Coach Les Fein A Weequahic Legend Passes

Within a span of five years in the 1960's, Les Fein's basketball teams won three state Group IV basketball championships and the 1967 squad was the best in the nation

By Phil Yourish, 1964

I thought he was invincible. To a Weequahic guy who grew and his wife had with Weight And why not? After all, he was up in the bleachers of our tiny Watchers. the COACH. When I heard in gym watching the magical February that he had a heart moments of basketball unfold It needs to be noted that Les attack and a stroke, I believed, on the court before me, his was more than just sports and even at age 88, this would be stories about his teams and his basketball. He was a very just another challenge that he players were riveting - and he well-rounded individual with a would overcome. provided the emotion with the wide variety of interests who details. was an avid reader, enjoyed As the Executive Director of the music, art and theater, and was As an ardent fan, the highlight very knowledgeable about local Alumni Association, I got to of my high school years was the and world affairs. know Les Fein over the recent Weequahic basketball team. years in a way that I never knew Could there be a finer moment Recently, he sent me an article him when he was my physical than when Weequahic beat that he wrote and wanted me to and health education teacher at Westfield to capture its first critique. In it he stated that for Weequahic in the early 60's. state basketball championship him the most important factor in 1962? in coaching was "relationship." For the past few winters, when I And his life reflected that credo. made my annual trek to Florida, For a man in his late 80's, Les' I always looked forward to memory was sharp and his He knew his players well having lunch with Les at his recall of facts was remarkable. beyond the basketball court. country club. Although he Considering that he left He could recite their exper- thought the attraction for me coaching and Weequahic in iences and achievements in life was the huge and tasty buffet, it 1967, there wasn't much that he during and after Weequahic. was really only about being couldn't remember. He always had their names, with Les Fein. addresses, and telephone Not only did he speak about the numbers nearby, and even after I always enjoyed getting highlights of his 12 golden all these years, he made a con- together with him. My time years at Weequahic and the certed effort to stay in touch by with him was very precious. I exploits of his exceptionally telephone, letter, and an occas- could sit and listen to his stories talented teams and players, but ional lunch when they came to for hours. He was mesmerizing. he shared with me the more visit him in Jersey or Florida. In his soft-spoken and expres- personal side of his life - his sive manner, he could relate a growing up in Brooklyn, his story in the most engrossing time in the Army, his marriage go to page 3 way. I would be totally to Ceil, his coming to Newark, absorbed, always wanting to tales about his kids, his coach- hear more. ing career, and the success he season. "I just wanted to be near him, Les Fein, 88, and I guarantee a lot of people felt the WHS Legend Passes same way. There was a goodness from from page 1 WHS Basketball Coach him."

By Laura Johnston, Star-Ledger - 03/10/07 This past September, at our Scholarship Mr. Fein met his wife, Cecile, at a Sweet Fund Raising Dinner, as he spoke 16 party in Brooklyn. Cecile was 15 1/2; eloquently about Alvin Attles (whom he he was a year older. "I told my sister I did not coach), he took time to introduce was going to marry that guy," Cecile Fein his 17 basketball players who were said after 63 years of marriage. "I felt it." present. Les Fein was always about The couple dated all through New York creating relationships. University, where they earned bachelor's and master's degrees and doctoral equiva- Three of the qualities that I admired in Les lency in physical education and health. were his authenticity, modesty, and sense of humor. When you were in his After they married, they moved to presence, you felt like he was genuinely Woodridge, N.Y., until Mr. Fein was interested in who you were. He made you drafted into the Army Air Force during feel comfortable and special. In addition, World War II and stationed at Fort his success in sports and business was Jackson, S.C., Cecile Fein said. After the Ceil and Les Fein always kept in perspective. Although he war, they moved to Union, where Mr. received many honors and awards, he was Fein began teaching physical education at the most humble person I knew. He had To all of Newark, Lester Fein was the Weequahic. famed coach who led the Weequahic High no need to broadcast his accomplishments. Most of all, Les could make me laugh. basketball team to three state champion- And then he began coaching. Mr. Fein ships, seven state sectional titles and a His humor was subtle, but he brought a made sure his team felt like part of the smile to my too serious face many times. 26-0 season in 1966-67, when Weequahic family. He invited his players over for was ranked first in the nation. pre-season lunches, rewarded them with cookies his wife and daughter baked and To his family, the Verona resident was the When we started the alumni association in stressed that relationships were the key to 1997, Les was one of our biggest perfect tango partner, a voracious reader, winning in basketball. a dapper dresser, a wonderful listener. He supporters at a time when many doubted was a mensch. our capacity for future success. He always "That's how his life was," said his son, made himself available and he served as Kenneth Fein, 58, of Monroe, Conn. "He the honorary chairperson of our "It means he was just a good soul, a good had many dear relationships." In 12 person with a good heart who wanted to Scholarship Committee. My favorite days seasons at Weequahic, Mr. Fein was were the ones when he called to tell me do things the right way and who appre- 210-69, won the City League title eight ciated others who did," said his daughter, how much he enjoyed the latest Alumni times, the Essex County title three times Calumet newsletter, what a wonderful job Stephanie Fein of North Caldwell. "It and the state Group 4 championship three was never just winning for the sake of the alumni association was doing, or to times. He was twice The Star-Ledger just chat for a few minutes. In the ensuing winning. ... It was always for the pride in Coach of the Year. He was inducted into doing it well." years, he would be very generous, the JCC MetroWest Jewish Sports Hall of providing funds for the French class trip Fame in 2004. Mr. Fein - Les to his countless fans - died to Paris and for the Alvin Attles Scholarship Fund. Friday in Boca Raton Community Alvin Attles, who played for the NBA's Hospital, in Florida, where he had a Philadelphia Warriors, and later the second home, after suffering a heart The Coach didn't grow up in . , met Mr. Fein on He attended school in Brooklyn. He attack and stroke last month. He was 88. the Avon Avenue Playground before he The father of two and grandfather of three never knew much about Newark until he was in eighth grade. It was 1951, said applied for a teaching job. From hearing coached for 12 years at Weequahic, in Attles, 70, who remembers Mr. Fein's Newark's South Ward, and kept in touch him talk about his life during that time, I 1951 Chevy. "As great of a coach as he always got the feeling that although with his players ever since. A reserved was, he was a much better person," Attles man, he cheered on the Knicks and the coming to Newark was fortuitous, it was said. "There was something about him also his destiny. Giants, played golf and tennis, collected that reached everyone." art and ran a Weight Watchers franchise with his wife and daughter. Les was an intelligent, kind, generous, In addition to his wife, Cecile, and caring, courageous and engaging children, Stephanie and Kenneth, Mr. "I could talk forever about Lester," said individual. I appreciated his friendship Fein is survived by three grandchildren: and I feel privileged to have known him. Stephen Bleier of Morristown, team Jennifer Rebecca Fein, Danielle Lauren captain during Weequahic's 1961-62 He was truly a Weequahic legend! We Fein, and David Hunter Fein. will miss him very much. Coach Fein’s Basketball Players: 1955-1967 pictured above and listed below and in the left and right columns: Top Row L-R: Gerry Greenspan, 1959; Charles Talley, 1966; Al Friedman, 1962; Tom Boose, Jan. 1959; Dennis Mo Layton, 1967; Mike Cohen, 1960; Sandy Salz, Jan. 1957; Dana Lewis, 1967; Art Woliansky, 1960; Chris Pervall, 1962; Barry Gimelstob, Jan. 1961. 2nd Row L-R: Jimmy Williams, Jan. 1956; Gary Solomon, 1958; Larry Layton, 1963; Larry Bembry, 1966. Please let us know if any players are missing from this list.

