In Memory-UD Staff
SEND US ANY OBITUARY ARTICLES
If you see or have in your possession any obituary, official memorial articles, or a memorial article-essay for a teacher, administrator or staff member with appropriate tasteful text, please forward them to Bev Daniels-McKinney. If you would like to mail paper copies to Bev, she can scan and return them. Contact Bev directly by email to discuss with her directly.
Millard Bekmezian - Upper Dublin History Teacher
BEKMEZIAN
MILLARD, 87 of Upper Darby, On Jan. 10, 2007. Brother of Mary Bekmezian, beloved companion of /Rene Polsky and Uncle of Herbert and Jack Takakjian. Relatives and friends are invited to his Memorial Service Monday, Jan. 15, 2007 at 12 Noon at The Armenian Martyrs' Congregational Church, Edmonds Ave., Havertown, PA 19083. Interment private. Contributions in his memory to the above named church. Arrangements by TOPPITZER FUNERAL HOME, Drexel Hill PA
Published in the Philadelphia Inquirer & Philadelphia Daily News on 1/13/2007.
_______________________________________________________
Robert F. Corrigan
Robert F. Corrigan Upper Dublin Teacher Obituary: Robert F. Corrigan of Chalfont, PA died peacefully on Wednesday, January 4, 2012, at the Abramson Center in Horsham. He was 75. He was the beloved husband of Marian G. Corrigan for 42 years. Born in New Rochelle, NY, he was the son of the late William S. and Julia E. Obelitz Corrigan and brother of the late William S. Corrigan Jr. and Priscilla M. Sullivan. Mr. Corrigan was a resident of Chalfont since 1979. He graduated from Bloomsburg University, Class of 1959, where he received his bachelor degree in Education, English and Social Studies. While working a full time job, he continued his studies and received his master?s degree in Education from Trenton State College in 1976. Mr. Corrigan was a teacher at Upper Dublin High School for 36 years where he taught History, Economics, Government and English until his retirement in 1995. History was his true passion throughout his teaching career. For many years, he was a member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees, the Pennsylvania State Education Association and also the National Education Association. In his leisure time, he always enjoyed travelling to different historical sites, was an avid reader, developed an appreciation for classical music, and was a big fan of both the History and cooking channels. He will be sadly missed as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by his two daughters, Erin J. Corrigan of Perkasie, PA, and Heather M. Farber and her husband, Edward, of West Chester, PA. He is also survived by his brother Richard D. Corrigan and his wife, Carolyn, of Dagsboro, DE, and his loving granddaughter, Anna Juliet Farber. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Monday, January 9, 2012, from 9:00 AM until his Funeral Service 10:30 AM at Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 241 East Butler Avenue (Route 202 at Sandy Ridge Road) New Britain, PA 18901. Interment will take place at Whitemarsh Memorial Park, Ambler, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to College Settlement of Philadelphia, 600 Witmer Road, Horsham, PA 19044. Visitations: Viewing on Monday, January 9, 2012, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 241 East Butler Avenue (Route 202 at Sandy Ridge Road) New Britain, PA 18901. Services: January 09 2012 - 10:30 am Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home 241 East Butler Avenue, New Britain, PA 18901 Cemetery: Whitemarsh Memorial Park 1169 Limekiln Pike, Ambler, PA 19002
___________________________________________________________
Coach Andy Cunningham
Andrew Cunningham High school coach, 80
From the 1950s into the 1990s, Mr. Cunningham coached football, basketball, and golf at Upper Dublin High School, where he was a physical education teacher, said his wife, Miriam.
Born in Glenside, Mr. Cunningham graduated from Abington High School in 1948 and earned a bachelor's degree in education at what is now West Chester University. After serving as an Army physical therapist at what is now the Armed Forces Recreation Center in Garmisch, Germany, Mr. Cunningham earned a master's degree in history at Temple University, his wife said.
In 2007, Mr. Cunningham received an award for 26 years as a track and field official for the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association. He was a member of the Liberty Bell Wanderers, a walking club in Warminster that is part of the American Volkssport Association. He was a lay leader at Bethel Hill United Methodist Church in Worcester Township, Montgomery County.
Besides his wife of 47 years, Mr. Cunningham is survived by daughters Kristen Lieberman and Karen Abeyta, a brother, and four grandchildren.
