Mystery Classmate 083

Congratulations to Jim Pietrzyk, Lori Haas Baccari, Bob Silverman, Colleen O'Connor Casey, Jack Horner, Karen Bonvalot Torres, Mike Bernstein, Leslie Rush Cuda, Gary Cervi, Tracey Lucchino McDonough, Jack McDonough, Rich Reschoff, and Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, all of whom correctly identified Kenny Shriber ('85) as Mystery Classmate #83 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Ken is a principal and co-founder, with his brother Steve Shriber, of Ditto Document Solutions in Pittsburgh. Their company provides imaging and technology services, legal reprographics, digital printing on demand, and facilities management services.Ken graduated from IUP and began his career with Franklin Interiors, a contract office furniture company, before becoming a corporate account manager for a large national litigation reprographics firm. He used this expertise to start his own company in 1997, and with Steve has twice been named a finalist for the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Many classmates had fond memories of Ken. Jim Pietrzyk wrote, "Kenny looks exactly the same, but without the hair. I actually see both he and his brother Steve quite a bit. Many good times of ping-pong and festivities at the house on Marbury."

Leslie Rush Cuda grew up with both brothers and remembers "a ton of great memories of them."

Bob Silverman added that Ken is an "all-around good guy.”

Gary Cervi remembered that Ken's nickname was Kenbar. Rich Reschoff noted that Ken is Coleman Brennan's boss. Karen Bonvalot Torres had lunch with the Shriber brothers and Pam Van Cara Collis last week.

Pam Van Cara Collis came very close, guessing Steve Shriber. Some of Steve's extremities appear at the right side of the photo.

Donna Andreas Copley put her thumb over Kenny's head and guessed Mike Williams. Paul Rodgers guessed Burris Esplen. Jim Davliakos guessed Dean Kartsonas, noting that he is of Greek descent.

Bill Stout guessed Mike Lesnak and added, "I used to love the way he would throw up a pack of those orange cheese crackers after every track meet!"

Mystery Classmate 082

Congratulations to Pam Van Cara Collis, Linda Wolff, Donna Andreas Copley, Kelly Sauer Mazon, and Carolyn Wasko, all of whom correctly identified Mike Skoff ('84) as Mystery Classmate #82 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Mike has been living in Chester, VA (near Richmond) for the past four years and has been married to Sharon Wasko ('84) for fifteen years. Their children are Melissa, 10 and Nicholas, 8 (the two children shown closest to Mike in the picture). He currently works at DuPont as a senior electrical engineer in the process control group. Mike has moved around since college to Eastern PA; Richmond, VA; Waynesboro, VA; Twinsburg, Ohio and then to Chester. Mike spends a lot of his free time coaching the kids playing fastpitch softball and baseball.

Several classmates had fond memories of Mike.

Linda Wolff remembered that Mike always seemed a bit nervous. She added, “The very best thing about Mike is his wife, Sharon Wasko. She is a good person and great mother.”

Neighbor Donna Andreas Copley reported that Mike and Sharon haven’t changed a bit, noting that “they both look like they just jumped from '84 to '04 with barely a wrinkle! Mike and I (and Sharon used to) both work for DuPont. Mike is still a super brain and can probably outprogram or troubleshoot most of the other engineers around here, but he doesn't get credit because his BS factor isn't high enough in front of the managers.”

Karen Campbell Ricci guessed John Stanton. Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli guessed Tom Murphy. Brian Talbert guessed Danny Kun.

Leann Impavido Mendenhall didn’t guess, but accused the Mystery Classmate of kidnapping Dewey from Malcolm In The Middle.

Mystery Classmate 081

Congratulations to Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, Jeff Hoener, Karen Campbell Ricci, and Maribeth Mahoney Misitis, all of whom correctly identified David Kortyna ('82) as Mystery Classmate #81 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, David spent 14 years on active duty with the US Air Force. He is a pilot and during his active duty career flew the C-12, C-21 and C-141 airplanes, flying all over the world and serving in the Gulf War. In 2000 he left the Air Force to return to the Pittsburgh area, and was hired by American Airlines as a MD80 pilot and by the Pennsylvania Air National Guard to fly the KC-135. Today, David spends most of his time at the ANG where he is a Lieutenant Colonel. His unit was deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom and David flew missions over there for about eight weeks during the time of major combat operations.

Thanks to Jim Thompson for sending the pic, and to Melissa Mahoney Kortyna for the biographical information.

