CONRAIL.NET

Jack Magee

2012-02-24T16:45:00.000-05:00

I am saddened to pass along this news on Jack. As many of you know, Jack was the guy that made sure we all got paid, running the Conrail payroll systems. I had a lot of interaction with Jack while at Conrail and we kept in touch after his retirement. Our throughts and prayers goes out to his family.

John F. Magee

AGE: 80 • Cherry Hill

On February 20, 2012. Age 80. Of Cherry Hill, NJ.

Beloved husband of 57 years of Joan (nee Robinson). Devoted father of John Magee and Bob Magee of Cherry Hill, NJ. Dear brother of Patricia Sheridan of Clinton, NY and Rose Mary Moran of New Hartford, NY and the late Ethel Magee.

John retired as the director of payroll at Conrail and served in the US Air Force.

Services will be private. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society , P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.

Stuart M. Reed, 86, former head of Conrail

2012-01-31T12:47:00.001-05:00

Tue, Jan. 31, 2012, 3:01 AM By Walter F. Naedele, Philadelphia Inquirer Staff Writer

Stuart M. Reed, 86, who served nearly a decade as president and chief operating officer of the Conrail freight line, died Thursday, Jan. 26, of Alzheimer's disease at the Meadows facility at Shannondell, a retirement community in Audubon, Montgomery County.

Mr. Reed was elected in 1979 to the twin offices of what was formally known as the Consolidated Rail Corp., the government-chartered corporation with headquarters in Philadelphia that operated freight railroads in the East and Midwest. A 1979 news story stated that he was leaving his job as group vice president-operations at American Motors Corp.

He resigned as president and chief operating officer in 1988. Born in Howell, Mich., Mr. Reed served in the Army Signal Corps from 1944 to 1946, having arrived in Europe on the day that victory was declared there.

He then earned a bachelor's degree in engineering in 1949 and a master's in business administration in 1950, both at the University of Michigan.

A son, Robert, said that at Conrail Mr. Reed "helped return the company to profitability, allowing for the public sale of stock and the end of governmental control."

Besides his son, Mr. Reed is survived by his wife, Joann; sons Paul and Thomas; a daughter, Barbara; six grandchildren; and a great-grandson.

A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at Wayne Presbyterian Church, 125 E. Lancaster Ave.

Lou Puleo

2011-12-04T18:32:00.000-05:00

Sad news on Lou Puleo. Lou was AA to Dick Hasselman.

PULEO, LOUIS D., on Nov. 30, 2011 of Secane, PA. Beloved husband of Johanna (nee Homa) Puleo. Devoted father of Robert L. (Francie), Karen S. (Steven) Gregan, Janet P. (Patrick) Hotz, Mary Lynn (Robert) Cantando. Loving uncle of Mary Lou (James) Pauciello. Also survived by 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Brother of John Puleo and the late Charles and Joseph Puleo. Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing Sunday 2 to 4 P.M. O'LEARY FUNERAL HOME, 640 E. Springfield Rd., Springfield, PA. Funeral Mass Monday 10 A.M. Chapel of Little Flower Manor. Int. SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery. Contributions to Little Flower Manor, 1201 Springfield Rd., Darby, PA 19023.

Joseph A. Bonner

2011-11-07T09:23:00.000-05:00

From Dan Nilan:

Former Conrailers:

for those of you who were fortunate enough to work with Joe, I am sad to share the news that he passed

away on October 22nd.

Joe was a great guy to work with.

Please keep Joe and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Dan.

Joseph A. Bonner

Joseph A. Bonner, 57 Of Smyrna, DE, and formerly of West Grove, PA Joseph A. Bonner, 57, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 22, 2011. Joe was a graduate of Msgr. Bonner High School in 1972 and of The Philadelphia College of Textiles and Sciences in 1976. He was the son of the late John P. Bonner and Phyllis DeGenova Bonner of Collingdale, PA; also preceded in death by his brother Charles Bonner. Joe had a love for all animals, especially his 4 Yorkshire Terriers. He was an avid Philadelphia sports fan and a huge fan of his grandchildren and their sports. He enjoyed umpiring baseball and softball for various leagues in PA and DE. Joe was an avid movie buff. He was a former board member of Avon Grove Area Little League and Avon Grove Recreation Association, and a member of the Chester County Civil War Round Table. He was employed by Computer Aid, Inc. (CAI) in Wilmington, DE and formerly by URS-Greiner and Conrail. Survivors: His wife of 34 years Nancy Francis Bonner; his children Dr. Timothy Bonner and wife Devon of West Grove, PA, Jennifer Bonner and fianc Ty McCauslin of Harrisburg, PA, Kerri Bonner Hocking and husband Chuck of Galena, MD; 6 grandchildren Tyler, Daphne, and Trent Bonner, Emily and Chase Hocking and Sean McCauslin; his brother John Bonner of Wilmington, DE; his sister Mary Ann Walsh of Norristown, PA; 17 nieces and nephews; 7 brothers and sisters-in-law. Service: Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at Hockessin Memorial Hall, 1225 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707 on Saturday, November 5th at 12 Noon. Visitation: Friends may visit with the family at the Hockessin Memorial Hall 10 AM to 12 Noon. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Joseph Bonner Family Memorial Fund, c/o WSFS, 400 Jimmy Dr., Smyrna, DE 19977.

