In Memoriam – Spring 2015

Helen Stanulevich Kessler ’36 of Floyd, N.Y., died Nov. 3, 2014. She taught elementary school in District 10, North Western, Ridge Mills and at Holland Patent Central Schools, retiring in 1974. Helen is survived by four children, 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister, Anne Stanulevich Spytz ’37.

G. Raymond Pohl ’40 of Endwell, N.Y., died April 6, 2014. Ray served with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. In addition to his degree in childhood education at Oswego, he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University at Albany and his Superintendent’s Certificate from Cornell University. Ray taught in the Spencer Central School District, then was principal at Groton Central Schools and in Endwell at Homer Brink Elementary School. He is survived by two sons, six step-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren.

Mary Janice Crane Thornton ’40 of Fairport, N.Y., died Nov. 22, 2014. She earned a bachelor’s degree at SUNY Oswego. Jan taught in Marcellus, Mohawk and Whitesboro central schools. She is survived by two daughters, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Doris Brown Allen ’42 of Oswego died Nov. 27, 2014. She was a 1946 graduate of Teachers College at Columbia University. Doris was Oswego’s first director of Head Start, and served as Oswego’s first female alderman. She taught for many years at Leighton Elementary School. Surviving are her children, Elisabeth Cody, and Phyllis and John Allen; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Margaret Andrews Loomis ’42 of Penn Yan, N.Y., died Oct. 9, 2014. She taught in Pulaski, N.Y., from 1942 until 1959 when she took a position in the Penn Yan Central School District. Peg retired in 1983. She is survived by four daughters, eight grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Stewart Miner ’43 of Springfield, Va., died Dec. 17, 2014. He received a master’s degree at Syracuse University and a master of philosophy degree from Columbia University. Stewart served as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II and retired from the Air Force Reserves as a lieutenant colonel. Prior to retiring, Stewart worked at the CIA. He is survived by two daughters and two grandchildren.

Elizabeth Grieve Leal ’45 of Camillus, N.Y., died Nov. 22, 2014. She earned a master’s degree at Oswego. Liz taught in Palmyra and Schenectady, and retired in 1983 from the West Genesee Central School District in Camillus, N.Y. She is survived by her husband, Ernest ’47, two daughters, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Robert Jones ’48 of West Lebanon, N.Y., died Nov. 4, 2014. He earned a master’s degree at the University at Albany. Bob served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He taught Industrial Arts at Berkshire Farm Union Free School and later at Bethlehem High School in Delmar, N.Y., retiring in 1978. Surviving are his wife, Alice, six children, 24 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Lois Counts McCain ’49 of Utica, Mo., died Nov. 5, 2014. She worked at K.C. Power & Light Co., North American Bobler Plant and First Calvary Baptist Church. She was also a teacher in Kansas City and Chillicothe, Ohio. Lois retired in 1982. She is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Arthur Sass ’49 of Orange, Va., died Nov. 28, 2014. He served with the U.S. Navy from 1952 until 1955. He earned a master’s degree at Rutgers University. He was a teacher and administrator in New Jersey. After being called back to active duty to head personnel training at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., he served as a Navy civilian as academic director of the Naval Research Engineering School in Leesburg, Va., and was the principal founder of the Department for Defense Science and Engineering Apprentice Program. Surviving are four children, nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Ronald Travis ’51 of Dover Plains, N.Y., died Nov. 29, 2014. He served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War and earned a master’s degree from the University at Albany in 1956. Ron taught industrial arts at Dover High School for 29 years, retiring in 1985. He is survived by his wife, Janet, three children and four grandchildren.

