Jenna Bianco Senior Graphic Designer Element Media Photography
Office of Communications and Marketing (516) 742-5555 ext. 492
Chris Hanley '80 Executive Director of Advancement
Katie Hess Director of Development Office of Advancement (516) 742-5555 ext. 444
Michael Bruno '90
William Clemens '14
Deborah Kendric P '22
Patrick Reichart '01
Peter Vanderberg Contributors
In This Issue
3 President’s Letter
4 Hartz Full of Love
CELEBRATING THE IMPACT OF BRO. RICHARD HARTZ, S.M. ’59
8 Bro. Richard and Me
THE UNLIKELIEST OF DUOS, THE DEEPEST OF BONDS
9 Zum Leben Hoch
BRO. RICHARD HARTZ AND THE LEGACY OF GERMAN AT CHAMINADE
On the Cover
10 Relational Before His Time
THE BRO. RICHARD HARTZ MERIT SCHOLARSHIP FUND
12 Everything Speaks, Service Shows
BRO. RICHARD'S IMPACT THROUGH THE LENS OF BRO. THOMAS CLEARY
14 In Their Own Words
FAMILY AND FRIENDS REMEMBER BRO. RICHARD H. HARTZ
The collage on the cover celebrates the life and legacy of Bro. Richard Hartz, S.M ’59. It reflects his dedication, service, and the profound impact he had on all who knew him. This tribute issue honors Bro. Hartz’s unwavering Marianist spirit and the legacy he leaves behind. Nearly two months before his passing, Bro. Richard was interviewed with several other Marianists on their impact at Chaminade. You can watch select clips from the interview on our YouTube.
PRESIDENT'S LETTER
Dear Chaminade Community,
Another year in the books—and one step closer to our Centennial! After 44 years at Chaminade, the end of the school year for me still brings excitement. Spring always feels special: longer days, flowers blooming, and the energy of students outside on campus. Congrats to all the Flyers on their very successful spring athletic season.
This May, we hosted our first-ever Chaminade Leadership Summit, CLS ’25. It was a tremendous success, thanks to inspiring speakers like Ken Langone, Kevin Conway, General Pace, and Bob McKillop, as well as our generous sponsors and guests.
Shortly after, we celebrated the Class of 2025 at our 94th graduation ceremony—364 new alumni now part of our Flyer network! We welcome the Class of 2025 to a network that will undoubtedly serve and engage you as you move forward on your journey.
June brought our 54th annual Golf Classic. Flyers filled five courses and gathered on campus for an evening of fun and fundraising. Special thanks to Golf Chairman Ed Smith ’89 and the entire committee!
Summer doesn’t slow us down – it just shifts gears. Nearly 2,500 boys and girls
will join us for over 35 summer camps, from Esports and Robotics to Bloomberg and Lacrosse. Renovations have also begun, including an upgrade to our lobby and receptionist area, supported by the senior class and their parents. In addition to this renovation, we will keep up with all the general maintenance required to keep our campus in tiptop shape, ready to welcome the Class of 2029 in September!
Finally, I want to thank the hundreds of you who reached out to us to offer prayers and support when our dear Bro. Richard Hartz passed away on March 15, 2025. Many of you recounted stories about your interaction with Bro. Richard through the years. And everyone recalled how great his memory was for names! On a personal note, I am grateful for having lived in community with him for almost 44 years. He set the bar high for what it means to be a dedicated, prayerful, and committed Marianist brother.
Wishing you a joyful, restful, and healthy summer! And remember, if you are in the area, please drop in to say hello, that’s what families do (and you can meet my pup, Tucker!)
the bar high for what it means to be a dedicated, prayerful, and committed Marianist brother. ”
Bro. Thomas J. Cleary, S.M. ’81 President
Hartz Full of Love
CELEBRATING THE IMPACT OF BRO. RICHARD HARTZ, S.M. ’59
Over the years, no individual has better represented Chaminade’s impact than Bro. Richard Hartz, S.M. ’59. For four decades – from 1978 through 2018 – he served as moderator of our school’s Alumni Association, with the last 25 years of that stretch also spent as director of development and alumni relations. As such, it was he who began sowing the seeds from shore to shore that grew into the nationwide network now known as the Chaminade Family.
