Latest News & Obituaries
Earl Everette Shirkey (1/12/1933-6/1/2022)
Posted: July 27, 2022
Earl Everette Shirkey, 89, of Harrisonburg, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2022, at his home in Harrisonburg.
He was born January 12,1933 in Timberville and was a son of the late Dorman and Ursula Derrow Shirkey.
He graduated from Timberville High School in 1950. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed there when the war ended. While in the Air Force he attended what is now Northwestern State University in Natchitoches Louisiana, where he learned the printing trade that would be his life’s profession.
He was a Linotype Operator and Proofreader at the Government Printing Office (GPO) in Washington, DC for 27 years before retiring in 1993 and moving back to the Valley.
He was a member of Columbia Typographical Union Local 101 for 50 years. He served as Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer during that time. He was a member of Bethlehem United Church of Christ in Tenth Legion where he had served as a deacon and trustee. He was a member of New Market American Legion.
He loved to fish in the Shenandoah Rivers and was an avid reader with over 300 novels and biographies in his library. He loved to travel with family and was always happy to share that he traveled to all 50 states. In his later years he loved to spend time with his grandson and was very proud of the young man he has become.
On April 10,1955 he married Hilda Lorraine Harpine. They were blessed to share 49 years of marriage until her passing in 2004.
Surviving is a son, Dennis Earl Shirkey and wife Leigh Ann of Fairfax Station, a grandson, Bryan Shirkey, two granddaughters, Kelly Thomas (Nathan) and Lindsay Lawrence; two brothers, Jimmy Shirkey (June) of Timberville and Roger Shirkey of Linville as well as numerous nieces and nephews he held near and dear to his heart.
A brother, Roy Shirkey and two sisters, Rena Taylor and Mary Lou Litten, preceded him in death.
Memorial Contributions may be made in Earl Shirkey’s name to Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 11923 N Valley Pike, Broadway, VA 22815 or Sentara Hospice Services c/o Sentara RMH Foundations, 2010 Health Campus Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
OBITUARIES
Bernard (Bernie) F. Babik (4/14/1937-8/4/2022)
Posted: August 11, 2022
Bernie worked for the Government Publishing/Printing Office (GPO) he was 85 years old.
Funeral Mass for Bernie at:
Our Lady of the Fields Catholic Church
1070 Cecil Avenue South
Millersville Md 21108
We do not have an obituary for Bernie. We'll watch the funeral home at Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A. (Odenton) if they post more about Bernie.
Earl Everette Shirkey (1/12/1933-6/1/2022)
Posted: July 27, 2022
Earl Everette Shirkey, 89, of Harrisonburg, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2022, at his home in Harrisonburg.
He was born January 12,1933 in Timberville and was a son of the late Dorman and Ursula Derrow Shirkey.
He graduated from Timberville High School in 1950. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed there when the war ended. While in the Air Force he attended what is now Northwestern State University in Natchitoches Louisiana, where he learned the printing trade that would be his life’s profession.
He was a Linotype Operator and Proofreader at the Government Printing Office (GPO) in Washington, DC for 27 years before retiring in 1993 and moving back to the Valley.
He was a member of Columbia Typographical Union Local 101 for 50 years. He served as Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer during that time. He was a member of Bethlehem United Church of Christ in Tenth Legion where he had served as a deacon and trustee. He was a member of New Market American Legion.
He loved to fish in the Shenandoah Rivers and was an avid reader with over 300 novels and biographies in his library. He loved to travel with family and was always happy to share that he traveled to all 50 states. In his later years he loved to spend time with his grandson and was very proud of the young man he has become.
On April 10,1955 he married Hilda Lorraine Harpine. They were blessed to share 49 years of marriage until her passing in 2004.
Surviving is a son, Dennis Earl Shirkey and wife Leigh Ann of Fairfax Station, a grandson, Bryan Shirkey, two granddaughters, Kelly Thomas (Nathan) and Lindsay Lawrence; two brothers, Jimmy Shirkey (June) of Timberville and Roger Shirkey of Linville as well as numerous nieces and nephews he held near and dear to his heart.
A brother, Roy Shirkey and two sisters, Rena Taylor and Mary Lou Litten, preceded him in death.
