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.

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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.

———

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.

———

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.

———

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.

———

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.

———

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.

May 31, 2023

Obituaries 5/31/2023

Nancy Groves Manning

Nancy Groves Manning passed away on May 11, 2023. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Winton Howard Manning in 2004. Born on December 29, 1934, in St. Louis, Missouri, she was the daughter of Clara Mercedes Groves and George Breckenridge Groves. Although an only child, Nancy grew up in with a large extended family in a multi-generational home with her grandparents, Clara and Albert Groves; her mother; an aunt and uncle, Phyllis and Walter Heimbuecher; and cousins, Judy Heimbuecher Habighorst and Gail Heimbuecher Hamilton. She attended John Burroughs School in Ladue, graduating in 1952. Nancy had a great talent for drama, and dreamt of becoming an actor. She pursued acting while in college, and starred in many roles, including Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth. Nancy earned her undergraduate degree from Washington University in 1956. She later earned her doctorate in psychology from the same institution.

While taking graduate classes in psychology, she met a handsome young teaching assistant, Winton H. Manning, whom she married in 1959. The newlywed couple moved to Fort Worth, Texas, as Win had accepted a teaching position at Texas Christian University. There Nancy became absorbed in starting a family and entertaining their faculty friends. In 1965 the family moved to Haworth, New Jersey, in order for Win to join the staff of the College Board in New York City. While living in Haworth, with the encouragement of her thesis advisor and support of her dear husband, Nancy was finally able to turn her sights to completing her dissertation. She earned her doctorate in psychology in 1967. The family then moved to Princeton in 1968 in order for Win to join Educational Testing Service.

Nancy had a 40-year career as a licensed clinical psychologist. She completed a postdoctoral training program in family therapy at the Philadelphia Child Guidance Clinic of the University of Pennsylvania Hospital. In Princeton, she served as consulting psychologist and Clinical Director of the Northeast Career Center and therapist and Clinical Director of Trinity Counseling Service. She co-founded Princeton Psychological Associates with four colleagues in 1980. A skilled psychotherapist, she mentored many developing professionals as a field supervisor for doctoral candidates in psychology at Rutgers University. She was always passionate about helping her patients live happier, more fulfilled lives.

Following her retirement from practice as a psychologist, Nancy embarked on a new adventure by enrolling in the docent training program of the Princeton University Art Museum. As a docent she especially enjoyed researching individual works of art in the collection for gallery talks, and working with school children from Trenton. She was a member of the Present Day Club and the Nassau Club of Princeton. She belonged to All Saints’ (Episcopal) Church for 55 years. As a resident of Stonebridge in Montgomery, she enjoyed her French conversation group, play and poetry reading groups, helping in the library, and serving as a member of the welcomers committee. Nancy was an accomplished home chef, enjoyed traveling the world with her late husband, and cherished and celebrated her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her son, Winton H. (Tony) Manning, III; daughter, Cecelia M. Tazelaar; son-in-law, Eric G. Tazelaar; three granddaughters, Julia B. Tazelaar (married to Joseph M. Wells), Sophia M. Tazelaar, and Clara J. Tazelaar.

A memorial service will be held at All Saints’ Church, Princeton, NJ, on Saturday, June 17 at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to All Saints’ Church, 16 All Saints’ Road, Princeton, NJ 08540; or the Princeton University Art Museum, Princeton, NJ 08544, directed to the attention of the Docents Association.

———

Donald Roy Gerecke

Donald Roy Gerecke, 72, of West Windsor Township, NJ, passed away peacefully, at his home on the morning of April 30, 2023.

Born in Passaic, NJ, Don grew up in Saddle Brook, NJ, and lived in Boston, MA, before settling in West Windsor 25 years ago.

Don earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science, Class of 1972 and a Master of Science Degree in Entomology and Economic Zoology, Class of 1976 both from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ. Upon graduation he worked over 10 years, first at UniRoyal and then at Rhone-Poulenc, as a research pesticide chemist. He then went on to Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, where he earned a PhD in Anatomy and Cellular Biology, Class of 1992. The next five years he worked as a research fellow and instructor for the Department of Dermatology. In 1998, he moved to NJ, taking on a professorship at Rutgers University. During his 25 years at Rutgers University, he was on the faculty of the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy. His research was funded through the NIH and the Department of Defense.

Dr. Gerecke mentored as co-advisor to the AZO fraternity as well as the Rutgers Pharmacy Honor Program for several years. He had a compassionate place in his heart for all students — Pharmacy, graduate, undergraduate students alike. Either in the classroom, at the research bench, or through several other student related activities. They, in turn, honored him by participating in the NYC Parkinson’s Unity Walkathon as well as bestowing upon him the William and Helen Teacher of the Year for 2008 as well as 2009. He retired from Rutgers University having earned the title of Associate Professor.

He was active in the theatre community acting in over 22 plays at the Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College in West Windsor, NJ, and the Washington Crossing State Park Open Air Theatre in Titusville, NJ. When not acting, he enjoyed playing the piano and singing.

Predeceased by his parents, Harry and Carol (Drecki) Gerecke, and three brothers, he is survived by his wife of 41 years, Marion “Emmy” Gordon and his daughter and her partner, Rebecca Gerecke and Peter Comerford, of West Windsor Twp., NJ.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 1 p.m. at the Green Grove in Washington Crossing State Park, 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ 08560.

Contributions, in his memory, to Michael J. Fox Foundation (michaeljfox.org) or Parkinson’s Foundation (parkinsons.org), are appreciated.

Extend condolences and share memories at TheKimbleFuneralHome.com.

———

Hope Colt

It is with great sadness that the family of Hope Cheney Learned Colt of Princeton, NJ, announce her sudden passing on May 18, 2023 at the age of 86.

Hopie was born on August 10, 1936 to Horace B. Learned and Eileen Roff Learned in Manchester, CT. She graduated from the Oxford School. Hopie also graduated from Smith College in 1958 where she was named to Phi Beta Kappa. Hopie had a full and rewarding life volunteering for numerous organizations in Princeton including the U.S. Squash Association, Princeton Child Development Institute, Princeton Historical Society, American Red Cross, and the Princeton University Museum. Known for her culinary skills, Hopie ran a small catering business for friends and clients in Princeton. Hopie enjoyed memberships at Pretty Brook Tennis Club, Nassau Club, Keene Valley Country Club, and Ausable Club. She was an avid tennis player and jazz enthusiast. She was a passionate animal lover and devoted to many dachshunds throughout her life. Come the summer months, Hopie headed to her beloved Keene Valley, NY, in the Adirondacks where she was often spotted with a tin bucket searching for berries. Friends and family were then rewarded in the fall with her famous jams … what a treat!

Hopie was predeceased by her parents, her sister, Alexandra L. Preston, her son, Alexander D. Colt, and her grandson, Tyler S. Colt. She is survived by sons, Harris Colt of Colorado Springs, CO, and Ward (Trina) Colt of Titusville, NJ, and grandchildren, Harris Colt, Jr., Athena Colt, Meredith Colt, and CJ Colt.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the North Country SPCA, the Keene Valley Library, or the Keene Valley Congregational Church.

There will be a luncheon for family and close friends celebrating Hopie’s life on June 8, 2023 at 12:30 p.m. at the Nassau Club in Princeton. Burial services will be private at Cheney Cemetery in Manchester, CT. There will also be a memorial celebration in Keene Valley on August 6, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. at the Keene Valley Country Club in Keene Valley, NY.

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

———

Robert B. Zagoria

Robert B. Zagoria, an attorney in Princeton, died Friday at The Jewish Home at Rockleigh. The cause of death was complications from Parkinson’s disease. He was 82.

Born in Plainfield, NJ, Mr. Zagoria was a resident of Princeton for more than 40 years. He was a graduate of Princeton University and Georgetown University (J.D.). He was a powerful advocate for clients, specializing in employment discrimination. He was an active town member and Princeton University alumnus.

Bob’s greatest love was his many family and friends.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife Amy, and survived by daughter Julia, son-in-law Trevor, and grandson Collin of Princeton, also sister Helene and brother-in-law Leonard, and wonderful nieces and nephews and their children. Burial service will be Friday, June 2 at 11 a.m. at Princeton Cemetery.

———

Elisabeth-Ann Callaway

Elisabeth-Ann Callaway, age 81, formerly of Bedminster, NJ; Princeton, NJ; Cranbury, NJ; and Sarasota, FL, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, May 19, 2023.

Elisabeth-Ann had a passion for photography and worked as a photographer and copywriter at N.T. Callaway Real Estate in Princeton, NJ. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, crafting, and quilting. Elisabeth-Ann was a dedicated and loving mother and nana, volunteer and friend who loved to entertain.

Preceded in death by her parents, Thomas N. Ericson and Stella K. Peterson, and her brothers, Thomas N. Ericson Jr. and P. David Ericson; she is survived by her daughter, Karen C. Urisko and her husband, John; her son, Norman Callaway Jr. and his wife, Lisa; her five grandchildren, Corinne Urisko, Alexandra Callaway, Callie Urisko, Norman Tooker Callaway III, and Bailey Callaway; her sisters, Priscilla A. Ericson and Mary L. Ericson; and her numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services will begin on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury, 22 S. Main Street, Cranbury, NJ.

Interment will follow at Brainerd Cemetery in Cranbury, NJ.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, June 1, 2023, from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury, 22 S. Main Street, Cranbury, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Elisabeth’s memory by way of check to The First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury, 22 South Main Street, Cranbury, NJ 08512 with “Skeet’s Pantry” written in the memo line.

May 24, 2023

Obituaries 5/24/23

Lionel Goodman

Lionel Goodman, a longtime resident and active member of the community of Princeton, passed away on May 17, 2023, at the age of 96. He was an emeritus professor of physical chemistry at Rutgers University.

Lionel was born on April 23, 1927, in Far Rockaway, NY, and was the son of William and Theodora Goodman. He earned his undergraduate degree from NYU, where he met his wife, Ruth Sandhouse. They married shortly after his honorable discharge from the Navy in WWII. 

Lionel received his master’s degree from Cornell University and his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Iowa State University. He taught at Penn State and Rutgers after post-doctoral work at Florida State University. Lionel and Ruth eventually settled in Princeton, NJ, in 1966 where they raised two children, Steve and Debbie.

Lionel was a Guggenheim Fellow for his work on why molecules have the shape that they have, using laser spectroscopy. He received the Rutgers College Outstanding Teacher Award in 1987 and the Board of Trustees Outstanding Research Award in 1989. He has written numerous scientific papers — several of which have been referenced more than 50,000 times. 

After his retirement, Lionel took an interest in photography and over the past 20 years has had several one-man shows, most recently at Plainsboro Library. He has received awards for his people-oriented photographs from prestigious institutions such as Phillips’ Mill, the Salmagundi Club in NYC, Perkins Art Center, and his photograph “About to Depart” hangs in the Johnson and Johnson Art Museum. He also served as Program Chairman of the Princeton Photography Club for four years.

Lionel is predeceased by his wife Ruth in 2015 and is survived by his dear friend and companion Susan Fox; son Steve; daughter Debbie; five grandchildren — Justin, Jessica, Sarah, Sydney, and Joey; and two great-grandchildren — Catherine and Ruthie.

Lionel will be remembered by all who knew him as a tenacious and inquisitive person who lived life to its fullest, as well as for his love of travel and good food. We will miss his sense of humor and professorial
explanations.

A celebration of his life will be held at his residence on Monday, May 29 from 3-6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rutgers University Foundation. 

Photo courtesy of John O’Boyle.

Arrangements are by the Wilson-Apple Funeral Home, Pennington. Condolences are welcome at wilsonapple.com.

———

Lucinda Porter

Lucinda Christian Porter was born in Syracuse, New York, on September 22, 1942. She grew up in the Sedgwick section of Syracuse, summering at Skaneateles Lake and Manasquan, New Jersey. She attended Miss Halls School in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Bradford College in Haverhill, Massachusetts, University of Colorado (BA), and University of Denver in Denver, Colorado (MA). 

As part owner of Harmon’s Landing Farm in Snow Hill, Maryland, she operated Oceanside Farm raising Polled Hereford cattle, bred from animals at Dan Story’s LS Ranch in Corsicana, Texas. Some of her awards included Grand Champion Female-J.C.Anxiety Miss70 at the Maryland State Fair, Grand Champion Bull-O Kojack at the West Virginia State Fair and Maryland State Fair, and Junior and Reserve Grand Champion at the Eastern National Livestock Show. 

She spent three months in the Peoples Republic of China, just after President Richard Nixon’s visit there, as part of a delegation from the Agriculture Department exchanging ideas of animal husbandry. 

In 1978 Lucinda moved to Princeton, New Jersey. She became an active member of the Present Day Club, Women’s College Club, Dogwood Garden Club, and the Nassau Presbyterian Church. 

She was an active real estate agent with Princeton Crossroads which merged with GloriaNilson, which later became part of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. 

She was an avid golfer, winning the Ladies Handicap tournament at Springdale Golf Club. She was also an avid bridge player. 

Lucinda loved traveling and traveled all over the world. But her heart was always at the sea shores, from the Jersey Shore to Assateague to the beaches on the East Coast of Florida. 

She returned to Fayetteville, New York, in 2018 to her home on Spyglass Lane to tend her gardens along with her beloved cat Cio Cio San and to be with the family she loved, brother William W. Porter, niece Melissa Porter, and nephew William W. Porter Jr. 

Lucinda was and will always be a very unusual person.

May 17, 2023

Obituaries 5-17-23

Merle Block Rose

Merle Block Rose, 83, beloved and admired, died peacefully at home of metastatic breast cancer on April 18, 2023 surrounded by her family.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Irv; cherished daughters Amanda (David Campbell) and Abigail (Adam Seiden); adored grandchildren Zandra, Josh, Jacob, and Leah; bothers Robert (Merlyn) Block and Fred (Hedi) Block; as well as many nieces and nephews. Along with her family, she will be mourned by scores of friends and dozens of alumni from Princeton High School, where she taught for 24 years.

Merle was the middle child of the late Ada and Bertram Block. She was born on December 6, 1939, and grew up in the Strawberry Mansion section of Philadelphia. She graduated from Germantown High School and earned a full scholarship to Temple University, where she completed a B.A. in English Education, and a minor in Art History as well as an M.A. in the Psychology of Reading.

In 1960 she married her college sweetheart, Irv Rose, and soon after moved from Philadelphia to her second great love, New York City. They left NYC to raise their daughters in Roosevelt, NJ, where they lived until moving to the Princeton area in 1990. In Roosevelt she was an active member of the community, serving on the Roosevelt Public School Board of Education and writing for the local Borough Bulletin.

Prior to joining the faculty at Princeton High School (PHS), Merle was a reading therapist with the Merwick Communications Disorders unit, part of the care and rehabilitation department of Princeton Hospital. In 1977 she began a 24-year tenure in her dream job — teaching English at PHS. At the high school she co-founded the Writing Workshop and taught English and English as a Second Language. “Mrs. Rose” was a popular teacher who supported, guided, and nurtured hundreds of students. As a teacher she was transformative: she birthed writers. She saw qualities in students that other teachers didn’t see and reveled in accompanying her students as they made their own way, discovered their own passions. Many of her former students went on to make livings as writers, or at the very least, credit her with teaching them how to write. Finally, as a teacher, while she supported all of her students, she was especially drawn to enhancing the well-being of the most vulnerable among them.

After she retired, she devoted considerable energies to her many interests, including photography, gardening, cooking, travel, bridge, and card making. She was an active member in House 4 of Community Without Walls, where she was program chair and facilitated a Women In Transition group. As program chair she organized presentations from renowned and accomplished guests, including former students John Popper of Blues Traveler and ABC News anchor Michelle Charlesworth; Theresa Brown, RN, frequent contributor to The New York Times and author; actor Hal Linden (Barney Miller); Princeton Professor and CNN Political Analyst Julian Zelizer; and Judge Philip Carchman of the New Jersey Superior Court. Few could resist her invitation to speak, charming and persuasive as she was.

When COVID-19 upended everyone’s world, Merle was among the first octogenarians to master Zoom. The pandemic did not keep her from maintaining close ties with both far-flung family and local friends. From the start of lockdown, she scheduled regular group Zoom meetings with family in France, Costa Rica, Israel, Arizona, California, Florida, and New York City, and continued playing online bridge with her friends.

Though fully engaged during her post-retirement life, her family remained her priority. She often remarked how lucky she was that both daughters returned to raise their children in Princeton. She was a whirlwind of energy — the kind that can never disappear, or be forgotten.

When she was was diagnosed with recurrent terminal breast cancer in June 2021, Merle approached her illness and treatment with courage, always realistic, but also hopeful. She faced this unexpected recurrence without fear or bitterness. Instead of being angry or depressed that the cancer had returned, she felt grateful that she lived 32 years longer than she had expected. She remained curious about everything — including her illness. After meeting her oncologist she’d comment, “I wish I didn’t have cancer, but this is all so interesting.” In more solemn moments, she said, “I’m not scared of dying, but I’m not ready either — I’m greedy for more.”

Always a teacher, she donated her body to Drexel Medical School (daughter Abigail’s alma mater) so that future doctors can develop their skills and learn more about the widespread affliction of metastatic breast cancer.

A memorial service was held in Princeton, New Jersey, on Sunday, April 23 at The Jewish Center.

To honor Merle, the family would be grateful to those who are able to consider making a donation in her honor to the Princeton Breast Cancer Resource Center (at the Princeton YWCA) or to 101: The Princeton High School College Fund.

———

Ruth Schreiber Fath

Ruth Schreiber Fath, born November 10, 1937, passed away on May 12, 2023 (Iyar 21, 5783) at the age of 85. She was the loving wife of Joseph Fath (z”l) for 32 years.

Ruth attended The Jewish Center of Princeton during her 30 years as a Princeton resident.

In addition to her commitment to the Jewish Center, Ruth supported the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center and served as chairperson of the Commission for the New Jersey Children’s Trust Fund, whose mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Ruth earned her undergraduate degree through a joint program at Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary. As a college student, she also spent a year in Israel, working with the Institute for Youth Leaders from Abroad. In Israel she studied Hebrew language and literature, taught new immigrants to Israel, and spent several months on the kibbutz Tirat Zvi. After returning to the U.S., Ruth earned her MSW from Hunter, and later her degree in psychoanalysis from the Psychoanalytic Training Institute of the New York Freudian Society. She built a thriving practice in New York City and continued practicing for several years after she and Joe moved to Princeton.

Generous to the core, Ruth supported her stepchildren, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews in her constant encouragement to pursue education and to excel at whatever they set their minds to. And as a good Jewish grandma, she doted on her grandchildren! She rejoiced at family and friends’ marriages, births, and other celebratory occasions, and shared compassionately in others’ sorrows when they happened. Most especially, she shared in the joy of her husband Joe’s art and writing accomplishments.

Aside from her community engagement, Ruth loved going to museums, the opera, theater, and traveling with Joe. Together they traveled across Europe, to Israel, and to South Africa. She still has many friends across the continents.

Ruth will be so very missed by her brothers Burton Schreiber and Sidney Schreiber, stepsons Dan Fath and Jon Fath (Lucie), stepdaughters Rebecca Singer and Deborah Fath, granddaughters Harmony Till (Jeff), and Jesse Singer (Jose), grandsons Samuel Francis-Fath (Kelsey), Maxwell Fath (Michael Hebert), Dylan Fath (Zachary Nollet), Darius Salehipour, Zachary Salehipour, great-grandson Ethan Till and great-granddaughter Phoebe Francis-Fath, nephews Stephen Schreiber,
David Schreiber (Carol Stutz) and great-niece Molly Schreiber, Gary Schreiber (Julie) and great-niece Miriam, Keith Schreiber (Naalla) and great-niece Lena and great-nephew Noam, and Joshua Schreiber (Sarah) and great-nephews Abraham and Theodore, nieces Ronda Schreiber (Jack Goldberg), Annie Schreiber, Karen Schreiber (Jacque), and Alissa Schreiber (Martin Williams) and great-niece Genna Williams, and by Shirley Verneuil, Ruth’s devoted and compassionate caregiver for the past six years, as well as her many dear friends.

Funeral services are on Thursday, May 18 at 9:30 a.m. at The Jewish Center of Princeton, 435 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ. Burial will follow at Princeton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Jewish Center of Princeton (TheJewishCenter.org).

For condolences, please visit Ruth’s obituary page at OrlandsMemorialChapel.com.

Funeral arrangements are by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel.

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Alan Sussman

Alan Sussman passed away at the age of 90 on May 12, 2023 in Merwick Care and Rehabilitation Center in Plainsboro, NJ. Cause of death was presumably a heart attack.

Alan was born and raised in New York City and graduated from Stuyvesant High School. He subsequently received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Yale University. He moved to the Princeton area in 1958 to accept a position as a Member of Technical Staff at the then RCA Sarnoff Laboratories (now SRI International).

During his long career at the Sarnoff Labs, Alan worked on several important problems on the optimal design of liquid crystalline materials and their use in displays of various types, including TVs. Liquid crystals also played an important role in his personal life, as he met his future wife Martha at a liquid crystal conference.

Alan had many interests and abilities outside of science, beginning with his passionate love of classical music. He played clarinet and oboe and was a longtime subscriber to the Metropolitan Opera and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. He also loved collecting African art, spending annual vacations in Italy, and visiting New York museums, the Bronx Zoo, and the New York Botanical Garden. Finally, Alan was a skilled carpenter and electrician, who almost single-handedly renovated the old house he purchased in 1969 and in which he lived until his death.

Alan is survived by his wife of 48 years, Martha Cotter, by a nephew, Robert Stewart of Washington, DC, and by several cousins. His brother Robert passed away in 2015.

Extend condolences and share memories at TheKimbleFuneralHome.com.

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Sylvester Sutton Hamilton III

Sylvester Sutton Hamilton III died peacefully from complications of Parkinson’s disease in his home of nearly 50 years on May 3 at the age of 87. He was under the care of Greenwood hospice and died surrounded by friends and family.

He was born June 9, 1935 in Punxsutawney, PA — proud home of the famous weather forecasting groundhog. As a child and teen, he was fascinated with the rapidly developing fields of electronics and photography, often spending afternoons experimenting in the sunroom of his childhood home. He was likely one of few in town with a large Van De Graaff generator. After graduating high school, he attended the University of Pittsburgh where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa. He attended medical school at the University of Pittsburgh as well, graduating with AOA honors. He was accepted into residency in Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania; he reported having no address or abode apart from the hospital during his internship. He graduated from residency after serving his final year as chief resident.

In 1966 he married Carol Julie Dudrick and moved to San Antonio, Texas, to serve as a psychiatrist in the Air Force. They were married until her death in 2020.

After his time in the service, he returned to the University of Pennsylvania as residency director. Tired of his long commute, he accepted a position in 1976 as the director of Princeton House in Princeton, New Jersey, where he served for 20 years before transitioning to private practice. Finding great joy in the practice of psychiatry, he practiced well into his 80s, only ending when his voice — weakened by Parkinson’s disease — no longer possessed the strength to continue. The few patients he worked with during his 80s included patients from residency some 50 years earlier.

