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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.

Elaine Bloomfield – RIP

Elaine Rose (Verstein) Bloomfield, in her 76th year, of Framingham MA passed away suddenly Thursday, August 24th. She leaves those who will remember her for her great love and passion for people. She leaves her husband of 55 years, Gerald Bloomfield, her daughters Beth Perry and her husband David of Ashland, Elise Warecki and her husband Mark of Millville, four grandchildren, Garrett Perry, Charlotte Perry, El Warecki, and Gavin Warecki.

Elaine leaves her brother Howard Verstein, his wife Linda and their children and grandchildren. She leaves her sister-in-law and lifelong friend, Joyce (Bloomfield) Stankus, her husband Richard and their children and grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents Bernard and Bella (Sandman) Verstein. She has many cousins she leaves behind as well as special friends she enjoyed having regular lunches with as well.

Elaine was born in Worcester and graduated from Classical High School and Chamberlain Junior College in Boston. She worked for many years at Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital, New England Rehabilitation Hospital, and National Head Injury Foundation as a medical administrator.

Elaine will be deeply missed and remembered as a caring, loving, kind, patient, compassionate, thoughtful person. Her greatest passion was being at family gatherings which brought her great joy. In her early years she danced with Charlotte Klein Studios with a focus on ballet, which was always greatly recalled in many conversations as another great passion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Framingham Food Pantry, 214 Concord Street, Framingham, MA, 01702.

Text taken from: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/framingham-ma/elaine-bloomfield-11422540

Nancy Starr Shulman – RIP

Nancy Starr Shulman died after a long illness on January 8, 2023. In her last moments her children, grandchildren, and sister were by her side.

She leaves behind her sons Andrew of Tennessee and Peter (and his wife Amanda) of Uxbridge as well as her three grandchildren Madeleine, Calvin, and Lucas. She also leaves her sister Marjorie and her husband Yusuf of Brooklyn, NY, sister-in-law Susan Starr of Worcester as well as her nieces and nephews who she thought the world of. She was predeceased by her husband Melvin in 1993 and brother Alan in 2009.

Born in 1947 to Edward and Beulah Starr in Worcester, Nancy lived there most of her life before retiring to Uxbridge to be closer to her family.

She loved crossword puzzles, scratch tickets, and talking to anyone who would listen. She always looked forward to making her “rounds” to get the latest gossip and share her famous baked pastries and matzo ball soup.

Nancy’s family will gather for a private graveside service at B’nai Brith Cemetery in Worcester. Memorial Observance will be at the home of Susan Starr. Arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home of Holden. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made a charity of the donor’s choice.

Www.milesfuneralhome.com

image and text from https://www.telegram.com/obituaries/pneo0398944