Skip to main content

In Memoriam | Summer 2025

In Memoriam: 1980s

Notices sorted by graduation date

Lawrence Shepley “Shep” Hermann (Darden ’80) of St. Louis died Oct. 16, 2024. He held a business degree from Darden along with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Princeton. As fourth-generation head of Hermann Oak Leather, he became one of the world’s foremost experts on tanning and earned the nickname “Professor” by transforming the company using lean manufacturing. He always credited his employees for the success they built. He loved spending time at his house in Boca Grande, Florida, and enjoyed boating, golfing, swimming, sailing, water skiing, fishing, camping and hunting. While caring for his wife, Robin, who predeceased him, he adopted the mantra “Celebrate Life!” Survivors include two children, four siblings and six grandchildren.
Michael “Mike” Ernest Sumner (Com ’80 CM) of Newnan, Georgia, died Feb. 22, 2025. At UVA, he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order. He interned with U.S. Sen. Herman Talmadge in Washington, D.C., where he met his wife. After receiving his law degree from the University of Georgia, he practiced at firms in Newnan and Atlanta. He opened his own practice in Newnan, which continues today as Sumner Meeker. He was also active in education in his community, serving on the Coweta County Board of Education. He helped found the Nixon Centre for Performing and Visual Arts and developed the Central Education Center as Georgia’s first technical charter high school. He enjoyed travel, golf and skiing. He was a lifelong supporter of the Boy Scouts, raising three Eagle Scouts. He was an avid fan of Virginia basketball, Georgia football and the Atlanta Braves. Survivors include his wife, Leah; three sons, including Ernest B. Sumner (Com ’11 CM) and Stuart Sumner (Col ’14); a granddaughter; a sister; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Gregory George Crowley (Law ’81) of Boston died Nov. 14, 2024. The child of a Navy pilot, he attended elementary schools in places including Italy and Hawaii before the family settled in Alexandria, Virginia. He studied at Boston College and then received his law degree at UVA. He also spent a year studying at Magdalen College at Oxford University. He went on to practice law in Boston, New York City and San Francisco. His practice focused primarily on mergers and acquisitions. He joined the legal teams at EMC and Fidelity before moving to business development at Lightbridge. Friends and family remember him for his sharp intelligence, quick wit, and enjoyment of music and travel. Survivors include four children, three siblings and many nieces and nephews.
Patrick Bernard Campbell (Engr ’83 CM) of San Diego died Dec. 18, 2024. At UVA, he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He worked as an engineer for two years in Northern Virginia before pursuing a career in medicine, graduating from the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond in 1989. In 1992, he completed his residency at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center, specializing in internal medicine. He worked at the Scripps Clinic Medical Group as a primary care provider and later became the second full-time hospitalist of its new division. He was known as an exceptionally kind and caring physician, a consummate teacher and mentor, and a fun-loving colleague. Throughout his medical career, he served on volunteer trips across the world, donating his medical expertise to underserved populations. In 2022, he retired to spend more time with his wife, Sara. In addition to Sara, survivors include two sisters, three brothers, four nieces and seven nephews.
Marshall Epstein (Col ’83 CM) of Falls Church, Virginia, died Jan. 8, 2025. He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from UVA. He was an active participant in university life and was a member of Pi Lambda Phi fraternity. He worked for the IRS and later for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, priding himself on helping others through his career. He was also dedicated to community service, volunteering for multiple organizations, such as the Sunrise Nursing Home and the Alzheimer’s Association. Survivors include his mother, Harriet; and three siblings, including Susan Epstein (Col ’88 CM).
Freddie Sylvester Brooks (Darden ’85) of New York City died Feb. 17, 2025. After receiving his MBA from Darden, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in banking. In 1992, he started Binding Products Inc., a manufacturer, distributer and provider of printing equipment and business supplies. As a businessman, he valued his customers and staff. In his personal life, he supported his children in all their endeavors, from his son’s love of basketball and baseball to his daughter’s passion for art and skating, cheering them on and traveling for their competitions. He ensured that they remained connected to their Virginia roots, visiting Richmond several times a year. He loved cooking and often bragged about his skills. Survivors include two children; four siblings, including Malinda Brooks-Williams (Col ’74 CM); and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
John Lee Daugherty (Col ’85, Law ’88 CM) of Lexington, Kentucky, died Feb. 1, 2025. At UVA, he studied history and classics, topics that he remained passionate about throughout his life. He spent most of his professional career in civil service as an attorney with the federal Department of Justice. He rose to the position of assistant U.S. trustee, serving in both Greenbelt, Maryland, and Lexington. An avid bibliophile, he amassed an impressive collection of books and classical music and had a 1,031-day streak on Duolingo. Survivors include his wife, Laurie; his father, John; two daughters; and a sister.
Robert “Bob” W. Nance Jr. (Res ’86, Fellow ’89) of Portland, Oregon, died Dec. 17, 2024. He received his medical degree from the University of Miami in 1978, going on to serve in the U.S. Army as a medical doctor for seven years. He came to UVA for a radiology residency and a one-year fellowship in nuclear medicine. He was employed as a radiologist in nuclear medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland for more than 25 years. He loved sharing his passion for computers, science fiction and photography. His loved ones remember him for his kindness, brilliance and generosity. Survivors include his wife, Lisa L. Nance (Nurs ’88), and two children.
Valerie “Val” Williams (Col ’89) of Silver Spring, Maryland, died Dec. 2, 2023. She earned undergraduate degrees in anthropology and environmental science from UVA, frequently making the Dean’s List. At UVA, she worked for the library system. She received her master’s in epidemiology from the University of Illinois. She had a long career as a public health researcher contributing to the study of tobacco use, mental health and juvenile justice. She enjoyed gardening, crafts, her cats and dog, science fiction and mystery stories, and time on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Survivors include her husband, Gregory; a daughter; a sister; two nieces; and a nephew.