David Fetzer

I did not know Paul well, but always enjoyed being with him. I am grateful that he was a part of my journey through CHS. 
 

Paul's profile photo is a telling record. One could not have that expression on his face without having enjoyed the arc of his own journey. I am sad for his family and friends for their loss. Hover, anyone who could contribute as he did to the production and enjoyment of fine wines has a preferred place among the angels. ????????

Unlike Barry and others, I did not know Luther well. What I did know about him I admired. 

 I admired his friendliness. I admired his positive approach, his intelligence, his talents. And now, I am able to admire his talent and skill at his art. 

Somehow, I am comforted in knowing that his closest friends treasure his memory and the pieces of life that they shared. 

Posted on: Sep 26, 2017 at 4:33 AM

In addition to knowing Steve for our final two years at Central, Steve and I shared the experience of our freshman year at Lafayette.  We lived in the same dorm, saw each other frequetly, and often studied together for shared exams.  Although Steve left Lafayette after freshmen year, I continued to correspond with him for a few years, eventually losing touch.

I'm sorry to hear of his passing.  He was a classic "nice guy," with whom it was never a struggle to find agreeable topics of conversation.  I know his current friends and family will miss his kind nature and his sense of humor.

Posted on: Nov 17, 2015 at 5:38 PM

Irwin. I remember very well our Boy Scout trip to Philmont in 1963. Nights spent in cool mountains and high desert were revolutionary excursions into spirituality for me. I hope that our shared experiences there fit well as memories into your current pursuits and interests. It was good to hear from you again.

I met Lavergne on the first day of class at South Scranton Junio High in September 1959.  We were part of a class, a prototype if you will, that was convening to benefit from increased science and math-related federal funding that had flowed out of America's embarrassment following the launch of Sputnik two years earlier.  We were both insecure but inquisitive seventh graders.

As our school year progressed, and through the rest of our careers in Scranton public schools, Lavergne and I were fortunate to discover a friendly mutual challenge to make the most of our enhanced academic opportunity.  We studied for tests together.  We worked on science projects together. We brought our individual friends into contact with each other.  

Lavergne became one of my best friends ever.  She was really my first frmale friend, and though we never "dated," we accompanied each other to many social events through graduation.  Lavergne was the first girl with whom I danced The Twist.  Lavergne made me laugh.  

I was happy that she worked diligently to sparkplug the Class of 1965's 20th reunion and felt privileged to attend. Years later, I was saddened to learn that she was struggling to beat cancer.  I felt my world shrink around me when I learned that she had lost the battle, gone 'way too young.

Although we never regained the level of contact we had during those school years, Lavergne and I remained in touch because she had stayed close to my mother, even after my mom had retired and begun her life as one of the Real Golden Girls of Florida.  They sent letters and cards incessantly in the lost era of stationery, stamps, and fountain pens. I feel that they would have really taxed Facebook.

I found all of their correspondence when in 2008 I sorted through my mother's mountain of kept memorabilia, bundles of their friendship wrapped with rubber bands that strretched to represent an energetic bond between two disparate women, a bond that began with nothing more in common but me.  I am still honored by that thought.

After reflection, I realized that the two had something else very special in common.  They shared the unique ability and drive to glue themselves to the consciousness of other people and remain so as the years passed.  They made fast friends of complete strangers.  Today I envy their bond, and though I'm able  to say I have a satisfying number of enduring friendships, I wish I had a friendship precisely like the one my mother shared with Lavergne.

Carol --

I'm very sorry to learn of Ronnie's death.  He was one of the memorable Central classmates of whom I thought often.

I hope you are well.  I have thought of you, too, over the many years since graduation.

My thoughts are with all of our classmates who have died or are ill.

Regards,

DF

Posted on: May 31, 2015 at 4:52 PM

Dan -- it's truly good to see you. Thanks for your service and congratulations on your career. I'm sorry for the loss of your comrade.