1950s

50 Reminiscences

I received an email from William Slattery ’82 that included news of the death of his father, James F. Slattery, on Jan. 5, 2019. William wrote, “My father was the quintessential Notre Dame man, influencing generations of New York area accepted students to select ND as their school of choice.” William was active with local ND Clubs, serving in many capacities, and for years with his wife, Eleanor, graciously hosted ND freshmen sendoffs from the couple’s home in Garden City NY. He enjoyed a successful career as a paper salesman for the Geo. W. Millar Paper Company, and before college, served distinction in the Coast Guard in WWII. His greatest joy was seeing all three of his children graduate from ND: James Slattery ’81, ’84JD, William Slattery ’82 and Mary Slattery ’83. From the University, I learned that Merle E. McDougall died on Feb. 3, 2019 at age 95. He served in the Navy during WWII and earned his Engineering Degree at ND. Merle moved to Texas with his family, later worked for Hughes Aircraft in California and then founded his own engineering firm. Merle was preceded in death by his wife, Marge (nee Keen), and is survived by seven of eight children, 23 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. James J. Hooper passed away on March 13, at the age of 91, in Michigan. He served in the Navy during WWII and, after graduation from ND, became a part owner of Hooper Chevrolet. He also owned Hooper Automotive Supply until he retired in 1980. He was heavily involved in his local church and community and still had time to enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing, golf, tennis and sailing. James was married to Maxine (nee Schuitema), who preceded him in death. He is survived by four children, 10 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. William R. Weir, 90, died on April 28 in New Haven CT. Bill earned a degree in journalism from ND and became a reporter for the Kansas City Star Sentinel. He served in the Army in Korea as a journalist in 1951 and later worked for the Topeka Star and Manhattan Mercury-Chronicle. He earned a master’s degree in public relations at Boston U. While living in New England, he became the editor of the Southern New England Telephone magazine and was a freelance writer for several national publications. He also wrote and published 15 books and was active in local politics. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Anne (nee Carney), and is survived by three children and four grandchildren. Herman H. Hamilton Jr., 91, passed away on April 30. His obituary in the Montgomery Advertiser reported he was recognized as a Mehan Scholar at ND, and won the coveted Rhodes Scholarship to attend Exeter College at Oxford U (BA 1952, MA 1954). He completed his legal studies at U of Alabama School of Law in 1955. He served in the Marine Corps for more than 30 years, beginning during the Korean War, and retired as a colonel in 1982. Herman clerked for the Alabama Supreme Court in Montgomery, practiced law for more than 40 years with Capell Howard Knabe and Cobbs, and was active in early civil rights cases involving the City of Montgomery, including the Rosa Parks and Tuskegee Syphilis cases. In addition to his corporate law work, he helped establish the Alabama Medicaid Agency. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Kitty (nee Campbell), two children and four grandchildren. Robert J. Bradner, 93, died on May 24. Rob served in the Army during WWII with the 7th Infantry Division, fighting in France and Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge. Following his discharge, he earned his BS in Commerce at ND. He then returned to his hometown to work as an accountant, ultimately earning his CPA and establishing his own practice. Rob was married to Joan (nee Dogherty) for 61 years until her death. He is survived by four of five children, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Alfred P. Campo passed away at age 93 on June 12. After service during WWII with the Army in France, Alfred earned his civil engineering degree from ND and went on to earn an MBA at Fairleigh Dickenson. He was married to the late Catherine Mary (nee Arezzi) and is survived by three children and five grandchildren. Rev. Patrick H. Maloney, CSC, died on June 27 in South Bend at age 90. He entered Holy Cross Minor Seminary in 1942 and was received into the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1945. After earning a degree in philosophy from ND, he attended Holy Cross College in Washington DC. He was ordained at Sacred Heart Church in 1954 but remained in Washington to study music, earning a master’s degree from Catholic U in 1956. Father Maloney then became a professor of music at Notre Dame, where he also served as a prefect and residence hall rector. He also directed choirs at ND and Moreau Seminary. — Jim Coogan ’91; 6018 Oxpen Court, Apt. 101, Alexandria VA 22315; jcooganv@alumni.nd.edu

