1950s

50 Quick Wit, Strong Faith, Love of Chocolate

Joe Gerardi posted a letter with memories of Timothy H. Hanrahan: “Tim was a buddy of mine during our undergraduate days. Although we never roomed together, we were both taking a course in aeronautical engineering. After we graduated, I worked at Grumman Aircraft and Tim worked for TRW. The last time I saw Tim was at the Cape when I was working on the Lunar Module. I recall that he was from El Paso and roomed with other Texans while at ND. I still remember the smells that came from Tim’s room when he and his roomies were cooking enchiladas.” Jim Tsalikis (Stevens) ’77 reported that his father, Stanley J. Stevens (Tsalikis), age 91, passed away on April 26 at in Fort Wayne IN. Stanley earned a degree in international business and foreign trade and was fluent in four languages. After ND, he joined the Army and served three years in Austria on the ski patrol. Stanley later worked for Skil Power Tools and, when the company went global, they agreed to send Stanley and his family on an “around the world” adventure so he could manage the project. Stanley was a hard worker but made time for his children. In later years, he was secretary of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Fort Wayne. Jim remembered, “My father was also my best friend. I would call him several times a week and all he wanted to hear was how my day went. He never complained about the chronic pain he had.” Stanley is survived by his first wife, Christine, two children, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His second wife, Sarah, preceded him in death. Lauren Krickl ’12 emailed with news that her grandfather, John E. Krickl, passed away on May 26 in Laguna Woods CA at age 93. Lauren shared a family tribute, “John enlisted in the Navy after high school and served about a year. He graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering and had a successful career as sales engineer and corporate executive in the field of high-tech thermal treatment of materials. He was a founding member of Thermco Products and eventually became CEO. Later he served as president of Advanced Semiconductor Materials (ASM) America. John was recognized as a trailblazer in the semiconductor industry and his main customers were pioneers in the early days of Silicon Valley. He was an art collector and a skilled oil painter. In addition to his wife, Maureen, and his four children (including Stephen Krickl ’80), John is survived by seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.” From the University, I learned that Dalton J. O’Sullivan II died on April 24 in California at age 91. After graduation, Dalton attended Georgetown Law School but withdrew to attend Naval aviator training during the Korean Conflict. He built an advertising career in Chicago, Portland and San Francisco, working as a copywriter and creative director. The San Francisco Chronicle described Dalton’s retirement: “He relished his leisure, with four German shepherds, visits to Allihies, Kilmacthomas and Kill parishes, Ireland (the home of his forebears), Paris and other parts of Europe.” Dalton was married to the late Norma (Hinni) for 60 years and is survived by five children and two grandchildren. Charles T. Scott Jr. passed away on May 1 in Illinois at age 94. The Chicago Tribune reported that he served in the U.S. Merchant Marines during World War II and, after graduation from ND, began a career with Merrill Lynch working at the Chicago Board of Trade. Charles was married to Anna Mae (Hunding) and is survived by four children and three grandchildren. James P. Sheehan died on May 17 at age 92 in Colorado. The Denver Post said that he was married for 54 years to the late Jeannette and is survived by four children and six grandchildren. Richard F. Maier, 92, passed away on May 28 in Fort Wright KY. He served in the Army during the occupation of Japan. Stateside again, he founded and was president of Architectural Products Co. The Kentucky Enquirer reported that “Dick enjoyed golf, bridge, reading, and time with friends and family. He was known for his quick wit, strong faith, passion for the Fighting Irish (RU4ND2), and love of chocolate. He was a wealth of information and loved sharing recommendations from his travels and dining experiences.” Dick was married to the late Joan (Wild) for 66 years and is survived by seven children, 18 grandchildren and seven great-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 New Base Honors General

