Obituary Number 4 __________________________________________

Robert E. DesRosiers (1933-2000) obituary graciously presented to the York H.S. Class of 1952 by his wife, Mrs. Kay "Carol" DesRosiers, ( 3051 Golden Rain Drive, Sarasota, FL 34232-5423; telephone: 941-377-4421; e-mail: littleoldlady1@juno.com ) .  Bob's obituary was found by Punky Stevens, York '52, at www.sarasota heraldtribune.com shortly after Bob's death. Thanks too to Punky for making the initial contact with Kay DesRosiers.

 

 

ROBERT E. DesROSIERS, 66, Sarasota, died February 7, 2000.  He was born July 25, 1933, in Chicago and came to Sarasota 34 years ago from there.  He was an Army veteran of the Korean War and a member of Calvary Chapel Christian Fellowship.  Survivors include his wife, Kay "Carol"; three daughters, Mary McIntyre and Jane, both of Sarasota, and Ellen of Calhoun, GA; a son, Bud of Sarasota; and four sisters, Joan Isgrig and Patricia Boyce, both of Sarasota, Jacqueline Dwyer of Marion, NC, and Martina Horne of Portland, Tenn.; and seven grandchildren.  The service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Robarts Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Florida National Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to Arthritis Foundation, 6221 14th St. W., Suite 305, Bradenton, FL 34207-4637.

 

 

Obituary Number 5 __________________________________________

Allen "Al" Durham (1933-2002) obituary presented to the York H.S. Class of 1952 by Joyce Chambers, Cherokee Tribune, Woodstock, GA. (e-mail: jchambers@cherokeetribune.com ).

 

 

Allen "Al" Durham, 69, Korean War veteran:

Allen "Al" Durham, 69, of Woodstock died Saturday, April 27, 2002. Services will be 11:00 a.m.Tuesday at Kennesaw United Methodist Church, with Dr. Mike Cavin and the Rev. Chris Bascombe officiating.  Mr. Durham retired in 1993 after 33 years of service as a pilot for Delta Airlines. He was a Marine Corp. veteran and served during the Korean War.  He was an active member of Kennesaw United Methodist Church.  Survivors include his wife, Jo Ann Durham; two sons, Scott Durham of Winter Park, Co. and Todd Durham of Alpharetta; one daughter, Melody Sheorn of Charlotte, NC; one step-son, Bill Petit of Marietta; one step-daughter, Patricia Campbell of Kennesaw; one brother, Richard Durham of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; nine grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

 

 

Obituary Number 6 __________________________________________
Frances "Fran" Nicoll Pitchford (1934-1999) obituaries graciously presented to the York H.S. Class of 1952 by her daughter, Gail L. Pitchford, D.D.S (professional name) aka Gail L. Pitchford Pokorny (married name)--226 North Hager Avenue, Barrington, IL 60010-3005.  The first obituary presented here appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Thursday, September 16, 1999 and was submitted to the Tribune by Walter Gottesman.  The second obituary was prepared by Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd. of Arlington, Heights, IL. and appeared in a local Arlington Heights, IL newspaper on the day of Fran's funeral.

 

And then this from Doris Strickland Collins, York '52: "You might also be interested in the fact that Fran's husband [ Tom Pitchford ], was called the 'father of high school tennis in Ill.'  He was the tennis coach at Arlington Heights H.S. and set up the first State Tennis Tournament that is still followed today in high school sports."

