The Ahern Family - Newspaper Reports 1970-1980

Mention of Aherns
in Newspaper Stories
1970-1980


How Ahearne Got Into Hockey
   In a query to this department, W. Lowe of 526 Royal Road, Charleswood, wants to know how Bunny Ahearne, president of the International Ice Hockey Federation, acquired the background to be what he is.  . . .  Adds Mr. Lowe: “I didn't think they played ice hockey in Ireland.”  . . . 
   Undoubtedly there are others among Free Press sport page readers who have wondered the same thing  . . .  to the best of our knowledge and also that of Gordon Juckes, executive director of the CAHA, Ahearne got into hockey quite by accident.
   It seems that back in the early 1930's Ahearn, an Irishman who has spent most of his life in England, operated a travel agency in London.  . . .  He still does for that matter.  . . .  Anyway, the British Ice Hockey Association was looking for office space and a secretary.  . . .  Someone approached Ahearne and the shrewd and crafty Bunny, realizing he might get some travel business out of it, provided the space and became the official secretary, a position he holds to this day.  . . .  Gradually he strengthened his hand until ultimately he became president of the IIHF.  . . . 
   As much as he has been criticized in Canada, no one can deny that the vain and bombastic Ahearne, who never had a pair of skates on in his life, has been a powerful force in the shaping of International Hockey.  . . .  He has made it a tremendous financial success.  . . .  Today, board advertising in the arenas where the World Tournament is played, brings in more money than the total gate when Ahearne first became the power in the IIHF.  . . .  Naturally, he too prospered as his travel agency took care of most of the team transportation as they travelled from one country to another.  . . .  However, it was the emergence of the Russians as a hockey power that put the IIHF in the major league category.  . . .  Aherne [sic] is so conceited that he actually makes one's blood boil.  . . .  But one must grudgingly give him credit for what he has accomplished.  . . . 
Winnipeg Free Press 10 January 1970
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Black Panther Secretary Is Back Behind Bars
NEW HAVEN (UPI) — The Secretary of Connecticut's Black Panther Party, believed to have been the only defendant in the state's judicial history charged with a capital offense to be freed on bond, was back in jail today. Mrs. Frances Carter, 29, of Trumbull, was ordered back to jail Wednesday by Superior Court Judge Harold M. Mulvey during a preliminary hearing in New Haven after she had been granted immunity from any further prosecution in the case. The state's new three-month-old immunity law in effect removes self-incrimination as grounds for refusal to testify. Judge Mulvey cited her for contempt after she refused to answer questions put by state's attorney Arnold Markle and instead read a page long statement. She was ordered to jail for up to six months, "or until further order of the court," Judge Mulvey said.
 . . . 
In spite of Miss Carter's refusal to testify, statements were introduced at the hearing allegedly made by her to police after her arrest last May implicating her fellow Panthers in the kidnap and torture-murder of Alex Rackley, 24, a New York City Panther.

Except Children
New Haven police inspector Stephen P. Ahern testified he ordered the arrests of everyone, "except the children," at the Panther headquarters in New Haven, based in part on information given him by Miss Carter, Ahern said Miss Carter, describing what she had seen as "terrible," told him of having seen Rackley tied to a bed and listed the names of those who had taken part in his torture. Learning of Ahern's testimony, Miss Carter said she had not been advised of her constitutional rights after her arrest and that "I was constantly harassed, intimidated, and they (the police) kept drawing their own conclusions. "Two pigs started flashing pictures and shooting questions," Miss Carter said. "Throughout, they constantly tried to use their bribes like you're the first one here and if you tell us what you know we'll let you go and they'll never know you were here." she said. Ahern's testimony, she said, was "another Fascist attempt to try and cause inner party struggles. Markle and his lackeys cannot jail my spirits and they definitely cannot jail the revolution." . . . 

The Norwalk Hour 22 January 1970
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Green 7th But First Over-All
Terrell Green, skipper of Yellow Jacket, sailed his California Yacht Club entry across the finish line lust before dark Thursday and even though his boat was the seventh to cross the line, corrected time gave him the overall trophy and first in Class B in the annual San Diego to Acapulco yacht race. George Antarr's Ya Turko, Pacific Mariner YC, finishing just after noon Thursday, was the third boat across the line but became the second-place over-all winner in corrected time and also in Class B. Another Class B boat, Thera, California YC, skippered by James O'Hearn, was third over-all even though she didn't enter Acapulco Harbor until just before daybreak.
Long Beach Independent-Press-Telegram 14 February 1970
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Thomas Ahern of Alcott St., Acton Co-Chairman of the Acton- Boxborough Citizens for Political Participation, said of the Caucus in Concord, "I am very happy with the outcome. It promises to be a very exciting race". Ahern said that they anticipated having a program sometime in late March or April to introduce Fr. Drinan to the Town of Acton. When asked whether Drinan's priesthood would hurt his chances, Ahern replied he did not think it politically valid to comment on block voting, whether unions, veteran's groups, protestants or Catholics. "You can't accurately predict what a block vote will do", said Ahern.
Assabet Valley Beacon 26 February 1970
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Angry Reaction by Ahearne
   Stockholm, March 31.—Mr. Bunny Ahearne, the English president of the International Ice Hockey Federation, said today he would never set foot in Sweden again in an official capacity.
   Mr. Ahearne said he was angry and disappointed at the attitude taken towards him by the Swedish press and public during the world ice hockey championships.
   When he presented the trophy to the Russian team for the eighth consecutive year, his attempt to make a speech was drowned by whistles from the 9,500 crowd who also chanted “Go, Canada, Go”. The Canadians, original hosts of the tournament, withdrew last January when the federation reversed a decision to allow professionals to take part.—Reuter.
The Times 1 April 1970
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Mead High Names Its Best Students
Mead High School's top scholars in the class of June 1970, were announced today by Principal Ray Sheahan. Earning valedictorian honors with a 3.9 four-year grade point average is Linda Ahern, daughter of Mrs. and Mrs. Will Ahern, N8307 Jefferson. Active in the choir and Future Homemakers of America, she plans to study at Gonzaga University.
Spokane Daily Chronicle 30 April 1970
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Court finds probable cause in murder charge against former Lowell man
LOWELL—William J. McConville, formerly of Lowell and presently confined to the Concord Reformatory will now have to face the July session of the grand jury on a charge of first degree murder, Assistant District Attorney Leonard Frivoli said today. Judge Paul R. Fitzgerald, special justice of Lowell District Court found probable cause of guilt yesterday afternoon against McConville for murder. McConville is charged in the slaying of Albert Pultar, of Dunstable Road, Tyngsboro, three years ago. He was arrested last month by Tyngsboro Police Chief Harold Pivirotto aided by Insp. Thomas Farley of the Lowell police criminal bureau, in connection with the Feb. 10, 1967 murder. Yesterday's arraignment in district court began quietly at 12:30 p.m. before a small audience of five spectators, the court officers, and a court stenographer. The arraignment lasted a little over an hour, and saw Chief Pivirotto, and Pultar's wife Cynthia Campbell testify. She has remarried. The prosecution lead ably by Asst. District Attorney Frivoli called Pultar's wife to the stand and requested that she relate the events of the night her husband was murdered. She told the court that on Feb. 9 she and her husband had returned home minutes before the shooting. She went to the barn at the rear of the home to check a newly born colt in the family's stable of Appaloosa horses. Her husband went into the house.

SHE REPORTED hearing noises when she went into the kitchen she discovered her husband on the floor. The bulk of the testimony was delivered by Chief Pivirotto who told the court, in order, the events leading to the charge against McConville. He said that he received information on Nov. 5, 1969 from Edward Ahearn, an inmate at Bridgewater State who told the chief that McConville was connected with the slaying. In testimony, Pivirotto, told the court about a conversation that ensued between him and the accused. Pivirotto read from a statement he obtained after questioning McConville.

DEFENSE Attorney Joseph Travelini, cross examined Chief Pivirotto and asked him questions as to why Ahearn was at Bridgewater, and whether he was there because he was taking pills. The chief answered "I do not know." He was also questioned as to the number of footprints found in the rear of the Pultar home, "was there a conglomeration of footprints chief?" "Yes there was," Pivirotto said. "There were a number of people in the yard that day because one of the horses had gotten out of the stable and attempts were made to capture him," the chief added. In rapid succession the defense fired questions at the chief, and one by one they were answered as quickly as they were presented. After a half hour the defense rested. Judge Fitzgerald, with a serene and calm expression said, "I find probable cause." The arraignment had ended.

The Lowell Sun 21 May 1970
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Chapel ceremony held in Georgia
LA VERNE—Linda Gayle O'Hearn of Columbus, Georgia, became the bride of Captain Philip E. Steward on May 2 at the Main Post Chapel, Fort Benning. Chaplain Douglas E. Pond officiated. The bride is the daughter of Mrs. Owen Waddell and the groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Steward A. Steward of 1920 Fifth St. Mrs. Carol O'Hearn Underwood was matron of honor. She wore a floor-length gown of light blue organza. Capt. W. Brian Moderack of Fort Benning served as best man. Given in marriage by A. F. Jackson, the bride wore an A-line gown of white organza with a chapel-length train and a veil of illusion. She carried a bouquet of feathered carnations. A reception was held following the ceremony. The couple is residing in Columbus.
La Verne Leader 4 June 1970
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Breaks Elbow
Lawrence Ahern, 44, was injured yesterday when he slipped at work at Wadco Foods. He was treated at the Holy Family Hospital for a broken elbow and released.
Estherville Daily News 23 July 1970
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MARRIAGES
The engagement is announced between Timothy John, second son of Major-General E. V. Strickland, C.M.G., D.S.O., O.B.E., M.M., and Mrs. Strickland, of Greenacre, Elham, Kent, and Rosemary Ann, only daughter of the late Major-General D. M. Ahern, C.B.E., D.S.O., and of Mrs. Ahern, of 52 Trafalgar Court, Farnham, Surrey.
The Times 25 July 1970
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Forthcoming Marriages
Mr. R. J. Ahern and Miss D. A. Fradgley
The engagement is announced between Brian John, younger son of the late Mr. Maurice Ahern and of Mrs. P. G. Fradgley [sic], of Easthay Farm, Thorncombe, Chard, Somerset, to Diana Antonia, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Fradgley, of 40 Hurlingham Court, Ranelagh Gardens, S.W.6.
The Times 30 July 1970
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BIRTHDAYS TOMORROW
Major-General T. M. R. Ahern, 62; Dr. Percy Dunsheath, 84; Miss Georgette Heyer, 68; Vice-Admiral Sir Harry Koelle, 69; Duke of St. Albans, 55; Professor W. St. C. Symmers, 53; Sir James Taylor, 68; Mr. W. N. Warbey, 67.
The Times 15 August 1970
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DINNERS
Mr. Speaker
The Speaker gave a dinner at Speaker's House last night in honour of the visiting parliamentary delegation of the Republic of Ireland, comprising Mr. Denis Jones, Mr. Michael Hilliard, Mr. Maurice E. Dockrell, Mr. Liam Kavanagh, Mr. Patrick Smith, and Senator Mrs. Kitt Ahern.
The Times 3 December 1970
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Carson Salutes Roster of Notables
   Louis Armstrong belts out "Hello Dolly!" and actress Gloria Swanson makes a rare appearance when "Johnny Carson Presents Sun City Scandals" on the NBC Television Monday, Dec. 7 (Ch. 6 in color, 10-11 p.m.).
   The special a musical comedy salute to swinging entertainers old enough to qualify for Social Security benefits, also features Fifi D'Orsay, Beny Rubin, Billy Gilbert, Julia Rooney, Whitey Roberts, Wilbur Hall, and Will and Gladys Ahern.
   Johnny Carson, host of NBC-TV's "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," also plays the drums and leads a jazz combo comprising Frankie Carle (piano), the late Eddie Peabody (banjo), Buddy Rogers (trombone), Freddie Martin (saxophone) and Manny Klein (trumpet).
Anderson Daily Bulletin 5 December 1970
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Ahern Doesn't Deny Reports He'll Quit
NEW HAVEN (AP)—With reports that he will step down from his post circulating widely, Police Chief James F. Ahern acknowledged Wednesday that the reports exist—and did nothing to deny them. Ahern, who served as a member of the President's Commission on Campus Unrest, issued a brief printed statement Wednesday night billed as a reaction "to public reports that he will resign Friday." "Whatever statements" will be made, Ahern said, "must, under proper procedures, be made first to the Police Board on Friday afternoon."

Ahern, who is usually accessible to reporters, shunned them Wednesday once the first reports of his expected resignation were printed in the Hartford Times. The Times said Ahern was feuding with the office of Mayor Bartholomew Guida over attempts to "politically" control the police force. But, in his statement, Ahern said "there is no rift between Mayor Guida and myself, nor has he interfered in the operations of this department." The Times also said that Ahern was dissatisfied with the $21,000 salary he gets. The Guida administration has declared an "austerity program" and has denied all department heads raises this year.

According to the Times, Ahern was to tender his resignation at a hastily called meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners—the meeting to which Ahern referred in his statement. Ahern met with Guida Wednesday and then the mayor called the meeting, according to another report — This one published in the New Haven Journal-Courier.

Ahern, who is 38, became police chief two years ago while former mayor Richard C. Lee—like Guida a Democrat — was still in office. Ahern has been known for his outspoken views on a number of subjects — among them student unrest and the enforcement of marijuana laws.

