Class Notes

Henry Dure Bullock of Palo Alto passed unexpectedly in his sleep on July 9, 2019. He lived his life to the fullest, building a successful commercial real estate company, prioritizing his family and friends, traveling the world, and always ready to celebrate with a glass of wine.

Henry grew up in Akron, Ohio. He graduated cum laude from Muskingum University, where he received a BA in Philosophy and Economics and served as a trustee until his passing. He also received a doctorate in humane letters from Muskingum and delivered the commencement speech to the graduating class of 2016. He received his MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University, and then moved to California to pursue a career in commercial real estate.

He started his career in San Francisco with Wells Fargo Bank, where he met the mother of his children, Terri. He directed the Northern California commercial mortgage banking operations of Security Pacific Corporation, and worked his way up to become a Managing Partner at the Shidler Group.

In 1994, Henry founded Menlo Equities along with his partner, Rick Holmstrom. Henry focused on strategic planning, known for his ability to distill macroeconomic data into useful insights about commercial real estate investment opportunities. Their first investment was 20525 Mariani Drive, Apple’s original headquarters. Since then, they have acquired or developed 116 properties with total value of approximately $4.5 billion. In addition to boasting impressive returns, Henry worked hard to create a rigorous work environment. Henry shaped his employees’ investment skills through his high expectations, probing questions and dedication to thorough quantitative analyses.

Despite his intense commitment to his career, he knew that there are more important things in life. He prioritized his family, teaching his kids to focus on the big decisions that determine one’s happiness in life, and to build the life they wanted for themselves, and not wait for that life to manifest without effort. He lived up to this, spending his time in a way that made him happy. He loved a nice glass of Bordeaux, and was known for his Christmas-party eggnog and air-guitar dance moves. He would call often when his family or friends were thinking through a big decision, to lend an ear, or offer his advice. He loved his family and his friends deeply. He loved to talk, and to tell stories to connect with people.

He will be missed and remembered by his family, friends, and the real estate community. He is survived by his companion Sonia, son Benjamin (Christina), daughter Christine (Brian), grandson Brooks, mother Mary, siblings Page, Sarah, and Madelene, and the mother of his children, Terri.

Janice A. McConnell Age 66, of the North Hills, on November 22, 2021 following a brief battle with leukemia. Loving mother of Julie McConnell Romero and twin sister, Jane ( McConnell) Dossett of Milford, MA and brother, Tim of Lexington, SC. She is also survived by Julie's stepmother, Laura Wingreen of Washington, PA and her faithful dog Gracie. She was predeceased by Julie's father, Bob Romero. Janice was a graduate of Upper St. Clair High School and Muskingum University. Following graduation, Janice was a social worker with the State of Pennsylvania and St. Francis Hospital. Janice was a member of Hiland Presbyterian Church and very devoted throughout her life to her family and friends. 

Janice passed away on November 22,2021 in Pittsburgh after a brief battle with leukemia. She is survived by her loving and devoted daughter, Julie.

David William Elliott of Zanesville, formerly of Kittanning, PA, passed away peacefully at Genesis Hospice Morrison House on Friday, April 15, 2022. David was born in Kittanning, PA on March 31, 1955. He was the son of the late William and Mary Schaeffer Elliott. David graduated from Kittanning High School and Muskingum College. He retired from Brockway Glass/Owens-Illinois. His hobbies included sketching/doodling, everything trains and anything to do with space exploration. David was a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He is survived by his wife Melissa; daughters: Amy (Kevin) Graap, Lisa Elliott and Terry Sellars and step granddaughter Jemma; sister Joan of Shelocta, PA; family friend Shelly Rosborough; beloved dog Dash; several brothers and sisters in law, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson Ashe Arai Elliott (Sellars).

