Ilion High SchoolClass of 1955Alumni News
Digitized Class Yearbook....55 Mirror from the New York Heritage digital Ilion Free Public Library Yearbooks collection. Link opens in new browser tab. (added March 24, 2021)
Class History....Now everything you wanted to know about the IHS Class of 1955 is at your fingertips....as published in the 1955 Mirror Class History.
Class Roster....Class Roster, Officers and Honor Students, as published in the "The Mirror 1955", are available on the 1955 Class Roster page. (added February 18, 2022).
Class Historical Newspaper Articles....
Charles 'Chuck' Brown - 1955 Physician...Charles Brown, attended Ilion schools with his twin brother, James Brown. When Charles 'Chuck' Brown reached high school age, he entered Highland Hall Prep School in Hollisdaysburg, Pa. His twin brother, James, attended Franciscan Preparatory Seminary until he transfer back to Ilion High School. Charles later spent two years at St. Bonaventure and graduated from Utica College in 1959. He entered McGill University of Medicine in Montreal and graduated in 1963. Charles Brown has been added to the list of Alumni Physicians. (Modified May 8, 2021)
Kenneth Dack Honored...Kenneth Dack IHS 1955 was honored by Applegate & Day Funeral Home for his 50 years as an employee. Don Applegate, Jay Applegate and John Day presented Ken Dack with a commemorative plaque for his years of service with the family business. Mr. Dack began at the age of 13 working for Clayton "C.L." Applegate and worked for Clayton's two sons, Pliny and Mal. (February 5, 2000)
Greetings from Robert H. Fay - Physics/Chemistry Teacher .....I graduated from IHS in 1937 and became a member of the faculty, teaching physics and chemistry in the fall of 1947. I left the summer of 1955 having been a senior class adviser for that class. Now I am retired, a widower and an active RVer. Having lived in New Hampshire for over 30 years, my summer base is there where my 3 sons and their families reside. I have a companion, Gail, whose family is also in New England and we spend the winters in northern Florida. Coming and going can take a month or so each way as we explore the US on the way. Robert H. Fay Summer address is: P.O.Box 414, Greenville, NH 03048 Winter address is: 106 Connecticut St. Carabelle, FL 32322 Hope to see the class list grow and would be glad to correspond with them and also any members of the classes '48 - '55 who remember me. (February 8, 2000)
Condolences.....Lorraine (Urtz) Covell, IHS 1955, age 88, a longtime resident of Fourth Street, Village of Ilion, passed away peacefully, on Saturday morning, April 20, 2024, in Ilion, New York. She was born on October 25, 1935, in Ilion, a daughter of the late Clarence C. and Bertha (Shutts) Urtz. She was a graduate of Ilion High School, 'Class of 1955.' For 34 years, she worked with the New York Telephone Company, Herkimer and Utica, as a telephone operator. She retired in January 1992. As a testimony to her dedicated work career, she was a member of the Telephone Company Pioneers. She was a communicant of the Church of the Annunciation, in Ilion. Lorraine spent the most comfortable and rewarding moments of her life with family and friends at the camp on Canadarago Lake. In her leisure time she always enjoyed the company of her cats. She is survived by her beloved family: her brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Joyce Urtz, of Richfield Springs; her niece, Wendy (Urtz) Chapman and her husband, Bradley, of Richfield Springs; her nephew, Jeffrey Crutcher and his wife, Susan, of Poughkeepsie, New York; her great-niece and great-nephew, Bambi and Rock; and several cousins. Lorraine was predeceased by her parents, Clarence and Bertha; a brother and sister-in-law, David and Jane Urtz; and her nephew, David Urtz. Family and friends are invited to calling hours, on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., at the Applegate-Day and Enea Family Funeral Home's larger location, at 4309 Acme Road (old Main Street) between Ilion and Frankfort. Her Funeral Mass will be held after the calling hours, on Tuesday, at 10:30 a.m., at the Church of the Annunciation, West Street, Ilion. All are welcome to attend. Burial will follow after the Funeral Mass, at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Frankfort. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Herkimer County Humane Society, 514 State Rte 5S, Mohawk, NY 13407. Lorraine's funeral arrangements have been entrusted to her long time friend and family Funeral Director, Don Applegate. (April 24, 2024)
Mr. Alan S. Kennell, IHS 1955, age 85, of 117 East Main St., passed away on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at the Wynn Hospital, with his loving family by his side. He was born in Ilion, on November 11, 1937, son of the late Francis J. and Helen I. (Schell) Kennell. He attended Annunciation School and graduated from Ilion High School, with the class of 1955. He graduated from MVII (MVCC) class of 1958 with a mechanical technology degree. He enlisted in the US Army reserve, in 1955 and was honorably discharged in 1959 after serving his time with the 414th civil affairs company, Utica, New York. He served his active duty at Fort Dix, New Jersey and Fort Devens Massachusetts. In his youth, he was active in the Boy Scouts, achieving Eagle Scout, chief Kamargo Lodge Order of the Arrow and vigil member. He worked as a counselor at camp Russell, White Lake, from 1951 to 1955, at the summer encampments. Alan was married to Mayme Ann Paratore, daughter of Vito and Anna Paratore, on June 4, 1960, at St. Mary’s Church, Frankfort, New York, a blessed union of over 63 years. His work career spanned over 43 years with the bulk of it at the General Electric Company and Radio receiver department, Kaman sciences corporation, and ITT systems division. He retired in 1998. He was active in his community serving as a board member and officer of the Valley United