1950s

50 A Meaningful, Happy Life

I was recently talking to the Alumni Association about the possibility of planning something special for the 75th (“Diamond”) Reunion in 2025. As you know, I fill the secretary role mainly for the purpose of developing these notes. However, I would very much like to assist the Class of ’50 in getting ready and/or coordinating activities in person next June. With this in mind, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Suggestions made so far include: conducting a Mass (possibly to be held in the Log Chapel), hosting a luncheon for attendees (and their families) and creating a commemorative medallion for living members of the Class. Please let me know your thoughts on any of these ideas or others that no one has yet mentioned. The University informed me that Robert G. Straub, 97, died on October 8, 2023 in Bethlehem Township, PA. The (Allentown) Morning Call reported that he “proudly served his country in the Pacific Theatre during WWII in the US Navy on the USS Tucson. After graduation from ND, he went to work at the Allentown State Hospital, retiring in 1988 after 34 years as the head of the recreation department. After retirement, he worked at Country Meadows Nursing Home as a driver for several years.” Robert was married to his wife, Dorothy, for 71 years (until her death on March 22, 2018). He is survived by three children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren (one predeceased him). Edward D. McCarthy passed away in New Orleans, LA on December 8, 2023 at the age of 94. After leaving ND, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. The (New Orleans) Times-Picayune provided details about Edward’s career: “Following his military discharge, he moved to West Texas to work for Magnolia Petroleum Co., a subsidiary of Mobil Oil. He continued working with Magnolia with stints in Dallas, New Orleans, and Shreveport. In 1957, he joined Mississippi River Fuel Corp. as a landman and later was employed by Louisiana Land and Exploration Co., where he served as a Vice President and Manager of its Land Department responsible for overseeing its vast land holdings in South Louisiana. In 1971, he was promoted to Senior Vice President – International and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1982. He joined the Estate of William Helis that same year and later worked as an independent oil and gas consultant for several years. He completed his career in the oil business as a Vice President for Miami Corporation, a privately held company, and managed its land holdings in southwest Louisiana.” Edward was an active member of several oil industry associations and supported his local community as a volunteer within civic and parish organizations. His family provided the following tribute (also taken from the Times-Picayune): “Kind, compassionate and caring are words that best describe Edward. He understood and recognized what was most important in living a meaningful, happy life: a strong faith in God, and being a devoted and loving husband, father and friend. Edward was an accomplished storyteller, avid reader, and traveled the world extensively throughout his life. Simply stated, Edward was a gentle, good man who was loved by many and will be greatly missed.” Edward is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary, four children, eight grandchildren and two 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 Class Secretary — Jim Jennings;

jmj4703@gmail.com

 

