Nancy Eckenrode (Scherer)
Circa 1998

 40th Reunion

Jerry Scherer sent $100 to our 50th Reunion Committee in memory of his wife, Nancy Eckenrode Scherer.

John Fedele
October 22, 2000
Monroeville, PA

Information found by Tom Arganbright, May 2008, confirms that John Fedele died October 22, 2000 in Pittsburgh, PA.

Hi-Y Basketball, Home Room Basketball.

David Fee
September 9, 1987
Brookings, SD

        7th grade

Virginia, Rev David Fee, Evelyn, David Jr, Sarah, Becky 

Sara Ann (Sally) Fellows (O'Connor)
January 7, 2007
Pittsburgh, PA

   SALLY (FELLOWS) O'CONNOR

Of Upper St. Clair and Waynesburg, on Sun., Jan. 7, 2007, beloved wife of 53 years to John "Buck" O'Connor; loving mother to John (Amy) O'Connor, Joni (Mike) Namuth, Janie (Glenn) Davis, Jim (Sue) O'Connor, Julie (Greg) Horan and Jeff (Melissa) O'Connor; devoted grandmother to Kayla and John, Lindsay and Connor Namuth, Lauren and Jeffrey Davis, Justin, Ryan and Joshua, Christopher and Jill Horan and Caroline, Catherine and Matthew; loving sister to Jean Foust; beloved sister-in-law of Jean Beatty, Frank O'Connor, Bill O'Connor and Jim O'Connor.  Sally also leaves behind a countless number of nieces, nephews and friends who will miss her engaging personality, beautiful smile and warm friendship.  

Funeral arrangements by BEINHAUERS. Friends welcome at 2828 Washington Rd. (Peters Twp.) 724-941-3211 on Wed. and Thurs. from 2-4 and 7-9pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Fri. at 11:30am in St. Thomas More Church. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of ones choice.  Published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from 1/9/2007 - 1/10/2007.

Per e-mail from Mary, Sally died Sunday evening the 7th of January, 2007

E-mail from Bob Woeber just after this was published:  Bill, there has been a missed communication re Sally Fellows O'Connor.  Her death was reported prematurely.  She is comatose and not expected to live, but as of this morning (January 6th), she had not died.  She collapsed at dinner with her family on New Years day, and has been in a coma ever since.  I , like Mary Hardy had been told that she had died.. Later on we got a correction.  As far as I know at this moment, she is still hanging in there.  Bob.

E-mail from Mary Murrie Hardy, January 5th, 2007:

Dear Bill,  Just wanted to let you know that Sally (Fellows) O'Conner died today after suffering a massive heart attack on New Years day.   She never was conscious, and was in a coma for 4 days.   She was always the happiest person and it was a pleasure to be around her.

We had a lunch on December 23rd of a few of the class of 48, and I sat next to her, and we had such a nice time chatting.   There were about 12 or so at the lunch,  Bob Ott, Ray Ferraro, Buddy Stevenson with Eileen, Bob Woeber with Margy, Bros and Peggy Richardson, Anne Mosites Miller, Chuck Hibler, and Sally and Buck along with Bob and myself.   I don't have details of the funeral yet.  Maybe you'll hear from some others, but thought I'd send along the word.   Mary

7th grade	GAA, Home Room Bulletin Board, Medical Squad, Ways & Means Squad, Y-Teens
40th Reunion	50th Reunion
55th Reunion	At Bud Stevenson's 70th Birthday Party

From Bill Erdman, WebMaster, 1/5/07:  Did you ever have a time when you wished you had never started some thing?  Today is one of those times - I'm sorry I started this web site because death notices bring me personal trauma as I move a living memory from the list of the living to the list of those I will not see again on this earth.

Mary's e-mail about Sally depressed me quite a bit.  It is so sad to loose someone you knew and respected long ago and even more sad when you look at all the "news" the web site received about her over the last 59 years.  The "12 or so" mentioned by Mary all knew her and watched her grow and mature over the years but those that moved away have missed knowing her.  It is our loss and in some ways it is Sally's loss also that no one, including Sally, had taken the time to tell us about her life - All we are left with is 4 black and whites and 3 colored pictures.

