Obituary of Dr. John Nye

John B. Nye Ed.D., 81, devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and life long educator, died peacefully at home on April 27, 2013, surrounded by his family and his wife of 60 years, Judith (Fowler) Nye. He was the eldest son of the late John B. Nye, Sr. and Frances (Sandanna) Nye. He was preceded in death by one brother, Francis Nye of Williamsport. A lengthy battle with cancer could not subdue his posititve nature, his boundless senseof humor, his devotion to his family, or the grace and fortitude with which he met each and every day. John served his country during the Korean War in the United States Air Force, 126th Bomber Wing. Upon his return, he went to college on the G.I. bill, earning a B.S. in Mathematics at Lock Haven University (1957) and began his career as a Math teacher at Kennett High School in Kennett Square, PA. While pursuing his master degree, he briefly left teaching in 1961 for two years to work as a Systems Analyst at E. I Dupont in Wilmington, Delaware. During this time he completed his M.Ed. in Mathematics Education at the University of Delaware (1963). But John was an educator at heart and returned to teaching Mathematics at both Kennett High School and Wilmington Friends School, serving as the Department Chair at Kennett High. During this time, he was a part time Mathematics Instructor at Lincoln University during the summers until 1968. Active in the community as well, he was elected to Kennett Square Borough Council, 1964-1968 and as president of Kennett Area Jaycees in 1964. John received the Outstanding Young Educator Award in 1964, the Outstanding Citizens Award in 1966 from the Kennett Area Jaycees, and the Excellence in Purpose Award from Lincoln University in 1968. In 1968 John moved his family to the Pocono's upon becoming principal at Pleasant Valley High School in Brodheadsville. In 1973 he earned his Ed. S. from Lehigh University and served as Superintendent of Schools, Pleasant Valley School District until his retirement in 1988. During this time he attained his Ed.D from California Coast University (1978) and completed post-doctoralwork at Purdue University (1979) and Harvard University (1983-1988). His community services included: Board of Directors Monroe County Red Cross (1969-1972), Board of Trustees Pocono Medical Center (1980-1985). Member and Vice Chair Monroe County Planning Commission (1978-1986), Board of Directors Monroe County United Way (1985). Having an affinity for the New England states led John to his next adventure in education. He accepted a position as Superintendent of Schools at Maine Area School Districe #51 in Cumberland, ME in 1988. But being so far away from their family was difficult, and so John and his wife returned to the Pocono's in 1990 where he taught Mathematics and Social Studies at Notre Dame High School until 1998. He served on the Board of Trustees Msgr. McHugh Foundation (1990-present). Board of Education, Diocese of Scranton (1995-2001). In 1990 John became active in the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees. His full time dedication to this organization included work at both the local and state level as follows: Past President Monroe County Chapter, Legislative/Political Education Chair, Monroe County, Region 3 L/PEC Chair (1999-2003), State PASR L/PEC Chair (2002-2004), PASR State Assistant Treasurer (2004-2006), PASR State Vice-President (2006-2008), PASR State President Elect (2008-2010), and PASR State President (2010-2012). In addition, John volunteered time to AARP Advocacy Issues and as a state liason to PASR. In addition to his wife Judith, he is survived by three daughters: Catherine Siglin and her husband James of Mountainhome, Stephanie Schnaithmann and her husband Peter of Camp Hill, and Jennifer Straub and her husbandStephen of Stroudsburg; four grandchildren: Robert Siglin, Courtney Siglin, Meghan Straub and Danielle Straub, one great granddaughter, Mia Harlacker; one niece and five nephews. There will be a visitation on Wednesday, May 1 from 5-8pm at the Bolock Funeral Home, 6148 Paradise Valley Road, Cresco. The Reverend Father Joseph Kopacz will celebrate a Mass of Christian burial on Thursday, May 2 at 10am at the Church of St. Bernadette, Route 390 in Canadensis. Burial will take place at St. Agnes Cemetery in Lock Haven, PA at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to the VNA Hospice House of Monroe County, 502 Independence Road, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 or to Most Holy Trinity Parish, 27 Fairview Avenue, Mount Pocono, PA 18344.