In Memoriam

Our Teachers

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Walter F. Dudding, Assistant Principal

Walter F. Dudding, 94, surrounded by his family, passed away on June 24, 2009 at the retirement community of Harrogate, in Lakewood, NJ, where he relocated in January 2005, after nearly 60 years as a resident of Norwalk, CT. Walter was born July 14, 1914 in Longhill, CT, son of John (Jack) and Nellie Patla Dudding.

He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife and partner of 66 years, Pauline (Dot) Anderson Dudding and his children, Gerald F. Dudding and wife, Kate of Clifton Park, NY, Eugenie (Genie) D. Short and husband, Gary of Dallas, TX, Joan D. Brown and husband, Robin of Toms River, NJ, and Susan D. Evans and husband, James of Springfield, VA. Walter will always be remembered as "Papa" to his 8 grandchildren. He is also survived by two half-brothers, Harold and William Jacobs, their respective wives, D''ette and Anita; a sister-in-law, Gladys Humphrey Anderson, and many nieces and nephews.

Walter Dudding graduated from Hillhouse High School, New Haven, CT, in 1933. He spent three years at Western State College in Gunnison, CO, and graduated from Teacher''s College of Connecticut, which is now Central Connecticut State University, in New Britain, CT in 1942 with a BS degree in Business Education. He went on to receive his Masters and 6th year degree at NYU in Secondary Education.

Walter Dudding is a WW II veteran, having enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard as a Seaman Recruit in May 1942. In August, he entered Officer''s Candidate School at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT and upon graduation he was commissioned as an Ensign in November 1942. The following day, on the 26th of November he married Pauline Eugenie Anderson at St. Mary''s Catholic Church in Norwalk, CT. After a short leave, he reported for sea duty and spent 38 months at sea with tours of convoy duty on the USCGC Humphreys and the USCGC Rush in the Caribbean, and then on search and rescue and convoy duty in the North Atlantic on the USCGC Evergreen, which was home based in Greenland. Walter was released from active duty in February 1946. He continued his service in the U.S. Coast Guard as a Reserve Officer and retired, with the rank of Captain in 1974.

Walter Dudding began his civilian career as a business teacher at Norwalk High School where he also coached hockey and basketball. Walter remained an integral part of the Norwalk High School community for 41 years, retiring in June 1983. During his career in the Norwalk School system, Mr. Dudding spent 13 years as Vice Principal under the Principal, Mr. Eric Malmquist, at Norwalk High School on East Avenue and then spent an additional 12 years as Housemaster in "D House" at the newly constructed Norwalk High School. Walter also served as faculty athletic manager and worked at numerous youth sports programs sponsored by the Norwalk Recreation Department and the Norwalk YMCA. He was honored by the Norwalk "Old Timers" in November 1987 for his dedicated service to physical fitness and sports education at the 27th Annual Sports Award Dinner.

Prior to assuming year-round administrative responsibilities at Norwalk High School, Walter spent many summers working as the head swimming pro at Shore Haven Country Club in Norwalk, CT, and then at Quaker Ridge Country Club in Scarsdale, NY. He also was active in swimming, and youth and adult fitness programs at the Norwalk YMCA. He received an honorary lifetime YMCA membership in July 2004 for his service and commitment to the Norwalk Y community.

Walter would want to be remembered for his devoted love of family, his service to community and country, his ability to remember and tell a good joke whenever and wherever, and the enjoyment he received by just being around people, young and old. His family and friends will gather to celebrate his long and full life on Sunday, July 12, 2009, two days before his 95th birthday, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Clark Auditorium at the retirement community of Harrogate, 400 Locust Street, Lakewood, NJ. A formal ceremony will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2009 at Arlington National Cemetery where Captain Dudding will be buried with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, tax-deductible contributions may be made to ''The Harrogate Fund'' in memory of Walter F. Dudding. Please send donations to Janice Davis, Harrogate Inc., 400 Locust St., Lakewood, NJ. 08701.

posted July 7, 2009

William M. Gilmore

William M. Gilmore, age 90, of Norwalk, passed away peacefully at the Norwalk Hospital on Friday, January 30. He is survived by his wife, Emma B. Gilmore, to whom he was married for 62 years. In addition, he is mourned by his two sons Thomas C. Gilmore and William M. Gilmore Jr.

William M. Gilmore was born in Gaffney, South Carolina. He shared the household with a younger brother, Thomas Gilmore, who predeceased him.

