Bishop O’Reilly Class of 1977 50th Birthday Party Update

From Michael Kinney: (Please note that the attendee status of this post will be updated regularly --- Last update: July 3rd)

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the location of our 50th Birthday Party has been changed. It will be held at The Castle Inn on Route 415, the Memorial Highway in Dallas, a few miles before Harvey’s Lake. The date is still July 18th. I’m sorry for the late change and the late notice.

The party will begin at 1:00 PM and end at 6:00 PM. Food (dinner) will be served from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. We will have a birthday cake, desserts, pretzels and chips from 1:00 PM on.

“Just Us”, our class band will be playing live just for us!! If you haven’t heard them recently, you’ve missed out. They are still wonderful after all these years. (Two of our three classmates won’t be 50 by the 18th; it’s up to you to guess who they are!)

The menu will be a picnic menu complete with Yogi Bear. Ok, maybe not Yogi, but I got you reminiscing. It includes: Bar-B-Que Chicken; Sausage and Peppers; Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Macaroni Salad, Potato Salad and Cole Slaw. There will also be lettuce, tomatoes and onions. Beverages include unlimited soda, beer and wine. The facility has volleyball, horseshoes and basketball available for us youngins to play. If you feel young that day, bring some foot wear to join in the games. Some of us might want to bring some Ben Gay or your muscle rub of choice.

I need some help choosing the ½ of beer we should have on tap. Please email me and let me know your choice. Majority rules. I already have two votes from our meeting tonight for Yuengling Lager. Please let me know your choice email me at fishfishr@juno.com .

Since the party ends at 6:00 PM. Chuck Brennen suggests everyone join him at St. Nick’s Bazaar next to Bishop Hoban afterwards. I’m serious about that and so is Chuck.

The cost is still $35.00. Make the check payable to Michael Kinney. Mail it to Michael Kinney 150 Andover St. Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. Please note: I have to give them a final count on July 11th. If you have already paid and do not want to attend please call me at (570) 821-0464 and I will send you a refund.

We will still be holding the Yankee Present swap. So being a present not more than $25.00 and please no gag gifts. Just something from where you currently live. Kathy Hannon Blaum is probably bringing New Jersey blueberries and cranberries, but Robin Lonsdale wants her to bring passes to Atlantic City! See the possibilities are endless!

The Icebreaker will still be held at Grotto Pizza on Route 11 in Edwardsville on Friday the 17th beginning at 6:30ish, ending when they decide to toss us!

Check our class website for those who have paid and are attending. I will be trying to keep Lee updated daily.

This is a list as of June 30th of those who have paid and are attending our 50th Birthday Party.


Mark Dushok
Maryellen Finley-Cusma
Deborah Sadusky-Casey
Michael Laton
Joseph Petrasek
Paul McAndrew
Denise and Sandy Scalzo
Michele Chakon-Garen
Kathy Blaum-Hannon
Michael and Sally Kinney
Paul Reinert
Debbie Cannon-Cramer (2)
Bee Harris-Darrow
Robin Lonsdale
Patrick Balester
Dave Kotarski
Chuck Brennan
Sabrina Baynes
Jay Tobias
Mary Helen Carey-Little
Jolayne Kalac-Pinchak
Mark Hession



IceBreaker Attendees:

Mary Pappas-Kosin
Michael Kinney
Deborah Sadusky-Casey
Mark Dushok
Maryellen Finley-Cusma
Chuck Brennan
Patrick Balester
Robin Lonsdale
David Kotarski
Mary Helen Carey-Little
Bee Harris-Darrow


Maybes:

Michael Laton
Joseph Petrasek
Denise and Sandy Scalzo
Kathy Blaum-Hannon (if she gets into town early enough)
Paul Reinert
Joseph Lynch
Mark Hession


Those Indicating Interest in the Yankee Present Swap:

Joseph Lynch (PA)
Mary Helen Carey-Little (PA)
Debbie Cannon-Kramer (OH)
Kathy Blaum-Hannon (NJ)
Denise & Sandy Scalzo (PA)
Paul McAndrew (PA)
Deborah Sadusky-Casey (Germany)
Michael Kinney (PA)
Bee Harris-Darrow (VA)

Beer Choices:

Yuengling Lager 3
Miller Lite 2
Coors Lite 2

P.S. my apologies to Deborah Sadusky-Casey for spelling her name wrong the other day. I only had in front of me and still managed to screw it up.

