These are our classmates who have passed.  In some cases we have information about them but sadly for many we have no information.  If anyone has information on any of these classmates you would like to share please feel free to contact our class secretary Molly Jaeger-Begent at mollyj@begent.com -  Thanks!

Robert Davidson “Bob” of Kettering passed away November 20, 2023. and below is the Obituary for Ralph Richter who passed away January 23rd of this year…...

 

Robert L. "Bob" Davidson, Jr.

September 3, 1944 — November 20, 2023

Kettering

DAVIDSON, Robert L. “Bob” Jr., age 79, of Kettering, passed away Monday, November 20, 2023. 

Bob was born September 3, 1944, to the late Robert L. Davidson Sr. and Catherine (Vilas) Davidson. He joined the military, serving as a Captain in the Air Force. Bob graduated from Kenyon College with his AB in English, and from the University of Dayton, earning his MBA and then working as a stockbroker for Westminster Financial. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed the occasional fishing trip. 

Bob never missed breakfast (especially at Bob Evan’s). He made meaningful connections through Rotary Club. He was also an honorary member of Oakwood High School, class of 1962, and would meet with his classmates monthly for lunch. Ever the optimist, Bob was a Cleveland Browns fan, and would root for them every chance he got. He loved his family dearly, especially his grandchildren. Bob was so proud when they graduated from Oakwood High School, making them the fourth generation in the family to do so. Bob will be missed by all who knew and loved him. 

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Sarah (Jeff) Martin, Robert L. “Trey” (Mandy) Davidson III, and Catherine (Clay) Franklin; grandchildren, Sam, Charlie, Jack, Joey, Luke, Hank, Caroline, Brynn, and Zoe; siblings, Roger (Barbara) Davidson, Anne (Ron) Garrish, and Susan (Jeff) Meyer, along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

Services will be announced at a later time. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Walnut Creek for their excellent care of Bob. Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to SICSA, 8172 Washington Church Rd., Washington Twp. OH 45458.

 

Ralph Richter Obituary

 

Ralph Eugene Richter, Jr. (Ric to family) of Columbus, OH was born on November 29, 1944 and passed away January 23, 2024. Ralph was the oldest of four children born to Ralph E. Richter, Sr. and Jane (Lisa) Eliza Myers Richter who predeceased him as does his son, Ralph E. Richter, III (Rick).

Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Linda and two cherished daughters, Lee and Andrea. He is also survived by devoted sisters Carolyn Hoagland (Kevin), Lisa Willis (Bill) and Nancy Schramm (Dennis), nephews Rob Richter, Jamie Creamer, Aaron and Paul Schramm and niece Lindsey Schramm McIntyre as well as 3 great nephews and 8 great nieces. Ralph was passionate about his family including his very dear cousins whom he counted more like siblings.
Ralph spent his childhood in Medford Lakes and Medford, NJ and when the family relocated to Dayton, OH, Ralph stayed behind for his senior year with dear family friends (the Demore's) to fulfill his Lenape High School commitment as Student Council President. Ultimately moving to Oakwood, OH in the spring of his senior year, he graduated from Oakwood High School in 1963 and also walked in the commencement ceremony at Lenape High in Medford, NJ. Ralph's heart and soul belonged in the pine barons of Medford Lakes in the log cabin resort community where he knew everyone and everyone knew him. He recently celebrated nearly 7 decades of friendship in the summer of 2023 when he returned to his roots to gather with his oldest friends.
Always ready for an adventure, Ralph hitch-hiked across the U.S. after graduation from high school and then financed a passage to Europe by hiring onto a boat to scrub the interior hulls during their trip to Europe. Ralph then worked on the trains in Germany and Italy for one year. He returned to Ohio and attended the Ohio State University in in 1965 and then enrolled in the Army in 1967. He spent four years in the Army working in intelligence in posts around the globe. He was honorably discharged four years later. Ralph was very proud of his service to his country.
Upon discharge, he settled in Columbus, OH and in 1972, he founded the U.S. Cargo and Delivery Service in his garage in German Village. It grew into a regional transportation company under Ralph's leadership. He employed those of his old Army buddies who needed work in the early days of Cargo. Many employees remained at Cargo throughout their careers and he counted them as some of his best friends. Ralph retired from the company in July 2022.
Ralph volunteered in many capacities. He worked with Junior Achievement helping high school students develop small businesses during a school year. Ralph worked with Bethlehem on Broad Street for many years, leaving his house at 5 a.m. on Christmas morning to run passenger routes so disadvantaged individuals were able to have a Christmas turkey dinner with all the trimmings. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Columbus Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center for many years and participated in a prison ministry through the St. Vincent De Paul Society. Ralph belonged to many business related organizations in Columbus.
Ralph attended St. Stephen's Episcopal Church where he served multiple terms on the vestry, and readily volunteered for any church function. He loved the Lord. He completed a four-year coursed administered by the University of the South, School of Theology entitled Education for Ministry and graduated from the program in 2000.