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Music teacher Frances Pitchford
 
By Walter Gottesman
Special to the Tribune
 
   Frances N. "Fran" Pitchford, 65, a music teacher at Sanborn School and other schools in Palatine School District 15 for 24 years, died Monday in her Arlington Heights home. After her retirement in 1995, she returned to District 15 as a substitute and part-time teacher until last year.
   Mrs. Pitchford, a 35-year resident of Arlington Heights, was born in Melrose Park, IL.  She was the wife of the late Thomas J. Pitchford, tennis coach at Arlington Heights High School.  She also was choir director at Congregational United Church of Christ in Arlington Heights for nearly 30 years.
   Mrs. Pitchford taught school in Kankakee, IL and was crowned Miss Kankakee in 1958.  She earned a bachelor's degree in education at Monmouth College in Monmouth, IL in 1956 and a master's degree in music in 1966 from the University of Illinois.
   "Whenever I visited her [vocal music] class, I could see that the kids enjoyed being there, " said Joseph M. Kiszka, former associate superintendent for District 15.  "She had a sincere admiration for the kids.  They, in turn, respected her.  She made the lesson interesting and drew them into the discussion."
   David Russell, pastor of Congregational United Church of Christ, said Mrs. Pitchford was an exceptional musician whose dedication and commitment to the choir were "phenomenal."

   "She was a woman of great character", he said.  "When she was battling cancer, she led the choir with one hand on her walker.  She just wouldn't quit."

   Mary Herzog, music department facilitator for District 15, said Mrs. Pitchford had "an incredible, indomitable spirit."

   "She was a section leader for the [Barrington-based] New Oratorio Singers," Herzog said.  "She made it to every rehearsal except the last two.  She came in her wheelchair.  She fought until her very last breath."

   Survivors include two sons, Thomas and John; a daughter, Gail Pokorny, a sister, Marjorie Niblock; and three granddaughters.

   A service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday in Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff Rd., Arlington Heights.

 

Frances N. "Fran" Pitchford
   of Arlington Heights
 
   Funeral services for Frances N. "Fran" Pitchford (nee Nicoll), 65, a resident of Arlington Heights for the past 35 years, will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff Rd., Arlington Heights, Il 60005,  The Rev. Dr. David R. Russell will officiate.

   Born Sept. 5, 1934, in Melrose Park, she died Monday, Sept. 13, 1999, at her home.  Interment will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Arlington Heights.

   Mrs. Pitchford was the choir director for the Congregational United Church of Christ of Arlington Heights for the past 25 years and taught music for School District #15 for the past 30 years.  She was a member of The New Oratorio Singers, PEO Chapter FW and the Northwest Suburban Kappa Delta Sorority Alumni Association.

   She was the beloved wife of the late Thomas J. Pitchford; loving mother of Thomas (Ingrid) Pitchford of Arlington Heights and Gail (Kevin) Pokorny of Barrington; devoted grandmother of Katy and Lisa Pitchford, and Angela Melson of Glendale Heights; dear daughter of Rachel Nicoll of Lombard and the late John Nicoll; dearest sister of Marjorie Niblock of Durham, N.C.; and dear sister-in-law of Thomas (Peggy) Nelson of Racine, Wis., and Sheila (Jim) Zieglowsky of Pekin, IL.

   In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to the Congregational United Church of Christ in care of the address listed above.

   Arrangements were made by Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., Arlington Heights.

   For information, (847) 253-0168.

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Obituary Number 7 __________________________________________

Willard (Bill) R. McDaniel (1934-2000) obituary graciously presented to the York H.S. Class of 1952 by his son, Dr. Marc McDaniel of Commerce, TX (e-mail address: marcmary@koyote.com  ). Thanks too to Doris Strickland Collins for forwarding Marc's submission to me.

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Dr. WILLARD McDANIEL, COMMERCE, TX -- Dr. Willard R. "Bill" McDaniel, 66, of Commerce died Wednesday.  There is a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Performing Arts Center at Texas A&M University--Commerce with Rev. Mike House officiating.  Born June 9, 1934 in Hammond, IN, he was the son of Theodore Lewis McDaniel and June Lucille Rich.  He graduated from York Community High School in Elmhurst, IL in 1952 and was very active in scouting during school, becoming an Eagle Scout.  He then attended Miami University of Ohio where he was a member of Theta Chi social fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega scout and service fraternity, and Sigma Gamma Epsilon geology honorary.

