1940s

40 Class Secretary — Rebecca Smith; 542 Fairview Ave., Glen Ellyn IL 60137; 630-254-4485; rebecca.antas@gmail.com

 

41 Class Secretary — Meg Julian ’03, ’06JD; 11 E. 36th St., No. 603, New York NY 10016; 646-246-5480; megjulian@gmail.com

 

42 Love Story from ND Son

At the milestone age of 100, Jim Frick passed away peacefully on Nov. 18 in Ambler PA. Who better than a son to tell his father’s life story. Here is an abridged version from Jim’s son, Jef Frick ’81: “Although I am sad and will miss him, I realize that I have been blessed to have my dad around for more than 60 years of my life. This is a gift I will always be grateful for. My dad attended many of the Swan Lake Resort golf outings and ’42 minireunion tailgates hosted by Judge Miller. The cadre of ’42 classmates to name just a few: Dahill, Graliker, Kirby and Dr. Reed, were a fun group to be with and were great representatives of Notre Dame. My mom passed away in 2008 after a struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. My dad was her caretaker for the last few years of her life. From a technical/medical point of view, he was unqualified to be a caretaker, but he treated my mom the way all people should be treated. The way he cared for her, allowing her to live her last few years with dignity and grace, was wonderful to see. It would have made a great DIY video on YouTube. It was a testimony to their marriage vows and love for each other. My dad grew up in the Philadelphia area and entered ND as a freshman in 1938. In those days, the ND students lived in a different dorm each year. He lived in Cavanagh, Alumni, Dillon and Lyons. His favorite story is from Dec. 7, 1941, (his senior year) when he and some friends were in a movie theater in South Bend. At one point, they stopped the movie to announce the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He said the reaction of him and his friends was, ‘Where in the world is Pearl Harbor?’ Due to WWII, his final semester was accelerated, and he graduated in April and immediately went into the war as a commissioned Navy officer. His officer candidate school was at Notre Dame. He eventually served in the Atlantic and Pacific fleets as captain of a sub-chaser and an escort ship. He always spoke fondly of his service to our country. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Jim graduated from the U of Pennsylvania School of Law. He was a corporate lawyer and worked many years with Reading Railroad. My dad was a storyteller, unfailingly optimistic and positive. He was a huge sports fan, particularly of ND football and the Philadelphia sports teams. He loved to sing and knew the main verse of the fight song of all ND opponents. Because he was a big fan of a bourbon Old Fashioned, we’ve had a few of them over the last few days in his honor. He was the jolly, happy, singing grandfather to his 10 grandchildren. During his last few years, he often said he wanted to live long enough to see one of his grandkids get engaged. His wish came true when his eldest granddaughter Amanda Frick ’14 announced her engagement in September. Jimbo was ‘over the moon.’ (His words.) We will miss him but know that he and my mom are watching out for us. I know that he was ready for his next step and always told us not to mourn him because he had a great life, wonderful parents, a great marriage, was proud of his children, got to meet all his grandchildren, and had a large group of great friends. So, we won’t mourn. We will celebrate him for who he was, how he lived and for the good fortune that my father had along the way.” To the Frick family, the fortune is ours for knowing such a gentle soul. — Ann Schanuel; annjolene2@aol.com

 

43 Class Secretary — A. Robert Masters ’05; 1906 E. Madison St., South Bend IN 46601;armasters@nfmlaw.com

 

44 Well Remembered

The University reports the recent passing of Jim Kelley of Newark DE and Brother Wilbert Leveling, CSC, age 103 of Dujarie House, Notre Dame. Sam Wing passed away this past fall. Sam is survived by six children, including Samuel A. Wing III ’88. I have referenced Sam before in this column, thanks to the stories from Tom O’Reilly, who kept up correspondence with Sam’s late wife, Gail. Sam was an enthusiastic member and former president of the Notre Dame Club of Dallas, which named him Man of the Year. His obituary described active engagement across several Catholic organizations and his family business, Wing Industries. Like so many before him, he leaves behind a large family and an amazing legacy. Prayers for peace to friends and family of the deceased, and good health to members of this class, particularly in these challenging times. — Laura (Julian) Fraser ’00; 1021 Royal Bombay Court, Naperville IL 60563; 773-255-9843; lejfraser@outlook.com 

 

