Some years ago my good friend from Columbus, Linda Veale, texted me that a television show was featuring a story about a 61 Bradford grad, Joseph Vite. The story was a prison interview between a man convicted of his homicide, and a female relative of Joseph's. The story line was did the convict have any remorse for the homicide or not, and woulld she forgive him for what he did. The convict was Joe's foster son. At the conclusion of the interview Joes' relative was again interviewed by the show's producer to get her opinion, did she forgive him? I do recall her conclusion and I admired her courage to face that man. I barely knew Joe at Bradford but I always feel some afinity with anyone who shared the halls of bradford in 1961. Joe did not attend any of the junior high schools in Kenosha so few people from our class knew him well. He and his wife dedicated their lives to their foster children and were well respected in the community of Bristol where they resided. There is ample media coverage of the events around Joe's life so I will not mention any more about those circumstances. I am making this tribute to Joe because no one from Bradford should be forgotten entriely, and there have been no tributes for Joe since his untimely passing.
Thank you, Tom, for giving us insight into one of our fellow classmates. Our class of '61 was filled with wonderful, amazing people who did things with their lives that we would never have suspected.
It always amazes me how well Tom has kept up with classmates and always knows so much! Have you thought of writing a book titled Class of '61? Our generation has so many amazing stories. Probably other schools feel the same way which would create a great audience for you. But of course I think Kenosha was and still is special.
Thomas Sorensen
Some years ago my good friend from Columbus, Linda Veale, texted me that a television show was featuring a story about a 61 Bradford grad, Joseph Vite. The story was a prison interview between a man convicted of his homicide, and a female relative of Joseph's. The story line was did the convict have any remorse for the homicide or not, and woulld she forgive him for what he did. The convict was Joe's foster son. At the conclusion of the interview Joes' relative was again interviewed by the show's producer to get her opinion, did she forgive him? I do recall her conclusion and I admired her courage to face that man. I barely knew Joe at Bradford but I always feel some afinity with anyone who shared the halls of bradford in 1961. Joe did not attend any of the junior high schools in Kenosha so few people from our class knew him well. He and his wife dedicated their lives to their foster children and were well respected in the community of Bristol where they resided. There is ample media coverage of the events around Joe's life so I will not mention any more about those circumstances. I am making this tribute to Joe because no one from Bradford should be forgotten entriely, and there have been no tributes for Joe since his untimely passing.
Gary Hillesland
Well said.
Mary Irving (Jurgaitis)
Thank you, Tom, for giving us insight into one of our fellow classmates. Our class of '61 was filled with wonderful, amazing people who did things with their lives that we would never have suspected.
Brian Juga
I totally agree. Joe and his wife are heros in my mind. I only fosterd one child and I cannot imagiom their dificulties.
Donna Parkinson (Voss)
It always amazes me how well Tom has kept up with classmates and always knows so much! Have you thought of writing a book titled Class of '61? Our generation has so many amazing stories. Probably other schools feel the same way which would create a great audience for you. But of course I think Kenosha was and still is special.