1940s

40 Development of a Class

As I look back these past 77 years to September 1936, I am amazed at what a unique group our Class of 1940 turned out to be. According to records, 1,151 of us arrived on campus, enrolling in the four major undergraduate colleges: A&L, 397; Science, 113; Engineering, 189; Commerce, 462. Some of us had a good idea of what that our major would be, while many were just feeling our way into the collegiate world. Most were inexperienced and seeking our futures. Some had older brothers at school, while others knew faculty or staff. For most of us, it was our first exposure to a different world. Each of us made new friends. By our senior year, all of us had changed and we were involved in a variety of activities that reflected a wide range of interests, which we want to review. Official enrollment now totaled 578 undergraduates: A&L, 215; Science, 54; Engineering, 63; Commerce, 246; with 21 others in law school. A brief look at awards and activities indicates some of our interests. Four classmates received the Dome Award. This recognized four seniors considered most active in extracurricular activities. They were Gerald Flynn, Albert Funk, Gerard Donovan and William Fay. Campus clubs and activities included Knights of Columbus, with Bob Lambert, Thomas Carty and Bob Sullivan as very active. The Academy of Science was headed by Arthur Maddalena. Robert Schultz was president of the Architects Club, while Edward Pratt headed the Aeronautical Club. Herbert Connelly and James Metzler were leading the Commerce Forum. The Schoolmen, a group of philosophers, was led by Jim Daner. Joseph Mulqueen was president of St. Vincent de Paul Society and Norbert Schickel was in charge of the Engineers’ Club. The Spanish Club president was John Ward, and Paul Chaput led the Chemistry Club. A group called The Economic Round Table was headed by Ted Brush, and The Law Club was headed by law graduate John Deane. Gerard Donovan, Bob Sanford and Paul Chaput were active in the Student Council. There are many more clubs, including many state and local groups that we will cover in future issues if anyone expresses interest. Henry Rogers reported the death of Ed Kelly at the end of July. More details in the next issue. I want to mention the death of a close friend of ours and of our class, Robert H. Michaud ’50, ’51JD. He had been ill for some time. I had a most interesting emergency surgery to repair a bleeding aorta. They were able to repair it by inserting a needle and working on the inside. It really was an amazing experience. Other than that, we are able to keep going. We wish all of you who bother to read this column the very best, and may God shower his blessings on each of you. — Bob Sanford; 3212 N. Miller Rd., No. 106, Scottsdale AZ 85251; 480-433-7916; r40shorty@aol.com

41 Band Alumni

I caught up with Dan Gentile ’48, who was trying to track down John “Jack” Steidl. Dan told me that he and Jack are the two surviving pre-WWII members of the oldest and greatest university band in the land: the Band of the Fighting Irish. These gentlemen played French horn under the direction of Joseph Casasanta ’23, who composed the “Alma Mater,” as well as “Hike, Notre Dame,” “When Irish Backs Go Marching By” and “Down the Line.” Within a day or two of my conversation with Dan, he called me back to say he had reached Jack, who is living in Washington state. I received word from Eileen Layden that her husband, Ed Layden, passed away on April 6. Ed served with the Army and was a farmer who retired in 2004. He was active in the Knights of Columbus. Like many of us, Ed was a great sports fan, but he was also a Civil War buff. He enjoyed reading about history and was interested in his grandfather’s involvement in the Civil War. He is survived by eight children, 24 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, as well as his wife, brother and three sisters. The University informed me that Lawrence Majewski passed away on April 10, survived by his wife, Alice, and seven children. I am sorry to report Albert DelZoppo died on March 10. Please keep their families in your prayers. Continue to keep in touch and let me know of any updates. — Meg Julian ’03, ’06JD; 171 E. 89th St. No. 5A, New York NY 10128; 646-246-5480; megjulian@gmail.com

