Classmates

On this page we would like to have your biographies. They will be posted on the site as we receive them. Please write a few paragraphs about yourself (your dreams, your experiences, etc.) so that classmates can get to know you better. They can be emailed to pam.woodbury@ramapo1959.org or snail mailed to Donna Castiglione Bocco, 700 Elton Adelphia Road, Freehold, NJ 07728.

Heather Gray Prant - I met my husband Richard (Dick) at a party at Bill King’s backyard after graduation. We married a year later. Our daughter Nancy is married to Tim Hooker. They have two children, Charlie and Heather. Our son Christopher is divorced and has four children, Gray, Devin, Griffen and Carlton. Our daughter Sarah is married to Tony Ercolano and has a daughter Sophia.

We lived in Franklin Lakes for some 40 years, but now live on a horse farm in Flemington, NJ. Our daughters and two granddaughters show the hunters and jumpers and our son plays polo with some “home grown” horses. We have a winter home in Wellington, Florida. Some of the best trips we’ve had were salmon fishing Alaska and British Columbia with our son and two oldest grandsons. Our family is a true blessing. We all remain very close.

I enjoy volunteering and working with Touch the World Youth Ministries, a group I am passionate about. I will probably still be involved at the next reunion. We run the Solid Foundation Skate Park, a Christian outreach group in the parking lot of our Midland Park office. We develop and manage industrial real estate. We work with Oasis from Paterson, NJ which is a safe haven for needy women and children. They come out to our farm once a week in the summer. The blessing is ours! Also part of my community volunteering is the Wyckoff Family YMCA where I was on the Board of Directors for more years than I will admit to! I was fortunate to be a part of developing the Y into the community center it is today. I work with the South Branch Water Association, a biological and environmental group monitoring our streams and watersheds identifying problems and finding solutions. A section of the south branch of the Raritan River runs through our farm.

Bob Gundersen and
Nancy Comstock Gundersen - It was our junior year at Ramapo HS when Bob hit the scene. He had just moved from Long Island. Nancy spotted him and thought he was “oh so cool” in his powder blue pegged pants, stitches down the side, and Pat Boone white bucks (eek). So she clipped his books in Miss Stryke’s history class in order to get a ride home from school. It worked and the rest is history. How simple times were back then.

On August 25, 1962, we were married and Nancy returned with Bob to St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN for Bob’s senior year (brrrr, snow still on the ground in April). So it was a happy day when we headed east again and Bob started seminary at Princeton. Indeed, he had every intention of becoming a minister and that lasted all of 3 months. Deciding that wasn’t for him, he shifted gears and took courses in administration and eventually used that as the foundation for his life work—managing non-profits.

Both of us started our work life together running camps for foster care kids from the South Bronx. It was the mid-60s and idealism was running high and we were out to change the world. We had already been on the March on Washington and marching on picket lines with CORE and NAACP. Between this and Vietnam, times they were a-changin’. Remember that song sung by Peter, Paul and Mary? We do. We were on stage with them at a performance at Carnegie Hall in the 60s and will never forget it.

In the later 60s, Nancy went on to get further schooling at NYU and then work for 5 years in pre-school education. Her first job was in Harlem in one of the very first Head Start programs. From there it was off to teach on the other end of the spectrum at the Ethical Culture Society on Central Park West, and finally at a community center on 26th Street. Those were our days of living in the Big Apple which we loved—first in the West Village on Bank Street and then in Chelsea on 23rd Street. How does $250 a month rent for a NYC apartment sound? Impossible, right.

In 1972, our son Scott was born and we moved to Nyack, our second favorite place to call home. While Bob commuted to NYC, Nancy got involved in community work. Together we started Nyack’s first civic organization and spent our 30s years growing up with other young families and raising our kids together. Sort of like the Beavers.

Professionally, Bob went on to head an organization that set up a computerized data base to keep track of kids in the NYC foster care system. Later he became Associate Executive Director of the Association for the Help of Retarded Citizens, an organization covering the 5 boroughs and providing residential, educational, supported work and clinical services for people with mental retardation. After 25 years, he’s still going strong. Nancy calls him a big shot but, to his everlasting credit, he remains humble and centered.

In 1982, when Scott was 10, our family was faced with a terrible tragedy. Our boy suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and lapsed into a coma. Life as we had known it and expected it would be changed forever. Although today at 37 Scott remains slightly physically impaired, most of the lasting damage from his stroke is cognitive. He thankfully lives in a supervised apartment separate from us but in Nyack (in fact across the street from us). He works part time, goes to a day program, joins us weekly for tennis and other community activities and, best of all, he loves to laugh and loves life. What could be better!

Nancy eventually returned to work, but this time as an advocate for the disabled in the lower Hudson region. Her on-the-job training with Scott led to an eventual position with the NYS Health Department developing programs to enable people with brain injury to live in the community with some degree of independence. She went on to work with Mount Sinai Hospital developing and heading a statewide mentoring program for families and people with brain injury. Retired in 2000, she now spends her time volunteering in Nyack (talk about going full cycle) and writing a monthly column for a local publication. She also spends time advocating online for international human rights issues and, in 2001, put this into action by going to Bosnia to work with orphans from the Serbo-Bosnian war.

Both of us enjoy the same past times (who knew when we were married at 21 that it would turn out that way). Tennis, gardening, politics, going into NYC, and enjoying our timeshares in Key West, FL and Stowe, VT are at the top of our list. Nancy likes traveling, but Bob is an old fart and doesn’t. Still, we’ve gotten to go to Switzerland, Italy and France although Bob says, that’s it baby! We both continue to work together on projects in our village. Bob, the consummate administrator, has enjoyed serving as a Trustee on the Village Board and also on the School Board. Nancy, the consummate program person, loves to coordinate events such as this year’s Quadricentennial events celebrating the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson sailing the Half Moon up our beautiful river.

Hey, but with all this, we never forget our days at Ramapo. Nancy remembers dancing to rock ‘n roll and loving her girlfriends and PJ parties. Bob remembers basketball and driving his car. And we both remember times at the Hansen House, raiding the kitchen (yum that excellent apple dessert) and singing Mitch Miller songs, and going up to Greenwood Lake to the Castle for beer and burgers. Funny, how all the awkwardness of adolescence fades away with the years and all that’s left are the memories of so many good friendships and the good times.

Elizabeth Hanney Curtis - I met my husband Bob when we lived in the same apartment building in Virginia. We married a year later in 1973. Bob worked for the federal government for 42 years and has retired and is now working as a consultant. I worked for the Fairfax County Public Schools in the school board and community relations’ offices for 18 years, retiring over three years ago. I still work for a neuropsychologist typing reports. Again I have lucked out, and work for a very special group people who keep in thinking young.

Along the way, we had two boys: Gregg, 33, an architect working for a small firm in Atlantic City that does work for Trump casinos; and Jeff, 30, a mechanical engineer for Richard Childress Racing in Welcome, NC. He is the chief engineer for the NASCAR #31 Spring Cup Car team driven by Jeff Burton. Although our boys each live about 4 to 5 hours from us, we try and stay in touch as much as possible. My mother who lived in Oakland and other parts of North Jersey for 90 years now lives near me and just turned 103.

My main hobby is reading. I am in two book clubs and probably read and listen to books on tape too many to count. My other hobby is the movies. My husband and I take turns picking out a movie for each week that we are home.

Regarding retirement, right now we don’t have time to think about it, but someday if the starts align right, I’d love to have a beach house at the jersey shore six months (to see Son #1) and a place in North Carolina (to see Son #2). But for now, that’s just a dream. Right now we live in a terrific place right outside DC with lots to do and plenty to keep us busy. Out other goal is to drive across country when we are totally retired.

I’ve lived in only two states, New Jersey and Virginia. In my 20’s I traveled extensively to Europe, Mid East, Haiti, Mexico and the US. Now we follow NASCAR races to Charlotte, Bristol, Dover, Richmond, Atlanta, Martinsville, and Pocono and go to weddings of relatives’ and friends children in the places such as Maine, Key West and Kiawah Island, SC. We also still spend a week at the Jersey shore every year.

I am most proud of my sons and what kind of adults they have become: very hard working and decent guys. I also am very lucky to have lived the kind of life I have had. Basically good health, a family to love, and many friends to share it with.

Douglas DeWitt-Dick - When I married, both my wife Patricia and I joined our names together: her maiden name was DeWitt. It may sound sappy, but her family is such a wonderful group, I wanted to be part of it by using their name along with mine. Sadly my wife passed away. Now there are ten grandchildren in the family ranging in age from 22 to one from our five children ages 45, 42, 39, 30 and 27. My new life partner, Ellen DeMio, and I worked together for 23 years at our former employer’s headquarters.

As an engineer, I worked on Gemini and Apollo life support and waste management programs. I’ve spent the last 39 years in industrial water treatment in sales, sales management, research, consulting and as a division technical manager. I serve as active member of three ASME Committees, on the Advisory Board of the International Water Conference, and I chair a Task Group in NACE International. I have written and presented numerous papers at technical society meetings and have had articles published both domestically and internationally. I hold three patents in the area of industrial water treatment.

I’ve called New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, New Mexico and Texas home. My travels have taken me to Mexico, Canada, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Thomas, St. Croix, Antigua, Grenada, England, Wales, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and New Zealand. My hobbies include big game hunting, fishing and golf. I am a life member of the North American Hunting Club and the Safari Club International. I have served as a Scout Master and currently serve as Eucharistic Minister and sing in the choir at church.

I remember the close friendships that seem to have faded over time, and hot David T. Ross (our esteemed principal) had very little use for the Class of ’59.

Luray Buckley Engels - I left Ramapo High School after my sophomore year when my family moved to Pompton Lakes. It was a very sad time for me since I grew up in Oakland and loved going to school at Ramapo. After graduating from Pompton Lakes High School, I attended Paterson State College for one year. I then decided to quit college and work full-time in order to save money to marry my boyfriend who was then in the Army. Big mistake! The marriage only lasted four years. However, I did leave the marriage with my beautiful daughter, Dawn, who is now 47 and lives in Charleston, SC. I married my present husband, Ed, a few years later, and we have another beautiful daughter, Tara, who is 37 and lives in Somerville, NJ. I don’t have any grandchildren, but I am busy taking care of my mother who is 90 years old and my two adorable cats.

My husband retired from the motion picture industry after working for 40 years as a key grip out of Local 52 in New York City. Needless to say, we didn’t live a normal nine to five life as he traveled over the country and Europe filming movies, series and commercials. I did get to meet many famous people, but mainly kept the home fires burning while he was away on location. Now we live in a sleepy little retirement community in South Jersey moving here six years ago to be close to my parents.

I worked many years in the banking business, starting as a teller and then moving on to become a mortgage closer and processor. After staying home for a few years, I went to work at Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pompton Plains in the Medical Records Department for thirteen years before retiring in 2003. I keep active gardening, playing shuffleboard and doing water aerobics. Typical old fogey stuff! I’m treasurer of our village garden club as well as secretary of our library as I still have a great love of reading, it’s my passion! It will be wonderful to see all my old friends after 50 years. I still keep in touch with a few great ladies and I’m looking forward to September. I laugh when I remember skipping choir practice at the ponds Reformed Church with some of the Oakland girls so we could meet some Oakland guys after dark!! Lots of fun memories!

Edwin Miller - I attended Cornell University, and then became a pilot in the Navy. Flew missions over North Viet Nam, but did not finish the final one. After five years as a POW, left the Navy and settled in San Diego, where I had been stationed. I married Maureen Arthur in 1980. We moved to Healdsburg, 75 miles north of San Francisco in Sonoma County, in 1982 and have been here since.

I have been market gardening for over 20 years, selling vegetables to local restaurants and at farmer’s markets. (Who would have thought?) I’m still at it part-time now. Guess it’s in my blood – does anyone remember my grandparents’ and uncle’s roadside stands on Franklin Lakes Road in the ‘50’s?

We have three sons. The youngest will be an undergraduate college senior this year. The middle is in grad school. The oldest lives and works in San Francisco. All the boys love San Fran and Maureen and I make frequent visits there now.

John Muller - In November 1959, I joined the Navy and left New Jersey behind. Opportunities were elsewhere. For the last 39 years, I have lived right outside of Burlington, Vermont in the small town of Hinesburg. I’ve always been fascinated by airplanes, and from my Navy experience onward, I would either work on them or on the hardware that flew on them. After the Navy, I worked for Eastern Airlines at Kennedy airport and at Grumman Aircraft, 16 Intruder flight test in Calverton, NY, and the Lunar Module Program at Cape Canaveral. I’m now retired after 36 years from BFG Aerospace, a division of Goodrich in Vergennes, VT, where I was responsible for aircraft displays and night vision. It was a fascinating career that I couldn’t have improved upon if I had actually planned it.

I met my present wife, Carol, at Hinesburg Elementary during a parent teacher night. We might have simply crossed paths in the hall but for her stunning red hair and the fact that my ex-wife introduced us. Life certainly has many twists and turns. Between us, we have five grown children; four of hers and one of mine as well as three grandchildren plus another on the way. When the kids were growing up, summers were chaotic with both of us working and the kids home from school. The attrition rate on baby sitters was appalling. All of the kids are doing well but spread around the country resulting in us being all too familiar with the nation’s air carriers. All the sitters survived, too; some even still talk to us!

Carol hasn’t retired yet, so travel must be limited to approximately three weeks per year. We’ve still managed to cruise the Mediterranean, Caribbean and travel around the U.S. On September 11, 2001, we arrived in London on our way to a cruise. Needless to say, this was a traumatic time for all of us. Everyone we met was sympathetic, but there was no consoling the flight crews we met at the hotel. Since the cruise was cancelled and there were no flights home, we decided to rent a car and tour England. We hadn’t even left the airport parking lot before we were facing a head-on collision because I was driving on the “wrong” side of the road. Fortunately, Londoners are a patient lot.

Retirement activities seem to run frantic in the summer and relaxed in the winter. During cold weather, we snow shoe, I’m in a winter dart league, and we have seasons’ tickets to University of Vermont hockey. (UVM made the “Frozen Four” this year – a big deal for college hockey.) In summer, it’s time to work on the house, cur firewood and garden. On a nice day we try to see more of Vermont and surrounding area. In the past year, I’ve volunteered as a tax preparer and a carpenter for Habitat for Humanity.

I have fond memories of many of you. I enjoyed playing in the band especially the halftime routines at football games. Saturday morning left little time to practice and there was no hiding an error during the routine with the sousaphone bell right over my head. Gabe Nakash must have been a patient man.

It wouldn’t be right not to mention a few words about growing up in Oakland. “Pleasureland” (a misnomer in the opinion of some adults) was a geographic area in south Oakland situated on a dog leg of the Ramapo River. There was then a roughly 50/50 mix of year round and summer cottages. I have summer friends and year round friends. By today’s standards it probably would be described as an economically depressed area; however, for a kid, it couldn’t have been a better place. The focal point was definitely the river. I could swim in it, boat on it, or ice skate on it, and occasionally in the spring get flooded out by it. Having read a little of the adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, I can say without a doubt that I followed in their foot steps, although I didn’t know it at the time. I think a lot about this time in my life, and if I were a better writer I’d put some of it down on paper.

Barbara Penny Banka - I met my second husband, Frank, at a New Years Eve Party several years ago. We married six weeks later on Valentine’s Day and have been together for 37 years. We have three children. We are currently living in Florida.

These days I am a free-lance editor which is keeping me very busy. I have also written three books which are available on Amazon and eBay. Just look up Penelope Banka Kreps. They are “Carnivores”, “Demon’s Fright”, and “Shadow Over Windsong”.

In my spare time I enjoy relaxing with oil painting, stained glass work, photography, and collecting semi-precious stones.

Jacqueline Fowler Knoblock - I left New Jersey after graduation from Ramapo and spent a couple of years in England at Manchester University’s Regional College of Art. I lived there and in Scotland for a time, returning to the best place of all, America, in 1962. I worked for Mutual of Omaha in New York City where I met my first husband, Richard Delarue. We were married in 1962 and had a wonderful family of five children, but unfortunately, Richard died in 1978. A strong faith sustained all of us through the following years. We lived in New York, Virginia and Maryland. Losing our middle son, Richard in 2002 at the age of 35 was another blow. It was at that time I received several letters and cards from former classmates which were very much appreciated!

I started working in Information Technology in 1977 and decided that it was the best career for the coming years. I worked for Control Data Corporation’s Eastern Cybernet Center in Rockville, Maryland, from 1977 until I left to move to the Florida Panhandle in 1985.

I met my present husband, Bruce, when I accepted a position with the DOD USAF at Eglin AFB, Florida in 1986. We both worked for a Missile Warning/Space Track Radar there until 1990 when we were transferred to Shaw AFB in Sumter, South Carolina. I was offered a Computer Operations Management Position with the 20th Supply Squadron, Shaw AFB Sumter, SC, where I worked until 2003, when my position was cut, and I went to the 20th Services Squadron at Shaw for about six months. Sumter sort of grew on us, and we had decided to stay after Bruce retired from the USAF in 1996. He still works at Shaw as a contractor for the AF.

Art has never been far from my life, and since retirement it is the focus of my time. My grandfather was a wonderful fine artist and my dad was in the graphic arts for 60 years! Our son, Rich was an incredible painter and when he died unexpectedly in 2002, we all believed he had not yet reached his full potential. His art lives on in my places. I also think of him every time I see a beautiful sunset; God wanted his talents in heaven!

In February, 2004, I had enough IT headaches and retired from the business to follow my passion for art. Joined an artists’ co-op in Sumter, SC. In 2007, that group dissolved and a friend and I stepped out on our own and opened a place in downtown Sumter that came to be known as “la bella vita” – “the beautiful life” in Italian. Besides my watercolors, pen and ink hand-painted glassware, and stained glass creations, we offer oil paintings by a friend, antiques and eclectics, imported English linens, and soap from Provence. We try to show people how affordable a “beautiful life” can be with unique finds coupled with original art creations.

Bruce and I live in a 7-year old arts and crafts style house in the Historic District of Sumter. We are “parents” to six cats who think they own the place and two German shepherds who actually do. Sumter is steeped in “Old South” culture and keeps that small town charm, some of which duplicates that which I recall from days in Oakland so many years ago. We have six children/stepchildren between us who range in age from 29 to 46. We have eleven grandchildren, and even picked up a couple of more grandchildren and three great grandchildren by marriage.

There are really far too many experiences and memories to relate here. But to wrap this up, I have to say that I have been blessed with a wonderful family, an interesting life and most importantly, thanks to my parents, I have been privileged to live most of my life in the best country that has ever been: The United States of America. I can only hope that all my classmates have had a life that holds as many blessings!

Chuck Smith - I have been with my significant other, Juanita Van Decker, for about 10 years. We live half the year in Greenwood Lake and December thru May in Florida. We have five children between us, two mine and three hers, and three grandchildren. I have two girls who live in Los Angeles. Samantha is an actress and Alison is a film producer. Juanita has a daughter in Louisville, Kentucky, an RN; a daughter in Tampa, a computer consultant to the military in the Middle East, and a son in Mahwah, a global sourcing manager.

I have been employed in civilian and military aviation for over 30 years and am mostly retired. I have traveled to almost any place you have heard of and some you haven’t.

Military flying involved me in four conflicts: Viet Nam, Panama, Granada and Desert Storm. I primarily flew the Boeing B-52 and the Lockheed C-5.

