1960s

60 Time Is Flying By — Enjoy
We will start with a little personal stuff. A big thank-you all who called and sent prayers and cards after Colleen’s passing Aug. 17, 2025. Most appreciated. I thoroughly enjoyed the Celebration of Life for Colleen in Indianapolis on Oct. 18, 2025. About 100 family and friends attended the Mass and Celebration. It was most impressive to me to have all eight children and five spouses, and all 15 grandchildren present. And then a repeat in Fort Myers FL on Jan. 17 at our clubhouse. Present were 115 attendees and, again, all eight children and the five spouses. Only one grandchild is married, and I am going up to Thomasville GA on May 1 to visit Joe and Nicole and my first great-grandson, Brooks Thomas Jansen. And this summer, I will travel to Berkeley CA, Carmel IN and Davis VA for three granddaughters’ weddings. I’ve been saving up my Southwest points! Jennifer brought her father, Peter Giaimo, to FL for a couple weeks in February and again in April for a week. Peter is doing pretty well but has dementia. He no longer drives and lives at his homestead in Harrison NY with around-the-clock help. We struggle to continue our monthly Class luncheons in Naples FL, as many have passed on or moved to the north, and others are busy with family visits. The usuals are Jean and Jim Driscoll, Joanne and Art Velasquez, Phyllis and Dan Kletter, and, on occasion, Lois and Pete Mootz. We had a chat with Guinness McFadden, and he and Judith are doing well, but not so with the grape crop. He had to destroy a high percentage because the market is just not there. I think he said wine sales all over the country are down about 25 percent. Huge. I talked with Bob Skrzycki and he sounds good. He is the caretaker for his wife, which we know is a 24/7 job. Done with much love. Say some prayers for the Skrzyckis. I am going out to Baltimore to attend daughter Beth’s retirement dinner in May and also planning a dinner with Beth and Ann and Barb and Bill Boland. We get a lot of discussions and questions about how many of us continue to attend the football games. The only two that I know for sure are Art Velasquez, who attends with lots of family, and Rich Griffin, who also attends with a group. Who of you still attend games? An interesting topic! Send me an email with your thoughts. It looks to be a top-flight team this year. We spoke with Bob Myer recently, and had dinner in Naples with Bob and Dee. There were lots of reminiscences about ski trips from ND up to his area in Cadillac MI. A number of you will remember the skiing and the parties. Bob plays golf most days and often shoots his age. Don’t I wish! Bob’s El Dorado Golf Course in Cadillac was recently named the number one golf course in MI. There is a ’59 and a ’60 Cadillac Eldorado in the lobby entrance of his course. Both are convertibles. Thanks go out to Steve Barry, who got two Class luncheons going in Naples and Palm Bunch Gardens in March. We combined his group and mine for the Naples fete. I was able to get in touch with Mike Ahern after many years. He lives in a retirement community in Carmel IN. Mike’s wife, Sherri, passed away in November 2025. Mike recently attended a reunion of folks he worked with 25 years ago when he was a news anchor at the CBS affiliate in Indianapolis. And as many of you will recall, Mike was sports director on WNDU, our on-campus radio station. One tidbit from one of the alumni magazines from 2010 around reunion time. 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.” And he told me on a phone call that he is the only remaining member of our class who was on the football team. That’s quite an honor. ND recently adjusted numbers of classmates still on the email list and I recall it being 367. Hanging tough! I need emails! Thank you and please send an email or more. — Joseph F. Jansen; 317-514-4478; jfjansen38@gmail.com

