1960s

60 Some Intriguing News
I continue to get calls and notes from classmates and friends expressing consolation and support and am most appreciative of all your notes and phone calls. At this moment, Dec. 20, the hottest news item is the playoffs and how the rules were apparently manipulated to get ND out and a couple lesser teams inserted into the magical playoffs. I’m sure, by the time you read this, solutions will have been found. I sent an extremely interesting medical report to the Class (417 of whom have email addresses in the ND system), from Nick Healy, dealing with severe cancer problems and how he has dealt with the problems and the out-of-scope, so to speak, treatment plans he used to handle the issues. If you don’t have an email address in the system, let me or Nick know and we can get you a copy of the report. From Tom Kurt: “I feel that ESPN has a role in this, as we have the X Games in Aspen put on by ESPN for the last 20 years with a contract with Aspen Ski Co. that expires this year, and X Games is expected to expand into other major ski areas.” From Charlie Riehm: “Wow, Steve makes the case in concrete! I hope he will tell his whole story to all the fans. Especially why they dropped the bowl game. Comparing ND-Miami via the early game was illogical, but advancing Alabama was ludicrous and even criminal. Bah humbug! Have a great Christmas anyway!” From Keith Hague: “Thanks for Steve Barry’s info on the CFP. I can’t help but wonder if the chairman of the CFP committee was affected by the ND overwhelming defeat of Arkansas this year and the termination of their coach. This may have influenced his management of the committee and the late-term drop of ND in the rankings. Happy holidays and best wishes.” (Class Secretary Note: Keep in mind the committee deciding the CFP are miniscule compared to the 100-plus coaches who had ND at No. 9 continuing several weeks after the pairings of the CFP were made.) From Gene Masters: “Thank you for passing this on. It put into words for me a series of logical arguments to back up my gut feelings. Merry Christmas to you and your families.” From Gale Cawley: “Thanks Joe for sending this. I think I have just now become too busy to watch any of the playoff, bowl games or ESPN. I’m still living at my place on Hagar Shore Road … not that far from DiMagio’s pizza! Although retired from AAL since 1998 … given the heave-ho required by the FAA for my 60th birthday present, I’ve flown privately since. Sold my airplane in July, and don’t know if I will get another. Insurance companies are pretty reluctant to issue policies to old fogies. I hardly ever go over to the campus anymore. It is still beautiful, but is hardly recognizable since it has grown so much. This old distance runner has all I can muster to walk a few blocks at a time now. But, my wife and I are getting along fine with reasonable health, and her good care. Time is getting more precious for both of us.” From Bob Skryzcki: “Incidentally, in elementary school, I received a perfect attendance pin each year. When we arrived at ND in late September 1956, I caught something which put me in the infirmary for two days. That is the last time I have had a cold, flu or virus. Here’s what I think happened — we all grew up in our sheltered neighborhoods establishing immunities. When we arrived at ND, we encountered kids from other states, other countries and other continents. I think I caught something my immune system had never seen before. Since then, I have not been sick. There isn’t anything I do to make that happen. It is just a gift which has been given to me. I think I also got a boost of heredity from my mother’s side. Her parents along with her six brothers and sisters all lived well into their 90s and were never sick. God has been good to me.” From Bill Quinlan: “Yes, we are fortunate to be here and to be able to think. Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your great-grandson. (Class Secretary Note: My first great-grandson, Brooks Thomas Jansen, Dec. 12). My Puerto Rican-born wife, Carmen, and I recently were part of a large crowd celebrating the quinceañera (15-year-old coming-out party in the Hispanic tradition) of her great-granddaughter.” Drop me a note with short stories! This article comes mostly from notes from you. And please — single space. I get hammered for double space. — Joseph F. Jansen; 317-514-4478; jfjansen38@gmail.com

