1959

Friends of the Arts has developed a scholarship in Judy's memory. The Judith Chalker Literary Arts Scholarship is a $1000 award given to a high school student pursuing further study in college in literary arts.

Contact: Lynette Santoro-Au, Arts Manager, City of Upper Arlington
3600 Tremont Road, Upper Arlington, OH 43221
614-583-5312 p lsantoroau@uaoh.net www.ua-ohio.net

Whirlwind Chalker succumbs to cancer
Tuesday, June 17, 2003

Central Ohio’s arts community remembers Judith AnnChalker as a "magnificent" advocate
for the arts.

Chalker, 61, died Saturday after a three year struggle with cancer.

For 17 years, starting in 1979, Chalker served as the Ohio Arts Council’s community-arts coordinator, working to improve the local arts councils and centers across the state.

"She will be missed by a lot of people," said Wayne Lawson, executive director of the council.

"She was a most incredible human being, very people-oriented and very community-oriented, and a great believer that the arts could change communities for the better."

In 1997, Chalker became arts manager for the Upper Arlington Arts Commission, where she directed a major arts festival and managed other arts activities.

"She was such an inspiration to many of us in the arts — truly a magnificent person, always so willing to help," said Lynette Santoro-Au, the city’s current arts manager, who relied on Chalker for years as a mentor and ally.

"She was a wealth of information, a great advocate for the arts and about two phone calls away from anyone you needed to get hold of. . . . She recognized how important arts-education was, and that many people from many different walks of life can participate in the arts and enrich the arts."

Her last position was executive director of the Greater Columbus Film Council, which sponsors the annual Chris Awards for excellence in film and video.

Dee Zuber, a lifelong friend who went to high school with Chalker in Parma, stepped in to complete arrangements for the 50 th annual Chris Awards in November when Chalker’s cancer came out of remission.

"She didn’t want the same life that most of us wanted in high school," Zuber said. "She was ethereal, creative, kind, intelligent and beautiful, a blithe spirit always looking for greener pastures and always interested in the arts."

Chalker’s mother, a Parma resident, died two days before her daughter, Zuber said.

Chalker graduated from Ohio State University, having transferred from Miami University.

After college, she joined the Peace Corps, teaching English as a second language in the Philippines.

After working eight years in New York for American Field Studies, a student-exchange program, Chalker moved to Ohio, where she worked briefly in the office of Sen. John Glenn and then became regional manager for another student exchange program, Youth for Understanding.

She was a member of First Church, Christ Scientist; the Columbus Museum of Art; and Friends of the Thurber House.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Rutherford-Corbin Funeral Home, Worthington Chapel, 515 High St., Worthington. Calling hours will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Film Council of Greater Columbus, 5701 N. High St., Worthington, Ohio 43085; or Hospice at Riverside and Grant, 3535 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43214.

Our Classmate, Jack Corwin, lost his fight with cancer January 13, 2005, at 11:30 pm.
JACK L. CORWIN, age 63, retired Captain Parma Police Department. Beloved husband of Shirley (nee Wickersham); dearest father of Brian Corwin, Jill Silloway (Robert), Carl Zezulak (Linda) and Michele Zezulak; loving grandfather of Jacob and Benjamin Silloway; son of the late Clint and Vesta. U.S. Marine Corp Veteran. Member of Ridgewood Men's Association. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 902 Westpoint Pkwy., Suite 300, Cleveland, OH 44145
From Dan Zola and Bob and Donna

Donna M. Meaks, taught Sunday School in Parma

Raising roses, bowling, boating and even mowing the lawn were favorite pastimes of Donna M. Meeks. Mrs. Meeks, 53, died at the Cleveland Clinic on Tuesday of complications of hypertension. She was born in Cleveland and had been a resident of North Ridgeville.
Among the satisfactions of her life was teaching children in Sunday school for many years at Ridgewood United Methodist Church in Parma.
She is survived by her husband, Jack; her mother, Arlene Dedrick; ,sons, James of Elyria and Jack Jr. of North Ridgeville; daughters, Diana Valley City, O., Donna Kruichuk of Parma, Deborah of Vermilion, Kimerly White of Chicago; and nine grandchildren.

