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The campus community mourns the passing of Gerald Commerford, 79, who died Saturday, March 14. Gerry retired after more than 40 years of service to Bucknell as the associate dean of students.  Gerry’s impact at Bucknell was remarkable and lasting. He always prioritized students, and as alums they consistently shared stories about how he touched and changed their lives. During his tenure, Gerry received numerous awards for his dedication and attention to a student-centered philosophy. In honor of his lasting impact, Bucknell established the Gerald W. Commerford Student Leadership Award, which is given annually to a student who demonstrates school […]

The campus community mourns the passing of Katherine Wheatcroft M’75, 92, who died Friday, Feb. 6. Katherine retired after more than 17 years of service to Bucknell within the College of Arts & Sciences and as adviser of The Bucknellian. She is remembered as an enthusiastic and kind colleague who was a dedicated mentor to the students she worked with, both in classes and particularly with The Bucknellian.  I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others. On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Katherine’s family, […]

The campus community mourns the passing of Richard Peterec, 94, who died Monday, January 5. Dick retired after more than 41 years of service to Bucknell as a professor of geography and international relations. Professor Peterec had a lasting impact on Bucknell as a cofounder of the University’s international relations program, now a department. He inspired generations of students to engage with world affairs and continues to be admired by many alumni who had him as a professor. I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others. On behalf of our entire […]

The campus community mourns the passing of Bill Becker, 90, who died Sunday, September 28. Bill retired after more than 32 years of service to Bucknell as a professor of religious studies. I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others. On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Bill’s family, as well as to all who knew him at Bucknell. John C. BravmanPresident Minneapolis, Minnesota – William (“Bill”) Hartshorne Becker, 90, died in his sleep on September 28, 2025. Bill lived in Lewisburg, PA for most […]

The campus community mourns the passing of Kay Emery, 81, who died Sunday, July 27. Kay retired after more than 25 years of service to Bucknell as a custodial section supervisor. I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others. On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Kay’s family, as well as to all who knew her at Bucknell. John C. BravmanPresident ____________________________________________________________________________________ Kay E. Emery passed away at the age of 81 on July 27, 2025, at the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa. Kay […]

The campus community mourns the passing of James Heath, 91, who died Monday, June 2, 2025. Jim retired as a classics professor in 1997 after more than 30 years of service at Bucknell. Jim’s expertise was in Roman historians, especially Tacitus. He is remembered as a gracious and learned colleague who was beloved by his students, many of whom have remarked on his lasting influence on their lives. Jim was always ready to help faculty, students and staff across departments interact with the ancient world — putting English phrases and mottos into classical Latin, giving overviews of literary and historical […]

The campus community mourns the passing of George Guffey, 82, who died Sunday, June 1. George retired after more than 24 years of service to Bucknell as a painter supervisor. I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others. On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to George’s family, as well as to all who knew him at Bucknell. John C. BravmanPresident George “Mick” Malcolm Guffey, Jr., 82, of Mifflinburg, entered into rest Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Oak Glen, Lewisburg. He was born April 20, 1943, in […]

The campus community mourns the passing of Marilyn Mumford, 90, who died Saturday, Jan. 25. Marilyn retired after nearly 41 years of service to Bucknell as a professor of English. She is remembered as a vibrant colleague in the English department and in the women’s studies program, cherished by a generation of women and gay colleagues for whom she broke new ground in emerging academic fields. Many will never forget her mentorship — laced with equal parts acerbic wit and immense kindness — during their first days on campus. I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share […]

The campus community mourns the passing of Joyce Wagner, 82, who died Monday, Jan. 27. Joyce retired after more than 17 years of service to Bucknell as a custodial section supervisor. Her colleagues remember her as a dedicated employee whose consistent excellence was recognized in 2006 with the John F. Zeller Award. I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others. On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Joyce’s family, as well as to all who knew her at Bucknell. John C. BravmanPresident ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ […]

