1950s

50 Practicing Kindness and Generosity

John C. Dettling ’86 wrote to inform me about the passing of his father, John J. Dettling, age 94, on March 22 in Akron OH. After graduation from ND, John attended Georgetown U and earned his medical degree. The Akron Beacon Journal reported that, following an internship at St. Vincent Hospital (NYC), “he completed a four-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Downstate Medical Center and King’s County Hospital in New York. The following year he received a fellowship in gynecological oncology at Downstate Medical Center and King’s County Hospital from the American Cancer Society.” Among many positions he held over a long medical career, John was connected to (and held leadership positions within): American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Executive Committee at St. Thomas Hospital; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Akron City Hospital; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Lakewood Hospital (Cleveland); Akron OB-GYN Society; American Cancer Society; Ohio Ballet; board of trustees of the Akron Symphony Orchestra. He was also an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northeast Ohio Medical U. Before retiring in 2003, John provided medical services from his private practice and within the Fairview Hospital and Cleveland Clinic systems. The Beacon Journal also said that John “was an avid boater on the Great Lakes for 25 years and was a member of the International Order of the Blue Gavel. He loved to ski and had a home in Vail CO for 30 years. He was a member of St. Sebastian Church and later St. Victor Church.” John is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marjorie, five children and 12 grandchildren. H. Richard Rosengarten died on Feb. 10 in Indianapolis at the age of 95. He had to take a break from college to serve in the US Army during World War II; he was not able to return to ND until 1947. The Indianapolis Star reported that his “professional career included employment in personnel and public relations at St. Vincent’s Hospital (1950-54), Norway’s Foundation Hospital (1954-57), Purdue University-Indianapolis (1968) and Citizens Gas and Coke Utility (1956-68; 1969-1986). In retirement, Dick volunteered as a reader and substitute station manager for Central Indiana Radio Reading, a service for the blind and print-handicapped. He was a devout Roman Catholic, and at the time of his death, a parishioner at St. Pius X.” Dick’s wife of more than 60 years, Mary, died in 2012, but he is survived by four children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. While preparing these notes, I discovered that William E. Miller passed away in the South Bend area on Sept. 23 at the age of 94. From his family’s online tribute, I learned that he served in China as a member of the US Army and, later, “worked for Whirlpool, Prudential and State Farm before becoming a pharmaceutical representative for CIBA, later CIBA-Geigy. After retirement, Bill used his skills as a pianist to entertain at nursing homes, Memorial Hospital and St. Paul’s Retirement Community. He also enjoyed volunteering as a transporter at Memorial Hospital. Bill believed that service to others was important and always tried to practice kindness and generosity with everyone. Bill was active in several local organizations including: The Ancient Order of Hibernians, the South Bend Press Club, the Elks Male Chorus, St. Vincent de Paul Society and was a member of St. Jude’s Parish.” Bill was married to his wife, Mary Jo, for almost 70 years; she survives him, along with four children (one predeceased him), three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. If you would like to share news about the Class or stories from your time at ND, please let me know. — Jim Coogan ’91; 4 Gile Drive Unit 2A, Hanover NH 03755; jcooganv@alumni.nd.edu

 

51 Father Joe

Father Joe Barry, CSC, returned to ND in 1947 after four tough years as an infantry chaplain in WWII. He opened Farley in the spring, and was ready for the fall semester. The second-floor prefect was the late Father Henry Bolger, CSC ’24, head of physics. Many of us would-be engineers were on the second floor. Father Joe had his eye out for future CSC material, and Father Henry always was hoping to deflect some guys into physics. Neither succeeded. Within a week we knew these two guys well enough to accompany them to Eddie’s on Saturday night (the original Eddie’s, out Western Avenue near the NYC station). This went on for four years. In May of 1949, after the end of our second year and completing our last physics exam, we celebrated for a little too long, and signed in after 1 a.m. Our rector (in Morrissey) dutifully sent us one-by-one over to the prefect of discipline. No action was taken, and all eight went on to complete their studies. Did I mention that Father Joe was prefect of discipline in our sophomore year? The provincial found another job for Father Joe, and we all lived happily ever after. — Jim Jennings; jmj4703@gmail.com 

 

