1950s

50 Three Double Domers

Robert E. McGlynn died in Belleville IL on Nov. 4, 2023, at age 97. Prior to attending ND, he served in the US Navy during World War II. After his 1950 graduation from ND, he went on to become a Double Domer by earning a law degree (1951). The Belleville News-Democrat reported that “Robert joined his Uncle Dan McGlynn at the firm of McGlynn & McGlynn which was founded by Robert’s grandfather, Dan, in 1896. Robert applied his education and skills assiduously and successfully. He mastered all aspects of the law: research, writing, oral argument and trial law. At McGlynn & McGlynn he practiced with Uncle Dan, brother James, cousins Joseph and Maureen and sons Hon. Michael and Hon. Stephen McGlynn. He served as special assistant attorney general for the state of IL. He was recognized by his peers with the highest rating of Martindale-Hubbell including the Bar Registry of Pre-eminent Attorneys. He served as president of the East St. Louis Bar Association. He served on numerous boards and commissions. He was appointed by the governor of IL to serve as a commissioner of the Bi-State Development Agency.” Robert strongly believed in the value of a good Catholic education, and every one of his children attended and graduated from Catholic grade school, Catholic high schools and Catholic colleges; two attended Catholic law school. He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Mary Margaret, but is survived by nine children, 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. John F. Hilbrich, 96, passed away in Notre Dame IN on Jan. 18. He was also a Double Domer (he earned his Juris Doctorate in 1951) and US Army veteran during the Korean conflict. After military service, Jack started a legal office that eventually evolved into the Hilbrich Law Firm. The Times of Northwest Indiana reported that he “practiced law for over 50 years, and generously provided his time to the profession and community. There is no doubt that his decades of devoted service will not be forgotten and will be greatly missed by the thousands of Lake County IN residents who trusted and relied upon him for his expert advice, support and kind words. The town of Griffith and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Gary are among the clients that enjoyed representation by Jack for decades. He defines the term ‘True Gentleman’ and is known by all to be honest, genuine, sincere and honorable. His character and reputation are beyond reproach. The hallmarks of his life were his love for his family and friends, his deep Catholic faith, his endless service to others and his beloved Notre Dame.” Jack is survived by his wife of 66 years, Judie, five children, 19 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Rev. Richard A. Laurick, CSC, died at Holy Cross House (Notre Dame IN) on March 3 at age 99. After graduating from high school in 1941, he entered the Servite Seminary (WI). However, he departed at the start of World War II and enlisted in the US Navy. After the war, he spent time at Loyola U in Chicago before deciding to return to the seminary. He entered the Holy Cross Novitiate in South Bend on Aug. 15, 1948, professed final vows on Aug. 16, 1952, and was ordained a Holy Cross priest on June 9, 1954. Like his fellow classmates in this month’s Notes, Father Laurick earned Double Domer status with a BA in philosophy (1950) and an MA in theology (1959). In later years, he earned a Ph.D. in religious studies from Catholic U of America (1967). Father Laurick’s service as a priest was described in an online tribute I found. The early part of his career included assignments at St. Edward’s U in Austin (1954-57), U of Portland (1957-62), Notre Dame High School in Niles IL (1966-67) and the Archdiocese of Chicago (1967-86). In 1986, he was assigned as pastor of St. Stephen’s Parish in South Bend and served three years there. Father Laurick then went on to assist the Diocese of Kalamazoo and Bronson Hospital (1989-90) and then served as chaplain for the Spiritual Care Department at Memorial Hospital in South Bend (1990-2013). Father Laurick is survived by his sister, Rosemary Miller, and several nieces and nephews. 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 Please Send Updates

Bob Clemency and I are remnants. We would appreciate news from any other survivors. Peace and all good things. — Jim Jennings; jmj4703@gmail.com

 