42 Forward

We are thankful to Bill Kreps ’55 of Tulsa for sending the obituary of Madeline O’Brien, widow of our Don O’Brien. (Don’s original obituary never appeared in Circa ’42). This recapped Don’s great stint in the Navy as a member of the Flying Irish Squadron for three years in WWII, and 28 years as a senior pilot with 3,000 hours in Navy aircraft. He retired as a Navy Reserve captain, our longest serving classmate in the service. Later, as vice president of the McCann Erickson Advertising Agency, Don also served as president of the Notre Dame Alumni Association Board, working closely with Father Ted Hesburgh. He died of Alzheimer’s on May 14, 2002, just before our 60th reunion. He left his widow, Madeline, son Donald O’Brien Jr., daughters Mary Anne and Jean (Krausse), several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Thanks also to Joe Sommers for his support of Circa ’42 and news about our surviving classmates in his June letter. Additionally, Don grew up in Clarksdale MS with Erwin Mooney ’41, an English major, who was also a Navy aviator and close friend of mine. Neal McCarty of Appleton WI wrote me noting that he and his wife, Pat, moved into an independent care facility. He recalled warm memories of Chuck Kearney, Bob Raaf (an early recruit of Steve Graliker to the Flying Irish) and Frank O’Malley’s freshman English class. We have just welcomed Dottie and Dr. Ray Reed, formerly of Indianapolis, now of Santa Rosa CA. They have five children, one a doctor. Our Ray has delivered more than 7,000 babies into this land. We’ll get together soon. Walter Ivancevic, formerly of Midland PA, died on May 22 in Kennebunkport. Walter became president of a large natural gas company in Maine, where he retired. He left his widow, Kirsten, and their daughter, Mary Elizabeth Nichols, and granddaughter, Kimberly. A group of us, including Ann Schanuel, Steve Graliker’s general manager, Judge Bob Miller, my son Colin ’10JD and I are planning a football reunion at ND for the Michigan State game Sept. 21. The full committee includes Tressie and Dr. Ed Sullivan of St. Augustine; Jim Frick of Philadelphia with sons Chris ’85 and Jeff ’81 with wife, Ann, and grandson. Also likely to make it to Judge Miller’s barbecue is Emmett Keenan with sons Tim ’80 and Pat, and grandsons Will and Ben. George Blatt shared memories of those more active days before delegating golf to our sons. He does enjoy serenity and handles it well. Warmly encouraging us but not able to travel are John Hartman of Buffalo and Dolly and Tom Walker of Ft. Lauderdale. Tom acknowledges, “good days and bad days but on the whole, I can’t complain.” Bob Hargrave says, “Keep up the good work. I’m in good shape for my age.” Perhaps the most physically challenged member of ’42, Bob emerges as a humorist in a copy of his free verse rendering of his situation. It will be mailed to his classmates. (It gets an A-plus, according to a former Frank O’Malley student.) Ninety-two-year-olds, Forward. — John Kirby; 110 Upland Road, Kentfield CA 94904; res and fax 415-925-0544

43 Seventy Years

This year marked the 70th Reunion for the Class of ’43. I made an appearance at Reunion but did not find any of your classmates. I was told that Reunion rarely gets any attendees from the 1940s anymore. I am home again in South Bend, so I’m always up for a visit to campus if you are around for any reason. Speaking of catching up, I spoke with Judge Edward Neagle recently. Until this year, Judge Neagle had never missed a Reunion. Judge Neagle reports that his grandson will be attending King’s College, a Holy Cross school in Wilkes-Barre PA, this fall, with plans to pull a “Rudy” and transfer to ND after a few years. Another of Judge Neagle’s grandsons is thriving as a musician. Both are credits to their grandfather. I am sorry to say we recently lost Richard M. Smith of Amor MN and Eugene A. Miller of Williamsville NY. Richard was a member of the football and baseball teams at ND. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He captained a B-17 and flew 13 missions before he was shot down over occupied France in December 1943. With the help of the French Resistance, Richard made it safely to Allied territory by January 1944. Richard went on to run a successful grain business in Minnesota. Eugene was a commanding officer in the Navy during World War II and Korea. He distinguished himself by captaining his ship through a major typhoon in the Pacific, which sank two other vessels. Eugene enjoyed a long career in the Naval Reserve and in the Buffalo NY banking industry. Best wishes for our faithfully departed. Do keep in touch as you celebrate 70 great years. — Bob Masters ’05; 202 Remington Court North Drive, Apartment C, Mishawaka IN 46545; bus 574.234.0121; res 574.904.8315; a.robert.masters@gmail.com

