1950s

50 Passion for Many Things

Teri Shipp ’83 wrote to tell me that her father Richard P. Hyland passed away Feb. 20 in Foxborough MA at age 93. Richard enlisted in the US Navy after high school, serving as a radio gunner on dive bomber planes during World War II. At ND, he studied electrical engineering and began his career at Westinghouse. Richard eventually went into business as a manufacturer’s representative and expanded into the design and building of electrical control panels. Teri remarked that her father “left his mark in so many ways: family man, devout Catholic, church supporter, good friend and contributor to the community.” Richard was the husband of the late Joyce Kinross Hyland and father of Patricia Travers, Jim Hyland ’76, Peggy Barnett, Jerry Hyland, Teri Shipp and the late Linda Murphy and her surviving husband, Jim Murphy ’73. He was grandfather of 16 and great-grandfather of six. I learned from the University that Apkar G. Omartian, 91, died in Sleepy Hollow NY on Feb. 17. During the Korean Conflict, Apkar served in the Army Counterintelligence Service. He later moved to Tarrytown NY and worked as an architect there for many years. The New York Journal News reported that he designed many prominent buildings in the area. Apkar is survived by his wife of 66 years, Florence, two children and three grandchildren. Roger L. Hosbein passed away on Feb. 29 at his home in Winnetka IL at age 91. He served in the military during the Korean Conflict and then worked at the Kaiser Aluminum Company in Maryland. In 1962, Roger moved with his family to the Chicago area, where he became a leader in the MH Detrick Company, an engineering firm founded by his father. The Chicago Tribune noted that Roger “loved to travel and see the world and worked closely with many businesses across Europe and South America during his tenure at Detrick. His talents were many but he was especially known as an accomplished artist.” The Tribune also said that “Roger was known by family and friends as a great conversationalist, always full of ideas and insights about the world around him, and he always made people feel welcomed and engaged when he met them.” Roger is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ann (Maher), four children and nine grandchildren. Thomas D. Grote passed away on March 26 in Cincinatti at the age of 91. After ND, he became president of the Thomas J. Dyer Company, a mechanical engineering firm founded by his grandfather. The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that “Tom had a love for the natural world and enjoyed countless hours in his rose garden, on a tractor cutting grass, or tending his large vegetable garden. He had a passion for hunting and fishing which took him all over the world. He loved golf (if played in under four hours), tennis, and paddle tennis. But his greatest loves were his family, his friends, his God, and his country.” Tom is survived by his wife of 66 years, Patricia (Roche), four children, 18 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Timothy H. Hanrahan died in Florida on April 18 at the age of 90. He earned a BS in aeronautical engineering and Florida Today described how well he used the degree: “Tim first worked as a test engineer for newly developed rocket engines at White Sands Proving Ground NM. In 1958, Tim and his family moved to Satellite Beach FL where he worked at Cape Canaveral/Kennedy Space Center for the Ramo-Woodridge Corporation (later TRW) responsible for the launch operations of Atlas ICBM, MIDAS, SAMSOS and Mercury launch vehicles. In 1963, Tim was hired by the newly formed Aerospace Corporation to be their program director for Titan III ELV. He later became the principal director of the Aerospace regional office responsible for the technical management of all Air Force launch vehicle and spacecraft operations. During his career (he retired in 1996), Tim participated in over 800 test and launch operations. Considered to be one of the original rocket men at Cape Canaveral/KSC, Tim was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010 by the National Space Club.” He was predeceased by his wife, Pat Barden, but is survived by four children and eight grandchildren. If you would like to share news about the class or stories from your time at ND, please let me know. — Jim Coogan ’91; 4 Gile Drive Unit 2A, Hanover NH 03755; jcooganv@alumni.nd.edu

 

