Ilion High School
CLASS OF 1940 News

Welcome to the Class of 1940 Alumni News

Class History....

Now everything you wanted to know about the IHS Class of 1940 is at your fingertips....as published in the 1940 Mirror Class History.

Class of 1939 - 70 Year Reunion Plans....

Oneita Bluett Bouchard '39 is organizing a 70th year reunion for the Class of 1939. A reunion is planned for a FREE Reunion on June 14, 2009 at the VFW Post 542. Members from the classes before 1939 and up to 1943 are invited. Contact Oneita Bluett Bouchard at 3 Warren Road, Mohawk, NY 13407 - (315) 866-6785 for more information. Please pass this information on to anyone you think would be interested in attending this reunion. (Feb 27, 2009)

Robert Arhur Bishton '40 October 25, 2011 - Robert was born in Ilion, New York on December 31, 1922, the son of Frederick Bishton and Helena A. Bagans. A member of the National Honor Society, he was graduated from Ilion High School in 1940. A graduate of the University of Maryland, where he met and married his wife of 48 years, Jane Plitt, he was also a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and the Omicron Delta Kappa honorary leadership fraternity. He then served in the Navy until the end of WWII. He entered Georgetown University Graduate School to obtain a Masters Degree in International Relations and Political Science. He received his appointment as a diplomat in the Foreign Service, U.S. Department of State, in 1948 and began his career living in Dublin, Ireland and Bangkok, Thailand. After spending a year at Cornell University to become a Southeast Asia area and Indonesian Language Specialist, he was assigned to the American Consulate in Surabaja, Indonesia and as Consul to the Portuguese colony in Timor. He later also served as Political Officer and Indonesian Language Officer in Djakarta. In 1959 Robert was transferred to Rotterdam, Netherlands as Consul to administer a refugee program of Indonesian-Dutch refugees from Indonesia. He was then assigned for two years in Washington, DC to the Office of Special Consular Services and Liaison Officer with the National Military Command Center, Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In 1967 he was asked to go to Saigon, Viet-Nam as 25/2011 Consul General. In 1969 he was transferred as Consul General to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and in 1975 as Consul General to Guayaquil, Ecuador. Fluent in the Indonesian, French, Spanish and Dutch languages, Robert retired from the Foreign Service Diplomatic Corps in 1980 with the rank of Minister Conselor and Consul General after 36 years of credible government service to Albany Georgia. Mr. Bishton is survived by his five children, Patricia J. Swanson of Phoenix, MD, Sandra B. Stevens of McLean, VA, Robert J. Bishton of Ft. Myers Beach, FL, Michael P. Bishton of Bethesda, MD and David L. Bishton of Peachtree City, GA; his brother, James L. Bishton of Onalaska, WI; his grandchildren, Cassandra, Ross, Jennifer, Tyler and Robert D., Harrison; and great-grandchildren, Evan, Alexis, Ella and Hailey. A viewing will be held at the Demaine Funeral Home, 520 S. Washington Street in Alexandria on Saturday, October 29 from 2 to 6 p.m. A memorial service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 228 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria on Sunday, October 30 at 1 p.m. He will be interred at Rock Creek Cemetery on Monday at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to The and Smile Train. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to The and Smile Train. (Nov 14, 2011)

Ethalynd 'Lynn' (Burke) Weeden '40 died Saturday, May 10, at Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital. A native of Ilion, N.Y., she had lived in Tully since 2002. Lynn grew up on her parents farm in the Ilion Gorge and raised her own family in Ilion after graduating from the University of Rochester School of Nursing. She returned to college as a mother of three and received her bachelor's degree from Utica College in 1975. Lynn's lifelong love of gardening, birds and the out-of-doors was obvious to all who had the chance to enjoy a relaxing moment in her yard. An activist both politically and socially, she was recognized by the Utica-Rome Metropolitan Area League of Women Voters in 1984 when she received the Citizen of the Year Award for exemplifying their principles of informed and active citizenship. She tirelessly worked to promote all women's rights, especially the right to control their own reproductive lives.

