It was fun to catch up with Richard Perrine and discuss old times, after the reunion. Stay well ol' pal. The tour of our old high school was fun, and being with our fellow classmates and I appreciate the hard work of the committee to make it happen. The disappointment to me was that the elementary school was gone and replaced with a new building that didn't matter to us. I'm glad he was able to go see it before it's demise. Having been away for so many years, I was unaware of the so called progress. C'est la vie!
And a thanks for saying well written....it brings to mind my english term papers. I wrote one they wanted (of course in blue ink) handed it in....and got it back with more "red ink" corrections than I had written in "blue". I thiink it was E. E. Comings (SP?) who did free form writing....trailing around the page with flowery lines etc.... my next paper emulated his style. As I wrote my post above ....I wondered if I had yet to perfect the run-on sentence.
Richard, thank you for sharing your experience and your memories. Sitting here in COVID self isolation for three months it was wonderful to read. I do not remember much of my school years since I was very ill our senior year and spent 5 months in the hospital. A large part of my memory is just a shadow and you helped to draw some of them into shape for me. I do remember several things like special teachers, friends that were close to me, school plays, recess, football games, track, girls softball (go Duck and Linda), the supply room, peanut butter bars, just odds and ends. Oh and of course Mr. Peterson's paddle though he was our neighbor and I got to see another side of him besides the paddling side, LOL.
For the majority of our school life we lived in the house that my Dad and his brothers built on Schoolcraft right across from the baseball fields. Many nights when I was too young to go to the football games we would climb the big elm tree in our yard and watch from there. We have tree climbing in common! I am happy that you were able to save some things from our school. I wanted a brick from the building but I moved away from the area in 1985 so missed the opportunity. Thanks again for the memories! Debi
Quite often, my wife hears from our Librarian Diane Winnen. Patti was the manager of Akron CivicTheater and Diane volunteered some thines down there. While my earlier post detailed my memories of my last trip through the old school before it was torn down, I actually had no idea that the Library was still standing. I probably would have gotten in touch with Diane and ask if she could be at the Library during th tour.
Diane tells the story I had forgotten about....
One day while driving home from her job at the school, a group of guys came up behind her in thier car. They decided to pull around as if to pass her .... but didn't. One of the guys dropped his drawers and MOONED her. What the guys didn't notice was the third car.... travelling behind them. It was our local Copley COPS.....who pulled them over. Any of the guys can confess here and now.
George N. Verlaney, loving husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather, died peacefully at his home on June 23, 2020, with his family present.
He was preceded in death by his wife Joan; his parents Nathaniel and Orania Verlaney; his sisters Faye Kinder and Laura Preisse; his parents-in-law William and Joan Henry; his brothers-in-law Harold Kinder, Gene Preisse, John Henry and Eric Lang; and his sister-in-law Jay Henry.
George is survived by his children Georgia L. Verlaney and David N. (Gina A.) Verlaney; his grandchildren Xander Verlaney and Brooklynne Verlaney; and many dear relatives and friends.
George was born in Akron and lived most of his adult life in Copley. He graduated from Buchtel High School where he was voted most popular and was vice president of his senior class. He obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Education from The University of Akron.
While at Akron University, George participated in ROTC and was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. After college, he became a captain with the United States Army.
George was a consummate educator, first as a teacher at the former West Junior High School, and then as an assistant principal and principal in the Copley-Fairlawn School System. He was a past president of the Summit County Association of Assistant Principals.
One of George’s favorite accomplishments as a principal of the Copley-Fairlawn Middle School was his introducing the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot races, which have become a tradition at the school.
George had an ease with students and teachers, and he knew how to inject humor to mitigate a difficult situation. He had a winsome personality, which led to his having many life-long friends and acquaintances.
George had a wide range of interests. He participated in various sports over the years, including football, volleyball, softball, bowling and golf. He was an avid reader, particularly about history and government as well as current affairs. George also appreciated the arts. He enjoyed plays, musicals and concerts, and he loved to sing, especially songs of the famed Nelson Eddy. George and his wife Joan were lovely dancers, and when they danced the jitterbug people stopped to watch. George also had a natural talent for drawing, which first became apparent when he was caught as a child drawing Superman on his sister Laura’s stationery. George was an excellent cook too. His specialties were soups, stews and chilis.
George had tremendous pride in his Albanian heritage and was a long-time member and past president of the American-Albanian Club. His parents, who immigrated to the United States from Albania, worked hard and stressed education for their children, which influenced George and his sisters Faye and Laura’s devoting their professional careers to education.
Funeral Services will be held TUESDAY June 30, 2020, at 12 p.m. at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road, with Rev. Mark Pruitt officiating. Calling hours will be held two hours prior at Billow’s. Interment following at Rose Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to One of a Kind Pet Rescue, 1929 W. Market Street Akron 44313.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George N. Verlaney, please visit our floral store.
Thank you to all that reached out to me after the passing of my sister Carolyn & my brother Dale who both passed the same day. Hi to all my classmates.
I am very sorry to learn of the passing of not only your sister but your brother as well. You two "girls" were always inseparable. Cherish the memories you created, sending prayers and hugs your way.
I'm wishing all of us that have made it to our 70th birthday. With making 70 years of age, making 80 should be less harrowing for us all.
Be thankful for your accomplishments, your spouse, your children and grandchildren. Be thankful for your lot in life, and for that, that you pray to.