The 6th Annual Conrail Christmas Luncheon

2011-11-07T09:06:00.002-05:00

The 6th Annual Conrail Christmas Luncheon get together will be on Wednesday Dec. 28th from Noon until 4 PM at:

Victory Brewing Company

420 Acorn Lane

Downingtown, PA 19335

610-873-0881

The setup will basically be the same as last year. Victory Brewing will serve a hot all you can eat buffet lunch and pitchers of ale and beer.

Cost is expected to be $30.00 per person payable when you arrive. Any increase will be due to Victory Brewing raising their prices which we will know and advise in advance by email. All excess money is donated to the University of Delaware's Vic Giardini Award Fund.

Please forward this email far and wide. Last year we had 75 Excons attend due to the stormy day. 135 attended in 2009, 115 in 2008 and 65 in 2007.

Don't miss this once a year Conrail reunion with all your old Conrail friends.

Mark your calendar and PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD.

This event is not just Marketing and Sales. All ExCons and friends of Conrail are welcome.

Your Hosts,

Fletcher Swanson, Mike Behe, Mike Kasper and Joe Bowers

While there is no requirement to make advance reservations, if you are sure you are coming please email your intentions to: fswanson@rcn.com so he can give Victory Brewing a better estimated count.

See you on Dec. 28th!

As in the past, any contributions and excess funds collected from the party will be donated to the University of Delaware's Vic Giardini Award Fund. Last year we contributed $885.00, collected from donations and a small amount from excess funds.

This year we have again invited representatives of the Conrail Historical Society to join us. Here is their write-up:

The Conrail Historical is a 600 member group dedicated to the
preservation of Conrail's legacy. Like most railroad historical
societies, we actively pursue the preservation of the railroad's
artifacts: equipment, paperwork, photographs and other ephemera, but we
also strive to preserve Conrail's innovative and successful spirit. We
host a number of events each year, including a yearly convention, which
are open to all, not just members. The CRHS also publishes a full color
magazine, The Conrail Quarterly, full of articles about and photographs
of Conrail's history, which is sent to all of our members. The CRHS's
members encompass the full spectrum of fans and supporters, from
youngsters who witnessed Conrail's final years and legacy to former
Conrail employees who have been around since day one in 1976.

The Conrail Historical Society has had a great amount of success in its
goals over its short history. These include our preservation and ongoing
restoration of N7E caboose 21165, currently housed with the M&H Railway
just outside of Harrisburg, our preservation of line side signals from
Berea OH and Horseshoe Curve, our rescue of artifacts from Ore Pier 122
in Philadelphia and our archiving of thousands of pieces of
documentation from Conrail's headquarters. Learn about these and other
CRHS accomplishments at our website, TheCRHS.org.

Some members of the CRHS Executive Board will be present to talk to you
about their passion and drive for their mission. We will also have
numerous artifacts on display from Corporate HQ, the Office Car Special,
corporate videos, a presentation on the preservation of our N7E caboose,
a CR hyrail truck (if the weather cooperates), etc.
We look forward to meeting many of the men and women who "Kept It
Moving!"

Brock Kerchner
Conrail Historical Society Vice President

Brock Kerchner
WHP 580 / WTKT 1460 / WRVV 97.3 / WRBT 94.9 / WHKF 99.3 Account
Executive
717-540-8800 x278
717-541-0094 Fax
bkerchner@clearchannel.com

John William Becker

2011-11-02T18:00:00.000-04:00

From: Paul Kromberg

As you may have heard, another item of sad news:

http://www.lifecelebration.com/listing.aspx?link=http%3a%2f%2fhosting-24900.tributes.com%2fshow%2fJohn-William-Becker-92527773

John William Becker, Sr. of Chestnut Hill, passed away peacefully on Wednesday October 12, 2011. He was 69 years old. Born December 14, 1941 in Bronx, NY, he was the son of the late William and Julia (nee Eardly) Becker and the beloved husband of Judith (nee Gallagher) Becker with whom he shared 25 years of marriage.

John was a railroad executive with Conrail and retired after 25 years of service. He was quite talented with his hands and could fix most things that he came across. John had an interest in museums, classical music and fine wines. He enjoyed traveling, cooking and hosting family and friends in the home that he and his wife built together.

In addition to his wife Judy, John is survived by his son John William Jr. of Chestnut Hill and his step son Jerry Del Colliano and his wife Krista of Beverly Hills, CA.

John's Life Celebration service was celebrated on Wednesday October 19, from 9 to 10:50 AM at Our Mother of Consolation Church in Chestnut Hill. His funeral mass was celebrated at 11 AM at the church. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John's name can be made to the Philadelphia Singers, 1211 Chestnut St. #610, Philadelphia, PA 19107 or to Our Mother of Consolation Church. Family services are by Boyd-Horrox of East Norriton 1-800-GIVNISH.

To share your fondest memories of John visist www.lifecelebration.com.

John J. Carroll Jr.

2011-08-03T08:55:00.000-04:00

Please note the following sad news from Jeff Usher:

JOHN JOSEPH CARROLL, JR. (Age 62)

Of Montclair, VA passed away at home on August 1, 2011. John is preceded in death by his son, Joseph Patrick and his parents, John and Clare Carroll. He is survived by his wife, Angela Carroll, daughter, Jennifer Carroll Delinski; son, Timothy John; grandchildren, Joseph Cole and Sera Jay Delinski; sisters, Mary Beth Wright and Kathryn Graziano; daughter-in-law, Dorothy Carroll and beloved nieces and nephews. In John's career of over 30 years with the Association of American Railroads, he achieved the position of Sr. Assistant Vice President of Business Services. There will be a visitation and celebration of John's life on Thursday, August 4, 2011 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Mountcastle Turch Funeral Home, 4143 Dale Blvd. Dale City, VA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 18825 Fuller Heights Road, Triangle, VA at 1 p.m. on Friday, August 5, 2011 with the interment to follow at Stafford Memorial Park in Stafford, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to Smile Train, PO Box 96231, Washington, DC 20090-6231 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Here are some of my reflections of the memory of John.