51 Staying Healthy

Hi everybody, it has been a slow period for most of us at Notre Dame. There will be no bios in this column. For the first time in many years, we haven’t located anyone for this column. I want to thank Jim Jennings for his assistance in reaching out for bios. If you are available, Class of ’51, let me know. If I don’t hear from you guys, I’ll need to talk about politics and my own health issues. As I write this in July, campus is locked up, as we know. Hopefully by the time this is printed in September, students will have arrived. One piece of sad news is the passing of our classmate and valedictorian of our class, Bob Nickoden of Sheboygan WI. Bob suffered a long time, and we know he is resting in peace. We’ve had some interesting conversations with the following: Don Grieve of Toledo, Bob Murphy of Granger IN, Larry Panozzo of Flossmoor IL, Rev. Johnny O’Brien of De Pere WI, and Jim Jennings of Chicago. They are doing alright. Like all of us, they are ready for the sheltering-in-place to be over. — Jim Gillis; 3267 Rossmoor Parkway, Walnut Creek CA 94595; 925-932-6454; jimjanegillis@aol.com

 

52 Summer of Our Discontent

I hope you’re all OK out there. Are we having fun yet? As a group that experienced the Great Depression and World War II, combat service in Korea, the 9/11 cataclysm, and disasters like Hurricanes Sandy and Katrina, you have proved your mettle. Just as you did with the pandemic. Good for you. Unfortunately, there’s been some bad news. We have lost the iconic Chaz, Charlie Schubert, who left us in April. He was the class mascot, also known as Snowflake, the Duck. He wrote and starred in our class musical along with Jack Hynes and Jerry Costello. He was campus radio’s morning voice. He sparkled as an innkeeper in Dorset VT and as a key performer with the Dorset Players. He’ll be missed, as will Msgr. John Squiller, our class chaplain, who passed away at St. Basil College in Stamford CT. John graciously presided over Masses at our reunions and offered prayers for more than 500 of our deceased brothers. Posthumous honors continue for Carl Eiberger. A portion of South Table Mountain near Golden CO, “Gateway to the Rockies,” has been named Carl’s Point, reflecting his long-term environmental advocacy. The pandemic provided some opportunities to harness technology. Our president, George Heidkamp, convened a meeting of his entire family in this era of social distancing. Courtesy of Zoom, a roster of six children, 17 grandchildren, and 13 greats were brought together from eight states and London. He wonders whether we might try that as a mini reunion project for us 52’ers. What do you think? George Foster’s recent passing reminds us of the many alumni who served so ably with the FBI. George was with the bureau for 25 years, augmenting his expertise with a Master of Science Degree in Forensic Science from George Washington U. He concluded his career as director of corporate security for Georgia Pacific in Atlanta. A call from Bob Beh filled us in on his doings, ranging from studying Korean at the Presidio in San Francisco and a stint as an interpreter in Seoul, to a successful career as an investment banker in Des Moines. His dorm room was above the Lyons Arch, sharing the space with Jack Delaney and Fred Schlichting. Bob pointed out that Jack and Fred, who were MD colleagues at the U of Minnesota’s Medical School for decades, passed away within weeks of each other last fall. Tom Blakely’s story is one of ND grit. He washed dishes in the dining hall and secured his place in the concert orchestra by mastering an instrument he had never played before, the E Flat alto clarinet. A severe auto accident in which the EMTs thought he was dead forced him to miss graduation and spend months in recuperation. He went on to get a master’s and doctorate in social work from the U of Michigan. His career included service at several VA hospitals, teaching positions at Nazareth College and Western Michigan U, and an on-going private counselling practice. He tells us that being a graduate of Notre Dame was a privilege. “So say ye one, so say ye all?” — Ron Zier; 164 Brewster Road, Wyckoff NJ 07481; 201-447-6667; cell 201-675-8899; ronaldirishguy@aol.com

 

