The Skirmisher

BORDENTOWN MILITARY INSTITUTE

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

 

"Rather Be Than Seem"

 

P. O. Box 91, Bordentown, NJ 08505

 

Web site:  www.bmicadets.org

E-Mail:  bmicadets@hotmail.com

 

♦

 

Winter 2010

Tersina DiPietro, Editor

 

 

President's Message

 

Greetings,

 

            I hope this edition of the Skirmisher finds everyone well.  By now, I am sure some of you are tired of the cold weather.  We certainly have had our share of snow here in Bordentown.

 

            I regret to inform you that we have lost a valued member of our Board of Directors.  Harry Putnam passed away in December after a lengthy illness.  We will miss him.

 

            On a happy note, as many of you probably already know, former BMI cadet Floyd Little '63 was recently inducted into the Football Hall of Fame.  Bordentown resident, Ray Price, designed a flag for the occasion.  You may remember Ray's dad, Whitey Price, who was on the maintenance staff at BMI for many years.

 

            Do not forget to keep the weekend of October 23, 2010, open for the Reunion.  We will have the meet and greet on Friday, October 22, at the Garden Grill in the Hilton Garden Inn in Hamilton, NJ.  The parade will be on Saturday, followed by a ceremony at the statue site.  The dinner will be at the Hilton Garden Inn's Main Ballroom.  We are trying to negotiate room rates for the weekend for out-of-town guests.  I hope we can make this one of our largest reunions.  So call an old roommate and make plans to meet at the reunion.  If you have any suggestions as to how we can make this a better reunion, please drop me a line.

 

                                                                                                Anchors Aweigh,

 

                              J. C. Platt

                                                                                                Joseph C. Platt, '74

                                                                                                President

                                                                                                BMI Alumni Association

 

 

 

CLASS  NOTES

 

'44    We received a note from GEORGE RAY informing us that his brother, DR. CHARLES E. RAY '45, died on November 17, 2007.  George wrote, "We often shared fond memories of our days at BMI."

 

'45    After much sleuthing, WALT GODWIN '44 found RODOLFO CASTELLS who resides in Miami, FL.  (Nice work, Walt!)

            ARNOLD WOLFE wrote, "Just a note to let you know how much I enjoyed reading the latest issue of THE SKIRMISHER.  I especially liked the complete 'In Memoriam' list (as long as I was not on it).  I knew so many of them.  I did attend the 2004 reunion and hope I will be able to get there in 2010.  Please keep up the great work you are doing in keeping the spirit of BMI alive."  Arnold divides his time between Bayside, NY, and Delray Beach, FL.

 

'47    WALT GODWIN '44 was able to locate CHARLES F. COLVILLE II.  Charles resides in Moses Lake, WA.

            CHARLES ECCLES wrote to say he received the latest edition of THE SKIRMISHER.  "This update brings back wonderful memories of the five years I spent at BMI in the mid-1940s, including the fellow cadets, the great faculty, administration, and coaches.  It was truly a very special place with very special people."

            PAUL EDMAN was unable to attend Reunion 2008 due to his wife's illness.  He reports that she is doing better and he hopes to get to Bordentown for Reunion 2010. 

            EUGENE GUAZZO sent a copy of the Eulogy he wrote for the Memorial Service for Dr. Harold Morrison Smith that was held on January 11, 1972.  To read the Eulogy, visit our Web site at www.bmicadets.org/DrSmith.html or click on the Subject Page and then click on Dr. Harold Morrison Smith.  Gene wrote, "I've been around a bit and Dean Smith was one of the most significant persons I had the great fortune to meet and know.  Even down here in rural St. Mary's County (MD) where I practiced medicine for forty years, his name came up.  If you met him, you did not forget him."  Gene is retired from medical practice and is now substitute teaching in the county public schools.  He added, "Dr. Smith would be proud."

 

'48     M. F. (DUKE) DUCLO wrote that he finally retired.  Duke lives in Port Saint Lucie, FL.

 

'50     RAY APY sent in his dues for 2010 with a note stating, "I will try to plan an October trip this year so I can be with you all at the Reunion.  I send best regards to anyone who thinks he knows me (we are all getting forgetful).  I stay in touch with HOWARD SHERMAN and BERNARD SANSARICQ."

 

'52    DAVID GLADSTONE is a Special Agent with MetLife in Waltham, MA.