However, I will always remember Sally as an attractive girl with a ready smile and a pleasant disposition.  Goodbye Sally, rest well.
Bill Erdman <><,, January 2007

Lorin Ferrall
December 1, 2001
Stow, Ohio

Advised of his death in June of 2003.  No other details

Information found by Tom, May 2008:  Lorin Ferrall died December 1, 2001 in Stow, Ohio

Carmen Figueroa

 Carmen Figueroa was an exchange student
a

nd People Search doesn't cover Latin America so I was unable to find any information about her.

"Lost" - No information about Carmen in over 10 years

Doris Jean Fleet (Cresap)
Circa 1988

  40th Reunion

James H Foster, Jr
May 14, 2004
Anderson, SC

Information found by Tom Arganbright, May 2008:  Jim Foster died May 14, 2004, in Anderson, SC

Bill Erdman, WebMaster:  As I recall Jim I remember a character that was funny in a dry way and always had a joke to tell everyone.  His crooked smile told you he was up to something - It was up to us to guess what it was.  He was a hoot.  I'm sorry we lost track of him
- May 2008

Robert F French
July 22, 2006
N Versailles. PA

Information found by Tom Arganbright, May 2008:  Bob French died July 22, 2006 in N Versailles, PA.  Robert French worked as a physicist for Westinghouse and I believe spent entire life in Pgh.

People Search has Richard E French as his relative and there is a 43 yr. old Richard French (maybe son) in Pgh. 15227 @ 412-885-5733 if you want to check him out.

Patricia George (Gaille)
Circa 2007
Center Lovell, ME

Tom, May 2008:   Patricia George was married to W.C. Gallie, a banker in Morritown, NJ.  He is now living in Maine.   Bob Woeber called her - According to her husband, Pat George died.

From 1958 Reunion Newsletter:  TRISH GEORGE Gallic.  Information from Reunion:  Husband, Bud, is Assistant Treasurer with the Bank of New York.  Children:  Bob "Chubb" 3, Mary 2.  Blue Mill. Rd., New Vernon, N.J.

Shirley Grayble (Dauberger)
Died 6/24/01
Pittsburgh, PA

May 2008:  Reported deceased

John (James) Griffith
June 11th, 2001
Pittsburgh, PA

Died at home in Upper St. Clair Monday June 11, 2001.  

Devoted husband of Phyllis Miller Griffith and the late Susan Cullen Griffith; father of John J. Griffith, Jr. of Wexford, Mark C. Griffith of Wexford, Thomas R. Griffith of Amhurst, NH, Nancy A. Griffith of Pgh. and stepchildren Denise A. Snyder of Orlando, FL, John R. Miller of Peters Twp. and the late Mark J. Miller.

He was grandfather to ten grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister Patricia Altmyer of Ohio Twp.

He was born in Pgh. in 1930, graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School and attended the University of Pittsburgh.

In 1966, he established Griffith & Bennett Inc., a regional benefit consulting firm, serving as its president and chairman until his retirement in 1991.

He was a charter member and post president of the Retirement Administrators and Designers of America (RADA).  He later served as the first president of the Investment Life Insurance Co., a reinsurance company headquartered in Austin, TX.

He served in leadership roles for many community projects including service as president of the Western Pennsylvania Heart Assoc.  He was a past president of St. Clair Country Club, a recent member of the Duquesne Club and former member of the Pittsburgh Athletic Assoc.  He was an avid golfer and an antique automobile enthusiast.

Funeral Arrangements by Beinhauers.  Friends welcome at 2828 Washington Road, Peters Twp., (724) 941-3211, Tuesday 7-9 pm and Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 pm Mass of Christian Burial, St. Thomas More Church. Thursday 10 am. Interment in Queen of Heaven Cemetery.  Memorial donations should be directed to UPMC Hospice, 1370 Beulah Rd., Bldg. 701, 4th flr., Pgh. PA, 15235 or the American Heart Assoc., 10 Duff Rd., Suite 304, Pgh., PA 15235.

