Alumni Notes | February 2026

Robert T. Singleton (affectionately known as Pastor Bob), 78, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Celebration Villa of Chippewa.

Born on June 28, 1947, in New Kensington, PA, he was the son of the late James and Ruth (Shaffer) Singleton.

Pastor Bob served most of his ministry years at the Rochester Free Methodist Church, where he also hosted his annual Pastor Bob’s Wild Game Dinner. He won many to Christ through his ministry and living example as a man of faith and family.  He was an avid Hunter throughout his life and took great joy in teaching hunter safety and the love of hunting to others. Pastor Bob served on numerous boards and committees through the years including being on the Board of trustees at his Alma mater Roberts Wesleyan University.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Carol A. (Hollis) Singleton; daughters, Michelle (Kirk) Kettinger and Melissa (Tim) Zawislak; grandchildren, Meghan, Jared (Meg), Jenna (Logan), Ryan (Lilly), and Shannon; as well as numerous extended family members and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James “Jim” Singleton.

A time of remembrance will be held on Saturday, February 28th from 3PM until the time of memorial service at 4PM at Rochester Free Methodist Church, 480 Jefferson Street, Rochester, PA 15074.  A time of food and fellowship will be held following services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rochester Free Methodist Church Food Pantry, 480 Jefferson St., Rochester, PA 15074.

The family wishes to extend a heart-felt ‘Thank You’ to the staff at Celebration Villa of Chippewa, as well as the nurses at Gateway Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.

https://www.gabauerfamilyfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/robert-t-pastor-bob-singleton/ 

Hilton - Michael J. Mattia passed away after a brief illness on February 3, 2026 at the age of 73.  He was predeceased by his parents, Domenico and Orestina Mattia.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Jean; his children, Christina (Joseph) Latronica, Anthony (Jessica) Mattia, and Rosanne (Noah) Harald; his grandchildren, Julia, Alexa and Tessa Latronica, Lydia and Amelia Mattia, Francesca, Shai and Almarinda Harald; his brother, Giuseppe (Stefanina) Mattia; his brother-in-law, James (Anne) Wuethrich; his sister-in-law, Eileen Wuethrich; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Michael was born in Petacciato, Italy, and immigrated to the United States at the age of four. He pursued his education at St. John Fisher College and Roberts Wesleyan College and went on to build a dedicated career at Delco Products, where he served as a supervisor. A devout member of the Catholic Church, Michael lived life with faith and quiet conviction. He was known for his wonderful sense of humor, remarkable ability to build or fix anything, and his love of woodworking, cooking, traveling, fishing and hunting. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family. Michael’s strong work ethic guided him throughout his life.  He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

https://www.burgerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Michael-J-Mattia?obId=47172786

Lawrence Gordon Jermyn, 70, of Melbourne, Florida, passed away unexpectedly January 30, 2026. Larry lived a life of adventure and compassion, sharing his journey and generous spirit with the many lives he touched.

Born November 23, 1955 in Rochester, New York, to parents Norman & Marion (Neubauer) Jermyn. Larry graduated from Gates-Chili High School in 1973, was a 1977 graduate of Roberts Wesleyan University, and continued his education while attending Ohio State University.

Larry's career began as a Science/Chemistry teacher at Northmor High School in Galion, Ohio and at Fairbanks High School, Milford Center, Ohio. He later transitioned to a successful management career at Honda of America, a 30 year employee.

Larry married the love of his life, Deborah Maxwell, on June 26, 1982. They shared 41 years together and were known as the couple who had an immense love of everything Disney!

He was passionate about many things including being a Green Bay Packers fan and team shareholder. His passion extended to his church and many activities, including leading Grief Share group.

Larry was pre-deceased by his wife, Deborah (Maxwell) Jermyn, his parents, his brother William Jermyn, brother Kenneth Jermyn, nephew Eric Jermyn, brother-in-law Brian Nicol, mother-in-law and father-in-law James and Judith Maxwell. Larry was also a devoted Dad over the years to six furry family members whom he loved dearly.

