the academy journal
passed G&S. When he could no longer drive, he
would arrange to have someone else drive him to
Rose Valley of West Chester to hear a performance
of one of his favorites just as he continued to travel
to Philadelphia to hear the Philadelphia Orchestra. However, there was nothing he enjoyed more
than selecting the music, arranging the set up, and
sitting on the Cathedral law on the 19th of June
evenings to play the classics for the people who
strolled the lawns and paths around the Cathedral. In his later years, he became increasingly
dependent on assistance to carry out this love, and
this past June 19th his nephew fulfilled Lach’s annual commitment alone.
I move the adoption of this resolution as an expression of the Academy’s appreciation for Lachlan Pitcairn’s lifetime of service to its Corporation,
Board, and the Bryn Athyn community, and request that copies of it be sent to his family.
ating Committee with a passion for its preservation, enhancement and historic beauty, both the
building and grounds.
Lach’s love of music, particularly classical,
was legend. He often played his trombone with
the Philadelphia Orchestra Brass at the Glencairn
Sing, which he came to host in the years after his
father’s death. It was his cello playing that endured and served as his expression of love to the
Lord, the Church and the many people for whom
he played at weddings, funerals, and as prelude to
a worship service. In 1966 he assumed responsibility for teaching the Bryn Athyn College music
appreciation course that his father had taught at
Glencairn, thereby continuing the introduction of
many students to an appreciation of the finest classical music. From his early trombone days, he had
developed an enjoyment of the big band sound,
and his breadth of the love of music also encom-
Alfred Austin Umberger 1928-2013
I
the service, both Al and Pat quickly became active
in Church uses. For many, many years thereafter,
Al served the society in every manner of leadership. When Glenview needed a lay leader Al was
there with his happy diligent, and effective leadership talents. It was these talents that he brought to
the corporation during his service.
After many years of happy marriage Pat died in
1999 and some years later Al married Cecy Lima
and Al moved out to Colorado where he enjoyed a
happy active life.
For all of those who knew Al, he will be remembered affectionately and as a being a real gentleman who was useful, hardworking, kind, and always had a smile.
At this meeting of the corporation, the members hereby record their appreciation of Alfred
Umberger’s service and his love for the Academy’s
uses, and direct a copy of this resolution be se nt
to his family as a testimony of their gratitude and
affection for his service.
n 1974, Al Umberger was elected to the Academy Corporation and faithfully served until October 1983.
Al attended the Bryn Athyn Elementary School
and the Academy Boys School. Graduating in 1947
having served as Phi Alpha President and being
awarded the Sons of The Academy Gold Medal.
He won a naval R.O.T.C. Scholarship at Northwestern University where he graduated in 1951
with honors and was commissioned as an ensign
in the Navy.
On June 16 1951 he married Pat Gyllenhaal of
Glenview. Shortly thereafter he reported for naval
duty and served for three years. During this time
Gretchen Umberger Keith was born. The first of
four daughters and one son. All their children attended the Academy schools.
After Al’s service the family returned to Glenview. Al became a math teacher in a large suburban high school and for eighteen years served as
department chair.
Upon the Umbergers return to Glenview from
102