52 Nonagenarians

Ralph Richard, professor emeritus, U of Arizona, had his paper, “Lateral Force Distributions in Braced Moment Frames,” published in the Engineering Journal of the American Institute of Steel Construction. Old professors never die, they just write away. John Minck lives to tell the tale. John had a blood clot in his left calf. His MD put him on warfarin. He later developed a skin rash for which another MD prescribed fluconazole. All was well until his knee was so swollen he could not walk. Seems as if those two pills do not like each other, which resulted in massive bleeding in the knee. Two weeks in the hospital and three in rehab, and five months of rehab at home assisted by his son, remedied the situation. It could have been worse, it seems, as John was told he could have bled out into his brain. Don Weiland has moved from Columbus OH to a retirement community in Brentwood TN. This locates him closer to his family. After beginning his career with IBM, he moved on to work as a financial adviser. He spent 50 years doing so prior to retirement. Frank Semetko retired from AT&T in 1986. He’s been volunteering since, teaching ESL in Hungary and Columbus, as well as in his parish and community, and traveling in the US and Europe. He and Agnes lived in Columbus for 50 years until Agnes died in 2007. Frank moved back to Toledo and ran into an old high school classmate, Nancy. He and Nancy married in 2012 when Frank was 81. They are enjoying life together and have a blended family of 14 children, 43 grandkids and 36 great-grandkids. Dick Tighe transferred to ND in 1950 and played varsity football. After graduation, he spent two years at Fort Leonard Wood MO as a drill sergeant. He wrote a note to Moose Krause, who steered him to a football job at Cathedral High in Hamilton, Canada. In seven seasons they had three city titles and four runner-ups. That turned out to be just the start. Dick got an MA at Niagara using the GI Bill and continued coaching football. In 63 years of coaching at four different high schools in IA, Dick amassed a record of 432 victories, second in IA and top 10 in the USA. No ND grad has had a better record. Meanwhile, Dick also taught US history, PE and driver’s ed. He retired in 2016. After losing his first wife a few years back, he remarried. He has six children and 30 grandkids and great-grandkids. Shirley and Dick Hardin have settled in a neat community in Wentzville MO. They have been there for 10 years now enjoying golf and the very nice surroundings. Dick says he plays less frequently these days as he seems to be getting older. — George Heidkamp, 9308 Linden Reserve Drive, Prairie Village KS 66207; 913-206-4128; georgeaj@rcn.com

 

53 Celebrations of Life

This period has seen the celebration of the lives of some classmates — notably, Stan Stasch and John Cark. Both had been active in either local or total Class activities. John played a significant role in organizing the funding of the Class gift to the University of the statues honoring Frs. Ted and Ned, which are located near the northwest corner of the Hesburgh Library reflecting pool. Stan was a stalwart in the organizing of classmate gatherings in and around the Chicago area. His service was well attended by Marty Wehner, Mike McNulty and others. Other passings include Charles Meissner, renowned physicist, Robert McKenna. Gail Schauer Curtin died peacefully surrounded by her husband, Paul Curtin, and their four sons, Tim ’79, Pat, Tom and Jim ’85. We ask that you remember them in your prayers. May they rest in peace. — Bill Berry, wberry@nd.edu

 

53JD Class Secretary — Bob Berry;

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

 

54 Class Secretary

I have some exciting personal news to report. I am engaged to Elizabeth Tomei, a 90-year-old widow who attends Mass with me every day. We hope to marry as soon as possible and yes, I am “robbing the cradle.” By the time this edition of Notre Dame Magazine arrives, we will hopefully be undefeated and halfway to a national champion. Please say a prayer for our Classmates who were called home: Joseph Joyce, John Lyon, Anthony Mandolini, William Offutt, Francois Pingon, Bernard Randall and John Rosshirt. — Jack Mertens; 3000 Georges Road, Apt. 106, Ormond Beach FL 32174; 845-216-7251; jacknd54@gmail.com

