She also wanted to be an artist, but found out that Radcliffe only offered a degree in art history. So, she went looking for other schools and discovered that there was a School of Fine Arts that was connected to Yale and was co-educational. She enrolled in the Yale University School of Fine Arts and received her BFA in 1943 and her MFA in 1944. In her memoir she writes that she wanted to take courses in Yale College but that was forbidden, while in the Fine Arts classes she and other women were made to sit at the back of the lecture hall. During the 1944-45 school year she taught Art at Salem College, in Winston Salem, North Carolina.

In 1945 she married Harold Schedl, a Yale graduate, who was then working on his PhD. The family moved to Iowa City, IA, in 1950 when Harold began Medical School at the University of Iowa. Naomi taught art to children. When Harold graduated, the family moved to Bethesda, MD, where Naomi did post-graduate work in fiber art at American University (Washington, DC).

After the family returned to Iowa City, she began teaching Fiber Art in the University of Iowa Home Economics Department. Eventually her Fiber Art classes were cross-listed with the University’s School of Art and Art History. She was then tasked with developing a graduate program which emphasized Fiber Art. In addition to Fiber Art, Naomi was an accomplished painter. She exhibited her fiber art and other art work in national and international one person and group shows and received a number of awards and University grants. Her artwork is displayed in museums and in other public and private collections. She wrote art reviews and was featured in several issues of American Craft and Fiber Arts. She also organized multiple workshops. She is the author and illustrator of a children’s book, A Sea Voyage to Africa.

Naomi is survived by three sons, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

———

Mike Joye

Erwin Michael “Mickey” Joye of Pamplico, SC, and Princeton, NJ, passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2023 after battling Parkinson’s disease for more than a decade. He was 78 years old. Our hearts are heavy with loss but also full of joy and gratitude for the time we shared with him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Lucy (Sticco), his eldest son and daughter-in-law, his younger son and fiancée, a grandson, three siblings and their spouses, and a multitude of caring extended family and friends. He is predeceased by his parents and two brothers.

Mike was born on October 16, 1944 to Amy (Evans) and Acue “Stoll” Joye and grew up in the small farming community of Pamplico. During summers he cropped tobacco on his Grandaddy Evan’s farm alongside family members. Sandlot baseball and “half rubber” matches filled his early years. He was a proud member of the Pamplico High School basketball team when they won the state championship. He shared in the Southern heritage unique to the Pee Dee region. The values of hard work, honesty, and perseverance learned during these years always remained with him. Though his Southern accent could wax and wane from day to day, his love for those in his home state was a steadfast part of his identity.

Mike attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. He was awarded a four-year Navy ROTC scholarship for his undergraduate education. The first two years of his military assignments were as a naval officer at sea. Upon completion of his duties, he was discharged in 1970 from the U.S. Naval Station in Brooklyn, NY, as a Lieutenant, receiving a letter of commendation stating: “Your leadership, intelligence, and self-discipline have been in the highest tradition of the United States Navy.” Mike’s four-year service was an important part of his life. He often said that the responsibilities required to fulfill his military duties shaped his future.

Three years later in 1973, Mike earned the degree of Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School. He was recognized as a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar for outstanding academic achievement. Mike launched his professional career in the New York City law firm LeBoeuf, Lamb, Leiby and McCrae where he became a partner in the practice of insurance law. Mike believed in working hard and playing hard, and he unfailingly arranged his busy schedule to play short stop for the inter-firm softball games that he enjoyed.

Mike had an adventurous spirit and an open inquisitiveness about the world. From 1978-1980, he took a hiatus from the law firm to teach constitutional law at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Nigeria, during that country’s transition from a military dictatorship to a constitutional government modeled on the U.S. Together, he and Lucy traveled widely throughout northern Africa and experienced the languages, foods, and traditions of the people along their journeys. Their travels furthered their respect and appreciation for different cultures.

