Schoolmate Profiles

Thom Mammoser

Then Then
Now Now
Marital status: Divorced
Children: 1
Occupation: Semi-retired
Comment:
After OPRF I ended up in IT. In 2005 I became a grandfather. Over the last 20+ years I have been an avid motorcycle enthusist and spend as much time on my bike as I can. In 2008 I completed my quest to ride in the lower 48 states. Yes I do hope to ride to Alaska but that will have to wait until after I fully retire.

Patricia Matelli (Rader)

Then Then
Now Now
Marital status: Widowed
Children: 1
Comment:

Albert Mazeika

Then Then
Now Now
Marital status: Married
Children: 1
Occupation: Television Producer
Comment: Moved to Oak Park during Christmas vacation of 1958. Seven & a half years at good old, now departed, Emerson grade school and 4 years at OPRF. 4 Years at UIC (UICC back then) graduating with a bachelor's degree in Speech / Communications. Relocated to Tucson in late 1974 looking for work in broadcasting, ostensibly radio. Hired as a part time booth announcer/audio operator at KVOA-TV, Channel 4, the local NBC affiliate in early 1975. Had no idea I would still be here 48+ years later but it's been an interesting, fun ride in several positions at the station with all the changes in broadcast technology from film to various videotape formats to Digital and High Definition Video. Currently a producer in our Creative Services Department where I still enjoy producing local commercial spots and in-house promotions as well as still doing some voice-over work. Married to Cathy (another Illinois "refugee"from Decatur) since 1981 and our daughter, Samantha (1985),  is a Northern Arizona University graduate who is married and lives and works in the Phoenix area with our two grandchildren. Unfortunately, my lovely wife, who beat a cancer diagnosis in 2021, is now in a memory care facility. Let me just say that it is very tough to "Make Lemonade" from those lemons we've been given but it is a journey I would make again, without question. I am booked to attend our much delayed "50th" in September and am looking forward to it.

John McHugh

Then Then
Now Now
Marital status: Married
Children: 1
Occupation: Retired
Comment: I stayed in Ohio after graduating from Miami University. After a series of jobs, I ended up in the auto industry and retired after 30 years. My timing was perfect; exiting just before the implosion of the domestics. I married an attorney who is still working and we have a daughter who lives on the east coast. I travel some and spend time at our summer house in Michigan. I have very fond memories of our time at OPRFHS and of course, look forward to seeing everybody at the reunion!

Gus Mehilos

Then Then
Now Now
Marital status: Married
Children: 3
Occupation: Contract Project Manager

Chris Meyer

Then Then
Marital status: Married
Children: 1
Occupation: Pet Adoption Coordinator
Comment: I'm still in Oak Park, living in my boyhood home that I inherited from my parents. I'm married to Terri with one 18 year old son, Eric. Eric graduated from OPRF earlier this summer & is currently attending Triton College. I'm an Adoption Coordinator at Animal Care League, so if you are interested in adopting a pet feel free to chat with me at the reunion. Looking forward seeing everybody!

John Meyer

Then Then
Now Now
Marital status: Married
Children: 2
Occupation: Consultant
Comment:

Sorry to have missed everyone at the reunion, but at least I had a chance to see all the photos and the video.





If any of you have movie film, slides, negatives, prints, or audio that you'd like to share with everyone for the next reunion, contact me and I can professionally transfer this for you. After running three media-related software companies, I have learned how to transfer AND restore all manner of media. You got to see the results of this transfer and restoration in that marvelous 8mm B&W film that Chip Kramer’s dad took of our graduation back in June 1970.





Thanks to Bruce Lehman, Ron Sherman, John Sfondilias, and the entire reunion committee for their help in creating the DVD that we sent to everyone.





John Meyer


November 27, 2010

April Moon (Ross)

Then Then
Marital status: Divorced
Children: 2
Occupation: Real Estate
Comment: Can't believe I'm 57 years old and about to attend my 40th reunion. It's gone by too fast. After high school I started college in brrrrr...Wisconsin...Debbie Raleigh was my roommate. We had a blast, but definitely too cold for me. I headed down to Tampa Fla. and received a B.A. in Journalism. Came back to Chicago and was Public Relations Manager for Jewel Companies for 7 years. Then came time for babies. I have two sons  Keegan 27 and Rhett 22. Got tired of being a bored housewife and started selling real estate as a hobby. Here I am 25 years later selling all the houses in Oak Park and River Forest we partied in during the 60"s.

David Mullin

Then Then
Now Now
Marital status: Married
Children: 4
Occupation: Retired Labor Representative
Comment: Still married to the love of my life Donna Jo, since 1973.  I'm living a great life as the head of the family, with 4 grown children who are, independent, successful, and happily married with children of their own.  





I devoted 17 years to volunteer coaching of youth sports, served as a park district liaison, and the boards of multiple youth sports programs.  I served my Union Brothers and Sisters at Automobile Mechanics Local 701 IAM&AW, for 10 years as a Shop Steward, and Local Lodge President. 





I'm grandfather to 10 unbelievably good looking, smart, funny, and talented grandchildren, (well of course I'm going to say that) consisting of 8 boys, and two princesses.   I can't believe that our two oldest grandsons are freshmen and playing for their respective highschool football teams.





I worked in the auto industry since 1968, (yes, I got out of school early to work at Oak Park Ford.  For many years I regretted giving up Freshman Football for this other extracarricular activity, but it got me where I am with no regrets).





In 2008 I retired from a fulfilling 40 year career as a custom auto restoration shop owner, tradesman in the dealer network, with the final 13 years as the head of the Organizing Department and Labor Representative for the largest union of mechanics and related trades in the USA (IAM Local 701).





I'm living out my dreams, owning a nice place in the South Chicago burbs, with a corn field adjacent to my acre, my Labrador named Coupe, two garages with an air conditioned shop, filled with collectable vehicles, including a classic 1937 Chevy Nostalgia Gasser drag race car, that we race in the NDRL-IAM Championship Series,(of which I am a founder), and we travel to race tracks across the Midwest in our 42' motorhome.





Of course I couldn't do it without the help and support of my crewmen consisting of sons, grandsons, and of course the crew chief (my wonderful wife).  





Years of work have been hard on the equipment, and I have some titanium replacment parts, but it's good to be this side of the asphalt!


 

Kathryn Nirde (Giertz)

Marital status: Married
Children: 2
Occupation: Clinical Social Worker