When an Ohio grand jury issued its findings earlier this autumn, condemning students and administrators at Kent State University and absolving National Guardsmen of blame in the deaths of four students there, Ahern voiced criticism of the grand jury and the Guard. He also sent a letter to the governor of Mississippi expressing distress at the shooting of students at Jackson State University. Ahern has also said that marijuana use has become so widespread that the laws against it are "unenforceable." He says police should concentrate on enforcing laws against hard drugs, He also won national notice when he directed police operations during the tense May Day rally last spring in support of Black Panthers about to go on trial here.

Ahern, who shuns uniforms in favor of a business suit when he works, has made friends and enemies within his department through promotion policies which he says emphasize intelligence over physical strength and seniority. He also has become known among newsmen as the New Haven official with the most active—and efficient—public relations effort. Some of the speculation about where Ahern will go after the New Haven post has centered on the soon-to-be-vacant job of the State Police Commissioner. But according to the Times, Ahern is now saying he's not interested in the job. And although Ahern denied last month that he was interested in running for mayor here, two local political figures said Wednesday that they wouldn't discount the possibility.

The Day 17 December 1970
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Marriages
Mr. R. J. Ahern and Miss D. A. Fradgley
The marriage took place on Saturday at St. Michael's church, Chester Square, of Mr. Brian John Ahern, younger son of the late Mr. Maurice Ahern and of Mrs. P. G. Fradgley [sic], of Easthay Farm, Thorncombe, Chard, and Miss Diana Antonia Fradgley, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Fradgley, of 40 Hurlingham Court, London, S.W.6. The Rev. C. E. M. Roderick officiated.
   The bride, who was given away by her father, was attended by Judith Gardner, Sarah MacPhail, Caroline Keeble and Georgina Ames. Mr. Geoffrey Ahern was best man.
   A reception was held in the State Apartments, the Royal Hospital, Chelsea.
The Times 25 January 1971
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Forthcoming Marriages
Dr. P. F. Ahern and Miss M. Whatley
The engagement is announced between Patrick, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Ahern of Clonakilty, co. Cork, and Marielle, daughter of Commander and Mrs. Paul Whatley, of Petersfield, Hampshire.
The Times 10 February 1971
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Man held in probable cause in shooting case
A probable cause hearing for Edward Ahearn of Pine Street, Boston was held yesterday afternoon in District Court. Ahearn is charged in the shooting of the manager of Old Colony Gas Station on Pawtucket Street. The court decided that there was sufficient evidence for the case to be heard before Superior Court. Ahearn is facing charges of uttering a counterfeit bill, assault with intent to commit murder, assault by means of a dangerous weapon, assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon and attempted armed robbery.
The Lowell Sun 4 March 1971
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Latest Wills
Ahern, Mr. Milne Percy, of Mallorca, domiciled in Spain, estate in Britain, intestate (duty paid, not shown) £40,720
The Times 10 March 1971
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EDWARD AHEARN, 23, of Pine Road, Boston, and 194 Dalton Rd., Chelmsford, was arrested on a complaint yesterday by the criminal bureau of the Lowell police department on charges connected with the passing of bad checks. Ahearn was out on bail pending trial in Superior Court in connection with the shooting of a gas station manager on Pawtucket Street last month. The defendant allegedly passed bad checks in two local department stores. He was arrested in a local bar last night.
The Lowell Sun 16 March 1971
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Interpol in hunt for £456,000 raiders
   Scotland Yard detectives, including Flying Squad officers, visited at least 12 houses and premises in London and the Home Counties during the weekend in their search for the gang who stole £456,000 from a security van, near Croyden Surrey, on Friday. The police were acting on tips from underworld informants tempted by the £45,000 reward offered for information. Provincial police forces, working with Scotland Yard men, searched premises in their area. Police investigated the theory that the thieves might have been tipped off from within the security company.
   At least eight men, some with guns, pounced on the four security guards when the armoured van was parked in a lay-by on Purley Way. Interpol in Paris, alerted all Continental police forces at airports and seaports to look out for the gang. Some senior detectives working on the case believe, however, that the thieves may have gone to ground not many miles from the scene of the robbery.
   Since the raid the four guards have spent many hours at Croydon police station being interrogated by Detective Chief Superintendent Martin White, who is in charge of the case. They are expected to be interviewed again today. The guards went home early on Saturday morning and were questioned again later in the day.
   Mr. Eric Kirk, aged 49, the guard who asked the driver to stop the van so that he could call at a lavatory at the lay-by, said at his home in Hanley Road, Hornsey, London: “I never had a chance to spend a penny. The gang struck too fast. The idea was that we would have a cup of tea from our flasks at the same time. We were going to drink it in the back of the van, and that is why Mr. Aherne (another guard) opened the door. It was then that the raiders pounced.” He added: “I know how it must look, with me being involved in two robberies on this scale in such a short time, but I had absolutely nothing to do with either of them.”
   Mr. Kirk was attacked 13 months ago by wage bandits when a Security Express van was robbed of £250,000 at Ilford, Essex. He said that he is now considering giving up his job. “When your life is threatened twice in just over a year it makes you stop and think.” Mr. Kirk and his colleagues, Mr. Albert McPherson, aged 39, Mr. William Gibbs, aged 46, and Mr. Michael Aherne, were interviewed in separate rooms at Croydon police station after the raid and were not permitted to have contact with one another. This is routine police procedure in an investigation of this nature where detectives are anxious to hear first-hand accounts from eyewitnesses.
The Times 29 March 1971
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LOWELL — District Court proceedings were momentarily disrupted this morning, when two men began shouting obscenities and making obscene gestures at policemen and spectators. Edward Ahearn, originally of Dalton Rd., Chelmsford and whose last known address was Boston, and John R. Harris, were seated in the prisoner's box and were removed from the courtroom following the incident. Judge Elliott T. Cowdrey was forced to declare a short recess. According to police officers present at the time, one officer had approached the bench just before the judge called a recess. He apparently wanted to talk to the judge about the disturbance. According to some officers who were nearby, the unidentified policeman was told to be quiet by Court Prosecutor Lt. Edward Hassett. Some officers expressed dissatisfaction with Hasset's handling of the outbreak. One officer, who did not wish to be identified, claimed Ahearn and Harris spit on the police officers who were removing them from the courtroom.

AHEARN WAS ARRESTED this weekend with Dennis Boyle, 18, of Royal St., Lowell. He is charged with two counts of assaults upon police officers, disorderly conduct, unlawful possession of a harmful drug (Seconal), and maliscious damage to personal property (a police radio valued at $625). Before the incident occurred, his case had been continued to April 30. Boyle, who was not involved in the court room fracas, is released in $2,500 bail. He is charged with two assaults upon officers and disorderly conduct. His case was continued to May 4. The two officers involved in the alleged assault are James C. Campbell and John J. McMahon. Harris is charged with drunkenness. He was not arrested with Ahearn and Boyle. His case was not heard this morning.

The Lowell Sun 20 April 1971
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Engagements Are Announced
[PHOTO]
Miss Kathleen LeBlanc
Mr. and Mrs. Dalard J. LeBlanc of 193 Lakeway Drive announce the engagement of their daughter, Kathleen, to V. Patrick Aherne, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Aherne of 92 Ridge Ave. The wedding is planned for Oct. 16 at Notre Dame Church. Miss LeBlanc, a steno- typist at GE, is a graduate of Pittsfield High School. She attended Berkshire Business College and the Henry W. Bishop School of Nursing. Mr. Aherne, also a PHS graduate, is purchasing agent for Mersick-Berkshire Supply Co.
Berkshire Eagle 12 May 1971
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Bound for Springfield
Some 200 area residents, representing the West Side coalition, traveled to Springfield last Tuesday to support passage of legislation aimed at curbing unethical real estate practices.  . . .  Other spokesmen for the West Side group included Msgr. Edward Pellicore, pastor of St. Angela's and Rev. John Ahern of St. Sylvester's and the Northwest Community organization (NCO).
Chicago News-Journal 19 May 1971
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Marriage Licenses
Robert James Woods, Cliffside, N.J., Patricia Ann Ahern, Longmont.
Greeley Daily Tribune 20 May 1971
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Marriage Applications
Archibald Mark Chisolm Ahern Jr., 22, and Mary Jeanne Klose, 20, both of Columbia.
Columbia Missourian 28 May 1971
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BIRTHS
STRICKLAND—On 7th June, 1971, at Queen Charlottes to Rosemary (nee Ahern) and Timothy Strickland—a son.
The Times 8 June 1971
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Collograph Prints At Acton Library
ACTON—An outstanding collection of collograph prints by Elizabeth Ahern are presently exhibited at the Acton Memorial Library. Mrs. Ahern is a resident of Alcott St., Acton. She has studied printmaking at the DeCordova Museum School.
Assabet Valley Beacon 10 June 1971
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"Ukelele Ike" Laid to Rest In Actors' Plot
   HOLLYWOOD (AP)—Actor Cliff (Ukelele Ike) Edwards, who died alone and penniless July 17 in a convalescent home, has been buried amid his fellow actors with a last farewell by about 35 of his friends. Edwards, who gave Jiminy Cricket his distinctive tenor voice in Walt Disney's 1940 movie classic, "Pinochio" and sang its Oscar-winning title song, "When You Wish Upon a Star," was buried in a special actors' plot at Valhalla Cemetery in North Hollywood.
   Most of those attending funeral services for the 76-year-old actor, were from Disney Studios and the Actors' Fund. Both organizations quietly helped Edwards meet his hospital and other expenses in later years.
   The Rev. Edward R. Banks, of the First Presbyterian Church of Burbank, conducted the funeral services. The eulogy was delivered by actor Will Ahern, a long-time friend of Edwards, a Hannibal, Mo., native.
   "He was blessed with the ability to make people happy," adding that "his wish had been realized . . . and now he'll be sitting up there among the stars.
Columbia Missourian 30 July 1971
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RFK Jr. Fined $50 for Loitering
   HYANNIS, Mass. (UPI)—Robert F. Kennedy Jr., 17, son of the late New York senator, was ordered to pay $50 in court costs on a loitering charge Monday after he allegedly spat ice cream into a policeman's face. He was arrested Sunday night, about two weeks after his probation ended for a marijuana offense.
   The policeman said Kennedy was talking to a girl in a parked car which was obstructing the traffic flow on busy West Main Street. He said Kennedy refused to move along.
   Kennedy, long haired and wearing sandals, a blue work shirt and patched dungarees, pleaded nolo contendere (no contest) when arraigned in Barnstable District Court.
   Because Kennedy had insufficient money, Judge Henry L. Murphy gave him one week to pay. Kennedy appeared alone and without a lawyer in court.
   Kennedy's arrest was his second in just over one year. Last summer, he and R. Sargent Shriver Jr., son of the former ambassador to France, were arrested on a marijuana charge and placed on probation for one year. With expiration of the probation Aug. 6, the marijuana charge was placed on file. Young Shriver and Kennedy are cousins.
   About 10:30 p.m. EDT Sunday, patrolman Frederick Ahern testified, Kennedy was standing outside the car talking to a girl inside. He was eating an ice cream cone, Ahern said. Ahern said he asked Kennedy to move along because the car was snarling traffic. He said Kennedy made no effort to do so.
   Ahern said Kennedy's eyes were “bloodshot” and he asked Kennedy if he was drunk. Kennedy replied “no,” and spat ice cream at him.
Columbia Missourian 24 August 1971
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[photo]
Miss Bridget Aherne
Mrs. Edward J. Aherne of 92 Ridge Ave. announces the engagement of her daughter, Bridget Christine, to Henry Charles Sultauire Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Sultaire of Dalton. The wedding is planned for June 10 at St. Mary's Church. Miss Aherne, daughter of the late Mr. Aherne, is a clerk at England's, She is a graduate of St. Joseph's High School. Mr. Sultaire, an apprentice carpenter, graduated from Wahconah Regional High School.
Berkshire Eagle 24 August 1971
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Miss LeBlanc To Marry Patrick Aherne
[photo]
Miss Kathleen LeBlanc, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dalard J. LeBlanc of 193 Lakeway Drive, will be married today to J. [sic] Patrick Aherne, son of Mrs. Edward Aherne of 92 Ridge Ave. and the late Mr. Aherne. The Rev. Normand H. Belisle will officiate at the 11 o'clock ceremony in Notre Dame Church. A reception will follow at the Stanley Club.

The bride will wear a crepe gown trimmed with Venise lace and pink velvet which she made. A Camelot cap will hold her veil. She will carry carnations and pink roses. Mrs. Peter Barenski will be matron of honor for her sister, Miss Margaret A. LeBlanc, another sister, Miss Nora M. Aherne, sister of the bridegroom, and Mrs. Daniel R. Lummes will be bridesmaids. Jacquiline Lummis will be flower girl. The matron of honor and the bridesmaids will wear pink and navy blue crepe gowns, and the flower girl will wear pink crepe. They will carry carnations and pompoms. Edward J. Aherne will be best man for his brother. Mr. Lummus, Lauri Sporbert and Robert Gillette will usher. Thomas D. LeBlanc, brother of the bride, will be the ring bearer.

After a trip to the Pocono Mountains, the couple will live in Pine Valley Mobile Home Park. The bride, a graduate of Pittsfield High School, attended Berkshire Business College and the Henry W. Bishop School of Nursing. She is a steno-typist at GE. Mr. Aherne is also a PHS graduate. He is a purchasing agent for Mersick-Berkshire Supply Co. Inc.

