Class Columns are written twice a year by alumni who have volunteered to be correspondents for their class. If your class year has a correspondent and you’d like to share news with them, just look for their contact information at the end of their column.
1942
Class Column: For some time now I’ve been beseeching my class, and other alumni as a whole, for a response from anyone, and for the last year or two I’ve had no answer. Thus, since I’m now 98 and when I entered Rutgers at 16, I was, on average, two years younger than my classmates, I have to assume that any survivors would be around 100. In the absence of hearing from anyone, sadly, it may very well be that I am the last man standing.
On a personal level, I am reasonably healthy and continue, as I have for the past decade, in spite of having to be currently confined on account of the virus, to rely on Zoom and the like to do some legal work as an arbitrator.
Till next time, stay well and safe. My best to all.
Berne Rolston RC’42: 2245 South Beverly Glen Boulevard, Apt. 303, Los Angeles, CA 90064; 424-208-3820; br@rolston.net.
1945
Class Column: We have nothing new to report. Reunion 75 was a complete washout. So let us consider next year. You tell me. Who will be around to read the news? But since I am optimistic, I’ll check around and report back next time. Stay well!
Morton Burke ENG’45, GSNB’48: 9 Greenbrier Road, Oakhurst, NJ 07755; 732-222-8320; mortburke109@gmail.com
1948
Class Column: This column is being written right in the middle of the “stay-at-home” and “social distancing” advisory due to the coronavirus, so there is very little news to report.
Bob Archibald RC’48 is still in Florida and most likely will remain there until about July in order to continue his medical treatment, which is proceeding nicely. Unfortunately, his brother, John Archibald ED’43, passed away March 29, 2020. John would have been 99 in July. Those who attended our 70th reunion may remember John, as he was the reunion chair for the Class of 1943, and we combined our 70th with their 75th.
As of this writing, we have about 100 living classmates out of our graduating class of approximately 550. If you are looking to connect with any ’48ers, let me know. In the meantime, stay safe and well.
Bart Klion RC’48: 43 Abby Lane, Ballston Lake, NY 12019; 518-930-0509; bbklion@aol.com
1951
Class Column: The virus is on attack! As I write these notes, my wife and I have been housebound in Metuchen, NJ, for several weeks.
Our 75th reunion is next year; based on the physical condition of our executive committee, it might be a “virtual” reunion.
Sadly, the following classmates have left us. Howell Archard Jr. RC’51 was a biology major from Brooklyn, NY. He was on Antho Magazine and the Quad Club, and served as secretary of the Biology Club. He died January 30, 2020.
A personal friend of mine, Jerry Goldfischer RC’51, died February 1, 2020. He was a Scarlet Barb, majored in biology, and lived in Ridgefield Park, NJ. He was part of WRSU and Hillel.
Ray Miller RC’51 of Cliffside Park, NJ, died December 28, 2019. He majored in business and was treasurer of Tau Kappa Epsilon. I had many friends in that fraternity.
Finally, I note the passing of Nick Osifchin ENG’51, who died February 12, 2020. He was an engineering major who lived in Passaic, NJ. He worked on Rutgers Engineer and participated in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
I hope that you all survive the virus invasion.
“On the Banks of the old Raritan, my boys…”
Charles A. Barker RC’51: 101 Norris Avenue, Metuchen, NJ 08840; 732-549-1247
1953
Class Column: Henry J. Hohenstein AG’53 and his wife, Susan, moved to Shady Cove, OR, six years ago, as retirees. But he recently “retired from retirement.” Now, Hank is serving on Shady Cove’s City Council because of his expertise in land-use planning. He may be reached at 541-973-5442, hankhohenstein@gmail.com, 161 Osprey Vista, Shady Cove, OR 97539.
Alfred B. Dayton RC’53 and his wife, Joan, are happy in their new assisted-living community in Nevada City, CA. In 1993, Al retired from Union Bank as vice president in commercial lending, capping a 35-year career in banking.
Young Eng RC’53 sent an endearing, handwritten note: “I’m still upright and ambulatory…still drive back and forth from Connecticut to the place in Wardsboro, VT, a group/share house. So take it easy yourself.” Young’s address is: Flanders West Apartments, 1 Darling Street, Apt 3H; Southington, CT 06489.
On New Year’s Day 2020, Howard Cooper RC’53 and his wife, Caroline, hosted an open house at their Chevy Chase, MD, home. It was a perfect occasion for catching up. After undergraduate studies, Howard served with the U.S. Army, then graduated from Harvard Law School in 1958. For most of his law career he has been—and continues to be—with the U.S Small Business Administration in nearby Washington, D.C.
By the time you read this column, almost 71 years will have passed since we first gathered for Freshman Week “on the Banks.” There, an able faculty taught us a judicious blend of sciences and humanities. And university chaplain Bradford Abernethy exposed us to lessons of life. Remember the mandatory services in Kirkpatrick Chapel every Wednesday at noon? Please send me material/news for future columns. I welcome phone calls as well.
Bill Sansalone AG’53, GSNB’61: 6835 Old Stage Road, Rockville, MD 20852; 301-881-0063; ws31@verizon.net.
1954
Class Column: Hi, classmates. I hope all is well with you and that you survived the pandemic. I spent the winter in Florida and was good until the virus. Had lunch with Jerry Gorelick RC’54 and his wife, Corinne DC’54. Jerry still plays singles tennis every day and is looking for competition.
I wanted to call and visit Bob Hart RC’54 in Jupiter, FL, and Dave Feinberg RC’54 in Boca Raton, FL, but the virus kept us in.
Norm Zucker RC’54, GSNB’56,’60 and George Delanoy RC’54 promised to write. Tom Nathaniel ED’54 writes that he is in touch with Joe Triggs RC’54 and ex-athletics director Fred Gruninger ED’53, GSE’61. Larry Priddy RC’54 in Mt. Arlington, NJ, sent his best wishes.
