St Thomas High School - Retrospect Thomasonian Yearbook (Braddock, PA)

Text from Pages 1 - 52 of the 1961 volume:

THOMASONIAN 1961 SAINT THOMAS HIGH SCHOOL BRADDOCK, PENNSYLVANIA With Love, We Dedicate Our Book When we were small, we were always asking for things to make us happy. One day it was a bike, and the next day skates - but in our selfishness it was always something else! One desire, however, that always remained constant, was our desire for a friend. If we did not have a playmate to make us happy, we invented one. Today, after years of Catholic training have matured our views, we realize that nothing but God can make us truly happy, and that the only true friend is one who leads us to Him. We, the Class of 61, feel ourselves especially blessed to have such a friend as Father Shields. Since the day when, as freshmen, most of us met him for the first time. Father has tried to fill us with the love that is Christ. Perhaps he has seen in us some of the products of childish thinking - selfishness and self-centeredness. And so, as a true friend, Father has tried to fill our hearts with the love of God. Through great personal sacrifice, he has presented to us every possible means of growing in grace: October devotions. Lenten activities, an annual retreat, daily distribution of Holy Communion at lunchtime. Scoldings, praises, and most important his weekly talks have enhanced his efforts to make us grow in love. Realizing the value of such a true friend, we, the Class of 61, gratefully dedicate our yearbook to Father Francis Shields. Father Shields Administration REVEREND FRANCIS SHIELDS Religion SISTER MARY CARMEL. O.P. Principal SISTER IGNATIA MARIE, O.P. Science, Religion SISTER MARY BENET, O. P. English, Health, Religion SISTER MARY LOUIS. 0. P. Social Studies, English, Religion SISTER MARY ANTHONY. O.P. Business, Religion SISTER MARY VICTOR. O.P. Mathematics, Religion SISTER MARY JEAN, O.P. Latin, Religion SISTER MARY EDWARDINE, O.P. Spanish, Latin, English, Religion SISTER MARY GRACE. 0. P. Music SISTER MARY ALICE, 0. P. Librarian MRS. SYLVIA BIRCSAK World History 6 To the Faculty We the class of '61 have reached the last step on the ladder of our secondary education. You have been the arms which helped us up from rung to rung. As we trembled on the first step, you were the ones who steadied and guided us safely and surely on our academic way. We have stumbled and fallen, but have been helped up to our present position by you. Now we are on the final platform. There are still more steps. These are dark and uncertain, but we can see a shining light at the top. We are leaving the security of our high school days and entering the unknown. What will lie ahead we do not know, but we can face it. We have had your example and guidance to give us courage as we travel the road of life. Our success in future years can be our only thank-you to you, dear faculty. ■y s S ,. 't ENGLISH W $e ENGLISH Ul'fj ENGLISH E |i ENGLISH I We Salute Kenneth Wincko. Treasurer 303; Charles Passafuime, Vice-President 303; Mary Ann Fatula, Secretary 303; Anthony Gentile, President 303; Robert Fantazier. President of Student Council. 8 Our Leaders Judith Petrovic, Secretary of Student Council; Howard Jessup, President 302; Ronald Seckel, Vice-President 302; Roberta Matta, Secretary 302; Andrea Evans, Treasurer 302. KATHLEEN A. KURA Saint Brendan 15 North Holland Avenue Rankin Kura . . . sociable ... big brown eyes . . . likes records, books, and interesting people . . . That's cool . . . always smiling . . . member of the Fatima Club . . . dislikes calories and frizzy hair . . . Future: Beautician. MICHAEL G. BALOG Saint William 1604 Wolf Avenue North Braddock Mickey . . . reticent . . . good-looking . . . likes to hunt and collect guns . . . Please be quiet' . . . an excellent artist . . . has a Hot Chevy . . easy going manner . . . dislikes noisy people . . . Future: Commercial Artist. CHARLES R. PASSAFUIME Saint Mary Magdeline 317 East 11th Avenue Homestead Chuck . . . easy going . . . very neat . . . likes Latin and Mike Dojonovic's build . . . No kid-din' ... a true gentleman . . . funny quips . . . dislikes hitch-hiking and noisy study periods . . . Future: Lawyer. CATHY A. LUCAS Saint Thomas 1229 Braddock Avenue Braddock Cath . . . warm . . . friendly . . . likes chic clothes, long hair, and Dick Clark . . . Too much” . . . member of the Mission and Fatima Clubs . . . dislikes streetcars and getting up early . . . Future: Beautician. 10 RONALD L. MUHA Holy Angels 732 Elwell Avenue Pittsburgh 7 Gunner . . . able satirist . . . curly brown hair . . . likes Porky's Dusty Discs and all Italian girls . . . Hit the road . . . dislikes humorless people and Monday mornings . . . good shooter in basketball . . . Future: C.P.A. LINDA M. DiLUCENTE Saint Brendan 266 Fleet Street Rankin Lin . . . artistic . . . ambitious . . . likes to dance and make new clothes . . . He swings . . . member of the Fatima Club and Musart Club . . . often seen in Scott Grill . . . dislikes bugs and electricity . . . Future: Nurse. VIRGINIA A. BELA VIC Saint Joseph 1014 Kirkpatrick Avenue North Braddock Ginger . . . fun loving . . . cheerful . . . likes long hair and dancing . . . Oh, for Pete's sake! . . . member of the Fatima Club . . . dislikes washing dishes, writing poetry, and doing nothing . . . Future: Secretary. ROBERT J. FANTAZIER Saint Colman 1439 Electric Avenue East Pittsburgh Bob . . . possesses leadership qualities . . . sincere . . . conscientious . . . likes Jazz and art . . . How about keeping quiet? . . . aggressive at basketball . . . President of the Student Council and the Federation . . . dislikes people who try to be something they aren't . . . Future: Architect. II ELAINE A. MOSPAN Saint Joseph 308 May Street Braddock MARY MARGARET GUZOWSKI Saint Anselm 7437 Park Avenue Swissvale Mary . . . helpful . . . full of fun . . . likes basketball and bowling ... I just know I'm going to be called on . . . Latin Honor Society member . . . enthusiastic debater . . . dislikes exams and waiting for buses . . . Future: English teacher. ROBERTA E. MATTA Saint Michael 1211 Bell Avenue North Braddock Elaine . . . blond . . . fast talker . . . likes reading books and using run-on sentences . . . What did I say? . . . creative artist . . . Fatima Club and Forensic League member . . . dislikes deep water and learning to drive a car . . . Future: Teacher. RICHARD A. SCHULTZ Saint Joseph 805 Talbot Avenue Braddock Schultzie . . . determined . . . practical . . . likes technical books and tranquillity . . . That's tough . . . down to earth disposition ... Jet Club president . . . good debater . . . dislikes fiction stories and confusion . . . Future:' Metallurgist. Bobbie” . . . gullible . . . persevering . . . likes sports, boys, and eating . . . Get out! . . . member of the Glee Club, Business Honor Society, and Forensic League . . . dislikes catty people . . . Future: Secretary. 12 KENNETH A. WINCKO Saint Brendan 14 North Holland Avenue Rankin Kenny . . . studious . . . witty commentator . . . likes sports and MAD magazine . . . The Old Gag . . . Class Treasurer . . . Member of Jets . . . stellar at basketball . . . evaluates almost everything . . . dislikes Chevrolets . . . Future: Mechanical Engineer. MARY ANN FATULA Saint Peter and Paul 515 Second Street Braddock Mary Ann . . . accurate . . . persuasive . . . likes getting A's and playing piano . . . Well . . . willing to help . . . member of the Legion of Mary and Forensic League . . . dislikes insincerity and memorization . . . Future: Teacher. KATHLEEN A. MYERS Saint Brendan 242 Lobinger Avenue North Braddock Kathy . . . neat . . . precise . . . likes meeting interesting people . . . Editor of the Thomasette . . . extemp speaker . . . dislikes long speeches and aggressive people . . . Future: Secretary. ROBERT T. SCHLEGEL Saint Williams 222 Mary Street North Braddock Schlegie . . . jokester . . . talkative . . . likes bookkeeping and working in gas stations . . . Baloney . . . often seen driving a big '58 Buick . . . dislikes poems and long stories . . . Future: Business Administration. 