IMPORTANT INFO!
RECENT OBITUARIES
are located on the BULLDOG NEWS page.

YOUTUBE VIDEO IN HONOR OF 
OUR DEPARTED CLASSMATES
 This video is lovingly dedicated to our many classmates who have departed this life. Each indiviual is greatly missed. The moving video tribute was shown at our 50th Reunion and was created by Tom Kender. Please let us know if we have omitted anyone. Remember all our old friends now.  
CLICK HERE TO VIEW


 

DAVID OPPER 

September 6, 1948 - February 14, 2019
David attended Cornell Heights Grade School and Fairview High School. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Lincoln and Sydelle Opper. David had been living in Arlington, Texas and is survived by his wife Susie Opper, his brother Gary FHS 1970, family and many friends. He served his community as a rabbi. His brother Gary informed us that David had been ill for many years and was one of the longest surviving kidney transplant survivors — nearly forty years. At Cornell and Fairview he was always kind and had a great smile. Our yearbook reminds us that David was involved in football, the Musketeers, track and worked as a library assistant. His friendship, his smile and other fond memories from our years of growing up together in Dayton will be missed.

PATRICK HERSHEY 

July 2, 1947 - June 17, 2018

Patrick passed away on Sunday, June 17, 2018. He was a resident of Conway, Michigan at the time of passing. He attended the University of Dayton and Wright State University. Pat was one of our very fondly remembered Fairview 1966 classmates and is missed.

In memory of Pat's beloved dogs, Hershey, Beau, Oscar, Butterscotch and Willy Stubbs, memorial donations are asked to be directed to the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society and/or the McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital for the extraordinary care Pat received. Post to his "Memory Book" at: 

https://www.tributes.com/condolences/leave_memory/106199676

 

BRUCE WATSON
July 1948 - February 2018
Sadly, we learned of the passing of a bright and talented 1966 classmate, Bruce Watson. Bruce received his degrees at Dartmouth, U. Mass., and U. of Idaho, and majored in psychology, zoology, and fisheries management.  He married Judi Blaze in 2002.  When we had our 50th reunion, he was living in Vashon, WA, but shortly afterward moved to Dalles, Oregon. He lived in Dalles, Oregon when he passsed away. Our most sincere sympathy to his family and friends. He is missed by his Fairview classmates and will not be forgotten.

 

VALERIE P. SEIPLE GIBSON 
February 25, 1948 - February 17, 2017 
Val, as she was known to most of us, was a most delightful friend. She was kind and easily shared her smile and wit. Our deepest sympathy to her family and many friends. She will be greatly missed. Obituary follows below.

Valerie Pauline Seiple Gibson, age 68, of Vandalia, passed away February 17, 2017, at Hospice of Dayton.  She was born February 25, 1948 in Dayton, OH, the daughter of Irvin P. and Pauline Vonderheid Seiple. She is survived by her husband, Thomas P. Gibson, formerly of Xenia, OH, whom she married March 24, 1972; children: Phillip Gregory Seiple Gibson of Little Rock, AR, and Megan Elaine Gibson of Dayton; mother-in-law: Margie Gibson, brother-in-law: David A. (Joelle) Gibson; and nephews: Clark and Heath Gibson; as well as many other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother: Phillip Seiple and father-in-law: BP Gibson.

Val grew up in Dayton, attended Loos Elementary School, and was a 1966 graduate of Fairview High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Dayton in 1970. She went on to teach sixth grade at Vandalia Elementary and later enjoyed substitute teaching in both the Vandalia-Butler City Schools and the Northridge Local Schools. Val was an avid reader, student of history, and accomplished artist. After her retirement, she relished participating in art classes offered through Sinclair’s Lifelong Learning Program. A member of Stillwater United Methodist Church, she was active in the women’s group, Ladies of Faith (affectionately known as “The Train Wrecks”). She volunteered her time at the Vandalia Senior Center, Carillon Historical Park, the ARC Food Pantry, and Morrison Elementary’s Reading Enhancement Program. She also found delight in crocheting and donating Afghans. Most of all, she loved her family, friends, and feline companions, Billy and Boots.

