Waldron Mercy Academy gets $1.85 million

Waldron Mercy Academy in Merion Station yesterday announced the largest gift in the school's 86-year history - a $1.85 million bequest from the estate of former RCA chairman Edgar Griffiths Jr. and Mary R. Griffiths. The gift will go toward the school's endowment, school officials said.

Griffiths, a 1935 graduate of the school, said in his will that the gift was for the "remembrance of the Sisters of Waldron [Mercy] Academy, who by their kindness, dedication and talent greatly influenced my life."

Griffiths continued his education at St. Joseph's Preparatory School in North Philadelphia and then received his degree from St. Joseph's University. After serving in World War II, Griffiths joined RCA. In 1976 he became president and chief executive officer, and he was elected chairman four years later. He died in May. His wife had died earlier.

Waldron Mercy is a Catholic coeducational private elementary school with 520 students. - Martha Woodall