John was a true gentleman and represented the best that our industry has to offer. As many of you have had the fortune of working with John over the years will acknowledge all of the contributions John made to make the railroads better. There was no more knowledgeable expert on the subjects of Car Hire, Car Service and Deprescription. John was responsible for the efforts that gave us the Chicago Planning Group (CPG), the Chicago Transportation Coordination Office (CTCO) and the work that led to CREATE.

John, a relatively soft spoken man, was able to align the many divergent positions (personalities) and at the end of the day delivered solutions that benefitted the industry as a whole. John was able to couple his expert subject knowledge with his disarming manner to satisfy the questions of even the most gruff constituent.

I was lucky enough to have been recruited to the AAR by John and to have worked under John for what was a too short of period of time. He was and remains a role model for those of us wanting to conduct our business in the “right” way!

I tried to stay in contact with John since his departure and always enjoyed our conversations! John and I were playing telephone tag over the past couple of weeks – I regret that I was unable to make the direct connection, but the last voice mail I received from John has him busting my chops for the location of a recent committee meeting – I got a good chuckle from that call.

I will miss John as I’m sure you all will. When you reach a frustrating moment pause and remember John’s manner of conducting business and be thankful if you can employ his gentle ways.

Please keep John and Angela in your prayers.

Best regards and God bless you all,

JEFFREY J. USHER

Broadcast -- Jay Kivowitz

2011-02-07T17:32:00.002-05:00

From: "Sandra Kivowitz" skivowitz@centurytel.net

Dear Family and Friends, I'm so sorry to have to report that today at approx 4:30 p.m. that Jay lost his battle and died from heart and vascular disease. After having just received a kidney transplant on 4 January 2011, things turned bad on the 10th of January. He was my friend and love and I already miss him so much. Please tell anyone you know that may have known Jay about his passing. Since Jay and I married later in his life, unfortunately, I don't know all of his earlier friends and would like them to know this information also. The children and I were all with him and he passed peacefully. He was a wonderful person and will be missed so very much.

We are planning a Celebration Ceremony of His life in the future and I will let you know when a date and location has been decided. We are hopeful that many of his friends and family will be able to attend. Jay has asked to be cremated and spread at horseshoe curve in PA. A place very dear to his heart from the many railroad trips that he took and all the engineers that he trained on this curve. This will happen once the snow disappears -- perhaps even in the spring. Assistance on how this can happen is also needed.

If you would like to share any funny or otherwise stories about Jay, please let me know or please tell us at the Celebration of his Life. You can reach me at the above email and you may pass it on to others as well.

Sorry to have to share this very sad news.

His Loving Wife,
Sandra

Passing of Dan Swann

2010-11-09T20:16:00.001-05:00

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

Joe Small

2010-10-31T20:32:00.002-04:00

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.

Kathy Artz-Powers

2010-09-11T11:02:00.001-04:00

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 following a lengthy illness. She was the beloved wife of the late Charles E. Powers, with whom she shared 19 years of marriage. Born in Pottsville, Kathy was raised in Minersville, a daughter of the late Clervant C. and Agnes Murphy Artz.

She was a 1965 graduate of Minersville Area High School and a 1969 graduate of Chestnut Hill College. She did her graduate work at Lehigh University.

A certified compensation professional, Kathy worked in compensation divisions of human resources departments at Conrail, Continental Can, and General Accident Insurance, all in Philadelphia. Earlier she was an admissions counselor for Spring Garden College, Philadelphia. At the time of her retirement, she was director of compensation for Xerox Connect in Exton.

Kathy loved her life on Washington Square in center city Philadelphia. She had fond memories of sailing with her husband off the coast of 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. To send online condolences, visit www.jamesterryfuneralhome.com

Published in Republican & Herald on May 6, 2010

Captain Ed Flynn

2010-07-29T20:09:00.001-04:00

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.

William C.Wilhelm Final Arrangements

2010-07-09T13:28:00.000-04:00

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

Theodore J. Fody

2010-07-08T16:04:00.001-04:00

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.

Work slated for missing rail link - The Boston Globe

2010-06-18T09:49:00.000-04:00

Work slated for missing rail link - The Boston Globe

Good News... Bruce Poff

2010-06-08T17:19:00.000-04:00

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

Tom Phillians

2010-06-08T17:16:00.001-04:00

From Al Lancaster

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

Gary Foust, 61 - A memorial Mass will begin at 11 a.m. Monday...

2010-05-20T19:18:00.000-04:00

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.

///

Bruce Poff Recuperating!

2010-05-18T07:31:00.000-04:00

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

Lost a real railroader: Joseph "Papa Joe" Mammone

2010-05-03T06:05:00.000-04:00

David Westrich shares sad news... "I just found out that a real good friend just passed away who worked for Conrail for 32 years at Canton Yard in Canton. He was extremely a hard worker who also believed in Conrail.:

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/

Flash! Warren Buffett buys a Piece of Conrail!

2010-03-17T14:39:00.001-04:00

Joseph P. Gender

2010-02-16T16:51:00.000-05:00

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

"Mr. Pittsburgh"

2010-02-03T06:55:00.001-05:00

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..."