Memorial Contributions may be made in Earl Shirkey’s name to Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 11923 N Valley Pike, Broadway, VA 22815 or Sentara Hospice Services c/o Sentara RMH Foundations, 2010 Health Campus Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
George C. Deckert, Jr. – August 24, 1940 – March 1, 2022
Posted: March 5, 2022
On March 1, 2022 George C. Deckert Jr. Beloved husband of Kathy A. Deckert (nee LaFon). Dear father of Theresa Parker and her husband Douglas Sr., Kathleen Spittle and her husband Kevin and Louis Deckert and his wife Cathy...see more...
Daniel James Tuite – May 25, 1939 – March 22, 2022
Posted: March 5, 2022
Daniel James Tuite was born in Rochester, New York. He is survived by his brother Edward Tuite (Norene), Children Theresa Tuite, Judy Hanger, (James), Patricia Earp, Timothy Tuite, Roxanne Deciutiis, (Nicholas), Grandchildren Sarah, Daniel, Nicole, Nicholas, Brian, Kyra, Kayleigh, Cierra, and Nicholas...see more...
James Payne – April 5, 1951 – February 7, 2022
Posted:
Born on April 5, 1951, in Washington DC, he was the son of James Louis Payne and Christina Lucille (Ford) Payne. Jimmy graduated from DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland where he played football and basketball...see more...
Richard Alfred Grasso
(1934–December 18, 2021–Berlin, MD)
Posted: December 26, 2021
Richard Alfred Grasso, age 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at his home in Berlin, Maryland. Born in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Antonio and Florence (Heinemann) Grasso. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lee (Bohlayer) Grasso; children, Debra (Harry) of Montgomery Village, MD; Richard, Jr. (Robin) of Clarksburg, MD; Teresa Cannata (Stephen) of West Chester, PA; and Kennard (Melissa) of Cumming, GA. Mr. Grasso is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and a special nephew, John A. Smith. He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Katie Gordon.
Mr. Grasso joined the U.S. Army after graduating from Montgomery Blair High School in 1953. He served in the U.S. Army as part of the 57th Tank Battalion 2nd Armored Division (Hell on Wheels). Richard worked at several printing and publishing firms prior to his employment with the United States Government Publishing Office (U.S. GPO) where he remained until his retirement after 32 years. He was a member of the Columbia Typographical Union, American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the Alzheimer's Association or Coastal Hospice of the Eastern Shore MD in Richard’s honor. A special thank you to Coastal Hospice of the Eastern Shore for their care and kindness.
William J. Boarman – June 30, 1946 – August 22, 2021
Posted — Date: 8/24/2021
We regret having to inform our members that William J. Boarman, former president of Columbia Typographical Union 101-12, passed away on Sunday, August 22, 2021.
Bill served his apprenticeship at McArdle Printing Company in Washington, D.C. He obtained a position at the Government Printing Office as a printer-proofreader in 1974. He was elected president of Columbia Typographical Union No. 101–12 in 1976. He later served as an officer in the International Typographical Union (ITU) and was involved in the planning of the merger between the ITU and the Communication Workers of America (CWA) in 1987. After the merger, he served as senior vice president of the CWA and later president of the CWA’s Printing, Publishing, and Media Sector. In January 2011, he took over as Public Printer of the United States and served until January 2012.
Among the many Union-related jobs he served in was as chairman of the CWA/ITU Negotiated Pension Plan and the Canadian Negotiated Pension Plan, representing the CWA on the Council of Institutional Investors, and as president of the Union Printers Home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Bill served the people of Maryland on the Anne Arundel County Board of Elections and on the Maryland Commission on Judicial Disabilities. These are just a few of his accomplishments during the time he was a member of our Union.
Jeffrey Bridges - October 9, 2021
Posted: October 19, 2021
We've received word that Jeffrey Bridges, a long-time member of the typographical union, passed away on October 9, 2021. Jeff as he was know, was a retiree from the Government Printing/Publishing Office. He last was assigned to the EPD Section. So far we have not been able to find any further information regarding his passing. Watch this space for more as we will continue to research this.
James O. Forrest, ii ‘Jim’ - February 13, 1941 - July 25, 2021
Posted: August 23, 2021
James Ormiston ‘Jim’ Forrest II, 80, of Springfield, VA, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, July 25, 2021. Jim was born on February 13, 1941, in Lincoln, NE, to Robert Forrest and Georgia DeVriendt Forrest. As soon as he was old enough to hold a pencil, Jim began a lifetime of drawing, writing, and adventure. While attending Central High School in Omaha, NE, he contributed a record-breaking 70 illustrations to the yearbook, won juried art competitions, joined the ROTC's Crack Squad rifle and drill team, and was editor of the newspaper. ...Read Jim Forrest's entire obituary...
