1950s

50 The Value of Persistence

Julie Pierson Doyle ’85, daughter of William E. Pierson, reported that her father passed away on Dec. 19 at age 93. Bill started working at General Electric after graduation but left his job to serve in the Army during the Korean Conflict. Returning stateside, he was employed by American Gyro and Litton Industries (Los Angeles area) and helped develop aircraft navigation systems. Bill later moved his family to Portland OR and worked for Bonneville Power until he retired. Julie shared several happy memories of her dad: “Most summers were spent in part at the Puget Sound, where Bill made vats of blackberry jam and hot fudge sauce, and entertained friends and family from across the Northwest. Back home in Portland, … he taught his daughters how to swing golf clubs, throw baseballs, parallel park, and change flat tires. The life of every party, he had the gift of storytelling and a sharp sense of humor.” In addition to his daughters, Bill is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nini, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Three children and three grands are also ND grads. I just learned that Vincent J. Sheridan died in December 2020 at age 93. Following service during WWII, he graduated from ND and became the owner of Custom Travel Service, where he shared his love of travel with thousands for more than 30 years. After retirement, Vince became a caregiver at Home Instead Senior Care, where he supported fellow veterans. Vince was predeceased by two wives but is survived by a former spouse (Donna Petrulis), a daughter and many nieces and nephews. Jack A. Grady, age 94, passed away on Aug. 12 in Austin TX. He delayed his start at ND by serving as a Navy sonar man during WWII. After graduating, he began a long career with Union Carbide, working at offices in Charleston WV, Torrance CA and Seadrift TX. In his later years, Jack (and his late wife, Kathy) devoted many hours to volunteering in their local parish. In an online tribute, his family said, “Dad set an example of a loving father, selfless husband, and righteous man. He was a man who inspired his children to seek their dreams and taught the value of persistence to reach those dreams. His life made an impact on so many, and his legacy lives on in his five children, 18 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.” Owen P. Layden of Red Bank NJ died on Aug. 2 at 93. He worked for 40 years as a supervisory electronic engineer for the Dept. of the Army at Ft. Monmouth and was the author of many technical manuals. The Asbury Park Press reported that Owen was “was very proud of his Irish heritage, teaching Irish dancing to numerous groups. He won numerous medals such as second place set dancing in the Washington Feis and first place in the New York City Set Dancing.” Owen is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary, three children and six grandchildren. John R. Mendenhall passed away at age 93 on Aug. 4 in Greenwich CT. Like others of this class, John served during WWII (Army in Japan) before starting college. He later earned a law degree at Harvard and was a tax attorney for Arthur Andersen, Williams & Connolly and Union Pacific. John loved reading, and would often cite from his reading during friendly arguments at Mendenhall dinner parties. “Who can refute him?” Joan, his wife, once quipped. John is survived by Joan (married 68 years), six children, 15 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Thomas J. Roney, 92, died in Grand Rapids MI on Sept. 15. The Grosse Pointe News reported that Tom worked in the automobile industry for 30 years and later became an event planner and consultant. He loved hunting, fly fishing and flying. Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Kay, and is survived by four children, 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Anthony E. Lanzilotti died in Iron Station NC on July 22 at age 100. He preferred to attend reunions with the Class of 1950 after he graduated with an MS in chemistry at the same time they did. Tony went on to earn a PhD and spent 35 years as a medical research chemist with Lederle Laboratories, where he owned five patents. Tony supported his parish in the Knights of Columbus for 70 years and loved performing with a barbershop quartet in his hometown of Pearl River NY. One daughter, Mother Maureen of the Precious Blood, predeceased him, but he is survived by his wife of 68 years, Maureen, three children, 18 grandchildren and 20 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

 

