Northwest Philadelphia lost some remarkable individuals in 2024, each leaving behind legacies that helped shape the region's cultural, medical, artistic, and social landscape. From dedicated healthcare providers who healed generations of residents to passionate activists who fought for social justice, from groundbreaking artists to beloved community figures, their stories reflect the rich tapestry of lives that made our community what it is today.

Medicine

The medical community mourned the loss of several distinguished practitioners who dedicated their lives to healing. Dr. Joseph Washington Price IV, who passed away at 80, embodied the spirit of unconventional wisdom during his remarkable 54-year family practice on Sedgwick Street in Mt. Airy. A celebration of his life at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Mt. Airy honored a truly beloved, unconventional doctor who challenged traditional medical boundaries. Known for his unpretentious approach, Dr. Price embraced both traditional Western medicine and alternative therapies like Reiki and acupuncture, guided by his simple yet profound philosophy: "Whatever works." His affiliation with Chestnut Hill Hospital and his holistic approach to medicine made him a pioneering figure in integrative healthcare long before it became mainstream.

Dr. George R. Green of Lafayette Hill, who died peacefully at The Hill at Whitemarsh at 89, left behind a remarkable 50-year legacy in internal medicine and allergy/immunology. Described by family as "a humble healer and stalwart patient advocate," Green touched countless lives while authoring three influential books on medical issues. His impact extended beyond his practice through his role as a mentor to younger physicians and his contributions to medical literature. Family members remembered him as "a devoted husband and father, a healer and mentor and a singular and authentic individual," whose influence reached far beyond his examination room.

The medical community lost another giant when Dr. Nathan Schnall of Wyndmoor passed away at 99. As chairman of the obstetrics and gynecology department at Rolling Hill Hospital in Elkins Park, Schnall delivered thousands of babies during his 50-year career without a single infant fatality – an achievement his daughter Jane Beechman Segal noted filled him with particular pride. One of three brothers who became doctors, Schnall's dedication to his patients continued until his retirement in the mid-1990s, setting a standard for excellence in obstetric care that influenced countless medical professionals.

Educators

The year saw the passing of several influential educators and social justice advocates who shaped generations of students and community members. Eve R. Oshtry, a Holocaust survivor and beloved Henry School teacher, died at 94, leaving behind a powerful legacy of calm resilience. Her son Joel recalled how her experiences in Nazi Germany, where she was told "not to draw attention to herself," shaped her gentle approach to teaching during her 27-year career at the Mt. Airy school. After witnessing signs declaring parks "Judenrein" (cleansed of Jews) in Berlin and surviving bomb shelters in Liverpool, Oshtry transformed her experiences into a teaching philosophy that emphasized compassion and understanding. Following her graduation from Temple University, she first served as a social worker for Philadelphia before finding her true calling as a kindergarten teacher, where she touched countless young lives.

Rabbi Ellen Bernstein of the Germantown Jewish Centre, who died of colon cancer in February, was remembered as a pioneering force in Jewish environmentalism. As founder of Shomrei Adamah ("Keepers of the Earth"), the nation's first Jewish environmental organization in 1988, Bernstein uniquely connected environmental stewardship with biblical principles. Her journey from river guide to rabbi illustrated her deep connection to nature, which she masterfully integrated with religious teachings. Bernstein's innovative approach linked her passion for the natural environment to the precepts of the Hebrew Bible, beginning with the Garden of Eden, creating a new framework for religious environmental activism that continues to influence faith-based environmental movements.

The arts community

The arts community suffered profound losses that touched multiple disciplines. Paul Rickert, considered one of Chestnut Hill's most acclaimed artists of the past century, was remembered through a May exhibition at Borrelli's Chestnut Hill Gallery & Frame Shop. Gallery owner Joe Borrelli praised him as "a very special artist and a very special person," whose masterful watercolor and oil paintings of local scenes and industrial sites captured the essence of urban life. Though Parkinson's disease claimed him at 77 in 2023, his influence on the regional art scene continued through posthumous exhibitions and the lasting impact of his work.

