The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 101
Back in Business!
Dear Wheatley Wildcats and Other Interested Persons,
Welcome to The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 101!
Well, I didn’t make it to August without sending out a newsletter, but I did make it roughly three weeks. There was simply too much material, some of it time sensitive, such as Mitch Shapiro’s Helping America Hear’s Casino Night (March 21, which when you read this will probably be “tonight,” see below), to continue the drought any further.
According to Substack, in the first 24 hours after publication Newsletter # 100 was viewed 2,994 times, was “liked” 17 times, and received eight comments. Four thousand, six hundred and forty seven email addresses receive the Newsletter. In February, the website received twenty thousand hits.
All underlined text is a link-to-a-link. Clicking anywhere on underlined text, and then left-clicking on the link that pops up, will get you to your on-line destination.
The Usual Words of Wisdom
Thanks to our fabulous Webmaster, Keith Aufhauser (Class of 1963), you can regale yourself with the first 100 Newsletters (and other Wheatley data and arcana) at
Wheatley School Alumni Association Website
Also, thanks to Keith is our search engine, prominently displayed on our home page: type in a word or phrase and, mirabile dictu, you’ll find every place it exists in all previous Newsletters and other on-site material. I use it all the time; it works!
I edit all submissions, even material in quotes, for clarity and concision, without any indication thereof. I do not vouch for the accuracy of what people tell me.
We welcome any and all text and photos relevant to The Wheatley School, 11 Bacon Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568, and the people who administered, taught and/or studied there. Art Engoron, Class of 1967
Wildcat Concert
On Friday, April 14, at 8 PM, Takemi Ueno (1983) will play with the New Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Space (Broadway & West 95th St.). The program consists of the premiere of "Fractured Nation" by Arturo O'Farrill (a 7-time Grammy Award winner specializing in Afro-Latin jazz), "Scheherazade" by Rimsky-Korsakov, and selections from "Swan Lake" by Tchaikovsky. Tickets are $23 for students and seniors. Regular tickets are usually $30, but you can get them for $25 at the orchestra's website (Advance Ticket Sales – New Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra (nasorch.org)) until 3 PM the day of the concert.
Special Section - Wheatley Football
Writes Tom Fitpatrick - “Good morning, Art, I retired from the East Williston Union Free School District in 2018 after a 29-year career as a physical education teacher at Willets Road and Wheatley and served as the Director of Physical Education, Health, Athletics and Medical Services for my final 11 years.
A former colleague of mine, Steve Carroll, from Baldwin, is writing a book on Nassau County Football. He wants to be all-inclusive and reached out to me, as his research shows Wheatley had some successful football teams in 1958 and in the 1970's. I went back to Wheatley to research and gather photos of these teams. Unfortunately, the yearbooks of the times did not list records for the 1970's team and photos of a photo do not transfer well for Steve's project. I spoke to the Yearbook staff and was told that no archives of the past exist, so I contacted Jay Davis, son of Jack ‘Cat” Davis, the coach of the 1970's football teams. A flood in the basement destroyed all memories of Cat’s career.
I would love to hear from alumni who played on Wheatley’s past successful football teams and from the players’ family members as well. If they have information or photos of these teams or individuals playing in games I would like to borrow the photos and share the information with Steve for his book. I will make sure that all photos would be returned in the condition I receive them.
Thank you for your time and assistance in this matter.
Tom Fitzpatrick, Retired Director of Physical Education, Health, Athletics and Medical Services. TOMFITZ21@OPTIMUM.NET
Foreground L-R - Coach Bill Lawson, Robert Holley (1958), Coach Jack Davis
Writes Bob Holley (1958) - I was in Wheatley's first graduating class and had the distinct honor of serving as the Wheatley Wildcats Team Manager during my junior and senior years, 1956-1958, including our undefeated varsity season, Fall of 1957 (I have a wood chip souvenir from the goal-post of our last victory).
I was the equipment manager, kept the game roster & scoring records, and did press liaison and various other chores as go-fer for Coaches Jack Davis and Bill Lawson. Martin Tierney assisted with the Varsity Team and coached the Junior Varsity Team.
The photo shows Wheatley’s Football Team playing at the I.U. Willets Road School, which had the the only decent football field we could play on for “home” games-- certainly for Junior Varsity in the Fall of 1956. Someone will probably wonder who took the photo, and that person was my Dad, who took a great interest in the Wildcats and attended many home games. He was an outstanding athlete in his younger days, and I believe he was the captain of his high school football team. I am fairly certain that he even took a short 8 mm video of one of our games that I have someplace. And here I am in full regalia, getting prepared to go to the Wheatley Class of 1960’s second reunion.
