MARCH 15, 2024

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

Hi KIN-dred Spirits of the Orange & Brown,  

Paul Moskowitz (6/59) eulogizes an alum-friend:

With great sadness, I am reporting the passing of my best friend of 60 Years, Norman Siminoff, Class of 1958. We spoke on the phone every day during that time. I did not know Norman in WHS, but met in my first job out of college, an accounting firm. I will tell you about his family in a few minutes, but first I want to tell you how a much of a fabulous guy Norman was. And probably the funniest man around.

Two quick stories. After someone in our firm was hired away by a client for $20,000 (and we were making about $8,000), Norman said that if he could make $20,000 a year, he would never ask for anything else the rest of his life. We loved the NBA and probably went to 250-300 games in 25 years. When the Nets first came to NJ, Norman was the fifth person to call for tickets so we had first row at the Meadowlands. Norman knew everybody, everyone on the scorer’s table and every announcer? It was worth the price of the ticket just to be with him. He razzed all the players and he was funny. Of course, at half time, and the end of the game, all the visiting players had to walk right past our seats. So, Norman told every opposing player exactly what they did wrong during the game! Like, " you would have won the game if you didn't miss 4 foul shots." Everyone around us loved Norman. He saw humor in everything.

Norman leaves his amazing wife Susan and three wonderful, successful, and handsome boys and their families. Losing a friend like Norman puts a void in my life. I love you Normy and still might call your cell phone tomorrow. Paul

Examining the W-Docs a bit further:

Janice Krusch (58)

To Jac Toporek (6/63), Dr. Lohman was not my orthopedist but I could sure use him now! My love for tennis, 5-6 hours a day during my summers off from teaching, has done me in. Members of my family used him, with very good results, and I always heard them refer to him as Hank (Henry).

I want to add to my notable and favorite doctors. Dr. Henry Kaplan was my doctor for many years, coming to my family's apartment on Clinton Place several times to treat me, probably, for tonsillitis or the measles/chicken pox. He even pierced my ears at some point when I was older

My all-time favorite physician was Dr. Emanuel Klosk. He wasn't one for small talk and didn't smile very much, as I recall, but I loved him! Two problems stand out. First, he found my thyroid condition in my twenties and sent me to Dr. Eugene Parsonnet, a wonderful, notable, and kind physician, who performed surgery on me. Second, one summer while vacationing in Sussex, unexpectedly, I drove my father, on a Sunday evening, to our apartment on Goldsmith Avenue thinking we would return, with meds, the next day to Sussex to resume our vacation. While driving home my dad decided to get the chills and, upon arriving home, I took his temperature orally; 105 degrees. Scared out of my wits, I called Dr. Klosk who paid a visit at 9:00 P.M. Assuring me that he would last the night with meds that a relative picked up for me downtown. We did, however, have to go to the Beth in the morning. 

As it was only sixty-four years ago, I cannot remember what my father's illness was but I was so thankful for Dr. Klosk's visit. Can you imagine a doctor, today, coming to someone's house? Janice

Sandy Markowitz (6/63)

Dr Lohman, (“Hank”). Sandy

Ira Megdal (Union 6/64)

Relative to the note from Jac Toporek, Dr. Lohman’s first name was Herman. He practiced with a Dr. Fertel, and they were considered THE orthopedic surgeons by those that I knew. Their office was in a low rise building across from the Mosque Theater. It is now the office of the Newark Teachers’ Association, I believe. They also had a suburban office. 

When I was in college, I injured my knee in interfraternity football (I was never an athlete). I saw Dr. Lohman, and as was the case with Jac, he offered me a letter to bring to the Selective Service Office. When I was in law school during the height of the Viet Nam War, my lottery number was such that I was directed to report to the Elizabeth Selective Service Office for a physical exam (my residence was then in Union). I produced my letter during my physical and was categorized 1-Y. The guy behind me in line for a physical was a player on the New York Giants Taxi Squad. He had a similar letter from a team physician. He likewise was classified 1-Y. I took some solace in knowing that at least for one purpose I was physically classified the same as a pro football player. Ira

To Marc Little (69) on inquiry about teachers at Peshine Avenue School 1958-1965):

Clark Lissner (6/63)

To Marc Little (69), I recall Bernard Miller, Joseph Cascella, and Anthony Chirico as my 6--8th grade teachers. Mr. Cascella was a very nice guy who clearly had a love of teaching. He later became the History instructor for my junior year at WHS. He told us, quoting Thomas Carlyle, "Unfortunately, we never really learn from history."  

Mr. Chirico was a fun, yet, stern teacher, who once warned the late Lenny Levin (6/63; deceased), Richie Blecker (6/63), and me, that we were wise guys just coasting, and would meet our match and be challenged when we got to high school. There we would contend with much better students than those at Peshine. Several years later, I would run into him at Henry's/Bernie’s on Bergen Street during lunch break from Hawthorne Avenue where I was teaching. He told me that now that I was a teacher, I could call him Tony; out of respect, I continued to refer to him as Mr. Chirico. At that time, I think, he had been promoted to Peshine Vice-Principal. 

Mr. Miller was a relaxed, even- keeled gent, who was a good Homeroom teacher. I also recall Mr. Kevlin (or Devlin?), the Shop (industrial Arts) teacher. He always had a small can of "Sacramento Tomato Juice" in his office, where he kept it handy; and full of either whiskey or vodka. He would stay happy with a surreptitious sip every so often. 

Even with a life-long lousy singing voice, I enjoyed "Music Class"/Glee Club which was led by Mrs. Keane (I think?). The memorable moment there, was when your twin Nor (newly arrived from Canada) entertained the class with his adorable version of "Frere Jacque" and gave the kids a laugh when they thought JITTA pluma ray sounded like something “shi--y!” 

And then there was Mrs. Feldman, the Penmanship teacher. You knew when she arrived in class by the half-a-bottle scent of her strong perfume. Not exactly Charlize Theron, but I'll give her an “A” for effort, even though she gave me “C's” for sub-par penmanship. Brighter side, since it was a "minor" subject, the “C” did not keep me off the honor roll. Were those the days? You betcha!  Clark

Jac Toporek (6/63)

To Marc Little, I do not recall many teacher names, but my eight-grade teacher was Ms. Kehrer (not sure of spelling). Elderly lady, well refined, and sporting glasses which most of the time hung loosely around her neck. I do recall Mr. O’Sullivan, the Gym teacher and, I believe, a Mrs. Zipkin for Auditorium.

To Clark Lissner, “great memories” as to content and “kudos” on actually being able to recall the teachers. Thanks for reminding me of Mr. Cascella. I could not remember his name. But to remember one occasion Mrs. Kehrer placed me in his detention class. First and only time in Peshine and Weequahic that I had to serve detention (what for? “dunno”). Mr. Cascella would ask that you remain seated and quiet and if he was satisfied with your compliance, he allowed you to leave. After about 15 minutes of my silence, he said I could go home. But when I headed out the door, I commented, “see you later alligator.” Mr. Cascella chased after me and made come back and sit out the whole detention period

Mrs. Cavicchia was the Principal. She signed a dictionary presented to me as Co-Valedictorian at our June 1959 graduation (see photo, below). My recent immigrant (January 1957) parents were so proud that their son was honored and of the sign that America welcomed their family with open arms.  Jac

PS: Referencing Clark Lissner’s comment as to penmanship, check out Principal Cavicchia’s penmanship. Remember those circles and push-pulls (I think they were called that) we were supposed to be taught in Penmanship class? These days, it is a curriculum of the distant past. What current day font resembles her penmanship?  Jac