Deaths & Obituaries

Donald Beckie, former professor and department chair of music, passed away on Nov. 23, 2024. He was 86.

Don served Susquehanna University from 1968 to 1985. While at Susquehanna, he taught woodwinds and art history and conducted numerous college music tours to Europe.

The university extends its sympathies to Don’s family. Service and memorial information can be found here.

Sally Feitig ’68 Caruso, wife of the late Richard E. Caruso ’65, emeritus member of the Board of Trustees, passed away on Jan. 22, 2024. She was 77.

The Carusos were engaged and committed alumni who generously supported Susquehanna over the years.

In 2018, they founded the Dr. Richard E. and Sally F. Caruso Mentoring and Innovation Center in Susquehanna’s Blough-Weis Library. Funded through the Uncommon Individual Foundation Event Series and Innovation Program Endowment created by the Carusos, the mentoring and innovation center is the hub of entrepreneurship education at Susquehanna. The Carusos’ endowment also supports activities and events that help students exercise their entrepreneurial skill set — through alumni mentorship and open mic nights for entrepreneurial pitches or problem-solving sessions with local business owners.

We extend our sincere sympathies to Sally’s family.

Reuben Councill, former senior associate director of transfer and international admission at Susquehanna University, died Tuesday, July 2, 2024, after a prolonged illness. He was 50. A professional flutist, Reuben joined the staff at Susquehanna in 2007 as coordinator of music admissions, a position he held until 2010 when he briefly left the university to serve as executive director of the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra. He returned to Susquehanna in 2012 and worked in the Admission Office for 10 years before relocating to Utah. At the end of his tenure at Susquehanna, Reuben was critical in the establishment of several transfer agreements with community colleges across Pennsylvania, creating a smooth path for students to finish their bachelor’s degrees at Susquehanna. Music was an integral part of Reuben’s life. He earned a Bachelor of Music in music education from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro in 1995 and went on to earn a Master of Arts in music performance (flute) and flute repair from Western Carolina University in 2001. At the time of his death, Reuben had completed one year toward a doctorate in music. The university extends its deepest sympathies to Reuben’s family, including his wife Kim and daughter Raechel during this difficult time. This post will be updated with the full obituary when it is available.

Peter “Pete” DaDalt, assistant professor of finance, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 12, 2024.

Since joining the university in 2016, Pete had become a familiar and respected figure on campus. Known for his willingness to engage in discussions ranging from finance and teaching to current events, he was as approachable to his colleagues as he was to his students. Pete was passionate about finance and teaching, a fact evident whether in the classroom, during office hours or chatting in the hallways of Apfelbaum Hall.

Pete played a key role in the recent advancements of our finance program at Susquehanna University. He was instrumental in establishing the CFA Affiliation at the university and mentored students preparing for the CFA Level 1 exam. Additionally, he led the university’s River Hawk Fund, where students manage an actual investment portfolio exceeding $200,000. Pete served on several committees during his time at Susquehanna University and was faculty recording secretary for the 2022-2023 academic year.

The university extends its deepest sympathies to Kathy, Alyssa and Ben during this extremely challenging time.

Richard O. “Rick” Davis, professor emeritus of accounting at Susquehanna University’s Sigmund Weis School of Business, passed away on April 18, 2024. He was 74.

Rick joined the faculty at Susquehanna in 1992 as an assistant professor of accounting. He was awarded the John C. Horn Award for Distinguished Scholarship and Creative Activity in 2001 and achieved full professorship in 2004. Rick retired from the university in 2021 after 29 years.

Passionate about helping students develop their worldviews through Susquehanna’s Global Opportunities study-abroad program, Rick led the Sigmund Weis School of Business’ semester-long London Program on five occasions and led GO Short programs to the United Kingdom and Ireland six additional times — spending almost two years of his life abroad with Susquehanna University students.

Rick also served Susquehanna and the community in other ways, including as the faculty advisor for the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance program that provides an exceptional service to the Selinsgrove community while affording Susquehanna students with project-based learning experience. He was faculty advisor for Beta Gamma Sigma, the business school honor society and served on the Youth Accountable Court in Snyder County. Rick also provided visionary leadership during the formative years of the Arlin M. Adams Center for Law & Society.

