Mirror 1989 from the New York Heritage digital Ilion Free Public Library Yearbooks collection. Link opens in new browser tab. (added March 25, 2021)

Now everything you wanted to know about the IHS Class of 1989 is at your fingertips....as published in the 1989 Mirror Class History.

Class Roster, Officers and Honor Students, as published in the "The Mirror 1989", are available on the 1989 Class Roster page. (added March 8, 2022).

1989 Ilion High School Graduation - Video on YouTube. (added February 6, 2023)

2014 September

The Morgan Street School Bell
This bell was restored by the Class of 1989 and presented as the class gift. It is now known as The Victory Bell and was rung by celebrating winning Ilion teams.

IHS 1961 alumnus, Sameul Maneen, was among the graduates who pursued a career in pharmacy and was featured in the November 2020 Cover Story. Background information for Sam and his father, pharmacist Tony Maneen, was published as Ilion Alumni Anthony Maneen 1964 and Samuel Maneen 1989 Pharmacists. (December 2, 2020)

Cortland Pitcher Tyler Brien - Image used with permission of Patrick Brien

Tyler Brien and the Cortland Red Dragons won their first-ever Division III World Series and were welcomed home as national champions. The Red Dragons have been to the World Series 13 times. This was their first time winning the championship. Tyler is the son of Patrick Brien IHS 1993 and step-son of Katherine (Donahue) Brien IHS 1998.

In mid-May, Ilion's Tyler Brian was granted a "... a rare military exemption waiver earlier this week. The NCAA Division III Baseball National Committee allowed SUNY Cortland to include Brien on its 25-man playoff roster for the regional's opening two days Wednesday and Thursday at Falcon Park in Auburn, N.Y., and then replace him for the remainder of the tournament." see the full story - SUNY Cortland Relief Pitcher Fulfills Duty on the Mound and in the Military. (June 13, 2015)

Tyler Brien with Coach, Mike Urtz IHS 89
Image used with permission of Patrick Brien

Tyler Brien with his dad, Patrick Brien IHS 93
Image used with permission of Patrick Brien

"Here is our tentative schedule of events:

- Friday, July 17th: Ilion Doo-Dah parade starts at 6:30 p.m. and we need to meet at 5:30 p.m. to participate in the parade itself. A reunion t-shirt based around the theme of the parade 'Ilion is a Hidden Treasure' can be purchased. (Purchasing the t-shirt is optional.) The cost will be $10.00 for an adult t-shirts (size S-XL) and $8.00 for children (size S-L). The deadline for the orders has passed, but you can contact Julie Ball to get in a late order (if enough classmates are interested in ordering.) After the parade, we will then have a gathering at Crossway's Tavern for a cash bar, DJ, & free munchies (DJ & munchies donated by Jim Crossway for free!).

- Saturday, July 18th: There will be a tour of Ilion High School for those who haven't been back to see all of the changes--- WHAT A CHANGE! WOW! If only it had looked that way when we were there! The tour is set for 12 noon. We can meet around the back of the school, off of Phillip Street, and at the "I" entrance. At night, there will be a dinner at the Knight's Inn in Little Falls (hors d'oeuvres, buffet dinner, cash bar, dessert, and DJ). There will be a social hour and hors d'oeuvres from 6- 7 p.m., dinner @ 7 p.m., and dancing/ socializing until 11 p.m. If you need a hotel room, then please call reservations toll free @ 1-866-631-4470 or email stay@knightsinnoflittlefalls.com. Mention 'reunion' and receive the rate of $79.00 per the General Manager, Mary Labreche.

- Sunday, July 19th: There will be a family picnic/ get-together at Glimmerglass (meet families). This is SUBJECT TO THE WEATHER-obviously if it is not nice out, then we will not go. There are no set plans for this we will just meet up, swim, and play some games with the kids-just good, wholesome family fun! You will be responsible for bringing your own food, beverages, and anything else that you and/or your family would need. The pavilion costs too much to rent, so we will just have 'Class of 1989' signs and balloons for you to locate our gathering area. If you have any questions, then please contact Julie Ball @ curleyball@hotmail.com. Hope to see you next month!" - Julie Curley Ball email (July 11, 2009)

"This year is our 10 year reunion. It is tentatively scheduled for Thanksgiving of this year. Anyone interested in either helping or attending contact me." - Mike Fitzer (Updated May 20, 1999)

"Laura and I would like to announce the birth of our 2nd daughter Paige Elizabeth, born on 11/14/05, weighing 7lbs 10 ounces" - Kyle Luke (April 5, 2006)

