Alfred P. Nyce

Alfred Price Nyce, 89, formerly of Lansdale, PA, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on July 11, 2023, in the tender care of the Personal Care staff at Peter Becker Community, Harleysville. He was the beloved husband of Betty Lou (Stoneback) Nyce for 63 years and devoted father to Jacqueline Nyce.

Al was born on April 9, 1934 in Lansdale to the late William G. and Mary P. Nyce and graduated from Lansdale High School (’52), Juniata College (’56, Bachelor of Business Administration) and Bethany Theological Seminary (’64, Bachelor of Divinity, magna cum laude). After serving as Associate Pastor of the Lancaster PA Church of the Brethren for several years, Al then resolved to use his theological training to serve the church in numerous volunteer capacities. He began employment with American Bank and Trust Company of Reading as a teller, progressing to customer service and branch management. After29 years and several bank mergers, Al retired in 1998 as an employee of Core States Bank.

In 1968 Al returned with his family to Lansdale and became a faithful and devoted member of the Ambler Church of the Brethren, serving over the years as Chair of the Board and the Witness/Worship and Stewardship Commissions. In addition, he faithfully served as Deacon, church auditor, and added his strong bass voice to the choir for 45 years. Beyond the local church, he served on the Board of the Atlantic Northeast District, and as delegate to the denomination’s Annual Conference on seven occasions. Additionally, he served on the Board of the Germantown Church of the Brethren Trust (Secretary/Treasurer) and on the Board of Samaritan Counseling Center (Treasurer).

Al was a charter member of the Ambler Choral Society and sang with them for approximately 35 years which included a trip to Austria to participate in a performance of Mozart’s ”Requiem”. His love of classical music was manifest throughout his married life with regular attendance with Betty Lou at Philadelphia Orchestra concerts, beginning with their second date in ’58 and culminating in being series ticket holders from 1990 to 2019. Al also had a keen interest in sports and subscribed to Sports Illustrated beginning with Vol. 1, No. 1, and continuing until his passing. He was on the basketball team in high school and seminary, and on the track team in high school and college, participating in the Penn Relays. He was an avid golfer, starting in his high school years and continuing until age 85, immensely enjoying rounds locally and on vacations with daughter Jackie and other relatives. Al was a voracious reader, primarily of non-fiction (history and biographies) and journals from organizations focused on social justice and goodness. He and Betty Lou shared a love of travel and made it to 47 of the 50 states, plus 20 countries including China and Australia.

After retiring from the bank, Al volunteered with the Food Bank of the Hatfield Church of the Brethren and for the American Cancer Society as a driver for patients undergoing treatment. He regularly volunteered to help homeless families through the Ambler Interfaith Housing Alliance (now Family Promise Montco), and assisted in the church’s after-school program to help teens with their studies. Al was a blessing to his church, never declining when asked to serve in any responsibility or service. He will be remembered for his kind and gentle nature, his integrity, dependability, and willingness to help whenever needed. He could also delight folks with his subtle sense of humor. He and Betty Lou moved to Peter Becker Community in 2013, and then in January 2023 after an illness with RSV, Al resided in the Personal Care Unit until his passing. The family wishes to express its deep gratitude to the PBC staff for the gentle and loving care Al received.

In addition to his wife and daughter, Al is survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother William, sisters Gwendolyn Hartzel and Beulah Shisler, nephew Kent Shisler, and grand-nephew Joshua Wall.

A service to celebrate Al’s life will be held at the Ambler Church of the Brethren, 351 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, PA 19002 on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 11 am with visitation from 10-11 am. The service will also be streamed via Zoom and YouTube (links on church website). Fellowship at the church will follow the service. Graveside services will be private. In lieu of flowers, to affirm Al’s life of service to others, memorial contribution’s in his memory may be made to the Ambler Church of the Brethren (address above) designated for Outreach (community food distribution, housing assistance, church Blessing Box), or to Bread for the World, 425 3rd St. SW, Washington DC 20024 ([email protected]).