In Memoriam: 1960s

Notices sorted by graduation date

John D. Sharp (Educ '60) of Richmond, Va., died March 17, 2012. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Mr. Sharp devoted his career to the field of education. In 1994, he retired from John Tyler Community College, Chester Campus, where he taught in the math sciences department. He focused primarily in the sciences of nursing, biology and mortuary sciences. During his tenure at John Tyler, he wrote a biology textbook, which he used to teach his students the science of life. Mr. Sharp endowed the Excellence in Biology Scholarship at JTCC, awarded to an eligible student on an annual basis. Additionally, he served as assistant scout master of Troop 859 at Bon Air Baptist Church and as a sailing and astronomy merit badge counselor for the Boy Scouts of America.

Ruth Hutchinson Bley Weeks (Med '60, '66) of Charlottesville died Feb. 14, 2012. She served in the Canadian Women's Army Corps. She later moved to Charlottesville, where she appeared in a number of plays as a member of the Virginia Players. In 1951, she was named best actress in the Virginia Players ensemble. She later attended the University of Virginia Medical School, graduating in 1960 as one of the first female graduates. Dr. Weeks interned at the Bronx Hospital in New York City. Following her internship, she trained in adult and child psychiatry at the University and went on to join the faculty as an associate professor of behavioral medicine and psychiatry, in the first generation of female faculty at the Medical School's Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. At the Medical Center, she served as an associate member of the admissions committee from 1969 until 1975, on the electives committee from 1972 until 1977 and as chairperson of the Committee for Women from 1975 until 1977. Dr. Weeks opened a private practice in 1977, which she maintained until retiring in 1994. She came out of retirement six months later to volunteer her services to several causes, including rejoining the faculty and serving on the staff of the Under Fives Study Center as clinical associate professor of psychiatric medicine, instructional faculty, until her final retirement in 2000. Dr. Weeks was dedicated to service, especially in women's causes. She was elected the first female president of the Psychiatric Society of Virginia in 1983. She was a founding member, as well as serving on the advisory committee and board, of Planned Parenthood of Charlottesville. She also served on the boards of Compassionate Friends, the Commonwealth Center for Literacy and Cultural Change and the Charlottesville Free Clinic. Dr. Weeks received many notable honors and awards including in 1982 being named one of the 30 most influential people in the community by the Charlottesville Observer; in 1984 being named Woman of the Year by the Virginia Women's Forum; in 1990 being recognized by the Psychiatric Society of Virginia for her service as chair of its ethics committee from 1982 until 1989, among others. Dr. Weeks was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and was a fellow of the American Psychiatric Society. Survivors include a daughter, Margaret Weeks (Educ '89).

John W.F. Haner (Educ '61, Law '64 L/M) of Raleigh, N.C., died Feb. 13, 2012. At the University, he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and of the basketball and golf teams. He practiced law in Roanoke, Va., until his retirement in 2003.

Barbara Salmond Martin (Nurs '61) of Missouri City, Texas, died Feb. 21, 2012. She had a long career as a nurse. Ms. Martin was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the National Association of Orthopedic Nurses. She volunteered for the Girl Scouts, MD Anderson Cancer Center and East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry. Survivors include her husband, Jerry Dale Martin (Educ '61, Nurs '71).

Henry Apfelbaum (Grad '62) of Edison, N.J., died March 5, 2012. Mr. Apfelbaum had a director-level career that spanned more than three decades at Bell Laboratories, AT&T and Lucent Technologies, where he wrote speeches and bylined articles, essays, book chapters, and testimonies for five consecutive Bell Labs presidents, as well as other top executives, including the chairman of Lucent. He also had been responsible for all of Bell Labs' national media relations, advertising, and exhibits, as well as editing and publishing a technology-oriented magazine.

Harold J. McGee (Educ '62, '68 L/M) of Jacksonville, Ala., died March 6, 2012. He served as provost at Tidewater Community College in Portsmouth, Va., from 1970 until 1971. Mr. McGee was the founding president of Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville, where he served as president from 1971 until 1975. He was the head of the special education services department and psychology department at James Madison University from 1975 until 1980, and vice president of student affairs there from 1980 until 1982. He served as vice president for administrative affairs and as a professor of psychology at JMU from 1982 until 1986. That year he was named the 10th president of Jacksonville State University and served as president until his retirement in 1999, at which time he was named president emeritus. Among other honors, Mr. McGee was named a distinguished alumnus at Old Dominion University in 1994. He received an honorary doctor of humanities degree from JMU in 1999. He received the Distinguished Leadership Award for Service to Higher Education in Alabama in 1993. He was awarded an honorary associate of arts degree from Gadsden State Community College. Mr. McGee was a member of the National Collegiate Athletics Association Council from 1991 until 1994. Survivors include a son, Andrew M. McGee (Grad '13).

