The Warrior 1952

Most of us remember Donna Dembaugh for her academic ability in high school. But for some, there was a very personable side of Donna that she shared with very few. Behind what appeared to be a strong confident exterior was a very sensitive, almost fragile, quality to Donna. She disclosed that quality with only a few people.

I am delighted that she has permitted me to share her letter with all of you.

She explained that after high school she went to Wooster College and got her BS degree in chemistry.

She married her college sweetheart, John McRitchie in December 1955. They moved to Cambridge, Mass where he finally got his Ph. D. Donna says, "I worked for research for hire at Arthur D. Little. It was exciting. Some of the biggest names in Chemistry were in residence at Harvard, MIT and Boston College. I went from lab tech to a senior research scientist very quickly because the research was in Organic synthesis. I did not have a graduate degree, but no one seemed to mind, because I produced very interesting molecules."

Because Donna had to travel as a consultant, she eventually went to Hanscom Field in Bedford, Mass and got her private pilot's license in 1962. By 1965 she had already earned her instrument rating and flight instructor's license.

Her husband accepted a post-doctorate position in Wenatchee, Washington and at the insistence of a college professor, Ruth Fox, Donna started teaching chemistry at Wenatchee Valley College on a two year emergency certificate. Ruth Fox would become Donna's life long best friend.

Donna has always been known to us as a person who always seems to end up doing the unexpected. In this regard, Donna has not changed much since high school. To supplement her income, she worked part-time with Columbia Skyways as a crop duster. This eventually led to

her flying with the Fire Patrol fighting forest fires in the Okanogan National Forest.

_______________________________

Trivia Question:

1. What was the name of the Sunoco gas station on East Lake Road near Hammermill where students bought gas for 24 cents a gallon?

2. What was the name of the Saturday Night Dance at the "Y"?

UP DATE:

Jerry says, "I am working as a State District. Clerk for the US Postal Service, where I have worked for the past 14 years. I have no particular plans for vacations, because we go back East every two years. My wife Elaine (Sisco EHS '48) and I have visited our son who is in Germany. After I retire in three years I want to hike the Rocky Mountains. I also plan to do some volunteering with the DAV and Salvation Army. When I win the lottery I plan to purchase season seats to the Cleveland Browns home games and fly there each weekend."

I enjoy my home computer, fly fishing, and working in my small shop--just taking things apart to see why they run. Most of all I enjoy my music collection--haven't tooted the trumpet in years. I live in the most majestic country in the world. The Big Sky Country in Montana. Bob and Jean Mc Lean Tracy visited us a little while back."

Josep and Lois Ostrowski live in Middletown, Connecticut. They were married in 1956 and have three children. Joseph has worked for Pratt and Whitney as a senior quality engineer for the past 34 years. He enjoys fishing and traveling and say, "Right now, I do not have any specific plans for retirement. I really enjoy working."

Margaret Krysiak married James Hume on December 29, 1956. They now have 3 children. Margaret has worked at Pennsylvania State University, Behrend College for 15 years as a Staff Assistant. Her

page 4.

husband James is a bricklayer. The Hume's plan to build a cottage at Findley Lake, New York in a few years. Their postmaster there (Peggy Lamb) will make sure they get their mail come rain or shine. Does it ever rain at Findley Lake?

Alice says, "Rob-ert and I are looking forward to his retirement in December. Al-though we have no plans for retirement, we are really excited about retirement. We have three children and three grand children."

Mary Ann says, "Our grand children ages range from 8 to 23. Richard and I have six children and have had a very busy life. For the past 13 years I have worked in the bakery section of Loblaw's Quality Markets. We are still working. Richard is a welder and fitter and will be retiring in a few years. We are looking to live in Arizona or Florida."

Lois says, "My husband Ron and I have six children. Ron is an accountant. For the past seven years I have been the Head Cashier at Festival Foods. We are planning on going to Las Vegas in October. Ron and I hang out on our boat "Life After Kids" on Lake Erie in the summer. We enjoy visiting the eight grand children."

John says, "Probably 80% of my time is being spent with the three companies I have founded. I will mail in a complete chronological biography since 1952.

Elsie has been a clerk for the past seven years at Hills Department Store in Erie. She said, "My husband Peter and I

American Legion. We have both held many offices which we have held over the years. We are quite busy with the Legion and went go the Pennsylvania American Legion Convention last month."

