Passing on sad news on Dan Swann. Dan spent 30 years in IT at Conrail and was one of the pioneers that helped automate field operations. He was a good guy and will be missed.
Click below for details on his arrangements
Dan-L-Swann
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Joe Small
I'm saddened to pass on that Joe Small, passed away at home on Friday 10/29/2010.
Joseph L.Small, A retired Conrail employee, Mr. Small loved spending time with his grandchildren and family. He enjoyed Burrs at the beach with his West' Catholic buddies, family vacations arid spending time in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Survivors: Beloved husband of Mary Small (nee Maguin); loving father of Kevin (Kristine) Small of Rutledge PA, Jennifer (Michael) Venezia of Center Valley PA, Kelley Small of Springfield PA, and Kristie (Robert)
Kerns of West - Chester PA; brother of Helen (Ed) McGoldrick of Aldan PA, Janice (Len) Puggi of
Springfield PA, Carol Hornibrooke of Ridley Park PA, and the late Charles, Jimmy, Thomas Small and Miriam White; brother-in-law Bill White and sister-in-law Dolores Small; and 10 loving grandchildren.
Service and visitation: Family and friends are invited to Joseph's Life Celebration services on Tuesday from
7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday morning after 8 a.m. at the James F. Knoetgen Funeral Home, 746 Kedron Ave. (Rt.420), Morton. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Morton.
Burial: Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon.
Joseph L.Small, A retired Conrail employee, Mr. Small loved spending time with his grandchildren and family. He enjoyed Burrs at the beach with his West' Catholic buddies, family vacations arid spending time in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Survivors: Beloved husband of Mary Small (nee Maguin); loving father of Kevin (Kristine) Small of Rutledge PA, Jennifer (Michael) Venezia of Center Valley PA, Kelley Small of Springfield PA, and Kristie (Robert)
Kerns of West - Chester PA; brother of Helen (Ed) McGoldrick of Aldan PA, Janice (Len) Puggi of
Springfield PA, Carol Hornibrooke of Ridley Park PA, and the late Charles, Jimmy, Thomas Small and Miriam White; brother-in-law Bill White and sister-in-law Dolores Small; and 10 loving grandchildren.
Service and visitation: Family and friends are invited to Joseph's Life Celebration services on Tuesday from
7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday morning after 8 a.m. at the James F. Knoetgen Funeral Home, 746 Kedron Ave. (Rt.420), Morton. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Morton.
Burial: Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Kathy Artz-Powers
Sadly submitted for posting to Conrail.net by Patrick Walsh
May 4, 2010
Kathy Artz-Powers, 63, of Philadelphia , died Tuesday at the Chester County Hospital Pottsville
She was a 1965 graduate ofMinersville Area High School and a 1969 graduate of Chestnut Hill College Lehigh University
A certified compensation professional, Kathy worked in compensation divisions of human resources departments at Conrail, Continental Can, and General Accident Insurance, all inPhiladelphia Spring Garden College , Philadelphia
Kathy loved her life onWashington Square Philadelphia Ocean City, N.J., and of her childhood in Minersville. She loved Broadway musicals — especially "Mame."
She was preceded in death by her brother, Clervant C. Artz Jr.
Kathy is survived by her stepchildren, Charlotte Hyatt, Charles Powers, Edward Powers and Paul Powers; sister-in-law, Susan Artz; brother-in-law, Chester and his wife, Virginia; and her many nephews, cousins and dear high school and college friends.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at James J. Terry Funeral Home, 736 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, where friends and family are invited to visit with the family from noon to 1 p.m. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 625 W. Ridge Pike, Suite A-100,Conshohocken , PA 19428
She was a 1965 graduate of
A certified compensation professional, Kathy worked in compensation divisions of human resources departments at Conrail, Continental Can, and General Accident Insurance, all in
Kathy loved her life on
She was preceded in death by her brother, Clervant C. Artz Jr.
Kathy is survived by her stepchildren, Charlotte Hyatt, Charles Powers, Edward Powers and Paul Powers; sister-in-law, Susan Artz; brother-in-law, Chester and his wife, Virginia; and her many nephews, cousins and dear high school and college friends.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at James J. Terry Funeral Home, 736 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, where friends and family are invited to visit with the family from noon to 1 p.m. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 625 W. Ridge Pike, Suite A-100,
Published in Republican & Herald on May 6, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Captain Ed Flynn
Edward V. Flynn, 93, passed away quietly and peacefully on July 16th in Sudbury, MA. He was 93. A private burial was held in Yarmouth Port MA.
Ed Flynn, known to many as "Captain Flynn", was a career railroad police officer. He joined the New Haven Railroad in 1942 and retired from Amtrak in 1979. He served as Captain of Police on the New Haven from 1958 to 1969 and then worked for both Penn Central and Conrail, leaving Conrail as Police Inspector in 1977 to help launch the Amtrak-NEC Police force.
Over the years, he was an active member of the AAR Police Committee, the Rhode Island Chiefs of Police Association and the MA Chiefs of Police Association. Through the years he was an advocate for railroad police officer training and secured participation at the State Police Academy.
A native of Dorchester, Edward survived five brothers and a sister. He was married to Ita T. Flynn (Ryan) for 59 years, who died in 2005 at age 94. He lived in Sharon, MA and Yarmouth Port MA and enjoyed 20+ years of active retirement on Cape Cod. He kept active with his fellow railroad colleagues through those years while pursuing interests in sailing, photography and woodworking.
He is survived by a daughter Susan Flynn of Allston, MA, Richard Flynn and fiance Laura Bean of Sudbury, MA and two grandchildren, Rachel C. Flynn of San Diego, CA and Ryan Flynn of Hopkinton, MA. All arrangements were made through Eugene J. McCarthy and Sons Funeral Home, 11 Lincoln St., Framingham, MA.
Friday, July 9, 2010
William C.Wilhelm Final Arrangements
Sad news from Fletcher Swanson:
Bill was Asst. Manager at our Pittsburgh Car Management Center. May he rest in peace.