Rick earned his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in 1971. He went on to earn his juris doctor degree from Fordham University in 1975 and his Master of Laws from Georgetown University in 1993.

 The university extends its deepest sympathies to Rick’s family during this difficult time, including his wife Wendy, who served the university as an administrative assistant from 1995 until her retirement in 2019.

Donald “Don” Fisher ’51, emeritus member of Susquehanna’s Board of Trustees and longtime supporter of the university, passed away on Jan. 9, 2024.

After serving in the U.S. Navy, Don graduated from Susquehanna with a Bachelor of Science in business administration. He went on to earn his Master of Business Administration from New York University Graduate School of Business Administration, specializing in accounting and corporate finance.

Don served on Susquehanna’s board from 1972 to 2005. In 1992, he and his wife Marilyn ’52 established the W. Donald ’51 and Marilyn Kretz ’52 Fisher Scholarship Fund for Women of Snyder County, which has supported approximately 60 students since its inception. They were also contributors to various capital improvement projects, as well as the Artist Series and the Shaheen Ministry Fund.

We extend our sympathies to Don’s family. His full obituary can be found here.

Harry Richard “Dick” Hess passed away Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. He was 88.

Dick served in the United States Air Force as an active-duty personnel officer before retiring in 1979 with the rank of Lt. Colonel. He was the Air Force track and field coach and trained athletes for the 1960 Olympic Games. At Susquehanna, he was the associate director and director of Career Development and Placement Services from 1989 to 1997 and women’s track and field team coach and cross-country team mentor throughout the 1990s. At his induction into the Hall of Fame at the age of 83, he described his time as coach as “pure fun.”

Dick remained active in the local community and regularly participated in the Cancer Society Relay for Life and in the Pennsylvania Senior Games. In 2002, he was named Senior Athlete of the Year.

We extend our sincere sympathies to Dick’s family.

Scott David Hollenbach, longtime staff member in event management, passed away Friday, Oct. 6, 2023 at the age of 63.

Scott graduated from Selinsgrove High School in 1978 and attended Susquehanna. Serving as associate director of event management for 28 years, Scott was often the first smiling face university guests would see and would make everyone feel welcome.

We extend our sincere sympathies to Scott’s family and his friends and colleagues at Susquehanna.

Don Housley, Charles B. Degenstein professor emeritus of history at Susquehanna University, died due to injuries sustained in a car accident. He was 84.

Don was born in the Midwest and raised in New England. He earned his undergraduate degree from Houghton College in 1962 and graduate degrees from the University of Connecticut and the Pennsylvania State University in 1964 and 1971, respectively.

He joined the Susquehanna faculty in 1967 and eventually served as Assistant Dean of the Faculty and Dean of Arts and Sciences. Don was appointed Degenstein Distinguished Professor of History in 1998 and retired in 2004. In addition to his many years of service to the university, Don was also a benefactor, regularly supporting the Department of History, the Dr. John H. Longaker History Prize and the Housley Archive Fund, as well as campus lectures and student scholarships.

While at Susquehanna, Don started the university’s first “teaching cell”— a small, cross-disciplinary, multi-generational group of faculty that met regularly to discuss pedagogy. This led to the creation of Susquehanna’s Center for Teaching and Learning.

Don was also a noted author. He edited and largely authored Snyder County: From Pioneer Days to the Present (1976), Make It the Best: A History of Geisinger Health System, 1912–2001 (2011), and Susquehanna University 1858–2000: A Goodly Heritage (2007), the definitive history of the university covering its first 142 years. He also published articles for the Snyder County Historical Society Bulletin and Pennsylvania Heritage and served as secretary of the Lutheran Historical Society of the Mid-Atlantic.

In 2007, the Donald D. Housley Scholarship Fund was established by W. Talbot Daley ’76 in recognition of the impact of Don’s teaching and his ability to inspire generations of students and convey the importance of history in a diverse and interconnected world. Don was an extraordinary and highly respected teacher as well as a great mentor to other teachers. In recognition of this, Don was the first recipient of the Susquehanna University Teaching Award in 1972, and 45 years later, it was named in his honor as the Donald D. Housley Teaching Award.

