Paul Sawicki

I need to apologize for not correctly representing my posting on the elderly.  I did not create it - it was something I found on X that I thought would resonate with our class.

When I posted it, it did not occur to me that folks would assume I wrote it.  If I had realized that, I would have provided attribution.

I’ll be more careful in the future.

Larry Terkel

I want to add my thank you to Paul for such a beautiful description of what we have all experienced in this amazing life. I have enjoyed a retirement gig teaching Intro to World Religion at Kent State and it never ceases to amaze me that there is a class called the "Sixties" taught in the History Department. 

I give my class a teaching from the sixties. I tell them we gave you a word. The word is "stoned." It's our word. They can use it but I want them to know where it came from. (I always know what I'm dealing with by which students smile at this teaching.) I tell them it comes from the word "astonished." To be stoned is to be in the state of astonishment. I tell them, you don't need the drugs. Simply cultivate amazement. Live in the wow as much as you can.

Our lives have been amazing on so many levels. If you missed any of it, Paul has reminded us. Thank you Paul.

Larry Terkel. 

Rob Shattuck

Torchy, might you post an explanation about why you felt you needed to delete the message I posted?

Jeffrey Pollock (Pollock)

I read Paul's apology.  The fact that he didn't write it but sourced it from an internet post that none of us had seen was the value.

I still appreciate Paul's seeing it and reposting in on our Shaker web page.  The only thing missing is the name of who wrote the original post.  Thank you Paul for sharing it with us.

Edward Torchy Smith

https://obits.cleveland.com/us/obituaries/cleveland/name/roger-bamberger-obituary?id=61841431

Edward Torchy Smith

Rennie and I knew Roger for over 70 years.  We all went to Boulevard together and stayed in touch.  We met his lovely wife, Susan at a Deli there a few years ago.  Roger always made you feel special .  He was a kind, intelligent man with many gifts.  I already miss him.

Yikes, Rennie, Leslie and now Roger - all my childhood buddies

Joan Habluetzel (Machovina)

I was so sorry to read about the passing of Roger Bamberger.  Unless you attended Boulevard, you might not have known that Roger was "my first child".  He played my son in the play, The Emperor's New Clothes.  Roger had an incredible smile and laughing eyes, and even though I was at least a foot taller than him, I thought he was just the cutest. The part he played may have helped him in his impressive career in law.  Roger was able to see through phoniness and told the truth, especially when he said his line, "The Emperor is not wearing anything at all!"

My deepest sympathy to his wife and family.  Joan

Ellen Kaufman

I have very sad news to report and that is that our friend, class clown and connecter, Torchy Smith, died today. I have known Torchy for so long that I don't remember not knowing him; it's really difficult to wrap my head around a world without him.  Torchy was the glue that kept us together for 60+ years. Whether it was reunion organizing or, particularly, managing this site.  I expect that the site will go dark - along with our good friend Torchy.  My heart is heavy and I wish peace for all those friends and family who hold Torchy in their hearts.

Ellen Kaufman

Cookie Chesler (O'Neill)

I join with Ellen and all of our friends, classmates, and all who knew Torchy, in grieving the loss of our dear friend.  He has been a very big part of our lives for so long in so many ways.  He will be greatly missed and remembered by all who knew him. This is really hard.
Torchys's funeral service will be available on the Berkowitz Kumin website on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Howard Falcon

Hearing that Torchy has passed is a big downer and a space that will be impossible to fill having known him since 7th grade. He was a friend and a person you can always talk to knowing your getting a straight answer. As mentioned I am sure that this site will soon be just a memory that may soon be forgotten, where as Torchy will always be in our thoughts when thinking about Shaker. May he rest in peace knowing that he was loved by many.

Judith Davidson (Waller)

I am shocked by the news of Torchy's passing. I met his Son Matt last week when I picked Torchy up to play golf. He helped me improve my game as he gave me great advice. We got together often and even though he was struggling he had a great sense of humor and told a lot of great stories. Torchy had a wonderful plethora of friends. He will truly me missed. My heart goes out to his family and friends. I was blessed to have known him for so many years. 

Herbert Ascherman, Jr.