Larry Kane Arrangements

2010-02-02T18:31:00.001-05:00

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)

Zach Osborne, son of Joe Osborne, Wounded in Afghanistan

2010-01-28T14:31:00.001-05:00

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

Frank Miles Day 2d

2010-01-25T18:28:00.000-05:00

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.

John E. Sandefur

2010-01-24T13:57:00.001-05:00

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..."

Max Solomon

2010-01-18T15:44:00.002-05:00

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

Passing of Jack O'Connor

2010-01-15T12:20:00.000-05:00

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!"

Conrail Holiday Luncheon and PICTURES!!!

2010-01-13T20:31:00.002-05:00

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.

Frank W. Fredericks

2009-11-30T14:49:00.000-05:00

Frank W. Fredericks, loving son, husband, father and grandfather, died in his home surrounded by his family on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009, after suffering a lengthy illness. He was 77.

He was born June 26, 1932 in Philadelphia, to the late Helen and Frank Fredericks and spent his childhood in Sharon Hill, Pa. Frank was an only child.

He graduated from Sharon Hill High School in 1951.

Frank served in the U.S. Army Intelligence Corps, during the Korean War, and was stationed in Tokyo, Japan. He attained the rank of sergeant.

On April 28, 1956, he was united in marriage to Carmela G. Dolce in Burlington, N.J. Frank and Carmela lived in Sharon Hill before moving to Burlington in 1968.

Frank began working for the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1952 and retired from Conrail in 1990 after 38 years of service in Railroad Operations and Labor Relations.

Frank was active in the Knights of Columbus and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He loved to sing and enjoyed performing with the Burnt Cork musical production for a number of years.

Frank was an active member of St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years.

Frank was a stalwart Philadelphia sports fan; especially baseball. He coached many little league teams for his children and loved to teach the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship.

Above all, Frank cherished his grandchildren and was most happy when surrounded by them

Frank is survived by his wife, Carmela; his sons and their wives, Gary and Linda of Newark, Del., and Bruce and Theresa of Pennington, N.J.; and four grandchildren, Matthew, Ryan, Jonathan and Corey. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Frank was preceded in death by his mother and father, Helen and Frank Fredericks, formerly of Sharon Hill.

Mass of Christian Burial for Frank W. Fredericks will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, East Union Street, Burlington. Friends may call at Page Funeral Home, 302 E. Union St., Burlington from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Entombment will follow Mass in the Laurel Hill Cemetery Mausoleum, Burlington.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Hospice of Moorestown Visiting Nurse Association, 300 Harper Drive, Moorestown, NJ 08057, or to St. Paul's Church Renovation Fund, 502 High St., Burlington, NJ 08016.

We would like to thank all of the staff of the Moorestown Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice Care for their help and support.

Condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home Web site below.

Page Funeral Home, Burlington

www.pagefuneralhome.com

November 29, 2009 03:00 AM

The Annual Conrail Christmas Luncheon

2009-11-14T16:58:00.002-05:00

The Annual Conrail Christmas Luncheon get together will be on Monday Dec. 28th from Noon until 4 PM at:
Victory Brewing Company
420 Acorn Lane
Downingtown, PA 19335
610-873-0881

The setup will basically be the same as last year. Victory Brewing will serve a hot all you can eat buffet lunch and pitchers of ale and beer.

Cost is anticipated to be unchanged at $25.00 per person payable when you arrive.
Please forward this email far and wide. Last year we had 115 ExCons attend, up from 60-75 the previous year.

Don't miss this once a year Conrail reunion with all your old Conrail friends.
Mark your calendar and PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD.

This event is not restricted to Marketing and Sales. All Excons and friends are welcome.

Your Hosts,

Fletcher Swanson, Mike Behe, Mike Kasper and Joe Bowers

While there is no requirement to make advance reservations, if you are sure you are coming please email your intentions to: fswanson@rcn.com so he can give Victory Brewing an estimated count.
See you on Dec. 28th!

As in the past, any contributions and excess funds collected from the party will be donated to the University of Delaware's Vic Giardini Award Fund. See attached letter from the University of Delaware.

This year we have invited representatives of the Conrail Historical Society to join us. Here is their writeup:

The Conrail Historical is a 600 member group dedicated to the
preservation of Conrail's legacy. Like most railroad historical
societies, we actively pursue the preservation of the railroad's
artifacts: equipment, paperwork, photographs and other ephemera, but we
also strive to preserve Conrail's innovative and successful spirit. We
host a number of events each year, including a yearly convention, which
are open to all, not just members. The CRHS also publishes a full color
magazine, The Conrail Quarterly, full of articles about and photographs
of Conrail's history, which is sent to all of our members. The CRHS's
members encompass the full spectrum of fans and supporters, from
youngsters who witnessed Conrail's final years and legacy to former
Conrail employees who have been around since day one in 1976.

The Conrail Historical Society has had a great amount of success in its
goals over its short history. These include our preservation and ongoing
restoration of N7E caboose 21165, currently housed with the M&H Railway
just outside of Harrisburg, our preservation of lineside signals from
Berea OH and Horseshoe Curve, our rescue of artifacts from Ore Pier 122
in Philadelphia and our archiving of thousands of pieces of
documentation from Conrail's headquarters. Learn about these and other
CRHS accomplishments at our website, TheCRHS.org.

