Obituaries
-
Nancy Curtis Kern, 93, Fordham Health Sciences Library, Interlibrary Loan Department
Nancy spent her professional life as a librarian, a career well suited to her love of journaling, learning, and helping others. She remained positive and upbeat, living by the words, “It’s A Good Life,” and shortly before she died on August 19, 2026, she said, “I’m A Lucky Girl.”
-
Stephen Paul Foster, 79, University Librarian and Associate Vice President for International Affairs
Everyone who met Stephen Foster was struck by his intellectual prowess and his insatiable curiosity about the world. He was sometimes hazy about practical details, but his memory for facts was nearly flawless. He died on August 18, 2026.
-
Robert Allen Wood, 75, Assistant Dean, College of Liberal Arts
Bob earned an undergraduate and master’s degree from WSU, where he worked for 34 years. His love of softball, gardening, march madness, grilling, hosting annual beer tastings for family and friends, and all things hot peppers, was only surpassed by his love of his grandchildren. He died August 10, 2026.
-
Anna D. Bellisari, 86, Associate Professor of Sociology and Anthropology
A long time professor of anthropology at Wright State University, Anna had a strong appreciation of different cultures and spent countless hours at the Columbus Zoo, working with the primates, in particular a Chimpanzee named “Sheba.” Sheba left her mark on many family members. She died July 25, 2026.
-
Barbara Elaine Hull, 76, Professor of Biological Sciences
Barbara Hull enjoyed ocean cruises including many trips to Alaska and Antarctica. She spent numerous summers hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Always the teacher, she frequently spent weekends at dog agility training practices and competitions over the years. She died on July 24, 2026.
-
Teresa Faye Wood, 71, Physical Plant Administration
Teresa Wood graduated from Wright State University, where she worked for 34 years until she retired in 2005. Her love of horses, crime shows, puzzles, baking desserts, margaritas, Mardi Gras and gardening in her fairy garden; was only surpassed by her love of her grandchildren. She died on July 13, 2026
-
Nicholas Piediscalzi, 95, Professor of Religion
Nick Piediscalzi founded and was the first chair of the Department of Religious Studies. He had a distinguished teaching career that included directing the Master of Humanity Program and creating the Public Education Religious Studies Center. He died on July 1, 2026.
-
William Feld, 81, Professor of Chemistry
Bill supervised more than 85 master’s theses. He kept in touch with numerous students all over the world. He held six patents for his battery research and continued consulting, even after his retirement. He died on May 3, 2026.
-
Simegnish Hunegnaw, 82, Data Control Technician, CaTS
Simegnish Hunegnaw was the heart of the Ethiopian community and a source of strength for so many others. She loved deeply, cooked beautifully, cherished her injera, and will remain in our hearts forever. She died on April 28, 2026.
-
Alyce Earl Jenkins, 90, Associate Professor of Education
A history maker and highly decorated leader in the field of rehabilitation counseling and education, Alyce served on numerous local, state, and national organizations, including the Governor’s Council for Persons with Disabilities, Clark State Board of Trustees, Ohio Counselors and Social Workers Board, and the National Rehabilitation Counselor Association. She died on April 17, 2026.
-
Jean McConville Payne, 70, Data Collection Specialist, Fels Longitudinal Study
Jean was a long-time volunteer for the local Yellow Springs Cable Access channel 5 and active member of the Yellow Springs Historical Society, contributing to YS Historical Society with artwork and cataloging their collections. She died on April 1, 2026.
-
Bonnie J. Grooms, 85, Community Health Advocate, Center for Healthy Communities
Bonnie’s love and devotion to her family, her wonderful sense of humor, and generosity will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. She died on March 22, 2026.
Upcoming Events
-
Wright State Retirees Picnic
Wright State University retirees and friends are invited to a picnic on Saturday, Sept. 19, 1:30–4:30 p.m., in Rotary Park, 2260 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Beavercreek, OH 45432.
See what’s coming up in our Events Calendar