Charlie Reid, Teacher Extraordinaire

A couple of weeks ago, one of my two most memorable and wonderful high school teachers passed away. (This is a very old photo of him). Mr. Reid was the choir director and a music teacher at P.S. duPont High School. We had an award-winning choir that performed in many venues and competed too.

He went on to other local schools and was loved everywhere he went. His memorial service is today and at its end there will be a massed choir (anyone who sang with him can join in) singing The Hallelujah Chorus. It should be an amazing performance and a tribute to Mr. Reid's lasting legacy. My sister will be there and I look forward to having her tell me all about it.

Charlie Reid always attended as many class reunions as he could. He just loved "his kids". I last saw him at my high school reunion in 2004 and he was as effervescent as ever.

By the way, his son is Chip Reid, the CBS Chief White House correspondent.

I sent out an e-mail to my classmates and below are the "memories" that people sent me in response. I printed them out and my sister will give them to the family today.

Memories of Charlie Reid from (mostly) members of the P.S. duPont Class of 1964

I was never a good singer and I was terrified that I would be called on in choir to sing alone and get graded on it. Somehow, Mr. Reid sensed my fear and never made me do this. Some of my best high school memories are of our choir competitions and performances. Mr. Reid always made us aware that we were representing our school and needed to make him and the school proud of us. He inspired respect and made us WANT to do our best. They do not make teachers like him any more. He will be greatly missed at our reunions.
JDK

I was so saddened to hear of Mr. Reid's death as somehow you want him to live forever. He made such an impact on my life in a very uplifting way, mostly at Hanover, but also at P.S. He managed to find the good in his students and choir members, and he was always a positive influence on everyone. The teachers who lift you up are the ones you always remember. My sister took organ from Mr. Reid, and it was so impressive to hear her play the huge organ at Hanover after studying with him. She also babysat for his 2 oldest children. Our next reunion won't be quite the same without him, but maybe we can get his wife to come to show her how much he meant to all of us. Three cheers for Charlie Reid, you will be missed.
SLO

To all those who loved Mr. Reid and can sing,

I can't sing, but I'm a good observer and listener. I can see myself in the auditorium during a choir presentation and seeing the beaming faces of our singers. It was obvious that he was a true teacher and brought out the best of all you singers. You couldn't help but know those our choir was the best because of Mr. Reid’s talents bringing out the best in yours. I also heard his influence at our Synagogue.
AS

What a wonderful man! As choir president I got to spend extra quality time with this most talented and devoted teacher and man. It was always great to see him and his wife at all the reunions. It showed how much he enjoyed and cared about the people that he touched in his life. We all felt the same about him!
A(B)S

One of the most humbling experiences of my life was when Mr. Reid asked me to not sing, but rather, mouth the words for the rest of the year in choir. I was not asked back for the next year.

I saw a few minutes of President Obama's press conference from London earlier today. He expressed condolences to Chip Reid. I was not aware of the connection. I guess I'm out of the loop here in Connecticut.
BG

Summer of 1965 I worked at the Swim Club where the Reids were members. As a consequence I saw an entirely different side of him. He was a great dad, always playing with his kids as well as all the others that were around. His bubbly self was always "on stage" as he greeted everyone and brigtened their day a little.
DE

I have very fond memories of Mr. Reid. Even though I was not much of a singer, he always made me feel comfortable in class. I didn't realize that Chip Reid is his son; I think he is an outstanding reporter.
IL

My time in choir - some of the best memories of my high school days. Mr. Reid always treated us like adults, but put us in our place when needed. Thanks for letting me know the sad news.
HSC

Was really sad to hear about Mr. Reid’s death…he was a real influence on my life….am still singing though I dropped out of a community chorus several years ago when life got really hectic and haven’t done anything since except in the shower. But music will always be a part of my life..I write songs occasionally, still play piano, and am now running (w/a good friend) a ballroom dance program in the nearby public schools. I remember fondly how Charlie Reid demanded a great deal of us in choir, teaching with tremendous enthusiasm and occasionally impatience but only to push us to meet our greatest potential as singers and as a choir that was fairly sophisticated for high school. And thanks to him, I got to attend Delaware Music Camp for two summer…a fantastic and most memorable experience! One interesting aside…we had several discussions about my becoming a music teacher, which was something I was considering. He told me it was a wonderful job but if I planned to have a family, it wasn’t a good career for a woman, since it required so many before and after school hours.
JB

I never had Mr. Reid, but remember him as a teacher who showed lots of enthusiasm and interest in his students and the school.
MECK

Sad to hear of the passing of another of our teachers. He was an excellent music teacher and Choir Director. I had no idea Chip Reid is his son. And it appears all his children have achieved success in their lives. Mr. Reid and I had a conflict over my commitment to the wrestling team instead of singing in a concert, but I know it was because of his commitment to the success of the choir and the ultimate success of all he taught.
MS

My humbling experience with Mr. Reid happened at our last reunion when I sang my parody song. I remember saying when I finished, "I can't believe I had to sing that in front of Charlie Reid."