Friends and colleagues remember Don as an innovator and thoughtful leader who knew how to build consensus respectfully and collaboratively to accomplish goals. He was a lover of baseball with a wonderful sense of humor accompanied by a hearty laugh who will be missed by all who knew him.

The university extends its deepest sympathies to Don’s family, including his wife Grace, children David and Deborah, and grandchildren.

James B. Steffy, former professor and head of the Department of Music, passed away Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. He was 89.

Jim attended the Curtis Institute of Music as a trombonist and held a bachelor’s degree from West Chester University and a Master of Education from Pennsylvania State University. Joining the Susquehanna faculty in 1959, he served as conductor of the university marching and symphonic bands for 26 years.

During his time at Susquehanna, Jim spent summers at the New England Music Camp and Northeast Music Camp, where he served as band director. He also ran Campde Musique International in Switzerland. His full obituary can be seen here.

We extend our sincere sympathies to Jim’s family, including his wife Nancy, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jim Taylor, longtime track and field coach at Susquehanna, passed away Jan. 10, 2025 at the age of 88.

Jim’s extraordinary leadership of Susquehanna’s men’s track and field team is nothing short of legendary. Over his remarkable tenure from 1979 to 2004, he guided the team to an astounding 11 Middle Atlantic Conference championships. Under his mentorship, 32 student-athletes achieved All-American status, with seven reaching the pinnacle as NCAA champions. He also coached 42 individuals and nine relays to compete at the NCAA Division III championships.

Jim’s teams were powerhouses, amassing an incredible 117–14 record, which included an unrivaled streak of 71 consecutive wins from 1980 to 1990. Susquehanna recognizes his contributions to the men’s track and field program each season with the Jim Taylor Duals, formerly known as the Jim Taylor Invitational.

Beyond Susquehanna, Jim’s impact extended to the neighboring community, where he founded the Selinsgrove boys track and field program. His outstanding contributions have been honored with induction into three Halls of Fame: Susquehanna in 2005, the Middle Atlantic Conference in 2016 and the Selinsgrove Hall of Fame in 2024.

Jim’s legacy is defined by his passion for the sport, his dedication to his athletes and the enduring excellence he fostered both on and off the track. His motto was, “It’s a great day to get better,” which continues to inspire the track and field program and countless others who knew him. The university extends its sincere sympathies to Jim’s family and the many alumni who competed under Jim’s leadership.

His full obituary can be found here.