Internationally, his impact will prove lasting, as Bro. Richard passionately supported the cause of Marianist martyr Fr. Jakob Gapp, carefully translating his biography and serving as editor of the English translations of Blessed Jakob’s letters. Closer to home, however, Bro. Richard was nothing short of a legend on the streets of Mineola.
Whether it was a parent waiting patiently for a son to burst through Chaminade’s doors following an after-school activity, a newly-hired faculty member who just moved to the neighborhood, or a recent graduate returning for a quick hello, a question came up on campus consistently for the better part of the last 40 years: Was that Bro. Richard who just flew by me on a pair of rollerblades?
“Sometime in the ’80s, he became the rollerblade icon around town,” recalled Dick Kearns ’68, the chairman of Chaminade’s Board of Advisors, who lived just two blocks east of Chaminade for several years.
Clad in a helmet with several pieces of protective gear adorning his extremities, Bro. Richard was truly a sight to behold – swinging his arms from left to right as he traversed the town.
“A certain generation of Flyers could set their watches to Bro. Richard gliding up Emory Road, out for a post-final bell workout on his rollerblades before he settled back in to plan reunions, chapter events, and fundraisers,” recalled Al Silvestri ’02, who worked alongside Bro. Richard for several years in what is now known as the Office of Advancement.
In many ways, his rollerblading serves as the perfect reflection of Bro. Richard’s efforts in our school’s fundraising initiatives – a modern adaptation of a more traditional endeavor, challenging one to be moving forward at all times, but only with the appropriate safety measures firmly in place. Such was the motivation behind Bro. Richard’s critical role in the development of our Torch Fund in 1987. Under his leadership, the fund grew exponentially, providing more than $123 million in tuition assistance, campus improvements, and budget support.
“We worked together, side-by-side for many years, on the Alumni Association board, Golf and Torch Committees, and the Board of Advisors,” recalled Kearns. “We became great friends, shared many family celebrations together, and
No individual has better represented Chaminade’s impact than Bro. Richard Hartz, S.M. ’59.
enjoyed many Chaminade milestone moments. I will miss his wit, insights, energy, and incredible memory of alums and Chaminade history.”
It was this care with which Bro. Richard cultivated relationships within the Chaminade Family that came to the minds of many when they recalled his impact:
“I had the honor of working for him and saw firsthand his indefatigable focus on bringing all generations of our community together,” reflected Silvestri. “Day after day, he embodied one of the best parts of Chaminade – forging today’s
memories and relationships into a lifetime bond that alumni, faculty, and parents could be proud of.”
The son of David and Julia, Richard Harold Hartz was born in Laurelton on February 15, 1942. One of three children, he worked as a newspaper delivery boy as well as at the local A&P to help his family afford tuition at Chaminade, where he began his studies as a freshman in 1955.
“We had lived upstate for a number of years when I was young,” explained Bro. Richard in a late-January interview about six weeks before his passing. “When we moved back, I
was in the seventh grade, and as a result, I didn’t know anything about the Catholic high schools. My mother heard of Chaminade – and I applied, got accepted, and that has been the rest of my life.”
“I didn’t know much about Chaminade before I took the entrance exam,” admitted Bro. Richard when he received the Founders Award in 2019. “I do know Our Lady wanted me to come here.”
After graduating from in 1959, Bro. Richard attended the University of Dayton, where he majored in German. He professed his first vows on August 22, 1960, in Marcy, New York and his perpetual vows on August 21, 1965 in Beacon. Simultaneously, Bro. Richard was assigned to the Chaminade-Mineola community to teach German at his alma mater. He would go on to spend more than half a century in the classroom, also instructing classes in Latin, religion, and Spanish at various times.
