1950s

50 Living Life to the Very Fullest

By the time you read this, we’ll be in the middle of another exciting season of ND Football and my hope is that Coach Freeman is having a legendary campaign! During the time I’ve worked on these notes, many of you have shared some great stories about how you and your families cheer for the Irish. If you get a chance, please send me a note to let me know about your Game-Day traditions, especially any that you’ve continued superstitiously in the years since you first watched Leahy’s Lads on the gridiron. Photos are even better; if you send a really good one, I might be able to figure out how to post it on our myND page! Recent class news: The University informed me that David S. Schiller, 96, passed away on Jan. 10 in Pennsylvania. In the years after his graduation, he worked as an aeronautical engineer for Boeing, North American Rockwell, Sikorsky and Piasecki Aircraft. Near the end of his career, he was a director with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. In an online tribute, David’s family said that he “enjoyed building model airplanes and, in his prime, would lovingly build and name airplanes after his grandchildren. An avid hunter and fisherman, David planned many family camping and canoeing trips and enjoyed outdoor adventures with his family of 10. As a scout leader, he was a proud member of the Boy Scouts for over 22 years overseeing Troop 474 in Columbus OH, and Troop 31 in Chadds Ford. David was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Nancy, and a grandson. He is survived by eight children, 18 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.  John J. Kinsella died on Feb. 10 in Chicago at age 93. After ND, he earned an MBA from DePaul U and began a career in advertising, rising through the ranks of the Leo Burnett Company until he was the CEO; he retired in 1987. John was an active member of several boards that served the Chicago community and supported local youth centers and schools. The Chicago Tribune reported that, “John lived his life to the very fullest making friends everywhere he went. His happiest times were being with family and friends having a cold beer in a saloon, staying warm in a duck blind, watching amazing sunsets in Northern Michigan, cheering the Irish on at Notre Dame football games, skiing in Vail, or any place where he could spend time with his beloved grandchildren. He approached every new acquaintance with the expectation that they would become fast friends and formed lifelong friendships with many.” John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jenny, five children and 11 grandchildren. Just before submitting the notes, I stumbled across an article about the passing of the Rev. Charles L. Wallen, CSC, on June 29; he was 98 and lived at Holy Cross House at Notre Dame. Prior to his ordination, Father Wallen served in the US Army Air Corps during World War II. Following discharge, he entered the Seminary and made his first vows on Aug. 16, 1948. He was ordained as a Holy Cross priest on June 5, 1954 and later became a Double Domer when he earned his Master’s Degree in Theology in 1965. Father Wallen spent many years of his life working with members of the military and veterans, first as an Army Chaplain and later as the Chaplain of Veterans Affairs Hospitals in Brockton MA and Phoenix AZ. In between these assignments, he was a teacher at Kings College in Wilkes-Barre PA and the Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Bennington VT. Immediately prior to retirement, Father Wallen was the Pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Wilmington VT. 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 Take Care 

Bob Clemency spent most of his working life as a patent lawyer with Wheeler, Wheeler, House & Clemency in Milwaukee. His wife Mary went to heaven nearly four years ago. She threw a great party for Bob on his 43rd birthday; he was the first male in his line to live past 42. Bob is hale and hearty. I worked in Chicago as a patent attorney for Borg-Warner until 1993. I went to South Carolina for 24 years, then came back north, outside Chicago. Mary Lou is taking good care of this geezer. Send notes. Thanks. — Jim Jennings; jmj4703@gmail.com 

 

52 70th A Success and Over. 75th Next!