The Class of ’54 Seminar Room in the Academic Building was dedicated. You should, if possible, come to campus and be proud of all the class’s gifts to Rutgers. Our merit scholarship is growing, and it’s inspiring how your generosity is benefiting the future of the students, who send wonderful letters of appreciation.
Classmates who have passed on include Dan Jaffe RC’54, who died February 12, 2020; Dick Krewson RC’54, who died January 21, 2020; Louis Marturana SB’54, who died February 6, 2020; John Santorelli NCAS’54, who died January 27, 2020; Edwin Schoenfeld AG’54, who died February 5, 2020; and Ralph Smith RC’54, who died February 8, 2020.
How about sending me notes on what is new with you?
Herb Hersh RC’54: 12 Whitehall Road, Monroe Township, NJ 08831; 732-599-2196; herbhat@gmail.com
1955
Class Column: By the time you receive this, we all will have endured some significant but unplanned events. We regret missing our 65th class reunion, as it might have been the last for many of us. More important, we all hopefully have survived the many changes in our lifestyle due to the coronavirus restrictions, but learned of other ways to get in a little more reading, finish the table puzzles, gather family members together for group therapy via Zoom, take our vitamins, and keep up with our exercises. Some classmates who were still working at hobbies or careers before being isolated have, I hope, been able to return to those, not only for the income they provide, but the pleasure received from participation and contribution to lifetime purposes. And, sadly, some of us became unexpected caregivers for other family members at the same time, a double whammy. Let’s see what some of our classmates have to report.
Ken Andersen RC’55, Sigma Phi Epsilon, chemistry major, now in Durham, NH, was an engineering professor at the University of New Hampshire, which he describes as a very quiet college scene. He and his wife are both well and are looking forward to a return to overseas travel to see family and friends in Denmark and Germany.
Paul Bedell ED’55, Delta Phi, phys ed major, is a church deacon with a big family that needs long bike rides to ease the confinement. All are in good health, now living in Florida.
Charlie Benson ENG’55, Theta Chi, civil engineering major, now lives in San Clemente, CA, where the view of the surf keeps him occupied. Several family members live nearby, providing support and activities. His family is expecting the arrival of a second great-granddaughter. In his free time, he manages to forward clever emails to keep his friends laughing.
Don Burns RC’55, Phi Gamma Delta, business major, career IBM executive, now living in San Diego, CA, recalled his days as a senior cadet officer in the AFROTC.
Malcolm Busch RC’55, Phi Epsilon Pi, political science major, continues to practice law in Middlesex County, NJ, with several other attorneys named Busch. That way no one gets hurt! He, his wife, and family are all in good health.
James A. Byrne RC’55, Zeta Psi, business major, former star Rutgers golfer, lives in Wildwood, NJ, after a stint in Florida. He’s dodging the virus and living well.
Bob Christian ENG’55, GSNB’64,’76 was an electrical engineering major who passed through Rutgers several times to finally get his doctorate. He worked with the Army Electronics Command and at Georgia Tech, and now lives in Florida to play golf, pay lower taxes, and enjoy warm weather.
Bern Crowl RC’55, business major, spent time in the U.S. Air Force and a year or so at Notre Dame. His wife recovered from what was thought to be the COVID-19 virus with no symptoms of any illness while living in a continuing care retirement facility with 400 occupants and no other cases reported there.
August Fischer RC’55, Gamma Sigma, political science major, now lives in Naples, FL.
Martin Giesbrecht RC’55, Lambda Chi Alpha, economics major, college professor in Kentucky and part-time (now unemployed) musician at clubs and weddings there. Author of several books on economics, the latest of which, Now That Makes Sense: Understanding Economics as a Life Science, will be released soon.
Gordon Jewett AG’55, Alpha Gamma Rho, agriculture major, is looking forward to being able to visit family members in Colorado soon. In the meantime, life is good in a 700- resident all-level care facility in Cincinnati, OH.
Leonard Levy AG’55, Alpha Chi Rho, floriculture major, who took his college degree to the ultimate to create one of the largest wholesale floral businesses in North Jersey. His sons have followed in his footsteps, giving him great support and success.
Gordon Macdonald AG’55, GSNB’58,’61, Alpha Chi Rho, agriculture major, our class vice president and reunion co-chair, is now in Florida, but summering back in Hershey, PA. He spent several years working at the animal science care school at Penn State and he’s staying healthy by taking walks in the woods.
Erik Nicolaysen RC’55 is leading an effort to raise money for a building addition for the Fire Department in Chappaqua, NY. The virus cut short wedding plans for his granddaughter in March in North Carolina, with only eight people able to attend. He’s concerned about other travel plans and how to deal with changes in airline and other travel needs.
Brian O’Hearn ED’55, Chi Psi, education major, was one of our two football co-captains with Ang Iannucci RC’55. He’s still running things at his residence facility in Saratoga Springs, NY, and using Zoom to stay in touch with multiple family members.
Mort Reinhart RC’55, GSE’62, English major, is now living in South Carolina or Georgia, according to Gordon Macdonald. Maybe Mort could give us the correct location and a word or two about his current activity.
Allen Ross RC’55, Phi Epsilon Pi, history major, has family in New York and overseas. He is retired and lives in Nebraska. He’s looking for Rutgers alumni there and wondering when he will be able to travel again to London.
Rudy Ruedemann AG’55, Theta Chi, dairy science major, lives happily with his wife in Susquehanna County, PA, on a tree farm. He enjoyed the snowfall in May, but was unhappy to see the Rutgers club in Scranton disband after many years. He was the club’s oldest member.
Tony Shalna RC’55, Alpha Phi Omega, English major, started a “career” as a gun junkie when he was young. He was in Rutgers’ Rifle and Pistol Club and throughout his adult years was a leader of several organizations devoted to the love and care of firearms. Now retired from his real career as a fire alarm professional and writing for several professional publications, he’s finding comfort in his condo at a golf club in South Weymouth, MA.
Irv Shiffman RC’55, Tau Delta Phi, biological sciences major, practiced medicine until 20 years ago and is now living in Avon, CT. He and his wife have traveled extensively all over the world to visit family and see the sights. He enjoyed a Tau Delt reunion a few years ago in New York City and observes that our class has many highly respected grads in every field of endeavor, an accomplishment he is proud to be part of.