Berkshire Eagle 16 October 1971
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Carlsbad Sniper Takes Own Life
CARLSBAD, N.M. (UPI)—As 1,200 students huddled in their classrooms, a 23-year-old sniper barricaded himself in a musty storage tower atop a high school today, traded gunfire with police than killed himself with his own rifle. The sniper, Michael O'Hearn, a former student at the school, climbed a spiral staircase to the 12-foot-square tower after threatening a teacher and the school principal Merl Anderson. "He said he would kill anybody that got in his Way," said Mrs. Evelyn Joplin, a secretary at Carlsbad Mid High School. In a span of 90 minutes, which ended just before noon, O'Hearn fired several shots at police in a barber shop across the street from the school, then turned the gun on himself, according to Sheriff Tom Granger.
Redlands Daily Facts 3 November 1971
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Dropout kills self after rifle spree in school tower
CARLSBAD, N.M. (UPI)—A high school dropout discharged from the Navy because of a nervous disorder locked himself in a tower atop his old high school Wednesday and fired at streets and shops below for 90 minutes, using two rifles. He then used one of the guns to kill himself. Residents, having been warned, stayed indoors, and the 1,200 students in the school did not leave their classroom. Michael O'Hearn, 23, fired at random at the deserted streets below. When police came, he exchanged shots with officers, slightly wounding one. The policeman was treated and released. No one else was hurt.

O'HEARN, WHO was remembered by faculty members and acquaintances as a quiet boy with few friends, walked into the Carlsbad Mid-High School about 10 a.m. Wednesday carrying a duffle bag. “He seemed calm,” said Harry Tatarian, a school counselor who knew O'Hearn before the student dropped out in the tenth grade in 1965. “He spoke to me and I said, 'Hello.' There was no hostility.” O'Hearn forced the principal, Merl Anderson to unlock the door to the 12-foot-by-12-foot room at the top of the school's tower, locked himself in and began shooting. Anderson said he said nothing to indicate why he was going into the tower. “He never did say why. He was courteous—just said he wanted in the tower,” the principal said.

THE TOWER, about one story high, sits atop the two-story school building. O'Hearn had windows on each side, but the larger roof of the school building allowed a clear vision only toward the front. Police sealed off the neighborhood and eventually managed to fire tear gas into the tower, whereupon O'Hearn used his 30-30 rifle to commit suicide. District Attorney Michael McCormick said there are no plans for an autopsy on O'Hearn. He said the man “had a history of mental problems.” The Navy discharged him in 1966 after he had been in about a year, declaring him totally disabled with a nervous condition. O'Hearn spent the next three years in the Rocky Ford, Colo., Veterans Hospital, and lived in Carlsbad with his mother since he got out of the hospital in 1969. Tatarian said O'Hearn was not the kind of person easily remembered. “He didn't stand out,” he said. He said O'Hearn remained the same—quiet and unnoticed—when he came back in 1969. Until Wednesday.

[photo]
SHERIFF TOM GRANGER examines bullet holes in beauty shop window across the street from Mid-High School in Carlsbad, N.M., following two-hour shooting spree by a discharged Navy veteran. Michael O'Hearn shot himself to death after officers lobbed tear gas into the high school tower where O'Hearn had taken up his sniper post. One policeman was wounded.
Long Beach Press-Telegram 4 November 1971
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Sniper Kills Self With Final Shot
CARLSBAD, N.M. (AP)—For two hours, 23-year-old Michael O'Hearn was holed up in a school building tower, taking potshots with a rifle. “He kept saying 'I'm in trouble and I can't come down',” said Sheriff Tom Granger, who tried to talk O'Hearn down from the three-story tower. What was troubling O'Hearn, a former mental patient, may remain a mystery. The last shot O'Hearn took with the 30-30 rifle claimed his own life. O'Hearn fired an estimated 20 shots during the ordeal but the most serious reported injury to those outside was a slight arm wound to a deputy sheriff.
Second Floor
“There's a man upstairs with a gun!” Jeanette Methola screamed Wednesday as she ran into the office of Asst. Principal Joe Stell. Carrying a gunny sack with the 30-30 rifle protruding from the top and carrying a .22 automatic, O'Hearn had entered Carlsbad Mid High School and gone to the second floor. He went into the class of Mrs. Harold Olive and demanded a key to the tower. Mrs. Olive wrote a note and told Jeanette to take it to the office. After haggling with Stell and Principal Merl Anderson, O'Hearn had the door to the tower unlocked. Anderson asked O'Hearn “very politely” to go inside, and closed and locked the door. School officials called the police, who blocked off streets in the area and ordered people out of sight.
Clear View
From the tower of the junior high school building O'Hearn had a clear view through windows from all four sides. Sheriff Granger eventually was able to get close to O'Hearn. “We talked about 10 minutes and then he told me to leave,” the sheriff said. “There was no indication he would come down. If there had been, I guess we'd still be talking.” As Granger was leaving he pulled the pin on a tear gas grenade and tossed it at O'Hearn. The young man retaliated by shooting back at officers on the second-floor roof before fatally wounding himself in the throat. Officials say he was a Vietnam veteran discharged from the Navy in 1966 for mental reasons and that he later was a patient at the state mental hospital. O'Hearn was single. He recently had retired to Carlsbad but he became very depressed when he couldn't find work, friends said.
Manitowic Herald Times 4 November 1971
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Dennis Ahern has warm memories of a cold Down East adventure
By Peter Tuttle
ROCKPORT — Duffy Blatchford's white Sandy Bay Class sloop still rides the winter waves in front of the yacht club like a big gull, but the rest of the yachts are gone from the outer harbor. The Sandy Bay captains sit in armchairs reading yachting books, or show slides of cruising and racing during the summer past. One Rockport navigator who cruised beyond Sandy Bay last season was Dennis Ahern. Like many other Cape Ann navigators, he went Down East for his adventure. Unlike most others, his cruise was in a 12-foot open sailboat known as a Firefly, or more affectionately, a Fruitfly.

“It was just a week,” Dennis recalled yesterday, “although by the time it was over the time seemed a lot longer. I started at a place called Beal Island, Maine. It's a property that the Appalachian Mountain Club owns on the estuary of the Sasanoa River, a wooded island the club bought and maintains as a camping area. I'm on the committee that maintains the property for the club and I went there for a meeting. So what I did was I brought the boat there by trailer and stayed Saturday for the meeting planning to sail afterward. Both Saturday and Sunday were miserable. It rained.

“I spent Sunday night there on the island after the others had left and I started Monday morning. There wasn't a wind and I sort of paddled the boat down the river and it ended up almost like white water. In the narrow tidal channel with the tide going out, it was almost like white water. The boat spun in circles a couple of times. It got to be kind of scary, going round in the eddies and currents. Then I got into the Sheepscot River, got my sail up and started to go down towards the ocean. It was raining then and kind of drizzly and misty. It was a very quiet, woodsy area. There were seals and all kinds of birds. I was a little bit scared when I heard a hissing sound which turned out to be porpoises playing games with me. They hung around for about ten minutes.

“I went down the Sheepscot and north to Boothbay late Monday afternoon. There had been reports of a hurricane—it was the hurricane that never materialized. But because I had been hearing about it, I had a little transistor radio with me to listen to weather reports. Monday night I got to Boothbay Harbor and went to the yacht club which was closed, except the locker room was open. So I hauled out my soaking wet gear and spent Monday night in the men's room of the Boothbay Harbor yacht club. I was thoroughly ensconced. I had my stove set up, fixed my supper, took a shower. I spent Tuesday night there also. On Tuesday night I slept on the boat for the first time. I had it rigged up with a Navy canvas hammock. It just reached from the mast to the transom, but it sagged right at the base of my spine over the centerboard trunk. I put some foam rubber there to soften the spot and had a boom tent jury-rigged over the boat, open fore and aft. By that time I was getting a little stir crazy from spending all day in the men's room and I resolved to pull out Wednesday.

“I got under way around noon and sailed over to Boothbay Harbor to get some clothes washed and dried—I only had two changes of clothes with me, counting the one I had on. This is the kind of story you hear about. At the laundry I had everything off but my gym shorts and my nylon windbreaker. The local native ladies were looking at me a little strangely. But the really fantastic thing was running into Shorty Lesch. [Harbormaster of my home port - Rockport, Mass.] I sailed up to a float in front of one of those hotel complexes in my little Firefly and I hear this voice calling down, “When you get done tying up, Captain, come up and have a beer with us.” I can't tell you how good it felt to hear a friendly voice after all that wet and spending a day and two nights in the men's room. So I tied up and had a beer with Shorty and his friends before going over to the laundry.

“After that I ended up sailing out of Boothbay Harbor, and wound up getting in an hour after sunset at Cape Newagen. There's a little harbor there just on the point of the Cape. This was the first night I cooked and slept on board riding at anchor. I opened a can of chop suey and had that for supper. By this time I was kind of cold and damp and it felt pretty good to get some hot food down. I crawled into my sleeping bag and slept except every once in a while I looked out to make sure I was in the same place. The next morning it was a little foggy. I cooked the rest of the chop suey and had that for breakfast, got everything squared away and started to tack out of the harbor entrance. Thing is though, Shorty and his wife were all staying at a cabin on a little island outside the harbor. So Shorty was out there in the surf swimming when I sailed by and his wife came out and took a picture.

“The rest of the day was pretty boring. In fact that was the day I fell asleep at the helm. The place I wanted to get to next was Small Point. This was the longest stretch of sailing I had during the trip because I had to get to Freeport Saturday. It was a long day's sail and I rigged up the boat to sail itself. As long as it was going close hauled, I had some shock cord which would bring the tiller back when it started to luff up. I spent a bit of time writing in my log, wrote some postcards, had some lunch and generally got very tired and cramped. My bottom kept falling asleep from sitting on the bottom of the boat.

“Finally I got into Small Point Harbor. I got a couple of things at the general store. I had plans to do a little sailing at night, but just as it got dark, the wind died down. So I anchored in the little cove on the landward side of the island. It had been sunny, so I didn't bother to set up the boom tent. Three in the morning I wake up and see this lightning to the south and west over the land. I said to myself 'This is September, it's a little late for heat lightning.' Five minutes later I started to hear thunder—but it was so warm and cozy in my sleeping bag. Then the wind picked up. I had just enough time to unrig my hammock and I had just got the top of my foul weather gear on when it started to pour buckets. I was getting a little scared because this protected cove turned out to be a trap. When the storm came in the cove, I had the rocks on three sides. There was no way I could have gotten out, with the wind blowing as it was—straight in the narrow mouth of the cove.

“I had to ride that out for two hours. I heard later over the radio that that freak storm had winds of 50 miles per hour and blew down trees in Freeport and Portland. I wasn't afraid for myself—I could have swum to the island if the anchor let go, but I could have lost the boat. And it seemed like I was moving. It seemed like I kept getting further away from the lobster buoys I anchored near, and it was just a little four and a half pound Danforth, but, boy, that anchor really dug in. The next morning I had a heck of a time pulling it out. At one point I rigged up a flare—thinking some fisherman might come out at four in the morning and rescue me—It kind of cheered me up with its bright light and I started singing songs.

“At five it started to get light and the wind died down, so I could rig up and get out. The wind was still blowing 20-25 mph. So I proceeded to rig up and went back to Small Point Harbor. I set up camp on the porch of the general store, with the natives walking back and forth, looking at this guy who had set up camp cooking his breakfast on their porch.

“So by then everything was all soaking wet again, and it was another miserable day and I had to make it to South Freeport by the end of that day. So I set off, had sometimes a good breeze, kind of spookey with a heavy swell. You would get knocked back and forth off course. The wind picked up pretty steady in the afternoon and by the time I came to Casco Bay, I was riding along on a beam reach, going like hell, surfing down those long swells. I got into South Freeport around five, and got in touch with some friends of mine. They came down and picked me up and gave me a hot bath. It felt good. I was so tired and cold and miserable and cramped—it got to be too much of an adventure.”

Dennis says that if he did the trip again, he'd go earlier in the season, so he would have the company of other cruising boats. “I could have pulled up in some cove next to one of those 40 foot cruising boats.” “I've always liked boats,” he added. “In fact you might find a reference to me in the Gloucester Times of 1949 or '50. I was seven or eight then, and I wanted to look at the cruising boats over at the yacht club. They fascinated me, I used to run my fingers along their portholes when they were tied up. This was on a summer Sunday, I remember the Legion Band was playing over in the park. I went down to the Granite Pier and borrowed a rowboat to row across the bay. The only problem was I didn't know how to row. I drifted past Gull Island and the tide took me out to sea. I got picked up the next morning by a lobster boat out looking for me. That was one of my earlier adventures in boats.”

The Gloucester Times 11 December 1971
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Thomas Ahern Elected Fisher College Trustee
ACTON—The incorporators of Fisher Junior College, Back Bay, Boston, have elected Thomas J. Ahern, Jr. to the Board of Trustees. Mr. Ahern is a partner in the law firm of Silver and Ahern. Post Office Square, Boston and a lecturer in law at Northeastern University. He is a member of the Acton Housing Authority and resides with his wife, Elizabeth and their children, Gregory and Caitlin at 13 Alcott Street, Acton Center.
Assabet Valley Beacon 27 January 1972
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In hockey, the United States kept its hope of a bronze medal alive by beating Finland 4-1 with goalie Mike Curran, the hero of the Yanks' earlier 5-1 upset of Czechoslovakia, once again displaying brilliant goaltending in the face of the Finn's 36-shot attack. The victory, the second in four games for the United States, put the Americans one point back of third-place Sweden, which lost 2-1 to the Czechs. The defending champion Soviet Union gained sole possession of first place in the Class A standings, a point ahead of the Czechs, with a 9-3 pounding of Poland.

