Yvonne Pelino (Pelino)

Jeffrey Stayer

The tragedy of Diane Laskey's passing is certainly amplified by the fact that it could have likely been prevented. Our own son, who is single, has thus far resisted vaccination, claiming fear of the effects, all the while proclaiming proudly himself a "libertarian". He's continued to play live music events with various bands in Nashville where he lives as well as on the road and has been lucky so far. He finally went to see a PCP who told him his blood work revealed that he carries some COVID antibodies. You can image the angst his position on this has caused for us. It's hard to parent about this to a 41-year-old man who has otherwise led a responsible, exemplary life. Linda and I just today received our booster Moderna shots and our 39-year-old daughter will receive hers next month. At least we will feel more protected to have our son visit during the holidays. Kudos to Wayne and everyone who has spoken out about this issue that is most certainly medical, but too many want to make everything political these days. What a shame. Here's hoping we all stay sane, stay safe and stay well in a time of cultural chaos.

Jeff Stayer

Carol Matviko (Laflin)

Another angel watching over us all.

Wayne Schuricht

Well, Diane's passing has certainly been a shock to all of us, and we are all deeply saddened by losing her.  However, I implore all of us to not too quickly chastise her and especially her family for her choice.  As Tom and I have both stated we all make choices that have consequences and getting the Covid vaccine is not an absolute guarantee of immunity, although I think it has been shown to mitigate the seriousness of the disease if contracted.  Jeff Stayer commented that his son is afraid of the side affects.  To my knowledge they are minimal, ranging from essentially nothing in my case, to significant flu like symptoms in others.  Maybe someone has had a severe reaction and possibly even death from it.  But I certainly would not hesitate to get it again and to advocate its efficacy.  The other question is masking, and my response to that, other than the slight inconvenience, is that it probably does help and doesn't hurt to protect "you" from me.

I would like to thank Chris for sharing that wonderful picture of Diane and her.  Those smiles are contagious.  If there is one shred of good in all this, I think it will bring us all closer together, to share our lives and stories with one another!!!  Peace/Shalom and happiness to all of you!  Now I will go shed another tear for Diane!

Louise Hince

Diane and I got closer again on FB and Messenger. We had to agree to disagree about Covid Vaccines and masking !   I'm already boostered ! But she was so sure !!

I am a retired Microbiologist/Environmental Scientist and worked with genetically engineered microbes in conjunction with two companies-Genex in Md and Genentech overseas ! But Di and her family were all disbelievers !  Most of the family got Covid after the funeral in Fl.  Only Diane was hospitalized!  God I miss our GAB sessions! 
I kind of still can't accept it !! 
Stay smart and safe my friends!!

Sandra Covert (Steele)

Gary Voyten

I also agree with Sandra's comments concerning Diane. Let's be more compassionate and respectful of other classmates' decisions even though they may be different than our own. Life is not perfect!  I also agree with Tom's respectful and insightful comments. Peace,love,tranquility,and goodness to you all.

Wayne Schuricht

WOW, what a wonderful outpouring of love and caring for Diane Laskey Belitskus!!  It is really heartwarming to see so many classmates participate on this message forum and web site.  As I have stated before, this is a wonderful way for the class to keep in touch, much better than classmates or facebook in my opinion,cause it is just for us.  And it is free and free from ads.  So let's continue to share or lives, stories, and families with each other with the obvious mutual respect and warmth of classmates and friends.  If you are reading this, I know I am preaching to the choir, but maybe you know a classmate who isn't on the site or is inactive, that you might just be able to encourage to log in.  And it is sooooo easy to post a picture!  I for one love to see pictures of you and your families.  We all look "a little" different than our glamorous days back in old Ken Hi.  If you are interested and don't know how please call me and I will talk you through the process (817-689-8640).  The holiday season will soon be upon us, so let miss wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and a Blessed Christmas a weeeeeee bit early.  Wayne

Therese Pugliese (DiCicco)

Through this pandemic I learned this from the Jews. When someone passes they say " May their memory be a blessing"... beautiful 

During our years at Mt.Vernon and PJHS Diane and I walked and talked our way all over the neighborhood. We usually ended up on the seesaw on the Mt. Vernon playground. Remember Mrs. Brown Mrs. Brown  what will you give me if I let you down? Well, if you know me you know Diane was usually the one up in the air! She would come up with hilarious things she would give me " to let her down". How we would laugh...

May Diane's memory and the memories of all our departed classmates be blessings.