 

51 Honored

Hi, everybody. I hope this column finds all of you are well and enjoying the change of seasons. The football season has reached the halfway point of the schedule as this is being written. Michigan is our next opponent. Former residents of Rush Medical Center, Chicago, have established an annual leadership in plastic surgery in the name of Dr. Randall McNally. His residents include James Ferlman ’83 and Bill Mitchel ’86. Randy is the father of the late Cmdr. Rand ’82, and grandfather of Margaret Morrisey Yeager ’04 and David Yeager ’04. Walter McGovern ’51 sent word about a wonderful 90th birthday party given by Salmon Trout Steelheaders Club, of which he has been a member for many years. Many dignitaries attended, including the governor of Oregon. It was nice to hear that Lee Brown, Albuquerque, won a second-place award for nonfiction in a prose and poetry contest of the Southwest Writers organization. Don’t forget our Mass Fund. Also, don’t forget to send information to me. Thanks, guys. — Jim Gillis; 3267 Rossmoor Parkway No. 4, Walnut Creek CA 94595; phone 925-932-6454; jimjanegillis@aol.com

 

52 More Scoops from the Troops

A poignant letter from Emmett Cater passed along a portion of his father’s autobiography, graphically portraying the plight and poverty of Lebanese families in the World War II years. It was tough going. One episode involved a devastating locust infestation, reminding us of Exodus in 1406 BC and Las Vegas in 2019. Thanks to an industrious group of fellow ’52ers, George Heidkamp has been able to supply us with an on-going series of videos and photos, which entertain and educate. We’re grateful to Bill Corbett, Bob Dougherty, Tom Desser, Joe Hertrich, Don Mahrt, Tony Messina, Neal Moore, Joe O’Brien, Jack Wagner and others, for those gems. A recent one from Jack Wagner tells us that the “Magic” helmet, programed to help fly the Air Force’s F-35, costs $400,000 today. The total cost of the F-100 he flew in the 1950s was $500,000. Those nuggets provide a bond for us all. Keep them coming, they’re great. Don Fager echoes comments by Digger Phelps about Rev. Bill Toohey, CSC. He cites the biography of Father Hesburgh, American Priest, in which Father Bill is called “a dynamic homilist and charismatic figure, who called on students to work for justice and peace.” John Albers ’86 reminds us that his late father, Gene Albers, was a prime mover in bringing the Glee Club to Arizona over the years. An update on Ralph Richard. As emeritus professor at the U of Arizona, he’s received eight patents on his concept of damage-tolerant seismic structures. His exercise regimen includes running stadium steps. Bill Corbett has expanded his account of serving as the University’s chief pilot. While working as the pilot for a South Bend bank, he was asked to pinch hit and fly Coach Gerry Faust to Chicago on a recruiting mission. After a few years of frequent substitute duty, he joined ND full time, flying a Cessna donated by Don Dorini ’53. Along with pilot Pat Farrell ’66, Bill ferried administration staff and coaches around the country until 2000 when he retired. Is the following a class record? Jane and Tom Desser happily report the arrival of their 60th grandchild, including 24 great-grandchildren. Tom and Jane are in a Carmelite retirement residence in Florida. Our musician and author Gene Hull just launched his sixth book, his first novel. Brainwave is a medical thriller that took four years to research and write. It is getting a good response on Amazon. Our prime undergraduate memory of Gene is his creation of the Lettermen, a band that served many social events. His musical career led to membership in the Duke Ellington Orchestra and work as entertainment producer for Royal Caribbean cruises. Bob Butler wins our Intrepid Optimist Award. He’s busy researching speakers for our 70th reunion in 2022. It is not too soon to make your reservations. Your secretary can happily report the successful conclusion of his second hip replacement surgery. An existential truth: the first procedure at age 80 seemed much less taxing. — Ron Zier; 164 Brewster Road, Wyckoff NJ 07481; 201-447-6667; ronaldirishguy@aol.com

