Obituary: Vito J. Schiro

MADISON - Vito J. Schiro, age 78, passed away at home on Saturday, June 25, 1994 surrounded by his family. Vito was born in Madison to Peter and Angeline (Renda) Schiro. He was joined in marriage to Anna Emordeno in Madison on September 19, 1941. He was a graduate of Central High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was Captain of the 1938 National Championship Boxing Team. He was a member of the National W Club and a life long member of the the Italian Workmen's Club. He was well known as an umpire in the city softball program. He served on the city softball commission for 5 years and the basketball commission for 30 years. He was a popular playground director at Brittingham Park in the old Greenbush neighborhood. Vito received several awards for his community service and athletic accomplishments, among them the Columbian of the Year Award in 1980 from the Italian Columbians of Madison. He was named Mr. Olympics in 1979 by the Madison Service Clubs Council and on June 3, 1981, Vito was inducted into the Madison Sports Hall of Fame. Vito was employed by Gisholt Machine Company for 30 years. He served as Assistant Boxing Coach at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1945. He is survived by his wife, Anna; a son, Mike (Nancy); a daughter, Angie (Rod) Noyce; four grandchildren, Kim and Scott Howard, and Dan and Stephanie Schiro; three sisters, Georgia Cerniglia, Mary Schiro, and Lucy Halleran; four brothers, Frank, George, Dominic, and Ben; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Mary; his twin brother, Frank; and a brother, George. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 1994 at 11:00 a.m. at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court. Friends may call at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. The family would like to extend their appreciation to HospiceCare of Madison, and special thanks to Vito's brother, George, and his good friend Roundy Fisher, for their support and companionship during his illness. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to HospiceCare and the McCardle Cancer Research Center. Vito will be dearly missed not only by his family and many friends, but also by the scores of former UW boxers and hockey players who enjoyed his friendship and famous spaghetti dinners. Vito was always a gentleman in the finest meaning of the word and a true champion to the end. FITCH-LAWRENCE-SANFILLIPPO FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 27, 1994.

Boxing Put Schiro Into Hall Of Fame
Wisconsin State Journal :: Sports :: 2D
Sunday, June 26, 1994

Vito Schiro, a former boxer at the University of Wisconsin and a member of the Madison Sports Hall of Fame, died Saturday in Madison. He was 78.

Schiro, a Madison native, graduated from Madison Central High School and UW. While boxing for the Badgers, he was undefeated during the 1936-37 and 1937-38 seasons but didn't compete in the national tournament because UW didn't have enough money to send its boxers.Schiro was a member of the city softball and basketball commissions and umpired softball for many years. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989.

Obituary: Herbert J. "Hub" Schneider - Class of 1940

MADISON/SUN PRAIRIE  -Hubert J. '‘Hub" Schneider, age 70, died unexpectedly on Monday, April  5, 1993 at Saint Mary’s Medical Center in Madison. Hub was born in Madison on March 2, 1923. Hub graduated from Central High School in Madison in 1940, and from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a business degree. Hub served in the United States Air Force during World War II. He was affiliated with Borden Dairy, and then worked for the Wisconsin Gas Company and the Wisconsin Cheeseman. Hub lived for many years in Sun Prairie. He was an Alderman, a member of the Sun Prairie Lions Club, the Madison Elks, the Sun Prairie American Legion Post , and past-President of the Cherokee Garden Condominium Association. Hub retired from the Wisconsin Cheeseman and was spending his retirement traveling, playing golf, and Euchre. He recently worked until his Illness at the Prairie Diner where he fulfilled a dream to be a short-order cook. Survivors include his wife, Monica (Sierokowski) whom he married on February 14, 1981; his daughter, Marilyn Garbers of Lacrosse; a son, Michael (Connie) Schneider of Sun Prairie; and his grandchildren, Christopher, Matthew and Erin Schneider, and Lisa, Rachel, Sarah and Kimberly Garbers. He is also survived by his brothers, William (Mayvls), David (Janet) and Donald all of Madison, and Duane (Suzanne) of Denver, Colorado; a sister-in-law, Marlene (George) Gersch of West Salem, Wisconsin; and nieces, nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Jane (Rose) Schneider in 1975; his parents, Hubert A. and Florence (Harrington) Schneider; and a brother, Jock Schneider. Funeral services will be held at SAINT PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5001 North Sherman Avenue, Madison at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 8, 1993. Father Roger Niles will officiate. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Sun Prairie. Friends may call on Wednesday, April 7, 1993 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, where a Scripture Service will be held at 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the Church. “Hub will be greatly missed by his wife, family and friends." 