52 From Asia to Finland

Tom Guasman was on the fourth floor of Farley Hall his freshman year. Farley was almost all WWII vets. Two of his roomies were Navy vets, and Tom had served in the Army Occupation Forces in Tokyo for two years. After graduation Tom’s job took him to the Far East, including Japan. He was able to return to Tokyo and observe the reconstruction of the city and the tremendous increase in street traffic, from ox-drawn carts to three lanes of traffic in each direction. During the occupation he served in the same building as McArthur, the Palace Grounds, and paraded a few times on Saturdays when dignitaries where in town. He especially remembers meeting Father Hesburgh for the first time making his rounds and getting acquainted with Farley residents. Tom served Mass frequently, and during senior year he would run into Father Hesburgh in front of the Basilica. One morning Father Hesburgh asked him to serve Mass in the basement of the church where two altars were side by side, with the table for the water and wine third in line. Serving at the first altar, you passed behind the foot of the second altar to get to the cruets. Father Hesburgh was at the first altar and a CSC Brother was serving at the second. Tom walked behind Brother to secure the cruets for Father Hesburgh right at the Consecration of the Mass at altar two, amid deep stares from his CSC counterpart. After Mass, Tom received a chewing out from the CSC Brother worthy of some of the 1st sergeants he met during his military career. Father Hesburgh told him to forget about it. Bill Osborne married his wife Maureen shortly after graduation. They started their journey in Seaford DE, where Bill was employed by DuPont. After many moves with DuPont, they ended up in Lawrence KS in 1976. Bill was a works engineer at the DuPont Cellophane Plant in Tecumseh KS. Maureen and Bill raised six boys and two girls in Lawrence. Now they enjoy spending a lot of time visiting their families and doing some traveling. Rev. Tom Kirby is in assisted living in Pittsburgh. Father Tom spent his previous 15 years as the chaplain for the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer in Elizabeth NJ. I spoke with Father Tom. He is in good spirits and remains an active priest in the Pittsburgh Diocese. Dick Volmer left ND and immediately went to work at Argonne National Labs just outside Chicago and helped develop nuclear power for the sub Nautilus. He moved along to four other states working on uses for nuclear power. By 1968 he had moved along to the NEC and helped develop regulations for the increased use of nuclear power and was involved in the safe handling of the TMI accident, followed by becoming the director of engineering for nuclear power plant regs. In 1995 he morphed into consulting. This involved him working in more than half of the plants then operating. Dick was kept busy as a legal expert in several cases involving nuclear power, topped off by being an expert witness in a case between France and Finland. Finland was doing a lousy job in building the world’s largest nuclear plant. Three children, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren later, he and his wife are now enjoying waterfront living on the Magothy River near Annapolis MD. Robert Anthony Bligh, II passed away on Feb. 18. He was the nephew of Father Joseph R. English ’37. His children and daughter-in-law also attended Notre Dame: Kathleen Bligh Yoh ’81, Robert Anthony Bligh, III ’86, and William John Bligh ’92, ’98JD, and Sara O’Malley Bligh ’92, ’00M.Div. His family will miss him dearly. — George Heidkamp, 9308 Linden Reserve Drive, Prairie Village KS 66207; 913-206-4128; georgeaj@rcn.com

 

53 Looking Forward to Football

Not much news is floating this way as the Blue-Gold Game debuts the talent for fall ’24. But you are reading this as the fall camp is about to reveal the truth of the projections. The Shirt was revealed today (April 19). It’s not too late to get one and support some charitable causes. John Olson, grandson of Bernie Hester, sent word of Bernie’s first great-grandchild. Let’s see — Bernie ’53, John and spouse Lauren both 2025 and grandson projected 2046. Suzanna J. Wagner sent word of the death of her father, Robert “Bob/Buzz” Wagner. In February, Brother John Benes sent word that my card to Rev. George Lucas, CSC, was being forwarded to Holy Cross House, which reminds me of the Class of ’53 Mass funds with the Holy Cross Missions. Bernie Hester sent word of David Michael Flynn, who died March 9. John Tuberty wrote about his and Bob Sebold’s interest in aircraft. Bob built an experimental Zodiac and John Van’s aircraft. William Slavick ’49 wrote of his long friendship with Milton Fisk, describing Milt’s career and their wanderings through life, the Smokies and other naturalist scenes. Virtually visit the Grotto and remember those who are gone and those of us who carry on. — 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 — Jack Mertens;

