Pictured is the Cardinal Mindszenty Class of 1965 celebrating its 60th reunion.

There was much laughter mingled with the sound of music from the 1960s as friends from long ago gathered together celebrating the Cardinal Mindszenty 60th Reunion.

On Aug. 15, the Class of 1965 came together to begin celebrating 60 years since graduation. It was a joyous occasion as old friendships were renewed and fond memories shared. The evening was informal at Katerina’s Restaurant and featured a happy hour and light buffet. There was lots of time to chat and reminisce. Overlooking beautiful views of Lake Erie, we enjoyed lots of time to visit and reminisce about the days as Monarchs.

The celebration continued on the afternoon of Aug. 16 at Holy Trinity Church as classmates held a memorial service to honor the deceased. Father Mark Ward led the prayers. At 4 p.m., he celebrated Mass, which was dedicated to our class. There were many of our alumni present and several participated in the Mass.

At 5:30, Happy Hour began at Katerina’s. Thirty classmates then gathered for a class picture. The decades seemed to melt away.

Many of the group were from the Dunkirk-Fredonia area but some traveled. Members of our class came from Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia and Illinois. Our large Reunion Committee had worked hard to make it festive. There was a large stuffed lion (the Monarch) and a Cardinal Mindszenty banner. Purple and gold flowers decorated the tables. There was a memorabilia table with many cherished items. Deceased classmates were honored at a Memory Table.

Classmates viewed the large map showing where we all live. Before dinner, Father Mark led us in a blessing. Then Denis Riley, class president, made the toast as we toasted our amazing class. Then party goers enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner followed by a decadent purple and gold dessert.

The evening program began with the welcome given by our class vice president, Sue Guziec Sharrow. She reminded classmates how lucky we were to be able to be together again. The Master of Ceremonies, Joe Zanghi, brought the group together as he has for so many of the reunions. Stories abounded! Memories were recounted. There was an appreciation of how far we had all come despite adversity in our lives.

Classmates were in a time machine transported back to the Mindszenty gym at a record hop dancing to the twist and the stroll! “We felt lucky to have grown up in a little high school, in a rural area, in a much quieter and peaceful time,” members noted. “Reunions are special in many ways. As we age — memories become a wonderful thing!”