Anthony Fahmie

Current Location: Kissimmee, FL

Current Status: Marred and retired

General Info: I have fond memories of Morris Lawrence and our choir. He was like a father to me since my own father was not. I remember a little old lady that taught math who was a wiz at the subject. Some of the kids would make fun of her for being old fashioned and using the word “gumption” too often in order to make us more motivated. She offered to tutor after class if anyone needed help and I took her up on it. Not only was she patient but very caring that I learn it well. I loved that little old lady. I remember a beautifully hearted nun (the heavyset one) that taught us religion in our senior year. She would tell us personal stories of her past experiences which meant more to me than all the facts we had to learn in other religion classes. I remember the day the guys in class made her cry because they were making fun of one of her stories. I went to her after class as did Sally Tobias and tried to console her. Years later I wish I would have had the courage to tell the guys off right during class. I remember cleaning the guys out of their money when we played poker at a spiritual retreat we went to with the help of my good friend Greg McMillan watching that there was no cheating. I didn’t go there with the intention of playing cards. I don’t hold it against Peter DeFord for making up that name he gave me always singing it out like Ed McMahon (on the tonight show) whenever I entered the room, “and hearrrrrsFoamFoam.” It became a term of endearment to me after a while as I knew he was always getting people to laugh and he never meant any harm by it. I especially remember him giving me a big hug like I was his brother when I arrived at the ten-year class reunion and sharing with me that he was a born again Christian — a road I also was traveling on. I was so sad to hear of his early passing and look forward to him hopefully singing my entrance into heaven, “and hearrrs FoamFoam!”

I married the love of my life Debbie almost 43 years ago (and counting). Mr. Lawrence giving me a love of music led me to find her singing and playing the guitar to the song “By My Side” from Godspell. I fell in love with her right then and there. It also just happened that she has been a music teacher in the public school system for the last thirty-five years. We have both been in Catholic church choirs all of our married years. We are pretty much retired and living in Florida for now. My wife and I like traveling in our RV and love being in nature. We may move to North Carolina or there abouts one day soon.

I didn’t do very well in my studies during high school or go to college but at least I gave my two children a true love of learning. My daughter, Tara Ann, got her doctorate and has been a professor teaching Applied Behavioral Analysis at California State University at Northridge (CSUN) for the last eight years. She has focused much of her research on working with children with Autism and people with severe behavioral disorders. She has been invited to be a guest speaker at international conferences of behavior analysts around the world.  My son, Christopher, got a degree in Musical Theater and got to do a couple of off-Broadway shows and films.  After finding out how hard it is to make a living at it, he went on to become a Biochemical Engineer Technician. He has resorted to using his theatrical talent in local theaters which makes me just as happy. Both of our children are happily married and we are expecting our first grandchild in April. 

Not saying we have not had our share of ups and downs like most families but all in all, my family and I have been very blessed. I wish for an end to war and the peace that was meant to be as in the song by St. Francis. I remember when Mother Teresa was invited to speak at the UN. She handed copies of the song to all the members of the council and asked them to join her in singing it. They did. But I’m sorry to say it didn’t have much effect on the years that transpired. My apologies to anyone who read through this whole biography. And yes, I forgive you guys for voting me the most gullible in our class.

Love to all,

Tony Fahmie