William H. Higgins, a teacher and psychologist, died July 31, 2017. He was 80. A member of Chi Psi, he received a master’s degree from the University of Connecticut and an EdD from Columbia University. After teaching high school English, he worked as a psychologist and college psychology professor. An avid athlete, he coached baseball and soccer. His wife, Alice Dostal Higgins, survives, as do three children and three grandchildren.
Duncan Wall, 84, a retired librarian, died Jan. 9, 2018. He was a member of Delta Upsilon and received his degree with honors and with distinction in English. After receiving a master’s degree in library science from Columbia University, he began a long and distinguished career as a librarian at public and university libraries. A leader in the transformation of library science through technology, he developed a unique expertise in planning and developing user-friendly library buildings, and in taking cataloguing systems online. He also honored obscure library history, writing about the library innovations of Maria Mitchell, better known as a professional astronomer. In 1967 he and his family moved to Ontario, Canada, where he integrated the province’s university libraries into a single system. An advocate of reproductive health information, while director of the library at Kent State University he founded a free clinic for students to access reproductive health services. A baseball fan and former player at Wesleyan, he was also known for his prodigious newspaper reading each day. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Carol Carter Wall; three children, including Suzanne L. Wall ’80; several grandchildren; his sister; and his half brother.
John M. Williamson, a retired packaging engineer at Eastman Kodak, died Jul. 31, 2016. He was 85. A member of Gamma Psi, he was a U.S. Army veteran. His wife, Joanne Siegenthaler Williamson, survives, as do three children and seven grandchildren.
D.J. Harry Webb, an attorney in New Britain, Conn., died Dec. 18, 2017, at age 88. A member of Beta Theta Pi, he received his bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Connecticut. He also received a master’s degree in tax law from New York University. He was a partner and founder of several law firms, and was active in the community, serving as pro bono legal counsel for the Jerome Home Arbor Rose, where a library is dedicated in his name. Among those who survive are his wife, Sylvia Webb, four children, 10 grandchildren, and his former wife, Laurine Hoaglund Webb.
Dean W. Egly, 88, a retired financial executive, died Mar. 26, 2017. He was a member of Delta Upsilon and received an MBA from New York University. During the Korean War he served in the U.S. Navy, after which he joined Morgan Guaranty Trust Company. He retired from J.P. Morgan, its successor company, as an executive vice president. Survivors include his life partner, Charles Hailey.
Edgar B. Moore, a professor of history at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio, for 45 years and a member of the town’s City Council, died Oct. 16, 2017, at age 89. He was the grandnephew of Robert M. Moore of the class of 1892 and the son of Robert M. Moore of the class of 1920. A member of the John Wesley Club, he received a bachelor of divinity degree from Drew Theological Seminary. He also received a master’s degree in sacred theology and later a PhD from St. Andrews University in Scotland. After coming to Baldwin Wallace as chaplain, he moved to the history department and rose to become department chair. During his tenure he helped to broaden the scope of the department’s course offerings, introducing a course on African history and then one on women in history, especially during the 19thand 20thcenturies. His interest in politics, which stemmed from his PhD thesis, led him to his position on the city council. He was also an avid genealogist. His wife, Gracelouise Sims Moore survives, as do three children, six grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, and his sister.
Robert S. Fithian, a retired territorial marketing manager for Sears, died Jun. 28, 2017. He was 89. A member of Delta Tau Delta, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Survivors include his wife, Joan Beck Fithian, two children, and two grandchildren.
Norman Pyle, 92, who retired as senior vice president and head of the quality assurance department at First Interstate Bank in Portland, Ore., died Dec. 5, 2017. A member of Alpha Delta Phi, he received his degree with honors and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After his retirement he spent several years as a part-time executive and volunteer for United Way. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Wohlfahrt Pyle, five children, and six grandchildren.
Robert P. Foster Jr., a retired senior consultant for Prudential Financial, Inc., died Oct. 12, 2017, at age 93. He was the grandson of Addison B. Poland of the class of 1872, the son of Robert P. Foster of the class of 1921, and the nephew of John S. Foster of the class of 1922. A member of Eclectic, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II. In 1947 he joined the Prudential Insurance Company as an analyst and rose through the ranks, retiring in 1985 as an adviser to the president on special projects. He was involved in civic affairs and enjoyed travel. Among those who survive are his wife, Sally Ann Bianchi Foster; three children; seven grandchildren; a cousin, John S. Foster ’58; and a large extended family.
Leonard S. Halpert, a retired attorney and executive who endowed the Hugo L. Black Lecture on Freedom of Expression at Wesleyan, died Oct. 5, 2017. He was 94. A member of the John Wesley Club, he left the university after his junior year to join the U.S. Army Air Forces and then received his degree in physics with honors in 1946. In 1948 he received a law degree from Columbia University. From 1957 to 1988 he worked for the Cocoline Chocolate Company, becoming the company’s president in 1961. After the company conveyed its right to use the name to the Dan Bell Chocolate Company, he continued as president and CEO. In 1982, he was named the company’s vice chairman, a position he held until his retirement in 1988. During the 1960s he became actively involved with the French winery Domaine Gerin and started a wine importing business, which he sold in 2006. An active alumnus, he endowed the Hugo L. Black Lecture on Freedom of Expression. Offered annually, it brings to the Wesleyan campus distinguished public figures and scholars with experience and expertise in matters related to the First Amendment and freedom of expression. He was also an active member of several neighborhood organizations in the downtown Boston area. Survivors include his wife, Selma Rutenberg, M.D., and his daughter, Margaret Dara Halpert.