“After a year of Latin with Bro. Richard, he suggested I should consider taking German for my second language,” recalled Kearns. “I responded with the classic sophomore wisecrack, ‘And where would I ever use German?’ Thirtyseven years later, when I informed the community that I accepted a job in Switzerland and would be moving to Zurich, Bro. Richard was the first to respond with that wry smile: ‘You should have listened to me when I told you to take German!’ As usual, Bro. Richard was right!”
In truth, Bro. Richard was often on the right side of things –something he was fond of reminding friends with his patented, playful reply of “Wrong!” in response to many an outrageous suggestion. However, when it came to the growth and sustainability of Chaminade, it was he who spearheaded so many of the efforts that expanded Chaminade’s facilities and provided scholarships for hundreds of students.
“Possibilities come up, and we take advantage of them,” explained Bro. Richard back in January, reflecting on the growth he helped shepherd through the decades. “That’s where we have had a lot of success – because we have people that have vision.”
“I remember Bro. Richard’s big smile and that warm, welcoming voice whenever a graduate would return to school,” recalled Bro. Stephen Balletta, S.M. ’74. “He was always encouraging – even cheering for – the next generation, and the next, and the next, and the next.”
As such, it was no surprise that many generations of Flyers returned to campus to say goodbye to Bro. Richard at his wake on the afternoon of March 19, as well as at his funeral and burial the next day.
As part of the funeral’s homily, Fr. Thomas Cardone, S.M. ’73 shared that “Hartzie,” as he was known in community,
“loved to cook and bake the closely-guarded German recipes he had learned from his mother. Like hers, his vegetables were always creamed. There would be apple strudel every autumn and bread studded with candied fruits at Christmas. In the summer, he would make an elaborate Austrian fruit tart, baked in special pans he had carried home from Linz, whose name was so difficult to pronounce that we called it simply ‘Hartzie-cake.’”
After reminding the hundreds gathered in attendance the calamitous consequences of placing plastic wrap atop a freshly baked pie, Fr. Thomas added something far more profound, revealing that it was Bro. Richard who first invited him to consider a Marianist vocation.
“I doubt that anyone who has ever met Bro. Richard will forget him anytime soon,” reflected Bro. Michael McAward, S.M. ’76. “I surely will never forget him. I am also convinced that he will not forget any of us and will now intercede for us all from his heavenly banquet – filled with alumni, strudel, and creamed vegetables!”
Many attendees similarly fondly recalled Bro. Richard’s love of both German language and culture, no doubt prompted in their recollections by the numerous pins, books, and even steins that adorned the tables outside Darby Auditorium during his wake. More than a few graduates could be overheard recalling the famed German Nights at our Meribah Retreat House, fraternal annual gatherings at which only the German language was spoken.
A former president of the Long Island chapter of the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG), Bro. Richard’s affinity for the language even extended into his Marianist Community, with whom he loved to carry on traditions that the first German-speaking Marianists had brought with them to the United States. Birthdays and jubilees were celebrated with a rousing chorus of “Zum Leben hoch,” and each Christmas Eve he would lead the brothers in three verses of “O Tannenbaum.”
“For generations, Bro. Richard has been identified with the mission of the school and the life of the Marianist community,” said Bro. Michael. “He was rarely the center of attention, but always at the center, attending to details and extending a welcome to alumni, students, parents, religious, and guests.”
While it is clear that Bro. Richard’s life will continue to impact the Chaminade Family for generations to come, his memory endures in countless ways. This is perhaps most evident in the graduating class portraits which line our school’s halls, with each alumnus’s name carefully constructed by Bro. Richard:
“Each new class need only look up in the school’s hallways to see Bro. Richard’s calligraphy adorning each name in each graduating class photo,” explained Silvestri. “What a perfect reminder of his commitment to hard and sometimes thankless work – work that has borne fruit all over the country, and beyond.”
