In Memoriam

Aedan Lingane-Fortes (BBA ITM ’12) passed away peacefully on Sept. 5, 2015, following a courageous three-year battle with brain cancer. Remembered by many as a one of those rare people who was gifted with left- and right-brain talents, Lingane-Fortes possessed strong intellectual and analytical skills, graduating at the top of his class from the Mendoza College. He also was a talented artist who expressed himself in video arts, music and dance.

“He excelled in the classroom and was popular among his peers; he was a go-to guy for getting things done,” recalls Management Associate Professor Corey Angst. “When we needed a video to tell the story of the College, Aedan was our go-to guy … and that video is still in use today (https://vimeo.com/20469250). It saddens me beyond words that cancer could attack such a beautiful mind and inspiring young member of the Notre Dame family.”

Patrick Snyder (BS Commerce ’57) passed away on April 22, 2015, after a brief illness.

He was born Patrick Lee Snyder on Oct. 20, 1935, to John and Lillian Snyder, and grew up in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.

After graduating with a business degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1957 and earning a law degree from Marquette University in 1960, Snyder spent about six months in the U.S. Army stationed in San Antonio and later served in the Army Reserves.

He began practicing law in Oconomowoc in 1961, became Oconomowoc city attorney in 1963, and was elected to the circuit court in 1978.

Snyder often handled cases with cutting-edge legal issues that landed in the Supreme Court as well as presided over numerous high-profile cases: The closing of a long-running and polluting Waukesha County landfill. A precedent-setting divorce case. A nasty spat between brothers developing a pricey subdivision.

“He was a wonderful grandfather,” Snyder’s granddaughter Molly Stephens said of “The Cookie Man,” who visited every Saturday morning with a bag of goodies. “We all felt that we were the apple of his eye.”

In 2003 Snyder earned the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Lifetime Jurist of the Year award — a first for any Waukesha County judge.

Snyder is survived by his wife, Luly, daughters and son, nine grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Robert A. “Bob” Richard (BS Commerce ’56) passed away on Aug. 7, 2015. Richard, who resided in Alexandria, Va., is survived by his wife, Eileen, former spouse, Joan Bird, six children, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A Christian memorial and committal service was held for Michael H. McDonald (BS Commerce ’56) on June 11, 2015, at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. During the service his caisson was drawn by six matched horses with an officer on a separate horse, an escort of 21 sailors with officers, a military band of 20 with flag carriers, a seven-man rifle salute group and a trumpeter for taps. During his 25 years of service, McDonald was awarded numerous medals, badges, citations and ribbons including the Bronze Star Medal with Combat V, Navy Commendation Medal and Combat Action Ribbon. McDonald, who passed away in June 2014, is survived by his wife of 41 years, Alice, five children and 10 grandchildren.

Kenneth F. Bergeron (BS Commerce ’56) passed away June 19, 2015, at his home surrounded by his family. Bergeron graduated from Culver Military Academy in 1952. He owned and operated more than 17 auto dealerships nationwide. He also owned K.A.L. Leasing Company, dealing in cars, trucks and equipment in the U.S., Mexico, Great Britain, Australia and Canada. Bergeron served on the National Auto Advisory Committee.

Following his retirement in 1986, he continued to stay active, serving as director of Mark Twain Bank, Avila University Advisory Board, director of Ronald McDonald House 4-Kids and a member of the Blue Hills Country Club. He was a devoted Catholic and was a member of the Church of the Ascension parish for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and a son. He is survived by his children and seven grandchildren. Bergeron was an avid Notre Dame sports fan. He was a man of great generosity and will be deeply missed.

Lawrence A. “Larry” Withum, Jr. (BS Commerce ’56) passed away on May 14, 2015, at his home. Withum was retired as an accountant and vice president with Coen Oil Company in Washington, Pennsylvania. He was an avid Notre Dame fan and enjoyed playing golf. Surviving are his wife, Gloria; a son, four daughters, two sisters, 11 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Deceased is a brother, Jay Withum.

Jim Mutscheller (BS Commerce ’52) passed away on April 10, 2015. Mutscheller played football for Notre Dame’s 1949 national championship football team as a two-way end. After graduation, he served two years in the Marines, in Korea and Japan, attaining the rank of captain.

Mutscheller was a tight end for the Baltimore Colts and made two big plays in overtime during the 1958 NFL championship victory over the New York Giants. He helped Baltimore win consecutive championships, catching five passes in the Colts’ 31-16 victory over the Giants in 1959. He retired from football in 1961, with 220 receptions, 40 of them for touchdowns.

After football, Mutscheller sold insurance, a job he’d begun in 1956. He kept working almost to the end.

In addition to his wife, Joan, of 59 years, survivors include four sons, a sister and four grandchildren.

Vincent J. Brown Jr. (BS Commerce ’52) a retired business owner who promoted Irish music and culture in his later years, died April 23, 2015, in his Cheektowaga, N. Y., home after a short illness.

Brown founded V.J. Brown Co. in 1970, selling high-voltage electrical equipment. He served as president before retiring in 1995.

During several trips to Ireland, Brown became interested in Irish square dancing and traditional music. In the 1990s, he taught classes in Irish square or set dancing. He became chairman of the Buffalo, N. Y., branch of Comhaltas Ceoltori Eireann, an organization that promotes Irish music and culture. He was treasurer of the Northeast Region of Comhaltas and won the 2012 Service Award from the group’s North American Province.

Brown served in the U. S. Army as a sergeant first class during the Korean War.

Brown was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah. Survivors include a daughter,
six sons, a sister, 20 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.