Home > Gone but... >  Deceased:  R, S, T, V, W, Y and Z

Active ● Deceased:  R, S, T, V, W, Y and Z (44) as of October 13, 2011

Joanne Raciappa (Chewning)
November 18, 1997

Information found by Tom Arganbright, May 2008:  Joanne Raciappa died November 18, 1997 in Fredericksburg, VA.

Kenneth Reardon
No Additional Information

Robert Rees
No Additional Information

Charles Rettberg
 Ponta Vedra Beach, FL
Summer, 2007
 Charlie's Biography

June 2008 - Per Charlie's son, he died last Summer (2007)

From Bill Erdman, WebMaster:  Too much sadness this May and June!  With all the updates, "Lost" people "Found," new addresses found, in-active Classmates heard from and e-mails of pleasure at finding our web site, I'm having a hard time getting my mind wrapped around Charlie's death.  I liked him as a person and miss him in the same way.

, June 2008

Keith W Roberts

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

Sam Robinson
March 15, 1995
Pittsburgh, PA

FRANCES R. ROHRICH (Habe)
 500 Plum Run Road
Canonsburg, PA  15317

Chorus, Devotions Squad, Honor Roll, Home Room Vice-President, Traffic Squad, Y-Teens

All we know is that Frances R. Habe died 9/12/00 in Canonsburg, PA

John J. Ross
11064 Babcock Blvd
Gibsonia, PA  15044 
April 22, 2009
 Jack's Biography

Cafeteria Squad, Hi-Y Chaplain, Home Room Basketball, Home Room Representative, Usher  Squad Chairman

        8th grade    

From Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:  ROSS JACK, 4/26/09

Age 78, a resident of Pine Twp., since 1984, formerly of Ross Twp., died on Wednesday afternoon, April 22, 2009, at his home.  Jack was born on September 3, 1930, and grew up in Mt. Lebanon, the son of the late Donald R. and Elizabeth Stiteler Ross, Sr.  A graduate of Graceland Junior College in Lamoni, Iowa, he received his Master's Degree in Architecture from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.  Jack began practicing Architecture as a sole proprietorship on March 13, 1964.  Eight years later, he was joined by John F. Schonder to form Ross and Schonder Architects.  In 1988, the firm was incorporated as Ross, Schonder, Sterzinger, Cupcheck, PC.  He retired in 1995. 

He was a member of the American Institute of Architects and in 1975 he served as president of the Pittsburgh Chapter.  Some of Jack's notable projects include the Northland Public Library, the Society of Automotive Engineers, Aerotech, Inc., and the Western Pennsylvania Order of the Eastern Star Home.  Jack was also responsible for the design of numerous religious facilities throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan.  Jack was a longtime member of the Community of Christ in Gibsonia, and also fellowshipped with Memorial Park Presbyterian Church.  He was a member of Rotary International since the early 1970's and was a member and past president of North Boros Rotary Club.  He was also a Paul Harris Fellow.  He served many years on the North Hills YMCA Board of Directors and was involved in the design and construction of the North Hills and South Hills YMCA, along with several buildings at Camp Kon-O-Kwee and Deer Valley.  He was also a member of the Northern Allegheny Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and a recipient of the Chamber's Arcadia Award.  Jack was an avid sailor and often took friends on his 505 sailboat at Moraine State Park.  He also enjoyed freehand sketching and sculpting in clay.  He greatly admired the works of prominent Architect Frank Lloyd Wright.  Jack found such joy in his work and such fulfillment in community service, such comfort and strength in his family and his church. 

Surviving are his wife of nearly 55 years, Bonnie Luray Carmichael Ross, whom he married on August 7, 1954, a daughter, Ann Jeannette Smetanick, and her husband, Patrick, of Berryville, VA., two sons, Douglas G. Ross of Pine Twp., and David R. Ross of Shreveport, LA., a sister, Jane Ross Mercer, and her husband, R. Jack, of Ontario, California, a brother, David L. Ross, and his wife, Donna, of Ann Arbor, MI., and his grandchildren, Peter J., Raymond, and Abigail J. Smetanick.  He was preceded in death by a brother, Donald R. Ross., Jr. 

Friends and invited to a celebration of Jack's Life at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 16, 2009, at the Four Points Sheraton in Warrendale, PA.  The family will greet friends from 10:30 until the service at 11:00 AM.  Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for a buffet lunch after the service.  If you would like to remember Jack, contributions may be made for a book in his memory to the Northland Public Library Foundation, 300 Cumberland Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15237. 

From Bill Erdman, WebMaster: Jack and I have stayed in touch over the 61 years since graduation and I probably visited him more than any other classmate.  He and Bonnie were a fun couple to sit and talk with and talk with on the phone.  Usually the act of writing about the death of a classmate / friend is very emotionally draining and traumatic.  With Jack, it is different.  We saw him after the 60th Reunion and talked, laughed and joked around this March on the phone.  Jack had been having some health problems but was in good spirits and comfortable with his spiritual life.  This is the way I will remember him along with a whole bunch of crazy memories from high school.

 Bonnie called last week and told us Jack had been admitted to Hospice.  I called back 2 days ago and had a last, one-sided conversation with Jack and reminisced to him about our wild youth and told him I loved him.  The tears are coming again as I write this.  Tears for a friend.  Another friend I was able to say "Good by" to before it was too late.  Jack, thanks for the memories (Remember when you showed me the kinks in your "wire recorder"?  Remember the 1/2 tank of gas you used, backing up from the pool to the Women's Club?  Remember.....) and the priceless friendship.  As I said Jack, "I Love you, man." - Bill <>< April 22,  2009

From Bill Erdman, August 2008:  Kay and I visited with Jack and Bonnie after the reunion and told him as much as we could about the activates.  He was sad that they missed it but he just wasn't physically able to attend.  He has a great attitude but his body just doesn't want to cooperate.

