Dear Wheatley Wildcats and Other Interested Persons,

Welcome to The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 256,

Correction

L-R - Diana Noble Rubinger (1966) and Virginie Parrot (1969), an American Field Service foreign exchange student. The person on the right is not Ginny Burch, as previously reported (Issue # 255).

Prejudice on Long Island (Continued)

Carl Stewart (1960) Writes - “Good Evening, Art

The responses to Paul Giarmo’s hateful screed appear to have been adequately addressed in today’s Newsletter (# 255), so I won’t add my thoughts, which would not be particularly kind. Mr. Giarmo is, quite clearly, a very unhappy man, but he may have the possibility…although seemingly unlikely…of redemption.

A number of alumni commenting on this contretemps suggest that as hateful and unwanted as Giarmo’s remarks were, he has a First Amendment right to express them. That thought is an all too common misunderstanding of the free speech issue. The First Amendment does not give us the right to express ourselves freely. Quite the contrary; it only bars the government from restricting our speech…although not without limits. For example, if Giarmo walked into a restaurant wearing one of those silly MAGA baseball caps, the proprietor would be fully within her rights to ask him to leave. And solely on the basis that she…and presumably many of her diners…found the sentiments to be anathema.

Roger Morris (1965) Writes - “ I think the issue of free speech becomes more complex when viewed in the light of behavior with which speech is so inextricably intertwined. And the law is testament to behavior not being free, with unending lists of penalties for what it forbids. A rough guide seems to be free speech must be safe speech (admittedly debatable yet moves us along from speech is just speech pure and simple, because behavior makes it not so.)

Robert Vincze Writes - "Long Island played an important role in the Underground Railroad's work to guide slaves to freedom. In Old Westbury, the Post family established a major stop on the freedom trail with the help of an escaped Virginia slave. In Jericho, families helped escaping slaves to freedom from the present-day Maine Maid Inn. Elias Hicks helped free 191 slaves himself and worked to create Underground Railroad safe houses in many northeastern cities."

The Uunderground Railroad on Long Island

Anonymous Writes - “Hi Art, My family purchased twice in the school district … once in the 60’s … once in the 70’s. My mother shared that each time she was house hunting, the realtor limited the house showings to only certain areas of the school district because we were Catholic. “You wouldn’t be happy in that neighborhood.” The belief that our community was not discriminatory… then or now… is naive. - ANONYMOUS

ROMANTIC PRE-VALENTINE DAY’S CONCERT TONIGHT!

Takemi Ueno (1983) Writes - “If you want to get a head start on Valentine’s Day , the New Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra will perform Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2 on February 13 at Symphony Space in Manhattan (Broadway & W. 95th St., near the 96th St. stop on the 1, 2, and 3 subway lines). The other pieces on the program are Sibelius’ Finlandia and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 7. The concert will start at 8 pm. Tickets are $25 for students and seniors and $27 for Symphony Space members. If you are none of the above, tickets are usually $32, but Takemi Ueno (Wheatley Class of 1983 and an orchestra member) can get discounted tickets. Please contact her at uenot@hotmail.com or 212-245-5844 if interested.

Wheatley Football

Elvira (“Vivi”) Cilmi Kunz (1964) Writes - “The football team highlighted in Newsletter # 255 was a great team to cheer for on brisk Saturday afternoons. As a cheerleader, I was part of a group of spirited girls who urged the crowd to cheer them on each week. They were worthy of respect for their efforts, skills and determination under the amazing direction of coaches Bill Lawson and Jack Davis. They gave their all for Wheatley. So much fun to be there!”

Brian Stone (1964) Writes - “ Charles (‘Chuck’) Sansone’s recollection of the events surrounding the football game against Carle Place (Newsletter #255) 63 years ago is remarkable. Chuck recounts the overwhelming odds against Wheatley, the ingenuity of Coach Davis, the motivation instilled by Coach Lawson, the blazing speed of Robert Murphy, and mentions others who courageously faced the fearsome opponents from Carle Place. What Charles fails to mention, out of humility, is how much he always helped his teammates, particularly those less experienced than himself. He became knowledgeable of the opposing football and wrestling team members and shared his insights with the rest of the team and gave us confidence. Thank you, Charles.”

Wheatley and the East Williston Fire Department

Artie Barnett (1977) Writes - “Angelo Carbone (1981) points out the large alumni membership who were both Wheatley students AND East Williston Fire Department members. Can anyone name some of them, circa 1979?