Lynn Burke Weeden - 1940

Lynn was the widow of G. Roger Weeden Jr., MD, and was predeceased by her son G. Roger Weeden III. Surviving are her son, Chris (Patsy) Weeden of Cedar Lake, N.Y.; daughter Judy (Rick) Shafer of Tully, N.Y. and five grandchildren. Lynn requested that her body be donated to medical research. Friends and family may call at the home of her daughter: 7460 Song Lake Road, Tully, N.Y. on Sunday, May 18, from 2 until 4 p.m. Friends may want to remember Lynn with a gift to their local Planned Parenthood, or Tully Free Library, P.O. Box 250, Tully, N.Y. 13159. Remember our little feathered friends when the snow flies. They may need a little more help next season. (May 14, 2008)

Earl Eugene Huyck, IHS '40 and Hamilton College graduate, died on March 4, 2007 in Redding, CA. (Apr 13, 2008)



Helen E. (Kennedy) O’Halloran IHS '40, age 84, of 1017 31st St., Peru, died at 5:05 a.m. Monday, Aug. 13, 2007, at her home. Born Sept. 17, 1922, in Ilion, N.Y., Leo and Margaret (Carney) Kennedy, she married Jack O’Halloran March 2, 1946, in Ilion, N.Y. He died June 20, 1998. She was a World War II Navy Wave veteran, serving in the Pentagon as a yeoman second class for three years. She was a member of St. Patrick Church in LaSalle and the St. Anne Sodality of the church, and the LaSalle Women’s Club. She also was a longtime member of Deer Park Country Club. Surviving are two sons, Michael (Linda Puvogel) O’Halloran of Oak Park and John (Barbara) O’Halloran of Seattle, Wash.; one daughter, Kathleen O’Halloran of Tumwater, Wash.; and five grandchildren. She also was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and one sister. Services will be at 12:30 p.m. Thursday in St. Patrick Catholic Church, LaSalle, with the Rev. Robert Rayson officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Spring Valley. Visitation will be one hour before the services Thursday in the church. (Nov 14, 2007)

Helen Kennedy - 1940

Mr. Joseph F. Enjem, IHS '40, 84, of 705 Walnut St., passed away Saturday, December 30, 2006, in Valley Health Services. He was born in Ilion on April 2, 1922, the son of the late Francis and Matilda Hattem Enjem. He attended Ilion schools and graduated from Ilion High School with the Class of 1940. He served during World War II in the Army Air Corps and was honorably discharged on March 6, 1945. He was at one time married to Rose Joseph. He was married to Edith Caliguire on June 10, 1971. Joe and his brother, David were the co-owners and operators of Enjem's Carpets, Rome, Utica, Herkimer, and its contract division for many years until his retirement in 1985. He was a Communicant of Sts. Anthony and Joseph Church, and was a member of Knights of Columbus #518, Ilion, Ilion Elks BPOE Lodge #1444, Civil Air Patrol, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the Aero Club and Galaxy Aviators. He was an avid pilot who had attained his commercial multi-engine rating and he was a very well respected pilot in the local aviation community. Joseph is survived by his beloved wife, Edith Enjem; three sons and daughters-in-law, Anthony and Eileen Enjem of New Hartford, Francis and Bonnie Enjem of Frankfort, and Joseph and Mary Enjem of Herkimer; one brother and sister-in-law, David and Rose Enjem of Ft. Myers, FL and Clayville; his sister-in-law, Rose Caliguire of Herkimer; seven grandchildren, Julie and her husband, Jerome Masi, Francis and his wife, Kristen Enjem, Anthony Enjem, Valerie and her husband, Scott Moore, Mark and his wife, Jennifer Enjem, Mary Margaret and her husband, Larry Fish, and Natalie and her husband, Jason Fitch; eight great-grandchildren; a very special nephew, Vincent Caliguire of Port St. Lucie, FL; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandson, Anthony J. Enjem Jr. on August 25, 1965. His funeral will be held Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. in Sts. Anthony and Joseph Church, S. Main St., Herkimer, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated by the Rev. Anthony Ligato. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. There will be no public calling hours. Joe's family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff of Valley Health Services for the wonderful care shown to him during his stay and passing. His funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Petykiewicz, Iocovozzi, & Burns Funeral Home, 329 S. Washington St., Herkimer. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Joseph's online memorial page by going to www.iocovozzifuneralhomes.com . (Jan 4, 2007)