Civilian flying covered nearly all continents and major cities. I flew the inaugural longest non-stop flight (NY/JFK to Hong Kong, 17 hours) in scheduled commercial aviation. The routing was NY/JFK, Hudson Bay, North Pole, Siberia, Mongolia, Manchuria, China, and Hong Kong. I started on the Lockheed Electra and subsequently flew B-727, Airbus a-300, DC-10, B757/767, and B-747-400. I also managed a small FBO (fixed base operation) in the 1970’s for small airplanes where I was the chief flight instructor.

I now fly a corporate jet a few days a month for a wealthy individual who owns his own aircraft.

Gail Nazzaro Biggs - I have been married to Clarence (Butch) Biggs for six years. We met on Match.com on June 1, 1002 and got married Jan. 4, 2003. My children from my first marriage are as follows: Laura Keller, Morris Plains, NJ, age 39 - kindergarten teacher; Sarah Chase, Oakland, California, age 37 - artist; Abigail Galardi, Furlong, Pa., age 35 - graphic artist/art director.

The light of my life are my grandchildren, Riley, age 8, Chase, 6 and Carlyn, 2 of Morris Plains. In Pennsylvania there is Will, aged 2 and newborn Asher 2 months old.

I am retired now, but have worked as a Human Resources Administrator and Career Counselor.

For fun I enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, travel, reading, and writing. Anything Outdoors! I keep busy very busy and never seem to have enough time. Some things that keep me busy are: Work one day a week at the Community Theater in Morristown; Babysit for my granddaughter one day a week; Hike or bike one or two days a week; Literacy Volunteer once a week.

I always lived in New Jersey and did not travel until I was in my 50’s. Then I tried to make up for lost time. I’ve been to England, France, Italy, Ireland, and Canada. In the US I especially loved visiting our beautiful National Parks: Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Brice, Zion, and Capitol Reef. I also loved Tahoe, Colorado, San Francisco, Maine, and Sedona--any place I can get to!!

Throughout my life I have been a volunteer—Soup Kitchen, Meals-on-Wheels, Literacy. I also worked as a job counselor. I’ll probably never know what impact I had on people, but I like to think that there are some people out there who are better off because of my small contribution.

I only attended Ramapo Regional High School for my senior year, but I lived in Wyckoff and attended school there until I was ten. It was nice to move back for my senior year and graduate with many of my elementary school friends.

Claudia Rifflard Martel - I met my spouse Dick after Sunday Mass at St. Elizabeth’s in Wyckoff. He was stationed at the Nike base in Franklin Lakes. We were married on 10/19/63; we have three children Dan 43, Kevin 38, and Brian 32. We also have four grandchildren Sean 16 ½, Molly 14, Connor 12, Ryan 14 months, and the newest grandchild is expected to arrive around September 3rd this year.

A little about my family: our oldest son and his three children have lived with us for the past seven years; it is quite an experience raising children today. I was executive secretary to managers at Merrill Lynch, a stay-at-home mom and now I have been the substitute coordinator for the Mahwah Public Schools for 21 years.

My hobbies: I am still involved in crafts, but on a much smaller scale now. We have no plans for retirement or to retire.

We have lived in Maywood, NJ, Saddle Brook, NJ, and now have been in Mahwah for the past 38 years. We have traveled to Europe and the along the eastern coast of the US.

I am proudest about marrying my husband. He is the longest running Mayor of Mahwah – 12 years – and also my three sons. They are loving, caring and responsible, intelligent men. Each one is a loving husband and father; they constantly amaze me with their accomplishments.

I will never forget my high school days at Eastern Christian H.S. (that 8 pm bus ride home was a killer!). Ramapo HS was great; I made great friends and had many good times. The campouts on Friday nights in the woods at the end of Helena Avenue (now Rt. 208) and selling food at the football games stand out the most. I can’t imagine what those hot dogs tasted like, most of them were just passed over the pot of hot water and not too many made it into the pot! School dances were also memorable, especially the Sock Hops. Can anyone on the decorating committee forget the thousands of cherry blossoms we made for the Senior Prom? Also, weekends at Clixes, we certainly grew up in a simpler and less stressful time than the teenagers of today. It was a wonderful trip and provides many amazing times with stories and memories to last a lifetime.

P.S. The Friday night parties at Bill’s house were also fun…will not give his last name in case his children read this.

Harold C. Bickford (Cal) - The most joyous day of my life was July 31, 1971 when our son Christopher was born. Even at an early age I could tell that he was an independent caring person, always protecting the smaller kids from the school bully. Chris and I enjoyed many trips together to New England, camping with his friends on the Lake George NY islands and other outdoor activities. Chris now has a thriving oriental medicine practice in Port Saint Lucie. He and his absolutely beautiful wife Jeanette have two very active and intelligent children, Helena Jade (5) and Morgan James (3).

I met my wife, Lorene Lizzel in 1994 at a conference. We just happened to get on the elevator – it was going up. A good sign? We dated, broke up, dated. I was running. She caught me and we married in 1999. I inherited two stepchildren, Sarah, now 22 and Tom 29. Sarah survived a major car accident after being hit by a drunk driver. Her toughness and cheerfulness got her through a tough recovery. She bought a motorcycle, then her own home with the insurance money. She is now in Central Florida Community College. Tom has a son Michael Russell (3) who has beautiful, curly, blonde hair and refuses to have it cut. He is curious and talkative, yet shy.

I attended Franklin and Marshall College, my parents wish for me. I walked off the campus one day and joined the Marines. I spent two years at Parris Island, SC and Camp LeJeune, NC, then four years of drills once a month at the US Marine Reserve Training Center. After the service, I attended night school at FDU graduating in three years with a BS in Accounting and later an MBA in Management. I am a Certified Information Systems Auditor and a Certified Bank Auditor, and have a Florida Mortgage Broker License and a Marion County Schools Substitute Teacher certification. My experience at “The Fed” included two challenging money laundering investigations, testifying as an expert witness and training junior examiners. Work took me to London, Brussels, Luxembourg, Paris, Tokyo, Sydney, and San Juan. Leisure has taken me to Belize, Honduras, and Scotland.

Fond memories include dumping pumpkins out of a truck thru all three towns of Wyckoff, Franklin Lakes and Oakland. We wound up in all three police stations. Calling our history teacher Ruth Fonkin, “O Rutheeee!” We sure heard about that. Mr. Nakash chewing me out at bank. He and Mom prepared me for the Marines.

I have served and serve as Deacon in my church, sing in the choir and work on and off with Habitat for Humanity. I am always looking for ways to help people. The payback for random acts of kindness, no matter how seemingly small, is fantastic! I hope to return to Honduras to assist the people that were so compassionate and helpful when we lost Jack Nelson (’58). I’ve learned that “yes Dear” are the most effective words – the best way to resolve an issue is compromise. Be glad you’re alive and enjoy every day. NO MATTER WHAT!

Richard Cook - Rich met his wife Dianne at The Barn in Wyckoff. They were married in 1971 and have lived in the same home for 35 years. He has five children ages 43, 41, 35, 34, and 28. And, he has six grandchildren, all boys, from 16 down to 3. He writes they are all still talking. Three live in New Jersey and two in Las Vegas and they still eat eggs, red meat and potatoes.

Currently, they have an “empty nest” at home. Rich is happiest about surviving, raising children and graduating 171st in his class.

Rich’s plans for retirement include classic cars and following the Yankees and informs us his final retirement place will be George Washington Cemetery.

Rich says he still has lunch with O’Brien, rides (motorcycles) with Skip, and occasionally drinks with Ken and after all these years we still talk to one another. “Four lives, four different directions, same roots.”

Jack Hoyer - I first met Georgia in high school and we were married in August, 1962. We have been married for 47 years. We have two children, Kent, 47 and Kristine, 45. We also have two grandchildren, Sean and Nicole who are fourteen and twelve, respectively. We are most proud of our family and also the fact that we have many friends all over the U.S.

I received my B.A. degree from Baker University and have served as a general manager of K-Mart Corporation. I have been retired since 1997. We have lived in Baldwin, Kansas, as well as Terre Haute and Indianapolis, Indiana, Toledo, Ohio, and Auburn Hills, Michigan.

Since retiring Georgia and I moved to southern Louisiana, where we built a home because we wanted to get away from winter, no snow here! We live about ten minutes for the Gulf of Mexico and it gets a little windy sometimes. I keep busy building cabinets and furniture and enjoy doing it, often for free. Georgia belongs to three quilting clubs and makes and donates most of her quilts to charity.

We have traveled throughout the U.S. as well as Mexico and Jamaica.

Linda Van Kampen - Ramapo High School, 1959 and four years later, 1963, college graduation—it seemed so many years away, in 1959. The Bay of Pigs, the scare. Who could anticipate the events that would follow throughout the years. Spending every summer of my birth to college graduation in Ocean Grove, NJ, was my stability. Sun, sea, sand and shells.

I taught in Fort Lauderdale, FL for three years, (where my parents had moved while I was attending Paterson State College), followed by many years (28+) in Germany with DODDS beginning in Idar-Oberstein, on to Giessen, Neu Ulm and my last ten years in Nuremberg, retiring in 1994. Yes, I would drive to the North Sea in mid-winter to sit on the beach, walk the beach to get my four S’s in—sun, sea, sand and shells. My teaching was split between kindergarten and first grade.

I received my M.S. from the University of Southern California and my post-graduate Doctoral work was done also at U.S.C. Early childhood education and sharing/encouraging the use of Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) in the European Theater was my cause. I never thought I was working, always such fun (except for a few difficult principals!)

Living in Germany gave me the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the European continent and beyond. Experiences to fill volumes. When younger, I was quite adventurous, and did much that today, would not be safe. Sad. A few favorite vacation spots were Morocco, Tunisia and the Canary Islands. Working within the military offered interesting perspectives and an array of colleagues and friends similar to the UN.

My Mom visited often, always spending some time with her relatives in Rotterdam. Her visits were many, often long and always fun. My Mom, brother Ron and Dad have all passed away. I acquired my voice via years of therapy. My best investment ever.

In Germany during the years, I acquired three cats. I currently have two Havanese dogs, Adah Anja Osita, 7 ½ aka Adi and Keziah Olia Raphaella 1 ½, aka Kezi.

Since retiring in 1994, I lived in the Birmingham, AL area a few years and now live happily in Dunedin, FL, a small town with many European touches. My pool is heated year round so noodle kicking is possible 365 days a year. Caladesi Island in Dunedin, was recently rated the #1 best natural beach in the USA God knew where to lead me; sun, sea, sand and shells 10 minutes away.

I enjoy keeping in contact with many delightful people met during the years. My strength is in my faith and thankful to know God is in control during these coming years of potential great change.

As with many, aging has come with health issues, autoimmune diseases and a variety of surgeries were not welcome. Currently I am in the process of de-cluttering, focusing on simplicity in all areas.

Joyce Van Nimwegen DeMonte - I was introduced to my husband, Vito, by Carol Walder in 1958. Good job Carol! We will celebrate our 47th anniversary in a few weeks. We have two children, Michael lives in Newark, DE with his wife, Karen, and their three boys, ages 18 and 15 year-old twins. Our daughter, Patricia, lives in Rumson, NJ with her husband, Jim Croke and their two boys, ages 6 and 8.

After we married we moved to Monmouth County where we lived for most of 38 years. We moved to Ellicott City, MD, for about six years in the 90’s, and returned to Monmouth County when Vito retired. We now live in Jupiter, FL, returning to our home at Renaissance in Manchester, NJ for the summer months.

In these retirement years, we get the most pleasure out of spending time with our family, playing golf and traveling. I also enjoy mah-jongg.

Our travels have taken us on several cruises to the Caribbean and through the Panama Canal. We also have enjoyed traveling to Europe and recently returned from a trip to South Africa. We will be going to Italy in August with our daughter and her family and our twin grandsons.

After leaving Ramapo I attended secretarial school and over the years have worked off and on. (According to my husband, it was mostly off!). In 2008 I chaired a Rally for the Cure event at our golf club. It took place over three days and included golf, tennis, a walk-a-thon and a luncheon. With a lot of hard work we were able to raise over $15,000.

Like everyone, we have had our share of health issues and some good, bad, happy and sad times, but life is good. It is very very good and I look forward to renewing old friendships when we all get together in September.

Robert Taibi - After graduation from Ramapo, I attended Fairleigh Dickinson University and Seton Hall University.

In 1965, Pat Tereziani (Class of 60) and I were married. We have two children and three grandchildren. Our daughter Kristin (38) and her husband Dave live in Ooltewah, Tennessee (Chattanooga area) with our three grandchildren: Aria (18) will be a freshman at the University of Tennessee this fall, Vincent (9) our dinosaur expert and #1 video gamer, and Dominic our typical 2 year old DEMON. Our son Colin (34), a computer technician, and his wife Jaime, a surgical nurse, live here in Wooster, Ohio.

In 1963 I went to work for Bamberger’s as the manager of the housewares department at the Paramus store. A couple of years later I went to work for the Home Products Division of Rubbermaid, Inc. I held various sales management positions in New Jersey, New York, and New England area. In 1984, we transferred to the Chicago, Illinois area and I took over as Regional Vice President for the Central Region. In 1989 we made our last move to Wooster, Ohio, the home of Rubbermaid Corporate. I worked here as Manager of Sales Training and Administration. During my final three years I was on a team working to bring up the SAP computer system corporate wide. I retired in 1999 when Rubbermaid was sold to the Newell Corporation.

While in New Jersey, Pat worked for Stihl, the German chain saw company. She is still working today (she does need to retire) as the Business Office Coordinator for Sunrise Senior Living here in Wooster. She threatens to put me in an apartment there once a week.

Over the years we have traveled extensively in the US. We have also traveled to Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, The Netherlands and Mexico. I do make trips to Tennessee about every 6 to 8 weeks now that the grandchildren are there.

I look forward to seeing everyone since I haven’t had a chance to attend a reunion since our first one in 19???. I especially look forward to seeing people who went to school in Oakland elementary school. While doing a family genealogy project with my granddaughter, I came across some of the old class pictures. One is our class graduation picture with Mrs. Stephens and Mr. McCullah. That one really brought back some old, old, memories.

See you in September.

Linda Duursema Mills - I live on Cape Cod where we retired 15 years ago, as soon as my husband could at age 55 as an engineer for the US Army. It is much quieter here, hard to find in this world today. We made the right move. We volunteer for the library, raising money ($32,000 last August alone). Makes us feel proud, loved and useful all things which are the essence of life in this last third; but I do not feel at all that I have reached that age.

I met my husband in August, 1959 in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. We met again years later and married in 1965, after completing school, Montclair for me and Penn State for him.

We have two magnificent children: Mike working for the University of Colorado at Boulder and Nan, working in women’s health at the University of California in San Francisco. They have given us two granddaughters Mae DeAnni, 4, who is already accepted at Stanford and Lillie Iola, 1.

We do travel a lot. We have just returned from Kauai and Hawaii with the family. That is as far west as we have been, south as far as Cuzco, Peru, east as far as Switzerland and north to Cape Breton Island or on Athabasca glacier in Alberta. And, I’m off to Morocco as I write this. I did not teach French much, (Princeton, Shore Regional High School, Branchburg), but I still speak it and imagine I could be busy with it on the road to Morocco.

My most cherished moments are spent with my family. They are truly wonderful. In recent years I have come in contact with my childhood friends from Wyckoff. This has meant the world to me. Joan was first and we have corresponded for several years. I had really missed her; our mothers knew each other from Montclair. Next came Jan Newman out of the blue last September. Looking forward to Ginny visiting her brother up here in Dennis. And Mary Lou, Gail and Claire.

Things are too busy here in September for me to come down. I am still packing away unsold books for the needy. I am sorry. Have a good time. Do something nice for someone who would otherwise not have an opportunity you have given them. We must all pull some weight. Or the sky will fall, Chicken Little. Hoping it has not by the time you read this.

Kenneth Stuhr - I went to Ramsey High for 2 1/2 years until they found out I lived in Wyckoff. I was asked to leave. It worked out for the best as I had gone to grammar school with most of my classmates who were in Ramapo. After graduation, I worked for Davey Tree Experts. Fell out of a tree and after six months of recovery went back. I signed up for the draft and enlisted in the Army and spent two years in Alaska. I was the private driver for the Commanding General. I loved Alaska. When I got home it was back to Davey. Left there and worked for Bartlett Tree Experts. While with Bartlett, I started my own company Sequoia Tree Service. Barbara Portsmore and I married in 1965 and divorced in 1995. After Sequoia was sold to Barbara’s brother, it was eventually sold to Chemlawn. I retired and moved to Florida.

My passion was always fishing and boating, having some kind of boat from the time I was 9. I always dreamed of being on the ocean fishing and boating. I 2000 I met a lady from Holland who loved the water and fishing. She is truly the love of my life. Due to illness in Caroline’s family, we spend several months in Holland. Caroline and I now own a 38 Tiara offshore express. It is large enough for us to travel to the Bahamas. When we are not on the water, North Palm Beach is home.

Barbara and I have two wonderful sons, Kurt lives in California and Kenny who lives down the street. Both have their own businesses and are doing well. We have three grandchildren. Barbara suffered a stroke in 2005 and is in a nursing home in Ridgewood. Our sons spend quite a bit of time in New Jersey and really look after her. She is getting better.

At present I manage Lawlins Park which I built with Richard Prant. Most of my 30 tenants still think I live around the corner. The use of the internet from wherever I am makes it a lot easier. I go to New Jersey about every six to eight weeks and that’s fun as I get to hang out with my true friends and then go back to paradise. I have had a wonderful life and so many good memories from both Ramsey and Ramapo. My friends are like brothers to me. If any of us need anything, it’s just a phone call and it’s done. At our age, what more can I ask for.

John Parks - After Ramapo, I received a BA in History from the College of William and Mary. I played some football and was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity, Epsilon Iota Chapter. From 1964 to 1970, I was a member of the National Guard Teaneck Armory 104th Engineer Battalion. Out unit participated in the ending of the Newark riots of 1967. I was there with class mate Paul Zeman.

I was married to Emily Vernon in 1970 and divorced in 1974. Jackie Wagner became my wife in 1981.

I started my career while in college as a union member photo engraver in production. From 1966 through 1973, at Parks Photo Engraving I worked at sales, administration and production of photo engravings for advertisers in newspapers, for clients like Alexander’s Sterns, Grand Union among others. For the next 20 or so years, I was the managing partner and president of Parks Graphics, a producer of camera ready mechanicals for advertisers to newspapers. We employed 30 to 35 people weekly. In 1999 I sold the company and properties to a construction company. Now it is the site of condominiums. For a short while I continued my career at Newsday and affiliates on Long Island creating presentation ads for prospective advertisers. I retired in 2003.

I enjoy sports and have all my life. Besides playing football in college, I have enjoyed playing tennis as well as pick up games in basketball and baseball with family and friends. I do not have and children of my own but enjoy family gatherings with my brothers’ and sisters’ children. Occasionally, I return to Wyckoff to see my mother who remains in our family home and to visit my nieces and nephews.

I look forward to seeing my classmates of 50 years ago.

