6100 Francis Lewis Boulevard, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365
As I write this, I am completing my 10th year as President of St. Francis Prep (while Pat McLaughlin completes his 10th year as Principal). It has been an absolutely amazing ten years, and so much has happened during that time, it would be very hard to recap. But here we are, stronger than ever as an institution, and I can only say ‘thank you,’ ‘thank you so much’ for giving of your time, your energy and/or your financial resources to help the Prep continue its mission of providing an outstanding education in the Franciscan Tradition for thousands of wonderful students who come from all walks of life.
Thanks to your generous support over the years— and the support of many of your fellow graduates, parents and friends—the Prep continues to meet the challenges associated with an annual budget of more than $30 million while moving forward with special projects and programs and finding ways to handle an increasing number of requests for student financial assistance.
Our last Annual Report highlighted much of the “good news” we’ve been able to share these days, with our main message: “For It Is In Giving That We Receive.” This is a message that so many of you have taken to heart, and I am forever grateful to you for this.
As I am sure you know by now, with your help over the past decade (and then some) we’ve made nearly $40 million worth of improvements to our facilities. These improvements have been planned over-time in such a way that we carry very little debt today. Our financing and investment policies--combined with our fundraising efforts-have enabled this to happen—ALL for the benefit of our students.
And speaking of our students, our enrollment has remained very steady as more-and-more students and families seem to be looking at the real value of a Catholic education. This is a credit to YOU, our loyal and generous benefactors, who help us provide our students with a truly outstanding, well-rounded educational experience in the Franciscan tradition.
We continue to see tremendous interest in the need to help our students enroll here, remain here and flourish. Consequently, our recent fundraising efforts have focused on building our overall scholarship fund portfolio and replenishing the TerrierSTAR fund which was established during the pandemic. It just seems that there is a more heightened awareness among our alumni--and donors in general--concerning the need to help our students via scholarships and sponsorships.
This is especially true when it comes to those permanently endowed scholarship funds that have a profound effect on our ability to provide financial assistance to deserving students--in perpetuity--for as long as St. Francis Prep exists and continues its mission.
In the past fiscal year, we have recorded the official establishment of SIXTEEN more of these scholarship funds by alumni--or by the relatives and friends of deceased loved ones--with initial amounts ranging from $100,000 to $1 million— either given outright in cash or pledged over time. We now have nearly 50 of these funds. Here are just six of the most recently established, permanently endowed scholarship funds here at Prep:
• The Lisa A. and Jeffrey D. Alter, Class of 1980, Scholarship Fund;
• The William D. Maroney, Class of 1955, Scholarship Fund;
• The May 12th Scholarship Fund established by Jeannie and Jack Kiley ‘80
• The 186 North 6th Street Brooklyn Fund established by a member of Prep’s Class of 1957;
• The Matthew Valenza Memorial Scholarship Fund established by the Schaetzle Family;
• The Vona Family Scholarship Fund established by Joseph Vona ‘92 and Robert Vona ‘90
Our scholarship funds are established with one key purpose in mind: To assist deserving students and their families who otherwise would not be in a position to afford the outstanding, valueoriented, Franciscan-centered education offered at St. Francis Prep AND to fulfill my pledge that NO student will ever have to leave the Prep due to financial hardship.
This all gets back to the tremendously “high quality” education we provide—and that our alumni and other donors—and of course our parents—feel comfortable making an investment in for the future—with the future reflected in the faces of the more than 2400 students who come to Prep from all walks of life and really LEARN and GROW—and then depart after four years fully prepared for the next chapter of their life.
In closing, may God continue to bless you. Thank you again for supporting the Prep and the ongoing work of the Franciscan Brothers. Our Brothers recently celebrated the 200th Anniversary of their founding in Ireland, and I was privileged to be there in late June for this event, as well as visit our Brothers and schools in Kenya and Uganda in July. (Enjoy some of the pictures from this trip that you’ll see inside here. You probably recall our “sister school,” St. Francis in Lare, Kenya which we try to support in various ways.) So please keep the Brothers in your prayers as well because their work in these places is just incredible!