G. Roger Weeden, Jr., M.D. loving husband, father and grandfather, died on Thursday, August 24th, after an illness of only five months. Dr. Weeden was the husband of Lynn Burke Weeden; the father of Judith (Rick) Shafer, Christopher (Patsy) Weeden; and his deceased son, Roger Weeden, III; and grandfather of Christopher Jr., Kimberly and Nikkilyn Weeden, and Kurt and Erich Shafer. His sister, Betty Applegate; and brother, Willis F. Weeden, Sr., M.D., predeceased him. Many loving friends and relatives will also remember Roger. Dr. Weeden was raised in Frankfort, NY and graduated from Hamilton College. After serving in the Army's 126th Hospital Unit in the Philippines during WWII, he entered the University of Rochester Medical School. Upon completion of his training, he established a private practice with his brother-in-law, Arthur Applegate, M.D., in the Mohawk Valley where he practiced until his retirement. His patients came to him for widely ranging needs as he worked in several medical disciplines. His generation was the last of the general practitioners. During his retirement he worked as a plant physician for the Remington Arms. Roger requested that his body be donated to medical science. Friends and relatives may call on the family at the home of his niece, Mary Applegate Boyd, at 80 S. Fourth Ave., Ilion, on Saturday, September 2nd, between the hours of 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Roger admired the work done at the Masonic Research Lab. Those wishing to remember him with a gift may consider contributions to the lab located at 2150 Bleeker St., Utica, NY 13501-1738. (August 29, 2006)

Shirley (Jordan) Compeau, IHS '40, 84, formerly of 164 E. Clark St., Ilion, died Tuesday, June 27, 2006, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Utica. She was born on February 20, 1922 in Ilion, the daughter of Daniel and Clara (Rashford) Jordan, and graduated from Ilion High School in 1940. On July 26, 1941, she was married to Arthur R. Compeau at Annunciation Church, Ilion. He died on December 9, 1991. Shirley was a cashier at the Ilion A&P for over 10 years and was later employed as an inspector at Remington Arms Co. for 16 years, retiring in 1984. She was a member of the Church of the Annunciation and its choir, and Ilion K of C Auxiliary. Shirley was past President of the Mohawk American Legion Auxiliary and past President of the Herkimer Co. American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed music and playing cards. Her family and her church were most important in her life. Survivors include her two daughters and sons-in-law, Melanie Greene, Ilion, Donna and Douglas Riter of Rochester, Edward Greene of Mohawk; seven grandchildren, Aaron Greene of AZ, Petty Officer 2nd Class HM 2 Brendan Greene of New Orleans, Senan Greene of Ilion, Stacie Shedd and husband, Matthew of Mohawk, Lauren Traut and husband, Timothy of PA, Craig Van Winkle and wife, Lisa, Bradford Johnson and wife, Tricia, all of Rochester; seven great-grandchildren, Allison and Nicholas Shedd, Jordan and Brandon Traut, Rachel Van Winkle, Joshua and Ashlynn Johnson; her sister-in-law, Alice Jordan of MA; several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by three brothers, Eugene, Donald and Maxine Jordan; three sisters, Geraldine Jordan, Helen Connors and Florence Murphy. Funeral services will be held 9:15 a.m., Saturday, July 1, 2006, at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home, 102 West St., Ilion, and 10:00 a.m. at the Church of the Annunciation, Ilion, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Anthony Barratt, Pastor. Calling hours are Friday, June 30, 2006, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. The Mohawk American Legion service will be held at 7 p.m., Friday. Anyone wishing to share a memory of Shirley or add to her online memorial may go to www.applegateandday.com on the Internet. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Church of the Annunciation or the Mohawk Homestead in Shirley's name. Donation envelopes are available at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home, Ilion. (September 7, 2006)

George T. "Keoki" Harris, MAJ USAF (Retired) IHS '40, age 81, of Gulfbreeze, Fl died at the family’s Kailua, HI home on Aug. 18, 2004. Burial of cremains will be at the Natl. Cemetery of the Pacific, Aug. 30, 1 pm. Born October 7, 1922 in Utica, New York. Harris was a pilot in the Army Air Corp, a veteran of WWII, and an original founding member of the Hawaii Air National Guard. He later served as Chief of CERAP, Guam and finally retired from civil service as the FAA Area Manager of Guam. Harris received the Federal Aviation Administration’s Meritorious Service Award and is in the FAA’s Hall of Fame, Washington D.C. He also participated as a pilot in the movie "From Here to Eternity" simulating a "zero" attack aircraft. Harris served two terms as President of the Rotary Club of Tumon Bay, Guam; a member of the Quiet Birdmen, Elks Lodge, Mason and a Shriner. He is survived by wife, Dianne; son, William; two daughters, Georgianne Riehle and Kathleen DiTommaso; three grandchildren, Leilani, Noelani, Denise; and great-granddaughter, Djuna. (April 9, 2005)

