In Memoriam - James F. Fitzgerald

James Fitzgerald 1946 - 2017

Image from 1960 St. Thomas Aquinas class photo

James F. Fitzgerald, "Fitz," age 70, of Schaumburg and formerly of Chicago. Loving husband of Judith (nee Millaney). Devoted father of Lynn (Patrick) McElhone and Clare (Peter Bower). Proud grandfather of Jack, Katherine, Maura and Kevin McElhone. Beloved son of the late Gerald and the late Katherine. Fond brother of the late Robert. Cherished cousin of the Murphys and Brennans. Jim went from his first job cutting grass on the Columbus Park golf course on Chicago's West Side to a successful career in commercial insurance. He was a lover of a round of golf at St. Andrews, an afternoon with the horses at Arlington Park, and fun times with family and friends at Sabatino's, the Wellington, and Palm Court. Note to Jack Hurley: Jack, Thanks for all the lunches-Fitz. 

Memorial visitation Thursday, July 20 at Ahlgrim and Sons Funeral Home, 330 W. Golf Road, Schaumburg, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Family and friends gather for funeral mass Friday, July 21 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Parish, 1001 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Private interment at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery at later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Misericordia (www.misericordia.com) appreciated.

Published in a Chicago Tribune Media Group Publication on July 19, 2017

In Memoriam - Donald A. Rio

Donald Rio, 1946-2019

Donald Anthony Rio was born on May 17, 1946, in Chicago. His parents were Frank and Dora Rio. In the late 60s, Don began dating Patricia Camasto, and they married in 1970. Not long after, he graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Master's degree in psychology.

Mr. Rio had a long and impressive career, caring for people who suffer from mental illness. He also taught classes at several universities, and had a private practice in Lombard, IL, The Midwest Counseling Center. At his practice, Mr. Rio worked as a drug and alcohol counselor, and also a marriage counselor. Later in his career he wrote a psychology book titled, *Fire in the Heart*.

Don was a well respected member of his community and was an inspiration for many people. He loved to laugh and make people laugh. Don had a big heart; he was always there if you needed him. Positive thinking and passion for life were his trademarks.

Source: Online - https://everloved.com/life-of/donald-rio/obituary/

In Memoriam - Patrick Arloff

We were saddened to learn of the death last month of Pat Arloff, Class of 1960.

Patrick J. Arloff, 68, U.S. Air Force, Vietnam Veteran, born in Oak Park, IL on 12/17/1946, suddenly passed on 11/18/2015; loving father of Paul (Serena) Sauer, David Sauer and Kathleen Huttner; grandfather of Julianne, Katherine and Matthew Sauer, Joseph, Christina and David Sauer, and Michael Huttner; son of the late Leo & Rose Arloff; caring cousin and fond friend of many; Alumnus of St. Ignatius H.S. and Northwestern University; Passionate Traveler, Writer and Philosopher. Memorial Visitation, Sat. 12/12/15 from 11AM until 1PM at Drake & Son Funeral Home, 5303 N. Western, Chicago; 2PM Celebration of Life Gathering at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark, Chicago; Inurnment, Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, IL.

To sign Patrick's online guestbook and view his MeM Video Tribute, go to www.DrakeandSonFuneralHome.com. It is a lovely video.

Source: Chicago Tribune Media Group Publication from Nov. 29 to Dec. 6, 2015- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/chicagotribune/obituary.aspx?pid=176691751#sthash.cFeh9zXU.dpuf

Photos from Class of 1960's 55th Reunion

Dan Carr does it again. A great group of photos from the Class of 1960's lunch gathering at Irish Times on October 16. For a quick look at all 81 of the photos, click here. If you would like to view each photo individually and you are on your laptop or desktop, here is the link to Dan's photos on Flickr.

Dan provides the following information: You get a full-screen looping slideshow if you visit the album (first link above) and click the arrow-in-a-screen icon at the top of the page. The 81 photos comprise more than half a gigabyte of data. Anyone can access large size versions of any or all the photos by clicking the downward pointing arrow in the lower right hand corner of each photo's 'home page.'

Or, just click on the photo below and start the show!



Thanks, Dan, for so wonderfully capturing a great afternoon.

