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In Memory Of

The HPHS Class of 1969 recognizes those from our class who have passed away during the intervening 50 plus years. These classmates were more than a name on a list - they had family, friends, and memories to be shared.

 

Jeffrey Hegedus

                                             

 

 

 

 

 

 

All of the tributes our classmates have written about Jeff are truly outstanding. They are all right on the money, and he is so deserving of every one of them. He was just like the caption written under his senior picture in our HS yearbook, “To a sensible man, nothing is left to chance.”  I don’t go all the way back to kindergarten with him, like many of the “South-siders,” but, the best I can do is maybe start with Little League, and then fill up volumes with middle school, high school, Rutgers University, visits at each of my work locations through the years, and a final chapter with post-retirement events.  I will do that in a longer document to his wife, Sheryl. For now, what I need to say is that Jeff wasn’t just a close friend, but a true blue member of our family over the years. And, he wasn’t just considered a member of our immediate family growing up. He was considered a member of our extended family; my father’s side of the family in Highland Park and vicinity, and of my mother’s side of the family in Denver, CO.  He was there, whether it was for a funeral, a birthday party, graduation, or a wedding. All the relatives, from both sides of the family, would always ask about Jeff. It seemed that after every 5 years or so ticked away, Mom was always amazed at how Jeff and I continued to stay in close contact, even being many miles apart. But that was easy because Jeff was always interested in how our immediate and extended families were doing.  He was there, whether it was for a funeral, a birthday party, graduation, or a wedding. All the relatives, from both sides of the family, would always ask about Jeff. It seemed that after every 5 years or so ticked away, Mom was always amazed at how Jeff and I continued to stay in close contact, even being many miles apart. But that was easy because Jeff was always interested in how our immediate and extended families were doing.  He was there, whether it was for a funeral, a birthday party, graduation, or a wedding. All the relatives, from both sides of the family, would always ask about Jeff. It seemed that after every 5 years or so ticked away, Mom was always amazed at how Jeff and I continued to stay in close contact, even being many miles apart. But that was easy because Jeff was always interested in how our immediate and extended families were doing. But that was easy because Jeff was always interested in how our immediate and extended families were doing. But that was easy because Jeff was always interested in how our immediate and extended families were doing. What I keep coming back to is what Jeff wrote to me after my father passed away back in 2008. After losing his own father at a relatively young age, he said he was always grateful for my Dad being like a 2nd father to him.  He felt like he was a part of our family because of my father and mother. As part of a Greek Orthodox memorial service, the final words chanted 3 times in Greek and English are, “May his memory be eternal.”  Jeff’s memory will be eternal, and he will always be a member of our family.  We will miss him terribly, all of us will. Louie Triandafilou 

 

Very sad news. Thanks for letting us know, Debbie. Louie - I know you had stayed close to Jeff over the years. My condolences. I have such fond memories of growing up with Jeff - walking to Lafayette school together, pick-up games in Donaldson Park, and I love the picture of the bunch of us south siders on his front porch, I think maybe for his birthday party. And what I remember most, from all those years ago until reconnecting at our reunion a few years back, was Jeff’s amazingly kind and warm countenance. I was so happy to have gotten a chance to reconnect with Jeff through the reunion, both in person and with some email exchanges afterward. Despite the strain of his illness and treatments, he remained positive and cheerful and always asked more about my life and family than focusing on his own woes. I feel so lucky to have had Jeff in my life - his presence reaffirms, now when so desperately needed, my faith in humanity, friendship, and decency. Thank you, Jeff, for a life well-lived. Louie, please send my condolences to his family when you can. Best, Donnie Lefkowits

 

Looking at that childhood picture says it all. What more can a kid ask for than close friends? It is the memory of that which we all honor in our reuniting. I can’t even conjure up any negative memory of Jeff. I think someone else said, “a life well lived”. So true. Rick Arons

 

