This is a place to post comments, photos, whatever...about growing up in the Hialeah Area...or anything else that is on your mind. In the past, we've been using our individual webpages for this purpose, but now we have a dedicated forum on our website. Please note that this forum is "not secure" and that comments you make are available to anyone that visits this website.  

If you post a comment about a deceased classmate in this section, please also post one on the classmate's "In Memory" page. Your comments here get lost in the many other comments over time while whatever you post on a classmate's "In Memory" page can easily be found by our classmates and family members of the deceased. 

Vince "Vinny" Rusinak

Michael "Mike" Wills

Bill: So sorry to read about Bonnie. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Mike

Pat Pierce

Bill Coffeen

I have received many thoughtful comments from classmates about Bonnie Porth Coffeen passing.

Bonnie and I are very private and there will not be any obituary in the paper, but you knew her in her young life so I will share this with you.

You may remember Bonnie from school. She was a good student, she wasn't in any clubs, but worked in the office as the PBX operator (the phone system), she was a Paper Doll and worked after school at Hialeah Hospital in a school early release program, I can't remember the acronym...

We only lived 4 blocks from each other but I never knew her. I went to Hialeah Elem and Miami Spring ... she went to South Hialeah and Filer ... this is because we were separated by 4th Avenue.

i met her late in our senior year and were engaged that Summer. She went on to be a National Airlines Stewardess ... and I went to College. We got married my Senior year ... and we moved to Long Island NY, my first job.

Bonnie is my Hero ... she believed in me and helped me financially get through my last 2 years of college. She followed me through my career moves and never complained. I dragged her to NY where we had 2 children ... then back to Miami, then to Chattanooga, and Pittsburgh, Hartford, CT, Indianapolis (child #3), Nashville and Mobile.

All of this while I was being recruited and promoted from one place to another ... flying from here to there and gone all week ... working in England for weeks ... South Africa for weeks ... speaking or chairing conferences for a week at a time ... she was selling our house ... buying a house ... packing up ... unloading our stuff ... flying to the new city ... with little children ... and she was somehow getting children through the snow to school by herself. We never lived by family. She never had anyone to help her.

i was Obilvious to this ...

I finally realized this ... and told her many time how I admired her and that she was my hero.

To our classmates, thank you for caring.

Bonnie had Parkinson's. I worked to give her the best quality of life that I could ... I was able to take her out to diner ... traveled to see her children ... She wanted to do things ... she kept trying ... but in the end ... it took her in her sleep.

love you Bonnie

Bill Coffeen

Toni Canonico (Nasco)

Bill, thank you for sharing that loving tribute with us. I have to agree with Larry King...”Heaven is better off”...an Angel who is beautiful inside and out has been added! All who knew her were blessed...especially you and your family. May God enfold each of you with His love and peace.

Sincerely, Toni

(I sent a message to your phone.)

Bill Coffeen

Classmates

my phone is

251-751-5702

i think messages are being sent to Bonnie's phone number which had been disconnected.

Donna Thacker (Baro)

Bonnie will always be remembered as so sweet and kind and humble.  God bless your family

Sharon Facente (Hills)

Dear Bill, what a sweet tribute to a beautiful person, your lovely wife, Bonnie. She was so kind and had the best disposition, so it's no surprise that she handled the changes you mentioned in such an accepting manner. You two are fortunate to have found each other and I have no doubt that you gave her every ounce of love and compassion possible during her illness. I'm so sorry for your loss of her presence here on earth, and I pray that you feel her soul's love and light surrounding you every day.

Richard "Tr" Anderson

W.G. (Bill),

Eileen and I have been out of town over New Year's and just returned to the local (Niceville) area. Words cannot express how sad we were to read the news of Bonnie's passing. We so enjoyed our visit with you both,  over the Thanksgiving week. Your having her at that beautiful condo in Destin was, we are sure, a shot in the arm. She was such a lovely person and I found her to be an absolute match for you. You and I have been friends for close to 65 years and I count you as one of my dearest and closest friends. In  my  40 years of military and civilian service to our great country we have a saying "Any place any time." For you, any place any time you need me I will respond.