Craig Sarner of St. Paul, Minn., put the United States on the scoreboard after just 15 seconds of play, but Lauri Monomen tied it for Finland four minutes later on a power play. The United States took the lead for good midway in the opening period as Henry Boucha of Warroad, Minn., fired in a pass from Sarner. Then, while Curran held off the rest of the Finn's attacks, Frank Sanders of St. Paul and Kevin Ahearn, of Milton, Mass., wrapped up the American scoring.

Greeley Daily Tribune 10 February 1972
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EDWARD AHERN of 145 Bowers St., was sentenced indefinitely to the Concord Correctional Institute today by Judge Arthur Williams following his trial in Lowell District Court. Ahern, who was arrested in April of last year by Officers John J. McMahon and James Campbell, was charged with unlawful possession of harmful drugs, two counts of assault and battery upon a police officer, disorderly conduct, drunkenness, and malicious damage to property. Ahern was accused of assaulting McMahon and Campbell, plus damaging the communications radio in the police cruiser.
The Lowell Sun 7 April 1972
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[photo]
Ahern—McEntee
Miss Kathleen McEntee and Robert William Ahern were married in the Church of St. Elizabeth in Milton. The bride, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John McEntee of Milton, was graduated from St. Gregory's High School. The bridegroom, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ahern, of Arlington, was graduated from Burdett College and attends Suffolk University. After a wedding trip to Canada, the couple will live in Arlington.
The Boston Globe 9 April 1972
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Golden Wedding Celebrated
A church service was conducted May 7 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Askeaton, in honor of Mr. and Mrs. James E. Burns Sr., Rt. 1, Brillion who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. A dinner was also given for friends and relatives at the American Legion Hall, Wrightstown,

Mrs. Burns, the former Isabelle Ohern, was born at Maplewood, and Burns was born at Askeaton. The couple was married May 9, 1922, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Maplewood. The Rev. Max Oswald officiated. Mr. and Mrs. Burns farmed at the Burns homestead, which has been in the family since 1872. The honorees have two children, Mrs. Ralph (Audrey) Orth, New Holstein; and James Jr., Rt. 1, Brillion both of whom attended the celebration. Mr. and Mrs. Burns are members of St. Patrick Church, Askeaton, and have eight grandchildren and too grate grandchildren. Burns hunts and fishes and his wife enjoys reading.

Letters of congratulation to the couple were received from President Richard Nixon, Gov. Patrick Lucey, U. S. Senators William Proxmire and Gaylord Nelson, State Representative Myron Lotto and Bishop Wycislo of Green Bay. The honorees also received a papal blessing from Rome.

Manitowoc Herald-Times 17 May 1972
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Ahern—Terelli
Miss Gloria Jean Terelli and John Lawrence Ahern, 4888 Amesbury, were married May 6 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. The Rev. Msgr. John T. Gulczynski officiated for the couple, who will live in Dallas after a wedding trip to Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Terelli, 6169 Berwyn, and Dr. and Mrs. Gerald S. Ahern of Corpus Christi are parents of the newlyweds.
Dallas Morning News 7 May 1972
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Manson Sent to Folsom for Evaluation
FOLSOM, Calif. (AP)—Convicted mass murderer Charles Manson has been transferred to Folsom Prison from San Quentin as part of the dispersal of Death Row prisoners in California. Manson has been assigned to Folsom's adjustment center for evaluation before being placed in the prison proper, said John Ahern, the duty officer. "We don't know how the inmate body is going to accept him, so we have to be cautious — and we are." Ahern said. "Before we put him in a position where he's going to have to fend for himself, we're going to be sure." he added. Prison officials announced the transfer Monday, describing it as routine. Manson, convicted last year of eight counts of first degree murder in connection with the 1969 Sharon Tate murders in Los Angeles, was brought by car by two correction officers Friday, Ahern said. Folsom is about 100 miles northeast of San Francisco. Manson will have other prisoners in adjoining cells, Ahern said. No special accomodations have been prepared or are planned, he added.
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner 10 October 1972
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Ahern Wins Arrowhead Golf Tourney
RAPID CITY (AP)—Jim Ahern of Norfolk, Neb. grabbed first prize of $1,300 Sunday in the Arrowhead Pro-Am Golf Tournament with a 54-hole score of 201. Ahern, formerly of Yankton, put together three rounds of 67 each to beat Mike Morley of Minot, N.D., by one stroke. Morley had a 67 Sunday for a 202 total.
The Daily Republic 18 September 1972
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Births
Mr. and Mrs. David P. Ahern, 58 Bartlett Ave., a son yesterday.
Berkshire Eagle 16 November 1972
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Parolees Charged in Robberies
LOWELL—Two men, one a former Chelmsford resident, who were paroled from Walpole State Prison to a Boston half-way house eight days ago, are today being held by authorities in connection with armed robberies in Nashua, N. H. and Lowell. One man, Frederick Ahearn, 29, who had been serving 20 years for armed robbery, and was paroled on Nov. 13, appeared in Lowell District Court yesterday afternoon charged in connection with the armed robberies of Gus and Paul's Tavern on Chelmsford Street and the Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in which some $1,000 was stolen. Ahearn has been committed to the house of correction in Billerica on $25,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 27.

A second man, James DeCoste, who has served 16 years of a life prison term for murder, is being held in Nashua, N. H. in connection with an armed robbery at a motel there. DeCoste is formerly from Webster. Ahearn was arrested in Lowell by criminal bureau inspectors Sgt. Robert E. Liston, Peter Gickas and John Myers under the direction of Capt. Richard Cullen after their investigation led them to New Hampshire and Boston. Inspectors said warrants charging DeCoste with the local armed robberies have been obtained and will be served if and when he is released from custody of the New Hampshire police.

Police state that Ahearn was also arrested over the weekend by state police in connection with the kidnapping of a Massachusetts woman, assault with a dangerous weapon and the unlawful use of a motor vehicle. Authorities state that both DeCoste and Ahearn have violated their paroles and detainers have been issued for both subjects by the state parole board. According to their parole laws, the men were expected to remain at the half-way house (Brooke House in Boston) until they became rehabilitated and "fit for society." Capt. Cullen, head of the criminal bureau, today said he finds the situation frustrating. "You wonder if it's worth banging your head against the wall to gain an arrest and then get a conviction and then to find out that the man is back on the street again." He added, "I don't know what kind of yardstick they are using to release these men, but," the Captain said, "I know one thing. There are not enough police officers in the state to keep an eye on these people who have been released."

John McLean, a spokesman for the Department of Corrections, when contacted today said the half-way house (Brooke), one of three in the state, is not a correctional institution, but "are private vendors providing social services to the men there." He said he had no direct comment to make on the matter because the decision to release persons to half-way houses is made by the parole board.
[photo of Ahearn]

The Lowell Sun 21 November 1972
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7 Inmates Seize Guard at Walpole
WALPOLE, Mass. (AP)—A guard was taken prisoner by seven inmates at Walpole state prison Wednesday and released unharmed about six hours later, police said. An attorney who represents inmates at the maximum security prison, William Crain, said the seven inmates acted to protest conditions in Cell Blocks 9 and 10. Corrections Department officials declined to identify the guard or the inmates involved, but a newspaper report said the guard's last name was St. Pierre. The report said St. Pierre had been assaulted by two inmates a month ago in Cell Block 10. Norfolk County Dist. Atty. George Burke identified the seven inmates as Freddie Ahearn, Paul Puccino, Marshall O'Brien, Ronald Stokes, Nicholas Diaferro, Paul Tisserani and Gerald Souza.
Convicted in stabbing
Burke and Ahearn was [sic] convicted of a near-fatal stabbing of a Walpole guard in 1967. Prison authorities sealed off the prison area and refused to allow newsmen and others, including some representatives of the state Corrections Department, into the grounds. Crain, director of the Prisoners Rights Program at the prison, said he presented a list of grievances and complaints to prison Supt. Raymond Porelle last week from inmates in Cell Blocks 9 and 10. Crain said the inmates grievances led to the guard being taken hostage.
The Berkshire Eagle 21 December 1972
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Countryside Boys Swim Past High Ridge By 65
In the first meet of the new year, the Countryside YMCA boys swim team defeated the High Ridge YMCA, 199-134. The two teams met Sat., Jan. 6. Several new team records were established. Leading the team was Prep John Martin with three individual records in the 100-yard individual medley and the 50-and 100-yard freestyle races. Team marks were also set by Ted Ahern  . . . 
Individual winners were:
Cadets (8 and Under)
Medley relay — Ahern, Thyfault, Sammet, Mosack; 25-yard freestyle — John Mosack 1st, Don Reavey, 2nd; 25-yd butterfly — Frank Sammet 1st, Chuck Thyfault 3rd; 50-yd freestyle — Frank Sammet 1st, Ted Ahern 3rd  . . . 
Chicago Daily Herald 12 January 1973
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Deborah Ahern, Mr. Hatfield To Be Married
Mr., and Mrs. Frederick J. Ahern, of 93 Hilltop Road, Mystic, have announced the engagement of their daughter, Deborah Jean, to David Earl Hatfield, son of Earl Hatfield of 616 Fenimor Ave., Kalamazoo, Mich., and the late Mrs. Irene Hatfield. Miss Ahern is a 1970 graduate of Fitch Senior High School and is employed by T.N.M. Lathrop, Inc., Porsche-Audi Division. Mr. Hatfield was recently discharged after serving four years with the Navy. He plans to return to Michigan. A February wedding is planned.
The Day 12 January 1973
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Hatfield—Ahern Bridal Takes Place in Groton
Miss Deborah Jean Ahern and David Earl Hatfield exchanged wedding vows Feb. 17 at Faith Lutheran Church in Groton. The Rev. Richard Skov of Christ Lutheran Church in Niantic officiated at the 7 p.m. ceremony. A church reception followed. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Ahern of 93 Hilltop Road, Mystic. Earl Hatfield Jr. of 616 Fenimore Ave., Kalamazoo, Mich., and the late Mrs. Irene Hatfield are the bridegroom's parents. Attending her sister as maid of honor was Miss Cheryl Ahern of Mystic. Another sister, Miss Elizabeth Ahern of Mystic, was bridesmaid. Miss Kristen Ahern of Mystic was her sister's flower girl. Douglas Gutsche of Groton was best man, Ushers were Bruce Kallinen and Larry Nelson, both of Groton.

The bride is a 1970 graduate of Fitch Senior High School and is employed by T.N.M. Lathrop, Inc., Porsche-Audi Division. Mr. Hatfield was recently discharged from the Navy. The couple will live in Oakdale until they make their permanent home in Kalamazoo.

The Day 24 February 1973
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Bomb kills Provisional at Border
A 20-YEAR-OLD member of the Provisional I.R.A. from Cork city was killed in a bomb blast near the Fermanagh-Monaghan Border yesterday morning, and an off-duty U.D.R. corporal was shot dead in Co. Tyrone. gardaí and R.U.C. men found the mutilated body of the bomb blast victim in a forest near a road junction in the townland of Mullinahinch, half-a-mile from the Fermanagh village of Roslea, after local people had reported hearing the explosion shortly before 7 a.m. At least three other bombs were found nearby. A Provisional I.R.A. statement, issued in Dublin, said that the man was the first Volunteer from the South to lose his life "while serving with his comrades in the North in the war against British Forces". The statement named the man as Volunteer Tony Ahearne [sic], of St. Joseph's Park, Mayfield, Cork. It said his death was regretted and that the leadership of the Republican Movement expressed their deepest sympathy to his family and relatives. Late last night relatives were reported to be travelling from Cork to Co. Fermanagh to identify the body. Ahearne, an apprentice gardener, lived with is widowed mother. A British Army spokesman said that the body had been spotted by a helicopter crew, but it was five hours before troops approached the body because of the fear that it had been booby-trapped. He said that it appeared that the man had been carrying a bomb which went off prematurely.
Irish Times 11 May 1973
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Cork Teenager Dies in Bomb Mission
A 16-YEAR-OLD volunteer in the Provisional I.R.A. was killed instantly yesterday when a bomb he was transporting across the Fermanagh-Monaghan border exploded. He was apprentice gardner Tony Aherne [sic], of 27 St. Joseph's Park, Mayfield, Cork, the youngest of four brothers. His father died some four years ago and he lived with his mother.

A statement from the Republican Publicity Bureau last night, said that Aherne was the first volunteer from the South to die while serving with his comrades in the North "in the war against British forces." The statement, signed "P. O'Neill, Runai," regretted Aherne's death "in a premature explosion" and expressed deepest sorrow to the family and relatives. Last night the body lay in the morgue at Enniskellen County Hospital and one of volunteer Aherne's brothers, Maurice, who is a commercial traveler, was on his way to Enniskillen to positively identify the remains. It is understood the remains may be brought to Cork today.
IN FOREST
It is believed that Aherne was carrying or beside the bomb when it went off and he was blown to pieces. The explosion took place in a forest about 30 yards from the main Clones-Roslea road and pieces of his clothing were entangled in trees 40 feet from the ground. The bomb was one of a series of six which were planted at a road junction in the townland of Mullinahinch, half a mile from the Fermanagh village of Roslea. It is understood that they were intended as a booby-trap for British Army patrols. The explosion took place only a few yards from the border and at first it was thought to have gone off in Co. Monaghan. The grim discovery was made simultaneously by members of the Gardai and the R.U.C.

