In Loving Memory
All around Trinity Episcopal Church Rocky Hill, there are loving memories of parishioners who have come before us. Some we knew and loved personally, some we have learned about through the ages. All of them we owe much gratitude. It is because of their faith and commitment to God, and each other, that we are able to continue to worship together at Trinity Episcopal Church Rocky Hill.
When you visit Trinity Episcopal Church Rocky Hill their memory lives on. You don't have to look far to see their impact on our church, whether it is in the Memorial Garden, the stained glass windows, the Chalice, the hymnals, or any of the many items donated and preserved in their names. We are the Little Church with the Big Heart because of their examples.
This section provides a glimpse into the lives of our fellow parishioners. Like Jane Phillips in the stained glass window featured above, They Hath Done what They Could. They are loved and missed.
When you visit Trinity Episcopal Church Rocky Hill their memory lives on. You don't have to look far to see their impact on our church, whether it is in the Memorial Garden, the stained glass windows, the Chalice, the hymnals, or any of the many items donated and preserved in their names. We are the Little Church with the Big Heart because of their examples.
This section provides a glimpse into the lives of our fellow parishioners. Like Jane Phillips in the stained glass window featured above, They Hath Done what They Could. They are loved and missed.
Reverend Canon E Rugby Auer was named vicar of Trinity in 1987. He was Director of Trinity Counseling Service in Princeton, which he founded in 1968. The parish flourished under Fr. Auer's guidance and inspiration. He retired in 1997. EWC donated a banner to Trinity and asked that it be dedicated in honor of Fr. Auer's service to the parish. While leading the worship service prior to the dedication, Fr. Auer suffered a stroke and died three days later. While sad, all those present knew he was in a place he dearly loved.
Albert C. Ball was a longtime resident of Rocky Hill and a member of Trinity Episcopal Church Rocky Hill where he was a church organist for many years. Albert was an accomplished musician and composed several musical pieces that were published. Royalties from those musical pieces help to support his wife Julia C. Ball after his death. Albert and Julia were great benefactors to Trinity Episcopal Church Rocky Hill and when Julia died, she left a generous bequest to the church.
Julia Crovetto Ball was born to Maria and Jack Crovetto in Rocky Hill. Her father was a machinist at the Atlantic Terra Cotta factory. Julia's early home was on the canal near the railroad station and she attended the Washington School. She met her husband, Albert Ball, when they both worked at the Belle Mead Depot during World War I. She lived in the home her father built on Montgomery Avenue in Rocky Hill until her death at age 97. She was a longtime member of Trinity Episcopal Church Rocky Hill where her husband was an organist. She made generous provisions for the church in her will.
Donald Davidson Carroll was born in Princeton and was a longtime resident of Princeton borough. He graduated from Princeton High School, Washington and Jefferson College, and Northwestern Midshipmen's School. Donald was a Navy veteran of World War II where he was a Minesweeping Officer and received a Purple Heart. His career was in sales management and he worked at Princeton University. Donald was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma, Delta, Nu Alpha, Naval Mine Warfare Association, and Friends of Princeton University Athletic Teams. He was a long lifelong member of Trinity Episcopal Church Rocky Hill where he served as a warden and a member of the vestry.
Ida Margaret Carroll was born in Aberdeen, Scotland and came to the United States in 1912. She married Richard Carroll in Rocky of Rocky Hill; they had three sons and two daughters. Ida resided in Princeton borough until she died at age 87. She was employed with Educational Testing Service. Ida worked as a volunteer during World War II with the British War Relief Society, American Red Cross. She was active woman and zealous volunteer for number of organizations including Suzanne Patterson Senior Resource Center in Princeton, The Lady Cameron Lodge, Thistle Lodge, Daughters of Scotia, and Trinity Episcopal Church Rocky Hill.
Richard Anthony Carroll was born in Rocky Hill, the son of Michael and Mary Carroll. He started his career with the Princeton Post Office and married Ida Margaret Davidson. After their marriage they moved to Princeton borough where they raised two daughters and three sons. Their lives were full of friends and family. Richard's 28-year career at the Princeton Post Office ended with his death at the age of 49. People in town knew Richard well and during his post office career he gain the friendship of people of all lifestyles and occupations. Richard was a faithful member of Trinity Episcopal Church Rocky Hill and was a vestryman at the time of his death.