Sarah Jane (Spoonhour), of Hingham, age 75, passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2021. She is the wife of David L. Thorell of Hingham. Sarah "Jane," was a 1967 graduate of Ohio State where she received her BS in Education and a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. After 3 years of teaching in Columbus, Ohio, Jane re-located to Norwell, MA. She taught 2nd grade for 6 years at Cole School, before she stopped teaching to raise her own children. Known as "Mimi," she cherished spending time with her 4 grandchildren. Holidays and birthday parties were among her favorite events. She would love any excuse to buy a cake or cupcakes and have her family over to celebrate even the smallest occasion. Jane greatly enjoyed reminiscing with old friends both near and far, collecting photos, and of course never missed a Red Sox or Patriots game, like a typical Boston sports fan. Survived by her children, Jennifer E. (Thorell) Monteiro, wife of Michael E. Monteiro, of Hingham, Jason D. Thorell of Hingham, and Mark D. Thorell, husband of Abby (Burgert) Thorell of Hingham. Also grandchildren: Madeline E. Monteiro, Tenley M.E. Thorell, Jack E. Monteiro, and Jaxson M. Thorell. Due to the current Covid-19 concerns and occupancy restrictions, there will be no funeral services. The family will be having a celebration of Janes life when times allow

 

 

 

 

SHARON "BECKY" STUFF OSTERDAY

OSTERDAY, Sharon Rebecca Age 70 of Kettering, passed away Friday October 16, 2015. Sharon was a member of St. Francis of the Assisi for 39 years and involved with the St. Francis Bereavement Committee. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Edith Stuff; two daughters, Hannah Rebecca and Michelle. She is survived by her loving husband, Norman; two sons, Mark and his partner, Michael Sweeney of Cincinnati, Matt and his wife, Mindy of Dayton; a sister, Patricia Peterson of FL; a brother, Robert Stuff, Jr. of Nevada; a brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Marilyn Osterday of Beavercreek; three grandchildren, Collin, Ethan, Shelby; numerous nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial, 10:30 am Friday, October 23 at St. Francis of Assisi Church. The family will receive friends Thursday from 5:00-8:00 pm at the Westbrock Funeral Home, 5980 Bigger Rd. and from 9:30-10:30 am Friday, at St. Francis of the Assisi Church. Burial, Calvary Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of Dayton for their loving care provided to Sharon.Published in Dayton Daily News on Oct. 18, 2015

 

RON COURCHENE

Ron passed away on October 18, 2010 from what was suspected to be a heart attack.  He resided in Pittsburgh since the early 70s where he was a retired business professor from CCAC and a commercial real estate agent at the time of his death.

MARY LOU FRANK

TERRY HEITZ 

Terry Heitz attended Briarcliff College and then graduated University of Wisconsin.  She married Jim Rogers and settled in Ann Arbor Michigan. They had two children who were still in their teens when Terry passed away in May 1997. She was a caring and compassionate daughter, wife and mother and dear friend to many of us.

(Note: the form required a deceased date, but I only have info that it was in the month of May 1997, so the 15 is arbitrary.)(this is from Dave Wilson)

CHRIS HOLMES

HOWARD JORGENSEN 
NEWS DEATH NOTICE:  JORGENSEN, Howard Michael (Rabbit) 64, of Port St. Lucie, FL., died January 25, 2010, at the VA Medical Center in West Palm Beack, FL, after a long illness.  He wa a member of Oakwood High School Class of 1963 and served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War.  He worked in the printing business, starting at McCall's in Dayton.   

STEVE KANDER 

PATRICIA MURPHY WAGGONER 
Patricia died suddently just before our 45th reunion in 2008 which she was really looking forward to.  She was a Senior Designer in Creative Services at MetLife.

