1960s
1960s
60 Momentous Year
Who said summer in southwest Florida is slow? David Christian certainly doesn’t think so. He writes: “2012 was a momentous year for Arlene and me. We fixed up our house, sold it, bought a condo, renovated it, got rid of half of our material possessions and moved into the condo. This year we’ve been to Hawaii, Manhattan, and the Delaware shore, a family reunion in Traverse City with our daughter, and this fall, Arlene and I are headed to Paris, Helsinki, Tallinn, St. Petersburg and Moscow. But more important are the jaunts to see our two granddaughters in Falls Church. Our daughter also lives close by. We intend to stay in the Washington area where we have been since 1967. Our Jesuit parish in Georgetown (Holy Trinity) is a major part of our lives. We volunteer there and many of our friends are part of the Trinity community. We also are working continually to stay healthy. I’d like to hear from Bill Donnelly and Ed Chaplin. Our new address is 4141 N. Henderson Rd., Apt. 910, Arlington VA 22203.” Jim Lekin attended the ’13 Reunion as part of the Law School class. He reports his class presented a gift to ND for $180,000 for “needs and academics” scholarships. Good going. Bob Keeley writes: “Guess who just dropped into earth from the sky yesterday? My old roomie, Jack O’Brien (muk97@aol.com, 630-964-9738). “We are going to try to get our old group of six to the MSU game this year. I just thought I would let you know I was still vertical.” Tony Russo and his wife visited Key West; he gave a paper on atmospheric energy conversion at an Institute of Strategic and International Studies conference. He writes: “It is mostly an academic group, and I was happy they accepted my paper. I have been to Florida, but I prefer the Albuquerque weather with the low humidity. We have received little communication on the new Class Discussion Group on our Class of ’60 Website. Are you having problems logging on to our site? Let me know.” Richard Nowery continues to reside in Shreveport. He had been helping out in a nursery part time but lifted a heavy planter and hurt his back. The back is getting better, but he won’t be going back to the nursery. He was recalling his days at Sacred Heart in New Orleans and recalling the poverty and needs of the parish. He is appreciative of classmate support in his years in the parishes. He recalled a few of his old buddies: Jim Pielsticker, who died in a plane crash in October 2001, and Nestor Weigand and Chuck Sawicki. I think he is going to connect to email now. Nestor continues to outwork most of us and hopes to see a lot of classmates at ND this fall. Classmates who have passed away recently include: Jim Carney in February, Don McGann and Tom Medland in March, Kevin Whelan, Phil Allen and Arthur Seckler in April and Peter Quinn MD in May. Please keep these classmates and the families of all deceased classmates in your prayers. Our great Class of ’60 was judged Class of the Year at the recent Leadership Conference at ND (formerly the Alumni Senate Meetings). Please send me emails and notes to use in our news outlets. — Joseph F. Jansen; 9190 Southmont Cove No.103, Ft. Myers FL 33908; 239-461-0980; cell 317-514-4478; jfjansen@aol.com
60JD Class Secretary — John DiNardo;
512-264-2027; johnadinardo.58@gmail.com
61 Mea culpa
I begin these news notes with a mea culpa. In my last column, I said I had previously reported to you on the death of Bryson Field and passed along comments from Dick Lochner. As it turns out, I was having a senior moment (or an extra cocktail). Bryson died after my deadline, and I just thought I had included it. He was a good guy and had wonderful, loving children. Larry Erickson wrote about the minireunion that was held Aug. 31 at the Temple game. In addition to the game, there was Mass in Ryan Hall followed by a cash bar and buffet in Eck Center. Prince Chuck Lennon followed up with more information, but both were after my last deadline. Liam Farrell ’04, editor of Class Notes, has moved. Nancy Sheets has once again stepped in to help us communicate with one another. We all owe her our gratitude for her willingness to help and her can-do attitude. I had a nice note from Pat Hickey. I am happy to report that his health, and that of his wife, Debbie, is improving. However, the motto remains, “You are only as good as your last pet scan.” He did say that he was back to driving his car, and it’s like getting out of jail. Pat, where did you come up with the information to make the comparison? He stays in contact with Bernie Hamilton, John Cooney (who had some health issues but seemingly is fine now), Frank Annese and Tim Monahan and hopes to be in contact with John Keegan soon. Jerry Kearns called me to talk about a project he is working on for the Sycamore Trust. Apparently they write about ND. You can find them through Google. He says they are enlightening. He learned of it at our 50th Reunion from David Solomon. John Beck’s brother Bill Beck ’54, is my brother-in-law. I was with him recently when his wife took a tumble and had to have surgery. She is Abbie’s sister. Bill promised to pass on what John’s next plans are. John is coming to Texas. He and his wife, Carolyn, are pursuing John’s bucket list (which includes visiting every presidential library) and are scheduled to visit the George W. Bush Library in Dallas in October. I hope to send him a map showing him the way to Texas A& M in College Station to see the George H.W. Bush Library. Then I will direct him on to Victoria, where the latchstring will be out. The following classmates have passed away: Bryson Field, Donald J. Shoulberg, James C. Talaga, Sister Estelle Scully, SP, Hon. E. Michael O’Brien, and James M. O’Leary. Chuck MacMillan advised that Charles V. Rule passed away. Please remember them and their families in your prayers. Also, please remember all of our classmates who are dealing with health issues. This is our time. Pope Benedict XVI has been kind enough to bestow upon me the title of Knight of St. Gregory the Great. I am forever grateful. Please keep your letters and emails coming. Meanwhile, Abbie will be at the front door, with the latchstring out, just looking for you folks dropping in to visit. We’d love to see you. All of you, especially John Beck. — Joseph P. (Pat) Kelly; 2103 N. Wheeler St., Victoria TX 7790; 361-573- 9982; jpkellytx@sbcglobal.net
