1960s
1960s
60 News from All Over
A luncheon was arranged with Diane and Fred Gade and Gretchen and Mike McKee in April. Sounds like the luncheon was attended by the only two ’60 guys who were in the ND Glee Club all four years. In comparing marriages, it sounds like Mike and Gretchen had two proposals for marriage. As Mike says, “I appreciated your comment about my feelings for Gretchen. They haven’t changed since we first started performing together when we were both 14. And, 53 years between proposals? Why, isn’t that the usual wait? Gretchen just wanted to test me to see if I was persistent, and if that 1960 question was still in effect.” The Gades’ years together were not reported. An interesting communique came from Paul Meert, who will be remembered by many of you for his barbershop for $3. He cut hair in Breen-Phillips, Howard and Pangborn, earning $1,600 in Pangborn junior year. The Meerts now have a granddaughter at ND who was one of the leprechaun mascots this past year. Tom Biever’s son says Rev. Edward Sorin, CSC, founded a second university in Austin TX, St. Edward’s. We see Tom regularly at our monthly luncheons here in the Naples/Ft. Myers area. From Tim Carroll: “I just finished a major hike on the Mormon Trail (and me, a good Catholic boy, on the Mormon Trail) and discovered I was eight miles from my car. Happily, a cowboy came by and gave me a lift in his pickup. See how the Holy Spirit protects ND loonies. It’s been a great hiking year and I’ll be back at Sunnyslope in Michigan soon. Our minireunion in September sounds great.” A reminder: our minireunion will be during the ND-Cal game weekend, Sept 16-17. Dinner will be Friday evening at 6 p.m. at Morris Park Country Club, followed by the game on Saturday. Let me know if you plan to attend. Several of you have let me know already of your intentions to attend. We hope to get a group of tickets for any of you who need them, so add your needs to your email when you send it. An interesting story came from Sandra and Larry Tholen on finding Bob Pietrzak’s obituary. Bob passed away April 2. Larry says, “Our Notre Dame tennis-playing daughter, Lisa ’94, lives in Boston near her teammate/classmate Melissa Harris ’94. Our Lisa knew Zak [Bob’s nickname] and Mary Harris, Zak’s wonderful partner, and informed me on April 3 that Bob passed last night. I sent condolences to Mary and have response from her.” A note from Chuck Sawicki: “The March 2022 Gettysburg Notre Dame Club bulletin featured me as their member spotlight. Remind our class to support their local Notre Dame Clubs. The Gettysburg Notre Dame Club has been consistently a top small club with mostly subway alumni, out of 275 ND Clubs around the world. Feel free to organize a class trip with Mass in front of Father Corby’s battlefield statue during the summer. Thousands of Notre Dame alumni stop by that statue every year. We had a major turnout for our monthly classmate luncheon in March. Colleen lined up 12 of the wives and we had 13 classmates for a nice group of 25. Season’s 52 lined up a nice group of four-top tables and so we all sat around the outside ring of the table grouping. Everyone had a wonderful time.” So, what’s going on in your neck of the woods? Drop me an email or two with some short stories. Thanks. — Joseph F. Jansen; 9190 Southmont Cove, no.103, Ft. Myers FL 33908; cell 317-514-4478; jfjansen@aol.com
61 Grand Time Was Had by All
And why not? The ND Club of Naples put on the program at the annual ND ’61 gathering on St. Patrick’s Day. (Bless us all.) Our class had 56 loyal sons at the Talis Golf & Country Club at Mass and dinner. Bill Henneghan, as well as all classmates and their families, were remembered at the Mass that preceded the feast. Among the 56 were some notable mates and spouses, too many to list here. At the club meeting, Frank Annese and wife Chick provided a guest list and pledged to (Lord willing) “continue this event until no one shows up.” A notable among notables present was Joan Lennon. An add-on that impressed me was the guest speaker Johnny Lujack ’48, who led the Fighting Irish to three National Championships. Joe Libby wrote to say that while he was there, he had dinner with Johnny, age 97. If I am still giving speeches at that age, I’ll probably have to have an interpreter and a doctor with me. John Hoey followed up with a picture of the festivities, but it failed to make the trip to my computer. I received an email from Mike Sammon that came in too late and too long for inclusion in the last issue of ND Magazine. After graduation in 1961, he entered law school at Loyola of Chicago (no surprise here) and was married to his wife, Judy, for 57 years. Like me, he finished law school just in time to do a couple of years in the Army. He served as a platoon commander, 6th Platoon, 29th Civil Affairs Co., attached to the 7th Marines working in the hamlets of Vietnam. Returning to civilian life, he worked as a trust officer in a Chicago bank overseeing 110 thoroughbred horses on a farm in Michigan. (He says it was a hoot.) Then he went into investments as a stockbroker and he retired three years ago at age 79. He says he wishes he could do it all over again. He lives 90 minutes from ND and regularly attends football and basketball games. He also reports that Bob Schultz passed away and says that Rob Mahoney (his classmate at Loyola) retired after a law career where he served as a judge for the SEC. Bill Welest is still practicing law. He visits with Charlie King in San Diego. Frank E. Clark says he always thought about writing me but kept putting it off. After graduation he entered law school at St. John’s. After graduation he became a travel agent for 15 years before he became a lawyer. He is still practicing law and enjoying the satisfaction of helping others with their legal needs. I agree with that; there is a degree of satisfaction in the work. He still practices law and travels. Frank recounts many close relatives who attended ND, including his father, Jim ’33, brother Jim, and son and two grandchildren. Frank sadly lost a daughter, Heather, in 1990. As with many of us who have lost children, the memory never goes away. Robert Chou and his wife, Cecilia, boldly entered our “not really a contest family Domer uncontested/contest.” So now I come to the good part: John Keegan. He writes about his legal practice and on his services with the Edison Foundation. He entered the “Can you top this?” list, reporting four of his five children have earned ND degrees: John J. ’88, Michael ’89, Danny ’91,’93JD and George ’94. Daughter Noel graduated from Misericordia U and UVA and works in the Morris Inn. He admits he is fully covered by the Irish. Only could John have “it” so completely covered. In the spring issue of this magazine, our classmate Rev. Jerome L. Kriegshauser had a letter to the editor titled “Catholicism” about Vatican II, commenting on the fact that ND is “poised to make a strong contribution to our world by exploring the harmony between revelation and truths accessible to human reason.” He calls for more articles on this theme. His letter was so well constructed that I hope that he will write on the theme for ND Magazine. That is the news for now. Abbie is in position with the latch string out hoping you will stop by on your way through South Texas. We’d love to see you. — Joseph P. (“Pat”) Kelly; 2103 N. Wheeler St., Victoria TX 77901; 361-573-9982; jpkellytx@sbcglobal.net
