In Memoriam

William A. McLoughlin 1940 Blair W.F. Allen 1942 Thomas Connors 1942 John Finan 1948 Joseph Hughes 1948 Anthony Russo 1948 George Oristano 1948 Gerald J. Coleman 1949 Robert F. Koehler 1950 Joseph A. LaMagna 1952 Frank J. Lacourt 1954 Joseph F. Wahl 1954 John J. Crowe 1954 Jim Hyland 1955 Roger M. Coleman 1956 Walter S. Dombkowski 1956 John P. Hogan 1956 John R. Lynch 1956 Eugene Lawrence Ryan 1956 Richard J. Teahan 1956 Kenneth R. Hogan 1957 Eugene C. Johnson 1957 Thomas Lally 1957 William M. Hickey 1960 Bro. Joseph Gallagher, O.S.F., 1961 Joseph L. Barbarino 1962 Robert Cresci 1962 Paul M. Jourcin 1965 William E. Kotas 1965 Thomas J. Conlon 1966 John Anselmo 1968 Peter Kobel 1972 Frank Serano 1972 Vincent M. Cronen 1974 Stephen Melcer 1974 James F. Angotta 1976 James Keane 1976 Richard J. Viscardi 1976 Robert Carollo 1977 Dana Diminich 1978 Michael J. Leon 1978 Aida Iacovone-Velez 1979 Stella Barresi 1980 John G. Spicijaric 1980 Susan LaSalle 1983 Eduardo Seijido 1983 Esther M. Bonacci 1984 Anita Unfried-Wunsch 1984 Vivien M. Veloso-Hegarty 1985 Kathleen Beggins-Fabio 1986 Robert C. Allison 1989 Mark Mako 1989 James McHugh H1992 Jon Cole 1997 Dennis DeFrank 2001 Diane J. Bollen 2002 Phillip F. Acevedo 2006 Natalie Fouche 2007 Tyler Roderick Mitra 2014 Sasha Stopanjac 2016

Robert J. Alter – brother of Jeff ‘80

Thomas Ashton-uncle of William Ashton ‘76

Carmen Aquilone- wife of Eddie ‘51

George Arhaniotis- father of Irene ‘22

Robert C. Allison ‘89- son of Robert Allison ‘65

Dagmar Andrade-Serrano- mother of Juan ‘77, grandmother of Cristina ‘11

Joshua Azon- former SFP student

Karen A. Balezos- daughter of F. Gregory Walsh ‘55

Elvira Barriecelli- mother of Louis ‘79

Louis Biele-father of Diane ‘78 and MaryAnn ‘79

Hon. Cornelius Blackshearfather of Gregory ‘96 and Kevin ‘99

Christopher S. Boles- father of Eddie ‘81 Siobhan ‘83 and Deidre ‘87

Patricia Brix- mother of Kathleen Brix-Fallon ‘76

Gwen Sheridan Caracci- mother of Dr. Michael M. Sheridan ‘71 and grandmother of Toni A. Sheridan Totora ‘02 and Billie Jean Sheridan Gervasi ‘05

Elizabeth Carolan- motherin-law, Peter Murphy ‘82, grandmother of Ronan ‘17 , Marin ‘19, Kate ‘23 and Conal ‘30 James Cassano- husband of Dorothy H2010 and father of Jimmy ‘74, Peter ‘78 and Michael ‘80 and grandfather of Thomas ‘05 and Elaine ‘97

Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon them. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Capt. Michael Finnigan- cousin of Ed Moore ‘81

Ed Gaffney- father of Mary Lee Gaffney Yamasaki ‘78 Mary Laddomada- mother of Nicole ‘23

Marie LaRocca- mother of James (SFP Faculty)

Barbara Catalanotto H 1990- wife of the late Andy H1990 and mother of Anthony ‘75, Denise ‘80, Diane ‘81, Vincent ‘84 and Kevin ‘88

Joan Coladner- mother-in-law of Helga Stabiner (Library staff), grandmother of Kristin ‘21

Eleanor Crowe- wife of John ‘54, sister-in-law of Arthur ‘57, William ‘62, Robert ‘66 and Dave ‘69

Marc A. DeLuca - Baseball Coach at St. Raymond’s High School

Frank DiMaria- father of Rosa ‘16, Liliana ‘19, Alessandra ‘23 and uncle of Rosana ‘21 and Lucia ‘25

