My Yearbook Picture

My Computer and I!

At graduation, with Sharon Simpson (Evans).

At graduation, with Mrs. Pastrana.

Well, I was QUIET in high school and I have led a QUIET life raising my family.

After leaving Tottenville High School, I worked for 3½ years as an Executive Secretary at J.P. Morgan, 23 Wall Street, in Manhattan. Later, I joined Pittston Coal Sales Inc., at Battery Place for about 4 years as Secretary to the Chairman of the Board.

In 1967 I married Richard Petersen, then a New York City Patrolman. We lived on Staten Island, in Grant City, and raised our three children. We have two sons, Roy, now 33 and Steven, 32, and a daughter Susan, 25. They all attended New Dorp High School. We also have a granddaughter, Sarah (Susan’s daughter).

I was involved in Little Leagues, New Dorp Moravian Church and PTAs (countless meetings and groups).

My husband retired in '92 as a New York City Detective and we retired to South Jersey at that time. We now live in Manahawkin. Richard sells real estate on Long Beach Island and I am presently babysitting 5 days a week so that Susan can finish her degree.

Steven works for PNC Bank in Mays Landing, NJ and Roy works for Belmont Mills in Charlotte, NC. One is married and one will be married this October 2001!!

I have been married 34 years and met my husband Richard on Staten Island, in Kindergarten at PS 29 in Castleton Corners - now here we are!!

My life has been relatively quiet, with just a few of the "bumps" a family faces now and again. I am totally enjoying catching up with all of you, including my brother Paul '67, and sister Carol '58, through this modern machine - computers are wonderful! I need to be RE-TRAINED !!!!!!!!!

Ellen, ‘60

My husband Richard and I, 1998.

My family, 1998. Rear left, my brother Paul ’67 and his wife, my sister Carol ’58 and her husband.

My granddaughter Sarah and I.

Update added: August, 2006

I originally wrote my bio in June 2002 and I would now like to bring it up-to-date!

The last statement in that bio read, "I need to be re-trained"! Well, I guess in many ways I have re-trained. I did get my NJ Real Estate License and now hold a Referral License at Weichert Referral Associates. My husband, Richard, works for Weichert Realtors in Forked River, NJ.

However, I did train as an aide for a "Special Needs" school bus--transporting children to 3 or 4 different schools in Little Egg Harbor, NJ (throughout the entire school year). I enjoy all the children and being around school age kids all day certainly brings back many memories and also KEEPS ME FEELING YOUNG! I am one happy camper when I leave for that Bus Depot each morning.

OK now- something else that makes me happy -- In January 2007, Richard and I will celebrate our 40th Wedding anniversary.

My three children are now married. Two live in NJ and one lives in London, England.

I have two grandaughters--Sarah 7 and Emily 3.

The photo below was taken in June 2006 while we were vacationing in Lancaster, Pa. We were waiting to get on the Dining Car of Strasburg Railroad to have our lunch while viewing some Amish corn fields.

Update added: June 2007

I am now retired from my School Bus job and also from the Real Estate business. I continue to enjoy my grandchildren. My husband, Richard, continues full time in the Real Estate business.

The Trumpet continues to grow strong. Werner '60, our Publisher and owner of The Trumpet, and Lee '57, our Co-Publisher and among other tasks, the Associate Publisher of Directories, both continue to work daily to keep this online publication of interest to all. Through their efforts, and the efforts of so many dedicated Contributing Editors and Class Editors, we try to ensure all those Reunion Committees, that when their special year arrives, up-to-date Directories will be available.

Thanks to all of the readers for contributions and interest. I know that I'm so glad to have had the chance to connect with so many of you. Please know you can hop on board at anytime -- after all, THE TRUMPET is all of us!

If you would like to send any comments to Ellen, click here: Ellen Petersen