Hi, everybody. Congratulations, again, to our classmate, the late retired Marine Gen. Ben Blaz. After nearly 70 years, a new Marine Corps base on Guam has been activated in Ben’s honor. Camp Blaz will be the new home to about 5,000 U.S. Marines who will be relocating from Okinawa, Japan, in the early 2020s. I may be repeating myself, as we have done Ben’s bio already, but Ben attained the rank of one-star general in the Marine Corps. Following his retirement, he served as Guam’s delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives for four consecutive terms. Ben was 13 years old when the island was attacked by the imperial Japanese forces on Dec. 8, 1941. He was an accomplished author whose notable memoir, Let Us Remember, captured the hardships and determination of the Chamorro people during the Japanese occupation in World War II. Blaz died on Jan. 8, 2014, having lived a life of selfless public service to his nation and to the island of Guam. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. So far, we have had a good football season. We are No. 3 as of this writing (the game against Pittsburgh was just played). We still have the toughest part of the schedule ahead of us. We hope the players and coaches stay healthy. I want you to know about a film that was just released, Pray, about the life of Rev. Patrick Peyton, CSC ’37. We are still praying for his sainthood. Our Mass fund is slowly dwindling. Please help. I hope to hear from many of you before the next issue. — Jim Gillis; 3267 Rossmoor Parkway, No. 4, Walnut Creek CA 94595; 925-932-6454; jimjanegillis@aol.com

 

52 Honeymoon

The class of 1952 has been extremely fortunate to have been served by able and dedicated class secretaries. For decades, for as long as one can remember, Ted Foley filled the position in an exemplary manner. Ted set the standard for being positive and spent considerable effort in reaching out to the class to learn how things were going and to be sure the class was up to date on important developments involving members of the class. With Ted’s passing in 2016, we were again blessed by having Ron Zier step up. Ron’s skill at writing soon became apparent. The Class Notes he provided were not just witty and entertaining; they were informative. With Ron’s passing on October 6, 2020, we will now miss both. It has been a honeymoon of sorts. Speaking of honeymoons, Tony Messina writes that in July 1954, he and Irene started from Akron OH and headed for LA in his 1951 Ford convertible. They stopped in The Dells and spent a night in the Dakotas where they were provided heavy wool blankets during a 90-degree summer night. They went on to Wyoming to visit a nun he knew, then to Salt Lake and finally arrived in LA. John Minck and Jane wedded in Albuquerque, stopped in Winslow AZ heading for Las Vegas, saw Peggy Lee, Rowan and Martin, and the Hoover Dam. On their way home, they blew the tires with the wrong chains in snowy Arizona. Their destination was Harlingen Air Force Base TX. Jane and Tom Desser have what Tom says is a lifelong honeymoon. They met on a blind date in 1949, married in 1951, had 17 children, 36 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren. That is Guinness stuff. A blind date in Little Creek VA resulted in Ed Sullivan marrying nurse Barbara in military style, drawn swords, et al. They proceeded to Baltimore, Cooperstown, and then Montreal, where after a fancy French dinner, Barbara had food poisoning. Ergo, the opportunity to enjoy the elegance of Chateau Frontenac was lost. The final leg in Massachusetts helped Barbara begin learning the Irish brogue of his favorite uncle. Ellen and Bruno Chmiel wed 35 minutes after a Long Island dinner on June 7, 1952. They headed for Passaic to see Bruno’s mom in a 1929 with wooden floors. They had $100 to spend. The car died upon arrival. Then they spent one day at the Lincoln Hotel and one night at another place where they were asked to leave after dining on hamburgers and pasta and burning a hole in the floor using a toaster. Bruno started work at ITT on June 10. Sharie and James Reid left Indianapolis to visit Clifty Falls State Park on the Ohio River, an affordable location. At dinner time, they went to rustic Clifty Falls Restaurant on a steep winding road. The ’52 Plymouth lacked power to make the trip, but he thought it might if he used reverse. So, he backed up the long and winding path, and the result was a great meal. Alice and yours truly, George Heidkamp, wed in Chicago on June 14, 1952. The next day we headed for Marine Corps Base, Quantico, the basic school. We stopped in Philadelphia and stayed at Rittenhouse Hotel in Rittenhouse Square. We told the desk clerk we were heading to Quantico. Checking out three days later from the honeymoon suite, we found the stay was complimentary. Now the honeymoon starts for our new secretary, Tony Messina. Thanks, Tony. Send him your updates at tonyandirene@gmail.com. — George Heidkamp; 1250 N. Dearborn, 17E, Chicago IL 60610; 312-643-0109; 913-206-4128; georgeaj@rcn.com