Geraldine C. Grein- mother of Jack Grien ‘79 and mother-inlaw of Anna Hernandez-Grein ‘79

Aaron Gudema- brother of Sofia Eide (former SFP staff) and Barbara Ciaravino (former SFP staff)

Dan Gudema- brother of Sofia Eide (former SFP staff) and Barbara Ciaravino (former SFP staff)

John Feehan- father of Susan Feehan Gidwill ‘78, John Feehan ‘81, David Feehan ‘84, Peter Feehan ‘88; father -in-law to Laureen Gutleber Feehan ‘81 and Patricia Harnett Feehan ‘88 and devoted grandfather to Lauren Gidwill ‘13 Joseph Galanti- father-inlaw of Salvatore Ruotolo ‘83, grandfather of Salvatore Ruotolo, Jr. ’09, Samantha S. Ruotolo, Jr. ‘17 and Marissa Ruotolo-Merkle ‘12 (SFP Campus Ministry)

Eileen Giordano- mother Jim Giordano ‘92 and Denise Giordano-Caiafa ‘88

Margaret Heckel- mother of Walter A. Heckel III ‘85 and Amanda Heckel-Morton ‘96; wife of Walter (former JV Baseball coach)

Jim Hyland ‘55- father of Joan ‘79, Ellen ‘80, Cristine ‘82 & Jennifer ‘83

William T. Hinchey- grandfather of Matthew Gebert ‘08 and Michael Gebert ‘11

Salvatore Iacullo- father of Paul ‘68

Joseph P. Iinitzki- former SFP English Faculty

Ofelia Jaramillo- grandmother of Claudia Jaramillo-Lee ‘88 and Patricia Jaramillo ‘91 Robert B. Lynch-grandfather of Patrick E. Lynch, Jr. ‘09

Helen McCleary- mother of Ray ‘80 and Tim ‘82

Ellen McNamara-mother of Ellen McNamara Brandt ‘00, Genevieve ‘11, Noreen McNamara ‘13, Marie ‘15

Josephine Mancini- mother of Frank ‘76 and Elizabeth ‘79

Kathleen May- mother of Nicole May (SFP Technology Department)

Edger Melo- father of Paul ‘84 and Meira Melo-Bloat ‘86

Debra Neville- mother of SFP freshman students, Matthew and Ryan; sister of Louis A. D’Alessio ‘95

Bertha Limo Newman-mother of Carmen Newman Bissell ‘85

James Vincent O’Connorfather of William J. O’Connor ‘80, Daniel O’Connor ‘81, and Jennifer O’Connor-Dennean ‘88

Janet Kelly- wife of Edwin Westley ‘61

Raymond F. Kopp- father of Lorraine Kopp-Crane ‘83

Scott Krempler, husband of Michelle Curran-Krempler ‘93

Elfriede Kump- mother of Helmut ‘83 John R. O’Connor- uncle of William J. O’Connor ‘80, Daniel O’Connor ‘81, and Jennifer O’Connor-Dennean ‘88

John Joseph O’Hagan- father of Kathryn ‘86

Dolores Oristano- wife of George Oristano ‘48

Joseph Pahl- father of Joseph ‘93 Debra Palmieri- mother of Joanna ‘21 Rev. Paul Palmiotto- friend of SFP

Joseph P. Portelli- father of Ethan J. Portelli ‘21

Mary Ann Riebenack- wife of F. Walter Riebenack ‘57

Giuseppe Ruggieri- father of Marianna Ruggieri-Marletta (SFP Faculty)

John G. Spicijaric ‘80- brother of Mary Ann Spicijaric ‘84, (Fmr. Chair of SFP Science Dept.)

Mary T. Stimus- mother of Nancy Stimus-Cheek ‘83, aunt of David Stimus ‘83, Dolores Martin-Ryan ‘86, Aileen Stimus-Leibman ‘87 & Jeanine Sapienza ‘91

William Stolfi- husband of Marianne (Ret. Faculty)

Sasha Stopanjac ‘16- sister of Bozidac ‘22 and Andrea ‘19

Virginia Volpe- mother of Clorinda “Corin” Volpe-Tagios ‘83 and Joseph Volpe ‘86 and grandmother of John ‘19 and Peter ‘15

Geraldine Waegelein- wife of Robert ‘52, mother of Robert A. ‘78, Kathleen ‘76, Heidi ‘88 & Eileen ‘83

Arnold Wasserman- father of Ellen Arfanis (SFP Staff)

Mike Zapf- loyal friend of SFP

Coach James McHugh H’92 passed away on October 16, 2020 at the age of 94. He was held in high esteem by many alumni. During his career at Prep (1950-1962), he coached teams to 29 consecutive major titles along with eight CHSAA City Championships including two in Cross Country and three each in Indoor and Outdoor Track. His relay teams set national records in the 1-Mile (1958) and 2-Mile (1954, 1957, and 1961). Under his guidance, five Championship of America titles at the prestigious Penn Relays were won between 1956 and 1958.