Margaret "Peggy" Metcalf Carr died peacefully and surrounded by family on October 25, 2023 at the age of 68. Peggy is survived by her mother, Elizabeth Greenwood Metcalf of Cromwell, CT; sisters Martha "Marti" Bernardi (John) and Barbara Walsh (Tom); loving husband of forty four years, David Carr; children, Patrick Carr (Colleen), Michael Carr, Kevin Carr (Ashley), Karen Carr (Katie); and grandchildren Zachary, Lucas, Daniel, Evan, Natalie, Charlie, and Ian. She is preceded in death by father Frank L. Metcalf of Cromwell, CT. Peggy was born on 8/29/1955 in Washington, D.C.. She graduated from Muskingum College in 1977 with a degree in History and Communications. She married the love of her life, David, who she met in college. After moving to Cockeysville, MD, Peggy began working for Martin Marietta Labs ('79-'84) as an information specialist and earned her Masters Degree in Library Science from Syracuse University in 1978. She established and managed the corporate library at Martin Marietta Headquarters in Bethesda, MD ('84-'89). Over 6 years, the couple welcomed 4 children into their home. After the birth of her twins, Kevin & Karen, Peggy started Carr Research Group ('89-'03) and authored the book, Super Searchers on Competitive Intelligence. She was a past president of the Association of Independent Information Professionals and an active member of the Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals and the Special Libraries Association. Beginning in 2003, Peggy started working with the Department of Defense as a research analyst: from 2013 to 2018 as a report editor then as analytic editor from 2018-2023. During her tenure at the DOD, Peggy traveled on temporary duty tours to Libya, Pakistan, Kenya, Iraq, Afghanistan, Algeria, and Saudi Arabia. Her children remember her as a mother who inspired them to become the best versions of themselves through persistence, education, hard work, and service to others. Peggy has been to places, done things and seen and accomplished more than most people have ever dreamed of. Peggy was passionate about community service and her family. She was an active and devout member of the Catonsville Presbyterian Church as a church school teacher and superintendent, two term member of the Board of Trustees, handbell choir member, choir member, mission committee member, and a member of Session. Peggy was an advisor to the church school mission trip to Parker, Arizona to work with Colorado River Indian Preservation (CRIP). She also traveled to Puerto Rico on a mission trip for Hurricane Maria relief. A dedicated member of the community Peggy served as a Boy Scout/Cub Scout committee member (Pack & Troop 140) for 20 years. Peggy took three troop groups to Philmont Scout Reservation in Cimarron, New Mexico. Peggy gave her heart and soul to Catonsville Emergency Assistance (CEA) where she served on the Board of Directors for 10 years and resident housekeeper on the weekends. From 2015 to 2023, Peggy served various roles with the Rotary Club of Catonsville, including one year as club president, one year as Foundation president, three years as secretary, and one year as club administrative chair.

Doris Marie Lowe passed away Monday, May 13, 2024, at the Morrison House in Zanesville, Ohio. She was born in Coshocton June 3, 1930, to the late James and Ruth Deshong. She was a graduate of Roscoe High School and Muskingum College. On Feb. 9, 1951 she married the love of her life Merton Lowe and they enjoyed 53 years building a life and family together. She worked at the Hopewell School in Coshocton before moving into the Ridgewood School system where she finished her career. She always felt it was a privilege and a blessing to be a teacher and especially enjoyed chance meetings with former students who remembered her. After retiring, she tutored for a few years at West Lafayette Elementary and Middle Schools. She was a voracious reader and enjoyed her flowers, spending time with family and friends, watching the Cleveland Cavaliers, and helping out and attending the Roscoe Methodist Church where she was a lifetime member. She was also a member of the Roscoe United Women Of Faith and the Coshocton County Retired Teachers Association. She is survived by her sons, Mark Lowe and Michael (Laura) Lowe; her grandchildren Amber Cichon, Eric (Paula) Lowe, Ryan (Ally), Lowe, and Kayla Lowe; her great grandchildren Adrienne Lowe, Anthony Cichon, Morgan Lowe and baby boy, Nolan Trace Lowe on the way; two special "Irish" cousins, Judy Milligan and Jean Guccini; a close niece Bev McConnell, and special church friend Irene Stubbs. Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Merton Lowe; sister Janice Murphy; brother Donald Deshong; and special cousin Barb Seward.

Ulster fraternity brothers, family and friends of David W. Litt, a member of the graduating class of 1978, have established a memorial fund in Dave’s honor and will begin the awarding of scholarships from that fund. The David W. Litt Memorial Fund now exceeds $50,000 and will award its first grants in this 40th anniversary year of Dave’s graduation. Annual grants will be given to students who demonstrate a marked improvement in their academic performance while at Muskingum and who are involved in leadership activities or otherwise active in campus life. Also, an equal amount each year will be contributed from the Fund to Muskingum’s Annual Fund to provide general financial aid in Dave’s honor for all Muskingum students. Those wishing to contribute to The David W Litt Memorial Fund may send their checks payable to the Fund to the Office of University Advancement, Muskingum University, Attention: Paul McClelland, New Concord, OH 43762 or call/email: 740-826-8468; paulm@muskingum.edu with questions about tax advantaged gifts to the Fund.

Timothy "Tim" Bruce Haning, loving father, caring brother, devoted son and friend, joined his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 after a brave and strong fight against his illness, saying proudly, "I did it!"

