1960s
1960s
60 Thanks, Classmates, for Your Emails
I really enjoyed reading our article from the previous issue, in essence, written by classmates. It was mostly written from emails you all send to me. Keep them coming. The Inauguration of Rev. Robert Dowd, CSC, ’87 was encouraging and heartwarming. If you haven’t seen it, go to nd.edu and it will take you to the 37-minute speech, which is on YouTube. He appears to be a very strong person and I am really happy to have watched this event and think great actions will be taken with worldwide effect. He has some great plans for our beloved University, and I think you will each get a lot of good feelings from his talk. From Peter Heinbecker: Thank you for all your hard work these many years to keep us updated. Pamela and I live in Little Cottonwood Canyon in Salt Lake County with our son Joe. We have an active ND Club in Utah and I was President for two years. I recently read that Notre Dame has the eighth largest endowment fund of over $20 billion dollars. That reflects well on Father Ted Hesburgh, CSC. Notre Dame is well respected in Utah and in the mountain west. From Jerry Converse: I am not sure if you are just updating your list for the Reunion or checking to see how many of us are still alive. I was in the army after high school, before coming to ND. I am one of nine children and the first to declare that I was going to college. I had the GI bill for $90 a month. I turn 89 next month and it is very risky to take a trip by myself. I have been married to Valerie for 50 years. At ND I spent most of my time with Frank “Buz” Buzolits (dec) and Ken Bourgan (dec), or in the dorm visiting Izzo and Stickles. I taught in junior high for three years in Ohio, while getting my Med degree. I received my Ph.D. in Psych in DE and served as the Delaware Supervisor of Reading. I taught education at Chico State U for 28 years. I have one daughter, adopted with Claudia and two sons with Valerie. From Mike McKee: Recently, I was awarded an engraved silver Jefferson Cup from the Military Officers Association of America. I’ve been on the board of directors and been the Chapter’s Photographer for the last dozen years for the monthly magazine, Bugle. It was nice to have Gretchen with me to share the award. Somewhat good news on the storm from Rich Krachun: Tarpon Springs and the lower section of my development, Pointe Alexis, had flooding due to surge, about two feet in most homes, but my street is higher and there was no problem. Rich Griffin and I attended the inauguration and associated festivities for Father Dowd. Beautiful. ND went all out to celebrate. My most pleasant impression is that Father Dowd has a great relationship with the students. They cheered him strongly, particularly when he said he would continue to live in Cavanaugh Hall. He appears to be a breath of fresh air. From Skip Sullivan: We are moving to a retirement community. ND update is on my to-do list. Sullivans in VA doing well watching seven grandchildren in seven different colleges and one in high school. No Domers but a BC sophomore and UVA senior. Great memories of the Class of 1960. Tom Kurt recalling a good friend who died on Good Friday, Dr. Bob Middendorf, 03/27/2024, brought back memories that Bob and I were pre-med together at ND, and continued keeping in touch after graduating from different med schools. Bob settled in Dallas, had four children, two of whom attended ND, and a granddaughter, Erin O’Sullivan, who was just admitted for this coming year. Bob was also best man at Carol and my wedding in Dallas. We still are in touch with Bob’s widow, Barbara. Congratulations to Pam Runac and Frank Carpin on their recent marriage. Frank says the travel group is offering APULIA ITALY in June 2025 and since his mother was born there he signed up with his recent bride Pam. Pam is a Slippery Rock grad and you remember the half time scores at ND Stadium. I will be in Longboat Key FL in December and hope to see the crowd for lunch in Tampa. Shot 83 the other day with 2 birdies and no penalties, can’t wait to confront Flannigan on the links one day. Visit reunion.nd.edu for the latest information about our Reunion May 29 - June 1, 2025. If you are not getting class emails, your account may have an Unsubscribe mark on the account. Let me know and I’ll get it corrected! Drop me an email with short stories! Thanks. — Joseph F. Jansen; 9190 Southmont Cove #103, Fort Myers FL 33908; 317-514-4478; jfjansen38@gmail.com
61 Class Secretary — Arnold Leporati Jr.;
463 Tarrasa Drive, Jacksonville FL 32225; 904-703-4366; arnielep@yahoo.com
61JD Class Secretary — John N. Moreland;
jnmnd1958@aol.com
62 Winter Updates