Way, for over 25 years. He was a member of the Frankfort Kiwanis Club, the Saint Francis DIPaola Society, was President of the Frankfort Jaycee and District President of the New York State Jaycees. He was a communicant of our Lady Queen of Apostles church and a member of the church choir for over 40 years. Alan enjoyed visiting the casinos, doing his daily puzzle books, working his garden, decorating their home front with flowers, walking the streets of Frankfort and sitting on his front porch. Alan is survived his loving wife of 63 years, Mayme Ann; his three daughters, Mari Rita (Mike) Alesandro, Utica, New York, Donna Kennell (Jodi Bonafede), Webster, New York and Barbara(Todd) Howlett, of Marcy, New York; his son, Dr. Alan Kennell, of Gilford , New Hampshire; one sister, Jean (Gary) Greig, of Ilion, New York; his in-laws, Sister, Mary Rita Paratore, of Hewitt, New Jersey and Salvatore (Theresa) Paratore of Whitesboro, New York; eight grandchildren, Ryan (Isabel) Alesandro, Kristen and Michael Alesandro, Isabella Leidner, Jordyn and Erin Howlett, Vivian and Preston Kennell; and his great-grandson, Samuel Gabriel Alesandro. Alan was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Lois Ford, Ilion New York; and by his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Jean Kennell, Harrisburg, PA. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, November 6, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion New York and at 10:30 a.m., from Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, Frankfort, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place at the convenience of the family, in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are on Sunday, November 5th.2023, from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to attend the calling hours and the funeral the following day. Arrangements are in care of Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors. (315) 894-8000. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com on the Internet. (October 31, 2023)
Mr. R. Frederick "Fred" Rowland, IHS 1955, age age 85, of Armory Street, Ilion, passed away peacefully, on Sunday, April 10, 2022, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Utica, with his loving family by his side. Fred was born on June 1, 1936, in Ilion. He was the son of Raymond and Frances (Hammond) Rowland. He was a proud graduate of Ilion Central High School, class of 1955 and Utica College of Syracuse University, in 1977. Fred was also a proud and dedicated member of the U.S. Navy and served from 1957 to 1961. Fred married the love of his life, Ellen Perry, on July 22, 1961, at the Church of the Annunciation, Ilion and shared a blessed union of over 52 years until Ellen's passing on June 30, 2014. Fred worked for General Electric, Utica, in the Aero-space division as a Program Analyst for over 31 years. During this time, he also served his community as a Herkimer County Legislature for 21 dedicated years and Chairman of the Board for two years. Fred later continued as Director of the Herkimer County Veterans Service Agency retiring in 1998. Mr. Rowland was an active parishioner of the Church of the Annunciation and proud supporter of Amvets. Fred was a true gentleman in every sense of the word; humble, respectful and devoted in all ways. He gave of himself to his family, friends and community in a truly selfless way. Fred loved the outdoors and spent many years enjoying it at his family camp on Canadarago Lake in Richfield Springs, NY where he spent time boating, fishing and enjoying special friends. Fred's true passion however was always spending time with his family and his very special 4-legged friend, Olive. Surviving family members include his daughters and sons-in-law, Jayne and Bruce Morgan, of Ilion and Beth and Brett Hively, of Atlanta, GA; his sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas and Michele Rowland and Joel and Kelly Rowland, all residents of Ilion; his grandchildren, David Morgan (MacKenzie Sherlock), Jacob Morgan and his wife, Mallory, Matthew Hively, Megan Hively, Cory Rowland, Paige Rowland and her fiancé, Austin Brady, Tria Rowland and Iley Beth Rowland. Fred was also the proud great-grandfather of Benjamin Morgan and soon to arrive, great-granddaughter. He also had two special nieces, Barb Presley and Christine Keough; and several wonderful cousins, in particular, Pam Eargle and Gail Risinger; as well as very special neighbors, Paul, Joe and George. He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Ellen; and his sister, Mildred Kirkland. Fred's family will celebrate his life in a private Graveside Ceremony, at Armory Hill Cemetery, Ilion. For those wishing to honor his memory, please consider a donation to the Ilion Free Public Library Foundation, 78 West St., Ilion, NY 13357, the American Cancer Society, PO Box 42040, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123, or a Mass card in his memory to the Church of the Annunciation, 109 West St., Ilion, NY 13357. Anyone wishing to share a memory of Fred, or add to his online memorial, may go to www.applegateandday.com. Fred's service arrangements and supervision were prearranged and are entrusted to his Family Funeral Director and long-time friend, Don Applegate, at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home's original location, at 102 West St., Ilion, NY (315-895-7722). (April 16, 2022)
