Happy New Year to the Class of '65!

THE
B E S T

IS YET TO

COME!

HAPPY

NEW YEAR!

Wishing you good health, good friends, and good times

Condolences to the Family of Fran Antunovich Esposito

Fran's brother, Bob Antunovich and his wife, Sally, lost their only daughter, Rachel, unexpectedly on December 23rd.  Rachel was 24 years old.

The family didn't have insurance on Rachel, nor did she have insurance at work, as she was part time.  Bob's nephew, Bob Fiorito, has set up a fund to help the family with funeral expenses.  Anyone who would like to help can do so by going to this GO FUND ME page.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Fran and the entire Antunovich family.

Wishing the Class of '65 a Joyous Holiday Season

As you are surrounded by family and friends, and as you think about those who may be separated by distance or circumstance during this holiday season, may you find peace and joy in the beauty and blessings of your life. 

Pre-Holiday Pow Wow

Thanks to Marianne Indusi Solak for sharing photos of the latest Pow Wow held at Taormina Restaurant on November 18th.

Carol, Nancy, Dolores, Carol, Nina, Cliff, Art, and Marianne

Dolores, Carol, Nina, Nancy, and Cliff

Cliff and Art

Marianne, Carol, and Dolores

Marianne and Carol

Carol

In Memory of Mike Sellazzo

It is a real tribute to Mike that a large number of classmates contributed to the wreath for his wake and funeral.  All funds received that went beyond the cost of the wreath were sent to FAMILY HOUSE in Pittsburgh in memory of Mike.  The donation was for $650.  We are blessed to be a part of such a caring community of friends!

Here is the message that was included with the wreath:  In grateful appreciation for Mike's never-ending dedication and spirit.  We will miss your wonderful smile and your big heart!  The OHS Class of 1965

May we all continue to honor Mike's memory and his love of the Class of '65 by keeping his undying class spirit going today and always!

Ric Feeney's Remembrance Painting

Ric Feeney created this beautiful watercolor as a remembrance of our classmates who are no longer with us.  Ric will make prints available for purchase… details will be coming soon.

Painting by Ric Feeney
www.Ricfeeney.com

50th Reunion Dedication

Mike Sellazzo was the glue that held our class together for the past 50 years.  He was the perfect leader - he delegated assignments to the folks he knew would do the job and he checked in periodically to share ideas and provide encouragement.  His dedication to the Class of '65 will never be forgotten and it was most appropriate that our 50th Reunion was dedicated to him.

​During the past few weeks since Mike passed away I have shared the story of the beginnings of the blog with several people. It was suggested that I share it with everyone.  

I can still remember when I first pitched the idea of the blog to Mike.  He and Laura were vacationing in Arizona in March of 2008 and he walked from the condo they were renting to my house for a visit.  We talked about planning for a 45th reunion and I shared my idea about creating a class blog.  He told me to go for it and also told me that David had been working on a directory and perhaps we should put his directory and my blog together in planning for the the next reunion.  And so the partnership began.  Mike, of course, was always there to encourage us along the way.  

Dedicating our 50th reunion to Mike is a well-deserved honor.  We will all miss his great smile, his big heart, and his undying love of the Class of '65.

Ric Feeney's Poem from Memorial Service

For those who asked (and for those who couldn't attend), here's the poem from the memorial service.

One light goes out and then another
As we say goodbye to a sister or brother
We know so well they left an ember
A glow of love a loss to remember
Wasn’t it yesterday we were children at play
When all we longed for was Saturday
Castle walls carved in sand
Summer nights holding hands
Dreams of love and rock n rollin
Memories of kisses stolen
Space fantasies on morning cartoons
Then all of a sudden a man on the moon
Rivalries Peekskill and (Boo!) Sleepy Hollow
Bandstand nights!
“Look who’s dancing so slow”
Finally, our kind of music on the radio
One light goes out and then another
On our horizon—stormy weather
Work or college or off to war
What was it again we’re sacrificing for?
Career or family or balancing both
Sometimes I miss doing nothing the most
Personal notes become texts and tweets
Light from the laptop illumines our sheets
Springtime to summer then summer to fall
It’s growing colder when you get the call
Remember your friends, the best from your youth
Remember to say the “How I love you’s!”
You might want to say them again and again
Cause this is earth and this too will end
A light flickers tho the warmth lingers on
And the sands of time slip thru fingers and are gone
We’ll wake one winter morning only to discover
One light goes out and then another

Ric Feeney and friends for the Class of ‘65

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Those Were the Days

Pook Siprin Bellini

From the earliest moments of the planning for this reunion with Mike Sellazzo several years ago, there has been great anticipation of the celebration of our 50th reunion.  Time passed quickly and, before I knew it, we were down to a year, and then 6 months, and then a month, days, and, finally, the time arrived to celebrate this special Class of '65 event.