Piloting the family in an inline twin engine Cessna 337, he flew to destinations including the Bahamas and the Alaskan panhandle. Aviation highlights include a near fiasco after the family dog jumped onto the controls, and an unsuccessful attempt to land at the LBJ ranch in Texas. Logging several thousand hours of flying, he became a licensed instructor as well as a float plane pilot. He finished his aviation experience with an aerobatics plane, the American Champion Decathlon, and a WW2 trainer, the iconic “taildragger” Piper J-3 Cub.

His other hobbies included amateur radio, computers, and hiking. To the dismay of neighbors, he constructed a large antenna beside our house to extend the “ham” radio range. As a fitness jogger, he entered 5 and 10K races where, largely by preserving his middling pace, he often found himself a top finisher in the 70 and over segment.

Parkinson’s limited his mobility in his final years, but he remained busy with frequent guests and phone calls, and he maintained an active and curious mind until days before his death. He is survived by his two children, Sylvester Sutton Hamilton IV and Julie Carol Hamilton, and five grandchildren: Sophie, Micah, Cleo, Aiden and Liam. They will all look up when they see small planes flying overhead and think of him and imagine for a moment that it’s him, flying gently and joyfully above them.

A memorial service is planned for May 27 at 4 p.m. at Stone Hill Church in Princeton.

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

———

Harriet Fein

Longtime Princeton resident Harriet Fein passed away peacefully, after a brief illness, on May 4, 2023, with her three children by her side at her home at Princeton Windrows. She was 91 years old. After several years teaching grade school, she made the choice to stay home and raise her three children in Rocky Hill and then in 1972, moving to Princeton, where her husband, Arthur Fein was a physician with Princeton Radiology.

Harriet was a lifelong member of Hadassah, a volunteer with adolescents at Carrier Clinic, and an adventurous traveler. She and Art traveled the world and were especially appreciative of going places off the beaten path. She described her favorite trip was one to New Guinea because it was so different from any place she’d ever been and she loved learning about different cultures. Above all, Harriet was a loving and supportive mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and took an active role in their lives and activities. To Harriet, her family and friends were everything.

Harriet was preceded in death by the love of her life and husband of 70 years, Art, who passed away two years ago. She is survived by her daughter Ren Fein and her husband Paul Kelly of Princeton; son Rick Fein and his wife Jackie of Mission Viejo, California; and son Doug Fein and his wife Debbie of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; six grandchildren, Skylar, Jillian, and Colton Kelly, Jarrett, Micaela, and Naomi Fein; and one great-grandson, Rowan Hanbury-Brown.

She will be missed by all. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of Harriet’s favorite charities; Feeding America, Make a Wish Foundation, or Doctors Without Borders.

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Robert Garvey McHugh

Born in Baltimore, MD, July 24, 1925, “Bob” died peacefully at home in Lawrenceville, NJ, March 7, 2023 at 97. Graduating Trenton High School in 1943 and Princeton University in 1950, some of his Princeton Theatre Intime performances garnered great reviews, and his Senior Thesis in Philosophy won the McCosh Prize. He later earned his Master of Business Administration at NYU.

Enlisting in the United States Army Air Corp in 1943 and commissioned a Second Lieutenant, Bob was a navigator in World War II’s Pacific Theatre. In August 1945, he navigated the first Allied aircraft to land in Japan, accompanying Gen. MacArthur’s Honor Guard Escort for the Japanese Envoy to Manila and the initial surrender. He completed his service flying American prisoners of war to Yokohama for evacuation to Hawaii and home. He joined the United States Air Force reserve and was re-called to active duty during the Korean War, becoming a Top Gun F-86 Sabre jet fighter pilot.

Bob joined Hibbert Printing Company in Trenton, NJ, became Vice President of Sales and Marketing, and remained a top salesman for over 35 years until his retirement. He subsequently served as consultant to the Educational Testing Service in Princeton, NJ.

With a deep appreciation for Japanese culture, Bob was active in the Japanese community in Princeton, and learned to speak, read, and write the language. One class involved an essay contest explaining why you want to go to Japan. Bob’s “Why I Want to Return to Japan” won him the “all-expenses paid” trip to Japan. Bob also loved music. On returning to piano in his 80s, he combined interests studying with Japanese piano teachers, and performed in student recitals.

An avid reader, Bob read the WSJ daily into his 90s. He became devoted to one of his greatest joys, “GrandPals.” A Princeton Senior Resources Center education program connecting Princeton Public School children with older adults, they read to kindergarteners and first graders. Expanding Grandpals to the Lawrenceville, NJ Senior Center, Bob steadily pursued area schools, encouraging their program participation, and recruiting members of the Senior Center. During the COVID epidemic, Bob persuaded the schools to continue the Grandpals reading program via Zoom. He received numerous cards and letters from his little students addressed lovingly to “Mister Bob.”

Always active and alert to new interests, Bob was a member of the Lawrenceville Senior Center’s Memoir Group, and one of the founding members of its Poetry group, for which he composed numerous haiku.

Predeceased by his parents, Michael Joseph McHugh Jr. and Catharine Octavia Rourke McHugh; his sisters, Mary Aileen McHugh McClintock, Ellen Clare McHugh Kuser, and Jane Frances McHugh Barlow; and his brothers, Philip Neary McHugh, and Richard Nevin McHugh; and by his first wife, Jane Henry McHugh.

Predeceased by his parents, Michael Joseph McHugh, Jr. and Catharine Octavia Rourke McHugh; his sisters, Mary Aileen McHugh McClintock, Ellen Clare McHugh Kuser, and Jane Frances McHugh Barlow; and his brothers, Philip Neary McHugh, and Richard Nevin McHugh; and by his first wife, Jane Henry McHugh.

Bob is survived by his children with Jane, Katherine Anne McHugh, Meghan Jane McHugh, Robert Garvey McHugh, Jr. (and wife, Eileen McHugh), and those from his second marriage, Christine McHugh Nickels (and husband, Rob Nickels) and David Smith McHugh (and wife, Sarah McHugh), and their mother, Ellen Metzger, as well as nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Service will be private.

May 10, 2023

Obituaries 5/10/2023

Virginia Finnie

Virginia “Ginnie” Louise Boylan Finnie was born in Cleveland, Ohio on November 4, 1934 to Mabel Ethel Brocker and Leo Joseph Boylan.  She passed peacefully in her sleep on May 1, 2023.

Ginnie lived a full and vibrant life, overflowing with family, friends, career, travel, and pursuing avid interests. Married when still a teenager to her seventh grade — and lifelong sweetheart — Bruce Finnie, she moved to the Boston area with Bruce at 17 to attend Boston University in nursing. After being pushed out of that program because she married, she later returned to Boston University while her three children were still young to complete her degree in history, a field that would remain an abiding passion through her life. She supported her family with unwavering vigilance and commitment, generously sustaining her children Matthew and his wife Carol; Ellen and her partner Jaime Basswerner; and Janet and her husband Robert Whiteside; as well as her beloved grandchildren Daniel and Hannah Finnie, Nat Duranceau, and Phoebe and Ellen Whiteside.

While Ginnie was unflagging and devoted in the care of her family, her interests and delight in the broader world took her into many other spheres as well. After moving from the Boston area to Princeton in 1969, through the 1970s, ’80s, and into the ’90s, she was a gifted, admired, and influential high school social studies teacher — and, for a number of years, also department head — at Ewing High School. With a true passion for history and government, and deep dedication to her students, she went the extra mile to spark their interest in history and civic engagement. She took students to Model United Nations events in Washington. D.C., and participated in a teacher exchange in Russia. This exchange was not only professional, as it turned out. Ginnie was matched in the exchange with a Russian teacher who had responsibility for the orphanages in the Russian city of Nizhny-Tagil, and based on the strong relationship she developed with Ginnie, this teacher identified an infant for adoption by Ginnie’s daughter Ellen, who thus became Ginnie’s granddaughter, Nat. Such was Ginnie’s remarkable aptitude for adventure, connection, and care.

Ginnie had a lifelong devotion to watching birds, to travel, and to learning — indeed, the term “lifeong learner” could have been created for her. She managed to complete a master’s in history at Rutgers while she was a mother working full time, and throughout her life, she loved to take courses; after retiring, she relished being able to audit classes at Princeton University.  Ginnie drank in historical and geographical information from her voracious reading and wide travel, and delighted in sharing it. Genuinely fascinated by the world, she kept detailed journals and photo albums of these trips, including rich cultural observations of every place she visited, from Alaska to Australia. Among her many wide-ranging activities and engagements, she participated in an archeological dig, and birded on four continents.

In addition to her enduring marriage with Bruce (they had been married nearly 70 years when he died in 2022), Ginnie maintained dear friendships from all stages of her life, including a close multi-decade friendship with a pen pal in Australia. She was a dedicated volunteer, for many years supporting the Historical Society of Princeton by offering tours of Princeton, and participating actively in the Association for Gravestone Studies. A lifelong patron of the arts, Ginnie was very musical. Following in her admired father’s footsteps (Leo Boylan was a talented tenor, finding his way to a key role in an accomplished singing group, despite the challenges of his immigration from Ireland as a teen) Ginnie sang in an octet as well as played saxophone at Shaw High in Cleveland, and was an avid supporter of classical music and local theater, particularly McCarter Theatre in Princeton. A devoted reader herself, she volunteered with Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic for many years, to make books available to those who could not read the printed word.

Ginnie made and met a multitude of commitments throughout her life, whether for family, friends, students, or the organizations she cared about, including many civic, cultural, and environmental causes. Despite the significant constraints of being a working mother, she managed to express her talents across a wide range of dimensions. She arranged large Boylan/Finnie family gatherings at the Outer Banks that fostered deep family connections, reveled in knitting gorgeous sweaters and afghans for everyone in her family, and sustained family and friends with her mouthwatering homemade bread and jam. She was passionately engaged in word and fact games (especially Jeopardy and the Dictionary Game!), and developed a keen eye as an adept collector of antique clocks, whose history fascinated her.

From her earliest years, Ginnie wanted to see the world and participate in it fully. Her vision was expansive, and she pursued all her dreams, despite the challenge of simultaneously managing a career and motherhood, particularly in the context of her era. She lived her life to the fullest and never expressed any regret or any unfulfilled dream. She was a shining example to all her children and grandchildren, and touched untold numbers of lives through her teaching and travel. To know Ginnie was to admire her — and to benefit from her unwavering commitment to understanding, knowledge, and open-minded exploration of life. We celebrate her fortitude, her kindness, her remarkable capacity and talents, her deep and broad engagement, and the gifts she has left to her family and to so many others through her dedicated care and concern, and through her outstanding example of a life well-lived.

Predeceased by her husband Bruce Finnie, and her brother Leo “Bud” Boylan, Ginnie leaves a brother, David Boylan, and her children and grandchildren. Services will be private.

Those who would like to honor Ginnie’s life and legacy may donate to the Historical Society of Princeton.

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Peter Hegener

Peter Wilhelm Ottocar Hegener died on April 27, 2023 in West Hartford, CT, after a brief and valiant battle with esophageal cancer. He was 84 years of age. Rachel Bommer Kuhe, his wife of 19 years, was by his side.

Peter was born in Dusseldorf, Germany in 1938. WWII began the following year, and for the rest of his life he was defined by his childhood wartime experiences. Because of the extraordinary bravery of his mother, Henny Sibylla Hegener, in sheltering an American pilot who had parachuted on to their farmland at the end of the war, Peter and his family were given safe passage to the United States aboard the RMS Mauretania in December 1950.

Peter attended Brooklyn schools and graduated from Erasmus Hall High School as the President of his class. Among his many other accolades during that time, he proudly earned his Eagle Scout Badge. He went on to graduate from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

After several engineering positions, Peter was offered a job as Head of Career Services at Princeton University. It was there that he hatched the idea of creating a compiled reference book on graduate schools, a then-novel idea. In 1964, he left the University to co-found and serve as CEO of the new publication, Peterson’s Guides, Inc. Peterson’s would eventually take him to every educational institution in the United States and beyond. While visiting China in 1978 as a part of a delegation of U.S. publishers, Peter was informed that Peterson’s Guides were the single most popular reference books in the Chinese university library system. Over the next 30 years, the company expanded from publishing guides to graduate schools to a catalogue that included both reference books and data services covering all facets of education. In addition to its historical products, the company had created and was preparing to launch a revolutionary product that would have allowed high school graduates to submit college applications online several years before the origin of the Common App.

With the 1995 purchase of Peterson’s by the Thompson Corporation, Peter became head of mergers and acquisitions for the company’s burgeoning Education Division. Upon retiring from Thompson, Peter turned his focus to developing real estate projects in Princeton for several years. He had served on a number of educational boards throughout his career, and his retirement allowed him to pay particular attention to his role as a board member of The International House in New York City, at Columbia University, and the American University of Cairo Publishing Arm in Cairo, Egypt. He also continued to enjoy the remarkable reputation his unique idea spawned for the educational enrichment of others.

Peter Hegener will be remembered for his boundless energy and positive outlook. His engaging laugh and contagious smile would light up a room, and he always took an interest in learning more about the people surrounding him. His love for skiing, photographic safaris in Africa, gardening in Princeton where his 25,000 daffodils were admired each spring, fishing at his family home in the Beaverkill Valley, and vacationing with his young family in Edgartown always gave him joy. During the last 20 years, Peter relished his time at Rachel’s family home in West Chop on Martha’s Vineyard, where they spent much of their time together. Peter embraced West Chop, as his friends and neighbors embraced him and could be found on the water in his favorite Whaler “Winnetou,” working in the gardens overlooking Vineyard Sound, walking on the beaches and paths with his devoted dog Fritzie and enjoying the view of the sunset from their porch. Considered to be a consummate gentleman by all who met him, Peter was proud to be a German who became a respected United States Citizen and was forever grateful for the educational advantages and entrepreneurial opportunities afforded him as an
immigrant to this country.

In addition to his wife Rachel, Peter is survived by his former wife Karen (Casey) Lambert – the mother of his two children, Holly Hegener (Jon Cummings) and Peter Hegener (Allison); and Rachel’s children, Jonathan Kuhe (Carolyn), Tucker Kuhe (Caitlin), and Abbey Kuhe. He is also survived by his and Rachel’s beloved grandchildren Sam, Max, Josie, and James Cummings, Lily and Peter Hegener, Katie, Grace, and James Kuhe, Evelyn and Betsy Kuhe, and Bear and Bommer Gilpin. He was inordinately proud of each of them.

A Memorial Service celebrating Peter’s life will be held in Princeton, New Jersey, at a later date. If you would like to celebrate Peter’s memory, please consider a donation to The Polly Hill Arboretum, (508) 693-9426.

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Marian Shaw Tignor

Marian Shaw Tignor passed away at her home in Princeton, NJ, on December 15, 2022 at age 89.

Marian was born December 14, 1933 in Eden, NY, the youngest child and only daughter of Malin and Anne Shaw. She was introduced to music at an early age, and soon began playing the piano and clarinet, joining her parents and three brothers in “The Family Orchestra.” Marian graduated from Eden Central High School in 1952 where she sang in the chorus and played clarinet in the band. After graduation she attended The College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio. At college she was a proud member of the Fighting Scots marching band and earned a bachelor’s degree in music, graduating in 1956.

She met Bob Tignor at Wooster, and they married soon after graduation. They settled in Princeton, spending 66 years together. Marian became an active member of the Princeton Unitarian Church, where she played piano and sang in the choir. She also taught piano lessons throughout her life. She believed, “without music, life would be a mistake.”

Marian loved nature and introduced her three children to it early on. Herrontown Woods was one of her favorite parks and the family came to know the trails by heart. In winter Marian took evening walks after a snowfall with her daughter Laura and their dog Angus. She said the cold weather and snow reminded her of her childhood in Eden. She took joy in appreciating the simple things life had to offer whether it was a good cup of coffee or watching the birds outside her kitchen window.

Marian was always ready and enthusiastic for an outdoor adventure, and never lost her playfulness. When Lake Carnegie froze during an unusually cold winter, Marian wasn’t going to let her age, then in her mid-70s, or the fact that she hadn’t skated in years, stop her. She gleefully rounded up her family and giggled as they made their way out onto the ice, all of them clinging to each other for balance.

As her children grew up, Marian turned her attention to other passions. To support her son David, she became an advocate for mental health and worked and volunteered for the National Alliance on Mental Illness of New Jersey. She believed that through education, support, advocacy, and raising public awareness about mental illness, it would be possible to overcome the stigma frequently attached to it. Marian also took up journalism, becoming a reporter for the Trenton Times. In her “Times Around Town” column, she covered local cultural and social events. Reporting played to Marian’s strengths. She was naturally social and interacted easily with people. She was a joyful and central member of her group of friends, frequently organizing gatherings and planning trips in order to keep the women connected for decades. They would pile into a station wagon and drive into Times Square to buy last-minute Broadway tickets, they toured Tuscany, visited museums, met for breakfast, walked through the woods, and shared their lives with each other. A friend stated of Marian’s role, “It was love.”

But her most valuable gift was to her husband and children. She was the cornerstone of the family. She supported her husband, a historian at Princeton University, throughout his career by moving to Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, and London with him for year-long sabbaticals. In each location she created a new home for her family. Remarkably, her first trip to Egypt was when her daughter Laura was only 6 months old. During another sabbatical to Kenya, she gave birth to her daughter Sandra, driving herself to the hospital while Bob was conducting research in the field. Each destination required her to navigate a new city, learn a new language, enroll her children in school, and help them adjust to the many challenges of living in a new culture.

Marian was predeceased by her husband Bob, who passed away just six days prior to her death; her son, Jeffrey David Tignor, who died in 2003; and her three brothers Ronald, Burdette, and Carlton. She is survived by her daughters Laura Tignor and Sandra Selby and husband Trevor Selby; four grandchildren, Hilde Mckernan, Sam Cobb, Owen and Isabel Selby; and two great-grandchildren Hunter and Harper McKernan. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on June 28 at the Unitarian Church of Princeton.

———

Joan Alpert

On April 29, 2023, Joan Alpert passed away in her home at the age of 98 1/2, following a brief illness. She was surrounded by her family.

Joan was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, and graduated from Bennington College where she distinguished herself as an artist. She was happily married to Robert Alpert who predeceased her in 2002. Together they had three sons, five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Joan flew airplanes when she was young and drove her car until she was 95. She was active in her chapter of Community without Walls, hosting monthly game nights and afternoon teas.

Joan was a resident of Princeton for over half a century. She was a legendary real estate agent — helping pioneer changes along U.S. 1 that transformed sod farms into offices and hotels. She found homes for generations of Princeton families and sold her last house at the age of 92.

Joan was a loving and formidable force every day of her life. Her doors were open to everyone. Just two weeks before her passing, she hosted over 30 family members for a magnificent home cooked meal. And three days before her death, when the hospice worker arrived at the house, Joan accurately greeted her with “Didn’t I show you a house 34 years ago?”… flooring everyone in the room.

She lived fearlessly, creatively and generously.

Joan Alpert was an inspiration and will be missed by an enormous community.

She is buried in Princeton Cemetery along with the ashes of her husband.

The day of her death she sent down a double rainbow from heaven.

Funeral services and burial were held on April 30 at Princeton Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel. For condolences please visit Joan’s obituary page at OrlandsMemorialChapel.com.

May 3, 2023

Obituaries 5/3/2023

Joseph Carberry

Joseph Carberry, 81, of Princeton passed away on Monday, May 1, 2023.

A remarkable man with quick wit and a genuine love of life, he will be dearly missed by all who had the honor to know him.

Joseph grew up in Ramsey, NJ, graduated from Don Bosco High School, Marquette University, and later earned his MBA from Rider University. Most of his life, Joseph lived in Princeton, NJ, where he was an active member of Springdale Golf Club. In addition to golf, Joseph was an exceptional athlete and lifelong runner who ran over 50 marathons and triathlons. A proud Marine, he served our country during the Vietnam War, earning a purple heart medal. As an executive for Hercules Inc., he traveled the world and resided in Italy and Holland for a number of years. Famous for his pranks and his huge smile, Joseph lived his life with contagious joy and energy. He was deeply loved by his family, especially his grandchildren who treasured their time with Grandpa Joe.

Predeceased by his parents Patrick and Annette (Brinn) Carberry; and siblings Maura, Kevin, Aidan, and Brendan; he is survived by his wife Ute (Schueller) Carberry; three daughters and sons-in-law, Laura and Jack Muldowney, Jill and Matthew Gennari, Kristl and David Stanaland; beloved grandchildren Connor, Caitlin, Ryan, Kevin, James, Chase, Sarah, and Leah; and siblings Thomas, Patrick, Sheila, Eile, Michael, Shaun, and Alanna.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023 from 4-7 p.m. at the Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08542. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Incarnation-St. James Church, 1545 Pennington Road, Ewing, NJ 08618.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Joseph Carberry to support Dr. Virgil Muresan’s Lab at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Dr. Muresan’s Lab studies Alzheimer’s disease.  Donations can be made online at:  give.rutgers.edu/JosephCarberry or sent to Rutgers University Foundation, P.O. Box 193, New Brunswick, NJ 08913.

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

———

Lauren E. Lepow

Lauren E. Lepow died peacefully in her home of nearly 40 years, in Princeton, NJ, on April 17, 2023, at the age of 72, shortly after being diagnosed with lung cancer. She was surrounded by books, art, music, family, and friends at the time of her passing.

Lauren was born in 1950 in Cleveland, Ohio. When asked by adults what she wanted to be when she grew up, young Lauren would look up and ask earnestly, “Is there a job where I can get paid to read books?” Although this response always resulted in chuckles from the inquiring adults, Lauren was determined to land her dream job, and that is exactly what she did. She attended Oberlin College as an undergrad and then graduate school at the University of Connecticut, where she obtained her Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in English Literature and met her future husband, Michael Montgomery (who sadly passed away in 2006). Lauren and Michael married and started their family while living and teaching college classes at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. With young children Tom and Jean in tow, they made their final move to Princeton, NJ, in 1985.

Lauren continued her career in academia, through college-level teaching and then academic copyediting, following the family’s move to the East Coast, but she ultimately found her home as a Senior Manuscript Editor for Princeton University Press, in 1991. During her 32-year tenure at the Press, she worked with well-established authors, including Derek Bok, Peter Brown, Eric Cline, Harry Frankfurt, Adrienne Mayor, Adriana Petryna, Robert Shiller, Michael Sonenscher, and Eric Weitz. She additionally relished the opportunity to develop strong partnerships with new authors. Over the years at Princeton University Press, Lauren also made significant contributions to meaningful projects, such as shepherding continuing series volumes through production, notably The Complete Works of W. H. Auden, The Correspondence of Henry David Thoreau, and The Papers of Thomas Jefferson. She was truly passionate about her work, and only retired due to her illness just months before her passing.