550 Wilmette Ave., Ormond Beach FL 32174; 845-216-7251; jacknd54@gmail.com

55 Hall Days

Rev. James Blantz, CSC, died in March. Father Jim was a resident of Holy Cross House, and I talked with him on the phone in February. He was ordained in 1959, and his long and faithful service as a Holy Cross priest was spent in Uganda, WI, IN, CA and AZ. Father Blantz is survived by his brother, Rev. Thomas Blantz, CSC ’57. The Czar (a.k.a. Don Shanley) sent me an entertaining email joke. It’s good to have him contribute to the betterment of mankind in this manner. I exchanged happy emails with Frank Tonini on his 90th birthday. Bill Corbett ’52 died in March. I was in the NROTC with Bill. As a senior he helped train freshmen like me. Bill served 22 years in the Navy flying jet aircraft off carriers and retired as a commander. After he retired, he flew Notre Dame’s airplane for a number of years. During our four years at Notre Dame, we saw some very memorable football games. One of the best was No. 4-ranked Oklahoma vs. No. 10-ranked Notre Dame. Oklahoma was on a 13-game winning streak and was a two-touchdown favorite. By the end of the third quarter, Oklahoma led 21-14, and Billy Vessels, Oklahoma’s star halfback, had scored all three of their touchdowns. But Notre Dame scored to tie the game shortly after the start of the fourth quarter. On the ensuing kickoff, Oklahoma’s kick-returner, Larry Grigg, was hit with an earth-shaking tackle by Dan Shannon. Grigg fumbled, and the ball was recovered by Al Kohanowich ’53 on the Oklahoma 19-yard line. Both Grigg and Shannon lay stunned and immobile for a few minutes. When play resumed, Tom Carey scored, and Notre Dame held Oklahoma scoreless throughout the long remainder of the fourth quarter and won 27-21. Billy Vessels had 195 yards rushing for Oklahoma and won the Heisman Trophy at the end of the season. And as a footnote, Johnny Lattner ’54, who played very well in this 1952 game against Oklahoma, won the Heisman Trophy in 1953. Any and all of the members of our Class who served in any of the branches of the United States Armed Forces, please send me your name and dates of service so that I might compile a list of the many years of service to our country given by our Class. Let us be grateful for the joys our Class of 1955 connections have brought us, 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 Friendships

Well, the Bills didn’t get to the Super Bowl. Spring has arrived. Clients still come to this office. Bob Keegan died in Hilton Head SC on Nov. 18. He was a chemical engineer who was active in many community services. He loved his family as well as his Catholic faith. Paul Ineich died Dec. 15 in Jacksonville IL. A grad of St. Louis School of Dentistry, he was very active at Our Savior’s and St. Mark’s parishes and a Fighting Irish fan. Tony Mersits died Jan. 13 in South Bend. He ran his family business and then became an investment broker, and was active in Holy Cross Parish — another good guy. Don Brophy died Jan. 26 in New York City. He was a novitiate in the Paulist Order, and then the managing editor of Paulist Press in NY and NJ. He authored books on faith. Don was special: He lived across the hall at St. Ed’s from Gene O’Connor and I. Frank Conte died April 15 in Cranberry Township PA. He was an officer in the US Navy, and he was always looking to help his classmates. He was a special friend of Father Robert Pelton, CSC ’45, rector of Badin, when we were juniors. Bill Stotzer stays in touch. Here is his Irish toast for St. Patrick’s Day: “There are good ships, and there are wood ships, the ships that sail the sea. But the best ships are friendships, and may they always be.” Keep in touch and say your prayers. — 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 A Memorable Poetry Night

This is a story related in a memoir by Donald Hall, a former poet laureate of the U.S., about our Class’s Jerry “Bert” Hornback, an English major who earned his Ph.D. at Notre Dame and became a professor of English at the U of Michigan along with Hall. For 10 years, Jerry ran weekly poetry readings, and when the University stopped funding the project he rented out a large campus auditorium himself and charged $5.50 a ticket to hear his fellow poets — Seamus Heaney (Nobel Prize winner), Sharon Olds and Wendell Berry among them — to read their work. Despite competition from a Wolverine basketball game and a performance by the Chicago symphony that Friday night, Hornbeck filled 1,100 paid seats plus 100 standing-room-only. Hundreds of other poetry fans milled outside where scalpers were getting $50 a ticket. I talked to Jerry regularly during those years but never heard this wonderful story. Ken Woodward, now a Chicagoan for a decade, continues to publish three or four essays a year as writer-in-residence at the Lumen Christi Institute at the U of Chicago. The curious can find them on the internet. Over lunch last spring in Chicago, Cyrus Freidheim told me he is on the fifth rewrite of a novel about the need for and possibilities of creating democracies in Africa, where he spent time in his working days. I was able to introduce him and his wife, Mitzi, to a house guest of ours from Africa. I hope the result is better than Hemingway’s Across the River and Into the Trees. The Freidheims are now denizens of a waterway community in North FL. Speaking of FL, I would love to hear from Henry “Buzz” Wurzer whenever he takes a break from golf in Vero Beach. And where is the commanding voice of Richard V. Allen this election year? And Pat Logan — word is you are still among the living. Come on guys, we survivors have to keep this column going with more than obituary notices. Death notices are welcome, but please no announcements that someone has “passed away” or — worse — “transitioned.” — Kenneth Woodward; kennethlwoodward@gmail.com; 1155 N. Dearborn St. Chicago, IL 60610