"Sally (Knowles) Harris and her husband Lloyd had a daughter born. June 24, 2005 Rachel Emily Harris 8 lbs 15 3/4 oz." - Sally (Knowles) Harris (April 5, 2006)

"Laura and I would like to announce the birth of our daughter Madison Noelle. She was born on April 12, 2004 and weighed 8 pounds 15 ounces. " - Kyle Luke (May 18, 2004)

Congratulations to Jeff '90 and Kristin (Crookes) Klein '89 on the the birth of their daughter, Olivia Blanche, June 20, 2002. Olivia was born at 7:20pm weighing 8lb 9oz and she was 21 3/4 inches long. (February 14, 2002)

Mr. Donald C. Ray, Jr., IHS 1989 of Benedict Avenue, Ilion, passed on Sunday, May 10, 2020, at the age of 50, after a long courageous battle with cancer. We affectionately remember him as "Cliffy" and he was loved by all of us. He was born on October 17, 1969, in Herkimer, NY, a son of Joyce (Whaley) Ray and the late Donald C. Ray, Sr. Don attended and graduated from Ilion High School, 'class of 1989'. He was a lifelong area resident. Cliffy had worked with Union Tools, Orion Bus and most recently with Remington Arms as a machinist. He was interested in many hobbies throughout his life including race cars (NASCAR and Utica/Rome Dirt Racing), hunting, farming, snowmobiling and was an avid Buffalo Bills fan. We would like to offer our most very special thank you to Dr. Manzurul Sikder, Debra Iselo, the Oncology Department and Infusion Room as well as his co-workers at Remington Arms for all the support and love extended. Don is survived by his beloved family, his mother, Joyce Ray; his sisters and brother-in-law, Donna Ray, of Ilion and Elizabeth Colburn and her husband, James, of Ilion; his nephews, Daniel Colburn, of Kansas and Clay Colburn and Brady Colburn, both of Ilion. He is also survived by a special aunt, Wendy Giachetti; cousins, Heidi Emrich, Tanya LeMay, Sarah Giachetti, and Billy Giachetti, who was like a brother to Don; and aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his father, Donald C. Ray, Sr., on September 9, 2017. Don's funeral service arrangements are with the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion (Town of Frankfort). There will be a graveside service next week at Armory Hill Cemetery, in Ilion, with Rev. Robert Wollaber, officiating, where interment will take place. Those wishing are asked to consider a memorial donation in memory of Donald Ray, to the American Cancer Society, 100 Lomond Court, Suite 6, Utica, NY 13502. We have decided on this fine organization as an honor and tribute to Don. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. The family is being served by Funeral Directors, Harry J. Enea, Jr. and Kevin E. Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, of the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion (Town of Frankfort) 315-894-8000. To leave an online note of sympathy, please visit www.eneafamily.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Ray, Jr., please visit Tribute Store. There are no events scheduled. You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or planting a memorial tree in memory of Donald Ray, Jr. (July 5, 2020)

Lisa Ann (Fical) Harris, IHS 1989, passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2018, at the young age of 46, with her loving wife, family and friends by her side. Lisa fought brain cancer with unimaginable grace, beauty and strength. Born to Ann and Everett Fical on July 5, 1971 in Ilion, NY, Lisa attended Ilion High School and graduated from St. Elizabeth's School of Radiology. Lisa was the Assistant Director of Radiology at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, where she worked for 25 years. Lisa loved radiology and the co-workers she shared her days with. Lisa was a fun-loving, loyal woman with a passion for music, the New York Yankees, dancing and time spent laughing with friends. Lisa is survived by her loving wife and soul-mate, Melanie; along with Lisa's two children, Rileigh Plunkett and Jaxson Denny, both whom she adored. Lisa also leaves behind her brothers and sisters: Rob and Stephanie Tyoe, of Dolgville, Kim Fical and significant other, Ngoc Vu, of Utica, Keith Fical, of Ilion, Robin Hilts, of Little Falls, Tammy and Ed Mosher, of Ilion and Eric Fical, of Ilion. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Diane Harris, of Port Orange, FL; her brother-in-law, Ray Harris and significant other, Marty Ripley, of Winslow, ME; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Lisa had an amazing circle of friends, too many to mention, but were all very near and dear in her heart and there by her side from beginning to end. A special "thank you" to Wilmot Cancer Center, Strong Memorial Hospital and Hope Lodge of Rochester, especially Dr. Chinazom Ibegbu, Dr. Namish Mohile and Beth Ann Sayer, RN. Lisa fought an amazing battle and will be forever missed by so many. She wanted to leave you all of with this quote, written by Maya Angelou: "You may not control the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them". At Lisa's request, there will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be at a later date for family and those closest to her. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations, in Lisa's honor, to American Cancer Society, Hope Lodge, 1120 S. Goodman Street, Rochester, NY 14620. Arrangements have been entrusted to Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home. To send a condolence and sign the Book of Memories online, go to www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com. (March 12, 2018)