40th Reunion

50th Reunion

From Bill Erdman, WebMaster:  On the heels of "finding" Herb Kindle, I received news of Jim Griffith's death.  Proverbial "good news, bad news."  It happened the morning of June 11th, 2001.  Jim and I traveled in much different circles in High School and I never got to know him very well.  Now at this age, the circles don't seem to matter as much.  He was a guy with problems just like me.  He was loved by many and will be missed by many.  My regret is that I never knew him better.  My wish is that in some small way we can all get to know each other a little bit before we too get moved to this final page.  Please write and tell us who you are today.  It is a shame it took his obituary for me to know about Jim's terrific life.  Time is moving on.
  June 2001

Gerald Halen
May 5, 2004
Liverpool, NY

Per Tom Arganbright, May 11, 2008:  Gerald A. Halen, born 6/13/30, died 5/5/04 in Liverpool, NY

From Bill Erdman, WebMaster:  I must be getting older or I'm very tired from driving in the mountains around Asheville, NC, and visiting with Harry Smeal!  Prior to this notice about Gerry, I really took each death very personally.  I usually used the news as a wakeup call and checked to see if there was anyone in my family that I hadn't affirmed lately.  On that account I'm in good shape.  Although I knew Gerry fairly well in high school, I lost track of him along with many others along the way.  Per Tom it was 4 years ago and I guess this softened the news a bit.  Getting old isn't for sissies!
  May 2008

Patricia Maryan Hall (Mershon)

From 1958 Reunion Newsletter:  PAT M HALL Mershon.  Children: Jimmy 3, Kathy 16 Months.  Pat graduated from Penn State in ’52.  Husband is a geologist for Texas Co.  Both are / were pushing the “Edmundson for Governor” campaign.  521 Cottonwood Dr,  Ardmore, Oklahoma

Patricia L. Hall

"Lost" - No information about Pat in over 10 years

Ronald Hall 

"Lost" - No information about Ron in over 10 years

Joan Hammill (Lascheid)
April 21, 1997
Bonita Springs, FL

Information found by Tom Arganbright, May 2008:  Joan Hammill died April 21, 1997 in Bonita Springs, FL.

Charles E. Harmon

"Lost" - No information about Chuck in over 10 years

Joy Ann Harvey (Stevens)

"Lost" - No information about Joy in over 10 years

Jean Haven

"Lost" - No information about Jean in over 10 years

Brenda Mae Hellmer (King)
Venetia, PA
September 1996

Tom, May 2008: Brenda Helmer married Roger King who worked for Alcoa and they lived in McMurray.  In SS Death Index, I found Brenda H King, b 2/20/30, d 9/96 in Venetia PA 15367 with SS issued in PA.

From Bill Erdman, WebMaster:  As I write this in May of 2008, I'm thinking, "1996?"  That's 12 years ago!  Why do the sweet girls die so young?  Brenda was a special lady in my book.  Always gracious, sweet, kind and friendly.  You couldn't ask for much more.  Brenda, I will be one of many that will be saddened to read this.
Bill Erdman <><,  May, 2008

Doris Mae Hellstrom

"Lost" - No information about Doris in over 10 years

Katharine Herron (Hibler)
Lawrence, PA
August 12th, 2000

HIBLER, KATHARINE "KASH" (HERRON)

Of Lawrence, formerly of Bethel Park, on Saturday, August 12, 2000; beloved wife of Dr. Charles A. Hibler; loving mother of Kurt S. of St. Louis, MO, Keith C. of Apex, NC and Dean H. of Finleyville; sister of the late John S. C. Herron Jr. also six grandchildren.  Mrs. Hibler was a 1952 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority.

40th	45th
50th	50th

Hostess for Mt Lebanon 50th Reunion meetings & henchperson for "Black Bart" Woeber.

From Bill Erdman, WebMaster:  What a sad e-mail message from Mary Murrie Hardy today telling me that Kash Herron Hibler had died last Saturday the 12th of August, 2000.  Sad because she died, sad because she is one of us, sad because of those she left behind, sad because the majority of us lost track of her after graduation and sad because I don't know what to say.  

I always had a soft spot in my heart for Kash, probably because of her red hair.  My Dad was a red head and as it turned out our youngest son has red hair and his daughter, Grace, has red hair.  But more than that, Kash was always pleasant to me in high school and I always meant to tell her that but never took the time.  I guess I was waiting for her biographical information so I would have a reason to write back and thank her for her kindness.  What a shame that we always seem to wait too long to tell people the good things about them.  I plan to rectify that with some other people as soon as I upload this tribute to her.

