my time at tech

MY Time at Tech And Other Memories From the Class of ‘66

Kenee Lee – Industrial Design '66

Sung to the tune of the bridge of Neil Sedaka's "Breaking up is Hard to Do" They say that coping down is hard to do Now I know, I know that it's true Can't wait for this period to end Instead of coping down, I wish that we were coping up again!

Neil Gafney - Chemical ‘66

I was a loyal member of the SOS, rising from junior lieutenant, #13, to First Lieutenant "X" and in charge of 6th period cafeteria during senior year - during which I was constantly

heckled by various gangsters like Steve Roppolo - about not wearing silk ties. I was affectionately dubbed "Zeke" by my still close friend (Inspector) Nick Koopalethes, based on a sophomore art appreciation class with Mr. Spoeri. It remains a nickname Nick uses to this day (everyone else now refers to me as the "colonel"). As co-captain of the Lieutenant's football team, I still have my sweater (which I will be wearing) and the #24 jersey (which I won't be wearing) that I wore home the day they were handed out and which happened to coincide with the great NYC blackout. I was also president of the Newman Club, a member of the bowling team, and a writer for the Survey. Unforgettable memories include the death of JFK announced while in Mr. Jackson's Hygiene class, Mr. Berkhout's drafting class and Ms. Cincotta (were there any other female teachers at Tech?); as well as more mundane tasks involving typing out rating cards for the Inspectors and Captain."

John Lyons – Electronics ‘66

Whenever anyone asks me where I learned all that I know, I immediately say ‘Tech’! What I learned at Tech was how to think, how to look

Tech Memories ‘66 - 1 -

for and find the answers, how to strive for more. I have spent 40 years in Broadcasting, the last 4 in broadcasting related Real Estate. Over the years, I have designed and built TV and Radio facilities at the World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, various networks and most recently 4 Times Square; where I have an active facility with 10 radio stations, 6 TV stations and other communications companies. During the last two years, I have developed an internal building system for First Responders including FDNY, EMS & NYPD and it is presently being deployed in a portfolio of 10 million square feet. Little did I know in September of 1962 just how much the Mechanical Drawing class of Mr. Harris would mean to me for my entire career! To him, I raise my glass and say ‘hear, hear’. In 1966 I accomplished something never before accomplished at Tech when I won the 1966 Service Award over the GO President. What an honor! It even brought my parents to the school for the award and my father was the type of person who never took even a sick day from all his years of work. My parent’s attendance was my greatest gift and one that I would and still treasure, as I lost my father two years later and he never got to see all my accomplishments or meet his daughter-in-law or his namesake grandson.

ANNA LYONS, ACTING PRINCIPAL FRANK STEWART, JOHN LYONS & MATTHEW LYONS I have served on the national Society of Broadcast Engineers board of directors and was elected Fellow in 1977. I have also served on the board of the national Veterans’ Hospital Radio and Television Guild as President, VP and Executive Committee Chair, after my years in the Air Force as a radio and TV production specialist; I am presently Vice President and

Director of Broadcast Communications for The Durst Organization in New York City and a licensed NYS Real Estate Broker. I am also one of the co-authors of the 2006 Broadcast Engineering Handbook and serve on the Broadcast Engineering Committee of the National Association of Broadcasters and a member of the Association of Federal Communications Consulting Engineers. I am happily married to Natasha (who I met in Siberia, no kidding) and have a 12- year old son Matthew, who has already hit ‘a hole in one!’ and is taking the High School entrance exams in the next 6 months. Where does the time go?

Robert Chervin - College Prep '66

After Tech, I graduated from Brooklyn College. I started teaching for the NYC Board of Ed, thinking I would do that until I figured out what to do with my life. Almost 34 years later, I figured it out...I retired. I think my experiences at Tech made me a successful Science Teacher. I took the best qualities of all the wonderful Tech teachers, and followed their examples. I am happily married, and have 2 wonderful daughters. My Tech years taught me how to learn, think, and teach.


Alan Milner - Chemical ‘66

I went to Tech for several reasons....to get out of my neighborhood, because I wanted to write science fiction, because they had refused to admit my father, the Jewish quota already having been filled for that year, because my cousin had gone there ten years before me, and because spending nearly six hours a day on public transportation to get to Bronx Science was simply out of the question. So, instead, I spent nearly four hours a day traveling to and from Little Neck. In four years, I never did any homework at home. I got it all done on the IND. I vaguely remember doing something or other on the literary magazine, and something else on the yearbook, or the newspaper, or some combination thereof, but I remember with crystal clarity learning to work with my hands, following the manufacturing process from design through the machining of the finished product. Does anyone still have his stepped-V block? Like many of us, I really HATED Tech while I was there, but it didn't take many years for me to start appreciating the quality of the education we received. Whenever questioned about how I happened to acquire some obscure fact or skill, the answer, as often as not, was, "I guess I learned it at Brooklyn Tech." When my own son reached high school age, I tried to find a school like Tech but, as it turns out, there is no place else like Tech. Going to Tech was a strange choice for someone who wanted to be writer but, in retrospect, I cannot imagine a better place for me to have been. And, having earned a living as a writer of one sort or another for most of my life, it seems that Tech must have done me some good because, without the ability to do all those other things I've done, I probably would have starved to death or, at the very least, stayed a whole lot thinner.

WE GOT TO GET OUT OF THIS PLACE

Phil Cooper – Chemical '66 B.S. in chemistry , M.S. in education. . . taught high school chem from 1970-81 … left to do home improvements full time . . . right now I am "semi" retired . . . will be moving to Florida next summer and then hopefully be fully retired. On a personal level . . . married in 1969 to Madelaine . . . will be 37 years this November . . . 2 children, daughter 30, son 27, one grandson who will be 9 this June. Looking forward to seeing everyone though I have a terrible memory and it is just getting worse!

TECH LOBBY MURAL

Michael Hoffman – Chemical ‘66

My years at Tech set the tone for a sound and successful educational and professional career. After Tech, I attended CCNY, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where I received my DMD degree, and Harvard University School of Dental Medicine, where I received a certificate in Dental Public Health.


After more than 26 years in private practice and Chief of Dental Medicine at Parker Institute where I headed the Dental Residency Program and an Attending Dentist at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, I retired from dental practice. I recently received a Certificate in Geriatric Care Management from The Brookdale Center on Aging at Hunter College. My wife and I moved back to Manhattan in 2000 after 28 years on Long Island. We take advantage of many of the cultural activities the city has to offer and enjoying traveling. Our two children live in Manhattan as well. Tech gave me the tools so necessary to achieve what I have accomplished.

Tony Teska - College Prep ‘66

It has been 40 years since our Brooklyn Tech graduation, and unfortunately I have lost contact with my classmates. Every now and then I will make the acquaintance of a Tech graduate from a different year, but no one from 1966. As for me, I graduated from Brooklyn College in 1970 with a BA in Economics. I worked for Young and Rubicam for 18 years, eventually rising to the position of CFO of Wunderman Worldwide, their direct marketing subsidiary. I then became CFO of two different market research companies: NPD, and Roper Starch. I held these positions for the next 12 years. During this period I went back to college at Stony Brook to take some math courses and get a teaching license (which I have never used). Lastly, in 1999 I left Roper Starch to become executive director of a major cardiology practice on Long Island. I live in Dix Hills, Long Island with my wife Barbara. We have three children ranging in ages from 17 to 25.

Ike Nassi – College Prep ‘66

Dr. Ike Nassi is the Senior Vice President for Research, Americas, for SAP where he and his group explore advanced new enterprise technologies and applications for use in the emerging multinational corporate environment of the 21st century.

Prior to joining SAP, he founded Firetide Inc., a wireless mesh networking company based in Los Gatos, California. At Firetide he served as Executive Vice President, and CTO, and was a member of Firetide’s Board of Directors. He also helped start the Computer History Museum (http://www.computerhistory.org) in Mountain View, California, where he currently serves as an active member of the Board of Trustees.

Dr. Nassi earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics (1970), and a Masters (1972) and Ph.D. (1974) in Computer Science from Stony Brook University. Moving to Massachusetts in 1974, he worked for SofTech, Inc., designing programming languages and optimizing compilers for various avionics projects including the F-16 fighter and the B-1 bomber. In 1976 he joined Digital Equipment Corporation to work on what became the VAX minicomputer. He had a minor role in the architecture of the VAX product line, and was responsible for several elements of the VAX/VMS software architecture. He also co-led the team that produced several Bliss compilers, the VAX common language run time library, and DEC’s Ada compiler for VAX/VMS. During this time he also taught courses at Boston University in programming language semantics, compiler construction, compiler optimization, and introductory programming. Because of his earlier involvement in the defense industry he was asked to help design the Ada programming language, for which he received a certificate for distinguished service from the Defense Department in the mid 1980’s.


http://www.computerhistory.org/

He spent two years learning the emerging personal computer business, and building and shipping three personal computers, but in 1984 joined Gordon Bell (DEC), Henry Burkhardt III (Data General), and Ken Fisher (Prime Computer), and helped start one of the earliest companies designing and building shared memory multiprocessors, Encore Computer. As a DARPA Principal Investigator, his work included leading the team that produced the first multithreaded symmetric version of the Mach operating system. He personally developed a parallel Ada runtime system, and was involved in several other parallel implementations of languages, specifically Lisp and FORTRAN.

While building large-scale shared memory multiprocessors at Encore, he began writing software for Apple’s newly introduced Macintosh. In 1989, after helping merge Encore Computer and Gould Computer Systems, he started Apple Computer’s Cambridge Research Laboratory, which was part of Apple’s Advanced Technology Group. He led the team that produced Common Lisp for the Macintosh and the Dylan programming language. During this period he became a Research Affiliate at MIT.

He served for six years as a member of Advanced Research Projects Agency's Information Systems and Technology group, which advised ARPA on information science research priorities. While at Apple, he also testified before Congress on the Emerging Telecommunications Act of 1991 and lobbied for spectrum allocation for what is now IEEE 802.11. During this period of time he also served on the technical advisory committee of the Council on Competitiveness, and the Advisory Committee of the Federal Networking Council under the National Academy of Sciences.

Moving to California in 1993, as an Apple Vice President, he took over the Development Products group, and then moved on to the MacOS Operating system group. He left Apple in 1996 as the Senior Vice President for Software. During his tenure at Apple he was appointed a Visiting Scholar at Stanford University.

After leaving Apple, for part of 1997 he was a Visiting Scholar in residence at the University of California at Berkeley’s Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department where he

started working on what has become mesh networking, but left Berkeley to help start InfoGear Technology, a company involved in building Internet appliances and back end servers. InfoGear was sold to Cisco in 2000.

After fulfilling his commitment to Cisco following the InfoGear acquisition, he joined Allegis Capital as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence, and also consulted for several companies, including Palm. In late 2001, he co-founded the company now known as Firetide, which builds wireless mesh networks. He led the company through two financing rounds totaling $18.8M, recruited the executive team, helped start up manufacturing operations, and was instrumental in shipping its first three product lines.

With Firetide in good shape, he transitioned from employee to consultant in April 2005, and resigned from Firetide’s Board of Directors.

His web page can be found at http://www.nassi.com. His professional publications and speaking engagements can be found at http://www.nassi.com/speaking-engagements.html.

Personal Stuff:

Living in Los Gatos California (near San Jose) and married (continuously) for 35 years with three sons and one grandson. San Jose Sharks (ice hockey) fan (big time). www.sjsharks.com

He hasn’t kept in touch with many from Tech ‘66, but recently, Larry Rubin, Howard Morris, Mike Pencak (rifle team). Member of the Santa Clara Valley Rifle Club.

MURRAY THE ‘K’ and THE SHIRELLES


http://www.nassi.com/

http://www.nassi.com/speaking-engagements.html

http://www.nassi.com/speaking-engagements.html

http://www.sjsharks.com/

Stan Moy - Architectural ‘66

I regret not being able to make it to the 40th reunion. My very best to all who attend or attempt to keep in touch. Brooklyn Tech had a profound influence on me. The training I received at Tech provided a solid basis by which I built my personal and professional life. I'm a lucky guy. I am blessed with a wonderful wife (Pauline-37 years married), 2 fine children (Chris-36, Meredith-23), and a grandson (Nicholas-1). I attended CCNY and we moved to San Francisco in 1976 during the economic depression in NYC. I began an architectural practice in 1981, which continues today. We moved to Piedmont, CA in 1997.I have been involved in the community continuously for the past 23 years. The vehicle I have chosen is to serve on boards and commissions in political appointed positions. I attach my civic resume as I try to be brief.

Professional Background:

Since 1981, Stan Moy has operated FMG Architects, an S/DBE. The firm has completed projects for public transit, historic rehab, medical, retail, entertainment and institutional clients.

Civic Service:

San Francisco Bay Conservation & Development Commission, 2005-present, appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. BCDC is dedicated to the protection and enhancement of San Francisco Bay and to the encouragement of the Bay's responsible use.

California Seismic Safety Commission, 2000 – 2005, appointed by Governor Gray Davis, Mr. Moy chaired the natural gas safety committee and the AB16 committee. He served as commission chair from June 2003 to May 2004. The mission of the Seismic Safety Commission

is to improve the safety and well being of the people of California through cost-effective measures that lower earthquake risk to life and property.

State Building Authority for San Francisco, 1993-present, appointed by DGS Director John Lockwood, reappointed by Peter Stamison.

Mr. Moy is President of the San Francisco State Building Authority, the public owner of the new 455 Golden Gate Ave. and the historic 350 McAllister Street, home of the California Supreme Court. The project was completed December 15, 1998 at a cost of $268M and is occupied by 2,200 State employees.

DGS Minority/Woman/Disabled Veterans Advisory Committee, 1990-1993, Community member of the Director’s advisory committee on A.B. 1933.

SF Port Waterfront Plan Advisory Board, 1993-1996, appointed by Supervisor Tom Hsieh.

SF Private Industry Council, 1985-1994, served to distribute $25M per year of JTPA and other funds to non-profit employment training providers. Appointed by Dianne Feinstein, reappointed by Art Agnos and Frank Jordan.

SF Rent Board, 1983-1985 Appointed by Dianne Feinstein.

Affiliations:

Asian American Architects & Engineers, 1981-present

MCSDC (Northern California Supplier Development Council), 1983-present

Fort Mason Foundation, 1998-present Mr. Moy serves on the Facilities Committee which oversees planning, seismic work, ADA, fire and life safety of the physical plant which includes three aging piers.

Education: B. Arch.1972.CUNY BTHS, Arch ’66.


Robert Browne – Industrial Design ‘66

BTHS-- most difficult 4 years of my life-- PRICELESS. College was as easy as Elementary School after TECH. I am more proud to say I am an alumnus of TECH, than of my colleges (including Polytechnic of Brooklyn, Brooklyn College, & City College). Because of TECH, I got my first 2 jobs-- Colgate-Palmolive & GIBBS & COX (naval architects). Because of TECH, I was accepted into the NY Air National Guard when it was difficult to enlist. After GIBBS & COX, I remained in Shipbuilding, with a joiner contractor, JAMESTOWN METAL MARINE SALES, INC., on Long Island. In 1978, JAMESTOWN (and my family) relocated to Boca Raton, FL., I transitioned from Engineering to Purchasing, and was promoted to Purchasing Manager in 1988. My wife & I married in 1970; Justin born 1975, Jason born 1978 and Marisa born 1982. My BTHS background helps me excel everyday at work, and beyond.

THE TECH MURAL

Jay Levy – Chemical ‘66

There is not a lot that I experienced at Tech that I can connect to my professional life as a lawyer, but a few "lessons" from BTHS remain with me: At Tech, I finally learned that I was tone deaf and could not carry a tune to save myself; Nothing teaches you humility like "volunteering" to sing the Tech Alma Mater in front of your class and have the entire class erupt in catcalls and uncontrolled laughter-never tried that again! I also learned that I had no mechanical aptitude whatsoever-I don't think that anyone else spent an entire semester trying (in vain) to grind a tool bit; I must have spent a small fortune on tool bits and had nothing to show for the effort other than a collection of tool bit "nubs." I never made it to the lathe. As far making a "Step-V" block, well, that was another project forever unfulfilled. All of this might explain why I never pursued a career in engineering!

