Mystery Classmate 093

Congratulations to Beth Chufo Nichols, Leann Impavido Mendenhall, and Tabitha Husted Riggio, all of whom correctly identified John Hsu (’84) as Mystery Classmate #93 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, John is the Managing Partner, Technical Direction, Product Management for SurfMerchants, a Boston-based company which develops custom web systems for independent businesses. John’s bio on the SurfMerchants website reveals a few of his attributes, which include:

Super Powers: Product Strategy, PHP/MySQL database programming, Interface Design, and the ability to communicate telepathically with my pug dogs (all they ever say is "Daddy, you RULE!!").

Dark Secret: While attending medical school, I dissected a human cadaver and can attest to the fact that NOTHING in there looks anything like what you saw in your high school bio books.

A Few of My Favorite Things: Edward Scissorhands, Blade Runner, Prince, Lyle Lovett, Pedro Martinez, creme brulee, Slate.com, seeing corporate weasels go to the slammer and watching my baby daughter Neva play guitar (with her feet, mostly).Official

Motto: "Our life is our art" - John Lennon

Several classmates had fond memories of John. Tabitha Husted Riggio thought that John was an easy guess, noting that “I have albums of pictures of him. He is my first love, pen pal, and best friend.”

Beth Chufo Nichols remembered that John “was in all my Academic classes and he was really smart.”

Leann Impavido Mendenhall exclaimed, “That's also who was missing from Tabitha (Husted)'s party (as pictured in Mystery Classmate #92) - he attended last year with his wife and baby, Geneva!” Leann added, “Thank you IMMENSELY to Colleen O'Connor Casey for the guess of me being Georgette Reisch! I found some recent pictures of her and think she's just gorgeous! Bill Stout - you can certainly BORROW my kids if you ain't up to claiming them!”

Greg Markantone guessed Chad Scott. Pam Van Cara Collis guessed Kai Lin. Mark Koutavas guessed Wayne Wu, or Alan Seid.

Paul Rodgers guessed ring announcer Michael Buffer.

Mystery Classmates 092

Congratulations to Paula Recchio Joseph, Pam Van Cara Collis, Colleen O’Connor Casey, Beth Chufo Nichols, Jesse Milton, Staci Blagovich Dunbar, Megan Mahoney, Sharon Wasko Skoff, Tracey Schneider McDonough, Bill Stout, Donna Andreas Copley, Greg Markantone, Amy Baer Davie, Maria Wojtaszek Hughes, Kimberly Hall, Steph Siuda Dickens, Lisa Smith, Amy Gongaware Senkow, and Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, all of whom correctly identified one or more Mystery Classmates #92 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

The Mystery Classmates, clockwise from from back left:

Leann Impavido ('84), identified by Pam, Sharon, Donna, Amy B., Maria, Lisa, and Ellen;

Dave Holmes ('85), identified by Colleen, Jesse, Tracey, and Maria;

Cornell Owesny ('84), identified by Paula, Pam, Beth, and Staci;

Tabitha Husted ('85), identified by Paula, Pam, Colleen, Jesse, Megan, Tracey, Bill, Greg, Maria, Steph, Amy G., and Ellen;

Monica Keane ('83), identified by Kimberly, and;

Pam Matthews ('85), identified by Paula, Colleen, Jesse, Tracey, Maria, and Amy G.

In case you were wondering, Leann Impavido Mendenhall works in occupational therapy sometimes, but mostly in retail. She enjoys keeping VERY busy with her three kids' activities! Even though she resides in Ohio, her heart still belongs in Da ‘Burgh (and that's where her hubby's from, too)!

Dave and Pam married (each other) in 1992, as prophesized by Mr. Nelson. Both are encumbered by degrees in library science, one of them (Dave's) brand new. They are living outside of Akron, Ohio and enjoying the wonderful benefits of snow belt living.

Cornell graduated with an MA in Classics from Fordham University in 1992. He is currently residing in New York City, completing his dissertation for his PhD in Classics at Fordham University, and developing curriculum for Kaplan Test Prep. He also tutors Latin and Greek to the stars (well, the wife of one star--Charles Osgood of CBS Sunday Morning; it's every bit as glamorous as it sounds).