Also Congrats go out to Grammy Beverly Yakus-Cottle and her husband, Grampy Bruce on the birth of Lily this past Sunday.

Don’t forget the deadline is July 11th.

Re: My Mom

I want to take this opportunity on behalf of my Dad, my brother and myself to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers in reference to my Mom's recent passing. Thanks to everyone for your online condolences, those who came to the viewing and funeral, and who had us in your thoughts and prayers. We are very grateful.

Albert V. Yakus

I got this notification from Chuck Brennan and Karen Leonardi:

Albert Yakus, 75, of Forty Fort, returned to the Lord Friday afternoon at Hospice Community Care Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre surrounded by his loving family. He was born and raised in Luzerne. He was the son of the late Charles and Martha (Mazietis) Yakus.

He was a graduate of Luzerne High School, Class of 1951. He also attended the University of Maryland. He graduated from the NCO, Luke AFB, in Glendale Arizona with the highest grade ever attained at the Academy. He attained the rank of Sergeant while serving with the Air Force during the Korean Conflict.

He was employed as a master plumber and worked as a guard at S.C.I. Dallas, retiring in 1999. He was a member of Holy Family Parish in Luzerne and a former member of the American Legion Post # 525, Luzerne. He was also a former Forty Fort Council member. He enjoyed taking his wife and family out for dinner and to plays. “Poppy” loved fishing with his grandchildren and treating them to the circus every year. Preceded him in death were sisters, Irene Yakus, Florence Kamus, Nellie Lukesh, Mary Adamchick, Ann Baltruchitis and Jule Drakas and brothers, Charles, Edward, Frank, Anthony, Joseph, and Raymond Yakus.

Surviving is his wife of 56 years of marriage, the former Dolores Blassic, at home. Daughters, Deborah Dudeck and her husband, Roy, Kingston. Susan Hoover and husband, Kenneth, Dallas. Beverly Cottle and husband, Bruce, Forty Fort. Marta Saneholtz and husband Paul, Forty Fort. Son, Albert R. Yakus and his wife Elaine, Shavertown. 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Sister, Helen Repshas, Kingston. Brother, Leonard Yakus, Omaha, NE. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 10:15am from the Lehman and Gregory Funeral Home Inc., 281 Chapel Street, Swoyersville with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in Holy Family Parish, Bennett Street, Luzerne. Interment will be held in St. Ann’s Cemetery, Lehman Township. Family and friends may call on Tuesday from 5 to 8 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Holy Family Parish, PO Box 125, Luzerne, PA 18709.

Mary Lou Tobias

I just got this news from Joe Ziller. Jay's mom passed away on Friday. Here is the obituary from the Times Leader:


Mary L. “Mary Lou” Tobias, 73, of Swoyersville, passed away Friday evening, May 8, 2009, at Hospice Care of the VNA, Inpatient Unit, Heritage House, Wilkes-Barre, surrounded by her loving family.

Mary is survived by her husband, John H. Tobias. Mary and John would have celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary on June 21, 2009.
Born in Swoyersville, on Dec. 27, 1935, Mary was a daughter of the late Maurice J. and Amelia (Reese) Monahan. She was a graduate of the former Swoyersville High School, Class of 1954.

A homemaker most of her life, Mary dedicated herself to caring for her loving family. In her earlier years, Mary was employed by the Okonite Company, New Brunswick, N.J.; Goodbody and Company, Wilkes-Barre; United Penn Bank, Wilkes-Barre, and French Steak, Swoyersville.

Mary was a member of Holy Trinity Church, Swoyersville. An active member of her church, Mary greatly enjoyed volunteering at the church’s annual bazaar. She previously volunteered at the former Bishop O’Reilly High School, Kingston, in their cafeteria and was also a past member of the Swoyersville Kiwanis Club.

An accomplished and dedicated pianist, Mary took great pleasure in sharing her beautiful talent with others. She enjoyed playing the piano in various school productions and also for entertainment at various dinner functions. Also, Mary participated in various piano competitions throughout her life.

Mary took great pleasure in cooking for her beloved family and watching various cooking shows. Also, Mary enjoyed reading various books.