Bill Munday, after 62 years, checked in, saying, “My roommate at ND, Ed Resch, and I have been neighbors since graduating. We’re here in Cleveland. Things are good. My high school and ND classmate, Father John Blazek, has been the rector at our Gilmour Academy for 50+ years.” While Fr. John entered with us, he went into the seminary at Moreau and graduated in 1963. “Five others of the 33 Gilmour 1958 graduates went to ND: Dave Eckrich, Del Buling, who left before graduation, Paul Belden, Bill Goodwine and Pat Sullivan, who died in 2022.” Also checking in was Bob Love, who was my roommate in Keenan our freshman year. All is well with him. Peter Vieira, who had a successful career in equipment leasing, sold his business and now lives in MA. He sent an interesting article about John Martin, who joined us in sophomore year. John started at Carroll College in MT and signed up for the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Course. He spent six weeks at Quantico and then transferred to ND. Upon graduation, he was commissioned and assigned to the 4th Marine Regiment in HI, serving three years, with part of that time in Vietnam. After discharge, he accepted an offer to crew a 36-foot wooden sailboat to Australia, an adventure that took 18 months. Following that, John spent some more time sailing, and several years working as a stockbroker, underwriting municipal bonds, and in commercial real estate. John, then looking for something more meaningful in life, made a retreat at a Trappist monastery. There, a monk suggested he consider becoming a Jesuit. After a year of contemplation, John entered the order at the age of 37 and was ordained in 1984. Since then, he has been assigned to parish work and in-house administration, calling on his skills to advise the province on investments and real estate transactions. In 2020, after finishing his second stint as province treasurer, he headed off to Missoula MT and is doing pastoral work in a parish. Joe Echelle lost his house and all possessions in a fire last year. Your Class officers are working to get his Harvey Foster Award bowl replaced. Duke Bentley died Aug. 4 after suffering two strokes. Frank Duffy died Aug. 13, but I have been unable to find an obit. Tom “Tim” Kittredge passed away Aug. 15 from a melanoma that had spread to his brain. Tim was the 500th known member of the Class to die. Tom O’Hara died Oct. 14 in FL. He had Alzheimer’s. George Mammola died Sept. 10 in Wayne NJ. Joe Echelle let me know that Joe Reitter died Sept. 4 after a 30-plus-year career at Magnavox. Joe noted their families were ethnic Germans and lived in an area, which is now Serbia, of the former Yugoslavia. In 1944, the Soviet Army invaded the region. Because of the atrocities inflicted by the German army on Russian citizens earlier in the war, many ethnic German families were forced to flee their homes overnight to avoid the “cleansing” by Russian troops. Using various modes of transportation, they fortunately made it to the American occupation zone near Salzburg and were placed in a refugee camp for displaced persons. The “living conditions were poor,” but they passed time playing soccer with a ball made of rags. They stayed there eight years before being allowed to emigrate to the US in 1952. Joe Echelle’s family went to their sponsor’s home in OH. Joe said they reunited on their first day on campus while in a dining hall line. — Raymond Raedy; 5310 Rileys Ridge Road, Hillsborough NC 27278; 919-967-8816; nd62secy@medicinemanremedies.com
62JD Keeping in Touch
Jim Gould writes that he and Stacy Hunter enjoyed touring the campus before the last Blue and Gold game in April. They also visited the impressive new art museum and noted that it was quite a spectacular new addition to the campus. Jim and Stacy just got back from a weekend at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. They said it was just like stepping back into the past with throwback décor, music, coat and tie at dinner and, of course, no cars are allowed on the island. Besides enjoying family and friends, they will be taking a break in Marbella, Spain, in February. — Christine Stucko; christinestucko@gmail.com
63 Sounds All Too Familiar
Musings from Tim Haidinger: “As a conservative Republican, I am surprised to find myself feeling considerable camaraderie with President Joe Biden. Like him, I am a very healthy man in my early 80’s. I exercise daily, have a beautiful wife, and wonderful children and grandchildren. With three college degrees, I don’t find it hard to keep up on current events. I am awash in hobbies and activities. And yet, there is this age thing. Like the President, I too fall unexpectedly. Like him, sometimes I stutter a bit, which never happened before. My hand shakes when I raise a glass in a toast. I’ve maintained my college weight, but I’m two inches shorter and the weight has inexorably moved from my arms, chest and legs to my midsection. I find it sometimes difficult to relate to my grandchildren; they talk a language I have never heard. I think email is amazing, they think it is passé. I have lived most of my dreams and do not wake creating visions of a new and better world. I’m just trying to keep up in a world being created by my younger, more energetic companions. These are not complaints, only observations. I wish everyone could have the wonderful life I continue to lead. But I’m in the ‘enjoying’ mode now, not the ‘creating’ one. People who say that age is just a number haven’t reached 60 yet. I suspect that’s something President Biden and I agree on.” Becky Delahanty passed away on April 23 in Naples FL, survived by her husband and our classmate, Ed, two children, three grandchildren and a great grandchild. Ed and Becky were previously profiled in the autumn 2023 issue of Notre Dame Magazine. For once, the Alumni Association has not reported the recent passing of any of our classmates. As you can see, we are running out of material, so please let me know about your journeys in life, including interactions with others of our class. — John F. Dougherty Jr.; 915 Exeter Crest, Villanova PA 19085; 215-510-0844; johndoc969@gmail.com
63JD Class Secretary — Bob Saxe;