Tabitha Husted Riggio graduated from Duquesne University with a BS in chemistry and an MBA. She works part-time at Bayer Material Science in sales support. She resides in Murrysville with her husband and two daughters.

Monica Keane Sauk graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with an MSW. She is currently a stay-at-home mom. She resides in Murrysville with her husband, daughter, and two sons.

The photo was taken at the group's annual holiday gathering, which was also attended by classmate Heather Karsten.

Several classmates had nice things to say about our group.

Beth Chufo Nichols wrote, “I definitely recognize Cornell 'Corny' Owesny from CCD class at St. John Fisher and family camping trips at Pymatuning with the Sylvan Canoe Club with his family and the (Todd and Beth) Schryers.”

Donna “Spaz” Andreas Copley wrote, “I remember when Leann, Sharon Wasko,and myself all got the Women's Club award... just what is Leann up to these days!!!”

Maria Wojtaszek Hughes wrote, “Don't know how many remember this but David was my husband most of our high school years!”

Jesse Milton wrote that Dave, Pam and Tabitha haven’t changed a bit. Lisa Smith wrote that Leann hasn’t changed a bit. Steph Siuda Dickens couldn’t believe that some of the Classmates looked so young.

Colleen O’Connor Casey wrote, “Hello to Pam Matthews. Hope you are doing well.”

Pam Van Cara Collis guessed Pam Rodgers instead of Pam Matthews. Colleen O’Connor Casey guessed Georgette Reisch instead of Leann Impavido and another Pam instead of Monica Keane. Mark Koutavas guessed Christina Noggle, Tommy Alioto, David Crisanti, Cindy Kodman, Dana Mariani, and Tracey Swackhammer.

Bill Stout guessed Marie Aquino, but I don’t know for whom. He added that none of the children are his!

Mystery Classmate 091

Congratulations to Ted Showers, Bob Smith, Scott Silverman, Mike Williams, Dave Weidenhamer, Jim Thompson, Brian “S.D” Stevenson, Jim “Kwee” Kwiecinski, and Paul Rodgers, all of whom correctly identified Tom Mezyk ('87) as Mystery Classmate #91 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Tom and his wife Carol live in Houston, Texas with their kids Ashley and Mitchell. They are restoring a 1967 Firebird convertible, but as of June 2004 were not finished. Tom works in IT support and uses his Blackberry to access valuable resources.

Several classmates had fond memories of Tom.

Dave Weidenhamer called him a “fun-loving role model.”

Mike Williams attested, “Tom was the guy that always got you to do things you ordinarily wouldn't - like steal a case of Genny Cream Ale from the football team at (Ray) Yun's party, go roof surfing, or driving the family jalopy underage. For the record,Tom's parents now know that I wrecked the Volare, even though it was Craig Harris' fault! Although Craig got his when Tom walked to Showcase and waited inside Craig's car waiting (to scare) us after (we had seen the movie) Friday the 13th. Nice one Tom!”

Jim Kwiecinski added, “I remember Tom being one of the hardest working, big hearted people I have ever met. I remember the Volare going from parts to whole in no time. I saw him and his family a couple of years ago dawn the Sousside 'nat. I am glad to see he is doing well, but sad to see another great person from Pgh living elsewhere. Where is a Caligiuri when we need one to make this place enticing again?”

Amy Chufo Prezelski guessed Mike Bernstein. Amy Petrina Tarantini complained about the picture quality and guessed Tony Briggs. Donna Andreas Copley also complained about the picture quality, but did not guess.

Dave Holmes guessed himself, but didn’t remember posing for the picture. Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli guessed Mark Koutavas. Mark Koutavas guessed Suhail Baloch.

Tom Mezyk wrote, “It has to be one of the Koutavases but due to the grainy picture I just can not tell which one.”