From his early years, William Gilmore excelled in school. Economic circumstances forced him to earn his way though school. Nevertheless, he graduated with high honors while serving as class president and editor of the school newspaper of the Agricultural and Technical College of North Carolina. Later in his career, he supported his young family by driving a cab in Philadelphia while attending Temple University from which he received a Master of Education. He completed his formal education with by earning a six-year professional diploma from the University of Bridgeport.

Gilmore met his future wife, Emma Brantley, while teaching in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Both he and Emma taught in the segregated school systems and both were united in their tireless advocacy for civil rights for all students and citizens.

After his marriage to Emma Brantley, Gilmore moved to Norwalk, CT in 1953 where he became among the first African Americans to be employed by the Norwalk School system. He was joined the next year by his wife and two children. Emma Gilmore later joined the Norwalk school system as an elementary school teacher, much beloved by her students.

Gilmore served and taught in Norwalk for the entirety of his professional educational career. He first taught Science in the old Center Junior High School before moving to Norwalk High where his skills as a Chemistry Teacher became a widely recognized asset of that school. Later he served as a Housemaster, and Vice and Senior Principal at Norwalk High after the new building was completed.

Gilmore's excellence as a teacher was widely recognized by his students as well as colleagues. The Norwalk Board of Education honored him after his retirement with a Distinguished Merit Award. He was known for his capacity to inspire the best efforts from his students and even those lest gifted as students found encouragement by his firm unwillingness to accept anything less than their best.

Mr. Gilmore''s dedication to the City of Norwalk found expression in his tireless devotion to community service. He gladly served on the boards of many non profit organizations and was ever available as a volunteer for the many causes he espoused, from civil rights to educational literacy. Mr. Gilmore was also tirelessly devoted to his Church the Norwalk United Methodist Church

Gardening was a beloved hobby and Gilmore never tired of the endless hours he devoted to planning and cultivating new plants and vegetables. He was always vigilant in the search for ever new plots of lands which he could turn into his personal farms and garden.

An avid reader, Mr. Gilmore''s personal work space was invariably an obstacle course composed of numerous books and magazine articles he read. He was equally tireless in his desire to inspire others with his love of learning and personal improvement.

His impact on the community was beloved by his family and friends who miss and mourn his passing.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends and family consider donations to the Norwalk chapter of the NAACP, the Norwalk United Methodist Church, and the Agricultural and Technical College of North Carolina.

Funeral Services are 11:00 AM Friday, February 6, 2009 at Norwalk United Methodist Church, Rev. Janet Hodge, officiating. A Gathering is from 10:00 AM until time of Services at the Church and Interment at Riverside Cemetery, 81 Riverside Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut. Arrangements entrusted to Baker Funeral Services, 84 S Main St. Norwalk, CT; visit www.bakerfuneralservices.com to sign Guest Book.

posted February 5, 2009

Robert E. Dion

Norwalk Math teacher, 1967 NHS Class Advisor

Robert Edmond Dion, age 67, of Lady Lake, Fla., died unexpectedly at his home on Monday, October 8, 2007. He was the husband of the late Constance (Kaczynski) Dion. He was born in Webster, Mass. on March 30, 1940, a son of the late Edmond and Janet (Brogan) Dion. Mr. Dion earned his Masters Degree in Education from the University of Massachusetts. He taught in the Norwalk School System from 1960 to 1968 and at Staples High School from 1968 to 1995. He lived in Brookfield for 17 years prior to retiring to Florida 10 years ago. He was a dedicated teacher, an avid golfer and a devoted family man. He is survived by his five children, Robert Dion and his wife, Jennifer, of Newtown, Keith Dion and his wife, Michelle, of Brookfield, Kevin Dion of Rocky Hill, Jennifer Wood and her husband, John, of Casper, Wyo., Leanne Furlong and her husband, Thomas of Torrington; 15 grandchildren, Emily and Samantha Dion, Taylor, Maren, and Madison Dion, Kevin, Cody, Kyle and Megan Dion, Steven and Brittany Robbins, Shannon and John Wood, Ashley and Amber McCarty. A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, October 15, 2007 at 11 a.m. in Section 12 of St. Peter's Cemetery, Danbury. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Brookfield Funeral Home, 786 Federal Rd., Brookfield. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Mr. Dion's memory be made to:American Cancer Society, 3709 W. Jetton Ave., Tampa , FL 33629 or to Elks National Foundation, 2750 N. Lakeview Ave., Chicago , IL 60614 .

posted 10/31/2007

Frances Jane Barlow Latham

Former Norwalk Teacher

Frances Barlow Latham, 84, of Norwalk, died Wednesday, July 4th, 2007 at Norwalk Hospital. Born on April 7, 1923 in Orange, NJ, Frances was the third daughter of Joseph W. and Marie Chipley Barlow. She graduated from high school at the age of 16 and then attended New York University, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Foods and Nutrition and a Minor in Biology and Chemistry. Upon graduation she worked as a chemist at Fleishmann Laboratories where she met her future husband, Haverman Peter “Pete” Latham. They were married on September 7, 1947 in New York City at the home of her father and stepmother. They settled in the Bronx, NY until 1949 when they bought their first home in Creskill, NJ. Frances and Pete raised three children – Barbara, Peter and John. In 1953 Pete accepted a job with Pepperidge Farm and the family moved to Downers Grove, IL. In 1958 Pete was transferred to the company’s corporate headquarters in Norwalk, CT and the family relocated there.