Survived by family: Deanna Maxwell, Doug & Denise (Maxwell) Scheiderer, Dawna (Maxwell) Nicol, Cole Scheiderer, Richard & Brianne Moore, Blake & Emily Scheiderer, Joe & Bailey Hackney, Brent & Kristen Nicol, Wendy Jermyn, Nadine Jermyn-Chala, Tracey Jermyn, Sean & Emily (Jermyn) Harley, and Nick & Michelle Jermyn – as well as many great-nieces, nephews, and numerous friends.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/lawrence-jermyn-obituary?id=60747049

Erin K. Crane passed away peacefully on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the age of 51. She is now resting in the loving arms of her Lord and Savior.

She was predeceased by her father, Charles Kelly, and her sister, Sarah. Erin is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Randy Crane; her children, Joshua and Rebekah; her mother, Anne (Dave) Warnick; her brother, Charles Kelly; her stepsisters, Erika Montanarella and Sandra Kudla, and their children; and her nieces, Taeko Kelly and Chaundacey Crane-Yackley.

Born on February 22, 1974, Erin was a faithful wife, a devoted mother, and a compassionate nurse who lived a life of service to others. Her kindness, strength, and love reflected her Christian faith and touched all who knew her. Erin found peace and joy in God’s creation, especially while spending time in nature, camping, kayaking, birdwatching, and expressing her creativity through crafting and scrapbooking.

Scripture reminds us of this promise:

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

— 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

https://www.farrell-ryan.com/obituaries/erin-crane?ttm_pid=210780800&ttm_affiliate=legacypro&ttm_affiliatetype=standard&ttm_campaign=legacy

Rick passed away peacefully on Jan 26th at the age of 74 from multiple medical complications. Rick grew up in Greece, NY and graduated from Charlotte HS in 1969. He received a degree in social work/sociology from Roberts Wesleyan College in 1974. He worked for Child Protective Services of Monroe County for 23 years. He received his Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling from SUNY Brockport in 1991. After leaving the county he worked in various capacities as a counselor and teacher and opened a private practice. He developed specialties in the areas of addiction and trauma.

Rick was called to his faith at an early age and was a long term member of the New Life Assembly Church. He was remembered by his Pastor as a very loyal and inspirational member of his church.

Rick is survived by two sisters Wendy Pilaroscia and Marcia Ferguson (Chris Murphy), a nephew Brian Pilaroscia, a niece Mikela Murphy, as well as maternal cousins and a grandniece and grandnephew. In addition to blood relatives, Rick leaves behind loved ones who he considered family including Christopher Mayo and wife Cathy Mayo, Rick's goddaughter Marzella Harrison, her husband Aaron, and their 4 daughters Ava, Aliza, Anna, and Audra. Rick was predeceased by his parents: Ronald (2019) and Marjorie Ferguson (2010).

Rick had an endless capacity to give and care for others, supporting and helping numerous individuals over the years. A memorial service will be held on April 18, 2026 at 11 am at New Life Assembly, 64 Calkins Road, Rochester, NY 14623.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/richard-ferguson-obituary?id=60721281

Philip Edward Edin a resident of Elkins, left this life on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Mon Health Medical Center in Morgantown, West Virginia. He was born in Rumsey, Kentucky on June 26, 1949 the son of the late Reverend Curtis Edin and Rachel Groves Edin. He was a 1967 graduate of Tonawanda High School in New York State and a 1971 graduate of Roberts Wesleyan College in North Chili, New York. Phil leaves behind a loving wife Jo Ann Dickerson Edin of Elkins who he married April 14, 1973 in Parma, NY; son Pastor Tim Edin and daughter-in-law Jami Edin, both of Elkins. Granddaughter Jordan; and grandsons Canaan, Levi & Gideon.  One sister, Karen (Edin) and Ken Schlum of Lockport, NY and Neil Edin of the Phiippines.  One niece, Katrina (Schlum) and Miles Vaniglia of Grand Island, NY and two nephews, Raymond (Timmie) Schlum of Clarence, NY and Kevin (Nicole) Schlum of Lockport, NY.  Phil had retired from New York State Insurance where he had worked as a Field Service Representative. Phil and Jo Ann had resided in Rochester, New York prior to moving to West Virginia in 2017. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Elkins. The family would like to thank Mountain Memories, Davis Medical Center and Mon Health Medical Center for their care of Phil.

