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Wallace McCurdy Obituary
AGE: 87 • Newark
Dr. Wallace Hutchinson McCurdy, Jr., a 54 year resident of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, November 20, 2013. He recently celebrated his 87th birthday.
He was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on November 16, 1926, to the late Wallace Hutchinson and Martha Elizabeth (Rainey) McCurdy of Crafton, PA.
Wallace graduated from Crafton High School in 1944 with the "scientific diploma," and from Penn State College with a B.S. in Chemistry in 1947. He obtained a M.S. (1948) and Ph.D. (1951) in Chemistry from the University of Illinois and then pursued research and teaching at Princeton University. Through singing in a local church choir, he met and subsequently married Nancy Spicer on September 4, 1954. In 1959, they moved with their three children to Newark, DE where Wallace joined the faculty of the Chemistry Department at the University of Delaware. He retired from the University in 1992.
Wallace devoted himself to community service. He was president and founding board member of the Newark Day Nursery (1961), was active in the anti-war and environmental movements, was a tutor at West Park Elementary school, and supported the Delaware Science Olympiad.
Wallace enjoyed gardening, singing, biking, sailing, family road trips, and local Newark history. He was an avid story-teller with an incredible memory for detail. He was a member of the American Chestnut Foundation, the American Chemical Society, the Elk River Yacht Club, the Delaware Academy of Science, Pacem in Terris, Eastern Electrical Vehicle Club, Northern Delaware Oratorio Society, and The United Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife Nancy McCurdy; children, Laurie McKelvie and husband Bill of Shippensburg, PA, Martha McCurdy and husband Peter van Kan of Madison Wisconsin, and Alan McCurdy and wife Linda of Johns Creek, GA; brother, Dudley McCurdy and wife Jane of Saratoga, CA. He was the proud grandfather of 7 grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 3 pm on Tuesday, November 26, 2013, at the New Ark United Church of Christ, 300 E. Main Street, Newark, DE. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Newark Day Nursery Scholarship Fund, 921 Barksdale Road, Newark, DE 19711.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wallace McCurdy
November 28, 2013
Dennis and I are sad to hear of Wally's passing away. He was a great colleague at UD, always kind, always cheerful, and never a dull moment. Wally was kind to all of his students. - Mary Wirth and Dennis Evans
November 28, 2013
Hi Nancy, We all had some great times together. My best to you and the children. Gordon Bonner
Thomas J Smoot
November 26, 2013
On behalf of the Staff of the Delaware Academy of Science/Iron Hill Museum, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies, love and prayers to the McCurdy Family. Wally is a presence that will forever be missed by all who had the distinct pleasure of working with him.
November 25, 2013
As Program Director for Newark Day Nursery & children's Center, I speak for the staff and say THANK YOU for your advocacy, vision and love for Newark's children.
anthony blasi
November 24, 2013
I'm so sorry for your loss.
November 23, 2013
We have known and loved Wally all of our adult lives. He was loving and committed to his beliefs. Newark has lost a favorite son. We will miss you, Wally. Love, Gail and Rick Lloyd
Ellen Lebowitz
November 23, 2013
It was a great gift to spend some time with and learn so much from Wally at various peace and environmental events. Such a beautiful, glorious spirit. I would often see him riding his bicycle. My Deepest Sympathy.
Katie Moore
November 22, 2013
Mrs. McCurdy, Laurie, Martha, Alan: I'm so sorry to hear the sad news. I learned so much from being around your dad, and will miss him. What great memories. Fondly,
Katie Moore
Jim Neal
November 22, 2013
It is with great sadness to learn of Dr. McCurdy's death. He was an energetic, thoughtful person who worked hard to uphold high standards and progressive actions for the many activities he engaged in up to the time of his death. He was a long time leader and contributor to the programs of the Delaware Academy of Science. There is no one to fill his shoes.
November 22, 2013
A great professor who taught me Qualitative analysis at U of D in 1960. In part and because of his inspiration I went on and had a great career in chemistry.
From a long time ago student, I send my condolences.
Ed Engle
Laura Lee
November 22, 2013
So sorry to hear of Wally's passing. He was an absolute pleasure to know. When I worked at the Iron Hill Museum he was such a dedicated and passionate volunteer, and helped me learn all about the museum. He was so devoted to the environment and I remember how he would ride his bike instead of drive the car whenever he could! He will really be missed but what a legacy to have touched so many people and so many causes.
November 22, 2013
Laura and I were very sorry to hear about Uncle Wally. We remember when the family gathered at Fredericks Hall to celebrate Uncle Wally and Aunt Poo's 5oth wedding anniversary a few years ago. Aunt Poo and her family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Grace and Laura Little
Michael Ryan
November 22, 2013
My sincere condolences to Dr. McCurdy's family. I have very good memories of Dr. McCurdy, my undergraduate adviser and professor, a kind and generous man who helped me through those first tough years at the University of Delaware.
Gerald Poirier
November 22, 2013
Dr. McCurdy was a great supporter of science education and has touched many lives and will be remember as a noble man.
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