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.
1943
Class Column: I hope no news of our other classmates is good news. I continue to have good health, still walk a mile every morning after breakfast (followed by an hour nap), and my driver’s license is good for another two years (’til my 101st birthday). I have a pet squirrel and a pet blue jay, both of which take peanuts from my fingers. On the bad side, I lost my wife last fall. We had married when I was 93 and Shirley was 89.
William Suter AG’43: billsuter1319@icloud.com
1945
Class Column: We do have some news to report. I spoke to Spencer Ross ENG’45 and Sam Goldfarb ENG’45. Both are doing fine. Sam is still driving his car to doctors’ offices and stores. His nephew has just finished a four-year hitch in the Army. I guess it is a new way for the Army to get reserve officers.
Spence and Annabel are having a little difficulty getting around but all seems well.
It is a year and a half since I had my stroke. My balance is off but I manage to walk without using a walker.
The university informs me that our class crew shell endowment fund is $221,523 and
the Jack Dempsey scholarship fund is $230,612.
Stay well.
Morton Burke ENG’45, GSNB’48: 9 Greenbrier Road, Oakhurst, NJ 07755; 732-222-8320; mortburke109@gmail.com
1948
Class Column: By the time you read this, it will be just about a year that we have been self-isolated due to COVID-19. Hopefully, the next 12 months will be better for all.
A year ago, I noted the passing of Bob Conway RC’48. A few months back, I received an email from his daughter, Robin Conway Morley DC’73, telling me about the funeral and burial services. The funeral was held in Bob’s church in Basking Ridge, NJ, but because of COVID-19, the family had to postpone the burial service in Chilmark Cemetery in Martha’s Vineyard, MA. He had a full military ceremony with a three-gun salute and “Taps,” all provided by the American Legion. As I previously noted, Bob and Phyllis DC’48, GSE’73 had made Martha’s Vineyard their home after Bob retired. They loved the Vineyard, and Barbara and I spent many days with them on our annual visits to the island. Great memories.
I received an email from David Keller RC’48. He and his wife, Barbara, live in Cedar Crest Senior Living Community in Pompton Plains, NJ. He noted that they were lucky and got selected for their first vaccine shot. They report no reaction and are looking forward to the second dose. Like many of us, he is semi-quarantined and does a lot of Zooming with friends and family. He just celebrated his 70th wedding anniversary and 95th birthday. Congratulations on both!
I also received news that Richard Gamewell RC’48 died in January 2020. Our condolences to his family.
That’s it for now. Send me any news on what you and your family are doing. Stay safe and well.
Bart Klion RC’48: 43 Abby Lane, Ballston Lake, NY 12019; 518-930-0509; bbklion@aol.com
1953
Class Column: Frederick E. Gruninger ED’53, GSE’61 is now living in Bonita Springs, FL, with his wife, Barbara. In addition to Florida sunshine, they enjoy visits from their three children and four grandchildren from the Midwest and Northern Virginia. Fred served Rutgers as an administrator and coach for 40 years, including 25 years (1973–1998) as athletic director. During his tenure, the university built several outstanding facilities, including the remodeled Rutgers Stadium, indoor practice facility, renovated Rutgers Golf Course, and the Rutgers Athletic Center. His many honors include election to the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics Hall of Fame. Contact information: 239-676-1617; 28626 San Lukan Lane, # 101, Bonita Springs, FL 34135.
Joseph M. Gilbert RC’53 died July 14, 2020, and is buried in Upper Montclair, NJ. He was born and reared in Granville, NY. At Rutgers, Joe enrolled in ROTC and, after graduation, served as a lieutenant with the U.S. Air Force in Japan. In 2003, he retired after a long career as an inspector with N.J. Department of Environmental Protection. A life member of Montclair Operetta Club, Joe was known for his wonderful bass voice. Through the club, he met his future wife, Jeanne; they married in1966 at St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Passaic, NJ. Joe is predeceased by her and nine siblings. Surviving are his daughter, Eileen P. Gilbert RC’92, and his sister, Frances Sweet. His late parents, Steven and Mary Gilbert, emigrated from early 20th-century Austria-Hungary (the Tatra Mountains) and settled in Granville. At our last reunion (2018), Joe marched in the alumni parade carrying the class banner. That evening, he came to the class dinner with Eileen. At our next reunion (2023), we will miss this Loyal Son of Rutgers.
