Dr. John H. Vanderzell

Franklin & Marshall Professor Emeritus Dr. John H.Vanderzell, PhD., passed away on Tuesday evening, August 9, 2016 at Homestead Village, where he had lived since 2008. John was born in Rochester, NY, the son of the late Cornelius and Dina Bliek Vanderzell. He was married to Beryl Jane Schelter Vanderzell who passed away on June 28, 2016. They celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on June 9th. After military service in Europe during WWII, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Miami University of Ohio and his doctorate from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. He came to Lancaster in the summer of 1952 and began teaching Political Science at F&M. Through 37 years as teacher, counselor, mentor and pre-law advisor, he encouraged thousands of students. He retired in 1989 but continued to be fondly regarded as an outstanding faculty member, esteemed colleague, valuable resource and College leader. In addition to his classroom endeavors, he chaired the Government Department three times and twice served as Dean of the College helping to steer the institution through the very difficult late-60’s and early-70’s. While employed at F&M, John also headed the PA Bureau of Municipal Affairs and consulted for the PA Department of Education and the PA Department of Community Affairs. In Lancaster, he chaired the City Planning Commission and served as a member and president of the Board of the former Community Hospital of Lancaster. In retirement, John enjoyed travelling with his beloved “BJ” to visit family and friends across the country. He also received great enjoyment from spending time with those who shared his enthusiastic pursuit of par at Media Heights Country Club and the 7-10 split at Leisure Lanes. John was extremely proud of his family and will be lovingly remembered by his children; Suzan (Lynn M.) Pearlstein of Scotsdale, AZ, John B (Jody) Vanderzell of Leola, PA, and David J Vanderzell of Riverside, CA; his five grandchildren; Eden (Chani) and Jordan Pearlstein, Jared, John and Delaina Vanderzell; his recently-born, first great-grandson “Mango” Pearlstein; his sister Dr. Elizabeth Jane Anderson, PhD, of Johnstown, PA; and a host of nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends who were fortunate enough to know him. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to celebrate both John and Beryl’s lives in a memorial service to be held Tuesday, August 23, at 3:30 PM in Nevin Chapel located in Old Main on the Franklin and Marshall campus. Reception immediately following in Kreisel Lobby of Roschel Performing Arts Center. If desired, memorials may be sent in John’s name to Franklin & Marshall College Fund, Attn: Office of College Advancement, P.O. Box 3003, Lancaster, PA 17604-3003 or in Beryl’s name to YWCA , 110 N. Lime Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 or to Homestead Village Residents’ Association Employee Appreciation Fund, P.O. Box 3227, Lancaster, PA 17604.