1960s
1960s
60 65th Reunion A Success
As of this date, April 11, there are 389 classmates in the Notre Dame system who have good emails and are receiving Class emails that are sent out. The deceased list is 638. A nice note from Rick Juliani ’88 at the passing of his father, Rich, who passed away Feb. 20: “I also wanted to let you know that my father’s only wish for music was to have the ND alma mater play, which the priest at Villanova (an Irishman from Chicago!) was kind enough to facilitate. They played a beautiful rendition on the organ at the start of the ceremony, and I got to read a eulogy that I had written over the weekend after my father’s passing (complete with references to the historic 1957 victory over OU that he liked to still talk about and to the many times we spent in the backyard, recreating Theisman-to-Gatewood TD passes, beating, in our imagination, USC time and again!).” A note from Ray Fitzpatrick: “Thanks for your updates on our upcoming 65th Reunion. My wife, Sandy, and I are planning to attend and I have a reservation in place at the Morris Inn. Looking forward to a great time that weekend. Best regards and Merry Christmas.” Bill Boland points out the problems with NIL: “Just read an article on CBS sports that LSU fans are getting unhappy with Brian. He just lost a five-star QB to Michigan. His record this year is 7 - 3, unhappy with sideline temper tantrums, and an unpleasant personality. He is making $10m with a $20m buyout. The five-star QB is reportedly getting $10m from Michigan in NIL.” January observations from Mike Shipmen: “Looking out the window in my office I can see that the lawn has a thin covering of white snow. Just a few minutes ago there was junco (a real snowbird) peeking in my window. We had a staring contest. The hoodies are back! (hooded merganser). My buddy the junco is back along with another, perhaps his soulmate. So curious as to what goes on inside here. Plenty of sunshine last few days, good for our solar panels. So far so good, looking forward to April when the golf course opens.” From Ollie Flor: “You do a great job. Our class numbers continue to get smaller, reflecting our ages. We are blessed to still be here.” From Nick Healy: “Thanks, Joe. I am grateful to be kept up-to-date on our Class, both with those who have passed and those seemingly still functioning. Jane and I are both well and divide our time between our family farm in NH and half in Ave Maria. I have just finished writing the book on the founding of Ave Maria U, and my remaining task is launching an experimental farm on the campus for a new minor in agricultural stewardship. Happy Feast of the Sacred Heart.” From Rev. Jim Radde SJ: “Thank you for forwarding the obit for Jerry Johnson which was provided you by Ben Finley. I grew up in ND. Jerry was the first Afro-American I ever met. He was the only Protestant I knew at Notre Dame. He was the one who taught me to fence (our coach did not fence — we taught each other). I was blessed to share several meals with Jerry at our 50th Reunion. I know he introduced fencing in at least one country in Africa. God bless you, Joe.” A note from Diane Dilling: “Leo Andrew Dilling, age 85, of Vero Beach FL entered into eternal life on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. Born in Gary IN to the late Leo and Mary Dilling. He is also preceded in death by his sister, Janice Wright. He is survived by his beloved wife, Diane Dilling, and children, sons Leo (Laura) Dilling and David Dilling, and daughters Allison (Tristan) Bliesner and Sarah (Stan) Fretwell, and his precious grandchildren Eleana, Dillon, Ladstan, Charlotte, Drew and Emmett. They enjoyed their time with their playful Pop Pop and Grandpa.” 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 Lazy Hazy Days
The lazy hazy days of summer are now upon us, and this is reflected by the relative paucity of incoming letters, texts and emails from our Class of 1961. This is, no doubt, attributed to the warmer temperatures as we are out and about more frequently and for longer segments of time. Dick Fox checked in with a much-welcomed lengthy missive. Dick now makes his roost in West Grove PA after having been an All-American homeowner, calling home in literally every region of the US, first in San Francisco, then in Beaumont TX, Newark NJ and Bethany Beach DE. Dick served for most of his productive years dividing his time between the banking industry and the private corporate sector where, for nearly four decades, he worked in the HR departments of his respective employers. Upon his retirement, Dick and his spouse were invited to participate in a month-long African safari in Nairobi, Kenya. Since graduation, Dick maintained regular contact with his three undergrad roommates, Mike Farrar, Bill Slattery and Rev. Tom Gardocki, who recently passed