The Reunion Committee received the following note dated February 3, 1989 from Marge Ewald Dubnque, Gordon's widow.
"Gordon passed away October 17, 1983. He is survived by two daughters, Laura, age 20 and Leanne, age 15. Both are great kids and good students. Gordon worked for General Electric in Corporate Consulting at the time of his death. He was a Veteran of the Viet Nam War. He served as a 1st Lt. in Thailand."

Rochelle B. "Rushie" Finn retired in December as an executive secretary for the head of KeyBank's Society Mortgage Co. she began her career with Society Bank's escrow department after graduating from Parma Senior High School in 1959. She held various mortgage-related positions during her 39-year career.

Miss Finn, 57, of Strongsville died Monday at the Patrician Nursing Home in North Royalton. She had cancer. The Cleveland native lived in the city's Old Brooklyn neighborhood for many years before moving to Strongsville nine years ago. She belonged to the Altar Guild at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Parma, from 1997 to 1998. She was secretary for the Bryn Mawr Cluster Home Owners Association. Miss Finn had no immediate survivors.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1148 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44115 or to the Seasons of Life Hospice, 7300 State Road, Parma 44134.

Dr. David A. Freiwald, 61, a long-term resident of Albuquerque, died Tuesday, June 25, 2002.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Freiwald of Albuquerque; sons, Wes Freiwald and wife, June of Maui, HI, Todd Freiwald and wife, Wendy of Germantown, MD, and Chris Freiwald of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Jake, Ryan, Scott, and Megan, all of Germantown, MD; sister, Carol Grubb and husband, Don of Solon, Ohio; and Joyce's family here in New Mexico.

Dr. Freiwald received his B.S. in 1963 and his Ph.D in 1968 from Northwestern University. He worked at Sandia National Laboratories from 1967 to 1973, and at Los Alamos National Laboratories from 1973 to 1981, part of that time in the Director's Office. In 1987 to 1991, he was director and general manager of General Dynamics Laser Systems Laboratory in San Diego, CA. Dr. Freiwald has been recognized in numerous Who's Who including the Marquis"Who's Who in Frontier Science and Technology, Marquis"Who's Who in Science and Engineering," Marquis"Who's Who in the World". He has served as President of the New Mexico Academy of Science. Other organizations and awards include, Tau Beta Pi, Pi Tau Sigma, and Sigma Xi.

He was widely recognized for being innovative and had numerous patents. He was internationally respected and recognized as a leader in laser technology and defense systems, and contributed in plasma and shock wave physics. Dr. Freiwald was well known for his sense of humor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to UNM Hospital Foundation--TSICU, 2211 Lomas Blvd. NE, 87106.

The reunion Committee received the following letter dated April 11, 1989 from Paula Horstemeier, John's wife of 21 years
"My husband, John, was killed in a plane crash November 22, 1987. We moved to Canada in 1973 to do mission work among the Cree Indians in Northern Alberta.
We eventually bought the General Store that we had been managing for 8 years to help support ourselves. Our son, Eric, was 13 months old when we came to Chipewyan Lakes. Krista, Marine and Nathan were all born here. John was a wonderful father and husband. He was devoted to working with the Cree Indians. I felt he would want to be buried at Chip. John's gravestone reads 'Servant of God, Man of Peace'. I believe it sums up who he was."
Paula and her children planned to remain in their home in Canada.

As many of our classmates know, Ralph went into the theater after college and took the stage-name "Buddy" while he was at the Cleveland Playhouse, and eventually was known as "Scott" Jarvis when he performed on Broadway. A highlight of his career was his singing - as the young soldier in the Continental Army who served as messenger for Gen'l. Washington in the Broadway musical, "1776" - the song " Momma, Look Sharp!" He performed that song for the nationally-televised "Emmy" {I think} Awards the year it won the award for the "Best Song" in that category, due in large measure [I'm sure] to Ralph/Scott's talented delivery; his song is reputed to have stopped the show on Broadway night after night.