61 Get in Touch
It has been an honor, a joy and a delight to have served as secretary of our class for the past two-plus years. Now the downside. Simply stated, if I do not receive calls, text messages or snail mail from my classmates, the news will continue to get slimmer and my articles will become shorter. Thank you to those who attended our Class of ’61 “Mini Reunion” on the weekend of March 14, in Naples FL and thank you to everyone who has registered for the June 4 - 7 Reunion at Notre Dame (visit reunion.nd.edu for more information). Jim Fahy’s widow called to share the news of Jim’s passing at their home in Leesburg FL from Alzheimer’s on Aug. 11, 2025. Jim had a lengthy career in the home furnishing industry. He was the father of two and the grandfather of two. Dan Lyons wrote to mention that Frank Ditchey died suddenly Oct. 13, 2025. Dave Stuart also died that same day in Sonoma CA following a lengthy illness. Bob Donnellon wrote to say that he is safely ensconced in his new digs in Ann Arbor MI, watching all the Wolverine students stride by Michigan Stadium every morning. On Veterans Day, I received a lengthy phone call from the “Rahway Rabbit,” old #37, Bob Scarpitto, who now calls Carmel CA home. For all you sports trivia buffs, Bob, who played all six years with the old American Football League’s Denver Broncos professional gridiron squad as a running back and a punter, was credited with setting, and holding, the pro-football record for the longest punt for more than 30 years, when he booted the pigskin for an incredible 87 yards! And if you don’t believe it, you can take the advice of another #37, Casey Stengel, who was credited with the phrase, “You can look it up.” Way to go, “Scarp”! Hey Bob, I was wondering — for how many of those yards did the ball roll? Bob now busies himself working twice a week as a pro-shop greeter and as a golfer for the remaining days. Congratulations to Dick Ballot on his recent retirement from a company which he founded from scratch, named Flocon, after 24 years at the helm. The company is located in Woodstock IL and is now being operated by Bob’s two sons. This is truly one of the finest inspirational stories for our class. I am also proud to announce that Dick is one of 23 members of our class who also attended, and graduated from, the same high school, Chaminade, in Mineola NY. Royal Regan will be making his television debut in February in the mini-serial Pitt Stop. He will be appearing in a scene located in the hospital room in his walker. I am already prompted to campaign for a possible nomination for an Oscar. Thank you so much to Art Armento, Bill Welch and Mose Glynn for their consistent communiques to me concerning the activities of our fellow alums from the Class of 1961. And finally, I appeal to this newest baker’s dozen list of classmates to contact me via phone, text message or snail mail to inform all of your fellow classmates of what is occurring in your lives, respectively: David Petre, Robert Phelan, Raymond Patak, Ronald Olson, Denis Owens, Vincent Naso, Jim Nack, Joseph Murray, Mike Nash, Louis Neeb, Tim Lynch, Bob Maheny and Gerald Mathers. Happy Easter 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 Some Olympic Suggestions
Ray Stefani earned a monogram in swimming and has a long history in writing and researching Olympic sports, especially swimming. With this background he said he “made several suggestions to the LA Olympic committee, most of which were adopted. I convinced them to move out of just the downtown area and to use venues all over Southern CA; to move rowing from a dangerously hot and potential fire-hazard inland reservoir to a safe and comfortable ocean canal (which they did four days after my letter). I also suggested offering lacrosse so the Iroquois that invented the sport might be able to compete.” Rich Catenacci relayed a story about a chance meeting he had with Tyler Newsome, who punted for ND and is now with the Arizona Cardinals. Tyler wore number 85 with the Irish, the same number Rich’s four-year roommate — Nick Buoniconti — wore with the Dolphins. But the kicker (no pun intended) is that Tyler lived in 230 Keenan, where Rich and Nick lived as freshmen. Rich has had a distinguished career as an attorney in NJ and served on the ND Law School Council for many years. He just successfully completed chemo treatment for a tumor on his foot, which is now gone. I have gotten many inquiries asking if I am still sending my Sunday messages because several are saying they are not getting them. The University confirmed the emails are being sent, but the problem could be: your email address has changed; you have accidentally unsubscribed from getting emails from the University; or some internet service providers are deciding the email is spam. If you think you may have accidently unsubscribed, let me know. If it has been deemed spam, the suggestion is to contact your provider and ask that the email address classof1962@alumni.nd.edu, as well as mine (shown below), be “white papered.” Once done, the emails will be received. Charles Bush died in FL on Sept. 26, 2025. Upon graduation, he went into Navy OCS. After discharge, he spent his career in financial services. Mike Woods died Oct. 14, 2025, in NV where he had been active in residential and commercial real estate. Denny O’Connell died Oct. 23 in Suffern NY. Denny was a pilot with TWA. Hundreds attended his funeral, with tributes being offered by many organizations in his community. Dick Naab died Nov. 1. After a try at pro football, he had a highly regarded 30-year Army career serving mostly in Germany. He retired as a colonel. Tom Finegan died Nov. 9. After the Navy, he went to law school and then served in the Cook County public defender’s office in post-trial matters. Jim Gately died Dec. 17 in WI. He had practiced law for over 40 years in Chicago. John Heywood died Christmas Day in Vancouver BC. He received a Ph.D. in mathematics at Stanford and then became a professor at the U of British Columbia where he remained until retiring in 2005. Peter Maloney died Dec. 30 in Latham NY. After active duty he worked as an engineer and retired as manager of technical services for a concrete company. Pete was also noted for his prowess on the golf course. Jack Green died Jan. 3. He had served in the Peace Corps in the Philippines after graduation and then went into the family business in DuBois PA. He was very active in the community and was the recipient of many awards. — Raymond Raedy; 5310 Rileys Ridge Road, Hillsborough NC 27278; 919-967-8816; nd62secy@medicinemanremedies.com

62JD Please Send Updates
I didn’t receive any life updates this quarter, but please send your summer updates by April 18. I would love to hear from you. — Christine Stucko; christinestucko@gmail.com