Virginia Richards Dofflemyer (Educ '63) of Cincinnati died Feb. 22, 2012. She was the director of music at the First Congregational Church in Richmond, Va., before moving to Charlottesville, where she was the choral music director at Albemarle High School. After earning her degree at the University, Ms. Dofflemyer became director of guidance at AHS, where she also initiated the American Field Service foreign student exchange program. She was the director of music at Wesley United Methodist Church. After her retirement, she, along with her husband, founded Mental Health America of Charlottesville-Albemarle, the first mental health community service organization in Charlottesville. Ms. Dofflemyer also served as chair of the board of Virginia's Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Services. Ms. Dofflemyer and her husband were recognized with many awards for their work in the field of mental health. Survivors include a daughter, Martha Dofflemyer Baugh Clarke (Educ '70); and a son, Barry G. Dofflemyer (Com '73).

John A. Herring III (Grad '63 L/M) of Richmond, Va., died April 20, 2012. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He later became a lecturer for E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. before coming to Charlottesville to become an assistant dean of the University and director of Newcomb Hall, a position he held until 1989. During his tenure, Mr. Herring organized and produced the University's Artists Series. Because of his interests in music and the arts, he brought many world-renowned performers to the University and Charlottesville community, including Van Cliburn, Mischa Dichter, Julie Harris, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Hague Philharmonic and many illustrious Broadway productions. He often served tea and sherry in his home after the performances. After his retirement from the University, Mr. Herring moved to Richmond and resumed his travels. He drove across the United States and visited friends. A world traveler, Mr. Herring especially enjoyed his many visits to Europe. He donated a number of important pieces to the University of Virginia Art Museum, where he served on the collections committee. A supporter of the Serpentine Society, he provided scholarships to students, including the John Herring Scholarship for Social Awareness at U.Va. Mr. Herring was honored with the Distinguished Service Award by the University of Virginia Alumni Association, among the other awards he received during his tenure at U.Va. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the John Herring Scholarship for Social Awareness, in care of the University of Virginia Alumni Association.

Christopher W. Hutchinson (Col '64 L/M) of Annapolis, Md., died March 26, 2012. At the University, he was a member of Sigma Phi fraternity. After graduation, Mr. Hutchinson worked for Massachusetts Mutual and Crown Life for several years. In 1975, he founded Group Brokerage Services in Washington, D.C. Two years later, he founded Self Funding Administrators Corporation, a regional third party administrator, serving clients in the mid-Atlantic region. He grew that business and served as its president for 35 years. Mr. Hutchinson was a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Annapolis. Although he did not serve in the military, he was a supporter of the U.S. Naval Academy. He enjoyed running, playing golf with his friends, international travel and spending time on Nantucket with his family. Survivors include a son, Todd B. Hutchinson (Col '89 L/M); and a daughter, Christen H. Sweeney (Col '90 L/M).

George W. Smith (Col '64, Grad '75) of Hingham, Mass., died April 22, 2012. He taught at St. Paul's College in Virginia, and in 1971 joined the University of Massachusetts, Boston faculty as a professor of English Renaissance literature. His interest in stylistics led to research in computational linguistics and a book titled Computers and Human Language. Mr. Smith helped to design and implement the school's master's program in applied linguistics and he continued to teach online courses after retiring in 2005. Survivors include his wife, Louise Z. Smith (Grad '74).

Andrew Buni (Grad '65) of Boston died Feb. 12, 2012. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After earning his degree at the University, he began teaching first at Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Va. In 1968, he joined Boston College's department of history as its first specialist in black history. At Boston College, Mr. Buni was a voice for diversity among faculty and graduate students. He worked to bring black faculty to the college and to strengthen black studies. He fought to make the hiring and tenuring of women a priority. He advocated for gay and lesbian faculty. He was involved as an adviser and teacher of Boston College's student athletes. In addition to his work at Boston College, Mr. Buni taught history at Walpole Prison and at the Concord, Mass., correctional facility. He is the author and co-author of The Negro in Virginia Politics, 1902-1965; Robert L. Vann of the Pittsburgh Courier; Boston—City on a Hill and Paul Robeson: Years of Promise and Achievement. Mr. Buni also refereed prep school and college lacrosse, coached his children and ran many marathons, the first being one in Boston, in 1969, at the age of 38. He retired after 38 years of teaching in June of 2006 and later participated in interfaith peace demonstrations on the Needham Common. He embraced Needham Senior Center activities, including yoga; a current events discussion group; and weekly movies.

Edward O. Parry Jr. (Col '65) of Charlottesville died March 15, 2012. At the University, he was a member of Chi Phi fraternity. After graduation, Mr. Parry took a job with Cigna insurance, where he worked until his retirement in 1999. After starting in field sales in the northeast Ohio region, he worked his way up to several senior executive positions, including senior vice president of national sales and senior vice president of international financial services, finally returning to his beloved specialty of field sales. Mr. Parry was a member of the National Marketing Executive Gold Circle in all four years of his eligibility and was one of only seven Cigna employees to earn a 15 Year Gold Circle Qualifier Award. He also served as the sector head of The United Way, Hartford; served on the board of directors for the Connecticut Opera Association; and was in the Presidents Club for the March of Dimes. After retiring, Mr. Parry relocated to Charlottesville, where he served as president of the Alpha Home Association for Chi Phi fraternity and served as president of the Fraternity Alumni Council at the University. He was also a partner in Marchfore Racing Ventures and was an avid supporter of U.Va. athletics. Survivors include a daughter, Allison Parry Leach (Educ '95, '14). Memorial donations may be made to Chi Phi Educational Trust—Parry Scholarship Fund, c/o the Chi Phi Fraternity, 1160 Satellite Boulevard, Suwannee, GA 30024.