Richard A. Carroll Jr. was born and Princeton, the son of Richard and Ida M. Davidson Carroll. He was a 1939 graduate of the New Jersey School for the Deaf in West Trenton (now known as the Marie Katzenbach School for the Deaf). While there, he excelled in sports and cabinetmaking and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Richard was employed by Princeton University where he worked for 54 years.
Royal James Carroll was born in Rocky Hill, the son of Michael and Mary Carroll. His father Michael came to the United States from Ireland and established a farm in the area as well as used mules on the canal in Rocky Hill. After his parents' deaths, Royal "Roy" managed the family farm and provided a home for his siblings. He married LouEtta Laning of Hopewell on June 21, 1941 and together with her and his sisters preserved the farm until his death. Royal loved nature and wildlife and was an avid environmentalist and sportsman. He also enjoyed traveling. Roy's career was at New Jersey Bell (now known as AT&T) and he was an initial member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. He liked being with people, especially at Trinity Episcopal Church Rocky Hill. He often told stories of the church's history to family and fellow parishioners. His mother, Mary Carroll, was instrumental in the establishment of Trinity Episcopal Church Rocky Hill. Mary was extremely enthusiastic about the church and responsible for establishing the church and faithful congregation. Roy was also devoted to Trinity Episcopal Church Rocky Hill and served as Warden, Treasurer, and a vestry member for over 40 years. His wife LouEtta shared his devotion to the church serving on the Altar Guild, as a member of Episcopal Church Women, and contributed her needlework talents to many projects within the church.
Ruth Carroll was born in Rocky Hill, daughter of Michael and Mary Carroll. She was baptized May 19, 1907, 40 days after her birth, and was one of nine siblings. She combined her passion for reading and nature at an early age and was reading "Comstock's Book of Nature Studies" before she even went to school. In 1924, as a Senior at Princeton High School, Ruth won a national award and medal from the Illinois Watch Company of Springfield, Illinois. The annual award was given to an American High School Senior who wrote the best short essay on Abraham Lincoln. Ruth attended Normal School (later Trenton State College and now The College of New Jersey). Upon graduation, she went to teach at Willingboro School, at the time a four-room schoolhouse in the middle of an apple orchard. She went on to teach at Pemberton and during the summers helped Miss Elizabeth White develop cultivated blueberries in Whitesbog, New Jersey. During World War II she served as a member of The Civilian Aircraft Observers. Ruth always returned to the family farm in Rocky Hill, the only place she ever considered home. In retirement Ruth had more time to devote to the order of the Eastern Star, Princeton Stamp Club, and Episcopal Church Women as well as her love of opera and nature. In 1995, with the help of the Stony Brook Garden Club, Ruth was able to preserve her prize stand on fringed gentians, at the time the only known stand of these rare wildflowers in the state of New Jersey. A new stand was established at Rockingham, Washington's 1783 headquarters, to her pride and delight. Ruth was a lifelong member of Trinity Episcopal Church Rocky Hill where she taught Sunday School, served on the vestry for many years, and was a devoted parishioner. She loved her home, her family, nature, and her church.
Joseph T. DeCicco was the village barber in Rocky Hill from 1937 until his retirement in 1973. He served as an exempt member of the fire company and was a founder of the Rocky Hill First Aid and Rescue Squad. He was known by most residents of the village and was always willing to help with community needs. His bench, near the front entrance of the church, is a gift from Mr. And Mrs. Larry DeCicco and is given in loving memory of Larry's father Joseph who died in 1995.
Muriel Hess Dodge graduated from high school in Maywood, New Jersey where she was a three-sport varsity athlete. After graduating from Katharine Gibbs College, she worked for several major Wall Street firms. When she moved to the Princeton area, she worked for the FMC Corporation before meeting her husband William and starting a family. When her children were grown, she resumed her career at the Montgomery Township Administrative Office. Always a passionate volunteer and leader, Muriel was active in many local civic organizations. She was a volunteer EMT and ambulance driver for the Montgomery Township First Aid Squad. She also served on the Board of Directors for the Lenape Swim Club. In her retirement, she continued to be an active volunteer as a former president of the local 76ers Seniors of Rocky Hill, Secretary of Montgomery Township Senior Citizens, the Present Day Club, and was treasurer for the Montgomery Women's Club and several local churches. Her interest and hobbies included finance and investment clubs, travel, and playing the organ. She was predeceased by her husband, William, and is survived by her sons Clinton and William, and grandsons Jason and Andrew Morales. Known by friends and family for her warm smile, hearty laugh, and friendly handshake, she cared deeply for those around her and was always ready to help a friend in need.