 

53 50 More

For slightly more than 50 years, I have waited in vain for a classmate or anyone to elbow me out of the way and take over the column and the class officer duties. I will guarantee a smooth transition of power. Joe Finan’s son Patrick wrote to say his dad is slowing down but reveling in third generation ND grads who took up residency in South Bend after graduation. Joe, as you may well recall, lost his wife, had a house burn and developed brain cancer. An experimental drug has worked so far. Joe was well-known as the white-coated waiter for the priests’ table in the dining hall all four years. Bob Straley wrote a lengthy letter motivated by Ron Wong’s remembrance of Navy ROTC classmates who attended Naval Supply School. Bob joined the Navy at age 16 and was selected for a full ride. He started in physics and switched to geology. Bob recalls Jack Sulik, Terry Britt and Rev. Mike Murphy as fellow rock hunters. Bob remarked that for four years, he worked in the dining hall and his daily job was to keep the Wheaties bin filled and have milk available at every station starting at 6 a.m. Thereafter, he peddled papers in the afternoon. His Navy career and after were devoted to “electronics” with start-up companies and sales thereof. He retired to the east coast of Florida. Jack Dilenschneider emailed that he is going to spend a portion of the winter in Sarasota with a retired daughter and her husband. Jack’s wife died within the last year. He Zooms with Gerry Voit in Philadelphia and Walter Werner in Ft. Collins. That is ’53 closeness. Six of the Dilenschneiders’ 10 grads have a conference call “play-by-play’’ for every ND football game. Pat Lee and wife reside in central Florida. He is not able to golf (with a walker, he says) so he is left fondling his score cards and dreaming of his six holes-in-one. At my request, Tex McMonagle provided a list of the Navy ROTC classmates who elected the Marine option. The list includes: Jack Cahill, George Cusick, Joe David, Jack DeCoursey, George DeSmet, Charlie Doherty, Bill Dunham and Tex. Tex, Jack Cahill and Jack DeCoursey retired from the Marines. Tex is the sole survivor of this list. The list is not to be confused with the many classmates who enlisted in the Marine Officer Program or Dick McConnell who opted for the Marines somewhat late in his Navy ROTC training. Bob Whalen and Al Kohanowich served the country and the Marines in Vietnam. Though I live close to campus, I have no insight as to what is going on, particularly about the virus cautions. Things seem to change daily. The nomination of Professor Barrett to the Supreme Court is a greater boast for the stature of Notre Dame than a national football championship. Our ranks have been thinned by the deaths of James Ehringer, John Nealon, John Morrissey and Lou Matt. Remember them in your prayers, as they shall be remembered in our Mass-a-Day intentions. Also, pray for our many ailing members and their spouses. — 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 See You Next Time

I have been having computer problems and will not have a column for this winter edition, but I will have something for the next issue. Please note I have a new address and phone number. — Jack Mertens; 2730 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 207, Ormond Beach FL 32176; 845-216-7251; jacksparrow@comcast.net

 