William (Bill) Sansalone AG’53, GSNB’61: 6835 Old Stage Road, Rockville, MD 20852; 301-881-0063; ws31@verizon.net
1955
Class Column: This column is dedicated to the memory of our classmate, Dan Toleno RC’55, who passed away October 5, 2020. As an undergraduate at RU, Dan was an All-Conference soccer player and a proud member of Pi Kappa Alpha along with classmates Bob Bruschi ENG’55, Ben Fish AG’55, Mike Danielson RC’55, GSNB’56, and Lynn Stringfellow RC’55. Following graduation, Dan became a naval aviator. After discharge, he settled in San Diego, where he was involved in community service activities. He served as our class correspondent for many years, encouraging us to keep informed of newsworthy events in our own lives to be shared with each other. Throughout his adult life, he always gave of his time, talents, and treasures to his college, his country, and his community. He is missed by all of us.
Bob Bruschi writes from Stone Mountain, GA, sending his memories of Dan. Bob made it through the COVID-19 vaccination process and is looking forward to healthy days and perhaps another cruise or two in the near future.
August Fischer RC’55 and wife, Carolyn, are living in a retirement community in Naples, FL, giving up the pleasures of New Jersey winters. But he left three daughters and their families back in Jersey so that he has a place to visit.
Paul Dubow RC’55, NLAW’58 and his wife, Joan, are still paying taxes in San Francisco. He was a Targum sports reporter and remembers Dan as a terrific, down-to-earth person with a smile on his face all the time.
Rudy Ruedemann AG’55 played soccer with Dan at RU, describing him as “a great athlete.” Rudy and Charlie Benson ENG’55 were high school classmates in Princeton and together in Theta Chi at RU. When Charlie moved to Southern California, he became good buddies with Dan to close the friendship triangle.
By O’Hearn ED’55 continues to deliver the latest YouTube media jokes, cartoons, and other forgettable messages too good to pass by. He reports that his close friend and co-captain of our RU football team, Ang Iannucci RC’55, is now confined to a wheelchair at his memory care facility near Columbus, OH.
Robert McBride RC’55: 6409 Buckskin Lane, Roseville, CA 95747; 916-773-3603; mojomom@surewest.net
1956
Class Column: “O! Call back yesterday, bid time return.”— Richard II, William Shakespeare
I called Bob Kelley ED’56 in late January to congratulate him on being designated one of Rutgers’ top 50 male athletes. Bob promised to deliver himself and three of his ’56 lacrosse teammates (Bob Andrews RC’56, George Juergens AG’56, and Bob Kenney RC’56) to our next reunion. Next thing I knew, George called to advise of Kelley’s passing from complications of a brain tumor on February 12. George and Bob were longtime Chi Psi roommates and lifetime friends.
Joe DiCara RC’56, our oldest living classmate at 91, lives in Maryland. His wife, Betty, passed in November 2020. Both were tireless workers for the Class of ’56. Joe was originally a member of the Class of ’53. The Korean Conflict draft decimated that class and Joe, after serving in the Army, returned to Rutgers as a member of our class.
Lou Enderle RC’56, high jumper and top Demarest Hall preceptor, continues to live in Kokomo, IN, with his wife, Jean. Lou has survived multiple health issues but sounds strong and is rich in scarlet memories.
Joe Rebovich RC’56, RBS’60 (outstanding reunion parade dresser) and his wife, Florence, remain in the Big Apple. Their granddaughter, Lauren Rebovich SAS’18, was an outstanding scarlet cheerleader and is now in law school. CPA Joe continues his accounting practice in the city.
We have signed George Juergens to a lifetime contract to carry our ’56 class flag at all future Rutgers events.
I speak regularly with Dick Alaimo ENG’56, Bob Hecklau RC’56, and Bob Kenney. Dick and I grew up in Passaic’s famous Second Ward. He and his wife, Doris, live in Mount Holly, NJ. Dick founded a highly successful engineering firm and now manages his own country club, Deerwood, in central Jersey.
Hecklau lives in Aliso Viejo, CA, with is wife, Anne. He stays in touch with Sigma Phil Epsilon brothers Joe Rebovich and Jack Wishard RC’56.
Loyal Son Kenney and his wife, Nancy UCNB’68, split their time between Brick Township and Beach Haven, NJ. They hope to resume winter forays to the Naples, FL, area next winter. He remains active in alumni affairs. In truth, Bob and his twin brother Tom RC’56 (deceased) have been the backbone of our class since the day we first hit campus. In 1952, they set the standard for the Class of ’56 being “the” class of Rutgers.
Our condolences to the families of classmates who have recently passed away: James J. Bogdanovitch RC’56, who died September 19, 2020; William Eben Gould RC’56, GSNB’58, who died August 28, 2020; Daniel Horodysky RC’56, GSNB’61, who died September 26, 2017; Jefferson R. Huntington RC’56, GSE’63,’68, who died June 24, 2020; Robert E. Kelley; and Donald H. Kohnken ENG’56, who died October 16, 2020.
Laddie Feher RC’56, Class President: 151 Kingwood Court, Little Falls, NJ 07424
1957
Class Column: With not much going on with our class, I thought I would review projects we have funded over the last 10 to 15 years. There is no particular order because I did not go back to determine dates.