William B Dodge graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and obtained a Master's Degree from the University of Louisville, both in Chemical Engineering. He enjoyed a long successful career in manufacturing plant management and engineering design with Seagram's, Columbian Carbon, Cities Service, and FMC Corporation. He earned several patents. Bill was active in many civic and professional organizations including Mason's, Shriners, Elks, American Chemical Society, and American Institute of Chemical Engineers. He was also an Associate of Montgomery Township Volunteer Fire Company #2. His interests were classical music, investments, gardening, and bridge. Bill was one of the founding congressional members of All Saints' Church in Princeton. He attended Trinity Episcopal Church Rocky Hill in his later years. He was laid to rest in the All Saints' Church cemetery. He was survived by his wife Muriel, sons Quentin and William, and grandsons Jason and Andrew.
Bradley and Marion Green began to worship at Trinity on a regular basis in 1987. Shortly after Mr. Green's death, Mrs. Green moved to Meadow Lakes Retirement Community in Hightstown, New Jersey. Fr. Auer and parishioners would visited her bring her to Sunday Services. When Mrs. Green died, the Green's daughter, Priscilla Pope, notified Fr. Armington that a bequest was made by her parents to Trinity to be used in a manner deemed appropriate by church officers. After consultation with Mrs. Pope, the vestry elected to use Mr. and Mrs. Green's bequest for the fence and directed that an appropriate inscribed plaque be placed on the fence near the pathway. The custom-designed wrought iron fence surrounding the Memorial Garden is hand forged of the highest quality iron and is similar in design to iron work of the day 19th century so as to blend in with the existing architecture of Trinity Episcopal Church Rocky Hill.
Dan Rhodes Hartmann of Rocky Hill died Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at home. Dan was born in Orange, New Jersey and was a resident of Rocky Hill New Jersey for 55 years. He married Doris Tschenn 1954. He was a First Lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers during World War II in the Pacific. He graduated from Cornell University, EE, 1948, Columbia University, MBA, 1952 and was a Manager, Data Systems, RCA/GE Astro at his retirement. Predeceased by his parents George William and Anise (Hudson) Hartmann; his brother Donald; his sister Anise; he is survived by his wife Doris (Tschenn) Hartmann; his son John (Vicki); his three grandchildren Colin (Courtney), Cameron, and Tori; his great grandson Luca; his brother Bruce (Nancy); and his many nieces and nephews. Dan was a devoted member of Trinity Episcopal Church Rocky Hill, serving on its Vestry and as Treasurer for many years. A memorial service was held on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at Trinity Episcopal Church Rocky Hill. Donations in his memory will be used to maintain the Memorial Garden.
Dolores Koch was born in Belle Mead, New Jersey, the daughter of Walter and Annette Rightmire. Her family (her parents and two sisters) move to Princeton and Dolores graduated from Princeton High School. Reverend Robert N. Smyth presided at her marriage to Gene Koch of Princeton in 1968. Together they had two daughteres. Delores began working for The Institute for Defense Analysis soon after high school and for its Center of Communication Research. She was very proud of her long career there and enjoyed the opportunities it gave her for travel. She also enjoyed traveling on her own. Dolores was very involved with her family and friends and helped everyone whenever she was needed. She was a faithful member of Trinity Episcopal Church Rocky Hill.
Robert Sr. and Dawn Masker were active parishioners of Trinity Episcopal Church Rocky Hill for many years. Mrs. Masker was an ECW member, a Sunday School teacher, and served in various church committees. Robert was a member of the Parish Committee (predecessor to the vestry) for more than 30 years. He served as lector, chalice bearer, acolyte trainer, convocation delegate, and was always available to help with church activities when needed. In 1994, the church recognized Mr. Masker for more than 50 years of service to the parish and presented him with a cross to be worn with his vestments. In 1996, friends from the parish dedicated a tabernacle in Roberts' memory. Their Memorial Garden stone was given by their son Robert Jr. and daughter Mary, to the glory of God and in loving memory of their parents
Laurence B Patterson, "Pat", was born to Charles and Hannah Patterson on December 31, 1911 in Farmingdale, New Jersey. After awhile, his parents moved to the Princeton area where Pat lived for the rest of his life. He married Lillian Rodefeld and they had two daughters Barbara P. Davall and Janet P. Smith. Pat was a member of Princeton Fire Engine Company #3. He was also involved with the Masons and the Princeton Shriners. Pat was elected Tax Collector of Princeton borough and retired from that office. He spent the remainder of his years watching the Princeton Tigers play football, traveling, and watching his grandchildren grow up. We love you Poppy!