61JD Class Secretary — John N. Moreland;
62 Survivors
Ted Kretschmer reports that he has been battling pancreatic cancer for nearly three years. “The cancer had spread so the docs were unable to remove the tumors, which left me with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. I chose a very aggressive chemo treatment. . . .” The result is the tumors shrank and a recent CT scan failed to detect any tumors. “I rejoice for each new day, continue a very active life including consulting to the Navy part time in undersea surveillance technology, and enjoying my family (three children, 14 grandchildren) and friends.” Another cancer survivor is Walt Osgood, who had bladder cancer about 12 years ago. Fred Fitzsimmons had two visitors to his home in Wilmette IL this spring when Wendy and Tom Blooming came over from Bessemer MI to see a Detroit-Chicago playoff hockey game. “We had a long lunch together and reminisced about the reunion and other old times together.” More recently, when Barbara and Jim Grever were in Chicago for a convention at the Merchandise Mart, “We had a chance to get together for dinner at The Berghoff, a great German restaurant in downtown Chicago and an all-time favorite of Jim’s.” Carl Houck has had a home on New Zealand’s South Island for a number of years. They are usually there in December and January. He likes that island because of the fishing. “Also, my wife has developed quite a good ministry over there representing Isaiah Ministries, which she has been involved with in the US for over 20 years. She does three or four parish missions or women’s retreats every year, working with local parish priests and a couple of local Catholic women.” Carl said he used to say they went to New Zealand because of the fishing but now it’s because of the people, and “the ministry the Lord has called us to in serving them. All of our six kids have been over to visit us, some up to four times. We consider ourselves lucky and very blessed.” Diane and Ted Allen returned to the Caribbean Island of St. Maarten in 2011, where they had lived from 1981 to ’97 while Ted was in the hotel business. He is helping to develop a $250 million medical tourism project that will consist of a 100-bed specialty beachfront hospital and resort along with a wellness campus consisting of a cancer clinic and stem cell implementation facility. Ted said this concept offers lower cost, ease of scheduling, the permitted use of new technologies not available within the patient’s home country and dramatically reduced waiting times for residents of some countries. Wynnie and Tom Walsh are looking forward to their 14th season as ski instructors at a resort in Wyoming, now that Wynnie has recovered from her nine-titanium-screw collarbone surgery and Tom has pretty much recovered from long overdue rotator cuff surgery. We lost Joe Culligan on June 14 after a long battle with a lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The University also sent word that Norman Pinkowski died on Aug. 31, 2012, Gerald Kohne passed away on April 12, and William Kratt died on May 28. The list of deceased class members, as well as the prayer request list, is on the class website, 1962.undclass.org. — Raymond Raedy; 5310 Rileys Ridge Road, Hillsborough NC 27278; 919-967-8816; ND62Secy@medicinemanremedies.com
62JD Sad Reminder
I assume that you saw the sad email from George McAndrews noting the passing of Mike Brady’s young daughter, Amy, from cystic fibrosis. She was their third child to die from that disease. Our condolences to the Brady family. — Paul Rooney; pkr101@aol.com
63 Reunion in Review
Paul Lehner said Reunion “was both poignant and magical . . . missing those no longer with us or who couldn’t be there, realizing we’re seeing many good friends for the last time, and remembering and celebrating with those fortunate to be there. . . . Four days well spent in a very special place.” More than 500 attended this memorable event. The class gift exceeded $8 million. Barefooted Kevin Hart came from his longtime home in the Marshall Islands and reminisced that he was alcohol-free the entire time of his term as SBP, as an example to others. Brian Boulac looked as healthy as he did freshman year when he lived on the fourth floor of Keenan. How wonderful that is, considering his bouts of illness. Beloved soulmate Mary Ann “Micki” ’65SMC, ’83JD, was her hospitable, gracious self as she has been known to the class for more than 50 years of hosting at their home in South Bend. Mike Squyres offered, “It’s not just the memories that we were able to talk about” but a chance to be with friends who shaped our lives. “Add in the spouses who were there and it really was a fantastic party.” Prof. Jim Moran, in from Harvard, reported, “Twelve electrical engineers met at Reunion, including Felix Balmaz, John Butkovich, Leo Craft, Dan Deely, John Delee, Len Forys, Lou Gibson, Art Lange, Tom Michael, Jim Moran, John Srnec and Joe Werner. They all mourned the demise of the large AC motor lab. What is happening to undergraduate education? Prof. Eugene Henry was on hand to welcome the EEs.” Father Pat Cawley retired last year from his Michigan parish, traveled to Normandy, re-read_Travels with Charley,_ and “purchased a RV and so far headed east and spent time at the ocean; met some wonderful people. (And my dogs love it.)” Father Pat concelebrated the class Mass in the Basilica, saying, “Fifty years carries a lot of joys and sorrows, highs and lows, laughter and tears, but we