Mary Thomson Jahelka ’52 of Melbourne Beach, Fla., died July 8, 2013, the Alumni Office recently learned. She taught in the Harborfields Central School District in Greenlawn, N.Y., from 1960 until her retirement in 1986. Mary was predeceased by her husband, Kenneth ’52. Surviving are three children, Judith Jahelka Kur ’74, Laura Fleming and Pete Jahelka, nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

George Klochko ’52 of Carmel, Ind., died Nov. 24, 2014. He served with the U.S. Army in the Korean War. He worked for the Xerox Corporation as a personnel manager. Surviving are his wife, Laura Woodward Klochko ’50, two daughters, two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

James Showers ’52 of Niagara Falls, N.Y., died Oct. 30, 2014. He earned a master’s degree from Buffalo State College. He was a teacher and principal in Niagara Falls, retiring after 16 years as principal of the 60th Street School. He is survived by a son, Jeff; two daughters, Tamara Cavaluzzi and Julie Showers Smith ’82; five grandchildren and a great-grandson.

Janet Degroot Adams ’53 of Elkview, W.Va., died Dec. 7, 2014. She retired from Clendenin (W.Va.) Elementary School after teaching kindergarten for 20 years. Janet is survived by her husband, Walter ’53; four children and 10 grandchildren.

Barbara Hart Friends ’53 of Wolcott, N.Y., died Nov. 15, 2014. She began her teaching career in Cato, N.Y., as a kindergarten teacher. Later, she taught kindergarten in Averill Park, N.Y. In 1969, she became co-director and teacher at the Averill Park Preschool, retiring after 21 years. She was predeceased by her husband, Jerry ’55. Barb is survived by three sons and 11 grandchildren. Contributions may be made to the Gerald ’55 and Barbara ’53 Friends Memorial Scholarship, c/o the Oswego College Foundation Inc., 215 Sheldon Hall, SUNY, Oswego, NY 13126.

Patricia Harvey-Cooney ’53 of Port St. Lucie, Fla., died Aug. 25, 2014. She taught in the Farmingdale and North Babylon school districts in New York for over 35 years. Surviving are her husband, John Cooney, four children, nine grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, six stepchildren and several step-grandchildren.

Josephine Johnson Pelcher ’54 of Baldwinsville, N.Y., died Dec. 4, 2014. Jo worked in the Baldwinsville School District for many years. She is survived by six children, including Martha Pelcher M’90, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Harold Ferguson ’55 of Kissimmee, Fla., died May 16, 2009, the Alumni Office recently learned. He is survived by his wife, Mary Titus Ferguson ’57.

Charles “Howard” Finch ’55 of Constantia, N.Y., died Dec. 19, 2007, the Alumni Office recently learned. He served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Howard taught Industrial Arts in the North Syracuse Central School District. After his retirement, he was a home builder in the Constantia area. He is survived by his wife, Maxine; two children and five grandchildren.

Scott Miner ’58 of Morrisville, N.Y., died Dec. 9, 2014. He served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Scott earned a master’s degree at Clarkson University. He taught high school math and industrial arts at Glenham Union Free Schools and Boonville Central Schools. He also taught math at SUNY Morrisville until his retirement in 1989. Scott is survived by his wife, Marlene Gilbert Miner ’55, three daughters, a son and three grandchildren, including Ethan Waite ’16.

William Case ’59 of Auburn, N.Y., died Dec. 31, 2014. He served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Bill taught in the Auburn School District until 1969 when he became director of communications, a position he held until his retirement in 1991. He also coached many sports in the school district and surrounding area. Surviving are his wife, Carolyn Saxton Case ’58, five children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

John Dalton ’59 of Camillus, N.Y., died Oct. 4, 2014. He served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He taught in the Marcellus (N.Y.) Central School District until his retirement. He coached youth sports in the Syracuse area for many years. John is survived by his wife, Suzanne, two sons and six grandchildren.

Robert Haule ’59 of Stuart, Fla., died May 3, 2014. He served with the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean War. He received a master’s degree from Hofstra University. Before his retirement, he was a school district administrator in Nassau and Suffolk counties and was associated with the NYS Department of Education. Bob is survived by his wife, Mary.