 Thanks for the nice memories, Kash.
Bill Erdman <><,  August, 2000

John Hewston

In the Commencement program, he is listed as John H. Hewston.   In national records search, there is only one listing for a John H. Hewston, in Miami.   In SS Death Index, there is a listing for John Hewston b. 11/10/28  d. 12/  /83 in Miami, FL and a SS# issued in PA.   In June 1948 he would be 19 1/2 yrs. old and this is possible if he were held back a year.   There was no obit listed in the Miami Herald in 1983, so I have no confirmation on this one.  Moved John from lost to deceased based on this. - Tom, July 2008

Tom unable to locate - May 2008

Jane Julia Hiles

"Lost" - No information about Jane in over 10 years

Bernard Hofrichter

Unconfirmed report of his death Circa 1980s

Robert Hogan
March 22, 2005
Ft. Myers, FL

Information found by Tom, May 2008:  Bob Hogan died March 22, 2005 in Ft. Myers, FL.

From Bill Erdman, WebMaster:  It's sad to say, "No details available" but that is all I can say here.  Please see my note concerning Grant Johnson's death below.
Bill Erdman <><, October 2005

Tom - I talked with Al's wife Norma today at her daughter's home in Ohio.  She said Al died in Pgh. in April 2004 and had been on dialysis.  She said one of their sons now runs Al's gas station, which is now Exxon.  She and Al had been to several of our reunions and always had a good time.

Charles F Huff
September 22, 1999

4 children, their spouses & 8 grandchildren

     At 50th Reunion

From Bill Erdman, WebMaster:  Death comes again in September, 1999.  Today I moved Charlie Huff & Ed Bidden to this page.  It was easier than saying "Good bye" to Mary-Francis as I knew her better than I knew Charlie or Ed.  However, it still brought sadness into my day and another wake-up call to enjoy today and love and forgive everyone.  If ever I said an unkind word or did an unkind thing to you, forgive me and understand it was from the ignorance of youth not malice.  We are all unique in the sight of God - whoever you understand Him to be - and we are all loved by someone.   Be nice to that someone today!
- September 1999

Edwin S Jacek
June 7, 2004
Lake City, FL

June 2003:  Retired after a lifetime selling fire hose and equipment to city governments all over the Southeast from a Ft Lauderdale base.

Married 36 years, three daughters - all successful'.  Has 6 grandchildren.  Is in good health.

From Bill Erdman, WebMaster:  Death comes regardless!  I find this very interesting that he said, "good health" one year before his death.  We all expect that final day to come way off in the future but death is faitful - it WILL come.  Tell your loved one that you love them TODAY.  Don't wait.
- May 2008

Robert Higgins Jones

"Lost" - No information about Bob in over 10 years

Harriet Card Jones (Herget)
June 2, 1995
Pittsburgh, PA

June 2008:  I have found the following for Harriet Jones (Herget) on the SS Death Index to add to her web page:  Harriet J. Herget  d. 6/2/95 in Pittsburgh 15243  - Tom

From Bill Erdman, WebMaster:  Tom confirmed Harriet's date of death some years after she was moved here to the deceased list.  As I update this I remember that  Harriet was  my first actual "date" in high school!  I died a hundred deaths getting up the nerve to call her and when she said, "Yes," I didn't know what to do next.  It snowed the evening of our date so I used 1/4" of snow on the ground as an excuse not to take her out.  I called and cancelled!  What a dope!  I regret that I never had the opportunity to apologize to her.
- June 2008

R. Grant Johnson
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
July 12th, 2005, West Palm Beach
See Nancy Godden for more information

      7th grade

He was previously married to Nancy Godden for 25 years and they have 4 children - Lee Alden Johnson (boy), Lane Christine Johnson (girl), Lynde Sue Johnson Voet, and Tia Paige Johnson Fabiszewski.  They have 4 grandchildren.

