Class Notes

Virginia Lee Owings, 85, formerly of New Manchester, WV, passed suddenly, Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at Stone Pear Pavilion in Chester, WV. Born December 4, 1935, in East Liverpool, OH, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Lillian Stephenson Beebout. Virginia was preceded in death by her son, William David Owings. She was a 1953 graduate of New Cumberland High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from Maryville College in Tennessee and a Master of Arts degree in communications from West Virginia University. Virginia retired from the Hancock County School District in 1996 after many years of service. She had an incredible passion for public education and enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a professional educator. She was a member of the former Fairview Presbyterian Church in New Manchester. Virginia was also a Master Gardner with the WVU Extension Service. Her hobbies were crafting, painting, gardening, and bird watching. Virginia’s love of animals was always present. All of the pets she had during her life held a special place in her heart and home. An ardent nature lover, Virginia spent summers traveling the US and made every trip into an educational opportunity for her children. The family memories she shaped will endure and be cherished forever. Virginia will be deeply missed by her loving husband of 59 years, William Owings; son, Jeff Owings and his wife Robin of Chattanooga, TN.; daughter, Alyssa Mick and her husband Brian of New Cumberland; daughter-in-law, Michele Cunningham Owings of Pittsburgh; grandchildren, Lucas Owings and his wife Stephanie of Syracuse, NY., Clay Owings and his wife Allison of Bridgeville, PA., Emmett and Ellis Mick of New Cumberland, Madison Owings of Pittsburgh, and great-granddaughter, Morgan Owings. Virginia’s family also offers sincere appreciation to the special employees of The Orchards at Foxcrest Pepperberry Suites and Stone Pear Pavilion. The nurses and aides became cherished friends. Due to Covid-19, private services will be held at the Arner Funeral Chapel on Saturday, December 12. Interment will be at the New Cumberland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Virginia’s family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Hancock County Animal Shelter.

Passed away May 16, 2015.

Nellie Jane Kirkpatrick Prochazka, 79, of Miles City, died Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014, after a very short battle with cancer. Her death was very peaceful and she was surrounded by her family. Jane was born Sept. 15, 1935, in Grand Rapids, Mich., the second of three daughters born to Raymond and Alice Kirkpatrick. She led a very adventurous life and enjoyed growing up as a holy terror in Waukesha, Wis., during her formative years. If you ever called her “Nellie,” she would throw something at you. She attended Maryville College outside of Knoxville, Tenn. One day, instead of walking all the way around the science building, she decided it would be shorter to go through an open window, where she happened upon a man who said, “My what beautiful eyes you have.” She married that man, George Prochazka, in November 1955, and together they had three children, and began a journey of adventure. After the children left home, Mrs. Prochazka finished her college education at Mary College in Bismarck, North Dakota, and moved from technician to administrative officer with the United States Department of Agriculture. She loved learning and enjoyed the details of scientific research. Her career continued her adventure of travel to many research stations and becoming an advocate for scientists, a job and career she grew to love. She retired in 1998, in Miles City, a place that allowed her to grow in many ways. She loved being outside and had a passion for gardening. She loved trying new things with fun people, but was mostly known as a left-handed avid sports fan. But nothing could beat a day with a good book. While here, she volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, the Art Center, and attended Grace Bible Church. She became a member of Global volunteers, traveling internationally. Through these endeavors her friends came in all sizes, shapes, nationalities and were spread wide and far. (Thank goodness for SKYPE!). Although she was a private person, she made good friends wherever she traveled, she was prolific in keeping in touch and had friendships that spanned her lifetime. She is survived by two daughters, Cathy Prochazka of Coconut Grove, Fla., and Cindy Ellsworth of San Antonio, Texas; a sister, Jean Blake of Palm Desert, California; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; as well as multiple nieces, nephews and their children. Memorial services for her was held on Dec. 17, 2014 at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment was in the family plot in Penobscot, Maine. Should anyone desire, contributions can be made to Grace Bible Building Fund, Miles City, Montana.