BILL SOMERS

JACK WALTZ 
The Yale Class of 1967 notes this month report the passing of our long lost Classmate Jack Waltz:
"...Alas, the rest of the news is as sad as it gets: the death of Jack Waltz. Jack, who died Dec. 2, 2008, from liver and brain cancer, was captain of our 1967 tennis team - the last Bulldog tennis team to go undefeated - and one of the greatest tennis players in Yale history.

"I remember our last match up at Harvard in windy, cold conditions when we held on to beat Harvard's top doubles team to clinch our undefeated season," says his doubles partner, Mike Brooks. "The final point was Jack's service ace that cleaned the center line of the deuce court. He always played best when the pressure was on." Jack went on to become a successful tennis pro in California, first at at Pebble Beach and then in Marin County. Unfortunately, his last years were marred by severe diabetes that caused him great pain, ultimately requiring the amputation of his right leg. But you never heard a peep of complaint from him. "His spirit was remarkable to the last day," says his longtime friend, Charlie Workman, who played on Yale's 1954 tennis team. "He often spoke of his love for Yale and his classmates."

RICK RIEDMILLER 

JOHN PARROTT
PARROTT John Ennals Parrott, III, born on February 15, 1943 in Los Angeles, CA passed away on October 7th, 2011. During his childhood, John resided in Dayton, OH and spent summers at Beaver Camp in Number Four, NY. He served in the US Navy on the USS Enterprise. He lived most of his life in Jacksonville, FL where he retired from Delta Airlines and returned to school to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. He spent the last 6 years of his life living in Denver, CO, enjoying the cool weather and spending fun times with his family. He is survived by his loving family: a daughter and son-in-law, Christin and Zach Smith; 2 grandchildren, Caleb and Aaden; a sister, Peggy Power; a sister-in-law, Barbara Schenck, and step-sisters Gertrude Embree and Carol Smith. His Memorial Service will take place at The Rock of Southwest Church in Littleton, CO on November 19th, 2011 at 1:30 pm followed by a reception. He will be missed by many for his kindness and great sense of humor! As he often said, Everybody needs a John!

MARIANNA MILLER DUCKER

Marianna (Miller) Ducker passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2013.  She lost her 11 year battle with  cancer while at home with our oldest son and me at her bedside.  A brief synopsis of her life after graduation from Oakwood includes graduation from The Ohio State University with an MA in Home Economics, a masters degree in design from Drexel University in Philadelphia and ABD from Temple University.  She was a secondary school; home ec teacher, retiring in 2000.  Mariana loved to sew and became an accomplished quilter.  We lived at the Jersey Shore for 40 years news the beautiful beaches of Long Beach Island where she loved the proximity to the marshes, the bay and the ocean.  She leaves behind two terrific sons, their wives and two grandchildren.  She had the privilege of caring for our granddaughter while her parents worked, from which she derived a great deal of pleasure.  Marianna Miller Ducker passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2013 after a courageous battle against cancer. She and Stuart Ducker were one of the class couples to marry,and  they live near the New Jersey shore with their sons and grandchildren.  from Kitty Nevin Rieske

DOUGLAS JAY BAUER

Douglas J. (Doug) Bauer passed away on Friday October 5, 2018, in Thomasville, Ga. Born on March 22, 1945 in Bellefontaine, Ohio he was the son of the late Edward C. and Theda Kindell Bauer. Mr. Bauer graduated from Oakwood High School in Dayton, Ohio before graduating from Hanover College in Madison, Indiana. He was retired from Centek Corporation in Thomasville as the Human Resources Director. Mr. Bauer was active in the community, he was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon, Elder and was a choir member. He was a member of the Thomasville Masonic Lodge #369, a 32nd Degree Mason, and volunteered at Legacy Village for several years. He was as very caring person and was known for his easy smile and keen sense of humor. Mr. Bauer is survived by his wife of 51 years Judy Henderson Bauer of Thomasville. Other survivors include his daughter and son-in-law Melanie and Barry Blow; son Brian Bauer all of Thomasville; mother-in-law Dorothy Henderson of Kettering, Ohio; brother-in-law Douglas Henderson and his wife Stephanie of Dayton, Ohio; brother-in-law David Levy of Naperville, Il; and 4 nieces. He was preceded in death by his sister-in-law Barbara Henderson Levy.