15725 Ranchero Drive, Morgan Hill CA 95037; bsaxe5@aol.com
64 Reunion Plaudits…
Continue to flow. Dave Garner and Julie enjoyed themselves immensely with Dave especially grateful for the shuttles. John Dupps and Murray Olsen and wives were there with Murray and Kathy being recognized at the Renewal of Vows ceremony as the longest married couple there — 60 years. John, from Middletown OH, had just spoken with Dave’s former Dillon roommate, Mike Mayer, who had an outstanding career as a USN Supply Corps officer, as well as subsequent success in the private sector. John Lalli described the weekend as exceptional and “thoughtfully well done.” His highlight was the Veterans Recognition Event on Saturday morning. He sat with Sam Mirabito, Mike Kealy, Dick Wolsfeld and John Hargrove. All were struck by the emotion surrounding these ceremonies. Rev. Robert Dowd, CSC, ’87 shared poignant remarks and led a receiving line all the vets navigated. Special indeed! Gene DeAgostino saw the Class dinner as a highlight. He was impressed at the scope of the campus versus those simpler days of the 60’s. Geno was pleased to share the Reunion weekend with daughter Sienna Dietz ’99. Pat Callahan was pleased with the Reunion but was surprised that only about 65 classmates were registered, a big drop from attendance at the 50th. At the Class dinner, he shared a gift with each attendee, an embroidered Seal of Notre Dame that can temporarily be attached to sports jackets or other clothing. For your own seal, drop Pat an email at patrickjcallahan@hotmail.com. Jack Anton was drafted post graduation and ended up an infantry officer in Vietnam where he received a Bronze Star. Subsequently, Jack put together a group to buy Ghirardelli’s Chocolate, becoming president and CEO and living in San Francisco for 21 years. Jack and Carlin are now back in Chicago, much closer to their two kids and three grandchildren. Jack still has a PE gig and plays golf with inconsistent success. Saw fellow Navy vet Joe Jordan at the investiture ceremonies celebrating Father Dowd’s elevation. Of course, we swapped sea stories. Frank Corrado posted me up on South Bend Riley High’s reunion dinner this past summer. Frank, Ben Cashman and Roger Foley all married “Townies” and were in tow for the celebration. Ben had a long and successful career as an accountant in South Bend while Roger took his MBA at Berkeley and went to work for Weyerhaeuser in Seattle. He ultimately came back to South Bend to manage finances for the family business, Big C Lumber. Len Niessen highlighted an April campus event celebrating the 60th anniversary of Jack Tate’s start of lacrosse at ND. Pete Ricchiuti and Tom Settanni were in attendance. Larry Russo and PJ Shelley drove up to see Steve Rall in Lansing before he passed away in September of an aggressive cancer. From humble beginnings, Steve built a meaningful career in teaching and social justice. His life partner of 57 years, Carol, and three children survive. Sports fanatic Dick Panther died in August in Naples. He spent 40 years in life insurance. Wife Sandy, two daughters and four grandchildren survive. I learned from his daughter that Paul Rossman had died during July in Pittsburgh. Paul operated a franchise of Management Recruiters for many years. He and first wife Mimi enjoyed 43 years together until she passed. He subsequently wed Mira with whom he spent the rest of his life. Mira survives, along with six children/step-children and 16 grandchildren. Jim Wruck was able to attend Paul’s funeral. Dale Lamps passed in August in Marietta GA. A longtime Grand Rapids resident, Dale was an actuary and an adjunct professor of statistics. An accomplished pianist and sailor, he married Dottie ’64SMC whom he met on the South Shore train. Dottie, four children and 10 grandkids survive. — Paul R. Charron; 44 Contentment Island Road, Darien CT 06820; 917-860-5385; paul.richard.charron@gmail.com
64JD Class Secretary — Richard Balfe Wagner;
1204 Erskine Manor Hill, South Bend IN 46614; 574-299-9888; 760-567-1270
65 60th Reunion
In October, Bob Lee and I sent an email to all of our class explaining that our Class of 1965 60th reunion will be June 14 and 15, 2025 at the Morris Inn. This is a separate date from the All Class Reunion which some may also choose to attend May 29 - June 1, 2025 (visit reunion.nd.edu for more information about the All Class Reunion). We have been working with the Notre Dame Alumni Association to duplicate our experience during our last reunion. A lack of available rooms and meeting space at the Morris Inn left us with this new best date. If the Class of 1965 rooms at the Morris Inn sell out, consider staying at the Embassy Suites or Fairfield Inn in the Eddy Street Commons. All attendees should register for our June 14 - 15 reunion by visiting 1965.undclass.org and purchasing a $200 registration. This per person fee will include both dinners along with new hats and pins. Dietary needs will be accommodated via a buffet presentation. Bus tours of the ever-expanding campus will be on June 15. Carl Giombetti is the team captain for the class golf tournament and has reserved tee times on June 14 at the Warren and Burke Golf Course. Contact Carl to reserve a slot. Ed Armento will be at the reunion wearing a pacemaker to correct his bradycardia. Kevin Thomas ’03 was his cardiologist. Ed is a retired FBI special agent and a former Bengal Bouts contender and now