OUR HONOREES
THE FRANCISCAN BROTHERS OF BROOKLYN
In Memoriam: Brother Gabriel O’Brien O.S.F., Superior General
(POSTHUMOUSLY)
JULIE CHEN MOONVES ’87
PETER J. CALLAHAN ’59
MICHAEL A. HENNING ’57
LETTER FROM THE BISHOP OF BROOKLYN
BROOKLYN TO QUEENS
ANNIVERSARY BROOKLYN TO QUEENS
SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY:
THE NEW YORK TENORS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Brother Damian Novello, O.S.F., Chairman
Brother Geoffrey Clement, O.S.F.
Brother Leonard Conway, O.S.F.
Brother Gary Cregan, O.S.F.
Brother Joshua DiMauro, O.S.F.
Rev. Elaine Flake
Mr. Michael Henning
Brother Philip Herte, O.S.F.
André McKenzie, Ed.D.
Mr. Arthur McMahon
Brother David Migliorino, O.S.F.
Mr. John Pereira
Ms. Joanne Persico
Mr. Gerald Scales
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT & PRINCIPAL
April 12, 2025
Dear Friends,
We want extend our sincerest thanks to you for joining us this evening as we celebrate the St. Francis Prep’s historic move from Brooklyn to Queens some 50 years ago.
It has been an honor to have served as President and Principal of the Prep for more than ten years now, and we continue to owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to all of you who have been so supportive of our efforts.
We also want to thank our Board of Trustees and Alumni Board members, as well as our fellow administrators, faculty and staff members, student body, devoted parents and countless friends.
We especially want to thank and congratulate Mike Henning, Julie Chen Moonves, the late Peter Callahan and the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn. Their devotion to the Prep has been extraordinary over the years, and they are all very worthy of tonight’s Summum Bonum award, which translated means “The Highest or Ultimate Good,” and represents St. Francis Prep’s most prestigious honor.
We hope this evening’s program reflects very positively on everything that we do at this great school. The Prep’s overall history dates back 167 years and our future looks very bright thanks to your involvement and support, as well as the support of many other graduates and friends who share your interest in fostering our Franciscan mission.
Congratulations again to tonight’s honorees and “thank you” once again to all of you for being with us this evening. May God bless you for all you have done and will continue to do for St. Francis Prep!
Yours in St. Francis,
Brother Leonard Conway, O.S.F.
Patrick J. McLaughlin ‘73 President Principal
LETTER FROM THE REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
BROOKLYN TO QUEENS
LETTER FROM THE NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY REPRESENTATIVE
CHAIR
Consumer Affairs and Protection
COMMITTEES
Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions Labor Rules Ways and Means
CAUCUSES
Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus
Women’s Legislative Caucus
Puerto Rican / Hispanic Task Force Task Force on Women’s Issues
Asian Pacific American Task Force
OFFICE OF NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLYWOMAN
NILY
ROZIC 25TH DISTRICT
April 12, 2025
Dear Friends:
DISTRICT OFFICE
159 -16 Union Turnpike Flushing, New York 11366 718-820-0241
CAPITAL OFFICE
Legislative Office Building, Room 941 Albany, New York 12248 518-455-5172
rozicn@nyassembly.gov
REPRESENTING
Flushing, Briarwood, Queensboro Hill, Hillcrest, Fresh Meadows, Auburndale, Oakland Gardens, Bayside
Congratulations on the 50th anniversary of St. Francis Preparatory School’s historic move from Brooklyn to Queens! It is an honor to celebrate this incredible milestone with you.
For five decades, St. Francis Prep has been a cornerstone of academic excellence, faith, and service in Queens. As the largest non-diocesan Catholic high school in the nation, the school has upheld its values while preparing generations of students for success. The transition from Brooklyn to Queens was a defining moment in the school’s history, marking the beginning of a new era of growth and opportunity for thousands of young scholars. To this day, we are so lucky and fortunate to have St. Francis Prep as a cornerstone of our community.
This anniversary commemorates the dedication of the faculty, staff, alumni, and students who have made St. Francis Prep a proud institution of learning and leadership. Your commitment to fostering a strong, supportive community ensures the school’s legacy will continue for generations to come.
Congratulations once again on this remarkable achievement. I look forward to celebrating your continued achievements in years to come.
Sincerely,
Nily Rozic
BROOKLYN TO QUEENS
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOROUGH OF QUEENS
BROOKLYN TO QUEENS
LETTER FROM BROTHER LOUIS MIRITELLO, O.S.F.
