Obituaries | 1940-1949

EDGAR H. KNAPP, who retired as a faculty member at Pennsylvania State University after teaching in public and private secondary schools, died Oct. 29, 2012, at age 90. A member of Chi Psi, he received a master’s degree from Boston University and an EdD from Teachers College, Columbia University. During World War II he served in the U.S. Navy. After teaching English and coaching athletics in public and private schools, he joined the faculty at Pennsylvania State University, where he taught literature, writing, educational methods, humanities, American Studies, and literary criticism, in addition to counseling future English teachers. By his own admission an independent thinker, at times unconventional, he wrote his autobiography, several essays, a memoir, and his obituary. His first wife, Susan Kenney Knapp, died, as did one grandson. Among those who survive are his wife, Sally Tuthill Knapp, eight children, three step-children, 12 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

JOHN W. KIERMAIER, 87, a past president of Channel 13, the New York area’s major public television station, and a former Wesleyan trustee, died July 27, 2009. He was a member of Chi Psi and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, receiving his degree with honors and with high distinction in government. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, he received his law degree from Yale University, after which he joined NBC and CBS, later becoming president of the Educational Broadcasting Corporation. He introduced many popular programs at each station. After his retirement, he was appointed a vice chancellor of Long Island University and later returned to CBS as president of the CBS Foundation. Survivors include his wife, Constance Whitehead Kiermaier, four children, and three grandsons.

AMOS MANSFIELD KIDDER III, an advertising and marketing executive, died Mar. 18, 2010. He was 87. A member of Psi Upsilon, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II, eventually becoming Provost Marshal of the island of Mindoro in the Philippines after the surrender of Japan. He is survived by his wife, Page Poore Kidder, two sons, and two grandchildren.

CHARLES F. HYDE JR., the retired chairman of Oshkosh B’Gosh, Inc., died Nov. 13, 2009. He was 89. A member of Chi Psi, he was the brother of the late John J. Hyde ’41 and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Among those who survive are his wife, Joyce Wyman Hyde, and three children.

C. WAY HOYT, the former owner of A. & H. Seawall Sealers, Inc., in Florida, died Jan. 27, 2010, at age 88. He was a member of Alpha Chi Rho and received his degree from New York University. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. One daughter predeceased him. Survivors include his wife, Helen Gustafson Hoyt, three children, four grandchildren, and six great–grandchildren.

RICHARD E. HICKEY JR., president of Monarch Capital Corporation, died Mar. 16, 2003. He was 83. Elected to Phi Beta Kappa, he graduated with honors and was a member of Eclectic. During World War II he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Starting as an investment analyst with Monarch Capital Corporation, he retired in 1985 as president after 43 years with the company. Predeceased by his wife, survivors include a son, a daughter, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

GORDON W. HEATON, a retired retail consultant who had been president of Robert Hall Stores and of the VF Corporation, died June 30, 2009, at age 88. He was a member of Chi Psi and was the brother-in-law of the late Ernest D. Davis ’39. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army Air Forces. He had been president of the National Menswear Association, the National Father’s Day Council, and was a past board member of the Philadelphia College of Textiles. One son predeceased him. He is survived by his wife, Anne Davis Heaton; three children, including Roger L. Heaton ’71; four grandchildren; and his brother, Scott M. Heaton ’44.

HERBERT GRANDAGE III, 89, who retired as vice president and general manager of the Samuel Moore Company, died Aug. 28, 2010. He was a member of Psi Upsilon and served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. An active alumni volunteer, he received the Wesleyan University Service Award. After his retirement in 1979 he and his wife traveled extensively around the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and Alaska. He is survived by his wife, Jan Grandage, four children, 10 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Houghton “Buck” Freeman, a trustee emeritus of the university, died Dec. 1, 2010. He was 89. Please see his obituary on page 8.

JOHN W. FISHER, 82, an underwriter for the Hartford Insurance Group, died April 27, 2004. He was a member of Sigma Chi and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. His brother, C.E. Fisher, was in the Navy V-12 program. He is survived by his sister-in-law.