Alumni News
General News
Optometry
Jack A. Morrow, OD ‘51, passed away on January 3, 2023, at the age of 97. He was an optometrist in the Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, and Pittsburgh areas for 30 years, retiring from DALMO Optical in 1990. He was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Ruthann, known as "Tanny." He is survived by his sons, Scott (Christine) of Corydon, Indiana, Todd (Susan) of Holly Lake Ranch, Texas; and daughter, Ann (Bill) Smith of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one brother, Arthur of Hilton Head, South Carolina. Born in Butler, Pennsylvania, on December 6, 1925, the son of Arthur and Violet Mullins Morrow, Dr. Morrow grew up in Kittanning, Pennsylvania, where he lived next door to his future wife. In his youth, he was a Sea Scout Leader and taught seamanship. Turning 16 the day before Pearl Harbor, Dr. Morrow enlisted with the Marine Corps after graduating high school and served as a radar operator in the Pacific theater on Okinawa during World War II. Dr. Morrow was the chairman emeritus of the board of management of Deer Valley YMCA Family Camp, serving on the board in various capacities for 45 years. He was also a member of the Moon Township Friends of the Library and the Sewickley United Methodist Church.
Bernard “Pepper” Mallinger, OD ‘52, FAAO, passed away on July 20, 2023, at the age of 95. His journey began in Pittsburgh, where he was born and raised. Upon his return from WWII, Dr. Mallinger attended the then Pennsylvania State College of Optometry (PSCO). He received a Special Recognition Award from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) at Salus University Alumni Association in 2023 for his contributions to both the profession and Pittsburgh community. Dr. Mallinger served as the Pittsburgh Penguins' optometrist for over three decades. Together with his late wife, Stephanie, Dr. Mallinger played a crucial role in establishing the Pace School for Children with Learning Disabilities, a legacy that continues to impact young lives. He appeared on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood as the friendly optometrist who eases the puppet's fears during eye exams.
Bruce M. May, OD ‘52, passed away on June 8, 2023, at the age of 93. The son of Charles “Perc” May and Lillian Keller, he grew up in Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania, eventually attending PSCO. During his mandatory military service, Dr. May met and married Dolores "Dee" Baker. He then left the Army to establish a home and practice in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania. Their family grew starting with Steven, Tom, then Lauren and finally Melissa. Seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren followed. After 29 years of marriage, Dee passed. Later, his partner Kathy was with him for 39 years.
He served as optometry officer, consultant to Harrisburg School District and Pennsylvania Department of Welfare, director of the Low Vision Clinic at Cole Hospital, president of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, Pennsylvania Association for Children with Learning Disabilities, Pennsylvania Optometric Association and chairman of Vision Benefits of America. Dr. May’s body has been donated to science.
Bernard J. Topfer, OD ‘55, passed away on November 1, 2022, at the age of 93, in Pompton Plains, New Jersey.
Alexander C. Nichols, OD, ‘60, passed away on April 1, 2023, at the age of 93. Dr. Nichols was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, on January 15, 1930, to the late John Irvin and Inez Taylor Nichols. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, PSCO and the Augusta College of Law. During his military career in the Army, he served as a staff optometrist, Medical Service, in Fort Dix, New Jersey. His overseas assignments included Augsburg, Germany, and the 95th Evacuation Hospital in Danang, Vietnam. His last duty assignment was at Dwight David Eisenhower General Hospital in Fort Gordon, Georgia. Upon retirement from the Army in 1979, he started in private practice in Columbus, Georgia, and was the senior partner of Columbus Eye Associates. He was a member of the American Optometric Association and the Georgia Optometric Association, where he served as president of the third district and as trustee for several years. He was a past president of the Muscogee Lions Club in Columbus, and a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Dr. Nichols was preceded by his wife of 68 years, Jean Ruth Nichols, and is survived by his three children: Alicia Nichols Weathers and spouse, Charles Clayton Weathers of Saluda, South Carolina; Alexander Christopher Nichols and spouse, Angela Jobe Nichols of Mason, Ohio; and two granddaughters.
