The LHS Class of 1954 held their last formal class reunion on Saturday, June 29 at the Slippery Rock Presbyterian Church of Ellwood City.
Arrivals were greeted by the committee John Tino, Ilene Gardner and Pudue La Cava. Registration was conducted by the honorary class members, Judy Portugallo and Jackie Perno. La Cava presented each person with a very much needed name tag, especially the seniors. Gardner photographed each classmate and their guest at a Holiday mural made by her son Jeff. All signs indoor and outdoor were also provided by him.
Tino welcomed all for their attendance and offering this final formal reunion as also a memorial for all the classmates no longer with us. He introduced the caterers for this luncheon, Ilene Gardner, her daughter, Kim Groom and her son, Jeff Gardner. Guests were seated at white covered tables with centerpieces of vases filled with colored glass chips, topped with ties of cloth blue and white daisies and centered with red sparklers. Red pocket napkins held the cutlery and white boxes of candy, blue and white tied and tagged as’ 54 Class 70 Years marked the seats.
Ilene’s display tables held pictures and memorabilia of the past 70 years of reunions affording many happy memories. Photographer, Janet Keenan, captured all the activities and moments of the day.
The mural of the front of Lincoln High School faced the diners and serving began at 11:30 after the blessing was voiced by Ronald Cusato. The artfully displayed buffet of Appetizers, Cold-cut Sliders, Hot and Cold Salads, Fruit plate and varied dippings was complemented by another display of llene’s Class of ’54 Desserts. All the good food led to conversations, mingling and fellowship, and notice of no charge for this last “formal” reunion.
Next in 2025 notices will be sent for our first Class of ’54 Luncheon with a selected date and local restaurant with order from the menu. The committee will expect replies.
John Tino, Ilene (Chapman) Gardner and Marlene {Pudue-Volpe) Lacava were joined by classmates, Class Treasurer, Ruth (Chima) and Bob Risinger, Paul Abraham and son Bobby, Jan Garcia, Barbara and James Tillia, Donna {Buccelli) and Tom Underiner, Ted and Lois Syphrit Ray Shinsky, Nancy { Pietrandrea) and Joe Streit, Wilima (Chiez) Veres, Audrey (Smith) and Rich Borison, Virginia {Bauder) Kline, Joyce (Wiley) and Ron Cusato, Rose (Nocera) and Dom Massaro, Freida {Hahn) McMath, Ron Doak, Mike Newman and son Adam, Herman D’Amico, Clemmy and niece, Christine {Sirimarco) Nelson.
Submitted by: Clemmy Sirimarco, phone: 330-680-4954 | PICTURED BELOW: Ilene Gardner, John Tino and Pudue La Cava.
It would have been nice to have attended but such a long distance. Travel from Arizona at this time of the year is difficult. Our thoughts and spirt were there! Great job to those classmates for all your hard work not for just the 70th reunion but all the many in the past. I think our class of 1954 is the leader in this category of organizing and having established an annual class gathering. Congratulations to all!!!