Bro. Richard and Me
THE UNLIKELIEST OF DUOS, THE DEEPEST OF BONDS
The words I would use to describe Bro. Richard are ones that come to mind to so many: Icon. Mentor. Teacher. Marianist. Beloved Friend.
Bro. Richard and I were the unlikeliest of duos but together we forged a partnership and friendship that was truly one of a kind.
When I was approached about joining Chaminade, I had no prior history at the school, and I did not have any siblings that were alumni. What I was told prior to my first interview was that Bro. Richard was “tough” and he “wants to hire a man.” Knowing that the odds were stacked against me, but not being intimidated, I went into the interview with low expectations. Bro. Richard greeted me warmly and proceeded to ask questions about my professional qualifications. Then the interview turned conversational, and I remember having a great talk and making Brother laugh…that awesome laugh that always made me smile.
Lucky for me and against all odds, I was hired as the assistant director of alumni relations. From day one, Brother taught me the ropes of Chaminade…how to run a great event, how to assemble a great team, and the power of relationships. I marveled at how he knew everyone’s name, members of their family, and the grades they had in German! Many times I would ask Brother an alumnus' name and he would answer with, "Oh yes! Terrible German student."
Was Brother tough? Yes, but he held everyone to high standards with outstanding results. Did he call me “dummkopf” on occasion? Yes, but all in good nature and fun. He loved to poke fun and have a good laugh. He had a laugh that was infectious and one I wish I recorded.
Although Brother seemed like a tough German on the outside, inside he was a big “softie.” Brother had a heart of gold and was a great listener. There were so many alumni (and me!) who sought his counsel for good reason. He was so empathetic and gave wise advice. He always knew how to make you feel better when you were struggling.
Brother was a true Renaissance man. He was talented in so many ways. His talents included his love and command of languages, his calligraphy that will grace the halls of Chaminade forever, and his love of cooking and baking. I would love to receive pictures of his latest feats in the kitchen. And of course, his love of rollerblading! I loved watching him blade through the streets of Mineola!
He always inspired me in so many ways. Most importantly, he inspired me though his faith that was so profound. He was so devoted to our Mother and I watched him pray to her daily. He was a walking example of how to be the best disciple of Jesus.
Working with him was the experience of a lifetime and one that I will never forget. I am forever grateful and blessed to have had the opportunity to work with him. Truly one of a kind!
I will end with a German phrase, because I think I can get away with it now. I used to always write in German on his birthday card, which of course, I stole from Google Translate. He would correct me every time.
Leb wohl, mein Freund. Until we meet again.
Zum Leben Hoch
BRO. RICHARD HARTZ AND THE LEGACY OF GERMAN AT CHAMINADE
For more than half a century, Bro. Richard Hartz brought the German language to life at Chaminade High School. From 1965 until his final classes in 2020, he didn’t just teach vocabulary and verb conjugations—he fostered a love for culture, communication, and tradition that resonated far beyond the classroom.
Former Principal Bro. Joseph Bellizzi, S.M. '78, noted, “Kids took German because of him. He made the program thrive through passion, immersion, and connection. Even as other schools struggled to keep German alive, Bro. Richard’s classes were full.”
At Chaminade, students experienced the language through textbooks and lived experience. German carols were sung on Christmas Eve. “German Night” at Meribah was a full immersion of food, games, and song—often featuring Bro. Richard’s famous sauerbraten and chocolate cake. Exchange trips to Germany and Austria further opened students’ eyes to the wider world. “He was serious and funny, always using the target language,” recalled Mrs. Mary Oliva, former World Language Department chair. “German became alive as soon as the class began.”