CARTER "PETE" WILLSEY

Pete Willsey passed away December 13th, 2019, from a raging rare cancer.  Pete and his wife started a framing business in 1990 in Armonk, New York, after working many years in advertising.  They have been very successful and the shop is still run by his wife, Judy.  The following remembrance was pugished in his Yale Class website:  

Carter (Pete) Willsey died December 14, 2019 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York City after a long struggle with cancer. His closest friends and family, including Ted Swenson and Dave Stevens, visited him at the hospital to say goodbye. “I was his roommate for all four years at Yale and have stayed close to him and his dear bride Judy and daughter Frannie ever since,” says Dave. “He played such an immense role in my life for the 56 years since we moved in that day in 1963 as roommates in Farnam/Saybrook. I am still speechless.” Barry Chase adds, “I remember him so vividly and warmly, as would anyone who saw him smile. Very tough losing someone like Pete.”

“What I remember most about Pete was his infectious humor,” says Alec Kerr, who rowed with him on the Freshman crew. “No matter the gravity of the situation, he was able to relax us all with an incredible one-liner. He was a strong oarsman, a good college friend, and a wonderful human being. His courage during his illness was remarkable. He showed us how to die. I shall miss him.” Dan Jones adds, “Pete, known on the Frosh crew as ‘Pie,’ was and always will be remembered as a great boatmate on a crew that has remained very close.” 

Narelle Kirkland, another crew member, says, “His passing leaves a permanent gap in the lives of those who have had the pleasure, and good luck, of being his friend. All he had to do was to merely show up at a gathering; everybody there would be uplifted. His heartfelt smile did more than dazzle; it made people feel welcomed and significant. When in his presence, there was no need to go hither and yon around the world seeking bright inspiration or fulfillment by the earth’s great treasures. In his presence, you already had arrived! 

“Pete’s personality made him a gift to everyone who knew him. The expression ‘he could light up the room’ should be a part of his permanent memorial. At Yale he easily left all of us rowers in the dust when we’d undergo our annual 6-mile run, yet the coach never appreciated his dogged determination to be a member of the crew. However, we did. His good friends will attest that he was genuinely ‘a man’s man,’ yet he was completely free of artifice and personal prejudice. My life has been made more whole and worthwhile for having been his friend, though our time together seems now to have been far too brief. Thank you, Pete, for sharing your smiling self with so many of us.”

 

Peggy Parrott Power, April 2022

 

Peggy Parrott Power has passed away recently.  She lived in Colorado and if you go to her Facebook page it is quite obvious she was loved by many people

Ronald A. Schwartz
In Loving Memory
Schwartz, Ronald A. (77) was born in Dayton, Ohio and last resided in Cottonwood
Heights, Utah where he passed. Ron had a quest for knowledge, enjoyed travel,
andham radoi operation. He loved to golfandplay bridge throughout hsi efi.l In his
youth, Ron became an amateur radio operator (callsign N7CE) and was a mieftile
member of ARRL. He was a loving. kind, and gentle man who was a mentor and
role model for many.
Ron completed hisB s in Electrical Engineeringf r o m THE Ohio State in 1968 and
worked on crypto gear for the United States Department of Defense. Integrated
circuits were new devices and Ron was concerned about their reliability. This began
his fascination in finding root causes of a failureleading to aspecialization i n quality
and reliability. Ron completed his MS degree in 1970from University of Maryland i n
semiconductor devices and technology. Ron ensured high reliability of the electronic
components that severalcompanies designed and manufactured. He startedthe
International Quality Associates in 1992 to helpcompanies establish effective
management systems anddevelop cultures of quality. Ron joined Schweitzer
Engineering Laboratory in 1998 as its first Vice President of Quality. He retired ni
2015 and moved to Utah to be close to family and a large airport.
Ron was precededin deathb y his mother, Ruth E. Schwartz (1991) and his father,
Robert .T Schwartz (2009). He is survived by hiswife Jo Anne Clay, his daughter
Christine Schwartz (husband Christopher, grandson Clark); son Andrew Schwartz;
stepson Marshal Olson (wife Maureen, granddaughters Lila, Evie); stepson Timothy
Olson (wife Leah, grandchildren Sam, Rita); brother Richard Schwartz (wife Jane);
andf o r m e r wife Elizabeth Schwartz.