In Memoriam 2025: Remembering Our Alums

Remembering Jonie (Ashby) Pritchard C’59

It is with great sadness that I report the passing of my wife, Jonie Ashby Pritchard, Class of 1959, my college sweetheart and wife of 66 years. She was the loving mother of David Ashby Pritchard, Jennifer Hughes Pritchard Vick, Andrew Harrison Pritchard, and William Llewellyn Pritchard, the proud Grammy of Emily Pritchard Wright and Isabella Vick, and the great-grandmother of Jude Pritchard Wright. At Drew, she majored in Religion and History and was a campus leader elected to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities in her senior year. She served as a graduate librarian at Duke University. She always said she earned her proudest degree, a PHT (Putting Hubby Through Law School)! She always called Llew Smiley, his college nickname. Although he had always intended to practice on Wall Street, she convinced Llew to go west to Seattle and supported him in his quest to become a senior partner in one of the city’s most prominent law firms. She became active in many political campaigns and the Civil Rights Movement. She was an ardent supporter of gay rights. Jonie attended cooking schools in Europe, San Francisco, and Seattle, where she helped organize cooking schools that featured outstanding chefs, including Julia Child, Jacques Pepin, Marcella Hazan, and Lorenza de Medici. She treasured her time entertaining Julia and Paul Child on their visit to Seattle and dining with them every evening during their stay. Faith was the cornerstone of Jonie. She was a cradle Methodist and became an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Seattle. Later, she and Smiley helped establish a new Methodist Church in their city of Bellevue, where she sang in the choir and chaired campaigns to build a new sanctuary. She became an Episcopalian and a member at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Seattle, where she organized the first online prayer chain in America, chaired the  Diosence Council, and served as an assisting lay minister. At the Episcopal convention in New Orleans, she met Archbishop Desmond Tutu, forming a lifetime connection with him in his important work in South Africa. She was honored at a special dinner in the Cathedral, Celebrating the Saints, chaired by Bill Gates Senior, and raising $300,000 for the outreach programs of the cathedrals. She and Smiley resided in a big house on four acres of trees where they entertained many with candlelight dinners, French menus, place cards, fish forks, and cuisine Jonie prepared. An invitation to dine with the Pritchards was thought of as a special treat in the city! In later years, Jonie and Smiley moved to Aegis Living on the Park in Seattle, where she became a vibrant member of the community. Her time was enjoyed most when participating in monthly tea parties at the weekly happy hours and holding Smiley’s hand while singing their favorite songs. Jonie Ashby Pritchard loved her time in Drew Forest, and her life was a beautiful testament to faith, service, love, and joy. She touched countless lives and leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and grace. – Written by Llew Pritchard C’58

Remembering Diane (Suter) Powell C’63

Diane Suter Powell, 83, of Fredericksburg, Virginia passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer.

Diane was born in Little Rock, Arkansas to Wayne Virgil Suter and Helen Heathman Suter. The family lived in several states since her father worked for Bell Telephone Systems. Diane attended high school in Morristown, New Jersey. She earned a bachelor’s degree in zoology at Drew University where she met her husband, Ralph. After graduation and marriage, Diane worked at Seton Hall College of Medicine and Dentistry as a Lab Technician while living in Jersey City, New Jersey while Ralph was attending the Graduate School of Business at Columbia University. Diane spent several years as a full-time mother and returned to work at Bridgeport Public Library helping to automate their catalog after the family relocated to Connecticut. Later, she became a Reference Librarian for Trumbull Public Library. Diane and Ralph were members of Trinity Episcopal Church in Nichols, Connecticut and were very active in the choir and the church community.

After retirement, Diane and Ralph moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia in 2001 and became members of St. George’s Episcopal Church. They both sang in the church choir, played hand bells, and even performed together in The Music Man for Stage Door Productions at Massaponax High School.

Diane and Ralph traveled together extensively throughout the country and internationally. They traveled to Egypt together (Egyptology was one of Diane’s passions) and their most recent international trip was to Great Britain.

Diane had an encyclopedic memory of a variety of topics, including botany and gardening. She grew award winning irises.

Diane loved Disney. Her favorite character was the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. Her two favorite things to do at Disneyland and Disney World were to ride the King Arthur Carousel (she loved all carousels) and her absolute favorite ride, It’s a Small World.