The following were in attendance for a total of 16 plus wives, sons, and daughters: Joe Bowling, Bruno Chmiel, John Chmiel, Pat Crowe, Bill Demsey, Dick Gacek, Jerry Hagman, George Heidkamp, Ed Krups, John Marhoefer, Joe Mcmanus, Joe O’Brien, Ned Ryan, Frank Semetko, Ed Sullivan, and yours truly. Had a few last-minute cancellations, mostly because of being exposed to COVID. On a sad note, Bill Schultheis had to cancel because of his wife’s health. Prayers would be appreciated. He and his sons were looking forward to this event on our “aging calendar.” And prayers for the attendees who reported catching COVID, Suzanne was so concerned she stuck me with four more vitamin pills! I received a note from Ralph Richard, Professor Emeritus at U of Arizona, that he was recently cited for his founding work in the development of the BS Degree in Optical Science Engineering in the Wyant College of Optical Sciences and College of Engineering. Now I can joke about what happened to me at Midway Airport. As this dumdum was walking to the gate, I stepped onto the moving path and tripped at the end and split my forehead. My daughter Suzanne asked one of the 12 officers about hotels and he recommended a couple. So, we spent the night in our clothes as our bags were on their way to CA. Docs took a chest X-ray and head scan before I could be released. Other than that, “Mrs. Lincoln ‘’ had a great visit with a few classmates. The doc was a great tailor; he had the stitches out and you can’t see a trace of the wound! Seems to me, there were thousands at the previous reunions but I bet there weren’t 7/800 at the dinner Saturday evening. At our class dinner Friday evening, Ron Powlus ’97, Senior Associate Athletics Director of Football was our guest speaker. Dick Novitsky called me and said my Dad drove us back to ND one time. Unfortunately, I don’t remember him at all, but he knew the street we lived on. I was only in Akron for about 18 months and spent that summer in Chi Town working in the pressroom of the Herald American Newspaper and attending Northwestern, to make up for my two failures of freshman physics. I had to quit my summer jobs at $595.00 so my Dad could claim me as dependent. How many of you had the same problem? George Heidkamp sent me a message from Jack Meaney who was bummed out when he found out his freshman year roommate, John Castellani, had passed away. That makes four of his closest friends from ND who are now gone.  Number five child and her ND husband just had their first child. He is finishing his 5^th year surgical residency. A stepson is starting med school at Michigan State. His granddaughter, McKenna, is captain of the track team at UC San Diego and has another year of edibility left so she will graduate next year and maybe head to ND for her MBA. Jack says his traveling days are over as two doctors messed up his health: One, his back so he can hardly walk, and the other over-radiated a few small areas in his neck so his heart cannot take an operation to fix his back. So he could not make it back to the reunion due to health issues. His brother, ’54, plans one more trip back. His son, ’80, is an architect with seven projects going in the Carmel CA area. His grandson in Australia has taken up with a local young woman and from the looks of her he doubts he’ll be coming back! Jack said he wouldn’t!  — Tony Messina, 8202 Drybank Dr. HB CA 92646. 626-695 4299; ndirene@gmail.com     

 

53 Class Secretary — 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 Class Secretary — Jack Mertens;

2100 Ocean Shore Blvd., Apt. 203, Ormond Beach FL 32176; 845-216-7251; jacknd54@gmail.com

 