Graduates

1961 - Nancy Kurshan - “Hello Sister and Brother Wildcats,

I’ve written a memoir: Levitating the Pentagon and Other Uplifting Stories . It will be released March 24th, 2026. If you think you might be interested in reading it, please click on the link under the graphic below. It should take you to Amazon where you can read more about it. Then if so inclined, please pre-order, which will help to get the word out. If, after you read it, you want to engage in a conversation, whether embracing or critical (preferably embracingly critical), feel free to email me and we can seek out the truth together. Veritatem quaerite.

With affection for all & a special shout out to the wonderful Class of ’61,

Nancy Kurshan

L-R - Anita Hoffman, Nancy Kurshan, Tasha Dellinger (Dave Dellinger’s Daughter)

Link to Amazon entry for Levitating the Pentagon

1965 - Judy Sidran and Sally Jablon (both 1965) hiking in Tahquitz Canyon, California

1968 - Kathy Kram - “I recently completed a book, RETIRING: CREATING A LIFE THAT WORKS FOR YOU with 4 colleagues (Teresa Amabile, Tim Hall, Marcy Crary, and Lotte Bailyn). Another colleague (Ilene Wasserman) and I are now offering zoom workshops on navigating this challenging life transition.

My husband (Peter Yeager) and I now have an apartment in Cliffside Park, NJ, so that we can help care for our 14-month-old granddaughter, Lulu, who lives on the other side of the George Washington Bridge in Washington Heights. Happily, we are close to NYC and Long Island again.”

1971 - Dwight Devon - Deceased

Dwight and his friends in 1995, during a ski trip to Vail Valley, Colorado.

L-R - Front Row - Paul Cunningham, Dwight Devon (both 1971)

Back Row- Burt Dezendorf, Mark Greco, Alan Wallenstein, Mitch Perlstein, and David Byer (all 1971); Pete Glover and Richie Siegal (both Univ. of Denver)

David Byer Writes - “We lost Dwight Devon, my classmate and great friend, and friend to many, on December 12th, 2025, after a nine-month battle with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia). He passed at home, surrounded by his wife, Alitza; his son, Derek, 30 (by a previous marriage) and their dog, Jasper. Alitza said, ‘He fought the illness so hard, didn’t complain, and did not let me or anyone else know when he was hurting. He was so strong. His courage was endless. I miss him every day and cannot believe he is gone.’

Dwight lived in Vail Valley, Colorado, since about 1990. He had several residences since then, with each successive home being more accommodating for having a great time and entertaining his many friends and guests.

Being around Dwight was like being with MR. FUN. Having fun was his calling, and he loved to include as many friends as possible in his activities. For the last 40 years, Dwight was the glue that held many of us Wheatleyites together, along with several of his buddies from the University of Denver. There were dozens of ski trips to Colorado, sailing, and exploring beaches. His mantra was yelling, “FOLLOW ME!” When we heard that, all present knew we were in for an adventure, and maybe even some trouble.

Dwight was a great DJ at parties, playing a lot of Beach Boys, Kinks and Grateful Dead. He also said many funny and original things, which I would call ‘Dwightisms.’ One of my favorites: He called me once to check on me after I’d had back surgery. When we were done speaking about my situation, I politely asked him how he was doing. His reply, “OK. But my Lyme disease is acting up, and I had trouble finishing 18 holes yesterday”. There were many Dwightisms like that.

He was a great guy, and you’d be hard-pressed to find someone so beloved by his many friends. We are all going to miss him.”

1976 - James Juczak’s Documentary - Living the Right Way

James Juczak Documentary on Living

1979 - George Marchelos - Deceased

George's funeral home obituary states as follows - “With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of George Marchelos, a cherished brother, uncle, and friend, who passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the age of 64. Born on Wednesday, September 13, 1961, in Queens, NY, George was a beloved resident known for his immense generosity, vibrant spirit, and deep sense of community.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Tessie, who undoubtedly welcomed him with open arms. He is survived by his brothers Steve (Angela) (Wheatley 1980), Peter (Tina) (Wheatley 1984), and sister Maria (Stephen) (1988) . George also leaves behind a niece and nephews; all of whom will forever cherish the memories they made together.

In his professional life, George was a talented sound design professional whose keen ear and dedication to his craft left a lasting impact in the industry. Equally passionate about music, he worked as a DJ for Weddings, Christenings and Sweet Sixteens in his youth, remarkably remembering first dance songs from decades past. His passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles, as well as his favorite red Indian motorcycle . resonated with his biker family, from Long Island to Florida.

