Faces of St. Peters: April

An interview with dedicated hospital volunteer Preston Powell, Naval veteran and former Philadelphia Phillie.

Saint Peter’s University Hospital is lucky to draw on the talents of a host of volunteers, including 86-year-old Preston Powell of East Brunswick. Powell, who has volunteered at the hospital for more than two decades, runs its weekly video-fed Bingo game. Retired from the printing business, Powell, a widower, has one son and two grandchildren.

HOW DID GET YOU INTO VOLUNTEERING?

My wife, Dorothy, started giving her time at Saint Peter’s before I did, and she suggested I join her when I retired in 1986. We’ve been part of the Saint Peter’s family since our son, also named Preston, was born there in 1956. Later, she had five major operations there for cancer, and most of the nurses knew her and me. I started running the Bingo game in 2000 after volunteering in the accounting department.

WHY BINGO?

It’s very rewarding because I meet so many people. Patients ask me to stop by their beds to talk when I deliver the prizes. Their smiles make it all worthwhile.

I UNDERSTAND YOU KNOW BASEBALL HALL OF FAMER STAN MUSIAL. WHAT’S YOUR CONNECTION?

I played ball in high school and was scouted by a man who told me to look out for “this kid Musial.” I was signed by the Phillies in 1942, but went into the Navy to fight in World War II. That’s where I met Stan— we played together. He was already an all-star, and he became a baseball instructor in the Navy. I kidded him that I had to go overseas to save the country while he stayed and had fun. We’re good friends to this day. He’s 90, still sharp, and one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. I told him I’d root for his team, the Cardinals, but I’m really a Yankees fan.