55 Active Bunch

The hassle with the virus continues. It has not been much fun living under the virus-imposed restrictions. For an active bunch like ours, the doldrums are unwelcome. To offset, here’s what has been going on. Jim Vachris reports on what may be the granddaddy of family reunions. The clan gathering included 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandkids. Carroll Dowden tells us he is hoping to make Reunion 2021. Don Shanley and Rev. Jim Blantz, CSC, ’55 continue their humor barrage. Jack Pinter is proud of grandson, Danny. The Ball State grad has made the roster as an offensive lineman for the Indianapolis Colts. All of you will recall the ’55 ND Colts lineman Dick Syzmanski who was Johnny Unitas’ center for a long time. He later became the Colts general manager. John Hester has a reading recommendation: Caste, The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson. This is a history of slavery in the U.S. Frank Cunnigham is working on The Immortal Irishman, a bio of Thomas Meagher. Bill Richardson chimed in. He reminds me I neglected to make note of a significant performance by ND grad Molly Siedel ’16 who became the first American woman to earn an Olympic berth in her debut marathon after finishing second at the Olympic Trials in March. She was primed to compete in the now-delayed Tokyo Olympics. A note came from Pat Kearns who celebrated his 63rd anniversary and continues playing golf. Jack Flynn filed a compact Chicago report. He met with Joe Kearney who is wrestling with some medical issues. President Dick Burke reports that some of his Lake Michigan neighbors are installing protection from rising lake levels. Jim Ehret has two grandsons as potential ND entrants. If it works out, they will be double legacies. Jim’s wife is Tom Carey’s sister. Many thanks to ’55 Class Fund donors this year: Col. Jerry Hughes, Mr. and Mrs. Tom May, Mr. and Mrs. Don Lanspa, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Danner, Mr. and Mrs. Pat Kearns, and Rita Prevosnik. Another reading recommendation is The University of  Notre Dame: A History by Rev. Tom Blantz, CSC, ’57, ’63 MA, the brother of Rev. Jim Blantz, CSC. Father Tom is an emeritus history professor and former ND vice-president of student affairs. A tip of the hat to Bob McGrath for creating and posting the class prayer on the website and for compiling the data on marriage longevity. Catherine and Sam Palumbo were at the head of the parade with 68 years. Pete Campbell reminds me that I had been at his nuptials 57 years ago. Leon Ring tells us he has compiled a great ancestry tree and has traced over 10,000 forebears back to the 1300s and 1500s. Reunion 2021: The virus knocked us out of the ring for the 2020 Reunion. But to demonstrate our optimism, over 30 have expressed interest in taking another shot for June 2021. Who says we don’t buy green bananas? Here is the lineup of the optimists: Al Cowles, Cyril Lindeman, Dick Makuck, Joe McGlynn, Jerry Groark, Tex Tyson, Jack Flynn, Tom May, Owen Sodetz, Dave Scheele, Jerry Prassas, Dick Mueller, John Dwyer, John Rogers, Mike Kelly, Dick Moore, Mike Jackman and me. Current dates are June 3-6. Our tentative schedule includes Thursday afternoon Mass in the Log Chapel and dinner at a local restaurant; Friday class dinner; Saturday Mass and dinner (Alumni Association); Sunday Mass and champagne brunch at Holy Cross House. There is always room for more. Our prayers go to the family of Don Lanspa, who passed away in September. Keep in touch and “bug free.” God bless. — Tom Magill; 119 Atlantic Road, North Palm Beach FL 33408; 561-842-3019; magillt@bellsouth.net

 

56 Our Gatherings

This is my second try at our class column for the ND Magazine winter issue. My first try fell on deaf ears because no one could believe that I helped John Manion, who was so special to our class since 1956. There is good news, I hope. I have not heard that anyone from our class has caught COVID. Correct me if I am wrong. I would like to plan our 65th reunion for the middle of June at the Morris Inn. Who would like to chair the committee, arrange beds, etc.? I am certain that Dolly Duffy ’84 and Lou Nanni ’84, ’88MA can help us with our gatherings. Helene Chambers, sister-in-law of Rev. Tom Chambers, was in touch the other day and knows that Tom is still with his Class of 1956. Joseph Hennessy died May 9 in Phoenix. He followed his father as an ND Naval officer. He was a top life insurance agent in South Bend. Bill Dale died May 28 in Rock Island IL. He was in the road construction and paving business and had five girls and a boy. Tom Carpenter died May 8 in Port Ludlow WA. He was an entrepreneur with apartments and condominiums in Denver. Joe DiLallo died June 25 in Chatham NJ. He was in high school with John Murray in Elmira NY. He got his MD from Loyola and served in the Navy. Frank Fagan died July 24 in Vero Beach FL. In the Navy, he engineered on nuclear submarines. He was president of Combustion Engineering. Paul Berrettini died July 23 in Granger IN. He grew up in Dixon IL and worked as an Anheuser Busch distributor. He is buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery on the ND campus. Jerry Anderson died July 1. He was a Marine, worked for IBM in South Bend and Palo Alto, and was an avid runner. Paul King died July 10 in Madison WI. He played varsity basketball and was in the investment insurance business, He loved Ireland and the Kentucky Derby. Ed (Gene) Gordon died March 21 in Aurora IL. He was president of Deuchler Engineering, loved handball and ND football. Richard Lewis died June 23 in Santa Barbara. He got his MD at Northwestern and was a medical research oncologist and world traveler. Rev. Jerome Knoll, CSC, died July 3 at Notre Dame. He was ordained June 8, 1960, in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. He was a teacher and chaplain, and helped our class and Rev. Bob Pelton, CSC, ’45. May they rest in peace in the arms of our Blessed Mother. I got an email from John Collins in Kansas City, who wants to collect chicken wings after the Chiefs whipped the Bills Oct. 19 in Orchard Park. But it rained and rained. My grandsons will be playing basketball, football and baseball next spring or earlier, I hope. I am cutting this short as I am still earning a living. I look forward to news from the greatest fellows that Gene O’Connor and I spent the years of 1952 to 1956 with. Remember our website, nd56.org, with Dick Yeager. Go Irish. Keep the faith as our children and grandchildren will. — Ed Cosgrove; 525 Delaware Ave., Buffalo NY 14202; bus 716-854-2211; eccosgrove@cosgrovelawfirm.com 