Mary had a deep and devoted love for her family and greatly enjoyed spending time with each and every one of them. She will forever be remembered as a loving, generous and kind wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. All those who knew and loved Mary will deeply miss her beautiful presence.
In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her sister, Jeanne Vanderhoof; brothers, Nicky Lockman, Raymond Monahan and Robert Monahan.

In addition to her loving and devoted husband, John, Mary is survived by her sons, John and his wife, Margaret Tobias, Binghamton, N.Y.; Michael and his wife, Joyce Tobias, Swoyersville; grandchildren, Lydia Mahoney and her husband, Bryan, North Carolina; Rory, Andrew, Emily and Leigh Tobias, all of Binghamton, N.Y.; Katie and Maria Tobias, Swoyersville; great-grandchildren, Aidan, Lily and Christian; brothers, Maurice J. Monahan Jr., Swoyersville; and Lawrence D. Monahan, Wyoming; numerous nieces; nephews; and friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral which will be conducted on Monday at 9 a.m. from the Wroblewski Funeral Home Inc., 1442 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. in Holy Trinity Church, 116 Hughes St., Swoyersville, with the Rev. Richard J. Cirba, her pastor, officiating.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Swoyersville. Family and friends may call today, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s memory to the charity of one’s choice. For additional information or to send the Tobias family an online message of condolence, visit www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com

Molly Hanlon Mirabito running for Luzerne County Judge

Karen Leonardi called me tonight and asked if I'd mention on the blog that Molly Hanlon Mirabito, a fellow BOR graduate (class of 1980), is running for Luzerne County Judge and needs your vote in the primary and election. We hope that she can count on votes from fellow BOR alumni. Molly has a website that lists her experience and qualifications along with her campaign theme - Embrace Our Future. I encourage you to check it out.

Here's the announcement from the Citizen's Voice:

Hanlon Mirabito declares she’s in judicial race

BY ELIZABETH SKRAPITS
STAFF WRITER
Published: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 4:07 AM EST
FORTY FORT — On the front porch of her childhood home, surrounded by her family, friends and neighbors, Molly Hanlon Mirabito announced Monday she is seeking one of the three open Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas judicial seats.

What better place to make the declaration, she said, than the site of some of her most beloved memories, the place where she learned her values from her parents, Tom and Norita Hanlon.

“I can think of no one who’s more loyal or compassionate or honorable than Molly,” Kathy Hanlon said in introducing her sister.

Due to the cold, Hanlon Mirabito cut short the speech she delivered to approximately 80 people. She said there is a serious war on crime and residents need a voice.

“I am unabashedly confident in my ability to be that voice,” she said.

Hanlon Mirabito, 46, graduated from Bishop O’Reilly High School and King’s College, and received her law degree from the University of Notre Dame. She started practicing in 1987 and specializes in family law.

She served as an assistant district attorney under five of Luzerne County’s DAs; she is a member of the special victims unit. The Luzerne County Court appointed her as a per diem law clerk to visiting senior judges, and she has served as a special master in divorce and real estate equity cases.

Hanlon Mirabito has volunteered on several boards, including that of the Forty Fort Ambulance Association, VISION and the Family Service Association. The Forty Fort native lives in the borough with her husband, Michael, a professor at Marywood University.

Regina Lanczak

I was just notified by Maryellen that Karen's mother passed away on Monday. Here is the obituary from the Times Leader.

Regina Lanczak, of Luzerne Borough, entered into eternal rest surrounded by her family on Monday, April 20, 2009, at Hospice Community Care at Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre, formerly Mercy Hospital.

Regina was born April 1, 1927, in Bronx, New York, to the late Harry and Frances Glassberg Rutenberg and attended George Washington High School, New York City, where she was a member of the Swim Team. Due to Regina’s academic excellence, she was honored to advance a grade level and graduated in 1944.

In 1952, Regina was married to the love of her life, John, and relocated to Luzerne County, first residing in Wyoming, and a few years later to Luzerne Borough until her passing.
For many years, Regina was employed by Meyer & Saba as an office secretary until her retirement. During the time her children were in elementary school, Regina was a member and past Secretary of the Saint Monica’s Mothers’ Club of the former Sacred Heart School, Luzerne. Regina was also a faithful member of Sacred Heart Church, Luzerne, until its closing.
In addition to her parents, Regina was preceded into death by her husband, John, who passed away in May of 1995; sister Bernice Rutenberg; and a granddaughter, Angela (Angel) Lanczak D’Andrea.

