Andrew Warde High School Family Mourns Passing of Longtime Teacher Raymond (Mr. B) Buzak

Former Andrew Warde High School teacher Raymond J. Buzak (Mr. B), age 85, of Shelton and previously of Bridgeport, beloved husband of more than 59 years to Carolyn (Marczyk) Buzak, died peacefully on December 19, 2010, with his devoted family by his side.

Born in Bridgeport, he was the son of the late William and Sophie Szymanska Buzak. A highly educated teacher who received his degrees from the University of Connecticut and Fairfield University, Mr. Buzak taught drama and English Speech at Central High School in Bridgeport for more than 15 years and at Andrew Warde High School in Fairfield for more than 16 years before retiring.

A charter member of The Polka-Dot Playhouse, he enjoyed playing many roles. An activist in the city of Bridgeport, he was a member of the Historical Society and had championed the "Save the Wheeler Mansion." During his retirement, Mr. Buzak did extensive volunteer work with the VNA, Geriatric Groups, prison ministries, and the Wednesday Afternoon Music Club, performing at various churches in Southport, Fairfield, Westport, and the Fairfield Recreation Department.

He was a civic-minded individual who was active with the Knights of Columbus Council #53 Aurora Lodge, Knights of Lithuania Council #141. Affectionately known as "Mr. B" to all of his students of 31 years, he will be sadly missed. Students recalled his kind and quiet mannerisms and his willingness to help.

In addition to his wife, Carolyn, survivors include a daughter, Lorraine Derbenwick, and husband Leland of Westford, Mass.; two sons, Victor Buzak and wife Kerry of Waterbury, and James Buzak and wife Mary of Bethel; a sister, Jeanette Aronson of Milford; four grandchildren, Margaret and Julia Buzak of Bethel, Connor and Brendan Buzak of Waterbury; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Buzak was predeceased by a sister, Gertrude Galluzzo, and brothers, Lewis, Perry, William, and Joseph Buzak. For online memorials and to light a virtual candle and sign the guest book, please visit commercehillfh.com.

Andrew Warde High School's Class of 1980 Reminisced With a Video After 30-Year Reunion

Andrew Warde High School's Class of 1980 celebrated its 30-year reunion September 25, 2010, in Fairfield. The class created a ten-minute slide show in honor of the occasion. I hope you enjoy it.

The class has its own Facebook page, and classmates are encouraged to visit the site to renew acquaintances and find out what their classmates have been up to after all these years. Just click on the illustration below to access the site.

Here is the video:


Paul

Capacity Crowd Watched Warde Cagers Beat Notre Dame in Opening Game of Fairfield Festival on This Date in 1973

Phil Ness and the Andrew Warde High School boys' basketball team stifled a Notre Dame comeback bid in the closing minutes and held on for a 72-65 victory in the opening round of the Fairfield Festival basketball tournament before a capacity crowd of 3,100 fans at Fairfield University's Alumni Hall, Thursday, December 27, 1973.

Trailing 52-44 entering the final eight minutes, the Lancers went to work. Dave Lehn, a six-foot-two senior forward, scored 17 of his 30 points in the final chapter on an assortment of long-range bombs as Notre Dame managed to grab a short-lived 59-58 lead at the 4:21 mark. Lehn's three-point play at that point put the Lancers ahead.

The lead see-sawed back and forth until Bob Neilson tallied a pair of free throws with 1:37 remaining to give the Crimson Eagles a 66-65 advantage they never relinquished. Ness blocked three shots during the final minute of play and made a pair of steals to ice the verdict. The six-foot-seven center finished with 16 points, 12 rebounds, 10 blocked shots, and 10 steals.

Ness was aided by Ron DelBianco, who chipped in with 18 points, and Bob Cleveland with 11 markers. Lehn received support from sophomore Tommy Burbank, who scored 12, and Kelly Lombard with 10. Warde managed quarter leads of 19-16, 42-27, and 52-44 before the frantic final minutes of play.

John Lademan's steal of an errant pass with seven seconds remaining lifted Fairfield Prep to a narrow 64-60 victory over a scrappy Ludlowe outfit in the nightcap.

Paul

Warde's Ron DelBianco Eclipses 1,000 Point Career Plateau as Crimson Eagles' Cagers Sank Black Knights, 77-64, on This Date in 1973

Senior Ron DelBianco scored seven points in the last three minutes to eclipse the 1,000 point career mark and teammate Phil Ness converted two three-point plays during that same span to lead the Andrew Warde High School varsity basketball team to a 77-64 FCIAC victory over Stamford at the winners' court 37 years ago today, Friday evening, December 21, 1973.

