1950s

50 A Great, Irrepressible Love of Life

 

Barbara Guerra, daughter of Ralph A. Guerra ’41, wrote to tell me that she reached John R. Mendenhall, a long-time friend of Ralph, and that she exchanged correspondence with John’s wife, Joan. Through the magazine, I learned that William J. Gallagher, 89, a resident of Winnetka IL, passed away on Nov. 8, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Maureen (nee Smith), seven children and 12 grandchildren. Martin F. Romanak, a resident of Northfield Center OH, died on Jan. 28 at age 91. He was predeceased by his wife, Rose (nee Lonczak), and is survived by four children and four grandchildren. George A. Haas passed away in McLean VA on Feb. 10 at the age of 91. In addition to two years as a submariner in the Navy, he became a double Domer when he earned his PhD in physics in 1953. George worked at the US Naval Research Laboratory for many years and was the author of several important theoretical papers. He was married for 61 years to the former Mary Jane Farrell, who predeceased him. He is survived by four children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. James V. Bonessi, 89, died on Feb. 28 in Pittsburgh. After graduating from ND, he earned a medical degree from the U of Pittsburgh. James’ obituary in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette provided additional details about his career as a physician in the Navy and then as an internist for more than 40 years. “He started his medical practice in Natrona Heights in 1962. He then opened his first office in White Oak in 1965 where he served the local communities and U of Pittsburgh Medical Center at McKeesport until his retirement at the age of 72.” Dr. Bonessi leaves behind his wife, Joanne, three children and two grandchildren. Michael J. Hartigan of Elmhurst IL passed away on March 5 at 90. Mike joined the Navy immediately after graduating from high school in 1945 but fortunately was not required to participate in an invasion of Japan, for which he’d trained. He received his BS in civil engineering at ND and later earned a certificate in traffic engineering from Yale. Mike’s obituary in the Chicago Sun-Times provided a narrative of his life on the south side of Chicago, as a young man and while employed by the City of Chicago as a traffic engineer, the Illinois Department of Transportation as deputy district engineer, and the Illinois Toll Highway Authority as chief engineer. “Among his many accomplishments (besides innumerable expressway designs, including some challenging spaghetti bowl interchanges) was the creation of the emergency road vehicle service, the Minute Men, who patrol the expressways of Chicago and other roadways in Illinois.” He supported many local community and parish organizations, including the Cub Scouts, the American Legion and the Far from Broadway productions at Visitation Church. Also from the Sun-Times: “He had a great, irrepressible love for life. He was a graceful writer. He loved to sing and dance, notwithstanding obvious talent challenges. He traveled to Ireland 18 times where he reveled in its music, its beauty and the warmth of the Irish people. He loved the Fighting Irish. He couldn’t resist the foot tapping tones of a polka and he never missed an episode or a rerun of the Lawrence Welk Show. Mike was everything a great man could be. He will be dearly and forever missed by all who loved him, that is, everyone who ever had the good fortune to have met him.” Mike was predeceased by his three beloved wives: Frances (Breen), Margaret M. (Breen) and Ruth (Cirese). He is survived by five children, 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The family of William “Bill” Donovan informed me that Bill’s wife, Marion (Corriston), died on May 29 after two years on hospice care. She passed away at home, surrounded by family, and is survived by her husband of 61 years, two sons, a daughter and seven grandchildren. If you have news about the class or stories from your time at ND to share, please let me know. Go Irish. — Jim Coogan ’91; 6018 Oxpen Court, Apt. 101, Alexandria VA 22315; jcooganv@alumni.nd.edu

 

51 Classmate Passes Away

 