In addition to being a peerless editor, Lauren was a wonderful friend, teacher, sister, cousin, mother, and grandmother. She leaves behind her children, grandchildren, and gran-dog, Bella, whom she probably loved the most! She was known by the ones she loved for hosting wonderfully elaborate Shakespeare parties, finishing the New York Times crossword puzzle every morning before breakfast, and for being a truly terrifying Scrabble opponent. She had a knack and passion for food, and enjoyed challenging herself in the kitchen, often creating culinary works of art. Later in life, she became an incredible crafter of miniatures. She absolutely adored seeing anything made to just ridiculously tiny proportions, and did her best to replicate these cute creations, either with paper, wood, glass, and metal, or, if the mood struck her, with chocolate or marzipan. Lauren was never one to sit still for long, and always had multiple projects at her fingertips, but she learned later in life the ability to take time for herself. So while she could build an entire miniature village by lunchtime, she also found the beauty and benefit of taking a few hours in the afternoon to snuggle up with her family and beloved Bella to binge watch The Gilmore Girls, The Crown, or her guilty pleasure known only to a precious few, Buffy The Vampire Slayer (the multi-series TV show) while sipping a glass of her favorite New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

Arrangements are under direction of Ruby Memorial Funeral Home in North Brunswick, NJ.

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Sarah E. Hoffman

Sarah E. Hoffman, 99, a lifelong resident of Princeton, passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. She graduated from St. Paul’s School in 1937, Princeton High School in 1941, attended Secretarial School at Rider University, and received her associate degree in business from Mercer County Community College. She was a parishioner and Hospitality Chair at St. Paul’s Church, and a member and secretary for the local chapter of AARP. She loved to travel and was a doting grandmother and great grandmother.

Predeceased by her parents John Stephen and Kathleen (Quigley) McCafferty; husband Robert C. Hoffman; sister Kathleen Sayles; grandson Sam Davis; son-in-law Paul Davis; and sister-in-law Marjorie Darr. She is survived by her three daughters Liz (Art) Cramp of Pennington, Kathleen (Mark) Lakarosky of Kendall Park, Jo Hoffman-Davis of Washington State; two sons R. Douglas (Brenda) Hoffman of Mercerville and Stephen (Zonna) Hoffman of Kansas; 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial were held on Monday, May 1, 2023 at St. Paul’s Church, 216 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542. Burial followed in St. Paul’s Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Paul’s Church or School, Princeton, NJ.

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

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Marilyn Shanks

Marilyn Shanks, a resident Palm Beach County Florida, passed away April 25, 2023. Marilyn graduated from Princeton High School, and attended Rider College and New York University, where she did her graduate work.

For many years she owned and operated a restaurant in Tequesta, Florida. She, along with her husband Bill, owned and operated a woodworking shop in Hobe Sound, Florida. In addition to being an avid tennis player and golfer, she and her husband enjoyed deep-sea sport fishing and playing cards.

Marilyn was a longtime member of the Church of the Good Shepard in Tequesta, Florida, and a volunteer at the Riviera, Florida, soup kitchen where she spent much time helping others. Marilyn also volunteered at the Jupiter Theater in Florida.

A private memorial service will be held at the Trinity Church in Princeton, and interment will be in the Princeton Cemetery.

Arrangements are by the Wilson-Apple Funeral Home, Pennington. Condolences are welcome at wilsonapple.com.

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Annette (Cottrell) Merle-Smith

Annette (Cottrell) Merle-Smith died on Monday, April 3, 2023, at the age of 92, in Princeton, New Jersey, from complications related to stomach cancer. She was in her own bed, in her own home, surrounded by her surviving family — daughter Meg, son-in-law Tomas, and grandchildren Max and Karolina — which was precisely the way she wanted it.

Annette was born on Christmas Eve, 1930, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to parents Annette (Brinkerhoff) and William Cottrell, both passionate readers, environmentalists, activists, and ornithologists. As an only child, Annette was heavily influenced by her parents’ curiosity of the world around, and every evening before dinner they would all sit down for “drink time,” when they would look at art and discuss it together.

During high school (Buckingham School) in Cambridge, Annette volunteered in the Print Department at Harvard University’s Fogg Art Museum. She then went on to attend Bennington College (Vermont) while she continued to volunteer for organizations such as Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), the California Palace of the Legion of Honor, and the Corning Museum of Glass. She graduated in 1951 with a BA in Art History, and soon after, moved back to Boston, where she began her work at the MFA as the Director of the Children’s Room, wrote a book about dragons, and collaborated with PBS to create a children’s television program about art.

Annette’s marriage to “Mike” (Fowler) would take her to Princeton, New Jersey, for Mike’s work at the Princeton Day School. Here, their children Meg and Peter were born, and Annette became a long-serving docent for the Princeton University Art Museum. It was also through Mike and his family’s roots, which stretched back several generations, that Annette would find her self-described “spiritual home” amongst the Adirondack Mountains in Keene Valley, upstate New York. Although she traveled widely, Annette cherished the town and she managed to spend her summers at the family retreat here. Her love, care, and concern for the community was boundless, and she was a benefactor to a wide range of organizations and causes spread out across the region.

A dedicated nature-lover and patron of the sciences as well as the arts, Annette served as President of ‘Friends of Marquand Park’ until recently, was on the board of trustees at the Cunningham Dance Foundation and subscribed to the Metropolitan Opera of New York City with Mike for many years. She funded performances, publications, and research projects through the Institute for Advanced Study, and established
fellowships at The American School of Classical Studies at Athens in Greece, the Center for Research and Training in Anthropogeny, and at the Jonas Salk Institute, where she tried to visit annually. She was involved in countless other cultural, educational, and environmental initiatives, including Little Peaks Preschool in her beloved Keene.

Annette possessed a truly generous and curious spirit along with a fierce intelligence and sparkling wit. She was a thoughtful person, always as concerned for her people as for her causes, and she spent her entire life tirelessly devoted to them. Although she found joy in so many things, and committed herself far and wide, it was her love for her family that drove her in life, and it was evident in all she did. She will be dearly and deeply missed, and her absence felt by many, including her extended family, those in her local communities, and beyond.

A memorial service was held in Princeton, New Jersey, on Sunday, April 23. Annette will also be remembered at a second service on Friday, May 12, 12 p.m., at the Congregational Church in Keene Valley, New York. This will be followed by a reception at the Little Peaks Preschool in neighboring Keene. In lieu of flowers, Annette would have loved for people to support their local parks and communities through donations, their time, or in any sort of meaningful way they can.

April 26, 2023

Obituaries 4/26/2023

Mary (Molly) Goodrich Houston

Mary (Molly) Goodrich Houston, age 95, passed away on April 10, 2023. Born December 6, 1927 in Charleston, West Virginia, she was the daughter of Edgar Jennings Goodrich and Beulah Lenfest Goodrich.

Molly grew up in Washington, D.C., where she attended the Sidwell Friends School. She was educated at Mount Vernon Seminary and later at Centinary Junior College. In 1949 she graduated from Mount Holyoke College. That same year she married her beloved husband of 58 years, Benjamin Franklin Houston. They moved to Princeton, New Jersey, and raised three children there.

Molly had a lifelong career dedicated to teaching young children. She first taught at the University League Nursery School in Princeton. The family moved in 1959 to New Haven, Connecticut where she spent ten happy and creative years at the Foote School. Moving back to Princeton in 1969, she was offered a position at Stuart Country Day School and following that at Princeton Day School, where she remained for 26 years until she retired in 1996. Throughout her years in Princeton, Molly enjoyed memberships at the Present Day Club and the Mount Holyoke Club of Princeton. After retiring from teaching, she worked for many years as a docent at the Princeton University Art Museum, where she continued her work with young children by providing tours of the museum’s collection to visiting students from the Trenton public school system.

Molly especially enjoyed her time in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where she spent every summer of her life from the age of 3. She loved the beach and swam in the ocean until she was 93. She was often found with a box of watercolors painting an ocean scene or looking through her binoculars at birds and boats. She shared her passion for art, education, and nature with her children and grandchildren. Known as “Grandmolly” to her grandchildren, she was always overjoyed to spend time with them and claimed they rejuvenated her. She will be forever remembered and loved by all that knew her.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, and her two brothers, George Herbert Goodrich and Charles Lenfest Goodrich. She is survived by her children, Linda G. Houston (husband David) of Blodgett, Oregon; Wendy H. Brown (husband Keith) of Rowayton, Connecticut; and Scott G. Houston of Morristown, New Jersey; as well as three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

April 19, 2023

Obituaries 4/19/2023

David Hagen

David F. W. Hagen, 91, died peacefully at home on Thursday, April 13, with family members present. He was born on February 16, 1932, in Makhanda (then Grahamstown), Republic of South Africa, and attended Pretoria Boys High School, Pretoria, RSA. He graduated from Rhodes University, Makhanda, in 1953 with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and History and a teaching diploma. He then emigrated to Lusaka, Zambia (then Northern Rhodesia) and taught in the Gilbert Rennie schools. On April 5, 1955, he married Elisabeth (Liz) Slater, also a Rhodes University graduate.

In August of that year, David and Liz moved south to Harare (then Salisbury), Zimbabwe, where he started work with the Anglo American Corporation of South Africa, a mining company based in Johannesburg. In 1961 David was one of 12 prize winners named by the Chartered Institute of Secretaries in London. Among 2,935 candidates, he won the Institute’s Overseas Prize for the best overseas candidate.  

After seven years, during which their three sons were born, David and Liz moved north again, this time to Kitwe, Zambia, where David served as education officer to the Rhokana-Kitwe Copper Mine. In the fall of 1963, the family moved to England, where David worked for Honeywell and the Challoner Company until he was recruited by Kepner Tregoe, a consulting firm based in Princeton. In 1967 he opened the firm’s first office in England and was invited to join its office on Research Road in Skillman. The family arrived at Philadelphia airport on August 17, 1969.
After two years, David left Kepner Tregoe. He worked as a management consultant for Larry Wilson of Minneapolis and the Forum Corporation of Boston. In 1971, he and Liz bought The Queenstown Shop, a picture framing business at 43 South Main Street, Pennington. They owned the shop for 10 years and earned a reputation for fine work. During that time, David built his own consulting business, specializing in management training for the banking industry. From 1985 to 2007, he ran courses worldwide, as evidenced by his collection of 60 miniature national flags purchased at airports around the world. His favorite venue was Turkey, where he taught annually for 22 years.

David served on the boards of NAMI Mercer NJ, Greater Trenton Community Mental Health, and Woodmont Homeowners Association. His consulting career was ended by a catastrophic fall on the tennis court which destroyed his hearing in one ear and greatly reduced it in the other.

David then qualified with Audrey Grant as a bridge director, ran games at St. Matthew’s Church in Pennington, Windrows, and Princeton Landing, and attracted a number of students. He remained a bridge enthusiast, playing regularly and occasionally substituting as a director in Bill Miller’s sanctioned games at the Princeton Senior Resource Center and the Stone Hill Church.

David ranked in American MENSA’s top two percent. He was especially proud of his 35 years of sobriety. He was a loving husband and father, and had a charming manner and a wicked wit.

He is survived by his wife Liz; his sons and their wives, George and Terri, Anthony, Stephen and Melanie; his grandchildren Sophie, Brooklyn, Max, Sam, and Noah; his brother Timothy and sister-in-law Pat (Stellenbosch, RSA); his three nephews and their wives, Peter and Christina, Andrew and Hayley, and Daniel and Samantha. They will all miss him very much.

A memorial gathering will be held later in the year. Donations in David’s memory can be sent to the Trenton Rescue Mission or Mercer Street Friends. Condolences can be addressed to Liz Hagen and family at 1101 Sayre Drive, Princeton NJ 08540.

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Edwina Keaney

Edwina Marie (Tonelli) Keaney, a longtime Princeton resident, died peacefully March 23 at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center after a brief illness. She was 92.

Born and raised in Ontario, Canada, the daughter of Giuseppe Tonelli and Elda Gabbianelli, “Toni,” as everyone called her, earned a nursing degree in Toronto, and accepted a nursing position at Peter Bent Brigham hospital in Boston in the mid-1950s.

While in Boston, on a blind date, Toni met her future husband, John J. Keaney, who was then studying for a doctorate in Classics at Harvard University. They married in 1957, and in 1960, their newborn daughter Anne in tow (followed shortly thereafter by sons John and Paul), they moved to Princeton, where John accepted a position on the faculty at Princeton University. He was to embark on a distinguished 40-year career in the Classics Department, and Princeton became John and Toni’s cherished home for the duration.

Toni reveled in raising her three children, who lovingly called her “Mum” – as did her children’s friends. Such was her warm and caring nature. Though she was employed for years as a substitute nurse in the Princeton public school system and later as a favorite substitute teacher (students in her classes actually behaved!), there was little doubt the role she enjoyed most was as a loving and supportive mother.

In later years, when her beloved daughter Anne was fighting the debilitating effects of Multiple Sclerosis, Toni’s round-the-clock care for Anne and fierce advocacy on her behalf was a model of motherly love and devotion.

Toni was blessed with three grandchildren, whom she adored (the feeling was mutual), and this past October achieved the status of great-grandmother, which tickled her to no end.

Toni’s interests were marvelously diverse, and reflected her ceaseless intellectual curiosity. She enjoyed her travels to Europe, soaking up the art in the museums and cathedrals of Rome, Florence, Paris, and London. She was an avid reader; ancient and European history, biographies and early Hollywood among her favorite genres. In her 80s she took adult courses at Princeton University.

Additionally, she was a superb cook, always adding to her repertoire, a needlepoint enthusiast, and looked forward to day trips with friends to New York to attend shows and the opera.

Her daily routine, particularly in her golden years, included knocking off the New York Times crossword puzzle and watching Turner Classic Movies, and perhaps a Western or two.

Toni is survived by her sons John J. Keaney and Paul M. Keaney; daughter-in-law Mary Jo Keaney; grandchildren Laura C. Huntley (Aaron), Alex K. Solaas (Shawn), and Sonya M. Keaney; and great-grandson Callahan P. Huntley.

She is predeceased by her husband John J. Keaney; daughter Anne M. Keaney; and daughter-in-law Asmira Halim.

Arrangements by Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, Princeton.

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John S. Chamberlin

1928-2023

John S. (Jack) Chamberlin, 94, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 with his beloved wife Mary by his side. Born on July 29, 1928, in Boston, Massachusetts, he was the son of Stephen and Olive (McGrath) Chamberlin and was raised in Dorchester, Massachusetts. He was a graduate of the Boston Latin School, obtained his AB cum laude from Harvard College (1950) and received a Masters in Business Administration from the Harvard School of Business (1953).

As a young boy, Jack acquired a love for the challenges of sales and marketing serving customers at his father’s ice cream stand, Chamberlin’s Ice Cream, in South Boston. It was no surprise then, when following his graduation from HBS, he launched himself into a long and fulfilling career in the consumer products industry where he was recognized as an expert and leader in the development of national and international markets.

His career began at the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) and he quickly moved to join the General Electric Company where he thrived for 22 years rising to Vice President and General Manager of the Housewares and Audio Business Division, successfully leading a turnaround of that business. With Mary he created lifelong friends among his colleagues at GE in the growing consumer electronics field, as his career took them and their children through four northeast states until settling in Princeton, New Jersey, where they have resided for the past 45 years. Following his time at GE, he joined Lenox, Inc. as President, Chairman, and CEO. In five years, he restructured the company, reestablished the brand, made strategic acquisitions and negotiated the ultimate sale of the company.

In 1985 he joined Avon Products as President and Chief Operating Officer where he remained until deciding to enter the private equity field. As an active participant in several private equity acquisitions of consumer products companies, he spent another decade as a board member, advisor, leader, and mentor to younger executives, a role he relished. During this period, he served as Executive Chairman of the LifeFitness Company.

Jack served as a director on the boards of public companies and private institutions including, The Travelers Companies, The Scotts Company, Prince Manufacturing Sports Company, Princeton HealthCare System, The Parsons School of Design, The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, Junior Achievement of New York City, and The National Association of Manufacturers. He was a longtime parishioner of Saint Paul’s Parish and a Knight of the Order of Malta. He was a member of The Bedens Brook Club, The Harvard Club, and The Nassau Club.

One of his most rewarding accomplishments was his role as member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Princeton HealthCare System in helping to develop and guide the strategic plan to build an entirely new hospital and health campus, the new University Medical Center at Princeton, a state-of-the-art hospital that opened in Princeton in 2012, now known as Penn Medicine Princeton.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Mary (Leahy), who was everything to him; his children, Mary Katherine Durgin (Bill), Trish Keyes (Ted), Carol McCabe (Patrick), John Chamberlin, Liane French (Tim), and Mark Chamberlin (Deana); 15 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; his brothers Stephen (Rosemary) Chamberlin and Kevin Chamberlin; and several nieces and nephews.

Jack’s passion for his work throughout his life was only surpassed by his love and unwavering commitment to his family and to his faith. He and Mary were happiest when they were surrounded by their loving children and cherished grandchildren at their welcoming home. He also enjoyed the simple pleasures of cheering on the Red Sox, rooting for Harvard, playing pitcher in a spirited game of wiffle ball with the grandkids, belting out in song around a piano, and taking in the remarkable sunset over Cape Cod Bay.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Carren Oluoch for her compassion and care these last few years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for members of the Chamberlin family.

Memorial donations may be made to Princeton Medical Center Foundation, 5 Plainsboro Road, Suite 365, Plainsboro, NJ 08536 (princetonhcs.org/princeton-medical-center-foundation/donate-now).

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

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Joseph Sferra

Joseph Sferra, 80, of Pennington passed away on April 9, 2023. He was born in Pettoranello del Molise, Italy. At the age of 15, he came to the United States with family and resided in Princeton. For the past 45 years he has lived in Pennington.

Upon arriving in Princeton, he worked for Nelson Glass until he joined his brothers as a barber at Continental Barber Shop in Princeton. His skilled talent and craftsmanship lead him to his career at Princeton University as a glazier and carpenter. He worked at Princeton University for 48 years until his retirement.

He was a family man who loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. They were his world as much as he was their world. He was exceptionally talented with all trades. He would always have projects ongoing to which the end results were breathtaking. He was one of a kind in all aspects. He would be the first wanting a family gathering and to raise a glass with family and friends. He always would leave you with his signature line “see you at Christmas.”

Predeceased by his parents Domenic and Angelina (Toto) Sferra; brother and sister-in-law Antonio (Clara) Sferra, brother and sister-in-law John (Rose) Sferra, and brother-in-law Oreste Sferra; he is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Scott and Meredith Sferra; daughter and son-in-law Jennifer and Michael Kopliner IV; grandchildren Ava, Ryan, and Joshua; brother and sister-in-law Umberto (Ester) Sferra, brother and sister-in-law Florindo (Patricia) Sferra, sister Assunta Sferra; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on April 18 at St. Paul’s Church, 216 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ. Burial followed in Princeton Cemetery.

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

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Joy Astrid Martin Shin

Joy Astrid Martin Shin, 86, died on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at the Miami Valley South Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. A good and faithful servant, Joy was surrounded by her loved ones as she moved on to life eternal.

Joy was born in 1936 in Chicago, Illinois, as the youngest daughter of Salvation Army officers Thomas Herbert Martin and Edythe (Somers McElhiney) Martin. In 1954, Joy earned her high school diploma from Southwest High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her father nicknamed her “Joy Bells.” A dedicated musician, Joy enjoyed playing French horn in the orchestra, and alto horn in Salvation Army bands throughout her school years. In 1959, Joy earned her Bachelor of Science from the University in Minnesota School of Nursing and became a registered nurse. While working at a hospital in Chicago, she met a seminary student and Korean immigrant, Tai Shin. After Joy earned her Master’s in Nursing Education from Teachers College at Columbia University, Joy and Tai got married in July of 1963. They raised their three sons in Indianapolis, Ann Arbor, Detroit, and later, in Princeton Junction, New Jersey. Joy had a passion for medicine and leadership, working as a nursing professor and medical administrator throughout her career. 

From 1974 until last year, Joy lived with her husband Tai in Princeton Junction near Grovers Mill Pond, and most recently along the Millstone River. After Tai’s death in in March of 2022, she moved to senior living to be closer to her son and his family in Dayton. Throughout her life, Joy, aka “Bud,” was a sociable and generous neighbor. She especially loved to read the New York Times, biographies, history, and novels, sing show tunes, attend church, share meals, and Facetime with her family and grandchildren.

Joy is predeceased by her brothers, Robert Cale (Bobby) Martin and John Herbert Brengle (Jay) Martin, and survived by her sister, Edythe Anne (Edie) Memmott of Rumson, NJ. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Sun Kyun Shin (Christine), and sisters-in-law, Elsie Martin, Sue Loesch, Rhonda Shin, and Jamie Chi (Ken). Tai and Joy had three sons — Kent (Kelley), Wesley (Maren), and Mark (fiancé Amy). Tai and Joy had seven grandchildren — Darren, Matthew, Rosemary, Daniel, Christina, Brandon, and Audrey. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.   

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 21 from 6-9 p.m. at the Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton, NJ. A Service in Witness to Resurrection and Interment will be held on Saturday, April 22 at 11 a.m. at Dutch Neck Presbyterian Church in Princeton Junction, NJ.

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

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Robert E. Van Vranken Jr.

Robert Eakins Van Vranken Jr. of Pennington, New Jersey, died April 4, 2023 due to complications of dementia. He was born September 23, 1935 in Brooklyn, NY. He was a graduate of the Lawrenceville School, Cornell University, and Rider University.

He was married to the late Kenan Myers Van Vranken for over three decades and together they raised three sons.

A strong believer in the citizen-soldier tradition, he served in ROTC at Cornell and for 36 years in the Army Reserve and National Guard, retiring in 1995 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

In 1966 he joined the administration of Princeton University, where he served for over four decades in various positions including the Offices of Registrar, Admissions, and Annual Giving. The many connections he made with students and their families during his tenure at the University still live on today. He believed strongly in the mission of the University and worked tirelessly to create opportunities for students to attend Princeton and be supported as they worked towards their degrees. He concluded his long service to the University in the Office of Annual Giving, where he was able to help extend opportunities for future students by building strong partnerships with alumni. His work at Princeton earned him honorary membership in eight classes: 1943, ’46, ’47, ’48, ’50, ’51, ’52, and ’77.

In the New Jersey community, he was the founder of the Lawrence Township Helping Houses Child Safety Program. He was a co-founder of the Lawrence Township Youth Hockey Program, where he taught hundreds of boys ice hockey skills.

One of Rob’s great joys was to walk in the Adirondack Mountains. The family made numerous camping trips in the Heart Lake region. As a reflection of their love for the Adirondacks, Robert and Kenan sent all three of their sons to Camp Dudley in Westport, New York. In 2002, Rob walked the 500-mile Camino Francès route of the Camino de Santiago in Spain.

He is survived by his three sons Robert III (Barbara), Nelson (Amy), and Peter (Amanda), and by his eight grandchildren Cooper, Kenan, Brennan, Sarah, Arnold, Elise, Norah, and Silas.

A private graveside ceremony will be held later this month in Princeton, New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be directed to Trinity Counseling Service of Princeton, NJ.

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Domenico E. Tamasi

Domenico E. Tamasi, 93, of Skillman passed away on April 15, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Pettoranello del Molise, Italy. Domenico was a restaurateur. He was the owner/operator of the Glendale Inn in Ewing, NJ.