61 65 Years
By the time this news note reaches your eyes, our class will have celebrated our 65th anniversary of having received our sheepskins from Notre Dame. Mike Esposito penned me a lengthy missive from his winter roost in Longboat Key FL where he and his spouse, Ellen, recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. Mike has a consecutive streak of having attended the last 24 Notre Dame home games in a row. He and Roger Fardin renewed acquaintances with each other in Naples FL for the annual St. Patrick’s Day class reunion. Mike has spent his entire career in the financial service industry primarily with Chase Manhattan Bank. David Wehlage entered the medical field upon his graduation from Indiana U medical school. He completed his psychiatry internship in Indianapolis, serving as a Navy psychiatrist during the Vietnam War. He returned to South Bend where he located his private practice while serving as an adjunct professor of psychiatry at the IU School of Medicine. He had remained in contact over the years with Dennis Johnson and fellow harriers Terry Leonard and Dan Rorke, until their recent passing. John Showel is an oncology hospitalist at Rush Memorial Hospital in Chicago, closing his practice following the Covid furlough in 2021. He now plays three rounds of golf weekly. (Wow. That’s 156 rounds per year!) John Naughton reunited in the Windy City last summer with Paul Torczynski, Henry Baby, Ned Grant, Tom Melby, Denis O’Shaughnessy, Patrick Kearney, Bob Donnellan and Wally O’Brien. John enjoys excellent health and still hopes to score his first ace ever on the links. It is with profound sadness that this writer announces the passing of my fellow Bengal Boxing Bouter Tom DeProtoro, who succumbed to leukemia on Feb. 12. Tom, Bill Welch and I trained together for the 1960 version of the Bengal Bouts. Tom was a two-time Ironman Triathlon competitor in his earlier days. Dennis Wolter called to report that Barry Schline’s wife, Mary Lou, informed him of Barry’s death on March 16. We also lost Ron Pakutka in December 2025. From Shortsville NY comes the word that lifelong Shortsville resident Tom Lynch called it a career after teaching math for 36 years in his hometown. Tom now enjoys his well-deserved retirement together with his wife, Dorcas. During my chat with Dennis, he shared that he served as assistant state’s attorney in Chicago following graduation. All three of his children are Domers. He now spends his winters in Carlsbad CA. Dennis Retoski served five years as an officer in the Marine Corps, after which he attended graduate school at the Wharton School. He also earned a law degree and then crossed the continent from Rochester NY to El Segundo CA, serving as legal counsel for Peerless Systems for 14 years before relocating again to Brentwood TN, where they now have called home since 2006. Dennis and his wife recently celebrated 62 years of wedded bliss. He proudly notes that there are now four generations of Retoskis who are Notre Dame alums or undergrads — and the streak goes on. Mike Morrissey reported that he and Jim Cain spend their winters in Palm Beach FL. Mike stays in regular contact with Tom Lynch. Art Armento is in his 22nd year with the Metro NY section of the PGA Tour. I send condolences to Bill Queenan on the passing of his wife, Carol. Bill Weist sends greetings from his home in Fowler IN where he has lived all his life, running a substantial farming operation and law practice for 53 years while serving as director and vice chairman at the local bank. Joe Murray and I recently spoke by phone, during which time he regaled me with moments during his tenure as president of the Notre Dame Marching Band during his senior year. He keeps in touch with his Dillon Hall roommate, Ken Kwiat, every year. Joe enjoyed a career in community banking as the CEO at the Dimes Bank in Honesdale PA. Before signing off, yours truly would welcome news from the following members of the Class of 1961: Bob Weber, Chris Watters, Steve Leroux, Jack Lofy, Danny Luecke, Joe Ingarra, John Juliano, Jerry Kearns, Sam Haffey, Patrick Hagold, Frank Gargiulo, Frank Giacopetti and Lou Ferrari. Happy summer 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 A Surprise from Prof. Sim
Congratulations go to Rev. Bob Antonelli, CSC, and Rev. Chuck Lavely, CSC, as they celebrate the 60th anniversary of their ordination. In one of my Sunday messages, I mentioned Prof. Herbert Sim, who taught in the Business School, and was always referred to as “Herbie.” Most of his classes were considered boring, but he always applied a nice curve to his tests. Jim Naughton told me the following story several years after graduation: Between junior and senior years, Jim’s cousin, who was at the U of North Carolina, lined up a good summer job. If Jim was interested, another was available and they could live at his frat house. Jim accepted and then got a UNC summer school catalogue hoping to avoid taking another course with Prof. Sim. He found one and got permission from the University to take it at UNC. Because of his unfamiliarity with the campus, Jim was late to his first class. When he walked in, he froze. Herbie Sim was the teacher!! At the end of class, Prof. Sim said, “Would the student who came in late please see me so I can mark you present?” Jim slowly went up and, with the others having left, Sim said, “Mr. Naughton, nice to see you.” He then told Jim that he had already taken most of the course, but to say nothing to anyone about it, come to class, study three specific chapters, and all would be fine. Jim did and got credit for the course. Back on campus he and Prof. Sim never mentioned UNC. In 1989 or 1990, when taking our second son out to ND, I was killing time while he was at orientation and decided to walk through the Commerce building where I ran into Sim. He invited me into his office and we had a great conversation. I learned that he and his family were from Austria and they escaped the Nazis in 1938, about the time that country was annexed into Germany (the Anschluss). The family settled in NY. Sometime after the US entered into World War II, he went into the Army and was assigned to an intelligence unit. He served in Europe interpreting intercepted messages and interviewing captured German soldiers, especially during the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, he went to school on the GI Bill. Figuring the statute of limitations had expired, I mentioned I had heard a story about a classmate who went to summer school at UNC. He grinned and said that he had taken a seven-week summer school teaching opportunity at UNC. He said he was just as surprised as Jim when he saw him coming into the classroom. He later served as the dean of the Business School London Program for three years. Walt Riebenack died in Fort Wayne IN on Oct. 12, 2025. His legal practice included mergers and acquisitions and the formation of banks. Joe Carollo died Dec. 14, 2025, in Carmichael CA. Joe played in the NFL for 14 years, mostly with the Rams. Bill Scanlan died Jan. 16 in Chevy Chase MD where he had practiced law for 40 years. John Dailey died Feb. 26 in Jacksonville IL. John had retired as a physician and turned to writing novels. Jack Clark, who was living in Raleigh NC, died March 4. He was a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War and later held positions with Vietnam Veterans of America, including vice president. — Raymond Raedy; 5310 Rileys Ridge Road, Hillsborough NC 27278; 919-967-8816; nd62pres@medicinemanremedies.com