55 Richard Rosenthal, RIP

Dick Rosenthal ’54 died in June. He was a fine Notre Dame athletic director, and there is another good reason why our Class will remember Dick. It stems from an NCAA championship basketball game played between Notre Dame and Indiana U on March 12, 1954, at the U of Iowa. In the first round, we beat Loyola of Los Angeles 80-70. That put us into the East regional semifinal game against Indiana U. Indiana had won the national championship the year before, beating Kansas 69-68. Their superstar player, Don Schlundt, got 30 points in that game. In this game against us, he was held to 10 points, and we won 65-64. We played only six players and they scored the points shown: Dick Rosenthal, 25 points; Jack Stephens, 12 points; Joe Bertrand ’54, 11 points; Bill Sullivan ’54, 10 points; John Fannon ’56, 4 points; and Ed McGinn ’54, 3 points. Notre Dame then lost the East regional final to Penn State 71-63. With a 22-3 season record, Notre Dame was ranked No. 6 by the AP. Indiana with a 20-4 record was ranked No. 4 by the AP. Marty Mahrt died in January. He served 30 years in the Air Force as a fighter pilot. Two of those years were in Vietnam where he was shot down and rescued on his 102nd mission. Marty is survived by Colleen, his wife of 68 years, and five children. I received a note from Anne Lundy Paisley reporting that her father, Frank Lundy, died in July. He was predeceased by Carolyn, his wife of 63 years, and survived by two children. Tom Kewley died in June. He taught at DePaul U for 40 years. Tom Brand died in June. He served as an officer in the Navy. He was predeceased by LaVetra, his wife of 44 years, and by one of their four children. Tom is survived by three of his children, his second wife and two stepchildren. In response to the request in my last Class column for service histories, I received a note from Walter Langford. After graduation in 1955, he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Air Force and spent a year in navigator school. After earning his designation as a navigator, he spent 23 years guiding airplanes to landings in locations all around the world. That included 196 missions in Vietnam and a crash onto a German farm field after an engine quit on takeoff. Although the aircraft rolled over and caught fire, the four-man crew escaped without injury. Jim Ehret spent 31 years in the Navy as an aircraft carrier pilot. He had three tours of duty in Vietnam and worked with the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon. He retired as a captain and has been married to his wife, Honey, for 59 years. Jim Hesburgh is back in South Bend. After graduation, he spent five years as an officer in the Navy and he now lives in Holy Cross Village, a residential development across the street from Notre Dame. Bill Glass has been married to Rose Mary for 67 years, and in her note she says that all is well. A note from Jim Duffy says that he served as an officer in the Navy for 13 years: first on active duty and then in the reserves. When I finished my basic training in the Marine Corps, I along with all the other new Marines in my company were told that we could choose the direction we wanted to go on our first assignment. I pictured the climate and excitement of southern CA and said I wanted to go west. The Marine Corps sent me so far west that I was in Japan. I spent four years in the Marine Corps. My last assignment was as chief lifeguard on the ocean beach at Camp Lejeune. Maybe I should have stayed in the Marine Corps. I retired as a captain. Charles Duryea has died. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree and was on the Dean’s List. Don Shanley sent a letter to me enclosing a long, interesting article on Catholic doctrine. In Russian history, the czars were not, for the most part, holy people. I do remember seeing one in the Zahm chapel from time to time. He was likely pulled there by his roommate, Jim Sherer. My son, Mike, has, like his three siblings, gained the high status of being a Notre Dame student. He is now a graduate student in the Mendoza College of Business. I received an email from Bob McGrath saying that his friend, Dick Mueller, died July 16. Bob mentioned that he and Dick were longtime friends and had even established a Wichita/Tulsa relationship. Another member of our Class reported on his time in the service. Owen Sodetz sent me an email saying that he had been drafted into the Navy in December 1955. He spent the next 21 months at Great Lakes and aboard the USS Randolph, an aircraft carrier based at Norfolk VA. As Jerry Mulvihill ’53 would say: “Let us be grateful for the joys our Class of 1955 connections brought and pray for our departed friends.” Introibo ad altare Dei. — John Connaughton; 1516 Marquette Blvd., South Bend IN 46628; 574-289-1445; jcithaca37@yahoo.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 Some Life Lessons