Later a strong detachment of British troops visited the area and with the aid of tracker dogs five more bombs were discovered in the same area. All were detonated by British Army bomb disposal experts. The last of the bombs went off at 8 p.m. while members of the security forces sealed off the roads on both sides of the border. Earlier . . .
Cork Examiner 11 May 1973
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Strict Security for Dead Youth's Funeral
There was strict security last evening when the funeral of the dead Provisional I.R.A. member, Mr. Tony Aherne [sic] passed through Clones on its way from Enniskillen to Cork. The cortege was met at the border by a large force of Irish troops and gardai and was escorted through the town. Gardai and army personnel were also on duty at other border roads in the area.
Cork Examiner 12 May 1973
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Bomb Victim's Body Arrives from North
Two thousand people were at the Church of Our Lady Crowned, Mayfield, Cork, last evening when the remains of Anthony Ahern, St. Joseph's Park, Mayfield, the 17 years old youth killed in last Thursday's bomb explosion on the Border, were received by An tAth, Sean Mac Carthaig and An tAth Michael O Riain. The cortege travelled from Enniskillen Mortuary and received a garda escort all the way from the border. In Glasnevin, Dublin, several thousand people turned out to pay their last respects and on the journey to Cork, stops were made at Urlingford, Droichead Nua, Cashel, Mitchelstown and Fermoy.

Outside the church at Mayfield, a number of uniformed gardai and Special Branch men under Chief Supt. P. G. Power and Supt. P. O. Connor, were on duty. The church itself was full of mourners and after the Rosary had been recited, they filed past the coffin and a large number of wreaths were place [sic] in the church. The chief mourners were the boy's widowed mother and four brothers, Maurice, Thomas, Liam, and Patrick. The deceased was the youngest of the sons. The funeral will take place today immediately after 10 o'clock Mass to Carrigaline cemetery.
Cork Examiner 14 May 1973
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CLINTON CONNECTION TO "THE EXORCIST"
There's a local connection to the movie "The Exorcist." The late uncle of three Clinton sisters was apparently one of the exorcists involved in the 1949 exorcism case, which author William Peter Blatty used as reference for this fictionalized account in "The Exorcist." Mrs. Oliver (Mary) Pankow, Mrs. Pauline Connell and Mrs. Aileen Manning said they just recently discovered that their late uncle, the Rev. Francis J. O'Hern was one of the Jesuit priests involved in the unimaginable experience.

The late Rev. Mr. O'Hern was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael O'Hern of DeWitt, and had graduated from St. Joseph's High School, DeWitt. He died April 19, 1951. Mrs. Pankow related that according to a story published in the St. Louis Globe Democrat, her uncle had apparently participated in the exorcism ritual with other Jesuits, while he was dean of men and director of athletics at St. Louis University. "Our uncle suffered two heart attacks within one year. They must have occurred in 1951. However, at that time, we didn't know that about one year earlier he had been involved in the exorcism of a 14 year old boy," she added.

The nieces now believe possibly such an experience could have hastened their uncle's death. "He never told anyone in the family about it (exorcism case)," Mrs. Connell noted, "but we were all terribly shocked when we heard about it." The sisters initially discovered that their uncle had been involved in an exorcism ritual from their brother Frank (Mike) O'Hern of Evanston, Ill. "He was watching television one night, and suddenly a picture of our uncle flashed on the screen," Mrs. Pankow said. "Our brother called us because he was so excited about seeing it (picture) on television." "Frank also called his cousin, Mrs. Joseph Kehoe of Evanston, and later she related this information to her daughter, Mrs. Kathy Graf of St. Louis. Later she (Mrs. Graf) read an article in the St. Louis Globe Democrat (published in early February) that the Rev. Frank O'Hern had participated in an exorcism." Later copies of the newspaper article entitled "The Exorcist: The True Story" by Lou Antosh were sent to the three Clintonians. The news story is based on an interview with the Rev. Eugene B. Gallagher, a Jesuit priest now assigned to a Philadelphia parish, who had obtained a carbon of the document describing the 1949 case shortly after it was written. Father Gallagher, a theology teacher, had instructed Blatty at Georgetown University in 1950. The article reported that Father Gallagher had spoken to one of the exorcists, a Father O'Hern, for several hours, after O'Hern and other priests had worked around the clock performing the Roman Catholic ritual to cast demonic spirits from the child.

"The experience must have been really a strain on the priests, because the article reported that one priest lost from 50 to 60 pounds in six weeks," Mrs. Pankow said. "This is why we believe there was probably some connection between our uncle's heart attacks and his participation in the case." "Our uncle was known by so many people in the Clinton area," the sisters noted. "He would conduct retreats at Our Lady of Angels Academy (now Northside Church of God) and in Davenport during the summers allowing him to visit with relatives and friends. He was also the first Catholic to be named president of the Missouri Valley Sports Conference." Asked whether they would see the movie, "The Exorcist" when it comes to Clinton, the sisters said they were not so interested in seeing the movie, "but may be tempted to see it now out of curiosity."
— Unidentified Newspaper circa 1974
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Miss Ahearn enters Hitchcock
HANOVER, N.H.—Patricia Ahearn is one of 60 freshmen students who began classes at Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital School of Nursing Dept. 4. Miss Ahearn is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Ahearn, 325 North St., Bennington. Upon successful completion of the fully accredited three-year diploma program, Miss Ahearn will be eligible to take state board examinations as a registered nurse. . . . 
Bennington Banner 5 September 1973
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FREDERICK AHEARN, 31, who is serving time at Walpole State Prison, stood trial in court today on charges of armed robbery. Judge Elliot T. Cowdrey found probable cause and ordered the case to Superior Court. Ahearn is accused of the November, 1972 hold-up of Gus and Paul's Bar on Chelmsford Street in Lowell. Several hundred dollars was taken during that hold-up, Ahearn is serving a 40-year sentence at Walpole for convictions on various charges.
The Lowell Sun 7 December 1973
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[photo]
Belinda Aherne is fiancee of Michael Benham
Mrs. Nora M. Aherne, of 12 Myrtle St. announces the engagement of her daughter, Belinda Marion, to Michael Stephen Benham, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur L. Benham, of 37 Preston Ave. The wedding is planned for July 6 at St. Mary's Church. Miss Aherne, also the daughter of the late Edward Aherne, is a secretary at R. H. Kelly Co., Inc. She graduated from St. Joseph's High School. Mr. Benham, who is employed at the First National Store, Great Barrington, graduated from Taconic High School and Berkshire Community College.
Berkshire Eagle 26 December 1973
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Court Authorizes 219 Divorces in Area
A total of 219 divorces was authorized during the September term of Hillsborough County Superior Court, Manchester. They include:
From Nashua:
 . . . Susan J. (Pihl) Ahern from Robert J. Ahern . . . 
Nashua Telegraph 1 February 1974
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Police Reports
Dan Ahern, 515 S. Fifth St., reported Saturday the theft of two rear view mirrors, a tachometer, speedometer and road pegs all valued at about $94 from his car parked on the lot of Mark Twain Residence Hall.
Columbia Missourian 26 March 1974
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BIRTHS
AHERN—On 26th March, at St. Luke's hospital, Guildford, to Dilly (nee Fradgley) and Brian Ahern—a daughter (Arabella).
The Times 27 March 1974
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Mr. and Mrs. Louis Summers, Belle Vernon, have announced the engagement of their daughter, Jean Marie, to Bruce W. Ahern, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Ahern, Brighton Township. Miss Summers and her fiancé are graduates of Pennsylvania State University. She is a graduate of Mon Valley Catholic High School and is an accountant with Dravo Corp., Pittsburgh. Ahern is a graduate of Beaver Area High School. He is an ecologist specializing in audiology for Euthenics Systems, Inc., Brighton Township. A September wedding is planned.
Beaver Country Times 12 April 1974
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Ahern Honored
Jack Ahern, long active in bowling at the local level and in the Knights of Columbus at the state level, was honored at the K of C meeting in Lansing Sunday by being elected to the state's highest post, president of the Michigan State Council Bowling Association. It was noted that it appears Ahern will preside over a much larger state tournament next year than the one this year. This year's meet drew 792 teams registered for the up-coming affair at Benton Harbor, K of C officials noted.
The Argus-Press 16 May 1974
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Trial Of Ahern To Open Wednesday
The trial of former New Haven Police Chief James Ahern, arrested by Westport police last fall by Westport police last fall following an embroglio at the Viva Zapata restaurant, will take place Wednesday in Norwalk Circuit Court beginning at 10 A.M. Mr. Ahern was charged with disturbing the peace, interfering with an officer and refusing to be fingerprinted. The three polic [sic] officers involved gave testimony earlier this year during a motion by Mr. Ahern's lawyer, Jacob Zelded, to have the case thrown out.
The Hour 17 May 1974
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[photo]
Belinda Aherne will wed Mr. Benham at St. Mary's
Miss Belinda Marion Aherne, and Michael Stephen Benham will be married at 11 this morning in St. Mary's Church. The Rev. Anthony DeCesare will officiate. A reception will follow at he GEAA clubhouse. Their parents are Mrs. Edward J. Aherne of 12 Myrtle St. and the late Mr. Aherne, and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur L. Benham of 37 Preston Ave. The bride, who will be escorted by her brother, Edward J. Ahern, Jr., will wear a silk organza gown with a Chantilly lace bodice. Her veil will be attached to a matching lace Camelot cap. She will carry white carnations accented with yellow roses, white daisies, baby's breath and asparagus ferns.

Mrs. Henry C. Sultaire Jr. [nee Bridget Christine Aherne] will be matron of honor for her sister. Bridesmaids will be Miss Nora M. Aherne, another sister; Miss Stephanie McDonald, Mrs. V. Patrick Aherne and Miss Debra Benham, the bridegroom's sister, Kathleen Kroboth will be flower girl. The matron of honor will wear a yellow seersucker gown with white eyelet. The bridesmaids will wear similar gowns and hats in green. They will carry baskets of carnations, daisies and baby's breath. The flower girl will wear a yellow gingham gown and carry yellow carnations accented with green and white daisies and baby's breath. All of the attendants' gowns were made by Mrs. V. Patrick Aherne. James Robinson will be best man. Ushers will be Henry C. Sultaire Jr., John Robinson, Anthony DiMartino, and Mr. Aherne., the bride's brother. John Waltekus will be ring bearer.

After a trip to Puerto Rico, the couple will live in Pine Valley Mobile Home Park. The bride, a graduate of St. Joseph's High School, is a secretary at R. H. Kelly Co., Inc. Mr. Benham, who graduated from Taconic High School and Berkshire Community College, is employed at General Electric.

Berkshire Eagle 6 July 1974
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District Court
A charge of driving while intoxicated against Joan Junkins, 37, Hampton, was dismissed in Portsmouth District Court this morning by Judge Thomas E. Flynn. She had pleaded innocent.
Portsmouth Herald 18 July 1974
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Gail Ahern plans wedding in September
BEVERLY, Mass. — Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Ahern have announced the engagement of their daughter, Gail Agnes, to Dale Henry Morrill, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. Morrill of Brewer. Miss Ahern was graduated from the Beverly High School in 1968 and is employed as a pharmacy technician at the Beverly Hospital. Her fiancé, a 1967 graduate of Brewer High School, received his B. A. degree at Northeastern University in 1972. He is employed in the Administration Department of Northeastern University and continues his graduate study for the master's degree in public administration. A Sept. 21 wedding is planned.
Bangor Daily News 26 August 1974
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Miller 'Meadow' Titlist; Nab takes Tri-county
LOWELL—Long Meadow and Tyngsborough Country Clubs crowned club champs this weekend and Nabnasset walked off with the Tri-County tourney title to highlight local links action.
 . . . 
The father and sons competed in three brackets. In the ten and under division, the team of Phil and Brian Ahearn (sic) topped the field with a nine hole score of 34. Four strokes back in a tie for second was Al and Kevin Beauregard with Paul and Mark Suprenant. In the next bracket (11-15) teams vied for both low gross and low net honors. Pat and Peter Sterpe copped the low gross laurel with a nine hole total of 39. There was a five way tie for low net among the teams of Roger and Dennis Parent; Bill and Alan Pitzer; Don and Mike Coyne; Joe and Joey Koravos; and Phil and Dan Ahearn (sic) all with scores of 35.

In the 16 and over (sic) bracket low gross went to the father and son duo of Abe and David Baundendiotel with a score of 43. Low net honers were gained by Charles and Charles Ahearn (sic) with a tally of 38.

The Lowell Sun 26 August 1974
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Miss America Finals Tonight
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.(AP)—A new Miss America will be crowned just before the stroke of midnight tonight. The final preliminary competition in the annual Miss America Pageant wound up on Friday with a ballerina from Illinois and a tall blonde from California winning talent and swimsuit awards.

Jean Ahern of Hinsdale, Ill., joined the state queens from Tennesseee and Kentucky as talent winners while Lucianne Buchanan of Claremont, Calif., followed Miss Kansas and Miss Texas as swimsuit winners. The six were chosen during three nights that set the stage for selection of Miss America 1975, which will be televised nationally on NBC beginning at 20 p.m. EDT. Three preliminary winners also were chosen on the basis of interviews and evening gown competition, but thos winners are never revealed to maintain suspense in the choice of queen. The judges also already have named 10 semifinalists, but their choices will remain sealed until shortly before the finals begin. The annual beauty pageant is competing for publicity here this year with feminists, long-time opponents of the pageant. The National Organization for Women is holding a regional convention here, but a spokeswoman said members won't interfere with the contest.