away. His favorite of all his residences was his Bethany Beach home where he frequently gathered and engaged with four other fellow alums from our class: Roger McMahon, Marty Decre, Dave Lee and Mike Farrar. Dick has kept busy in retirement, donating his time, talent and treasure, giving to the marginalized and less fortunate. He is involved in the Meals on Wheels program distributing them to the poor and disabled. His volunteering efforts also include visiting dementia patients and the homebound as well as paying calls to assisted living complexes and physical rehab facilities. Dick has lived up to the maxim, “To those to whom much has been given, much is expected in return.” Tom Melby texted to say that he and his wife, Barbara, attended the annual ND Dinner during St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Naples FL featuring speaker Riley Leonard ’25. Here is a new update baker’s dozen list of classmates from whom I have requested feedback in order to include them in our next news article in October. Feel free to call or text me at your leisure to provide all with an update on your most recent whereabouts. Here is the new list: Ralph Amann, Tom Zipprich, Mike Baer, Bill Weist, Bruce Campbell, Joe Tessitore, Don Dietz, Brian Sullivan, Dan Ferguson, Joe Reynolds, Bob Ganser, Vincent Quinn, Bob Hetzler, Dick Pigott, John Irwin, Ron Olson, Ed Kane and Vince Naso. Save the date for our 65th reunion June 4 - 7, 2026. As we approach the 65th anniversary of our graduation from Notre Dame, let us be grateful for our countless blessings as we pray for all of our classmates, living and deceased. In memoriam: Joseph Sayour and Tom Hoban. God bless and Go Irish! — 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 Summer Updates
Roger Brekken lost a “wrestling match” with a log splitter last year and is now minus the tip of his middle right-hand finger. “It required two surgeries and a whole summer of healing, but the remaining nerves are impaired. However, it does not seem big in comparison with the many life-altering situations that our classmates are facing as we ‘traipse through our golden years.’” Bill Ford reported the Class held its annual SW FL mini-reunion in mid-March. It kicked off with a cocktail party hosted by Pat and Angelo Dabiero. “There were 25 attendees including spouses and significant others. It was a genuinely nice event in a great setting and afforded plenty of time to catch up with (or get to know) classmates.” The next day, nine intrepid golfers played the course at Audubon Country Club. The winning group, among the three 3-man teams, included John Guenin, his son Michael, and Joe Bolt. Later, Mary and George Williams hosted a cocktail hour and dinner at the club with over 45 attending. The food was superb, as attested to by several emails Bill received afterward. Angie and Pat were recognized as being the catalyst for the class events in SW FL, having begun hosting cocktail parties some 23 years ago. Jim Krauser was also remembered for his role in making the mini-reunion what it is today, as well as for his induction into the (Naples) St. John Neumann High School Hall of Fame. His many significant contributions to SJNHS were recounted from a letter sent by the school principal. In addition to Bill, and those mentioned above, others at the dinner were Mike Loparco, Bob Henry, George Anderson, John Govreau, Joe Bolt, Dave Bouton, Bruce Odlaug, Pat Monahan, Jack Madigan, Bill Moston, Faust Capobianco, Jack Jiganti, Jim Higgins, Don Imbus, Dick Dynewicz, Bill Bine, Walt Kelly, Mike Murray, John Ryan, Armand Reo, Earl Linehan and John Gagnon. Ginger and Richard Creedon celebrated Pat Sheil’s 85th birthday with his wife, Carol, in Winter Haven FL this past April. Hosting the dinner were Pat’s son, PJ Sheil ’91, and his wife, Meghan Creedon Sheil ’92. Richard said he and Pat never met during their four years at ND, “but our children sure did, got married and they have two children including Mackenzie ’21.” John Dailey just published another book, this one about five cases of medical malpractice. “It is book No. 2 in the Gunnar Hansen series and available on Amazon. The setting is in MN though the events described occurred elsewhere.” Another author is Brian Cosacchi, who graduated with a master’s in education and then spent two years as an Army officer. He joined General Foods after discharge and retired as their sales training manager having written and conducted programs in selling, negotiating, team building and problem solving. Brian has also authored a book, It will Be OK in the Morning, available on Amazon. He writes music, with an album on Bandcamp. Remaining active, he plays and sings at 12 assisted living places, plays pickleball, walks five to seven miles each day and ran his last 5K this past Thanksgiving. He and his wife of 60 years live in Hilton Head SC. Since my last column, we have lost four classmates. Garitt Kono died in CT on Jan. 27. The next day, Tom Siegel died at home in PA. Both had dementia. Steve Hogarty died Feb. 22 and Ron Borkowski died March 3. Ron had a career with Sears and then became involved with a few sport franchises in Lexington KY. — Raymond Raedy; 5310 Rileys Ridge Road, Hillsborough NC 27278; 919-967-8816; nd62secy@medicinemanremedies.com
