Dear Editor: I was deeply saddened to read of the death of Msgr. Donald Hendricks (June 4). I studied classical languages (my major) under him at Cathedral College, Douglaston, in the late 1960s/early 1970s. He was a great and patient educator with, at times, a wry sense of humor.

I learned much from him, and regret that I lost touch with him after graduation and moving on to Fordham to pursue higher degrees in classical languages.

Although we were ideological opposites, we got along famously. Perhaps he could see a glimmer of promise in scruffy me. I will keep you in my prayers, Ducky.

DENNIS J. LYNCH

Queens Village