63 And Then There Were Two
We are still planning a “gathering”at the official University Reunion on June 4 - 7, the type being dependent upon the number of our attendees. Let me know if you hope to be there at johndoc969@gmail.com. Information about the Reunion as a whole is available at reunion.nd.edu. Jeremiah Patrick O’Grady went to his final reward Oct. 31, 2025, in Gladwyne PA, surrounded by his wife of 61 years, Kay; sons Perry, Paul and Christopher ’89; and eight grandchildren. Following graduation, he earned an MBA from the U of Pennsylvania and, as his obit pointed out, “became the embodiment of the post-war American success story.” He began his career at Goldman Sachs in NY, later relocating to Philadelphia, and then back to NY with Jeffries & Co. where he started an extremely successful convertible bond desk. Jerry was both a giver and a connector. He was extremely generous with both his time and funds supporting a great number of charitable institutions, including the Philadelphia Orchestra (where he was on the board). He served on the Arts and Letters Advisory Council and Performing Arts Council at Notre Dame and made a Notre Dame education possible for many students around the country through his endowed scholarship program. Also, Jerry and our classmate Jim Nolen set up the Newman Scholarship program to fund a two-week summer project sending Archdiocese of Philadelphia students to Notre Dame to get a feel for campus. He was a masterful networker and many people owe jobs, board seats and memberships to his intervention. Jerry was the seventh of the original nine members of our class belonging to the Philadelphia Country Club to have passed away. Surviving are Jim Nolen and John Dougherty; no longer with us are Tom Shallow, Jim Bruder, Ray Weinman, Mike Ryan, John O’Brien and Matt McCloskey. Brian “Bomber” Richardson has been in touch with Dick Martin, who is living in Falls Church VA. He lives by himself with several caretakers. Jim Kletter died Oct. 28, 2025, in Mt. Lebanon PA, survived by his wife of 55 years, Signe, and three children and seven grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Elaine Richardson, wife of our own Brian Richardson. Jim died of Parkinson’s and had dementia; Signe also has dementia. Following graduation, Jim served in the US Army and then earned a JD from Duquesne U. Jim was a classmate during elementary and high school of Denny Phillips, Bud Vogel, Dick Martin and Ken Yeckley. The Alumni Office has advised of the passings of the following classmates: Leo Donald Maus Ph.D. on Sept. 21, 2025, in Houston, survived by his wife, Jacqueline, and two children; and Louis J. Andrew Jr. on Nov. 4, 2025, in Milwaukee WI, survived by his wife, Susanne. — John F. Dougherty Jr.; 915 Exeter Crest, Villanova PA 19085; 215-510-0844; johndoc969@gmail.com

63JD Class Notes Author Needed — This class is in search of a Class Notes author. If you would like to volunteer, please contact beth.thomas@nd.edu.

64 An Enjoyable Chat . . .
. . . With municipal executive par excellence Jim Oliver the other day. Beginning as a newspaper and television reporter after graduation, he quickly transitioned to government work. Jim ultimately served as the top administrator or city manager in four major VA communities, certainly a Tidewater trifecta plus one! After “retiring,” Jim was even called back into service at 74 to serve as Norfolk city treasurer and clean up the problems of a predecessor. His abundant accomplishments netted him recognition as Norfolk “First Citizen” in 2016. He and Mary have three daughters, six grandkids and six great-grandchildren. An equally distinguished career in an altogether different field for Tom Goberville. After ND and a short time in Canadian football, Tom attended med school at Northwestern before starting a residency in orthopedic surgery in Miami. Bitten by the Sunshine State weather bug, the family made a commitment to the area and so began over 45 years of service to their FL community. Tom was recognized as the 2013 - 2014 recipient of the Brian Piccolo Distinguished American Award as the “former player who has carried the lessons learned on the football field into a life of service.” He plays bridge three times a week and still works out with a trainer. But he misses his orthopedic surgery. Jack McCabe reports in from San Diego where he continues to work long hours in his family law practice, trying to repair or make the best out of damaged relationships. His wife has a chronic and complex health condition that has stressed the family finances. Kudos to Jack for his courage and commitment, and for surviving five private university educations for his kids with no student loans. The couple has 12 grandchildren. In other news, Dave Garner writes from DC about a pleasant experience he had during the 33rd reunion of the USMC battalion he landed with in Vietnam 60 years ago: 2nd Bn 9th Marines. At the dinner, Dave was presented with a Quilt of Valor by the Quilt of Valor Foundation. Well done, Dave! As always, a group from the dinner heads down to The Wall to leave a wreath of remembrance in honor of their comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice. Dave also communicated the good news that Notre Dame’s NROTC unit was recognized by the Department of Defense as the best NROTC unit in the country. Quite an honor. I was again able to participate in one of Nick Muller’s popular Zoom calls, joining Tom Fox, Bill Meeker, Jack McCabe, Don Stepan, Jim Drury and Pat Callahan. I subsequently learned that Pat’s wife, Patsy, passed away just before Christmas. This followed nearly six years of extraordinary resilience, grace and courage after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke in 2020. A most accomplished woman. Several classmates shared the news that baseball star John Counsell had passed away in WI. John built a long and successful career in the sports world, starting off by playing within the Minnesota Twins organization, then coaching for the Notre Dame team, working in the Milwaukee Brewers’ front office and finishing within the world of professional golf. John was especially devoted to his wife, Jeanette, caring for her throughout her illness. That love and engagement extended to both children and six grandkids who survive. John Borchard of Somis CA passed in August. A respected leader in the agricultural community, John (the eldest of six siblings) was a fifth-generation farmer in Ventura County. Wife Nancy, six children and 15 grandchildren survive. Finally, I learned from Jim Thunder ’72 that Prof. Ray Bradt died last year. With two degrees from ND and both an MA and a Ph.D. in philosophical theology from Yale, he was an accomplished teacher at Hampshire College and a deeply reflective writer. — Paul R. Charron; 44 Contentment Island Road, Darien CT 06820; 917-860-5385; paul.richard.charron@gmail.com