Members of this Class long ago reached the age when our children, finally realizing that we are not going to live forever like they are, ask us to write up our life story and life lessons so they can pass to their children. This means, of course, they never paid attention when we tried to teach them a lesson or two when they most needed it — namely, when they were still in callous youth. I packaged what of my life story I thought worth reading, namely what it was like growing up Catholic in Rocky River OH, in the first chapter of my last book, Getting Religion: Faith, Culture, and Politics from the Age of Eisenhower to the Era of Obama, but there were no lessons in it. As I recall, Phil Donahue, who passed away in August, grew up a suburb away in Lakewood and wrote an autobiography when he still had half a life ahead of him. But life-lesson books are a different genre. The template is Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack: “Honesty is the best policy” and other such nostrums which quickly became cliches. So when in the previous Class Notes column I gave a shout-out to Henry Karl “Buzz” Wurzer, he came back with his own version of life lessons that he has bequeathed in booklet form to his progeny. The lessons are all very high-minded and moral, but they obscure the well-mannered rake I knew at Notre Dame, not to mention some of alcohol-influenced capers on and off the campus. But so far in the chapters he sent me there is almost nothing about his four years at Notre Dame. Warning: If you don’t pass on those stories, I will. About four years ago, Cyrus “Bud” Freidheim, bowing to popular demand from his sons, decided to write an autobiography and asked your humble servant’s advice. Just don’t draw any big lessons from it, I advised him. But when he gave me a copy, there were lists of lessons at the end of each chapter. Come on, guys, were none of us ever young and fancy-free? I confess I prefer the indirect approach: Disclose whatever lessons life has taught you indirectly through your work. One can learn a lot this way from another book by a classmate, Rev. Tom Blantz, CSC’s The University of Notre Dame: A History, published in 2020. Yes, Tom, that’s a belated plug. I want to thank those who wished me well with this column about a Class whose numbers are, alas, shrinking. I got a nice note from Jerry Marley, who has been teaching civil engineering all these years at Notre Dame. I remember Robert “Bobby” Blakey, who was a longtime professor at the law school, and Frank Reilly, who was a longtime dean of the business school, beginning (I think) when it was still called the School of Commerce. And there is Mike Crowe, who taught (and published on) the history and philosophy of science as a member of my favorite program at Notre Dame, the Program of Liberal Studies. Congratulations to Julie and Harry Barclay, whose son gave them a very special gift: an endowed scholarship in their name at the Welsh Academy, a middle school for students of modest economic academic means established by the Jesuits of St. Ignatius High School, Cleveland, where Harry and I were classmates. Loretta Hawblitzel writes to ask that I note the death of husband Paul Hawblitzel on Feb. 28 of this year. Paul was a South Bender who raised a family in Camarillo CA and was instrumental in promoting baseball and softball for local kids. Death also came for Ray DeSutter this year, in West Lafayette IN. Ray graduated magna from ND and two weeks later entered the Trappists at Gethsemane KY, where he is remembered for stealing food from the monks’ refectory and delivering it to poor families. The great Thomas Merton, who broke a lot of rules himself, was a mentor there. Ray left the Trappists after six years and took up farming. I know we had other farmers in the Class and would love to hear from them. Ray’s obit online makes fascinating reading, not the least because after retiring he worked as a lay missionary in Haiti focusing on finding safe drinking water. Now there’s a life. Larry Hammel writes from Arlington VA to report the death of his wife, Marianne, and what a blessing it was to pray with her, hold her hand and tell her “I love you” when she died. Larry has been an ordained deacon for 40 years and was able to preach at his wife’s funeral. Finally, as reported in this magazine’s last issue, the aforementioned Phil Donahue was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden for creating “the first daytime talk show to feature audience participation.” — Kenneth Woodward; kennethwoodward@gmail.com; 1155 N. Dearborn St., Chicago IL 60610

 

58 Fondly Remembered

V. Bruce Junius passed May 2, 2023, in Lafayette IN. Bruce served as first lieutenant in the US Army upon graduation, thereafter enjoying a career in sales and marketing with firms including Proctor & Gamble. He served as president of Fluid Mechanics before finishing his career at Great Lakes Chemical. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, four daughters and their husbands, seven grandchildren, two sisters, two sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. Maj. Gen. Jerome Gary Cooper (USMC) passed April 27. Upon graduation, Gary served on active duty for 12 years, in 1967 becoming the first African American officer to lead a Marine infantry company into combat. He earned multiple decorations for his service in Vietnam. In 1974, Gary was elected to the AL House of Representatives, and was later selected by President Bush as an assistant secretary of the Air Force, and by President Clinton as ambassador to Jamaica. After government service, he served as chairman of Bancorp Inc. Gary is survived by his wife, Beverly, three children and their spouses, seven grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, a brother and sister, and many nieces and nephews. Robert P. Parnell passed May 15. Robert earned degrees from ND including a Master of Science in electrical engineering. He enjoyed a lengthy career as an electrical engineer at Bell Labs in NJ. Robert was a football scout for ND for nearly three decades. He is survived by his wife, Linda, two sons and their spouses, and two grandchildren. Thomas M. Plonski passed May 11 in Indio CA. Tom served as a schoolteacher until 2005, teaching multiple subjects. He also helped found the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition in CA, providing quality low-cost housing. A street in Mecca CA is named Plonski Road in his honor. Tom also engaged in missionary work and support in India. He was predeceased by two children and survived by his wife, Nicky, 11 children and their spouses, 16 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and one brother and sister. Richard J. Phelan passed March 27 in Lake Forest IL. Dick earned a JD from Georgetown U before enjoying a legal career at leading Chicago firms. He was assigned as special outside counsel to lead the US House Ethics Committee in the late ’80s. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, as well as three children and their spouses, six grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and four sisters. Hon. Robert J. Anspach passed March 31. Bob obtained his JD from the U of California. In 1988, he was appointed judge of the Kern County Superior Court. Among other pursuits, Bob was an adjunct instructor at Bakersfield College and an avid horseback rider. Bob is survived by his wife, Rosemary, four children and their spouses, 11 grandchildren and an ever-growing number of great-grandchildren. William D. McKeever Jr. passed April 3 in Norfolk VA. After graduation, Bill had many careers, but his passion was his career as a high school teacher at Maury High School. Bill is survived by his wife, Joyce, three children and their spouses, and seven grandchildren. Francis J. Foley passed Feb. 25 in Renton WA. Frank’s professional life was largely spent at Boeing, where he dedicated 40 years as an electrical engineer in the aerospace sector. Frank is survived by his wife, Marjorie, family of five children and their spouses, 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. — Arthur L. Roule Jr.; 114 Sagamore Parkway, La Porte IN 46350; alroule@yahoo.com