- The pavilion at the Scarlet R field in the Heights that is used for weddings and outdoor parties
- The plaza in front of the Alumni House, which was Van Nest Hall, benches paid for by individual classmates that include their names, and benches on Old Queens campus
- A conference room in the new Academic Building with our name at the entrance of the room
- A stained-glass window with our name on it in the Honors College building.
- Our class name in the basketball locker room at the practice facility
- Our name on lockers in the new soccer facility
- Renovations of the lobby at the Nicholas Performing Arts Center on Douglass campus
- More than 25 scholarships provided through our endowed funds
- The Class of 1957 travel van for the golf teams: our name is well displayed on it. The van is designed so that students can study during trips, and it is used often for recruiting purposes. It is the only one with the Scarlet Knight in the fleet of vans.
- After 10 years and countless meetings, we got the university to establish a year-round Golf Training Facility that opened in January 2021. Our name is prominently displayed on the entrance and inside. There was quite a lot of publicity about the facility and our efforts, you can learn more here: https://support.rutgers.edu/news-stories/rutgers-athletics-unveils-new-indoor-golf-facility/. It is located on the old handball courts in the College Avenue gym (The Barn).
Many from our class have individually donated over the years. However, it was all of the class that accomplished the above projects. Thanks to all of you for establishing our legacy. You can still contribute to the Class of 1957 Unrestricted Fund.
Harold Kaplan RC’57: P.O. Box 941313, Maitland, FL 32794-1313; 407-628-8444; hjk@ufg-lease.com
1958
Class Column: Gene Simms RC’58 writes, “Hi Bob and other Rutgers stalwarts: Bonnie and I are okay and so are the children and grandchildren. Everyone is working remotely, daughters are working on the virus and children’s health. I decided not to teach college, could not make up its mind whether it would be face to face or remote. I am still doing the environmental work though. Looking forward to fishing out of a new kayak this summer.”
Gordon Kriney RC’58 and Marilyn DC’60 both caught the coronavirus and Gordon had to go to rehab. Unfortunately, he had an infection and had to have part of his leg amputated but is on the road to recovery. Marilyn says, “We are managing except for continually changing caregivers. So far all are first rate, but it’s hard on me to get used to the parade. Gordon has his prosthesis, but as he says, he’s 85 and struggling a bit. Not sure how independent he can become. We have help 11 hours a day, seven days a week.”
Bob Langford RC’58 writes, “I am doing OK after three monthly two-day chemo sessions. Do the scans on the 25th to see if they are working. Lost about 25 pounds but overall feel pretty good.”
Dave Pooley ED’58 says, “I’m 84 and a half and I can still do 50 pushups—that’s enough.”
Tony Curto RC’58 will be honored by Northwell Health on July 3 with a golf tournament at Indian Hills Country Club in Northport, Long Island. He meets regularly for lunch with his RU lacrosse buddies who live on Long Island: Richard Nicklas RC’59, George Graulich RC’59, Bill DeBruin RC’61, and Bob Naso ED’59, GSE’65.
Alan Goldberg ED’58 says the current value of our class’s Robert Lusardi Scholarship Fund is $664,902 and income available is $24,234, adding, “Stay well. Goldy”
Crosby Houston ED’58, GSE’59 writes, “I’m still officiating at collegiate track and field meets, will have done five 2021 indoor meets. Different because of COVID-19, continuing to be involved with local food bank. Sorry, but more in to “Hokie” basketball than what’s going on “on the Banks.”
We lost Dennis Rodkin ENG’58 on November 5, 2020, and Kosta Tsipis ENG’58, GSNB’60, who died November 7, 2020. Nick Kehayas RC’58 knew Kosta well and said his scientific career was unique and had him traveling internationally for his work. His research since 1973 had addressed the specific and technical aspects of strategic nuclear weapons, of efforts to limit them, and of the effects of nuclear detonations and nuclear war.
The February 2021 issue of Key Biscayne Magazine features Alan Goldberg ED’58 and his wife, Marjorie. Visit http://keybiscaynemag.com/key-couples-5/ to read the full story.
I sent this to some friends and they enjoyed it: music and art. I hope you do, too.
https://1funny.com/magical-van-gogh-exhibit/.
Robert Max RC’58, GSE’78: 12 Danbury Road, Woolwich, NJ 08085; 856-467-8148; bbmax96@comcast.net
1959
Class Column: The holiday season (and perhaps the pandemic) occasioned, after many years, a long telephone conversation with Dick Wood RC’59. He and Pearl have been enjoying retirement for 15 years in Naples, FL. Another long call from John Bauer RC’59 was an added pleasure.