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 7, 1993. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Obituary: Bob R. "Boomer" Harris - Class of 1933

MADISON - Bob R. "Boomer" Harris died late Sunday morning following a brief illness. Harris is best remembered for serving as head basketball coach at three Madison high schools, West (1947-53), Central (1957-69), and Memorial (1970-75). He also helped coach prep football and,11/09/ football team in California that played USC and UCLA junior varsity squads in the Los Angeles Coliseum. Following his discharge from the Army, Harris decided against several other opportunities and opted for high school coaching. Two of his West teams won Big Eight championships and the 1951 Regents finished second to Wisconsin Rapids in the WIAA State Tournament. A conflict of philosophies at West resulted in the transfer of Harris to Central in 1953, and he served as assistant there until being named head coach in 1957. He didn’t enjoy the same success at Central, but as usual, got the most ability out of his players as well as respect from all those who’s lives he touched. He led Central out of the Big Eight Cellar in 1958 for the first time in four years and was named Coach of the Year. His 1963-64 team compiled a 10-4 conference record, finished second and earned Harris another Coach of the Year citation in the city. Harris said one of his most enjoyable years was at Central in 1953 when he also assisted coach Harold "Gus" Pollack with the football team. "Then having coached my son, "Tuffy" (Robert Harris) at Central was one of my most enjoyable experiences," he once told an interviewer. When Central closed, he moved to Memorial, retiring in 1975. He was inducted into the Madison Pen and Mike Sports Hall of Fame in June 1978. He was awarded the Madison Pen and Mike Good Guy Award. He also was named Mr. Olympic in 1977 by the Madison Service Club Council. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Coaching Association Hall of Fame in 1979. Harris was a product of the "old school," who taught absolutes to his pupils, emphasizing there wasn’t a right and wrong way, but a "Harris way" to live their lives. Discipline was a key word in his vocabulary. Bus drivers used to say their buses were cleaner when Harris teams got off after road trips, than when they boarded. Harris credited his experiences as a kid on the old Marquette playground, where the late Scott Hake was the instructor, for inspiring his interest in teaching and coaching. He was born May 9, 1915 in Chippewa Falls to Reverend and Mrs. Fred W. Harris. His father was a Methodist minister who brought his family to Madison when Bob was in fourth grade. Harris graduated from Central High School and earned a varsity letter in basketball at the University of Wisconsin. playing for Harold "Bud" Foster. He worked his way through the University at Toby and Moon’s Restaurant, gaining other experience during his high school years at Egan and Kelly’s Restaurant. He also credits former East High teachers Morgan "Doc" Gottschalk and Archie Morrow for aiding his coaching career as well as former UW baseball coach Dynie Mansfield and UW recreation director Pat Holmes. A 1937 University of Wisconsin graduate, Harris was one of only three physical education majors in the class of 62 to land a job during that Depression year. He went to work in Madison’s public elementary schools. During summers, he worked at Madison playgrounds and beaches, supervising swimming programs on all Madison beaches for many years until ill health forced his retirement in 1975. The old coach never put much stock in records, championships or awards. He treasured as his greatest "trophies" those former students and players who became outstanding citizens in their respective communities. Scores of those pupils never lost touch with him, and many appreciated his positive influence on their lives to this date. Bob and his wife, the former Ruth Meyers, were married September 29, 1942. They became parents of two daughters, Ruth A. Garner (Mark Gillingham) of Portland, Oregon, and Betty J. Custer (J. Corkey) of Madison; as well as a son, Robert B. Harris (Nancy) of San Mateo, California. Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth; his father, Frederick, and mother, Estelle; his sister, Dorothy Steinweg and his brother, Lawrence. He is survived by his three children, his two sons-in-law, and his daughter-in-law; two grandchildren in Madison, Genevieve Harris Custer and James Corkey Custer III; and his brother, Wilfred, of Madison. He also leaves behind countless former students and athletes, and teaching and sports colleagues who will never forget that they knew "Boomer". Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 10, 1993 at the COMMUNITY OF HOPE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 7118 Old Sauk Road, where friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 9, 1993. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Meritor Park Hospital, whose dedicated staff cared for Bob in his final days and supported his family; Hospice Care, Inc., who did the same for Bob’s wife; the Wisconsin Dance Ensemble with whom Bob’s granddaughter dances; and the Madison Midnight Basketball Program.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 9, 1993

Note: Robert Harris's class year is based on information in the 1933 issue of The Orange and Black yearbook, which includes his senior photograph.