Tim Haning was born on November 25, 1955 to Sandi A. Haning and Charles Bruce Haning (deceased). Tim is survived by his son, Kyle B. (Mandy) Haning of Ashland, OH. Brother to Tom (Mindy) Haning (deceased), Tammy (Charles) Tolley, Trisha (Tom-deceased) (Haning) Kyer, Tracy (Rich) Bowlen all of Lancaster, OH. Tim is also survived by 9 nieces and nephews and 4 great nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Lancaster High School and then Muskingum University, Tim went on to live an adventurous life. The countless friends and memories developed over his 63 years is a testament to the love and friendship he shared with all he felt blessed to know. Other than the incredible love he had for his son, Kyle, Tim's mindful and dedicated work for gardening demonstrated the passion he had for the Greenhouse. In addition to playing basketball, Tim was an avid tennis player. The tennis court was a place where he bonded with his brother and sisters. Tim would often share stories of the glory days playing in the county tournament, and in recent weeks, while claiming his memory couldn't recall his losses, he readily named everyone he beat.

The family is deeply grateful for the continuous outpouring of love, prayers, and support. We also wish to share an incredibly heartfelt appreciation to the Pickering House. In the compassion, dedication and loving care shown to Tim during his last few days by all the staff, it was clear God truly placed angels by his side. We simply cannot thank the Pickering House enough for that. We invite you to join us in remembrance of a life well lived, a father deeply loved and greatly missed, a family member never to be forgotten and friend who cared about each of us with his whole heart.

Michael (Mick) Amicone '78 and Harriet Kainaroi Amicone '80 have announced their retirement from The Fieldhouse Family of Companies after 31 years as CEO and President respectively.

Muskie Grads, Alainna Amicone Durfee '06 has taken over as CEO for her Dad, and Adam Fitzerald '06 has assumed the position of President/Director of Operations.

The elder Amicones founded the corporation in 1988 after Mick left the accounting/finance field and Harriet left teaching 4th grade.

The Fieldhouse Family of Companies consist of:

*a 115,000 sq ft Sports and Recreation Facility,

*The Fieldhouse Group Limited Consulting  

*SportCO, Institutional Sporting Goods Company

The Fieldhouse Foundation, Founded by Harriet in 2010 as a Ohio 501,c.3 non-profit organization, provides physical and recreational therapy for physically handicapped, disabled and special needs children ages 5 to 21. 

Harriet will remain with The Fieldhouse Family of Comapnies on a limited basis overseeing the Fieldhouse Foundation. Mick will consult and will become more involved with the company's mission and faith based ministry for youth.

Harriet, an active Kianu, was an RA and RD during her time at Muskingum and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Mick was a letterman in Soccer, Baseball and Track. Years later he returned to college at OUZ where he set a college baseball record by making the Ohio Regional College Conference, 2nd Team as a Second baseman and becoming the oldest college baseball player at 61 years of age to play the game.

Mick also retired from high school coaching and refereeing after 40 years of service.                                                                                

Elaine S. Eckels of Mansfield, passed away Tuesday afternoon, April 6, 2021, at her home at the age of 64. She was born August 24, 1956, in Cocoa Beach, Florida, to the late Raymond and Donna (Graffius) Eckels. She was a 1974 graduate of Clear Fork High School, did her undergraduate work at Muskingum University and earned her juris doctorate from the University of Toledo in 1982. She was an avid reader and crocheted the most special baby blankets. Elaine attended Resurrection Parish. Elaine was very proud of her family, loved her grandchildren immensely, and considered all of them her greatest treasures. She is survived by four children, Melissa Lajoie of Clinton, MA, Melanie Lajoie (Clinton Peoples) of Denver, CO, Meagan Lajoie of Colorado Springs, CO, and Melody (Jacob) Bennett of Pueblo West, CO; five grandchildren, Bennett Lajoie of Clinton, MA, Tinley Lajoie of Colorado Springs, CO, Lacy Voss-Bennett, Lincoln Bennett, and Thea Bennett of Pueblo West, CO; a brother, Brad Eckels of Mansfield; three sisters, Linda (Thomas) Pfizenmayer of Lexington, Diane (Steven) Kalliantas of Delaware, OH, and Deb (Greg) Owens of Mansfield; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, David Eckels.