The campus community mourns the passing of David Wilder, 95, who died Sunday, March 23. David retired after more than 27 years of service to Bucknell in the Counseling & Student Development Center. The center’s current clinicians are grateful for David’s legacy of dedicated service to student mental health.  I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others. On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to David’s family, as well as to all who knew him at Bucknell. John C. BravmanPresident _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ David Howard Wilder […]

The campus community mourns the passing of Alice VanBuskirk, 78, who died Thursday, Jan. 9. Alice retired after more than 25 years of service to Bucknell as an academic assistant in the Department of Economics. I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others. On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Alice’s family, as well as to all who knew her at Bucknell. John C. BravmanPresident Alice Kathryn (Brouse) VanBuskirk, 78, of Lewisburg, went home to her Lord Thursday morning, Jan. 9, 2025, at […]

The campus community mourns the passing of Robert Albert, 88, who died Monday, Jan. 6. Robert retired in 1999 after more than 22 years of service to Bucknell in Facilities. I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others. On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Robert’s family, as well as to all who knew him at Bucknell. John C. BravmanPresident Robert L. Albert, 88 of Turbot Ave., Milton passed away on January 6, 2025 at Milton Nursing and Rehab Center. Born in Lewisburg […]

The campus community mourns the passing of Jeffrey Bowen, who died Saturday, Nov. 23. Jeffrey retired as professor emeritus of physics in 2014 after 35 years of service to Bucknell. His departmental colleagues valued him as a friend for many years, and admired his commitment to his students and his role in developing an award-winning curriculum. He will be missed. I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others. On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Jeffrey’s family, as well as to all who knew him […]

The campus community mourns the passing of Ann de Klerk, who died Friday, Nov. 8. Ann retired from the Bertrand Library after more than 15 years of service to Bucknell. I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others. On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Ann’s family, as well as to all who knew her at Bucknell. John C. Bravman President _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Ann Margaret de Klerk passed away peacefully in Verona, PA on November 8, 2024 at the age of 91. A caring mother, grandmother, […]

The campus community mourns the passing of Howard Smith, 76, who died Monday, Oct. 21, in Wales, UK. Howard retired as professor emeritus of mathematics in 2013 after more than 24 years of service to Bucknell. Known for his sharp intelligence and wit, Howard was a group theorist and algebraist who was beloved by his students and colleagues. He was a highly accomplished and published scholar who loved philosophy and poetry, particularly the works of Robert Burns and Dylan Thomas, and was widely considered a Renaissance man. Howard was never happier (or more tense) than when watching Wales play rugby. […]

The campus community mourns the passing of Frank Siler, 91, who died Tuesday, November 5. Frank retired after more than 23 years of service to Bucknell in Dining Services. I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others. On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Frank’s family, as well as to all who knew him at Bucknell. John C. BravmanPresident Frank H. Siler Jr, 91, of Lewisburg passed away Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, at Watsontown Nursing and Rehab. He was born in Roanoke, Va., […]

The campus community mourns the passing of John Murphy, 91, who died Thursday, Oct. 10. John retired as professor emeritus of English after 28 years of service to Bucknell. John’s colleagues fondly remember him as a lively conversationalist, passionate teacher and scholar, and energetic biker. He was an unfailingly kind and supportive mentor to his many junior colleagues. He loved sharing his enthusiasm for his own field, British Romanticism, and was also eager to learn about new disciplinary approaches and methods. Even a few short years before retirement, John immersed himself in literary theory, becoming an avid participant in the […]

The campus community mourns the passing of Jeffrey Holmes, 69, who died Tuesday, Sept. 24. Jeff joined Bucknell’s custodial team in July 2018. He worked in several buildings across campus, most recently on third shift in the Bertrand Library. He will be missed by many. Included below is a complete text of the obituary, as provided by the family. You are encouraged to visit our In Memoriam page to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others. On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Jeff’s family, as well as to all who knew him at […]

