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Alumni Notes | March 2024

Publications & Celebrations

Steve R. Bierly ‘77 (Religion-Philosophy) has written and self-published books of memories that may be of interest to Roberts alumni: Between Two Worlds and Other Spiritual Reflections on My Life; Man and Budman: More Stories and Reflections from My Life; Here They Are...The What Four! Search for them or for Steve R Bierly on Amazon.

Rebecca M. (Pfohl) Gartland ‘17 (Music) celebrates the birth of her son born on 2/28/2024

Kristen A. (Ranallo) Merola ‘17 (Biology) Welcomed their first baby (Stella) in Nov 2023. She graduated from residency in June 2023 and now works as an attending physician.

Justin E. Pretko ‘06 (History) As an alumnus, a current employee at Roberts, and a lover of Christ and sports, joining the FCA Advisory Board was a natural fit for me. I support FCA at Roberts because I have worked with youth as a former teacher and young life leader and know how impactful Christ-focused mentors can be. Although the student-athletes at Roberts are considered young adults, they can all benefit from the Christ-centered guidance that FCA provides to their teams and coaches during their time at Roberts. I'm excited to see how much FCA can grow and impact the student-athletes at Roberts, and I'm proud to be a small part of it.

Obituaries

Barbara A. Bilotta-Chappell ‘98 (Master of Social Work) passed away Friday, March 1, 2024, at the Wayne County Nursing Home with her children by her side at the age of 73. Barbara was born on February 19, 1951, the daughter of Anthony and Betty Bilotta. She attended CCFL, Roberts Wesleyan College, Nazareth University, and St. John Fisher where she obtained her master's degree in social work. She spent over three decades as a professor at the Finger Lakes Community College in the Human Services department where she was loved by many. She lived in Marbletown on Miller Road with her husband, raised two children, and had many animals over the years. Barbara was known for her giving nature and was always thinking of others before herself. She enjoyed listening to music, dancing, and cooking.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Thomas E. Chappell, in 2009, her mother, Betty Bilotta, in 2011, and her father, Anthony, in 1980. She is survived by her son, Andrew (Kathleen); her daughter, Robin; and her grandchildren, Sophia, Matthew, and Benjamin.

Donald J. Dick ‘58 was born in Erie, on April 12, 1936, the son of the late Mendal William Dick, Sr. and Louise Genevieve Young. Don graduated from the former Academy High School in 1954 and as a teenager worked with his cousins, Charlie and Harold Young, mixing mortar and doing other odd jobs. He served six years with the Army National Guard with a rank of Staff Sergeant E6. Don was a professional truck driver and worked for Birkmire Trucking, Dixie-Ohio Express and for United Parcel Service as a Parcelman for 36 years. He was inducted into their Circle of Honor for safe driving after 25 years in 1992. He also worked part-time Saturdays hauling furniture for the former Boston Store. When he retired in 2003, we asked him what hobby he wanted to do and he simply said, "helping others." For the last 18 years, Don has hauled food for the Erie City Mission and helped at three other food pantries when needed. He was just a phone call away when someone needed a ride to a doctor's appointment or help with something at home.

For many years he was a Sunday School teacher for teens at the Erie Nazarene Church and for the last 30 years has attended First Alliance Church on Zimmerly Road. He was active on their moving committee. Don was a firm believer in God and tried to share his faith with others. Two of his favorite sayings were, "the Lord willing" or "keep the faith." His favorite times were spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved mowing the lawn and you knew he was happy when you could hear him whistling while riding his tractor. Besides his parents, Don was preceded in death by his brother, James Dick and his beloved daughter, Dee Dee Dick Bules. Survivors include his wife of nearly 56 years, Darlene Turner Dick; two daughters, Debra (Ray) Kibbe of Findley Lake, N.Y. and Dorian Otero-Flanagan and her husband, Dave Schwenk of Erie; five grandchildren: Ashley (Tyler) DeCrapio, Jessie and Jenna Kibbe, Kaleigh Bules and Jordon Otero-Flanagan; two great-grandchildren, Braelynn and Brixon DeCrapio; two sisters, Genevieve Brunk of San Diego, Calif. and Dolores (Roger) Brandell of Phoenix, Ariz.; one brother, Mendal (Bertie) Dick of North Chili, N.Y. and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Courtney (Nojeim) Fannon ‘17 (Master of Education) Suddenly on Friday, March 8, 2024, with her infant daughter, Hadley Jaye, at age 29. She is survived by her husband, Kurtis Fannon; father and mother, Dave and Betty Nojeim; sister, Emily Nojeim; father-in-law and mother-in-law, P.J. and Eileen Fannon; brothers-in-law, Steve (Laura) Personale, Michael (Ashley) Personale; dear friend, Becky Chase; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends; her beloved dog, Willow. Courtney was a special education teacher at Kendall Central School District.

Nancy (Sergent) Hutt ‘62 age 82, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 22, 2024. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Nancy's Life will be held 11 AM Saturday, March 23, 2024 AM at Waypoint Church, 8400 Dixie Hwy, Clarkston, MI; Rev. Steven Deur officiating. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service on Saturday. Nancy was born in Davison, MI on March 13, 1941, daughter of the late James H. and Margaret M. (Manzer) Sergent. Her formative years were at Davison High School, graduating in 1959 and singing in the high school choir. She went on to Spring Arbor Junior College and then to Roberts Wesleyan College where she met and later married Harry Hutt on June 22, 1963, in Davison, MI. Together they raised three daughters, Shawna, Allyson and Vicki.

Nancy brought her attention to detail and compassionate heart to her job in health care. She retired from the Michigan Cancer Institute in 2010. It was important to her that each patient felt seen and cared for in some of the darkest times of their lives. After she retired, in true Nancy fashion, she moved to Lansing to live with and help care for her sister, Elaine. While she lived in the area, she was an active member of Drayton Heights Free Methodist Church in Clarkston, MI (now Waypoint Church) where she participated in the church choir and a wide range of activities.

Nancy was an avid Michigan State fan much to the dismay of her big brothers. Nancy had a sharp mind and a quick wit. She walked many difficult roads and exhibited grace and found strength in her relationship with Jesus. She loved connecting with family and was so proud of all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Nancy is survived by her three daughters, Shawna (Tom) Bright, Allyson Bonilla, and Vicki (Steve) Deur; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren with 1 on the way; sister-in-law, Louise Sergent; brother-in-law, Terry VanTress; many other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Harry Hutt; parents, Jim and Margaret Sergent; siblings, Elaine (Fred) Lamb, James "Bud" Sergent, Gale (Doris) Sergent, Faith VanTress, and Neil (Carolyn) Sergent.

Mark L Williams ‘66 (Comprehensive Social Studies) Mark was born on January 2, 1930, in Findley Lake, NY, a son of the late Royal and Ruth Sherman Williams. He married Garnett Beers Willams in Sheffield on January 18,1957. She preceded him in death on December 7, 2014. He was a graduate of Findley Lake High School, class of 1948. He also attended Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, New York, where he obtained his Education Degree as well as his Ministry Degree.

He was a teacher for Union City School District for 15 years until his retirement in 1985. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening and being with family. Mark is survived by a son, Kenneth Williams and wife Mary of Warren; a daughter, Kerri Last and husband Joseph of Titusville; five grandchildren, Megan Resig and husband Steve, Josh Willams and wife Laura, Kristianna Parker and husband Carl, Abagail Last and Chandler Last; four great grandchildren, Ava Resig, Jensen Resig, Nettie Williams and Flynn Williams; and several nieces and nephews.

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