A note to all Adelphia email clients...

Your ISP is blocking me! If you would like to continue to receive Mystery Classmate by email, please contact me with an alternate address. Thanks!

Mystery Classmates 125

Congratulations to Debbie Faskow Feller, Kelly O’Connor, Coleman Brennan, Lori Haas Baccari, Staci Blagovich Dunbar, Pam Van Cara Collis, Leslie Rush Cuda, Kirsten Bonvalot Schwoegl, Milton Koutavas, Colleen O’Connor Casey, Kelly Sauer Mazon, Lisa Smith, Laura Murton O’Hara, Caren Bloom, Damon Johncour, Celesta Van Sickel Bjornson, Karen Campbell Ricci, Kira Kenyherz Bartlett, Cheryl Mehalic, Linda Wolff, Jean Ward Dunnivan, and Michele Sherer Ancheta, all of whom correctly identified David Barclay and Chris Kennedy (’84) as Mystery Classmates #125 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In addition, Maria Wojtaszek Hughes, Karen Bonvalot Torres, Joanna Patterson, Nancy Ondick Hahn, Rich Reschoff, Erin Burgard DiPerna, Lynn Abt LeBlanc, Tracey Lucchino McDonough, and Pam Pristas Dwyer identified only Dave. John Plack, and Amy Gongaware Senkow identified only Chris. They receive half credit.

In case you were wondering, Dave and Chris both reside in the Pittsburgh area. Dave is employed at Shuman Juvenile Detention Center, and he and his wife Pam have a son Braden, age 5. Chris is running the family plumbing business and likes to ride his Harley. The photo was taken at May’s Class of ’84 reunion picnic.

Many classmates shared fond memories of Dave and Chris.

Coleman Brennan, John Plack, Milton Koutavas, and Caren Bloom remembered that Chris’ nickname was Kringle, Crinkle, Krinkles, or Crink. Maria Wojtaszek Hughes noted that Dave lives near her and she has seen him several times recently. Lori Haas Baccari opined that “age is their best friend. They look good.”

Caren Bloom recalled that Chris’ older brother Keith used to date her older sister Riki (’83). Damon Johncour remembered that Dave and Chris were good guys and great teammates. Lynn Abt LeBlanc went to Indiana University of Pennsylvania with Dave.

Ted Showers didn’t guess, but admired Chris’ mustache and noted that I took the time to erase Dave’s nametag in the picture. Kira Kenyherz Bartlett wrote, “I’ve known Dave since elementary school! He’s still as upbeat and happy friendly as I always remembered. He always had that mischievous twinkle in his eye!”

Michele Sherer Ancheta got to spend some time with Dave, his wife and son at the reunion picnic, but Chris was roaring off on his Harley when she arrived. She added, “He still looks the same - just an older version of his high school self! (Aren't we all?!?)” Lisa Smith enjoyed seeing the guys at the picnic and noted that “Dave's son, in some ways, is a ‘chip off the old block!’ In all seriousness, Dave and his wife have done a great job!!!”

Cheryl Mehalic told a funny story. “David cheated off of me in English since 5th grade!! See his name begins with B (in one row) and mine with M (in the next row) so we sat next to each other in English class, almost every year. In fact, one year he even had his class changed so he could be in the same class as I was so he could copy off of me!! The bad part is one year he actually got a better grade than I did (do to his capabilities at kissing butt). Oh well we laughed a lot!!”

The Burgard family is related to everyone. Erin Burgard DiPerna wrote, “I believe that the guy on the left is my cousin David "Cuddy" Barclay--the sunglasses are throwing me a bit. If that is David, I can't even begin to describe the ways he would terrorize my sisters, cousins and I when we were little. Cuddy can still belt out those Christmas carols at our family gathering on Christmas Eve night. I have fond memories of when David was a security guard at Monroeville Mall...decked out in his police gear. I think that David and Damon Johncour hold the ‘longest reception’ record at Churchill -- 99 yards? The Barclay family is still on Barclay Avenue and they are still hilarious.”

Milton Koutavas wrote, “David Barclay looks the same as if he were back in high school. Dave was friends with my older brothers Jerry and Denny and a good all-around athlete. I remember Dave and his older brother Danny coming by to shoot hoops when we lived on Barclay Avenue. I also remember when Chris played catcher on my brothers’ little league team. He led the team in hitting and being ejected the most. Good memories!!!!”