Lillian Rodefeld Patterson was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and moved to Princeton where she resided most of her life. She was employed in the Circulation Department of the Firestone Library of Princeton University. Lillian was a member of the Princeton Chapter of OES 96 and was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels of Princeton. She was married for 55 years to Lawrence "Pat" Patterson and had two daughters Barbara P. Davall and Janet P. Smith. At the time of her death at 101, she was the oldest living member of Trinity Church Rocky Hill.
Winthrop "Win" Seeley Pike was born in Boston and raised in Wellesley, Massachusetts. He graduated from Williams College in 1941 and immediately following graduation entered the U.S. Army serving both the European and Pacific theaters. Win was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of Captain. He then moved to Princeton and join the technical staff of RCA Laboratories, David Sarnoff Research Center. During his career, Win earned 17 U.S. patents and was the recipient of five RCA Achievement Awards. He was married to Nancy E. Peakes in 1954, and they were married for 57 years. In 1981 he was elected to the Princeton Township Committee and was elected position of Mayor the following five years. Win served as a lay reader, usher, and member of the vestry of All Saints' Episcopal Church in Princeton and was a longtime member of Trinity Episcopal Church Rocky Hill where he served as a member of the vestry for 20 years.
Margaret Jane Schmidt was born in London, England in 1944. Her early years were spent among the green pastures of North Devon with her beloved dog Prince. Later she joined her older sister and her sister's family in Bicester. Jane studied French literature at Cambridge. After completing her studies, she taught English in the Ivory Coast as a volunteer. A time she remembered with great pride and satisfaction and many wonderful stories. She returned to England and became a member of the British Civil Service in Wales but then return to her study a French Literature in Oxford. There she focused on the 20th century author Julien Gracq. There too she agreed to marry her wandering American physicist and together they eventually settled in Princeton, raising two very special children. Jane came to Trinity Episcopal Church Rocky Hill through her dear friend Joanna Dorman. Jane love the intimate feel of Trinity, perhaps taking her back to her village Church in North Devon. She also loved the music of this church. She added her voice to the choir for many years with great pride and enjoyment. An excellent pianist, music held a special place in Jane's life. She also became a lay reader where her English accent added a special character and solemnity to the readings. Her love was language and literature, music, gardening, her family, and her friends. Jane died peacefully at home on Saturday June 23, 2005. She was warm and bright in every sense kindness was her gift to us all.
George Allen Seitz was born in Philadelphia and moved with his family to Mount Holly, New Jersey where he attended high school. He joined the Navy and on March 1, 1941 he married Katherine Moore his high school sweetheart. During World War II he volunteered as a submariner and served in the South Pacific. He was aboard the USS Hake, one of the vessels presented in Tokyo Bay when the Japanese surrendered aboard the USS Missouri. In 1945, George and Kate move to Blewenburg, New Jersey where they raised their sons. George worked for many years as a construction administrator at Scrimenti-Shive-Spinelli-Perantoni Architecture in Somerville. He faithfully attended Trinity Church Rocky Hill where his wife, Kate, served on the Altar Guild and Rev. Auer married all of their sons. After his death, donations were used to commission a Memorial Garden Altar, built by Paul Browne, who use native stone from the Kingston quarry.
Katherine Moore Seitz was born on February 12, 1918, in Wilmington, Delaware a child of Lorenz P Moore and Anna L. Moore and passed from this life on May 8, 2019. She leaves to grieve a large family of relatives and dear friends. Katherine graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia as an artist and interior designer. She was a member of multiple art councils, boards and groups where her art work was on display in many states. She participated in many shows and was purchased by private and corporate collections. Much of her art resides with her many friends and relatives, and she was still painting at the age of 98. Katherine was a devoted member of the Episcopal churches in Princeton, Rocky Hill NJ and Fort Myers Florida where she served on their Altar Guilds until she was 95. She was extremely active in many organizations in NJ as well as her home in Old Bridge Village, Florida where she participated in the Yacht club, Chorus, Red Hats, Bridge club and was the #1 fan of their softball team where she never missed a game
Ellen Hamilton Skrable was the beloved mother of Karen Skrable Fortgang and grandmother of Megan and Elizabeth Fortgang.
