Williamsville Central High School Class of 1958 50th Reunion

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Charles "Paul" Cox, Class of 1958, passed away due to cancer in September, in Glenview, IL. Paul and his family moved to Williamsville in the early 1950's building a new home on one of the last lots in the Forest Stream area. The home backed up to the Park Country Club and was adjacent to the Franciscan Nuns property.

Paul soon became an intimate of other Forest Streamers such as Mike Bowers, Buzz Hoth, Todd Pitts and Ray Winfield. He was a participant in the famous rocket experiment in Todd's family basement (contact the air and science museum for details).

In high school Paul was a person of whom it could truly be said, he had no enemies. He was friendly, funny and a joy to spend time with. He was on the football team and went on to graduate form the University of Florida in Gainesville.

My wife Mary introduced Paul to her friend from North Buffalo, Mary Mahr on a blind date. I don't believe Paul or Mary ever dated another person after that meeting.

They lived nearly all their married life in Glen View IL, had two children and one grandchild. Paul spent his career with Sears in Chicago and was very active in a number of community associations. Over two hundred peope attended the internment ceremonies in Glenview.

Mary will continue to live in the family home.

Hoist a cup of coffee or a drink to our old classmate, the late, great Paul Cox.
Bob Schultz <rschultz95@bellsouth.net>
Plantation, FL; USA

It has been 5 months since our reunion and 4 years 7 months till the next one. I hope that the interest in another reunion remains high and that this web page stays active. Remember, any changes in your address, phone or email, please notify Dennis, Steve or Jackie. Meanwhile, I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy 2009.
Jackie Frey Kew <kewj@verizon.net>
Grand Island, NY; USA

Hi Again! I just want to say "Thank-You" to everyone for the great reunion weekend. I had a wonderful time. It was truly great seeing my old, whoops not old as in age but old as its been a long time since I have seen you, classmates. The reunion was so well planned; if anything went wrong, I sure did not notice. Steve, thank you for the web site. I hope it goes on a long time and that people keep in touch through it. You did a great job. Thanks to Denny and Gary and to all the lovely ladies who put the reunion together. I thank you expecially for granting us the opportunity to renew friendships of the past. Diane
C. Diane Parnitzke <lutchp@cox.net>
goodyear, AZ; USA

The day is fast approaching when all the hard work of the reunion committee and IT team will pay off handsomely. I am really looking forward to seeing you all again -- happy memories thinking of my days at WCHS. Thanks to everyone's efforts -- see you soon.
Arlene Stock McAuliffe

I remember London Dry pop, Hutt's Dairy Bar that later became Sadie Hawkins's Restaurant, Barndollar's Sunoco, pin-sticking at the six bowling alley's in Neumann High basement. Lou Winter - Class of 1955 Neumann High.
Lou Winter <loupat.winter@gmail.com>
Orlando, FL; USA

Hello to all. I'm sorry to say that I will not be able to attend the reunion. I know you will have a wonderful time! Family obligations prevent me from making the trip from Cape Cod back to Williamsville for this event. I will be thinking of you and remembering all of the wonderful times with the Class of 58!! Congrats to all the hard working committee people.
Elaine Pope Sampson <sampscape@capecod.net>
Other; USA

Hi to everyone! Just want to say:Kudos to the planning committee. You have kept the cost of the reunion very reasonable which should make it easier for even more people to attend!! So those of you that have not signed up to come to our 50th reunion-- what are you waiting for. Looking forward to seeing everyone. It should be a great time. Diane
C. Diane Parnitzke <lutchp@cox.net>
Goodyear, AZ; USA

I would like to extend my gratitude to Gary Butt and Dennis Curtin for the many, many hours that they have spent searching for classmates. Only 5 remain unlocated. Also, a huge thanks to Steve Lenz for building the web site that has made it possible for so many to get info and updates on the Reunion. GREAT JOB guys!!!!!! It has been a pleasure working with everyone and I will continue to do so. I have renewed so many friendships. At this time, there are 82 classmates plus spouses for a total of 138 attending. I am anxious to see everyone at the reunion.
Jackie Frey Kew <kewj@verizon.net>
Grand Island, NY; USA

mildred canale <lcanale@rochester.rr.com>
leroy, NY; USA

I have really enjoyed reading the updates and very saddened to see the passings. I hope I can make the reunion. How strange it is that everyone looks so much older, and of course I haven't!!
Andrea (Gould)Doll <aldoll@gci.net>
Juneau, AL; USA

