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For your prayers

Dear Classmates,

One of our own is currently in hospice care at his home in Florida. Mike Backer spoke with him last week and he’s well aware of his circumstances and has accepted his fate. There is nothing medically that can be done other than to make him as comfortable as possible.

One thing was perfectly clear during his conversation with Al Cooper was how much he would love to hear from members of our class. As many of us know, Al contributed so much to making our prior reunions so successful and enjoyable for all. 

If you’re so inclined, please say a prayer for his comfort and tranquility.

Send Al a note reminding him of what he’s contributed to your memories of Classical and/or growing up with him would be so appreciated.  His contact information, sans phone number, is below:

Alan Cooper (Wife Bonnie)
4060 N.E. 26th Avenue
Lighthouse Point, FL 33064
alancooper1818@gmail.com

WEBSite honor roll

The following people are helping fund the hosting of this website and our zoom sessions.

  • Ben Bachrach
  • Mike Backer
  • Chaya Bergstein (Karen Plotkin)
  • Bruce Bindman
  • Cindy Drougen Cohen
  • Al Cooper
  • Jeff Green (FOS)
  • Liz Frem
  • Rich Furman
  • Larry Kegeles
  • Judy Michaud Delisle
  • Jerry Morse
  • Ilene Nodelman Freedman
  • Joel Palley
  • Rick Sandler
  • Sue Sigel Taffet
  • David Tinsley
  • Gale Thurston Grindstaff
  • Eva Weisman Silver

Contact BenBachrach@gmail.com if you would like to be added to this honor roll.

Worcester Baseball History

Alan Cooper got this information from the Museum of Worcester (formerly the Worcester Historical Society). Jerry Morse suggested we post it here.

On Tuesday, June 2, 2025, we celebrated the 137th anniversary of “Casey at the Bat” written by Ernest L. Thayer. Raised in Worcester, Thayer was a student at Classical High School; he lived at 67 Chatham Street, not far from the Museum of Worcester.

According to the Baseball Almanac, “Casey”–also known as “Casey at the Bat: A Ballad of the Republic, Sung in the Year 1888“–is the single most famous baseball poem ever written. It was composed in Worcester and published on June 3, 1888, in the San Francisco EXAMINER. However, because Thayer signed the poem as “Phin”—a pen name he had used when writing for the “Harvard Lampoon,” he did not achieve immediate fame and recognition.

After a performance of the poem in August of 1888 by DeWolfe Hopper–a renowned vaudeville actor–the world came to know “Casey” and Ernest. 

Thayer took Casey’s true identity and Mudville’s exact location to his grave when he died in 1940.

Reunion Update

Reunion Update

The Reunion Committee has been working for several months to plan our 60th at Mike Backer’s house. Despite repeated emails and phone calls to solicit deposits, we find ourselves with a very small number of reservations for the July event.  After discussions with the members of the committee, it has become apparent to us that there is not sufficient interest at this time in moving forward with the event.

We certainly understand that many classmates are not able (or willing) to invest in getting to Worcester so we have reluctantly cancelled the reunion. If you sent money to Mike, he will refund your deposit.

A Different Idea

During the COVID shutdown, we had many successful Zoom get-togethers. They were fun and an easy way to stay in touch with fellow classmates all over the country. We will schedule a few more of these Zoom events in the near future. Look for news from Ben about dates/times. It’s a lot easier (and less expensive) than other alternatives.

Classical Website

The Reunion Committee discussed whether to continue to maintain our website. Ben Bachrach has put considerable time (and money) into keeping the site alive. It’s the only way we can keep in touch with fellow classmates so we have decided to keep it running. So we ask you to consider this:

  • Send in news about yourself – what’s going on in your life. Tell us anything that interests you: your kids, grandkids, hobbies, trips, health issue (ugh), whatever. You can post pictures, etc.
  • Several classmates have elected to donate their reunion reservation money ($60) to Ben. He has spent over $1,200 of his own funds to keep the website registered. If you wish to donate to Ben, please contact him directly.
  • Visit the site often.  We’d like to be a more interactive forum for classmates to be in touch. If you don’t remember – it’s www.Classical65.com.