Miss Ahern and Miss Buchanan, both 21, expressed some agreement with the somen's lib movememnt. But Miss Ahern, a senior at the University of Illinois, objected to flamboyance in the movement, and Miss Buchanan, a senior at Cal Poly California, said she disagreed with feminist's opposition to the Miss America Pageant. A blue-eyed blonde who is 5-9 and measures 34-24-35, Miss Buchanan expressed surprise at her victory. "I firmly believe it was my weakest area," she said. "They used to call me Skinny in high school. Miss Ahern, a slim brunette who has danced professionally with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the Harkness Youth Dancers in New York, danced "Grand Pas de Deux" from "Don Quixote" Friday night.

Kentucky New Era 7 September 1974
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Texan Winner
ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. — Twenty-one-year-old Shirley Jean Cothran, who said she spent the last two years “redoing herself,” Saturday night became the 1975 Miss America.
 . . . 
First runner-up was Miss California, Lucianne Buchanan, Miss Illinois, Jean Ahern, was second runner-up, followed by Miss Kentucky, Darlene Campton, and Miss Louisiana, Libby Lovejoy. . . . 
Dallas Morning News 8 September 1974
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Acton Attorney Addresses ITT Meeting
ACTON—Attorney Thomas J. Ahern, Jr., addressed the Eastern Region meeting of ITT Industrial Credit Company at the Framingham Country Club on Wednesday, September 18, 1974. His remarks dealt with new case law developments under the secured transactions provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code. Managers representing sixteen states attended the two day meeting. Mr. Ahern is a partner in the firm of Silver and Ahern and resides in Acton, Massachusetts.
Assabet Valley Beacon 26 September 1974
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Miss Illinois, Jean Ahearn, a ballerina who has performed with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, has danced off with the final preliminary talent award at the Miss America Pageant. The 21-year-old University of Illinois senior performed the Grand Pas de Deux from Don Quixote with a rose tucked in her dark brown hair. The Convention Hall crowd of 7,053 twice burst into applause during the ballet and gave her a prolonged ovation at the finish.

Miss Ahearn, who has had 13 years of training, is a graphic design major at college. She has also danced with the Harkness Youth Dancers in New York.

Brandon Sun 9 September 1974
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[photo]
MRS. J. P. FORLIZZI
Forlizzi—Ahern
At St. William Church in Tewksbury on Sept. 14, Madelyn Ann Ahern, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Francis X. Ahern, Tewksbury, became the bride of Joseph Peter Forlizzi Jr., son or Mr. and Mrs. Forlizzi, Arlington. The bride attended Keith Hall and Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. Her husband, an electronics engineer, is an alumnus of Wentworth Institute and College. They live in Medford following a trip to Jamaica.
The Boston Globe 6 October 1974
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Unreleased Report Calls Cambridge Arrest Brutal
A Cambridge Police Department report concludes that two policemen beat and injured Clarence Anderson following his arrest last July 11, and recommends that "disciplinary proceedings be initiated" against the policemen, a source close to the case said yesterday. In a statement yesterday, Cambridge Police Chief James F. Regan gave no comment on the content of the report, but he announced that Officers Francis Burns and Robert Ahern would be summoned before a departmental panel. If found guilty, Burns and Ahern could face punishment ranging from a reprimand to expulsion from the police force.

A police spokesman, Skip McCaffrey, said the officers and their lawyers had been notified of the hearing. No date for the hearing has been set. The police investigation into the circumstances of Anderson's arrest began in mid-July after Anderson filed a complaint with the department. Anderson was arrested while driving a motorcycle, and charged with failing to stop for a uniformed officer and dangerous driving. William Homans '41, Anderson's lawyer, said yesterday that although he has not seen the report he has heard it says Burns struck Anderson in the face after arresting him. As Anderson fell to the ground, Homans said the report says, Burns kicked him in the right eye.

Up Against the Hood
Homans said the report goes on to say that Officer James Hallice walked Anderson to a patrol car. He said it charges that when Hallice went to the car radio to report the arrest, Ahern "slammed" Anderson against the hood of the car. When asked if the report alleged that Burns and Ahern used excessive force, police spokesman McCaffrey said "I don't know. I know nothing about the evidence. I don't know if the report says that of it doesn't."

Anderson suffered the permanent loss of sight in one eye and other facial injuries. The officers who arrested Anderson said he sustained the injuries in a fall. Two months ago Malden District Court Judge Louis Glazer denied Anderson's application for assault and battery complaints against Burns and Hallice, on grounds of insufficient evidence. "Anderson originally thought that he had been beaten by Burns and Hallice," Homans said yesterday. Anderson did not seek a complaint in court against Ahern. After learning of the accounts of witnesses of the incident, Anderson accused Ahern rather than Hallice of taking part in the alleged beating.

Homans said Anderson may file a case in federal court for violation of civil rights. Homans discounted the possibility of a suit for damages against Burns and Ahern. "The prime thing in my mind and Anderson's mind is to make sure that he is guaranteed the treatment due to all citizens, and that police officers be treated the same way," Homans said.

The Harvard Crimson 12 October 1974
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BIRTHS
AHERN—On October 14th at St. Helier Hospital, Carshalton, to Marielle (nee Whatley) and Dr. Patrick Ahern—a daughter, Tania Maria.
The Times 16 October 1974
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Police Commissioner Postpones Hearings on Assault Charges
Police department hearings originally scheduled to start today on an alleged police assault on Cambridge resident Clarence Anderson have been postponed until November 12 by request of the attorneys representing the two defending Cambridge police officers. Defense attorneys Robert Wise and Barry H. Gerstein, representing Officers Francis Burns and Robert Ahern, said they sought to suspend the hearings because they are now arguing other cases in court. "There is nothing unusual about the postponement, although people are trying to make it something mysterious," Gerstein said yesterday. "There may be political overtones to the case, but no wheeling and dealing is involved."

Clarence Anderson filed a citizen's complaint against two Cambridge police officers for assault and battery following his arrest July 11. The officers stopped Anderson while he was driving a motorcycle through Cambridge into Malden and charged him with dangerous driving and failure to stop for a uniformed officer. Anderson alleged that Burns hit him twice and kicked him in his right eye, and that Officer James F. Hallice shoved his head into the hood of the police car, knocking out a tooth.

Eye Witness Account
Eye-witness accounts of the incident cleared Hallice of involvement in the alleged beating and implicated Officer Ahern, whom Anderson later accused of assault and battery. The defense has claimed that Anderson injured his eye when he fell off his motorcycle after swerving to avoid hitting a police car that had blocked his path. If the police department finds the officers guilty of the charges, they can be suspended from the force.

In August, Malden District Court Judge Louis Glazer denied Anderson's application for assault and battery complaints on grounds of insufficient evidence. A police investigation committee instructed to look into Anderson's charges presented a report written by Officer Francis Pisani to Police Chief James F. Reagan on September 30. A source close to the case said October 11 that the unreleased report recommends "disciplinary proceedings be initiated" against Burns and Ahern. Reagan has not yet circulated the report, and Pisani said yesterday that he doubted the police chief would make the report findings public. Neither counsel has access to the committee findings yet.

The Harvard Crimson 23 October 1974
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[photo]
Ahearns smile after judgment
Wife Blinded After Pill Gets A Million
   SAN JOSE (AP) — A jury has awarded $1.14 million in damages to a 35-year-old housewife who went blind after taking birth control pills. The jury of nine women and three men returned the verdict for Michelle Ahearn of San Jose on Monday after a seven-week trial before Superior Court Judge Bruce F. Allen. The jurors also awarded $105,668 in damages to Mrs. Ahearn's husband, Dennis, a structural engineer. Both verdicts were directed against Ortho Pharmaceutical Co., manufacturer of Ortho-Novum birth control pills, and its parent company, Johnson & Johnson, Lucky Stores, owner of the Gemco pharmacy where Mrs. Ahearn bought the pills, was also held liable.
Mother of 3
   Mrs. Ahearn, mother of three children, took off her dark glasses and sobbed uncontrollably for several minutes after she heard the verdict. Dennis, her husband, put his arm around her and cried softly. Most of the jurors embraced Mrs. Ahearn as they filed out of court. Trial testimony asserted that Mrs. Ahearn started taking the pills on her doctor's prescription in 1967. She testified that in February, 1969, she experienced the onset of severe headaches and blindness. Doctors said she became totally blind three days later and the blindness was permanent.
Caused By Clots
   Doctors said the blindness was caused by clots, which blocked blood supply to the optic nerve, which died because of lack of blood and oxygen. The defense, headed by attorney M. J. Pothoven of Sacramento, contended that the sight-destroying clotting was caused by a streptococcus infection and not by the pill. Dr. J. Harold Williams of Wichita, Kan., a medical doctor and attorney who represented the Ahearns, argued that the blindness was caused by the pill itself or by a combination of the pill and the infection.
Modesto Bee 18 December 1974
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Judge Sets Aside Award on Pill
SAN JOSE (AP) — A judge has set aside a $1.1 million award to a housewife who says she went blind after taking birth control pills. Presiding Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Bruce F. Allen ordered a new trial Monday, but did not set a date. Defense attorneys had alleged that three jurors exhibited bias during certain stages of the trial which ended last Dec. 16 with awards to 35-year-old Michelle Ahearn and her husband Dennis of San Jose. “It is probable that different results could have been reached but for such bias, prejudice and misconduct,” the judge's written order said.

The Ahearn's attorney, Sal Liccardo of San Jose, said he intends to appeal the decision. The judge's decision cited irregularities in the seating of the jury and jury conduct which he said prevented a fair trial. Specifically, Allen referred to sworn affadavits provided by defense attorneys and containing interviews with jurors who claimed other jurors swayed them with arguments outside the limits of the judge's instructions. The decision quoted an affadavit by juror Vernon Van Leueven as saying fellow juror Marilyn Swanson told other jurors “she had strong feelings about corporations and drug companies bleeding the public.” The decision further explained Van Leuven's affadavit alleges that Mrs. Swanson “read to the jurors a prepared statement about big corporations, how much money the drug companies were making and they should be held responsible.”

The jury seating irregularity cited by Allen involved a juror, Anthony Astalsa, who voted in favor of the verdicts for both Ahearns, but declined to say why when formally polled whether he agreed that the birth control pills were a substantial factor in causing Mrs. Ahearn's blindness. The award went against three defendants: the Ortho Pharmaceutical Co., which manufactured the pill; its parent company, Johnson & Johnson, and Lucky Stores, owner of the Gemco pharmacy where Mrs. Ahearn bought the pills. Defense witnesses maintained the woman went blind because of a streptococcus infection and not because of the pills. Her attorneys claimed it was a combination of both.

San Mateo Times 11 February 1975
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New Hampshire passes bill to reintroduce school prayer
The New Hampshire legislature has passed a law to reintroduce prayer into the public schools, with sponsors directly challenging the U. S. Supreme Court on the issue. The Connecticut legislature passed a measure designed to avoid a confrontation with the high court. New Hampshire Gov. Meldrim Thomson is expected to sign a bill passed Thursday that would permit voluntary recitation of the Lord's Prayer in public elementary schools at the option of the local school districts.
 . . . 
Senate President Pro Tem Joseph Fauliso, who tried unsuccessfully for 10 years to bring prayer back, said the Connecticut bill is similar to a Pennsylvania law which he said has withstood court challenges. Fauliso's original proposal used the word prayer, but complaints from opponents led to a compromise that used the word meditation. The Senate approved the compromise Wednesday, 28 to 6.

“It resolves the problem,” Rep. Nicholas Motto said. “Meditation can be anything you want it to be. It can be prayer. It can be just thought.” Motto led the House fight for the measure. But Rep. Robert Walsh said, “It's clear to me that prayer is still intended.” And schoolteacher Rep. Aloysius Ahearn added, “The difference between prayer and meditation is slight. They mean prayer. They are asking us to subvert the law of the land.”

Greeley Daily Tribune 23 May 1975
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Jean Ahern, looking back on her year as Miss Illinois and second runner-up to Miss America, said swimsuit competitions were “dated” because “women shouldn't be judged on their bodies anymore.” She said she would encourage girls “not to dream of being Miss America but to dream of being president.”
Columbia Missourian 2 July 1975
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Ahern retires after 22 years in office
   Gstaad, July 22.—John Ahearne, the president of the International Ice Hockey Federation for the last 22 years, announced here today that he would give up the post.
   The 74-year old British president said he would not seek re-election at the current federation congress here and advised delegates to vote for the Dutch candidate, Freddy Schweers.
   Mr. Ahearne gave no reason for his resignation but a number of delegates here have said they would like a younger president and that after 22 years it was time for a change.—Reuter.
The Times 23 July 1975
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BIRTHS
AHERN.—On August 15, at Houlton Hospital, to Dilly (nee Fradgley) and Brian—a daughter (Henrietta).
The Times 19 August 1975
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Fire, tragedy stalk Ahern family
LOWELL—Hand in hand, fire and hard luck have hounded the Ahern family continuously until it seems to be a race between them and unkind fate. Tragedy seems to follow Robert and Marlene Ahern and their six surviving children who again escaped near tragedy one week ago. The Aherns were burned out of their fourth floor apartment at 822 High St. last Saturday and saw 13 years go up in smoke. The blaze in the duplex apartment house claimed the lives of two children, residing with their mother on the second floor.