The campus community mourns the passing of Barry Solomon, 75, who died Wednesday, Aug. 14. Barry retired as the warehouse supervisor in 2010 after 32 years of service to Bucknell. I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others. On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Barry’s family, as well as to all who knew him at Bucknell. John C. BravmanPresident Barry W. Solomon, 75, of Susquehanna Trail, Watsontown, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. Born Sept. 8, 1948, […]

The campus community mourns the passing of David Pearson, 85, who died Sunday, May 26. David retired from Bucknell in 2004 as Professor Emeritus of Biology after 37 years of service as a faculty member.  As a professor, David taught popular courses for both majors and non-majors and always cared about his students and their development as biologists. David was one of five founding faculty of an interdisciplinary course on AIDS, where he represented immunology (along with others who taught chemistry, virology, sociology, and economics). The success of this interdisciplinary course was one of the inspirations for the current curriculum […]

John E. Gale died at home of leukemia on December 20th, 2023 surrounded by family.John had taught French at Bucknell University from 1967 until his retirement in 1998. Later, he lived in Princeton, NJ, then Yardley, PA. No obituary is available at this time. I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others.

The campus community mourns the passing of Kenneth Beaver Sr., 82, who died Saturday, June 1. Kenneth retired as the golf course supervisor in 2003 after more than 37 years of service at Bucknell. I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others. On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Kenneth’s family, as well as to all who knew him at Bucknell. John C. BravmanPresident Kenneth Warren Beaver Sr., 82, of Lewisburg, died on the evening of Saturday, June 1, 2024, at home surrounded […]

The campus community mourns the passing of Robert Zartman, 79, who died Sunday, May 5, 2024. Robert retired as a custodial section supervisor in 2015 after more than 28 years of service at Bucknell.I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others. On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Robert’s family, as well as to all who knew him at Bucknell. John C. BravmanPresident Robert Earnest Zartman went to be with the Lord Sunday, May 5, 2024, at Geisinger Medical Center. Robert was born […]

With sadness I write to share the news of the recent passing of Mick Smyer, who served as Bucknell’s provost from 2008 through 2015. A tenured professor of psychology, Mick was a nationally recognized expert on the aging process and its impact on individuals, families and the workplace. In recent years, he dedicated his efforts to environmental sustainability, highlighting the power of older people to positively influence environmental policy. As provost, Mick was a widely respected leader who oversaw academic and student affairs. Many will recall his good humor, his love of time spent with family at Eagles Mere, and […]

The campus community mourns the passing of Joan D’Angelo, 95, who died Sunday, April 7. Joan retired from the President’s Office in 1998 after more than 38 years of service at Bucknell. She is remembered by Gary and Sandy Sojka as a good friend, valued confidante and knowledgeable source of information about Bucknell history, whose insight and humor were deeply appreciated. I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others. On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Joan’s family, as well as to all […]

The campus community mourns the passing of Janet Smith P’88, 90, who died Wednesday, March 13. Janet retired from Bucknell in 1999 after more than 25 years of service in Publications, Print & Mail, previously known as Administrative Services. Janet’s work in the mailroom was always done with a pleasant smile and a kind word, and she was a great team contributor. I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others. On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Janet’s family, as well as to […]

The campus community mourns the passing of Carol Erdley, 77, who died Wednesday, March 6. Carol retired from Bucknell in 2013 after more than 21 years of service as a custodian in the facilities department. I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others. On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Carol’s family, as well as to all who knew her at Bucknell. John C. Bravman President Carol Elizabeth Erdley, 77, of Lewisburg, entered into rest Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at her residence. She was born Nov. […]

The campus community mourns the passing of Darina Tuhy, 103, who died Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. Darina retired from Bucknell in 1985 as professor emerita of music after more than 38 years of teaching piano and music history. Many students passed through her piano studio, a number of them going on to graduate study at Juilliard, Eastman, Peabody and other conservatories. She performed frequently on campus and in the Lewisburg community as a solo recitalist and accompanist. Additionally, she organized and performed in many collaborative chamber music concerts and is remembered as a gracious colleague. A former student added that […]