From Bill Erdman, May 2005:  Kay and I visited with Jack and Bonnie on a trip through Pittsburgh this Spring.  After 36 years in Florida I had forgotten how beautiful it is in Pennsylvania area during the season change.  I don't want to move back but would like to return next Spring.

Jack is holding his own with the normal problems related to aging.  We had a lot of laughs as we reviewed the web site and the information it contains.  Jack is not computer literate and thoroughly enjoyed the review.

Dear Bill and Class of '48, (August 2003):  Life has been very good to me.  I started college at Graceland College, in Iowa, in Electrical Engineering (the family tradition), the summer after my first year I decided to change to Architecture.  My Dad did not like the idea but after my second year I transferred to Iowa State in Architecture, then told my Dad.  He was a quiet good sport.  I brought back a Missouri Bride, Bonnie, that I met at Iowa State. 

Shortly after college I went in for an Army Physical.   They gave me the good / bad news that I had cataracts on my eyes.  I became 4F. 

After about 7 or 8 years working for other Architects and learning like crazy, I went on my own, working out of my house that I was building in the North Hills.  After a couple of years I got a legitimate one room office in an actual office building. 

Making this short, about 10 years later I had my own six person office in the North Hills when the North was just starting to develop. 

In brief, I retired 2 years ago with about 3500 projects behind us, with about a 15 person staff.   Most of our work was office, manufacturing, municipal and church facilities.  It has been a blast.   Not often is a person's job spending other persons money and get paid for doing it.  Looking back, I have not worked a day in my life. 

I'm sorry that I have lost contact with most of the class but those years we were all together gave me a foundation that has served me very well.

I look forward to seeing you all soon.  And my thanks to all you who are doing the leg work to make this 55th Reunion happen.  Thanks,     Jack Ross 

From 1958 Reunion Newsletter:  JACK ROSS.  Registered Architect with Ingham, Boyd & Pratt. 'Went to Graceland College for 2 years then to Iowa State College for 4 years (Bachelor of Architecture Degree).  Married Bonnie, a Dietitian.  Jack’s comment on the Reunion, "It was good to see that others had lost as much hair as I had".  1523 Dormont Ave, Pgh. 16, Pa.

Jack's Biography - July 2003 After High School, I went to a small church college in Iowa that got me to think creatively and stick my neck out for what I felt was the right thing to do.  Consequently, I started in Electrical Engineering (the family tradition).  While spending my first summer working for my Electrical Contracting father, I counted light fixtures and measured wire, etc., etc. and I noticed that drawings were made by an Architect (I was not even sure how to spell it).  I had taken the Drafting Class from Ray Peters in High School and loved it.  I mentioned to my Dad that I would like to go into Architecture.  He said, "Oh No, that is a luxury business, you want something tangible." Knowing that was a dead end conversation, in the middle of my second year at the Junior College in Iowa, I signed myself into Architecture at Iowa State College.  When my Dad found out it was too late to change and he gave in.  It has been a ball. I met Bonnie, my wife, at Iowa State and brought her home with me.  She is very patient, and to be married to me that is essential.  I worked (learned) at a couple offices in town then went on my own.  We ate a lot of peanut butter in an unfinished house that was my own design - I was laborer / designer.  I went on my own in Architecture when my "office" was in the Kitchen of the unfinished house and the kitchen was in the Laundry.  Everyone thought I was nuts, and they were probably right.  Over 10 to 15 years it grew to about a 15 person "Office" and looking back, I do feel that I have not worked a day in my life.  At 65 I forced myself to retire and left the younger guys in the office in a not too shabby operation.  They now even have a web site. I am glad I am retired, this technology is not my speed.  I am sorry to run on at the mouth but looking back, Mt. Lebanon High School and the experiences I had there taught me that you don't say "I can't".  Thanks Mr. Peters!!!  Bonnie is very patient with me and has put up with and been very supportive of me and I could not have done it without her. Seeing the first 15 or 20 pictures that Bill and Bob have put on the Tube is terrific.  Thanks!!!!!!!! from all of us out here for helping us remember the good friends and experiences we had together that have made a difference in all of our lives.  Jack Ross

Gary W Russell 

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

Charles Sawyer

Per Igor Alexeff - I checked on the obituary of Charles Sawyer.  To add to it, he died because he had gotten type 2 diabetes, and didn't take care of himself.  He died of kidney failure.  He had previously gone blind because of cataracts and retinal failure.  Date of death - Circa 1991

Elizabeth (Betty) Scharnberg (Brocket)
Pace, FL
December 2, 2003

May 29, 2008:  I thought you might like a more recent photo of Betty for the reunion website.   I believe it was taken around the time she was diagnosed with cancer--probably in the fall of 2001.   She is talking on the phone, which was something she loved to do.  (See below)

Also, anyone who has a memory or story to share about Betty from school days would be welcome to send it to us at our e-mail address (dankathy@execpc.com).   We'd love to hear any tales there are to tell from her younger days.

Dan Klager, son-in-law of Elizabeth Scharnberg Brockett, husband of Kathy Brockett Klager

May 26,2008, we received this beautiful tribute to Betty from her son-in-law, Dan: 

He, We received my mother-in-law's (Betty Scharnberg Brockett) invitation to the Mt. Lebanon Class of '48 60th reunion.  I wanted to inform you that she is no longer living, but I see that you have found that information in the meantime since you mailed the invitation.

You probably know that Betty had four children, and worked (and lived) in Crystal Lake, Illinois as a middle school Home Ec teacher.  I see that she was a member of the Needle & Thread Squad in high school; that must have been fun as she made a career in that field.  My wife (Betty's daughter) often comments on various pieces of clothing that Betty made for her or one of the other kids in the family when they were growing up.