Friends will be received from 10:00 am until 11:00 am Saturday, March 21 2026 at First United Methodist Church in Elkins. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, March 21st from the church. Gifts in memory of Phil may be made to First United Methodist Church, 315 Kerens Avenue, Elkins West Virginia 26241. The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Philip Edward Edin. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.

https://www.tomblynfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Philip-Edward-Edin?obId=47052233

Lynnette Ann Ward passed away on October 15, 2025. She was born on December 16, 1965 in Buffalo, NY. Predeceased by her parents Everett and Marlene [Cronk] Horn, and sister, Kathy. Survived by her husband of 38 years, Matt Ward; children, Lindsay (Vikrant) Ward-Gokhale of Virginia and Eric (Hannah) Ward of New Mexico; a grandson on the way; brothers Tim (Lori) Horn and Dan (Jody) Horn; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Lynnette spent her career in healthcare. She was incredibly proud of her journey, starting as an aide and working her way to being a Registered Nurse. She loved caring for the community through her profession. In her time away from work, she was often found spending time with friends and family at concerts, out bowling or swimming, or just enjoying company over coffee. More than anything, she was a mother and a wife. She was deeply devoted to her family and will be missed by all who loved her.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/lynnette-ward-obituary?id=59858700

Kathryn E. (Franke) Perkins, 76, of Parish, NY, passed away on September 6, 2025 in St. Joseph Hospital, Syracuse, NY.  Born on April 6, 1949 in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late Erwin and Eleanor (Redinger) Franke and the wife of Rodney L. Perkins.

Kathryn graduated from Lewiston Porter High School.  She earned her Bachelors Degree in Science from Roberts Wesleyan University and her Masters Degree in Education from SUNY Brockport.  Kathryn later received a Degree of Advanced Study.  She was employed as a school teacher for various school districts in both the United States and Australia and also served as Mayor of Parish, NY.  Kathryn was a member of her husband's church, North Country Christian Church, Inc., where she was deeply devoted and active.

In addition to her beloved husband, Kathryn is survived by siblings, Robert (Bonnie) Franke and Paul (Eileen) Franke and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by brothers, David (late Kathleen) Franke and Charles (living, Donna) Franke.

https://www.ottoredanz.com/obituary/Kathryn-Perkins

Darwin Lee Chapman, age 77, went peacefully home to his heavenly father following a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and unwavering love for his family and community.

Born with a generous heart and a quiet wisdom, Darwin spent his life enriching the lives of those around him. Whether through his work, his passions, or simply his presence, he was a steady and comforting force. He was known for his gentle demeanor, his sharp wit, and his ability to make anyone feel at home.

Darwin was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He found joy in the simple things—sharing stories, lending a helping hand, and spending time with those he loved. His life was a testament to integrity, humility, and grace.

He is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn (Wilbur) Chapman. He was a loving father of Laura Parke, Lisa (Philip) Ammon, Peter (Joy) Chapman, and Linda (Chris) Lee; grandfather to Luke, Taylor, Allie, Ben, Evie, and Olivia; brother of Marcia (Ron) Hiller and Jan (Jeff) Hardin; and uncle to many amazing nieces and nephews who will carry forward his memory with love and pride. Though he is no longer with us, Darwin’s spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.

https://www.bettsandwestfuneralhome.com/obituaries/darwin-chapman