Predeceased by his parents Nicola and Elvina (Palumbo) Tamasi, a brother and sister-in-law Eliseo and Lina Tamasi, a sister and brother-in-law Vincenza and Ginefrico Pirone, and a son-in-law Raymond Pettus.

Domenico is survived by his loving wife Adele R. (Petrecca) Tamasi; two daughters Elvina Pettus, Sandra Tamasi; two sons and a daughter-in-law Nicholas Tamasi, Paul and Laurie Tamasi (Siggia); 10 grandchildren Ean Jacobs, Erroll Tamasi, Ryan Pettus and Jennifer Pettus (Casamalhuapa), Erin Pettus, Ellis Tamasi, Evan Pettus and Devin Pettus (Brakel), Briana Tamasi and Guthrie Schoolar, Emma Tamasi, Peytann Tamasi, Jameson Troy; four great-grandchildren Bianca Pettus, Elizabeth Pettus, Dominic Pettus, Miles Parker; and many other nieces, nephews, in-laws, and cousins.

Domenico first immigrated from Italy to Princeton, New Jersey, USA in April 1948. He resided with his sister Vincenza and worked various landscaping jobs with his brother-in-law Ginefrico. He remained in the United States for several years before returning to Italy where he met Adele. They were married on July 10, 1954 before they made the return voyage to the United States in December 1954.

Domenico was ever-resourceful and an inspired worker whose ambition became a life that revolved around food. While he continued his evening work as a landscaper, he began his culinary career at The Princeton Inn as a pot washer. After his shifts, he would stay on to apprentice with the butcher.

Domenico worked his way up to butcher, acquiring various other skills along the way — including ice sculpture carving. He then advanced to Purchasing for Dining Services on campus at Princeton University’s Wilcox Hall. While working at the University he attended seminars and was awarded certificates from The Culinary Institute of America, Cornell University, Ball State University, Immaculata College, and The University of Oklahoma — to name a few.

While honing his craft he started his own catering business. As a caterer, he was a sought-after source for weddings and community events.

In 1972, along with his partners Ennio and Anthony Lieggi, he acquired and ran the very successful Glendale Inn in Ewing, New Jersey. In 1981 he sold the business and accepted a position at Meadow Lakes Presbyterian Homes as Director of Food Services in East Windsor, New Jersey, which is where he worked until he retired.

Domenico and Adele raised four children and hosted countless holidays, birthdays, events, and family meals at their home. They were able in the later years of his career to travel to Italy frequently, as well as many other countries, islands, and states.

Domenico was known for his prosciutto which he prepared and cured in his home, his art for making exceptional meat sauces, and his ever-popular clams casino. Domenico and Adele were excellent cooks and hosts for family and friends.

Domenico was very active in his community. He served on the Ways and Means committee at the Princeton Italian American Sportsman Club, was a member of the Roma Eterna, served as President of the Princeton-Pettoranello Sister City Foundation from 1996-97, and was a Foundation trustee from 1992-2010. In 2005 he was awarded the Order of Merit and named Caveliere by the Foundation. The ties to the Sister City of Pettoranello were solidified with this honor as it reinforced the message of family and tradition — both of which were paramount in Domenico’s life and heart.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Princeton-Pettoranello Sister City Foundation or St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.

A visitation will be held from 10-11a.m. on Monday, April 24, 2023 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 24, 2023 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the Princeton Cemetery.

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

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Bruce McLain Breckenridge

Bruce McLain Breckenridge, 96, passed away on Sunday, February 19, 2023, at Pennswood Village in Newtown, Pennsylvania. He was born in Brooklyn, Iowa, on November 7, 1926, as the son of Robert W. Breckenridge and Mildred McLain Breckenridge. He grew up in Ames, Iowa, near Iowa State University, where his father was a member of the engineering faculty.  He had a strong love of nature and the outdoors, encouraged by his uncle, the noted ecologist and conservationist Walter J. Breckenridge.

In 1967 he became the first chairman of the Department of Pharmacology at the newly established Rutgers Medical School, now known as the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.  He served in that position until 1989, and then continued as Professor of Pharmacology and Adjunct Professor of Medicine until his retirement as Emeritus Professor in 1995. He and his wife Mary Breckenridge lived in Princeton, New Jersey, before moving to Pennswood Village in 2003.

Dr. Breckenridge’s first publication was a brief 1943 report in The Auk, describing how he and three high school friends, with advice from wildlife biology professor Paul Errington, conducted field work to determine the incubation period of the great horned owl.  He entered Iowa State University in 1943 and served in the United States Navy during 1945-46. He pursued graduate studies in physiology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and was awarded the PhD degree in 1952. He continued there as an instructor while completing clinical requirements for the MD degree in 1956. During that time, he also conducted research on the biochemical basis of multiple sclerosis.

He became a medical intern at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri in 1956. He then joined the Department of Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine where he pursued research on carbohydrate metabolism in the brain. Both at Washington University and in later work, he and his collaborators produced a series of notable publications on the mechanisms of hormones, neurotransmitters, and therapeutic agents, with a particular focus on the signaling roles of the neurotransmitter cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP).

He was selected as a Markle Scholar in Academic Medicine for 1959-1964. During a sabbatical year in 1964-1965, he was a visiting scientist at the Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique in Paris. This year gave him the opportunity to establish ties with many other laboratories in Europe, and it was a formative experience for the family members who accompanied him. Later, in 1984, he was a visitor at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, affiliated with Harvard Medical School in Boston.

At the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Dr. Breckenridge helped to establish the Pharmacology and Toxicology Graduate Program with Rutgers University and to affiliate the medical school with Middlesex General Hospital (now Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital). He served on numerous university and government advisory panels and committees. 

He was a member of the Nassau Presbyterian Church in Princeton, New Jersey, where he served for a time as a deacon.

He was predeceased in 2022 by his wife of 72 years, Mary Alice (Barber) Breckenridge.  He was also predeceased by his sisters Harriet Turkington, Esther Blackburn, and Eleanor Gates. A loving and devoted father, he is survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law: Lee Peters Breckenridge and Robert A. Margo; Janet B. and Raymond T. Pierrehumbert; and Ellen Douglas Breckenridge. He is also survived by four grandchildren Anna McLain Pierrehumbert, Nadia Douglas Pierrehumbert, Larissa Douglas Koch Ursprung, and Andrei Santino Breniman Koch, and by three great-grandchildren David Barber Speh, Eric Douglas Speh, and Laura Dente Speh.

A private funeral and burial were held at the Princeton Cemetery (Princeton, New Jersey) on February 24, 2023.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mather Hodge Funeral Home.

———

Mary Alice Barber Breckenridge

Mary Alice Barber Breckenridge, 97, died peacefully on May 5, 2022, surrounded by her loving family at Pennswood Village in Newtown, Pennsylvania. She was born in Omaha, Nebraska on March 4, 1925, as the daughter of Peter Thaddeus Barber, Jr. and Alice (Douglas) Barber.  She grew up in Omaha, where her parents worked together in the family dental supply business. 

She and her husband Bruce McLain Breckenridge resided in Rochester, New York; University City, Missouri; and Princeton, New Jersey, before moving to Newtown, Pennsylvania in 2003.

She received her undergraduate degree in chemistry in 1947 from Iowa State University, where she met her future husband Bruce Breckenridge, whom she married in 1949. She received a master’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Iowa in 1949. In the 1950s she worked as a research assistant at the University of Rochester School of Medicine, and in the 1960s at Washington University in St. Louis, where she collaborated on several celebrated studies in public health. 

Professor Breckenridge earned a PhD in sociology from Princeton University in 1976, graduating as a member of the first class of women in a new program for mature graduate students. She then completed a postdoctoral fellowship in biostatistics. Among her mentors was the biostatistician John Tukey, whose methods of exploratory data analysis she applied in her book Age, Time, and Fertility: Applications of Exploratory Data Analysis (1983). Regarded as a pioneering work in population sciences, this book used robust statistical methods to model two centuries of longitudinal fertility data from Sweden.

Professor Breckenridge joined the faculty at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (now part of Rutgers University) in New Brunswick, New Jersey, where she developed several new degree programs and obtained substantial funding from the National Institutes of Health. She conducted innovative studies of community-based health services and pursued influential research in population sciences. She was honored several times for her contributions to the scholarly mission of the medical school. A YMCA Tribute to Women in Industry (TWIN) award in 1994 commended her as “a role model and mentor for women and men in academia.” She retired in 2000 as Professor Emerita of Family Medicine.

Professor Breckenridge was a longtime member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. She was active in the Princeton Graduate Alumni Association.  She was a member of the Nassau Presbyterian Church in Princeton, New Jersey, where she served for a time as a deacon. 

Professor Breckenridge was survived by her husband of 72 years, Bruce M. Breckenridge, who passed away on February 19, 2023. An inspiration to her children and grandchildren, she is survived by her three daughters and two sons-in-law Lee Peters Breckenridge and Robert A. Margo, Janet B. and Raymond T. Pierrehumbert, and Ellen Douglas Breckenridge; her four grandchildren, Anna McLain Pierrehumbert, Nadia Douglas Pierrehumbert, Larissa Douglas Koch Ursprung, and Andrei Santino Breniman Koch; and her three great-grandchildren, David Barber Speh, Eric Douglas Speh, and Laura Dente Speh.

A private funeral and burial were held at the Princeton Cemetery (Princeton, New Jersey), on May 10, 2022.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mather Hodge Funeral Home.

April 12, 2023

Obituaries 4/12/2023

Joseph Sferra

Joseph Sferra, 80, of Pennington passed away on April 9, 2023. He was born in Pettoranello del Molise, Italy. At the age of 15, he came to the United States with family and resided in Princeton. For the past 45 years he has lived in Pennington.

Upon arriving in Princeton, he worked for Nelson Glass until he joined his brothers as a barber at Continental Barber Shop in Princeton. His skilled talent and craftsmanship lead him to his career at Princeton University as a glazier and carpenter. He worked at Princeton University for 48 years until his retirement.

He was a family man who loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. They were his world as much as he was their world. He was exceptionally talented with all trades. He would always have projects ongoing to which the end results were breathtaking. He was one of a kind in all aspects. He would be the first wanting a family gathering and to raise a glass with family and friends. He always would leave you with his signature line “see you at Christmas.”

Predeceased by his parents Domenic and Angelina (Toto) Sferra; brother and sister-in-law Antonio (Clara) Sferra, brother and sister-in-law John (Rose) Sferra, and brother-in-law Oreste Sferra; he is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Scott and Meredith Sferra; daughter and son-in-law Jennifer and Michael Kopliner IV; grandchildren Ava, Ryan, and Joshua; brother and sister-in-law Umberto (Ester) Sferra, brother and sister-in-law Florindo (Patricia) Sferra, sister Assunta Sferra; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 from 10-11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Church, 216 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Princeton Cemetery.

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

———

Carolyn Leah Chun

February 15, 1966 – January 31, 2023

Carolyn (“Carrie”) Leah Chun, 56, of Princeton Junction, NJ, passed away January 31, 2023 after a long battle with Huntington’s Disease (HD). Born in Natchitoches, LA, on February 15, 1966, the second daughter of Marvin Ostberg and Nancy (Whitford) Grant, she spent her childhood in Salem, OR. Graduating from McKay High School (Salem, OR), she received a B.S. in Elementary Education (at Oregon State University) and M.A. in Reading and Language Arts (Rider University).

Married to Jonathan in 1992 in Honolulu, they lived in the Princeton area for more than 30 years, raising two daughters. Carrie had been actively involved in her church, Westerly Road Church (now Stone Hill Church), serving in the young adults group or nursery, organizing vacation Bible school, and working in the church office. Having a love for teaching children, she tutored students and homeschooled her own children until they enrolled at the Wilberforce School. Carrie enjoyed building relationships in her community Tai Chi class, YWCA Breast Cancer Resource Center group, the school, Bible study fellowships, or prayer groups.

Carrie is remembered as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, and dear friend to many. Predeceased by her mother, Nancy (Whitford) Grant, she is survived by her father, Marvin Ostberg and stepmother Patricia of Skillman, NJ; her sister, Jill Ostberg of Lakewood, NJ; her husband, Jonathan, of Princeton Junction, NJ; daughter Emily of Washington, DC; and daughter Hannah of Philadelphia, PA.

A private burial was attended by family with a Celebration of Life to be held at Stone Hill Church of Princeton, NJ, on April 15 at 11 a.m., preceded by a graveside service at Dutch Neck Presbyterian Church Cemetery, West Windsor, NJ, at 9:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (hdsa.org) or the ministries of Cru (give.cru.org).

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

———

John Stephen Hegedus

John Stephen Hegedus, a loving husband, father, and friend, passed away on March 27, 2023. He was born on July 21, 1927 to a Hungarian family in Satu Mare, Romania. He was preceded in death by his parents, Zoltan and Anna Hegedus, and his sister, Agnes. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Franziska (aka Bambi); his sons, Nicholas (Kate) of Pennington, NJ, and Christopher (Heather) of Vienna, VA; and grandchildren, Timothy, Kristen, Austin, and Matthew.

Early in his life, John experienced the tragedy of WWII, during which he lost his father and sister. He made an adventurous escape from communist Romania, involving crossing a border in the trunk of a car and posing as a seminarian, eventually making his way to NYC, where he graduated from Columbia University with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering.

After a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry, including time managing operations in Tokyo (twice) and in Istanbul (for eight years), he settled in Greenwich, CT, moved to Westport, CT, and then to Pennington, NJ. He was an avid bridge player, a history buff, and a consummate intellectual.

He will be forever missed for his intelligence, curiosity, and (at times off-color) sense of humor.

———

Beverly T. Crane Dubee

Beverly Crane Dubee (née Tyrrell) passed away on April 4 at Penn Princeton Medical Center, age 89. Born in Hackensack, NJ, on January 15, 1934, the daughter of Donald Ross Tyrrell and Henrietta Benson Tyrrell, she was a longtime resident of Princeton who inspired and supported all with her innate ability to connect with everyone she met.

She graduated from Rutherford High School in 1951 and matriculated at Ursinus College in 1955 and graduated with a degree in psychology. Dismissed from her first professional job at Western Electric’s personnel department after marrying Harold E. Crane Jr. (1932-1981) in 1957 for being a pregnant married woman, their son William M. Crane was born the same year. The young family moved to the Princeton area in 1959. Their daughter Elizabeth de Jong-Crane was born in 1960. Determined to be a working mother, she started her real estate career with Charles Draine, then joined Peyton and Callaway and finally Peyton Associates. In Princeton she was a founding member of All Saints’ Church, and an active member of Springdale Golf Club and the AAUW.

In 1981 after the passing of her first husband she worked for Merrill Lynch Relocation in the World Trade Center in NYC. In 1985 she married Joseph Andre Dubee (1945-2010) and moved to Bethesda, MD, where she worked for Howard Hughes Medical Institute. In 1990 Joe and Beverly moved to Elkins Park, PA, where she worked for the Philadelphia Cricket Club as head of Human Resources. She was also Senior Warden of the vestry at St. Paul’s Church. They returned to Princeton in 2005, where she dedicated much of her time to her passion for bridge. Having achieved the rank of sectional master she played regularly at the Princeton Senior Center, the Present Day Club, and Community without Walls.

In 2015, five years after her second husband died, she moved to Princeton Windrows. In 2021 she moved to Maplewood Senior Living, where her constant upbeat nature never wavered.

She is survived by her children Bill (Lisa) and Betsy (Jan); four grandchildren, Marshall, Emma, Abigail (Andrew Ochoa), and Pieter; her three sisters, Patricia Taylor, Dorothy Zaleski, and Susan Gauff; her sister-in-law Patricia Crane; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held in her honor at Trinity Church Princeton on Friday April 14, at 1 p.m., with a reception following at Springdale Golf Club where she was a member for 55 years.

Donations in her honor may be made to Scheie Eye Institute, The National Trust for Preservation, and Planned Parenthood.

April 5, 2023

Obituaries 4/5/2023

Celebration of Life

William Davis Humes

A Celebration of Life for William Davis Humes will be celebrated from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Springdale Golf Club, 1895 Clubhouse Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540.

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

———

Margaret Sherry Rich

Margaret Sherry Rich of Ewing, NJ, age 77, passed away on March 19 from a sudden heart attack.

Meg, as she was known to her friends, was a retired reference librarian in the Rare Books and Special Collections division of the Princeton University Library. In a varied academic career, she previously taught English and/or Comparative Literature at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, the University of California at Riverside, and in the German Department at Princeton University. She held a BA in English from Cornell University, a PhD in Comparative Literature from the John Hopkins University, and a Masters in Library and Information Sciences from Rutgers University.

In retirement, she was an active member of Master Gardeners, the League of Women Voters, and the Belle Mead Friends of Music, as well as her church, St. Luke’s, Ewing. She loved early music and was writing an opera at the time of her death.

She is survived by her loving husband, Stuart Rich, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her sister Nancy Lowe, her brother Robert Meyer, and, from a previous marriage, a son, Michael Sherry, and a granddaughter Isabelle Sherry.

A funeral service will be held at Grace-St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 3715 East State Street, Hamilton NJ 08619 at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 8. This will be followed by an informal reception in the Fellowship Hall of the church.

———

Leslie Helene Smith

Leslie Helene Smith died March 26, 2023 from heart disease at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Leslie was born in Princeton, N.J., on December 15, 1958 to Beresford Smith and Barbara Smith (née Kowalski).

Leslie’s father Smitty was an electrical engineer and an avid science fiction fan. Leslie followed her father’s interest, spending 25 years active in the science fiction community. Leslie’s mother Barbara was a teacher and stained glass artist. She created fused stained glass jewelry and stained glass windows. She was also a part of the early 1960s folk music boom. Leslie learned about both visual and performing arts from her mother.

Young Leslie loved choral singing and piano. She sang with the All Saints Episcopal Church Choir and with the Princeton High School Choir under the renowned Musical Director Bill Trego and Associate Director Nancianne Parella.

Her stepfather Robert L. Siegel was a founding member of the Philadelphia Folk Song Society. He became an important part of her life and introduced her to the Philadelphia Folk Festival. As a teen, she performed ragtime piano at the festival, and she was reviewed in the New York Times. Working as a festival volunteer for many years, she edited performer biographies for the program book, helped with artist relations, and worked in her mother’s jewelry craft booth.

Leslie studied music at Rutgers University’s Douglass College and received a B.A. in art history. At Douglass she lived in the immersive French and German House residences, which helped her to become fluent in both languages. These skills contributed to her later singing career.

In Philadelphia, Leslie was a copyeditor for “TV Guide,” and later she was an assistant at the University of Pennsylvania alumni magazine. She was a compulsive spelling and grammar nitpicker. While in Philadelphia, Leslie performed several shows with the Rose Valley Chorus — a community Gilbert & Sullivan and musical theater company.

In 1987 Leslie moved to Ann Arbor to study choral conducting at the University of Michigan, and to be closer to her future husband Ken. Her studies shifted over time, first to musicology. Finally she found her calling in vocal performance, with a focus on opera. In the late 1990s she tackled a master’s degree in vocal performance at Michigan State University. Later, her wide-ranging musical studies would make her a fine voice teacher.

Leslie studied in eight summers of music workshops taking place in Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Aspen. Her voice type was a dramatic soprano. In the Czech Republic, she sang in a series of Verdi opera concerts. In workshops and student productions, her roles included Lady Billows in the opera “Albert Herring,” Donna Anna in “Don Giovanni,” and The Witch in “Hansel & Gretel.” Her favorite local performance was Katisha in “The Mikado” for the University of Michigan’s Gilbert & Sullivan Society.

For many years, Leslie was a soprano section leader and occasional soloist with the Chancel Choir of First Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor, and she had been looking forward to returning to the Choir when her health improved. Also locally, Leslie sang with the Vocal Arts Ensemble and the Bach Chorale.

Outside of classical music, Leslie enjoyed jazz, and 1970s and ‘80s rock. She was an early adopter of digital technology; she participated in online communities as far back as the mid-1980s, with dial-up BBS systems, and she was fearless in trying out new devices and software. She read books and articles passionately — her web browser tabs were often filled to overflowing. She loved to cook and she was an enthusiastic gardener. In recent years Leslie picked up knitting and crochet, and she loved the Kerrytown Crafters weekly knitting sessions. Leslie adored cats, and throughout life she shared her home with many lovely felines.

Leslie is survived by her loving husband Kenneth R. Josenhans of Ann Arbor, Michigan. She is also survived by her sister, Jennifer Smith Lohmann, originally from Princeton, and her nieces Amelia and Olivia Lohmann who all live in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Leslie’s memory can be made to the Sacred Music Fund at First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, Michigan (firstpresbyterian.org/worship/ministry-music-and-fine-arts).

A memorial and celebration of her life will be announced later.

———

Richard H. Wood

Richard (Dick) H. Wood, Jr. passed peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 in Prescott Arizona. He was 85 years old. Dick was born on St . Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1937 at his family home in Princeton, NJ, to Richard and Mary (nee Young) Wood. A Princeton High School graduate, Dick was a star athlete in basketball (guard), football (quarterback), and track (pole vault), the latter two coached by his father. He went on to play football for three seasons at the University of Pennsylvania, before graduating from the prestigious Wharton School with a degree in economics. Following college, Dick served two years in the Army National Guard in California before returning to New Jersey to work for IBM and ultimately a lengthy career with Mobile Oil.

A devoted father to two sons, Greg and Jeff, and one of six siblings, Dick valued hard work, family, and the importance of education, having had an Ivy League education himself. Those who knew Dick, knew him to be a highly intelligent and serious man with a delightfully wry sense of humor. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Dick led an active lifestyle enjoying hiking, gardening, and a deep appreciation for nature.

Dick raised his sons in Metuchen, NJ, with ex-wife Nancy, while commuting to work in New York City. Being the oldest of six siblings, Dick was devoted to his parents and grandparents and took a leadership role with their passing. He instilled in his sons the importance of family by demonstrating the value of participating in family events and celebrations.

Following retirement from Mobile Oil, Dick moved to Prescott, Arizona, with his longtime partner, Leona (Lee) Edenfield, to enjoy the dry climate and scenic beauty of the red rocks. Dick and Lee enjoyed day trips in the region and travel in their retirement, taking cruises to Europe, Russia, and Alaska. Dick and Lee shared an appreciation of art and sculpture, collecting pieces for their home. Dick’s love of nature was on display with his beloved Koi pond, which he designed, built and nurtured to maturity. Sharing this Koi pond with neighbors and visitors was one of his greatest joys. He religiously filled hummingbird feeders for the many winged friends who frequented his home. He shared his home with two cats, who held his heart for many years. Living so far from family, time spent on calls and visits were treasured, even if just to discuss the weather, sharing pancakes at his favorite breakfast place at Lynx Lake, or giving financial advice. Sharing information with family to help them make wise decisions to achieve a sound financial future was important to him. A lifelong Catholic, Dick worshipped most recently at St Germaine Roman Catholic Parish, in Prescott, Arizona.

