In Memory | Lest We Forget

RAY CARMINES JR. ’51  

1927 – 2024

Ray Carmines Jr. died March 28. A lifelong resident of Poquoson, Virginia, Ray started classes at Virginia Tech in 1944. After two quarters, he enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 and served from 1945 to 1946. In July 1950, he married the love of his life, Beulah, and earned a degree in rural sociology from Virginia Tech in 1951. Ray devoted 36 years to Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company as a design engineer and cost engineer, retiring in 1987. He is survived by four daughters, nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.  

 

JERRY EZZELL CLARK ’54  

1932 - 2024  

Jerry Clark died Jan. 16. Originally from Danville, Virginia, he graduated from VPI in 1955 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He was commissioned in the U.S. Army and served in the Corps of Engineers. In 1956, he was assigned to the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring in 1963. Jerry worked for E.I. DuPont de Nemours as an engineering specialist in the fibers division for 36 years. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Myrtice Wrenn Clark. Jerry is survived by a son, a daughter, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

 

EUGENE C. MONCRIEF ’54

1932 – 2023

Eugene “Gene” Moncrief died Oct. 22. Gene had nearly fifty years of experience as a researcher, businessman, and consultant. He spent five years at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 23 years with Babcock & Wilcox Company, and 20 years as chairman of Merrihill Inc. He was also a partner with Inventory Solutions, Inc. He was a visiting graduate professor at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. Gene received his doctorate in chemical engineering from Virginia Tech. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frankie, parents, and his brother. He is survived by his daughter, son-in-law, sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.  

 

THOMAS COVER JOHNSON JR. ’56

1934 – 2023

Thomas Cover Johnson Jr. of Narrows, Virginia, died Nov. 16. A lifelong resident of Narrows, he graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1956. While at V.P.I., he commanded Company I in the Corps of Cadets and was a member of Scabbard and Blade. Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserve. Tom retired from Celanese Corp in Narrows after 25 years of service as a senior procurement agent. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jean, his two sons, three grandchildren, nephew, niece, great-nieces, and great-nephew.

 

IRVING LINWOOD PEDDREW III ’57  

1935 – 2024

 Irving Peddrew III died May 11. The first Black student admitted to a historically white, four-year college in any former Confederate state, he was the only African American among the university’s 3,322 students in 1953. While enrolled, Peddrew was not allowed to live or eat on campus and due to potential social uproar, he did not attend Ring Dance. Later, he became the namesake of a residence hall and the Class of 2023 class ring. Despite withdrawing from the university before graduating, his academic performance and character paved the way for other Black students. In 2016, he became the ninth person to receive an honorary degree from Virginia Tech.

 

ROBERT EARLY HALE ’57  

1930 – 2023

Robert Early Hale died Dec. 8. Born in West Virginia, Bob attended Virginia Tech, pausing to serve in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, and then graduated from Virginia Tech in 1957. He married Dorothy "Dot" Scarborough Parker in 1962, began a career in banking, and together with Dorothy raised two sons. In Henderson, North Carolina, he served as the city manager, returning to Virginia to retire at Smith Mountain Lake. Later, they moved in with their son’s family. Bob is survived by his sister Mary Hale Madge, sons John Claytor Hale (Elizabeth) and Alexander Parker Hale (Sarah), and four grandsons, niece, and nephews.  

 

LELAND DAVID EISENHOWER ’58

1937 – 2024

Leland David Eisenhower died Jan. 3. He graduated from Virginia Tech and served in the U.S. Army, volunteering in the explosive disposal unit. After military service, he worked at the Goddard Space Flight Center and then at GHT in Arlington. In the late 1970s, he founded Leland D. Eisenhower, LTD, Professional Engineers and Consultants and became a specialist in leadership in energy and environmental design. He later worked for several years in Swaziland. He is survived by his wife, Dee Palmisano, and numerous extended family.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Mary Ann and Charles, and his brothers Warren and Charles.