55 Reunion and Updates 

A small, but enthusiastic handful of ’55ers, made it to the reunion: Dick Beeman, Jon Donlon, Jeanne and Dave Scheele, Maryjeanne and Dick Burke, Mary and Jim Hesburgh, Joan and Mark Healy, Helen and Joe McGlynn, Chuck Meyer and his daughter, Katie ’08 and Mary and Tom MaGill. One of the highlights was Alumni Association director, Dolly Duffy ’84, joining us for Sunday brunch. For those who missed the event, make the next one! Now to the rest of our “gang!” Mack Stewart is successfully wrestling with a cane. Jim Baumie checked in. Travel restrictions kept Rev. Jim Blantz, CSC, from reunion, but he continues his magic shows. Bob McGrath’s granddaughter is a champ in the ND baraka bouts (I know the effort required!). Thanks always to Bob for his communication skills! He is a big part of the “glue” that holds us together. Bernie Tracy’s granddaughter is on the mend from an auto mishap. Joe Puccinille sent a cute note about he and Bill Huber wrestling with their landlady about phone bills. Dick Makuck had a tussle with medical issues. Don Shanley provided a laugh about police cars and noted some physical issues that are slowing him down. I got a nice note from Sandra Fullmer. Her golf game continues to rebound. Always good to hear from Jerry Hughes. We are “trading” Latin lessons. Jerry also sent an outstanding array of nature photos. I received a good note from Carol and Joe McGraw. Happy 90th to Matt Moran. Frank Schillo and his family are planning a trip from Thousand Oaks to Wisconsin for a family reunion. Jac Fitzens’ new book Mike’s Last Chance is due for publication in August. Jeanne and Dave Schlee took a grand trip to Scotland and nearby islands. They enjoyed both ND and high school reunions. Added to their excitement was their granddaughter’s high school graduation. John Derwent provided some Log Chapel memories: scrubbing the floor as a seminarian, and 40 years later, a daughter’s baptism. Bill Richardson planning a trip to Colorado. Emmet Root checked in. He is lakeside vacationing, visiting Cardinal Cupich, and renewing his love of Wrigley Field and the Cubs! Forst Brown MD reported in. He is celebrating his 65^th wedding anniversary and working diligently on his golf game! Pat Kearns and his wife attended their granddaughter’s wedding at Torrey Pines/San Diego. Our love and prayers go to the families of our classmates who are now in Our Lady’s care: Clem Devine, John Aman, John Herbert, Robert Jasman, George Pezdirtz, John Rafferty, Phil Sheridan. RIP. — Tom Magill; magillt@bellsouth.net. 561-842-3019. 119 Atlantic Road North Palm, FL 333408

 

56 Remembering Classmates 

I wrote this on July 20 during a beautiful summer in Buffalo. It’s Paul Noland’s 88th birthday today. Bernie Van Etten’s son got his dad’s wish when ND gave the Van Ettens a contract for stone work at our University, just after he prayed at the Grotto. Hugh Shine died March 31 in Waltham MA. He worked for Simon & Schuster Pub., was a devout Catholic, golfer, and bridge player. Julian (Jack) Moore died March 26 in St. Louis. He was a captain in the U.S. Navy, a jet fighter pilot, and commanded Reserve Aircraft Carrier Coral Sea, McDonnell Douglas. Henry Neuhoff died March 12 in Dallas. He worked for Neuhoff Co. Meatpacking, was founder of St. Rita’s Parish, and was a generous Catholic. George Broucek died May 21 in Plymouth MN. He was a Fenwick High grad, an aero engineer, and worked on the test flight Atlas Ballistic Missile Success. He was a great guy. Paul Marz died June 12 in South Bend and is buried at Cedar Grove Cemetery. He worked for the Defense Logistics Agency per his son Mike ’83. Woe is me: my grandson, NY basketball scholar at Canisius High, didn’t make it into ND with a 97 average, but he is on his way to Boston College.  I remain a loyal son of ND. Lou Malandra’s granddaughter hit four homeruns in softball over the centerfield fence on a baseball diamond. Lou was generous to all when he pumped milk at the Dining Hall. Larry Kennedy and Frank Conte stay in touch. John Murray, Paul Noland, Joe Kalbas should share their epistles to all. Use Dick Yeager’s Class of 1956 website www.nd56.org.  Prayers for all!  Go Irish! — Ed Cosgrove; 525 Delaware Ave., Buffalo NY 14202; bus 716-854-2211; eccosgroveHcosgrovelawfirm.com

 

56JD Class Secretary — Lauren Starkey ’08;

703-927-2089; lksharkey@gmail.com

 

