Class Notes

Barry Passett died on April 17. Barry was a local boy (Hartford) who became a decision-maker in the field of health care in the big city (Washington, D.C.) Barry was an extraordinary human being: Soft-spoken, genial, compassionate, smart, and wise. When he wrote that he was growing cranky in his dotage, I dismissed the notion as pure rhetorical fiction. Rest in peace, Barry. We’ll miss you as we miss only a precious few.

Jay Kaplan invites you to read the reviews of his book Secrets and Suspense at Amazon. Better yet, read the book and write your own reviews. His second book In Search of Beauty, now finished, will be published by New Academia Press.

Betty and Jim Wagner celebrated their 50th anniversary in August! Praise the Lord!

Judy and Tom Plimpton celebrated their 62nd in June. Also in June, Tom shared a birthday (85) with his daughter Liz (61). Tom’s first therapy protocol for bladder cancer went well; his doctor says the cure rate is at least 70 percent. Quoting Tom, “Peace and joy.”

Marge and Gary Miller celebrate their 63rd in September. Their summer dwelling on Sheepscot Pond in northern Maine is a gathering spot for friends and family. Granddaughters: One received three promotions in a year from SEI in Pennsylvania; the other is a costume designer at Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia. Grandsons: One is a brewmaster, concocting specialty beers for the Itasca Brewery near Chicago; another (age 14) in on track for Eagle Scout.

Susan and Mort Paterson toured northern India last summer. “Taj Mahal at 7 a.m. is as magnificent as they say. Cremation fires at night along the Ganges, priests chanting Sanskrit, are mind-blowing. Lots of gods to worship. Learned that if I can get similarly cremated on the banks of the Ganges, I can escape forever the burdens of reincarnation. I think I’d prefer the banks of the Wabash—‘back home again in Indiana’—where I’m from.

“Still treading the boards in and around Philadelphia—Much Ado About Nothing, Winter’s Tale, and Purlie Victorious (by Ossie Davis). One theater performed my play, The Crimes of Diana Eastlake (a newly-poor widow must sell the family Matisse to raise the ransom for her daughter, kidnapped by terrorists in Syria, then learns it’s a fake). I am told all this is ‘healthy’ and may hold me in no worse than Stage 1 dementia (‘very mild cognitive decline’). My oldest son and his daughter from San Francisco visited us and eastern colleges. Wesleyan, I hope.”

Tamara and Dave Cox moved from Washington State to Silver Spring, Md. “We’re in day-visit range of one son and closer than before to the other two. Travel resumes: Tamara spent six weeks cruising about Europe, visiting three sets of British relatives. In October, we’ll do overlapping tours to Germany, mostly filling in gaps in the former DDR. Then, in February, we’ll cruise around Cuba with a dip into the Bahamas on the way back. We’re stubbornly plodding along as long as possible. So far, so good.”

Ginny and Dick Bauer “cheered grandson number two at his graduation from UNH and celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary.”

Dick continues: “As for me, more of me hurts, less of me works, and semantic memory goes AWOL on me now and then. I survived aneurysm surgery, do an informal piano concert once a month, take part in a discussion group and a Global Warming Action Group, and have abundant occasions to care for souls. Don’t travel much, but read quite a bit, and relish the easy access to bright and interesting people who are gracious enough to welcome me into their lives.”

Bette and Al Grosman are now residents of Linden Ponds, joining the Bauers and the Van Au family in a cluster of Wes ’56ers there.

Writes Art Van Au: “We are delighted that our fourth grandchild, Hannah, will be entering Connecticut College, the alma mater of my wife Rosalind, my sister Elizabeth, and our son Peter. Connecticut College’s re-invention of liberal arts education, called ‘Connections,’ integrates one’s interests into a meaningful educational ‘pathway’ through college and into a fulfilling career and life. We are eager to be present for the results.”

Bob Bretscher is trying to rehab his shoulder for tennis, finishing a memoir, and being awed by his five grands, one of whom has his degree from Ole Miss and another will graduate next year from UNC Chapel Hill.

Jim Jekel writes: “Time is limiting us more, but time also brings a bigger family. Jan and I now have three great-grandchildren, and we have received reports that three more are underway. As their number is increasing, and our memories are decreasing, a time may soon come when we will no longer be able to remember all their names!”