Fred Anderson relationship.” I believe he was quoting me. Bill Luper Joe Baker III RELATIONSHIP Rich Magliacano Jerry Bardin What I learned about Coach Thomas is that Bill Mainor Michael Baskin he not only listened, but he heard me. I was Ira Marcus Steve Berkowitz A Reason For My impressed. Frank Marshall Ernie Bethea Al Mayo Sandy Bleier Success In Coaching Jim McIntyre Steven Bleier Relationship is somewhat elusive. It can be Cliff Carter explained, defined, discussed in a variety of Richie McLeod Tom Chakeres By Les Fein ways and words. I started coaching Steve Medwin Lucious Childs Harold Morrell basketball, baseball and football in 1942. Arni Moskowitz Leroy Cobb Eventually it was exclusively basketball, and David Coffey (This article was written by Les just Dennis Mosley Bert Coppock prior to his illness in February, 2007) ended in 1967. My last twelve years, Tex Murray Fred Dale 1955-1967 were spent coaching basketball at Charles Myers Joe Daniels Will Penn “IT IS ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIP,” Weequahic High School in Newark, New Elliot Ponchick Willis Dargon Jersey. They were the most successful, the Julian Decter I said to Isiah Thomas one night before game James Randolph Bobby Denard time at Madison Square Garden. It was the most dramatic and the most satisfying, the Arnie Rudominer Jeff Elson year before he took over from Larry Brown happiest time in my coaching career. Robert Russell Danny Enzer Joel Samitt as Head Coach of the New York Knicks. He Les Schofferman Robert Epstein was in his usual place, standing right beside Relationship, how did it start? Was this a Billy Ertag Claude Scott Barry Feldman my season’s seat, to watch the Knicks play. conscious effort on my part, a deliberate plan Robert Scott Jerry Field It was a bad year for the Knicks and Larry to a philosophy for coaching? No, no, no! I Salome Scott Dave Flecker Brown would lose his job as a result. During wasn’t even aware of doing something Howie Sharenow Al Simkowitz Sam Fromkin a brief conversation with Isiah, I told him beyond the usual teaching, practicing and Bill Fruchter Marvin Soloman Gerry Gimelstob what I believed. I told him what I would motivation. It was just my way. I couldn’t Larry Stewart Harvey Glassman start my lectures with at coaching clinics teach or coach young people any other way. Frank Summerfield Larry Hellring around the country, that “it’s all about Every coach has his or her way. As people Nick Swerdloff Henry Thayer Phil Hickson relationship.” are different, so coaches’ “ways” are Lonnie Hill Richie Thayer Harold Hooper different, and results (winning) are different. Ken Thompson Don Iasillo Of course there is conditioning, pre-season Paul Trachtenberg Garry Jenkins preparation, teaching skills, individual play How could I get my players to believe in Walter Uhrman John Wakefield Larry Jenkins (offense and defense), new techniques, team what I was trying to teach, to believe I was Ken Jones George Watson Walt Karney play (offense and defense), special game coaching them to reach heights they dreamed Alex White Al Kershner situations, team and player strategy, scouting of? I knew they had to trust me, respect me, Barry Wiernik Judd Kessler reports, general game philosophy and more. support me, even like me if I wanted them to Marion Wiley Larry Koonce Lucius Williams But to make it all work, to get the maximum believe me. And as important, they had to Ray Lefty Wilson Lenny Levine know that I trusted, respected, supported and Artie Lieb value of each phase of the game and the David Wolkstein Milton Litt players (team), there was an ingredient liked them. Finally that thread of relation- Dave Wright necessary to bond it together. For me (and ship had to go three ways; coach to player, Danny Wuensch for others), it was and will always be player to coach, and player to player. relationship. So, beyond teaching, motivation, practice, there is relationship. When that relationship can be built, then the opportunity for success becomes more When Isiah Thomas was given the Knicks attainable. It is then that acceptance by the coaching job, it was the caveat that he had to team for the coach’s plans takes hold. With- improve on the Knicks’ record or “he was out that acceptance, the players’ passion, the gone.” The next season when Isiah was team’s fervor is not at its highest level. interviewed, he told the sportswriter that “last year a wise fan told me it’s all about go to page 5 RELATIONSHIP from page 4 saw life and how to live it. (Not to say that I haven’t slipped here and there along The apex of success happens when a kind the way). But, that is how I see life, in sports, family, business and day to day. of “brotherhood” wraps itself around the Surely there have been those times I failed team. It often encompasses the entire the “relationship” test. For the 25 years school, students, faculty, the community I taught and coached, those years I tried to and everything connected to the team. live my relationship philosophy, those years especially. A school varsity team holds a unique position. They play for the love of the Weequahic High School was so special. game. They perform before their peers I attribute much of the success and the and the public, they are on exhibition. accomplishments to an outstanding The school, fellow students, family, student body, the faculty (extraordinary), friends and the world see them, praise Coach Fein being honored at an Alumni the community (caring), and the coming them, condemn them, glorify them and Homecoming with Charles Talley together of talented young men and ignore them. For young people that’s a lot from the 1966 Group IV State opportunity. on their plate. The coach shares in all of Championship basketball team this and more. The coach has the When the team and the coach have that So, how is it done? Relationship. How responsibility to try to have it all happen mutual belief in each other (love), the road did I do it? Can it be taught, packaged, and end in the joy of accomplishment. before them is straight to success and fun. marketed? Will it work at the college It is a heady, glorious, happy, ever mem- level, the pro level? How does relation- The young athlete can take it quite well. orable experience. Just ask the players, ship fit in family, business, politics, The benefit of youth, energy, strength, ask the coaches. everyday life? These are questions for spirit of competition, desire, deter- another time, another writing. mination, motivation, camaraderie, joie de How I got to this exhilaration I felt as a vivre helps to overcome all adversity. As coach and how I managed to do what it is It’s all about relationship. I believe that. a coach it wasn’t quite so easy, but I I did is not easily explained. For now the Do you believe it? I know it was the confess, I loved it. simplest explanation is, that is the way I foundation for my success and happiness. THE PASSING OF A REMARKABLE MAN PRINCIPAL RONALD G. STONE

