Tag: Class of 1966

Claudia Gentry ~ Class of 1966

Departed~07/09/2003

Information supplied by: Glenda Gentry

Class of 66 – Claudia Gentry – Died July 9, 2003 of ovarian cancer after a hard fought battle that gave her 5 extra years.

I remember arriving in Bangkok as a nervous (and extremely shy) freshman (sounds so much better than 9th grader!). I met Glenda Gentry, who became my bestest friend, and thru her, Claudia. My older sister had not lived at home for years (college and married long before) so I was not prepared for a big sister, let alone Claudia. She was friendly (could get a rock to talk), very Southern, and a charming flirt with the boys. She teased me unmercifully at times. Especially about my “beauty mark” on the tip of my nose (which has since disappeared) and the fact that my big toe is shorter than my second toe (which is still true). She did not pull any punches either. I remember when I was asked to the Sr. prom as a lowly freshmen – it gave her a chance to tease the heck out of me (not to say embarrass me! the duty of every big sister, as I understand it. I have tried to carry the legacy with my younger sibs, but never came close.) I visited Glenda in Washington DC a few years later – Claudia hadn’t changed even though she was married with children. I remember when they picked me up at the airport. I had (of course) been sitting next to a guy on the plane and we talked after we disembarked. She marched up and said that she knew I would have met a cute boy (immediately starting the blushes and the urge for flight!) and a few other things funny only to onlookers and other big sisters. I knew I was still family.

I missed my funny big sister who gave me a glimpse of that big world of teenagers that I had just entered when she went back to the states after graduation. I wish her Godspeed and hope that she looks kindly on my toes at long last.

Mary Griest

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail.com

Bob Moermond ~ Class of 1966

Departed ~ 8/6/1987

Sally Kerr ~ Class of 1966

Departed ~ 4/20/2018

Frank Gigliotti ~ Class of 1966

Departed 6/9/2013

Frank John Gigliotti, 64, of Kailua-Kona died June 9 at the Kona Community Hospital. Born in Springfield, Mass., he was an Army veteran, worked for the Social Security Administration until retirement and came to Hawaii May 2002 settling in Kailua Kona where he enjoyed scuba diving. Survived by wife, Carol Gigliotti of Kailua-Kona; and sister, Starnell (Howard) Franklin of North Carolina. Private services planned. Arrangements by A Hui Hou Crematory & Funeral Home of West Hawaii.

Received sad news that Frank Gigliotti (Class of ’66) died Monday night about 11:30 at a hospital in Kona, HI. His wife Carol said he was moved to a regular room from ICU preparatory to going to a hospice and seemed comfortable but then died in his sleep.

Judy Molthen Nelson

Frank John Gigliotti

June 9, 2013 Frank John Gigliotti, 64, of Kailua-Kona, a Social Security Administration retiree and an Army veteran, died in Kona Community Hospital. He was born in Springfield, Mass. He is survived by wife Carol and sister Starnell Franklin. Private services.

Chuck Byrd ~ Class of 1966

Arrived ~ 7/1/1946

Departed ~ 05/25/1968

K.I.A. S. Vietnam

https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/7269/CHARLES-BYRD/

I will always remember Chuck Byrd, fellow Classmate at ISB (International School of Bangkok, Thailand). We also ran on the same Cross Country team with Roger Sanders in the Singapore Games for the International School of Bangkok, 1966 season. Chuck and I played Rugby together with Jim Yoder. I remember Chuck as a quiet guy, I always thought he looked like Sal Mineo in Rebel Without a Cause. I spent a lot of after school hours with Chuck on the fascinating and sometimes dangerous streets of Bangkok, where the school kids grew up fast. He was always a loyal friend. He gave his wonderful life so that we could be free and live to an old age. I will not forget his sacrifice.

Bill Clarke ’67

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