62JD Class Secretary — Christine Stucko; christinestucko@gmail.com
63 Director of Happiness Strikes Again
On March 5, Ed Delahanty, the Class of 1963’s Director of Happiness, held his annual festival in Naples FL. Classmates attending included John Miller, David Swire, Scott Maxwell, Pat O’Brien, Mike Walker, Tom Prisby, Marty Gauthier, Greg Schwartz, Brian Richardson, Terry Desmond, Larry Morgan, Vic Trino, Steve Peters and Jack Calymen, most with spouses or guests. Ed says, “Great food, a couple toddys, scenery on the bay, great camaraderie. The ND spirit is still alive in SW FL. Attendance was the highest ever.” The event is held each year during the last week of February/first week in March. Clay Lejeune has been married to his wife, Bernadine, since 1966; they have two children and four grandchildren. While at ND, Clay lived in St. Ed’s, Lyons and Alumni, roommates being Bill Cochran, Don Doyle, Jimmy Holmes, Buddy Evans and Leo Craft. Clay worked as a food broker (manufacturer’s agent) for 41 years. He began in New Orleans, then moved to Birmingham, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Chevy Chase MD, Sydney (Australia) and back to LA in Mandeville. He last visited ND for the Virginia game in 2024, saying, “It was a perfect trip — very emotional for me!” I spoke with Brian Shea the other day, who has retired from the printing business and lives with his wife, Elaine, at Mariner Sands in Stuart FL. They have three children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. We spent most of the time reminiscing about classmates John “Kool” Walsh, Father Charlie O’Hara, John Lamberti, Brian “Bomber” Richardson, Mike Reilly and Bill Dinger; some are still with us, while others have gone to their final rewards. Kevin Hart wrote in, saying for the last 18 years he has been a veteran services officer assisting veterans and their families with federal VA claims for disabilities or state claims based upon low income. “It’s the best job I have ever had!” Kevin is married and divorced, with four boys and seven grandchildren. He lives in Newburyport MA. He went through US Navy OCS in 1965 and a year later was aboard an aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Tonkin, where he served as the legal officer and also qualified as an officer of the Deck Underway, which meant he could drive the carrier, which he did (“three football fields long, 43 miles an hour and no brakes”). While at ND, Kevin worked at WNDU, writing commercials. He may have formed the first rock ’n’ roll band to play the campus — the Anonymi Chi — who played at mixers, sock hops and architect “balls.” He says, “Between the Navy and today, a rollicking romp through sales management, entrepreneurship, a doctorate in chiropractic, a home on the ocean, and good health (so far), and a family worthy of a lot more words than this. My best to fellow classmates. I am happy to be able to write this (in cursive if I had to), and happy you are able to read it (in cursive, if you had to).” I heard from Tom McGowan. He and Kay have been living in Boone NC since 1972. Kay taught Spanish at Watauga High School, while Tom was a professor of English and folklore at Appalachian State U. Tom related happenings of Oscar Wong, known as the “godfather of craft brewing in Beer City, Asheville.” After immigrating to the USA to attend ND, and following a successful engineering career, Oscar began brewing Gaelic Ale in the cellar of Barley’s Tavern, and then opened Highland Brewing Company in Asheville NC, the city’s first legal brewery since Prohibition. He has been recognized for his role in the renaissance of craft brewing by a historical marker at Barley’s and a doctor of humane letters from the U of North Carolina at Asheville. Oscar has also received the state’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Peter G. Reibold recently passed away at his home in Plantation FL. Peter’s wife, Kathleen, died in 2010. They are survived by three children, the youngest of whom is Gretchen ’93. Peter spent his career as a hospital administrator. The Alumni Office has advised of the passing of the following classmates: John F. O’Malley died Feb. 10 in Olean NY, survived by his wife, Patricia, and Thomas F. Gordon passed away Jan. 25 in Kansas City MO, survived by his wife, Earlene. — 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 Still Engaged . . .