Bernard Perry ’60 of Cicero, N.Y., died Nov. 25, 2014. He taught in the Northern Adirondack Central School District in Ellenburg, N.Y., until 1996 when he became labor relations specialist for NYS United Teachers. Bernie retired in 2008 as regional staff director. He is survived by his wife, Jan, four children, a stepson and several grandchildren.

Edward Haven ’61 of Camillus, N.Y., died Dec. 26, 2014. He taught industrial arts and driver’s education in the Liverpool (N.Y.) Central School District for 33 years, retiring in 1994. Ed is survived by his wife, Judy, and two sons.

Gerald Kranz ’61 M’65 of Baldwinsville, N.Y., died Nov. 17, 2014. He served with the U.S. Army in Germany. Gerald taught industrial arts in the Baldwinsville Central School District, retiring in 1994. He and his wife owned the Glenbrook Studio for 34 years. Surviving are a daughter, Carol, two grandsons, a great-granddaughter and five siblings, including Bertha Kranz Leighton ’49 and Philip ’57.

Robert Brown ’62 of Williamson, N.Y., died July 30, 2014. He taught at Wayne Central Schools for 36 years. Bob is survived by his wife, Sandy, two sons, three granddaughters and a great-granddaughter.

John Cahill ’62 of Endicott, N.Y., died Sept. 28, 2014. He served in the U.S. Army. Jack received a master’s degree from Elmira College. He taught industrial arts and driver’s education for 27 years at Owego (N.Y.) Free Academy and was a technical illustrator on many commercial and federal projects. Jack is survived by his wife, Loretta, four children, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Richard VanPatten ’62 of Guilderland, N.Y., died Oct. 15, 2014. He served in the U.S. Navy. Dick taught in the Albany (N.Y.) School District before joining the Office of General Services, where he retired as the director of plaza operations at the Empire State Plaza. Surviving are his wife, Dolores, three daughters, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Mark Kean ’64 of Great Neck, N.Y., died July 22, 2014.

Russell Striffler ’64 of Marcellus, N.Y., died Dec. 3, 2014. He spent 30 years in the U.S. Army Reserves, retiring as a colonel. He taught industrial arts in Marcellus and Auburn. Russell is survived by his wife, Nancy, five children, seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

David Allen ’65 of Pittsfield, Mass., died March 6, 2009, the Alumni Office recently learned. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. David taught industrial arts and driver’s education at Saranac Central Schools, and taught ornamental horticulture in Mexico, N.Y. He was a professional floral designer and, following his retirement, worked for several florists. Surviving are his wife, Marjorie, three children, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Theodore Economides ’65 of Vestal, N.Y., died April 17, 2013. He taught industrial arts for 27 years in the Vestal School District. Ted is survived by his wife, Margaret, two children, a stepson and nine grandchildren.

Dorothy Facey Malmborg ’65 of Johnstown, N.Y., died Dec. 27, 2014. She earned a master’s degree at St. Lawrence University. Dorothy taught in North Syracuse until she married in 1966. She worked for IBM at the Armonk division headquarters as a news editor. She returned to teaching in 1969 in the Carmel Central School District, then taught business at Chateauguay Central Schools and Malone Central Schools, retiring in 1998. Dorothy is survived by her husband, Daniel, two daughters, four grandchildren and two sisters, including Mary Facey Messinger ’74.

Doris Halsey Webb ’65 of Mishawaka, Ind., died Aug. 25, 2003, the Alumni Office recently learned. She was a 1932 graduate of Syracuse City Normal School. She taught at Daysville, Fernwood, Richland and Pulaski Academy for many years. She is survived by a son, Gary.

Nancy VanVolkenburg Strathmann ’66 of North Syracuse, N.Y., died Nov. 19, 2014. She began her teaching career at North Syracuse High School. After taking time off to raise her family, Nancy returned to teaching in Liverpool, retiring in 2001. She is survived by her husband, Gilbert ’65; a son, Steven ’93; a daughter, Suzanne Strathmann Fairbanks ’96 M’99; and two grandchildren.