 

MATT WINSTON SR. ’59  

1938 – 2024

Matthew Maurice Winston Sr. died May 14. He was among the first Black students to attend Virginia Tech. He pursued a degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering and became the school’s second Black graduate. Later earning a master’s degree in engineering administration from George Washington University, Matthew enjoyed a distinguished 35-year career at NASA-Langley where he was the recipient of many agency awards. He married Margaret Sneed, and together they raised two children, Matthew Jr. and Meta. He is also survived by a sister, two grandchildren, daughter-in-law, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 

ROBERT SMITH BRUGUIERE ’61

1934 – 2024

Robert Smith Bruguiere died Feb. 19. Bob graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute with a degree in business administration and education. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a medical administrator. After various careers, Bob found his passion serving as a financial advisor for IDS/Ameriprise, helping young people prepare financially for the future. Bob met his wife, Judith Hoglund, in 1964 and after the birth of their son and two daughters, they moved to Martha’s Vineyard, later retiring to New London, New Hampshire. Bob is survived by Judy, his wife of 59 years, son, two daughters, eight grandchildren, sister, and nephews. 

 

EUGENE W. CARSON JR. ’61

1939 – 2023

Eugene Watson Carson Jr. died Nov. 24. He married Frances Carson in 1960. Gene earned a degree in agronomy at Virginia Tech and his doctorate from North Carolina State. He was a professor at Virginia Tech for 30 years, a member of the Academy of Teaching Excellence, and served as the associate provost. He taught courses at Radford University and served as international chief examiner on the board of directors for the International Baccalaureate. After Fran died, Gene married Karen Sirgy Carson. He is survived by his three daughters, nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren and Karen's three daughters and their children.

 

DANIEL LAURENCE RUBINI ’68

1946 – 2023

Daniel Laurence Rubini died Dec.31. Larry earned his political science degree from Virginia Tech and served in the U.S. Army. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from Temple University Law School and practiced law for 22 years. He then served as an administrative law judge for 24 years while in the Army reserves. Larry retired from the reserves in 2004. From 2012-2018, he received appointments to serve as an Army Reserve ambassador for Pennsylvania.  Larry is survived by his wife, Joan, two sons, three grandchildren, two sisters, and many extended family members.

 

DAVID CURTIS BARON ’73  

1951 – 2023

Born on July 30, David attended college at Virginia Tech, where he was a proud member of the Corps of Cadets. He met his wife, Linda, while attending graduate school. David and Linda married in 1975 and settled in Linda’s hometown of Fairfax, Virginia. He held several positions before becoming a successful business owner in the 90’s, and later held supervisory and training roles in the Transportation Security Administration for nearly a decade. He is survived by his wife Linda Baron, son, daughter, granddaughter, sister, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew.  

 

FRANCES MARSHA HART ’78

1955 – 2024

Frances Marsha Hart died Jan 4. After graduating from Christiansburg High School in 1973, Fran became one of the first females to enroll in the Corps of Cadets as a member of L Squadron. Graduating in 1978, she held many leadership roles in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, the City of Bedford, and at the Christiansburg Senior Center. She was active in philanthropy and support of non-profit organizations until the time of her passing. An avid reader, Fran never gave up the desire to learn and help others. She is survived by her sister, Pamela Hart King, four nephews, two nieces, two great-nieces, one great-nephew, and two great-great-nieces.  

 

ANDERSON K. KING ’18

1996 – 2023

   Anderson Keaton King died Nov. 2. Andy earned a degree in agricultural studies at Virginia Tech and commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. He embraced his military service with unwavering dedication, rising to the rank of captain. He was Helena Agri-Enterprises' top-selling branch manager and an active member of the Woodstock community. He is survived by his wife, Amy, and their cherished daughter, three brothers, parents, grandparents, two nephews, aunt, and uncle, two cousins, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law.

 

JULIE ROMUTIS ’22

2000 – 2023

Julie Anna Romutis died Oct. 16. Julie was born to Timothy and Grace Romutis, a cherished sister to Shannon Marie Romutis. Her grandparents held a special place in her heart, and she is survived by her beloved grandmother, Elizabeth Antol. Julie made history as the first field hockey goalie for Tuscarora High School. An avid gamer, she immersed herself in both video games and board games. In the kitchen, Julie was a true culinary artist. One of Julie's most cherished qualities was her unwavering loyalty and dedication as a friend. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her extraordinary spirit and warmth.  