62JD Class Secretary — Christine Stucko; christinestucko@gmail.com

63 Naples Bash
On March 5, Director of Happiness Ed Delehanty held his annual Class of 1963 mini-reunion at Lujacks in Naples FL. Lujacks is named after legendary Irish football star Johnny Lujack ’48, whose Heisman Trophy is on display. The following ’63ers, joined by spouses and significant others, attended: Tom Prisby, Jack Calmeyn, his excellency Scott Maxwell, Marty Gauthier, Larry Morgan, Terry Desmond, John Miller, Dave Swire, Vic Trino, Tom Dalum, Mike Walker and Brian “Bomber” Richardson (who is like God — he is everywhere!). Sherri Wolf from the Development Office was also there and handed out Grotto candles blessed by Rev. Bob Dowd, CSC, ’87. Thomas A. Willmeng MD passed away Jan. 2 in Portage MI, survived by his wife of 48 years, MaryAnn, and two children and two grandchildren. Tom received his Doctor of Medicine from the U of Michigan Medical School and served as a flight surgeon in the US Air Force. His obit remarked that his “career was fitting for a good ole farm boy from Watervliet,” and further that he would be remembered “for unwavering commitment to family and community and for the joy he brought to those fortunate enough to know him.” John V. Ryan III left us on March 20 in Barrington IL, survived by his wife of 64 years, Synda, and two children. Following graduation, John earned an MA in social and industrial relations from Loyola U, Chicago, and a JD from Northwestern U School of Law. John was a partner at Rooks, Pitts & Poust and later in-house counsel for Peters Securities at the Chicago Board of Trade. He practiced law for over 50 years. John T. Coleman died July 13, 2025, in Naples FL. John was married to his wife, Shelia, for 64 years and is survived by three sons, six granddaughters and two grandsons. After graduation, he earned a JD from Loyola School of Law, Chicago, and was a partner at Baker McKenzie for over 20 years. He spent the next 10 years at Donohue, Brown, Mathewson and Smyth of Chicago where he tried hundreds of cases to verdict representing some of the oldest, largest and most prestigious motor vehicle manufacturers in catastrophic injury cases. John was a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the preeminent organization of trial lawyers in the US and Canada. John Pezzuti died March 3, 2025, in Jacksonville FL. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bobbie, and two children. Following graduation, John earned an MBA from Rutgers U and then became an international banker with Bank of America, where he remained for his entire career. The Alumni Office has advised us of the passing of the following classmates: Nicolas G. Dicuccio on Dec. 29, 2025, in Columbus OH, survived by his wife, Janice; and Robert K. Awzinger MD on Dec. 9, 2025, in Pinehurst NC, survived by his wife, Nora. — 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 For Many Years
It has been a particular pleasure to connect with Paul Tierney, Dave Ellis and Tom O’Brien (along with wives Susan, Barbie, Alison and Kathy, of course) via phone, Zoom or in person. Such a blessing, this continuing manifestation of the Notre Dame community. Paul is as retired as he is going to get, continuing to travel, sculpt, paint, snorkel and bike — all while organizing a stream of “Great Books” seminars for the like-minded. David hasn’t changed since his days as student body president. Announcing that he is “bored” after a substantial term running the Hilton Head homeowners association, he is now campaigning for a seat on the city council. Tom and Alison are back in FL full-time, having sold the summer place in CT. He remains a student of theology, deeply committed to the activities of his diocese. Having left my last board behind, I am now fully retired and orienting my energies to having a positive impact on our seven grandchildren, all here in Darien CT. There are health issues and challenges in all four families, but we are still kicking and generally optimistic. We recently learned that Ed Drost of Henderson NV died last July. He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Cristina, and three children and two grandchildren. The couple raised their kids in Skokie IL while Ed worked as community development director for the City of Evanston and as adjunct professor in city planning at Loyola. Relocating to the Las Vegas Valley in 1997, they became involved in the formation and work of their parish. Pittsburgh native Carl Flecker passed in November 2025. A retired dentist, former Pitt professor and novelist, Carl is survived by seven children and 15 grandkids, by the mother of their children, SMC grad Roberta Flecker, and by his close friend of many years, Janet Martha. Will Tynan of Austin TX also died last fall. A chemical engineering graduate, he was a decorated USMC helicopter pilot in Vietnam before taking his MBA at U of Texas. Along with a successful career in real estate development, Will had a long-standing appreciation for the arts and greatly enjoyed travel. He is survived by wife Sharon, two daughters and grandchildren. Nick Etten of Sarasota FL passed away in January. Raised in Hinsdale IL, he attended Notre Dame on a football scholarship. After Loyola Law School, Nick began his practice with the US Attorney’s Office before having a successful private litigation practice for several decades. Nick was married to Carolyn for 56 years until her passing. Four children and 11 grandchildren survive. Don Modica passed in February of complications from cancer. A decorated Army Infantry officer, Don practiced law in Cleveland for 50 years and was deeply involved in the activities of his lifelong parish. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Roberta, along with two of their three children and one grandson. We also learned that classmate Tom Butler passed peacefully at home in Hinsdale IL earlier this year. Growing up in the Milwaukee area, Tom was a National Merit Scholar who started in architecture and ultimately graduated with a BA in English literature. After an MBA from Northwestern, Tom served in Vietnam as a captain in the Army Corps of Engineers. Deeply involved in the activities of all his children, Tom especially enjoyed trips backpacking at Philmont Scout Ranch in NM. He is survived by his wife, Carol, whom he married in 1966, and by four children and eight grandchildren. — Paul R. Charron; 44 Contentment Island Road, Darien CT 06820; 917-860-5385; paul.richard.charron@gmail.com