Ann Bia (Rivers)

I am so sad to hear of Dianes passing! My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.I have fond memories of Diane from high school. she was such a happy person and I remember she was always smiling.   Rest in Peace my Friend  Annie

Michael Capsambelis

Michael Capsambelis

Marnie Yinger (Sandham)

Losing Diane has hit me harder than anyone I've lost recently and I hated to think of her suffering.   I think it was because we bonded as little girls, under the age of 8, living a block from each other on Mt. Vernon.  I considered my life ideal, back then and was a "free range child".  Just be back by dark!  Where were you? OUT. What were you doing? Nuttin'. I treasure those simpler times. Diane always seemed to be such an optimist and enjoyed life so much.

Wayne Schuricht

Howdy Y"all,  I suppose most of us have read Jackie's post about Marilyn Hawkins Classen"s health issue with lung cancer.  I know she would appreciate a greeting, prayers, and best wishes from her classmates.  So please keep her in your hearts and thoughts.  We are all entering into unchartered waters as we progress, fortunately, on this journey, so please enjoy your families and friends and memories of the good times!  Wishing everyone a Blessed, Merry Christmas, and a great 2022!

Robert Kautzman

I have periodically text on of our classmates, Mike (MJ) Entry and over the past three months I have gotten radio silence.  Concerned about his welfare.   MJ is retired in Michigan and worked at an auto assembly plant. 
He had a younger brother named Babe Entry who he recently.  They grew up in Valley Heights. If anyone should happen to know how I may get in touch with his brother, I would like to know. Thanks

Sharon Heister (Presken)

Hi Bob!  I just looked up Michael J Entry for you on Ancestry and probably got the same info you already have. He's lived for quite awhile on 2001 Carlsbrook Dr., Temperance , Michigan 48182-1136. His phone number is 734-856-8486. This was the same info he gave us for our 50th reunion. Ancestry said this was good through 2020. The good news is they don't have any records for death on him! I only found one brother, Patrick Entry, and he was born March of 1944 so he would be an older brother. They have him living in Leesville, SC and also in Massachusetts where he died 12/18/2009. I found him also in our yearbook, a year ahead of us, graduate of 1962. I found no mention on Ancestry of Michael being married or having any children. I'll keep looking and let you know if I find more.   Sharon

Robert Kautzman

It is with sadness that in my quest to locate Mike (MJ) Entry, I found a recent obituary of him in a Toledo, Ohio newspaper.  He died near the end of October 2021 and had text me about 5 days before he died.  He gave no indication he had any critical life-ending health issues.

Mike was from Valley Heights and good friends of my cousins- Charles and Jack Baum (63).  While I lived near the terrace, we frequently played baseball, softball, and other things that once in awhile got us in or out of trouble.  MJ was a good guy and liked by everyone that knew him well.   I will miss him.

Wayne Schuricht

Sorry to hear about MJ's passing.  He was a good friend from Valley Heights.  I remember many basketball games at the old Valley Heights School playground where he had a deadly two handed shot.  May his soul rest in eternal peace.  

Wayne Schuricht

Howdy All,  Just a quick, sad update about Ann Palmer.  Evidently she has had a stroke and has been  placed on hospice care.  I have fond memories of Ann as a sweet, friendly, compassionate classmate who became a beloved school principal.  Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.  She still lives in New Ken.

Angela Redding (Reiter Hill)

Yes, Ann was a kind and gentle soul and a lovely friend.  I am so sorry to hear of her news.  She will be in my prayers.  Thank you for posting.

Frances Massi (Haradzin)

Dear Wayne,

Thank you for sending this notification regarding Ann Palmer.  I remember Ann's very sweet and pretty smiling face like it was yesterday!  May Ann be with angels...she is in my prayers.

With love from Fran...

Scott Hunter

All, I'm very sad to remember Ann. Memories of Freeport Road down the hill from the Dairy Queen, passed the side streets where Ann lived, passed the Alcoa Lab where my dad worked, down to Ridge Avenue Jr. Hi. then downtown and Ken Hi popped up. The barbershop on 10th Street, USPO, movie theaters. The people who bought the house on Carl Avenue have turned it into a personal amusment park. I don't need to go back. The old racetrack that was replaced by the New Ken-Tarentum bridge. The dirt road down to where we used to swim in the river. I like those memories and all those of Ann and all of you. Be well. Scott

Louise Hince

So sad to learn of Ann's condition!  We became closer friends when she teaching at my daughters grade school, Martin.  Then was promoted to Principal at the Terrace grade school.  Always a kind and gentle person ! I will be praying for her ! 

Sharon Heister (Presken)

So very sorry to hear about Ann!  Such a sweet, caring person....a friend to everyone. Prayers coming her way. This is just so sad!

Barbara Vestrand (Shema)

Thanks for letting us know, Wayne. Ann was as such a gentle soul. She must have been a wonderful teacher.