Class Columns: 1940s

1940

Herbert Rednor
1912 S. Crescent Blvd.
Yardley, PA 19067-3118
(215) 493-5575

Harry A. Dower died Dec. 22 after a long illness. He was born Nov. 29, 1918, in Bethlehem, Pa. At age 14, after his mother’s death, Harry was sent to the Milton Hershey School with his three brothers. He remained there until 1936, when he graduated and entered Lafayette. He graduated Lafayette cum laude as well as Phi Beta Kappa.

The day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the Armed Forces. In 1943, he attained the rank of captain. He served in the Engineering Corps of the Army Air Forces in the European Theatre and took part in several major battles, including the Normandy Invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. Upon discharge in November 1945, Harry and his bride, the former Marion Francis Clark, moved to New Haven, Conn., and Harry entered Yale Law School. The couple had two daughters.

Harry passed the bar in April 1950, joined the law firm of Perkins & Twining, and later became a partner. In 1962, he formed his own firm of Dower, McDonald, and Cahn. He mentored many lawyers who became highly regarded members of the legal profession. Harry was a longtime member of the Lehigh County Bar Association. He also taught in the business school at Lehigh University and was co-author of a textbook, The Problems of Business in a Free Society. During his long legal career, he represented clients in every level of the judicial system, including, in 1975, the United States Supreme Court. A lifelong advocate for civil liberties and social justice, Harry was an early pioneer of the American Civil Liberties Union and frequently performed legal services for the ACLU pro bono.

Harry believed in community service and served as a member of the board of directors of Wiley House of Allentown, Pa., NAACP, and numerous charitable and service organizations. He coupled passion for the law with a deeply held belief that he needed to be a voice for the disadvantaged.

Harry was preceded in death by his wife, Marion; the couple had been married 62 years. Daughters Nancy and Mary, a grandson, a granddaughter, his three sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews survive him. A memorial service with military honors was to be held at First Presbyterian Church of Allentown April 16 at 10:30 a.m., with interment at the church’s Memorial Garden immediately after the service. The family requests donations be made to the ACLU of Pennsylvania, P.O. Box 40008, Philadelphia, PA 19106, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

1941

Anthony F. Noto
3414 Drighton Court
Bethlehem, PA 18020-1334
(610) 758-8055

Last August, I received a letter from Isabelle Schuessler informing me that her husband, Dr. Paul Schuessler, 90, passed away Aug. 12. A graduate of Wilson Borough High School in Easton, Paul was awarded a scholarship to Lafayette.

After graduating from Lafayette, Paul enrolled at Jefferson Medical College and received an M.D. degree. He interned at Abington Hospital 1944–45. Commissioned as an officer, he served with the Navy during World War II. He later was recalled during the Korean War. Paul established his doctor’s office in the Easton area. Upon his retirement in 1990, he moved to Ft. Meyers, Fla., where he enjoyed playing golf. According to his wife, Paul scored four holes-in-one.

Paul was a member of Theta Xi and Alpha Phi Omega medical society. Isabelle, his wife of 67 years, and daughter Debbie Weaver and her husband, John, survive him. We extend our sympathies to them.

I received notice that William J. Elliott died Oct. 1. At the time, he was a resident of Naples, Fla. His wife, Barbara, survives him. No obituary was available.

Bill was a good friend whom I got to know early in our freshman year. He had two addictions, Bing Crosby and baseball. A native of Germantown, Pa., Bill was a fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, as was I (and still am, somewhat). From his early teens, he was a collector of Bing Crosby memorabilia. He occasionally wrote and called me about his Crosby records and other mementos. The last time we were in touch, he was in the process of disposing of his Crosby collection. He mentioned several times that he appreciated the class column.

Bill and I also tried out for the freshman baseball team. (Freshmen then were not eligible for varsity teams.) Bill made the playing roster, but I was persuaded by the coach to be assistant student manager.

Jim Farrell was the only member of our stellar 1940 football team to show up 0ct. 16 when that team, Lafayette’s last undefeated one, was recognized 70 years later during the Homecoming game against Stony Brook. Jim tossed the coin just before the start of the game. He and his chauffeur (daughter Lynn) sat in the VIP box.

The evening before at a dinner sponsored by Friends of Lafayette Football in Kirby Sports Center, Jim narrated the highlights of that season, in particular the 19–0 victory over Army, then a national collegiate football power. That same year the perennial power Notre Dame barely beat Army 7–0.