On Aug. 11, Robert Ahern was in the Moosehead Lake area of Maine on a work assignment when a forest fire erupted adjacent to a motel room he was occupying. He escaped unhurt. The following day a small bar burned to the ground minutes after Ahern left the premises. The hard luck doesn't end there. The Lowell fire is the last in a series of three haunting tragedies. In 1965 the Aherns lost their second oldest son, Mark David, then two and a half years old, accidentally strangled himself in a crib.

Two years later, Mrs. Ahern's brother, wife and three children were killed in a head-on collision in Reading. Now, in 1975, the Ahern family has again experienced the trauma of a tragedy, one which, although it claimed no Ahern lives, has left the parents confronted with a dismal financial situation. The Ahern children, Robbie III, 12; Jeffrey, 10; Erin, seven; Amy, five, Ellen, three; and Corey, two, are staying with friends and relatives scattered throughout the Lowell area. The parents are hunting for a place to live. The Red Cross has quartered the family in a local motel since the fire and twice has extended the time of stay while efforts are being made to find living space for the eight-member family. “We can't find an apartment large enough to accommodate us,” said Ahern in a telephone interview. “It's difficult to find rentals where the owners are willing to take six children.”

The Aherns lived on High St. for the last six years, having moved to Lowell from Wakefield. “We are celebrating our wedding anniversary on Sept. 1,” said Ahern noting that he carries no insurance because “we couldn't get any for residing above the third floor. We were lucky to get out alive,” said Ahern, referring to the fire. “We were sleeping when my wife smelled smoke and woke up. I looked out the window and saw a second floor window shatter and flames shoot out.”

[photo]
Temporary 'home'
Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Ahern and Robert J., Jr. of Lowell, who have been continually plagued by disaster, in their current home, a motel room.
Continued Ahern, “My wife took the kids and got out and a neighbor and I woke tenants and then fled the building.” “Once we left our apartment, flames filled the rooms,” said Ahern. Fire officials say the blaze started on the second floor in a bedroom and travelled by way of outside partitions. There has been no cause for the fire. Ahern is employed by the Mosler Safe Co. but notes that the cost of supporting his family has made it difficult for him to save money for a down payment on a house. Relatives are trying to help the stricken family. Meanwhile, fire has broken up the Ahern family, only temporarily. Adds Ahern, “Somewhere we'll find a home.”
The Lowell Sun 24 August 1975
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State Docks head denies takeover would mean Felixstowe rundown
   While worried management and union leaders sought fresh assurances from their board about the future of Felixstowe Sir Humphrey Browne, chairman of British Transport Docks Board, formally denied reports that they would run Felixstowe down in the event of a takeover.
   “Our philosophy is to reinforce success”, he said. “In my opinion Felixstowe has a great potential and is highly suitable for investment and expansion.”
   Mr. Paddy Ahern, Senior TWGU shop steward at Felixstowe, declared: “Management and men agree that if the proposal is against our common interest we shall fight it.”
The Times 4 October 1975
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Name Ahern Court Aide
Acting Municipal Court Administrator Stephen Ahern has been named permanently to that position by Albuquerque Chief Administrative Officer Frank Kleinhenz. Mr. Ahern of 5632 Camino Canada NW will serve at a salary of $20,130 per year. He was named to succeed Tom Greenhut, now working in the Finance and Management Department, after a dispute between judges and the Kinney administration led to Mr. Greenhut's dismissal from the post. But the judges and top city officials have apparently concurred on Ahern's appointment. Ahern joined the city in 1971 after serving in the Air Force as a budget specialist.
Albuquerque Tribune 19 November 1975
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New Teachers in Mexico
MEXICO—There are five new teachers at the Mexico Elementary School, the Mexico Academy and Central School District has announced. A new school librarian, third grade teacher, first grade teacher and kindergarten teacher are on the job. In the library are Eileen Ahern of 4 Simmons Drive, Oswego and LoElaine Colvin, Main Street, Mexico. Mrs. Ahearn [sic] is the school librarian and Mrs. Colvin is her assistant. The librarian's husband, Charles Ahern, is a native of Hornell, graduate of Kent State University and superintendent of schools in Smithtown. The couple has four children. Mrs. Ahern is the former elementary school librarian in Hannibal and holds a B.S. degree in education from Kent State University. . . . 
Syracuse Herald Journal 11 December 1975
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BIRTHS
AHERN—On Jan. 29th, 1976, Jenny and Patrick—a daughter (Wendy Valerie), a sister for Mark Reed.
The Times 30 January 1976
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Letters to the Editor
From Mr S. J. Ahearne
Sir, Mr John R. Hose's letter expresses understandable concern at the sale of the site of the Battle of Hastings. Such worries would be at least ameliorated if those in authority were to ensure adequate arrangements to prevent export.
Yours faithfully,
S. J. AHEARNE,
Kerrys, Causeway End,
Felsted,
Essex.
The Times 27 March 1976
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Track and Field Test Today in Charleston
    . . . Other possible point producers are Hersey's Mary Ahern and Judy Stembridge. Their 880 run times of 2:22.2 and 2:23.1 put them in contention for fourth or fifth place.
   “It's rare for one school to have two runners in the top 10,” said [coach Claudia] Olsen. “Now they'll push themselves a little bit harder. They'll know all the pain has been worth it because they have the chance to place downstate.”
Chicago Daily Herald 21 May 1976
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Forthcoming marriages
The engagement is announced between Anthony Michael, only son of Mr and Mrs B. Ahern, and Marian Elaine, daughter of Mr and Mrs L. Clegg, of Tankerton, Kent.
The Times 5 June 1976
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Woman Run Over After Argument
   Police investigating an incident in which a woman was run over by a car several times after an argument have issued the name of a man they wish to interview.
   He is Mr. David Jefferson Wright, of Dubfold Way, New Addington, Surrey, who has connexions in Hull and who worked recently as a railway porter.
   The police said that early on Sunday morning, in Fraunt Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey, a green Morris 1100 car was driven at two women and a man on the pavement. Miss Fleurette O'Hearn, aged 34, of North Kensington, London, went underneath the vehicle, which was then driven over her as she lay on the ground.
   She is in hospital with multiple injuries.
The Times 10 June 1976
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[photo]
From water to smokehouse
With one fell swoop these three young anglers cut down immeasurably on the carp population of Lake Winnebago. The trio, Tony Ahern, 7, left, Joe Fiewugar, 14, Chicago, and Tripp Ahern, 12, were returning to the Ahern's Lakewood Beach home on the south shore after a fishing outing. They saw this big carp thrashing around, apparently in the throes of a spawning run. The youths snagged the fish with their hooks and lines and battled it for an estimated 45 minutes before subduing it, Tripp related. The fish, filled with spawn, weighed in at 39 pounds, and was taken to a smokehouse operator. The Aherns are the sons of Mr. and Mrs. John E. Ahern Jr. of 1918 Lakewood Beach. Joe is their cousin.
Fon du Lac Reporter 11 June 1976
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Lowell Escaper Held In Vermont
BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — An escapee from a Massachusetts prison and his 19-year-old wife have been arraigned here in connection with armed robberies, police said. Frederick G. Ahearn, 33, of Lowell, Mass., was ordered held in $150,000 bail Friday after he was charged with three counts of armed robbery. Police said he is wanted by authorities in Massachusetts on a charge that he escaped from prison about three weeks ago while serving a five-to-seven year sentence for armed robbery. Warrants were issued for the pair Thursday when two markets and one bar were robbed at gunpoint. One man was shot and another pistol-whipped during one of the incidents. Ahearn was arrested early Friday morning by police acting on a tip that the couple was at an Essex Junction apartment. Mrs. Ahearn reportedly escaped the police then, but was arrested later in the day at her mother's home in a Burlington trailer park. Ahearn was treated for a gunshot wound in his foot after he was arrested. He reportedly shot himself accidentally.
The Lowell Sun 31 July 1976
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Couple Arrested
BURLINGTON (UPI)—A Massachusetts couple was arrested Friday in connection with three recent holdups, police said. Frederick Ahern of Lowell, Mass., was captured at gunpoint in an Essex Junction apartment. His wife, Penny Lagoy Ahern, was arrested later. Police said Ahern, 35, had escaped from a Massachusetts prison. He was held Friday by Vermont authorities on $150,000 bond. Pleas of innocent were entered for him in Vermont District Court in Burlington. Penny Ahern, was charged with assault in connection with one of the robberies.

Vermont authorities said Ahern was believed to be an escaped prisoner from Walpole state prison in Massachusetts. Ahearn [sic] was charged with holding up Pete's Ice Cream Shop and the Red Lion Restaurant early Thursday and the Spring Discount Store on Thursday night. A patron at the Red Lion was shot in the leg and another was struck with a pistol. Officials said neither was badly injured. Police said Ahearn was armed with a handgun when he was arrested, but offered no resistance.

Bennington Banner 31 July 1976
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Bail set in robbery case
BURLINGTON (UPI)—Bail of $60,000 has been set in U.S. District Court for Pamela Ahearn, 19, charged with one count of armed robbery. Mrs. Ahearn and her husband, Frederick, were apprehended Friday in Essex Junction. Ahearn is charged with three counts of armed robbery in Burlington and has been held in $15,000 bail. The couple has been lodged in the County Correctional Center.
Bennington Banner 2 August 1976
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3 Children Die In Fire
Three youngsters were killed this morning when fire swept their one-family home at 1051 S. Geddes St., at the corner of Putnam Street. A city policeman, Officer Patrick Ahern, received minor burns as he attempted to fight his way inside the burning structure to rescue the children. Police said the youngster's father, Gerald Murdock, had left the home about 7 a.m. to go and pick up the babysitter who resides on West Marcellus Street. Fireman William Bastedo of Truck 3 was injured while fighting the blaze. He was taken to State University Hospital and treated for face cuts and minor head burns.
Parents Separated
The victims, identified as Marie, 11; Anne, 6 and Gene Murdock, 4, were pronounced dead on arrival at State University Hospital. Police said the children's parents were divorced in 1972. Murdock reportedly rents the home from his father, Winfred Murdock. Murdock, who returned to the house moments before firefighters arrived, also tried unsuccessfully with the assistance of Ahern and several neighborhood men, to save the youngsters.

Ahern said the front entrance was in flames so the men attempted to crawl through a first-floor window leading to the bedroom where the two girls were sleeping. The boy reportedly was sleeping in a bedroom directly to the rear. The police officer said he was "almost blown back onto the porch" when an apparent gas buildup inside caused a minor explosion. Murdock received several severe hand cuts while trying to gain entry. He was taken to Crouse-Irving Memorial Hospital and was said by officials "to be in shock." He was later released. . . . 

Syracuse Herald-Journal 5 August 1976
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Sacramentans Honor Mao
SACRAMENTO (AP)—Responding to a newspaper ad and leaflets in a Chinese neighborhood, about 300 persons showed up at a local ceremony patterned after Peking's mass tribute to Mao Tse-tung. The event was Saturday in a school yard in an Asian neighborhood. As in Peking, it featured portraits, banners, and three minutes of silence. There were eulogies, revolutionary music and readings from Mao's collection of poetry. Young Chinese tied black armbands on mourners who entered. These included young Caucasians as well as elderly Chinese women in traditional tunic and pants.

The event was sponsored by the May Day People's Alliance, described as a permanent organization, and the Committee to Celebrate Oct. 1, which was put together just for the occasion, One of the organizers, Vivian Chikasawa of the Committee to Celebrate Oct. 1, was asked later if the organizations were Communist. “No,” she said flatly. “I don't think it requires being communist to recognize the great advances that have been made in China. We have a great deal to learn from the Chinese example.” She said similar ceremonies were held in San Francisco and Los Angeles, and probably several East Coast cities. Addressing the ceremony, Ms. Chikisawa said “The U.S. media has always attempted to display China's system as a dictatorship . . . but the masses of working people control that dictatorship. The few capitalist elements who place their interests before those of the masses are opposed by the government.”

Ruth O'Hearn of the May Day People's Alliance praised Mao's accomplishments in farming, women's equality and medical care. “He gave direction and understanding to the masses of the Chinese people.” said Ms. O'Hearn, who recently returned from a tour of China. The ceremony was held at William Land School. The sponsors said they would picket a local performance of Taiwanese acrobats next week.

Oakland Tribune 20 September 1976
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Sister attends bride
Miss Teresa Marie LaVerne and Shannon Edward Ahern were wed Saturday in St. James Church. The Rev. John Ahern officiated. Parents of the bride are Mr. and Mrs. Michael LaVerne of 206 Merritt Ave. Parents of the bridegroom are Mr. and Mrs. Kim Ahern of 3794 Howlett Hill Rd. Matron of honor was Mrs. Charles Lion, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids were Mrs. William Vanderpool, and Miss Kathy LaVerne, sisters of the bride; Mrs. Nicholas LaVerne, Mrs. Kim Ahern Jr., Miss Karen Bowhall. Flower girls were Eileen Vanderpool and Carla Lion. Kim Ahern was best man for his brother. Ushers were Anthony Ahern, uncle of the bridegroom; Nicholas LaVerne, Charles Lion, William Vanderpool and Michael LaVerne. Ring bearer was Nicholas LaVerne Jr.

A reception followed the ceremony in LeMoyne Manor. Mrs. Ahern graduated from Corcoran High School. She is employed by Mr. Steak. Her husband is a graduate of West Genesee High School.