The thoughts I share with you are a result of many recent discussions and memories I’ve had with Kevin Smith, who had shared many of our times, as Prep students, alumni and senior Franciscan Brothers. These are fond memories not to
As for Kevin, it is a long way from our days in the Prep, N. 6th St. and Bedford: the Third Order, the “Friday, 8 PM - BE
As for me, the N. 6th St. Prep was many things: A place to grow into a responsible adult, modeled by the brothers, moderated by Br. Benignus and Br. Robert Smith. The trust and care that the Prep afforded me made me the ‘57
administrator. During this period, I also became a private pilot and instructor. This recalled a memory of a club during my time as a Prep student the “Blue Angels” and it’s blue Piper Cub but when a certain blast from past, Brother Kevin Smith, then Principal of the newly relocated Prep at Fresh Meadows and known for his thrift, heard that it could be done cheaper with a flight simulator, my phone rang. Long story short, I was on my way to Fresh Meadows in September ‘76 to turn a closet into an “Airspace” and the “Flight Deck” was born. The program would attract national attention; feathered on both NBC and ABC news and recommended by both the FAA and NASA. But, the winds of technical interest
Brother Leonard Conway, a computer teacher at the Prep and known for his desire to be on the leading edge, became currently using computers in the Flight Deck spurred the coming of two knocks at my door: the first announcing a Computer Department that I would “Chair” and the second, giving me the responsibility of making it all work and
As for me - chasing the progress of this evolution became my major task. There were colleges at the Prep who would say to me in those days, “You will never leave the Prep, it’s your whole life.” My answer was, “When I have done everything I can do for St. Francis Prep, that I can do, I will move on.” What appeared to be “my whole life” took a toll on my spiritual dimension. In response, I accepted the invitation to do vocation and formation for the Brothers, a needed course correction for my later years as a Brother seeking his “whole life.” I will be 86 in March, and my preferred night activity preferred night activity is being in my room and I offer my gift and blessings to the Prep’s good work into the future.
BROOKLYN TO QUEENS
OUR HONOREES
THE FRANCISCAN BROTHERS OF BROOKLYN
In Memoriam: Brother Gabriel O’Brien, O.S.F., Superior General
“The main object of the Brothers, after their own sanctification, is the Christian education of youth, to which after due preparation and training, the Brothers entirely devote themselves.”
This is taken from the decree of the Sacred Congregation for Religious, Pope Pius X, 22 November, 1908, which re-approved the work and manner of life of the Brooklyn Congregation and confirmed the name “Franciscan Brothers” for North America.
More than 50 years earlier, when the Diocese of Brooklyn—including all of Long Island—was first established, a priority of the diocese’s first Bishop, John Loughlin, was to promote Catholic education and build schools. An important adjunct to this educational mission was the staffing of these schools with Catholic teachers, and especially religious Brothers who would oversee the Boys’ schools.
Accordingly, Bishop Loughlin applied to the Irish Congregation of Franciscan Brothers from Mount Bellew, County Galway, Ireland, to begin the work of education in the Diocese. In response to Bishop Loughlin’s invitation, Brothers John McMahon and Vincent Hayes arrived on May 31, 1858, to found a house for the Franciscan Brothers in America at 300 Baltic Street in Brooklyn. The building had once been a public school for the City of Brooklyn and then a Protestant Church. The Brothers reorganized the building and established their monastery
in the basement and converted the upper floors into classrooms.
Since then, for the past 167 years, the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn have devoted themselves to an educational mission that has helped shape thousands upon thousands of young lives in very positive ways. Today, the Brothers oversee St. Francis College in Brooklyn, St. Anthony’s High School in South Huntington on Long Island, Camp Alvernia in Centerport on Long Island, and St. Francis Preparatory School in Fresh Meadows, Queens, which is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of its move from Williamsburg in Brooklyn to its current location— and the start of a great co-educational legacy.
Brother Kevin Smith led St. Francis Prep’s transition from Brooklyn to Queens during the 1974-75 school year and Brother Leonard Conway became principal in 1983, serving in that capacity for 30 years before becoming the school’s first-ever president in 2013—a role he continues in today.