As I made the drive from my cousin's home in NJ to Peekskill, I drove through beautiful Harriman State Park.  Somewhere within the park, I decided to put on the 60s music channel on Sirius XM radio.  The very first song that I heard was THOSE WERE THE DAYS.  Wow!  What an appropriate beginning to our reunion weekend!  

Below are the lyrics and here is a video of Mary Hopkin singing this great song:  THOSE WERE THE DAYS

Once upon a time there was a tavern
Where we used to raise a glass or two
Remember how we laughed away the hours
And dreamed of all the great things we could do

Those were the days my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we choose
We'd fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way.

Then the busy years went rushing by us
We lost our starry notions on the way
If by chance I'd see you in the tavern
We'd smile at one another and we'd say

Those were the days my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we choose
We'd fight and never lose
Those were the days, oh yes those were the days
La la la la...

Just tonight I stood before the tavern
Nothing seemed the way it used to be
In the glass I saw a strange reflection
Was that lonely woman really me

Those were the days my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we choose
We'd fight and never lose
Those were the days, oh yes those were the days
La la la la...

Through the door there came familiar laughter
I saw your face and heard you call my name
Oh my friend we're older but no wiser
For in our hearts the dreams are still the same

Those were the days my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we choose
We'd fight and never lose
Those were the days, oh yes those were the days
La la la la...

Message from Marianne Indusi Solak

It was an amazing OHS 50th Reunion. First, I want to thank Carol Desiderio, David Perugini, Pook Bellini, Cliff Obenauer and Susan Swanson for all of their efforts in bringing us together once again. Many thanks to Ric Feeney and Willard Cofield for leading us in prayer at all of our events. A big thank you to all of the committees in their involvement as well. It was wonderful seeing many classmates I hadn't seen for a while and spending time with them. The dinner at Taormina Restaurant in Peekskill was delicious and well done. The Remembrance Ceremony for our deceased classmates at the Hudson River in Ossining was very touching and meaningful. Walking the halls of OHS brought back a lot of fond memories. The Banquet at Cortlandt Colonial was just wonderful. The food, music and dancing was great; the dancing was a blast. A big thank you to our buddy Mike Sellazzo for keeping us together for all these years; the camaraderie of our class is truly inspiring. Let's all remember the good times and stay well until we meetup again. 
My Love To All, 
Marianne Indusi Solak. 

In Memory of Our Classmates Who Are No Longer With Us

Thoughts shared by Howard Young…
   Our classmates aren't supposed to die. Oh, many may come and go through our lives, but the core - those like Mike who are here year after year - they're not supposed to die, for their presence brings stability to our lives. We know as the day begins that we will see familiar faces, hear familiar voices, and that is somehow calming in this frantic world.

     No, these classmates of ours aren't supposed to die because they are us, and we're not ready to die. We know much about their lives as we hear about their triumphs and their sorrows, their dreams and their realities. We laugh with them, we sing with them, and sometimes we cry with them, but we never cry for them because our classmates aren't supposed to die.

     Our classmates aren't supposed to die because their children and grandchildren are still growing, still learning, still chasing their dreams. We hear about their grandchildren's births; we see their children grow and mature. As days and years went by, we knew when their children started to drive, had their first date, went to the prom, and left for college. No, our classmates aren't supposed to die because if they die, they might miss these things, and we don't want them to miss these experiences because we wouldn't want to miss them.

     Sometimes our classmates leave us as they move away or begin their retirement. But these are happy events as new worlds are being explored. We wish them well because we know that they can still be part of our life if we want them to be. We can always call and say hello, and with some, we often do. But die? No, they're not supposed to die because that separation is forever, and we can't imagine that.

     As I sit here in my sorrow, I become angry and I want to shout at Mike, Susan and the others who have passed and say, "How could you leave us! Don't you know that there are too many experiences yet to happen, and too many places still to visit? You had no right. . . it isn't fair. . . you had too much of a life yet to live! Don't you know our classmates aren't supposed to die!"

     And yet now I realize that although they may be physically gone, they will forever be part of us. When we hear the Beach Boys or the Beatles sing, we will think of them; when we watch the Yankees or the Giants play, we will remember them; when we share a box of chocolate or a beer, they will be in our thoughts; when we have a reunion of even two of us, they will be there with us. Our classmates aren't supposed to die, and with our memories of them, they never will.