Her other interests included: Reading, Politics, History, Women’s Rights, Star Trek, Star Wars, Downton Abbey, Fabergé Eggs, Tiffany-Stained Glass, Harrison Ford movies, the comedy of Tom Leher, and local Fredericksburg artists and performing groups. She enjoyed playing various word games such as Wordle. She was always busy and didn’t stay still for long.

Diane was widely admired for her baking skills since she regularly produced large batches of decorated sugar cookies for all holidays and occasions that were quickly devoured by the family, friends, members of St. George’s, and her bridge group. She was also known to be a great hostess.

She is survived by her husband, Ralph Wesley Powell; and two children, Ralph Wesley Powell, Jr. and John Powell. She also leaves behind two grandchildren, Scott Wesley Powell and Damara Brinkley Powell. She had one great-grandchild, Evangeline Rose Powell.

Remembering Dr. Jacqueline “Jackie” (Buckman) Shahzadi C’64

Jacqueline Buckman Shahzadi (known to her friends as Jackie), a pioneering advocate for civil rights, passed away on November 13, 2024, at the age of 81 in Norwalk, CA. Born on November 26, 1942, in Stamford, CT, to Mary (Uzwiak) and William Buckman, Jackie dedicated her life to championing social justice, cultural diversity, and equality, leaving a lasting legacy through her work in education and human rights.

Jackie earned a Ph.D. in the double major of Curriculum and Instruction and Sociology of Education, as well as an MS in Education, an MA in Sociology, and a BS in Sociology. Her journey as an advocate for civil rights began during a transformative semester at Howard University in the early 1960s, where she witnessed the power of activism and the fight for racial equality. It was there that she ignited her passion for change— a passion that would shape the rest of her life.

At the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Jackie met the love of her life, Bahman, and together they embarked on a remarkable, though challenging, journey over the next 50+ years. After moving to Tehran, Iran, to marry and begin their family, she continued her commitment to education by teaching English and engaging in cultural exchange. She formed many lifelong friendships in Iran, even joining organizations such as the Foreign Wives of Iranians, some members who still attend reunions to this day. But as political unrest swept Iran during the revolution, making life unsafe for Americans living abroad, Jackie demonstrated her courage and resilience by ensuring the safe relocation of her family back to the United States. Once there, she picked up the pieces and started over, continuing her work as an educator and advocate. Jackie and Bahman eventually published their memoirs and reflections of this time, chronicling their journey using excerpts of their old letters to each other and family.

A tireless advocate for equity and equality, Jackie traveled the world, speaking at conferences on issues such as cultural diversity, women’s rights, and gender equality in education and the workplace. Her work helped shape conversations on the challenges faced by marginalized communities. She developed cherished friendships and became a mentor to many across the country—and even the world. Traveling was a lifelong passion of hers and she jumped at every opportunity to do so.

Jackie is survived by her husband, Bahman; a son, Ramin; a daughter, Susanne (Thea); a grandson, Jayse (Alexis); a sister, Lois (Jack); a brother, John (Marcy); three nieces, Alexandra (Patrick), Elizabeth (Brendan), and Kate; a nephew, Andy (Kristen); and a grandniece, Audrey. She was predeceased by her sister, Patricia. Jackie is remembered not only for her scholarly achievements and fearless advocacy but also for her generosity, wisdom, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

Remembering Frank Carnabuci, III C’73, Former Trustee

Frank Carnabuci, III passed away on December 24, 2024. Frank graduated from Drew University and earned degrees from Columbia University and Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. Frank was the longtime headmaster of the Birch Wathen Lenox School and previously assistant headmaster at The Dalton School. He served on the boards of Rippowam Cisqua School, The Brick Church School, Drew University, and Harvard Graduate School of Education. He is survived by his wife, Mary Farley; his sister, Nanci Carnabuci-Fitzgerald, and his children, Andrew and Sarah. 

Remembering Laura Papa C’78

With deep love and gratitude, we remember our beloved Laura, who possessed a magnetic personality. Throughout her life, people were drawn to her her family (most especially her children and grandchildren), her friends, and nearly every stranger who crossed her path. She had a unique ability to connect with others, even if all she was doing was buying groceries. 

Laura will always be the heart and backbone of her family. She was a fiercely loving mother, a cherished Nonna, and was relied upon by everyone. Laura took her position as supreme advice-giver / consigliera seriously, and once in her orbit, no one ever wanted to escape. She lovingly, rationally, and – on occasion – sarcastically guided her twins (and now their partners) in so many important decisions. 