64JD Class Notes Author Needed — This class is in search of a Class Notes author. If you would like to volunteer, please contact beth.thomas@nd.edu.

65 Prolific Writer
Robert Dilenschneider’s 20th book, In Civility and Civics, received a very favorable review in the WSJ, which stated that it is “a gentle book that brims with wisdom and accessible philosophy.” Robert based his book on extensive hours interviewing well-known civic mentors for their advice on a more civilized society. He is the founder of the Dilenschneider Group in NYC, a strategic consulting firm. Previously he was president and CEO of Hill and Knowlton, a global PR firm. Harlee and Joe McCourt in Houston welcomed their first grandchild last year. Joe remains active with Harlee Medical Technologies. Bill O’Neill was a married student with two daughters under 3 when we graduated. In 1970 he left the Air Force to join P&G and later switched to Readers’ Digest on their business side working in Tokyo, Copenhagen and Paris. His first wife had passed, and he met his current wife, Jodi, in Paris and celebrated 18 years of marriage. He has four children including Bill ’88 and Jeannette ’89SMC plus grand- and great-grandchildren. In 1995 he retired to Sarasota. Since the old ND dorms have been renovated or demolished, Brian Barbour and Jack O’Connell are lamenting that their Lyons arch room and several adjoining rooms have been converted into a lounge. Unfortunately, more classmates are passing away. Amy Karr ’95 wrote that her dad, Bill Siddons, died last August in Manchester CT, which was noted in our last column, but additional details have been received. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kathy, plus Amy and a son. Bill had a BS and MS in aerospace engineering and spent his career at Pratt & Whitney specializing in computational fluid dynamics. He had served as a 1st lieutenant in the Army. Tom Hanley and John Gearen wrote that after 30 years of battling prostate cancer, Mel Noel passed away in December in Oak Park IL where he was born and lived. Mel entered the world on Christmas Eve as the carolers were singing “Noel, Noel,” which made the Chicago papers. After earning his JD at Northwestern Law School, his illustrious career included head of the criminal justice division at the IL attorney general’s office and later as senior staff attorney at the National Acquisition Center of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Along with these professional responsibilities he remained active on many Oak Park community boards. Mel is survived by his wife, Sandy, and four daughters. After a brief battle with pancreatic cancer, Charlie Smith passed away last December. His MBA at Harvard Business School led to investment banking then CFO of Video Corp. of America, and in 1995 he started his own company, Data Lath LLC. Charlie and his wife, Ellie, retired in Mattapoisett MA where he pursued his passion for sailing the New England coastline. Along with Ellie he is survived by two daughters and grand- and great-grandchildren. On New Year’s Day Bob Stewart passed away in Gloucester MA where he had his own law practice specializing in trust estates and advanced tax planning. After serving five years on the staff of Admiral Rickover, who developed the nuclear submarine fleet, Bob graduated from Harvard Law School and earned a master’s in taxation from Boston U School of Law where he became an adjunct professor. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn. Last August Ken Peirce died in Grand Rapids MI. He is survived by his wife, Jill. Also, in August Lester Rieck died in Fox Lake IL. He is survived by his wife, Veronica. Last October, Bill Marx passed away in Shoreline WA. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and daughter, Sara ’95. — James P. Harnisch MD; 6759 West Mercer Way; Mercer Island WA 98040; jphnd65@hotmail.com

65JD Updates Needed
Gentlemen: I need input if you wish to see output. The summer column updates are due April 18. — John Donald O’Shea; irishplaywright1@gmail.com