Obituary: Francesca Paratore - Class of 1927

A Part Of Old Madison Has Died
By Julianne White, The Capital Times

In the heat of the day, they slowly climbed the steps of St. James Catholic Church. Many of them were childhood friends, bound by their heritage, their faith and the neighborhood of their youth, the Bush.

Today the Bush lives only in their memories. Never have blocks of a city been remembered so fondly. These once carefree youngsters are silver-haired now. Years of life experience are recorded in their faces, lines worn with pride. Their eyes light up as they greet each other. The abiding affection, peppered with nicknames and teasing, is evident.

Silently they filed into the wooden pews, framed by exquisite stained glass windows. And as the ceiling fan whirred above them, Mass began.

"We are here today to celebrate the life of Francesca Paratore,'' said the priest.

Francesca Paratore died last month. For the first time in her life, she left behind her younger sisters and brothers: Angela, Josephine, Anne, Tony and Vito. It took the gentle hand of death to separate her from them.

Bits and pieces of recollections from family members and friends tell her story.

"The hardship,'' said her sister, Anne, "began in Sicily. Our mother would often say, 'If we had been among the wealthy of Italy, why would we have left such a beautiful place?' But peasants were paid for their labor with produce. If the crops failed, you ate nothing.''

Francesca was 3 years old when she and her mother, Antonia, left their homeland. Her father, Theodore, an indentured railroad worker, had preceded them to Madison. It took two years for him to save enough money to pay their passage. In 1909, mother and daughter arrived at Ellis Island.

"They were put on a train, supposedly going to Madison, Wis.,'' said Anne. `"When they arrived at Madison, Ind., there was no one there to meet them. Speaking not a word of English, they sat there and cried. At last, an interpreter at the station re-routed them here.They walked from the Milwaukee Road depot to Regent Street, where our father was living.''

Francesca learned English at Longfellow school, which was filled with the children of immigrants. Her mother, who didn't attend school beyond the second grade, was determined her children would be educated.

After graduating from Central High School, Francesca sought work and was highly recommended to a local dairy.

"Your name, is that Italian?'' asked the prospective employer.

The young woman nodded.

"Then you need not apply,'' he said.

"She was bitterly disappointed,'' said Anne. "Our mother said, `All right. We live near the university. You'll go there.' ''

Francesca Paratore earned a bachelor's degree in Italian, French and American history, the first female Italian immigrant from the Bush to graduate from the University of Wisconsin. She worked in federal service for 31 years, editing educational materials for the U.S. Armed Forces Institute.

And always she remained in Madison, caring for her mother in their home at 818 Regent St., the homestead Francesca would maintain for over 60 years.

She never married but she collected friends, plentiful as morning dew. And many of them were present at the memorial service.

And when they talk about Fran Paratore, certain phrases echo: "wonderful woman,'' "devoted to her family,'' "like an older sister to me.''

Her obituary allowed all of us to know her better. It said she was known as` `the best breadmaker in town,'' that she missed only 12 UW football games in 57 years, that she was a shrewd bridge partner and that, in addition to her loving family, she is survived by a 1957 Buick Skylark.

Her last years were spent at Attic Angel Nursing Home. Rose Krueger, admissions director and social worker, says, "Fran always wanted to be doing something or helping someone. She took long, long walks, often pushing another resident in her wheelchair. And she spent many hours in front of the TV watching sports. Fran added spice to our facility. We'll miss her colorful wit. We loved her dearly.''

As Francesca Paratore's life drew to a close, one of her nephews, Phillip Shallat, flew in from Seattle. He said his Aunt Fran knew she was dying, and when he asked if she was afraid to die, she said she was not. He fed his aunt her last meals and told her what a gift her kindness had been. And he assured her she needn't worry about those she was leaving behind.

