JANUARY 17, 2025

TO RESPOND WITH A COMMENT OF YOUR OWN, PLEASE CLICK ON WHSALUM63@AOL.COM.

Hi Describers of the OBA Scene on Chancellor Avenue,  

Naomi Flecker Gustafson (59) shares sad news of W-Alum passing:

It is with a heavy heart that I received the following obituary for David Schreiber (1/56) from my cousin and his wife Laura Flecker Schreiber that David passed away December 4, 2024. A native of Newark, N.J. David moved with his family to Fanwood NJ for 12 years and then to Media, PA for 30 years before moving to a 55 plus community in Boothwyn, PA where he spent the past 19 years. David engaged in community and built lasting relationships no matter where he lived.

A graduate of Rutgers University where he majored in English and minored in Psychology, David worked as a reporter for the Newark Evening News covering Rutgers and Princeton Universities among other assignments. David then served in various public and investor relations before forming his own financial services company where he created and produced investor relations for many corporations.

In 1992, He pursued a new career as a mental health therapist obtaining a Master's Degree from Temple University. A licensed clinical social worker, David was employed by Delaware County Professional Services and Family and Community Services of Delaware County before establishing a private practice. He retired in 2013.

David strongly believed in public and community service. While in college, David served in the NJ Air National Guard and was deployed and stationed in Chaumont France before receiving an honorable discharge in 1962. He later served as President of the Human Rights Council of Scotch Plains-Fanwood NJ; Legal Services Corporations of Central New Jersey; Director of Delaware County; Director of Congregation Beth El Ner Tamid; Secretary of Creekside Village Condominium Board of Directors; volunteer with the Heartland Hospice and a member of the Upper Chichester Library activities and supported fundraising activities.

An avid sportsman, David played college basketball at his alma mater. He later joked that he cut 40 strokes off his golf game after a friend gave him a pencil with an eraser. He was also a skilled pianist from an early age through his final years. Jazz legends Bill Evans and Dave Brubeck provided special comfort to him in his final weeks. 

David's passion for life will be carried on by his loving family and friends. He leaves his beloved wife of 63 years, Laura, two sons, Brian of Pittsburgh, PA and Mark of Collingswood, NJ, two daughters-in-law, Cindy and Suzanne, and grandchildren, Abigail (Brad), Adi, and Zev who were his pride and joy to the end. Naomi

Thanksgiving Day memory-stuffing continued:

Don Rosen (53)

Weequahic played Hillside on that day in 1951. Coach Stamelman worked 3 years with the guys. Score 0 to 0. No overtime in those days. I think It was on Thanksgiving Day and it snowed. That was the first time we were City Champs with only 1 loss to Bloomfield.

Anyone else alive today who remembers that? That may have been the day we lit a bonfire next to Syd's, which was close to my house. If they are still with us. maybe Sandy Blumenfeld (53) and Jimmy Leen (53) would? Maybe Bernie Gross, too. Don

Norman "Nibby" Barr (6/54)

To Don Rosen (53), the Weequahic Football Team won the Newark City Championship in 1951, not 1952. And my recall of the game with Hillside in 1951 was that Weequahic won that game (though I am not 100% sure). I am 100% sure that we didn’t lose that game; it may have ended in a tie. I was the Student Manager (i.e., “water boy”) on the 1951 Championship Team. Norman

Larry Lewin, (1/55)

I attended the football game on Thanksgiving Day, 1952 vs. Hillside High School. It was a hard-fought scoreless tie. An historic day to be sure! Larry

Bill Pollak (1/53)

To Don Rosen, the Weequahic-Hillside game in 1951 was 0-0. The next year, 1952, Weequahic was leading in the fourth quarter 10 to 7 when I, the WHS punter, dropped back to punt and missed the ball which was picked up by a Hillside lineman who went on to score and won the game 14 to 10 The following year, led by Monroe Krichman, Al Attles, and Arnie Taub, Weequahic broke the hex with a win. Bill

Myron Borden (1/52)

A correction about the o-o Thanksgiving score listed by Don Rosen as happening in 1952. Actually, it happened in 1951, which was the year that Weequahic was undefeated in the Newark City League. The only loss was to a very strong Bloomfield team. Although the weather was sunny and dry the day before and also on Thanksgiving, the playing field seemed to be very wet, which severely hampered the running by both teams and caused neither team to be able to score. Myron

Jac Toporek (6/63)

To be honest, I cannot recall specific Thanksgiving memories. Not even a family dinner with turkey and all the “fixins.” Don’t believe ever went to a Hillside-Weequahic football game; my loss in view of the many comments about that holiday rivalry that appeared in the “WHS Note” over the last 26 years. 

Probably watched the Macy’s parade (still do; at least some of it in between household activities). Perhaps my parents hosted Holocaust survivor friend at our apartment at 225 Meeker or we were invited to their homes. There were so many of such gatherings it is entirely possible that there was one or more at the Meeker Avenue premises.

By the way, did Bamberger’s also do a Thanksgiving Day parade in Newark. And speaking of parades, was there a Newark parade that ended up in Weequahic Park? Or was it a X-Mas parade? I recall a parade where boxing champs Floyd Patterson and Ingmar Johansson appeared on floats. Saw them at end of parade in the park.  Jac

Teaching as you like it:    

Janice Misurell-Mitchell (6/63)

In reference to my classmate Marvin Schaab's thoughts on the WHS language faculty, so much to write about! I was in the group that attended Weequahic "out of district," but since I didn't want to learn Hebrew, and my mother taught German (though Arthur Lutzke [6/63] was in his mother's English class; I'm sure he has stories!), I was admitted because none of the other high schools offered four years of French. 

I feel that I was very fortunate, especially given Morris Brenman's Honors French Class. His inclusion of songs and arias from operas were fun and entertaining. I know that not all my former classmates agree about this! It made sense for me, since I'm now a professional composer, flutist and vocal artist. His teaching us how to manipulate phrases has enabled me to manage French well enough over the years. 

Some of our class members should talk about the amazing Simon Chasen. I knew him only from the Greek Club, but I think there are still others who can provide some meaningful tales. And I'm sure my classmates would have some great stories about Mabel Patton's Latin classes. It’s time to "pony up.” Janice

Dan Fink (66)

To Howard Klein, Good to hear from you. How did you ever remember that?

The only teachers’ names I remember from Bragaw are Mrs. Felber in 3rd grade, Mr. Gaiter in 4th, and Miss Friedman in 6th.

Somewhere in the garage, or maybe on the high shelf in my closet, there’s a box my mother gave me now decades ago that had all my report cards, so, I suppose I could reconstruct that. I use the past tense, “had” because it may or may not have survived several moves. Dan

The WHS NOTE is emailed to you by the WEEQUAHIC HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION for the CLASS OF 1963 ASSOCIATION and editor, Jacob Toporek.



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