Carol Edighoffer Ellsworth <ellsworth82937@juno.com>
Riverview, FL; USA

The Web site is 'GREAT'. I have been wondering for years where all the '58' grads ended up. The Web site is like a trip 'Back to the future'. I live in Westminster, Maryland and have retired from IBM. I have visited Williamsville many times and always wondered where all my friends disappeared to. I am looking forward to attending the 58 reunion and taking a walk down memory lane.
Gary Hall <garyhall@att.net>
Westminster, MD; USA

Hello to all the class of 58.Although I moved south and west after finishing school,I've had the good fortune to be able to revisit Williamsville a number of times over the 49 or so years and it always feels so good to stroll the village and check out what hasn't changed over all that time.Really great memories were made there. Thanks so much to all those folks for all their work in putting this reunion together.There's going to be one hell of a party next year. 4545 Scenic Hills Lane
Richard Ess <richardess@bellsouth.net>
Franklin, TN; USA

Hello to All, Having walked many valleys and climbed a few mountains, having traveled much of the world, having lived and worked with all manner of people, and having fought nearly all forms of war known to man during whirlwind military, academic, government and corporate careers, it seems somehow surreal to be contemplating my return to the blue and white starting gate. Frank
Frank Wyant <frwyant@aol.com>
Allentown, PA; USA

Greatings to all. We are still looking for the following classmates and need any information you can provide such as married names, re-married names, state of residence, name of spouse, name of a close relative or sibling, etc. The missing are: Linda Benson, David Binner, Barbara Bono, Gail Chamberlain, Jack Cook, Maija Dusults, Richard Ess, Susan Fechnay, Andrea Gould, Gary Hall, Nancy Meinhold, Diana Mills, David Neubecker, Natalie Norwood, John Schild, Barbara Schlitzer, Margaret Walsh and William Wright. As you can see, we are close to finding most if not all classmates and any help you can provide would be appreciated. You can send any information to me, Gary Butt at bude2@verizon.net or to Dennis Curtin at denny@shortcourses.com. Our goal is to be able to contact as many classmates as possible whether they will attend or not. The reposnse so far has been overwhelming and we anticipate a good time will be had by all. Gary
Gary Butt <bude2@verizon.net>
Solomons, MD; USA

Hi! I was happy to be contacted today by Dennis Curtain. Is not modern tech. wonderful! Have not looked at the whole site yet but find what I have seen well done. I am Carol Diane Lutgen now known as C. Diane Parnitzke. Life has been most interesting and never at a standstill. I am planning on coming to the reunion with my husband Richard. It will be exciting to see people I have not seen in 50 years though I was at the 10th reunion so probably saw some of you only 40 years ago. Did not know about the other reunions. I am willing to help though it looks like much has been put together already. Diane
C. Diane Parnitzke <lutchp@cox.net>
Goodyear, AZ; USA

This site is awesome! It brings back lots of fond memories, but mostly a renewal of relationships. It was sad to hear of the deaths of some of our classmates, especially of my first two girlfriends, Marsha Brown and Pat Rew. My wife Sophia and I are hoping to come to the the reunion. Bring your Searchlights, I would love to see again what I wrote to each of you. I promise to bring mine too.
Bill Schell <wschell1@carolina.rr.com>
Charlotte, NC; USA

To see Doug's resume, click here...
Doug Griffin <ddgriffin@verizon.net>
Orefield, PA; USA

Hi everyone. My son is writing on my behalf. I have Apoplexya which means that I - among other things do not write very well. Despite that, my spirit is high and I'm so pleased that Susie told me about the reunion. For the past 40 year I have worked in health care first as a nurse later as leader of a health care school. I hope I will be able to attend next year. Best, regards Chris
Birthe Christensen <blind@kabelmail.dk>
Farum, ; Denmark