Incredibly creative, she was an avid crocheter/knitter for nearly her entire life. Her family’s homes are strewn with the hats, scarves, blankets, toys, sweaters, and decor that she beautifully crafted by hand. This generosity extended to her children’s friends, random acquaintances, and Special Olympics athletes. Countless babies have been welcomed home with an LPB original. 

Laura’s love for education was boundless. She instilled in her children the importance of learning and modeled that by earning her MBA and JD while working full time and raising her children. In her nearly 30 years of work at Monmouth University, she revolutionized the Registrar’s office and guided thousands of students through their college careers. After joining the California Bar, Laura used her legal acumen to help those most struggling and in need through her award-winning pro-bono work. 

Laura had a special connection to the beach, whether her beloved Jersey Shore or the far- flung motus of French Polynesia. She loved the sound of the waves and the smell of the ocean living on the beach at Ocean Club allowed her to maintain that connection daily. Laura’s spirit is intertwined in our hearts and in our memories. Laura is survived by Larry Babbin C’79, her husband of 45 years, her twins Andrew and Aimée, their partners Ryan and Rohan, and her adoring grandsons Vincenzo and Dario.

Remembering Lieutenant Michael Merrill C’84

Michael H. Merrill (Mike) died unexpectedly on January 25, 2025. Born on August 2, 1962, in New York City, as the eighth child of the late Ruth Feely Merrill and Harold Douglas Merrill Jr. Mike graduated from Hunterdon Central High School, NJ in 1980 and from Drew University in 1984, majoring in History. Michael was a proud member of the Drew Men’s Fencing Team and during his senior year had 20 individual season wins. After graduation from Drew, Michael attended and graduated from the U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport Rhode Island. Michael was a Surface Warfare Officer and after retiring as a Lieutenant Commander from his 20 year Navy career, he forged a related career in support and training for advanced AEGIS systems until his passing.

During his time in the Navy, he served as an officer on several ships, including the USS MacDonough, USS Underwood, USS Peleliu, USS Monterey, and the USS Theodore Roosevelt as well as teaching at the Naval War College in Great Britain. He received several medals and commendations for superior accomplishments in uniform prior to receiving an honorable discharge upon his retirement in 2005.

Mike will be remembered for his dry wit, hearty laugh, warmth, love of family, friends and international travel. An evening with Michael was sure to be filled with stories of life at sea, historical references to geopolitics and military strategy along with an incredible recall from the vast panoply of Hollywood movies he enjoyed. Mike never shied away from hard physical labor, whether at his Spotsylvania home or the many years spent at his parents’ farm in Stanton NJ.  In June of 2024 Michael attended his 40th reunion at Drew and was able to catch up and hang out with his Drew friends and classmates.

Mike is survived by his ex-wife Heather, and their son Alexander in Newport News, VA; his siblings: Suzi Maybee (Dr. David Sr.) of Rockville MD; Margaret Merrill of Annandale NJ;  Chip Merrill (Mal) of Moultonborough NH; Chris Merrill (Diane) of Reston VA; Steve Merrill (Pat) of Bend OR; and Peter Merrill (Janet) of Kensington NH. Mike is also survived by his twelve nieces and nephews along with many well-loved cousins, grandnieces, grandnephews and his beloved Basenji dog, Hannibal. He was preceded in death by his sister Barbara.

Michael’s family is very grateful for the overwhelming support and prayers from family and friends around the world. 

Remembering Joseph Beneducci C’90, Former Trustee

Joseph John Beneducci, born May 22,1968 in Staten Island, New York to Joseph and Nancy Beneducci. He is the middle child of three and spent his childhood in Staten Island eventually moving to New Jersey when he was 10 years old.

Joe began his education in Staten Island at Our Lady Star of the Sea but when they moved, he continued his education in New Jersey. He attended North Hunterdon HS, he played soccer, basketball, and ran track. He attended college at Drew University and graduated with a Political Science degree. He was an incredible athlete: no matter what the sport, he was a natural. He served as Captain of the soccer team for his Junior and Senior year and played basketball as well. While juggling classes and sports, he also found time to work. He had an internship at Chubb Insurance Company which is where his career began. He valued his education, studied hard and was passionate while playing sports but he was always planning for his future.

Throughout his life, he had both the privilege and curiosity to travel to every continent except Antarctica with much of that traveling spent with what mattered to him most, his family. Joe loved any outdoor activity that he could be a part of including boating, fishing, golfing, running, cycling and skiing. The only thing in this world he disliked was sitting still. He also loved music and passed on the love of music to his children. It didn’t matter what genre it was, he loved it all. He was always tapping his feet, bopping his head around and even making up words when he didn’t know them.

