Longtime class councilor Joyce Leavitt Zanchelli passed away Sept. 19, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Zanchelli ’49. She leaves behind children Mark, Michael and Lynn, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joyce taught English at Mepham High School, Baypoint Bluepoint High School and Manhasset High School for many years. She was dedicated to serving her NYSCT classmates. She and Joe were honored with the UAlbany Alumni Association’s Whittlesey Excellence in Alumni Service award in 2014.
The Class of 1960 Yellowjackets celebrated their 65th anniversary at a reunion luncheon on October 14 at Jacob & Anthony’s Italian in Stuyvesant Plaza. Attendees included Mary Ellen Johnson; Fay McMore Graham and her daughter Laura who was visiting from Ohio; Phil Shepherd and wife Fran Cicero Shepherd ’62, and Fran’s college roommate, Linda Zucconi Dellea ’62; and co-councilor Doris Hische Brossy and her ‘adopted’ daughter, Stacey Calabrese Riccardi, who attended in memory of her mother Bunny Silverstein Calabrese. Loida Vera Cruz, retired associate director of alumni programs, joined the class for dessert and coffee. We miss you, Loida! At the reunion, the class voted to determine the recipient of the Class of 1960 Project Fund. Remembering the many hours spent at Hawley Library, $1,700.00 was donated to the Dewey Graduate Library located in Hawley Hall.
Fran Jadick Castillo was sorry to miss the reunion. Family was visiting Fran and Ray on the Cape, but they ask to be remembered and give the best to all classmates.
Fran Wallace Cole sent word that Jack Anderson had passed away just a week before the reunion. Fran still lives in Oklahoma with her son and family and spends summers at her cottage in Alexandria Bay.
Nancy Ryan Gnan and John are great-grandparents. Regretfully, health issues kept Nancy and John from joining the reunion lunch.
Fay McMore Graham is retired from Washington County Social Services. She keeps busy with travel, book clubs, line dancing, and playing Scrabble three times a week.
Art Hackett of Virginia recently celebrated his 89th birthday. He was unable to travel to the reunion lunch. His hobby remains Amateur Radio and radio contesting — call letters K4FTO. He sends his ‘hello and regards’ to all.
Mary Ellen Johnson retired from teaching social studies 31 years ago. She serves as Guilderland Town Historian and writes a weekly newspaper column, “Glimpse of Guilderland History.” She keeps in touch with Mary Matey Garrett.
Marcia Cavanaugh Meaney lives in a 55+ community in Saratoga Springs, and winters in Jupiter, FL.
Joan Cali Pecore sends her good wishes to all ’60 classmates and regrets not being able to attend the reunion lunch.
Doug Penfield competes in many bridge tournaments. Regretfully, a big bridge event was already scheduled on the date of the reunion lunch.
Olga Eckardt Winsor says “Hello” to all. Condolences to Olga on the passing of her husband Fred Winsor ’63 on February 1, 2025.
Doris Hische Brossy is appreciative of the assistance of Carmelina Morrison, associate director of Alumni Programs, and Stephanie Snyder, marketing & communication strategist, for their part in making the reunion a success!
Class co-councilors: Doris Hische Brossy, dbrossy@aol.com; Joan Cali Pecore, joanpecore@gmail.com
Barbara Lewick Christoff relocated to Hemlock, NY.
Marilyn Anderson Pendergast and Bill Robelee enjoyed lunch with Katie Iocca, recipient of the Class of ’64 Scholarship for 2025, in December. Katie relished her fall student teaching experience and has completed all requirements for her master’s degree, which she will receive in May. Katie plans to substitute teach while she searches for a high school math position (which, after meeting her, should be brief). We will meet our next recipient at the School of Education Scholarship ceremony on Friday May 8, 2026. If any of you would like to attend the ceremony, contact Bill at the email address below and he will help make arrangements.Please keep us informed of any changes to your contact information.
“Time marches on…and on…and on…” – 1964 Torch
Class co-councilors: Bill Robelee, wmrobelee31@gmail.com; Columba DeFrancesco Heinzelman, heinzel779@aol.com
Roselle Warshaw Mironer has been enjoying living with her new life partner while her apartment in Manhattan is being renovated. She is a Spanish tutor and has been busy planning several trips abroad including South Africa, England, Curaçao, Israel, and Japan. She enjoys taking ballet and modern dance classes, is currently enrolled in a memoir writing course, and she joined the London Writers Salon. Roselle reunited with Ila Nussbaum Falvey and Mary Jane Fagan in July. “Dare I say I’ll be lobbying on ‘the Hill’ for a strong US–Israel relationship and find the rise in antisemitism horrifying. Trying to give my new Mayor a chance but expect little in the way of security for the Jews of New York. Stay healthy, don’t fall, and remember, ‘Excellence is a Habit.’”
Don and Sue Falkenbach Welch of St. Augustine Beach, FL, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in December. Three of six grandchildren have graduated from college and are now working. Don and Sue miss New York State, but enjoy their summer cabin in Rangeley, Maine.
Mary Margaret Welker Young and husband John continue to be active in their retirement. In Spring 2025 they went on an AmaWaterways river cruise in the Bordeaux area of France after spending a few days in Paris. “We saw the restored Notre-Dame Cathedral....amazing!” In September they went on a Road Scholar trip to Croatia and Montenegro, and spent seven nights on a small ship. Mary Margaret remains connected with several of her Chi Sigma Theta sisters.
Don and Randie McGurrin shared the birth of their great-granddaughter, born in January 2025. Don is a math tutor.
Class Co-Councilors: Judy (Koblintz) Madnick, jmadnick@gmail.com; Ira Rubtchinsky, irapaul@yahoo.com.
Greetings, beloved 1967 Classmates and Friends, Your ‘67 classmates and I would love to receive your news. Please email me an update on your accomplishments after graduating from UAlbany, including your travels and volunteer activities! Stay connected! Please keep in touch!
Hugs and many blessings always, Class councilor Canon Kay C. Hotaling, FHC, aspenpaepke@msn.com
Karen Jean (Joyner) Walencik passed away on November 6, 2025. She was a member of Psi Gamma sorority. She is survived by husband Thomas Walencik ’66, son Brian, and two granddaughters.