A gratuitous comment: The 1940 team should have been recognized earlier, possibly 50 years afterwards, during the 1990 football season. Had that been the case, other stalwarts from that team might have attended and shared with Jim the limelight and the camaraderie that such events foster.

Dr. David M. Silverstone gave me a welcome call last August. At the time, I thought he seemed despondent. His wife had died in 2009, and he was alone in his Stratford, Conn., residence. In late December, I called him. He sounded in much better spirits, even chuckling a few times. He depends upon volunteer caregivers to transport him to medical and other appointments, as his poor vision does not permit him to drive. His son, who lives some distance away, keeps in touch with him regularly. Dave still does his own paperwork with the help of magnifying glasses.

By the way, Dave and I became acquainted during our freshman year. We shared classes in the education department then headed by one man, the unforgettable Dr. Carl W. Ziegler. In our time, a small building known as West Hall, which was demolished years ago, housed the department.

During the 2010 year-end holiday season, we received greetings from three 1941 widows.

Winnie (Howard) Swick sold her Phillipsburg-area home. She now resides in a retirement facility in nearby Nazareth, Pa. We also received greetings from Winnie’s granddaughter, Michelle Swick ’09. Michelle teaches in a Washington, D.C., school. During her four years at Lafayette, Michelle received financial aid from the Class of 1941 Scholarship Fund. She and her parents often expressed thanks to our class.

Alva (Joe) Marticelli still does volunteer work for the Rochester, N.Y., area Red Cross. She recently received her 55-year pin from the Red Cross. Alva is pleased with her three grandsons. The eldest, a mechanical engineer, is involved in a study of the infrastructure of the White House, another is in medical school, and the third attends University of Southern California.

Lillian (Craig) Kennedy resides in Manchester Township, N.J. We trust that she has been recovering from a fall she had earlier in 2010 that required her to use a walker.

Oh, yes, the patriarch, Mayo Lanning, came through with his annual newsletter. He chronicled his family tree from daughter Bonnie to his youngest great-grandson. At age 94, Mayo is now the owner of a Windows 7 computer with a DSL connection to the Internet. Mayo, you’re a young 94!

One day last November, I had my wife drive me to the alumni office. Because of my impaired vision, I asked to be relieved as class correspondent. Sometime later, I received a call from the Class Notes editor. He persuaded me to stay on. As you may surmise, I decided to do so with the indispensable help of my wife. Any defects in this contribution are mine.

Whether you read these words in Lafayette Magazine or in the online class columns, it may be glorious spring. Until then, as Lawrence Welk used to say so often, auf Wiedersehen.

1942

Robert W.B. Johnston
7507 Glenheath
Houston, TX 77061-2823
(713) 644-4212
rwbjohn@att.net

President: Otto Alden

Next year will mark 70 years from the May graduation of the Class of 1942 into the armed forces or industries of World War II. In the parade at the 50th reunion, the placard leading the class read “1942 won the War.” We commemorate the class members who gave their lives.

Scudder Mackey writes that his two grandkids attend Middlebury College in Vermont. Wife Lois is wheelchair-bound and failing slowly. Scudder uses a scooter and walker.

Dave Arnold was pleased to see the article “80th Anniversary of Kirby Hall” in the fall 2010 issue of Lafayette Magazine. At our 50th reunion, Dave reviewed the inscriptions on the outer walls of Kirby, which reflected the civil rights outlook of the 1920s. The new plaque for the 80th anniversary reflects the dramatic transformations in civil rights in the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. The astute closing words of the new plaque make this point for today’s world: “With commitment to quality and freedom to all.”

Bill Richtmyre died Oct. 18 in Chatham, Mass. A civil engineer, he joined the Navy as a Seabee officer, serving in Iceland, France, England, and the Philippines. He was part of the preparations for D-Day and landed with the invasion. Bill retired from the Navy Reserve as a lieutenant commander.

Bill joined the Linde Griffith Construction Co. and worked on projects for the Newark Airport, Garden State Parkway, Meadowlands Sport Complex, the Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal, and the Naval Weapons Station Earle. Bill’s wife of 65 years, Kathryn, survives him.

Ted Bacheler died March 10, 1994. Ted was a president of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, chairman of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers chapter, and Brainard Society chairman.

Deaths are reported for Melvin Seymor Mann, Sept. 30, 2008, and Chester Bates Bailey, Dec. 12, 1994, who attended Lafayette with the class of 1942.