Paul Weinberger - College Prep ‘66

Professionally, I started out on a predictable 'engineering' track and have gradually branched out towards the policy-side of technology issues. I currently work out of my home as an independent consultant. Paul Weinberger has 33 years of engineering; R&D and management consulting experience in


the energy/environmental, advanced materials and aerospace/defense industries. He has directed and performed a broad range of assignments in both the public and private sectors involving many aspects of the technology commercialization process, including: engineering design, analysis and modeling; technology, industry and competitive assessments; technology application strategy; market analysis and business planning; policy formulation and evaluation; and R&D program planning and organization. Prior to forming Technology Management in 1987, Mr. Weinberger had eleven years of industrial R&D and engineering experience with Combustion Engineering, Burns & Roe and United Technologies Research Center; and four years of consulting experience with Booz•Allen & Hamilton. He received a BE in Mechanical Engineering from The Cooper Union and an ME from Cornell University with emphasis on energy and environmental studies. Personally, I was able to overcome the socially stunted teen years of an all-male high school (a really bad idea) and 2-hours-a-day on the subways to lead a relatively normal life. Currently, I reside in Farmington CT (near Hartford) with my bride of 22 months and, between increasingly rare consulting assignments, enjoy many quasi-rural and NYC recreational activities (including biking, canoeing, fishing, winter sports, reading, piano, B’way theatre, ...). I spend a good part of my day consuming the NY Times and fuming about how our generation has dropped the ball in so many ways. =

Martin Gellender – Chemical ‘66

After completing the chemistry course at Brooklyn Tech, Martin Gellender went on to major in chemistry at City College, and then completed graduate studies in Physical

Chemistry at the City University of New York. Marty then embarked on a career in scientific journalism, first working as assistant editor for a small chemical engineering magazine in Toronto (Canada), and then founding a new chemistry magazine for the International Union of Pure & Applied Chemistry (based in Oxford, UK). Having married the Australian girl living next door in Toronto, Marty settled in Brisbane (Australia) in 1982 and has worked for the state government of Queensland, where he specializes in energy efficiency and renewable energy. He has two daughters, of whom the eldest is getting married in April 2006.

Don Holford – Electronics ‘66

After graduating from the electronics program at Tech, I received a B.B.A. from Baruch College and an M.S. in Industrial Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of New York. My professional career has been spent in the mental health field, where I have held a number of senior management positions in City & State Government as well as in the private sector. For me, Tech was a special place where I was taught by instructors who were previously captains of their respective industries. Performance standards were set high and support was provided to enable us to succeed provided we were willing to do the work. The work ethic I learned at Tech has stayed with me always. Because of it, I feel have enjoyed a career and personal life which has been very rewarding. Tech Alma Mater molder of men. Now after 40 years we return to salute you again!


Joseph Puleo – Broadcast ‘66

My 3 years at Tech helped me prepare for college and exposed me to different vocations. I didn't care for taking the "iron bastard" from Bensonhurst to Ft. Greene, but I had it easy compared to other Technites. I wound up with a BS in Chemistry from CCNY with a minor in Chem. Eng.

For the last 34 years I have worked with the US Food and Drug Adm., 18 years in our Brooklyn offices and the last 16 in Rockville MD with the Center for Devices and Radiological Health. I'm married almost 25 years with a daughter living in San Diego (a graduate of James Madison U of VA) and a son who will be graduating the U. of Maryland at College Park next month.

Harry Laster – College Prep ‘66

As with so many other Tech alumni that I have encountered throughout the years, I cherish, above all academic experiences, the four years spent at this wonderful institution. In looking at this time in retrospect I frequently think about and, whenever an opportunity presents itself, verbalize that although I achieved a Bachelor’s and two Master’s degrees, I take no greater pride than in my four years at Brooklyn Tech.

One of my greatest experiences occurred when, prior to entering our northern New Jersey suburban high school, my son accompanied me for a tour of Brooklyn Tech. He was truly amazed and duly impressed. He, until the day he left for college, kept my Brooklyn Tech yearbook on a bookshelf in his room, which frequently prompted discussions about my experiences at this wonderful institution. After 40 years and many varied experiences, we look back at 4 years that, for many of us, have served as a foundation for our life experiences, both personal and professional and take pride in the manner in which Tech contributed to our futures. I only regret that I lost touch with so many of my classmates and that, although great efforts have been made, some will not be located and others will be unable to attend this most special event. It’s amazing, in thinking back, that the last time we met we were about 18 years of age and at the beginning of our journeys through life. Now we have experienced so many things and, as a sobering thought, many of us have children older than we were then and some even have grandchildren. I join each of my former classmates in saluting Tech and in thanking John Catsimatides and Richard Carlin in organizing, what I feel confident, will be a wonderful reunion.

Menelaos (Greek) Pavlou – Electrical ‘66

I believe you and I had at least one class together during my four years at Tech. If I’m not confusing you with another ‘John Lyons’ you used to be an amateur photographer and you use to show me your photos since we sat alongside each other. My legal name is


‘Menelaos’, my friends and family call me ‘Billy or Bill’ and the guys at Tech called me ‘Greek.’ Myself and eight classmates from my private elementary school in the Bronx entered 29 Ft Green Place in September of ’62. Everything was new to me coming from a tiny school where you wore uniforms, went to church and just took reading, writing, science, arithmetic and Greek. Dealing with a multiracial, culturally diversified student body of 6000 boys was a lot different then my 300 student-body school. Shop, drawing and subjects that I never thought existed were interesting if not worrisome for a kid from the tenement houses in the Bronx. I remember trying out for the football team as a freshman, with the hundreds of others and making the JV squad only to have my father refuse to sign the permission slip telling me, ‘You’re going to BTHS for an education and not to play football.’ My sports aspirations at Tech ended and I wanted out but couldn’t escape. When the four years were up, I had made many new friends, graduated from the Electrical (Power Option) Course and eight of the nine boys from my elementary school graduated with me. I went to NYC Community College (Borough Hall stop) with a bunch of other Tech graduates, graduated with an AAS Degree in Electrical Technology; went to work as an Engineering Assistant for PSE&G in New Jersey. Sadly, I lost touch with the Tech guys when I got married and moved to Jersey. I did go to night school for my BS and for my MBA, and am presently a Staff Engineer in the Electrical Transmission Engineering Department. Finally, I’m planning to retire this June after more than 37 years with PSE&G. John, feel free to delete whatever is necessary. By the way, John Catsimatidis is one of those eight elementary school classmates that graduated Tech with me.

Paul Angelides – College Prep ‘66

Much of my time at Tech was spent in room BN2, the shop for the Maintenance and

Repair Squad. We fixed anything that broke around the school; in-sourcing repairs including parts manufacturing as an alternative to waiting for the Board of Ed procurement process. I'll always remember the day I was asked by Joe Paskewicz, the shop teacher in charge, to go to the cafeteria to fix the potato masher - a more-than a wash tub sized unit that I found was out of service due to stripped threads on the aluminum masher blade assembly. It was morning and the masher had to be in service so mashed potatoes could be ready for lunch. No problem - after cutting a new thread using lots of cutting oil, I returned the oil and aluminum chip covered masher blade to the cook who promptly screwed it back on, threw the potatoes in, and it worked just fine. I decided to brown bag my lunch for the rest of my time at Tech… These days I am a Forensic Engineer in private practice doing expert investigations into building and building systems failures (structural, mechanical, electrical) -and using all the special skills and insights learned at Tech every day. Married to Diane Libby with an 11-year old son James and a 2-year old daughter Katherine.

Chester Lee – ‘66

Long time no see! I can still remember us as young kids, so I hope we won't be too shocked when we see each other on the 29th! As for Tech, I can remember that prefect class was six floors up, diagonally across from the DeKalb Ave. entrance, which meant going up the stairs six flights walking the entire 2-block length of the building and the 1-block width of the building to get to the classroom in the morning! And who can forget Mr. Heepe in Industrial Processes (IP)? Mr. Bass for History...Messrs. Woods and Glaubinger for Math Analysis? I have special memories of some of the people who attended the same classes with me for two of the four years: Ray Newbold, Jimmy Tso, Phil Garrou and George


Elliopoulos. Of course I remember my very good friend Mike Liu who rode the subway with me everyday from Manhattan. I also remember those Technites who went on to Columbia with me: Ed Chin, Sam Estreicher, Norman Latovitsky, Rob Bjorstedt, Arthur Kokot, Victor Lee. Looking back, it was a very unique experience, which created the foundation for all my achievements and riches in life, for which I will be forever grateful. It will be great to see everyone again after 40 years! I am a Senior Analyst in the Domestic Brokerage Group at American International Group (AIG) serving major U.S. corporations. In this role I serve as an internal business consultant in implementing major underwriting and claims systems. Prior to this, I was employed by IBM as the Program Director of Electronic Commerce Operations, and by Citibank as a vice president in consumer banking, serving as Service Quality Director--Private Banking, Operations Manager--Student Loans, Chief of Staff--Long Island Branch System, and Senior Roll-out Manager--Direct Access (Home Banking). I have been involved in starting up a fast-food hamburger restaurant chain, a FM radio station in Long Island, and an art supplies store in Manhattan. I am a current board member of the Chinese American Planning Council and am very active in the larger Brooklyn community as a board member of the Brooklyn Historical Society, BEC New Communities Housing Development Fund Company and the First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn. I also serve as chairperson of the Advisory Group at the First American International Bank and as a director of First American International Corp., the holding company for the bank. I graduated from Columbia University with a BS in Chemical Engineering from the Fu Foundation School of Engineering & Applied Science and an MBA in Finance from the Graduate School of Business, and continue to be very active in alumni/ae affairs at the university, serving on the boards of the Columbia Engineering School Alumni Association and the Asian Columbia Alumni Association. Support the BTHS Alumni Association. Check out WWW.BTHSALUM.ORG for more

information. Update your information file at WWW.BTHSALUM.ORG?/BIO_FORM.htm.

Aldo Rovere – College Prep ‘66

Obviously, senior year stands out in my mind. Besides the blackout, college searches and having to grow up sooner than we would have liked, the Tech Varsity Bowling Team accomplished more than any one expected and goes to show that anything can happen. With only two returning players Lee Tavormina and Robert Malacoff, and a cadre of unproven seniors and underclassmen, the team went undefeated in winning the Brooklyn Borough and went to the final game before losing to Franklin K. Lane in the City Championship. While Coach Lefkowitz was never one to exhibit a lot of emotion, I'm sure, this team held a special place in his heart given the low expectations at the beginning of the season. Personally, the team experience encouraged me to bowl four more years on the Stony Brook varsity and rewarded me with MVP distinction in Junior and senior years. I mention that because I recently attended a high school playoff game at the new Stony Brook Sports Complex and strolled through their athletic Hall of Fame and was happy to see one of our alumni, Danny Kaye, enshrined for his soccer play during our college years. Do you think I have a chance? Hope to see some young old faces at the reunion.

1966 Tech Commencement Admission

Ticket


http://www.bthsalum.org/

http://www.bthsalum.org/?/BIO_FORM.htm

Joseph Zinman – College Prep ‘66

The things that I experienced at Tech changed my life forever. As a dumpkoff freshie I entered a world that was so different than anything I had ever experienced before. I never cursed before I went to Tech. Within (1) week I was an expert. I met my best friend at Tech in Mr. Krede's sophomore machine shop class. Anyone that knew Jimmy McGrath knew he was someone that was special and different. We went to Ranger games together (although I have been an Islander fan for quite some time now). We did a lot of partying together. We played poker - in fact our poker game still is in existence to this day - the players may have changed but the roots were from Tech. We womanized together and Jimmy was a real ladies man. The woman, and there many throughout his life, could not keep their hands off of Jimmy. He was a man of few words, but he knew exactly what to say and when to say them. He graduated as an architect and I a mechanical engineer and we worked together for my dad. He was the godfather of my son, Michael. About 2-1/2 years ago he left this world and I miss him. We all miss him. I have many other friends that I met at Tech - we may be dispersed but many of us still keep in touch. In fact, I met Paul Weinberger at the 30th reunion and we proceeded to look up several of our mutual friends and ever since we have had annual mini-reunions. We have included Mrs. "O" (Osterweil) and even a few other teachers. In fact, at the 30th I re-met Paul Angelides, PE and we have been associates ever since. And then there's Al Zimmermann, Howie Morris, Alan Milner, Bob Jacobs ("Jake") and of course Phil Cooper. Phil still plays in Jimmy and my poker game. And Jake and I went cross country in 1970. Although he now lives out west, we still keep in touch. Phil Pelligrino and I went to college together and also socialized a lot during and after college. We lost touch but then he came to one

of our mini-reunions in 2001. At the same mini-reunion Shelly Kanter showed up as did all of the "regulars" and a few others, including a few teachers. Little did anyone know that it was the last time any of us would see Shelly - unfortunately he worked on the 101st floor of the World Trade Center. So you can see Brooklyn Tech substantially influenced my life in many ways. From a scared little freshie to a well prepared college student to a Professional Engineer to a married guy with a great wife and kids, and of course to a guy who met so many great friends who still influence me to this day - it was some ride that can't really be described - it had to be lived. P. S. - I didn't forget one of my best friends at Tech, Mike Rosendale. Unfortunately you only get an honorable mention at this time because you are from the class of 1967. Also, it would have been a "little more interesting" if Tech was coed at the time and "dungarees" (not jeans) were allowed. I don't know how dungarees would have made it more interesting but it sounded good to me (and of course the word "dungarees" drives my kids crazy). By the way, my first prefect room was the foundry on the 8th floor and Mr. Pelosi was my first prefect teacher.

THE BROOKLYN PARAMOUNT

THEATER

TECH ALMA MATER MOLDER OF MEN


Ken Dalessandro – Broadcast ‘66

Whenever I think of Tech, I cannot help but reflect on what I do for a living and where I am professionally. It is my strong personal belief that none of it would have been possible without Tech. I probably learned more in high school than I learned in college. While I do not know if many others share this feeling, I know for certain that I was taught how to think and how to analyze and organize. All of us were exposed to hands-on technology to a degree. I do not think it was possible in other high schools. Although I probably did not consider it at the time, I think that the SOS, on which I served for four years and held every rank except captain, was an extremely valuable experience in leadership training. Besides, we got to run the place and nobody messed with us.

Bart Verdirame – College Prep ‘66

After Tech I received a degree in Chemical Engineering from CCNY and in Law at St.John's. Maureen and I live in Long Island and have two kids, now grown up. I am a partner in the firm Morgan &Finnegan, specializing in patent law. My practice has often led me to meet Tech graduates in the science and engineering departments of companies all over the U.S, and abroad, although sometimes when I meet people with New York

high school science backgrounds they are from those lesser schools: Bronx Sci or Stuy.

Frank Progl – Electronics ‘66

After Tech, I went to CCNY, graduated 1971 with a BEEE in electrical engineering. Almost got drafted, but eventually missed. I started with NYC Transit Authority in Dec. '71 and have been there since. I am now responsible for the design and construction of all new fixed block technology signal systems for NYCT - currently approx $1B in design and construction.

Andrew Au – College Prep ‘66

I have been working in international finance and real estate investments for the past three decades. My years at Brooklyn Tech provided


me the foundation in analytical skills that helped me to succeed in my profession. My last assignment of five years was in real estate investments in Asia, working out of Tokyo with Lehman Brothers. I just moved back to our home in California this month and will be looking to my next venture, which will also be in real estate investments. I am married, my wife's name is Elizabeth and we have no children.

JUNIOR”S Restaurant – Flatbush Avenue

Michael Tenenbaum – College Prep ‘66

I wish I could report that the technology I absorbed as a student helped in my later career, but, alas, pattern making, metal pouring, metal cutting and metal bending were not part of my career direction. But one thing that BTHS helped was in time management. With the amount of homework we were assigned, it was almost a given that a successful Technite would by necessity be a successful time manager. I originally started life as a civil engineer but a year at MIT for grad school helped me see that the decision process to build a bridge is infinitely more critical than the technology employed in building a bridge. Eventually, I became more involved in engineering planning and other soft areas of engineering. Today, I manage Strategic Technologies Partners. Our firm is a software and network designer that focuses on

converting businesses from Microsoft and Sun software to Linus.