Will be at the runion. Went on to college (Tri State @ Angola,Ind.). Got into trucking (sales) never got to drive. For the past 30 years have been a Agent for Dallas & Mavis (Heavy Hauler) in Peoria,IL. (haul Caterpillar prod)
Robert Knickerbocker <knick@mtco.com>
washington, IL; USA

It seems as if I just blinked and we were young people trying to figure out who we were and what we were going to do with our lives and now most of us are retired or semi-retired from careers of 40 plus years. Unbelievable! I have enjoyed the evolution of our web site. I have also been saddened by the deaths of so many of our classmates. I thank all of you, especially Denny and Steve, for the effort that has been put forth to make this reunion possible. I am looking forward to July '08. It should be fun.
Pat Riley Schultz <educon2@verizon.net>
St. Pete Beach, FL; USA

Hi Everyone, I can't believe it has been 49 years since High School graduation. Where did the time go? I'm glad that you found me and my wife and I are looking forward to July 08. The web site is really great and I enjoy reading about everyone. It certainly brings back lots of fond memories. Congrats to Dennis and Steve on a job well done. Thanks also to the reunion committee for all their hard work and can't wait to see everyone next year.. Bye for now, Roy
Roy Schulenberg <roylou70@yahoo.com>
quakertown, PA; USA

Hi all, So excited to read the comments in the guest book. I am meeting Bob Schultz, Hal and Shirley for dinner tomorrow night in Delray Beach, Fl. I can't wait. I don't think I have seen Hal or Shirley since 1958. Hope we all recognize each other. More on the meeting another time. The reunion sounds so great. I am really looking forward to catching up and renewing old friendships. Congratulations to all who have been working hard to make this the very best ever. Bonnie
Bonnie Siegfried <treetopshi@aol.com>
North Palm Beach, FL; USA

I am so glad you "found" me! Reunion sounds like fun. After reading the guest book, it's amazing our class has spread out all over. Some really great memories!! Hats off to all you folks who searched "the globe" and are making this all possible.
Judy Measer <judymeaser@yahoo.com>
Rochester, NY; USA

Congrats to our ambitious classmates who have stepped up to provide us with happy memories! I had been in touch with Marcia Brown Madden all these years and I thought when she left us that my last contact with Williamsville would be gone. Thanks to Gary's persistence I'm back in touch! Thanks to Denny for the call. The idea of a before/after photo album sounds great to me. Unfortunately in all our moves, my Searchlight is gone. I went to the 35th reunion and while it was great to see those that attended, there weren't many there. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone! If there's anything I can do long distance, please let me know.
Roberta Panza Alessi <ralessi@rcn.com>
Easton, PA; USA

You are all doing a great job with this site, especially Steve. A lot of memories came back in just a few clicks. Like most, I have a box in the closet with a lot of pictures, especially from our senior year. I'll try to send a few along. I may have missed it in my quick perusal, but I didn't see any mention of the "Sputnik" parties.
Ernest L. Plummer <elplummer@earthlink.net>
Pittston, ME; USA

I'm thrilled to be a part of the planning for our 50th reunion. We had so much fun back then and reliving it and seeing everyone again will be wonderful. Thanks Steve and Dennie for all your hard work.
Marilynn Miller Hennrich <MAHENGOLF@Verizon.net>
Williamsville, NY; USA

In High School I was in some classes with Denny Curtin and Steve Lenz. I don't want to infer that these two were academically challenged (a phenomena with which I have some familiarity) but - when either one of them had to go to the bathroom the teacher would appoint someone to show them the way, wait and then guide them back to class. And this was when they were seniors. The past is apparently not always prologue. Today Denny Curtin is an acomplished book editor and renowned expert in digital photography. He knows all about those cameras with the little pictures on the back where you don't have to advance the film. Also, when it comes to tracking down lost classmates he could give lessons to the FBI. And Steve Lenz. Turns out he's a computer expert and one of those Web Masters of the Universe guys. He can cut and paste, knows the inbox from the outbot from the botox; knows his hardware from his shareware from his tupperware. The remarkable evolution of Denny and Steve's skills has been fortuitous for their classmates. Combined with the apparently limitless regions of Cynthia Adam's attic and the efforts of our Reunion Committee they have resulted in "WCHS58". This Web site has proved much more than a reunion announcement. It is a moveable fest of remembrances, recollections and re-connections providing for many of us the chance to go home once again.
Bob Schultz <rschultz95@bellsouth.net>
Ft. Lauderdale, FL; USA