We dedicate tonight’s award to the late Brother Gabriel O’Brien, Superior General of the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn until his untimely passing on Dec. 31. Brother Gabriel worked tirelessly out of Our Lady of Angels Friary in Bay Ridge, leading his fellow Brothers in their various duties in Brooklyn, Queens, on Long Island and elsewhere, while also serving as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at St. Francis Prep, St. Anthony’s High School and St. Francis College. He was a wonderful man, a true Franciscan, and his generous spirit will live on through the ongoing work of the Brothers.
So, tonight we recognize, we honor and we thank the Brothers for their continued commitment to their mission—guided by the example set by St. Francis of Assisi—and for the outstanding work they have done and continue to do in each of the settings where they have served so selflessly, and with tremendous devotion, over so many years.
BROOKLYN TO QUEENS
BROOKLYN TO QUEENS
BROOKLYN TO QUEENS
OUR HONOREES
PETER J. CALLAHAN ’59 (POSTHUMOUSLY)
Peter J. Callahan, St. Francis Prep Class of 1959, was an extremely loyal and generous benefactor at both the Prep and at St. Francis College. He passed away last year on May 9 after establishing a great legacy that will be honored for generations to come. For more than 50 years, Peter maintained close ties to the Prep and the College, and was always very supportive of the Franciscan Brothers and their Educational Mission.
Peter was a proud New Yorker, having grown up in Astoria, Queens. His amazing path in life later had him settling in the warmth of Florida. He began his journey at St. Francis Prep in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where he displayed athletic talent on the football and baseball fields alongside future Hall-of-Famer Joe Torre. His love for baseball continued at St. Francis College.
Following his graduation from the College, Peter pursued a graduate degree at Columbia University’s School of Business, which propelled him into a successful career at Peat Marwick—now KPMG. His entrepreneurial journey led him to the world of publishing and broadcasting, where he had a significant impact, including as owner of the company that published The National Enquirer.
Always very astute when it came to recognizing opportunities, and never one to shy away from a challenge, Peter ventured into the racehorse industry. His success there included ownership of the great filly and 2020 Preakness champion, Swiss Skydiver.
Over the years of his engagement with St. Francis Prep’s Alumni Association, Peter was a key sponsor of the school’s capital campaigns and many alumni events and activities. In 2000, he was inducted into the Prep’s Hall of Fame.
He often welcomed alumni into his beautiful home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and for several years hosted a dinner reception for alumni at his golf club near Palm City. He was a gracious host who willingly gave of his time and resources, always very polished while displaying the grace and humility instilled in him by his parents.
First and foremost a family man, Peter’s memory will continue to be honored by his three lovely daughters, Christine, Carolyn and Tricia, their mother Lee, their families, and seven wonderful grandchildren. He will never be forgotten!
PLATINUM SPONSOR
BEST WISHES
THANK YOU to St. Francis Prep for educating and enhancing the lives of thousands of students.
WITH OUR BEST WISHES, THE ADAMS FAMILY.
BOB AND LISA ADAMS ’80
STEPHEN AND LISA ADAMS ’85 & STEPHEN MICHAEL ADAMS ’18
BEST WISHES
to the Honorees.
TOTAL ENERGY
ROBERT KNIEF ’06
GOLD SPONSOR
FranciscanBrothersofBrooklyn
Michael A. Henning
Julie Chen Moonves
Peter J. Callahan
Celebrating50Yearsof Faith and Excellence
Brother David Migliorino, O.S.F., Principal along with Franciscan Brothers, the Faculty, Staff, Student Body, Parents and Alumni of Saint Anthony’s High School
Congratulates St. Francis Preparatory for its dedication to faith, learning, and community—a standard we all aspire to. Here’s to continued growth and shared achievements in the many years to come.
“Do all you can to preach the Gospel and if necessary use words.”
—Saint Francis of Assisi
CONGRATULATIONS
and best wishes to the Honorees.
LISA & JEFF ALTER ‘80
St. Francis Prep has made such a profound impact on so many. Thank you to the Franciscan Brothers, teachers, coaches, administrators and staff that have made the Prep such an amazing high school. Congratulations to our honorees, Julie Chen Moonves, Mike Henning and Peter Callahan, for your extraordinary support. May God bless our dear friend Br. Robert Kent. We love you.
“High School is Four Years; St.
Francis Prep
is Forever!”
WITH LOVE AND APPRECIATION, LISA & WALLY BISHOP
CONGRATULATIONS
and thanks to all our Honorees.