Conclusion

Despite the outcome, the Reunion Committee had a lot of great conversations and enjoyed our time together. We’re disappointed with the results, but we thank you for your suggestions.

Charlie Andreson, Mike Backer, Bruce Bindman, Ben Bachrach, Alan Cooper, Jerry Morse, Joel Rosen,  Rick Sandler, Sue Taffet, Larry Witkin, Joe Widoff

Gail Benson – RIP

Gail Benson, born December 30, 1947, and passed away June 28, 2024.
Beloved mother to daughter Heidi and her husband Marc O’Connor of Waltham, MA. and son Andrew and his wife Priya Huggett and grandchildren Logan and Chloe Huggett of San Diego, CA passed away in Wayland, MA on June 28, 2024.
She was born in Worcester, MA to the late Richard and Jane Benson and grew up in the Tatnuck area. Gail attended Classical High School before majoring in education and Spanish graduating from American International College. She was a dedicated elementary school teacher in the Worcester schools, the MSPCA education program, and Worcester’s Head Start program. She retired and moved full time to West Yarmouth, MA, pursued her gardening passion, and started her own successful gardening business, Gail’s Gardens. Her beautiful gardens were the talk of the neighborhood.
Gail is survived by her loving twin sisters, Dianne Davis and Linda Bailey, her brother Ron Benson and sister Janet Vaughn.
Gail’s favorite way to spend time was with her family and friends on the beach at Lewis Bay, Cape Cod. She was an avid Boston sports fan and was excited with every championship brought home to Boston.
At Gail’s request, in lieu of services, her family is planning a future celebration of her life. Donations to Cure Alzheimer’s in her name are appreciated.
” Creating Meaningful Memories”
” Brasco and Sons Memorial Chapels”

from https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/gail-benson-obituary?id=55459331

Carol Witkin – RIP

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Carol Bonnie Witkin, age 76, on June 19, 2024, after a courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. She was the loving daughter of the late Nathan and Muriel (Goodman) Witkin.

Carol leaves her sister Shelley Kashuk and her husband Gerald, her niece Jill Ricardo and her husband Jason, and her great-nephew Brandon Ricardo.

She was born in Worcester and lived in Natick for many years. Carol graduated from Classical High School and Worcester State University and worked for many years as a pension administrator at American Fiduciary Corporation in Needham, MA.

Carol’s family wishes to extend many thanks and gratitude to the staff at Jewish Health Care for her excellent care, and sincere gratitude to her personal caregiver, Rose Kimani, for her loving care over the past several years.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations in Carol’s memory can be made to the Jewish Healthcare Center, 629 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609 (www.jhccenter.org), Temple Emanuel Sinai, 661 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609 (www.emanuelsinai.org), or Wachusett Food Pantry, P.O. Box 62, Jefferson, MA 01522 (www.wachusettfoodpantry.org).

www.milesfuneralhome.com

text from: https://www.telegram.com/obituaries/pneo0857756

Mark Levine – RIP

from: https://www.telegram.com/obituaries/pneo0716490https://www.telegram.com/obituaries/pneo0716490

Mark Levine, 76, of Worcester, MA, passed away suddenly on February 5, 2024. He was born on May 27, 1947, in Worcester, MA, and lived there the majority of his life until moving to Cleveland, OH in July 2021.

Mark was a dedicated husband, father, and brother. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Robin, and his children Joshua, Adam, and Rebekah, along with their respective families.

After graduating from Classical High School, Mark served his country in the US Navy from February 1967 – February 1971. He carried his military association and wore his stripes with staunch, humble pride his entire life.

Following his military service, Mark dedicated himself to a 40-year career as a postal worker. His commitment and diligence were admired by his family and the community at large.

Mark was a deeply spiritual person and was an active member of Yeshiva Achei Tmimim in Worcester for decades, and subsequently at the Tzemach Tzedek Shul in Cleveland where he found spiritual guidance and comfort. His faith was an important aspect of his life.

Memorial services have already been held to honor and remember Mark’s life. His memory will forever be cherished by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.