Enjoy the remaining days of summer, try to join us this fall or in 2024 (see the event calendar inside), remember you are always welcome home and, most importantly, On for Ol’ St. Francis!
Yours in St. Francis,
Brother Leonard Conway, O.S.F. President2023-2024
Friday, September 29 Walk-A-Thon
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Three on Three Memorial Hoops ---
Friday, October 20, 2023
Friends of SFP Football Gathering
Sunday, October 22, 2023
First Responders 5K Run/Walk
Homecoming Football Game ---
Sunday, November 5, 2023 Annual Memorial Mass
Thursday, November 9, 2023
Veteran’s Day Tribute ---
Thursday, November 30, 2023 Alumni Education Reception
Friday, December 1, 2023 Court Dedication
Saturday, December 16, 2023
Christmas Party for Our Friends with Special Needs
Saturday, January 27, 2024 10-15-20 Reunion: Class of 2004, 2009, and 2014
Saturday, March 2, 2024 Florida Reunion (East Coast)
Saturday, March16, 2024
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 23, 2024
Annual President’s Dinner
Saturday, April13, 2024
Spring Reunion & Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
May 2024 (TBD)
Financial Services Alumni Chapter Reception
May 2024 (TBD)
Legal & Healthcare Services Alumni Chapter Reception
Monday, June17, 2024
The 30th Alumni Golf Classic
Friday, December 1, 2023
We Will dedicate our Main Court in Memory of Tim Leary ‘63 and Jane Modry H‘00 after the Girls and Boys basketball doubleheader. Reception to follow.
WHAT’S HAPPENING @6100 Alumni Director’s Column • 4-5
PAST EVENTS
Three on Three Hoops Tournament• 6
First Responders Family Day 5K • 7-9
Spring Reunion & Hall of Fame • 10-15 Florida Alumni Reunion • 16-17
SPECIAL SECTION
Franciscan Brothers of Mountbellew, Ireland Celebrate the 200th Anniversary of their founding • 18-19
COVER STORY
The Future is NOW • 20-21
10th, 15th and 20th Anniversary Reunion • 22
St. Patrick’s Day Parade • 23
12 th Annual Walk-a-thon • 24-25
President’s Dinner • 26-28
Professional Chapter Events •29
29 th Annual Golf Classic • 30-33
Athletics Round-Up •34-35
Grad Notes • 36-42
Scholarships • 43
In Memoriam • 44-46
Email: alumni@stfrancisprep.org or, development@stfrancisprep.org
Phone: (718) 423-8810 ext. 230/268
Website: http://alumni.sfponline.org/
As we begin our 166th year of Franciscan presence in ministry and service to God’s people let us not forget the many changes, challenges and adaptations that have occurred since we arrived from Ireland. Today we continue to adapt to the ever changing world in which we find ourselves.
When the new Diocese of Brooklyn, including all of Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island, was created in 1853, one of the priorities of its first Bishop, John Loughlin, was to establish more schools. One critical need was to staff these schools with Catholic teachers, especially Brothers to take charge of boys’ schools. Accordingly, Bishop Loughlin applied to the Irish Congregation of Franciscan Brothers from Mountbellew, County Galway, to undertake the work of education in the Diocese. In response to the Bishop’s invitation two Brothers, John McMahon and Vincent Hayes, arrived on May 31, 1858 to found a house for the Franciscan Brothers in America. By autumn they had secured that house at 300 Baltic Street. The building had once been a public school for the City of Brooklyn and then a Protestant Church. After making some necessary changes, the Brothers took up residence using the basement as their monastery and the upper floors for classrooms.