 

53 Measured Age

As this class column moved from the back of the Class Notes and became a front-running column, nobody noticed, and it couldn’t be stopped. So, here we are heading toward leading the pack, a dubious honor at best. Recently, copies of the August 1949 edition of The Student Manual menacingly show on the cover the admonition, Do Not Destroy. Copies have been sent to Tom Collins, Dick Klumb, Sam Hoover, John Mayhall and Bob Hoodecheck, each with a request for comments from “younger” graduates. Bob Hoodecheck is the first to respond and said, “You'd never get a student to come to that school,” which overlooks the swollen enrollments of the military academies. I hope to hear more reactions. If you would like a copy, send me your mailing address via email (as below). Bernie Hester and Jim Rogers are planning on spending time in southwest Florida after Jan. 1. Any other classmates planning on Florida seasonal visits? Chuck McMahon’s widow Nancy was in South Bend during the Bowling Green weekend to visit a grandchild. She most graciously made contact. Following the USC weekend, it became apparent that as a class, our days of game attendance are over. Another milestone has passed. Recently I visited with Rev. Ernie Bartell at Holy Cross retirement house and he is getting along reasonably well. Deacon Mike McNulty has nominated Tom Reedy for the Alumni Association Father Louis Putz, CSC, award for a person over 60 whose efforts have connected the Notre Dame community over past years. The memorable Chicago luncheons Tom sponsored and promoted were great connectors for our class. Would you consider sending a note of support to the Alumni Association advancing this nomination? Bob Hart, a chemical engineer, reported that he retired from Exxon after 47 years, (a real job hopper), married his high school classmate, and they have made six trips to Medjugorje. Ed Deboer was seeking information as to the identity of the oldest surviving classmate. He, Leo Di Gioia and Andy Adelhardt are all in their 90s. Richard Snee, who died recently, was also in his early 90s. Each served in the military before enrolling in 1949. It is interesting that all four were engineers. Ed Dugan reported the death of Don Hicks, the dude ranch operator from Texas. Two of Ed’s children and two of Don’s children married, so the connection there was strong. The recent months have not been good for me. My roommate of four years, Bill Wuetcher, died in September. Seventy years is a long friendship, with the special connection of roommates. Bill's death followed the July death of Bill Maus, another long-standing ND friend. Irreplaceable. Larry Murray called, and during the conversation reported he is working on still another book, which could be his 42nd. He complains he can only walk a mile instead of his former three miles. Otherwise, he and Alice are getting along well. Cullen Langford, custodian of the class email broadcasts, is working on including excerpts from Scholastic from our times to liven up the periodic messages. Send news, good news preferred, and stay well. — 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 Holiday Greetings

Thanksgiving is over and we have had our fill of turkey, I find that my family puts out platters of tempting goodies that can easily fill one up. I restrain from tasting all. I hope all of you had a very blessed and joyous Christmas filled with love and laughter. May the New Year bring all good health, success and much happiness. This was my first holiday season without Anne. A pleasant surprise weeks ago was a letter from Dick Hull. Fortunately, he included his telephone number and we had a nice talk. Dick retired from the Marines and with his wife settled in Norfolk VA. I volunteer at my local hospital and one day the head of the volunteer services brought Adriana Szpynda by. She in a junior at ND and seemed excited to meet me. Adriana is spending a semester or two in Dublin. Lucky girl. Her complaint was that she will miss the football season. A week later after Sunday Mass, a student asked if I went to Notre Dame. I told him that I was from the Class of 1954. His response: wow. I spoke to Marie Beaudine and Lola Koch. All is well there. Both planned to spend the holidays with family. Again, if you have any news, please let me know. If you call, please leave your name and telephone number. This will eliminate junk calls. — Jack Mertens; 68 Sparrow Ridge Road, Carmel NY 10512; 845-630-5914; jacksparrow@comcast.net

