1940s
1940s
40 Class Secretary — Rebecca (Antas) Smith;
542 Fairview Ave., Glen Ellyn IL 60137; 630-254-4485; rebecca.antas@gmail.com
41 From 1919 to 2019
Starting on a sweet note, I expect several class members will celebrate 100 years in 2019. If this includes you or a family member, please let me know. I wish you a very happy centennial birthday and would love to know who is celebrating 100 and include you in the Class Notes. After a quiet stretch, I am sorry to report that I heard from Charles Berberich ’64 that his uncle, John Francis O’Dea, passed away in December. Brooklyn-born, John settled down in Chicago with his wife Georgia after graduating from ND and serving as a pilot with the Navy. They soon headed west to Denver, where they raised their four children. John was a leader in the community, active in Rotary International and the Denver Chamber of Commerce, among other clubs and organizations. He loved traveling, particularly taking cruises with his family. He is remembered as a great friend and role model to many, especially his children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. I also learned from the Alumni office that Leo Robidoux died in June 2018. Leo is survived by his wife Andree, three children and three adult grandchildren. He was living in Santa Barbara, after spending several years in Denver. Leo was a fantastic email correspondent over the years since I started writing these notes. He was still traveling internationally until a couple years ago, at which point he was working on renewing his driver’s license. He was always interested in hearing about classmates, trading notes about ND games, and books. He was thrilled with his daily walks with Andree and their dog Charlie. Leo was an engineer, business owner, member of many clubs including Rotary, Cosmopolitan and French clubs. He continued his intellectual pursuits into the recent years, attending lectures, taking notes, and even writing to civic leaders about dangers of gas pipelines and storage facilities. He, too, will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Please remember John, Leo and their families in your prayers. — Meg Julian ’03, ’06JD; 11 E. 36th St., No. 603, New York NY 10016; 646-246-5480; megjulian@gmail.com
42 We Salute All Veterans
Our own Judge Robert L. Miller Sr.’s Miller’s Vets received a proclamation permitting Miller’s Vets the exclusive right to fly the US flag at half-staff on three annual holidays each year: Memorial Day, Patriots Day and Veterans Day. Nov. 12, 2018 was proclaimed “St. Joseph County Miller’s Vets Military Honors Day” by Indiana Gov. Eric J. Holcomb. Miller’s Vets is an organization of homeless veterans from the South Bend Center for the Homeless. Picture yourself at the first ceremony that was held on Patriots Day, Sept. 11, 2018, with Judge Miller’s words to the audience: “Ladies and gentlemen, we have now arrived at the moment of historical importance. Flying the American flag at half-staff can only be ordered for our most famous people by the president of the United States or by the governor of a state. And we could not be more proud and honored than to execute that function for the very first time in the United States solely because the honoree was a veteran. By the order of the Governor of Indiana to honor our deceased veterans of St. Joseph County. When our flag is raised to the top of the pole and then lowered to half-staff, it will then fly in its deepest gratitude for the service they rendered to our great nation. One gave his last full measure of his devotion on a battlefield and all the others had taken an identical oath to do the same when required. And then it also flies in deepest sorrow to share his profound grief for the surviving loved ones. So now we will all join our beautiful banner, each in our own way, our hands over our hearts, or we may salute her as the military do. You may close your eyes for a moment, perhaps shed a tear with me if they should flow, utter a silent prayer if you like while the bugler sounds the haunting refrain of Taps. Flag men please proceed. My fellow Americans please stand if you are able and express your personal thanks and your sorrow.” The sounds of Taps echoed, and the flag was raised while the audience saluted. Judge Miller said, “from the time we started Miller’s Vets (homeless veterans) in January 2009, we have believed in our hearts that there are no citizens in our country who deserve recognition with the highest honors more than our veterans. It subsequently occurred to us, that, in addition to the standard military honors (21 rifle salute, sounding of Taps and the ceremonial folding of the American burial flag presented to the next of kin) they also deserved to have our American flag flown at half-staff in their honor.” Former Indiana Gov. Joseph Kernan ’68 was also valuable in making this honor occur. Judge Miller asked him if he could kneel to present the flags, and Gov. Kernan said that he was the catcher on ND's baseball team and kneeling has become his DNA. Kudos to Judge Miller for making this honor happen in Indiana. Judge Miller encourages you to induce the governor of your states to replicate their half-staff program for the deceased veterans in your counties. For more information, visit millersvets.com. There are ND class members, recent and long ago, who are veterans. And so, from the remaining members from the Class of ’42, we salute all those from our class who remain on this earth and those in heaven. — C. John Kirby; 110 Upland Road, Kentfield CA 94904; res/fax 415-295-7604; cell 415-272-4016; or Ann Schanuel; annjolene2@aol.com