James ‘Jim’ Henry Byers (3/19/1937 - 7/28/2021
Posted: August 16, 2021
James Henry ‘Jim’ Byers, 84 of Lusby, MD and formerly of Huntingtown, MD, passed away on July 28, 2021 at his residence. Born March 19, 1937 in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Carl H. Byers and Catherine (Hoover) Byers.
Jim graduated from Oxen Hill High School in 1955. He married his wife, Dorothy Virginia Curtis on November 19, 1959 in Mt. Rainier, MD. They moved to Calvert County from Millersville, MD in 1985. Jim was a Printing Specialist with the Washington, DC Government Printing Office for thirty four years, retiring on December 1, 2000...Read Jim Byer's entire obituary...
John "Jack" Nicholas Frasco (4/8/1939 - 12/30/2020
Posted: December 9, 2020
On December 30, 2020, John (Jack) Nicholas Frasco passed away in his home at the age of 81. Jack was born on April 8, 1939 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the late Charles Frasco and Francis Marion Muirhead.
Preceded in death by his wife, Charlene, and his brother Charles, Jack is survived by his three loving sons, Nicholas (Alexandra), Anthony (Jo Dee) and Daniel (Barbara). Jack is also survived by his adoring grandchildren Vincent and Victoria and his sisters Mary Jane Ray and Sally Long. Jack attended Washington Vocational Tech High School in Pittsburgh before serving honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1960. Upon completing his naval service, he started his working career as a model maker in Gibsonia, PA, before moving his family to Maryland in 1973. He began working in the printing industry until he retired in 2018 from the Government Publishing Office (formerly Government Printing Office). Jack was a cherished friend, could be known to be a prankster and his hobbies included golf, reading and gardening. He was involved with local sports programs of football, baseball, basketball, boxing and swimming and was a coach to many young men over those years.
Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, and as a survivor of colon cancer, donations may be made in Jack's honor to the American Cancer Society. A Celebration of Life service will be planned at a future date when social gatherings are safe and permissible.
Joyce DiMeglio Lopez (8/28/1948 - 12/10/2020)
Posted: December 11, 2020
Joyce DiMeglio Lopez, 72, of Wilmington, NC, wife of Ben Lopez, passed away on December 10, 2020. Born on August 28, 1948 in Washington, DC she was the daughter to the late Frank and Gladys DiMeglio.
Joyce graduated from Albert Einstein High School in Kensington, MD. She furthered her education at Montgomery College in Rockville, MD. Through her career she worked as an administrative assistant and an executive secretary. Her skills with computers, mainframe, PC and her favorite Macintosh, earned her many awards and accolades. She managed to work up until the day she found out she had pancreatic cancer.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her sons Eric Devereaux and Kevin Devereaux, she is also survived by her sister Maria Chakalakis and her brother Frank DiMeglio, Jr. plus three step-daughters, Melinda Pleasant, Dana Haney and Christina Davis. She was preceded in death by step-sister Pat Rutter and step-brother Ray Hamson.
In lieu of flowers the family recommends that donations be sent to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington, NC. No service is planned at this time.
Warren Templeton (passed on 11/12/2020)
Posted: December 1, 2020
Warren V. Templeton, age 87, of Johnson City, Tennessee passed away Thursday, November 12, 2020 after a brief illness at the Johnson City Medical Center. He was the son of the late Percy and Elizabeth Templeton and was born in San Diego, California.
Warren was a kind man. He was an extremely organized individual. He enjoyed a good family get together especially vacating with his nieces and nephew as well as going on cruises and international travel. When Warren was younger he loved to collect guns and enjoyed target shooting and was an avid jogger. After serving in the Navy Warren worked for 27 years at the Government Printing Office (GPO) in Washington, D.C.
In addition to his parents Warren is preceded in passing by his wife of 57 years; Edna Foster Templeton, and one sister; Marjorie Gyepes. Those left to cherish his memory include one sister; Dorothy Sanderson, several nieces, one nephew and several cousins also remain to carry on his legacy.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and caregivers at Cornerstone Village, who were a second family to Warren.
