Philip Burch Luce

Philip Burch Luce passed peacefully at his home on Monday evening October 31, 2016 with his loving caregiver, Florence Wapoh, by his side. He was born on September 15, 1929 in Bethlehem, Pa, the second son of Gladness and Alexander Luce. He is predeceased by his wife, Nancy, and is survived by his three children, Timothy (Carol), Phyllis (Tyler), and Sarah and his three granddaughters Rachel, Elise and Jehanne. His brothers John and David and sister Mary survive. He is predeceased by his sister Judy. After his high school graduation from The Holderness School, he worked various jobs including time with the Hinckley boat yard in Maine. During the Korean War he served his military service in Busan. Upon his return he attended Colby College where he recieved his undergraduate degree and met Nancy Carroll, the woman who would become his wife of 55 years. With Nancy and his growing family, Philip continued his education in geology studying at New York University, the New Mexico Institute of Mining Technology and Washington State University. In 1967 Philip became professor of Geology at Mansfield State College /University and the family settled in Wellsboro where they lived for almost fifty years. Throughout his career he loved leading field trips for students and colleagues, continually exploring back roads in search of geological outcrops and formations. After his retirement from Mansfield University Philip and Nancy traveled abroad extensively including trips to Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Greece and Western Europe. Throughout their marriage the couple spent many memorable summers in Maine. While there, Philip loved spending time by the ocean, reading, taking long walks, picking berries and doing crossword puzzles. Special lobster dinners were a summer favorite! Philip also fulfilled a long held dream of owning his own sailboat in which he explored the islands of Casco Bay with his family. The family invites all who knew Philip to gather to share memories and celebrate his life at the Tussey Mosher Funeral Home, 139 Main Street Wellsboro, on Saturday, November 5 from 3:00-5:00pm.

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