leads the Notre Dame Club of Greater Louisville Senior Alumni group. Nancy and Len Paoli will also be attending in June. They have two granddaughters who are seniors at ND. In October, Bill Tucker rented a Harly Davidson and drove through Death Valley in soaring temperatures. To compensate, he wore ice packs across his chest and neck. We all enjoy retirement differently. Phil Baldwin’s wife, Betty, wrote that Phil died in September after a long fight with Parkinson’s Disease. He was in assisted living for the last two and a half years. He was a chemical engineer and spent most of his career in environmental businesses. Since 2000, they have lived in Colorado Springs where skiing became a passion. Mike Smith wrote that his graduate school roommate, Chuck Campbell, passed away in September in Port Lucie FL after a two-year battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Sue, six children and 17 grandchildren. Chuck was an aerospace engineer, served in the US Navy and had a 35-year career at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft where he was awarded multiple jet engine patents. He even found time to earn an MBA from the U of Connecticut. In May, Paul Barbero died in Parkville MD. He is survived by his wife, Anastasia. Bart Tiernan died in July in Syosset NY. He is survived by his wife, Nini. In Tustin CA in June, Joseph Franco died and is survived by his wife, Mary. Dennis Farmer died in July in Mesa AZ. He is survived by his wife, Mary and two sons. — James P. Harnisch MD; 6759 West Mercer Way; Mercer Island WA 98040; jphnd65@hotmail.com
65JD Notes from Paul
I have heard from Paul Kusbach! He writes, “I closed my law office when I was 65. I’m 86 years old and except for my writing projects [he has started several novels, but finished none, and he is now working on a screenplay], I’m basically just involved with my health. As Travolta sang, ‘Staying Alive, Staying Alive’ is my consuming activity. I find it hard to believe that I was running 10-K in my mid-seventies.” Paul tells me that he is “very fortunate to have been diagnosed about five years ago with, and to have been treated for, a potentially fatal heart condition called ‘amyloidosis.’” He adds, “Too many older men, and even some cardiologists, are unfamiliar with this condition.” In the process, he received “a new aortic valve in 2018, and has been treated with drugs, as part of the manufacturer’s process of seeking federal approval.” At this point, he is a survivor taking an infusion of one drug every three weeks, “while daily consuming many pills.” Paul advises that Pfizer is now advertising that it has now developed a drug to treat amyloidosis. (If you’d like more info about his/the condition, email me and I’ll send you Paul’s email address.) Paul also mentions that he has “a cousin whose daughter is very active as an author, and who has won awards for her efforts in creating various Broadway plays — including Legally Blonde, the Musical. — John Donald O’Shea; irishplaywright1@gmail.com
66 Who Are Those Guys
Recall that question posed by Butch Cassidy to the Sundance Kid regarding the posse chasing them during that famous western of yesteryear. The same is asked of many of you who have yet to relate happenings in your lives. This invitation is to do so now! In the meantime, kudos to mates who are bravely keeping in touch. George Palmer wrote from Tallahassee, where they survived Helene and Milton and noted that Tom Begley of St. Pete was fortunate to have been in Ohio during the storms. GP also hears from Robert “Corky” Corcoran in New York’s Finger Lakes. I connected by phone with Luke McGuinness, who checked in from Oman, where he and Gail were traveling. Tony Andrea touched base from VT, reporting that Tony Rivizzigno relocated from Syracuse to Columbia SC to be near kids. Reminded TA to tell TR to stop into my son Chris’s restaurants in SC, the Carolina Ale House and Taco Sushi chains. Dr. Bob Lombardo chimed in with comments on Irish grid performances. Enjoyed the ND vs. Louisville weekend with host Mike Rush, along with Betty and Bill Loftus, in from Sacramento. BL and I played in the Senior Alumni Golf Outing with South Bend local John Blum, and enjoyed having former ND football star and broadcast luminary Mike Golic ’85 in our foursome. Missed Tim Streb, who was in town but did catch Pam and Don Bouffard in from Ohio at the Monogram Club reception. Ed Seymour from Detroit had called to invite us to visit his son Mick ’89’s tailgate, which was top-tier. We were also hosted at J Blum’s family tailgate and tried to find Frank Murtha’s always super hospitality stop, but no luck. Saw Cap Gagnon, our fearless class prez, who joined us in the golf tournament. CG had dinner with Howard York; saw Regis Amann; keeps up with Skip Medina in TX; and hears from Jon Spoelstra, Mark Gonring; and Doug Ford. DF has generously funded ND’s Ford Africa Program. Heard from my HS mate in OKC Bob Luetkemeyer who joined our ND class. Also Doming it from OKC Bishop McGuinness were Ken Khoury, out CA way, and David Dodson, living in Granger IN. Other ’66’ers in South Bend include Ray Flynn, Larry Dwyer, Joe Guiltinan and Pat Farrell. Reminded of our two ’66 ambassadors, the late (and my former roomie) Mike Wadsworth, who served as Canada’s envoy to Ireland before becoming Notre Dame Ath Dir; and John Phillips, US envoy to Italy under Obama. Pat McRedmond of Nashville was all eyes