Upon returning home to the U.S., Mike continued to practice insurance law as general counsel at American Insurance Group (AIG), Reliance Insurance Company, and American Reinsurance Company. Throughout his legal career, Mike developed a reputation for his keen intellect, good judgment, and honesty. He used his abilities in combination with an unrelenting work ethic to help resolve complex issues for his clients. Later in life, he applied these skills to public service as a member elected to the Montgomery Township Council.

Despite long commutes, longer office hours, and frequent business trips, family was Mike’s priority. No matter how busy, he always made time to help his children with homework, offer wise advice, and engage in the lives and the laughter of his sons and their friends, often hauling them to early morning ice hockey games in the big red family van with the notorious “JOYBOYS” vanity plates. Those who knew him remember his contagious optimism, intelligence, and broad knowledge of history and sports, especially the Yankees and his alma mater UNC Tarheels basketball team.

We miss Mike dearly.

Memorial services are planned in Princeton, NJ, and Pamplico, SC.

In lieu of flowers the family would be grateful for donations made to support the work of Mike’s neurologist, Dr. Matthew Swan, for Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders at Mount Sinai Hospital NY at: http://giving.mountsinai.org/movement.

———

David M. Mackey

David Maurice Mackey passed away on May 23, 2023, in the Health Care Center at Stonebridge at Montgomery in Skillman, New Jersey. At the time of his death, he was suffering from esophageal cancer. Born on July 24, 1934, in Washington, D.C., to Justus Umsted Mackey and Isabel Louise Mackey nee Cathey, David grew up in suburban Washington and graduated from Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, Virginia. Following high school, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education in 1957 from Kutztown University. After two brief years as an art teacher, he was called to serve in the United States Army in Heidelberg, Germany, where he was a feature writer/photographer for regional military newspapers. Upon discharge in 1960 he returned to teaching and began what would become a 33-year career as a beloved art teacher in the Princeton regional school district, retiring in 1993.

During his 33-year career, David was active in organizations promoting education and teaching. At various times, he served as President and Vice-President of the Princeton Regional Education Association; as Recording Secretary, Vice-President, and President of the Mercer County Education Association; and as President of the Art Educators of New Jersey. In 1986, the Art Educators of New Jersey presented David with their “Outstanding Art Educator Award” and a Life Membership.

David was widely known for his interest in railroading and was an avid train-chaser and collector of railroad memorabilia. He served as President of the New Hope Steam Trains Foundation for two years and, when he had time, worked for the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad moving freight between points south and west of New Hope.

He was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Hopewell Museum, and eventually served as their President. In retirement, he kept up his interest in art education as a Docent for the Princeton University Art Museum.

David is predeceased by his younger sister Micki and his beloved wife of 32 years, Rebecca Sachs Mackey. He is survived by his brother- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and their children.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society, to the Princeton High School Scholarship Fund at Fund101.org/donate, or to the Hopewell Museum, 28 East Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ 08525.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cromwell Memorial Home in Pennington.

———

Assunta Sferra

Assunta Sferra, 91, of Princeton passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. She was born in 1931 in Pettoranello del Molise, Italy. In 1969 she arrived in Princeton, NJ, where she was a lifelong resident. Assunta was a housewife who enjoyed cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family.

Predeceased by her parents Dominico and Angela (Toto) Sferra; husband Oreste Sferra; and brothers Tony, John, and Joe; she is survived by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Bert and Ester Sferra, and Flory and Patricia Sferra; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 9:30–10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at St. Paul’s Church, 216 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542 with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Princeton Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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

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Vladimir Visnjic

Vladimir Visnjic, a particle physicist and active member of the Princeton community, passed away on May 30, 2023 at 76 years of age, three months after the passing of his beloved wife Georgia.

Vladimir was born in Belgrade in the former Yugoslavia. Despite their limited means, his parents managed to enroll him in one of the best schools in the country: the Classical Gymnasium. While there, he excelled in all subjects, especially Latin, Ancient Greek, and Mathematics. He went on to study electrical engineering at university, before dedicating the rest of his career to physics.