13 KAREN A. PESTA Saint Bartholomew 2400 Forest Drive Pittsburgh 35 Karen . . . thoughtful . . . determined . . . likes good times, playing tennis, and meeting new friends . . . Really! You're kidding . . . an active member of the Red Cross and Glee Club . . . dislikes Mondays and being nagged . . . Future: Dietician. BERNARD A. WALTER St. John Fisher 563 Lucia Road Pittsburgh 21 Bernie . . . quiet . . . friendly . . . likes Math and Science . . . Oh, yeah! . . . makes daily visit to church . . . efficient and good-natured . . . dislikes show-offs . . . Future: Notre Dame. JOHN B. MAN ION Saint Colman 371 Highland Avenue Turtle Creek Jack . . . tall, strongly-built Irishman . . . unusual laugh . . . likes T-birds and playing basketball . . . Whoa . . . always seen dancing at lunchtime . . . good taste in clothes . . . dislikes Jazz haters . . . Future: Technician. CAROL A. K1SAK Saint Thomas 725 Washington Avenue Braddock Carol . . . friendly . . . mischievous . . . likes sport cars and new clothes . . . Huh? . . . member of the Fatima Club . . . publishes the Sunday Bulletin . . . dislikes straight hair, reading, and getting up early . . . Future: Secretary. 14 ANDREA A. EVANS Saint Brendan 204 Hawkins Avenue North Braddock Angie . . . small . . . cute . . . likes dancing and unusual clothes . . . Hi kids” . . . Mission Honor Society . . . Treasurer of 302 . . . enjoys watching Bandstand . . . dislikes short fingernails and waiting for streetcars . . . Future: Medical Secretary. CAROLYN M. CLUGSTON Saint William 1625 Grandview Avenue North Braddock Sunny . . . cheerful . . . carefree . . . likes music with a beat and good books . . . Well, now! . . . member of the Fatima Club ... fun to be with . . . perpetual laugh . . . dislikes stale jokes and carrying books . . . Future: Beautician. MICHAEL G. DOJONOVIC Saint Bernadette 223 Garden City Drive Monroeville Mike . . . friendly . . . witty . . . likes sports and good times . . . That's swell . . . has a good sense of humor . . . extremely masculine . . . dislikes people who tell him his own jokes . . . Future: Educator. PATRICIA A. HOOK Saint Joseph 1100 Spring Street North Braddock Pat” . . . lively . . . hard to please . . . likes study periods and Sun Drug . . . What's happening? . . . member of the Fatima Club and Mission Club . . . dislikes doing homework and getting up in the morning . . . Future: Accounting. IS FRANK A. DICOSKEY Saint Maurice 114 Avenue F Forest Hills, Pgh. 21 Frank . . . likeable . . . generous . . . likes to drive his Ford” ... ”1 think so . . . always near the jukebox . . . one of Alexander's boys . . . dislikes people who take his parking space . . . Future: Navy. DOROTHY M. DONNELLY Saint Brendan 660 First Street Braddock Dorth . . . vivacious . . . pretty . . . likes poetry and all kinds of food . . . Oh, no! . . . never a dull moment . . . Mission Honor Society member . . . dislikes missing anything that's said . . . Future: Business World. MARY ANN PA UK Saint Michael 827 Washington Avenue Braddock Mary Ann” . . . cheerful . . . lively . . . likes dancing and listening to all the latest waxes . . . Let's dance! . . . skillful typist and organist . . . dislikes surprise quizzes and long clothes . . . Future: Secretary. GENEVIEVE E. NACHYLOWSKI Saint Joseph 1126 Kirkpatrick Avenue North Braddock Jeanie . . . reserved . . . agreeable . . . likes skating and sewing . . . Any success with that problem? . . . graceful ballet dancer . . . Mission Club member . . . dislikes homework and exams . . . Future: Nurse. 16 MARY PATRICIA FARREN Saint William 2 Maple Street East Pittsburgh Bunni . . . pert . . . chatty . . . likes dancing, driving, and TV detectives . . . That's pretty funny . . . member of the Business Honor Society ... active on the school newspaper . . . dislikes arithmetic and waiting for buses . . . Future: Private Secretary. PATRICIA L. HAITZ Saint Brendan 214 Pine Street Braddock Pat . . . neat . . . sweet . . . likes money and clothes . . . Hey, what is this? ... a true friend . . . always ready to lend a helping hand . . . dislikes unmatched clothes and shoes that squeak . . . Future: Beautician. FRANCIS J. LENNON Saint Thomas 921 Cliff Street North Braddock Fran . . . intelligent . . . tall . . . likes fiction stories and Math . . . Look at that . . . one of the best in Chemistry . . . wry humor . . . dislikes quiet classes and dull moments . . . Future: Metallurgist. JOSEPH J. REPASI Saint Elias 221 Fleet Street Rankin Joe . . . serious minded . . . very masculine . . . likes anything concerning airplanes . . . Hit me . . . president of Mission Club . . . active member of the Jets Club . . . definitely dislikes working at Krause's . . . Future: Pilot. 17 PATRICIA J. DURKIN Saint Thomas 1114 Kirkpatrick Avenue North Braddock Pat . . . talkative ... fun to be with . . . likes dancing, laughing, and Fridays . . . Any money for the Missions? . . . Secretary of Mission Club and organist at Saint Thomas . . . dislikes dull moments and chocolate cake . . . Future: Nurse. JAMES P. O'NEIL Saint William 1503 Brinton Avenue North Braddock Skippy” . , . fun-loving . . . energetic . . . likes to paint and read . . . Hello, there! . . . follows all major sports . . . drives a '60 white Chevy Impala . . . dislikes long-hair music . . . Future: Language teacher. BERNADETTE WELSH Saint Thomas 712 Hickory Street North Braddock Bern” . . . practical . . . petite . . . likes poetry and daily visits to Kook’s . . . Holy Cow . . . member of the Glee Club and Fatima Club . . . dislikes disagreeable people . . . Future: Secretary. MARY ELIZABETH QUINN Holy Angels 712 Muldowney Avenue Pittsburgh 7 Becky . . . short and sweet . . . likes to eat pizza and have a good time . . . Could be . . . member of the Glee Club and the Fatima Club . . . dislikes long walks and sitting still in school . . . Future: Secretary. 18 STANLEY J. PIESESKI Saint Colman 512 Clugston Avenue Turtle Creek Stan” . . . very polite . . . carefree . . . likes girls and basketball games . . . mysterious . . . No fooling . . . always neat . . . dislikes homework and times when he can't get the car . . . Future: Air Force. DOLORES A. MACKO Saint Michael 264 Henry Street Dolly . . . alert . . . ambitious . . . likes to be last down the aisle in class . . . Good grief . . . good in shorthand and typing . . . dislikes washing dishes, doing homework, and wearing glasses .. . Future: Business World. KATHLEEN G. CLAYTON Saint Brendan 323 Lobinger Avenue North Braddock Sissy . . . blond . . . witty . , . likes dancing and big purses ... I don’t care . . . member of the Fatima Club . . . often seen in Sun Drug . . . dislikes writing paragraphs and reading poetry . . . Future: Business World. GERALD B. MALONEY Saint Mary Magdalene 133 West Ningth Avenue Homestead Jerry . . . completely Irish . . . wavy hair . . . likes girls and popular music . . . What’s it to you? . . . good dancer . . . vendor at Forbes Field . . . dislikes thumbing to school . . . Future: Duquesne. Whitaker PAULG. O'ROURKE Saint Colman 14 Oxford Street Turtle Creek Paul” . . . typically Irish . . . handsome . . . likes to play football in the church yard . . . Aw, you're kidding” . . . possesses a unique walk . . . dislikes Friday night dances this year . . . Future: Air Force. BARBARA A. PUSKAR Saint Mary 5 Third Street Barb” . . . loquacious . . . witty . . . likes dancing and basketball games . . . What? . . . Latin Honor Society member . . . alto in the Glee Club . . . noted for her reading ability . . . dislikes anyone who fails to root for the Tomcats . . . Future: Nurse. DENNIS L, SHORTRIDGE Saint Thomas 912 Braddock Avenue Braddock Shorty . . . sharp dresser . . . debonair . . . likes all sports and chemistry . . . You ain't right . . . wonderful disposition . . . always seen on the dance floor . . . dislikes a dull outlook on life . . . Future: Aeronautics. LEO T. LYDON Saint Brendan 429 Kenmawr Avenue Rankin Leo . . . devilish looks . . . timid . . . likes football and driving the car . . . Aw, g'wan on . . . eats lunch at Ed's . . . loafs with Mickey and Jim . . . dislikes English homework . . . Future: Air Force. Rankin 20 RUSSELL J. OTTO Saint Thomas 603 Baldridge Avenue North Braddock Russ . . . happy-go-lucky . . . black wavy hair . . . That's the breaks . . . likes girls and sports . . . usually seen near the church yard . . . dislikes homework and school in general . . . Future: Salesman. ELAINE S. TOMKO Saint Michael 912 Braddock Avenue Braddock Elaine” . . . catalyst . . . blushes easily . . . likes singing and vacationing in Geneva . . . Love it ... an active member of the Glee Club and the Business Honor Society . . . dislikes old cars and getting up early . . . Future: Private Secretary. MARY ANN NOVACK Resurrection 4321 Garfield Avenue West Mifflin Mouse . . . bouncy . . . verbose . . . likes to draw and sing . . . You don't say . . . member of the Forensic League and Writers Club . . . dislikes the color yellow and giving P.O.D. talks . . . Future: Nurse. Phyllis . . . pretty blue eyes . . . neat at all times . . . likes basketball games and Kook's . . . Oh no! ” . . . President of the Forensic League . . . Fatima Club member . . . dislikes doing Latin homework and eating fish . . . Future: Teacher. PHYLLIS L. McCOY Saint Thomas 914 Jones Avenue North Braddock 21 MICHAEL R. O'HALLORAN Saint Brendan 537 Lobinger Avenue North Braddock Mike . . . tall . . . rugged looking . . . likes baseball and all cars . . . How about that? . . . has a smile for everyone . . . dislikes extra long basketball practice sessions . . . Future: Engineering. DOROTHY A. MIKITA Saint Rita 170 West Marigold Street Munhall Dorth . . . brownette . . . fun-loving . . . likes listening to the radio and driving a car . . . No, seriously . . . Club Editor for Thomasette and President of Fatima Club . . . dislikes rainy days and homework . . . Future: Secretary. SANDRA A. MATTA Saint Thomas 1240 Franklin Avenue North Braddock Sandy . . . chatty . . . pleasant . . . likes all sports and debating with Mary Margaret . . . Oh sugar . . . Latin Honor Society and Glee Club member .. . dislikes messy hair and too much homework . . . Future: Doctor. CAROLEE R. BA INBRIDGE Saint Joseph 542 Corey Avenue Braddock Carolee . . . active . . . witty . . . likes to talk on the telephone and to dance . . . What'd you say? . . . member of the History Honor Society and Secretary of the Forensic League . . . dislikes English homework, especially writing paragraphs . . . Future: Nurse. 22 JOAN E. CATHCART Saint Robert Bellarmine 341 James Avenue East McKeesport Joannie . . . shy but smart . . . likes to wear new clothes which she makes . . . Hi!” . . . active member of the Jets . . . excellent pianist . . . dislikes wearing the same clothes twice, and taking any kind of test . . . Future: College. ANTHONY F. GENTILE Saint Mary Magdalene 337 West 12th Street Homestead Tony . . . hard worker . . . excellent student . . . likes Italian food and all studies . . . Viva, Italy . . . dislikes losing an argument . . . persistent debater . . . star in baseball and basketball . . . practical joker . . . Future: Medical School. DONNA M. LEY Saint Brendan 310 Comrie Street Braddock Donna” . . . quiet . . . green eyes . . . likes school and writing . . . Holy mackerel, Andy . . . active member of the Latin Honor Society, Fatima Club, and Forensic League . . . dislikes wasting time and being inactive . . . Future: English Teacher. MARY ANN AIRHART Saint Brendan 206 Hawkins Avenue North Braddock Mair . . . quiet . . . friendly . . . likes danc ing, reading, and watching Dick Clark . . . Be serious . . . member of the Mission Honor Society, Musart, Glee Club, and Fatima Club . . . dislikes poetry and long speeches . . . Future: Nurse. 23 EILEEN M. CLARK Saint Brendan 542 Talbot Avenue Braddock Ei . . . pretty blue eyes . . . giggles . . . likes to go to Kook's and to the movies . . . Yeah, but . . . active member of the Fatima Club . . . dislikes doing homework and getting up early in the morning . . . Future: Business World. ? A 71 RONALD M. SECKEL Saint Michael 509 Elwell Avenue Pittsburgh 7 Ron . . . shy . . . unique laugh . . . likes to read and follow the Tomcats ... I say there” . . well-mannered . . . often seen at Kook's . . . dislikes working at Isaly's . . . Future: Architectural Engineer. DONALD R. McKINNEY Saint Mary Magdalene 1131 McClure Street Munhall Don . . . adventurous . . . silly laugh . . . likes to play football . . . You're crazy I ... interested in the field of electricity . . . dislikes waiting for streetcars . . . Future: Electrical School. CATHERINE J. DIGGINS Saint Thomas 712 Washington Avenue Braddock Babe . . . friendly . . . agreeable . . . likes school, dancing, and pointy shoes . . . Oh man! . . . member of the Fatima Club . . . publishes the Sunday Bulletin . . . dislikes getting up early and making speeches . . . Future: Secretary. 24 JOSEPH L. MCLAUGHLIN Saint Brendan 413 Hawkins Avenue North Braddock Joe . . . fun loving . . . friendly . . . likes football and Friday night dances . . . Why should I worry? . . . avid member of Glee Club. . . dislikes baseball and getting up early . . . Future: Marine Corps. BERNARD P. TOMASIC Saint William 1514 Beech Street North Braddock Butch . . . handsome ... a touch of shyness . . . likes to make new friends . . . Show me . . . tops in basketball . . . well-liked . . . Mike's best friend . . . dislikes staying in after school . . . Future: Duke University. ANN M. ALLEN Saint Thomas 1009 Bell Avenue North Braddock CONSTANCE L. WACKOWSKI Sacred Heart 548 Talbot Avenue Braddock Connie . . . unpredictable . . . polite . . . likes to wear the latest fashions and new hair styles . . . Well, maybe . . . has a talent for fixing hair and writing letters . . . dislikes Monday mornings and alarm clocks . . . Future: Beautician. Ann . . . tall . . . easy going . . . always willing to help . . . likes pizza and bowling . . . Oh, no! . . . Fatima Club and Mission Club member . ... dislikes insects and rainy days . . . Future: Business World. 25 JUDITH A. PETROVIC Saint Joseph 1308 Bell Avenue North Braddock Judy . . . kind . . . sociable . . . likes dancing, Saturday, happy and exciting people . . . That's life! . . . active on the Thomasette staff . . . Secretary of the Student Council . . . dislikes Monday, and being broke . . . Future: Secretary. HOWARD A. JESSUP Saint Joseph 437 Stokes Avenue North Braddock Jess . . . man of principles . . . helpful . . . enjoys moody music and telephone conversations . . . Life can be a dream . . . Friday night D. J. at dances . . . dislikes nosey people and walking home . . . Future: Chemist. 26 Two hundred years hence In many a cemetery, on many a planet— On grave markers of stone, marble, and granite Will be found inscribed for all mankind to read. The records of the class of 61, Who were mighty in deed. HOWARD Jolly JESSUP— As Santa Claus, plied well his craft, ’Til he exposed himself as a fake When he giggled instead of laughed. LEO Inert LYDON— Whizzed by the faces, Of the crowd observing him In the final races. MARY ANN Flying Fingers PALIK-With grace her swift fingers flew Over the combinations Of safes both old and new. ELAINE Red-Nosed TOMKO— A well-known great trail blazer, With a group of sporty friends. She was a reindeer raiser. PAUL Crazy Legs” O’ROURKE— His boxing skill did prove By amazing his opponents to defeat-So crazily did he move. MARY PAT the Talkative FARREN— Well known to the ” grape vine Was induced to take over Wendy's place on Party Line. CAROL the Gabbing KISAK — Never reasoned why They fired her from her job As the top-secret spy. PAT the Delicate HAITZ— With sweet eyes beguiling As a gentle lady wrestler Knocked out her opponents, smiling. MARY ANN Mousy NOVACK— A friend of mice and rats Headed the organization For the extermination of cats. MARY ANN Amiable AIRHART— Pleasant guide on a tour: Unsuspecting and gullible people Into her haunted house did lure. RONNIE Rabbit” SECKEL— Seeing an egg would grab it And use it to bribe his boss The Easter Bunny Wabbit. PAT Hair-Raising HOOK— Opened a new shop She became a lady barber And simultaneously a flop. KATHY Bright-Eyed KURA — Came umprepared to classes Or so it seemed to the teacher, But she only forgot her glasses. ROBERT Pebble-mouthed SCHLEGEL-Of his fame all did know; This wonderful orator-Another Cicero. DOROTHY Nikita MIKITA — Every crowd she did enliven With the thought she might be a spy So she changed her name to Ivan. JAMES Diego O'NEIL — Made the ladies swoon When he shook his castanets As he danced under the moon. GINGER Cherry-cheeked BELA VIC— When her face sprang leaks Used the cherry fluid For painting baby doll cheeks. BOBBY Bottomless Pit MATTA — Was left without a husband When she'd devoured a ton of food And their cash was at an end. EILEEN Bubbling CLARK— For her time quickly flew While she labored In the lab Concocting witches' brew. Shall we allow for growth? Karen and Bernadette give Mike's amazing measurements to Mary Ann. Psst — Frank, the answer's on the hoard KATHY Goldilocks CLAYTON--An untold fortune found When her faithful pet, Fido Dug up the backyard ground. CAROLYN Carpetbagger CLUGSTON--With her suitcase purse and more Moved to the South and provoked it Into another Civil War. DOROTHY Giggles DONNELLY--Held the chief position At the corner funeral home. As mourner and mortician. JUDITH Smiley PETROVIC--Always seemed so glad But soon her secret was discovered-She smiled only when mad. RONNIE Wise Guy MUHA--The chief and brains, no less-The first one in his gang To outsmart Elliot Ness. CONNIE The Chic WACKOWSKI--In her life did pursue The job of fashion consultant For famous Lady Dracu (la). CATHERINE The Excitable DIGGINS--As a test pilot would roar-Killing birds and wrecking jets And jamming the airplane door. CATHY The Unruffled LUCAS--Brought to fruition Don't take it yet! Dolly, Elaine, Ginger, and Karen are caught by the photographer at their favorite waiting place. 28 gently attempt the problem, Frank seeks their help. All the good qualities Of a calm politician (she never won). JOAN Hotrod CATHCART-- With care she would tend To the wants and the needs Of the muffler and fend (er). KENNY Mad WINCKO--One ambition he had To replace A1 E. Neuman On the cover of Mad . JOE The Dainty McLAUGHLIN--With grace he would slay His friends and admirers As he danced in the ballet. MIKE The Midget O’HALLORAN--He took great delight In maintaining the position Of tallest dwarf in Snow White. FRANK Speedy DICOSKEY--In old times a fixture: Forever the hero In a fast-moving picture. ANN The Baker ALLEN--At cooking was stellar. She made and baked money In the mint in her cellar. JACK The Spaniard MANION--Had only disdain For those not accepting Latin As the language of Spain. TONY Fish GENTILE-- Suitably was able To be the chief model For the fish on a tuna can label. Can I Let Go Now? Pat, Dorothy, Bobbie, and Joe assemble the decorations for the dance, while Jack starts the decorating. JOE The Missioner REPASI--Utilized well his feet: First in line for free soup At the mission across the street. SANDY Medic MATT A --A barber’s chair is the setting For this doctor who cured all ills By practicing blood-letting. RICH KingFish SCHULTZ--With an iron-fisted rule Disciplined the mermaids Enrolled in his school. FRANCIS The Kid LENNON-- With his fierce upper lip curled Knocked over every opponent To become heavy weight champ of the world. BOB The Feet FANTAZIER-- Blessed with out-sized feet Secured the job of crushing Grapes and half-ground meat. BERNIE The Fearless WELSH--Made the headlines when As a circus performer Met fate in a lion's den. CHARLES Calhoun” PASSAFIUME--Was admitted to the lawyer clan After proving that good ol' Santy Claus Is an honest-to-goodness man. BERNARD Briefcase W ALTER--With an honest-looking face Smuggled Fuller Brushes Hidden in his briefcase. PATTY The Maestro DURKIN--Respected and honored too For her skill as organgrinder At the local zoo. STAN The Man” PIESESKI--Garbage man paid by a fee Threw the garbage onto the truck With a great deal of accuracy. DON The Quiz Kid McKINNEY--All his life composed Questions to stump the teachers And his classmates who always dozed. DENNY The Nose SHORTRIDGE-- Luxury was his fate For teaching Jimmy Durante- How to keep his crooked nose straight. BECKY Long-Winded QUINN--Whose delight it was to talk Finally was despaired of And put under pad and lock. MIKE Atlas DOJONOVIC-Applied without delay For St. Thomas' physical ed. instructor With a year's advance in pay. MARY MARGARET The Chemist GUZOWSKI--Her life was far from drab: Every day a new experience Like blowing up the lab. DOLLY Meticulous MACKO— So careful and neat was she In keeping the books and records, She got off rich... and scott free. RUSSELL Don Quixote OTTO--His course was plain: He delighted in teaching The wonders of Spain. A Little Gas H on Id Help! Kenny, Phyllis, Mike, and Angy forget one ingre- dient in their experiment. 29 ELAINE Quick on the Trigger MOSPAN Was considered in certain respects Unsuitable for the job Of correcting speech defects. DONNA The Quiet One LEY— Possessed a voice so strong She easily auctioned antiques To a noisy, impatient throng. BUTCH Titanic TOMASIC— In physique did seem The perfect substitute For the old Mr. Clean. CAROLEE Quizzical BAINBRIDGE— Not bribe-resistant. Met her downfall As J. E. Hoover’s assistant. PHYLLIS The Historian McCOY— To solve the mystery Of who founded Ireland Rewrote old world history. BARB The Vocie PUSKAR— Needed no words When she talked to her friends She was a caller of birds. KAREN Reliable PESTA Steady as a cock As a lady hobo For a dime a mile would walk. MARY ANN Lunch Bag FATULA — All purses disdained And instead used a lunch bag. Except when it rained. James. Thai s . ot Braille! Bernie, Pat. Mike, and Jim met difficulties while working on the SENIOR ENGLISH REVIEW BOOKS. 30 Smile, YOU’RE on Candid Camera! Carolee, Barb, Chuck, and Mike look mesmerized after being informed of this fact. JEANIE The Seamstress NACHYLOWSKI— Was chosen for her speed To make space suits for pigeons For there were too many to feed. MICHAEL The Artist BALOG— Headed a gang of quacks Who drew A. Neuman's picture On their counterfeit green-backs.” KATHY Ever Alert MYERS— Did not bury her head in books But employed her keen alertness As a look out for some crooks. JERRY The Irish MALONEY— Situated on a snowy mount Made counterfeit shamrocks To sell to his friends at a discount. ANDREA The Sweet EVANS— Was employed by an unruly dentist To sell sweet candy to little kids To cause their teeth to be menaced. LIN Rembrandt DI LUCENTE— With artistic expression did meet The challenges encountered in painting The yellow lines on Main Street. These are the tales the tombstone told for men, beasts, and busy kiddies to behold. Odds and Ends of 61 We, the Senior Class of 1961, at Saint Thomas High School, Braddock, Pennsylvania, being of sound mind and memory, do hereby make, publish and declare this to be our Last Will and Testament, in manner and form following, hereby revoking any will or wills heretofore made by us. First - We direct that all our just debts--tm-tion, fees, etc.--be fully paid and satisfied, as soon as conveniently may be, AFTER our departure. MARY ANN AIRHART leaves her typing errors to Maureen Ridge. ANN ALLEN leaves her friendly smile to Roseann Litzinger. CAROLEE BAIN-BRIDGE leaves her enormous bracelet collection to Arlene Wisniewski. VIRGINIA BELA VIC leaves her gift of gab” to Bernadette Sepcich. JOAN CATHCART leaves all the easy tests to the lucky juniors. EILEEN CLARK leaves her chair in the typing room to Pat Koscho. KATHLEEN CLAYTON leaves her typewriter to Bridget Fallon. Ladies First — to class only. Dot and Kathy are ahead of Don and Russ for one reason only--English class is next. CAROLYN CLUGSTON leaves two pounds of slightly used confetti, collected at the basketball games, to Kathleen Farren. CATHERINE DIGGINS leaves her shorthand note book to Paulette Toth, LINDA DI LUCENTE leaves her C. I. O. Hall ticket stubs to Bill Rossi. DOROTHY DONNELLY leaves her job of collecting the mission money to Andrea Kuftic. PAT DURKIN leaves her giggles to Anita Groark. ANDREA Prepare for Countdown Mary Pat warns Pat, Jack, and Leo of the five minute time limit. EVANS leaves her booth in Angy’s to John Fallon. MARY PAT FARREN leaves her picture of a 1961 Thunderbird to Carol Pricener. MARY ANN FA-TULA leaves her ten gallon lunch bag to some needy junior. MARY MARGARET GUZOWSKI leaves her debate handbook to Janice Halloran. PAT HAITZ leaves her fun and homework to Ginny Mazzoni. PAT HOOK leaves her favorite seat at the basketball games to anyone who can shout as loud as she can. CAROL ANN KISAK leaves her talking ability to Dolores Ley. KATHLEEN KURA leaves her ability to hold her temper to anyone who needs it. DONNA LEY leaves her twin sisters to anyone who wants them. CATHY LUCAS leaves her pink lipstick to Frances Sestak. DOLORES MACKO leaves her badly used typing paper to Nikki Kushner. BOBBIE MATTA leaves her lungs to Marion Modrak, to be used only at basketball games. SANDRA MATTA leaves her place in the Latin Honor Society to Dorothy Yager. PHYLLIS McCOY leaves her place among the many who have lunch in Angy’s to Carol Valkanas. 31 We Love Malli Bob attempts to explain trig functions to Howard, Jeanie, and Sandy. DOROTHY MIKITA leaves the co-editorship of the Memory Book to some willing junior. ELAINE MOSPAN leaves her run-on sentences to anyone who can catch them. KATHLEEN MYERS leaves her first million for a new school with elevators. GENEVIEVE NACHYLOWSKI leaves her forgetfulness to Anne Docherty. MARY ANN NOVACK leaves her name '’Mouse to Kathleen Heil, accept it because you can’t get rid of it. MARY Joannie seems more pleased with her model than Tony, Fran, and Rich do. 32 ANN PALIK leaves her favorite seat in English class to Carolyn Bakin. KAREN PESTA leaves her old streetcar passes to Rita Masley. JUDY PETROVIC leaves her position as secretary of the Student Council to the person lucky enough to be elected. BARBARA PUSKAR leaves her shoes to Carol Fleming, hoping that she'll be able to fill them as a senior. BECKY QUINN leaves her dancing style to anyone who thinks she can master it. ELAINE TOMKO leaves her light brown eyebrow pencil to Kathy O’Pat, hoping she has brown eyebrows. CONNIE WACKOWSKI leaves her gigantic shoe collection to some worthwhile junior wjio has a purse collection to go with it. BERNADETTE WELSH leaves her typing eraser Look Who's Supervising Tony urges Bobbie, Kathy, and Judy to hurry to meet their deadline. to anyone who can find it. MICHAEL BALOG leaves his hair-style to Chuck Beuley. FRANK DICOSKEY leaves his parking space behind the school to any junior who has a car worthy of it. MICHAEL DOJONOVIC leaves his ability to get along with teachers to Gene Kritko. BOB FAN-TAZIER leaves his size 12 1 2 basketball shoes to any junior with the same size feet. HOWARD JESSUP leaves his good disposition to some j unior with a bad one. TONY GENTILE leaves his basketball locker to Richard Gavalik. FRANCIS LENNON leaves his experiments from chemistry lab to Anthony Scarpino. LEO LYDON leaves all the good times he had in Angy’s to Terry Tully. JERRY MALONEY leaves his comb to Joe Mroziak. JACK MANION leaves his homework to any junior brave enough to take it. DON McKINNEY leaves his cousin, Joe, to the senior teachers. JOE McLAUGHLIN leaves a squirrel gun to anybody who has a fine hunting ability. RON MUHA leaves his basketball uniform to anyone who can shoot. MIKE O’HAL-LORAN leaves his height to James Murray. JAMES O'NEIL leaves the typing eraser he borrowed from Bernadette Welsh to Dale Devine. PAUL O’ROURKE leaves his hair-brush to Bill Abies. RUSSELL OTTO leaves his fingernail clippers to Richard Baker. CHARLES PASSA-FIUME leaves his Latin translations to someone who doesn't take Latin. STANLEY PIESESKI just wants to leave. JOSEPH REPASI leaves his Miserabile Visu! Sandy demonstrates for Barb, Donna, and Mary Margaret her contest winning Latin. Periodic Chart to anyone taking chemistry next year. ROBERT SCHLEGEL leaves his bookkeeping to Vincent Burke. RICHARD SCHULTZ leaves his shoe polish to Gerard Golofski, and hopes it matches the color of his shoes. RONALD SECKEL leaves his pass-collecting duties to any junior who'll take care of it. DENNY SHORTRIDGE leaves all the good times he had at Saint Thomas. BUTCH TOMASIC wants to leave something, but he just doesn't know what it is. BERNARD WALTER leaves his favorite briefcase to that lucky junior, Don Heiber. KENNETH WINCKO leaves his place in Ed's to George Kraly. It's Research Paper Time Carolee, Mary Ann, Chuck, and Paul busily make use of the Library for research. We do hereby make, constitute and appoint Sister Ignatia Marie and Sister Mary Benet to be the executrices of this our Last Will and Testament. Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named Senior Class of 1961, as and for their Last Will and Testament in the presence of said Testat, Senior Class of 1961, and of each other. JOE BUNDALOVICH FRANK YATZEL Scalpel Please! Babe Insists that she's a better butcher than Lin Mary Pat, Cathy, and Pat. SENIOR CLASS OF '61 A Letter About Fun and Happiness Senior Class of 1961 St. Thomas High School September, 1957 - June, 1961 Dear Underclassmen: As you know, we were once underclassmen too. While you are reading this letter, you will discover some of the humorous and happy incidents which are precious to us. Some of these things you know already. Much belongs exclusively to us. What we are today we owe to many others. At the top of the list of our creditors, after our parents, of course, is Father Shields. Immediately following them is the faculty of Saint Thomas High School and all our various grade school teachers. Lastly, we have in many ways influenced each other. Our high school years began on a crisp September day in 1957 when a timid group walked gingerly up the old stone steps at the front of the school building. We were greeted by Sister Mary Eunice, our principal. She introduced us to our homeroom teachers for the freshman year, Sr. Mary Edwardine and Sr. Mary Vivian. We were then ready to start our four years of high school learning. The Initiation was the first of a long list of memorable occasions of that year in high school. Most of us will remember the talks and plays presented during Pennsylvania History class. Our Christmas play produced such budding actors and actresses as Kenneth Wincko, Bernard Walter, Phyllis McCoy, Barbara Puskar, and Chuck Passafiume. The dancing at lunch time afforded Denny Shortridge and Rich Schultz their first opportunity to show-off their splendid choreographic Lin, Butch, and Bob await their turns as Pat disappointedly leaves the office. Now, What IS M Name? Kathy aids Mary Ann, as Ronnie, Bob, and Ron confidently complete their blanks. 34 W here W ill W e Put It? Ron and Fran offer suggestions to Donna and Ann for a place to display the banner. Mary Ann, That's the Wrong ftote Mouse, Denny, and Rich listen for Mary Ann to strike the first note. abilities. For others this was a time (noon) to rest their weary bodies on our stage. Our religious instructions centered around the weekly talks from Father Shields. His wise counsel helped eacl. one of us to advance in the grace of God. He taught us the necessity of daily prayer and frequent reception of the Sacraments. Through Father's advice and the teaching of our Sisters our first year was made a happy and profitable one. Since our studies were very difficult in the sophomore year, the class did not accomplish a great many things in the extracurricular vein. However, this was the year which was highlighted by dissection of worms, Howard Jessep's hilarious drawings on 204's blackboard, and Rich Schultz's futile search to find out what is the perfect flower. Trying to construct stained-glass window decorations for geometry class was another dilemma of our second year. Joe Repasi also blessed (?) the class by showing his literary worth with the composition of many (ab) original poems and paragraphs. The witty remarks of Mike Dojonovic added a touch of subtle humor to our many English classes. That was the year Tony Gentile was given the nickname Fish, and Ron Muha won the unenviable title of Gunner. (It's easy to see why!) That was the year we were given the task of scanning the Holy Bible to locate many specified quotations in it. Tony Gentile and Joan Cathcart gained top honors in this contest. (They too must have been inspired.) We were introduced to the feats of the mighty Caesar and other top-notch Romans in our Latin classes. Miniature catapults and other implements of war were built by some of the more industrious members of the class. (Now you underclassmen know how to get an A. ) The choosing of subjects for the Junior year was one of the last things we had to do in our sophomore year. The sophomore year,.even with biology class, was also a happy one. 35 September, 1959, marked the beginning of our junior year at St. Thomas'. The big event of this year was, as for all juniors, the Prom. The task of raising money for it was laid upon our shoulders, and we responded enthusiastically. Our bake sale, skating party, Valentine Dance, and selling of school emblems helped to achieve our quota of money needed. On the night of the Prom, the couples stopped at their dates' homes for picture-taking and then at the convent to show-off their fine feathers. After that they set out for Edgewood Country Club for the most memorable night of the junior year. The chant of We want a movie,” the well-prepared talks of Barb Puskar and Kathy Myers, and the writing of outlines contributed to the make-up of our American history class. Ron Seckel and Joe McLaughlin added farther glory to this class by winning an award for their history project. They were the first in the school’s history to win an award of this kind, and we proudly say that they set the precedent for all other awards received for history projects. Attempting-to decipher the meanings of the works of Poe, Eliot, and other American poets was surely a struggle for some of us English scholars. Our Spanish students, speaking in their most fluent Spanish, enacted a play for the enjoyment of students of various Catholic High Schools in the diocese. Memorizing ” Quo usque tandem . . . etc. . . ” proved to be a real task for even the best of the Latin students. If anyone doubts the veracity of this, interrogate Mary Margaret Guzowski or Pat Durkin on the matter. Perhaps our most difficult class in the junior year was physics. The problem of doing the experiments was indeed a trying one. Another STRANGE fact about this class was that Bob Schlegel always wanted to answer certain questions in the physics lab book. (With his own way of answering.) Our junior year also marked the innovation of the juniors’ participating in football games staged in the churchyard. Many outstanding records were set by Joe McLaughlin and Bob Schlegel. Bob set the fantastic record of being able to fall down at least five or six times a game, while Joe managed to rip several pairs of good trousers and an assortment of equally good shirts. We were well represented by Mary Ann Fatula, Rich Schultz, Sandy Matta, and Mary Margaret Guzowski in Forensics. The Fountain of Youths Just a Little Bit! Joe listens patiently to the requests of Joan. Connie, and Eileen. This Ones Yours. Jerry Because of constant efforts, Mary Ann went to New York for the National Catholic Forensic tournament. These were the many events which made our third year in St. Thomas's what it was. We were now ready to venture into the last, most serious, and happiest year of our high school career. Mary Ann and Jerry exchange lunches as Sunny and Sissy recover their own. Our senior year was indeed one in which the days passed quickly. There was the usual amount of accomplishments and hilarious events that constituted our first three years. Bob Fantazier, president of our Student Council, was elected President of the Federation of Catholic Schools in our diocese. This was a compliment to Bob's many fine leadership abilities and an honor for the school. Humor was, as always, present with us while we were seniors. It seemed that the class of '61 had quite a few hard-nosed football players. Two of these illustrious athletes, Mike O'Halloran and Denny Shortridge, attempted to show just how rugged they were. However, the eventual outcome was not what they had expected. The result; two broken noses. (And two weeks away from classes.) Our final year had a few novelties. Linda DiLucente, brimming with school spirit, put her artistic abilities to work by creating our mascots, the two Tomcats. The work of the group of students led by Judy Petrovic and Bobbie Matta was instrumental in stirring up an enthusiastic following for our athletic teams. Our newspaper, the THOMAS-ETTE, and the memory book, the THOMASONIAN, through the co-operation of all the seniors and the work of their respective editors, Kathy Myers, and Dorothy Mikita and Ron Muha, were fine examples of the literary heights that students of Saint Thomas were able to reach. This was also the year that Rich Schultz, Tony Gentile, Mary Margaret Guzowski, and Sandy Matta stole a trophy at North Catholic. On it is written, Second Place-Debate. There may be many other events that have been omitted in this letter, but they will not be forgotten by the members of the graduating class of '61. In conclusion, dear underclassmen, we seniors sincerely hope that your remaining years in Saint Thomas will be filled with fun and happiness as ours have been. We also hope you will take every advantage to increase in knowledge and God's grace. And so we close this letter containing the events of our four years at Saint Thomas High School. Yours sincerely. Senior Class of '61 37 I’ll Never Forget. . . CONNIE WACKOWSK1 - The time I was doing the pendulum experiment in physics lab; RUSSELL OTTO - The good times at the basketball games and at Kook's after the games; DOROTHY DONNELLY - A broken desk in 204; MARY ANN PALIK - The time Sister scared me with her little pet in biology; ELAINE TOMKO - In my sophomore year when the fish in the aquarium jumped out onto the floor near my desk; HOWARD JESSUP - The wound that I gave Sister Mary Benet; CAROL ANN KISAK - The time I was caught eating a pretzel in study; JUDY PETROVIC - The last minute rushes to get the Thomasette out on schedule; BARBARA PUSKAR - The birthday party we had for Phyllis; BOB FANTAZIER - The day I was elected President of the Federation; MARY PAT FARREN - The trouble we had getting to Saint Adelbert and Saint Mary of the Mount to see the games; CAROLEE BAINBRIDGE - The Friday night that a few brave kids went to see the statue of Rosie in Restland Cemetery; KAREN PESTA - The pigeons that migrated to Saint Thomas from the Walbash Building; GENEVIEVE NACHYLOWSKI -The day we made bromine in chemistry lab; MARY MARGARET GUZOWSKI - The Quis Sum? contest in Latin class, (Neither will Proserpina); KATHLEEN KURA - Those beady eyes of the crayfish when I cut him in half in biology class; DONALD McKINNEY - Anything I remember; PAT HA1TZ - The day Pat Hook and Kathy Kura pushed the car out of the churchyard; PHYLLIS McCOY - Our freshman Christmas play when the stage curtains wouldn't work; BOBBIE MATTA - The day I wore bermuda shorts under my uniform to keep warm. The button had unfastened and as 1 walked into Room 301, they fell to my feet; ANN ALLEN - The Federation Ball, I lost my shoe while getting out of the car; SANDRA ANN MATTA - The day that I made chlorine; LINDA DiLUCENTE - The Friday night dance when 1 lost a shoe while dancing; CATHY LUCAS - The time I fell down the school steps; JAMES O'NEIL - My years of Spanish; ANDREA EVANS - The fun and trouble we had at the away games; JOE REPASI - Our party, and spending money onMickie's lunches; DOLORES MACKO - That terrific study hall in 301; CATHERINE DIGGINS - All the fun at the basketball games; PAT DURKIN - The first time 1 typed the Mission Flyer and put the carbon in backwards; DONNA LEY - The crazy jokes Tony told in English class; JERRY MALONEY - The football games in our Senior year; DOROTHY M1KITA - Bernie, Mary Margaret, Ron, and Dorothy prepare the final pages of the yearbook. 38 Our Gang! The musical members of 61 ” put forth Words and Music. games; KENNY W1NCKO - Jim O'Neil's getting a toothpick stuck in his throat on the day of the Junior Prom; PAT HOOK - Joe McLaughlin in his bermuda shorts; CAROLYN CLUGSTON - The time I forgot to write an I'll never forget for the yearbook; KATHLEEN CLAYTON - The fun five others and I had in 301 study periods at 2:15; JOE McLAUGHLIN -All the good times we had in the auditorium on Friday afternoons; BERNADETTE WELSH - The Federation Ball of 1960; BECKY QUINN - The time I sat on a tack when we were Freshman; RICHARD SCHULTZ - My first great debate - about the perfect flower; PAUL O'ROURKE - The Christmas vacation during my senior year; JOAN CATHCART - The time I brought my car to school and went home without it. After I arrived home, I realized what I did and had to come back to Braddock to get it; EILEEN CLARK -My junior year, especially Sister Ignatia Marie’s physics class; LEO LYDON - All the wonderful classes I had in Room 302; VIRGINIA BELAVIC - The basketball games and the crazy times in physics lab; MIKE BALOG - The time our Spanish class sang Christmas carols in Spanish; MICHAEL O'HALLORAN - Trying to play basketball with my bird cage on; ELAINE MOSPAN - The charm course. Our Maestro! My Senior 301 study hall; BERNARD WALTER - The wild chemistry labs with Carl” and Rose ; RON MUHA - All the fun I had in my senior year, especially playing basketball (?) and working on the yearbook; JACK MANION - The get acquainted party Sister Eunice gave some of the boys of our Freshman Class on the third day of school; MARY ANN FA TULA - The Latin notes Chuck used to write to Sister Jean on his test papers; BERNARD TOMASIC - The Junior year especially the study at 2:15 p. m. in Room 301; KATHLEEN MYERS - The time I asked about snowball battles during a class meeting; STAN PIESESKI - The time Howard Jessup cut-up a pumpkin in 2:15 study period in Room 301; MARY ANN NOVACK - Karen Pesta’s shirt”; ROBERT SCHLEGEL - Our great basketball teams; TONY GENTILE - The days that we had off when the furnace was broken; FRANCIS LENNON - All my crazy study periods; CHARLES PASSAFUME - The junior physics classes with Mike, Jerry, Butch, and Jack; FRANK DICOSKY - The physics class and the time Shorty was doing an experiment, and he put some mercury on the table and blew it so hard, it hit the ceiling; DENNIS SHORTRIDGE - The senior-junior football Joanie - ever smiling and ever playing the piano. 39 Our Ideal Thomasonians Mary Ann Fatula and Anthony Gentile When one is choosing a person for an honor, he should first consider the qualities needed to receive the honor. The word ideal connotes many different ideas to people today. There are those who scoff at it. There are those who equate it only with material success. To us it means someone who possesses the personality, perseverance, co-operative spirit, and faith of an ideal student. These qualities we feel are found in the characters of Mary Ann and Anthony. They are ready to be leaders or to be led. This is evidenced by their participation in a variety of school activities. They have been leaders when their classmates chose them to lead as officers of the class. They have been followers as co-operative cogs in many school activities. Mary Ann and Anthony set good examples for their fellow students by their actions each day. They are a credit to their parents, their church, and their school. Because they possess these qualities, we the Class of 1961 have chosen Mary Ann Fatula and Anthony Gentile as our Ideal Thomasonians. Moments to Remember OUR PROM QUEEN AND HER COURT QUEEN CAROLEE AND HER COURT: Elaine. Judy. Bobbie, and Angie. Aren’t You Girls Ready Yet? Bobbie, Judy, Angie, Carolee, and Elaine add the final touches. You Mean HE’S Your Tenth Dance? b Elaine, Angie, and Carolee check their bids, as Judy and Bobbie make a hilarious discovery. 42 TONY RON MIKE £14 BUTCH KEN MR. WARGO JACK The Athletic Jupiter C (at) The athletic Jupiter C of the class of '61 was launched and directed by Mr. Clarence Von Wargo, with the able assistance of Mr. Michael Luga Furlano, during the fall of 1957. The Junior Varsity team, a part of the ground stage, got the rocket off its launching pad in spectacular fashion, dropping only two games the entire season (both one-point decisions). On the roster of this promising, young team were: Bemie (Butch) Tomasic, Tony Gentile, Jack Man- ion, Ron Muha, Mike O'Halloran, Bob Fantazier, Paul O'Rourke, Ken Wincko, Don McKinney, Chuck Passifiume, and Robert (where's my uniform?) Schlegel. Tony and Bemie were also members of the varsity squad. Starting one game at the center position, Bernie gave a creditable performance for a freshman while Tony was the last man on the varsity and, alas, they never got down that far. Our baseball team that year, quite the opposite of the basketball team, won only one game and dropped many close ones (10-0, etc.). But our future hopes were brightened by the fielding and hitting (one home run) of Tony Gentile, the pitching of Bernie Tomasic (dropping a very close game), and the progress around the diamond shown by big Mike O’Hallo-ran. The ignition and thurst of the second stage in the fall of 58 also gave promise of greater things to come on the basketball scene. Tony Gentile and Bernie Tomasic were members of the first string varsity squad which broke St. Casimir’s long victory streak. Meanwhile, the J. V. 