66 Rollin’ on the River
That line from a classic CCR tune, “Proud Mary,” signifies what will occur near the verdant banks of the St. Joe River this June 4 - 7, our 60th ND Reunion! Be part of what early response indicates will be a strong turnout of mates. Class Prez Cappy Gagnon will preside, along with world-class webmaster Jack Gerken (1966.undclass.org) for the 12th time, as we meet to renew fellowship, share memories and relate life journeys. It will be another memorable gathering, so register now at reunion.nd.edu! I asked Tony Andrea, in VT, if the Nightliters might reprise their super show that rocked the entire quad for our 10th. TA said unlikely as some of the group have passed and the rest have “retired” from their musical exploits. My three-year roomie, the late Mike Wadsworth, and I lived next to TA and his roomie Tom Belden in Stanford frosh year when he and the late Bob Basche formed the band. Other ’66ers in the group, well-known in the SB region, were the late Bob Straker, along with Tom Meyer and John Houlihan. Dr. Bob Lombardo will join TA in the Morris Inn in June and they look forward to seeing Mike Rush and Bill Loftus, also slated to be at the inn. TA heard from Mike Caolo in Dallas and Mark Gonring and hopes they make Reunion. He wonders if Phil Sheridan and Bob Meeker will attend. What about Bill “Gator” Zloch? Ray Neihengen in ChiTown lost his wife of 53 years, Kathy, during TG week. He welcomes prayers for her. Also recently passing, All-American ND gridder and teammate Nick Eddy from Tracy CA, who started with us and finished in ’67. He was the offensive “engine” who helped drive the Irish to the ’66 national title. Following his pro career with the Lions, Nick was a special ed teacher in Modesto CA. Great guy, RIP! Jack Gerken hears from ND HS, Niles (IL) UND mates. John Devona, of Western Springs IL, visited campus during the fall break, evoking good memories. Jerry Erbach resides in the DC area and was remodeling his retreat in Sanibel FL, following hurricane damage. Terry Kiwala of Lake Forest IL volunteers as general counsel for the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, which ministers to Christians in the Holy Land. Jim Starshak aloha’ed from HI that he and Sue hit Switzerland and that he made the USC game on campus. Tom Trebat is retiring from Columbia U, for which he has headed a major research facility in Rio de Janeiro for 13 years. Bill Scanlon of Oak Hill VA is consulting part-time on health policy, and he and Martha traveled to Maui and Montreal in recent times. Tom Gorman is in the Atlanta area. Cap stays in touch with mates including Doug Ford, John Spoelstra, Bill Overkampf, Walt Babst, Howie York, Ray Flynn, Tom Eagen, Bill Joseph, Jack Pavlic and Dean Planeaux. Jamie Toohey hosted a neighborhood Christmas party in Evanston IL and is warming up in FL. Others attending 60: Shirley and Tom Begley, Kathy and Tom Belden, Ben Campbell, Sharon and Bob “Corky” Corcoran, John Flatley, Ted Frericks, Joe Guiltinan, Mary and Jim Ireton, Paul Joubert, Harry Long, Pat Madden, Dick Martiny, Pat McRedmond, Betsy and George Palmer, Rosemary and David Rentschler, Kathy and Gus Rini, Myra Gamble and Tim Streb, Ann and Jamie Toohey, Joe Pete Wilbert, Sid Baker, Jim Denig, and Denis O’Toole. See you in June! Peace from Naples FL, where golf with Al Augustine is on tap. — Tom Sullivan; 143 Villabrook Way, Baltimore MD 21212; cell 773-454-4343; t66sullynd@gmail.com

66JD Still Around
Thanks to the persistence of Walt Terry in contacting the Alumni Office for information about classmates, it appears that 26 of us are still above ground, vertical and breathing. Four of you have not provided email addresses, and some addresses from the other 22 are not valid at this point. My contact information is below, and it would be greatly appreciated if you would provide me with your email and/or phone information. That information will not be distributed unless you request that I provide it to another classmate. 2026 marks 60 years since our graduation. Please consider sending some personal information about yourself as well. I’m sure that many of the surviving 26 would like to hear from or about you. Stay healthy! — Scott Maxwell; 2781 Siena Lakes Circle, Unit 2444, Naples FL 34109; cell 215-920-0616; ndscotty@gmail.com