Virginia Marshall Ramsey passed away peacefully on Friday, April 14, 2017. Virginia was a retired middle school art teacher who received the Middle School Art Teacher of Year award from the State of Georgia. She taught in Cobb County Public Schools, Marietta, Georgia, from 1972 until retirement — including Mountain View Elementary, North Cobb High School and Mabry Middle school. Virginia received her bachelors of art from Maryville College and went on to earn her masters in counseling from University of West Georgia and Ed.S degree from The University of Georgia. She was active in Cobb-Marietta Retired Educators as well. She enjoyed painting, traveling and photography. She was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church. She was preceded in death by her husband David Ramsey and is survived by daughters Stephanie Ramsey, Jennifer Ramsey Biddy, son Marshall Ramsey and five grandsons, Blake Biddy, Bryce Biddy, Daniel Ramsey, David Ramsey and Evan Ramsey. A memorial service was held on April 22nd, at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Marietta. The family requests donations to Covenant Presbyterian Church in lieu of flowers.

Jane Elizabeth Rusk Robinson, of Maryville, TN, died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, April 24, 2018. She was born May 29, 1935, in Knoxville Tennessee. She earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Mathematics from the University of Tennessee and taught math at the high school and college levels for 33 years. She was known for her hospitality and partnership in ministry with her husband, Ray, in the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church. World travel, sewing, quilting, cooking, and missions were her passions. She was always busy and productive. Jane is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, The Reverend Ray E. Robinson and her parents Roger and Ruth Blake Rusk. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law Ann and Joe Leatherwood of Maryville and Joy and Bill Shultz of Birmingham; and her brother Bob Rusk of Seymour. She is dearly loved by her grandchildren Katie Shultz, Blake and Rachel Shultz, Hannah Shultz, Michelle Leatherwood, and Christopher Leatherwood. A service to Celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018, at 4:00 pm at First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. The Reverend Catherine Nance will officiate. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:30 and again following the service in Wesley Hall. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Missions Fund at First United Methodist Church, 804 Montvale Station Road, Maryville, Tennessee 37803 or to the Tennessee Wesleyan University Rev. Dr. Ray and Jane Robinson Scholarship Fund. McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home 982-6812, www.mccammonammonsclick.com

Shirley Lynn Scott passed away on July 15, 2010.

Guy T. Selander, M.D., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on March 29, 2024. Born the third child of Wilbur C. and Marie D. Selander in New Jersey on August 2, 1935, Guy dedicated his life to medicine, family, and his diverse interests.

Dr. Selander earned his undergraduate degree in pre-med from Maryville College in Tennessee, followed by his medical degree from Seton Hall College of Medicine in New Jersey. In 1962, he completed an internship at Fitkin Memorial Hospital in Neptune, New Jersey and served in the United States Army Medical Corps as a Captain from 1962 to 1964. After completing his military service in Jacksonville, Florida, he established a family practice in Jacksonville, where he served the community for 55 years.

In 1957, during his first year of medical school, Guy married the love of his life, Joan Elizabeth Polidor, from Short Hills, NJ. Together for 62 wonderful years, until Joan’s passing in 2021, they raised three children and were blessed with eight grandchildren.

In his professional life, Dr. Selander was very active in medical leadership roles at the local, state and national levels. He served as president of the Duval County Medical Society, the Florida Medical Association, and the Florida Academy of Family Physicians. He was also a member of the American Medical Association for 55 years and served as a delegate to that organization.

Dr. Selander served as chairman of the Professional Resource Network – Impaired Practitioners Program of Florida for 25 years. He was also involved in the formation of Memorial Hospital of Jacksonville serving as medical staff president in 1972, a member of the board of directors, and chairman of the board for 20 years. He also served on the board of Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital for 20 years.

In recognition of Dr. Selander’s lifetime of contributions to the provision of medical care in Florida, he received the Florida Medical Association’s Certificate of Merit, the organization’s highest award.
Beyond medicine, Guy was an accomplished pianist, an amateur paleontologist, and a passionate camellia cultivator.

Dr. Selander is lovingly remembered by his children, Sandy, Guy Jr. (Lori), Donna (Robert), and grandchildren Cameron, Robert, Stephanie, Sara (Alex), Catherine, Melissa, Nicolas, Yolanda, along with great-grandchildren Elizabeth and John.