In the absence of a reunion, class president Stan Liptzin ED’59, GSE’63,’76 reports that as of June 2020, the scholarship fund had a balance of $166,705, with gifts of $2,109 in the previous fiscal year. Stan wishes us all to be healthy, safe, and well.
On the RC’59 literary scene: Class limerick author Rudy Landesman RC’59, GSNB’71 felt his earlier take on the Knights’ football season was too strong and “by way of making amends,” wrote another:
Alumni and fans lend an ear
I come not to bury, don’t fear.
On gridirons all
The Knights played good ball.
Just wait ’til you see them next year!
You can find Dick Fleck RC’59 on YouTube https://youtu.be/MmMlGC_YmWk reading poems from his book Bamboo in the Sun (cyberwit.com), inspired by his stay in Japan when he taught at Osaka University.
And a new author, the Rev. Al Niese RC’59, has published Soren’s Story: A Parable about Bullies and the Peaceable Kingdom, a book for children and adults written from the point of view of a “city pigeon” and his avian and human friends. A beautifully illustrated paperback, it’s available from Maine Authors Publishing.
The bad news that was bound to come: William Kelly ENG’59, RBS’65, 91, of Succasunna, NJ, died October 20, 2020. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he received his doctorate from NYU and was a career electrical engineer with Public Service Gas and Electric. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, two daughters and sons-in-law, and two grandsons.
David MacDowell RC’59, 83, of Eastham, MA, a retired commercial real estate broker in New York and New Jersey, died November, 10, 2020. His wife, Mary Ellen, two daughters, and two granddaughters survive him.
Ferdinand Peterson RC’59, of Little Egg Harbor, NJ, died September 12, 2020, at the age of 87. An Army veteran, he worked as a cost accountant for General Motors for 32 years. His wife, Linda, two sons, a daughter, and seven grandchildren survive him.
Louis “Mitch” Slay ENG’59, 87, of Philippi, WV, a Marine Corps veteran, died August 15, 2020. An electrical engineer and retiree from DuPont, he is survived by his wife, Dolores, a son, and two grandchildren.
Alan Schreihofer RC’59: 3776 Ashford Lake Court NE, Brookhaven, GA 30319; 770-458-7766; aschreihofer@bellsouth.net
1962
Class Column: We were hoping that COVID-19 would be controlled by now. While some Americans have been vaccinated, we’re still waiting for vaccine supplies to grow to help generate herd immunity. In the meantime, we all need to stay safe through the protocol that includes masks. Let’s stay as well as we can!
We regret the passing in December 2020 of classmate Ron Bainton RC’62, a very loyal supporter of Rutgers baseball. Ron’s very generous financial support made a big difference. A larger tribute to him can be found here: https://scarletknights.com/news/2020/12/11/baseball-rutgers-mourns-the-passing-of-ron-bainton.aspx.
Robert Armstrong RC’62 wrote to share the sad news that his wife of 53 years, Emily, passed away in February 2020. Bob had retired as director of the Pittsburgh facilities of Bayer Corp. in 1998 after 32 years and from the U.S. Army Reserves as a colonel. He and Emily, a nurse, retired to Aiken, SC, near the seventh fairway of a golf course where he played regularly, shooting an eagle at age 77! A ruling elder of his church, Bob served two three-year terms, stepping down at age 80.
Years ago, Tino Mattoli RC’62 assisted with the donation of medical supplies using Skylink, an air transport service owned by a philanthropist friend. They delivered supplies to many nations, including Israel. A link to the full story of Tino’s generosity is at www.rutgers62.org.
Bill Lyons RC’62, GSNB’70 and his wife, Joan LC’73, trying to stay in shape while dodging COVID-19, have been in the habit of taking early morning walks on various parts of the Rutgers campus and on the boardwalks near their Jersey shore home, though not in winter weather. Their walks were so early, avoiding human and animal traffic, that the photos appear to be in the middle of a very dark night! The photos Bill shared are on our website—go enjoy them!
Geoffrey Gould RC’62, GSE’66,’74: 500 Magnolia Drive, Vestal, NY 13850; 607-757-0499; ggould@binghamton.edu
1963
Class Column: Perhaps, because of the impact the pandemic has had on our lives, I have not heard from anyone. Even though we are now living basically in isolation other than trips to the supermarket, pharmacy, and liquor store, I would like someone to share their experiences. Personally and amazingly, my wife, Barbara, and I are still talking. I must admit, though, that nodding approval does wonders for sustaining relationships. Please end your silence, classmates!
Adrian Zapotocky ED’63: 570 West Inman Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065; abzap@verizon.net; 732-910-2858
1965
Class Column: Noah Finkel RC’65 continues to practice orthopedic surgery and loves to ski in Jackson Hole, WY, but is putting that off until the pandemic eases. He is instead reading, walking, and biking. Bob Mudie RC’65 is using his bike trainer indoors due to bad weather. Harvey Kohn RC’65 is playing golf and pickle ball three times a week in Phoenix and still traveling to Milwaukee once a month for his semiretirement job but has no travel plans until pandemic has passed.