52 The 70th Coming Up

Well, did we all have a great Christmas and New Year holiday? Bill Delaney sent what George Heidkamp declared was an epistle that arrived too late for the winter issue, so I’ll condense it now. He met his future wife, Maria Mercedes Innocentia Apointe (“Merce”) in October 1952 in Memphis, where he was stationed after being activated in the Air Force. Merce was attending Siena College for women, run by Dominican sisters. (I had them in grade school and three years in high school in Illinois before moving to New York.) His mother’s sister was a Dominican in Colorado. I can’t figure why Bill went to Siena College, but when he got there, the first person he met was a sister who, after learning he had an ND degree, a job, and a new car said, “You’ve got to meet some of our girls.” One of the girls he met was Merce. Bill returned to Siena in December for a Christmas Party, arranged by the Air Force Catholic chaplain. He asked about Merce, who was in her room pouting because the good sisters had denied her a date with a boy from a Christian Brothers College. When she found out Bill had asked about her, she decided to join the party. After that party, the courtship started, and the resulting marriage took place on June 5, 1954, in Chattanooga TN after Bill had spent a year in Iceland with the Air Force. Their first dinner, with Merce cooking for the first time, was a disaster. She had read somewhere that you should use salt. The hamburgers were not edible. After that, the cooking greatly improved. They never had another bad meal in 67 years. Their first born was Bill in ’55, followed by Maureen in ’60, Patrick in ’62, and Kathleen in’63, who was baptized by classmate Rev. Pat Foley. Bill’s Air Force career took him to Spain, Omaha, the Pentagon and, finally, as assistant superintendent of the Dept. of Defense Overseas School System. I received a note from class president George that Tom Desser and wife Jane celebrated their 70th anniversary on Nov. 17. And another epistle of memories was received from Jim Jacobs. Jim read the last issue and realized he was at the same ND-Texas game as Bill Delaney, with classmates Jerry Stricker and Mike Kelly. All were young Air Force lieutenants stationed in San Antonio. Jim also had encounters with Charlie Callahan at ND at the golf and fencing meets and Ben Hogan on the PGA Tour, when he was invited to play in the PGA Decatur Invitational in 1951. He had a better back nine than Ben by two strokes, which he didn’t mention to Hogan as he met him coming off the 18th green. Jim had dinner with Sam Snead in ’69 before filming his Cadillac commercial at the Lakeside Country Club where Bing Crosby and Bob Hope played. He had countless meals with Lee Trevino over 20 years when producing his Dodge commercials, golf teaching tapes, and a piece on the history of golf filmed at St Andrews. There was also a failed TV pilot starring Lee, Dick Martin and Tom Poston hosted by Jim’s good friend Dennis James. Jim also sent some pictures of ND golfers, which I sent to George for our website, but he mailed back for me to reformat, which is beyond my capabilities. I’ll have to have my daughter figure out what George wants done. — Tony Messina; 8202 Drybank Drive, Huntington Beach CA 92646; 626-695-4299; tonyandirene@gmail.com 

 

53 This Is a Tough One

The downside of being your class secretary is fielding the death notices of classmates and respective family members. You may well question my judgment in starting the column with the death notices, but here is the bad news right up front. William Lammers, Akron OH; Ernest DePraw, Bakersfield CA; Rev. Patrick Mulrooney, O.Praem, DePere WI, a Norbertine priest; Harold Shay, Naragansett RI; John Dwyer, Hilton Head SC; William Kaene, Chapel Hill NC. George Schilling’s wife, Mary ’53SMC, South Bend IN; Jim Hutchinson’s wife, Peggy ’53SMC, Butler PA; Bernie Hester’s daughter Mary Jo Norell, ‘78SMC, Bristol IN; Dave Flynn’s daughter, Ann Tourage; Buzz Wagner’s wife, Elinor, Pittsburgh PA. John Tuberty, our world traveler, has reconnected with his former roommate, Dave Kahlich. Dave closed the third-generation sheet metal business in 2017 after being unsuccessful in locating a purchaser. He and Elverna are settled in retirement in their hometown of Weimer TX. Muriel and Ralph Argen moved from Hilton Head SC to Rockport TX. They view the Gulf while Ralph is breaking in his new cowboy boots. Tom Morsch keeps us up to date on the Chicago classmates and the need for prayers where applicable. Rev. Tom Smith, CSC, ’67, ’70MA, our adopted chaplain, returned to Uganda after some delays in South Bend. He will celebrate his 50th anniversary of ordination in May. Congratulations, Father Tom. We will send a prayer your way as you are so generous in prayers for our class. Jack Powers is keeping tabs on Larry Eaton, who is overcoming some difficulties. Jack reports, “I’m doing OK.” Larry Murray changed phone numbers but didn’t bother to provide the new number. Cullen Langford has made Larry’s latest book, WHY, available online if interested. Likewise, Bill Langlois has prepared a most thoughtful piece on abortion, which likewise is available online. Contact Cullen Langford at cullenl@aol.com. Any readers who wish to be included in the periodic class emails, let me know or send a note to Cullen, who is the keeper of the mailing list. Send good news. — 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 — John (Jack) Mertens;