Hi everybody. I hope you had had a decent summer. We Californians have had a tough time with wildfires. Every year it is the same problem. It is hard to accept that by the time you read this column, our football season will be half over. The first game against Michigan may determine our entire season. Let us win that first one. Jane and I attended Reunion in June on campus. I believe we were the only ones from our class in attendance. I keep repeating myself, but every year, the place has made more changes, has new buildings under construction or has plans to build. On Friday during Reunion, I was invited to speak at Holy Cross Village, west of Notre Dame. Our host wanted me to talk about our books. The talk went well with a surprisingly large crowd. For those who have not visited the Village, plan on doing so on your next visit to Notre Dame. My words are not adequate to tell you of the beauty of this place. The marketing director, Kelly Mason, is a delightful person and was our host. If any of you are thinking of retiring near Notre Dame, I can’t recommend any place better. They have condos, apartments and single-family homes for sale. The Village is beautiful, moderately priced, and very close to our school. We were very impressed with the entire setting. If you visit, tell Kelly I sent you. Our first bio concerns Bill Kelly of Louisville KY. After graduation and two years in Munich, Germany, with the Army, Bill settled in Louisville, joining his family business handling office supplies. He retired in 1993. Bill and his wife, Malcolm, have been married 64 years, and have done extensive traveling through the years. Their children did not attend Notre Dame, but a granddaughter, Amanda, graduated in 2006. Bill is an avid Irish football fan and still attends games. Bill has a personal record of his own; he has attended 75 consecutive Kentucky derbies. Doug Ingram ’69 has advised us that his father, Bob Ingram of Cornmack NY passed away on July 15. Bob Hogan of Wheeling WV, born Jan. 26, 1929, tells us in his bio of an interesting life. He fought alcoholism most of his adult life and licked the disease. Following graduation, he joined the Air Force, was commissioned a second lieutenant, and spent most of his military time in Alaska. Then he returned to Wheeling where he was employed in various positions in the banking business. Following his second marriage to Susan they joined the Peace Corps and spent three years in Benin, West Africa. The last few years he has been busy sketching, improving his tennis game and reading poetry. Congratulations on your success in beating the drinking problem and for being so honest. Good luck and continue in your recovery. Don’t forget our Mass fund. We have books for your reading pleasure. — Jim Gillis; 3267 Rossmoor Parkway, No. 4, Walnut Creek CA 94595; 925-932-06454; jimjanegillis@aol.com

 

52 Celebrating our 70th Year

 

We’ve been reminiscing about our Domer doings as freshmen in fall of ’48. I spent several weeks in the Hotel Oliver before being assigned to Farley Hall. By then, my academic performance was in disarray. Fortunately, my dorm digs were just 50 feet from the rector, Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, CSC. He instituted a study regimen that had me report to his quarters every night at 7 p.m. and again at 11 p.m. to discuss the material. He changed my life. I also recall his even-handed approach to an “Italian night” debacle where many of us Farley freshmen experienced a chianti crisis. I retain strong memories of my dorm neighbors, including Charlie Pitchford, who returned to the Marines after graduation and retired as a general. Jack Powers remained in South Bend and became executive editor of the Tribune. Jack Quetsch went into government service, retiring as assistant secretary of defense, controller, overseeing the Pentagon budget. The football season saw some scary moments. Remember the Purdue game? We were ahead by eight points in the closing minutes, but the Boilermakers came striding down the field. It mattered little. Without the two-point conversion rule we were able to hold on to win 28 to 27. How about the rain-soaked Northwestern game?  Late in the fourth quarter, ND was behind 7 to 6, reflecting a pick six against us in the first half. At that point, Bill Gay ’51 and Jack Landry ’51 steadily moved the ball to gain a 12 to 7 win. Jack Mueller tells us that his son, Tom ’93, is a part owner of 2018 Triple Crown winner, Justify. (Factoid: In the 12 prior years that we had Triple Crown winners, ND’s football winning percentage is .890. Dare we hope?) Jack reports that another classmate was deeply involved in the sport of kings. Howard Battle was the racing secretary at Churchill Downs and Keeneland. He also tells us that John Gaines ’51 is considered the father of the Breeder’s Cup races. Bob Butler has happily recovered from aortic surgery. His memories of freshman orientation include the multiple showings of Knute Rockne, All American. His year on the fourth floor of Breen-Phillips was shared with Jim Clarke, Jim Breslin and Gerry Costello. His football memory was a kick by Steve Oracko ’51, creating a streak-saving 14-14 tie with USC. Bob Cossaboon has recovered from major surgery. He’s ready to resume his involvement in pickleball at Rochester recreation centers. Bob and Pat, who passed away 10 years ago, were married for 56 years and had four children. Bob’s career was essentially at Eastman Kodak, where he retired as corporate director of quality control. Joe Adler passed away in June after an auto accident. His career reflected strong leadership of the family’s roofing business. His son, Dan ’76, tells us that Joe was instrumental in creating ND’s Senior Alumni service group. Rudy Unger sent along a newsletter from the Cardinal Mindszenty Foundation. He works with the organization that deals with Church issues in communist countries. At the risk of being maudlin, we must point out that 75 percent of our 902 classmates have gone before us. That makes this the final quarter. Gentlemen, tighten your chin straps. — Ron Zier; 164 Brewster Road, Wyckoff NJ 07481; 201-447-6667; ronaldirishguy@aol.com