   He earned his bachelor of arts degree in 1956 and his master of science degree in 1957, both in geology.  He worked for Lion Oil briefly before doing more graduate work at the University of Utah.

   He worked as a Park Ranger at Yellowstone National Park the summers of 1959 and 1960 before moving to Commerce to become part of the East Texas State University faculty in the Earth Science Department serving as a graduate assistant from 1959 to 1963.  He attended Texas A&M University in College Station from 1963 to 1967 and earned his Ph.D. in meteorology.  Dr. McDaniel returned to Commerce as a professor in the Earth Science Department from 1967-84 and served as the department head from 1972-1982.  In 1984 Dr. McDaniel became a part of the Physics Department.  In May, 1996 he retired and was named a Professor Emeritus at the University.

   His committee service while at the University included Faculty Senate, Graduate Council, University Interscholastic League, the scholarship committee, and TACT.  He was named Teacher of the Year by TACT in 1986.  He was a member of Sigma XI, Texas Association of College Teachers, American Meteorological Society, Metroplex Science Teachers, and the Science Teachers Association of Texas.  Dr. McDaniel was also a member of the Commerce Lions Club, serving as the club secretary for many years and as the club president 1985 to 1986.

   Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Marc and Dr. Mary McDaniel of Commerce; daughter and son-in-law, Marcie and Chester H. Magruder Jr. of Tucson, AZ; six grandchildren, Megan, Melissa, and Molly McDaniel of Commerce, and Caitlin, Daniel, and Chester Magruder III of Tucson, AZ; special friend Janet Williams of Commerce; brother and sister-in-law Theodore L. and Carol McDaniel of Laguna Hills, CA, and two nieces and two nephews.

   His parents preceded him in death.  Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, directed to Malignant Melanoma Research and to the Texas Lions Camp for crippled children, P.O. Box 290247, Kerrville, TX 78028.

   Pemberton Funeral Home of Commerce is in charge of arrangements... 

 

God took the strength of a mountain,

The majesty of a tree.

 

The warmth of a summer sun,

The calm of a quiet sea.

 

The Generous soul of nature,

The comforting arm of night.

 

The wisdom of the ages,

The power of the eagle's flight.

 

Then God combined these qualities,

There was nothing more to add.

 

His masterpiece was now complete,

He lovingly called it, Dad.

 

Author unknown..............

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Obituary Number 8 __________________________________________

Richard Wayne Mahood (1934-2019) obituary is provided here by Rector-Hicks Funeral Home. You may want to add YOUR OWN ON-LINE condolence
by going to:--- ADD YOUR CONDOLENCES HERE

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Bruce Downey posted the following condolence @ rector-hicks funeral home:---
Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Wayne was undoubtedly one of my best friends from our close association and love of sports, beginning in Miss Drew's Seventh Grade Class at Hawthorne Jr. High School in the fall of 1946 and throughout all of York High School in Elmhurst, IL (1948-1952) --- and for years beyond.

In particular I can remember walking down St. Charles Road in Elmhurst after our home basketball games --- Wayne with Carolyne Larson Jordan, also York '52 --- and me with Connie Wolfe Irish (also York '52) --- Carolyne lived a little past York Street and Connie a little further on Prairie Ave. Connie too is also now deceased as well.

In these, our retirement years, Wayne always responded to my stuff which I posted on the Internet almost on a daily basis.

We shall all miss Wayne very much, and in particular, I like his motto:--- "Be kind, be curious, and be productive..."

May Wayne now rest-in-peace, forevermore. ...H. Bruce Downey --- a forevermore friend and classmate.