In the fall of 1858 the Brothers, along with three additional teachers, formally opened the doors of this primitive school known as St. Francis Academy, the first private Catholic School on Long Island - the predecessor of St. Francis Preparatory School, now the largest private catholic high school in the country. The Irish Franciscan Brothers of Mountbellew celebrated their Bicentennial this July (note: this anniversary celebration was postponed for two years due to Covid travel restrictions.) Congratulations and Thanks Be to God for the gift of their vocations!
Brother Leonard visited the Irish Franciscan Brothers in Ireland, Kenya and Uganda
this July as part of the 200th Anniversary celebration of the Franciscan Brothers of Mountbellew. St. Francis Prep students have helped to support our twin school, Saint Francis Secondary School in Lare, Kenya, since 2008. In that time we have helped our Francisacn Brothers and Sisters construct a new water tower, cafeteria and basketball court, pave walkways, purchase a school vehicle and copy machine as well as provided nutritional and financial assistance.
579 accomplished young men and women received their St. Francis Prep school diplomas on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at a ceremony which embodied the spirit of St. Francis and Franciscan education. Members of the class of 2023 have been accepted to more than 300 colleges and universities including Ivy League and many other prestigious institutions. They have been offered over $177 million (and counting) in college merit scholarships for the next four years. Way to go St. Francis Prep class of 2023! I am confident that we have provided our graduates with a solid academic, spiritual and social foundation that will always accompany them wherever life takes them in the future. I am equally confident that they will be prepared to meet the multifarious challenges they will encounter on the diverse roads they will travel. Their comprehensive educational experience was a labor of love provided to them through the joint efforts of our outstanding and dedicated faculty, administration, staff and alumni who did not hesitate to share their knowledge, expertise, and guidance over the past four years.
I would like to take the time to formally acknowledge these individuals who contributed so much of themselves to our students, and who have now decided to retire to greener pastures after their years of service to the school. On behalf of the school community, I would like to thank: Paul Cohen, for his 17 years of service in the Science Department; and from the Library Vesna
Vulin for her 22 years of service. We also would like to salute Judy Turner, for her 39 years of service to the Physical Education and Health Department as well as Sister Mary Ann Napier, C.S.J. for her 47 years of service and leadership in the Mathematics Department. Altogether, this represents a combined 125 years of loyal service to the Prep! We salute all of them for their commitment and many years of service. We thank them for the profound impact they have made on the lives of those in their care. We are grateful that they have been our partners in our Franciscan Mission. Let us bid them a fond farewell. Now it’s time for them to smell the proverbial roses.
On Tuesday, October 4, 2022 we celebrated the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi with a liturgy offered by Bishop Robert J. Brennan. At this time, The Canticle Citation for 15 years of service was presented to: Becky Barell, Sharon Bennett, Elizabeth Kalkau, and Matthew Lorenz. The Canticle Citation for 25 years of service was presented to David Ganci, Theresa Houseman, Charles Jardins, Robert Johnson and Joann Wagner. The Canticle Citation for 40 years of service was presented to James May. The President’s Award was presented to Michael Graziano, Carol Kennedy, Sally Khan and Peter Votin for 15 years of service.
On October 7, 2023 Father Irinel Racos will recognize the 2023 Jubilee recipients for their dedication to the Franciscan Brothers: Brother Mark Waldmann (25 years); Brother David Migliorino and Brother Damian Novello (50 years); Brother Lawrence Boyle, Brother Padraic Campbell and Brother Simon Jaworski (60 years); Brother Louis Miritello (65 years) and Brother Donald Sullivan (75 years.)
We would also like to acknowledge the following achievements:
• The General Excellence Award and this year’s Valedictorian was Julianna Gomez ’23
• Grace Lavin ’23 was Salutatorian.
• Yunji Li ’23 received the Student Franciscan Spirit Award
• The Alfred E. Powers Memorial Award for outstanding male student athlete was presented to Jack Coté ’23
• The Sheila Barrett Memorial Award for outstanding female student athlete was presented to Grace Lavin ’23
• Shawn Sempowich received the Faculty/Staff Franciscan Spirit Award
• This year’s recipient of Faculty Educational Excellence was awarded to Kim Istrico of the Science Department.