Jean Wilcox Nichols - After college I worked for 38 years as a teacher in grades four, five and six and as an art teacher in grades one through eight. Currently, I am a regional driver for Enterprise Rent-A-Car which gives me opportunity to travel New England, New York and New Jersey. Past travels have taken me many places in the rest of the USA. I have lived in New Hampshire the past 50 years and Nashua for 40 years. I love being near the seacoast and go often to the Maine/New Hampshire coast with friends for dinner and a drive. The Isles of Shoals cruise is planned again this summer. I continue to go to Arizona to my mobile home in the Oro Valley, post rental season.

These days I try to attend major exhibits in the regional art museums: Currier (NH), Portland (ME), MFA (Boston), Farnsworth (ME), Rockwell (MA), etc. During the past 50 years, I have produced much artwork, but not recently. In the past I have enjoyed skiing (with downhill and cross country in New England and Colorado) as well as bicycle riding. I also adopt rescued “felines.”

I’m proud to have kept up with my education (MA Lesley College) and of the paintings I have completed. I have enjoyed many varied experiences throughout my life, often when resources were limited… and when physical limitations now prohibit doing most of them. I have no regrets.

We were so fortunate to have the high school campus we did and the positive school experiences. I loved living in Franklin Lakes and it was hard to leave at the time. The addition to Ramapo of Wyckoff and Oakland students was a plus. I enjoyed being on the committee which established our school colors before school opened. Coming back after 50 years will certainly be an experience.

P.S. Thanks for including the “Little Raider” on the flyers.

Janice Newman Coleman - My husband George and I live in Las Vegas Nevada having become interested in the West after numerous visits to the national parks. We have traveled to West Africa when our son was in the Peace Corps in 1994. Our travels have also taken us to Italy, Ireland, London, Paris and Hawaii.

After Ramapo and graduating from the University of Massachusetts, I worked as a claims representative in the Social Security Administration. I also was the director of food services at the St. James School in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. I am presently retired. George retired last year from Prudential, Inc. after 41 years.

After marrying in 1966, we moved to Chicago, where George lived originally. We lived in the city for two years then moved to Prospect, Illinois. We were there 13 years and then to Basking Ridge. Two years later, Illinois, then Basking Ridge again. Whew!

Our five children range in age from 26 to 41. The have eight children between them and number nine is expected soon. There is a ten year age difference between our fourth and fifth child.

I’m proudest of my family, all of whom are successful and happy in their professional and private lives. I’ve learned what truly matters to me is trust. I’m content with who I am. I’ve learned to enjoy each day and live it to the fullest.

My memories include riding the bus to Eastern Christian, then RRHS, French class with Miss Markle, marching band and practice with Mr. Nakash. Mostly I remember my friends, Ginny, Mary Lou, Linda, Joan, Claire, Barb and Ellen. They were so nice to me when I moved to Wyckoff.

Currently, I enjoy reading and gardening. I’m trying to knit again after years of neglect. George and I enjoy the outdoors, hiking and fishing. George likes to hunt too.

Charles T. O’Brien - Commonly known as Chuck and in earlier times as Charlie, Chas, O’B and a few I’ll leave to your imagination. I spent one year and one and ½ months at St. Luke’s and then transferred to “night school” at Ramapo. After graduation, I attended Siena College for one year and then began a full time career in the automobile business.

While still in high school (1958), my two older brothers and I started from a hobby what would grow to become a thriving auto racing and repair business that evolved into an Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and Lotus dealership which also became a Datsun dealership in 1968. The late 70’s saw both Alfa and Ferrari fail to supply US spec cars for several years, and thus we became an exclusive Datsun (Nissan) dealer. I bought my brothers’ interests in 1998 and operated O’Brien Nissan until October 2007.

I enlisted in the NJ National Guard in 1963 to join my brother Jim who was by then an acting First Sergeant. I was finally called to active duty in August 1964 and served six years, retiring with the rank of Sergeant First Class and an acting Platoon Leader (we have a shortage of commissioned officers).

I married Jean Verduin (Class of 1960) in 1965 and we have three children: Tim, Mike, and Kathi. They have blessed us with 6 grandchildren including a set of twins. The family is my life.

Along the way I found time to serve for five years as President of the New York Regional Datsun advertising group and can take partial credit for the invention of the bullpen cars that were introduced at Yankee Stadium. I then went on to politics and served as a councilman, council president, police commissioner and chair of various other departments in the Borough of Butler. I retired from politics when Jean and I moved to our present home in Franklin Lakes in early 1986. Our two youngest children are also Ramapo graduates. I currently serve as Vice-Chairman of St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center Foundation.

I enjoy travel, fine fining, the Yankees and Giants, and am now engaged in starting a new endeavor called O’Brien Sports, which is a marketing, event planning and continuing education company centered on sports. Jean and I also own a day care center in McAfee, New Jersey which serves approximately 85 children.

Barbara Young DeRose - After graduation from Ramapo, I worked at Bell Telephone in Paterson for several years. I married Chuck DeRose and we have four daughters – Katie, who lives in New Jersey, Debbie who lives in Oregon and Karen and Susan both living in the Poconos. We have 11 grandchildren ages 25 to four and two great-grandchildren ages 3 ½ and 1 ½.

I spent many years as a stay-at-home mom/grandma and somehow we managed to move 28 times. We bought houses; Chuck remodeled them (while we lived in them). When we sold a house we bought another and started the process all over again.

In 1978 we moved to Vero Beach. Florida and I went back to work as a customer service representative for TCI Cablevision and then Hale Groves. We divorced in 1988 and after some on and off times, finally went our separate ways in 2007.

Now I’m living in the Poconos near the kids. I’ve been a foster home for animals and I volunteer at the library when not being Grandma – my favorite job!!

Evelyn Hansen Sensale - My father always told me that I should either become a teacher, a nurse, or a secretary – professions upon which females could depend. He was right – it was 1959. After graduating from Ithaca College with a degree in Communications I found it necessary/prudent to enroll in evening secretarial school while working at my first job as a market researcher in Manhattan. Without exception, every job interview asked for my typing and steno speeds. It is not a surprise that I became a member of NOW. A M.Ed in Teaching from William Paterson allowed me to teach sixth grade for seven years and another M.Ed in Counseling found me working in the Passaic County Children’s Shelter teaching abused, abandoned, and neglected children as well as counseling JINS – juveniles in need of supervision. I worked on a PsyD at Pace University in the city, but did not complete the program.

In 1969 I gave wedded bliss a try. It was short lived and anything but blissful. Happily, in 1974 I married my very first sweetheart, Bernie Sensale, whom I met attending Pompton Lakes High School. He and I went “steady” for my entire sophomore year. Some of you may remember. Our family consists of his son Bernard Jr., now 47, a business executive in Texas, and his daughter Sheryl, now 44, an attorney in Connecticut. They have each given us two delightful grandchildren – three girls and a boy –ages 18, 15, 9 & 8. We are all happy and healthy.

My father died in 1979 and my mother just celebrated her 100th birthday last November. She is independent, active, interested, and is in truly remarkable condition. Her only weakness is hearing. Maybe I’ll make our 82nd reunion. My sister and nieces and families’ are very close and important to me.

Our home in Kinnelon and condo in Stuart, Florida are always under some kind of renovation. I could list construction as my occupation.

We have been fortunate enough to have traveled in many parts of the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa and hope to continue to do so as long as we are able. I dabble in photography, politics, very little golf, and enjoy entertaining.

There is not a day that I take any aspect of my life for granted -- My place of birth, my time slot on this earth (having Norman Rockwell small town memories), an elementary school where there was one teacher for two grades, a sense of community, (growing up in a hotel, then restaurant, never had a dull moment with so much activity and many fascinating people), modern plumbing and medicine, good health, several very long time true friends, family – especially my husband, and hopefully, a few more exciting opportunities in the future.

In my mind’s eye, I am 32 years of age – until I look in the mirror or attempt to get out of a low chair – no, any chair.

Patricia Skinner Pannicke - It’s difficult to summarize fifty years…but I’ll try.

I spent the summer of ’59 as I had every previous summer at Green Pond, sailing, water skiing, swimming, etc., etc. Knowing these were my last months of being footloose, I made the most of it, much to my parents’ chagrin. I had no particular career in mind and no interest in college. When anyone asked about my plans for the future, I would quip, “being a beach bum seems like a possibility”. My poor parents were beside themselves! What was I thinking? Come September, I went to an employment agency and they sent me to NJ Bell for an interview. By some stroke of luck I was hired as a Service Rep and that was the beginning of my “further education” and what turned out to be a wonderful career working my way up through management.

Long story short, in 1963, while vacationing at a dude ranch in Lake George with some Ma Bell co-workers, I met Carl. He was a Jersey guy and we hit it off immediately, although it took two and a half years of “going together” for him to decide to give up his confirmed bachelorhood! Valentine’s Day 1966 he proposed, two months later we bought our home in Clifton, (it needed lots of work and as Carl’s father was heard to say, “nothing a match couldn’t cure!”) We spent the next five months making the house a home and began our married life September 24, 1966

We became parents when we adopted our son, Glen, now 40 and the father of Sean, 9, and Keith, 5. Four years later we adopted our daughter, Paige, now 36 and the mother of Victoria, 7 and Seth, 4. To say our lives revolved around our children until they became adults, would be an understatement since most of our activities were family-oriented. We had fun vacations and so many activities it was tough to keep track of it all. Once the kids “left the nest”, we filled our free time with travel and really enjoyed our vacations. Our favorite trips were cruises-the one to Alaska to celebrate our twenty-fifth anniversary was the best!

I left Ma Bell in 1969 to be a stay-at-home Mom, but in 1979, when Paige was in first grade, a job fell into my lap. Following the divestiture of AT&T, many companies installed electronic telephone systems in major corporations and as a private contractor, I was hired to train the employees on the use of the new system. It was a great job because I was all over NYC, working with so many different executive types in some fabulous locations. I was able to set my own schedule, which fit well with having to handle family life, too. All good things must come to an end and that market dried up after fifteen years, but is was fun.

It’s easy to remember all the wonderful times we shared during our forty-year marriage, but sadly, October 1, 2006, Carl died after losing a battle we fought together from the time of his diagnosis with a deadly form of lymphoma in early 2002. Between a successful stem cell transplant and the final diagnosis of an incurable form of leukemia, we had some very meaningful times. I really miss him but I had and have a wonderful life because of his part in it. I am doing pretty well at keeping things going. I keep busy, do some traveling and take one day at a time.

Working with the reunion committee has been terrific. There is a lot of effort going into the plans for a good time. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone.

Peter Hofstrom - After high school, I enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served as a medic from 1959 until 1963. After the service my employment from 1963 to 1970 was as a correctional case worker and corrections sergeant at California State Prison at San Quentin (at a young age to hold that job). I subsequently worked as a deputy sheriff in Boulder CO, and later as a supervising prosecution attorney with the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office. I earned academic degrees from the College of Marin, CA in 1966, B.A. from San Francisco State College in 1968 and J.D. from the University of Colorado School of Law in 1973, all while working full-time.

I have been twice married to and divorced from Oma Hofstrom. I have accomplished a fair amount in this life, but I would not have accomplished any of it without the help and support of Oma. We have been best of friends since our early 20’s and both of us live in Boulder County, CO.

Since 1995, I have been a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. I am now retired but consider myself a life-long learner, and I love the time I have to do that. I read the New York Times front and business sections every day as well as every good book I can find.

I have traveled throughout Europe; London, Paris, Madrid, Berlin, Rome, Zurich, Leningrad, Moscow, etc. I have resided primarily in Marin County, CA, and Boulder County, CO.

Back at Ramapo I especially remember Evelyn Hansen picking on me because I was Swedish, but I was able to deal with it! Thanks to all the people who worked to put the reunion together.

Douglas E. Tandberg - Wow, do you believe it has been fifty years since graduation! High school was a wonderful time in my life. I have great memories of Biology Club, Senor Pedro, singing with the Glee Club and All-State Chorus, and of course, dances, girlfriends, wood shop and football. It was such fun!

Following graduation from Ramapo, I joined the U.S. Navy in September 1959. Upon completion of basic training in Great Lakes, IL, I began a stint as a U.S. Navy student. I was first transferred to the U.S. Naval Electronics School and completed a one-year course that was followed by Guided Missile and Radar Systems School, both in Memphis, TN. Soon after graduation, I transferred to the San Francisco, CA, area to attend Heavy Weapons and Atomic Bomb School and Flight School. After training, I received top security clearance and was attached to an attack squadron and served on the USS Midway for two years as a bombardier navigator from 1960 through 1962 at the onset of the Vietnam War.

I returned home in the fall of 1962 and underwent further electronics training at the RCA Institute in New York City, at County College of Morris and Fairleigh Dickinson University working toward a B.S. in electrical engineering. I have held positions as an electrical designer, senior electrical engineer and electrical project engineer with several manufacturers and have traveled extensively throughout the world.

In 1974, I was introduced to my wife, Dorothy, on a blind date. We were married in October, 1976. Dotty is a corporate paralegal for the St. Joseph’s Healthcare System in Paterson, NJ. She graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson in 1981 with a B.S. in Management that was followed by additional studies at William Paterson University and Montclair State University. We have been married nearly 33 years and reside in Glenwood, NJ in a Tudor-style home that we built together in 1978.

Dotty and I have two children, Kurt, born in December, 1982 and Kirsten, born in June, 1987. Kurt has studied health and wellness at County College of Morris and aspires to a career as a personal trainer and nutritional counselor. Kirsten is a senior and honor student at Ramapo College of NJ. She is a biology/pre-med major and plans to attend Seton Hall University beginning in 2010 to obtain a M.S. as a physician assistant.

I have been actively involved with Boy Scouts of America since 1987 and was appointed a Youth Protection Officer and District Commissioner for the Morris-Sussex Area Council. I particularly enjoyed camping, hiking and other outdoor activities with the scouts and leaders.

To my surprise, I was honored by the U.S. Navy with veterans of other branches of the armed services in 2005 and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Medal and the Vietnam War Medal, the Expeditionary Medal and the Distinguished Service Medal following declassification of my naval service record.

I have been semi-retired since early 2009 and enjoy maintaining and improving my home. I enjoy freshwater fishing and gardening and occasional electrical consulting projects. I am most proud of the friends I have made all over the world in my work. Although my wife and I are uncertain as to where we might like to retire, we do eagerly anticipate future travel, grandchildren and….

Emil A. Ippolito - After graduating from Ramapo I attended Montclair State College where I met my future wife, Nancy (nee Gore). We were married in July, 1964. I served two years in the Army from 1966 to 1968 in Fort Hood, Texas in the 2nd Armored Division.

I taught high school general science for one year. Following that, I went into industry, mostly in laboratory settings. My last full-time position was as a maintenance supervisor in a small chemical plant. I “retired” when the plant closed in 1992. Since then, I have worked as a part-time maintenance man at several offices. Currently I do handyman work when called upon.

We have lived in many places during the past 50 years; including Franklin Lakes, Cedar Grove, Morris Plains, Dothan, Alabama, Belton, Texas, Bound Brook and finally Chatham for the past 35 years. We own a “summer” home in Lavalette.

In 1964 we motored cross-country. Other travels have included a cruise to Bermuda, and trips to Cape Cod, the Outer Banks, Florida and other areas within driving distance. I refuse to get on a plane.

I have nothing but the fondest memories of my time at Ramapo High School and the people I knew there. In answer to one of the things of which I am most proud, I must say the fact that I have survived to attend this 50th reunion!

Nathaniel (Skip) Burgess - I had returned to Wyckoff to live after residing in West Milford for 18 years. I met my wife, Robin, then a neighbor and we were married in July, 1986. We have five children, Sharilyn, 43, Tyler, 40, Nathaniel III (Dave), 40, Charles, 38, and Sage, 37. We also have five grandchildren, Nathaniel IV (Rusty) 12, Ryan, 10, Hailee, 6, Jacques, 3, and Cole, 2. They all live close enough that we get to see them frequently.

Robin is, without a doubt, the best thing that has ever happened to me. She spoils me rotten, provides me with a great home, cooks like a gourmet chef, buys all my clothes, dresses me so that I match, cleans the house (even does windows) and then goes to work.

She has had her own dance studio for over 40 years and has taught over a thousand students. Some have even made it to Broadway. She did it by herself, taught every lesson to every student, choreographed every dance and in 40 years has never repeated a dance. She is a very special person and the fact that she allowed me to be a part of her life is beyond belief. Just in case you haven’t figured it out, I am crazy in love with this lady. She is the person that is the proudest part of my life.

Kids and grandkids also make me proud (most of the time).

We spend winters in the Florida Keys, spring in Jamaica and summer in Maine. We enjoy sailing, motorcycling and gardening. Travels have included Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, Holland, Virgin Islands, St. Maarten and several U.S. states.

Karen Rosengren Montanye - When I first met my future husband, Ronald, we were in the seventh grade at Lincoln School in Wyckoff. We were married in June, 1961, and have four children; William, 47, a contractor, Mary, 45, a back office medical assistant and phlebotomist, Nancy, 40, a hair stylist and CMA, and Stephen, 31, a field engineer for Continental Tire Company.

We have thirteen grandchildren, five girls and eight boys, as well as four great-grandchildren with another on the way. We enjoy spending time with our family.

Although retired now, I was a medical assistant and practical x-ray technician. Ronald was a hair stylist for thirty years and a flight attendant for five years. He is retired from US Air and we will continue enjoying travel. Previous travels have included Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean, as well as most states throughout the USA. We have lived in New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Arizona, Tennessee, Florida, and North Carolina.

For over thirty years, we have been Jehovah’s Witnesses.

I am a breast cancer survivor for over 14 years and am proud of the fact that Ronald and I have been married for 48 years. Anne Neighmond Wilson and I were friends in high school and remain friends to this day, a friendship spanning 55 years.

Klaus Borchardt - I met my wife, Joann, at the Oakland Bowling Alley. We were married in August, 1963, and had three children, one of whom is now deceased. Our daughters, Deanna and Kim, are both married and live near us in Florida. Our five grandchildren, aged five through eighteen, are a source of great joy. Our family is very special to us and we wouldn’t trade them for the world!

We have lived in Campbell Hall, New York, and now in Palm Coast, Florida.

Working as a carpenter, I owned my own company for 25 years and also served as a construction superintendent for five years.

These days we spend time playing golf and traveling as well as spending time at the beach and cruising as often as we can. Travels have included Germany, Denmark, England, Ireland, the Caribbean, and Mexico as well as all over the USA.

One thing I would like to share with my Ramapo classmates is that faith and nutrition are the keys to a long, healthy, happy life. Joann and I are married 46 years and going strong.

Anne Neighmond Wilson - I met Jim when we were 16 years old. We both worked for the Grand Union Co. in Wyckoff. We worked for years part time with many of our Ramapo classmates, among them, Karen Rosengren, Ron Montanye, Pat Masker and Linda Van Saun. Jim went on the become an executive for the company. When he retired after 42 years with the company, he was their division vice-president. I left the company after my freshman year at FDU and my freshman year at Hackensack School of Nursing.

Jim and I became engaged during my freshman year of nursing school. We were married two years later in June, 1963 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Wyckoff. I left school and began work in the Franklin Lakes National Bank where I worked until our first son, Jeff, was born in August, 1964. For several years after I left the bank I served in an advisory capacity for them. I ended my short-lived banking career when our second child, Suzanne, was born in 1967. Our family continued to grow with the birth of our third child, Mark, in 1970.