 

55 65th in 2020

It is great to see enthusiasm building for our 65th reunion in June 2020. Close to 100 classmates and spouses are indicating interest in attending the event. Send me a note if you have any questions. We expect Revs. Joe O’Donnell, CSC, and Jim Blantz, CSC, to handle the celebrant “chores.” Class president Dick Burke, Dick Beeman, Jim Hesburgh, Bob McGrath and Paul Fullmer are great help in our reunion planning. Now to the derring-do of the class. Bill Beck got to relive part of his Air Force experience when the Commemorative Air Force sponsored an event in Conroy TX. They invited former Air Force personnel to visit and fly in vintage aircraft. Bill got to co-pilot a C-45 for his repeat experience. Another of our flyers, Jerry Hughes, reported. With his third new hip, Jerry drove 1,850 miles round trip to visit son Michael in North Carolina. Happy landing. Joe Mayer checked in with a vivid description of his visit to the Seattle Yacht Club. Czar Don Shanley maintains his class humorist title. The Czar also reported his latest shooting success in a southwest Wisconsin club competition. Joe McGlynn checked in from Dublin, Ireland. He attended the Irish Consul General’s session representing St. Louis. Frank Cunningham reported in with information on the block of rooms we have set aside at the Inn at Saint Mary’s for the reunion. John Manix is on the mend after an eight-day hospital stay. Many prayers were answered. A nice note came from Harry Niemann. He sent his entry in the reunion slogan competition. Jack Flynn reports on his southern California trip. The highlight was spending time with Sandra and Paul Fullmer. The Fullmer home is replete with golf memorabilia. Paul heard from Dick Mueller. He will try and set up a minireunion for ’55ers in the area. Bill Glass just published his first book, Murphy/Soapy True-Blue Models for 2020. John Hobbs and Jacque toured the Midwest and Notre Dame and talked with John Hester. Later they added a birthday trip to Boston. Lee Crean continues as a docent at the WWII museum in New Orleans. He is joined by son Pete, a retired Army colonel who serves as VP of education and access at the museum. Dr. Jac Fitenz is quoted in the September 2019 issue of CFO Magazine on analysis of expenditures on hiring and training. Pat Kearns describes a California visit that included contact with four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Pat’s bride, Joann, is recovering from a heart artery procedure. On the way, they contacted John Nemetz and Bill Heinrich. Pat recommends a book by William P. Young, The Shack. Finally, I’ve gone back to teaching for at least another semester. I’ve got one microeconomics class at our local college. This makes about 20 years of teaching since my first retirement. Ed Yohon and son planned to attend the ND/Virginia game. We Magills and the McGlynns attended the game and the ND Alumni Board past-presidents meeting. Don’t forget to check the class website for updates on the Haiti and Warm the Children campaigns. Prayer Corner: Paul Fullmer, Bill Walsh and Jont Tyson and son battling health issues. Our Lady is now caring for several more of her loyal sons. We lost some great men: Jim Barry, Jack Hoblitzell, Robert Klecke, Jim Irwin, Fred Triggs, Patrick Sheehan, David Miller, Arnold Curnyn and Dave Metz. RIP. Keep in touch. — Tom Magill; 119 Atlantic Road, North Palm Beach FL 33408; 561-842-3019; magillt@bellsouth.net

 

56 Endowed Scholarship Recipients

Chairman Larry Kennedy completed his labor on the ND56 Endowed Scholarship Program. The honorees, elected from the ND56 Class this year, include Dick Brown, George Broucek and Dave Huber. Each of these men has been matched with a student selected by the University having financial need. Some $70,000 will be disbursed from the ND56 Endowed Scholarship Fund to the three students. Full biographies and photos of the students can be viewed on our web page: nd56.org. It seems like the same story, but our treasurer Ed Cosgrove has been named the top attorney in Western New York State for a sixth year. Ed is happy that his grandson, Edward Daniel Cosgrove III, a 6-foot 5 sophomore at the Jesuit High School in Buffalo enjoyed a brief introduction with Coach Mike Brey while walking around campus on a football weekend with his dad, Ed Cosgrove II. Gene O’Connor was in the Los Angeles area visiting his son and grandson this October. ND56 Classmates who we learned passed away since the last issue include Dewey Charles Antrobus Jr. Charlie died peacefully Aug. 17 due to complications from Parkinson's disease. Charlie and Mary Ann married Aug. 19, 1961. Charlie graduated with a degree in metallurgical engineering. He received a job offer from Esso while a senior, moving to Baton Rouge and retiring from Exxon 40 years later. David Lyons of Reston VA passed away Aug. 10, 2018 at Virginia Hospital Center. He is survived by his wife Doris Lyons, his son Mykle Lyons and his daughter and son-in-law, Amy L. and Daniel J. Couvillion and three grandchildren. Earl Hodges Ware Jr. died Aug. 24. He operated a commercial door business where he applied his talents for 59 years. He owned and operated House of Doors, Doorcraft and Transdor and recently consulted for Vision. He received awards for outstanding service to his community and service club awards and the president award for distinguished leadership from the Florida District of Kiwanis International. He was the director of the Jesuit High School Dad’s Club 1974-75, president of Right to Life 1977-1979. He was the radio voice of the Sacred Heart midnight Mass broadcast. Earl often recalled his adventures with his classmates in Cuba, working on a Connecticut tobacco plantation, laying tracks for the Alaskan Railroad and being a deckhand on a tugboat. Jerry H. Higgins died July 19 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He married Margaret Ann Murphy on July 7, 1956 in Kansas City MO. She died on March 17, 2002 in Peoria. He later married Judith K. Smith on July 12, 2004 in Peoria. She survives at age 85. It is awesome that so many are able to enjoy talents that got us through the first 85. Your concern and prayers for those in poor health is impressive. Easy to say, there are many needs for our charitable efforts. I assure you; it’s appreciated. Remember to share any news about our classmates. Think kindly of those around us and take care of yourself. — John F. Manion; 78402 Silver Sage Drive, Palm Desert CA 92211-1348; 760-772-6056.

 

56JD Class Secretary — Lauren Sharkey ’09;

lksharkey@gmail.com

 

57 Class News

With great pleasure we share news that Jim Green is still winning against Big C of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. It has been 18 months since Jim can say he has been cancer free. Way to go Jim! Robert E. Kaufman passed away September 27. He is survived by Amy, his wife of 61 years, and five Domer sons, daughters and son-in-law: Charles ’81, Thomas ’83, Lisa Kaufman ’84, Mary-Frances Conway ’90 and her husband Bryan ’90. F. Paul D’Amore, Jr., veteran U.S. Army, lived in Glenview and passed on October 27. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, children and grandchildren. Born in Milwaukee, Paul was the former Vice President for Business Administration and Finance at Marquette University. Frank Joseph Stanitzek passed away from pancreatic cancer on October 12. He will be deeply missed by Margaret (Peggy) Stanitzek, his loving wife of 62 years, and their eight children. As an All-American football player, he received a full scholarship to the University of Notre Dame. Frank served in ROTC in college and for a short period in the US Army. Frank continued a family business, Frank’s Meat Market, on the west side of Grand Rapids. He owned and operated the market for 37 years, and was known for making the best fresh kielbasa in town and other old-world recipes. The wife of the late Eugene Yurgealitis, Ellen Yurgealitis, passed away May 22, in Orchard Park NY. She was a devoted wife, mother and Notre Dame fan, and attended all reunions with Eugene, and many football games. Kenneth L. Woodward (kennethlwoodward@gmail.com) told us about an interview with Father David Tracy, emeritus of U. of Chicago Divinity School and generally regarded as our most significant Catholic theologian, on his new work. This is of interest to those who care about philosophy and theology. You can find the article on the Commonweal website. Michael (Mike) John Farrug left us on September 15. Michael was an attorney who lived in Troy MI and was in private practice for over 45 years. He is survived by his wife, Loretta; two sons; a daughter-in-law; and two grandchildren. Thanks to classmate Elmer Primo for informing us about Mike. Marvin Boroski’s wife of 64 years, Janet, died in July. They were married at Christmas Marv’s junior year and celebrated 64 years. She died three days before her 83rd birthday. George William (“Bill”) Groble left us on August 2. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. If you were lucky enough to know “Billy” as his sisters and oldest pals knew him, then you knew he was the most fun, funny, loving, warm and generous father, brother and friend. Walking the streets of downtown Chicago with him was like being in a small town; everyone wanted to stop him and catch some of his positive energy. When his coach asked him where he wanted to play college ball in 1953, he said “Notre Dame,” and one telephone call to legendary Coach Frank Leahy later, he had a scholarship and ended up blocking for two Heisman Trophy winners. Thanks to Jim Eggers for sending in this news. Regarding a previous request for $25 (or more) dues in our class news, the postal address of Class Treasurer Denny Troester was incorrect. Please use Denny’s home address: Mr. Dennis F. Troester, 1410 East Monroe Street, South Bend IN 46615-1006. Checks should be made payable to the Notre Dame Class of 1957. Don’t forget to take the time while we still can to smell the flowers. Peace. — John A. Slevin; 6123 N. Mandalay Drive, Peoria IL 61614; 309-453-8986; jslev57@gmail.com

 

57JD Class Secretary — Thomas S. Calder;

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

 

58 Fondly Remembered

Our prayers and sympathy and are offered for the families of the following deceased classmates. Lawrence “Larry” Gillespie passed away on March 21 in his home in South Bend. He was born in Pittsburgh, grew up in Kittanning PA and moved to South Bend in 1954. He served in the Army and was a self-employed real estate broker for 20 years, engaging in other businesses as well. He is survived by his wife Sandra, a daughter, two sons, a stepson, eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Harold “Bud” Trapp died on April 13 at home in hospice care in Fairfield Glade TN after a battle with cancer. Bud was born in Sycamore IL and is survived by his wife, Cherie, three children and five grandchildren. At ND, Bud earned a BS and MS and played football and baseball. Armin F. Gumerman passed away on July 3 in Venice FL. A native of Milwaukee, Armin was a retired employee of Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company and is survived by his wife, Joan, two sons, two daughters and two granddaughters. Dr. James L. McDonald of Auburn Hills MI died July 12. He taught English literature at the U of Detroit for 36 years and served as department chairman. He is survived by Josephine, his wife of 61 years, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Robert E. Distel of Schenectady NY passed away on July 20. Born in Grand Rapids MI, he was a graduate of East Lansing High School and earned a degree in mechanical engineering from ND. He worked for General Electric and retired from KAPL. He is survived by Charlotte, his wife of 55 years, a daughter, a granddaughter and a grandson. John C. McGinley of Indianapolis died on Aug. 31. Born of Irish immigrant parents, John grew up in Indianapolis. In addition to earning his bachelor’s degree at ND, he earned his football monogram as a walk-on, and won the Bengal Bouts Heavyweight Boxing Championship. After graduation he was commissioned as an officer in the Marine Corps and excelled on the USMC football team at Quantico VA. Following his Marine service, John was offered an NFL contract with the Baltimore Colts, but chose to accept admission to the FBI Academy along with his friend and ND teammate Aubrey Lewis. John’s FBI career spanned 27 years including assignments in Mobile AL, New York, Washington, San Diego, Indianapolis and Newark. After retiring, he spent two decades as vice president of security for the Penske Corp. in San Diego. John is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, a daughter, two sons and six grandchildren. William T. Geary passed away on Oct. 2 after a lengthy illness. Bill was a graduate of St. Ignatius High School in Chicago. After graduation from ND, he served as an officer in the Navy at Pearl Harbor and elsewhere. Following his military career, he returned to Chicago, where he joined IBM and began his career in the computer industry. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, five children and eight grandchildren. Closing note: Pat Doherty reports that the spring luncheon for ND ’58ers able to attend is scheduled for March 3 at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples FL. It will feature a buffet lunch and opportunity to gather and converse with 30 or more classmates. Wives are welcome. For information contact Fred Booth at fredbooth3@gmail.com or 941-243-3569. — 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 Honors

Our class has been blessed over the years by those who have made significant contributions in various fields. Many honors have come their way and we recently had one “close to home.” Congratulations to Jack Benchik of South Bend on his selection to present the American flag during pre-game ceremonies before last fall’s ND-Bowling Green football game. Jack was honored by the University because of the important role he played 50 years ago when, as a young geologist, his research team at Grumman Aerospace Corp. had been assigned to design landing feet (“pods”) to be placed at the tips of the lunar module’s legs. Due to the uncertainty of the moon’s surface and to assure that Apollo 11’s astronauts, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, would be able to return from their moon mission. Sadly, three days after the ceremony in ND Stadium, Jack’s wife, Rosemary ’61SMC, passed away after a brief illness. Lou Manzo is a resident of Naples FL. His grandson, Ben’19, was a Hesburgh-Yusko Scholar. Tom McBreen reported a unique dynamic among five in the class. Bob Cowhey, Bob Callero, Clay Paschen, George May and Tom McBreen all went to Queen of All Saints grammar school in Chicago, St. George High School in Evanston and then on to Notre Dame. Steve Pietrowicz and Gabriele now live in “enemy territory” at Patrick Square in Clemson SC. This followed Steve’s career with AT&T Long Lines division, which took them to Carmel IN and then to Lake Hartwell on the South Carolina/Georgia border. Steve spent the last 25 years teaching various aspects of boating. Hugh F. Murphy and Colette have lived for the last 48 years on Owasso Lake in Upstate New York. He recently retired as president of Clark Music, a retail Steinway piano dealer. Passing on musical genes: Bill Burtis (Vestal NY) was in the ND marching band in the late 1950s, and his granddaughter, Elizabeth Callahan ’23, plays the clarinet in the current ND band. Jim Griffin (Avon CT), has two grandsons Daniel Griffin ’21 (trumpet), and Adam Griffin ’23 (trombone) in the Band of the Fighting Irish. Daniel and Adam’s father Tim ’86 was also in the band. Jack Conroy’s second book, The First Thousand Days, A Story About Paul’s First Missionary Journey, was published in August. The book is written in the form of a novel, having its roots in the Acts of the Apostles, but having numerous episodes that portray characters in a fictitious manner. Jack was in our class and returned to Notre Dame to secure his PhD in theology in 2008, with a specialization in Christian origins. Dan Rapp has published on Amazon a thrilling book of imaginary interviews with famous people, Meetings on the Other Side, and has an upcoming book, Stuff from the Back of My Mind. Bill Whaley is still taking money on golf courses. He splits his time between Jupiter FL and Greenwich CT. He was the “leader” on Sesame Street for 20 years. Carl Reilly was with GE for 29 years, and then retired as COO at Philips Medical Systems in Shelton CT. Karin and Carl live in Punta Gorda FL. Their son David ’91 is third generation at ND. Grandfather “CB” Reilly was in the Class of 1927. Sadly, Vince Naimoli (Tampa FL) who had an impressive business career before he founded the Tampa Bay Rays in 1995, passed away on Aug. 25. He also served the University for more than 30 years as a member of advisory councils, initially for the Mendoza College of Business, and later for the College of Engineering. He is survived by Lenda. Other deaths: Ernest Menold (Media PA), Aug. 6, (Helen), Mike Phenner (Evanston IL), Sept. 18, Bill Fury (Gaylord MI) Sept. 21 (Joann), and Don Durrett (St. Augustine FL) Sept. 22 (Judy). Please visit the websites for FaithND (faith.nd.edu) and Senior Alumni (ndsenioralumni.org). And, please send 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@williamharteltd.com