In Memoriam

If you have any information on the life of these classmates, please forward it to George.

Charles Altman		Chuck Altman was living in South Africa when he died sometime during the 80's. Need more information;

Pam Bauman		It is with a very heavy heart that I write to you today to tell you that Pam Bauman died Wednesday, April 4 2007 The thought of that vibrant, beautiful woman being gone is devastating...almost surreal. I know you all share in my grief. I also know we are all reminded of the fragility of life. Pam knew how to make the very most out of hers. She excelled as a dancer, a psychotherapist, an executive director in non-profits, and an advocate for the arts. Even more, I know she was a devoted and loving mate to her husband and mother to her children. Best regards to all my GNS friends. Love, Louise Applebome Marin County Journal Pamela Sue Bauman Levine Died in her home on April 4 2007. Pam lived a full and rewarding life in her 52 years. She was born in Brooklyn in 1955, grew up in Great Neck, New York, and moved to the Bay Area in 1977 to complete doctoral work in Psychology. She married Dr Stephen Levine in 1982. Pam is survived by her husband, her children, her mother Diane Bauman, her sisters, Elizabeth Lundquist and Deborah Bauman and their families. Pam was exceedingly proud of her children Jacob, a UC Berkeley senior, and Sasha, a UC Davis sophomore. After settling in San Angelo to start a family, Pam became President of RVCS now Yes Foundation, served on the Ross Valley District School Board, and went on to become Executive Director of Youth in Arts, a position that she cherished for ten years. During her tenure there, she oversaw the expansion of this non-profit organization and received extensive accolades for her contributions. Pams soul was sweet, artistic, youthful and overflowing with love. A sculptor and dancer in her youth, she dedicated her recent years to her children and to enriching the Marin County community through the arts and arts education. Pam, a non-smoker, would have liked to give thanks to all who showed their love and support during her three-and-a-half year battle with lung cancer.
1954 - 2007

Linda Cherney		 Linda Cherney, animal rescuer, died Saturday, August 11, 2001 after a prolonged illness. diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis seven years ago, she had just turned 47 in April. Linda's life was remarkable. Her compassion and love for homeless animals and wanting to give something back to the community, provided the impetus for her and her husband, Bob Blake, to found Beingkind, an animal rescue and adoption organization in NYC. Founded in 1987, Beingkind was one of the first of its kind, eventually becoming incorporated. She cared about all animal issues. Linda was truly a remarkable person and she will be missed.
1954 - 2001

William Cummings		Billy was killed December 1983 as a result of an auto accident. He was the passenger and the driver was drunk. The driver survived (as always). Submitted by Robert Reecks
1954 - 1983

Steven Feinerman		Steve Feinerman went off to the University of Hartford. He was a passenger in his car. While being driven back to his dorm in the Spring of his sophmore year the auto drove head on into a tree. Would like more specifics concerning Stevens short life: contact George Levien skigeorge@mindspring.com
1954 - 1974

Michael Heller		My brother, Michael Seth Heller, died of complications related to AIDS, May 14, 1988. After GNS, perhaps the following summer, Michael back packed through Germany and Austria with his close friend, Jon Burger. At some point later on, he did a month long back pack thing in the Greek Islands. Michael dabbled in some conventional undergrad programs (Hunter College), but his true interests were in acting. He lived in NYC and studied under Stella Adler and, though to my knowledge he never made a dime at it, held to his commitment. Michael was honest, smart and sensitive; he had a keen and unique sense of humor (while riding the subway, he might pretend to "speed read", zig zagging down one page of a book to the next, quietly enjoying the response of on lookers); he spoke his mind; he loved art, in all forms, a cold can of "Bud" and, in the end, he was courageous and considerate. He was a voracious reader and I keep Michael's impressive personal library in my home. Michael might read portions of several different books on any given day. He would say, "how is that different from watching three different television shows in an evening?" Michael and I had the opportunity to say good bye and I love you. My two sons never got to meet their Uncle Michael, but I have a sense they know him as I believe much of my brother lives on in me. Thank you, Michael Rabinowitz and George Levien, for your kind words and permitting me this opportunity to fill in the blank. David Lee Heller, Class of ' 69.
1954 - 1988