Betty and her husband, Donald Brockett, retired in the late 1980s and moved to Pace, Florida, just outside Pensacola.  They alternated between Pace and their beach condo in Gulf Shores, AL.  Betty just loved the beach!  Walking barefoot on the sand or in the shallow water, feeling the breeze and smelling the air.  It was her special place and she was in heaven when she was there.

In the fall of 2001 Betty was diagnosed with lung cancer.  She received the standard treatments of radiation and chemotherapy, but succumbed to the disease on December 3, 2003 in Pensacola, Florida.  But even as the cancer was slowly sapping her, she was still able to do things and enjoy her family and hobbies those last two years.  We are grateful for that.

Betty once commented that she had smoked for about fifty years.  She said she was just six or seven when she started.  I think she would sneak a cigarette and go off somewhere out of sight and smoke it.  She did quit later in life, but I guess fifty years of smoking was probably destined to catch up with her sooner or later.  Perhaps some of her Mt. Lebanon classmates remember sneaking off to smoke with her as youngsters!

Betty's husband Don passed away December 17, 2007 two weeks after suffering a stroke.  I believe he may have attended a reunion with her, so some of the reunion attendees may remember having met him.

I'd like to compliment you on such a nice web-site.  It is very well done and surely helps to keep you all up to date and in touch with one another.  If only all websites were so well constructed.

In closing, I hope you all have a nice, well attended 60th reunion.

Dan Klager, son-in-law of Elizabeth Scharnberg Brockett, husband of Kathy Brockett Klager

GAA, Needle & Thread Squad, Medical Squad, Traffic Squad, Ways & Means Committee, Traffic Squad

Click to enlarge

June 2008:  Per Mitzi Fantl, Margaret James was married to Betty's brother

Information found by Tom Arganbright, May 2008:  Betty Scharnberg died December 2, 2003, in Milton, FL

Bill Erdman, WebMaster:   Betty is one I remember well because she was so funny.   She was always smiling and friendly.  She was a hoot.  I'm sorry we lost track of her all these years.

Since I wrote the above, Betty's son-in-law, Dan, wrote a terrific note about how Betty impacted others as she lived her life.  As a non-smoker I can only lament all the years people have lost to that curse.  I don't criticize as I've never had to stop so I don't know the agony of the addiction.  It must be  awful.  Thanks, Dan, for your note of love.
- May 2008

Nancy Schell (Wells)  

In 1973, Nancy Schell (Wells) lived in Nassau, Bahamas

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

Gloria Schmid
August 1992
Miami, FL

Genevieve Schneider
No additional Information

Robert Schuette
December 22, 1994
Savannah, GA.

Information found by Tom, May 2008:  Bob Schuette died December 22, 1994 in Savannah, GA.

From Bill Erdman, WebMaster:  Bob was a mystery to me.  I wasn't into his style of humor but we always seemed to get along even though I didn't understand him.  He's another guy I wish I had had the opportunity to follow him as he grew up.

, May 2008

Jane Ewing "Jenny" Schwartz Brookes

Dear Bill,  I was reading the class notes and read that you wondered what had happened to my cousin during her last 59 years.   I can fill you in on a bit of her later life. 

Jane graduated from Carnegie Mellon in 1952 and went to work in a downtown-Pittsburgh investment office.   In about 1956, she pulled up stakes and went to Massachusetts to attend Radcliffe College to take graduate courses.   While studying there, she met Warren Brookes, a writer and journalist, and married him in June, 1958.   They lived in Marblehead, Mass., where Warren wrote about economics for The Christian Science Monitor.   He later worked for a newspaper in Washington, D.C., and they moved to a farm in Leesburg, Virginia.   Jane helped him with his writing, and he wrote several books, including The Economy of Mind.   Both Warren and Jane were well known in conservative circles, and knew Jack Kemp and his brothers as well as many other conservative thinkers.  Warren died in the early 1990’s.   Jane decided to stay at their Leesburg farm, and hoped to finish a book Warren was working on when he died.   Jane was in ill health during the last year of her life, but she lived at her farm until the last weeks of her life.   She passed away in January, 2007.

Having grown up with Jane, I missed her, as we did not get to see each other often after we were married.  We always seemed to live so far from each other.  She was a very talented person, particularly in music – being a very accomplished pianist.  She and Warren never had children, but she had a brother and a niece and nephew, with whom she was close.

Thanks for all you do for the Class of ’48.  Tudy Schwartz DeWalt - January 2010

PS:  Here is a picture of Jane and I in 1935 - the fellow in the middle is Varick, my brother.

From Florence Schwartz DeWalt, January 2007 - I have sad news. My cousin, Jane Ewing Schwartz Brookes, died recently in Leesburg, Virginia.  She was married to Warren Brookes, a well-known journalist and author.

Dave Smith wrote about Jenny - I was sorry to hear of Jenny's passing.  I remember her as a very nice girl (and pretty too).  I believe she used to run around in a ford convertible (her mother's car).  If I remember right after all these years, she was my date for the senior prom.  That was the one and only time I ever went out with her. 

I read her obituary and it said she died in a nursing home.  Apparently she had no children.

I knew all three of the Schwartz ladies...special people all.  I particularly knew Tudy and Jenny (Florence and Jane Ewing).  Jenny was such a talented piano player.  I was told that she was active in the Christian Science Church.- Nancy Rankin Linn.

Florence Schwartz's e-mail today was one of those "good news, bad news" types of communications.  Good news that we were able to remove Florence from the "Lost" page and put her new information among the "S" people.  Bad news that we learned of Jenny's death.  Again I am sad at the loss and sad at the lack of information about Jenny's last 59 years.  I've always wanted to remind Jenny that on our third date, she thought I was "Too Fast" because I tried to hold her hand as we crossed a street!

, February 2007

From 1958 Reunion Newsletter:  JANE SCHWARTZ Brookes, Per Ruth Osborne Rouleau, Janie spent 2 years at Bucknell & Graduated from Carnegie Tech.  Married 6/7/58.  12 Robinson St. Apt #31, Cambridge 38, Mass.

