In Memoriam Winter 2024 | GW Magazine | The George Washington University

Paul Chernoff, J.D. ’67 (July 15, 2024, 85) earned a mechanical engineering degree from Tufts University before serving in the Coast and Geodetic Survey. After graduating from GW Law with honors, he had a distinguished judicial career spanning nearly four decades, serving on the Newton District Court and the Massachusetts Superior Court. An educator, he also taught trial practice at Boston College Law School. He is survived by his wife, Lynn; two sons; and three grandchildren.

Joel P. Dictrow, J.D. ’69 (July 6, 2024, 79) began his career in the CBS Tax Department before working as a tax attorney at Citigroup for 25 years. A passionate collector of contemporary art, he traveled with his wife, Zoë, to international art fairs and remote locations, including Antarctica and Pantanal, Brazil. He is survived by his wife; stepson David Walker and his family; brother Robert Dictrow; and nieces Jill Asars and Lori Fisher, along with their children.

Theodore J. DiLorenzo, LL.B. ’52 (July 2, 2024, 99) served in the U.S. Army during World War II before earning his law degree from GW. He practiced law in Hartford, Connecticut, for 50 years and was active in local politics, serving on the Hartford City Council and as a Republican candidate for mayor. He was dedicated to education and improving opportunities for the children of Hartford. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lorraine (Calano) DiLorenzo, three children, four grandchildren and his brother, sister, nieces and nephews.

Claire Duggan, J.D. ’13 (July 10, 2024, 48) was a talented photographer, loving mother and accomplished lawyer. Known for her sharp mind, spirited debates and big heart, Duggan was deeply involved in her community, including supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. She also served as GW’s first official photographer, capturing the university’s history. She is survived by her partner, Dewayne, and three children.

Brian Herrman, B.B.A. ’77 (June 9, 2024, 69) was a successful CFO who devoted his life to Jesus, his friends and his family, especially his beloved wife of 48 years, Cherylee. He was a dedicated supporter of GW, serving on the Business School’s advisory board and receiving the Alumni Outstanding Service Award in 2013. Throughout his life, Herrman cherished family time, coaching his sons’ soccer teams and actively participating in church as an elder and teacher at Valley Community Baptist Church. Herrman is survived by his wife; sons Andrew, Timothy and Benjamin; two granddaughters; and his brothers and sister.

Saundra Lynn Hutchison, B.F.A. ’85 (Aug. 6, 2024, 62) was a passionate artist and storyteller who earned her arts degree from the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design. Her interests included art, movie production and writing novels and short stories. Hutchison also harbored a love for fashion and design. She is survived by her mother, Patricia Schrader, and brother, Mark Hutchison.

Mary M. Levy, J.D. ’76 (July 31, 2024, 82) was a longtime D.C. resident and advocate for public schools. She earned a B.A. in linguistics from the University of Wisconsin, a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and a J.D. from George Washington University. As director of the Public Education Reform Project from 1990 to 2009, she was instrumental in D.C.’s public school funding reforms. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Edward P. Levy; siblings Roger, Laura and Paul Mansnerus; daughters Dina and Rachel Levy; son-in-law Cedar Reilly Riener; and five grandchildren.

Alan S. Loesberg, LL.B. ’56 (June 15, 2024, 98) was a World War II veteran and graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy. After earning a law degree from GW, he enjoyed a successful career in maritime law. He was passionate about reading, sharing stories of his adventures and never missing a Washington Commanders game. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Pearl Loesberg; three children, Matthew, Fred and Susan; two stepsons, Barry and Stefan Platnick; and eight grandchildren.

Edwin J. Monsma, J.D. ’56 (July 15, 2024, 93) excelled in academics and athletics at Calvin College before attending GW Law. He had a distinguished legal career, serving as assistant general counsel at the General Accounting Office and providing legal review during the transition of power from Richard Nixon to Gerald Ford. He is survived by his daughter, Liz; son Ian; grandsons Trey and Christopher; great-grandchildren; brothers Jim and Chuck; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Matthew Regan Osborne, B.A. ’99 (Aug.13, 2024, 47) had a 25-year career in journalism. He worked as a sportswriter, editor and publisher at various publications, including “The Graham Star,” “The Trentonian” and “The Northeast Georgian.” He is survived by his wife, Samantha Sinclair; sons Hunter, Callum and Oliver; his mother, Sue Osborne; and his sister, Mackenzie Osborne.

William E. Watson, J.D. ’61 (June 23, 2024, 87) had a successful legal career spanning over 60 years, serving clients throughout West Virginia and remaining active in his community even after retirement. An advocate for the Democratic Party, he held significant positions, including state chairman of the West Virginia Democratic Party and chancellor of the West Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mara Linaberger Watson; two children, Lynn Ellen Watson Neumann and Edward Allen Watson; and a granddaughter, Audrey Ellen Neumann.