 

53 Reunion and Chicago Lunch

 

Mary Jane and Jim Rogers stepped up and chaired the 65th reunion. To the 29 attendees with spouses and family, it was an acclaimed success. To Jim and Mary Jane, thank you for your efforts, particularly in the face of obstacles created by the sponsor. The dinner Friday night at the Morris Inn was a very pleasant evening, with cocktails as starters. David Sponseller provided a group picture of fondest friends, past and present, from a previous reunion. Harry Durkin offered a thoughtful and thought-provoking blessing, and Tom Morsch did a wonderful job as MC of the post-dinner event. He evoked thoughts of our undergraduate days, particularly when the housing was arranged by classes. Tom also arranged to accompany Rev. Ernie Bartell, who enjoyed being with classmates again. Electrical engineers Bill Barry, Ed DeBoer and Paul Curtin were in their glory as they discussed watts and ohms to their merriment. Lou Marlin and Dave Sponseller were the metallurgists in attendance. Discussion about game attendance and “the team” was limited, but it is apparent “our days” of packing the stadium are long gone. Matt Market has, with finality, turned his tickets over to his children, and doesn’t plan on attending even the band reunion game. Lee Tavis is selective about his attendance, but as an emeritus business professor, he still derives pleasure from the game day activities. Bernie Hester and Bill Keane, accounting majors, are of a similar mind about the games. Bernie resides in the Chicago area and the 3:30 p.m. game start destroys the entire day, compared with the convenience of watching on TV. Bill resides in Chapel Hill so travel pretty much takes home games off the table. Bill attended the recent NC game that was held “around the corner.” The Saturday lunch and dinner were reportedly also delightful affairs. The all-class dinner allowed for a class table and early evening. Sunday morning Mass at Moreau offered by the seminary rector, Rev. John Herman, CSC, was special as he was celebrant and homilist. Vic George provided the readings in commendable fashion. Mass was followed by a brunch, with a grand array of culinary offerings. Ron Wong, who traveled from California, was again the cheerleader in his role as class supporter. Bill Maus came from Florida and was, as always, a sartorial splendor. Finally, Andy Hernon brought the NYC flavor and greetings from Ed Greason, who was unable to attend. Dick Nault was sidelined with a hospital stay, and Gerry Boenhling likewise had a medical conflict. Both vow to attend the Chicago lunch, which will be Friday, Oct. 26, at Maggiano’s. There is little need to mention the actuarial reality of thinning ranks. Your friends welcome the prospect of the annual visit, and those who didn’t are trying to remember why. Do a favor to both groups, show up early and stay late. Assuredly mailings will flesh out the details. Dick Nault sent notice of the death of fellow civil engineer Gonzolo Negron in NYC. Gonzolo spent the intervening years in Venezuela until forced to leave because of the conditions. Note my new mailing address for contributions to the Mass Fund and information for emails and columns. — Jerry Mulvihill; 51098 Heatherton Court, Granger IN 46530; 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 Football: The Big Question

 

