C L A S S N OTE S
HOPKINS GRAMMAR
1660–1972
MRS. DAY’S
1916–1938
DAY
1938–1960
PROSPECT HILL
1930–1960
DAY PROSPECT HILL
1960–1972
HOPKINS SCHOOL
1972–PRESENT
1948 HGS
1950 HGS
Marvin Arons msarons@optium.com
Robert DeFeo rhdefeo@att.net
1949 HGS
Since the worst pandemic in our long lifetimes has descended on us, we have spent the last months avoiding contact with others, and that includes classmates. Hopefully, as this year wraps up and we find ourselves in 2021, we will once again be able to join together for what has been our totally enjoyable annual brunch since our pal Harry Adams got us together at the Graduate Club for lunches so long ago; hopefully when restrictions are lifted, we will once again happily restore this tradition. Good wishes to you all. –Bob DeFeo
Robert Archambault thearchambaults@optonline.net Hopkins tells me that our latest class list has been sent to all of you. We are down to one page! Not a good sign! If you don’t receive one, please call Donna Vinci at Hopkins at 203-397-1001 x429, or call me. Hopkins was notified that Jim Brouwer had passed away in 2018. No other information was given. Al Gordon died this past August in Southbury, Connecticut. He came to some of our early reunions, but stopped for some unknown reason. Al ran a plumbing supply business in New Haven, and also a realty firm. He is survived by a daughter and several grandchildren. I called Art Youmans recently to say “hello.” He left Hopkins in January 1947, but we kept him on our records and he attended some of our reunions. He lost his wife four years ago and, more recently, one of his legs due to a blood clot. His spirits were good and I’m glad I called him. For years, I have been thinking of our unknown classmates Joe Aitro and Bob Miles, and have some ideas I wish to share with you. Many years ago, a very successful softball/baseball league run by the Aitro brothers was frequently reported on in the sport pages of our local paper, the New Haven Register. They received very good coverage, which indicates it was a well-run league. Were these brothers related to our Joe? I can’t answer this! Maybe you can, or give me a lead to pursue. As for Bob Miles, I also have a lead, but will have to hold off until my next report to follow up on it. We are down to a head count of 14, which I think is pretty good when you realize that we are in our late 80s in age. I think the first classmate we lost was Steve Foster. Any thoughts on the last? Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it, and I hope it includes more exercise!
1950 DAY & PHS Alumnae interested in serving as correspondents for The Day School Class of 1950 or Prospect Hill School Class of 1950 may contact Donna Vinci at dvinci@hopkins.edu.
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Spring 2021 | VIEWS FROM THE HILL
Al Mongillo writes on the passing of Edward J. Onofrio: A Man For All Seasons—“Edward, or Eddie, as he was known on the Hill, returned peacefully to his Maker on December 10, 2020. He is gone, but his legacy will last for many of us, for a very long time. Coming from a humble, hard-working family background, Eddie excelled at whatever he chose to do. At Hopkins, he found his talent for leadership, in addition to his workload at the family market. He took on every challenge that came his way. He became our Class president, captain of both the football and fencing teams, while never refusing to serve on committee when asked. Eddie embodied these talents throughout his life. He became a devoted family man, a successful businessman, a true friend, and an inspiration to those fortunate to cross his path. Eddie’s life will be remembered for his kind generosity and the many good deeds he did for the people he touched. A true Hopkins legacy. May he rest in peace.” Bob DeFeo also writes on Ed’s passing: “As his obituary in the New Haven Register on December 20, 2020, pointed out, he was truly a ‘Giant’ among men. Over the past decades, his height diminished as he was afflicted with debilitating arthritis. But despite those afflictions, he continued to operate the businesses he co-founded with his brothers: Onofrio’s Market, Onofrio’s Catering Service, Onofrio’s Fresh Cut, and Onofrio’s Ultimate Foods. At the same time he provided love and support to his family, particularly in support of his great-granddaughter Mia who has been struggling with heart issues since birth. His inspiration in providing guidance and counsel to those who knew him was legendary and his loss will be felt not only to his family, but to the food industry in the region. On a personal note, Judy and I will miss his Sunday visits to our home always carrying in this trademark–food. Sundays will never be the same for us and for everyone who knew and loved him. His inspiration and guidance was truly exceptional.”
