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For those who did not know: Dr. Norman Ross, English teacher at Sea Cliff/North Shore High School, passed away in September 2016 at the age of 92. He was very proud of his career and had cherished memories of all the thousands of students who came through his classroom. In fact, he still had his pristine copy of the SCHS 1955 Yearbook (from 66 years ago!).

Regards,

Joel Ross (son, NSHS '70)

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From Fred Burns and John Broderick we received news of Artie Hall's death. I have no details other than the following obituary:

HALL - Arthur Herbert, Jr. of Glenwood Landing, NY, passed away on October 3, 2020. Devoted husband of the late Blanche (Roey). Loving father of Arthur III, Wendy and John. Dear grandfather of Alison, Abigail, Elizabeth, Victoria, Joseph X., Thomas, Aaron and Lillian. Beloved brother of the late Marilyn. Visiting on Wednesday October 14 from 2 to 4 PM, and 7 to 9 PM at Whitting Funeral Home, 300 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Head, NY, www.whitting.com. Funeral service that evening at the funeral home. Interment of ashes Friday October 16 at 3 pm at East Hillside Cemetery, Old Brookville, NY. In lieu of flowers please donate to Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Glen Head, NY, or the American Cancer Society. 

Readers might remember that in his interview for Look Back and Cheer Artie said he regretted being "such a hothead" in high school. He went into the Navy and underwater demolition work, then came out, worked with his father, and at Grumman. Instead of retiring he became head custodian at North Shore High.

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Wallace Kaufman collaborated with Dr. David Deamer to explore the rapidly developing promises and problems of genomics in the entertaining and informative novel, The Hunt for FOXP5: A Genomic Mystery Novel. The book has been published by Springer International as part of its small but prestigious science-based fiction series. After graduating from Sea Cliff High, Wallace went on to Duke as an English major. His roommate, David Deamer was a biochem major who went on to be one of the world's leading astrobiologists (origins of life) and biomolecular engineers. Deamer was co-creator of the nanopore gene sequenecing process that brought the cost of sequencing down from $1 billion to less than $1,000. Wallace went on to teach at several university English departments, then left academia to write and take on several other professions. His work took him to Central America and across Siberia and Central Asia. He credits his first real lessons in writing to Bernie Shulman and Norman Ross.

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Ruth Ahearn (Loeber) died August 21, 2017 in the retirement community of Fearrington Village a few miles south of Chapel Hill, NC. 

Here is the obituary posted by the funeral home. You can leave photos and messages on that site.

Ruth Christine Loeber (nee Ahearn)

Ruth Christine Loeber (nee Ahearn), 77, of Fearington Village, NC and formerly of Glen Cove and Locust Valley, NY, died on August 21, 2017. Ruth was born in her beloved Sea Cliff, NY in 1939 and was the 5th of seven children by her parents, Mary and Jim Ahearn. Ruth attended St. Boniface school in Sea Cliff and then graduated from North Shore High School in 1956. Ruth later Graduated from Farmingdale University in 1984 with a nursing degree. Her nursing career began at Glengariff Nursing home in Glen Cove and over the next 30 years, Ruth worked in many nursing capacities at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, culminating in her position as a Nurse Practitioner. Ruth’s caring and calm soul was a comfort to so many families that she touched during her years of palliative care at North Shore. Ruth was a guardian angel to so many who entered medical care at North Shore and beyond. Ruth was an accomplished woodworker and craftsman who loved to travel the world with her family. The annual Ahearn sibling trips were a highlight of her life.

Ruth is survived by her three loving children: sons Ken (his children Craig, Tara and Amy), Charlotte, NC, Brian (his Children Molly, Will and Charlie), Locust Valley, NY and Daughter Nancy, Brooklyn, NY. Her six amazing siblings are Mary Lou Fusillo, Bob Ahearn, John Ahearn, Jeanne Giacobine, Ed Ahearn and Anne Troy (dec.).

A visitation and memorial service will be held on Tuesday August 29th at Dodge Thomas Funeral Home in Glen Cove, NY from 2-4 pm and then 7-9 pm. A funeral mass will be held at St Gertrude’s RC Church in Bayville, NY on Wednesday August 30th at 1:00pm. 