During WWII Jim served in the US Army Air Force, participating in combat missions in the air offensive against Japan. Before coming to St. Francis Prep in 1950, Jim graduated from St. Francis College and later earned an MA from NYU. His years at the Prep included teaching History and serving as the Athletic Director.

After his Prep days, Jim coached at Manhattan College from 1962-1969. During his tenure, Manhattan won nine Metropolitan Intercollegiate titles, recording two in cross country, four in indoor track & field and three in outdoor track & field. McHugh mentored 11 future Manhattan College Athletic Hall of Fame inductees. By the end of his coaching career, 17 of 26 Manhattan College track & field team records were shattered. He also became a US Olympic Committee administrator and later a long-time hospital administrator.

He was inducted into the CHSAA Hall of Fame and into the Manhattan College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2014, St. Francis Prep inducted him into the Inaugural Class of the Terrier Red & Blue Ring of Honor. Jim attributed much of his coaching success with the Prep track program to the fine athletes and the significant interest and support of the Franciscan Brothers, particularly Brother Timothy Walsh, O.S.F.

The Bernice and James E. McHugh Scholarship was established in his (and his late wife’s) honor by Track alumni. Under the leadership of Ed Kennedy ‘57 and Dan Corry ‘58, the Fund has awarded scholarships to many senior track athletes in good academic standing since its inception in 2007.

Anyone wishing to honor Jim’s memory may donate to The Bernice and James E. McHugh Scholarship Fund at the Prep. Please keep the McHugh family in your prayers. Jim will be missed by all those who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace! John Madri passed away suddenly on October 19, 2 020 at the age of 71. He began his career at SFP as an English teacher in 1972 and retired last summer. In June, he bid farewell to his colleagues via email amid the COVID-19 shutdown. “I have enjoyed every minute of my 48 years here and will miss you all,” Madri wrote. “In the words of Jacob Marley (with a little adjustment!), spoken to Ebenezer Scrooge in Stave 1 of ‘A Christmas Carol’ (all time favorite novel!), ‘Look to see me no more; and look to remember what has passed between us.’”

“John loved poetry and he wrote some plays also, but he always had his kids writing a lot and in the homeroom we shared it was always covered with the kids’ writing,” said fellow English teacher and Assistant Principal, Joe Castellano. He continued, “I think John really wanted to encourage their writing and make them feel good about it, knowing that was an important part of who they are.”

John and his wife, Martha Jane were married for 45 years. John embraced the Franciscan ideals of “caring for creation” and “live lovingly”. In addition to his love of literature and teaching, he also loved animals, nature and life. He would head outside every morning to feed the stray cats, Dr. Castellano said.

In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Madre suggested that memorial donations be made the charity of your choice related to education, animal care or the arts - all areas that John was very passionate about throughout his life. May he rest in peace! Leslie “Les” Pinder, Honorary Member of the Prep’s Class of 1959 passed away peacefully from natural causes on Friday morning January 15th at Mt. Sinai Hospital in NYC. He had been experiencing various medical issues in the past few years.

The Pinder family says that the highlight of his academic career was attending St. Francis Prep where he met lifelong friends who walked with him throughout his life journey. Terrier Alumni from the late 1950s will all remember Les for his friendliness and phenomenal track exploits. As a freshman, Les was considered talented enough to be placed on the Prep’s Varsity Track & Field team. Les quickly established himself as the best sprinter in the Northeast. He won 28 consecutive major meet events while amassing 11 St. Francis Prep school records in the sprints and long jump. At one meet he won the 100 yards, 220 yards and long jump against the best competition in New York and New Jersey. Les anchored the amazing St. Francis Prep team at the 1958 Penn relays that established a National record of 3:17.5. “Fifty years later we celebrated this memorable event with Les at Franklin Field”said Peter Corritori ‘59.