At this time the Templeton family will not be holding services. Please follow the funeral home website for additional updates, along with memories and condolences can be shared at Tetrick Funeral Home.
Note: Warren was the Apprentice Instructor in the old hot metal Job Room for many years at GPO.
Linda Marie Burnette (1/27/1950 - 10/21/2020)
Posted: October 24, 2020
Linda Marie Burnette, 70, of Waldorf, Maryland, died on October 21, 2020 at her home.
Linda was born on January 27, 1950 in Washington, DC to the late Audrey J. Ferris and Louis L. Barber. Prior to retiring, Linda worked for the Federal Government as a video keyboard operator for over 20 years. Linda loved spending time with all of her family. She loved her God and all of her many animals. She was Elvis Presley’s BIGGEST fan.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Frank E. Burnette, Step-father, Fred M. Guice, Jr.; great-granddaughter, Liylah Nicole Burnette; and sisters; Toni Guice and Tina Guice.
She is survived by her daughters; Billie Jo Clower and her husband Mark, Tiffiny J. Knight and her husband Gary, and Cathern J. Deckert and her husband Louis; grandchildren; Leslie Hyde, Mark Clower, Krista Gaugler, Brittney Burnette, Adam Knight, Zachary Knight, Alyssa Knight, Kayden Knight, Hollie Deckert, and Heather Deckert; great-grandchildren; Madeleine Hyde, Charlotte Hyde, Rylee Gaugler, Ayden Gaugler, Breanna Gaugler, Bryan Bowman, Jason Bowman, Carly Bowman, Zoey Knight, and Haven Knight; brothers; Frank Guice, and William Barber; sisters; Bobbi DeSantis, and Debbie Huston; aunt, Carole Arneson; and many nieces, nephews and cousins who will miss her greatly.
Services and interment will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to your local VA Medical Center or online at www.VA.gov.
Online condolences may be made at www.raymondfuneralservice.com.
Judith Ann (Wolf) Middledorf (1/30/1952 — 9/10/2020)
Posted (updated): September 19, 2020
Judith Ann Middledorf, age 68, of Millsboro, DE, passed away at home after a battle with cancer on Thursday, September 10, 2020. She was born on January 30, 1952 in Wise County, VA, daughter of the late Jack and Alberta Jervis.
Judy made her career as a typesetter, working for the United States Government Publishing Office. She was an avid golfer and she enjoyed fishing and bowling in her spare time. Judy had a caring heart and loved volunteering her time for the AMVETS and with the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.
In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Frankie Middledorf, her sister, Cathy Davis, and her brother, Robert Heinrich. She is survived by her son, Mark Wolf of Columbus, OH; her sister, Carol Middledorf and husband Cary of Seaford, DE; her brother, Sonny Jervis of VA; and many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.
There are no services at this time. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes, DE.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Judy's name to the American Lung Association by visiting their website at www.lung.org.
Madeline M. Neri (12/22/1936 — 9/12/2020)
Posted (updated): September 13, 2020
On Saturday, September 12, 2020, Madeline M. Neri (Joe Neri's wife), 83, passed away at Baltimore-Washington Medical Center. She was the loving wife of Joseph R. Neri, Sr.
For complete obituary and arrangements for Midge see Singleton Funeral Home.
News/Status
Joyce E. (DiMeglio) Lopez
Posted (updated): September 13, 2020
On May 26 Joyce (Ben Lopez's wife) was rushed to the ER because of back pain that had been hurting her for a while. At the ER they did a CT scan and found that she has pancreatic cancer and was to report to her primary care physician the next day. The primary care physician gave her the complete report. She has stage 4 pancreatic cancer and it has spread to the liver. Since then she's had 10 chemo treatments that have reduced the tumor. She's had two 2nd opinions that "the current oncologist is treating her with the best treatment available for that particular cancer at this time". Currently, she has some good days and some bad days, which seems to be the norm for pancreatic cancer.
OBITUARIES
James Louis (Ike) Isaac (6-19-1932 to 6/25/2020)
Posted (updated): July 11, 2020
James Louis Isaac, Sr., died on June 25, 2020 at 88 years old. His wife of 61 years, Carol Jean Taylor Isaac preceded him into death in October 2019. They were the parents of James II (Elsie) of District Heights, MD, Jerry (Angela) of Suitland, MD and Janis Stewart (Michael) of Temple Hills, MD.