Frederic J. Drake (Engr '66, '69 L/M) of Charlottesville, died April 25, 2012. He worked on the Manned Lunar Landing Program and watched from the Spacecraft Center as the first man landed on the moon in July 1969. Mr. Drake had been a faculty member and the associate director of the Career Development Center at the Darden School of Business.

Carolyn Scott McLeod (Educ '66) of Sumter, S.C., died Feb. 28, 2012. Moving to Columbia in 1966 as a speech therapist, she was employed by the Columbia Speech & Hearing Center, where she worked with children. She sang with the Columbia Choral Society for 15 years and volunteered for several Sumter organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, United Ministries, Sumter Gallery of Art, Trinity United Methodist Church and Hospice of Sumter. For four years, she also worked as the receptionist at Sumter Packaging Co. Blind, she was a reader of Braille and used books on tape, as well as being a longtime member of "The Book Club" for more than 35 years.

Virginia Voelker Bittle (Educ '67) of Winchester, Va., died March 24, 2012. After she received her master's degree in special education from the University, she continued to teach special education for Lynchburg City schools. She retired in 1983. Ms. Bittle was a member of the Lynchburg Retired Teachers Association.

Stuart M. Lewis (Col '67, Law '70 L/M) of West Lebanon, N.H., died Feb. 13, 2012. At the University, he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity and the staff of the Cavalier Daily. He had retired in 2009 as a partner of the Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney law firm. Mr. Lewis, a specialist in tax and employee benefit law, spent much of his career with the Washington tax law practice of Silverstein and Mullens. That firm merged with Buchanan Ingersoll in 1999. Mr. Lewis was a past board president of the American Bar Retirement Association and past chairman of the American Bar Association's taxation section. He was an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law School and a past board member of the Langley School in McLean, Va. Survivors include a brother, Guy H. Lewis III (Engr '60, Law '63 L/M).

William E. Rogers Jr. (Educ '67 L/M) of Bethlehem, Pa., died Feb. 10, 2012. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Mr. Rogers was a teacher and baseball coach in the Saucon Valley School District, retiring in 2002 after 35 years of service. He was the winningest baseball coach in Hellertown/Saucon Valley High School history, dating back to 1918, and was their head coach for 509 games over 24 seasons. He won three District XI championships, including having a school record 20-win season in 1999. He was also active with the Northampton County American Legion Baseball League, where he served as a manager, secretary, county commissioner and as a member of the executive and scholarship committees. He was selected to the Northampton County and Pennsylvania state halls of fame, and received the league's Presidents Award in 2011.

Dennis Blankenbeckler (Com '68) of Charlottesville died April 16, 2012. After graduation, he moved to Chicago, where he worked first for Brunswick and then for the Masonite Corp. After nine years in Chicago, he moved to Charlottesville and began working for Crouse-Hinds as a senior systems analyst until his retirement in 1995. After his retirement, he kept busy by building computers for family members.

Vivian Skeen Easterling (Educ '69) of Richmond, Va., died Feb. 4, 2012. After teaching in a one-room schoolhouse in Wise, Va., she worked briefly as a secretary in Narrows, Va., before joining the U.S. Navy. She served as a yeoman first class during World War II, working as secretary to the base commander in Seattle. She later worked for more than 25 years in the Chesterfield County Public School System, teaching at Forest View Elementary and Crestwood Elementary, and later serving as assistant principal at Falling Creek Elementary. She enjoyed basketball and softball, as well as a good hand of bridge with friends.

Patricia Rodier (Grad '69, '70) of Rochester, N.Y., died May 3, 2012. She was the first scientist to formulate and study the idea that autism can originate long before a child is born. Ms. Rodier was a professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Rochester Medical Center, where she was also an expert on mercury toxicity. She began her career at the Medical Center in 1980. Although her doctorate was in psychology, she learned anatomy and embryology as a postdoctoral fellow and went on to teach anatomy at the medical school from the time she arrived through the early 1990s. Her research and clinical work brought the autism program national recognition. The program was designated by the National Institutes of Health as one of 10 Collaborative Programs for Excellence in Autism in the United States from 1998 to 2008.

William Stephenson "Steve" Watson (Col '69) of Blacksburg, Va., died March 10, 2012. The Rev. Watson served Presbyterian churches in Lumberton, N.C.; West Alice, Wis.; and Sinks Grove, W.Va. Before retiring on disability more than 20 years ago, he served as an adjunct faculty member at Virginia Western Community College, teaching freshman English and humanities. He was an avid gardener who also loved music.