Dick was preceded in death by his father, Richard, mother, Mary, and brother-in-law Dan. He is survived by his longtime partner Lee; son Greg (wife Karen), grandson Alex, son Jeff (wife Ann), grandchildren Dylan and Harper, ex-wife Nancy, five siblings Craig (wife Daryl), Allen (wife Priscilla), Tom (wife Sinda), Karen, and Peggy (wife Malissa), and many nieces and nephews. He was a loving son, father, grandfather, partner, brother, and uncle. He leaves a legacy of generosity, love, wit, and respect. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

A private memorial service will be held in Princeton, NJ, in April.

———

Hai-Tao Tang

Hai-Tao Tang, age 91, of Plainsboro, passed away at home of natural causes on Sunday, March 26, 2023. He was born August 27, 1931, in Shanghai, China.

Mr. Tang completed his master’s degree in Chinese Literature at National Taiwan University. He was a member of the Princeton University faculty as Lecturer in Chinese language in the Department of East Asian Studies for 22 years, becoming Lecturer Emeritus in 1996. He was coauthor of several books including Classical Chinese — A Basic Reader and Readings in Classical Chinese Poetry and Prose.

He is survived by his wife Nai-Ying Yuan Tang. There will be no memorial service.

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

———

John J. Tucker

John Joseph Tucker of Princeton died March 28, 2023 at 88. Born in Philadelphia, John was a longtime resident of Princeton. John was a graduate of La Salle University and The University of Notre Dame. He also served in the United States Army Reserve. He began his career with the Central Intelligence Agency in Washington D.C. He became a management consultant and worked for McKinsey & Company, and ITT in New York, NY. He was an avid follower of politics and served as town councilman in Westfield, New Jersey. He was founding partner in Tucker Associates, a Princeton based executive consulting firm. John volunteered for Catholic Charities and performed outreach and education to parishes in Trenton. John was an avid baseball fan and loved to play poker with his friends.

Son of the late John Henry and Elizabeth (Flood) Tucker, he is survived by his wife of 46 years Merlene (Keech) Tucker; two sons and two daughters-in-law John David and Lisa Tucker, Robert Nuttall and Kimberly Tucker; two daughters Letitia Jane Tucker, Courtney Jane Tucker; two sisters Janet Tucker, Bettee Sallee; and six grandchildren Charles Joseph Tucker, James Robert Tucker, Christopher John Tucker, Jacqueline Isabelle Tucker, Andrew Gene Tucker, and Ian Tucker Balutis.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. on Friday, April 14, 2023 at St. Paul’s Church 216 Nassau Street, Princeton.

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

———

Patricia O’Connell

Patricia “Patty” Ann (Murphy) O’Connell, 65, of Princeton, passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023 surrounded by her loving family and friends.

She was born in Passaic, grew up in Hasbrouck Heights, and settled in Princeton. She attended Immaculate Heart Academy in NJ and received a B.A. in Fashion Merchandising from Marymount College in Tarrytown, NY. Patty was a buyer at Macy’s in NYC, a pharmaceutical rep with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a branch of Johnson & Johnson, Dictaphone, and was a real estate agent for Burgdorff and Coldwell Banker. She enjoyed playing golf and tennis and loved the beach, animals, and nature. She was a member of the Newcomer’s Club and Women’s Club of Princeton; and served as a Eucharistic Minister. She loved to travel and went to Ireland, Germany, (Oberammergau Passion Play 2010) Switzerland, and Austria.

Predeceased by her parents John J. Murphy and Evangeline DeWitt; she is survived by her husband of 38 years Dr. Joseph John O’Connell III; brother and sister-in-law John (Jack) and Wendy Murphy; sister and brother-in-law Diane and Richard McGrath Esq.; nieces and nephews, who were like children and meant the world to Patty, Brian, and Megan Murphy and their children Declan and Tierney; Sharon and Paul D’Anello and their children Alana, Olivia, Julia, and Sara; Erin and Ray Dunne and their children Clare and Liam; Katie and Elwyn Webb and their children Addie, Trent, and Graham; John and Kellie Murphy; Ryan and Kim McGrath and their children Kaitlyn and Connor, and Colleen McGrath.

Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Monday, April 10, 2023 with Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Church, 216 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542. Mass will be livestreamed on St. Paul’s Church website home page at stpaulsofprinceton.org.

Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 in Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah, NJ.

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

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

———

George A. Gray, III

George A. Gray, III, internationally recognized opera singer, passed away at 75.

George A. Gray was born in Red Bank, NJ, on May 26, 1947, the eldest son of Judge George A. and Florence (née Carlson) Gray. He grew up on the Navesink River, where he was an avid boater, fisherman, and ice skater in a childhood some have described as right out of a Mark Twain novel. George took up archery in high school, and for most of his adult life, he was an avid deer hunter who never could bear to shoot a deer. He said he just liked being out in nature.

A talented musician, George began singing in the junior and senior choirs at Trinity Episcopal Church in Red Bank, NJ, and he performed in the Senior Choir and the Men of Note barbershop ensemble at Red Bank High School. In high school, George also learned to play guitar, banjo, and other stringed instruments, leading to a lifelong love of folk music and bluegrass. At age 18, he began studying the piano and organ. George completed his secondary education at the Ranney School in Tinton Falls, NJ. He attended Westminster Choir College as a voice major and subsequently received master’s degrees in voice and composition from Mannes College of Music and Juilliard School of Music, both on scholarships.

After graduation, George served as choirmaster at Trinity Lutheran Church, Brooklyn, and later became Artist in Residence at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. A rich and dynamic tenor, George’s singing voice turned heroic after he began studying with George McKinley, his dear friend and mentor.  His first major role was Max in Der Freischütz at Princeton University Opera. By the decade’s end, George had established himself as a force in Lyric and Wagnerian opera.

As his voice grew, George’s career blossomed. He sang the role of Énée in Les Troyens at the opening of the Opéra Bastille in Paris in 1990, performed at the State Theater in Karlsruhe, and, from 1988 to 1990, he sang at the Vienna State Opera. In 1988 and 1989, he achieved great success as Siegfried at the Zurich Opera House with similar accolades for his reprise of the role in Wiesbaden in 1994. After many other notable performances, in 1996 he performed to great acclaim as Siegfried in the performances of Wagner’s Der Ring Des Nibelungen by the Arizona Opera in Flagstaff.  Also in 1996, he starred in the world premiere of the opera Rashomon by Mayako Kuba in Graz. He performed as Tajomaru, a part written specifically for his voice.

After retiring from the opera, George taught voice for a number of years at the Boyer College of Music & Dance, Temple University, Drexel University, and from his home. From 2008 until 2022, he was Music Director at Morrisville United Methodist Church, Morrisville, PA.

George died on March 21, just at the beginning of Spring. He is survived by his beloved wife, Anne (née Ramus) Gray, Professor Emerita of Westminster Choir College at Rider University, her two daughters, Sarah Eslick and Annie Jain, their husbands, Jason Eslick and Deepak Jain, and his four grandchildren, whom he loved dearly.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Grace Ramus and his brother, Richard. Another brother, David, predeceased him.

A service will be held at Morrisville United Methodist Church, Morrisville, PA on April 22 at 1 p.m.  For a link to the livestream, visit the Kimble Funeral Home website at thekimblefuneralhome.com.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Smile Train (smiletrain.org).

March 29, 2023

Obituaries 3/29/2023

Zygmunt Andrevski

Zygmunt Andrevski, a longtime Princeton resident, passed away on March 12, aged 90, after a long illness. He was born in Poland and as a child lived through the German invasion during WWII. He emigrated to the U.S. in 1959. An avid pilot and parachutist, he flew MiG planes for the Polish air force and flew gliders, Pipers, and Cessnas in the U.S. for pleasure.

He worked at General Instruments in New York before moving to Princeton in the early 1970s to work for David Sarnoff Laboratories as a mechanical engineer. Over 25 years at Sarnoff he worked on many groundbreaking inventions and enjoyed meeting and collaborating with colleagues on many projects and received Sarnoff’s Outstanding Achievement Award. He was awarded 27 international patents for his work including work on the CD player and flat panel television. He was part of a team awarded a Technical Emmy Award for camera technology.

He enjoyed painting, sailing, and skiing in his free time and attended St Paul’s Church regularly. He was a role model to many, generous with his friends, and lived his life with humility and dignity.

He is survived by his wife Anna who lives in Lawrence, and daughter Agata and two grandchildren who live in London.

———

Sheila W. Johnson

Sheila Warfield Johnson died on March 9, 2023 at home in Stamford, CT, after a long battle with ovarian cancer.

She was born in New York, NY, on December 2, 1943 to Eleanor and Collister Johnson, and attended Ms. Porter’s School and Smith College. She majored in French Literature, studying abroad her junior year at the Sorbonne in Paris, and was a member of the Octavians singing group. After graduating in 1965, she worked at Life magazine where she spent seven years as a member of the editorial staff.

In Far Hills, NJ, rarely a day went by in the Johnson household without a song. Sheila’s father “Coddy” sang with the Yale Whiffenpoofs and often gathered with his three brothers who lived nearby to make music. She was a soprano with a bell-like tone and a natural gift for performing. While raising her family in Princeton, NJ, she became an original member of the Boudinotes, a female a cappella group that performed both locally and nationally for over a decade. She also worked as a research assistant to William Bundy, a foreign affairs advisor to presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, who at the time was writing A Tangled Web, a book on Nixon foreign policy.

After her second marriage ended, she moved to Hopewell, NJ, and joined the coed singing group Jersey Transit. Sheila vigorously pursued a passion for gardening, thanks in part to the influence of her beloved mother, “Elle,” who held positions in the Garden Club of America and was known to encourage strict use of Latin botanical names. In 1996, Sheila became a New Jersey Master Gardener and attended NYU’s Rusk School to study horticultural therapy.

In 2007, Sheila met and married Harry Wise, whom she described as the love of her life. After a few years in Manhattan, the couple moved to Stamford, CT, where they enjoyed a life filled with music — Sheila on vocals and Harry on the piano. She also sang with the Greenwich Grace Notes and joined the choir at St. Luke’s Church in Darien. Sadly, Harry passed away in 2014, but Sheila remained in Stamford, living near her children.

In recent years, Sheila traveled to Paris to serve as a judge for several rose competitions and took trips to Europe with friends as well as with her kids and grandkids. She continued to enjoy a cherished family tradition of gathering each summer on Martha’s Vineyard where her parents, siblings, and cousins had spent time since the 1960s.

She is survived by her son Eben MacNeille, daughter Alisa MacNeille Kuhn, four grandchildren, her sister Lee Auchincloss, and brother Collister Johnson, Jr. Her maternal grandfather, Malcolm Muir, was president of McGraw-Hill Publishing Company and created Business Week magazine in 1929. He also served as editor-in-chief, publisher, and chairman of the board at Newsweek magazine.

Sheila’s determination at the end of life was inspirational. She never openly complained as she pushed through life-prolonging treatments to gain more time with friends and family. Last summer she enjoyed one last swim in the Atlantic Ocean. Her lyrical spirit, strength, and joie de vivre will be ever present in our hearts.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at leopgallagherstamford.com for the Johnson family.

———

Michelina Federico

Michelina Federico, 89, of Princeton died on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at home. Born in Pettoranello del Molise, Italy, she has been a longtime resident of Princeton. She was a member of St. Paul’s Church, Princeton. She was a part of the church’s Rosary club. Michelina was an avid gardener who took great pride in her backyard garden and flower beds. She enjoyed knitting scarves and blankets for family while watching her favorite television shows. Michelina was always delighted to visit her loved ones and never showed up empty handed as she was always prepared with her homemade pizzelles. She loved to cook and entertain, spending many occasions at her home hosting family and friends over the years and up until her final days.

Daughter of the late Giuseppe and Bambina (Toto) Pirone, wife of the late Benito Federico, mother of the late Anthony V. Federico, mother-in-law of the late Lisa M. Federico, sister of the late Adalgisa Ucci, Fiorina Ucci, Lucia Carnevale, and Rosina Parmigiano she is survived by two daughters Maryann Federico, Rosa Anne Federico; two brothers Umberto Pirone and his spouse Giovannina, Vittorio Pirone and his spouse Vincenzina; one sister Alberina Nini and her husband Sebastiano; six grandchildren Anthony Federico and his wife Rose, Corey Kimball and his wife Marina, Heather Kimball, Ashley Dimitriadis and her husband Theoharis, Christopher McDonald and his wife Grace, Patrick McDonald and his wife Renee; and four great-grandchildren Hunter Kimball, Dylan Kimball, Tiana McDonald, and Anthony Federico. She also has many extended family and friends that she loved and cherished very much.

The Funeral was held on Monday, March 27, 2023 at the Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Paul’s Church, 216 Nassau Street, Princeton.

Burial followed in the Princeton Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Church, 216 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08540.

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Carolyn Jarnmark Ringland

Carolyn “Lynn” Ringland died peacefully on March 13, 2023, at an assisted living community in Westchester County, NY, after a five-year struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was 81 years old.

She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Jerry Ringland; beloved daughters Jodi Outland (Jim Outland) of Cape Charles, VA, and Kesti Aysseh (Gordon Aysseh) of Darien, CT; and six grandchildren, Matthew, Benjamin, and Mark Outland; Emily, Dillan, and Thomas Aysseh; together with family and friends far and near.

Lynn was the middle daughter of John and Doris Jarnmark. She was predeceased by her parents and sister Monica Barnouw. She was very close with her younger sister, Suzy Solberger of Sweden, and her many nieces and nephews, who survive her.

Lynn was born in Santiago, Chile, on January 22, 1942. At the age of 4 she moved to Sweden where she spent her childhood years, she spoke fluent Swedish for the rest of her life. She came to the United States as a young teenager, lived in California, Pennsylvania, and attended high school in Mamaroneck, NY. She went on to college at the Rhode Island School of Design and in 1962 she graduated from Parsons School of Design in New York with a degree in Graphic Design. Thereafter, she worked for several advertising agencies in New York City. Summer of 1962, she married Joseph “Jerry” Ringland, then a medical student at Cornell Medical College in New York. At the completion of his medical training in 1970, they along with their first daughter, moved to Princeton, NJ, where they resided for 50 years.

Lynn was a devoted mother of two and worked from home for many years focusing on graphic design work. She also loved to volunteer for the Arts Council of Princeton and the Doctor’s Wives Committee at Princeton Hospital contributing to many poster designs for the Hospital Fete. The highlight of her career was working for Martha Stewart Magazine, baking, and decorating cookies.
Lynn had a true zest for life, always positive and upbeat. Her trues loves included visiting Sweden, skiing, traveling, entertaining, cooking, baking, arts and crafts, playing golf, taking long walks and spending time with her children and grandchildren at their respective homes.

A private family service will be held in Connecticut. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name will be welcomed by the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org.

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Lawrence “Larry” Berger

Lawrence “Larry” Berger, 69, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 17, surrounded by his wife Paget and his children Rebecca, Aaron, and Josh. He will be remembered by those who knew and loved him for his penetrating intellect, the passions he shared, and his perceptive kindness. Those who knew him well, and those he met only in passing, benefited equally from his humorous sweet nature and his attentiveness. He was a committed Jew, who lived his principles rather than expound on them.

Larry grew up in Brooklyn, New York. Following graduation from Harvard College, he worked as a Research Associate at the Harvard Business School, before beginning his career in accounting followed by investment banking. He aspired to be an entrepreneur and always felt that those early disciplines, plus his natural gift for connecting people and synthesizing ideas, could propel him toward developing startup businesses. His list of ventures was long and varied, before he gravitated toward Biotech and founded the successful firm Genovation BioSciences which he nurtured until reluctant retirement in 2021.

Larry’s passions were numerous and he pursued them vigorously. Chief among them were music, current events, and golf. In his lifetime Larry collected over a thousand vinyl albums and CDs. He prided himself on his extensive knowledge of genres and performers. While living in Boston, New York, and Princeton he also attended an untold number of live performances, which he claimed helped him “calibrate” his audio system at home.

Larry could expound for hours on world history and current events. He knew intimately the history of every area in which he lived or visited, favoring American Revolutionary and Civil War history. His analysis of news and events was always filtered insightfully through the lens of the past. For him, pursuing history could also mean joining a guided tour of the Battlefield in Princeton at 6 a.m. on a January morning, because it was more authentic that way.

Larry’s affection for golf began during his years in Brooklyn, competing for his high school golf team. He adored watching or speaking about golf, playing golf, and collecting equipment. On two occasions Larry journeyed to Ireland and Scotland (Old St. Andrews) to play golf, fulfilling a personal dream of his to see where the game was inaugurated.

He used his considerable gifts to penetrate and enhance every life experience. The life experience most precious to Larry was being a husband and a father. He and his wife Paget celebrated 50 years of constant companionship in 2022. Yet for Larry no role or achievement could outmatch that of being a father, reflected in the growth and development he shared with Becca, Aaron, and Josh. He is abundantly missed by his loving family and a small group of close friends, some of whom he remained close with since his college days. His generous presence and engaging conversations enriched all who knew him.

Donations in honor of Larry’s life may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Magen David Adom (the Israeli Red Cross.)

March 22, 2023

Obituaries 3/22/2023

Joanne Elliott

Born in Providence, RI, in 1925, Joanne Elliott of Princeton, NJ, passed away March 5, 2023 in Titusville, NJ.

She received her Ph.D. in mathematics in 1950 from Cornell University with a thesis entitled “On Some Singular Integral Equations of the Cauchy Type.” This was at a time when women mathematicians were a rarity. Her distinguished career began with one year at Swarthmore College followed by an assistant professorship at Mount Holyoke College where she wrote the 1956 paper “Stochastic Processes Connected With Harmonic Functions,” with William Feller. In the same year she relocated to Barnard College, teaching at Columbia University. By 1964, she had arrived at Douglass College of Rutgers University, and was Professor of Mathematics from 1965 until her retirement in 1991. She supervised five Ph.D. theses during 1967-1978.

Joanne was an inveterate reader who loved and supported music and the arts. She traveled extensively with her close friend, mathematician and photographer, Natascha Artin Brunswick. An avid birdwatcher, she and her friends Tanya and Milton Moss frequented the vicinity of the Atlantic flyway and visited other countries specifically to go birding.

On retiring from Rutgers, Joanne volunteered for many years interpreting mathematical texts at Reading for the Blind, (now Learning Ally). Throughout her life she supported numerous charities and derived much pleasure from so doing.

She was predeceased by her parents John Sanderson and Martha Hester (Robertson) Elliott, a brother Robert G. Elliott, and a nephew John S. Elliott.

Joanne is survived by her niece Debbie Reed, a cousin Julie Monson, and many dear friends.

Burial will be private at the Princeton Cemetery. A commemoration of Joanne’s life will be planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Nature Conservancy, the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, the Mercer County (NJ) Wildlife Center, or Doctors Without Borders.

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

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Louise Flippin

Louise Ferdon Flippin died at home in East Brunswick, New Jersey, on February 19 at age 88. A former Princeton resident, Louise — known as “Cookie” growing up — was born and raised in Montclair, NJ. She attended Montclair High School, where she dated her future husband and love of her life, Royce N. Flippin Jr. She went on to Delaware University, graduating in 1956 and marrying several weeks later. Vivacious, outgoing, and ever-cheerful, she was an unwavering companion to her husband as he carved a standout career as a nationally known athlete at Princeton University, a businessman, and then athletic director for Princeton and later MIT. At the same time, she blazed her own path with her engaging presence, keen intelligence and sense of humor, and powerful empathy for others.

After giving birth in her twenties to three children, Diane, Royce 3rd, and Robert, Louise shepherded them through childhood with attentiveness and affection, navigating the family’s numerous moves as her husband completed his military service, attended business school, and pursued his career. Louise was a warm and supportive mother-in-law to her children’s spouses, Arthur Nole, Alexis Lipsitz Flippin, and Patricia Ginter Flippin, and a loving grandmother to Brian Nole, Robert Flippin Jr., Michael Flippin, Ryan Flippin, Christopher Flippin, and Lily (Maisie) Flippin. Louise cherished her extended family as well, including her parents, Albert Ferdon and Elisabeth Ruprecht Ferdon, her three older sisters, Maryli, Betty Jane, and Nancy and their families, and Royce Jr.’s family.

A loyal friend, Louise stayed in lifelong touch with her good pals from high school, her and Royce’s tight-knit Princeton circle, numerous close friends from church, work, and the communities in which she lived, and the dedicated caregivers who watched over her in the last years of her life. She also maintained strong roots in Silver Bay, New York, where she spent time virtually every summer as a youth and adult and was known for her long morning swims in Lake George.

In addition to her many personal ties, Louise loved teaching, music, and dance, and all things related to summer and gardening. After teaching elementary school early in her marriage, she returned to graduate school to earn a master’s degree in special education from Queens College. Motivated by a heartfelt desire to help children overcome their learning disabilities, she went on to teach special education in White Plains, New York; Lawrence and Hightstown, New Jersey; and Reading, Massachusetts. She also studied dance with Martha Graham as a young adult, and lit up scores of dance floors over the years jitterbugging with her husband. Louise loved to sing as well; in her final months, though confined to her bed, she could still be heard singing along to recordings of Frank Sinatra.

Above all, Louise had a deep religious faith that sustained her both in day-to-day life and as a committed church member, and was an active parishioner at Holy Trinity Church in South River for the past 30 years.

Louise was predeceased by her dear daughter Diane, Diane’s husband Art, her three sisters, and her beloved husband. She is survived by her two remaining children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed for her love of life, the warm connections she made with everyone she met, and her steadfast devotion to those things that truly matter.

Donations can be made in Louise’s memory to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 90 Leonardine Avenue, South River, NJ 08882.

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Gun-Marie Hedman McLean

Gun-Marie Hedman McLean was born on August 23, 1938 and passed away on March 8, 2023 surrounded by family in Scottsdale, Arizona. She was born in Gavle, Sweden. She came to Princeton, NJ, in 1958 where she raised her two daughters with their father, Albert Kren.

She was predeceased by her husband of 17 years, Wallace W. McLean of Scarsdale, NY.

Marie was a kind, gentle, and generous woman. She was an avid animal lover who enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, and watching true crime stories. She traveled annually with her family to Cabo San Lucas and loved the ocean.

She is survived by her two daughters, Mary Ann Kren of Scottsdale, AZ, and Susan Kren of Princeton, NJ.; three granddaughters, Adriana Tonachio of Peoria, AZ, Victoria Jackson of Princeton, NJ, and Julia Jackson of Scottsdale, AZ; one great-grandson, Desmond Tonachio; one sister Ing-Marie Segura of Columbus, NJ; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She will she greatly missed by all who knew her.

A private family service will be held in Scottsdale, AZ.

March 15, 2023

Obituaries 3/15/2023

James Paul Begin

James Paul Begin was born on April 19, 1938 and died on March 4, 2023 at age 84.