52 Tony M. Steps Down

Tony Messina writes, “Sorry, men, that I have to give up this strenuous job as your class secretary. But the macular degeneration is not letting me see clearly. I was going to propose that, if none of you wanted the job, that perhaps an ND graduate child or grandchild could be conned or bribed to take the job. That way we would have some connection with the class. And I remember the classes of the ’30s/’40s having recent grads who would volunteer or be assigned by the magazine. In eyeballing the classes of the ’30s and ’40s the secretaries would be recent grads who probably had no connection to the class. George thought that it would be better if we could find a volunteer from the class.” But the search for a replacement has yielded no volunteers. It will not be easy to replace Tony, as he has carried out the job in a most exemplary fashion. We are so very grateful to Tony for his work. But I have decided to give it a try. In the future weeks and months, you can expect to receive a phone call from me. I will be seeking some good stuff from you to share with your classmates. For the record, there were 907 members of our class graduating in June of 1952, the last class for ND President Father John Cavanaugh ’23, ’27 MA, CSC. Father Ted Hesburgh, CSC, took over the next day. One hundred and eighty members of the class graduated later, in September or December. As there are 181 of us still vertical, I will have a lot of calls to make. So, when I call, be ready with some news. — George Heidkamp, 9308 Linden Reserve Drive, Prairie Village KS 66207; 913-206-4128; georgeaj@rcn.com

 

53 Remembering John 

There have been two issues since we lost our secretary, John T. (Jerry) Mulvihill. It would be impossible to include here all the notes of praise and remembrance submitted by his classmates of ’53. Jerry was “the glue” that kept us as together as randomly scattered as we have been. His wit and ability to cut through the muddle, often displayed in the courtroom, so I’m told, was always a challenging and attractive feature in his addresses to the class. He loved ND despite its occasional fumble, football and otherwise. Certainly, being Father Ted’s first graduating class has been one inspiration for our sense of togetherness, with Jerry as the Pied Piper. For example, Father Ted’s Mass in Dillon Chapel at the 35th Reunion. Jerry had a great respect for the Holy Cross order, especially the missions for which the Class of ’53 Mass Fund was created from classmates’ contributions. Greatly missed are the fall gatherings in Chicago, organized by Tom Reedy for dinner and/or lunch, which Father Ted claimed was the only class to do so. There have been many other special actions which Jerry strongly encouraged the Class to accomplish, such as the iconic artwork of Ted and Ned which resides by the Library Reflecting Pool, and a campus bench (OK, search for it). I could go on, but I’ll conclude with that cheer of old for Jerry, “He’s a man, He’s a man, He’s a Notre Dame man.” There are other classmates for whom we mourn: Lee Arthur (Lee) Tavis, David Neil (Dave) McBride, and Richard Glen (Dick) Brill. May they all rest in peace. Most of the credit for our Class of ’53 communications is due to the efforts of Cullen Langford. No relation to Bob Berry, Law secretary below. Just another branch of the clan.  — Bill Berry, wberry@nd.edu. 

 

53JD Class Secretary — Bob Berry;

5806 Spaulding St., Omaha NE 68104; 402-457-4142; yokeemup@aol.com

 

54 Christ Is Risen

Our Easter celebration is over. Too many jelly beans or chocolate bunnies? It was a time to be with family. Son Tom and Teresa had me for Easter dinner. Tom picked me up and his reasoning was “now you can have more than one drink.” It was a delicious dinner. We got a Zoom call from New Jersey where the rest of the family converged at Peter’s for the family dinner. He hosted 19, three generations. A family tradition long since forgotten was an Easter egg hunt. A month later I would find one or two eggs. I heard from Jerry Kierfer and had a good conversation. He and his wife are going to the Reunion and staying at the Morris Inn. Jerry said if you want to get together for breakfast or lunch look him up at the inn. Now for a computer problem and some information lost. I heard from Andy and he sees Tony Mandolini and another classmate on a regular basis. Sorry, Andy, but this is where the problem hit. Is anyone going to Ireland for the Navy game? Anne and I did it in 1996. We had a fun time and made new friends. An update on me. Cancer treatment is no problem. An infusion followed by an injection. The infusion gives me 28 minutes of reading overlooking a big pond. Then into an exam room, lower your drawers, then a shot in the right cheek. See you next month and I’m done. I get a once-a-month treatment with no aftereffects. I’m now in the hospital rehab program. My balance is not good and the program is helping. One exercise is to walk 50 feet, turn around, and walk back. Now do it backward. Not done yet as now do it with your eyes closed. A challenge. The following classmates were called home: Ed Christiano, Joe Bandiera, Phil Bolin, Tom Moore, Phil Brehm, and Jim McHugh. Please remember them and their families in your prayers. Enjoy the summer. Go Irish and God bless. — Jack Mertens; 550 Wilmette Ave., Ormond Beach FL 32174; 845-216-7251; jacknd54@gmail.com
 

55 Class Secretary — John Connaughton;

1516 Marquette Blvd., South Bend IN 46628; 574-289-1445; jcithaca37@yaho.com

 

