Tag Archives: Class of 1955

Ann (Hower) Orr ’55

Ann Elizabeth Hower Orr, of Gainesville, Florida, joined her husband in Heaven, July 22, 2024. She savored life to the fullest, knew no boundaries in transforming the ordinary to extraordinary and was a breath of fresh air.

She had many passions, including oil painting, hosting memorable themed parties, cooking extravagant dishes, and even writing a scene play. She studied all subjects, traveled, embraced every sport particularly tennis, baseball (Boston Red Sox), and horse racing, and the world was her stage. Ann was part of the Junior League of Gainesville and the “No Name Club” and continued to bring forth her talents and knowledge of music, theater, literacy and religion (Catholic) throughout her life.

Ann, the daughter of Dr. Charles and Anna Hower, grew up in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania and Elmira, New York. She graduated from Vassar with studies in English and Theater along with the skill set of a concert pianist.

She met her adoring husband Louis McDonald Orr at Princeton and the two bonded over their zest for life and gregarious humor in any situation. Together they raised four children: Louis (Wendy Walters), Taylor (Carl Becker), Charles (Lia Brenneman), Reed (Lisa Hunt). Ann cherished her grandchildren, painting them regularly: Audrey Becker (Drew Coleman), Garrett Becker (fiancé Alexandra Ladd), Rachel Hutton-Orr Cabrera (Daniel Cabrera), Hunter Orr (Katy Shutters), Hayden Orr (girlfriend Summer Smith), and Gannon Orr who knew her lovingly as “Ninnie” or “Neenz”.

Ann admired the unique attributes of each person she encountered, refuted the norm and threw caution to the wind with profound wit and lively spirit.

A celebration of Ann’s life will be held by immediate family in honor of her colorful character. Her ashes along with her husbands’ will be scattered on the ocean coast of her beloved home in Southport, Maine, her favorite place in the whole world!

David B. Kreidler ’55

David B. Kreidler of Rumson, NJ and Vero Beach, FL, passed away on November 26th, 2024. He leaves behind his wife, Donna Clare Vroman. Three children: Anne Katherine V. Donohue (Michael,) David C. Kreidler (Sarah,) and Daven Bell Foulk (Anthony,) and seven grandchildren: Lindsey, Kendall, Finn, Megan, Bennett, Lilly and Mia.

A training program with MetLife Group Division set the stage for his 35 year career in association management where he was privileged to work with many talented and gifted entrepreneurs, executives and professionals. Active in the American Society of Association Executives he chaired four committees, served on its Board of Directors and achieved the designation of Certified Association Executive (CAE.) He was similarly active in three of ASAE’s affiliates. He retired as President and CEO of Eastern Building Material Dealers Association in 1999.

The only child of Homer and Sally (Bell) Kreidler, his youth was spent on the North Jersey coast. Born March 31st, 1937 (missing April Fools Day by hours) he graduated Wanamassa Grammar School, Williston Academy, Duke University, The American College of Life Underwriters and OCS followed by Armored Officer Orientation School.

He served in several appointed municipal positions and several Boards of Directors. At one time or another he was a member of: Monmouth County Young Republicans, Allenhurst Beach Club, Trinity of Swarthmore, Spring Haven Country Club, Seabright Beach Club, Rumson Country Club, Sea Bright Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club, Sea Oaks Beach and Tennis Club, Rose Valley Folk, Fraternal Order of Hoo Hoo, St. Georges-by-the-River, Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, Swarthmore Rotary, St. Andrews Society of Philadelphia, The Varsity D Club and American Contract Bridge League. These entities helped to shape his life and career.

He and his wife Donna met at the singles table at a wedding (it was love at first sight) and they married 11 months later. They have now been married for 61 years. David always felt it special that in 1963 their wedding guests were treated to a partial eclipse of the sun.

Judith (Mason) Dittrich ’55

Judith (Mason) Dittrich, 87, of Worcester, PA, passed away Saturday May 25, 2024, at Meadowood at Worcester. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert E. Dittrich.

Born March 25, 1937, in Rahway, NJ, she was a daughter of the late Ralph and Evelyn (Jackson) Mason.