By Phil Yourish, 1964

How do we fathom the precarious nature of life? What explanation can we give when somebody dies young and suddenly? How do we begin to understand and cope with a loss that seems so inexplicable? How do we find solace when a rich and productive life is taken working partnership with the school's active too soon? How do we grieve, heal and move alumni association. forward? Although a Barringer grad, Mr. Stone bled Weequahic High School Principal, Ronald G. orange and brown with the same fervor as any Stone, passed away suddenly on Sunday, homegrown alumnus. He brought the great November 4, 2007 at age 57. His passing is a Weequahic tradition back to the high school. great loss to the high school, the Weequahic His dream was for Weequahic to return to the community, and the city of Newark. Mr. Stone glory days of academic excellence. Faced with was a passionate, dedicated, and determined the many challenges of running an urban high educator. He was an inspiration to his staff and school, Mr. Stone used the athletic teams to students. He brought to the high school a fresh spark student interest. He had the school vision, a compelling agenda, and a strategy for building and Untermann Field painted in orange success. He embraced Weequahic with energy and brown and had T-shirts made for the and enthusiasm. His bold, dynamic and students with the large letters “IP” on the back extraordinary leadership truly made a difference. for Indian Pride.

During his tenure, the school made significant He spent school funds to build an exercise advancements. This included creating an facility so that the athletic teams would have atmosphere for learning and success; instilling greater parity with the suburban schools that school pride; the renewal of the school's they competed against. He organized pep rallies accreditation; improved test scores; an increase and made Friday a day when both students and in students graduating and attending college; staff were encouraged to wear school colors. He better facilities for the marching band and was always visible at sporting events with his athletic teams; the renovation of Untermann deep voice booming above the rest - cheering, Field; a state championship football team; the urging Weequahic to victory. use of conflict resolution as an alternative to gang violence; and the establishment of a Once he got the students' attention, he empha- sized the importance of the classroom and the pursuit of academic excellence - and Weequahic was making strides in that direction.

For four years, he was a member of the alumni association Board of Trustees and attended our monthly Board meetings. A regular part of the agenda was the “Principal's Report.” He helped us to establish guidelines and priorities. His contributions were essential to our success. During this time, the high school and the alumni association became a collaborative effort.

Continued on page 2 Weequahic High School was ambushed last continued from page 1 STONE month with the sudden and shockingly unex- pected death of Ron Stone - a man amongst Moreover, Mr. Stone was always very men - a man with a dream for the success of accommodating. At Homecoming each year he every student who passed through the doors of would share with alumni his thoughts on the school - the man who taught all of us about education and report on the progress that the the meaning of IP for Indian Pride. school was making. On the occasion of our first Scholarship Fund Raising Dinner, he played “Taps” on his trumpet.