Mr. Lawrence "Larry" Robert Paul, Jr., IHS 1955, age 84, of Mohawk, passed away Tuesday, April 5, 2022 in St. Elizabeth's Medical Center with his family by his side. He was born in Ilion on May 6, 1937, the son of the late Helen Nehr and Lawrence Paul, Sr. He attended Ilion High School, graduating with the class of 1955. He went on to attend Colgate University, graduating with the class of 1959, then graduated from RPI obtaining his Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering. He was married to Barbara Kennell on August 6, 1960, at the Church of the Annunciation in Ilion. The two shared a blessed union of over 30 years until Barbara's passing from cancer on June 18, 1993. Larry was at one time employed with General Electric and Lockheed Martin before taking over Paul's Tank Car when his father got sick. He ran the gas station and fuel oil business for many years until his retirement. He was a lifetime athlete and inspiration to his children as he enjoyed running, bicycling, and golfing. He ran numerous local road races, including the Boilermaker. He was also passionate about gardening, traveling, and going to camp. Larry spent as much time as he could at camp and even after his stroke, he insisted on mowing the camp lawn. He was a loyal Colgate alumni and took pleasure in attending home football games. He was a problem solver which led to some creative inventions including putting a toggle switch in his wife's car to fix the air conditioning, which she could only reach by using a stick .Larry loved to have a good time and can be remembered at day's end relaxing with a big smile and a scotch in his hand. He was an active member of the Kiwanis/Mohawk Community Club and enjoyed the camaraderie he had there with his many friends. Larry is survived by two sons, David (Patty) Paul of Mohawk and Eric (Kelly) Paul of Rome; two daughters, Jennifer (Brian) Herkel of Barneveld and Leisa (Dan) Murphy of Newport; his beloved grandchildren; Kayla, Lawrence, Barbara, Avery, Mason, Abbegail, Brianne, Madelynn, Christina, Shea, Braden, Devin and Kiera; his great-grandchildren, Tatyana, Jacob and Oliver; special nieces and nephews; Courtney, Deb, Sue, Mark, Mike and Paul. He also had a very special friend, Betty Riesel, who gave him loving attention until the end. His funeral will be held Saturday, April 9, 2022, at 1:00 PM in the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St. in Ilion with Pastor Rick Riggle, officiating. Calling hours will be Saturday from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM in the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Armory Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Canadarago Lake Association, PO Box 682, Richfield Springs, NY 13439, which supports conservation of the lake he loved. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To leave condolences for Larry's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com (April 16, 2022)
Barbara Elsie (Broat) Noll, IHS 1955, age 84, of Ilion, passed away peacefully in her sleep, on Sunday, February 20, 2022. She was born on June 7, 1937, in Herkimer, the daughter of Kenneth and Elsie (Potter) Broat. She lived in Mohawk until she was five and then resided in Ilion for the next seventy-nine years. Barbara graduated from Ilion High School and Central City Business Institute (CCBI), Syracuse. On August 22, 1959, she was married to "the love of her life", Charles "Charlie" A. Noll, in Annunciation Church, Ilion. Charlie died on September 8, 2012. Prior and in addition to raising her three children, Barbara held several jobs, including private secretary, medical secretary, canteen/café manager and teacher's assistant. Barbara greatly enjoyed caring for her various dogs, (Jingles, Pepper, Bandit and Squeakers), cooking, traveling and camping with Charlie, tending to her flowers and most of all, spending time with her children and grandchildren. Barbara is survived by her three children: Laura Bay and her husband, James, Eric Noll and his wife, Marianne, and Brett Noll and his wife, Elizabeth Mahler Noll; eight grandchildren: DeAnna Bay and her fiancé, Jason Markins, Michael Bay and his wife, Natalie, Kenneth Noll and his wife, Alicia, Kathryn (Noll) Ward and her husband, Sam and Kelsey, Joseph, Isaac and Allison Noll; and three great-grandchildren: Riley, Archer and Aurora. Barbara will be remembered as very strong of character and a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her "halfway house" was always open and babysitting was "free of charge". Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home's original location, at 102 West St., Ilion. A Celebration of Barbara's Life and Prayer Service will follow at 3:00 p.m., at the funeral home. If you are planning on attending the visitation and/or service, please wear a mask to protect the family and others. Thank you for your understanding. Burial will be held later this spring, at Oak Hill Cemetery, Herkimer, next to her husband, Charlie. Anyone wishing to share a memory of Barbara, or add to her online memorial, may go to www.applegateandday.com. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to Herkimer County Humane Society, 514 State Route 5s, Mohawk, NY 13407. Envelopes are also available at the funeral home. Barbara's service arrangements and supervision are entrusted to her Family Funeral Director, Don Applegate. (February 23, 2022)
Carol S. 'Shortie' Mentzer, IHS 1955, age 81, of Shippensburg, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, June 20, 2019 surrounded by her loving family. Born Saturday, July 31, 1937 in Mamaroneck, NY, she was a daughter of the late Lester Leroy and Anna Dzuban Short, Sr. Carol was of the Catholic faith. She was a 1955 graduate of Ilion High School, Ilion, NY, and graduated in the fall of 1958 from Albany Medical Center for Nursing, as a Registered Nurse. Carol continued her nursing career working for Albert Freeman MD from July 1963 until August 1976, until retiring as Nursing Supervisor from the Shippensburg University where she worked from August 1976 until August 1997. She is survived by one son, William L. (Sharon) Mentzer; three daughters, Donna M. (Dean) Conway, Brenda L. (Dale) Satterfield, and Sally J. (companion Daryl Wileman) Reed, all of Shippensburg; one brother, Lester L. Short, Jr., Kenya, Africa; two sisters, Joanne Short MacIntyre, Long Island, NY, and Marla Short Wood, Sammamish, WA; four grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard E. 'Butch' Mentzer, who died April 17, 1993; one brother, Joseph D. Short, one half-brother, Norman Short; one half-sister, Helen Short Worchol; and two sons in-law, Lincoln E. Reed, and Samuel G. Kelley. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. in the Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home & Crematorium Inc., with Father John E. Ograh officiating. Burial will be in Spring Hill Cemetery. A viewing will be held Friday, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Resident Home Health & Residential Hospice, 100 Sterling Parkway, Suite 110 Mechanicsburg, PA 17050. Online condolences may be expressed at www.fogelsanger-brickerfuneralhome.com. (July 4, 2019)