In 1957 Wheatley descended on an unsuspecting Long Island Football World! Notice the expensive, colored game program, but Seaford didn't even have our team's name written correctly! I’ll bet they remembered it after 11-16-1957. We scored once in the second quarter and Seaford couldn't match it -- 7-0 Wheatley — a perfect, undefeated varsity season -- first time out!
Writes Matt Sanzone (1959) - Here was our Offensive Line
Center - Charlie Schmidt 210 lbs.
Right Guard - Don Kleban - 215 lbs.
Right Tackle - Mike Stapleton - 220 lbs.
Right End - Matt Sanzone - 210 lbs.
Left Guard - Bob Oldoni - 180 lbs.
Left Tackle - Bob Schnipper - 215 lbs.
Left End - Alan Deutscher - 180 lbs.
Give or take 5/10 pounds
The inaugural first season was 1957. The team played six games against newly created schools. The home field was at Willets Road. The record was 5-1. We lost to what was then Sea Cliff High School.
Writes Ken Martin (1960) - “Thomas Fitzpatrick - thank you for stepping up to aid your colleague in writing about Nassau County scholastic football. Best wishes to both of you.
I offer but two comments:
1. The Wheatley football team of 1958 might have been the best in Nassau County in that year. It was gifted with a slew of outstanding athletes-not one dominant individual, but many. The weight of the line from end to end was close to 240 pounds. And again this was in 1958 and not 2022. Ah, that there could have been county and state playoffs to prove my point.
2. Coach Jack “Cat” Davis was a successful and remarkable individual. Forget about his record- it pales in comparison when considering his remarkable ability to motivate and direct young people to become better individuals and citizens. He did that in spades. And even now as the remaining members of that squad have reached their 80’s his presence and gifts still sparkle in our souls. He cast a long shadow.
Writes Paul Hennessy (1960) - Martino (Ken Martin) - The 1958 undefeated Wheatley team, many of whose top players (seniors) had transferred from Mineola High School, were in the first class to graduate from the new Wheatley School. They—and others supporting them from the Wheatley classes of ‘59 & ‘60 —were an outstanding team that could have been competitive with any L.I. team. One fact check—the line was large, but probably averaged closer to 220 lbs. than 240 lbs.
Coach Jack “Cat” Davis, previously at St. Dominic’s High School in Oyster Bay, was an outstanding leader of young men; he is in Wheatley’s Athletic Hall of Fame.
Writes John (“Monk”) Moncure (1960) - Those guys all seemed to have lockers in my row!! I felt like a Lilliputian. I remember when Mike Stapleton and Matt Sanzone would go at it in the wrestling room—we stayed far away from the edges— As I recall, Matt had the technique, but Mike simply flailed—it really was a show.
And now I’m reminded of the post practice high jinx—since we frequently missed the late bus we relied on parents to pick us up—it was common for the seniors to say, “Monk, that red car is my mom—why don’t you hop in while I go pick up my bag?” Of course I would run to the red car and hop in—to the person’s great surprise because she had no clue who her alleged son was—The tradition was carried on through our senior year—lots of fond memories—
Another cruel prank which we used a lot—but it required a co-conspirator—who would say to the young victim “”Go tell Monk his Mom is outside” and when he did I would feign a crestfallen demeanor—and the victim would ask the conspirator “Why is Monk so upset?”—and someone would say “You jerk, his mom died last week!” It would work 3 or 4 times a year—but we had to wait for different seasons—
Wheatley sports were the source of so many fond memories—I won’t bother you all with any more—Best—Monk
Writes Jeffrey Carduner (1963) - “The 1962 Football team won 4 and lost 4 in Division 4.”
Writes Anthony (“Tony”) Napoli (1965) - “My name is Anthony Napoli. Back in the day I was called ‘Tony.’ I played football at Wheatley from 8th grade all the way to 12th. In my sophomore year, 1963, I was the backup quarterback to Bob Nemeroff. I then moved into the starting role for my junior and senior years, 1964 and 1965.
They say we sometimes remember things better than they were. Not in this case. Our varsity football teams during those years were not that great. I'm not 100% sure, but to the best of my memory we never notched over a .500 record. Looking back, I think other teams scheduled us for their homecoming game, feeling pretty confident they would get a win.