• This year’s recipient of Staff Recognition for Excellence was awarded to Mary LoBosco, Nurse Assistant.
• On May 18th, Sal Fischetti, our long-time Athletic Director, was named to the 2023 Catholic High School Athletic Association’s Hall of Fame during a ceremony at Inwood Country Club. Mr. Fischetti, a 1983 SFP grad who returned to Prep as a teacher in 1987 was named the Health and Physical Education department chairperson in 1991 and Athletic Director in 1998.
More than $3 million has been raised over the past 12 years through the annual Walk-A-Thon by our students, their families and friends in support of the Prep’s capital improvement and modernization program. It is amazing what can be accomplished when we all work together! Our 13th annual Walk-A-Thon will be held on September 29, 2023.
A reminder about 2023 Homecoming weekend. The weekend will kick-off on Thursday, October 19, 2023 with the 3-on3 Hoops Tournament in memory of Jimmy Prendergast ‘79 and James Prendergast H‘11. The three-point shot contest will be held in honor of Brian O’Connor ‘86. More than 100 Alumni, friends and family members are expected to come out to support and participate in this wonderful event. The Friends of SFP Football will hold another
fabulous event on Friday, October 20th! Mark your calendar and keep that night open! The 2nd Annual First Responders Family Day and 5K Fun Run/Walk is set for Sunday, October 22, 2023. We will kick off the event with an 8:00 am Mass in the SFP Chapel, registration and check-in will run from 8:00 - 9:15 am. The Pee-Wee Race will begin at 9:15am and the 5K starts at 9:30 am (rain or shine.) The final event of the weekend takes us to the Mitchel Athletic Complex for the Varsity Football Homecoming game against Holy Cross at 5:00 pm. We need and appreciate your support! With your participation we can have a great turnout for our Homecoming weekend 2023! Mark your calendars! On Friday, December 1, 2023 we will have a court dedication ceremony in memory of Tim Leary ‘63 and Jane Modry H‘00 after the girls and boys basketball doubleheader.
St. Francis Prep has a long and illustrious history of recognizing, honoring and paying tribute to its outstanding alumni; especially those who are its unmistakable heroes. They were heroes not only because of how they died, but because of how they lived. Therefore, our newly constructed gazebo, built adjacent to the “Pathway to St. Francis” will be dedicated in loving memory of all of our St. Francis Prep Alumni, lost due to the events of September 11, 2001 and all of our First Responders who made the ultimate sacrifice serving our community. More details to follow.
As ever, I am truly grateful for all your efforts on behalf of St. Francis Prep. I know that you share with me a great respect and love for all the good that is accomplished everyday in this remarkable educational institution. Of course, as we look back in recognition and celebration of the people and events which made the Prep what it is today, we cannot lose sight of what it will take to ensure the advancement of the Prep and its mission in the future. Together, we have collected wisdom
and strength to respond to the changing world while providing our young men and women a quality Franciscan education, a mission we have fulfilled with faith and zeal since 1858. Heading towards our 166th year we should continue to be passionate and committed to creating our best for the present and future Prepsters.
It should be no secret that the imagination, dedication and hard work of our Alumni Board Members, led by our President Wally Bishop ‘80, is one of the reasons for our continued success in faithfully trying to preserve our mission. Special thanks to the following members for their outstanding leadership and support to the Prep: 10 years of service, Marlon Morris ‘84 and Michelle Kawka ‘95; 35 years, Michael Mongelli ‘79; and 40 years of service, John Pereira ‘62. Thanks again for partnering with us.
Finally, please remember all those who have asked for our prayers. May the Blessings of St. Francis of Assisi be with you and your family, now and all the days of your life.