56 Class Secretary — 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 Lucky in Life

As we prepared these notes for you, Mary and I pondered on how many classmates came from my hometown of Peoria. Five, we believe. Pretty lucky. All of us might say that we were lucky to have attended the school of our dreams, although we know the hard work that got us there and through. And luck has followed many of our classmates, like Michael “Mike” E. Catanzaro Jr., who passed away Dec. 6. Mike was the senior attorney negotiating oil contracts in the Middle East for more than 30 years. An avid golfer, he was lucky enough to celebrate two holes-in-one in Ireland. Mike is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Kathleen, and two children. William “Bill” J. Kucera passed away Nov. 21. Bill’s degree in metallurgy and an MBA in computer programming landed him a job with the Atomic Energy Commission, Stuart Oil, and Griffin Wheel Co. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Blanche, and their three children. Gaylord P. Hass Jr. passed away on Feb. 19. As a young child his father was transferred to Hawaii and was there at the time of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Gaylord’s career was in the US Patent Office to a private firm to eventually Honeywell, where he was able to travel the world. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary, and his daughter. Gaylord was preceded in death by his son. Edward “Ed” C. Suess passed away Nov. 29. Ed served in the Army stationed in Korea during the post-war period. Ed held several financial positions within General Motors and retired in 1993. He is survived by his loving wife, Monna, and three children. John Thomas “Tom” Gunning Sr. passed on Nov. 27. Tom met the love of his life, Gretchen, who preceded him in death, while at ND. Tom joined the Navy and served on the destroyer USS Compton. His civilian career was in business and accounting. He retired in 2000. Tom is survived by his five children. Robert “Bob” W. Westrick passed away Feb. 14. Bob was able to share 60 years of marriage to his lovely wife, Donna, before she passed. Bob is survived by his five children and his grandchildren. Thank you, Harry McKee, for sending the news of your old roommate, Father John Henrick, who passed away Jan. 22. Father John was the former pastor of St. Ignatius and a priest in the Diocese of Nashville for more than 60 years. According to Harry, Father John also could prepare a breakfast buffet to rival the fanciest of hotels. William “Bill” Lodge passed on March 18. Bill’s career as a manufacturer’s rep moved him and his family across the Midwest before settling in Connecticut. His retirement was in North Carolina with his wife, Barbara. He is survived by his wife and blended family of nine children. John D. Gibbs passed on Super Bowl Sunday morning, Feb. 12. His sons Jack ’86 and Mark ’89 sent the news and speculated that it was his time to be called, or perhaps the loss of the ND basketball game the night before. John was a fine athlete known as “Lightning Gibbs.” John had a career early in the retail of personal computers and was a co-founder of the first Computerland of IL. He is survived by wife of 63 years, Yvonne, and their four children and grandchildren. Paul Leitzinger passed away Feb. 27. His lovely bride of 64 years, Mary Helen, mailed us her sad news. Paul had lived with Parkinson’s for over 20 years and had battled through several other illnesses that led his children to believe he was blessed with several lives. He is also survived by four children. Don’t forget to stop 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

John W. Condon passed away on Nov. 26. After graduation, John married his wife, Rose Mary, in 1959. John enjoyed a career in the graphic arts industry from 1964 to 2007 with the firm United Graphics Inc. (Unigraph) in his hometown of Tulsa OK. John retired in 2007 to enjoy time with his family that included five children and 11 grandchildren. Michael P. Carr of Fairmont MN passed away on Nov. 26. After graduation, Mike had a career in sales, traveling extensively. He retired in 2000. His business interests included part ownership of Culver’s restaurant franchises. Previously married, he was remarried in 2004 to Vickie Thune, who survives along with Mike’s five children, two stepchildren and numerous grandchildren. James D. O’Grady Sr. of Genoa IL passed away on Jan. 31. After graduation, Jim obtained a JD from the Valparaiso U School of Law in 1961. He married his wife, Mary Kae, that same year. Jim practiced law in Genoa for 60 years, including service as a public defender and assistant state’s attorney. He is survived by his wife, three children, six grandchildren and one great-grandson. — 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 Updates and More 