Howard C. Smith was born in Brooklyn, New York and became a resident of Griggstown, New Jersey in 1940. He was a self-employed carpenter. Howard was a life member of the Griggstown Volunteer Fire Company where he served as Chief for three years, President for one year, and Fire Commissioner for District #2. He was a member of the Griggstown Reformed Church and a Trinity Episcopal Church Rocky Hill. He was married for 50 years to Jane Patterson Smith with whom he had two sons, Todd H. Smith and Bryan S. Smith, and a daughter Karin L. Matthews.
Jean Osgood Smyth was born in Evanston, Illinois and move to Princeton in the mid-1920s where she lived the rest of her life. She graduated from Miss Fine's School in 1931 and returned there as a teacher from 1934-1944. She was also active in the Princeton Community Players, a theater group at McCarter Theater. She was employed by the Princeton Medical Group from 1947-1952 and served as a hospital volunteer from 1932 to 2003 accumulating nearly 15,000 hours of service. From 1961-1965 Ruth worked for the headmaster of the Princeton Country Day School and then continued with Princeton Day School working for the Head of School and Director of Admissions until her retirement 1983. Jean spent many summers in the Adirondack Mountains on the shores of Lake Champlain where she belonged to the Corlear Bay Club. She was an active tennis player and swimmer and enjoyed walks in the country. Jean was married to the Reverend Robert N. Smyth who served as rector of Trinity Episcopal Church Rocky Hill from 1946-1970. She served on the Altar Guild, and various committees. Jean was a member of the Episcopal Church Women. This organization recognized her as Church Woman of the Year in the late 1990s.
Reverend Robert N. Smyth served as vicar of this parish from 1946 until his retirement in 1970. He continued to serve as a parishioner until his death in 1988. Rev. Smyth was ordained to the priesthood in 1945. He was on the faculty of Princeton Country Day School (now Princeton Day School) where he taught Latin and French for more than 30 years. While Rev. Smyth served Trinity Episcopal Church Rocky Hill, an active Sunday School, youth group, and EWC were enhanced, and a new Parish Hall was constructed in 1962. The EWC gave the bench in recognition of his service.
Robert Ernest Warner was born January 18, 1920 in Fresno, California to Franklin Pierce Warner and Frances Bailey Warner who died giving birth to him. His high school years were spent in Phoenix, Arizona. In 1941 he enlisted in the Navy. Already a licensed pilot, he joined the Navy Flight Training Program. He spent World War II flying in the Pacific receiving several commendations and was credited with sinking two Japanese submarines. In March 1952, he married Lucinda Margaret King in Baltimore, Maryland. He then joined the aircraft carrier Oriskany to fight in Korea. He received his BA from the University of Maryland and an MA in International Affairs from George Washington University. After 31 years in the Navy, he retired as a Captain. His last tour of duty was as a Commanding Officer of Princeton University's Naval ROTC. He then worked for Educational Testing Service is a Program Director for 11 years. As a retiree, he enjoy doing volunteer work for various organizations, the most rewarding of which was an EMT for the Montgomery First Aid Squad. He was a parishioner of Trinity Episcopal Church Rocky Hill. He was survived by his wife Peggy and their children Franklin K Warner, Robert Warner Jr. and his wife Vickie, Katherine and her husband Walters Zanon, and Carol Warner and her husband Keith Ellerman. He's also survived by his grandchildren Melissa Bradford, Brittany Warner, and Scott Zanon, and a great-grandson Dustin Bradford.
Franklin King Warner was born April 22, 1953 to Robert E. and Margaret K. Warner. After many moves to Virginia, Florida, Paris, and Rhode Island, he attended high school in New Jersey and then went to Clemson University in South Carolina. After college he worked mainly in construction becoming an expert mason and carpenter. He read omnivorously; science fiction, the classics, and civil war books. He loved snakes and dogs, especially pit bulls. Frank was physically very strong. He was generous and giving with his time and energy. He often held radical ideas and enjoy defending them. Frank had a strong Christian faith. He was a warm, loving son and brother. Frank was survived by his mother Margaret, brother Robert, and sisters Catherine and Carol and their families.
