News
Alumni Notes | March 2025
Obituaries
Howard Spencer Billings Jr. ‘67
The Life of Howard Spencer Billings Jr. '67 was celebrated on February 8, 2025 at Phoenix Life Church in Phoenix, Arizona. Watch the recorded service here. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn (Freeman) Billings, a former faculty member of Roberts Wesleyan University.
John J. Miles ‘52 (Comprehensive Social Studies)
John J. Miles, 97, went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 17, 2025. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Josephine Emilio Miles, his daughter, Dr. Ruth C. Miles Stone and son-in-law, Arthur Stone, his parents, Alexander C. and Ruth E. Whitney Miles, brother, Richard A. Miles, twin sisters, Jane Bennett and Janet Marshall, and his beloved in-laws who were like parents and sisters and brothers to him.
He is survived by his daughters, Lynette (Craig) Ledder, Drs. Mary Jo (Don) Calebaugh, and Valerie (Ted) Hoffman, his granddaughters Joanna (Steve) Cline, Stephanie Hoffman, Sara Stone, Lindsay (Ryan) Hamilton and Lauren (Drew) Casale, his sister-in-law, Rita R. Emilio, and many well-loved nieces and nephews.
He was a graduate of East Liverpool High School, Ohio and briefly attended Geneva College before being drafted into the Army nearing the end of WWII. There he was near-fatally and notoriously wounded by a rattlesnake bite (prior to the availability of anti-venom) before serving as an Army Medic. After military service, he graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College (now University) in Rochester, NY later receiving his graduate degree from SUNY Brockport.
John, known in his childhood as “Johnny Baby”, grew up in a loving, hardworking family among the steel mills and potteries of his hometown. His childhood was characterized by fun and innocent mischief as a member of a group of youths known, and still remembered as, the “Car Barn Heathens”. His storied childhood (and beyond) entertained family and friends throughout his life. It was at Roberts Wesleyan where he met his beautiful Josephine whom he married, embracing her loving Italian family as his own. They raised their four daughters in Binghamton, NY while John began his career in the Binghamton City School District, first as a teacher, then a principal, an administrator, and eventually Associate Superintendent. Upon retirement John served as interim superintendent for various area school districts.
His desire was always to help children receive the best possible education and to have the best learning opportunities. He was instrumental in implementing in the Binghamton District the Head Start Program at its inception that was designed to meet the educational needs of pre-school, low-income students. During this time he kept his hand in teaching at Broome Community College (now SUNY Broome) and as an adult Sunday School teacher at the Binghamton Free Methodist Church (Hands of Hope) where he was a life-time member.
An avid reader, a student of history, and a believer in Christ Jesus, he was a bright star and great example to his family and those who knew and loved him. He will be greatly missed and his family looks forward to the day of our reunion with him and all who have gone before him in the House where Our Redeemer dwells.
https://www.pressconnects.com/obituaries/pnys1128691
Yeraldith Tschudy ‘24 (Masters of Social Work)
Yeraldith Tschudy, 32, passed away on March 17, 2025. She was a devoted mother, beloved daughter, caring sister, and a compassionate social worker who dedicated her life to helping others.
Yeraldith worked hard to achieve her goals, earning a master’s degree in social work and using her skills to support those in need. She had a passion for working with children, always striving to make a difference in their lives. She also enjoyed the friendships she built with her coworkers and valued the time she spent helping others alongside them.
Above all, she was a loving mother to her two sons, Ethan and Kaiden. She cherished them deeply and always made sure they felt loved and supported.
She is survived by her children, Ethan and Kaiden Tschudy; their father, James Tschudy; her mother, Judith Seoud; stepfather, Mohsen Seoud; grandmother, Martha de Rios; brothers, Daniel Rivera and Miguel Rivera; aunt, Karen Tilley; and best friend, Yaite Leon. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
https://www.newcomerrochester.com/obituaries/yeraldith-tschudy
Lawrence “Larry” J. Greeno ‘68 (Religion-Philosophy)
It is with deep love and a respect for a life well lived that we share of the passing of Lawrence John Greeno, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, family member, and friend, who entered eternal life on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025. Born in 1942 in Hamburg, New York, Larry and his twin brother, Gary, were the last of five children born to British immigrants Leonard and Lilian Greeno. As a teen, Larry earned his private pilot's license, launching a lifelong passion for flying. He served in the Air Force, during which time he met his beloved wife, Joan Ball. They married and moved to the Rochester area, where he graduated from Roberts Wesleyan University and then attended seminary shortly after in Oklahoma at Southern Nazarene.
