In memoriam

Charles Brown ’35 of Hackettstown, N.J., died Oct. 29, 2016, at the age of 102. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Charles began his career in education in New Jersey in 1936. He served as a teacher and administrator at several schools until he retired in 1982. Surviving are his son, Charles, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Mary Honors Benson ’38 of Chittenango, N.Y., died Oct. 18, 2016. She began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse. After raising her family, she returned to teaching in the Chittenango Central School District, retiring in 1981. Mary is survived by three children, six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Cora Hughes Bura ’39 of Watertown, N.Y., died April 4, 2014. Cora began her teaching career in Chaumont, N.Y., and later taught first grade in the General Brown Central School District for 30 years before retiring in 1975. She is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Betty Studer Closs ’39 of North Rose, N.Y., died Jan. 24, 2016. She taught for 30 years in the North Rose-Wolcott Central School District. Betty is survived by three daughters, eight grandchildren and three great-grandsons.

Eileen AuClair Mahaney ’39 of South Bend, Ind., died April 16, 2014. She taught in the South Bend area for many years. Eileen is survived by three daughters, four grandsons and four grandchildren.

Mary Leroy Mayer ’39 of Rumford, R.I., died Feb. 14, 2014. She was a school secretary for the East Providence School District for 19 years, retiring in 1987. Surviving are two children, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Doris Smithers McNee ’42 of Chapel Hill, N.C., died April 4, 2017. She taught second grade at Mexico (N.Y.) Academy for 10 years and later in Cincinnati (Ohio) Public Schools. Doris is survived by five children, 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Robert Griswold ’47 of Ogdensburg, N.Y., died April 23, 2014. He served with the U.S. Army during World War II. Robert earned a master’s degree from St. Lawrence University and taught in the Ogdensburg City School District from 1947 until his retirement in 1977. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, three children, two stepchildren, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Ernest Leal ’47 of Camillus, N.Y., died Feb. 26, 2017. He served with the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He earned a master’s degree at Syracuse University. He taught in the Syracuse City School district for 29 years, retiring in 1976. Ernie was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth Grieve Leal ’45. He is survived by two daughters, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Ralph Hatch ’49 of Monroe Township, N.J., died Sept. 24, 2016. He served with the U.S. Army during World War II. Ralph taught in the Mineola Union Free School District (N.Y.) for many years, retiring in 1984. He is survived by his companion, Iris Gittelman, and his nieces and nephews.

Barbara Olmstead Kemp ’49 of West Carthage, N.Y., died July 3, 2013, the Alumni Office learned recently. She taught in the Carthage Central School District for 35 years, retiring in 1984.

James Kemp ’49 of West Carthage, N.Y., died March 3, 2017. He served with the U.S. Navy during World War II. Jim earned a master’s degree from St. Lawrence University in 1952. He taught in the Carthage Central School District for many years. He retired as assistant principal in 1985. He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara Olmstead Kemp ’49, in 2013. Jim and Barbara are survived by two daughters, Janet Kemp and Pamela Kemp Shepherd, and two grandchildren, Zachary Shepherd and Elizabeth Shepherd ’14.

Martin (Goldberg) Landis ’50 of Boynton Beach, Fla., died Dec. 18, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Gertrude, two children, grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

William Scafidi ’50 of St. Remy, N.Y., died Sept. 27, 2015. He served with the U.S. Navy during World War II. He earned a master’s degree from Albany State Teachers College. Bill was employed with the Kingston (N.Y.) School District for more than 30 years, retiring as vice principal of Kingston High School. Surviving are his wife, Frances, three children, two grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Lorraine Braun Levey ’51 of Scarsdale, N.Y., died January 27, 2017.

Annette Achenbaum Morse ’51 of Boynton Beach, Fla., died March 3, 2017. She is survived by three children, five grandchildren and a great-grandson.

Gloria “Sandi” Olson ’51 of Flagstaff, Ariz., died Dec. 8, 2016.