At our recent “American Gangster” fund rasing event, “Heart of Stone,” a trailer for the documentary being made about Mr. Stone, the high school and the alumni association, was shown before the movie. When Mr. Stone was introduced, he touched the hearts of the 500 people present with his inspirational words - concluding by raising his fist in the air and Ron Stone was a source of strength for each shouting “IP.” For many of us, that was the warrior who donned the Orange and Brown last time we had an opportunity to be with him. and anyone else who dared to share his dream. He has left us, but that dream still lives. His Ron Stone was a genuine Weequahic hero. wisdom - his authority still inspires us. For six years he was a precious gift to the high school. His impact was immense. We all have When we were last together, Ron spoke about benefited by knowing him. In his memory, the how we must support our kids and prove to Ron Stone Endowment Fund has been everyone that they can be successful at school established by the alumni association. and in their lives after they graduate. Clearly, he faced a bittersweet battle every day. Yet he Walking with a Chief was both the authority and the role model. He showed the tribe that there was a better way - a path towards a more positive, productive and By Mary Dawkins, Co-President, 1971 fulfilling life - the path of education - no u-turns - because their goals and future lie Mary Dawkins is the Weequahic High School straight ahead. Alumni Association's new Co-President. She has been a Board of Trustees member for the Ron’s dream was left with us and we must past 5 years and served as the Co-Chair of our continue his legacy. Ron now is In the very successful Presence of God. His work is done. It is we Scholarship Fund who must roll up our sleeves, get behind his Raising Dinner in dream, and make it resonate within us. honor of Alvin Attles. The WHSAA worked closely with him to forward his academic and athletic programs Mary is the and we will gladly do the same with his Executive Director successor. We pledge to whomever is chosen of Grace West our new chief to dedicate our time, talent and Enterprises, which resources toward assuring that Weequahic includes child- High School will regain its reputation as one of care, senior America’s finest academic institutions. citizens, and homeless housing At the Memorial Service in Untermann Field programs. many students dedicated their educational future to Ron’s memory. We urge you to She is a graduate of Rutgers Newark and continue the dream of our Beloved Chief. has a Master’s degree in Education. She is You will find that those who traveled the path married to Mack Dawkins (South Side High before you will be with you - encouraging School) for 32 years and has one son Mack III, you, committed to you. You will be the married to Jenea. dream fulfilled our accomplishments. Mr. Stone gained students, to staff, to alumni, to the people WHAT NOW? respect and everybody applauded about of the community is here to give tribute to how he took control of a struggling our dearest lost one. With spiritual songs By LaTisha Prophete, WHS Senior situation and found the answer that many from the soloist and the choir, a people before him couldn’t find. He combination of current students and The tears are drying from the faces of our completed the goal that he had set out for alumni, we feel the warmth of the sun, students, but the one thing that remains himself and now that he has been taken which shines upon us from the start of evident is the fear of the unknown away from us by his sudden death, we each hymn until the end of each word. wandering in our minds. WHAT NOW? have to complete the goal that he had set What will happen now that Mr. Stone is out for US. We now hear the wonders of our Stone, gone? his accomplishments and contributions to The fear that is presented in our minds is our school, what we will miss about him, It feels like just yesterday Mr. Stone was the question that we must answer. and what we can do to continue his vision. walking around playing, joking, and WHAT NOW? What will we do now that From students, staff and alumni, we hear talking with us. Now that he is gone, it the greatness of Stone and feel the impact feels like no one can fill the void that he of a great loss. has left at Weequahic. Yet, what we don’t know is that we can all fill that void. We All reiterate the message to the senior can take control. We can continue the class: GRADUATE!! Graduate and legacy that Mr. Stone has set out for us. continue on with your success in the We are on the right track. All we need is world and the betterment of yourselves; focus. try to be better than what Mr. Stone hoped for; try to supersede his expectations and There came a time when our community make him proud, and you be proud, proud thought that we were all failures. In our to be an Indian. minds we believed that, and it reflected in the actions of the students who came Graced by the presence of Mr. Stone's before us. But Mr. Stone didn’t believe family, we hear the encouraging words of that. He came to Weequahic with hope Mrs. Stone. With great emotion she tells and he brought back the Indian pride that us of his dedication to our school, was missing. Mr. Stone is gone? The answer is very especially to the students, how we were simple. As students at Weequahic High his home away from home. The love and He noticed how the students had low School, we are going to stand up and do support of the students, staff and self-confidence and how they were what we know is right. We are going to community are greatly appreciated by the struggling with situations that needed all create an environment where the students Stone family and they are grateful to be of his time. So he made time. He taught have an understanding that we must part of our Indian home. the students that we should be proud to be continue to accomplish the education that an Indian. We had to accept the fact that was denied to us before. We need to put With the setting of the sun, the ceremony we can stand up next to any magnet aside all our differences and help one is done, but our journey has just begun. school and be just as good as them. another. There comes a time when we all The cold of November is setting in, as we need a shoulder to lean on and we all can go home to reflect on what has just been A friendship was built with Mr. Stone lean on each other. The time is now. We said. What will become of our school? and the students grew attached to his can take control. We are on the right And will everyone fulfill his or her duty to many customs at Weequahic. He created track. All we need is focus. make Weequahic great? Sit down. Think an environment that separated our home about it. Will you be another statistic that lives from our school lives. Academic fails to do your part? Or are you that scores are going up and Weequahic’s Indian Dedication dedicated Indian we are looking for? athletic teams are gaining more than just trophies. Students wanted to do more Appiffanny Boston, WHS Senior than just finish high school; they wanted Mrs. Stone speaking to the students to go to college or trade school. The It is freezing cold. The wind is blowing at the memorial service: students gained a confidence that made Oh, how I cannot wait to get home in the Mr. Stone and the Weequahic family warmth, away from this torturing Novem- “But look at me - I am still standing - and proud. ber weather. I look around and see how I want all of you to believe in yourselves many people are sitting in the bleachers and know that you all have the strength Everything was going well at Weequahic here to support and show their love for inside you to help me keep Mr. Stone's and the media grasped at every moment of our beloved Principal Ronald. G. Stone. legacy alive by continuing your it. We were compared to the Cinderella It is Friday, November 16th, 2007. education, find your passion, and be true story and everybody was excited about Today is a day in honor of Mr. Stone. to yourself.” Everyone who truly cares, from current Jacquetta Campbell; grandmother, In Loving Memory Marlyne Brown; mother-in-law, Selma Charney; brother and sister-in-law, Sandy Ronald G. Stone was born in Newark's and Rona Steinberg; many nieces, Central Ward on November 3, 1950. In nephews, friends and his Weequahic his youth, the seeds for future success High School family. He was predeceased were planted. His values were formed by two brothers, Gary and Kevin. and his consciousness raised by his mother, Dr. Elayne D. Brodie, a well- His legacy and devotion to his family, his respected community activist, who students, and his colleagues will live in marched in the streets of Newark for our hearts forever! quality education in the 60's and 70's. She encouraged him to excel in academics, music and athletics. tenth in the NJ State Cycling Criterion Some thoughts on Mr. Stone: Championship. His varied hobbies and Mr. Stone spent his teen years in the interests - golf, chess, tennis, music - Sharmayne Fontaine, WHS Student North Ward section of Newark where he were met with the enthusiasm of a student “Not only was Mr. Stone a Principal, but attended Summer Avenue School, who would soon become a ‘master’ of he was a father, friend and a mentor. He Broadway Junior that particular skill. cared for his students. He gave them High, and Barringer guidance when their lives were going High School. At A motivational speaker, Mr. Stone astray. He went beyond his duty to make Barringer, he was received numerous recognitions and sure that his students were safe.” first chair trumpet awards - most recently, the Benedetto and leader of the Croce Educator's Award. He was also Elizabeth Haden, Acting Principal Blue Jackets Jazz inducted into the Newark Athletic Hall of Band. A three-year Fame and made the keynote address. “He was our leader, our biggest cheer- varsity athlete in leader, our father, mentor, protector and track and wrestling, Prior to coming to Weequahic in 2002, my friend. His dedication to the staff and Ron won both the City and District Mr. Stone was Vice Principal of Avon students inspired and instilled in his championships in wrestling in the Avenue School. Weequahic was his administrators the charge to supervise 157-pound weight class and didn't lose a greatest challenge and he assumed leader- and to lead professionally and efficiently. match in his senior year in 1968. ship with confidence and optimism. “There is a crisis in urban public I am grateful for having the privilege to know him, to work with him, to learn As he moved on to higher education, Mr. schools,” he declared, “but I strongly from him, and to love him.” Stone earned a BA degree in Physical believe that these institutions are Education and an MA degree in indispensable!” He passionately felt that , former Vice Principal Administration and Supervision from it was up to us to change the culture of Kean University. He also became the hopelessness, to a culture of “we will “Mr. Stone protected our children with starting fullback on the football team and succeed, no matter what!” his life. I know because I was there was the captain of the lacrosse team beside him. He faced guns and gang earning All Metropolitan honors. Mr. Stone led a very active life with his loving wife Meg. Her thoughts of him members. He confronted abusive boyfriends and misguided parents. He In 1974, Mr. Stone became a Physical are: “my idol, my best friend, who put himself in harm's way to assure that Education teacher and coached in the enriched my life in a way no one could our children were safe.” . In early 1980, imagine a human could do. His spirit- he started the first wrestling club for uality brought me to a higher level. My Michelle Bryant, Mr. Stone's Assistant youth at Franklin elementary. He greatest joy was just waiting for him to and a coached basketball at Peshine Avenue, return home to enjoy our evenings classmate. Dayton Street, and First Avenue schools. together. Our different cultures came He influenced the lives of numerous together and formed a bond of strength, “Remembering Mr. Stone means young athletes. dignity and respect that emitted an energy that was felt by all who witnessed realizing his dream to make Weequahic one of the top comprehensive high In 1993, at age 43, in pursuit of new our relationship. The bond will never schools in the city and also continuing challenges to test his physical limits, Mr. end. We will live now at opposite ends.” his legacy of Indian Pride. A good friend Stone won the North Atlantic Power is hard to find, so when in life you have Lifting Championship, squatting 680 To cherish his memory, Mr. Stone leaves that one opportunity to work alongside a pounds and setting a State dead lift his wife of ten years, Meg; his four sons, true friend, you must consider yourself record of 710 pounds. He also had a Bobby, Ronnie Jr., Jesse and Jarret; truly blessed.” black belt in Tae Kwon Do and placed brothers, Hugh, Howard and Larry; sister, In Loving Memory Betty Frankel Kirschner, WHS 1954 Kent State Professor and Activist