67 Visit to Sorin
Rick Kalamaya was on campus for the NC State game last fall and toured his old dorm, the now completely revamped Sorin Hall. Rick found himself having a conversation with Rev. Monk Malloy, CSC, ’63, ’67MA, ’69MA in his Sorin room and they reminisced about the old days when Rick (and Monk) lived there, including jumping out of the second floor onto a pile of laundry bags. Monk informed Rick that Austin Carr ’71 had lived in Rick’s old room and was the best basketball player that Monk ever saw play at Notre Dame. After the game Rick ventured to the Linebacker where he had a conversation with two students, one from Scotland and one from Dallas. One student bought Rick a Jameson shot and they all hugged before departing, which gave Rick a positive feeling about the future. Tom Rieck, Steve Hartel and Bob Browne together with their wives had their annual traditional fall dinner at Morton’s Steakhouse in Northbrook IL just before the Boise State game. While on campus they visited with Bob’s wife’s cousin, Rev. Nicholas Ayo, CSC, in Corby Hall, during which time Rev. Bob Dowd, CSC, ’87 strolled by, which generated a short conversation with the University president. Steve and his wife, Pat, visited the previous week with Bob Werner in Little Rock AR for the Arkansas game. Bob is an antique car enthusiast. Steve and Pat met with Tim Wagner in New Orleans. All are in good health, although Tom is giving up night games, with Texas A&M being his last as he didn’t get home to Winnetka IL until after 2 in the morning. Tom, Steve and Bob each have daughters who are alumnae and Bob also has an alumnus son. Dick Kiekbusch informs us that Dave White passed away Nov. 4, 2025, in assisted living in Milwaukee. Dave was a sociology major. Also passing away in December 2025 was Nick Eddy in Northern CA, near Tracy where he was raised. Nick was one the last college football players to be drafted by both the NFL and AFL by the Detroit Lions and the Denver Broncos. In his first game with Detroit he returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown. Although he played six years with the Lions, an early knee injury hampered his pro career. Nick was in insurance sales for most of his early work life but volunteered coaching high school football and track. He moved back to CA with his wife, Jean, earned a master’s degree and spent many years in his second career as a special education teacher in Modesto CA, where he was known for his patience and compassion. Nick is survived by his wife, four children and nine grandchildren. Please write to help keep us all informed. — Bert R. Bondi; 1891 Curtis St., Unit 1502, Denver CO 80202; bertrbondi@gmail.com

67JD It’s Always Somethin’
Last issue I reported that Ken Lazarus’ wife, Marylyn, had suffered a stroke but after an intense course of physical rehab, she has virtually no outward signs of it. Now, Ken relates that several months ago he was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, but there was no cancer, although his lungs were filled with some of the most exotic bacteria known to mankind. Some of the bacteriologists at Johns Hopkins suggested a course of heavy-duty antibiotics, but Ken’s medical team of oncologists and cardiac specialists advised against it; the cure being worse than the disease. Ken reports that both Marylyn and he continue to heal and are in pretty good shape for the shape they’re in and wish everyone a happy new year. Carol and Dick Muench are planning a trip to Ireland in May. Both have family roots there and they’ll visit the towns where their ancestors came before immigrating to the US. Margaret and Jerry Berthold have sold their home and 46 acres in GA and moved to a retirement community in Lake Oswego OR, where they have family nearby. Jerry says it’s lovely in every way despite being surrounded by old people, and the movers have lost his golf clubs! Sarah and Gary Kaup continue to spend winters in Marco Island FL and summers in Angola IN. They are only an hour from campus and offer lodging to classmates attending games. The Harringtons continue to enjoy their adult grandchildren with their spouses from Lebanon, Pakistan, India and the northside of Chicago. Family dinners resemble the UN General Assembly. Jack Harty and Dave Kamm checked in with emails, but both insist they didn’t have any news. However, both extended their best wishes for a happy and healthy new year to all their ND classmates. — Jim Heinhold; 1200 Carmel Lane, New Bern NC 28562; res 252-638-5913; im4irish@gmail.com