Martin Steinweiss AG’55, Tau Delta Phi, animal science major, became a dentist to treat humans instead of animals, spent some time in the Army, then practiced for 25 years in South Jersey. He followed that by starting a real estate investment company that he still operates. He had to give up ocean sailing a few years ago, but remains in good health and spirits while still living in New Jersey.
Dan Toleno RC’55, Pi Kappa Alpha, is our former class correspondent. After his military career, he settled into a life of leisure in San Diego, CA, where he still lives with his wife and enjoys the support of their four sons and four grandchildren.
Jack Witemeyer III AG’55, Sigma Phi Epsilon, agriculture major, was our class president. He retired to New Hampshire, where he continues to improve on the house he built near many of his family members. He still enjoys skiing and outdoor activities, although he had a bad fall a few years back when he mistook a tree for a slalom stake, and now he has to wear a helmet for protection. He regrets not being able to have a reunion this year, but hopes many of us will be available in the future for a celebration of a great class.
Robert McBride RC’55: 6409 Buckskin Lane, Roseville, CA 95747; 916-773-3603; mojomom@surewest.net
1957
Class Column: It is with great sorrow that I report the passing of Don Kirkwood RC’57 on April 24, 2020. He was captain of the fencing team and a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Over the years, he was very active in the Class of 1957’s alumni affairs, serving on many committees. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army, and in 1962, at Fort Bragg, NC, he met and married his predeceased wife, Marge. Don enjoyed multiple career paths, first working for 21 years at Xerox, where he rose to the executive level in its Federal Government Operations Group for marketing. He was instrumental in helping place a pilot product, Alto, in the White House, U.S. Senate, and House of Representatives. In 1991, he left Xerox and established a career as a marketing, sales, executive search, and management consultant. His clients included USA Today, Ernst & Young, HP, Apple, and many other companies.
Don’s first priority was his love for his close family. His favorite message was to live life to the fullest with love, as he described in an email before his wife passed away in August 2014: “Marge and I would listen to music at cocktail hour and constantly reminisce how we have been blessed, living a charmed life, enjoying our family and great friends. We have had the pleasure of extensive travel, good health, and never missing a good meal at the finest restaurants. We always laughed and said if we died tomorrow, we definitely have no regrets and took advantage of our life’s bucket list.” Great words of wisdom directly from Don.
Don spent his retirement years in Naples, FL, where he was president of his condo association, a board member of the Old Naples Association, and chair of the Alliance for Naples Bay. He left many relatives but no children of his own. Anyone wanting more information, feel free to contact me, as I have spoken to his niece at great length. STAY SAFE.
Harold Kaplan RC’57: P.O. Box 941313, Maitland, FL 32794-1313; 407-628-8444; hjk@ufg-lease.com
1958
Class Column: Jim Drago RC’58 writes: “All goes well with me although my golfing results don’t verify it. My excuse is a hip replacement!! Just returned from Florida, where I played with a golf group coordinated by Commissioner Ron Giaconia RC’58! Granddaughter graduated West Point in May. Will be an artillery officer, going to Fort Bragg. She’s not a stranger, her dad was stationed there. Oldest granddaughter is going to make us great-grandparents in a few weeks. We’re getting old! And that is how I’m doing!”
Pete Failla ENG’58 writes: “In the last six months, I’ve had too much experience with the medical profession. I fall down from time to time and hurt myself, requiring my attendance at a PT exercise class. PT means physical therapy; in my case it also means psychotherapy. I also had heart failure for a short time. That’s over. My doctor says I can do everything, except I should not fall in love again.”
Otto Zingg RC’58 writes that he and his wife, Elaine, “continued our resident volunteer service last summer, this time at Sitka Fine Arts Camp. We worked with 1,000 campers throughout the summer programs and enjoyed being on that beautiful island in Alaska. Elaine took a class on making decorative baskets from fish skins. Supervised by an Athabaskan native, she began with a whole king salmon and ended up with a lovely beaded fish skin basket. Even at our age, it’s fun learning new skills.”
Don Cook ENG’58 writes: “I’m holed up in Sarasota. The golf course is open so I’m playing more golf than usual. Major drawback is the closed restaurants. My kitchen is no longer a virgin. I actually have learned how to use my microwave. I’m working on mastering the oven—of course, only for take-outs.”
John Murphy RC’58 writes: “Enjoyed January and February in Hilton Head, highlighted by two drama performances and three symphony concerts in that cultural mecca of 36,000 souls. Sang in the Episcopal church choir and savored afternoons on the beach and the beautiful walking venues in the mornings. Performed in the church’s Saints on Broadway musical revue. Had successful melanoma surgery in July. Returned to Pittsburgh, two weeks before being placed under house arrest. The rest, as they say, is history.”
Bob Langford RC’58 writes: “Comfortably avoiding crowds (a bit of an understatement) in our condo in downtown Minneapolis, with daily phone checks from son and daughter and the grands. Eating well with great restaurant pick-ups from the wonderful restaurants in our area. I was diagnosed with lymphoma last summer, which is being closely monitored, but should qualify me, along with the heart failure, ventricular fibrillation, type II diabetes, and sleep apnea for early access to the vaccine, if it is ever developed. More seriously, I learned that Gordon RC’58 and wife Marilyn DC’60 Kriney both got the virus. Marilyn is home recovering, and after three weeks in the hospital, Gordon is in rehabilitation.”
Al Maitlin RC’58’s son David RC’92 practices law with him. David was the last president of Delta Upsilon.
Ron Giaconia writes: “My golf community allows play restricted to walking and carrying your clubs. Being an octogenarian, I am reduced to nine holes. Actually, feel very fortunate to be in Southwest Florida.”