 

ALEXIS BRIDGET BROTHERTON ’25

2003 – 2023

Alexis Bridget Brotherton died Dec. 24. A senior in animal and poultry sciences and a member of the Corps of Cadets and Army ROTC, Alexis was on track to graduate in 2025. She was president of the Phi Sigma National Biological Honor Society, a member of the Virginia Tech Clay Target team, and was ranked Little International at the Virginia Tech Livestock Show in 2022 and 2023. In the Corps, she served as the 4th Battalion tradition group leader and helped plan service projects for November Company. She is survived by her grandparents, parents, brother, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

 

LEST WE FORGET

 

R. Roy Cosby ’45, Falls Church, Virginia, 2/18/2024

John P. Gilman ’47, Richmond, Virginia, 3/12/2024

John E. Scott ’48, Charlottesville, Virginia, 3/16/2024

Wesley Witcher ’49, Clemson, South Carolina, 11/9/2023

Melvin H. Lewin ’49, Huntington Beach, California, 10/18/2023

Oliver P. Strawn ’50, Blacksburg, Virginia, 11/13/2023

Howard S. Hardcastle ’50, Cocoa Beach, Florida, 2/6/2024

Thomas C. Hunter ’50, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 3/20/2024

James O. Ash ’51, Callao, Virginia, 11/12/2023

Charles I. Tynan ’51, Harrison, Tennessee, 1/28/2024

Robert D. Cassell ’51, Mineral Wells, Texas, 1/31/2024

William R. Wisman ’51, Roanoke, Virginia, 10/29/2023

Ronald W. Palin ’52, Bristol, Virginia, 1/11/2024

Ira P. Cromer ’52, Midlothian, Virginia, 11/28/2023

Willard E. Foss ’52, Newport News, Virginia, 12/14/2023

Richard E. Harman ’52, Roanoke, Virginia, 10/19/2023

Thomas M. Hudson ’52, Roanoke, Virginia, 10/31/2023

Edward J. Scully ’52, Shelton, Connecticut, 1/23/2024

Jackson E. Kinzer ’53, Hawthorn Woods, Illinois, 2/6/2024

Charles C. Jones ’53, Richmond, Virginia, 1/13/2024

Gene L. Lewis ’53, Rocky Mount, North Carolina, 4/6/2024

Herbert C. Milton ’54, Brookneal, Virginia, 4/7/2024

Houston N. Snoddy ’54, Burnt Chimney, Virginia, 4/11/2024

Thomas A. Blackstock ’54, Newport News, Virginia, 4/21/2024

Charles R. Gunter ’54, Norfolk, Virginia, 1/5/2024

Manning C. Merritt ’54, Williamsburg, Virginia, 2/21/2024

Charles W. Miller ’55, Bridgewater, Virginia, 3/8/2024

Robert H. Daley ’55, Charleston, West Virginia, 1/2/2024

Amos L. Fisher ’56, Graham, North Carolina, 4/6/2024

Charles R. Boley ’56, Pulaski, Virginia, 1/14/2024

Alan D. Fetterolf ’57, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, 10/25/2023

