31st Annual Alumni Association Dinner and All Classes Reunion

(Left to Right): The Honorable Robert J. Colombo Jr. '60 and Mr. Robert E. Barnes Sr. '56 stand next to the portrait of Fr. Canning F. Harrison, CSB

31st Annual Alumni Association Dinner and All Classes Reunion

Two hundred alumni and guests gathered at Laurel Manor Banquet Center on Thursday, May 2, 2019, for the 31st Annual Alumni Association Dinner and All Classes Reunion. The dinner is sponsored by the Catholic Central Alumni Association and recognizes alumni and Basilian Fathers who have done much in the world in service to others by living the virtues of Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge. The recipients of the Fr. Canning F. Harrison, C.S.B. Distinguished Alumnus Award bring honor and distinction to Detroit Catholic Central High School. The 2019 honorees recognized at this year’s event were Mr. Robert E. Barnes Sr. ’56 and The Honorable Robert J. Colombo Jr. ’68. Both of these men of CC represent Mary, Alma Materwith humility and grace.

MR. ROBERT E. BARNES SR. ’56

Bob was an excellent student and a member of the Student Council and Sacristan Club at CC. After earning his B.A. at the University of Detroit, Bob embarked on a long and successful management and entrepreneurial career, which included President of Checker Cab for 18 years, founder of the Metro Detroit Taxicab Association, and owner of Trumbull Auto Sales.

The families of Bob and his wife Kathleen (nee McClorey) have a long history of Catholic Central connections. Combined, these two families have had over 30 young men (brothers, including Fr. Joe, C.S.B. ’49, children, Robert ’78 and Dennis ’79, grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sons-in-law, and numerous nephews) join Bob as alumni of CC.

Throughout the years, Bob has been devoted to his family and given his time and talents to the Church and Catholic Central. He served many years as President of Our Lady of Victory’s Parish Council. He was a founding member of the CC Alumni Association Board, and most notably, a major force on the Board during the planning and execution of CC’s move to our Novi location.

THE HONORABLE ROBERT J. COLOMBO JR. ’68

Following his student days at Catholic Central, Judge Colombo earned his B.B.A. cum laude from the University of Miami and his J.D. cum laude from the Detroit College of Law (DCL). Bob served the State of Michigan for 36 years as judge/chief judge of the Wayne County Circuit Court. Numerous high profile cases of local, state, and national importance were decided in his courtroom. Among these were the Detroit Teachers Strike of 1992, Detroit Free Press Freedom of Information Act lawsuit of 2008, and, more recently, managing the condemnation areas for the Gordie Howe Bridge.

Bob and his wife, Jane, are the proud parents of sons Robert and James. Bob has always given freely of his time, having lectured at the DCL, Wayne State, and around the country on law and on an area of his expertise, Caseflow Management. He has hosted CC students in his courtroom, resides on the School Board at Detroit Cristo Rey, and mentors young men in the Real Life 101 program.

Both these men have been devoted to their families, Catholic faith, CC, and the community. They truly exhibit the charism of Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge in their lives.