Mystery Classmate 090

Congratulations to Laura Murton O’Hara, Beth Chufo Nichols, Mike Williams, Amy Chufo Prezelski, John Plack, Karen Bonvalot Torres, Becky Gongaware Hannon, Leann Impavido Mendenhall, Nancy Ondick Hahn, Leslie Rush Cuda, Sharon Wasko Skoff, Tracy Schneider Rogers, Lauren Hoener Nace, Amy Baer Davie, Kelly Sauer Mazon, Amy Gongaware Senkow, Linda Wolff, Bill Stout, Kimberly Hall, Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, Celesta Van Sickel Bjornson, Stephanie Siuda Dickens, and Karen Campbell Ricci, all of whom correctly identified Donna Andreas ('84) as Mystery Classmate #90 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Donna Andreas Copley is an engineer at Dupont in Richmond, Virginia. Karen Campbell Ricci reports that Donna and her husband Jerry just built a huge house and she begs Karen and friends to visit every time Donna communicates with any one of the ole gang. The Newport Road chums had a great time on their group vacation last August. Donna has two kids, Christopher and Kirsten, and they are very active with baseball, cheerleading, etc. Donna also helps coach a running team in the Richmond area. Karen adds, “She is just the same old goofy Donna...”

Several classmates had nice things to say about Donna. Laura Murton, Nancy Ondick Hahn, and Ellen Broadberry Gallagher thought that Donna looks exactly the same. Leslie Rush Cuda thought that Donna looks exactly the same, but with longer hair.

Becky Gongaware Hannon called Donna a spaz. Her sister Amy Gongaware Senkow added that Donna is “otherwise known as Spaz and Heavage. Truly one of my oldest, dearest, best friends. She can make a mean pepperoni bread. She always was good for making us food and then going out for a five mile run, leaving us alone at her house. Love ya Donna.”

Amy Chufo Prezelski remembered, “Donna was such a great mentor for me as a freshman swimmer. She always kept me up and positive.” Bill Stout remembered Donna from cross-country.

Sharon Wasko Skoff reported, “Donna and I go way back to 7th grade science, Ms. Leibert's class. The best thing is that we live near each other in Virginia.”

Milton Koutavas guessed Holly Kothmann. Mark Koutavas guessed Charla Tate.

Mystery Classmate 089

Congratulations to Amy Chufo Prezelski, Bob Silverman, Megan Mahoney, Michele McClelland, Mike Williams, Tom West, Colleen O’Connor Casey, Amy Petrina Tarantini, Rebecca Canobbio Abel, Barbara Bender Pietro, Dave Weidenhamer, Ken Van Cara, and Maribeth Mahoney Misitis, all of whom correctly identified Monte Moreschi ('87) as Mystery Classmate #89 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Monte is a Project Engineer for Koontz-Bryant, P.C., based in Richmond, VA and Greensboro, NC. Monte recently became a LEED ACCREDITED PROFESSIONAL. Developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is a national consensus-based, market-driven building rating system designed to accelerate the development and implementation of green building practices. In short, it is a leading-edge system for designing, constructing and certifying the world’s greenest and best buildings.

Several classmates had nice things to say about Monte.

Amy Chufo Prezelski wrote, “How I loved hanging with him and going to parties. He kept a smile on my face with his goofy antics along with Eric Nicholas and Nick Krusinski. I remember reuniting and going to Kennywood with him, Shannon Boyle and Kim Kost once we were all off to college. Definitely a very memorable occasion! Looks exactly the same - god bless him! My sister loved his dad as a teacher.”

Amy Petrina Tarantini wrote, “He is a great guy. We had lots of fun walking to school together.”

Tom West noted, “That kid doesn’t age!”

Barbara Bender Pietro had fond memories of waiting for the bus with Monte. Both Maribeth Mahoney Misitis and Megan Mahoney remembered that Monte used to frequent the Forest Hills pool. Dave Weidenhamer noted that Monte’s school spirit was absolutely indefatigable.

Dave Holmes is good at this. He wrote, “Is that Joe Spadaro? Mike Spadaro? A Spadaro? How tall is he?”

Donna Andreas Copley guessed Evan Zanic. Paul Rodgers guessed Scotty Rosenfeld. Mark Koutavas guessed Bill Flucker.

Mystery Classmate 088

Congratulations to Colleen O’Connor Casey, Paula Recchio Joseph, Karen Campbell Ricci, and Becky Gongaware Hannon, all of whom correctly identified Eric “Dilo” DiLucente ('83) as Mystery Classmate #88 (right), and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Eric lives in the Pittsburgh area and works in the film industry. He recently co-produced the independent film Speilburgh, which also featured John “Spiney” Williams (Mystery Classmate #75).