 

56JD Keep in Touch

Hi, Class of 1956. I recently emailed all those who have emails on file with Notre Dame to try and circulate contact information with everyone remaining in the class. If you didn’t receive an email from me and would like to, please email me so I can add you to our distribution list. Feel free to email or call me anytime with life updates. — Lauren Sharkey; 703-927-2089; lksharkey@gmail.com

 

57 Scholar and Author

Congrats to classmate Rev. Thomas E. Blantz, CSC, whose new book, The University of Notre Dame: A History, was reviewed in the ND Magazine autumn 2020 issue, pages 13-14. Tom has taught American History at ND for almost 50 years. Commenting on Tom’s books and the many persons of whom he has written, the author of the column gave words of encouragement to younger historians writing about Notre Dame, and “one hopes such stories are told with the same meticulous research, patient judgement, earned wisdom, and human warmth.” On a less pleasant note, I am sad to report that Tom Guilfoile’s wife, Jeanne, died on Oct. 11. Tom compiled numerous stories from many people in his book, Happy Endings, which was dedicated to Jeanne, who over the years had been Tom’s confidant, cheerleader, advisor, supporter, inspiration and best friend. I keep this book on my desk and have found great enjoyment in reading excerpts from it. Delmos “D.D.” Young Jr. passed away at his home in Searcy AR on May 31. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sandra, three children and eight grandchildren. He was an avid sports fan with a special love for the Fighting Irish. Edwin “Ed” Martin Kwitek Jr. died Jan 3. After college, Ed enlisted in the Army Reserves as a private first class in artillery. He was promoted to specialist fourth class radio operator and to sergeant. Ed met and married his lifetime sweetheart, Joann. He passed just days before their 60th wedding anniversary. Also surviving are their four children and grandchildren. Ed stated that his life had been blessed with a wonderful wife and children and that “faith, family and friends are all important.” Jack R. Witucki passed on June 26. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Jean, of South Bend, and their three daughters, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Jack was a football All-American and received a scholarship to Notre Dame and played as a running back. He retired as a general manager from Skyline Corp. in Elkhart where he worked for 30 years. John J. Quinn Jr. of Brookfield IL passed on Aug. 21. He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn, and two daughters. He retired from IBM after 30 years of service. His passions were his family, poetry, writing and Notre Dame football. He loved and was loved by all who knew him. Eugene C. Wulf of Tinton Falls NJ died Aug 4. Eugene graduated Valparaiso U in 1953 with a bachelor’s and continued his studies at Notre Dame, graduating in 1957 with a master’s in arts and education. After graduation, Eugene worked in the South Bend School District for 10 years, and was a guidance counselor with Park Middle School in Scotch Plains NJ for 31 years. Eugene retired in 1995. He is predeceased by his wife Elizabeth (“Betty”). He is survived by two daughters. Frank L. Neubek, father of eight, passed away July 29 in Naples FL. Born and raised in Chicago, Frank was an architect based in Palos Heights IL where he was active in the Builders Tee Club. He designed many notable residential and commercial buildings across Chicagoland. In the 1980s, Frank moved to Naples FL where he continued his architecture practice. His wife Sharron predeceased him. Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses. 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 Well Remembered 