Ike was well known for his photographing of weddings of a number of GPO workers' childrens' weddings. He was also a regular at the Has-beens breakfast and long-time member of the Columbia Typographical Union 101-12. Ike spent 4 years in the U.S. Air Force and worked as a Air Traffic Controller. He spent some of his military service in Morocco. For me (Ben Lopez) personally he was a great friend, both having been born in West Virginia and our love of photography. Ike and Carol took a train tour around the perimeter of the United States and during his stop in Seattle he and Carol visited me and my wife.
Charles (Charlie) Robinson (5/20/2020)
Posted: May 20, 2020
Charles Robinson passed away on May 20, 2020. Beloved husband of Patricia Brown Robinson; father of Charles E. Robinson and Nakia Smith (Corey); grandfather of C. Noland, Cameron, and Carter; brother of Elouise Agee (Larry) and Shirley Hamilton. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and work colleagues. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Charlie was a regular at the Has-Been's Breakfasts at Rip's Country Inn in Bowie Maryland.
News
Oldies but Goodies
Posted: May 3, 2020
For the people who remember the music of the 1940's and even to the present day. You might want to listen to one of our own, DeeJay John Mogavero on Memory Lane Oldies at https://www.memorylaneoldies.com. Richard (Dick) Lillard a long-time local deejay has also joined Memory Lane Oldies. Richard has been a friend of the Mogavero family since they lived close to each other while growing up in College Park, MD. Richard (Dick) and I played a game of Top-Ten songs of the week and compared our picks in one of our classes at High Point High School in the mid-1950's. Dick remains a friend of the Mogavero's and attends the Rip's breakfast on occasion with John. He has gotten to know many the printers that attend regularly. Mogie's Time Machine is on Monday's from 10pm to 1am and Mogie's Forgotten Gems is on Wednesday's from 4:30pm to 7:30pm. DJ Dick is on Wednesday's from 2:30pm to 4:30pm. Click schedule link above and go to the Home page, then click the red listen now button. Or just go straight to LISTEN NOW.
OBITUARIES
Chester Szymczak (3/11/1934 — 2/15/2020)
Posted: October 28, 2019
On February 15, 2020, Chester Szymczak, passed away at Fairfax Hospital after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Chet was born on March 11, 1934 in Scranton, PA to the late Michael and Stella Szymczak. He served four years active duty in the US Air Force and four years of reserve duty in the Coast Guard.
He was a member of the DC police force in the early 1960s before joining the Mergenthaler Linotype Company. In 1968 Chet started working at the Government Printing Office and retired after 28 years of service. A celebration of Life will be held at All Saints Sharon Chapel, 3421 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Read more at Jefferson Funeral Chapel...
News
Update on James “Ike” Isaac
Posted: January 30, 2020
I just talked with James Isaac. He told me he’s been hospitalized for about a month for high-blood pressure. He is home now. I didn't talk to him very long as his daughter was making lunch for him. I’ll stay in touch with him and post any new information. Please keep Ike in your thoughts and prayers.
OBITUARIES
Emanuel Anderson (Andy) Botto (12/20/1943 — 10/26/2019)
Posted: October 28, 2019
Andy Botto
We received word that “Andy” Botto passed on October 26, 2019, he was 75 years old. Andy retired from GPO in 2007 and was working in GSDD at that time. For a complete obituary and services see the obituary at either Andy Botto or at Loudon Park Funeral Home.
Carol Isaac (12/21/1936 - 10/11/2019)
Posted: October 26, 2019
We received word that Carol Isaac, wife of James “Ike” Isaac passed on October 11 and the funeral was Thursday, October 24. Our condolences to the Isaac family. You can view the obituary on legacy.com.
Herman V. Fink (Dec. 26, 1943 - Sept. 7, 2019)
Posted: Sept. 19, 2019
Herman’s obituary can be read at Montcastle Church Funeral Home & Crematory Inc.
Herman worked and retired from GPO. In lieu of flowers the family prefers a contribution to the Sovereign Grace Baptist Church for his wife’s care.
News
Update on John Fanning
Posted: October 9, 2019
Larry Stickler, Mike Lore, Bill Antowiak and Bern Watford visited John Fanning at his home in Florida. If you want to get in touch with John or his family fill out the contact us page with your request. Keep John in your thoughts and prayers.