From Bill Erdman, WebMaster:  I've been putting off moving Grant here because I didn't want to face another loss of a classmate - particularly one I knew well from school.  I was able to move Bob Hogan without great sadness as I didn't know Bob very well - This does not diminish the loss  of Bob however.  With Grant's passing I find I'm at a loss for words.  My wife, Kay, and I just returned from possibly the best vacation we have had in 48 years of marriage.  We are in great health and were able to see all our kids and grandkids twice.  Awesome!  Grant reminds me, and probably you also, that life is very fragile we must enjoy every moment, spend quality time with our loved ones and most importantly - TELL THEM THAT YOU LOVE THEM!  AFFIRM each and everyone of them every chance you get.
, October 2005

Kenneth A Johnson
 Pittsburgh, PA
February 1999

Honor Roll, Physics Laboratory Squad

In the SS Death Index, I found a Kenneth A. Johnson, born 3/26/31 with SS# issued in PA, so birth date and SS# were right for our Ken.   With a death in 1999 in Lincoln, MA, I found address and phone for his wife Gladys and in speaking with her she said Ken was a graduate of Mt. Lebanon.   He had been a high profile professor of Physics at MIT and I believe their Johnson Athletic Center is named for him.   Our high school listing has him on the Physics Laboratory Squad and he sure pursued that interest in spades! – Tom, July 2008

Professor Kenneth A. Johnson dies at 67; taught physics at MIT for 40 years

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Kenneth A. Johnson, a physics professor at MIT for 40 years, died of cancer Tuesday at the MIT Infirmary.  Professor Johnson, 67, was a leader in the fields of quantum electrodynamics and quantum field theory.

Professor Johnson, born in Duluth, MN, on March 26, 1931, earned the BS from Illinois Institute of Technology in 1952 and a masters and PhD from Harvard University in 1954 and 1955.  He was a research fellow and lecturer at Harvard and a National Science Foundation Fellow at the Institute for Theoretical Physics in Copenhagen, Denmark, before joining the MIT faculty in the fall of 1958 as an assistant professor.  He was promoted to full professor in 1965.

Professor Johnson's research deepened the understanding of quantum field theory and quantum electrodynamics.  In quantum field theory, he was the first to observe the dimensional and chiral anomalies.  His work in quantum chromodynamics provided a method of describing the properties of a system of confined quarks, the MIT bag model.  It was one of the first models to describe the properties of hadrons, including protons and neutrons.

"Ken was an outstanding member of the department in every way," said Marc Kastner, head of the MIT Department of Physics.  "He was a superb mentor for young faculty and students, an excellent classroom teacher, and a wise counselor on departmental issues.  We all miss him."

"Ken was a widely admired and respected figure in his field," said Professor Francis Low, a colleague and friend for more than 40 years.  "He was a marvelous man to have in your department.  He sought scientific understanding at the deepest level, but he was always ready and able to support and assist his colleagues."

Professor Johnson was a Fellow of the American Physical Society, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

He is survived by his wife, Gladys (Diaz de los Arcos) of Lincoln, MA, and one son, Keith, a researcher at Alkermes Inc. who resides in Hudson, MA . Burial was private.

Jeanne Kappler (Cameron)
February 22, 2001
Pittsburgh, PA

    40th Reunion

Information found by Tom Arganbright, May 2008:  Jeanne Kappler died February 22, 2001, in Pittsburgh, PA.

From Bill Erdman, WebMaster:  Jeanne was one of our Classmates that I had a crush one every so often but since she was the same age I dumped her for younger girls - Jeannie never knew this of course.  As I write this I wonder what she was like as she went through life.  I guess I'll never know.
  May 2008

Bela A. Karlovitz
November 8, 2003

KARLOWITZ,  BELA A., Age 73, of Upper St. Clair, on Sat., Nov. 8, 2003; loving father of Katie, Mark, Anne and Matthew Karlovitz and Elizabeth (Mark) Mason and the late Eric Karlovitz; son of Béla A. and the late Maria Karlovitz; brother of Maria Peters and the late Les Karlovitz; also survived by three grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 799 Washington Rd., Mt. Lebanon on Wednesday, 10am until time of service at 11.   Interment immediately to follow Mt. Lebanon Cemetery.

The family requests memorial contributions to the International Rescue Committee, 122 East 42nd St., New York, NY 10168.