----------------------------------------------------  

I summarized some highlights of the profile printed in our class history, Look Back and Cheer:

After leaving our graduating class I didn't see Ruth again until our 50th reunion in Sea Cliff in 2011, although I had interviewed her earlier for the school and community history (Look Back and Cheer). I said then in her profile, "Was she ever the 'timid, tall and gawky" teenager she once thought herself? Underlying her physical and quiet personal grace (the way many saw her then and see her now) "Ruthie" has always been invisibly rugged. . . . "I had to be a fighter. I had two brothers." That training stood her in good stead when she confronted a local bully who enjoyed teasing and picking on other kids. 'In 6th grade at St. Boniface I decked _________ _________ __________." [I leave his name out since he went on to serve honorably in the US Navy and is a gentle man who loves his family and his pets.]

In our interview Ruth said her children were the "best magic in life that has ever happened to me, and they continue to velvetize my life." I suspect her children might say something similar of Ruth, and in that she lives on.

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Betty Sprague (Harnage) died from a brain tumor in May 2019 in her long time home, Arizona. In one of life's ironies, in high school Betty and Bob Lucas were inseparable until college. Bob went on to become a distinguished Air Force pilot. Betty had to drop out of college in financial trouble. She soon married Aroll Harnage, a pilot. Aroll survives her along with their daughter Susan. Susan also lives in Arizona and is a skilled rock climber.

Susan arranged Betty's memorial service, including pictures and reminiscences of Betty's years in Sea Cliff.

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Allan J. Schwartz (’57) died July 11 at his home in Rochester, NY. As early as 6^th grade Allan took a special interest in psychology, encouraged then by 6^th grade teacher Bob Allen who himself became a psychologist. Later Allan worked with school psychologist Stan Wolfe. Unlike many of us, his career goal never changed. He became associate professor of clinical psychiatry and senior staff psychologist at the University Counseling Center at the University of Rochester. Allan was particularly noted for his work on student suicide.

Although he began Sea Cliff school as a chubby non-athletic boy who had a large deep scar under one scapula from a lung operation, in high school he became a fierce tennis competitor. In college Allan also won awards for fencing. 

His parents ran a pharmacy on Sea Cliff Avenue that they sold to Emil Dobkins. While Allan was in grade school, the family lived in the apartment above the store, later moving to south Sea Cliff.

Anyone who ever debated with Allan will recognize him in the words that accompanied his Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors (AUCCCD) in 2011: "His work has consistently raised the level of discourse about these topics and sharpened our ways of thinking about these issues."

Below is an obituary from The Rochester Democrat.

Rochester: Allan passed away peacefully at home on July 11, 2016, at age 76, remaining steadfast in the face of the cancer diagnosis he received in January. He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Sharon Hoffman; devoted stepsons Ted and Andrew (Erica) Hoffman; glorious grandchildren Drew and Bradleigh Jo Hoffman; sister Laura (James) Valente; beloved in-laws, nephews and nieces; D'Bury family; and esteemed colleagues. Sharon sends special thanks to Laurie and Jim Ditzel, whose loving care and attention eased some pain of the past weeks.

Allan was born in Brooklyn to Julius and Rose (Rotter) Schwartz. His professional life began with an undergraduate degree from Columbia University, followed by masters degrees from Teachers College at Columbia and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He received a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Rochester in 1973, ultimately appointed as Associate Professor of Psychiatry. Allan worked at the University of Rochester's Mental Health Services and Counseling Center as clinician, teacher, and researcher. He was chief of the agency from 1981 to 1991. Allan was a member of the American College Health Association and the Association of University and College Counseling Center Directors. He was an editor for several journals and the recipient of several professional honors and awards.

Allan possessed an extraordinary clarity of thought and approached issues (whether related to relationships, broken equipment/machines, or matters of the physical universe) with detailed analysis. He frequently watched sports, attending well to details, and often used sports metaphors to explain concepts in other areas. His natural reserve was paired with the ability to give the best hugs ever. His straightforwardness and honesty led him to speak his truth, even when it hurt him. He was devoted to Sharon, who will forever carry him in her heart.

Friends may call on Friday, July 22, 2016 from 4-7 p.m. at the Jennings, Nulton & Mattle Funeral Home, 1704 Penfield Rd., Penfield, NY. A celebration of Allan's life will be held on Saturday, July 23 at 2:00 pm. in the University of Rochester Interfaith Chapel, 1045 Wilson Blvd.; reception immediately following at Staybridge Suites, 1000 Genesee St., Rochester. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to R Community Bikes, PO Box 26471, Rochester, NY 14626.