53 Man of The Year 

The Greater Louisville Notre Dame Club posthumously awarded our classmate William Wuetcher DDM, who died Sept. 7, 2019, its 2020 Notre Dame Man of the Year Award, predicated upon Bill’s selfless undertakings in the service of others. He provided gratis dental services to a Catholic orphanage, Boysville, for more than 30 years. After retirement, he headed the dental clinic at a homeless center housed in a former Catholic Church and mentored U of Louisville dental students in their clinical practice requirements. He served on a panel of “on-call” professionals available to counsel other dentists struggling with addiction. All five of Bill’s children hold college degrees; two of the five have master’s degrees. This is a most justified award for my roommate of four years and a friend of 70 years. Harry Sickler, in lamenting the passing April 16 of Rev. Ernie Bartell, CSC, cited friendly competition amongst his late friend Frank Traupman, Ernie and himself with respect to accounting course grades. Inasmuch as Ernie was our class valedictorian, Harry didn’t say who prevailed, but we can guess. John Tuberty, our London classmate, observed how the Class of 1953 was populated by boys who became men dedicated to church and family and enjoyed material successes. It is a fact, John. Jack Lamere moved from Boston to Burlington VT to be closer to family. He notes that two currently enrolled “Jarrett boys,” his grandsons, will be third generation ND graduates. Bob Zenzinger, a former “townie,” is still heading his staffing company near Harrisburg PA. Bob Bickert, a National Cash Register retiree, is in a retirement facility in Baton Rouge, with a helpful daughter nearby. Bob’s wife died in November. Bob says he is coping well with the never-ending physical problems of aging. Sound familiar? Dick Regan, retired Boeing aerospace metallurgist, lives in a suburb of Seattle. A daughter holds a doctorate in space-related subjects and works at NASA on the far West Coast. He inquired for the wellbeing of fellow “metal men” Art Midilli, Dave Sponseller and Lou Marlin. Friends from his Cleveland roots include Judge Jim Murphy, Bill Lammers and his brother-in-law Jack Coyne. All the above are coping with the problems of aging and confronting life. Many have experienced the loss of their spouse. Jack Coyne did speak with his best man Dave McBride. Dave is a retired Chicago lawyer and appears to be doing just OK. John Fink, among other things, is awaiting the birth of a fifth great-grandchild. Jim Ehinger’s move from Lansing to Northern Michigan is deemed a success. He hopes to see Dave O’Leary and Vic George, both of whom are to spend time in the area. At this writing, Tex McMonagle is “up in the air” (pun intended) about attending football games. As previously noted, his grandson is a senior band member at ND. Questions to be resolved include the safety of flying to and from California, the fate of ND opening, football and band. Rev. Thomas Smith, CSC, our adopted chaplain, has completed his assignment in East Africa and is awaiting a clearance to return stateside for Rand R. Interesting times, eh? Our class has been diminished by the passing of Bob Hoodecheck, Don Ross, Al Abiouness and Hampton Lyness. Your prayers for the deceased members of our class, their survivors and a distressing number who are sick shall be appreciated. — 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 Sad Loss

On June 9, Our Lord called Walt Dusschka home. Walt had been our class president since graduation. Upon graduation, Walt was at one time a resident in Corby Hall (the Presbytery) where he remarked that he had the closest bedroom to the Grotto. Walt served as a waiter and head waiter there. From freshman year until health prevented him from attending games, Walt never missed a home game. His family estimates he attended nearly 350 Notre Dame football games. Upon the death of a classmate, Walt would often attend the wake or funeral Mass. A Mass will be scheduled for Walt in the basilica on a non-football Sunday in September or October. With COVID-19, I am stuck in Florida. I am selling my home in Carmel NY and relocating to Ormond Beach FL. You can reach me on my cell phone. With common sense, I am not eating out much and my cooking skills are improving. So far, I have no food poisoning. Speaking of food, I witnessed a great example of Marketing 101. A local restaurant was forced to close because of the virus. They put out a large sign: “Takeout and delivery only. With each order, a free roll of toilet paper.” They did good business. Stores were out of toilet paper, but Betty’s A1A Restaurant was well supplied. I talked to Marie Beaudine recently and her complaint about the virus is it is ruining her bridge game. Lola Koch’s granddaughter has been in touch with Julie Duschka, Walt’s niece, seeking help on relocating to Boston for work. It is nice when we can help families of classmates. Due to the virus lockdown at school, the only obit I have is Walt’s. — Jack Mertens; 2730 Ocean Shore Blvd. Unit 202, Ormond Beach FL 32176; 845-216-7251; jacksparrow@comcast.net 

