Dr. Rodney N. Tolbert

Dr. Rodney N. Tolbert age 80 of Shippensburg, died Saturday, January 26, 2013. He was born Sunday, February 21, 1932 in Chambersburg, the son of the late Robert E. and Eva (Nuckels) Tolbert. Rod graduated from Chambersburg High School in 1950. He earned his B.S. in Education in 1955 from Shippensburg State Teachers College. He received his Masters in Educational Administration as well as his Doctorate in Educational Administration from Penn State University. He was a lifelong educator, serving as an elementary teacher, assistant principal and principal in various school districts across PA. He then served as superintendant of schools in Lewisburg School District. After leaving as superintendant, he was requested by the Shippensburg University president to create and develop the graduate program of educational administration and supervision. In his 13-year tenure, Rod also taught graduate level courses at the university. He was educator of the year for 1987 and 1988 as awarded by the Shippensburg Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, member of the National Education Association and a lifetime member of Penn State Alumni Association. Rod was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish the local area. Rod also enjoyed golfing and skeet shooting. He was a worldwide traveler. For over 40 years on football Saturdays, Rod and his family could be found seated in Beaver Stadium cheering-on his beloved Nittany Lions. He was a member of Middle Spring Presbyterian Church and Lowther Manor Lodge #781'F. A.M., Camp Hill, Zembo Shriners, Harrisburg, and Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Lodge, Harrisburg. His wife of nearly 59 years, Joan (Wagner) Tolbert survives him. He is also survived by his daughter: Dr. Cynthia R. Tolbert of Boerne, TX; two sons: Jeffrey W. and wife Ellen Tolbert of Lewes, DE and Douglas R. and wife Christine Tolbert of Shippensburg; six grandchildren: Kristin Tolbert, Molly Tolbert, Julia Slater, Audrey Tolbert, Hannah Tolbert, and Alan Tolbert; two brothers: Ralph Tolbert of Chambersburg and Mike Tolbert of Auburn, PA. He was predeceased by sisters: Josephine Littleton and Loretta Wilcox and a brother, Robert Tolbert. Professional services are entrusted to Dugan Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 51 Asper Drive, Shippensburg. Memorial Services will be held 3:00 PM Saturday, February 2 at Middle Spring Presbyterian Church, Shippensburg with Reverend Kim Wadlington officiating. Family will receive friends at a reception immediately following the service. Private Interment will be in Rolling Green Cemetery in Camp Hill. Memorial contributions may be made to Middle Spring Presbyterian Church, 135 Middle Spring Road, Shippensburg, PA 17257 or Shippensburg University Outstanding Student Scholarship, SU Foundation, 1871 Old Main Drive, Shippensburg, PA 17257.