Finally, Ann and I and our nuclear family went to Chile this summer—for the eclipse, of course. Granddaughter Jeannette becomes a University of Vermont Catamount this fall.

George Chien | gchien@optonline.net

Always pleased to hear from classmates who are willing to share their words with us and this time around is no exception. As I’ve mentioned before, nothing beats “material” submitted to your secretary. So please, let me begin by asking all of you to consider sending a word or two this way in time for the next edition of the magazine!

A grand philosophical thought from Stu Rapp examined the term “Crucial Class” that we, the Class of ’55 called ourselves. He doubts anyone else has thought of us that way and wrote that we were the “crucial class” just like every class before and after has been and will be. He stated that this is what this quixotic quest called “higher education” is all about, doing its best to help us face Henley’s “fell clutch of circumstance,” and wrest from it its lessons from the past, and implications for the future. Stu believes that this is still a live issue for him even though, in his 86th year, one would probably never know it! The late Charlie Hume and the still lively Bob Pooley were precious friends over those intervening 64 years. He says his friendship with the late Jim Wright was equally precious in its own way. “Here in the brave new world, the somewhat overripe sentiments of the old college songs don’t apply much anymore, unless—like some of us—you keep moving on into older age, and discover their relevance once more. Then, “the alter fires our (forbears) lit shall still more brightly glow.”

John Ineson questioned whether his note to me was “front page” material but then exclaimed he didn’t want to start talking politics! So wise. He says he finally has realized that he does need help with his ALS and that spinal and hip issues have caught up with him, and with the death of his wife, Lori, last summer he found living alone in their home to be depressing. So, he’s moved into a two-bedroom apartment in an assisted-living facility in Williamsburg Landing. He appreciates the fact that he now has people to talk to and eat with, as well as staff to provide assistance as required. John states that Williamsburg remains an easily accessible place to live with lots of activities if one is so inclined, which he states he fortunately is. “Folks used to say that getting older in not for sissies, but they sure are making it easier,” he concludes!

Word of the death of Ted Stein on March 25 was received. Ted enjoyed a successful professional life with Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company (now Mass Mutual) as an underwriter before being named assistant vice president of marketing in 1970. He was a pioneer in the use of personal computers for the company’s agents and worked on some of the earliest network applications. In 1985, Ted started TELIC Inc., an early independent software implementation and training consultancy, which he ran until his retirement in 2011. Sincere condolences are offered to his family from his classmates.

On the home front, Marianne and I have moved once more, returning to our original Florida location at Hunters Run Golf and Country Club in Boynton Beach. Being able to once again grip a golf club after a suspected bout with early Parkinson, we feel blessed that Marianne can begin to resume an activity she loves. And the fact that the location is a few miles farther and a 10 minute longer drive from the start of two of our weekly bike rides doesn’t bother me at all! Now, if the weather cooperates and the heat and rain treat us kindly, we will truly feel we are in “paradise.”

As always, to you and your loved ones, sincere best wishes for good health and happiness in the days ahead.

DONALD J. BRAVERMAN | ybikedon@gmail.com
34 Southport Ln. Apt. C, Boynton Beach, FL 33436

Gentleman of ’54: It was an interesting but brief 65th Reunion on May 24-25 at Wesleyan. Five stalwarts were there: John Binswanger and Gay, George Ray and Pree, Dick Matthews and Bjorg, and Bob Carey and Libby, plus Jim LaCrosse ’57, who started with us in 1950, but departed after sophomore year for the Army, returning later to graduate. George and Pree were at St. Lawrence University for a granddaughter’s graduation just prior to joining us in Middletown for the 65th.

Seven of you had e-mailed that you were coming. The four who did make it, plus three who couldn’t: Marty Feins, Bob Gruskay, and Bob Monstream. John Mesch had hoped to make it, but was unable to do so.

Bob Gruskay moved to Duncaster, a retirement community in Bloomfield, Conn., where he is teaching a course in opera and one in duplicate bridge. Bob Monstream’s health issues required a three-plus day hospital stay the week of our 65th. Len Stolba sends best wishes to all.

Rod O’Connor writes that he is a survivor of stage 4 melanoma and resides these days at his house in Aiken, S.C. Rod has two daughters plus four grandchildren “well along in successful careers.”

