’40s

Betty Emrich Atkins ’43 died on May 27 in Myerstown. She taught music lessons to hundreds of students and was a Substitute Teacher at Northern Lebanon High School. She was a faithful member of Jonestown Bible Church. Her husband, Rev. George P. Atkins, was the Founding Pastor.

’50s

James “Jim” Erwin Gregg, Ph.D., ’50 died on Nov. 1, 2024, in Chico, Calif. He served in the U.S. Navy as an Aerial Photographer during W.W. II before attending LVC, then earned a master’s at the University of California (UofC), Berkeley, and later his Ph.D. from UofC, Santa Barbara. Gregg became a Professor of Journalism at UofC, Chico, spending his career as a professor and administrator.

Francene Swope Gates ’51 died on March 17 in Lebanon. She spent most of her career as the Executive Director of the Lebanon County Mental Health Association. Gates, a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and Episcopal Church Women, was the first woman elected to the Vestry.

E. Maxine Fritz ’52 died on June 28 in Taneytown, Md. She earned additional Nursing degrees from the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and the University of Maryland. After two years at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Fritz spent the rest of her career with the Carroll County Health Department, retiring as Director of Nursing in 1992. Her niece, Brittni Nelson ’12, survives her.

Joan Ringle Policastro ’54 died on Jan. 23, in New Orleans, La. She earned her master’s in Music and supervisory certification from Rutgers University and was the Music and Arts Chair in Middlesex Borough, N.J., teaching junior and high school students.

Florence R. Umberger ’55 died on Jan. 30 in Annville. She taught school and was a homemaker and member of the Salem United Church of Christ in Campbelltown. She taught Christian education for over 50 years. Her husband, Donald Umberger ’56 predeceased her.

Edward “Ed” Billingham Jr., Ph.D., ’56 died on Jan. 22. He conducted student-faculty research with Dr. Anthony “Tony” Neidig ’43 H’04 as an undergraduate before earning his Ph.D. in Chemistry at the Pennsylvania State University. He was an Esso Research and Engineering Company Fellow for two years at PSU, then taught at Thiel College for three years.

In 1964, Billingham and his late wife, Betty Jane “Betsy Black, moved to Nevada, where he joined the Chemistry faculty at the now University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He received several promotions, ultimately retiring as Emeritus Professor of Chemistry. His publication record and long-term interests focused on the thermodynamics of various processes and aspects of chemical education. Information courtesy of Barb West CY and Dr. Walter Patton, LVC Associate Professor of Chemistry.

’60s

Ronald L. Dietz ’60 died on April 14 in York. He was a Music teacher and Band Leader at Dallastown High School and an Instructional Technology Instructor at Towson State University. He earned his master’s in Music from the Pennsylvania State University.

Philip H. Feather, Esq., ’60, died on May 18 in Lebanon. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps after high school, attended LVC, and then graduated from the Dickinson School of Law. He practiced law for over 40 years and was a member of Christ Church United Church of Christ in Annville throughout adulthood. June Kline Feather ’62, his wife of 63 years, and Karen Feather, Esq., former LVC administrator, survive Feather.

Robert D. Hartnett ’61, P’81 died on May 19 in Lancaster. He joined the U.S. Navy after high school, and served for four years during the Korean War. He was a life member of the Annville American Legion and Federation of Fly Fishermen. His son, Stephen Hartnett ’81, preceded him in death.

Daniel F. Shearer ’62 died on May 22 in Halifax. He taught Band and Instrumental Music in the Halifax Area School District for 25 years and earned a master’s in Music Education from West Chester University. His wife, Norma Woolston Shearer ’65, sister, Patricia Shearer Larthey ’72, P’00, P’04, brother, James Shearer ’68, and nephews, Lawrence Larthey IV ’00 and Derek Larthey ’04, survive Shearer. His parents, The Rev. Dr. Daniel L. Shearer ’38, P’62, H’65, P’68, P’72 and Irma Keiffer Shearer ’36, P’62, P’68, P’72 predeceased him.

William A. Dissinger ’63, P’94 died on June 9 in Lebanon. He served three years in the U.S. Army, and was a Teacher for 41.5 years and was the Head Baseball Coach at Cedar Crest High School for 34 years. A 2003 inductee into the Lebanon Valley Sports Hall of Fame and Central PA Hall of Fame, Dissinger was a member of Faith Fellowship Church. His son, Paul W. Dissinger ’94, survives him.

Dr. Guy H. Gerhart ’64 died on July 2 in DuBois. He earned his Doctorate of Internal Medicine from Haneman Medical School, enlisted in the U.S. Army, and worked at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center and Fort Meade. He opened a private medicine practice in DuBois in 1973.

Carol Deichert Rick ’64 died on May 12. She was a Delta Lambda Sigma member at LVC and earned a master’s in Special Education from Rutgers University.

Molly Hartman Goldsmith, Esq., ’65 died on Jan. 22 in Pacific Palisades, Calif. She graduated from Dickinson Law School and practiced in Philadelphia.