Carolyn Galiso Valentino ’66 of Auburn, N.Y., died May 16, 2014. She is survived by her husband, Joseph ’71.

Edward Kukko ’67 of Bernardsville, N.J., died Oct. 23, 2014. He was an accountant for Farns­worth Printing in Camden, N.Y., for 13 years before moving to New Jersey where he was comptroller for Krauser, Welsh & Cirz until his retirement. Ed is survived by his mother, Myra, and two siblings.

Thomas Martin ’67 of Smithtown, N.Y., died Dec. 14, 2013, the Alumni Office recently learned. Prior to retiring, he taught science in the North Babylon School District. Tom is survived by his wife, Martha Golding ’83, a son, a daughter and three grandchildren.

Dorothy Rumsey Chauncey ’69 of Groton, N.Y., died March 2, 2013, the Alumni Office recently learned. Dorothy was a graduate of Cort­land Normal School and taught in Tioga and Cayuga counties. She is survived by a daughter, four sons, 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Betty Schoolcraft Irwin King ’69 M’75 of Baldwinsville, N.Y., died Dec. 27, 2014. Betty taught in the Jordan-Elbridge School District for 29 years, retiring in 1997. She is survived by her husband, Danton, four daughters and six grandchildren, including Magdalini Georgiadis ’08 M’10.

Kimberly Pisarra ’69 of Matthews, N.C., died Feb. 8, 2011, the Alumni Office recently learned. She earned a master’s degree at the University at Albany and was a teacher at Blind Brook Elementary School in Rye Brook, N.Y., for 35 years.

Richard Dayton ’70 of Englewood, Fla., died Nov. 13, 2007, the Alumni Office recently learned.

Thomas Diorio ’70 of Owego, N.Y., died Jan. 8, 2015. He taught in the Vestal and Johnson City school districts, where he also coached wrestling. After teaching, he had a career in sales, including serving as a co-owner of Binghamton Sun-Ray Heating, several insurance agencies and most recently a position with KC Construction. Surviving are his wife, Becky; a son, Daric; two daughters, Ivy Diorio Levinson ’94 and Maia Henson; and five grandchildren.

Robert Borman ’71 of Cocoa Beach, Fla., died Oct. 30, 2014. He served in the U.S. Army. He earned a master’s degree at City College of New York. Bob taught industrial arts at his alma mater, Horace Greeley High School for 35 years and was assistant principal for three years. Surviving are his wife, Diana Potter Borman ’71, three children and a grandson.

Linda Miller O’Reilly ’71 of Fairport, N.Y., died Oct. 27, 2014. She retired after 10 years as the rehab coordinator at Visiting Nurse Service of Rochester, N.Y. Linda is survived by her husband, Patrick ’70, two daughters and four granddaughters.

Richard Hunter ’72 of Sun City, Fla., died Dec. 29, 2013, the Alumni Office recently learned.

Rhonda Santamour ’73 of New York, N.Y., died June 23, 2014.

Leslie Carpenter ’75 of Warrensburg, N.Y., died Dec. 26, 2013, the Alumni Office recently learned. He served with the U.S. Air Force. Leslie was a self-employed building contractor and Amsoil dealer.

Robert Isler ’75 of Queens, N.Y., died Nov. 10, 2010, the Alumni Office recently learned. Prior to retiring, Bob was a technology teacher at John Jay High School and had previously taught at Dutchess County BOCES. He is survived by his wife, Betty, and two children.

Timothy Gaetano ’77 of Brentwood, Tenn., died June 14, 2014. He is survived by his wife, Corbette Doyle Gaetano ’78, and two daughters.

Russell Hastings ’77 of Ulster Park, N.Y., died Jan. 11, 2012, the Alumni Office recently learned. After working various jobs, he made a career change and went back to college, earning a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from Dominican College. He worked in the Kingston City School District as an occupational therapist for over 10 years. Surviving are his wife, Georgia, and two children.

