Morgan, Joe. Joe did not graduate with our class, which is why his photo is not captured from the yearbook. But Joe was always a loyal Viking. At our 50th reunion, we were proud to present him with his diploma. Joe followed and supported the Vikings during his entire life. He had many friends among our classmates. Joe attended games, our reunion, and as many of the 1961 luncheons as he could. He passed away on January 23, 2016 after a long battle with cancer.

Classmate Harry Waldron has added these comments: Joe Morgan was a St.Joseph Collinwood stalwart, to say the least. I had visited Joe quite a lot in the last year and a half as we were good buds going back to the Collinwood 'Castalia' playground and high school and the Irish American group. His Dad and mine worked on the New York Central rail road together, as did many from Collinwood area including Joe.

Joe suffered a lot in the last year but never complained. He just moved forward in acceptance and treasuring along the way his family and friends; an attitude I hope I could emulate when the time comes.

Harry added this wonderful anecdote: Joe was the light weight Golden Gloves champion @ 126 lbs. I am unsure of the year--in the 50's, I am sure. Also, in the fourth grade as a student @ St. Joseph Collinwood, Joe was on their boxing team as was our classmate John Raglow (high chair boxing) attended St. William's in the 4th grade also. They met in the championship (their gloves weighed more than they did) and they fought to a draw, although John Raglow said he forgot the corner he was in.

Classmate Ken Maglicic (Binks) added these memories:

Joe & I both joined the St. Joe's Collinwood boxing team in the 5th grade.  Before our 3rd practice our coach got a call from the coach of St. Michael's, W. 25th & Scranton, that they needed a filler bout for their boxing show that night.  

At practice there was talk that some guys might be in a boxing show that night.  The coach called our parents for permission.  When we were told that Joe & I were chosen, I said to myself that we must have impressed a lot of people after only 3 practices.  The coach then said that we would be fighting each other and Joe's brother, Mike would be in his corner, and my brother Dan in mine.  

When we joined all we wanted to do was beat up other kids from the other parishes, not each other.  They put 16 oz. gloves on us - the biggest made.  I looked across the ring at Joe and said to myself that those gloves weighed more than his arms.  Weight wise, Joe was 70 lbs., I was 90 lbs.  It was a good 3 round fight but I knew Joe was a better boxer.  The judges were nice and called it a draw.  After the fight we got a baseball,  a bologna sandwich and a pop.

Just as he fought the good fight at St. Michael's that spirit never left Joe in his fight against cancer.   This time he got Heaven
Posted By: Administrator - 01-26-2016
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