Betty Frankel Kirschner, an emeritus Associate Professor in the Sociology Department at , died on June 15, 2006. She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Kirschner Grygo, and grandchild Mackenzie Ware.

A devoted teacher, Betty began her career by teaching social studies at West Kinney High School in Newark. In 1969, she became a member of the faculty at the Trumbull Regional Campus of Kent State, where for 30 years she taught courses in social problems, social stratification, gender, and family. Betty was the epitome of a politically concerned activist-scholar. As a teaching assistant in graduate sociology at the University of Alabama (1965-67), she participated in the civil rights movement and received the Citizenship Award from the National Council of Negro Women (1965).

At Kent State, Betty was deeply interested in the events of May 4, 1970, when the Ohio National Guard fired into a protesting crowd killing four students and wounding nine others. She participated in jury selection studies associated with the civil cases brought by families of the May 4 victims. As part of the protest against building a gym near the site of the shootings in the late 1970s, Betty conducted a survey of the "Tent City Protestors" resulting in a professional paper at the 1978 Southern Sociological Society conference. She regularly attended and provided a "home base" for others to attend the annual vigils and programs associated with the remembrance of May 4.

Throughout her career, Betty was an active member and a national, state, and local officer of the American Association of University Professors. Whether helping to organize a second bargaining unit for NTT faculty or supporting research about gender equity, she enthusiastically worked to better the working conditions of all faculty.

For many of her dearest friends, Betty's greatest legacy is as a feminist sociologist who was a powerful and articulate defender of women's rights in national organizations and at Kent State. As a founding mother of Sociologists for Women in Society (SWS), she served on the Steering Committee (1971-73), was an SWS secretary (1972-74), and organized the first two annual conferences (Denver 1971; New Orleans 1972).

Betty was an active member of various committees of the Sex and Gender section of the ASA. At Kent State, she was one of the first teachers of the Sociology of Women, and an early researcher about "The Invisibility of Women" in introductory textbooks. Betty helped to develop both the Women's Studies program and the Women's Center at Kent State. She was an invaluable mentor to women students and faculty alike - willing to support individual struggles, to share her knowledge and experiences, and to gently nudge other women to stay true to the vision of an empowering feminist scholarship.