Joe has been married to the love of his life, Bonnie Beneducci, for 33 years. He always would say that, without question, meeting his wife is the greatest thing that has ever happened in his life. Together they built a beautiful family with four children which was always his main priority. Everything he did in life was to protect and provide for his family all while loving them unconditionally. It was what drove him every day to set his goals higher and higher. The Beneducci family moved around a lot because of Joe’s constant achievement, but in every new city, new position, or new company he never missed a family holiday, activity, sports event, or milestone…no matter what. His mantra was “keep your compass true north” which was something that he impressed upon his family to always do the right thing, even in the shadow of uncertainty. Joe always had his compass set on his family and helping others.
When Joe became President and CEO of Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, he wanted to get back to the roots of the Founding Mission which was to donate a percentage of the profits to widows and orphans of fallen firefighters. This mission had a special place in his heart since his father was a New York City firefighter. As always, Joe took a proactive approach and encouraged employees and agents to be a part of this program, and he hoped that it would have an increased impact on the company and the people around him. The Heritage Program was born, and it was a true testament to Joe’s ability to help others. He truly lived life to the fullest and encouraged others to do the same. His infectious enthusiasm and unwavering confidence is what made him so fit to lead by example. He knew that by living his life with honesty and integrity, it would positively impact everyone around him. He always found great joy in helping people succeed and accomplish things that sometimes even they did not know they were capable of.
Joe was always ready to work hard and see things different, Joe ultimately started his own company, ProSight Specialty Insurance, that he and his carefully assembled team eventually took public on the New York Stock Exchange. Anyone that knew him could appreciate the fact that it was never the company’s success that Joe focused on, it was always the team and the culture they created together that made him most proud.

However, it was not ProSight that truly made his life whole. While the lessons, experiences and memories he had at ProSight were an incredible benchmark in his story, his life was truly complete when he founded Altruis Group alongside his family; a poetic dream fulfilled that took 51 years to create. As a true builder would, building a company with his family was all he wanted in life. He and his family decided to name the company Altruis Group. As an Altruist is defined by one unselfishly devoted to the welfare of others before their own, it was the perfect name to carry on the Beneducci family value of putting others before yourself that Joe cultivated.
Joe is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his four children Joseph, Jason, Jared and Jessica; his parents, Joseph and Nancy Beneducci; his brother, Gary and his wife Megan; his sister Renee Jenkins and her husband Mike. He is also survived by his father and mother-in-law, Jack and Sherry Ethridge; brother and sister in-law, Rick and Gina Ethridge; brother-in-law Brad Ethridge.

He will be remembered as a devoted, unique, seemingly larger than life, leader, husband, father, son, brother, uncle and most importantly, a friend to all that knew him. His legacy is to help others, and that dream and passion will live on through Altruis Group. Joe’s radiant positivity and energetic spirit lives on through the impact he has made on all that had the gift of knowing him. He would say we have to live our lives as best we can, with honesty in our hearts, integrity in our minds and love in our souls. This perfect combination allows us to live an incredible life with NO REGRETS.

We only get one life so keep your compass true north and live your life with NO REGRETS!

Drew University Mourns the Passing of Coach Thomas Leanos

Thomas Speros Leanos, age 76, of Burlington, Massachusetts, formerly of Long Valley, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on February 4th, 2025. He was the devoted husband for thirty-nine years of Karen (Brigham) Leanos, dedicated father to Jonathan and Brendan Leanos and loving “Pappou” to his three grandchildren, Leigh, Owen and Harvey. He was also an inspiring coach and mentor to hundreds of student-athletes during his career as a college lacrosse coach.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland on December 6, 1948, Tom was the son of the late Speros and Patricia Panos Leanos and brother to James Leanos and late brother Christopher Leanos.

Tom was drawn to athletics from an early age as a way to build connections, foster community and drive his competitive spirit. After graduating as a top athlete from City College High School in Baltimore and then a local junior college, he attended Hofstra University where he was a member of the Flying Dutchmen lacrosse team and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1970. Among his many accomplishments, he earned All-District honors as a midfielder and played in the prestigious North-South All Star game. Tom’s time at Hofstra also coincided with watching his beloved Baltimore Colts and Baltimore Orioles lose championships to the local New York Jets and New York Mets in the same year – formative events as a sports fan that he would remind his friends and family of for years to come.