Published in Rochester Democrat And Chronicle from July 17 to July 21, 2016

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Mary Ann Vanek's daughter Debbie Gaebler, d_gaebler@yahoo.com , informs us today that her mom died in Florida on 20 April 2019. No other information at this time.

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It is with much regret that I Report the passing of Ron Santonastasi on September 23, 2016.

Ron was 77 years old and passed away unexpectedly in California

Added note from Wallace Kaufman

Ron was an early mover to California. After success in the digital world, he followed his dream of life on the water. He and his wife operated a popular charter boat out of Monterey.

Ron's wife Jennie has sent out this notice to friends:

On Sunday, October 9, from 11 to 2, we will honor Captain Ron's life with a gathering of friends and family at the Santa Cruz Yacht Club. Bring your stories about Ron, and, if you'd like, an appetizer to share.  Parking is metered at $1.25 per hour, so quarters and carpools are recommended.  There will be a scattering of his ashes at sea on the O'Neill yacht at 1:00 pm; bring a jacket to stay warm. 

Thank you for all your love and support, Jennie

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Berkeley Andrews informed me on the 16th of August 2015 that the previous night Ned McAdams ('57), a quiet achiever in the banking world, and a man admired with affection by his employees, died in the hospital.

Berkeley wrote, "Apparently he was having surgery for a brain clot.  He recently had open heart surgery to replace a valve.  He was recovering perfectly, driving a car and working out, dining out, and doing and looking exceptionally well." 

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Over the holidays, I got married, in Napa, California to my co-heart of fifteen years, Robert Kent Wimpelberg;

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More than a year late, I send you a few notes about Tommy Cavanaugh, Class of ’55 and older brother of Pat Cavanaugh, ’57. And any time I post an interesting biography more than a year after a person’s death, I’m sorry I didn’t know the facts and post them when they were still part of a life among us.

Tom died February 5, 2013 in Ravenel, South Carolina. His yearbook bio is scant and mostly frivolous—“gives the best grease jobs” “likes girls, cars, girls, cars, and girls” and “occasionally Irish in temperament.” However, the writer said he “hopes for a career in the Navy and a happy married life.” He rose quickly in the Navy, serving in Vietnam, on the ships, Roosevelt, Inchon, Saratoga, and Enterprise. He is reported to have been the youngest chief ever made in the U.S. Navy and retired after 29 years at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. He is buried in the historic Beaufort, S.C. National Cemetery, established in 1863 for the re-interment of Union troops

A tribute to Tom is posted at http://hosting-25037.tributes.com/show/Cwo4-Thomas-William-Cavanaugh-95202942

Tom He leaves behind, present wife Kathy, ex wife Caroline and their 3 children, Ann Marie, Thomas, Michael and deceased son Joseph. Pat Cavanaugh Alexander, his sister and member of the Class of ’57, is at waljmadre@yahoo.com

Memorials may be made in Chief Warrant Officer 4 Cavanaugh's name to the USS Inchon Association, 1868 Pool Forge, Lancaster, PA 17601-4627 or to the Post and Courier Good Cheer Fund, 134 Columbus St., Charleston, SC 29403-4800 or www.goodcheerfund.com.

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Lois Delgado: Many of us knew her better than her own daughter, but we can change that.  Elizabeth Dashnaw O'Brien recently searched the Internet for her mother's name and found our school web site. She was an infant when Lois died of leukemia in 1963. Today she's a social studies and English teacher in Massachusetts. 

She would contacted us to ask if members might send to her unvarnished memories, anecdotes, even pictures of the Lois we knew.  

One of the great rewards of this site is that together with the book of our history in school it has sometimes reunited family members and old friends.  Here is another chance to do this for Elizabeth and for Lois. Please help by sending what you have to Elizabeth at edob63 at yahoo.com (use the at sign, of course)

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Sandy Gleichmann (Thompson) invites classmates to visit her gallery and see her latest work. 

Hangenthompsongallery

326 Peruvian Ave - 325 Worth Ave

Palm Beach, FL  33480    www.hangenthompsongallery.com 

56l 832 l7l7  my cell 56l 3l3 l060

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Deceased Classmate: Douglas Andrews
Date Deceased: 03-11-2010
Age at Death: 70
Cause of Death: Complications form Alzheimer
Classmate City: Lakeland
Classmate State: FL
Classmate Country: USA
Survived By: Wife- Paula Andrews Son- James Andrews Daughter- Cyndy Andrews Granddaughter- Tracy Andrews

from Cyndy Andrews, his daughter.  "He never stopped being the most wonderful man in the whole world. The only thing we wanted more of from you was time. We love you and miss you so much. Doug Andrews "Live BIG Die POOR!"