A viewing is from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, at Bethel Hill United Methodist Church, on Skippack Pike at Bethel Road, Worcester, and from 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, before an 11 a.m. funeral there. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
For personal tributes posted in memory to Mr. Cunningham, Click here to Read More
Posted on Wed, Sep. 8, 2010
________________________________________________________
Lester Hoffmaster - Upper Dublin Science Teacher
Died August 17, 2005
Francis J. Gilronan
(Sun, Dec/21/2008)
Francis J. Gilronan
Francis J. Gilronan died Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008, at his home in Pine Run Community, Doylestown. He was 82.
He was a former resident of Schwenksville, Maple Glen, Fort Washington, and Philadelphia.
Born in West Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Thomas and Agnes Curran Gilronan. He attended Our Lady of Victory Elementary School, and graduated Saint Thomas More High School.
From 1944 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Army's 148th Field Artillery Battalion in the Pacific Theater.
After his military service, he attended West Chester State Teachers' College, where he received a bachelor of science degree in education and met his wife-to-be. He later received a master's degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania and completed post-graduate work at the University of Massachusetts and McGill University in Montreal, Canada.
Mr. Gilronan started his professional career as a teacher in 1951 at Upper Dublin School District in Fort Washington, where he taught English, geography and social studies in addition to coaching track, football and baseball and serving as a class advisor and yearbook moderator. He also served as administrator, athletic director, assistant principal and principal from 1967 to 1981. Mr. Gilronan retired in 1984, and touched the lives of thousands of students over decades of service to Upper Dublin High School.
A devoted churchgoer and communicant, most recently of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Doylestown, he was also a lifelong Philadelphia Phillies fan, witnessing baseball games at Baker Bowl, Shibe Park, Veterans Stadium, and Citizens Bank Park, and recently celebrating the 2008 World Series victory.
Francis was the beloved husband for 57 years of Ruth D. Gilronan and the devoted father of Patricia G. Dianora (Robert) of Wildwood, Mo., and Michael F. Gilronan (Maura Harrigan) of Acton, Mass. He was the loving grandfather of Rob, Kate, and Danny Dianora. He also is survived by his brother, James J. Gilronan of East Lansdowne; and many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends may call from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday Dec. 23, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Doylestown, with a funeral Mass at 10 am. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances in his name to PARVEE, c/o Pine Run Community, 777 Ferry Road, Doylestown, PA 18901 or Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 235 E. State St., Doylestown, PA 18901 would be appreciated by the family.
Urban Funeral Home,
Ambler
www.UrbanFuneralHome.com
Article's URL:
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/224-12212008-1641595.html
Carl Joseph Janetka
(May 15, 1935 - November 05, 2022 )
Carl J. Janetka passed away peacefully on November 5, 2022 at the age of 87. He was born to Charles and Lillian (Sharkey) Janetka in Philadelphia, PA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather Louis Moffa in 1998, his brother, Robert (“Bobby”), in 2000, and his daughter, Kerry, in 2022.
A 1953 graduate of Upper Moreland High School, Carl was an exceptional student and athlete and excelled in several different sports. After high school, Carl attended Bloomsburg State Teachers College on a basketball scholarship, is where he met his future wife, Kathleen and from which he graduated in 1959. He subsequently obtained his Masters of Education degree from Temple University in 1962. After graduation from Bloomsburg, Carl began what would be a long and distinguished career as an educator when he began teaching at Upper Dublin High School in 1959. During his 35 years at Upper Dublin, he taught almost every Business course offered by the high school at one time or another, served as Business Department Chairman, and was the mentor and leader of the UD Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) organization. But Carl was more than just an educator and teacher – he was also heavily involved in the Upper Dublin Athletic program, having coached several different team sports at Upper Dublin in either an assistant or head coaching capacity. He was an assistant varsity football coach, an assistant and then head varsity basketball coach, and an assistant and then head varsity soccer coach. One of his greatest years as a head coach was in 1988 when his Varsity Soccer team won the Suburban One league championship. His many coaching accomplishments finally culminated in his well-earned induction to the Upper Dublin Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014. Other than his family, Carl’s biggest source of pride was how many of his former students and players he coached had reached out to him over the years to let him know how influential his role in high school had been in their post-college lives, either in athletics or in their careers. He was universally liked and respected by friends and colleagues alike – if you didn’t like Carl, it meant that you simply hadn’t met him yet. After his retirement from teaching in 1995, this consummate family man enjoyed nothing more than playing tennis on Sundays with his old Upper Dublin teaching buddies, gardening and working in the yard in the summer, and spending time on family vacations in Hilton Head, SC almost every summer. He loved hanging out on the deck in the summer with the old neighborhood crew at 349 Knoll Road, the monthly poker nights, the annual Knollamede Horseshoe Tournaments, and often hosted Philly sports watching get-togethers for his sons and neighbors. As many friends and family members will also attest to, Carl had a wonderful and unique sense of humor and his family often joked that he must have been the originator of the “Dad joke”. Carl is survived by his wife of 62 years, Kathleen (Durkin) Janetka, his sister Lorraine (Glenn) Bowen, his sons Karl (Meaghan) and Eric (Julie), nephews Derek and Brett (Nina) Bowen, and grandchildren Alexandra, Brian, Marina and Alex – all of whom loved him and will miss him greatly. Family and friends are invited to attend a joint memorial service (for Carl and daughter Kerry) on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at Kirk & Nice Funeral Home at George Washington Memorial Park located at 80 Stenton Avenue, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462, with visitation from 9:30AM to 11:00AM and celebration of life and sharing of memories immediately afterwards from 11:00AM to 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Salvation Army at www.give.salvationarmy.org would be greatly appreciated.