Rev. Graeme Wilson Sieber, 80, Maryville, TN, retired Presbyterian (U.S.A.) pastor, died December 13, 2015. Graeme graduated from Maryville College, Pittsburgh Seminary, and Nova University. He devoted his life to helping others. Even as an Alzheimer’s patient, he comforted fellow residents and staff. He served Presbyterian churches in Pennsylvania, Knoxville (Graystone), Farner and Oak Ridge and as Director of Bachman Home in Cleveland, Tennessee. He served on boards of Midway Rehabilitation Center and Nancy’s House, for people living with AIDS, and led PFLAG Knoxville. He volunteered over 1,000 hours in the Smokies and joined Alzheimer’s TN walks. Once called “that hippie preacher,” he focused on social justice, peacemaking, civil rights and affordable housing; counseled Vietnam draftees; and sought full rights and ordination for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals. G ra e m e treasured family and friends, discussing current issues. Hiking, music, traveling. His confidence in God was clear, expressed in ways that were welcoming and accepting, not judgmental. Preceded in death by parents, Henry Wilson Sieber & Mary Louise Speer Sieber McClure, and stepfather William A. McClure. Survived by wife of 56 years, Mildred Lineal Beard Sieber; children, Mary Elizabeth Sieber and Robert Graeme Sieber and his husband Lucio Maramba; grandchildren, Katharine Elizabeth Sieber-Ford and Matthew Stephen Sieber- Ford; brothers and their wives, James Leo and Carole Sieber, Frank and Betty McClure, Al and Alice McClure, George and Barbara McClure; inlaws, Taylor and Kathie Beard, Robert and Jean Beard, Marvin and Susie Beard, Liz Heid; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews. The family thanks Asbury Place staff and Blount Memorial Hospice for their care. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Highland Presbyterian Church (highlandpresby.org), 721 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN, 37804; Maryville College, Advancement Office, 502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804 (alumniandfriends.maryvillecollege.edu); Alzheimer’s Tennessee (alztennessee.org), 5801 Kingston Pike; Knoxville, TN, 37919; or PFLAG Maryville (pflagmaryville.org/donate). Memorial Service: Highland Presbyterian Church, Maryville, 1 p.m. Saturday, January 9, 2016. McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home, Maryville, TN 982-6812, www.mccammonammonsclick.com .

Martha B. Spining, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, has finished her race and has heard the words, “Well done my good and faithful servant” at the age of 85 on March 15, 2021. A resident of Greenwood she was born on January 1, 1936 in Nashville, Tennessee to the late Vernon S. and Faith (Clarke) Brogden. She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, received her BA from Maryville College (TN), and was a Girl Scout leader for many years. She worked at H&R Block for 10 years as a tax preparer and also at Perry Meridian High School for 5 years in the guidance department as their secretary. She loved spending time with her family, supporting missions, traveling, reading, interacting with her friends at Greenwood Village and bringing a smile to everyone she met. Martha leaves behind to treasure her memory, her children, Dottie (Jan) Heman and Steve (Kelly) Spining; three grandchildren, Craig (Kathryn) Heman, Angie Hartvigson and Brian (Stephanie) Heman; four great grandchildren, Liam, Jameson, Brynlee, and Dylan. She was preceded in death by her husband of 31 years, Arthur M. Spining, III; son, Charles D. Spining; brother and sister-in-law, Morris H. (Katherine “Kitty”) Brogden; sister and brother-in-law, Marianna (Ed) Heerschap. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at G. H. Herrmann Madison Avenue Funeral Home, 5141 Madison Avenue, Indianapolis, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. She will be laid to rest next to Arthur at Mt. Pleasant Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to One Mission Society, 941 Fry Road, Greenwood, Indiana 46142 or to Asbury Theological Seminary, 204 N. Lexington Avenue, Wilmore, KY 40390.