I still cherish my years in choir and male chorus. He was a terrific guy. And every time Chip comes on TV, I say to my wife, "That's my choir director's son."
FG

Next to Amy Wocko, my favorite teacher. They were the best.
JG

I have very fond memories of being in the choir with him as director. We had a great choir and he was an inspiration. I have thought of him often and he helped me a lot with my singing. I still enjoy singing in choirs to this day.
SHM

It saddened me to hear the news that Charlie Reid had passed away. Although I had not seen him since I was married at Hanover Presbyterian in 1968, when he played the organ for our ceremony, I was able to keep up with what he was doing through friends that saw him at various reunions. Mr. Reid and I had such a special relationship as student and teacher. But I was lucky enough to be a student of the organ and have him as my instructor. He was an amazing teacher - so patient and caring, but also a taskmaster, who expected the very best out of every lesson and nothing less. Mr. Reid fostered my love of church music and encouraged me to do things I may never have tried without his push and support. He was so enthusiastic about everything he undertook and that enthusiasm was infectious. Although I spent my entire high school time as a member of the chorus, under his tutelage, I will always remember how much he taught me about the organ and how, still today, I adore organ music and think fondly of the man who introduced me to that intimidating instrument.

I also remember how fond I was of Chip and Bonnie - those blond-haired kids who I baby sat so many weekend nights. What a loving and happy family the Reids were - and what a wonderful dad and mom the children had!
MLA, Class of 1963

Mr. Reid is the one who inspired music in me. The brother and sister music teachers at Warner - I can't remember their names right now - said I had no talent because I played by ear and could not read a note. I went on to get a scholarship at the Wilmington Music School for my piano because of Mr. Reid’s encouragement. He wanted to attend the all-class reunion last November but his illness prevented it. I know he enjoyed attending reunions, he loved his kids.
Rose Watson Culver, Class of 1971

Frank Banz of Delaware

Free thinker and life-long Democrat, Frank Banz, 76, passed away on Nov. 13, 2007, at the Heartland Hospice House after a heroic struggle with many health issues.

Friends and family will miss his sardonic wit and keen intellect.

Frank, a Korean War veteran and West Chester State Teachers College graduate on the GI Bill, taught in the Delaware public schools at Fletcher Brown, PS DuPont, Wilmington and Newark High Schools for 30 years. He had a wide range of teaching experience including history, English and driver education. He was a proud Wilmington Teacher union member and later joined the DSEA.

Frank enjoyed lively sports and political discussions at the Grey Fox and Valley Tavern where his opinions were usually in the minority.

A minimalist, Frank was mainly interested in ideas. H. L. Mencken and Einstein were his heroes. He also worked for Bob Gilligan and Joe Biden in their original campaigns.

Frank is survived by his wife of 39 years, Carol Lillard Banz; his daughter, Teri Neild and her husband, Brian; his son, Frank, of Los Angeles, Calif.; and life-long friend, Bob Willis of Key Largo, Fla.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 20, at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek, where you are invited to visit with Frank’s family and friends from 3 to 5 p.m. with a service to follow at 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Billy Cook Foundation for Cystic Fibrosis, 28 Polaris Dr., Newark, Del., 19711, or to a charity of your choice.

To send condolences, visit www.dohertyfh.com, 302-999- 8277.

Donald Gordon Gregg, MD

Greenville

Donald Gordon Gregg, PS duPont, Class of 1959, MD, FACEP, U.S. Air Force Ret, 63, died Jan. 28, 2005, at his home in Greenville.

He is survived by his father C. Gordon Gregg; his wife Becky of 40 years; his children Daniel, partner, Derrell and son Malik of Chapel Hill, N.C., David of Raleigh, N.C., Jen and husband Lee Cobb of Glen Allen, Va.; god-daughter, Caryn Wells of Columbia; Brazilian daughter, Renata Eduardo of Sao Paulo, Brazil; his sister, Linda K. Gregg of Wilmington, Del.; his beloved mother-in-law, Charlotte R. Rice of Pell City, Ala.; and the many members of his extended family in Greenville. He was pre-deceased by his mother, Janet Marion Gregg.

Dr. Gregg was born in Bryn Mawr, Pa.; raised in Arden, Del.; and graduated from Wesleyan University, Middleton, Conn.

Upon graduating from Wesleyan and receiving his draft notice, he decided to join the Navy. However, he went into the wrong door and instead joined the Air Force.

He became a navigator and flight surgeon, winning numerous awards, including the second highest military award given for bravery, the Distinguished Flying Cross.

