Tom Goodhart, a member of McCaskey's Class of 1980, buried his football jacket a few years ago at the high school stadium.

That's school pride.

After his beloved jacket was damaged in a fire, Goodhart couldn't just toss it. A volunteer assistant equipment manager for the Red Tornadoes, he wrapped the jacket and a football program in thick plastic and buried the package time-capsule style. He won't say where.

A bachelor who lives alone in his childhood home on Pearl Street, Goodhart, 51, is an unofficial Mr. McCaskey, his school spirit infectious. But lately, friends have grown concerned about Goodhart's well-being. They know he's reeling from his mother's death and the loss of his job, and they want to help.

Best known for his dedication to the football team, Goodhart also gives information-packed high school tours to alumni at reunions. He gleans trivia from his collection of McCaskey yearbooks, dating to its 1938 opening.

Goodhart, who worked part time at Whallons gift shop until it closed in December, also organizes his class reunions, and three times a year he tidies the grave of John Piersol "J.P." McCaskey, for whom Goodhart's high school is named.

"Tom has a definite passion for McCaskey High School," said Jon Mitchell, the school's athletic director. "He doesn't like it when 'J.P.' gets left off."

Besides Goodhart's hyper-focus on all things McCaskey, he volunteers for the Red Rose Run, Sertoma Chicken BBQ and other events, and he collects kitschy items such as Happy Meal toys about 850 in original wrappers.

But what's handicapped Goodhart is interests that aren't a strategy for self-sufficiency.

Ever since his mother, Mary Ellen Goodhart, suffered a stroke and died last March 8 as he kept a vigil by her hospice bed, Goodhart has struggled with being on his own. He has told friends, acquaintances and former classmates of his deepening despair.

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Feeling alone: Tough times for 'Mr. McCaskey' after death of his Mom, loss of his job