Alphonse J Schwindt, Cocoa Beach, FL

Found by Tom Arganbright, May 2008:  Schwindt, Alphonse J, Age: 77, Cocoa Beach, FL.  Subsequent information indicates that he is deceased - May 15, 1999 in Melbourne, FL.

Bill Erdman, WebMaster:  Another sad chapter for me.  I liked Alphonse very much.  Today we would call him "cool."  He seemed to have it somewhat together as he wandered the hall.  Sorry I didn't get to know more about his "life after high school".

, May 2008

Robert C. Scott

In 1968he was working in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

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

James E. Sheehan  

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

Lowell E. Simonson,
1090 Northwood Loop
Prescott, AZ 86303
Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Basketball, Home Room Basketball, Traffic Squad, Usher Squad

Lowell Simonson left his earthly life on Dec. 24, 2009, after a three-year courageous battle with cancer.  His family is at ease knowing that he is in a better place, where he is no longer suffering.

He was born June 28, 1931, in Pittsburgh, Pa.  Lowell graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in business and accounting.  He worked for many years in the textile industry, which took him to various parts of the country.  He and Ann loved traveling, and they took a trip every year to a different part of the world.  He enjoyed all sports, especially playing golf.

Lowell will continue to live in the hearts of his wife, Ann; his brother, Barrie; his children, Si, Kip, Michelle and Eric; their spouses, Kathy, Tad and Valerie; their children, Amy, Sarah, Miriam, Hannah, Rachel, Kayla and Kyle; his stepchildren, Linda, Clarke and Kelly; their spouses, Kathy and Barry; their children, Dawn Lisa, Sharon, Christopher, Matthew, Timothy, Alicia and Amber; as well as countless amazing and cherished friends who have been touched by an unforgettable man, each of whom has many joyous memories of Lowell that make this difficult time easier to get through.

Lowell's family will be having a celebration of his life at Trinity Presbyterian Church on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Family Hospice Center of Prescott, Ariz., or a charity of your choice.

Lowell will be missed terribly, but never forgotten.

Information provided by survivors.

From Bill Erdman, WebMaster: I'm touched again by how fleeting life has been.  The last time I saw Lowell was our 50th Reunion where he promised to send me an update on his life.  As you can see below, time passes quickly and we don't always get "a round tuit".  I'm sad that we know nothing more than what is written in his obituary - we don't know about his "dash", the activities between 1931 and 2009.  That information and Lowell's friendship is our combined loss.  Lowell's obituary indicates that a loving family is missing him greatly - Bill <>< - December 2009

Robert Sisler
January 1975

Information found by Tom Arganbright, May 2008:  Bob Sisler died January 1975.

Virginia R. Smalley (Sweet)
September 2002

50th Reunion

Gretel Braun Barnes reported in March of 2003 that Virginia died in September of 2002.

From Bill Erdman, WebMaster:  It's that time again!  Time to move one of us from the "active" list of classmates to the "gone" section and raise the number of known deaths to 69.  It doesn't get any easier, particularly when the person you have to move is someone you knew very well and respected while in high school.  In high school Virginia was a pleasant person to talk with and always had a smile for everyone.  I'm sorry that we don't have any more information about her life since graduation.  I would like to know about her successes and her family but unfortunately we have very limited news about her.  We at least have one recent picture of Virginia and her husband.  We'll miss you, Virginia.

Bill Erdman <><, February 2003

From 1958 Reunion Newsletter:  VIRGINIA SMALLEY Sweet (Deceased).  Children, Jeff 5, Dan 3.  Graduated from PCW in ’53.  Toured Europe with husband while he was with the Quartermaster Corp.  2645 Summit St, Bethel Park, Pa.

HARRY W. SMEAL
 256 Rocky Mountain Way
Arden, NC  28704
 Harry's Biography

Announcer, Band, Hi-Y, Honor Roll, Home Room Basketball

7th grade

Harry William Smeal Sr.

Arden - Harry William Smeal Sr., 78, of Rocky Mountain Way, Arden, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2009, at Park Ridge Hospital.

Harry was born March 16, 1930 in Bay Village, Ohio, a son of the late Paul and Velda (Hall) Smeal.

He graduated from Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa. with a B. S. degree in Chemical Engineering.  He worked in research, engineering, and management for Consolidation Coal, Dow Chemical, Carwin Co., Pillsbury, General Foods, Miles Laboratories, and Bayer Corp.  He retired in 1987 as Plant Manager, Household Products Division of Bayer Corp.

He was a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, American Chemical Society, and Illinois Manufacturers Association.

After to moving to Fletcher in 1988 he was a member of the Asheville Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society.  He also served the town of Fletcher on the Advisory and Planning Boards, as well as Town Councilman for 2 1/2 years.

He was preceded in death by his brother, David, and his parents.  He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Katharine (Cook) Smeal; two sons, Harry Jr. (Susan) and Richard, both of Michigan; two daughters, Sally (Peter) Bouldin, of Ill., and Barbara (Tony) Laws of Arden; grandchildren, Jillian, Karl, and Elizabeth, of Arden, Julia and Catherine of Michigan, and Jessica, Abby, and Andrew of Ill.; one great-grandchild, Alexis Pruitt, of Arden.

The funeral service will be held 4 p.m. Saturday in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Road, with the Rev. Perry Brindley officiating.

WebMaster's note, February 2011 - Harry's wife, Kathy, died in October of 2010.

From Bill Erdman, WebMaster: Life has a way of giving each of us a wake-up call every so often.  Today I received mine from Kathy when she called about Harry's death.  Harry and I both went to Lehigh University - in fact we rode back and forth many times and each trip was a memorable event.  For example, Harry and another Lehigh Classmate, John Stallings, both played trumpet and enjoyed playing them as we went through the Pennsylvania Turn Pike tunnels - both of them hanging out the windows and playing as loudly as they could!