He died shortly after our 30th reunion, I think. He'd returned to the area to be with his many friends at the reunion after a long hiatus while deathly ill. He was as engaging and sensitive during that reunion as he always had been in my recollection; I had the feeling he'd come back - knowing his circumstances - to let us all know how much he cared, and to say "good bye".
Doug Cooper

John R. Lubinsky

JOHN R. LUBINSKY, 69. Beloved son of the late Katherine and John; loving father of Lisa (Jim) Sebek, Darrell, Kerstin (David) Skokan, Damon (Debby) and Daren (Cathy); grandfather of seven. Funeral Prayers Monday, Nov. 9, 2009 at 9:30 AM at the Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 AM at St. Columbkille Church, 6740 Broadview Rd. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.

Richard Marcinko enjoyed boating. He joined the Cleveland Power Squadron, learned safe boating and soon taught the course to other members. Mr. Marcinko taught several skills, such as seamanship and celestial navigation. He was squadron education officer for three years and most recently he was administration officer.Mr. Marcinko, 52, of Parma, died Saturday at Parma Community Hospital following heart surgery.
He earned an associate degree in chemistry from Cuyahoga Community College. He was senior can coating chemist at the Glidden Research Center. He worked there 28 years and held 11 patents. He enjoyed computers, photography and astronomy. He was a member of the Forest City Yacht Club, owning a sailboat, and he belonged to the Cuyahoga Astrological Association. He was a longtime Scoutmaster of Troop 25 at Thoreau Park Elementary School.

He met his wife, Shirley, in 1960, during a Valentines Day party at a skating rink on Denison Ave. Each skater was given half a heart with a number on it. The couple's numbers matched. They were married two years later.Mr. Marcinko is survived by his wife, three sons, a grandson and a brother.

MARTY NOTON, age 69, passed away suddenly Monday, November 2, 2009. Beloved husband of Marlene (nee Jankowski) for 40 years; loving father of Marty Noton, Marla Matthews (Chris), Mellise Ptacek (Jim), and Marlene Konya (Jonathan); dearest grandfather of Taylor, Mellise, and Tyler; dearest son of the late Mary (nee Armaro) and Sebastian "Buster" Noton; dear brother of Carol Sciano (Jim) and the late Martin; beloved uncle of Cindy Smith (Keith), David (Heather), Andrea, Colleen, and Robert Sciano; great-uncle of Cassidy, Colby, Alexis, and Dominic; dear cousin, godfather, and friend of many.

Nick K. Pontikos, whose company painted and repaired highway bridges, died Friday at Cleveland Clinic Hospital. He had collapsed with a heart attack Wednesday in his office on the near West Side. He was 62.

Pontikos was president and CEO of the Atlas Central Corp., which he owned with his brother, Bill. It was founded by their father in 1947. The company has done extensive work for the Ohio Department of Transportation, as well as on highways in other states. It has also done jobs in steel mills and other industrial plants across the country. While his brother concentrated on administering the business, Pontikos spent time outside the office dealing with customers and visiting job sites. He also served on the National Maintenance Agreement Policy Committee, composed of 14 contractors and 14 representatives of international labor unions of the AFL-CIO building and construction trades. They meet regularly to promote labor-management cooperation across the country. He was a trustee of the pension fund of both Painters Union Local 6 and the Painters International Union.

Pontikos, who was born in Cleveland, had lived on the West Side as a child. In addition to maintaining offices in Tremont, he was a co-owner of the nearby Kosta's restaurant. A graduate of Parma Senior High School and Kent State University, he was active in Greek community affairs and often provided jobs for new immigrants from Greece. He and his wife, the former Linda Scialabba, lived in Medina. Pontikos is also survived by sons, Dean of Monarch Beach, Calif., and Steven of Brecksville; daughter, Calypso of Brecksville; and a grandchild.

On December 29, 1997 cancer claimed the life of Curtis Reece. Curt, or "Pacer" as he was known at the Bowling Green Sigma Chi chapter, held a B.S. (1963) and MBA (1964). He played varsity tennis while at BG.
Curt moved from North Olmsted to Tempe, Arizona in 1971 to join the Arizona Bank as an Investment Banker. He was named in Who's Who in the American financial world. After retiring about ten years ago he became self employed, managing his various investments. He also began acquiring and trading Southwest Indian art and his extensive collection was displayed in his lovely home in "The Lakes. " Curt was a member of the Men's Art Council of the Phoenix Art Museum and the Phoenix Country Club.
Curt is survived by his daughter Kristen Lynn Dikeou of Littleton, Colorado, granddaughter Lauryn Dikeou, parents Adelbert and Eve Reece of Independence, Ohio, and sister Janet Bartlett of Hudson, Ohio.
Memorials to: Memorial Fund to Colon Cancer Research, Arizona Cancer Center-University of Arizona, 1515 N. Campbell Ave. Tucson AZ 85724.
Friends may want to call Tim Wright (1965) for more information. Curt and Tim were Parma neighbors (Ackley Rd.), and Sigma Chi fraternity brothers at BGSU.