Syracuse Herald-American 26 September 1976
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Patrolman Gets 1-year Suspension
Patrolman Robert Ahern, a ten-year veteran of the Cambridge Police Department was given a one-year suspension last week following the investigation of charges stemming from an incident in North Cambridge this fall. According to acting Chief of Police Nicholas Fratto, the Arlington resident was found guilty of three of four charges brought against him. The Department's Bureau of Internal Affairs conducted an "extensive investigation" of the incident, Fratto assured. Ahern was found guilty of the following:
- Violation of the manual and being discourteous to the public (namely Robert Hughes);
- Insubordination toward a superior officer;
- Voluntary intoxication (although Ahern was off duty at the time he assumed the duties of an officer, Fratto said).
Dismissed was a charge that Ahern failed to make out a report on the evening of the incident. Fratto said Ahern received a one-year suspension without pay for each of the charges of which he was found guilty. However, he added that they would be served concurrently and Ahern would therefore be eligible to re-apply for a position with the Police Department next year. Ahern's suspension took effect last Friday.

According to police reports the incident in question involved Robert Hughes, a black, of 15 Lincoln Way, who allegedly was harassed by Ahern after both boarded a bus on Massachusetts Ave. on Sept. 7. Ahern reportedly spat at Hughes and called him "nigger" and when Hughes got off the bus near his home Ahern pursued him. A scuffle apparently ensued and Ahern attempted to place Hughes under arrest. Hughes later brought charges against the patrolman. In addition to the investigation, a two-day hearing was conducted at City Hall, Fratto said. Earlier this year Ahern was suspended for his activities while on duty during the strike at Cambion-Cambridge Thermionic Corp. on Concord Ave. At that time he was suspended for 15 days without pay. Fratto pointed out that while Ahern will be eligible to resume his duties with the Department next December, his reinstatement is not automatic. "He'll have to follow Civil Service procedures before he can come back to work here," said the chief, who was backed by the city manager in his suspension of Ahern.
Cambridge Chronicle 23 December 1976
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Jailed For Robbery Spree
BURLINGTON (UPI) — Frederick Ahearn, 33, of Lowell, Mass. — who hurled a loudspeaker at the judge during his trial — has been handed a long jail term for an armed robbery spree last summer. Ahearn was sentenced Monday in Vermont District Court to 16-to-35 years in prison. He was convicted last month of three stick-ups in Burlington July 29, including one in which a man was shot in the leg. During his trial, Ahearn picked up a small electronic speaker and threw it at Judge Edward Costello, who suffered minor face cuts. In asking for a tough sentence, prosecutors called Ahearn “incorrigible” and said society should be protected from him.
Bennington Banner 22 March 1977
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New Post With FBI
[photo]
James F. Ahearn, 36, is newly assigned assistant special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's San Francisco field office. Ahearn, with the FBI since 1959, is in charge of all criminal investigations in the northern district of California.
Oakland Tribune 28 March 1977
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In The '20s, Stunt Flyers Had A High Old Time Till Just Before The Crash
by Arnold Schechter
 . . . The aerial lunacy reached its peak late in 1926 when 20-year-old Roy Ahearn celebrated his wedding by planning a cookout at Cocoa Beach, Fla.—with himself as the main course. Ahearn ran ignition wires into gunpowder sacks tied to the sides of his plane, doused the aircraft with 35 gallons of gasoline and crude oil and took off with the intention of igniting the gunpowder just before bailing out.

Viewed by an army of thrill seekers, Ahearn guided his flying tinderbox to 1,200 feet, where he set it ablaze. But he had difficulty pulling the entrée off the grill, because his parachute lines were wrapped around the plane's controls. Coolly freeing each strand, he leaped through the flames to safety as the plane began its fiery descent toward a crash in the ocean. Upon landing, he found that his horror-stricken bride had fainted on the beach. Ahearn, with a true daredevil's incomprehension of his own mortality, shrugged his shoulders and strolled off to retrieve his chute.

Although Ahearn's act was a surefire crowd pleaser, the novelty of pure theatrics began to wear thin. Commercial aviation was blossoming with the development of fixed-base operations. New federal regulations limited stunt flying, and many planes, as tired as old circus animals, had to be scrapped.

By 1928, after a decade of stunting and passenger carrying, the gypsy pilots had no customers left. Everybody, it seems, had been taken for a ride. "When we buzz over now, even the cows don't look up," said Whitall after his final crosscountry foray. "Guess people are ready for something different. Thanks to us, they already know how to fly."

Sports Illustrated 28 March 1977
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   Fairbanks Police charged Joseph J. Stovall, 41, for littering at the Chena View Hotel today at 7:31 a.m.
   Thursday they charged Donna Gilbert Ahern, 33, and Donald Philo Gilbert, 54, both of 2107 Turner St., with assault and battery of a police officer. Ahern was also charged with interfering with a police officer and Gilbert was also charged with disorderly conduct.
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner 22 April 1977
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Ahern—Convery Engagement Announced
Mr. and Mrs. John W. Ahern of Washington, D.C. have announced the engagement of their daughter, Elinor Genevieve to Vincent J. Convery Jr., son of Vincent J. Convery of Trenton, N.J. and the late Mrs. Convery. Miss Ahern is a graduate of Trinity College and Mr. Convery of Georgetown University, in this city. She has an M.S. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and he holds a law degree from Wake Forest University. A summer wedding is planned.
The Washington Post 8 June 1977
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Bravery awards
The Queen's Commendation for brave conduct has been awarded to Lieutenant-Commander P. D. Luce, RN, and Chief Marine Engineering Mechanic B. M. Ahern for outstanding leadership, courage and skill in fighting a serious fire on board a Greek freighter.
The Times 12 July 1977
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POLICE CALLS
Saturday
1:55 a.m.—John W. O'Hearn, 1 Ambrose Drive, reported his lawn had been torn up by a white sedan which left the scene.
North Adams Transcript 13 September 1977
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Victim's Home Ransacked
The mobile home owned by murder victim George Ahern was ransacked Wednesday night or Thursday morning, the sheriff's departmet said. Located in a local mobile home park, it isn't known if anything was taken. A light was found turned on when a neighbor noticed the door standing slightly open. A friend said Ahern generally left the door unlocked but not open. Ahern's body was found last week in an East Naples apartment.
Naples Daily News 23 September 1977
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FBI Nabs 6th Man In $2 Million Theft
A sixth person has been arrested in the robbery of $2 million worth of jewels from a San Francisco gem dealer a week ago—but so far police have recovered only about 10 percent of the loss. Oakland police and FBI agents battered down the door of a Broadway business firm yesterday afternoon and arrested the proprietor, Gene Welser, 48, whom they identified as the last suspect in the robbery. Welser, who runs a sports stencilling business at 4021 Broadway, was arrested at about 2:45 p.m. after he refused to come out of his shop.

James Ahearn, assistant special agent in charge of the FBI's San Francisco office, said no other suspects are being sought. “Based on the information we have developed, Wleser is the last suspect,” Ahearn said. “We are not actively seeking anyone else.”

Welser, who says he has contracts with the Oakland Raiders, the Golden State Warriors and the Oakland A's to stencil letters and numbers on their uniforms, refused to surrender after the police had surrounded the building, Ahearn said. So the agents had to break down the door, Ahearn said, adding that Welser did not resist once agents entered the building. He was not armed. Five persons were arrested by the FBI in San Francisco and Oakland last Friday and charged with interstate transportation of stolen property. They, and Welser, also face additional charges in the state of Washington for the robbery, Ahearn said. One of last Friday's five arrests, Raymond Leroy Short, an employee at Welser's business, Welser Enterprises, refused to surrender and agents also had to break down the door to make the arrest. Ahearn said it appeared that Welser and Short were the ringleaders of the robbery.
 . . . 
Ahearn said Welser's firm would be searched last night or today. “If we don't find them [the jewels] at Welser's, it will be back to the drawing board.”

Oakland Tribune 31 October 1977
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[photo]
MR. AND MRS. KEVIN FRANCIS AHERN
Ahern—Macone
Marie Christine Macone and Kevin Francis Ahern, both of Washington, were married on Nov. 19 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Nahant. The bride, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Pasquale Macone, Nahant, was graduated from Northeastern University and is an editor in Washington. The bridegroom, a bank teller, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Ahern, Arlington. He attended Middlesex Community College and Salem State College, and has a drafting certificate from ITT Technical Institute.
The Boston Globe 11 December 1977
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Illegal Wiretapping is Ascribed to Police by New Haven Panel
NEW HAVEN, Jan. 28 — After a year-long investigation, the Board of Police Commissioners this week issued a report concluding that police officers and two former police chiefs had broken the law by recording "thousands of innocent telephone conversations" in a "longstanding, massive, illegal wiretapping operation." The wiretapping was approved by "at least two" agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation who are now retired, according to the report. The board found that the operation had existed from the early 1960's to the summer of 1971. The findings in the report basically repeated and confirmed information first published in The New Haven Journal-Courier and subsequently developed at public hearings by the board at which police officers volunteered their testimony about the operation. However, the report does not constitute the first official recognition that the illegal operation existed. Among its findings, the board concluded that former Police Chiefs James Ahern, once a nationally recognized figure for his liberal treatment of antiwar and other protesters, and Biagio DiLieto, who resigned last year in the midst of the wiretap scandal to run for Mayor, had both approved and authorized the illegal wiretapping. Both are also waging court battles to negate their subpoenas to testify before the board. "The police officer primarily responsible for the initiation and direction" of the operation was Stephen Ahern, the chief's brother, according to the report. He is also challenging their subpoenas. Starting in 1968, the wiretapping was "directed at political groups and individuals described by the police as radical or subversive," at those thought to be gambling, and at organized-crime figures who had been targets before 1968, according to the report.
New York Times 29 January 1978
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'Farewell big sister' to HMS Ark Royal
With an Aldis lamp signal duly logged from her chummy ship, HMS Fearless, saying “Farewell big sister, you will be sorely missed”, the Royal Navy's last traditional aircraft carrier and the largest ship in the fleet is now beginning her final commission.

Chief Petty Officer Mechanician Eddie Aherne, aged 38, from Cork, reputedly with the longest continuous service in the ship, said: “I feel a little sad, because she has been my sort of home for six year. I think I know all her little foibles down in the engine rooms, but there is no doubt she is hard work to keep going.”

The Times 7 April 1978
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ENGAGEMENTS
Mr. and Mrs. John Carroll Ahearn of Washington, D.C. announce the engagement of their daughter, Margaret Ann to Enrique Escalante L., son of Mr. and Mrs. Nestor Escalante A. of Mexico City, Mexico. Miss Ahearn is a teacher in the Montgomery County Schools. Mr. Escalante is with the Ministry of Finance in Mexico.
The Washington Post 29 November 1978
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Mrs. Stanton Heading New Historical Society
FULTON—Mrs. Marian M. Stanton of 109 E. Broadway was named provisional president of the newly formed Fulton Historical Society at the organizational meeting Tuesday. Mrs. Stanton was joined by Richard J. Swierczck as vice president and Muriel Allerton as secretary-treasurer. Membership chairman will be Sarah E. Schamp, assisted by Donna M. Lozito and Marlene F. Ahern.
The Post-Standard 20 January 1979
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Aherne—Scharf Engagement
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Aherne of Loyola Farms, Barnville, announce the engagement of his daughter, Anne-Marie, to Howard E. Scharf, son of Mr, and Mrs. Eugene F. Scharf of Smith Valley, Mapleton Depot. Miss Aherne is a 1979 graduate of Kutztown State College and Mr. Scharf is a 1977 graduate of Ursinus College. A March wedding is planned.
The Daily News 15 October 1979
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Militants Say Passport Proves 3rd American Is Spy
Radical Iranian students holding 50 Americans hostage at the U.S. Embassy here produced documents tonight that they said proved an embassy political officer was a spy, not a diplomat. The documents included a forged Belgian passport, a set of instructions detailing the cover to be used and a set of immigration stamps to make it appear as if the passport had been used to enter or leave Iran through Mehrabad airport here. The students said the forged passport, belongs to Thomas Leo Ahern Jr., 47, whom they identified as a political officer and narcotics control coordinator for the embassy.

The main justification the Iranians have made for holding embassy personnel hostage is that many were spies. There have been persistent threats to put the hostages on trail for spying, and demonstrations such as today's were staged in an effort to buttress those claims. "Ahern was listed as a political officer but we will prove he is a spy," said a spokesman for the students. "We don't accept him as a diplomat," indicating that the American may face a trial as a spy. [In Washington, the State Department refused comment on the charges.]

Ahern is the third American in the embassy said by the students to be a spy. The other two, Malcolm Klap and William Daugherty, allegedly were identified as a result of a secret cable saying they would be using a cover as diplomats to perform CIA activities. It is unclear from the press conference today just why Ahern would be required to use the forged Belgian passport. It was also unclear as to whether he was in fact a CIA agent or used the passport, as part of his duties in narcotics control efforts. The students exhibited the Belgian passport, which was made out in the name of Paul Timmermans, and Ahern's American diplomatic passport. They both bore identical photographs.

According to a document stamped secret that the students also exhibited, Ahern's cover was as a commercial business representative. "According to personal data in your passport, you are single, you were born in Antwerp, Belgium, July 8, 1934, have blue eyes, no distinguishing characteristics and you are approximately 1.88 meters [just over six feet] tall," the secret cover instructions said. It also discussed his languages, where he would live, and his job — "traveling on business in the past as reflected in your passport, and now assigned to the Middle East section of your company." The passport was issued in the Belgian city of Jelle on March 3, 1977, reinstated on March 15, 1978, and set to expire March 14, 1982. It contains stamps indicating that Timmermans had visited Madrid, Lisbon, New Delhi, Helsinki and Athens.

The Washington Post 7 December 1979
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