From a young age he exhibited a knack for learning new languages (eventually mastering seven), which opened up many doors for him in life, beginning with a physics internship in Paris while still a university student. Needing to get from Belgrade to Paris but possessing minimal funds, he made the 1200-mile trek on a tiny motorcycle that broke down several times along the way. While in Paris, he lived in a tent and supported himself financially by unloading trucks at a farmer’s market every morning before heading to the physics institute. Through hard work and perseverance, he gained admission to a doctoral program at the University of Bonn in West Germany. There he wrote a PhD thesis on quantum chromodynamics and met his future wife and mother of his children, the mathematician Georgia Triantafillou.

In 1979, Vladimir and his wife left Europe and came to the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, where they made friendships that have lasted to this day. Over the next two decades Vladimir published influential articles in particle physics and held posts at NYU, Fermilab, the University of Minnesota, the Max Planck Institute in Munich, and the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste. After many wanderings, he and his family returned to Princeton for good in 1996. Vladimir spent the last two and a half decades of his life teaching advanced mathematics at Temple University in Philadelphia.

Vladimir was known for his inquisitive mind and his fun-loving, adventurous spirit. He enjoyed taking his wife and two kids on trips to go skiing, camping, fishing, and exploring foreign countries. His house parties resembled the salons one reads about in novels, attracting a colorful assortment of characters including artists, musicians, and intellectuals of various stripes. He was a generous host who offered guests copious amounts of homemade wine and huge quantities of delicious meat roasted on a stainless-steel rotisserie grill that he had built himself in his university’s machine shop.

His inquisitive spirit permeated all aspects of his life. He loved taking things apart to figure out how they worked and then putting them back together again. He could fix anything from a broken toilet to a defective vehicle. He never cooked the same dish in the same way twice but made every meal a new experiment. When preparing his famous feasts, he was known to get engrossed in a conversation and forget the food in the oven, only to remember to take it out at the perfect moment for optimal deliciousness.

As parents, Vladimir and his wife Georgia always strove to foster their kids’ scientific curiosity. Every family dinner was an invitation to think creatively and critically about the world. And they made sure to have dinner as a family every night. Their children went on to become successful academics in their own right, both receiving PhDs from Princeton University.

Vladimir could hold engaging conversations on any subject. A friend who visited him on his last day of full consciousness reported that, in the space of an hour, Vladimir chatted about the relationship between quantum gravity and field theories, interesting features of Latin grammar, and the scenes depicted on Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery door in Florence. Little did he know that in three days he would be passing through the same gate.

Vladimir is survived by his two children (Katerina and Vanya “Jack” Visnjic) and five granddaughters (Zoe, Alexandra, Lydia, Athena, and Selena). Following his wishes, the funeral will be held in Greece, where he will be buried next to his wife.

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

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Hal “Red” Ross
July 5, 1934 – May 21, 2023

Hal was raised in and around Princeton, NJ, in a loving farming family affected, like many, by the Great Depression. He was gifted with a strong mind and body and a will to succeed, all of which served him well in life. Excelling in mathematics and statistics, he put his efforts towards a notable career in Market Research, co-founding and managing Mapes & Ross Advertising Research for 30 years. He was a leading authority in the field and was frequently quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Advertising Age, and other journals.

Even with all his career achievements, he defined himself first as a father and excelled at the role. He raised two sons and a daughter with bottomless affection, support, and engagement. He loved to coach kids’ baseball and football and was highly involved with the Princeton YMCA swim center. Active in community service, he participated in the Princeton Rotary Club for decades.

He loved to mingle with witty, positive people, and could deftly deliver a joke or funny story to light up the room. If rock ‘n’ roll or country music played, his feet were moving. The man could dance. His charm was legendary.