Kerm said, "I was the Assistant Superintendent of the Waste Water Treatment for the City of Jamestown for 34 years until I retired. My wife, Janet, will retire soon from the Marine Midland Bank where she is a bank officer. We plan to do a lot of traveling and possibly move South. Through the years I have really enjoyed trap shooting, hunting and out-of-door activities. One of the things I feel proud about was the Milton T. Hill Award for contributions to water environment personnel. I also received an award for founding our own professional organization for Water Environment people in our area. I really enjoyed the Special Retirement Award I received."

Wanda said, "My husband Jim is now retired from FAA (Eastern Airlines) and we enjoy traveling, taking boating trips, and going to Florida in the Winter. Jim and I enjoy the amenities and activities of the Erie Yacht Club. We have two grand children, Abby 2 and Billy 1."

Dear Editor,

Dan, your story (Mr. Harbold and the 51 Crosley) in the Erie Times made me proud of you. Kay Pintea's brother L. Pintea wrote the "Always Looking Back" column and his stories were delightful and I always enjoyed reading them. By the way, for all of those classmates who do not live in Erie, we had 101 inches of snow this year. So all you people in Florida, California and Arizona can eat your hearts out.

Bye, Marian Fabin Wisniewski

Dear Dan,

I really enjoy the Alumni Newsletter. I will try to send a current photo and a brief summary of my life since 1952. At the pace I get things accomplished, it might get there by the 45th reunion.

Yours truly "Sam" Quinn

Dear Sam,

We can wait. Nice to hear from you, Sam. DC

(Ed. Note: Sam Quinn is currently the Vice President for Finance at Gannon University.) Editor

Dear Dan,

I heard from Pat Trude Stephenson this past Christmas. We had lost contact with each other quite a few years ago. If not for the newsletter we may never had corresponded again. Thanks a lot!

Page 5.

Also, Pauline Lipchick Berti called me a couple of weeks ago and was asking me several questions. I hope she contacted you. I also told her about the 40th Reunion Tape and how much I enjoyed t.

Dear Helen,

Pauline did contact me and I will mailed her a video tape of the 40th Reunion. I'm glad you liked the video.

Dear Dan and Class of '52

Hey it is nice to know some one cares. Way back in the late fifties and sixties WJET Radio offered me a chance to work with D. J. Randy Michaels (now deceased). The "Polish Hour" was the

main task. In my home, car, and Cab #57 you will hear the tunes and songs I grew to love and Play. I now own my own "Polka Cab" and the Moniker Polski Bow Tie."

Iggy from TV's "Taxi" and Paul Muni ran the satellite system for WRIE until 1987 with Joe Paluka. Joe was involved in a play. I was the real life character in the play and was played by an actor. I was also a drummer in the Dick Roberts Trio. I have been in the "Fellowship" for the past fourteen years, and with the help of my brother and sister and my mother, we brought

the St. Stan's organization to its feet by sponsoring dances, Lotto's, Games, and dances. We all cherished the memories of the processions in the Street "Corpus Christi" when all "bologna" would gather to march and pray along white trees and curbs-- glistening and leading us from altar to altar and back to St. Stan's. I guess that is why I have been called "too much Polish".

Someone might be interested--I have been a bachelor for the past nine years. A year ago this past July I lost my daughter Denise to cancer after a nine year battle. It taught me to live twenty-four hours, one day at a time.

I think of high school days with fond memories. To be part of the cure, smiles, memories, I hope I leave this "Erie" as a better place and thank all of you who have been in Richard Ed Plonski's life.

Thanks, Richard Plonski

Dear Dan

I think the price of the WARRIOR '52 very reasonable and lets us keep in contact with (old) school friends. I've enjoyed reading them over and over. I enjoyed hearing from Joan Franz besides reading the article in the newsletter. Yes, it is a small world after all (as the song goes.)

We just returned home from Abielene, TX. My husband Mel and I visited with our son and daughter-in-law and year old granddaughter. We took a four day trip down to Southern Texas and had a scary 18 mile ride over a gravel road over a mountain. My son and family was with us and we were all scared. It was a down pour of rain and the narrow twisting roads had no guard rails. The four of us prayed our way out of it as the fog was settling in.

When we saw an asphalt road with a yellow line down the middle we all said, "Thank you, Lord." I guess we never get too old to do stupid things, but looking back we laugh about it now. Anyway, thanks for all you do, Dan."

Boynton Beach, FL

(Part II Continued from Last Newsletter)

It was the oldest city rivalry football game in Erie. Of the 31 games played, East had only seven victories over Academy. The whole team was worried because Musha Cabelof, our All City quarterback, had been side lined due to an injury. Tiny Mel Laskoff was to fill in for Musha. All City half back Jimmy Johnson was also on the injured list. Academy, with speedy Willie Baker, was unquestionably the favorite to win that night. We had the spirit and talent and a great defensive team, but was it enough? What we needed was a miracle! Over 5300 captivated fans watched what is considered the most memorable football game ever played between East and Academy.

The game itself has a special place in my heart. We had just come off of "two" losses--a real drubbing by an excellent Prep team left our key players injured and a heartbreaker that we lost on a last minute "Hail Mary" pass by Ashtabula. Earlier we had beat Milcreek and Sharpsville, so we needed a come back.

The final score is not really indicative of the power the whole team seemed to be able to call upon any time it was

Page 6.

needed. One example of this, and in my opinion, was the greatest defensive play of the year. When city 100 yard dash champion, Willie Baker caught a pass over our secondary, Tom Damico caught him from behind to prevent a score. I never realized Tommy had that kind of speed. Our team was motivated and our line played the best game of the season.

During the game our line noticed that their defensive line would still be on their knees when we shifted from the T to the Single Wing formation. On the one yard line, we decided to gamble. My mouth was dry and my fingers trembled as I snapped the ball on "Shift." We had no trouble bowling over the defensive linemen (still on their knees) and Tiny Mel Laskoff rode

the middle of the line into the end zone

for our first touchdown. We were amazed in the fourth quarter when we pulled the same play from the two yard line and Laskoff scored again with another quarterback sneak. Both of my extra point kicks after touchdown cinched the game for Duke Detzel who really wanted this rivalry game. I don't think I ever saw Duke so happy. The crowd went wild!

I remember so well how the our team played. Jimmy Johnson did some fine punting and was a menace to Academy throughout the game. The defensive play of Feick, Rachocki, the DiPaulo brothers, Damico, and Quinn, and all the other players was splendid. It was a great game. It was a great 1951 team.

By Staff Writers: George Hahn, Patty Fowler Schneider,

Rita Glance Palmer, Dick Lewis, Peggy Lamb Kinney, Dick Petit, and Dan Conley.

As we walked through the 18th Street railroad underpass, the car horns were deafening. The whistles and screams built to an ear piercing frenzy. Reflexively we shouted and screamed in the cacophony of the sounds around us. Our voices strained and hoarse, we continued singing and shouting and commemorating the glorious victory.

"See you in school on Monday." was shouted as we eventually departed from each other. Each of us were left with our own memories and our own private thoughts. It might have been the thrill of holding hands with someone that we had a crush on. It might have been that we finally worked up the courage to ask that special someone for a date or to the prom. Possibly it was the excitement of that first kiss.

I remember the Victory Walk with the students down State Street that night after our victory over Academy. I walked Aggie Kudlock to her home. She was the captain of the cheerleaders and the victory must have been really special to her.

I remember how we both stood nervously at her front door. We were both so innocently shy and timid with each other. I touched her hand and forced a whispered, "Goodnight, Ag." I almost kissed her. In my entire lifetime, it was the very best "almost" kiss I ever got. And the next time we meet, I will tell her so. Who knows, maybe after all of these years, she will finally give me that special victory kiss.

The story of the 1951 Academy East Football game has a wonderful and fitting ending, but it almost had a unhappy ending. What better way to end an article than to have a photograph of the Game Ball. The last time I saw the winning football was in the display case at East High. When I went to get a photograph of the ball it was missing. Even the principal did not know where the ball was. My heart sank.

I decided to call Tom Damico. Tom Damico reassured me that the winning football with the victory score 14-6 was put in the display case on the main hall at East after the game. Tom's voice was reassuring, " But, a bunch of our classmates presented it to Wanda and me on our wedding day October 25, 1952."

[ Damico Juchno Wedding Oct 25, 1952 ]

"Dan, I am looking at the game ball as I'm talking to you right now. It is up on our mantle safe and sound. I look at it every day."

In a voice that sounded strong and reassuring, Tom proudly said, "And every now and then, my three grandsons ask me to retell them about the great 1951 East High victory over Academy. Somehow they never tire of hearing the story."