John Albright ’59, April 2, 2025

Edward Bollinger ’60, April 17, 2025

Rev. David E. Bomboy ’48, March 4, 2025 

Ronald Brett ’77, March 19, 2025

Robert I. Estill ’65, Jan. 25, 2025

Georgia Fegley ’66, April 14, 2025 

Barry Kauffman ’63, May 12, 2025

Stuart Lengel ’54, April 13, 2025

Daniel McKee ’94, March 27, 2025

Gary L. Moore ’61, Feb. 11, 2025

Helene Nestler ’56, January 6, 2025

Patrick Petre ’74, January 3, 2025*

M. Carol Borig ’71 Plummer, February 16, 2025

Theron “Jack” Royer ’64, Feb. 24, 2025

Randy Shaver ’84, May 6, 2025

Carolyn “Joy” McCahan ’51 Sheaffer, March 7, 2025

Barbara Miles ’66 Skipper, Feb. 26, 2025

Dorothy Wardle ’57 Spencer, February 13, 2025

James “Jim” Valek ’68, April 25, 2025

Marjorie Barton ’46 Winder, March 12, 2025

Lori Zwirblis-Kennedy ’84, Jan. 11, 2025

*an obituary is not available

James Alling ’75, June 1, 2024

Bethany Schilling ’00 Bambara, Nov. 27, 2024

William Bastian ’54, April 2, 2024

Gerald Bernstein ’60, Jan. 11, 2024

Daniel Boop ’88, May 31, 2024

David Brand ’80, Apr. 3, 2024

Francis Brennan ’66,  October 14, 2024

Sally Feitig ’68 Caruso, Jan. 22, 2024

Jack Cisney ’59, May 24, 2024

Matthias Creutzmann ’76, Apr. 30, 2024

Donald Fisher ’51, Jan. 9, 2024

Roy Foor ’54, May 21, 2024

Sarah Hannum ’64, June 23, 2024

Henry Herrington ’68, Feb. 17, 2024

John Horoschak ’52, Jan. 3, 2024

John Hospodar ’49, Apr. 27, 2024

Douglas Kath ’73, Jan. 21, 2024

Dawn Douglas ’58 Liberman, April 2, 2024 *

Genevieve Thomas ’56 Mack, Jan. 15, 2024

Marsha Tamke ’68 McHenry, Apr. 27, 2024

Ethel McGrath ’52 Meola, Feb. 9, 2024

Tyler Morton ’12, Feb. 14, 2024

Edward Neuman ’53, Mar. 19, 2024

Jean Wentling ’47 Noble, Apr. 13, 2024

James Packard ’70, May 23, 2024

Thomas Patterson ’84, June 9, 2024

Evelyn Herbstrith ’56 Ruffing, April 12, 2024

David Schwalm ’71, May 22, 2024

Joseph F. Shepard ’59, April 16, 2024

Stanley Shilling ’57, March 11, 2024

David A. Smith ’63, May 2024*

Karen Engel ’91 Speacht, June 9, 2024

John Todd ’98, December 2, 2024

James VanSickle ’13, July 16, 2024

Susan Welty ’67, Ferrari, May 18, 2024

John Woodward ’71, July 5, 2024

Russell Wynn ’90, Jan. 3, 2024

Frances Lybarger ’49 Zlock, March 11, 2024

* an obituary is not available

Arthur Abrom ’90, Sept. 24, 2023

Judith Yohn ’75 Adams, Feb. 18, 2023

Lisa Anderson ’98, Aug. 4, 2023

Linda Doebler ’70 Baker, July 21, 2023

Peggy Barbarito ’90, Aug. 7, 2023

Elaine Williams ’49 Barner, May 14, 2023

Edward Barrett ’55, April 26, 2023

Judith Blee ’62, Nov. 19, 2023

Laura Stoecklein ’83 Bonadies, Dec. 26, 2023*

William Brandt ’64, Jan. 20, 2023

Amy Ely ’01 Bush, March 10, 2023

Richard Campbell ’71, Jan. 31, 2023

Evelyn Smith ’68 Caranchini, June 24, 2023

David Cawthorne ’88, April 21, 2023

Cynthia Cooke ’87, Dec. 10, 2023

Henry Cook ’56, Apr. 23, 2023

Lawrence Cooper ’64, March 20, 2023

Mary Crawford ’60, Dec. 1, 2023

David Curran ’84, March 1, 2023

Edward Danyluk ’55, Oct. 19, 2023

Sandra Schell ’61 Deen, Feb. 10, 2023

Gayle Boynton ’75 Dively, April 29, 2023