Some members of the CRHS Executive Board will be present to talk to you
about their passion and drive for their mission. We will also have
numerous artifacts on display from Corporate HQ, the Office Car Special,
corporate videos, a presentation on the preservation of our N7E caboose,
a CR hyrail truck (if the weather cooperates), etc.
We look forward to meeting many of the men and women who "Kept It
Moving!"

Brock Kerchner
Conrail Historical Society Vice President

Brock Kerchner
WHP 580 / WTKT 1460 / WRVV 97.3 / WRBT 94.9 / WHKF 99.3 Account
Executive
717-540-8800 x278
717-541-0094 Fax
bkerchner@clearchannel.com

John Green

2009-04-20T06:00:00.003-04:00

John S. Green, 79, of Downingtown, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2009, at his home.

He was the loving husband of the late Elsa Schuler Green, with whom he had shared 33 years of marriage at the time of her passing. He was born in Philadelphia and served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. John spent his 43-year career with the Pennsylvania Railroad, then Penn Central and Conrail as a clerk, traveling auditor, systems manager, and ultimately assistant vice president.

John was a longtime member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Exton. He was a founding member of the church's maintenance group, fondly known as the Amigos, with whom he shared his many stories, political opinions and expert advice on any topic at hand. John was known for his generosity for projects for the church or for those in need of help. He enjoyed a special relationship with the Amish community, and would be their means of transportation when it was needed. He will be greatly missed by his family, his church family and his many friends. He is survived by his sons, John M. Green and his wife, Angie Wang, of Berkeley, Calif., and James L. Green and his wife, Marianne, of Frederick, Md; and by grandchildren, James, Matthew, Emily and Samuel.

A funeral service will take place at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 20, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 104 S. Village Ave., Exton, PA 19341, where family and friends may call from 1 to 2 p.m.Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John's name to St. Paul's Lutheran Church at the above address.

To send online condolences, visit http://www.jamesterryfuneralhome.com/. Reader Tributes: The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of dailylocal.com.

Nancy Elizabeth Thigpen

2009-02-11T09:31:00.000-05:00

Nancy Elizabeth Thigpen, 47, died on Monday, December 8, 2008, at the Neighborhood Hospice Inpatient Unit.

She was the wife of the William C. Thigpen (Conrail-Mechanical & IT, (1978-1999)), with whom she celebrated 24 years of marriage.

Born in Drexel Hill, she was the daughter of the late August M. and Betty Blair Pagel.

She was a graduate of Delaware County Community College and worked for Conrail (1980-87), Amtrak and many retail stores. Her last employment was with the Macy’s store in Exton as a beauty advisor for Clinique. She was a former deacon at First Presbyterian Church in Springfield.

In addition to her husband, Nancy is survived by her children, Matthew William, Alexander Martin and Kathryn Elizabeth; and three sisters, Diane, Eileen and Cindy; and her mother-in-law, Ruth Weddle Thigpen, and sister-in-law, Jane Thigpen Casazza.

A memorial service was held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2008, at the First Presbyterian Church, 356 Summit Road, (Summit and Cascade Roads) Springfield, PA 19064.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Fox Chase Cancer Center at Paoli Memorial Hospital, 255 W. Lancaster Ave., Paoli, PA 19301

Jack Shackleton - A Committed Railroader

2009-01-17T11:03:00.002-05:00

This is from Gary Spiegel. It is a wonderful epitaph of a committed railroader. (Thanks Fletcher Swanson for sharing this)

"This is a guy who worked so hard for me that he got frostbite on both of his ears while at a train wreck. He produced solid numbers all of the time, could fix any operational thing that was broke. He was a tenacious manager that would never, ever give up. If he told you he was going to accomplish something you could count on it being done. He was stubborn, committed, loyal, and full of life. He had fun at what we did. I will miss him and my great memory's of him."

Jack Shackleton - Former Chicago and Toledo Conrailer

2009-01-16T20:26:00.001-05:00

Jack passed away last night (1/14) in his sleep. He worked many years in both Chicago and Toledo.

The service will be at the Mason, Darbenne and Walker funeral home, 501 Conant St. Maumee, Ohio . Visiting hours will be from 3 to 8 pm on Saturday with a 2:00pm service on Sunday at the funeral home. His home address is 2049 Sawyer CT. Holland,, Ohio 43258

Two Upcoming Events Sponsored By the New England Railroad Club

2009-01-11T16:57:00.002-05:00

New England "Ex-Cons" (and others) Mark your Calendars...

Mechanical & Purchasing Night, January 22, 2009, Copley Fairmont Hotel, Boston, MA
New England Rail Forum & Expo, March 24, 2009, DCU Center, Worcester, MA
Annual Golf Outing, May 21, 2009, Sheraton Ferncroft Hotel, Danvers, MA

For details visit: http://www.nerailroadclub.com/

Tickets Deadline for The Traffic Club of Philadelphia's Annual Dinner

2009-01-11T09:31:00.006-05:00

With great anticipation, we look forward to being with you at The Traffic Club of Philadelphia's 101st Annual Dinner to be held on Thursday, January 22, 2009. Tickets for the event are available until next week. If you have not already made your reservation, please reserve now.

For convenient access to reservation forms and all Annual Dinner materials, please visit the Annual Dinner web page at the following link: http://www.tcphila.org/annual.html

All reservations and payments should be submitted to Mr. Avri Dub, Club Treasurer (aldeutsch51@juno.com).

The Club thanks you for your support of what promises to be a great event! The Traffic Club of Philadelphia. The Traffic Club of Philadelphia Promoting Transportation and Logistics in the Greater Delaware Valley through Education and Networking since 1908.

