Weston High School Alumni News

Your news welcome! Please continue to send in your news We'll post it here as it arrives, most recent first. Also, here's a reminder for members of all classes to send in your email addresses. (Don't forget to mention your class and where you're located.) Our alumni email address list is a great resource for keeping contact with classmates. While you're at it, why not tell us what's new in your life as well? 

1970 - Michaela Pontoppidan Granstrom writes: I won't be able to make the Sept. reunion, but if anyone posts photos, it would be fun to see some. (8-31-10)

Sad news - Many alumni knew Joanne Morton, who worked at Weston High School for many years, beginning her career as an audio-visual aide and eventually retiring as the secretary to the principal. We are sad to report Joanne died this past Friday. Here is the obituary from the Globe: MORTON, Joanne S. (Shea) Of Weston, August 27, 2010. Wife of the late Peter Morton. Mother of David P. Morton of Newton, William J. Morton of Weston, and Elizabeth M. Sauro and her husband, Michael, of Newton. Grandmother of Ben, Lauren, and Sarah. Family and friends will honor and remember Joanne’s life by gathering for calling hours at the Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main St. (Rte. 20), WALTHAM, on Monday from 4-7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Julia’s Church, 374 Boston Post Road, Weston, where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made to Perkins School for the Blind, 175 North Beacon St., Watertown, MA 02472. For complete obituary, guestbook, and directions please visit http://www.joycefuneralhome.com. (8-29-10)

1971 - A reunion announcement from Dan Cetrone: here is the web site I set up for the planning of and communication for our reunion: www.westonhigh1971.yolasite.com. (8-16-10)

1990 - Andrea Agnello Pettinato writes: The Class of 1990 will be having our 20th year reunion over Columbus Day weekend this fall. The main event will be Saturday, October 9th, at the Josiah Smith Tavern Barn. We have a Facebook page for the Weston High School Class of 1990 which will keep people posted on the details. If you have not heard from me via email or Facebook, please contact me at andreaagnello@hotmail.com or find me on Facebook under Andrea Pettinato. We are looking for all members of our class throughout the years, even if you didn’t graduate with us. Looking forward to seeing everyone in the fall! (8-5-10)

1970 - Pierre Tariot writes: Delighted to hear of plans for a reunion this fall and will try hard to make it!  Thanks to Margie and Susan for driving this, and to Rick Belejack for tracking me down. (7-24-10)

1969 - The class of 1970 is having a 40th reunion in September. We would like to invite the class of 1969 to join us. We understand that the Class of 1969 did not have a 40th last year. The class of ’69 joined us for our 30th and we would like to extend the invitation to them again. We were hoping someone from the class could help us locate members of their class. We are having a tough time finding everyone from our class and would love some help locating members of the class of ’69.  Please let us know if anyone can give us a hand. We are hoping to invite everyone. Margie (Pink) Levasseur ’70 and Susan Banghart ’70. You can contact us at westonma1970@gmail.com (6-10-10)

1970 - We are looking for anyone who graduated in 1970 or spent time in the class over the years. We want to include anyone who was in the class even if they didn't end up graduating from Weston High. We are planning our 40th reunion celebration in September. If you belonged to the class at anytime please be in touch with us so we can send you an invitation. We want everyone to come. Hope to hear from you. Margie Pink (Levasseur) and Susan Banghart. Please contact us at westonma1970@gmail.com (6-10-10)

All classes - Weston Baseball Alumni Game, Monday, May 31, 2010: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Batting Practice (Optional). 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM Alumni Game, at the Weston High School Baseball Field. Participants: Weston Baseball Alumni, Weston High School Baseball Team, members of the Weston Community, and supporters of the Thomas E. Skenderian Weston Youth Baseball Fund. All are welcome to watch the game and enjoy the BBQ. Contact Dusty Rhodes Skenderian drhodes@conventures.com (781-642-7444) or Tucker Skenderian tcskenderian@conventures.com (617-893-8968) (5-19-10)

1977 - Paula J. Magnanti seems to be turning 50 with classmates this year and sends out the following invitation: To: Weston High School Alumni, Class of 1977— Please join me for an exciting Celebration...An Evening of Divine Synchronicity: Friday, June 4th, 2010, at Hotel Marlowe, Cambridge, MA! “Celebrating 50 years young…an Evening of Divine Synchronicity Featuring musical Group MAEVE.” Full details are here. (5-12-10)

1975 -SAVE THE DATE:  Saturday, November 27th, 2010, our 35th Reunion will be held at Frank & Colleen Kettle’s home in Weston from 7-11:30 PM. More details to follow or contact Lana (Moy) Harrington at Lanamh1@aol.com. (4-25-10)

