1950s

50 Big Seven-Oh

The Class of 1950 is celebrating the 70th anniversary of graduation. While the formal Reunion festivities on campus were canceled this year due to the COVID-19 situation, I hope all of you were able to share happy memories of this milestone with your loved ones. Congratulations. Mary Phillips, wife of Eugene Phillips, sent photos of Gene, his framed diploma and an ND flag, which she said he flies every Saturday during football season. He celebrated his 95th birthday on April 14. Mary relayed that she and Gene have been married for almost 65 years and have three children. The eldest, Therese Phillips ’81, is a Domer like her father. Gene had a fulfilling career as an engineer and then spent 26 years as a volunteer at a local school for the impaired. He’s still active with driving, reading and “playing with his electronic devices.” Over the years, Gene attended 139 ND football games. Gene and Mary reside in a Franciscan retirement community in Tiffin OH. Jim Griffin ’59, wrote to tell me that his brother, John D. Griffin, passed away at age 94 on March 15 in Ponte Vedra Beach FL. Jack was the mile champ in his native Brooklyn as a senior in high school and competed in the Millrose Games in Madison Square Garden. For his athletic accomplishments, Jack won a scholarship to Notre Dame. However, he first decided to join the Navy, entering the V-5 pre-flight program and serving until the end of World War II. Jack then started course work at ND, where he also took up boxing. As a southpaw, he won his class in the Bengal Bouts of 1948. Jack met his wife in South Bend, and his roommate, Bob Satti ’48, ended up marrying Jack’s sister. Jack fondly remembered serving Mass for Rev. Ted Hesburgh, CSC ’39, who frequently celebrated the Eucharist in the crypt of Sacred Heart Church. Following graduation from ND, Jack began a career with the Ford Motor Company, where he worked for many years as an international quality control manager in Asia, Europe and Mexico. His brother wrote, “No matter where he was in the world, he remained strongly loyal to Notre Dame and tried to make at least one home game every year. The Irish were a big part of his life and he was proud to have graduated from such a fine institution.” Jack is survived by his wife, Marge (Shirk), three children (one predeceased him), five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. I learned from the University that Nicholas B. Blase, 91, died on June 17, 2019, in Niles IL. After finishing his undergraduate degree, Nicholas graduated from the ND Law School in 1951 and began a career as an attorney. In 1961, he ran for mayor of Niles and defeated a 20-year incumbent, beginning 47 years in office. The Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times published articles on his passing, detailing the many accomplishments of his mayoral administration. His wife, Clara (Tsalikas), predeceased him. Nicholas is survived by his second wife, Faye (Chareas), four children, 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Rev. Jerome F. Treacy, SJ, passed away at the age of 90 on Oct. 23 in Clarkston MI. The Oakland Press reported that Father Jerry entered the Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus on Sept. 2, 1950, at Milford OH. He was ordained on June 11, 1961, at West Baden College in Indiana and took final vows on Feb. 2, 1968, in Cincinnati. In 2004, Father Jerry earned a doctorate in sacred theology from the Pontifical Gregorian U. As an educator, he taught math and religion at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Xavier U and Covington Catholic High School. During another phase of his career, he was a chaplain at Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati. In his obituary, Father Jerry is remembered as “a gentle, welcoming man who greeted people with a smile and enjoyed conversing with them at social, meals and in the rec room. He had a great love of Christ which he shared with those he encountered. He loved reading, especially theology, and had a massive, comprehensive library of theology books.” Father Jerry is survived by his twin sister, Rosemary Treacy Eide, and a brother, John Treacy. If you would like to share news or stories from your time at ND, please let me know. — Jim Coogan ’91; 6018 Oxpen Court, Apt. 101, Alexandria VA 22315; jcooganv@alumni.nd.edu

 

