Ilion High School
CLASS OF 1938 News

Welcome to the Class of 1938 Alumni News

Now everything you wanted to know about the IHS Class of 1938 is at your fingertips....as published in the 1938 Mirror Class History.

Bombers Buzz Website ....

Marjorie Fay Worthington, Housewife, email, Woodbury, NJ, registered. (March 15, 2004)

John Merrick, Retired, Desert Hot Springs, CA, re-registered. (March 3, 2004)

Nancy Brown Wright, from Surry, NH, email is attending the mega-reunion. (June 7, 2002)

Harold Casey, Ilion, NY, is attending the mega-reunion. (May 30, 2002)

Marie Leonard Claffey, email, from Florence, AZ, is attending the mega-reunion. (May 24, 2002)

Elizabeth Sullivan Edwards, from Ilion, NY, submitted the mega-reunion survey form. (March 7, 2002)

Ruth Bennett Collea, from Ilion, NY, submitted the mega-reunion survey form. (Feb 27, 2002)

Ruth Cooper Brown, retired RN, email, Carlsbad, CA, registered. (February 17, 2002)

William Mathews, Executive - Retired, email, Naples, FL, registered. (modified January 21, 2002)

Nancy Brown Wright, from Surry, NH, email is looking forward to coming to the Sesquicentennial Reunion in October 2002. (December 28, 2001)

Condolences.....

Edna E. (Farley) Strong IHS '38, 90, formerly of 5 Miles Ave., Passed away Saturday, February 4, 2012 at Mohawk Valley Health Care. Edna was born on July 8, 1921 in Frankfort the daughter of the late Charles and Helen Edah (Soper) Farley. She was educated in Ilion. On July 13, 1939 she married Henry Strong in Little Falls, Henry passed away May 23, 1997. Edna worked as a group leader at G.E. in Utica and then as a LPN at the Herkimer Memorial Hospital retiring in 1981. Edna was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Church and was a volunteer with the Salvation Army for many years. Edna is survived by her son Charles of Mohawk; sisters Dorothy Cioch of Herkimer and Lillian and her husband Henry Loacano of W. Winfield; her grandchildren Wendy and Robert Swanson of Phoenix AZ, David and Barbara Strong of Ilion, Lisa and Don Peterson of Ilion, James Strong of Mohawk and Andrew Strong of Little Falls. She also leaves several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son David; sisters Marie DesGrossliers and Evelyn Edgett and a brother Charles Farley. In keeping with Edna's wishes there are no calling hours or funeral service interment will be in the Armory Hill Cemetery in Ilion. Friends are asked to consider memorial donations to either Catholic Charities or HOSPICE, envelopes are available at the funeral home. On line condolences may be sent by going to www.whiter-hendrix.com. Funeral arrangements are with the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, Inc. 100 Otsego St., Ilion. (Feb 20, 2012)

Dr. Frederick James Winsor IHS '38, Dr. Frederick James Winsor died at his home in Fanwood, NJ, on Tuesday, May 25, 2010, at age 88. He had a remarkable life and a long career as a metallurgical engineer. He was born August 22, 1921, in the town of Ilion, in the Mohawk River Valley of upstate New York, and spent his childhood there, graduation from Ilion High School in 1938. Mr. Winsor attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute from 1938 to 1946, earning a BS, MS, and PhD in Metallurgical Engineering. His PhD research involved analysis of metal from enemy aircraft. He worked for the Armour Research Foundation, Standard Oil of Indiana, DuPont, and Foster Wheeler Corporation, where he was in charge of the Welding Development Laboratory for over 25 years. Subsequently, he was an independent metallurgical engineering consultant for approximately 20 years. He taught courses in welding and metallurgy at Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute and Kean College.Dr. Winsor was a life member of the American Welding Society (AWS) and the American Society for Metals (now ASM International), served as Chairman of the AWS NJ Section in 1983-1984, was a member of its Executive Committee, and assisted as a test supervisor and proctor for Certified Welding Inspector exams. In 1991, AWS presented him with the Samuel Miller Memorial Medal Award for contributions to the art of welding. In 2007, the NJ AWS Section honored him with a Meritorious Award for his dedicated activities. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Gertrude K. Winsor; son Richard E. Winsor, daughter Nancy W. Clayton, daughter Linda W. DeLap, son Donald C. Winsor; four grandchildren: Daniel J. Winsor, Margaret I. DeLap, Karl G. Winsor, and Eric D. Winsor; niece Mary Elizabeth Winsor, nephew Ned Winsor, niece Jen Campbell, great-nephew Edward Winsor, and many other nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Glen Merritt Winsor and Elizabeth Mary Miller; brothers Kasson, Earl, Richard, Edward, and Gerald Winsor; and son Frederick Winsor Jr. A celebration of his life was held on Saturday July 17 at 11 am at the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship (http://muuf.org), 21 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, New Jersey. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fanwood Rescue Squad, Treasurer, 123 Watson Road, Fanwood, NJ 07023, or to the Center for Hope Hospice, 1900 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076. (Aug 29, 2010)

Mr. Edward O. Wood, IHS '38, age 88, formerly of Ilion, NY and 17 year resident of Molokai Park, Leesburg, FL passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 10, 2009 at the home of his son, in Winterville, NC. His wife, Mary Palmer Wood, predeceased him. They shared 60 wonderful years of marriage before her passing on July 29, 2007. He attended Akron University, fought in the 87th Infantry Division during World War II in the European theater, and after the war, returned to Ilion to manage the family business. In 1959 he was appointed Ilion postmaster, and retired from that position in July, 1980. During his retirement, he enjoyed volunteer work for the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, and Florida Waterman Hospital. He is survived by his two sons Kenneth E. Wood and wife Carol (Robbins), of Macedon, NY, Victor H. Wood and wife Linda (Backman) of Winterville, NC, sister Carolyn Roberts of Utica, NY, brother Harry Alan Wood of Melbourne, FL, sister-in-law, Joyce Prosser of Leesburg, FL, six grandchildren, Nathan Wood and wife Deborah of Macedon, NY, Melanie Rellinger and husband Brian of Bowling Green, OH, Jason Wood, Justin Wood and wife Christi, Jonathan and Jerrod Wood, all of NC, and four great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service is planned for 10:00 am, Friday, February 20, 2009 at St. James Episcopal Church, Leesburg, FL. Commitment will follow at The Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, Ilion, NY, St. James Episcopal Church, Leesburg, FL, or Florida Hospital Waterman, Tavares, FL.(Feb 22, 2009)

Elizabeth (Betty) Sullivan Edwards IHS '38, 88, of Ilion, passed away on Sunday, May 18, 2008, at St. Luke's Hospital, with family members at her side. Bette was a long time resident of Ilion, raising her family and residing for over 50 years at her home on Old Forge Rd. Bette was born on June 24, 1919, the daughter of the late James and Kathleen (Keefe) Sullivan. She began her education in Little Falls and later attended Annunciation School in Ilion, graduating from Ilion High School in the Class of 1938. On July 7, 1945, she was united in marriage to Lester W. Edwards. They were married for 30 years until his passing on November 25, 1975. Mrs. Edwards was employed as a telephone operator for over 40 years, working for New York Telephone, Griffiss Air Force Base and finally with the Library Bureau, retiring in 1983. She enjoyed working as an election inspector for many years. She had a love of history, government and politics and felt that it was every American's responsibility to take advantage of their right to vote. Bette was an avid reader and a lifelong member of the Ilion Public Library, where she was once a literacy volunteer. Most of all, Bette was a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend. She loved and enjoyed her family and will be dearly missed by all. Mrs. Edwards is survived by her children, Mark and Shirley Edwards, of Raleigh, NC, Dale Edwards and his fiancee, Sue Harrod, of Mohawk, Susan and Scott Kerber, of Ilion, and Beth Edwards, also of Ilion. She is also survived by her brothers, Jack and his companion, Beverly, of Virginia, and Jim and Noreen Sullivan, of NJ, and her grandchildren: Brenden Edwards; Scott and Kim Allen and their children, Nick and Ben; Kari and Rick Slaughter and their son, Stephen Shepardson; Kate and Gary Clark and their children, Stephanie, Angela and Christopher; Jeremy and Francine Kerber and their twins, Ellainah and Samantha; and Kelly and David Archer and their children, Victoria, Jennifer, Michelle, Stephanie, Alyssa and Emma. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her sisters, Kathleen McLean and Anne Sullivan. Funeral services for Mrs. Edwards will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2008, at Noon at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, Inc., 100 Otsego St., Ilion, with Fr. Anthony Barratt officiating. Interment will follow in the Armory Hill Cemetery. Friends may call on Wednesday, May 21, from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial donations in Bette's name may be made to the St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left by going to www.whiter-hendrix.com. (June 6, 2008)

John (Stan) Merrick, IHS '38, age 85, passed away in his sleep on Sunday night, November 28th, 2004 just 14 days after celebrating his 85th birthday. Stan is survived by his daughter, Marilyn Merrick, his two sons Bob Merrick of Magalia, CA, Ken Merrick of Truth or Consequences, NM and 10 grand children. In honoring his request, there will be no viewing or service. Stan will be cremated and his remains will join those of Kay, his wife of 54 years. Stan will be greatly missed by his friends and family. If you would like to share your remembrances of this wonderful man with the family, please address them to:
Marilyn Merrick 79083 Delta St, Bermuda Dunes, CA 92203. (December 3, 2004)

John F. "Jack" Fischer, IHS '38, age 83, a long time resident of Otsego St., Ilion, passed away Tuesday, February 5, 2002 at Faxton Hospital, Utica. Jack was born March 17, 1918, in Ilion, son of William and Mabel (Staley) Fischer. He attended Ilion schools and was a graduate of Ilion High School, Class of 1938. Jack was a proud veteran of WW II, serving his country with the U.S. Army Air Corps as a Staff Sgt. He was a prisoner of the Japanese for 3 1/2 years during WW II and a survivor of the Battan Death March. On July 19, 1947, he was united in marriage to Audrey L. Jarvis in Middleville. Mrs. Fischer passed away May 18, 2001. Jack was last employed by the Dept. of Environmental Conservation in Herkimer, retiring in 1997. Prior to that he worked for many years at Sperry Rand/UNIVAC in Ilion and Utica. He was a member of the Ilion First Presbyterian Church, a life member of the Ilion Elks Lodge 1444, Mohawk American Legion Crowley Barnum Post 25, American Defenders of Battan and Corregidor, and the Ilion Fish and Game Club. Jack was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing and many treasured times at the family camp at Pleasant Lake. Survivors include three daughters and two sons-in-law, Linda and Stanley Bilinski, of Salisbury Center, Cora and Larry Bull, of Herkimer and Elaine Salek, of Dolgeville; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Fred Fischer, of Walnut Springs, TX and David and Laurie Fischer, of Ilion; nine cherished grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Jack was predeceased by three brothers, William, Albert and Clifford Fischer and a sister, Emily King. Jack's funeral service will be held Friday at 8 p.m. at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home, 102 West St., Ilion with Rev. Victor McKusik, Pastor of the Ilion First Presbyterian Church officiating. Interment in Armory Hill Cemetery with Full Military Hon! ors will take place later this spring at a date and time to be announced. Family and friends are invited to visitation Friday from 5-8 p.m. prior to the funeral service at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home. The Ilion Elks will conduct their memorial service for Jack at 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Jack's family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Masonic Home staff on 3N for the care and compassion shown to him during his stay, and also Kathy and Dennis Prior for all the special favors. Memorial contributions in Jack's name may be considered to the World War II Memorial, Washington, DC or the Alzheimer's Assoc. Donation envelopes are available at the funeral home. (January 22, 2002)

J. Franklin Young - IHS 1938, age 81, of North Bellinger Street passed away early Thursday morning, Aug. 2, 2001, in his home. He was born on April 9, 1920, in Norwood, Ohio, son of the late Rhea and Anna Vinison Young. After the unexpected death of his mother in 1935, he moved with his father to Ilion in 1936 and graduated Ilion High School in 1938. On April, 12, 1957, he married Heidy Wetterwald of Dornach, Switzerland, in Ilion. In 1963 they moved to Herkimer coming from Ilion. They had resided at 412 N. Main St., until this last year. Mr. Young was a banker for more than 45 years. He began his career with the former Ilion National Bank where he attained the position of cashier. After the merger of Ilion National and Marine Midland Trust Co. he was assigned to the Herkimer office as assistant vice president. In 1969 he joined GFM Machines Inc. at the Oneida County Airport where he served as treasurer and director. He retired in 1986 as the manager of the Norstar (Oneida National) Bank, Frankfort branch. Mr. Young was deeply involved in volunteer organizations for 40 years, believing that whoever lives on this earth should strive to leave things better than they found them. He was a founder and first campaign co-chairman of the Valley United Way (formerly the United Way of Frankfort, Herkimer, Ilion and Mohawk) in 1960 and was the treasurer from 1960 to 1987. He was a founder and the first president of the Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce in 1968 and continued for many years as a director. He was also very involved with the General Herkimer Council (Boy Scouts) Stamp Committee, where he served as treasurer and co-chairman. The committee organized by George Sehring in the early 1970s initiated the issuance of a postage stamp to honor General Nicholas Herkimer and other patriots who fought at the Battle of Oriskany in 1777. The committee was successful in getting the stamp issued with the first Day Ceremony held at Herkimer County Community College on Aug. 6, 1977, the 200th anniversary of the battle. He was also a past president of the Herkimer Rotary Club, a member of the Folts Homes Board of Directors, where he had served as secretary of the board; he was a past president of the Ilion Conservation Club and of the now-defunct Herkimer County Arts Council. He was a member of Ilion Lodge 591 F & AM, where he was a past master and had the distinction of being the youngest master to serve the lodge at the age of 27, a 32nd degree mason with the Valley of Utica AASR and also a member of the Ziyara Shrine AAONMS. He was a member of the American Philatelic Society and treasurer of the American Allvetio Society. A community-spirited man, he was a friend to many and will never be forgotten. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Heidy Young; two sons and their wives, Christopher and Janice Young of Wrentham, Mass., Steven and Mary Lourdes Young of Portland, Ore.; five grandchildren, Madeleine and Charlotte in Massachusetts, Catherine, Maria and Heidy in Oregon. He also leaves his stepmother, Ann Young of Merritt Island, Fla., along with a half-sister, Barbara and a stepbrother John, both of Florida. A celebration of Frank's life will take place Wednesday at 4 p.m. in the Herkimer Reformed Church, North Main Street, Herkimer. The Rev. Donald Battjes, pastor, will officiate. A reception will follow the service in the church. Memorial donations may be made to the Valley United Way or the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are with Fenner Funeral Home Inc., Herkimer. (August 7, 2001)

Ms. Mary Panarites Gasper passed away Monday, December 28, 1998, after a brief illness. Mary graduated with the IHS Class of 1938, as salutatorian of her class. She received her Bachelor Degree from Keuka College, magna cum laude, and was salutatorian of her class. She received her law degree from the University of Colorado. She married Bela (Bill) Gasper in April 1969 in Herkimer.

Mary grew up working in her family's restaurant, the "Ilion Candy Kitchen", later known as the "J. Panarites Restaurant". She was associated with the late attorney Fred O'Donnell of Ilion after admittance to the NY State Bar Association. She opened her own practice in 1954, now known as Panarites & Asnoe, Ilion. She was a member and past president of the Herkimer County Bar Association. She served as Ilion's first woman village attorney, and was counsel to the Frankfort School Board and the Ilion Housing Authority.

Mary was an active and dedicated community leader. She was an organizer, director and driving force behind the establishment of the Ilion Marina. Mary encouraged many young people in their educational endeavors and supported the Ilion Central School District Foundation Board. A scholarship fund was established by Mary and her brother Gus, at the Ilion High School, and is awarded annually in their parents name. Those wishing to make contributions to the "James C. and Helen Panarites Family Memorial Scholarhip Fund" may do so, c/o Ilion Central High School, Weber Avenue, Ilion NY 13357.

She leaves her husband, Bela, sister, Anastasia Sprague of Phoenix, Ariz, sister and best friend, Katherine (Katie) Brown and husband Crist of New Hartford; and brother-in-law, Leslie Gaspar and wife Eva of Barrie Ontario. She also leaves her many nieces and nephews; her nephew, John C. Brown, Utica, was the best man in her wedding.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 31 at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home and at 10:30 at St. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church, East Herkimer. (December 29, 1998)

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Mr. Constantine J. "Gus" Panarites passed away at home Monday, December 7, 1998, after a brief illness. Mr. Panarites was a life long Ilion resident. He was born April 5, 1919. He graduated with the IHS Class of 1938. He received his Bachelors, Masters and Certificate of Advanced Study from Syracuse University. During WW II, he served his country as a Marine.
"Gus" grew up in his family's restaurant, the "Ilion Candy Kitchen", later known as the "J. Panarites Restaurant". He began his career in 1944, when then-Superintendent Earl P. Watkins asked him to serve as athletic director at Ilion High School. Mr. Panarites resigned, after a year as athletic director, to manage his family's business, the J. Panarites Restaurant on Otsego Street, Ilion. While running the restaurant, he earned his master's degree in business education from Syracuse University. In 1959, he rejoined the Ilion High School Faculty, teaching History. He ended his career with his appointment to the post of Surperintendent of the Ilion Central School District, in 1975. As school superintendent, Mr. Panarites led the district through consruction of the Remington School and the susbsequent elementary school consolidation. He retired in 1978.
Gus was an avid fan of Ilion Central School and Syracuse University sports and scholastic programs. He was a director on the Ilion Central School District Foundation Board. A scholarship fund was established by Gus and his sister Mary, at the Ilion High School, and is awarded annually in their parents name. Those wishing to make contributions to the "James C. and Helen Panarites Family Memorial Scholarhip Fund" may do so, c/o Ilion Central High School, Weber Avenue, Ilion NY 13357. He leaves two daughters and one son, Dr. Helen Panarites of Atlanta, GA, Febronia and her husband, Steven Murphy, of Whitesboro, and James C. and wife, Tammy Panarites, of Ilion. He also leaves the mother of his three children, Dorothy Annes Panarites, of Syracuse, his three sisters and two brothers-in-law, three grandchildren, several nieces and nephews; and many close and dear friends. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 10 at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home and at 10:30 at St. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church, East Herkimer. (December 8, 1998)

Village 'Wall of Fame' ...

The village of Ilion's 'Wall of Fame' induction ceremony and plaque unveiling, honoring the Ilion High School Varsity Football team of 1935, will be held November 24, 2000 at 7:30 in the Ilion Municipal Building Auditorium. The 1935 Golden Bombers finished the season with a 9-0 record and outscored opponents 202-20. Team members included: Arthur Barnum, Kenneth Bleau, James Bowers, Sam Bubb, Frank Campbell, Jack Caswell, Richard Daily, James Foreman, Ted Leonard, Robert Long, John Mackin, Joseph Manion, John Morris and Konstantine 'Gus' Panarites. The team was coached by Joseph Bemis. The public is invited and refreshments will be served. (November 18, 2000)

An Incredible Love Story ...

Find out how two former Ilion class members found love 63 years later. Take a moment and read John Race Powers' An Incredible Love Story about classmate Nancy Brown Wright. (December 30, 2001)

Please email: Aileen Carney Sweeney if you would like to be the Class Home Page Editor. Include your name, Class Page Graduating Year, email address, US postal office address and phone number, in your email message.

Feb 20, 2012