In the yearbook, Dorothy (or “Dot”) was described as “willing to help,” and listed a goal of working with handicapped or underprivileged children.  She certainly realized her dream, with a lifetime commitment to special education.

Dorothy graduated from Millersville University in 1970 with a teaching credential, then received a Master’s in the field from Widener College.  She furthered her training with postgraduate courses and was working on her Ph.D. at the time of her death.

Dorothy worked at Devereux School and Elwyn Institute.  She was also employed by Delaware County Intermediate Unit for 28 years. For the last ten years of her career, she was Principal at Summit School.

Dorothy balanced her professional life with family connections as well as civic and church activities, and she also knew how to have fun, enjoying sports, travel and shopping.  She is survived by her son David L. Redmond and grandson Brandon King.
 

Our classmate Mary Lou (Chermol) Smith died on August 10, 2014 from a progressive form of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). She is survived by her devoted husband of 38 years Jim Smith. After graduating from NP, Mary Lou attended Randolph Macon College in Lynchburg, VA, where she participated on the school's tennis team and graduated with honors with a degree in Political Science. She then worked for the Federal Government in Philadelphia where she met her husband. Mary Lou was diagnosed with MS in 1991. After working 22 years and receiving many honors and awards, she was forced to retire. For the last 15 years of her life, Mary Lou and Jim lived in Sea Isle City, NJ where she was an inspiration to all who knew her. She never lost her great sense of humor despite the pain she suffered. Mary Lou was truly a person that people loved the first time they met her. She is greatly loved and missed by all who knew her.

 

Nick became a lifelong convert to Southern living after graduating from Nether Providence and attending college at University of Kentucky, where he received a degree in anthropology.  Subsequently he lvied at various times in Tennesee, Georgia and North Carolina.  Nick returned to school to become a pharmacist and worked in several drug stores and a hospital over the years.  He had two children, a son and daughter, who are now 19 and 16 years old, with his second wife Marsha.  Their divorce and a job in another state temporarily prevented Nick from residing with his children, but he remained involved in their lives.  In mid 2005 Marsha suddenly passed away, and Nick had to become more directly involved in parentling.  In December 2005, however, a day after a visit with his brother and mother, Nick had a stroke from which he never recovered.

Despite his untimely death, his brother Phil, Class of 1963, reports that Nick had some good times, with interests in collecting antiques and records, including many by Elvis Presley. He loved to bike and took his everywhere with him.  He thoroughly enjoyed his first trip to Europe in early 2005.  Phil recalls Nick’s terrific smile and wry sense of humor, and notes that he is greatly missed by his family and friends.  Phil says Nick would have loved to attend our 40th reunion.
 

We don't know anything about Bill's life post high school. Information welcome.

Despite a long struggle with Hodgkins Disease and then experimental chemotherapy treatment, Ruthe managed to achieve many of her dreams in a short 33 years.  Ruthe graduated magna cum laude from NYU, obtained two master’s degrees and wrote a book while working at Housing and Urban Development.

Nancy Bedwell Brustle recalls Ruthe as “amazing, smart and my best friend from kindergarten onward.  So many memories come flooding back when I think about her and her parents.  They were literally a part of my whole life - the Epsteins were my second/surrogate family.”

Jean Cushman also felt a part of the Epstein family.  She recalls Ruthe as inspiring, challenging -- and also adventuresome.  As a young attendee of the Montreal World’s Fair in 1967, Ruthe engaged the hosts of the Russian pavilion in their native language, getting them to admit that they wanted American cars and loved capitalism.  They, in turn, were surprised to learn of Ruthe’s support of socialism. 

Ruthe preceded us in dealing with love, pain, loss.  She is a model for what we can contribute even when faced with a short amount of time.
 

John Harriz remembers Peter Graham as “one of the good guys that would temper us.” Not always, however.  Jon Robinson recalls a time senior year when Pete joined Jon and Jim Yahres in a dare to skip school and play Philly tourists, running into Chalky Wright in the process. Mr. Wright didn’t bust them on the spot, but back at school another teacher asked the guys to turn in a five-page paper on their “personal field trip.”