Bill Krakat
We received a Hang A Pig story from Bill Krakat, read Bill's story.
OBITUARIES
William (Bill) Ryan (passed on Sunday July 28, 2019)
Posted: July 30, 2019
Bill Ryan's Arrangements:
Bill Ryan's family will receive friends on Thursday, August 1, 2019 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm at Beall Funeral Home, 6512 Crain Highway, Route 3 South, Bowie, Maryland.
A funeral service will be held Friday, August 2 at 11 am.
Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton, MD.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, or Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, Maryland 21122.
Donald "Don" Rollert (passed on 6/27/2019 at age 97)
Posted: July 9, 2019
Don was not a hot-metal printer, but his pioneering work on the first electronic typesetting machine at Mergenthaler then at GPO played an important part for GPO hot-metal printers to make the transfer to the Electronic Printing Department. Don passed away on June 27, 2019 at his daughter's home while in hospice care, he was 97 years old. If you knew Don and would like to attend a memorial gathering at his daughter's home in Potomac, MD, on July 20th, please request the full address by filling out the Contact Us page and making a request to attend "Don Rollert's memorial".
When Don retired in April 2004 at 82 years old, Representative Chris Van Hollen of Maryland submitted a recognition of Don's significance to the electronic printing industry in the Extensions of Remarks of the Congressional Record. See the Record excerpt.
Note: We just received a message from Claudia Nagan, Don's daughter. "I want to tell you how touched we are to see the obituary you wrote. We want to welcome any and all who would like to join us in celebrating my father's life on July 20th at 11:00AM at my home [deleted] in Potomac, MD. We can be reached at [deleted]. RSVP's would be appreciated as we really have no idea how many people connected to the GPO might come and we want to be sure to have plenty of food for everyone."
We'll send a message out to all registered users with the address and phone numbers included.
News
Posted: June 24, 2019
Message from Alex Crofoot: "Sorry to hear of Dick Grasso’s ill health and also happy that Art Augustine was doing well. I must say I do appreciate "Hang A Pig" as I have lost touch with those I have known over the years. I now live on the Suwannee River down here in Florida. Turned 80 this week and Dr. says healthy as 45 year old. I must say God has been very gracious to me over the years."
Note: My recollection of Alex is: While I was on the 8pm shift in GPO's Main Proof in the 1970's, we left work at either 4:30am or 6:30am (2 hrs OT) and in the summer months Alex would have his truck, loaded with mellons from Maryland's Eastern Shore, at the side door on H Street. When he was there I always bounght a couple, best mellons ever.
Posted: June 22, 2019
Richard "Dick" Grasso status: Larry Stickler has stayed in touch with Richard Grasso's wife Mary and he heard from Mary this past week. Here is what she had to say regarding Richard's health (Tootsie was Richard’s dog): "Tootsie passed away last October. She was 16. Great, sorrowful loss to us both. Next, Richard’s health is so-so. He is overweight, no exercising. No strength in legs. He never complains of pain. I have a helper from HomeInstead. She does house work changing his bed, laundry, etc. I take care of Richard. It works out very well."
Editor’s Note: Dick, as we called him, was an active Columbia Typographical Union member for many years. As a compositor at GPO he rose to Assistant Foreman of the main proof room in the Electronic Printing Department (EPD). In retirement he stayed active with former printers by starting the Has-Been's breakfasts at Rip's and coordinated that with the Has-Been's web site. Once Dick couldn't maintain the Has-Been's web site any longer, Mike Maher and I (Ben Lopez) decided that we would continue a web site to keep hot-metal printers informed about co-workers and the industry itself. We wish Richard (and Mary) well and thank Richard for his service to our trade that served us all well into retirement.
If you'd like to contact Richard, send a letter, card, etc., let us know through the HAP Contact Form and we will supply any information that we have to you.
Posted: June 20, 2019
The Has-Been's breakfast group have been asking about James "Ike" Isaac and Earl Shirkey. Here's what information we have currently:
I talked with Ike last week and he said that his recovery is a little slower than he would like. The proceedure that he had on May 1, was to remove a no-cancerous growth on his bladder. Ike is the Has-Been's group's photographer and we hope that he gets well soon. The group misses him and we (out-of-towners) miss the photos.