James Provenzano passed away on January 10 in Canon City CO. He is survived by his wife, Sally, three daughters and several grandchildren. He and Sally married in 1961 in Sacramento. In 1970, he moved his family to Florence CO and purchased the family business, which had been operated by his family on Main Street for 102 years, and also owned and operated a travel agency. George A. Zink of Indianapolis died Jan. 15, 2020. After graduating with a B.S. in mechanical engineering, George enjoyed a long career with the Delco Remy Division of General Motors. He is survived by Kitty, his wife of 60 years, and 10 children. Nicholas Neiers of Decatur IL died July 15 at Imboden Creek Living Center with his wife, Carol, at his side. He is survived by seven children. Nick served in the Army from 1951-54 and retired as a colonel in the Army Reserve. He graduated from ND Law School in 1960 and practiced law as a partner in the law firm of Samuel Miller Schroeder Jackson & Sly until his retirement. Michael Cantwell of Tampa FL died on Aug. 12 after a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth. Michael was a registered engineer in Ohio and Michigan and held an engineering certificate from the Ecole Polytechnique of the Universite de Paris. Michael J. Vandemark died on July 29. He was born in Minneapolis and raised in Owatonna MN. Mike resided with his family in Avon CT for the past 36 years. Following enrollment in ROTC and graduation from ND with a master’s in mechanical engineering, he served as a Naval officer for several years before resigning his commission and enrolling at Purdue U, where he earned a master’s in industrial engineering. He then accepted an offer from Price Waterhouse to join their management consulting group in Chicago, where he served for 33 years until his retirement in 1994. Dennis Gibson passed away on August 13 in Sainte Foy, Quebec. He is survived by his wife, Viviane, four children and several grandchildren. He graduated with a B.A. in education and social studies at ND and later completed requirements for an M.A. in philosophy of education. He served in the Army for two years as a chaplain’s assistant, receiving a commendation for his service at Fort Dix. After receiving a degree in religious philosophy from the U of Ottawa in 1962, he moved to Quebec and worked as a social studies teacher at high schools in Montreal and Quebec City. Richard M. Fagon of Hilton Head SC, died on August 17, 2019 following a long illness. At ND he was captain of the undefeated 1958 fencing team and pursued graduate studies under the noted sculptor, Ivan Mestrovic. During his subsequent professional career as a sculptor, he created a range of commissions which are located throughout the US. He is survived by his wife, Anna Mae. Harry McSteen died September 29 in Joliet IL, where he had lived since 1965. After graduation from ND, he was commissioned as a surface warfare officer in the Navy. Later he obtained a law degree from the U of Loyola in Chicago, practiced law in Will County for 40 years and retired in 2007. He is survived by his wife, Eileen, and six children. In other news, Charles D. Susano, who served as a judge of the Tennessee Court of Appeals for 30 years, retired on April 30, 2019. He was first appointed to the court by the governor of Tennessee to fill a vacancy in 1994 and was elected thereafter. Final note: Pat Doherty reports that plans are underway for the spring luncheon in Naples FL. Any and all members of the Class of ’58 who are able and wish to attend are welcome. The event will be held March 2 in the Melbourne Room of the Tiburon Golf Club in North Naples. Cost will be about $30/person. A head count is needed for planning purposes. If you plan to attend, please call Fred Booth at 941-243 3569 or email fredbooth3@gmail.com. — Arthur L. Roule Jr.; 114 Sagamore Parkway, LaPorte IN 46350; alroule@yahoo.com 

 