Obituary for Carl Joseph Janetka at Kirk & Nice, Inc.
________________________________________________________
(May 15, 1935 - November 05, 2022 )
Carl J. Janetka passed away peacefully on November 5, 2022 at the age of 87. He was born to Charles and Lillian (Sharkey) Janetka in Philadelphia, PA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather Louis Moffa in 1998, his brother, Robert (“Bobby”), in 2000, and his daughter, Kerry, in 2022.
A 1953 graduate of Upper Moreland High School, Carl was an exceptional student and athlete and excelled in several different sports. After high school, Carl attended Bloomsburg State Teachers College on a basketball scholarship, is where he met his future wife, Kathleen and from which he graduated in 1959. He subsequently obtained his Masters of Education degree from Temple University in 1962. After graduation from Bloomsburg, Carl began what would be a long and distinguished career as an educator when he began teaching at Upper Dublin High School in 1959. During his 35 years at Upper Dublin, he taught almost every Business course offered by the high school at one time or another, served as Business Department Chairman, and was the mentor and leader of the UD Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) organization. But Carl was more than just an educator and teacher – he was also heavily involved in the Upper Dublin Athletic program, having coached several different team sports at Upper Dublin in either an assistant or head coaching capacity. He was an assistant varsity football coach, an assistant and then head varsity basketball coach, and an assistant and then head varsity soccer coach. One of his greatest years as a head coach was in 1988 when his Varsity Soccer team won the Suburban One league championship. His many coaching accomplishments finally culminated in his well-earned induction to the Upper Dublin Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014. Other than his family, Carl’s biggest source of pride was how many of his former students and players he coached had reached out to him over the years to let him know how influential his role in high school had been in their post-college lives, either in athletics or in their careers. He was universally liked and respected by friends and colleagues alike – if you didn’t like Carl, it meant that you simply hadn’t met him yet. After his retirement from teaching in 1995, this consummate family man enjoyed nothing more than playing tennis on Sundays with his old Upper Dublin teaching buddies, gardening and working in the yard in the summer, and spending time on family vacations in Hilton Head, SC almost every summer. He loved hanging out on the deck in the summer with the old neighborhood crew at 349 Knoll Road, the monthly poker nights, the annual Knollamede Horseshoe Tournaments, and often hosted Philly sports watching get-togethers for his sons and neighbors. As many friends and family members will also attest to, Carl had a wonderful and unique sense of humor and his family often joked that he must have been the originator of the “Dad joke”. Carl is survived by his wife of 62 years, Kathleen (Durkin) Janetka, his sister Lorraine (Glenn) Bowen, his sons Karl (Meaghan) and Eric (Julie), nephews Derek and Brett (Nina) Bowen, and grandchildren Alexandra, Brian, Marina and Alex – all of whom loved him and will miss him greatly. Family and friends are invited to attend a joint memorial service (for Carl and daughter Kerry) on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at Kirk & Nice Funeral Home at George Washington Memorial Park located at 80 Stenton Avenue, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462, with visitation from 9:30AM to 11:00AM and celebration of life and sharing of memories immediately afterwards from 11:00AM to 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Salvation Army at www.give.salvationarmy.org would be greatly appreciated.
Obituary for Carl Joseph Janetka at Kirk & Nice, Inc.
