Class Notes ı St. Augustine

ST. AUGUSTINE HIGH SCHOOL

Charles Campbell ’50 tells us that “after graduating from St. Augustine, I went to CCNY Business School and majored in accounting. I spent two years in the Army and a few weeks after discharge, joined the Colgate Palmolive Co. for 33yearsworkinginvariousfinancialdepartments and in systems. I was part oftheteamworkingonthefirstIBM1401 installation. I have been retired for 32years.”

Alan J. Leahy, CPA (Ret) ’50 graduated from Fordham University in 1954 with a degree in accounting. After two years in Army (18 months with Army Audit in Los Angeles), he received an honorable discharge in 1956 and married Shirley in 1957. They have three children and four grandsons. A CPA, he retired in 1980 and has lived in Sierra Madre, CA for 50 years.

James R. Cullen ’54 has two children and four grandchildren.

William Elberfeld ’55 asks for prayers for the repose of the soul of his wife Nancy, The Holy Father, the end of abortion, persecuted Christians, religious vocations, and family health.

Robert E. Donohue ’57 graduated from St. John’s University (1960) and NYU School of Medicine (1964). He writes “I became a urologist and moved to the University of Colorado in 1972. I became Chief of Urology at the Denver CAMC in 1977 and then was appointed Professor. I retired in 2009 and live in Denver with mywife,Julia.”

Joseph Carpenter ’58 retired in 2016 as Principal of St. Thomas the Apostle inWoodhaven—after51yearsineducation.

John Mariner ’59 has been married to a wonderful woman for over 40 years. “I fondly remember being school President in 1959, captain of the track team, and getting in trouble for the teams ‘unauthorized’ trips to the Penn Relay (we stunk!). St. Augustine was importantinkeepingmeoffthestreets!Thankyou!”

John M. Russo ’60 and his wife Linda of almost 49 years are living in Centennial, CO. He tells us “Our son, Justin, is married and has two children. I am retired after working in various jobs in thecomputerfield.Mywifeisaretiredteacher.”

Frank Clarke ’61 was delighted to see his cousin’s picture in the last issue of Clermont. “John Clarke (St. A ‘62) was just a year behind me, and we were both there when the airplane crashed onto Sterling Place, December 16, 1960. In my retirement, I have taken up writing for pleasure (it certainly can’tbeforprofit)andhavepublishedseveral books: Tipping Point and The Farside Chronicles which can be found on Amazon. I just recently reconnected with Courtenay Ettricks ‘61, who has a presence on Facebook. I am mostly retired, although my phone occasionally rings with someone needing mainframe meta-programming expertise. I am waitingforCOVIDmadnesstoabatesothatwecangetbusytravelingagain.”

Anthony M. Riccio Jr. ’61 has served asanIntelligenceOfficer(19681972), a NYC Commissioner of Ports International Trade and Commerce (1988), Private Developer NYC (1990-2016), and a Private Economic Consultant since 2017.

John P. Finn ’62 retired in 2015 and is currently recovering from three back surgeries“duetogettingold!”

Thomas J. Fiskaa ’62 is awaiting the arrivalofa13thgrandchild—sofarhe has nine grandsons and three granddaughters.

Edward F. Smith ’62writes“Iwasfinallypromoted to grandfather in 2021 with the arrival of two granddaughters. Happy to report, that Grandma and Grandpaaredoingwell.” John J. Ross ’64 is missing school. “Oh, to be back with my school mates, the Brothers, Mr. Brustman, the Faculty… it did take about ten years following graduation to appreciate it, though a monthofCOVIDisunimaginable.”

Andrew J. MacDonald ’64 is still going strong—marriedfor48yearswithfour children and six grandchildren. He works in real estate in NY.

Alexander M. Brezsnyak ’65 writes “As aITAandUSTAcertifiedreferee,Iwillbe working the United States Tennis Association Boys 16/18 National Clay Court Championships in Delray Beach, FL.GoLancers.”

Walter P. Kelly ’66 writes “As I look back at my days at St. Augustine HS (and grammar school too), it reminds me of all the people (teachers, coaches, classmates,andotherstaff)whowanted us to learn, grow, be successful, and enjoy life. Sure there were lots of challenges, some disappointments and just bad days, but St. Augustine was always there and had my back. Glad to know that the current team is still on the ever necessary job of nurturing HOPE!”

Jerome F. Hoff man ’69 now has two grandsons and a granddaughter.

Edward T. Stack ’69 and his wife Mary recently sold their part-time home near Hilton Head, SC and their primary residence in Langhorne, PA (to be closer to their daughter). They purchased a new home 2.4 miles away in a maintenance-free over 55 community in the Residence at Yardley. “We are so happy to be rid of the pool and lawn maintenance, etc. but so close to our family and friends. My best to the St. AugustineandBishopLoughlinalumni.”

Jerome J. Walsh ’69—“Let’skeeptheLancerLegacyAlive.”

ST. AUGUSTINE CLASS OF 1969 MEMORIAL TREE PLANTING CEREMONY

by Stephen Giordano ’69 SA

The Prospect Park Alliance Association sent out an early fall email mentioning that there were going to be two tree planting events — one in the spring for Arbor Day, the other to take place in the fall — both would take place in Prospect Park.

One of the original 1969 50th reunion committee members polled the class to see if they would be interested in having a tree planted in memory of their deceased class members and faculty. The response was “let’s do it!”

A GoFundMe account was created and the rest is history. In two months the goal of $2,000 was met — many alumni contributed.

MAY THIS TREE BEAR WITNESS TO THE EVERLASTING FRIENDSHIP BORNE IN THE HEARTS OF ALL THEIR CLASSMATES

Then, on November 3, 2021, a tree was planted in Prospect Park, at the Ocean and Parkside Avenue entrance (approximately 50 yards in from the entrance standing on a hill). Twenty alumni attended the Memorial Tree Dedication Ceremony including Kathleen Evanac, wife of Francis Evanac ‘69 and Jacqueline DeMeo, wife of Peter DeMeo ‘69. Both participated in the ceremony by shoveling dirt into where the tree is planted. A custom designed “Lancer” shovel was used and each spouse received one. A third was donated to Bishop Loughlin to put on display in the Saint Augustine Hall of Fame wing at the school.

The alumni met after the Memorial at Gino’s Italian Restaurant located on 5th Avenue between 74th & 75th Streets. In keeping with the spirit of the day we ordered “FAMILY” style — sharing the meal just like most had done when we were young — passing plates around, laughing and reminiscing. It was a good time for all.