DEATH HAS BECKONED one of the class’s most blithe spirits. John Dengler died of cancer July 25, 1994. John wrote his own epitaph in our 25th yearbook: "I have pursued, in order of preference, musk, journalism, women, and booze." He achieved a certain success in all these endeavors.

John was a wonderfully gifted jazz musician, He had several bands of his own and worked with all the greats such as Bobby Hackett, Pee Wee Russell, Wild Bill Davidson, Pee Wee Erwin, Phil Napoleon, Billy Maxted. He played the late lamented Nick's in N.Y.C. He is best remembered for his Dixieland group I.V.J.B. (Intensely Vigorous Jazz Band). John was always a freelance journalist and at one time had a regular jazz column in JAZZOLOGIST.

"The pursuit of women has always been fun, but the first two I caught at the altar had to be thrown back." John and Mary Lou married in 1969 and "we couldn't be happier." John was totally devoted to Mary Lou.

John worked part-time at Cousin's on Palmer Square and later at liquor stores in Ft. Lauderdale (where he and Mary Lou lived) and found the “employee’s discount was always welcome."

John never got around to sending Christmas cards, but had Al Hirschfeld design a Groundhog's Day card as whimsical alternative.

To Mary Lou, the class offers its deepest sympathy at the loss of a true original.

Undergraduate Class of 1948