51 Nobody in Sight

Hi everybody. It has been a wild, turbulent world since I last visited with you. Let’s hope football season is not cancelled. Jane and I had planned on attending another Reunion to celebrate our 70th wedding anniversary on June 5, as we have done for several years. Reunion was canceled. I received word from Tim Pletcher ’79 of Houston TX that his father George Pletcher ’51JD died Dec. 11, 2019, at age 91. Jim Jennings notified us that John Gerlits of Northfield IL passed away Feb. 21 and his wife, Joan, passed on March 2. I had a phone conversation with Bob Murphy of Granger IN. He informed me that the campus is all locked up with nobody in sight, and it is not the place we all know. Our bio this issue is on Don Rodriguez, Mountainside NJ. His fondest memory is a driving trip to California after graduation along with Jim Hennessey, Jocko Muldoon and John Geller, all from our class. He married Felicia in 1958. They had four children, two of whom graduated from Notre Dame: Don Jr. ’83 and Charles ’87. He attended Wharton School of Business from 1953-55. Don was employed through the years for several companies, including IBM, RCA and Xerox. Ultimately, he retired in 1999 from EDS. My wife, Jane, wrote a reflection for me that I would like to pass on to you. The Strongest and Bravest Generation (for those born in the mid-1920s). We were born in 1926 and 1927. The Depression started shortly after we were born. Following the Depression, our country entered World War II (1941-45). In 1949, we had the polio epidemic. And after the polio scare, we had the Korean War 1950-54. The American involvement in the Vietnam War lasted almost 10 years, 1964-73, and we were hit with the California earthquakes, the big ones in 1971 and 1989. The most frightening incident happened in 2001 when the 9/11 terrorist attacks occurred. In 2005, we had the devastating Hurricane Katrina. After all of this, the people in California battled destructive wildfires in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Now, we have the coronavirus. We will battle it and win, because we are the Class of 1950-won. Just keep up the praying and washing of the hands, and we will win. Guys, don’t forget our Mass fund, and, we still have books available: Son of Notre Dame, The Cemetery Beneath the Golden Dome - History of Cedar Grove Cemetery, Prominent People of Notre Dame Past and Present Cookbook, and Where Sleep the Makers of Notre Dame - History of Holy Cross Cemetery. Stay safe. — Jim Gillis; 3267 Rossmoor Parkway, No. 4, Walnut Creek CA 94595; 925-932-6454; jimjanegillis@aol.com

 

52 Summertime: The Living Is Easy?

As promised, Jack Wagner has passed along some anecdotes focusing on his roommate, Peter Helland ’50, such as Peter providing first-class transportation to all in his new Chevy convertible despite the “no car regs” (see below), underwriting South Bend restaurant dinners as alternatives to dining hall “sewer trout” and ignoring his multiple disciplinary warnings from the hierarchy. Here’s another story. Before Jack transferred, he spent a semester at St. Thomas where he tried out for football. Pitted against a 230-pound lineman from Chicago, Jack was so mistreated, he says he couldn’t genuflect for a month without severe pain. Jim Brennan ’56 sent word of the passing of Bob Mortensen. Jim and Bob, along with Tom Brennan ’51 were regular attendees at Universal Notre Dame Nights. Joe Hertrich passed along a WWII story: British Petroleum engineers reinvented gasoline, significantly adding miles per hour to the Spitfire, and helping to win the Battle of Britain. Tony Messina’s winter plans included an Arizona trip to visit Neal Moore as well as a tour of the World War II Museum in New Orleans. Big decision: Should he continue his role as chaplain of the yacht club aligned with his Elks Lodge? There are caveats. He doesn’t own a yacht and he gets seasick in the bathtub. Colleen Foley, the wife of our former class secretary, Ted Foley, tells us she had dinner with Tom Desser and his wife in West Palm. Through the kindness of Jerry Mulvihill ’53 and Joe McManus ’53Arch, we’ve obtained a copy of the student manual, detailing rules and regs from our era. Bed check was at 10 p.m. and lights off at 11 p.m. when the electricity was turned off. No cars were permitted, under penalty of suspension. Cars were OK if you lived off-campus, but only to drive back and forth to school. As frosh, we were allowed out until midnight one night a week, but certainly not in the “restricted area of South Bend.” Remember Mass checks? Failure to comply could result in your landing on the undesirability list. But “no young man of gentlemanly instinct and aspiration ever finds the regulations irksome.” That would “show an attitude that betokens ingratitude.” Understandably, our thoughts during this pandemic have been directed toward the wellbeing of our brothers and sisters around the world. Thank you for your prayers. — Ron Zier; 164 Brewster Road, Wyckoff NJ 07481; 201-447-6667; ronaldirishguy@aol.com

 