We received this information from George Enchino regarding Earl Shirkey on May 22: "Talked to Earl Shirkey last month. He said he's adjusting to assisted living and doing well. His facility is not bad in his words. His doctor is taking good care of him. He said to tell everyone who remembers him hello. He seemed to be in good spirits."
Note: If you'd like to contact Ike or Earl, fill out the Contact Us page request the information that you want. We will attempt to get the info to you ASAP.
Posted: May 30, 2019
Received this message from Bill Sager: "Ben, my wife found my retirement book and I got my first day at GPO wrong. I Started on July 26, 1965, not June 1, 1965 and retired on January 3, 1996. Sorry for the error. It was so long ago."
Note: These revisions have been made. See, Bill Sager's Hang A Pig profile.
Posted: May 18, 2019
The Rip's Has-Beens breakfast was held yesterday. May 17, 2019, and a number of attendees were asking about "Ike" (James Isaac). As mentioned below, Ike is healing now and hopes to return to the Breakfast at Rips as soon as he can. Ike's procedure was to remove a non-cancerous tumor from his bladder. Also, Art Augustin attended the meeting after having issues with an irregular heat beat. Hopefully the doctors have found the problems and he's as good as new. Art told Mike Maher that he's feeling good, just a little tired. Get Well Soon! To both Ike and Art.
I got a photo, of a lino on a pront porch in Virginia, from Bill Krakat through Dick Haffa.
I received a GPO career story from Bill Sager and want to thank Bill for sending this interesting story about his career. Please read Bill's story, he even managed to insert "Hang A Pig" mulitiple times. Bill, I was able to maintain your Comic Sans font. See Bill's story....
If you'd like us to publish your “Hang A Pig” story on this site, we'd love to have it. Just fill in the form on the Contact Us page and either Mike or Ben will contact you.
Posted: May 3, 2019
Update — James "Ike" Isaac: Good news! I talked to Ike last night and he said the procedure, on May 1, went well. He's home now and healing. He said he hopes to be back at the Has-Been's breakfasts within a couple months. He sounded to be in good spirits and was glad its over. He'll be staying close to home for a week or two, but should be able to get around a little after that.
Posted: May 3, 2019
New emails: Two new emails today, Janet Kohajda and Leonard J. Cicero, requested to be on the Hang A Pig mailing list. Thanks we appreciate hearing from you. However, We need you to fill out the Registration Form. The Registration Form gives up a little more information about your career than we would know. FYI, when the registration form is submitted, the information goes into our database and if the email address is entered correctly you will receive all email blasts from this site. The database is located on a server in Atlanta Georgia owned by Sozohosting. I have been with them for about 10 years without any security issues. If you don't receive any emails from us, please let us know through the Contact Us page.
Posted: April 29, 2019
Art Augustin: Art has been having complications from an irregular heart beat for the past month or more. Joe Neri and Dave Brinkman visited Art last week they told us that Art is hoping to return to the breakfast at Rips either this month or next. Art gave Joe and Dave permission to tell us it would be okay to post his address on this site. If you'd like to send Art a card or letter, here is his address
Art Augustin
534 Londontown Road
Edgewater, MD 21037
James "Ike" Isaac: I talked with Ike and he's having some health issues. He is scheduled to be operated on, on May 1. The operation will be at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, 7503 Surratts Road, Clinton, MD. Watch this website, we'll update as soon as we can get information from Ike's wife, Carole, after the operation. Ike was known around GPO for his wedding photography, he did a number of GPO employees children's weddings. Please keep Ike in your thoughts and prayers. If you'd like to send a card to Ike, fill out the contact us form and we will send you his address.
Posted: April 10, 2019
Carol Cini: For those who worked dayside at GPO, may remember Carol Cini. Carol was Director of the Institute for Federal Printing and Publishing. He retired to North Carolina several years ago and volunteered in the scam and fraud division, Brunswick (NC) County Sheriff's Office. In his spare time, Carol wrote a book about him and his Dad. His Dad was a spy at the CIA and the book can be purchased, in paperback, on Amazon.com it's titled "The Spy, and his CIA Brat".
I read Carol's book and thoroughly enjoyed it. Carol had an exciting and adventurous youth. He was born in France, was living in Vietnam when the war broke out with the United States and was in Honduras during the Soccer War between Honduras and El Salvador. I give Carol's book 5 stars ★★★★★
Messages Recieved
Posted: April 11, 2019
From Edmond K. Holland: George (if I remember it correctly) Cochran...where are you and still alive...I am doing good and live in Jacksonville IL. Do send me a message and would be so happy to hear from you...