DelBianco, who needed 14 points heading into the game to crack the prestigious plateau, suffered through some jittery moments in pursuit of the mark, but finished with 20 points, giving him 1,006 for his career. His two clutch free throws with 3:15 left in the game gave the winners a ten-point lead, 62-52, and also vaulted him into the Warde record book.

Stamford, which fell to 1-2, had narrowed a 20-point second half deficit to eight points on a free throw by Forrest Andrews at the 3:30 mark. DelBianco subsequently canned his foul shots, and then came back moments later to complete a three-point play, stretching the lead to 11 at 65-54. Ness, who finished with a team-high 23 points and 25 rebounds, sandwiched his six points around a Stamford bucket to put the Crimson Eagles safely in front, 71-58, with two minutes left.

Warde had to contest with Stamford's Ernie Cobb all night as the Black Knights' rubber-armed guard fired in 37 points. He converted 17 of 42 shots. Cobb's 10 points enabled the visitors to hold a 17-15 first quarter lead, but he cooled down in the second stanza when Warde outscored the guests, 16-1, in the last three-and-a-half-minutes for a 38-29 lead at the intermission.

Reserve guard Bob Sherman keyed Warde's second period surge by scoring ten points in the last four minutes of the quarter. The junior also helped solve Stamford's full-court zone press, which riddled the winners in the early stages of the contest. He finished with 16 points and also turned in a fine defensive effort, helping to harrass Cobb on his jump shots from long range.

Both teams were cold in the third period, but Warde managed to add three points to its nine point halftime advantage for a 53-41 lead entering the final stanza. Cobb tallied 10 of his team's 12 points in the period.

Brad Gold helped out Ness with 11 caroms. The winners outshot the Black Knights, 48 percent to 35 percent.

Warde captured the jayvee contest, 54-53, behind Tom Curry's 15 point performance.

Paul

Fourth Annual Sing-Along Fun for All

The following was written by Anthony Procaccini, music director of St. Patrick Parish in Bridgeport and a 1976 graduate of Andrew Warde High School.

Notwithstanding very inclement weather, causing an outdoor event to move indoors, spirits were high as young and old gathered near Saint Margaret Shrine, Bridgeport on Sunday, December 12 for the Fourth Annual Community Christmas Carol Sing-Along.

Instead of carolers singing “in the frosty air,” the sing-along and subsequent reception took place in the Circolo Sportivo Building, located across Park Avenue from the shrine. Families in particular had a great time, seeing their children being greeted by none other than Santa Claus and his elf.

The day's special invitee was Bishop William E. Lori (pictured at the left), of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport. He expressed his joy at being with the community in ushering in Christmas in song, and wished all the best of the spiritual season to the audience.

The volunteer singers, representing many of the communities in the Greater Bridgeport area, were accompanied by a brass quartet and percussionist consisting of Masuk High School students. All were under the leadership of this writer, and another distinguished guest, Frank Martignetti, Music Director of the University of Bridgeport and the Mystic River Chorale, conducted two of the songs.

Musical selections ranged from carols such as “O Come, All Ye Faithful” to popular songs such as “Frosty the Snowman.”

The sing-along's primary sponsor, the non-profit B.A.C.I.O., Inc., (Bridgeport Area Cultural Italian Organization), was founded by the Park City’s former mayor Leonard Paoletta. Mr. Paoletta is to be commended for originating the concept of the event, now an annual fixture on the local calendar.

This writer thanks all those who contributed their time and effort in making the holiday season a more joyous one.

Warde Skaters Earned 2-2 Draw With Stamford Catholic on This Date in 1973

The Andrew Warde High School ice hockey team played to a 2-2 tie against Stamford Catholic High School in its third game of the season, Saturday, December 15, 1973, in Stamford.

Joseph Hamilton and Andy Larsen scored for the Crimson Eagles, with assists from Craig Benak. The Warde ice hockey team became a member of the highly-competitive Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference in 1973-74, one year after coach Arnie Larsen established the program. The league included 14 teams and two divisions.

Warde outshot the hosts, 25-10, overall, but could not manage to tally the go-ahead goal due to outstanding netminding by the Crusaders.