Lastly, Fred Kirby, who passed away Feb. 8, was active in his four years at Lafayette and was listed in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. Fred was president of our sophomore class, Zeta Psi fraternity president, member of Kirby Government & Law Society, vice president of Brainerd Cabinet, and a participant in football and wrestling. He also was an intramural swimming champion. Fred continued his interest in the class for the rest of his life. He had recently sent me a note saying that he and Otto Alden were the only ones attending reunions and football games, and he hoped more members of the class would make the return trip to Easton. [Also see the article listed in the contents of the online Lafayette Magazine.]  [NOTE: Allison, can you make this phrase link to the article that is part of the online magazine?]

1943

Incoming Correspondent: Open

Patricia Bryant Bowers, daughter of the late John George Bryant, contacted the College with news that she thought would be of interest to the Classes of 1943 and 1940. The grandson of John, John Bryant Rode, who accompanied his grandfather on stage to make the presentation of the James F. Bryant ’40 Award for Excellence in 1995, graduated from Connecticut College in 2009. In June he graduated from Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I. After receiving special recognition as honor man of his surface warfare class, Ensign Rode was assigned to San Diego to the S.S. Kidd, a destroyer.

John Bryant’s brother, James F. Bryant ’40, received the Class of 1913 Trophy more than 70 years ago as a senior student-athlete who had attained the greatest distinction both as an athlete and a scholar.

Bryant was a 1936 graduate of Easton High School and an exemplary student at Lafayette. He died in 1943 while serving as an aviator during World War II. Ten years later, his brother, John, and friends established the James F. Bryant ’40 Memorial Prize, which was renamed in 1995. Today, the Bryant Award is presented each year to a junior who meets standards of excellence, by demonstrating high academic achievement, lettering in at least one varsity sport, and showing noticeable and noteworthy evidence of community service.

Bob Vandenberg writes that he was the oldest graduate of the College to attend Reunion 2010. He is glad to keep ’43 active.

Bob received a Navy commission his grad year, attending naval school at Harvard, and shipping out in 1944. In the South Pacific, he was shipboard for 26 months. Afterwards, he worked for Hendrick Manufacturing as a sales manager, visiting the entire contiguous U.S. over his 36-year career.

Now retired, Bob sings in the St. David’s Welsh Male Chorus of Scranton, noting the Welshmen overlook his “Hollander” heritage. The group entertains folks in assisted living centers, veterans hospitals, and attendees of the Welsh Cymanfa Ganu festivals.

1944 & 1945

The Rev. Robert G. Sandercock
1961 Hayes Short Lane
Colfax, NC 27235
jsandercock@triad.rr.com

The Friends of Lafayette Baseball sent me an invitation to the Jan. 22 kickoff dinner for the 2011 team. The program promised an exciting evening, and the bonus was a ticket to the Lafayette–Lehigh basketball game. It was a tempting offer. As it was 30 degrees on our front porch, I got out my letter sweater and wore it for the rest of the day, a great reminder of places and people almost forgotten. It makes me realize that the Class of ’44 has many memories to share and much appreciation to express.

Barry Keen sent a card and a note from Florida. His winter quarters are now on the first floor, as steps are a challenge. He enjoys the football season in Easton but not the scores. He praised Glenn Landis for continuing to sing in The Graduates in spite of difficulties. He cautioned me to “stay by the fire” in North Carolina.

Al Mock thanked me for sending news of the College and suggested I be grateful for good health. Richard “Rex” Kuhn sends best wishes from St. Johnsbury, N.J., before the snow fell and while the telephone lines were still open. He knew that it was time to check on my health, remember the colors on the hills, and receive some news of the political environment up there.

Even before the 2010 football season ended, Marshal Hunt wrote about missing the action in Easton and rooting for the Maroon. He remembered the years spent at the “co-op house” and Mock and Keen. His sense of humor showed when he told me that he gave up golf because he was twice as good as Arnold Palmer. It took Palmer 18 holes to card a 70, but Marshal could do it in nine.

The news from the Class of ’44 concludes with two obituaries: George W. Schell and Frank Lindeman Jr. George and I arrived at the College together; both of us were commuters. Frank was a latecomer on an accelerated program. George, who lived in Myerstown, Pa., died Sept. 26. A memorial was held Oct. 5 in the Friedens Lutheran Church in Myerstown. Frank lived in New Vernon, N.J., and died Aug. 4. After serving in the Navy as an officer, Frank founded Lindeman Buick in 1964. His service was held in the Suburban Funeral Chapel in Livingston, N.J. Both of these classmates served the College and the nation. They are missed by their families and all of us.