Ed Doherty AG’65 spent four years in the U.S. Air Force after ROTC at Rutgers, then 29 years in sales and marketing with IBM, retiring in 2001. He lives in Hampstead, NC, most of the year, spending summers in Island Falls, Maine. Rich Steffan RC’65, GSNB’69 is downsizing after 37 1/2 years and moving to a nearby retirement community. Roger Simon RC’65 received a doctorate in history from the University of Wisconsin and was a professor of American history at Lehigh University, retiring in 2018 after 48 years.
Bruce Laurie RC’65 retired 14 years ago from the history department at the University of Massachusetts, where he taught for 36 years and published several books on U.S. labor and abolitionism. Jim Hackett NCAS’65 announced the birth of his fourth grandchild. Michael Wiener NCAS’65 reports that in Thailand, most people are still wearing masks and temperatures are checked digitally but no vaccine yet. Bob Reardon RC’65 is also downsizing and moving to “a quite spiffy one-bedroom apartment in Delray, FL.” He also made contact with friend and classmate Lee Abbey RC’65, GSN’80.
Dan Rothberg RC’65 posted a nostalgic look at our time at RU and has a lot of memorabilia from that period. “As a registered hoarder, I have many blue book exams, ID’s, books, basketball scorebooks, tickets, and a green Douglass dink.” Bob Reffelt RC’65, GSNB’67 says his family hasn’t endured major hardships from the pandemic and was able to continue kayaking and fishing in Highland Lakes, NJ, and stream live with his church praise band. Darryl James RC’65, GSNB’67 plans to visit the Florida Keys and booked a third crossing on the Queen Mary II. His book, Phoenix 13, about driving a scout helicopter in Vietnam, is finally out (and a great read).
Jon Rodiek AG’65 provided positive comments on getting beyond the pandemic. Rich Smolenski ENG’65, after his two-year ROTC commitment in the Army and a year in Vietnam during the Tet offensive, worked various engineering jobs. After getting his MBA, he joined ExxonMobil’s capital projects management department and worked around the world. Charity work included building homes in Poland, Portugal, and the Dominican Republic through Habitat for Humanity International.
Bill Lewers RC’65’s latest novel, Eighteen Days in New York, is about the 1924 Democratic Convention. Bill’s earlier books were novels that celebrate Election Day and the men and women who make it happen.
Chuck Hennings RC’65, c2hennings@yahoo.com
1966
Class Column: Here it is 2021, five years since we gathered to celebrate our 50th. How we will observe our 55th is still in the works, October 8–10 is the likely weekend. Check our class website, www.Rutgers66.org, for updates. Donations to the Class of 1966 Fund will support Scarlet Promise Grants, which help students with unmet financial needs or hardships. Check out www.support.rutgers.edu/classof1966 for donation details.
Ed Malberg RC’66 is teaching “Religion in American Life: Jamestown ’til Now” at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute–Rutgers (OLLI-RU) this spring. Ed taught in middle school, high school, and community college after his career in financial services marketing.
Michael Perlin RC’66 has published his 31st book, Advanced Introduction to Mental Health Law, which examines the relationship between law and mental health. He is a professor emeritus at New York Law School. Michael joined Ed and your class correspondent in Gerald Pomper’s class, “2021: The Crisis of American Democracy?” at OLLI-RU in February. Pomper was one of our political science professors.
Larry Klein RC’66 checked in from Paris, where he lives for nine months of the year with his partner. He does lots of walking and cooking. His U.S. home is in San Francisco, where he was a dean at the city college. He is a member of the 55th Reunion Campaign Committee.
John Bravo ENG’66’s latest movie, Psycho Yoga Instructor, aired on the Lifetime channel in November 2020. John was the executive producer.
Keith McDermott RC’66 sent holiday greetings and photos of 15 family members from his home in Gloucestershire, UK.
We have lost another classmate, Alex Byczkowski RC’66, GSNB’67 of Mountain Top, PA, who died November 4, 2020. He was a tenured college professor for 45 years and served for a decade as director of institutional systems at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, PA. He was particularly proud when former students told him how they benefited from his teaching and mentoring.