I share Don’s sentiments. The picture, BTW, was in front of Joey Louth’s house on Grove, at his birthday party. I’m guessing sixth grade. Jeff was such a warm human being with a very subtle sense of humor. As real young kids, we would visit each other’s houses and set up street stickball or, at his house's backyard, whiffle ball. He had the Yankee lineup memorized and I had the Milwaukee Brave lineup memorized. Lots of fun. We played with our baseball cards and laughed a lot. I still remember him in his MacKinney Oilers little league uniform. It was great to reconnect with Jeff at the reunion. He was as expected, interested in me and my family, He will be remembered as a graceful and very decent man. A terrible loss to all who knew and loved him.  The world would be a better place with more like him. Louie, please pass my condolences to his family and I am sorry for the loss I am sure you feel, as well. Fred Boyd

 

Thanks for sharing the sad news about Jeff. He was truly a gentleman and a blessing to have known him.  Joe Louth

 

Jeff and I were thick as thieves all through elementary and high school. We used to ride our bikes with bowling balls and bags in the tote baskets all the way from Highland Park to Edison Lanes almost every Saturday afternoon. I spoke with Jeff about a month ago and he didn't sound as upbeat as in our past conversations. I knew he was going through hell as he and I added a new dimension to our long friendship as cancer brothers. He confided in me that it wasn't if, it was a matter of when as he thought the end was near. But he never complained about the awful journey he was taking and always had the quick-witted banter with me just like in the late 1950s and all through the '60s. It was still like we'd call each other up locally (even though he was thousands of miles away). We used to play one-on-one whiffle ball at his house on Mansfield Street in HP almost every afternoon. I feel like I lost a brother. But knowing Jeff as I do, he's using his gentlemanly personality to earn the best spot in heaven. He truly was a class act all through his life. I am tremendously saddened by his passing. But one day we'll be bowling and playing whiffle ball together again on a Field of Dreams in heaven. Rest in peace, my brother. Craig Spitz

 

Dear Sheryl, Kevin, and Andrea, As you know, Jeff and I have been friends since first grade. Jeff and I enjoyed playing sports and talking about sports. Even near the end of his life, he and I emailed about sports. I miss Jeff so much already. He had a strong faith that along with your love and support helped him to fight so valiantly against his cancer. Despite the odds, with his faith and the prayers of all those such as Barbara and me, I hoped that he would beat it. I miss Jeff's sense of humor. I will miss our breakfasts with the guys, Jim and Lou. I will miss our emails, too. Jeff was a kind, respectful, fun person, whom I will miss so much. May you find some comfort in knowing how highly Jeff was thought of by all of the people whose lives he graced with his presence. May the memories of him bring you some solace as well. Our deepest condolences. Love, Alan and Barbara Weisblatt

 

Throughout Jeff’s life, his abundant qualities were apparent. They include self-worth and sufficiency; competitiveness without ego; love of family and friends; perpetual optimism; and unrelenting work ethic to complete any task at hand.  During and after our time as classmates, our close group of friends often enjoyed playing and attending golf events, baseball, football, and basketball games, concerts, and poker games. Then off to sunny southern California where Jeff honed his skills as a managerial accountant, enjoyed the sunny beaches, and earned his master’s degree. Returning to his roots Jeff found and married the love of his life, Sheryl.  They raised two wonderfully talented children Kevin and Andrea.  Jeff was so very proud of Sheryl’s work as a dedicated teacher and Kevin and Andrea with their endeavors, now in southern California. During later years, Jeff and I were able to meet for breakfast and reminisce, and later breakfasts included a couple of our other dear friends and classmates. We shared news of family and classmates. And we reminisced about the many experiences we shared together and with other dear classmates, which so enriched our lives. For me, our breakfasts also were learning experiences.  Jeff told me his superior skills in chipping and putting were developed when young by riding his bike with a golf bag and clubs on his back to Tara Greens and then spending hours at a time playing pitch and put.  For a time Jeff enjoyed working as a DJ at a radio station and used his exceptional knowledge of music. Most important for a class reunion webpage tribute, Jeff explained the close comradery between our classmates and schoolmates that existed on the south side, and to some degree the north side of Highland Park. Jeff relished your relationships and thoroughly enjoyed all our class reunions.  Jeff was blessed with the family he so loved and cherished, and friends and classmates loved as well. And all of us are blessed by the gift of being Jeff’s family, friends, and classmates. Well done my dear friend. Jim Combs