Donna (Schultz) Lucht spent 33 years in the Brunswick City Schools. She lost her life Nov. 3 after undergoing surgery for an aneurysm.

We're all devastated, said Applewood Elementary School Principal Miklos Kis who has known Lucht for seven years. She was one of those little dynamos. She always had pep in her step and was a real motivator. Kis said he used to tease Lucht by saying, If I could have your energy when I'm your age I'll be really happy. She had an endless supply of enthusiasm and energy because of her love of teaching. She worked ceaselessly for the kids.

Lucht retired this summer and the staff learned she was ill. The teachers would meet before school and pray for her, Kis said. Lucht taught at Applewood for 16 years.

Lucht began her teaching career in Parma where she taught for four years before coming to Brunswick in 1971. She first taught at Towslee Elementary School and then taught gifted and talented students at both Towslee and Willetts Middle School before going to Applewood.

Teachers such as Donna Lucht are special people, said Superintendent James Hayas. The hundreds of students who had her as a teacher, I'm certain, are better learners, better thinkers, and better people because of it.

Later this month when we are making mental notes about what we should be thankful for, we ought to think about Donna and other teachers like her who have touched so many lives both young and old, Hayas said. The day she died, staff members met with students in the fifth grade who had been in Lucht's fourth grade class last year. They offered counseling to those who needed it and Kis also sent a letter home with all the
children.

Lucht, 63, is survived by her husband, Arthur; children Scott and Todd (Sonita); three grandchildren; her mother, Dorothy Schultz and a sister, Lynn Davis.

The reason that I am writing you, is to share some tragic news. My father passed away suddenly on 10/3/02 of a heart attack. He married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Matousek-Shubeck (class of ’60), and had three daughters: Connie (Dan), Kim and Kylie; a grandson (Shawn); and a granddaughter (Chelsea). I had received the alumni update, as well as read the alumni web site, and thought it would be nice to add my father's information to the memorial page. My mother is very happy to read of all the updates of his class as well as hers. We still live in Parma, and my father worked for the IRS at the time of his passing.
Sincerely,
Kylie Shubeck

Sharon A. Miller, assisted others with disabilities

Sharon A. Miller loved to sew, and she didn't reserve her talents for herself. Mrs. Miller, who was partially blind and struggled with muscular dystrophy, lent her sewing and craft talents to several groups for the disabled, including the St. Augustine blind community and Parma's club for the disabled over 60.

Mrs. Miller, 51, died Tuesday at Southwest General Hospital of complications from muscular dystrophy. Bonnie Lesny said her sister volunteered in groups for the disabled for 15 years. "She herself was disabled, and through the groups, she knew people who were much worse off than herself. She just had a willingness to help others," Lesny said. Mrs. Miller of Parma Heights is survived by Lesny; sons, Leonard of Cleveland and Kevin of Parma; two grandchildren; and her mother and stepfather, Vernice and Joseph Janus.

Dear Parma Friends,
Larry Zipsir passed on to eternal life yesterday, Oct. 14, after a very long and tough battle with cancer. He would want you all to know that he is now at peace, out of pain and in a much better place than we all find ourselves. He was a very special man and this feeling is shared with all his friends and relatives who loved him so much. I considered it a privilege to be able to carry out my promise to him and he died at home looking over his beloved bay and sailboat. We will have a celebration of his life on Saturday Oct.19th at 11:00 at our church, Immanuel Lutheran Church of Palm City on Martin Downs Blvd. I know you all are unable to come, but please be with us in spirit as we rejoice in his new life with Christ. Thank you all for your many prayers and thoughts. Your kindness will not be forgotten. Please keep in touch. Love, Marla Zipsir
harmonyz@msn.com