I've stopped at Harry's homes several times and got to know Kathy and some of their kids. I will miss him and his numerous phone calls asking about the Reunions and Bill Stanley.  Rest well, Harry, and keep blowing your horn for all heaven to hear. - Bill <>< - February 2009

Kay and I stopped at his new Townhouse / Retirement Village home in Arden. NC, on Mother's Day.  Harry, his wife, Kathy, and son, Rich, were in great spirits and seemed to be doing well.  Kathy is not looking forward to having hip replacement surgery in June but she says it's time..  They have beautiful place, high on a hill looking towards even highr mountains. - Bill, May 2008

By phone March, 2007:  Had an accident-prone 2006.  Kathy and he were involved in a freak accident in their own driveway that resulted in a broken shoulder for Harry and complications for Kathy.  Kathy had a hip replacement 1st August and this didn't help her recovery at all.  Otherwise they are doing "OK, so far."

Harry's Biography Education:  BS ChemEngineering - Lehigh University '48-'52  Graduate courses at U of Michigan & Carnegie Tech Family:  Married Kathryn Virginia Cook (MtL '47) in 1953  Harry, Jr - 1955, married Susan Sulfaro 1990  Julia  Catherine  Richard - 1958  Sally - 1961, married Peter Bouldin 1989  Jessica  Abby  Andy  Barbara 1963, married Tom Duransik 1984  Jullian  Karl  Elizabeth Homes:  Midland, Michigan  Wallingford, Connecticut  North Haven, Connecticut  Minneapolis, Minnesota  Hawthorne, New York  Clarendon Hills, Illinois  Fletcher, North Carolina  Arden, North Carolina Professional Career:  Pittsburgh Consolidated, R&D Labs, Library, Pa, as Research Engineer, '52-'53  Dow Chemical Co., Midland, Michigan, as Pilot Plant / Research Engineer. '53-'57  Carwin Company, North haven, CT, as Development Superintendent, Production Manager, '61-'65  Pillsbury Company, Minneapolis, MN, as Senior Process Engineer - Research Labs & Production Manager - Calcium Cyclamate Plants in Omaha, NE, & Painesville, OH, '61-'65  General Foods Corp., White Plain, NY, as Materials Management Manager, '65-'66  General Foods, Miles Laboratory, Bayer Corp, Bedford Park, IL, as Production Manager - Household Products Div '66-'69 & Plant Manager '69-'88  Retired Organizations:  American Institute of Chemical Engineers  American Chemical Society  Illinois Manufactures Association  American Manufacturers Association  Planning Board - Town of Fletcher. NC  Councilman - Town of Fletcher, NC  National Railway Historical Society Business travels:  Mexico City  Rio de Janeiro  Sao Paulo  Ube Kyoto & Tokyo  Hawaii  Germany  Austria  Switzerland Home:  Rocky Mountain Way Arden, NC 876-684-1074  Come visit us

LOIS ANN SOMMER (Stock)
  3345 Mansion Way
Columbus, OH  43221
June 27, 2005

Book Squad, GAA Council, Gym Squad, Medical Squad, Y-Teens Secretary

40th Reunion           

Lois A. Sommer Stock, age 74, of Upper Arlington, died in her home, Monday, June 27, 2005.  She was a 1952 graduate of Duquesne University.  Lois was a founding member of St. Timothy Parish.  She belonged to a wide variety of bridge clubs and OSU golf leagues, as well as the Readers Book Club.  Lois Sommer Stock was a woman of integrity and wisdom.  She purposely developed a life philosophy, which moved her to see Christ in every person, especially every child she met.  From that source, she gave of herself with intense compassion and a generous outpouring of her time and energy.  Lois' role as wife, mother, grandmother, and teacher were pivotal.  Her loyal friendships were legion.  Keen wit was her trademark.  Retired from St. Timothy School in 1993 after 24 years as an exceptionally competent second and then first grade teacher.  Mrs. Stock will be remembered with appreciation and deep affection by the St. Timothy School Community along with her large family and numerous friends. Her husband John R. Stock precedes her in death. Survived by her five children, Virginia and husband, Scot Northrup of Columbus, John and wife, Renee Stock of Columbus, Dr. Michael and wife, Jill Stock of Columbus, Margaret and husband, Timothy King of Columbus, James and wife, Angharad Stock of Oakmont, PA; grandchildren, Rachel Wheeler, Robert, Lauren, Amy, and Nicole Stock, Andrew, Brian, and James Stock, Jacklyn and Elizabeth King, Martha and John Stock; brother, Robert and wife, Noreen Sommer of Gates Mills, OH; brothers-in-law, Leonard Church of Mount Lebanon, PA, Harry and wife, Doris Stock, Richard and wife, Barbara Stock; and sister-in-law, Nancy Stock, all of Clarion, PA.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 1088 Thomas Lane, with interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Friends, if they wish, may contribute to St. Timothy Catholic School, 1070 Thomas Lane, Columbus, Ohio 43220 in her memory.