Larry's legacy is one of faith, family, service, and passion. His journey was guided by his personal relationship with Jesus Christ, which was the foundation of all that he did. Larry's life was a reflection of his commitment to living out the teachings of Christ, and he inspired those around him with his unwavering faith and humility. He was known for his thoughtful counsel, compassionate spirit, and the gentle way in which he lived out his beliefs.
Professionally, Larry made a lasting impact on the lives of many. His work in ministry was a true calling, where he dedicated himself to serving others. After serving for a time at Heritage Village in Gerry, NY, he spent many years in pastoral roles in both Ann Arbor, MI and Williamsport, PA where he offered guidance, comfort, and leadership to those in his care. Later, Larry's talents and heart for service led him to work for the Free Methodist Foundation and then Roberts Wesleyan University, where he served as Vice President for Planned Giving. In this role, Larry was instrumental in building relationships and helping to advance the mission of the university, always with a sense of purpose and devotion to the institution and its community. His professional accomplishments were not simply marked by titles, but by the genuine care he showed for others, making a difference that has continued to endure in the lives of students, faculty, and colleagues.
Beyond his work, Larry found great joy in his family. He was a devoted husband to his beautiful wife, Joan, with whom he shared over sixty years of love, marriage, and companionship. Their four children, Nathan, Julia, Peter, and Kristin, and their spouses and families, including thirteen grandchildren and ten great grandchildren, are a window into his world and brought him so much life. Family time looked different over the years but included special times like camping, bicycle rides, visiting airports, walks and games on the beach, handyman projects and tinkering at his work bench, Monopoly and card games, listening to Larry play the piano, and so much more. His legacy of love, wisdom, and devotion will live on in his family.
A passionate member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Larry spent countless hours immersed in the world of aviation. Whether building model airplanes, attending airshows, building his RV-6A aircraft, or simply enjoying the freedom of the skies, Larry found a deep sense of peace and fulfillment in flight. His enthusiasm for aviation was contagious, and he was always eager to share his knowledge and excitement with others. Larry's love for flying was not just a hobby, but a lifelong passion that brought him joy and purpose.
Larry's family, friends, and all who knew him will forever remember his unwavering faith, his commitment to service, his love for his family, and his passion for aviation. He leaves a legacy of kindness and integrity, and his memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Rest in peace, Pops. You are now flying in the arms of the One you love. Your legacy will live on forever in our hearts.
Larry is survived by his wife, Joan Greeno; children, Nathan (Deb) Greeno, Julia (Scott) Sittig, Peter (Andrea) Greeno, and Kristin (Aaron) Mercer; grandchildren, Caitlin (Aaron) Hoebeke, Hayden (Mercedes) Hoebeke, Josiah (Skylar) Greeno, Jacob (Lauren) Greeno, Kaela Sittig, Jared (Naomi) Sittig, Keeton (Megan) Sittig, Landon Sittig, Gavin Sittig, Adara Mercer, Nolan Mercer, Lincoln Mercer, and Aidan Greeno; ten great grandchildren; sister, Carol (Gene) Krause; sister-in-laws, Joan (wife of Gary) Greeno, Faith Schermerhorn, Caroline Fuller, Pearl (Chris) Taylor, and Nancy Kindred; brother-in-law, Douglas (Julie) Ball, and twenty-two nieces and nephews. Larry was was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Lilian Greeno; siblings, George (Shirley) Greeno, Nora ("Bud") Green, and Gary Greeno; in-laws, Stanley and Reva Ball; brother-in-laws, James Bruce, Bernie Schermerhorn, Gilford Fuller, Joe McNeil, and John Kindred.
https://www.walkerbrothersfh.com/obituaries/Lawrence-John-Greeno?obId=37994469
Madeline Harmelink ‘71 (Music Education)
Madeline M. Harmelink, 75, of Erie, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025. She was born in Erie on May 7, 1949, a daughter of the late, Joseph and Maria M. (Cervero) Buzzanco.
Madeline graduated from Strong Vincent High School and went on to earn her Bachelors degree in Music Education from Roberts Wesleyan University. During her career as a teacher, she worked at several Erie City Schools. After teaching, she took a job at Verizon as an Operator Trainer. Madeline was an active member of Triumphant Life Church, where she continued to use her teaching ability as a Sunday School Teacher and at the Academy. She had a life-long love of music and shared that love with others. She was a mother to many and her wisdom was cherished by all. Madeline was a true believer in Jesus, she read the bible often, and the Lord was the center of her life.
In addition to her parents, Madeline is preceded in death by her brother, James Buzzanco and many close aunts.