Antonia Paratore died on Mother's Day in 1970 at the age of 86. Francesca Paratore died on Mother's Day in 1993 at the age of 86 when, said her obituary, "she peacefully joined her best friend and mother.''

Originally published as a new story in The Capital Times on June 26, 1993

Note: Frances Paratore's class year is based on information in the 1927 Tychoberahn, where she is pictured among the graduating seniors.

Obituary: Robert G. Herreid - Class of 1936

MADISON - Robert G. Herreid, age 75, of Madison, died on Sunday, April 25, 1993 at Elmwood, Wisconsin. He was born on November 18, 1917 at the Top of State Street in Madison. He graduated and completed a Master's Degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He served in World War II as a Navy Corpsman in the Pacific Theater. He taught school in Beloit, Central High School in Madison, and at Laugh-A-Lot High School where he retired in 1979. He was remembered for "The Pussycat" Newspaper. Bob was an avid golfer and member of MARGA. He often scored 1 over pat at Glenway Golf Course. Survivors include his seven children, Joan, Tom, Barbara, Robert, Anne, Colin, James; and 19 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his aunt, Cecelia; and his cousin, June Fiscus. He was a lover of Shakespeare and humor and truly believed that a little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants, was the key to the good life. We miss you S.O.B. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 1, 1993, at 11:00 a.m. at the CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road. Entombment will be at FOREST HILL MAUSOLEUM. Visitation will be Friday, April 30, 1993, from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 27, 1993

Note: Robert G. Herreid's class year is based on information about the Central High School Class of 1936 June graduates published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 7, 1936. Mr. Herried's obituary is also listed in teacher obituaries.

Obituary: Sandra L. Hoffman - Class of 1966

MADISON - Sandra L. Hoffman, age 44, died at her home on Tuesday, February 23, 1993. Sandra was born on September 19, 1948 in Madison, She was a receptionist and secretary at Bowman Dairy for over 20 years. She was a member of Holy redeemer Catholic Church in Madison. Survivors include her parents, Rupert and Lillian Hoffman of Madison; two brothers Thomas Hoffman, Jeffrey (Diane) Hoffman of Madison; one sister Diane Imhoff of Madison; four nieces, one nephew; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents; seven uncles; and three aunts. Funeral services will be held at the ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Avenue, at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, Febuary 25, 1993, where Father Lawrence Kiefer will officiate. Friends may call on Wednesday, February 24, 1993 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 North Sherman Avenue where a rosary will be recited at 5:00 p.m. Internment will be held at the HIGHLAND MEMORY GARDENS CEMETERY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on February 24, 1993; submitted by Gerhard Ellerkamp (Class of 1966).

Obituary: Shelley A. (Harris) Nolte - Class of 1968

JEFFERSON/MADISON - Shelly A. Nolte (nee Harris), age 41, of 242 East Ogden Street, Jefferson, died on Monday, November 2, 1992 at University Hospital. She was born on December 17, 195o in Washington, D.C., the daughter of Bernard and Anita Harris. She was graduated from Madison Central High School and Edgewood College. Shelley was employed with Ameritech, in Brookfield. Survivors include her husband, Fridtjof; her father, Bernard (Susan) Harris of Madison; two brothers, Mark (Katherine) Harris on Tinton Falls, New Jersey and David Harris of Madison; a sister, Susan Harris of Madison; two stepsisters, Laura Burns and Erin Burns of Madison; a sister-in-law, Mary Boss of Madison; and two nieces, Laura Harris Boss and Madeline Harris. She was preceded in death by her mother, Anita Harris. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, November 4, 1992 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, with Rabbi Mose Re'em officiating. Burial took place at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 5, 1992

Obituary: Violet Bagley Miller - Class of 1934

Newspapers Lose Longtime Leader
By William R. Wineke Wisconsin State Journal

Violet Miller, 76, a director of Madison Newspapers Inc. and wife of The Capital Times publisher Frederick Miller, died Monday of cancer.

