News
Alumni Notes | July 2023
Obituaries
Barry J. Dutton ‘88 (English) age 57, died suddenly June 17, 2023. He is survived by his beloved family; his wife of 27 years, Edlyn; children Charlie (fiancee Courtney Stanton), Alex and Sarah; his parents Jay and Carol; siblings Kelly (Joel) Edsell and Alan (Rachael) Dutton; father-in-law Richard Shipway; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Barry was devoted to and deeply loved his entire family. He enjoyed fishing trips with his father and friends. He was a fan of D.C. Comics and the band Kansas. Barry was a lifelong member of the Nichols United Methodist Church, where he served as a Lay Leader and played bass guitar in the Praise Band. He taught Remedial Reading at Tioga Center Elementary School, where he combined his passion for teaching and reading to help improve the reading skills of his students.
Kimberly L. Evans ‘93 (Management Human Resources MHR) Mason, Ohio - Kimberly L. Evans (Nee Evans), 56, passed away on Monday January 10, 2022. She was born on Saturday March 27, 1965 in Rochester, New York to Gale Patrick and Jean Marie (Nee Reuss) Evans.
Kim was a graduate of Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester New York. Kim was most recently employed at Atricure, headquartered in Mason Ohio, as the Department Administrator, Engineering Operations. Kim was a very giving person with a heart for others. She often volunteered at Sleep in Heavenly Peace, A Child's Hope and other charities. She was a counselor at the Eve Center helping women in need and touched many hearts in the process. Kim loved to garden and always maintained beautiful and colorful gardens. Neighbors would often stop and comment on how beautiful her gardens were. Kim was also very fond of birds and loved to hang colorful bird houses throughout the property. In her spare time, she liked to paint, put together puzzles, and play golf with her husband Dave. Kimberly is preceded in death by her father, G. Patrick Evans. Kimberly is survived by her husband David G. Evans; child Elissa "Elliot" Evans; mother Jean Evans; step-children Lori (Jeff) Lukus, Robyn (Kevin) O'Keefe, Mark (Iclal) Evans; step-grandchildren Autumn Joseph, Alec Lukus, Evan Lukus, Lauren Lukus, Braden O'Keefe, Gavin O'Keefe, Brody O'Keefe, Graham O'Keefe, Logan Evans, Riley Evans; siblings Cynthia Evans, Scott Evans, Michael Evans; nieces and nephews Megan Kloosterman, Jennifer Kloosterman, Gage Evans, Jace Evans, Serafina Evans and Sawyer O'Farrell.
Andrea Santillo Fragnito ‘88 (Music) Andrea Santillo Fragnito was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She passed away at age 57 on July 8th 2023 after a two and a half year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Andrea is survived by her husband Dean Fragnito, two children Josiah Fragnito and Sofia Fragnito, parents Alfred and Anna Santillo, brother Mark Santillo and a host of beloved cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.
She was born in Rochester, NY to Al and Anna Santillo on June 19, 1966. At a young age Andrea became a follower of Jesus Christ through Good News Club. Her faith was central to who she was throughout her life. She showed great promise in music from a young age, beginning lessons in piano, violin, and clarinet in elementary school.
She graduated from Arcadia high school in 1984, where she excelled in math, and was a varsity track and field athlete and a cheerleader. She went on to receive a BA in music education with a concentration in piano and clarinet from Roberts Wesleyan College. While there she was a member of the choral, band, orchestra, and the Robert’s Singers. She then received her Masters degree from the University of Buffalo.
After college, her first music teaching job was at Lima Christian School, where she was the general music teacher, band teacher, and choir director for kindergarten through 12th grade. She also taught in Lockport and in the Greece Central School district.
After a few years of teaching she began attending Columbia Biblical Seminary at CIU, where she received her degree that allowed her to begin her missionary work. She started with shorter missions trips to Amsterdam, Brazil and Mexico, until Greater European Missions took her to Italy, but not before meeting her future husband— Dean Fragnito. In Italy she was the music teacher at the Istituto Biblico Evangelico Italiano (IBEI). She taught in her second language —Italian, which she became fluent in while in Italy. She created their music department from the ground up, and made lifelong friends. After over a year of long distance phone calls and emails, Dean crossed the Atlantic to propose.
