1950s
1950s
50 Only 64 Years Ago
Back on March 15, Tim O’Connor wrote from Yorba Linda CA to report that Bill Tardani had died. Only two months prior, Bill himself had called to tell us that Dick Kirk had died. And David F. Robison of St. Petersburg died on Dec. 5, as reported by his son Mike. Also, Dr. Jack T. Fischer sent a note that Peggy, his wife of 60 years, had passed away on Nov. 7. In addition, Notre Dame informs us of the passings of William Ogburn on Dec. 27 and John Orso on Oct. 30. Anybody out there have any interesting, humorous or just plain news to pass along? — Zane Trinkley; 574-289-8373; zbpjohn@gmail.com
51 What an Adventure
My gosh, it is that time again when I get the opportunity to visit with y’all. I hope things are going well for each of you. I want to thank Allan Powers of Saint Leo FL for his nice check to help cover our Mass Fund. Thank you, Allan. In my last column I wrote about the adventures of Jack Ferrick but left out a quickie about a trip made by Jack and two friends when they were youngsters. When Jack was in eighth grade, he and two friends rode their bicycles from Buffalo NY to Washington DC and back. They ate “borrowed” fruit and vegetables from orchards and gardens. Service station bathrooms served their purpose. Municipal parks and open fields were their bedrooms. Their purpose in pedaling their bikes this distance was to visit the Washington Monument and climb the 897 steps to the top. No family members were aware of the planned trip. After two weeks they were welcomed home. What an adventure. Our vice-president, Bill Hagan of Dayton OH, advises me that his wife Mary Ellen suffered a stroke last August and has made slow progress in recuperating. She is confined to a wheelchair. Guys, try to remember this delightful lady in your daily prayers. My bio this time is about Al Bailey of Ann Arbor MI. Following graduation, Al became a Marine Corps officer serving three years at Quantico, Camp Lejeune and Korea. Following discharge, Al has spent most of his life in the world of academia. He attended Fordham U doing graduate work in history. Then he studied at the U of Paris. While in Paris, he taught for three years at the European Division of the U of Maryland. Following this stint, he returned home and earned his doctorate at Georgetown U. Al met his wife, Mary, while attending Georgetown. She was a nursing student at the time. They have been married for 45 years. The next few years were spent teaching at Georgetown, Alabama and Providence College. His final years of teaching have been at the U of Michigan. This is where retirement looms. However, I must mention his teaching periods in China, where he was a Fulbright professor, plus periods in Poland and Australia. Al states that one of the highlights of teaching overseas was in Hong Kong when he and Mary met and greeted Fathers Hesburgh and Joyce when they arrived on their “round the world cruise" after their retirement from Notre Dame. Many thanks, Al and Mary, for a wonderful story of your many years teaching. Tom Brennan of Aberdeen WA advised me that he and four other members of our class contacted each other on March 17 to celebrate dear St. Patrick. They are T.J. Jones of Boise ID, Pete Cassidy of Denver, Al Bailey of Ann Arbor MI and Walt McGovern of Portland OR. I have mentioned before that Tom and Gretchen have five sons. Three of those boys are Notre Dame alumni: Stephen ’86, Tim ’89 and Tom ’92. I want to make a request of everybody. I’m attempting to put together another project, and I am asking for your help. I would love to hear stories about your interactions with a Notre Dame priest or brother, preferably humorous, but not necessarily, that I can tell others. Please help me with this request. I hope you are having a wonderful summer. My best wishes to all. — Jim Gillis; 3267 Rossmoor Parkway, No. 4, Walnut Creek CA 94595; 925-932-6454; jimjanegillis@aol.com
52 A Variety of Sources