That’s the story from Jim Drury of Barrington Hills IL. He’s had six career chapters in high-quality environments, prior to becoming one of the leading executive search professionals in America. He’s still busy today focused on optimizing board selection for major corporations. Jim feels “privileged” to have survived a 40-year polo career, retiring after captaining the Oak Brook IL team. Kathleen and Tim Sullivan are now living in Swansboro NC where Tim still consults and raises capital on all things software, optics and AI. At this point, 20 in their extended family have graduated from ND! In 2000, John Nelson retired from law in Phoenix to live near Montrose CO. This past January he retired from the last of 23 nonprofits and civic campaigns which have kept him busy and out of trouble. Peter Murray reports from Charlotte that his two boys, both Domers, attended all four playoff games this year. And Prof. Jon James continues important work with his orphanage centers for needy Dalit children in southern India. John Wolf checked in from Cincinnati. After ND, he attended medical school, becoming a Navy flight surgeon before commencing an orthopedic surgical residency at UVA. He ultimately established a private practice in Cincinnati, which grew into the largest orthopedic group practice in the Queen City. He wrapped up his career teaching at the U of Cincinnati and the local VA hospital. John and Elena have four children and four grandchildren. John advised that my high school and ND classmate, Ted Hardman, passed away in January. An EE major, Ted started out at GM and spent the rest of his career as a technical sales professional and business owner. An enthusiastic hobbyist and active outdoorsman, Ted loved to cook and for years traveled as a competitive meat smoker. He is survived by wife Marlene, three kids and six grandchildren. Jim Maher, provost emeritus at the U of Pittsburgh, died in November, survived by his wife of 58 years, Angela, two children and six grandkids. After his ND degree, Jim did postgrad work at Yale before joining Pitt as an assistant professor of physics in 1970, ultimately becoming department chair. He was named Pitt’s provost in 1994 and served with distinction in that role for 16 years. His accomplishments throughout his career were notable. No one who knew him at Notre Dame will be surprised. Joe Linklater passed in February in Chicago. He is survived by wife Dee Dee, two daughters and a granddaughter. After graduation, Joe earned his JD from Loyola Chicago. In 1968, he joined Baker & McKenzie, where he practiced for the next 54 years. He was instrumental in the establishment of the firm’s white-collar criminal practice and had many successes for clients, including foreign governments, heads of state and major corporations. Chip Carpenter passed in January in New Orleans. A decorated Vietnam veteran, Chip ultimately retired from the Marine Reserves after 31 years. He was a Morgan Stanley financial adviser and a lifelong sailor. Wife Sally, two kids and five grandchildren survive. Dick Grater died in February in Port Washington NY. A decorated Green Beret Vietnam vet, Dick spent his career in venture capital and public accounting, including many years with Arthur Andersen. He is survived by Gloria, his wife of 57 years, and three kids and four grandchildren. Tom Connelly passed last July. A former Army officer, he was a decorated Vietnam helicopter pilot and a man of many interests. Wife Nancy and one son survive. Jim Morrison of Moultonborough NH died in October, survived by wife Penny, a son and two grandchildren. Jim co-founded a sporting goods retailer in 1968 and continued this pursuit for 48 years. — 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 Plus
Our 60th Class Reunion at the Morris Inn in June was held after this column was written for this summer edition. It was our last separate Class Reunion due to diminishing numbers and the expected medical issues associated with aging. The Alumni Association welcomes any alumni after their 50th reunion to attend the All-Class Reunion every year, but there are not separate class dinners or events. Expect expanded coverage of our Reunion in the next issue. Very few of you send me any news about yourself or friends, which results in a short class column. Please send me an email about where you are living, retired or working, military service, charitable work and news about ND friends. Jim O’Donnell earned his BS in metallurgical engineering at ND and a Ph.D. in materials engineering at Cornell. After 10 years doing metal forming research with Western Electric Co., he joined the Martin Marietta Aluminum Division. This group was spun off as Commonwealth Aluminum headquartered in Louisville KY. Jim retired as VP of engineering and lives in Louisville with his wife, Phyllis. After graduation, Joe McCourt spent two years aboard a destroyer off the coast of Vietnam thanks to the Navy ROTC. He returned to campus as a member of ND’s inaugural MBA Class of ’69. Subsequently, Joe founded Harlee Medical Technologies (harleemedical.com) in Houston and continues to live there with his wife, Harlee. Last April they became grandparents for the first time. His motto is, “I don’t let the old man in.” Jim O’Donnell wrote that Jack Olesky passed away in January in Bluffton SC from complications of kidney disease. They were good friends and lived in Badin along with Ed Morgan. Jack is survived by his wife, Jane, and son, Kenneth. After graduating with a degree in metallurgical engineering, Jack received his MBA from the U of Pittsburgh. He worked in various management positions with Climax Molybdenum and finished his career as an independent financial adviser. Last December Charles Hazzard passed away in Dallas. He is survived by his wife, Carol. Also in December, Patrick English died in Chicago. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, and two daughters. In January Donald Nesta died in Dahlonega GA. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth. Charlie Derbes III passed away in Metairie LA. — James P. Harnisch MD; 6759 West Mercer Way; Mercer Island WA 98040; jphnd65@hotmail.com
65JD Updates Needed
Please send me updates for our next column before July 18. — John Donald O’Shea; irishplaywright1@gmail.com