THE FRANCISCAN BROTHERS OF BROOKLYN
MICHAEL A. HENNING ‘57
JULIE CHEN MOONVES ‘87
PETER J. CALLAHAN ‘59
WITH OUR UTMOST GRATITUDE, ON FOR OL’ SAINT FRANCIS
JOHN J.(JACK) CAHILL ‘67, HOF ‘11
PATRICIA CAHILL KRISSIK
ELAINE CAHILL CAVUTO
MARTIN SCHRETZMANN ‘74
JAMES R. (JIM) CAHILL ‘75
DENISE CAHILL TYSK
ANN MARIE CAHILL KERINS
e Sisters of St. Dominic of Amityville celebrate with St. Francis Preparatory School on its 50th Anniversary Gala.
St. Dominic and St. Francis were both devoted to preaching and learning. We are honored to have served at St. Francis Preparatory School and to be part of its enduring legacy.
555 Albany Avenue, Amityville, NY 11701 | www.sistersofstdominic.org
CONGRATULATIONS and Best Wishes.
THE FLYNN FAMILY
CATHERINE A. ‘08
KEVIN S. ‘10
ELLEN & KEVIN
CONGRATULATIONS
to tonight’s Honorees.
MIKE HENNING ‘57
JULIE CHEN MOONVES ‘87
PETER CALLAHAN ‘59 (RIP)
THE FRANCISCAN BROTHERS OF BROOKLYN
YOURS IN ST. FRANCIS, THE JMS FOUNDATION
BROTHER ROBERT SMITH ‘47, O.S.F. (RIP)
RICHARD PELOSI, PRESIDENT
WALTER COOK ‘60, SECRETARY/TREASURER
CONGRATULATIONS
to St. Francis Prep on 50 years in Fresh Meadows! It is an honor to celebrate this milestone with my fellow alumni and the entire SFP community. The lessons and values I learned remain with me to this day.
HERE’S TO THE NEXT 50 YEARS!
COMMON CENTS PROGRAM
JIM GANNON
CLASS OF 1983 AND THE 125TH GRADUATING CLASS
From Butler Street to Francis Lewis Blvd…
Carmine Persico ’55
James LeMonda ’75
Eileen LeMonda ’78 HoF ’02
Jeannine Persico-Egert ’79
Joanne Persico ’84 HoF ’04
Jerilyn Persico-Jud ’86
Lorraine Persico Honorary SFP Mom
The Persico and LeMonda Families commend St. Francis Prep on 167 years of exemplary Franciscan education and a most special 50th Anniversary at 6100!
With sincere appreciation to the Brothers, Sisters, Faculty, Coaches & Administration, & special thanks to Brother Lenny & Pat McLaughlin C ON GR AT ULA TI ONS T O OU R H ONO REE S THE F R AN CI SC AN B RO THER S OF B R OO KLYN
CONGRATULATIONS
to SFP on 50 years in Queens and to our exceptional honorees as well!
Special thanks to the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn.
LAW OFFICES OF MICHAEL F. MONGELLI II, PC
41-07 162ND STREET, FLUSHING, NY 11358
718-463-7333 FAX (718) 358-4872
E-MAIL: MICHAELFMONGELLI@MONGELLIPC.COM
“YOUR LITIGATION SOURCE”
"Death is not the end. There remains the litigation over the Estate."
-Ambrose Bierce
HIGH SCHOOL IS FOUR YEARS; ST. FRANCIS PREP IS FOREVER!
CONGRATULATIONS
and best wishes to the Honorees.
JOHN ’62 & TERRY PEREIRA
Best Wishes to St. Francis Prep!
CONGRATULATIONS to tonight’s Honorees.
MICHAEL HENNING ’57
PETER CALLAHAN ’59 (RIP)
JULIE CHEN MOONVES ’87 &
THE FRANCISCAN BROTHERS OF BROOKLYN MY EDUCATORS & FRIENDS
GERRY SCALES ’76
We are proud to support St. Francis Prep School, Honoring its Brooklyn heritage and celebrating 50 years in Queens!
Congratulations to 2025 Gala honorees
Michael A. Henning’57
Julie Chen Moonves’87
Peter J. Callahan’59 & The Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn for your many years of commitment and service to the Prep. ***************************************
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CONGRATULATIONS
to the Honorees and the entire St. Francis Prep community from the Speech and Debate Team alumni, Classes of 1989 and 1990.
TOM SILECCHIA
CONGRATULATIONS
the students, alumni, faculty, administration and staff at St. Francis Prep on 50 years being the King of Queens.
