Class of 1952
(Notes posted in the order they were received, with the newest posts on top.)
Hon. Matthew J. Vitanza, 81, of Ormond Beach, Fla., a former City Court Judge in Binghamton, N.Y., passed away on November 13, 2007 surrounded by his loving family. Judge Vitanza was predeceased by his son, John; parents, Alfonso and Mary Vitanza; and sister, Concetta Vitanza. He is survived by Mary, his wife of 57 years; and his sons and daughters-in-law, Matthew and Susan Vitanza, Johnson City, N.Y., Mark and Sharon Vitanza, Conklin, N.Y., Luke and Theresa Vitanza, Mooresville, N.C.; and daughters and sons-in-law, Celeste and Mark Belyea, Ormond Beach, Fla., and Margaret and Bob Ciganek, Endwell, N.Y.; as well as 13 grandchildren, Ben and Kelly Belyea, Adrienne and Julian Belyea, Jason and Elizabeth Vitanza, Camille and AJ Vitanza, Anthony, Casey and Daniel Vitanza, and Brianna, Jenna and Logan Ciganek; and great-grandchildren, Macy and Tayte Belyea. Matthew is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Judy and James Stento; and many dear cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. After graduating from Binghamton Central H.S., he received his BA from Syracuse University, and a Juris Doctor degree from Vanderbilt University. Matthew also served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during WWII. He practiced law, serving in leadership positions in various civic, fraternal and religious organizations until 1972 when he was appointed, and later elected, to five Terms as City Court Judge of Binghamton. After retiring in 1996, Matthew enjoyed travel, gardening and college basketball. Judge Vitanza moved to Ormond Beach, Fla., and was involved in distributing The Pulmonary Paper, a not-for-profit newsletter for people with chronic lung disease. A loving husband, father and grandfather, Matthew will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Matthew's memory may be made to The Pulmonary Paper, P.O. Box 877, Ormond Beach, Fla. 32175.
Herbert B. Moriarty Jr., 78, died August 27, 2007 at the Veterans Home in Montrose, New York where he succumbed to complications of Alzheimer's Disease. Herbert was the only child of Herbert B. Moriarty, Sr. and Kathleen Prindaville Moriarty, notable Memphians who were active in religious and civic organizations. He was a graduate of Christian Brothers High School, Vanderbilt University (B.A. and J.D.), and Memphis State University (M.B.A.). Herbert took pride in completing his studies at the top of his class and/or a year early. He served as a Judge Advocate General in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and was honorably discharged as a Captain. Herbert worked in the private practice of law for over 40 years including litigation, corporate, personal and real property matters. His seminal case against Velsicol Chemical resulted in one the highest punitive damages award of its time and helped propel the nascent environmental law field. He was also active in his community by representing his constituents on the Shelby County Commission and in the State Legislature (where he authored a resolution leading to the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case known as "one man, one vote" and consequently the statewide restructuring of Tennessee's 95 county governments); and presiding as President and/or on Boards of Directors of civic organizations such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association (Memphis Chapter), National Conference of Christians and Jews, Goodwill Industries, Kiwanis Club and the Legal Aid Society (forerunner to Memphis Area Legal Services) for which he was also a founding member. He was also active in, and held fond memories of, many social organizations and events such as the Cotton Carnival (for which he presided as Prince), Sigma Chi Fraternity and the University Club of Memphis. Herbert extended equal energy and passion into his athletic and social interests. After lettering in Track at Vanderbilt, he returned to his love of running in the late 1970's and began a long-distance running career that lasted over 20 years. Aside from pounding the pavement of the Poplar Avenue corridor almost daily, he ran countless marathons even venturing into ultra-marathons and receiving medals in the Senior Olympics. He inspired many local runners young and old with his dedication to the sport. Among his social circle, he will be remembered as a beloved friend with diverse interests, ebullient charm, contagious wit and humor, extraordinary joie de vivre and the Irishman's "gift of the gab" that infused energy into any gathering or conversation. He moved through his life with a winning smile and his hand always extended, so as to never meet a stranger. He is missed by many family and friends. Herbert was previously married to Madeleine Smith Moriarty of Connecticut and Mary Lou Woods of Memphis. He is survived by his six children, Herbert B. Moriarty III of Connecticut, Kathleen Moriarty Zullow of New York, and Madeleine Moriarty Rousseau, Brian Moriarty, Christina Moriarty and Kevin Moriarty also of Connecticut; and his five grandchildren: Caitlin Perricone of Connecticut, and Herman, Madeleine, Lillian and Hannah Zullow of New York with whom he shared their often lively and raucous New York home as their beloved "Poppy" for over five years.
Logan A. Hipp Jr., 82, died January 29, 2007 in San Antonio, TX. Born in Memphis to Flora Kelley and Logan "Shifty" Hipp (professional boxer). Manager of USF&G Ins. Co. for 35 years. Husband of Louise Hipp, father of Ruffin Hipp and Elizabeth Hipp (Weichmann) and grandfather of Alexandria Weichmann. Logan was known as "Champ", as named by Jack Dempsey. Logan served in the United States Marines in WWII and survived by cousin Frances Deckand Gillsepie and James F. Deckand.
Herman O. Loewenstein of Nashville, TN, died December 8, 2005 at his home. Herman had been a practicing attorney since 1952. He was born in Hamelin, Germany and received his elementary school education in Germany and England. He graduated from West End High School in Nashville. He served two years in the United States Air Force Counter Intelligence Corps as a Special Agent in Germany. He was instrumental in recruiting German Scientists to work on the United States rocket programs.Herman entered Vanderbilt University in 1947 and received his B.A. degree in 1950, majoring in political science and economics. He received his Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University in 1952 and has then practiced law. He is a member of Tennessee Bar Assoc., A.B.A., member of Temple OHABI Shalom, enjoyed traveling and was an avid Vanderbilt University basketball fan.
Jay Alan "Skip" Hanover passed away on November 12, 2005. Skip was an elected member of the Tennessee House of Representatives from 1956 to 1961. He began his law practice with his late father David and uncle, Joseph Hanover, each distinguished lawyers in Memphis. During his legal career, Skip headed the law firm mostly know as Hanover, Walsh, Jalenak & Blair. Skip, respected as a zealous advocate and loved as a loyal and committed law partner and mentor to many, was widely known and recognized as a champion of the legal profession, having become both a Master of the American Inns of Court and a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.
Do you have news you would like to share or just want to let everyone know what you are up to these days? Submit your class note online, e-mail Grace Renshaw or call 615-322-2606.
Please check the "Alumni MIA" list to see if you can help us find any of your "lost" classmates!