Several classmates had fond memories of David. Jeff Hoener opined that David looks just like he did in high school, adding, “Many good swim team memories w/ Dave –EMULSIFY!!!!!!!! (all swimmers will remember that cheer).”

Jim Thompson noted that David has been a great friend and role model to him. Jim adds, “I am sure that you will hear much about his brilliant military service, his terrific family, and his fondness for Rum and Coke.” Maribeth Mahoney Misitis identified David as “the other one crawling, most likely to a rum and coke.” Melissa Mahoney Kortyna wrote, “He is a great guy, a terrific father, and I’m very proud of him.”

Donna Andreas Copley guessed Dan Campbell. Brian “S.D.” Stevenson wrote, “I don’t recognize the guy, but the kid owes me $20.” Fellow ’82 classmate Angharad Grimes Stock will be chagrined to have written, “No idea but cute baby.”

Mystery Classmate 080

Congratulations to Paula Recchio Joseph, Colleen O’Connor Casey, Jack Horner, Rich Reschoff, Mary Brandenstein Curran, Jamie Kracsun McBride, Chuck Mazon, Amy Gongaware Senkow, Carrie Schadle, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, Linda Wolff, Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, and Amy Baer Davie, all of whom correctly identified Lynn Banaszak ('85) as Mystery Classmate #80 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Lynn is Director of Marketing for the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse. Her objective is to effectively communicate the goals and mission of the PLSG through collateral branding, specialized conferences and events, strategic planning and media relations.

Prior to joining the PLSG, Lynn was the Director of Integrated Marketing and Communications at the Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative (PTEI) where she oversaw program development, sponsorships and technical conferences and expositions. She utilized new technology to create non-traditional marketing efforts and formulated long-term strategic business plans.

Before PTEI, she held management positions at companies including, RiverPoint TradeShows, SAE International and Universal Technical Institute. Lynn has a B.S. degree in marketing and education from the University of Pittsburgh.

Several classmates had fond memories of Lynn. Paula Recchio Joseph noted that Lynn was her elementary school buddy and neighbor. Linda Wolff remembered Lynn’s face from cheerleading and that Lynn liked to laugh.

Amy Chufo Prezelski guessed Lori Banaszak. Ellen Broadberry Gallagher almost guessed Lori Banaszak. Ted Showers guessed “A Banaszak.”

Keith Shipley guessed Beth Drango. Brian Talbert guessed Julie Contich.

Mystery Classmate 079

Congratulations to Beth Chufo Nichols, Coleman Brennan, and Karen Campbell Ricci, all of whom correctly identified Mike Topping ('84) as Mystery Classmate #79 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Mike earned a BS in Welding Engineering from Ohio State University, where he was a classmate of Steve Shaver and Karen LaFace. He then returned to Pittsburgh where he worked for the Elliott Company in Jeannette, and received his Master’s in Metallurgical Engineering from Pitt.

With his brother Drew, Mike then became half-owner of Piper’s Pub on East Carson Street, where Chad Calabria can often be found behind the bar. He confesses that his Master’s degree didn’t really have much use in the restaurant business. Mike has since left that venture to return to metallurgy.

Beth Chufo Nichols had fond memories of Mike, noting that “he is without the Afro he had in high school. I had a hard time seeing around it when I sat behind him in Mr. Nagy's physics class. He was a good lab partner, though.”

Pam Van Cara Collis guessed Frank Battaglia. Bill Stout guessed Lars Brinkmann. Amy Chufo Prezelski guessed Mark Liggett, although she knew she was wrong. Stef Andreas Falvo (’67) looked over Donna Andreas Copley’s shoulder and said that Mike looks like a Snyder.

Barbara Bender Pietro didn’t recognize Mike, but thought he looked like a nice guy.

Mystery Classmate 078

Congratulations to Mike Williams, Karen Campbell Ricci, Becky Gongaware Hannon, and Amy Gongaware Senkow, all of whom correctly identified Vikki Falvo ('86) as Mystery Classmate #78 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Vikki… well, I will let her cousin Donna Andreas Copley tell you. Donna wrote,
“I got e-yelled at for sending the "beach" hair photo - Oh well, I thought it looked good! Even though Vikki is my niece, I haven't seen her in a few years since she lives in Chicago and I'm in Richmond. Hopefully we'll meet back home in the 'burgh one day soon! I told her, "I hope I get to see those kids before they graduate!" (Their existence makes me the "Great Aunt", so I must be REALLY OLD!)