STEP’ V’ BLOCK

Alan Freed at the Brooklyn Paramount

BLUEPRINTING SHOP


Bill (Greek) Pavlou Part II

John: I previously sent you some ‘stuff’ but I think these following recollections are more interesting: The first assembly as freshmen we saw the Western Electric film on the Telstar satellite. The auditorium was the second biggest in New York, only behind Radio City Music Hall. Principal Pabst said ‘look to your left and look to your right, one of your neighbors won’t graduate with you’ The GO store for supplies and candy. The ‘step V block’ in patternmaking, the ‘tool bit’ in machine shop, micrometer, tool crib and don’t forget the engine and bench lathes. Foundry and making sure the dirt was not mud or sand in the mould. Upper gym (spring time playing on the roof) versus lower gym and swimming pool. Lunch periods; 11:15 = breakfast club, 12 noon = lunch, 12:45 dinner club. Tech Special lunch meal – Veal cutlet with gravy where the fork would stand up on it’s own in the gravy. Before they were eliminated – the Tech utensil token – no token no fork/spoon, etc. Plus the token was used to play football, etc. on the cafeteria table. SOS and ‘up the down stairwell’ No a/c in the building. Morning or afternoon detention. Only boys – 6000 of them in the building at the same time. Ugly female teachers that started to look good after a while. Late bell at 8:50 Prefect buddies!

Anthony Agnello – Aeronautical ‘66

Thanks for your efforts on behalf of the reunion. I hope that the appended is appropriate. See you next week. I entered Tech in 10th grade as a 13 year old (yikes) after taking the SP course in JHS in Bensonhurst. One of my first memories was being in Chemistry class that first year when the PA announced JFK’s assassination. Tech was a formative experience. The Aero Course challenged my mind, the gymnastics team (which apparently and sadly is no more) my body (which is also sadly not what it once was) and the SOS my leadership skills. Apart from the wonderful technical courses and training, one teacher in particular, Mr. Wolfson, expanded my social/political horizons. In fact, in retrospect, the diversity (in everything but gender) of bright, energetic students probably had the most profound impact on my perspective and worldview. I feel that Tech was where "I grew up."


Leon (Lee) Brukman – College Prep ‘66

One of my most vivid memories at Tech was the time I played “Pipeline” on the guitar in the dance band during assembly. I enjoyed singing folksongs during German class – it brought back memories of the Fatherland. I will never forget the time we participated in an unauthorized test of Newton’s Theory of Universal Gravitation by throwing glass plates from the cafeteria window. That was a smash! Of course there was the time that Dean Fanning sent me home to change into “acceptable” trousers from the dungarees that I wore to school. My first experience bowling was during gym class. Everything I ever needed to know about life, I learned at Tech. However, since graduating from Tech, I have been involved in numerous business opportunities, including technology, manufacturing, and real estate throughout the United States (i.e., in California, Arizona, Texas, Washington, Illinois, Utah, Indiana, Michigan, and New Mexico). I received a B.A. from New York University, an M.P.A. from San Diego State University, and an M.S.S.M. (Systems Management) from the University of Southern California; I attended the University of San Diego School Of Law, and the PhD program in Economics at the University of California in San Diego. Additionally, I was an Adjunct Instructor at Pepperdine University in Systems Analysis, Organization and Management, Decision-Making, and Budgeting; an Adjunct Instructor at National University in Systems Analysis and Goals Analysis; and an Instructor at San Diego Community Colleges in Budgeting and Business Writing.

Michael Weiss – College Prep ‘57

Tech in the 50's was very different from today but in other ways, the same… Different: 6000 boys, sheet metal shop, foundry, slide rules, Louron's, SOS, the Dodgers left. The same: the building, Fort Greene Park, entrance test, great kids, great teachers, great alumni!

FOUNDRY 7N1 & 7N2

REPORT CARD


1962 TECH HANDBOOK

Gabor Rothauser – Electronics ‘66

What I remember about Tech was the pride that I always felt in being at a top school. The constant rivalry between Westinghouse, Bronx Science and Tech. I remember the interest in shops that have since disappeared like foundry and woodworking. Who would ever think of someone with an electrical engineering background taking woodworking? Making a Step V Block, using a T Square, these are now ‘ancient arts’ but I remember them fondly. After Tech, I went to City College and became an Electrical Engineer, then while I was working during the next few years I went to night school at Baruch College to get a Masters in Business. That was very fortunate. It led to a career in

Facilities Management and I would not have gotten that initial ‘nod’ had I not had the Tech, Engineering and Business Degree. Those were a magic combination. I managed facilities for firms such as Brooklyn Union Gas (now Keyspan), the American Stock Exchange and then Moody’s Investor Service. A short time after graduating CCNY I got married and now have two wonderful boys ages 18 and 21. The younger at Binghamton and the older at NYU. They went to a local high school and never felt the ‘pride’ that I did when I went to Tech. I live on Long Island with my wife and two kids (when they are home from school) and at present work as a consultant at NYU managing construction and renovation for faculty housing.

BROOKLYN TECH RING CLASS OF ’66

Robert Hickey – Structural ‘66

The first thing that comes to mind is one day in Structural Shop with Mr. Trummer as the shop teacher. Mr. Trummer sometimes seemed to


be in a world of his own, unaware of what was happening around him. The Structural Course seniors were building a bridge truss as a class project. In the middle of class one day a few friends came up to me, partially surrounded me and started a conversation. As I was talking to them, another student slipped the hook from the shop gantry crane into my belt loop, and another student hoisted me a few feet above the floor. They swung me around to each other for nearly a minute, until Mr. Trummer noticed and said, "Boys, be careful, don't hurt yourselves".

John Klinger – College Prep ‘66

My memories of Brooklyn Tech center on the math department since that is what I did. Dr. Barnett Rich ran the department so well and was a terrific teacher. He had a great voice and liked to talk about the connection between math and music. I remember how he once started singing in the middle of a lecture. Every day, at the end of the standard school day, I would see Mr. Glaubiger, the coach the Math Team for our Math Analysis class. I loved this time. Mr Glaubiger would lecture on some interesting part of math that was not taught in the normal classes or we would prepare for the math team meets. Mr Glaubiger was always low key and soft spoken but knew all kinds of stuff and clearly enjoyed nurturing the growth of young minds. I also remember Mr. Klein who did a great job teaching calculus in my last year at Tech.

In other departments, I am thankful to Ms. Mannix of the English department who did not flunk me when I failed to complete a assignment. I think she realized that I was hopelessly unable to complete a creative writing project.

After Tech, I went to Columbia where I roomed in the dorms with Chester Lee, Victor Lee and Ed Chin. I went on to Cornell where I eventually got a Ph.D in Physics. After a three year post-doc at Fermilab (near Chicago), I left high energy physics and started work writing software in the aerospace industry. I worked at Fairchild Republic Co. on Long Island and later moved to Fairchild Space and Defense in Germantown, Maryland. At these companies, I worked on computerized mission planning systems for pilots. We spearheaded the replacement of the paper maps with raster map imagery for this purpose. Recently I switched jobs to write software for a startup company (Proxy Aviation) that is hoping to get into the unmanned vehicles market. I have been married since 1977 and I am blessed with three children: Nathaniel 25, David 22 and Jane 16.

Michael Macaluso RA, AIA – Architectural ‘66

I found my passion at Tech and it has remained the love of my life and mistress to me to this day. The exposure to Architecture under the old european hands of Mr. Entlich and Erenrich still remind to this day to "look up" as you walk down the street....Never at the street corners! I can still hear those deep German accents as they told stories of the Bauhaus and taught me the basics of drawing and composition that still remains as the starting point to all of my design work ...to this day. I recall Mr. Perlmutter pleading for us to grasp the ideas of rivet design and defection. To this day I still feel confident to hold my own when debating with my Structural consultants on projects in my office. Every time I walk on to a smaller construction site while watching a residential project come to life, I can speak intelligently with the carpenters


regarding framing techniques and bracing requirements...all because I did it at Tech under the hands of Mr. Lightner. The recollections flood back each time I pass the "tower" and know well the Architect that I am today was spawned and rooted in those hallowed halls.

Kenneth Lee – Industrial Design ’66 Part II

It's probably too late for this, but rereading this email, a couple of other memories popped up. The first (shared by most of us) was of 11/22/63. Our mechanical drawing teacher left the room and came back red-faced and teary-eyed to announce - and I remember his words verbatim - "The rumor is the president has been shot." And my memory was just jogged - as I wrote down that date - that someone had written underneath a staircase, and I must have seen it 1,000 times during my 3 years and 1 summer at Tech: JFK 11/22/63 The date is therefore engrained in my memory, and I commemorate every year! The second is a much more pleasant memory of (I believe) a Christmas party to which Tommy Klenck (who was in a band called The Marshmellows) had brought a guitar, and I was drumming/banging the hell out of a mechanical drawing table as he played "Wipeout!" I've been in bands most of my life, though NOT as a drummer.

SOS LIEUTENANT’S BADGE

John Catsimatidis – College Prep ‘66

Coming from 135th street in Manhattan, the poor side of town, attending Brooklyn Tech has opened my mind, academically and learning to work with my hands (which I never did) whether it was in foundry, machine shop or pattern making shop. It taught me leadership through my experiences of four years on the SOS.

Getting the congressional nomination for West Point, I chose not to go. Being an only child, I wanted to remain close to my elderly parents. Following Tech, I went to NYU (Bronx campus), and continued with engineering. However, I never graduated and remain eight credits short of obtaining my engineering degree. During my senior year, a cousin talked me into taking 50% of a grocery store, which helped me to further open my mind. As graduation neared, I was making $500 a week in a grocery store (working 100 hours) and engineers only made $165 a week.


I remained in the supermarket business during the 1970’s, building up a chain of 30 stores by 1978. In 1977, being in the retail business, I came to the realization that the landlords were king and I started to pump all of our excess funds into the real estate business.

In addition, in 1977, I achieved my dream of learning to fly and bought my first jet the following year. Realizing how expensive it was to operate a jet, I took my pilot, and put him into business. The newly opened Atlantic City casinos helped us to fly customers in and eventually ended up with 40 corporate jets (of which most I flew), and eventually sold and today is called Net Jets.

In 1983, people knowing my love for airplanes, got me involved in the 11th largest airline in the country --- Capitol Air. At the age of 34, I ended up moving to Nashville, Tenn., and running the company Monday through Friday; having offices all over the world.

Late in 1984, seeing the handwriting on the wall in the airline industry, we sold the airline. I returned back to New York and to my Westside office running a few supermarkets away from my worldwide offices. I was depressed.

Within a year, I used my personal credit lines because the real estate business had really taken off. I ended up buying 3 companies within a year: 1.) Pantry Pride in Florida from Ron Perlman, (who in turn was in the middle of buying Revlon). 2.) Gristede’s Supermarkets from the Southland Company (who owns the 7-11 chain, and 3.) An oil company, United Refining Company, which is the largest Refinery in Western Pennsylvania. I went from being bored to being extremely busy thus allowing me no time for boredom. Today, our primary businesses are our oil refining, real estate, and a few assets still remain in the supermarket business; still owning Gristede’s supermarket chain in New York City We Continue in Aviation in a slight way operating a corporate 727 & a Gulfstream.

Our major projects for 2006 are: We are building a $500 million dollar Coker unit for the refinery, and my head engineer at the refinery is a Brooklyn Tech graduate. Also, we have a $400 million dollar development in our real estate company of a million square feet, opposite metro tech. and only a few steps away from Brooklyn Tech. We continue to buy and sell companies. I married my wife Margo in 1988 and we have two children: a daughter, AJ and son, John Jr. My family and I reside in Manhattan on the eastside.

I am looking for new adventures, and rumor has it that I may run for Mayor of New York City in 2009.

I treasure my memories at Tech. I feel that Tech was the bridge for helping me achieve.

Herbert Henkel – Aeronautical ‘66 Our four years at Tech provided us with the foundation upon which we were able to build our careers: - The train rides to/from and the long hours of classes/homework gave us the commitment it takes to thrive in a global business world. - The technical subjects combined with the shop work make me comfortable whether I am in a research lab or walking the shop floor of a factory. - The exposure to the young men from all around the world that made up our graduating class prepared me for the leadership of a global company. It has been a very interesting journey since 1966. I look forward to revisiting where it all began.


1966 SERVICE AWARD TO JOHN M LYONS BY

ACTING PRINCIPAL FRANK STEWART

Jimmy Cullen – Electrical ‘66 Hi john and thx for the d-d on sat nite, very

nice thoughtful of you, but I must decline the invite and I will be at our big 40 REUNION. Hope you and all ‘yours’ are healthy. May grace and peace be yours! Til we meet again ...on the GG or the LL or A, or the E or F, not to mention the #7 and the buses, buses, buses. I have not commuted to work in 23 years! Teach high school math around the corner from my apt. Real immigrant work… class hood. Just like almost all of us back then yet this pop is much more first generation immigrant. All in all I like my career. The $ still sucks, and the stress is grown exponentially over the last few yrs. Hope the state lets me go in 2 yrs by changing the laws. Well I spoke too much

again...some things do not change... goodbye and hope the party is a real good time.

Arnold Oftedal – College Prep ‘66

At Tech, I was the Editor in Chief of the Blueprint - I did some SOS shifts (rank of corporal) and even a semester (year?) as a slop cop my first year at Tech. The latter was done to be able to jump the line for food every day that first year. After Tech I got my BS in Mathematics from CCNY (1970), an MS in Math Education from Richmond College in Staten Island (1973) and a 6th year Certificate in Supervision and Administration from the College of Staten Island (1977). In 1970 I started a teaching career in NYC, teaching math for two years in a junior high school in Brooklyn, moving on to 12 years teaching math at Norman Thomas HS in Manhattan. From there I became an assistant principal at Monroe HS in the Bronx and also at McKee VoTech in Staten Island. I served a total of 23 years in NYC education before beginning an administrative career in NJ as an assistant principal and now as a HS principal in Bogota, NJ. I have been an administrator in NJ schools for 13 years. My side job while teaching was in the NY Army National Guard for 25 years, and about 4 years thereafter in the Army Reserve. I attained the rank of Lt Colonel in the Reserve, retiring in 2000. I am married to Sonja, and we have three children - Evan: teaching in Watchung HS in NJ, Kari: attending Georgetown University Medical School (1st year), and Trevor: HS senior trying to decide on a college for next year.


I remember my senior prefect with Mr. Martin Wolfson - the guy who wrote the NY Times almost every day.......My memories of Tech have been most positive - I have attended a few reunions, and gotten to know the immediate past principal - Lee McCaskill thru mutual friends and attendance at national principal's conventions. I have also met Matt Mandery, another previous principal. I guess I am rambling now, but that’s who I am and what I have become. Thank you again for putting together this super evening on Sat.

Richard Carlin – College Prep ‘66

How does one sum up forty years on a page? It forces one to decide whether if it’ s a life led with a bang and not a whimper.

In the late 60’s, I let my hair grow bummed around the country for a bit. Dropped out of college reentered college and finally graduated from Long Island University. Dazed, confused and undirected I meandered through the streets of New York and finally ended up at 65 Court Street and became “ one of the mongrel dogs that taught”. I spent 17 years in the classroom teaching HS English at Long Island City HS and Martin Luther King HS. For any one of you who have been in front of the classroom realizes the elation, the frustration, and feeling of helplessness to over come a sea of troubles that my students faced in their daily lives. I had found my niche or as my old AP English would say had fallen in the abyss of middle class mediocrity. In fear that the love hate relationship would cause burnout I became a guidance counselor (MS LIU. MS PACE) at the School for Pregnant Teens and eventually back to Martin Luther King HS as the college advisor where I had a grand old time until I retired from the NYC Department of Education and became a guidance counselor at East Campus High School and started a semi new career. I guess

I’m a glutton for punishment or I really think it’s a profession that matters. I’ll let you judge

Now here’s the rub. While teaching and counseling I found my avocation, which has been coaching track. Coaching may be more rewarding than teaching. Since 1980 I’ve developed 20 City Champions, 3 Iron horse winners and a myriad of all city athletes. I’m really proud to say that most of my former athletes went on to graduate college and further. Thirty years later I’m still coaching as an Assistant Track Coach at Ramapo College. In order to be with you guys today I leaving the Penn Relays early and driving in from Philly

. On the home front my wife and I have raised three children. The twins are at Hamilton and Columbia and the oldest is working in public policy for Network for the Homeless. We reside in a big yellow house in suburban New Jersey and are having a enjoying the empty nest and looking forward to the future.

Come to think of it forty years flew by real fast. Hope to renew a couple of old friendships. Peace


TECH ALMA MATER 1933-1969 Version

Tech Alma Mater Molder of Men,

Proudly we rise to Salute thee again! Loyal we stand,

Now 6000 strong, Wake, echoes, wake,

As we thunder our song!