He loved sports, and played many well. Over time he mostly gravitated to skiing. This passion grew from regular family weekends at Elk Mountain, Pennsylvania, and eventually led to his retirement in Sun Valley, Idaho where his sons had previously relocated. The free spirit culture of Idaho suited him well and he effortlessly found his place among the colorful local ski town characters.

Hal is survived by his sons Peter and Brian, sister Dorothy, brother-in-law Bruce, and nephews Doug and Chris. He will be sorely missed. Perhaps his only goal left unfinished was a tireless campaign to rid menus of garlic and onions.

He will be laid to rest next to his daughter Jennifer in the Princeton Cemetery. A casual dress celebration of his life will be held at the Nassau Club at 3 p.m. on Saturday June 10.

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Ernest Monge

It is with great sadness that the family of Ernest Monge of Princeton, NJ, announces his passing on May 27, 2023. It was very sudden. He was 86 years old.

Ernie had an amazingly rich and varied life. He was a true Renaissance man. Born in Quito, Ecuador, Ernie moved to the United States as a young man in 1960 after spending two years teaching in the Galapagos Islands under the direction of the Franciscans. He had contemplated a religious career but instead followed his sister Josephine’s footsteps and moved to Yonkers, NY. There he enrolled and graduated from Fordham University.

His first job was with the Bank of Nova Scotia in New York City. The bank turned out to be his only employer. Ernie had a distinguished 40-year career. Although he had always been based in New York City, he had several postings in Latin America. Ernie had a talent for languages (he knew at least seven); he was a skillful diplomat and he truly loved people. He was an invaluable member of the Scotia Bank family.

Ernie left Woodside, NY, and moved to East Windsor in 1986 and then to Princeton in 1992. He retired in 2006, five years after the 9/11 tragedy which he witnessed and then survived. In retirement he dedicated his time to his passions of travel, cooking, and writing. He became a historian and biographer and was recognized in both Ecuador and Spain for his historical contributions.

Ernie was a beloved member of his family in the United States, Canada, Ecuador, and Europe. He was a father to his siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was a man of great faith and was wise, generous, and always there. His laughter was outrageous and infectious. There will never be another Ernie.

Ernie was predeceased by his parents Ernesto Celiano Monge and Elsa Maria Zambrano; his sisters Elsa and Veronica (Uscocovich); and his friend Roy Anderson. He is survived by his sisters Josephine (Schmeisser) of Princeton, NJ, and Rosemarie (Kosar); brothers Rodrigo and Edward; niece Josephine Law of Princeton, NJ, and her children Anastasia and Oliver; 12 nieces and nephews; and 14 great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 7,, 2023 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. and on Thursday, June 8, 2023 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08542. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 12 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church, 216 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542 followed by burial in Princeton Cemetery.

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

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Vivian B. Shapiro

Vivian B. Shapiro, MSW, PhD, the beloved wife of Harold T. Shapiro, passed away on May 29, 2023 following a brave battle with a long illness. Vivian is survived by her husband, Harold T. Shapiro, and her four daughters, Anne (Joseph Kabourek), Marilyn (Ralph Schapira), Janet (Steve Eisenberg), and Karen (Susan Goodin), in addition to her 11 grandchildren, Joseph, Sarah Laura, Emily, Alex, Aaron, Teddy, Jared, Corey, Jacob, and Sophia, and six great grandchildren.

Born and raised in Montreal, Canada, Vivian first moved to the United States when her husband attended graduate school at Princeton University. The family then moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where they lived until their return to Princeton in 1988, when Harold became the president of Princeton University. In Montreal, Ann Arbor, and Princeton, Vivian had many close friends and colleagues with whom she remained in touch throughout her life.

