Frank Wallace (Wally) Gordon, 85, of Willow Street, PA., passed away peacefully on January 8, 2021.
Born October 16, 1935 in Albany, NY, he was the son of the late Frank Elmer Gordon and Dorothy Grace (Wallace) Gordon. He was raised in the Albany suburb of Elsmere. Since their marriage in 1958, he and his wife Barbara have been Pennsylvanians, having lived in Jenkintown, Willow Grove, Hatboro, Beaver, Abington and the Lancaster area. Since 2006, he had resided in the Willow Valley Communities, in Willow Street, PA
Mr. Gordon retired as publisher of the daily/Sunday Beaver County Times and the Allegheny Times in Western Pennsylvania on July 6, 2001, after 17 years in that role and career in newspaper and magazine publishing spanning most of his student and adult life. His only career departure from the newspaper and magazine-publishing industries was in 1973 for two years as a Congressional aid for the late-Congressman Larry Coughlin.
Mr. Gordon graduated from University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. He was also a member of the Theta Xi Fraternity. Following graduation, he worked the next ten years for the Curtis Publishing Co. in Philadelphia as managing editor of the Jenkintown Times Chronicle, Glenside News and Huntingdon Valley Globe. He later worked for five years as an editor for the former Philadelphia Bulletin until it closed in 1982. He started with Caulkins Newspapers later in 1982.
Under Gordon’s leadership as publisher in Beaver, the Sunday Allegheny Times was launched as an edition of the Beaver County Times in August, 1986. Gordon also led the Times switch from evening to morning distribution in April 1997 and its entry into Interactive Media services via first audiotex, and then Internet. The Beaver County Times won six Keystone Sweepstakes Awards for circulation from the Pennsylvania Newspaper Assn. during Gordon’s years as Publisher; in 1987, 1992, 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000. Earlier, when Gordon was Managing Editor of the Jenkintown Times Chronicle, his newspaper also won two Sweepstakes awards in the weekly division of the statewide contest: in 1969 and in 1971.
Gordon was president in 1992-1993 of the Pennsylvania Newspaper Publishers’ Association. a Harrisburg-based affiliation of nearly all daily and most weekly newspapers throughout the state as well as other, allied electronic media. The Association was a continuing interest and enthusiasm throughout his newspaper career.
He was also an officer and chairman of the PNPA’s for-profit Mid-Atlantic Newspapers Services, Inc. Among other leadership posts with newspaper associations, Gordon served on the Board of Trustees of the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Foundation, which focuses on funding and offering educational programs for those entering newspaper and allied careers. He was also one of the Foundation Fellows. He served as Publisher Chairman of the Pittsburgh Area Metro Market (PAMM) Newspaper Network, an advertising network of 7 Pittsburgh-area dailies; was president of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists/Sigma Delta Chi; and was Vice-President of the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania.
Gordon’s community activities included steering committees for development and special fund-raising campaigns, including those of Penn State Beaver, the Salvation Army and the Beaver County YMCA. Among other community involvements were: The Advisory Board of Penn State Beaver; the Community Advisory Council of Geneva College; charter membership on the Board of Trustees of the Beaver Area School District Educational Foundation; president of the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce; as well as campaign chairman and president of the United Way of Beaver County.
An active Rotarian during most years of his career, Mr. Gordon was president of the Rotary Clubs in both Jenkintown and later Beaver. He was editor of the “District 745 Rotarian” magazine circulated in its eastern Philadelphia area. Both he and his wife were awarded membership in Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellows.
Gordon was awarded the 1988 G. Richard Dew Award for Journalistic Achievement, described by the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association as its most “most prestigious” journalism award. The award cited Gordon for a series of articles he wrote for his newspaper during the 1987 United Way campaign as well as his own activity with the United Way.
During his earliest fulltime newspaper work in the Philadelphia area, Gordon was awarded membership in the Four Chaplains Legion of Honor by the Chapel of the Four Chaplains in Philadelphia in 1969 “in recognition of outstanding service to all people regardless of race or faith.” He also received the third annual Award for Distinguished Community Service, presented by the Philadelphia area’s Suburban Public Relations Club in 1970 “in recognition of extraordinary public relations achievement in community service and newspaper editorial leadership.
Having enjoyed choral singing in church and high school groups, Gordon also sang in the Penn Glee Club and was a member of its Scales Society. Following graduation, he sang in Philadelphia’s University Men’s Glee Club, several church choirs and most recently in Willow Valley’s Cultural Center Chorale, for which he also scripted performances.
Mr. Gordon is survived by: his loving wife of 62 years, Barbara of Willow Street PA; three sons, Jeff Gordon (Dawn) of Mills River, NC, Brian Gordon (Wendy) of Franklin, MA and Andy Gordon (Debbie) of Downingtown, PA; eight grandchildren, Andrew Gordon (Jamie) of Charleston, SC, Elise Gordon of Charleston, SC, Peter Gordon (Lindsey) of Everett, MA, Maddie Gordon of Franklin, MA, Eleanor Gordon of Seattle, WA, George Gordon of Downingtown, PA, Henry Gordon of Downingtown, PA, and Rosalie Gordon of Downingtown, PA. Mr. Gordon is also survived by his sister Nancy Runk of Willow Street PA, and was preceded in death by his sister Linda Adams.
Arrangements are being handled by DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster, PA. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service via Zoom on Saturday, January 30th, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Guests are encourages to enter the Zoom meeting at 10:30 AM for a 30 minute “virtual visitation” until the start of the service. To access the Zoom meeting please click the following link. https://us02web.zoom.us/s/88515992879?pwd=eU5jeTBLSDRjdm9LK0ZyR2prQ1E3dz09#success
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association. A diabetic for 70 years, Mr. Gordon is thankful for the advances in treatment that allowed him to live a long, healthy and fulfilling life.