            We recently learned that RICHARD GRUHN passed away in January 2010.  His son, Paul, wrote to us stating that his Dad was proud to have attended BMI.   Paul found letters in which there was reference to a student named "Dave" who apparently was a friend to Richard during his days at BMI.  Paul would like to hear from that person and any other alumnus who remembers his Dad.  Paul can be reached at paul@pebg.com.

 

'53    We received an e-mail from MARK MILLER stating, "When the school closed, I lost all hope of ever hearing from anyone connected to it."  Mark resides in Southern Pines, NC.  He is trying to make contact with his roommate and friend, SAUL BENDAYAN.  Mark can be reached via e-mail at mmiller70@hotmail.com.

 

'57    EDWARD TRIEFLER wrote via e-mail, "I was going through some old papers and found my BMI smoking pass.  Boy!  Did that bring back memories!  I have not smoked in forty years.  In addition, I strolled through the online history of Bordentown.  I remember the year that the new infirmary was built and the woods I would roam knowing that a Bonaparte did the same.  Also, I remember that on the first day of a new school year, my father had just gotten a brand new Chrysler 300 and my parents were bringing me back to school.  At that time, there was a back way through the athletic field, and under the railroad tracks the tunnel was very narrow.  When we reached the school property, my father let me drive.  I turned too tightly going through the tunnel and destroyed the right side of the car from bumper to bumper.  All my father said was 'move over.'  He paid the tuition, we unpacked the car, and my mother kissed me goodbye.  What memories!"

 

'58    BURTON WINNICK is a partner in the law firm of McCarter & English, LLP, in Boston, MA.

 

'59    ARTHUR PAPPAYLION is a Sales Associate with Gloria Nilson GMAC Real Estate in Ocean Township, NJ.

            On June 6, 2009, ROBERT WILMOT WILLIAMS sent a copy of the program for the 77th Annual BMI Commencement that was held on Sunday, June 7, 1959.  He attached a note stating, "Fifty years ago at 10 a.m. on June 7, 1959, we were all sitting down in the 'Hollow' beginning the commencement ceremonies and anxiously awaiting our diplomas and throwing our hats in the air.  We were transitioning from one world to another.  Our lives have changed much since then but were influenced, in significant part, by our years at BMI." 

 

'61    EDWARD FINKLE sent a note with his dues check.  He wrote, "We are looking forward to Reunion 2010 for the 50th celebration of the Class of 1961.  I am going to start a campaign to get as many of my classmates as possible to attend this event.  I have a feeling that this is the year to appear." 

            GEORGE FOX LANG has compiled a photo book of 1960-era BMI images.  The black and white photographs were taken by George at that time.  If you would like one of these hardcover books, please contact George at docfox@comcast.net or telephone him at 215-723-7975.  He will send you information.

            ROBERT LOW wrote, "While at BMI, my 'roomie' was NORMAN KIRSCHBAUM."  We put Robert in touch with Norm and they communicated via e-mail.  Robert added that his Dad, Col. James Low, PMS&T, died at age 96 in 2006.  He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

 

'62     We received an e-mail from PHIL HICKMAN stating, "I truly love hearing about BMI and those who attended.  I personally can say my prep year (1961-62) was the most rewarding of my life regarding growing up.  I was a very immature young man coming to campus and a very mature young man leaving.  The military skills and study habits served me well.  I was in college when two years of ROTC was mandatory for all able males.  I was one of the top in my classes due to the skills learned at BMI.  I am now retired after a thirty-year banking career and retired from the Delaware National Guard.  I live in Newark, DE, with my wife of 43 years.  We have two children and five grandchildren.  I have not made a reunion yet but will try hard to make the next one."

         

'63     MIKE ARONSON wrote, "I always look forward to receiving THE SKIRMISHER and hearing about my classmates.  I particularly enjoyed learning about BERNIE SANSARICQ's run for Congress.   Also, I remember RONALD "DUTCH" WALDHEIM very well.  Dutch was one of my heroes – a terrific runner (for all I know he may still be!) and also co-captain of the track team."