45 Little Girl on the Dome 

Dr. Vincent (Vince) Murphy reminisced about his two years on campus. After finally adjusting to campus life, his two roommates consented to teach Vince the game of pool. At Washington Hall, the billiard pros outlined the rules of the game, demonstrated holding the “stick,” explained bank shots and allowed some practice shots. Vince seemed to be a natural. As he racked up the balls the news came across the radio about Pearl Harbor. His break shot never took place. The Navy took over campus and the “shore patrol” policed campus. One night Vince joined friends and signed out for a night in Mishawaka. At 11:30, when he was supposed to be back on campus, he discovered the others were signed out for the weekend. Vince hitched back to campus, got picked up by the shore patrol and ended up “campused” for 16 weeks. Soon after, his father invited Vince to join him in Indianapolis for the weekend. Vince lied saying he had exams. So, his father decided on a surprise visit to campus. Busted! After only two years at ND, Vince attended Georgetown Medical School. He owed the Navy two years, which he did during the Korean War. Initially he was stationed at Bethesda, which catered mostly to officers and their families. Vince regrets never having the chance to enjoy a traditional ND experience. William (Bill) Wrape called to describe his beautiful life. Born 95 years ago on Armistice Day, he felt special with the nation throwing him a huge party. This year, a local Little Rock news team did a special feature on Bill’s birthday acknowledging his service and showing his scores of pictures, medals and memorabilia. Bill spent three years during WWII and two years during the Korean War on battleships, and then 20 years in the reserves. Known fondly as “the kid,” he supervised many sailors older than his initial 19 years of age. While at ND, Bill received a Dear John letter. He was walking across campus and looking up asked the “Little Girl on the Dome” to guide him. She has never let him down. Bill met his wife (Little Mama), whom he described as a wonderful mate to accompany him through life, creating a beautiful life and a loving houseful of four wonderful children. Bill continually thanks Our Blessed Mother for taking wonderful care of him. Bill became a deacon in the 1990s. Besides helping at St. Theresa’s Parish, Bill and Little Mama would go to the VA hospitals, where Bill knows the men were more excited to see his wife than him. They traveled often and returned to ND when possible. When Bill lost Little Mama years ago, he turned again to the Little Girl on the Dome. He is glad he has God and ND in his life. Though having no major health problems that a great martini will not mend, Bill states that when God pushes the button he will gladly come running. It has been a long, yet blessed, life. Sadly, after being mentioned in the winter ND Magazine, Frank Hampton McFadden, 95, passed on Dec. 28. As a prominent judge, he was formidable but kind. He died as he lived, on his terms and unconfused about the correct course of action. He was of a generation that saw unprecedented horror and possibility in life, and he made his way fearlessly. I will pay tribute to the judge in the next issue. Until then, may all my remaining gentlemen stay safe in the hands of Little Girl on the Dome. — Melissa Erkins Rackish ’77; 1224 Campbell St., Williamsport PA 17701; 570-971-2296; mrackish@comcast.net

 

46 Another in Long List of Naval Officers 

Rear Adm. Roy Francis Hoffmann, a native of Crystal City MO, enlisted in the Naval Reserve on April 28, 1943, and was commissioned from the Notre Dame NROTC on June 1, 1946. He advanced through the ranks and was promoted to rear admiral on July 1, 1974. Admiral Hoffmann served on eight ships during his sea service career. His initial assignment was on USS Quick DMS-32 which operated in the Western Pacific 1946 and 1947. After a brief interruption of service, he reported in August 1950 and, while minesweeping off Wonson, Korea, USS Pirate AM-275 hit a mine and sank in five minutes. The admiral received the Purple Heart for wounds he received during that enemy action. Returning to sea duty in December 1950, Hoffmann reported aboard USS Harry E. Hubbard DD-748 as gunnery officer and again participated in several deployments through the remainder of Korean hostilities. He patrolled the Mekong Delta in swift boats during the Vietnam War. From July 1953 to August 1955, he served as an instructor in weapons at the NROTC unit at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. Admiral Hoffmann retired on Sept. 1, 1978, ending a career spanning 35 years and three wars. Admiral Hoffmann wears the Legion of Merit with gold star in lieu of second award, Navy Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and Vietnamese Navy Distinguished Service Order Second Class Medal, and numerous campaign and service medals. Hoffmann holds a BS in chemistry from the U of Nebraska and an MS in international affairs from George Washington U. He is married to the former Mary Linn Thompson of Bonne Terre MO. They are the parents of five daughters. — Paul Taggett; 10 W. Grove Ave., D15, Lake Wales FL 33853; paultaggett@gmail.com

 

