January 2026 Newsletter

HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2026!  Out with the old, ring in the new.  Another chance to correct what didn’t work and make it better…ala New Years’ Resolutions! We hope that some of you managed to take in at least some of the Tournament of Roses Parade in nearby Pasadena.  My particular float favorites were done by the City of San Francisco and the 250th Anniversary of our Nation (with three soaring eagles).  It was a surprise to see a band made up entirely of high school band directors from across the country (and wondered it our current BHS director, Natalie Kerr, was among them).

And, aren’t the college football playoffs a joy to watch?  So many surprise endings, some games not decided until the final series!

We asked fellow classmates to send us a Christmas-related photo, that we would forward in kind of a collage to the rest of us.  Some did; we used postings on Facebook to add to what we were provided.  Those of you who don’t Zoom with us can now see how great we all look…70 years after graduating together!  And, enclosed are what-have-I-done-since-high school from Armand D’Agostino.

In December we’ve heard from Armond D’Agostino,  Don Moore (with a correction, of course), Bob Delezenski, Rocky Imperatrice, Kay McCormick, Joan Meekins, Anne Lavery, Pat Howlett, Lew Kain, Jo Ann Woods, Ann Zimmerman, Jean Abbey, Bob Alvine, David Byrne, Dave Lagasse, and Wally Riker.

There’s a Bloomfield Historical Society web site that I occasionally visit.  A recent post asked for the name of the coal company that used to serve those that used that fuel.  I recall, near me on Hawthorne, was David Byrne’s home.  Much to my surprise there were two postings from fellow classmates who we had not yet found: Robert Cockefair and Isabell McQueen Carey Wahl.  Utilizing the normally reliable TruePeopleSearch, it showed addresses but incorrect telephone numbers.  But leads nonetheless; stay tuned.  Contact me for Robert’s phone number and for Dave Samuelson’s email address.

Our next Zoom reunion has been changed to Friday, May 1, at 3 pm east coast time.  Wally Riker will again begin a 2 pm for those who may need help logging on.  In rethinking the earlier proposed date, we thought while some would have a conflict with the coinciding Good Friday observance, BHS would be on break and securing a school speaker would be difficult if not impossible.

What’s your news, suggestions, ideas.  This is meant to be your communication forum too.

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Holidayphotos

Armand D’Agostino

I am pictured with my wife Belia of 65 years. We had four children, Linda, Phil, Marie, and Mario.

After graduating Bloomfield High School (bless her name) I enlisted in the Army. My last duty station was Fort Bliss Texas. Which is located in the border town of El Paso, Texas. While at Fort Bliss I met my future wife (Belia) After a short courtship we married and settled down in El Paso. My parents were not happy with the decision but I liked El Paso and we thought this was the right decision for us. My dad died shortly after in 1972.  My mother visited us in El Paso and eventually moved here where she died in 2013.

I was not really into college so I decided to enter the El Paso Fire Department which was a very rewarding career. It was a perfect fit for me. I did manage to go to the local community college and get an associate degree in business. After 26 years I retired a went to work as the safety director for a garment factory “American Garment Finishers” with over 2000 employees; this was challenging and rewarding also. In between careers I painted houses, did some remodeling, worked odd part time jobs (drove an Ice cream truck, moving company).

So that is pretty much it. I like working on cars and building things out of wood. My children are all productive in their own careers…which as a parent brings me great joy.

Armand…AKA Sam, Paul, Armando….and some names that I can’t print here.