________________________________________________________
LEONARD J. MCBRIDE FEBRUARY 19, 1924 - JANUARY 31, 2018
Leonard J.T. McBride, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 31, 2018. He was 93 years old. Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Edmond and Frances (nee Wizner) McBride. Mr. McBride was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country during World War II. After his honorable discharge at the rank of Staff Sargent, he attended Temple University earning a Master's Degree in Education. He taught mathematics at Upper Dublin High School for 32 years until his retirement in 1982, and was also on the coaching staff of the baseball team. After his retirement, he taught at Montgomery County Community College part time. Formerly of Maple Glen, Leonard was a resident of Gwynedd Estates in Ambler. He was known by all as a true gentleman. Mr. McBride was a past member of the Lions Club. He was an avid golfer and played many rounds at Limekiln Golf Course. He enjoyed vacation time with family and friends on Long Beach Island. He was a sports fan, especially of the Phillies and Eagles. He enjoyed doing crossword and Sudoku puzzles and always loved being around dogs. But his greatest joy was spending time with his true love, Marie, his wife of 63 years. Leonard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marie (nee DeSando) in 2011. He is the devoted father of Deborah Franklin of Ambler. He is the dear brother of Rita Saybolt of Philadelphia and the late Edmond McBride, and is the step brother of Jack McDonald of Cinnaminson, NJ and Eugene McDonald of Philadelphia. Leonard is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Catherine Varhelyi (Joseph) and Eleanor Deon (the late Dan), both of Ambler. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday February 7, 2018 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at Saint Alphonsus Church, Maple Glen, PA. Leonard's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Stephen F. Leva at 10:30AM. Interment will be in Whitemarsh Memorial Park. Remembrances in Leonard's name to the National Kidney Foundation, www.NFKcares@kidney.org, or the Shar Pei Rescue of Virginia, www.SharPeiRescueofva.org would be appreciated by the family. Tributes and photos may be shared at www.UrbanFuneralHome.com
TRIBUTES
John Jacobsen wrote on Feb 7, 2018: "Mr. McBride was always such a nice man and an excellent teacher.. I have a funny Mr. McBride story. As classes were passing one day, Mr. McBride would stand outside of his classroom monitoring the students. I was directly across the hall talking to another student.. The halls were crowded and Ms. Lavin was walking down the hall. I had my back to the crowd and the other student pushed me into Ms Lavin just at the right time so my leg went between her legs and she fell flat on the floor. She laid there yelling at me. I believe Mr. McBride saw the whole thing and he came over and helped Miss Lavin to her feet and sent me down the hall in the other direction. Nothing ever happened to me nor did I get detention. Mr. McBride saved my life. I sure would like to know who it was that pushed me. I know it was a friend or maybe he was a frienamee. This happened in the late 50's at UDHS. May he rest in peace. Mr. McBride made a real difference. With Respect, John Jacobsen " Les LaBov wrote on Feb 6, 2018: "Coach McBride was a great guy .He was my math teacher and Manager of the UD baseball team that won the conference championship . I really enjoyed his math clas and playing baseball for him for a couple of years . Sorry he missed the Eagle game ." Greg Dummeldinger wrote on Feb 5, 2018: "We would always share the same story over and over again. I woud say my back was sore from mopping up water in basement after a rain. He would then launch into a story of his wet/dry vac. Len my life was enriched by knowing you ." Greg Dummeldinger wrote on Feb 5, 2018: "Len McBride was my Geometry teacher in 1961. Because of him I decided to become a Math teacher. I later became a math teacher at Upper Dublin. I have so many fond memories of Len, From standing on his "perch", (second floor window) overlooking entrance , looking at his watch. We went skiing together at Doe Mountain many times of which we joked about almost going off the mountain at the top of the lift " Debbie & Pete wrote on Feb 3, 2018: "Debbie, We are so sorry to hear about your dad passing; he is with your mom watching from above. Think of the good memories and in time they will bring a smile. Thinking of you during this difficult time. Love, Debbie & Pete " Barbara and Duke wrote on Feb 2, 2018: "I will always remember when your dad and you visited us on our boat at Morrisons marina. My mom was there and they enjoyed talking about their childhoods in Philadelphia. I will always remember what a lovely man he was and enjoyed seeing him sit on his deck looking at the ocean. Rest In Peace. You are reunited with your love. Barb and Duke" Barbara and Duke wrote on Feb 2, 2018: "I will always remember when your dad and you visited us on our boat at Morrisons marina. My mom was there and they enjoyed talking about their childhoods in Philadelphia. I will always remember what a lovely man he was and enjoyed seeing him sit on his deck looking at the ocean. Rest In Peace. You are reunited with your love. Barb and Duke" George & Penny Gatcha wrote on Feb 2, 2018: " Debbie, may God Bless you and your family this time of sorrow. Penny and I will keep you in our prayers. " Penny Gatcha wrote on Feb 2, 2018: "Debbie, sincere condolences! You are so blessed to have had your dad for so long. Be happy for him and believe that he is with your mama again. We are unable to be with you and your wonderful family on Wednesday but know that you are in our prayers. Much love! Penny and George. " Bob Fullmer wrote on Feb 2, 2018: "Debbie, we were so sorry to hear about lens passing. he was such a great person and you were a wonderful daughter. Len and Marie are together again and watching over you. love Dennis and Bob
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
JOHN W. PARKER
1935-2018
John W. Parker, a longtime educator and former professional basketball official, died on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018. He was 82. He was born on July 27, 1935, to the late Albert P. Parker and Mary J. Parker in Norristown. He was the second of five children.