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

 

55 Active Classmates 

Here we go, tracking the activity of the ’55ers. First, we got a batch of comments on Brian Kelly’s leap to LSU. Support for Marcus Freeman as the replacement has been enthusiastic. Comments came from Pete Campbell, Bill Richardson, Wally Clarke, John Hester, Emmet Root, and Bob Rowe. Fiesta Bowl was a tough start. Look for better with Ohio State. Now, let me give updates on class goings-on. Frank Tonini sent Thanksgiving greetings from Italy. (Do they eat turkey in Italy?) Here is a sick bay update. Pat Kearn’s wife, Joann, is wrestling with chemo treatment. Wives of Joe Stein, Dave Scheele and Al Cowles are home recovering from successful surgery procedures. Al and Betty are home from Key West. Prayers are requested for all. Jerry Hughes sent some great aerial photos. Bernie Tracy found a great Wikipedia note on Junior Stephens. Many thanks to Bob McGrath for providing reruns of some of the classics written by Paul “Splinters” Fullmer. Bob’s granddaughter Cece won her division in the Baraka Bouts. Dick Beeman reports that he and Jim Hesburgh are keeping a good eye on ND from their close access. Bob De brey sent a photo of a surviving statue of Our Lady in front of a crushed Catholic church in Kentucky following the December tornadoes. Chicago update: Jack Flynn reports about a dinner with Dick Burke, Jerry Prassas and spouses. Forst Brown is facing a golf challenge from Sandra Fullmer. Jack had dinner with Sharon and Howie Hart. Howie registered concern about his golf game. (Don’t we all?) A nice call came from Joe Murphy in Cape Cod. Mike Kelly is in good spirits. It was nice to hear from Joe Baume. He may be the biggest fan of sophomore tight end Mike Mayer, No. 87. Rev. Jim Blantz, CSC, continues his advanced work in humor. Always great input comes from Dick Burke. Bob Navarre’s note was welcome. Czar Don Shanley continues his humor barrage. Owen Sodetz and his wife are celebrating their first great grandchild. A nice call came from Nancie and Jim Bourne in Shelbourne VT. Widow’s window: Sandra Fullmer is back threatening golf course records and Pat Syzmanski will stay on the class email roster. Reminder: Donations to the class fund should be sent to Dick Burke, c/o Burke, Warren, MacKay & Santella, 330 N. Wabash Ave., 21st Floor, Chicago IL 60611. Here is my update on potential June reunion attendees: Al Cowles, Jerry Groark, Dave Scheele, Dick Burke, Dick Beeman, Jim Hesburgh, Matt Healy, Paul Cardinal, Pat Kearns, Bill Relph, Mike Jackman, Owen Keavney, Dick Makuck, Tex Tyson, George Marr and myself, Tom Magill. With spouses, that’s a total of 30. There is room for more, and widows are welcome. Dates are June 2-5. We lost some great friends in the last few months: Rev. John Ford, CSC, Dick Szymanski, Frank Cunningham, Cy Lindeman, Joe Kearney, Tom Feeley, Robert Gosdick and the wives of Peter Abt and Jerry Hughes. All our deceased class members and their families are special to us. Particularly noteworthy is our class chaplain, Rev. Joe O’Donnell, CSC, who died in Phoenix in November. He was a friend and confidant to all of us. He and the others rest in Our Lady’s care. To borrow a line from Tiny Tim: “God bless us, every one.” — Tom Magill; 119 Atlantic Road, North Palm Beach Fl 33408; 561-842-3019; magillt@bellsouth.net