Regina is survived by her two children, son John “Chris” Lanczak Jr., at home; daughter Karen Leonardi; and son-in-law Robert, Pringle, Pa.

Regina’s extended family includes Renee’ Traeger Lutecki and her husband, John, with their children, Katrina and Tyler; Donna Knell Bowen and her husband, Bill, with their three children, Justin, Emily, and Abby who cared for Regina in times of need.

Regina’s many joys were first and foremost her family, but she also enjoyed her Saturdays with the ladies having her hair done by Rita Herman and breakfast at Mary’s Place, Luzerne, and lest we forget her most favorite pastimes, crossword puzzles and Winston cigarettes.
Regina will be dearly missed, loved and remembered by all who knew her.

Funeral will be held on Thursday at 9 a.m. from the Betz-Jastremski Funeral Home, 568 Bennett St., Luzerne, with A Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in Holy Family Parish with the Rev. Richard Fox officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Carverton. Friends may call on Wednesday, from 5 until 8 p.m. Rosary will be recited on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.

Easter tidings

I hope that you all have a happy and blessed Easter.

James Balester

James W. Balester of Chestnut Avenue, Kingston, died Wednesday, April 1, 2009, at home.

Born Dec. 12, 1925, in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Fred J., Sr., and Ruth Watrous Balester. He attended local grade schools and Elmer L. Meyers High School.

In 1942, he joined his father and brother in the family business, Balester Optical Co., located on North River Street, Wilkes-Barre. He retired having served as vice president and secretary.

He resided on Chestnut Avenue since 1959 and most recently his granddaughter, Tami Snow, resided with him. Jim was an avid photographer, responsible for taking family wedding photos. He and his family enjoyed spending time at the family farmhouse in Dorrance Township.

His wife, the former Kathleen J. Shea, died Dec. 28, 1999. Also preceding him in death were his son, James W., on May 15, 1972; and brother, Fred J. Balester, on Jan. 13, 2009.

Surviving are his children, William F. Balester and his wife, Marcia, Dorrance Township; Jacqueline A. Pekar and her husband, Mark, Sierra Vista, Ariz.; Dorothy B. Hodle, Kingston; Frederick P. Balester and his wife, Nancy, Hanover Township; Patrick J. Balester and his wife, Virginia, Gladstone, Mo.; Susan B. Dennis, Riverview, Fla.; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Monday at 10 a.m. from Hugh P. Boyle & Son Funeral Home Inc., 416 Wyoming Ave., Kingston, with the Rev. Brian J. Clarke, chaplain of Holy Redeemer High School, Wilkes-Barre, officiating. Entombment will be in St. Mary's Mausoleum, Hanover Township.

Friends may call Sunday, 5 to 8 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation, 919 Walnut St., Suite 700, Philadelphia, PA 19107, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Prayer Request

I got this from Arlene yesterday:

"I received news today that my brother-in-law, Rick, has a tumor on his liver. This man has been my "Brother" for 40 years, and I don't understand why this has to happen to someone who gives his all to his family, church, friends, etc. I trust my sister's instincts when she says "this does not look good", as he has not been feeling well for some time now. They are waiting for the biopsy to be scheduled, so I am asking for your help. I have never asked anything of my classmates before, but I am asking now. Please take a few minutes out of your day when you get this to say a prayer for Rick and our family. We desperately need good news. Thank you and God Bless you and yours."



Arlene Galanda Kuharchik

6 Months old! Ain't he cute?

James C. Cannon

I just got this notification from Joe Ziller just after I sent out the mass email. I am sorry to report that Debbie (Cannon) Cramer's father passed away this weekend.

James C. Cannon, 71, of Shavertown, passed away on Saturday at his home.
He was born May 17, 1937, in Larksville, a son of the late James J. and Mildred Flynn Cannon. He was a 1955 graduate of Kingston High School and was employed for many years by Acme Food Markets. Most recently, he worked for Penn Fern Gas in Trucksville. Mr. Cannon was a member of St. Ignatius Church, Kingston, and enjoyed bowling and golf.