 

55 A Place to Hide

We are still plodding through the swamp of the pandemic. My dad told me years ago about spending time in the trenches in France in 1917 and 1918. He observed, “Some days there was no place to hide.” That is somewhat the same story here, only the enemy is hidden. I hope we continue to find a secure hiding place. It might be a good idea to keep up a barrage of “Come Holy Spirit.” Happily, all is not glum. Joe McGlynn appears to be making good progress with medics; all parts are knitting back together. On the humorists’ class list, Don Shanley has some strong competition. Jerry Hughes and Rev. Jim Blantz, CSC, are challenging his leadership. John Hester sponsored a Mass for Paul Fullmer. A first-time Class Notes contribution came from Jim Owens in Kansas. They just welcomed a third-generation ND grad with a grandson who joins four earlier grads. I got a great response from Mac Stewart on my exchange of letters with Rev. Ted Hesburgh, CSC, ’39. His notes were written just a few days before his wife passed away. Thanks to Bernie Tracy for a great note on Father Hesburgh’s impact on his parents. My continued thanks to webmasters Bob McGrath and Leon Ring. Both are indispensable to our communications. Dick Beeman sent a nice note to Sandra concerning Paul Fullmer. Pat Kearns was forced to miss family activities due to travel restrictions. Dave Scheele reports on pickleball success after giving up senior softball. Lee Crean checked in. He is still in action as a docent at the WWII museum in New Orleans. Mike Kelly sent some great videos on pilot mishaps during landings. The theme is, “You can always go around.” Jerry Hughes came up with a great “history” of telephones. Don’t forget to check the class website, ND55.org. You will find instructions on how to help these class projects: Warm the Children, Fullmer Scholarship, Class Fund and Leo Callaghan’s Haiti Project. Joe Baumie shared his thoughts on the fun of confined living. Good resolution. John Hamilton and Barbara report on confined living in Virginia Beach. The admiral is in good shape, and I had a lovely note from Sandra Fullmer. Maintaining contact with Jack Flynn. Dick Connelly brought the sad news of the passing of John Murnane. In addition, Dan Shannon died in July. Dan’s passing marks the last of a great quintet of Irish athletes who were products of Mt. Carmel High School in Chicago. They helped Mt. Carmel win the city football title. Here’s the roster: Tom Carey, co-captain Paul Matz, Dick Frasor, Jack Stephens and Dan. All came to ND as freshmen in 1951. A lot of us will recall Dan’s tackle that caused a fumble to help win the ’53 ND-Oklahoma thriller. To these and all our deceased classmates, we commend to Our Lady’s care. Keep in touch. —Tom Magill; 119 Atlantic Road, North Palm Beach Fl 33408; 561-842-3019; magillt@bellsouth.net

 

56 Class Secretary — John F. Manion;

78402 Silver Sage Drive, Palm Desert CA 92211; 760-772-6056; johndomer9@gmail.com 

 

56JD Class Secretary — Lauren Sharkey ’08;

703-927-2089; lksharkey@gmail.com 

 