Joe Gargan has moved from Hyannis Port MA to Leesburg VA. He and Betty are close to three children, and the change is working out just fine. After practicing law for about 40 years, he has called it a day. They can be reached at 571-918-0737. Mary and Jack Hynes are also contemplating leaving Chatham MA to move to the general area of Plymouth, which affords rail service and good roads for access to matters in Boston. Don Mahrt spent 25 years as an Air Force pilot in the Strategic Air Command flying big planes. He retired and spent l0 years with an oil service company covering the US as well as Canada and South America. He says that since then he has been trying to teach fish how to eat a fly. He had a recent telephone conversation with Bill Donelan in Colorado Springs and found him well. Two of our fellows spent administrative careers with increasing responsibilities with their area telephone companies. Bill Bagley was in the New York City area and Bob Beston was in the Boston region. Bob did an Army tour after graduation and then obtained his MBA from Boston College. He has two children who are Domers and one who went to Stonehill. Frank Bleyer returned to Carbondale IL and became involved in family businesses, including the local bank, a car dealership, department store and others. Frank’s father was an avid Cardinals baseball fan and named his boys after his heroes: Frank Frisch Bleyer and Jim Bottomley Bleyer ’54. In that tradition, Frank named two of his five children: Knute Rockne Bleyer, an attorney, and Frank Leahy Bleyer, a cardiologist. That local stadium has been named after Frank. He also was named Catholic Man of the Year in 1984. Ron Wilder returned to his roots in Chillicothe MO to manage a family business until l996 and then spent l0 years in real estate. He lost his wife in 2005. They have three children, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. Jack Angus had a stellar career following his interest in sociology. He got his PhD at ND in l960, leading to a career as a professor at Creighton U, from which he and his wife Barbara, an assistant dean, retired in l995. They had their 61st wedding anniversary and are blessed with five children, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Rich Adams put his BS in chemical engineering to use and became VP-technology of Wheelabrator-Frye in Pittsburgh. Then he founded Adams Technology in Kansas City where he was responsible for the air pollution control systems for many of the steel mini-mills in the US and abroad. He retired in l999. He and Rose-Mary have four children and three grandchildren. He can be reached at 8l6-455-2751. Lou Barilla of Jacksonville FL worked for 31 years as the department director of the naval air station there. He spent four years of active Navy service and stayed in the reserves, retiring as a captain. His life now is very family oriented. Jim Corcoran spent seven years in the Air Force before his 30-year career with the Valley National Bank in Phoenix, retiring in l990. He has done extensive worldwide traveling since then, and he and Libby spend summers in Steamboat Springs CO for golf and fly fishing. They have five children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. — Edward F. Foley; 212 Ocean Road, Spring Lake NJ 07762; 732-449-07530; tedfoleysr@aol.com
53 Chicago Class Luncheon
Update your calendars and make your travel plans for dinner on Thursday, Oct. 9, lunch on Friday, Oct. 10, and the football game against North Carolina on Oct. 11. To RSVP, call Eleanor Michaels at 847-832-2307. Early interest bodes well for a grand gathering. Al Marks and Tom Reedy discovered that their respective grandchildren are friends at Holy Cross in Massachusetts. Jim Pfeifer reported that he had dinner with Bob Mullen in Tampa, where the Mullens reside. He also said that his grandson is a regular on the Syracuse lacrosse team. Jim’s son attended a lacrosse game and sat next to Jack Varney, a Syracuse season ticket holder. Jim’s daughter also encounters John Porta’s daughter on occasion. Jerry Conners was looking for Jack Dilenschneider. Jerry was a “stand-in” for Gerry Voit at Jack’s wedding, and Jack is still married and has 10 children. Something worked. Bill Langlois, Larry Murray and Joe Lewis again connected as a result of the column. Bob Dyer, Pinehurst NC, made contact with John Hastings’ wife, Suzanne. John is confined to a nursing home which inhibits phone calls. John is in need of your prayers. Bob also communicates with Bill Keane, who lives in Chapel Hill NC. Jack “Puff” Powers received a call from Larry Eaton of Greeley CO. Larry is golfing and fully retired. Al Kohanowich called to report he is well and talks with Mort Kelly, who is also well. No word on Mike Doyle, however. Jim O’Brien of Milwaukee passed away in February, according to a note from his brother, Chuck ’58. Jim came to us in junior year and was graduated with us. John Fortino has bounced back from his hip replacement but not without some health hurdles. He has booked his travel plans for the