57 With a Little Help

Technology has passed me by. The buttons are too small for my fingers, and they don’t work how I want them to anyway. My daughter has taken over the task of gathering the emails and the notices, and we apologize for missing last issue’s column. Mary and I are fine and grateful for each sunrise and set we have with each other. Thanks to Joe Rink for reporting that Ed Prudhome was made Deacon by the Bishop of Las Vegas. Richard B. “Dick” Fox, of Ferrysburg/ Spring Lake MI, passed away on Dec. 24, 2021, survived by wife of 60 years, Karen and three children. Richard J “Dick” Reuscher, of St. Marys PA, passed on Nov. 13, 2021. Dick is survived by his wife Mary Lou, his children and grandchildren. Lt. Colonel Burton A. “Burt” Lesh, of Columbus GA passed away Dec. 7, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ann Marie and their five children. Edwin H. “Eddie” Hurley Jr., of Attleboro MA, passed away Nov. 26, 2021. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol and two children. Gerald X. Giuntoli, of Bellevue WA passed away November 16, 2021. He is preceded in death by his wife, Karen and survived by their three sons. James F. “Jim” Weber, of Toledo OH passed Dec. 7, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nancy and their four children. Joseph G. “Joe” Skelly, of New Cumberland PA, passed on Dec 11, 2021. He is survived by his wife, Barbara and their three children. Robert J. “Bob” Pleus Jr., passed away Dec 4, 2021. Ordained a Deacon in 2000, he is survived by his beloved wife, Terry of 58 years and six children. They resided in Windermere FL. William (Bill) Bauer passed on Jan. 26. He is survived by his wife Susan, of 40 years, and seven children (including John ’88), twelve grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, William J. Bauer. John F. “Jack” Brockschlager, passed away Jan. 18 in Brookfield WI. He is survived by loving wife Nancy and two children. John J. “Jack” Sullivan, of Athens OH, passed away on Feb. 21. Jack was a Major in the USAF for 21 years. He was preceded in death by his wife Kathryn. He is survived by a daughter and stepchildren. Mark A. Maley Jr., passed away March 11 in St. Louis MO. Mark was survived by his wife, Kathleen of 60 years and their four children. Francis D. “Duff” Watson passed away on Jan. 23 in Roseville CA. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Tillie, and their seven children. Joseph A. “Joe” Norton, of Oak Park IL, passed away Jan. 15. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Nancy, and three daughters. Stephen M. “Steve” Brennen, passed away April 6 in Clearwater FL. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Mary Ann and survived by five children. Thomas G. “Tom” Fallon, of Pittsfield MA passed away May 12. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Annette and their three children. Thomas R. “Tom” Dettling, of Copley OH, passed away on March 21. He is survived by Nori (Eleanor), his wife of 60 years, and two children. Ronald N. Lorenzini MD from Oak Park IL, passed away Jan 1. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Donna, and their four children. Don’t forget to pause and smell the roses, while we still can. Peace. — John A. Slevin: 6123 N. Mandalay Dr., Peoria, IL 61614; 309-453-8986; jslev57@gmail.com, cc:bridgettravels@gmail.com

 

58 Fondly Remembered

Robert (Bob) I. Probst of Palm Beach FL, passed away on April 2. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and was an insurance agent for over forty years. He is survived by wife Marguerite Lamb, six children (and spouses), 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Rev. Harry C. Cronin, CSC, passed away at the Holy Cross House, Notre Dame IN, on April 7, after a short illness. After graduation and ordination, Fr. Cronin earned a PhD in Theater arts in 1968 from the U of Minnesota. Subsequently, he enjoyed a calling as a priest, chaplain, playwright, teacher, associate professor, and theater director at several institutions in Minnesota and California. He was awarded a fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1982 and became director of the Holy Cross Center in Berkeley CA, before moving into Holy Cross House, Notre Dame, in 2020. Martin (Marty) Laska of Upper St. Clair PA, passed away on Dec. 21, 2021. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, and is survived by many nieces and nephews. After graduation, Marty also received an MBA from Pitt, and spent a large part of his career working for the Dravo Corporation, a shipbuilding firm located in Pittsburgh. John (Jack) J. Healy MD of Massachusetts passed away on March 5. Jack graduated from New York Medical College in 1962, the same year he married his wife, Lee, who preceded him in death. He joined the Air Force, and moved the family to Hawaii before moving to Massachusetts in 1968, where he practiced medicine for 38 years, before eventually retiring to the Cape Cod area. Jack leaves behind three children (and spouses), five grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. James (Jim) A. Goethals of Dallas TX passed away on Jan. 26. Jim also received a law degree from the University in 1962 and eventually moved to Sturgis MI, where he became President of Sturgis Foundry Corporation. He later moved to the Dallas area to be closer to family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sophia (Roberts). He is survived by seven children (and spouses), and 21 grandchildren.   Samuel A. Nigro MD of Cleveland Heights OH, passed away on April 27. Sam received his medical degree from the U of St. Louis School of Medicine in 1961. He married his wife Sue in 1962. He was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Reserve from ’61-65, and served on the USS George Washington nuclear submarine. He spent his career working in Psychiatry, including as faculty at Case Western Reserve U School of Medicine. From 1979 through 2013, he worked in private practice while continuing as an assistant clinical professor. He leaves behind his wife, five children (and spouses) and ten 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 Prayers and Updates 