George was a glowing beacon of selflessness and support, always offering help before being asked. Whether it was bringing warmth with a generator during a snowstorm or physically pushing a friend’s motorcycle in the early hours, his acts of kindness were legendary. He carried this spirit into every community he was part of—leaving a mark on his musical family, biker family, and church family.

His unwavering sportsmanship and sense of fairness defined his interactions, and his presence in any room was one of unmistakable warmth and charisma. These qualities forged endless friendships and inspired many stories that will be retold for generations.

While our hearts are heavy with loss, we find comfort in the legacy of kindness and camaraderie George leaves behind. His memory will be eternally cherished by all whose lives he touched.”

R. Scott Lewis (1979) shares this reflection of George Marchelos:

“I just heard about the passing of George Marchelos, and it doesn’t feel real.

When we were 16, I’d sneak out of my house on a school night, and he’d pick me up in his Trans Am. We’d drive to a disco in Glen Cove, lie about our age to get in, and feel like we were getting away with something huge. It feels like yesterday — and now he’s gone.

George was a good friend, full of life, and part of some of my favorite memories from growing up. I’m grateful for those times and for having known him. He will truly be missed.

Thinking of his family and everyone who loved him.”

Wendy McClure (1979) writes this:

“Many Blessings to George’s family & his Spirit. ‘I love you George Marchelos.’ My last memory with him was the 2016 Wheatley School Reunion. After our Class of 1979 met up, he drove me to the North Shore, and we watched the lights twinkling on the water and had a great conversation! Thanks for posting this R. Scott Lewis !! ❤️❤️
I will miss you George!! My heart breaks for this loss of a beautiful brother ❤️❤️❤️ ”

1984 - Scott Barshay - Helming top law firm Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison

WildCAT Pet Gallery

Top to Bottom - Desi (Desdemona), the panther; and Momo (Mona Lisa), the fat tabby (sent by Carol Jalonack Blum, 1961)

Buddy — a five-year-old, 70 pound, yellow Labrador retriever — is friends with Mitch Shapiro (1970).

Dot is friends with David Abeshouse (1975), who writes as follows: “This is Dot, our 3-year-old grand-pup, who lives with our son and his wife in Jersey City most of the time, but visits my wife and me regularly (at Dot’s ‘country home’ on Long Island), when her parents are traveling. She is a sweet and strong Husky-Labrador mix.

Fan Mail

1963 (Donna Kenton) - “The Wheatley community is lucky to have you.”

1964 (Richard Ilsley) - ❤️

1964 (Brian Stone) - “ I appreciate that two classical music recitals by John Corwin (1964) can be heard simply by clicking the link at the end of Newsletter #254, as well as other recitals that can be found online. John, it is a pleasure to watch and hear your performances.”

1965 (Sharon Neely Halm) - ❤️

1971 (David Byer) - “ Thanks for all you do.”

1974 (Melanie Artim) - ❤️

1974 (Ellen Barnett Diana) - ❤️

1974 (Bob Berta) - “ Hi Art and Keith---I enjoyed the latest Newsletter, as always.......... The Wheatley football report was before my time at Wheatley but very interesting to read. Keep up the good work.”

Douglas Aibel - ❤️

1976 (Paul Giarmo) - “I appreciate your dedication to free speech and all things Wheatley.”

1976 (James Juczak) “Thanks for all you do!”

1980 (Todd Cooper) - ❤️

1980 (Richard Pistocchi) - ❤️

???? (Josh Womark) - ❤️

Book Weekly - ❤️

The Book Lesson - ❤️

The Official Notices

All underlined text is a link-to-a-link or a link-to-an-email-address. Clicking anywhere on underlined text, and then clicking on the text that pops up will get you to your on-line destination or will address an email.

The Usual Words of Wisdom

Thanks to our fabulous Webmaster, Keith Aufhauser (Class of 1963), you can regale yourself with the first 252 or so Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletters (and much other Wheatley data and arcana) at our website:

The Wheatley School Alumni Association Website

Also thanks to Keith is our search engine, prominently displayed on our home page: type in a word or phrase and, wow!, you’ll find every place it exists in all previous Newsletters and other on-site material.

I edit all submissions, even material in quotes, for clarity and concision, without any indication thereof. I cannot and do not vouch for the accuracy of what people tell me, as TWSAA does not have a New Yorker style fact-checking department.

We welcome any and all text and photos relevant to The Wheatley School, 11 Bacon Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568, and the people who administered, taught, worked, performed, and/or studied there. Art Engoron, Class of 1967

Closing

That’s it for The Wheatley School Alumni Association Newsletter # 256. Please send me your autobiography before someone else sends me your obituary.