            Ray Price, whose father, Herman "Whitey" Price, was on the maintenance staff at BMI, heard that FLOYD LITTLE was a candidate for the Football Hall of Fame.  He immediately put the wheels in motion to honor Floyd in the place where it all started – Bordentown.  He contacted Mayor JAMES LYNCH '73 and together they commissioned two flags showing BMI 77 on one side and Denver Broncos 44 on the other.  One flag is at the BMI statue site and the other has been placed on the front of Bordentown's City Hall.  Of course, as we all now know, Floyd made it into the Hall of Fame so the flags are still in place.  The induction ceremony will take place in Canton, Ohio, on August 7, 2010, and Ray and Mayor Lynch plan to attend.  Additional information can be found on the following links:

http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_13242760        

http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_14345537

http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_14344645
http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/news_details/article/92/2010/february/06/bordentown-academy-grad-floyd-little-named-to-hall-of-fame.html

            We received an e-mail from STEVE SAGAL.  He wrote, "I live in Tamarac, FL, about a stone's throw from my old BMI roommate, BERNARD SANSARICQ.  I currently own Worldwide Communications, a telephone and internet provider company to business users all over the country.  Recent accomplishments include being named to the All-American National Skeet Shooters Association first team for 2009.  I am also privileged to have two grandchildren that are absolutely wonderful."      

            BERNARD SANSARICQ held an Official Campaign Kick-Off Dinner on January 30.  As reported in our previous SKIRMISHER, Bernard is running for Congress for the 23rd District of Florida in November 2010.  For more information or to get involved, please visit www.sansaricq4congress.org.  In addition, Bernard recently announced the formation of a coalition of candidates to rally to the aid of Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake there. 

 

'64    JOHN LONGANECKER sent a note stating, "Please keep up the great work.  Memories of BMI 'grow' in appreciation.  How meaningful Dr. Harold Morrison Smith's words continue to be in this echo chamber."

 

'65    PAUL GIFFIN wrote, "Life on the west coast is good.  Because of the Winter Olympics here in British Columbia, I will not be able to make the reunion.  The good news is that in March 2010 I will retire as a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police after 41 years!"        

 

'66    JACK ADAMS '53 sent an article from a Vermont newspaper concerning JOHN MARSTON who owns Leslie's Tavern on Route 5 in Rockingham, VT.  The article quotes John as saying, "I started life as a teacher and I have always enjoyed teaching.  Therefore, I am offering cooking classes in my kitchen for hands-on instruction in making memorable meals from the simple to the complex."  John's wife, Leslie, assists him in the restaurant as well as in the classes. 

 

'67     GARY COHEN wrote us via e-mail.  He has been in touch with classmate RICHARD ARMELLINI.  Gary stated, "The family textile business failed in 2004 and I finally moved to Montana.  Have been coming out here elk hunting since 1975 and was here for about a year in 1980-81.  I reside in Bigfork at the North East end of Flathead Lake."

 

'69    JOSEPH BRADLEY wrote that he did not attend Reunion 2008 and since there was no reunion in 2009 (his 40th year), he hopes to "rally some of the old troops together to make it for Reunion 2010."  He added, "Hey, we are not getting any younger and each year some more of us find ourselves unable to make the trip for one reason or another and I want to make another reunion."

            DOUG PALMER, Mayor of the City of Trenton for more than twenty years, recently announced that he would not seek re-election.

 

'70     WILLIAM ARMELLINI is still in Miami and hopes to make it up this way someday.  He said he wrote a song about BMI that his band performs on stage.

            We learned that STEVEN CAHN currently resides in Roslyn Heights, NY.

            FRED PALMA "stumbled" on our Web site.  He wrote, "I may have been the only cadet who ever graduated from BMI without a stripe.  I marched so many PT's the hair came off my legs!  Still I have many fond memories of the football players and Coach Luisi.  The most unforgettable person I ever met was Russell Penniman Shakespeare Strait from Ridgewood, NJ.  I stay somewhat in touch with   TIM BERRA and MARK TRIPUCKA.  I saw Big PAUL BRADY a few years ago.  Wonder whatever happened to CHUCK ROLISON and DENNY WARD.  I used to run into Steve Libro and I was very friendly with a coach/teacher that year named Tom Young."       

           

'71     KIM KOWALCZYK has two grown sons and some grandchildren.  He later remarried and has two young children.  His wife is an executive for Johnson & Johnson.  Kim said, "I am fine as a Mr. Mom, the best but hardest job I ever had.  I have a new tremendous respect for all mothers.  I am also a Paranormal Investigator.  I am not a Ghost Hunter like TV but am more into research of the possibility of the paranormal.  I had experiences living in the Main Building at BMI and I think the ghost stories Mr. Borst told us may have had a little influence too.  However, I did hear the walking in the hall with the dragging saber and jingling saber chain on more than one occasion - not to mention the secret passageways from floor to floor.  Maybe others that were at the Bordentown campus had similar experiences there.  If anyone is interested, they may contact me through my Web site (www.GhostBreakers.com)."  Kim tells us that someone started a page for BMI on Facebook.  If you are interested, here is the address: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=155018223412&ref=search&sid=1232013381.1312052473..1v=info#/group.php?v=wall&ref=search&gid=155018223412

            JAY "LIPPY" LIPMAN sent an e-mail telling us that he plans to attend Reunion 2010.  He wrote, "I am coming across more and more friends from my BMI years.  I will work on getting the Class of 1971 well represented."