1969 - From Bob Warren: A mini reunion of snowbirds and classmates in Florida is being held on April 10 in Delray Beach. Please join us for a get-away weekend in the sun. Contact bobwarren21@gmail.com for information. (3-10-10)

1970 - I cannot believe that this June will mark the fortieth year since we graduated from Weston High School. Is anyone working on plans for a reunion?  I would be happy to help plan and work on a reunion. If anyone is interested please e-mail me at mmleva@aol.com.  I hope I hear from you. Margie Pink Levasseur (2-22-10)

Beloved and revered physics teacher Donald Burke passed away on Monday, January 11, 2010.Notes of condolence may be sent to Carolyn Burke and family, 77 Floral Street, Newton Highlands, MA 02161. Remembrances may be sent to the Alumni News, and will be appended to the death notice from the Boston Globe, which follows:

BURKE, Donald J. Of Newton, passed away January 11, 2010, he was 71. After attending Sacred Heart School in Newton Centre his first twelve years, Donald studied at Boston College, graduating in 1960 with a BS in Physics. His passion for Physics continued as he completed studies at Syracuse University with a MS in 1969 and then a PhD at UCLA in 1972. Donald began his teaching career at Mission High School in Roxbury, MA where he taught for 2 years. After Mission, he moved on to Weston High School as the Physics teacher where he remained for the next 30 years. He is fondly remembered by his hundreds of students, many of whom he has remained in contact with over the years. The highlight of his teaching career occurred in 1993 when he was honored by President Bill Clinton at the White House in Washington, D.C. as one of the Presidential Scholars. Since his retirement, he has fulfilled his desire to travel having visited many countries in Europe, Asia and Latin America. In each new country, he enjoyed experiencing the different cultures and cuisines. Son of the late Thomas J. and Mary (McFarland) Burke. Donald was the loving brother of Rita M. Aucoin and her husband the late Edward T. Aucoin of Newton, Virginia M. Welch and her husband John of Needham, Mary "Dotty" Jordan and her husband Francis of West Newton and Carolyn M. Burke of Newton and brother-in-law of Mary E. Burke of Andover. He is also survived by his dear friend John Maynard of Brighton as well as many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters Marguerite C. Burke, Gertrude T. Burke and Esther Codyer, and brother Thomas F. Burke. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, January 16, at 10AM in Sacred Heart Church, Newton Centre, followed by interment in St. Joseph's Cemetery, West Roxbury. Visiting hours will be Friday 4-8PM at the Henry J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 56 Washington St. (Rte 16) WELLESLEY HILLS. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Little Brothers of St. Francis, 785-789 Parker St. Roxbury, MA 02120 or to Father John McBrearty, SSJ, St. Augustine Church, PO Box 548, New Roads, LA 70760. Henry J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home Wellesley Hills—www.henryburkefuneralhome.com. (1-13-10)

From Marty Galligan ’77: This guy was a great teacher. He made learning the stuff easy, and the subject matter was hard. (1-28-10)

From Patty O’Leary Helsingius ’76: Mr. Burke was far and away my all time favorite teacher at Weston High. I always got a kick out of telling people that my favorite high school teacher was my physics teacher, as I went on to attend art school. How sad to have lost such a great man. I did not know about his particular commendations as a teacher, but I personally knew he was the best. I actually enjoyed staying after for help in physics (which I always needed) because of the great way he found to teach the material. He made it fun, even for a math and physics challenged person like me, to understand the subject matter. I remember how warmly he greeted my whole family at high school graduation on the Town Green. I am very saddened by his passing. (2-27-10)

The Weston METCO Scholarship Fund has a proud, 30-year history of supporting students going off to college and of being generously supported by WHS alumni. It is currently holding an urgent drive, with a special offer by the Hiatt family to match new and increased gifts. This year’s appeal letter includes an impressive list of Board members, including many WHS graduates you will recognize. Please support this fund, by downloading the fundraising letter and following its easy instructions for making a donation. (1-6-10)

1970 - From Roger Sturgis: Does anyone want to help plan the 45th reunion of the Weston Junior High School 8th grade class? There were a lot of 9th grade departees. Debbie Phillips- email me when and if you see this post - rs@rbsturgis.com. (12-15-09)

1970 - Debbie Phillips “would appreciate hearing about reunion plans if possible.” Any word? (11-21-09)

1966 - Any Weston Alums who are living in Florida, especially North Florida in the Panhandle, beaches in Destin, or even Georgia, Alabama please contact me! Also love to hear from some long time friends!! Thanks....Woody Hoblitzell ’66 orange66@cox.net. (11-8-09)

1974 - 35th Reunion will be held on Saturday, December 5, at the Sandy Burr Country Club in Wayland from 7:00 p.m. to midnight. For more information, contact Dotty Farrell Shelton at dfshelton@comcast.net. (10-28-09)

1964 - Léo Valter Tschiedel writes all the way from Brazil, wondering about a reunion: I haven't seen too much news lately. Where’s everybody? Do they have plans for this year? I’m asking because if there will be an Anniversary Comm., I’m thinking of going this time! But I have to get ready for the visa, and all that kind of thing that makes a trip to the US rather tiring! (I can’t imagine myself being asked “what do you intend to do in the US”; I’d answer, bring some dollars to spend! and visit friends from a lifetime). Best always, Léo (10-11-09)

1971 - Sad news. Death Notice: Robert [Bob aka Rocky] Ahrensdorf [57]. At approximately 6:50 pm EST on August 12th my brother, Rocky, passed away surrounded by his family and friends. He was diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer 4 months ago in April. No one could have known how fast this cancer would grow, spreading into his liver and lungs. He went into hospice just four days ago. He leaves behind his wife of almost 27 years, Victoria, and his two children, Eli [21] and Grace [18]. Also survivors [myself] Wendy Ahrensdorf Powers, and our step mother, Sheila Ahrensdorf of New York City plus her son, Christopher Sanford, and his family. Rocky and family lived in Williamsburg, Massachusetts. There will be a Celebration of Roc's Life 8/21/2010 in Ashfield, MA. More information has been posted on Facebook, Classmates and Westporters.com. (8-13-10)

1977 - Traveler Olivia Lane Hewitt (formerly Oie Lane), reports: I live in London now after 12 years in New York and 9 in Washington DC. Moved to London with my husband Daniel, who now works for Barclays Capital. I have one daughter, Julia, married and living in Dubai, another daughter, Tracy, who is bumming around Europe taking a gap year, and a son, Trevor, who is living with us and studying at an international school. I don’t work here, but while I was in NY I was the director of a Quaker nursery school and loved every minute of it. My husband is an emerging market economist specializing in Eastern Europe. Have very much enjoyed keeping up with the class of ’77 via a very active facebook community. We have a lovely house in South West London and welcome visitors—seriously. Kind regards, Oie. (7-29-10)

1995 - Sad news. The following note was sent today to Weston school staff from Superintendent Cheryl Maloney: “It is with much sadness that I inform you of the sudden death of Kurt Ward, age 35, Weston High School Class of 1995. Kurt died in a tragic work-place accident in New Hampshire earlier this week. Kurt was an active member of the Weston High School Theater Company as a member of the lighting crew. Kurt’s brother Keith lives in Weston (along with their mother) and has children in our schools. We do not have details of the services but have been told there will be a service at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on Saturday.” (7-14-10)

1993 - “Don’t miss this chance to support an emergency appeal for Guatemala from Peter Haas whose non-profit works in both Guatemala and Haiti. Between the earthquake earlier this year and the recent tropical storm, they are in great need of our financial help in order to continue their amazing work during these very difficult times. For more information, go to http://www.aidg.org/newsletters/” —sent in by Jacqueline Wohlers Arnoldy. (6-17-10)

1964/1965 - From Léo Valter Tschiedel: I have just read that Russ Terkelsen intends to invite me to the 1965 class reunion! He wrote that in February this year and I had not read it yet, though we’ve been exchanging messages. The class of ’65 is also dear to me, for at that time, I think I was the only Brazilian around Boston area, exception made for an MIT student, whom I discover to be my relative!! He was the son of the Brazilian Secretary of Justice at that time, Dr. Mem de Sá.( Married to a Tschiedel). That was the only Brazilian I met during my stay as a foreign student in Weston, MA. That’s why my ties and bonds with American people are so strong! And that’s problably why they remember me. Class of ’65 through Russ Terkelsen, with whom I also stayed, and he with my family down here, indeed honours me in proposing my invitation to their reunion. Please do tell the ’65 class I’m most anxious to see everybody again, and that I’m distinguished just with the thought of inviting me. Many thanks, and God speed. Léo (6-17-10)

1968- Linda Robinson McCaffrey says hello to all of her classmates that she has been so bad at keeping in touch with. I am living in Brookfield CT and can be found on facebook. I own a real estate company, McCaffrey Realty Professionals, have been married for 39 years (yikes!!), 3 children, and 1 and almost 2 grandchildren.  lindam@mccaffrey-realty.com (6-10-10)

1975 - Vera Dolansky sends in news that Georgette Baghdady ran the Boston Marathon, completing the 26.2 miles in about 6 hours, and raising over $6,000 in memory of her late father, Dr. Elie Baghdady, for Tufts Health, Fitness and Nutrition programs. Vera included a link to a lovely article that Tufts published about Georgette’s unusual accomplishement: (6-10-10)

1969 - Stu Berman sends in a White House press release about Sue Carney, and adds: My younger sister Amy just moved from Los Angeles to Vermont. Finally, one of us has moved back closer to the old stomping grounds. In April our family went on an East Coast college tour. We stopped by Weston High so that I could show my wife and son a very important place in my life. It looks better than ever!

Now, the opening of that White House press release: May 20, 2010. President Obama Names Susan L. Carney to U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. WASHINGTON- Today, President Obama nominated Susan L. Carney for a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. “At every step of her career, Susan Carney has performed with excellence and unwavering integrity,” said President Obama.  “I am confident she will serve the people of Connecticut with distinction on the Circuit Court bench.”

1964 - Léo Valter Tschiedel writes in “just to say hello and to ask “where is everybody.” I haven’t seen much lately! I think we’re getting old!! Nevertheless, I saw a magnificent message from a former alumnus of Weston High School from 1934!! May this fellowmate be an example to us all!” (6-10-10)

1988 - Urgent! Peter Condakes needs your help. He has just been diagnosed with leukemia and needs a bone marrow transplant in the next few weeks. His family has organized a “donor match” drive on Sunday, May 2nd, to help them find a bone marrow match, at the Greek Orthodox church, St. Demetrios, on Brown Street, 11:00-2:00. Peter’s younger sister, Suzanne Condakes Polymeros ’89, points out that the bone marrow match “is a simple process and requires only a small saliva test. If you cannot make it that day, call Dana Farber to send you a swab kit at 866-875-3324.” Peter and his family live on Buckskin Drive in Weston. Thanks to Wendy Paltrineri Fox and Gee Gee Blair Bishop, who each sent us this call for help. (4.25.10)

1958 - The retirement of Minnesota Historical Society chief Nina Marchetti Archabal is featured in an article in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Read it here. Thanks to Nancy Foster for alerting us. (4-25-10)

1979 - We learn from Paul Bartlett of the sad “news of the passage of our 1979 classmate Mari Ann Panaggio ( Daoud ). Our thoughts, wishes, prayers, are with the family at this sad time. We are grateful for having known and having been a part of Mari Ann’s life over the years, particuliarly more recently at the 2004 reunion.” Please visit the Death Notice for Mari Ann Panaggio:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bostonglobe/obituary.aspx?n=mari-ann-panaggio&pid=140828098 (3-19-10)

1969 - More sad news: We’ve just learned that Debbie Griffin Cuccia died from cancer more than a year ago. We extend our sympathy to Debbie’s family. Thanks to Judi Lowell for alerting us. (3-10-10)

1974 - Sad news: David Sheldon Powers, age 54, passed away on Thursday, February 25. He was the beloved son of Robert M. and Janice Orr Powers. David is at peace after a long illness, at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston. He resided in Weston, MA, Sunapee, NH, and finally in Osterville, MA. He is survived by his brother Robert Scott Powers of Jackson, NH, and his sister Linda Jeanette Powers of Larkspur, CO, and 5 neices and nephews. David graduated from Weston High School and earned a BS degree at New England College. He worked as a salesman and manager in several different companies. He loved baseball, football, skiing, gardening, and all boating and water activities. David was enthusiastic about playing the guitar and was involved with several musical groups. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Wianno Ave., Osterville, on Thursday, March 4, at 10 am. Burial will be private at a later date. Visting Hours in John-Lawrence Funeral Home, 3778 Falmouth Rd. (Rt 28) Marstons Mills on Wednesday, March 3, from 4-7 pm. Memorials in his name may be made to Catholic Charities USA, P.O. Box 17066, Baltimore, MD 21297-1066. (Thanks to Dolly Butler Ryan ’76 for this posting.) (3-3-10)

1976 - “My brother Brian O’Hara died Tuesday [February 16] at his home, from recurrent cancer. He is survived by his wife of almost 30 years, Cindy, and 3 great kids, Katie, David & EB. He will be sorely missed. Vaya con Dios, mi Hermano!”—Kevin O’Hara ’74. (2-19-10)

1971 - Earle Pughe is mentioned in a delightful encounter at the end of a story in the magazine Acoustic Guitar about Grammy winner Dave Rawlings. See the story online at:
http://www.acguitar.com/article/default.aspx?articleid=25129
and check out the end of the article to get some insight into Earle and Dave. (2-17-10)

1965 - Russ Terkelsen sends in news, a proposal, and a challenge: Norm Toppan has been helping me to reach our ’65 class mates. I am now in Cridersville, Ohio (near Lima, Ohio, between Toledo and Dayton along I-75), and have invited Léo (’64)to join our class reunion. I visited Léo in Brazil 3 years ago and revisited Porto Alegre. I told Léo I would get the ticket to get him here, so all he needs is a date and time for the event to get his visa! Hello, are we going to do this!?! I will help as much as I can, just call me! (419-302-7771) … PS: Not connected with Lys anymore, but she is still on Cape Cod and I imagine she would make it too! (2-15-10)

1973 - Greetings from Chase Morrison. Woody Hoblitzell? [’66, see 11-8-09, above] He was my tennis teacher when I was maybe ten. He (and my father) taught me everything I know about tennis...Well, I never thought I’d be saying this, but I am teaching music in Santa Fe, NM’s public schools—general music K-2, and conducting two middle school orchestras. On top of that I have a full private music studio in Santa Fe, and run a chamber music program for kids. I still perform—classical, jazz, & latin on the cello—and have a blogspot to review cellist’s CDs...My mother moved back to Weston after many years away, and now lives in the Brook School apartments, occupying what I believe was Mr. Schaefer’s home room, and is right across from Miss Collins’s home room, where I was for 4th grade. It was weird the first time I went to visit her and climbed the stairs of building C, with its now very-polished oak handrail. The steps are still the same. (2-06-10)

1969 - Stu Berman sends in this sad news from wickedlocal.com (the online reference for the Weston Town Crier and other local papers:
Ernest Schofield, 59, died unexpectedly on Friday, December 18, 2009 at his residence in Weston. Ernie was born in Waltham on May 3, 1950, the son of the late Douglas Schofield and Virginia (Wheeler) Schofield. He was the father of Steve Schofield of Lebanon, N.H. and Ernest T. Schofield. He is also survived by his brother Thomas Schofield and his wife Laura of Waltham, by his nephew Patrick Schofield, niece Brittany Schofield and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Ernie has been a lifelong resident of Weston and was educated and attended Weston High School. For over 29 years he was a Grounds Keeper for the Town of Weston school department and retired in July of 2008. Ernie enjoyed being out doors and chopping wood for a warm fire in the fireplace. In his earlier years, he enjoyed canoeing. He was devoted to his family and particularly liked spending time with them. He will be missed by all who knew him. His funeral service and interment was held. For those who desire, gifts in his memory may be made to the charity of the donors choice. Arrangements entrusted to the care of the John C. Bryant Funeral Home of Wayland. (1-4-10)

1981 - Barry Zellen has published the third book in his Arctic series: On Thin Ice: The Inuit, the State and the Challenge of Arctic Sovereignty, the sequel to Breaking the Ice: From Land Claims to Tribal Sovereignty in the Arctic, is now available from Lexington Books. This is the third volume in the Arctic Security Project book series. On Thin Ice explores the relationship between the Inuit and the modern state in the vast but lightly populated North American Arctic.It chronicles the aspiration of the Inuit to participate in the formation and implementation of diplomatic and national security policies across the Arctic region and to contribute toward the post-Cold War re-conceptualization of Arctic security. More information, as well ordering opportunities, are available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Lexington Books. (12-3-09)

1974 - Peter Hug writes that he is “living in Easton CT for 25 years, self employed in the excavating business. Graduated from New England College w/Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Loving Life. Where are the Healey twins Mary Jane & Mary Anne, Class of 74/75 ??? (11-21-09)

1981 - Barry Zellen has just published his second book on the transformation of the Arctic during global warming: Arctic Doom, Arctic Boom: The Geopolitics of Climate Change in the Arctic (Praeger, October 2009). It does not see Global warming as necessarily doom. In this volume, Zellen argues that “the twilight of the reign of ice in the Arctic marks the dawn of a new geostrategic pivot and economic powerhouse—a rich new navigable “Mediterranean” basin full of beneficial promise for the future of the Arctic rim nations, the indigenous Arctic peoples, and human history.” Read the full press release. (10-28-09)

1966 -Floridian Woody Hoblitzell writes: Just ran across this site and nice to read about some good friends. As a grad, I need to come back home and see the best town in the US...It’s nice in Florida, but…fall seems like a good time to head north. Anyone around contact me--or at least say hello via e-mail. (9-24-09)

See Archives - WHS Alumni News from Previous Years