Pete’s brother Bill (Class of 1961) reports that after Pete’s Nether Providence exploits, he attended Lehigh University where he pursued a dual major in Industrial Engineering and Information Systems.  A brief marriage to his high school sweetheart, Sally Mansen, followed graduation.  Peter's professional career was primarily focused on Information Systems. He worked over the years for several companies, culminating in the position of Director of Applications at McGraw-Hill Publishing. He moved to Greenville, SC upon his retirement in 2000 and lived there until he passed away as a result of complications of treatment for stomach cancer.

Pete maintained a friendship with his former hookie-playing friend, Jon, for many years.  Peter was a groomsman at Jon’s wedding, and followed through on a threat he made to Jon to send Jon’s wife Maggie pictures from the bachelor party on their 20th wedding anniversary. Jon counts himself among those who had looked forward to seeing Pete once again at the 40th reunion.

 

Our Bark Treaurer Cathy Graves passed away at age 65 in Limerick, PA, leaving behind her two daughters, Karen and Kristyn, her son William, and five grandchilren. More details of Cathy's life after Nether Providence are welcome.

We have not learned anything about Bob's life after NPHS, but here is what his Non Pareil entry had to say:

Bob..."Zahaa!"...good listener...future free lance playboy...likes Four Tops and Triumphs...dislikes 8:10 am and Spanish...Parkside...the Jolly Giant is serious sometimes.

We welcome information from classmates who can update us on the years between 1967 and 1995.

We hope to receive information on Larry's life following high school. Below is his obituary, posted in The Daily Times on August 1, 2013. 

Lawrene Groom, Sr. silently slipped away at his home on July 26, 2013 surrounded by his family. He was born in Philadelphia, PA to the late Richard Lee and Virgie Edward Groom. Mr. Groom was a member of Goodwill of Zion Lodge and later demitted to Linwood Lodge #87. He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Lawrence Groom, Jr., Tyrone McCrea, Donald Smith, Kenya Jones and Tonya Smith; also survived by his siblings Richard, Scott, and Kevin Groom, and Diana Kelly (Jesse), 10 grandchildren, a dear friend Gwendolyn Williams and many other relatives and friends. 

Ken attended Virginia-Wesleyan College in Norfolk, VA, after graduating from NPHS. He retired from CRC Industries in Warminster, PA. Ken was an avid fisherman who enjoyed spending time outdoors in the various streams of PA, and in the state of Maine. He is survived by his wife Rebecca, sons Eric and Ian, and grandchildren Lucas and Nathan.
 

In the interval between Denny's graduation from high schol and succumbing to cancer in 2006, Denny’s brother Corky (Class of 1962) reports that Denny continued a number of interests that marked his high school years – music, storytelling, and an affinity for the water. Denny’s musical talent included mastering a variety of stringed instruments and composing numerous songs, and he often enjoyed playing music with friends and family. This talent, along with being a lively storyteller, described by Cindy Wurst McLemore as “an ability to paint a vivid and realistic picture in your mind,” found its outlet in volunteer work at a local elementary school, where Denny told stories, played and sang for the kids.  Denny’s love of water manifested itself in numerous fishing expeditions to the Poconos while a young adult and meant that he never resided very far from the ocean. As a result, he attended Florida State University, went to Ocean City, NJ often when he worked at Sun Oil, built parts of the boardwalk in Ocean City, MD when he was employed in the construction industry, and ended up working as superintendent of maintenance at two beach hotels in Myrtle Beach, SC.  John Harriz recalls that “Denny was a magnet and leader.  Those in our “gang” would follow him around to see what we would be doing next.”  We will have to figure that out for ourselves at this reunion.

Joe's life between 1967 and 2000 is yet to be memorialized, and we welcome details that will let us do so. The Non Pareil entry reads as follows:

Joe..."Hindy"...one of our illustrious firemen...dislikes fires after midnight...found caddying at Springhaven C.C...hopes to make a mint..."I bet!"

Fran's light was extinguished almost before it was able to shine.  A car accident took her life after she relocated to California following graduation.  She is survived by a child.