Tech we will sound Thy triumphs!

Tech we will sing Of thy might

And thy fame! Tech may thy sons Bring thee Glory!

All Honor and Praise To thy Name!

John Belleas – ‘66 Senior Vice President/ Financial Consultant Personal Investments Maxim Group Investment Banking Boutique. 405 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY Leisure time activities expanding musical and culinary appreciation and philosophical horizons. Brooklyn Tech experience made most hard work easy to handle in the future. Married, 2 children, residing in Astoria, NY. Spouse: Sarah, proud native of Racine, WI. Children: Andrew 16. Nicolette 12.

NARASH KHANNA & JOHN CATSIMATIDES


Naresh Khanna – College Prep ‘66

My memories of tech are of an amazing group of students and teachers. Of course we benefited from what was a great public school system and one that should be revived. For the most part ordinary kids from differing boroughs and backgrounds -- some very bright and some very hardworking. There was a great generosity of spirit amongst us, we shared and helped each other in spite of the difficulties of the distances we traveled each day to school and back, and our varied interests. This community of spirit also came from our teachers many of whom were brilliant – and who taught with a mixture of toughness and generosity. Basically I have been living and working in New Delhi, India, since 1975 as a publishing systems consultant and the publisher of a trade magazine for the printing and publishing industry. Since I had grown up in New York and lived thereabouts since the age of 9 for over 17 years, I tried to stay on the technical side of things especially with the use of computers for implementing non-Roman scripts for typesetting. In many ways my own country was a new experience with a lot of learning and adaptation especially since I have been a bit stubborn about doing things in my way. I had some computer background and the entire publishing and printing industry kept heading in that direction. It was very difficult in the early years and I even thought of returning to the US, until in the early 1980’s a major newspaper in South India was very forthright and committed to technology and human resource upgradation. The economy started moving in the 1980s and with the advent of Adobe PostScript in 1984-85 there was a major upswing for Indian language publishers and the newspaper industry began on a growth curve that is still astounding. In 1991 major economic reforms kicked in and changes started happening that I didn’t think that I would see in my lifetime. These are still going on and

there is a lot to be done. On the personal side I have been married to a very outspoken and courageous mainstream political journalist for the last 23 years. We have two sons by her first marriage who are both grown up, one an engineer with an MBA working for an American consumer goods company and the other an MBA working for a leading Indian telecom company. I run two small companies – the first publishes an industry magazine that has been going for 27 years, and the other company provides industry consulting, research, and training services. In the last few years on my trips to the US I have been able to meet up with a few of our classmates and I look forward to hearing from more and our teachers as well.

THE LOCKER ROOM

-As of April 29, 2006-

Walter Kreitsch – College Prep ‘66

After graduating from Long Island University, I began a twenty-five year career in the credit analysis field, specializing with garment industry companies. Eight years ago I started a new


career as a paralegal specialist, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. My wife Anne, a schoolteacher, and I have been married for thirty-five years. We have two adult children, Jason, a computer programmer and Jessica, a Speech Language Pathologist. We reside in Howard Beach, Queens, New York. We became first time grandparents in 2004, when our son and his wife, Danielle presented us with a grandson, Brandon. Our daughter will be married in the Fall of 2006.

Robert Schaible - Architectural 66

I have been working at Three Mile Island for the last 25 years as an engineering analyst. I have two daughters and three grandchildren. Before that I was working for Ebasco Services in the World Trade Center building Nuclear Power Plants. I moved to Harrisburg, Pa. in 1980 when offered a position with the engineering team and have been here since. I am getting ready to retire, hopefully at 62, and try something else to keep busy.

Richard Carlin, Chester Lee, Alan Kramer, Don Holford

James Giokas – Chemical ‘66

My Tech memories are many and I’m sure similar to those of many of us. I was never good with my hands so I always remember having to stress foundry, shop, freehand and mechanical drawing. I have this vivid memory of riding the GG line sweating to carry my square T-board and all the things that went with it back and forth to Tech because I had problems keeping up in class with these drawing projects. Why the heck did they have all this stuff in the curriculum is still a question I have asked myself often. One thing that kind of shocked me a little when I heard about it after we had graduated for some time was when Tech went co-ed. I don’t think we would have had the same camaraderie we did with all the guys we became friends with if we also had to co-exist with girls in those hallowed halls. Those of us who were officers in the SOS have another bunch of stories to remember and talk about at reunions which time and space don’t allow me to get into in these few paragraphs. All in all, I think most of us would agree that our Tech experiences prepared us very well for college and beyond. Organization skills, discipline to study and work hard and the survival skills we all had to perfect competing


and living with 6,000 other guys. These are things that have served us well over the past 40 years and will continue to do so as we remember our Tech.

Dennis Fagan – Chemical ‘66

My initial impression of Tech was one of awe at the sheer size of both the building and the student body. As I began to settle in, I experienced a rite of passage in Mr. Lincoln’s IP class. Aside from being a very good teacher; he was a good sport and liked to sprinkle his lectures with mildly risqué observations. As we 14 year olds snickered, we also realized that we were now being treated like men. Another impression was made by the highly visible squadmen of the S.O.S and I decided I would become one as soon as possible. Staying on the SOS and rising to Lieutenant and ultimately Captain was a personal milestone for me. It helped me develop skills in leadership and dealing with people that are invaluable to this day. In addition, the bonds that we formed on the squad seem as intense today as they did then. This was what impressed me most of all at the 40th Reunion. Since Tech, I worked for IBM for 23 years on the technical side of data processing. After that, I tried my hand at some small businesses outside of that industry but returned to computers after a seven year hiatus. Currently I work for Toys-R-Us (no, I’m not a personal friend of Geoffrey) as a Mainframe Systems Programmer. The memories of Tech will be with me forever, and they are strong and positive. I realized at the reunion that I should have been back sooner to be with old friends and will now make it a point to return as often as possible. That loyalty across all class years that I witnessed is too strong not to celebrate together.

Alan Kramer – Electrical ‘66

As someone who has not kept in touch with my Tech classmates over all these 40 years it was especially great fun getting together at the school and at the Terrace on the Park reunion party. This has now given me the opportunity to renew some acquaintances that will help me to stay in touch. As to what I have been doing over the past 40 years, I have pretty much followed a straight-line path. My specialty at Tech was Electrical, I received my Bachelor of Engineering from Cooper Union in Electrical Engineering, and I have been a consulting electrical engineer for buildings and facilities for just about 36 years now. For the past 11 years I have had my own independent practice in Stamford, Connecticut. My wife and I have lived in Stamford for the past 29 years.

John Lyons, John Catsimatidis, Herb Henkel, Ken

D’Alessandro, Gabe Rothauser


Arthur Piccolo – College Prep ‘66

I did not want to attend Brooklyn Tech. I was #1 in my grammar school class at St. Francis Xavier Grammar School in Park Slope, Brooklyn, and having been accepted at all the various Catholic High Schools I had my heart set on attending the Jesuit school Brooklyn Prep which was a perfect match for my interests and talents which focused on literature, history, and decidedly non-technical subjects.

I was cajoled probably more accurately conned by my own father and mother to take the Tech entrance exam, and not being as wise as I should have I agreed and believed my parents claim that their was nothing "sinister" in them wanting me to take the exam. Only to be told by them after being accepted at Tech did I really expect them to spend $300 a year sending me to Brooklyn Prep when I could attend Brooklyn Tech for nothing. They showing no interest or appreciation for my success in grammar school

or where my true potential was. It was all about money. Even when it came to their first child.

That is how and why I attended Tech. And the most valuable lesson I received from that experience that trusting even ones own parents is a fool's path unless that trust is earned. My younger brother and sister were the beneficiaries of my 'abuse' both were sent to Catholic High Schools by my parents without a second thought.

I was an average student at Tech because as expected the various technical and shop requirements dragged my point average down. And keep me in a permanent state of disappointment for 4 years. I think I finished with an overall grade average of 87% if that was even the way classes were graded? I don't remember. My fondest or at least strongest memories of Tech are the SOS of which I was a member for 4 years. The other was those huge packed elevators we rode between floors. As to the SOS I wanted to become a First Lieutenant even dreamed of the ultimate position Captain but never made it beyond Second Lieutenant.

A few specific incidents that remain fresh in my memory are being on post with the SOS on day on the cafeteria floor and someone mentioning they had jut heard some new group that called themselves "The Beatles." Another of course sitting in class on the first floor on November 22, 1963, when the Principal's voice came over the rarely used loud speaker system first with the news President Kennedy had been shot, then a second time that he was dead.

The other is being accused by our teacher in Honors English of plagiarism and hauled into the office of the head of the English Department and almost thrown out of the honors program because the of the teacher's flimsy, unsubstantiated and false accusation that it was "impossible" that a high school student could have written an essay I submitted about the recently completed Houston Astrodome a piece I wrote and titled " The Taj Mahal of Baseball."

I left Tech with a Regents Scholarship and admission to NYU's dual degree program which would have provided me both a B.S. and B.S. after 5 years, and attending then Bronx campus, taking a huge class load, a very long subway ride every day from Brooklyn, working part time and joining Air Force ROTC with my new goal of becoming an Air Force pilot after


graduating. The grueling schedule and a fast deteriorating situation at home led me to leave both home and school after 2 years at NYU.

Moving to New Jersey, living with my aunt, working in a pharmaceutical plant and watching a possible draft date drawing closer and closer. Not wanting to spend 2 years in the Army dying in Vietnam for nothing, still wanting to become a pilot I opted not to wait to be drafted and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for 4 years with the recruiter's "guarantee" I would go to navigator school ( and Vietnam of course ) then pilot school since I did not have a college degree a requirement for enlistment to become a pilot. The alternate route to pilot school being a navigator first.

I received my second big lesson about "trust" from our government to compliment the lesson from my own parents earlier, when after finishing basic training in Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, I was assigned to learn "small camera repair" NOT sent to navigator school.

Arriving at Lowry Air Force Base outside Denver, Colorado, I made a pivotal decision to confront the Air Force and my outrage at having ultimately been lied to by recruiters and I refused to attend "small camera repair" training. I told the Commanding Officer either send me to navigator school or release me to the Army and I will do my two years in Vietnam and be done with it dead or alive rather than spending 4 years fixing "small cameras" somewhere in the U.S. or Europe. When I would never have enlisted in the Air Force for 4 years if there was even a remote chance of I would get such an assignment. I had no interest in cameras. Don't think I had ever taken a photo.

My insubordination was first punished by my be forced to sit day after day in the hot sun watched over by an armed MP as I chipped bricks atop a pile of them for a new barbecue one of the officers planned to construct on the base from the remnants of a recently dismantled building. When that did nothing to change my mind I was thrown in the brig under "administrative discipline" since the Air Force did not want to Court Marshall me as I taunted them to do since I knew a full hearing was going to embarrass them and cause problems when my actual enlistment and the records of my contacts with the recruiters back in Red

Bank, New Jersey, became part of the proceedings.

After a few months in the brig the very best time I spent in the military as a low level detainee with no charges against me, and many of the others interred there from the New York City area, with spectacular views of the Rockies, lots of time to read, a well stocked library, and with no more waits on the chow line since we "dangerous" criminals who took our meals in the mess hall with everyone else were immediately escorted to the head of the line and had priority seating as well. As everyone else waited. And waited some more.

After a few months of this finally realizing I was prepared to spend the next 4 years at Camp Lowry, getting ready to resume taking college courses from "prison," to pass the time, with excellent accommodations and my increasing friendliness with the Air Force personnel operating the Brig, just having watched reports of the big Woodstock Festival on prison tv, finally and without notice I was told to collect my belongings, I was escorted to the Base Commander, given one last chance to admit the "error of my ways," repeating my demand to be Court Marshaled or released, I was handed an Administrative Discharge and driven off the base by a likable Sergeant who told me "I could still possibly make something of my life."

All I was thinking about was my Victory and whether or not to stay in Denver or head back to New York City. As for my administrative discharge, after a required waiting period, I applied to the Air Force for a review, based on the facts, and I was awarded a standard Honorable Discharge.

After staying in Denver a week or so, living in a motel, considering heading into the Rockies and working at a ski resort, I decided to return home to New York. Finding my old Pontiac convertible I had basically abandoned when I left for the Air Force, still sitting in a lot and working, I wandered from New Jersey to Long Island, and back to Brooklyn where I worked first as a New York Telephone technician, then a cab driver, until a visit to a a friend's summer house in Sayville, Long Island in 1972, led to my taking a job with a land survey company, and staying on Long Island. Which led to my next educational adventure.

I read in Newsday a very young 24 year old ( one year older than me ) county legislature was


rumored to be considering running for Congress. Having grown up in the middle of politics in Brooklyn, and being fascinated by it, I simply decided to show up at Tom Downey's office in West Islip, one day to find out for myself. He told me he was not going to run for Congress in 1974, but I convinced him otherwise and we were soon fast friends, which led to me tracking down Harry Chapin, who lived in Huntington Bays, to assist the campaign. But that is another story.

More to the point and leaving out all the detail Tom pulled the upset of upsets beating an entrenched Republican, winning a seat no Democrat ever had, and at 25 becoming the youngest New Yorker ever elected to Congress and the 2 or 3rd youngest in U.S. history. The night of that election a group of us in an store front on Montauk Highway in Bay Shore remains to this day the most exciting experience of my life. Refusing to go to DC myself I became a district aide among other duties ironically enough responsible for Tom's appointment to the various military academies.

At the same time I became fascinated by a former Governor of Georgia, Jimmy Carter, and convinced he could be the next President of the United States. I was ready for my next real life lesson. As close as I had become to Tom Downey he quickly learned the Washington political "code" and he told me I could not work for him and support someone named Jimmy Carter ( " who will never be elected President " ) even if it was on my own time. I told Tom to take a hike. And he fired me.

Stripped of my day job I became the Primary Election manager for most of Long Island for Jimmy Carter, 3 Congressional districts, and the closest I ever personally came to a President escorting him to a fund raiser in Hauppague, New York and riding an elevator alone with him and his Secret Service. Anyway Jimmy Carter lost the NY Primary as expected, but went on regardless to win. For my efforts I was offered a secondary role Long Island in the general election which I declined. Instead, and living in a cabin right beside The Great South Bay I decided to buy a boat and become a clammer. Never having done anything like that, knowing nothing about boasts or engines, nor even being able to swim.

Which one day led me to my closest brush with Death when late one afternoon clamming in the Bay and ready to return to land, the small

outboard motor on this very small boat would not start. As the sunset and with absolutely no other boats of any kind in sight, and my frantic signaling to planes overhead useless the outgoing current and increasingly rough surf was pulling me inexorably through the inlet and into the Atlantic Ocean at night when out of the twilight a man and his son out fishing came across me and towed me back home.

Still I continued clamming until sometime after pulling up my clam rake hopefully teeming with fresh clams I caught my hand on an exposed bolt on the clam rake pole and ripped my entire hand open. Bleeding quite badly I wrapped my hand in a towel, luckily the engine started and I made it to shore growing weaker by the moment, hopped a bus on Montauk Highway to Bay Shore Hospital's emergency room where I endured quite a few stitches. That was the end of my clamming career.

Back solidly on land I decided to resume my political "career." Still very much inspired by both Tom Downey's and Jimmy Carter's upset victories, I decided at 27 to try and become the youngest ever Town Supervisor of then largest township in New York State, Islip Town, long ruled over by two generations of Republicans the Cohalan family.

At this point I was supporting myself working as a reporter for a local well known free newspaper based in Patchogue run by a muck raking journalist Charlie Adams. I wrote some ground breaking series one notably about voting patterns and political contributions in the Suffolk County legislature and another about the property tax system in Islip Town both of which got me some good attention. And I was convinced to run especially since there was NO one in the Democratic Party in Islip County even with the slightest interest in running against Supervisor Peter Cohalan who was considered even more unbeatable than the Republican Jim Grover, Downey trounced.

With the strong support of a Greek American I will never forget John Koulakakos, Democratic Party stalwart, restaurant and land owner, I decided to run, only to learn another valuable lesson at the feet of power. Turns out as "hopeless" as my chances might have been the County and Town Democratic Chairmen Mr. McSweeney and County Chairman Dominic Baranello decided that the race was now "important" and that they must find a "better" candidate meaning anyone else who was a


sworn member of the "organization," and willing to try and stop me getting the nomination.