After graduating from Norristown High School in 1953, Parker earned a teaching degree at Millersville State Teachers College in Lancaster, while also leading the men’s basketball team to the 1957 NAIA Division I Basketball Tournament and becoming the school’s first All-American. He was the first basketball player to have his jersey officially retired by the university, and he was inducted into Millersville’s first Athletic Hall of Fame class in 1995.
While at Millersville, he met Julia Means, his future wife of 57 years. They were married in 1960 and two children were born to their union.
Following his graduation from Millersville in 1957, Parker joined the Upper Dublin School District to start what would become a 42-year career with the district. Initially an industrial arts teacher, Parker obtained his master’s degree in education from Temple University and became an administrator, serving as the principal at Sandy Run Junior High School (where his daughter is now the principal) and Three Tuns Junior High School, before ultimately retiring as the director of facilities and planning for the district in 1999.
In addition to raising his family and pursuing his career as an educator, Parker also continued to pursue his other passion — basketball. After playing for seven years in the Eastern Basketball League, he took up officiating and rose quickly through the ranks. In 1969 he became one of the first African-American referees to join the NBA, and his first game in the league was also the professional debut of Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), a nationally televised game on ABC’s Wide World of Sports.
After his time in the NBA, Parker continued to referee for more than 30 years, working thousands of games at the collegiate, high school and recreation levels, ranging from the Baker League and Sonny Hill League to the Norristown Police Athletic League games for elementary school kids.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Elizabeth and Mary Jane, and stepbrother, John Walker.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by: his children, Jill Parker Clark and Albert P. Parker II; son-in-law, John A. Clark Sr.; daughter-in-law, Melissa R. Parker; grandchildren, Jiana M. Clark, John W. Parker II, Avery J. Parker, John A. “Jack” Clark Jr. and Peyton A. Parker; brother, Robert M. Parker; and other relatives and friends.
Services will be held Saturday at St. Patrick’s Church, 714 Dekalb St., Norristown. Friends may call at 9 a.m. Services will follow at 10 a.m.
Beckett, Brown and Hodges Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in memory of John W. Parker to either of the following organizations:
Upper Dublin Education Foundation/John W. Parker Sandy Run Principal’s Award, 1580 Fort Washington Ave., Maple Glen, PA 19002, (215) 576-3280.
Philadelphia Youth Basketball, 1735 Market St., 49th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103, (215) 864-8274 or www.phillyyouthbasketball.org.
Dr. William Ritter
Dr. William Ritter - Upper Dublin Science Teacher
Dr. Ritter acted as principal after our graduation for a short while and then returned to teaching. Unfortunately, he passed away a few years later. He left a lasting impression on many of us.
Benjamin Theodore Zartman Jr.
1943-2002
ZARTMAN BENJAMIN THEODORE JR., age 59, of Hegins, PA formerly of Hilltown, PA, on Sat., July 6, 2002; survived by wife Antoinette M. (nee Hager); his father Benjamin T. Zartman, Sr., sons Benjamin T. Zartman III of Sellersville, PA, Christopher B. Zartman of Hatfield and Bradley H. Zartman of Hilltown, Pa, daughter Haylee B. Zartman of Hegins, PA, step son Robert J. Bainbridge of Hegins, PA, stepdaughter Asya M. Bainbridge and sister Julia Gilje of Harrisonburg, VA; also 2 grandchildren. He was a graduate of Reading High School, received his Bachelor's degree from Ursinus College, Collegeville, PA, his master's degree from Indiana University, and attended graduate school at Beaver College. He was a member of PSEA. A Memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.
Published in Philadelphia Inquirer & Philadelphia Daily News on July 7, 2002
_____________________________________________________