Arrangements for Rick Wilson

2009-01-04T16:52:00.001-05:00

From: Stephen Wilson
Sent: Friday, January 02, 2009 3:37 PM
Subject: Funeral Arrangements
Dear Friends and Family,

Frederick “Rick” W. Wilson Jr., 60, of Knox, New York, passed away on December 30, 2008 after a courageous battle against cancer. It is of great comfort to our family that he spent his last day doing something he loved, fishing in the Florida Keys.

Visiting hours will be on Tuesday, January 6, 2009, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Fredendall Funeral Home, 199 Main Street, Altamont, NY 12009 (518) 861-6848.

There will be a reception at the American Legion Post 977, 988 Altamont Blvd, Altamont, NY 12009 (518) 861-6848 following the visiting hours. All are welcome.

Internment will be Wednesday morning, January 7, 2009 at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, New York 12871. (518) 581-9128. Time is weather dependent, further information is available with the funeral home.

P. s. Thanks to Tom Egan for passing this information along.

Rick Wilson

2009-01-03T15:37:00.002-05:00

Reported via Tom Egan and Fletcher Swanson..

Rick Wilson died yesterday, after a long battle with cancer. Rick was Chief Mechanical officer-Locomotives at CSX, CMO at Conrail and "way back when", Shop Superintendant at Selkirk Diesel Shop. Rick was always a gentleman and an all around good guy.

He was in down in the Keys, and actually spent yesterday fishing with his son, Steve, and passed on last evening. Final arrangements are incomplete at this time, but wake and funeral will be mid next week in Albany.

----- Original Message -----
From: stephen_wilson@optonline.net

Good Morning, It is with a heavy heart that I write this to tell you that my Dad, Frederick "Rick" Wilson passed away last night. Dad died peacefully and I was honored to be by his side. Once funeral arrangements are made I will let you know.

Stephen

All Aboard! Last Call! The Annual Christmas Luncheon get together will be on Monday Dec. 29th from Noon until 4 PM

2008-12-27T09:08:00.000-05:00

To All ExCons and their Friends,

Last call to remind you of our Christmas luncheon get together. Fifty four of you have responded that you are attending. If you are sure you are coming, and have not confirmed with me, please answer this email to fswanson@rcn.com so we have a better count for Victory Brewing. However, if you decide at the last minute to come, that's OK, just come as you are.

Victory Brewing has remodeled their restaurant and we now have a private room. We will have a small silent auction of some Conrail gift items and other railroad memorabila thanks to Jon Broder. The proceeds will go to the Vic Giardini Scholarship Fund at the U. of Delaware. Our room has a big screen and we will be showing some of Larry DeYoung's Conrail photography. So don't miss this once a year reunion event. It gets bigger and better every year.

The Annual Christmas Luncheon get together will be on Monday Dec. 29th from Noon until 4 PM at:
Victory Brewing Company
420 Acorn Lane
Downingtown, PA 19335
610-873-0881

The setup will basically be the same as last year. Victory Brewing will serve a hot all you can eat buffet lunch and pitchers of ale and beer. Cost is anticipated to be $25.00 per person payable when you arrive. Please forward this email far and wide. Last year we had over 90 ExCons attend. I am sure we will have more this year as this has grown every year. Don't miss this once a year Conrail reunion with all your old Conrail friends. Mark your calendar and PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD. This event is not restricted to Marketing and Sales. All Excons and friends are welcome.

Your Hosts,

Fletcher Swanson, Mike Behe, Mike Kasper and Joe Bowers

PS: Last year some attendees made contributions to the U of Delaware's Victor Giardini Award Fund. In addition, a small surplus from the admission collection was added to the fund and sent to The U of D. See their letter attached. Let's plan to remember Vic again this year.

While there is no requirement to make advance reservations, if you are sure you are coming please email your intentions to: fswanson@rcn.com so he can give Victory Brewing an estimated count.

See you on Dec. 29th

Jerome Cossel

2008-12-15T07:03:00.000-05:00

Passing along this information:

----- Original Message -----
From: PAC31536@aol.com
To: DATSMan@aol.com
Sent: Saturday, December 13, 2008 8:41 PM
Subject: Fwd: Jerome Cossel
Bob please pass this information on to anyone and everyone that you think might need it. Thank you again for your help in distributing this info.

From: PAC31536To: jcossel@visconsi.comSent: 12/13/2008 8:31:28 P.M. Eastern Standard TimeSubj: Jerome Cossel

We have tried to reach many of you, and we apologize to those we haven't contacted, but we're writing to inform all of you that Jerome has unexpectedly passed away. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. The funeral arrangements are as follows:

- Friends and family may pay their respects on Tuesday, December 16 from 6:00 to 9:00 at William A. Moore Funeral Home, 708 Fayette Street, Conshohocken, Pa. 19428. If you need to contact the funeral home, their website is at www.williamamoore.com. There you can find an copy of the actual obituary, as well as directions to the funeral home and other useful information.

- On Wednesday, December 17, there will be a second viewing from 9:00 to 10:20 AM at Mother of Divine Providence Church, 333 Allendale Road, King of Prussia, Pa. 19406. The viewing will be immediately followed by a funeral mass beginning at 10:30 AM. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in West Conshohocken, Pa.

For those of you traveling from out of town, we have booked a block of rooms at the Radisson/Scanticon Hotels at the Valley Forge Convention Center in King of Prussia. The hotels are connected within the Convention Center and rooms are available for the evenings of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, December 15 thru 17. The rate will be $89.00 or less per night. The reservation will not be in the hotel's computer system until Monday, so please contact us to ensure that there are enough rooms reserved. Should you need directions or other information, the websites are www.RadissonValleyForge.com or www.ScanticonValleyForge.com.

