In Memoriam: 1980s

Notices sorted by graduation date

William W. Whalen (Grad class of ’81) of West Newton, Mass., died Sept. 27, 2012. He worked as a software engineer for more than 20 years, most recently at Harvard University. Mr. Whalen was an avid reader who was particularly fond of Shakespeare and Melville. He was a longtime member of the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center in Cambridge, Mass.

Patrick K. Bender (Grad class of ’82) of Haddonfield, N.J., died Oct. 3, 2012. He taught biophysics at Virginia Tech and the Coriell Institute for Medical Research before becoming a program officer at the National Institute of Mental Health in Rockville, Md. An avid tennis player, Mr. Bender served as president of the Haddonfield Tennis Association and was a member of Green Valley Tennis Club. Survivors include his wife, Raynel Otero (Grad class of ’85).

Sharon Murphy Purdie (Educ class of ’85) of Weber City, Va., died Sept. 21, 2012. She taught special education for 10 years in Bluefield, Va., and later held positions as assistant principal and special education director in southwestern Virginia and Forsyth County, Ga. Most recently, Ms. Purdie served as director of curriculum at Norton City Schools in Norton, Va.

David Gary Crumpler (Col class of ’86) of Chester, Va., died Oct. 13, 2012. At the University, he was a member of the men’s rugby team. He was a history buff who loved to tell stories and write songs.

Thomas W. Norris (Med class of ’86) of Columbia, S.C., died Aug. 4, 2012. He practiced medicine in Columbia for 23 years, most recently as a partner in Rehabilitative and Geriatric Specialists at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital. Dr. Norris was a dedicated physician, husband and father. He imbued all that he did with a sense of humor and fun. Survivors include his wife, Theresa Ellen "Terry" Melloh (Grad class of ’92).

Jeffrey Neal Pruitt (Engr ’87 L/M) of Roanoke, Va., died Oct. 6, 2012. At the University, he was a member of the Air Force ROTC. After graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. Over the course of his career, Maj. Pruitt served in numerous space command positions. He retired from the Air Force in 2008 and went on to become the senior instructor for the Air Force Junior ROTC program at William Byrd High School in Vinton, Va. He was an avid reader who enjoyed browsing local bookshops and libraries. He loved the outdoors, and spent many hours hunting and fly fishing with his son.