Lynn Anderson (Dewhurst)

Bill,

Thank you for sharing your life story with Bonnie with your friends and classmates. Over 50 years of marriage and many moves is hard but what a wonderful person and support Bonnie was. Although I have known you my entire life, like Richard "TR", I only knew Bonnie in high school. I am so sorry for your loss and will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.

Vince "Vinny" Rusinak

We all read about the recent tragic death of Kobe Bryant. That was very sad to lose an iconic basketball player, his daughter, and all the others who perished in the that tragic helicopter accident. That incident brought back memories of the time I played basketball in junior high school.

Henry H Filer Junior High School had one of the top basketball teams in the County my 9th grade year there. I can’t remember many of the names of my teammates, but I do remember Rufi Menendez and Ed Barth (need help with the many other names...Richard Hankin, Tommy Johnson???)…and especially Will Santiago. Rufi, Ed and the rest of us were OK back then, but Will was different…I likened him to one of, if not the best player at our age…think Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Stephen Curry. Will was more like Stephen Curry…slight in size but one who could sink shots from anywhere on the court. When we passed the ball to Will, and that was often….bingo…two points. There were no three pointers back then.

We played our junior high school basketball seasons outdoors…on asphalt courts. We took the wind into account whenever we shot…it didn’t really make a difference in our percentages since we were only in the 9^th grade, but it was a factor in everything we did in South Florida…it was always windy wherever we played. Every time the rest of us missed a shot, we would say it was because of the wind. Will made almost all of his shots…wind or no wind.

Our win record, whatever it was back then, was good enough to get us into the finals for the 9th grade Dade County Championship. The Championship game that year happened to be at Hialeah High School...in the BIG GYM. We thought we were playing in the junior high school basketball equivalent of the Orange Bowl. I don’t even remember who we played that “night,” but I remember the gym being full…maybe 40,000 fans filled the bleachers (well maybe I exaggerated the number by a few thousand, but the stands were FULL). And inside, there was no wind…no heat…no rain…it was nirvana! 

The game was exciting…the fans were loud, very loud…and we were playing our best...especially Will. Will was sinking unbelievable shots from everywhere. It was unfortunate for us that whoever we were playing for the Championship ended up having more points than we did at the end of the game.

Will didn’t attend our 9^th grade graduation exercises, nor did he enroll in 10^th grade at HHS. Will seemed to have dropped out of sight after our last basketball game. I'd be interested in finding out if anyone knew Will Santiago very well at the time, or knows what happened to him.

Thanks,

Vinny

David Briggs

Vinny, I knew and remember all of them, even though they'd probably not remember me and that's okay.  I especially remember Rufi.  Those were the days when the first wave of Cuban refugees had arrived. What a positive addition they were to our community...Rufi being one of them.  Besides being a superlative athelte in each sport in which he got involved, he was an exceptional student and "lady's man".  Quite the looker they thought. He and I had great fun teasing the two Linda's that shared the English class table with us.  It's quite a tribute you're making to Will, but let me tell you, you were no slouch.  It's a team sport and you're a remarkable team player, maybe the backbone of that team...as well as a fine athlete.  I tried to do basketball and softball, but did not come up to the proficiency as others.  So, I retreated to where I had some talents, that being music and acting...it's served me well in the past.  Thanks for the memories, as someone great was famous for saying.  That someone is quite venerated in my beautiful city of San Diego...touching statues and more.  That someone being Bob Hope.  Thanks again.  David Briggs

James Ward

I remember Richard Hankin and Tommy Johnson. I think Tommy became a Hialeah Policeman

Irene Owens (Phillips)

I knew Tommy Johnson. Richard Hankin was real popular. That is all I remember. I know you knew my brother Phillip Owens from FP&L.