Debby Phillips Riddle remarks, “Fran was the friend I turned to for answers to teenage questions about everything from relationships and the meaning of life to the proper application of eyeliner. At 14, I considered her to be the ultimate authority. We shared many hours talking and laughing in her room when we were supposed to be doing homework. She had fire and self-confidence that drew people to her.  Fran was so full of life and fun – she even made going to Mass (all in Latin at the time) a pleasure. She was my source of information and my source of inspiration. I wish she was here.”
 

Pam passed away November 30, 2016 in her home in Sedgwick, ME, where she lived and worked for many years. Pam was an artist, children's book illustrator and author, horticulturist, sheep farmer, garden designer, and ardent conservationist. She served as president of the Wild Seed Project and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Blue Hill Heritage Trust. Her estate has provided for the stewardship of the Surrey Forest.

Paul Johnson achieved his goal of a career in the food services industry, after attaining a degree from the Culinary Institute of American in New Haven, CT.  He married another NP graduate, Linda Manchi, and they had two children, Paul Jr. and Heidi.  Before his untimely death, Paul had moved to Florida to be close to his daughter who had relocated there.  Besides his children, Paul is survived by his sister Pam, another Class of 1967 graduate.
 

Jane’s yearbook entry contained a quote from George Herbert, “Sink not in spirit: who aimeth at the sky shoots higher much than he that means a tree.”  Jane followed that precept by pursuing her dream of a career in ballet, attending a college that combined liberal arts with a dance curriculum in opposition to her parents’ preferences.  Even though Jane was not able to realize her ultimate career goal, she experienced joy in trying. 

Jane lived and worked in the banking industry in Boston following college graduation, maintaining an active interest in liberal politics, family, friends, and her pet birds. 

Elizabeth Whichard Robinson, who became friends with Jane when she moved to Wallingford in 6th grade, said that Jane maintained their connection even as her autoimmune disease progressed. “She was a special person and I'm glad I knew her for the years she was with us,” said Elizabeth.
 

Our classmate Ron lived in Florida for many years. Details of his life are welcome.

As recently as May 2016, Chris planned to attend our 50th class reunion, offering to help in its organization. Chris' husband, John Pluta, donated special Bulldog cookies to our event from Kyj's bakery.

Chris was born in South Hampton, NY to Ukrainian immigrants, and she was an active supporter of many Ukrainian-American organizations. Chris was a graduate of Trinity College (B.A. Biology), and Widener University (MBA) and worked at Wistar Institute until she decided to enter the family business, Kyj’s Bakery, an institution for over 60 years. Chris was dedicated to the bakery’s loyal customers, and specialized in designing and decorating specialty cakes. Click here for a link to a story about Kyj's 60th anniversary. 

Beside her husband, Chris is survived by her children Anne, Larissa, John, and Andrew and many cherished friends. It is no surprise that her dynamic, gregarious personality lasted her whole life. 

"When I was asked to put together a memorial for Bart, it opened memories that brought tears and smiles. Joy and sorrow: one sits at your table, the other sleeps in your bed. Rather than trying to immortalize Bart I found myself asking what would Bart want. It became clear that he would have wanted to help others to live their lives in a meaningful way. So I share words written by classmates and friends about a man who loved me more in his brief life than most people know in a lifetime. I am a lucky woman.

The legacy continues as Bart has a namesake. His grandson, Daniel, was born to Spencer McLaughlin and Katie Donaghy on October 13th, 2005.

Thank you for asking me to do this."

Suzie Philips McLaughlin

Please click here for the full text of the memorial.

Ed.: The class of 1967 will never forget Bart's contribution to the success of our 25th Reunion.
 

Joe graduated as valedictorian and went on to study computer science at Pennsylvania State University where he earned a BS and MS. He was an executive with a successful career at Shared Medical Systems, Medco, Merck, WebMD, CHOP, eBay, GSI and Radial.

He is survived by his siblings Marie Edwards, Paul Novoshielski and Ann Martignetti. Joe was a loving father to Kerri Lyn Muhr and Andrew Joseph Novoshielshi and had four grandchildren.

Joe had a passion for golf, going for walks and spending time at his vacation house in Avalon, NJ.