Ethel Heinrich Schmidt ’51 of Redding, Calif., died Jan. 22, 2017. Ethel is survived by three children, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Daniel Feldman ’52 of Jamesville, N.Y., died April 10, 2017. His first teaching assignment was in West Leyden before joining the military to serve in Korea. Dan later taught in the Jamesville-Dewitt Central School District and retired from Jamesville-Dewitt High School. He is survived by his wife, Laura Erdman Feldman ’60, and two daughters.

Judith Obergfall Goodman ’52 of Princeton, N.J., died Feb. 3, 2017. She began her teaching career in Newport, N.Y., in 1953. Judy is survived by four children, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Leonard Cooper ’53 M’58 of Phoenix, N.Y., died Feb. 8, 2017. He served with the U.S. Army. Leonard taught in Brownville, and was a teacher and administrator in the Baldwinsville (N.Y.) Central School District for 39 years, retiring in 1989. He is survived by his wife, Carol, four children, 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Shirley Knopp McIntosh ’53 of Chesapeake, Va., died Jan. 27, 2017. She taught in the Liverpool (N.Y.) Central School District for 39 years, retiring in 1992. In retirement, Shirley was a substitute teacher in the Chesapeake City Public School District. She is survived by four children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Rose Rodriguez Remavich ’55 of Springfield, Mass., died March 31, 2017. She earned a master’s degree from Westfield State College. She taught in the Huntington, N.Y., and West Springfield, Mass., school districts for 33 years. Rose is survived by two sons and four grandchildren.

John Hatch ’56 of Harrison, Maine, died April 20, 2017. John served with the U.S. Army from 1956 until 1958. After his discharge from the Army, he began his teaching career in Hyde Park, N.Y., then taught at Arlington Junior High in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., until his retirement. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and sons, Mark and Scott.

Phillip Kranz ’57 of Slingerlands, N.Y., died April 9, 2017. Phil served with the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He taught in the Guilderland (N.Y.) School District until his retirement in 1984. He was predeceased by his wife, Loyal Henderson Kranz ’56, and his brother, Gerald Kranz ’61. Surviving are two sons, four grandsons and four siblings, including Bertha Kranz Leighton ’49.

Vivian Brown Bouck M’58 of Schuyler, N.Y., died Feb. 14, 2017. She earned a bachelor’s degree at SUNY Geneseo in 1947. She taught in Johnstown, Clinton, Mexico and Ilion in New York. She taught for 19 years at Marcy Elementary in the Whitesboro (N.Y.) Central School District, retiring in 1981. Vivian is survived by a son, Jeffrey.

Maurice Barkan ’59 of Hauppauge, N.Y., died Sept. 16, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Myra Rosenberg Barkan ’59.

Frank Bartello ’59 of Oswego died April 16, 2017. He taught driver education and industrial arts technology in the Oswego City School District for more than 35 years, retiring in 1994. Frank is survived by his wife, Carol; daughters, Kathy Bartello Auyer M’89 and Linda Bartello Goewey ’85 M’88 CAS ’06; son-in-law, Dean Goewey ’84 M’88 CAS’94; and five grandchildren, including Stephanie Auyer M’14.

Carl Benninghoff ’59 of Sarasota, Fla., died Feb. 19, 2017. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years before attending SUNY Oswego. Carl earned a master’s degree from Rutgers University. He taught in South Brunswick, N.J., for eight years then served as principal for 17 years. He is survived by his wife, Roberta Pedersen Benninghoff ’60, three daughters and eight grandchildren.

William Beswick ’59 of East Windsor, Conn., died Sept. 16, 2014. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956, and at one time played in the 101st Airborne Band. Bill spent many years working in manufacturing management before becoming an instructor at A.I. Prince Technical High School in Hartford, Conn. Surviving are three children, five grandchildren and two great-grandsons.