A Celebration of Valerie's Life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. The family requests that donations in her memory be made to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton 45420 or to SICSA of Dayton, 2600 Wilmington Pike, Dayton 45419. 

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.mccolaughfuneralhome.com. The McColaugh Funeral Home, Inc. is located in Xenia, Ohio.

 

ALFRED GODWIN LASSITER
April 27, 1948 - February 10, 2017
Alfred passed away on Friday, February 10, 2017, at 12:28 a.m. at the Carpenter House in Baton Rouge, LA, at the age of 68. He was born on April 27, 1948 in Battleboro, North Carolina to Alfred Lassiter II and Lena Sawyer Lassiter. He served his country in the U. S. Air Force in Thailand and Spain during the Vietnam era by servicing the computers in the reconnaissance aircraft used by the U.S. Air Force, thereby developing his love of computers throughout his life. Al was employed at Techtronix, Big Cajun II, and the U.S. Postal Service. He maintained the sorting machines so that all could get all the useless mail and catalogs! Visiting at Ascension Funeral Home, 426 W. New River St., Gonzales, LA, on Saturday, March 4, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a service at 5:30 p.m., conducted by Pastor Billy Minyard. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Eleanor Schexnayder Lassiter; his son, Robert of Kingsport, TN; brother, Joseph and wife, Shirley of Englewood, OH; numerous brothers and sisters-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Kristen. Many thanks to the staff at the Carpenter House for their help and care.  Funeral by the Ascension Funeral Home, 426 West New River Street, Gonzales, LA 70737.  Al was well liked member of our Fairview Class of 1966. Our deepest sympathy to his family and freinds. 

 

STEVE CRUEA
departed this life on August 10, 2016

With our 50th reunion so near, it somehow seemed even more difficult informing classmates that Steve Cruea died. Linda and Steve would have loved being with everyone at our 50th Class of ’66 Reunion in September and us seeing them. Steve’s death occurred August 10th, 2016. Steve had been battling cancer. He passed in peace with his dear wife Linda at his side. His lifelong friends from our class are saddened by the loss as well. We will fondly remember this tall handsome guy, his friendship, big personality and smile that lit up the hallways at FHS. Our sincere heartfelt sympathy to Linda and his family. He will be greatly missed.

A Memorial Service for Steven Davis Cruea, 67, of Lexington, SC was held at 9:00 AM, Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at the Gazebo at Woodridge Memorial Park. Pastor Blaine Hill officiated. The family greeted friends at the residence following the service.
 
Mr. Cruea passed away Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at his residence with his family by his side. Born in Dayton, OH, he was a son of Ward Cruea and the late Virginia Lee Davis Cruea. His destiny was decided on a kindergarten field trip to the Cincinnati Zoo, where he met the love of his life, Linda. He graduated from Fairview High School in 1966 and from Wright State University in 1974. In between his educational endeavors, this Vietnam Veteran served in the US Army in the 101st airborne division and was a Bronze Star recipient. Steve spent most of his professional career in the paper distribution industry. He started his career as a staff accountant with Mead Paper, and eventually became a Vice President/General Manager with Georgia Pacific. Throughout his life, he had the opportunity to travel the world with his family and play golf on courses that he had always dreamed of playing. His favorite place, however, was to be home with his family where he was able to spend his final days.
  He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Linda Scholl Cruea; loving children; daughter, Darce Cruea of Lexington; sons, Joshua Cruea (Suzanne) of Lexington, Dr. Steven Cruea (Louise) of Columbia; grandchildren, Nico, Izzie, Barron, Virginia, and Maddie Cruea; brother, Larry Cruea (Doris) of Hampton, VA; sister, Patty Chorpening (Mark) of Jacksonville, FL; brother, Chip Cruea of Pasadena, CA; sister, Katie Siedel (Rob) of Mt. Pleasant, SC. He is also survived by his father, Ward Cruea (Sharon) of Charleston, and many beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to his mother, he was predeceased by his sister, Judy Mitchell, his niece, Tasha Wolf, and his mother-in-law, Rae Martin.