Then this from his Wayne's son --- Bruce Mahood ---

Wayne Mahood 12:49 PM (1 minute ago) to Bruce, me Hello Bruce, Thank you so much for recognizing my Dad! He fought hard and passed with the dignity he displayed in life. Sincerely, Bruce Mahood>

Then this from Will Shineflug, York '53 ---

Will Shineflug
1:07 PM (11 minutes ago) to me Hi Bruce, I was a close friend of Wayne while at York. Great guy and wonderful athlete.
Thanks for the info. Bill Shineflug

Then this from Tom Hodge, York '52 --- So sorry & sad to hear of the passing of another great classmate. Tom Hodge

Then this from Ted Truske, York '52 ---

3:14 PM (14 minutes ago)
to me Bruce. I’m so sorry, our correspondences and conversations were highlights I appreciated, enjoyed and looked forward to. They helped give each of us a better understanding of who we were and our places in life and the world. Wayne was a special person and a good friend, I will miss him dearly. Ted

Then this from York '53's Darlene McClelland Knight ---

Tue, Nov 12, 7:28 PM (11 hours ago)
to me Bruce. This is indeed sad news. Remember Wayne with fondness and gratefulness for his friendship. Younger siblings had him for Social Studies and thought he was a great teacher. Will try to reach out to his son Bruce down here in GA.
Thanks for keeping me in your York loop, tho not from’52. Darlene

Then this from Donna Lindsay Blake, York '52 ---

1:25 PM (36 minutes ago)
Donna Blake: to me Bruce. Thank you Bruce. I sadden to hear about WAYNE. I wish we could learn more about the remaining York '52 s while they are still alive. I always enjoy hearing about your life. Give it some thought. Donna

OBITUARY follows...

Dr. Richard Wayne Mahood, 85, Geneseo, NY, lost his long battle with cancer on November 7, 2019 at home with his family and close friends by his side. He lived by the motto: Be kind, be curious, and be productive. Wayne was a noted educator and author who called Geneseo home for fifty years. Wayne Mahood was born in Maryville, Mo, and raised in Iowa and Illinois. He graduated from York High School in Elmhurst, Ill and subsequently received degrees from Hamilton College, University of Illinois, and finally, a Doctor of Social Sciences degree from Syracuse University. Dr. Mahood served a term in the U.S. Army and National Guard of Illinois from 1957-1963. Dr. Mahood began his successful career at SUNY Geneseo in 1969, earning accolades including the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, the Distinguished Service Award from SUNY, and Distinguished Educator Award from NY State Council for the Social Studies, before his retirement in 1994. He served as Chairman of the Education Department during his twenty-five years at the college, as well as serving in executive roles with the New York State Council for the Social Studies. Wayne was very active in the local community, volunteering his services to various organizations, including serving as School Board President of Geneseo Central School. He was an avid writer throughout his lifetime, publishing numerous scholarly articles as well as authoring or co-authoring ten books, including the history of SUNY Geneseo, SUNY Geneseo, From Normal School to Public Ivy, 1871-2007, and the biography of local hero, James S. Wadsworth, General Wadsworth, The Life and Times of Brevet Major General James S. Wadsworth. In total, he authored six books on the Civil War and was a frequent lecturer to Civil War Roundtable around the country. With less fanfare was his weekly family letter faithfully mailed every Sunday for thirty-five years until a week before his death. Wayne was predeceased by his parents, Vic and Ruth Mahood, brother, Gary Mahood. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara "Bobbi" Clark Mahood, two sons, Bruce (Melinda) of Roswell, GA and David (Maryann) of Beverly, MA, brother and sister in-law, Bob and Arlene Clark, sisters-in-law, Connie Scott and Janice Mahood, several nieces and nephews. "Papa" leaves four loving grandsons, Alex, Christopher, Jake and Brett, as well as step-granddaughters, Katherine and Samantha Lovell. Calling hours will be held on November 22, 2019 from 4–7 PM at the Rector-Hicks Funeral Home, 111 Main St. in Geneseo. A Celebration of Wayne's Life will be held on November 23, 2019 at 11:30 AM at the Big Tree Inn, 46 Main St. in Geneseo. Interment will be held privately at Temple Hill Cemetery in Geneseo. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Teresa House, 21 Highland Rd. Geneseo, NY 14454.