"Our movie is about a 30-year-old movie usher who never got to make his movie," said Dilo in an interview with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "He's got a bad job; his girlfriend wants to leave him; his co-workers are completely inept. Then a case of drugs ends up at his doorstep and he has to try and figure out what's going on. Before he knows it, his boss is dead, the mob wants their money and his girlfriend is kidnapped."

Eric’s other film credits include work on Dogma, Night of the Living Dead, Passed Away, and many television productions.

Several classmates had nice things to say about Eric.

Karen Campbell Ricci thought Eric looked like Quentin Tarantino and is glad he is doing well. Becky Gongaware Hannon liked his glasses.

Colleen O’Connor Casey noted, “Funny, I just ran into him at our hairdresser’s last night. I have not seen him for years. The tattoo also gives him away. Fun guy. love ya Dilo.”

Mary Bender Knight guessed Mike Steranko, or Bono. Dave Weidenhamer also guessed Bono. Tom Mezyk guessed Paul Rodgers, or Disco Stu.

Paul Rodgers guessed Tommy West. Mark Koutavas guessed Bill Blake, Bob Burt, or Brian Behler.

Mystery Classmate 087

Congratulations to Laura Fleming Schulte, Colleen O’Connor Casey, Jamie Kracsun McBride, Pam Van Cara Collis, Paula Recchio Joseph, Rich Reschoff, Monica Keane Sauk, Kim Hall, Tabitha Husted Riggio, Kelly Sauer Mazon, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, Keith Shipley, Tracey Lucchino McDonough, and Jack McDonough, all of whom correctly identified Brigitte Lorin ('85) as Mystery Classmate #87 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Brigitte is Director, International Strategy for the Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative. She runs the Global Network Development Program, the mission of which is to facilitate the advancement of all tissue engineering and regenerative medicine therapies through the creation and utilization of an active network of international institutes, agencies, and companies in Asia, Europe and the U.S. She completed the 1999 Bayer In-Line Skate 15K in 52 minutes and 52 seconds.

Several classmates had fond memories of Brigitte.

Paula Recchio Joseph wrote, “We had so much fun in band and on the rifle team! She
was a hoot!”

Laura Fleming Schulte wrote, “I remember one day in Ms. Fisher's French Class we were all discussing what we wanted to be later in life. Brigitte told us her life goal was to be incredibly famous. I remember thinking, ‘Wow, I never considered aiming for that.’ I keep looking for her name in lights and wonder from time to time about what she is doing now. Brigitte was always full of fun!”

Rich Reschoff drank six Red Bulls and wrote, “it has to be brigitte lorin! she looks better everytime i see her, which has been quite a while! wasn't she a head cheerleader & does she still play the french horn? or shoot a rifle? looking good bra-geeete! have a happy christmas davey!”

Celesta Van Sickel Bjornson guessed Tracey Filler. Mark Koutavas guessed Lynne Jonnet.

Ann Broadberry Johnson guessed Bridget Killen. Ann wrote, “I'd have recognized her even if she wasn't one of my sister Ellen's good friends -- she hasn't changed a bit! One of the sweetest people you'll ever meet.”

Mystery Classmate 086

Congratulations to Coleman Brennan, Joe Caprara, Greg Markantone, Karen Bonvalot-Torres, Leslie Rush Cuda, Michele Sherer Ancheta, and Leann Impavido Mendenhall, all of whom correctly identified Staci Blagovich ('84) as Mystery Classmate #86.

In case you were wondering, Staci writes, “For the last five years I have been living in New York City, and now happily in Brooklyn with my fiancé, Morgan. How I spend most of my time is planning my June wedding... but I am finding that doesn’t pay very well! So, I make my livelihood as a Producer/Director and just recently decided to launch my own production company, Eden Creative.” Staci’s credits include work on the films Silence of the Lambs, Houseguest, Boys on the Side, and, most recently, the television series “Dubai Duty Free Presents: Real Life on the WTA Tour.”

Several classmates had nice things to say about Staci. Karen Bonvalot-Torres wrote, “She looks exactly the same as she did in high school (lucky her).”