Dick Ossi RC’58 writes: “We are in Amelia Island, FL, and able to play golf. Just finished 18 holes. Thank God we were able to do that. We used a cart but the course removed anything that everyone would touch, like the rakes in the bunkers. ”
Gene Simms RC’58’s daughter Lisa, a nurse in California, is working with her clients remotely but may have to return to visiting houses. “I’m working remotely but I don’t know about teaching this fall,” he says.
Bob Baechtold RC’58 left his law firm and is now doing arbitration and consulting on his own. He traveled to New Orleans before COVID-19 hit and enjoyed Bourbon Street.
Sheldon Baker RC’58 moved to Santa Clarita, CA, a couple of years ago. “When I was a kid, this was open space, hot, and we would say, ‘Who would live here?’ ” he says. “It is still hot but it is a great place. Traveled to Canada on a cruise and Washington to visit family and grandson’s college graduation, and east to visit my oldest son. Now the doors are closed and we stay inside, wear masks, and no longer hug or shake hands. It reminds me of the summer of polio and we couldn’t play kick the can in the street or go swimming. What comes around goes around.”
Unfortunately we lost three classmates this year: Jesse Harris AG’58, GSNB’68, who died January 3, 2020; Jim Kovacs ENG’58, who died January 18, 2020; and Burt Rozner RC’58, who died February 15, 2020.
My granddaughter Kelly graduated from Northern Arizona University’s paramedic course. She’s now practicing in the pandemic!
Request: Please send me your most memorable experience/time/class/girlfriend. I’ll post the results. Thanks and STAY WELL!
Robert Max RC’58, GSE’78: 12 Danbury Road, Woolwich, NJ 08085; 856-467-8148; bbmax96@comcast.net
1959
Class Column: Greetings, fellow members of the “elderly and vulnerable population.” Here’s hoping we’re out of the woods (or at least the house) by the time this appears.
Before everything went downhill, Dave Blanch AG’59 was planning to attend ceremonies in April commemorating the 75th anniversary of the American and Russian armies meeting on the Elbe River in Germany. Didn’t we all have plans overtaken by COVID-19?
Looking beyond the pandemic, Bob Harding RC’59, checking in from his home in Lower Manhattan, reports he’s preparing for a one-man show of his paintings at the Crisp Museum in Cape Girardeau, MO, scheduled to run September 4 to October 25. He anticipates showing about 25 pieces, including some oils on canvas and works on paper.
We regret to report the loss of two ’59ers.
Ken Myers RC’59 of Bloomfield Hills, MI, died February 1, 2020. He was 82. A longtime career management consultant, Ken received his MBA from New York University and was a partner at KPMG before establishing his own company, Consulting Resource Associates, which operated for 28 years. He was a director of the Detroit Athletic Club, Detroit Economic Club, and Oakland Hills Country Club. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, three children, and two grandchildren.
Coralie Farlee UCNB’59, GSNB’61,’71, 90, died January 12, 2020. A class member likely few of us knew but a generous contributor to our fundraising efforts, Coralie grew up on her family’s farm in Bridgewater, NJ, and at 14 started driving a pickup truck to Manhattan to deliver eggs. She put herself though night school at Rutgers, studying health professions education, and earned a doctorate in sociology. She had a long career in Washington, D.C., with the Environmental Protection Agency, National Institutes of Health, and the Fogarty International Center. She was extremely active in civic and charitable endeavors in her Southwest Washington community. A sister and two nieces survive her.
Alan Schreihofer RC’59: 3776 Ashford Lake Court NE, Atlanta, GA 30319; 770-458-7766; aschreihofer@bellsouth.net
1961
Class Column: Howard Cantwell RC’61 has retired from practicing and teaching medicine. He received the Introduction to Clinical Medicine Department Faculty Achievement Award for 2018–2019 from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. Howard and his wife, Linda Walsh DC’60, live in Pasadena, CA.
I have been emailing with Ben Shiriak RC’61, NLAW’73. Following graduation he earned an MBA from Columbia, and at the School of Law–Newark, he was editor of the law review. He had a clerkship with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, then entered private practice, specializing in public utilities and public authorities law. Now retired, he and his wife, Susi, live in rural central Virginia on the banks of the Rappahannock.
Sadly, Ben informed me of the death of Peter A. Winkel RC’61, GSNB’67 on April 18, 2020. Following graduation, Peter served in the Peace Corps, then earned a doctorate in German literature and taught at Rutgers and Trenton State College before retiring in Lakewood, NJ, in 2000.
We also learned of the death of two other classmates, Richard Hines RC’61 and Andre Gruber RC’61, NLAW’64. Following graduation Richard earned his MBA from New York University’s Stein School of Business. He had a distinguished career in commercial lending with Chase Manhattan Bank, NatWest Bank, and Johnson & Johnson. He was a member of the Edison Township (NJ) Board of Education for 12 years, serving as president the last two years. He was a trustee of the JFK Medical Center for 35 years, serving as chairman for the last five years. He died March 6, 2020.
After graduation Andre earned his law degree from the School of Law–Newark and practiced law in Middlesex County, NJ, for more than 50 years. Andre’s legal practice also included appointments as South Brunswick Township attorney, East Brunswick Zoning Board attorney, Old Bridge Zoning Board attorney, and county condemnation commissioner. He was the Middlesex County Republican chair for many years and a delegate to the 1976 Republican National Convention. He died February 18, 2020.
Tom Siegel RC’61: 3739 Waldorf Drive, Dallas, TX 75229; 214-351-1009; tomsiegel@alumni.rutgers.edu
1962
New Brunswick Class Column: Good deeds continue despite the pandemic. Congratulations to this year’s Rutgers College Class of 1962 Presidential Public Service Award winners. They are Anna Agbotse, a rising senior in the School of Public Affairs and Administration, and Christina Strasburger NCAS’00, department administrator for history and African-American studies at Rutgers University–Newark. Details of their fine service will be provided at www.rutgers62.org, our class website.
Sheldon Schultz RC’62 wrote from Florida with a reminder that the pandemic has different consequences for people of different means, reminding us to appreciate what we have and help others as we can.
Doing its part, Rutgers’ RUCDR Infinite Biologics got FDA emergency approval for the first saliva-based COVID-19 test, a key to assessing public health and managing it.