61JD Class Secretary — John N. Moreland;
jnmnd1958@aol.com
62 Lifetime Award
Tom Jorling received the prestigious Boston College Law School Lifetime Achievement Award on April 27 for his extensive environmental work. Among his other awards, he was bestowed an honorary degree from the Boston College Law School. Tom was minority counsel for the Senate Committee on Public Works that produced the Clean Air Act of 1970 and the Clean Water Act of 1972, which made his reputation because of the extraordinary innovation and durability of these laws. Tom later served as assistant administrator in the Carter administration for water and hazardous waste, with responsibility for implementing the statutes he helped write as well as the new hazardous waste laws enacted in the mid-1970s. He also led the New York Department of Environmental Conservation and managed the state’s vast natural resources and its pollution control programs. In between these government posts, he was a professor and director of environmental studies at Williams College from 1994-2004, and he headed the environmental affairs function at International Paper Corporation with major compliance and forest policy responsibilities for its operations in 25 countries. Tom now serves on numerous nonprofit boards of directors, including the National Ecological Observatory Network, the Williamstown Rural Land Foundation and U of Vermont Law School. Jim Krauser reported that the class’s southwest Florida event “will probably be the one most will remember.” Fifty attended the opening event, hosted by Pat and Angelo Daberio. Surprise attendees were former AD and All-American basketball player Dick Rosenthal and oldest living Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Lujack ’48. Both regaled the group with stories and posed for pictures with just about everyone. The next day, 20 golfers teed off and Dabiero’s foursome won going away. It was Angelo’s third time in the winner’s circle putting him three wins away from Bruce Odlaug’s six wins and Arm Reo’s five. That evening, 68 attended a reception and dinner. Those attending, in addition to those mentioned above, were George Anderson, Faust Capobianco, Tony Casale, Dick Dyniewicz, Dave Eckrich, Bill Ford, Joe Gatti, John Guenin, John Govreau, Bob Henry, Jim Higgins, Don Imbus, Ray Kelly, Walt Kelly, Tim Kittredge, Earl Linehan, Mike Loparco, Jack Madigan, George Mammola, Mike Marchildon, Deno Marino, Ted Middendorf, Bill Moston, Ted Nylese, Jim Olsen, John Ryan, Dave Scalise, Paul Sica, Jack Steffens, Tom Weber and George Williams. Thanks were given to Mary and George Williams, who arranged the golf and dinner, and to Bill Ford “for helping us stay focused and organized in our planning process.” Chris Buckley checked in and said after 13 years of residence on Islamorada in the Florida Keys, he and his wife, Marguerite, have moved back full time to their home in McLean VA to be closer to children and grandchildren. He says, “Although we’ve both joined the pacemaker crowd, we still appear to be in pretty good health.” After retiring as partner in a law firm, “I’ve spent much of my time in retirement serving on the boards of non-profit conservation organizations” and served in a leadership role in some of them. Chris ended by saying, “As a dedicated fly fisherman, I hope to return this summer to my favorite salmon rivers in Norway and Quebec after a two-year absence due to the COVID pandemic.” I received word from the University that Jim Barrett passed away on Jan. 6 but with no further details. Ray Shea passed away on April 9. After graduation, he went to New York Medical College and later received an advanced degree from Michigan. He began his career as an orthopedic surgeon in 1974 upon discharge from the Army. He served as the U of Louisville football team physician for 34 years. — Raymond Raedy; 5310 Rileys Ridge Road, Hillsborough NC 27278; 919-967-8816; nd62secy@medicinemanremedies.com
62JD Helping Many
Jay Charon passed away peacefully on Jan. 21 at his home in Morgantown IN. After Jay’s retirement, he practiced pro bono law on a part-time basis in Nashville IN, helping many who needed his assistance. Our condolences to Wanda Jones, his loving wife. It was sad that we had to cancel our 60th Law School reunion due to lack of participants. We thank Christine Stucko for her mighty efforts in planning the reunion. — Tom Kelly; 847-714-2680; marianne1956@sbcglobal.net
63 Sparse News
Tim Haidinger recommends watching a video of Jim Otteson, a Mendoza professor who teaches courses that describe and support the philosophic and economic underpinnings of our free enterprise system. Tim is of the view that Prof Otteson’s message is a refreshing change from the negativity about our democracy that we hear so much from college campuses. To view the video, go to YouTube and search for Jim Otteson. Rev. Patrick Cawley says Bob Gannon, Father Pat’s roommate from Pangborn Hall, is suffering from ALS. Bob lost his wife several years ago and lives in Connecticut. Father Pat also mentioned an interest in helping the people of Ukraine. You may contact him at golden_hopkins@yahoo.com if you would like to discuss this. Our distinguished class president, Scott Maxwell, sent me a note saying that Rev. Charles O’ Hara and he roomed together while attending Brian Boulac’s memorial Mass on campus last fall, and they were also roommates during the first weeks of freshman football in 1959. One night, Scott returned to the room to find Father Charlie on his knees. Scott promptly got on his knees as well and after a bit asked Father Charlie, “What are we looking for?” Charlie replied, “I am praying.” Jack Garrity has been married to his high school sweetheart, Sue, for 59 years. They live in Loveland OH. Jack and Sue have three children, including John III ’86 and Tim ’91, 10 grandchildren (including Bridget ’21), and one great grandchild. Jack was an aeronautical engineer who holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University. Jack spent 16 years with General Electric’s space division in King of Prussia PA, Schenectady NY, GE headquarters in Connecticut, and New York City. He then spent another 16 years with Senco Products in Cincinnati as director, strategic