Michael J. Fitzer

Michael R. Fitzer, IHS '89, age 41, of 123 Elm Street, passed away unexpectedly Monday, February 11, 2013. Michael was born February 24, 1971 in Herkimer, the son of James and Joann McCumber Fitzer and was a graduate of the Ilion Central School and received his BA from SUNY IT Michael was united in married to the former Carole Albin on September 9, 1995 in Ilion. Michael was employed as Assistant Comptroller with F.X. Matt Brewery in Utica. Michael was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church in Mohawk, and Vice-President of St. Francis De Sales Regional Catholic School Board of Education, where he previously served as President.

Michael is survived by his wife Carole, a son and daughter Andrew and Paige, his mother Joann Fitzer and his father James Fitzer, his in laws Don and Cindy Albin of Ilion, and his maternal grandparents Michael and Joan Conte of Ilion, also several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, February 15, 2013 at 11:00 AM from the Blessed Sacrament Church in Mohawk with the Very Rev. Mark Cunningham officiating, assisted by Sr. Mary Jo Tallman, Parish Life Director. Interment will be in the Armory Hill Cemetery, Ilion. Friends may call on Thursday February 14, 2013 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home Inc. 100 Otsego Street Ilion. Friends are asked to consider memorials to the St. Francis De Sales School, Herkimer in Michael's memory. To light a candle, please go to www.whiter-hendrix.com. (Feb 16, 2013)

Robert Ludden, Independant Benefits Consultant, email, from Toledo, OH, registered. (Oct 7, 2013)

Ann Helmer Farmer, RN, email, Cornelius, NC, re-registered. (Sept 4, 2012)

Kelly Des Champs Slentz , Warehouse/Purchasing Dept. Six Flags Fiesta Texas, email, San Antonio, TX, re-registered. (Mar 26, 2009)

Jennifer Crossway, email, from Ilion, NY, re-registered. (Nov 1, 2008)

Sally Knowles Harris, Nurse, email, Cassville, NY, re-registered. (Oct 12, 2008)

Joann Perry Kelly, Teller Supervisor, email, Herkimer, NY, registered. (Oct 12, 2008)

Laura VanPelt Archer, Corporate Compliance/Laws & Regulations, email, Ilion, NY, registered. (Aug 13, 2008)

Kelly Wheeler-Tero, from Herkimer, NY, sent news. (Apr 18, 2008)

Kyle Luke, email , from Ilion, NY, sent news. (Jan 26, 2008)

Mark Raux, Operations Manager, email , from Milton, PA, re-registered. (Dec 14, 2007)

Jennifer Crossway Howell, email, from Edgewater, FL, sent news. (May 11,2007)

Lisa Smith Candela, MA/PSR, email, from Middlebury, IN, ask for prayers. (May 9,2007)

Shane Earl, email, from Pemberton, NJ, sent news. (Oct 17, 2006)

Kevin Holmes, Machine Operator/ Student, email, from Ilion, NY, registered. (Sept 14, 2006)

Julie Curley Ball, Elementary School Teacher, email, from Ilion, NY, re-registered. (Sept 14, 2006)

Kerry Willsey Bishal, Homemaker, email, from Chittenango, NY, re-registered. (August 3, 2005)

Melissa Sudakow Dodson, email, from Goose Creek, SC, sent news. (March 5, 2005)

Dana Wahl Tupua, email, Fort Bragg, NC, registered. (May 18, 2004)

Michael Sklarz, Retail Sales (Verizon Wireless), email, Nashville, TN, re-registered. (April 3, 2004)

Tara Eldred Fischer, Nurse, email , Mohawk, NY, registered. (Jan 5, 2004)

Charles 'Chic' Scaparo, email, Ilion, NY adds..... (November 24, 2003)

Pam Kiefl Listovitch, business owner, email, from Utica, NY, re-registered. (June 1, 2003)

Jessica Bacon Mortka, USAF-ANG, email, Ilion, NY, re-registered. (May 29, 2003)

Karen Richards, Frankfort, NY, re-registered. (August 27, 2002)

Kelly Hoyt Zell, email, Vero Beach/Sebastian, FL, re-registered. (July 23, 2002)

Karen Rose Clark, Consumer Lending, email, Ilion, NY, registered. (May 19, 2002)

Dean Kelsey, email, from River Forest, IL, submitted the mega-reunion survey form and registered. (March 4, 2002)