That being done the next matter was to insure I did not win the Democratic Committee endorsement because had I their decidedly unenthusiastic " other " candidate stated she would not run a primary against me unless she was the Committee's candidate.

Time for me to learn another lesson which I did not find out about until years later. That at the nominating convention at MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma in a close vote my new opponent edged me out for the nomination which led to a primary which I lost. Except it turns out I had won the vote in Committee but never knew it since I did not have anyone monitoring the vote. So much for my plans to get elected Supervisor at 27 then Governor of New York State at 30. Back to reality.

Soon after my election disaster and now disillusioned about politics on Long Island I quietly made my way back to Brooklyn and my parents home without any plans for the future. Until I saw an ad for a temporary position on a small trading floor for a company names First Pennco Securities at 100 Wall Street in Lower Manhattan. A temporary job in 1979 ( still in the days before desktop computers ) keeping track of all the positions of a group of gov't bonds traders along with whatever else they wanted, and making sure all these large accounts balanced at the end of the day or else for me - led to an addiction to the pace and the excitement of a trading floor environment and my new goal of becoming a bond trader myself. Until one day without notice the parent company decided the unit wasn't profitable enough and shut it down.

Which led me across the street to the Wall Street Racquet Club which I then used to change and run out of preparing for the 1980 New York City Marathon. That worked well enough since my time in my only marathon was 3:12:11. While using the club I met Donald Adley who played tennis there and was a senior executive in the shipping industry. Which led me to accept an offer from him to work at Farrell Steamship Line on Whitehall Street near Bowling Green Park. I've been at Bowling Green ever since. Although Adley moved on a year later and I soon followed doing some consulting and also becoming involved with a company called Spacehab which manufactured

large storage containers for the Space Shuttle Cargo bay.

What really captured my attention as it still does is Bowling Green Park. Eating lunch there on summer days while working at Farrell Lines I quickly learned the history of the park. That it is where New York City was founded and later in 1733 became the very first public park in North America. Although you wouldn't know it then from the lack of maintenance and attention it was receiving from the New York City government.

What most got my attention was the lack of a Christmas Tree each December in New York City's and America's oldest park. Beginning in the early 1980s I lobbied City Hall and the Parks Commissioner to add Bowling Green to the long list of parks back then that the city itself placed Christmas trees. To no avail. Their reply in effect. It's not on our list. And you have no power. So just go away. After a few years of this the Manhattan Commissioner finally granted me his imperial "right" to try and raise private donations if I was so interested in seeing a Christmas Tree in Bowling Green Park.

Which I did successfully for the first time in 1986. A Christmas Tree that was honored by being the full front cover of the NY Daily News December 25, 1986. That first modest 35 ft. evergreen led to the creation of the Bowling Green Association by myself and others and an annual; Christmas Tree at Bowling Green every year since ( with the exception of 2003 because of construction in the park ). Although never getting the attention it deserves we have had trees over 80 ft. in height and a number of years taller and very often more beautiful than Rockefeller Center.

What most distinguishes this project is 2001 when I was able to procure pure silver bars from under the rubble of the World Trade Towers and for December 2001 the Bowling Green Christmas Tree was adorned with over 400 silver Angels one in honor of each of the fire fighters and police officers killed which were specially engraved and boxed and given to their families after the tree came down.

In its own way I am even prouder of our Trees in 2004 and again last Christmas when the Bowling Green Christmas Tree became the fist large outdoor Christmas Trees anywhere on Earth ever illuminated with LED chips rather


than incandescent bulbs. Last year over 36,000 LEDs illuminating our 64 ft. Norway spruce. Using less than 10% of the electricity we had previously used for just 4000 incandescent Christmas lights which consumed all of our available electricity.

The very famous sculpture of the Bull, Arturo DiModica's 3 1/2 ton bronze "Charging Bull" which stands at Bowling Green since December 20, 1989, is another Christmas story. After someone unknown at the time placed the sculpture in the middle of the night under the Christmas Tree at the New York Stock Exchange, which then COO Dick Grasso had almost immediately removed, I found the artist's name in a newspaper, made contact, recommended Bowling Green, secured Mayor Koch's and Parks Comm. Stern's approval and "Charging Bull" has been where he stands today and continuously since Christmas 1989. Delighting millions of visitors every year.

I have written a somewhat lengthy unpublished children's book about Bowling Green, the Christmas Tree, Charging Bull, and the magic of life titled " The Magical Christmas Bull At Bowling Green." In many ways it is written in the tradition of Charles Dickens and his "Christmas Carol." I am convinced some day this story may be almost as famous. We'll see.

All this time and since I have been deeply involved in activities in Lower Manhattan and constantly learning lessons in power. How those with it get anything they want. Lower Manhattan in its own way is a microcosm of the entire nation and encompassing the contradictory elements of a huge city and a small town within its borders. I have witnessed events great and small and historic.

In 2000 I received the highest award ever bestowed by NYC Parks Department, "Community Leader of the Decade" by then Parks Commissioner Henry Stern for my efforts at and around Bowling Green. From painting the park fence when the city said it had no funds to do so, all the way to bringing "Charging Bull" to Bowling Green. And the Christmas Trees of course. As well as a second 55 ft. flag pole donated by the Greek community in 1996 that has allowed for many nations to be honored here. And become a focal point for ethnic events at Bowling Green..

In Lower Manhattan I learn over and over again the more you do, the more your

accomplishments the worse it is for you if you are not a member of various "clubs" the ones the insiders belong. Such as our huge menacing Business Improvement District. Which has given me an affinity for Alexander Hamilton the greatest immigrant in American history, who some of us believe is The Greatest American. Certainly his entire life from the time he left the Caribbean as a young boy is synonymous with Lower Manhattan where he died and is buried. I am proud to have conceived of the idea and successfully lobbied with others some years ago to have the Custom House at Bowling Green renamed The Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House.

Back to power. I have virtually lived my entire adult life excepting a few brief episodes, as I do now at or below the poverty level in American society, keeping up a minimal level of respectability so that I might function as well I do. I have no assets, no possessions, no medical insurance, nothing even worth selling in an emergency and I live as I have for 26 years in a very small one room apartment in Park Slope, Brooklyn. I attribute my lack of financial success my unwillingness to concede to the corrupt destructive forms of power that control so much.

And I do not regret a moment of it ( except in a very bad moment ) nor years later having attended and graduating from Brooklyn Technical High School. The high point of my formal education. Had I not attended Tech and rather Brooklyn Prep as I desired, I likely would have done very well, probably received scholarships to some leading colleges, likely have become a wealthy successful attorney. In fact I have developed an appreciation for an affinity for technology and science that I did not have while attending Tech.

Even to the point that today I firmly believe the single most important decision the United States could make is to aggressively set up permanent colonies on the Moon beginning by the end of this decade. That no engineering or science project is remotely as important in its implication for the future of humanity and American leadership. Providing a unifying vision for our future. And I still vividly remember being in basic training in San Antonio, Texas, when Neil Armstrong stepped onto the Moon. Still finding it hard to believe we then abandoned that ultimate Odyssey.


The result is I would probably have a far more boring less interesting story to tell. Which brings me to my ill fated campaign for the Democratic nomination for Mayor of New York City. Using much of the little money I was left upon my mother's death I organized enough of a campaign to collect over 7500 signatures to qualify for last September's primary.

No longer surprised by Power and what it will do to protect itself, despite my long shot status but as a certified candidate on the September 2005 ballot for Mayor, the City Campaign Finance Board fought "successfully" to keep me out if the mayoral debate, out of the matching funds program and even out of the official voter guide. Claiming I was "unqualified" for any of those programs. And of course making any chance of an upset on my part impossible. They and those with power understood how those with the least power can at times pose the biggest threat to their status quo, when many of the voters without power get the message effectively.

Right now while continuing my activities at Bowling Green and within Lower Manhattan, having recovered from my last place finish ( somebody has to finish last ) I am one of the owners of a so far unsuccessful sports enterprise Black Athlete Sports Network. BlackAthlete.net My most notable contribution is to write a daily "anonymous" feature sports story titled the Black Box where I present myself in the guise of an often angry Black journalist. I am trying to develop a national network of LED illuminated large outdoor Christmas Trees as well as Menorahs. Last year having created the world's first LED illuminated Menorah at Bowling Green for Chanukah 2005. Still trying to get my children's book published.

Also looking at the possibility of an appropriate celebration of the 250th Anniversary of Alexander Hamilton's Birth on the island of Nevis, January 11, 2007. I am trying to get a candidate elected to an open seat in the District in which I live in Brooklyn. Possibly getting involved with some biofuel projects. And my most ambitious initiative trying to develop a company based on a specific "network" concept and electronic technology which if I am correct would become a template for human efficiency within any organizational structure especially geographic based projects duplicating and enhancing the most basic attributes that lead to success within any organizational framework

including the very core imperatives of the societies in which we live.

As for this effort by John Lyons and John Catsimatides for the Class of '66 I hope I have written and interesting if lengthy profile, certainly a truthful one. I am eager to read about my fellow classmates and your lives and hoping they too are insightful and reflective rather than feel good nonsense. A chance for us all to appreciate the totality of our combined experiences.

Arthur Piccolo – Today


Tech Mural

Charlie Maestri – Electrical ‘66

I have to say something and right now I have tears in my eyes. All of us, who graduated from Tech, and I mean the real Tech none of these female distractions that they have now. Our Tech remember, we had to pass a strict test to be accepted. Also all of our instructors and teachers, were excellent and they seemed to really care about us. That is all gone in today's world. Today, they use calculators. We all took both Freehand Drawing and Mechanical Drawing. Today it’s done by computer. I remember staying up to almost 3AM, cause I could not finish the drawing in class. We all from The Original Brooklyn Technical High School are bonded together as brothers. That is all lost today, however, we have memories that no one today could even come close to. And we'll keep it going until they put us in the ground

Larry Rubin – College Prep ‘66

After Tech I went off to community college, and managed to get a BA degree. Finally found myself in my senior year and actually made the deans list. As the result of a chance meeting with a college classmate, I went into the merchant marine to pay for college expenses. This lead to a career in transportation and

logistics. I went to SUNY at Ft. Schuyler and earned a Masters Degree. Spent the next 30 or so years working for railroads, motor carriers, steamship companies and corporate logistics departments. Two years ago, I changed careers and am now doing background investigations for the Federal government. In the mean time I got married, and moved from Brooklyn to New Jersey where I now reside. As the years go by I find myself appreciating more and more the education I got at Tech. I like to think that it was the golden years of public education in New York City before its decline. The school we knew was huge, and I remember thinking that I was just a number, but the education we received was very personal. To quote my senior year solid geometry teacher (name long forgotten but I am certain that he would approve of me quoting him 40 years later)-

PAX VOBISCUM

Richard Rodriquez – College Prep ‘66

I remember attending a school which was very competitive with students who were very focused on grades and going on to College. I was on the S.O.S , track team and proof reader editor for the Survey newspaper. Tech laid a foundation for all of us and instilled in all of us strong values of integrity and a strong work ethic. I still remember the long train rides from the South Bronx to Brooklyn, the blackout and the New York transit subway strike. I also have very positive memories of the teaching staff, their dedication to excellence and their ability to motivate and inspire. Education: With respect to my time spend after graduation


Brooklyn Tech. I was granted an appointment to the Merchant Marine Academy by Congressman James Scheuer but declined it and choose to attend Fordham University, Rose Hill Campus based in the Bronx. In 1970 I graduated from Fordham with a B.S. in Sociology and History. While at Fordham I was active in school activities including playing on the Basketball team, student senate and involved in the creation of a Latin Studies Institute. In 1970 I was accepted to U.C.L.A , Masters Program in Sociology and Fordham University PH. D. program in Sociology. I declined both programs and spend the next year completing my Masters in Sociology at New York University. In April 1971 I applied to Harvard Business School and was accepted majoring in Marketing and Finance. Family: In 1978 I married , my wife Karen died in 1988 and have now been a widower for nearly 17 years. As a single parent, I have raised both of my daughters, Tamara and Tanya. Tamara is 24 years old and working on a modeling career, traveling most of the year to New York City, Florida, California for various photo shoots and fashion shows. Tanya is 18 and has just completed her freshman year at Michigan State University. She is active on the Debate team and will be spending the summer in Mexico. Presently I live in Downers Grove, IL about 40 minutes west of Chicago. Business : In 1973 began my business in New York City initially working as Financial Analysis for CBS Inc. and later accepted a position at Royal Dutch/Shell where I handled a number of assignments including working in the materials department, developing a Energy Conservation Company, spending a year living in Venezuela and upon my return working as a assistant to the President and later Strategic Planning Manager. In the late 70's I left New York City and relocated to Chicago, Illinois working for a while for Donald Rumsfeld at G.D. Searle. I left G.D. Searle and became working for an Investment Banking firm, Howe Barnes and Johnson on LaSalle Street in the early 80's primarily working on mergers and acquisitions, tax shelters and some equity issues. In 1984 I started my own firm, RJR Systems, a Consulting firm specializing in programming,

Local Area Networks. Clients included City of Chicago, Chicago Public Schools, Illinois Bell, Ameritech, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Transit Authority, Regional Transportation Authority, Amoco etc. We were authorized Apple, IBM , Unysis, AT&T dealers with sales growing nicely until the late 80's. Sales grew annually to about $ 100 million but the business climate was changing and in 1990 I sold the firm. In mid 1991 I accepted a position at AT&T working in the Commercial Markets working with both domestic and international clients in the areas of voice and data services. In 1996 I accepted a position at UPS, working initially in Operations and later accepting assignments in Human Resources and Business Development. In 2004 I began a new firm RJR International working with clients both domestically and internationally in the areas of Telecommuncations Consulting in the Leadership and communication, Telecommunication strategies and Strategic Business Planning. In the process we have worked with a number of clients in the areas of new business development and assisting firms in financial distress. In 2005 I began a Real Estate Firm which has been purchasing commercial and residential property in the Chicagoland area In addition to my business activities for the past three years I have been a Professor of Business at DeVry University - DuPage Campus. Not- For-Profit Actitivies Hispanic Alliance For Career Enhancement -In the early 80's I was a co-founder of Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement a Hispanic organization now national in scope and now over 25 years in existence. Served as Vice-President and remained on the Board for about 8 years. I was the architect of the first Job first conference held in 1985 and instrumental in helping the organization secure Corporate funding. Chicago Access Corporation - In 1981 I was named by Mayor Jane Byrne as an Incorporator to the Chicago Access Corporation and served on this board till 1989. United Way of Chicago - Vice Chairperson, Venture Grants committee 1984- 1987. Latino Institute - Board member 1981 - 1983


Aspiria of Illinois - Board member 1979 - 1993 Aspiria - National Board - 1980 - 1983 Leadership Greater Chicago - Fellow, member of initial class 1984- 1985. Organization is now about 650 fellows strong and is active in the Chicagoland area. Fellows come from Corporate, Government and Not-for-profits and prior to entering the program have already demonstrated leadership working with not-for profits. Jane Adams Hull House - Trustee 1990 - 1995 Boy Scouts of America - Northeast Council. Chair Finance Committee 1992-1993, member board 1990- 1994. Scoutmaster 1993-1995. International Leadership Association - member Planning Committee 2006 Conference to be held in Chicago, IL November 2006. It was good to see my fellow classmates on April 29th. I look forward to future reunions. Please let me know if I can help in any way.