 

Jeff was a good man and a good friend. In 1964, I was new in HP and he invited me into his circle of friends: Louie & Jeff & Alan & others. He beat me consistently at basketball & pool and was always a good sport. I never heard him say a bad word about anyone. He loved Sheryl and Andrea & Kevin dearly and stood by his friends. He introduced me to Cousin Brucie and music. Whenever I hear those ‘60s songs, I think of Jeff.  He is missed. Rich Braun

 

Jeff was a great guy; a good friend and a fun classmate. We knew each other from the beginning of kindergarten and went all the way through elementary school and high school together. I look back at the old class pictures and think about the good old days. We had a lot of fun. Jeff was always an anchor - a steadiness in the storm of life. I will always remember seeing Jeff again at the 50th high school Reunion - seamless over the decades - and two years ago this fall at our little reunion in Highland Park. I will miss him. Fred Kaplan 

 

Sorry to hear that sad news. We had fun playing touch football and stickball together. He was as Joey said a kind and decent man. I will keep his family in my thoughts. Ralph Freedman

 

I knew Jeff from our early days at Lafayette School. Jeff lived two blocks away from me. Jeff was a good friend, easy to talk to, and truly a great person. I enjoyed catching up with him at our reunions on his work and family life. I am saddened by his passing and will miss him. Dan Krugler

 

I remember Jeff from our early elementary school days and our playing in the street with the Harper Place Gang. Jeff lived just around the corner, 3 doors down and I have memories of being in his house. The specifics of these memories are long gone.  But the Jeff I remember from school was the same man I enjoyed spending an afternoon within Baltimore at Oriole Park with Lou Triandafilou, Marge Gold, and Debbie Miller. What a terrific afternoon reminiscing a little but more importantly sharing our adult lives and experiences. Jeff's kindness and interest in others were evident. It made me remember how much we lose when our connections are broken and how special reunions are to rekindle memories and connections. I was so happy to see Jeff at our 50th reunion again. My deepest sympathies to Jeff's entire family. May Jeff's memory be a blessing. Shelley Garten

 

I was very saddened to hear of Jeff's passing.  He was such a nice person and I was glad to have had the chance to see him at the reunion. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Alice Belsky Gordon

 

Dear Sheryl, Kevin, Andrea, Rich, and I will always recall Jeff as a quiet, kind boy in our childhood years, and a sincere and happy man in his adult years. I remember spending time talking with him at our 40th class reunion in 2009 and at a gathering in 2017.  I enjoyed hearing him talk about his life, each one of you, and where the Hegedus family travels took you. Rich remembers running Winter track and Spring track with Jeff, and I remember Jeff running on the Cross Country team. We extend our sincere sympathy to all of you on his passing.  May all the wonderful memories remain in your hearts forever. I have attached a few pictures from 2009 and 2017.  With our sympathy, Lynne (Genser) Murray, Class of 1969 & Richard Murray, Class of 1968

 

I always admired and respected Jeff. He was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word - a gentle soft-spoken man with a spirit of kindness and a welcoming smile. He will be missed.  Jonathan Stringer 

 

So sad to hear of Jeff’s passing. We ran track together. I remember a cross country meet where someone from the opposing team said to me “Didn’t you just run?” And I said, “yeah.” It was Jeff that ran the previous race! Jeff and I kind of looked alike back then. He used to do the word puzzle “Jumble” in the newspaper. He was so fast at figuring it out!  Fred Hampton