William “Bill” Raiford Strickland Jr., 83, of Pinehurst, died at his home Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018, after a life well-lived. Born March 19, 1934, in St. Petersburg, Fla., to the late William and Rachel Strickland, Bill was a graduate of St. Petersburg High School, where he was a star athlete in football and basketball. He attended the University of Georgia on a football athletic scholarship and finished his college football career at Maryville College. He played a brief stint with the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams. Bill felt a greater call than football and decided to serve as a teacher of mathematics, science and religion at The Community International School in Tehran, Iran, where he also served as a field operative in clandestine services for the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. He was recognized for meritorious service in 1964. It was there that he met his first wife and mother of his three children. Upon returning to the U.S., he obtained a Bachelor’s in Divinity at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and then served a second tour of duty in Tehran. Bill continued his education by obtaining a master’s degree from Duke University and a doctorate in education at UNC-Chapel Hill. After his studies, he served as associate and campus minister at University Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill. He also served as principal at Chapel Hill Senior High School for seven years and as associate vice chancellor at UNC-Chapel Hill. He later became the vice president of student development at Maryville College. Bill left the education field and became co-owner of a real estate firm in Chapel Hill. In the early 1990s, he served as a management consultant to the nuclear power division of CP&L Company, where he met his wife Gail. He later served as director of student development services for the North Carolina Community College System, where he retired in 1999. In retirement Bill worked with his wife as a consultant at Kiker, Strickland & Associates, and then worked as a teacher development coordinator for East Coast Migrant Head Start Project, where he finished his working career in 2004. He also enjoyed volunteering for the guardian ad litem programs in Wake and Moore counties. Bill was an avid sports fan, especially for his beloved UNC Tar Heels. He loved reading, music and theater. In recent years he was a frequent visitor to the Given Memorial Library. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and family at their home at Holden Beach. Bill and Gail moved to Pinehurst in 2011 to be closer to their grandchildren. Bill was predeceased by his parents, William Raiford Strickland and Rachel Knight Humphrey; and his stepfather, Willis (Bo) Humphrey. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Gail Bartholomew Kiker; three children, Colleen Gustafson (Gus), of Raleigh, Jennifer Mangum, of Durham, and Christopher Strickland, of Albany, N.Y.; stepsons, Jason Kiker (Holly), of Wadesboro, and Adam Kiker, of Pinehurst; and two grandchildren, Ansley and Harrison Kiker, of Wadesboro. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Jan. 28, at 2 p.m., at Community Presbyterian Church, 125 Everett Road, Pinehurst. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Given Memorial Library, P.O. Box 159; Pinehurst, NC 28370; or to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/pinkierides. Online condolences may be left at www.bolesfuneralhome.com.

Marian Hina Stuart passed in peace Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at the age of 84. She was surrounded in love by her family and staff at the Gardens at Courtyard Senior Living in Knoxville, Tennessee. From her birth in Kentucky on February 5, 1935 to her death on Wednesday, she nourished people around her with love, faith, and music. She was lovingly raised in a small town in western Kentucky by Joseph Weldon and Alice (Woods) Hina; she was the oldest of three children. After the death of her mother in 1945, her maternal aunt, Naomi Woods, married Weldon and became her step-mother. When her father died shortly after in 1951, Naomi became Marian’s source of strength and inspiration at age 16. Throughout her childhood and grade school years, Marian grew in intelligence and independence while following her passion of music through voice and flute. She finished her last two years of high school at Young High in Knoxville, Tennessee. She then attended Maryville College from 1954 to 1955, and graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1957 with a degree in music education. After college, she married and began her career working for the welfare department of the State of Tennessee and taught at Park City Lowery, Gibbs, and South Jr. High. With the arrival of her first child in 1958, she decided to dedicate her time to raising her family. Marian and Searight had three children. Later on, Marian reentered the workforce as an administrator for the Presbyterian Church, as well as several other roles. Outside of work, she enjoyed playing tennis, sewing, house painting, and reading. One of Marian’s proudest moments was her role in bringing Scottish pastor, John Stuart to Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville. She was preceded in death by her mother, Alice Woods Hina, father, Weldon Hina, step-mother, Naomi Woods Hina, and sister, Janet Hina Clarke. She is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Thomas Searight Stuart; sons Tim Stuart (Kim) of Inverness, Florida, Tom Stuart (Rhonda) of Cartersville, Georgia; daughter, Alice Stuart of Maryville; grandchildren Phillip Stuart, Caroline and Jonathan Stuart; great-grandson Gannon Stuart. She is also survived by her brother, Edward Hina (Peggy) of Brevard, North Carolina and six nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life Service will be announced at a later date. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com.