watching the GA Tech contest, as his grandson, Blake Ragsdale, is a freshman TE on the Yellow Jacket team. Bill Breen’s name flashed across my computer screen, sans details. Jack Gerken, our stellar webmaster, is an oracle of class info. Join the ‘66 website: 1966.undclass.org. JG noted that Jerry Erbach from DC joined him and Chitown’s Ray Neihengen for the NI debacle and that the ND Niles HS gang met the following week, including Jim Starshak and John Devona. Unfortunately, our ’66 necrology grows, now at 353. The ’24 departures through Sept are Bob Basche, Vincent Chin, Joe Cichalski, Bill Daddio, David Kowalski, Christopher Mead, Doug Snider, Mike Sweeney, Jack Wolfe. Reprise re “who are those guys?” Wondering about the following: John Musto, Ron Doucette, Gary Hediger, George Melnyk, Joe Landauer, Pete Palumbo, Ron Kasprisin, Ben Nelson, Joe Marbaugh, Ray Myers, Joe Balconi, Chuck Nigro, Tom Pfliegel, Mike Witte, Bill Scanlon, Dave McSorley, Jim Murphy, Lou Sharp, Bill Scott, Mike Pauwels, Ed Badaracco. News welcome! — Tom Sullivan; 1090 Shore Road, Unit 14, Pocasset MA 02559; cell 773-454-4343; t66sullynd@gmail.com
66JD News from the Class Photographer
While our Class never officially appointed a photographer, I’m sure you’ll agree that Jim Anthony (a Double Domer) filled that position very well. Jim was always there taking stills and videos of our reunions, dinners and many other activities. Unfortunately, osteoporosis has limited his mobility to using a walker. In 2018, he underwent surgery for a compression fracture of his fifth lumbar spine. In early 2019, he underwent two other surgeries for fractures of the lumbar and thoracic spine. He currently resides in the assisted care facility area of the Holy Cross Retirement Village located between Saint Mary’s College and Holy Cross College. Jim’s letter to me indicates that while he felt reluctant to give up his house in Granger (utilized for 20 years by Tom McNally and his bride, Joan, during football season visits), he is very content with not having to cook, clean and do laundry. He mentioned that he had just met a new resident, Jean Shaffer, wife of our Wills and Trusts professor, Tom Shaffer. He also noted that he met Brian Boulac ’63, former player, coach and AD, during one of his rehab sessions. Jim said that if any classmates are in town, he’d be pleased to have them stop in. His address is Schubert Villa, Room 202, Holy Cross Village, PO Box 706, Notre Dame, IN 46556. I recall Jim being quiet, but he certainly lived a very interesting life. After passing the bar exam, Jim joined Army JAG. He served in Vietnam from July of ’67 to July of ’68. During his tour of duty in ’Nam, he was stationed in An Xhe, Khe Sahn and Hue, the latter during the TET Offensive. During his service there, he encountered Tom Harvey, James Mercurio ’64JD, Ted Pinto ’63 and Frank Dicello ’63. Following active duty, Jim worked for the Board of Military Appeals, but stayed active in the Army Reserve, from which he retired as a lieutenant colonel. In later years, he frequently saw Maurice O’Brien at JAG functions. If you get back to ND for any reason, make sure you stop in to visit Jim. — Scott Maxwell; 2781 Siena Lakes Circle, Unit 2444, Naples FL 34109; cell 215-920-0616; ndscotty@gmail.com
67 Awards
Mike Novy writes to let us know Bob Michalak was recognized as one of the founders and lifetime board member of The Center for Disability and Elder Law in Chicagoland. Bob helped found the organization in 1982 and has served as a board member since. Pete Tierney let know that he and Bob Riedy attended a campus luncheon honoring Dr. Theodore Stransky with the Rev. Louis J. Putz, CSC, Award for humanitarian service. At the luncheon Ted talked about how his volunteerism began in the summer of ’66 in the CILA program when he worked in a rural village in Mexico. He recently retired as an eye surgeon in Evansville IN. Ted was honored for his work providing 1,000 successful surgeries in the town of Lubin, Poland, as well as establishing a specialized eye clinic in Kingston, Jamaica. As a pilot, Ted delivered much-need aid in Haiti. He and his wife, Ana, are the proud parents of four ND grads. Joe Smith was shot down over Vietnam while serving as a captain in the USAF. He had been listed as MIA, but his remains were found and returned. Darrell Katovisch, a former South Bend resident, informs us that in a September ceremony Capt. Smith will have a rosette placed next to his name on the Washington DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Angelo Schiralli reports that Ron Jezoirski has been going through some tough times, which recently resulted in Ron’s toes being amputated due to complications with diabetes and dementia. Angelo also informed us that former economics Prof. Bill Leahy, who taught and mentored many ’66 national championship teammates, passed away in August. The ’66 team sent a memorial vase to his family, an honor generally reserved for deceased players’ families. Bill Brown helped induct his former doubles partner into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport RI. While there he connected with his former Lyons roommate Walt Riley. Walt escorted Bill and their wives on a guided tour of Harvard Square as Walt spent six years as a Harvard financial officer before his years as a Boston bank VP. Tom Rieck met Steve Hartel and Bob Browne for dinner in the northern suburbs of Chicago