Even though we were an under-sized group, we still had some very talented players. One of our halfbacks, Tom Ivey, was incredibly fast. Willie Lamparter, a wide receiver, was also very talented. Our fullback, Malcolm “Rusty” McNeil, was a bruising runner. As for myself, most of the time I gave them the ball. Occasionally, Coach Davis would call for a pass. Since I was also the starting pitcher on Coach Davis's baseball team for four years, I enjoyed throwing the ball. However, in those days, it was a mostly a running game. If we threw more than 6 passes a game, it was a lot.
I remember one game where I called a pass. After the successful completion, we huddled up and I called another pass. One of the players spoke up and said," but we just threw a pass". That's how little we aired the ball.
Our coaching brain trust consisted of Coach Jack “Cat” Davis and Coach William Lawson. Both men double dipped, so to speak. Coach Davis coached football in the fall and baseball in the Spring. Coach Lawson coached track in the spring as well as football. They were both good men.
Although our football teams didn't break any records, there were two games we played that someone could make a movie about. The first was against Carle Place.
Carle Place, was a community located between Old Westbury, Wheatley's location, and Westbury. They always had a great football team. We beat them in baseball and wrestling, but they dominated us in football. Leading up to that game in 1963, Coach Davis had a new game plan. He installed a single wing offense just for that game. The single wing formation was created by Pop Warner, who coached the great Jim Thorpe. It was designed to get him the ball as many times as possible. Here's the Wikipedia definition:
‘Among coaches, single-wing football denotes a formation using a long snap from center as well as a deceptive scheme that evolved from Glenn "Pop" Warner's offensive style. Traditionally, the single-wing was an offensive formation that featured a core of four backs including a tailback, a fullback, a quarterback (blocking back), and a wingback. Linemen were set ‘unbalanced,’ with two on one side of the center and four on the other. This was done by moving the off-side guard or tackle to the strong side. The single-wing was one of the first formations attempting to trick the defense instead of over-powering it.[5]
I highlighted that last line about tricking, versus overpowering, the other team. Coach Davis knew we couldn't muscle the much larger team. So, he come up with the single wing. Well, we went into that game as huge underdogs. If sports books were around at that time, they wouldn't have taken a bet on that game. Carle Place had won 26 games in a row. We were doomed. After the game I found out from players on Carle Place that they hardly practiced the entire week leading up to our game, feeling that there was no need. In their minds, the outcome was predetermined.
As the game progressed, Bob Nemiroff and I alternated at quarterback. Using the single wing we handed off most of the time to backs that were crisscrossing in the backfield, completely baffling the Carle Place defense. I was fortunate enough to complete a touchdown pass, I forgot to whom, but that helped us beat them. I'm remembering the score was something like 21-13, but I’m not sure. Either way, it was the biggest upset in high school football....................until the following week.
The next week Carle Place was to play an out of league opponent, Mineola High School. I had transferred from the Mineola school district in 6thgrade, going over to the elementary school in East Williston. So, I knew a good amount of the Mineola players.
Ironically, Mineola has the longest ever winning streak in the county, at 42 or 46 games, I'm not sure. I found out that when Mineola read that Carle Place had lost to Wheatley, they did the same thing that Carle Place did, They hardly practiced. And, as you have already guessed, Carle Place beat them. So our little football team was, technically, responsible for breaking two of the longest win streaks in Nassau County high school football.
The other monumental win that our football program achieved was in the first game of our senior year, 1965. We opened the season against our natural arch rival, the Roslyn Highlanders. Roslyn High had a much larger enrollment. Once again, we were huge underdogs.
Well, the Friday night BEFORE the game, Roslyn was throwing a victory party. Some of our key players decided to show up to the party and act totally drunk. If Roslyn wasn't over confident before that happened, they certainly were after.
I had played in numerous athletic events leading up to that game. I wrestled for three years, played football from 8th grade to my senior year, was the starting pitcher on the baseball team for over 30 games. Yet, I was never more scared in my life then I was before the Roslyn game. The Roslyn players were huge. They were dressed in white uniforms, making them look even bigger. We used to do our pregame rest in the gymnasium. There were large windows looking out at the school grounds. I remember watching the Roslyn team walk by the windows on their way to the field. Honestly, I was thinking of an excuse not to play. I was frightened. Roslyn had a fullback; his first name was Ray. I don't remember his last name. He was at least 235 lbs., quite large for a high school player in that day. The word was he would pummel defensive players. We left the gym and went to the field. As I remember, it was the biggest crowd ever to see a Wheatley football game. Many of the fans had come over from the Roslyn area. I remember that the crowd actually created a ring around the entire field, since the bleachers were filled. It was unreal.