From Bill Erdman, WebMaster:  I just sent out an global e-mail chastising everyone for not sending up-to-date information following our 55th reunion.  I received one rather snippy comment back but no update.  Then today I received the Funeral Notice for Bala Karlovitz and I thought, "How very, very sad that the only thing I have to put on his web page to show for his 55 years after graduation is his Death Notice!  And people wonder why I keep asking them for information about their life."  As I get older I find I do care about people I have known over the years - I do care about their successes and how they have dealt with tragedies over the year.  We are all unique in the sight of whatever God you worship - If you are an atheist, I guess you are still unique but no one cares.

Don't let your web picture only show the "dash" between your birth and your death.  Let us know what you have accomplished during your "dash".
, November 2003

Herbert Kindle
January 2007
Seminole, Florida

June 2007:  Per note from Bill Smith, MtL 1947 : Did you know Herb Kindle died?  When I got home from our Lehigh Reunion I looked him up then called his home.  His wife answered and confirmed that Herb died in January on their 18th anniversary.

High school - Basketball, Honor Roll, Home Room Basketball, Home Room President

June 7th, 2001 - I talked to Herb also and by golly, he is alive!   His wife Grace thinks so too because she laughed at his jokes.  Herb promised to give us an update as soon as he fully comprehends his miraculous recovery. - Bill <><

June 6th, 2001 - From Bill Smith, MtL 1947 : "Tonight I reached Herb Kindle on the phone--and he is not now---or ever has been deceased.  His address is as shown in the Lehigh alumni guide.  His phone number is as shown but his new area code is 727.  Herb lost his first wife a number of years ago and has been remarried for 12 years.  He is in Seminole, Florida."  (Editor's note - 1,002 apologies to Herb.  I was told that he had died several years ago.  This is the first report of my error.  Bill <><)

Herb's death notice is the fourth in 3 weeks. Too many, too quickly.  As you can tell from above I had reported this 5 years ago from misinformation.   Sadly it is true now.  I always appreciated Herb from high school and college.  I didn't see too much of him at Lehigh but when we did meet he was always a gentleman and a pleasant guy to know.  I'm sorry I don't know more about him to report.  I tried to talk with him by phone but was unable to communicate directly.

As usual. I'm saddened by the loss and saddened by the lack of history to pass on to you.

, June 2007

Donald E. Kirsopp
December 17, 2004
Baton Rouge, LA

Home Room Basketball, Home Room Officer

From 1958 Reunion Newsletter:  DON KIRSOPP. Works for Union Carbide Chemicals.  Children: Carol June 4, Roberta Claire 3, Ruth Filby 1.  No, Don, I don’t know the secret for boys.  Don spent 4 years in the Air Force.  Married Mary Ann McKee of New Castle.  Has been with UCC for 4 years.  Also mentions he is losing his hair.  2402 Walnut, Victoria, TX

Henry W. (Bill) Kurtz, JR.,
 11106 Oakmont Court
 Ft Myers, FL  33908

June 30, 2008:  Received a letter from Bill's wife, Ethel today.  She attached a typed letter from Bill and a hand written note that said, "Dear Bill, It's with a heavy heart that I mail this letter to you.  I found it on his desk, perhaps written on June 22.  He passed away June 24 (midnight of June 23).  He has left a crater in my heart.
Sincerely, Ethel"

Bill's letter:

Dear Bill:

Sorry it has taken me so long to get this letter to you, but I work slowly.  Plus my typing is poor due to my right side which was affected by a severe stroke in 1993 and has never corrected itself.  I hope that I wrote your home address correctly, or this letter will come beck to me eventually.

What happened to me after high school:

1.) Applied to Pitt, got in by the skin of my teeth, but made it thru in four years; graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration.

2.) The same year I graduated I asked to be drafted; went into the Army, spent two years ‑ primarily in Baltimore, Md., Holibird (Fort)  A tiny enclave of CIC training school for Army intelligence people who primarily went after AWOLs.

3.) Ended up working in the dispensary until my discharge.

4.) Went home to work with my Father in his business.  Which in 1962 we (my father and I) had to find another product line to support two families.  (Ethel and I got married in 1956)  Ethel studied dietician at Carnegie Tech and she took a job with Interstate United food service.  And worked at U.S. Steel for 27 years in the executive dining room ‑ Irvin Works.