for a Notre Dame football game as has been their tradition for several years. Tom is living in Winnetka, Steve is in New Orleans and Bob is in Glenview. Steve just purchased a fishing camp in Kiln MS while Bon and his wife, Connie, just returned from a trip to France. Bob and Tom still practice law out of their respective home offices but plan to retire next year. While on campus for the Louisville game, Tom and Steve visited with Alumni Hall mate Leo Welsh ’68 and his wife, Linda, who now live in Austin. Bob Jones of Colorado Springs wanted us to know that classmates Ray Shem and Jim Runkle passed away. Ray lived in Parker CO, where he settled after six years in the Air Force where he piloted tankers. After military duty Ray piloted commercial airliners with Frontier the America West spanning 25 years. After retirement in 2000 Ray continued his love of climbing mountains. Over his life he successfully ascended 39 of CO’s 52 mountain peaks, exceeding 14,000 feet. Jim passed away March 22, 2024, in Lake Bluff IL. Dick Kiekbusch writes from Midland TX where he is living independently in a large seniors community. Dick retired in July 2023 from the U of Texas Permian Basin after 27 years as an associate professor of criminology. Before teaching, Dick ran correctional programs and institutions for 20 years. Dick stays in touch with Rick Kalamaya and Dave White. Please write. — Bert R. Bondi; 1891 Curtis St., Unit 1502, Denver CO 80202; bertrbondi@gmail.com
67JD Lifetime Achievement Awards
John Hargrove was honored by the San Diego ND Club at a dinner in his honor with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Rev. Monk Malloy, CSC, ‘63 was the guest speaker, and he presented a unique painting of John and his wife, Jane. Artist Kathleen Keifer explained the painting, Years of Law, was painted on a very special section of a 120-year-old spalted maple tree that grew very near the Law School on campus. Rev. Dan Groody, CSC, ’86 established the Sacred Heart Woodworking studio where the ND groundskeepers call him whenever a tree is felled on campus. The artist was given the special piece of wood on which she painted her picture. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of the award than our Honorable John. Mike Seng received the Arthur L. Green Award for lifelong advocacy of civil and human rights for the advancement of racial and social justice from the International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies. Lynn and Ted Sinars took a trip to the Canadian Rockies starting in Banff, then a train to Vancouver, a propeller seaplane to Victoria Island for a whale-watching catamaran trip and saw multiple whales including orca. The trip was excellent. Mary Ann and Bob Konopa routinely celebrate their 12 grandchildren and the professional success of their five daughters including at least one lawyer and a veterinary doctor. They took a fall foliage tour in Northern MI and plan a series of trips to visit their daughters in FL, OH and MN. Frank Verterano has not retired nor even slowed down very much. Frank and Beth still have their condo in South Bend and attend every home game as well as those at Penn State. They invite their classmates to drop by their condo on game days. Jack Couch joined our ever-increasing Octogenarian Club with a Viking Grand European cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. The highlight was a tour of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. Jack has retired from carriage driving but is still involved in sponsoring retired caisson horses. The Couches are also new great-grandparents to a beautiful boy. Jim Mollison and Steve Lamantia hooked up at the ND-Louisville game. Jim’s granddaughter Grace is a freshman at Saint Mary’s. Roz Lamantia had knee replacement surgery a few months ago and is recovering well. They had a beer or two and a great time. Roseanne and Jim Harrington are doing well for a couple of old folks. No trips planned other than their annual trip to FL. Their grandkids are pursuing advanced academic degrees and moving on with their lives. Frank Cihlar continues to pursue his thespian career. He’s been elected board chair of Seniors First, which runs a Meals on Wheels program in counties in VA. Frank is also in training for a powerlifting competition and has high aspirations for a world record next year, somewhere close to 250 pounds in the dead weight lift. Jack Harty often sends screeds that are always entertaining but contain little personal information. I told him I needed personal info or I’ll make something up. Jack responded: “While you are making things up, please describe me as having a full head of hair. Please also list me as weighing in equal to or below my high school weight.” — Jim Heinhold; 1200 Carmel Lane, New Bern NC 28562; res 252-638-5913; im4irish@aol.com
68 Sorrow of the Undertaker
