Meet Our Donors

A Soldier, a Gentleman, and a Dream to Make a Community a Better Place

Sitting in his den, reminiscing about all he has experienced in life, as he looks at the many framed photographs of his children and grandchildren, wedding pictures, Air Force buddies, childhood dogs and more, Joseph Pyle of Devon has many stories to tell. He served his country in war and his community as an elected official. He was also very influential in creating a new hospital for his community.

In July 1943, while a student at the University of Pennsylvania, Joe, as he likes to be called, was drafted into the U.S. Army Air Forces. He was a radio operator on a B-25 medium bomber during World War II over the CBI Theater (China, Burma, and India) where U.S. and Allied Forces fought against the Japanese. He holds the Distinguished Flying Cross as well as the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster for his heroism and achievements.

"We were the 'Burma Bridge Busters,' bombing bridges and disrupting Japanese supply lines," says Joe. "It was a very dangerous war. We lost many young men, many good friends, but we got through it." Joe glances at a picture of him and his crew in Egypt in front of the Sphinx on their way to Burma in 1943 and proudly identifies a similar picture taken 35 years later in the same spot in front of the Sphinx.

After the war, Joe returned to Philadelphia and attended the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business, graduating in 1948. That same year, he met his future wife Jane, who was also a student at Penn.

"My wife and I recently celebrated 61 years together. We have been very blessed with two children, our son Randy, daughter Elizabeth and five grandchildren," says Joe.

In January 1962, Joe was elected as a member of the Board of Supervisors of Tredyffrin Township, holding that important elected position until 1983. During his tenure, he oversaw the rapid expansion of the township. At that time, Joe was the longest serving supervisor in the township's history.

"That same year I became Township supervisor, the solicitor of the township at the time, Richard Reifsnyder, asked me if I would like to get involved with Memorial Hospital of Chester County serving on its Board of Directors. I accepted without any hesitation. I love civics and getting involved in my community," says Joe.

Joe worked at Kidder, Peabody and Company, an investment banking firm, which eventually was sold to PaineWebber in 1994. He was appointed Vice President of the firm in 1982. "While working there I was able to secure funds to build Paoli Hospital - 'the hospital on the hill.' There have been many additions to the original building, supported by many fundraising campaigns." Reminiscing further about the early days of Paoli Hospital, Joe says, "We had many great people from the community who volunteered their time serving on our Board over the years, such as Albert Zink, Charlotte Thayer, Gordon Hattersley, Marj Panitt and Buck Bell. They really made a difference in their community. Also, Betty Moran continues to be so gracious with her generosity and leadership to Paoli Hospital."

For close to 23 years, Joe and his wife have been generous to Paoli Hospital. They have made charitable gifts supporting its Cancer Center, The Holloway Breast Health Center, the recent Capital Campaign for the new Pavilion, and giving to where it is most needed through the Annual Fund. Joe has even made a Bequest in his Will to Paoli Hospital - by doing so he is a member of The Paoli Society, helping to secure the future of Paoli Hospital through planned giving. When asked why he continues to be so generous, Joe replies, "Well, for starters, they could sure use the money! Seeing the community's support over the years to help build a non-profit hospital like Paoli, including the new Pavilion, is very gratifying for me. But also, I choose to be generous because of the quality of the nursing care and the dedicated staff sets it apart from the other hospitals in the area. It's been a real privilege to serve that wonderful place."

Ensuring the Future of Paoli Hospital

Jay and Mary McElroy believe the key to longevity is to stay active after retirement. Jay exercises six days a week and Mary plays tennis with her girlfriends just about every day. They are comforted in knowing there is a hospital in their community they can go to if they ever need it. “Having lived in the area for the past 36 years we and our friends need Paoli Hospital in our community. This was very obvious one weekend four years ago,” Mary said.

“A friend from out of town was in the area to make a speech. When he had trouble reading the words I first thought he had the wrong pair of glasses, but then realized it was much more serious. We rushed him to Paoli Hospital. He had suffered a mini-stroke. The doctors, nurses, and health care technicians were all terrific and I was proud of the Hospital because of the exceptional care he received,” Mary said.

For Jay and Mary the choice to secure Paoli Hospital’s future was an easy one. Mary decided to make a Bequest in her will to Paoli Hospital and Jay used an IRA Rollover option, placing his existing IRA toward the $16.5 million expansion campaign Building Paoli Hospital. One story at a time.

“One of our favorite books is Acres of Diamonds by Russell Conwell,” Jay said. “It’s the idea that every person has the opportunity make something better with their own skill and energy. We have a hospital right here in our community that has left such an impression on us, that has taken great care of us, which needs our support.”

Caring About Tomorrow

Joe and Jolly Waterman
Living in nearby Easttown Township for the past 21 years and raising their four children, Joe and Jolly Waterman are very involved in their community. Both are active members of their local church, Saint Norberts; Jolly is a part-time teacher with the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District; and Joe is the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Gestalt, LLC, a Department of Defense and Energy consulting firm with offices in King of Prussia. Seven years ago, Joe was asked to serve as a Trustee for the Paoli Hospital Foundation Board. "I jumped at the chance and it has been, and continues to be, a phenomenal experience," he said. "Really, over these past years as a Trustee I've grown to appreciate the outstanding individuals that run the hospital and its doctors, nurses, and caregivers."

Joe and Jolly feel secure knowing there is a place in their community like Paoli Hospital. "It is an honor being affiliated with an organization that is so important to our community, providing excellent health care in a professional and compassionate manner to all those who need it," Joe said.

Because of the impression that Paoli Hospital has left on Joe and Jolly, the decision to make a bequest in their will to the Hospital was easy for them. "We love the people at the Hospital, from the physicians and nurses, to the other health care professionals," Jolly said.

"Since the Hospital gives back to the community with excellent health care, I feel as though we are giving back to the community as well, by making this decision. Once we take care of our children and their families, we have designated a portion of the remainder toward the Hospital. It's that simple for us."