43 Class Secretary — Bob Masters ’05;
202 Remington Court North Drive, Apt. C, Mishawaka IN 46545; res 574-904-8315; bus 574-234-0121; a.robert.masters@gmail.com
44 Back After Brief Hiatus
After a couple of quiet issues, I discovered a problem with my email and missed correspondence. My apologies, and please note updated contact information herein. The University informed me of the deaths last fall of Bill Hendrick in his native Saginaw MI and Dan Foley, a longtime Dallas resident. Luke Gildner wrote in remembrance of his grandfather, William James Kenny, who passed away a few years ago. Luke shared news of a growing family. Cora Susanna, the newest great-grandchild of Bill, was born on Sept. 21. This brings Bill's family total to six children, 17 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Please continue to write with news or stories to share with readers. — Laura (Julian) Fraser ’00; 1021 Royal Bombay Court, Naperville IL 60563; 773-255-9843; lejfraser@outlook.com
45 Walks Down Memory Lane
Nica Lyons wrote a beautiful letter to me about her beloved husband, John F. (Jack) Lyons, who passed on Oct. 27. After Notre Dame, Jack went on to graduate from Yale Law school and practiced law in Norwalk CT for more than 30 years. He then became the president and CEO of First Federal Savings. While Nica was in college, she got a temporary summer job in Jack’s law office, which became permanent when he asked her to marry him. Jack was 20 years older than Nica and told her it was “love at first sight.” Nica thought he had a wife and a “bunch of kids” but, she eventually became his wife and this love brought forth four lovely daughters. Jack was a great dad and loved being surrounded by all his girls. After retiring, they spent winters at their home in Hobe Sound FL. Jack enjoying golf and talking about his claim-to-fame hole-in-one. Jack would often speak of ND: daily Mass, cold winters, not being allowed off campus and the Navy being a large part of life during the war. Jack never missed a football game. He was “Go Irish” all the way. Nica and Jack were blessed with a wonderful marriage of 54 years and a beautiful family. In a nod to his Irish heritage, he wished to be remembered not with sadness, but fondly with joy and laughter, a tribute to a long life that was filled with love. Steven Sadowski called with stories of his father Richard (Dick) Sadowski, who passed Sept. 30, 2000. Dick transferred to Notre Dame from Alabama. He always said his claim to fame was being “the best dressed guy on campus.” Everyone wore a suit, but Dick went the extra mile. Dick, being in construction, was involved in the development of the Florida Middle Keys, around Marathon. Dick did not return to campus until his 1988 reunion when his son Steven, with the help of Michael Garry and Thomas Bergin planned a surprise trip. From that time forward, Dick, his wife, and Steven made every reunion. Steven has a picture of his mother dancing with Rev. Joyce as a Polish band played for a reunion dinner. For the 50th reunion in ’95, they even got their picture taken with Coach Holtz. Dick’s Notre Dame years were the happiest of his life, according to wife Corrine. Tom Bergin worked for the University as director emeritus of continuing education. His contributions to the world brought forth presidential appointments and recognitions. Tom passed in 2003. Mike Garry is still in Minnesota. Hopefully he will share some memories in the next issue. I would love to hear and share stories from classmates or the stories they have passed on to loved ones. I’m always excited to hear from family members, just ask Steve Sadowski. — Melissa Erkins Rackish ’77; 1224 Campbell St., Williamsport PA 17701; 570-326-4289; mrackish@comcast.net
46 Class Secretary — Paul Taggett;
10 W. Grove Ave., D15, Lake Wales FL 33853; paultaggett@gmail.com
47 Better Late Than Never
Gordon Forester, 95, shares that he is now living at Well Spring retirement home in Greensboro NC. He says, “Food, facilities, entertainment and life in general are great. If any of my class are passing this way, you’re welcome to stop for the best food in the city. The ND club here is active and fairly large for the South.” Gene Diamond, 92, has 10 children and 10 grandchildren who graduated or attend Notre Dame, out of 13 children, 75 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He attributes his longevity to years of yelling advice at the referees during Notre Dame vs. USC games, and the affections of his beautiful bride of 68 years, Rosemary. His memories of his days at ND are of track and boxing and the V-12 program, which prepared him for a 50-year career as a pediatrician and warrior in the pro-life movement. John Molinarolo wrote, ‘computers drive me up a wall. My daughter finally brought me back to my home and so that is Colorado’s loss. I was happy ND finished off USC and had 12 games with no losses.” Classmates who will be missed include Brendan O’Grady, 93, who died Nov. 24. Brendan grew up in New York City the son of Irish immigrants. He received a bachelor’s degree in English literature from ND, a master’s from Columbia and PhD from the U of Ottawa. In 1948 he moved to Prince Edward Island, Canada, where he had a long career as a professor of English at St. Dunstan’s College and the U of PEI. His book, Exiles and Islanders, is considered the definitive account of the Irish settlers