Ulster fraternity brothers, family and friends of David W. Litt ’78 established a memorial fund in Dave’s honor. The David W. Litt Memorial Fund recently granted $1,650 scholarships to Nathan Robey and Paige Hannum for the 22-23 academic year. Grants are given to students who demonstrate a marked improvement in their academic performance while at Muskingum and who are involved in leadership activities or otherwise active in campus life. Those wishing to contribute to The David W. Litt Memorial Fund may send their checks payable to Muskingum University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 260 Stadium Dr., New Concord, OH 43762. Questions may be directed to advancement@muskingum.edu or 740-826-8130. 

Ulster fraternity brothers, family and friends of David W. Litt ’78 established a memorial fund in Dave’s honor. The David W. Litt Memorial Fund recently granted $1,750 scholarships to Patrick Kline and Andrew Schneider for the 23-24 academic year. Grants are given to students who demonstrate a marked improvement in their academic performance while at Muskingum and who are involved in leadership activities or otherwise active in campus life. Those wishing to contribute to The David W. Litt Memorial Fund may send their checks payable to Muskingum University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 163 Stormont St., New Concord, OH 43762. Questions may be directed to advancement@muskingum.edu or 740-826-8130. 

Ulster fraternity brothers, family, and friends of David W. Litt ’78 established a memorial fund in Dave’s honor. The David W. Litt Memorial Fund recently granted $1,813.00 to Aiden Gaedcke and $1,813.00 to  Alexandra Huck for the 24/25 academic year. 

Scholarships are granted to students who demonstrate a marked improvement in their academic performance while at Muskingum and who are involved in leadership activities or are otherwise active in campus life.

Those wishing to contribute to The David W. Litt Memorial Fund may send their checks payable to Muskingum University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 260 Stadium Dr., New Concord, OH 43762. Questions may be directed to advancement@muskingum.edu or 740-826-8130. 

October 3, 2017, Marion, Ohio.

David Briggs, director of High Point Theatre, was elected during January’s Association of Performing Arts Professionals meeting in New York to serve a three-year term on the board of North American Performing Arts Agents and Managers and Agents (NAPAMA). NAPAMA is an organization serving the Performing Arts industry professionals in developing ethical guidelines, professional development, best industry practices and works to bridge the gap between artists, management and performing arts presenters.

David started in the performing arts management industry in 1983 and is honored to be part of an outstanding group of industry leaders. His role on the board is to bolster the relationship between the presenters and artists and their representatives. The current board contains 15 industry professionals, with three of the board members representing municipal, non-profit and university presenting. The other twelve board members make up agency representatives/owners, artists and agents.

Laurel Canan, Board President, commented: “We are delighted to have someone with David’s knowledge of the presenting side and his connections to the arts management field. It’s safe to say that everyone on the board was honored that he agreed to be nominated and know that his input will help take the organization to even greater prominence in the field.”

West Chester, PA. January 13, 2019.

Obituary

Luanne Varacallo, age 64 of DuBois, PA died Sunday, March 13, 2022 at Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Born on November 21, 1957 in DuBois, PA, she was the daughter of the late Lucian and Elizabeth "Betty" (Fitzpatrick) Cavalier. On June 20, 1981, she married Dr. Albert L. Varacallo, Jr. He preceded her in death on July 8, 2010. Luanne was a graduate of DuBois Central Catholic High School, Class of 1975, and a 1979 graduate of Muskingum University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science. Following her graduation from college, she worked as a paralegal and a claims adjustor before taking on her most rewarding role as a mother to 6 children. Luanne was a Certified Lifestyle Coach. Fitness and nutrition were always a passion. She was a spin instructor at the YMCA for many years and taught Silver Sneakers. Luanne was constantly giving of her time and talent as a volunteer and leader for many organizations in our community. She was the president of the Dr. Albert Varacallo Foundation, a Free Medical Clinic volunteer and was a longtime staple at many DuBois Central Catholic functions. Above all, family and faith were the foundation of her life. She was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church where she was active in church ministries and was a religious education instructor for over 20 years at St. Michael and St. Marys in Reynoldsville. She also loved to travel. Luanne is survived by six children (Natalie Milliron & her husband Michael of Sarasota, FL; Dr. Christopher Varacallo & his wife Elissa; Dr. Matthew Varacallo; Albert Varacallo III, Dominic Varacallo & his wife Andrea; and Dr. Patricia Varacallo, all of DuBois, PA), eight grandchildren (Cecelia, Leah, Reese, AJ, Dominic, Michael, Lucia,(with whom she shared a birthday), Natalia and one grandchild on the way), siblings; (Mary Segerberg and her husband Mark and Paul Cavalier and his wife Charlotte both of DuBois, PA) and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one sister (Betty Lou Cavalier) and two brothers (David Cavalier and infant Gary Cavalier).