She was the niece of William Evjue, founder and editor of The Capital Times, and played a quiet but significant role in the newspaper after Evjue's death in 1970.A petite, quiet person, Miller was never known to use her influence to intimidate others, but her influence was felt, nevertheless.

"She always brought a freshness and spirit that enriched our organization,'' said Jim Burgess, publisher of the Wisconsin State Journal and president of MNI. "She had new ideas and, when she didn't like something, she could say so in the most charming manner.''

Miller was active in a number of community organizations, though she rarely sought leadership roles. She was particularly interested in music, art and other cultural activities in Madison.

She was a member of the Bascom Hill Society, the University of Wisconsin Foundation, the Madison Civic Music Association, the Elvehjem Council, Alpha Theta sorority and the Madison Club.

Most recently, she served on the committee developing the Ronald McDonald House of Madison, which will serve as a home for families of children being treated at Madison hospitals.
She also was interested in the work of The Capital Times charities, particularly the Kiddie Camp and, later, the William T. Evjue Foundation. She was elected president of the Kiddie Camp in 1964.

David Zweifel, editor of The Capital Times, said, "Vi Miller meant an awful lot to us. She stood by us when maybe it wasn't always easy, and her work on both the newspaper's board and the foundation's board has made Madisona better community as a result. We are deeply saddened by her death.''

The former Violet Bagley was close to Evjue and his wife, Zillah, as she grew up in Madison and shared their love of the arts. She was a friend of Frank Lloyd Wright and frequently spent Sunday evenings at Taliesin in Spring Green.

She was married to Frederick Miller in 1939, a marriage that was sustained by mutual love for more than 50 years.

The Millers were virtually inseparable. They traveled the world together, attending concerts and plays and collecting antiques. Violet Miller frequentlywrote travel columns about her journeys for The Capital Times.

At home, however, she lived quietly and took great joy in her home on ArborDrive, watching the seasons change in the woods surrounding Lake Wingra.

She is survived by her husband and by two nieces, Nancy Gage-Finney, Madison; and Marsha Rigney, Phoenix, Ariz.; and a nephew, Donald Miller, MountHoreb.

Funeral services will be held privately. The family has suggested that memorials be made to the charity of one's choice.


Originally published as a news story in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 26, 1992

Note: Violet Bagley Miller's class year is based on information in the booklet prepared for the 35th reunion of the Class of 1934.

Obituary: Bruce R. Olson - Class of 1966

MADISON - Bruce R. Olson, age, 43, of Madison, passed away on Friday, March 27, 1992 at his home. He was born on November 3, 1948 in Madison. He was employed by the University of Wisconsin Forest Products Laboratories. He was a graduate of Central High School, class of 1966, and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era. He was a member of the National Railway Historical Society and an avid amateur photographer. He is survived by his mother, Marion Olson of Madison; a brother, Terry Olson of Camarillo, California; and many cousins, aunts, and uncles. He was preceded in death by his father, Milo. Funeral services will be held at the GUNDERSON FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 8:00 p.m. on MOnday, March 30, 1992. Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 1992 in Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 pm. on Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Care Inc. of Madison

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 29, 1992. Submitted by Gerhard Ellerkamp (Class of 1966)

Obituary: Amy Brownell Wood - Class of 1966

MADISON - Amy Brownell Wood, age 43, died on Friday, July 26, 1991, at University Hospital in Madison. She was born on March 19, 1948, in Madison. Amy was a graduate of Madison Central/University High School. She received BA's in Art and History from Earlham College in 1971, and in Biology from Indiana University in 1984. After residing in Indiana for 17 years, she returned to Madison to become liaison to the Board of Directors and Buying Clubs at North Farm Cooperative. During her illness, she was grateful for support from her family and friends, and from fellow cancer patients and counselors through the Marions Support System and the Winners Circle of Christ Presbyterian Church. She is survived by her parents, Jane H. Wood and E. Weston Wood; her brothers, Levi E. Wood and Kenneth W. Wood; and an aunt, Polly Wood, She asked that memorials be made to the Madison Audobon Society, and the Friends of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. A memorial service will be held at the FIRST UNITARIAN SOCIETY MEETING HOUSE, 900 University Bay Drive, at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 1.

Cress Funeral Home
3620 Speedway Road

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 29, 1991; submitted by Gerhard Ellerkamp (Class of 1966)