44 Roommates

The consistent thread throughout most of the letters and emails that I receive from members of this class is roommates. Folks always remember who they lived with each year and where. I’m reminded of my days in Lyons Hall when we’d find gentlemen of this vintage roaming the halls on a Saturday morning looking for their old rooms. I smiled then and still do. Nostalgia is underrated. I received an email from Ben J. Mammina, who was the sole ’44 attendee at this summer’s reunion. He represented the class at Mass and the 50 Year Club Banquet. He visited his old room in Cavanaugh Hall and remembered roommate Jerry Quinn, who was killed in the Battle of the Bulge. He stopped by St Edward’s, which he called home with Jack Fogarty ’43, and Walsh Hall, which he shared with roommate Jack Porter ’45. He eventually moved off campus with Tony Renze. Ben recalls the graduates who received a BS in Commerce with him on Oct. 27, 1944: Tony Lyons Bristol, James Casey, Bob Gantner, Dick Murphy and Jim Thomas. Next year is 70 for this class, so I wonder if any of you will try to go to reunion. I hope to make it to meet some of you in person. Cesar Munecas Jr. ’75 wrote and asked that I inform classmates that his father, Cesar A. Munecas, died in November 2012. May he and the others who have died recently rest in peace: William J. Kenny, Allen E. Fink, Louis C. O’Brien and James M. Coogan. George D. Powers wrote to me from Sun City AZ and asked about Lou Dhoore and Bob Martina, who are both deceased, and Dan Tomcik, who according to my records is living in Florida. Some of the V7 or V5 students may remember George as he graded papers for baseball coach Jake Kline. He taught the algebra class when the coach was on the road. A reminder: the Alumni Association sends The Golden Domer publication to Senior Alumni and friends of the University who are identified as seniors and are registered on mynotredame.nd.edu. If you have not done so, but have an active email account, please register so that you can stay informed of senior happenings. Let me know if this is something you’d like me to forward to you. Many thanks to those who have kept in touch. I welcome the letters, cards, phone calls and emails. Be well and keep the news coming. — Laura (Julian) Fraser ’00; 989 Belaire Ct., Naperville IL 60563; 773-255-9843; lejulian00@yahoo.com

45 Two Deaths

Dennis Aylward died in Tampa in February. I remember him from freshman days in Breen-Phillips, where Denny and his roommate, Ray Cusick, were next-door neighbors. He is survived by his wife, Kathryn, four sons, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Brother Isaac J. Motz, CSC, died in March. He had taught and was principal at Reitz Memorial High School in Evansville IN and later joined the faculty of St. Edward High School in Lakewood OH, where he taught for 25 years. He then became superior of the Holy Cross Brothers Center at Notre Dame and was subsequently assistant director of Our Lady of Fatima Retreat Center at Notre Dame, where he served until his retirement in 1995. — Ted Weber Jr.; 1400 Geary Blvd. Apt 1409, San Francisco CA 94109, 415-674-8771; theodoreweber@comcast.net