 

Sorry to learn of Jeff's passing. My condolences to his family. Lots of fond memories of working together at the Mayfair/Big W, the supermarket at the corner of Fourth and Raritan. And the memory of sharing the honor of being Ward Smith's first straight-A student in chemistry. Something Mr. Smith took far more pride in than either of us may have.  Irv Bank

 

Our deepest sympathy on the loss of Jeff. He was a nice guy. May his memory be a blessing. Brenda and Roy Tanzman

 

I was saddened to hear of Jeff's passing.  We were good friends throughout grade school & high school.  My sincerest condolences to his family.  Lois Denenberg Katz

 

Jeff lived up the street from my Grandmother’s house. He was always playing ball in the Street. A sweet boy who turned into a Honey of a man. Rest in Peace.  Ruth Solomon

 

Sending my heartfelt condolences to Jeff’s wife and children. Jeff and I were neighborhood friends growing up on the south side of Highland Park. Those were the good old days playing kickball in the street and visiting each other’s homes until we were called in for the evening. Jeff was part of these memories and I am so grateful that I got to recall these treasured times with him during our high school reunion. Your husband and father was a true gentleman even as a kid. My thoughts are with you. Linda Burger Rockoff

To Sheryl, family, and friends, I knew Jeff from our Highland Park days.  Sheryl, you married a lovely man, and I’m so sorry for your loss. My memories of Jeff are of his easy walk, relaxed and unhurried. His smile, his politeness. He was always a pleasure to be with. So many Highland Parkers will remember Jeff fondly. Your memories form the portrait of your life. I pray all memories of the ill times will fade, and healthy, everyday memories of your life together will be very precious to you in the days ahead. Lynda McGovern Stauffer

Sending deep condolences to Jeff's family and friends. Although he is gone, it is good that he is out of pain. Susan Roth-Vainder

 

 

        


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 2021, we were contacted by another old friend of George's who had lost touch with him. He provided several pictures of their days together in the 1970s when he built his home in Colorado./

 

 
 
 

 

 

John McGann

John was a very special guy but had suffered from dementia in recent years. Prior to his illness, John was always an important member of the team that put on our previous class reunions. You will be missed, John. 

The following is from his obituary:

"John McGann died on Wednesday, January 1, 2020, at sunrise after a long illness. He was born in County Sligo, Ireland, to the late Peter and Catherine (Herity) McGann and came to America as a young child. John grew up in Highland Park where he graduated from Highland Park High School in 1969. He also lived in North Brunswick, and then Milltown. He worked at Bell Medical before retiring and was a member of the Teamster's Union. John loved the Yankees, travel, and being with his family and friends. John is survived by his wife, Barbara (Wilfong) McGann, his daughters and son-in-laws Kristin and David Cavuto and Erica and Matt Kensinger, and four grandchildren, Elliot, Isaac, Emily, and Andrew. He is also survived by his brother Pat McGann and his wife Cheryl, as well as his two nephews Ryan and Kevin and their families."

 

 

Arlene Mustakis Treslar

 

 

                                                              

 

Arlene Mustakis Treslar passed away on May 14, 2019. Arlene lived in Boynton Beach, Florida, and worked in the military admissions office of Purdue University Global. She leaves behind two children, two grandchildren, a close-knit family, and many friends. In one of her recent Facebook posts, her boss mentioned that her nickname was "Jersey."  As we often say "Once a Jersey girl, always a Jersey girl!"  May you rest in peace Arlene, and may your memory be a blessing to all that know and love you.

   

GERALD NIEDERMAN

 

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(Taken from Gerry's obituary) On Sunday, November 15, 2020, Gerry Niederman, passed away peacefully at the age of 69 in San Diego, California. Born on August 15, 1951, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Gerry attended Highland Park High School (where he met his wife, Nancy Solow), received his bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Columbia University, and earned his JD from the University of Chicago Law School. He dedicated his life to expanding access to health care for all and practiced law as a shareholder at Polsinelli in the Denver office, where he represented health care organizations and related nonprofit entities in Colorado and throughout the United States. He also proudly served on philanthropic boards, including the Colorado Lawyers Committee and Judaism Your Way.

