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In Memoriam | Winter 2017

In Memoriam: 1980s

Notices sorted by graduation date

Janice Marsh Gaynor (Educ ’81 L/M) of Alexandria, Virginia, died Aug. 7, 2017. After graduating from Westchester State Teacher’s College as the first member of her family to attend college, she earned her master’s in education from the Curry School of Education at UVA. The beloved elementary school teacher taught in Arlington County for more than 30 years. She was recognized with several teaching awards and was featured in an edition of Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. Ms. Gaynor especially loved keeping in touch with former students, even attending the weddings of some of those she taught. Survivors include two sons, two grandsons and two brothers.

Thomas E. Johnson (Arch ’81 L/M) of Falls Church, Virginia, died Aug. 14, 2017. Prior to earning his master’s degree from the School of Architecture, he received bachelor’s degrees from University College Dublin and Clemson University. For nearly 40 years Mr. Johnson was involved with a wide variety of architectural projects focusing on the preservation of historic theaters, schools and libraries, and the design of new cultural arts centers. Throughout the past 23 years, he led projects that propelled his firm to national recognition. In 2015, he was elected to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. In the community, he served on the boards of the American Horticultural Society, Wesley Housing Development Corporation, the League of Historic American Theaters and the Montessori School of Virginia. An Alexandria, Virginia, native, Mr. Johnson was an avid reader, fly fisher, tennis player and car enthusiast. He enjoyed traveling and weekends at Virginia’s Northern Neck with family and friends. Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife, Julianne Mueller; two children, including Natalie Johnson (Col ’16 L/M); his mother; a sister; and a brother.

Cara Carroccia (Arch ‘83, ’86 L/M) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, died July 3, 2017. At the University, she was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa honor society. Ms. Carroccia practiced architecture and historic preservation and in 2010 received the Delaware Design Award from the American Institute of Architects. She was a member of the Institute for Classical Studies and Classical America, was a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and participated in the Prince of Wales Institute of Architecture. She also enjoyed teaching at the University of Notre Dame, Philadelphia University and Moore College of Art. Survivors include her two daughters, two sisters and many devoted friends.

Max Gilbert “Gil” Dunn (Grad ’85) of Salem, Virginia, died Aug. 22, 2017. After earning degrees from Ohio Wesleyan University and Tulane University, he earned his doctorate in sociology from the University. He joined the sociology faculty of Roanoke College in 1993 after teaching at Virginia Commonwealth University and University of Southern Mississippi and in Europe through the University of Maryland’s University College. He loved sports and was interested in religion, theory and mass communication. He was known for his humorous lecture style. He was especially proud to have helped establish the Nu chapter of Phi Beta Kappa at Roanoke in 2004. Survivors include three sisters.

Steven Righton Swicegood (Col ’83 L/M) of Springfield, Virginia, died Aug. 18, 2017. He served in the U.S. Navy. At the University, he was a member of ROTC and Delta Upsilon fraternity, where he was known as “Swice.” He graduated with a full commission in the United States Navy, and he served his country over the next 20 years. During Mr. Swicegood’s naval career, the family lived around the world while he taught at the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, England, served on the USS Taylor, the USS Anzio, the USS Scott and with the Sixth Fleet in Gaeta, Italy. His final post was under the chief of naval operations at the Pentagon. Following his retirement from the Navy, he worked for the consulting firm Whitney, Bradley and Brown in Reston, Virginia, before settling in Springfield in 2003. Mr. Swicegood could often be heard quoting his favorite movies, educating his daughters on “classic” music and movies or telling his favorite stories. He had a vivacious approach to life and loved his family and friends generously. He remained a tried-and-true UVA fan, treasuring the lasting friendships made at the University. He often visited his daughters in Charlottesville for UVA football games, Bodo’s Bagels, trips to Mincers and rousing renditions of “The Good Old Song.” Survivors include his wife, Joan; three daughters, including Victoria Nutley (Col ’11, Educ ’12) and Susan Grigg (Col ’15, Educ ’16 L/M); his mother; his sister; and a niece.

Jeanette Barbour Harris (Col ’86) of Clayton, North Carolina, died Sept. 21, 2016. After graduating from the University, she taught high school English in Virginia before teaching elementary school students in Johnston County, North Carolina. She earned her National Board Certification in early childhood literacy in 2006. Optimistic, funny and kind, Ms. Harris had a wry sense of humor, loved sports and was dedicated to her students. Survivors include her husband, Edgar; a son; and a brother.