We Mourn the Passing of Pete Bona

9/12/15

Well the Class of '65 has just lost another Veteran . Just talked with Audrey Bona and our dear friend Pete Bona just passed away a little while ago.  We just got him moved from the hospital to Agape for rehab, etc. yesterday and thought he was doing better after seeing him yesterday . Audrey got the call a short while ago that they were taking him to the ER and the doctor told her he had passed . Going to get her now and will let everyone know more as info becomes available . Please keep Audrey in your prayers . God Bless !!!
- Eddie Gerosa (Pat Orlando Gerosa's husband)

Pete's Obituary

We Mourn the Passing of Mike Sellazzo

Whenever we hear the news of the passing of a classmate, we are all deeply saddened… each and every loss is difficult.  Sadly, over the years we have lost too many of our classmates and with each death we are made more aware of just how precious the time we share together really is.  Our memories carry us back to a special time in our lives… a more innocent time, a time when we learned the meaning of true friendship.

Though we went our separate ways after high school, we reunited as a class for our 10th, 25th, 35th, and 45th (held a year early) reunions, and we enjoyed our 65@65 Birthday Bash just a couple of years ago.  As hard as it is to believe, we are now just a few weeks away from our 50th.  Those special gatherings gave us the opportunity to renew old friendships and begin some very special new ones.  The one common denominator in all of those events was Mike Sellazzo.  While the committees for all of our reunions varied over the years, Mike was always there to lead the way.  He was truly the glue that held our class together.  He loved the Class of '65 and he was loved and respected by all of us.  We will miss his big heart, his wonderful smile, and his never-ending dedication to our class.

On a personal note, words cannot express how saddened I am by the news of Mike's death.  I last spoke to him when he first got to the hospital in Pittsburgh and I was so pleased to learn that he was going to get a long-awaited lung transplant. I had great hopes of doing a video chat with him from the reunion, so we could all cheer him on and let him know how much he was loved by all of us.  Sadly, he passed away before he received the transplant.  My thoughts and prayers go out to Laura and the entire Sellazzo family.  May the love of family and friends bring you comfort during this difficult time and may wonderful memories bring you peace and put a smile on your face today and always.  

Rest in peace, Mike.   I will miss you, old friend.
- Pook

Services for Mike will be Wednesday night 4-9 at Nardone's funeral home in Peekskill NY. His funeral service is Thursday 10am at Holy Spirit, Cortlandt Manor NY.

Mike's Obituary:  Click HERE.

 

I'm shocked and saddened to learn of Mike's passing. I'm proud to have been his classmate.

- James Allen Hodnick

My heart goes out to Mike's family, although I haven't had any contact with him for over 50 years whenever I think of OHS and our leader I can't help but smile. He will surely be missed.

- Erik Anderson

As I read the passing of Mike it not only shocked me it sadden me too loose a friend Mike was the heart of the class he will be greatly missed by class and me. Rest in Pease my friend. My heart goes out to his family, he will not be forgotten!

- Jim Evans 

I am shocked as are all of us in the class of 65'to hear of the passing of Mike. I knew of his lung condition for some time but held out hope all would go well for him. My heart hurts for Mike and his family. He is at peace without any more earthly suffering. Mike God be with you my friend. 

- Knob

I am shocked as are all of us in the class of 65'to hear of the passing of Mike. I knew of his lung condition for some time but held out hope all would go well for him. My heart hurts for Mike and his family. He is at peace without any more earthly suffering. Mike God be with you my friend.

- Bob Rodgers

I just now returned from a long holiday weekend, hearing the passing of Mike I'am shocked and sadden of his passing. Rest in peace my friend 

- Preston Adams

Our heart goes out to all of Mike's family. Our prayers will be with all of you. Mike has been a wonderful friend, leader, and organizer. Mike will be missed by the whole class of 65'.
Mike is with the Lord, resting in his arms.
Farewell, my friend
- Paul & Trudy 

I did not really know him, but still remember his infectious, constant smile. A giant of a man. What a loss for his family & friends.

- Carol Stracker Blancard

I was so sad to read that Mike has passed away.  I have known Mike since Park School days and you can't really think of OHS without thinking of our wonderful class president, Mike Sellazzo.  Thanks for the memories Mike...may you rest in peace.  My condolences to his family.