Our Class of 1959 virtual rosary for classmates and their intentions continues. Every Saturday morning, at 9 a.m. EST. I’ve been anxious to write these notes. It’s a good opportunity to celebrate those who have gone before, and those who are still here. We have our Saturday virtual rosary (among other avenues) to do this. And, perhaps we can have a special celebration for those who serve as caregivers for others, and for those who need special care. I suspect that there are more than we know of. In that respect, let us honor one of our most well-known classmates, Mark Shields (Chevy Chase MD) who passed away on June 18. A native of South Weymouth MA, Mark was a staunch Democrat, and a product of the “Irish Need Not Apply” environment. He was opinionated, witty, knowledgeable, and forever lovable and likable. Many of you still envision his walk, his voice, his intelligence and appropriate comments on radio and television. He was a great representative of the Class of ’59 and of the University. Also, let us honor the charity of Dick Abrams, and his deceased wife, Sharon, who made a very substantial contribution to the Fulcrum Foundation, which “strives to increase access to Catholic education for students in Western Washington.” And, on a lighter note, let’s commend Joe Mulligan, who works for the County Board of Elections Commission, and who has assured me that he “counted and re-counted the ballots correctly!” In other news, Joe Kenney (originally from New Bedford MA, and now in Little Silver NJ) shares my story about going to Notre Dame. Joe had been rejected at Fordham, and at the College of Holy Cross — despite the fact that his Jesuit uncle was president of the latter. ND was his sole acceptance, and Joe was “put on the train” in Boston for that exhilarating ride to South Bend, the ride that so many New Englanders thoroughly enjoyed. Fast forward — four of Joe and Eileen’s eight children, and four of their 25 grandchildren are now Notre Dame grads. The best thing about all of this is that perhaps he was saved from a Jesuit education. And, I am only certain of this, because my two brothers went to Boston College. Another milestone we have learned of is the oldest member of our ’59 Class is   Jim Marshall, of Gouverneur NY, now in Roseville MN. Born in 1930, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1951, and was discharged in 1955. After graduation from ND, Jim went to the Mayo Clinic Physical Therapy Program, and then worked in the U of Minnesota Department of Athletics for 42 years. An interesting fact is that at ND, Jim lived in the Fieldhouse, after living in Zahm Hall his freshman year. Bob Sedlack has retired from his long-time professorship at DePauw U (Greencastle IN), and has moved to Saint Louis to be closer to his daughter. I am hoping to take Bob to the ND Senior Alumni Luncheon before these notes are published. I have an ulterior motive: One of my sons-in-law is a DePauw grad and Bob knew him. There will be some interrogation. I hope to soon have news on our classmates in Saint Louis. For starters, I have had a couple of lunches with Butch Reardon and John Boyce. Gary Vondran adamantly denies getting the Cleveland Indians name changed to the Guardians. He also has information about the Institute for Aging which helps those, “giving aid to people with dementia.” I am sure that Gary would be eager to share this information. — Bob Brennan; 855 Clubhouse Drive, Ballwin MO; 314-807-1011; bobbrennan76@gmail.com