were always carried and guided by the Blessed Mother.” Father Pat’s moving invocation at the class luncheon is posted on the website. Kudos to class president Scott Maxwell for ably and admirably organizing the reunion team and Reunion itself; to treasurer Jim Eide for finding funding for the class tent, food and drink; to VP Ed Rutkowski for planning; to tentmeister Paul Lehner for securing the tent, furnishings, and functionality; to Director of Happiness Ed Delahanty, for the great food, drink and social arrangements and tour of the Gug; to Oscar Wong for his brewery; to Louis Lucas for his fine wine; to John DeLee for onsite; to Ed Luteran for the liturgies, including a reading of the names of deceased classmates; to Father Charlie O’Hara for the opening Mass at the Grotto and his reflective homily; to Father Monk Malloy for the Class Mass in the Basilica, his inspiring homily, for arranging for Father Hesburgh to attend the Class Dinner, for securing AD Jack Swarbrick as speaker for the dinner, and for a lifetime of exemplary service and leadership to Notre Dame. On a personal note, thanks for securing the autographs of all three living presidents of Notre Dame, Jenkins, Malloy and Hesburgh on the_Chapels of Notre Dame_ volume presented to me for the years of writing this column. It was an honor and a privilege and I couldn’t have done it without each of you. Many, many thanks and God bless the finest group of people that I have been privileged to know. On a sad note comes news of the sudden passing of Robert O’Grady at his home in New York City on June 14. Robert came to ND from Argentina, where his parents had met Father Hesburgh on his travels in Latin America as incoming ND president. He was the only son in a family of six and all of his sisters attended St. Mary’s. He worked many years in the insurance industry and served on the Asian Studies Advisory Board and the advisory councils for the Kroc Institute and Latin American and Caribbean Studies and was the first International Alumni Board Director. Bob organized lectures on campus and collected additions to the Snite Museum. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Beverly, and his five sisters. — Regis W. Campfield; 7534 Oakbluff, Dallas TX 75254; res 972-239-1141; fax 972-458-6928; rwcampfield@alumni.nd.edu
63JD Class Establishes Fellowship
Our class not only hit the top in proportional attendance records for the 2013 Reunion (our 50th had 17 of 28 surviving members present), but saw as well to the establishment of a new fund supporting the Law School, The Notre Dame Law School Class of 1963 Fellowship. This fund will provide financial assistance to law students based upon merit and demonstrated financial need. The latter of the two requirements is new and, to my knowledge, unique to this type of fund at Notre Dame. Credit is due to the efforts of many but suffice here to say that the driving force behind this achievement is Jim Lekin. I know of no one who was involved who would think otherwise. On the school side we should be grateful to Dean Nell Jessup Newton, Jill Donnelly, Paula Smith and Patricia McLaughlin. When making a gift to the Law School, be sure to designate this fund by name. Last time I checked the fund was approaching $300,000. I’m thinking Dean O’Meara is looking down and smiling at this achievement, somewhat bemused by our showing. But ’tain’t all about money, is it? The getting together of 50-years-ago classmates was food for the soul. Mary Ellen and I arrived along with Joe Sullivan (the Dallasites) on Thursday, May 30, in time for dinner at LaSalle Grill in downtown South Bend with John Yost (our honorary Class member) from Phoenix, Pam and Norm Matteoni and Bob Saxe (the latter being the San Jose contingent). Early Friday, May 31, we gathered at the Law School, where we caught up with most other attendees. Our deceased classmates were memorialized at 4:30 that afternoon in the St. Thomas More Chapel, Eck Hall of Law, where we attended Mass. That Friday evening the Law School hosted a dinner for our class, one of many tributes signifying our 50th. Again, Saturday morning, upon invitation of Dean Newton, we were treated to a breakfast at the Law School, just for our class. At 1:30 Saturday afternoon we gathered in the appellate courtroom in the Law School to hear Father David Link’s lecture, “Being Atticus Finch.” He filled the hall to standing room only. Later that day, at 5:15 we gathered with the multitude in the Joyce Center Field House for the 2013 Reunion All-Class Mass, presided by Father Jenkins, concelebrated by others including former presidents Father Monk Malloy and Father Ted Hesburgh. Following this beautiful liturgy, our class made tracks to Norm Matteoni’s restaurant, Tippecanoe Place, in the old Studebaker mansion on West Washington Street, one of the best places to eat in South Bend. This was our own special dinner. Here was where — if they hadn’t already — inhibitions vanished and memories were revived as if they were recent happenings. We won’t soon forget Tom Joyce’s recollection of a moment in or outside Frankie’s Restaurant on Notre Dame Avenue; or Bob Saxe’s description of the Cairo Hotel in Washington DC visited by a group of us one spring break (“Seen any roaches?”); or Anthony Calderone’s re-enactment of a professor looking up a citation from one of his own books while Paul Driscoll disappeared from the class. There were many more. I would say it was the best 50th Reunion that I ever attended and I submit we should gather more often than this. — Bernard P. “Bud” Malone; Mortgages USA; 4455 LBJ Freeway, No. 1200, Dallas TX 75244; 972-720-0500 ext. 465; fax 214- 393-5536; budmalone@mortgagesusa.com
64 50th Reunion Update