Les always looked back at his years at the Prep as being among the happiest of his life. After his days at SFP, he worked for more than 30 years for a large clothing manufacturer in NYC’s Garment District. A naturally friendly and popular guy, Les was a regular participant in many alumni activities at SFP. He was inducted into the inaugural class of the “Terrier Red and Blue Ring of Honor” on March 5, 2014. In recent years, he was also noted for being a regular communicator via phone with his “trackster” classmates.

Peter Corritori ‘59 wrote the following about Les in a note to the Class of ’59 after their

Sister Mary Burke died on November 23, 2020 in Siena Hall, Dominican Convent. She was 78 years old. Sister Mary served as a teacher and a served as Retreat Director at St. Francis Prep from 1978 to 1988. Sister Mary Burke made a difference in the lives of countless children and adults in her ministry. One Prep graduate posted on Facebook, “I have fond memories of working with her as a Peer Counselor in my senior year...great heart and demeanor.” Another said, “...such an inspiration! A real person of faith and spirituality in ACTION! I will always remember Sr. Mary as a wonderful supportive colleague and friend.”

She lived the goal of the Dominican Sisters in proclaiming the Word of God through ministry for justice and reverence for all creation for more than 60 years. We thank God for her life as she is welcomed into the fullness of God’s presence. Well done, good and faithful servant, Sister Mary Burke. 50th Reunion on April 25, 2009 at which Les received his honorary degree from the Prep: “.... I was fortunate to introduce Les who is such a humble and inspiring person. Les left the Prep after his junior year to support his soon-to-be family. He put family ahead of himself and we were all so impressed with his lovely wife of 50 years, Mae, and their two beautiful children Les, Jr. and Sharon. Les was unquestionably the greatest” trackster” ever at the Prep and still holds seven Prep records. His acceptance speech was so humble, unassuming and thankful, and characteristic of this true Franciscan. There were so many nice comments by classmates about Les and how his honorary degree was a fitting tribute to our entire class.”

Les is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mae, and their two wonderful children: Les, Jr. and Sharon, her husband Kenny, and three granddaughters. Please remember Les and his family in your prayers. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

A long-time member of the Prep community Midge Stack-Lennon was well-loved and highly-regarded by the Prep community. She retired in 2005 and the Alumni Association bestowed the title of Honorary Alumna (Class of 2006) the following year. In 2017, she was inducted into the Red & Blue Terrier Ring of Honor. The following appeared n the Seraph upon her retirement:

“Mrs. Midge Stack-Lennon has been a part of the Prep community for 40 years. She had worked 9 years at Bishop Reilly and 31 years at Saint Francis Prep. Her enthusiasm is reflected in her work in the physical education department. She hopes that she has impacted the lives of her students by motivating them to “become ‘active’ adults in whatever they most enjoy!” Mrs. StackLennon’s favorite part of teaching at Prep has been her experiences interacting with the students. Mrs. Stack-Lennon’s future plans include moving to Pennsylvania, and continuing to educate others as a volunteer in her local library’s adult literacy program. Words of wisdom that she would like to offer the students at Prep are to “be open to all the changes life has in store for you.” - Nicole

Palermo ‘07

A memorial Mass is being planned. We will convey information on the Mass when we learn the details.

On Friday, February 19, 2021 the world lost one of its most ardent followers of Saint Francis. Brother James McVeigh, O.S.F., a Franciscan Brother of Brooklyn for 55 years, passed away at the age of 74.

Brother James McVeigh was an integral part of Catholic education and faith on a local, state and national level. His beginnings were, without surprise, as humble as would be the rest of his life. Born October 10, 1946 in Brooklyn, he knew at an early age that God was calling him and received the Franciscan habit on August 2, 1964 at the age of 18. After making his first vows in January 1966, he began his studies at St. Francis College in Brooklyn Heights, which would ultimately lead to a degree in sociology.

Brother James did have many titles during his 55 years as a Brother: Principal, Assistant Principal, Superintendent of Schools, Vocation Director, Vicar for Religious, Teacher, and Chairperson. A life-long educator, Brother James, when asked to reflect on his life as a Franciscan Brother, summed it up so well: “of the many titles I’ve had, the title I cherish the most is “Brother.”