Mary Ann Kowalski		Mary Anne graduated from Northwestern University in 1976 with a degree in Speech Pathology. She passed in 1981 after a brief illness. She is survived by her sister Joanne Kowalski Juraschek. Both parents (Muriel and Walter Kowalski), 3 brothers(Vincent, John and Michael Kowalski and a younger sister (Terese Gerry). Submitted by twin sister Joanne.
1954 - 1981

Neil Lieblich		Dr. Neil S. Lieblich, M.D. Born in New York City on May 2, 1954 Died on Jun. 23, 2008 and resided in Hurley, NY. Neil S. Lieblich, M.D. died on Monday, June 23, 2008 of complications due to diabetes and sarcoidosis at Saint Peters Hospital, Albany. Born on May 2, 1954 in Manhattan, N.Y. to Elaine (Feinstein) Lieblich and the late Norman Lieblich, P.E. He graduated from Great Neck South High School Class of 1972 and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical engineering from MIT in 1976. Dr. Lieblich then attended Brown Medical School – Class of 1980. After completing residencies at New York Cornell Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering in 1983, he settled in Kingston, N.Y. Dr. Lieblich was a twenty-five year dedicated partner of Pine Street Pediatric Associates, serving Ulster and Dutchess Counties. He was an Associate Professor at the Medical College at Valhalla; President of the Ulster County Board of Health, past Chairman of the Departments of Pediatrics at both Benedictine and the Kingston Hospitals; Associate Medical Directors,Advisors of both GHI and Wellcare insurance carriers; Medical Advisor of the Ulster County Head Start Program and a long-standing American Academy of Pediatrics certified instructor of neonatal resuscitation. Aside from his professional love of medicine, Dr. Lieblich thoroughly enjoyed his membership at Congregation Agudas Achim and his years of affiliation with the Society of American Magicians and the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He was an avid reader, loved logic games, was a consistent backgammon and poker player, and was a collector of antiques, books, documents and authentic, historical autographs. In addition, he was an eternal optimist and tried to make people smile. Survivors include Dr. Lieblichs loving wife of thirty years, Joyce Holzman Lieblich and his devoted and adoring children, Ross Henry and Erica Faith Lieblich. Also surviving are his father and mother inlaw, Robert and Leila Holzman, a brother inlaw, Jose Morzan and nephew Ian, wife Amanda and niece Mandy Morzan, a brother and sister-inlaw, Marsha and Craig Goldman and nephews Myles and Mark Goldman; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He is pre-deceased by his older sister, Jan Karen Morzan.
1954 - 2008