Following the tie, the Eagles record stood at one win, one loss, and one tie in FCIAC competition. Read more about the Crimson Eagles' exciting 1973-74 season by clicking this link.

Paul

Warde Cagers Nipped McMahon in FCIAC Opener for Both Teams in Norwalk on This Date in 1962

Strong foul shooting helped the Andrew Warde High School varsity basketball team post a 58-45 victory over Brien McMahon in the FCIAC opener for both teams in Norwalk on this date --- Thursday, December 14, 1962.

The Crimson Eagles sank 18 of 24 shots (75 percent) from the charity stripe, while McMahon connected on just five of 19 free throws. Each club scored 20 field goals in the game.

Warde assumed a 22-10 lead in the first quarter on the strength of solid shooting by guards Pete Jankovsky and Bob Ryan. Jankovsky tallied eight points in the opening session, while Ryan accounted for seven.

The 12-point margin held up for nearly the rest of the game as Warde led at halftime, 31-19, and after three quarters, 44-33.

Jankovsky and Ryan were the top scorers with 16 points apiece while Wayne Gower garnered 13 markers. Bill Bloom scored 15 points for the host Senators.

Marty Melson controlled the boards for Warde, pulling down 18 rebounds. His stellar performance was especially important since the eagles played without their top rebounder, Jim Siavrakas, who was sidelined with a cold. The victory was Warde's second of the season against just one defeat.

In the preliminary game, the Crimson Eagles jayvees beat their McMahon counterparts, 69-45. Russ Helgren was the top scorer for the winners with 22 points, followed by Bruce Bernhard with 14.

Paul

Eagles Blasted Blue Wave, 78-40, in FCIAC Basketball Game 37 Years Ago Today

Ron DelBianco and Dave Favale combined for 39 points as the Andrew Warde High School boys' basketball team registered an easy 78-40 victory over Darien at the winners' court, Friday, December 14, 1973.

Coach Ed Bengermino's Crimson Eagles were never threatened by the Blue Wave. Warde took a 20-6 first quarter lead on the strength of DelBianco's 10 points. Phil Ness, Warde's brilliant center, and Favale, each had five points.

Warde, which improved to 2-1 overall, led at the intermission, 37-21. Favale had seven points in the second quarter, while Jeff Leonard led Darien with six points.

Warde turned the game into a slaughter in the third quarter by outscoring Darien, 21-5, to assume a 58-26 advantage entering the final eight minutes. DelBianco, who finished with 21 markers, had four points to lead the well-balanced attack.

Favale finished the game with 18 points, while Bob Sherman, Brad Gold, Bob Nielson, and Ness were the other stars. Ness grabbed 13 rebounds, while Gold (12), DelBianco (11), and Nielson (10) also contributed off the boards. Warde compiled a 77-28 rebounding edge.

Darien, 0-3 overall, won the junior varsity tilt, 45-37.

Paul

Haines Leads Warde Cagers Over Darien, 72-55, on Blue Wave Court on This Date in 1966

An aggressive and pressing defense in the second and third periods helped the Warde varsity basketball team to a 72-55 victory over Darien on the Blue Wave court on this date --- Tuesday, December 13, 1966.

Trailing 14-11 after the first quarter, the Crimson Eagles erased the Darien lead and gained a 31-25 halftime advantage. Warde's pressing defense caused several ball control errors, while Dan Haines scored ten points in the second stanza.

Jim Howard, who led both teams in rebounding with 15 boards, notched six points in the third period as the visitors increased their lead to 50-38. Mike Corbett netted eight points in the final frame to boost Warde to its final margin of victory.

Haines finished with 20 points, while Jim Howard and Corbett split 32 points. Rich Fekete added 11 markers and grabbed 11 caroms to join with Howard in providing Warde with a 38-27 edge under the boards.

Warde, which won its second game of the season, connected on 44 percent of its field goal tries and 76 percent of its free throws. Darien clicked on only 38 percent of its shots from the floor and 69 percent from the charity stripe.

Darien managed to cop the junior varsity tilt, 69-67, in overtime.

Paul

Crimson Eagles Clobbered Bunnell to Open Boys' Basketball Season on This Date in 1966

The Andrew Warde High School boys' basketball team defeated Bunnell High School in Stratford, 79-58, to open the new season on this date in 1966. It was one of four interleague games between schools from the Fairfield County Athletic Conference and Metropolitan Bridgeport Athletic Conference.

