Sandy Heath

Dudley Dutton Heath, known all his life as “Sandy” due to a full head of blond hair in his youth, died peacefully on Sunday, February 12th, 2023. Although not a school day, “Dr. Heath,” as his students called him, chose to leave this world right as the dismissal bell rang at 3:00pm.

Sandy was born in Pasadena, California on Halloween Day in 1934. For the next 88 Halloweens, he loved to dress up in costumes and famously handed out Heath candy bars to friends and neighbors including those in Swarthmore, PA, which he considered to be his hometown, before moving to Marinette, WI as a teen. A star athlete in track and field, football, and basketball in high school, Sandy next traveled to Hanover, NH for college. After graduating from Dartmouth with a degree in Sociology he and Susan Lee Redington, who he’d met on a blind date in Cape May, NJ, were married on September 14th, 1957. The first few years of what would become their 60-year long marriage were spent in many different neighborhoods. They lived in Baltimore, MD; Media, PA; Dallas, TX; and Pine Bluff, AR before moving to New Jersey in the early 1970s. During those years, Sandy earned his Master’s degree in History from Temple and his Doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Pennsylvania. Much more importantly, “Susandy” also celebrated the births of their three daughters (Suellen Riffkin, Jenny Heath, and Lisa Dainton) during this time period.

Before moving to Medford Leas in 2006, Sandy and Sue made their home in Moorestown, NJ for over 30 years. As a teacher, administrator, and track coach at Moorestown Friends School,

Sandy was most proud of creating and implementing innovative programs like City Project and Intensive Learning which got students out of the classroom to explore Philadelphia and many other environments. Also committed to the broader community, Sandy served in many roles including being elected to the Moorestown Public School Board in 1978, clerking a number of Moorestown Monthly Meeting (Quaker) Committees, and serving on the board of Camp Dark Waters in Medford. He and Sue belonged to two book clubs, travelled regularly in retirement, and helped to organize groups and activities during their many happy years at Medford Leas.

Sandy will be greatly missed by his sister Barbara Morrison and his sisters-in-law Harriet Heath, Dell Redington, and Ellie Redington as well as his brother-in-law, Jim Redington. Papa / Uncle Sandy will forever be remembered by his seven grandchildren (Rebecca and Sophie Riffkin; Cole and Andy Pollard; and Sam, Zach, and Luke Dainton) and his many nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces/nephews for his ability and willingness to organize fun events and activities including miniature golfing, orienteering, building sand castles, and playing cards and board games.

Dad will be both remembered and missed by his three girls for his love of making to-do lists and plans, whether simply for the next hour or for more detailed and extravagant trips and parties; for making speeches (complete with props and other visual aids!) at family meetings; for setting a cheerful example of thoughtful integrity; and most of all for the steadfast care

and support he gave to our mom and to us throughout our lives. Enjoy your final bike ride home, Dad!

Please join us for a celebration of Sandy’s life at Moorestown Meetinghouse, 118 East Main St. in Moorestown NJ on Saturday, June 17th at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Moorestown Friends School. (www.BradleyStow.com)

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