Tag: 1953

Sid Alexander wrote: “I am in the process of retiring after nearly 63 years at Lahey Clinic, where I founded the cardiology department. I am married with two wonderful children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. My major interests have been preventative cardiology and treatment of high cholesterol, as well as work in the antinuclear movement. I was president of Physicans for Social Responsibility [from] 1985 through 1988 and continue to be active for many years [recall that the antinuclear sister organization received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985]. Presently, I am having a peaceful semiretirement at home with lots of help and enjoying it.”

In January, Walter Cutler said, “Still frozen in D.C., but warm memories of Wes are helping me survive.” He wonders how many of us ’53ers are also still standing.

Gerald Patrick wrote, “I am just finishing my first year at Sequoias, a retirement place. Love it. I gave two major talks in recent months on Homer and his epics. Just had cochlear implants surgery. Too soon to know the benefits.”

News from both coasts and in between.

From New Jersey: Richard Levinson claims to work every day in his office (free coffee?), while rooting for the Cubs. He may be our most recent grandfather with a three-and-one-half-year-old grandson. He thinks about and misses those Chi Psi reprobates. He plans to attend our 75th.

From California: Gerald Patrick has enjoyed the first six months of living in a retirement community, the Sequoias, meeting new friends and teaching bridge, along with sculpture and creative writing classes.

From Florida: Sandy and Jerry Zackin’s golf routine was set aside by her knee replacements. They were scheduled for a Great Lakes tour this past summer. Jerry celebrated the 80th anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah on his birthday.

From Washington, D.C.: Walter Cutler is tolerating an unending heat wave. “Helping out is news being made by our Wesleyan president and keeping in touch with two granddaughters who recently graduated from Wes in the same class.”

From Oklahoma: I am enjoying the additional space of a two-bedroom apartment at an independent living facility, Asher Point. I am delighted to have my voice back after many years of only being able to whisper. Many folks here had never heard anything else. Daily walks are part of my routine and one time around the facility is almost a 440.

These four ’53ers and I have been consistent contributors to our notes—I really would like to hear from the rest of you. Are you reading Class Notes? Please send me your name even if nothing else. Let us know if you’re still with us! Thank you.

Lastly, Bob Knapp’s daughter wrote to say he died in February. An army veteran, Bob worked for Southern New England Telephone for more than 30 years and was active in his community, including being a member of Rotary International for more than 50 years.

Melvin Katz, 92, of Westport, Connecticut, passed away March 17, 2024. He was a child of immigrants and grew up in Brooklyn. After graduating with our class, he attended Harvard Law School. During an active legal career, he became a dean of the New York Securities Bar. He enjoyed other activities including classical music, the New York Giants, and wintertime skiing. Mel is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judy, children, Jonathan Katz ’92 and Melissa Kane, and her husband, Jon, and his two grandchildren, George Kane and Lily Kane.

Gerald Patrick moved into a retirement community in January. His friend will continue to visit as she has for 15 years. A grandson, Mike (son of his daughter, Elaine ’79), recently was married. Jerry keeps occupied with duplicate bridge, writing stories, and building ship models.

Stephen Friedland retired in 2020 from pediatric practice. Life went smoothly until Anne developed undiagnosed leg problems. Healthwise, they have been pretty stable for the most part. Anne gets to her needlepoint meetings, and Steve is a docent at the FDR museum. Their daughters live in the area; their son and family live in Washington State. A June marriage of a grandson provided for a great family reunion.   

Richard Levinson reports he is working every day with his old law firm.

Jerry Zackin writes Sandy had a second knee replacement. They spend seven to eight months in Florida and the rest in Yarmouth. Golf four or five days a week. They have a full schedule of events—theater and music.

Glad for the two late reports—keep the news coming, anytime.

Please write to your class secretary.

Richard Edward France, 91, passed away May 6, 2023, at White Oak Manor, Waxhaw, North Carolina. Dick was born in Downsville, New York. Dick was president of Delta Sigma (Delta Upsilon). He was an MBA graduate of Syracuse University before being commissioned in the U.S. Navy in 1955. He began a long career in the paper industry, where he became vice president of human resources for Container Corporation of America and, subsequently, for Caraustar Industries. Dick missed our many reunions as union negotiations occurred the same weekend annually. Dick is survived by Jeanne, a daughter, two sons, and five grandchildren.

Dr. George “Bakes” Bacon, 91, died December 27, 2023, at his home in Michigan. George, a graduate of Duke Medical School in 1957, enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in Germany. His residency was in pediatric endocrinology, after which he joined the University of Michigan Hospital. In 1986 he accepted a position to rebuild the department at Texas Tech University. He returned to Michigan in 1995 and later became emeritus professor at the University of Michigan, retiring in 2005. He is survived by his wife, Grace, three children, and three grandchildren.

Class condolences to the families of Dick and Bakes, both my fraternity brothers.