David W. Menard, IHS 1955, age 81, who had resided in Villanova, PA for the past forty years, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2019 in Audubon, PA. He was born on February 5, 1938 in Watertown, NY, the son of the late Norman and Elizabeth Menard. He was raised in Ilion, NY and graduated from Ilion High School in 1955. He then entered Cornell University where he received a Bachelors degree in Agricultural Economics and an MBA degree. Davids professional career included positions in public accounting, financial management, international shipping and mergers & acquisitions. In 1999 he founded Moro Corporation, a publicly traded company based in Wayne, PA which specializes in construction materials and services. The Company employs approximately 250 people. He retired in March of this year. He served for more than a decade as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Eagleville Hospital (PA) and was a member of The Union League of Philadelphia. David enjoyed gardening, collecting antiques and international travel. David is survived by his wife Jacqueline and his three step children: Greta Kessler of Doylestown, PA, Vivian Israel (husband Ehud and children Shoshanna and Anneliese) of Maple Glen, PA and Neil Kessler (wife Mariya and children Maxwell and Rose) of Sherborn, MA. He is also survived by his two brothers: James Kirk Menard (wife Ellen and sons Matthew and Jeremy) of Averill Park, NY and Dr. John Menard (wife Christine and daughters Elizabeth and Sarah) of Clinton, NY. He was predeceased by his son, Peter, in 2011. A funeral service was held on May 16, 2019 at the Chapel of Peace at West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, PA. (May 24, 2019)
Dorothy (Ayers) Murphy IHS 1955, age 80, formerly of Mohawk, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at home, with her family by her side. She was born on November 22, 1937, in Auburn, NY, the daughter of Kenneth Ayers and Marjorie (Suydam) Ayers. Dorothy graduated from Ilion High School with the Class of 1955. In 1957, she was married to Joseph Scire. She later married Harry Murphy in 1963. She then married Egbert "Dutch" Ray in 1977. He died in 1984. Most recently, Dorothy married Donald E. Murphy on January 28, 1989, at the Mohawk Reformed Church. He passed away on July 16, 1998. At one time, she was a secretary at the Skenandoa Rayon Corp., Utica. Mrs. Murphy then became Chief clerk at Herkimer Co. A.S.C.S.-U.S.D.A. Mrs. Murphy later owned and operated the Crisler Electric Motor Repair Co., in Ilion. Later, Dorothy was employed at the Applegate Funeral Home and Monument Service of Ilion and Mohawk for many years as a secretary-receptionist and hairdresser-cosmetologist. She was also a part-time secretary to the Herkimer County Coroner, Don Applegate. Dorothy enjoyed working very closely with Don and Judy Applegate in their family business and all three of them became best friends for life. In fact, Dorothy soon became a very special part of the entire Applegate family and was treated as a member of the family. More recently, she was a Floral Designer at N. Myrtle Beach Florist for 10 years where she resided with her husband, Don. Ten years later, she moved back to Mohawk to be closer to her family. Dorothy was the former Mayor of the Village of Mohawk from 1973-1978. She was a member of the Mohawk Cemetery Board of Directors and Supt. Of the cemetery and a member of the Town of German Flatts Board of Health. She was also a member of the Mohawk Reformed Church and a Deacon in the Reformed Church Consistory. Mrs. Murphy was also a member and former officer of the Order of the Eastern Star, Evening Star Valley Chapter #82. Most recently, she became a member of the Mohawk American Legion Auxiliary. Surviving family members include her daughters and son-in-law, Nancy and Lee Watkins and Rebecca 'Becky' Samsel, all of Ilion; her son, Steven Murphy and Sue Lowery, of Mohawk; her grandchildren, Eric Watkins and Robert and Justin Samsel; 2 stepsons, Dan Murphy, of Millers Mills and Lee Murphy, of Mohawk; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. She was predeceased by her mother, Marjorie (Ayers) Crisler; her father, Kenneth Ayers; stepfather, Tilford Crisler; 2 sons, Robert H. Ray and Kenneth Murphy; 1 daughter, Susan Lee Murphy; and her 2 sisters, Alethia Davis and Nancy McCleary. Calling hours will be held Friday, April 20, 2018, from 4:00 p.m. to 6;00 p.m., at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home's original location at 102 West St., Ilion. The Mohawk American Legion service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday and the O.E.S. service will be held at 5:45 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held 6:00 p.m., Friday, April 20, 2018, at the funeral home at 102 West St., Ilion immediately following calling hours. Anyone wishing to share a memory of Dorothy, or add to her online memorial, may go to www.applegateandday.com. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413. Envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Dorothy's service arrangements and supervision are entrusted to her Family Funeral Director and friend, Don Applegate, assisted by her close friend, Judy Applegate. (May 20, 2018)