TECH POOL

Robert Garguillo – College Prep ‘66

After graduating Tech, I went to Baruch which, at that time, was the business school of CCNY. It hadn't yet become a college on its own. I lasted a little over a year deciding that business

was (at least for me) slightly less boring than watching cement set so I transferred uptown to CCNY and eventually landed back in one of my original interests and favorite fields: chemistry. I received my BS in Chemistry in '71 (6 months late because of the change in majors) and had the good fortune to meet my wife of 35 years in an Analytical Chemistry class. I was hired out of school as an Analytical Chemist by Personal Products Co., a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson based in Milltown, NJ. I commuted from Queens (the commute from hell - think Belt Parkway and Route 1) for about three months when it became clear I had to move to New Jersey. I wasn't crazy about the idea because I had this idea that NJ was a foreign land somewhere between NYC and California. Since we've been here about 35 years, I suppose I've gotten used to it and it seems pretty nice. I worked as an Analytical Chemist for Personal Products for almost two years and then was promoted into a position in the Preformulation Group at Ortho Pharmaceutical Corp., also a J&J company. Preformulation is the study of chemical and physical properties of active ingredients as well as interactions between the actives and inert ingredients used in formulations. This information is used by formulators as a means of preparing stable dosage forms. The Preformulation Group was eventually absorbed by the Analytical Group so, in effect, I ended up back where I started albeit in a much larger company. While there, I was a member of the team that developed Imodium which we would joke was like intestinal plaster of Paris. In 1981, I accepted a position at the Corporate Technology Center of Colgate-Palmolive in Piscataway, NJ. My initial responsibilities included gas chromatographic method development and system management of the laboratory data system which had approximately 60 users. Through the years, I gained more responsibility and became the Section Head of the Analytical Computer Group, Microscopy (optical and SEM), imaging and photography and Microbiology. Since then, we've undergone several reorganizations and now my responsibilites include support of the oral care category and a kind of liaison between Advanced Technology, Product Development and Global Analytical Sciences. During all this time, my wife and I raised a son who is married and has three children of his


own. They live 5 minutes away which is great because I get to do all my grandfatherly spoiling and then I can hand them back. Years ago, my wife earned her PhD in Plant Ecology and worked for the NYC Parks Department until very recently. She's currently preparing the (hopefully) final manuscript on a book entitled "The Common Plants of Costa Rica" which will be published through Oxford University Press sometime next year. The friends who knew me at Tech knew that I was interested in music and theater. I was a member of Troxell's Glee Club. I kept up that interest and, as my analytical chemistry career matured (I'm eligible to retire), I began to work toward having things to do in retirement. I became a professional actor (member of Actors Equity) and a professional musician (member AFM) playing bass guitar and upright bass in theatrical stage orchestras. That's the reason I'm not able to be with all of you at the reunion. I'll be playing 6 or 7 performances a week of a musical called "Baby" at a regional theater out in Pennsylvania from mid-April until near the end of May. I wish I could be there. I hope you're all well and have a great time.

TECH TRAFFIC LIGHT

Matthew Mandery – ‘61 My memories of Tech center on the challenging curriculum and the tremendously talented students that were my classmates. In all of my subsequent educational experiences I never was surrounded by so much talent as I was at Tech. The auditorium brings so many memories: taking the entrance exam, attending the first day orientation session, the weekly assemblies, singing the Tech alma mater and finally commencement. When I returned as principal, it what so awe-inspiring for me to address Tech students from the auditorium stage and to lead commencements. I am so proud to be a Technite, to have been a Tech principal and to be one of the founders of our alumni foundation.

Michael Mundo – Electrical ‘66

What have I done in the last 40 ..... After leaving Tech I attended Queensboro CC ... Electrical Technology. The training at BTHS Electrical course was definitely a great help. After QCC I went to work for IBM and retired from IBM after 30 years. My time with IBM was spent in the Field Engineering division working on and maintaining mainframe equipment. I was Account Rep for the data centers for


Brooklyn Union Gas, NY Telephone and Chase Manhattan Bank over the 30 years. After leaving IBM, I went to work for SIAC (Securities Industry Automation Corp) as the Project Manager for the Shared Data Center. We are the processing branch of the NY Stock Exchange. I am still with them today. In October, my wife Siobhan and I will celebrate our 35th anniversary. We have 3 children..... Christine, Michael & Alex. Christine & Michael are married and Alex graduates high school in June and starts college in September. We also have a 9 month old grandson Brian. We have been residents of Merrick LI for 33 years. Our main pastime is boating on the south shore of LI during the summer and an occasional trip to the slopes during the winter. We have also spent many vacations in the Grand Caymans enjoying the view 100ft under water in the Caribbean. We recently purchased a condo in The Landings in Ft Myers Fl and hope to spend time on the Gulf of Mexico and our golf course whenever possible in the future. My 4 years at Tech will always be special. The training & education we received prepared us for the future. Even playing in the dirt in the foundry was an experience we will all fondly remember. The friendship and bonds we made 40+ years ago will be with us for many more years to come. Best wishes to all of our classmates in the class of '66

MECHANICAL DRAWING

Frank Simon – Mechanical ‘66

The main thing that I remember at Tech is the wonderful education that I received. I had a small glimpse of it during the transit strike that sent us to our local high schools. I couldn't believe how advance we were until I compared it to them. It was lost on me then but later in my career when I was hiring college graduates, I realized that I received a better education at Brooklyn Tech than the applicants I was interviewing received in four years of college. Well, time to set 40 years down in as little space as possible. Upon graduation from Tech I went to Brooklyn Poly and began working on my degree in Mechanical Engineering. After two years I decided to switch schools and began majoring in accounting. This was going well until the draft board said sorry and classified me as 1A, I then decided to enlist and not wait to be drafted. After completing my military service I decided to forgo the rest of my college education and found a management training position with Household Finance Corp. Over the next 30 years I held many position with Household Finance including starting as a Branch Rep moving up to Branch Manager, I was also a Division Sales manage and later on managed their New York Law Office. This is just a sampling of my career with Household. In October 2000, after 30 years I was fortunate enough to retire from Household Finance. I was married August 1971, to Loretta DiVittorio whom I met at a Christmas party in 1965 (introduced to me by a fellow technite). We have been together ever since. We have one son Matthew who is currently a practicing attorney admitted to the bar in New York and New Jersey.


Alan Milner - Chemical ’66 – Part II

Just remember, you asked where I was and what I was doing. That's like giving a writer carte blanche to run off at the mouth. I promise it will be entertaining. It's been a long strange trip indeed. I went to CCNY, worked for ABC News and the New York Post, and then took off to travel around the country and write freelance. Boston was my first stop, and there I stayed for the next 30 years. Moved from journalism to public relations, and then to fundraising, and somehow or other managed to end up spending 25 years developing and managing nonprofit organizations, mostly in drug and alcohol treatment services, and, among other things, founded the state's drug and alcohol hotline 1987 (another long story). As you might imagine, there's not enough money in that line of work to maintain a comfortable lifestyle, so I was forced to multi-task, usually juggling three simultaneous full-time careers, dividing my attention between my treatment programs and management consulting, counseling, therapy and, oddly enough, software development, specializing in the development of "expert" systems, using DBMS platforms to mimic the functionality that people back then were attempting to achieve with artificial intelligence software, which never really worked. Owned two software companies, both of which produced high-level DBMS packages for vertical market segments (advertising, grant making, and fundraising), lost money on one (never partner with someone surnamed Schill), made some on the other. Everything fell apart for me in 1996, largely as a result of losing some pitched battles in the political arena, took a year off to detoxify from everything that had gone on, and then took a job as a loan officer

for a mortgage company because I was broke again and needed the money. That was in 1997. It took me two years to go from there to being the general manager of the company and, by that time, I had developed one of the first discount mortgage websites on the net, and spent the next four years getting fat and happy, came down with cancer (carcinoid tumor) that cost me two-thirds of my right lung, fell in love, got shafted, lost everything (again) and spent a year learning how to talk again. Moved to Florida in June to take care of my parents (who think that they are taking care of their invalid son), and currently work for another mortgage company while developing a new mortgage website based on the same expert system technology that I developed twenty years ago. When it's finished, I am going head to head with Lending Tree, and I expect to win hands down. That's the short story, John. The long story could fill a novel...and, in fact, it has. I never lost my taste for writing, but I never felt the need to publish so...except for the odd ghost job here and there, and the occasional article, I have never bothered to try, despite the fact that I know a lot of people in the publishing world. I'm on the board of directors of the Heinlein Society, through which I know most of the top players in the science fiction world but, despite the fact that I love science fiction as a reader, I'm not interested in writing the stuff. That's funny, because that was why I went to Tech in the first place. I always intended to be a science fiction writer. I should have gone to Bronx Science, but the commute from the far end of Queens to Bronx Science was simply out of the question....three hours each way! That's how I ended up at Tech. A group of us...including Howie Morris, Paul Weinberger, Joe Zinman, and Al Zimmermann, have been meeting every year or so for the past ten years. Others have checked in with us over the years. It's an exceptional group of men. I think that, if I am able to come up at all, that we might all agree to throw ourselves into your shindig. I will ask them in our next go round. Last I heard Al was living in Switzerland...he made a killing in some software consulting gig....but he may be back by now. Howard went from urban planning to big time real estate development. Paul spent many years consulting with energy companies. Joe is a consulting engineer specializing in HVAC systems. Each one has a fairly amazing story to tell.


As a matter of fact, it has crossed my mind to write a book based on interviews with the class of '66. We were the linchpin of the baby boom, right in the middle of that ten year spread...and at the apex of every trend that has filtered through American culture during the past 40 years. On the other hand, we were also the weaker inheritors of the mantle passed along to us by our fathers, whose membership in the Greatest Generation will always dwarf our contributions to the ebb and flow of history. That was just a matter of fate. After the Greatest Generation, it had to go downhill from there. And I hate Tom Brokaw for having coined that most apt title for our parents' generation since I thought it up first but never used it. I suppose that's why he's Tom Brokaw and I'm not. I had my chance. I was hired by ABC News in 1967 as a researcher, and became the campus stringer at CCNY for ABC at the same time, but I wanted to be a real newspaperman so I ended up going to the Post the next year....but that's an even longer story. Do you remember Victor Madeja? Victor and I had a very odd relationship. Being an atheist in those years (we really were that young once), Victor challenged me to sell him my soul. I promptly provided him with a signed bill of sale, for a remuneration of $1. He tracked me down through Classmates.com a few years ago, and met me in Manhattan a couple of times to return said soul. Turns out that Victor carried my soul with him through his tour in Vietnam until he got shot up and sent home, and returned it to me in good condition. Unfortunately, Victor's not in good condition. He suffers from one of the more extreme cases of post-traumatic stress disorder that I have ever seen, and I've seen a lot of it in my therapeutic work. He has some highly developed and quite insane conspiracy theories that are difficult to follow but heartbreaking in their effect. Victor was one of those sensitive souls who never should have been a soldier, but he went to West Point....God knows why....and one thing led to another. One of the quirks of fate. I don't know how many members of our class served in Vietnam, but I would like to propose to you that we make an effort to find the ones like Victor, who need the support, make an effort to get them to your dinner, and use the dinner as an opportunity to welcome them home, or honor them for their sacrifices. There but for the grace of God.... As a matter of fact, my second choice for a career was to be a professional soldier....but my readings in military history and tactics

convinced me early on that Vietnam was an un-fightable war, not to mention an un-winnable one, in the way that it was being fought, so my objections to the war were on tactical ground, not philosophical or political ones. This didn't endear me to the more doctrinaire members of the anti-war movement but their anti-American polemics didn't thrill me either. In politics, it seems, you have to sleep with whoever shows up for the slumber party. Back when they were talking revolution, I calmly asked how many of them could field strip...let alone fire...an M16, and requested that people who couldn't stop talking revolution until they could. That got me thrown out of several political action groups, establishing a life long pattern of being the odd man out in the oddest of organizations. As an old leftie grown more conservative with the years, my heart still cringes every day to see the mess that we have gotten ourselves into in Iraq. I know a lot about that part of the world, spent time there, and understand the Muslim mentality far better than most Americans. If Vietnam was un-winnable from the start; Iraq is a political disaster of staggering proportions. This time around, we have stuck our noses into something that we simply can't win but can't back away from either. Friends of mine who have served in the CIA and the NSA (I do have strange friendships for a former peacenik) are even more horrified than I am because they know even more than I do about the circumstances we're in. The fact that these guys are horrified scares me even more. Sorry, I got off on a tangent. One of my bizarre beliefs (and I do have many) is that (except for poetry) one should never edit. I think I value the original stream of consciousness as being somehow more authentic than carefully considered and massaged prose. I never edit and never erase anything I write. Unlike most writers I don't go through multiple drafts of a piece. Everything I have ever published has been a first draft, with editors' emendations. I always was a long-winded son of a bitch, so some things haven't changed. We were such an exceptional group of kids that I wonder why we didn't make a stronger effort to keep in touch after we left Tech. I know the clinical reasons for such behaviors, but...as a group...we really had something on the ball and, together, we might have all accomplished more than we have separately, in some cases.


But chance and circumstance are what elevate some men and crush others. Psychologists argue over nature versus nurture, but the truth is that there are four elements that contribute to the development of our personalities, nature, nurture, chance, and circumstance. Nature, in my opinion, trumps nurture, but chance trumps nature and circumstance trumps chance, chance being opportunities and circumstances being the practical limitations. I am overdue at my writing table. It would be nice to hear from you...not about your public background, since I know where you've been and what you've done, but about how these things have affected the essence of who you are, and changed the person I remember. Maybe I should write that book.

Auditorium

Joseph Korman – College Prep ‘66

I proved that I could understand how to draw the mechanical drawing, cut the pattern, and make the mold in foundry. However the execution always left much to be desired. Even with that, I wound up on the Shop Squad in my Junior year. So, instead of using the lathes in belt jungle, I had to climb the rafters to fix the belts! Then as a Senior, I was able to get into the print shop. As a non-engineer in BTHS, my favorite class was Industrial Processes. It gave me the knowledge I needed to deal with all sorts of things in my life. My favorite extra curricular activity was the time I conducted the BTHS orchestra (yes we had one) in Beethoven's Fifth Symphony during a rehearsal. Then a few times we had joint concerts with our sister school (was it Bay Ridge? (yes)) Their principal said something like "It's always nice to see boys and girls get together and play with each other." As I remember that went over very well with the crowd. Then, of course, was the time you took my badge #1 ;-) (This reference is to John Lyons!)

Kenny Vance & The Planotones

Tech Library


Victor Lee – College Prep ‘66

The Tech teachers that I recall, besides Ms. Cincotta [which I am sure many people would have written about by now] are: Mr. Woods, who taught plane and solid geometry. Remembered him as a ramrod straight, slender guy with slightly wavy white hair. Ran the class as a drill instructor. No one fell asleep nor escaped his ascerbic reproach if one showed he had not prepared adequately for class. Mr. Woods always praised those who came up with an elegant short way to do a proof - he called that the Italian way, as opposed to the Germanic way - a still correct but ponderous way. We learned based out of fear and not to be embarrassed. But it worked. A great teacher! Mrs. Roberts, who taught English. She got married while she was at Tech. A caring teacher who tried to get everyone in class involved. But no pushover, who once told a student to quit looking at her legs and pay attention to the lesson. Then there was a world history teacher [don't recall name for the moment] who brought the lessons more alive by showing slides from his European vacation. It was a revelation for most of us who had never at that time traveled much outside our own neighborhoods. So there were actually places that existed as the books said. There was Mr. Clarvit, the fending coach, who once lent me his fencing jacket because I did not own one. One could see he actually cared about the students. Which, I think, almost all Tech teachers did. That was the big difference between Tech and my previous junior high school.

Stephen Hayden – College Prep ‘66

It was with a feeling of nostalgia that I returned to Brooklyn Tech after 40 years. I had often reminisced about my high school days, throughout the years with my wife, Fern and our three sons, Marshall, Eric and Brett. I still point to and discuss several class projects from Mechanical Drawing, Pattern Making and Machine Shop as well as a pristine condition handbook dated June 1964. I warmly remember the almost one-hour trip from Queens on the GG train to and from school, each day. Therefore, since my sons live in New York City, it was only fitting that our three sons return with us to see the school that had a significant impact on my career. My sons had attended a small independent day school in the Albany, NY area. Visiting a large public school must have provided quite a contrast. Personally, I was encouraged to see the fine refurbishment of the auditorium, magnificent murals and, although an old institution, the classrooms, hallways and overall building appeared to be well maintained. While at Tech, I had the opportunity (pleasure) to take Metallurgy as a shop elective during my entire senior year. Mr. Puccia’s class must have had a significant influence on me since I majored in Metallurgical Engineering while at NYU and continued with graduate work in that field. This field of engineering has been my chosen profession since leaving school. Interestingly, any mention of Brooklyn Tech to my engineering colleagues, no matter where they are from, yields approving nods, as if to say “Oh, you went there, also.” Based on the strong Alumni Association’s and Principal Randy Asher’s remarks during his welcoming address as well as during the evening reception, it appears that Tech’s leadership is in excellent hands. The students of today and tomorrow will be well served to


carry on a tradition of academic technical excellence. My wife of 33 years and I live in the Clifton Park, (Saratoga County) NY area and look forward to renewing old Tech friendships.