            HORACE ORR wrote, "Trials in life have come and gone for me.  I learned to be tough and have a great work ethic from working on the farms when I was a kid.  Then I came to BMI and learned that 'Rather Be Than Seem.'  Oh yes, that has stuck in my mind ever since.  Each and every day I try to show my fellow workers that they can actually make not only the best of themselves but be the best if they only put just a little of themselves with each action and into everything they communicate.  If they come out in the end of it all knowing they put forth of themselves, they will get it all back with a great feeling of accomplishment.  That is how we felt way back in the '60s and '70s when the Headmaster handed us our diploma case and that final 'Dismissed' was barked at us and we all sort of knew we had done it at last.  Those were the best years of my life and if I had only realized it then as I do now, how I would have grabbed on for a whole lot more!"

 

'73     ROBERT CLARK is interested in obtaining a copy of the 1969-70 yearbook. If anyone knows where he can get one, his e-mail address is tzucol@sbcglobal.net.

 

JUNIOR SCHOOL

            In a conversation with friends, RICHARD MARRASH told of his BMI experience.  He then did a search to see if he could find any reference to the old school.  He wrote, "To my astonishment, there you were!  I enjoyed viewing your Web site.  It brought back memories that I did not know I had.  It caused me to remember Dean Harold M. Smith, Paul Hartpence, and the evenings with Marvin O. Borst and 'Rusty.'  I attended the junior school (7th and 8th grades) from 1954-1956."  Richard lives in Fairfield, CT.

 

 

MEMBERSHIP DUES

Dues cards will soon be sent via first-class-mail to all alumni on our mailing list.  If you have not already paid dues for 2010, please do so as soon as possible so that you may be retained on our active mailing list.  Make check for $15 payable to BMI Alumni Association and mail to P. O. Box 91, Bordentown, NJ 08505.  Please note:  Dues and other contributions, although much appreciated, are not tax deductible.

 

 

COMPANY STORE  Click on: www.bmicadets.org/bmi-company-store.htm

Maroon Sweatshirt w/embroidered BMI logo (Size XX-Large only) - $15

Maroon Polo Shirts w/BMI logo (sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL)  - $30 

Medallion w/stand - $5 (reduced from $10)

Baseball Caps w/BMI letters - $10

BMI Decals (2) - $1

Note Cards - $8

 

The above prices include postage.  To order, send check or money order (payable to BMI Alumni Association) to BMI Alumni Association, P. O. Box 91, Bordentown, NJ 08505.  Be sure to designate size when ordering shirts. 

 

 

WEB SITE

BOB FRISBIE '61 continues to update our Web site www.bmicadets.org.  Take a look.  You will find many items of interest there.

 

N.B.  Please do not send jokes, political opinions, etc., to BMI's hotmail address.  They are not disseminated to the general BMI population and are read only by your editor.  Please be aware that we do not do Facebook, etc.  If you want to send news about yourself for THE SKIRMISHER, please write it on e-mail (bmicadets@hotmail.com) or send a letter to BMI Alumni Association,

P. O. Box 91, Bordentown, NJ 08505.  Thanks.

 

************

REUNION 2010

Friday, October 22, 2010

and

Saturday, October 23, 2010

 

Hope to see you there!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

IN  MEMORIAM

 

            Harry Putnam, ROTC Instructor and Faculty member at BMI, died on December 11, 2009.  Harry suffered a fall in March of 2009 and had a series of complications that resulted in his death nine months later.  Harry served for many years on the BMI Alumni Association Board of Directors.  He contributed much to the workings of the Board and will be greatly missed.

            Harry was an ordained Deacon at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Bordentown. 

He gave the Invocation and Blessing at every BMI Reunion and at our Board meetings.