development. He informed me that Bob Duffy died on March 22 in Oxford MA, survived by his wife of over 60 years, Cindy, two children and six grandchildren. An aeronautical engineering graduate, Bob spent 40-plus years with General Electric’s turbine division in Lynn MA. Bob was Jack Garrity’s lifelong friend, beginning as roommates in St. Ed’s, and was best man in Jack’s wedding. The Alumni Association has advised us of the deaths of the following members of our class: Charles W. Aten II, died Oct. 25, survived by his wife Marilyn and three children; Vincent Friedewold Jr. MD died Nov. 4, survived by his wife, Julie, and son Vincent III ’97; Daniel A. Nugent died Jan. 17, survived by his wife, Carolyn, and one child; John P. Bechtold died Dec. 15, survived by his wife, Marilyn; Charles F. McErlane Jr. died Dec. 23, survived by three children; Francis M. Flanagan died Jan. 7, survived by one child; and Michael J. Switek Jr. died Jan. 26, survived by his wife, Sally, and five children, including Elizabeth ’89, Mary ’94 and Michael III ’87. — John F. Dougherty Jr.; 915 Exeter Crest, Villanova PA 19085; 215-510-0844; johndoc969@gmail.com
63JD Another Loss
Chick McErlean passed away on Dec. 21. Everyone in the class and, particularly those of us living with him on Douglas Road, liked Chick. He was always good-natured, upbeat and positive, while at the same time inquisitive about a range of subjects having nothing to do with law. Following law school and after passing the Illinois bar exam, Chick joined the Navy Judge Advocate General program, serving initially in Washington DC but spending most of his tour at the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base in North Carolina. After discharge from the Navy, Chick went to work in the United Airlines legal department and remained there for 34 years. During that period, United became one of the largest airlines in the world. Chick played a significant role in United’s success handling complex negotiations with other airlines and with federal government regulators. In 2001, Chick left the friendly skies and retired in Goodyear AZ, where he spent the last 20 years enjoying time with his two daughters, Laura and Kelly, his son, Jim, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Chick was a devoted Catholic. He was well informed about Church doctrine and willing to defend it with anyone. Rest in peace, Chick. — Bob Saxe; 15725 Ranchero Drive, Morgan Hill CA 95037; bsaxe5@aol.com
64 Fascinating Exchange
I had a fascinating exchange with Bob Corrao, who built a sports marketing empire deploying imagination, enthusiasm and a healthy dose of entrepreneurship. Building on relationships with legendary Celtics GM Red Auerbach and NBA Commissioner Walter Kennedy, Bob created a sports media company to include the game magazines for NBA teams, ultimately extending the concept to the NHL, MLB, NFL and college football. He subsequently created Ski TV Network, the nation’s largest in its field, out of a turnaround situation. He extended his fundraising and business-building acumen into the not-for-profit sector, ultimately being recognized with their highest leadership award by the Sons of Italy Foundation. Bob some time back purchased and now operates Bermuda Goodwill Golf, the world’s oldest pro-am tournament, annually attracting more than 50 teams from across the globe and generating millions yearly for the Bermuda economy. Add the title of published author to the resume of Paul Tierney. He and Susan collaborated with 17-year-old granddaughter Josie on a lovely collection of prosaic vignettes, photos and drawings. Not surprisingly, lots of wisdom was flowing back and forth through this entertaining and enlightening literary initiative. Staying in the art realm, Navy buddy John Loarie shared a poignant painting he had crafted memorializing his Operation Market Time experience along the Vietnam coast more than 50 years ago. So many memories for so many of us when we were young. Lots of classmates are using Zoom or FaceTime to remain connected. Certainly, one of the largest groups includes Nick Muller and friends. Current topics of discussion include Brian Kelly’s departure as coach of the Irish. As best as I can tell, the gang includes (at least) Jack McCabe, John Hargrove, Frank Fee, Bill Malley, Don Stephan, Gene DeAugustino, Gene Serotini, Ken Stinson, Peter Grace, Red Moroney, Barry Curtin, Paul Tierney, Bill Chapman, Bill Meeker, Pat Callahan, Tom Fox, Tom Goberville, Tom Macdonald, Paul Apostolou and Dick Kennedy. There is always room for one or two more. If interested, reach out to Nick or one of the boys for details. I am saddened that Don DelManzo passed away this year. He spent 20 years as a Navy officer in the Civil Engineering Corps. After retirement, he became head of facilities management at Amherst, Lafayette, Siena and SUNY Albany. Don is survived by Martie, whom he married in 1968, four children and six grandchildren. We also lost John Kolata, another member of the NROTC unit’s leadership team and a career Navy officer. John served on four submarines, a cruiser and destroyer before commanding USS Manitowoc (LST-1180). After retirement, he received an MPA and served as municipal manager in Ohio, Wisconsin, and in his hometown of Kewanee IL. He is survived by Carol, four children and five grandchildren. Chuck Tobias shared the news that his former roommate, Charlie Vimmerstedt, died in Cleveland. After beginning his career as an engineer for Detroit Edison, Charlie was a manufacturers’ rep serving Northern Ohio as the owner/operator of Dryvex-North. He leaves Kay, his wife of 53 years. Bill Petersmark died last October in the Detroit area where he had been a practicing attorney for more than 50 years. Bill was very involved with his church and the activities of three children and nine grandchildren. He was an avid Irish football fan and held season tickets for more than 50 years. Wife Julie also survives. Tom Stahlschmidt died in Lake Forest. A Peat Marwick partner, he was auditor in charge of the merger between the Norfolk and Southern railroads. And Edward Dalton passed in January after a career in real estate law and appellate advocacy in the Portland ME area. Wife Sally, one child and two grandchildren survive. — Paul R. Charron; 44 Contentment Island Road, Darien CT 06820; 917-860-5385; paul.richard.charron@gmail.com
64JD Comings and Goings