Arthur McDermott RC’62’s construction businesses are doing well enough that he did not lay off any of his 83 employees, enabling them to deal with the virus while keeping safe at home. Arthur’s wife, Margaret, welcomed a mated pair of mallard ducks to their pond, the fourth annual visit, providing a moment of cheer from the natural world.
George Billy RC’62 wrote to say he and his wife, Valerie, have stayed at home, walking, reading (he recommends Erik Larson’s The Splendid and the Vile, about Winston Churchill during the London Blitz), and painting, both oils and watercolors. Living on Long Island near a large number of virus patients (51 had died as of his May email), George urges caution and compassion.
Stephen S. (Steve) Fuller RC’62 retired after 50 years split between George Washington University and George Mason University. He departed for Georgetown, ME, after founding and managing the Stephen S. Fuller Institute at George Mason, considered “the premier source for information and analysis of Greater Washington’s regional economy.” Read more about Steve’s terrific work on our website.
Don’t forget our 60th reunion in 2022!
Geoffrey Gould RC’62, GSE’66,’74: 500 Magnolia Drive, Vestal, NY 13850; 607-757-0499; ggould@binghamton.edu
1963
Class Column: As of two days ago, I had not heard a word from any of my classmates, but then Pem Schaeffer ENG’64 emailed me. Pem, who is now retired, lives in Brunswick, ME. After graduation, Pem worked as an engineer for Hughes Aircraft, a company based in Los Angeles that produces equipment for the U.S. Navy. Pem keeps in touch with classmates and Chi Phi brothers Gino Parochniak RC’63 and Hugh Evans RC’63. Gino, who is also retired, lives in the Wichita Falls, TX, area, and Hugh lives in Exeter, NH, where he is close to his son’s family. Pem hopes that more of his Chi Phi brothers will let everyone know about their lives via our Class Column. I agree!
In the meantime, I hope that everyone is well and stays safe. Don’t forget to wear a mask when going out, and upon your return home, wash your hands thoroughly. Rather than singing “Happy Birthday” twice while washing, sing, “My father sent me to old Rutgers…” or “Here’s to the college that stands on a hill…”
Adrian Zapotocky ED’63: abzap@verizon.net
1964
Class Column: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, personal meetings among classmates and others are not happening. However, the increased popularity of Zoom and other conferencing applications allows us to meet digitally. In fact, your correspondent has been having nearly weekly Zoom meetings with classmates. And one of the benefits is that I have recently Zoomed with some classmates whom I might have seen in person but once or twice since we graduated in 1964! While we all have aged and (we hope) continue to age, it seems that our memories of events that took place on the Banks back in our days continue to be most accurate, detailed, and vivid! It is great fun and I strongly recommend digital meetings. Stay well and in touch!
Mark N. Busch RC’64: mnb@buschlaw.com.
1965
Class Column: Norman Thetford ENG’65, GSNB’72 worked at Yale in epidemiology, then in insurance and investments. He retired in 2004 and lives in Sarasota, FL. He’s competed nationally and internationally for more than 40 years in rowing, winning more than a dozen international masters events and more than 50 domestic events.
Bob Reffelt ENG’65, GSNB’67, after a one-year tour in Vietnam, was a technology innovator in finance and telecom and started a software engineering business in 1985. In 2001, he became a full-time volunteer and enjoys sailing, kayaking, and fishing.
Frank Tuhy ENG’65 is dealing with pancreatic cancer and is on a trial of an experimental biologic drug. His family keeps him busy, as do his hobbies of traveling (Costa Rica and Key West in 2019), electronics, gardening, and maintaining three sports cars.
Jon Rodiek AG’65 is retired and is building a new home in Seattle, WA, and enjoying whale sightings in his cove.
Pete Graziano RC’65’s hardball team has won eight national championships in the 60–70 age group since 2000.
Carl Woodward RC’65, NLAW’68 reports that Adrian Schreiber RC’65, SCILS’78 says that the washer and dryer that our class donated to the Veterans House was delivered.
Darryl James RC’65, GSNB’67’s book, Phoenix 13, a collection of stories from his unit in Vietnam, will be available in fall 2020.
Ron Butt RC’65, in Melbourne Beach, FL, says his veterans organization chapter will be open soon, providing free assistance in filing claims, getting vets’ records, getting burial help for families, and filing for survivor benefits.
Craig Matthews ENG’65 is editing 60-plus photo albums and making up a set for each of his children.
Bob Otrupchak RC’65 lauded Rutgers’ men’s basketball team and hopes Coach Greg Schiano will bring the football team success.
Ralph Capio RC’65, after spending 30 distinguished years in the military, is now practicing law in St. Louis, MO, and Las Vegas, NV, and teaches government contracting seminars.
Fred Simon RC’65 cruised the Caribbean, then joined friends from Houston, TX, on a road trip, including a visit to NASA headquarters.
Don Ricart RC’65, CLAW’68 says hello from the desert in Southern California.
Mike Goodkind ENG’65 spent the first two weeks of 2020 in his apartment in Paris.
Bob Reardon RC’65 continues to practice music and is reading some long-lost books.
Michael Wiener RC’65, living in Thailand, finds learning games for children and provides meals to his relatives during the lockdown.
Harvey Kohn RC’65 enjoyed a cruise/land golf excursion around Australia and New Zealand.
Rich Steffan RC’65, GSNB’69 had a great weekend in Aruba.
Harold Wittcoff RC’65 retired from medical practice in 2009 and lives in Boynton Beach, FL.
Bill Schwartz ENG’65 has been teaching part time at the College of Lake County for 13 years and teaches an AP class for high school seniors.
Stephen Appell RC’65 lives on Hilton Head Island, enjoying walks and bike trails.
Vic Losick RC’65 continues to work in documentary films and has lived in New York City since he was in his early 20s.
Jack Himmelberger RC’65 has been retired from the New Jersey Superior Court since 2003. His favorite job has been as spring training usher for the Phillies in Clearwater, FL.