Kristin Zito Kim, Pharmacist, email, from Jamesville, NY, submitted the mega-reunion survey form and registered. (March 4, 2002)

Chet Gregg, U.S. Army JAG Attorney, email, from Hinesville, GA, re-registered. (March 1, 2002)

Beth Durkin, email Chicago, IL submitted the mega-reunion survey form. (February 23, 2002)

Dean Kelsey, Manager for Brinker International,email, River Forest, IL, registered. (February 12, 2002)

Ann Helmer Farmer, Ilion, NY sent news. (February 23, 2002)

Kathleen Harris Johnson, email Chittenango, NY submitted the mega-reunion survey form. (February 23, 2002)

John Seiselmyer II, email, Clinton, NY, submitted the mega-reunion survey form. (February 19, 2002)

Deanna Knoblauch Rose, email, Ilion, NY, signed the GuestBook. (February 19, 2002)

Luke Gadziala , email, Ilion, NY, submitted the mega-reunion survey form. (February 17, 2002)

Lori Klippel Deveans, email, Ilion, NY, submitted the mega-reunion survey form. (February 16, 2002)

Scott Patterson, email, Gloucester, VA, submitted the mega-reunion survey form. (February 16, 2002)

Eric Chafin, Auditor, email, from Indianapolis, IN, submitted the mega-reunion survey. (Feb. 16, 2002)

Heather Bloomfield Zaino '89, Assistant Director of Residential Services, Ilion, NY, registered. (February 15, 2002)

Sean Tutty, email, from Ilion, NY, is the 1st member of the Class to Sign up for the MEGA-REUNION. (February 10, 2002)

Kirsi Maria Neuvonen Viskari, email, from Rauma, Finland, sent news. (31 Dec 2001)

Crystal Maddocks, email, from Utica, NY, sent news. (1 Dec 2001)

Heather Fresco Duesler, email, from Gloversville, NY, sent news. (Thu, 8 Nov 2001 )

Pam Kiefl Listovitch, email, from Utica, NY, sent news. ( Sun, 12 Aug 2001)

Monika Zehren, email, from Cologne, Germany, sent news. (17 May 2001)

Bruce Garlock, SysAdmin, email, from Ashburnham, MA, registered.(August 2, 1999)

Michael Sklarz, Publicist in Country Music, from Antioch, TN, registered. (email modified February 27, 2002)

Kirk Coffin, Heavy Fork Roller, email, from Dolgeville, NY, registered. (June 13, 1999)

Sean Shepherd, financial consultant, email, from Scottsdale, AZ, registered. (May 31, 1999)

Tara Eldred, LPN, email, from Mohawk, NY, registered. (April 18, 1999)

Andrea Eldredge Williams, Teacher, email, from Glen Allen, VA, registered in the directory. (January 28, 1999)

Kirsi Neuvonen, email, from Finland, registered in the directory. (December 4, 1998)

Janie Neale Polley, email, from Ilion, NY, signed the Guest Book. (February 10, 2002)

Rachel Thomas, email, from Ilion, NY, signed the Guest Book. (August 30, 1998)

Robert Ludden, Student-Computer Science, email, from Ilion, NY, registered in the directory. (August 22, 1998)

Ms. Kirsi Neuvonen, from Rauma, Finland, email, registered in the directory. (July 9, 1998)

Bill Durkin, email, answered correctly in The Guess the Graduate Feature. (May 9, 1998)

Edward Jackson, an Engineer Technician, email, from Frankfort, NY, registered in the directory. (April 17, 1998)

Todd Hoffman, Physical Education Teacher, email, from Ilion, NY, registered in the directory. (April 13, 1998)

Sam Maneen, Pharmacist, email, Manassas, VA, registered in the directory. (March 1, 1998)

Todd Hoffman, Physical Education teacher, from Ilion, NY, registered in the directory. (January 9, 1998)

Shannon Connors, email, from Charlotte, NC, registered in the directory. (January 4, 1998)

John Coroniti, a Consultant, from Ilion, NY, email, registered in the alumni directory. (December 21, 1997)

Jean Fitch Pokorney from Derry, NH, email, sent the following news and registered in the alumni directory. (December 5, 1997)

Eric Burt from Ilion, email, the latest alumnus from the Class of 1989 to register in the alumni directory. (November 30, 1997)

John Seiselmyer II an electrical salesman from Whitesboro, email, registered in the alumni directory. (November 28, 1997)

Michael Fitzer a Cost Accountant from Ilion, registered in the alumni directory. (November 1, 1997)

Lisa Canipe Alexander from Ilion, NY., email, the fourth alumnus from the Class of 1989 to register in the alumni directory. (October 25, 1997)