Class of 1960 Plus 55 years

Class of 1960 Lunch Gathering

Irish Times

Brookfield, Illinois

October 16, 2015

Photo taken before our last colleague arrived, but in the photos to come, her face will be revealed. We were also lucky to have a Class of 1959 alum join us. Once the pictures are "cleaned up" there will be more posted.

Photo courtesy: Dan Carr

In Memoriam - Charles Dutra

As we prepared to celebrate a gathering of the Class of 1960, we were saddened to learn of Chuck's passing in 2013.

Charles E Dutra 
(December 28, 1945 - January 22, 2013)

U.S. Veteran Charles E. Dutra, 67 of Tomah died, Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tomah. He was born on December 28, 1945 to George and Lucy (O’Malley) Dutra in Chicago, IL. He was a member of the Austin High School Graduating Class of 1964. 

Growing up he worked as a life guard on Lake Michigan’s beaches. He was a U.S. Army Veteran. He was united in marriage to Eunice Deer. He was united in marriage to Eileen Straszewski on March 17, 2005 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Tomah. He worked for Burlington Northern Railways as an engineer operator and as an electrician. He always had curious appetite for learning about the infrastructure of the railways. He enjoyed fishing and eagle watching. He was an avid Notre Dame and Chicago Bears fan. 

He is survived by his wife Eileen of Tomah, 2 daughters Theresa (Patrick) Kittle and Angela (Patrick) Jacobs both of South, Beloit, IL, a step-daughter Diana Lyons of Richmond, VA, 5 children, Logan Kittle, Madeline and Abagail Jacobs, Linda and Andrea Dick, a sister Mary Dutra of Woodbury, MN, 2 brothers James (Sheila) Dutra of Chicago, IL, and George (Pat) Dutra of Minnetonka, MN, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 1, 2013, 11:00 A.M. at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home. Rev. Kathleen Charles will officiate. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2013, 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul Episcopal Church, 212 West Grand Ave, Beloit, WI. Rev. Gail Abbott will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in Woodbury, MN. The family requests that memorial be given to the American Cancer Society or the Tomah Hospice Touch in memory of Charles. 

Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com

Photo: Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin, 2010

Class of 1960 Lunch Gathering - October 16

The Class of 1960 lunch gathering is less than 7 weeks away. Having tried out the food at the Irish Times last week, I can say you will enjoy the lunch.

A small room has been made available for our gathering. 

If you haven't already, please RSVP to elaine.beaudoin@gmail.com

Class of 1960 Lunch Gathering

Friday, October 16, 2015, 11:30 a.m.

Irish Times

8869 Burlington Avenue

Brookfield, Illinois 

irishtimespub.com

In Memoriam - Joan Nallen Blasi

Joan Nallen Blasi, 1945-2015

It is with sadness we learned of our 1960 Classmate Joan Nallen Blasi's death this month. Her daughter provided this link to Joan's memorial page at the funeral home's website where you may leave a message in the guestbook.

http://www.ahlgrimfunerals.com/sitemaker/memsol.cgi?page=services&user_id=1641484

May Joan rest in peace.

Joan joined other classmates at our 25th reunion in 1985

Photos: 1960, Dan Carr; 1985, Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin

Class of 1960 - 55th Reunion Luncheon

Can you believe it has been 55 years since we graduated?

Join us as we celebrate our years at St. Tommy's and raise a glass to those who are no longer with us.

Date: Friday, October 16, 2015

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Place: Irish Times, 8869 Burlington Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513

Guests are welcome; separate checks will be provided.

RSVP: elaine.beaudoin@gmail.com by October 9.

Please share the invitation with other Class of 1960 classmates.

Hope you can make it.

In Memoriam - William Stocker

Dan Carr (Class of 1960) shared the following:

Bill at 2010 Reunion

Our friend and St Thomas Aquinas classmate William Stocker (Class of 1960) passed away early Tuesday morning, May 26, 2015, after a protracted illness. 

It was fun meeting up with Bill again after fifty years at our reunion in 2010. Bill took it in his head after the reunion to visit the rectory of what is now St Martin de Porres church to chat up the pastor about the possibility of us former parishioners revisiting the church and school. The pastor was enthusiastic about the idea. 

I had the memorable experience of joining Bill, Elaine, and the school's caretaker, Maurice, for a leisurely preview in February of how stunningly preserved the old church remains. A date was set for March 2011 and would include attending mass with the current parishioners and a coffee social afterward in our old school's basement 'canteen' with option to tour all around the school. 