F
Dear Friends,
It was much sadness and a heavy heart that I inform you that my husband and our father, Bill, has passed away on Friday, July 2, 2010.
We are prayerful of his comfort and peace. He has spoken and held all of in high regard. His association and communication with all of you has endeared and enriched his life. We are all thankful for your contribution to his life.
Final funeral arrangements are as followed:
Visitation:
Frank F.Gigler Funeral Home
2877 Leechburg Road
Lower Burrell, PA 15068
(724)335-6500
Monday, July 5, 2010 3-8PM
Tuesday, July 6, 2010 2-4PM and 6-9PM
Funeral Service:
Congruity Presbyterian Church
136 Fenneltown Rd
New Alexandria, PA 15670
(724)668-7740
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Visitation at 12:30PM with service to follow at 1:30PM
Internment:
Greenwood Memorial Park
Lower Burrell, PA 15068
Dinner:
Hillcrest Country Club
My mother can be reached at (724) 352-7003.
Once again, accept our thanks for your contribution to his life.
Regards,
Joan Wilhelm
Gale Wilhelm
Royce Wilhelm
Jill Wilhelm
Bill was Asst. Manager at our Pittsburgh Car Management Center. May he rest in peace.
F
Dear Friends,
It was much sadness and a heavy heart that I inform you that my husband and our father, Bill, has passed away on Friday, July 2, 2010.
We are prayerful of his comfort and peace. He has spoken and held all of in high regard. His association and communication with all of you has endeared and enriched his life. We are all thankful for your contribution to his life.
Final funeral arrangements are as followed:
Visitation:
Frank F.Gigler Funeral Home
2877 Leechburg Road
Lower Burrell, PA 15068
(724)335-6500
Monday, July 5, 2010 3-8PM
Tuesday, July 6, 2010 2-4PM and 6-9PM
Funeral Service:
Congruity Presbyterian Church
136 Fenneltown Rd
New Alexandria, PA 15670
(724)668-7740
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Visitation at 12:30PM with service to follow at 1:30PM
Internment:
Greenwood Memorial Park
Lower Burrell, PA 15068
Dinner:
Hillcrest Country Club
My mother can be reached at (724) 352-7003.
Once again, accept our thanks for your contribution to his life.
Regards,
Joan Wilhelm
Gale Wilhelm
Royce Wilhelm
Jill Wilhelm
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Theodore J. Fody
Sad news submitted by: Patrick Walsh (pw411@hotmail.com) from PhillyBurbs.com
Theodore J. Fody of Doylestown died Monday, July 5, 2010, at his residence. He was 76. He was the beloved husband to the late Barbara L. Mathews Fody. Born in New York, N.Y., he was the son of the late Stephen and Anna Koch Fody and the father of the late Steven Fody. Mr. Fody was a former resident of Maryland before moving to Doylestown in 1977.
He was a longtime employee with Conrail before retiring in 1994 as assistant vice president of purchasing. Theodore was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Doylestown.
In his leisure time, he enjoyed working on his family genealogy studies, attending the Reading Phillies and, most of all, spending quality time vacationing with his children and grandchildren. Theodore will be deeply missed by his family and by all who came to know him.
Theodore is survived by his stepmother, Gertrude Fody; his dearest children, Kenneth W. Fody and his wife, Patricia, of Red Hill, Pa., Margaret Rose Weinmann and her husband, Charles, of Lansdale, Patricia E. Fody of Doylestown, Theodore "Scott" Fody and his wife, Sandra, of Douglasville, James E. Fody of Doylestown, Elizabeth A. Clifford and her husband, John, and Karen Sheaffer and her husband, Troy. He also is survived by his brother, Edward Fody of New York; and his 13 grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Thursday July 8, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 235 E. State St. Doylestown. Interment will follow in St. John Neumann Cemetery, Chalfont.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517.
Theodore J. Fody of Doylestown died Monday, July 5, 2010, at his residence. He was 76. He was the beloved husband to the late Barbara L. Mathews Fody. Born in New York, N.Y., he was the son of the late Stephen and Anna Koch Fody and the father of the late Steven Fody. Mr. Fody was a former resident of Maryland before moving to Doylestown in 1977.
He was a longtime employee with Conrail before retiring in 1994 as assistant vice president of purchasing. Theodore was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Doylestown.
In his leisure time, he enjoyed working on his family genealogy studies, attending the Reading Phillies and, most of all, spending quality time vacationing with his children and grandchildren. Theodore will be deeply missed by his family and by all who came to know him.
Theodore is survived by his stepmother, Gertrude Fody; his dearest children, Kenneth W. Fody and his wife, Patricia, of Red Hill, Pa., Margaret Rose Weinmann and her husband, Charles, of Lansdale, Patricia E. Fody of Doylestown, Theodore "Scott" Fody and his wife, Sandra, of Douglasville, James E. Fody of Doylestown, Elizabeth A. Clifford and her husband, John, and Karen Sheaffer and her husband, Troy. He also is survived by his brother, Edward Fody of New York; and his 13 grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Thursday July 8, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 235 E. State St. Doylestown. Interment will follow in St. John Neumann Cemetery, Chalfont.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Good News... Bruce Poff
Good news from Judy Poff concerning Bruce's recent operation. Messages to Bruce can be sent via Judy's email address at: judpo7@aol.com
Bruce came home Tuesday afternoon the 25th of May. He's very happy to be home. ...and out of Mercy Hospital. He's still weak and in pain, but he's alive and thankful. He starts rehab next week, at a place near by. Thank you for your concern and prayers, because we truly believe in the power of prayer.....Judy
Bruce came home Tuesday afternoon the 25th of May. He's very happy to be home. ...and out of Mercy Hospital. He's still weak and in pain, but he's alive and thankful. He starts rehab next week, at a place near by. Thank you for your concern and prayers, because we truly believe in the power of prayer.....Judy
Tom Phillians
It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of our fellow employee Tom Phillians. Tom passed away on Thursday, 5/27/2010. Tom was 58 years old, and had a 39 year career with both Conrail and CSX. Tom most recently worked in the Customer Service Business Systems organization as
Manager Performance Improvement.