Michael Milenko		Michael L. Milenko, 51, died unexpectedly at his home in Virginia Beach. He was the beloved son of the late Naomi and Mel Milenko and loving stepson of Ken Katz; cherished brother of Hillary Milenko and Ellen Reiner and brother-in-law of Richard Reiner; and devoted uncle of Erica and Jenny Reiner. He is also survived by three stepbrothers and one stepsister and their families and many loving friends and relatives. What we know so far is that he did not feel well and went to an Urgent Care Center in Virginia Beach (where he was living at the time). Subsequently, they sent him to the local emergency room for pain that they were unable to treat or diagnose. At the emergency room, he was examined and discharged. Medically, that is all we know at this time. He was seen two days later by a neighbor and then no one heard from him for about a week. After the police were alerted, they found him dead in his apartment. The exact cause of his death, at this time, is unknown. He had no known illnesses and was in good health except for the fact that he smoked cigarettes for many years. When Michael moved to Great Neck prior to his entering the ninth grade. He was instantly well known to all as Coach Milenko’s son. His dad had been the coach at Lakeville School for many years, in addition to owning a local ski tour company and Kings Point Indoor Tennis. His family lived two blocks from my family in Lake Success. We immediately became friends, along with Jeff Kurtz, Andy Hirschl, Richard Frankel and David Miskit. Collectively we called ourselves "The Boys", even forming an intramural basketball team together. Our lives were very much intertwined then and stayed that way after we all left Great Neck for college. This relationship continued for many years after college until his untimely death. After high school Michael attended the University of Denver graduating with a degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management. I went to the University of Colorado in Boulder (thirty minutes away), so he and I spent a lot of time together over those four years. After graduation, he began an illustrious career in the hotel, restaurant and catering business, mostly as General Manager Since he was single and also good at what he did, Michael was moved to new locations every few years. If there was a difficult situation or a hotel that needed upgrading, Michael was the GM they looked to. Therefore, his job took him to many different places over the years. He worked at over 10 different hotels. The locations were always different: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Disney world, The Florida Keys, Cape Kennedy, Virginia and more. In-between all this he opened a restaurant in a Philadelphia suburb called J. Bodines (after Jethro from the Beverly Hillbillies). He also worked as Food and Catering Manager at an exclusive Philadelphia area golf course. Earlier in his life, before and after college, Michael would ski a lot. Later on in his life, golf replaced skiing. He would take any opportunity to play, whether at a local course or traveling off to Florida and beyond to play for a week or so. And, with all his years in Hotel/Restaurant Management, good food was his passion. If there were a new highly rated restaurant somewhere, be it in New York, LA or Miami, Michael would find out about it. He would then go try it out bringing along his friends. Michael was outgoing and was always there to help out a friend when needed. If you (or a friend of yours) showed up at his hotel, at minimum dinner and a room were certainly on the house. He made friends wherever he worked or lived and had many friends all over the country. Even with his busy life, he always found time to stay in close contact with his good friends, The Boys, from Great Neck. He visited us all often, even staying at several of our homes for a few months at a time in between job changes. We affectionately knew him as “Mr. Linky”. Michael never married. He remained very close to his two sisters, Ellen and Hillary. Hillary was his travel partner on several trips abroad. Ellen’s family was his family too. He spent many a break at her house, visiting with her and her husband, Richard Reiner (GNS ’70) and their two daughters in Massachusetts. He was also very close to his mother and after her passing, he remained close to his stepfather, Kenny Katz. Everyone had their own special bond with Michael. My bond with Michael was that we basically went to college together. Plus, of our group of six close high school friends, we were the only two that never married. Michael and I shared many a good time and laughs over the years, never forgetting our high school and college years. Everyone is grieving over this terrible and untimely loss. The thought of him not being here is a very sad one for all of us to come to grips with. The memories we all shared with him are long and deep. He will be sorely missed by all. There is an old German saying that goes: You are not dead; dead are only those that one forgets. Michael, we will never forget you. His dear friend, Peter Fields
1954 - 2006

Gina Pica		Gina passed away due to breast cancer. I know she had a few kids and a husband but that is all I heard. Submitted by Susan Codispoti I came to know Gina in junior high school, we both lived in New Hyde Park. She was a tough kid, who had a rough life, but she had a big heart. I was a very shy kid, and in a era when long, straight hair was "in". I had curly locks. This caused me to get teased mercilliously by a couple of wackos in our school. ThatÌs where Gina came in. She took me in to her group and protected me. No one messed with me when I was with her and she actually introduced me to my childhood sweetheart, John. He took me to 2 proms ,(mine at GNS and his at Sewanaka ) how often does a girl get to go to 2 proms? I remember that she and her beau Danny were like Romeo and Juliet. She seemed very happy. Im sure that her children and husband miss her very much. I will always be thankful to her for befriending me. She was a good egg. God Bless her. Carissa Cerda

Michael Roaman		Michael Roaman was a very dear friend and died at too young an age. Michael was staying with me in NYC when he died of a heart attack in 1977 at the age of twenty-three. He was born with a heart defect and was always very aware of it and careful to take care of himself. Michael was in New York on a buying trip for his soon to be opened menÌs clothing store planned for Hollywood, Florida. Michael was survived by his wife Peggy (Rounick), mother Joyce, father Alan, sister Judy and brother Peter. For those of you who remember Michael, he moved to Florida with his family in the tenth grade. Michael lived in West Palm Beach and worked at an exclusive menÌs clothing store in Palm Beach. He had a great sense of humor, a love of life and was a valued and loyal friend. Submitted by Tom Maslow.
1954 - 1977

Carl Rosoff		Carl attended and graduated from Harvard and went on to an MD PHD program at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Just prior to graduation 1985 he had a virus one day- Mothers Day; he was in the bathroom, fainted and hit his head. He died form bleeding in the brain. At the time of his sad and tragic death, he was engaged and looking forward to his future in medicine. My brother was truly an amazing person, smart, good looking, kind and just a wonderful human being. He is missed by all of us every day. Submitted by his loving sister Robin Rosoff
1954 - 1985