Word got around about how magical an experience it all was, leading to a second reunion with a larger turnout in September 2012. It was a moving and nostalgic experience for so many of us. And none of it would have happened without Bill taking the initiative. Because of Bill's sweet and affable modesty, few people were aware of his important contributions.

Dan also created a photo video of Bill which can be viewed by clicking here.

Rest in peace, Bill.

***************************************************

Bill's sister Marian has posted a link to the funeral parlor's site. She welcomes people to leave a note of condolence.

William “Bill” Stocker, age 68, U.S. Air Force veteran, passed away May 27, 2015 after a long battle with congestive heart failure. Bill was a loving companion to his girlfriend of four years, Mariellen Norris. They shared a happy home together along with their cherished dogs, Buster, Jake and Kahlua. Bill is survived by his devoted sisters and brothers; Marian (Jim) Judd, Bob (Joan) Stocker, Pegi (Paul) Meegan, Tom (Patti) Stocker, Betty (late Frank)LaMasse, (late) Terri (Jeff) Klingseisen. Also his many nieces and nephews; Michael Sullivan, Marisa Sullivan, Rob Stocker, Ryan Meegan, John Stocker, Kelly Meegan, Lisa (Jake) Steve, Lauren LaMasse, Sara Klingseisen, and Michael Klingseisen.

Bill graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas grade school and St. Mel’s High School. Bill was an electrician by trade and he was an avid bowler with 300 games. His love of ice-skating was eventually met with being an instructor at Santa’s Village ice rink in Dundee, IL. Physical training daily was his passion. His dry sense of humor and quick wit will be missed. He was so sweetly modest that few people knew he was responsible for bringing the St. Thomas Aquinas West side parishioners together after fifty years. So many were moved by revisiting the church and grammar school of their youth, and it wouldn't have happened if not for Bill.

Bill also chose himself to be the daily caregiver for his brother-in-law, Frank LaMasse during his battle with prostate cancer. For several months Bill came early AM to late PM to spend time caring for him. Wheel chair wheelies through the neighborhood, card games and attending his many needs. We were so proud of him.

At his request the internment will be private. Donations to BestPals Animal Rescue Center would be a kind expression of condolence if desired. Donations to the non-profit BestPals can be sent via paypal through their website, http://bestpalsarc.wix.com/bestpals

St. Mel High School Class of 1964 - 50th Reunion

Since so many STA graduates attended St. Mel High School, the following message from Carl Alaimo, St. Mel High School Class of 1964, is shared here.

Hello,

Just wanted to take a moment to let you know that the St Mel High School Class of 1964 is celebrating its 50th year anniversary this year. The class will be recognized at the St Mel reunion banquet to be held Friday, June 6th, 2014 at White Eagle Restaurant. More information will be sent out in a mailer in just a few weeks.

A few of the 1964 graduates meet last night at the Christian Brothers of the Midwest office in Burr Ridge, IL. Those present were Pat Kenny, Thomas “Mick” Hyland, Arnie Carlstrom, Mike Carbonara, Ray Redding, and myself. While I’ll admit we spent most of our time talking about our classmates and the Brothers, Rob Cummings, St Mel Alumni Director, attempted to keep us on track for our assignment.

We have a roster of 328 graduates containing the usual ID information. We will be making calls and sending out mailings to those we have been able to verify through our contacts etc.  I have been informed by my kids that the social media is the way to go to find your friends, so I am addressing this email as a start to the addresses we have on record. We know some of the database needs to be corrected from our own personal contacts with classmates.

I hope you can help us with contact information, and information in general about our classmates, and even let us know if we may see you June 6th at a private cocktail reception set up for the Class of 1964. 

You may recall just a couple of names of friends who have passed, John “Jack” Ryan was killed in Viet Nam, William “Bill” Hibbler was a Judge at 26th and California, the Cook County Criminal Courts, Chicago, promoted to a U.S. Federal Judge and passed in 2012. Perhaps you know of others from our class who lost their lives serving our Country, as did Jack. We could make mention of our fallen heroes at our reunion, as well as those who have pasted. Information on deceased class members, information to assist us with the database would be invaluable given our short time frame to the event.

Thanks for taking time to send us any information that would be helpful in contacting and/or correcting our 1964 Class data base.

