SHS Class of '65 Enjoys 60th Reunion
- Theresa Cramer
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Article Submitted By The Stafford High Class of 1965 Class Reunion Committee
On Saturday, August 23, the Class of 1965 held their 60th class reunion at the American Legion.
Classmates traveled from Florida, New York City, Rhode Island, Colorado and Massachusetts. Classmates living in Arizona, California, Maine, Ohio, and Alaska were unable to attend. There were 104 students in our graduating class, 25 classmates, and nine guests who were able to attend the reunion. 37 classmates have passed away, and memorial donations have been sent to organizations that the families have chosen.
We enjoyed a delicious luncheon prepared by Stephanie D’Amico and her assistant. They were so helpful. The meal also included fantastic desserts! Roberta Passardi, our class treasurer’s granddaughter, Natalia Talamini, was our wonderful photographer.
It was wonderful to share memories of our days at Stafford High, including the Prom, dancing, class night, and attending games to watch our class athletes! We laughed at the antics that happened in some of our classes and how much we miss those days now! Our lovable teacher, Mr. Stenta, has kept in communication with our class, attending our reunions and holding a video chat with us on Saturday, remembering several classmates who needed help with their studies or, for some of them, disrupting his class! He sent his regards and said he loves our class the most. All the teachers or school administrators who have ever attended our reunions have passed away.
We are especially proud of all our classmates, but several members need to be recognized. Janice Kaleta Parsons wrote poems and composed several songs that are currently being played on YouTube. Nancy Hartenstein Ravetto initiated the Safe Graduation Party for Stafford High School, working with our Principal, Miss Italia. She is proud that Safe Graduations are still ongoing for our graduating seniors. One of our classmates went above and beyond to honor his love for his son, who died while serving his country in the military. William Braun and his wife established a fund in Jeff’s name with the goal of helping the people of Honduras. Jeff was adopted by the Braun family, and the fund was to purchase land to build an orphanage in Jeff’s name. They held many fundraisers, and friends donated to this fund to accomplish this goal. William has visited Honduras several times to see the progress of the orphanage.
Our first reunion was held in 1970, and we have held reunions ever since. Many of our classmates continue to meet every few months for lunch at Basil’s, and I’m sure we have disturbed some diners with all our laughter and taking of photos!! At the closing of our party, Roberta Swift Passardi and Penny Farrington presented us with baseball caps with the caption STAFFORD HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1965. We proudly put on our caps for our group picture. We look forward to another reunion to celebrate our 80th birthday and our 65th reunion!!
The following are some quotes from our guest book:
Roberta Swift Passardi (Roby) wrote: “Every moment with my classmates is a memory I will cherish forever.”
Liz Davis Adams wrote: “What a great class, the best ever. How wonderful we can still get together after 60 years!!"
Pat Bosco Pisciotta wrote: “Best class ever!! We were so lucky to have been in the class of 1965."
Phil Possardt wrote: “It has been a great 78 years. Hard to believe it was 60 years ago we all started our separate paths on this lifelong journey – thanks for the memories!"
Penny Clarke Farrington wrote: “Our class has more school spirit than any graduating class from Stafford High. Always remember the old times and especially the ones from today – 60 years! Love you all!"
William Braun wrote: “We came a long way together thru thick and thin, but we love each other and look for always to gather whenever we can."