What a delight to hear from Denny Curtain tonight, and to discover this wonderful website. Congratulations Steve, I understand this is all your effort. I was shocked and saddened to read of Hendrick deLeeuw's passing, I stayed in touch with him and his family long after I left high school, and in fact flew to Buffalo to attend his father's funeral. His parents played a wonderful and important role in my life. I later visited Hendrick in Switzerland when I was traveling in Europe and he was teaching at the L'Ecole du Humanite in Goldern. I also met his wife Shreela. After his mother and Shreela died, we lost touch. In 1962, after graduating from college, I moved to Washington, D.C. and in 2002 my husband and I retired and moved to Milton, DE. I am amazed at being found and surprised at my own delight in this happening. Best wishes
Joanie Martin-Brown <jcmartinbrown@earthlink.net>
Milton, DE 19968; USA

Hey, this is so great! I have been wondering about a reunion! Thanks for all the upfront planning!
Kathleen Kent Austin <kathleenkaustin@gmail.com>
Durham, NC; USA

Thank you for giving some insight into my father's high school days. Karl A.H. Bohnhoff III
Karl A. H. Bohnhoff III <karl@theappraisaloffice.com>
Lansing, MI; USA

Just received the call from Denny Curtain. What great fun that will be. Anyone else in the Chicago area?? It's beautiful here. Cold but beautiful!! I wear my High School Ring every day!!
Joe Szuba <jcszuba@msn.com>
Chicago, IL; USA

To reflect on the years spent in high school, provides one the opportunity to relish a period of time when life was less complex, less stressful and time management was not part of our vocabulary. I truly believe our high school years were a unique period of time. Friends made were true friends; parties were always something to look forward to and were geniune fun. Fellow classmates were real with little to hide. We created much of our own entertainment and amusement with little financial support from our parents. When all else failed, drive-in movies always saved the night. Since I have lost contact with so many of you (I know, I only have myself to blame) this reunion will have special significance. My hope is that during the three day reunion we can reset the clock back to our era; rekindle friendships, share special stories and events, and return home with the believe that high school graduation only occurred a brief time ago. Finally, my hat is off to all of you devoting the time and energy to make the reunion a truly special event. Best regards to all, Stan. PS I still go to the office 50 hours a week and spend much of my spare time cycling and participating in 100 mile racing events. I'm a true fan of Lance Armstrong.
Stan Brown <stanb2@prodigy.net>
Valencia, CA; USA

Hi Steve..... What an effort by you and the reunion members. The website is great and the memories even greater. I'm looking forward to the big day in '08
Chuck Kraus <cskra85@msn.com>
East Amherst, NY; USA

For years I have been trying to find out about class reunions, but, up until a few yrs. ago, have not been in any contact with alumni from our class. I accidentally ran into Sharon Haendiges, (don't know her maiden name) a few yrs ago and she called me a few days ago to tell me about this site. I sent a letter to the school back in the mid 90's giving my info., and asked that they forward it on to anyone from our class.
Naomi Bancroft Laskey <Meg4059@aol.com>
Lockport, NY; USA

I am looking forward to seeing everyone. It sounds like a great time. If you need any help with any thing let me know. I'd love to help.
Susan Forster Reisdorf <reisdorfsd@aol.com>
North Java, NY; USA

Steve, This website is wonderful, you did a great job. I love reading all the messages as they come in. Christmas greetings to all!
Judy Embree <judithe366@adelphia.net>
Kenmore, NY; USA