Ellen Formanek Tepper, a renowned Celtic harpist described by Mike Agranoff of The Folk Project as "one of the most accomplished players in the Northeastern U.S.," passed away at 71 after years of health challenges. Beyond her musical talents, Tepper was also an award-winning artist and dancer whose creativity touched multiple artistic disciplines during her 35 years in Glenside.

The animation world lost a creative force when John Robert Serpentelli died in his Chestnut Hill home at 59. As founder of Animation Stewdio and director of more than 100 films for networks including Nickelodeon, HBO, PBS, and Sesame Street, Serpentelli's influence extended far beyond Philadelphia. His teaching career at institutions including Woodmere Art Museum, Drexel University, Amherst College, and the University of Pennsylvania helped shape the next generation of animators. His film "Once Upon a Time" earned both the Blockbuster Award from the New York Expo of Short Films and the Most Creative Award from the American Motion Picture Society, garnering praise from publications including Variety and The New York Times.

The music world mourned Frankie Beverly, the Germantown High School graduate who achieved major success in R&B, funk, and soul music while maintaining a unique position in American popular culture. Beverly, born Howard Stanley Beverly in Germantown, died at 77 after building what Baltimore Sun critic J.D. Considine described as a paradoxical legacy – "the biggest R&B star you never heard of." Despite lacking the crossover success of contemporaries like Ray Charles or Stevie Wonder, Beverly maintained a devoted following in the Black community for half a century, creating a musical legacy that emphasized authenticity over mainstream appeal.

Leaders and innovators

Journalism lost one of its towering figures with the passing of Donald L. Barlett at 88. During his 25 years as a Chestnut Hill resident, Barlett formed half of the legendary investigative reporting team Barlett and Steele, whose 42-year partnership at the Philadelphia Inquirer and other publications set the gold standard for investigative journalism in America. As former New York Times reporter David Cay Johnston noted, "They are far and away the best investigative team of all time. There are lots of great investigative reporters, but nobody has their sustained track record!" Barlett's passing marked the end of an era in journalism, where meticulous research and fearless reporting helped shape public understanding of complex issues.

Donna Reed Miller, who represented Northwest Philadelphia's 8th District on City Council from 1996 to 2012, died at 77. A protégé of pioneering Black state Rep. Dave Richardson, Miller focused on criminal justice reform, gun violence prevention and minority hiring in city contracts. Mayor Cherelle Parker remembered her as an early advocate who "fought for social, racial and economic justice before it was a popular thing to do." Miller secured significant funding for Germantown and Nicetown improvements and was particularly known for co-sponsoring gun control legislation and confronting building trade unions over minority hiring.

The social justice community bid farewell to several tireless advocates who dedicated their lives to creating positive change. Richard Knight Taylor, who died at 91, spent his life campaigning for human rights alongside his wife Phyllis during their 62-year marriage and 55 years in Mt. Airy. The Taylors' commitment to social justice, begun during civil rights activities in 1962, spanned multiple causes and three Mt. Airy locations before their final years at Stapeley Retirement Home in Germantown.

Robert Atkinson Seeley, former executive director of the Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors, passed away at 81 in his Germantown home of 54 years. His daughter Laura, a teacher at Roxborough High School, remembered his deep connection to the community, particularly through his "Walk Germantown" programs that brought diverse groups together to explore neighborhood history. For a decade, Seeley led these informal walks to locations like Wayne Junction and Vernon Park, weaving together community building and historical education.

The region lost several remarkable women who shaped their communities in profound and diverse ways. Verna Mae Shmavonian, who died at 92, achieved significant accomplishments in literature, social justice advocacy, education, and politics during her 45 years in Mt. Airy. A masterful multi-tasker before the term became common, she balanced her professional achievements with a rich family life. Her daughter Nadya captured her essence, noting that "at her core she was happy, compassionate and deeply devoted to the people she loved. And there were many she loved." Her passing at Artman Lutheran Home in Ambler marked the end of a life dedicated to both personal connection and public service.

Florence Buckley, who died peacefully in her sleep at 77, left an indelible mark through her work as a registered nurse and community activist. Her son Emmett Neyman remembered how she "cared about making the world a better and healthier place, no matter what she was doing." Her 25-year career as a pediatric nurse, split between DuPont Children's Hospital in Delaware and Wissahickon Charter School in Germantown, exemplified her commitment to children's health and well-being. From 2003 until her retirement in 2016, she served as a school nurse, extending her influence beyond medical care to become a trusted figure in the lives of countless students.

Familiar faces

The fabric of daily community life was shaped by dedicated individuals like Timothy V. Alexander, who served as parking ambassador for the Chestnut Hill Business District for 13 years. Alexander, who died at 86 after a courageous nine-month battle with esophageal cancer, managed the "blue parking lot" on West Highland Avenue with a dedication that went far beyond his official duties. Growing up in Germantown, he developed deep roots in the area, living in Chestnut Hill for 55 years and working there for a remarkable 64 years. His unexpected passing at Fox Chase Cancer Center left a void in the neighborhood where he had become a familiar and beloved presence.

The passing of several individuals reminded us of the deep roots many families have in the area. Carolyn Louise Van Sciver Armstrong, a third-generation Chestnut Hill resident and 1988 alumna of Springside School, died unexpectedly at 53. Her legacy connected to the influential J.B. Van Sciver Furniture Company, founded by her great-grandfather in 1881 and later run by his sons, representing a significant chapter in Philadelphia's business history.

Philomena Rush's death at 90 marked the end of a remarkable American journey that began in Northern Ireland. Born in Greencastle, County Tyrone, as one of 13 children, she followed her sister Alice McElroy to Philadelphia in 1953. During her 56 years in Wyndmoor, Rush built a life centered on faith and community, beginning with friendships formed while working at Stouffer's and Horn & Hardart's restaurants. Her devotion to her Catholic faith, from her baptism at St. Patrick's Church in Greencastle to her membership in several local parishes, remained constant throughout her life.

Jerome "Jerry" Balka's passing at 95 represented the end of an era for Philadelphia's street vendor community. As their association's lawyer since the 1970s, Balka knew the name, corner location, and nationality of every outdoor food vendor in the city. His advocacy extended beyond legal representation; when concerns about food safety arose, he collaborated with the Philadelphia Health Department to develop voluntary training programs for vendors. His work encompassed small business issues, zoning, and immigration, making him an essential figure in the city's street food culture.

The community also mourned those whose influence transcended traditional family bonds. Stephen Kerzner, who died at 74 following complications from a stroke, served as director of the Woodmere Art Gallery museum store from 2012 until his 2023 retirement. Though he had no known biological family, he built a vast network of friends who remembered him as "Philadelphia's Truman Capote but without the wicked bite." His passing at Keystone Hospice in Wyndmoor left a void in the arts community where he had become a beloved figure and muse for fashion and style.

Even those whose deaths occurred in previous years continued to impact the community. Camilla Harrington, who passed away at 100 in 2023, inspired an outpouring of memories on the Mt. Airy Nextdoor website after her former neighbor Terence O'Neill's tribute. Known as "Milly the Chanteuse" for her performances in Springfield Township shows, she impressed everyone with her active lifestyle well into her 90s, playing golf, driving her tractor/mower, hosting dinner parties, and attending art classes. As a longtime Springfield Township poll worker and Republican committeewoman, she embodied civic engagement and community involvement until the end of her life.

Through their professional achievements, community service, and personal relationships, these individuals helped shape Northwest Philadelphia into the vibrant, diverse community it is today. Their stories, woven together, remind us that a community is built and maintained not just through grand gestures and public achievements, but through daily acts of service, commitment to others, and the quiet determination to make one's corner of the world a better place.