Tag: 1955

My sincere thanks to Stuart Rapp for his submission, thus extending the more than 60 years of continuous info from classmates. Stu writes:

“Hi Don! Excellent work, old classmate! Your email address suggests that the energy that remains with you from all that biking has stood you in good stead!

“In my 70 post-Wesleyan years, my responses to these info requests have been few and far between. I now appreciate, more than ever, Don Braverman’smonumental patience. These late days of mine find me at White Oaks, a ‘retirement residence’ in Manchester, Connecticut. When I recall the former style of places like this, I realize how fortunate we are to have options for comfortable living that enable us to feel a part of the active life of ordinary people who keep the society going on the other side of our windows. I’m very glad to have survived into President Roth’s leadership, and I regard my college days as an invaluable blessing that has given me that all-important sense of context throughout my life. Go Wes!”

I, Don, would like to add: Things remain comfortable for me in Maryland, although I must confess I do miss the Florida weather, and, of course, my friends and cycling companions in the Sunshine State. The memories of the many rides and gatherings will always be with me!

My wish to hear from classmates is never-ending. I extend my best wishes to you and your loved ones in the days ahead!

Most welcome responses from two classmates enable the reporting of more than 60 years to continue. I am grateful.

Tom Nall writes that he is finally in an assisted living facility. He’s still driving, but, of course, there are lots of things he cannot do, “such as getting up from a chair without arms and walking without help.” As he says, “God help me if I should happen to fall.” Tom no longer travels, but despite all this, he says he’s still doing well. Sounds familiar!

Jake Congleton asks, as he begins his 93rd year, “How many of us are left?” He says his claim to Wesleyan fame is that his brother, son, and grandson all graduated from Wesleyan!

Upon receiving Jake’s question, I checked with our Class Notes editor, Liz Taylor, who replied: “It looks like there are 99 individuals from the Class of 1955 that remain with us. Of those, 78 do not have email addresses in our system and 55 do not have phone numbers with us.”

If you are reading this and you have updates for any classmates whose information is incomplete, please encourage them to get in touch with me or to write to Liz directly at classnotes@wesleyan.edu. Sincere thanks to Liz for her continued help.

And, as always, my best wishes to you and your loved ones in the days ahead.

It’s been a good start to the new year with the receipt of notes from two classmates who have made it possible for the streak to continue!

Jake Congleton wrote what I’m sure most of us realize: “There can’t be too many of us left.” Jake still resides in Maine, and, as we can understand, doesn’t travel much anymore. He mentions that his wife, Sally, keeps him out of trouble! He admired the success of the Cards this year versus his last season in ’54. Jake would love to hear from other members of the “crucial class,” and can be reached at congleton33@gmail.com.

Tom Nall, who has been a grand supporter, wrote, “I wish I had something interesting for your class notes, but it is just the same old-man stuff. Maybe the surprise would be that I am still alive. But since I am not kickin’, I guess I can’t kick the bucket either! I have great long-term care insurance for which I have paid [dearly], so I think I should be getting some of that back. I am waiting for a place to open up at a nearby assisted-living facility. The waiting list for the suite I want is pretty long, but so far, I can still drive and take care of myself. Nothing very exciting, but that’s it.”

Sounds familiar! Wishing everyone a happy New Year, with best wishes to you and your loved ones.

Big smile! Once again, thanks to Tom Nall, the streak of reporting class notes continues, and it does so with my sincere appreciation. Tom reports that he is still able to drive even if most of the driving is to visit his doctors! And while maintaining self-care, he does admit it’s getting harder. Sound familiar? His doctor has commented that he’s doing well, as at this point, he’s outlived 90% of those born in 1933! Tom is planning to move into a senior living facility and asks, “may we all enjoy what is left of our lives.”

While leaving Florida and the many wonderful cycling memories, being only a 15- minute drive from my son and my daughter-in-law has certainly contributed to my sense of well-being. Living alone makes the need for more socializing very important, and the effort is worthwhile. New friendships are always a treat.

Bob Keeler passed away on May 31, 2024. Bob was a member of Beta Theta Pi at Wesleyan and was active in the fraternity throughout his life. He is survived by his wife of almost 61 years, Mary Jean, three children, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. My sincere condolences to his family.

Let me close by urging more of you to keep in touch with all of us. And as always, my best wishes to you and your loved ones in the days ahead.

Many thanks to Rick Congleton and Drew Clemens for making sure a “shutout” was avoided, and my 60-plus years of submitting to Class Notes is still ongoing!

Rick notes that “our class seems to be pretty depleted” but he is “hanging on and recently enjoyed a 90th party in July.” I did appreciate his “good luck with Class Notes” comment.

A last-minute email from Drew and Julie Clemens (sister of Tem Taylor) related Drew’s recovery from a small stroke three years ago, and they are still enjoying the move to a retirement community eight years ago, especially the friendships, bridge, and in the Wesleyan tradition, singing in a chorus! So good to hear from my freshman-year roommate once again!

On a much less happy note, I am saddened to report the passage of Andrew Holmes. I know I speak for all of us in offering sincere condolences to his family.  

Still acclimating to my Silver Spring surroundings and greatly enjoying new friendships with fellow members of our local senior center. Having a facility that provides lunches and athletic workout equipment is super. I do miss bicycling but am thankful for continued contact with members of my Florida riding group. Memories and friendships are really so important.  

As always, my best wishes to you and your loved ones in the days ahead.