Edward R. Smith
No additional Information

Doris Sprenger (Snyder)
No additional Information

VIRGINIA MARIE STABILE (Neville)
  367 Newburn Drive
Pittsburgh, PA  15228 
January 29, 2010

NEVILLE, VIRGINIA "GINNY" (STABILE)

 Age 79, on Friday, January 29, 2010; surrounded by her loving family; after a miraculous and, courageous 4 year battle with: pancreatic cancer.  Youngest of seven children, of Leonard W. and Antoinette (Staffen) Stabile; beloved wife for 55 years of Robert A. "Bob" Neville; loving mother of Robert J, M Janet Tant and James W Neville, all of Mt. Lebanon; Susan Friday of Upper St. Clair, Elizabeth Wagner of Richmond, VA and Laura Fiscus of Cumberland, MD; loving grandmother of eleven.  Ginny was a positive and inspirational force whose cheerful and supportive character touched the lives of many.  She was an accomplished classical pianist and a voracious reader.  Most devoted wife and mother.  Before marriage, she was a registered nurse at the former Pittsburgh Hospital.  A graduate of St. Bernard School and Mt. Lebanon High School,  Ginny completed her nursing training at Seton Hill College.  After raising her children, she volunteered at St. Clair Hospital while starting her own small business, which funded her four daughters' weddings.  Ginny's quick mind and wide knowledge made her a lover of the New York Times and other cross word puzzles.  She enjoyed golf as a member of Chartiers Country club; she was a devout Catholic and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in St. Bernard Church where Ginny had been a long‑time member,  If desired, memorials may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society of Pittsburgh.  Classmates Nancy Staggs, Mary Murrie and Marty McVay and their spouses attended the services.

From Bill Erdman, WebMaster:  I remember Ginny from school but did not know her very well.  She always had a smile and kind word but that was the extent of my recollection.  I wish I could tell you more about her life over the 62 years since graduation.  I'm glad she was at our 60th reunion.

<><, February 2010

Chorus, G.A.A., Home Room Officer, Lantern, Operetta, Y-Teens

DR. JULIAN INGERSOLL TABER
 43 Julian Lane,
Windsor, ME 04363
June 28, 2009
Julian's Biography

Debate Club, Devotions Squad, Rifle

See his classic letter of 1988

My name is Rachel Taber-Hamilton, and Julian Taber is my father.  I am writing this note to those of you who may visit my father's page to share with you the very sad news that my father died on May 30, 2009 while traveling on his way to Windsor, Maine where he had planned to live next in a lovely home that he and I had purchased for that purpose.

He was very excited about the move, and though his will to keep living and developing his interests remained undaunted, his heart and health could not keep up.

Please feel free to contact me at any time and thank you for your friendship with my father.

Sincerely,
Rachel K. Taber-Hamilton

I just thought I would let you know as I was Googling my dear friend Julian Taber that he passed away on May 28th on his flight to his new home in Maine.  Although the plane landed in Detroit, paramedics could not revive him.  Julian was a wonderful writer and good friend.  A kind and honorable man with a zest for life and a wonderful sense of humor - he will be missed. Gail Madden, Lacey, WA

From Bill Erdman, WebMaster:  I talked with Julian just before Kay and I left Florida in May and he explained why he wouldn't be home in Whidbey Island to visit with us when we were in the area.  What a shock and tremendous sense of loss when I received the email from Rachel, his daughter, concerning his flight to Maine.

I got to know Julian fairly well when I did a web site for him - the association did not last long as Julian felt uncomfortable not having direct control.  He sent me a copy of his book of poems, "Poems For The Rest Of Us" and I enjoyed them all, knowing who wrote it.  I found him to be warm, funny and sensible.  My big regret is that we never were able to have face-to-face contact through the years although we tried several times.

Julian, if I was as good a poet and author and as prolific as you, I would insert a poignant paragraph here in your honor.  However, all I can say is, "Julian, it was an honor to know you.  Thanks for being a part of my life."

- June 2009

On May 29 I fly off to Maine where my daughter and I just bought a home.  She is Director of Pastoral Care at Maine General Hospital in Augusta.  Thanks to the current housing down turn, we were able to buy a wonderful home on seven acres, about 3,000 feet of living space; four bedrooms, a fantastic kitchen, and 3.5 bathrooms.  The home is relatively new, built in 2002.

I was about ready to go to an independent living community for the elderly thinking it no longer wise to drive and live alone, but daughter Rachel and I are a good match and we enjoy doing things together.

I shall always remember my fiends on Whidbey Island, those generous and talented people who helped so much with my writing ambitions and who tolerated my comments on their work during our many writing group meetings.  My nine years on Whidbey have been an exciting and productive period.

After June 8 or thereabouts my address will be: 43 Julian Lane, Windsor, ME 04363.  I'll have my trusty cell phone handy, 360 320 4421.  I will be keeping that address.

Yep, the street is named Julian Lane.  I didn't plan that, but it somehow seems appropriate.  What more could a narcissist want?

Please take care, and let me hear from you once in a while.

Warm regards,
Julian Taber – May, 2009

December 2008:  Just published:

•  Title: Addictions Anonymous: Outgrowing Addictions through a Universal, Secular Program of Self-development.

•  Author: Julian I. Taber. Ph.D.

•  ISBN: 978-1-60145-447-2

•  It is also available as an Ebook that uses Adobe Acrobat

Best wishes.  Julian Taber

Thank you for your dedication to keeping us all up to date.  I will keep my unbroken record of non-attendance by not coming to the great August reunion.  Of course, I appreciate your work and the invitation, but I don't travel well these days.  Best wishes to all for a happy reunion.

I was never much of a union guy, so a reunion seems less attractive than a beer at the pub across the street.  So, I'll drink to your health and happiness saving all of us from the tedium of 60 years of stories.

Sad to hear about Vetter.  I had lunch with him in Las Vegas some years ago.  We were casual friends in the old days.

Today, I live on Whidbey Island in Puget Sound and am busy building a new web site for my writing.

Warm regards,  Julian Taber

November 2006 - I continue to tend my Siamese cat and to enjoy the great northwest.  Just for the heck of it, I self-published a book of poems, "Poems For The Rest Of Us". ISBN 0-595-41056-1   So far, I've sold one copy at the retail price of $11.95.  At least six people have accepted a free copy to say nothing of relatives who make nice victims.  Why, I'd even send my classmates a copy if I had their address and a check for $15.00 to cover shipping and handling.  (The price of a copy and shipping comments added by Bill Erdman <><).  Julian Taber

June 2006 - Julian's book is an every Tuesday event on The Cheers network (No longer running).  A truly amazing man!  (I looked at this website in October 2008 - I don't think he is active anymore - Bill)

December 2004:  Greetings and happy whatever.  The supply of 48'ers is dwindling.  I still live and stagger about in the mists of old age having given up being a psychologist these many years ago and turned writer.  Since I live alone with a cat there is little family news except that my scattered children do well.  And I just lost two hours work when I goofed up a text I was developing, but it's a sunny day here in the northwest so I think I'll go shopping.   Julian Taber

November 2003: I remember Bala well, and as I recall he entered Mt. Lebo from Europe.  Switzerland I think.  He was very impressive but I did not get to know him well.

I hope it was not I who contributed the snippy comment.  I can bore you to tears with life summaries of various lengths.  Be a good editor and tell me how many words are acceptable (Editor: As many as you wish.

The web site you keep up is very unusual, a great accomplishment.  I don't much enjoy my trips to the far past because high school for me was just something to survive on the way to someplace else, but many of the kids I knew are held in fond memory.  I never had the time to get really involved in school stuff and have been a chronic wanderer all my life, but I've loved the places I've lived and the people I've known.  Best, Julian Taber

From Julian, November 2003:  Picture of old Taber on a ferry crossing Puget Sound.  Like my software, I am unpredictable, cranky and creeky, but I keep writing stuff and sell something once in a while.

Retirement is such fun I wished I'd started when I got out of high school.  (Some of my enemies say that's what I really did.)

Warmest, Julian

June 2003 after I misspelled his name:

After all these years, and in spite of all efforts by others to change his mind. Julian Taber still spells Taber as "Taber" and claims he knows nobody named Tabor.  Other than that, Julian--me--has a new cat, lives on Whidbey Island in Puget Sound and spends a lot of time writing.  Hello to all.  As usual, regarding high school as a socialist prison camp, I shall avoid our reunion, but will think fondly of all of you. Julian.

May 2003:  Hi, William,

What's to report?  Bush is still president and the country is still going to hell.  But, I'm not pushing, just watching.  I write every day on various projects, fiction and nonfiction, always hoping to get something published and not submitted most of what I've written.

I have finished a satirical novella called "The Trouble With Angels" and am working on two nonfiction books.  It's a hobby that keeps me off the streets.  That and shoveling pebbles in around the little house I bought here on Whidbey Island last January.

Thanks for keeping us in some kind of order.  Yep, I remember high school, but my therapist says that in a few more years of daily sessions I should be able to overcome that early trauma.  Julian

December 2001:  I tried to see Julian in his new house on Whidby Island, Washington, but was unable to get a mutually agreeable date set up so I had to make do with a phone call.  He sounds happy and busy in his new location.  The island itself is beautiful and is probably providing Julian with the solitude he missed in Las Vegas.  Bill<><

April, 2001:  Many cities, how many moves?  Always new kid on the block, and loving it.

Life is good. My book "In the Shadow of Chance"  has been published by members of Gamblers Anonymous; it was written with them in mind.  No royalties, but it feels great.

A leaky heart valve slows me down, and that gives me more time to think before I act, not that this changes anything.

Good hearing from you and all the people of the class of 48.  Be happy, live long. Julian

Hi, Bill and Bob of Mt. L. '48. Here speaks Julian Taber, also of that honored place and vintage.  Congratulations on the web page for the 48ers.  Glad to hear that some of the 48 people are alive and kicking. Let's not go easy.

I am retired and living in Las Vegas where I still work part time as a counselor for problem gamblers, fly an ultralight around the desert and enjoy the sun.

When I moved recently I found my '48 year book in the garage: stained, dirty and falling apart. Kinda of like my life and my memory at this age.

Should any misguided survivor be curious about my life and times, I have a 17 chapter book (free to download) at my own web site.  I put a lot of myself into that book, but it's really only for people wanting to learn more about gambling problems.  Still lots of typos.  Gotta work on that.

Stay well, carry the torch (somebody has to), and above all, survive.

My current mailing address is:
7450 S. Eastern Ave. #1954
Las Vegas, NV 89123

Julian I. Taber, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist, Retired

August 1999  - Speaking of crotchety old fools (does this refer to libido?)  I want you to know that I am preparing an extensive letter to you, Bill.  It will contain a revision of the U.S. Constitution, a Papal Encyclical, directions for finding a lost gallon full of gold (Editor's note, Julian may mean "Galleon" here although either one would ruin your day.) and my inauguration speech for January, 2001 CE. (Editor's note II - Coming Election?)

At a more ambitious level, I hope to be able to describe my first solo in a new (to me) type of ultralight airplane, something called a "trike."   This is my third ultralight so, of course, I call it Lotus Leaf III.

Julian,

July 6th note: Flying with Julian

Julian, friend, ultralight and somebody's daughter - Click to enlarge

On a certain gorgeous spring morning our hangar flyers sat in the Nevada sun and watched the ultralights come and go. "I wonder if I could learn to fly one of those trike things?" I asked aloud, not really expecting an answer.

"Don’t try it," they said. "You’re too old to learn new tricks, Pappy (Julian), and besides, it takes a lot of strength to fly a trike. Leave trikes to the young guys and stay with fixed wing."

Now I was suddenly determined that I would someday fly one of those "kites" as some old timers called the newer flexwing trikes that had invaded our field. Trying out new stuff is what life is about, and it was no different at age seventy than it had been at eighteen.

A few months later I was sailing along over the Nevada wasteland in the front seat of a Sabre trike, and the man behind me was singing a happy ditty, patting me on the shoulder and assuring me that I was coming along just fine. We practiced left and right three-sixty degree turns and then headed off to the west side of the Eldorado Dry Lake flying below the level of the dry, brown mountains that ring the Eldorado Valley twenty-five miles south of Las Vegas. Coming down to about fifty feet and circling around the parachute drop zone, I picked up the dirt road that winds and twists for several miles along the west side of the dry lake.

