PCH 1959

Tribute - Dave Recupero

 THE LAST HURRAH

March 2022

 

It is with deepest regrets that due to health issues I will not be joining the Last Hurrah for the best class ever to graduate from PCH.  Know that my heart is with you.

 

In recognition of my position as Student Body President, Anne Nickel asked that I say a few words at the reunion. In light of my absence she asked me to do send her my written thoughts.

 

What many of do not know about me, I was the youngest of ten children born of Sicilian immigrants. My parents and siblings gave me incredible love and support to do the things that God gifted me to do.

 

It saddens me to watch the thousands of immigrants leaving their country because of the devastating war in  Ukraine.  Our hearts and prayers go out for them.

 

Like many of you I have been privileged to receive a Catholic education and blessed to have been taught by the Felician sisters.  Some of the nuns that molded my life include: Benilda, Anilla, Laudine, Doloria, Potentia, Amandette, Ermenilda.  And male influencers include; Monsignor English, Father James Murphy, Father William Smith, Mr. Mack, and of course our football coaches: Farley Day, Herb Adams, and Rod Long.

 

When we were temporarily relocated to Sacred Heart School in the fifth grade, some of you may remember that Sister Anilla actually played softball with us. No points off for grammatical errors….just fielding errors.

 

We were the tenth graduating class from PCH and the best class ever. It was a privilege to be involved with  student government and to work with talented student body and class officers: Dave Peters, Sally Hoyt, Barbara Glassen, David Cissell, David Van Theil, Ron Ciora, Mike Kelly, Jim McGray, Johnny Silvas.  And to make life-long friendships with people like Paul Hurst, Tom Sidenfaden, Jim Williams, Bob Ury,  Guy Belcore, John Heieck, George Jenkins, Marty Soth, Jules Cochoit, Joe Margala,  Bob Zievers, Bill Stringfield and of course Margaret Uglow, Susan Holzburger, Helen Lucero, Mia Pagluso and our “ever hopeful” classmate, Anne Tierney Nickel.  We all know that none of this would happen without her.   So Madame Chair, in recognition of your leadership I offer my recollections to you and the  entire class for our “last hurrah” for the Class of ’59,,,the best class ever to graduate from PCH.