5.) Our new product line: Medical Gases & related equipment.  We were the only ones to offer medical oxygen and treatment equipment and lab gases and deliver, set‑up.  But it wasn't until Medicare came into play that that business took off like a rocket.

6.) In 1981 we were approached to sell the business.  I really did not want to sell; neither did my Father; but the offering company persisted with an offer you can't refuse plus a working agreement for me and my Dad.  My Father died 6 mos later.

What a messy letter, I apologize.  I had a sister who never married and worked at Children's Hospital ‑ and Allegheny General as a clinical pediatric psychologist (Spelling).  Died in 1997.

Thats it ‑ Thats all:

Sincerely,

June 14, 2008:  Talked to Bill today.  He received a BA from Pitt, spent 2 years in Medical Dispersements with the Army and upon discharge went to work with his father in Pittsburgh.  Heavy competition forced him into another line of work selling medical gases and equipment to the elderly population.  Finally bought out by Las Angeles firm and worked for them for 4 years.

In 1986 he and his wife, Ethel, moved to Naples, Florida.  He bought 1/2 interest in a Cremation Society business.  Ran this until he sold it and retired.

Health wise he has had a rough time of it.  A stroke, right hip replacement, right knee crack and 3 heart attacks have left him leaning to him right.  Otherwise he is doing reasonably well.

Bill said he would send pictures and more information soon.

From Bill Erdman, WebMaster:  This is a very sad project for me this evening.  If you follow the events above you know I called Bill on the 14th and asked him to send me some information about his journey from MtL to now.  He wrote the letter 8 days later and died midnight the following day.  Now just 2 weeks after hearing him on the phone I must move his picture and stuff to the deceased page.  I called Ethel this evening and talked briefly about how I remember Bill from high school -  Quiet and friendly and easy going.  Bill was a joy to be around.  May he sing with the angels.
 , - June 30, 2008

Robert Donald Lang

"Lost" - No information about Bob in over 10 years

James Lastaukas
May 1963

Information found by Tom Arganbright, May 2008:  Jim Lastaukas died May 1963.

Regina Liadis (Mavromati)
March 30th, 2004
Akron, OH. 

I just wanted to let you know that my mother passed away so you can update your records.  Many thanks, Kally Mavromatis

August, 2007 - Hi Bill!  I was looking for something in my Mom's files, and look what I found: The Mt. Lebanon HS Class of 1948 high school graduation program! (My mom kept *everything*.)

I thought you might like to share it with the others, so I scanned it and created a PDF document.

I really enjoyed looking through it, although I am curious: What was W.M.T.L.?  And the presentation; were those skits? (Yes) Songs? (No)  I would love to hear!

Also looking through, it appears as though the following people signed my mom's program:

•  Mary Alice Decker
•  Lou Hazel
•  Ruth LaBrenz
•  Ed Tons
•  Pat Jones
•  Jane Hiles (Presumed Deceased)
•  Nancy Huhn
•  Ella Jane Morris
•  Herb Dittmer (Deceased)

Hope all is well, and look forward to hearing from you!

Kally Mavromatis (Regina Liadis' daughter)

Dear Mr. Erdman, (Written by daughter, Kally, in June 2005

I saw that you updated your "Gone...but not forgotten" page with the news of my mother's passing.  Thank you.

I also read with interest that the news came after a discussion on death.  I thought you might find it interesting to know how my mom died.

She had been diagnosed with diabetes for many years, and, because she was headstrong and stubborn (and how fun it was to read that you considered her "quiet!") she continued to live her life on her terms.

Eventually her kidney function dwindled and she suffered a simultaneous heart attack and stroke.  She finally agreed to "give dialysis a try," after steadfastly refusing to acknowledge that she would need it.  This was in June.

By November, she knew that she hated living this way.  She was also aware that her condition had become tenuous; the doctors had given her a "poor" diagnosis and felt that the end could come at any time.  And so, typically Regina!, she decided that after her birthday in February she would discontinue the dialysis, and I would take her home to die.

My mother was not afraid of death.  For her, it would be a chance to be reunited with my father (who had passed away 15 years earlier), her parents and other beloved relatives.  Even more, she felt that she had lived life to the fullest -- had traveled extensively, had had an engaging, rewarding career, a good husband, and a good daughter (well, I tried!).  If she was going to die then it would be on *her* terms -- just as she had lived.