Mary A. Noffer,, age 81, a longtime Herkimer resident, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2002, at Valley Health Services. She was born May 20, 1921, in Ilion, the daughter of the late Tony A. and Louise (Asselta) Noffer. Mary was a graduate of Ilion High School - 1940 and lived most of her life in the Ilion and Herkimer area. Mary was a secretary for the former Noffer Motors in Ilion. Miss Noffer was a devout Catholic and a member of the Church of Saints Anthony and Joseph in Herkimer. Survivors include her brother, Leslie F. Noffer and wife Ann of Frankfort, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by three sisters, Genevieve Hughes, Rose Renshaw and Fedile Markus and a brother, Albert V. Noffer. Funeral services will be held Friday, Oct. 4, at 8:30 a.m. from the Holleran-Enea Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer, and at 9 a.m. from the Church of Saints Anthony and Joseph where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Robert S. Shinos, pastor. Interment will follow at St. Agnes Cemetery, town of Herkimer. All memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice. An online sympathy note may be sent to the family at www.eneafuneralhomes.com. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Valley Health Services for the care shown to Mary during her stay. (October 6, 2002)

Clarence L. "Mo" Schoonmaker, age 82, a long time resident of W. North St., Ilion, passed away at home Monday, July 8, 2002 with his loving family by his side. Mo was born August 18, 1919, in Walden, NY, son of Clarence and Marguerite (Moore) Schoonmaker. He was a graduate of Ilion High School, Class of 1940. Mo was a proud veteran serving his country during WW II in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of War. On May 8, 1943, he was united in married to Helen Spellicy at the Blessed Sacrament Church, Mohawk. A blessed union of 52 years until Mrs. Schoonmaker's passing on June 4, 1995. Mo was a long time employee of Bendix Fluid Power Division in Utica serving as supervisor of the Drafting Dept., prior to that he was employed by Sperry-Rand UNIVAC in Ilion for about 15 years. He was a member of the Church of the Annunciation and was a 50 year member of the Crowley Barnum American Legion Post 25, Mohawk. Mo enjoyed his occasional retired Bendix employees dinners and loved his driv! es up north. Mo was an accomplished artist following his retirement. He loved to draw pictures of local buildings and historical interests. Mo donated all his work to those that appreciated his talents and was proud to have had two art shows at the Ilion library showcasing his work. Mo loved the company and companionship of his feline friend, "Sassy". Survivors include his two sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas and Marilyn Schoonmaker, of Oneida and Ronald Schoonmaker and his special friend, Laura Hailston, both of Ilion; one daughter and son-in-law, Elaine and James Farley, of Ilion; six cherished grandchildren, Kimberly, Rebecca, Tammy and her husband, James Wheelock, of Ilion, Tracy, Jason, and Krista; four great-grandchildren; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bob and Joyce Spellicy, of Mohawk; one nephew, Dick Quackenbush, of Mohawk; and several extended family members and many special friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Helen and a sister, Marguerite Quackenbus! h. Mo's funeral service will be held Thursday, July 11 commencing at 9:15 a.m. at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home, 102 West St., Ilion and 10 a.m. at the Church of the Annunciation where Father Joseph Benintende Pastor will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial. Procession to Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer for interment will follow Mass with full Military Honors. Family and friends are invited to visitation Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home, Ilion. Mo's family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Charles Eldredge and his staff and the staff at Faxton Regional Cancer Center for the care and compassion show to him during his illness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mo's name may be considered to the Mohawk American Legion or the American Cancer Society. Donation envelopes are available at the funeral home. (July 9, 2002)

George Orick IHS 1940, died in his sleep during a flight from Paris to San Francisco. He died in the company of his wife, Gigi, at 12:20 PM PST while the plane was flying over Canada. A private memorial service will be held, in the home of his daughter Sarah Ratliff, on his birthday, July 2nd. George Orick retired in 1986 from ABC Network News in New York. He spent fifteen years of his career working for network television (one of them at NBC News, 14 at ABC Network News) as a writer/editor/producer. His adventures included a trip to the South Pole with Hugh Downs for 20/20. The sad news about George Orick was submitted by Maynard Berkowitz, a contributer to The Circle, a mailing list and associated Web site offering support for wives, families, friends, and significant others of men with prostate cancer. (May 27, 2002)