lunch. John Donoghue sent a very nice Easter greeting to the class. John resides in Ft. Lauderdale. Ray Dittrich has a new address: 100 Promenade Ave., No. 225, Wayzata MN 55391; phone 952-249-6449. His daughter, Claire ’88, suggests he would welcome calls and cards from classmates. Lee Tavis received the James Armstrong Award from the Alumni Association, given to honor an alumnus employed by ND for outstanding service to the school and community. Lee also will attend the Emory Medical School graduation. His granddaughter, Lauren Lange ’10, is being graduated with top honors. She has been selected by Northwestern for its pediatric residency, which pleases Lee and Sparky thanks to the proximity to South Bend. Congratulations to the Tavis family. Jim Gibbons is back at many of his previous activities but not all. Stamina remains an issue. Betty Ann’s wrist is “as good as new,” she told me via phone. Jim reported that Jim Blackburn went to Florida purportedly to watch their granddaughter play college basketball. As the winter winds blew in Chicago and the granddaughter’s team kept winning tournaments, Blackie stayed for more than three weeks, a beardless Monte Woolley of sorts. Jim sees Father Ernie Bartell on Sundays at Mass, and Ernie appears mended. Father Tom Smith, CSC, reports that eight seminary students are to petition for admission to the first step toward Holy Cross ordination. Father Tom is the spiritual director. Another nine men will arrive in July for a year’s tutelage under his guidance. As he prays for our class, its ladies and children, he asks that we remember his brother Jerry and a sister-in-law Emma. Jerry is on a walker with an unknown malady, and Emma fell and broke her shoulder. These quarterly columns and the periodic broadcasts depend upon your information. Fire up your class columns and broadcasts and send information. Send your contributions to either Larry Murray, stjudes1@att.net, or to me. Your classmates love to hear from you, about you, and make connections. — John T. Mulvihill; 60413 Sumption Trail, South Bend IN 46614; res 574-287-3460; domerhill@aol.com
53JD Class Secretary — Bob Berry;
5806 Spaulding St., Omaha NE 68104; 402-457-4142; Yokeemup@aol.com
54 Memories
I’m going to start our column by directing my comments to those who are part of our extended family but were unable to attend our 60th class reunion for a number of valid reasons. Our next column will focus on the reunion and the “war stories” of when we were students and the significant happenings in our lives. We want to hear from you and have you share what is going on in your life and the memories you recall from your days at Our Lady’s University, both humorous and serious and including some of the professors you had. I would also like to recommend you go to our class website http://1954.undclass.org. Our website covers such items as our Class Mass, news, obituaries, our 60th reunion and general subjects that would be of interest to you. Feeling old? Our first grandchild graduates from high school this year and begins college at ASU this fall. How about giving me an update on how many of your children and grandchildren graduated from Notre Dame? We had one son who graduated from Notre Dame in 1990 but unfortunately he was killed in an automobile accident in 1991. Included in our family are also those of you who may have started with us but graduated in a different year for various reasons such as the draft, Tom Lyman, or in my case taking ROTC subjects that were not included in my mechanical engineering degree. Another example is Al Petranick who did not graduate until 1955 because of football injuries. One of his sons, Michael Petranick, wrote a book about Al, Peace Was His Profession: A Story of Sacrifice and the Strategic Air Command. I recommend you read it. It covers his life growing up, his football days at Notre Dame and his career in the Air Force. Tom’s email address is thomaslyman9819@sbcglobal.net and Al’s is apetranick@cox.net. I don’t think I mentioned it before, but there is another book I’d like to suggest you read, Forgotten Four, by Donald and Mark Hubbard which focuses on Notre Dame’s greatest backfield — Lattner, Worden, Heap and Guglielmi — and the 1953 undefeated season. Tom Campbell again will host a class tailgate gathering prior to the Senior Game with Rice on Aug. 30. The location is essentially across from the handicap entrance to the stadium. As in the past, Tom will have four flags: Campbell Clan, ’54 on