Rev. Robert Martin received a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Reformed Spirituality from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, in May of 2022. Rev. Martin has served Presbyterian churches in Chicago, Il., South Bend, IN., Plainfield, NJ, and currently pastors the First Presbyterian Church in Athens, Ohio.

Herb Fitzer retired from Zanesville City Schools in June of 2014. During his educational career, Herb taught at Meadowbrook High School, Zanesville High School and The Muskingum County Juvenile Detention Center. One of the duties Herb enjoyed was coaching young people--he coached Track, Cross Country and Wrestling at Meadowbrook, Swimming, Cross Country and Indoor/Outdoor Track at Zanesville and coached Cross Country and Track at Tri-Valley High School after he retired from teaching. He ended his paid coaching career in 2019 and is presently a volunteer coach at Muskingum University.

Matthew Robert Huffman, 67, passed from this life peacefully, surrounded by his entire family on Friday, June 16, 2023. He finished his battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at The James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University. He was born in Greenville, Ohio on April 7, 1956 to R. Dean and Phyllis K. (Elliott) Huffman. He attended high school at West Jefferson High School, Bucyrus High School, and graduated from Cory-Rawson High School in 1975, where he played football, basketball, and ran track. He was an All-Ohio athlete in football his senior year and played in The Big 33 Ohio-Pennsylvania All Star game in 1975. He then attended Muskingum College where he was All-OAC for football in '77 & '78, became a member of the MACE Club and graduated in 1979, earning a degree in Elementary Education. He began his teaching career at Mt. Sterling Elementary in 1979 and coached football at Madison Plains High School. He remained there for four years before assuming a Memorial Middle School teaching position in West Jefferson, Ohio, where he taught for 31 years until his retirement in 2014. At West Jefferson, he coached football for the majority of his career and remained an avid Roughrider football fan, attending almost every game with his good friend Skeeter Nelson after his retirement. In addition, he also coached basketball and baseball and served as the Middle School Athletic Director for several years. While teaching at West Jeff, he earned his Master's Degree in Education from Wright State University in 2004. During retirement, he enjoyed playing rounds of golf across Ohio with his brother, Jeff, and good friend Greg McPherson. Matt worked in catering for the suites in Nationwide Arena for Delaware North, as well as many weddings and celebrations at the Columbus Zoo. As an active member of Sts. Simon and Jude Parish, he served the church as a choir member, Extraordinary Minister of The Holy Eucharist, usher, and was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus in the parish. He particularly enjoyed the fellowship of the "Morning Mass group" in his retirement years where his faith and friendships deepened. Matt loved his family and was the best husband, father, and Pap Pap. He loved traveling with Val, his wife of 43 years, supporting their children and grandchildren, and spending time with all of them. He was their biggest fan, attending every football game, gymnastics meet, and event he could. Having the family together for holidays, birthdays and vacations to the beach were his favorite and most memorable times. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Phyllis (Elliott) Huffman, parents-in-law Donald and Cynthia (Chenos) Brake, and brothers-in-law Donnie Brake, Tony Bruno, and Tim Grice. He is survived by his wife Valerie, sons Adam (Katie) Huffman, Ian Huffman, daughter Hilary (Jake) Watts, and son Seth Huffman, grandchildren Addie, Ellie, Matthew, Sarah, Mia and Macen, as well as siblings Jeff (Gayle) Huffman, Carol Grice, and Rita Huffman, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends from all over. The family would like to give a special thank-you to the staff and care team at The James for their tremendous support, knowledge, and compassion during the past few weeks. 

Trafford Dick, 65, of Zanesville, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at the Genesis Hospital Emergency Room. He was born August 5, 1957, a son of the late C. Trafford and Marilyn Dick. Trafford was a graduate of Zanesville High School, Muskingum (College) University where he received his Bachelor's Degree, Case Western Reserve School of Law, and the University of Miami (Florida) with a Master's Degree of Taxation. Trafford was a member and Trustee of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He practiced law in Zanesville and served as Assistant Law Director and Muskingum County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. Presently he was working part time in the Zanesville municipal Court. He was a member of the Muskingum Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the FOP Lodge 195. Through the years he was an avid tennis player, enjoyed watching Formula One Racing, PGA Golf, U of M football, basketball and Ohio State football. He also sold and took tickets for Zanesville High School sporting events. He is survived by his sister, Valencia (Dick) Clark; cousins, John and Bev Dick and family, Connie and Sonny Coleman and family. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Terry Clark; and cousins, Thomas Dick and Aunt Alice Dick; Uncle, Richard Bridwell.