Our fearless leader, Bruce Tuthill, has mandated a large turnout, promising that an especially good time will be had by all. Planning is under way, and events will include a lobster bake down by the lake. We have a number of volunteers already, but other classmates interested in lending a hand should reach out directly to Bruce at btut711@aol.com. Bruce also named Paul Tierney to lead our efforts to provide Notre Dame with a class gift that includes as much participation as possible. Paul has worked with the University to create an Endowment for Excellence to be managed through the president’s office. This means the class will provide a gift to Notre Dame that the president will direct toward areas of greatest need. In order to make a gift, please note on any gift reply card you return to the University, or in the comments section online (donate.nd.edu), that you wish to direct your gift to the Class of 1964 Endowment for Excellence. Don’t hesitate to contact Paul via email (paul@devcapital.com: paul@devcapital.com) with any questions or comments. Bob Burgfechtel writes from Florida that he and Bette have retired from active medical practice, sold their beloved lake home in northern Wisconsin and now reside in The Villages FL. Bob looks forward to our reunion, but has already been renewing contact with his old roommates. This means conversations with Pat Mucci and Ken Leveno, both still active: Pat with his many golfing and business contacts in New Jersey, and Ken having stepped back after many noteworthy years as the chief of neonatal OB at Parkland in Dallas. Pat Deluhery writes from Des Moines that he routinely attends a film festival in Hollywood hosted by the Turner Classic Movie cable channel. While he seeks out the movies we watched in the Engineering Auditorium in 1962, Pat suggests he also enjoys rubbing elbows with the stars who frequently attend. Dave Garner retired this summer after 49 years of serving our country in one capacity or another. After a quarter century as a Marine Corps officer, Dave hooked up with LMI in the DC area. His final assignment was an Army project in international armaments cooperation. Earlier this year, Dave was the first non-Swedish citizen to receive the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration’s Medal of Merit. Dave has been supporting the deputy assistant secretary of the Army for Defense Exports and Cooperation for nearly six years. Travel, reading, gardening and ND football are on the agenda of Dave and Julie. Tink and Jeff Neubert celebrated their 48th anniversary in September. After retiring three years ago, Jeff has worked in private equity, served on a European software board, taught at an inner city school and started a men’s book club while enjoying, albeit not excelling at, golf and bridge. From ND comes word that the following classmates have died this year: Richard Johnson of Lakewood OH, John Halat of Brandon MS, John Rynell of Savannah GA and Fred Michelau of Des Plaines IL. In addition, Tom Dingell dropped a line noting that Rick Johnston from Toledo OH passed away on July 23, and from Clay Stephens comes news that Nancy Russell, for 48 years the wife of our classmate, Rich Russell, died in Needham MA in June after a lengthy illness. Please keep the families in your thoughts and prayers. — Paul R. Charron; 44 Contentment Island Road, Darien CT 06820; 203-655-3930; paul.richard.charron@gmail.com
64JD Golden Year Ahead
Plans are being made for our Golden Year Reunion May 29-June 1, 2014, with the Law School, the Alumni Association and several of our mates including Charles Sacher, Robert Frost, Jim Slater, Thomas Conneely, Jack Jiganti and me. Rooms may be available at the Morris Inn (574-631-2000). Sharon and I plan to have a class dinner at our home. We find life amiable here in the Bend, being tour guides at the Basilica, working on developing a CLE Program relating law and literature, hiking, golfing and putzing. Dorothy Sacher has convinced Charles that two yearly cruises will be just right, as they return from one involving Japan and one upcoming to Vietnam. Kathy and Bob Hanlon plan one from Spain to Miami to rendezvous with their eldest of 12 grandchildren, an architecture sensation out of the U of Miami. Our youngest mate but longest retired, Jack Rammel and Mary have also just returned from cruising Portugal’s Duoro River and a trip to London. Jack is a bit of an artist and is painting scenes of the excursion, as he does for most of his soirees. Kay and Tom Conneely recently returned from a trip to France and enjoy Mill Valley CA, particularly its proximity to hiking and packing venues. Larry Gallick, one of my old roommates and longtime friend, still does some transactional work while Betty is an accomplished member of two symphony orchestras in Florida. Frank Miehle remains an avid runner and reports from NYC that he is producing yet another book, with the working title_It’s All Over When You Quit!_Bob Frost enthusiastic about our 50th and happily notes that his cancer threat continues in remission. A candle glows at the Grotto for Gerry Vairo, in a 35-year exemplary fight with a debilitating disease, as he limits his practice to giving back to the community through pro bono work. Jim Mercurio has curtailed his arbitration practice in Bethesda. He reports that Nancy is recovering from painful knee surgery. Judge (sort of retired) Jim Slater sounds overworked from his arbitration practice concentrating on complex litigation and employment disputes while Marian occasionally persuades him to travel, most recently to Italy. Russ Bley has been retired for 17 years and has spent the last several years working with the National Volunteer Corps, a Jesuit-oriented tutoring program, at his old grade school in St. Louis. Lou Pfeiler continues to organize military cadres providing full burial honors to fallen veterans; he expects the total in 2013 to exceed 100. JoAnn and Gene Kramer are house downsizing in Lakewood OH while enjoying their grandchildren. Gene remains active in efforts to reform local governments and has been involved in Catholic Church change initiatives through the national Future Church organization headquartered in Cleveland. Bill Flaherty is recovering from hip surgery and grows orchids at his home in Rockford IL. John Leahy recalled the time he The Chief (Assistant Dean) John Broderick recruited Alan Page ’67 and asked the defensive lineman of any other offers, with one guaranteeing him a seat in a law school class of a school that didn’t have a law school. John and Sheila (fighting through a fifth back surgery) plan to come to our reunion. Pat Weir has been kept on by the North Dakota Supreme Court, sitting particularly for recusals and vacancies in addition to stints on district courts. He also has been involved in searching for valuable gravel deposits on family ranch lands for use in the oil construction process. Peace and regards to all. — Richard Balfe Wagner; 1204 Erskine Manor Hill, South Bend IN 46614; 574-299-9888; rs-wag@sbcglobal.net