I join you all in mourning Torchy's loss. Words cannot acurately convey the impact that he had upon all of our lives, both then and now. Lenghty tributes are not enough to appreciate what he has done for us all. 

Sande Gerth (Chernett)

To all of us that have been on this site and have followed Torchy for years, it it incredibly sad to know that he is gone. May his memory be a blessing. 
  Hopefully, all of us who have been on this site will continue to post messages and keep in touch with each other as a tribute to Torchy.

Sande 

Susan Palmer (Peiper)

I am sure that many of you have already heard of the passing of Torchy Smith  
The "MAYOR " of our Class  He made us Laugh.. He kept us together as a Unit He kept us up to date on our very  Special  closely knit  group He will be missed by many  May his Memory Be a Blessing 

RIP TORCHY

Susan Palmer Peiper

Jeffrey Pollock (Pollock)

I am saddened by the passing of Torchy.  I feel that I have known him for more than 60 years.    I hope someone taked over this site to keep all of us connected.

Carole Hyman

So sorry to hear about Torchy. Despite my odd, in between status--having moved from Shaker to Philadelphia right after I started at Shaker High--he welcomed me to this site. He was a lovely guy. May his memory be for a blessing. Carole Hyman

Trish Rowe

Just got the email about Torchy's passing. He was indeed the glue that held us together, and although I don't check this website that often, it was reassuring to know it was still available. I have great memories of Torchy. Does anyone know how many times he got sent out of the classroom because he was acting up? I remember one time, don't remember the teacher's name, but Torchy did or said something and was asked to leave the class. It was Spring and the windows were wide open. Just as he got up to leave, the wind blew into the classroom, and he said, "Gone with the wind," with that Torchy grin. Man, this one makes me feel old. RIP, Edward Smith. You will be greatly missed. <3

Betsy Slobody (Whitaker)

I am so saddened to hear of Torchy's passing.  I was only at Shaker for 3 years so I do not have the same history that many of you shared concerning Torchy.  I was always so impressed at his commitment to keep our class informed and together.  He will be missed by all that knew him.  I am so thankful for everything he did for our class.  He will not be forgotten.

Betsy Slobody (Whitaker)

I am so saddened to hear of Torchy's passing.  I was only at Shaker for 3 years so I do not have the same history that many of you shared concerning Torchy.  I was always so impressed at his commitment to keep our class informed and together.  He will be missed by all that knew him.  I am so thankful for everything he did for our class.  He will not be forgotten.

Judith Davidson (Waller)

OBITUARY

Edward T Smith

APRIL 6, 1947 – JULY 27, 2026

Richard Hollander

​News of Torchy's passing is very sad.  He has performed a great service to our class by keeping us connected to each other over many years and leaves behind a great legacy.  My sympathies go out to his family.

Judith Davidson (Waller)

Bennett Tramer

Torchy, my God. He told me he wasn't doing well when we talked on his birthday, but like everyone the news is hard for me to absorb.  We were friends since 7th grade, but become closer in the zilllion decades since.No one comes close to doing as much for our class, to personifying what friendship and caring is all about, than Torchy.

Also thinking of those Lomond friens he remained close to his whole life - Paul, Ronnie, Dick (and Aaron, don't know if he went to Lomond) I know this is an espcially tough time for you guys. And Ellen, thanks for telling us news that must have been so difficult to relate.

Well, Torchy loved his family,  and Peggy Halley, Matt and the grandkids will have him in their hearts forever.  We will too.

Susan Winer (Rao)

So sad to learn of Torchy's passing.  Although I didn't remember him from high school, I certainly got to know him over the years as someone who was dedicated to the Class of 1965 and all of its members.  As long as Torchy was alive, we were all still members of this Class.  What a loss to his family, friends, and extended Shaker family.  RIP.

Donald Schiffer (Moved Away After 10th Grade)

This is very sad news.  Torchy and I were friends from Lomond, Woodbury and Shaker until I moved away junior year.  After that we totally lost touch.  Then, to my amazement and delight, he reached out and contacted me while doing his reunion work.  I got to spend some quality time with him at the 50th, which I will always treasure.  So many memories, difficult to bear this one.  He will live on in the memories of those who loved him.