Jeff is now 45, single and resides in Montague, NJ. Suzanne, 41 is married to Paul and the mother of a baby girl, Sophia, 6 months, and two step-children, Kelly, 14, and Paul, who is 9. They reside in Ramsey. Mark and his wife, Dawn live in Philadelphia with their three sons, Alex, 15, Andrew, 12 and Avery, 10. As of now we are the proud grandparents of 6 children who we love and treasure.

All three of our children have followed in their father’s footsteps and work in the retail business world. When our children were young I volunteered with our church Sunday School, became a Scout Mother for both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. I also returned to college to finish my degree and worked as a teacher’s aide and class mother. I returned to the business world, working for a large construction company in Pompton Lakes. I worked there for 21 years while managing our active life with 3 teenagers. I also fought the biggest battle of all, breast cancer. After chemo and radiation, I remained cancer free for 18 years. However, two years ago I was again diagnosed with breast cancer, a different type from the first. A double mastectomy followed by reconstruction (I feel like Bob Vila!) has been successful and I am ready to do more traveling and amateur photography. Two trips to Alaska have been wonderful, as have many trips taken when our children were active in school chorus to Europe and Canada. Our most favorite trip was to the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, as guests of the Coca Cola Company. The events stirred many patriotic feelings.

I am most proud of having received my college diploma even though it took 32 years. I graduated magna cum laude.

We feel very bad that we will not be able to attend our 50th reunion, but a large family get-together has been planned for our family to celebrate the baptism of our newest grandchild, Sophia. I hope all goes well at the reunion and everyone has a great time. Thanks to the reunion committee for all their hard work. They have done a great job!

Sandra Hines Labriola - I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body~! I sometimes despair over my body ~ the aches and pains that have suddenly settled in; the gray that has taken over my hair, the extra inches around my waistline and then there are the inevitable wrinkles. I am often taken back by that old person who lives in my mirror!

I am blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turn gray and to have my youthful laughter forever etched on my face. So many have never laughed and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As I’ve aged, I’ve become kinder to myself and less critical of myself. I’ve become my own best friend. I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And, I always remember all the beautiful things!

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one. But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. They draw us closer to God and to each other.

At this time in my life, I don’t chide myself for eating an extra cookie, for not doing the chores or for buying something silly. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy or to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends and loved ones leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with age.

I like being older. It has set me free. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worry about what will be. And, I will enjoy every single day.

As I continue on this journey of life, I give thanks for my health and for the love of my dear husband and my family. I am married to Matt Labriola for the past 17-years. I have 4 loving children (Matt has 5); I have 6 beautiful grandchildren (Matt has 4) and Matt has 3 gorgeous great-grand children. Our beautiful lake home sings with laughter and love when we are all together. Matt and I have enjoyed traveling throughout Europe and the United States. Matt is a retired Methodist Pastor. (Retired? Ministers never retire!) I retired in 2006 after a 43-year career in banking and finance.

Yes, my life’s journey has been challenging and my loss of loved ones almost too great to bear. However, my goal to live a joyful and fruitful life has been rewarded beyond my dreams. Life has been good - indeed, God continues to smile on me. He laughs with me too!

James Piccoli - Hi everyone, greetings from sunny South Florida … Ft. Lauderdale that is. It’s hard to believe that I have been living here for over 23 years, but it is even harder to believe that we all have been gone from Ramapo 50 years already.

After graduation I entered West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, West Virginia. At Wesleyan I studied Political Science, Business and Economics. After four years of blood, sweat and a few tears, I graduated and soon entered the Navy. My Navy enlistment took me to the Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego, California where Naval Aviators were trained for the fleet. I closed my naval career by serving six years with the 5th Naval Reserve Destroyer Unit based in Baltimore, Maryland.

After my enlistment, I joined the Baltimore, Maryland branch of the Federal Reserve Banking System as a manager trainee. Two years later my ambitions fell back to aviation and I began my 49 year flying career as an instructor, commuter pilot, executive corporate pilot flying those shiny new executive jets, and finally joining the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 1986, in the South Florida area as a Supervisor and Aviation Safety Inspector. While working in the local flight Standards Office I was awarded two Southern Region Operations Inspector of the year awards and several awards for my work in aviation safely. It is here that I am still working, 23 years already, and enjoying my life in aviation.

In 1970, I married Connie Heller from Maryland, and we are about to celebrate our 39th year of marriage. We have two daughters, Kristine 35 and Karyn, 31. We have been blessed with five grandchildren, three girls and two boys, ages 18 months through 9 years old. Yes, you guessed it, traveling is now our passion. Connie and I also enjoy cruising the Caribbean on board local cruise ships visiting the port of Ft. Lauderdale.

Two years ago I visited the Franklin Lakes area and stopped by Ramapo. WOW, was I surprised. The parking lot was full of BMW’s and sports cars. I walked in the front door and was immediately confronted by a security guard who wanted to know who I was and insisted I sign the security log. I couldn’t believe how large the school has grown. WOW! Talk about change!

I am happy to say that after all these years, I regularly keep in touch by “E” mail with Carol Walders Storms, Dennis Graham and Emil Ippolito. Friendships are a treasure.

I am sorry that I will not be coming to the reunion, but wish you all good health and a long life.

Robert Rao - Bob writes that he is married to Rita whom he met on a business trip to Taipei in Taiwan. He has two children; a son, 49, living in Maine and a daughter, 47, living in Switzerland. He also has three granddaughters ages 19, 18, and 16 all of whom live in Switzerland.

“I spent many years in the corporate world (toy industry) in senior management rising to division president of the third largest toy company in the world before starting my own manufacturing company in China. We designed, engineered and produced custom products for customers around the world. I sold the business and retired ten years ago, he said. He passes along some of the things he observed about doing business in Asia. “In China, money, power and “face” are king. You must expect them to be different. It’s their way and if you do not anticipate it, you will lose your shirt. In all of Asia, businessmen want to deal with the boss. You must be there as often as possible. If you live there, they are much more comfortable doing business with you. You must hire a local person as manager. Make him or her a partner or they will make themselves one anyway. Pay them well, treat them well, and try to wind your way into their lives. The closer you get the less likely they are to “hurt you.” Contracts are another thing. They day you finalize a contract is the day the negotiations really begin. Always hold something back. They do. It’s called “tea money.” Anyway, it was a lot of fun and very rewarding.

Currently, I spend my time fishing on our lake and in our mountain streams. I attend classes at Clemson University and I’m a volunteer in the Clemson sports program (track and field official). Mostly, I volunteer as a Hospice home care giver for end of life care. I’m also active in their fundraising activities. My wife and I travel a lot and visit all the countries we worked in but now go as tourists. I look forward to seeing everyone soon.”

Raymond Van Duren - Ray of Mahwah, NJ, met his wife Faith at youth group at church. They married on November 30, 1963, and have three children ages 42, 41, and 33. There are seven grandchildren ranging in age from 11 years old to three years old. They all live within a block of each other and work and vacation together. During their 46 years together, the Van Duren’s have traveled to every continent in the world.

He writes, “After high school I became a tech for a used car dealership which I bought and moved to Ramsey where I became a new car dealer as well. Early on I was a number one dealer for Fiat and Lancia in the USA. Over the years we have added other brands and held number one for Saab for eight years. God has blessed us with our children all being involved in our business as well as our son-in-law. I have had opportunities to sit on boards with many of the car brand leaders. I have represented Infiniti on the NADA board.

We have enjoyed seeing many of you around the area and have always loved living and doing business in Bergen County. My hobbies include boating and gardening and spending time with my great family. We have been richly blessed by our God.”

Pauline Wood Jones - Polly writes, “After Ramapo, I graduated from Columbia Presbyterian Hospital and worked at Babies Hospital there. Then I went looking for adventure on the Navajo Reservation and found it. Worked 3 ½ years in a small but very up-to-date hospital and met Jeff (really George F.). Jeff, a physician, and I dated out of desperation and loneliness at first, but it developed into something much more and so they say, “the rest is history.” We married December 7, 1968.

Our children are Karen, 39, born in Zimbabwe, her husband, Ryan, and one year old Lydia. They live in Bethesda, MD. Karen was a social worker in Roanoke doing play therapy and early childhood intervention, but for now in enjoying being a stay-at-home mom. Son Steve, 36, together with his wife, Jeannette, and one year old Abigail live in Libby, MT. He is a physical therapist. Daughter Bethany, 33, and her husband, Mark, live in Fairfield, CA. Their energetic kids are Ethan, 5, Acadia (Cadi) 3, Luke, 1, and a fourth precious one due on Halloween. So – we are Grandpa and Nana and love every minute of it. We are delighted with the adults and parents our children have become. We feel thankful as we look back and see God’s hand in our lives and now our children’s lives blessing them with strength and joy.

We moved to Marion, VA in 1977. Jeff is still working in the pediatric office part-time and going on short-term mission trips whenever possible. I did not return to nursing until 1989. I enjoyed 17 years doing geri/psych in the state mental hospital then retired. I had wanted to work longer but arthritis in my feet made it very difficult. Yes, I am the one in tennis shoes most all the time.

Our days now involve a part-time work schedule, time with friends, church activities and Jeff’s music interests…bagpipes are his current interest with practice, parades, weddings and funerals. Each instrument and type of music brings new and wonderful friends. I love it when a friend calls to see if Jeff “wants to come out to play.” With family so spread out we have still not decided where to retire. Guess we want the “handwriting on the wall.” In the meantime, I’m taking up knitting just to be ready. Just want to say thank you to all the members of our class who served in the military.”

Patricia Gabriel Earle - Pats says, “I really wanted to come to the reunion, but it doesn’t look like I’m going to make it. I’ve had a lot of health problems with my hubby since we moved to Alabama. He is now cancer free, but has Parkinson’s so it’s been really hard. I retired from Macy’s about five years ago, but I returned to work last year. I am working in a hospital gift shop which I really love. My husband, Dave, and I joined a church in Mobile where we both do a lot of volunteer work. This church is quite different from the one we belonged to in NJ which had 102 members. This church has 4,000 members. The South is just what people say. The southern hospitality is wonderful with great neighbors, we have lots of fun.

When we moved Dave was an over-the-road truck driver. Our goal was for us to travel together but it didn’t work out. I have three fantastic sons, the youngest is a flight mechanic with the Coast Guard and the other two followed their Dad and own their own trucks. I also had custody of a girl who was abandoned by her mom when she was four years old. She is now 24 and lives in NJ, and we’re finally going to have her name changed. We have eight grandchildren and one great grandson. Our sons have all moved from NJ, but none came to Alabama yet. Our youngest plans to come here to retire. I hope to see my sister soon and visit my Mom and Dad’s graves. I still haven’t gotten over Dad’s death. He was my rock, and I really miss him.”

Patricia Biegel Egan - Ray and I both graduated from Ramapo (he in 1958) and although we dated occasionally in high school, we didn’t marry until 1962 while both of us were in college (at night). Ray had just been discharged from the US. Marines. We both left school and I also left my administrative job and started our family… Bill, now 44, Kathy, now 41, and Doreen, now 38.

Fifteen years later we moved to Washington State (from Franklin Lakes) where we bought a wheat farm and tried to be farmers on the promises of Ray’s cousin who also had a farm there. We came back about three years later, and I started working for the Bergen Count Courts and District Attorney in Bergen County, and they put me through the remainder of college while Ray and I put our three children through college. I became the Director of Programs and worked there for twelve years during which I also became a Certified Counselor and worked evenings as a Counselor for St. Mary’s Counseling Center in Pompton Lakes for six years.

We sold our house to our son, Bill and his wife and have lived in a condo in Sparta now for almost seven years. We relish the freedom of condo living! I love to read (mostly mysteries and other best-sellers) and paint. I occasionally take art classes. We walk or exercise at the gym almost every day and greatly appreciate having the time retirement affords to finally do all the things we love …Our three married children and nine grandchildren – ages 4 to 15 – all live in the area and keep us delightfully busy, and we travel all the time. We love to cruise. Ray and I have been to London, Paris, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Monaco, Canada as well as Hawaii, California, Jamaica and Florida (every winter usually), New England and the southeastern states. We’ve cruised to most of the Caribbean Islands.

We know we are very blessed and are grateful for this wonderful time of our lives. We try to be helpful when we can.

Nancy Kramer Eckert- Nancy hails From Nashville,TN. She tells us she has a son Brian who is 42 and a daughter, Mary Ellen, 39 and 3 ½ grandchildren. They are Parker, 11, Hanna, 7, and Brian II, 2 and a new one due in October. She invites us to look up her Nashville family at www.VergeNashville.com which is her son’s recording studio.

She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut and has an M.Ed from Florida Atlantic University. Nancy has traveled to Europe and Alaska. She taught in Pine Crest Preparatory School in Ft. Lauderdale and currently teaches at the West End Methodist Day School in Nashville hoping to do it two more years. She enjoys the theatre, country music and knitting.

She says, “I have always enjoyed where I have lived. Nashville has been very interesting because it is called the “Athens of the South.” There are lots of opportunities to see theatre, art, music performances and events sponsored by the local colleges. I work right across the street from Vanderbilt University.

My son played on tour with Josh Turner (“Long Black Train”). He now writes and records music in our studio and plays with different artists. He entertained troops in Cuba and Alaska this year. My daughter still lives in Florida. She has her real estate license and also sells malpractice insurance to doctors. She stays busy with her two daughters and their activities.”

John Rosenberger Sainsbury - John S. Sainsbury (aka Rosenberger) lives in Long Valley, NJ with his wife Palma. They met when she was a nursing student and he was a graduate student at LIU. They married in 1966 and have four children: Sandra, 39, Slade, 32, Brock, 29, and Colin, 27. They are blessed with four grandchildren ages 5, 3, 1, and 11 months.

John and Palma have traveled to Jamaica, four times to Alaska, and also to Cyprus and Puerto Rico. He is a retired veterinarian and his wife a retired.RN. Good thing because they travel frequently to Cyprus to visit their daughter, son-in-law and the grandkids. When they are not on the road, John enjoys renovating their home, their vacation home and building his own furniture.

He is proudest of raising four children with college degrees. Their daughter has a Masters Degree and a PhD. They are all healthy, happy and busy.

Angelique von Arnauld de la Perriere - After immigrating to America from Germany, at the age of 13, in March of 1954, I lived with my parents and sister in Hawthorne, NJ. I went to Roosevelt grammar school and to Hawthorne High School through the first half of my sophomore year. Our family moved to Oakland, and I joined Ramapo “Class of 59” on January 2, 1957 on the day that the new school opened its doors for the first time. Being the new kid on the block is bad enough, but I also did not speak English very well. By the time we were seniors my English improved, and I made the Honor Roll. I became a very proud citizen of the United States of America in June, 1959. My dream was to become an architect, but I was informed by the guidance department of Ramapo Regional High School that this was not open for girls. They suggested that I should become a teacher, a nurse, or a secretary, and I had better forget about becoming an architect. Can you imagine if that would happen now in this day and age? After graduation, I worked in Paterson, for Gerhardt Car Leasing and then for Irving Savings and Loan Association.

In August 1962, I married Walter V. DiMasi, who was from Bergenfield, NJ. I lift Irving Savings and Loan a year later. Our daughter, Marcella, was born December 1963. My husband Walter and I divorced before he passed away in June 1977, and I took back my maiden name. I raised my daughter alone, and she became an artist and photographer after graduating from the DuCret School of Art in Plainfield, NJ. Marcella married Mark Lasslett in August 1985. They moved to Gaithersburg, MD before my granddaughter Heather was a year old. Marcella and Mark had another daughter, Brianna, born in Maryland in August 1990. Heather just graduated from Furman University in Greenville, SC, in May with a BS in Psychology and BA in Music (she plays the violin and has performed with the Kennedy Center’s orchestra in Washington DC). Heather wants to be a Psychologist. She has a few more years of college ahead of her as her goal is to get her PhD. My youngest granddaughter, Brianna, has completed her freshman year at Salisbury University in Maryland in May of this year. She has three more years to get her bachelor’s degree in nursing.

My significant other, Pat (Pasco) Perrelly, of Franklin Lakes, and I have been together for six years. We were introduced by the ex-husband of a friend of mine who knew us both. If you ask Pat, he will tell you that we have an understanding that even we don’t understand. Between the two of us we maintain three houses and six vehicles. We are always together in one of our houses.

I retired at the end of January 2006 from Federal Government Service and Pat sold his self-storage business the following year. I love being retired and enjoy being home. Pat and I like to travel. We have traveled and vacationed in the Dominican Republic, St. Martin, Aruba, Germany, Austria, Canada, Mexico and Florida. We like taking long walks in the woods or in our neighborhoods, going out to dinner with friends and by ourselves and we do so at least one a week.

My passion since 1982 is dancing to country western music (not line dancing, but ballroom dancing Texas style). There aren’t too many places left for this kind of dancing, but I still manage to dance once a week at the Whisky Café in Lyndhurst, NJ. I also enjoy swimming a half mile per day in the summer at a lake and in Pat’s pool and whenever I get the chance during the rest of the year. Summer is my favorite time of the year, and I do quite a bit of gardening. Trying to learn my computer also takes some of my time. Life is good!

Roger Windeler - Upon leaving Ramapo I spent a very unsuccessful year at Glassboro State Teachers College as a Music Education major. Realizing my mistake, I joined the Coast Guard which was kind enough to teach me this brand new technology called computers. I have been involved with computers in my working life ever since.

In 1960 I met the former Ruth DeGraff of Hawthorne at Circle Lanes in Ramsey. We were married in 1963 and have just celebrated our 46th wedding anniversary. Ruth and I have three daughters and six grandchildren (two each).

We moved to Hackettstown, New Jersey in 1967 when I started working for M&M/Mars in the computer department. While there I did some very exciting things such as play a major role in the development of the Universal Product Code (those little bar codes on all your retail packages) and the incorporation of an E-Mail system for our remote sales force before the invention of the PC (figure that one out in your spare time).

While living in Hackettstown I served in the Jaycees as Chapter President, State Vice President and National Director. I was also chairman of the Hackettstown Planning Board and earned my BS and MBA degrees at Fairleigh Dickenson at night and on week-ends.

We moved to California when I was offered a position as Vice President of a Market Research Company making use of the new checkout scanners using the UPC symbol I knew so well. Twelve years later this company was purchased and moved so I joined Hughes Aircraft Company and worked for them until I retired in 2000. During this time I was also an adjunct professor at Cal State University – Dominquez Hills teaching Information Technology subjects.

Upon retirement, Ruth and I moved to our current Canyon Lake, California home inside a gated community where two of our daughters and four grandchildren also live within a one mile radius. Our oldest daughter lives in Santa Maria, California and is the supervisor of the county Youth Detention Center. Life is good.

I fill my retirement hours working on my stamp collection (over 55,000 different stamps), playing Texas hold-em in a local casino and on-line, and substitute teaching in the local school district. I also go deep sea tuna fishing on multiple day trips out of San Diego several times a year.

Bonnie Matthews Gabriel - As most of you know, I never graduated from Ramapo Regional High School. Much to my unhappy soul at the time, my parents informed me that we were moving to Grosse Pointe, Michigan. I finished my freshman year (lots of fun) at Ramsey High School, and then my family and I were off to Michigan. I think that my heart was always in Jersey as my friends told me of all the great times at Eastern Christian and then finally the new school – Ramapo Regional! I also owe my continued connections with Wyckoff, and school news, to my dear friend Patsy Gabriel. Many thanks for including me in this reunion!