No news may be construed to be good news. There is little to report about our classmates except to recognize that most are doing well and, as I type my report on this chilly, cloudy, rainy spring day in The Bend, grateful for a summer yet to arrive that is finally rid of most COVID pandemic restrictions. Technology and aging seem to be to be the biggest befuddlements, however, those classmates with whom I talked certainly engage in life with travel plans — changing locations from winter to summer homes — and family events. Volunteer work at The Montgomery Botanical Garden in honor of Dorothy keeps Charles Sacher out of trouble and busy. Add to that the activities surrounding his family and grandchildren keep him engaged with the generations that have no problem with technology, and certainly not aging. All are well in Palm Desert, where the appeal is being close to family and grandchildren, and not so much anticipation of the summer weather. Their “winter season” is the summer when temperatures soar, and life is lived as much as possible in an air-conditioned bubble. I spoke with Tom Conneely, who could use our prayer support for Kay and himself, as Kay continues to struggle with aging health issues. He is upbeat, as only Tom can be, and they continue to reside in beautiful Mill Valley. Lou Pfeiler is still active with his American Legion Post providing military salutes at veteran funerals in the Dubuque area. He is thankful and proud to do this volunteer work, and knows his dear Carol, who was also a busy volunteer, would approve. Bob Frost seems not to be able to dodge health issues, which drain his energy and strength. Doctor appointments are hard to come by, but he manages to do what he can with exercise, positive attitude, and Dawn’s support. This spring, Larry Gallick and Betty may have abandoned their winter digs in Venice FL on the early side. Temperatures at Lake Ontario environs haven’t reached perfect yet, but will be there when you read this. They are both just fine. Across the country on the other coast are Jim Slater and Marian in idyllic Santa Barbara, where their home is surrounded by hill gardens that Jim still maintains. I teased him once about needing one leg to be shorter to keep his balance and not tumble down the hill. A trip to France in April/May with a month-long stay is in the final planning stages and his anticipation level was high. The first stop will be in Paris and then several weeks to be spent in the country south of Paris. Jack Rammel, on the other hand, was busy having insulation blown into the attic of his home in Long Grove IL because, as he said, “We love this house. There is no place else we would rather be.” Our conversation was filled with stories and laughter. He was in fine sprits and he and Mary are happily content. Frank Miele is faithful about returning my calls, which is so helpful. He is passionate about New York Metropolitan Opera and is now in his 25th year with them. What amazing dedication. All those years have been made possible by an arduous exercise program that keeps him fit and active. Russ Bley also returned my call and, from an informative chat, I learned that he has more doctor appointments than he wants, is doing OK, but not as well as he’d wish. He spoke recently with Gene Kramer, who continues his municipal law practice in Cleveland. Bob Hanlon’s passing was reported in the Class Notes of the Class of 1962. Our prayer: RIP Bob. Obviously, there are many names missing in this report, but I can only report what I know. If you don’t see your name in print, please call or email me with info about your comings and goings. — Richard Balfe Wagner; 1204 Erskine Manor Hill, South Bend IN; 574-299-9888; 760-567-1270
65 Active Retirement
Bill Slattery retired in 1998 but is active as an investor in small businesses ranging from restaurants to a wine/liquor store, along with start-up companies in the biotech field and an HVAC company where his partners are his three sons. Bill and his wife, Joan ’65SMC, spend five months in Indian Wells CA and seven months on Lake Minnetonka MN, where their five grandchildren live within a 30-minute drive. Bill and Joan share a passion for golf. His high school friend in Pittsburgh and senior year roommate, Lou Loughren, has retired from his law firm. Lou and his wife, Sandy, have three sons and two of them now run the law firm. They spend winters in Naples FL where they see Arlene and Chuck Garrity, Linda and Jim Mayer and Ann and John Hughes. Chuck has retired from investment management and insurance. Jim and his wife are active in real estate in Naples. John is retired and usually returns with Ann to South Dakota in summers where he had worked. Bill reports that Bill Ryan has retired from his expansive restaurant business which is now run by two of his sons. Bill lives in Billings MT, winters in La Quinta CA and often summers in Whitefish MT. Manhattan is home to Paul Devlin and his wife, Gretchen. He is still in the bond trading business. During the pandemic, they escaped to a home on the shores of Rhode Island to work remotely. Recently Paul sent a photo to Bill Slattery of Paul, Bob Flood, Peter Derrico and Russ Poylo. Bob is working with wife, Michele, in real estate in Westchester NY. Peter remains active with his own medical company. Charlie Hazzard has retired twice. In Dec. 2021, he retired from UT Dallas as a clinical professor and executive in residence for 18 years. Earlier, he had retired from Occidental Petroleum where he was executive VP and had served in that industry for 33 years after earning his MBA from the Wharton School at the U of Pennsylvania. Charlie and his wife, Carol, have been married 54 years and have two children and three grandchildren. He has been the recipient of several prestigious teaching and mentoring awards in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for his service to the community. I want to clarify an item in our notes in the last issue about classmate Robert Patrick Strickler. The product he endorses in a TV commercial is not a proprietary drug but in fact a food supplement. He served as a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and as an editor for the Detroit Free Press before spending more than four decades in managing public relations for clients in the US and Europe, and was director of communications at the U of Wisconsin-Madison. Last November, Alan Bonn passed away in Indialantic FL due to complications from an elective heart surgery. After graduation, Alan earned an MBA from USC and began a corporate career with RCA, Harris Corp. and Emerge. In retirement he joined Sotheby’s International Realty and was active in philanthropic endeavors. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Pat, three children including Alison ’98 and eight grandchildren. In December, John Griffin died in Nashville TN after a difficult battle with cancer. After medical school, internship and residency, John became a board-certified psychiatrist. He served in the Air Force, retiring as a major then established a practice in Nashville. Hiking, camping and fishing were central to his family life. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kathy, three children including John Jr. ’89 and four grandchildren. In October, Tom Heck died in Santa Barbara. Tom earned his PhD at Yale and MLS at USC. He was president of Insights Consulting in Santa Barbara. Tom is survived by his wife, Anne, and two children. — James P. Harnisch MD; 6759 West Mercer Way; Mercer Island WA 98040; jphnd65@hotmail.com