James Ward

How’s Phil doing?

Vince "Vinny" Rusinak

To all of our classmates and their spouses, significant others and guests:

This is to announce Jack Krouskroup's 5th Annual Class of 1964 Roundup in Ormond Beach (well technically it wll be held in Port Orange), Florida starting at 3 pm on March 12, 2020. This one, like the last is going to be held at the famous Aunt Catfish's On the River restaurant (4009 Halifax Drive, Port Orange 32127) which is just east of the intersection of US 1 and Dunlawton Avenue. We need to thank Nancy Lundblom Blizzard for again making the reservation for our group: she or Tim must know the owner well as getting reservations for a large group like ours at this restaurant, especially during Bike Week, is tougher than getting tickets to the Super Bowl! Having mentioned Bike Week, like our last Roundup, it will be held during the annual Bike Week in Daytona Beach...kind of a fun event for some, especially those who come from all over to drive their motorcycles up and down the streets day and night, while a real pain for others...especially those who live in the area.   

We plan on starting around 3 pm...yes, that's early bird time in Florida! In the past, the manager and staff began giving us the evil eye at 5:30 or 6 pm...they wanted us to either buy more drinks or leave. Once we get the feeling we are overstaying our welcome, again like last year, everyone is welcome to come over to our home in Ormond Beach to continue visiting and reconnecting. 

If you would like to join us at Aunt Catfish, please email Jack Krouskroup at "seetl1@aol.com"  or call him on his cell at 954-494-0967.  Space is limited and since the restaurant can easily fill every table without us, we must let the restaurant know how many will be attending.

So far, we have Jack Krouskroup, Nancy Lundblom Blizzard and Tim Blizzard, Nancy Berthiaume Rusinak and Vince (Vinny) Rusinak attending. Periodically, I'll provide updates in this forum to let you know who else will be attending. 

Hopefully we'll see Roundups in other areas of the state...or even outside of Florida in the near future. For example, we have lots of classmates living in the Atlanta area. Are there one or more classmates that are willing to take on organizing a Roundup? It's really simple. You just need to make a reservation in a centrally located restaurant (nice, but not too expensive). Everyone pays their own tab.  Like we did to start, it was very informal...we didn't take names and whoever showed up we found a table for all of us. If you organize it, I will publicize your Roundup on our class website. Let me know if you have any questions about putting on a Roundup.  

Vince (Vinny) Rusinak 

Vince "Vinny" Rusinak

Here are the names of those who have already signed up for the Ormond Beach Roundup on March 12, 2020: 

Jack Krouskroup

Sergio Siller (64) and Anne Siller

Tom Prescott (64) and Janet Platt Prescott (64) plus two guests

Gene Baker (64) and Shirley Baker

Janet Phillips Davis (64) and William Davis (61)

Gary Licko (64) and Carol Licko

Jim Coole (64) and Karen Coole

Lynn Anderson Dewhurst (64) and Jack Dewhurst (65)

Nancy Lundblom Blizzard (64) and Tim Blizzard (65)

Nancy Berthiaume Rusinak (64) and Vince (Vinny) Rusinak (64)

Ray Valdez (64) and guest

Melvin "Jack" Krouskroup

Vinny, thanks for posting the current list of participants. It goes without saying that every opportunity missed is an opportunity lost, we aren't getting any younger, if you live in the area or even have to travel, try to make the "roundup." 

Here is my list of people in my past I'd like to see: Steve Boemler- neighbor, Cindy Johnson-neighbor, Leroy Caulder-neighbor, (may be class of 65) and Diedra Williams- prom date. 

Post your list and maybe we could get them to attend.

Jack

Bill Coffeen

I am flying in to attend ... will be there the evening of the 11th and flying out early Saturday morning. Any one coming in on the 11th or staying over on Friday ... let's have dinner together ...

I will be there !

