Roosevelt University extends its deepest sympathy to the loved ones of recently deceased alumni and friends. Share a memory or let us know about a recently deceased Roosevelt University graduate here.

Agnes March, BA ’50, passed away on October 10, 2023

Phillip A Hewes, BS ’52, passed away on July 23, 2023

Cecile D. Kraus, BA ’52, passed away on July 19, 2023

Ned L. McCray, BA ’53, passed away on June 27, 2023

Herbert H. Franks, BSBA ’54, passed away on October 31, 2023. After attending Roosevelt, Herbert served in the U.S. Army and graduated from the American University Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C. While there, he worked for Congressman Barrett O’Hara. He then returned to Illinois and worked as partner in the law firms of Canfield & Canfield, and Franks & Wylde. In 1976, he built a law office in Marengo and began establishing himself as a premier personal injury and worker’s compensation attorney. He helped found several organizations: the McHenry County Jewish Congregation; the First National Bank of Marengo; and the Wonder Lake State Bank Group. In 2000, Herb was sworn in a president of the Illinois State Bar Association. He successfully challenged the unauthorized practice of law in the State of Illinois as the association’s president. Governor Rod Blagojevich appointed him to Illinois’ Judicial Review Board, on which he investigated and adjudicated complaints of judicial misconduct. Roosevelt University’s annual Herb H. Franks Endowed Seminar in Political Science explores relevant topics in local and state politics.

Larry A. Grika, BM ’54, MM ’55, passed away on August 8, 2023

Fred H. Rothschild, BS ’54, passed away on December 7, 2023

Raymond J. Allen, BS ’57, passed away on November 27, 2023. After fulfilling two years of U.S. Army service, Ray and his wife, Sally, moved to Illinois and he completed his education at Roosevelt. Upon graduation, he entered the emerging leasing business. He soon started his own company in Chicago and within a few years, added a Denver office. Ray served on the boards of several banks and eventually purchased Park National Bank, with a partner, where he served as president and chairman of the board. Simultaneously, Ray was president of the Bank of Highland Park, and a long-serving trustee of Roosevelt University. After his retirement from banking, Ray worked with local manufacturing firms including ECS Corporation where he became owner and chairman. Ray was a dedicated philanthropist, and served terms on the boards of Elmhurst YMCA and Elmhurst Symphony.

Nicholas L. Canellis, BS ’58, passed away on December 13, 2023

Milda R. Memenas, BM ’58, MM ’60, passed away on July 21, 2023

Mary E. Rechka, BA ’58, passed away on August 3, 2023

Jacquelyn Lasseter, MA ’60, passed away on August 8, 2023

John S. Rice, BA ’60, passed away on October 10, 2023

James H. Hoffman, BSBA ’61, passed away on October 7, 2023

John P. Schockmel, MA ’62, passed away on August 7, 2023

Lorraine J. Tacke, BA ’62, passed away on August 14, 2023

Ray C. Podesta, BSBA ’63, passed away on July 30, 2023

Allan B. Afterman, BSBA ’64, passed away on September 1, 2023

Albert E. Covili, BSBA ’65, passed away on July 1, 2023

Elaine J. Malas, BA ’65, passed away on August 24, 2023

Niesje M. Parker, BS ’65, passed away on November 21, 2023

Neal A. Rogin, BSBA ’65, passed away on June 16, 2023

Bosiljka Stojkovich, BA ’65, passed away on July 8, 2023

Patricia J. Borg, BSBA ’66, passed away on November 25, 2023

Barbara R. Moss, BA ’67, passed away on October 1, 2023

Robert W. Hayden, MBA ’68, passed away on September 4, 2023

Weston B. King, BSBA ’68, passed away on August 5, 2023

Eugene Toms, MA ‘69, passed away on August 3, 2023

Grace L. Turner, MA ‘69, passed away on June 27, 2023

Robert E. Walker, BA ’69, passed away on July 5, 2023

Sally A. Hires, BA ’70, passed away on December 3, 2023

Donald R. Bradley, MA ’71, passed away on September 17, 2023

John P. Kastenholz, MA ’71, passed away on November 14, 2023

John Sendra, BA ’71, passed away on September 28, 2023

Helen J. Factor, BA ’70, MA ’72, passed away on November 3, 2023

Thomas J. Hamilton, MA ’72, passed away on July 19, 2023

Helen M. Jascoviak, BGS ’72, passed away on December 7, 2023

Frank E. Perry, BSBA ’73, passed away on November 19, 2023

Philip A. Caligiuri, BS ’74, passed away on September 4, 2023

Matilda A. Chase, BA ’74, passed away on October 10, 2023

Gerard Ruttendjie, BGS ’75, passed away on September 3, 2023

Mary E. Cavallo, BGS ’77, passed away on November 17, 2023

Lance Wolfe, MA ’77, passed away on December 1, 2023

Dorothy R. McMullen, BA ’79, passed away on November 4, 2023

Richard J. Marchewka, MPA ’80, passed away on July 18, 2023

Sandra J. Byrnes, BGS ’81, passed away on August 1, 2023

Lynn M. Foreman, BGS ’81, passed away on November 3, 2023

Virginia A. McDonald, BGS ’81, passed away on November 14, 2023

John C. McCartan, MBA ’82, passed away on December 5, 2023

Phyllis K. Shepherd, MA ’82, passed away on September 6, 2023

Kevin J. Freely, BGS ’85, passed away on June 20, 2023

Christine A. Hess, BGS ’85, passed away on July 21, 2023

Christopher J. Hannafan, BGS ’87, passed away on September 18, 2023

Kathryn L. Sharpenter, BA ’87, passed away on July 12, 2023

Dr. Samuel E. Busch, long-time supporter of Roosevelt University and husband to alumna Dr. Joyce Busch ’57, passed away on July 7, 2023. After graduating from Eastern Michigan University, he entered the United States Army, serving in the Medical Service Corps. Upon completion of his tour, he entered Howard University Medical College from where he graduated in 1961. He was certified by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1972 and became a Fellow in 1973. Dr. Samuel Busch was the Second African American licensed to practice OB-GYN in Virginia. He retired after 28 years of service, delivering more than 5,000 babies and performing an undermined number of surgeries. Because of Dr. Busch, women of color finally began to receive dignified care for themselves and their unborn babies throughout the Petersburg and surrounding areas. Busch was a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and he attended various lectures and conferences in Africa, China, Japan, Russia and throughout the United States. He was also known to promote educational and other opportunities for youth throughout the community and schools. Each year, Roosevelt University awards the Dr. Samuel & Dr. Joyce Busch Scholarship to qualified students within the sciences.