65JD Class Secretary — Henry Boitel; 324 Brower Ave., Rockville Centre NY 11570; boitel@mindspring.com
66 Another Round
At my April deadline, several lads were slated to gather on campus for our delayed 55th reunion. Class president Cappy Gagnon and South Benders planned an agenda and anticipated re-connections under the Dome. Good source and South Bend local Mike Rush hosted Dr. John Wylie for the Bengal Bouts. John, an ENT doc based in West Virginia and doing a temp assignment at Purdue U, will soon relocate to South Bend with wife Betty. Mike Rush heard from George Blaha, recovering well from March triple bypass, which has not impacted the melodious play-by-play voice of the Detroit Pistons. Bill Loftus planned to stay with Mike for the reunion along with yours truly. I spoke with Phil Sheridan, retired with Kathi in Virginia near DC, close to daughters and grandkids. Phil is in touch with Bob Meeker, still doing law with his son in Akron. We rehashed grid experiences under Kuharich, Devore and Parseghian, a major contrast in styles and results. Frosh Stanford neighbor Ben Campbell checked in from his Ft. Myers winter base. He and Patsy (Gallagher) SMC spent 43 years in Henderson KY raising three kids. Ben partnered in a regional accounting firm and now resides in Moorehead City NC. Ben noted that daughter Shannon married Mike Mahaffey’s son, Tom. Mike is in real estate management in St. Pete. Tom Callahan, semi-retired in Houston, still dabbles in investment management. Cyburne Sullivan is still in Covington KY and retired from law practice. Roy Adorni is retired in New Jersey after a career in tech with HSBC. Arunas Vasys called from Naples where he and Patricia spend six months annually, when not in the Chicago suburbs. They have four daughters, 11 grandkids and three great-grandkids. AV enjoyed a strong career on the ND football field, followed by a successful career with New Balance, and keeps in touch with Chicago pal and our grid mate Tom Talaga, also retired. Jack Gerken created and runs the class website. Do join the 341 who are registered (1966undclass.org). Jack noted that the Notre Dame High School (Niles IL) gang in Chicago, including a huge cohort as members of our ND class, will celebrate its 60th reunion in Chicago on Sept. 9, the Friday before the ND-Marshall game. Here is a kaleidoscope on NDHS-UND mates: Rev. Joe Landauer, OD, of Pittsburgh will celebrate the ND Niles class Mass, but Rev. Mike Geisler, OD, will not be able to make it. Chuck Datz in Houston can’t make it. Retired Honolulu attorney Jim Starshak stoked interest in both ND Niles and UND reunions and aimed to bring a busload of mates to the Marshall game. Jim Starshak keeps in touch with John Ganhal, who will join him and Matt Dwyer for USC. Alan Loboy, also a former ND gridder, is recovering from heart surgery in Portland OR and can’t make the ND Niles reunion. ND Niles reunion co-chair Ray Neihengen was working hard on attendance and his golf game. Bill Scanlon of DC consults in senior health and headed to Maui in spring. He was unsure of his attendance. Jerry Erbach from DC spent the pandemic in his Sanibel home. He consults on redevelopment in Mongolia and planned to attend the Marshall and BYU games. Don Stevens retired in Phoenix. He had a great voice in the ND Glee Club and is active in his synagogue and won’t attend. Semi-retired Chicago attorney Terry Kiwala hung out in his La Quinta CA vacation home, enjoying golf and the pool. He will make the USC game in LA. Chuck Reali still manages an aluminum mill on the banks of the Mississippi in Missouri. Semi-retired Tom Gorman moved from Athens GA to Clayton GA in the Smokies. He is recovering from back surgery and unsure about attendance at the ND Niles soiree. Retired Air Force Capt. Rich Harrer lives in Kingman AZ and was off to Las Vegas for heart surgery. He had 263 combat missions. Ron Schmidt vacationed in Ft. Myers and grandson Charlie is an ND frosh. Bob “Ozzie” Schwartz (a Huey captain in Vietnam) is in Nashville and hoped to make the Marshall game. Terry Casey in Malibu told Jack of his recent purchase of a 20-acre ranch in the hills above Santa Ynez CA’s wine country. Jack G and Carol were planning to shuttle between grandkid graduations and unable to attend our ND minireunion. I learned that the late Tom Phinney, mentioned in my last column, enjoyed a lengthy career in tech and was a stellar patron of the arts. I just heard that “Harry” Scott Atwell passed in April. Tom Sullivan; 1090 Shore Road, Unit 14, Pocasset MA 02559; cell 773-454-4343; t66sullynd@gmail.com
66JD Class Column Saved
A couple of weeks ago, it didn’t appear as if you’d be reading stories from or about our esteemed classmates. Thanks to Windy and Al McKenna, I finally have something to share. Etta and I had the pleasure of getting together with them for lunch during their stay on Marco Island FL. We spent an enjoyable couple of hours recalling our times together as married couples in South Bend during summers between semesters. We often met to play bridge and share a feast of cut-up chucks of bologna and cheese. Al’s favorite memory is of a very hot night when I sat out the hand of bridge and was bouncing our year-old son on my head. Al noticed that I was sweating so profusely that it was running down my cheeks and into my eyes. Well, let’s just say it wasn’t sweat running down my cheeks. Etta’s less-fond memory is the evening both couples and all four children went to $1 night at the drive-in theater in the same car. The movie hadn’t started when one of our children got sick to his stomach. We were upset that we didn’t get our dollar back when we left early. It wasn’t all about our “mini-tragedies,” and we shared a lot of happy memories. Windy and Al are doing well, as are their children and grandchildren. They have three condo units on Marco, so there is always enough room when the families arrive. Al didn’t mention anything about the arrival of law school buddies, however. Hopefully, you still have the spring issue of the Notre Dame Magazine. If you look at the “Photographic Memories” article, specifically page 39, you’ll see a football card showing the score of the 1926 Notre Dame-Georgia Tech game. The card also contains pictures of ND players, one of whom is my dad, Joe Maxwell ’27, who was an All-American in the 1926 season. As you can see, he was the “pretty boy” in the family. That’s it for now. Please forward news for the next column. Stay well. — Scott Maxwell; 2781 Siena Lakes Circle, Unit 2444, Naples FL 34109; cell 215-920-0616; ndscotty@gmail.com