Hope to hear from you and perhaps see you at the Reunion,

Carl Alaimo

P.S. If you would be available to help us stuff envelops etc. we are meeting again at the Midwest Office of the Christian Brothers on March 3rd at 3pm. Call the office for directions and talk with Rob or Megan for easy directions 630-323-3725 or email Rob at rcummings@cbmidwest.org

Source: Email from Dan Carr, STA Class 1960; Photo: 1958 St. Mel High School Yearbook, page 8.

First Holy Communion, 1954 - Class of 1960

Weren't we angelic in 1954?

Click on photo to enlarge

Msgr. Long must have posed for numerous similar pictures over his tenure as pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas.

Photo courtesy: Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin

First Honors/Perfect Attendance 1960

Each year, at graduation time, students from all eight grades with "first honors" and "perfect attendance" would be listed in STA's Church bulletin.  On Trinity Sunday, June 19, 1960 this was page 2 news!!!

Do you remember these STA students?  Perhaps when you see them at the next reunion, you can give them a belated "Congratulations!"

St. Thomas Aquinas Point of View; June 19, 1960; page 2

Note: Image can be enlarged by clicking on it.

Image Courtesy: Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin, Class of 1960

Class Photo, 1960, Eighth Grade

These Baby-Boomers are now Medicare-Receivers!  Where did the time go?  Hope to see all of you at the September 30, 2012 reunion at St. Martin de Porres Church.

Photo courtesy: Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin

Third Grade, Room 5, 1955, Class Photo

Click here for the other Third Grade Class room photo: Third Grade, Room 11, 1955

Note: All photos can be enlarged by double clicking on the image.

Who is in the photo?

1 Need Name; 2 Patti Ann Carroll; 3 Need Name; 4 Kathleen Hughes; 5 John Santoro; 6 Patricia Reithal; 7 John McGuinnis; 8 Margaret Dernbach; 9 Need Name; 10 Thomas O'Connor; 11 Barbara Bird; 12 Donald Rio; 13 Marion Reister; 14 Mary Lou Picard; 15 Mary Corsiglia; 16 Favin or Flavin twin?; 17 Joan Laughlin; 18 Michael McCloskey; 19 Joan Nallen; 20 Thomas McGrath; 21 Need Name; 22 Antoinette Malizia; 23 Mary Kinahan; 24 Francis Otto; 25 Favin or Flavin twin?; 26 Elaine McIntyre; 27 Need Name; 28 Arnold Carlstrom; 29 Diane Cullnan; 30 Need Name; 31 Need Name; 32 Need Name; 33 Need Name; 34 Need Name; 35 Need Name; 36 Need Name; 37 Patrick Arloff; 38 Need Name; 39 Need Name; 40 Need Name; 41 John Rigney (Sexton); 42 Irene Fuentes; 43 Linda Kovach; 44 Daniel Carr; 45 Alex Martini; 46 Need Name; 47 William Stocker; 48 Richard LaRose; 49 John Quinn; 50 Maureen Rigney (Sexton)

Please help us identify our classmates that are noted as "Need Name."  If you recognize anyone of them, please provide their name by clicking on "comments" below and sharing their name with us.

Photo courtesy: Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin

Second Grade, Room 2, 1954 Class Photo

Note there are 52 students in this photo. The Mercy Nuns didn't have "class size" restrictions in those days! Does anyone have the other room Second Grade photo?


Photo Courtesy: Ray Mangan

Fourth Grade, Room 6, 1956 Class Photo

The photo from the other Fourth Grade Class can be viewed by clicking on: Fourth Grade, Room 7, 1956

Can you help us identify all of our classmates?

1 Mary Lynn McGuff; 2 Carol Ruscik; 3 Patrick O'Connor; 4 Regina Sears (?); 5 Geraldine Smith; 6 Edward Mahoney; 7 Virginia Salemi; 8 Thomas Donzelli; 9 Lynn Kryzak; 10 John McAuliffe; 11 Margaret Maloney; 12 Patrick Roche; 13 Anita Pedicone; 14 Carol Broderick; 15 Lucille Valentino; 16 Rita Flanagan; 17 Kathleen O'Rourke; 18 Charles Heise; 19 Mary McMahon; 20 Erwin Bircher; 21 Kathy Grace; 22 Raymond Mangan; 23 James Tracey; 24 Thomas O'Halleran; 25 Lynette Vivacqua; 26 Patricia Carroll; 27 James Brady; 28 Kathleen McClure; 29 Need Name; 30 Kathleen Dobias; 31 John Rigney (Sexton); 32 James Finn; 33 Janice White; 34 Kathleen Houlihan; 35 Dennis Czechanski; 36 Sheila Conley; 37 John Kivlehan; 38 Janet Jankuski; 39 Janice Radek; 40 Phillip Kelley; 41 James Enright; 42 Thomas Blitsch; 43 Need Name; 44 Victor Amato; 45 Walter Renaghan; 46 Robert Hutchison; 47 Anthony Padauano