47 Memories Unite Us

In late October, I heard from Eugene J. “Gene” Phillips ’50 concerning his recollection of Willoughby Marshall, whose passing on June 19 we reported in the fall ND Magazine. I read with delight how Willoughby was instrumental in Gene’s introduction to Notre Dame and I am excited to share Gene’s recollections with you here. Perhaps other readers have similar stories of how they arrived at Notre Dame? I would be eager to hear and share your memories. “I entered the service in November 1943 and in May 1944 was assigned as a chaplain’s assistant at Schofield Barracks in Oahu HI. In the fall of 1944, Willoughby’s battalion arrived in Oahu for R&R. I don’t recall the reason, but he stopped at the post chapel, and that is when we first met. We visited three or four times while he was in Oahu. At one of those visits, he asked if I planned on going to college after getting out of service. I said yes, and he inquired where. At my high school, several boys had gone to St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer IN, so that was my plan. The cost at that time was around $500. He said with that $500 and the same amount from the GI bill, you can go to ND. I was always a Notre Dame fan but felt I could not afford to go there. He had spent a couple years at ND before going into the service, so he knew the priests at ND. I still have a copy of the letter (dated October 1944) he sent to registrar Rev. James Connerton, CSC, stating I would be an asset to ND and requested an application. ... I gave ND the necessary information and they responded I should let them know as soon as I got of service. I got out in March 1946 and then sent them a transcript of my grades from high school. Around Aug. 1, 1946, I received a reply from ND stating that I had been accepted, but they would notify me if or when I could report for the fall 1946 semester. About a week later, I received a letter from Willoughby asking about my ND status. I replied what ND’s most recent letter stated. It got down to about three days before the start of the fall semester, when I received a letter from ND that I should report for the 1946 fall semester. I always felt maybe Willoughby sent another good word for me to be accepted. After I got to ND, I visited Willoughby in Alumni Hall and thanked him for all he had done. That was the last I recall where we had any more communication.” I received the sad news from Michael Morris ’80 of the passing of John Molinarolo Jr. on Sept. 25 in Muddy IL at the age of 94. John was an innovative and independent businessman who is most known for assisting his father with the incorporation of Muddy in 1957 and the opening of the Molinarolo Liquor store, which served the community for over 30 years. John held the position of village administrator and figurehead of the Village of Muddy for more than 50 years. John was accepted into the V-12 Navy College Training Program in 1943-44 at ND and served on the USS Neville in WWII, honorably discharged as Fireman First Class USNR in 1946. John was a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus and active member of St. Mary Catholic Church. As a first-generation Italian with a love for winemaking, John retired at 76 to begin cultivating grapes and opened the Flint Hill Winery. John also loved photography and was a member of Toastmasters, Forty and Eight and the Rotary Club, as well as a member of the board of directors of the old Harrisburg National Bank. Finally, I am saddened to report the passing of Edward A. “Ed” Desloge on Nov. 16; Marvin J. “Marv” Huber on Oct. 31; Robert M. “Bob” Snyder on Oct. 24; and James E. “Jim” Durbin on Sept. 9. I extend my sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones in the past months. And to our ’47 readers, I wish you good health and many (Irish) blessings. — Eileen Z. Surprenant ’09, ’15; eileen.surprenant@gmail.com

 

48 Uniting Generations

I was delighted to hear from Mary Beth Rutkowski with an update concerning her dad, Jean Brawueiler. Jean and I connected on the phone about his ND memories and recent birthday. Jean turned 96 last June and his children organized a socially distanced drive-by celebration with lots of his family and friends. Jean has 10 children, all but two of whom live within an hour of his home in Illinois. As Mary Beth relates, “Growing up in our family meant you were also an ND fan.” Jean is looking forward to a big family reunion when COVID is under control. Jean enlisted in the Navy during WWII and was sent to the V-12 program at ND. During WWII, Jean had command of an LCT, including five tanks. After the war ended, Jean went back to ND to complete his degree and graduated with the class of 1948. However, many of his former classmates graduated in 1945, so he also looks for names of those he remembers from that graduation class. Jean’s favorite memory of his time as an undergraduate is that they never lost a football game. Jean also says his favorite place on campus is the Grotto because it is the one place that gives him complete peace. I’m sure during these tumultuous times we all miss the peace of the Grotto and wish we could light a candle accompanied by a fervent prayer. I corresponded with Teresa (Hancock) Recker ’08 concerning the passing of her grandfather-in-law, Edward L. “Ed” Recker, on Nov. 20 at the age of 97. Ed graduated from ND with a business degree and married his wife of 64 years, Beatrice, at Sacred Heart Basilica in 1948. Ed retired to Arizona 34 years ago but also spent considerable time working at his alma mater. Days before he passed away, Teresa and her husband, Joe, welcomed Ed’s 10th great-grandchild, Roosevelt. Teresa said Ed really loved ND, and that love was passed down through the generations and is what brought Joe and her together: “I will miss talking ND football with him and hearing his stories from his time on campus 60 years before me.” I heard from Tom Galeziewski ’78 concerning the passing of his father-in-law, John J. “Jack” Schouten, on Oct. 26. Jack was a proud member of the ND Marching Band. I also heard from Fred Monsour ’73 concerning the passing of his father, Faris S. Monsour Jr., on Oct. 7 in Jacksonville FL at the age of 93. Fred writes that after his father’s freshman year at ND, Faris served in the Navy but was still able to graduate on time before advancing to Georgetown School of Medicine. Following his residency in internal medicine, Faris practiced and eventually taught for many years in Jacksonville. He was an early and longstanding member of the ND Club of Jacksonville and infused his family with a love and respect for Notre Dame. Finally, I am saddened to report the recent passing of John F.X. “Jack” Regan on Oct. 19 and John G. Cashman on Oct. 11. I extend my sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones in the past months. And our ’48 readers: I wish you good health and many (Irish) blessings. — Eileen Z. Surprenant ’09, ’15; eileen.surprenant@gmail.com