The campus community mourns the passing of Patricia Best, 88, who died Friday, Feb. 2. Patricia retired from Bucknell in 1997 after more than 22 years of service in the facilities department. I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others. On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Patricia’s family, as well as to all who knew her at Bucknell. John C. BravmanPresident Patricia A. Best, 88, of Linden Road, Lewisburg, passed away Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, at Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg. Patricia was […]

The campus community mourns the passing of James Swan, 69, who died Wednesday, Dec. 20. James retired from Bucknell in 2017 as Professor Emeritus of Chemistry after more than 33 years of service as a faculty member. Jim’s colleagues remember him above all else as a kind person who truly loved analytical chemistry. He was generous with his time and served as an excellent mentor for new faculty and for his students. I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others. On behalf of our entire University community, I extend […]

The campus community mourns the passing of Herbert Peterson, 91, who died Monday, Dec. 25. Herb retired from Bucknell in 1995 as Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering after more than 30 years of service as a faculty member. Herb’s colleagues in the mechanical engineering department shared that he demonstrated a clear focus on student learning throughout his career, being one of the first within the department to adopt computer-aided instructional methods and create new laboratory exercises to make this new technology accessible to students. He was a leader in bringing hands-on learning opportunities into the curriculum and in giving students […]

The campus community mourns the passing of Robert Love Taylor, 82, who died Thursday, Nov. 23. Bob retired in 2005 as Professor Emeritus of English after more than 32 years of teaching at Bucknell. Bob is fondly remembered by his students as a kind, gentle, inspiring, and thoughtful mentor and teacher who communicated his deep love of writing in the classroom; by colleagues as an honest, caring, and reliable department chair, friend and mentor; by writers around the country who contributed to and published in West Branch as a skillful and encouraging editor; and by those in the community who […]

The campus community mourns the passing of Jeremy Russell, 42, who died Saturday, Nov. 25. Jeremy worked as a University quantitative support specialist in the Teaching & Learning Center since March 2023. Jeremy’s colleagues have shared that he was a highly experienced teacher and thoughtful pedagogue who was deeply committed to students and focused on access and equity. During his brief time at Bucknell, he built great resources and took the initial steps of establishing strong programs. Every student, faculty and staff member who collaborated with Jeremy saw and felt the impact of his work. I encourage you to visit […]

The campus community mourns the passing of Michael Noll, 78, who died Monday, Oct. 2. Michael retired in 2010 from Facilities after more than 27 years of service to Bucknell.  I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others. On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Michael’s family, as well as to all who knew him at Bucknell. John C. Bravman President Michael J. Noll, 78, of Danville, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, Monday Oct. 2, 2023, at his residence. He was born Aug. 15,1945, […]

The campus community mourns the passing of Craig Reynolds, 80, who died Thursday, July 27. Craig retired in 2005 as assistant director of athletics after more than 37 years of service to Bucknell.  I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others. On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Craig’s family, as well as to all who knew him at Bucknell. John C. BravmanPresident Craig A. Reynolds, 80, of Reno, NV, passed away at home on Thursday, July 27, after a battle with pulmonary disease. Craig was […]

The campus community mourns the passing of William “Bill” Burkholder, 74, who died on Sunday, July 23, while working on his beloved farm in Turbotville, Pa. Bill retired in 2012 as Manager of Library Technology in L&IT after more than 21 years of service to Bucknell. Bill was a wonderful friend to many and the loving husband of Nick Benvin, who survives him. Bill and Nick were together for 38 years. He is also survived by Kaylee, his Brittney Spaniel and constant companion. A private celebration of his life will be held at a later date. I encourage you to […]

The campus community mourns the passing of Charles Pinter, who died on Monday, July 3. Charles retired as professor emeritus of mathematics in 2004 after more than 38 years of service to Bucknell. Three of Charles’ children, Marco Pinter ’87, Andres Pinter ’94, and Adrian Pinter ’02 are Bucknell alumni. Included below is the complete text of the obituary, as provided by the family.  I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others. On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Charles’ family, as well as to all […]