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The following obituary for Dennis Gallagher, Class of '55, was forwarded by his lifelong friend Pete Marnane.  Pete, Dennis, Wayne Furlong, and Linn Styles remained friends through life and in the last few years had been taking an annual cruise together.

GALLAGHER, DENNIS, 74, resident of South Fla. since 1967, lost his

valiant battle with cancer on October 4, 2011. Born on Long Island in  1937 to Carolyn Keeneth Gallagher and Frank Gallagher, Dennis attended  Sea Cliff schools and spent 4 years with the US Coast Guard, culminating  in 2 exciting years in the Greek Islands as a radio man for the Voice of  America. He moved the World's Fair hydrofoil operation to Miami in 1967,  operating out of the Seaquarium and DuPont Plaza, working later as a  yacht captain and at other marine industry positions. Dennis was pre-  deceased by his parents and his sister, Patricia Lewis and is survived  by his wife of 48 years, Caroljean; son, Sean; daughters, Jocelyn Thomas  (David) and Erin Zangari (Marc); grandchildren, Ryan, Cameron, Max,  Major and Riley and brothers-in-law, James Stephan and Thomas Stephan.  After his strong devotion to family, his next passion was choral music.  Dennis sang for over 30 years in several Catholic choirs, traveling to  Rome, the Vatican and St. Thomas, VI for concerts. His happy, positive  and loving nature will be sorely missed by his family and a host of  friends, many dating from early childhood. A Mass will be celebrated at  Holy Rosary - St. Richard Catholic Church, 7500 SW 152 St., Palmetto  Bay, on Saturday, Oct. 15th at 11:00 AM. Contributions in Dennis  Gallagher's name may be made to: Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer  Foundation. View this Guest Book at www.MiamiHerald.com/obits. Published in The Miami Herald on October 12, 2011uarie
 tuary

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 Resi Lord began teaching French and German at North Shore High in the mid 60s and lived from then until now on Carpenter Avenue below the Russian church.  She quickly became a very popular teacher.  Sunday, December 5, Resi passed away at her home with her son Andy (Andreas, class of '67) by her side along with old friend and former Social Studies teacher George Pappas.  Her daughter Susan is a medical doctor in Portland, Oregon.

Resi's former students often came to visit and enjoy her hospitality, lively evenings of conversation, and generous gourmet cooking.  

I first met her when I returned to the US from graduate school and Erika Salloch (mother of Roger Salloch, '59) suggested Resi could help me with German translation I was doing.  I often joined the group of high school students who gathered at her house once a week for conversation practice.

Her husband was also a German immigrant and a surgeon in Barnesville, Ohio before they moved to Sea Cliff.  He died soon after the move and Resi went back to college to earn her teaching credentials.  

Her last few years she grew steadily weaker and lost most of her eyesight but nothing of her insight and gentle humor.

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"Look Back And Cheer," reveals much about our school and communities that we did not now then and many never knew.  While it uses the last graduating class from Sea Cliff as a K-12 school, the Class of '57, as its focus, the history includes stories and reflections about many people in other classes, about the role of the school's communities, about parents, businesses, employers, and what they meant.

In its 422 pages of stories and text Look Back And Cheer reveals not a "Silent Generation" but a "Creative Generation."  As one contributor noted, take the roofs off of our houses and we'd be surprised by the number of troubled families.  The witness of this book, however, is that despite the troubles, the quality of the school and its communities provided a vital support.

The author reveals how many students whose classmates and others thought would fail in life made good in ways no one imagined. 

Sea Cliff school was a "mini-society with training wheels" and apparently almost everyone mastered the art of survival and success.

The book explains in terms of individual lives and stories not only the way this happened but why it happened.

Available from Amazon.com and other suppliers.  Author: Wallace Kaufman

ISBN 1453722211

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 Whether your class is planning a reunion or you want to find out something about people in your class or who have certain experience, we can set up a survey on this site.  I just set up a very simple survey for the Class of '57 to help it choose a time and place for its next reunion.  

We can do the same for any class or group of classes.  A survey can also be about opinion, life experiences, or anything you would like to know about.  No individual names are attached to the answers.  The answers themselves can be visible to everyone or kept until the survey is complete.