BROTHERS PALAZOLLA AND KOERNER 1964-65

7 March 2011
I had lunch with Br. Al Conahan today at Jerry's Deli in Woodland Hills. After our meal, Al gave The Museum of the San Fernando Valley a great old, battle worn, Phi Delta Psi sweatshirt, and a gift to The Museum from Br. Clay Koerner in Bakersfield. Clay sent a bound book of Pierce College Round Up newspaper from 1964 to 1965.
Here are two photo-clippings from the book.

Br. Clay Koerner when he was elected to his second term as student body president at Pierce College in 1965.

Br. Joe Palazolla - March 1965 - Pierce College Roundup newspaper. Joe is receiving instruction from Wesley Craig in technical illustration.

Br. BOB PUCCINI

I recall Bob Puccini, but other than his initiation into our Fraternity at Pierce College, I know little more about him. My notes say that he was in the insurance business and that he graduated from Birmingham High School.
The recent acquisition of a 1961 Birmingham High School "Tomahawk" yearbook narrows down the likely time he pledged Beta Chapter. Since he graduated high school in 1961, he may have pledged that same Fall.

Br. MICHAEL TOZZI WAS ALSO A 1960 GRADUATE FROM BIRMINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL

When The Museum receives anything, an immediate effort is made to document its arrival. Today, March 5th we acquired two year books from Birmingham High School. I looked through the senior class pictures to see if any of our Phi Delt brothers were there. Here's a great photograph of Br Michale Tozzi just before he pledged the Beta Chapter of our Brotherhood. No doubt he looks a lot like this photograph 50 years later.

Br. BOB MALONE WAS A BIRMINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL GRAD IN 1960

Brother Bob Malone 1960

Brother Robert Malone was born in 1942 in New York state. He graduated from Birmingham High School in the San Fernando Valley in June of 1960. (The photo above was taken at that time.)

Brother Malone was initiated into the Phi Delta Psi Fraternity in the Spring of 1961.

When Bob finished his studies at Pierce College, he transferred to  CSUN where he earned his Bachelor's degree and later a California State Teaching Credential. He worked during college at a decorative glass company, making customized mirrors. Later he taught elementary school in Saugus and in the nearby Sulphur Springs School District. He retired from teaching after 28 years.

Bob and his wife Lynetter hare two sons Robert K. Malone III and Matthew. Bob's chief interests lie in computers, technology, cooking, current events and music.      

GAMMA FOUNDER BR. STUART OLSTER

This week The Museum of the San Fernando Valley received two "Tomahawk" yearbooks from Birmingham High School. This is a senior picture of Br. Stu Olster, who looked here very much like he did when he was among the founders of Phi Delta Psi's Gamma Chapter at San Fernando Valley State College. Later the chapter became the highly successful Pi Kappa Tau, with Br. Olster as a major leader.

A COLLECTION OF OLD PHI DELT BUSINESS CARDS

 click on these images to enlarge.

These early business card are a gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Br. Jerry Berns.

Br. BOB ROBAR

Brother Bob Robar was born on the 29th of April in Bakersfield, California. He was initiated into the Brotherhood of Phi Delta Psi in the Fall of 1957.

Bob served our Fraternity as a founder of and President of Beta Chapter at Los Angeles Pierce College.

 Br. Robert Robar - 2011

After Pierce College, Bob went to work for Rocketdyne in its Advanced Design Department.  He was in a program where the employee worked for one year, then went back to school for a year to get an engineering degree in 8 years.  Because of the instability of the aerospace industry Bob made a career change. In April 1960 and went on the Los Angeles City Fire Department.

In November 1961, while awaiting induction into military service, Bob joined the United States Navy Reserves in North Hollywood. Later he transferred to a Submarine unit in Long Beach.  In January 1963 he went on active duty and was sent to New London, Connecticut for Submarine School. Bob graduated 5th in the class and was assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln, SSBN. (Submarine Service Ballistic Nuclear)  This was ballistic missile sub stationed out of Holy Lock, Scotland.  After 2 tours of the Blue Crew, he was promoted and reassigned to the USS John Marshall on which he served as a navigator. 

  After his military service, Br. Robar returned the Los Angeles City Fire Department, where he served for 32 years rising to the rank of Captain II. He was promoted to Captain I in 1973, and Captain II in 1979. Bob.  He  worked at various locations throughout Los Angeles and moved to Fire Station 96 in Chatsworth in 1982.  He remained at that station until he retired in June 1992 after 32+ years.

 In 1966, he married Susanna Shutz. Bob and Susanna are active in their church as teachers. The Robars still live in the home they purchased through our Founder Doug West (real estate broker) in 1970. 

Robert Robar is a trustee of Anchor Education Foundation, overseeing the Maple Leaf Endowment Fund.