Tom’s passion for lacrosse developed into a career, starting as an assistant coach at Salisbury University and working in sales and distribution for STX. His head coaching career started at Southampton College on Long Island, NY in 1980 where he spent three years leading the program. Tom then moved to New Jersey where he spent 34 years as the head mens’ lacrosse coach of Drew University in Madison, NJ. Early in his coaching tenure at Drew he met his wife Karen Rose Brigham in Morristown, NJ. He described being drawn to Karen’s striking blue eyes, and convinced Karen to go out with him partly by telling her about the Hampton’s home that he sometimes lived in (but omitting that “living in the Hamptons” meant that he occasionally would house-sit for a friend there). They were married on August 24th, 1985 in New Vernon, NJ.

Tom’s prestigious coaching career at Drew University spanned four decades and he left the program as the all-time leader in wins (234) and games coached (450). He earned six “coach of the year” awards across the ECAC, MAC and Landmark conferences, and coached 6 USILA All Americans and two academic All Americans. Tom was twice named coach of the North South college All Star games in 1991 and 2009. Drew University inducted Tom into its Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017 and the Intercollegiate Men’s Lacrosse Coaches Association inducted Tom into their Hall of Fame in 2021.

Beyond Drew, Tom was a fixture in the New Jersey lacrosse community where he ran multiple summer camps and coached youth teams, helping grow the sport of lacrosse throughout Morris County, NJ and beyond. Tom was inducted into the New Jersey Lacrosse Foundation Hall of Fame in 2005 for his stewardship of the sport.

His family and friends will remember Tom for his zest for life, his infectious energy and passion, and his selflessness. What he lacked in physical size, he made up for in his larger-than-life personality. When he wasn’t holding a room telling a story, you could find him listening to John Prine, watching a World War II documentary, “cutting some rug” on a dancefloor or playing sports with his children (and grandchildren). Tom was known to go out of his way (often, many miles out of his way) for a cone of Rum Raisin ice cream, an Arnold Palmer or a Mount Gay and tonic cocktail. His players will remember him for his empathy, his energy and his perpetually raspy voice.

Tom is survived by his wife, Karen Leanos, of Burlington, MA; his oldest son, Brendan Leanos, daughter-in-law Callie Lawrence and grandchildren Leigh Lawrence and Harvey Lawrence, of Denver, CO; his youngest son, Jonathan Leanos, daughter-in-law Christina Leanos and grandson Owen Leanos, of Concord, MA; his older brother, James S. “Jim” Leanos, and sister-in-law Henriette Horchler Leanos, of Parkville, MD; his nephew, Alex Leanos, and family, Anne Cossitt Leanos and Chrisopher Leanos, of Wilmington, NC; and his nephew Nick Leanos, of Greenbelt, MD.

Drew University Mourns the Passing of Longtime Professor Charles Courtney

Drew University is mourning the passing of Charles Courtney, who taught at Drew Theological School for 38 years. Courtney passed away on March 19.

Courtney came to Drew Theological School in 1964 as an instructor, teaching philosophy of religion. He quickly became an assistant professor in 1965, an associate professor in 1969, and professor in 1977.

He held administrative positions including acting dean of the Theological School (1987) and dean of student life (1987-88), and served in many other leadership capacities on campus, including as the cross country coach from 1970-74 and as acting director of the University Library from 1999-2001.

Courtney took a three-year break from his time at Drew, serving as an adjunct professor of philosophy at Georgetown University. He returned to Drew in 1992, where he taught until his retirement in 2004. Upon his retirement, Courtney was named professor emeritus.

Courtney was a highly visible and highly engaged member of the Drew and local communities, often spotted in a Drew shirt, riding his bike, and taking part in Madison’s Community Garden, which he co-founded.

In 2023, Courtney returned to campus to commemorate the planting of a Liberty Tree in front of Mead Hall, a gesture symbolizing freedom. The last Liberty Tree planted on campus had occurred 25 years earlier in 1989—a ceremony Courtney had also taken part in.

During his career, Courtney was a frequent guest lecturer, authored numerous scholarly articles and reviews, and edited and translated many books. He primarily focused on the areas of phenomenology, philosophy of religion, human rights, and poverty.

Academically, in addition to earning a bachelor’s, two master’s, and a doctorate degree, Courtney was also a Fulbright Scholar and an honored fellow of many notable religious-based organizations.

He will be greatly missed by the Drew community he impacted for 40 years, and beyond.