chapter of the Young Men's Hebrew Links. She was predeceased by Sushi Association, now known as the JCC Edelman, her beloved shih-tzu. Donations \Ç _Éä|Çz `xÅÉÜç MetroWest. may be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, 14 Pennsylvania Plaza, Dr. Sanford Lewis, 86 Dr. Lewis loved tennis, and was a longtime Suite 1400, NYC, NY 10122. member of Orange Lawn Tennis Club in By Jeff May, Star-Ledger South Orange. He also was a subscriber to Eugene Heller, Jan. 1954 the New York Philharmonic and would Dr. Sanford Lewis set regularly visit Tanglewood in the some kind of example. Eugene “Gene” Heller, a Berkshires with his wife to see summer Most of the things he prominent real estate performances. “His real love outside of tennis loved are reflected in the developer, died at his home was classical music,” John Lewis said. Later careers of his children. in Palm Beach Gardens, in life, he took up sculpting, working in He was a medical doctor Fla., at the age of 72. Mr. marble and wood. with a fondness for Heller was diagnosed with classical music and a melanoma in January 2007. In addition to his two sons, John and devotion to Jewish Mark, Dr. Lewis is survived by his wife, causes. Mr. Heller was born in Carol, a psychologist; a daughter Lynn, and Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and moved to Newark three grandsons. Tributes may be sent to One of his sons became a dermatologist. at an early age. He graduated from the JCC MetroWest or to Doctors Without Another is an attorney who plays piano Weequahic High School and attended Borders. professionally. And his daughter teaches . He later served as a preschool at the Jewish Community Center trustee of Rutgers University and of MetroWest, a group he led several Doris Daun Edelman, June 1955 Hackensack Hospital. decades ago. “He was Type-A, put it that way,” said his son John Lewis, the lawyer. Doris Edelman, an Mr. Heller was involved in a family “He liked his fun, too. I guess you can say he amazing wife, mother, business with his brothers. He then left didn’t waste a lot of time.” grandmother and friend, and went on to pursue a career in real died on September 8, estate development. He joined with Born in Newark, he graduated from 2008, surrounded by her Leonard Stern to co-found the Hartz Weequahic High School and went to the loving family. Mountain Real Estate business. At Hartz, University of Pennsylvania. His father was he had the vision for the transformation of a dentist, and Dr. Lewis was leaning Born in Newark, Doris the Secaucus Meadowlands from swamp to toward the same profession when he lived in Union before moving to mixed-use development consisting of enrolled in School of Springfield. She was a member of the residential, hotels, retail, industrial and Medicine. He went on to become a inaugural class of the Hebrew Youth offices. Under his leadership, Hartz medical doctor, specializing in internal Academy of Newark. She was a graduate developed 40 million square feet of space medicine. and proud alumna of Weequahic High throughout New Jersey. School and attended Newark State He opened a practice in Newark, then Teachers College. She enjoyed many In 1991, Mr. Heller went on to establish moved to East Orange and eventually friendships with her contemporaries from his own company, G. Heller Enterprises. West Orange. During World War II, he these associations. He is credited with being the driving force served for a time as chief of radiology for behind the rebirth and revitalization of the Pacific Theater. Back stateside, Dr. Doris was a longtime active member of Edgewater, which is part of NJ’s Gold Lewis picked up work doing forensic Temple Beth Ahm in Springfield and their Coast, as well as other projects in New medicine for insurance companies and Women’s League, as well as Hadassah and Jersey. offering expert testimony in workman's ORT. She was past president of the Park compensation and medical cases. “He was Place Association and an active participant Mr. Heller became a Florida resident in very verbal, articulate, clear-thinking and ethical,” in the community’s development. She and 2006, and enjoyed golf, traveling, spending Mark Lewis said. “That combination was her late husband, Sam, also enjoyed time with close friends and was an avid St. perfect for that kind of work. He could look at a membership in the Couples Club of the Louis Cardinal fan. His greatest joy was case, dissect it and report his findings impeccably.” JCC in Whippany. being with his family.

Dr. Lewis later became chairman of the Doris was the beloved wife of Sam He will be deeply missed by his beloved state Board of Medical Examiners and was Edelman, devoted mother of Abbe and wife, Penny; his son, Todd, and daughter, also a member of the New Jersey board of Robin Edelman of Livingston; Alan and Bonni Konefsky and her husband Steve. hospital supervisors. His busy schedule Janie Links of Springfield; loving sister of He was also a devoted grandfather to didn't stop him from taking on other Charlie and Joy Daun of Florida; and Marisa, Jennifer, and Jordyn. Mr. Heller is duties, though. During the Arab-Israeli devoted aunt to Dana and Michael Zuller also survived by his former wife, Ticia Six-Day War in 1967, he raised a large and Donna and David Lester; the adored Heller. Donations may be made to Yale amount of money for Israel in a single grandmother of Sydnie and Noah Edelman Cancer Center Melanoma Unit, Clinical night by feverishly working the phones. and Zach and Alexa Links, and grand-dog Research Program, 2333 Cedar Street, He later became president of the local mother of Mo-Jo Edelson and Sumo New Haven, Conn., 06520. Though he was best known for his Union Counties. He was always active with television coverage - he was a two-time various nonprofit organizations and served \Ç _Éä|Çz `xÅÉÜç winner of the New Jersey Press Association a term on the Irvington Board of Award for Critical Writing, and was named Education. He was an active member of Jerry Krupnick, Jan. 1943 the 1990 Television Columnist of the Year Trinity Lodge #33, Prince Hall Affiliation, Star-Ledger TV critic by the International TV Society. Mr. Golconda Temple #24, Prince Hall Krupnick also spent 15 years as Sunday Shriners; Oziel Grand Chapter, Order of By Alan Sepinwall, Star-Ledger editor for The Star-Ledger. He was the Eastern Star #43, Ruth Court #5, as responsible for assembling all but the well as many other houses. Sports and Real Estate sections for each Jerry Krupnick, who Sunday's paper, often with the help of only He was always doing whatever he could to wrote about television a single assistant. help those around him. When he made a for The Star-Ledger promise - he kept the promise. He loved almost as far back as Mr. Krupnick's newspaper career - and his God, sports, reading, dancing and having a there was television to relationship with Phyllis - began at good time - and had a huge sense of humor write about, died Aug. Weequahic High School, where he was and compassion. Gene listened, guided, 14 of complications editor-in-chief of the school paper. Phyllis’ advised, and held dear everyone he knew. from congestive heart father and brother also worked in the As a result, he was loved by many. Gene failure. He was 82. newspaper business. (brother Robert Kalter headed the WHS Class of '70 Reunion worked for The Star-Ledger for 50 years.) Committee and he organized the 10, 20, 25 After serving in the Army in World War II, and 30 year reunions. He was also Mr. Krupnick came to The Star-Ledger in Mr. Krupnick enlisted in the Army at age involved with the formation of the high 1950, and within a few years was the 17 and became a staff sergeant in the 69th school’s alumni association. He really paper's go-to man for coverage of that Division of the infantry, doing combat loved his alma mater! newfangled medium called television. He patrols in France and Germany during created TV Time of the Week, one of the World War II. He also wrote for the Gene leaves his legacy through his family nation's first Sunday TV magazines, and Army's Stars and Stripes newspaper, and and friends, most especially, his wife, wrote about TV for the paper up to, and re-enlisted after the war to become public Elmira, and sons Eugene, Jr., Viktor, Mikal even after, his retirement in August 1998. relations director for a series of “soldier and Bandit, granddaughters, Hannah, Kiara, “Jerry loved TV and he loved his work, shows” in Europe. and Kennedi, brothers, Ali, Albert, and which he executed with charm, wit and Anthony, sisters, Cynthia, the late Catherine wisdom,” said Susan Olds, The His sons all recall their father working long and Luvada, nieces and nephews, Cynthia, Star-Ledger's assistant managing editor for hours, particularly while putting out the Jamillah, Rahmiece, Taheerah, Louis, Jr., features. “It was an incredible career to be Sunday paper, but never complaining. Stephen, Jaquayah, Shamsuddin, Maryum, sure - for its longevity, yes, but more so for Though he missed out on family time, he Najee, Nyja, and Bryce, mother-in-law, Liana, the energy and sense of purpose he made it up to the boys with special trips, or stepmother, Carrie, daughters-in-law, Kelli and delivered day in and day out. The with VIP treatment courtesy of having a Aliyah, brothers-in-law, Leighton and Patrick, Star-Ledger is richer for his years of TV critic for a dad. sisters-in-law, October and Corliss, cousins, service.” Esther, James, Gwen, Maurice, and Andre,