Gerry was a devoted husband and father of three who believed in the possibility of a better world. He loved listening to music (especially recognizing his Jersey roots with Bruce Springsteen), driving his bright green convertible, cheering on the Cubs and Rockies, gardening, following his favorite podcasts, playing Scrabble, traveling, engaging in lively political discussions, eating pizza on the beach, debating the proper rice to water ratio while cooking, and enjoying after-dinner walks.

Gerry is survived by his wife, Nancy Solow, and three children, Alicia, Ian, and Olivia. He will be missed.

 

 

Michele Roman Pierce


By Esther Blachford Cassidy


This memory of Michele is so difficult for me to write – she deserves so much more than I can express, how can I capture her warmth and joy of life?  I’m having a very difficult time with losing her and realizing someone I grew up with and counted on seeing for years is gone.

I grew up living across the street from the Romans on Exeter St, at the beginning or end of the horseshoe – depending upon how you approached it from Franklin Street. The large Roman family – nine children, Pixie, Stephen, Michele, Tommy, Mark, Jimmy, Mary, Faith, and Stephanie, filled their house to the brim and they welcomed me and my siblings into their homes, and front and backyards to play.

The older kids took care of the younger ones. Mrs. Roman held court in the kitchen doling out juice and cookies, fussing with the girls’ hair, and the kids’ clothes, and maintaining an amazing semblance of order surrounding all of us asking for her attention. I spent many afternoons in Roman’s backyard on their swing set, talking with Michele, and innocently attempting to flirt with Tommy and  Mark, the boys closest to me other than my own brothers.

When we were in high school Michele introduced me to the music and the lyrics of Phil Ochs. She played his albums over and over for me on her record player.  She loudly sang along with them.  I remember Michele was especially drawn to “Call it peace or call it treason, call it love or call it reason, but I ain’t marching anymore.”  

Then Pixie went to college and Stephen went to Vietnam. Michele and I prepared packages to send to him – packages made up of candy bars, plastic bags, socks, and any kind of food that would last the weeks-long journey it would take to reach him in Southeast Asia. I became active in a high school anti-Vietnam War protest group. Many students I admired for their intellects and passionate beliefs organized these meetings and I invited Michele to attend one of them.

Given her love for Phil Ochs, I thought she would sympathize with the group’s opposition to the war. We began the meeting talking about the draft, bombings, the napalm, the civilian causalities, and Nixon’s lies. Our brothers and friends would be eligible for the draft if they didn’t go to college. Michele graced the group with some truly profound insights. I must paraphrase because it was long ago, but Michele essentially said that while everything the group said about the Vietnam War was true, she asked us to consider more, “What about the boys? Our boys who are there in Vietnam now, getting killed, getting hurt? Do we just forget about them?”  She went on to say she had seen and talked to returning vets, and they felt abandoned, hurt, and disillusioned when they had gone to Vietnam to do what their country had asked them to do. 

I don’t remember anyone in the group, including myself, making an adequate response to her belief and compassion for the other victims of the war, the U.S. veterans. Michele’s brother Stephen lost his arm in Vietnam and came home building a new life for himself. The peace movement of the time just didn’t seem to have room for compassion for Stephen or other U.S. veterans or just didn’t care about them, their suffering, or their service. Many of those veterans still suffer today, as do veterans of our endless wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

I’m grateful that subsequent anti-war movements began to also vigorously support our troops and advocate for increased services for veterans. But, Michele was the person who taught me that it was important for all of us to consider all the victims of war.

I have more memories of Michele from after high school when she joyfully became a mother and always lived in hope that life would bring good things. I will always be grateful for knowing her and for what she taught me.
 