Born in Greenville, Ohio, Jim was a resident of Princeton, NJ, for 51 years. He joined Rutgers University’s Institute of Management and Labor Relations as an Assistant Professor in 1969 after receiving a PhD in Management from Purdue University. He served as Director of the Institute of Management and Labor Relations (later the School of Management & Labor Relations) at Rutgers from 1979 until 1990 and was named a Distinguished Professor in 1982. He retired from Rutgers in 1999. Jim was an active labor arbitrator and mediator throughout his career at Rutgers University, and was elected to the National Academy of Arbitrators. He also held appointments as a visiting scholar at the University of Warwick, UK, and the Department of Economics at Princeton University.

Jim was a prolific author in the field of industrial relations and human resource management. Among his books are a text with Edwin Beal, The Practice of Collective Bargaining (Irwin, 1982, 1989), Strategic Employment Policy: An Organizational Systems Perspective (Prentice-Hall, 1991), and Dynamic Human Resources Systems: Cross National Comparisons (Walter de Gruyter, 1997). He was the founding President of the University Council of Industrial Relations and Human Resources Programs, an organization whose members are the heads of academic programs in the field of industrial relations and human resource management. At the time of his retirement, he was the School’s Director of International Programs, and developed graduate programs in human resource management with organizations in China, Singapore, and Indonesia.

After retiring from Rutgers University, Jim enjoyed visiting battlefields, particularly those of the Civil War. He visited most eastern Civil War battlefields and supported organizations that worked to preserve those sites.

Jim was active in the Princeton community, having served on the Princeton Township Zoning Board for several terms and on the Board of the Princeton Adult School as well. His favorite volunteer activity, however, was as a coach for youth baseball in Princeton and a strong supporter of the baseball teams of John Witherspoon School and Princeton High School. His son, Robert, played baseball for the Princeton Public Schools and local youth baseball, and Jim provided informal coaching support and assistance for the coaches throughout Robert’s baseball career in Princeton.

Jim was called to active duty in the U.S. Navy in 1957, and served until 1959 on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific. He had a lifelong love for sailing and the sea.

In 2020, Jim and his wife, Barbara Lee, moved to Washington, D.C., to be near their son, Robert and his wife, Rachel Snyderman. In addition to Barbara, Robert, and Rachel, Jim leaves two grandchildren, Elias and Emmanuelle Begin, and his sister, Jean Capelli Lindsay of Los Alamos, NM.

Burial will be in Princeton Cemetery in Princeton, NJ, at a later date. A celebration of life will be held locally in Washington, D.C. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Battlefield Trust.

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William Davis Humes

William Davis Humes, respected and admired for his courage, graciousness, and integrity, lived life to the fullest for 86 years until February 28, 2023. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Anne Baxter Humes; beloved sons Colin Cigarran (Jane Settles Cigarran) of Corvallis, Oregon, and Jason Cigarran (Elisabeth Browning Cigarran) of Atlanta, Georgia; and grandson Anton William Cigarran; together with friends, near and far, and students whose lives were enriched by Bill’s mentorship and teaching.

Bill was the youngest son of Edward and Doris McCaffrey Humes. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Alice Humes Umlauf. He was very close to his brothers Edward and Harry and his many nieces and nephews, who survive him.

Born in Girardville, Pennsylvania, Bill graduated from Girardville High School, and then studied mathematics at Lycoming College where he earned an A.B. degree and where he played basketball for four years. He went to graduate school at Northwestern University while in the U.S. Navy and earned MEd and EDM Math Education degrees from Rutgers University.

Bill served in the U.S. Navy after college and moved to Princeton, NJ where he taught mathematics at Princeton High School (PHS) from 1960 until his retirement in 2000. Bill also served as an Adjunct Professor at The College of New Jersey and Mercer County Community College.

In addition to teaching math at PHS, Bill hoped to coach basketball. While there was no opening at the time for a basketball coach, there was an opening as coach of the Boys Tennis Team. Bill was interested but knew nothing about tennis so the Athletic Director told him to call Eve Kraft, Director of the Princeton Tennis Program (PTP). That call changed Bill’s life. He learned tennis teaching beginners at PTP, and taught there for more than 40 years. Eve became a lifelong friend, teacher, and mentor.

Bill went on to coach the PHS Boys Tennis Team for 16 years and the Girls Tennis Team for 22 years, garnering more than 650 wins for his teams. He treasured his years coaching tennis. On the court, Bill competed, never giving up, as he did in life, winning singles and doubles tournaments. He was a member of the International Club and played on teams in Canada and the U.S. for many years.

The Director of Tennis at Bedens Brook Country Club for 20 years, Bill also taught beginner tennis at the Princeton Adult School, rigging up a court in the high school gymnasium. He introduced tennis to more than 1,300 adults over 35 years.

Bill was an active tennis volunteer at the local, county, state, and national levels. At the national level, he served on the USTA Davis Cup/Federation Cup Committee and with his wife Anne, who managed the USTA Office of the President, traveled the world attending Davis Cup and Fed Cup ties and other tennis tournaments. He volunteered at the US Open and took great delight leading tours of the venue, a role he took very seriously.

To round out his tennis experience, Bill served as a USTA Tennis Official and officiated at collegiate matches and tournaments in Middle States as well as the Women’s National Grass Courts at Marion Cricket Club.

Bill relished the outdoors. He hiked the mountains of Pennsylvania, the Grand Canyon, rim to rim, and completed 1,700 miles of the Appalachian Trail over the years. He also enjoyed fishing, particularly fly fishing, and was an active member of the Lake Solitude Club in High Point, NJ. At Pretty Brook, he taught youngsters how to fish in the Club’s pond.

He was always happy in the company of his labs, Sport, and later Callie.

Bill was elected to several Halls of Fame including Princeton High School Athletics, Mercer County Tennis, and USTA Middle States. He was awarded the prestigious USTA Eve Kraft National Community Tennis Award and the Mangan Award, Middle States’ highest award for volunteer service in the section.

Bill was a cherished member of the Pretty Brook Tennis Club for 55 years. He is recognized on Pretty Brook’s Wall of Fame for winning 10 doubles championships and in 1983, he earned the Triple Crown, winning the singles, doubles and mixed doubles titles. He loved playing singles and doubles and later in life became a doubles specialist and organizer of games for members. Soft spoken and sincere, Bill will be remembered for his sportsmanship.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Princeton Tennis Program: ptp.org, 92 Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540. Burial will be private.

Family and friends are invited to join in a celebration of Bill’s life on Saturday, April 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Springdale Golf Club (1895 Clubhouse Drive) in Princeton.

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

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Marilyn Middlebrook

Marilyn Jean (Corl) Middlebrook, 92, passed away peacefully at Morris Hall Meadows in Lawrenceville, NJ, on February 25, 2023.

Marilyn was born on March 10, 1930, to Luther M. and Esther (Troxell) Corl, in State College, PA. She graduated from high school in 1948 and attended Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ, where she majored in organ and voice. There, on a blind date, she met her future husband, Bob Middlebrook, who was studying engineering and architecture at Princeton University. They married in 1952 and settled in Princeton, and Bob began designing the home that was to be the heart and hearth of their family for 55 years, and the place where they would raise their two children, Carol and David.

Once her children were in school, Marilyn began her music teaching career, starting out at the Penns Neck School and then moving to the Princeton Public Schools, where she taught at Littlebrook Elementary School, Community Park School, and John Witherspoon School. She was full of energy, and she energized her students, inspiring them through song, movement, and the spoken word. Her choir programs were celebrated for their uniquely vibrant and theatrical holiday concerts.

After retiring from teaching, she began volunteering at the Princeton University Art Museum, where she served as a docent for school groups. She crafted her presentations to students with an eye toward engaging young minds and sparking their curiosity. She also volunteered at the Princeton Adult School, where she designed several poetry courses featuring a diverse array of poetic voices. She was active in the early years of The Evergreen Forum at the Princeton Senior Resource Center, and she and Bob were active members of House 4 of Community Without Walls.

Marilyn was passionate about music, culture, and the arts. She loved attending concerts and cultural events at McCarter Theatre and on the Princeton University campus, as well as during her extensive travels throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, China, Japan, Scandinavia, and Africa. She had an active lifestyle and played tennis in the Princeton area for many years. She was an avid hiker, and she loved and appreciated the beauty of nature. She liked to play croquet and was a fierce Scrabble competitor. She created challenging scavenger hunts every Christmas, meant for her
granddaughter but enjoyed by all. She believed in and practiced lifelong learning.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 66 years, Robert Bruce Middlebrook; and many relatives and friends. She is survived by her daughter, Carol Lynn; her son, Robert David (Amy); her granddaughter, Alison; her brother-in-law, John R. Middlebrook (Marcie); and many nieces and nephews. She will be missed deeply by her family and friends.

Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, friends may make a donation to Princeton Senior Resource Center, 101 Poor Farm Road Bldg. B, Princeton, NJ, 08540.

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Harriet Harper Vawter

Harriet Harper Vawter lost her long battle with Alzheimer’s on February 5, 2023, at her home in Pennswood Village, Newtown, Pennsylvania.

Harriet was born in Florence, Alabama. She was a gifted musician, having become a church organist while in her teens in Florence and later in churches outside of Washington D.C. She graduated as Valedictorian of her high school class at Coffee High School in Florence, then continued her studies at the University of Alabama, earning her Degree in Education at Birmingham Southern College. She was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. She taught Junior High School in Birmingham and remained involved in children’s education for much of her life.

Harriet met Jay Vawter in 1958 in Birmingham. They were married in Florence on August 26, 1961.

In 1962 when Jay became a professional Investment Counselor in Washington, D.C., the couple moved to Bethesda, Maryland. Harriet was an energetic volunteer with the Junior League of Washington, D.C., offering assistance at a home for unwed mothers among many other activities.

In 1977 Jay’s profession took him to New York City. The Vawters moved to Princeton, New Jersey, where they lived for nearly 40 years. It was here that Harriet found her real passion, serving as a Docent at the Princeton University Art Museum for over 30 years, two years as Chair of the Docents Association. She was active on the Friends of the Art Museum. She also served as a Trustee of Morven Museum and Garden.

She was a member of the Garden Club of Princeton, the Present Day Club, and the Pretty Brook Tennis Club. In New York City she was a member of the Cosmopolitan Club where she served on many committees. Harriet and Jay were longtime subscribers of the Metropolitan Opera for several decades and also were frequent attendees at the Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown, N.Y.

Harriet and Jay loved to travel, visiting some 70 countries, with Harriet visiting Libya during the brief time it was open.

In 2014 Harriet and Jay moved to Pennswood Village, a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Newtown, Pa.

In addition to her husband, Jay, Harriet is survived by her brother John Harper and his wife Margaret of Birmingham, AL; daughters Jane Elisabeth Vawter of St. Petersburg, FL, and Nancy Vawter Jackonis and her husband Michael of Manassas, VA; and grandchildren Kasey May Gilliam and husband Andrew of Kailua, Hawaii, and Logan Jamieson Jackonis and wife Cecile of San Francisco, CA.

Memorial contributions can be made to Morven Museum and Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ 08540.

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Jack Galiardo

John W. Galiardo (Jack), 89, a resident of Palm Beach, FL, died March 5 from complications due to a stroke. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Jack was born to parents Joseph and Genevieve in Elizabeth, NJ, where he was raised with his younger brother Richard (all deceased). He attended the University of Maryland, where he met Joan (née DeTurk), who would later become his wife of 62 years. He graduated in 1956. After service in the Army, Jack went on to receive his degree from Columbia Law School in 1962. He began his legal career at Dewey Ballantine in NYC, and later became Asst. General Counsel with E.R. Squibb & Sons in Princeton, NJ, where he and Joan raised their children and resided for 35 years. Jack was then VP/General Counsel for Becton Dickinson & Co., a global medical technology company, where he later became Vice Chairman of the Board before retiring in 2000. He served on various boards well into his retirement,
including Project Hope, VISX, NJM Insurance, and Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Jack was a generous and charismatic man, admired for his gregarious nature, quick wit, and iconic turns of phrase — which will live on for many years to come. He was a 60-year season ticket holder of the NY Giants, a world-renowned antique map collector, gardener, fisherman, voracious reader, grammarian, and consummate wordsmith. To the surprise of many, he loved being retired; he traveled extensively with Joan, spent several winters in Florence, Italy, and shared wonderful times with family and friends at their LBI beach house. And last, but certainly not least, he was a patient, kindhearted grandfather; his grandkids will fondly remember feeding “Poppa’s fish” and eating cheeseballs with him on his lap (often as he balanced a martini).

Jack is survived by his wife, Joan, and his children and their families: Richard and wife Christine, Christopher, Elizabeth and husband Mark Spencer, Gardenia Cucci, Anastasia Millar, and Jack’s grandchildren, Jack, Ellie, Clayton, Harry, Gavin, Luc, Austin Spencer, Holland Spencer, and Marc Millar, plus numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. They will all miss him enormously. Rest in peace, Big Jack.

Friends of the family are welcome to a celebration of Jack’s life on April 1 in Princeton. Contact the Kimble Funeral Home for details. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to: Project Hope, Southern Ocean Medical Center Foundation (Manahawkin, NJ), or a charity of your choice.

March 8, 2023

Obituaries 3/8/2023

Anita Langsam Cohen

Anita L. Cohen was born in New York City to Phillip Langsam and Lillian Langsam nee Rosen on April 15, 1923 and grew up in Far Rockaway, NY. She passed peacefully at her home of 66 years on Littlebrook Road North in Princeton on February 23, just two months short of reaching 100.

She received her undergraduate degree at Brooklyn College and her Masters in Social Work at Western Reserve College (now Case Western Reserve University). She then worked for the Long Island College Hospital and Maimonides Hospital as a medical social worker. She married Samuel Cohen in 1947. In 1950 the couple moved to Biloxi, MS, where Sam was setting up LORAN radio navigation stations for the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. This is where their first child Carolyn was born.

After the war Anita and Sam moved to Brooklyn where their second child Michael was born. While in Brooklyn, Sam received his law degree with credentials to practice as a patent attorney. The family moved to the Princeton area where Sam began his career at RCA and their third child Alan was born. The family purchased a lot on Littlebrook Road and had a house designed by Sam built in 1957 where Anita and Sam resided till their deaths.

When the children were old enough, Anita went to work for the Lawrence Township NJ School District as a school social worker where she spent 19 years. Anita was active in many local organizations including: Princeton Senior Resource Center, Littlebrook School Grand-Pals (reading to kindergarten students), an active member of The Jewish Center Princeton, The Jewish Center Senior Drop-In Lounge, B’nai Brith (renamed Jewish Women International), Princeton University Friends of Foreign Students, and the Wonder of Word Play poetry group where she participated in meetings up until shortly before her passing. Anita was an accomplished poet and sculptor working in bronze (wax) and stone pieces both figurative and abstract.

Anita is predeceased by her husband Sam (at age 101) and her two brothers, Edwin and Mortimer Langsam. She is survived by her children, Carolyn (Chris), Michael, and Alan (Manok); grandchildren Bran (Qiyang) Mahoney and Penny (Evan) Abbaszadeh; great-grandchildren Corbin and Jack; step granddaughter Emma Donau (Colin Sinclair); step great-grandchildren Milo and Lucie; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will be having a private remembrance. Anyone wishing to honor Anita with donations may make them to Princeton Senior Resource Center, the Princeton Public Library, or The Jewish Center Princeton.

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Georgia Triantafillou

Georgia Triantafillou of Princeton, NJ, passed away peacefully in the loving arms of her two children after a hard-fought battle with cancer on March 5, 2023 at 72 years of age. Born in 1950 in the small town of Spercheiada in Greece, Georgia grew up in a humble house without electricity. Despite adverse conditions, she devoted herself to her studies — especially mathematics — and achieved the fourth-highest marks in all of Greece on the national qualifying exams for university admission. She went on to win a series of state scholarships which enabled her to study mathematics at the National University of Athens and to then pursue a PhD in Bonn, Germany, in the field of algebraic topology. While in Bonn, she met her future husband and father of her children, the physicist Vladimir Visnjic.

Georgia came to America in the ’70s for her first postdoc at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton. During her time there, she developed a love for Princeton as well as friendships that have lasted to this day. While her academic career would take her to numerous universities around the U.S. and Europe, she eventually settled down permanently in Princeton in 1996 with her family. 

As a mathematician, Georgia published many influential papers in the field of algebraic topology and presented her original research at numerous international conferences. In 1990, she became the first woman in Greece to ever be elected full Professor of Mathematics at the National University of Athens. For the past few decades, she served as Professor of Mathematics at Temple University, where she was an exceedingly popular instructor whose excellence and effectiveness in teaching difficult subjects has been recognized through teaching awards. Her students often joked that “she made sense out of nonsense.”

Georgia was a committed member of the Greek church in Hamilton and a pillar of the local Greek community. She spearheaded and co-founded a bilingual Greek-English preschool, where she served pro bono as director for several years for the good of the children and the community. She also served for many years as president of the organization Hellenic Vision, which promoted Hellenic culture through exhibits, lectures, and concerts. 

She was the matriarch of a highly academic family, with both children receiving PhDs from Princeton University. Her whole life was centered around education for all ages, including her grandchildren, who were her stars in the last few years.

She is survived by her husband Vladimir Visnjic, her two children Katerina and Vanya (“Jack”), and four granddaughters, all of whom adore her and will carry her memory with them forever. 

At her request, the funeral will take place in her hometown in Greece. A small private viewing will be held at the Mather-Hodge Funeral Home in Princeton on Wednesday, March 8. 

———

Mitzi Marks

Mitzi Marks passed away peacefully in the early hours of March 3, 2023 in Princeton, N.J. Born Millicent Rose Alter to Esther and Harry Alter in Chicago, Ill, on February 8, 1925. They named her Mitzi as Millicent seemed like such a big name for a baby. She attended Endicott Jr. College before marrying M. Morton Goldenberg of Philadelphia in 1949. She had three sons, Tony Goldenberg of Port Townsend, Wash.; Todd Alter Goldenberg of North Berwick, Me.; and Tyler James Goldenberg of West Palm Beach, Fla.

Sometime in the 1950s Mitzi was awarded a patent for a device that would enable use of the whole bottle of nail polish with no waste. A leading cosmetic company liked the device but did not want all the polish at the bottom of the jar to be accessible.

In around 1959 after she and Morton divorced, Mitzi remarried Joseph H. Markowitz, an attorney in Trenton and moved to Princeton, N.J.

In Princeton, where she remained the rest of her life, she volunteered with Princeton Hospital as a candy striper, served as a counselor at Planned Parenthood, and also volunteered for the Trenton Historical Museum. In the 1960s she gave haircuts to anyone who wanted them and donated money to Princeton Hospital.

She worked as an Interior Design Consultant through the 1980s and 1990s. Mitzi was a member of The Greenacres Country Club and The Present Day Club. Mitzi’s nephew, Jonathan Alter, and her grandniece, Charlotte Alter, have addressed the Present Day Club.

Mitzi was a lifelong fan of tennis and played well into middle age. She always said, “There’s nothing better than tennis on a beautiful day, followed by a wonderful lunch.”

Mitzi was preceded in death by her parents, both of her husbands, and her beloved brother James Alter of Chicago. She is survived by her three sons, and her faithful, loyal stepson Josh (Stacy) Markowitz of Princeton.

Her family and friends will miss talking to her on the phone and the benefits of her wise counsel.

———

Edwin W. Wislar

Edwin W. Wislar, 95, of Princeton passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at Penn Medicine of Plainsboro, NJ.

Edwin was born in Trenton, NJ. He attended and boarded at the Lawrenceville School of Lawrenceville, NJ, lettering in baseball and soccer, participating in the glee club, and was a member of the Woodhull House. He then attended and graduated from Yale University before joining the Marine Corps and serving in the Korean War as a Captain, where he was based on the battleship Iowa. He was a recon officer sighting enemy installations in North Korea from helicopters.

Ed married his wife Mary Elizabeth Elliott on September 15, 1957 and they had six children together. Mary passed in 1987. He had a successful career in the corporate insurance industry. After his retirement he stayed active continuing to invest in the private and public equity markets.

An avid sportsman, Ed enjoyed fly fishing throughout the U.S., Canada, and Argentina as well as small bird hunting and sailing with his friends and family. He was also a passionate golfer and founding member of the Bedens Brook Club of Skillman, NJ. He could often be found casting weekend afternoons on the Ken Lockwood Gorge in Califon, NJ, his favorite local stretch of stream, and it was here that Mary went into Labor with her first child Allison.

He was dedicated to coaching his sons’ hockey teams and attending his daughters’ events. He supported many foundations and institutions including serving on the Board of The Chapin School of Princeton, further involvement with the Newgrange School, Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, and the Lawrenceville School.

Ed remarried Brenda Kelley in 1989 and they spent his remaining years in Princeton.

He was known by his grandchildren as “Pop Pop” and found joy having them visit, especially swimming in the family pool. At the end of each visit, his grandchildren would wave and yell out of open car windows at the top of their lungs to his delight, “Bye! See you soon Pop Pop!”

Predeceased by his parents George R. and Marion (Garston) Wislar of Amwell, NJ, and a brother George R. Wislar of Atlanta, GA.

He is survived by his wife Brenda K. Wislar; four sons and two daughters Elliott W. Wislar, George and Eileen Wislar, Adam (Tad) R. Wislar, John B. Wislar, Allison E. Wislar, Margaret E. Wislar; 11 grandchildren E.J., Mackenzie, Wes, Elliott, Matt, Mary, Jack, Lexi, Charlie, Meredith, Phoebe; and great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Ed’s Life will be announced in the near future.

In lieu of flowers or gifts please donate to The Mary Elliott Wislar Memorial Scholarship Foundation of Princeton, administered by The Princeton Community Foundation.

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

March 1, 2023

3/1/2023 Obituaries

Alba T. Cuomo

Alba Taliercio Cuomo of Princeton, NJ, passed away peacefully in her sleep in the care of her loved ones after a short illness on February 23, 2023 at 93 years young. Born in 1929, Alba grew up with four brothers in the picturesque seaside town of Sorrento, Italy. After marrying her late husband Frank in Italy, she crossed the Atlantic by ship in 1959 and came to Princeton to raise her family.

Alba enjoyed spending summers down the shore with extended family, traveling, watching her Italian television soap operas, and encouraging her family to eat more of her home-cooked meals and cookies. She also loved going on walks, spending time with friends, and was a devout Catholic of St. Paul’s Parish. Above all she was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who always put the needs of her family above her own. Her unrelenting love and care for them will be eternally remembered deep in their hearts. Alba enjoyed serving the students at the Princeton Regional School for 27 years, always with a smile and a snack to make their day.

Alba is predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Frank; parents, Adele and Pasquale Taliercio; brothers Giovanni, Antonio, and Guido. Alba is survived by her brother, Angelo, in Sorrento, Italy; daughter, Teresa Pietrefesa and husband Craig of South Brunswick, NJ, and her son Vince and his wife Lisa of Hamilton, NJ. She was the best Nonna to Michael Cuomo and his wife Savannah of Marlton, NJ, Christopher Cuomo of Hamilton, and Eric Pietrefesa of South Brunswick. She is also survived by her sister-in-law and her husband, Clara and Silvio Toto, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at St. Paul’s Church 216 Nassau Street, Princeton. Burial will follow in the Princeton Cemetery.  A visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. until the time of the mass at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Paul’s Parish in Princeton, NJ, in Alba’s remembrance.