Dave Hodgin checked in with me but couldn’t attend Reunion. Jim Yashar was still in Florida until early June, so he couldn’t attend either. Ruth and Norm Stuessy missed seeing everyone at the Reunion. Terry Hatter was having eye surgery during Reunion week, and Trudy was about to have back surgery. Terry hopes to be there at our 70th. Bruce Storms and Ann are “well and happy but were unable to attend the 65th.” Dan Resnick checked in to say hi. Shep Johnson was unable to make it. Dave Walden says they are not doing much traveling now, so was unable to get to the Reunion. Curt McLaughlin was unable to make it due to a conflict with local family activities.

Sad news, guys: Zeke Richmond passed away on April 9 in his Rhode Island home, reported Ann.

Your scribe, Bob Carey, and bride Libby enjoyed the 65th Reunion with our classmates and their wives. Hope that more than four can make it to our 70th in 2024!

All the best to all of you,

BOB CAREY | popscarey@gmail.com
618 W. Lyon Farm Dr., Greenwich, CT 06831 | 203/532-1745

Walter Cutler’s book, Wandering the World: Personal Recollections of a Life in Diplomacy, is no ordinary memoir. This book, fast-moving and highly personal, focuses on the human side of a profession that can be at once sobering and stimulating, and includes a chapter on Wesleyan and the Fletcher School. It’s available on Amazon.

Basil Anex sent the first page of The Seattle Times business section that featured Herb Kelleher’s career with the comment, “Only HK could make an airline revolution this fun.” Basil and his wife, Gretchen, remain in their home enjoying when possible the many events available in Seattle, including weekend dance band evenings. In-home care 24/7 for Basil and a nighttime CPAP machine make all this possible. Their son Doan is employed at the Livermore Labs, following his father’s footsteps as a physical chemist. Their two daughters are employed in the Seattle area.

Phil Olsen is one of the most traveled classmates, after our Reunion, having spent the summer 720 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle at the site of his great-uncle’s fishery connecting with family relatives. He planned to spend his 88th birthday in February on the Trinity Peninsula, Antarctica. (I assume he did, but have not heard otherwise). In between travels he enjoys a comfortable seat at Honolulu’s Waikiki Elks Club lanai, inches from the foamy sea.

Martin L. Coyne’s daughter Melissa ’81 is sad to announce that her father died on April 9 following a valiant battle with emphysema. Marty was born in Brooklyn in 1931 and graduated with honors in psychology. As the president of Psi Sigma Kappa, he encouraged the fraternity to break away from its national affiliate when it refused admission to an African American member and formed Gamma Psi. He served in the Army and then worked in commodities where he was one of the top people in his field worldwide as senior vice president at J. Aron & Company then a partner at Goldman Sachs. Following his early retirement, Marty devoted his time to philanthropic and charitable causes, volunteering for Hospice-by-the-Sea, Jewish Federation, the Mizner Festival for the Arts, and as chairman of the Florida Philharmonic, to name but a few. He used a $1 million work bonus to found the Coyne Family Foundation (which has donated almost $2.5 million since 1985), established AMORE (which provided free financial advice to the elderly), was co-founder of the Boca Raton Symphonia (now in its 15th year), and recently started the Healing Sounds of Music (which provides healing music programs by professional musicians in assisted-living facilities in Boca Raton). For those who are interested, contributions to healingsoundsofmusic.org would be gratefully accepted.

Condolences of the class to Martin’s family and thanks for his generosity.

I find myself again this summer at my Shunpike Farm in Morris, N.Y., with my two girls, a long-haired Chihuahua and a pit bull. Let me know your summer activities for the next issue.

JOHN W. MILLER | Jwalmiller@aol.com
306 Autumn Court, Bartlesville, OK 74006 | 918/335-0081 

Al Ward reports that his health is good, having beaten back CML (leukemia) for 14 or so years, now in remission, giving thanks to big pharma. He is mobile and plays bridge weekly. He enjoyed winter in Naples, Fla., and is looking forward to this summer on Lake Michigan shore. He moved back to D.C. from Lewes, Del., to be close to family. He taught a lifelong learning course at University of Delaware which he enjoyed and hoped that others did too. His last trip to Middletown was for his granddaughter’s graduation and hopes to make it back for his grandson’s. Hail ’52. In response to my reply that Barbara and I are taking ballroom dancing lessons, he wrote that more than 10 years ago at a relative’s wedding, he ventured to dance a polka and crashed to the floor, but luckily only he was hurt. He commented that I was a hero for the “advanced in years” since I was still working and dancing.