Please remember Tom and his wife Deb and their family in your prayers.
Debbie and his families’ address is: 179 Sweet Briar Branch Lane Jacksonville, Fl. 32259
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Gary Foust, 61 - A memorial Mass will begin at 11 a.m. Monday...
Gary Foust, 61, of Cherry Hill, N.J., formerly of Lima, died July 22, 2009, at his residence. He was born in 1947 in Lima to Roger and Alice Ault Foust. His father survives in Lima. His mother preceded him in death. He married Denise Romano, who survives.
Mr. Foust retired as a captain from the Navy, where he served as a SEAL in the Vietnam War. He was also a captain of the diving and salvage unit in Philadelphia with the Navy Reserve. He was a graduate of Lima Senior High School and Defiance College. He was a beloved husband, devoted son and a dear grandfather.
Survivors also include two children, Julia Foust and Matthew (Dana) Foust; and a grandchild. Kian.
A memorial Mass will begin at 11 a.m. Monday at St. John Catholic Church, Collingswood, N.J.
Friends may call from 10:30 a.m. until time of services Monday at the church.
Arrangements are by Platt Memorial Chapels, Cherry Hill, N.J.
///
Mr. Foust retired as a captain from the Navy, where he served as a SEAL in the Vietnam War. He was also a captain of the diving and salvage unit in Philadelphia with the Navy Reserve. He was a graduate of Lima Senior High School and Defiance College. He was a beloved husband, devoted son and a dear grandfather.
Survivors also include two children, Julia Foust and Matthew (Dana) Foust; and a grandchild. Kian.
A memorial Mass will begin at 11 a.m. Monday at St. John Catholic Church, Collingswood, N.J.
Friends may call from 10:30 a.m. until time of services Monday at the church.
Arrangements are by Platt Memorial Chapels, Cherry Hill, N.J.
///
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Bruce Poff Recuperating!
From Fletcher Swanson concerning Bruce Poff...
The following is the thread of emails I received from Bruce Poff and his wife Judy. I am sure he would love to hear from many of his Conrail friends. Emails to Judy can be sent to: judpo7@aol.com
5/14
Fletcher, Yesterday Bruce was transferred to the rehab floor. His blood pressure was low this morning,so no rehab. His address is UPMC Mercy Hospital 1400 Locust St. Pittsburgh, PA. 15219 Room 7430
or our home, 105 Heritage Drive Oakdale, Pa. 15071 Thanks for your prayers and concern, Judy
5/11
Fletcher, I'm sure Bruce informed you about another surgery. He made it through it !!!
After about 8 hours I got to see him. Sunday he was released from ICU and now has a room with a view, in Mercy Hospital. He's improving every day. Thank you for your concern and prayers, Judy
5/4
Here we go again. I am having heart surgery this Friday(5/7/10) at Mercy Hospital here in Pittsburgh. This is to repair a second aneurysm in the descending Aortic Arch. The first one was in the ascending arch. This aneurysm is causing a lot of problems in my chest, not the least of which is the almost complete loss of my voice. The aneurysm will eventually be fatal if not repaired.
The operation will take 4 to 6 hours, and I will be on a heart lung machine throughout the procedure. They will also repair least one and maybe 2 90% blocked arteries. One is critical and the other not as critical and they will repair it if access is available. The operation will go through my side versus the chest for the first aneurysm repair. This is why the second blocked artery may not be accessible. I'll let you all know how I come through this ordeal. The good news is, that if successful, I will have virtually no restrictions to exercise and live a pretty normal life. There are risks like infection, stroke and death, but my doctor says these are minimal (less than 10%) versus. the certainty of eventual death if this problem is not fixed.
Not looking forward to this ordeal again, but hopeful this time will not have the complications that I had the first time.
I should awake about 5 hours after surgery. For the first time I was not expected to wake up for 2 weeks.
I don't know why the wake up expectation is so much lower but we'll see how it goes. These are all of the important facts I have to give you. Thank you for your support in the past and I look forward to seeing all of you in the near future.
5/2
I have another aortic aneurysm, plus 2 90% blocked arteries. I will probably have surgery this week once they line up all of the doctors etc. Judy will keep you informed on my progress. Again it is serious and I may not survive. Thank you for the offer but there is nothing that you can now but pray.
Our minister said last time that God got so tired of hearing that name, Bruce Poff, that he might as well go ahead and make him better so people would leave him alone. My doctor is the best in the field of aortic aneurysm repairs, so I'll be in good hands.
Bruce
The following is the thread of emails I received from Bruce Poff and his wife Judy. I am sure he would love to hear from many of his Conrail friends. Emails to Judy can be sent to: judpo7@aol.com
5/14
Fletcher, Yesterday Bruce was transferred to the rehab floor. His blood pressure was low this morning,so no rehab. His address is UPMC Mercy Hospital 1400 Locust St. Pittsburgh, PA. 15219 Room 7430
or our home, 105 Heritage Drive Oakdale, Pa. 15071 Thanks for your prayers and concern, Judy
5/11
Fletcher, I'm sure Bruce informed you about another surgery. He made it through it !!!
After about 8 hours I got to see him. Sunday he was released from ICU and now has a room with a view, in Mercy Hospital. He's improving every day. Thank you for your concern and prayers, Judy
5/4
Here we go again. I am having heart surgery this Friday(5/7/10) at Mercy Hospital here in Pittsburgh. This is to repair a second aneurysm in the descending Aortic Arch. The first one was in the ascending arch. This aneurysm is causing a lot of problems in my chest, not the least of which is the almost complete loss of my voice. The aneurysm will eventually be fatal if not repaired.