Tyrone Malloy – College Prep ‘66

After attending an all male high school, I opted for a coed school, so I attended Howard University in Washington, DC and majored in Chemistry. After about 2 1/2 years I became homesick and transferred back to NY and attended NYU, the University Heights campus and graduated in Feb 1971 with a BA degree in Biology. I began working at the Rockefeller Institute in NYC in the Endocrinology Dept. before attending The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Sept 1971. I received my degree in 1975 and went on to Walter Reed Army Medical Center to complete both my internship and residency in Obstetrics and gynecology. I then traveled to Columbia, SC where I was an attending physician at Moncrief Army Hospital until Oct 1982. I loved the weather and decided to stay in the South and moved to Decatur, GA, a suburb of Atlanta and opened up my OB private practice. In 1990 I was called up from the Reserves to serve in Desert Storm. Prior to this I have enrolled at Georgia State University to obtain a law degree. I had to interrupt my studies to serve our country and then returned in April 1991 and finished up at Georgia State and received my law degree in 1993. I have been in practice ever since and just stopped obstetrics in 2006. I have actively enrolled in the practice of gynecology and Clinical research. I have two children and 4 grandchildren, neither interested in medicine. I am on the teaching faculty of Emory University and enjoy scuba diving and hiking. I am an avid art collector, but have no artistic kills (explaining why I hated

rendering in our architectural drafting classes). I love BTHS and feel that it is the reason that I am who I am today. Yes, I have attended some prestigious schools, but none more outstanding and memorable as Brooklyn Tech.

Richard Laskowski – College Prep ‘66

Brooklyn Tech provided me with much more than I ever realized at graduation in 1966. Many of the skills both educational and social learned at Tech created a solid foundation which manifests itself each and every day of my life. After graduation I attended Queensborough Community College receiving an Associates Degree in Marketing Management and transferred to Baruch School of Business Administration receiving a BBA in Marketing Management. I literally fell into my construction career being asked by my cousin in my senior year of college to be the President of Compusite Turnkey Construction Inc. Compusite specialized in the design and construction of Data Centers. Upon joining Compusite full time, I began to develop Compusite into a company that could handle a diverse range of interior projects. I have lived in Mahwah, New Jersey for the last 25 years, and I have 3 children Stefan 21, Danek 20 and Katarzyna 18. Closing down my business in 2002, I joined Vanguard Construction as a Vice President/ Account Executive. I have previously served as Vice President Board Member of the Kosciusko Foundation, Chairman of the Zoning Board of Adjustment of Mahwah, New Jersey, Soccer Coach, and currently a member of the Board of Governors of the Diabetes Research Institute Real Estate Division Empire Ball. Though the years, I have maintained a relationship with many Brooklyn Tech alumni


including fellow classmates John Catsimatidis, Harry Laster, and most recently, Dennis Fagan. Now that I have experienced our 40th Reunion, I have come to a further realization of how strong even after 40 years the bond is between our class members especially fellow S.O.S. Officers. Although being involved with the Two Tech Anniversary celebration events with John Catsimatidis, I had not been back to Brooklyn Tech in 40 years. I cannot describe the flow of emotion of walking down Fort Greene Place on Saturday morning and stepping into the main entrance and experiencing all the activities of the day. I am grateful to John and Margo Catsimatidis for creating the Terrace on the Park Event, which extended the time we had to be with each other and further renew relationships and strengthen the bond we have as alumni. The event was so enjoyable and memorable and demonstrated the love that John was able to share with each of us. Thank you John and Margo! I also want to thank John Lyons for the hard work he put into the reunion and his continuing what he started. This event also allowed me to come together with Vince Massaro and other alumni and be able to renew relationships that started 44 years ago. Yes remembering Step V Block, Parting Dust, Scum-X, Tech Handbook, Slop Cops, the Tech Luncheonette, Patty Labelle and the Bluebells at the prom are just a few of the memories that are jogged. God Bless All My Fellow Alumni and I look forward to seeing you all again real soon.

Reunion Dinner-Angela Infante & Richard Laskowski

Gabe Rothauser, Bruce Lederman, John Catsimatidis, James Milona

Laurence Greenberg – College Prep ‘66

Michael Pencak – Chemical ‘66

Mitchell Goodman – College Prep ‘66


Vincent Massaro – Electrical ‘66

Robert Dean – Architectural ‘66

Sam Estreicher – College Prep‘66

Samuel Fuchs – College Prep ‘66

Gilbert Pollack – Electronics ‘66

James Milona – College Prep ‘66

Nick Koopalethides – Electronics ‘66

Harry Laster, Anthony Agnello, Herb Henkel


James Rohrer – Industrial Design ‘66

Graduating from the class of '66 Industrial Design course, I have used much of what I learned at Tech in my career, but not as an Industrial Designer. I went on to receive my Bachelors of Industrial Design from Pratt in 1970, majoring in automotive design. That was also the first year Detroit wasn't hiring any new automotive designers, instead focusing on safety engineering and emissions issues. So much for six years of Industrial Design training! Renting tuxedoes looked like a fall back plan - especially since a family friend owned the business. They were expanding, and I designed four rental store locations and a new warehouse distribution facility for them. Here they processed over 3,000 tuxedo rentals on the busiest weekends, for delivery to their eleven rental locations. But four years later the company was overextended and went bankrupt. Unemployed and living in Berkley, I was intrigued by the marvelous stained glass in the Victorian houses of San Francisco. Returning to NY, I started crafting stained glass lamps and windows in my parent's Queens basement with an unemployed friend (now partner). In 1975 we opened Glass Crafters' first shop in Great Neck and then a larger location in Manhasset. Primarily a commission studio, we did custom work for such lavish venues as Maxwell's Plum, Tavern On The Green, and The Russian Tea Room, as well as for innumerable commercial and residential clients. Glass Crafters also taught classes and sold stained glass supplies to other glass craftspeople. That led to a mail order supply business, and ultimately world-wide internet sales through Glasscrafters.com After seventeen or so NY snow storms in 1994, we moved to sunny Sarasota, Florida. Here I

designed and built a distribution warehouse to suit our mail order operation. We no longer did commission work, focusing instead on supplying the best possible products and service to our customers. All of our print advertising and website creation was also brought in house, including the production of Glass Crafters' eighty-eight page full color supply catalog. I've also had the good fortune to design my own home in Sarasota, and the mechanical drawing skills learned at Tech proved to be invaluable. Now if I could only find a use for the lessons learned in foundry!

Jerome Lee – College Prep ‘66

I really couldn’t believe that it has been 40 years since graduating from Tech. It was immediately apparent during Homecoming when I walked from the first floor to the cafeteria. I could have used the assistance of a paramedic when I completed the climb. I remember walking up and down the stairways of Tech and never having a problem. Forty years later does make a difference. After graduation, I didn’t travel very far. I attended LIU (Brooklyn Center) with a major in Psychology. After graduating from LIU, I attended Bucknell University. I was awarded a teaching assistantship there and completed my Masters degree in Experimental Psychology. My research at Bucknell centered on discrimination learning mechanisms in nonhuman primates. From there I headed south to attend the University of Georgia to pursue a doctoral degree in Biopsychology. During my time at Georgia, I was awarded a research assistantship, took courses in my discipline and even managed to get married. My research at Georgia centered on neural mechanisms of behavior in rodents. I basically did brain surgery in animals while looking at changes in behavior,


before and after surgery. If you pet hamster or rat needs any surgery, call me. My first job was as a brand new assistant professor in the psychology department at Manhattan College. Yes, I returned to NYC. I taught courses in Statistics, Research Methods and Biopsychology for 9 years. Now with a wife and 2 children, I decided it was time for a change of scenery. I accepted a position as an associate professor of psychology at Albright College in Reading, PA. I have been at Albright for 17 years and am currently a full professor. I still teach courses in Statistics, Research Methods and Biopsychology. Much of my current research centers on the field of Health Psychology. I recently completed a research project examining personality characteristics as predictors of successful completion of an addictions program for persons addicted to heroin. Much of my success as an educator and researcher had its origins in the work ethic and discipline that was developed while at Tech. I have kept a number of things as reminders of tech. I still have an oak drawing table, t-square and triangles along with the requisite pen set. My most valued possession from Tech is my K&E slide rule, still in the original case. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Tech and will return to walk the halls. Next time I will take the elevator instead of the stairs.

Joey Fox – College Prep ‘66

Vincent Giaimo, Ken D’Alessandro, Joey Fox

Joseph Cantona – Electrical ‘66

Kenneth Laratro – Electrical ‘66

My life after Tech has been fantastic. Sure there were incredibly tough times and moments that would just break your heart, but on balance my family and I have been gifted. I have been married to my best friend, Barbara, for 34 years and have two married daughters. My youngest (27) has given us two incredible grandsons age 5 years and 15 months. My eldest daughter (30) is pregnant with a girl and is due the end of September. No matter how much we heard how wonderful grand children were we have never been more happy, and can not get enough of them. We do all we can to spoil them and then we send them back with their parents to deal with, our perfect revenge. My wife and I have traveled extensively through Europe and the U.S., primarily on escorted tours, and spend our summers at our shore home on Long Beach Island N.J. My entire family loves to snow ski, and we spend many happy times at Okemo in Vermont. After graduating from Manhattan College as a Civil Engineer, I started my working career in the New York City commercial interior alteration market, and worked for the major players in the


business for 15 years before starting my own business in 1984. I now own and operate a very successful interior alteration general contracting company, Kerten Construction Inc, now operating primarily in New Jersey. Tech certainly was a principal reason that I was capable of realizing all my dreams.

Dennis Avenoso – Electronics ‘66

Right now I'm in my 37th year with the Port Authority of NY & NJ Engineering Dept. (electrical). Worked on the original Newark Airport until 1973, then on the World Trade Center until 9-11. Now I'm in beautiful downtown Newark working on the airport again. Living in Bridgewater, NJ. Beautiful wife, does everything for me. (second marriage) Two Boys Joseph age 13, and Mickey Charles (after Mickey Charles Mantle) age 10. Looking forward to leaving the Port, collect a great pension and get a part time job closer to home. Coaching Hockey, still playing myself (goalie). Enjoying life to the fullest. Not too rich in money, comfortable, but great family life which is what matters. My wife is a Mechanical Engineer. We met at work. She's home with the kids now, a good move.That's all I can think of now. I guess I should get some work done now. Give the taxpayers their money's worth.

Kevin Brown – College Prep ‘66

John Esposito – Chemical ‘66

I was 'booked' to go to the reunion but got sidetracked that day & never made it down. Lets see--the last 40yrs----lots of 'stuff' went down; worked as a chemist for a few months after graduating College of Staten Island; taught chem & physics at the Catherine Mc Auley HS for 12 yrs & have been teaching AP chem , chem & physics for the past 21 yrs at Midwood HS. I have a 16year old daughter who attends Midwood (she doesn't like chemistry!! LOL ) Lots of good memories of Tech--the chem classes , working in 'Chem prep", the stunts a bunch of guys would pull on each other & of course---the cake in the lunch room. Talking about the lunch room--I'll never forget the day a woman decided to sunbathe on her roof (on Ft. Greene place) & every one of us were against the windows trying to catch the view.

Dennis Daily – Electronics ‘66


Ed Chin – College Prep ‘66

Edward Goldfarb – College Prep ‘66

Frank Chin – College Prep ‘66

Gary Peters – College Prep ‘66

Gary Rosenthal – College Prep ‘66

Gene Eng – Electrical ‘66

Howard Morris – College Prep ‘66


Charlie Romano – Electronics ‘66

Bruce Lederman – College Prep ‘66

Kevin Hom – Broadcast ‘66

Alan Zimmerman – College Prep ‘66

Allan Yozawitz – Chemical ‘66

Greg Tsougranis – Electrical ‘66

Hillel Maximon - Architectural ‘66

Richard Micker – College Prep ‘66


In Memory

Alan Pfeffer – College Prep ‘66

Four years at Tech produced many memories. One that I think most of us recall is the lunch strike. We spread the word, no buying school food until they agree to change the menu. Much to our surprise, it worked. Three days of spoiled lunches was all they could take. It gave us a lesson in power politics and how to protest things. Other memories include the famous alternative version of the Tech alma mater and the day everyone seemed to be singing it at assembly. On the academic front, I remember a math teacher telling us that he would not give us the answers; we had to figure them out ourselves. His view was merely getting results without learning how the results were reached did not constitute learning. Learning was more important than the correct answer. There can be no doubt that Tech taught me how to study, learn and be a student, traits that served me well in college and law school.

Machine Shop

Mark L. Thum – Electrical ‘66

Greetings to All! Remaining ever thankful for an excellent Tech educational foundation...

Victor Madeja – College Prep ‘66

I think the "milk-strike" that our class fomented deserves a few lines as an example of student activism. The creation of a Debate Club may also be of interest to subsequent classes. Stay well,


Jack Prince – Electrical ‘66

I returned for the Friday reunion tour after 40 years. Trying to recap that time and cover it all is impossible. Some of the highlights along the way. Attended Lowell and received electrical engineering degree and became PE. Worked with GE as start up engineer predominantly in the power industry and trotted the globe performing start up and troubleshooting of gas and steam turbine power plants. Left GE and was a principal owner in private medical equipment company that we eventually sold to public company that was on an aggressive acquisition campaign. That brings me to my third career as exclusive authorized full stocking distributor for Belzona (manufacturer of high performance industrial epoxies). Little did I know how unique our tech education was going to be in my current business. I actually use molding and forming techniques with our polymers for repair of equipment and cast iron decorative elements on historic buildings. I live in Glen Cove have three children two currently attending Syracuse Univ and my oldest daughter graduated from SU last year. I continue to work out on daily basis. My favorite sport is golf and like everyone who plays it, I am just trying to have fun and get better. My pride and joy sits in my garage... 72 tii purchased new and just about in showroom condition. Began attending local meeting at TR's and find conversation very enjoyable.

The Lunchroom

Robert Gross – Chemical ‘66

1. Taking the train to DeKalb Ave. This was the old BMT West End line, then designated T for express and TT for local. One day early in my first year, I took the express, and my heart sank as it sailed past DeKalb Ave. towards Manhattan. By the time I got back, I was late and had to serve detention. Lesson learned! 2. I later figured out that I could get off at Pacific St. (near Atlantic Ave.). The walk was only a block or two longer, but it was an express stop. 3. Louron's on DeKalb Ave. The same feeling I get when walking into a hardware store-shelves stocked with scientific and drafting equipment and supplies. Every true engineer has a great feeling towards quality tools- you can DO things with them. 4. Bartons candy factory near Flatbush Ave. What a great smell when they were cooking up a batch of chocolate. 5. Chemistry labs. One day when we were working with potassium permanganate (KMnO4-see, I remember), a poison that is deep purple when in solution, one student smuggled in some grape juice, put it in a test tube, and with great drama drank it in front of the teacher. She nearly fainted. 6. Organic chemistry. We synthesized butyric acid, the chemical that gives BO its pungent odor. Half the class was gagging. Hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg odor) was another fun chemical. 7. The auditorium. Huge at 3000 seats (the second largest in the city next to Radio City Music Hall), it still took two seatings to accommodate the whole school. I sat up in the nosebleed section. 8. The lunchroom on the top floor. Food was pretty good.


9. The transit strike. The Board of Ed told us to go to our nearest high school. I walked a mile and a half to New Utrecht HS. They didn't know what to do with us and dumped us in some classrooms. Two days of this and I decided to stay home. The strike was settled and trains were rolling a couple of days later. 10. The aviation shop. I only got a chance to peek inside and was goggle eyed at the fighter plane. 11. Foundry shop. We made wood patterns and sand molds from them, but even though there was an arc furnace, we never melted any metal or poured castings. What a bummer. 12. Machine shop. Our project was a widget with a knurled handle, tapering down to a threaded end, that we turned on a lathe. That was fun. 13. Getting from the first floor to the fifth floor on the opposite side of the building for the next class in the allotted time. If you hustled, you just about made it. 14. Materials Science class. The instructor (I think his name was Mr. Starr?) was quite a character, although a nice person and very knowledgeable. He had a shock of snow white hair, and a stubble beard that he would scrape against the cheek of any wise guy students. 15. The JFK assassination. I was in the above mentioned Materials Science class when the announcement of Kennedy's death came over the PA. We all sat in stunned silence. Mr. Starr sat slumped in his chair for five minutes. He finally picked up his head and said, "Gentlemen, this is a sad day". 16. Physics class. We had an advanced curriculum that, except for calculus, was college level physics. One experiment involved measuring the charge to mass ratio of an electron using one of those old "eye" tubes that were used as volume indicators. This was a version of the experiment that won JJ Thomson the Nobel Prize in the 19th century. 17. Physics Club. The president of the club was a cousin of Wolfgang Pauli, of "exclusion principal" fame, another Nobel laureate. 18. We were warned not to wander around the neighborhood. I never did get to see the Prison Ships Martyr monument in Ft. Greene Park. 19. Final memory - during rehearsal for

graduation, we brilliant seniors were incapable of keeping time with the slow tempo of "Pomp and Circumstance". The teacher in charge of the ceremony had to substitute the faster "El Capitan", to which we proudly marched during our graduation. All ‘memories’ are the writings of the individual authors and have not been edited, other than spelling and; the compiler, the class of ’66 and the Brooklyn Tech Alumni Association are not responsible for the content.