 

56 Keeping in Touch

If I miss a note for this column, I hope to catch it soon. It’s best that the Alumni Office knows about family losses. Write alumpubs@nd.edu. I called Johnnie Manion. He is not too good at home and misses his mate. In a snowstorm last night, I saw a sign at a synagogue that read, “We need not think alike, but should love alike.” I must remember that. Ed Kubiak, 91, died Sept. 10. He worked at Michiana Tile and Marble Co. Paul Sikora died Oct. 23 in Chesterton IN. He loved his family and Catholic faith. Jerry Meyer died Nov. 6 in Plant City FL. He had a career in telecommunications, was a passionate sports fan, and loved Kathy. Linda and Hank Dixon invited all to Longboat Key this winter. Frank Tighe’s wife, “Wary,” died Dec. 20. Jim Smart died Jan. 4. God bless them both. Claire and Hal Spencer sent a nice gift to the Class Fund. Jack Moore of St. Louis called. We had a great time remembering our trip to Ireland with Rev. Pelton for the ND-Navy game in 2012 with his pals Carol and John O’Connor of Andover MA. John Murray, Jerry Curran, Ed Denn took the NY Bar Exam after six years at ND. Jerry Curran died Dec. 17 in Rochester NY. He was a great lawyer and advisor to politicians and had impeccable integrity. Terry and Karl Martersteck sent holiday greetings. Mary Pat and Joe Kalbas downsized in Carmel IN. Jim Mense died Nov. 22 with eight children at his bedside. In 1955 as center/linebacker, he set the single-season school record of 53 minutes per game. He and Marlene had 16 grandchildren. Ang Capozzi, Bob Jastrab, Jack Kegaly and all will miss him. Bill Boraczek called to say Gilles Gallant died in Florida, but he doesn’t know when. Bob Mackey stirred memories. Dave Collins and Bob McKenty remember. It was great to read from Wayne Edmonds. Sal Profaci called. It was great to hear from him in Greenacres FL. He stays in touch with Carl Schaffer and Sil Resciniti. Sal suggested that Dottie and I use Colvita Olive Oil. Tom Falcinelli did. Dave McNamara, twin of Daniel, died Nov. 23 in Ridgeland MS. His Catholic faith was a hallmark of his life. He and his brother were great high school athletes, he was welcomed to ND, loved his Angela and kids. Bob Dunegan died May 13, 2021, in Charlotte NC. He was born in Ebensburg PA. He was a Catholic gentleman and supported Jesuit, Benedictine, CSC communities. Don Killian died Aug. 20 in Barrington IL. His biggest success in life was his family. He was a Navy ensign and aviator, and he never met a stranger. What a Christmas card came from Peggy and Paul Noland. Boy, did this family grow. Dottie and I spend our leisure shoveling snow and attending our grandsons’ basketball games at Canisius High (Jesuit) and at Nativity of Our Lord Parish School, Orchard Park NY. I hope my next column will include a hurray for the Buffalo Bills Super Bowl performance. Go Irish. — Ed Cosgrove; 525 Delaware Ave., Buffalo NY 14202; bus 716-854-2211; eccosgrove@

cosgrovelawfirm.com

 

56JD Class Secretary — Lauren Starkey ’08;

703-927-2089; lksharkey@gmail.com

 