The operation will take 4 to 6 hours, and I will be on a heart lung machine throughout the procedure. They will also repair least one and maybe 2 90% blocked arteries. One is critical and the other not as critical and they will repair it if access is available. The operation will go through my side versus the chest for the first aneurysm repair. This is why the second blocked artery may not be accessible. I'll let you all know how I come through this ordeal. The good news is, that if successful, I will have virtually no restrictions to exercise and live a pretty normal life. There are risks like infection, stroke and death, but my doctor says these are minimal (less than 10%) versus. the certainty of eventual death if this problem is not fixed.
Not looking forward to this ordeal again, but hopeful this time will not have the complications that I had the first time.
I should awake about 5 hours after surgery. For the first time I was not expected to wake up for 2 weeks.
I don't know why the wake up expectation is so much lower but we'll see how it goes. These are all of the important facts I have to give you. Thank you for your support in the past and I look forward to seeing all of you in the near future.
5/2
I have another aortic aneurysm, plus 2 90% blocked arteries. I will probably have surgery this week once they line up all of the doctors etc. Judy will keep you informed on my progress. Again it is serious and I may not survive. Thank you for the offer but there is nothing that you can now but pray.
Our minister said last time that God got so tired of hearing that name, Bruce Poff, that he might as well go ahead and make him better so people would leave him alone. My doctor is the best in the field of aortic aneurysm repairs, so I'll be in good hands.
Bruce
Monday, May 3, 2010
Lost a real railroader: Joseph "Papa Joe" Mammone
Joseph 'Papa Joe' Mammone age 79 of Canton, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Born in Sora, Italy to the late Pietro and Maria Louisa (Cirelli) Mammone he was also preceded in death by brother James (Donna) Mammone and sister Francine (Vincenzo) Pellegrini. Joe has lived in the Canton area since the age of 8. Growing up he was a member and altar boy at St. Mary's Catholic Parish then later in life a member of St. Paul's Catholic Parish. He was retired from Con-Rail where he was employed as a conductor for 32 years. Papa Joe loved his family, gardening, cooking (especially known for his homemade pasta and sauce), wine making and his dogs Hobo and Cumba. He could be seen relaxing under his grape arbor and floating in his wading pool during the summer months. He learned to play the accordion by ear and enjoyed entertaining family and friends. An avid hunter and fisherman in his younger days, he was an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict and member of the V.F.W. Post 3747 and American Legion Post #44. He was a man of strong physical stature and faith.
Survived by his wife of 55 years Olga F. (Mihos) Mammone; children and spouses; Dave (Lisa) Mammone of East Canton, Mary (Jim) Davis of Canton, Theresa (Johnny) Broad of Canton South, Andrea (John) Varney of Orlando, Fl, Joe (Shannon) Mammone of Malvern, Vince (Sheri) Mammone of East Canton, Lisa (Derrick) Reed of Louisville and Tom Mammone of Canton; 27 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, brother and sister-in-law Sylvester 'Zeke' and Janice Mammone of Richville and sister Phyllis Klemper of East Canton and many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will be received on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Rossi Funeral Home and Tuesday from 12 to 1 p.m. with Funeral Services to follow at 1 p.m., Rev. Fr. Tom Bishop officiating. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. (ROSSI-330-492-5830) http://www.rossifuneralhomeinc.com/
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Joseph P. Gender
Joe Gender, age 90, (the obit shows 80) passed away on 02/07/2010. Joe was Co-Ordinator for Conrail's Locomotive Engineer Training School.
http://wwlp.tributes.com/show/Joseph-Gender-87824136#obituary
http://wwlp.tributes.com/show/Joseph-Gender-87824136#obituary
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
"Mr. Pittsburgh"
Some nice comments received about Max Solomon -- many relayed via Fletcher Swanson:
From Martin Mrugal: "...When I joined Conrail fresh out of school as a sales trainee in 1986 I was assigned to the Green Tree Office in Pittsburgh. Dick Cohea, the sales manager, called Max and asked if a young new hire could tag along with him for the day. He agreed and warmly greeted me the next day. We did a high rail trip in his truck and conducted a left-right report - all day. It was eye opening and I learned over the years that Max knew more about the railroad in his pinky finger then most of the operations guys I met subsequently. Truly a great guy and a gentlemen. Rest in Peace Max..."
From: Carl Englund": "...Last night, as I was lying in bed, I was thinking about the years I spent with Max in Pittsburgh. He was a really terrific fellow to work for. I have tried to write down some of the more humorous moments with him.
At one of the big black tie shippers meetings, I was standing with Max watching in horror as he attempted to light a 2 inch long cigar. I was worried he was about to burn his face and hair off with the lighter. While walking around, I spotted a senior US Steel VP with several giant cigars. I got into a polite discussion with him and then complimented his cigar. He graciously offered me one which I immediately took to Max. Max was pleased with the cigar, put it in his coat pocket and continued the attempt to light the cigar butt in his mouth.
One morning, I got a call asking if I had a van. Telling Max my wife had one, he asked me to borrow it and meet him at the business train in the Pitt Passenger Station. Upon arrival, I was asked to take Ted, the cook, on a shopping trip. Max gave me a very specific itinerary to follow. At Benkovitz Seafoods, Ted was dismayed to see everyone in coat and tie (even the guys scaling fish!). He picked at the fish in the display cases and then left. In the car, he wanted to know if there were any other fish merchants in the area. Although it had been forbidden, I took him to Wholley's Fish Market. When Ted opened the doors to a crush of humanity inside, he remarked, this is my kind of place. We ended up getting all our sea food there and then went up the street arguing with he various Vietnamese fruit and vegetable merchants. I stepped back in horror when during the bargaining, he told one he had seen better lettuce and tomatoes in the garbage dumpster. Anyway, the trip was a success and the business car kitchen was supplied. When Max asked me later how the trip went, I remarked fine. Glad he never asked for details.