Coach Davis and Coach Lawson came up with an amazing game plan. On offense we passed more. I think I threw maybe 15 passes, an unheard-of number in that day. Coach Lawson inspired our defensive line to attack that Goliath of a fullback. The Wheatley defense hit the guy so often and hard that he came out of the game in the third quarter. He was beaten and bruised. We went on to win 19-6.
It's been fun thinking about these past events for the first time in 58 years. Tony Napoli, Number 11, 619-750-3558, realestate@anthonynapoli.com”
Writes Ken Yagoda 1965 - “Roger Sullivan, Class of 1961, was inducted into the Wheatley School Sports Hall of Fame in 1985. He was a three-sport marvel: an elusive quarterback; a magical basketball player; and a track star. Above all, he was a passionate & great role model for all of us who played any sport at Wheatley back in the day. He was Wheatley’s first rock star!🌟
I wish that we had film or video of all he accomplished and what he meant to a relatively new school that he carried on his shoulders. He later excelled as a cheerleader at the University of Michigan. That’s team spirit!!!!”
Writes Mitchel Laskey (1968) - “When we played we had the longest losing streak in Nassau County history, but eventually we beat Eastern Military Academy..…that was a great victory for Wheatley and the breaking of the losing streak. Mitchel Laskey
# 33 - 1966-68 Wheatley Football.”
Top - Richard Perlin
Middle L-R - Mike Lonegan, Mitch Laskey
Bottom L-R - Mike Wohl, ???, Richard Frankfort
Writes Dan Wolf (1971) - If memory serves me correctly (and it may not), the football team was disbanded in the early 1970s, as there was no one over 180 pounds on the team and there was concern over the safety of the players. I believe before that the coach was Pat Oleksiak, whose picture as a baby was on the Ivory Snow detergent box, and it is safe to say that the team was less than stellar.”
Writes Ted Lipsky (1976) - “Paul Giarmo (1976) is the living encyclopedia of Wheatley football and of Wheatley sports in general.
I played on the Junior Varsity team in 8th and 9th grade (1971 and 1972) and moved onto the varsity team from 1973 to 1975. During the latter years they hired a coach named Ron Lucien, who was brought in to rebuild the program and improve it, and he took us to football camp in the summer of 1975 to bring the team together a la “Remember The Titans,” and I think that in the 1975 season we were 6-1 and actually had an impromptu game against Floral Park, which was an out-of-division team, to see how good we were. It was not pretty for us, as they were a top team. We did keep up with them for a while.” In the top photo that’s me with my helmut off and in a practice jersey. And # 25 is John Cullon (1976).
Above we have William Oakley (1976), # 12, quarterback, with the ball; to his left is John Cullon; to his left is me, Ted Lipsky, # 22; and to my left is Phi Gianelli (1976).
1976 - Paul Giarmo - Wheatley Football’s Institutional Memory
Writes Paul - “Back in 2006 and 2007 I helped organize the movement to return football to Wheatley, and I appeared in front of the School Board wearing my red Wildcat jersey, urging them to bring the sport back after almost two decades without it.
I have attended virtually every game we have played (as the Carle Place Wheatley Wildfrogs) since the 2007 season. My ‘mission in life’" has been to see the return of football to Wheatley as our own team.
I am proud of being a member of some of the more successful Wildcat teams of the 1970's, and I continue to promote the sport and keep alive the memories for the current student body.
Years ago I researched Wheatley football history, and I compiled the complete list of EVERY Varsity football game played by Wheatley from its inception in 1957 to 1989, and the final season in 1990 as a Junior Varsity team. Approximately 230 games. I can tell you the final score of each game, where the game was played, (either home or away), the final season record for each team, what conference/division we played in; as well as provide dozens of articles on the subject. Like I said, it's more than a hobby to me, it's a labor of love.
For 34 years Wheatley was like every other high school, with its own football team, and had some excellent squads, including the 1957 team, which compiled an undefeated final record of eight wins, zero losses, and shut out four of our opponents. This in its inaugural season! I can tell you how many points we scored and how many points were scored on us, for each season.