I married my high school sweetheart and the love of my life – Richard Gabriel, Ramapo class of 1957. We started dating while I was in Ramsey High School. I guess the miles did not really keep us apart –as after my first year at Central Michigan University we were married the following summer. We were married in the Wyckoff Reformed Church, in the summer of 1960, and it brings back sweet memories whenever I drive past the church.

The year after we were married, Rich (aka Gabe – as others called him), was drafted and went to Germany to serve his country. I followed him and we spent a wonderful year in a little village called Unterdurrbach (which we revisited two years ago). We had such a wonderful experience with the German people, and all the traveling that we did. We bought a little brand new Beetle in which we traveled around Europe, and then we shipped it back to the states. It was such a great time in our lives!

Our first home was in Westwood, NJ, where we lived for eight years. Rich was in the retail lumber business, for many years with Midland Park Lumber, and later Kuiken Brothers. We had our three children while in Westwood; Jennifer Hart who is now 45; Kathy Galasso who is now 42; and Jeff Gabriel who is now 40. It was during those years when I started the long haul back to finish my education as a teacher, and finally as a school media specialist (librarian).

We moved to Ringwood, NJ, where we finished raising our children. It was there that I finally received my MLS and became the Media Specialist at Ryerson Middle School. My last five years were spent at Hewitt School, a 4-5 level which I really enjoyed. I worked in the school system for 28 years. I hope that I have imparted a love of books, reading and research to my students, as I really loved my chosen vocation.

We have six grandchildren ranging in age from 16 years to 18 months. Each family has two children – they are the light of our lives! Jennifer and Bob Hart live in Sparta, NJ, and have daughters – Nicole and Kristin. Kathy and Dave Galasso live in Wyckoff, and have a daughter Sophia, and their (adopted) son Gabriel. Our son Jeff and his wife Jennifer live in Ringwood, with daughter Emily, and son Jonathan. So you see, they are all close by, and it is wonderful life! We are very proud of our family and of all their accomplishments.

After living in Ringwood, NJ, for over 30 years, we moved to a smaller home five years ago on Greenwood Lake, NJ. We now live in a 1932 chestnut log cabin on the lake, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm! We have a boat docked right outside and it is quite lovely! We both like to work outside, we have a vegetable garden and I have lots of flower beds to take care of.

We both enjoy golf, hiking, boating and traveling. I love my yoga practice and pilates. We are both members of the West Milford Presbyterian Church. I also love my computer, days in NYC with friends, reading, and spending time with family and our wonderful grandchildren.

We have traveled quite extensively in Europe, the Mediterranean, and also in our country. One of our favorite trips was three wonderful weeks in our beautiful state of Hawaii. This summer we are taking a trip to the Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park in Montana. We are really looking forward to it!

We both retired about five years ago. For the last four years we have spent three winter months in Florida. The last two years in a lovely place called Eaglewood, in Hobe Sound, Fla. It is a golf and tennis community and we love it there! Last year we were both involved in a musical review called the “Nifty Fifties Plus”. Life is good and we are blessed to have good health, a wonderful family and friends.

Richard Meer - After graduating from Ramapo, I went off to Lafayette College and earned a chemical engineering degree. My next stop was Cornell University for a MS in the same field followed by a trip to University of Delaware where I earned an MBA degree while I was working for the DuPont Company. In 1968, my father became rather ill and I was called home to help run the family business, Meer Corporation, which manufactured natural flavor extracts used in maple syrup and chocolate flavors. My father died in 1971 so I also had to negotiate with my two older cousins and a younger one Harvey so it wasn’t easy constantly dealing with business interdispersed with family issues.

In 1977 I was taking a Caribbean vacation with a friend on the cruise ship Queen Elizabeth II and met the love of my life Claudia who I still affectionately call my favorite wife. We were married within the year and then took our honeymoon on the QE II where we met. Fifteen months later we had our only son Jonathan who has provided us with so much joy and affection over the years. At the same time we built a house in Franklin Lakes, and Jonathan later became a Ramapo graduate, Class of 1988. I feel that I went to Ramapo high school twice in my life by going to tennis, soccer, track and music events with him. You all know the routine. At the time we met, Claudia was on the faculty of Rutgers and fortunately she still is. She teaches adult business education on the New Brunswick and Newark as well at other corporate sites around the state. We have been married for over 30 years and are still are going strong.

In 1993 my cousin Harvey and I sold the business to a foreign firm who kept all our employees and is still going strong. Since then I have been a consultant in the food processing and dietary supplement field and loving every minute. Although most of my business is in the US my consulting business has taken me to places like Costa Rica, Egypt, and South Africa. In fact I spent two one month trips to Egypt and they were a great life experience working for USAID together with Egyptian counterparts throughout this period. Consulting is a great business because it allows me to arrange my schedule around playing golf or tennis.

Claudia and I have been fortunate enough to travel to far away places including the U.K., France, Spain, Germany, the Greek Islands and Baltic states of Denmark, Sweden and to St. Petersburg in Russia. From St. Petersburg we took a 22 hour trip and flew to Moscow which hasn’t changed from the 1950’s movie reels we saw in Red Square except this time without the tanks. We also enjoyed visiting Alaska, the Canadian Northwest, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Japan, Israel and the California coast among others.

On 07/07/07 Jonathan married to the former Jolie Bell, whose birthday is 04/04. They both graduated from Cornell University and law school and are now practicing attorneys living and working in New York City. I am also happy to say that I will become a grandfather for the first time in September. Naturally they are hoping that the baby will be born on 09/09/09.

Lorraine (Suzie) Hazzard Tain - Wow! Where did all the years go? I can’t believe we’ve made it so far in life. My granddaughter wrote an autobiography for her 5th grade graduation last month and she predicted where she would be at different points in her life and I quote: “50 years from now I will be 62 and my life will be over”! Ouch!! When my daughter, Linda, pointed out that Goodgamma is 67, she was quite surprised. I’m still getting around, happy and smiling, after a total knee replacement last year, better than ever!

My granddaughters are very special to me. We moved to North Carolina in 2005 because my son-in-law was transferred to a small town outside of Charlotte. We visited often and decided that our original retirement home in the Poconos was just too far away from the family. My younger daughter, Laura, moved here in 2004 paving the way for us. My son Jimmy got married at 42 (finally) and he and his wife moved here also. But Jimmy is a New Jersey guy and he decided to move back to Wayne, NJ this spring. We miss him, but know that he is so much happier there.

I went to work after graduation for a wonderful man, who gave me a chance – Jim Robertson’s dad was my boss for years and taught me office and accounting skills. Another friend’s dad sold me my first car – Michelle Bonin’s dad sold me his 1949 Studebaker convertible for $50.00. Wish I still had that neat car!

In 1963 I married Jim Castelletti from Paterson. He worked with his dad and had vending machines, slot machines and cigarette machines throughout the area. We had 2 girls and a boy and moved to Pompton Lakes. We moved once again to Wayne and after 17 years of marriage, we separated. Jim has since passed away.

I met my husband, Ron, at work in 1981 and we married in 1983. Ron also has 2 girls and a boy almost the same ages as my kids. Between us we have 6 granddaughters, no boys yet! Ron’s daughters live in St. Louis and we travel there frequently too.

In 1986 we moved to Fairfax County, Virginia where Ron and I both worked for aerospace companies. We really enjoyed the accessibility to Washington, DC and spent a lot of time visiting the Smithsonian museums. I finally went back to school at George Washington University where I received my CEBS certification. (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist granted by The Wharton School.) We worked in Virginia for 15 years and retired in 2001 to a log home in the Poconos. That move brought us closer to NJ and only an hour away from the children and grandchildren.

In 1990 we took a wonderful trip to Germany to trace Ron’s ancestors – but after 3 days of looking at cemetery headstones, it was time to move on to the real sights!

Some of you may remember my sisters, Jackie and Nancy, who were two years behind us in school. They graduated from Ridgewood HS because right after my graduation, my family moved to Ridgewood. I lived with another wonderful family for about a year, Pat Gabriel’s parents welcomed me to their home until I was ready to move back with my family. My sister Jackie passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack in 1989 and Nancy died two years ago from vascular disease, which took both of her legs and finally her life. I miss them so much. I have my brother, Bill, who I am very close to and who some of you may remember and a much younger sister, Judy, who was born when I was 21!

Retirement has been wonderful and I disagree with my granddaughter. Life is not over at 62, it finally is fun and relaxing! We love the slow pace here in NC. We travel to Florida frequently to visit my brother and his family in Naples and Ron’s son in Tampa. My sisters’ kids are all in Florida and I like to see them as often as possible. We’ve traveled to some neat places in the US, but I hope to get to Alaska one of these days!

I appreciate the effort you all have put into the reunion! It sounds like so much fun!

Joan Piekema Byers - I graduated from Allegheny College in 1963 with a BA double major in Political Science and History. That summer I married my best friend’s big brother, Andy Byers. We have been married for 46 years and proud of it.

Andy is a graduate of Lehigh University and was employed by ALCOA for 37 years as an electrical engineer and maintenance supervisor. He took an early retirement package and then taught for the local community college for another 10 years.

After graduation, I taught school for several years until we decided to start our family. We have two sons, Dr. David Byers, PhD, age 43, who is an archaeologist, consultant and university professor. He is not married-hasn’t found the right female archaeologist as yet.

Our younger son, Doug, 39, is an analyst for Verizon Wireless in Nashville, Tennessee. He is the father of 14 year old triplets; two girls and a boy who are about to go to high school.

After the boys were in school, I returned to school, planning to get a Master’s in Library Science. That was interrupted midway by a transfer from Los Angeles to Alcoa’s Operations in SW Indiana. I would have had to go away to school to finish my MLS, so I was a stay at home Mom with some part time jobs until Doug went to high school. I then earned an MS in Counseling from the University of Evansville. I was employed as a Case Coordinator for the local Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, where I served as a case manager, staff supervisor and carried a case load of abused and neglected children and their families. In retirement, I continue to serve as a CASA volunteer and mentor to the young program director of the new CASA program in my home county. Later, I also worked as a Family Therapist for a Home Based Services company in our area. I retired about 5 years ago.

We have lived near some of the big cities, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles; our move to rural SW Indiana was a Godsend for the boys, their parents and the dog. While in California, we traveled throughout the West Coast area. Since then, we have been to many beautiful places in the USA from Salt Lake City to Amelia Island, Florida. We attend at least one Elderhostel program each year and have learned a lot about the history, geography and culture of various parts of our country.

I am an avid gardener, the current President of the local garden club and belong to the Master Gardeners of Southwestern Indiana. I am interested in shade gardening and the use and preservation of our native plants. I have learned to propagate roses, shrubs and perennials through cuttings. This year, I am growing ferns from spores, which is a long slow process.

I am also active in my church, singing in the choir, teaching adults and will be helping to organize our newly designated Red Cross disaster shelter site at the church. Andy and I completed the FEMA sponsored Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training in 2005 just before an F5 tornado tore a diagonal strip from the Ohio River across our lovely little town and continued on into the country for another 40 miles. 700 homes were damaged or destroyed but Newburgh, itself, suffered no loss of life.

For those of you who attended Lincoln School and had my mother, Doris Piekema, as your teacher, she is now 97 and still living in her home in Wyckoff. She has a companion living with her and doesn’t get out much, but she is a great conversationalist and knowledgeable about the world. She would love to see any of her old students who care to visit.

Jacqueline Nielsen-Hein - After high school, I took a course in jewelry business management. As luck would have it, I was hired to work at Adrian Jewelry in Wyckoff. Being a Wyckoff girl, I was delighted, and it was perfect for me. I love the jewelry business, designing and selling was my bag. Redesigning a customer’s piece of jewelry and then seeing the new piece is so gratifying. I worked there for nearly twenty years and owned half of the business.

The year 1986 was a very happy year. Donn Hein and I were married in our home in Wyckoff, one of the oldest homes in town. I have two daughters, Joanne and Janet from a previous marriage, and Donn had two daughters from a previous marriage, Lynnete, who passed away at the age of twenty-one and Suzanne. Joanne attended Lake Grove Private School in New York and Janet attended the University of Arizona, majoring in psychology. Suzanne attended Felician College and is an open heart recovery nurse at Saint Joseph’s Hospital. Joanne has three children, Aimee is a teacher, Kyle is a contractor and Rachel is a student at Ramapo College. Janet has six children; Azure is at the University of Arizona majoring in forensics and Laura is studying theater. The other children are younger, still in elementary and high school. Sue has one daughter who is at Rutgers studying pharmacology. Ten beautiful grandkids, life is good!

My husband Donn was superintendent of public works in Wyckoff for 33 years. In 1985 I sold my jewelry business and Donn retired from the township. We moved to Lewes, Delaware. It is an historic town, the first town in the first state; the first to ratify the Constitution. We love it here, especially for the history, the low taxes and the state-of- the-art schools, as well as the beaches, fishing, etc.

I have been working every summer for a local jewelry store and have taken a few courses. Delaware Community College is right here so it’s never too late to start something new.

I’ve traveled to France, rented a car and visited the Brittany Coast, traveled to Denmark, Sweden, and Switzerland. I’ve traveled through the entire State of Israel (can’t do that today!) as well as Italy and many times to Martinique in the winter and two cruises.

Mary Lou Lowe Laverty - Mary Lou and her husband Ted live in Winston-Salem, NC, their home since 1968. they have two children: Denise Allen who lives with her husband Kirk in Elmira, NY, and a son Brian who lives with his wife Tara in Herndon, VA. No grandchildren yet.

Mary Lou writes, “I earned a BFA in Education from Ohio University and taught art for grades 1 – 8 for a year before getting married and moving to Germany where Ted was stationed in the US Air Force. When the children were in school, I worked as a commercial artist for the in-house advertising agency of an appliance dealer and also did some free lance work.

Ted took early retirement from AT&T and since then is a shooting sports director in a nearby Boy Scout Camp during summers and holds many volunteer positions at district and council levels during the year. He has received the “Silver Beaver” award and been involved with local model railroad club for over 30 years.

I am an elder in the Presbyterian Church USA and very active with our church committees and activities. I have enjoyed working on and designing several beautiful fabric banners for the church with a small group we call “the Banner Bees.” I am learning to quilt. I enjoy delivering “Meals on Wheels” to folks who are basically homebound. As part of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church’s 50th anniversary celebration last year, the congregation helped build a Habitat House. I couldn’t to the physical work, so I volunteered to be the official photographer. We had a great experience.

I loved Ramapo and my time there. We were there for only about 2 ½ years, but it felt like a four year experience in comfort with new people, school spirit, friendships, etc. I think a lot of credit for that goes to the school staff, teachers, our class officers and our parents. I’m sure that I didn’t think about all that back then, so I say thanks to those folks now!”

Joyce Van Kampen Morel - Joyce and her husband Jim of 50 plus years make Troy, NH, their home. They met in a soda shoppe after being introduced by a mutual friend. Joyce may hold the record for the longest married gal to the same guy of all our classmates. They have two children Jeffrey and Jody. Their 18 ½ year old grandson Phillip lives in Alaska.

Joyce was a cook/manager in an elementary school for 18 years, a special education para (tutor) for 20 years and a hostess in a restaurant for 14 years. She retired in December of 2008. After 38 years in the same district, she and her husband divide their time between Troy and the lake home in Washington, NH. She has traveled to Canada and throughout the Northeast.

She says, “I’m proudest of my wonderful family and my circle of friends both old and new.”

Dennis Graham - writes that he was glad to hear from us, but sorry he could not make the reunion.

“The sad part,” he said, “is learning of our departed classmates. We are fortunate. I am in good shape, go to the gym three times a week. The most dangerous thing I do here is driving. You would not believe these crazies. They kill each other left and right Must be all the cigarette smoking.

From 1963 to 1968, I was on active duty in Spain and Japan for the US Navy. From 1968 to 1990, airline sales with TWA and Olympic Airways. In 1990, I was with the US Immigration Service, renamed Homeland Security in 2002. I retired from Homeland Security in 2003 and relocated to Chattanooga, TN in 2005 (God does have a sense of humor.)”

Jacqueline Dean Vatrano - HOW I CHOOSE TO LIVE MY LIFE TODAY… “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” ~ Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

ABOUT ME… Having suffered severe abuse at the age of three, I learned the power of forgiveness after years of healing. Can’t you guess that my major at Fairleigh Dickinson University was Psychology!

At the ages of 6 through 7, I was wheelchair bound due to rheumatic fever. I found my refuge in books, and my passion for reading continues to this day (mostly non-fiction).

Unfortunately, my life has been one of many illnesses and surgeries which continue to this day. My lessons learned here are of deep compassion and empathy.

Having gratitude today for my adversities faced, this has enabled me to help others with similar experiences.

BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL… We lived on a small farm (part-time farming) in Montville, NJ. This is where I found solace with all animals. Again, to this day, I love all God’s creatures big and small. My favorite has been dogs, and I settled on the Mini Schnauzer breed years ago after rescuing one. I also have always had an affinity for birds – Cockatiels, Wild Birds, etc.

Moving to Wyckoff in the 5th grade was a bit of a cultural shock for me. I escaped that by quickly finding my humor and new friends to share it with, continuing to high school.

HIGH SCHOOL !!! MEMORIES… Where do I start? Linda Van Saun and Linda Brunt quite possibly were my sanity. We still correspond all these years later, and I love them both dearly. In fact, my first daughter is named Linda.

Linda Van Saun and I spent many a summer at Spring Lake Park. Right before graduation on our way to the lake, we were caught playing hooky by Mr. Chraplivy. For some unknown reason, just when we were deer in the headlights, he said “have fun ladies” and drove off! Whew!

Linda Brunt and I were just cut-ups all along! One Christmastime, we went to New Hampshire and decided to try skiing. Well, we chose to learn on the expert’s trail, not only did we not know how to ski, but we had no idea how to stop! Fortunately, we survived the slope with no injuries and lots of laughs!

I’ll also always fondly remember people like Lorraine Hazzard and our adventures in gym class, Evelyn Hansen and our lack of studies in English Literature. Boy we got caught on that one, assuming the other read the book. Oooops!

Other friends I remember well are Frenchy (Helen Garrabrant), Bob Taibi (copying my notes), Pat Master, Penny Banka (still acting?), Barbara Boblick, Ginny Cooper, Sandy Bunce, Carol Bresnee, and Marie Harbeck. God bless you all!

MY FAMILY… I met my husband to be in 1964, and not only fell in love with him, but his family’s exuberance for life, food and fun. Oh my, those delicious Italian recipes! Francesco and I married in 1965, without whose love and encouragement, I would not be writing this today.

We have three children starting with Linda Hall, who is 41, married to James Hall. She is a chemist and a perfumer working in a demanding industry in Princeton, NJ. They have two of my three gorgeous grandchildren (all boys!)… Jimmy, 5, and Mikey, 2. Linda’s sensitivity and generosity touches all who know her.

Susan Vatrano, 37, is a divorced single mom. She is doing a beautiful job raising my 8 year old grandson, Evan James Shiebler. She is a massage therapist, Reiki master teacher, and a professional bookkeeper. Susan is creative and artistic in many areas. Her compassion is immeasurable!