Mark Twain’s Pudd’nhead Wilson advised that we “endeavor so to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.” Thanks to the Great ‹68, there›s not a dry eye among them these days. Ron Jones kept the profession in anguish when he died of heart failure Aug. 12. Chemical Engineering classmate Jim Johnson wrote, “Today I attended the funeral for Ron Jones ’70MS, ’73Ph.D., my roommate in Farley for four years, also a great friend of Steve Brennan, Dave Tarkowski, Tom Slankas, Mike Karnes and many others. There were several priests who made the journey from South Bend to Joliet to concelebrate the funeral Mass, which featured beautiful readings and songs, including ‘Notre Dame, Our Mother’ as the concluding hymn and processional.” Ron grew up in Joliet and graduated from Joliet Catholic High School. At Notre Dame, Ron taught undergraduate classes and enjoyed his membership in numerous societies. Ron was the owner of Sycamore Containers for 27 years before retiring in 2005. Ron met Virginia Deiss in kindergarten, and the two married in 1968 and raised four children. Family was always top priority; Ron coached many of his children’s sports. His generosity extended beyond his immediate circle, as he regularly donated blood at local drives, a cause he was passionate about. Tom Condon I met on our first day as students when Tom stepped into the doorway of the Zahm room where Larry “Monk” Forness, Bob Barletta and I were in a bull session with some sophomores. Zahm was a temporary home for some freshmen who could not fit in the true freshman dorms. When the blot of the Michigan State band episode took place, freshman dorm space became available. Tom went to Breen Phillips where he enjoyed quick acceptance in the zany hall fraternity of The Troll (Tom Weems), A.J. Berryman, Dana Hart, Dick Blumberg, Ollie Marcelli, Dick Faherty, Pat DeMar, The Kid (Greg Ward) and the fabled Chuck Wordell. Tom roomed with Pat Furey and Bob Santaloci. Tom was immediately popular, with friends who included the eternal newsman Pat Collins. When Pat became editor of The Observer, he smartly recruited Tom Condon, who realized he had more than a student activity; Tom had a life calling and spent decades as a reporter and columnist for The Hartford Courant. Even the Sunday night before his death from cancer, Tom said that he was hoping for the energy to finish a small story for The Connecticut Mirror. Charlie Stevenson’s novel Uncle Henry’s Hacienda, is now available from Amazon and many booksellers. An early review begins, “Uncle Henry’s Hacienda is a work of fiction in the slice of life, interpersonal drama, and literary genres…Through all his trials, Henry’s unwavering pursuit of his dream leads to an unexpected revelation in his old age.” Tom Fitzharris’ book From Ted to Tom: The Illustrated Envelopes of Edward Gorey will appear in February. Visit nyrb.com to get notifications from the publisher New York Review Books. Tom wrote, “Are you familiar with the work of the artist/writer Edward Gorey (mostly known these days for the animation before PBS Masterpiece Mystery with elegant ladies and gentlemen dancing)? Now the subject of a large, even cult, following. I was a friend of his in the mid-1970s. During that time he sent me lots of mail and on each envelope was a beautiful, interesting drawing.” Brian McManus and his wife Kathleen, while in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, stopped by the memorial of George Gipp and asked for a victory against A&M. Please send news and photos. If you are friends with an undertaker, help the fellow buck up. — Tom Figel; 570 Sheridan Square, Apt. 3, Evanston IL 60202; 312-241-7917; tfigel@reputecture.com
68JD Class Secretary — Dennis G. Collins;
2203 Derby Way, St. Louis MO 63131; bus 314-516-2648; dgc@greensfelder.com
69 Mini-Reunions Galore
2023: Dr. Nicholas Petrelli received Tulane U School of Medicine’s Lifetime Achievement Award. 2024: Bob Franko, president and CEO of First Choice Bancorp in Cerritos CA, retired. July: Don Hynes published his fifth book of poetry, Something Will Change Me: Poems of Soul and Spirit, and is recovering well from knee replacement surgery, his third new joint. Lans and Dick Merritt visited Dick Farrell in Moline IL and gave him a Golden Domer Club hat from Reunion 2024. Mike Brennan, Mike Busby, Fritz Gast, Ernie Gargaro, Steve Hext, Peter McInerney, Ebby Moran, Mike Satarino and Tim Schlindwein golfed three rounds for their 30th annual golf outing at South Bend and ND golf courses. Jim Burke and Mike Brennan attended the Korn Ferry tour at The Glen Club, Glenview IL. Jim Bodary, Pat Raher and Andy Fedynsky (Kris) attended Charlie Blubaugh’s memorial at the Ukrainian Museum-Archives, Cleveland. While on Cape Cod, my wife and I had lunch with Polly and John Sturm. Mary and Mike Ryan hosted their 13th, and last, ND Club of Milwaukee’s freshman send-off party at their home. August: Fifteen Domers plus four guests attended the seventh annual Brewers outing. Attending Chicagolanders — Mike Brennan, Jim Burke, PJ Hosty, Louie Leone, Peter McInerney, Gene O’Malley, Bob Sacoff and Ralph Williams; Wisconsinites — John Berres, Steve Kavalauskas, Pat McDonnell, Dan Merritt, Tom Shannon, Brian Schmidlin and Craig Stark ’71; and Jon Tocks from Mechanicsburg PA. Ken Bieschke published Sassy Drake: A Children’s Story. He has published 13 books since November 2020. Ken Herceg and Mike Higgins attended Mike Abbate’s funeral service in Wilmington NC. September: Bob Gibbons published Becoming Aquinas, a history of his high school, Aquinas Institute in Rochester NY, and traveled there for book signings and talks with students and alums. While visiting Milwaukee, Gene Hammond dined with Mike McCauley (Patty), Steve Kavalauskas (Diane), and yours truly and Kathleen. 1966-67 Angers alums met in Chicago — George Arkedis (Barbara), Brian Cavanagh, Lance Davis, Tom DeChant (Paul Gilber), Keith Palka, Tim Mannion, Bill Richtsmeier (Michele), and Tim Unger, plus ’69 SMCers and spouses. October: John Wehrheim published the article “Back to the Garden” in the Oct.