Alba’s family and friends would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to her children — Teresa and Vince — who have spent the last two months caring for Alba by her side and making her comfortable.

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

February 22, 2023

Obituaries 2/22/2023

Brooks Dyer

Brooks Dyer, 85, of Princeton, NJ, passed away peacefully at HarborChase of Princeton assisted living on February 12, 2023 with his loving wife Teena at his side. He was born in 1937 to Virginia and Bill Dyer in St. Louis, MO, and was a natural athlete with a passion for adventure.

After graduating from St. Louis Country Day School, he was nearly recruited to play baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals. He decided to follow his mother’s advice and he went on to study geology and play football at Stanford University. He loved skiing. He took a year off from college and moved to Aspen, CO, where he worked as a ski instructor. 

After his college graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He became an A-4 Air Combat Tactics Instructor, and he earned the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Brooks was extremely well respected as a pilot and leader by his fellow Marines. After he left active duty, he continued to serve as a reservist for many years.

He flew as a commercial pilot for American Airlines for 30 years. He was a Captain, and he flew to many beautiful locations around the globe before he retired from AA in 1995. Upon his retirement, he and Teena continued to travel with the Grey Eagles. Brooks also loved riding on his classic white BMW motorcycle. He purchased a black BMW with a sidecar after he met his wife Teena, and they cruised up and down the East Coast together.   

Brooks became physically disabled when he was in his late 50s. He faced his health challenges with grace, courage, strength, and a sense of humor. He played wheelchair tennis. He and Teena went on cruises together. He drove his scooter around his adopted hometown of Jupiter, Florida. He loved watching the Cardinals’ spring training every year.

Brooks loved his family fiercely. He was happiest when seated next to Teena at family gatherings surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents Virginia and Bill Dyer, his former wife Margaret Dyer-Weissman nee Bellis, and his brothers Frank Dyer and William Dyer Jr.  He is survived by his wife, Teena Cahill; his six children David Dyer, Matthew Dyer, Jennifer “Christy” Dyer Thrash, Andrew Cahill, James  “J.C.” Cahill, and Mia Cahill; and 12 grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on February 18, 2023 at Kimble Funeral Home, One Hamilton Avenue, Princeton NJ 08542. Burial followed at Princeton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Wounded Warrior Project or Semper Fi Fund are appreciated.

———

Elena “Elly” Petronio

Elly Petronio, nee Elena Unghy, was born in Croatia (formerly known as Fiume, Italy) in 1935. Her family later emigrated to Genoa, Italy, where she met and married her husband, Giorgio. When Giorgio was elevated to a senior management position at Johnson & Johnson in 1979, they moved to the United States and settled in Princeton. 

Elly was a frequent traveler to Europe, particularly Italy, and frequently served as a tour guide in Italy for Friends of the Princeton University Art Museum. She was an active bridge player and was, until recent years, an avid tennis player and a member of the Pretty Brook Tennis Club.

Elly was a longtime benefactor of the Institute for Advanced Studies and the New Jersey Symphony and was a generous contributor to various other Princeton charities.

Elly was a devoted member of the Stony Brook Garden Club and established the Elly and Giorgio Stony Brook Environmental Award.  She had also been a long-time member of the Nassau Club.

Elly was predeceased by her husband, Giorgio in 2004 and her parents Zlata (Racky) and Zolten R. Unghy.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 24, 2023 at St. Charles Borromeo, 47 Skillman Road, Skillman, NJ 08558. Burial of ashes will follow in Princeton Cemetery.

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

———

David H. Brown, Sr.

David H. Brown, Sr., of Yardley, PA, passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at home. He was 92 years old. David was born on July 12, 1930 in Manhattan, New York, to the late Henry Harrison Brown and the late Helen (née Wisherd) Brown. He was the husband to Jeannette Denison (née Taylor) Brown who survives him.

David loved music, sailing, his beautiful rhododendron garden, Princeton University, and a good party.

David graduated from Princeton University in 1953 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. David served in the U.S. Army at Dugway Proving Ground in Utah and was honorably discharged in 1957. He worked for various oil and gas companies including Getty Oil and the Atlantic Richfield Company. David later earned an MBA from the Wharton School of University of Pennsylvania and a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in Operations Research. He worked as an OR engineer and as an analyst at Morgan Guaranty Trust Co. He started his own business, Princeton Energy Partners, which he led for 20 years until his retirement.

A dedicated Princetonian, David served as Vice President of his class for a number of years. David often said his education at Princeton changed his life — and especially a class in musical appreciation which ignited a lifelong love affair with the arts.

In retirement, David combined his analytical skills with his passion for music. He was a founding member of The Princeton Festival. His analytical skills, astute tracking of fiscal results and success with grant writing were key contributions to the festival’s success. He was both a steward of the arts as a trustee and an enthusiastic patron of the arts over the course of his life. He especially loved opera and attended thousands of performances, traveling to music and opera festivals in the U.S. and Europe with his beloved wife of 56 years, Jean.

David learned to sail at summer camp and this interest became a lifelong joy. He raced a Lightning and later a Sandpiper catboat on Barnegat Bay as a member of the Mantoloking Yacht Club. He captained bare boat charter sailboats along with family and friends, sailing to explore the Island of Tonga, BVI, Greece, Croatia, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, and in the Chesapeake Bay.

Active and engaged to the end of his life, David served as a member of the Princeton Festival Advisory group which guided the 2021 merger of The Princeton Festival with the Princeton Symphony.

David was the father to Shawn Brown m. John McGrath; David H. Brown, Jr.; Elizabeth Denison Brown m. Hartmann Schoebel; and was the grandfather to Amy Louise Womeldorf, Finnegan Schoebel, and Kai Schoebel. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Brian Michael Womeldorf.

The family will hold a memorial gathering to honor David in early May when the rhododendrons and trees that he planted and tended with devotion will be at their most glorious. It is a time of year that he cherished at his home.

Contributions may be made in David’s honor to The Princeton Festival c/o The Princeton Symphony Orchestra.

Private services are entrusted to Swartz-Givnish Life Celebration Home, (215) 968-3891.

February 15, 2023

Obituaries 2/15/2023

Beautiful, Graceful, Loving, Caring — A Blessed Icon for All Who Knew Her.

Margaret Lydia Faith Hill

“Maggie”

February 28, 1939–September 13, 2022

Please join us in celebrating our dearest Maggie’s

life with a memorial service and reception.

Saturday, February 25, 2023

Service at 1 p.m.; Reception at 2 p.m.

All Saints’ Church

16 All Saints’ Road

Princeton, NJ 08540

With Love,

Colin and Family

hillcolin@mac.com ♦ (609) 924-3633

RSVP regrets.

———

Chikako Shimura

Chikako Shimura, 90, of Princeton, NJ, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 with her son by her side. Chikako was born on January 5, 1933 in Tokyo, Japan. She grew up as the eldest of three children.

She met her husband, Goro, while working at the University of Tokyo and, with their daughter, they moved to Princeton in 1962. Over the years, her husband’s work took them around the world. She will be remembered for serving as an early supporter to help establish the Princeton Community Japanese Language School. Chikako excelled in a diverse range of crafts, including quilting, embroidery, crocheting, and dressmaking. As a member of the YWCA Artisans Guild, she enjoyed her time leading classes on how to knit.

In the summers, Chikako loved spending time with her family at their mountain home in Nagano, Japan, and enjoyed the many hiking trails in the area. She will be remembered as a great music lover and delighted in the many opportunities to attend the Metropolitan Opera and performances at McCarter.

Chikako is survived by her daughter, Tomoko, and her son, Haru. She was predeceased by her husband, Goro. At her request there will be no service. 

———

Robert Kremer Hoke

R. Kremer Hoke died January 13 at an assisted living facility near Princeton, N.J., with complications from COPD and congestive heart failure. He was 75 years old and had lived most of his life in New York City, working at HBO and specializing in video post-production. He retired from HBO in the early 2000s and moved to Kingston, N.J., not far from where his mother lived in Princeton. Kremer traveled frequently in Europe and once to India.

Kremer was the second son of Robert Lee Hoke and Ellen Hull Neff Hoke, and grew up in Williamsburg, Va., and Cranbury, N.J.

He is survived by his brothers, William Neff Hoke of Manhattan Beach, Calif., and John Carter Vance Hoke of Glen Allen, Va., and two nieces and two nephews.

He will be buried next to his mother in Abingdon, Va., with a graveside service at 10:30 a.m. on April 1, 2023, in Knollkreg Cemetery.

For details, contact Kimble Funeral Home at (609) 924-0018 or TheKimbleFuneralHome.com.

———

Carolyn Ann Brown

Carolyn Ann Brown, 76, of Princeton, NJ, passed away on February 2, 2023, at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center. Carolyn was born in London on March 1, 1946, to George Whittington Moorman and G. Lillian Hyde Moorman. Her father served in the Royal Air Force during virtually all of World War II, primarily in North Africa and the Middle East.

Carolyn grew up in the vicinity of the Royal Borough of Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey, England. She worked for The Daily Mail newspaper, Xerox, and Heathrow International Airport, and also spent time as a London travel guide. She traveled widely and lived in San Francisco, CA; Montreal, Canada; Lagos, Nigeria; and Washington, D.C. before settling in Princeton with her husband and her children. She became active in school committees and activities. A skilled craftswoman, she taught knitting at local yarn shops and upholstering at the Princeton Adult School. She deeply enjoyed her grandchildren, her dogs, her gardens, and her summer home in Groton Long Point, Connecticut, where she particularly delighted in the adjacent salt marsh and its ospreys and other waterfowl. 

Carolyn had a true British zest for exploration and adventure. Name a location, especially in West, North, or East Africa, and chances are that she had been there and had fascinating stories to tell about it, whether driving across the Sahara to Timbuktu, not quite avoiding a massive oil tanker while sailboat racing in Lagos Harbor, or cruising from Luxor to Aswan and unexpectedly discovering the room where Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile. She could vividly describe her experiences in the old medieval city of Stone Town, Zanzibar, and her time on safari in the Serengeti. Indeed, to enjoy a glass of good port and better conversation with Carolyn was to glimpse a fascinating life lived with warmth, wit, a spirit of adventure, and a uniquely English brand of good-natured fortitude. 

Carolyn will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She leaves behind her husband, retired federal judge Garrett E. Brown, Jr.; her daughters Rebecca Chloe Alexia Powling of Groton Long Point, CT, and Victoria Keller Brown of Laurel Springs, NJ; her son Garrett Edward George Brown, and his wife Christine Erin Brown of Hopewell, NJ, and their four children, Charlotte Emma Brown, Claire Elizabeth Brown, Garrett William George Brown, and Luke Harrison Brown.

Carolyn was a loving and engaged advocate of all creatures. In lieu of flowers, she would welcome donations in her memory to animal charities such as Second Chance Rescue, Red Hook Dog Rescue, SAVE, The Wildlife Center, or to another animal charity of your choice. The family plans to arrange a memorial gathering for Carolyn at a later time.

Extend condolences and share remembrances at TheKimbleFuneralHome.com.

———

Lucy Anne Sharp Newman

Lucy Anne Sharp Newman, 88, of Skillman, NJ, passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center of Plainsboro, NJ.

Lucy Anne was born in Somerville, New Jersey, on March 16, 1934. She was born the oldest of four children and is predeceased by her parents, John Vincent and Mabel Matilda Sharp.

As the independent person she was, when she was told there was only enough money to send the only boy of four to college, Lucy Anne decided to do it herself. She applied and got into New Jersey State Teachers College at Trenton, now known as The College of New Jersey. She also got a job to pay for her education in the science and math departments as an assistant, and also taught piano. Lucy Anne made sure she got an education, as that was most important to her. She spent much of her career prior to her last child being born, serving as a math and science teacher in Dover, Los Angeles, and Cleveland.

Upon making a family move to Princeton, NJ, back in 1963, the family moved to Lawrenceville for 15 years and then to her cherished home “Woodstream” in Skillman, NJ. From there, all three Newman girls attended Stuart Country Day of the Sacred Heart, known for our ringlets and matching outfits. Lucy Anne got involved in anything that involved her three girls and giving back to her community. She served as part of the First Friday group at Stuart, her cherished book club, a member of the Princeton Present Day Club, a member of the Trenton and Princeton Garden Clubs, and participated in fundraising for the Princeton Symphony, McCarter Theatre, Princeton Ballet, Morven, and Trinity Counseling. She became an avid tennis and paddle player later in life at the Bedens Brook and Pretty Brook Country Clubs, enjoying all that athletics had to offer. However, her pride remained in her devotion to her faith and her 30 years of volunteer work at the Princeton Hospital on the oncology floor. Lucy Anne relished the opportunity to be compassionate to others in time of need and to help the families in any way possible.

At home Lucy Anne loved her flowers, woods, and her birds. Her home gave her great peace and solace, even in the toughest of times. Loved by her three children and her three “little butterflies” grandchildren as she named them, she shared in all activities from athletic games to ballet performances at McCarter, to birthdays and christenings and sharing her love of music and Parcheesi with her grandchildren. She brought an energetic twinkle and bright smile to all, even to the end.

She is survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law, Andrea Collette Newman and Jeffrey Patterson, Michele Laureen Newman, Pierrette Alyssa and Rod Eric Bradshaw, and her three grandchildren, Madison Alyssa Bradshaw, Emerson Alyssa Bradshaw, and Jamison Alyssa Bradshaw. 

A service of remembrance will be celebrated at 12 p.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, 216 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Hands Together at tinyurl.com/LucyAnneNewmanHT or a charity of your choice. 

Please join us after for a celebratory reception at the Nassau Club, 6 Mercer Street, Princeton.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mather Hodge Funeral Home.

February 8, 2023

Obituaries 2/8/2023

Thomas Burchard Arnold

Thomas Burchard Arnold passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 24, 2022, after sustaining injuries from a bicycle fall. He was 70.

Born February 12, 1952, in Bronxville, NY, Tom spent his childhood in Old Greenwich, CT, and attended Greenwich Country Day School. He studied at the Pomfret School and completed a postgraduate year abroad at Haileybury in Hertford, England. After graduating from Kenyon College in Ohio, Tom moved to New York City to work in advertising. In 1980, Tom married Kathleen Reilly and they moved to Princeton, NJ, in 1982 to raise a family. Their marriage later ended in divorce. Tom continued to work in Manhattan for many years until the commute became tiresome. He then spent several years managing the beloved local Halo Farm and Halo Pub ice cream shops. It was during this time that he met Martha Bolster and after marrying in 2001, the couple settled in Ewing, NJ.

Tom will be remembered for his love of adventure. After several formative canoe camping trips in Maine in his adolescence, Tom became an avid outdoorsman — enjoying kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking, biking, and jogging. Tom’s interests took him on a NOLS expedition in 2004 in the Wind River Valley of Wyoming to develop his wilderness and outdoor education and leadership skills. Tom found solace in these pursuits. Through the Bolster family, Tom became acquainted with Camp Dudley in Westport, NY, and spent several summers sharing his love of adventure with campers there and frequently leading overnight hiking trips. He had a unique ability to connect effortlessly with the young and the old. Later he worked at Project U.S.E., Outward Bound, and the Princeton-Blairstown Center, where he was considered an integral part of their outdoor education staff and continued to work during his retirement. Of note, Tom ran 10 marathons — his first and fastest (3 hours and 15 minutes!) was Pittsburgh shortly after his 40th birthday — including the Philadelphia Marathon and the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C.

Tom was known for being intellectually curious, a prolific reader of books, and interested in music of many genres — from jazz to funk. He especially loved live music and could always be counted on to go to a concert whether it was Phish’s annual New Year’s Eve gig, South by Southwest, or the Austin City Limits festival. He was a source of kindness, creativity, gentility, wisdom, and affability.

Tom will be greatly missed by his loving wife Martha Bolster, his daughter Lucy Arnold Gore with former spouse Kathleen Arnold, Lucy’s husband Nick, Tom’s beloved grandchildren Stella and Connor Gore (who adored their “Grampy”), half-sisters Jennifer Arnold and Stephanie Arnold Pacheco, the entire Bolster family, as well as his many great friends. Tom is predeceased by his parents, Stuart Arnold and Ann Reynolds.

A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held in his honor in 2023. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests contributions be made in his name to Princeton-Blairstown Center.

———

James David Peters, Sr.

James David Peters, Sr., of Princeton, died on February 5, 2023, of pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Deborah Cabral Peters; their children Courtney Peters-Manning and her husband Tomas Manning and James David (JD) Peters, Jr., and his wife Meghan Boswell Peters; grandsons Seamus Manning, Conor Manning, Liam Peters, and Rory Peters; and his beloved Springer Spaniel, Tucker. He is also survived by the entire Cambridge School family.

Jim was born on August 20, 1948, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was raised in Quincy, Mass., and met Deborah in 1963 when they were both 15 years old. Their great love story started that day and grew deeper every day until his death. His 30-year career in business took the family through the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio, and Chicago, Illinois, before moving to Princeton in 1995 to become the President & CEO of E&B Marine, and then Utrecht Art Supplies.

Jim and Deborah founded the Cambridge School in Pennington in 2001. Together, they changed the lives of countless children with dyslexia and other learning differences, giving them the opportunity to learn the way their brains work best and reach their full potential. Jim managed the school’s finances, while Deborah developed the curriculum and oversaw all of the academics. Though Jim was much more than that at the school. He was a constant presence in the hallways, even after he passed on the day-to-day running of the business office to his daughter Courtney. He was a mentor and friend to all of the students, especially the older boys, who often could be seen having lunch on the floor of his office, talking about sports and respect and life.

Jim was most proud, however, of his family. He was more than just a Husband, Dad, and Grandpa. He was the best Husband, Dad, and Grandpa. He spent countless hours throwing the ball around, playing hoops in the driveway, setting up trains and trucks and super heroes, captaining his boat with his co-captain grandsons, and listening. He will be profoundly missed.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. James Church in Pennington, New Jersey, on Thursday, February 9 at 10 a.m. Viewing will be at Wilson Apple Funeral Home, 2560 Pennington Road, Pennington, NJ, on Wednesday, February 8 from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to HomeFront or the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen.

———

Valerie Thomas Hartshorne

Valerie Thomas Hartshorne died on Monday, January 30, 2023 at the age of 91. She passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family, just as she would have wanted.

Valerie was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on August 25, 1931 and raised in Locust, N.J. She graduated from Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, CT., in 1949 and studied at the Parsons School of Design in New York City from 1949-1950.

In 1960 Valerie and her husband Nat moved to Blawenburg, N.J., with three of their four children and set up home in the 200-year-old Blawenburg Tavern. Their fourth child, Caroline, was born the following spring.

After settling in New Jersey Valerie devoted herself to being a loving mother, eventually a grandmother, and later in life a great-grandmother as well as an entrepreneur and active community member. Among her accomplishments were establishing and running, with her partner Frad Young, Soupe du Jour, a popular lunch restaurant in Hopewell, N.J. Soupe du Jour was a successful lunch spot infused with Valerie’s and Frad’s cooking talents as well as their ability to nurture their customers. 

At home, Valerie was a beacon of light for her family and their many friends. Her house was welcoming and safe, and there was always something tasty cooking on the stove.

Valerie was an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous as well as a longtime volunteer of Planned Parenthood. She was an avid gardener, a lover of animals, and a masterful cook. She will be dearly missed.

Valerie is survived by her children: Anne Allen and partner John George of Blawenburg, N.J.; Jennifer Hartshorne and husband Steve Gilbert of Princeton, N.J.; Max Hartshorne of South Deerfield, Mass.; and Caroline Hartshorne of Blawenburg, N.J. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren: Kate Hartshorne, Chelsea Allen, James Allen, Sam Hartshorne, Simon Allen, Rosalie Bush, Tom Hartshorne, Jackson Bush, and Greta Bush, along with two great-grandchildren: Nathan and Sofie Cosme.

In lieu of flowers, the Hartshorne family asks that donations be made to Planned Parenthood.

A memorial service is planned for spring 2023. Arrangements are by the Wilson-Apple Funeral Home, Pennington. Condolences are welcome at wilsonapple.com.

———

Robert Stanbrough Hillas

Robert Stanbrough Hillas passed away from sudden cardiac arrest on the morning of January 21, 2023, at his home in Hanover, New Hampshire.

Rob was born on November 22, 1948, in Needham, Massachusetts. He grew up in a tight-knit family as the third of four children. Rob’s childhood took him from Massachusetts to Kentucky to Illinois, with a few stops in between, each place a new adventure for him and his siblings. As a child, Rob was both athletic and intelligent, with a great sense of humor and a knack for a clever turn of phrase.

Rob showed his aptitude early, earning high marks at Glenbrook South High School. He subsequently enrolled at Dartmouth College, where he earned commendations in subjects as varied as mathematics, geography, astronomy, and philosophy. He graduated from Dartmouth in 1970 with a degree in mathematics, summa cum laude. During his college summers, Rob manned the docks as a counselor at nearby Camp Tecumseh, an all-boys, all-athletics sports camp on Lake Winnipesaukee. Plaques of his swimming records still adorn the Tecumseh dining hall today.

After graduating from Dartmouth, Rob went to the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he simultaneously became an MBA with honors and a second lieutenant in the Army. He expected to deploy to Southeast Asia at graduation. Instead, the war wound down, and he joined E.M. Warburg, Pincus & Co. in New York City during the early years of the newly institutionalized venture capital industry. As he wrote, “For me personally, the business has proved constantly challenging and ever-changing. In particular, entrepreneurs are a rare breed of homo sapiens and working with them tends to be exhilarating and exasperating, frequently simultaneously.”

Rob spent over 40 years as a venture capitalist and business leader. He rose through the ranks at Warburg Pincus, before leaving to become a General Partner at DSV Partners from 1981 to 1992. He returned to Warburg Pincus in 1993 as a Managing Director, occasioning an announcement in the Wall Street Journal. Following his second interval at Warburg, Rob became the Chief Executive Officer of Envirogen, Inc., where he oversaw the company’s sale to Shaw E&I. Rob served on numerous Boards of Directors during his years in business, including ATMI, U.S. Filter, and Roll & Hill.

It was at Warburg where Rob met Cynthia. Together, they raised four children, who had the rare privilege of a hardworking yet ever-present father. He taught his kids to swim, coached soccer, made Sunday morning breakfasts, and attended the countless sporting events occasioned by four active kids. He was a patient teacher, willingly spending weekends explaining accounting and math.

Rob loved nothing more than family gatherings. He hosted a large annual Thanksgiving, waking up early to roast three turkeys for his 50+ family members, spearheading the family football game, and leading the post-game charge to an afternoon spread of pie and tea sandwiches.

He was a steadfast contributor to his community. Rob invested significant time and effort into his commitments, which included the Friends Executive Committee of The Institute for Advanced Study, The Watershed Institute, and the Princeton Public School Board. He was a longtime contributor to many organizations and educational institutions, including the Princeton Symphony, the Conservation Fund, Oxfam America, Dartmouth College, Stanford University, and Camp Tecumseh.