Les Goodman RC’65, RBS’70, in Naples, FL, for more than 20 years, retired from First Fidelity/First Union, which is now Wells Fargo. After serving on Rutgers’ Board of Trustees and Board of Governors and on the Board of Overseers of Rutgers University Foundation, he sponsors Rutgers events in Southwest Florida.
Chuck Hennings RC’65: 6079 Tarawood Drive, Orlando, FL 32819; 407-909-0507
1966
Class Column: Fred Friedberg RC’66’s fascination with art deco watches led to his five-volume history of the Illinois Watch Company, The Illinois Watch and Its Hamilton Years (Schiffer, 2018). The watch company was a leader in the industry a century ago. The book was the subject of a front-page article in the Los Angeles Times and a National Public Radio interview in November. A retired attorney, Fred lives in Irvine, CA.
Walt Orth RC’66 of Coral Gables, FL, has been retired 20 years from the telecommunications industry. He co-founded the Wings Over Miami Air Museum. Walt passed along word of the deaths of three classmates, all of whom were on the crew team with him.
Richard Vermeire RC’66, NLAW’69 of Boulder, CO, died March 5, 2019. He was a Denver trial attorney in both state and federal courts.
Thomas G. Littell RC’66 of Denver died May 6, 2019. Always known as “T,” he was retired from the risk-management industry.
Alan Lemberger ENG’66, GSNB’68 of Pleasant Valley, NY, died September 18, 2019. He had worked for IBM for 38 years. He was a member of the Dutchess County Sports Hall of Fame for his years as a high school sports photographer. Walt pointed out that he and Al were in kindergarten together and followed each other through Rutgers.
We have lost five other classmates. Lou Chazen AG’66 of Spring Lake Heights, NJ, died March 30, 2020, of complications of COVID-19. Lou was a member of our 50th Reunion Committee. For years, he worked as a global sales and marketing manager for Diamond Shamrock in Morristown, NJ.
Howard Arnesen RC’66 died April 24, 2020, of coronavirus complications. He lived in Cranford, NJ, where he had owned a baseball card store. He was a systems analyst for supermarket chains.
Eric Riedel RC’66 died January 16, 2020, after a long illness. He lived in Brookline, MA, and in Florida. Eric was a professor of education and dean of students at six colleges. He was known as “the singing dean” for his use of song in the classroom and in campus shows.
Elliot Grossman AG’66, GSNB’68 of Miami Beach, FL, died February 4, 2020, of numerous medical issues. For 18 years, he was director of information systems at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach.
Michael Harris RC’66 of Mount Pleasant, SC, died December 1, 2019. He was an ophthalmologist in Livingston, NJ, for 43 years.
Larry Benjamin RC’66: 122 Almond Road, Freehold, NJ 07728; 732-625-9797; llbenj@optimum.net
1968
Class Column: In the more than 55 years since our class first arrived at Rutgers, we have experienced war, civil disorders, economic downturns, and almost every other kind of calamity imaginable. Now, unfortunately, we can add pandemics to the list. In that regard, I hope this finds you and your families as well as possible and staying safe.
Before it was cut short by the coronavirus, the very successful 2020 Rutgers men’s basketball season brought back memories of the 1967 National Invitation Tournament, when the basketball team brought national attention to Rutgers. Class president Mike Harwin RC’68 recently confirmed a story that was going around at the time. Mike, then class vice president, sent a letter to the chair of the NIT selection committee, urging the committee to accept Rutgers and to schedule the team for the late game on Saturday night when, since it was Junior Prom weekend, Rutgers would sell a lot of tickets. While some Rutgers administrators didn’t care for the idea, President Mason Gross liked it. The rest is history, as a huge Rutgers crowd took over Madison Square Garden and was a major factor in the team’s dramatic victory.
I was sorry to learn from John Fried RC’68 of the death of classmate Daniel J. Kubek ENG’68 on May 4, 2019, in Isle of Palms, SC. John and Dan were friends since elementary school, sharing a passion for the New York Yankees and golf. Dan was the first college graduate in his family, earning a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. After completing his master’s degree at Purdue, Dan earned seven U.S. patents over the course of a 40-year career with Union Carbide, focusing on chemical processes for the production of natural gas. Dan and his wife, Kathy, who survives him, enjoyed retirement in South Carolina, where Dan often golfed. I know I speak for everyone in expressing our condolences to Kathy.
Class treasurer Carl Panzera ENG’68 reports the good news that grandson Nick is attending Rutgers, making him the third generation of Panzeras matriculating at Rutgers. Demonstrating that history can repeat itself, Nick was living in Brett Hall, not far from Hegeman, where Carl started college. Although the pandemic sent him home early, we hope Nick and all other Rutgers students, not to mention alumni, are back on campus as soon as possible.
Please write and let me know what’s going on in your life.
John Zinn RC’68, RBS’70: jzinn84@comcast.net
1969
Class Column: John Baker RC’69, RBS’81 passed the class correspondent torch to me at our last reunion. I have been auditing classes on the New Brunswick campus and taking OLLI-RU classes for a few years now. I urge any alumni over age 62 (55 for OLLI-RU) to try it, if it’s not inconvenient. In the fall semester of 2019, I audited a class titled “Wars, Wayfarers, and the Wall: A History of the U.S.-Mexico Border” and in the spring 2020 semester, I am auditing a class on the Civil War and Reconstruction.
David Lieberfarb RC’69, GSE’72: dmlieb@optonline.net
1972
Class Column: Hi, classmates. It has been very quiet on emails from our class. I would hope to receive more news for our column, so help me out, thanks.
My dorm neighbor for my last two years at RU, Jerry Shilling RC’72 has had an exciting year. His family added two grandchildren—twins—in February. The additions raise his total of grandchildren to five. Jerry enjoyed his Rutgers basketball season tickets with this outstanding season. He does part-time accounting. Many of you have read the sports pages of The Star-Ledger over the years and the columns of Moss Klein RC’72, who was Jerry’s roommate. Moss and his wife are now enjoying living in sunny California.