She returned to Rochester after two years abroad, and married Dean on September 6th 1997. Together they had two children, Josiah and Sofia. Andrea decided to take a break from being a school teacher, and devoted her time to homeschooling her children— her daughter through elementary school, and her son through middle school— and continued to use her gifts as a teacher, evangelist and musician with many different organizations. Andrea taught Italian through Greece Continuing Education. Up until the time of her passing, she taught private piano lessons, progressively adding voice and other instruments, from her home in Greece, NY. When her children were young, she held music classes at homeschool group lessons through Northgate LEAH and Greater Rochester LEAH. She was an instructor for Drama Kids International, where she had both her son and daughter in classes for many years. She was the worship leader at English Road Alliance church, where she had attended since she was a young adult. Her parents and brother were also a part of the praise team there. The same family members comprised a band that eventually included her children as well. She was also a pianist for the band the Smugtown Stompers, whose members included her father, and eventually her daughter. She and her daughter were a part of many productions with the theater company Stageworks. The two also directed musicals for Home School Academy LEAH primary. She was the accompanist for the choir at her daughters school Greece Odyssey, and played the piano in the pit orchestra for their theatrical productions. She combined her love of the lord and teaching as the head of the children's program for the West Rochester branch of Community Bible Study. As her children entered young adulthood she returned to her teaching roots as the general music teacher at Greece Christian School, where she taught kindergarten through 8th grade students.
A part of Andrea’s life that she valued very highly was her many ministries at Lakeshore Community Church. She was a part of the music team, where she worshiped the Lord with her musical gifts, playing keyboard on Sunday mornings. She was a leader in the student ministry, where she led a small group bible study for girls that she affectionately called “girls group”. In 2017 she went on a short term mission trip to Italy through Lakeshore, this time joined by her husband and children, as well as others from the church. She served at Flower City Work Camp, where she was the adult leader for sidewalk clubs that spread the word of God to children in the city of Rochester.
Andrea was a lover of the arts, culture and history. While her children were homeschooled, she took them on frequent field trips to historical sites, museums, galleries, and performances. She was a subscriber of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Rochester Broadway Theater League, Shea’s theater in Buffalo, and a yearly attender of the International Jazz Festival, all of which she attended with her daughter. She took various week-long trips to historical cities with her immediate family. She was an avid reader, and a Jane Austen fan. She enjoyed doing English country dance as a member of Country Dancers of Rochester along with her daughter. She was an excellent cook, and frequent host for parties and family gatherings. In her spare time she loved to refinished furniture and had a knack for interior design.
She praised the Lord in all that she did, and shared the love of God with everyone she came into contact with. She had great passion for her music, and for her students, pouring into every pupil she had. She had a quick wit and a cheery disposition, always laughing and sharing inside jokes with family and friends. Andrea was exceedingly organized and had a constant want to be productive— if she was working on a project, it was going to be done, and done well. Though her time on this Earth was cut short, she blessed countless people with her love and talents, and the effect she had will last for decades to come.
Pauline Latham Freemesser ‘43 Saturday, July 1, 2023 at age 99. Predeceased by her husband, Fred J. Freemesser. Survived by her son, James (Margaret) Freemesser; daughters, Sandra (Michael) Santandrea, Winifred (Richard) Franklin; Jacquelyn (Dale) Speck; 19 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; many loving family and dear friends.
Pauline was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. The family would like to thank her special caretakers, Janice Zukoski, Judy Tarran, Sue Monte, Debbie Oldenburg and many others throughout the years for the love and care given to Pauline. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Marie A. Hathaway ‘99 (Organizational Management (OM)) Marie Ann Hathaway, born March 16th, 1949, passed away peacefully on July 1st, 2023, after her battle with Alzheimer’s.
Born in Rochester, New York to Richard “Dick” and Sue [Travalini] Pilliter, Marie was passionate about community, family, and animals from a very young age.
She also developed a love for cooking and baking from her mother and grandmother. Marie received her Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Roberts Wesleyan University in 1999 and very much enjoyed using the skills from that degree in her Administrative Staff roles at the Geva Theater before her retirement. Throughout her life, Marie greatly enjoyed traveling and meeting new people.
Marie was a kind, caring, and giving person who faced every challenge in her life with courage and dignity. She inspired in those who knew her the importance of family, hard work, and doing what is right. She will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives she touched.
Marie’s devoted partner, Michael Byrne, was her love and companion to the end of her life. His children Kelly Weishaar and Jason Byrne also played a large part in Marie’s life.