George W. Allen, age 80, of DeKalb Junction, died Monday, March 25, 2002 at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Potsdam, N.Y. Funeral services will be 10 a.m, Friday, March 29, 2002 at the Allen-Denesha Funeral Home, DeKalb Junction. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery Utica. Calling hours will be Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 at the Allen-Denesha Funeral Home. Surviving one son and daughter-in-law, William and Charlene Allen, of DeKalb Junction; one daughter and son-in-law, Georgianne and Peter Muench, of North Lawrence, N.Y.; two brothers, Alfred Allen of Utica, N.Y. and Charles Allen of Vista, CA; one step-brother, Bernard Tayler, Ilion, N.Y.; two half-sisters, Barbara Snyder, of Kewanna, IN., and Patricia Baker, of Blackfoot, ID; four grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one son, Lawrence Allen, one daughter, Lauren Bray, and one step-brother, Robert Taylor. He was born June 27, 1921 in Ilion, N.Y., the son of George E. and Anna Pearl Parker Allen. He graduated from Ilion High School and then graduated from SUNY Morrisville and Utica College. He married Rose C. Velocci, June 21, 1947, she died in October of1989. He served in the Army from 1942-1946. He was a Dairy Lab Technician and last worked for the Queensboro Co-Op in Canastota. Prior to that he worked at the Mohawk Dairy Services of Utica. He was a life member of the American Legion Post #229 of Utica, St. Henry's Church, DeKalb Junction, the DeKalb-Herman Senior Citizens Club, past member of the St. Anthony of Padua Church, Utica, past member of the VFW in Canastota, and past member of the Canton Kiwanis Club. Contributions may be made to the DeKalb-Herman Senior Citizens Club, DeKalb Junction, N.Y. (March 28, 2002)

Salvatore F. "Sam" Nicolette, IHS 1940, age 81, of Ilion, passed away at home Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2002, with his beloved family by his side. Sam was born in Frankfort on Jan. 20, 1921, to the late Joseph and Rosalie Cacciatore Nicolette. He was a lifetime resident of the area, receiving his education in the Ilion schools and was a graduate of Ilion High School. Sam served his country with the U.S. Army during World War II as a member of the field artillery in the European Theater of War. He was honorably discharged in December 1945. On Feb. 23, 1946, Sam was united in marriage to Ann Dougher at St. Patrick's Church, Utica, a blessed union of 55 years. Sam retired from General Electric after 35 years of faithful employment. He then worked as a school crossing guard in Mohawk for the past 10 years. He was a 23-year member of the Mohawk American Legion Crowley-Barnum Post 25. Sam was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His life was his beloved family. Sam would often be seen supporting his children and grandchildren in sporting events and in every other way he might be of help or assistance. Survivors include his beloved wife, Ann, at home; four sons, Gerald and his wife JoAnn of Manlius, James of Leesville, La., Douglas and his wife Lori of Ilion and Martin and his wife Mary of Herkimer; two daughters, Jean Scram and her husband Walter of Berne, N.Y., and Carol Dufresne of Ilion and her fiance Michael Perez of Whitesboro; 10 cherished grandchildren, Colin and Cory Nicolette, Jennifer Frias and her husband Jun, Walter Scram III and his wife Stefanie, Andrew Scram and his fiance Florence Desantis, Derek and Christopher Nicolette, Brandon Nicolette and Gene and Alysia Dufresne; one step-grandson, Kevin Whatley of Louisiana; two great-great grandchildren, Blake and Grant Scram; four brothers and sisters-in-law, Joseph and Charlotte Nicolette of Herkimer, Enos and Lillian Nicolette of Mohawk, Vincent and Emilie Nicolette of Schuyler and John and Rosemarie Nicolette of California; three sisters, Rose Baldwin of Mohawk, Marion Pizer of Frankfort and Madaline Stephenson and her husband John of Ilion; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Rita and Thomas Jurkowski of Utica; also many dear nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, one sister, Julia Nicolette, his daughter-in-law, Anne Nicolette and his brothers-in-law, Lee Dougher and James Baldwin. Sam's funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 16, commencing at 9:15 a.m. at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home, 102 West St., Ilion and 10 a.m. at the Church of the Annunciation, where Father Joseph Benintende, pastor, will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial. Procession to Mount Olivet Cemetery, Frankfort, for interment with full military honors will follow Mass. Family and friends are invited to visitation Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home. The Mohawk American Legion memorial service for Sam will be held Friday at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Sam's name may be considered to Hospice Care. Donation envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church. (February 14, 2002)