46 Class Secretary — William O’Neil;

william.oneil@verizon.net

47 Reconnecting

Bill Archibald proudly reports that his lovely granddaughter, Margaret Archibald, graduated cum laude from ND this year, majoring in finance. “We were able to watch her receive her diploma on our computer as we were unable to attend. The new priest at our parish, Fr. Tim Monahan, is a 1982 ND grad. His father is a 1958 grad and his grandfather is a 1932 grad. He’s a really great addition to the parish.” Bill is still communicating with ND pal John Cahill in Salt Lake City, thanks to the ’47 class column written last year. I spoke to Patrick McCullogh’s wife, Margaret, who told me Patrick was in the Navy aboard the USS Shenandoah. Edward Mueller turned 90 and has written 10 books about steamboats. Now he records DVDs of his writings. In the V-12 program at ND and in the Pacific at the end of WWII, he fondly recalled a friend, George Ratterman, a backup QB at ND and later in the pros. Jim Simon reports to have little knowledge of his ’47 classmates as he is the only still standing of all of his close buddies. He is celebrating his 60th wedding anniversary with his wife, Eileen, family and friends on August 10. A. Samuel Adelo of Santa Fe, NM writes that he is still translating for clients at court hearings and doctor’s hearings in Spanish and Portuguese despite not driving due to a small heart arrest. He doesn’t make it back to ND games or reunions, but is surrounded by the supportive ND community and fans in Santa Fe. Classmates who passed away and will be missed include Harry Anthony Mercer, 90, of Crossville TN, on Jan. 23.
He was born Feb. 16, 1922, in Chicago and was retired from Diamond International Corp. and a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a decorated combat veteran.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Helen Mary Mercer, of Crossville; four children, Marianne, Patricia, Janet, Donald; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. John P. “Jack” Sheehan, 94, of Flossmoor IL and Cocoa Beach FL died April 1. Jack left his hometown of Ossining NY in 1938 to learn mining sciences in New Mexico. He went on to earn a B.S. from Kentucky and a M.S. in metallurgy from Notre Dame in 1947. During the war he worked at Chicago’s Republic Steel and met his wife, Helen. They settled in Flossmoor, where for the next 30 years they raised their family and owned a business. Jack enjoyed a successful career in metals with the Armour Research Foundation, IITRI and Packer Engineering. He loved to travel and toured Europe on numerous occasions, including his parents’ homelands of Ireland and England. He even went on safari in Africa. Jack was an avid reader of history, loved to golf, fish, host friends, watch his grandsons play ball and care for his family. He was a noble, gentle, and dignified man. His wife of 48 years preceded him in death. He is survived by sons William Sheehan ’70 and James, and four grandchildren. I look forward to hearing from other class members with news and stories. — Michael Morris ’80; 949-433-8568; michaelmorris07@gmail.com

48 Memories

John D. Cahill of Salt Lake City celebrated his 89th birthday on April 11, after visiting his family in Seattle. To receive a free e-issue of The Golden Domer, the online newsletter of the Notre Dame Senior Alumni, please contact Dave Heskin at daheskin@verizon.net. Now, let’s hear from Dan: “Although ND was known as the poor man’s school, the University elevated our social graces immediately. Meals were served family style with white starched tablecloths and napkins, sterling-silver service, and two student waiters per table. I had a job in the bookstore under Brother Conan, but I became a life-long friend of my upperclassman waiter, Bill Bonyai ’43 from Milford CT. And so began a typical war story. Bill could really toss a football, and I had been an end on the failed Waterbury CT semi-pro team. Every day there was time to play sandlot ball on Badin Bog, filled with cinders from the heating plant east of Howard Hall where Bill lived. Our fates paralleled as we awaited draft notices. Time moved forward and studies were no longer a priority. We soon found a third friend, Old Granddad. Bill was old enough to procure it. We conveniently found two spots to enjoy our pastimes. In winter, we found seats in the South Bend movie theater balcony. In summer we found a lone bench east of Michigan Avenue in the park where the St. Joseph River passes under the bridge. There we slugged our bourbon very casually, allowing it to tickle our toes and slam our brains, bemoaning our fates. Bill had three problems: mother, girlfriend, Army. Same as everyone else. Meanwhile his mother was president of the Milford Republican Party and was determined that Bill should be the Milford District Judge. Bill wanted to mind his own business and go along to get along. Bill was a freelancer. He hated regimentation to the extreme. Eventually we were both drafted, Bill into infantry and I into tanks. After a year I was sent to OCS, became an officer and was ordered to the South Pacific. Going home on leave before departing for combat, I stopped by Bill’s home in Milford to say hello to Bill’s mom, who told me Bill was in the South Pacific with the 25th Division. Subsequently, I was in the Luzon invasion, as was the 25th Division. When the first R&R came along, I hopped a Jeep to find Bill. All that I knew was that the 25th Division was hung up at Balete Pass. Nevertheless I found it. I went to division headquarters asking for Bill. They pointed me down a row of tents where I started calling out his name until out popped Bill, still a private because he wasn’t promotable. Well, I didn’t have the heart to touch my share of the fifth. We just talked while he drank, and it soon became obvious he was going to pass out. So I bid him farewell, having achieved my objective. I saw Bill many times in Milford where he served on the bench. The last time I saw him he had nine children. He had married a nurse and was living it up telling other people what to do.” This may be the only opportunity to see the 1947-48 Connecticut Club roster in contemporary print: W. and R. Griffin, S. Bienkowski, N. Crowly, R. Heneault, E. Bosley, R. Shimkevich, J. Kerrican, B. McMahan, J. Sullivan, J. O’Rourke, F. Marciniaf, G. Kloss, F. Jacobs, L. Woods, Rev. E.J. Murray, CSC, D. Hull, J. Eagan, W. Garrity, F. Cronan, VP; D. Gentile, Prexy. We are saddened to report the passing of William E. Bruck MD of Solon OH on Oct. 29, 2011; Clarence J. Bourretof Seneca SC on March 22; William H. Griffy of Portland OR on April 9; and Gerard Francis “Jerry” Sarb of Dearborn MI on May 12. From Jerry’s obituary: “Jerry was that most valuable thing: a good man. For his children and grandchildren he was a role model for honesty, kindness and ethical behavior. His love for his family was deep and strong and he approached everyone he met with great good will and friendly curiosity. . . . Jerry’s studies at the University of Notre Dame were interrupted by his service in World War II from 1943 to 1946, but after the war he returned to Notre Dame and graduated in 1948. After his family, the University was the great love of his life.” — Dan Gentile; P.O. Box 2671, Scottsdale AZ 85252; res 480-425-1240 or Eileen Zander; 1538 Oakhill Drive North, South Bend IN 46637; bus 574-631-7505; ezander@nd.edu