“High School is Four Years, St. Francis Prep is Forever.”
In Gratitude, Brother Robert Kent, O.S.F. Alumni Director Sr. Mary Ann Napier, C.S.J. Judy TurnerTO SMELL THE ROSES”
Each year hundreds of alumni, family and friends participate in this annual hoops contest in memory of Jimmy Prendergast ‘79, his father, James H ‘11 and Brian O’Connor ‘86 Sean Prendergast ‘80 said, “This event serves as a celebration of Prep spirit and love for SFP and we are reminded what a very special place St Francis Prep is and how fortunate we are to be part of the Prep Family. The impact of this yearly event serves to mend a crack in the hearts of the families and friends that knew these amazing people. The Alumni Board (along with the support and participation of the Prendergast and O’Connor families) do such a tremendous job to make this such a well-attended event. Also, the tournament would not run so well without the ongoing support of student athletes in the SFP Basketball program. Thanks to Brother Robert Kent (and all members of the Alumni team) for helping to create this meaningful and spiritual event.
Our Terrier spirit was abundant at the 2nd Annual First Responders Family Day and 5K Fun Run/Walk on October 23rd! SFP paid tribute to three First Responders in the Prep Community who have led distinguished and productive careers in their respective service. Last years honorees were: Paul Mannix ‘81, Jon Fredas ‘83, Thomas Coghlan ‘88
(1) Paul Mannix ‘81- FDNY Deputy Chief (retired), Paul Mannix started his career in the NYPD in the early 1980s while proudly wearing his father’s shield. After five years he joined the FDNY (68 years after his grandfather Patrick Rooney) and served for over three decades before retiring in 2022.
(2) Jon Fredas ‘83- has a record of distinguished service to our country in the US Navy. Over his 22 years of active service, Jon has logged 715 carrier landings and earned the distinction of being the first naval aviator to fly four different fleet aircrafts. He served as an instructor at the Naval War College and as Head of the Super Hornet Program at the Pentagon.
(3) Thomas Coghlan ‘88- Dr. Coghlan is a clinical psychologist in private practice where he provides psychotherapy to police officers and their families. He retired from the NYPD in 2018, after twenty-one years of service. As an independent contractor, he conducts both pre-employment evaluations and fitness-for-duty evaluations for various public safety agencies in New York and New Jersey.
2. 3. 1.
The First Responders Memorial Scholarship Fund was established at St. Francis Prep through the generosity of Christopher J. Greene and Teresa Downing-Greene ‘81 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001 and to honor the selfless sacrifice of all first responders. The scholarship award will be presented each year in memory of a fallen hero and member of the Police Department, Fire Department or Emergency Medical Team who made the ultimate sacrifice either on 9/11 or in the performance of their duties before or after the tragic events of 9/11. The scholarship fund will ease the burden of tuition each year for a deserving student and preference will be given (but not limited to) children of Police, Fire or Emergency Medical personnel. This past year’s scholarship award honored the memory of Vincent Halloran ‘76 and John Downing ‘79. (See more below.) The scholarship was presented to Sophia Arias ‘24, and her brother Camilo Arias ‘26.
The First Responders Scholarship Award was presented in memory of Vincent Halloran ‘76 and John Downing ‘79
Lieutenant Vincent Halloran, SFP Class of 1976 served the FDNY at Ladder 8 which was known as the “Ghostbusters House” since it was used for the exterior scenes in the1984 movie, Ghostbusters. The movie was a blend of light-hearted comedy and action that matched Vinny’s personality.
A lot of firefighters have second jobs. Vinny’s “second job” was his children. As his wife Marie put it, “He ran the house like a camp, arranging fun activities for all of them. He took them fishing, camping, boating and swimming…. and always told them to invite their friends along. “If that wasn’t enough, during the summer, the Hallorans welcomed children from Ireland to stay with them, further swelling their ranks. “What can I say,” Mrs. Halloran said. “He just loved kids.”