two 20-foot poles, Marine Corps and Indiana. He will have soda, beer and water and a very large sub. Donations from those who partake are appreciated. Thus far, we have ordered 28 tickets to the game. For the Temple game, our seats were actually on the field in the north end zone. As stated previously these tickets do not count against your football ticket lottery. Our most recent class obituaries include Hank Clancy, Father Thomas Murphy, James Pudlowski, Ed Milota, Richard Myles, Leo Michuda, Jim Waters, Leon Dullion, Ray Fredette, Dick Hammer, Bruce Warring, Tom King and Robert Dewey. — George Koch; 4758 Curtis Lane, Clarkston MI 48346; 248-623-0973; kochgnl@yahoo.com
54JD Still in Practice
I have been on the Notre Dame Law Advisory Board for 51 years and have continued to be active in the practice of law out west for 57 years. My primary focus is now the donating of my time. I was saddened by the death of Tom Ryder. During my career, I worked with Tom on a number of activities. — Carl Eiberger; 14330 Fairview Lane, Golden CO 80401; 303-278-0707; fax 303-278-0113; carleiberger@comcast.net
55 Queenan, Dowden Honored
Kudos to John Queenan, who received the Distinguished Service Award from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Queenan is the chairman emeritus of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Georgetown Medical Center and recently retired as deputy editor for Obstetrics and Gynecology. And congratulations to Carroll Dowden, who was inducted into the Medical Advertising Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions as a publisher in the healthcare field. Paul ‘Birdman’ Cardinal is flying high after winning the California Tennis Club’s Doubles Title (over 60) against much younger teams. Bob McGrath’s Heading Home project keeps gaining traction and now includes Dick Farrell’s book, Alzheimer’s Caregiving. To get a free copy, write Farrell at 2317 Red Maple Lane, Dawsonville, GA 30534. John Dwyer, who won the Father Putz Award from the Alumni Association for his volunteer work, has led nearly 30 different organizations. Dwyer served three years on the ND Senior Alumni Board, during which he was named outstanding regional director in 2012. Frank Schmidt continues on the board of Willwoods Community, a Catholic foundation in New Orleans, and helps plan an annual medical mission to Nicaragua. Hugh Schaefer, who is on the finance committee of a small Hispanic church near his home in Arizona, also is planning a new practice facility at his golf club. Hugh bumped into Dick Scheibelhut, a South Bender like himself, in the parking lot of his golf community. Jim Carroll was a volunteer in the Dallas Police Department CHIPS (Citizens Helping in Parking Solutions) program for eight years, donating more than 800 hours. Not always the most popular guys in the parking lot, Carroll and his partner wrote tickets for handicapped parking violations and often were greeted by obscenities. After 10 years of driving for Shepherd’s Wheels and serving as chairman of his church’s food program for the needy, Frank Cunningham has turned the work over to the younger crew. Father Jim Blantz escaped the heat of Phoenix for California, where he preached on the missions while continuing his magic program. Tom Welly is delighted his grandson will be joining his brother at ND. Welly’s buddy, Dave Metz, spent Easter weekend in Hilton Head on the way home from Florida’s Gulf Coast. After a quick trip to California, he’ll be in Cooperstown to watch a grandson compete in a junior baseball event and then travel to Maine to see a daughter and her family. A hooded and shivering Dick Frasor chased bass in Texas and Alabama. Leo Callaghan, whose son Father Michael Callaghan received his MBA from ND in May, reports that our funds have been used to establish a scholarship fund at the Haitian School his parish has been helping. Max Roesler III is looking forward to a house full of kids and grandkids all summer. Nicholas Pellegrino has set up his photography business to serve the greater New York City area. Frank Olazabal had to cover for his cardiology group on Holy Thursday, his birthday. Joyce and Steve Rebora were featured artists at a Chicago gallery’s “City in a Garden” exhibit. Larry Harrison is a traveling man; he went to Ecuador, Phoenix for five MLB spring games, South Padre Island for fun in the sun and then Spokane for the graduation of two granddaughters from Gonzaga U. Check out John Murphy’s interesting story on the Cold