Joseph Paterniti ’59 M’67 of Camillus, N.Y., died Feb. 28, 2017. He taught industrial arts technology and coached football for 32 years at Westhill (N.Y.) Central High School. Joe is survived by his wife, Linda Coe Paterniti ’59, three sons, eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Richard Quinn ’59 of Leesburg, Fla., died Aug. 14, 2016.

Mary Byrne Sy ’59 of Lockport, N.Y., died April 3, 2017. She is survived by two sons and five granddaughters.

Mary Bradley Bliss M’60 of Baldwinsville, N.Y., died May 5, 2017. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Syracuse University. After her youngest children were in school, she began substitute teaching. Later in life, she became a credentialed alcoholism and addictions counselor. Mimi is survived by four children and two grandchildren.

Marlow Burt ’60 of Dexter, N.Y., died May 14, 2017. He served with the U.S. Army Radar Signal Corp. He worked in the arts for many years, directing the New Hampshire Commission on the Arts, serving as development director for WCNY-TV in Syracuse and working as program administrator for five years for Syracuse University Theater. In addition, he worked for 10 years as executive director of Minnesota’s St. Paul-Ramsey Arts and Science Council and was the president and executive director of the Kentucky Center for the Arts from 1983 to 1997. Marlow is survived by his wife, Cathy, two children and four grandchildren.

Willard Kesel ’60 of Cohocton, N.Y., died Jan. 30, 2017. He taught in the Greece and Naples school districts in New York. Bill is survived by his wife, Mildred, three children and seven grandchildren.

Raymond Mann ’60 of Manlius, N.Y., died Feb. 12, 2017. He earned a master’s degree from Hofstra University in 1966. Ray began his teaching career on Long Island before moving to the Fayetteville-Manlius School District, where he became assistant principal at Wellwood Middle School. He later served as principal at Eagle Hill Middle School until 1985, when he became the deputy superintendent of schools, a position he held until his retirement in 1999. Ray is survived by his wife, Helene Sharo Mann ’60; two daughters, Sister Claire Benedicta of the Cross O.C.D. and Heather Mann; and two grandchildren.

Marion Brauner Covello ’61 of Westhampton Beach, N.Y., died May 1, 2016. She taught in the Westhampton Beach School District from 1961 until her retirement in 1995. Marion is survived by two sons and three grandchildren.

Lois Robbins Potter ’61 of Richland, N.Y., died April 23, 2017. She had been a teacher for 10 years. Surviving are her husband, Richard; her mother, Irene Robbins; five children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

James Scheutzow ’61 of Jeffersonville, N.Y., died Dec. 14, 2016. After graduation, he taught in Syracuse until his National Guard unit was activated. He served with the U.S. Air Force in Europe during the Berlin crisis. After his service, Jim taught for 31 years at Jeffersonville Youngsville Central School. Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Byrnes Scheutzow ’63; two sons, Michael and Paul; and three grandchildren.

Barbara Brill Wright ’62 of Nyack, N.Y., died March 26, 2017. She taught for six years in Tallman, N.Y., then worked with her husband at Wright Bros. Real Estate and Insurance in Nyack. Barbara is survived by her husband, Raymond.

Dean Woodard ’63 of Rome, N.Y., died April 13, 2017. He taught at Rome Free Academy for 32 years, retiring in 1995. Surviving are his wife, Kathleen, three children and eight grandchildren.

Hilda Ormasen Clemens ’64 of Hilton Head Island, S.C., died Jan. 10, 2017. She taught for many years in the Sandy Creek (N.Y.) Central School District. She is survived by three children, Bob, Sue Ann and ToveClemens Casper M’81; a granddaughter and a great-grandson.

Carol Taurisano Bedell ’65 of Deerfield, N.Y., died Jan. 22, 2017. She taught in several schools in the Utica area for many years. Carol is survived by her husband, Robert, three children and eight grandchildren.

James Kundell ’66 M’71 of Watkinsville, Ga., died April 19, 2017. Jim earned a Ph.D. at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He was on the faculty of the University of George’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government for 30 years, retiring in 2007. He is survived by his wife, Linda, two children and four grandchildren.