Please pass this information on to anyone else that you think should know.

Should you need to contact us, try one of the following numbers:

- House in K of P (610) 265-7849
- Jeff C. cell (216) 538-7126
- Jerry C. cell (937) 206-3398

Again, thank you all for your kindness and consideration. We look forward to seeing you and thanking you in person.

Annual Christmas Luncheon

2008-10-27T08:49:00.001-04:00

From: Fletcher Swanson

To All ExCons and their Friends, The Annual Christmas Luncheon get together will be on Monday Dec. 29th from Noon until 4 PM at:

Victory Brewing Company
420 Acorn Lane
Downingtown, PA 19335
610-873-0881

This event is not restricted to Marketing and Sales. All Excons and friends are welcome. Your Hosts, Fletcher Swanson, Mike Behe, Mike Kasper and Joe Bowers.

PS: Last year some attendees made contributions to the U of Delaware's Victor Giardini Award Fund. In addition, a small surplus from the admission collection was added to the fund and sent to The U of D. See their letter attached. Let's plan to remember Vic again this year. While there is no requirement to make advance reservations, if you are sure you are coming please email your intentions to: fswanson@rcn.com so he can give Victory Brewing an estimated count.

See you on Dec. 29th

Jim Viscusi

2008-10-23T14:19:00.004-04:00

From Fletcher Swanson: "I knew and worked with Jim on many projects. He was an honorable and fine man and I will miss him. May he rest in peace. "

From Jack Hillis: "Jim worked in the Mechanical Engineering department at Conrail." From Richard Scullin: "Jim Viscusi passed away Oct. 21. Death notice attached. I tried to find a link to the death notice but couldn't. Sorry to be the bearer of sad news."

Dave Sweetland

2008-10-07T07:53:00.001-04:00

David Ross Sweetland, 71, of Exton, Pennsylvania, a retired Conrail manager and a lifelong railroad buff, died of cancer Saturday, September 13, 2008, at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester. A native of Rhode Island, Mr. Sweetland earned a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Maine, where he met his future wife, J. Susan Heath. He served in the Army Reserve with a railroad transportation group. In 1959, he joined the Pennsylvania Railroad's mechanical department in Altoona. In 1976, when Conrail was created, Mr. Sweetland was in charge of re-numbering the locomotive fleet for the new company. He was transferred to Philadelphia in 1985 by Conrail and became manager of mechanical training, educating the next generations of railroaders. After his retirement in 1996, he was a consultant at the Academy of Industrial Training in Essington. Mr. Sweetland authored over 70 railroad books, including many "All Color" late steam and early diesel pictorials for "Morning Sun Books", and many railroad related articles as well. He was a member of several railroad historical organizations. He was especially proud to be involved in the preservation and restoration of a Class E7 diesel locomotive, which he rescued from the scrapyard, his wife said. The train, one of the first passenger diesel locomotives acquired by the Pennsylvania Railroad, has been on display for 10 years at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg. In addition to his wife, Mr. Sweetland is survived by sons Ross and Christopher; daughters Elizabeth and Joyann; and two grandchildren.

Passing of Don Wentzel

2008-09-30T07:52:00.000-04:00

I regret to inform you that Don Wentzel passed away today. Message from Jerry MacDonald:

Don passed away this morning. Barbara called to let me know. Funeral arrangements are not set, however she said it may not be until next Friday or Saturday. Please check with the Press of Atlantic Obit announcements for details when it is published.

I will pass other information on as it becomes available. I will also pass on a home address for Barbara Wentzel should you choose to send a sympathy card. The address in the chapter roster is incorrect as Don and Barbara got rid of their P.O. Box earlier this year.

My sympathies to those who were close to Don.

Link to the Conrail LinkedIn Group

2008-09-03T13:27:00.000-04:00

What is LinkedIn?

Want to reconnect with former Conrail colleagues? LinkedIn is an online network where you can create a personal profile and share information with former colleagues, clients, and friends. You can add more connections by inviting trusted contacts to join LinkedIn and connect to you. Your network consists of your connections, your connections’ connections, and the people they know.

We have set up a group at linkedIn called "Conrail". Join the LinkedIn Conrail group and share your contact information with other members of the Conrail group. Click below to get started: http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/149255/196ED30010FA

Passing of Herbert E. "Herb"Lukens Jr.

2008-08-26T17:01:00.002-04:00

From The Intelligencer, August 25, 2008

Herbert E. Lukens Jr. of Chalfont died Sunday, Aug. 24, 2008, in Central Montgomery Medical Center, Lansdale. He was 82.

He was the husband of Margaret Lukens. Born in Hatfield, he was a son of the late Herbert E. and Clara H. (Moyer) Lukens. He graduated from Hatfield Joint Consolidated School in 1944 and began working on the Reading Railroad as a clerk. He served in the U.S. Army from 1945 until being discharged as a sergeant in 1947. He returned to the railroad for a career that spanned 45 years. During this time he was chief clerk until being promoted to sales representative for the Philadelphia area. By the time the Reading Railroad was merged with Conrail, he had worked in sales in Cleveland, New York and Philadelphia. In 1980 he was promoted to customer service and developed the customer service phone center. He retired as director of customer service in 1990.