The only news from the Class of 1945 is an obituary.

Dr. Alan A. Scheer ’45, of New York, N.Y., passed away Dec. 24. He left Lafayette early to attend medical school and became a very highly regarded ear surgeon, specializing in the field of otolaryngology. He received his M.D. from New York University.

Scheer served as a trustee of the College from 1971 to 1973 and chaired the All-College Health Advisory Committee, charged to study the recommendations of the American Collegiate Health Association regarding the College’s health services. The eventual result of the committee’s work was the Bailey Health Center.

For outstanding accomplishments in his field, Scheer was presented with the George Washington Kidd Class of 1836 Award in 1971.

At the January 29 meeting of the Lafayette Board of Trustees, Board Chair Edward W. Ahart paid tribute to Scheer and called for a moment of silence. He directed that the minutes reflect the Board’s acknowledgement and recognition of his service and loyalty to the College.

Scheer is survived by his wife Lucille; his children, Joanne and Robert; and grandchildren, Joshua, Elizabeth, Rachel, and Jeremy.

1946 & 1947

Van T. Boughton Jr.
5124 Fellowship Road
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
(908) 580-0765
vboughton@fvonline.net

1947 Fund Manager: W. Robert Magee Sr.

1948

Harvey H. Hunerberg
7015 River Club Blvd.
Bradenton, FL 34202
(941) 351-0303

President: Harvey H. Hunerberg
Reunion Chair: William Lockett Jr.

Is this a great column, or what?

• We’ve had Christmas cards, thanks!
• Phone calls from a couple of alums, plus the alumni office.
• Plus one more, with a follow up letter, including photos.
• The column has won another award from the College!
• And this column might even beat the submission deadline!

This column only reflects the contributions of you guys, the constituents. Translation: If you don’t write in, we don’t have anything to write about. The column is You. Help me out here!

Harry Fisler is the classmate with the photograph (see photo). He is also a Florida resident, and he called to give me some of his history: “I lived on College Hill, a few blocks from the campus. I knew Bill Lockett (our just-previous class prez) well in those days. My grandfather was in charge of Lafayette buildings and grounds and was also College treasurer, business manager, and secretary of the Board of Trustees.”

His call and following letter were full of his recent wedding! He lost his wife years ago and had reverted to bachelorhood for a dozen years—until he met Martha! He comes on now like the Original Blushing Groom. Harry promised to send photos and did. He is right; Martha seems like a winner!

Previous to this happy event, Harry was a chemical engineer and worked for Pennsylvania Power and Light (and knew fellow engineer John McDonald ’49, a campus roommate of mine). Harry was also in the Navy Reserve for 21 years.

We note with sadness the passing of another of our classmates, Richard “Dick” Reed, of Crest Hill, Pa., who died Nov. 17. He was employed as a mechanical engineer for New Jersey Zinc Co. for over 40 years, retiring in 1990. Dick was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon, Horse Head Inn, and Clambake Society, Ottawa. He loved to sing and was a Barbershop Harmony Society choral member. We are told that he was a beloved “father, husband, brother, ‘grandpop,’ friend, and all around good egg.” Daughters Elizabeth and Jennifer and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren survive him.

Well done, Dick. I’ve got only six grandkids and no great-grands. But hey, maybe I can stir something up!

1949

Incoming Correspondent: Open

President: Harrison W. Wright

Class of ’49 correspondent Werner Hubert Hennig of Scottsdale, Ariz., passed away Dec. 30. He was 86. Werner had served as class correspondent since 1994.

Born in Newark, N.J., Werner grew up in Phillipsburg. He attended Belvidere (N.J.) High School, graduated Lafayette with a bachelor’s in chemistry, and received his MBA from Rutgers University. At Lafayette, he was noted for his knack for making others laugh and his skill at cards, bearing the title Hogg Hall Pinochle King. He served his country as an Army sergeant in the European Theater in World War II. A plant manager, he worked for several companies, including Johnson & Johnson and Tenneco. In 1968, Werner left the East Coast for the West, moving his family to the San Francisco Bay area. He and his wife of 57 years, Jennie, retired to Scottsdale. Werner collected Lionel trains, built a separate room onto his home to house his operational train layouts, and was well loved by the model train community.

Daughters Linda Krenklis (husband Hal) and Lana Johnson, along with grandchildren Keith Krenklis and Ashley Johnson, survive him. Jennie predeceased him. Because Werner loved animals—his own pets included King, Sherlock, and Sammy—the family welcomes donations to your local ASPCA in his honor.