Vernon Voige Cool, age 79, died Saturday, Sept. 15, 2001, at Dover Rehabilitation and Living Center. He was born Nov. 22, 1921, in Ilion, the son of Voige J. and Mable (Reed) Cool. He was a graduate of Ilion High School and attended Syracuse University. A decorated Air Force veteran of 25 years, he retired at Pease Air Force Base, Portsmouth, N.H., in 1967 as chief master sergeant. During World War II, he served with the 8th Air Force in England and during the Korean War with the famed 4th Fighter Group. He married Margaret Drumm of Ilion in 1954. She predeceased him in 1991. Subsequent to his Air Force service he was employed by the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security as an interviewer and veterans' employment counselor, retiring in August 1983.He was a member of the Air Force Sergeants Association, the Second Air Division Association and a life member of Disabled American Veterans. A bowler since his youth, he was a member of the Seacoast Military Retired Bowling League for 14 years.Survivors include his son, Dale Cushman Shepard and his wife Nancy of Wellington, Fla.; a grandson, John Vernon Shepard of Wellington, Fla.; a beloved companion of nine years, Charlotte Walter of Hampton, N.H.; an uncleand several cousins. Burial will take place in Riverview Cemetery, Old Forge, at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, c/o TwinTowers Disaster Relief Fund, Strafford County Chapter, 3 Webb Place, P.O. Box 1158, Dover, N.H. 03820. (September 24, 2001)

Morris J. "Morry" Kane, age 79, a longtime resident of Mohawk, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Aug. 2, 2001, at Little Falls Hospital. Morry was born Oct. 10, 1921, in Ilion, son of Harold and Clairbelle (Volk) Kane. He was a graduate of Ilion High School "Class of 1940." Morry was a proud veteran of World War II, serving his country with the U.S. Navy in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of War. He was presented the American Theater Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal and the Victory Medal. On July 4, 1946, he was united in marriage to Rose Mary Shedd in Mohawk, a blessed union of 55 years. Morry was employed by the Remington Arms Co., Ilion, as a toolmaker, retiring in 1979 with 39 years of dedicated service. He was a member of the Blessed Sacrament Church, Mohawk, the Ilion Fish and Game Club and the Mohawk American Legion Crowley Barnum Post 25. Morry was an avid outdoorsman and took great enjoyment in lending a helping hand to others. Survivors include his beloved wife, Rose Mary at home; two daughters and one son-in-law, Christine and James Arnitz of Clyde and Melissa Hall of Houston, Texas; four sons and daughters-in-law, Mark and Linda Kane of Orange Park, Fla., Paul and Elke Kane of Clifton Park, Stephen Kane of Mesa, Ariz. and Gregory and Kathleen Kane of Lawrenceville, Ga.; six granddaughters, six grandsons, one great-granddaughter and one great-grandson; his two sisters and brothers-in-law, Lois and Ken Thompson of Sidney and Barbara and James Chase of Mohawk; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Alan and Elizabeth Shedd of Mohawk, Ann and Lewis Watson of Ilion and Donald Davidson of Ilion.He was predeceased by his twin brother, George Kane; his sisters, Helen Davidson and Catherine O'Bryan; and his brothersin-law and sisters-in-law, Estelle and Bill DeCoursey and Leon and Doris Shedd; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many close and dear friends.Morry's funeral service will be held Monday, Aug. 6, commencing at 9 a.m. at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home, 102 West St., Ilion, and 10 a.m. at the Blessed Sacrament Church, Mohawk, where Father James Steuer, pastor, will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial. Procession to Calvary Cemetery for interment will follow Mass.Family and friends are invited to visitation Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home, Ilion. Memorial contributions in Morry's name may be considered to MOVAC or the American Heart Association. Donation envelopes are available at the funeral home. (August 4, 2001)

