"As we meet tonight for our 30 year reunion there are those here who knew some of our departed classmates. Perhaps a few of us knew them all. One thing is certain, everyone here, at one time or another, saw them walking in the halls of Collinwood High School.
"Maybe we exchanged a quick hello or goodbye, or shared a passing comment about our football team, the weather, or a teacher whose class we both were attending. However, that was as close to these classmates as many of us would ever get.
"As kids, we formed circles of friends from the moment we entered 7th grade, and from that relationships grew. Some of those relationships continued long after graduation, while others ended soon after we went our separate ways.
"A few like Mike Delzoppo, Kenneth Mangrum, and Albert Marold passed away prior to graduation. Others passed on in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Two of our classmates, Mary Koenig and Sharon Wizniak were still with us as recently as last year. Perhaps we all have a special memory about some of the 21 who have gone on.
"However, tonight by the grace of God, we are here. Not that we are better, not that we are more worthy. Maybe, it's because God wills it to be. That being said, it is wise to remember, 'We are never promised tomorrow, so let us cherish today.'
"This reunion will come and go, and God willing, we'll all be back in the years to come. To our classmates who are no longer with us, we would like to say, 'We truly, truly miss you. Tonight, you are in our prayers. May you be in Heaven, and may God keep and bless you always.' We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ."
Sonino John Paul Scardelletti - A Christian
Just a note - Just found out Deborah Coles past away in April 2004.
In Memory of Our Classmates Who Have Gone on to the Lord
Susan Baltz
Dennis Barbarino
Norma Chambers
Nat Cirino
Deborah Coles
Michael Delzoppo
Pasqual Federico
Gary Fox
Donald Gray
Eddie Hale
Edward Harwood
Wilfred Hausrath
Michael Kintz
Mary Koenig
Kenneth Mangrum
Albert Marold
Kenneth Martin
William Phillips
Alexander Pietrov
Lynece Posey
Dorothy Radcliffe
Sally Scipione
William Snyder
Dianna Taylor
Dave Tulas
Jeffrey Warbritton
Sharon Wizniak
Raymond Yurkovic
Louis Zaks
Our classmate and Pastor, Terry Birdsong, wrote this prayer for us:
"Heavenly Father, I come to You in prayer and with humbleness to ask Your blessing on all in attendance today. We have been brought together after 30 years to rejoice in each others lives and in Your light and grace. We ask for peace and protection during this time of fellowship. Please bless our activities, our families, and our lives. We live for You and give You the glory for all we have become and all we will do. Please keep us safe and shed Your mercy upon us.
"Father we thank You for taking and keeping our departed classmates safe in Your arms. Please give their families comfort in knowing that they are with You, and forever loved. We do miss them, but they are always in our hearts.
"We love You Dear Lord and give thanks for the many things You have done for us. For this we pray in our risen Saviour's name, Amen."