Brian McElhoney

Initially, when Bruce suggested that I write my bio I told him he was out of his mind. However, the more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea. So considering that intelligence was never my strongest virtue I figured I would give it a shot. Everything considered, Life has been Good. Like many of my fellow classmates I knocked around after graduation. U.S. Navy, OCCC, Suny-Albany and Funeral School in N.Y.C. In 1976 I began working in the funeral industry. For the first two years I had the pleasure of working with a fellow classmate and good friend, Gerry Bonte. Unfortunately Gerry passed away in 1987. I remained in the funeral industry in a number of different capacities for 23 years. Except for a 6 year period (1981-1987) when I worked in the San Francisco Bay area I have always worked in New York. In 1999 I took a job with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Presently, I am a Vice-President, Sr. Business Agent/Legal Coordinator for IBT. Local 813 in Long Island City, N.Y., and like most working people I have more titles than money.

On a personal note, I have been married to a "great lady" Terri-Ann since 1981. We have 3 sons, Kyle and Joseph (twins) age 18 and Spenser, age 12. Kyle and Joe began college this fall. Kyle attends Sienna and Joe is going to Manhattan. Unlike their Mother, I did not cry when our sons went off to college. However, I did sob uncontrollably when the tuition bills came in the mail. Spenser age 12 (going on 40) is a typical youngest child; he's brash and has an answer for everything. I don't understand it when people say that he reminds them of me? My family and I have resided in Beacon, N.Y. ( Dutchess County) since 1988.

My only pitfall during this wonderful journey is that I was stricken with OPCA (Olivoponsocerebellar Atrophy) in 2002. OPCA is a neurological degenerative condition that affects the cerebellum. It primarily affects one’s balance, coordination and speech. As long as I watch my diet, get adequate rest and slow down occasionally, I should have a number of productive years ahead. I have to constantly remind myself that I’m 53, not 23,.....sound familiar?

Well, that’s my story. On a brighter note, I'm looking forward to seeing and speaking to everyone at our 35th reunion. I still have fond memories of our 20th. So until October, be well. See you soon.