A voracious learner, Rob audited courses at Princeton University on subjects including biochemistry, computer science, and contemporary Chinese politics. He had an endless stack of reading material on his bedside table, including contemporary fiction, books on the Federal Reserve and World War II, and carefully catalogued copies of The Economist.

Never content to be anything other than active, he was a lifelong strong athlete. Starting as a young swimmer, he progressed to the full suite of endurance sports, including running, hiking, and cycling. He kept meticulous track of his running times, and he strove for a personal best each time he ran out the door. In 2019, at the age of 70, he embarked on a 21-mile hike with his kids. Rob served as a very quick rabbit for the kids — post-hike, it emerged that the fastest segments were during his lead.

Rob was a person of integrity. He was a calm, measured man who listened before he spoke and thought before forming opinions. He believed in fairness, effort, and kindness. He did things the correct way, not the easy way. He was keenly aware of the positive impact he could have on those around him, which made others want to hold themselves to their own highest standard in return.

He maintained a cheerfully pragmatic approach to life. As he would say, “the best laid plans don’t always turn out to be so well laid.”

Rob loved tracking the weather, logistics, economic cycles, wastewater management, and alas, the Chicago Bears. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Cynthia Hillas; son Robert Stanbrough Hillas, Jr. (Camden Hillas); daughter Alison Hillas Beyer (Jonathan Beyer); daughter Mary Hillas Eng (Jeffrey Eng); son Timothy Honn Hillas (Laura Bass); granddaughter Peregrine Deane Hillas; granddaughter Cynthia Rose Beyer; grandson Robert Stanbrough Hillas III; brother Roland Hillas III (Chuenchit Hillas); sister Wendy Miller; brother James Hillas (Arlene Hillas); and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at the Institute for Advanced Study, Wolfensohn Hall, on February 11 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to the Institute for Advanced Study, The Robert S. Hillas Fund for Women and Mathematics.

———

In Memory of

Diane Sherman-Levine

Diane passed away in Seattle on February 6, 2022 at the age of 93. She was a graduate of Mt. Holyoke College where she studied political science and was a life-long, self-described “political junkie.” She resided in Massachusetts with her husband Matthew Sherman and children, Jane, Lisa, and Adam, later living in Oregon and Pennsylvania. She and Matt lived in Cyprus at one time and traveled extensively.

In her early career she wrote numerous children’s books and nature and science articles. Later, she developed her considerable talents as a healer and spiritual teacher, helping many.

After her husband’s death she married Robert Levine of Princeton, and resided there for many years. They also traveled extensively, abroad and in the U.S., especially to pursue their interest as collectors of Fine Art Glass.

Along with her children, she leaves behind four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and many close friends.

She is loved and missed.

February 1, 2023

Obituaries 2/1/2023

Lee Bienkowski

Lee Bienkowski, 62, of St. Augustine, FL, died on December 29, 2022, following a courageous battle with cancer. Lee, born in Boston, grew up in Princeton and graduated from Bryn Mawr College — but her true  love was always the South. She earned a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee and a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky where she became a lifelong supporter of the Volunteers and Wildcats.

With her academic credentials, Lee entered the world of environmental consulting, centered in South Carolina and Florida, seeking to restore development-impacted sites to their natural state.

To those who knew her, Lee seemed to embody strength — physically, mentally, emotionally, and vocally. She also had strong beliefs and strong interests: from swords to canons, cats to horses, writing to drawing, tiki to reenacting the Revolutionary War, beach combing to global adventure travel. Lee embraced them all fearlessly and with a child-like enthusiasm.

She certainly believed in living life to the fullest. While Lee’s life was tragically cut short, she is one of the very few who pursues every interest with everything she had, squeezing every last drop of experience from her latest interest, and then sharing her knowledge generously and without judgement. Over decades, and across her wide range of family and friends, Lee never missed sending a birthday card.

Lee was predeceased by her beloved father, George, and is survived by her husband, Richard Coyle; mother, Cindy Clark; brothers Jay, Drew, and Mark; Aunt Dix; and seven nieces and nephews. She is greatly missed.

Those who would like to contribute to her memory may send donations to the Sierra Club and to the Society of Concerned Scientists.

———

Joseph Sands Wandelt

Joseph Sands Wandelt of Princeton, 72, passed away on December 14, 2022. He was born March 3, 1950 to Suzette and Fred Wandelt, who also rest in Princeton, and is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Wendy, and his beloved daughter, Whitney.

Known as “Sandy” to his loved ones and coworkers, Sandy served the greater Princeton and Philadelphia areas. He and Wendy were the Vice President and President respectively of the family’s own company, Gipsy Horse — a well-known retailer that expanded throughout the region and made them a strong presence in the community. Sandy was also a VP at Corestates and Sun National banks, as well as a senior executive for Nickle Electric in Delaware.

Sandy was a very active member of the Big Brothers community as well as participating in executive coaching. He helped several families during his time with Big Brothers. He is fondly remembered by those he coached in helping end toxic cultures within their corporate environments. 

Sandy’s daughter, Whitney, remembers him as a man of wit, humor, intelligence, and compassion; revered for his empathy, he was a man committed to guiding others in the right direction. 

In lieu of flowers and cards, please make a donation in his name to the Dementia Society of America.

January 25, 2023

Obituaries 1/25/2023

Casey Charles Huckel

Casey Charles Huckel of Princeton, New Jersey, passed away on January 16, 2023. He was only 35 years old, but the years he spent with us were full of life and love.

Casey was an intelligent, caring, and inquisitive man who tragically suffered from mental illness. Despite his personal struggles, he never failed to laugh at a funny joke and will be remembered by all who knew him for his contagious belly laugh. A graduate of Princeton High School and Tulane University, he was an avid reader, gifted writer, and talented athlete.

Casey fought his mental health challenges courageously, always seeking to find passion for life. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who hope that he finds peace, love, and compassion in the afterlife.

He is survived by his devoted parents, Kirk Huckel and Lisa Desiato: his step-mother Colleen Exter; and his siblings: Kiersten Huckel, her husband Charles Sipio, and their son Felix; Emily Lampshire and her husband Stephen; Cody Exter and his wife Caroline.

In honor of Casey’s memory, his family is asking that donations be made to the National Alliance of Mental Illness.

A funeral service was held at The Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. Arrangements are by the Wilson-Apple Funeral Home, Pennington. Condolences are welcome at wilsonapple.com.

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Yetta Goldstein Ziolkowski

Yetta Goldstein Ziolkowski, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on the morning of January 10 in Kirkland Village, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Her husband of almost 70 years, Theodore Ziolkowski, born 1932, had died there on December 5, 2020. In their life together they had previously resided in Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Innsbruck, Austria; New Haven, Connecticut; Cologne, Germany; Hastings, New York; and, for the longest stretch, Princeton, New Jersey, from 1964 to 2019. For 15 years, toward the end of their lives, they made extended annual visits to Berlin, Germany.

Yetta Ziolkowski was born on August 5, 1929, in Cedartown, Georgia. She was the oldest of four children of Margaret Goldstein, née Embry, originally from Anniston, Alabama, and Samuel Jacob Goldstein, né Olewnik, who had immigrated to the United States in 1903 from Ciechanów, in the Russian Partition of what is now Poland. She took great pride in being the daughter and sister of veterans: her father had served in France in World War I as a volunteer in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, and her brother, Jimmy Alden Goldstein, was a U.S. soldier stationed in South Korea in the late 1950s.

A conventional resume would record that Yetta Ziolkowski was high-school valedictorian in Lincoln, Alabama, an undergraduate at what is now the University of Montevallo, Alabama, and a graduate student who earned an M.A. in comparative literature at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Later she taught Latin at a girls’ school in New Haven, Connecticut. In midlife — the long Princeton phase — she made many meaningful contributions as a volunteer at Princeton Hospital, docent at the Princeton University Art Museum, and coordinator of host families for Saudi Arabian engineering students studying English on the University campus in the summers of 1976 and 1977. She worked alongside her husband during his 13 years of service as Dean of the Princeton University Graduate School.

Yetta also did numerous co-translations with her husband, notably of Herman Meyer’s The Poetics of Quotation in the European Novel, and took photographs to accompany her husband’s works. In her sixties and seventies, she increased her community work, especially with the local welfare board, and applied to her own garden her sophisticated landscape and horticultural knowledge, gained in part from promoting the restoration of the garden designed by Beatrix Farrand at the Graduate School.

Though accurate, the accounting given fails to capture much about Yetta Ziolkowski that was most extraordinary. To the end, she retained an enduring imprint from her upbringing in rural Alabama during the Great Depression and World War II. Her father and mother brought together lasting roots, his in the Jewish communities in Ciechanów and Mława in what is now north-central Poland, and hers in and around a place called Embry’s Bend, alongside the Coosa River, outside the small town of Lincoln, Alabama.

To the last, she also commanded a formidable historical knowledge, an awe-inspiring memory of people — their faces, names, families, stories, and more — and places, and a deep and broad erudition in literature, art, history, and religion. To these she added perspectives gained from travels with her husband, not only across North America, but also throughout Europe, as well as to South Korea and Japan.

Yetta retained close ties both with those she had known from childhood and with those she had befriended in adulthood. Her husband may have published numerous books of literary and cultural history, but he and everyone else in the family recognized without hesitation that Yetta had read seemingly everything. That reading was not confined to English, since she shared with her spouse a profound commitment to German and Latin. Family members also knew how her nature would lead her from casual encounters into extended conversations that would elicit exceptional recollections and connections. Long before AI, she could transcend almost instantaneously the six degrees of separation.

From the very start, the relationship between Yetta and Theodore Ziolkowski — a fellow Alabamian, from Montevallo — was one of unbounded and unfailing love. Their marriage on March 26, 1951, proved magically successful, uniting two people whose fathers immigrated to the United States from utterly different backgrounds in eastern Europe. As a matriarch and person, Yetta was formidable in shaping and guiding those around her. She conveyed her strong insights, convictions, visions, and ambitions to everyone, not the least her three children and seven grandchildren. Her descendants will hear for generations to come about her mind, character, and, above all, love. She will never be forgotten.

She is survived by her younger sister Sarah Avisar Lichtman, of Bnei Dror, Israel; younger brother Jimmy Alden Goldstein, of Lincoln, Alabama; and youngest sister Barbara Bonfield, of Birmingham, Alabama; and daughter Margaret Ziolkowski and her husband Robert Thurston, of Oxford, Ohio; elder son Jan and his wife Elizabeth Ziolkowski, of Newton, Massachusetts; and younger son Eric Ziolkowski and his wife Lee Upton, of Easton, Pennsylvania. Also grieving her loss are a grandson and six granddaughters, along with two great-granddaughters and three great-grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to memorialize Yetta Ziolkowski may make a donation in her name to either the World Jewish Congress (support.worldjewishcongress.org) or the Anti-Defamation League (adl.org).

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Jane T. Fenninger

Jane T. Fenninger, age 101, of Evanston, IL. Beloved wife of the late Leonard D. Fenninger, M.D.; loving mother of Anne Fenninger and the late David Fenninger. She is survived by her sister Elisabeth Peterson. Her sister Joan Purnell and brother H. Barton Thomas predeceased her. She has four grandchildren, Kathy O’Donnell, Randy Wolfe, Heather Akers, and Brandon Fenninger; and eight great-grandchildren, Teagan and Madison O’Donnell; Grace, Pearson and Emma Wolfe; and Harper, Jack, and Charlie Fenninger. She was also blessed with many nieces and nephews.

Jane was born September 23, 1921, in Pittsburgh, PA, to Katharine Jane Black Thomas and Harrison McClure Thomas. She grew up in Princeton, NJ, graduating from Miss Fine’s School in 1938. Jane went on to study at Vassar College, graduating in 1942 and received a M.A. from American University in 1968. She was a reading specialist at Sidwell Friends School, Washington, D.C. and North Shore Country Day School, Winnetka, IL.

While family came first, Jane loved literature, art, music, travel, sailing, and her community.

She was an active volunteer well into her nineties at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Women’s Board at the Presbyterian Homes, Evanston, IL, the Glencoe, IL Garden Club, and Glencoe Union Church.

A celebration of Jane’s life will be held April 23, 2023, in Princeton, NJ. Interment will be next to her husband, Leonard, at Glencoe Union Church at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to Glencoe Union Church, the Art Institute of Chicago or the Geneva Foundation of the Presbyterian Homes.

———

Giseltraud I. Welburn

Giseltraud I. Welburn (Gigi), born March 10, 1941, passed away on January 10, 2023, dying of glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer that lasted 18 months. She had two younger brothers that predeceased her.

She was defined by one characteristic that almost everyone noticed about her: namely, she was the kindest and most generous of people who always put other people first before herself.

She was born in Osnabruck, Germany, and emigrated to the U.S. in 1967 after living in Spain for five years. While there she worked briefly as an au pair for a Spanish family, teaching their five children to learn German, but soon switched to attempting a career in acting. She did play an extra in two movies including Circus World and The Fall of the Roman Empire, and developed a close friendship with John Wayne and Rita Hayworth while there. However, she soon decided that acting was not for her and became a bookkeeper, something she was trained to do in a vocational school in Germany.

In the U.S. she trained to become an accountant and was working for KPMG when she met her husband, Ronald L. Welburn, and they married in Stillwater, N.J., on September 4, 1982. Gigi had stopped both smoking and drinking in her mid-thirties prior to her marriage, and became an active member of the AA organization that was to become a major part of her life. She is credited by the AA membership with saving many lives as she went to daily meetings and inspired others to stop drinking. Her recreation included 23 years as a member of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, and running three properties in Mount Pleasant, S.C.; Skillman, N.J.; and a weekend house in Stillwater, N.J. Living near Princeton, Gigi had many friends in the Present Day Club.

Every year Gigi and Ron made a point of visiting exotic vacation spots around the world including their best and last vacation in 2019 when they went on the Sea Cloud on a “castle and garden trip” visiting Northern Ireland and Scotland. The onset of glioblastoma changed Gigi’s life for the worse. However, her spirits were high until the end as she believed in her AA work as well as “a perfect marriage of 40 years.”

The Welburn family has no children nor relatives living in the U.S. Gigi is survived by her husband and a grand-niece Emma Leiber and her parents, Petra and Carsten Leiber, who live in Bramsche, Germany.

———

In Memory of

Dr. Michael R. Cortese

Michael R. Cortese, D.M.D., 69, of Princeton passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton.  Michael was born in South Plainfield, NJ, and spent his childhood there. As a young man, Michael reached the prestigious level of Eagle Scout and lettered in four sports every year at St. Joseph’s High School in Metuchen, NJ. He enjoyed spending his summers at the Jersey Shore swimming and body surfing, and lifeguarded in Plainfield. 

Michael was a proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame. While in college, he met his wife Angela, and they were married in 1976. They lived in Ridgefield Park, NJ, while Michael pursued his Doctor of Medical Dentistry from the Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Dentistry, and their son was born in 1980. After he earned his doctorate, the family moved to Texas, where their daughter was born in 1983. During their time in Texas, Dr. Cortese received his Certificate in Maxillofacial Prosthetics and Dental Oncology from the University of Texas Health Science Center M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute. The family moved to Princeton in 1987 where he established the facility which would later become Princeton Prosthodontics.

Dr. Cortese was a member of the prestigious American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics. He is one of only 360 accredited Maxillofacial Prosthodontists worldwide. He was a member of the American College of Prosthodontics, American Dental Association, Society of Clinical Oncology, New Jersey Dental Association, Osseointegration Society, and Academy of Osseointegration. 

Dr. Cortese was a skilled dental artist creating facial and oral prosthetics for patients to be able to function after cancer surgery. He spent over 30 years healing and treating the Princeton community and beyond. He treated all of his patients like family. His staff never left him and Melissa Cowman, his Dental Assistant and Practice Administrator, worked with him side-by-side for over 35 years. Michael was one of the very first dentists in the U.S. certified by Apollo Health collaborating with physicians to screen, prevent, and reverse Alzheimer’s and dementia.

He loved all things Notre Dame, the Jersey Shore, cooking for his family, ’60s music, and a good cigar.  He proudly coached his daughter’s soccer team and other youth sports in the community. He will be missed by his loving family and many friends.

He is survived by his loving wife Angela (Morrison) Cortese; son Michael Cortese; daughter Lauren Cortese; his mother Josephine Cortese; three sisters and three brothers-in-law Terry and Tony Mangion, Joanne and Martin Smith, Pati and Jim Brenn; a brother and sister-in-law Paul and Nancy Cortese; and many nieces and nephews. Michael is predeceased by his father Michael A. Cortese.

A Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08542. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 27, 2023 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 216 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542.

Arrangements are by Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, Princeton.

———

Sarah Lambert Morgan
1933-2023
Sarah Lambert Morgan of New York City and Oyster Bay passed away at age 89 on January 12, 2023. Beloved for her wit, compassion, and dedication to her family. Sarah volunteered as a book binder at the Mertz Library of The New York Botanical Garden and served on the boards of the Havens Relief Fund Society, the Grosvenor Neighborhood House, and the New York Institute for Special Education.

A multigenerational New Yorker, she was born in Manhattan on August 17, 1933 to Samuel W. Lambert Jr. and Mary H. Lambert. An avid fly fisher, Sarah was the first female member of the Megantic Fish and Game Club, a member of the Women’s Fly Fishers, the Colony Club, and the Colonial Dames.

She is sorely missed by her husband Charles F. Morgan; her brother Samuel W. Lambert III; her three children Charles Morgan Jr., Maria Grill, and Samuel Morgan; daughters-in-law Kace and Shoki; her son-in-law Chris; and her seven grandchildren.
Memorial Service to be held at the Church of the Heavenly Rest in New York, N.Y., on January 27 at 11 a.m.

———

Beverly Wolfe Glassman

Beverly Wolfe Glassman, born July 15, 1929 in Baltimore, MD, died on September 11, 2022 in Princeton, NJ.

Beverly grew up in Baltimore where she attended Forest Park High School, then Towson State College graduating with a teaching degree. She married Irvin Glassman in 1954 and moved to New Jersey when her husband accepted a position at Princeton University. Beverly taught elementary school in Monroe and Dutch Neck for several years. Beverly was known to be a wonderful hostess and cook and frequently entertained Irv’s graduate students in their home. She also was active in The Jewish Center of Princeton and Hadassah. Beverly loved to travel, spending two years of Irv’s sabbatical in Italy, one with her young family.

She is survived by her three daughters, Shari (Warren Powell) of Princeton, NJ; Diane (Ed Gienger) of Ocean View, DE; and Barbara Glassman (Arthur Rubin) of Millbrook and New York, NY; six grandchildren, Eddie (Nicole Kennedy) Gienger, Megan (Paul Boyd), Elyse Powell, Dan Powell, Maya Rubin, and Noah Rubin; and one great-granddaughter, Naomi Kennedy Gienger.

Funeral Service and Burial were held on September 13, 2022 in New Jersey. Memorial contributions can be made to Hadassah.org or your charity of choice.

———

Albert Bortnick

After a long and healthy life, and a very short illness, Albert Bortnick, 97, of Princeton passed away Friday, January 20, 2023 peacefully at home in Princeton.

Albert was the second son born to Isidore and Lena Bortnick, he was born in Philadelphia, PA, and raised in Jersey City. He and his brothers shared friends, laughs, food, and enjoyed each other’s families. He served as a radar technician in World War II, and a month before he was scheduled to be sent overseas, the war ended. He came back home and enrolled in New York University, where he became Phi Beta Kappa (he would cringe knowing this was included because his humility trumped his achievement), edited the newspaper, and met the love of his life, Judith Joyce Karmiller.

Albert and Judith (Judy and Al as they were known) were married on March 25, 1951 and enjoyed a warm, loving, and fun 70 years together. Albert was an English teacher in the New York City School Board and then became a Vice Principal in various high schools in the Bronx, NY.

Albert and Judith raised their two children in Rockland County, NY, and lived there until relocating to the Princeton area 15 years ago. After retiring from the NYC School Board, Albert and Judith both taught at Montclair State University, and spent their time traveling, visiting children and grandchildren in Germany and Canada. They loved life together. They had many wonderful times with friends, family, and long dinners discussing most recently read novels and seen movies, and were open and curious to whatever their grandchildren were interested in.

Albert was predeceased by his wife Judith Joyce Bortnick, parents Isidore and Lena (Schwartz) Bortnick, brothers Joseph (Joe) Bortnick and Jacob (Jack) Bortnick, and sisters-in-law Marilyn Bortnick and Cecilia Bortnick. May their memories be a blessing.

He is survived by son Evan Bortnick, daughter Bonnie Hillman, son-in-law Hart Hillman, daughter-in-law Anna Bortnick, granddaughter Alexandra (Sasha) Bortnick, grandson Sam Hillman, and grandson Jake Hillman. He will be sorely missed for many reasons, but particularly when any of his family and friends need a precise definition for a word.

The family extends a deep thank you to Dr. David Barile, Dr. Ramy Sedholm, and the entire staff of Greenwood Hospice Care, including the two Kellys and Chaplain Byron.

A Memorial Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Monday, January 30, 2023 at Star of David Memorial Chapel of Princeton, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08542. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 30, 2023 at Star of David Memorial Chapel of Princeton, 40 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08542. Burial will take place with immediate family only in Washington Crossing National Cemetery.

———

Eugene Guerino Freda

Eugene Guerino Freda, 94, of Ewing, NJ, passed away on Friday, January 20, 2023 at Care One at Hamilton, NJ. Born in Princeton, NJ, he was raised in the Jugtown section.

Eugene attended the Princeton schools and completed his freshman year at Princeton High School before transferring to The Hun School of Princeton, graduating in 1948. After graduating, he created the Hun Alumni Association on which he served in various capacities for several years. In 1952, he graduated from the University of Miami, Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.

He retired as a Major from the Active Air Force Reserve in 1975 after honorably serving on active duty from 1952 to 1956, most notably in France and Germany with the Western European NATO forces.

Upon returning from his tour of duty, his career led him to becoming District Service Manager for Carrier Air Conditioning Company then President of Eastern Air Balance Company. In 1969, Eugene received his Professional Engineers License. Along with his wife, Ellie, who had excellent business knowledge, they opened the Eugene G. Freda Company offering field engineering consulting services until they retired in 1992.

He was a member of the American Legion.

Eugene was predeceased by his wife, of 38 years, Eleanor “Ellie” Doten Freda, in 1998; parents, Guerino and Filomena (Quaresima) Freda; two sisters, Gloria Ann Chambers and Katherine Judith Freda; and brother-in-law, William Chambers.

Surviving are his son and daughter-in-law, Russell and Mary Jo Freda, and four grandsons: Anthony and his wife Diana, Nicholas and his fiancé Miranda, Zachary and Jeremy Freda; and two nieces, Kay (Joe) Torpey and Cynthia Chambers.

Private cremation and burial services are under the direction of Kimble Funeral Home, Princeton, NJ.

Memorial contributions to Ewing Covenant Presbyterian Church, 100 Scotch Road, Ewing, NJ 08628 are appreciated.

To extend condolences and share remembrances, please visit TheKimble
FuneralHome.com.