Karen Kowalski ’78 of Lakeland, N.Y., died Jan. 1, 2015. She had worked for Verizon, retiring after more than 30 years of service. Karen is survived by a brother and several nieces and nephews.

Thomas O’Reilly ’79 of East Patchogue, N.Y., died Aug. 13, 2014. He earned a master’s degree in special education from the College of New Rochelle. Tom taught technology education in the Longwood School District for 29 years, retiring in 2012. He is survived by his wife, Rosanne Kozlowski ’79, three children, a grandson and three siblings, Robert ’77, Kathleen, and Colleen O’Brien.

Paul Grekalski M’80 of Frewsburg, N.Y., died Sept. 18, 2014. He earned his bachelor’s degree as an R.O.T.C. candidate at St. Bonaventure University in 1969. P.J. served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was the superintendent of schools at Frewsburg Central School until 2004. After, he spent one year as superintendent of schools at Orchard Park Central School District, retiring in 2005. He is survived by his wife, Donna, and two children.

Ellen Connelly Wozniak ’80 of Pultneyville, N.Y., died Oct. 11, 2014. She earned an MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology. Ellen was the chief financial officer of Reliant Community Federal Credit Union. She is survived by her husband, Timothy, and two sons.

Janice Pacilio ’83 of Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., died Sept. 9, 2014. She earned a master’s degree from Lake Forest Graduate School and studied computer law at John Marshall Law School. Janice was the vice president and chief information officer at J.S. Paluch for the past 19 years. Surviving are her parents, Robert Pacilio and Joan Evola, and her siblings, Diane, Ken and Gary ’86.

Susan Eschbacher Mellina ’84 of Farmingdale, N.Y., died Sept. 15, 2014. She is survived by two children.

Philip Epp ’85 of Marcellus, N.Y., died Nov. 5, 2014. He worked as a metallurgical engineer for several area companies. He is survived by his mother, Barbara Egtvedt, and a son.

Nicolina Fratto ’86 of Lyncourt, N.Y., died Dec. 18, 2014. She worked for the Onondaga County Medicaid Department for many years. Nicolina is survived by her husband, Joseph Tartaro; four children; her mother, Katherine Fratto; and four siblings, including John ’89.

Nicholas Moochler ’87 of Auburn, N.Y., died Nov. 4, 2013, the Alumni Office recently learned. He was a supervisor at Hillside Children’s Center. He is survived by his father and stepmother, Frederick and Olive, and two siblings.

Sister James Therese (Margaret) Downer, OSF M’88 of Syracuse died Jan. 14, 2015. She received her bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Rose and a master’s degree from LeMoyne College. She earned a certificate in Spiritual Formation from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. She taught in schools in Syracuse, Fulton, Oswego and East Syracuse. She served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal at Bishop Grimes Jr./Sr. High School for 18 years, and left to become the formation minister for the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities. Surviving are five sisters, including Mary M’95; four brothers; several nieces and nephews; and the Sisters of St. Francis.

Larry Reynolds ’89 M’98 of Kissimmee, Fla., died Dec. 5, 2014. He managed Fay’s Discount Liquor store for 10 years, and later, he and his wife owned and operated The Wine Sellar in Watertown for 15 years. Larry also taught at Jefferson Community College and SUNY Empire State. Most recently he had obtained his Florida real estate license and worked at Walt Disney World. Larry is survived by his wife, Lynne; two daughters; his mother, Catherine; and four siblings.

Joseph Morton ’91 of Groton, N.Y., died May 5, 2013, the Alumni Office recently learned. He was employed with BAE Systems. Joe is survived by his wife, Melanie; three sons, Joseph III, Xavier ’18 and Quenton; and his mother, Margaret.