On Easter Sunday, 2023, during the Noon Mass (presided by Rev. John Jenkins, CSC, ’76, ’78MA), class president Joe Mulligan sat next to a couple in the Basilica at Notre Dame, who appeared to be visiting campus. After Mass, Joe engaged the couple in a pleasant, very interesting conversation, and learned that they currently have three grandchildren at the University.   And, that they are parents of five children who are ND graduates!  The gentleman then added, “I am also an alumnus!”  Joe inquired, “What class?”  “1959!” was his response.  Joe, stunned and smiling, immediately exclaimed, “Who are you?” while adding, “I am the current president of the ND Class of 1959.”  His neighbor in the pew was Dr. Fred Miller, a retired dermatologist, and his wife, Joan, who currently are living in Danville, PA. And, who were great friends of our late Jim Keegan! We continue to hear from classmates who lived in Pangborn Hall during our junior year. In our attempt to identify some of these “lads,” we know that Pangborn was occupied in 1957-1958 by Tom Abowd, John Ambre, Tony Araneta, Ned Baldus, Jerry Baugh, Jim Bazany, Gerry Bechamps, Dave Berg, Frank Bettendorf, Jim Bigham, Steve Bolander, Bob Borlik, Gene Boyle, Tom Brady, Max Brown, John Brunner, Tony Bruno, Frank Buckley, Bob Burns, Mike Byrne, Bob Callero, Denny Carroll, John Casey, Don Cerini, Jack Conroy, Dan Conway, Phil Coogan, Dave Cook, Al Cooke, Jim Cooney, Davd Costello, Bob Cox, Tim Cremin, Tipp Cullen, E.J. Cunningham, Bill Cushwa, Bob Daily, Bill Dalton, Ralph Dangelmaier, John DeFellippie, Ron DeLamielleure, Warren Delaney, Bob Dempsey, Mike Derrane, Jack Dolan, John Donovan, Dick Donovan, Mike Dugan, Ron Durant, Phil Eckert, Al Ecuyer, Tom Feltz, Ed Fixari, Tom Flaherty, John Fogerty, Bob Funderlic, Denny Garwacki, Sergio Garcia, Bob Ghelardi, Bob Giarratano, Bernie Gillespie, Barrett Gleixner, Dave Glow, Bill Graham, Rick Grimler, Jerry Halloran, Bob Hassenger, Al Haverkamp, Mike Haverty, Dave Hayden, Jim Hayes, T.Y. Hayes, John Hayward, Chet Hobert, Bill Holmes, Jim Howell, Mike Hughes, Clarence Hughes, Dave James, Julius Jodlbauer, Jay Jones, Jim Jordan, Milam Joseph, Chuck Kappert, Dick Katis, Jim Keegan, Richard Kenville, Bill Kerrigan, Lee Keyser, Lou Kigin, Bob Kill, Joe King, Quince Komyatte, Bob Kribel, Terry Lamb, Neal Lamping, Jack Lane,  Thomas C. Lee, Thomas J. Lee, John LeMire, Roger Leto, Dan Lorenz, Joe Maier, Ed Malone, John Maloney, Marty Maloney, John Maney, Karl Mangold, John Mannion, Victor Maragni, Joe Marrone, Jim Masterson, Bill McAdam, Tom McBreen, Tim McGarvey, Marty McGinn, Mike McGrath, Pat McGreevy, Harold McKee, Jim McMahon, Bill McMahon, Bill McNally, Jim Merz, Fred Miller, Bob Miller, Mike Monti, Frank Moosbrugger, Fred Mowle, Frank Mullen, Jim Mullen, Klaus Muller-Bergh, Ed Murphy, Dan Muth, Al Myers, Frank Nacozy, Vito Nigrelli. Lou Noto, Don O’Brien, John O’Brien, Pat O’Daniel, Norm Odyniec, Tofie Owen, Anthony Pacillo, Jim Paulis, Wayne Pence, Jim Petonic, Peter Petrie, Mike Phenner, Phil (“Blackie”) Pier, Bob Pier, Jim Pino, Dar Planeaux, Tom Plofchan, Ed Plumly, Francis Prock, Chuck Puntillo, Bob Putnam, Jim Rankin, Dick Raupp, Arthur Raymond, Dennis Readey, Don Reay, Bill Reilly, Rick Remmers, Jim Rhadigan, John Rizner, John Roedel, David Roemer, John Roy, Dick Royer, Bill Sackinger, John Saiz, Jack Saletta, Norm Schnurr, Phil Schuessler, Dick Selcer, Tim Sharon, Mike Shea, Madden Sheedy, Peter Sheptak, Bill Sherry, Mark Shields, Jim Short, Jerry Skiba, Richard Smale, Michael Smith, Harry Soisson, Julio Sparacino, John Steinburg, Jack Stewart, Bill Thrall, Ron Toth, Jerry Trautschold, John Treanor, Mike Tressel, John Uebbing, Mark Walsh, John Weiner, Ed Weinheimer, Roy Wessel, Bill Wessel, Ray Whelahan, Tom Whitman, John Wholihan, Bob Willard, Bob Wombacher and Ernie Wood.  Planning is well underway for a truly memorable 65th class reunion, at Notre Dame, May 30-June 2, 2024. Join us! Virtual rosary every Saturday 6 to 12 am.  — Bob Brennan; 855 Clubhouse Drive, Ballwin MO; 314-807-1011; bobbrennan76@gmail.com