 

JUDY LEVY
passed away on July 13, 2015
Judith L. Weitzenkorn, 67, was born November 22, 1947 and died peacefully in her home on July 13, 2015 from complications of myelofibrosis, a rare myeloproliferative neoplasm disease. She earned her Bachelors of Science and Master of Education degrees at the University of Cincinnati. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Estelle Levy and her brother, Philip. She is survived by her husband, Jeff of Stoughton, MA and her son, Scot and his partner Caitlyn Egan of Randolph. Her services were on Tuesday, July 14th at 2:00 PM at Stanetsky Memorial Chapels, 475 Washington Street, Canton, MA.  Interment was at Cedar Park Cemetery in New Jersey. 
 
Her husband, Jeff, informed us that since Judy was in first grade, she wanted to be a teacher and that was her life. After graduation from University of Cincinnati, she taught in the Dayton Public Schools for thirteen years until their son Scot was born and then she became a stay-at-home mother.  Once Scot was older, she went back to teaching at a newly opened charter school in Foxborough, Massachusetts where she continued to teach as a first grade intensive reading teacher until her retirement at the end of the 2012 school year.  
 
On the last day of school, one of her students gave her a simple note. It was the most meaningful gesture a teacher can receive. Jeff immediately mounted it in a small frame and placed it on a shelf in their family room.  At her funeral service, and again at graveside, he placed the note on her coffin and spoke about her dedication to teaching. She loved the little ones and Jeff cannot estimate the difference she made in countless lives turning reluctant students into avid readers and laying the foundation for a multitude of successful careers.
 
Her Dayton, Ohio classmates and friends since grade school and high school will always remember Judy as a most dedicated, caring, kind friend. She will be very fondly remembered and missed. Thankful and glad that Judy was in our life! Our sincere sympathy to her family.

 

Sadly, in August 2012, we learned about the deaths of two classmates.

KATHY MUSIC ROMERILL passed away in 2011. 

Classmate DARLENE HOLDERMAN KING died in 2010.  
 

Norman Feuer

PASSING OF NORMAN FEUER
Our former Assistant Principal Norman Feuer passed away Friday July 20, 2012.  Mr. Feuer devoted his entire career to working in education for the Dayton Public Schools.  At Fairview High School, Mr. Feuer was a biology teacher, coach, counselor, assistant principal and then principal until 1972 when he became the assistant superintendent for all Dayton Public Schools.  He was much admired and respected by his peers and thousands of students. He helped form Fairview into the great school it was in the 60's.

Mr. Feuer was a graduate of Rayen High School in Youngstown, received his bachelor's degree from Ohio University and his masters degree from Miami University. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of WWII. He was a longtime volunteer in the community, was a member of Kiwanis, F & AM, Scottish Rite and was an avid golfer. He was a longtime member and a past president of Beth Abraham Synagogue and was active on the synagogue board for many years.  Our sincere sympathy goes to his family and friends.  For the full Dayton Daily News Obituary and Guest Book link please click here.
 

MRS. DOROTHY CULP
died November 4, 2011 at age 96
Many of us remember Mrs. Culp from Fairview not only as a teacher and counselor but as an ideal role model and friend. She was unwavering with her smile, support and wisdom. She helped create the feeling of family and we will never forget her. Thank you, Mrs. Culp, for being such an important part of our lives. An interview with Mrs. Culp may be seen on the "Faculty and Staff" page of this website.
 