Douglas N. Stubblefield, age 84, of Largo died at Largo Medical Center on May 13, 2014. Born in Springfield, Tennessee, he graduated from Maryville College and Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. He was an ordained Presbyterian minister. During the Korean War he served in the army training in the mountains of Japan. The war ended before he was deployed to Korea. Upon returning home he married his college sweetheart, Helen Seay ’54. They both took missionary training and were sent to Thailand by the Presbyterian Church. They served in Thailand for 15 years. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, a brother, Lloyd Stubblefield, nephews Bruce and Steve Stubblefield and Rick Vaughn and several cousins.

Sidney Hamilton Tedford, age 91 years, a resident of Elkins, WV departed this life Saturday morning, March 3, 2018 at the Elkins Rehabilitation and Care Center at Elkins, WV. He was born Tuesday, August 13, 1926 at Pittsburgh, PA a son of the late Albert and Mary Elizabeth Mathers Tedford. He sang in choirs and studied violin as a child. Later he studied voice privately and played violin and viola in community orchestras in Pittsburgh, while employed as a banker at South Hills Trust. He sang in the Mendelssohn choir and at East Liberty Presbyterian Church before enrolling in Maryville College, Maryville, Tennessee, where he received a Presser Music Scholarship in 1953. He was a tenor soloist with the Vesper Choir, directed by Harry Harter, and was also a member of the College orchestra. He received the B.A. in voice in 1957. His graduate work includes the M.A. in musicology from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio (1960), where he was a graduate assistant, and graduate work at West Virginia University and the University of Pittsburgh, where he was an Andrew Mellon Fellow. He also studied violin at WVU and Carnegie Mellon University. He was a professor of music at Davis & Elkins College 1959-1970 and was adjunct instructor of music at Robert Morris College, Glenville State College, and Salem College. He directed choral groups at each college, church choirs in Indiana, Elkins, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, and college-community choruses that performed Handel’s “Messiah” (1961-1969 and 1974) in Elkins. His Davis & Elkins College A Cappella Choir toured annually in West Virginia and eastern states. He was a former choir director of Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church and Grace Episcopal Church, Elkins as well as of Christ Episcopal Church, Clarksburg. Among the instrumental groups in which he played were the Elkins Baroque Trio (violin, flute, and piano) in the 1960’s with Walter and Sandra Hartley and the Tanner Trio (oboe, violin, and flute) in the 1980’s and 1990’s. He sang for a time with the Clarksburg Madrigal Singers, developed madrigal singing groups in Elkins, and taught Elderhostel courses and gave programs to senior citizens groups in WV. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dr. Barbara W. Tedford, a retired English professor, of Elkins; a sister, Peggie Tedford Watson, of Pitcairn, PA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jack and Albert Tedford, and a nephew, Ronnie Tedford.

Lavinia Lee Tomlinson, 88, was born on August 30, 1935, in Irondale, Alabama. She recently passed away on April 21, 2024. Lavinia attended school at Maryville College and the University of Alabama.

Dr. John Earl Webb passed away on July 15, 2015 at N.E. Georgia Medical Center. He was born on September 10, 1934 in Pueblo, Colorado to the late William W. Webb and Audrienne E. Leonard Webb of Alcoa, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Tim Webb. Dr. Webb, who received his doctorate in dentistry from the University of Tennessee, established his practice in Blue Ridge, where he was a resident for the past 52 years. He was a Navy veteran, serving aboard the USS Cadmus. He was also a founder, member and past president of the Safari Club International (Greater Atlanta Chapter and Georgia Chapter), and a member of the NRA, Ducks Unlimited, and the Sports Car Club of America. He was an avid hunter, seeing the world in pursuit of his hobby. Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Linda G. Webb, daughter and son-in-law, Betsy and Chris Hofflin, brothers Martin Bundschu, William Webb, and Dr. Thomas Webb, as well as nieces and nephews Sherry Gray Browning, Michael Gray, Shannon Gray, Sharee Gibson, Skip Webb, Kathy Webb, Chris Webb and Brian Webb.