If you know any of our classmates that we haven't been able to identify, please click on the red "comments" below this post and let us know who they are.

Photo Courtesy: Ray Mangan

Third Grade, Room 11, 1955 Class Photo

If you wish to see the other Third Grade Classroom click on : Third Grade, Room 5, 1955

Do you know who is in the photo?

1 Lynn Kryzak; 2 Anita Pedicone; 3 Mary Lynn McGuff; 4 Need Name; 5 Maureen Nolan; 6 Patrick O'Connor; 7 Geraldine Smith; 8 Ann Mulkerin; 9 Need Name; 10 Eileen Nolan; 11 Thomas Donzelli; 12 Sharon Sullivan; 13 Need Name; 14 Need Name; 15 Virginia Salemi; 16 Need Name; 17 Rita Flanagan; 18 James Tracey; 19 Lynette Vivacqua; 20 Need Name; 21 Janice Radek; 22 Need Name; 23 Carol Broderick; 24 Roger Anderson; 25 Kathy Dobias; 26 Carol Ruscik; 27 Janice White; 28 Patrick Breen; 29 Thomas Blitsch; 30 Patrick Roche; 31 Raymond Mangan; 32 Patricia Carroll; 33 Sheila Conley; 34 Janet Jankuski; 35 Phillip Kelley; 36 Erwin Bircher; 37 Walter Renaghan; 38 Dennis Czechanski; 39 Charles Heise; 40 Mary McMahon; 41 John Rigney (Sexton); 42 John Kivlehan; 43 Kathleen Houlihan; 44 Need Name; 45 Robert Hutchison; 46 Kathleen Grace; 47 James Enright; 48 Kathleen O'Rourke; 49 Kathleen McClure; 50 Anthony Padauano; 51 Sister Mary Mercy

Can you help us identify the "Need Name" individuals?  If so, click on "comments" below and let us know who are unknown classmates are.

Photo Courtesy: Ray Mangan

Fifth Grade, Room 10, 1957 Class Photo

Photo taken March, 1957. See other Fifth Grade Classroom photo at Fifth Grade, Room 13, 1957.


Who is in the photo?

1 Lynn Kryzak; 2 Geraldine Smith; 3 Margaret Maloney; 4 James Finn; 5 Carol Ruscik; 6 Thomas Donzelli; 7 Rita Flanagan; 8 Edward Mahoney; 9 Janice White; 10 Patrick Roche; 11 Janice Radek; 12 Kathleen McClure; 13 Kathleen Dobias; 14 Carol Broderick; 15 Thomas Blitsch; 16 Robert Hutchison; 17 Robert Collins; 18 John McAuliffe; 19 Lucille Valentino; 20 Need Name; 21 Kathleen O'Rourke; 22 Raymond Mangan; 23 Erwin Bircher; 24 James Tracey; 25 Dennis Czechanski; 26 Victor Amato; 27 Anthony Padauano; 28 Thomas O'Halleran; 29 Mary McMahon; 30 Sheila Conley; 31 Patricia Carroll; 32 Janet Jankuski; 33 John Rigney (Sexton); 34 Mary Lynn McGuff; 35 Kathleen Houlihan; 36 Walter Renaghan; 37 Sharon Rotchford; 38 Charles Heise; 39 John Kivlehan; 40 Phillip Kelley; 41 Virginia Salemi; 42 James Enright

Can you help us identify the "Need Name" individuals?  If so, add you knowledge through clicking on the "comments" below and help identify our missing classmate.

Photo Courtesy: Mary Lynn McGuff

First Grade, Room 4, 1952 Photo

First Grade, Sr. Immaculata's class. Does anyone have the photo from the other class?



Photo Courtesy: Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin