Evelyn (Graf) Harris
9/17/1947 – 12/25/2025
Evelyn (Graf) Harris died on December 25, 2025.
From GU Class of 1971 Golden Anniversary Memory Book, p. 82:
Evelyn graduated from South Dakota School for the Deaf and enrolled at Gallaudet for one year in 1966-67. She earned bachelor of arts in human services from University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN in 1981. She was a student counselor and ASL Teacher at University of Minnesota for two years.
Evelyn was married to Robert Harris, E-’70, with two children and one grandchild. She was divorced in 2019.
She was happily living with her partner, Dave Fontana (our classmate) in Riverside, CA in the last several years.
Sympathy goes to Dave Fontana and the family.
1967 TC yearbook
2021 Memory Book
Note: Thanks to Lance Fischer for letting us know.
FYI: According to Evie’s emails, she looked forward to attending our class reunion and she already ordered Bill Pugin’s Memoir and looked forward to reading his book
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Thanks goes to Tom Benziger for sharing Evelyn Graf Harris' obituary... Here's the link:
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Sharon Jean Petersen
4/9/1948 – 10/15/2025
TC Yearbook 1967
Memory Book 2021
Sharon passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025, at her home. She was born on April 9, 1948, in Cedar Falls, IA, to Arlene and Ernest Petersen.
Sharon graduated from the Iowa School for the Deaf in Council Bluffs, IA, in 1967. She went to Gallaudet for a year from 1966 to 1967.
Sharon spent her entire career with John Deere Tractor Works in Waterloo, IA and retired after 33 years of dedicated service in the payroll department.
She enjoyed camping with her friends in the Good Sam’s Camping group for many years. Her close companion, Mindy, was a loyal dog for the deaf. Sharon loved crafting and was very talented in knitting, crocheting, tatting, sewing, and other handiwork.
The biggest part of her life was her faith and the friendships she made through the Baptist church. She even traveled overseas to visit religious and historic areas.
In 2006, Sharon decided to sell her home in Waterloo, IA, and moved to Kansas City, MO, to be closer to her sister and niece.
Sharon is survived by her sister, Janet Somers of Holt, MO; step-sister, Linda Petersen of Santa Fe, NM; step-brother, James Petersen of Santa Fe, NM; step-sister, Kathy Petersen of Waterloo, IA; and niece, Jennifer Finical of Kansas City, MO. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Arlene Petersen.
Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for Friday, November 14, 2025, at 4:00 pm at DEAF Liberty Baptist Church, 7910 West 75th Street, Overland Park, KS 66204.
Sources:
https://www.kcgoldengate.com/
Photos: Gallaudet University Golden Anniversary, Class of 1971 Memory Book, October 2021, p. 123.
Much appreciation goes to Rita (Sullivan) Ahrens for sharing the obituary with us.
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Rita Ann Spencer
5/2/1949-7/5/2025
Gallaudet Tower Clock 1971
National Scrapbooking Day, 2023
Rita Spencer died in a nursing home in Walkersville, MD on July 5, 2025.
Rita went to Woodrow Wilson High School in Youngstown, Ohio and came to our class as a freshman at Gallaudet in 1967. She earned her bachelor of arts in biology from Gallaudet in 1971 and got her master’s in education in deafness from Western Maryland College in 1975.
Rita taught at Maryland School for the Deaf in Frederick, MD and retired in 2005 after 33 years of service. She was selected to be in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, 1996; 2002 and 2004-2005.
Rita enjoyed scrapbooking at home as well as working with the deaf scrapbookers in Frederick, MD area.
The photo (below) was taken in the spring of 1968 at Gallaudet.
L. to R.: Rita Spencer, Marianne Sasseen, ’70, Julie (Munz) Theel, Deb (Johnston) Friesen, ‘72, Dianne (Crowe) Fives, and Pat Ford.
Sources:
https://www.
Golden Anniversary, Gallaudet University Class of 1971 Memory Book, 2021, p. 137.
1968 Photo: Roger Bass
2023 Photo: Linda Tom
Note:
Thank you to some of you other than the names mentioned above for letting me know on Rita passing... Very much appreciated...
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Lynneth Myers Martinez’s daughter, Jennifer, posted via FaceBook that her mother passed away on Thursday May 29, 2025. The ventilator was turned off and she passed peacefully. She was surrounded by family and close friends. She is no longer in pain. The cancer had spread and she was struggling in the last few months. Mom had a great life, and knew many people. She traveled and met so many friends. There are currently no plans for a memorial service.
Thanks goes to Jane Kuzoian for sharing Jennifer's message with us.
According to the Memory Book, 2021, Lynneth graduated from Washington State School for the Deaf in Vancouver and she was our classmate from 1966 to 1969 at Gallaudet. She retired from the U.S. Postal Service in Seattle in 1989 after 20 years of service due to her limited vision from the Usher Syndrome. She had been a widow since 2017. She and her late husband, Gabriel, have one daughter and one son and one granddaughter.
We all remembered her in the year of 2001 when we celebrated our 30th anniversary class reunion on the Windjammer (tall ship) in the Caribbean Sea. She sang Amazing Grace in sign language for us.
Tower Clock, 1969
Memory Book, 2021
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Dorothy L. Cohler
11/18/1941-3/24/2025
TC Yearbook, 1971
Memory Book, 2021
Dorothy L. Cohler suffered a massive stroke and her sisters had her at home with hospice care service. She passed away this morning on March 24, 2025 at age of 83.
According to our class newsletter of February 2002, she experienced a stroke in 2000. Since she was not able to come to our 30thanniversary class reunion dinner, she sent us a bouquet of flowers in October 2021!
Dorothy graduated from JHS 47 School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in 1957. She entered at Gallaudet in 1967 and graduated with us in 1971. Her major was History of Art.
She was very active in New York City including teaching, museum tour guide, board members in several local organizations including “47” Alumni Association of the Deaf and New York Deaf Theatre.
She was hoping to attend our 55th anniversary class reunion. May she rest in peace.
For more details, her profile in our Memory Book, 2021, p. 43 is attached.
Note:
Thanks goes to Lance Fischer for letting us know of Dorothy passing.
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Phillip R. Grein Passing
Tower Clock, 1967-68
Phillip R. Grein, 78, of Rolling Meadows, IL passed away on Sunday, October 20, 2024. He was born on September 27, 1946 the son of Adeline and Leo Grein.
Phil married his wife, Patricia, in 1978 in Royal Oak, Michigan. They were happily married for 46 years. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service after working there for over 10 years. He was also previously employed with Motorola Solutions. He enjoyed his retirement by Uber driving part-time, spending time with his dear friends, cheering on his Chicago sports teams, traveling, and most of all spending time with his family and five grandchildren. They were the joy of his life.
Phil is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Grein; daughter, Andrea (Joe) Nebel; son, Timothy (Hollie) Grein; grandchildren, June, Ben, Carly, Leo, Max; sister, Leonore Roach; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Richard Roach.
Family will be receiving guests on Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004.
A funeral service will follow on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 7:00 PM with Fr. Joe Mulcrone officiating at Glueckert Funeral Home.
Inurnment at a later date.
Source:
Notes:
Tom Benziger wishes to thank Bill Lindquist and Roy Lopaty for letting him know of Phillip passing.
Smitty also wishes to thank Ron De Mey for sharing the links with her as well.
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Richard F. Meunier
Surprise, Arizona
September 20, 1946-January 5, 2025
Richard Meunier passed away at age of 78 on January 6, 2025. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and dementia. He fell and broke his hip due to PD. He was at the Rehabilitation Center after the surgery.
He was our classmate at Gallaudet in 1966. He was born in New Orleans, LA. He attended Delgado Community College in New Orleans for two years before enrolling at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf in Rochester in 1969.
He worked in many, different newspaper outlets in this country from 1971 to 1991.
He and his wife, Pamela Rae have one daughter, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Our sympathy goes to Pamela and her family.
Notes:
Thanks goes to Rodney Navratil for sharing the news with us.
Richard’s profile appears in Class of 1971’s Golden Anniversary Memory Book, 2021, p. 112 (File attachment).
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Frederick Hicks Obituary
Frederick A. Hicks, 76, of Seattle, WA, passed away on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at his residence. He was born in Erie, PA on April 16, 1948, a son of the late Wallace A. and Helen D. Janulewski Hicks.
He was a graduate of Western PA School of Deaf in Pittsburgh and attended Gallaudet University in 1966. He worked for various lumber companies.
He is survived by his sisters, Dolores Peake and Shirley Ferrante, both of Erie and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services and burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Funeral arrangements were made by the Russell C. Shmidt and Son Funeral Home, Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Rd., Erie, PA 16504.
Sources:
https://www.wpsdalumni.org/
https://www.legacy.com/us/
Our classmates, Tom Benziger via Harrison Lewis
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Patricia “Pat” Ford
by Roger Bass
Below are two photos of Pat
Tower Clock Yearbook, 1967
Pat, 2024 (Roger Bass' collection)
Patricia Ann Ford was born at Fort Benning in Georgia on April 14, 1948. Her father, Hubert Ford, was an NCO (non-commissioned officer) in the US Army. Her mother was Irene Gesslin Ford. After her mother’s death in 1962, her father married Rosa Spegel who he met while on tour in Germany. They established their home base in West Point, Georgia. Both father and stepmother have predeceased Pat.
Pat attended mostly hearing schools, but did have a two-year period where she matriculated at St. Martin Lutheran for the Deaf in Detroit, Michigan. She graduated from East Anchorage High School in Anchorage, Alaska where her father was stationed at the time.
Pat entered a summer program at Gallaudet College in June of 1966 before entering Preparatory year in the Fall. She chose Sociology as her major, graduating in 1971. Pat took on additional studies in 1978-79 at Gallaudet’s Graduate School in Rehabilitation Counseling. In 1984, she received her Master’s in Counseling at Western Oregon State University in Monmouth.
After graduation in 1971, she went to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she worked in Deaf services of mental health and vocational rehabilitation. In 1978, she returned to Washington to work at MSSD as a residence counselor. She remained in that position for two years before leaving to move to Salem, Oregon. Among her proudest achievements in Oregon of which there were many and varied were founding a group home for Deaf and mentally challenged adults in 1983 and a Deaf-Blind camp in 1984.
Always a Georgian at heart, always teasing that she missed grits and boiled peanuts, Pat decided to return to her home state in 1987. She had a storied career at the Georgia Council for the Hearing Impaired, Inc. (GACHI), subsequently renamed the Georgia Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (GCDHH). She was President of GACHI/GCDHH Executive Board from 2012 to 2015. She retired in 2017.
Pat would consider her life’s work, and in which she found the most joy, in setting up camps for Deaf children in both Oregon and Georgia. She and Eleanor Foshee co-founded Camp Juliena in LaGrange, Georgia.
Pat’s avocations included parenting and loving all the many dogs that she took in over the years. With the help of the computer in which she became quite proficient, she enjoyed building up an extensive family tree going back into the 1600s.
One could say of Pat that she was an organizer of utmost caliber. This extended into most areas of her life and she particularly enjoyed arranging annual get-togethers of her closet Gallaudet friends. Pat was very comfortable in most all social settings and again, worked hard at organizing events. In her later years, even as recently as her last birthday in April, she searched for good places for senior Deaf of both west Georgia and east Alabama to get together on a monthly basis. For many, these were highlights.
In the last several years, Pat suffered from arthritic knees which made mobility a challenge. Lately she had been complaining about difficulty in breathing. In the last couple of weeks of her life, it was apparent to some of her “friends” on FaceBook in which she took a very active interest, that she had not been “showing up.” A few tried to reach her by videophone, FaceTime, and emailing, but there were no responses. A text was sent to her brother-in-law on FaceBook Messenger concerning Pat’s well-being. This must have alerted her family and while details are scarce, her brother-in-law responded in Messenger that Pat had been sick and that she was checked up on Friday, June 28, in her home and found deceased. It was determined that she had died a day or two earlier, June 26 or 27. It can only be assumed that this was from a coroner that must have been contacted as would be the protocol.
Pat’s brother-in-law stated that it was her wish to be cremated and that there would be no funeral. She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Teena and Harold Culpepper of Hamilton, Georgia; nephew, Keith Culpepper of Pensacola, Florida; niece, Laura Johnson of Hamilton; their spouses and grand nephews and nieces. Pat held just as dear to her heart all of her friends and who now live on to cherish her memory.
Notes:
Much appreciation goes to Roger Bass for writing an obituary and the latest photo of Pat.
Golden Anniversary Class Reunion Memory Book, 2021, photo/profile, p. 70.
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Carolyn (Hammock) Ostrout sent her message to Gallaudet Class of 1971 via Facebook on June 5, 2024:
Hi Brothers and Sisters of ‘71, Bruce died peacefully at 8:30 am today. It was the end of his long struggle with Parkinson’s disease (PD). His brain will be donated to PD research. It was the end of our long but worthwhile marriage of 54 years!
Bruce J. Ostrout
5/5/1947 – 6/5/2024
Tower Clock, 1968
Bruce attended Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind in St. Augustine, Florida. He was our classmate from 1966-1969. He retired in 2009 from the U.S. Postal Service in Jacksonville, Florida. He married Carolyn Hammock, E-’73 in 1969 and they have two sons and five grandchildren.
Notes:
Much appreciation goes to Linda Tom for sharing her information from the Facebook with us.
Source:
Class of 1971 Golden Anniversary Memory Book, 2021, p. 121.
We are saddened to inform you that our class vice president, Leslie (Milam) Zinza passed away peacefully around 2 a.m. on March 6, 2024 in California.
At the Maryland Deaf Senior Citizens (MDSC)’s Socials on March 21, 2024, Linda C. Tom spoke in sign language in memory of Leslie (Milam) Zinza. The video link is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Transcript:
Leslie and I grew up in San Francisco. Leslie lived in the south of San Francisco whereas I grew up downtown. I met Leslie at California School for the Deaf (CSD) in Berkeley. When I was a senior and Leslie was a junior, we took the entrance exams for Gallaudet, there were 13 seniors and Leslie was one of three juniors with us taking the tests. All of us passed the tests!
We went to Gallaudet and we were classmates for five years. We graduated in 1971. We departed as I got a job in the federal government (in the DC area) whereas Leslie was a graduate student at California State University in Northridge (CSUN) and earned a master’s degree. Leslie worked at CSD in Berkeley. Then the campus was relocated to Fremont and she was still teaching there. In 1999, Leslie retired from teaching and she decided to move to Maryland. She became a substitute teacher at Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD) in Frederick.
I continued to work for the federal government until I retired in 2009. Oh, before that, our class (Gallaudet) celebrated 25th anniversary class reunion in 1997 on an Alaska cruise. We got reacquainted. We still got together and celebrated our 30th, 35th (and so on) anniversary class reunions on sightseeing tours such as cruises and land tours, etc.
While living here, we met frequently such as scrapbooking workshops, get-together dinners, and class get-together events. We often roomed together for scrapbooking and we were supposed to be roommates for the scrapbooking weekend in Virginia recently but Leslie is gone. We often went on travels such as South America, Kenya in Africa, and many other countries.
Leslie rested in peace and I missed her.
The screen showed the photo of Leslie in the name of “Leslie J. Milam Zinza, 1948-2024.”
Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
https://mddeafseniors.org/
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Leslie (Milam) Zinza’s Celebration of Life was held in the meeting room at La Pinata restaurant in Fremont, California on June 8, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Approximately 40 people came to pay respects.
Click here to open the PDF file...
Transcript of the booklet (for blind readers):
Front Cover: Celebrating The Life of Leslie Milam Zinza, December 13, 1948 – March 6, 2024 with a Photo of Leslie at Gallaudet’s Ole Jim.
Page 2: The Photo of Leslie in front of U.S. Capitol
Page 3: Life and Legacy
Leslie Milam Zinza was a beacon of inspiration and dedication within the deaf community. Born in San Francisco, she attended the California School for the Deaf (CSD) in Berkeley, where she laid the foundation for a life committed to education and advocacy. Leslie furthered her studies at Gallaudet University in Washington, DC, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a minor in Mathematics in 1971. It was at Gallaudet that she met Bryan Zinza, a fellow student and future husband. Their shared passion for the deaf community led them back to California, where Leslie pursued a Master’s degree in Deaf Education at California State University, Hayward and Northridge, graduating in 1974. Leslie’s career as an educator at CSD’s Berkeley and Fremont campuses spanned over two decades. She excelled not only as a teacher but also as a coach and mentor, guiding her students in both academics and extracurricular activities. Balancing her professional life with raising three children, Lason, Lisa, and Jeff. Leslie embodied the spirit of a dedicated educator and a loving mother.
In addition to her role as an educator, Leslie made significant contributions to the world of deaf athletics. Her dedication was recognized in 1994 when she was awarded the NWAAD (Northwest Athletic Association of the Deaf) Basketball Coach of the Year. Her leadership and impact were further honored with her induction into the NWAAD Hall of Fame in 2000. After retiring from CSD in 1999, Leslie moved to Maryland, close to her old Gallaudet grounds, where she continued to shape young minds as a substitute teacher at the Maryland School for the Deaf until 2018. It was during this period that she met Karen Olson, who became her life partner and source of unwavering support. Leslie’s passion for reading, travel, and new experiences kept her spirit vibrant and connected to a vast network of lifelong friendships. She was known for her love of scrapbooking, solving jigsaw puzzles, gardening, and cooking, activities she cherished with her family and friends.
Leslie’s legacy is a tapestry of love, dedication, and unyielding commitment to the deaf community. Preceded in death by her parents, Shirley and Bob Milam, and her siblings Lisa, Marian and Tim, Leslie leaves behind a profound impact on her loved ones and those she touched throughout her life. She is survived by her partner, Karen Olson, former husband Bryan Zinza, her three children Jason, Lisa and daughter-in-law Gee, and Jeff and daughter-in-law Anna-Leigh, her sister Pamela Hartman, and a host of nieces and nephews. Leslie’s life was a testament to the power of education, community and the importance of nurturing relationships. Her memory lives on in the hearts of her family, friends, and countless students whose lives were enriched by her guidance and love.
Two photos are inserted:
‘71ers (L. to R.): Mike Cardinale, Lynette (Waldner) Cardinale, Barbara (Mitchell) Morrison, Bryan Zinza
Lynette (Waldner) Cardinale's Message:
At the service, there were such beautiful and amazing stories about Leslie (Milam) Zinza of what she had done for the deaf communities, sports and people’s needs. On behalf of Gallaudet Class of 1971, I gave remarks about her being a wonderful Vice President, explaining that she made sure that we got together every five years on our class reunions on trips other than homecoming weekends at Gallaudet. The last pre-planned 50th anniversary class reunion on the New England cruise from Boston to Montreal was cancelled due to COVID 19 in 2020. Oh, it was so good to see Bryan Zinza after not seeing him in the last several years.
Note: Much appreciation goes to Lynette (Waldner) Cardinale for sharing her photos and stories with us.
Ronald J Mears
2/17/1948-12/2/2023
Ronald Jack Mears, 75, passed away on December 2, 2023, with his family by his side. He was born on February 17, 1948 to Jack and Doris Mears in Natchez, Mississippi. He grew up in Meridian, Mississippi and attended the Mississippi School for the Deaf. He then attended and graduated from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. in 1973. It was there at Gallaudet that he met his lifelong sweetheart, Nancy.
Ron and Nancy married in 1974 and settled in Jackson, MS where they welcomed and raised their three children, Bill, Steve, and Laura. Ron began working for the United States Post Office and worked the night shift there for over 35 years until his retirement in 2009. He was affectionately known as “Bulldog” Mears by his co-workers because of his devout love for his Mississippi State Bulldogs.
Anyone who knew Ron would attest that he was a hard worker at his job and also to anyone around him who requested assistance. He was often chosen to be the treasurer of several different organizations throughout high school, college, and even beyond because he possessed a knack for “crunching numbers”. The jobs that his family would say he worked the hardest at were being a provider and being a present husband, father, and perhaps his favorite job of all, being a grandfather (Bampa). His love for his 5 grandchildren was evident by the way he lit up when he was with them or even when he just talked about them.
Ron is preceded in death by his parents Jack and Doris Mears. He is survived by his wife of over 49 years, Nancy Mears, his three children Bill Mears, Steve Mears (Lizzie), and Laura Smith (Aaron), his five grandchildren Hannah Claire Smith (17), Laura Beth Mears (15), Zane Smith (14), Julie Ann Mears (12), and Mary Grace Mears (7) and his two siblings Brenda Smith (Ron), and Robert Mears.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 7th at Pinelake Church (Reservoir Campus) beginning at 9:00 a.m. A service celebrating his life will follow at 11:00 a.m.
In Lieu of Flowers, memorial gifts and donations may be made to: the Converge Deaf Ministry (https://www.converge.org/
Ron’s daughter. Laura Ann Smith’s message:
We had to say goodbye to my sweet daddy last night. I never wanted to entertain the thought that he wouldn’t get better and be healed on this side of Heaven. But we trust in God’s plan and rejoice in knowing he is healed now and with his Lord and Savior. He has fought so hard these last couple of months, but he knew towards the end that he was ready. I’m thankful to have been with him in his final days and hours and will hold tight to all the wonderful memories he has given us and to all the things he has taught me. To know him is to love him and everyone did. He went by lots of names but my favorite ones were “Daddy and Bampa”. He thanked me so much for his beautiful grandchildren and told me how proud he was of them EVERY single time I was with him. None of us ever wondered how much he loved us and I hope he always knew how incredibly much we loved him back. Thank you to everyone for your support and love and especially your prayers during this time.
Ron & Laura
Notes:
Credit goes to Janice Knopf Woodall for sharing this FaceBook message with Tom Benziger.
The profile of Ron from our Class Memory Book, 2021 is attached.
Jefferson Baucom passed away last Tuesday (11/28/2023) at his home in NC.
Notes:
Thanks goes to David Conti for letting us know...
The profile of Jeff Baucom from our Class Memory Book, 2021 is attached...
Gregory Proctor [slideshow]
Slideshow and very brief identification in parenthesis are listed below:
Delma Beverly-Owens’ words: “Memory for love boyfriend Gregory”
Slide 1: In Loving Memory of Gregory Proctor (Gregory and Delma)
Slide 2: Greg was the person everyone could count on. (Gregory as a Prep at Gallaudet)
Slide 3: --- (2nd from right: Gregory and other four students with awards)
Slide 4: Forever cherished and fondly remembered alongside his dear friends. (left: 2nd from right: Gregory in a wedding party); right: Gregory in a chair along with his friends)
Slide 5: Greg, a beloved presence, forever etched in our memories. (left: Gregory with a baby; middle: Delma?; right: Gregory)
Slide 6: He had an unmatched gift for humor, effortlessly bringing laughter and joy to all who had the privilege of knowing him (Greg in a recliner with his righthand waving)
Slide 7: (left: Gregory and family members; right: Gregory with his family)
Slide 8: (Gregory with his walker and his friend)
Slide 9: (left: Gregory reading the newspaper right: Gregory on a bed)
Slide 10: Greg loved his family dearly, and so he did everything he could to give them a good life. (left: Gregory and his family; middle: Gregory and Delma; right: Gregory on a hospital bed)
Slide 11: Whenever he walked into a room, he brought happiness and hope along with him. (Gregory and Delma in younger time)
Slide 12: There’s no doubt his joyful character will be missed dearly by everyone he met. (left: Gregory napping; right: Gregory on a couch)
Slide 13: His embrace and gentle words will be treasured. (left: Gregory and a guest; middle: Delma and Gregory; right: Delma and Gregory)
Slide 14: The Proctor family asks everyone to offer prayers for Greg and for everyone he has left behind. (Gregory)
Slide 15 : Though we part ways for now, your wave whispers, “see you later” in our hearts, we carry your spirit, knowing we’ll meet again (Gregory with his righthand waving)
Notes:
Gregory rested in peace on June 9, 2023.
Credit goes to Tom Benziger for sharing the updated slideshow from Delma with us.
TC Yearbook, 1967 Credit: J. E. Handyside Source: InsideJoplin Obits
James David Roper passed away June 16, 2023, at home after a long battle with cancer.
He left behind his loving wife of 34 years Carole Roper & four stepchildren; Linda Johnson, Alice Viney, Keith Sikes and Jere Sikes along with several grand and great grandchildren; nephew Matt and niece Kim.
He graduated from Missouri School for the deaf in 1966. He was a retired printer. He had a passion for flying and traveling with his wife. He will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Maurine Roper and his brother Michael Roper.
Source: http://insidejoplinobituaries.blogspot.com/2023/06/james-roper.html
Notes:
Died at age of 77
Left Gallaudet in December 1966
Comments:
Leslie Milam Zinza:
Thanks for sharing…sorry to see Roper gone. I remember him talking a lot about being pilot… Thanks.
Rick Colosimone:
Yep, that’s him who was always hanging around with us 8 Ontario students from Belleville. He was so kind, gentle with a sense of humor. We knew he had something on his mind back home in Missouri where it’s close to his heart that he would be leaving Gallaudet. And found his love of life with a wife and children and continued flying! RIP my friend! Shalom
Sue Jacobs Green:
Now I remmy him. Thx. Rip! I didn’t know that he was a pilot. Wow.
Tom Benziger:
Thank you for sharing this with us and my understanding that he has flown some of us during his days at Gallaudet. I am hoping that whoever has flown with him to please come out and share your experience flying with him around the DC area. David, may you continue to fly gracefully joining with our brothers and sisters who are already “upstairs”.
David Conti:
I remember him. He was very nice. We talked about piloting an airplane … At that time I was interested in piloting an airplane so he talked about how to pilot carefully and learn many rules so be ready for an exam for a license. I am sorry that he has passed away. Thank you for sharing this news.
Kathleen Mozzer Francis:
Thanks for posting this. My sincere condolences to his family members and friends.
Lynette Waldner Cardinale:
Mike does remember that James had mentioned flying that Mike would like to ride with him. He looked so adorable and pleasant. May we send our deepest sympathy to James' families and May he Rest in Peace with our hearts.
Greg Decker:
I do remember him during our fall season of 1966… rest in peace...
Donald J. Kovacic
October 11, 1938-October 20, 2022
Age 84, of Pittsburgh entered into God's Eternal Kingdom on October 20, 2022 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Donald was born on the Kovacic farm in Herrick Center on October 11, 1938. He was the youngest of 12 children born to Carl and Sophie Kovacic. He is survived by his sister, Josephine Lensler, of Odenton, MD; two brothers, Leon Kovacic of Johnson City, NY, and Paul Kovacic of Las Vegas, NV; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Carl and Sophie (Bucinell) Kovacic; two sisters, Mary Brownell and Irene Bacon; and six brothers, Cyril, David, Joseph, Evan, Francis, and Carl Kovacic.
Due to a severe hearing impairment, Donald was enrolled at the Scranton State
School for the Deaf at the age of four where he joined his sister. After seven years, Donald and his sister transferred to the DePaul Institute for the Deaf in Pittsburgh. He completed his high school education at St. Rose High School in Carbondale and attended Gallaudet University in Washington, DC for three years.
Following his education, he spent time with the Holy Ghost Fathers as a religious
brother, worked as a carpenter in Washington, DC and Herrick Center, and then at the Endicott Johnson Shoe factory in Forest City. He lived with his mother, caring for her until her death in 1993, and moved to Pittsburgh in 2005.
Donald had an amazing ability to do just about anything. He was a dairy farmer, a woodsman, a talented carpenter, and was adept at plumbing, electrical work, welding, and was a skilled mechanic for almost any machine. He also had a talent for setting up his computer system and video displays to allow him to communicate with his hearing-impaired sister and niece via lip reading and sign language.
His work ethic was the talk of his neighbors. Donald was a devout Catholic and loved every member of his family without exception. He loved spending time and laughing with his family.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 AM on October 28th at St. Catherine of Sweden church in Allison Park. Donald will be buried at St. Joseph's cemetery in Forest City.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Francis Assisi Deaf Catholic Church for the Catholic Deaf Center at 7202 Buchanan St., Landover Hills, MD 20784, or to a charity of your choice.
Posted on October 26, 2022
Notes:
The link to the obituary is: https://obituaries.post-gazette.com/obituary/donald-j-kovacic-1086524984
Findings on our Classmates, Gary Lamb and Margaret Freeman
The next thing that I checked would be an obituary online and with their last name being so common, thousands to look up. I decided to switch to Ancestry.com. Bingo, I found Gary Joseph Lamb with his birthdate and from AZ who passed away June 19 2009. Reported to Roger Claussen of my findings and to the Alumni office.