Victor Alan Wolek passed peacefully with his family by his side on December 31st, 2023, at the age of 89. Born in Paterson, NJ he lived in Fort Lee and Bergenfield, NJ, where he graduated from Bergenfield High School. He was the only son of Victor Joseph Wolek and Margaret Elizabeth Ellig. He participated in Boy Scouts during his early years and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a philatelist (stamp collector) from an early age and continued collecting stamps until his passing. He attended Maryville College in Maryville, TN.

He was a principled man who lived each day according to the Boy Scout Law: A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent and you knew this if you knew him.

He was a dedicated military veteran, having served on the Tripoli, a Navy aircraft carrier, with a wooden flight deck. He also served as a reservist in the SeaBees, the construction workers of the Navy, and retired with 23 years of service in 1994.

He worked at Wolek’s Ornamental Iron works with his father until his passing in 1976 and then as the owner until his retirement in 2013. He was a devoted grandfather, father and mentor, who not only worked side by side with his sons, Franke and Paul, but also imparted invaluable life lessons as they forged a shared path in the world of custom metal fabrication. Alan’s dedication to his craft was matched only by his commitment to instilling a robust work ethic and a passion for their shared profession in his beloved sons.
During lunch breaks, Alan had a simple yet cherished ritual-he always wanted a pickle with his sandwich. His love for this crunchy accompaniment became a symbol of the little joys that enhance the daily grind. Franke and Paul, attuned to their father’s preferences gifting him five-gallon buckets of pickles to ensure he never ran out.
His love for birdwatching illuminated his life, and he could often be found immersed in the beauty of local ponds and lakes, observing his feathered friends. Alan’s passion was evident in the pair of binoculars that never left his side, always tucked away in his car, ready for spontaneous birding adventures. His collection of bird books, too numerous to count, reflected his commitment to understanding birds. He found joy in identifying the birds that frequented his backyard, a haven adorned with multiple bird feeders that attracted a colorful array of winged visitors. His favorite was the hummingbird.

Alan’s enthusiasm for World War II extended beyond mere interest; it became a cherished part of his identity. He delighted in engaging in discussions about all things military-related.

He was a volunteer fireman at South Wall Fire Department for over twenty years, and there was a plectron in the home where we were able to listen to the fire calls at all hours of the day or night.

He loved his church community and was a member of the Manasquan First Presbyterian Church. Alan’s dedication went beyond attendance; he actively participated in the church’s vibrant spirit, finding joy in singing with the choir. His commitment to the church extended to the warm embrace he offered to fellow members, as he relished the opportunity to meet and greet everyone, fostering a sense of unity and fellowship.

When his sons were young, he taught them how to body surf at Sea Girt, NJ beach. He loved walking the boardwalk and smelling the ocean air where he would stop and talk to people, he didn’t know, as if he were running for mayor. As children, we would playfully roll our eyes at his sociable nature, knowing that a brief greeting from Alan often evolved into a delightful 15-minute exchange. His ability to connect with others, even those he had just met, reflected his warm and open-hearted spirit. One of his favorite rituals was to eat lunch on a bench, basking in the sun’s embrace and relishing the warmth it bestowed upon his face. In these moments, Alan found contentment in the simple act of enjoying a meal amid the beauty of the outdoors. He always enjoyed having a beer with his boys, although we were never able to convert him to enjoy India Pale Ales (IPA).
Alan was a devoted sports enthusiast whose heart beat in rhythm with the New York Giants, New York Rangers, and the New York Mets. Alan was a true aficionado, finding joy and solace in the victories and defeats of these iconic teams.

He is survived by his cherished wife, Jeanne, of 64 years, his four sons, Victor Gregory and his wife Michelle, Andrew and his wife Robin, Franke and Paul and his wife Mary Pat. He is also survived by two grandsons, Andrew and Brian. He will be remembered for his commitment and love for his wife and family.