            Harry was active in many organizations.  He was a member of American Legion Post 26, Bordentown; Past Grand Knight, Bordentown Council 570, Knights of Columbus; and a volunteer at the McGuire AFB Pharmacy.  He was a member of the City of Bordentown Planning Board from 1988 to 2000, serving as its Chairman for the last seven years of his tenure. 

          ********************

The officers and members of the Executive Board join with the entire membership of the BMI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION in extending sincerest sympathy to the families of:

 

Chergotis, Nicholas P. '48

 

Dineson, Hans Einar Jr. '46

 

Dull, Rev. James G. '65

 

George, Ferris J. '39

 

Gruhn, Richard A. '52

 

Kelleher, Michael '70

 

Low, Col. James (PMS&T)

 

Putnam, Deacon Harry A.  (ROTC & Faculty)

 

Samuels, Stanley J. '43

♦

 

We do not have home addresses for the following alumni.  If you know of their whereabouts, please let us know.  Thanks.

 

Last Name

First Name

Grad Yr

Last Name

First Name

Grad Yr

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPLEBAUM

CHARLES

1955

MEHOK

JOHN

1961

BECK

JOHN VANN

1962

MESSINA

RICH

1964

BECKETT

DAVID

1961

METROKOTSAS

NICK A.

1964

BENDAYAN

CARLOS

1947

METSCH

KEVIN

1970

BENDAYAN

SAUL

1954

MIRRA

BRUCE

1970

BOND

PETER A.

1962

MORTELARO

RODNEY

1966

BOODLEY

JOSEPH

1970

MUENTEVER

RAYMOND

1970

BOYER JR

ED

1956

NERONI,  JR

ALBERT

1955

CALLIGAN

GENE

 

NEWMAN

ROBERT

1962

CLINE

DAVID

1962

PASCH

DAVID G.

1971

DESIDERIO

FRANK

1946

PENHALLOW

J. ROBERT

1969

DOEBLER

C. MICHAEL

1956

PETIX

JOSEPH

1972

DORLON

THOMAS

1965

PISANO

EDWARD

1971

DULMAGE

DONALD B.

1948

PIZZADILI

JOHN

1968

DUNBAR

RICHARD

1962

PORTER

KEN

1962

EMERSON

DAVID

1946

PRINTZ

EDWARD M.

1962

FISCHER

JACK

1945

QUALEY

CHRISTIAN

1973

GASSERT

RON

1958

REALE

THOMAS J.

1961

GILARDI

RUSSELL

1971

REYNAUD

JOHN R.

1962

GROSSO

ROBERT J.

1969

ROWLEY

PHIL

1957

HAGEN

CRAIG

1955

ROY

GARY

1970

HAHN III

JOHN

1962

RUSSELL

BUDDY

1952

HALL

T.

 

RYAN

BOB

1964

HAMLET

JIM

1970

SCHWARZKOPF

NORMAN H.

1952

HAMM

ROGER G.

1956

SENSI

JOHN

1967

HASSEN

EUGENE

1958

SHERIDAN JR

PHIL F.

1962

HELLE

TOM

1971

 

 

 

HENRY

WILLIAM

1972

SOLTESZ

JOHN

1970

HERRMAN

BENJAMIN F.

1966

STOTE

ROBERT E.

1952

HEWETT JR

J.B.

 

STRETCH

TOM

1964

HOLLER

MARK D.

 

SUOZZO

ANTHONY J.

1966

HOLSTROM

ANTON

1969

THIGPEN

WILFRED

1970

HURWIT

JAMES P.

1963

TOMALONIS

WILLIAM J.

1947

HURWIT

ROBERT

1963

TOME

MAURY

1964

JAMES

JOHN

1967

TOWBIN

ROBERT A.

1953

KAMER

CARL

1970

TRAPASSO

JAYE B.

1966

KEANE

MICHAEL

1962

VAHLSING

FRED

1971

KING

GORDON

1966

VALDES

RICHARD

1952

KING

KEVIN

1967

VICTOR

NORMAN

1948

LA FERRARA

FRANK

1970

WALKER

REX

 

LANE

HARRISON

1961

WALTERS

STAN

1967

LASLOCKY

LILLIAN

 

WARDELL JR

HARVEY

1970

LUCKIN

WILLIAM S.

1935

WAREING

W. THEODORE

1962

MADRAZO

ARTHUR

1967

WARNER

DAVID T.

1938

MALL

ALBERT

1965

WHYNO

MIKE

1966

MARTIN

RICHARD

1951

WOOD

GARY A.

1968

 

 

 

YORK

THOMAS

1966