67 Back in School
Rick Dunn writes from campus where he is a student again, enrolled as a fellow in the Inspired Leadership Initiative (ILI), a relatively new University program for retired individuals. After graduating in 1967, Rick went to the U of Miami Law School and practiced law in Miami as a civil trial lawyer until 2018 when he retired. As a fellow in the ILI program, he audits courses and participates in fellows-only courses where they study Great Books, which helps in designing their next act. Rick says he enjoys all the campus activities, but the weather is tough on him as a longtime Floridian. Nevertheless, he enjoys the academic challenge of the ILI program and gets to see friends like Dennis McCarthy, his old roommate, on football weekends. John Salmon and Tom Hennessy notified us that Tom Rink had a serious heart attack in March while wintering in Florida. Subsequently, he was diagnosed by the Cleveland Clinic in Martin County FL with three severely blocked arteries needing triple bypass surgery. He and wife Allison were unsure when they could return to Cincinnati. Joel Maturi informed us that Leo Collins suffered a massive stroke and two days later passed away in Minnesota. Leo came to Notre Dame from Fargo ND where he was standout football and hockey player. Dozens of testimonials for Leo were written by teammates and those familiar with him, including class president George Goeddeke, who recalled how hard Leo worked in the fall of 1966 to prepare the offensive linemen for an upcoming game against top-10 opponent Oklahoma. Leo was assigned to duplicate the work of Sooner nose guard Granville Liggins, who was known in the football world as the “Chocolate Cheetah.” The Irish won that game 38-0 partially due to Leo’s hard work and therefore the ’66 team called Leo the “Vanilla Cheetah.” Leo along with Tom Heiden and Paul Biliveau helped start hockey at Notre Dame when they played club games on the Howard Park outdoor rink in downtown South Bend. Leo’s funeral Mass laid him to rest on St Patrick’s Day. Tom Volini’s son Joseph ’00 let us know that Tom passed away Oct. 27 and is survived by his former wife, Loretta, his partner, Judy Miles, and 13 children. Jane Malin let us know her husband, Tim Malin, passed away Feb. 9 in Greenwich CT. He did not survive surgery on his carotid artery. He is survived by Jane, his wife of 46 years, and sons Timothy James ’99 and Brian ’02. Tim was born in Queens NY. After Notre Dame he graduated from Fordham Law School in 1970. A huge wreath at his funeral Mass had a banner across it that read “Go Irish.” Angelo Schiralli and John Lium informed us that Dick Swatland died in Stamford CT after a long illness. Angelo and John were two of the last few people to visit Dick when he was in hospice care. After several years in the NFL, Dick earned his JD from St John’s Law School, after which he entered the real estate business as a developer and broker. Dick was inducted into the Stamford Old Timer’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014. Dick served on many boards of directors. His funeral was somewhat of a minireunion for his ’66 teammates. Class President George Goeddeke, Angelo Schiralli, John Lium, Harry Alexander and Terry Hanratty ’69 attended, along with former Long Island congressman Peter King ’68JD and longtime aide Joe Cairo. Dick is survived by his wife, Cheryl, and two daughters, Lindsay and Kate. Lastly, many in our class who won football monograms attended the Blue-Gold Game on April 23 at the invitation of head coach Marcus Freeman, who desires that the current players get to know the players that came before them and helped build the legacy. Class president George Goeddeke was in attendance. Please write. — Bert R. Bondi; 1891 Curtis St., Unit 1502, Denver CO 80202; bertrbondi@gmail.com
67JD Reunion in September
Our 55th reunion is being planned for the weekend of Sept. 24-25. Jimmy Olson has stepped forward to take the lead in planning. Jim Mollison was quick to back him up and both will be “boots on the ground” in South Bend. At this writing, it’s certain it’ll be a less formal affair than earlier reunions; no ties or jackets are necessary, and we’ll have a buffet rather than a served meal. Because of the uncertainty of the kickoff time of our game-watch party on Saturday, the dinner will be on Friday evening (venue to be determined). Also, it seems that non-football weekends in the fall are popular for wedding receptions and there is no room at the Morris Inn. But, Jimmy O has arranged for a block of 15 rooms at the Embassy Suites on Angela Blvd., just across from ND. It’s a group rate of $189 per night. Jim got quotes from three other hotels, but this was the best and most convenient. There are rooms available for Thursday night if you’d like to come early. Saturday night will be a game-watch party and Jim is working with ND to secure a venue. There will be no private Mass, but obviously there’ll be a Saturday evening Mass in the crypt or Sunday morning Mass in the Basilica. We’ll keep you updated as the plans develop. If you have questions, contact Jim Olson at 574-250-9295 or jimnanmish@aol.com. Jane and John Hargrove and Beth and Frank Verterano will miss the reunion because they will be separately traveling on river cruises in France at the time. Many of us are celebrating our 80th birthdays this year; some quietly and others with big parties. Ken Lazarus’ kids and wife surprised him with a party last March. They rented a local movie theater with a first-run movie. There was a second feature of video clips from family and friends from grammar school to law school, offering a “This is Your Life” presentation. Happy birthday to all our classmates celebrating this milestone. Unfortunately, some of our classmates will miss the reunion because of health problems. Mo Nicholson is recovering from bladder and bone cancer, which has been made more difficult by a recent fall and broken hip. But he’s fighting and is resilient. Drop him a line to let him know that “you’re there for him.” Jack Harty has had to assume the role of caretaker for his wife, Maureen, during a recent medical event. We wish Maureen a quick and full recovery. I enjoyed a short conversation with Dom Monterrosso, who has fully recovered from a mild bout with COVID despite being fully vaccinated. Also, John Nelson called to say nice things about the column. Frank Carey changed his email address and hasn’t received any of our broadcast emails in ages. Just think how many Harty rants he’s missed. BTW, my emails to John Fine have been bouncing back. Please keep me informed when you change your email address. — Jim Heinhold; 1200 Carmel Lane, New Bern NC 28562; res 252-638-5913; im4irish@aol.com
68 Extraordinary is Ordinary