Larry Benjamin RC’66: 122 Almond Road, Freehold, NJ 07728; 732-625-9797; llbenj@optimum.net
1968
Class Column: Thanks to Phil Fontana RC’68 and Dave Cairns RC’68 who answered my plea for class news. After graduation from Rutgers, Phil attended law school at Wayne State University before being drafted. Ironically, like me, his time in Vietnam was spent at Cam Ranh Bay, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service as a military policeman. After the army, he earned a master’s degree in political science at Drew. Phil taught social studies for more than a decade in Florham Park, NJ, and then served as an elementary school principal in Franklin Lakes, NJ. Phil and his wife, Geri, (married for 49 years) recently downsized to a townhouse in Randolph, NJ. They have three sons and three grandchildren. Phil’s fondest memories at Rutgers are his four years with the Glee Club, including serving as president his senior year.
News of Hal Miller ENG’68, who also served in Vietnam, was provided by Dave Cairns. An Army Huey helicopter pilot in Vietnam, Hal had a long career with Johnson and Johnson. After dividing retirement between homes in Cape May, NJ, and Florida, he sold it all and bought a 42-foot luxury coach. Now he travels whenever and wherever he wishes with semipermanent stays at RV communities in Naples, FL, and Cape May—not a bad life.
Dave also gave me an update on his own activities. He had a long corporate career that included stops at Owens Illinois, Control Data, Cigna, and Supervalu in places like Philadelphia, Toledo, Denver, and finally Minneapolis. In 2000 he took early retirement from his position as corporate treasurer and moved to Aiken, SC. Retirement did not, however, mean an end to work, as he became a consultant, including advising the athletic director at the University of South Carolina. Dave now enjoys life in a golf course community on the 10th fairway. His updates on other TKE fraters will appear in future columns.
Unfortunately, I also have to report the passing of Katherine Sunday Bernhardt DC’68. After graduation, Kathy earned a master’s degree in library science from the University of Michigan and worked in libraries in Detroit and Atlanta. She later served as the volunteer executive director of Honduras Agalta Valley Education Foundation. Our deepest sympathies go out to Kathy’s family.
John Zinn RC’68, RBS’70: jzinn84@comcast.net
1969
Class Column: Most of us would agree that 2020 was really for the birds. But for classmate Rod Lusey RC’69, that wasn’t all bad. He reports: “My wife, Jillann (originally from Deal, NJ), and I have gone birding for the last 315 consecutive days, and have seen over 160 species, seldom traveling more than 10 miles from home. We make a daily count, which I upload to Cornell’s eBird site. I recommend it as a decent hobby, and also recommend National Geographic’s Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Seventh Edition. We use a shoulder harness for our binoculars and keep a telescope and tripod in our vehicle. I started the habit in 1987 while stationed in Texas, after my wife suggested a hobby besides running. It has worked for me, and now her, in our 53rd year of marriage.”
Bruce Hubbard RC’69 reports: “Thanks to social media, I am in touch with John Baker RC’69, RBS’81; Rod Lusey; and Jerry Harris RC’69, GSNB’72 quite often. All are healthy and doing well. Chuck Bowers AG’69, NJMS’74; Jerry Harris; Bryant Mitchell RC’69, and I have been involved in the Blacks on the Banks Legacy Circle that is raising raise funds for the Will Power Scholarship and the Paul Robeson Scholarship at Rutgers.
“As usual, Costa Kensington RC’69, NLAW’73; Nick Kensington RC’69, NLAW’73; and I celebrated our “triplets birthday” on February 7 with a Super Bowl Sunday Zoom party with all of our respective families. Since we were 17 (just a few years ago!), it has been same birthday; same fraternity, Chi Psi; and same profession, law.
“The Class of 1969 Scholarship was once again awarded last fall, with about 10 scholarships this year totaling about $17,000 on income earned annually from the Class of 1969 Scholarship Fund. A committee of 10 classmates selects the winners from candidates presented by the financial aid office each year.”
John Baker says that being self-employed in the music production/recording business this past year has been challenging beyond expectations, beginning with having every contract canceled from March 22 to September 2, 2020. The fall found a return to work with new techniques of choirs and instrumentalists in social distancing formations, and 2021 is looking better as well. He finds it strange to live in a college town (Princeton) without students, and restaurants/small businesses closing at an unrelenting pace. He hopes for change by the end of 2021.
Jerry Harris reports that, since relocating to Charleston, SC, in 2017, he was elected 2020–21 president of the Charleston Area Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History; appointed to the City of Charleston Special Commission on Equity, Inclusion, and Racial Conciliation; and appointed to the City of Charleston Community Police Advisory Council. He continues to serve on the board of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice and on the Board of Salvation and Social Justice.
Finally, Jim Cuviello RC’69 calls our attention to the Voorhees Mall Beautification Project, which was part of our 50th Reunion Class Gift. The monument recognizing our class gift is at the mall entrance. Trees were planted and benches with custom plaques installed. Plantings outside Milledoler, Murray, and Voorhees halls were scheduled for the late fall and early spring. Planters with flowering plants were to be placed by the benches. Jim said: “Please recognize and thank Don Pray RC’69 for all he did to make this project possible and for working directly with Rutgers personnel to have it accomplished. I can’t wait to visit the mall this year.”