Gary Lamb, 1966
I could not find Margaret Freeman since it is a relatively common name both online and Ancestry. Based on my conversation with Linda C Tom who reported learning from her that her plans were to move to NY earlier this year from AZ. She was at that time living in a Cardinal Management apartment for the Deaf called Apache ASL Trails in Tempe AZ. I decided to contact a close friend of mine who works for Cardinal
Capital Management in Wisconsin and was able to get more details of Margaret
Freeman's passing, I also asked for her birthdate (4/16/1946) and the date of her
death, 6/11/2022. It was her son, Jason, who found her dead in her apartment.
Margaret Freeman, 1966
I know it is quite lengthy to read but no obituary to share so I decided to share what I discovered. I am asking you all to have a moment of silence thinking of them as they travel into the next chapter of their lives. Rest in Peace both Gary and Margaret, you are not forgotten by us.
I could not have investigated this further without Roger's findings and the actual credit goes to Roger. Thank you, Roger, for getting me involved in this investigation I was able to discover and find facts to share.
Respectfully submitted,
Tom Benziger
John “Jack” Jensen of Arizona passed away on July 9, 2022 of a long illness.
According to the Tower Clock yearbooks, John Jensen of California attended Gallaudet from 1966 to 1968.
He wrote an interesting article about living on the farmstead in Minnesota that appeared in the Class of 1971 Newsletter, February 2002, p 7.
Source:
Graeme Harrison
Tom Benziger
Class of 1971 Newsletter, 2002
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Dorothy Fallon
Dorothy Lea Fallon, born in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania on November 17, 1946, passed away in Westerville Ohio on April 25, 2022.
She was a resident at Columbus Colony Elder Care. The cause of death was Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
She is predeceased in death by her parents, John and Dorothy Fallon; and is survived by sister Linda (Bill) Pastore of Austin, Texas; brother Jack Fallon and sister Eileen (Derry) Barker, both of Sarver, PA; nephews Cody (Gabrielle) and Troy Barker, aunts, cousins, and many friends.
Dorothy, nicknamed Dottie Lea, attended DePaul Institute, the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf and Gallaudet University.
She was employed by the U.S. Postal Service in Virginia for over 20 years.
Dorothy drove all over the United States in her VW Beetle on vacation – and also toured Europe, including a river voyage through France. Throughout these travels and life, she enjoyed a terrific sense of humor. When faced with life’s obstacles, Dorothy acted with immense courage and grace.
She has been interred in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Scott Township, PA. A memorial service will be held in early October 2022.
Sources:
- Ann Karcher Cole, ‘71
- http://www.wpsdalumni.org/
- Gallaudet University Golden Anniversary Class of 1971 Memory Book, 2021
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Roger C. Thompson
Photos: 1971 (upper); current (lower)
Roger passed away on Thursday morning, April 7, 2022, at Valley Vue Care Center in Armstrong, IA. Memorial Services for Roger C. Thompson, 75, of East Chain, MN was held on April 12, 2022 with a meal and visitation following the service until 7:00 PM at Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont. Burial is at the Oakwood Cemetery in East Chain.
Roger Cecil Thompson was born on October 1, 1946 to Merwin and Helen (Zoeller) Thompson in Fairmont, MN. He graduated from Minnesota School for the Deaf in Faribault, MN and then went on to graduate from Gallaudet University in Washington D.C in 1970. Roger was united in marriage to Donna Bosek on July 17, 1971 in Riverside, IL.
Roger grew up on the farm and farmed and raised breeding hogs for many years. In 1992, Roger decided to find time to slow down and smell the roses after quitting the large-scale swine production. He bought land and completed a log cabin project at the end of the Gunflint Trail on the shores of Lake Saganaga and Sea Gull River. Roger loved the outdoors and spent many winters up at the cabin where he was able to do his favorite things including reading, canoeing, fishing, cross country skiing, and feeding and identifying birds.
Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Tony Thompson, Tara (Justin) Thedens and Todd (Malorie) Thompson; grandchildren, Oliver and Nola Thedens and Elsa, Vaughn and Deacon Thompson; brother-in-law, Wallace Christ; mother of Roger’s children, Donna Bosek; and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Merwin and Helen Thompson; sister, Marilyn Christ; and niece, Kristin Christ.
Sources:
https://usobit.com/obituaries-
Thanks goes to Katie Russell Setzer for sharing it with us…
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Dorothy Marlene Garcia
Oct. 12, 1945 to Feb. 15, 2022
Dorothy Marlene Garcia, 76, of Morganton, NC passed away Tuesday, February 15, 2022. She was born October 12, 1945 in Modesto, California to Nolan and Dorothy (Herzog) Murrell. At the age of two, Marlene was hospitalized with influenza spinal meningitis. The virus took her hearing, but, as she continued to do her entire life, she adapted.
After attending several schools for the handicapped in her childhood she found a place to prosper in the California School for the Deaf in Riverside, California and then CSD in Berkley. There she met the love of her life on her way to graduating in 1966. She went on to graduate from Gallaudet College in Washington D.C. in 1972.
During her time at Gallaudet she married her high school sweetheart, Phillip Michael Garcia, in Willow Springs, Missouri where her family had relocated. After graduation, she followed Phillip to Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (not Virginia as they both expected…). While there, she taught local parents American Sign Language to help them communicate with their deaf children before teaching children at Abraham Lincoln School.
In 1975, they made their decision to move back stateside and joined friends and a strong deaf community in Morganton, NC. Marlene began teaching elementary school and spent 30 years working with students. She loved teaching and she took pride in watching her students advance and grow at the NC School for the Deaf.
Marlene was an active in the National Association for the Deaf, Junior National Association for the Deaf, and NCSD’s Booster club to name a few. In her personal time, she loved her bridge club, noon lunches and her Red Hat Society. Much like her mom before her, she enjoyed (and relished in winning) at any card game you put in front of her. She had many crafting hobbies and her cross stitching found its way into many family and friend’s homes.
Adapting again, after the loss of her daughter, she had been raising her granddaughter since 2014, a role she cherished. She had many roles throughout life: sister, educator, mother, grandmother, UNC basketball fan among the many and she poured her heart into each and every one.
Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Nolan and Dorothy Murrell, her daughter, Melissa Diane Garcia and her brother Franklin Oscar Murrell.
She is survived by her loving husband of over 50 years, Phillip Michael Garcia and her granddaughter Carlee Mae Garcia of the family home; her son, Phillip Scott Garcia (wife, Debbie McDermott) of Durham, NC; her brothers, Nolan Murrell (wife, Kay) of Redmond, OR, Everett Murrell (wife, Jeannie) of Oceanside, CA, Thomas Cain (wife, Lana) of Mountain Grove, MO, Lonnie Cain (wife, Linda) of Willow Springs, MO, and Stillman Cain of Mountain Grove, MO; sister and best friend, Diane Jeffery of Willow Springs, MO; sisters-in-law Janice Murrell of Bend, OR Linda Mattson (husband, Ken) of Morganton; and numerous nieces and nephews. She loved her entire family dearly.
A celebration of Marlene’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the NCSD at Morganton Foundation, P.O. Box 1397, Morganton, NC 28680.
Source:
https://www.sossomanfh.com/
Thanks:
Tom Benziger
Mary G. Yeh
According to Marlene Garcia’s sister, Diane Jeffrey’s message, Marlene was at the dialysis center on February 15, 2022 and her oxygen level was low. She was put in an ambulance to go to the ER however, her heart stopped on the way and they were unable to revive her.
Marlene is preceded in death by her daughter, Melissa. She is survived by her husband, Phillip, Son Scotty, Daughter-in-law Debbie and Melissa’s daughter, Carlee.
Marlene’s profile in the Golden Anniversary Memory Book (2021) stated that she:
- taught at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, 1972-1974
- was Elementary School Teacher at North Carolina School for the Deaf in Morganton, NC, 1974-2004; retired in 2004
- was an active member of Burke County Deaf Club in Morganton since 1995.
Our sympathy goes to Phillip and his family.
Sources:
Tom Benziger
Jane Kuzoian
Mary G. Yeh
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Linda Svarney
1948-2022
Linda Svarney died of a heart attack on January 16, 2022. She is survived by her Deaf son, Ladimer “Lad” Baird, Deaf daughter-in-law, Colleen and their children in Indiana. Linda was a doting grandmother of four grandchildren, Skyla, River (Deaf), Isla and Sienna (Deaf).
Our thoughts are with Linda’s family.
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Nancy Thayer Daniels
1948-2022
- Graduated from Michigan School for the Deaf (MSD)
- Our classmate at Gallaudet from 1966-1968
- Three children – two of them are Deaf from her first marriage
- Married the late Ronnie Zuchegno, E-‘71 in 1997
- Retired from MSD in 2008 after 32 years of service
- Became a widow in 2009
- Married Philip Daniels, ’69 in 2015
- Proud grandmother to several grandchildren
- Active member of the Flint Association of the Deaf
= = = = =
Sources:
Jane Kuzoian
Tom Benziger
Class of 1971 Golden Anniversary Memory Book
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There is a website on Nancy Thayer Daniels passing... Hopefully additional information will be provided later.
(Nelson-House Funeral Homes in Owosso, MI)
Nancy Thayer
February 18, 1948-January 7, 2022
Age 73 of Swartz Creek passed away Friday, January 7, 2022.
Further arrangements will be announced for Nancy.
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