Bill Cleary may not like this news: Mark Lies is no longer shrinking from a handball competition with Bill. No matter that, in 2018, Bill and his ringer partner Rick Graham, graduate of the U of Michigan, won the doubles championship in a Chattanooga TN tournament. When will the competition take place? What about during our 55th Reunion in 2023? Dan Collins, immediately after putting down the pen (or the stylus) and placing his new novel, Future Victories II, on Amazon sent his reunion plan to class president Tom Weyer: “Soldiers will lie and die for their friends in the platoon. The Keenan gang is a platoon. There must have been other platoons in Stanford, Cavanaugh, Farley, and Breen-Phillips.” Crowding Dan in the “C” category of the 1968 bookshelf, Pat Collins now has an e-book version of Newsman, available on Amazon. Tom Condon, author of several books, is the recipient of the Yankee Quill Award of the Academy of New England Journalists that is administered by the New England Society of Newspaper Editors. Nancy and Denny Emanuel, now residents of Las Vegas and near their grandchildren, are offering a reunion rehearsal party Oct. 9, the day after the BYU game. Denny and Nancy need your RSVP by text message at 641-680-2876 or email at deman6873@gmail.com. Bill Clark and Terry Adrian didn’t wait, though Mike Carroll had to miss the reunion of Notre Dame and high school friends. While Bill and the others were spending a week in Monterey CA, Mike was tending to the Romanian Children’s Relief Fund (donations taken at inocenti.ro), which Mike founded 30 years ago after response to a Boston Globe photo exposé he did on the plight of Romanian orphans during the Ceausescu era. Ray Novaco’s note mentioning Walt Moxham led to email exchanges among Ray, Walt, Tom Brislin and Ken Bierne. With Walt involved, the catching up included impressive amounts of intellectual accomplishment. Ray is a U of California-Irvine professor in the Department of Psychological Science. Since Ray included a wish to be in touch again with Mike McCarty and Bob Bradley, here is a tutorial for all who wonder “Whatever happened to?” Go to my.nd.edu, find “directory” and begin typing names. Easy. We often find out too late that “whatever happened to?” is a revelation of what a community lost. What Mike Carroll is doing for the Romanian orphans has its counterpart in many of the obituaries. Consider this note by Bob Smith about Bob Marotta who died March 6: “I drove from Greenville SC to Columbus OH to attend and be deacon at Bob’s funeral Mass at Our Lady of Victory Church. What a fitting name for Bob to attend. At the Sciota Country Club, we shared stories with Dennis Kelly and Mike Heaton, who was Bob’s ND roommate, with Peggy (Applegate) SMC and the 11 grandchildren. Bob helped get me started in life after I returned from Vietnam in September 1971. He helped found the South Bend Work Release Center for inmates from the Michigan City State Reformatory, the first and maybe only center run outside the penal system, hiring me full time as a counselor. It was amazing the number of people Bob helped in life, especially the disadvantaged.” When it is a Class of 1968 obituary, the extraordinary is ordinary. Another example: Ron Hipp’s roommate Dan Kearney pointed to Ron’s March 18 death in Overland Park KS and said, “Ron was a longtime volunteer at his former parish St. Thomas Aquinas in Wichita KS, volunteered for relief workafter Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, worked at a Navajo Reservation in Arizona, and served with the Missionary for the Poor in Jamaica.” Ron was father of four, and husband of Barbara for 53 years. When Drew Hellmuth died Feb. 21 in Springfield OH, his obituary included the family’s decades-later discovery of the Bronze Star Drew earned as an Airborne Ranger in Vietnam. As the obituary recounted, he “put that medal in a box” and went about inspiring and helping many. And Walt Moxham praised Rich Carter, who died Feb. 9: “When I came back from Vietnam in 1970 and was about to start law school, he wrote me the nicest welcome home and best of luck in law school note.” Memories of friendship and fun with Ed Marsh, who died March 19 included Mike Moore’s story about taking Ed and 13 other classmates home to Lima OH during semester break 1965. Diane Mary “Tilly” Knowles died March 29. She was widowed when Tom Knowles died in 2021. In addition to remembering our deceased in our prayers, please remember Pat Collins and Emily, who recently lost their son Michael and are now awaiting Emily’s surgery on a lung. Roger Guerin advises that Dennis Toolan is dealing with health issues in Cape Canaveral FL and enjoys phone calls from friends. Please send news and photos. Our class blog is ndclass1968.com. — Tom Figel; 455 East Ocean Blvd., Long Beach CA 90802; 312-241-7917; tfigel@reputecture.com
68JD Outstanding Accomplishments
My request for information resulted in an update from Charlie Weiss as to his and Tom Curtin’s service on the Law School Board for over two decades. Tom and Charlie attended the most recent spring meeting on March 25 at the Law School. Dean Marcus Cole delivered the State of the Law School to the Board, noting the outstanding accomplishments of the school. This year, the school received 3,700 applications for a planned class of 185 students. The class will have the highest GPA and LSAT scores in the history of the school, with an average GPA of 3.77 and an LSAT score of 168. It will also be the most diverse class with 33 percent being students of color. ND ranks in the top five of all law schools in the percentage of its graduates who obtain federal court clerkships. Our thanks to Charlie and Tom. John Scripp announced that his bride, Sue, broke her left wrist in 13 places trying to move a “damned door.” John did not explain why he was not providing any assistance. On the positive side, the family visited Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for two weeks and then spent 10 days in February in St. Croix. Three of their 14 grandchildren will attend American U or TCU, and one is undecided. After 20 years of moonlighting from his law practice in historic preservation, John became president emeritus of the North Point Lighthouse. Paul Gore reports that since the passing of his beloved wife, Colleen, he has spent his widower days giving tours into Yellowstone, exercising his skill in photography, and deeply engaged in his soon-to-be-published book titled Behind the Altar. The book is a fictional novel about a Florida man who moves to Montana and is called back to Florida to publish his recently inherited newspaper and what happens behind the altar in South Florida, Montana and Notre Dame. The true part of the book will stress the brilliance of the law Class of 1968, the antics of those living in married student housing and the outstanding professors of that period. Paul and his brother Bob teamed up to create