His dedication to German extended into national leadership. As president of the Long Island chapter of the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG), Bro. Richard coordinated regional testing, scholarship interviews, the annual German Awards Dinner, and the much-loved Sprachfest—a cultural celebration complete with baking contests, poetry recitations, and language competitions. In 1988, he received the prestigious Goethe-Institut / AATG Certificate of Merit, honoring his excellence in teaching and his creative, enduring contributions to German instruction in the U.S.
Bro. Richard’s love for German was deeply rooted in his heritage and spiritual life. He formed close ties with Marianist brothers in Austria and Germany during his studies abroad in the 1960s and 70s. Through those connections, he encountered the heroic story of Blessed Jakob Gapp, a Marianist priest martyred by the Nazis. Bro. Richard later traveled to Switzerland to assist with the translation of Blessed Jakob’s writings into English. His work culminated in the publication of Everything Passes, Only Heaven Remains—a book that has introduced English-speaking audiences to Blessed Jakob’s witness of faith and conscience.
To his students, he was a demanding but deeply caring teacher. For so many, he was a constant presence in their Chaminade experience. Bro. Richard's legacy lives on in every German student who has walked the halls of at Chaminade, in every Flyers whose eyes were opened to a wider world, and in every word of encouragement he quietly offered over six decades of service.
Danke schön, Bro. Richard. Your life was a lesson in German love, culture, and faith.
Relational Before His Time
THE BRO. RICHARD HARTZ MERIT SCHOLARSHIP FUND
The tributes keep pouring in for Bro. Richard, as a son of Mary, dedicated teacher, and alumni director. As far as his role with the Alumni Association is concerned, Bro. Richard was ahead of his time. He knew it took far more than dollars to build the enormous amount of alumni support that the school now enjoys. He knew that the key to success would be relational. His ability to recall names, family details, and German grades was legendary. Bro. Stephen Balletta, S.M. '74 recalls, “Bro. Richard’s knowledge of Chaminade’s alumni was encyclopedic, legendary. He was like a walking database. He seemed to know every alumnus in Chaminade history, and, from memory, could supply all the important information about each and every graduate, even as his short-term memory was slipping. Recently, I asked Bro. Richard about an alumnus – a classmate of mine from the Class of 1974. Without a moment’s hesitation, he rattled off my classmates’ town, street address, even street number.”
One might, however, easily overlook his passion and devotion to academic excellence. Several years ago, Bro. Richard’s fellow classmate John Giblin '59, along with David Whelehan '60, wanted to recognize all the contributions of Bro. Richard to Chaminade by establishing a merit-based scholarship in his name. After a small team of classmates and old friends was created, they asked themselves: What was to be the objective of the program? They needed to identify potential contributors for the effort. They were fully aware that the overwhelming majority of support would come from alumni. Large initial contributions were made by John Giblin, The Rene and Tony Marlon Foundation, and William A. Hagan Jr Foundation (led by Mark Brosnnan '80).
The leadership committee was well aware, however, that more funds would be needed to insure the sustainability of the fund. Since Bro. Richard’s illness and passing, over $80,000 of additional funding has been provided to the scholarship with more support coming in by the day. Today their goal is to keep his legacy alive in perpetuity through the continued support of the Bro. Richard Hartz Merit Scholarship fund. Bro. Richard knew that one way to attract the top academic talent on Long Island was to offer merit-based scholarships.
The criteria for receiving a merit scholarship has changed recently. For years, scholarships were awarded strictly on the basis of performance on the school’s entrance exam. Results of the exam are certainly taken into consideration, but now Chaminade’s Office of Admissions also reviews student transcripts as well as writing samples. Based upon those results, winners are placed into three tiers of scholarship winners. Top awards winners are also given advanced access to academic opportunities throughout their high school years. The number of awards given each year depends both on the applicant pool and the funds raised in any given year. Chaminade has extended an open ended invitation to support the scholarship program.
