News
Alumni Notes | July 2025
Obituaries
Ronald A. Edwards ‘72 (English)
Ronald A. Edwards August 17, 1943 – July 14, 2025 Goshen, NY
Ronald A. Edwards passed away on July 14, 2025, at Sapphire Nursing and Rehab at Goshen. He was 81 years old. Son of the late George and Minnie (Earl) Edwards, he was born in Goshen, NY on August 17, 1943.
Ronald proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was a graduate of Roberts Wesleyan University and later worked as a supervisor at Middletown Psychiatric Center in Middletown, NY.
Ronald had a life-long love of music. He belonged to his high school chorus, as well as other choral groups throughout the Orange County community. He was a choir member of the First Presbyterian Church in Goshen, NY, and he participated in numerous musicals within the county.
Left to cherish Ronald's memory are his brother, George Edwards of Augusta, GA, and his sister, Joan Turnbull of Rogersville, TN. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Ronald was predeceased by his sister, Vicki Linderman.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/ronald-edwards-obituary?id=58884886
Kelly Toth ‘57 (English)
Rev. Kelly Toth, 91, died Tuesday June 24, 2025 at Hospice House in Asheboro.
Kelly Toth was born to Hungarian immigrants Kalman Toth and Teresa Praymayer Toth on March 29, 1934 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He grew up in Hamilton, Ontario, graduating from Roberts Wesleyan College in North Chili, New York with a degree in History. In 1958 he traveled to Japan as a Crusader for Oriental Mission Society, as a missionary to Japanese villagers. There he felt the call to become a minister and explained that this experience changed the course of his life. He returned to Canada and eventually attended seminary at Asbury Seminary, graduating with a Master of Divinity degree. After serving as a pastor in Ontario, he returned to Japan to teach at Osaka Christian College and serve as an assistant pastor. While in Japan, he met Audrey Nelson, a teacher at the Christian academy in Toyko. After marrying on June 5, 1971, they returned to Canada where he served as a pastor. In 1985 Kelly and Audrey and their children moved to North Carolina, where Kelly continued to serve as a pastor.
During Kelly’s many years of ministry, he found other ways to share his faith in his community. He served as Chaplain at the Randolph County Correctional Institution and led Bible studies at the House of Prayer in Greensboro. He held Sunday services at various long-term care facilities in the area. For over 15 years he was a guest minister at Ocean Isle Beach Chapel for a week during the summer, ministering to vacationing tourists. Author of a weekly message in local newspapers, Kelly also authored a book, My Journey With God, detailing his life under God’s calling and care. In 1995 Kelly was recognized as the Outstanding Religious Leader by the Randolph County Jaycees.
His call to evangelism and his obedient and faithful life resulted in many lives saved through Christ. His gift for learning languages enhanced his ministry in other countries including Japan, Taiwan, Haiti, and Hungary. Kelly was an avid fisherman, who also spent time bee-keeping and he enjoyed reading. He liked to recall experiences shared with his family. He will be remembered for his faithful service, his life-long commitment to his God and to his family.
Kelly is survived by wife, Audrey; sons, Brent Toth, Brian Toth (fiancée Courtney); grandchildren, Emma, Will and Ethan Toth; sister, Margaret Marks (Jack); brother-in-law, Keith Nelson; sister-in-law, Beverly Nelson, and nieces and nephews.
https://www.cumbyfuneral.com/obituaries/Kelly-Toth?obId=43108514
Janice (Jan) M. Francis ‘12 (Theological Professions)
Janice (Marolf) Francis passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025, at the age of 80. Janice lived a life of purpose, and a deep commitment to her Lord Jesus Christ.