War Warriors that appeared in May in the Emmitsburg (PA) News-Journal. After hosting a successful family Christmas gathering at Hilton Head, Jack Battel will try to get everyone together again this summer. Larry Brehl’s eldest granddaughter completed her third consecutive Boston Marathon on Patriot’s Day. Don Williams is feeling better after eye surgery and the removal of kidney stones. Tom Streitmueller discussed living and working in Europe with the ND Detroit Club. Jim Ehret was in the front row of the diocesan men’s conference of Venice FL. Dick Mueller celebrated his 80th on Maui. Forst Brown enjoyed a South American cruise. Tom Armstrong took a break in Hilton Head in May. Jerry Prassas took his entire family to Amelia Island for Easter. Doing much better after heart surgery, Harry Niemann is having fun growing a mustache and looking forward to taking his grandkids to the Navy game. Memorial Masses have been offered for Jim Hornak, Neal Mason, Tom O’Malley and Bill Muller. — Paul Fullmer; 87 Heatherdowns Lane, Galena IL 61036; 815 777-2008; psfullmer@gmail.com
55JD Class Secretary — John Coyne; john.coyne@abm.com
56 Looking Forward to Minireunion
The class minireunion is the North Carolina game on Oct. 11. The Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. in Welsh Family Residence Chapel. Chair Mark Burns notes that lunch will be classmates, spouses, and guests at noon in The Morris Inn. It may be more expensive than South Dining Hall, but the food will be better. Mark your calendars for these events and the Irish vs. North Carolina game. If you fail to win tickets in the lottery, we have 50 reserved for ND’56 classmates; contact Mark after lottery results are known. There is a limit of four per classmate. Al Parillo wrote that the Moose Krause Award ceremony April 12 was in every respect a beautiful tribute. “Not only did it crystalize for all those in attendance how a single individual, in this case Dr. Angelo Capozzi, one of our own, I’m proud to say, has made and continues to make such a stunning difference in the lives of so many people worldwide, but how significant a role Notre Dame has played in his life and work. Don Sniegowski, one of Ang’s teammates, a terrific ND third baseman, Rhodes Scholar, and ND professor attended.” Dr. Capozzi wrote, event.” Chair Larry Kennedy reports The Class of 1956 Endowed Scholarship Fund continues to grow. The invested market value as of Dec. 31 was $1,281,189. The book value of total gifts on April 4 was $906,116. ND continues to meet demonstrated needs of all admitted undergraduates, even in difficult economic times. Awards from the ’56 fund are unrestricted and recipients are selected by the University’s Office of Student Financial Services. Keep the fund in mind for your annual giving to Notre Dame. Specify ND’56 scholarship fund on the memo line of your check. I Was Your Son: A Troubled Journey took Tom Cagley “18 years to put it on paper, and another three years to make it say what I wanted to hear. I’d lived it. I wrote it to inspire all the sons (and possibly all the daughters) who were left alone by their fathers, abandoned with songs in their hearts they wanted only him to hear.” It is available on Amazon.com. Deaths reported since last issue include: James C. “Jim” Moran, who died after complications from heart surgery on March 1; contact Mrs. Sue Moran, PO Box 6, Seaside OR 97138-0006. Father Donald Cleary died Feb. 28 in Harrisonville MO. His sister is Dorothy Gallagher, 13015 McGee, Kansas City MO 64145. James C. Dowdle died Feb. 17 of congestive heart failure at home. Contact Mrs. Sally Dowdle, 1040 Romona Road, Willmette IL 60091. A Mass will be celebrated on campus by the Holy Cross priests for each of these men from ND’56. We are saddened by the deaths of Tommy, son of Judy and Don Fiaush, and Nancy, wife of C. David Clarke. Full obituaries and details and photos of ND ’56 family activities can be found on www.nd56.org. Please chip in to the ND ’56 fund in care of Ed Cosgrove, 525 Delaware Ave., Buffalo NY 14202. Enjoy the goodness of summer and each other. — John Manion; 78402 Silver Sage Drive, Palm Desert CA 92211; 760-772-6056; johndomer56@verizon.net
56JD Class Secretary — Lauren Sharkey; lksharkey@gmail.com
57 Minireunion: Stanford Game
