JUNE 6, 2025

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Hi Harvesters of an Untermann Field Full of Memories,  

Notice of WHS alumni memorials:

Merle Rosen Cohen & Judy Wilson Schwartz (both 6/63)

It is with a very heavy heart and great sadness that we inform you that our dear friend and classmate Phyllis Frank Twiss passed away on May 27th of a heart attack. The three of us were "besties" for the last 67 years and were looking forward to "A Girls Spa Week-end to celebrate our big 8-0!"  

We laughed together and a few times cried together having shared our families many celebrations. We always knew how lucky we were to "have each other."

We cherish our wonderful memories. To know Phyllis was to love her.

Phyllis is survived by her husband Robert and her son Steven, her cousins and many friends. Merle & Judy

Phil Yourish (6/64)

Dave Klein (58), longtime Star Ledger’s NY Giants beat writer who covered first 54 Super Bowls, died this past week at 85. The Ledger story can be accessed at Story about Dave Klein. Philip 

Elizabeth Haden

It is with great sadness that I share my condolences on the loss of Ms. Janice Findley, former English Language Arts teacher and NTU union representative at Weequahic High School. May we all find comfort in the memories of Ms. Findley.

Former residents of the apartments at 225 Meeker Avenue share views of Newark neighborhoods:

Mel Lissner (53)

Did it occur to any that the reason Weequahic High in our time was maybe 85%+ Jewish was because we couldn’t? We were not welcome in other sections of Newark or other towns. We were just happy to be part of America at that time, rather than living in Europe.

This WHS weekly e-mail arriving for our reading is more than appreciated. It retains the spirit of the times of an early Weequahic era. Mel

Jac Toporek (63)

Thanks for the shout out, Mel, and expression of appreciation for the “WHS Note.” It is hard to believe that it has been more than 26 years that we all began exchanging our memories and experiences of the place we called home and the school that played so important part of our growing up and our lives.

Do not really want the newsletter to serve as a format for a debate on Newark’s past ethnic prejudices. When my family came to Newark in January 1957, certainly my parents sought out the area of Newark where they would find most comfort and persons with which they shared a way of life, a language, and values. Don’t think they thought about where they were wanted or not. The Weequahic district was a natural for Jewish newcomers just like Italians were drawn to the North Ward, Portuguese to the East and “down neck,” and Eastern European Christians to the West Side area of Newark. Yes, the established communities each preferred their own, perhaps an instinctive prejudice they all possessed, but I rather view the residence choices made in a more positive sense. Jac

More sharing of personal Al Attles (55) memories:

Paul Sullivan (55)

The note from my classmate, Ed Winokur, about Al Attles, reminded me of a story of my own about Al. I had the distinction of being in Al’s homeroom for seven consecutive years, from the 6th grade at Avon Avenue School through the 12th grade at Weequahic. That was a personal record for both of us. We were friendly through those years, but went our separate ways through college and thereafter. 

When my two sons were about 8 and 10, I took them to an NBA game in Washington against the Warriors when Al was then coach. I was proud to tell my sons of my history with Al, who remained on the court during halftime. I decided to take my kids, one in each hand, down the long staircase to meet Coach Attles. Halfway down the steps, not having seen Al in 15 years or so, I froze suddenly when I thought what if Al doesn’t recognize me. I was frantically thinking about what to say when we got within 10 feet or so of the court. Al looked up, spotted me approaching and before I could utter a word, said, “Hi, Paul.” I immediately grew several inches taller. Paul 

Paul Moskowitz (59)

Yes, my brother, Joel Moskowitz, is in the picture with Alvin Attles (to his right) and the 1955 WHS basketball team appearing a few weeks ago in the newsletter in Ed Winokur’s (55) comment. I met him once as a kid when Alvin was walking home from practice with my brother and stopped in our house for a snack or something. 

But later on, I was in Temple U in Philadelphia and a bunch of us guys went down to see Phila Warriors play the Boston Celtics. Attles was an unknown rookie and my friends laughed when I told them how great he was. He comes into the game and he is guarding Bob Cousy. I tell you Cousy could not bring the ball up court and could not even dribble. The crowd went crazy. From then, Alvin was known in Philly and around the league. 

Later on, my brother spoke to Alvin as he was coaching in Madison Square Garden. Also, as an update, Joel did pass away in June, 2018. Seeing Ed’s update was nice to see. Paul

W-Memories are made of this:  

Arnie Tillman (6/63)

Does anyone remember Banner Sporting Goods? I bought my club sweater for Sigma Alpha Rho from Banner. It was for participating in our dance where "Danny and the Juniors" played. I believe it was 1961. That was when you could get a top act to play at a dance. If any readers can recall similar events at Weequahic where similar well-known headliners appeared, please share in the newsletter. Arnie

Don Kauffman (1/57).  

I just celebrated my 86th birthday with friends and family in Plantation, Florida. I am recovering from a fractured wrist and arm and wish all my Weequahic classmates a safe and healthy journey. I can be reached at dbk403@gmail.com. Don

Carl Wilson (6/64)

In response to the exchange by Norman Barr (6/54) and Pamela Scott Threets (66) about the West Kinney (“The Hill”) area and the mention of the Krueger Brewery, I think this might be the statue of the king that was mounted over the massive doors to the Krueger Brewery on Belmont Avenue. Carl

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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