Curt Henry Christian Preische Jr. IHS 1955, 75, of Shippensburg, Pa., and formerly of Ilion, passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2013, at Chambersburg Hospital Chambersburg, Pa.. Born Sept. 26, 1937 in Saranac Lake to the late Curt Henry Christian Sr. and Gladys Mann Preische. He was a 1955 graduate of Ilion Central High School Ilion. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. After serving in the military he completed two years of pharmacy school at the University of Buffalo. He also completed advanced training in life insurance courses. He was a life insurance agent starting with Met Life in 1962 and finishing with Monumental Life in 1988 as staff manager. Before retiring Curt held various positions with Giant Food Stores most recently as a pharmacy assistant. He was a member of First Methodist Church of Ilion. He was very active member of Loyal Order of Moose Lodge No. 2500 of Shippensburg, Pa., where he held an office. He was a member of AARP. He also sang in various barber shop quartets and played the harmonica. Survivors include, daughter: Susan L. Duttweiler of Merrillville, Ind.; son, David A. Preische and his wife, Stephanie, of San Jose, CA.; son, Scott C. Preische and his wife, Holly, of Penfield; brother, David W. Preische and his wife Sharon of Williamsport, Md.; and six grandchildren. He was predeceased by a sister, Audrey L. Wiernicki. A memorial service will be held at Osborne Funeral Home, 425 S. Conococheague St., Williamsport, Md., on Monday, March 11, 2013, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Ernest E. Witmer officiating. Burial services will be private. The family request the omission of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shippensburg Moose Lodge No. 2500, 32 Walnut Bottom Rd., Shippensburg, PA 17257 Online condolences may be made to the family at www.osbornefuneralhome.net. (March 10, 2013)
Elizabeth 'Liz' A.(Smith) Kennedy IHS 1955 age 75, of W. North St., Ilion, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 30, 2012, at home. She was born on May 27, 1937, in Mohawk, the daughter of Walter and Emma (McLain) Smith. Elizabeth graduated in the first class of Ilion Central School in 1955 and Mildred Elley School, Albany. On September 17, 1971, she was married to John L. Kennedy in Ilion. He died on February 21, 1987. In her early years, she was secretary to the advertising manager at Standard Furniture Co., Herkimer. She later worked at the YMCA of Herkimer Co. for sixteen years. Most recently, Liz was a secretary at the Boys and Girls Club of Utica. Mrs. Kennedy was an Elder and member of the Session at the First Presbyterian Church of Ilion, where she had been a member for over sixty years and Sunday School Superintendent for over ten years. Survivors include her daughter, Cindy Kennedy, of Ilion; her sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Sheila Kennedy, of Mohawk, Gary Kennedy, of Richfield Springs, Mark and Renee Kennedy, of Central Square, NY, and Eric and Helen Kennedy, of Mohawk; sixteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; her brothers, Walter Smith, of Mohawk, and Ronald Smith, of Ilion; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends, Jean Smith and Hilda Paddock. She was predeceased by her husband, her parents, and her granddaughter, Alicia Grace Kennedy. Funeral services will be held 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 3, 2012, at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Rd., Ilion, with Rev. Victor McKusick, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Ilion, officiating. Interment will be in Armory Hill Cemetery, Ilion. Calling hours are Wednesday, October 3, 2012, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. prior to the funeral home service. Anyone wishing to share a memory of 'Liz', or add to her online memorial, may go to www.applegateandday.com on the Internet. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Ilion. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. The Kennedy family has entrusted all funeral and burial arrangements and supervision to their family Funeral Director Don Applegate.(Oct 5, 2012 modified March 20, 2016)
William H. Clements IHS 1955, 74 of N. Third Ave in Ilion, passed away on Saturday December 10, 2011 at Mohawk Valley Health Care in Ilion with his family by his side following a long illness. Bill was born on May 26, 1937 in Mohawk the son of the late Harold and Ruth (Brewer) Clements. He was educated in Ilion graduating in 1955. Bill began his career at Remington Arms following high school and held many positions in drafting and production supervisory capacities; he retired as a supervisor in 1992 after 35 years of dedicated service. In 1957 he married the former Marie E. Bongiorno who passed away in 1974. On November 1, 1975 he married the former Eleanor Schrader. Bill was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Herkimer. He was an avid and accomplished gardener and woodworker who loved his country and was very patriotic. He made many pieces of furniture in his home and cribs for his grandchildren until his health prevented him from pursuing this passion. Bill is a former member of the Ilion Fish and Game Club, the Jay Cees and the Ilion Winter Club. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with his family and had a love of the outdoors. He received much joy from his grand children who will dearly miss their "poppa," and most recently met and welcomed his great grandson into the family at Thanksgiving. Bill was also an avid historian and read widely about the history of the Mohawk Valley as well as conducted extensive research on his family's history, which culminated in a volume he compiled for his children so they would know about their roots. Bill is survived by his wife Eleanor; three sons William II and his wife Nancy of Northfield VT, Jon and his wife Amy of Ilion and Chris and his wife Tracy of Newport VT; a daughter Yvonne Winter of Mohawk; his grandchildren Briana Howard and her husband Eric of Milford NH, Alaina Clements of Montpellier VT, Sophia Clements of Newport VT, Amanda Clements of Mohawk, Bryce Jewell of Ilion, Lisa Clements and John Clements both of Ilion; and a great grandchild Ethan Howard of Milford NH. He is also survived by his sister Janet Clements of Utica, brother and sister-in-laws Donald and Kathy Schrader of Herkimer, Uncle Russell Brewer of Middleville, and Aunts Shirley Danielak of Ilion and Pearl Hoke of Clinton, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his first wife Marie Clements, his brother-in-law Wayne "Butch" Schrader and sister-in-law Linda Schrader. The family would like to thank Dr. Goodman for many years of exceptional care, the sixth floor staff of St.Luke's hospital for their kind care, and staff of the Mohawk Valley Nursing Home where Bill felt at home in his final weeks. The funeral service for Bill will be held on Tuesday December 13, 2011 at 11am in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Herkimer with Pastor Ann Zimmerman officiating, interment will follow in the Armory Hill Cemetery in Ilion. Friends may call TODAY from 4-7pm at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home Inc. 100 Otsego St. in Ilion. Memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church; envelopes are available at the funeral home. On line condolences may be sent by going to www.whiter-hendrix.com. (Dec 15, 2011)
Lois A. 'Loey'(Murphy) Manley IHS 1955, age 74, of 94 Otsego St., passed away Saturday, September 10, 2011 at Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown. Lois was born March 19, 1937 in Ilion, the daughter of the late George and Mary Luebbert Murphy, she was a 1955 graduate of Ilion High School and on March 13, 1971 she was united in marriage with Robert (Robbie) Manley, he passed away on December 12, 1999. She was employed as a bank teller with H.S.B.C. retiring in 2003, prior to that she had a baby sitting service at her home and also in her early years she was with G.E in Utica. Loey was a member of the Church of The Annunciation, Ilion, she was involved with the church faith sharing groups and had served on the Pastoral Council she was a former village trustee, was involved with the Ilion Library, was active in organizing reunions for the Class of "55", she was also active with the Democrat Committee, the election board and was an avid golfer. Loey is survived by her two daughters, Heather Manley of New York City and Shannon Manley of Boston, a sister Patricia Fletcher of Sauquoit, two brothers and sisters in law Thomas and Doreen Murphy of Liverpool, N.Y. and Lawrence and Gloria Murphy Of Queen Creek, Az. a brother in law and his wife Chuck and Mary Ann Robinson of Monticello, N.Y. and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two sisters Joan Robinson and Mary LaLonde and two brother in laws Ted LaLonde and Jim Fletcher. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 10:00 AM from The Church of The Annunciation with Fr. Leo Potvin officiating and Deacon James Bower assisting, interment will follow in Armory Hill Cemetery, Ilion. Friends may call Monday, September 12, 2011 at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, Inc. 100 Otsego St., Ilion from 4-7 PM. Friends are asked to consider memorials to Susan G. Komen For The Cure, PO Box 650309, Dallas, TX. 75265-0309. Envelopes will be available at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home Inc. On line condolences may be sent by going to www.whiter-hendrix.com. (Sept 14, 2011)
Constance M. Fletcher IHS 1955 age 73, passed away peacefully on Thursday , July 28, 2011, in her home in Spring Hill, Fla., with her loving family by her side. Connie was born on Nov. 22, 1937, the daughter of the late Kenneth and Mary (Kaune) Seymour. She was raised in Ilion, graduating from Ilion Central School in 1955. On Oct. 25, 1958, Constance was married to G. Earle Fletcher at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church. Connie lived in Ilion most of her life until retirement, when she and her husband made Spring Hill, Fla., their winter home and Cedar Lake in Clayville their summer home. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Survivors include her husband, Earle; her son, Scott Fletcher and his wife, Hallie, of King Ferry; her daughter, Gail Hoffman and her husband, Todd, of Ilion; her beloved grandchildren, Braden and Peyton Hoffman; her mother, Mary Seymour; sisters, Lorraine and husband, Bob Loomis, and Mary and husband, Art Hornett; brother, John Seymour; brother-in-law, Jack Campisi; and a number of nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her special friends, Clark and Ann Workman. Besides her father, she was preceded in death by her son, Kenneth Fletcher; sister, Beverly Campisi; and a brother, Kenneth Seymour. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday , Aug. 1 5, 201 1 , at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, 78 Second St., Ilion, with Fr. John Bassatt officiating. Interment will take place at the Oak View Cemetery , Cemetery Road, Frankfort. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy , memorial donations can be made to St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, 7 8 Second St., Ilion, NY 13357. Envelopes will be av available at the funeral home or at church. Arrangements are with Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, Inc., 100 Otsego St., Ilion. (August 28, 2011)