Judi was known for her caring nature and wicked sense of humor. Family was always her top priority! When she wasn’t focused on her kids and grandkids, she loved reading, going to the movies, traveling, and eating – especially her love for chocolate. Her happy place was at the beach, and she was also involved with her church community and volunteered in her younger years.

She is survived by her children, Jackie Dittrich of Ormond Beach, FL, Tracy Wilcox of Beachwood, NJ, Gunnar Dittrich and his wife, Kay, of Winchester, KY, Ralph Dittrich and his wife, Carolyn, of Blue Bell, PA, Rob Dittrich of Egg Harbor, NJ, and Gretchen Dittrich and her husband, Frank Polek, of Eagleville, PA; ten grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her siblings, Baird Mason, Barbara Hamrick, and Lynn Shirley.

Services will be held privately for the family. Contributions may be made in her memory to the Wish of a Lifetime at www.wishofalifetime.org.

David J. Moriarty ’55

David J. Moriarty, age 86, of Holyoke, MA, passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at Day Brook Village. He was born in Holyoke, son of the late HFD Captain William A. Moriarty and Mary K. (Manning) Moriarty. He graduated from Holyoke High School Class of 1954, Williston Academy, Tufts University, and did graduate study at Babson College. David was employed at Mass Mutual and Confederated Insurance Companies, and also for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He served in the Massachusetts Air National Guard, and was activated by the United States Air Force from 1961-1962, serving in Germany. He lived in the Boston area when he was married to his former wife, Ruth Ann (Kirk) Moriarty, and returned to Western Mass, living most recently at Day Brook Village Assisted Living. He is survived by one son, Peter and his wife Cindy, and their two sons, Patrick and Michael of Rockland MA. David will be missed by his sisters, Eleanor Cress of Longmeadow and Marian Sullivan of Stamford CT, as well as his beloved friend Joan DiCarlo of Holyoke. He was predeceased by his brother William Moriarty. A private family funeral will take place at a later date, and David will be buried with his parents at Saint Jerome Cemetery in Holyoke. The Moriarty family would like to publicly thank the staff of Day Brook Village and Holyoke Medical Center for the care they offered to David during these last few years. The family asks you to please omit flowers.

John S. Kemper ’55

John Scribner Kemper, 86, a long-time resident of Northfield, IL passed away on March 10, 2023 at the Presbyterian Homes in Evanston, IL surrounded by his wife, daughter and son.

John was born on June 22, 1936 to Mark and Annabel (Wagner) Kemper in Barrington, IL. After attending the Williston Northampton School in Massachusetts, John graduated with a B.A. degree from DePauw University and earned an M.B.A. from Indiana University’s Kelly School of Business. Most of his career was spent with the Kemper Insurance Company as a telecommunications expert and then later as an independent consultant to small businesses.

John gave back to the community over his lifetime volunteering for many organizations including the Chicago Jaycees, Northfield Public Schools, Winnetka Hockey Club, various local churches and the North Shore Senior Center. John was a handy man around the house willing and able to fix or build anything and he was passionate about travel (with an affinity for Kauai), his miniature schnauzers, Apple products and classical music. In the early 1960s he obtained his pilot’s license around the time he met his beloved Maggie. During the courtship, he would fly her to local Midwest destinations for lunch and back in a single engine Cessna. A devoted husband for 56 years, John professed his love for Maggie until his very last breath. In marriage and in life, John never wavered in his commitment to values of integrity, loyalty and kindness.

John is survived by his wife Margaret McElwain Kemper, daughter Katherine (Donald) Featherstone, son Scott (Jaime) Kemper, grandchildren Sophia Featherstone and Jack and Luke Kemper and sister Mary (Robert) Sowersby. He will be dearly missed by his family.
The family wants to express their sincere appreciation to all the nurses and staff at the Presbyterian Homes whose care and compassion for John will never be forgotten.

A Celebration of Life service and reception will be held at the Elliott Chapel at the Presbyterian Homes in Evanston, IL (3131 Simpson – access from Golf Road) on May 5, 2023 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of John to the Geneva Foundation of Presbyterian Homes. https://www.presbyterianhomes.org/geneva-foundation/

Philip W. Wilkinson ’55

Philip Wardner Wilkinson
January 6, 1936 – October 13, 2022

Phil graduated from Williston Academy, a preparatory school in Easthampton, MA., and then attended Colgate University to earn his undergraduate degree. During his college years, Phil was a successful athlete earning his Varsity Letter for Soccer and Track & Field. He graduated from Colgate in 1959 with a degree in Economics; afterward, he continued his education and attended graduate school at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL earning a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.

Immediately after graduating from Northwestern, Phil moved to New York City, taking a job in Product Development with the American Mustard company French’s. He lived in a fantastic apartment on the Upper Westside of Central Park!

Shortly after moving to New York City, Phil met and married the love of his life, Mary Rothmann. Phil and Mary were married on May 9th, 1970, and soon began to plan their epic off-shore sailing trip aboard “Vibrant.” Phil & Mary spent nine months sailing from Long Island Sound to the Bahamas.

Once back on land, Phil moved with Mary to Fairport, NY, to start a family. Phil worked for several companies in marketing, consulting, and product distribution in the Rochester area. On days off, Phil & Mary enjoyed sailing “Vibrant” at Sodus Bay with sons Eric and Philip, enjoying many summer vacations across Lake Ontario. A loving and supportive father, Phil could always be found at the sidelines of his son’s soccer games and in the front row of their concerts, line judging at their ski races, or heading up Boy Scout meetings or trips.

In retirement, Phil enjoyed skiing, sailing, and traveling with Mary. Together they visited Italy, Sweden, Russia, South America, the Galápagos Islands, Alaska, Montana, California, and Canada, and even made time for a Semester at Sea enrichment voyage. In addition, he created many intricate sculptures and did so for many years side by side with Mary at several local art galleries.

He is survived by his children, Philip Wilkinson Jr. and his wife Theresa of Pittsburgh, PA, and Eric Wilkinson and his wife Emily of Charleston, SC. His four grandchildren, Kiera, Theo, Mary Catherine, and Julia Wilkinson loved him dearly. He is also survived by his sister Suzanne Meldrum of Pawling, NY, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held on Friday, October 14th, at 1:00 p.m. at Simons Funeral Home in Pittsburgh, PA.

A second memorial service will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Fairport, NY conducted by Rev. Ken Peppin on October 29th at 4:00 p.m. The family would like to invite guests to attend a reception before the service at 2:00 pm also at St. Luke’s Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bridges Hospice, 4130 Monroeville Blvd. Monroeville, PA 15146 or online at www.bridgeshospice.org

The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, caregivers, and Bridges Hospice staff who provided such excellent care and the thoughtfulness and prayers of devoted friends.

Stephen J. Britt ’55

Stephen J. Britt passed away on December 31, 2021, in Stuarts Draft, VA at the age of 86. Mr. Britt was born on July 13, 1935, in Hartford, Connecticut to Paul E. and Emma Britt. He is survived by his sisters, Jean Derby and Sheelah Britt. Steve grew up in East Hartford, Connecticut and it was there that he met his wife, Ann Margaret Papineau. Married on December 28, 1958, the couple had three children, James E., Catherine Marie, and Karen Anne. Steve and Ann were married for 58 years and had 4 grandchildren, Sean & Catherine Britt and Sarah & Peter Favinger. Ann passed away on June 19, 2016.
After serving in the Marine Corps, Steve began a long and successful business career. He worked for Mobil Oil, Dewalt, Black and Decker, Arcata Graphics, Intersource Technologies, and Anchor Continental. During his 23 years at Black and Decker, Steve achieved national recognition as the “Father of the Dustbuster” from numerous publications, including Time Magazine and New York Magazine. After retiring, Steve was a member of the First State Antique Tractor Club for several years and was a member of the scholarship committee.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 10, 2022, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 1210 S. Washington Street, Easton, MD. The family will receive visitors at the church from 10:30-11:00 a.m. and the service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Masks will be required in the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, Md 21741-5014 or online at michaeljfox.org/donate.

Joanna Ewing Jones ’55

Joanna Freeman (Ewing) Jones 1937 – 2022

Joanna Freeman Ewing was born in Keene, N.H., June 9, 1937, to Anna Kraatz Ewing and Donald Freeman Ewing. In 1947 the family, now including a younger brother, was transferred by the State Department to Sofia, Bulgaria, where her father was assigned as a Vice Consul to the American Legation. After returning to the U.S., her parents separated, and Joanna and her brother were raised by their mother, a teacher. Joanna attended the Northampton School for Girls, in Northampton, Mass., where she received the award as the outstanding graduating senior in 1955. She attended Smith College, Northampton, Mass. graduating in 1959. Remarkably, this made her the sixth consecutive generation of women in her family to attain a bachelor’s degree. After Smith, Joanna lived in Boston and worked at Union Mutual insurance (a forerunner of Unum). Of this job, Joanna recalled that gender discrimination was the norm at the time: Her director told her unapologetically that he couldn’t pay her as much as her male peers because she was “already the highest paid woman in the company”. In the early ’60s Joanna met her husband, Griffith Jones “Griff”, an Electrical Engineer at MIT Lincoln labs. The couple met at The Sevens pub on Beacon Hill, a place they frequented with a circle of friends that they remained close to for the rest of their lives. The couple married, settled in Marblehead, Mass., and started a family. There they enjoyed skiing, sailing, and socializing at Maddie’s Sail Loft. The family moved to Leominster, Mass. for a few years and started an auto parts store in 1973 before heading to Bath, Maine in 1977. Their second auto parts store, Bath Automotive Supply, was a fixture in downtown Bath for nearly 30 years. Always into fitness, Joanna attended jazzercise classes for almost as long. In 2006, Joanna and Griff sold their store and retired. Joanna enjoyed traveling with longtime friends, visiting with family, and spending time at their place on Saddleback Mountain. She enjoyed working out with her YMCA friends, dining out, gardening, cooking, and being a part of the Holly Street Gang. Joanna was predeceased by her husband, Griff in 2020. She is survived by her brother, David, of Portsmouth, N.H.; her three sons, Darrick and Melissa Jones of Southbury, Conn., Channing Jones and Amy Leonard of Bath, Chris and Sue Jones of Wadmalaw Island, S.C.; and eight grandchildren, Trevor, Ethan, Justin, Emelia, Evan, Porter, Cameron, and Benjamin. The family would like to express their gratitude to the wonderful people of Thornton Hall and CHANS Hospice. A date for her Celebration of life for will be announced soon. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice.

Dong Kingman Jr. ’55

It is with great sadness that the family of Dong Kingman shares news of his passing on February 4, 2022.
Since early retirement from Marsh & McLennan, he enjoyed lawn bowling in Central Park, restorative yoga and swimming at the JCC, vacations in Bermuda, art museum openings, concerts at Lincoln Center, Broadway plays, and all that NYC has to offer. He thought of his friends often.
His wife, Elaine, and children, Melissa and Jonathan, plan to inter Dong alongside his father at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin on West 46th Street in Manhattan. A small service will be held in the summer when the family can gather.
If you wish to celebrate Dong’s memory, please consider sending a donation to Studio in a School (www.studioinaschool.org/support); the Central Park Conservancy (www.centralparknyc.org/donate); or any charity or organization of your choice.

Samuel W. Morey ’55

Samuel Winchester Morey, 84, of Cottonwood, Arizona, passed away in his home on November 17, 2021. His beloved wife, daughters, and faithful dog, Amber were by his side. Sam was born on December 22, 1936 in Boston, MA to Ruth Winchester and George Palmer Morey.

Sam and Connie were married for 62 years and were blessed with three wonderful daughters, Donna Dill (Jeff), Debra Stalvey (Noah) and Diana Jeffrey (Daniel) and their beloved grandchildren, Kristen Dill, Dr. Sarah Dill (Brendan), Amanda Stalvey, Adam Stalvey; great stepson, Gage Boone and great-granddaughter, Dylan Mercer who will soon be joined by a little brother. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Donna; son-in-law, Jeffrey Dill; infant granddaughter, Melissa Stalvey; his parents, his sister, Prudence Palmer and brother, George Morey.

In 1976 Sam and Connie moved to Arizona where he became a real estate and mortgage broker in the Tucson area. There he was active in both local and state politics, and served as a district chairman. He founded the Tucson chapter of the 100 Club which later merged with the Phoenix chapter. Sam and Connie moved to Cottonwood in 2001.

No services are planned at this time, but a Celebration of Life will be held in the future.