 

58JD Class Secretary — This class is in search of a Class Notes author. If you would like to volunteer, please contact beth.thomas@nd.edu.

 

59 If You Organize It, They Will Come

Well, it wasn’t the movie “Field of Dreams” but it was the beautiful and very welcoming campus of the University, on the weekend of our 65th Class Reunion. Far surpassing our expectations, 33 classmates and 17 family members were able to join us under the Dome for a wonderful, meaningful weekend. An additional nine classmates, who had either registered or made plans to join us, found it necessary to cancel due to caregiver responsibilities or mobility issues. Those in attendance were: Jack Benchik, Bob Brennan, Bob Burns, Dan Cassidy, Knute Cavanaugh, Jim Coorssen (and Jim’s daughter, Mary Randoph Coorssen Elder, and Jim’s granddaughter, Clare Elder, a 2024 graduate of the U of South Carolina, who had just arrived on campus as a new member of the ACE Teaching Fellows Cohort 31), Mike Cross MD, Ann and Dan Crossen, Ginny and Frank “FJ” Cullen, Nick Dempsey, Charlie Dietsch, Steve Dornbach (and Steve T. Dornbach and Melissa Murray), Diane and Jim Gargiulo, Joe Higgins, Judy and Hank Holmes MD, Ted Krawiec, Tom MacLennan (and Mike MacLennan), Jo Ann and Jim Masterson, John McFadden, Ed McGee, Jack McGrath, Lola and Joe McMann, Joe Mulligan, Lenda Naimoli, Pat O’Daniel (and Tricia Samila), David Pilger (and Paul Pilger), Frank Ponzio Jr. (and Yang Sunny Liu-Ponzio), Butch Reardon, Joe Schaefer, Dick Trant, Carol and Jerry Trautschold, Lita and Ed Treacy and Paul Willihnganz (and Gerry French). Those classmates who unfortunately found it necessary to cancel their registrations: Dan Clancy, Sally and Bob Cowhey, Marvin Dietsch, Gene Funk, Jim Griffin (and William Satti), Edward Mezzapelle, Ted Slaughter and Jim Sutter. Our classmates seemed to agree that there were outstanding presentations during the weekend, especially “Father Ted Said” and also one by the University’s provost, John McGreevy ’86, son of our classmate, Pat McGreevy MD, (Sioux Falls SD). Pat and his wife, Kathleen, were unable to be with us due to Pat’s current medical challenge. During our Saturday dinner, our Class Orator, Jim Coorssen (Louisville KY) again entertained us with his vivid recollections and very interesting remembrances of life under the Dome during our four years on campus. Complete with details and documentation regarding tuition, room and board and fees in the late 1950s. After the report by Bob Burns (Saint Petersburg FL), chairman of the nominating committee for Class officers, Bob presented the report of his committee and conducted an election of Class officers. Joe Mulligan (president), Msgr. Milam Joseph (vice president), Bob Brennan (secretary) and Pete Hackett (treasurer) were unanimously re-elected to serve another five years. Definitely agreed to was Joe Mulligan’s excellent leadership. planning, organizing and communicating over many years. My personal thought for the reunion began in 1955: What a great experience were those four years and how blessed have I been to see `it through to these days. And to classmates who couldn’t be with us, you are well remembered. On to 2029! More Reunion details in the next issue. Meanwhile, message me. Pray the Rosary on Saturday mornings. Go Irish! — Bob Brennan; 855 Clubhouse Drive, Ballwin MO; 314-807-1011; bobbrennan76@gmail.com