Janice was the loving wife of James Brayton Francis Sr. (1944-2004) and a proud mother to her children, James Brayton Jr. (1970-1991), David (Beth Pelton), and Karin (Jeff Wohlgemuth). She was a cherished grandmother whose warmth and encouraging spirit will be deeply missed by her six grandchildren. Janice is also survived by her siblings, Rus (Judy Renner), Marilyn (Charles Coles), and Arlene Odom, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A passionate educator, Janice graduated from Houghton College in 1966 and then earned her M.Ed. from SUNY Potsdam. Janice dedicated her career to inspiring young minds as a reading specialist for Brockport Central Schools, where she worked until her retirement in 2001. Her impact on her students and colleagues was significant, and she instilled a love of reading and learning in all those she encountered. Her commitment to lifelong learning led her to earn a M.Div. from Northeastern Seminary in 2010.
Janice was an active member of Pearce Memorial Free Methodist Church for over 30 years. She also served on the Alumni Board of Houghton University, remaining connected to her alma mater and contributing to the growth of future generations.
https://www.democratandchronicle.com/obituaries/pnys1208920
Svend Schmidt ‘23
Svend Robert Schmidt Jr. passed away at his home on May 10, 2025, at the age of 68, after a short but fierce battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Norma Allenbach Schmidt; his father, Svend Robert Schmidt Sr.; sister Katrina Whaley, brother Keith Schmidt, sister-in-law Emily Schmidt, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
After serving 4 years in the United States Marine Corp and 16 years in the United States Navy, Sven became the Lead Mechanic in Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Greenbelt Motor Shop. Retiring after 20 years, he then earned a Bachelor's degree at the University of Maryland followed by an Advanced Certificate in Biblical Interpretation at Northeastern Seminary in Rochester, NY. Sven's greatest fulfilment was teaching the Adult Bible Study classes at All Saints Lutheran Church, Bowie Maryland.
https://www.borgwardtfuneralhome.com/obituaries/svend-schmidt
Duane L. Girdner ‘93 (Management of Human Resources)
Duane L. Girdner, born July 10, 1959, in Creighton Nebraska, unexpectedly went home to be with his Lord on April 28, 2025.
He is predeceased by his parents Daniel and Evelyn Girdner and stepmother Jennie Girdner.
He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Lynda Girdner (McGarvey); children Jenna (Alex) Evans, Adam (Kasey) Girdner, and Matthew (Megan) Girdner; grandchildren Sadie, Nolan, Audrey, Ruby, Beatrice, Halle, Samuel, Edith, and Levi; siblings Dawn (Lloyd) Olsen, Ed (Kay) Girdner, Evan (Marty) Girdner and Eldon (Siobhan) Girdner; many nieces, nephews, extended family, and so many dearly loved friends.
Duane was so dedicated to his family, was invested in his friends, and intentional to those around him. He lived an impactful life of faith and loved to talk about his Lord. He was faithful to the various ministries he served with; Congress Avenue, Cornerstone Bible Chapel, Faith Community Church, Camp Li-Lo-Li, Youth Groups, men's groups, mentoring, counseling, and so much more. He enjoyed gathering over meals and coffee, asking the deepest of questions about life, often pausing mid-sentence to pray. He enjoyed road trips, traveling with his kids, cycling trips with his brothers and could often be found tinkering. He was loved by many in so many walks of life.
He enjoyed a long career in Sales, then Marketing and Public Relations in Senior Care.
https://www.geneseevalleycremation.com/obituary/DuaneLee-Girdner
Long Nguyen ‘88
Long Van Nguyen, 72, of Harrisburg, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2025 at Novant Health Matthews Medical Center.
Long was born January 1, 1953 in Vietnam. Long was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who was loved greatly by his family. He was born in Vietnam and came to the United States in 1975 with wife Joanne of 51 years. He also served in the Vietnam navy. Long earned an Associates Degree in automotives and went on to become a mechanic, working on 18 wheelers. Some of Long's favorite pastimes were dancing and singing karaoke, but his most cherished moments were the times that he got to spend with his family. Long had great faith in his Lord and Savior, and is now forever at peace in the presence of God.
