In Memory

Tom Stanley - Class Of 1961



 
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07/24/10 09:45 AM #1    

Sharon O'Grady (Pfaff) (1961)

I recall hearing that Tom Stanley had passed away and it left me shaken. It was the first time I ever thought that children could pass away.  That was what happened to "old people".  With each new flu bug or bad cold I worried that the same consequence could happen to me. I can still see him walking into our class, carrying his books on his hip and a pleasant smile. He had a lot of friends. He was polite and well liked by classmates and teachers. What a shame he never got to pursue his dreams.


07/26/10 04:19 PM #2    

Merilynn Nunn (Hyland) (1961)

I agree, Sharon.  I really liked him; he was always fun.  It really did put our lives in a different perspective.  Teens are invincible ~ aren't they?  I remember talking to you and Phyllis, consoling each other.  Wasn't it pneumonia?  whatever.  Too awful, and too real for us.  There was a death in my 5th grade when I lived in NJ.  William's visitation was in his home (typical Italian custom), and Sister marched us down the street to his home to see him.  Oh, it was sad then.  Sad with Tom.  And I grieve for all of those on this list! 


08/02/10 11:19 AM #3    

Don Kuehn (1961)

Another "character" from the past who always had some wise reply to a comment or question.  I don't recall anyone, at that time in my life, who had the ability to provide a humerous anecdote or response to situations like Tom.  He could always see the funny side and you knew it by his smile and look in his eyes.  He was also smart and a great athlete in track.  It was such a shame that he was not afforded the opportunity to continue to share his attributes with others for a longer period. 


04/17/11 05:12 PM #4    

Adrienne Pfahl (Schmidt) (1961)

I also remember when Tom died.  It just didn't seem real.  As I remember it was a burst appendix.  From that point on I had a great fear of something like that happening to others. 

Tom could talk and joke with everyone.  A good looking boy with a great outlook on life.  I remember him as an artist with great skill in cartooning.  I knew he had a future with Walt Disney.  It's such a shame that the good die so young.


05/13/11 10:31 PM #5    

Charlotte Pussel (Lundy) (1961)

I remember double dating with Tom and Carolyn on a Friday night.  Tom was sick and died of lobar pneumonia.  His family was Christian Scientist and medical help was delayed.  I remember Mrs. Carney calling me to come because Carolyn was inconsolable.  You are all right; what a memory for all of us to lose someone so fun and nice so quickly.  My brother still hears from Tom's sister who lives out east, I think, with her husband and two children.  Her Mom and Dad died some years ago.  She looks so much like Tom.


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