and many other close family and friends. Mr. Krupnick had a distinctive flair for Eugene Lawson, 1970 language. He referred to public television pledge drives as “begathons” and was fond Eugene (Gene) Lawson Arthur Cartwright, 1970 of explaining the distinction between was born February 10, “trash” (genuinely bad television) and 1953, in Jersey City, NJ, Arthur T. Cartwright “supertrash” (so-bad-it's-good television). the 3rd child of the late passed away on He wrote using the royal “we,” and was Willadean Burrell and August 9, 2008. He fond of inserting his wife of 58 years, Louis Lawson. Gene was the beloved son Phyllis, (WHS Jan. 1945) into the column, graduated from of Gladys and the referring to her as "Our Favorite Wife," or Weequahic High School late Booker T. “OFW” for short. “He always wrote I was in 1970 and then enlisted Cartwright; loving his `OFW,” said Phyllis Krupnick. “Every- in the US Air Force and after serving his husband of Helen body called me that, because they read his country, he received an Honorable Cartwright; cherished column and they got a kick out of it.” Discharge. Constantly expanding his father of Nicole, knowledge, he received his Associate of Arthur T. Jr. and “One of Jerry's favorite words to describe Arts Degree from Essex County College Harold W. (bad) shows was ‘wallow,’” recalled Star- and his Bachelor of Science degree from Cartwright, and Ledger copy editor David Lieberfarb (WHS Rutgers University. caring brother of 1965), “which was probably less negative Pamela, Bertha and than it sounds. He also used to love to run During his life, Gene worked for the City Cybelia. He is also survived by a host of words together, as in something of Newark, taught and coached in the aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, ‘camethisclose' to being one of his top Newark school system and, most recently, other relatives and friends. picks.” worked for Joint Meeting of Essex & on to earn her Associate's degree in 1989 in-law, Faavale Sklaw, and four \Ç _Éä|Çz `xÅÉÜç from Essex County College and her BA grandchildren, Rebecca, Sarah, Matthew degree from Kean College in 1991. and Ella. He was predeceased by his sister, Gloria Fantl of Coconut Creek, Bernard Goldwater, WHS 1951 Pat was married to Robert Joyner. She Fla. Donations may be made to the was the mother of the late Twana Harvey M. Sklaw Scholarship Fund, Legendary baseball coach Joyner, who had two children, Patrice Seton Hall School of Law in Newark. Goldwater dies at age 74 and Jerome Joyner. She was a devoted grandmother and caregiver for her great- Jacob Frieder, WHS 1936 By Tony Graham, Asbury Park Press granddaughters, Tawana, Chyna and Yanayjah. She also loved traveling, Jacob Frieder, 89, Eric Salkin, who roamed center field for music and people. Until her illness, Pat passed away coach Bernie Goldwater's Freehold had been working as a Program Admini- suddenly on July 1, Township High School baseball teams in strator for the Technical Training 2007. A longtime the mid 1970s, said he could always be Project, Inc. at Essex County College resident of Newark, certain of one thing. "We always felt since 1980. With her entrepreneurial Mr. Frieder lived in like we were more prepared when we spirit, Pat launched Joyner Enterprises, Clark and Delray took the field than any other team." Inc., manufacturing her “Clocketbook.” Beach, Fla., before moving to Lakewood But Salkin was unprepared to learn Harvey M. Sklaw, WHS 1946 in 2005. Friday morning that Goldwater, 74, had passed away Thursday in Florida. "It Seton Hall Law School “Jake” was a January 1936 graduate of came as a shock," said Salkin, owner of professor emeritus, 78 Weequahic High School, where he is Salkin's Jewel Case, Freehold Township, remembered as the athlete to score the who described himself as a "dear friend first touchdown in school history, and of the family." Harvey M. Sklaw, devoted husband, the winning touchdown to give Weequahic its first football victory. Goldwater amassed 331 coaching victo- loving father and ries in 24 seasons at Southern Freehold brother and cherished grandfather, died on He was a World War II veteran rising to High School (now Howell) and Freehold the rank of sergeant. He retired from the Township. He also served as an athletic June 16, 2007, after a brief illness. He was Newark Post Office after 33 years of director in the school district. The 12th service as a clerk and a supervisor. winningest high school baseball coach in 78. A resident of Maplewood for 36 the history of the Shore Conference, he Mr. Frieder was a past president of the retired from coaching in 1988. years, Professor Sklaw moved to Long Jewish Civil Service Fellowship, an organization of postal employees, a "I think people learned more under him Branch in 2006, where he resided at the time of his death. member of the Knights of Pythias, and in the two years they generally played was instrumental in organizing the Clark for him, than they did in all their other Professor Sklaw was born Feb. 8, 1929, Tenants Association in the mid 70’s, years (playing baseball) combined," prior to moving to Florida. Salkin said. "I've heard other people in Newark. He was Professor Emeritus of Law at Seton Hall University School say that. Bernie was tough but he was He is survived by his beloved wife fair. Personally, I was more afraid of of Law, where he taught generations of future attorneys for 35 years and was an Lenore of 66 years; a daughter and disappointing him than I was of losing son-in-law, Joan (WHS 1967) and the game." authority on consumer protection and products liability law. Donald Smith; a son, Kenneth Frieder (WHS 1963); and grandchildren Losing was something that was never a Jonathan and Elliot Frieder, Lesley Wolf habit under Goldwater. According to He was a graduate