US EditionTexas Man Reunited with His Lost College Ring 56 Years After It Slipped Into the Long Island Sound
A Fordham University class ring lost underwater for 56 years was found buried over a foot deep and returned to its owner by a metal detector enthusiast.
- Dave Orlowski found a Fordham University class ring buried under more than a foot of sand at Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai weeks ago and reunited it with its owner on August 18, 2025.
- The ring had been lost 56 years earlier in 1969 when Alfred DiStefano dropped it into the Long Island Sound while watching a sunset on a pier near that location.
- Orlowski located the ring with a metal detector, identified it through the inscription showing DiStefano’s name and graduation year, and reached out to Karen Manning, who manages an online group for Fordham alumni from 1969, to help confirm the owner.
- DiStefano, a retired doctor now living in Texas, received the gold palladium ring in the mail, remarked it held up well after 56 years underwater, and said, "He did, and I really appreciate it."
- The ring’s return restored faith in goodwill, with Orlowski saying, "It makes me happy that it made him happy," while the ring, valued at about $100 in 1969, could now be worth over $3,000.
10 Articles
10 Articles
Texas man reunited with his lost college ring 56 years after it slipped into the Long Island Sound | News Channel 3-12
By Carolyn Gusoff Click here for updates on this story LONG ISLAND, New York (WCBS) — After spending more than a half century at the bottom of the Long Island Sound, a long lost college ring has been reunited with its owner. It’s thanks to Port Jefferson resident Dave Orlowski, who uses a metal detector to hunt for history and treasures. He’s unearthed dozens of jewels, but their owners can be unknowable. “I don’t do it for money. I do it fo…
Texas man reunited with his lost college ring 56 years after it slipped into the Long Island Sound
By Carolyn Gusoff Click here for updates on this story LONG ISLAND, New York (WCBS) — After spending more than a half century at the bottom of the Long Island Sound, a long lost college ring has been reunited with its owner. It’s thanks to Port Jefferson resident Dave Orlowski, who uses a metal detector to hunt for history and treasures. He’s unearthed dozens of jewels, but their owners can be unknowable. “I don’t do it for money. I do it fo…
In 1969 Al DiStefano lost his college ring in the sea. Decades later he reappears – found by a hobby treasure hunter who wanted to keep him, but then decided to change his mind.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 100% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