Five Warde starters finished in double-digit scoring as the visiting Eagles jumped out to a 36-19 first half lead and then held on to defeat Bunnell, Friday, December 9, 1966.

Jim Howard's 23 points paced the Warde offense, while Dan Haines was next with 17. Tom DeLuca hit for 13, and Dick Fekete and Mike Corbett each tallied 10.

The taller Warde cagers had a rebounding edge which they used to build their first-half lead, while the cold-shooting Bunnell cagers could only manage a 25 percent field goal average.

Paul

Warde Alumnus to Lead Annual Christmas Sing-Along in Bridgeport, Sunday, December 12

Andrew Warde High School Class of 1976 graduate Tony Procaccini once again leads local choristers and a brass quartet in singing Christmas favorites at the Fourth Annual Community Christmas Carol Sing-Along at picturesque Saint Margaret's Shrine, 2539 Park Avenue, in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Procaccini, who headed the class's 2006 Reunion Committee and is pictured below conducting the choristers at the event two years ago, is Music Director of Saint Patrick's Church, also in Bridgeport.

This year's rendition is set for Sunday, December 12, 2010 at 3:00, rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, participants move directly across the street into the Circolo Sportivo Building.

Bishop William E. Lori of the Diocese of Bridgeport will greet the audience early in the program and local elected officials, including First Selectman Steve Vavrek of Monroe, are expected to attend.

The sing-along is becoming popular, and with the perennial arrival of a "special visitor" (pictured above) from the North Pole, families and their young children have a special incentive to attend. Children of all ages are encouraged to join the chorus when singing popular songs such as "Jingle Bells" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."

B.A.C.I.O., Inc., a local non-profit group promoting Italian culture, is the primary sponsor of the event, which was the brainchild of Leonard Paoletta, the group's president and a former mayor of the Park City. He saw the example of a long-standing tradition in Mystic, Connecticut and brought the concept to Fairfield County.

The public is invited, and free refreshments are served once the singing is completed. The photo directly above is from last year's event.

Those interested in singing need to contact Tony Procaccini in advance at 718.873.7421 or aprocaccini@juno.com.

Crimson Eagles Surge to 71-58 Victory Over Trumbull in 1962-63 Basketball Opener on This Date 48 Years Ago

Led by the hot shooting of co-captain Pete Jankovsky, Andrew Warde High School's varsity basketball team caught fire in the fourth quarter and overcame an eight-point deficit to post a 71-58 triumph over Trumbull in the season-opener for both teams at the Golden Eagles' court, Tuesday, December 4, 1962.

Jankovsky, who finished as the game's high scorer with seven field goals and five free throws, connected for 15 points on five field goals and five charity tosses during the closing surge by Coach Don Feeley's Crimson Eagles.

Strong rebounding and timely scoring by center Marty Melson and forward Wayne Gower also contributed heavily to the brilliant Warde comeback that completely turned the tide of battle. Trailing by a 46-38 margin at the close of the third quarter, the visiting Fairfield cagers outscored their hosts, 33-12, in the closing period, and broke the game wide open during the final two minutes of play.

Coach Dick She'a Trumbull outfit played deliberate basketball and controlled the boards early through the efforts of six-foot-three Fred Liggins and Tom Damico. The hosts jumped into the early lead which they maintained until the Crimson Eagles eventually took command. Trumbull had a 15-13 edge after the first quarter and led 29-28 at the halftime intermission.

The Trumbull squad played without valuable Gil Sidoti, who averaged 13.6 points in 19 games the year before. Sidoti was sidelined until after the Christmas holiday with a thigh injury.

Gower and Melson contributed 18 points each to the Warde triumph, while co-captain Bob Ryan scored nine points and reserve Jim Siavrakas tallied seven points for the Crimson Eagles. Gower, who was Warde's first-half scoring leader, sank four long-range set shots in five attempts during the first two periods.

Damico and Liggins led Trumbull's attack with 17 and 16 points, respectively. Harvey Adams also scored in double figures for the losers with 12 points, and Terry Nelson hit for nine.

The Crimson Eagles, who scored 27 field goals to Trumbull's 24, sank 17 of 23 free throws, while the Golden Eagles only cashed in on 10 of 23 foul shots.

Paced by the 16-point effort of Bruce Bernhard, the Warde jayvees edged Trumbull's junior varsity squad, 43-42, in the preliminary tilt. Dave Logie was the high scorer for the losers with 14 points.

Paul