Death of Lt. Col. Joseph Wetherell
The following is a note to the University community from the Office of the President.
Dear Members of the University Community,
I am saddened to inform you of the passing of Lt. Col. (Ret.) Joseph K. Wetherell, retired, admissions events specialist at the University. He died on Saturday, October 24, at the age of 70.
Lt. Col. Wetherell joined the staff of the University in 1995 as professor and chair of the Military Science Department, which oversees the Scranton area Army ROTC program. He continued serving in the University’s Office of Admissions after retiring from active military duty.
Lt. Col. Wetherell brought with him to the University his passion for service, uncompromising dedication and expertise in supply logistics, which he applied to multiple events during his 25 years at Scranton. With military precision, he helped to organize Commencement, Open House and Preview Day, attending to every detail.
During Lt. Col. Wetherell’s distinguished 27-year career in the military, he served as the director of tactics and leadership at the Army Engineering School Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri; commander of the Engineering Battalion of the 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, and in combat engineering units throughout the world. His awards include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with 5th Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster and the Army Achievement Medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster.
A native of Vermont, he earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont as an ROTC scholarship recipient. He earned his master’s degree in logistics management from Florida Institute of Technology.
A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Rutland, Vermont, at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fisher House Foundation (fisherhouse.org) or the St. Francis of Assisi Soup Kitchen in Scranton.
Eternal life grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
Sincerely,
Scott R. Pilarz, S. J.
President