John Nagelschmidt ’66 of Minetto, N.Y., died April 23, 2017. He taught for 30 years at G. Ray Bodley High School in the Fulton City School District, retiring in 1996. John began working at the Midway Drive-In Theatre in Minetto in 1961. He purchased the drive-in in 1987, and along with his wife, managed it for almost 30 years. John is survived by his wife, Judy; two children, Heidi Nagelschmidt M’04 and John ’02; and two grandchildren.

Elizabeth Fowler ’68 of Rome, N.Y., died June 1, 2016.

Joanne Lavery Leithner ’68 of Oswego died March 13, 2017. She taught for many years in the Arlington Central School District in Lagrangeville, N.Y. Joanne is survived by her brothers and sisters.

Shirley Yelas ’68 of Scottsdale, Ariz., died May 7, 2017. She taught for many years in the Paradise Valley School District. Shirley is survived by her brother, Bill; sister, Barbara Yelas Lanigan ’66; brother-in-law, James Lanigan ’66; and several nieces and nephews.

Paul Caron ’69 of Clifton Park, N.Y., died Jan. 30, 2017. He earned a master’s degree at SUNY Cortland and a doctorate from George Mason University. While living in Oswego, he served as the director of the Oswego Chamber of Commerce. He went on to several other ventures, including general manager for the Suncoast Suns and an NHL scout for the Quebec Nordiques. More recently Paul worked as an educational consultant. He is survived by his wife, Ann; sons, Matthew ’92 and Adrian; and two grandchildren.

Bruce Boissoin ’70 of Barrie, Ontario, Canada, died Jan. 30, 2017. He worked in sales and manufacturing. Bruce is survived by four children.

Thomas Busby ’70 of Monroe Township, N.J., died Jan. 24, 2017. He earned a master’s degree at Rutgers University in 1981 and a Ph.D. in 1986. He taught pathology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Surviving are his wife, Claire, a daughter and a granddaughter.

Brian Finnerty ’70 of Utica, N.Y., died March 2, 2014. He worked as a senior claims examiner for Frontier Insurance, retiring in 2002. Brian is survived by his wife, Johanna, a sister and two brothers.

R. Alan Heath ’70 of Oswego died Jan. 28, 2017. He was a Vietnam War veteran, serving with the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserves from 1970-1976. He worked for Fireman’s Fund Insurance, then as supervisor of fire protection and in the training department at the James Fitzpatrick Nuclear Power Plant from 1981-1994. He opened his own business, FIREPRO Technical Services in 1988. Al is survived by his wife, Jeanette Christel Heath ’71; sons, Erik, Stephen and Todd; four grandchildren and step-grandchildren.

Karen Szafraniec Magnarelli ’70 of Syracuse, N.Y., died April 6, 2017. She taught in the Syracuse City School District for more than 30 years. Surviving are her husband, William, three children and four grandchildren.

Jacqueline Haas Kennerknecht ’72 of New Hartford, N.Y., died Jan. 15, 2017. She was employed for many years by New York Telephone and retired from Verizon. Jackie is survived by three children, four grandchildren and her sisters, Cherill Burrows and Bonnie Haas Wilson ’67.

Charles Steiner ’72 of Niskayuna, N.Y., died April 18, 2017. He was a graduate of Niagara County Community College. He served as president and CEO of the Niagara Falls Area Chamber of Commerce until 2001. Chuck served as president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Schenectady County from 2002 until July 2015 when he became president of the new Capital Region Chamber of Commerce. Surviving are his wife, Marcy, two sons, three stepchildren and 11 grandchildren.

Patricia McKendrick Akullian Theobald ’72 of Dunnellon, Fla., died May 5, 2017. She was employed with the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities for 33 years. Pat is survived by daughters, Laura Akullian D’Agostino ’01, Jennifer Akullian and Lisa Akullian Gentry; four stepchildren and nine grandchildren.