 

Christina Scaletti Brusca       

 

Christina passed away on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. Christina was born in Highland Park and lived the majority of her life in Edison. She was an aide for the Developmental Disabilities Association of New Jersey for 20 years. Christina was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, Michael Brusca in 2021; and her parents, Joseph and Mary Scaletti. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Michael and Lizzette Brusca, Anthony and Michele Brusca, and Gina and Kevin Kustelski; brothers, Ronald Scaletti and Raymond Scaletti; sisters, Cathy Bruzzano and Cindy Scaletti; along with her grandchildren, Brianna, Giovanni, Sierra, and Saxon.

Taken from Christina's obituary. If you would like to leave a remembrance of Christina, please contact the administrator of this site.

 

           Henry (Hank) Klink

 

   Hank Klink, our classmate, who will always be remembered for his good humor and outlook on life,         passed away on June 26, 2022. 

 

 

 

Hank was a Radiological Technologist for Mid Atlantic Orthopedic Associates in East Brunswick for over 30 years. He proudly served in the United States Naval Reserves during the Vietnam War. Surviving are his wife Eleanor Kuhn Klink; his daughter Michelle Klink of Somerset; his son Jason Klink and his wife Nicole of Hillsborough; and two sisters – Karen Klink of Milltown and Kim Dirato of Point Pleasant. Remembrances from our classmates follow.

 

Hanky Klink was a true friend. Spent many summer days with Hank and friends playing whiffle ball in his driveway and stickball in his backyard. Also played frisbee and touch football in the streets.  Even walked up to Irving School many mornings to get in a game of hardball where they had a diamond and a bigger space to hit the ball.  We played way into the day until (I still can clearly hear) his mom calling him from his house porch when it was time for supper “Hankieeeeeee”.

Hank never excluded anyone playing all those sports games and all were equals. Hank was ahead of his time to befriend everyone knowing that we are all individuals wanting to be a part of something we could share with others.  Hank…thanks for that my good childhood classmate, neighbor, and friend.   Rosanna Pall Rudy

 

When I think about my friend,  Hank Klink, I am immediately transported back to the neighborhood we grew up in. Hank and his family lived in the house in the back of mine. Our backyards touched.

He was my first friend…..ever. I have memories of us from when we were 4 years old sitting on his patio and having animated conversations. I can’t help but smile when I think of the 2 of us. We were always together in the early years.  Howie Watkin lived next door to Hank and most times the three of us would hang together. We had glorious adventures and also got into more than enough trouble.

Hankie was the golden boy. The Hank I knew was incredibly smart and creative. He also was the funniest person I ever met.

It was always such a blast to be with him.  Hank was a glorious baseball player. I would go to the park to watch him play his little league games and then we would all go to Dairy Queen afterward. He loved the Yankees and Micky Mantle. As a matter of fact, he named his daughter Michele and called her "Micki" as a tribute to his childhood hero.

 Irving School was the setting for our glory days. James Combs sent me a lovely note after Hank passed. He said that he recalled that Hank and I were always together and we would hang out by the door of Irving School. Hankie, Howie, and I were in the same classroom for 4 years until the teachers could not stand it anymore. Then we were split up. Somehow school was not quit as interesting after that!

 I know I am rambling, but there are so many memories that I want to hold dear. I close my eyes and I see the little boy, with blond hair dyed white by the sun…riding his bike around the neighborhood….playing cutthroat killer games of Monopoly and Risk…laying on the ground and finding objects in cloud formations...sneaking into houses that were being built to check out the spaces….hitting baseballs constantly in the backyard...continual motion and always, always fun…and I wish that I could go back for a day, just to stand in the light that emanated from him.

My heart is broken.    Linda Pochesci

 

Hank was truly a nice guy with a great sense of humor. He could entertain us for hours with his jokes and impressions. Always a fun guy in class. He will be missed.   Dan Krugler