The Chairman of the Board and all the higher ups were coming to Pittsburgh on the business train. Max told me to get the B&B and paint the office and restroom that were located at the end of the platform. The entire area was policed up and painted. As the business train pulled in, Max and I made one last inspection of the area. Much to our surprise, someone had gone into the restroom and drawn a huge steamshovel on the wall. Underneath was the legend, "L Stanley's Crane." Max's face went white and he instructed me that under no circumstances was Mr. Crane to go in there. I waited outside the little office watching all the different board members get off the train and leave. Finally, Mr. Crane got off and came over to greet me. We talked for a moment and then he asked to be shown our facilities. I took him to see the cab signal test rack, the C&S office and the transportation office. He then asked to see the restroom facilities. I tried to steer him away but he was insistent. Max quickly made himself scarce as Mr. Crane and I walked to the other side of the office building. Inside the restroom, he stopped and stared at the wall for a few seconds. He then commented on the cleanliness but wanted the older fixtures changed out. As we turned to leave, he stopped me and said that next time we did any work in there, he wanted the piece of the wall with his picture. What a super guy.
Finally, we were on a business car trip returning to Pittsburgh from Altoona. It was a horrible trip with a lot of screaming and yelling, a regular blood letting. As the train was pulling into Pitt Passenger Station, Mr. Swanson noted several brand new airhoses and a wrench lying in the gauge. Just as he turned to rip someone a new one, Max spoke up saying, "Darn, I was wondering where I had left them."
There were many more funny incidents that I had with Max. I think he had taken a liking to me because everytime he was off for Coast Guard duties, I was asked to move up to Greentree and cover his job. He was truly a gem to work for and I am sure will be greatly missed..."
From Reilly McCarren: I have fond memories of Max from my time as RSIE in Pittsburgh in 1983-1984. He helped me understand how things "really worked" in the then-complicated Conrail hierarchy. I was fortunate enough to see him frequently in the 1990's at the Pgh Tfc Club dinner and AARS meetings. He was a kind, unique and interesting individual and will be much missed.
From Henry Posner III: "...Anyone riding Amtrak east of Pittsburgh can note CP-Solomon at the east end of the station. In the railroad world this is like having a major street named after you, the best evidence of his truly being “Mr. Pittsburgh” on the PRR, PC, CR and finally NS. He was also a Nice Guy who got things done despite serving in an era when being a Nice Guy was considered by many to be a sign of weakness. In this regard he commanded both respect and affection.
I personally benefitted from his friendship and guidance over the years, beginning with our meeting at a derailment around 1969 when I was in high school. My decision to start my own railroad career with Conrail was largely on his advice. He was one of a kind, and will be sorely missed..."
From Martin Mrugal: "...When I joined Conrail fresh out of school as a sales trainee in 1986 I was assigned to the Green Tree Office in Pittsburgh. Dick Cohea, the sales manager, called Max and asked if a young new hire could tag along with him for the day. He agreed and warmly greeted me the next day. We did a high rail trip in his truck and conducted a left-right report - all day. It was eye opening and I learned over the years that Max knew more about the railroad in his pinky finger then most of the operations guys I met subsequently. Truly a great guy and a gentlemen. Rest in Peace Max..."
From: Carl Englund": "...Last night, as I was lying in bed, I was thinking about the years I spent with Max in Pittsburgh. He was a really terrific fellow to work for. I have tried to write down some of the more humorous moments with him.
At one of the big black tie shippers meetings, I was standing with Max watching in horror as he attempted to light a 2 inch long cigar. I was worried he was about to burn his face and hair off with the lighter. While walking around, I spotted a senior US Steel VP with several giant cigars. I got into a polite discussion with him and then complimented his cigar. He graciously offered me one which I immediately took to Max. Max was pleased with the cigar, put it in his coat pocket and continued the attempt to light the cigar butt in his mouth.
One morning, I got a call asking if I had a van. Telling Max my wife had one, he asked me to borrow it and meet him at the business train in the Pitt Passenger Station. Upon arrival, I was asked to take Ted, the cook, on a shopping trip. Max gave me a very specific itinerary to follow. At Benkovitz Seafoods, Ted was dismayed to see everyone in coat and tie (even the guys scaling fish!). He picked at the fish in the display cases and then left. In the car, he wanted to know if there were any other fish merchants in the area. Although it had been forbidden, I took him to Wholley's Fish Market. When Ted opened the doors to a crush of humanity inside, he remarked, this is my kind of place. We ended up getting all our sea food there and then went up the street arguing with he various Vietnamese fruit and vegetable merchants. I stepped back in horror when during the bargaining, he told one he had seen better lettuce and tomatoes in the garbage dumpster. Anyway, the trip was a success and the business car kitchen was supplied. When Max asked me later how the trip went, I remarked fine. Glad he never asked for details.
The Chairman of the Board and all the higher ups were coming to Pittsburgh on the business train. Max told me to get the B&B and paint the office and restroom that were located at the end of the platform. The entire area was policed up and painted. As the business train pulled in, Max and I made one last inspection of the area. Much to our surprise, someone had gone into the restroom and drawn a huge steamshovel on the wall. Underneath was the legend, "L Stanley's Crane." Max's face went white and he instructed me that under no circumstances was Mr. Crane to go in there. I waited outside the little office watching all the different board members get off the train and leave. Finally, Mr. Crane got off and came over to greet me. We talked for a moment and then he asked to be shown our facilities. I took him to see the cab signal test rack, the C&S office and the transportation office. He then asked to see the restroom facilities. I tried to steer him away but he was insistent. Max quickly made himself scarce as Mr. Crane and I walked to the other side of the office building. Inside the restroom, he stopped and stared at the wall for a few seconds. He then commented on the cleanliness but wanted the older fixtures changed out. As we turned to leave, he stopped me and said that next time we did any work in there, he wanted the piece of the wall with his picture. What a super guy.