"Vikki's husband Chris is really nice too - another PSU graduate like Vikki and me. They do a better job of supporting the football team than I do, but I'm not sure it's working - Will JoePa ever retire? Anyhow, I hope she enjoys Mystery Classmate!”

Becky Gongaware Hannon warned me not to accept any more pictures from Donna, insisting, “She is evil!”

Pam Van Cara Collis guessed Paula Recchio. Milton Koutavas guessed Esther Pellegrini. Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli guessed Robin Carey.

Beth Chufo Nichols guessed Kira Kenyherz, and wrote:

“Kira was one of the first people who befriended me when I came to Churchill in 11th grade. One of my favorite memories is the hotel room we shared at the Edison Hotel in Times Square for our senior trip to NYC with Mr. Rubino and crew for St. John Fisher's CYO. It was CRAZY!

"Originally it was Kira, her cousin, me, Amy Phillips, and Cissy Kabbert. Then Tim Williams migrated over from next door because he couldn't deal with Dan Kun and his friend, "Maggot" - some guy from Central. And before we knew it Dan and Maggot were over with us, too. We left the place such a mess! But had a great time. Never slept. Still have the pictures. “

Mystery Classmate 077

Congratulations to Jerry Koutavas, who correctly identified John Lees ('82) as Mystery Classmate #76.

In case you were wondering, John been the Chief Meteorologist and Manager with Carnegie Science Center Weather service for 10 years. Before that, he was a Meteorologist in Arizona and New Mexico with the United States Customs Service, forecasting aviation weather for the Low Altitude surveillance systems (blimps with radars to detect illegal aliens) for four years.

John writes, “I graduated from Penn State in 1987 with a B.S. in, what else, Meteorology. I married Natalie (in the pic with me) in 1988 and we have two sons: Zak, 10 and Ben, almost 5. I run a small forecasting business on the side doing weather forecasting for ski resorts and other clients like the Pirates, Steelers, utility and construction companies and now live in the Pittsburgh area again.”

Keith Shipley guessed Eric Lehman. Milton Koutavas guessed Chris Petrauskas. Paul Rodgers guessed Tommy Cenna. Karen Campbell Ricci guessed Mike Cenna.

Mystery Classmate 076

Congratulations to Paula Recchio Joseph, Scott Silverman, Milton Koutavas, Jim Thompson, Pam Van Cara Collis, Ann Broadberry Johnson, Erin Burgard DiPerna, John Bender (my dad), Mary Bender Knight, Tina Schadle Dover, Leann Impavido Mendenhall, Ted Showers, Mike Williams, Megan Mahoney, Barbara Bender Pietro, Jeff Hoener, and Rebecca Canobbio Abel, all of whom correctly identified Brian “S.D.” Stevenson ('87) as Mystery Classmate #76 (back row, center) and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, S.D. has been living in Lancaster, PA for 11 years and has been married to his wife, Diane for eight. Their son Reed is two years old. S.D. is the scrub nurse on the open heart surgery team; group leader at a camp for ventilator-dependent children; a member of the Lancaster rugby club (he has been playing since college); coaches the local high school rugby team; and has completed five Olympic-distance triathlons.

Most recently, S.D. has been traveling to Ann Arbor, Michigan, every chance he gets to see his youngest brother, Steve Breaston, who stars at wide receiver for the Michigan Wolverines. He adds, “Wishing all classmates well!”

By the way, Brian received his nickname in ninth grade, after the pro wrestler Special Delivery “S.D.” Jones. A bunch of other kids had wrestling nicknames too, but only Matt “The Hawaiian Hammer” Husak comes to mind.

Many classmates had fond memories of S.D. Bob Smith wrote, “He's a great guy and can always make you laugh. Brian was the best man in my wedding and I was in his wedding too. I'm just surprised that the beer bottle in the picture isn't in his hand.”

Ted Showers wrote, “He is one of my favorite people ever. Through high school and our failed first attempt at college together, it was always good to know he was my friend.”

Jim Thompson wrote, “Marching band just wouldn't have been the same without S.D. -- and not just because we were lacking tuba players.” Erin Burgard DiPerna added, “I can remember how HIGH he used to throw the drum major's baton in the air. Most of the time he caught it...but if he didn't, the band stopped and the crowd looked on for S.D to try it again.”