Director of Admissions Mr. Tom Elder '10 notes, “The continued increase of merit-based scholarships has been a game changer for the school. It allows us to attract some of the brightest students on Long Island that may have opted for another school. Earning an academic scholarship, regardless of the dollar amount, is an enormous point of pride for our students. These young men know very early on how special their scholarship is and what will be expected of them throughout their tenure at Chaminade.” Of particular note is that the scholarship is a living fund, meaning that the more funding it receives, the more merit scholarships can be awarded along with total dollars received by the students.
The legacy of Bro. Richard will live on in many respects. The merit scholarships are just one way the Chaminade community can honor his memory through some of the brightest and hard-working students in the school. PerhapsBro. Richard and his legacy is best remembered by one of his students, Martin Kearns '99, who said, “Bro. Hartz was a masterful teacher whose dry wit and passion for German language and culture were only surpassed by his unwavering faith and service to others. His dedication to advancing Catholic education rooted in faith leaves an indelible legacy in the heart of the Chaminade community for generations of Flyers to come. Gott segne dich, und Danke. (God bless you, and thank you)"
Everything Speaks, Service Shows
BRO. RICHARD'S IMPACT THROUGH THE LENS OF BRO. THOMAS CLEARY
At Chaminade High School, we often say “everything speaks”—a reflection of the deep belief that every action, tradition, and moment contributes to our mission of forming young men of faith, integrity, and service. No one embodied this principle more consistently or profoundly than Bro. Richard Hartz, whose quiet strength and tireless dedication shaped generations of Flyers and laid the foundation for one of the most remarkable alumni networks and philanthropic cultures in Catholic education.
Bro. Richard didn’t just ask for support—he built relationships. Long before terms like radical connection came into our lexicon, Bro. Richard understood instinctively that generosity is rooted in trust, intimacy, and shared purpose. His life’s work was not fundraising in the transactional sense—it was ministry. It was the ministry of staying in touch, remembering names, attending weddings and funerals, writing hand-written notes, and always making time to listen. I have travelled thousands of miles with Bro. Richard through the years as we visited alumni throughout the country. As tedious as travel can be, it never weighed
on him. He loved giving and getting a warm hug from a former student, a big hello from an alumnus, or a cheer from the group when we arrived at an event. There were so many times when we travelled that an alumnus would quietly thank Bro. Richard for a simple act of kindness they received from him: a phone call, a personal note, prayers for a sick family member.
When Bro. Richard first began his efforts with the Torch Fund, our annual fundraising campaign was modest— $60,000 in 1987. Today, thanks to the culture he instilled, our Torch Fund contributes nearly $5 million annually to our operating budget and is responsible for keeping tuition as low as possible, funding new academic programs, and expanding athletic opportunities. In addition, Bro. Richard was also the leader of many successful capital campaigns we’ve conducted over the past two decades, including the building of the Activity-Athletic Center and the Dolan Family Science, Technology, and Research Center, which have forever changed the physical and intellectual aspects of our campus.
And through the years, as the Development Office grew, Bro. Richard brought in new people to his growing team. Deb Kendric trained under Bro. Richard’s watchful eye and succeeded him as the Director of Alumni. Chris Hanley worked with Bro. Richard for over 10 years, innovating on some of the strategies Bro. Richard built over the years, but keeping the important relational aspect as a non-negotiable part of our fundraising efforts. The torch for those efforts was recently passed to Katie Hess, who working with Craig Pinto, will continue to carry Bro. Richard’s legacy with our annual fundraising efforts that now support 15% of our annual operating budget.
Katie Hess commented, "Everyone seems to have a funny memory, a kind word, or a story about how Bro. Richard touched their lives. I'll never forget when I met Bro. Richard for the first time, without any prompting, he told me all about having my dad as a student in his first homeroom class and how he was at my in-law's wedding more than 40 years ago! His connections are a true testament to the legacy he leaves behind. There is, and never will be, anyone like Bro. Richard. He shaped the Chaminade community in countless ways, and I can only hope to make a fraction of the impact he has. He is sorely missed, but his influence will be felt for generations to come."