Elizabeth H. (Betty) Robinson Warner, age 78, of E. Clark St., Ilion, passed away Thursday, June 21, 2001, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Utica. She was born Oct. 17, 1922, in Ilion, the daughter of the late Harvey L. and Marie Byron Robinson Sr. She was educated in the Ilion school system and at the Utica School of Commerce. On May 17, 1947 she married Edward J. Warner in Ilion. He passed away in 1978. Mrs. Warner was employed as a clerk with the Herkimer County Board of Elections, retiring in 1991. She was a member of the Church of the Annunciation, Ilion, past president of the Ilion Post 920 American Legion Auxiliary, a member of the Ilion Knights of Columbus Auxiliary, a Herkimer County Democratic Committee person and had served as the treasurer of the village of Ilion's Democratic Committee, a former member of Home Bureau and a 4-H leader. Mrs. Warner is survived by three daughters and a son-in-law, Kathryn and Dennis Clark of Ilion, Joan Stivers of Cortland and Barbara Witt and her partner Milton Davis of Ilion; a sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Ron Smith of Solon, Ohio; grandchildren Richard Witt, Christine Witt, Andrea Witt, Bailee Berberick, Carol Stivers, Jason, Eric and Stephanie Clark; great grandchildren Samantha and Amanda Witt; several nieces, nephews, cousins; and several dear friends. She was predeceased by a brother, Harvey Robinson Jr. in 1959 A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, June 25, 2001 at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Annunciation, Ilion, with the Rev. Alfred Lamanna, officiating. Cremation will take place at Chenango Valley Crematorium in Earlville. Final interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, town of Herkimer. Friends may call Sunday, June 24, 2001, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St., Ilion. Friends are asked to consider memorials to the Ilion Free Public Library in Betty's memory. (June 23, 2001)

Mary Helena Hoffman Coyle Yager Dempsey, age 78, of Ilion, passed away Monday, Aug. 14, 2000, at Oneonta Hospital. She was born Oct. 6, 1921, in Ilion, the daughter of the late Howard L. and Mary A. Coronkite Hoffman and was a 1940 graduate of Ilion High School. Mrs. Dempsey was married to Lynn Coyle, the father of her children, then married Francis Yager. He passed away several years ago. She then married Richard Dempsey. He passed away in 1999. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Hazel Coyle of Oneonta; a daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia and Rene Cabrera of Ithaca; brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Ruth Hoffman of Ilion, and Howard and Marion Hoffman of Ilion; five grandchildren, seven nieces and one nephew. She was predeceased by a son, Lance Coyle, in 1963 and a brother, Donald. A Mass of Christian Burial was offered at the Church of the Annunciation with Fr. Joseph Benintende officiating. Interment was in the Armory Hill Cemetery, Ilion. (September 17, 2000)

Betty Kittle Hoke, IHS '40, died June 3, 2000, at Valley Health in Herkimer. She was born Oct. 12, 1921, in Mohawk, the daughter of Marvin J. and M. Lois Brunner Kittle. She attended Ilion schools and graduated in 1940. On June 7, 1941, she married Leslie C. Hoke. The Hokes took over the florist business owned by her parents, known as the Brunner Floral Co., later changing its name to Hoke's Flowers, which they operated for over 30 years. Mr. Hoke passed away in 1970. Mrs. Hoke is survived by three daughters and their husbands, Barbara and Richard Ingersoll of North Syracuse, Claudia and Wayne Perrone of Mohawk and Janet and Paul Gogol of Ilion; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two nieces. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, from the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, Ilion. Interment will be in the Mohawk Cemetery. (June 5, 2000)

Take a trip down memory lane. Back in the early '40s there was a nightclub named the Pine Knot Tavern. It was located on Route 5, just west of the Herkimer city limits. There was a dirt road that led to it from Route 5, a large parking lot and a big dance hall which featured bands and dances quite often. Check out the Bomber gang that frequented the Tavern. (July 11, 2004)

Bomber Beavers.....

The Class of 1939 gave birth to The Beavers, a group of 8 IHS fellows [from the classes of 1939, 1940 and 1941] who had much fun together during and after high school days. The lore of The Beavers now warrants its own page including a newspaper article from World War II with photos. Visit Ilion High School Classes of 1939, 1940, 1941 - Eight Ilion Beavers. (January 9, 2004)

About George Orick.....

Don Cooley, San Jose, CA, created a web site to document information about himself and his fight with Prostate Cancer. Featured on this website is Don's story regarding his visit with George Orick whom Don met in France while visiting prostate cancer patients. (March 11, 2001)

60th Reunion for Class of 1940.....

The Class of 1940 celebrated its 60th Reunion the weekend of June 24 and 25, 2000. The Reunion Dinner was held Saturday evening at 4:00 pm, at the Stone House in Cedarville, cost $30 per person. The Sunday morning brunch was at the Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown. We were all be on our own for this brunch. (Updated April 23, 2000)

Committee:
Ethalynd Burke Weeden
George H. Getman - email irishgeorge@worldnet.att.net

Betty Robinson Warner

Leland Markley, Retired lawyer, email, from Atlantic Beach, FL, re-registered. (May 23, 2009)

Robert Smallwood, Retired Engineer, email, from Greece, NY, sent news. (Feb 1, 2008)

"I, am a retired engineer now, and living at Fleming Point, a great senior facility in Greece, NY. I retired in 1987 after working as a mechanical and electrical engineer since 1957. I have been married four times and lost my three former wives to cancer (lungs-from smoking) My fourth wife is with me in this complex--we have been married for six years and enjoying our new life tremendously. I have had no children of my own but my wife has two great children, four grandchildren and ten great grandchildren whihs given me an isstant family. We have just had a new great grand child and are revelling in it. Hope is enough to start out on."