After her three children were older Frances went back to school to obtain a teaching degree. She graduated from the University of Bridgeport with a Master’s Degree in Elementary education, and she later obtained her 6th year certificate from Southern Connecticut State University. She held teaching positions at Rowayton School, Cranbury School, Naramake School, and Tracey School, all in Norwalk, CT, teaching various elementary grades.

After a long teaching career Frances retired in 1986. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her children: Barbara Latham Ereshena [Paul Martinez] of Norwalk, Peter Latham, of Clarkston, MI, and John Latham [Karen] of Norwalk; her grandchildren: Michael Ereshena [Nancy] of Bridgeport, CT, Jennifer Ereshena Lobasz [Michael] of Shelton, CT, and Katlin Latham of Norwalk, as well as three great-grandchildren: Elizabeth and Michael Ereshena of Bridgeport, CT, and Jacek Lobasz of Shelton, CT.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 4-6 PM at the Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. Services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Whittingham Cancer Center, 30 Stevens St., Norwalk, CT 06850.

JOSEPH J. GEMZA, JR. - West Rocks and NHS Faculty

Joseph J. Gemza, age 63, of Norwalk, died on Monday, January 22, 2007 in Norwalk Hospital. Born in Danbury, the son of Joseph and Enza (Mallucci) Gemza Sr., he was the beloved husband of Judith (Bucciarelli) Gemza. Mr. Gemza was a retired teacher at Norwalk High School, an avid car lover and a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a member of the Gateway Auto Club, CHAS (CT Historical Auto Society), the retired teachers assoc. and New Horizons at St. Matthew Church. He is survived by his beloved wife Judith, of 41 years, a son, Fr. Richard Gemza, and a daughter, Tracy Scotti and her husband Raffaele, as well as two cherished grandchildren, Frank and Grace Scotti.

Louis (Gigi) Iodice - West Rocks & NHS Faculty

Louis (Gigi) Iodice, age 86, of Bridgeport, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, February 12, 2006 at St. Vincent Medical Center. Born in Bridgeport, on February 10, 1920, he was a son of the late Umberto and Esther Bounincontro Iodice. He attended the Bridgeport school system and was a decorated Air Force veteran of World War II. Louis was married almost 50 years to his wife, Rose Caruso Iodice who predeceased him. He lived in Trumbull from 1974 to 2001, before moving to Milford. After the loss of his wife Louis returned to Bridgeport in 2002 and worked for many years at the Dictaphone Company. In his mid years, he went to Southern Connecticut State University, where he received both his Bachelorts and Masterts degrees. He served for many years in the Norwalk school system as a teacher and an assistant principal. Louis was a member of the Trinacria M.A. Society and a lifetime member of the Retired Teachers Society. In addition to his parents and his wife, he was also predeceased by a sister, Angelina Iodice. Survivors include a sister, Lillian Iodice of Bridgeport; and his wife's siblings, Caroline Wakefield, Angeline Schillaci, Rita Quatrella, and Joseph Caruso; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 at 11:30 a.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, and at 12:30 p.m. in St. Andrew Church, Bridgeport for a Mass of Christian burial. Interment with full military honors will follow at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Friends may call on Tuesday, from 4 to 8 pm. The Trinacria M. A. Society will exemplify a ritual on Tuesday at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home at 6 p.m. To light a virtual candle, visit us at www.abriola.com.

Published in the Connecticut Post from 2/13/2006 - 2/14/2006.

posted 2/15/2006

Elise Anderson

Marjorie Anderson

Jack Cronin

Physical Education/Driving

Mary Howard

Math

Gordon Jacob

Social Studies

John McGuiness

Margaret McHenry

Ruth McMahon

Walter Miglin

William Moore

Principal

James Previtali

Terry Rebe

Betty Ryan

Marcella Sallick

Thomas Scarso

Physical Education

Katherine Skelly

Ralph Skelton

Math

Arthur Songhurst

Albert Woodend

April 2003

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