Soon I was holding altitude with small power adjustments and slight forward and back moves of the control bar, all this while following that winding road to nowhere below.

That road conquered, we went back over the flat, barren dry lake for those inevitable practice approaches and touch-and-goes. Following directions we flew out to the east over the pet cemetery across the to an area I had never explored much before. We went lower and lower until we seemed to be just skimming over the tops of the tall bushes that lined each side of the most twisted dirt road I have ever seen. We were soon arcing left and right following the road in a wild series of swings, and I was on the most thrilling and challenging ultralight ride I’ve ever had. It clearly demonstrated the excellent control you can develop with a trike, and that, of course, was the point of this lesson. None of it took extraordinary strength although there are times in wind when getting that control bar back to neutral takes a pretty good heave. At any rate, such wild, low-level flying, while a great training experience, is not generally a good idea unless you have absolute confidence in your machine and, in my case, in my teacher.

I regularly work out with five-pound weights to keep my back in shape and maintain muscle tone, and that, I think, is a good habit for any pilot. I’m certainly not a "hot" pilot, but then I had some old fixed wing habits to unlearn. Patience is an important part of learning to fly.

Back in the fall and winter of 1996 / 1997, I leaned to fly ultralights in a Sport II, and my first ultralight was a single seat Sprint with a 447 Rotax. That solo completed, I had realized my dream of ultralight flying, a dream that started years before when the first ultralight magazines began to appear on the market. But, at the time, I was involved with raising children and working a job. Later, living in Reno and then in central Oregon, I could not find an instructor. Finally, in my chosen retirement city of Las Vegas, I discovered Hawk Wyatt’s Ultralight Flying Machines.

Perhaps fulfilling that first great dream should have been enough, but there was a beautiful Quicksilver GT400 in the big hangar for sale; it kept whispering, "Buy me, fly me," and I always do what the voices tell me. With a few hours of training in a Quicksilver 500 I was ready to move into the GT 400 which is, indeed, an excellent machine.

The 400 should have been all the ultralight I ever needed. But, then came that casual challenge, something about old men not being able to fly trikes.

Finally, the day came for my trike solo down at the dry lake. Flying a lighter version of the Sabre with a slow, single surface wing, I was surprised at its sensitivity to control inputs. After a few not very pretty landings I seemed to be doing well enough. I flew my trike on five rather short flights, but the challenge had been met and I really missed the old fixed wing controls. When the chance came along to buy a really nice, low time Sprint and I jumped at it, but I have tremendous respect for those who love flying the flex wing trike. I’ve gone full circle having moved back into a Quicksilver, one of the true classic ultralight designs. Trikes are neither better nor worse than fixed wing ultralights, they’re just different, and I have little patience for those who snort insults at someone else’s choice of vehicle. If it flies and doesn’t kill you, it’s beautiful.  Julian I. Taber, Ph.D.

Lyn S. Tafel

Information found by Tom Arganbright, May 2008:  Lyn Tafel died July 17, 1998 in Irwin, PA.

John Tighe - No picture

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

EDWIN PATRICK TONS
9 Park Avenue
Hull, MA  02045
 Ed's Biography
July 2009

55th Reunion

I sadly have to let you know that my dad, Ed Tons, passed away last July.   It was a sudden and short illness.   I have been getting his mail and am guessing that you may be from his high school in Pittsburgh so I wanted to let you know.

Best regards, Laura Tons Papi

Home Room Basketball, Traffic Squad

February 2008:  Here is a fast update on my world.  Can't send any images since I just obtained computer and am learning (slowly.) 

The biography is a BRIEF summary of the past 59-1/2 yrs!  I want to thank all of you guys for the effort and dedication to this website.  Has brought back many happy memories of MTL.  We will probably not be able to make the 60th due to Merry's health, but now that I know where you are, I will keep in touch.  Thx. again.  -  Ed Tons

Ed's Biography  U. S. Army - 2 years.  DeVry Tech. Inst. - Chicago  Employment - 32 great years with Motorola C&E Inc.  Domiciled in Pgh., Phila., R.I. and Boston.  Married - Wife, Merry, a Pgh. girl.   We will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary this May.  Merry and I have one daughter - Laura.   Laura will be getting married this Sept.  She works in Boston and resides in the area.  We presently enjoy condo living in Hull, Mass., a coastal town 20 miles South of Boston.

Mary-Frances Troxell (Stanley)
New Smyrna Beach, FL
October 1998

 45th Reunion

From Bob Stanley, March 2007:  My brother and sister-in-law , Mary Frances Troxell (Stanley) died a year apart.  For anyone interested, I am attaching a recent photo of their two grandchildren (Dave and Sean):

From Bill Erdman, WebMaster:  Today  I struggled again as I added another name to this list.   I cried as I moved Mary-Francis Troxell from the "Roster" page to the "Gone" page.   I struggled and cried because I knew I would have to do it again and again as the years pass by.  And I also knew that someday someone will add my name here and move my picture here.  It is part of what each of us face as we get older but it doesn't get easier.

I wasn't trying to be morbid as much as I was trying to remind myself to tell those that I love and care about that I DO love them and DO care for them - Immediately!    I wanted to remind myself to do it then and every day thereafter and not wait.

I love you all, more than I ever thought possible.

- October 1999

From 1958 Reunion Newsletter:  MARY‑FRANCES TROXELL Stanley (Deceased),  Children:  Bruce 6 1/2, Barbara 1.  Husband is a graduate Engr. from Carnegie Tech.  Now is head of Maintenance at Springdale Station of West Penn Power.  He Graduated from MtL in ‘42.  Sister-in‑law to Fred Stanley and Dick Kelley (Deceased).  2737 Valley View Dr., New Kensington, Pa.

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