She is predeceased by her parents, Dick and Sue Pilliter and her brother, Richard Pillter. She is survived by sons: Robert M. (Kim) Hathaway, Charles E. Hathaway, and Stephen T. (Kelsey) Hathaway; grandchildren: John Hathaway, Zachary Hathaway, and Lillian Hathaway; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
Mom, you will always be in our hearts, and we will never forget you. We love you so much. Rest in Peace.
A Celebration of Life will be held privately on August 12, 2023.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to your local Alzheimer’s organization.
Joan Hull Joynt ‘62 (Nursing) Passed away suddenly on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at the age of 82. She was the beloved wife of Russell Joynt of Lombardy, Ontario. The mother of Deborah (Lance) Mitchell (Sierra, Morgan, Darcy, Reegan) and Daniel (Marie) Joynt (Amanda and Erin)
In keeping with Joan’s wishes a cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held
Saturday, August 12, 2023, 10:30 am at the Smiths Falls Free Methodist church, 573 County Road 29 Smiths Falls, Ontario K7A 4S5.
Geoffrey L. Livermore ‘88 (Mathematics) Geoffrey L. Livermore, 57, of Nazareth, formerly of New Hampshire, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 24, 2023. He was the husband of Kerry J. (Bradford) Livermore. Geoff and Kerry met while in college and would have celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary in August.
Born in Greenville, Illinois, he was the son of The Rev. Dr. Paul and Alice (Hoke) Livermore. After graduating from Lewistown High School in 1984, Geoff attended Roberts Wesleyan University where he earned a BS in mathematics and physics. Post gradation, Geoff had a very successful career in the meat processing industry spanning more than 25 years at various companies, which included serving as the plant manager at Schweid & Sons in Carlstadt, NJ.
Although Geoff saw a ton of success in his career, his favorite role was being a loving husband and devoted father. Whether it was attending a basketball game, soccer game, swim meet, or band competition, Geoff was the biggest cheerleader and supporter of his three children. In his spare time, he enjoyed attending auctions and flea markets, and he had a particular penchant for repurposing items. Geoff was a member and volunteer at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Moorestown, where his wife serves as the sexton.
In addition to his loving wife, Kerry, and his parents, he will be deeply missed by his three children, Erika Livermore and wife, Alyssa Hann, of Sicklerville, NJ, Brad Livermore and Rebekah Livermore, both of Nazareth; sister, Alicia Thomson and husband, Dr. Robert Thomson, of Rochester, NY, and children Sarah and Joshua.
Lana Dawson Chamberlain Mackmer ‘69, age 75, of Shaller Road, Belfast, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 26, 2023. With the support and love of her husband, family and friends, she fought a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Lana was born July 12, 1947, in the small town of Georgetown, Pa. She was the first of four born to Ford and Marie Dawson, and being the oldest meant helping to raise her siblings, which in time turned her into a wonderfully caring and nurturing mother to not only two children, Andrew and Penny, but to many other family members and neighborhood kids. Family and friends know her as Mom, Grandma Lana, and Aunt Susie.
Having been a music major in college, she developed her beautiful singing voice and love of playing the piano. Many times she used her musical talents to help celebrate a joyous wedding and to sing God's praises while playing the piano at the Belfast Free Methodist Church.
On Sept. 3, 1966, Lana married her first love, Alan D. Chamberlain, and moved from small town Pennsylvania to small town New York. Lana and Alan were married for 43 years, creating many friendships and memories, as wells as two lucky children, Andrew and Penny.
Lana was predeceased by Alan in 2010, and after seven years, she fell in love again, marrying Robert Mackmer. Family and friends will be forever grateful to Bob for how happy he made our Mom, Grandma Lana and Susie in her final years.
Surviving are husband, Robert Mackmer; children, Andrew and Penny; favorite daughter-in-law, Karen Chamberlain; favorite "son-in-law," Rick Smith; favorite boys, grandsons Garrett and Cameron; beloved brothers, Dan (Rita) Dawson of Tennessee and Perry (Barb) Dawson of Pennsylvania; adored sister, Ginger (Anthony) Kazil of Pennsylvania; many nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; stepson, Paul (Natalia) Mackmer of Arizona; and stepdaughter, Rhonda (Harry) King of Maryland.