66 What Next?
Class Prez Cap Gagnon reported meeting with former ’66 pugilists in SB at the 95th anniversary of the Bengal Bouts. Aviator (aka Pilot) Pat Farrell hosted the gathering and John Wylie still looked like he could bash noses, instead of repairing them as an ENT doc. Gus Rini joined from Cleveland, where he still lawyers. John Berges made it in from MO, leaving his beloved horse herd home. Bill Hill looked trim and ready to go more ring rounds, and brought wife Sue. Tom Begley journeyed up from the Tampa area, and the late Cole Clarke’s son Pat was on hand, reportedly looking better than his great dad and now holding a management position at ND. SB local Ray Flynn attended as well. The gang celebrated the extraordinary work done via the multitudinous BB money raised over the years. Optimists all, they agreed to meet again for the 100th BB soiree! I heard from Larry Murchan out Portland OR way, who reconnected with Art Frigo in Chicago and reminded me of a dinner we shared a year or so back here on Cape Cod with Keith Bradley and Terry Forster. LM reminisced about the good times many shared at the Senior Bar on campus. Andy McCullin checked in from DE, where he’s spent much of his career, lately using his leadership experience with Dow and other firms to mentor rising corp. execs. AM lamented the recent passing of pals Charles “Skip” Radey and Rich Smith. And here let me apologize … Rich Barthel and others noted my mis-naming of Tony Duda in my last missive while reporting his passing. I haven’t made many miscues in the 225 or so columns I’ve penned since assuming this role in ’68. Class webmaster Jack Gerken continues his A1 efforts on our ’66 website — the best one out there! Check it out and join up — 1966.undclass.org. JG planned to meet up with Ray Neihengen for an August lunch in Chicago, while in town for his granddaughter’s wedding to her longtime ND fiancé. Bill Loftus, Tony Andrea and Bob Lombardo were in dialogue trying to understand how the NIL issue is playing out and impacting ND. Still seem to be lots of loose ends there! John Twohey, Tom Bettag and Minch Lewis were conversing about the April political turmoil aimed at universities and were concerned about if/how it might affect ND. Mike Rush is settling into his NJ digs near his daughter, following his multi-year stint in SB. MR gets to Chi regularly to see his son and family and back to campus. I heard from Al Augustine down Naples FL way who had just returned from a trip to New Zealand. Gary Hediger checked in from Greenville SC, where he’s still in the property management business, owning various apartments and real estate. I reminded him to stop into my son Chris’s GV-area restaurants, Carolina Ale House and Taco Sushi, and ask for a free beer. GH keeps in touch with Joe Romano in Chi. Pat McRedmond in Nashville is proud that grandson Blake Ragsdale has made the Ga Tech FB squad as a walk-on. APB/Reminder, our 60th ND Reunion is less than a year hence. Plan to attend June 4 - 7, 2026. Connect with your mates encouraging them; send suggestions about what you would like to see on the program … to yours truly, Prez Cap or Webmaster Jack Gerken. Let’s make this one even better than our 50th! Maybe the Night Lighters will do another encore. Send news! Kim and I were expecting to move back to the Baltimore area in July. Go Irish! — Tom Sullivan; 143 Villabrook Way, Baltimore MD 21212; cell 773-454-4343; t66sullynd@gmail.com
66JD Best Comp Case Ever
Walt Terry gets the headline for his report on a recent workers’ compensation case that he handled. Yes, Walt is still practicing. Seems that a couple was working at a zoo located near them. They were assigned night work in the Africa section of the zoo. One night they heard a ruckus outside of their hut. They went outside and observed bandits come from the jungle area to attack and kill their security. In the chaos, the female was struck on the head by a bandit with a machete, and the male was struck on the head and arm by another. Walt provided no information on how the attack concluded, although the couple certainly survived, because they brought the workers’ compensation case. Why that forum … because they were both injured on the job after being hired by the Bronx Zoo, a NY corporation. On a more mundane note, Bill Sanneman was able to catch up with Al McKenna on a recent visit to Marco Island FL. I was not able to hook up with them, but we agreed to get together next winter when they return to southwest FL. Okay, now it’s your turn to send in some news. — Scott Maxwell; 2781 Siena Lakes Circle, Unit 2444, Naples FL 34109; cell 215-920-0616; ndscotty@gmail.com
67 Too Many Obits