Survivors include wife, Joanne Nguyen; daughters, Mimi (Kevin) Nguyen, Brittney (Kevin) Pham, and Thu Nguyen; sons; Tuan Nguyen, Nhan (Stephanie) Nguyen, David Nguyen, and Alvin (Bich)Nguyen; many beloved grandchildren & great-granddaughters; and sisters, Lan Nguyen, Chau Nguyen, Nhung Nguyen.
https://www.hartsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/long-nguyen
Donald (Don) J. Smith Jr. ‘55
In loving memory of Donald James Smith Jr., of Zephryhills Florida, Donald went to be with the Lord, on December 18th, 2023. Donald was a devoted husband, Father, and proud Veteran, who passed away at the age of 90. Don was born and raised in upstate N.Y., specifically in Vestal, N.Y. Born on April 7th, 1933, it was there that he began his remarkable journey through life. A graduate of Vestal, N.Y. highschool in 1951. Serving his country in the ARMY, he exemplified dedication and bravery to his country. Serving as the chaplains Assistant. Donald cherished family above all else and was blessed with 3 children, Delesa Joy Rockwell (Sam Rockwell) of Apollo Beach, FL., Donald Jeffrey Smith (Beth Smith) of Endicott, N.Y., Becky Lou Masset (Mike Masset) of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and 1 Step Son, Grady Sapp (Laurel Sapp) of Caldwell, Idaho. His commitment to their well-being was unwavering, leaving a legacy of love and guidance. He is also survived by his brother Howard J. Smith of Delhi, N.Y. Donald was pre-deceased by his beloved wife Barbara Webb Smith in 1990. He has three granddaughters, Alexis Rockwell of Apollo beach Florida, Ashley Smith of Endicott, N.Y.,and Samantha Rockwell (Dan Fraser) of Tampa Florida. Donald was blessed with companionship and love, and is also survived by his loving wife of over 24 years, Ida Sapp-Smith of Zephyrhills, Florida,. Together they shared the joys and challenges of life, creating cherished memories that will forever be held dear by those who knew and loved him. Donald was retired from IBM after 30 years of service. He stayed very active his whole life, tuning pianos, repairing and fixing up pianos, and all throughout his retirement years. Donald embraced his passion for music. He delighted others by playing the organ and piano, bringing melodies to life with his skilled fingers. His musical talents were a source of inspiration for those fortunate enough to hear him play. A devout Christian, Don's faith was the cornerstone of his life. His spiritual journey enriched the lives of those around him, and his unwavering belief in God provided comfort and strength throughout the years. Playing the piano and organ at numerous churches and weddings, and playing just hours before he went to be with the lord. His love for music and the lord truly showed in every aspect of his life. Donald touched the lives of many and he will be greatly missed by family and friends. Donald will be remembered for the profound impact he had on our lives. May his soul find eternal peace, and may the memories of his love and laughter continue to resonate in our hearts.
https://www.pressconnects.com/obituaries/pnys0668862
Susan A. Garofalo ‘12 (Theological Professions)
Our dearest Susan passed suddenly and unexpectedly, at home of a coronary issue, on May 20, 2023.
Rev. Susan studied at the Crane School of Music and completed her undergraduate degree at the Rochester Institute of Technology, achieved her M.Div. from Northeastern Seminary and was pursuing her doctorate.
After a 20-plus year career in sales, she followed a long held dream to serve others through the ministry as a Chaplain and Pastor. In the fall of 2019 she moved from her hometown, Rochester, N.Y., to New Hampshire, where she served as a Palliative Care and Hospice Chaplain at Concord Hospital and pastored at the United Church of Christ in Winchester. She experienced and expressed absolute joy in the work that she was doing and the people she was collaborating and serving with. It truly meant everything to her.
To know Rev. Susan was to love her. She loved abundantly. She was passionate about serving others and was a light of empathy and compassion to all who encountered her. Susan, we love you and miss you so.