Parsippany High School will be inducting their 2019 Hall of Fame Class on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 5:00 in the Media Center. PHS would like to invite community members, alumni, parents and students to celebrate with us at this year's induction ceremony. This year's induction class consists of five impressive members.
1974 PHS Football Team
Ready for some controversy? Despite finishing with an impressive 7-2 record, the 1974 Football Team has often finished second in the rankings among PHS all-time best. However, according to Mr. Ron Foreso, retired PHS teacher and “Voice of the Redskins” for 30+ years, the ‘74 team was the best the school has ever seen. Under the leadership of Head Coach Robert Martin, they started off their season with a 19-0 victory over Whippany Park and a 39-8 win over Boonton and continued to roll with dominant victories throughout the season. The only two blemishes on their record were heartbreaking losses to West Essex by a score of 7-6 and Livingston 16-13, both of whom finished the year ranked top five in the state. The team was led offensively by Brian Gleason, who was a touchdown machine, and the brute force of Herb Mayo, Danny Smith, Rocky Zito, Mark Benton, Kevin Boccardi, Vinny DeFlippo, George Fanning, Gene Kuber, Mario Passfiume, Tom DiGiacinto.
Coaches: Head Coach: Robert Martin, Joe Grippaldi, Ronald Radice, Charles Motola, Gary Ruccia
Roster: Virgil Gatto, Mike Ryan, Gene Kuber, George Fanning, Brian Gleason, Mark Benton, Rocky Zito, Vinnie DePhilippo, Tony Suppa, John Brady, Woody Carrigan, Gary Payerl, Kevin Amen, Scott Russell, John Scholz, Kim Connell, Mark Deckert, Mario Passafiume, Herb Mayor, Bill Reilly, Terry Hoffman, Dan Smith, Tom DiGiacinto, Scott Hansen, Kevin Poccardi, Bill Powell, Joe Pulitano, Bill Smith, Bob Krusch, Frank Kish, Bob Goldberg, Tom Parr, Tony Genoble, John Waters, Tom Ryann, Frank Ambrose, Tony DelGazio, Brian Hoffman, John Lukasiewicz, Barry Schkolnick, Frank Arminio, Dominic Spano, Rich Hull, Stu Saposnik, Steve Mancuso, Kevin Furini, Tom Weber, Tony Bell, Marty Picinich, Tom Schoonmaker, Chuck Kluk, Bob Monica, Angelo DeGiacinto, Bob Cregg, Bill Orefice, George Cicero
Jason Hallik (‘89)
It isn’t every day that CNN calls you the “bravest man in NYC.” Unless your name is Jason Hallik. Jason, a NYPD Bomb Squad Detective, has been recognized multiple times for removing, disarming and dismantling bombs and explosive devices around New York City. Jason has repeatedly put his life on the line to protect the people of New York City and keep them safe. "You train, you do your job. We help people - we protect people. It felt good." - Detective Hallik on being able to protect New Yorkers from the bomb exploding.
Erika Plosa (‘85)
Erika Plosa was a standout softball and basketball player during her time at Par High. Following high school, she attended the U.S. Air Force Academy, making her the first (and only?) female PHS alum to attend a military academy. During her service as a pilot in the Air Force, Erika flew KC-135 refueling tankers and other aircraft in the Persian Gulf and around the world. She retired from the Air Force with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Malvin Sumka (Teacher)
Malvin Sumka, a WWII veteran, wore a lot of hats during his time as an educator in Parsippany. He was a Math and Computer teacher at PHS from 1960-1979, advised multiple clubs, and was eventually named Director of Vocational Education and then Director of Data Processing for the district. Malvin was a talented and motivated educator, with an aptitude for technology and the ambition of introducing computers to the district. The first computer, PLADEMAC (Parsippany’s Logical And Digital Electro-Mechanical Computer), took him and his students two years to build, took up half a classroom and cost $10,000 in supplies. He followed that up by creating and teaching courses in programming, punch carding, etc… As an administrator, Malvin evaluated staff, wrote curriculum, created the work-study program that continues today and continued to enhance our technological programs and resources. Upon his retirement, Malvin formed his own company, Cyberphile Group, which he used to teach computer seminars to adults, and served as an adjunct professor for multiple colleges.
Chris Walas (‘71)
Chris Walas, nominated by his classmate Ron Ribnik, was involved in myriad activities while a student at PHS, all of which showcased his creativity and talent. He wrote for the school literary magazine, Totem; co-wrote the Junior Class play and was co-chairman of the Senior Christmas Committee; was a member of the Middle States Evaluation Committee; and was Vice President of Student Council his senior year. Chris was even selected to play the role of “Gitchie Manito,” the PHS mascot during that time period. Chris always had an interest and fascination with movies and special effects, and shortly after graduation he moved to Hollywood to pursue his dreams. It wasn’t long before Chris’s abilities were recognized and he became a legend in the business. His list of film credits and creations are iconic: he created the gremlins in the movie Gremlins; he was part of the team that created the melting Nazi head in Raiders of the Lost Ark; and his work can be seen in the films Enemy Mine, Return of the Jedi, Dragon Slayer, Airplane! and Scanners. In 1986, Chris was presented the ACADEMY AWARD for the make-up and special effects in the movie The Fly. He later went on to direct The Fly II and the television show Tales From the Crypt.