Constantine J. Dusckas, OD ‘64, passed away on September 29, 2022, at the age of 82.
William “Bill” D. Wachtel, OD ‘67, passed away on August 13, 2022, at the age of 80, in Naples, Florida. He graduated from Hofstra University and then PCO in 1967. Dr. Wachtel practiced for 48 years in Bristol, Connecticut. Dr. Wachtel and his wife Elaine were married for 56 years. He is also survived by his two children, Beth and Michael.
Edward J. Szymala, OD, ‘79, passed away on September 25, 2022, at the age of 75, in Royersford, Pennsylvania. Dr. Szymala practiced optometry in Royersford and Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. He was a member of both the American Optometric Association and the Pennsylvania Optometric Association. He was a Vietnam Era Veteran of the U.S. Army. Dr. Szymala is survived by his wife, Jeannette (Huber) Szymala of Royersford; daughter, Michelle (Eric) Wunder; son, Dr. Jason (Grace) Szymala; sister, Stella Hertel; brother, Thomas Szymala; and six grandchildren.
Linda M. Malisan, OD ‘90, passed away on August 21, 2023, at the age of 58, in Ambler, Pennsylvania. She was born on June 5, 1965, in Rockville Centre, New York. Donations in her memory can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
Laura Edwards, PhD, passed away on May 28, 2023, at the age of 81. Born on February 23, 1942, Laura was the daughter of Marvin and Kathlyn Edwards. She was the sister of Marvin Edwards, Jr. and Judith Johnson. Following her departure as an officer with the Salvation Army, her spiritual journey led her to find solace in the Mormon church. Later in life, she became a member of Grace Presbyterian Church. She found her calling in Vocational Rehabilitation, specializing in assisting individuals with visual impairments. She received her PhD in Rehabilitation Administration and Education. She served in different capacities with the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services, including as information officer and training services coordinator with the Regional Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program, RSA Region IV. She worked for PCO/Salus as faculty, program coordinator for the master of science, Low Vision Rehabilitation Program, and department chair, among other positions held. She received a Good Citizen Award from the Maryland State Police for providing CPR to a car accident victim, and multiple awards for outstanding service in her various positions. She was a host mother to students with visual impairments from Germany, Japan, Thailand, Denmark and Malaysia in the 1980's. She found comfort and companionship in companion Sy Siegel. She is survived by her brother, Marvin Edwards, Jr., her sister, Judith Johnson and Judith’s husband, Dave.
James J. Wood passed away on August 10, 2022, at the age of 64. He was the husband of Kathy Sue (Johnson). Born July 5, 1958, in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Margaret Sejna. He was employed as a lead director of a research program at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and also at Salus University. Wood was an Army veteran and an adventurer, who loved scuba diving and fishing. He loved traveling the world with Kathy.. In addition to his wife of more than 22 years, he is survived by his children, Caitlin Sprague and, Jimmy Wood; one grandson, two stepchildren, three step-grandchildren; brother, Michael Wood of Germany; and many cousins and friends.
Adam James Moore, MHS, PA-C, ATC, of Marlton, New Jersey, passed away on September 26, 2023 at the age of 48. He leaves behind his beloved wife Heather Noble, his children Hadley and Harrison, his sister Cristin (Jonathan) Tayman, his nieces Caitlin and Deanna, his mother-in-heart Dana Noble, his friends Phil, Mandy and Paige Johnson and a host of other family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Thaddeus and Diane (Smith) Moore. Moore grew up in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania and graduated from Seneca Valley High School. He received his bachelors degree from the University of Pittsburgh and his masters from Drexel University. He was a certified Physician Assistant (PA) and Athletic Trainer and worked as a professor in the PA Studies Program at Thomas Jefferson University. He also served as an assistant professor in Salus University’s PA program from 2016 to 2022.
Kathleen M. Huebner, PhD, passed away this October. Dr. Huebner served as associate dean of the former College of Education and Rehabilitation and taught courses in the University’s Orientation and Mobility program until her retirement in 2012. In 2020, she was inducted into the Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field in 2020.