Jim Sack notified us that Alan H. Ross died in April in Paoli PA. No obit was provided. Tom Hennessy and Dennis McCarthy both informed us that John Salmon passed away in February in Napa CA. John came to Notre Dame from St. Ignatius Prep in Chicago and majored in accountancy. He subsequently received his Juris Doctor from the U of Illinois. John started his career with Arthur Young in Chicago, then law practice with Frankel McKay & Orlikoff, and finally as general counsel with Hawthorn Realty Group. In the 1980s John and family relocated to the San Francisco Bay area where he became vice president of property development and sales for the Santa Fe Pacific Realty Corporation. He built on his private sector experience by serving the state of CA as initial director of the Governor’s Office of Asset Management, appointed by Gov. George Deukmejian and Gov. Pete Wilson. Darrell Katovisich of South Bend sent us the obituary of Ron Jeziorski, who lost his battle for life. Ron was one of several local St. Joseph High School alums who matriculated to Notre Dame, including several on the football team. Ron and Hugh O’Malley (deceased) were co-captains of the St. Joe 1962 state championship football team. On more pleasant news, Don Peters writes that he is practicing the management side of labor and employment law mostly in Chicago, although Don and wife Kathy ’67SMC split time between IL and FL. He corresponds with Joe O’Neill (of Boston) and has breakfast monthly with Jerry Snyder and Pete Shirk. Don gave up his football season tickets that his father passed onto him as the frequency of night games with the related driving clinched the deal. Steve O’Connor writes for the first time in several decades to let us know what he has been doing. After graduating he spent six years in the Air Force and retired as a lieutenant colonel and another 20 years as a reservist. While on duty, Steve served as a navigator on KC-35 and C-130 aircraft. Along the way he completed law school and became an assistant US attorney in the Western District of WI. Twenty years later he retired and has been very happy ever since. He now lives in Madison. Please write. Positive news is more than welcome. — Bert R. Bondi; bertrbondi@gmail.com
67JD Marine Muse
The law was never John Fine’s Muse. He marches to a different drummer. To my knowledge he never practiced law, but he is a marine biologist, a published author of more than 24 books, and an environmentalist who apparently feels more at home working, photographing and exploring the world under the seas as an accomplished scuba diver. Now, with the publication of his new book, The Horse That Won The West: History and Heritage of the Spanish Mustang, we find that he is also a breeder of horses and an accomplished rider. John draws from extensive research and firsthand experience to trace this remarkable breed’s journey—from its Iberian origins through its role in shaping North American history to its current status as a rare breed fighting for survival. Margaret and Jerry Berthold are doing “pretty well” considering their advanced age. Jerry did have thumb surgery last December to correct a bit of arthritis, and in March he had his right sacroiliac joint fused. The surgeries, although successful, resulted in the more serious side effect of prohibiting golf for the first six months of this year. He and son Jeff were on campus in late February and it reminded him why he had moved to GA all those years ago. It was bitterly cold, and not just the temperature! They watched the Lady Domers lose on the basketball court and the next night the ND hockey team was as cold as the ice they were skating on. Nevertheless, they warmed up in the Linebacker, the favorite haunt of ours in the 1960s! Tom Sullivan hooked up with Jimmy Olson for lunch when the Olsons were in FL escaping cold South Bend. The ladies basketball team was no warmer on TV in FL. Double Domer John Nelson writes that on Jan. 1, 2000, he retired from law, sold his office complex and home in Phoenix, and, with Linda, moved to Montrose CO. On Jan. 1, 2025, he retired from the last of 23 nonprofit organizations and civic campaigns in which he was active in order to fish and watch his “woods” grow. He has been active in building or acquiring eight major civic structures, and saving four lives (as a paramedic) and two homes (as a fireman). Now he manages his doctor and dental appointments and his herd of “spitting” llamas. Lynn and Ted Sinars travelled to college graduations of three of their grandchildren in NC, TX and AZ. Then they are off to Portugal in May and in June to the OR wine country. Both of them still work out a few times each week, and for Ted this is the 27th year singing in Chicago’s Old St. Patrick’s choir. Jim Harrington and wife say they have no news but are doing just fine, and that, of course, is the best news of all. Jack Harty, as usual, also claims he has no news, but complains that he is never mentioned in the ND column reporting his undergraduate years. Jack Harty Jack Harty Jack Harty. Despite having no news, I can count at least three to four times that his name has appeared in this column, this year, although supplying not a tidbit of information that I can use. — Jim Heinhold; 1200 Carmel Lane, New Bern NC 28562; res 252-638-5913; im4irish@aol.com
68 Grieving and Glorying