of Rutgers University and Seton Hall University School of and Allison Smith; a sister, Esther Asbury Park Press reports he began Frieder; and four great-grandchildren. coaching at Southern Freehold High Law. Professor Sklaw lectured widely School in 1965 and left the school seven and was a member of the adjunct faculty years later with a 75-57 record. at Rutgers University Law School and a ****************** visiting professor at the universities of Patricia Brant Joyner, WHS 1962 Milan and Parma, Italy. Alan Abrahamson Bernard Berger Patricia Ann Joyner passed away on He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Renee Sklaw of Long Branch; his sister, Murray Perlman May 4, 2006 at Newark Beth Israel Philip Spiegel, June 1949 Medical Center. Pat attended the Barbara Sender of Short Hills; two sons, Faculty Newark Public schools and graduated Kenneth Sklaw of Purcellville, Va., and Solomon Ostrin, from Weequahic High School. She went Laurence Sklaw of NYC; daughter- Mark, and two grandchildren Matthew late Philip Kram and loving sister of Dr. \Ç _Éä|Çz `xÅÉÜç and Jackie Schultz. Harry B. Kram and the late Dr. Joseph A. Kram. Contributions may be made to the Jewish National Fund or United States Arnett Lieb, WHS 1960 Herb Jacobson, WHS Jan. 1941 Holocaust Memorial Museum. (Sent in by Eileen Diakunczak) Herbert N. Jacobson, From Dennis Estes, class of 1965 84, of Monroe Artie (Arnett) Lieb Township, died July On behalf of the entire class, I want to passed away on June 15, at Overlook express my sincere condolences to Sid 24, 2007. Arnett Hospital in Summit. Slifer of our class, who was Fran's resided in Ocean and Born and raised in brother-in-law, and Arlene Music Levitt Monmouth counties Newark, Mr. Jacobson of our class, who was Fran's cousin, on for many years. lived in Union for 35 this terrible loss. Of course, we express Arnett was head years before moving our deepest condolences to our good drummer at to Monroe Township friend, Fran's husband Arnold, also a Weequahic High 12 years ago. Weequahic graduate and to Fran's mother School in his senior and her two children. year and continued making music his Herb was employed as a salesman for the career with different bands, one of which Mart Furniture Galleries, Union. He was While in high school, I really didn't know was the Salvations. They were very well an Army Air Force veteran of World War Fran very well. That changed signif- known at the New Jersey Shore. For II and a standout athlete at Weequahic icantly over the past 40+ years while we many summers he played down the shore High School where he received an both had a labor of love in steering our at The Osprey and up until just a few all-around sports athlete award. He reunion events. I have been nominally months ago the Salvations had their received a basketball scholarship to Ryder the titular head of the committee, but Fran second reunion at The Osprey and all College, from where he graduated with a was the "heart" of the committee and she their loving fans came and packed B.A. degree in accounting. In 2004, he will be sorely missed by all of us. Forty- the club. was inducted into the Newark Athletic two years ago I considered Fran merely Hall of Fame. another graduate of our class. At the time After the band split up, Arnett was a of her death, I was so happy that I was booking agent in the music industry. Mr. Jacobson is survived by his wife, able to consider Fran a really good friend. When he decided to give up his career as Paula (Weitzman); two daughters, Jeri I and the other members of the Reunion a musician, he opened up a Dunkin’ Jacobson and Tracy Reinhardt of Committee, (especially Poppy Braunstein Donuts store in Long Branch which he Bedminster, and Lanie and Jim Bilenker Segal) have suffered a great loss, as have had for many years. He retired a few of Basking Ridge; one sister, Rita we all. years ago. Resnick of Freehold, and three grand- children, Laura, Julie and Benjamin. Arnett remained very close to a couple of Donations can be made to the American Marilyn Gulkin Einzig, Weequahic High School friends. Steve Heart and American Diabetes found- WHS 1962 Wax, who passed away a couple of years ations, and to the Atlantic Hospice. ago, his high school sweetheart Ronnie Marilyn A. Einzig, Schecter (she was a cheerleader), who Frances Kram Slifer, WHS 1965 62, of Springfield also passed away, and Marty Green and died June 2. Born in his family, who resides in Florham Park. Newark, she lived in Frances R. Slifer North Caldwell 59, passed away in Arnett loved basketball, and was a big fan before moving to July at her home. of the Monmouth basketball teams. Springfield 12 years She was born in Coach Les Fein stopped in his store on ago. Marilyn retired Germany, came to occasion and Arnett always talked about as vice president of the United States as his fond memories playing basketball on sales for Paragon an infant, and lived Coach Fein’s team. How sad, they both Mills, a wholesale carpet and floor in Newark, Maple- passed away on the same day. Arnett will company in Union, after 26 years with the wood and in always be remembered by his family and company. friends for his love, character, inspiration Livingston since 1973. and leadership. A June 1962 graduate of Weequahic High School, she attended Jersey City State Fran was a member of the National He left behind his wife Nelma, his sister College. Marilyn is survived by her Council of Jewish Women and ORT. She Eileen Diakunczak, a WHS grad, two husband, Gary Grossman; two daughters, was the beloved wife of Arnold; devoted daughters, Mrs. Jaime Schultz and Mrs. Staci Santucci and Robin; a brother, mother of Shari Slifer and Richard Slifer; Casey Leeder, their spouses Steven and Stanly Gulkin; and two grandchildren. dear daughter of Bronya Kram and the