Leechburg High’s Class of 1961 dedicates bench as memorial to classmates who have died
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A new bench in Leechburg offers more than just relaxing views of the Kiski River.
On Friday, the Leechburg Area High School Class of 1961 dedicated a new steel black bench, complete with a custom plaque, at Riverfront Park in Leechburg.
The event was organized by LAHS ‘61 alumnus Jerry Mamros, and Conrad Best conducted the ceremony.
Leecburg alumni collected about $2,600 in donations to finance the 9-foot bench.
Volunteers poured concrete and installed the black oversized bench — a tribute to 21 deceased Class of ’61 classmates.
The bench plaque reads, “LAHS CLASS OF 1961 In memory of those we lost along the way and the ones who are here today Ev”
“Ev” refers to classmate Everett Randall LeSueur Sr., who succumbed to cancer in 2019.
“The recent passing of Ev prompted the desire to honor the deceased members of our class,” said Lou Phillips. “It took about a month of volunteer labor.”
The group chose a spot facing the Kiski River and more than ten volunteers worked clearing the riverbank to open up the view.
Phillips noted animal sightings were common as they assembled during various workdays.
“While working we frequently saw osprey, deer, red-headed ducks, hawks and fish surfacing. Our river has become a beautiful asset for Leechburg and the surrounding communities,” Phillips said.
Fellow alumnus Gloria Womer of Plum, enjoyed a quiet moment of reflection sitting alone on the bench before the ceremony.
“It brings back memories of classmates and it’s emotional and peaceful. Hopefully they are here in spirit,” Womer said.
Many assembled Friday were reunited for the first time since being separated in March due to covid-19 restrictions.
Frequent lunch outings among the group were missed said Pauline Bish of West Leechburg. She said the reunion and bench unveiling Friday was meaningful.
“We just caught up on our news and it was just a pleasant afternoon. It’s a great accomplishment and our group had so much fun working together on it,” Bish said.
Conrad Best, of Frostburg, Md., described the day’s events as “tranquil.”
Best traveled to Leechburg multiple times to help with the efforts and said he felt honored to conduct the dedication ceremony.
“I’m happy to be here and be a part of the celebration,” Best said.
Dave Sherbondy of Leechburg served as class treasurer in ‘61.
He was the first to address the crowd of about 30 after a bell-ringing roll call of the departed alumni, doxology and benediction.
“I’m here in this park three or four times every week, with God, Mother Nature and the animals,” Sherbondy said. “It’s calming in my soul and I have more zip in my step when I leave.”
Leechburg Mayor Wayne Dobos was in attendance and spoke of the importance of giving back in one’s community.
“It really warms your heart to see what human nature can do,” Dobos said.
LASD High School Class of 1961 roll call and bench honorees: Mario Balbo, John Danka, Karen Dickson, Joyce Held, Albert Krueski, Everett Randall LeSueur Sr., Paulette Rivi, Walter Smeitana, Anthony Suyansky, John Vacca, Carolyn Wright, Courtney Bischoff, Edward Daugherty, Stewart Gregory, Robert Ignatz, John Lasslo, George Mamros, Nancy Sanders, Paul Strapac, Ronald Ulisky and Ray Wagle.