Remember when Class Notes were full of baby announcements: that is, announcements of class population increase? We’ve come full circle. Michael R. Quirk, 78, of Wauwatosa WI passed away Friday, Feb. 21, in his home with his family. Dave Hale, who was Bob Noonan’s roommate sophomore and junior years, died March 3 in NH. Thomas Vincent Chema, a mainstay of community life in Cleveland and throughout OH, passed away suddenly on March 16. Cum laude at Notre Dame and then a Harvard lawyer, Tom had a long career of public service, including the presidency of Hiram College from 2003 to 2014. Gini Waters, the Saint Mary’s student so often swept up by our Class along with her sister Joan, died in Brooklyn NY on March 8. Think of them. Remember being with them. (Information about each of the friends, and photos, are available in the news notes emailed to Class members and friends. If your email is correctly listed in the Notre Dame directory, you received the notes. Yes, you did. Look for classof1968@alumni.nd.edu in your email.) MT’s Kevin Miltko ’91 tells us of the recent naming of a bridge in honor of our classmate Arthur Rambo, who died Nov. 26, 1969, in Vietnam combat. Arthur attended Carroll College and transferred to Notre Dame where he graduated with an engineering degree. The Western MT Notre Dame scholarship is named in his memory. Currently, seven MT students are beneficiaries of the scholarship. Pat Furey, who traveled from Molokai HI with his wife, Celeste, to Fort Lauderdale FL made sure that the friends gathered there remembered Bruce Heskett along with other classmates lost in Vietnam. Bruce Heskett? Neil Rogers said that no one was familiar with Bruce from Notre Dame, so Pat’s story had additional power: Pat was with an infantry unit close to the demilitarized zone. The following morning, two Army tank platoons headed toward Pat and the others. What did Pat hear but Bruce Heskett shouting “Hey, Golf (Pat’s sign), Bruce Heskett, Class of ’68, go Domers!” For the two, it was a first meeting and an only meeting. That night, Bruce died when his unit was attacked. Says Pat: “The next time back to Washington DC (Pat’s childhood city), I will bring my family to the Vietnam Wall and pay tribute to Bruce. He was a warrior, a hero and a classmate.” For all the loss reported in this note, Pat and the others made a good attempt to counterbalance it with their own fun. The gathering is an annual one for Rich and Neil Rogers, Dave Graves, Mike Carroll, Bob Santaloci, Brian McManus, Pat DeMare, Pat Furey and Mike Trombetta. “Effulgent,” the description Dave Ferry once applied to John O’Connor, is also apt for the Fort Lauderdale celebrants. Matt Walsh sent his own effulgent report of the visit he and Joyce had with Maureen and Dave Dittmer and their daughter Megan in Willingham NC. “After ND, Dave got his Ph.D. at OSU and then moved into teaching at Northwestern biz school, later moving to Duke and then dean at U of Minnesota school of biz and concluding with over a decade as dean at the prestigious Cornell U Hotel School. Dave continued to teach most years at Cornell and taught for two final years after stepping down as dean. He developed a nickname of ‘Doughnuts Dittman’ because of his habit of giving doughnuts to students who performed well.” During March, where they winter in Naples FL, John Kamp and Bob Brady earned laughs and applause for their musical revue titled Power Corrupts. On to the glorying. Fred Ferlic, Chris Murphy, Class President Tom Weyer and the South Bend powers are at work on a weekend reunion organized around the Oct. 4 game. As of April, more than 50 will be on hand for events that begin Friday night and conclude with a Sunday brunch. The number grows each week. Watch for the emails of class news. — 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 Florida Gatherings, CFB Playoff Games, ND Admissions, and Passings
Late 2024: Charlie Shalvoy wrote that he and Linda Graebner had a big trip last year to Southeast Asia — Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Cambodia and Hong Kong. Father John Sheehan is now the resident priest at Joint Base McGuire Dix in Lakehurst NJ. The School of Architecture invited Tom Shannon’s daughter, Cailin Nikel-Zeuger ’08B.Arch—now residing in Berlin—to serve on a jury to critique student projects. Keri and Tom Shannon visited Cailin and her daughter Zoe during their time on campus. (Cailin has since accepted Notre Dame’s invitation to join the architecture faculty as a visiting professor, starting in August this year.) January: Dr. Bill Berg wrote, “I have retired from my medical practice in Santa Cruz CA. I practiced diagnostic radiology with a specialty in breast imaging.” We know of 11 classmates who attended the OSU national championship game in Atlanta: Mike Karwoski; Dave Seeley; Joe Stein (Karen); Bob Franken; Joe Mansur, Steve Cassetta, Tom Vos, and Tom’s son Douglas; Phil Daniels and son Austin Daniels ’01 (Erendida); Delbert Hosemann (Lynna); John Rank and son; Tom Shannon (Keri); Ed Weinlein (Sharon). The Milwaukee ’69ers had a record turnout for its monthly lunch (the third Wednesday of the month) of 13 out of 16 classmates who live in southeastern WI — John Berres, Tom DeChant, Jim Fackelman, Tom Fischer, Don Jacobson, Steve Kavalauskas, Tony Kluka, Tom Ladky, Jim Lyons, Dan Merritt, Mike McCauley, Pat McDonnell, Mike Ryan, Brian Schmidlin, Tom Shannon and yours truly. The group started over a dozen years ago with four members. For 10 of those years, we have eaten at the same deli in Shorewood with the same waiter, Janet. February: Bill Hurd and