64JD Remembering Balfe
Dear Classmates of 64JD, I decided to volunteer as the class secretary before Balfe died. I knew he was no longer able to write the column. So, when I went to Chicago for Jack Jiganti’s 85th birthday, Jack and I discussed having me volunteer and Jack encouraged me to do it. It’s the second time around for me — I served as the class secretary just after we graduated and lasted for several years until no one sent me any news. I tried making up the news, but when that didn’t work, I gave up. The sad news is that Richard Balfe Wagner died. I intended to call Sharon, but I got the bad news from Bob Frost before I called. I understand there was a memorial service on May 23, with lunch following, according to Charles Sacher. Chicago was very cold in January for Jack’s birthday. (He’s only 85, unlike the rest of us, because he was in the Combination Program.) We shared memories of Law School and Dean O’Meara. It was quite an occasion. I’ll write more about it in the next column. But the real reason for this column is to honor Balfe. I miss his calls when he faced the deadline for Notre Dame Magazine. I’ll write more of his lifetime accomplishments in the next column. In the meantime, classmates, remember Sharon and their children. — Tom Conneely Sr.; 163 Kipling Drive, Mill Valley CA 94941; 415-203-2769; tfc@conneely.com

65 Retirements and Passings
After 46 years as a banker with much of his career in Chicago, Bob Lee has retired from JP Morgan and is a legal resident of South Carolina. Bob and his wife, Margot, live in Hilton Head but spend summers at their Chicago home. They have four children and three grandchildren. Chuck Dunn practiced law in northern VA for 54 years and now spends time in Hilton Head where he enjoys golfing with Bob. He and wife, Sandy, have three children and four grandchildren. Chuck writes that Charlie Slack is doing well in his hometown of Medina NY. At last fall’s USC game, former ND roommates John Lopez ’65, ’66, Luis Cosenza ’65, ’69PhD, Fred Howard ’65, ’67, ’74Ph.D. and Frank Hajnik held a mini-reunion. Attending with them were Luis’ wife, Lauretta Cosenza ’67MA, Frank’s wife, Susan, and John’s children. John Pastore loves his profession of law and does not want to retire. He is the oldest practicing criminal attorney in Saratoga County NY. John and his wife, Diane, are 56 years married. Their daughter, Kate ’94, had a daughter who graduated from ND last year, and he observed that my granddaughter, Paulina Harnisch ’25, was in the same class. She is the daughter of my son, Darin ’93, and is now at the U of Washington Medical School where I still teach. John noted that Gerry Swiacki is a retired physician who splits time between Marco Island FL and MI. Gerry’s granddaughter is at SMC. Ed Ojdana’s award-winning Napa cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay were served at our last three reunions. Classmates have inquired about acquiring the wine. Ed has set up a discount code, NDclass65, that can be entered at checkout for a 40 percent discount plus free shipping on four or more bottles of the cabernet. This is not a money-making deal and barely covers his cost. Email Ed at www.Vineyard511.com. Tom Hanley retired in 2006 as professor emeritus of geology at Columbus State U in GA and was chair of their department of non-biological sciences. Tom and wife Judy continue to live in Midland GA and have been married 51 years. Among Tom’s publications is a fascinating book, Rock Trails in Central Park. Jim Dwyer reports that his roommate in Stanford and Lyons, John Antoun, passed away in March in Palo Alto CA. After ND, John was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Navy and served four years as a faculty member in the Rickover Nuclear Power Program. John had a long career in space science and engineering with most of it at TRW Inc. He is survived by his wife, Karen. In February, Steve Hook died in Etna Township OH after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. After serving in the Army Medical Services Corps and the USAR Engineer Corps, Steve had a career in broadcasting, newspapers, public relations, advertising and college professorship. He had authored a book and numerous articles. He is survived by wife Rebecca, two children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In February, Shaun Conaty died in Pinecrest FL. He was a chemistry major and had a career with Exxon Mobil. Paul Hennes died in December in Seattle where he had served as VP and senior trust officer in private wealth management at Wells Fargo Bank. He is survived by wife Jackie and three children. Jerry Waite Ph.D. died in January in Marquette MI. He is survived by wife Susan. — James P. Harnisch MD; 6759 West Mercer Way; Mercer Island WA 98040; jphnd65@hotmail.com

65JD Since I Have Heard from No One . . .
This note will be about me! I am now in my 26th year of retirement after serving 26 years on the bench. I am in good enough health that I still walk the golf course five days a week, carrying my 8 clubs in my Sunday bag. While I am no longer a good-enough singer to be locally cast in lead roles in Broadway musicals and/or in the Gilbert and Sullivan light operas, as I was in days of yore, I am still singing with the QC Chordbusters (Barbershoppers). I will also be doing the minor role (Samuel Chase of Maryland) in the Quad City Music Guild production of 1776 in June. I still serve as a lector at my parish. And I am working on my 11th book, a compilation of memorials of local lawyers who I knew. I think I will call it, Lawyers You Would Like to Have Known? — John Donald O’Shea; irishplaywright1@gmail.com