Alta Rath Vero ’72 of Chittenango, N.Y., died Jan. 4, 2016. She was predeceased by her husband, Fred Vero ’51, two children and a grandson. Alta is survived by her children, Marie Vero Kuhl, Frank, Fred, Janice Vero Lincoln ’80 and Alta Hamelinck; 10 grandchildren and five great-grandsons. She is also survived by her siblings, Fritz Rath ’59, Nancy Ellis, Janice, Bill and Marjorie.

William Tomlinson ’74 of Blytheville, Ark., died July 16, 2016.

Mark McLane ’76 of Whitesboro, N.Y., died Jan. 13, 2017. He earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Buffalo Law School. He began his career at Kernan and Kernan Law Firm in 1980, and later became a partner. Mark established the law firm of McLane, Smith & Lascurrettes, where he practiced until his retirement in 2014. Surviving are his brother, John; his sister, Kathleen Cooney; his partner of many years, Debra Flihan; and many nieces and nephews.

Gary Morrisette ’78 of Oswego died April 5, 2017. He taught technology at Mexico (N.Y.) High School, and later was employed with Niagara Mohawk and Centro. He is survived by his wife, Dianne, two children and four granddaughters.

Dawn Burton ’79 of Clifton Park, N.Y., died Sept. 21, 2016. She was a senior pharmacy benefits manager for United Healthcare. Dawn is survived by her sister, Susan Berres, and nieces and nephews.

Dora Wheat Burnett ’80 of Clinton, N.Y., died April 17, 2017. She was a caseworker/supervisor with Central New York Developmental Services Office. Surviving are four children and four grandchildren.

Liselotte Locher Button M’80 of Oswego died April 20, 2017. She is survived by her husband, Jay Button, Associate Professor Emeritus of Curriculum and Instruction; her children, Karl, Eric and Karin ’91 M’00; and two grandchildren.

Brenda Schoff ’80 of Rome, N.Y., died Feb. 19, 2017. She earned a master’s degree from SUNY Albany. Brenda taught Spanish in the Sharon Springs (N.Y.) Central School District. Surviving are her siblings, Marsha and Charles Schoff, and two nieces.

Billie Crandall Brady ’82 of Oswego died Feb. 1, 2017. She had been the coordinator of the traffic safety board with Integrated Community Planning since 2003. Surviving are her husband, Dennis ’90; two sons, Griffin and Nathan; and a grandson.

Joseph Toscano ’85 of Randolph, Mass., died March 17, 2017. He was a 20-year firefighter for the Watertown (Mass.) Fire Department and was working an active fire at the time of his death. Joe is survived by his wife, Maureen, and his children, Alyssa, Patrick, Mary Cate, William and Michael.

Ann Daly Reeves ’86 of Oswego died Jan. 30, 2017. She is survived by her husband, Ronald; her daughter, Rebecca Manchester; and two grandchildren.

Mary Lester Gosek ’87 of Oswego died June 3, 2017. She had recently retired after serving as a computer program analyst at SUNY Oswego for 34 years. She was the founder of Peaceful Remedies and president of the Oswego Chapter of Hope for Heather. Mary is survived by her husband, Edward ’83, Head Coach of Men’s Ice Hockey; her parents, Bruce, Professor Emeritus of Counseling and Psychological Services, and Patricia Lester ’81; and her children, Sarah and Jeremy. She is also survived by four sisters, and several nieces and nephews.

Laree Pease ’88 of Oswego died April 15, 2017. She attended Kinman Business School in Spokane, Wash., before moving to Oswego, where she lived for more than 60 years. She was employed at SUNY Oswego from 1961 until her retirement as senior staff assistant to the provost in 1992. Laree was on the board of directors for the Oswego Emeriti Association, serving as secretary until recently. She is survived by two sons, Daniel and Michael, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Patricia Tomaino-Darrow M’88 of Constantia, N.Y., died Jan. 23, 2017. She earned a bachelor’s degree from LeMoyne College. Patty taught in the Altmar-Parish-Williamstown (N.Y.) Central School District for many years. Surviving are her husband, Timothy; daughters, Elena Darrow ’10 and Hilary Darrow; and a granddaughter.