Brother James served in the Admissions Office at Prep where he also designed a program for the Franciscan Mission Coordinator and served as Moderator of the Franciscan Youth Movement. In 2007, he was appointed Co-Vicar for Religious in the Diocese of Rockville Centre while continuing his ministry with the Franciscan Mission. In 2008 he was appointed as Director of New Evangelization in Rockville Centre and there served as a member of the Bishop’s Cabinet. In 2015 he also joined Saint Anthony’s High School and served as the Mission Coordinator at both Prep and SAHS. At both schools he was most known for standing in the hallway every morning to greet students as they walked to class. Brother James continued to serve in many of these roles right up until the time of his death.

Brother James had a great sense of humor. He enjoyed sharing a good laugh and was always seen smiling. He worked tirelessly to promote Franciscan Values and Vocations in everything he did. He always said, “keep smiling and continue to do wonderful things!” This is the memory he leaves to the many people whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Joe Hughes, SFP Class of 1948 who passed away on October 9, 2020. He was 91 years old.

Joe was the captain of the 1947-48 Terrier Basketball Team which won the New York City Championship. He was twice named to the All-Brooklyn team and once to the All-City team. He was recruited by St. John’s coach Frank McGuire where he led the team in scoring during his freshman year, before transferring to the University of Denver. During his time at Denver, he led the team in scoring and was selected to the All-Conference team before being drafted into the NBA. In 1972, Joe co-founded Carquest Auto Parts which expanded to over 2,700 stores in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

A man of great charity and love, Joe and his wife have 11 children--six of whom are adopted--and 17 grandchildren. Joe kept in touch with St. Francis Prep by phone and mail in recent years. We were saddened to hear of his passing.

Joe was inducted into the Red & Blue Terrier Ring of Honor in 2017. Bill was a star on the Terrier basketball team for three years and graduated from St. Francis Prep in 1940 when it was located on Baltic Street in Brooklyn. Following his graduation in 1940 from St. Francis Prep, William joined the army in 1942 and worked during the war as a cryptographic technician, a member of the 89th signal corps, SIGABA group. William received the World War II Victory Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. He was discharged from the army in 1945 and joined the NYPD the following year. William retired as a NYPD Detective Sergeant, first grade in the Homicide division, on September 20, 1984 after a long storied career.

In 2020, Bill celebrated his 80th Anniversary Reunion along with his 99th Birthday. If not for the pandemic that forced the postponement of the Annual Spring Reunion, Bill would have returned to the Prep celebrate this important milestone! Prep’s Alumni Director, Bro. Robert Kent created a special plaque (pictured above) so that Bill and his family could mark this special occasion.

In the 1940 San Fran yearbook it was written, “Nothing gets Bill down. His smile is his fortune.” Up until the year of his passing, William was known for possessing a mental acuity that most individuals could merely dream of. To wit, his daughter, Denise said that he could still recite all of the names of his 158 classmates in alphabetical order! He was the last surviving member of the Class of 1940 and we were happy to have the opportunity to recognize and honor him. Bill passed away peacefully on July 24th, 2021 of natural causes near Babylon, NY, which had been his home since 1952. May he rest in peace.

We received the following note from his family:

Dear Brother Robert,

I wanted to let you know that my father, Bill McLoughlin, recently passed away. You and others at St Francis were kind enough to help my Dad celebrate his 99th birthday in March 2021, by sending him beautiful and meaningful gifts of his class memorabilia as well as a St. Francis sweater and cap. You helped give us all precious memories of him receiving those wonderful gifts...he was so impressed and proud!

My family and I want you to know how appreciative we are for all your efforts on behalf of a very old school alumni !

Love and blessings to you…. Warmest regards, Bills daughter, Denise P.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Priscilla Ornelas, a former faculty member who taught Spanish from 1987-2010. She passed away on September 7, 2020. Ms. Ornelas created the curriculum for the first college credit course offered in the department —Spanish IV —a Spanish conversation class. She was the mother of two Prep grads: Loren (Class of 1993) and Alissa (Class of 1997). She will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her. May she rest in peace.

St. Francis Prep Brother Ralph Clifford Auditorium 6100 Francis Lewis Blvd., Fresh Meadows, NY

All alumni, family, friends of the Prep community are welcome to join us as we come together to remember those who have departed in the past year.

Blessing of the New Memorials on the Pathway to Saint Francis Mass 11:00 a.m.

Complimentary Breakfast to follow.

RSVP required. Website: alumni.sfponline.org email: alumni@stfrancisprep.org Phone: (718) 423-8810, ext. 330