Leslie Rush Cuda made me laugh. She wrote, “Although I'm probably wrong, she kind of looks like Staci Blagocich (the letter on my keypad between the c and the b doesn't work, so I had to use a "c" where the proper letter should be in Stacy's last name --- pretty sad, I know. I spilled water on my keyboard the other night)." Thanks Leslie!

Colleen O’Connor Casey guessed Maria Grieco. Milton Koutavas guessed one of the Burgard sisters. Gary Lehman guessed Zoe Kun. Mark Koutavas guessed Gena Pickle, or Maura Gerken.

Mystery Classmate 085

Congratulations to Mark Koutavas, who correctly identified Keith Shipley ('85) as Mystery Classmate #85.

In case you were wondering, Keith writes, “After graduation in ’85 I moved to Las Vegas to begin a career in road construction. I’ve learned it from the ground up and now I’m an estimator for Sunland Asphalt and Sealcoating Inc. For what we do, we are the seventh biggest company in the United States, branching out into five states.

"I’m married for the second time and have two daughters, 17 and 11. Ashley (17) lives in Pittsburgh with my ex, and Kayla (11) lives with me. If I could find a job like this one in Pittsburgh I’d move in a heartbeat. I’ve been to a lot of cities and Pittsburgh is still the best! (Editor’s Note: Take that, Sasha Polozoff!)

"Other than that, I live a quiet life. I shoot pool two nights a week and the rest of the time is spent at home with my family."

Milton Koutavas guessed Marty Miller. Donna Andreas Copley guessed Ed Knapp, although Keith reminded her of Vince Oddo, but she knew it wasn’t Vince.

Scott Silverman guessed Dave “Wedge” Grejda. Dave Weidenhamer guessed Ed Litman, because of the mustache.

Mike Williams guessed Mr. Gailey.

Mystery Classmate 084

Congratulations to Amy Prezelski Chufo, Ron Levick, Gary Cervi, Stu Cohen, Megan Mahoney, Margaret Fleming Rintamaa, Amy Baer Davie, Michael Bernstein, Celesta Van Sickel Bjornson, Rich Reschoff, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, Maribeth Mahoney Misitis, Joel Borellis, and Laura Murton, all of whom correctly identified Alec Neilly ('86) as Mystery Classmate #84 (left) and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Alec was recently married, and is pictured with his new wife Christi on their honeymoon in South Africa. Thanks to Adam Neilly for sending the pic.

Several classmates had fond memories of Alec.

Celesta Van Sickel used to babysit Alec’s next door neighbor and best friend, Randy Russell. She reports, “Alec would always come over while I was there. “

Laura Murton remembered both Alec and Adam from many summer days at Edgewood Country Club. Amy Baer Davie recognized Alec’s smile.

Megan Mahoney wrote, “Alec is one of the very many people who went to the prom with my younger sister Maribeth. I was gracious enough to stand in front of the pine tree in our backyard with them for pictures and not feel crappy because my younger sister was going to my senior prom. Love you Maribeth!

”I also make a little game for myself of watching for tractor trailers with his family's canvas covers on them our on the interstate. Always fun to see how far from Pittsburgh they travel.”

Maribeth corroborated the story, writing, “We dated his senior year and went to the prom together. Two things I remember about him; his smile and those blue eyes! He was such a nice guy. Seems like every time I am on the highway, I see "Neilly Canvas Co." on the top of an 18 wheeler!”

Rich Reschoff wrote, “I miss playing deck hockey with him! What a winger he was! He could put the puck in the net!!”

Gary Cervi and Joel Borellis remembered that Alec’s nickname is “AL-PAL.”

Scott Silverman later wrote, “I can't believe I didn't recognize Alec Neilly! I have no excuse for not correctly guessing any '86 grads. Moreover, I was on the not-so-championship Churchill Golf Team with him two or three years. We have plenty of memories of our wacky coach (and also music teacher), Eugene Pupilli."

Jerry Koutavas identified those pictured as John Pristas, Heidi Stout, Ray Palmerine, and Sandy Wolff.

Leann Impavido Mendenhall wrote, “I don't know WHO they are but I am very jealous grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!”