Our class will have its annual minireunion before the Stanford game on Oct. 4. Those of you who receive email from Tom Schriber hopefully ordered your ticket in time to be in the lottery and, even more hopefully, you were able to obtain tickets. If you did not, we will have a ticket exchange via the internet prior to the game. Here we will list those who need a ticket and those who may have one to sell. The details of where we will be meeting will also be confirmed by a mailing that will go to each of you. Paul Byron is trying to secure a room in the newly remodeled Morris Inn. Are your email and postal mail addresses current in your MyNotreDame profile? If not, you can send an email to onlinehelp@alumni.nd.edu and ask to have the updating form done for you. In the email include your full name, your year of graduation, and your ten digit ND ID, the first digits of which are probably zeroes. That ID can be found on your Notre Dame Magazine mailing label above your name. Our condolences to Kathy Moloney, whose husband Jim Moloney passed away this spring. Also, condolences to G. Robert Blakey on the death of his son Matthew on Feb. 7. Bob is retired as a professor at the ND Law School. Also, condolences to Paul Kropp, whose wife Patricia passed away in March after a courageous battle with cervical cancer. Paul is still teaching as an adjunct professor at the U of North Carolina. On more pleasant news, Mike Crowe (you may remember as the fellow selling sandwiches at Sorin and Alumni halls) has many interesting and insightful comments on the new Cosmos TV shows. Mike received his PhD from the U of Wisconsin. In 1961 he joined the Program of Liberal Studies faculty at Notre Dame, retiring in 2002. Mike has published seven books on the history of astronomy. Also, KJ Phelan reported on the social scene in Florida this winter when Sarah Mulcahy (Tom Mulcahy’s widow) hosted a grand luncheon at their Gasparilla Island home. Attending were Judy and Bill Newbold, Dr. and Mrs. Patrick Logan, Bill Stuhldreher (Don’s brother) who attended with Bill Holland’s widow, Mary Kay, and Kathleen and Mark Maley. KJ’s report failed to describe how each one was dressed but he promised his report would be better next time. We hope to see you Oct. 4 for our minireunion on campus. Take time to smell the flowers and tell someone today you love them. Peace. — John A. Slevin; 456 Fulton St., Suite 425, Peoria IL 61602; 309-676-8986; fax 309-676-4130; jaslevin@sbcglobal.net
57JD Class Secretary — Thomas S. Calder;
513-271-0560; thomas.calder@dinslaw.com
58 Inspiration
To those who may have missed it, let me call your attention to the inspiring article, “The Adaptable Servant,” in the spring issue of Notre Dame Magazine. It is a summary of the multiple careers of our classmate, Father David Link, former dean of the Law School, and now an ordained priest in the Diocese of Gary IN serving as chaplain in the maximum security division of the Indiana State Prison. Dave’s accomplishments also include being instrumental in the founding of the South Bend Center for the Homeless and serving for two years as president of the University of Notre Dame Australia. He is also the subject of a new book, Camarado, I Give You My Hand, written by Maura Poston Zagrans and published by Image Books/Random House, sub-titled How a Powerful Lawyer-Priest Is Changing the Lives of Men Behind Bars. Congratulations to Ted Collins of Seattle, who was the winner in his age division of the Georgia Marathon in Atlanta in March. Ted leaves it to us to guess what that age division was. He has completed a marathon in 25 states and hopes to do so in the remaining 25, at the rate of five per year, to become a member of the 50 Marathons in 50 States Club. To anyone similarly inclined, he recommends the marathon events in Anchorage, Nashville and Missoula as his favorites. Robert F. Farrell of Jackson NJ reports that his long-held hope that one of his grandchildren would attend ND has been realized. His grandson Matthew Farrell will enroll this fall on a basketball scholarship. The Tiburon Golf Club in Naples FL was the site of a luncheon gathering of 42 ND ’58 classmates on March 4. The lunch has become an annual event which began with a group of seven men just five years and has grown to include many more who reside or who, like me, vacation in the area. Congratulations to the organizing group: Jerry Dahle, Pat Doherty, Bill Geary, John Higgins, Jim Indiveri, Bill Rees and Roy Williams. We close this edition with news of the passing of several classmates. Bill Griffith died Feb. 10 of a cerebral hemorrhage. He had until recently been teaching philosophy at George Washington U. Richard N. McCarty of Powell OH died