Dan and Joan Blaschak
We met Wally and Barb at Cara and Greg Runk’s wedding festivities. He made a such a wonderful impression on us. Barb we send our deepest sympathies to you.
He led with you a most interesting and exciting life! So he left the same wonderful impression on the world he lived in as he left on us. He gave his wonderful gifts to his community and to his family. We left us with a indelible memory of his stature and his wonderful smile. God Bless You with forever memories of that very exciting adventure. With sympathy, Dan and Joan Blaschak (Greg Runk’s Mother and Father In-Law)
Sandra Fischione Donovan
Wally Gordon was one of the truly nicest people I have ever met. I was fortunate to work as a reporter when he was publisher of the Allegheny and Beaver County Times. As publisher, he was intelligent and forward-thinking, spearheading the drive to expand the circulation and coverage area through initiating the Allegheny Times edition, where I was its first reporter. He always offered his enthusiastic support. I feel so fortunate to have worked under him to see a shining example of how one treats the people who work under one’s supervision. He always cared about people in his employ and in the community. I am so sorry to hear of his passing; what a huge loss. Thank you, Wally, for being such a positive force in my professional life. We’ll not see the like of you again.
Greg Brown
Wally was the best publisher under which I worked in 30 years as a journalist. A great newspaperman and community activist, yes. But so much more. I will always remember him for his kind-heartedness, concern for everyone and his ever-present smile. By all measures, he was a fine man.
Harry Thibault
So sorry to hear of the passing of Wally my friend, neighbor and carpool buddy. He was a good buddy and friend and will be missed dearly
John Perrotto
Wally was a wonderful guy. I worked at the Beaver County Times throughout his tenure as publisher and don’t ever recall a time that Wally didn’t have a smile and a nice word for everyone. He was a kind-hearted man who wanted the very best for the newspaper, the employees and the communities we served. .God rest his soul.
J. Stein
Sending Big Love from Vermont. I always had so much fun when I was in his presence.
The Big Wah’s laugh was the best!
My thoughts and sympathies are with you all.
Love, J
Stephanie Waite
I am so grateful to have worked for Wally Gordon at the Beaver County Times. I sensed that he saw his role as publisher not just as a job but as a calling. He was dedicated to the welfare of the community and to the welfare of his employees. He was committed to producing top-quality community journalism, and the Times flourished under his leadership.
Most of all, I will remember his deep and genuine kindness, how much he cared about each and every one of his employees.
Quarryville Family Foot Care, P.C.
Please accept our sincere condolences to Wally’s family and friends.
Debbie Bianco
I was very happy to have worked with Wally. He always had a kind word and a smile for everyone. He was dedicated to the newspaper and the community. My deepest condolences to Wally’s family.
Patrick Bingle
Dear Barb and Family,
My deepest condolences to you on the passing of Wally.
I was truly blessed to have worked for such a great man! Upon reading Wally’s obituary, I was flooded with all of the fond memories and great times working with him. Wally was my first and only mentor. I accredit my successes in the digital media and advertising business to his willingness to take a chance on some young, inexperienced young man, working part-time in the circulation department at the Beaver County Times to start this new endeavor in audiotex (Wally and I named Times Tips). While Wally coined several nicknames for me over the years, the one that stuck with me most was Mr. Tips—due to strutting around in a telephone costume at various events and parades.
There are so many more great memories of working for Wally—from becoming an Internet Service Provider (TimesNet Internet Services), and building the first website for the newspaper (TimesOnline.com), attending newspaper conferences to Rotary Club meetings, yearly Christmas lunches, and playing golf with Wally on The Times golf league.
He leaves his legacy of having a major impact on our community and the people who worked for him. He was truly an inspiration to me and many others. Thanks to Wally, I continued my career in the digital media business and have owned a digital media advertising consulting company (SPARK Digital Sales Group, LLC) for seven years—all because he took a chance on me and believed in my abilities to help build the “Interactive Media” business at The Times.
Thank you Wally. God Bless the Gordon family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Patrick Bingle
Beaver, PA
Carole and Ron Veit
Dear Barb, Jeff, Andy and Brian, Ruth shared the sad news and want to extend our sadness, sympathy and caring to you. Remembering the good times we shared and always Wally with a big caring smile. Love, Carole and Ron
Carole and Ron Veit
Dear Barb, Jeff, Andy and Brian, Ruth shared the sad news and want to extend our sadness, sympathy and caring to you. Remembering the good times we shared and always Wally with a big caring smile. Love, Carole and Ron
Chris & Gary Kochersperger
Barbara, Andy, Jeff and Brian and Families,
We are saddened to hear of Wally’s passing and know you will hold on to all those cherished memories. Even growing up on Damian Drive in Hatboro for which we became friends through the years. He always was so proud of his family and all their achievements along the way. May he rest in peace now.
Chris & Gary Kochersperger and Family
Melinda Condon
I was so sorry to hear of Wally’s passing. He was a wonderful man and a committed member and supporter of the PA NewsMedia (formerly Newspaper) Association and the PNA Foundation. Wally’s passion and dedication to PNA and the news industry in PA were as wide as his convention invocations were long! Wally was a kind man of integrity who had a sparkling smile and a quick laugh. The world is a better place because he walked with us. He will be missed.
Melinda Condon, PA NewsMedia Association Foundation