Donald W. Hansen RC’72 of Quincy, MA, passed away February 1, 2020. Don was a husband, father, and grandfather. He received a master’s degree from Northeastern University and a law degree from Suffolk University in 1983. Don worked for the City of Quincy before opening his own law practice. He also worked as counsel for the New England Medical Center. Don enjoyed travel with his family and shared his love of sports with his daughters.
Richard S. Klimek RC’72, the father of Vineland (NJ) High School soccer, died January 15, 2020. Rich was lifelong resident of Dorothy, NJ. He graduated from Vineland High School in 1968 and received his master’s degree from Villanova University. Rich taught history at Vineland High School for the next 36 years, retiring in 2009. He coached soccer for 31 years and had a 431–151–46 record. He received various awards, including the South Jersey Coaches Association’s Coach of the Year and induction into the association’s Coaches Hall of Fame. He also coached baseball for 13 years. He enjoyed traveling, especially to the Florida Keys. Rich leaves two children.
Dan Kramer RC’72: dankramer50@gmail.com
1974
Class Column: Ben Eng ENG’74, GSNB’76 wrote to say he has been retired for two years and keeps himself busy designing 3D-printed radio-controlled model boats that he sells on CGTrader. He just released John F. Kennedy’s PT 109 and is working on a Fletcher-class destroyer. Ben is trying to time its release with a new Tom Hanks movie, Greyhound. “The Flower-class corvette I released a year ago is doing very well and there has been a spike in sales, most likely due the pandemic lockdown,” he says. “There is a bit of family history with Kennedy. In the spring of 1960, JFK and Jackie Kennedy were on a campaign tour in Passaic, NJ, and their open motorcade passed right in front of our house!”
No other news from anyone else. I hope that you all are well and safe from COVID-19. Sadly, we are all old enough that we are part of the susceptible population, especially if there are other health issues. Hopefully, we will be able to start a return to whatever the new normal will be. The “shelter in place” rules have given your correspondent time to clean house and dig through old files. I found what could be construed as a treasure trove to some; my father, Ted Stier ED’49, GSE’50 had a collection of Rutgers football programs going back to the late 1930s. His dad was in the Class of 1912, so he was exposed to Rutgers football early. The programs are all packed away neatly and catalogued. Hopefully, I can find a home.
Rick Stier AG’74: rickstier4@aol.com
1976
New Brunswick Class Column: Classmate and friend Brian Ulione RC’76 passed away January 18, 2020. To our knowledge, he and I were the only two people from our class living in St. Louis, MO, he for 30 years, me for 38. No deal—and more importantly no favor—was too big or too small for Brian to attempt or accomplish. He did favors ferociously. His longtime partner, Wendy, and his son, Mike, conducted a beautiful funeral service. But before the service, the tasteful live music, the fully stocked bar (premium brands only), and the food—antipasto in one chapel, dinner in another—was all Brian. And it truly transformed a sad occasion into a much happier one, actually a party. Thanks, Brian. You’re a good man…
Then COVID-19 happened. But one of the brightest times recently was being invited to the weekly Hardenbergh 5 Sunday night Zoom gathering, which attracts up to 20 old friends. I’ve saluted that crew before for being the closest, most supportive, most fun-loving group from our class—but they really outdid themselves on the two-hour call I observed. Here’s a partial list of topics they covered: crossing streets in India, proctology exams, weightlifting, sports movies, high school graduations, used books, neuroscience (actually quite a bit of neuroscience), NASCAR, living in South Korea, living in Florida, COVID-19 masks, fishnet stockings, ballistics, estate planning, and loud talkers. That’s a partial list.
So you didn’t have to be an English major to catch the theme here—stay close to your friends and live your life to the fullest, all the way to the end.
And please, send me your email address (see my email address below) if you want me to keep you posted on ideas and plans for Reunion XLV in 2021. As they say, with fingers crossed: next year in New Brunswick!
Frank Viverito RC’76: fviverito@stlsports.org
1977
Class Column: Members of the Class of 1977, please join us on our Facebook page.
Gregory P. Majercik RC’77 sends warm regards to the Class of 1977: “Hope everyone is being safe. Sending best wishes to Rutgers’ highly regarded Department of Philosophy.”
J.J. Daub RC’77 is vice president for Chicago-based eCommerce. His son, John J. Daub IV SEBS’11, SPH’13, recently got married.
Mark Herrmann RC’77, a former sportswriter for The Targum, retired after 36 years as a sportswriter for Newsday, the major Long Island daily newspaper.
Glenn Wolfson RC’77 sends greetings from Lake Tahoe, NV. Dr. Wolfson is the son of Ken Wolfson, the late dean of the graduate school and a professor of math.
Mark Usinger RC’77 lives in Portland, ME, with his wife, Margo. Their company supplies ships, such as tankers and freighters. They also provide cruise ships with pretty much anything they need, such as food, clothing, cleaning supplies, and steel.
Our class lost several members in recent months. Lawrence G. Biegel CC’77 on January 21, 2020; Bruce R. Campbell GSE’77 on November 28, 2019; Kenneth B. Eisler RC’77 on January 26, 2020; Spencer M. Fields GSNB’77 on December 10, 2019; Mary Jo Lynch GSNB’77 on February 26, 2020; Margaret E. Twyeffort SCILS’77 on February 11, 2020; and
John P. Wawrzycki ENG’77 on December 3, 2019
Marcia Smith Fleres RC’77, RBS’93: marciasmithfleres@gmail.com
1978
Class Column: Hope you and yours have been able to stay safe and well during these interesting times.
Being home has allowed me to catch up on the house and yard to-do list, as well as discover some amusing facts about our alma mater.
George Washington really did sleep at Rutgers. He and his army encamped in New Brunswick no fewer than six times. In 1776, Alexander Hamilton set up a cannon battery on the Old Queens lawn to delay a British advance across the Raritan, which allowed Washington to retreat to Trenton and save Philadelphia.