68 Limited and Late
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away . . . Well, about three months ago, an expanded form of what follows went to each of you who has your email address properly registered in the Notre Dame directory. The printed notes in Notre Dame Magazine have been nice, but only the most hardened luddites fail to know the internet permits timely communication with images and unrestricted space for material. If you want to be a hip, up-to-the-moment member of the Class of 1968, make sure your email address is in order (you can email onlinehelp@alumni.nd.edu for help subscribing) and watch for what comes with “ND68” in it. Case in point: January is the time class members, timely as the swallows going to Capistrano, congregate not in CA but in Naples FL. If you are depending on the printed notes for this news, too late: They’ve returned north by now. For Roger Guerin, Mary Lou Toolan, Carmi and Chris Murphy, Richard DiLorenzo, Bill Sweetman, Kathleen and Bob Brady, Meg and Jeff Keyes, Sue and John Kamp, Jack Duffy, and Mary and Tom Weyer, the chance to golf and enjoy happy hour before an early bird dinner is a nice break from the other months’ schedule of golf, happy hour and early bird dinner. Many Chicago classmates enjoy time with new friends, those they met as recently as fifth grade. Dave Martin, who was Fred Schwartz’s roommate, sent a copy of the correspondence Fred’s mother assembled after Fred’s death during Peace Corps service in Swaziland, now Eswatini. On Jan. 11, 1970, Fred and another volunteer died when their borrowed car plunged over the edge of the road and landed far below. Among the letters Fred wrote as he informed his family of the thoughts, hopes and adventures coming to him in the small country, most of it surrounded by South Africa, are letters from Joan and Bill Dunfey, Jay Schwartz, and Tom McCloskey, also a Peace Corps volunteer. Fred was a middle child with four brothers and three sisters. Raised in Salina KS, a son and brother of Notre Dame alumni, Fred brought General Program breadth of interest to the Peace Corps undertaking. His mother’s foreword introduces a question Fred pondered and answered with positive emphasis as he grew in his work: “His major was General Program … I’m sure he became very tired of hearing, ‘But what’s it good for?’” In a letter home, in comments about a National Catholic Reporter article having something to do with youth rejection of the status quo, Fred referred to his General Program study as “somewhat of an underground railroad within the university.” He wrote to his brother John about society and years ahead. Fred anticipated living self-sufficiently in KS: growing his own food, “making things with my hands or mind.” “I must build a society that does not live off the old one.” Dave Martin sent me the computer files. If you would like to have some or all, let me know. Tom Gibbs and Roger Guerin, who know how to get the buckos together, hosted a table at the December Irish Fellowship luncheon in Chicago. At the table were Roger and Tom along with Tom Weyer, Mick Hyland, Bryan Dunigan, John Walsh and Rick McPartlin. In your prayers, remember Rich Falvey, Larry “Monk” Forness, Steve Sackley, John Brady and Tom O’Leary. Please send photos and updates to — Tom Figel; 570 Sheridan Square, Apt. 3, Evanston IL 60202; 312-241-7917; tfigel@reputecture.com

68JD Round Up
My Notre Dame “round up” request for information resulted in a very limited response. While I noted in my request that hearsay evidence would be accepted, this did not result in any significant additions. The highlight of this publication is to announce to the class that Charlie Weiss now has some gray hair. Next, I received a call from Jim Cooling wherein he noted that he was accepted into the U of Missouri Army Hall of Fame. The “key” factor was his storied contribution to the success of the ROTC program during his two years of service in Germany. (Key: Jim memorialized the word “key” while at Notre Dame, but my recollection is that it generally referred to females.) Jim’s tour of duty in Germany was highlighted by a visit from Charlie Weiss, plus Charlie’s brother, and myself in 1969. We were treated to an enjoyable weekend for which no photographs remain. Next, Tom Curtin added that Charlie Weiss and he remain on the Notre Dame Law School Board, and that they were back-to-back presidents in 2001 and 2002. Tom also advised that the Madison Manor Apartment Conclave had various sons and daughters admitted into Notre Dame including Pete, Tom, Charlie, Dick and Landy. I recently spoke to J.C. Coyle and he gave an update as to his new life in FL. NJ will never be the same without the presence of Judge Coyle. Allen Barnard fully retired in May 2018, which was exactly 50 years after he started as a law clerk with his firm (a few weeks before we graduated). Since retiring, he has been pursuing his hobby of investing for his own account mostly in stocks and mutual funds, but also some real estate. Over the last few years he and Andi have managed to travel quite a bit, including St. Martin last winter, a wine tasting trip to WA last spring, a trip in August to Edinburgh, Scotland, to see one of his grandsons and his significant other in a fringe festival play; a trip to Basel, Switzerland, to begin a river voyage down the Rhine over New Year’s; and they are planning an April trip to travel on the Rhone river sponsored by MPR and the Minnesota Orchestra. The Rhone River trip will include a concert pianist and his wife, a concert violinist in her own right. Andi and Allen traveled with them on a similar trip on the Seine a couple of years ago and thoroughly enjoyed their music each evening for cocktail hour. The retired life has been good for Andi and Allen, and both of their kids live in nearby suburbs as do two of their grandkids. Their other two grandkids live in Madison WI. Their son, Aaron, will be installed as president of Global SIOR in October, and daughter Alana has her own travel business. Andi and Allen hope that life has been good for all of you as it has been for them. Finally, I had back surgery in November 2025 and am making a good recovery. — Dennis G. Collins; 2203 Derby Way, St. Louis MO 63131; bus 314-516-2648; cell 314-229-9286; dcollins@ubglaw.com