ALLAN PHILLIP GODSHALLpassed away January 17, 2012Allan passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at his home. He was 63 years old and recently from Middletown, OH. Allan was born July 1, 1948 in Phoenixville, PA, son of the late Allan and Mary (Gillespie) Godshall. Mr. Godshall is survived by 3 children, Allan Jr Godshall, Adryanna (Paul) Sutherland, and Allyison (Bill) Kissel; 4 grandchildren, Morgen, Camden, Joelle and Bill; sister, Ann Eaton; brothers, John, Bob and Randy; and many nieces, nephews and other loving family members. Allan lived an action-packed life, never conforming, always original and never settling for second-best. He inherited his mother's irreverent sense of humor and charmed everyone around him. A father, brother, friend and mentor, he left this world too soon, but he left his mark. Services will be held 5:00PM Sunday, January 22, 2012 at Baker-Hazel & Snider Funeral Home & Crematory, 5555 Philadelphia Dr. @ N. Main St. Dayton, OH 45415. The family will receive visitors 3PM until time of services. Private interment Dayton National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans Administration in Allan's memory. Please click HEREfor Allan's complete obituary shown on the Baker-Hazel Snider Funeral Home, Dayton, Ohio website. The Fairview Class of 1966 has many fond memories of Allan and we gratefully remember his talent and wit. Allan was one-of-a-kind! So glad we knew him!

 

MARSHA RAFAL FROELICH
died November 19, 2011
It is very sad to inform you of another classmate death. Marsha will be sorely missed by her family, classmates and hundreds of people in the Dayton area. Among many other honors, Marsha was a noted "Woman of the Year" in 2007 and accomplished a great deal in her short lifetime to benefit others. She will be remembered for the magnitude of her charitable work. She truly was an outstanding person and an ideal role model. Please take time to read about Marsha's life in the articles linked below.
Click here for a link to the wonderful Dayton Daily News article shown above.
For another informative news article about Marsha's life please click here. 
One of Marsha's passions was Clothes That Work to benefit the
underserved, as explained on this link.
For the Dayton Daily News obituary and guestbook click here.
 

SO MANY HAVE LEFT US TOO SOON

KATHI SMITH died in 2006. We received notification from her brother, Steve, in September 2011 that Kathi had passed away in 2006 of a cancer of unknown origin. Steve is from the FHS Class of 1965. Kathi was living in Nashville and has a daughter named Kristin. Kathi will be greatly missed. Our sincere sympathy to her family.

We know that five of our 1966 classmates died in 2009. KERRY THOMPSON, JIM HOLLAND, CAROL "SUZI" STIDHAM, MIKE BOWERS and NANCY MARKER STEINERT. For more information about these classmates, please scroll down the page.  There is a specail tribute to Nancy Marker Steinert on the "Remember Nancy" page.

COACH ROBERT GALVIN died March 6, 2010 at the age of eighty in Dayton, Ohio.  Our sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Galvin.  Many of us fondly remember him from Cornell Heights Elementary School. He began his career at Cornell Heights right out of the U.S. Marines in 1957. He had served in the Korean War. Coach Galvin followed us to FHS. Many students admired him as teacher, counselor and coach.  In 1970 he left Fairview and went on to Patterson. He led both Fairview and Patterson to City League Baseball Championships.

Fairview math teacher, MR. DARREL ASHWORTH died April 8th at the age of 88 after a brief illness. Mr. Ashworth proudly kept track of his students many successes. He served his country during WWII in the U.S. Navy and flew PV twin-engine planes in the South Atlantic. He remained in the Navy Reserves for nearly 20 years and retired as a Lt. Commander. He was a well respected, admired, favorite teacher to many students during his long teaching career, known for his patience and kindness. We extend our sincere sympathy to his family.

Our classmate RICK MORITZ died April 7, 2010. Rick lived in Dayton, Ohio. We all remember him as being a very sweet guy. It is sad to learn another friend is gone. Our deepest sympathy to his family.

We learned in August 2010 that JIM SILVERS died about 10 -15 years ago.  Jim was very a likeable fellow and we remember him as a golfer, a member of AFS and Campus Club.  Anyone with more information about Jim please use the "Contact Us" option from the side menu. 