Albert J. Taylor Jr. ’65 died on May 6 in Horsham. He taught English and coached soccer at William Tennent High School for 32 years.

’70s

Lydia Keegan Mahjoubian ’73 died on March 31 in West Chester. She earned a degree in post-secondary education from Immaculata University and was a longtime Technology Specialist in the West Chester Area School District.

Benjamin M. ”Ben” Neideigh Jr. ’74 died on May 28 in Lancaster. He was a creative writer and jingle-maker for various Lancaster County advertising agencies. His wife of 52 years, Jean Kerchner Neidig ’72, survives him.

Janet Scattergood Dougherty ’75 died on Jan. 11 in Mount Laurel, N.J.

Selene Ax Wilson-Machuga ’77 died on April 30 in Buffalo, N.Y. She taught science throughout her career, including at the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, Franklin Institute, and Germantown Friends School.

’80s

Catherine Weible Kaylor ’80 died on March 27 in Palmyra. She worked for Bell Telephone and Hershey Chocolate and volunteered in the Annville School District, at Good Samaritan Hospital, and with Vietnamese refugees. She was an Annville United Methodist Church member for over 60 years.

Janice Lemmon Buckingham ’81 died on Feb. 6 in Lebanon. She was a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. She was a Nurse at many Veterans Administration Hospitals, including the psychiatric unit of the Lebanon VA Hospital. Buckingham was a member of the Myerstown Baptist Church.

Col. Peter “Dude” Donnelly, USAF, Ret., ’83 died on April 23 in Williamsburg, Va. He retired as a Colonel after a 30-year career with the U.S. Air Force, earning numerous accolades including The Bronze Star with eight Oak Leaf Clusters-one with Valor. A member of The Valley’s Football and Track & Field teams, Donnelly served in several campaigns, including in Afghanistan and Iraq. He joined Leidos Defense Contract for the last 10 years of his career, rising to Senior Program Manager.

Donald E. Beck ’86 died on Jan. 29 in Lebanon. A retired U.S. Air Force Veteran, he retired from Hauck Manufacturing as a Project Manager. He was a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd.

’90s

Thomas C. McCarty M’97 died on Jan. 14 in Lancaster. He was the National Sales Manager for Stoner Consumer Brands and a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

’00s

Denise Grubb Deaven ’01 died on Nov. 1, 2024, in Duncannon. She earned her master’s degree as a Reading Specialist and studied English as a Second Language, teaching for 13 years at Steelton-Highspire Elementary School. She then served as a Reading Specialist at Quarryville Elementary School for 11 years. Deaven was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Harrisburg.

’10s

Richard “Rick” Potts M’12 died on May 28 in Lancaster. He earned his MBA at LVC and was the Facilities Manager for IU13 for 22 years.

’20s

Rebecca “Becky” S. Hearsey M’21, P’24, P’26 died on April 20 in Annville. LVC’s longtime Associate Director of Alumni and Family Engagement, Hearsey was “the best of us. She fought cancer courageously and never lost her positive attitude, incredible smile, and selflessness,” according to a colleague. “She was beloved by her family, friends, colleagues, our students, and our alumni.”

Hearsey graduated from Shippensburg University, where she was active with the Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority and remained lifelong friends with many of her sisters. She later earned her MBA at LVC and joined the College staff. She was a member of Annville Church of the Brethren, where she loved being involved with youth activities.

“Becky had a passion for life, and she brightened every room she walked into,” according to her family. “She was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, and friend, providing all with so much love, compassion, and empathy…including giving the best hugs. Becky brought life to the party.”

Among Hearsey’s greatest loves was traveling with her family, including regular trips to the beach, a family cabin in Tioga County, and a bucket list trip to Greece in 2024. She was an excellent gardener, cook, and baker, known for making cookies for the neighborhood’s garbage crew almost every week and for her many friends as a sign of her love.

Her husband, Todd Hearsey, children, Andrew ’24 and Emma ’26, father, Luke Hitz, and sister, Stephanie Martenson, survive her.

FRIENDS OF THE VALLEY

Dr. Stephen R. Greene, Adjunct Instructor in Music, died on March 5 in Bel Air, Md. He taught music to students of all ages in several Maryland schools, then earned his Ph.D. in Historical Musicology at the University of Pittsburgh. He directed the Men’s Glee Club and Women’s Choral Ensemble at Pitt. Before teaching at LVC for 11 years, Greene taught at West Virginia University, Phillips University in Kyoto, Japan, and the University of Oklahoma.

Greene earned his bachelor’s in Music in Education from Westminster Choir College and a master’s in Choral Conducting from Oklahoma University. He found the Thomas Circle Singers in Washington, D.C. He recently started working on The Musical Alliance of the United States to bring people together with music, to bridge music with peace, and to encourage civic participation.

Dr. David M. MacLaren, father of Dr. James M. MacLaren, LVC President, died on March 1 in Cranleigh, England. He was an accomplished Physician and Microbiologist, widely admired for his wisdom, kindness, and unwavering support to all. He was a source of laughter, strength, and—often— free medical advice to his family and friends.