Jack Murray enjoys his beautiful home in mostly smoke-free Santa Barbara. He is able to take care of it and himself, walks as much as he can, and is enjoying abundant spring blossoms. As a sign of hope, he planted tomatoes for late summer harvest. He has not seen anyone from our class for quite a while but hears from Maggie and Dixie Sanger and others. He hates politics these days but then people have never gotten along during his time here on earth. He says “kaire” to his remaining brothers from Alpha Delta.

Speaking of Dixie, he and Maggie celebrated their 65th anniversary last summer at the Victor Café in Philadelphia, where, one spring night in 1953 they had gone for dinner after picking out their silver pattern. This time they were surrounded by a dozen children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and a great time was had by all. The Victor, now a South Philadelphia landmark, was a record store when it opened many years ago. Neighbors would drop in to listen as the owner spun opera records on his old 78 rpm. It seemed only appropriate to offer them a little something to eat and perhaps a little wine to wash it down. If someone burst into song, so much the better.

When Maggie and Dixie came to dinner that night so long ago, they brought with them a single spoon in the pattern Fiddle Thread, which they had chosen. A flower vendor moved from table to table: “Roses! Roses! White for purity, red for love.” This time they took a spin on the dance floor while one of the waiters sang “Wunderbar” from the 1950s hit Kiss Me, Kate. They had waltzed to it at their wedding, an event attended by many Wesleyan friends, including some of Dixie’s brothers in Alpha Delta Phi who served as ushers: Stuart Goldsmith ’53 (best man); Gerald Patrick ’53 (away on service); James R. Miller Jr. ’53; W. Clapham Murray ’53 and William B. Bruner. Sadly, Stuart, Jim, and Bill are no longer with us. The rest are still kicking, although some higher than others. The past year brought them a third beautiful great-granddaughter with the happy prospect of a fourth (gender yet to be revealed) to come. Life goes on!

Please send news!

Joseph N. Friedman  |  jfriedman@regalnyc.com
400 East 56th Street, Apt. 28LM, New York, NY 10022 | 917/715-8881

Howard Goodrich wrote me 27 lines of verse and perhaps he’ll allow me to quote from two of them, as following: “Is hope learned from others? Is it the outcome of forgiveness? / Perhaps an attribute of love.”

This was Howard’s first offering and I trust it will not be the last. He and his wife Darlene are 90 and 87 and enjoying full health. Five months ago, he received a surprise phone call from Dave Welsh, who, Howard said, was apparently in good shape. Dave played football at Wesleyan.

Dick De Gennaro ’51, MALS ’60 wrote from Florida with the sad news that his brother George DeGenaro had passed away at age 94. Dick indulged in a multifaceted career, as I’m sure is true of others who have lived past 90.

Frank Hassell passed away last Nov. 29 after a bout of pneumonia. Frank’s youngest son and daughter-in-law were with him at the end. He was a great asset and friend to all who knew him.

Bill Stewart wrote in from Fort Wayne, Ind., and would be glad to hear from other Wesmen.

Walt Cook wrote from Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., and judging from the many activities he listed, he hasn’t slowed down a bit. He sets an example for the rest of us.

Dr. Bill Hillis, wrote from Wallingford, Conn., from a retirement community where he had been living with his wife for 15 years. He earned his MD from Cornell University, went to Cleveland to start medical training, then practiced general surgery in Greenwich, Conn. He retired in 1997 and moved to Goshen, Conn. The Hillis family includes six daughters, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He also served two years in the Navy, a good chunk of it aboard the USS Midway.

Ken Barratt in Green Valley, Ariz., wrote in, too, as did Bob Willett from an assisted living facility on the West Coast. His wife, Martha, visits him every day and his daughter visits and takes care of his estate. Bob wanted to know how many attended the 65th Reunion and it was 20, give or take.