Surviving are his wife, the former Lorraine Gavlick, with whom he celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in October 2008; children, Debra Cramer and her husband, John, Ohio; Linda Sharpe and her husband, William, Bartonsville; James Cannon, Coopersburg; Lori Mrochko and her husband, Edward, Sweet Valley; grandchildren, Allison, Ashley, Brian Cramer; William, Daniel, Christopher Sharpe; Nicholas Mrochko.

The funeral service will be held Monday at 7 p.m. at the Maher-Collins Funeral Home, 360 N. Maple Ave., Kingston. Friends may call Monday, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Condolences can be sent to the family at www.maher-collins.com.
Published in the Times Leader on 3/15/2009

News updates...

Michael Kinney will be getting married this Saturday, March 21st, 2009. Please wish him well if you see him or if you want to email him or call him you can find his contact information linked to the 'email addresses' section main reunion page. Email me for the user/password if you've forgotten it. I apologize if anyone has tried to reach those pages in the past month or so. I've made some changes to my website which resulted in breaking the password protected sections but they are working now.

I've changed the way that the headliners work so that now the two images at the top of the main page load randomly. If you're like me, you'll sit there loading that page over and over to see if you can find yourself ;-). Actually, I had a good excuse, because I needed to test it to make sure all the links worked.

Corinne Kotch Musto has a new address. She's living in North Platte, NE which is the first town east of me in Nebraska, just 240 miles away... You can find her new address in the list on the main page.

I hope all of you have marked your calendars for the next reunion. Can you believe it's only 4 months away? That's right, on July 18th, 2009 at the Checkerboard Inn in Trucksville. Hope to see you there!

This is the latest picture of Christian. He will be 5mos old on Valentine's Day. He weighs 19lb, 3oz and is 28 inches tall! He's quite an armload! He's quite a happy little guy...

Swiss pics

Here are some awesome pictures from Jean (Dalley) DeCesaris's latest adventure in Switzerland!

Click on either photo for a higher resolution version.

Hi everyone! I hope that you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I won't be able to make the December gathering, as my new grandson is being baptized on the 27th, and the feast day for our new parish, the Church of The Holy Family is on the 28th. It wouldn't be a good thing for the music director to not show up on THAT day. I'm looking forward to seeing you all in July when we celebrate our birthdays. After all, isn't 50 the "new 35"? Peace!

Frank J. Krakosky

I got this from Maryellen today. Jayne's dad passed away on Friday. If you want to reach her, the email address I have is hruger (at) adelphia.net.

---

Frank J. Krakosky, 80, of Maltby Avenue, Swoyersville, passed away Friday, November 21, 2008, in the Hospice Inpatient Unit of the Heritage House, Wilkes-Barre.
He was born Feb. 22, 1928, in Swoyersville, a son of the late Frank and Cecilia Centka Krakosky Sr. He was a member of Holy Trinity Church, Swoyersville, where he was a member of the choir and past member of the Holy Name Society. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Frank was one of the founders of the Kiwanis Club of Swoyersville and helped start the Swoyersville Little League. Prior to his retirement, he was employed at Ertley MotorWorld.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Bernard, and a sister, Carole Jean Cassata.
Surviving is his wife, the former Mildred Charney. The couple would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in June 2009. Also surviving are a son, Ronald Krakosky, and his wife, Ruthie, Shavertown; daughter, Karen Mae Krakosky, Swoyersville; son, Kenneth Krakosky, and his wife, Alison, Forty Fort; daughter, Jayne Ann Ruger, and her husband, Hugh, Swoyersville; daughter, Nancy Brown, and her husband, Edward, West Pittston; grandchildren, Jena, Norah, Jillian, Jessica, Patrick, Laura, Andrea, Erica, Matthew, Macawley and Victoria; sister, Bernadine Klem Campisano, Swoyersville; Marcia Fostock, Shavertown; Kathy Costello, Swoyersville; brother, Robert Krakosky, Hazleton; numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral will be Monday with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. in Holy Trinity Church Swoyersville. Interment will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Swoyersville. Friends may call Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the church until the time of Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Church, 116 Hughes St., Swoyersville, PA 18704.
Arrangements are by the Bednarski Funeral Home, Wyoming.

Bishop O’Reilly Class of 1977 Holiday Get Togethers

Fellow classmates,

Sue Klecha O’Donnell suggested we get together over the Christmas Holiday. We’re taking it a step further.

This is for anyone in town over Thanksgiving and / or Christmas. If you are interested, join me and whoever shows up at Grotto Pizza at the Wyoming Valley Mall on the Saturdays after the holidays. The dates are November 29th and December 27th. We’ll meet between 6:30 and 7:00 PM.

Last year, we met after Christmas. We had a fun time. If you are interested in attend, please email me at fishfishr (at) juno.com or call me at (570) 262-5463. This way I have an idea of how many seats we need. However, we can always add on.

I hope many of you can attend. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.


Michael Kinney

Don't know if I'll get back to the site beforehand, so "HAPPY THANKSGIVING" everyone!

World Series 2008

Here we go, Phillies, here we go! Bang! Bang!
Here we go, Phillies, here we go! Bang! Bang!
1 down and 3 to go. Bang! Bang!

A message from Jim Lynch

I'm writing this to thank all those wonderful people from the class of '77 who took the time to send stories/notes, etc. to my wife for inclusion in my surprise retirement gift. I'm hoping that you can post this on your website. I have never been so surprised or gratified in all my adult life (Christmas mornings as a kid were always special). Now that I'm retired (it's still hard to come to terms with that concept), I often look back on my career and wonder whether anything I tried to accomplish was worth the effort. Needless to say, you guys made my day (week, month, year, decade).

Along with many other students from others years, you literally gave meaning to my chosen profession. Any of you who may be teachers know that the job does not always involve validation, so it is difficult to know whether or not you're achieving what you set out to accomplish. I must say that I chose the right profession (or rather that it chose me - but that's another story) because I always enjoyed getting up in the morning and going to work. Not too many people in other professions can say that. No two days were ever alike, and I enjoyed the greatest bunch of students I could imagine. On top of that, I got to share my passion for literature with a captive audience.

My retirement allows me to indulge my love of reading - something that always took a back seat to correcting tests/essays in the evenings and on weekends. Because I most often taught college courses in the evenings/weekends/summers as well, I acquired a ton of fiction and non-fiction that I now am enjoying - along with current stuff. I' currently enjoying the Swedish novel "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson. I recommend it enthusiastically to anyone looking for a good read. I also have an extensive film collection on DVD that keeps me busy. That, coupled with being a "house husband," signifies that retirement means never having to say you're bored (apologies to that awful '70's novel).

At this point in my life, Ada and I are proud grandparents of two granddaughters - Maureen and Ada (my son and daughter-in law's children). They are eight and six respectively, and I can't wait until they are teenagers when Karma kicks in for my son (that's another story as well). Jim is just about finished with a double PhD in Spanish and Medieval Literature. Amy is at the same point with a PhD in rhetoric. She is a professor at Kutztown University, and Jim teaches at Indiana University in Bloomington where he will receive his degrees. Both will "walk" in May of next year to receive their PhD's. Both kids with advanced degrees in English - go figure!

Well, I've babbled too much - and I need to get back to Stieg Larsson, so I'll close with a thank you and a big hug to all those from my favorite class (no kidding).

With gratitude and affection,

Jim Lynch

50th Birthday Planning Meeting

Official Notice

The Bishop O'Reilly Class of 1977 will hold our official first "50th Birthday Party" planning meeting on Tuesday, October 21, 2008. All class members and class member wannabe's (Mark Kopicki) are invited to attend. The meeting will be held at the Bakehouse on Wyoming Ave. in Kingston. The meeting will begin when we vote to start the meeting (probably a little after 6:30P.M.). We will start gathering there around 6:15. Chuck may be there earlier sampling the coffee for us.

First on the agenda, we will try to teach those who will still be in their 40's the words to "Happy Birthday" so they can sing to their older classmates! Second, we hope to hear from Tom Crossin in his attempts to have Stevie Nicks perform a concert that evening or the night before for us in Tom's backyard. I hear "rumors" Tom may pull this off! I understand Fleetwood Mac may not perform, only Stevie.

I'm trying to be serious, but if you never attended a class reunion meeting, you wouldn't understand. We have fun, tell stories and laugh a lot (usually don't decide anything)!

If you are interested in attending, just show up or email Lee or me fishfishr (at) juno.com.