In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Vivian earned her MSW from the University of Michigan School of Social Work in 1969. In 1970, Vivian joined the Child Development Project at the University of Michigan. There, her work with her colleagues led to new ways of working with parents and children, including early understanding of the intergenerational transmission of trauma. Vivian was a co-author, with her mentor Selma Fraiberg, and colleague Edna Adelson, of “Ghosts in the Nursery,” a groundbreaking article in the field of infant, child, and caregiver mental health. Ultimately, Vivian joined the University of Michigan School of Social Work and retired as an Associate Professor Emerita of Social Work in 1988.

In 1988, Vivian relocated to Princeton when her husband became the president of Princeton University. She continued her own work; earning her PhD in Social Work at Smith College in 1994, and continuing to explore new ways to support the well-being of children and families. In 2001, Vivian published a book entitled Complex Adoption and Assisted Reproductive Technology: A Developmental Approach to Clinical Practice, which she co-authored with her colleague, Isabel Paret, and her daughter, Janet Eisenberg.

In addition to her devotion to her family and friends, and to her life’s work, Vivian was deeply involved in community services. As a board member of the Children’s Home Society, Vivian worked to introduce new approaches to infant and early childhood mental health to the organization. Vivian’s deep contributions to the Children’s Home Society were recognized in 2022 when the Vivian B. Shapiro Early Childhood Center was opened in Trenton, NJ.

The family wishes to express its gratitude to all who meant so much to Vivian during her life, and who did so much to support Vivian and her extended family through Vivian’s illness.

Private family services honoring the life of Vivian were held on May 30, 2023.

Funeral arrangements are by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel. For condolences, please visit OrlandsMemorialChapel.com.

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Robert Conant Ellis
September 2, 1931 – June 3, 2023

Robert C. Ellis, permanent resident of Falmouth, MA, and former resident of Princeton, NJ, from 1975 to 2002, died peacefully at Falmouth Hospital on Saturday June 3, 2023 after a recent illness. He was 91 years old.

Robert graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1953, and earned an MBA at Boston College and Masters of Library Science from Rutgers University. He worked in market research for several corporations including Pan Am Airlines, Arthur D Little, American Express, Dun & Bradstreet, Fidelity Union, and AT&T until his retirement in 1994. He also was an author of the book, Cape Cod Yesteryears – The Life and Short Stories of Eleanor Conant Yeager.

He served as Naval Officer during the Korean War 1954-1957.

He is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth (Bill) of New Ipswich, NH, and Gail (Jeff) of Fair Haven, NJ; his sons, Robert Jr. (Bonnie) of Pleasantville, NY, Peter (Merceditas Villanueva) of New Haven, CT, David of Brooklyn, NY, Stephen of Meriden, CT, and Bruce (Shelley Bennett) of San Diego, CA; and 15 grandchildren.

Bob is survived by wife Pat Ellis, a retired registered nurse and faithful companion particularly during years when his memory began to fail. Bob also leaves behind Pat’s five children and eight grandchildren whom he loved.

Bob has a sister Rosemary and brother-in-law Ed Currant of Plymouth, Mass., and a sister-in-law Jay Ellis of California. Bob is predeceased by his brother William and his first wife, Joanne Marie Hynes Ellis.

Bob and the Ellis children attended the Princeton School System as well as Lawrenceville Prep, were a part of the Princeton Community Tennis program, attended St. Paul’s Church, and his first wife Joanne served on the Princeton Board of Education.

The family would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Falmouth Hospital, Laurentide Memory Care, Royal Cape Cod Rehabilitation, and Southcoast VNA Hospice Services who provided exceptional care and comfort to Bob.

Funeral mass will be held on Monday, June 12 at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, 511 Main Street, Falmouth, MA. Burial immediately following at St. Anthony’s Church, 167 E. Falmouth Highway, E. Falmouth, MA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bob’s memory to: The Conant House, Falmouth Historical Society 55 Palmer Ave, Falmouth, MA 02540, (508) 548-4857; Catholic Relief Services, 228 W. Lexington Street, Baltimore, MD, (377) 435-7277; or Wounded Warrior Project — Woundedwarriorproject.org.