57 Share Your Memories and Joy

This column was primarily written about the recent passing of classmates. I hope you will lift them up in prayer. We would also like to share your joys in future columns. David “Dave” E. Morris passed away on Sept. 4. Dave is survived by Norma and two children. Dave and Norma shared 59 years of marriage. Joseph “Joe” Petrozelli died on Sept. 5. As a child, Joe contracted polio and was told he would never walk, but Joe dismissed that prognosis and eventually walked and enjoyed dancing. Joe and his wife, Claudette, raised their eight children. Joe taught high school biology for 35 years. Thomas “Tom” Newhouse passed away on Aug. 29. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Emma. They had three children. Tom enjoyed his 40-year career on the faculty at the U of Houston Law Center specializing in labor law, family law dispute resolution and mediation. He also loved serving his community as deacon and chaplain. Thomas “Tom” R. Fortune died on Sept. 4. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lucile, and their seven children. Tom joined the Army Reserves working up the ranks to colonel through 31 years. James “Jim” A. Termini died on Sept. 24. Jim’s career started as a civil servant at White Sands Missile Range. Then he served six years in the CIA, and after that he went into private industry where he was involved with the Space Shuttle and International Space Station. Jim is survived by his wife, Joyce, and their two children. Charles “Charlie” Wittenberg passed on Dec. 28 and is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Loretta, and three children. Charlie was a walk-on for the Fighting Irish basketball team and carried that passion for the game all his life. For over 40 years, he was a leading scorer and club champion for the leagues of the Missouri Athletic Club and was inducted into the club Hall of Fame in 1996. Thomas “Tom” Shehan passed on June 21 leaving behind his life partner, Claudette, and a blended family. Tom had a long and distinguished career as a sales/marketing executive beginning with 25 years at Connecticut General Life Insurance, winning the Outstanding Agency Award. Fred “Fritz” Bell passed on Nov. 26. He served in the Army receiving the Purple Heart and the Gold Star in Vietnam. After his military service he worked for Washington State. He was preceded in death by his wife, Irmgard. George Winkler III passed on Nov. 30. George was the second of four generations of Winklers at ND. George was a member of the Glee Club, where he maintained his affinity through his life, always joining them on stage when alumni were called up, singing his last performance with them in October when the club came to Long Island. Steven “Steve” Johnson passed on Nov. 23. Steve had a great love of family. He was accustomed to hard work and loved cold winter sports, even swimming in winter. He is survived by Ann, his bride of 58 years, and four of their five children. Dante Fuligni passed on Nov. 24. His wife of 62 years, Annette, preceded him in death, as did a son. They had four children. Dante’s career in architecture included construction projects at Syracuse U, area school districts and churches, and for private clients. Don’t forget to pause and smell the roses, while we can. Peace. — John A. Slevin; 6123 N. Mandalay Dr., Peoria IL 61614; 309-453-8986; jslev57@gmail.com

 