Another season begins and how will the Irish do? Your guess is as good as mine. My prediction is 9 and 3. We have five very tough games. Remember there is no group seating and no tailgate. For an off year, the 64th reunion was well attended. At the class dinner, eight classmates attended: Dave Burrell and his sister Nine Klee, Lou Bernardi and guest Tony Bernardi, Tom Campbell, Geraldine and Joe Mesec, Phil Van Huffle, Loretta and Leo Dupree, Alice and Gene Henry, Walt Duschka and nieces Julie and Janine. Tom Campbell and Charlie Allen invited others in the dorm to join our class at our Mass. It is less than a year to our 65th reunion. Our 60th was a huge success. Let us try to have another huge success. Charlie Allen has already started the planning. The reunion starts Thursday, May 30, and ends Sunday, June 2. Charlie says our dinner will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Legends. Due to fire code, seating is limited to 50 people. If you wish to attend, contact Charlie at 574-520-1090 or Allen.42@nd.edu. After taking over as class secretary, I looked over some old scribbled notes on something Milt Beaudine told me about a conversation he had with Chuck Lennon. Chuck said the class was joined at the hip. Chuck said this was due to our class Masses, our minireunions, the art show we started and so on. I think that speaks well of our class. We have two requests for prayers. Manny Sequeira said his wife has been hospitalized due to severe heart problems and will go to a rehab center after the hospital. I also got word that John Snakard has severe Alzheimer’s. The following classmates have been called home by God: Benedict Grylewicz, Robert F. White, Franklin D. White, Franklin D. Capitanini, Thomas Dempsey, Tom Short, Max Plante, Paul Kraus, Edward B. Murphy, Odilio Marino Diaz and Thomas J. Parsley. — John Mertens; 68 Sparrow Ridge Road, Carmel NY 10512; 845-630- 5914; jacksparrow@comcast.net

 

54JD Class Secretary — Carl Eiberger;

 

14330 Fairview Lane, Golden CO 80401; 303-278-0707; carleiberger@comcast.net

 

55 Excitement and Activity

 

The approach of fall has Irish hearts beating rapidly as the football season starts. But, before the whistle, here’s a rundown of ’55 activity. The children of the late Jerry Bransfield held an 80^th birthday party for their mother. ’55ers attending included the Joe Kearneys, Dick Beemans and Jack Flynns. Claudette and Bob De Brey sent a glowing report on their trip to the Holy Land. They found it a little tough on walking and jet lag but being able to walk on the actual stones used by Christ was moving. Natalie and Mack Stewart continue their work with the Warm the Children activity. Don Shanley got a few scrapes avoiding a moving tractor. Honey and Jim Ehret had a nice Alaska visit with daughter, Dr. Ann. Kathy and Dick Mueller did some wide travel. Included was a visit to Hawaii before the volcano eruption, then a lunch in Carlsbad with Sandra and Paul Fullmer and Edie and Bill Walsh. Then they visited with Elaine and Emmet Cassidy. Unhappily, Dick is recovering from a snapped Achilles tendon. Jacquelyn and John Dwyer reported in from upstate New York. They spent some travel time Washington DC, Gettysburg and Annapolis. They plan a Notre Dame visit for the Ball State game and then to Martha’s Vineyard. They just celebrated 62 years of marriage. Dr. Jac Fitzen is about to publish his 16^th book, 50 Countries - 4 Million Miles, The Business Traveler’s Notebook. Emett Root reports from Nebraska. He spent time with John Rogers and David McNamara ’56. The occasion was a reunion of their wives with six classmates from St. Mary of the Woods. They had the good fortune to be handy when Harry Edelstein called to say hello. Louis Malandra reported on a surprise visit from Chuck Meyer and daughter in route to West Virginia to visit his son. Rev. Jim Blantz, CSC, notes that he and three other Holy Cross priests from ’55 will celebrate 60 years of priesthood next summer: John Ford, Jack Keefe and Bob Austgen. Frank Tonini relayed the details of a great family trip to the national parks. The tour included Grand Canyon, Sedona, Bryce, Red Canyon and Zion. Then came Grand Teton and Yellowstone with an Old Faithful on-time performance and rafting on the Colorado River. We Magills will attend the ND-FSU game in November. Joan and Bob McGrath plan a July trip to Europe. London, Portugal (Fatima) and an ND river trip are on the itinerary. Jim Stevens has a great record in the Big Brother program. His “little brother grew big” and he had another who progressed and became a Florida county sheriff. Prayers are requested for these classmates who passed away: Ed Prien, Brian Gaffney, Dick O’Rourke, Dick Alfes, Ron Schurr and Henry Krienke. Thanks for all the input. To borrow a line from time gone by: Pax vobiscum. — Tom Magill;

119 Atlantic Road, North Palm Beach FL 33408; 561-842-3019; magillt@bellsouth.net 

 

55JD Class Secretary — Jack Coyne;

 

19040 Shelburne Road, Shaker Heights OH 44118; res 216-932-2178; bus 216-781-1980; john.coyne@abm.com

 

56 Minireunion Revamped

 

The annual minireunion for the Class of ’56 historically has been held on a home football game weekend, but a trial spring minireunion was held June 5, 6 and 7 on campus. The luncheon at the Morris Inn during the last North Carolina State game was attended by 16. That was down from the previous year when 50 to 68 attended. The June minireunion included a Tuesday dinner in a private room at Cafe Navarre in downtown South Bend with featured guest Rev. Bob Pelton, CSC, celebrating his 97th birthday. Through the courtesy of Joe Kalbas, Wednesday morning’s program was presented by the leadership group of ACE, the Alliance for Catholic Education, that provides programs to strengthen Catholic schools. Wednesday’s Mass at 11 a.m. in Welsh Family Residence Hall was arranged by Deacon Jim Revord. It was celebrated by our chaplain, Rev. Jerry Knoll, CSC, with Father Pelton concelebrant. Lunch was served in the Morris Inn. That afternoon, a tour was offered of the new buildings surrounding ND stadium. Each is 400,000 square feet. Wednesday evening, dinner was in a private room at Sunny Italy, and memories flowed freely all evening. Thursday morning breakfast was in the Morris Inn, followed by many smiling faces voicing the opinion: “Let’s do this next June.” James Finnegan wrote, “any funds going to Ireland will not be for visits, but to help those true Irish who will continue to defend the innocent and defenseless child. The children who now will suffer a cruel and painful death at the hands of the abortion-on-demand supporters who call themselves Irish. How sick the country of my forefathers has become.” Seven deaths were reported since the last issue, with three in one week. Included were Patrick R. Jones of Dixon IL on July 18. Pat was a licensed funeral director and embalmer for 50 years and was third generation owner and operator of Jones Funeral Home. He attended Notre Dame in Commerce. Health dictated his transfer to Arizona. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1957. Survivors include wife Linda, children Patrick, John, Michael and Sarah, six grandchildren. Contact Mrs. Linda Jones, 1668 Overlook Drive, Dixon IL 61021. Reno J. Masini, architect, died July 17 leaving wife Verona, daughter Laura, son Al, great grandson Liam Patrick, brother Don. His first wife, Rae, passed away in 1988. Contact Mrs. Verona Masini, 1234 Depot St., Unit 105, Glenview IL 60025. Bob Salvino died July 10 in Scottsdale AZ, survived by wife Carrie. He was the father of Chris, Cindy Ojczyk and Rob, and the grandfather of six. Bob was on the varsity football and wrestling teams. He served in the Army before a long career as a State Farm agent. His ashes will be interred at Cedar Grove Cemetery on the campus of Notre Dame. Contact Mrs. Carrie Salvino, 570 Aberdeen Road, Frankfort IL 60423. George R. Richards passed away June 26. Surviving are wife Jackie,  children Robin McClay, Charles Richards, Bart Richards and six grandchildren. ”Skip" was a great business attorney and fisherman, a DeLand FL resident until his recent move to John Knox Village in Orange City FL. He attended Notre Dame (Commerce ’56) and was a member of the marching band. He served in the Navy JAG Corp and then worked at the SEC. He was a securities attorney in Miami for 30 years. Contact Mrs. Jackie Richards, 326 Bellingrath Terrace, Deland FL 32724-7320. John Matthew Reynolds of Huntsville AL died May 28. He was a finance major at ND. He served in the Army in France. He began his banking career in commercial lending at First National Bank in Memphis. He is survived by his wife Hilda Beach Reynolds, children Paul, Karen Gil and Laura Dennis and seven grandchildren. Residence: 817 Forrest Height Drive SE, Huntsville AL 35802. Ed Spengeman died May 3 in Palm Beach FL. He is survived by wife Carolyn Brice, daughters Barbara, Cathy and Judy, and six grandchildren. A business major, Ed enjoyed a successful career developing resort properties, primarily in the Hilton Head area. Victor Shahan died May 29. An engineering lifer with IBM, he is survived by wife Carol, children Patrick, Victor Jr., Marjorie Ann, Teresa and Ellen, and seven grandchildren. Residence: 110 E. Lauderdale St.; Tullahoma TN 37388. To keep ND56 finances healthy, please send your donation to treasurer Ed Cosgrove at 525 Delaware Ave., Buffalo NY 14202. Enclose a note on how things are at your house. Please note our web site:

www.nd56.org. Especially interesting is the freshman student directory in the class news link.

Have a great season. Go Irish. — John F. Manion; 78402 Silver Sage Drive, Palm Desert CA 92211;760-772-6056; johndomer9@gmail.com  

 

56JD Mentor, Successful Businessman

 

I am sad to report that W.T. “Tom” Short, 85, passed away on May 10 at his residence in Kansas City MO. Tom was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and fought valiantly before succumbing to the disease. Tom was born in Moberly MO on April 27, 1933. He was the only child of Ed and Mildred Short. Tom left Moberly to attend Notre Dame where he received an undergraduate and law degree. After law school, Tom entered the Air Force, completed pilot training, and served three years as a multi-engine pilot. Tom served seven additional years as a captain in the Reserves. While on leave in NYC, Tom met his future wife, Carol H. Faunce. Tom knew immediately that she would be the love of his life. Carol preceded Tom in death in 2016, after 56 years of marriage. In the late 1960s and early ’70s, Tom was an executive with North American Aviation district office working on the Apollo Program. In 1973, he was promoted to the position of vice president of field operations for the North American Rockwell Space Division in Downey CA. Subsequently, this business unit was awarded the Space Shuttle prime contract. In 1976, Tom accepted an offer to become the president of an oil and gas services company in Calgary. This led to his ownership of several successful companies in that industry. In 1987, he returned to NASA projects when he and two partners purchased Johnson Engineering (JE). Astronaut Gene Cernan, the last man on the moon, was the chairman and Tom was the president and CEO. Together they built JE into a highly successful company with more than 800 employees. JE was acquired by SPACEHAB in 1997 and Tom stayed on as a senior VP of SPACEHAB until 2001. Tom’s greatest love was developing companies, mentoring people in business, and creating opportunities for others. To that end, he came out of retirement to lead the formation and development of Anadarko Industries (AI), a Native American small disadvantaged business, as the president and CEO. Under his guidance, AI grew to employ 300 people with annual revenues of $40 million. In recent years, Tom continued to serve AI as president emeritus. Every day he looked for ways to assist others to see an opportunity, realize a goal, or market their idea. More than anything he missed the everyday hum of an office, where everyone was important to him in every way. Tom is survived by daughter Cynthia Short and Brian McCallister of Kansas City with grandchildren Kyle, Mitchell and Jillian McCallister; son Tom and Carol Short of Calgary with grandson Ryan; daughter Mary K. and Mark Poirier of Kansas City with grandson Tanner; son Tim and Cher Short of Fort Worth with grandsons Cameron and Connor; son Patrick and Chelsea Short of Austin with granddaughters Parker and Reese. — Lauren Sharkey ’09; lksharkey@gmail.com

 

57 Sorry about That

Old computers never die, they just lose their email addresses. My column for the summer issue was sent to the wrong email address so it did not appear in the summer issue. Those of you who reported in with an email address received a copy of that column; those who did not can register now or let me know and I will send you a copy. John Woulfe sent the sad news that Bob Salvino passed away on July 10. He is survived by wife Carrie and three children. He was buried in the ND cemetery. He helped raise funds for the Prestwick Country Club in Frankfurt IL, where he had “more than his share of mulligans.” Jim Eggers and Phil Heil, members of the first graduating class of St. Edwards High School in Lakewood OH, (where 13 classmates came to ND) supplied obituaries for John “Jack the Piano Man” Hogue who left us June 28. The Piano Man’s wife predeceased him; he was survived by three children. Tom Guilfoile, the Wisconsin author, sent the sad news of the death on July 10 of John Glenski of Kansas City MO. John married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ann, after graduation. They would have been married 61 years in October. They had eight children. Until retirement, he was a project manager for Colgate Palmolive. He spent time in Guatemala where he helped build the Good Hope Mission and assisted in the education of many children. Betty Burg wrote that her husband, William Burg, was called to heaven on April 10. In reading the entries of the spring issue of Notre Dame Magazine, she commented that so many of his classmates are there now, it must be a busy place. I can now share some good news for a change. Jim Greene wrote to tell us, after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma last November, and after three sessions of chemo, followed by 18 rounds of radiation, he had a third endoscopy at the end of June and the lymphoma is totally gone. He wrote that he is a two-time big C survivor, as he had renal cell carcinoma and a partial nephrectomy in 2004. He is still working in the valuation arena in San Diego. At the time I write this letter, I had the pleasure of calling Jim Cusack who is celebrating his 83^rd birthday. He and his lovely wife Maureen are doing great in Southern California. He is no longer playing golf, as all his partners have gone to that great golf course in the sky. In the last issue of the Notre Dame Magazine, Ken Woodward published a lead article titled “Losing Faith.” This is a must read. In the magazine content overview, it states: “Young people are leaving the Church in disturbing numbers.” Woodward, one of America’s foremost writers on religion and society, outlines some of the reasons why. Dennis J Troester, our class treasurer, reported that we have paid in the past 12 months the stipend for Masses for 38 deceased classmates and spouses. Thank you for your contributions to keep these important memorials ongoing. Frank Reilly wrote in to inquire if we were having a minireunion this fall. Since all the great games this year are at night and at our age we are not prone to going out after dark, it was decided to pass this year. Don’t forget, while we are still able to do so, tell someone you love him or her, and smell those flowers. Peace, my friend. — John A Slevin; 6123 Mandalay, Peoria IL 61614; 309-453-8986; jslev57@gmail.com

 

57JD Class Secretary — Thomas S. Calder;

 

513-271-0560; thomas.calder@dinslaw.com

 

58 Prayers and Sympathy

 

We offer our prayers and express our sympathy to the families of four departed classmates. Richard C. Ninneman died April 21. A resident of Fox Point WI, Rick is survived by his wife, Joyce, four children and seven grandchildren. After ND, he graduated from Marquette Law School, where he was editor-in-chief of the Marquette Law Review. After two years of active duty in the Army, he joined the Law firm of Whyte & Hirschboeck and in 1989 joined the firm of Quarles & Brady and specialized as a trial lawyer in business litigation. He served on the Wisconsin Judicial Commission, and in 1982 was inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers. Over the years, Rick served as president of the ND Club of Milwaukee and as a member of the Marquette President’s Executive Senate. After retirement in 2003, he served as a Wisconsin Supreme Court referee in attorney disciplinary hearings, and as a volunteer at Marquette’s Legal Clinic. George K. Omartian died April 29 in Watertown MA. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Zoya Agavelyan Omartian. He is also survived by his sister, Sara Omartian of Springfield MA. For several decades, George pursued a career in marketing and real estate. He was active in the Boston area Armenian community and attended church services in Belmont, Cambridge and Watertown. Dr. James F. King died June 18, just weeks after attending our class reunion, according to a note received from his granddaughter, Morgan McCann. Although James was a member of the Class of 1958, he graduated cum laude in three years and went on to graduate third in his class at St. Louis U School of Medicine in 1961. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Charlene, four children, a son-in-law, seven grandchildren and five siblings. Robert P. McGovern of South Bend died July 9. Bob was a native of New York but lived in South Bend since graduation. He was preceded in death by wife Dolores in 1998. He is survived by five children, 15 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Bob received an MA degree from ND in 1959 and taught in the South Bend Community Schools for 43 years. He also taught classes at Saint Mary’s College and Indiana U South Bend. Reunion notes: 148 class members and 43 spouses and guests were welcomed to our 60-year reunion May 31 through June 3. In addition to opportunities to tour gracious old and impressive new campus features and facilities and gain insights from a variety of seminars and programs, the highlight of the weekend included the memorial Mass, celebrated by our classmate, Rev. Dave Link, in the McGlinn Hall Chapel on Friday. A eulogy honored our departed class president, Rev. Don McNeill, CSC, who died in August 2017. New novelist Richard Murphy’s book, No. 46 on the Greater Boston Hit List, is about a murder case with many twists and turns. Dick prosecuted a similar case in the 1960s. It is available at authorhouse.com, Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Dick is a retired Boston attorney living in Naples FL. For several years, he wrote a weekly legal column titled “Murphy’s Law” for Massachusetts newspapers. — Arthur L. Roule Jr.; 3725 W. Waverly Road, La Porte IN 46350; alroule@yahoo.com

 

58JD Class Secretary — John F. Murray;

 

2036 Cheltenham Court, Woodbridge VA 22192; 703-494-2482; johnandnell66@gmail.com

 

59 On to Our 60^th

 

The past 59 years have moved us forward quickly. All of us have had our ups and downs, and we pray that the Good Lord will look over us as we go forward. Our 60^th reunion will be May 30 to June 2. We have a unique classmate who has been in residence at Penn State for over 50 years, Barry Voight. He has been known as their version of Indiana Jones. Barry was elected to the National Academy of Engineering this past year for his contributions to the “understanding, management and mitigation of geologic hazards.” He has traveled the world and has developed methods to monitor volcanos and improve disaster responses. Rev. Jim Thornton is continuing to present Worldwide Marriage Encounters about 25 times a year around the world. His theme is “changing the world one relationship at a time.” Don Manelli founded Care Harbor, a 501 (c)(3) charity, in 2010 to bring accessible medical, dental and vision care to the most vulnerable in the Los Angeles area. They are producing their ninth event in October, serving some 3,000 patients, with 55 medical exam rooms, 60 dental chairs, 20 eye exam lanes, and a wide range of preventive care resources. Free clinics are set up in arenas and exposition centers and bring together thousands of volunteers, including healthcare professionals, hospital systems, medical, dental and nursing schools, suppliers and manufacturers. It is a powerful, grassroots response to the challenge of accessible care. Care Harbor provides everything from primary and specialty medical care to fillings, extractions, root canals and dentures, to prescription eyeglasses. Patients needing follow-up care are connected to medical homes in the community. Everything is free to the patients. It is a volunteer-based charity funded by private donations. To date, they’ve provided 127,000 services to more than 23,000 patients. They are looking to take the Care Harbor free clinics to other cities next year. Steve Dornbach stays busy in the Twin Cities with the Minnesota Club’s program of serving meals at Higher Ground men’s shelter. Steve plans to be at the reunion with Jack Dolan, Dick Donovan, Jim Pino and Rich Komyatte. A sidelight on Rich is that his grandson, Jack Sheehan ’19, will be the leprechaun for the football and basketball seasons. Joe Harrison is still living in San Jose, Costa Rica, and still teaches English. I have heard of many 80^th birthdays over the past two years. Continue to enjoy. Pray, hope and do not worry. Carol and Tim Sharon live in the wine country of Temecula CA. Garnett and Dave Black and have moved to Bardstown KY where she is VP of Bardstown Bourbon Co. We reported the death of Jack Thomas’s wife a year ago, and six months later he had open heart surgery. His service to the Breckenridge community was recently recognized with the outstanding community service award. Jim Garrity has closed his Garrity Real Estate firm in Houston. He is recovering from a stroke. Doug Roof is still mobile and having fun working in the aircraft industry. He and Terry live in Avon Lake OH and have two sons: Doug Jr. ’92 and Brian ’94, ’99JD. Jeannie and John Hayword are in Toledo and helping with 23 grandchildren. That would make the top 10. Pat and Jim Dorsey are living in Charlotte and just celebrated their 60^th. Jim Kehrer and Elaine are in Colonie NY. He put in 35 years with GE. In a previous column, we noted 50 classmates who went through the Air Force ROTC program and received their Air Force commissions in June 1959. We had an Air Force summary in the last issue, and here are the deceased: Jim Fowler June 6, 1972; Ned MacCarthy July 14, 2008; Randy McElhone July 1, 2009; Dave Miller June 30, 1990; Phil Miller Dec. 30, 2009; Don Prairie May 8, 2006; Bob Pruett March 10, 2007; Jerry Shank March 24, 1964; Larry Wentz Dec. 17, 2007. Please pray each day for all who are suffering. Please visit FaithND at faith.nd.edu and the Senior Alumni website at ndsa.undgroup.org. Please send me information. Peace and good health. — Jim Keegan; 1401 Clinton St., Wilmington DE 19806; 302-429-0545; keeganjm@dca.net

 

59JD Class Secretary — William J. Harte;

 

wharte@williamharteld.com