66 What Gatherings
I write this, having just returned from an awe-inspiring ND Leadership Conference. As president of the ND Club of MD (for the second time), I joined an impressive group of fellow volunteers from ND clubs around the world on campus for two inspiring days delving into and discussing why and how so many of our alums, parents and friends choose to make an incredible difference, improving the human condition in far-flung communities around the globe! I was amazed at the dedication, spirit and commitment of so many of our fellow Domers, and again impressed by the extraordinary excellence, talent, and dedication demonstrated so capably by ND’s outstanding leadership team, along with a superb Alumni staff. Our SB mate John Blum hosted me with a warm bed and great conversation. Some six weeks remain until the much-anticipated 60th celebration of our launch into the real world following four phenomenal years under Our Lady’s Golden Dome. That said, I can say now with confidence that we will have shared a remarkable caucus that featured renewed fellowship, sharing of stellar, poignant memories, and salutes to those in our ’66 cohort who have preceded us to the next extraordinary chapter. Thanks to the exceptional effort and planning of Class Prez Cappy Gagnon, the extensive communication and encouragement of our esteemed Webmaster Jack Gerken, and input/suggestions from Mike Rush and others, the June gathering on campus was stimulating and enjoyable, especially our class dinner at Legends! Nearly 75 mates and 45 spice/significant others were scheduled to be on hand. Among those planning to attend: Pat Lannon, Jamie Toohey, Paul Joubert, Ted Frericks, Jim Egan, Harry Long, Joe Guiltinan, Gary Heidiger, Rob Haines, Mike Hannigan, Jim Heaney, Jim Ireton, Bob Melka, Joe Pavoni, Tom Trebat, Paul Ware, Rich Reilly, Dan Rooney, Gusti Rini, Dave Rentschler, Peter Pick, Denis O’Toole, George Palmer, Ken Graf, Ben Nelson, Art Frigo, Terry Kiwala and Richard Kozdras. We’ll undoubtedly have heard entertaining tales about patronizing the Philadelphia in downtown: Corby’s, the Linebacker, Giuseppe’s and other SB bars; somehow evading curfew in our early years; night checks; trailing the band through campus to pep rallies in the old Fieldhouse; visits to our SMC “sisters” across the street; cramming for exams; hanging at the Huddle; pickup b-ball, racquetball and other sports at the Rock; the Cuban missile crisis; praying at the Grotto … and the lifelong friendships that began during our treasured tenure at Our Lady’s University. Jim Starshak checked in from HI, noting that he couldn’t make the reunion. Star mentioned John McDermott, the late Don Ohlmeyer’s roomie, and John Ganahl (the Great Kahuna) now living in Fresno. Star is planning to attend the Wisconsin game at Lambeau Field in G Bay. Apologies that I neglected to mention Bill Scott’s passing last year in Pittsburgh, where he had practiced law. I met him frosh year in Stanford and shared our senior year in the now former Pangborn Hall. He was a great guy! As with many of you, ND is a principal thread that has permeated and enhanced my life for more than six decades. As best I can tell, this is approximately the 230th column I’ve been privileged to share in relating the diverse and inspiring stories of our lives. Let’s continue working to improve the human condition and keep things going for at least another decade!!! Meanwhile, enroll in the ’66 website: 1966.undclass.org. Go Irish forever! — Tom Sullivan; 143 Villabrook Way, Baltimore MD 21212; cell 773-454-4343; t66sullynd@gmail.com

66JD No News
You know the rule — no news, no column. Hey, you snooze, we all lose. How about trying harder for the next issue. — Scott Maxwell; 2781 Siena Lakes Circle, Unit 2444, Naples FL 34109; cell 215-920-0616; ndscotty@gmail.com

67 Rice Reunion
The National Championship team of ’66 will have a reunion over the Rice game weekend of Sept. 12 that has been organized by George Goeddeke, Angelo Shiralli and Harry Alexander. The team will be introduced at halftime. Karl Gustke has been recovering from a stroke suffered in 2025 but seems to be back traveling the globe with wife Melba. Michael Dillon MD is fully retired and doing paintings on bottles, some of which he had retained from Kubiak’s. Bob Denver’s grandson Luke Denvir has accepted a lacrosse scholarship from Coach Corrigan entering the fall of 2027. Bill Bergen of Belleville IL passed away March 12 as his brother Jack forwarded us the obituary. Bill was married in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart to Judith Maxwell. Bill enjoyed long bicycle rides especially in the mountains of CO after stocking up on carbs at the local Olive Garden. Bill served in the US Air Force for nearly 50 years. We also lost Charlie Schenkelberg in December 2025 in Cleveland as his wife, Susan ’67SMC, informs us. Charlie attended Case Western where he earned an MBA in 1969 then became a CPA and rose to controller of Acme Cleveland before joining the family business Entrust as a financial advisor alongside his brothers and sister until his retirement. Our alma mater was played at the close of his funeral at St. Dominic’s, where he was a devoted parishioner. Bob Jones of Colorado Springs writes to inform us of the passing of Robert Metelko in FL. We also lost John Lium in March in Rye NY. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and son John ’12. John attended Cardinal Farley Military Academy before enrolling in our class in the fall of 1963. After graduation John had a stint with the New York Giants practice squad. Thereafter he attended law school and graduated from St. John’s U, which led to a successful career in real estate law. John owned and managed several commercial and residential properties. He was also a member of the Screen Actors Guild by virtue of being in several commercials. Many of us may remember one of his early commercials in the ’70s for Gillette where he played the character Bruno and looked through a bathroom mirror to the resident on the other side. And whom of us could not remember that John ran most of the snack and sandwich concessions in campus dorms while we were all students. You could not buy a sandwich at study hall in any dorm without John having been involved. He also sold cars, arranged transportation through drive-away cars, etc. He was a master entrepreneur. John told many that his dad had told him that after graduation from Notre Dame he would be taking a pay cut. That phrase has all the attributes of being true. John was laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Greenwich CT. — Bert R. Bondi; 1891 Curtis St., Unit 1502, Denver CO 80202; bertrbondi@gmail.com