Each member of our advancement and alumni team embodies the principles Bro. Richard lived: authentic connection, faithful presence, and a fierce belief in the transformative power of education. Chris Hanley shared this about Bro. Richard, “Long before the term ‘servant-leader’ became popular, Bro. Richard Hartz was living it—quietly, humbly, and with unwavering commitment to the Chaminade Family. When I succeeded Bro. Richard as executive director of advancement in 2018, I was acutely aware that I was, in Isaac Newton’s words, ‘standing on the shoulders of giants.’ His deep faith, and visionary leadership laid the foundation for all that followed. I am forever grateful for his wisdom, steadfast support and humor during my transition and throughout our time together. Bro. Richard didn’t just shape an office, he shaped generations. His legacy endures in every name remembered, every student supported, and every Flyer who soars."
But the true measure of his impact isn’t financial— it’s relational. Bro. Richard believed that every alumnus, whether they graduated last year or 50 years ago, remained part of Chaminade’s living mission. He gave them a reason to return not just to support the school, but to reconnect with its values, its people, and its future. He saw giving not as an obligation, but as an extension of the Chaminade experience. He cultivated deep loyalty and engagement.
He was ahead of his time in understanding that connection, not campaign strategy, is the beating heart of philanthropy. His legacy lives on not only in the dollars raised or the programs funded, but in the quiet pride of alumni who remember his handshake, his questions about their families, his relentless belief that Chaminade mattered. His work was—and remains—proof that generosity, when rooted in relationships, transforms not only institutions but individual lives.
As we look ahead to the future of philanthropy at Chaminade, we do so standing on the shoulders of a man who never sought recognition, but who earned the respect and affection of thousands. Bro. Richard was a builder, not just of programs or endowments, but of faith, loyalty, and community.
Now, I invite you to help carry that legacy forward. The Bro. Richard Hartz Merit Scholarship Fund honors his enduring vision by providing support to students who exemplify the values he championed—faith, integrity, service, and academic excellence. Your contribution to this fund is not simply a gift—it's a continuation of a ministry, a relationship, and a belief in the transformative power of a Chaminade education.
Thanks to the generosity of the Chaminade Family, we're proud to share that we’ve already raised $150,000 for the scholarship fund. We are now setting that amount as a matching goal, inviting others to join in and double the impact.
Send a check to the Chaminade Development Fund
Contact Director of Development Mrs. Katie Hess
ATTN: Bro. Richard Hartz Scholarship Fund 340 Jackson Avenue, Mineola, NY 11501
khess@chaminade-hs.org (516) 742-5555 ext. 483
One final thought. I just finished reading a great book, Unreasonable Hospitality. Author Will Guidara writes about the service industry (which I believe we are all in to some degree or another) and how to get the very best team built. In a chapter entitled “Breaking Rules and Building a Team” the author used the phrase: “Build a Cultural Bonfire.” And I thought of Bro. Richard. He built a huge cultural, institutional bonfire around philanthropy and advancement at Chaminade. Now it is our turn, all of us, to hold the torch high and keep the bonfire going! May we all, like Bro. Richard, make everything we do speak.
In Their Own Words
FAMILY AND FRIENDS
REMEMBER BRO. RICHARD H. HARTZ
In remembrance of Bro. Richard Hartz, S.M. '59, members of the Chaminade community and Bro. Richard’s family witness to his life of joy and ministry in their own words.
“From as far back as I can remember, he was always my best friend,” reflects Lorraine Reardon, Bro. Richard’s sister. “We did so many creative things together. As kids, we hosted puppet shows upstairs in our neighbor’s garage. My favorite memory there was when we had a ‘Mass.’ Naturally, he was the priest, and we had cut out paper hosts. Everything my brother did in his youth ultimately led to his ministry as a Marianist. He became an altar boy, reinforcing his desire for a religious vocation. At about eight years old, he also was unknowingly nurturing his future vocation for teaching when he taught me how to count to 100 in German, foreshadowing for his tenure as German teacher to generations of Chaminade Flyers. My brother was also always the top salesman at school when we had our magazine drives, paving the way for his future career at the development fund. He was always a very important part of our extended family, always happy to participate in any way he could, in whatever family festivities we had. He was always willing to be the family clergyman, even if it only meant saying a prayer. There will never be enough time for me to numerate how wonderful he was and how much I will miss him.”