Where is the intersection of Henry and Rutgers streets? Both streets are named after Henry Rutgers and you’ll find them on the lower east side of Manhattan. Colonel Rutgers had considerable land holdings in Manhattan and gave away much of his fortune through the donation of land for schools, churches, and charities in the area.
A highly unscientific survey done years ago revealed that New Jersey had at least 65 streets, roads, avenues, and lanes named Rutgers. Topping the list was Belleville (Essex County), which still has both a Rutgers Street and Rutgers Court. However, the university noted at the time that Belleville’s homage was more likely bestowed in honor of Dutch colonists named Rutgers who settled the area in the 1600s.
There was an SS Rutgers Victory. It was built by the California Shipbuilding Co. in Los Angeles and launched on February 2, 1945. Some 530 Victory ships, a class of cargo ship, were produced by North American shipyards during World War II to replace losses caused by attacks. Approximately 150 of the ships were named after educational institutions, with Rutgers being the first in the series. The SS Rutgers Victory saw action in Vietnam and was eventually scrapped in 1985.
Mike Blishak RC’78: mikealan@att.net
1979
Class Column: Like many other events, the annual Loyal Sons and Daughters of Rutgers dinner has been postponed until 2021 due to the pandemic. Among those whose induction has been temporarily delayed is Debra Ann Lynch DC’79.
Ken Goldman RC’79 retired from Drexel University in December 2019 as a senior associate vice president of institutional advancement after 23 years of service. His retirement also marks the conclusion of his 37-year career in fundraising, serving the arts and education. Ken says the best part of this profession was the great people he met over the years and across the country, resulting in many lasting friendships.
In other news, your class correspondent retired in January 2020 after almost 36 years as public information director for Somerset County, NJ, which followed a five-year stint as a weekly newspaper reporter.
Linda Van Zandt Morris RC’79: lvzm@optonline.net
1982
Class Column: So I guess everyone from the class of ’82 must still be on that ghost ship since I have not heard a word from anyone. Other than the stock market taking a dive, a global pandemic, and the new fashion accessory being a mask, everything is great! It would be better to hear from some of my classmates to see how everyone is doing!
Anyway, I did hear from my roomies, Michael DelloStritto RC’82, Anthony Angelosante RC’82, and George Goldberg ENG’82, plus Manny Katz ENG’82, RBS’89, Ed Saxton RC’82, and Don Goebel RC’81, as we all participated on a Zoom video call. Not as good as getting together, but it was great to see everyone’s faces and to catch up. I caught a glimpse of Alison Becker Hausler RC’82, RBS’84 in ShopRite, mask and all. I spoke with Charles ‘Chip’ Penola RC’80 about the crazy times and he says hi to everyone from back in the day.
Got a shout-out from Renee Solomon Gelin RC’82. Renee is actually the first person I met at Rutgers on move-in day freshman year. She is the author of a couple of books, Adventures in Widowland and Eating the Tiger: and Other True Tales. Both are available on Amazon.
Bill Levering RC’82 is sheltering at his summer house in our home town of Margate, NJ, but what good is the beach if you can’t go on it?
As for the rest of you, life is short, so get on your computers and start typing.
Norm Schleiffer RC’82: 168 Longwood Drive, Manalapan, NJ 07726; 732-792-0215; schleiff@alumni.rutgers.edu
1983
Class Column: No news to report but that’s understandable given the current circumstances. We are all missing out—on restaurants, vacations, Green Day concerts, Cubs games, graduations, family. Now more than ever is a great time to reach out to an old RU friend you haven’t heard from in like forever. Tell them that you were thinking about them. Wish them good health. Share the love.
Milan Indrisek RC’83: 3132 Savannah Drive, Aurora, IL 60502; 630-272-0296; msi961@comcast.net
1985
Class Column: As we make our way through this historic and devastating pandemic, I invite you to share your thoughts, memories, and observations with me for a future column. How has this experience changed you? Has it forced you to re-examine any aspect of your life and make changes? What lessons are you taking away from this? Let’s learn from and inspire each other.
Linda Tancs RC’85: lindatancs@gmail.com
1986
Class Column: A little update on me. I am divorced and still living in Pittsburgh, PA. I am a manager of tech products at Target and a tournament manager for Dixon Golf. I recently started a new direct business through Farmasi, a European company that offers skin care, make-up, hair care, nail care, and massage products. My site is http://www.farmasius.com/melaniebleiweis. My email address for my business is sparklewithmeljoy@gmail.com.
Melanie Baker Bleiweis RC’86: mbleiweis@verizon.net
1990
Class Column: From class president Stu Heiser RC’90: “Can it really be 30 years since we graduated?! While this spring’s Alumni Weekend couldn’t happen, we WILL have a 30th reunion event as soon as it’s safe to have a gathering as large as ours will be. Until then, stay safe and healthy, and reminisce about our time on the Banks!”
Mike Canavan RC’90, RBS’90’s daughter, Amanda, graduated from Rutgers in 2020 and his son is entering Rutgers willingly, Class of 2024. Congratulations to the Canavan family.
Rich Spiegel RC’90 started a new role as the chief of Stakeholder Engagement in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection. Rich and his family relocated to the Washington, D.C., area in March, following his military retirement and a six-month road trip around the United States.
I used my skills as the health and safety officer for the New Jersey Judiciary to teach the public health merit badge for the Boy Scouts of America to about 300 scouts nationwide via Zoom. The scouts learned about COVID-19, disease control, and the role of public health agencies.
Rob Bardsley RC’90: 856-952-0346; robbardsley@alumni.rutgers.edu
1996
Class Column: As Gen Xers, we were built for the pandemic that has helped define 2020. We understood the importance of social distancing and protecting those older and younger than us. I have seen so many examples of how strong and amazing you all have been.
We are also super proud of all the hard work that Rutgers graduates and current Rutgers researchers have been performing to help our nation and world survive this terrible time.
I am sure that the pandemic will still be in full effect; to whatever degree is still to be determined, but stay healthy, strong, and brave at this time.
Brian Tobin RC’96: briannealtobin@gmail.com