Thomas Vatrano, 31, is my youngest. He is amazingly versatile having experience in modeling, high pressure sales management, and computer networking. He is very happy in Tampa, FL, with his life partner, Kevin Ruiz. They are presently among the unemployed of today’s economy. We are incredibly proud of the obstacles he has personally overcome.

Like everyone can agree, my biggest joys in life are our children and grandchildren. I will, however, always have room for another Mini Schnauzer.

We are currently hoping to move to Seminole, FL, very soon where I happen to have a life-long friend from FEU that has lived there for the past 30 years. We will be near our son Thomas, and our daughter Susan, with grandson Evan will be joining us. We are looking at a nice big pool home near the Gulf of Mexico, with room for everyone, including my Linda and her two boys to visit often. I’ve had enough of New Jersey winters!!! How about you?

IN CLOSING… I’m hoping I’ve entertained a few of you, and told you who I really am today. I cannot believe it is 50 years! I would like to wish you all peace in your life, with who you are, and another 50 years… laughing out loud!

I am looking forward to hearing how everyone is doing and reading your updates. Would love to hear from you. Please e-mail anytime, or contact me via phone or mail.

Here is yet another of my favorite quotes, a blessing to you all…

Namaste’ (which translates to) I honor the place in you where the entire universe resides. I honor the place in you, of love, of light, of peace, of truth. I honor the place in you, where if you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, then there is only one of us.

Anne Buys Dugger - After graduating from Ramapo, I went away to Seton Hill College in Greensburg, Pennsylvania for one year. I transferred to Caldwell College in New Jersey the next year, where I graduated cum Laude in 1963, with a major in social studies and a minor in English. My first job was teaching sixth grade in Ramsey. I married Walt in 1964 and began teaching third grade in Rockford, Illinois. When we moved to Racine, Wisconsin, I returned to teaching sixth grade. In 1967, our son Jim was born, and I stopped teaching full time. We moved to Canton, Ohio in 1968, where my husband has had his bookkeeping business for more than 40 years now. In 1972, our daughter Mary was born. When the children entered school, I did a great deal of substitute teaching until I began my current profession. For the past twenty years, I have been working as a home instructor for one of the local school districts. When students have had serious illnesses, surgeries, or accidents, I go to their individual homes and tutor them in all subjects until they are able to return to school.

Walt and I have been married for 45 years. We have enjoyed traveling by car throughout the United States, especially to historical places, presidential libraries and capitol buildings. We also like to read, go to lectures at nearby colleges and attend the local symphony. I have been very active in the College Club of Canton – a women’s’ organization that gives loans and grants to encourage women to attend college. In addition, walking and exercise classes are some of my favorite activities.

Our daughter Mary graduated from Kent State University, is married and works as a marketing communications coordinator for Parker Hannifin Corporation in Cleveland, Ohio. Our son Jim has degrees from the University of Cincinnati and Franklin University, is married and works as a firefighter and paramedic for the city of Grandview Heights, a suburb of Columbus.

My extended family is scattered throughout the United States. My deceased brother Lenny has a daughter and two granddaughters that live in Florida. My younger brother Frant, also deceased, has a daughter who lives in Arkansas.

We seldom visit New Jersey anymore since my father’s death in 2000, and my mother’s move to Ohio. The reunion will give us a good reason to travel there again!

George Irwin - I met my wife, Donna Rae, during the first week of college at a “Beatnik” party. We were married in June, 1962. We have two children, Jeff, 44, and Linda, 42.

For 41 years I was a public school teacher. In 1992, Greyhound Bus Company hired me as a seasonal driver, during the summer and the Christmas season. Currently I have a part-time job driving the athletic bus for a local high school two days a week.

We have been blessed to be able to travel on my summer vacations, enjoying trips to the Caribbean (eastern and western), Alaska twice, Hawaii, Italy and Greece. We have also enjoyed camping trips with our family. After camping in Florida, sailing, fishing, and swimming for three years, we all decided to move here in 1977.

I enjoy a lot of little things in my spare time; woodworking, flower gardening, photography and travel.

There is a verse in the Bible that states “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, but lay up treasures in heaven”. When Billy Graham came to New York City, I went to one of those meetings and went forward. I know my life in high school wasn’t very Christian. At college I met a wonderful Christian girl, married her and we have two wonderful children. From the time I met my wife my life changed and I became very involved in our local church. Today my wife and I are still involved in the local church and being blessed by our wonderful Savior!

Barbara Boblick Csosz - I met my future husband Laszlo (Les) at a dance and we became engaged five weeks later. We were married within five months in October, 1964. We have two daughters, Diana, age 43, and Laura, 41. We also have three grandchildren, Ashley 14, Kristina, 9, and Matthew, 4. We are all happily married and our family members all live within walking distance. Our greatest pride is in our daughters and the fine adults they have become and their families.

My career has been as a hairdresser. I now enjoy handwork; crochet and cross-stitch. I have been taking ice-skating lessons, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. Since Les retired about nine years ago, we have done considerable traveling to Italy, Hawaii, Budapest, Vienna, Bermuda, Canada, Cancun, Florida, Vermont and Washington State and many of the Caribbean Islands.

We have resided in Ringwood for 43 years.

Barbara McPeek-Laasri - As part of the class of 1959, I was a student whose family relocated prior to graduation, moving me to a farm in the Lake George area. As a teenager, I missed Wyckoff and decided to go to nursing school in New York City which would be nearby. I never got back to my friends in Wyckoff but became a well educated nurse at The Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing. I have spent my life as a healthcare professional. As a young nurse, I became interested in Cardiology and have been referred to as a “pioneer in Cardiology” having managed the opening of the 1st Cardiac ICU at Mount Sinai in Manhattan. I graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a BSN while living in Wayne, N.J. and raising my twin daughters. While living in Wayne, an article that I wrote was published by the Audubon Society referring to the “Meadowlands” as a “birdwatchers paradise.” That article was in protest to building the “Giant Stadium”. During my adult life, I have lived both in and around New York City and have benefited from all that it has to offer.

Life certainly has been full and interesting. I remember driving through the National Guard barricades, as I went to work as a critical care nurse in Plainfield, N.J., during the “Civil Rights Movement” and the riots of the 60’s. For a period of time, I assumed an adjunct faculty position at both Passaic and Bergen Community Colleges. Being somewhat of an “activist”, and caught up in the “Women’s Liberation Movement”, I was divorced from my 1st husband and then traveled the road of a “Single Parent”. The women’s movement had a profound influence on my life. We lived in Manhattan until my daughters went to high school, at which time we resided in Summit, N.J. After that we returned to Manhattan where my daughters attended Hunter College and “Mom” worked as a Nurse Epidemiologist.

One of my hobbies as a young Mother was making jewelry and then in later years I became a collector of vintage jewelry and Asian art. Currently, I have some jewelry consigned at one of the Manhattan galleries being held for auction in the Autumn. Singing is something that comes naturally and at different times I have sung in choirs and studied voice for awhile with Franco Correllis’ wife. I enjoy opera, Elvis, Willie Nelson and Aaron Neville. Although I have numerous artistic endeavors, I remain a dedicated nurse.

I hold a Masters degree in Emergency Management and spent some time in Israel training with the Israeli military in counter-terrorism. Currently I teach for Homeland Security, “Standard Awareness for Weapons of Mass Destruction”. In the 80’s, as an activist, I was a rather vocal advocate for “prevention of infection” and remain a teacher of Infection Control for the New York State Department of Health. During the 90’s I was very involved managing a facility caring for people with AIDS in Harlem and worked with Harlem United to return people to their homes and communities. In addition to these activities I now work full time in Nursing Administration at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan. I am currently married, spend some time traveling and as much time as I can visiting and enjoying time with my charming daughters who are both single and working in galleries in Manhattan and Greenwich, Connecticut.

I don’t plan to retire as my profession is part of my life. I can swim, dance, knit, and play tennis in between, but I plan to always be teaching in some capacity. I am so delighted that I met a classmate who invited me to be a part of the reunion for the class of 1959.

James Andiorio - While I was stationed at Camp Drum, New York, now Fort Drum, I met my future wife, Dale. We were married in March 1966. We still live in the Watertown, New York area. We have two sons, aged 40 and 26. We also have four grandchildren, ranging in age from one to ten. Each of our children and grandchildren are very special in their own way.

I have worked as a mechanic and technician on paper machines and die-cast equipment. Currently I am a part-time courier.

We have traveled throughout the southern and mid-western states as well as the Far East.

In my life, the things of which I am most proud are my children. As far as hobbies and retirement plans, the grandkids, travel and relaxation rank highest on the list.

Mary Bonin Reitz - I met my husband, Howard, when we both volunteered for mission work in Mexico. I was a student at Paterson State College and he was a department manager at Alexander’s department store in Paramus. He said he left his job to pursue me! He had a terrific sense of humor, was tall, and could dance (these were my criteria for a husband)! He died suddenly from a brain aneurism in 1987. We shared a wonderful marriage for 23 years for which I am very grateful. I have lived somewhere in the Garden State all of my life and have traveled throughout the U.S. except Alaska; too cold.

My parents were both immigrants from Germany, leaving their families behind. In 2004 I was able to travel to Germany and meet my cousins from both families. It was both exciting and heart-wrenching.

I have two children, Erik, 44, and Kristin, 42, as well as four grandchildren ages 14, 11, and 5-year-old twins. Families are so special.

I worked as a customer service representative for N.J. Bell, as a teacher assistant, attendance officer, guidance counselor and meat wrapper while attending college (ask Gloria Warin about that job!)

When parents complain about school facilities and scheduling, I love to share my high school experience. Remember attending Ramsey High School for our freshman year, part of our sophomore year at Eastern Christian School after those students finished their regular school day. When Ramapo Regional High School was finished, it was wonderful to attend a new school and to be able to name our yearbook, newspaper, school logo, etc. We all received a good education and enjoyed a variety of activities. Who could ask for more?

Patricia Ann Woodford Drushal - is our self-described domestic goddess. She and her husband of 47 years, whom she met in college, call Kernersville, NC home. Dick is a retired military man. Their two sons are also military men, both battalion commanders. One is a colonel and the other a lieutenant colonel.

Pat has been a secretary and a substitute teacher. Believe it or not, she and her family have moved 25 times and not all the moves were for the service. Pat's travels have taken her to Panama, Japan, Hong Kong, Italy and coast to coast in the USA. She still enjoys travel as well as redecorating, gardening and cooking. She is also very involved in caring for her 92 year old mother. She is proudest of raising her military family.

Anita Jo Ferraro Doremus - After our 1959 Ramapo High School graduation, I attended and graduated from a small, private, woman’s, very strict, very religious Catholic college on Lake Erie in Erie Pennsylvania called Mercyhurst. It is now coed, not as strict, and, believe it or not, still in existence growing by leaps and bounds. My major was fine arts & design. Nancy, my younger sister who you may remember followed me in high school is also an alumnus of the same school. We both made many lasting friendships during those years.

After college graduation in 1963, I spent a wonderful summer at our family’s vacation home on the beachfront at Long Beach Island. Many of you had visited us there and those great memories are still fresh in our minds.

With degree in hand, it was then off to Paris, France to study for one year. In those days I had a fear of flying so I sailed transatlantic all by myself; I must have been adventuresome in my youth. It was a wonderful experience living in Paris for a year and exciting traveling all over Europe; Oktoberfest in Munich, Christmas in London with family friends, Chateaus in the Loire Valley in France in the springtime and the French Rivera in the summer. It was a great opportunity at such a young age and of course, if you remember my parents, very, very, very well chaperoned. At different times during the year, Mom, Dad and friends would visit me. With my mother, I traveled through Switzerland and throughout Italy. In Rome, we met distant relatives, including a monk, who was a great uncle. They treated us like royalty and it proved very difficult to leave them.

I sailed back to the United States with my mother. The ocean was extremely rough causing everyone on the ship, including waiters, bartenders, musicians, etc. to become seasick, everyone that is except my mother. It was a wonderful year marred however with the assassination of President Kennedy. Being away from home when this awful event occurred proved very difficult.

Upon returning home to Wyckoff, I met my wonderful husband of 41 years, Bob Doremus. He grew up in Ridgewood and we had many mutual friends. Our personalities, interests and values complimented each other; it was a natural fit. No one else could put up with me, just ask my sister. I took a position as Art Consultant of the Wyckoff Public Schools; Lincoln, Washington and Coolidge. Upon the completion of Sicomac School, I split my time between there and Lincoln School, actually teaching with my 4th grade teacher Mrs. Hopkins. She insisted that I call her Maude (talk about feeling old). My teaching profession lasted approximately seven years.

In 1968 Bob and I married. He was a certified public accountant working for Touche Ross & Co. one of the “Big Eight” accounting firms. We moved into an apartment at the Hawthorne Gardens, where I immediately went to work designing what was to be a home which we built in Warren Township, New Jersey. My sister Nancy with her husband Ernie constructed a home right next door. Great times; Great location. It was 12 ½ minutes from the Short Hills Mall my favorite stomping grounds.

Upon leaving Touche Ross & Co, Bob decided to start his own accounting firm in Sea Girt, New Jersey. Once again, I went to work designing our second home which we built in 1986. It is across from the ocean and was right next door to my mom, who recently passed away after an eight year bout with Alzheimer’s. We have lived here for the past 23 years and love it. When Bob retires, we could actually stay here most of the year; that’s how much we enjoy it.>

Although Bob and I were not fortunate to have children, we have an extremely close family. My beautiful niece Susanne Mulligan, Nancy’s daughter, is 34 years old and is an investment banker with Deutsche Bank on Wall Street. Her wonderful husband Greg is like a son and their 7 month old daughter Hayden is a dream come true. They have a summer home by us and have just bought a home in Summit, New Jersey. So we see a great deal of them. Bob and I visit his sister Judi and her husband Bob in their home in Vermont quite frequently. They have five daughters and one son and eleven grandchildren at last count.

Over the years, I have worked part-time (very part-time) for Bob. As Bob says he is in charge of income and I am in charge of disbursements. We have traveled as far north as Quebec, Canada, as far south as Key West and as far west as California with lots of stops in between. Recently we are into European cruises traveling from Rome to London, with a stop at the American Cemetery in Normandy, the Beatles hometown of Liverpool; from Venice through the Bosporus to Istanbul, Turkey and Athens, Greece; from Venice to Croatia and Sicily with a final stop at a villa in Positano, Italy on the Amalfi coast which we rented with friends. We are contemplating a trip to China in the near future.

So far it’s been a great life. If all goes well, hope to see you all in September.

Phyllis DeFino Ims - Well, let’s see. Graduated high school, saw the world in front of me and knew that “All was within reach.” Then….REALITY set in!!!!

I attended Douglass and Bloomfield Colleges, graduating with dual B.A. degrees in English and Education. After spending time in the Ridgewood, NJ school system, I married and had three children.

FIRST REALITY!!!! Divorce is not easy, nor is it fun!!!! OK, dealing with this first reality, I decided to become more active locally. I joined the Wyckoff Junior Woman’s Club. I chaired several national committees, such as Art, Finance, Public Relations and Gardening. Fortunately, I won several awards. And then I was told I had to retire because I was 35 years old, and it was the “JUNIOR” Woman’s Club.

SECOND REALITY!!!! Aging, especially for women is not easy. So I did the only natural thing … I got involved in politics. Politicians love the elderly. I chaired municipal, congressional, senatorial and gubernatorial campaigns. Lucky me, I won them all. So they offered me a “job.”

THIRD REALITY!!!! That “job” became my life. For the next 35 years, I ran the Wyckoff Motor Vehicle. At the time of this writing, I was asked to manage the Oakland Motor Vehicle on a temporary basis. That’s where you can find me now.

FOURTH REALITY!!!! My children and grandchildren are my life. My son and daughter live in Pennsylvania, and my other daughter lives in Virginia. When they were young, we took many trips together. The road trips are the most memorable, touring the Blue Ridge Mountains; riding to Rhode Island to watch the tall ships come into the harbor; visiting Knoxville for the World’s Fair; driving into Florida to see Mickey and Minnie; standing on the stage at the Grand Ole Opry; walking the harbors in Savannah, Boston and Baltimore; swimming on the beaches of Hilton Head and Long Beach Island. But we also toured the coastal California towns; got “locked up” in Alcatraz; trollied through San Francisco; danced our hearts out on the “cowboy boogie” line in Houston; ate our way through the beignets in New Orleans; and cheered as the Rose Bowl Parade marched the streets of Pasadena. Now my kids have kids. Our time together is precious, and limited. But we have so much fun with each other, that it’s always memorable.

FIFTH REALITY!!!! Time marches on. Life changes. My trips now mostly consist of road trips with friends who own antique autos. I call the cars “motorcycles for old people.” The cars are around 1916, mostly with brass, often without tops or sides. We tour slowly, gently, in lovely areas, visiting historic collections of homes, cars, and factories. We do not move quickly, but enjoy the sights and smells of new mown hay; flowers in bloom and when luck fails us, the neighbor’s barn. You sit comfortably on a high perch, traveling slowly through the countryside….better than a motorcycle, and softer, too.

LAST REALITY and the most important!!!! Life is short. Fill it with loving family and friends. Good memories will complete you and laughter will make you live longer…”All is still within reach.”

Elsie Holm Harp - 50 years! Yikes! Life has been a wonderful trip. After graduating from Ridgewood Secretarial School, I went to work for Motorola Communications & Electronics, married, had a child, divorced, and then went to work for IBM Office Products Division in New York City before they relocated to Franklin Lakes. While at IBM, I met a wonderful man, El Harp, a widower with 4 children. Although I loved my job as Executive Secretary to the Vice President of Operations, my greater ambition was to be a Household Executive and Senior Research Executive in the field of Child Development and Human Relations, i.e., wife & mother. We married and the following year had a baby to complete our brood of 6 (3 boys & 3 girls.) After a few years, a nephew came to live with us for 18 months, so our family was “his, hers, ours & theirs.” Seven children present many challenges, or as I prefer to call them, “opportunities to grow.” Each child has his own story. I could write a book, but will not here.

After my husband, El, retired from IBM, we moved to CT, purchased a small manufacturing business, and I became President of El Mar, Inc. At that time, one of our boys suffered traumatic brain injury following a motorbike accident. Following his recovery in the Allentown, PA trauma hospital, he joined us in CT to receive outpatient therapy at the Hartford Easter Seal Rehab Center. El and I became involved as volunteers at the HESRC. I became President of the Auxiliary, and was twice a recipient of the Auxiliary Member of the Year award.

Our business was an interesting challenge which afforded us many diverse opportunities including an opportunity to meet and chat with former President Jimmy Carter (a true southern gentleman). We also personally corresponded with General Schwarzkopf during the Desert Shield & Desert Storm operations. Contrary to what many people believe, owning ones own business is no utopia. It’s 24-7 even when away on “vacation.” After 10 years, we sold the business and are now really retired.

In my life, retired means being busier than ever. Our 6 children and their families, which include 8 grandchildren, reside on the east coast from Boston, MA to Richmond, VA, so fortunately we are able to visit with them quite often. Every summer all 22 of us gather at Barnegat Light on Long Beach Island, NJ for our summer get-together. El & I spend a couple of winter months in FL. (Maybe we should have a FL Chapter of Ramapo HS Class of ’59.) Our travels have taken us to Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, many European countries, cruises to Caribbean Islands and most recently a wonderful cruise to the Mexican Rivera and through the Panama Canal. When at home, my time is spent working with my church in many different capacities, gardening, golfing, President of my golf league, needlework, playing piano and reading. I am also an amateur Deltiologist (postcard collector) and have an extensive collection mostly comprised of beautiful postcards from the early 1900’s.