Message to Ike from Robert Geisendaffer Sr.: Ike is a good man, will keep him in my prayers. I wish him all the best.
Message to Ike from Joe Neri: Hi Ike, need you to get back to RIP's for the breakfast, haven't had my picture taken since the last time you've been there, we miss you, we will be praying for you for a quick recovery, stay strong Ike, we will be thinking about you//
Message to Ike from Jeff Bridges: Hey Ike. Wishing you all the best during your recovery. Hope to see you soon at Rips . . . we miss you!
Obituary
George Clark (April 20, 1926 - Feb. 20, 2019)
Posted: March 5, 2019
There is not much information at the funeral home site that managed George Clark's service, except when he was born and when he passed.
For those that didn't know George, here are some things that I recall working with George back in the late 1960's and early 1970's: George was from Scotland and we worked together in the old hot metal Job Room on the fifth floor at GPO. George had a pleasant personality and was a top-notch compositor. After I left the Job Room in 1972, I don't know where George worked or when he retired. If someone worked with him, please send us more info and we will post it on this site.
News
Posted: February 17, 2019
Earl Shirkey: This is from the CTU 101-12 office: I wanted to let you all know I heard from Earl Shirkey yesterday. He sounded good. He is in an assisted living center in Harrisonburg, VA. I thought I would pass the information on to the members. Earl is a true gentleman and as he would say "dern" the strongest word I ever heard him say!
Earl is at:
-
Bellaire at Stone Port Assisted Living
1684 Port Hills Drive
Room 226
Harrisonburg, VA. 22801
Earl also has a cell phone (540) 746-0413.
Posted: February 12, 2019
Carol Cini: For those who worked dayside at GPO, may remember Carol Cini. Carol was Director of the Institute for Federal Printing and Publishing. He retired to North Carolina several years ago and volunteered in the scam and fraud division, Brunswick (NC) County Sheriff's Office. In his spare time, Carol wrote a book about him and his Dad. His Dad was a spy at the CIA and the book can be purchased, in paperback, on Amazon.com it's titled "The Spy, and his CIA Brat".
Posted: December 5, 2018
Bob McArtor: Bob's daughter Susan sent us some photos of Bob running a repro-press and a Linotype machine, while working at GPO. Most of us probably only remember Bob as Chairman of the GPO Style Manual. I did a search and they still are printing the manual, here's a link to the 2016 edition, I assume it's the latest, GPO Style Manual. Much of the Manual is timeless, including the proofreader marks.
Posted: November 21, 2018
Bill Sager and Jimmy Howard both worked at the Government Printing (now Publishing) Office. They met at Perkins Restaurant in Winchester after 38 years. Bill says that Jimmy looked great for his 95 years. Jimmy and wife Lottie will fly back home to Wilmington, NC tomorrow. [Received from Bill Sager: 11/18/2018] See photos...
Historical News
Posted: Nov. 8, 2016
Last Hot Metal Printer at NY Times
See, The Last Hot-Type Printer Puts Down His Tools
Documentary: "Farewell - ETAOIN SHRDLU - 1978"
See, A Farewell to the Linotype at NY Times in 1978
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LATEST OBITUARIES
This list below are the latest obituary entries, they may not be the latest deaths.
Rene H. Butt
Rene passed on March 15, 2023, at the age of 93…read more
Herman P. Rittermann
Herman passed on February 6, 2023, at the age of 94…read more
Norbert P. Bartosz
Norbert passed on January 16, 2023, at the age of 91…read more
Francis G. Cawley
Francis passed on January 25, 2023, at the age of 81…read more
Charles R. Crawley
Charles passed on February 26, 2023, at the age of 90…read more
Melvin Pryor
Melvin passed on February 7, 2022…read more
REMINDERS
The Baltimore Retirees' Club meet at 12 noon, on the 3rd Wednesday of the month (except July and August) at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Highway, Baltimore, MD
The GPO "Has-Beens" has an Open Breakfast (for current and retired union members) the 3rd Friday of every month at 8:45 a.m. (sharp) at RIPS Restaurant (in a private room) at the intersection of Route 197 and Route 301, Bowie, MD
See the Events Calendar for dates and times of all upcoming events.