Royce O. Hall ’57, Clearwater Beach, Florida, 3/1/2024

Robert M. Meith ’57, Diamondhead, Mississippi, 3/30/2024

Harry A. Austin ’57, Dyke, Virginia, 3/9/2024

Frederick C. Robinson ’57, Fairchance, Pennsylvania, 3/5/2024

Jack P. Orr ’57, Troutville, Virginia, 1/9/2024

Harold H. Ralston ’57, Waynesboro, Virginia, 2/28/2024

James S. Whited ’58, Ashburn, Virginia, 12/29/2023

Reuben L. Graham ’58, Fairmont, West Virginia, 2/13/2024

John V. Blondell ’58, Germantown, Maryland, 2/21/2024

William F. Trapp ’58, Monument, Colorado, 1/24/2024

Marvin F. Hogue ’58, Powhatan, Virginia, 10/31/2023

Richard E. Gillock ’58, Roanoke, Virginia, 3/5/2024

Charles T. Shotton ’58, Suffolk, Virginia, 2/11/2024

Robert V. Eckert ’59, Atlanta, Georgia, 2/2/2024

Charles W. Fox ’59, Manlius, New York, 11/6/2023

Robert J. Wondrack ’59, Naples, Florida, 4/6/2024

Nathaniel E. Wray ’59, Richmond, Virginia, 11/21/2023

Neal N. Viar ’60, Forest, Virginia, 1/14/2024

Warren O. Wells ’60, Meadowview, Virginia, 1/18/2024

Lewis E. Taylor ’60, Pfafftown, North Carolina, 11/22/2023

George H. Ellis ’60, Pinehurst, North Carolina, 2/13/2024

John C. Waddell ’60, Richmond, Virginia, 11/11/2023

Joseph D. Mitchell ’61, Ashburn, Virginia, 2/11/2024

Neil A. Tucker ’61, Bluefield, West Virginia, 4/5/2024

James A. Purdy ’61, Charlotte, North Carolina, 2/11/2024

James C. Burgess ’61, Dyersburg, Tennessee, 1/7/2024

William S. Shepard ’61, Gulf Breeze, Florida, 3/22/2024

Larry S. Click ’61, Knoxville, Tennessee, 3/4/2024

Thomas S. Speakman ’61, Reading, Pennsylvania, 2/8/2024

Donald H. Messersmith ’61, Silver Spring, Maryland, 1/8/2024

George R. Robinson ’61, Winchester, Virginia, 11/4/2023

Robert N. Harvey ’62, East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, 2/18/2024

Fuller Moore ’62, Edgewater, Maryland, 11/1/2023

Franklin B. Gattis ’62, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, 4/23/2024

Robert T. Pritchard ’62, Mechanicsville, Virginia, 3/7/2024

Jerry T. Reed ’62, Midlothian, Virginia, 4/22/2024

Clarence R. McGlothlin ’62, Mooresville, North Carolina, 1/10/2024

Russell S. Wood ’62, North Chesterfield, Virginia, 2/1/2024

Clyde K. Venable ’62, Roanoke, Virginia, 12/2/2023

Bobby L. Moore ’62, San Francisco, California, 2/6/2024

Dennis R. Luck ’62, Westminster, Maryland, 10/26/2023

James W. Grant ’63, Charlottesville, Virginia, 12/5/2023

Robert D. Meek ’63, Culpeper, Virginia, 12/1/2023

Robert L. Hume ’63, Garner, North Carolina, 10/22/2023

Henry J. Colavita ’63, Haymarket, Virginia, 12/25/2023

Jeffrey A. Smith ’63, Mobile, Alabama, 1/27/2024

Conway B. Moncure ’63, North Chesterfield, Virginia, 12/7/2023

Hobert H. Cook ’63, Saltville, Virginia, 2/6/2024

Joseph A. Robbins ’63, South Bend, Indiana, 2/15/2024

Gordon W. Collins ’64, Dinwiddie, Virginia, 11/14/2023

Howard D. Thornett ’64, Fairfax, Virginia, 3/30/2024

Locke A. Taylor ’64, Glen Allen, Virginia, 11/30/2023

William H. Felton ’64, Suffolk, Virginia, 4/17/2024

Dennis L. Umberger ’65, Corolla, North Carolina, 1/9/2024

Mikkel B. Johnson ’65, Los Alamos, New Mexico, 3/7/2024

Philip C. Reese ’65, Muncie, Indiana, 4/18/2024

Arthur C. Gudikunst ’65, Newport News, Virginia, 3/12/2024

Jan Eversen ’65, Norfolk, Virginia, 4/14/2024

Hugh S. Bishop ’65, Peachtree City, Georgia, 3/11/2024

Arnie J. Riisen ’65, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, 10/16/2023

John F. Burrow ’65, Signal Mountain, Tennessee, 3/28/2024

Paul L. Shepherd ’65, Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, 11/7/2023

John E. Bolling ’66, Glen Allen, Virginia, 1/5/2024

Michael J. Eunice ’66, Henrico, Virginia, 10/30/2023

Wilford R. Reams ’66, New Port Richey, Florida, 11/8/2023

James E. Johnson ’66, Petersburg, Virginia, 1/22/2024

Marcus B. Moses ’66, Roanoke, Virginia, 1/24/2024

Basil G. Jennings ’66, Tarboro, North Carolina, 10/30/2023

Richard L. Swanson ’67, Blacksburg, Virginia, 1/10/2024

George C. Newcomb ’67, Christiansburg, Virginia, 4/1/2024

Robert R. Bergseth ’67, Dayton, Ohio, 11/28/2023

Earle W. Griffith ’68, Leesburg, Virginia, 2/24/2024

Joseph D. Barkley ’68, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 12/28/2023

Charles W. Allen ’69, Staunton, Virginia, 2/8/2024

John S. Huddleston ’70, Franklin, Tennessee, 1/6/2024

Logan B. Christy ’70, Lincoln, Nebraska, 12/15/2023

Lawrence D. Jackson ’75, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 11/15/2023

Edwin H. Harris ’93, Clarksville, Virginia, 1/3/2024