Finally, we were on a business car trip returning to Pittsburgh from Altoona. It was a horrible trip with a lot of screaming and yelling, a regular blood letting. As the train was pulling into Pitt Passenger Station, Mr. Swanson noted several brand new airhoses and a wrench lying in the gauge. Just as he turned to rip someone a new one, Max spoke up saying, "Darn, I was wondering where I had left them."
There were many more funny incidents that I had with Max. I think he had taken a liking to me because everytime he was off for Coast Guard duties, I was asked to move up to Greentree and cover his job. He was truly a gem to work for and I am sure will be greatly missed..."
From Reilly McCarren: I have fond memories of Max from my time as RSIE in Pittsburgh in 1983-1984. He helped me understand how things "really worked" in the then-complicated Conrail hierarchy. I was fortunate enough to see him frequently in the 1990's at the Pgh Tfc Club dinner and AARS meetings. He was a kind, unique and interesting individual and will be much missed.
From Henry Posner III: "...Anyone riding Amtrak east of Pittsburgh can note CP-Solomon at the east end of the station. In the railroad world this is like having a major street named after you, the best evidence of his truly being “Mr. Pittsburgh” on the PRR, PC, CR and finally NS. He was also a Nice Guy who got things done despite serving in an era when being a Nice Guy was considered by many to be a sign of weakness. In this regard he commanded both respect and affection.
I personally benefitted from his friendship and guidance over the years, beginning with our meeting at a derailment around 1969 when I was in high school. My decision to start my own railroad career with Conrail was largely on his advice. He was one of a kind, and will be sorely missed..."
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Larry Kane Arrangements
From Ed Strauss...
As many of you know, Larry passed away this morning at Chester County Hospital. After more than a year, the blood platelets and the liver problems took its toll on him. His family hoped that he would overcome the problem, but it was not to be.
His arrangements are:
Thursday, February 4, 2010 -
Viewing at 1 PM; service at 2 PM
DellaVecchia, Reilly Smith & Boyd Funeral Home
410 North Church Street
West Chester, PA 19380
610-696-1181
website: www.drsfh.com (information will be on website soon)
As many of you know, Larry passed away this morning at Chester County Hospital. After more than a year, the blood platelets and the liver problems took its toll on him. His family hoped that he would overcome the problem, but it was not to be.
His arrangements are:
Thursday, February 4, 2010 -
Viewing at 1 PM; service at 2 PM
DellaVecchia, Reilly Smith & Boyd Funeral Home
410 North Church Street
West Chester, PA 19380
610-696-1181
website: www.drsfh.com (information will be on website soon)
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Zach Osborne, son of Joe Osborne, Wounded in Afghanistan
Info received today from friends at Norfolk Southern... "For any of you that know Joe Osborne, I’m sure that he and his family would appreciate your prayers during this time. His son Zach has been serving in Afghanistan and was wounded yesterday. Jim Horgan..."
From Kate O. Stackhouse
Hello wonderful people, Please say prayers for my brother Zach Osborne. He was involved in an IED attack yesterday/today (time frame a little sketchy) and sustained serious injuries to his right leg/foot and left foot. He is stable and will be transported to Germany soon to assess if surgery is needed immediately or if he can be transported to Walter Reed. Information is coming into my parents slowly and in pieces. Zach was able to talk to Joe & Libby (papa & momma) this morning and he said that God was with him and the other 6 men in the Striker when the IED hit b/c it could have been a lot worse and he was the one that had the most serious injuries, the other men are doing ok. I will try to keep everyone posted. For now your prayers, thoughts, and friendship are of great comfort.
Love,
Kate O. Stackhouse
From Kate O. Stackhouse
Hello wonderful people, Please say prayers for my brother Zach Osborne. He was involved in an IED attack yesterday/today (time frame a little sketchy) and sustained serious injuries to his right leg/foot and left foot. He is stable and will be transported to Germany soon to assess if surgery is needed immediately or if he can be transported to Walter Reed. Information is coming into my parents slowly and in pieces. Zach was able to talk to Joe & Libby (papa & momma) this morning and he said that God was with him and the other 6 men in the Striker when the IED hit b/c it could have been a lot worse and he was the one that had the most serious injuries, the other men are doing ok. I will try to keep everyone posted. For now your prayers, thoughts, and friendship are of great comfort.
Love,
Kate O. Stackhouse
Monday, January 25, 2010
Frank Miles Day 2d
By Walter F. Naedele - Inquirer Staff Writer
Frank Miles Day 2d, 85, chairman of the Philadelphia Friends Peace Committee from 1970 to 1974, died of complications from Alzheimer's disease Dec. 31 at White Horse Village, a retirement community in Newtown Square.
Mr. Day shared the same names as a grandfather, the Philadelphia architect Frank Miles Day, but was the son of Kenneth Day and referred to himself as F. Miles Day.
Mr. Day was a transportation engineer with the Pennsylvania Railroad and a successor, Conrail, from 1954 until 1984, when he retired as a manager of facilities and service planning.
But he was better known for his peace activism.
A daughter, Jeannie Roggio, said he was a member of Haverford Friends Meeting for 48 years who became an activist opposing the Vietnam War.
An April 1971 Inquirer article reported that he was one of six people for whom the American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal suit demanding the destruction of 18,000 files of the Philadelphia Police Department.
The suit, against Mayor James H.J. Tate and several top city officials, contended that the files, containing information gathered at public gatherings, were "separate from police investigations or records connected with criminal offenses or arrests."
David Rudovsky, the ACLU lawyer in that case, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting v. Tate, recalled last week that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit "found that the dissemination, but not the collection, of the information on political activities was unconstitutional."
Rudovsky said that "the city agreed to pay the plaintiffs money damages," but he could not recall the amount.
Twenty years later, Mr. Day was still going.
In January 1991, Mr. Day was near the Liberty Bell at a demonstration against the impending Gulf War, part of a nationwide protest.
"This is different" from Vietnam-era demonstrations, he told an Inquirer reporter, "because the people have the opportunity to oppose it in advance - not after thousands are dead and our country is committed."
After his retirement from Conrail, Mr. Day was from 1989 to 1994 the chairman of the Octavia Hill Association, which, since 1896, has owned, renovated, and built affordable housing in Germantown, Kensington, and Manayunk as well as in its home base of Society Hill and Queen Village.
Mr. Day's daughter said that in retirement, he journeyed in his 27-foot Cape Dory diesel-powered sailboat from the Jersey Shore to several Caribbean islands.
For the 1988 Australian Bicentennial, she said, Mr. Day was a member of the crew that sailed a tall ship from Tasmania around Cape Horn to England.
Mr. Day graduated from Fresnal Ranch School near Yuma, Ariz., in 1942, earned a mechanical-engineering degree in an accelerated program at the California Institute of Technology in 1945, and served in the Navy in the Pacific.
Mr. Day lived in Wayne from 1962 to 1981 and in Center City until 1999, when he moved to White Horse Village.
Besides his daughter Jeannie, Mr. Day is survived by his wife of 61 years, Doris; a son, Kenneth; daughters Susanna Creely and Mia Burroughs; a sister; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
A memorial was set for 2 p.m. Jan. 30 at Haverford Friends Meeting, 855 Buck Lane, Haverford.
Frank Miles Day 2d, 85, chairman of the Philadelphia Friends Peace Committee from 1970 to 1974, died of complications from Alzheimer's disease Dec. 31 at White Horse Village, a retirement community in Newtown Square.
Mr. Day shared the same names as a grandfather, the Philadelphia architect Frank Miles Day, but was the son of Kenneth Day and referred to himself as F. Miles Day.
Mr. Day was a transportation engineer with the Pennsylvania Railroad and a successor, Conrail, from 1954 until 1984, when he retired as a manager of facilities and service planning.
But he was better known for his peace activism.
A daughter, Jeannie Roggio, said he was a member of Haverford Friends Meeting for 48 years who became an activist opposing the Vietnam War.
An April 1971 Inquirer article reported that he was one of six people for whom the American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal suit demanding the destruction of 18,000 files of the Philadelphia Police Department.
The suit, against Mayor James H.J. Tate and several top city officials, contended that the files, containing information gathered at public gatherings, were "separate from police investigations or records connected with criminal offenses or arrests."
David Rudovsky, the ACLU lawyer in that case, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting v. Tate, recalled last week that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit "found that the dissemination, but not the collection, of the information on political activities was unconstitutional."
Rudovsky said that "the city agreed to pay the plaintiffs money damages," but he could not recall the amount.
Twenty years later, Mr. Day was still going.
In January 1991, Mr. Day was near the Liberty Bell at a demonstration against the impending Gulf War, part of a nationwide protest.
"This is different" from Vietnam-era demonstrations, he told an Inquirer reporter, "because the people have the opportunity to oppose it in advance - not after thousands are dead and our country is committed."
After his retirement from Conrail, Mr. Day was from 1989 to 1994 the chairman of the Octavia Hill Association, which, since 1896, has owned, renovated, and built affordable housing in Germantown, Kensington, and Manayunk as well as in its home base of Society Hill and Queen Village.
Mr. Day's daughter said that in retirement, he journeyed in his 27-foot Cape Dory diesel-powered sailboat from the Jersey Shore to several Caribbean islands.
For the 1988 Australian Bicentennial, she said, Mr. Day was a member of the crew that sailed a tall ship from Tasmania around Cape Horn to England.
Mr. Day graduated from Fresnal Ranch School near Yuma, Ariz., in 1942, earned a mechanical-engineering degree in an accelerated program at the California Institute of Technology in 1945, and served in the Navy in the Pacific.
Mr. Day lived in Wayne from 1962 to 1981 and in Center City until 1999, when he moved to White Horse Village.
Besides his daughter Jeannie, Mr. Day is survived by his wife of 61 years, Doris; a son, Kenneth; daughters Susanna Creely and Mia Burroughs; a sister; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
A memorial was set for 2 p.m. Jan. 30 at Haverford Friends Meeting, 855 Buck Lane, Haverford.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
John E. Sandefur
Reported by Les Town:
"...Please pass it on to the other Conrail employees that John E. Sandefur (known as "Sandy") passed away in October of 2009. Sandy had been in failing health for several years and died at his son's home near Columbus, Ohio. He would have been 86 years old in December of 2009.
Sandy was Manager of Real Estate in Cincinnati, Ohio for many years and then moved onto Philadelphia in 1980 where he became Director of Administrative Services for Conrail Real Estate Dept. In 1987 he left that position and became Director of Field Serivces for the Real Estate Dept. In 1990 he retired and he and his wife Pat moved back to Indiana just outside of Cincinnati, Oh. to enjoy their retirement years.
Sandy was always a "team player" working with other Conrail Depts. to utilize the railroad properties for the company's best interests.
Les Town..."
"...Please pass it on to the other Conrail employees that John E. Sandefur (known as "Sandy") passed away in October of 2009. Sandy had been in failing health for several years and died at his son's home near Columbus, Ohio. He would have been 86 years old in December of 2009.
Sandy was Manager of Real Estate in Cincinnati, Ohio for many years and then moved onto Philadelphia in 1980 where he became Director of Administrative Services for Conrail Real Estate Dept. In 1987 he left that position and became Director of Field Serivces for the Real Estate Dept. In 1990 he retired and he and his wife Pat moved back to Indiana just outside of Cincinnati, Oh. to enjoy their retirement years.
Sandy was always a "team player" working with other Conrail Depts. to utilize the railroad properties for the company's best interests.
Les Town..."
Monday, January 18, 2010
Max Solomon
Sadly, Max Solomon II, former Pittsburgh Asst. Supt., Terminal Supt, Trainmaster passed at 11:30PM Saturday 1/16/10 following complications from a stroke he suffered 2 years ago.