69 Spring Updates
June 2025: Gary Materna became the Ohio Valley regional director for a three-year term on the Notre Dame Senior Alumni board. He is the 10th ’69er to serve on this board. October: On the weekend of the USC game, the College Football Hall of Fame’s On-Campus Salute feted Terry Hanratty’s induction into the CFHOF. In addition to his family, other attendees were teammates Bob Gladieux, George Goeddeke ’67, Jay Jordan, George Kunz, Steve Quinn ’68 and Tom Reynolds. The formal induction ceremony took place in Las Vegas on Dec. 9 with family and George Kunz in attendance. Don Wycliff published his memoir, Before the Byline: A Journalist’s Roots. November: While visiting family in Boston, Joe Carroll lunched with fellow math major Peter Kirwin. Joe also attended the BC game with his son, Jeff. While visiting Milwaukee, Gene Hammond had dinner with Mike McCauley (Patty) and Steve Kavalauskas (Diane). He also had coffee with John Hickey the next day. Tom Flanagan (Betsy), Larry Pezanko (Sally), Greg Ryder (Nancy), Chip Stumpf (Cathy), and Carol Rimlinger (widow of Gary Rimlinger, d. 2022) tailgated and attended the Navy game. The Bluff City Medical Society in Memphis TN awarded Dr. Bill Hurd the 2025 Legends Award for Outstanding Leadership and Service. Cambridge Who’s Who recognized North Palm Beach attorney and Double Domer David J. White “for demonstrating dedication, leadership and excellence in civil litigation.” December: Mike Brennan was featured in the Day 6 episode of Sacred Stories of Notre Dame, in which Mike related the story of the death of his brother, Tom Brennan ’57, and the intercession of St. André Bessette, CSC. January: While traveling from DC to Napierville IL to visit family, Tom Altmeyer (Kate) had lunch with Tom Ladky (Sally). Nancy and Greg Ryder, and their four sons who graduated from IU, attended the Peach Bowl and the College Football Hall of Fame to successfully cheer on the Hoosiers. The class blog hit 1.6 million page views. Thank you to everyone who contributed stories and photos. In memoriam: Thomas McGowan MD, May 22, 2025; Bill Darrow, June 15, Sun City West AZ; Charles “C.M.” Johnson MD, June 19, Rochester MN; Alexander Wojcicki, July 22, Fayetteville NC; Mike Karowski, Dec. 11, Warren MI; Joe Rust, Dec. 18, Asheville NC; Dave Heskin, Jan. 19, Granger IN. Roslyn “Roz” (Castrogiovanni) Hill ’69SMC, widow of Stephen Hill (d. 1989), died Oct. 28 in Houston. You can read their obituaries and blog memorials at the class blog linked below. Our condolences to their families and friends. Requiescant in pace. It appears that I am cancer-free after having my bladder and prostate removed in December 2025. Thank you for your support and prayers. Since I announced my chemo treatments in August, I have received many messages and phone calls from classmates who have said they are undergoing similar treatments. One of those was from Terry Hanratty, who wanted to share that he was receiving chemo treatments for stage 4 small-cell lung cancer. Please keep him and other classmates who are dealing with medical issues in your prayers. Also, please send me your news. — John Hickey; jphjr47@hotmail.com; notredameclassof1969blog.blogspot.com

69MBA A Dry News Cycle
I haven’t received much news this cycle. I’m not sure if classmates are awaiting the CFP game tonight, or if everyone just stayed home for the holidays. I did hear from Gene Dixon. He and his wife were visiting West Palm Beach FL and while attending Sunday Mass, as they were seated, who do they see but Jerry Claeys! An amazing coincidence. I also received word from Jim Halas who attended a high school reunion and had fun, including his continued Argentine Tango ballroom dancing. Jim also noted the ever-increasing hotel room rates that seem to increase every year. I was able to secure a reasonable rate in Mishawaka, so if you plan on attending either the Rice or Michigan State games, book a reservation now. We will set either a game week, depending on potential night game for our mini-reunion. Please continue prayers for Sarah Walz SMC, Nick Walz and the entire Walz family. Join our monthly Zoom calls (they can be fun) and please write or call me with news you’d like to share. — Ken Samara; 3030 McKinney Ave., Suite 601, Dallas TX 75204; 214-532-2187; kensamara@sbcglobal.net

69JD Traveling Irish
Sue and I have taken several trips on tours sponsored by the University. They were very good and very informative. This year we are off to Bordeaux and Basque country in Spain. I tried to convince John Macleod to join us, but he and Ann have a trip planned to Anguilla. John is keeping an eye on the situation in Venezuela. Joe Frantin has devised a method of determining the teams in the bowl championship after the debacle this past year. He has sent it to a number of our classmates, including John at his old email address. He was spot-on with his prediction that the championship game would be between Miami and Indiana. I told Joe I had a word limit, but as always, he was very detailed in the process. In Joe’s system, points would be awarded every week for each team’s performance that week including the outcome of the game, home or away, the strength of the opponent (ranking, strength of schedule), the cheerleading squad and mascot, etc. The points would be accumulated and the school with the most points at the end of the season would be No. 1 in the bowl playoff rankings. I favor Notre Dame starting its own conference with two divisions (East and West) of five premier teams in each. Each team would play a home and away game with the teams in their division and two from the other division and two or three non-conference games. The top four teams in each division would have a playoff. We are fewer in number and staying closer to home, but that does not mean we can’t stay in touch. — James Starshak; 889 Kaohe Place, Honolulu HI 96825; 808-395-0443; cell 808-778-4033; starman@hawaii.rr.com