Bangor, Pennsylvania
Dr. Hayden N. "Denny" Pritchard, PhD., 92, of Pen Argyl, PA, passed away Wednesday, April 30th, at his residence, with his wife by his side.
Hayden was born in Bangor, PA, on February 13, 1933, a son of the late Hayden B. N. and Marion (Flory) Pritchard.
He was the husband of Kathleen M. (Bisher) Pritchard. They celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary last November.
He was a 1951 graduate of Bangor High School, where he was the Salutatorian, played varsity football, varsity basketball, and track & field. Denny was the editor of The Graduate, the class yearbook, and was inducted into the 1885 club. He received his BA degree from Princeton University in 1955, his MS Degree from Lehigh University in 1962, and his PhD from Lehigh University in 1964.
Dr. Pritchard was an Instructor at Cedar Crest College from 1959 until 1960; a Pre-Doctoral Fellow at the University of Florida, from 1962 to 1963; a Faculty Member, Assistant, Associate, and Professor at Lehigh University from 1963 to 1995; and a Lehigh University Professor Emeritus, from 1995 until present day.
He was an invited member of; People to People International Botanical Delegation to South Africa in 1984. He had the honor of co-authoring the textbook Biology of Nonvascular Plants in 1984, and had several published research works. Dr. Pritchard was awarded the Bernard A. Briody Jr. Award, given by Lehigh University in 1979 in recognition of distinguished teaching and advising to students in health-related studies. He was a member of Sigma X, a national research society.
Denny proudly served in the U.S. Army.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Bangor, PA.
Denny was a former member of the Easton Hospital Board of Trustees from 1977 to 1978, a member of the Bangor Area School District Board of Education from 1975 to 1989, where he served as president from 1978 to 1982 and treasurer in 1983. He was a member of the Bangor Public Library Board of Trustees from 1990 to 2000, and served as treasurer from 1992 to 1996. Denny was also a member of the Friends of the Bangor Public Library from 2001 to present day, served on the Pennico Park Association, and was a Co-Chairman of the Bangor 125th Celebration in 2000. He served on the Board of Trustees for Genesis from 1998 to 2004, was a member of the Bangor Exchange Club since 1970, and served two terms as president and has been the chairman of the Youth of the Year program for the State of Pennsylvania since 2000.
In addition to his wife, Kathleen, Denny is survived by a daughter, Robin Heard Ott, and a son, Rodney Heard, four grandchildren, Hannah, Gabrielle, Megan, and Brian, a sister-in-law, Jane Murphy, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was predeceased by two sons, Paul and David Pritchard, and two brothers: Dr. George Pritchard and Atty. Jim Pritchard.
Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Gaffney Parsons Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Bangor, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke's Hospice - Development Office, 801 Ostrum Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015.
Denny was a wonderful person, whom I came to know through family connections. My father was R. Edison Treible, who married Jean Godshalk after my mother, Vera Jones Treible, died. We were blessed by our association with the Godshalks over the years, and we had many memorable occasions shared. with them.
Reed Treible
May 18, 2025 | Family
Kathy and Family, so sorry to hear of the death of Denny. May the pleasant memories of times shared with Denny remain in your heart.
Jack and Elaine Finelli
May 10, 2025 | Other
Our family´s special memories of Denny were the wonderful summers with his family at Stone Harbor Wetlands Institute back in the 1970´s. Our families were neighbors and our children were growing up together. Denny played a major role inspiring each of us to make a difference in the world . We cherish our friendship with Denny and send our condolences to Kathy and family.. Best, Gloria and Joe Yannuzzi
Joe and Gloria Yannuzzi
May 10, 2025 | Friend
Dear Kathy and family, Our Deepest Sympathy in a loss of Denny. He was a great guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your good memories bring you comfort and peace.
Joe & Kellea DeFrank
May 08, 2025 | Friend
Our sincere sympathies thoughts and prayers to Kathy and Denny´s entire family. I first met "Doc" when I worked at Pritchard´s Clothing a consummate gentleman and scholar dedicates to community service. May he rest in God´s eternal peace.
Rich and Gina Grucela
May 08, 2025 | Friend
Kathy, so sorry for your loss ! May you have smiles with your memories of him !
Audrey
May 07, 2025 | Friend
Fair winds and following seas Denny. I'll always remember your words "You know you do nice work"!
Jeff Berger
May 07, 2025 | Friend
Kathy, Extending our heartfelt sympathy with your loss of Denny. Our son Brent along with Chris Due and Mark Schiavone were very close friend's of David, and spent many good times at the Pricthard house. May he rest in peace. Sincerely,
Bill & Judi Brugler
May 07, 2025 | Friend
Dear Kathy and Family, My heartfelt condolences to you all. His long, full life has ended, but he will be with you always...in your hearts and in your memories. Sincerely, Sherry (Lewis) and Alan Stecker
Sherry (Lewis) Stecker
May 07, 2025