 

58 Fondly Remembered

George K. Miller of Tulsa OK passed away on Feb. 21. George served with the Air Force for three years before marrying his wife, Kathleen, in 1960. He spent his successful career as a broker for UBS Financial Services. He is survived by his wife, five children (Stacey Yusko ’86 and Mike Miller ’94), 13 grandchildren (including Sara Madden ’11 and Jack Yusko ’14, ’15 M.S.) and eight great-grandchildren. He was an avid ND sports fan, equally likely to be found watching the women’s basketball team as he was the football team. The final game he attended was against USC on Oct. 23, 2021 where ND prevailed 31-16. He sang the alma mater with his arms around his wife and daughter. He will be missed enormously. James S. Butcofski, MD, of Forty Fort PA passed on Feb. 27. Jim earned his medical degree in 1963, beginning a medical career spanning 50 years. He served in the US Army, including as a commanding officer in Vietnam. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia, three daughters, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Charles L. “Lew” Solomon of Fresno CA passed on Jan. 27. Lew married his wife, Linda, and had four children. Lew started his career in the pharmaceutical industry before transitioning to commercial real estate. Lew was preceded in death by two of his children, and is survived by his wife, Linda, two children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Frank R. Bischof of Barrington IL passed on Jan. 8. Frank served in the US Army for two years, before embarking on a career as a real estate appraiser. Frank married his wife, Barbara, and had a son and daughter. Frank was preceded in death by his daughter, and is survived by his wife, his son and three grandchildren. John J. Choby, MD, of Indiana PA passed on Jan. 12. John served in the US Army and earned his medical degree from the U of Pennsylvania. John served as a clinical instructor at Georgetown U as part of his lengthy medical career. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Suzanne, and is survived by his wife of 32 years, Patricia, and three children, nine grandchildren, three step-children, four step-grandchildren and three step-great grandchildren. John T. Kearns of Buffalo NY passed on Dec. 28. John earned a Ph.D. in philosophy at Yale U. As a member of ROTC, John was commissioned as a second lieutenant and stationed in Verdun, France, where he met his wife, Jane. In 1964, he moved to Buffalo, working as a professor of philosophy at the U of Buffalo for 52 years. John and Jane had four children. Paul E. Harvey passed on Jan. 8. After graduation, Paul received an MBA from Loyola U and became the chief operations officer for Bunker Ramo Amphenol, a Fortune 500 company, overseeing its global operations. Paul married his wife, Helene, and is survived by four children and six grandchildren. Charles W. Rath of Columbus OH passed away Dec. 9. Charlie started his career in sales and PR writing, before transitioning to marketing, leading to a long tenure at Wendy’s restaurants as executive VP and chief marketing officer. Charlie is survived by his wife of 59 years, Suzie, and three children, nine grandchildren, and nephews and nieces. Joseph Corcoran of South Bend IN passed on Nov. 7. Joe engaged in a 40-year career as an engineer with the Bendix Corporation and Clark Equipment Co. Joe is survived by his wife of 50 years, Pat, and three children, one grandchild and many nieces and nephews. Robert W. VanAuken of Solen OR passed on Nov. 15. Bob enjoyed a successful career in banking. He fell for his wife, Mary Ann, in the fifth grade. The two would later marry for 64 years. He is survived by four children, six grandchildren and two 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 secretary. If you would like to volunteer, please contact ehanson3@nd.edu.