Jeff Hoener remembered that S.D. was a friend of his sister Kim. Leann Impavido Mendenhall thanked S.D. for letting her cut in front of him in the cafeteria line.

Karen Campbell Ricci guessed Owen Faulkner, whom she remembered smiling all the time. She added that the guy in the front row center looks like Scott Satkoske.

Jerry Koutavas identified the men in the photo as follows:

Front row: Danny Buerger, Jim Thompson, Ted Showers

Back row: John Adkins, Harry Brown AKA The Human Beatbox, Mark Koutavas

Mystery Classmate 075

Congratulations to Coleman Brennan and Colleen O’Connor Casey, both of whom correctly identified John “Spiney” Williams ('84) as Mystery Classmate #75 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Spiney is a Los Angeles-based standup comedian who recently had a supporting role in the independent comedy film Speilburgh, which was produced by fellow classmate Eric “DiLo” DiLucente (’83).

The film is the story of Stephen Speilburgh, (played by Grant Bhyron), no relation to the big time director, who is a wannabe filmmaker and the head usher of a local cineplex that opens only at night, because the owner's too cheap to show matinees. Steve lets his politeness get the best of him as he puts up with a slave-driving boss and inept employees that mess things up more than help out. Little does he know that his boss is secretly involved in a mob-organized operation of smuggling drugs, hidden in candy boxes, into the theatre. Steve and his best friend/co-worker Matt (Spiney) get shoved directly in the center when things go terribly awry.

Donna Andreas guessed Coleman Brennan. Bill Stout guessed Dave Gleba, after Dave’s parents caught him peeing in the living room. Paul Rodgers guessed Alan Checca. Jerry Koutavas guessed Billy Hirschman.

Milton Koutavas guessed Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots.

Donna Andreas Copley shared a fond memory of Mystery Classmate #74, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli. She wrote, “I wonder if Maria remembers when we had a swim-off to see who got into the Highland relays for backstroke. I just barely won, but they put her in because she had more experience... then she got DQ'd in the meet. That was the beginning of my swimming career and that always stuck in my mind - she was already a vet and probably forgot. I was a completive little brat and thought it was soooo funny back then. Summer swim team - back when things used to be so much fun! What's really funny is that neither of my kids can swim worth a pooooh.”

Mystery Classmate 074

Congratulations to Carrie Schadle, Jack Horner, Coleman Brennan, Jamie Kracsun McBride, Tina Schadle Dover, Colleen O’Connor Casey, Beth Chufo Nichols, Amy Gongaware Senkow, Donna Andreas Copley, Karen Campbell Ricci, Jeff Hoener, Megan Mahoney, and Paula Recchio Joseph, all of whom correctly identified Maria Wojtaszek ('85) as Mystery Classmate #74 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli lives in Penn Hills with her boyfriend Terry and her daughters Nicole, 11, and Samantha, 10. After a career as a Paramedic, Maria began working as an emergency dispatcher in 1993. In 1997 she was hired by the then newly-formed 911 center that serves the 23 eastern communities of Allegheny County. Maria has been a supervisor there for three years. She spends most of her leisure time doing home remodeling projects, running the kids around, and skiing.

Many classmates had fond memories of Maria. Beth Chufo Nichols recognized Maria’s profile from looking down the bench at swim practice, while Jeff Hoener remembered Maria from the Forest Hills pool. Carrie Schadle wrote, “I have many memories of Maria, but I would have to say that my favorites all have to do with her parents going to card parties. Enough said.”

Amy Gongaware Senkow complimented Maria’s spelling.

Jeff Hoener also noted that Maria occasionally babysat his son Adam in the fall of 2000. Maria’s sister-in-law Debbie (Tim’s wife) watched Adam on most days but when Debbie had a conflict Maria filled in.

Jack Horner encountered Maria unexpectedly one day. He wrote, “Once when shady characters were outside our office building, I called the police -- and halfway through (the call) the voice said, "JACK, it's MARIA!?" We started catching up, and I almost forgot why I called.”

Several classmates complained that this week’s contest was too difficult because it showed Maria in semi-profile. To you, Karen Campbell Ricci writes, “I'm glad the picture is not straight on, because she is looks exactly like she did in high school and it would be a total giveaway. I see Maria occasionally at St. Maurice functions -- her daughter goes to CCD with my daughter. She is still as friendly as she was, back in the day.”

Milton Koutavas guessed Sue Kostic. Jerry Koutavas guessed Christina Noggle.