He left the Regular Air Force and attended Duke University to complete post-baccalaureate courses for medical school. He received his Medical Degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He chose to do a residency in Family Medicine at Greenville General Hospital. One of his first rotations was in the Emergency Department. There, he met a man who was to change his life forever, a mentor and best friend, James M. Alexander, MD. Together they changed the face of Emergency Care in the Upstate.

He belonged to many organizations and received numerous awards for his work, both in and out of the Emergency Department. Awards included a Lifetime Achievement Award from S.C. Emergency Medical Services and, from the governor's office, the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor.

He asked that his friends of Bill W. be remembered and thanked. They were there when he needed them, and he hoped that he was able to repay them by helping others.

He held a number of jobs through the years beside his primary job in the ER. He got the most recognition and enjoyment, especially in grocery lines, from his work with NBC's local affiliate, WYFF.

Don felt his greatest achievements in life were his three children, and the fact that he was able to help so many people in his beloved Greenville and South Carolina. He hoped anyone that he has helped will in turn help someone else in his memory.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation of money or time to the charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held Monday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at The Mackey Mortuary.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Greenville. The scattering of ashes will be a private service held at a later time for the family.

The Mackey Mortuary, Greenville.

Published in The Greenville News: 01-29-2005.

William Vandegrift, Jr.
Born: March 14, 1925
Died: April 19, 2003
Services will be held at: Presbyterian Church of the Covenant April 24 at 11:00
Visitation times are: Chandler Funeral Home April 23 from 7:00 to 9:00
William Vandegrift, Jr. "Bill", age 78, a resident of Wilmington since 1950, passed away at his home on April 19, 2003 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in West Chester, PA in 1925 to William and Mary Vandergrift. He graduated from West Chester HS in 1942, West Chester College in 1946. After teaching for 1 year in PA, he moved to PS duPont HS in 1947 and taught there until 1970. While at PS duPont, he coached track, swimming and basketball. From 1970 until his retirementi in 1985, he taught math at Stanton Middle School. During his teaching career, he also managed Valleybrook Golf Range for 11 years. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Rock Manor Golf Club. Bill pursued many hobbies, including target shooting, reading, traveling, bridge and woodworking. He especially enjoyed volunteering for "Meals on Wheels" and spending time with his family. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant. He is survived by his wife of 53 yars Ethel R. Vandegrift; 4 children and their spouses, Scott and Debbie, Rick and Janna, David and Susan, Patty and Bob Smagala; 9 grandchildren and 1 great grandson. Memorial service willb e held at the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, on Thursday April 24 at 11:00 am. Interment willbe private. Friends may call from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike on Wednesday evening. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Delaware Hospice, 3515 Silverside Road, Wilm 19810 or Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 503 Duncan Rd, Wilm 19809.

9/04/1996 , The News Journal Co.

James Saunders, 50, Dance Choreographer

James Saunders, a ballet and modern dancer, choreographer, artist and teacher, died August 24 of head injuries suffered when he fell 30 feet during a dance performance he choreographed on the stairs of the Ludwig Museum in Cologne, Germany. He was 50.

Mr. Saunders, a Wilmington native, began working in Cologne about 1973 and joined Kolner Tanz-Forum, a dance company, where he danced for about three years. Since leaving that company, he founded, directed, was the star dancer and taught ballet and modern dance for Kolner Tanzprojekte dance company.

His mother, Marylee Saunders of Wilmington, said, “ The Chamber of Commerce (in Germany) told the family Cologne is now known as “ The City of Dance, “ because of him." He participated in a cultural exchange project, promoting international dance companies and performing solo projects that took him around the world.

Mr. Saunders became acquainted with Wilmington artist Edward Loper after the latter saw some of his work displayed at the Clothesline Fair. He later was instructed by Loper. When he was 15, he had two paintings pf Old Swedes Church exhibited in the annual Delaware Exhibition of oils and sculpture at the Delaware Art Museum.

James was a 1964 graduate of PS DuPont High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and Sculpture in 1968 from the Philadelphia College of Art. After that, he worked briefly in recreational therapy at the Pennsylvania Institute Hospital.

He returned stateside and attended the school of the Pennsylvania Ballet and became a member of its corps de ballet. In 1970, he performed as the Rat King and a Fantastic Creature in the annual classic “ The Nutcracker “

He was a member of Bethel AME Church in Wilmington. His father, Major Saunders Jr. died in October.

Survirvors: mother, Marylee Saunders of Wilmington, brother, Jerome Saunders of Wilmington; sisters, Marlene Saunders of Bridgeville, Delaware, and Marguerite Thomas of Wilmington.

Service: Noon Friday, Bethel AME Church, Sixth and Walnut Streets, Wilmington.

Burial: Gracelawn Memorial Park, North DuPont Highway, Minquadale

May 29, 1996

PS duPont
Class of 1956

Click on image to enlarge and read

April 18, 2009

Charlie Reid, Teacher Extraordinaire

Donald Gordon Gregg, MD