4 minute read
Whatever Happened To?
Mr. Dennis Hafeli English Teacher 1998-00 Counselor 2000-04
It’s said, “Cats have nine lives.” Dennis Hafeli, former English teacher and Counselor at DLS, has had several variations in his teaching and entertainment careers, along with a sideline of baseball memorabilia collecting and selling. He may just qualify for the “Nine Lives” designation himself. The 1960 University of Detroit High School graduate originally planned to pursue dentistry at the University of Detroit, but notes, “when I dissected a cat in anatomy class, it was clear science and I weren’t meant to be.”
Hafeli then pursued education, and began his teaching career in the Lakeview Public Schools, first in middle school, and then at Lakeview High School, starting in 1979. He became the school’s assistant principal in 1992, retiring in 1997.
Hoping for a second career in Writing or Public Relations, Hafeli met with representatives of the Detroit Tigers and the Macomb Daily, but “there was nothing there.” Working on a crossword puzzle one evening in September 1998, he noticed the ad for an English position at De La Salle, and contacted longtime friends Richard Dobrzynski, and the late Tony DeSantis, both DLS faculty members at the time.
At DLS, Hafeli taught sophomore and senior English. In 2000, he retired a second time from education, but was back a few months later when Br. Casimir Gundlach left the DLS Counseling Department for New York. “I had the Counseling degree for nearly 30 years, and had never had a chance to use it. I enjoyed Counseling, and was the Junior Class Counselor, helping kids think about college,” said Hafeli. Although Hafeli retired a third time from education, in 2004, he continued to be involved with some DLS students through the Student Mentors Program. One of his “mentees” was Darryl Jackson, ‘09, who became associated with Hafeli as a freshman.
“First and foremost, Mr. Hafeli is very much a part of my life,” said Jackson, a recent Communications graduate of Valparaiso University. Hafeli was at Darryl’s graduation. Darryl added, “He was extremely patient with the young man I was and the man I’ve grown into. I wouldn’t have considered doing the things I’m doing now without him putting the thought into my mind, and showing me a different perspective. I’ve spent Christmases and Thanksgivings with
Wondering whatever happened to a Brother, teacher, coach or fellow student? Contact Vicki Granger at vgranger@delasallehs.com or 586.541.6207
Dennis Hafeli
him. He is a father figure to me. It’s that close of a relationship.”
Hafeli began collecting baseball cards as a youngster, and in the mid-70’s, “realized there was some value other than the memoIn addition to his educational career, Hafeli ries provided.” His interest in memorabilia has dabbled in drama and music. A lifelong expanded to programs, yearbooks, and “ham,” he appeared as Harold Hill, the lead in autographs. For 25 consecutive years, he had “The Music Man,” a Lakeview High School a table in Cooperstown,NY. at the Hall of community production. It was his first role, Fame ceremonies. In 2007, he made his last but not his last. Cooperstown trip. “My buddy had moved For the past ten years, Hafeli, and his wife to Florida, and it was the year Ripken was Dawn have spent a great deal of time at their going into the Hall of Fame. It was a good second home in Port Austin, MI. Hafeli has time to stop.” appeared in 21 plays. Hafeli also sold extensively on Ebay, but that “We put on excellent productions, considering became “quite time consuming.” the size of the town and the number of people to choose from,” he said. Dennis as Elvis at a 1999 talent show In 1973, Hafeli and some other teachers deAfter several years of working with the cided to participate in the middle school’s talent show. “We Arthritis Foundation of Michigan, Hafeli’s wife, Dawn, knew two songs - Johnny B. Good and Teen Angel.” The retired. They are often traveling out of state to visit their group was approached about playing for a party, and offered married children: Scott, a financial analyst in the Baltimore $100. “We decided we’d learn a few more songs.” area, and Melissa, who works in Nashville coordinatFor 25 years, Hafeli’s group, “Replay,” with Hafeli as lead singer, appeared at weddings, an“I loved teaching and being in education. ing mental health benefits for the State of Tennessee. Hafeli continues to maintain close ties with niversary and birthday parties, and Ending up at De La Salle DLS. His father, Edward, was a 1933 DLS more. Hafeli also brought them in was tremendous” graduate, and his brother Ken was in the Class for some DLS pep rallies and talent of 1970. shows. “I loved teaching and being in education. Ending up at DLS The group still gets together at his Port Austin home for a was tremendous. I enjoyed my six years, and had a chance Labor Day performance, under the name “Dennis Hafeli and to be a counselor. I met a lot of wonderful people. It was a the Spring Street Boys.” great way to end my working career.”