As a junior, I wrote an article on our successful 1974 junior varsity/Varsity season for the school newspaper. For the record, we went 6-1, shutting out three of our opponents and losing by only 14 points to an undefeated team from the city that goes by the name of Brooklyn Poly Prep. Because of the success of that team, Varsity football returned to Wheatley in 1975 (my senior year).
Paul (Spirit of '76) Giarmo
Special Section - Wheatley Baseball
Wheatley Alumni Softball Game Registration
Faculty
David Israel and Karen Bartscherer - English Department and Marital Bliss
L-R - David Israel, Karen Bartscherer and a Wheatley student picked at random, outside the Great Neck Diner, March 5, 2023
Graduates
1965 - Barbara Ashley - An Oft-Told Tale about Wheatley
Writes Barbara - “I had plans to travel to my 10th-year Wheatley reunion with classmate Bob Stern, who was driving out from Manhattan, and I was in a taxi on my way to meet him. As I was looking forward to the reunion and in a good mood, I started chatting with the driver - something I rarely did.
I mentioned that I was on my way to a class reunion, and he asked me where I went to school. As many of us probably do, I said that I went to a small school on Long Island, not expecting him to have heard of Wheatley.
He pursued and asked me where I lived. I told him, and he again asked where I went to high school, so I said ‘Wheatley.’ His reply was what I expected…..he simply said ‘uh huh’ and left it at that. I asked him where he went to school, and he replied ‘Wheatley.’
Partly based on his response to my mention of the school, I thought he was joking with me and promptly said “You did not.’ I asked him where he lived and he mentioned an address in East Williston. At this point, I started to think that perhaps he knew someone who went to Wheatley, but still doubted he had gone himself. I asked him what was of the name of the principal, to which he replied, ‘I know what you are trying to do. You are trying to Veritatem Quaerite!’ …. WELL, he got me good!! I was indeed in the car with another Wildcat!!!!!
I don’t recall his name, but perhaps he will read this story and get a giggle out of the fact that I have recounted this story many times over the past 40+ years!! I believe he would have graduated around ’72-’74.”
1965 - Bob Gregory - Wants More Woodstock -
Writes Bob - “Hi Art - I was totally immersed in Joel Blumenthal's submission-with-photos, "On the Road to Woodstock," including the subsequent reunion. I had planned to make the trek to the rock concert for the ages with my fiancee, but her parents, being devout Catholics, forbid her from going. I'd like to hear more about Woodstock experiences and see a few more photos from Wheatleyites.
1965 - Jonathan Silver - Fun while AWOL
Writes Jonathan - “Arthur, as my classmate Jeff Orling enjoys ‘having memories...awakened,’ I'd like to remind him of one of my favorites, with him: Willets Road School lunches, 6th grade, I believe, Jeff and I frequently rode our bikes off-campus, AWOL, to ‘Old Ben's (not Kenobi) coffee shop,’ across the LIRR tracks at Albertson for lunch, where we daily saw Mr. Hatch having his lunch. That was where and when I discovered MAD - What Me Worry - Magazine. I was never much of a rule-breaker, but we had fun, some 64 years ago. Thanks, Jeff..... Jonathan Silver, Willets Road, '59, Wheatley, '65”
1967 - Steve Bernstein, Scott Frishman, + Robert Hecht - Pals Getting Together
L-R - Steve, Scott, Robert
1967 - Benjamin Ross - Fighting for Balanced Transportation
Writes Ben - “I threw a party that made the gossip column:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/03/14/beltway-toll-lane-opponents/
Here's the news article about what triggered the party (with a quote from me):
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/03/09/i-270-beltway-project-stalled/
1967 - John Warde - Letter Man
Writes John - “While downsizing and moving to a smaller residence, I found these hidden in a closet:”
Clockwise from top left: North Side; Wheatley; Wheatley; Wheatley Varsity Club
1969 - Jay Hack - Money Man
Writes Jay - “I have been the prime mover and principal organizer of the New York State Bar Association panels on FDIC Insurance, attorney escrow accounts; and the collapse of the US banking system. I am organizing another panel discussion, and I am working on getting the former general counsel of the FDIC as a panelist.”
1970 - Lynn “Lyn” Goldsmith - First Comment
Writes Lyn - “I've never commented before, and my Wheatley memories are limited, but just in case an obit is in the works, I'm retired, living in Stowe, VT, and love skiing (finally getting great powder here), hiking with my dog, and the intricacies of small town life.