MacLaren had a passion for history and the Jacobites. He particularly enjoyed walking the historic Corrieyairack Pass in Scotland with his son James. It was at the peak of this pass that Prince Charles, who led the Jacobite uprising, made his encampment in 1745. A scholar at heart, he held a deep love for Latin and Greek, the subjects of his bachelor’s degree. His family was his greatest pride, and his love for them was boundless.

He was predeceased by his wife, Annette Mary Rose MacLaren, and brother, Hugh MacLaren. His sons, James and Ian, their wives, Gina and Emma, and six grandchildren, Emily, Meg, Caroline, Bronwen, Cerys, and Lewis, survive him.

Dr. Philip Benesch P’21, P’21, P’24, Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of Pre-Law and External Scholarships & Fellowships, died on June 1. After joining LVC in 2005, he quickly became part of the fabric of the community, assuming additional roles, including Chair of Social Sciences and Founder/Director of the University of London Dual Enrollment Law Program, the first for a fully accredited U.S. college. He guided 19 students in the past decade who were awarded Fulbright Scholarships, the College’s first Pickering Fellow and Goldwater Scholars, and several other prestigious international honors.

“Philip was a wonderful colleague and even better professor and person,” said Dr. John Hinshaw, LVC Professor of History. “He cared deeply about his students and believed that understanding the world was the best way to prepare people to live in it, and to change it.”

Another colleague, Dr. Can Bahadir Yüce, Assistant Professor of History, wrote a memorial that captured Dr. Benesch’s spirit and legacy. It was published by one of Philip’s former students, Charles McElwee ’11, Editor of the RealClearPennsylvania website.

Among the many memories shared by his colleagues and former students, Tito Valdes, Esq., ’14 noted, “To my favorite Brit, Dr. Philip Benesch, thank you for pouring into me, my peers, and everyone who was fortunate to have met you. I will never forget your impact.” Megan Bisco, Esq., ’22 imparted similar sentiments. “Dr. Benesch always looked out for his students, encouraged us, respected us, and above all else, was incredibly kind. I will be forever grateful for his mentorship and support at LVC, and when I was in law school.”

Dr. Benesch, a world-renowned scholar on Philosopher Karl Popper, advised numerous students and alumni who graduated from law schools like the University of Arkansas, University of Connecticut, Drexel University, Georgetown University, Penn State Dickinson, University of Pennsylvania, University of Virginia, William & Mary University, and others.

A lifelong learner, Dr. Benesch earned bachelor’s degrees from the University of London and UCLA, a master’s in Europe: History and Politics from the London School of Economics and a master’s in Public Law from the University of London, Ph.D. in Political Science and Government from the University of Delaware, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (Human Rights Law) and Postgraduate Diploma in Laws (Legal Theory and History), both from the University of London.

His wife, Janet Milan, and daughters, Claire ’21, Emily ’21, and Sarah ’24 Benesch survive Dr. Benesch.

Professor James Erdman II H’19 died on May 31 in Mt. Gretna. Inspired by his professional musician father, Erdman experimented with drums and other musical instruments during his childhood before becoming a prodigy Trombonist. Shortly after high school graduation, at age 17, Erdman auditioned for and was accepted into “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. To date, he was the second youngest-ever member of the prestigious Marine Band, second only to the famous American composer and former conductor of the band, John Philip Sousa. Until his retirement in 1976, Erdman served as the band’s Principal Trombonist and Soloist, playing well over 1,000 solos throughout his 20 years of service.

Erdman’s Marine Band career was marked by annual national tours, weekly concerts on the steps of the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., countless military funerals for fallen Marines at Arlington Cemetery, and White House functions and social events, including presidential inaugurations and parades.

He retired from the band in 1976 as a Master Gunnery Sergeant and was promoted to that rank while still in his late twenties, making him the youngest to hold that rank in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was decorated with the Marine Corps’ medals for Meritorious Service and Good Conduct.

After retiring, Erdman established a private piano tuning business and began as a Low Brass Instructor at LVC, where he taught for 35 years before retiring in 2018. A true mentor, “Prof. Erdman” formed trusting, long-lasting relationships with his students, while providing music instruction, life lessons, and a safe, judgment-free space for everyone. In 2019, he was awarded an LVC Honorary Doctorate of Music for his invaluable contributions to the Music Department and the positive impact he had on so many students and faculty.

“LVC Music has always been blessed with virtuoso adjuncts who inspire and mentor their students, and Jim was the best of the best,” said Professor Jeff Snyder, Professor Emeritus of Music. “The echoes of Jim Erdman live on in the generations of students who had the good fortune to study with him, and in those of us who knew him as a colleague and valued friend.”

His LVC faculty colleagues awarded him the Nevelyn Knisley award in 2005, and he was inducted into the Lebanon County Musicians Hall of Fame in 2013. He and his family have supported the Frederick D. Koons ’48 and Louise K. Koons Scholarship in honor of his in-laws and the Fred J. Erdman Endowed Scholarship Fund in honor of his father.

His wife, Katharine Erdman, survives him. His father-in-law, Frederick D. Koons ’48, predeceased him.