“Bro. Richard was a constant companion on my Chaminade journey, " shares Dick Kearns '68. “I shared experiences with him as a student, as a parent of two sons, and as a grandparent of three graduates. We worked together side by side for many years on multiple committees. We became great friends and enjoyed many Chaminade milestone moments. I will miss his wit, insights, energy, and incredible memory of Chaminade history. I know his legacy will live on through the special bond he shared with so many alumni.”
Bro. Michael McAward, S.M. '76, recalls his journey as a student and brother with Bro. Richard. “I first came to know Bro. Richard when I was a young kid at Chaminade. In his humor, he intentionally pronounced my name backwards, with contorted lips, every time we passed each other in the hallway. That playful banter continued our entire lives after I joined the Marianist Community. Behind all the kidding, we were very close and I appreciated his friendship. We prayed together often. When his medical issues increased, I would visit Bro. Richard whenever I could and we would share memories of our journey together.”
“I remember that big smile and that warm, welcoming voice whenever a graduate would return to school,” recalls Bro. Stephen Balletta, S.M ’74. “He took the same evident delight in our young brothers in formation. Bro. Richard
was all about generativity. He was always encouraging – even cheering for – the next generation. Spirited, good-humored banter was Bro. Richard’s specialty. He had German nicknames for many of his students and many of the Brothers. To say that Bro. Richard was a character would be putting it mildly. After his retirement from the classroom, Bro. Richard stayed quite active. Until his last years with us, he used the treadmill almost daily. He also baked every day – bread and dessert for all of our evening meals. On a couple of occasions, he recruited me to help him make apple strudel. The process was quite intricate and intense, as we stretched out the dough to almost paper thinness on special bed sheets that he had reserved for strudel making. By the way, all his recipes were closely guarded secrets!”
“Thinking of Bro. Richard brings to mind the story of Jesus and Mary at the Wedding at Cana,” reflects former Alumni Association president James Mercadante '79. “In reflecting on my own relationship with Bro. Richard, I am drawn to Mary’s instruction to the servants to ‘Do Whatever He tells You,’ an unconditional faith in response to the work that needed to be done. Bro. Richard tried throughout his life to follow Mary’s advice, which led him in many different directions: Marianist, teacher, alumni director, and so many others. That he excelled in all of them was a tribute not only to his talent but to his faith, perseverance, and work ethic. Bro. Richard was one-of-a-kind and I am blessed to have known him. I’m confident that Heaven has had a new arrival, and I am willing to bet his first words were something like: ‘What would you like me to do next?’”
Brian Readon '86, Bro. Richard’s nephew, recalls, “I never knew what to call my uncle during my four years at Chaminade. My uncle grew up in a humble working class family, bagged groceries all through high school and went on, in his humility, to help establish and cultivate the Chaminade Torch Fund, which continues to support all students and families. Everyone who goes to Chaminade is supported by the catalyzing work of Bro. Richard. He was dedicated, deliberate, disciplined, and incredibly reliable. One man touched so many lives, all while remaining a humble servant of God and his community. I never knew what to call my uncle, now I know I call him a great man. He will be missed.”
“The next few years leading up to our 100th Anniversary will be filled with storytelling about the Marianists who have dedicated their lives to making Chaminade such a special place,” continues Dick. “Bro Richard will clearly be at the center of many of those memories.”
For many generations to come, the Chaminade Family will honor the legacy, the laughs, and the work of Bro. Richard Hartz, S.M. '59. Fortes in Unitate!