Bill Coffeen

Myra Kratochvil (Cooley)

My husband and I were planning on attending the Ormond Beach roundup. We were really looking forward to it! However, before the dates were released, I had volunteered to help at my grandsons school that Thursday and Friday! Maybe next year!?

Vince "Vinny" Rusinak

Here are the names of those who have already signed up for the March 12, 2020 Ormond Beach Roundup as of March 12 (total of 23): 

Brenda Becker Egles (64) and Tom Egles (6?)

Dave Britton (64) and Shelia Britton plus 2 guests

Lynn Anderson Dewhurst (64) and Jack Dewhurst (65)

Gene Baker (64) and Shirley Baker

Larry Donnelly (65) and Camille Donnelly

Tom Gould (64)

Jack Krouskroup (64)

Gary Licko (64) and Carol Licko

Nancy Lundblom Blizzard (64) and Tim Blizzard (65)

Larry Pederson (64) & Jill Pederson

Janet Phillips Davis (64)

Noreen Sours Olson (64) and Jimmy Olson

If you would like to join us at Aunt Catfish, please email Jack Krouskroup at "seetl1@aol.com"  or call him on his cell at 954-494-0967.  Space is limited and since the restaurant can easily fill every table without us, we must let the restaurant know how many will be attending.

Nancy Lundblom (Blizzard)

Thanks for posting , Vince.  The restaurant has asked that we verify the number of people attending the day before, so if anyone else plans to attend please let Jack know.  We are looking forward to seeing everyone again!

Ray Valdez

Join us for our first Luncheon of 2020 at Vignetos Restaurant 1342 SW 160 Ave

Weston, FL 33326 Date unknow due to (covid-19).

Melvin "Jack" Krouskroup

Just a quick note to everyone who plans to attend the March 12 "roundup" at Aunt Catfish......It's still on,. to date, this area doesn't have Covid19 issues. A few have canceled but most of those were people who were flying in. See you there 3:00 till ? Every oppertunity missed to see old (not really old) friends is an opportunity lost.

Jack

Vince "Vinny" Rusinak

The Jack Krouskroup Roundup #5 at Port Orange Florida on March 12th, 2020 is in the record books. Jack provided two photos of the event...you can see them by clicking on Local Roundup Photos on the left side of this page and then click on Port Orange Roundup 2020. If you took photos during the Roundup you can share them with our classmates simply by clicking on "create  your own photo gallery here." 

Interestingly, this was also the day that the world seemed to come to a stop due to the Coronavirus. Schools at all levels were closing; entertainment and sports venues were cancelling their programs; the Players Golf Tournament just up the road in Pointe Verde had players and spectators attend the first round on Thursday and then suddenly and unexpectantly cancelled play Friday through Sunday (this is where Nancy and I had the photo you see of us taken...a few years ago)! And we thought hurricanes wreaked the ultimate havoc when we were growing up! 

They say that all of us are in the "high risk group" if we catch this disease. Do stay safe.

Vinny

Melvin "Jack" Krouskroup

The 5th Ormond Beach Florida "round-up" has come and gone, till next year. The following is a list of attendees.

Jack Krouskroup, Nancy & Tim Blizzard, Janet Davis, Gene & Shirley Baker, Carol Adams Stratman, Dave & Shela Britton, Larry & Camille Donnely, Tom Gould, Brenda Becker & Tom Egles, Lynn & Jack Dewhurst, Noreen & Jim Olson, Larry & Jill Pederson.

Thank you to all who made it, the venue was as last year, perfect. Good conversation and a chance to rekindle old friendships (sorta literally). 

Pictures were taken with my cell phone so they may not be as clear as last year. I'm technically challlenged for that reason I forwarded photos to Vinny to post. People that took pictures please post them here.

Administrator's (Vinny) note: to see the photos Jack and Lynn Anderson Dewhurst sent, go to the left sidebar and click on Local Roundup Photos. Then Click on Port Orange Roundup 2020. Those that attended, you are encouraged to add your photos!

To all classmates and their significant others, be safe and see you next year.   Jack