William H. Selden, Jr.

William H. Selden, Jr., 98, of Berwick concluded his journey in this life on July 7, 2019. He was born on March 25, 1921 in Staten Island, New York, and has been a resident of Berwick since September 1932. Selden graduated from the Bewick High School in June 1939. In January 1943 he received his Bachelor of Science degree from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania State University granted him a Master of Education degree in August 1949 and a Doctor of Education degree in January 1954. His Doctorate degree was given to him by Milton Eisenhower, a brother of the then-President Dwight David Eisenhower. He served as a business and social studies teacher in the Berwick public schools from March 1943 to September 1953. His military service in the United States Army extended from January 1945 to August 1946. From April 1951 to August 1951 he taught in the United States Air Force Training Program at the Pennsylvania State University. In September 1953 he was named State Supervisor, Business Education, Department of Education, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. During his 30 year tenure with the Department of Education, he served on a five-week special assignment with the U. S. Department of Education. In addition to being an avid reader, Bill was also a prolific writer. During his professional career he authored more than 100 articles that appeared in business and professional journals. He also authored or co-authored eight books and helped to prepare job sheets, work sheets, tests, teacher manuals, and keys for numerous publications. In addition, he wrote many curriculum guides for the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Among the many organizations that Bill was active in were: American Legion, Sons of the American Revolution, BPOE Elks, Berwick Cemetery Board, Plateau Investment Club, Defender Fire Company, and Christ Episcopal Church, where he served faithfully as a member of its Vestry for many years. He was an active Mason and a member of Knapp Lodge No. 462; F&AM; Berwick Royal Arch Chapter, No. 314; Caldwell Consistory; Irem Temple Shrine; Columbia County Shrine Club; and the former Acacia Club. He was also a social member of the Maria Assunta Society, Garibaldi Society and Berwick Golf Club. Since graduating from Bloomsburg University he had remained active in the university's affairs. In recent years he served two terms as a member of the Board of Directors of the Alumni Association and three terms as a member of the Bloomsburg University Foundation. Because of his interest in and contributions to the university, a room in Andruss Library, a room in Sutliff Hall, and a room in Warren Duty Services Center were named in his honor. In addition, Misericordia University located in Dallas, Pennsylvania, named a room in Insalaco Hall in his honor. In recent years Bill took an interest in the Berwick Historical Society and the work this organization is doing to refurbish the Jackson Mansion located on Market Street. The area that Bill supported is the billiard room on the mansion's third floor. Completed in early 2013, this room has a billiard table that dates back more than 160 years. In all probability it is one of the few billiard tables one can see in any Pennsylvania museum. During the twilight years of his life the Berwick School District Selection Committee named Bill to become a member of the Berwick Area School District's Academic Hall of Fame. This award was presented to him on May 4, 2013. His parents, William Henry Selden, Sr. and Agda Johnson Selden, brother, Eric, sister, Ida Steel, and nephew, William H. Selden III preceded him in passing. He is survived by nephew, Thomas Selden and his wife, Doris (Goyette), great nieces: Tina Selden (Michael Sweeney), Heidi Selden Rosales (Pablo Rosales), Dianne Selden (Ian Gosse), great-great niece, Zaira Jane Sweeney, great-great nephew, Evan Selden Sweeney, and great-great nephew, Pablo Leonardo Rosales. In addition to having a devoted family, he had many close friends who assisted and kept in close touch with him on a daily basis, especially in the latter years of his life. These friends included Paul and JoAnn Torsella of Berwick, who daily prepared his dinner, took him on errands, and assisted in keeping up his home. Frank and Sue Radice of Bloomsburg and Ken and Pat Kirk of Dallas were also close friends who were continuously available to offer assistance. An open house of remembrance will be held in the undercroft of Christ Episcopal Church, 712 E. 16th Street, Berwick on July 20, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Following the open house graveside services which include a Masonic service and military honors will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery Walnut Street. Father Fred Stevenson of Christ Episcopal Church will conduct the committal service. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Landscaping Fund of Christ Episcopal Church, 712 E. 16th Street, Berwick, PA. 18603.