Joseph Bennett ‘26 We are saddened to report that Joseph Bennett ‘26, father of Charles ‘61, passed away early in the morning on February 1st. May he rest in peace. Last February, Joe celebrated his 100th birthday with his family and friends at his home in Tiburon, California. He was featured in the last edition of the Grad News and pictured, proudly dressed in an SFP polo shirt and baseball cap. Joe was a 65 year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 3, and was also our oldest known living alumnus. Please remember him and the Bennett family in your prayers.
Anthony C. Armstead ’57 Anthony C. Armstead was born March 10, 1940 in Brooklyn, NY. He attended Our Lady of Good Counsel Elementary School. Upon graduation, he received an athletic/ academic scholarship to St. Francis Prep when it was located on N. 6th Street in Brooklyn. He excelled in football and track and received “All City” and “All Met” honors and was voted to “Teen Magazine” Eastern All American Team. In 1958, he graduated as a member of the Dean’s Academic Honor Society and received a football scholarship to Holy Cross College in Worchester, MA, where he continued his athletic career and earned Bachelor of Science in History. He began teaching in the NYC Public School system and retired in 1996. During his teacher career he worked in many capacities, teaching math and social studies and also serving as an administrator. He was also an assistant football coach at St. Francis Prep and Boys and Girls High School. He also devoted time as Boy Scout Leader and was a member of many church and school committees. Anthony passed away on July 17, 2010 and leaves behind two daughters, Tonie-Lynee and Brenda and two brothers Joseph ‘58 and Thomas ‘60, and a host of grandchildren and friends.
64
Tom Stith ‘57 There were many winning teams at Prep in the year 1957, but none captured the imagination and enthusiasm more than the Catholic school basketball rivalries. In the midst of all the talent, one stood out from all the rest: the center for St. Francis Prep, Tom Stith. One of the first AfricanAmerican students to play in the CHSAA, Tom and his brother, Sam, who was one year older, brought national recognition to St. Francis basketball. Tom dominated the league. He scored in double figures in a seemingly effortless manner. With his brilliant play at center, the Prep won three consecutive City championships and one national title. Twice voted a High School All-American, he broke the league’s scoring record for total points in his senior year. Fans came from all over the East Coast to watch him play. He had a gracious manner that made him the model of a true gentleman. Tom and his brother Sam ‘56, were the two greatest basketball players to ever wear the Prep’s uniform. They both went on to St. Bonaventure University. Together they put the “Bonnies” on the map. Tom was twice voted a collegiate AllAmerican. He and Sam led St. Bonaventure to national prominence and successful runs in the NIT and the NCEA. For years, Tom held the all-time scoring record at the upstate New York school and his record for the most points scored in a single season still stands almost 50 years later. After graduation, Tom and Sam both went on to professional careers. Tom was the second round draft pick in the nation and played for the Knicks. After his basketball career, he was a sales executive for Shell Oil and Cablevision. Tom and Sam were inducted into the Prep’s Hall of Fame in 2007 and they had their uniforms retired by the Prep at last October’s “North 6th Street Reunion.” Tom passed away this June. He was 71. The preceding information was excerpted from a wonderfully written tribute by Bro. Michel Bettigole, O.S.F. ‘57 that appeared in the July 24, 2010 edition of “The Tablet.”
John J. (Jack) Fugelsang ‘51 Formerly known as Brother Boniface, Jack Fugelsang was born on October 19, 1933 in Brooklyn, NY. He was one of 7 children of Leonard and Adele Corrigan (Fugelsang). He is survived by his sister, Maureen Manacle (Ed). He was educated at St. Francis Prep. and St. Francis College, and received his MA from New York University. He entered the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn in 1953 and was given the name Brother Boniface. He taught in schools in Brooklyn and at St. Anthony’s High School in Smithtown, Long Island. He married his wife, Peggy Shank in 1968. This union was blessed by three sons, John (Charmien) of New York City, Brian of Berkeley, CA, and Paul (Elaine) and their son, Endy of Brooklyn, NY. He taught and was an administrator in Longwood School District and served as an adjunct professor at Suffolk County Community College for 23 years. He taught for 9 years at Tidewater Community College as well. Jack lived in Palm Coast, FL for the past 9 years. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He passed away on August 2nd.
Joe Szewczyk ‘94 It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Joseph Szewczyk ‘94 following his battle with cancer. Joe graduated from St. John’s University and later joined the FDNY in 2002. He served in Far Rockaway at Engine Co. 264. He was diagnosed in 2005 with Astrocytoma. He assisted coaching SFP Football for several years. Joe was a devout Catholic and in the true Franciscan spirit, he agreed to engage in experimental medical treatments in order to provide research material that could benefit others diagnosed with his form of cancer. Joe died on October 14 , 2009 at home, surrounded by his family and friends.