 

59 Reunion Notes

A report on our memorable 65th reunion: Lots of spirit. Lots of camaraderie. Lots of memories of what was, and what is, now. An opportunity for us to pray for our classmates and former teachers, and for all the priests and brothers in the Congregation of Holy Cross. Personally, I participated in Reunion 2024 in honor, and in memory, of friends Phil Miller, Jack Zaback, Tom McIntyre, Tom O’Donnell, Riley Miller, George Hahn and Chuck Queenan. And even a few more like Prof. Tom Bergin ’45 (the Center for Continuing Education), who provided me with my student job that helped me pay my bills at ND, and Prof. Raymond F. Kent (professor of finance), my favorite teacher of all time. All became my close friends, and all have now passed away. I’m the only one left to do that, and it was a great honor. Joe Harrison, who came to ND from Santa Barbara CA, continues to live in Costa Rica, where he is happily married, and continues to teach English. Joe regrets that he had to miss our 65th Reunion. Death notices of our ’59 classmates are always listed in each issue of Notre Dame Magazine, but we do want to acknowledge the loss of one of the more impressive student-athletes in our class, Don Costa (ND monogram, varsity football) who was a physical ed major (during the time in Notre Dame’s history when the physical ed majors took the same tough academic courses as the pre-med majors). Upon graduation, Don, who passed away Nov. 28, returned to his hometown of Ellwood City PA, where he spent his entire career as either a coach or a principal. Fred Mowle (West Lafayette IN), roommate of Joe Oscar Neuhoff (d. March 8) in Cavanaugh Hall, spent three years, after Air Force ROTC at ND, at Wright Patterson AFB before earning master’s and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from ND in 1961 and 1966. Fred then was a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Purdue U until 2002. We received a wonderful note from Hugh J. Murphy, indicating, “My name is Hugh Murphy, and I’m the one from Detroit — there was another Hugh Murphy, Hugh T. Murphy, who was from New York — where I now live. At Notre Dame, I lived in Breen-Phillips, Morrissey, Keenan and Alumni Halls. I am writing to you because I played in a band — although not a very good one! — with, among other classmates, Tom Hawkins. We played pop tunes when we should have tried rock and roll, but we certainly had fun. Our best band member was Lenny LeRose on tenor sax, who I believe was the first member of the Class of ’59 to die in Vietnam. I’ve never seen it mentioned that Tommy Hawkins played the trumpet, as well as varsity basketball, when we were students at Notre Dame. So, I just thought I’d write! My wife, Colette (85), and I (now 86) currently live on Owasco Lake, in the Finger Lakes area of New York State, near Auburn NY. We don’t do much these days except wonder how we got old so fast!” Thank you, the other Hugh Murphy, for that wonderful note, and for this very interesting bit of historical, musical information! A pleasant surprise during our 65th Reunion weekend was the attendance, and active participation, in the weekend’s wonderful activities by Lenda Naimoli, widow of our late classmate Vince Naimoli (d. Aug. 25, 2019). A very impressive, and very moving, event on Saturday morning during that memorable weekend on campus was the Military Recognition Ceremony, where and when the lives of eight classmates who gave their lives during the Vietnam War — Richard S. Horsfall, USMC (Nov. 2, 1962); Leonard J. LeRose, USAF (Dec. 23, 1963); Edwin G. Shank Jr., USAF (March 24, 1964); John G. Byrne, USN (1965); James J. Carroll, USMC (Oct. 5, 1966); Curtis R. Baker, USN (Sept. 30, 1968); Eugene M. Vaichulis, USN (Sept. 30, 1968); and James A. Fowler, USAF (June 6, 1972) — were appropriately commemorated. Kudos to Ed Mezzapelle (Nashua NH) for his very active participation on the committee which planned and executed that outstanding program! While some of our classmates are always listed under “Deaths,” which follows Class Notes in every issue of this magazine, we do want to note the passing of Carol Sullivan Boyle, wife of our great classmate Art Boyle (Indianapolis IN), on March 30. Please pray the Rosary on Saturday mornings. Happy summer! — Bob Brennan; 855 Clubhouse Drive, Ballwin MO; 314-807-1011; bobbrennan76@gmail.com