David Lieberfarb RC’69, GSE’72: dmlieb@optonline.net
1971
Class Column: Short column. Received no items this time. Send me any information you’d like published.
Ken Common RC’71: 12804 SE 302nd Street, Auburn, WA 98092; 253-887-9174; kdcruod@integrity.com.
1972
Class Column: Robert McDonald is retired full time in Palm Beach Gardens, Fl. Newly remarried to Amy, he has two children from a previous marriage, Karen, 42, and Danny, 39, and four grandkids. Bob played baseball at Rutgers, later tennis and now golf. His daughter played lacrosse at University of Richmond, and his son was captain on the University of Maryland golf team. Bob worked with his brother in the family printing business, Albert H. Vela Company, founded by his great uncle in 1928.
Dan Ducore RC’72 retired in 2017 after a 40-plus-year career as an antitrust lawyer at the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Since then, he worked for the FTC in its foreign assistance mission to Ukraine. He worked in Kyiv for four months in 2019, then from home until November 2020. He is still married to Joan DC’72, and their three children are all doing fine.
Ralph Davies RC’72, GSE’76 retired after 40-plus years in the chemical industry, which was preceded by six years of teaching sixth grade. He lives with his wife of 42 years, Josie Debevoise Davies, in Harpswell, ME, along the beautiful coast. Their two older kids work in finance and marketing, and the youngest graduated from UCLA Law. Their two sons are married and their daughter is engaged.
John Hurley RC’72 and Rudy live in Chicago. Rudy did not go to Rutgers but completed her education in Amsterdam a long time ago. John’s stepdaughter, Joanna Gardner-Huggett GSNB’97, is an associate dean for instruction at DePaul University. Her twin sons are starting college at Bristol University in the United Kingdom and Carnegie-Mellon. Her husband, Nick Huggett GSNB’95, is a distinguished professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Illinois–Chicago, where he supervises graduate studies.
Bruce Borrus RC’72 lives in Seattle and retired March 31 from his law practice. He will keep busy learning Hebrew, playing chess, and traveling with his wife, Tina.
Andrew Karcich RC’72, CLAW’76 is an attorney with his own firm in Voorhees, NJ. His daughter is also an attorney and his son works for Bosch and lives in New Jersey with his wife and baby boy.
Dan Kramer RC’72: dankramer50@gmail.com
1973
Class Column: First, the mea culpa. I haven’t been as attentive to the task of writing this column as I should; that will change. But only if you help and let me know what’s going on in your life!
Since we’re all of a certain age, I hope you’re doing well—safe, healthy, with friends and family. At a safe distance, of course.
Since August 2020, I’ve been in southeastern North Carolina. And I’ve worn shorts just about every day. I write this as New Jersey is digging out from a foot or so of snow. Sorry (insert BIG smiley face). Taking golf lessons to try to improve what was a minimal imitation of the game—so far, so good.
I reached out to a few others and they reported back…nothing. That may be a good thing. I remind you that the Class of 1973 supports an endowed scholarship. If you’re looking for a place to donate, please consider it a most worthy cause. As a follow up to our 45th reunion—way back in 2018—we donated a gift to name a seminar room in one of the new academic buildings on Seminary Place.
Again, news of your lives—travels, family, achievements—are welcome (and needed) for this column. Please reach me at scarknight@aol.com.
Be well, stay safe. See you around campus!
Bob Cancro RC’73, GSE’78: scarknight@aol.com
1974
Class Column: Gus Haritos RC’74, CLAW’78 writes that he stayed healthy in 2020, no signs of COVID-19 for him or anyone in his immediate circle. Coincidentally, he had let his office lease expire on December 31, 2019, so he already was working from home before the shutdown in early March 2020.
Both Gus and Bill Fernekes RC’74, GSNB’78, GSE’85 hope that all are safe and COVID-free, yet they express a bit of frustration over the difficulties in access to the vaccine.
Carl Glassman RC’74, SSW’76 reports that he is rediscovering the College Avenue campus during the pandemic lockdown: “I’m on the Planning Committee for my Passaic High School Class of 1971 50th Reunion. New Brunswick is a convenient geographical place to meet. I’ve held meetings under the statue of Willie the Silent, in the courtyard of Old Queens campus, and even on the benches outside of Tinsley Hall.”