1970 - Mitch Shapiro - Helping America Hear
Writes Mitch - “The charitable organization I head, Help America Hear, is having a Casino Night, this Tuesday, March 21st, from 6:00 to 10:00 PM, at the Heritage Club in Bethpage. Admission is free, but you must register in advance. The next event after that is the 5K run at Indian Island County Park, Cross River Drive (Route 105), Riverhead on May 13, (631) 852-3232. Finally, there’s the John Thomas Golf Classic, which will be held on May 22, at the North Hills Country Club in Manhasset. You can sign up for the Casino Night and/or the Golf Classic at:
Also, recently, my friend Tim Healey interviewed me on his show, The Profit Express
Here is the audio version:
https://healysolutions.com/mitch-shapiro/
And here is the audio-visual version
Writes Art Engoron (1967) - As I’ve written before, Mitch is an amazing guy, and I’m proud to call him my friend. His organization, Help America Hear, does just that.
1971 - Tom Kuveikis - Good Guy Hero
Yesterday was the birthday of FDNY firefighter Thomas Kuveikis. He was born on March 19, 1953, and would have been 70 years old yesterday. We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice that he made on September 11, 2001.
Thomas Kuveikis turned down a future supermodel when he was in his 20s.
Carol Alt, who worked in a bakery adjacent to the ice cream shop where Kuveikis's younger brother, James, worked, had seen a strapping, blond, leather-jacketed, motorcycle-riding Kuveikis visit his brother and took an immediate interest, James Kuveikis said.
She asked Kuveikis' brother to set up a meeting between the two, but Kuveikis, who was 25 at the time, declined because he felt Alt, who was 18, was too young for him.
Always popular with women, Kuveikis was often the object of infatuation for his younger sister Kathleen Gelman's friends, she said. "A lot of my best friends were in love with him," Gelman said. "They always told me how handsome they thought he was."
A 24-year veteran of the New York Fire Department, and a member of Squad 252 in Bushwick for the past five years, Kuveikis, 48, is presumed dead in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. He and fellow firefighter Richard Sweeney spoke two days before about their "families and work," Sweeney said.
The two had met in 1978, just 11 months after Kuveikis joined the FDNY. "He had already made a name for himself when we met because of how tough he was," Sweeney said. "He was the kind of firefighter who would always go in deeper than he was expected to. He was a very aggressive fireman."
But there was a softer, more giving side to Kuveikis, Sweeney said. For the last four years, members of Squad 252 visited a priest at St.Barbara's Roman Catholic Church in Bushwick around Christmas and asked for the name of the poorest family in the parish.
They would contact the family, set up a Christmas tree in their home, and present them gifts. "That was Tom's idea," Sweeney said. "He was the type of guy that you could always count on."
Born in Brooklyn in 1953, Kuveikis' family moved to East Williston soon after. He graduated from the Wheatley School there in 1971 and worked toward a degree in architecture at both SUNY Farmingdale and the Pratt Institute. He joined the FDNY in August 1977.
Kuveikis' younger brother Tim, a member of Engine Co. 214 in Bedford-Stuyvesant, cited his brother as "a major influence" in his life. He noted his brother's almost legendary reputation in the fire department, and said, "if I could be half the fireman that he was, I'll have a really good career."
When Tim was discouraged by the extent of physicality in the Fire Academy, he went to his older brother to vent, he said. "When I was in probie school I hated every minute of it," Tim Kuveikis said. "Tom would always tell me to hang in there, and that things would only get easier. He told me to trust him, and I did. If it wasn't for him, I probably wouldn't be in the FDNY."
In his spare time, Kuveikis pursued carpentry, a skill he learned from his father, Peter, while growing up. He would work 48-hour shifts at the Bushwick firehouse, drive to East Hampton to remodel his sister's eyeglass shop, and then drive back to his Carmel, N.Y., home, Gelman said. And he would never expect praise.
Nicknamed "the poor businessman," by his father, Kuveikis was "known for undercharging people for carpentry jobs that he did," Gelman said.
Once a year, Kuveikis would donate a day of carpentry to the Putnam County Land Trust, his fiancee, Jennifer Auerhahn, said. "The one day he donated was usually stretched to two or three," she said. But he never complained about it. Magnanimity was never an issue with Kuveikis. He frequently donated money to animal rights and environmental charities, she said.
