Class Notes

Samuel Fitch advised that he is still on the “greenside” in an independent living facility in Sun City, Arizona, with too much to do—and too little energy. He sends his best to all and happy holidays.

I have no other notes from fellow classmates, so I plead for information for the next issue. As for myself, I continue to work every day as a title agency lawyer and enjoy acting as an expert witness in real estate matters. My wife Barbara is still practicing real estate law at home and we both enjoy ballroom dancing on a regular basis. Our granddaughter Eliza Bender ’24 loves Wesleyan and is active with a radio program, writing movies, and doing stand-up comedy routines on campus.

A healthy and happy New Year and beyond to all. PLEASE WRITE!!

Here we are in December with notes that you will receive in the future. Past notes in the future, and so it goes.

Good note from Ted Bartolotta, now residing in Florida with his wife, Evie, of 71 years. Ted retired from the Glastonbury, Connecticut, school system, where he led one of the best public school systems in the state. Ted noted that they have lived in Naples, Florida, for 32 years but did not comment on the recent hurricane.

Barney Kathan wrote in, as is custom, and told that currently he is hosting Don Schellhardt ’71, who has recently moved from California. Barney can be counted on to be at events, Homecoming included, in his family heirloom red jacket.

We have learned of the death last year of Bob Hammett, in retirement after a distinguished career in the ministry.

And our all-time best and most successful cheerleader and fundraiser Dave Jones died on Thanksgiving Day (2022). Dave’s work and generosity for alma mater are, and will remain, unmatched. A friend to all who knew him, he will be missed.

Jean and I have lived at Essex Meadows in Essex, Connecticut, for the past 10 years. The Meadows is a Continuing Care Residential Community with a full range of services from independent living to a licensed health facility. Managed by LCS of Des Moines, Iowa, I imagine many of you are in a similar situation. Why not share your stories.

Please write to your class secretary.

One note this time, from Bob Wylie: “After a career in the man-made fiber industry and 60 years residence in Greenwich, we moved to Meadow Ridge, a long-term care facility in Redding, Connecticut. Although we kept in touch with numerous classmates through the years, there are only two or three remaining. Fortunately, one of our children, a Wesleyan grad, makes sure we attend at least the Homecoming game.”

Your scribe, Bud Lovett, has been hard at work getting Colorado’s Camp Hale established as a national monument. Bud worked with the state’s senators, Michael Bennet ’87 and John Hickenlooper ’74, on this project. He said more details to come next issue.

My thanks to Tom Nall for submitting his thoughtful comments that prevented an absence of communication from classmates for this edition of Class Notes. Tom kindly wrote: “I don’t have any news (I guess that’s a good thing). Just wanted to say ‘hi’ and see how you’re doing.” RIGHT ON, MY FRIEND!

On the home front, Marianne and I have moved to Bethesda, Maryland, from Florida as we believed it was advisable to be closer to my family. Good thing is we now reside in a condominium building that is only a 10-minute walk from my son Peter’s home! At this age, knowing “HELP,” if needed, is nearby makes good sense. As for cycling, my knees still ache despite orthopedic treatments, and I’ve limited my current activity to a stationary bike and leg weights, which are available in our building’s fitness center directly across the hall from our apartment. I will always have wonderful memories of the miles and friendships experienced for many years on my bicycle in Florida. Facing reality can be difficult at times!

I was delighted to receive a text from Paul Tractenberg ’60, a fellow former cyclist, who offered suggestions on several methods for trying to relieve the knee pain I have had. He asked me to “keep the regimen up and keep inspiring the YOUNGER Wes alums!” His kind words certainly reaffirm my strong feelings of the real benefits of cycling—that of meeting such grand people.

Unfortunately, I received the news that Tony Arena passed on August 17, 2022. My condolences to his wife, children, grandchildren, and classmates. His obituary can be read here: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/middletownpress/name/anthony-arena-obituary?id=36442524.

As always, my warmest good wishes to you and your loved ones. May your days be filled with good health and happiness.

Please write to your class secretary.

Rev. Edward Allen White passed away March 31, 2022, at the home of his son in Darlington, South Carolina. He grew up in Wellesley, Massachusetts, attended Union Theological Seminary and McCormick. He spent much of his career helping congregations find fulfillment in their missions, stressing outreach.

Monroe (Monty) Neuman died July 13, 2022, in Chevy Chase, Maryland, leaving his wife of 60 years, Bobbie, three sons, and six grandchildren. Two sons attended Wesleyan—Doug ’87 and Charles ’91.

W. “Cope” Clapham Murray of Tamworth, New Hampshire, passed away May 1, 2022. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, a member of Alpha Delta Phi, and a theater arts major, the third person to pursue what was, at that time, a new major at Wesleyan. A longtime artistic director of Barnstormers Theater, he was professor of Theater Arts at New England College and established a theater program there. He is predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Patricia, and is survived by a daughter and a son and two grandchildren.

Please excuse the shortened items. My life has turned a corner since Ash Wednesday when I went to the ER. Pneumonia kept me in the hospital for a month and rehab for a bit more, then I moved to an independent living facility. My house has been renovated these past months and now I need to decide whether to return or not.

I attended our 70th Reunion on May 21 and sad to say, I was the only one from our class present at dinner, as Seth Rosner, who I was supposed to meet, left early because he wasn’t feeling well. It was saddened further by the handing out of pamphlets with the names of all our deceased classmates. However, I spent a pleasant evening with the 65th Reunion Class, the 40th Reunion Class with my daughter Ellen F. Bender ’82, and my granddaughter Eliza Bender ’24 and her friends.

Unfortunately, I must report that Hal Buckingham, my predecessor as class scribe, passed away on June 5th, survived by his three children, Margaret, Harold III, and Janet, and his six grandchildren, having been predeceased by his wife Joyce last year. After graduation from Wesleyan, he served in the Korean War in the 24th Infantry Division, 54th Regiment, and was present for the truce on July 27, 1953, and participated in the subsequent exchange of prisoners of war at Panmunjom. He married Joyce one day after returning home on September 16, 1954, having known her since he was 7 and she 5. He graduated Virginia Law School in 1957. Hal was eager to make it back to campus for our 70th before his health took a turn for the worse. For further details about his life, see The Hartford Courant, June 10–12, 2022, or read his obituary here.

Zdenek David wrote that even though he retired in 2003 from his position as librarian of the Woodrow Wilson Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C., he continues to hold the position of senior scholar at the center and continues conducting research and writing in the history of East Central Europe. He attached a list of his recent publications and other activities, which is quite impressive.

PLEASE SEND NOTES!

Hope to see you at our 75th!

Slim pickings this issue for two possible reasons: First, the spring issue just arrived, and the news was old at best; and second, my address has been listed incorrectly. Someone out there may have received mysterious messages from unknown “friends.” Please note the correct address in this issue and PLEASE send some news.

I did receive a follow-up to the last issue from Charlie Selig. No real new news, but he does stay in touch. Thank you, Charlie.

A note from Chris DeGraff says, “Sandy and I are still enjoying our home in West Hartford. No more skiing, but we have been able to spend time in our Stratton ski house with family.”

Jean and I have survived the hot, dry summer in Connecticut and look forward to our 70th wedding anniversary in early winter.

Cheers to all.  Write when you can.