With a special shoutout to the Genesis Class of 1978, your colors stream magnificantly.
ON RED AND BLUE BOB AND ANNA WAEGELEIN ‘78
CONGRATULATIONS to tonight’s Honorees.
WALDORF RISK SOLUTIONS
Congratulations
to the honorees and St. Francis Preparatory School
on the 50TH ANNIVERSARY of the historic move from Brooklyn to Queens
April 12, 2025
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President
THANK YOU for your dedication and service to our Franciscan Mission at St. Francis Prep.
BRO. LEONARD CONWAY, OSF
In memory of the deceased Franciscan Brothers and the deceased lay teachers and staff who served at St. Francis Prep over the past 50 years.
“WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT.”
CONGRATULATIONS
to the Honorees.
JOHN ’59 & MARY MATHIS
CONGRATULATIONS to the Honorees.
ROBERT
MCBRIDE
MCBRIDE CONSULTING & DEVELOPMENT GROUP
Sunday, July 13th K of C, Floral Park Outdoor party with live bands, Irish dancers, BBQ DELANIE
Congrats to St. Francis Prep on 50 Successful Years in Queens!
The Delanie Fekert Foundation
In memory of Delanie Fekert, beloved daughter of Mary Lou Browne -Fekert (SFP ’84) and cherished niece of Colleen Browne -Magarian & Patti Ann Browne-Ronan (SFP ’83)
The foundation supports charitable efforts to celebrate her remarkable legacy and loving spirit. Join us at
An inspiring physical therapist and world-class Irish dancer, she left us too soon in an Uber accident in 2022 at age 25.
CONGRATULATIONS
to tonight’s honorees.
JOSEPH KOBEL ’75 & THE KOBEL FAMILY
WILLIAM C. KOBEL ’15
CARALINE W. KOBEL ’11
THOMAS W. KOBEL ’80
JOHN R. KOBEL ’77
CHRISTOPHER T. KOBEL ’11
JAMES R. KOBEL ’14
ROGER KOBEL H’90
MARY E. KOBEL H’90
PETER KOBEL ’72
ANDREW F. KOBEL ’73
PHILIP KOBEL ’94
MATTHEW KOBEL ’87
STEPHEN A. KOBEL ’85
JAMES A. KOBEL ’84
PAUL D. KOBEL ’83
CATHERINE KOBEL-GOMEZ ’81
ANNE KOBEL-HOGAN ’79
PATRICK J. HOGAN ’76
MARY KOBEL-LAMONTE H’17
KUDOS TO THE FRANCISCAN BROTHERS
MICHAEL A HENNING
JULIE CHEN MOONVES AND
PETER J CALLAHAN
“Start by doing what’s necessary. Then do what’s possible and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
THE SUMMUM BONUM GOLD MEDAL IS A BEFITTING TRIBUTE OF YOUR LOVE FOR GOD AND CREATION, PERSUIT OF VIRTUE, HUMANITY, AND THE FRANCISCAN WAY
CONGRATULATIONS on 50 years of excellence! Honoring the past, celebrating the present, and looking forward to the future. Wishing everyone a fantastic gala!
MICHELE MARESCA & JOHN SCHULES CLASS OF 1980
PAX ET BONUM PEACE AND GOODNESS (Class 1983)
PATRONS
CAROL ADAMS
THOMAS ANDREJKO
JOSEPH ARMSTEAD
KEVIN CALABRESE
ROBERTA CHIAPPELLONI
KEVIN CONWAY
JOHN CONWAY
SUSAN D’ANDREA
ANNA MARIA DELANEY
MARYANN FERRIGNO-COMBS
FRANK JOYCE
MARIE KOBETITSCH LITOWINSKY
WILLIAM KUCINSKAS
EUGENE MCARDLE
MICHAEL MCMAHON
ARTHUR F. MCMAHON H’04
BROTHER LOUIS MIRITELLO
CARMEN MONCRIEFFE
BETTY MOTRONI
DOROTHY MULHOLLAND
ED & TERRY NOLAN
FREDERICK PEREIRA
JULIENNE RYAN
GERRY SCALES
PAULINE SCELFO
KEVIN SHERRY
MARC STRACHAN
DR. EMIL A. TOCCI
YUCHU VENG
THE PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love Where there is injury, Pardon Where there is doubt, Faith Where there is despair, Hope Where there is darkness, Light and where there is sadness, Joy.
O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.