Dave Briggs also wrote in: “In answer to your recent note and belated answer to your letter from last September, I have not been in contact with Wesleyan classmates in many years. To provide a brief biography: after attending Wesleyan for two years, I transferred to Swarthmore College and graduated two years later with a BA in psychology. Then I worked as an aide at McLean Hospital and studied for a MS in psychology at Boston University for about a year before spending two years in alternative service with the Brethren Service Commission during the Korean War. They sent me to Germany where, during a peace seminar of which I was co-director, I met Gertrude Heine of Bremen. She agreed to come to America, where we were married in 1956. We have four children (three girls and a boy), all who are now doing well in their chosen professions, and two grandsons, one who is a lawyer and one who has just completed a combined MD-PhD degree in bio-medicine. After completing a doctorate in psychology from BU, we moved to Augusta, Maine, where I worked for 40 years for the Togus VA Center. After retiring, we moved to Marion, Mass., in 2006 where we have been living in a renovated family cottage. This has been my life since Wesleyan.”

DAVID M. PHILIPS | davephilips69@hotmail.com
57 Grandville Court, Wakefield, RI 02879

Elizabeth Evans notified us that her father John J. Evans III passed away on Feb. 16, 2019, at the age of 90. At Wesleyan, John, a Beta Theta Pi, majored in economics and was the business manager for the Argus. After Wesleyan, he studied at NYU and Harvard Business School. His entire career was with the Hanover Bank and its successor, Manufacturers Hanover Trust Co., now part of J.P. Morgan. He retired as vice chairman of the board of directors. In retirement he was active in a number of nonprofits. He is survived by Noreen, his wife of 67 years, three children, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Our thoughts are with his family.

BUD DORSEY | margiedorsey5@gmail.com
121 Renegar Way #105, St. Simons Island, GA, 31522 | 912/638-5616

That attic I call my mind houses countless memories of things I have read, or written, of glorious things I have seen and atrocities I have witnessed. And special memories of dear friends and loves long gone. I do not remember all the delights of Dante’s Hell, but I do remember one helluva funny incident starring a fellow Wesman and 10th Mountaineer, the late Chip Lofstedt ’44. Our mountain warfare training regularly took us into the high peaks of Colorado, frequently at altitudes above 10,000 feet. On the day I recall with a chuckle, our squad was enjoying a lunch break when Chip, acting radio man, suddenly heard, “This is Scouts Out Lowry Field at 9,600 feet, gliding, gliding.” We rushed to the edge of our lunch area to see a small observation trainer plane cruising along below, and heard Chip, momentarily inspired, “This is Private Lofstedt at 11,000 feet, walking, walking. You’d better get your plane up and out of here pretty damned fast or you’ll be wearing our mountain.” The plane skirted away with nary word of thanks, but Chip’s radio caught a fragment of something about “smart-ass college boy snowbunnies.” Nope, war is not 100% hell.

Well, it’s hard to be secretary to a silent minority, but I am always optimistic that some one of you will send me a word of news—or caution. Slán go fóill.

FRANCIS W. LOVETT | lovettfrancis@gmail.com

315 14th Street, Unit A, Windsor, CO 80550 | 907/460-9338

Parents Class of 2018 Wesleyan Scholarship
Caroline Pitton ’22, Seattle, WA
Owen Shin ’22, New Canaan, CT

Hello, Class of 2018! How has it already been eight months since graduation?! I don’t know about you, but I would kill for a pail right about now. Anyway, time for some updates!

Steven Kidder is in New Hampshire working with the ACLU. He will be working on their 2020 campaign focused around the idea of getting people to vote like their civil rights depend on it. One goal is getting presidential hopefuls and local politicians to address where they stand on civil liberties.

Meanwhile, in D.C., Matt Renetzky and Hannah Skopicki are finishing their first year of law school at the American University Washington College of Law. When the government is not shut down, they enjoy visiting the National Mall, watching Supreme Court arguments, and “learning how to get away with murder.”

Steven Chen works for Smitten Ice Cream in San Francisco as the innovation and new product manager. Smitten is a Californian ice cream brand known for churning fresh ice cream using their patented Brrr machines. He manages ingredient sourcing, supply chain, and new product launches for eight locations. He works with local farms, family-owned businesses, and craft food purveyors to find exceptional and ethically-sourced new ingredients to feature and amazing stories to tell when new products launch.

That’s it for now, but make sure to write in next time for a feature!

Najwa Anasse | nanasse@wesleyan.edu
Garett Larivee | glarivee@wesleyan.edu