Mark Walsh attended the Legacy Track and Field Reunion. While in FL, Jim Atkins (Pat), Steve Kavalauskas (Diane), my wife, Kathleen, and yours truly lunched on Sanibel Island; Dan Merritt (Cindy) visited Terry Fiorina (Karen) in Bonita Springs; Dean Benner, Dick Cimino, John Kenefick and John Quinn hosted eight classmates (Feb. 9-13) in Naples for golf, dinners, etc. Their guests were Tom Ryan, Bill Chapman, Delbert Hosemann, Lou Leone, Greg Schatz, Richard Sullivan, Ed Weinlein and Matt White. March: Errol Flynn (Mary Ann), Gene Hammond, Steve Kavalauskas (Diane) and Mike McCauley (Patty) lunched in Fort Myers FL. April: Dr. Greg Hipskind interpreted a child’s brain scan, which helped prevent the child and siblings from being returned to the custody of their abusive father. ND Admissions accepted the following applicants to the Class of ’29: Dan Merritt’s grandson, Drew Bergan; Erin Rieck, granddaughter of Terry Rieck (d. 2012); and Lydia Stumpf, a fourth-generation Domer — great-grandfather Frank Stumpf ’44, grandfather Chip Stumpf and aunt Robin Stumpf Owings ’93. Peter McInerney attended the Arnold Fields Community Endowment 25th Annual Awards dinner in Hampton SC as an honoree for his leadership of the ND and SMC team that worked on registering voters in the county in the spring of 1969. In memoriam: Jim Jennings, unknown date and place; Bill Wyar, December 1974, Cleveland; Rob Roark, May 2016, Harpswell ME; Danny Vacca, January 2018; Bob Krywicki, May 10, 2023, Van Nuys CA; Dr. James Szymanowski, Nov. 24, 2023, Richmond IN; Dick Casey, Oct. 14, 2024, Clear Lake IA; Larry Moloney, Jan. 3, St. Paul MN; Bill Mitsch, Feb. 12, Upper Arlington OH; Ed Fitzpatrick, March 22, Orange County CA; and Joan Snow, wife of Paul Snow, July 25, 2024, Boise ID. Our sincerest condolences to families and friends. — John Hickey; jphjr47@hotmail.com; notredameclassof1969blog.blogspot.com
69MBA Summer News
I trust everyone is having a nice summer. The months are literally flying by. I haven’t received a ton of messages, but here is what has come in thus far. Sad news to report — Jim Mossey, our classmate from the Twin Cities, passed away Oct. 11, 2024. Dennis McCarthy found the listing in the spring issue of Notre Dame Magazine. My magazine arrived a week after his, so I did not see it, nor did I receive any news from Jim’s family. May he rest in peace. On a happier note, Harlee and Joe McCourt have become grandparents for the first time, as son Jack and his wife gave birth to their first child, a boy. Joe has some catching up to do, since Rita Knittel has about nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and Sara and Nick Walz have a grandson graduating from college! Bob Orthey is still exercising at his health club five days a week, while his wife, Jody, is out walking her 10,000 steps every day all winter. That’s one way to keep healthy, to say the least. Linda and Joe Cavato entertained all children and grandchildren in FL for their annual baseball spring training venture. I believe Joe said they totaled over 20 family members, though visiting in shifts over a two-week period. Please remember to try and access our Zoom calls every four to five weeks. We have had some good conversations. Also remember that our 2025 Mini Reunion is scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 4, when the Irish host Boise State for their first-ever meeting. Please continue your prayers for Sara Walz and for the entire Walz family in this trying time for them. Go Irish! — Ken Samara; 3030 McKinney Ave., Suite 601, Dallas TX 75204; 214-532-2187; kensamara@sbcglobal.net
69JD Blowout in Miami
Joe Frantin hosted many memorable parties at his Fir Road house while we were in law school. Notre Dame opens the football season on Aug. 29 in Miami against the Hurricanes. Joe is willing to open his house for the weekend for classmates (and spouses, children and interesting people met at the airport) not to exceed eight. Let Joe know by text, 305-665-3233, if you are interested. He is scheduled for replacement parts — two hips and a shoulder. Joe Kennedy has joined the TAVR club with me and Mick Jagger. Joe is doing great after having his aortic valve replaced. Tom McCusker has been granted Irish citizenship. He received the good news just before St. Patrick’s Day. Tony Siemer followed through on his threat to retire and closed his office and now watches the corn grow in central IL. George Ball and Jim Brady attended the NCAA hockey finals to watch their undergrad alma mater, Western Michigan, beat Boston U. George played hockey at WMU and Jim serves on the foundation board. We lost two more classmates. Bob Neirynck died last June. Bob practiced in his home town of Bloomington IL. Bob’s favored charity was St. Vincent de Paul. We also lost Frank Murray. Al Bannon asked if anyone will be attending his memorial the Purdue football weekend, Sept. 20. Judging by the emails I received, Bob and Frank were well respected and loved members of our Class. Let me know if you are planning on attending football games. I will be at the SC game on Oct. 18. — James Starshak; 889 Kaohe Place, Honolulu HI 96825; res 808-395-0443; cell 808-778-4033; starman@hawaii.rr.com