Just one more thing the 50th Birthday Party will held on July 18, 2009 at the Checkerboard Inn. Start planning your vacation to Pennsylvania for that weekend.

Michael Kinney and the Committee to celebrate 50

Debbie (Cannon) Cramer

Last night Terri and I had dinner with Debbie Cramer and her husband, John, in Denver. It's funny how, after not seeing someone for 20 years, it all comes back like it was just yesterday. Debbie is very much the same as she was in high school, with the same red hair, warm smile, and youthful appearance. Debbie made it to our first reunion in 1988, but has not been able to make it to one since then and so it's been 20 years since I last saw her. Now that their three kids are grown, with the youngest, a boy, being 19 years old, we are hoping that she and John will be able to make the future reunions, including the one we are having next July 18, 2009 at the Checkerboard Inn. Their older children, both girls, have finished college and live in Ohio and Maryland.

John has a Society of Petroleum Engineers convention in Denver this week and so they came out a few days early and spent some time sightseeing up in the Rocky Mountains in and around Estes Park. Debbie let us know she'd be out here and so we were very eager to see her again and catch up with what's been going on in her life.

John and Debbie know each other through Rob Dougherty. Debbie and Rob started their freshman year at Penn State's main campus in University Park. Rob and John were roommates in the East Halls, and so Debbie met John shortly after arriving at Penn State when she was visiting Doc and they've been together ever since. After a number of moves around the country to live in places like Ohio, Illinois, Virginia, and then back to Ohio they now call Wooster, Ohio home.

I snapped a picture of Debbie and John with my iPhone which has no flash, so I apologize for the image quality, but hopefully you'll be able to see Debbie again for yourself in about 10 months.

Christian Jameson Tobias

I just got this from Jay Tobias. The little guy's name is Christian Jameson Tobias. He was born on Sept 14th at 5:49 PM. Wt: 9lbs, Hgt: 21.5" Lots of hair!

Sabrina's dad

Mike Laton told me that Sabrina's dad passed away this past week. I've clipped the obituary from the Times Leader. The funeral services are tonight.

-Lee

---

Leland (Lee) R. Baynes, 76, of Pringle, died Wednesday September 3, 2008 at the home of his daughter, Sabrina.

He was born in St. Peter, Minn, a son of the late, Matthew and Rose Tarpy Baynes. Lee served for and retired after 22 years from the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of the Air Force Alumni.
He is survived by his four children, Sabrina Baynes, Fairview Township, James Baynes, Wilkes-Barre, Ret. Major Leland R. Baynes Jr., Sierra Vista, Ariz., and Valerie Baynes, Scranton; six grandchildren, a great-grandchild, brothers, Jack Baynes, Springfield, Minn., Bob Baynes, Delta, Ala., Harry Baynes, Springfild, Minn.; and sisters, Betty Jean Thomas and Rosemary Trimbo, both of Henderson, Minn.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 8 p.m. from the Kopicki Funeral Home, 263 Zerbey Avenue, Kingston. Interment will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
Friends may call Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m

Victory Pig Pizza on Ebay!

It appears that someone who works at the Victory Pig is testing the market for Victory Pig Pizza shipped overnight. You can join in on the bidding on Ebay if you've longed for that fried perfection that you could only find in Wyoming Valley ;-).

Paul McAndrew's dad

I've posted the obituary for Paul McAndrew's dad.


John McAndrew
John F.P. “Frank” McAndrew, 84, of Dallas, passed away Monday morning at his home. Born in Scranton, he was a son of the late John and Harriet Walsh McAndrew. He was a graduate of Scranton Central High School, class of 1942, and the University of Scranton, class of 1949 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Mac started his long distinguished military career when he entered World War II in January 1943. He served with the 480th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion and General George S. Patton’s Third Army. He participated in the Normandy Invasion and the Battle of the Bulge and other European operations. He was honorably discharged in December 1947 and became a member of the 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th Division. He served on active duty with the National Guard until retiring in 1984 where he was a personnel officer. He retired at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (5), which he was the first in the state to receive and possibly the nation. He was a member of Gate of Heaven Church, Dallas, and the Daddow Isaac American Legion Post 672, Dallas. He was preceded in death by sister, Kathleen Rooney; and brother Joseph. Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Jane Tuman McAndrew; children, Dr. Frank T. and wife Maryjo, Galesburg, Ill.; John J., Shickshinny; Rosemary Hozempa and husband Charles, Dallas; Christine Grieves and husband Robert, Dallas; Paul C. and wife Marianne, Downingtown; and 14 grandchildren. Funeral service will be held Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in Richard H. Disque Funeral Home Inc., 672 Memorial Highway, Dallas, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 in Gate of Heaven Church. Rev. Kevin P. Mulhern will officiate. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Carverton. Friends may call today from 6 to 9 p.m. Rosary will be recited at 8:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Gate of Heaven Church, Dallas.