on Prince Edward Island. William F. Kearns died Aug. 23 in East Quogue NY. Born on April 20, 1926, in Massachusetts, Bill grew up in Brooklyn. He was a Navy lieutenant, serving in the PT Boater Division during WWII. He was the owner of Quogue Electric Company and later was employed at Brookhaven Lab. John R. Murphy died April 28, 2018 in Loretto PA. He was professor of history at Saint Francis U for over 50 years. Jack received undergrad and graduate degrees from ND and did post-graduate studies at Columbia. Jack visited every state and many countries. William Budd, 92, died March 19, 2018 in Rootstown OH. William was a long-time member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Joseph A. De Lia MD died Dec. 10, 2017 in Hasbrouck Heights NJ. Brother Renatus Foldenauer, CSC, died June 29 in Valatie NY. He was in his 75th year in the Congregation of Holy Cross. He was born in Michigan City IN and received his BA in education from ND. For many years he directed retreats at the Jesuit Center in Wernersville PA. James T. Horgan, 98, died July 25 in South Hamilton MA. James began at Notre Dame in 1941 but enlisted in the Army in 1943. He was part of the D-Day invasion, landing on Omaha Beach. He was awarded a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Presidential Citation (Invasion), and ETO Medal. He returned to ND and received a BS in commerce. James worked as a private detective with his father at Horgan Detective Agency, eventually running the business for 37 years. Paul Wyss Kane died Feb. 24, 2018 in Fenton MO. Paul was the husband of the late Esther P. Kane and the late June Patricia “Pat” Postal Kane, father of Karen McDevitt, Laura Foret, Martha Stevens, Francis Kane, Michael Kane and the late Paul Kane Jr. Dr. William G. Koch died May 7, 2018 in Greeley CO. Bill was born in Forsyth MT on May 16, 1924. He received a Bachelor of Science in chemistry in 1947, after serving in WWII. Dr. Koch was a chemistry professor at the U of Northern Colorado for 29 years, retiring in 1984. Gerald Ambrose O’Reilly, 95, died on May 5, 2018 in Litchfield CT. He began life in Brooklyn NY in 1923. Two years into his ND studies, Gerry joined the elite ski troops of the 10th Mountain Division which was charged with dislodging German troops from the mountains of Italy. After graduating cum laude from Notre Dame, Gerry went on to a successful career, retiring as VP of trade relations for Procter & Gamble’s health and beauty care division. George O. Parent died on Sept. 25, 2017 in Cincinnati. George was born on March 24, 1923 and was a resident of Finneytown OH. I look forward to hearing from class members. — Michael Morris ’80; 949-433-8568; michaelmorris07@gmail.com
48 Loyal Sons of Notre Dame
I am sad to report the passing of Frederick F. “Fred” Suter on Nov. 25; Bernard I. Popham MD on Nov. 25; Phillip H. “Bob” Utz MD on Nov. 4; Ray L. Beauchamp on Oct. 31; Robert E. “Bob” Concannon on Oct. 15; Robert E. “Bob” Kerger on Oct. 6; and John H. Franz on Sept. 15. Since most of our ’48 readers do not know me, I thought I would take this space to briefly introduce myself. I am a Midwestern Domer who met and married an East Coast Domer at ND while working for Our Lady’s University. My husband and I have since relocated to a Chicago suburb with our two young daughters. Our proximity to South Bend means occasional jaunts to visit friends and family under the Dome. It is our family’s happiest place. I had the honor to work with Dan Gentile on the Class of ’48 notes for nearly a decade before his death last year. His stories about Notre Dame made me realize that, though much may have changed across the years, there is much more that is deeply the same. Please keep in touch via the contact info below with your updates and stories. I enjoy hearing from you. God bless you and your families. — Eileen Z. Surprenant ’09, ’15; eileen.surprenant@gmail.com
49 Status Quo
I contacted our alumni affairs staff concerning our situation and what, if anything, we should be doing without a class president. They advised that we should continue as we are with my serving as the conduit for information to and from their office. They did not feel that any re-election process should be taken at this late date. This is consistent with similar concerns of other classes of our era. They will always be here for us as needed. So, for now, it’s status quo. John Beck ’61 advised that he plans to accompany his brother, Joe Beck of Little Rock AR, when he attends his 70th year reunion this summer. Louis ’53 and Bill ’55 are planning to come as well. That will be something special and rare to have four sibling alums back on campus together for the event. I got a note from Erin Soto sharing with us some obituary notes on her father, Robert F. McDavid, Terre Haute IN and McComb MS. After graduating from ND, Bob earned his master’s degree from the U of Mississippi and a doctorate from the U of Michigan, both in physical education. While at ND, Bob earned three monograms in track and football. He was a lifelong innovator and teacher, founding an exercise physiology research lab at Indiana State U. He patented the first knee protective guard, which he marketed. His company became a world leader in exercise and fitness support. Three of his 12 children are ND grads. If you think ND values are woven into family values, you’ve got to think of Bob. ND is as proud of him as he was of ND. — Joe O’Brien; 18120 Cloverleaf Drive, South Bend IN 46637; 574-271-8323; obie49nd@comcast.net