 

49 God, Country, Notre Dame

I am sorry to report that Class of 1949 Secretary Joseph F. O’Brien, 95, died peacefully at home in South Bend on Jan. 23. Joe was born March 2, 1925, in Philadelphia PA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rose and Joe, and his sister, Constance. He graduated from LaSalle College High School in Philadelphia and attended Cornell U where he played basketball. He left Cornell early to serve in the Marine Corps during WWII and was a gun captain aboard the USS Midway aircraft carrier. After the war, he finished his degree at Notre Dame in 1949 and held positions in personnel at the Oliver and Whirlpool corporations. He went to work at Notre Dame in 1958 and had two careers that spanned 38 years, in personnel and athletics administration. First as director of personnel, he was responsible for the preparation and implementation of staff employee policies, procedures and benefits with the mandate to establish one administration for all departments. Many of these policies are used today. In 1976, he became associate athletic director, handling administrative duties such as budgeting, transportation and ticketing. It was a busy time for ND athletics including national football championships in 1977 and 1988. He was dedicated to ND sports and enjoyed mentoring countless student athletes. Joe married Betty Ackil in 1949 and they had 67 years together. Surviving family members are his daughter, Susan Davis RN, grandchildren Nicole (Peter) Riordan MD and Patrick (Marie) Davis MD, and great grandchildren Nathalie and Claire Riordan, and Joseph Bourgeois-Davis. During his career, Joe took many leadership roles including president of Michiana Personnel Association, president of College and University Personnel Association, president of College Athletic Business Managers’ Association and president of South Bend Rotary. He received awards such as Notre Dame’s Jim Armstrong Award, the Chicago Club’s Moose Krause Award and the Notre Dame President’s Award. Joe enjoyed participating in sports, especially golf, baseball and water sports at his Birch Lake home of 50 years. He was an avid reader with an appreciation for poetry, music, and military history. A friend and classmate of Joe’s, Sam Hazo, wrote, “It would be hard to imagine a more complete Notre Dame alumnus than Joseph O’Brien. Any time I returned to the campus Joe would bring me up to date. He especially welcomed my wife, Many Anne, whose love for Notre Dame matched his own, as well as that of our classmate Jim Mansfield, an FBI retiree, and a lifelong friend of both of us. Joe loved the very name of Notre Dame and what it stood for: devotion to justice and scholarship, a willingness to sacrifice for the good of all, and impatience with false pride and prejudice. There will never be another like Joe. We are better for having known and loved him, and we benefited from his achievements and example.” Rev. Paul Doyle, CSC, ’65, ’75 MDiv presided at a Mass of Christian Burial in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Burial followed at Highland Cemetery. As an editor of Class Notes for more than 10 years, I always looked forward to Joe’s column, written in tidy script on lined paper, with classmate names printed to make sure I spelled them correctly. Father Paul Doyle said, “Joe loved to read, and he had a way with encouraging words. With his own poetic words, we say to Joe what he wrote to many men from the Class of 1949 as their class secretary, ‘Rest well, old friend, until we meet again.’ That saying of Joe’s is a rich example of the faith he lived in our midst.” (Ed. Note: The Alumni Association is in search of a new class secretary for the Class of 1949. Interested parties, regardless of class year, should email Alumni Editor Joanne Norell at jnorell@nd.edu using the subject line “Class Secretary 1949”). — Catherine McCormick