Ok... I'll jump onto the abyss first. Will it be Obama/Biden or McCain/Palin?

Jay's true identity revealed

I got an email from Jay Tobias recently. His true identity has now been revealed.

I found this picture quite funny, as when we were growing up, my brother jokingly referred to me as "Batman".  After I found this, I sent him a text message saying:  "Dear citizen of Gotham.  It seems that even a high profile crime fighter can't even keep my hideout a secret anymore. I'm expecting the popparzzi at any time."  He found it very amusing.  I hope that you do also.

Mom's Favorite

Did you ever wonder how to tell whether you're mom's favorite?

Terri sent me this picture yesterday and I thought I'd post it here for everyone's amusement. I think everyone has days where you feel like even your head is being used for a perch. Sometimes you just have to endure it knowing that maybe next time you'll be getting the delicious bug to eat and someone else will be doing the honors of providing his head as the perch.

Michael Kinney had mentioned at the last reunion that there would be a standing offer for anyone who wanted to get together for an annual impromptu reunion to meet on the 3rd Saturday in July (i.e., tomorrow), but he is very busy and won't be able to attend. That doesn't mean you can't get together anyway. He mentioned that there is a bazaar going on at St. Nick's and Maryellen Cusma and Chuck Brennan may be there tomorrow. That reminds me, congratulations to Maryellen for winning a copy of Patrick Balester's novel which I posted about a few weeks ago!

I flew my plane to California twice last month and got a chance to visit with Dave Serhan and his family on one of those trips. You can read about the trip in my blog.

I hope all is well with everyone, and please let me know if you have an article or update to share here on our blog.

Brenda Merrill

Maryellen sent me a link to the obituary for Brenda Merrill Jacobsen who passed away this week. As you may know, she is Fred's sister and graduated a year ahead of us. I'm sorry to be posting so many obituaries lately, but I know that everyone would like to know about these events, as sad as they may be.

Thanks,

-Lee

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Brenda Jacobsen (nee Merrill), of Oakland, passed away Monday, July 7, surrounded by her family after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. She was 50 years old. Brenda was born January 2, 1958 in Harveys Lake, Pennsylvania and moved to New Jersey in 1980. She is survived by her husband and best friend Michael Jacobsen, and her kind and caring legacy lives on in her three children – Kevin (24), Keith (22) and Colleen (19), all of Oakland. Brenda is the devoted daughter of Rosemary Merrill of Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, and the late Fred Merrill, Jr. She is the loving sister of Fred Merrill III, of Martinez, Georgia; Jane Puckett, of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania; and Larry Merrill, of North Hampton, New Hampshire. She will be greatly missed by her faithful furry friend Lucky, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

Brenda graduated from Bishop O'Reilly High School in Kingston, Pennsylvania in 1976 and from Moravian College, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work. She was employed as an advocate for the Center for Food Action in Elmwood Park, and also as a research assistant for Jacor Publications, a family-owned publishing business. She was extremely active in volunteer efforts and is a past president of the Dogwood Hill School PTA, was a member of the Oakland Mothers' Club and was a long-time assistant recreation soccer commissioner. Brenda was a Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady Of Perpetual Help in Oakland and a member of the parish's Homeless Overflow Shelter. Upon her peaceful passing, Heaven is no longer missing an angel. Visitation will be held at Oakland Memorial Home, Ramapo Valley Road, Oakland, on Wednesday, July 9, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Because of renovations at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, a funeral service will be held at Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Franklin Lakes, at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 10, followed by internment at Redeemer Cemetery in Mahwah. Donations in Brenda's memory may be sent to the Center for Food Action, 21 Church Street, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407; 201-703-9857; www.cfanj.org .