Miles Curtis, Louisville, KY, is attending the mega-reunion. (October 10, 2002)

Leonard Hagen, Herkimer, NY, is attending the mega-reunion. (September 4, 2002)

George H. Getman, email irishgeorge@worldnet.att.net, Sun City Center, FL, is attending the mega-reunion. (August 20, 2002)

Robert Bishton, Retired Foreign Service Officer, email rabish@bellsouth.net, from Albany, GA, has a new email address. (July 23, 2002)

Gerald Weeks, email GWeeks2048@aol.com, is attending the mega-reunion. (June 13, 2002)

Mrs. Lynn (Ethalynd Burke) Weeden and her husband, Dr. Roger Weeden have moved to 7460 Song Lake Road, Tully, NY, to be near their children, Judith and Chris. (March 23, 2002)

Gerald Weeks, email GWeeks2048@aol.com, from Blountville, TN, re-registered. Gerald sent a response about the Mega-Reunion - "This is a great idea and I hope to be able to attend." (March 23, 2002)

Donald Hammond, from Ilion, NY, registered. (March 10, 2002)

Robert Bishton, Retired Foreign Service Officer, email rabish@surfsouth.com, from Albany, GA, registered. (February 25, 2000)

Jerry Weeks, Blountville, TN,email Gweeks2048@aol.com, is looking forward to the Class Reunion. (modified April 8, 2000)

"It all sounds great and you people are doing a great job."

George Orick, Barjols, France, signed the Guest Book. (October 23, 1999)

"What memories the website evokes -- some awful, some pleasant, and all nostalgic. We of the class of 1940 were all children of the depression, and many of us went into World War Two shortly after high school. I was one of them.

My life has been weird: six years in Nigeria as a businessman, two years of direct involvement in the airlift of food to Biafra, fifteen years of network television (one of them at NBC News, 14 at ABC Network News) as a writer/editor/producer, a trip to the South Pole with Hugh Downs for 20/20, retirement in 1986 and moving to the South of France with my wife Emily, who died in 1994. In retirement I worked as a consultant to the UN, producing videotapes in Indonesia. Emily and I had three kids, now 36, 34 and 33 years old, all living in the U.S. Now, at 76, I'm about to marry again -- to a lovely Filipino age 44, who works with the UN in Jakarta."

"Reading the various class histories has made me realize I was in no way remarkable in high school, and has caused me to wonder what this thing we called 'popularity' is, the quality that gets people elected class president and so on. It's those people I wonder about: what have they done with their lives? Right now I am trying to make sense of my own life, and am writing my memoir with the working title On The Outside Looking Out. I would like to hear from any of you who care to write." George Orick

Netpodium Inc. Founded by Classmate's son..... One of Netpodium Inc. founders is the son of IHS Class of 1940 alumnus, Helen Kennedy O'Halloran. Helen's son, John O'Halloran, is CEO of Netpodium Inc., which was founded in December 1997. The company develops products to "...enhance the ways in which people and organizations communicate live on the Internet and Intranets.... The Netpodium Interactive Broadcasting Suite consists of software that facilitates large group interaction [like the Kennedy and Carney cousins] for live broadcasts via the Internet or Intranets. The product is used for such things as distance learning, sales training, product launches, press conferences, technical briefings, and virtual seminars. Netpodium is headquarted in Seattle, Washington." The company is a privately held corporation funded by Intel Corp., Northwest Venture Associates, PRIMEDIA Ventures, Voyager Capital, Vulcan Bentrues (Paul Allen - of Microsoft fame), as well as a group of private investors. Could it be that by growing up in Ilion, Helen was able to pass on Ilion's contribution to the Information Age, to her son John? (Updated December 10, 1998)

Congratulations.....

Mrs. Lynn (Ethalynd Burke) Weeden from Ilion, NY., the first alumnus from the Class of 1940 to contact the alumni website.

Nov 14, 2011