Donna Andreas Copley took the photo. She wrote, “I enjoyed catching up with Dave at the reunion... it was fun to remember back to seventh grade and the ole obstacle course challenge. It was amazing what a big deal that was in the school with bets and all..... One of those fun memories from the only year I got to go to Forest Hills Junior High! It sounds like Dave is doing well and getting some coaching in too! All I remember about Chris was that all the girls loved him in junior high...”

Nancy Ondick Hahn wins the prize. She wrote, “I have to say that I'd recognize that smile any day! Dave was one of my first crushes at Shaffer Elementary! I know that smile because I certainly stared at him enough through those years! I always hoped he'd pick me to be on his kickball team and as much as I hoped he'd throw the ball at me while playing desk ball, I also prayed that the force of the throw wouldn't knock me down to the floor! I actually got to roller skate with him once at the Forest Hills Roller Rink... a dream come true at the time! However, as we skated around, he was only digging for info about the girl he really wanted to skate with - Chrissy Perello! Such is life! I sure hope Dave enjoyed reading this baring of my soul!”

Amy Petrina Tarantini guessed that Chris was Keith Evers. Pam Pristas Dwyer guessed that Chris was Mike Damico. Erin Burgard DiPerna guessed that Chris was Geraldo Rivera.

Mystery Classmate 124

Congratulations to Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, Kelly Sauer Mazon, John Lees, Kira Kenyherz Bartlett, and Colleen O’Connor Casey, all of whom correctly identified John Kun (’82) as Mystery Classmate #124 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Dr. John Kokai-Kun is Director of Microbiology at Biosynexus, Inc., in Gaithersburg, MD. Biosynexus is a biopharmaceutical company that is commercializing a portfolio of products for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. The company has focused its initial efforts on developing products for the prevention and treatment of hospital acquired – nosocomial – staphylococcal infections.

John Lees shared fond memories of John. He wrote, “I wanna say this is John Kun ('82), but it has been 20 years! I think it's the smile and the eyes. If it is him, I need to talk to that guy!! He kind of disappeared from my life after college! I remember the many, many laughs in high school, starting a band, practicing in his house with his mom critiquing the musicianship. The parties, OH! The parties!! I need to chat with this boy!”

Mike Kuzy guessed Lloyd Richard, or maybe John Smozski’s uncle.

Mystery Classmate 123

Congratulations to Carrie Schadle, Beth “TGIF” Chufo Nichols, Milton Koutavas, Jack Horner, Marc Schanfarber, Tracey Lucchino McDonough, Maria Wojtaszek Hughes, Brian “S.D.” Stevenson, Tabitha Husted Riggio, Paul Rodgers, Bill Stout, Dave Holmes, Pam Matthews, Andy Moss, Robin Carey Seddon, and Rebecca Canobbio Abel, all of whom correctly identified Aarti Gurnani (’85) as Mystery Classmate #123 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Aarti Gurnani Krentz and her husband Jeff Krentz live in Rowayton, CT. They have a handsome little son named Bennett. Aarti works for Cisco Systems, Inc. as a Consulting Principal for their Internet Business Solutions Group in the Cable Practice Area and in July moderated a discussion at the Customer Care Committee Forum in Philadelphia on self care systems, including specific recommendations and best practices for improving service through customer friendly automation.

Several classmates shared fond memories of Aarti. Tabitha Husted Riggio remembered that she was a nice girl. Robin Carey Seddon called her a “color guard extraordinaire.” Dave Holmes and Pam Matthews spelled Aarti’s name correctly and added, “She was such a burnout.”

Bill Stout wrote, “In physics, Mr. Nagy made Aarti sit next to me. We laughed some, but I mostly just dragged her down. To this day the only vector that I understand is a straight line to the fridge for another cheap beer!”

Marc Schanfarber remembered Aarti from computer science class. Andy Moss corroborated this, noting, “She was a good friend through the Churchill years. Probably one of the brightest, sweetest people I knew. We had good times on Rifle team but I also remember working with her on computer programming (Fortran 77) with Marc Schanfarber.”

Amy Petrina Tarantini and Paula Recchio Joseph guessed Shernaaz Kapadia, who previously appeared as Mystery Classmate #41. It’s probably not a coincidence that when Shernaaz was pictured no fewer than five contestants guessed Aarti. It must be the “double A’S” in their first names that has gotten some classmates confused.