Gregory Hunter CAS’93 of Elbridge, N.Y., died Oct. 7, 2014. He was a graduate of SUNY Cortland. Greg was a teacher in the Jordan-Elbridge School District and an elementary principal in the Liverpool and Weedsport school districts. He retired in 2007 as principal of Weedsport Elementary School. Surviving are his wife, Joan, two sons, a daughter and two grandchildren.

Bridget Deming Chiasson ’94 of Phoenix, N.Y., died Dec. 5, 2014. She was a provider relations representative for GHI Insurance. Bridget is survived by her partner, John Newton, a son and a granddaughter.

Vivian “Bunny” McBride Dimmel ’98 of Liverpool, N.Y., died Nov. 7, 2014. Bunny was a graduate of Paul Smith’s College and Syracuse University. She had been a teacher in the Syracuse City School District before her retirement. She was the owner of the Bunny Hut, an heirloom sewing and smocking store. Surviving are a daughter, two sons and two grandchildren.

Carrie Ryan Lazar ’98 M’00 of Red Creek, N.Y., died Nov. 30, 2014. She is survived by her husband, Steven, three children and three grandchildren.

Steven Hoard ’99 of Berne, N.Y., died Nov. 3, 2014. He earned a master’s degree at Russell Sage College. Steven was a teacher at the Schoharie Jr./Sr. High School for 13 years, where he was also a varsity coach and club adviser. Steven is survived by his wife, Nicole, a son and his mother, Janet.

Diego DeSantiago ’02 of Aurora, Colo., died in a plane crash in the Bahamas Nov. 9, 2014. He served with the U.S. Army. He had been working with the Myles Munroe Mentoring Program. Surviving are his parents and several siblings.

Gregory Auleta, Emeritus Assistant Director of the Office of Learning Services, died Oct. 29, 2014. Greg was chapter president of the United University Professions for 16 years. Greg worked at Oswego from 1975 until he retired in 2007. He is survived by his wife, Sunny Duncan, and his daughter, Kate.

John Cooper, Professor Emeritus of Education, died Sept. 15, 2014. He served with the U.S. Navy during World War II. John earned a bachelor’s degree at Ball State University, and his master’s and doctorate degrees at Indiana University. He retired from Oswego in 1985. His wife, June Cooper, predeceased him on May 11, 2014. Surviving are three sons, Jay, Timothy ’73 and Bill; a daughter, Rebecca Burgess; eight grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Julius Sherwood Dunham, Professor Emeritus of Business Administration and Vice President for Academic Services, died Dec. 12, 2014. Sherry received a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Fredonia, a master’s degree from Columbia University and a doctorate from the University at Buffalo. He graduated as a naval aviator from Pensa­cola in 1943 and served with the U.S. Navy during World War II. He began his career in education in Niagara Falls as a teacher and principal. In 1955, he was appointed principal at Oswego’s Campus School. Over the next 25 years, he served in different administrative and academic positions, including acting president. He retired in 1977 but remained at Oswego teaching part-time in the educational administration department. He is survived by his daughter, Judith Botting, and two granddaughters. Donations may be made to a scholarship being established in his memory, c/o the Oswego College Foundation Inc., 215 Sheldon Hall, SUNY Oswego, Oswego NY 13126.

Gisela Haas Nordby, Professor Emeritus of English, died Oct. 12, 2014. She earned a master’s degree from Stanford University. Gisela was a translator at the American Embassy in Bonn, Germany, when she met her late husband, Edward Nordby, Professor Emeritus of Russian Studies. Gisela is survived by two sons, Peter and Christian, and a grandson.

Raymond Schneider, Associate Professor Emeritus of Earth Sciences, died Oct. 14, 2014. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Missouri at Columbia, and a doctorate from the University of Tennessee. He worked for the intercontinental ballistic missile silos, based out of Sedalia, Mo., prior to coming to Oswego in 1961, where he taught for 30 years, retiring in 1991. Ray is survived by his wife, Marlene, four daughters, a son, 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.