67JD Movin’ In. Movin’ On. Shufflin’ Off?
On the advice of their doctors and family, Roseanne and Jim Harrington are considering moving to an assisted living facility in Wheeling IL, a village in the northern suburbs of Chicago. Their granddaughter, a postdoctoral fellow at Princeton, reports that the headlines referencing the government cutbacks in research funding to universities are hitting close to home. Universities are laying off faculty and freezing new hiring. She says that there is a “brain drain” of professors to schools overseas! A younger grandson was also affected by current events as his planned date to marry his fiancée next year, a Muslim from Pakistan, was advanced to now (!) on the advice of her immigration attorney, who worried that her student visa would expire with her graduation and her deportation was a definite possibility. Margaret and Jerry Berthold updated us on their recent move from GA to OR. So far, the assisted living facility matches the brochures with a beautiful campus, numerous services, recreation and fine food. Not in the brochures was the lousy rainy winter weather, and they had not considered that the frequency of deaths in the neighborhood would rise in direct proportion to the median age of the neighbors. However, on the bright side, their moving company replaced Jerry’s lost golf clubs, and he can’t wait to put them to good use. Frank Cihlar writes that he continues his weightlifting program and is again planning to fish the Little Big Horn with Bobby Barkley in July. He visited the Big Apple for the first time in decades and can’t wait to get back. He saw a few Broadway plays and hopes to get to NYC every few months; he’d forgotten how much energy the city has. More interestingly, he is also considering the publication of a book of his poetry. Frank has the right idea. I very much agree that everyone our age will benefit by challenging the mind and body every day. Travel, exercise, reading, perhaps writing your memoirs for your grandchildren who will eventually want to know more about their illustrious ancestors; learning something new every day. Jack Harty writes that he checks the obituaries listed by ND to make sure his name does not appear. However, I caution Jack for his assumption that his existential viability depends on whether his name does or does not appear on some mailing list. Recently, your class secretary realized he had not received his copy of the Notre Dame Magazine in nearly a year. I reached out to the editors and was told that my name and address “had been lost” despite my having submitted and the magazine having published three of my quarterly columns on our class activities in the same timeframe. I offer this cautionary tale lest Jack assume he has “shuffled off this mortal coil” because of an omission or misprint in ND’s mailing list. — Jim Heinhold; 1200 Carmel Lane, New Bern NC 28562; res 252-638-5913; im4irish@gmail.com

68 Mourning and Honors
During April, via email, you should have received a class note with photos and information about the lives of Thomas F. McKenna (of Carmel IN) and Thomas Etten, who died in the Los Angeles area. Please see that note for memories and for a link to Tom McKenna’s obituary. Search “ND68.” The two Toms, among the most significant in our class’s sizable inventory of Toms, came to the ends of their lives after periods of debilitating health. Their declines did nothing to diminish the affection and respect of close families and multiple friends. During the May 17 Notre Dame Commencement Ceremony, Chris Murphy received an honorary doctor of laws degree. Chris’ ability to discover solutions for important problems were on display during his Notre Dame years, including his term as student body president. That was a start. The announcement of Chris’ honor included: “Chris Murphy has offered his talents to organizations seeking addressing some of society’s most critical needs — including health care, economic development, education and support for the arts — at the regional, state and national levels.” Confirming that behind every successful man is a woman, Carmi Murphy had her own award from Saint Mary’s College on May 16. President Katie Conboy awarded the President’s Medal to Carmi and Chris for their services to Saint Mary’s and the local community. Carmi follows her mother and aunt in being Saint Mary’s supporters. Meanwhile, U of Massachusetts Dartmouth conferred an honorary degree on Richard LaFrance in May. For good reason. Richard is chairman of Lafrance Hospitality, a Massachusetts-based family business that develops and manages multibrand hotels across New England and FL. Richard has held community leadership roles with organizations such as Bank Five, United Way and UMass Dartmouth. For the 18th time, Maggie Sullivan ’68SMC and Tom Slankas hosted the Notre Dame rowing team for a dinner in Oak Ridge TN when the team went there for spring training. “My grandfather is your age,” Tom heard from one of the 30 crew members, named Declan Murphy. “Do you know him? Chris Murphy.” “Hard not to recognize the name of the student body president,” Tom answered. Mary and Bill Kelly of La Jolla CA will repeat the “city-fix” they enjoyed for two months in Chicago last year. “We are returning for another month-long visit in June. We also rented an AirBnB condo in Boston for the month of October. The condo is about 2-3 blocks away from the Back Bay condo we owned for three years when we lived in Boston.” Chris Manion has written Charity for Sale: Has the Catholic Church Become Just Another NGO?, available from Amazon. Well-written, certainly in Chris’ voice, the third I have read so far presents a history spanning many years. Chris’ argument makes the Catholic Church’s pronouncements on the sanctity of life a fulcrum for interpretation of a US Church — and Notre Dame — protecting its flow of government funding by accommodating the government’s secular interests. In case anyone suspects Mike Burgener is lolling around in San Diego, he wrote: “I’ll be 80 in June but still working out with our geezers at Mike’s Gym on MWF!! Playing pickleball 3-4 days a week as well as taking walks with my Goldendoodle Piper!!” Dave Graves hosted Neil and Richard Rogers and others for a Fort Lauderdale colloquium during March. The topic this year was “How to sit and talk.” — Tom Figel; 570 Sheridan Square, Apt. 3, Evanston IL 60202; 312-241-7917; tfigel@reputecture.com