Throughout my life, I have seen that God is good. Whenever a door has closed in my face, another door opens. Recent deaths of close friends and relatives have made me more appreciative of each new day. I’m so grateful for my family and friends, and I look forward to seeing “old?” friends at our reunion.

Patricia Kenny Fischer - and her very active gang of four daughters and 16 grandchildren, six to 24 years old spend a good deal of quality time together having lots of fun and sharing many activities. She tells us, "after graduation I went to business school in New York and worked at Bloomingdales for awhile. I met and married Bill Fischer from Franklin Lakes and we settled in Oakland. I was a stay-at-home mom for 12 years. Bill worked in the trucking industry.

When our last child started school, I started working for the Grand Union Company in Franklin Lakes. I was a proud union member working there for 30 years. I also was involved in lots of school and town volunteer work. In the last 8 years, Bill and I cared for my mom through her last years. We learned a lot about the dynamics of caregiving. I enjoy family, friends, traveling, gardening, hiking, reading and current events. I loved our trips to Alaska, Hawaii and California.

I am proud of the family we have raised. I hope we sent caring, responsible and funny adults out into the world. We have great hopes for our future based on all the things we have learned from our past. We plan to travel more and see old and new friends."

Donald Voelkner - reports that he and the former Lorraine Stephens, his wife of 47 years, are happily whiling away the days at The Villages in Florida. They have three children and six grandchildren. Don says, "We are proud of their accomplishments and awards in both sports and academics.

After graduation, I worked for the Post Office for six years and then went on to the United Parcel Service. After 31 years, I was able to retire - so I did at age 57. We lived in Boonton Twp., NJ and Montville Twp., NJ until moving to Florida. Because my wife worked for Marriott Hotels, we were fortunate to travel all over the USA, Mexico and lots of islands. We have a place in Cancun, Mexico which we travel to twice a year for the past 20 years.

We love our retired lifestyle here at The Villages. We have met so many people who have now become our best friends. We all have golf carts and are very active in clubs and village activities and of course, socializing, happy hours and eating out.

I am very lucky to have such a wonderful wife, children and grandchildren, to have retired at a young age and to have good health. As for my future, I hope we continue to travel, stay healthy and live to attend our grandchildren's weddings."

Jack Mulder - I left Wyckoff in l979 and moved to New Hampshire, where I have a 45-acre farm on top of a hill. I am proud of my simple life, no computer, no cell phones. I make maple syrup which takes up at least two months of my time, collecting the sap and processing it into syrup which I sell at fairs and markets. I also have a greenhouse in which I grow orchids for shows as well as a large garden which provides us with all of our vegetables. Most of our meat is raised on our farm. We heat our home with wood which I cut on the farm. We also have two horses.

I married my wife, Pam, who was the babysitter for my children after my first wife was killed in a car crash. We were married in September, l981, and have four children, two from my first wife and two with Pam, who range in age from 30 to 44. We have six grandchildren altogether, aged from one to eighteen years.

In 2005 we vacationed at a villa in Tuscany, Italy. In 2007, we toured the Yukon and Alaska, as well as a three-week road trip through the American West.

I work three weekends a year as infield security at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway for NASCAR Cup Series races.

My greatest enjoyment is life on the farm with my wife, children, and grandchildren. Pam and I are looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion.

Judy Lee (Hoover) Henrich
Conrad Adam Henrich - Did anyone ever think they’d be 68 years old this soon? I just looked in the mirror and I’m there!! Conrad and I have been married for 49 years! To think they said it couldn’t be done!!

I graduated from Ridgewood Secretarial School, but most of my time was spent being an at home Mom. My children always say, “Mom! You must have been sooooo bored!” I wasn’t though as I could entertain myself and I was able to do a lot of volunteer work!

Conrad attended Springfield College, MA, for his pre-med and then graduated from The Chiropractic Institute of New York. After graduation, we moved to East Longmeadow, MA, where Conrad had his practice for some 32 years. He always says he didn’t practice…he knew what he was doing! Life was good!!

We’ve been blessed with four healthy children and seven grandchildren. What more could we ask for? When I read the biographies of former classmates and see that they’ve lost their children, it makes me sad and I wonder how one copes! My mother has always said that parents are not supposed to outlive their children. Have you heard the Moe Bandy song Till I’m Too Old To Die Young? Great lyrics about life in general!!

At present Conrad and I live in Live Oak, FL…very, very rural! I never thought the highlight of my day would be going to WalMart!! One has to drive 64 miles round trip for a bottle of wine! When my parents moved to Advent Christian Village, we decided to move to North FL in order to be of help. We were living in Orlando, but my sister had moved to this neck of the woods, as had my brother in hopes of marrying his fourth wife…didn’t happen…so we followed! It was the right move for Conrad and me at this time in our lives, but it’s a very different, slower-paced life! Conrad has turned into a real farmer, having built a huge barn to house his tractor and other paraphernalia, and often I have to take a second look to make sure he’s not one of the Mexicans in his white, straw, cowboy hat!! The barn project was huge and there were times I thought it would never get done. The neighbors around here don’t bother us much…cows, goats, horses and 75,000 chickens. The chickens rent for 8 weeks and then they’re on their way!

Conrad was an avid golfer and fisherman in RI for several years. Tuna fishing gave him a real thrill!! At present, these two hobbies have been side lined as he had a stroke in November, 2008. I thought he was invincible as did most other people, and I’ve said so many times that if Conrad Henrich can have a stroke, so can everyone!! BEWARE!! I suspect that with his determination and positive attitude, in the near future he’ll once again be like the Energizer Bunny!

I still spend lots of time at my sewing machine! I loved making my granddaughters pretty dresses and Halloween costumes, but then they became teenagers and all they wanted was GAP or OLD NAVY across their shirts and only jeans with big holes in the knees!! On Halloween they wanted to go as nerds!! I love doing genealogy! I’ve been trying for quite sometime to find the famous Prussian General that was supposedly on Conrad’s side of the family, but so far…nothing! I think he made it up to make me jealous! Gardening used to be a favorite of mine, but I don’t do much of it nowadays as it takes me three days to recover!!

We traveled to Hawaii, Virgin Islands and many American cities while attending seminars. When we lived in the FL Keys and Orlando it was like being on vacation every single day!!! We love the FL Keys and hope to return there someday. Other than that, we like sitting on the front porch in our rocking chairs watching the birds!! Isn’t that scary?????

Gail Johnson Clarke - After four wonderful years at Ramapo, I attended Katharine Gibbs School in New York City. My first job after completing the course of study there, was as a secretary at General Motors Acceptance Corporation in Paterson, where I remained for more than four years. In 1961 I married my high school sweetheart, Bob Clarke, class of l958. We have three children, Kristin, age 44, a teacher, Amy, age 42, a fashion retailer and Eric, age 36 an audio and electronics specialist. Bob and I have been blessed with four grandchildren, DJ, Austin, Allie and Logan. Our two daughters and their families live nearby, while our son lives in Chicago. Going to various ball games and activities of the children is always fun and exciting. Grandkids are the best!

Although I have worked at various positions throughout the years, my last employment before retirement was as an accountant for a CPA firm, where I worked for 18 years. Now with time to devote to other activities, Bob and I enjoy hiking, traveling, cooking, and especially golf. I also practice yoga and attend classes several times a month. It is energizing, yet relaxing and at this age, we need all the help we can get.

I have always been active as a volunteer, working throughout the years with school, athletic, church and community causes. I am currently serving as treasurer of Saint Clare’s Hospital Auxiliary. Travels have included Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean as well as many of the national parks, which remain a favorite, especially in the western United States. We also look forward each winter to spending several weeks in Florida. Living in a community through which the Appalachian Trail passes has encouraged us to frequently hike portions of it, including all of the Trail in New Jersey, as well as portions in other states through which it passes. Looking to the future, we hope to do more extensive traveling, to remain healthy and to have a good time with family and friends.

Favorite teachers included Mrs. Keyser, Mr. Pontier and Miss Struyk. I believe that we may have grown up in the best of times, and the Ramapo years played a critical part in forming that opinion. For that reason and for the opportunity to see many of the friends from those days, I am really looking forward with great enthusiasm to the reunion in September.

Elizabeth Ross Behrmann - Upon graduation, I attended Manhattan Medical Assistants School.

In 1961 I married Ralph Siemer, Butler HS Class of 1955. Our son, Ralph Jr. was born in 1962. Ralph is a mechanical engineer at Pt. Loma Naval Station, San Diego, California.. Ralph is in the Air National Guard where he is a boom operator on KC135’s refueling fighter jets for the Air Force. Ralph has performed several refueling missions in support of our nation’s war on terror. Ralph and his wife Shirley are the parents of Samuel, 19, and twins Zachary and Chevonne, 17.

We adopted our daughter Susan in 1968 when she was 7 weeks old. Susan is a pharmaceutical representative and professional photographer. Susan resides with her husband Mike and their children, Sophie, 8, and Jack, 4, in York, Maine.

Ralph and I went our separate ways in l976 and I began my 25 years in the Department of Pathology at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood.

In 1993 I met Bill Behrmann (Ramsey HS class of 1963) and the rest is history. Bill and I were married in 1994 and we have resided in the seacoast area of New Hampshire since 1996.

I have traveled extensively to Europe and the Carribean with my sister-in-law, Angie Ross, and my brother Doug (RRHS class of 1963). Travels have included Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France and Belgium. Another memorable vacation included a trip to Scotland where we were able to locate the Ross Castle, or more accurately, the remains of the castle. This consisted of stone walls in a pastsure. We entered the “castle” only to discover that it had been appropriated as a shelter by a few local cows. It was clear that the castle had seen better days! As an heir to the Ross clan, Doug felt entitled to take one of the stones and return with it to New Hampshire where it sits on his hearth.

I currently serve as a Deacon for the Newington, New Hampshire Congregational Town Church. I also perform volunteer duties for the Portsmouth Regional Hospital and Frisbee Memorial Hospital. A particularly rewarding experience is serving as a greeter to our men and women serving in the armed forces. Along with other greeters, I welcome them as they pass through Pease International Airport on the way to and from the Middle East. A group of us also knits helmet liners which are greatly appreciated by our troops.

My greatest joys are, of course, Bill, my roommate/handyman/companion as well as Ralph, Susan, my grandchildren and my loyal German Shepherd, Britta.

William King - Bill still maintains his wicked sense of humor. He gets right to the point with the following self-styled Q & A:

Age: 49 (49 is your Dad’s 39)
Marital Status: Still Married (can you believe it?)
Wife: Ann, retired nurse, jewelry artist
Kids: Will 37, computer engineer, CEO Medical Predictive Services and Ellen, 34, stay-at-home mom and sometime artist
Grandkids: Langlee King, 11; Billy Marin, 6; and Maya Marin, 4
Best Friend: Daisy the labradoodle, age 3
Most Famous Quote: “I don’t want to spend my life doing home repairs.”
How I spend my time: Home repairs, walking the dog, and some infrequent consulting.
Favorite Book: “Complete Wiring.”
Education: BS Columbia University, MA and Ph.D Washington University
Former profession: Environmental and energy economist.
Former employers of more than 9 months: US Marine Corps, Virginia Tech, Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee Valley Authority, Minerals Management Service
Selected publications: “The First American,” Lulu Press, 2006; “Roosts of Rigs.” Bird Watchers Digest, Vol. 23, No. 4 (March/April 2001).

Willard Conrad - Bill continues to pursue the great outdoors. As he puts it “I still live in God’s Country – the Blue Ridge Mountains for 37 years. I married melody whom I met in Ramapo – lucky, I guess. We have two sons and two granddaughters. Our family is very loving and close knit. We spend a lot of time together in a carefree lifestyle.

Over the years I owned a garden center and design and landscape business. Currently, I’m in landscape management. I have no plans to retire because I love my work too much. Free time includes gardening, hunting, fishing, cooking and hiking. We moved to North Carolina with no job, but we prevailed. I’m proud of raising my boys in the best environment on earth and seeing them succeed.

I’m thankful for the helpful teachers at Ramapo, my participation in sports and most of all, I will always remember my friends from kindergarten through grade 12.”

Edwina Revack - I am divorced with two daughters, Kristin, 41 and RobinJo, 44, and one grandson, Christopher, 6, in kindergarten. Both daughters are educators in the Little Egg Harbor School District. Kristin teaches first grade and RobinJo is an art instructor. My son-in-law owns a transportation service. Following lengthy health issues, both parents are deceased. My sister, Jo, a 1963 Ramapo graduate, retired to the Poconos where I often visit and my grandson loves to ski.

After graduating from Montclair State College, I taught Latin at Pompton Lakes High School. Several years later, having achieved certification in Elementary Education, I was employed by the Little Egg Harbor School District. I was a second grade teacher there for 25 years. Since retiring in 1997, my years have been filled with family (especially my grandson) and friends, travel, volunteering, reading and gardening.

Always a resident of New Jersey, my career brought me to South Jersey in 1972. My retirement years have given me the opportunity to cruise the Mediterranean, Baltic, Caribbean, Alaska, Canada and the Great Lakes, as well as traveling to many parts of our amazing USA.

The greatest joy of a teacher is the ability to touch the life of a child… to foster a love of inquiry and learning, to build confidence, encourage creativity, accent diversity and to create a caring and loving atmosphere for every child to grow and succeed. Te same can be said of a mother and grandmother.

At present, I live in a lovely “mother-in-law” apartment, designed and built by my son-in-law in the woodlands of South Jersey. From my windows I enjoy watching the deer, birds and other critters as they feed and wander about the property. With the perspective of age, I feel a profound gratitude for the challenges and experiences of life which have resulted in a strengthening of character and deepening of faith. I look back on my fun-filled and carefree years at Ramapo with fondness, and I hope my classmates are finding that their retirement is as fun-filled and carefree as those high school years! I wish you all love, peace and happiness.

Peggy Hayunga MacDonnell - It just amazes me that 50 years have passed since we graduated from RRH. The website is a great way to read what our classmates have been doing during those 50 short years. Memories of “The Cat and the Canary”, football games, learning to drive a car (Mr. Corizzi kept his cool most of the time), the senior “talent” show, chemistry class (ugh), lunches in the cafeteria, have all brought a smile. The committee has done a tremendous job of organizing the reunion. Hats off to all of you for your hard work. It promises to be a lot of fun.

After graduating from Ramapo, I attended Paterson State College and graduated with a BA degree in elementary education. I taught 7th grade in Franklin Lakes for one year. My husband Don and I met at Paterson State and were married on November 23, 1963. In 1964, we moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia with our infant daughter Peggy and Don began a career in computer sciences. We lived in Virginia Beach for seven years where our sons Donald Jr. and David were born. During our years in Virginia, we enjoyed going to the beach and taking many trips to the historic sites in the State including Williamsburg and Jamestown.

In 1972, Don’s work brought us back to South Jersey and Evesham Township (Marlton). After making sure that our children didn’t run away and join the circus, I decided to go back to teaching. I began working for the Evesham School district and retired two years ago after 25 years. The last fifteen years were spent teaching first graders, quite a challenge but fun and rewarding. Not quite ready to completely give it up, I still substitute for my former first grade partners.

I do love retirement, however, and Don and I enjoy spending time with our family whenever their busy schedules permit. Our daughter Peggy lives close by in Mr. Laurel, NJ with her husband Andy and their 9 year old daughter Paige. Donald lives in Newark, Delaware with his wife Kate and their three sons: JT (12), Kyle (11), and Ethan (3). David lives in Yorktown, Virginia with his wife Amanda and their son Connor (9) and daughter Elizabeth (4).

Our travels have mostly been limited to the eastern and middle states and Canada since flying is my least favorite way of traveling (tried it, didn’t like it). My favorite trips were to Springfield, Illinois and “Land of Lincoln” and St. Louis, Missouri, where Lewis and Clark began their historic journey. Don and I hope to enjoy more traveling in the future now that we are both retired and have more time.

My days are full and it is great to have the time to read a long book, knit, take a walk, e-mail friends, maintain our home (which is probably too big for the two of us, but not just ready to downsize), and just enjoy being here.

Fran Suskewicz Ehrhardt - Fifty years since we graduated?! Can’t be! I don’t feel a day over 17, however, one quick look in the mirror reminds me that yes, I certainly could be having a 50th class reunion.

After Ramapo, I attended East Stroudsburg State College and majored in elementary education. Kids have always been my thing. Luckily, after graduation, I landed a job at the Manito School in Oakland teaching first grade. I taught there a total of 14 years leaving and coming back a few times. The definite advantage of a career in teaching is that summers are free. The summer after my first year of teaching, several college friends and I traveled throughout Europe for six weeks via the railways. It was a great experience and I have many good memories from that trip. For six weeks the next summer my college roommate and I traveled across country and back in her Corvair. Fortunately the engine didn’t fall out until after we reached home.

In 1966 I met Jeff Ehrhardt, a 1961 graduate of Ramapo, at The Barn in Wyckoff. After a couple of years, while planning a small wedding, Jeff was drafted into the Army. Basic training at age 24 was even less fun that it is when you’re 17. We expected Jeff to have a couple of weeks leave after basic training and planned to marry then but the Army “held him over” and then gave him two days to report to Vicksburg, Mississippi working in the Corps of Engineers. Jeff went to Mississippi, found us an apartment, asked a Presbyterian minister to marry us and even found me a job teaching first grade in a county school. We were there for about six months, never completely mastering the language, when Jeff got orders to go to Vietnam. I returned home to my parent’s home in West Milford and went back to teaching in Oakland.

When Jeff came home after Vietnam we bought a house in Pompton Plains and soon after, our children were b born. We had twins, a son and a daughter, Gregg and Tracy. Eight years later we moved to West Milford, on the same street as my brother, and eventually I took a job teaching in the St. Joseph School in West Milford because this school was close to home and close to the schools my children attended. I stayed there longer than originally intended. In fact, I taught first grade and kindergarten there for a total of 20 years. I might still be teaching if it weren’t for the fact that the school closed three years ago.

I now have a part-time job straightening and ordering greeting cards for Hallmark in the local ShopRite. I like interacting with others and the extra “pocket money” comes in handy.

Aside from the birth of my children, I am most proud of my years teaching young children. It was a rewarding profession then, and I continue to be rewarded when running into adults that I had as students and listening to them talk about things they remember for the year they spent in my classroom.

Jeff and I are still in West Milford and have been married for 40 years. We look forward to more trips to Prince Edward Island, Cape Cod and hopefully to Scotland.

Mary-Bye Driggs Pickering - Single since 1986. Children: 2 girls – Whitney 35, married with 2 children and Ashley 33 married with no children. Grandchildren: Samantha3 and Micah 6. Whitney is in management for a global internet company and travels frequently to Europe and China and oversees their budget in 11 currencies. She is the sole provider for her family as her husband is a stay-at-home dad until Sammy is in school all day – in about 3 years. Ashley and her husband are a stereotypical Montana couple, living in the outback, hunting elk, moose and deer. They snowboard, fly fish and are avid cooks of many different cuisines. Ashley climbs mountains and glaciers and they camp out year round. They love taking trips on their Harleys.