Wendy Silverman Calfe guessed Anthea Papazis. Keith Shipley guessed Ria Callas. Jim Davliakos guessed Risa Glick.

Mystery Classmate 122

Mystery Classmate #122 proved a little too difficult for anyone to identify, and for good reason. I thought it was John Smozski (’84) - but as I later learned, the gentleman pictured is actually John's dad!

Mark Blotzer tipped me to this, writing, “That bio of John Smozski on the Herrmann Printing and Litho web site is his father! I should know -- we were neighbors and grew up together. I believe John is working for Forest Hills Storage and Transfer on Ardmore Blvd. He has worked there since high school.”

In case you were wondering, John Sr. is a driver with Herrmann Printing and Litho in Pittsburgh. They seem to like him a lot! His aforementioned bio on the Herrmann web site reads, “John has been with our company for over 15 years. He knows all the routes and all the short cuts to get your projects delivered on time. He is a great part of our team, and will always manage to put a smile on your face. We're proud to have John!”

Beth “TGIF” Chufo Nichols wrote, “This is a VERY wild guess... Marc Schanfarber? It looks like an expression he would make. If it is, we used to sit in the back of French 2 class our senior year and totally get Kim Kost and Kris Kefalogiannis, then freshmen, in trouble. It was so bad one time, that Kim was sent to sit at the front of the class. I still remember her looking back at us, totally busted! Already corrupting minors!”

Some guessers were influenced by John’s cap. Milton Koutavas guessed Scott Glunt. Paul Rodgers guessed former Penguin center Orest Kindrachuk.

Donna Andreas Copley and Becky Gongaware Hannon felt that John’s photo made him look too experienced to be a 1980s graduate. Donna added, “I got carded at the beach a few weeks ago!”

Karen Campbell Ricci wrote, “Could it be Mr. Yeager, our Woodside School custodian? I can't quite remember his face but I'm guessing the age might be about right.” I remembered that Mr. Yeager used to draw pictures of trucks for us first-graders.

Stu Cohen wrote, “I think it's Emil, our old janitor from Atlantic Avenue Elementary. I have no idea.” Later, Jennifer Taylor Brandeis wrote, “An update on Emil, the janitor from Atlantic Avenue, would be nice. He was really great and his glass eye is one of my most vivid childhood memories. I took a metal door from the basement of the school when it was being demolished but haven't found a good use for it yet.”

Bill Stout wrote, “This week’s MC looks too old for my class. Could that possibly be a teacher? How about good ol' Les Neihl.”

Steve Landay guessed Dabney Coleman.

Mystery Classmate 121

Congratulations to John Lees, who correctly identified Neil Slifkin (’82) as Mystery Classmate #121.

In case you were wondering, Neil is a member of the New York law firm Harris Beach and leader of their Intellectual Property Practice Group. He regularly litigates all types of intellectual property actions including patent, trademark, copyright, and trade dress infringement actions.

Mr. Slifkin also serves as local counsel in numerous intellectual property actions pending in the United States District Courts for the Western and Northern Districts of New York. In addition to representing clients in litigation, Neil represents technology companies in negotiating and documenting intellectual property transactions, including product development projects and intellectual property purchases, sales and licensing.

Neil also prepares and prosecutes patent applications in a wide variety of technologies including medical devices, complex mechanical systems, optical technologies, sporting goods, electrical components, lighting components, and others. He has also prosecuted patent appeals before the Patent Board of Appeals and Interferences. Neil maintains an active trademark practice, prosecuting trademark applications and handling interparty proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, and maintains the international trademark portfolios of numerous clients engaged in global commerce.

John Lees adds, “Neil was a good friend in high school, college and for many years thereafter. I have since lost touch with him, his wife and children.”

John Plack and Donna Andreas Copley guessed Keith Magel. Coleman Brennan guessed Mike Mroz. Adam Neilly guessed Joe Calabria.

Scott Silverman guessed Chuck Zimmerman. Jim Davliakos guessed Kevin Finnerty.