68JD Round Up Response
My Notre Dame “round up” request for information resulted in a very limited response. On the positive side, Tom Curtin’s firm announced in April that Tom has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious 2026 American Inns of Court Professionalism Award for the Third Circuit Federal Court of Appeals. Tom has been active for many years in the NJ bar as well as in the Federal Bar Association. The article published by his firm provides: “This distinguished honor recognizes attorneys and judges whose careers exemplify integrity, character and an unwavering commitment to the highest standards of the legal profession and the rule of law. Tom will be presented with the award by Chief Judge Michael A. Chagares of the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit at the Third Circuit Judicial Conference this May in Hershey PA. He will be recognized at the American Inns of Court Celebration of Excellence Dinner at the Supreme Court of the United States in Washington DC. A veteran commercial litigator and widely regarded as a ‘lawyer’s lawyer,’ Tom possesses the same strong zeal, ambition and passion as the day he proudly graduated from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1968,” writes Chief Judge Renee Marie Bumb of the US District Court for the District of NJ in her nomination letter. “In short, I cannot think of a more deserving person than Tom for this award. He is a consummate professional, outstanding attorney, devoted volunteer and a remarkable person.” As noted in our last article, Allen Barnard provided an update as to what Andi and he have been doing since his retirement in May 2018, which was exactly 50 years after he started as a law clerk with his firm. 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 Washington 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, and a river voyage down the Rhine. A call with J.C. Coyle found him in good spirits and keeping active. On a sad note, Bob Sidman reported that his wife, Mary, passed away on March 19 due to various illnesses. They were married for 68 years, and her passing has been devastating. Bob shared with us that those who met Mary realized he married a great lady, and that he was the beneficiary of a wonderful and lasting relationship. Bob’s comments resulted in my recollection of an article titled “How do I move on without my soulmate?” For 67 years, the author noted he enjoyed a happy marriage and concluded with the following quote made by the late Helen Keller: “What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we loved deeply becomes part of us.” Our prayers are with Bob and his family. Please provide updates for the next issue. — Dennis G. Collins; 2203 Derby Way, St. Louis MO 63131; bus 314-516-2648; cell 314-229-9286; dcollins@ubglaw.com