JIM BO CALLISON, class of '65, died April 22, 2010.  He had recently retired from the Currituck County School System in North Carolina, after serving most recently as Director of Career and Technical Education.  He is remembered as being a wonderful guy and a great athlete at FHS.  He left us way too soon.  Please read a tribute about Jim below.

 A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO JIM BO CALLISON
by Marc Jennings, Class of '66

News of the passing of Jim Callison is shocking and sad to me.  I did not know Bo Callison as a friend at FHS but knew of him as a great guy, a gentleman and a person liked and respected by all.  Bo played in my Babe Ruth baseball league and I vividly recall the time I faced him in a game he was pitching.

MEMORIES ABOUT JIM CALLISON
by Milt Gold, Jim's one time brother-in-law. 

This is taken from a note Milt wrote to his own children about their Uncle Bo.

Talked to Uncle Bo yesterday. He and Becky were headed to an appointment at Duke. He sounded good and has a very positive attitude. Of course, some of our conversation turned to our days at Wake Forest. Then last night I was thinking, you guys probably do not realize what a dynamic athlete your Uncle Bo was. I'll start off by saying that he was quick, fast and did not possess "white man's disease" [he could jump]. He was very,very good at all sports. In 1969, Theta Chi retired the All Campus Trophy for  winning Greek intramurals three consecutive years. This was largely due to Bo Callison. In football, our QB, Kim Menke and Bo made the "Hail Mary" pass before Flutie to Phelan gave it fame [ Boston College vs. Miami, November 23, 1984]. The play was simple - Menke threw it and Bo ran, jumped and caught it. In baseball, Uncle Bo was twice named ACC ALL Conference. He was a very good hitter and outfielder. However, his most notable achievements were on the base paths. He led the ACC in stolen bases  two years and in 1969 stole 33 bases. That record held up for better than a decade and then his record was only broken when they started including all games in the records. [During Uncle Bo's career, "preseason" games were not included.] Your mom once told me that he taught Mike Schmidt how to slide. Maybe that helped Schmidt slide into the Hall of Fame.
 

JAMES HOLLAND
James R. Holland, age 61, of Beavercreek, died unexpectedly on October 2, 2009 as the result of a cerebral hemorrhage. Many of us from Fairview remember Jim as a gentle giant. He was a neat guy. Some of you may have fond memories of Jim and his parent's love for music and singing in a Barbershop Quartet. Jim at one time played the drums. At FHS Jim participated in three sports: basketball, baseball and football. Later in life, Jim was the sales manager of Dayton Cash Register and had been with the company for over 28 years. He had served as Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge BPOE 58. He was an avid golfer, and enjoyed playing a variety of sports. He was a stalwart UD Flyer basketball fan and a member of Agonis and the Flyers Club. "Emeril" James was a wonderful Chef. He relished his time spent cooking and at Grand Lake St. Mary's. Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Dolores & father, Russell E. Holland. He is survived by his daughter, Holly Rogus & grandson, Deven Siler; sister, Vicki (Bruce) Sucher, nieces and nephews and his significant other, Patricia Eberenz.  Private services were held by the family and they suggested donations be made to the American Diabetes Association or to the Ohio Parkinson's Foundation in Jim's memory.

 

CAROL SUE "SUZI" STIDHAM
Born October 17,1947 in Dayton, Ohio and passed away on July 31, 2009. She was preceded in death by her father, Eugene, she affectionately called "Poppy". Survived by her mother, Elizabeth and sisters Phyllis, Billie, Sherry (John) and Debbie (Chuck), niece Emily and nephews, John and Dean. Also left to mourn was her special love Rick Dispigno. Carol or Suzi, as she was affectionately called, graduated with us from Fairview in 1966 and then went on to cosmetology school and worked over 40 years in that field. She was an artist with hair styling. She acquired many, many friends in her life and those of us from Fairview remember her as an adorable, sweet girl who was fun to be with. The family asked that contributions be made to Hopsice of Dayton or the American Institute for Cancer Research. There was no ceremony. Suzi donated her body to Wright State University.