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Obituary Number 9 __________________________________________

Margaret M. Brandt Gabalis (1934-2018) obituary is provided here by Evergreen-Staples Funeral Home. You may want to add YOUR OWN ON-LINE condolence
by going to:--- ADD YOUR CONDOLENCES HERE

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Bruce Downey posted the following condolence @ evergreen-staples funeral home:---
Margaret and I go back as far as anyone can possibly go back, for I too was born in Oak Park Illinois in 1934.  And Margaret's mother and father bought a house on Alexander Blvd in Elmhurst, IL --- whereas my mother and father bought a house in the same neighborhood --- just north of York High School --- on Hawthorne Avenue.

Since we were both the same age, we went through Hawthorne Elementary, Hawthorne Jr. Hi, and York H.S. in the very same classrooms with the very same teachers through-out all of our public schooling together in Elmhurst throughout the 1940's and early 1950's --- both graduating from York in the very same Class of 1952.

From our days together at Hawthorne Elementary I remember Margaret as being very quiet --- whereas I was always very noisy.  Margaret was always un-assuming and she was always of only slight build --- whereas I was always the biggest kid in the class.

In those days we all walked home from school --- including one-hour for lunch.  I had three ways of walking home, and one of those ways was walking by way of Alexander Blvd. And whenever I walked that way, invariably Margaret and I would walk together.

Margaret really never said very much to me as we walked, but of course I would always dominate our discussions.  By the time we got into York H.S. (1948-1952) we both pretty much went our separate ways --- for I don't remember ever having Margaret in any of my classes at York.  Accordingly, I don't really ever remember even talking to Margaret throughout our time together at York.  Pity --- for me --- now looking back on all those times we once shared together.

Reading Margaret's obituary, I think she and I both lived-out what I would call "a normal life..."

  For our Class at York H.S. --- I maintain quite an extensive website for all our York '52-ers and so I have only recently posted something there about Margaret.

You may see all that I have said about Margaret by going to either or both of the following two sections for more information ---

First-up is our main page found @ 
https://york1952.tripod.com/york1952deceased/index.html

followed by more-detailed comments about Margaret's life found @
https://york1952.tripod.com/york1952deceased/id3.html


May Margaret RIP forevermore...  from a forevermore long-time friend and classmate, H. Bruce Downey, age 85, once of Elmhurst, IL --- but living out my days now in Myrtle Beach, SC...

Then this from Tom Hodge, York '52 --- Bruce, Thank you, again. I remember Margaret. I always thought she was a genius. But then we are all at the end of a great life. Tom Hodge



OBITUARY follows...

Margaret Mildred Brandt Gabalis

Margaret was born October 2, 1934 to Frederick Harrison Brandt and Mildred Irene (Everly) Brandt in Oak Park, Illinois. She graduated from York High School in Elmhurst, Illinois in 1952. Margaret earned her RN degree from Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago, Illinois in 1955.

She married Paul Gabalis on February 4, 1956 and they had 4 children and 9 grandchildren

Steven Paul Gabalis - Christine (wife) - Matthew (31) and Andrew (27)
Ruth Ann Gabalis - died in infancy
Jean Marie Gabalis Gilsrud - Gordon (husband) - Richard (23), Thomas (21) and Alexandra (18)
Robert Alan Gabalis - Wendy (wife) - David (20), Michael (16), Jonathan (14) and Robert (12)

Margaret spent most of her life in the Midwest moving to Woodland, WA when she and Paul retired in 1986. They enjoyed their retirement by traveling extensively throughout the US and abroad. When not traveling, Margaret enjoyed cooking and entertaining for family and friends.

She passed away peacefully at home on February 1, 2018 at the age of 83.

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