JOHN CATSIMATIDES & JOHN LYONS

Thank you to all who have contributed to these ‘memories’! To all the rest, please e-mail me your ‘memories’ and I’ll keep adding to this document and resend it to all. – John Lyons ’66 [email protected].

Jay Levy, Jay Chall, Nick Koopalethes


mailto:[email protected]

Technical (Mechanical) Drawing

Thanks to Joe Korman for the above four pictures!

Jay Chall, Bruce Lederman, Jay Levy

John Catsimatidis, Matt Mandery, Mr. Kaufman (SOS) and

(e-mail John if you know me)

Margo and John Catsimatidis


John Lyons, Miss Cincotta, Natasha Lyons

Menelaos (Bill the Greek) Pavlou, Harry Laster

The House is again being built!

Thanks to Gabe Rothauser and John Catsimatidis for their photos!

Acting Principal Frank Stewart

February-June 1966

-As of June 21, 2006-


Joseph Korman – College Prep ’66 Part II

After getting an MS in Transportation for Polytech, I got a job at the New York City Transit Authority. I retired in 2005 after 33 years of service. My wife Laurie and I have been married since 1975. Our son got married in 2003 and now works for New Jersey Transit (he got the job I always wanted - train conductor). Our daughter graduated from Fashion Institute of Technology. Perhaps there is a hidden gene in my family that she inherited. My hobby web site is http://www.thejoekorner.com My daughter's site is http://www.miriamscreations.com/ she has a number of her paintings and electronic work on display there.

The Tech Garden (Bet you didn’t know it was there!)

Richard Flicker – College Prep ‘66

Licensed Industrial/Organizational Psychologist doing management consulting in areas of pre- employment assessment and test validation, performance appraisal, leadership/management development, team building, conflict resolution, expert testimony in injury/workers’ comp and employment discrimination cases. I have been in and out of the academia, having taught management at Louisiana State University in Shreveport and Baton Rouge and currently in the psychology department at Southern University in Baton Rouge. A life long Democrat, grew up in the City Line – East New York section of Brooklyn. I have sister living in Brooklyn and a brother in Merrick, Long Island. I moved to West Lafayette, Indiana in 1970 to attend graduate school at Purdue and then to Shreveport in 1975 to teach at LSU. I relocated to Baton Rouge in 1993. I was married for 18 years to an Indiana farm girl; who’s home town had fewer inhabitants than I had Tech classmates. Hobbies include golf, tennis, dancing, politics and civic/volunteer work including the Exchange Club of Baton Rouge. I have been past President of Baton Rouge Area Society of Psychologists, the Exchange Club of Shreveport, the North Louisiana Chapter of the American Society for Training & Development and the Men’s Club of Congregation Agudath Achim. I am also on the board of several other


http://www.thejoekorner.com/

http://www.miriamscreations.com/

civic and professional organizations and ran for Mayor of Shreveport in 1990. My proudest accomplishment at Brooklyn Tech was scoring 100 on the Solid Geometry Regent’s Exam in senior year…after 99 and 98 on previous Math Regent’s exams. After Tech, I went on to City College to get my B.S. in Psychology and then to Purdue where I attained my M.S. and Ph.D. in Industrial/ Organizational Psychology

Don (Ducky) Cotogno – Chemical ‘66

After graduating Tech (Chem. '66) I went to SUNY Oswego. The partying was way too hardy and after 2 years I found myself in the Air National Guard enroute to Lackland AFB in San Antonio. After basic Uncle Sam, in his infinite wisdom, decided I should become an Electronics Tech. Off to Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Miss. I was there for 9 months and when I came out and went back to Central NY (I was in love). It was between semesters. I had all intentions of going back to school but needed to do something for a few months. With my electronics background I got a job with NY Telephone. Just temporary, 25 years later I

retired (they made me an offer I couldn't refuse) as a Middle Manager on the computer side of the house. I did get married in 1970 and we settled in Marcellus, New York (a suburb of Syracuse). By the time I retired from NY Tel (1994, 46 years old) we had been to Alaska several times and had decided we would retire there. My wife was an Elementary School Teacher and couldn't retire for another 10 years. I held several jobs (NCR, Gaylord Brothers, Kronos Inc.) waiting for her and in 2004 we built a Bed and Breakfast in Fritz Creek Alaska. Since my avocation had always been cooking this seemed like a good thing to do. We are in our second season and things are going well. See our Web Site: http://www.timber-bay.com/. I still do computer consulting work, traveling around Alaska on someone else's nickel. So much for careers and working. For fun we have always enjoyed Skiing. I skied with US Ski Patrol for 5 years. I was also a Volunteer Fireman and Paramedic. In 1980 I found a new hobby, Flying. I bought a plane and learned to fly. I liked so much I purchased the Airport in Marcellus. For those involved in flying it is The Marcellus International (we let Canadian Geese land there) Airport, NK71. My wife Sharron and I don't have any kids (DINK's) just several dogs. My memories of Tech are all good. It has always been fun when you meet someone (and there are a lot of us) to talk about going there. I encourage everyone to visit Alaska and stop by to see us.

Gabe Rothauser, Mike Pencak, Joe Cantona


http://www.timber-bay.com/

Gabe Rothauser & Allen Yozawitz

The tallest guys in class!

Yen Chin – Chemical ‘66

(Thanks to Miriam Korman, [email protected] for air-brushing the photo!)

I no longer remember why I choose to take the test for Tech rather than Bronx Science or Stuyvesant. I’m sure my parents played a key role in the decision, but my influence had to be tinged with madness and naiveté. The long subway trip from the Bronx certainly couldn’t have been the motivator, though it did allow me to learn the art of napping in public. Proximity would have argued for Stuyvesant, a school I never considered because I thought of it as too snooty a place. Tech certainly had no pretense to social sophistication, so I suppose some kind of class awareness may have subconsciously informed my decision. Or maybe it was because my older brother couldn’t qualify for Tech and attended Clinton instead. For whatever reason, I ended up at Tech where I really began my journey into adulthood. Tech, after all, molded MEN. I liked riding the subway, and the distance I traveled between my family’s apartment and the school gave me a muscle memory of leaving home. I had a daily ritual of awakening from sleep before anybody else, dressing quickly and slipping out the door.

In my senior year I finally rose to the rank of Second Lieutenant in the SOS, so I had a locker and a room at school where I could hang out before the opening bell, or the early call to squad duty. And that privilege led me to leave earlier and earlier. After graduation from Tech I attended Columbia University’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. If asked I told people that I planned to study metallurgy, but I really didn’t know anything beyond the certainty that the questioners wouldn’t leave me alone unless I gave them some answer. I didn’t really want to study Engineering; I wanted to study English or Sociology. But these were forbidden subjects for many reasons I’ll leave unspoken. Besides, the university required even Engineering students to study the Classics. In freshman year we read Homer, Aristotle, Thucydides, Virgil, Shakespeare, Hobbes, Locke, Marx and a whole bunch of other famous men. And they WERE men, and they white, but I didn’t notice the pattern until later. At first I enjoyed my studies and the stimulation that came from a new and freer environment. I could and did cut classes now and again. Sometimes I hung out at Barnard College because for the first time in many years there were girl students in attendance too. Technically, the Engineering School was then co-ed, but my class had only six young women among 150 of us. And the Class of ‘69 had only one. By the time I began to listen to the radical political voices around me “metallurgy” had morphed into “Mining Engineering”. Somehow the Barry Goldwater conservatism that I embraced in high school wore off quickly in the Columbia environment. The remaining shreds of it got torn off in the Spring of 1968 when NYC police assaulted the campus to oust protesters from the University buildings they had occupied for a fortnight. Blood on the walkways has a way of forcing one to ask new questions and begin to see the world in a different way. I was more than ready by that point. My grades had already begun to slip in direct proportion to the interest I took in my classes. Even though I knew that staying in school was the only thing that was going to save me from dying in the jungles of Vietnam, I just couldn’t get it up for pondering free body diagrams. The Engineering School tried to deny the whole bloody affair and immediately resume regular classes and prepare for final examinations.


mailto:[email protected]

Luckily for me the University decided otherwise, and I was able to complete my sophomore year unscathed. Two decades later I completed my next successful academic year. Between those years I scored some memorable failures in school. dropped out before I flunked out, successfully dodged the draft, joined the counter culture and drifted. I have had no career, but I’ve worked more different jobs than I can remember. Office worker, switchboard operator, tax consultant, salesman, retail clerk, taxi driver, production machinist, house painter, truck driver, handyman. Luck allowed me to plunge into the job market when one only needed to have a pulse to get a paying gig. By the time the economy tightened I had such a broad employment record that I could apply for half the jobs in the classified and have a decent chance of landing one. I settled in San Francisco where I added union organizer to the list and stayed long enough to have several different girl friends and have my teeth fixed at the UC dental clinic. Then it was on to Seattle where I parlayed my technical training into a decent paying job in the city bureaucracy. I started to travel overseas going ever further out. Northern Europe first. Then Italy, Greece and finally Turkey and the then whole country of Yugoslavia. I would have gone all the way to the gates of Vienna like the Ottoman if I had the time and the patience to deal with the Hungarian embassy. And then Asia. China where everybody looked like me...sort of. Thailand, Burma, India, Nepal. I had enough money o sustain myself and no requirement to be any place at any particular time. Finally, the arrival of the monsoon and the promise of even hotter temperatures persuaded me to return to the states and get serious about my future. When I finally returned to college in 1988, I thought that I was finally coming in out of the rain. I planned to get a teaching certificate and take up the profession, but some long learned behaviors do not yield easily to our whims. At 40 I knew enough to appreciate how fortunate I was because I had managed to give myself several years during which all I had to do was to learn. I didn’t have a family to feed. I didn’t have frail parents who needed my assistance. I didn’t have a promotion to fret about. And I took to my studies with all the wily willfulness of early

middle age. I chose the Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington as the venue for my studies. I chose it in part because they would admit me with a college transcript that started with promising grades then plummeted to a GPA just over 2.0 before the crowd of INC’s transformed into F’s. The choice proved lucky. Evergreen is an alternative school that favors an interdisciplinary approach to learning and trumpets liberality and student-centered pedagogy. I enjoyed four very enlightening quarters of academic pursuits before I entered a much more structured, two-year teacher training program. The first book we read was Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed, and the brilliance of the thought filled me with energy and hope and a determination to become what Freire would call a subject of history rather than an object. This was not what the faculty expected or wanted. Except for my stint as a student teacher, i had a great time and learned more important lessons than I can share here. I learned lots of wonderful lessons while student teaching too, but I didn’t have much fun. Nor did I enjoy my final evaluation during which my supervising faculty member told me that she and her colleagues refused to give me the certificate that would allow me to seek a teaching job in the public schools. Clearly my academic transcripts must always end with a harsh judgment. I know this for sure now, so I won’t bother taking the GRE. Thwarted in my chosen profession, I went elsewhere. In the course of walking down this other path I met Patricia. We fell in love and married in 1999 after a lengthy courtship. It was the first marriage or both of us, and it came at an age when the likelihood of getting swept away by a tsunami is greater than the chance of finding someone to wed. Patricia loves to travel, which explains some of our compatibility. She’s changed the way I travel too. I like to claim that, before we met, and I traveled alone, every trip saw me sleeping on a park bench or in a drainage ditch. Perhaps I exaggerate, but do not lie when I report that we went to many places together: Singapore, Malaysia, Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, the Galapagos, Mexico many times), Trinidad and Tobago (for Carnival), Italy, and France. We’ve curtailed our jaunts this past year because we’re making a transition from our old lives in Seattle to new ones on the windward side of the Big Island of Hawai’i. In September I


will begin to build our house there. I have learned to be much more skillful with my hands than I ever was at Tech, but I began building my skills there. I’ve honed my ability to look at real world situation with a technical eye, but I know the first formal lessons happened at Tech. Who would have guessed that they would have helped to get me here?

Study, Study, Study

Anthony Montemarano – Aeronautical ‘66

Herb Henkel, Miss Cincotta, Rich Laskowski

The Central Staircase

Dennis Fagan, Ken D’Alessandro, Bruce

Lederman and Neil Gafney

The Reunion Band


Bill Pavlou & James Giokas

Michael Nelson – Electrical ‘66

1) Living in Far Rockaway and traveling to Tech was a 1.5 hour trip each way. Probably one of the longest student commutes. In the winter time, I left the house when it was dark and returned in darkness as well. But, the upside was it allowed me to study and read assignments on the train every day for 3 hours. 2) On November 22, 1963, I was in Mr. Burkhardt's drawing class when the announcement came over the loud speaker..." the president has been shot and he has died". I remember dead silence in the class. The teacher started weeping and left the room. We sat there for a while and then slowly left the room once he returned. 3) I remember in Mechanical Drawing class having to, of course, draw perfectly. My drawing was about 50% done when the teacher came by for a look. "Hmmm" he said. Then he politely took his pen and scrawled all over the drawing. My arrows were not correct. Three weeks of work down the hole and I still had to redo it and keep on schedule. Since that time, I draw perfect arrows and have the neatest penmanship of most of my business peers.

4) I remember the SOS and Delaney card....what a combination. 5) I remember a night in 1965...the lights went out. I thought they just went out in my neighborhood...they went out across the entire Northeast. Not knowing the extent of the outage, I was determined to complete my required homework assignment for the next day. I did so by candlelight at the kitchen table. BTHS instills that kind of motivation and tenacity. 6) I believe in 1966 there was a subway strike in NYC. It lasted several days. We were asked to attend our local high school for the time being. It was like being at a country club compared to Tech. I went for only one day. The experience only reinforced the quality of the education I was getting at Tech. 7) In New York City, we all had to be concerned about taking the Regents exam in order to graduate from High School. Those of us at Tech had an additional burden/challenge...the Comprehensive Exam in your major field. Five hours of intense examination preceded by weeks of intense studying, anxiety, pressure, and no life. Passing BOTH the Regents and the Comprehensive was a major feat for all of us at Tech. 8) The Tech Handbook. An item to be revered (later on in life) and spurned at the time. It contained the dictionary words to learn and the books to be read during each semester. It was a tool in the master plan of Tech and served me well in my professional life. After graduating from Tech in the Electrical option (where I actually got to work on computers in 1965...an IBM 1620), I went on to CCNY. At CCNY, I was in the first graduating class that came out with a B.S. in Computer Science. There were 20 of us in the program. I spent the next 30 years in the Information Technology arena with Fortune 50 companies. I got to travel to Europe, Latin America and across the U.S. I have since left the Information Technology arena and 3 years ago formed my own company specializing in pharmaceutical services. Tech was a bedrock of, and springboard to, my successes in life both professionally and personally. It has been my internal mental coach ever since.


The Steps

Mr. Joseph Fanning – Mr. Discipline

Senior’s Last Will & Testament

DeKalb Avenue


Desks, Desks, & More Desks

Awards at the Reunion Dinner

John Lyons and John Catsimatidis get Tech Alumni Sweatshirts from Mike Weiss

Ninth Floor Only, Otherwise Start Walking

Homeward Bound, I wish I Was Homeward

Bound

A Little Bit of Help Here!!!

Now For A Cool Afternoon Dip


The Sink

And What Have We Created Today,

Gentlemen!

Sounds Good To Me!

I Can’t Look!

Williamsburgh Saving Bank


Marcus Mayer

Welcome To Tech

The Foundry 2006

(Thanks to Huey Fourquet – Chemical ’76)

The Viking


my time at tech

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