Here is a little bit of crosspollination between Rutgers alumni over the years. In late January, my phone rang and the caller introduced himself as Anthony (Tony) Spadaro RC’63. Turns out that he is the son of the family who used to run a grocery store in New Brunswick and deliver groceries to my family in Piscataway. Tony learned about me from his classmate, Bruce Marich RC’63, whom I met through his cousin, David Gombas CC’75, who lives with his wife, Kathy, in Pebble Beach, CA. Anyway, Tony wanted to connect with me because of my folks, Ted Stier ED’49, GSE’50 and Elizabeth Fleming Stier DC’47, GSNB’49,’51. When Tony was a teenager and delivering groceries to the house, they said, “Hey, this is one bright kid.” They eventually sat him down and had him take the college boards. He did quite well on these and that became a springboard for becoming a Rutgers man. So, his call was in part to catch up and in part to say “thanks” to my folks.
Rick Stier AG’74: rickstier4@aol.com
1978
Class Column: As a follow-up to my fall 2020 column highlighting the course on the history of the Old Queens campus presented last year by Carla Yanni, professor of art history, here are a few other fascinating facts to win those Rutgers trivia contests. The first structure built was Old Queens, followed by Van Nest Hall, where math, theology, and the classics were taught. The third structure was Hertzog Hall (the New Brunswick Theological Seminary) in 1856, and nine years later, the Schenck Observatory was completed. The fifth building was Kirkpatrick Chapel, designed by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, the grandson of Jacob Rutsen Hardenbergh, the first president of Rutgers. The younger Hardenbergh also built New York City’s Dakota apartment building, the Plaza Hotel, and Rutgers’ Geology Museum (1872), the sixth structure on the Old Queens campus. The mastodon named Manny was acquired in 1870, installed in 1893, and is still there.
Coming in at number seven is New Jersey Hall (1889), where agriculture, chemistry, and biology classes were held, followed by Winants Hall (1891), the first dormitory, which now serves as the university president’s office. Rounding out the top 10 are Voorhees Library (1906, now Zimmerli Art Museum) and Ford Hall (1915), which was the second dormitory. It’s currently empty and slated for demolition. All of the buildings (except for Ford Hall) are on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and most are on the National Register of Historic Places. So there you have it, the Old Queens campus top 10 buildings, in chronological order.
Now it’s your turn to share your more “recent history” as to what you’ve been doing since leaving the Banks. We’re waiting to hear from YOU! Until then…
Mike Blishak RC’78: mikealan@att.net
1982
Class Column: I hope everyone is doing well. With the fastest vaccine development in the history of mankind, hopefully life can start to take a more positive direction.
I have not heard from anyone for this installment. No doubt most of us are busy in our everyday lives and writing a few words to your alma mater may not be on the top of anyone’s list. If we want the RUAA to continue to post these notes, we need to give them a reason. If everyone could take a few minutes from one of their busy days and give a few words, it would be great. Hope all are well and healthy.
Norm Schleiffer RC’82: 168 Longwood Drive, Manalapan, NJ 07726; 732-792-0215; schleiff@alumni.rutgers.edu
1983
Class Column: No news is good news. Here’s some boring news: this spring marks the 35th consecutive year of ZAU Follies and my beloved MI Sharona, the fantasy baseball league I started way back in 1986. Might be one of the oldest continuing leagues in the country. All those weeks…months…years…spent poring over the minutiae of box scores. Another piece of the puzzle falls into place. Stay safe everybody.
Milan Indrisek RC’83: 3132 Savannah Drive, Aurora, IL 60502; 630-272-0296; msi961@comcast.net
1985
Class Column: I hope this column finds you well. It’s been nearly a year since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. During this trying time, you’ve likely learned as much about yourself as about the virus. Maybe you’ve had a personal experience that helped you change your outlook or actions. Share your thoughts for a future column. It might be just the thing that someone else needs to hear. Stay safe and be well.
Linda Tancs RC’85: lindatancs@gmail.com
1989
Class Column: Classmate Sean R. Brewer RC’89, CLAW’95 died November 13, 2020, at home in Dobbs Ferry, NY. While at Rutgers, Sean was a member of the lightweight crew team. He worked as a prosecutor for the Manhattan district attorney’s office, and subsequently for Goldman Sachs and MUFG Union Bank in financial crimes compliance. He loved the outdoors and travel, having backpacked through Europe in college, spent two summers working in Alaska, and climbed Machu Picchu. He is remembered by one of our Rutgers classmates as “simultaneously amazingly focused and serious and yet was able to drop a funny line and light you up with his smile and chuckle seconds later.”
John Fagan RC’89, GSNB’95: johndfagan@gmail.com
1996
Class Column: The last time I sat down to write a column, it was May 2020 and I was not sure how much longer the pandemic could possibly last, but at the time of this writing, we are quickly approaching a full year.
A year ago, I was confident in the resilience and possibilities of us as Gen Xers, and I remain as such today. While each of us has our own individual challenges in a collective struggle, I commend you for making it this far. For those that we have lost, I miss you.
I hope to see you all soon. In scarlet pride, Brian.
Brian Tobin RC’96: briannealtobin@gmail.com