Wendy Singleton Peffer ‘88 (Nursing) age 57, of Zelienople, passed away on Monday, June 26, 2023 while under the care of UPMC Shadyside Hospital. Born on May 4, 1966, in Rochester, she was the daughter of the late James and June Singleton.
Wendy was a member of the Northway Christian Community Church in Wexford. She was a Sunday School teacher and Bible Study leader who had a significant spiritual impact on the lives of those she taught. She was a woman of deep devotion and faith in the Lord. Her family and friends were most important to her in life. She treasured the time she had with her family and especially loved family vacations. She loved her dog, Ellie, and granddog, Henry. Wendy will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mom and friend who will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband of 31 years, Gregg Peffer, who she married September 28, 1991; her children, Rachel Peffer and her husband, Ian
Kirk, and Luke Peffer; and her sister, R. Darlene Thomas and her husband, Robert and their children, Matthew and Alaina Thomas.
Joan Farroux Yost ‘59 (English) age 90, of Erie, passed away Monday, November 22, 2021. She was born in Boston, MA on March, 31, 1931, daughter of the late Daniel and Edna Fitzpatrick.
Joan was a member of St. James R.C. Church. She enjoyed reading and doing puzzles.
Joan is survived by four children, Gail Yost, Wesley Yost (Lisa), Maureen Morris, and Brenda Yost; seven grandchildren, Miranda Galbreath, Sara Harris (Randy), Jenesia Bushman (Justin), Rebecca Smith (Michael), Katrina Barnhart (Bryan), Brittany Hammer (Rick) and Kelsey Harvey (Rob); eight great-grandchildren, Christian, Brian, Ashlyn, Si, MacKenzie, Brenna, Tennessee, and Aubrianna, and another soon to be born; five siblings, Daniel, Paul, Alan, Dorothy, and Neal; and many nieces and nephews.
Anne Honeywell, Former Faculty, Associate Professor of Keyboard Instruments. On July 3, 2023 the Lord received Anne (Musser) Honeywell, 86, into His glory. She had suffered a lengthy illness and had resided at Messiah Lifeways at Messiah Village, Mechanicsburg, PA since February. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15 (ESV) Born on May 20, 1937 in Grantham, PA, Anne was the daughter of the late Clarence Z. and Helen (Brechbill) Musser. Surviving are her husband of 40 years, Charles C. Honeywell, Jr.; her two brothers, Robert J. Musser (Marian) of Carlisle, PA and David L. Musser (Beryl) of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; cousins, nephews and nieces. A brother-in-law, Ronald A. Honeywell, resides near Lancaster, PA. Anne attended Garrett Grove One Room School in Upper Allen, Mechanicsburg, PA; Messiah Academy Class of 1954 and Messiah Junior College in Grantham, PA. In 1958 she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Houghton University, Houghton, NY, where she studied organ with Charles H. Finney. Anne then taught middle school English and social studies in Ontario, CA. In 1960 she returned to Houghton University as assistant professor in organ and piano. During the subsequent summers at the University of Michigan, Anne earned the graduate degree Master of Music in organ performance in 1963. Her teachers included organists Marilyn Mason and Robert Glasgow and Eugene Bossart for piano accompaniment. Post-graduate, Anne studied piano with Menahem Pressler at Indiana University, Bloomington, IN and Peter Curd at Washington University, St. Louis, MO. In 1970 she joined the faculty at Roberts Wesleyan University near Rochester, NY, where she taught music theory, piano, and organ as associate professor and was college organist until retirement in 2003. Throughout her music career, Anne accompanied college faculty and students for their recitals and was organist/pianist at churches and weddings. A member of the Organ Historical Society, Anne advised and gave recitals on historic American organs in the St. Louis and Rochester areas. An ardent student of the Bible, Anne loved the Lord Jesus Christ and twice attended Francis and Edith Schaeffer’s L’Abri Fellowship in Switzerland. She subsequently took courses at Covenant Seminary, St. Louis. Members of her extended family were missionaries; that influence, together with a summer trip to Mexico with Operation Mobilization, piqued Anne’s interest in missions and evangelism. She had a heart for the poor and ministered in inner city churches in St. Louis and Rochester. In addition to music events, Anne loved group Bible studies, reading Christian authors, and sharing her knowledge of the Christian faith with college students. Together with her husband, Anne was a faithful member of the Redeemer Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Carlisle, PA and rested her hope in Christ.