For the three weeks she was home, friends and relatives came to say their goodbyes.  And when the end came, my aunt and I were there, holding her hand.  It was peaceful and, even more important, there was nothing that went unsaid -- or undone.

The wonderful people of hospice were so kind -- they are truly our "unsung heroes."  The one thing that sticks in my mind to this day is something one of the nurses told me.  She said that she had been present when so many people had passed, that she knew that we don't "die" -- that our "souls," or our "lifeforce" continues on; that it simply leaves this world of consciousness for another.  I can only hope she's right.  But what I do know is that, in teaching me how to die, my mother taught me how to live.

As a postscript, if anyone is interested, for 22 years my mother worked at the Summit County (Akron, OH) Department of Human Services.  As a social worker, she was involved in many different types of areas, from working with abused children to the abused elderly to starting the state's pilot program for SSI.  She was a crusader, and she loved it.  She loved to take on whomever and whatever stood in the way of helping others.  She *adored* opera, her home and people -- my mom could talk to anyone, anywhere. (And did.)

My father was Food Service Director at the University of Akron for 23 years; he died 3 months after he retired.  Fortunately, the two of them were not the types to wait to do things "after retirement;" travel was a constant for us, whether it be the drive to California we took in 1972, or the weekends in New York, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., etc., or to Europe -- my parents took me everywhere to experience as much as possible.  It was great.

I am an only child, and work for myself as a freelance writer / reporter in Akron.  Sadly, although she always wanted to be a grandmother, she had to content herself with a grandkitty.

I hope this isn't too long!  Again, thank you for the kind words and interesting thoughts about my mom.  Sincerely,  Kally Mavromatis

From Bill Erdman, WebMaster:   I still teach youth classes at church and today we threw my lesson plan away and I talked with a teenage girl about her fear of death and the mind boggling prospects of "nothing, forever" if you had no belief in a Creator.  Either there is a God or there isn't - no middle ground.  The "infinite nothingness of life without hope" is a scary thing for her.  I admitted to her that you can be 73 and still have these same thoughts occasionally.  Without belief, this life can be a scary place.  For where I am in this context, see my page.

To me it is interesting that I received this note from Regina's daughter, Kally, just after I returned from my youth class on death.  Again I am paying the price for keeping this web site up.  I have gotten to know my classmates much differently than I ever imagined.  I find myself touched by everyone I went to school with in different ways - from a casual, "I wonder what he / she is doing now."  To a typical, "I wish I knew more about so-and-so and what he / she is like today."  To a heart-breaking, "I wish I had a chance to tell Regina that I remember her from high school and I remember that she was quiet, friendly and pleasant to talk with."   How sad that all I can add to her page is her daughter's note and a reminisce from me. To Regina, I can only say, "I wonder what you were like the past several years.  I wish I knew more about you.  I remember you from high school - you were quiet, friendly and pleasant to talk to."
, May 2004

Marian Howat Lines

"Lost" - No information about Marian in over 10 years

David M. Lucas
Fox Chapel, PA
October, 2004

Before time began?

Baseball, Football, Hi-Y, Honor Roll, Home Room Basketball, Home Room President

From Paul Rhodes, June 2006, Looking through the news it looks like you missed Dave Lucas' death in Oct of 2004.  He had been ill for over three years.

From Paul Rhodes, November 2003:  You may not know but Dave Lucas has a rare disease, but his outlook is better than my wife Martha. 
Paul

From Bill Erdman, WebMaster:   I will always remember Dave as a gentleman in HS.  He was always pleasant and usually had a kind word for everyone.  His sad news hit me about the same time Charles Enlind wrote to me about his wife, Pat - while on a trip out West.  I've had time to absorb the news and am more objective than I usually am when I have to move a classmate from his / her live page to the "Gone" page.  Those are emotional times and is a very tough thing to do.  This in no way diminishes the sadness I have for not knowing the classmates and their spouses more personally.  Again I wish all that read this would do two things for themselves and those they love:  1) Tell them that you love them - NOW!  2)  Send me an e-mail and update your page so we know you a little better.
Bill Erdman <><, June 2006