Bob was ahead of his time in recognizing the importance of environment issues.  He prepared for a career as an environmental engineer with an undergraduate degree in civil engineering from University of Pittsburgh and then went on to obtain a master of science degree in environmental engineering from Drexel University.  After completing his academic training, Bob worked for Region II of the Environmental Protection Agency in New York and then in various divisions of CH2M-Hill in Reston, VA, Oak Ridge, TN and Denver, CO.

While in Oak Ridge, Bob was very active in local civic affairs. He was a member of the board of directors of the Oak Ridge Waste Management Association, now the East Tennessee Environmental Business Association, and was instrumental in the founding of Greenways Oak Ridge, a way of weaving natural corridors throughout the community.

Bob married in his late 30’s and had three daughters at home at the time of his death from cancer at the age of 48.

Fellow classmate Jon Robinson remembers Bob as “an extremely likeable guy -- lots of fun to be with.  He was genuine and had a great sense of humor.”  All who knew Bob would second that comment.
 

Warren “Boo” Pharoah was one of our generation who felt the effects of the Vietnam War.  He was drafted into the Army in 1968.  Fortunately, his tour of duty kept him stateside in Texas and North Carolina.  Boo married and had two sons, but later divorced.  At the time of his death from a heart attack he had two grandchildren, which has since expanded to a total of five.  He is also survived by a sister Irene, another NPHS graduate.
 

Greg served in the army after graduation, mostly in Korea.  After returning home, he married his high school sweetheart and fellow class member Diane Seaman.  They would have been married for 40 years April 4, 2010.  Most of Greg's career was spent at General Chemical as a master mechanic until they closed. After that, he worked as a driver for Whitehorse Village before becoming ill.  Throughout his adulthood, Greg had a passion for golf. 

Greg fought cancer for almost 2-1/2 years until losing the battle on December 10, 2009.  Besides Diane, Greg is survived by two grown children, Jennifer and Greg, Jr.  In summing up her time with Greg, Diane says, "Greg was always the love of my life, as I was his.  We brought each other the happiness we wanted out of life."

 

Susan married Peter Humphreys (NPHS Class of '66), and they spent a long, happy life together, residing in Washington, DC, New Jersey and several locations in Chester County.

Susan worked a various jobs, including as a stockbroker, before embarking on a career in information technology.  She worked for SMS, University of Pennsylvania Hospital, and IDX (medical software).

Susan developed breast cancer in 1994 and died in 2000.

Sports and music, two areas in which Jean excelled in high school, were lifelong interests. After graduating from West Chester State, Jean taught physical education for several years before  becaming a full-time mom to her sons Brian and Michael. Later on, she worked for a number of local businesses, including FedEx, and coached Special Olympics for 25 years. Her older sister Barbara describes Jean as "kind, funny and easy to hang out with," and these traits were certainly in evidence during the planning for the 40th and 50th class reunions. Despite her illness, Jean enthusiastially pitched on with the latter, and never one to miss a party, she attended the event. Click here for more details of Jean's life.

Our classmate Ellis lived an adventurous life. After graduating from Georgia Tech in civil engineering, Ellis became a commissioned officer in the U.S. Public Health Service, Division of Indian Health, where he provided water and sanitation systems in Arizona. Following that stint, he got an M.S. in environmental engineering from Northeastern University. He joined CDM Smith after completing graduate studies and rose to Senior Vice President. His expertise in global development took him all over the world. including Central America, South America and the Middle East. Ellis lived and worked for a number of years in Alexandria, Egypt and Quito, Ecuador.  Ellis retired from CDM in 2014, but maintained a consulting business from his home. In 2014, Ellis and his wife, Diana, moved to their vacation home in Lake Anna, Va. where he enjoyed golfing, fishing and water sports.

Ellis died in January 2016, two months after undergoing surgery for a brain tumor.  Ellis is survived by his wife, Diana Scott, children Stuart and Natalie, and his six siblings.

Jack Hittson remembers Ted as a superior athlete—a 3-year varsity football letterman as a starting halfback who also lettered in baseball and basketball and consistently medaled in the May Day athletic competition festivities. He notes that Ted was our class president freshman year and Varsity football team co-captain senior year.

All that we know of Ted post high school is that he attended University of South Carolina's main campus in Columbia, SC and passed away in West Palm Beach, FL. We hope to be able to fill in the gaps.