58 Class Secretary — 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 Remembering Jim Keegan

For 41 years, Jim Keegan faithfully served our Class of 1959 as our class secretary, and he never missed a Class Notes column in Notre Dame Magazine. That amazing streak ended with Jim’s passing on Nov. 15, 2021, in Wilmington DE, after being in a coma for eight days following cardiac arrest as he and Katie were preparing for a weekend trip to Williamsburg VA. Our senior class secretary, Denny Nead of Cincinnati OH, served in the position for five years following graduation. Yours truly, Joe Mulligan, then assumed the role and penned the quarterly column until April 1980, when I was transferred from the ND Development Office in Los Angeles back to campus. During Jim Keegan’s brief illness, I learned from Lou Manzo (now in Ruxton MD), that Jim had been the best man at Lou’s wedding 56 years ago. Jim and Lou, originally from Old Forge PA, four miles from Jim’s hometown of Scranton PA, had been friends since high school. Sadly, on 12/24/2021, Rev. Paul Terrence (Terry) Lamb, joined his good friend, Jim Keegan, by “going to the other side,” words often used by Rev. Paul Doyle, CSC, ’65, in his funeral homilies. Terry Lamb, a native of Washington DC, entered the seminary after a career as a stockbroker and was ordained for, and served in, the Diocese of Fall River MA. Terry lived in retirement in Hyannis MA. Other recent deaths were Sandy Burns, wife of Bob Burns (Saint Petersburg FL) after a 25-year battle with Parkinson’s, and Mary Coorssen, wife of Jim Coorssen (Louisville KY). Sadly, other deaths were Klaus Muller-Bergh (08/01/2021), Jim Hutelmyer (09/28/2021), Art Shannon (09/28/2021), and Pat Walsh (01/28/2021). We numbered 1,206 at graduation on June 6, 1959. It appears that 42 percent of our classmates are deceased, which is a surprisingly low percentage. While we will observe our 65th class reunion on campus in June 2024, we have two excellent opportunities before that time to gather with classmates and spouses. Join us on campus as part of the 50-Year Club during Reunion 2022, on the weekend of June 2-5, 2022. We promise to plan interesting, age-appropriate activities. It will be a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with classmates and close friends and prepare for our 65th. The recent benefaction to the University by Mary Ann and Jack Remick (Rochester MN), is the magnificent, new Remick Family Hall directly north of the Main Building, which serves as offices and classrooms for the Institute for Educational Initiatives (IEI), and the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE). It was dedicated over Thanksgiving weekend. Among other investments in Notre Dame by Jack and Mary Ann are the Stinson-Remick Hall of Engineering (Notre Dame Avenue), other buildings in the ACE complex, including Remick Commons (the renovated, former chapel for Sisters of the Holy Cross, when they served at the University) and the endowment of the Remick Leaders Program (RLP), which prepares men and women to serve as principals in under-resourced Catholic elementary and secondary schools. The discovery, via the gentle prodding of B. Robert (Bob) Kill (South Bend & Saint George UT), that some of our classmates also lived in Saint Edward’s Hall, proved to be very interesting. In an earlier Class Notes column, Jim Keegan listed the names of 41 men who had lived in Saint Ed’s during our freshmen year. I have also discovered that during 1956-57, our sophomore year at ND, when Badin, Howard, Morrissey, and Lyons Halls were designated for our class, 54 of our classmates were assigned rooms (“room picks”) in Saint Ed’s, mainly on the first and second floors. With the late, great Rev. Glenn R. Boarman, CSC, ’46 (d. 06/06/1987) serving as their rector: Bill Arnold (Rm. 123), Jack Benchik (135), Karl Bick (110), Artie Boyle (224), Bill Brelsford (117), Gerry Broderick (108), Jim Brogan (121), Bill Carey (210), Brian Carroll (121), Ed Caulfield (204), Terry Daly (119), Buzz DeBaene (119), Joe DeLuca (113), Dick Donovan (213), Denny Drennan (207), Gerald Eddens (208), Tim Galvin (115) Pat Gelson (132), Don Gerne (405), Larry Greene (202), Ron Hammond (131), Fritz Jelinek (130), Richard Jones (108), Tom Joseph (204), Paul Keyes (301), Bob Kill (217), Robert LaSala (119), Len LeRose (226), Dick Loncar (221), Thomas J. Mall (209), Buzz Manning (134), Paul Maren (111), Ardis Melloh (223), David Miller (120), Pierre Miller (223), Tom Miller (221), Bucky O’Connor (207), Clay Paschen (126), Charles Petrungaro (219), Nick Pietrosante (109), Don Prairie (210), Robert Pruett (113), Dan Rapp (219), Pat Rollins (113), Doug Roof (221), Dick Royer (109), Tim Sharon (408), Dick Snider (209), William Sullivan (131) Ron Thyen (202), Frank Visovatti (220) and Mark Walsh (217). Until the other class officers, Rev. Msgr. Milam Joseph (vice president) and Pete Hackett (treasurer), and I have identified and recruited a new class secretary, please send news to me. — Joseph P. Mulligan; PO Box 222, Notre Dame IN 46556; cell 312-399-7048; jpmnd1959@gmail.com