Mystery Classmate 120

Congratulations to Coleman Brennan, Colleen O’Connor Casey, Milton Koutavas, Mary Brandenstein Curran, Greg Markantone, Christine Trinchero Haddad, Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, Stu Cohen, Amy Chufo Prezelski, Michele McClelland, Doug Kull, and Rich Reschoff, all of whom correctly identified Eric Kostic (’85) as Mystery Classmate #118 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Eric is about to begin his first season as head football coach at Saltsburg Middle/High School, where he is also the school principal. Eric previously served as head football coach for 10 years at McDonough High School in Charles County, Md., before moving to Greater Latrobe High School, where he filled the role of defensive coordinator from 1999 to 2001.

"At McDonough, we developed a pretty good program," he said. "It was an exciting time," including repeat conference titles and a trip to the state finals at the end of one season. He said a highlight of his time on the Latrobe staff was the team's trip to the WPIAL playoffs for the first time in nearly two decades.

Eric also taught in the Latrobe school system and worked as a school administrator in Maryland, before most recently serving as assistant principal at North Hills Junior-Senior High School.

After his Churchill career as a fullback and linebacker, Eric played defensive end at Mercyhurst College. "To me, playing sports is a release," Kostic said. "It's something that's fun to do, and it's something the players should enjoy."

He added, "There is an equation that works: hard work equals success. The kids here have an opportunity to do well, if they are willing to put the effort into it."

Kostic declined to reveal any strategies from his previous teams that he may adapt for the Trojans. He said, "The only goal I've ever had as a coach is for my team to be well-prepared and fundamentally sound. We need to block, tackle and avoid turnovers."

Several classmates had fond memories of Eric. Christine Trinchero Haddad and Stu Cohen felt that Eric still looks the same as he did in high school.

Amy Chufo Prezelski elaborated, “He has that same lopsided smile that just lights up his face (he looks way too serious without it)! He was always nice to me in spite of me being a lowly friend of his sister, Sue. He looks great!”

Milton Koutavas remembered the yearbook photo that earned Eric the nickname of "Walnuts".

Rich Reschoff announced, “Eric Kostic #54 your starting middle linebacker for your Churchill Chargers!!”

Lynn Abt LeBlanc guessed Barry Schwartz. Jim Davliakos guessed Bruce Babich. Mike Mroz guessed Tony Soprano.

Mystery Classmate 119

Congratulations to Lori Haas Baccari, Marc Schanfarber, Pam Van Cara Collis, Donna Andreas Copley, Dave Weidenhammer, Nancy Ondick Hahn, Ted Smith, Andy Moss, Lisa Smith, Doug Mackay, Jean Ward Dunnivan, Rhonda Gigliotti Fiore, Kelly Mazon Sauer, Greg Markantone, Karen Campbell Ricci, Ellen Broadberry Gallagher, Michele Sherer Ancheta, Cheryl Mehalic, Sharon Wasko Skoff, Kira Kenyherz Bartlett, Beth Chufo Nichols, Linda Wolff, Chad Calabria, Lynn Abt LeBlanc, and John Plack, who correctly identified Doug Battaglia (’84) as Mystery Classmate #119 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Doug lives in Columbus, Ohio, and works for Honda Motor Company. Rhonda Gigliotti Fiore, whose husband went to Pitt with Doug, reports that his family just grew on July 7 when his second daughter Angelina was born. Congratulations Doug!

Many classmates had nice things to say about Doug. Pam Van Cara Collis remembered that she grew up just down the street from Doug.

Ted Smith wrote, “Who can forget that Plymouth Barracuda? The unreliability of which surely made him look for work at Toyota.”

Andy Moss wrote, “I recall playing soccer with Doug, seems that he was usually sharing defensive duties with Craig Davis, catching all the charges that I let go through the midfield.”

Chad Calabria remembered that Doug was a nice guy and super funny.

Lynn Abt LeBlanc remembered that Doug always had a nice smile and a great sense of humor.

Donna Andreas Copley reported that her first kiss was with Doug’s brother Frank.

The picture was taken at the Class of ’84 reunion picnic and several classmates remembered seeing him there, where he was a big hit with the kiddies. Michele Sherer Ancheta reported, “The kids had a blast chasing him and getting him wet with water balloons. Also, my daughter, Ella found his cellphone in the grass and won the grand prize of $1. She couldn't stop talking about it!”

Linda Wolff added, “My daughter, age 10, said that he is really cool. A note to Doug.. You turned out to be a real nice guy.”

Lori Haas Baccari thought he looked cute with his baby bottle.

Doug Mackay noted that “it looks like he is still trying to figure out if beer or formula is better for his soccer game.”

