Random Thoughts from a Random Memory

By Edward Master

Nicknames - Part 2

I suppose I should begin any discussion of a collection of what might be called somewhat ‘local’ nicknames as a starting point with myself. I got the fraternity nickname “Turkey Ed” from my pledgemaster, John Schmader of Lucinda, when I signed up, enrolled if you will, to join that illustrious organization. I’ve been witness to births, deaths, and even best man in a wedding. Upon graduation John ended up as a general in the U.S. Army, from pledgemaster to general. Quite a step up.

I pledged with Richard “Zip” Rogers from Ellwood City. I (we, my wife and I) once attended a party for Zip’s daughter around Aliquipa and quickly wondered who was being called Rich. Well, we learned that was Zip’s given name. No one in the frat ever called him Rich. How fitting a Zip and Turkey together at last.

Early on, I learned that in a fraternity if a brother had a blood brother as a member in prior years, that fellow was a “legacy.” We had a couple guys who were legacies. When I joined, Big and Little Paynie from down Johnstown way were members. I think at one time Big Paynie (Charlie) was an officer. Little Paynie may have come to Clarion to wrestle.

Later, the Diamond brothers came to campus. Older brother Mark wrestled. Younger brother Doug was a basketball player in high school. I always thought that a bit odd combo for athletics, but Doug was tall and lanky.

Then there were the Furdaks, Steve and Rick. Steve forgo any real nickname, but he begat the legacy Rick. I guess the closest Rick got to any sort of nickname was Big Furdak. He was about twice the size of big brother Steve. Rick was a blocking lineman for Tony Dorsett at Aliquipa High.

Blue and Pinky were the Glossner brothers from Lock Haven. Blue was Mark and Pinky was Dale. Since my folks were transplants to Lock Haven at the time as my dad’s job on I-80 took him eastward, I had a few conversations with Mark and Dale concerning Piper Cub and the Susquehanna region. Blue was a wrestling team manager. For some reason, there was a hunting story about Mark (Blue) and a hunting dog. Dale escaped such literary work.

Cozy was my little brother in fraternity laurels. Jim Czacozi was the son of a steel worker frpm West Mifflin. He was lucky to reach five-foot five in height. He ended up in the Air Force with the rank of captain.

When I joined up, our president was Chuck ‘Tree’ Sipe. Chuck went into the U.S. Navy and became an officer. Maybe my favorite nickname also was a native of Aliquipa,

one Amedeo ‘Muzzy’ Celletti. Muzz was actually born in Italy. His folks were native Italians but moved to the USA, had Muzzy, then relocated back to the USA. He had a real-live draft notice from the Italian army but he was born a US citizen. He proudly showed off his Italian draft notice to all of us in Wilson Hall, our dorm.

We also had an Archie. Jim Anderson from Turtle Creek. Jim had fire-red hair, just like Archie in the comics. Jim was a lefty and had a deadly jump shot. Arch later became most adept at flicking empty cans into a trash receptacle. Games was Rich Holsinger, an ex-wrestler, who somehow got a rep as a riverboat gambler.

However, it is only fitting with one last note on nicknames in my life. I’ve known at least three ‘Butches’ in my lifetime. One, Dennis ‘Butch’ Best was a friend originally from Sligo. I’ve known this Butch from high school. His uncle Bones (yes, that one) lived in TC. Dennis ‘Butch’ Alworth is from Parker area and we’ve been friends since seventh grade. Butch is the president of PPC’s board of directors. My last Butch, Greg Whitmer from Emlenton, was the best man in my wedding, a fraternity brother at Clarion U, and a basketball teammate in high school. To say this Butch and I have a history is putting this story quite in a mild manor and best leave it at that.