Thomas Donlan ’63, Aug. 21, 2023

Raymond Dubois ’65, Aug. 25, 2023

Karl Dusman ’77, Sept. 3, 2023

Mary Basehoar ’45 Ebaugh, Nov. 26, 2023

John Eccker ’51, Jan. 5, 2023 *

Justin Eckes ’14, June 22, 2023

Donald Fasold ’68, Feb. 25, 2023

Carol Wentzel ’66 Felix, Aug. 26, 2023

David Florey ’69, Feb. 2, 2023

Donald Fosselman ’49, March 25, 2023

Kenneth Freeland ’72, May 18, 2023

Mark Fuller ’86, Sept. 21, 2023

Carol McCloy ’61 Gilchrist, Jan. 28, 2023*

Courtney Glock ’09, June 10, 2023

Patricia Honsberger ’56 Harris, July 18, 2023

Douglas Hauser ’73, July 29, 2023

Edward Hendricks ’05, Sept. 20, 2023

Stephen Herrold ’69, Feb. 26, 2023

Marie Klick ’46 Hodick, July 28, 2023

Lenore Garman ’47 Horner, Nov. 14, 2023

Margaret Gregory ’67 Jenkins, July 14, 2023

Rose Kiernan ’88, Jan. 16, 2023 *

Raymond Klinger ’66, Oct. 15, 2023

Hilda Markey ’47 Kocsis, Apr. 26, 2023

James Koones ’57, Dec. 11, 2023

Christian Kuhn ’77, Oct. 13, 2023

Amos Kunkle ’50, Aug. 5, 2023

John Lacombe ’81, Feb. 11, 2023

Thomas Lagerman ’85, June 30, 2023

Carol Cornelius ’55 Lamb, Nov. 20, 223

Jeffrey LaRose ’76, May 17, 2023

Faye Satzler ’50 Leadmon, April 14, 2023*

Robert Lewis ’58, Aug. 2, 2023

Randall Lileberman ’84, Dec. 26, 2023

Jan MacLatchie ’80, Sept. 18, 2023

Richard Meserole ’65, Nov. 15, 2023

Stephen McCallum ’69, July 16, 2023

Jean Ewald ’62 Middleswarth, Nov. 10, 2023

Margaret Webber ’54 Millar, June 7, 2023

John Momrow ’52, Jan. 25, 2023 *

JoAnn Hort ’50 Moyer, Sept. 4, 2023

Shirley Greco ’65 Mychak, Feb. 11, 2023

Francis Nace ’62, March 2, 2023

Martha Kauffman ’75 Ocker, Jan. 3, 2023

Cecile Yeakley ’59 Ohl, Aug. 1, 2023

Scott Paris ’03, July 21, 2023

James Parker ’62, May 22, 2023*

James Perot ’63, Sept. 11, 2023*

Julianne Metzger ’76 Pykelny, Feb. 17, 2023

Arthur Richer ’85, Jan. 27, 2023

Roberta Pickering ’90 Rice, Oct. 5, 2023

Frank Rieger ’61, Oct. 31, 2023

Lloyd Ross ’70, Nov. 6, 2023

Carol Shesler ’63 Rowe, June 12, 2023

Judith Rhodes ’65 Scheks, Feb. 17, 2023

Joyce Bottorf ’49 Sheaffer, Sept. 4, 2023

Ellen Nofer ’86 Sinclair, March 13, 2023

Donald Smith ’65, Sept. 21, 2023

William Squires ’61, Feb. 9, 2023

Cynthia Connell ’92 Storer, Feb. 4, 2023

Robert Suloman ’64, May 10, 2023

Janet Miller ’54 Taylor, Oct. 26, 2023

Susan Foltz ’51 Tietbohl, Sept. 19, 2023

Joyce Wagner ’53 Torok, Jan. 15, 2023

Ray Tyler ’51, July 18, 2023

Ann Gibson ’48 Ulsh, June 17, 2023*

Gail Weikel ’58, Jan. 29, 2023

Kenneth Wiest ’63, Apr. 22, 2023

Marc Wiseman ’87, Jan. 27, 2023

* an obituary is not available

Christopher Anglin ’75, Sept. 23, 2022

Barry Boblick ’71, Jan. 8, 2022

Helen Williams ’55 Boyd, Nov. 27, 2022

Carolyn Lucas ’54 Boyer, Dec. 25, 2022

Jean Kinzer ’46 Brinser, Sept. 20, 2022

Robert Camerer ’47, July 30, 2022

Richard Caruso ’65, Aug. 12, 2022

Sally Meteyard ’90 Christine, Sept. 1, 2022

Daniel Corveleyn ’69, Oct. 4, 2022

Emily Day ’15, Sept. 8, 2022

Anthony Dikovicky ’53, Dec. 20, 2022

Marian Steigerwalt ’49 Dorward, Nov. 24, 2022

Peter Douglas ’74, Sept. 28, 2022