- Pamela Orts Siegel

I was very sad to hear of Mike's passing away. Whenever I saw Mike he always made it a point to stop and chat. He worked very hard to keep the class of '65 together and he will certainly be missed by all. I know Mike will want us to continue the celebration of our 50th. He will be with us all along with the others that he has joined from our class and will also be missed.  My thoughts and prayers are with Mike and his family. May he rest in peace.
- Helen Gordon Gantz

I, too, have known Mike since Park School, his humor and love of life consistently drew people to him… thoughts and prayers.
- Donna McGinigle-Gilroy

Get Well Wishes to Mike Sellazzo

8/25/15 - UPDATE
Just heard from Mike... he's currently in the hospital in Pittsburgh awaiting a lung transplant, which he's been on a wait list for for some time. He went down there yesterday, but no date has been set for the transplant. He regrets that he won't be there for the reunion, but he'll certainly be there in spirit. Hopefully his surgery will be behind him by then and we'll be able to video chat with him. Keep Mike in your thoughts and prayers!
-Pook

8/17/15 - UPDATE
I spoke with Mike today... he's feeling good, but still has a lot of fluid in his legs.  He's hoping to be released by mid-week... but, it will depend on how things go.  As of right now, Mike is still planning to attend the reunion.  He is overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and love he's receiving and asked that I express his gratitude to everyone.  He'll be sending out a message once he gets home and has access to his computer.  I reminded him that he's the glue that holds us all together and we're all counting on seeing him at the reunion.  
- Pook


8/15/15 UPDATE FROM MIKE:

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS NEEDED

Carol ‘Desiderio’ Moshier just called me to let me know that our iIlustrious leader, Mike Sellazzo was just admitted to an area hospital because of both pulmonary and heart-related distress. Mike has been having some health issues, but this is an unexpected wrinkle in his road to wellness.
As you know, Mike has been the glue for our class since graduation - keeping us connected as he orchestrated our reunions throughout the years. He is a completely unselfish being who loves his ‘people’ - we in his class, his friends and family, and most recently - if you have been following his Facebook posts - his wonderful array of grandchildren.
Mike is the best. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
-David Perugini

Some Facebook responses to this news:

More messages for Mike:

• Get well soon wishes from Marie and I with real appreciation for your frequent inquiries regarding Marie's health status.  - Rod Kooney

• I am not on face book or any of that stuff please pass along to Mike S too get better. The class needs him the most. Take care.  - Jimmy Evans

•  I didn't know about Mike Sellazzo.  Please give him my best. - Bob Globerman

• Mike I hope all turns well for you and Good Luck.  - Bob and Barb Craft
  
  
  

Tim Fewkes

Check out this recent photo of classmate Tim Fewkes!

Tim was a member of our legendary T&F team.
- David Perugini

Paul Denis and Family

(L to R) Samantha, Angela (daughter), Christina, Paul, & Caroline

Condolences to Barbara Schlichtman Doorley on the Passing of Her Father

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Barbara and her family on the passing of their father.   James C. Schlichtman was a longtime resident of Ossining.  He died on July 1 at the age of 95.
 MR. SCHLICHTMAN'S OBITUARY

We Mourn the Passing of Elaine Maguire Myers

I am so sad to let everyone know my very dearest friend Elaine Myers went to heaven today and is finally at peace with God. Her family were all with her today.  She is now relieved of all pain and suffering. 
- Janet Lips Bricken

We all are deeply saddened by the news of Elaine's passing.  She fought a valiant fight and was an inspiration to all.  May her family find peace and comfort in wonderful memories
-Pook Bellini

ELAINE'S OBITUARY


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AMERICAN PIE - ANTHEM OF OUR GENERATION

Here's a wonderful video explanation of the words to Don McLean's AMERICAN PIE.  

As an aside, us Westchester folks may find the legend about "The Levee" being a bar in New Rochelle and the suggestion that the chorus line is actually, "Good ol' boys were drinking whiskey in Rye (as opposed to whiskey and rye)" of interest.  Here are a couple of articles that discuss the Westchester connection to the song.  BTW, the original 16-page working manuscript of the lyrics sold at auction for $1.2 million.

2015 Washington Post Interview With Don McLean

2011 Article About New Rochelle Connection

Bill Murphy Shares Photo of OHS Cross Country Runners

With our 50 year HS reunion approaching, this photo appeared in Track & Field News when a group of OHS cross country runners won the nationwide competition in record time. Amazingly, our younger teammates repeated the feat a couple of years later. Kneeling, left to right are Vinny Fallon, Calvin Rascoe, Steve Jacobson. Standing are Jim Burhans, John Lengers, Bill Sileo, Bill Murphy.

- Bill Murphy

"Found" Classmates

Woohoo!  Thanks to continuing sleuthing by Susan Swanson and David Perugini, we have found the following classmates:

• Edna Jordan
• Donald Dalton
• Gail Berlin Zingaro

Welcome to the fold!