Lorraine Scheele		She threw herself in front of a Long Island railroad train days after her boyfriend at the time was killed in a similar manner (he may have been drunk at the time - I seem to recall this). Submitted by Sharon Miller Still seeking information about her life.
1954 - 1978

Louis Scida		Louis A. Scida, retired chief fire marshal for the Long Island Rail Road and former chief of the Manhasset-Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department, died at home after a long battle with cancer. He was 50. Scida was a volunteer firefighter for 30 years and served as chief of the department from 1991 to 2001. He helped the Nassau County Fire Academy procure two scrap LIRR railroad cars that are used in training drills by local fire and police departments. "Because of the way he fought fires and the decisions he made, the outcome was always the safety of firefighters and residents of the community," said Joe Geiman, who also served as chief of the volunteer department. Louis A. Scida had a humble start to his career at the Long Island Rail Road: His first job was cleaning trains. But 25 years later, he had risen to the crucial post of chief fire marshal, in charge of preventing and responding to fires in tunnels and on tracks in a railroad system used by hundreds of thousands of people daily. His friends and family remembered the life-long New Hyde Park resident yesterday as a devoted volunteer firefighter who quietly did good deeds for others without seeking recognition. He was so modest, in fact, that it wasn't until after his death that relatives discovered all the plaques he had received honoring him, said his sister, Lorraine Capabianca. He had stashed them away in his house. "He was a very low-key, modest man," Capabianca said, adding that "droves" of people were visiting the family yesterday to pay their respects. Scida became a volunteer firefighter at age 18, and a decade ago was elected chief of the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department. In 1998, he was named chief fire marshal for the LIRR, a job that in recent years also involved paying increasing attention to counter-terrorism, said one of his cousins, John Marzulli. Serving as a firefighter seemed to be in Scida's blood, said Marzulli, who recalled how he would often bolt out of family gatherings as the fire whistle blew. "I can always remember him running to his car to get to his job to help people," Marzulli said. One of the things Scida was most proud of with the department was obtaining two old LIRR rail cars to be used at the Nassau County Fire Academy by firefighters training to put out fires and evacuate rail cars. He was also intensely proud of his family, including his son, Thomas, a sophomore at Loyola University in Chicago who won a scholarship to the school, and his daughter, Lauren, who is in high school. Scida also is survived by his wife, Patricia, and his mother, Helen.************************************** I have been a close friend of Lou's since the first grade (almost 45 years) and have had the honor to share all the high points and the struggles in his life - including his marriage to his beautiful wife Patricia (as a member of their wedding party), the birth of his two children - Tom and Lauren, and the many milestones in his complete life. Lou spent thirty years of dedicated service to the community it which he was raised as a member of the Manhasset-Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department and Company #5. He has held every office you can hold from 2nd. Lieutenant to Captain of Company #5 and 4th. Deputy Chief to become Chief of the Fire Department in 1999. He also served as the Dept. President prior to his ten year term as Chief. Lou also recently retired as the Chief Fire Marshal of the MTA-LIRR with 26 years at the LIRR. So it is safe to say that Lou has spent a lifetime protecting the residents of not only his community but the thousands of Long Island residents that commuted on the LIRR each and every day. I know Lou Scida was a great man - I got to see it each and every day as a close friend and fellow firefighter with Lou. But what made Lou a remarkable man was his eight year struggle with cancer. Lou was diagnosed with kidney cancer while still in the Chiefs office. He fought hard and long in the face of unbeatable odds. Very few people, certainly not me, would have been able to face such a devastating disease with such class and dignity as Lou. With his entire body riddled with cancer he never lost his sense of humor or his will to fight, while always providing for his family and being more concerned about the feelings of others. I lost a great friend that I grew to love and respect over these past forty five years, but not nearly as much as in these past eight years. Lou was not just a great man, not just a remarkable man - he was also my HERO! Sincerely, Joe Geiman "class of 72"
1954 - 2005

Mark Selig		Mark Selig's life long ambition was to become a cop and he was very happy to become a police officer after graduating high school,and we believe he was killed in a helicopter crash. Still seeking more details.