Walter B. Severs

Dr. Walter B. Severs, 87, of Palmyra, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA.

He was pre-deceased by his wife Anne E. Daniels-Severs, Ph.D., and surviving are his daughters, Mary Sonnen (husband Tom), Jane Cordrey (husband Jim), and Katherine; sons Steven and William (wife Jessica), and granddaughter Elliana Grace; and a sister, LaVerne Sharp of Cranberry Township, PA.

A native of Pittsburgh, his mother, Pauline Severs, raised him and his sister. He earned B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. After postdoctoral studies at the National Institutes of Health, he came to the College of Medicine of The Pennsylvania State University at Hershey in 1968 and retired as Professor Emeritus of Pharmacology and Neuroscience in 1999. He taught medical, graduate and postdoctoral students and was an active research scientist. He served twice as President of the College of Medicine Faculty Organization and as a member of the Pennsylvania State University Faculty Senate.

His military obligation was served in the U.S. Army Reserves and Pennsylvania Army National Guard where he was a radar operator for Nike guided missile systems.

An author of many scientific publications, he received a Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Pittsburgh, the Setchenov Prize & Medal from the former U.S.S.R. Academy of Medical Science, the Blue Medal from the Bulgarian Union of Scientists and a Medallion from the University of Belgrade School of Medicine where he had been a Visiting Professor of Physiology. He was listed in Who’s Who in America, was a retired member of many scientific societies and an Emeritus Fellow of the American College of Clinical Pharmacology.

He was involved in many local activities, including Charter membership, Legion of Honor, & past Distinguished President of the Hershey-Hummelstown Kiwanis Club. He was a past director of the Palmyra Area School Board, a past president and Board of Directors member of the Palmyra Public Library, a Director of the Polycarp Research Institute and a past member of the Institutional Review Board at Hershey medical center.

Service to his church included the ministry of Lector, membership on the Pastoral Council of the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, and the Diocesan Consultation Board for Parish re-organization during the tenure of the late Bishop Nicholas C. Datillo and member of the Respect Life Committee of St. Joan of Arc Church.

A mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 11 AM at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 W. Areba Ave., Hershey, PA 17033. Burial with full military honors will follow mass at Grandview Memorial Park, Annville, PA. A time of viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 5-7 PM at Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 25 W. Pine St., Palmyra, PA 17078.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in his memory with prayers or mass cards for the repose of his soul.