Mr. Lukens was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ, Lansdale. He was also a Mason and car enthusiast. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three daughters, Dr. Patricia Bainbridge and her husband, Donald, Debbie Brucks and her husband, Glenn, and Mary Beth Myers and her husband, Andrew; and three grandchildren, Victoria Eustice and Colleen and Andrew John Myers.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing from 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, until his service at 11:30 a.m. in Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, 701 Derstine Ave., Lansdale. Interment will be in St. Peter's Union Cemetery, Hilltown. Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, Lansdale.

Update on Max Solomon

2008-08-06T10:49:00.004-04:00

Max Solomon, long term Pittsburgh Division Asst Superintendent is in the hospital have post stroke symptoms. Sounds like his condition is improving. Here's Max's new room number:

Max Solomon
Wing 10-D - Room 1055-D
UPMC Presbyterian Hospital
200 Lothrop Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2582
412-647-2345
Oakland Section of Pittsburgh

See http://www.upmc.com/ for driving directions
Visiting Hours in 1055-D are 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

According to Dan Struthers of the WLE, Judy Solomon says the cards and notes are appreciated, and his friends should keep them coming because Max really enjoys hearing them as she reads them to him.

From Wall Street

2008-07-25T16:03:00.004-04:00

Railroads, Packing Pricing Power, Deliver Big Profits
Union Pacific's Jump In Earnings Is in Line With Robust Industry's
By ALEX ROTH - July 25, 2008;

If the U.S. economy is deteriorating, could someone please tell the railroad industry?

Profits for several railroad companies are surging as they exercise their power to raise prices, in part because they remain a cheaper alternative to trucks and other less fuel-efficient modes of transportation. Union Pacific Corp., the largest U.S. freight railroad operator by revenue, reported a 19% jump in second-quarter net income, despite a 3% drop in carloads, a 54% jump in fuel costs and a variety of logistical issues associated with recent Midwest flooding.

Last week, CSX Corp. also reported a 19% profit increase for the second quarter, while Norfolk Southern Corp. said Tuesday that second-quarter profits rose 15%. Burlington Northern Sante Fe Corp. said Thursday that net income fell 19%, but the results included charges mostly related to an environmental cleanup in Montana. Without the charges, Burlington Northern said profits rose 25%.

The railroad companies are far more fuel-efficient than trucks and relatively cheaper as fuel prices soar. Even more, some railroad customers, for logistical reasons, can't ship their freight any other way.

As a result, beyond fuel surcharges, the railroads have been able to raise their rates "even in this tough economy," said Anthony Hatch, an independent transportation analyst -- a fact that has rankled customers but delighted shareholders.

Mr. Hatch also cited the industry's "very diverse traffic base" as a reason for its successes. While volumes of auto parts, lumber and other materials connected to the automotive and housing industries have sagged, demand for coal, metals and agricultural products remains robust, in part because of surging exports. While revenue in Union Pacific's automotive segment fell 9%, agricultural freight revenue rose 29%.

Union Pacific, CSX and a smaller railroad, Kansas City Southern Corp., have also improved efficiency in the past five years, according to analyst Rick Paterson of UBS Investment Research, calling their financial results in part "an internal productivity story."

Union Pacific's results handily beat Wall Street's expectations. Net income rose to $531 million, or $1.02 a share, from $446 million, or 82 cents a share, a year ago. The Omaha, Neb., company warned last month that earnings would be reduced by about five cents a share and come in at the low end of its estimate range of 90 cents to 98 cents due to severe weather. The mean forecast by analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters was for 92 cents a share.
Revenue rose 13% to $4.57 billion.

Burlington Northern, the second-largest freight operator after Union Pacific, said net income dropped to $350 million, or $1 a share, from $433 million, or $1.20 a share, in the year-earlier quarter. The results included charges of 34 cents a share for the environmental cleanup and personal-injury accruals. Burlington Northern lowered its earnings projection to $1.30 a share last month due to the severe weather.

Union Pacific Chief Executive Jim Young said that while customers aren't happy with the higher prices, they also continually urge expanding capacity. "If you believe that railroads are going to be part of the solution moving forward, we need to keep adding capital and these returns need to move up," he said, adding that the company plans to spend $1 billion in the next year on expansion-related projects.

In 4 p.m. composite trading on the New York Stock Exchange, Union Pacific was down 15 cents to $77.18. Burlington Northern, which released results after 4 p.m., was up $1.23 to $100 in after-hours trading, also on NYSE.

Looking for Blog Authors

2008-07-25T12:15:00.001-04:00

If you would like to help manage this blog and become a Blog Author, please send me an e-mail at REFlynn@usa.net. All can post comments to posts, but only approved authors can initiate a broadcast post to all subscribers. If you would like to help, let me know.

What happened to the old Conrail.Net

2008-07-25T11:05:00.005-04:00

After 10 years, we finally had a technical issue with the old conrail.net web site. Unfortunately, the hosting provider corrupted the site and was not able to recover the database. There were other problems with the domain name that have now been resolved.

The site was originally launched in June 1999 to enable former employees to share their contact information. We were ahead of our time. There are now many social networking sites that allow this.

The site, though expensive to maintain, served a purpose -- and I was reluctant to completely pull the plug. So we are converting it to a blog to enable folks to post comments and broadcast information to former work colleagues.

In addition, we have set up a networking group at http://www.linkedin.com/ that will enable sharing of contact information. The group name is "Conrail". We hope everyone will take advantage of this service and take the time to join.

Comments?

2008-07-25T10:06:00.003-04:00

This blog permits former Conrail Employees to post comments.