.....Nor do we, Tom.

From the Class of 1952 and the gang of us who wrote this article, we would be grateful if you would keep this article from the "Warrior '52" near the football on your mantel. Thanks for keeping football and the story safe and sound.n

Bill Murray

Bill said, "After high school I worked for General Electric Company, spent four years in the Air Force at Fort Walton Beach, Florida. I have worked with Lubrizol in Painsesville, Ohio for 33 years. I married Shirley Heuer from Lawerence Park in 1955. We have three children, Nadine, a technical writer living in Boston, Donn, also a technical writer, and John, a software systems designer who is working on his Master's Degree. We have no grand children yet. Shirley and I have travelled the U.S. and Hawaii and recently toook a

cruise to the Carribean. I am an avid golfer and right now am working on obtaining my private pilot's license."

Alfred Sherman

Al said he and his wife Joan celebrated the 31st wedding anniversary recently. The Sherman's live in Erie, where Al works as a Body Shop Technician at Porreco Motors. Joan is a bookkeeper/secretary at CNA.

Bill said, "I have been the Minister at St. Jame's Luthern Church in Ligonier, Pennsylvania for the past 27 years. His wife Fay is the secretary. Fay and I and our son Mark (30) are joining the Thiel Alumni Touring Choir on a trip to tshe Czech Republic, Slovkia, Hungary, and Vienna in August (93). We are looking forward to an exciting sightseeing and Pohar pivo prosim! There is no retirement in sight yet. I enjoyed the 40th Reunion photo that was on the Class Directory. Despite the ravages of age, I could pick out so many right away! Can that really be John Matlak on the end?"

Don and his wife Ruth live in Northeast, PA. Don is a printer and Ruth is an elecrtonics specialist. Don said, "We have three children and two grand children. About retirement and vacation plans, I just take one day at a time." He said, "I really enjoyed the information on our classmates and the group photograph of the 40th Reunion."

Nancy Ring Weisenbach

Nancy Ring and Thomas Weisenbach were married in September 1956. Thomas is a Claims Superintendent. They live in Erie. Nancy and Thomas have one child and are the proud grandparents of two grandchildren.

Lucy Machinski Blake

Lucy said, "For the past 12 years I have worked as a Steno Clerk for GTE. My husband Lowell is a retired masonry contractor. We have four children and five grandchildren. Over the past few years I have really enjoed playing golf during the summer. When the snow begins to fall, I enjoy my reading."

---Francis Kubicki

Francis and his wife moved to St. Petersburg, Florida in April, 1960. In January, 1976 he opened up his own business. He owns a B.F. Goodrich dealership called Pinellas Tire and Service.

-Tom Petroff

Tom and Louise Petroff were married 26 years ago and have two children, Mary Michelle Wentz and Thomas Jr. They boast of one lovely grandaughter. Tom had two children Alicia Petroff Danoski and Erick Thomas Petroff. Tom is self employed and owns United Services Supply (Ace Lock Smith).

MIKE AND JO ANN LEPKOWSKI

The Lepkowski's went to Spain and Portugal in June, 1993. Mike and Jo Ann saw Pope John XXIII when he dedicated a new Basilica in Madrid. While in Madrid they went to the Prado Museum. When they went to Portugal they went to the Fatima Shrine. The return ride on the Eurotrain back from Portugal to Madrid was a beautiful scenic ride?" 

Pauline Lipchik Berti

and her husband Louis have been married for 37 years. They have two daughters who both now have college degrees and both married. Louis works for Dave Hollman Chevrolet in Erie. Pauline is now a full time housewife. She said, "Recently I talked with Helen Liebel Syparaga who told me she has the Video Tape of the 40th Reunion. If it is possible, I would love to order one." 

Susan Myers

Travel: Ralph and I lived in Puerto Rico from 1981 to 1984. Ralphwas a asenior partner of the San Juan Office of Main Hurdman, CPA's. It was quite an experience and a fun time for me. It was like a three year vacation!

Golden Contributions

In Memory of Deceased Classmates

$50.00

· Harold Lewis

In fond memory of my wife Rosalie Lukasweski ('58) and her brother Ron Lukaszewski ('51)

vVvVvVvVvVvVvVvVvV

DEDICATION:

This Alumni Newsletter is published in honor of the Fond Memory of: