Dennis McGuire

Wow, Mr. Figari was just the perfect principal for our school at that time, the late 1960s through 1970s.  Tough and imposing but not frightening.  I was never hauled in front of him for any disciplinary reason, but I remember how he carried that air of authority and respectability as he walked through the halls.  How I wish schools today had a fellow like him as their principal.

Over the years, I've forgotten so many other staff members and faculty but I've always remembered Mr. Figari exactly as the photo above showed him in those days.  I've tended to think of him as a father figure for us in those days, but the reality is that he was only 15 or 16 years older than we were.  What a wonderful obituary written for him in the paper today.  I would love to have known him in my adult years.

Posted on: Oct 29, 2019 at 4:26 PM

Hi Mike, this is fascinating to me to read your profile and comments and see so many familiar names that I hadn't thought about in years. I'm just now replying to your note to me on my profile page, so check that out when you can. Would love to keep in touch! Thanks, Dennis

Richard was also a friend of mine when we were juniors and seniors at Westchester.  He was a good guy, and I never knew what had happened to him, so I thank you for providing some information.

I don't know how well everyone remembers certain names of those we loved or just liked or just hung around with, but here are some of those who I cared about and still remember:
Gene Burgess was a friend for a while, but I don't think he graduated from Westchester.
I had a crush on a different girl every year, before settling on Carol in my senior year:
Kaarin Schimmel was my secret crush in the 9th grade. What a beautiful girl.
DeDe Slaydon was my secret crush throughout the 10th grade, but come on, now, what boy in our class did NOT have a crush on DeDe?
Peggy Madden was the girl I had a crush on throughout 11th Grade. Also stunningly beautiful. I bet all three of them are still very attractive ladies!
Then came Nikki, and Kim Smith, and another girl, before I finally settled on Carol Watson.
Matt (Frank) Nations and John Mondelli were two of my closest friends, and I am pleased to this day that they were among my groomsmen on the day I got married, August 27, 1977.
More later...

Mrs. Palmer was one of my two favorite teachers at Westchester.  I was lucky enough to be in her Bible class in 10th Grade, 1969-1970, and then to be in her World History class the following year.  We kept in touch after I graduated in 1972, and I invited her to my wedding, to Carol Watson, in August 1977.  She came.  She gave us a beautiful blue figurine which occupied the center shelf of our china cabinet throughout our marriage.  She was more than just a teacher.  I miss her to this day.