53 A Robust Response 

A plea for column materials was met with a robust response despite the virus, or because of it. Jack Powers recommends Oreo cookies be refrigerated as it enhances their flavor. Dick Casper is flexing his new hip by walking carefully and dodging neighbors. Jay Curley is frustrated by an inability to meet with his three attentive nearby daughters as he is confined to his apartment. Sister John Norton, OP, lucked out as her retirement unit is on the first floor and allows her to enjoy nature walks. Prof. Bill Langlois concluded his college-level science course via the internet from his quarantined condo. His further comment was that most of the students were “science types” from the San Jose area, and he retained software of his notes, which made for a happy ending. Jim Rogers opted to remain in Florida through mid-April, preferring to be isolated in warmth rather than Minnesota. I’m not sure if Bernie Hester stopped by Columbia SC to see family and Dave Flynn on return to Chicago from Florida. Jack Dilenschneider used Zoom to contact former roommates Walt Werner and Gerry Voit. Jack also “Zooms” weekly with his 10 far-flung children. Memories of Ron Wong’s NROTC days were triggered by notice of the death of George Pearse and their shared Navy experiences. Besides George and myself, the post-commission supply school class included Tom Baker, Jim Butler, Al Ellsworth, Hank Hinsencamp, Gerry McCabe, Walt Stuhldreher and George’s roommate Regis Philbin. All of us went to Bayonne NJ after graduation to complete our Navy supply education. Thanks, as always, Ron for sharing this recollection. Ed Duggan’s confinement is being supervised by a caring stepdaughter who insists that Ed eat better, including broccoli, a form of penance. Our well-traveled classmate John Tuberty, whose reports evoke envy, was fortunate to cross from Spain before the border was shut down, continued the motor car trip through France, and then returned in time to be locked down in London, their home. Yes, envy indeed. Jim Pfeiffer sent a note expressing his feelings of loss upon his friend Bob Mullen’s death. Bob was a very well recognized long-time addiction counselor in the Tampa area. Rev. Tom Smith, CSC, our adoptive East Africa missionary, is likewise “locked down.” This was particularly hard for him and other priests during Holy Week. He reports: “Your class continues to be remembered in all of our Masses here. May our loving God bring us through all of this with a greater awareness of our vulnerability and our need for faith in him, the faith that brings hope in any time of fear.” It is comforting to know we are remembered in daily Masses. We left Florida somewhat early before mandatory isolation and returned to South Bend. It is hard to complain, with more than adequate food, shelter and communications with family and friends. I will say that gazing out the window, the grass certainly will be well fertilized by the more than an abundant neighborhood leashed canine population. Among the recently reported deaths are Rev. Ernest Bartell, CSC, James McCarthy, John Roy, Ed Duggan’s wife Tina O’Connell, and Jack Dilenschneider’s wife Rose Marie. Stay well and stay in touch. — Jerry Mulvihill; 51098 Heatherton Court, Granger IN 46530; 574-287-3460; domerhill@aol.com

 

53JD Class Secretary — Bob Berry;

5806 Spaulding St., Omaha NE 68104; 402-457-4142; yokeemup@aol.com

 

54 Coronavirus and Us

We are stuck in our homes as we do our bit to reduce the spread of the virus. Some of you may have been on vacation and are stuck some place other than home. To me, missing Mass especially during Holy Week was a big downer. I turned to the rosary. As I write this column, I am in Florida at a son’s condo. Tough life. The family has forbidden me from returning home. Daughter-in-law Kim, a nurse manager at Sloan Kettering Cancer Hospital in New York, will give the OK. Until then, she is the boss. But as we sit at home, there are those who must go out: police, fire, medical personnel and first responders. They are on the front lines keeping all of us safe. Pray for them. I spoke to Marie Beaudine and all is well there. Her big complaint: no bridge. Also, I spoke to Lola Koch. We were trying to get together for lunch while she was visiting friends in Florida, but the wife had a medical issue and then the virus, so Lola headed home. She was kind enough to look at some papers George had concerning volunteer and service work the alumni did in Michigan. That group helped Catholic schools, new pastors, and gave assistance from alumni with various skills. Check with the Alumni office at the Eck Center for what your local club can do. There is no humor from Msgr. Martin as I have not seen a parish bulletin since Jan. 5. On a personal note, I plan to relocate to the Ormond Beach FL area as soon as possible after the virus ends. First, I must sell my home, then move south. What prompted this was what happened at a K of C function. Three members remembered my name after a three-year absence. Then at Sunday Mass, there was more recognition. All after three years. This is a much more friendly community. I have the family’s blessing. I spoke to Julie Duschka, Walt Duschka’s niece. She told me he is not doing well and could use some prayers. Walt has been our class president since graduation. If you must reach me before the next column, check with the Alumni office for my address and telephone number. Sadly, the following classmates were called home: Dwain P. McKee, Richard E. Shea, Thomas L. O’Brien and James L. Gumbleton. Jim retired from General Motors and moved to Southern Pines NC. He loved tennis, golf and mountain biking. He also taught fifth-grade students in a program called Wheels in Motion sponsored by General Motors. Remember them in your prayers. Finally, if you have any news, please let me know by email or cell phone. — John P. Mertens; 68 Sparrow Ridge Road, Carmel NY 10512; res 845-630-5914; cell 845-216-7251; jacksparrow@comcast.net

 

55 Notes from April 

It is a tough time for all of us battling the virus. I’m reminded of what Rev. Ted Hesburgh, CSC ’39, told me: “When I’ve done all I can, I look out my window at the Dome and tell the Blessed Mother, it’s in your hands now.” That is good advice at any time. Congratulations to Joe O’Donnell on celebrating the 60th anniversary of ordination. Meanwhile, things continue with our class at an admittedly slower pace. The Village of North Palm Beach made an appreciation award to Sam Budnyk. The long-time high school football coach was honored for a lifetime of service contributing to guidance of young students. Sam once told me that he asked a good-sized student if he wanted to come out for football. Brooks Koepka said, “No coach, I’m going to be a professional golfer.” That was a good career choice. Lynn and Lee Crean attended the ND glee club concert in New Orleans. A great note came from Al Cowles. He and Betty have logged a bunch of miles in cruises and RV routes around the US and Canada. Now they are planning a fishing adventure with sons in Louisiana, NASCAR racing school, and cruise in July. Kathleen and Tom May are “locked in” at a senior living complex in Seattle. They are getting along and are blessed with a caring staff at the facility. Millard Battles and wife, Martha, checked in from Auburn in Washington state. Their note echoed Tom May’s on virus related facility “lockdown.” Eleanor and Carroll Dowden enjoyed our Florida weather during the winter. They filled the hours with “a little golf and a lot of dining.” A nice call came from Walt Flaherty now in South Carolina. We heard a good thought from John Derwent for these troubled times. He reminds us to check on our cars that may sit idle for long periods of time. Double-check all systems now and then to make sure everything works. Frank Cunningham updated his current reading: The Great Gatsby, Bill O’Reilly’s book on WWII and a book on the Battle of the Crater. This one treated an attempt by the Union Army to break the siege of Petersburg VA in the latter part of the Civil War. Jerry Hughes continues as a major humor source. Jack Flynn provides a quick Chicago update. Jim Ehret and wife, Honey, hosted a memorial Mass for Bill Kilburg. Attending were Howie Hart and Sharon, Jim Bennett and his wife, Judy Kilburg and Jack Flynn. Barbara and John Hamilton keep Virginia Beach in order. He has John Heisler’s book, Then Ara Said to Joe on his reading list, chapters from Rockne to Davie. Bill Richardson takes care of Raritan Supply. I was glad to get a great “look back” note from Jack Pinter. President Dick Burke and Maryjeanne are “hibernating in Palm Springs.” CZAR Don Shanley sent me his list of “new editions” he is working on: Huck Finn, Tom Sawyer, Treasure Island. Don claims they keep him busy now that skeet shooting has shut down. My recent read was Nathaniel Philbrick’s Mayflower. Many thanks to recent contributors to the Class Fund: Rita Prevoznik, Charles Meyer, Jerry Hughes, John Corbett and Pat Kearns. Our prayers go to the families of John Luotto and Tom English who passed away. Finally, the least happy chore I’ve had in a while was announcing Reunion cancellation. We had a great program planned. With the Lord’s help, we may get another chance. I hope we all get past this virus dilemma. Keep in touch and God bless. — Tom Magill; 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 Keep in Touch

I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. I am sad to write that two members of the 1956JD Class have passed away. Ron Mealey ’54, ’56JD passed away on Jan. 7 at St. Barnabas Hospital in Livingston NJ. He was a Double Domer and a devoted Fighting Irish fan. He loved practicing law and was in corporate and private practice for many years. He and Joan, his wife of 54 years, adored dinners out, red wine and yearly cruises. He will be greatly missed by his daughter and son-in-law, Liz and Steve Flack, and his grandchildren, Keeley, Kyle, Keenan and Kristin. Charlie Sprinkel ’54, ’56JD of Rock Falls IL passed away Jan. 6, 2019. He was the beloved son of the late Charles and Helen (Miller) Sprinkel. He is survived by his brother Stephen (Marietta) Sprinkel and sister Susan (Steven) Harrington, and many nieces and nephews. In happier news, George Tompkins sent me an email update and I thought I might share some tidbits from it. First, at his suggestion, I will put together a list of the current class members of 1956JD and will email all whose email addresses I have. This will help everyone keep in touch. Second, he told me that the 1956 Law School class was the first full three-year class that opened the Dean Joseph O’Meara era. Interestingly, he remembers that it started with 125 students in the fall of 1953 and graduated with about 57 in 1956. George had some great memories of Dean O’Meara: “On the first day in the first hour, Dean O’Meara lectured us that if we wanted to be good lawyers, we must never accept as fact anything that we see, read or hear in any form of the media. To emphasize his point, he stated that if we ever see our own picture in any form of media, we should immediately call our parents and ask them who we are.” George confirms that this was the case on many occasions during his 60 years of trying high-profile aviation disaster and commercial cases in federal courts throughout the US. George obtained a job in the Met Life legal department in New York for the summer of 1955, as his father was a 50-year employee and a VP in the Canadian head office of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in Ottawa, Canada, where George was from. One day in September 1954, George noticed a memo on the official notice board of Dean O’Meara addressed to him and stating: Report to the Office of the Dean immediately upon reading this memo. When he did so and started formulating alibis and excuses for what had caused the dean to summon him. Instead, Dean O’Meara welcomed him into his office and stated that he had become aware that George was to work in the Met Life Legal Department in the summer of 1955 and he wanted to know how he was able to get that position without his knowledge, since the then-general counsel of Met Life (Joseph Collins) was Dean O’Meara’s old and valued friend. George explained his family connection. Dean O’Meara then looked at him sternly and said, “Good luck, but if you do anything in New York or at the Met Life to

embarrass me or ND, do not bother coming back for your senior year at NDLS.” Luckily George was up to the task and came back for his last year. I love hearing from anyone even with random updates and stories. Go Irish. — Lauren Sharkey ’08; 703-927-2089; lksharkey@gmail.com

 

57 Talk to a Tree

Charlie Doherty from West Hills CA sent a letter saying that during these trying times, in addition to smelling the flowers, we should consider talking to a tree. Charlie suffers from moderate rheumatoid arthritis, which does not stop him from playing his autoharp and writing songs. He penned these lyrics, “So, when you rise, each and every morning, greet the day in Slevin’s way, stop, smell the flowers, but especially talk to a tree.” Charlie retired as a four-striper from the Naval Reserve after 32 years of service, most of which was spent with the submarine force. We lost another icon with the death of Joe Reich Jr. on March 2. He was survived by his wife, Ann, and four children. Joe was president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors for two terms, the only individual in history to do so. Joe was also regional vice president of our class. Richard Allen sent in this sad news. John “Jack” Moynahan Jr. died Feb 14. He was survived by Ginny and four children and resided in Brentwood TN. Jack retired from the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in 1997 as a senior executive vice president after 39 years. During his career he was recognized as one of the county’s leading experts on health care and was called to testify before the US Congress on healthcare reform. Jack had a love of travel, photography, music and history. Jack was a member of the Blue Circle and the “brown circle.” Robert “Bob” Giunco passed on Feb. 25. Surviving is his wife Mary Rita, and three children. Bob and Mary Rita were from Manasquan NJ. William “Bill” Mooney III died March 23 in Indianapolis. Bill’s irreverent spirit combined with his deep love of fun and family will be missed by Sheila, his wife of 59 years, his eight children, 26 grandchildren, and countless others who knew him. With a tear in his eye, Bill was always one to respond with a song, toast or quick remark and good whisky, the marks of a true Irishman. This sad note was sent in by classmates Jim McCarthy and Bill McGowan. Cynthia “Cindy” Byron, the onetime wife and continuing dear friend of Class President Paul Byron, passed away on Jan. 17.^. Bill Newbold sent in news that his former roommate Robert “Bob” Arvidson, passed on Jan 6. He is survived by his wife Pat, and three children, from Williamsburg VA. Bob had been battling cancer for some time. Robert “Bob” Hussey died March 9 and is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Joan, and four children, from Roswell GA. Bob retired in 2000 after 40 years at Louisiana State U as a professor of physics and associate dean of the College of Basic Sciences. Bert D. Millen, passed on Jan. 1, leaving his wife Gloria, and two sons, one of whom is Michael ’87. Millen resided in Los Gatos CA. He served with the Air Force Military Intelligence Division of the 6147th Tactical Control Group in Korea in the early 1950s He was president of IDEA Furniture in Los Gatos, an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed the outdoors as well as a good game of bocce, which gave him the name, “Bocce Bert.” Lee Ayotte passed on March 13. He is survived by the love of his life, Betty, and four beloved children. Lee received a basketball scholarship and played three years for the Fighting Irish. After graduation, Lee enlisted in the Army and served honorably for three years. He retired as president of Insurance Intermediaries in 1999. Don’t forget to take time to stop and smell the roses, and perhaps talk to a tree. 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 Lives Well Lived

William Sturgis of Paducah KY died on Sept. 29. Bill, born and raised in Memphis, is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy Sanders, a Saint Mary’s grad he met and courted at ND. I fondly remember attending their wedding in Paducah in 1961. Also surviving are two daughters, three sons, and eight grandchildren. Bill was retired for 23 years after serving 33 years as traffic manager for the Crounse Corp. (barge line) in Paducah. Nancy attests that Bill often reminisced about his ND classmates and loved his years and friends at Notre Dame. Francis M. Crinella passed away Oct. 24 at home in Costa Mesa CA. He is survived by his wife, Terrie, two daughters and three sons. Frank, a native of Petaluma CA, graduated with a BA degree, and met and married Terrie of Niles MI. He attended grad school at San Francisco State, receiving a master’s degree in clinical psychology in 1962. Then he went on active duty in the Air Force. Following discharge, he began further studies at LSU receiving a PhD in neuropsychology and returned with his family to Petaluma and begin his career as a psychologist. For several years he engaged in private practice and served as senior psychologist at Sonoma State Hospital. In 1977 Frank became director of Fairview State Hospital in Costa Mesa. From 1982 to 2018, he taught graduate students as a clinical professor at the U of California Irvine. In 1985, he became director of the California State Developmental Research Institute and in 1993, became director of Neuropsychology Laboratory Department of Pediatrics at UC Irvine. John G. Drumm died Nov. 12 in Sacramento CA. John was born in New York City and lived in Sacramento for six years after living in Phoenix for 39 years. He is survived by five children and six grandchildren. John’s ND degree was in business and was followed by graduation from Fordham Law School. He worked as a corporate lawyer in the hotel industry and later as an attorney with the Arizona Division of Child Support Services. William Albert Reisert died Nov. 15 at his home in Prospect KY, a suburb of Louisville. After graduation he served for three years as an artillery officer in the Marines. He was the president of Reisert Insurance, founded by his grandfather in 1884. He is survived by a brother, three sisters and 10 children. John W. McFadden Jr. died peacefully on Nov. 15 in Savannah GA, survived by his wife, June, three daughters and four grandchildren. John, who was senior manager of the football team at ND, obtained his law degree from Loyola-Chicago and MBA from the U of Chicago. He engaged in private law practice dealing with interstate commerce in the District of Columbia before retiring in Florida. Michael Feeney died Nov. 21 at home in Atlanta. After a 26-year career with Hallmark Cards, during which he laid roots in cities across the Midwest, he settled in Atlanta. He created the original reorganizing retail store in Atlanta from 1984 until 2001, then retired and moved to Blue Ridge GA and later returned to Atlanta. He is survived by his wife, Ann, six daughters and several grandchildren. George A. Zink died Jan. 6 at home in Noblesville IN. He worked as an engineer and executive for Delco-

Remy in Anderson IN for his entire career. After early retirement, he and some partners established Stored Energy Engineering, a company that engineered and built energy storage machines. George and his wife, Kathleen, were parents of 10 children, including three ND grads. — 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 Rest in Peace

The past three months have been very challenging and sad. We have lost many in our class and a few who were never reported. They included Dick Beschen (Ellen), Wyndmoor, PA – 7/22/17; Dick Byrne (Jocelyn) – 11/17/18: Jack Christensen (Beth) – Houston – 1/12/20; Joe Kelly (Paula Stelzner) - NYC – 4/7/20; Jim Ogburn (Mary Gail) – Louisville- 4/19/20; Nancy Kandal – wife of Rudy Hornish (Nancy)- Pacific Palisades, CA – 3/4/2020; Jack Zaback (Sue) The Villages, FL – 2/9/20; Ed Sullivan (Marion) – San Fran – 2/12/17; Ruth Kribel – wife of Bob – Opelika, AL – 4/16/20; Ernie Wood (Jean who passed away on 11/22/19) Lancaster, PA – 4/25/20; Tom Trinley  (Carolyn)– Chicago, IL – 3/7/20. Dave Black and Garnett  have moved to Longboat Key FL. Dave recently received the “best paper” award from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics in the Nuclear and Future Flight Propulsion category. Dave (Mick) Amidon Granby, CT recently connected with Biff Moretti, (FL) Ken Hiegel (Ark.) and Ted Coonan (TX). Over the past few issues we have missed a few of our classmates who went on to serve in the military.  Here’s who we should add: James Crisman (d. 11/29/2005), Dick Horsfall (d. 11/2/1962), Tom Miller, Doug Roof, Francis Doherty, Edward Finlay, Bernard Gillespie (d.5/23/2019), Mark Kessenich (d. 3/20/2011), Francis (Frank) Lennartz (d. 8/26/2011), Richard Tammaro, Jack Thomas, “Turk” Turicchi, Dick Amaral, Lee Brand. Class president Joe Mulligan has frequently referred to “the Freshman Quad” (now called “ the North Quad”) listing Breen-Phillips, Farley, Zahm and Cavanaugh Halls, as our four freshmen dwellings in 1955-56, forgetting that some of our classmates lived in nearby Saint Edward’s Hall. Joe recently studied the ND student directories and he found that 42 classmates were assigned to the first and fourth floors at Saint Ed’s. With a handful of exceptions, sophomores lived on the second and third floors during our freshmen year. In case you were wondering, here  are the names: John (Tiny) Conaton, Bruce Connolly, Bob Cox, Tim Cremin, Jon DeWitt, John Diebel, Frank Doherty, Jim Donovan, Jim Dorsey, Ron Durant, John David Farrell, Clark Fergus, Ed Fixari, Bernie Fliger, Jim Gargiulo, Jim Garrity, Don Gerne, Dick Giannini, Jim Gilchrist, Jerry Gorman, John Grace, Ray Grubbe, Tom Halligan, Dave Hampshire, Mike Hanahan, Don Hazelton, Pete Hellawell, Bill Herber, Paul Hession, Bill Kane, Terry Keating, Tom Lopina, John Maloney, Arden Norton, Nick Pietrosante, Chuck Puntillo, Tom Reinhart, Dick Royer, Ron Schoenberg, Jim Short, Fred Stepanich, and Jorge Zablah. Mike Cowley and family are in Healdsburg, CA. He is continuing to teach and tutor remotely STEM classes. He stays in touch with ’59 roommate Dick Abrams, who is in Gig Harbor WA and still involved in early child formation. Jim Langford of Corby Books has a couple of new titles that seasoned Domers will appreciate. To Stir the Soul: Spiritual Inspirations from Notre Dame is a collection of stories, essays and prayers by Holy Cross priests and others. Old Notre Dame: Paul Fenlon, Sorin Hall and Me by Philip Hicks is a great history of Sorin Hall, Prof. Fenlon and the Notre Dame of old. Mark Shields reminds us that our classmate Norm Odyniec still holds the rushing record for the Senior Bowl (192 yards) set in 1959. Norm went on to be a very respected thoracic surgeon in the Washington DC area. Mark continues to hold the same esteem as a “columnist.” I close by thanking John Whollhan who has taken the role of tracking our classes versus our “peer” classes. From the “last page” we have moved up to 3.0 in the classes section. — Jim Keegan; 1401 Clinton St., Wilmington DE 19806; 302-429-0545; keeganjm@dca.net

 

59JD Class Secretary — William J. Harte;

wharte@williamharteltd.com