Those who hadn’t attended the picnic thought that Doug looked exactly the same.

Andrew “Bearsy” Plack came close, guessing Frank Battaglia. Brian “S.D.” Stevenson, Paul Rodgers, and Stu Cohen guessed Gregg Bobick. Dave Weidenhamer also considered Greg Bobick before guessing correctly.

Karen Campbell Ricci considered Chris “Crinkle” Kennedy before guessing correctly. Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli took a wild guess and selected Tim Henry, although she didn’t think the hair was right. Ellen Lin guessed Stu Cohen. Dave Holmes guessed the actor Paul Rudd.

Mystery Classmate 118

Congratulations to Mark Koutavas, who correctly identified Omar Lateef (’82) as Mystery Classmate #118.

In case you were wondering, Omar is a Scion Certified Salesperson at Fred Anderson Toyota and Fred Anderson Scion in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Anderson Automotive Group is a world class retailer dedicated to excellence in automotive sales and service, whose mission is to improve the lives of our employees, customers, business partners, and communities by providing automotive service with the highest level of quality, convenience and customer satisfaction.

Rich Reschoff, Michelle Osterholm, and Stu Cohen guessed Melvin Coburn, Jr. Stu added that “he sat behind me my senior year and was one of the funniest human beings I ever met.”

Jerry Koutavas guessed Cleveland Furby, adding, “Cleveland showed me early on that I had no ability to rap and for that matter carry a beat and to stick to piano lessons.”

Donna Andreas Copley thought that Omar looks “like a black Vince Oddo.” Karen Campbell Ricci agreed.

Mystery Classmate 117

Congratulations to Marc Schanfarber, Dave Holmes, Pam Matthews, Tabitha Husted Riggio, and Jeff Buchanan, all of whom correctly identified Ed Pogozelski (’84) as Mystery Classmate #117 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, Ed is a physics professor at the State University of New York – Geneseo, where he is known as Dr. Pogo. After completing his Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon in 1988, Ed was employed at Westinghouse Electric Corp. for two years, where he worked on the design and manufacture of U.S. Navy nuclear refueling equipment. In 1990, he left Westinghouse for graduate school and earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from The Johns Hopkins University in 1996. Before coming full time to SUNY-Geneseo, Ed taught at several colleges in the Rochester area, including SUNY-Geneseo, RIT, and Houghton College. While not teaching, Ed has done consulting work with Delphi Automotive and HydroAcoustics, Inc., both in Henrietta, New York. You can find more information and another picture on his web page at http://www.geneseo.edu/%7Epogo/.

Several classmates shared fond and unique memories of Ed. Jeff Buchanan and Marc Schanfarber both pointed out that Ed finished out his high school time at Turtle Creek, after the Woodland Hills merger sent Eastmont and other Wilkins Township residents to the Crick.

Dave Holmes and Pam Matthews remembered that Ed was Pam’s prom date, and offered to share a picture of Ed with a rubber chicken on his head and his hand between two pillows, but only if Ed agrees.

Tabitha Husted Riggio also remembered Ed and the rubber chicken, and bowling. We need details, people!

Later, Tabitha elaborated, “The four of us went to the prom together, Dave (Holmes), Pam (Matthews), Ed, and me. After the prom we went bowling and up to my cottage in Ligonier (God rest its soul). We were so tired from staying up so long that absolutely everything was hysterically funny. (Just for the record, there were no sex, drugs, or alcohol involved.) I remember someone throwing a deck of cards in the air and thinking it was the funniest thing in the world. Pam had probably brought the rubber chicken and that too seemed very funny at the time - and somehow still does! Some of the best memories I have are from high school...wonderful friends and wonderful times...”

Amy Petrina guessed Matt Myers. Steve Falvo guessed Greg Germ. Dave Weidenhamer guessed either Kevin Germ, Charlie (David) Kotler, or Ben Williams.

Donna Andreas Copley and Karen Campbell Ricci agreed that Mystery Classmate #117 looked like Jeff Spaeder, but it couldn’t have been Jeff Spaeder, because Karen saw Jeff in church and he looked nothing like that today. Anyway, he went to Central Catholic. His younger brother Tim is a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins.

On a related note, Jennifer Taylor Brandeis considered guessing Tim Spaeder but decided not to. Jerry Koutavas guessed Mike Zanic, noting that he is of Greek descent.