"I guess everybody's got a hero in some shape or form," Tim Kuveikis said. "For some, it's a sports figure or whatever. But I can honestly say that my big brother was my hero."
New York Newsday, 2001
1974 - Jonathan Gelberg - On the Move
Writes Jon - “Working as Executive Editor, Content Strategies at Inc, after a career that took me everywhere from law to sports writing to Oracle. I have had a chance to reconnect with many classmates through the wonders of Facebook.
After 15 years in Manhattan and 30 years in NJ, I am moving in early April to Philadelphia, where I will be in close proximity to my one and only grandchild. I will also be in very close proximity to Philadelphia's premier comedy club, so hoping to make a few appearances.
For those caring to reach out, I can provide greater detail through jdgelberg@gmail.com.
1975 - Donna Rosenberg Halloran - Deceased
The funeral was held on Sunday, March 19, 11:00 AM, Riverside Memorial Chapel, 180 West 76th Street, Manhattan, NY. Siblings Joseph (1976) and Amy (1980) survive her.
1974 - SuZanne Zenker Gilbride - History and Roslyn Heights Homes
Writes SuZanne - “Our family, like many others, had roots that started in this country in New York City. My great-grandparents came from overseas: Russia/Ukraine, Austria (now Poland), Romania, and Germany. After WW2 many of our parents came home to no housing; got married and moved in with the in-laws. I found my mother, father, sister, and brother in the 1950 census living with my mother’s parents at 215 West 78 street.
Shortly after the War, there were neighborhoods starting to pop up on Long Island and magazine ads to introduce you to the new communities, like the one down below. Our family moved in to the Roslyn Country Club “School Section” in 1950, and I was born 1956. I remember being told that the area had been farm land and potatoes were still in the ground and pheasants wandered around. No one had fences, and we would cut through everyones backyard.
As I looked at the magazine below, I can’t help thinking of the Jetsons, so modern these houses, with all the cool amenities. There were slight differences (maybe 4 different designs) and everyone decorated differently, so no two houses were alike. The houses had great warm floors because of radiant heat… A story I remember hearing was that when the builders constructed Levittown with radiant heat, the pipes floated in the slab, so in our group of houses the builders connected the pipes to the frame in the slab, and over time there was a rust problem, and the pipes would break at the connection. We had many floor leaks, and floods over the years.
Enjoy a bit of our past…SuZanne :)
1981 - John Hughes - Admired by Ken Gallard (1968)
Writes Ken - “I finally got around to reading Newsletter # 92.
Wheatley Alumni Newsletter # 92
I was captivated by the life story of John Hughes (1981), a very compelling and inspirational tale, and a life well-lived and made productive in so many ways. Whether Wheatley had anything to do with it is debatable. But kudos to John for making a difference in his own life and that of others. Best thing I've read in the newsletter in some time.”
1983 - Monique Lazar Ruane - Inspired
Writes Monique - “Mrs. Brescia was my first grade teacher and my inspiration for becoming a teacher. I was fortunate to have worked with her while in high school, receiving credit through the School within a School (“SWS”) program. I’ve recently retired after teaching 5th and 6th grade for 34 years. I loved teaching and am so grateful to Mrs. Brescia for her dedication and undoubtedly all the individuals she inspired.
The Wheatley School Alumni Association Forum/Soapbox
Writes Benjamin Brodsky (2002) - I suspect you've received word of the attack on equality and free speech that the district is currently dealing with. Seems that a deceptive, far-right, false-news organization, coordinating with local quasi-Republican/far-right fascist groups, is bringing the same misinformation and nonsense to East Williston that districts have had to deal with across the nation. The district currently has a statement about this subject on its website.
East Williston School District Statement
The graphic novel in question is “Gender Queer.”
GQ has received widespread acclaim for the portrayal of the author figuring out her gender identity. For those of us who are new to these issues and may be slightly confused about certain aspects of gender issues, it's an excellent read. I read it recently and it’s excellent.
Fan Mail
Principal (Joseph Wiener) - ❤️ - “Congratulations on your centenary edition.”
Faculty (Steve Ehre) - ❤️
1960 (Ken Martin) - “Bravo Zulu, good friend, and thank you for what you have done for so many in The Wheatley School Alumni Community. I look forward sooo much to the 200th, yep(!), as I suspect you do as well. Thank you for keeping all things Wheatley alive and well. Stay strong. VQ-Ken Martin”
1965 (Barbara Ashley) - “Dear Art, As so many others, I always enjoy getting the Wheatley updates.”