49 Strong and True

The Congregation of Holy Cross recently celebrated the lives and ministries of several members, including our classmates Len Banas, CSC, and Al D’Alonzo, CSC. Both reached the milestone of their 60th anniversary of ordination. Also honored at the jubilee events was the oldest and longest-serving priest in the province, Father Ted Hesburgh, CSC. It was his 70th anniversary. All Domers join in prayerful congratulations to the sterling honorees, of whom we are most proud. Roy Sobota, Forty Fort PA, and teammate Jim Murphy, Austin TX, advised that they have made reservations at the Morris Inn for the 65th reunion. Don Jost, Barking Ridge NJ, noted his desire to join in the reunion events next year. As usual, Jim Schuster, Traverse City MI, will be there. Al Lesko is at home recovering from a mild medical setback and doing well. He’d appreciate hearing from you at 561 Angler Ave., Coldwater MI 49036. We received an obit notice from Kansas City that Michael Green, Pagosa Springs CO, the founding publisher of the National Catholic Reporter, passed away. He was ND’s “Man of the Year” in 1963. Patricia Tyrrell Short ’81 sent along a couple of vignettes concerning her father. Bill Tyrrell died on the eve of St. Patrick’s Day. In August 2012 he had high-risk surgery. He told his cardiologist, “If it’s my time, I’m ready, but it’s August and the ND football season is just around the corner. I’d love to stick around for one more season.” His family believes he had a lot to do with the phenomenal year. A second surgery was too much for him. As his final moments approached, the family gathered, joined hands and sang the Victory March. They knew he wanted to hear “Cheer, Cheer for Old Notre Dame” one more time as he took his last breath. He did just that. The alumni office provided the following obits for our remembrance: John F. Bodle JD, West Lafayette IN; John F. D’Antoni Jr., Natchez MS; Gene Gall, Sturgis MI; Robert J. Leander, Evanston IL; Douglas J. Millin, Waupaca WI; William O. Murtagh, Toledo OH; John A. Reitz, St. Joseph MO; Francis J. Rudden, Shrewsbury MA; W. James Tyrrell Jr., Bradenton FL; Earl W. Yeagley Jr. JD. Rest well, old friends. — Joe O’Brien; 18120 Cloverleaf, South Bend IN 46637; 574-271-8323; okie49nd@comcast.net