58JD Keep On Keepin’ On

We all know that Ray Tam has had a long and distinguished career in the legal field. He has also pursued other areas of interest to him, his lovely wife Audrey, and his family. Among them was writing a book about his Honolulu school, Saint Louis, a high performing Catholic boy’s school. For many years he was a moving force in improving China-U.S. legal relations, focusing on influencing China to soften its harsh legal system to accept and endorse the rule of law basic in U.S. jurisprudence. Now, like all of us well into the twilight of a very active life, he decided to address a topic that he felt needed more exposure. So, Ray put together an 18-minute video. I’ll let Ray take it from there: “We all owe a debt of gratitude to our wives who have inspired us, encouraged us, supported us, worked with us and loved us. To capture my devotion and gratitude to my wife, I created a video entitled ‘A Tribute to Audrey-The Wind Beneath My Wings.’ I would like to share it with my ’58 Law classmates.” Nell and I were amazed at the very professional handling of the content and want to thank Ray for sharing. You each should receive an electronic version soon. Gene Waye passed on June 8 in Philadelphia, his lifetime home and the site of his lengthy legal career. John Rigby and his wife Lynn have lived in retirement in South Carolina for many years. Both became sick in September. John passed away and Lynn followed a few weeks later. As I write this, no determination has been made of the cause, but the authorities have not ruled out the COVID-19 virus. May they rest in peace and receive the prayers of John’s ’58 classmates. Here is a heads-up on a matter I’ve thought of often but haven’t dug into. I’ve requested the NDLS Alumni Office to verify how many of our now endangered group graduated in 1958 and how many are still on this planet. I’ll send you the results as well as the contact points for us survivors in the near future. Stay well. Take care. God Bless. — John F. Murray; 2036 Cheltenham Court, Woodbridge VA 22192; 703-494-2482; johnandnell66@gmail.com  

 

59 A Bit of Nostalgia 

The Class of 1959 has had many varied experiences over the past 65 years, some joyous and some sad. We had 1,206 members in September 1955 and have about 800 with us in November 2020. The Brothers of Holy Cross opened a high school for boys, Saint Edward High School, in Lakewood OH in the Diocese of Cleveland, in 1949. It is still going strong. Three 1955 Saint Ed’s graduates found their way to Notre Dame, and to our class: Jim Brogan (d. 7/16/2020), Dan Clancy of Westlake OH, and Doug Roof of Brecksville OH. The CSC Brothers were also part of the creation of Saint Joseph High School in South Bend in 1953, formerly across the Dixie Highway and directly west of the ND Burke Memorial Golf Course. In 1955, we were fortunate to have 13 Saint Joe graduates as classmates: David Barrett (d. 01/22/2014), Dick Ciesielski (d. 1994), Leo Ciesielski of South Bend, Charles Dietsch of South Bend, Marvin Dietsch of Edgerton OH, Gerald Gorski (d. 1986), Ed Guljas of Commiskey IN, Joe Hirl of Fairfax VA, John Horth of South Bend, Jim Langford of Granger IN, Joe Schaefer of Universal City TX, Joe Slade (d. 1966), and Emil Zernick of South Bend. Several years ago, Joe Harrison moved from his native Santa Barbara CA to San José, Costa Rica, continuing his career as a teacher of English. Now, after dating Maria Fernanda for five years, Joe has married her. John Hayward of Toledo OH was elected our senior class president and served in that capacity for five years after we graduated. Recently, while John was sharing news about a medical challenge encountered by Prof. Tom Brady, it occurred to us that our class has produced more than a few men who served in higher education. Tom Brady taught at UC-Berkley for 30 years. Immediately “coming to mind” are Prof. Jim Merz of South Bend and the late Prof. Jay Walton (d. 4/8/2012) both at Notre Dame, Rev. Jim Connelly, CSC, (U-Portland), Prof. Bob Hassenger (d. 11/30/2012) and Prof. Bob Sedlack of Greencastle IN. We are beginning to build the list and need everyone’s help with this project. I am sorry to report the deaths of the following: Jacque Helmer, wife of John Helmer, 2/5/2020; Fred Stepanich, 4/27/2020; Don O’Brien MD, 8/8/2020, Sharon of Eugene OR; Carl Edmundson, 8/15/2020, Janet of Coeur D’Alene ID; Ed Mertz, 8/20/2020, Alice of Scottsdale AZ; and Bill Cushwa, 9/9/2020, Anna Jean of Notre Dame IN. Please visit the websites for Faith ND at faith.nd.edu and the Senior Alumni ndsenioralumni.org. Please send me 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