1965 (Bob Gregory) “Art - thanks so much for your hard work and dedication towards publishing the Newsletter, great memory lane stuff!”
1965 (Glen Hammer) - “Lots of wonderful memories as always. I truly appreciate the kind comments by Lori Wallach and Robin Frier in the last two newsletters. I hope all are having a joyous life, with many happy years ahead.”
1965 (Ira Kent) - “Thanks for all you do. I enjoy reading each and every newsletter. If possible, is there a way you could include a link that would list alumni name and email addresses? [[[Yes: The Wheatley School Alumni Association Public Directory]]]
1965 (Clifford Montgomery) - “Thanks for another great edition, Art”
1966 (Allan Silver) - “Art, thank you so much for all of your hard work! Thanks to you we have reached the milestone of 100 Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletters! In addition, the Forum/Soapbox Section has evolved into an interesting clash of ideas.”
1967 (Scott Frishman) - “Hey Art, What a fabulous newsletter?! Now I understand better why you have sent so many newsletters over the last three months. You know how much I and we all appreciate your diligence and caring about all the Wheatley graduates. It was especially a pleasure to work with you on the 60th Wheatley reunion. What fun?! Thanks again for everything you do, Artie.”
1967 (Barbara Smith Stanisic) - “Congrats, Art, on Issue # 100. Keep up the great work.”
1967 (Andy Summers) - 👍
1967 (John Warde) - “Thank you for your continuing effort with the newsletter, which is always interesting!”
1967 (Larry Weiss) - “Dear Arthur, Heartiest congratulations on Issue # 100. Having completed 21 marathons over the past 30 plus years, although at unremarkable speed, I’m greatly in awe of your dedication, inspiration, and solidarity with the alumni community that are so inherent, visible, and appreciated in your Newsletters and related alumni activities. Your labor of love and dedication have brought the greater Wheatley alumni community together for so many years—a truly meaningful accomplishment that deserves the deepest thanks from all your readers. Your work is superb. In friendship, as always, Larry”
1968 (Tom Glaser) - ❤️
1968 (Ilene “Cookie” Levine) - “Hi Art, Thanks for taking such good care of the Wheatley Alumni Newsletters. I enjoy reading them when they arrive, and usually the first thing I do is search for news of 1967 and 1968 graduates.”
1969 (Gerry Gersh) - “CONGRATS ART!!! What a milestone - a labor of love you have given us all!”
1969 (Paula Panzeca Foresto) - “Hi Art! Congratulations on the 100th Edition of The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter! I thoroughly enjoying reading it, and I was so moved by the responses and kind comments from those that wrote in after the passing of my husband, Dom, Class of 1967. Stay well.”❤️
1969 (Ronnie Seltzer) - ❤️
1970 (Lynn “Lyn” Goldsmith) - “I read every newsletter and truly appreciate the amount of time you and Keith dedicate.”
1971 (Nancy Grindlinger Stone) - ❤️❤️
1974 (SuZanne Zenker Gilbride) - “Hi Art, Thank You and Keith for keeping the Newsletter going….. I have enjoyed so many stories, I find it interesting hearing about what others are doing, and whether people have stayed in the area or moved away….. I also enjoy memories of Wheatleyites’ experiences good and bad, as many of us experienced the same or similar things, even though. they graduated in different years.”
1976 (Ken DuBow) - “I love the Newsletter, but I could do without the political postulations.”
1980 (Linda Modico) - “The Newsletter brings back fond memories of my K-12 years. I appreciate all of the work that you do and hearing what my fellow alumni are doing in their lives. Keep it coming!”
1983 (Monique Lazar Ruane) - “100 newsletters! Very impressive! Thanks for all you do!”
1983 (Bernadette McCrave Quinn) - “I enjoy reading about everything that went on!!”
Closing
That’s it for The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 101. Please send me your autobiography before someone else sends me your obituary.
Art
Arthur Fredericks Engoron, Class of 1967
WHEATLEYALUMNI@AOL.COM
ARTENGORON@GMAIL.COM
646-872-4833
Great Letter Art! The sports recollections were wonderful. It seems as if they happened just yesterday. And Ken Yagoda is right: Roger Sullivan brought excellence and inspiration to everything he did.