She is survived by her daughter, Angela Howell; brothers, Joseph Buzzanco (Jennifer) and Gregory Buzzanco (Susan); and a sister-in-law, Lisa Buzzanco. Several nieces and nephews survive.
https://www.goerie.com/obituaries/psom1103792
James “Jim” H. Carne ‘55 (Religion-Philosophy)
On the morning of Tuesday, October 8, 2024, our little sister Joy welcomed our Dad into heaven. He was surrounded by the love of his life and best friend P. Lorraine Carne and his girls.
His was a life well lived in service to God, his family and others. Dad never met a stranger! He had a gift for learning languages and excelled at greeting people in their first language.
Nothing made Dad happier than when the family gathered! In their 73 year marriage Jim and Lorraine created a strong, loving family and no get together was complete without Dad saying “Let’s sing a few hymns!”
He will be greatly missed by his daughters and sons-in-law Shari and Brian Mater, Yvonne Camplin, Miriam Carne and Jeff Wildoner. Predeceased by Joy Collins (Warren and Karen Collins), Gerald Camplin.
He was the loved and respected Grampa of Heidi Mater, Dustin Mater (Kristie), David (Hwa Ling) Camplin, Heather Camplin, Bethany (Chris) Bolton, Carson Carne, MacGregor Carne, Andrew Wildoner (deceased), Deanna Wildoner, Victoria Collins, Graeme Collins, Ben Collins, Great-Grampa of Keira Robertson Worden, Thea Robertson Mater, Ocean Camplin, Caleb (Brianna) Camplin, Elijah Camplin, Brooke McGee, Lauryn McGee, Ben Camplin, Jenna Bolton, Kaden Bolton, Olivia Bolton, Emma Sickler, Peyton Sickler, Dakota Sickler and Great-Great-Grampa of Willow Camplin and Lily Camplin
Dad was loved by his sisters Dale Gray and Valerie (Ben) Moore and predeceased by his brother Sherry. He was the adored “Uncle Jim” to many Carne and Neilson nieces and nephews. In Haiti, there were hundreds of children who eagerly awaited the arrival of their Canadian Papa Noel!
Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant
https://donaldvbrown.ca/tribute/details/8499/Rev-James-Jim-Carne/obituary.html
Rhoda W. Daniel ‘47
Rhoda Jean Welsh Daniel, age 97, of Oneida, TN, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at the Oneida Nursing and Rehab Center in Oneida. Born September 30, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Ralph Benjamin and Edith Isabelle Simpson Welsh of Aliquippa, PA.
Rhoda was raised in western Pennsylvania until moving with her family to N. Chili, NY. There she obtained her A.A. degree from Roberts Wesleyan College. In 1948 she moved with her family to Central Florida and graduated from the Orange Memorial Hospital in Orlando with her R.N. degree.
After graduating, she worked at the hospital and later at the Orange County Medical Services in the county nursing home and jail. In 1953, Rhoda had planned to join the Navy as an officer. She stated she had her bags packed when she met her husband Forrest on a blind date. Four days later she was engaged, and three months later they were married. Most of her work career was spent at two nursing homes in Orlando and Winter Park, serving as the Director of Nursing. After retiring from nursing, she worked with her husband at the family-owned business, Loch Haven Pharmacy.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Oneida where she was a member of the Crusaders Sunday School class. While in Florida, at the First Baptist Church of Winter Park, she was a Sunday School teacher for the elementary aged children for many years. She later served as the wedding coordinator for the church.
Rhoda was active in her community doing volunteer work with the Orange County Historical Society, Orlando Science Center, the Orange Memorial Nursing Auxiliary, and the Orange County Pharmacy Ladies’ Auxiliary.
She was a friend, mentor, teacher, and a blessing to many people throughout her lifetime. A true Woman of God, she lived her life according to Galatians 2:20 and her Savior’s example.
Rhoda is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years: James Forrest Daniel, Sr.; son: David Welsh Daniel; sister: Carole Ann and husband David Luther; brother: Ralph Simpson ‘Bud’ and wife Norma Welsh; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Clarence and Mollie (Forrest) Daniel; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Clarence ‘Dan’ and Virginia ‘Jinx’ Daniel, Aubrey and Christine Daniel, and Ophelia ‘Jane’ and John Davies.
Rhoda is survived by her son: James Forrest Daniel, Jr. (Alice) of Bradenton, FL; daughters: Mary Ann Daniel Roark (Terry) of Oneida, TN, and Carol Lee Daniel Paul (Bryan) of Petaluma, CA; daughter-in-law: Marilu Daniel of Perry GA; sister: Mary Ellen Seabolt of Oneida; eleven grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
https://www.jandwfh.com/obituary/RhodaJean-Daniel