an outstanding nature preserve in Naples FL. Tom Curtin celebrated four years at McElroy Deutsch on April 1 and continues to work full time. He remains chairman of the Lawyers Advisory Committee for the US District Court of New Jersey. He also continues to serve as president of Autism Chapter in New Jersey. The Madison Manor crew — King, Weiss, Ward, Bonenberger and Pusey — continue with weekly calls. John Pusey leads the way in chartering new puns. Tom Curtin brought up the subject of having a 55-year reunion in 2023. The warm-weather away games are Navy on Aug. 26 and Wake Forest on Oct. 28, 2023. Tom assures that we should all be able to get rooms for those dates. Please drop a line to Tom as to your interest in a reunion. Please remember in your prayers our deceased classmates, including John Amerman, Emilio Belluomini, John Burgess, Albert Dudash, Richard Hirsch, Joseph Ladd, Tom Kapacinskas, Steve Madonna, Larry Miller, Michael Williamson, Jack Sandner and Robert Wilczek. Mike Williamson’s beloved wife, Juanita, brought to my attention that a memorial bench outside Howard Hall has been named for Mike. The bench is located around the corner from our son Timothy’s memorial bench near Badin Hall. If you have a bad day, John Pusey shared the following: “My heart continues to leap up when I behold children and grandchildren laughing and happy; Patty being the girl I fell in love with 53 years ago and continue to love even more today; and the awesome beauty of the rest of God’s creation. We hope your hearts leap up when you behold the rainbows in your life. Love and best wishes for 2022.” Finally, I would appreciate everyone providing me with updates as to what is happening with you and your family so that we may share this information with class members. — Dennis G. Collins; 2203 Derby Way, St. Louis MO 63131; bus 314-516-2648; dgc@greensfelder.com
69 Annual Winter Florida Migration
August 2021: Tony Alessandra co-authored What Makes Humans Tick? Exploring the Best Validated Assessments. December: Dave Heskin celebrated his 75th birthday with a series of Zoom parties and phone calls with his family and a cohort of ’69ers: Dr. Bob Burke, Dave Eickholt, Don Jacobson, Dr. Dave Seeley, Albert Alter, Sean Murphy, Joe Stein and Rev. John Sheehan. January: While visiting family in the Chicago area, Tom Altmeyer lunched with Ralph Williams. Don Barkman published Living Life Well: Insight and Tips You Can Really Use. Three TV stations interviewed Andy Fedynsky about Cleveland’s Ukrainian community’s concern about Russia invading Ukraine. CNN’s Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer also interviewed him in March. February: Sally and Larry Pezanko, Nancy and Greg Ryder and Cathy and Chip Stumpf vacationed in Key West FL. Gene Hammond visited Diane and Steve Kavalauskas in Sanibel FL. Gene and Diane are first cousins. Pat and Mike Keane, Margaret and Mike McDermott, and Judy Kamienski and Kevin Reardon gathered on Anna Maria Island FL. Patty and Mike McCauley visited Mary Ann and Errol Flynn in Bonita Springs FL. Sharon and Ed Weinlein celebrated their 50th anniversary. Linda and Don Jacobson have moved their permanent home from Houston to Wisconsin. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot presented Corboy & Demetrio co-founder Thomas Demetrio with a City of Chicago Proclamation, declaring Feb. 25, 2022, “Thomas A. Demetrio Day.” March: Bob Burke and Dave Heskin, who have skied together annually since the mid-1970s, met Dave Eickholt in Beaver Creek CO; Dave Eickholt lives there. Greg Helm’s pony Hot Rod Charlie finished second in the Dubai World Cup. Hub Miller visited his grandson, Ben ’23, who is studying this semester at ND’s London Global Gateway. Hub also saw his second cousin, Rev. Jim Lies, CSC, ’87, the director of Academic Affairs for the Global Gateway program. April: Robbie (Parker) Fackelman ’71MA and Jim Fackelman celebrated their 50th anniversary. Tony Macleod continues his law practice at his new law firm, Macleod Law PLLC, in Greenwich CT. Dick Cimino played golf with Dean Benner, John Kenefick and John Quinn at his Pelican Marsh GC in Naples FL. They try to do this four times annually, playing once at each other’s clubs. In September, Bill Mitsch PhD will retire from Florida Gulf Coast U after a 47-year career at multiple universities as one of the creators of modern techniques required to rebuild and create wetlands. Coley O’Brien and Jack Wiethoff ’70 won the four-month Treviso Bay TPC tournament in Naples FL. Tony Alessandra, Jim Bodary, Steve Cassetta, David Coulter, Jim Durand, Bob Franken, Tony Ingraffea, Jack Mahon and Patrick Rocchio wrote take-home interviews for the class blog. Bob Gibbons, Don Hynes, Peter McInerney and Bill Wade continue their frequent contributions to the blog, now with more than 1,500 posts. Thank you. Deaths: William P. McCarthy, Feb. 10, 1993, in Boston; Rev. Thomas J. Triggs, Sep. 17, 2020, in Sayreville NJ; Dennis Tushla, Oct. 6, in Oak Lawn IL; Dr. Michael P. Pecenka, Dec. 1 in Strongsville OH; Henry “Hank” Bailey, Dec. 25 in Altadena CA; Anna (Botkin) Hynes, wife of John Hynes, Jan. 24 in Muncie IN; Jim M. Lyons, Feb. 3 in Irving TX: Francis W. “Jim” Wehrheim, father of John Wehrheim, Feb. 14 in Chicago; Jim Viventi, Feb. 19 in Grand Rapids MI; Mickey Quinn, brother of John Quinn, Feb. 24 in Indianapolis; Mike Obringer, March 3 in Fort Wayne IN; Mike McInerney ’68, brother of Peter McInerney, March 14 in Houston.; Pam Abbate, wife of Mike Abbate, March 26 in Wilmington NC. Our deepest sympathies to their families and friends. — John Hickey; jphjr47@hotmail.com; notredameclassof1969blog.blogspot.com
69MBA Class Secretary — Bob Dowdell;
31625 Coast Highway, Laguna Beach CA 92651; 714-381-6104; bobdowdell55@gmail.com
69JD Dr. Zep
It took a while, but Joe Frantin has completed his dissertation and was awarded his PhD in philosophy by the U of Miami. I have my 60th high school reunion this fall, which is of no interest to any of you except George Burgett. Hondo graduated with me and is looking forward to our reunion. He is retired and plays as much golf as he can. Living in Chicago presents some limitations, but he has given up playing in the snow. Joe Kennedy caught up with George and had a nice conversation with Jim Barba. Jim is slowly getting out after isolating because of COVID. Football will be right around the corner. Please let me know if you plan on attending any games. I will be at the Marshall game with a few classmates to be named in the fall column. I will try to get Tim McLaughlin to go to the game with me, but he prefers the comfort of his house in Granger. Stay safe and healthy. I look forward to writing a column without mentioning the pandemic. — Jim Starshak; 889 Kaohe Place, Honolulu HI 96825-1314; res 808-395-0443, cell 808-778-4033; starman@hawaii.rr.com