Margaret Walter ’45 Downer, Sept. 7, 2022

Jon Eich ’77, July 20, 2022

Kathleen Chadwick ’77 Erdman, Feb. 11, 2022*

Gerald Farnsworth ’66, Aug. 17, 2022

Donald Foelsch ’53, Dec. 3, 2022

Carolyn Pfahler ’47 Haman, June 27, 2022

John Hancock ’70, April 1, 2022

Juanita Keller ’49 Hartle, Sept. 30, 2022*

Lloyd Hettenbach ’64, Dec. 8, 2022

Janice Arner ’51 Himmelman, July 26, 2022

William Gerkens ’64, July 24, 2022

Mary Jablonski ’62, Dec. 10, 2022

John Keim ’67, Oct. 21, 2022

Debra Weaver ’81 Khateeb, Aug. 28, 2022

Ann Yorty ’49 Lamade, April 2, 2022

Charles Mason ’53, Nov. 23, 2022

Penelope Norwood ’78 Margoles, Oct. 14, 2022

Karen Shaffer ’72 Martin, July 26, 2022

Ralph Meyer ’64, Feb. 11, 2022

Robert Monahan ’69, April 5, 2022

Susan Lehman ’59 Murray, July 27, 2022

Brenda Parker ’75 Nelson, May 24, 2022

Nancy Henderson ’56 Nesbitt, Oct. 8, 2022

Mark Niness ’92, Jan. 30, 2022

James B. Norton ’64, March 3, 2022

Peter Nunn ’57, Oct. 17, 2022

William O’Brien ’66, Jan. 15, 2022

Kimberly Ecker ’01 Olson, Oct. 18, 2022

Joseph Osinchak ’59, Oct. 29, 2022

Kathleen Livingston ’68 Peck, Aug. 27, 2022

Kay Potts ’63, Dec. 11, 2022

John Reformato ’82, July 28, 2022

Christen Hefler ’77 Reinert, Dec. 19, 2022

Ray Richie ’60, Aug. 2, 2022

John Rodkey ’63, Dec. 29, 2022

Norma McElhaney ’71 Romberger, March 11, 2022

Dorothy Apgar ’53 Ross, March 21, 2022

John Rowlands ’64, March 21, 2022

Louis Santangelo ’50, Feb. 14, 2022

Scot Sechler ’96, Nov. 4, 2022

Audrey Macneil ’51 Shaffer, Oct. 10, 2022

Nancy Hermann ’55 Snook, Nov. 9, 2022

Walter Startzel ’68, Aug. 27, 2022

Frederick Stauffer ’65, Oct. 31, 2022

Megan Stefonich ’12, Dec. 27, 2022

Terry Swope ’71, April 2, 2022

Michael Tilley ’13, Aug. 28, 2022

Thomas Voll ’83, April 13, 2022

Bruce Wetteroth ’77, Dec. 30, 2022

Seth Wheeland ’56, March, 23, 2022

Gloria Myers ’58 Willauer, Oct. 2, 2022

Janet Gerner ’56 Yeich, Dec. 28, 2022

Susan Topfer ’73 Ziemann, Dec. 19, 2022

Laura Bryan ’84 Zimmerman, March 6, 2022

Alisha Zekrioui ’15, May 11, 2022

* an obituary is not available

Vi Dietz ’52 Carr, Oct. 7, 2021

Ronald Cohick ’70, Sept. 30, 2021

Theron Conrad ’49, Nov. 13, 2021

Margaret Henderson ’54 Davenport, Nov. 15, 2021

Karen Woodring ’74 Eminson, Oct. 17, 2021*

Jane Reichenbach ’61 Geuder, Nov. 28, 2021*

Karen Seifried ’65 Hendrix, Nov. 3, 2021*

Carolyn Harrison ’90 Huntley, Oct. 27, 2021

Alice Fellows ’56 Keener, Aug. 7, 2021

Jaymie Llewellyn ’86, Oct. 26, 2021

Jason Milner ’96, Dec. 14, 2021

Vincent Mizak ’75, July 14, 2021

Stephanie Haase ’60 Moore, Nov. 18, 2021

Clement Nardell ’54, Dec. 31, 2021

George Orren ’56, Dec. 23, 2021

Charles R. Piatt, III, ’72, Sept. 27, 2021

Cynthia Hoffman ’63 Priest, July 23, 2021

Ralph Purpur ’66, Aug. 28, 2021

Walter Rice ’66, Dec. 22, 2021

Dave Salvitti ’72, Aug. 3, 2021

Robert Smith ’62, June 19, 2021

Robert Surplus ’45, Dec. 10, 2021

Augustus V. Tietbohl ’48, Oct. 22, 2021

Lloyd Wilson ’50, Oct. 11, 2021

Rine Winey ’46, Oct. 16, 2021

Eugene Witmer ’62, Nov. 25, 2021

* an obituary is not available