Shirley (Wildey) Piper IHS 1955, 69, a lifelong valley resident, passed away on Tuesday morning, March 28, 2006, in Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare, New Hartford. She was born in Herkimer Aug. 19, 1936, the daughter of the late Frederick and Gladys (Wheeler) Wildey and graduated fromIlion High School. Her marriage to James Piper took place on Nov. 23, 1955. She was last employed with Herkimer A.R.C.Industries and was employed for many years as a waitress for several local restaurants. She was a communicant of St. Francisde Sales Church, Herkimer, and a member of its Rosary Society. She held memberships with the Crafty Ladies, Village of Herkimer Senior Citizens, was formerly a member and past president of the Herkimer German Maennerchor Auxiliary, and was past president of the Monday night girls bowling league. Shirley was an avid camper and was a charter member of the Misfit Canoe Club. She is survived by her loving family: her husband of 50 years, James of Herkimer; four daughters, Nora Kornbrust and husband George of Frankfort, Karol Anderson of Herkimer, Amanda Viscomi and husband Anthony 'Chipper' of Herkimer and Paula Dygert and husband John of Herkimer; a son, Jay Piper and his wife Tera of East Herkimer; 11 grandchildren, Kathryn Tulloch and husband Gideon, Michaeline and Alexander Dygert, Ashley Hawkins, Anthony, Armand and Adrian Viscomi, Jordan, James and Justin Piper and Sara Anderson; three great-grandchildren, Luke Tulloch, Trenton Hawkins and Lukas Krenichyn; many beloved nieces and nephews who were very special to Shirley. Also surviving are many aunts, uncles, cousins and treasured friends including Mary Edwards and Carol Finley. She was predeceased by two grandsons, Baby Boy Viscomi and George James Kornbrust; six brothers, Robert, James, Donald, John, Raymond and Jerry Wildey; by a sister, Margaret Wildey and by a sister in spirit, Virginia 'Ginny' Schrader. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Holleran & Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer, on Thursday, March 30, from 5-8 p.m. Shirley's funeral will commence at 10:15 a.m. on Friday, March 31, from the chapel of the funeral home where prayer will be offered and at 11 a.m. from St. Francis de Sales Church, North Bellinger Street, Herkimer, where her funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Mark Cunningham, pastor. Procession will follow to Oak Hill Cemetery, Herkimer, where she will be laid to rest. Kindly consider memorial contributions to the St. Francis de Sales Regional Catholic School. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. To share a memory of Shirley with the family you may add to her online memorial at www.eneafamilyfuneralhomes.com on the Internet. (April 5, 2006)
Dr. Charles (Chuck) Brown IHS 1955, age 62, of 10 Sunset Ave., passed away Thursday, June 29, 2000, at his home. Dr. Brown was born July 1, 1937, in Ilion, the son of the late Alfred and Eileen Fitzgibbons Brown. He married Gail Waldbillig on Oct. 4, 1958, in Ilion. She passed away in 1991. He graduated with honors from Utica College and McGill University. He proudly served as a lieutenant commander in the United States Navy, including a tour of duty from October 1970 as combat surgeon and commanding officer of Delta Company, 1st Medical Battalion, 1st marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, DaNang, in the Republic of Vietnam. He left the Navy in 1972 and returned with his family to Ilion. He was employed as staff surgeon at the Mohawk Valley General Hospital and opened a private practice in general and reconstructive surgery. He was a member of a number of medical societies in New York. Dr. Brown is survived by his sons, Stephen of Los Angeles, Calif., Christopher of Pasadena, Calif., Matthew of New Orleans, Lal, and his daughter, Regan Commins of Fairport. He also leaves behind three grandchildren, several nieces and nephews; two brothers, Jim and Larry Brown, both of Jacksonville, Fla., and his longtime companion, Melanie Green of Ilion. Friends may call Monday from 5-8 p.m. at Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Homes, 100 Otsego St., Ilion. A service will be held immediately following calling hours. Friends are asked to consider memorials to Herkimer County Hospice in his memory.(November 26, 2000 - modified September 4, 2021)
Philo D. (Dee) Williams IHS 1955, age 63, of Ilion, passed away November 25, 1999. He was born Nov. 12, 1936, in Cortland, the son of Richard and Euphemia Bentley Williams. He graduated from Ilion High School in 1955 and served with the U.S. Army. He married Diane Selwood (IHS '61), on July 30, 1966. He was employed as an electronic and radar technician with GE, Martin Marietta and Lockheed Martin, and retired in 1996. He also served with the Ilion Housing Authority as a board member and chairman. He is survived by his wife, Diane; two sons, Brian, of Alexandria, Va. and Michael, of Arlington, Va.; a sister, Arlene Marchione, of Rome; and a brother, Lawrence of Seymour, Ind. Funeral services will be held at 1 pm, November 28, 1999 from the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, Ilion. Interment will be in the Armory Hill Cemetery. Friends are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Leukemia Association. (November 27, 1999)
Bombers Buzz Website.....David Menard, an Investment Banker, email, Villanova, PA, re-registered. (December 31, 2014) Malcolm "Mac" Gienke, email, Juneau, WI, is now your Class contact. (Nov 13, 2010) David Pelko, Retired, email, from Geneva, NY, re-registered. (Sept 14, 2006) Ruth Winsor Higley, email, Cartersville, Ga, sent news. (Feb 28, 2006) "I want to thank everyone connected to the planning of the 50th Class Reunion of the Class of 1955 last September. It was the first class reunion I was able to attend. From the get together at the Elks Club in Ilion on Friday night to the Reception and Dinner at the Mohawk Valley Country Club in Herkimer on Saturday night,everything was super. I had contact with a few of my former classmates through the years since we had graduated and it was so nice to see so many people that felt the need to join former classmates again. It was nice to see that we all looked good for our age. It was sad to realize that so many classmates had died,also to know that there were a great many that could not attend because of ill health. Thanks again for a super reunion and lets now wait 10 years to have another one." - Ruth Higley February 3, 2006 Ron Wheeler, Finance Mgr, email, East Syracuse, NY, registered. (Jan 7, 2006) Tom Hackman, retired, email, from Charlottesville, VA, registered. (Oct 3, 2005) Ermina Whiter Polce, Manage Art Gallery, email, from Vero Beach, Fl, re-registered. (August 3, 2005) Beverlyan Tutty, retired, email, from Ilion, NY, re-registered. (May 28, 2005) "I have been retired from the R.C.Diocese of Albany for 1 year. My position was that of Computer Support for an accounting program, which included payroll for all parishes in the Albany Diocese. At the present time, I spend approximately 6 months in Florida and 6 months in Ilion. It is great to be away from the cold weather in the winter months. My friend Joyce Sanchez and I purchased a home in a 55 and over community. Joyce retired from the Ilion Public Library and is a widow and the mother of Elissa and Pam." William Fifield, retired toolmaker, email, from Herkimer, NY, sent news. (Jan 8, 2005) "Retired like to play golf and hunt. Looking forward to our 50 reunion. Would like to hear from my class mates." Nancy Jones Stanga, email, from Deephaven (Wayzata), MN, re-registered. (September 29, 2003) William Fifield, Retired-toolmaker, email, from Herkimer, NY, registered. (March 3, 2003) Judy Hannahs Allen, email, re-registered. (January 11, 2003) Larry Murphy, retired, email, from Rockledge, FL, re-registered in the directory and is attending the mega-reunion. (September 29, 2002) Elizabeth Smith Kennedy, Ilion, NY, is attending the mega-reunion. (August 21, 2002) Barbara Irving Pregent, email, Whitesboro, NY, is attending the mega-reunion. (July 13, 2002) Jon Momberger, email, Apopka, FL, is attending the mega-reunion. (June 19, 2002) Lois Murphy Manley, Ilion, NY, is attending the mega-reunion. (June 14, 2002) Ann Anderson Juliano, Secretary, email, Naples, FL, re-registered. (May 2, 2002) Edward Kibbe, email, Lutz, FL, submitted the mega-reunion survey form. (modified February 22, 2002) Larry Paul, mostly retired, Ilion, NY, email, has re-registered. (February 20, 2002) Lois Murphy Manley, Ilion, NY, is helping with the All-Classes Mega-Reunion. (February 16, 2002) James Brown, email, from Jacksonville, FL, sent news. (email modified December 14, 2001) "I am retired and living in Jacksonville for the last 10 years after working for the Department of Defense. My 4 children live in the Washington, D.C area and we have 4 grandchildren, with another expected. I visited Ilion last June, on the sad occasion of my brother's death. Chuck, my twin, who served as a doctor in Ilion for many years after his service in the Navy, died on June 28th in Ilion. I was surprised and pleased to find out about this Alumni website and I surely will visit it often to find out the news of the survivors of the class of 1955." - James Noralie Lyons Brunette, Retired, email, from Caledonia, NY, registered. (August 13, 2000) "First time on the site and have really enjoyed the last half hour spent here. Brian says "HI" to his 1957 crew. We are both retired and enjoying it tremendously. We have seven grandchildren - five of them living very close to us. Hope the 54-55-56 reunion was a success. Drop us a line. we'd love to hear from you!" - Brian and Noralie Jon Momberger, Engineer, from Apopka, FL, email, has a new email address. (August 8, 2000) Really enjoyed being at our class reunion." Barbara Morton Tibbits, Beautician(retired), email, from Harleysville, PA, registerd. (July 17, 2000) Jennie (Genevieve) Manion Winchester, Homemaker, email, from San Jose, CA, registered. (April 8, 2000) Betty Hand Backman, Retired, from Ft. Myers, FL, registered in the directory. (November 10, 1998) "I've lived in Florida for 4 years and I love it. I work part time seasonal at a golf and country club as a receptionist. I found the web page at my daughter's in Phoenix, AZ. I don't have a E-mail address but if any of you '55 graduates get to Ft. Myers, come see me and I'll show you around. Great Place!!" - Betty Nancy Jones Stanga, Secretary - Part time, Deephaven (Wayzata), Minnessota, answered correctly in The Guess the Graduate Feature and signed the Guestbook. (email modified April 19, 2002) "My brother, Ron Jones, class of '53 got me started on this page. I love it. I even found a couple of class of '55 people. My husband, Dennis, who is retired, and I have lived here for about 19 years now and I absolutely love it. He has four grown kids and I have 4 grown kids also, plus 15 grandchildren between us. I have a wonderful black arabian horse which is the love of my life. He is boarded near a gorgeous 3000 acre park full of trail and lakes and ponds and wildlife. I haven't been back to Ilion since our last reunion - hopefully we will have another one soon. My brother is in Muncie, Indiana; sister, Cheryl in Rochester,NY and sister, Sandy in Chandler, Arizona. Would love to hear from classmates or whoever - especially if you love horses!" (May 17, 1998) Carol Short Mentzer, RN - retired, email, Shippensburg, PA, registered in the directory. (April 26, 1998) Malcolm "MAC" Gienke, IS consultant, from Juneau, WI, email, registered in the Directory. (March 27, 1998) Don Young, Retired, email, Coupeville, WA, registered in the directory. (February 15, 1998) Kenneth Dack, Jr., email, Ilion, NY, sent news for the Class of 1955. (February 7, 1998) "Just purchased our new computer and was anxious to get online to say hello to all my classmates. Seven grandchildren, and I'm told that's all I'm going to get. Drop a line at your convenience. Have a great day!" Dorothy Ayers Murphy, Retired and living in North Myrtle Beach, SC, registered in the directory. (January 31, 1998)
Class Contact....Please email your class news to:Malcolm "Mac" Gienke, email, Juneau, WI, your Class of 1955 News! (Nov 13, 2010)
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