's again were enjoying a successful season. With them, Ron Muha was rapidly becoming a prolific scorer (so much so, that he acquired the nickname gunner ). Also starring on this team were Mike O'Halloran (who had several big games ), Bob Fantazier (a stellar player all season), Ken Wincko and Robert Schlegel. A valuable member, Jack Manion, was lost to the team Trample 'Em, Tomcats Bob, Tony, Ron, Mike. Butch, Jack, and Ken pose for their final time in the colors of Gold and Blue. 44 Hail Mary, Full of Grace . . . early in the season due to frivolous recreation and unnecessary roughness on the part of certain individuals. Our baseball team, for the second year in succession, won only one game. Shortstop-hurler Tony Gentile won that lone game by the score of 6 to 5. Howard Jessup, a promising fireballer, started a game, but due to arm trouble, never appeared on the mound again. The Elroy Face of our pitching staff that year was Bernie Tomasic. And, although we did not have too much success winning ball games, we did have a candidate for the Most Valuable Hitter award. Tony Gentile, who socked a tremendous home run during the season, was considered the prime candidate for this honor until the judges discovered that the homer made up one-half of his hits for the season. The Tomcats prepare for the final blast-off. Tomcats or Indians? The one and only T-formation of basketball. Fulfilling the hopes and expectations of everyone, the third stage of 59 brought St. Thomas into the crowning clouds of glory of the Section III Basketball Championship. Due to a flameout, caused by the loss to St. Adelbert's in the Class B Diocesan Championship game, however, we soon dropped out of those clouds like a meteor. However, there were many honors and moments of triumph to look back on. Bernie Tomasic, who had a stupendous junior year scoring as well as rebounding, was named the Most Valuable Player in Section III. In addition to this coveted award, he was also named to the All Section III and All Catholic Class B teams. Our great, all-round, forward, Tony Gentile, had the misfortune of breaking a finger in practice, but he quickly recovered in time to aid greatly the team in its drive for the championship. Ron Muha, time and again, proved his worth in coming to the team’s rescue with his bullet-like and ever true push-shots. But those hectic, victorious games with our bitter rival, St. Anselm, were truly the highpoints of the 60 basketball season. The strong reserves of this fabulous team consisted of Jack Manion (hero of one of the St. Anselm games), Mike O'Halloran, Bob Fantazier, and Kenny Wincko. Jack and Kenny, incidentally, were named to the mythical All-State J. V. Team, a great honor indeed. Following the lead of the basketball team, the baseball team ended up in second place. Making another strong run for 45 How Touching Tony obliges Becky with an autograph, while Bern awaits his turn. the batting title, Tony Gentile doubled his number of hits to four, while Mike O’Halloran topped the three-hundred mark, Howard Jessup, third-sacker, and Francis Lennon, first baseman, also contributed to the team's best finish in years. The fourth and final stage, which was ignited this autumn, was recognized by all of the rocket experts as the most powerful part of this great missile. The return of seven juniors from last year’s Championship team was the basis for their optimism. And, so far, this talented team has fulfilled every desire, having a good exhibition mark of SIX wins and two defeats (both at the hands of a fine St. Michael squad), and a league record of eight wins (including a big victory over St. Anselm) and no losses. Sparking the team this year, as in former years, are our two outstanding co-captains, Bernie (Butch) Tomasic and Tony (the Cruiser) Gentile. Jack Manion, a valuable rebounder, sprained his ankle at practice, but he is expected to be back in uniform in time for the second big game against St. Anselm. Another standard performer this year with his rebounding, shooting and playmaking has been Ron Muha. Mike O’Halloran (who has been a worthy replacement for Jack at the center position), Bob Fantazier, and Kenny Wincko make up a part of the valuable reserves. Those in charge of this great launching hold the highest hopes that this athletic Jupiter C will be able to reach the moon, or specifically speaking, capture the Class ’’B State Catholic Championship. This group of boys may contain the potent fuel needed for such an accomplishment. NEW Uniforms? Bern, Fran, Jack, Howard, Mike, and Tony bring out the equipment for the coming year. 46 PERSONAL PATRONS Weiss's Food Market Jones Kapp Opticians Mr. and Mrs. Paul Farren Braddock The Reverend Francis Shields Mr. and Mrs. M. Yankes Homestead The Reverend Charles Peterman St. Michael’s Church, Brad. Monroeville The Reverend Joseph A. Wank Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Knaresboro The Reverend Carl J. Gentile Mr. and Mrs. J. Nachylowski Kook's Restaurant Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Airhart Mr. and Mrs. Peter Connolly 1008 Braddock Ave. Mr. and Mrs. Roy Allen Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Kushner BR. 1-9587 Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Bakin Mr. and Mrs. Francis Lennon Bernie Blumenfeld Mr. and Mrs. R. T. Belavic Lesko Funeral Home Mrs. Sylvia Bircsak Robert Hlavac 534 Jones Ave. Mr. and Mrs. Harold R. Clugston, Jr. North Braddock Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Connelly Mr. and Mrs. Michael Dojonovic BUSINESS PATRONS BR. 1-1361 Mr. and Mrs. Frank Donoto Angy’s Luncheonette Martahous Hardware Mr. and Mrs. John J. Durkin 1028 Braddock Ave. 868 Braddock Ave. Mrs. Agnes Evans Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fatula BR. 1-9683 BR. 1-2967 Mr. and Mrs. M. A. Fantazier Bandik's Grill Matts Market Mr. and Mrs. Martin Kennedy 1122 Bell Ave. 1107 Braddock Ave. Dr. H. S. Kopsofsky Miss Anne Kawalski BR. 1-9620 BR. 1-9522 Lincoff Brothers Braddock Piano - Morgan's Stella McCoy's Mr. and Mrs. Edward Macko 863 Braddock Ave. Beauty Salon Mr. and Mrs. Regis Maloney BR. 1-3224 713 Braddock Ave. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Manion EL. 1-0424 Mr. and Mrs. Clement J. Matta Confraternity of the Mr. and Mrs. Paul Matta, Jr. Holy Rosary Congratulations from Mr. and Mrs. John Mikita St. Thomas Parish Bill Mazeroski Mr. and Mrs. Stephen R. Milko Braddock, Penna. Pittsburgh Pirate James McCoy Second Baseman Mr. and Mrs. George McDonough Wm. J. Costello Mr. and Mrs. Joseph McLaughlin Plumbing Heating Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Muha BR. 1-5007 - EL. 1-0869 1961 Graduates Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Novack Thomasonian Club Mr. and Mrs. O'Halloran D. H. DeNardo Co. Mr. and Mrs. George Olsakovsky 837 Braddock Ave. Best Wishes Ann O'Neil EL. 1-2000 1961 Graduates Mrs. E izabeth E. Palik Mr. and Mrs. Weakland Dr. A. F. Parella Fashion Spear Mr. and Mrs. Albert Pesta 715 Braddock Ave. Valley Transfer Company Mr. and Mrs. John Puskar BR. 1-8828 1118 Braddock Avenue Mr. and Mrs. John Quinn BR. 1-1298 Mr. George E. Rutkowski Ferty's Bar VA. 3-1298 Mrs. C. Schlegel 1113 Braddock Ave. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Seckel BR. 1-9243 Mrs. Anne Passafuime Andrew J. Stalmack Notary Public Mr. George C. Tomasic Hodgson’s Flowers Gen. Insurance and Bonds Mr. and Mrs. Bernard A. Walter 1011 Braddock Ave. 201 E. 8th Ave. Homestead Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Wincko BR. 1-6177 Alexander Super Market Acheson Mfg. Co. Braddock Motor Supply Co. Hollander Pharmacy Rankin East End Pharmacy - J. A. Fechko 910 Braddock Ave. Cast Brass Josie's Beauty Salon BR. 1-9622 Pipe Fittings Kalabus Furniture Kweller Furniture Free Delivery BR. 1-1960 Neisner Brothers, Inc. J J Gravity Fill Nu-Life Cleaners Sixth Baldridge Saint Brendan's Altar -Rosary Society BR. 1-9866 47 Thank You . . . Mr. Emmanuel Deninno, our fine photographer and good friend from Colao Studios; . . . Mr. Eugene Burke of Taylor Publishing Company for your kind advice and assistance; . . . Our generous patrons for the financial support. Index Dedication--------- Class of 1961 - -Administration - -Senior Officers - ■ Senior Portraits - Prophecy--------- Last Will........ History---------- Memories - - — Ideal Thomasonian Prom -------------- Sports------------- Patrons-------— - pp. 2 - 3 -pp. 4 - 5 pp. 6 - 7 - pp. 8 - 9 pp- 10 - 26 pp. 27 - 30 pp. 31 - 33 - pp. 34 - 37 pp. 38 - 39 pp. 40 - 41 pp. 42 43 - 46 ■ pp. 47 TAYLOR PUBLISHING COMPANY