Viewing will be Wednesday January 20 at Slater Funeral Home on Greentree Road 1-3PM with burial following at West view Cemetary
Viewing will be Wednesday January 20 at Slater Funeral Home on Greentree Road 1-3PM with burial following at West view Cemetary
Friday, January 15, 2010
Passing of Jack O'Connor
Reported today from Kel MacKavanagh...
"Am sorry to report on the passing of Jack O'Connor. Jack still attended our New Jersey Short Line Railroad Association meetings whenever he could. He passed away yesterday at the age of 87.
His viewing will be at the Bradley Funeral Home on Route 73 and Evesham Rd. in Marlton, NJ on Friday, January 15, 2010 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, January 15, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Simon Stock Parish, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Campus, 178 W. White Horse Pike, Berlin, NJ 08009.
Interment will be on Tuesday, January 19, at the Brig. General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, North Hanover Twp., NJ.
Memorial contributions in Jack's name may be made to:
Samaritan Hospice
5 Eves Dr., Suite 300
Marlton, NJ 08053
Besides his long railroad service with the Erie, Erie Lackawanna, and Conrail, Jack was a member of the Military Railway Service during World War II. We will miss him both for his knowledge and as a friend..
Kelvin MacKavanagh
Secretary, NJSLRRA
Comments below by Dick Hasselman:
"Dear Kelvin,
I was very sorry to hear that this excellent railroader, and good friend, has left us here on earth.
I first met Jack in 1969, when EL sued PC because we had discontinued some of the five or so Maybrook-Cedar Hill freight trains which NHRR had run prior to PC days. After much argument before the ICC, Jack came forward with the suggestion that EL would put all its traffic for NHRR points into one pre-blocked train daily, which PC would run through to Boston, after adding cars at Cedar Hill.
That was such a sensible idea that I agreed to it immediately. And Jack called me daily to make sure that PC did exactly what we had promised. I admired that.
Then, when the Poughkeepsie Bridge burned, Jack and I worked out an alternate routing via Utica and Selkirk. To monitor us there, Jack traced a car for each major point daily. Again I admired both his good planning and his dedication to follow-up.
So, when Conrail planning began, I immediately got Jack into the process with us, where he was a major contributor in devising freight schedules and explaining them to everyone involved, all around the system.
Finally, when Conrail started operations, Jack moved into the Operating Rules area, where he was also well qualified, though his years as a Chief Train Dispatcher.
I always respected and admired Jack, and appreciated his loyalty to me, to Conrail and to its ancestors. If there are railroads in heaven, God will surely put Jack in charge of them!"
"Am sorry to report on the passing of Jack O'Connor. Jack still attended our New Jersey Short Line Railroad Association meetings whenever he could. He passed away yesterday at the age of 87.
His viewing will be at the Bradley Funeral Home on Route 73 and Evesham Rd. in Marlton, NJ on Friday, January 15, 2010 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, January 15, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Simon Stock Parish, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Campus, 178 W. White Horse Pike, Berlin, NJ 08009.
Interment will be on Tuesday, January 19, at the Brig. General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, North Hanover Twp., NJ.
Memorial contributions in Jack's name may be made to:
Samaritan Hospice
5 Eves Dr., Suite 300
Marlton, NJ 08053
Besides his long railroad service with the Erie, Erie Lackawanna, and Conrail, Jack was a member of the Military Railway Service during World War II. We will miss him both for his knowledge and as a friend..
Kelvin MacKavanagh
Secretary, NJSLRRA
Comments below by Dick Hasselman:
"Dear Kelvin,
I was very sorry to hear that this excellent railroader, and good friend, has left us here on earth.
I first met Jack in 1969, when EL sued PC because we had discontinued some of the five or so Maybrook-Cedar Hill freight trains which NHRR had run prior to PC days. After much argument before the ICC, Jack came forward with the suggestion that EL would put all its traffic for NHRR points into one pre-blocked train daily, which PC would run through to Boston, after adding cars at Cedar Hill.
That was such a sensible idea that I agreed to it immediately. And Jack called me daily to make sure that PC did exactly what we had promised. I admired that.
Then, when the Poughkeepsie Bridge burned, Jack and I worked out an alternate routing via Utica and Selkirk. To monitor us there, Jack traced a car for each major point daily. Again I admired both his good planning and his dedication to follow-up.
So, when Conrail planning began, I immediately got Jack into the process with us, where he was a major contributor in devising freight schedules and explaining them to everyone involved, all around the system.
Finally, when Conrail started operations, Jack moved into the Operating Rules area, where he was also well qualified, though his years as a Chief Train Dispatcher.
I always respected and admired Jack, and appreciated his loyalty to me, to Conrail and to its ancestors. If there are railroads in heaven, God will surely put Jack in charge of them!"
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Conrail Holiday Luncheon and PICTURES!!!
Click here to view the pictures!
Fletcher Swanson reports that 133 people attended the 2009 Conrail Holiday Luncheon. Fletcher has also shared his photo's that you can view by clicking on the link below. He also reports that a check has been sent to the University of Deleware for the Vic Giardini Scolarship Fund totalling $1,657. Special thanks were bestowed to Jon Broder for collecting $1150.00 through a silent auction! Thank you Jon! Larry DeYoung provided a CD of CR photos that were shown during the luncheon with many people remarking favorably about them.
The date for 2010 is Monday the 27th of December.
Fletcher Swanson reports that 133 people attended the 2009 Conrail Holiday Luncheon. Fletcher has also shared his photo's that you can view by clicking on the link below. He also reports that a check has been sent to the University of Deleware for the Vic Giardini Scolarship Fund totalling $1,657. Special thanks were bestowed to Jon Broder for collecting $1150.00 through a silent auction! Thank you Jon! Larry DeYoung provided a CD of CR photos that were shown during the luncheon with many people remarking favorably about them.
The date for 2010 is Monday the 27th of December.
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