I’m retired and loving it. I have many hobbies and enjoyments including playing and overnighters with my grandchildren, container gardening, knitting, avid reader especially of biographies, non-fiction and mysteries, a movie with friends once per week, big band and smooth jazz music every Friday and/or Saturday night, game night twice a month with friends, give seminars in Effective Listening and Modern Day Etiquette and keep with many friends via e-mail and Bible study.

Vocations: Volunteer at the Veteran’s Hospital south of Seattle; am a Library and Bookstore story lady. I made an apron that has 15 different pockets and something special in each pocket that helps me to highlight parts of the stories. I use hats, wigs, hand puppets, yoyo, small animals and anything to get the idea across. I am learning to speak in several different accents to make the stories more interesting. At the libraries, I can read stories that I have written, but, of course, at the bookstores, I am spotlighting their books. Upon occasion, I teach a Bible Study, but I am not a gifted teacher, I am more an encourager.

I am proudest of surviving being a single mother of two very beautiful girls. Boys started coming around when Whitney was in 5th grade, and I managed not to kill anyone nor have a heart attack, which I consider one of my greatest accomplishments. Whitney married after college at 23 and Ashley remained single until 31. I enjoy having sons now. They are very, very good to me. My favorite pastime is spending time with my girls.

I moved from Montana to Seattle to be close to my oldest daughter and her family in July 2003. My health took a turn for the worst in the early 90’s, and I needed to be near excellent medical facilities. I will not be joining you for the reunion because I am now in treatment for my third bout with cancer. As I write this I am looking out the window of my hospital room at the planes coming and going on Lake Union. I remembered to bring my binoculars this time so that I can check out what’s happening on the houseboats! I have to be in the hospital for three days every time I get chemo. I am in the same room I always I had when I was in treatment in 2006. Most of my nurses are the same as then. One in particular is Thomas, a very well known jazz musician in this area. He serenades us with his acoustical guitar and clarinet. This is only my second treatment this go around, so I still have hair. In a few weeks I will look like Mrs. Clean but I really don’t mind. It is cooler in the summer.

The way I see it disappointments are a given in life, but misery is optional! I am disappointed that I will not be able to join you this time, but next time I plan to be there. My very best wishes to you all!

Linda Brunt Caron Atwood - has led a whirlwind life before settling into a log cabin in the woods of Newton, WV with no television, but “millions” of books, nature and her Jack Russell terrier, Taz. Moving there must have been a relief after having survived a 9.2 earthquake in Alaska in 1964 with a baby in hand and one on the way.

She’s traveled all over the US from Maine to Alaska and Florida to Texas and everywhere in between. Currently she is a speaker for the United Methodist Church and an activist for gay and lesbian rights, even going to Washington, DC to advocate for them.

She writes, “I’m thankful for all my memories, mostly all great. Ramapo was a wonderful time. All the good things I love strengthened me for those things that are normal but I could do without. My first husband of nearly eight years was killed in Quant-Tri Province, Vietnam in 1968 leaving three little girls Leslie age 4 ½, Lou 3 ½ and Lana 1 ½. I had to live on and married again, Tony Atwood from Maine. I had two more children. We had a great life together until he died in 2003 . We’d retired to WV and all my kids are here. I got breast cancer in 2005 and had a mastectomy and have been cancer free for three years. Praise God for my whole life! I was a caregiver for the elderly and worked for a while with hospice. I’m proud of being a liberal Christian and learning to live simply, enjoying what’s left of my life.”

James Robertson - Jim sends us an invitation, “if anyone is ever in Hendersonville, NC near the Asheville area please call 828-692-4036, maybe we can set up a meeting.” He and his wife Loretta have four children: Jim age 48, David 45, Kevin 35 and Barbara Ward 37. They have seven grandkids ranging in age from eight months to 22 years old. Two of the kids and six of the 'grands' live right in Hendersonville.

Jim spent his career in industrial ceramics. He worked at Kyocera and Advanced Composits, Inc. retiring in 2007. He now has time to take care of his 90 year old home which is always in need of repairs, though he did take time to travel to Switzerland in 2004.

Besides enjoying bowling and gardening, Jim volunteers at the Housing Assistance Corporation helping seniors and disabled veterans with home repairs.

Donna Castiglione Bocco - aka the Vagabond, a new name since my beloved husband of 45 years passed away in November of 2007. Joe was my companion for our incredible worldwide travels, island-hopping in the Caribbean, numerous trips to Paris and many other world capitals, barges and riverboats through the waterways of Belgium, trying to cross an alpine pass from Germany to Italy in the ice and snow of an August day. One of our most memorable trips was to Kyoto and Nara, Japan, staying at ryokans and Buddhist temple grounds and being able to talk to the locals in the excellent Japanese that Joe had taught himself.

Together we raised our two beautiful and talented daughters, Arianna, who is a senior vice president at IFC, and Alessandra, who is an associate editor at Newsweek. She and her Irish husband, Garrett Rafferty, are the proud parents of our adorable granddaughters, Saorla Clare, age 3, and Grian Joe, age 1.

Life’s passages have taken me from Ramapo and our great French classes and wine with Mademoiselle, to the senior play, from being a drum majorette who did not know a thing about music to a French and Spanish teacher, short-lived since American kids never really cared to learn other languages, to twenty-one years at the American Cancer Society. There I was responsible for organizing continuing education in oncology for physicians, nurses and allied health professionals. The other hat I wore was as a lobbyist prevailing upon our esteemed legislators to support and fund research and health care for all Americans. I remain a left-leaning political junkie working for the rights of all our citizens.

My personal hopes for the future are to continue reading and traveling, staying active politically, and making mischief with my dear and valued friend, Evelyn Hansen Sensale, and to never turn into a sweet little old lady in tennis shoes.

Ginny Ellis Ardia – Steve Ardia - Since this is a biography of two classmates it may be a bit longer but equal time must be given to both! Seems silly to do two separate ones as much would be duplicated!

After graduating from Ramapo, I went off to the University of Delaware to study elementary education and graduated in 1963. Following an 8 week summer trip to Europe with some college friends I started teaching 4th grade in Ramsey, NJ. Also during that summer, Steve Ardia and I reconnected and were married in July of 64. He had graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. Another high school romance that stayed alive!

We then moved to Ohio for his first job with Allied Chemical and from that time on we moved about every 2 years until 1979. Needless to say we went where his career took us while I did some substitute teaching and began raising our family. During this period he began a long career with Goulds Pumps, Inc. He also got an MBA from Rutgers University. In those early years, we really moved around. However, the most interesting place we lived was Singapore, where he was responsible for the Far East in international sales. Back then, the city was a true Far Eastern city and we had ample opportunity to enjoy all it had to offer. Our sons, who were pretty young while we were there, remember many things, especially eating all the Asian food! To this day they love chili crab and very spicy shrimp! While there, I taught 5th grade in an International School which was quite an experience since many of the children did not speak English at all. Steve traveled extensively throughout the Far East and even did business in Vietnam during the war. That was unnerving.

In 1979 we were settled in Skaneateles, NY where we still have a home today. Steve remained with Goulds Pumps and worked his way up through the ranks. We also had another child so nothing came of my thoughts of going back to work. Besides, he still traveled a lot and I tagged along when I could. I had a wonderful Mother who would come and stay with the children (a toddler and 2 in high school –yea for her!) We visited some wonderful places and I really developed a yen for travel. Steve, on the other hand, felt he had already done his fair share. Under his leadership as CEO, Goulds Pumps became a Fortune 500 company! In 1995, he retired. However, he very quickly found he was not suited for retirement and took a position as president of a small pump company near Albany, NY called Environment One. Since we did not want to move, he commuted, coming home each weekend for the next 4 years and when they sold the company, he decided he did not want full time work any more. Now he keeps as busy as he wants consulting, but his time is his own.

Presently we live 8 months a year on Amelia Island in Florida enjoying the ocean, marsh and environmental beauty and 4 months in Skaneateles on the lake, where we have family closer to us and many good friends (and can avoid the heat of Florida)! Steve is an avid golfer and has quite a Civil War gun collection – an interest that began growing up in Franklin Lakes when his father had a large collection. The interest resurfaced when he had more leisure time. I also play a fair amount of golf; enjoy mahjongg and my various volunteer activities. We also travel a great deal, sometimes together and sometimes separately if our destinations are not agreeable to both. I have been to Africa, Egypt, Jordan and England with other family members or friends and he prefers trips with golfing buddies throughout the US and the British Isles. Some of our favorite trips together or with our children have been to Italy and the Galapagos Islands.

Of course, as with most of you, our greatest source of satisfaction is our children and grandchildren. We have two sons, David, an attorney, married and living in Cambridge, Ma. and Daniel, a biology professor, married and living in Lancaster, Pa. Our youngest, Deborah, was married this past February, lives in Boston and works in special education. We have 4 grandchildren, ages 5 months to 13 years and have high hopes for more! We love spending time with them all.

We look forward to the reunion. It should be fantastic. Will we all recognize each other?

Grace Patti Compton - My life after Ramapo High School has been filled with lots of travel, art, and wonderful family. I spent the following years after high school attending the New York Fashion Institute of Technology. After graduation I worked for many years in the retail fashion business as a buyer and manager. During those years I also traveled extensively with my husband and daughter, Marette, across the United States visiting and living in 38 states. We also spent time in Canada, Mexico and one of the coldest places I’ve ever been -- Iceland (except for Minnesota)!

After getting divorced, I moved to south Jersey and spent several years along the beautiful seashore as a partner in a guest house in Bay Head. What a wonderful time! Along with my family, I also enjoy art. During these years, I owned a successful art gallery and taught watercolor painting in Brick, NJ.

In the 1990’s I joined my family and moved to a much warmer climate – Pensacola, Florida. I love it here – being near family, the weather and the beautiful Gulf Coast. I’ve also continued painting through these years and enjoy collecting and viewing art. I’m still working full time – hopefully going to retire soon – as a property manager for an apartment community in Pensacola.

My biggest blessing is my family. My beautiful daughter, Marette, and her husband, Mark (my adopted “son”) and my amazing granddaughter, Shannon. We love spending lots of time together – barbeques, family parties, going out to eat and our regular vacation cruises together. My favorite island is Grand Cayman – a pastel, tranquil, picturesque paradise. Plus, we swam with the Stingrays, an exciting but scary adventure.

What’s ahead? Well, retirement, more family stuff and a dream vacation to Italy in the very near future! I’ll continue painting, of course, and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again at the reunion. Can’t believe it’s been 50 years!!

Robert Winter - Following my graduation from RRHS, I attended the School of Visual Arts in NYC. I then spent 7 years in the NJ National Guard after training at Fort Dix, N.J.

I continued my schooling at night while working in NYC as photo retoucher. I met my wife Susan on the Warwick bus line to NY. We were married at Ponds Church in Oakland, NJ, in 1964 and resided in Wayne until our first child, Jennifer, was born. I had enlisted in the NJ National Guard just before our marriage and spent the next three years in a reconnaissance unit, and then moved to the Sea Girt Military Academy for the remainder of my tenure. We lived in Howell Township until our second child, Meridyth, was born and then returned to Wyckoff where we have lived for the past forty-three years. Our third daughter, Samantha, was born there. Our daughters all graduated from Ramapo.

Our lives were most dramatically affected and altered by the death of our daughter, Meridyth, in 1986 just a week before her official graduation. We continue to be a close knit family because of this and enjoy the comforts of home and the retreat it provides.

My career came to an abrupt end in 1990 with the computer taking over most of my work. I went back to school to learn computer skills and now continue to work as a web designer for Thomas Publishing in New York.

I have continued my schooling over the years and now attend continuing education for Spanish. Susan and I both enjoy traveling now and then and hope to squeeze in some more trips while we are young enough to get around.

Pam Woodbury LeRoy - Planning a reunion is something I really look forward to every 10 years. I believe we will have to have them more often in the future and on a more casual scale. Getting together with old friends is such fun. Everyone should experience our committee meetings. We all share laughter, memories and even sorrows. It is a wonder there is an event even after a year’s worth of meetings because it seems we always get sidetracked by another story of times gone by.

While preparing to write this, I read what I wrote for the last booklet, and have come to realize that Lynn and I were able to compromise and work out our dreams for retirement. I guess that comes with being together for 45 years. He has the mountains and I have the water. And, while not the “west”, we did move west. In 2006, we moved to Milford, Pennsylvania to live on a lake in the mountains. Milford is a very picturesque town on the Delaware River, which is similar to Wyckoff when we were growing up. The best part of the move is that we are only a little over an hour away from the Wyckoff area where all our children still live with their families.

One of the best travel experiences we have ever had was taking the whole family, all 17 of us, to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. It was quite a production. We have three married children and nine grandchildren, seven boys and two girls, ages 17 down to 5. All have been brought up to love the outdoors. On weekends and during the summer, we basically run a hotel. And, it keeps Lynn and me hopping. Lynn still loves the outdoors and is more than a willing teacher for fishing, hunting, and canoeing activities. I love being outside, gardening, walking and enjoying nature. We feed the deer and the birds and have occasional bears visiting as well.

When we moved, I had to make new friends through joining civic organizations and getting active in our community. I still work my financial planning and insurance business from a home office marketing to my client base. I do not actively seek new business, but referrals come my way, and this keeps me as busy as I want to be. Lynn is fully retired and loves it.

I can’t wait to see you all. I love reading everyone’s bios to see where life has led you all. Hope you all feel the same. Please come join us in September to renew old friendships and visit with everyone.

Carol Walder Storms - Since graduating from Ramapo High School, I feel like I have had five different lives. As long as I’m alive and healthy, that’s a good thing!!

After graduating from Green Mountain College, I lived and worked in New York City. The best city in the world when you live there and take advantage of all it has to offer. My employer, American Cyanamid, was building their new facility in Wayne, NJ. Upon completion, I moved back home to Franklin Lakes. In 1965, I took a leave of absence for three months and traveled to Europe. I returned to the States and American Cyanamid. Missing New York City, I accepted a job with Time Life Magazine.

I married in 1967 and moved to the Dallas, Texas area. I worked for LTV until my husband accepted a job in St. Louis, Missouri. Living in the suburbs was a wonderful experience and a great place to raise two sons. I was involved with tennis, scouts and AAU swimming with my sons. Rough times came when I ended up having breast cancer. I just hoped I would see my boy’s graduate elementary school. Divorce followed in 1979. I am very lucky today and have survived the disease to date. My sons: Mike who lives in Oakland, NJ, is an environmental engineer and Patrick, who lives in Baltimore, is a general manager of a hotel. I am extremely proud of their accomplishments.

While in St. Louis, I started training as a travel agent, learning all facets of the business. I utilized all hands on experiences as Eastern Airlines took me to Lake Tahoe skiing and snowmobiling. Frontier took me rafting down the Salmon River in Idaho. I worked at an agency full time and started doing some group travel on my own.

My parents, who were very involved in traveling with their antique cars, took my boys and me with them many times across country. On one trip from Key West, Florida, to Halifax, Nova Scotia, I met Bob Storms from Wyckoff. We were married in 1983, and I moved back to New Jersey with my sons. It was good to be back in the area with so many “old” friends and antique car buffs. I began working as a travel agent which allowed me to work full time and continue with my group tours. Bob passed away in 1989, and I have been widowed since. I did retire in 2003 and moved to the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania.

In 1996, I met a gentleman in the antique car club, and we have been co-habitating since. I still travel whenever I can with the antique cars or with friends. (2007 Kenya, Africa and 2009 Panama Canal) meanwhile, my “old bones” don’t take to the cold winters of the Poconos (lack of sunshine), so Arthur-rites’ and I spend the winter months at The Villages, Florida (golf cart and all!).

The best things in life are keeping active, healthy, having good friends and enjoying the grandchildren.

John Holden - Entered the US Air Force in February 1960. After Basic Training and technical schools, I was assigned to various locations retiring in 1980 as a Master Sergeant. My career took me to a remote radar station in Idaho; Goose Air Base, Labrador, Mather Air Base (Sacramento, CA), Elmendorf Air Force Base (Anchorage, Alaska) on two tours; Makah Air Force Station – located in the Makah Indian reservation – Neah Bay, WA; and Ubon Air Base, Thailand. It was an exciting and rewarding career.

During the tours in Alaska (1967-72 and 1974-80), I was very active in the US Jaycees (Junior Chamber of Commerce), and was the Alaska State President in 1976-77. During that time, I had the distinct pleasure and honor of meeting President Ford at the White House in late 1976. I was also involved in the Parking and Traffic Commission in Anchorage for a number of years, as well as a special Mayor’s Citizens Committee for Community Improvement.

Just prior to my retirement from the Air Force in Anchorage, I was hired at Western Airlines (now part of Delta Airlines) as Passenger Service agent. A short time after retirement, I was promoted to Cargo Supervisor, and then Assistant Manager of Ramp and Cargo Services. At the time of the merger in 1987, I was the Supervisor of Operations Services until 1994, when I was promoted to Customer Service Manager in charge of Bozeman, Montana and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I remained in that position until retirement in 2004.

In 1965, my wife Kate and I were married and had three great children. Our youngest son, Kevin and his wife just had their second child this past June. Our daughter is an elementary teacher in the Seattle area, and our oldest son is a civil engineer with Chevron and still lives in Anchorage, Alaska. In 1995, Kate and I parted company, and in 1997, I marred my wife Bev. She also worked for Western and Delta Airlines as a passenger service agent and VIP lounge representative. Bev has one daughter who with her husband have three great children living in Las Vegas, Nevada.

After retirement, Bev and I and our Golden Retriever, Casey, spend about six or seven months a year in our beautiful motor home. During the summer, we are volunteer campground hosts for the Oregon State Park System along the Oregon Coast. A wonderful experience that gives us great enjoyment visiting with campers from all over the country. In the winter months, we travel from Montana to Las Vegas for the holidays and then “snowbird” for a couple of months in the Southwest.

Thanks for taking on this task. I wish we could be at the reunion, but as I told you earlier, we are already committed to the Oregon Park System. I still think about the great times in the band with my good friend Jerry Valenta. I would love to see him again.

(It should be noted here that Pam has written him to ask Oregon for a 4-day leave so he can come to the reunion and John is seeing if something can be worked out.) We sincerely hope so.

Eugene Grimley - Graduated with major in Chemistry from Olivet College, Olivet, MI in 1963. Lettered in baseball (1st and 2nd years) and in tennis (4th year). Continued to play amateur tennis (USTA) until 38.

Spent a couple of years at Michigan State University where I met my wife, Jo. We were married in NC in 1964 and was able to conduct fascinating team research in the discovery Cisplatin, a cancer drug, and also able to take advanced math and chemistry courses while Jo completed her MS degree in chemistry.

Graduated from the University of Iowa with a Ph. D. in 1970 and began 17 years of teaching and research as a professor at Mississippi State University. Jo, our thee children, and I moved to Elon, NC, in 1987 when I became the Chair of the Department of Chemistry at Elon University. Jo and I have three children, two are married, and we have one grandchild. He lives across the street from us with my son and daughter-in-law. Jo is a retired professor of chemistry. We enjoy our house on Smith Mt. Lake in southern Virginia and enjoy water skiing now. I ski competitively, AWSA M7, and we go at every opportunity.