Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1918-03-25

Professor Pierce Rettew, head of
the department of history at the
Technical High school and adviser
to the Tech senior class died yes
terday morning at o'clock. at his
home, 266 Briggs street. Death re-
suited from pneumonia after two
weeks sickness. While the student
body knew that his illness was seri-
Gus, his death came as a surprise to
them. His personal interest in the
students las we'll as his congenial
disposition made him a great IA
Norite at Tech, and the announce
ment made this morning at a special
chapel exercise brought forth many
expressions of regret from both the
students, as we'll as his congenial
ulty. Many of his pupils counted
him among their faVorite instruc-
tors.
Professor Rettew was born August
:, 1887 in this city, the son of Mrs.
and Mrs. Charles B. Rettew. After
his preliminary education, he vas
graduated from Central High school
in the class of 1906. While at that
institution he took an active part in
all the affairs of the school, and was
a charter member of the Phi Epsi-
Ion Kappa fraternity.
On Civil Service Board
The following year Mr.. Rettew en-
tered the freshmen class at Franklin
and Marshall college at Lancaster.
At the beginning of his sophomore
year he enrolled at Dickinson COL
lege, Carlisle. With his collegiate
career half finished, he decided to
enter the field of fire and life insur-
ance, and took up the work in this
city. being in business for rhree
years. 1t was then that he decided
to complete his college course, and
returning to Dickinson he received
the degree of bachelor of arts in
1918. He was member of the Phi
Kappa Sigma fraternity while there.
For the past three years he has been
at Tech, prior to which time he was
assistant supervisor of the schools
of Susquehanna township.
Last summer Professor Rettew
received the appointment to the
civil service board of the local po-
lice department, and since then has
done good work in perfectng plans
for the mental and physical eXami-
nation of the local patrolmen. Among
th9 colored residents and foreign
population he made many friends for
gave gratis to those who were ignor-
ant of our laws and customs. Many
who needed assistance because of
i'll fortune found a ready friend in
the Tech instructor. Among the
Tech students he gave of his advice
unstintingly, and many have re-
ceived additional inspiration to at
tend college from him. In a father
ly manner he admonished them !or
any of their errors either in school
or in the street. A special faculty
meeting was held this afternoon to
take action on his death.
Mr.. Rettew is survived by his wife,
Mrs Elizabeth Yost Rettew, and a
two-and-a-half year old daughter.
Betty. His mother, Mrs. Charles B.
Rettew and one brother, c. Vernon
Rettew. also mourn his loss. The flu
neral will be held from the family
residence Tuesday afternoon at 2
o'clock. The Rev. H. w. A. Hanson,
pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church,
will be in charge of the services, as
sisted by the Rev. W. E. Daugherty,
pastor of the First United Brethren
Church. Burial will take place in
the Harrisburg Cemetery.
Within the past year, two deaths
have occurred in the Tech faculty
while four members of the student
body, three freshmen and one jul
uior, have died