-Nov. issue of Hana Hou!, Hawaiian Airlines’ magazine. Neil Harnisch (Karen) traveled from New Zealand to Seattle for a family funeral service. He’s already planning for our 60th Reunion. The following known ’69ers (plus spouses, guests) gathered for football games. Miami of Ohio: Terry Fiorina, Dan Merritt, Tim Roddy, Tom Flanagan (Betsy), Larry Pezanko (Sally), Chip Stumpf (Cathy), Bill Waldron (Karen), and Ed Weinlein (Sharon); Innsbruckers Jim Atkins (Patricia), Jim Bodary (Lesley), Bill Hennig (Judy), Steve Kavalauskas (Diane), Fritz Keppler, and Chuck Nelson (Sharon); Dean Benner, Tom Breen, Dick Cimino, Louis Leone, Richard Sullivan, Matt White and Ralph Williams; Len Moretti and Tom Shannon. Stanford: Roy Arnn, Rob Babineau, Bill Coutros, Lou Emerson, Frank Vecchione and Roger Holzgrafe ’70. At George Tech: alumni “Buffaloes” Jack Mahon, Brian Schmidlin, Bill Schweitzer, Ross Simpson, Kelly Macke ’70, Jack Wiethoff ’70, plus Joe Schmidlin ’04 and Don Jacobson. In memoriam: Dr. John Dziduszko, Feb. 3, Milton MA; Jim Riestenberg, June 25, Athens OH; Mike Kroeger, July 1, AZ; Phil Kierl, July 7, Oklahoma City; Ken Cange, July 19, St. Albans MO; Mike Abbate, July 28, Wilmington NC, father of Tony Abbate ’92 and father-in-law of Barbara Rossman Abbate ’92; Ed Keener, Aug. 22, Milford OH; Dale Gerdes, Aug. 31, Milwaukee; Tom “Hawk” Duda, Oct. 4, Hinsdale IL; Betty Bongiovi, Sept. 14, Wilmington NC, wife of Rob Bongiovi and mother of Lisa Bongiovi Cellio ’94; Dr. John Mackenzie ’70, Sept. 16, brother of Louis Mackenzie; Requiescant in pace. — John Hickey; jphjr47@hotmail.com; notredameclassof1969blog.blogspot.com
69MBA A Fun 55th Mini-Reunion
Several classmates enjoyed a fun reunion the weekend of the Notre Dame-Miami (Ohio) game Sept. 21. I think all will agree it was time well spent. Those in attendance included Linda and Joe Cavato, Jerry Claeys, Nick Walz and Dennis McCarthy, along with my sister, Diane Samara Volkart, and yours truly. RSVPs included a few last-minute cancellations due to illness: Joyce and Cliff Fleming — COVID; Joe McCourt (wife Harlee) — shingles; and Jim Halas, who had a death in his family. For most of us, it was like our days 55-57 years ago, with much kidding (Dennis), laughter and an impressive look at the Notre Dame campus, which has more than doubled in size and buildings in that timespan. We were fortunate to attend a Friday afternoon rally tailgate at the Mendoza Business building and were able to spend quality time with Dean Martijn Cremers. He explained the very positive changes in the process of admitting more qualified students, in smaller quantities, which will further enhance the MBA experience. It was interesting to meet and converse with current MBA students. Dean Cremers then joined us for an evening cocktail at the Embassy Suites, adjacent to Eddy Street Commons. We also attended an organ concert in the Basilica, trumpets around the circle, our homage to the bookstore and prayers at the Grotto. We went to Sunday Mass with the student liturgical choir (my personal favorite) and the Original Pancake House (a personal tradition) prior to heading to O’Hare for our flights home. During dinner at Sunny Italy, the group settled on the ND-Boise State game for next year. It is scheduled for Oct. 4, 2025. I truly hope that more of you can attend next year. One housekeeping note: If anyone has a contact for Sue and Tom Sanna, please send to me. I have been trying to reach them for months with no luck. Please also keep Sara Walz and the entire Walz family in your prayers as they battle through the horrors of dementia. Go Irish! — Ken Samara; 3030 McKinney Ave., Suite 601, Dallas TX 75204; 214-532-2187; kensamara@sbcglobal.net
69JD Postcards from China
It has been a busy fall. My undergrad roommate, John (the “Kahuna”) Ganahl ’66, came in for the NIU “game”. One of my high school classmates Ray Neihengen ’66, sat behind us and commiserated over the outcome of the game. Tim McLaughlin couldn’t make the reunion but Kahuna, my wife, Sue, and I had dinner with Puma and his wife, Lynn, on Friday. John left on Monday and Joe Kennedy (hereinafter referred to as Zep #1) arrived on Tuesday via AMTRAK followed by Joe Frantin (hereinafter referred to as Zep #2) on Thursday. I had a house full for 10 days. We had dinner with George Burgett on Thursday which turned into an interesting discussion between Hondo and Zep #2 on a variety of topics. Joining Zeps #1 and 2, Sue and myself for dinner on Friday were Dave Prior and his wife, Anne, Regis Trenda and Joe McNeil. Tony Seimer and wife, Dianne, joined us for a barbeque at the Varsity Club before the Purdue game. Dave Prior bought cat and dog cookies for dessert. After the game, we settled into a table in the courtyard at the Varsity Club where Zep #2 related some of his recent adventures, including one that is the reason for the title of this column. You had to be there for the entire story but Joe found out (too late) that he needed a visa to enter China. He could relate the story at our next reunion but by then, he will have more adventures to tell us. John MacLeod could not make the reunion but sent me a copy of his latest book, Annabelle’s Eyes. Until we meet again, Aloha. — Jim Starshak; 889 Kaohe Place, Honolulu HI 96825; res 808-395-0443; cell 808-778-4033; starman@hawaii.rr.com