Timothy Corbett ’93 of Camillus, N.Y., died Feb. 24, 2017. He began his career with CNA Insurance Company in California before moving to Chicago, where he was a systems analyst for Allstate Insurance Company. He returned to his hometown of Camillus to take a job with CCC. Tim is survived by his mother, Joanne Corbett; brothers, Jim, Bill and Pat; sisters, Erin O’Sullivan and Karri Elderbroom; and 11 nieces and nephews.

Clark “Pete” Morrison ’95 of Oswego died April 2, 2017. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Moale. He was a business owner and was formerly employed with the Palladium-Times. Pete is survived by his wife, Cecily Spataro Morrison ’79; son, Collin; and his siblings, Nancy Zysk and Graham and David Morrison.

Jane Rodak Heretyk ’99 of Fulton, N.Y., died April 13, 2017. She is survived by her children, Joan Heretyk Foster ’72, John Heretyk, Shelley Garg and Nancy Abel; five grandchildren and three great-granchildren. Contributions in Jane’s memory may be made to the modern languages department, c/o Oswego College Foundation, 215 Sheldon Hall, Oswego, N.Y. 13126.

Christopher Stuhlman ’14 of Whitesboro, N.Y., died Oct. 8, 2016. He earned an associate’s degree from Mohawk Valley Community College and was currently attending Utica College for a degree in nursing. Chris is survived by his parents, Ronald and Sharon; two sisters, Kelly and Mary; his brother, Bryan; and his grandparents.

James Brett, Assistant Professor Emeritus of English, died Jan. 25, 2017. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1953 from Notre Dame University. He served with the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. He was a reporter for the Watertown Daily Times for many years. He taught journalism at Oswego from 1971 until his retirement in 1996. Jim was a member of the organizing committee of SUNY Colleges in the North Country at Fort Drum. He is survived by a cousin.

Lawrence DeLucia, Associate Professor Emeritus of Economics, of Tucson, Ariz., died April 12, 2017. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Cornell University and a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona. Larry taught for eight years at the University of Arizona. He was appointed at Oswego on Sept. 1, 1967, and retired July 1, 1977. Surviving are his wife, Florence, and his son, Lawrence.

Cyndia Donovan, Manager of the Marano Campus Center Box Office, died March 13, 2017. She worked at Oswego for 42 years. Cyndi is survived by her husband, Timothy; daughter, Brandy Weigelt; son, Michael; and four grandchildren, including Elexis Rinoldo ’20.

Michael Fox, Professor Emeritus of Art, died April 4, 2017. He was appointed at Oswego on Sept. 1, 1967, retiring Dec. 31, 1999. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1962 and a master’s degree in 1969, both from SUNY Buffalo. Michael taught in the Rochester area for two years before accepting a position at Morehead State University in 1965. He received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1981. Michael is survived by his wife, Carol; daughter, Kathryn Fox Groves ’99; and two grandchildren.

Barbara Gerber, Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Counseling and Psychological Services, died March 21, 2017. Barbara was a founder of the Women Studies program and was also dean of professional studies. She was appointed at Oswego on Sept. 1, 1965, and retired Aug. 28, 1998. She was predeceased by her partner, Nancy Seale Osborne ’70, Librarian Emerita, and two grandchildren. Barbara is survived by her daughter, Jaime Gerber Baitsell ’91; grandsons, Keith and Daniel; and her great-grandchildren.

Robert Wernick, Associate Professor Emeritus of Mathematics, died April 7, 2017. He earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan, and earned a doctorate in 1969. He came to Oswego on Sept. 1, 1969, and retired July 1, 1983. Following his retirement from Oswego, Robert lectured at San Francisco State University in the mathematics and computer science departments. He was predeceased by his daughter, Dinah, and is survived by his wife, Anne; daughters, Judith and Deborah; six grandchildren and three step-children.

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