I would love to hear from any and everyone! This is just too exciting. See you soon!
Judy Westphal <wjudith@ca.rr.com>
Valencia , CA; USA

Wow,I'm so impressed with all the notes, it's so much fun catching up with everyone, we'll have to extend the reunion! It's great working with friends on the reunion, lots of laughs! Hi to everyone! Bonnie S. can't make out your e-mail, contact me, I'll be in Florida in March. Jack H. a famous children's book author! Thanks Steve, what would we do without ya! You can move from Williamsville but you can't forget all the memories. I'm lucky I live in heart of village, I walk alot so I'll probably be one of the funny village people! Love Ya
Bonnie Pitts-Hazlett <BonnieHazlett@verizon.net>
Williamsville , NY; USA

Hi Steve--just a note to let you know this web site is wonderful----much fun to remember the 50's of our youth. You have done a great job!!
Cynthia Adams <caa259@aol.com>
Williamville, NY; USA

Hello, I just read the Guestbook. Oh what great memories. I have a picture of our party house on Sheridan Drive which I will put on the site. My parents just loved our class and all that were at the house. Life was so easy and relatively safe back them. Sorry to see so many have passed. I know Bonnie Schultz has a great restaurant on Aspen Mt. I was shoched to see her name as well as the others. The Guestbook is a great idea and the web site is second to non. Thanks Steve. You are really the BEST! I will checking in the Guestbook often. The committee sounds hard at work. Congratulations to all of you. Anyone coming near Florida and North Palm Beach, please let me know. Bonnie
Bonnie Sherman Siegfried <treetopshi@aol.com>
North Palm Beach, FL; USA

Sounds just great! Can't figure out why I didn't get added to the guest book. Anyway, put me in. Thanks. Wish I could be at the meetings. They are just fun and full of a million laughs. Bonnie
Bonnie Sherman Siegfried <treetopshi@aol.com>
North Palm Beach, FL; USA

Hi to everyone! Each morning when I get to work I check our website to see if anyone new has signed the guestbook. I've enjoyed reading all the comments. And thanks to those who have sent pictures. We're having lots of fun planning the reunion, heck, it's just fun to get together after all these years. Some of us look the same, some a little different. I'm sure the weekend we get together will be one we'll remember always. I know I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and having a lot of fun during the whole weekend! I'm hoping we have lots more people signing the guestbook; it's so much fun reading the comments. And a special thanks to Steve for setting up the website. You have done a GREAT job Steve!!! Looking forward to seeing everyone in July 2008!!
Susan (Flynn) Maybee <smaybee@belmontshelter.org>
Williamsville, NY; USA

Congratulations to the Class of '58, and especially to my sister, Pat Schultz
Lynna Riley Peterson (class of '53) <lynnapet@verizon.net>
Odessa, FL; USA

Aloha to all classmates of 1958 First; a big mahalo to you who are forming the 50th reunion of the Class of 1958. After reading this growing list of comments; it brings back one profound thought. Weren't we fortunate to live in a young post WWII community where our parents were determined the best education be offered for their children. We should thank our parents,teachers and creators of the central school system. For some; their parents were also teachers. For many; some teachers were like parents. We loved, respected and learned from them. A few of us have even stayed in contact with teachers and coaches. The names; Hemink, Wilson,Tuzz, Lederer,Endres,Snyder,Longly,Stein and others will remain in our thoughts forever. Many have stayed in contact and with the internet; more of us can rekindle old friendships. An old cliche; "You can take the person out of Williamsville; but you can't take the Williamsville out of the person." Hope to see all of you healthy in '08.
Ron Miller <prawnman60@yahoo.net>
Kalaheo, Kauai, HI; USA

Thank you Steve for all the hard work. Have any of you written or published something for children? I'm writing a craft book for kids and could use some help. Jack
Jack Hart <johnchart@bellsouth.net>
Atlanta, GA; USA

I know, I know, I'm really with the Class of '57, but my heart was always with my friends in the Class of '58. I have never let go. There are no friends like old friends and I look forward to seeing everyone at your 50th. Everyone is doing a super job and I appreciate being on the contact list.
Barbara Fisher Longwell <barbaralongwell@yahoo.com>
Baldwinsville, NY; USA

It's Thanksgiving Day and we are very full of real good food. Just reviewed the web site and am so thrilled. What fun to see and hear about everyone. Of course we will be at the reunion with bells on. Thank you everyone for all your hard work. I look forward to more up-dates. Shirley Wenham Abercrombie
Shirley <Abercrombie@mymailstation.com>
Wellington, FL; USA

Am looking forward to seeing all of my old living schoolmates. Wanted to be there last time but don't remember an invite. There are lots of things I don't remember!
Charles PAUL Cox <cpaulcox@comcast.net>
Northbrook, IL; USA

Steve, you have done a really great job on the Class of 58 web site. I'm sure that your efforts will be appreciated by all of the classmates as well as anyone who logs in. Your efforts and that of the other organizers will help to ensure that all attendees of the reunion have a time they won't soon forget.
Gary Butt
Other; USA

The website is great!! It has brought back memories that were buried somewhere in my brain. I will send some things as soon as I can scan and send them to you.
Pat Harkness Howland <pandjhowland@charter.net>
Parkersburg, WV; USA

Steve, very nice job with the web site. Congrats to the entire committee for a job well done.
Bob Conn <roberthconn@yahoo.com>
Ocala, FL; USA

Nice job Steve!
Dan Yorkey <danyorkey@nas.com>
Spring, TX; USA

Great Job Steve, Hurrah,Bravo from the ol broads on the reunion committee!!!
Bonnie Hazlett <BonnieHazlett@verizon.net>
Williamsville , NY; USA

Hi to you all.I am looking forward to to seeing EVERYONE at the reunion.This is special to me because i left for California 3 days after our graduation party. The flat-top, the flat belly & my hearing,all gone.I may not remember many names but my eyesight is so good that you will all look 18 again.C U there mike
MIKE BOWERS <mcbowers86@ca.rr.com>
Valencia, CA; USA

Great job. I am enjoying working on the committee and most of all seeing people after so many years. For most it was our 25th Reunion, but some......well suffice to say we were all 17 or 18 when we graduated! I have a granddaughter that age!
Jean C. Miller <Bergio2@aol.com>
Cheektowaga, NY; USA

OH, this hurts. I read the list of those that have passed away. I feel like I've been out of the loop of my '58 classmates for TOO long! I don't feel "that old" yet because I'm still working, but to learn of so many deaths - I guess reality is setting in that we aren't 18 any more. I'm reflecting on so many things after reading the comments and all that happened in our teens. WONDERFUL!! Let's keep the memories going. How about a 1958 yearbook photo and the "after" photos so we won't have such a hard time recognizing each other in '08!! I love this website and will keep checking back to see what's new. I don't feel like a "Gramma" anymore!!!
Judy (Baum) Walters <birdnest@rochester.rr.com>
Attica, NY; USA

Hi, to all of my young classmates. I can"t believe it"s been almost 50 years. It sounds like they have a great weekend planned. Hopefully we can help get as many classmates there as possible. Let me know if I can be of any help. Well guys & gals, I'm counting the days & sure hope we all recognize each other! One anxious classmate Bob Carnes
Bob Carnes <recarnes@bellsouth.net>
seneca, SC; USA

It appears that I am the first to add an entry to Steve's guest book so there is a great deal of pressure to perform. If you find this message but haven't been receiving e-mails from me, I don't have your current e-mail address. If you would like to be kept up to date on our progress toward the 50th, drop me an e-mail at denny@shortcourses.com.
Denny Curtin <denny@shortcourses.com>
Marblehead, MA; USA

Thought I would start this off by welcoming every one to our Web site. For me, creating this is a labor of love. I hope you will add an entry to this guestbook, and please leave any ideas or suggestions regarding our 50th reunion. Also, I welcome any comments/critiques of the Web site. Got any pictures we can use? Please contact Denny or myself. Thanks!
Steve Lenz <slenz@thenetmill.com>
Pawtucket, RI; USA