65 A Passion for Jazz
Love for jazz has been an integral part of Brent Banulis’ life. After graduation he formed an 18-piece concert jazz band in Connecticut that was short-lived. Then, after three years as a deskman at the South Bend Tribune, he tried music again at the Berklee School in Boston before returning to the news business until his retirement from the Boston Globe in 2001. Then he and his wife, Carolyn (Pica) ’66SMC, ’67MAT moved back to South Bend. A year later he founded the New England Jazz Alliance and Hall of Fame (mejazz.org) and has been teaching “Jazz: The Art Form” at the Forever Learning Institute in South Bend for six years. Several who have taken part in the class are teachers or former ND students, including Dave Paglianoff ’63, who helped oversee the 1962 and ’63 Collegiate Jazz Festivals. Brent’s enthusiasm had lasting effects on classmates Bob Markel, Bruce Balha and Dave Tschetter. In 2002 Bob Markel lost his wife, Mary Claire (Alby) ’66SMC, ’67. Bob earned his PhD in political science at ND, was a professor at American International College, the town manager in Ipswich MA, then the same in Kittery ME. Bob has two children and three grandchildren. Brent reports that Charlie Hall died in June after a long battle with a respiratory illness. Charlie earned a master’s and PhD in aerospace engineering. In l974 he was named Indiana’s science teacher of the year while at St. Joseph’s High School in South Bend. Subsequently he designed jet engines at Bendix, Allied Signal and Honeywell. Most recently he was a professor at Ivy Tech Community College in South Bend. He leaves his wife, Katy, six children and 17 grandchildren. At our 45th Reunion many classmates who were freshman on the fourth floor of Keenan Hall initiated a rebonding via visits, email and phone. The group includes Brent Banulis, John Marra, Denny Lahey, Len Seraphia, John Barstow, John Becker, Dick Marose, Billy Pfouts, Matt Lambert, Tom Miller and “Doc” Pratt, who has been dealing with some serious health issues. Robert Dilenschneider, CEO of the Dilenschneider Group in NYC, has two books that will be released in late 2013 or early 2014. One is_The Critical 14 Years of Your Life_, which will appeal to those just graduating from college or who have just begun their careers. The second book is 50 Plus, which offers career advice to those who have been in the workforce. His wife, Jan, had her first art exhibition at one of the top galleries in Paris. Most of her paintings sold, and she is preparing for a second show. Gail and Mike Vogel celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary in July. They live at Eagle Lake in Edwardsburg MI. Since Mike retired, he has been an adjunct instructor and entrepreneur in residence with the Gigot Center for Entrepreneurship in the Mendoza College of Business at ND. Please keep Kevin Hardy ’68 in your prayers. He was the last man since Lujack and Ratterman to letter in three different sports. He is suffering from complications of surgeries done to correct orthopedic problems stemming from his days as an athlete. — James P. Harnisch MD; 6759 West Mercer Way, Mercer Island WA 98040; jphnd65@hotmail.com
65JD Pilgrim and Playwright
Michael J. Flaherty Jr. ’87 reports that his father, Michael Flaherty, passed away Aug. 5. Michael proudly says that his dad put him and his brother, Jimmy, through ND, and his sister, Marie, through Saint Mary’s College. He says that his dad made his last “pilgrimage” to campus for the Stanford game in 2012. I retired from the circuit court of the 14th Judicial Circuit of Illinois in January of 2000, after serving for 26 years on the bench. At the time of my retirement, I was presiding judge of the Rock Island County Criminal Division. Since retirement, I have been active in theater. I have published 17 plays (osheasplays.com), directed more than 50, produced a like number, and continued to act, recently in July as the villain in The Curse of the Aching Heart. I also am a paid political op ed writer for the Moline Dispatch and Rock Island Argus newspapers. My daughter, Erin ’08, is pursuing a career as a professional actress in Chicago. — John Donald O’Shea; pelaguis@aconline.com
66 Ciao Giovanni
Congrats to John Phillips on his recent appointment and confirmation to the post of US Ambassador to Italy, perhaps our first ’66 envoy at that august level. You may recall that John attended UC Law at Berkeley and later founded the DC firm of Phillips & Cohen. He serves as the current president of the presidential Commission for White House Fellowship and is also the founder of Taxpayers Against Fraud, an organization that combats tax evasion. John was the inspiration for the False Claims Act, otherwise known as the Whistle Blower Act, which provides compensation for those who denounce the intention to evade taxes in their own workplaces. John has long labored on behalf of the poor and disenfranchised and previously co-founded in LA the Center for Law in the Public Interest. John and wife, Linda Douglas (former ABC correspondent and past director of communications for the office of the White House), have a daughter, Katie, and will be able to spend weekends in Tuscany. Jamie Touhey, with class president Cap Gagnon’s assistance, has been researching exploits (some of which we can actually talk about) of the early ND rugby teams. JT refers to RFC president John Reding and Bob Corcoran, both of whom live in upstate New York along with Mike Carroll, Jack Stutz, Paul Sauer and current Californian Charlie Toeniskoetter, who started with us but finished a five-year engineering program in ’67. I recently “found” Terry Forster, whose name had been misspelled and was listed as missing. Terry practices medicine (allergy, immune, and rheum) in Doylestown PA. He and Peg have two children. Speaking of missing, has anyone heard from or about Larry Reynolds? Cap recalls having read the he was doing medicine somewhere in Alaska. I heard that John Ganahl is practicing law in the Fresno area and that Jim Rakers ’65 visited with recently hip-replaced Bruce Broemmel in Quincy. Mike Boone out Denver way was there last spring when Pat Lannon received the Denver Club’s Award of the Year. Mike and Sheila sat with Carol and Roger Kirwan, who reside in Golden CO. Both families have ND ’93 kids. Roger roomed with Mike Rush in Morrissey as a sophomore and remembers that two of the biggest guys around had the smallest room. Speaking of Rush, he is expecting his second grandchild in September here in Chicago and was planning a minireunion and golf for the OU weekend with Larry DeFrance, Ray Neihengen and Bob Rivello. Dick Martiny is now retired for the second time in Columbia MD and active in church and ND Club stuff. He noted that fellow football manager Don Bouffard has relocated to Florida and serves on the board of two banks, as well as assisting with ND Monogram affairs. Dick heard that former football manager Tim Knight was teaching in southern California and that Jim Walsh is still enjoying retirement in northern California. Dick reminds us that fellow manager Tim Bard lives in the Philly area and was preparing to sell his bank equipment business and retire. He also noted that Dan Morper and his wife are successful artists in Santa Fe. Jack Gerken writes that he tried to catch up with Tom Begley in St. Pete, but Begs was on the road. Jack and Carol did meet up with Fauzia and Jerry Erbac in Sanibel. Jerry continues to consult in Haiti with Habitat for Humanity. Jack also had a Chicago lunch with Jim Blum and John Devona, met with Joe Doherty in the Santa Ynez wine country and was aiming to see Don Stevens in Phoenix in August. Remember, Jack created the class website (1966.ndclass.org), so use it. Andy Dincolo from the Detroit area is still in accounting and was asking Cap about Bill Wentworth, who lost his wife recently. More sad news: Jim Ballard died after a May biking accident near his New Mexico home. He went over an embankment and sustained significant trauma but was on the mend and then went suddenly. Our thoughts and prayers to his family. Fini for this issue. Send news. — Tom Sullivan; 2028 Elmwood Ave., Wilmette IL 60091; cell 773-454-4343; tsullivan@luriechildrens.org
66JD Class Secretary — Philip C. Ruddy;
15911 Lakeshore Road, Union Pier MI 49129; 269-469-1933; rudds241@aol.com
67 Lost Two Good Ones
We lost Mike Conroy to a brain aneurism in July. Mike headed a law firm in Maryland for 35 years, and most recently was a judge. He traveled frequently to Irish football games and was in Ireland last fall for the Navy game. Mike is survived by his daughter Aindrea, a Domer, and son John Michael. John Ranieri also left us in July after a 10-year battle with heart disease and diabetes. Those of you at our last reunion may remember that John was in the front row of our class picture in a wheelchair, since both his legs had been amputated. May Mike and John be held “in the palm if His hand.” Chuck Fortin retired from the Inter-American Development Bank in DC and has been consulting in Latin America and the Caribbean, along with teaching philosophy at Carroll College, west of Baltimore. Under contract with the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission of the OAS, he evaluates training programs for LAC law enforcement, customs, immigration, postal and coast guard officers. Fortin is also seeking a publisher for his manuscript on the politics of squatter settlements in Brazil drawing on his Peace Corps experience, dissertation field work and 17 years of graduate teaching and research in Bahia and Pernambuco. Dick Swatland, upon learning that the Irish Sports Report named the 1966 football team’s offensive line the best in the history of Notre Dame, was overheard saying, “and I carried Goeddeke all the way.” George Goeddeke attended the 2013 fantasy camp as a coach. Former Marines Joe Devlin and Pete Mavrelis planned a late summer visit to Tony O’Brien in Sante Fe, and then a swing by west Texas for a rodeo where Joe will try his hand at bull riding. Pete will be watching. Kevin Hardy is down to 234 pounds after being in the hospital for seven weeks and having at least three surgeries on his neck and back. In anticipation of my retirement in the summer of 2014, I have a new email address and I would like to see everyone abuse it with class info. — Bert Bondi; bertrbondi@gmail.com
67JD Yes We Have No Canaries
Flo and I returned to England where we caught a cruise ship from Southampton to the Canary Islands off the coast of Morocco. The ship stopped at five of the islands but we didn’t see any canaries. Apparently the islands were named for the wild dogs (Latin: canarias) found on the islands. Of course, “wild dog island” would be a real marketing challenge. After the cruise, we flew to Scotland to visit my mother’s childhood home and tons of my relatives there. Since Flo and I are celebrating our 47th wedding anniversary and it appears the marriage will last, I thought it time to introduce her to the rest of my family. Lynn and Ted Sinars took a trip to Vancouver and a cruise to Alaska. He and Lynn will celebrate his 70th birthday with an outing with their five kids and spouses at a Cubs game. Beth and Frank Verterano are vacationing in Canada for several weeks, where they spend most of their time hiking. Frank calls the office daily because he knows that it cannot operate without his input. Jimmy Olson realized that his office can operate without him and he has been transitioning toward retirement for more than five years. Now he has closed the last of his case files and he is officially retired. He’s planning a walking trip through the Acadia National Park in Maine. Roseanne and Jim Harrington welcomed their daughter and family back into their home after having lived in France for 20 years. Of course, Jim has been using their place in France as a low cost, no-reservation hostel for a long time. Their oldest grandchild will return to France to finish her education.* Jack Harty* always responds to my quarterly appeal for news but his latest response says that he has assessed his life for items of interest and has concluded that “it’s uneventful,” although he hikes in the foothills of the Rockies several times a week. Maureen has retired from her law practice and now faces a bigger challenge in spending more time with Jack. Their two grandchildren, according to Jack, think Jack is cool. The formerly Honorable John Hargrove is, apparently, the Voice of the Centurions, and announces high school football games in San Diego. John uses (steals?) those corny safe driving tips from Officer Tim McCarthy of the ND games: “May I have your attention, please. Remember, too much toasting could get you burnt!” — Jim Heinhold; 1200 Carmel Lane, New Bern NC 28562; res 252-638-5913; im4irish@aol.com
68 On to the 50th
While the rest of you were home, we, the self-selected good-looking, slim, hirsute, unchanged class members had quite a time. The reunion began with parallel events: Bryan Dunigan, Tom Gibbs and the Michigan City/Chicago crowd hosted a couple of days of golf, dining and shenanigans in Michigan City and another group met Thursday evening at Sunny Italy for dinner. With us were Prof. Don Costello and Christine, and the late P*rof. Ed Goerner’s* widow, Iris. By the time the groups converged in O’Neill Hall, our class had a hospitality outlay that later gained Tom Weyer the presidency of the appreciative class of 1973. Thanks to Skip Strzelecki, the Friday night Class Dinner featured vigorous, animated Ara Parseghian as guest speaker and official member of the “Great 68.” Enjoy listening to Ara at ndclass1968.com. The 20-minute recording captured by Dennis Reeder includes Tom Weyer’s introduction. Find at the blog Dennis Reeder’s videotape of a succession of greetings his friends sent to Dick “Sandy” Carrigan, who would not give up to ALS or anything else that blocked his zest for life. Fred Ferlic, with the leadership skills he displays as the senior member of the Ferlic bloc in the South Bend Common Council, allied with Pat Barth and successfully blocked Joe Kernan’s wish for entertainment by a popular polka group. Instead, we had a group playing fine Motown. Trouble is, while we had beauty among us in the persons of Anne Condon, Susan Schanning, Sheila Gibbs, Carmi Murphy, Elise Reeder and other young spouses, we had about as many of them as we used to find around us on Thursday nights in January. This gave our reunion the feeling of a smoker, and certainly put a crimp in any plans for a toga party. Other events went according to pattern — with a Saturday picnic on the North Quad, O’Neill Hall visiting, various seminars and walks (or in the case of Anne and Tom Condon, bike rides) around campus. On Saturday night, though, we were in two camps again, with some attending another class dinner program and the rest of us at a Coveleski Stadium dinner Fred Ferlic and Steve Anderson arranged. When we all met later, Bill Gormley told a story about Lloyd Adams and Pete Adams gaining a fourth place result as the South African luge team in the 1976 winter Olympics. (“Born to luge,” said Tom Condon.) Turnout was decent, about 200 of us, mostly stag and all happy to be together. Fortunately, Father John Sweeney, SJ, is becoming a regular at these reunions and so is Pat Keenan, from San Francisco, this time with a preference for being called Jake. Between these classmates, with John displaying his actor’s force and Jake chortling, dancing and enjoying mischief with his rugby club buddies, our reunion had plenty of life. Jake had enough left for a so-called alternative reunion organized by Betty Doerr ’69SMC in San Francisco over the July 4 weekend. Our Class Mass officiated by Father John Sweeney included a sobering, respectful memory of many, many departed classmates. The list has been placed on our blog. Unfortunately, we continue to add names, with mourning and with appreciation for the time we’ve had as friends. Sandy Carrigan died on July 6. At just about the same time, Bill Kenealy’s son Jay, 33, died after a brief battle with cancer. We lost John Stafford, father of four, husband of Judy, on May 11. Louisville gentleman John Fowler’s Dec. 18, 2012, passing came to light in the deceased list Notre Dame prepared for our reunion. Ralph Moore, who began with us, died in May. Richard Reddy sent news of former Bengal boxer and Pennsylvania State Senator Michael P. Shaefer’s death on Jan. 21. Gerard A. DeAngelis died Jan. 12, 2013. Lawrence R. Lange’s death occurred March 8. John B. Tracy’s memorial service took place at the time of our reunion. Thomas G. Wendel died April 10. John H. Glorieux died on May 12. Please remember these friends and their families in your prayers. In addition to photos, our blog has instructions about using Notre Dame’s database for simple location of all alumni friends. See www.ndclass1968.com. Stay in touch. — Tom Figel; 1054 West North Shore, Apt. 3-E, Chicago IL 60626, bus 312-223-9536; tfigel@lake-effect.com
68JD Distinguished Service
Jim Cooling will receive the National Business Aviation Association’s John H. Winant Award for distinguished service at its October meeting in Las Vegas. Tom Kapacinskas lives in South Bend and is active at Notre Dame, assisting students and faculty. Pete King is being encouraged to consider a run for president. Cabinet applications are rolling in. Ken Lazarus ’67 wants England, JC Coyle wants Hawaii (it’s a state, JC), Charlie Weiss wants Germany; Tom Ward claims Ireland. Charlie Weiss received the Michael McCafferty Award from the Notre Dame Law Association at the MSU game. Suzie and his family attended, as did Tim Curtin, Dennis Collins, John Coyle and Jim Cooling. JC and Marge Coyle, Tom and Carol Ward, Pete and Rosemary King and Charlie and Suzie Weiss traveled to New Jersey to help me celebrate my 70th in July. I am sorry to report some sad news. Bob Wilczek’s cancer has returned and more surgery was required. Keep Bob and Shirley in your prayers. Ernie Abate lost his sweetheart Sandy to cancer in June. Remember both in your prayers. Please give me your news. Go Irish. — Thomas R. Curtin; Graham Curtin PA; 4 Headquarters Plaza, PO Box 1991, Morristown NJ 07962-1991; 973-401-7117; 973-292-1767; TCurtin@grahamcurtin.com
69 Reunion 2014
You probably have received notification from the University that our 45th reunion will be next year, so let’s initiate the discussions now to bring everybody back for Reunion. Please encourage attendance among your email groups so we can have excellent participation. Classmate Gary Campanara writes, “In February, five members of the Class of 1969 descended on Las Vegas for a minireunion. Jack Coath (Illinois), Jay Hartman (Texas), Jim Ripperger (Colorado), Dave Sim (Florida) and I (Illinois) flew in and stayed at Harrah’s for the monumental event. Countless Notre Dame stories were related, many having to do with Mr. Coath. None of us lost our Notre Dame shirts as we familiarized ourselves with at least 10 casinos. We saw Penn and Teller; Teller does speak, just not on stage. Did alcohol play any part in the proceedings? You be the judge.” Anthony Parenti writes that he was Dean Benner’s roommate in Walsh Hall senior year. Also his son, Chris ’94, was a quarterback on the ’93 team that should have won a national championship. He married a ND graduate and is an attorney in Chicago. In addition, Marianne and I have three daughters, two in Manhattan and one in Chicago; we are grandparents of four with one on the way. Dr. Dick Lavely has been named president of the Dr. Tom Dooley Foundation with Father Hesburgh’s blessing and is determined to revitalize this 501c3 charitable corporation so any assistance our class could give to Dick would be appreciated. Perhaps if Dick attends the reunion he can fill us in and we could make this a special class project. John Hickey writes that Tony Ingraffea, a Keenan Hall classmate of Steve Kavalauskas, Dick Farrell and John Sturm, lived in the animal farm section of Keenan Hall during freshman year. Tony did an op ed column on July 29 in The New York Times, which John invites you to read. On a sad note, Mike Cerre and Allison Dobson ’99 have informed me of the death of our classmate Art Dobson. Art passed away after a bicycle accident in Slovenia on June 11. Art left a wonderful legacy in the Buffalo area, where he practiced law and was active in his church and many community activities. Our condolences to his family. Classmates Alan Franzel and Eugene K. Schuler Jr., died in April; our condolences to their families. I hope to see many of you at the USC game this fall. Please stay in touch relative to reunion plans. Go Irish. — Tom Ryan; 248-334-9938; sylvanlawtr@gmail.com
69MBA Minireunion
I hope to have a lot more news for the winter edition after a football game minireunion as this issue goes to press. I’m glad to report that Ken Samara has finished his cancer treatments and is free of cancer. It was a long nine months for him, but he finally got the medical update that he desired. Ken has been cleared to travel and should be back on the road by now. He will be able to take a long-planned trip to Scandinavia and Russia. He is also planning to join the Oklahoma game reunion. Ron Jerutis had a shock when he found out that he has a rare blood disorder called amyloidosis, discovered as Ron was having blood work for minor surgery. He is being treated at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. The treatment will require several months, but he is planning on attending the reunion in September. Please keep Ron and Sue and their family in your prayers. If you have any news to share for the winter edition, please let me know. Also, if your email or address has changed, let me know. — Dennis B. McCarthy; PO Box 246, Bear Lake MI 49614; bus 231-864-3111 ext. 115; dbmc2@blarneycastleoil.com
69JD Book signing
Judge Hugh Mundy is still on the bench and living in Drums PA with his wife, Rita. Hugh is still an avid golfer. Their daughter, Maura, is an in-house counsel for an insurance company in Harrisburg PA and their son, Hugh, is a professor of law at John Marshall in Chicago. Dianne and George Ball will be at the BYU game. George promised he will autograph his book, Audacious Destruction: Why a Two Term Obama Presidency Will Destroy The Rule Of Law And Your Wallet. Our minireunion in Dallas for the ASU game will be attended by the Bradys, Trogans, Stamps, Cooneys and Heberts. Sue and I will be there after the Oklahoma game and meetings in Park City UT. Merle Wilberding received a lifetime community achievement award from the Ohio State Bar Foundation at their annual dinner last November. Tim Malloy, father of Brady ’92 and Brigid, is a grandparent for the ninth time. — Jim Starshak; 889 Kaohe Place, Honolulu HI 96825; bus 808-523-2515; res 808- 395-0443; jstarshak@carlsmith.com