We Mourn the Passing of Frank Sherwood

Sue Swanson has shared the news that Frank Sherwood has passed away.  Frank was married to our classmate, Beverly Pennock Sherwood.  He and Bev made their home in Winchester, VA., where for many years he owned and operated a Christmas Tree farm called Sherwood Forest.  Frank is survived by Bev, daughter, Alicia (Darryl Willis), and granddaughter, Amanda Sherwood Willis. A celebration of Frank's life was held Saturday, April 11th in Berryville, VA.  Our condolences go out to Bev and family.
FRANK'S OBITUARY
IN MEMORIAM

Bill Murphy and Jim Burhans Reunite at AMD Field Dedication to Coach Covert

Caught up with my old friend Jim Burhans, after 45 years.
-Bill Murphy 

For more photos and information CLICK HERE.

We Mourn the Passing of Cathy Kimball Altro

With great sadness we learned that our classmate and friend, Cathy Kimball Altro, passed away today (April 10, 2015).  Many in our class remember Cathy from long-before our OHS days.  In recent years she was an active Facebook participant and those on FB enjoyed staying connected with her.  Our condolences and prayers go out to her husband, Ron, and son, Ron, Jr.  Cathy will be sorely missed by all who knew her.  
CATHY'S OBITUARY
IN MEMORIAM

Condolences to Jill Irving Sherwood on the Passing of Her Sister

Jill Irving Sherwood's sister Gail passed away.  She was 73.
-Mike Sellazzo

Reunion Update

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT THE MOST CURRENT UPDATE!

THERE HAS BEEN A VENUE CHANGE FOR FRIDAY NIGHT.

GO TO THE UPDATE LINK AT THE TOP OF THE LEFT SIDEBAR 

FOR THE MOST CURRENT REUNION INFORMATION!

We're now just six months away from our 50th reunion!  
If you haven't already done so, MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW for the weekend of September 25-27, 2015!  Mike Sellazzo and Carol Moshier Desiderio and their team have been working hard to come up with some great activities and venues for our reunion weekend.  

The reunion invitations will be sent out soon… watch for that email from David Perugini!

Please note that we have contractual deadlines to meet, so your early reply will be very much appreciated!

Here's the latest update on the events that have planned…

Link:  Holiday Inn Express and Suites : Peekskill-Lower Hudson Valley

Reunion Sponsors/Donations

We are deeply grateful for the generous donations that were made toward our 2009 reunion.  Those donations helped to bolster our reunion coffers, allowing us to keep costs down for everyone.  Based on the success of that donation program, we are including an official 'Donation' opportunity on the invitations for this reunion.  Donations are not required, but, should you want to donate, any amount - small or large - would be appreciated. Just mark your donation amount on your invitation response and include that amount with your payment. These funds will help to cover any extra expenses that we may encounter.  

Field at AMD Dedicated to Coach John Covert

The new track and field facility at Anne M. Dorner Middle School was  dedicated in the name of Coach John Covert this past April.  On April 11, 2015 a monument and plaque will also be dedicated to him. 
- Mary Ann Vargo Roberts

Go to our FACULTY page for more information.










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Joe Campanella

Came from Italy in 1958, got tortured for a while by the greatest classmates that I continue to treasure. And thank them all for their contributions that shaped my future.  And yes! I finally learned English!

So far I have retired twice.  24 years with Westchester County as Director of Medical Services, 21 years as CEO of a large home health care trade association in New York City. In 2013 I formed my consulting firm, LTC Consulting Group, specializing in long term care services. 

My greatest accomplishment is being a dad to my beautiful 13 year old daughter Emma! And as my father used to say "if you ain't a good dad you ain't nothing!"  Personally I live by "What you do in this life... echoes into eternity!" 

Peace.
Joe  

Congratulations to Erik Anderson on His Retirement

I did manage to retire January 5th 2015 from Santa Fe College  in Gainesville Florida where I served as Director of Facilities Operations. Currently filling my time with Grandkids, yard projects and fishing.

Regards, 
Erik

We Mourn the Passing of Linda Knapp Dunn

It is with great sadness that Marianne Indusi Solak has shared the news of the passing of Linda Knapp Dunn on March 3, 2015.  Our thoughts  and prayers go out to Linda's family.

LINDA'S OBITUARY  
IN MEMORIAM 

Condolences to Pete Bona on the passing of his Dad

On Sunday, February 15th, Pete Bona's father, Peter Bona, passed away.  Condolences to Pete and his family. 

Congratulations to Willard Cofield on His Retirement