57 Stay Healthy

Robert Griffin wrote, “I am happy to report that some of us still gather and discuss the great Class of ’57. In October, we’ll have our 14th annual week in St. George UT: Ann and Tom Schriber, Elizabeth and Bill Allen, Dr. Brad McKaig, Mary Kay Soucy, widow of Dr. Jack Soucy, Julie and Harry Barkley. Tom Dieter’s health will keep him absent. It is amazing how friendships can stay alive and vibrant for 63 years. Best wishes to our other living classmates.” Mike McFadden of Tulsa OK emailed to say his memory was jogged when he saw the picture on page 19 of the summer Notre Dame Magazine, which showed the intersection of Notre Dame Avenue and South Bend Avenue. The red building on the left was a fire station that he and roommate Bob Blakey lived beside during sophomore and part of junior year before moving to campus. Paul “Skip” Kropp passed away on June 5 in Chapel Hill NC. He was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Patricia. He is survived by their two children. Paul worked several years as research chemist at Proctor & Gamble in Cincinnati. Then he joined the faculty at the U of North Carolina as professor of chemistry, where he taught from 1970 until 2016. He is recipient of the Tanner Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, the Johnston Award for Excellence in Teaching, and the Edward Kidder Graham Outstanding Faculty Award. Thanks to Alexander (Alex) B. McMurtrie Jr. for years of generosity. Alex is semi-retired from The Law Office of Alexander B. McMurtrie Jr., a general practice law firm in Richmond VA. Alex has a decades-long record of distinguished service. He contributed to the renovation of the Morris Inn dining room. He funds multiple scholarships for students, including the scholarship of the field goal kicker. He is a founding member of the Cavanaugh Council, whose members make annual financial gifts that give University President Rev. John Jenkins, CSC, ’76,’78 M.A. the flexibility to meet critical needs and deal with unexpected challenges. He is a member of Notre Dame’s Advisory Council for the Student-Athlete. For many years he was on the Advisory Council of the Institute for Church Life. Joseph “Joe” Bosse passed on May 2. He is survived by his wife, Joan, and five children. Joe lived in Farmington Hills MI and was buried in Cedar Grove cemetery. Joe had last retired from the position of vice president of Deltar Businesses in the Illinois Tool Works Foundation. We were recently informed that Philip A. Ciaffa of Fairfield CT passed away April 25, 2018. Philip was survived by his wife, Carol, and two daughters. Born and raised in the Bronx, Philip was an Army veteran having served in the Korean War. Mike Storen passed on May 7 in Atlanta. Mike, a peripatetic sports executive who, during the brief life of the upstart American Basketball Association in the 1960s and 1970s, ran teams and was the league’s commissioner. His obituary ran in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the New York Times, which had a major article about Mike. The article featured photos and the headline, “Mike Storen, Who Ran Flashy Basketball League and 3 Teams, Dies at 84.” The cause was complications of a rare form of cancer, said his daughter, Hannah Storm ’83, anchor for ESPN’s SportsCenter. Congrats to Dr. Leon Glover Jr., who was recognized nationally with the Tom Moore Award for his expertise in track and field wind measurement. He was acknowledged for his 60 years as track and field official from the Pacific Association of USA Track and Field. In his career at ND, he was the student manager of all sports, including football, for practices and games during his first three years. He was made senior manager of fencing senior year. Leon later earned his PhD in organic chemistry at Stanford. Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses and stay healthy. 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 class treasurer, Don J. Roney, passed away on March 2 at home in Salt Lake City. After graduating from ND with a degree in business administration and designation as a Distinguished Military Graduate, he entered military service and eight years later was discharged with the rank of captain. In 1959, he joined Continental Agency Co. of Salt Lake City where he served continuously and was promoted to president, COO and CEO. In 1996 he started his own insurance company, which he sold in 2003. He is survived by his wife, Diane, three children and four grandchildren. George E. Glasgow died in a senior facility in Denver on June 5 after moving from his hometown of Nashville to be close to his two daughters. George was preceded in death by two wives and a son. He is survived by four daughters and several grandchildren. Thanks to Charley Kitz for relaying the news about George. Roderick A. Mette of Pensacola FL died on May 28. Rod earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting at ND and a juris doctor degree at Notre Dame Law School. He began his legal career at the FCC, spent several years as an attorney for Western Union prior to becoming vice president and legal counsel for TRT Communications in Washington. Rod is survived by his wife, Mary, son Rod, a grandson, a sister and several nieces and nephews. James J. McNamara of La Grange Park IL passed away on May 26. News of his death was forwarded by Mike Leiyden, his four-year ND roommate. Jim was a Navy veteran and graduate of the U of Chicago Law School and worked for several years for the AMA. That was followed by a career in private practice. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, four children and 11 grandchildren. — Arthur L. Roule Jr.; 114 Sagamore Parkway, 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 Reaching Out

We are blessed, even at our age, to have many in the class willing to reach out and help others. The following is an example. When Hank Fenbert (Federal Way WA) questioned how Notre Dame, and we as graduates, respond to social injustice and minority enrollment, several classmates responded. This led to very interesting and productive Zoom discussions led by Prof. Maria McKenna ’97, who has a joint appointment at ND in the Dept. of Africana Studies and in ACE and the Institute for Educational Initiatives. Maria has been joined by Judge David Krashna ’71 (Oakland CA), ND’s first Black student body president, and co-editor of Black Domers. Providing valuable information and contributions are Tony Berejka (Huntington NY), Prof. Mike Conlon (Endicott NY), Prof. Dick Donovan (Carmel NY), Hank Fenbert, yours truly Jim Keegan (Wilmington DE), Quince Komyatte (Munster IN), John Maney (Georgetown TX), Prof. Bill McMahon (Akron OH) and Joe Mulligan (South Bend IN). Our class’s partnership with ACE has been enhanced because Owen Boyle (’20 U of Dayton), the ACE 27 Cohort, is the grandson of two classmates, Gene Boyle (Algonquin IL) and Mike Haverty (Glenview IL). Owen will be teaching in Jacksonville FL for the next two years. Paul Willihnganz (Santa Rosa CA) gave up the drums. Our very own, first-class drummer, Paul famously played with Gene Bertoncini’s jazz group on campus, and on tour with Gino for many years. Paul and Gino also assisted classmates Tom Cahill (d. 07/02/2009) and Bill Graham (d. 06/02/2005), when they founded the acclaimed Collegiate Jazz Festival at ND in April 1959. It is still running 61 years later. Paul recently donated his drums to the ND bands, shipping them without damage or incident from Santa Rosa CA to campus. There are three Joe Bolands in the history of the University. Joe Boland Sr.’27 (d. 1960), played for Rockne, and for many, pre-TV years was the radio voice of the Fighting Irish. His son, and our classmate, Joe Boland Jr., went to St. Joe High School, South Bend, and lives in Pewaukee WI. Joseph M. Boland III ’95 also lives in Pewaukee. Chicago guys were well represented in our ND class. Mount Carmel High School in the Woodlawn neighborhood on Chicago’s South side, sent 13 men to ND in September 1955: Dick Bringaze (Barrington IL), John Brosius (Aurora IL), Dick Buhrfiend (Elmhurst IL), Jack Conroy PhD (Naples FL), Charlie Duggan (d. 03/26/2007), Bill Hawkins (Asheville NC), Jim Heavey (d. 11/24/2009), Tom Kluczynski, Dick Loncar, Buzz Manning (d. 07/31/2012) Tom Trinley (d. 03/07/2020), John Uebbing PhD (Palo Alto CA) and Pat Walsh (Glenview IL). Nine of the 13 lived in Farley as freshmen. John Uebbing, a self-proclaimed “nerdy electrical engineer,” has every right to be proud of his 41 US patents, and, as a former ND band member, plays tuba in the Peninsula Community Band. John and his wife, Roberta Flynn, have been married for 53 years, and live in a retirement home in Palo Alto. Dick Donovan of Carmel NY and Miami FL was recognized recently for significant contributions in the U of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts magazine. His focus was educational access for underprivileged students. One of our resident authors, Joe Deluca of Longwood FL, who focuses on children’s books, has a series: It is Fun to …, Never Give Up and To Use Your Imagination. Jim Hanlon, one of our elite golfers, is enjoying life in Monterey CA. Marna and Phil Pier (Blackie) are enjoying life in Arizona and honing their skills in golf and fly fishing. Phil’s brother Bob and wife Jean are doing well in Sequim WA. I am sorry to report the following deceased: Joe Fullum 4/10/20, Linda of Devon PA; Alex Killen 4/21/20, Joan of Rexford NY; Dave Berg 3/28/20, Rita of Greenfield IN; John Fitzpatrick 4/21/20, Colleen of Kalamazoo MI; Bud Robben 07/09/2020, Penny of Fairfield CA; Jim Brogan 07/16/2020, Judy of Rocky River OH; Jim Garrity 07/21/2020, Andrea of Houston TX. Please visit FaithND at faith.nd.edu and the Senior Alumni at ndsenioralumni.org. 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