I truly miss our time together, but family is more important, now than ever. Be good. Love to you all.
Gary, I'm so sorry to hear of your wife's passing. I wish you didn't have to feel the pain and sadness of losing someone so close. May God bless you with strength and comfort as you work through your tragic loss.
Hi, I'm posting this announcement from Sam Riney's FB page. He just released another album of his music. I think that all of his work is now available on Spotify and YouTube Music.
Hello everyone. Please forgive this bit of self-promotion.
A previously unreleased contemporary jazz album of mine titled “Joyride” is now available to stream and download on line along with my contemporary jazz back catalogue. You can find it at all of the popular sites.
“Joyride” is mostly my original material as well as “Another Star” by Stevie Wonder and “La, La, La Means I Love You” by the Delfonics. Musicians on “Joyride” include Bubba Bryant, Bob Parr, Mychal Lotz, Stephen Boykin, Rafael Padilla, Dennis Farias, Garnett Brown, Chuck Domanico and Oscar Brashear.
On my previous contemporary jazz albums along with original songs there are songs written by many of my friends including Kurt Farquhar, Eddie Arkin, Jason Miles, Lenny White, Dave Benoit, Bob Parr, Paul Chiten, Bill Meyers and Don Grady. Musicians on these albums include Freddie Hubbard, David Benoit, Lenny Castro, Vinnie Colaiuta, Grant Geissman, Paul Jackson Jr. Daryl Jones, Michael Landau, Carlos Vega and Freddie Washington.
If you are interested give a listen and please pass this post on to anyone you think might enjoy listening to this chapter of my career. I was lucky to make cool music with very talented people. Thanks,
Sam Riney
I also wish I could attend the mini reunion. 7-27 is my Mother's 98th birthday and I have a gig on 7-31. So, have some wine for me and end with a trip to SkyWay! Have fun.
Sorry to be missing the mini runion....wish I could be there. Plese take oictures snd post for those of us who cant be there. I know yas willl have a GREAT time.
I received the following from Jerry (Jake) Wood regarding his brother, Ralph
Ralph F. Wood, age 93, passed away Friday, March 29, 2024 at the Justin T. Rogers Hospice Center after a period of declining health. Ralph was born November 15, 1930 in Akron and was a lifelong area resident. He graduated from East High School in the Class of 1948 and attended the University of Akron where he lettered on the rifle team. Ralph worked for 43 years for the F.W. Albrecht Grocery Company, opening and managing the Montrose Acme. He was a charter and proud member of the Copley Lions Club, now the Copley Norton Lions Club. Ralph was an avid golfer and pool player, and each of those friends held a special place in his heart. He enjoyed a good card game with family and friends. He was a fan of Ohio sports teams. Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Helen Wood, his siblings, Dora Blaine, Charles Wood, and Joyce George. Ralph is survived by his beloved wife, Doris, his daughters, Jean (Scott) Spessard, Joan (Tom) Grinder, Jayme Osborn, and Lisa (Byron) Arledge; six grandchildren, James (Courtney) Wright, Kelsey Wright, Mackenzie Spessard, Kyle Spessard, Andrea Grinder and Tommy Grinder. He also leaves his siblings, Jerry (Linda) Wood, and Donna Quiesenberry; and numerous nieces, nephews, good friends, and neighbors. Ralph impacted his family and friends with a constant love that inspired us all. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Fairlawn. Friends may call Friday, April 5th from 5-7PM at the Rose Hill Funeral Home, 3653 W. Market St. in Akron, where the memorial service will begin at 7PM. Rev. Dr. Lisa Arledge and Rev. Dr. Byron Arledge will concelebrate. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116, or to the Copley Norton Lions Club, 952 Wallwood Dr., Copley, Ohio 44321. Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.rosehillbp.com Posted online on April 01, 2024 Akron Beacon Journal.
Thank you for letting us know Janet. Jerry, my sincere condolences on the loss of your brother. I remember him and the day that Acme Montrose opened. He truly made that store successful and was always friendly. May he rest in peace. Much love to you, Debi
Jerry, I saw the obit in the ABJ, I remembered him as the nice manager for so many years at Acme, but I never knew he was your brother. My sincere condolences, he was a great guy❣️
On the hunt for pics of our original 1969 CHS graduation jackets. In the process of designing a reproduction of the original one. Any photos would be awesome. I do not have group FBook so if anyone can help?...please send any pictures to my new email...Thank you so much. Ernie
I have prototype pics in my photos..trying to be accurate as possible..Hope to have it fabricated..
Rick Morgan, 73, of Akron passed away after a lengthy illness May 1 surrounded by family. Rick was a graduate of Copley High School and the University of Akron. He retired from Giant Eagle after many years in the grocery industry.
Rick is survived by his wife of 50 years, Paula, his daughter Elizabeth(Jason) Heller of Fairport Harbor, and his son Lucas(Jill) Morgan of Cuyahoga Falls. He will be missed by his grandchildren, Zachary(Sarah) Heller, Ryan Heller, Audrey Heller, Alexis Stewart, and Alyssa Morgan. He also leaves behind brothers Jerry (Kathy) Morgan, Timothy (Colette) Morgan and sisters Susan Morgan and Deborah (Mark) Blewitt.
There will be no services per Rick’s request. Condolences may be shared online at www.heritagecremationsociety.com
Rip Rick ..Original member of the Bachlors VI......