March 9. He held a PhD from Indiana U in organic chemistry and a degree from Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine. His career in chemistry began with Dow Corning Corp where he was involved in silicone and medical research, developed more than 33 patents used worldwide and participated in research in artificial heart transplants and silicone implants. His medical career consisted of practicing family medicine in Groveport OH for 39 years. Clayton R. (Bud) Hauschild Jr. died March 10 in Hastings MI. He is survived by his wife Helen, four sons and nine grandchildren. May our loving Lord bless the departed with everlasting joy and comfort their families. — Arthur L. Roule Jr.; 3725 W. Waverly Road, La Porte IN 46350; alroule@yahoo.com
58JD Class Secretary — John F. Murray;
2036 Cheltenham Ct., Woodbridge VA 22192; 703-494-2482; jonnel662@verizon.net
59 55 Years and Counting
Our 55th reunion is history. The class of ’55 was well represented. Many friendships were renewed and many new ones made. There was plenty of “wisdom” floating around and many of the world’s problems were solved. We pray that we will continue to be blessed and make the 60th. Congratulations to Father Jim Thornton, CSC, on the 50th anniversary of his ordination, celebrated at the Basilica in May. Chris Walsh completed his three-year term as a director of the ND Senior Alumni Board in June. He represented Region 7 (Michigan). Chris is continuing his work with schools in the Archdiocese of Detroit and the local ND club. Jean and Bob Pier continue to do well in Sequim WA. They had an unusual experience spending Christmas in Ethiopia. Anne and Bill McNally continue to be blessed in retirement in Aiken SC. Karen and Bill Ludwig are enjoying life in Traverse City MI. Their seven children have graced them with 16 grandchildren. Anne and Dan Muth moved from Leawood KS to Tucson last fall. Dan spent a fine career with Lucent Technologies. Gwen and Hank Fenbert are still enjoying the pleasures of the Seattle area in Federal Way. They stay connected and visit Vera and Vito Nigrelli in Clearwater. Nancy and Rudy Hornish live in Pacific Palisades CA following four years in San Miguel De Allende, Mexico. Following a successful career as an actor, Rudy got into the producing game, helped start a production company at Paramount Pictures and developed and produced several TV series, movies and specials. He is still doing some writing, mostly music. One of his songs, “A Galway Farewell” is on the CD, Spirit of Notre Dame. Our prayers go out to Pat O’Daniel and his wife Rosemary, who is battling Alzheimers in Evansville IN. Joan and Paul Hession are enjoying their retirement in Vienna VA, spending time volunteering and traveling. Jim Langford’s Corby Books has recently published Coaching the Streets by Digger Phelps, A Notre Dame Man, the bio of Mike DeCicco, and classmate Father Richard Berg’s Scars: The Effects of Post-Traumatic Stress. Pat and Dick Bringaze are now living in Crystal Lake IL following previous homes in Scottsdale AZ and Evergreen CO. Dick had a 30-year career with IBM. Gene Funk is still enjoying his equipment trailer sales business in Morris IL. Kaye and Denny Leo are still enjoying life on Hilton Head. He is the secretary of the ND Club and is joined on Hilton Head by Tom McHale, who lost his wife Sheila this past year. Denny reports Tink and Phil Kilkeary recently moved from Hilton Head to Greenwood SC. Our self-proclaimed prodigal son, Bill Whaley, is alive and well. He will go down in TV history having founded and led the Children’s Television Network, which produces Sesame Street. He is still stealing money with a 10 handicap. Bill and Nancy split their time between Stamford CT and Vero Beach FL. After 54 years of government service as a civil engineer John Helmer is working part-time for the NY State Office of Emergency Management. The highlight of John’s Navy career was catching the winning touchdown pass for his team in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. John and Jacquelyn live in Kingston NY. I am sorry to report the deaths of: Gene Citrone on Jan. 12 in the Pittsburgh area, Jerry Rutkiewicz on Feb. 15 in Joliet IL, Tom Lopina on April 1 in Winston-Salem NC and Pete Finke on April 21 in Dayton OH. Please visit Faith ND at faith.nd.edu and the Senior Alumni website at ndsenioralumni.org. Please send information. Peace and good health. — Jim Keegan; 1401 Clinton St., Wilmington DE 19806; 302-429-0545; keeganjm@dca.net