69 Many Winter Mini-Reunions
June 2025: Kevin Flynn, Bill Waldron and Ed Weinlein attended their 60th reunion at Delbarton School, Morristown NJ. August 2025: Jim Kozak and Gary Materna attended their 60th reunion of St. Peter Chanel High School, Bedford OH. January: Eight classmates met for the 35th annual ND basketball game — Mike Brennan, Jim Burke, Mike Busby (chief organizer), Ernie Gargaro, Fritz Gast, Steve Hext, Peter McInerney and Jerry Teagan. On their way to Sanibel Island FL, Steve Kavalauskas (Diane) visited John Leinart (Bonnie) in coastal AL. February: Bob Sacoff drove from IL to have lunch with Mike McCauley and yours truly in Milwaukee. Fifty-two people attended an ND Club of St. Joe Valley Senior Alumni luncheon to honor Dave Heskin. Attendees included Bob Franken, club officers, representatives from the Development Department and the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, and extended family members. On its website, the DPAC recognized Dave for his contributions to the center. On his way to a ski outing in MI’s Upper Peninsula, John Nesbitt had breakfast with me. On the “Approach Shot” on Spotify, Terry Hanratty talked about ND and Steeler football and his battle with stage-four lung cancer. Mike Coughlin wrote: “Since my retirement in 2021, I have been volunteering at the Southeast Community Center for the Blind in New London CT and was recently elected vice president of the board of directors.” Gene Hammond visited Steve Kavalauskas (Diane) on Sanibel Island. March: Don Hynes published his sixth book of poetry, Stranger to the Beautiful. While vacationing with his family, Tom Ryan joined 13 classmates for a second annual golf outing in Naples FL — Dean Benner, Tom Breen, Bill Chapman, Dick Cimino, John Kenefick, Louie Leone, Al Lutz, Tom Phillips, John Quinn, Greg Schatz, Richard Sullivan, Ed Weinlein and Matt White. Joe Fisher joined the group for dinner the night before. Jim Bennett, Kevin McNamara and Chuck Schmidt attended Jack Moran’s funeral. Chuck Nelson (Sharon) and Chuck Schmidt (Joyce) lunched with Steve Kavalauskas (Diane) in Fort Myers FL. George Arkedis attended Bob Narucki’s visitation. Jack Hannigan, Pete Moriarty and Sean Duerr joined Jim Slattery in Vero Beach FL to play golf on St. Patrick’s Day. John Wehrheim’s photo of Ke’e Beach on Kauai HI appeared on The Sun Magazine’s front cover. John’s photos also recently appeared in Kauai Magazine. Steve Batill, Mike Cerre and Mike Roy attended a Notre Dame Office of Military and Veterans Affairs event in San Francisco. April: With his trusty saxophones in hand, Bill Hurd performed at the Crosstown Arts’ Green Room, Memphis TN. The Cleveland International Hall of Fame inducted Andy Fedynsky into its 2026 class. We had a record turnout of 14 for our monthly ’69er lunch: John Berres, Jim Fackelman, Tom Fischer, Don Jacobson, Steve Kavalauskas, Tony Kluka, Tom Lakdy, Jim Lyons, Mike McCauley, Pat McDonnell, Dan Merritt, Mike Ryan, Tom Shannon and me. The online Notre Dame Magazine featured Howard Hall stories by Tom Altmeyer, Mike Collins and Jack Mahon. Jim Lyons’ grandson, Jack Anderson ’30, will enroll at ND in the fall. In Memoriam: Jerry Kelly, Sept. 19, 2025, Lake Worth FL; Doug Hickey, Nov. 10, 2025, Fort Collins CO; Rick Blumberg, Dec. 9, 2025, Green Valley AZ; Steve Foss, Feb. 28, Pirtleville AZ; Jack Moran, Feb. 28, Plandome NY; Rob Narucki, March 6, Verona NJ; Dick Gannon, March 17, IL; Richard Munson, March 21, Dallas; Joel Connelly, April 15, Seattle. Our sincerest condolences to their families and friends. Requiescant in pace. — John Hickey; jphjr47@hotmail.com; notredameclassof1969blog.blogspot.com

69MBA The Next Generation
News for this issue is focused on our grandchildren and their experiences for the coming school year. Will McGuire writes that all five grandchildren are in some form involved in education. Granddaughter Sophie graduates from South Carolina School of Nursing and will be based at the Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. Grandson William is in his second year at U of Denver Law School, while grandson Aiden graduates from Dickenson and will attend Georgia Tech Law School. Dennis McCarthy is still dealing with snow in Northern MI while we’ve had the warmest March ever recorded in TX. Joe Cavato writes that all but two grandchildren made it to West Palm Beach for STL Cardinals spring training. It provided a fun family gathering opportunity and was enjoyed by all. Joe McCourt and wife Harlee are enjoying first grandson Augie, and are preparing for his first birthday coming up soon. Nick Walz writes that Sara is holding her own with Alzheimer’s. He visits with her about five days a week and is gaining confidence that she still seems to know when he visits and trusts him. He is trying to tackle spring cleanup in the time he has at home, is playing some pickleball and getting the exercise he needs. His oldest granddaughter, Bridget, will be married in Chicago in June, followed by at least one year in Japan teaching English. There’s not much news to report from Dallas. I’m currently awaiting football game start times to be published. This will assist us to designate either Rice or Michigan State as this year’s Mini Reunion weekend. Thanks to these classmates for providing updated news. Please keep the updates coming. Have a great summer! — Ken Samara; 3030 McKinney Ave., Suite 601, Dallas TX 75204; 214-532-2187; kensamara@sbcglobal.net

69JD Another Season Approaches
This year started off with the loss of another of our classmates, Vincent Stamp. He will be remembered by many of our classmates including George Ball, Dave Prior and Joe McNeil. In 1964, one of my undergrad classmates, John McDermott ’66BBA, convinced two of his friends to move from Santa Barbara CA to Madison WI for ND’s opening game for a national championship season (a title not claimed by the University). This game was the debut of Ara, Jack Snow ’65 and Heisman winner John Huarte ’65. This year, we play Wisconsin to open the season in Lambeau Field named after Curly Lambeau. Hopefully, this will be the beginning of another national championship year. Let me know if you are attending any games, home or away, so we can get together. I will be at the Rice game and spend some time with Tim McLaughlin’s wife, as Sue and I have over the decades. Sue and I are joining the Traveling Irish in Bordeaux, France. — James Starshak; 889 Kaohe Place, Honolulu HI 96825; res 808-395-0443; cell 808-778-4033; starman@hawaii.rr.com