Vinny had just celebrated his 20th anniversary with the FDNY on September 5, 2001. On the morning of September 11th he
was responding to a suspected gas leak, when the first plane flew over his head and struck the World Trade Center. As a true hero, he placed his men’s lives, and those of countless others, before his own. As a Lieutenant, he was deployed to lead his men in the evacuation of the North Tower. The five firefighters under his leadership escaped unharmed when the North Tower collapsed. Tragically, Vincent perished along with 342 of his fellow firefighters. He left behind his beloved wife Marie, his five sons Jake, Conor, Aiden, Kieran and Declan. His daughter Phelan was born the following May.
Vincent will be remembered by those who knew him and loved him as a man who showed his care and concern for all he met, who graced others with his overwhelming generosity, who proudly displayed his love for children and as a man who always shared his brilliant smile and love of life. His memory and spirit live on through his family and many friends. He was represented at the scholarship ceremony by his sister Pat (SFP ’78) and his brother Jimmy (SFP ’81)
The First Responders Memorial Scholarship Fund honored the memory of FDNY Lt. John Downing, a member of St. Francis Prep, Class of 1979. John Downing was an FDNY firefighter who tragically lost his life in an explosion at the Long Island General Supply Company, in Astoria, on Father’s Day, June 17, 2001. He along with two other fireman, Harry Ford and Brian Fahey paid the ultimate sacrifice that day.
John cherished and adored his family, his wife Anne and children, Joanne and Michael. He was devoted to his mother, he always stopped by to check on her after leaving the firehouse before heading home to Port Jefferson Station. He was a family man, loyal, hardworking, extremely motivated, a perfectionist and so much more. He took pride in all he did and was proud to be a New York City Firefighter. Sadly, two years after losing John, tragedy struck the Downing family once again. John’s son Michael, passed away at the age of five, after battling Neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer.
John’s wife Anne has showed tremendous strength and courage as she raised Joanne. She had her angels guiding her and helping her move forward every day. Joanne was committed to making her dad proud, she knew he was with her every step of the way. Joanne is a Physical Therapist at Memorial Sloan
Kettering working with the same nurses and doctors who cared for her brother Michael years ago. She is fulfilled knowing she is helping others going through the same struggle she endured during Michael’s illness. John joined the FDNY in 1989 and was assigned to L163 in Woodside, Queens, it was special, as it was his home town, the place he was born and raised. Woodside is a tight knit community where his parents settled after immigrating from Ireland in the 1950’s.
Josephine and Denis (deceased) raised seven children affording each one a solid Catholic education with four attending St. Francis Prep: Maureen, Denise, John ’79, Rosie ’80, Joseph ’82 (NYPD), Jimmy (NYPD) and Denis ’86 (FDNY).
Graduating from St. Sebastian School and heading to St. Francis was and still is a big deal; the children felt very lucky. Woodside was well represented at St. Francis and continues to be with the hard work and dedication of Wally Bishop as well as Debbie Strack-Cregan, and Eddie Boles to name a few.
John was a solid basketball player. He was proud to play at St. Francis Prep and continued playing for the FDNY. He had a passion for the game and it was a fitting tribute when Prep honored John’s memory by retiring his basketball jersey (number 34) in an emotional halftime ceremony in February 2009.
Our 2023 Honorees are:
Please join us at St. Francis Prep as we pay tribute to first responders who are a part of the SFP Alumni community. A tribute will be held honoring the St. Francis Prep alumni who perished on 9/11. Friends, family and classmates of those individuals are all invited to participate. Registration is $35 per person for all attendees (children under 10 are free) which includes breakfast and commemorative t-shirt.
SCAN BAR CODE TO REGISTER ONLINE >>>>> Pre-registration is strongly encouraged to help our planning process.
EVENT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Event Sponsor - $5,000
Race Sponsor - $3,000
Breakfast Sponsor - $2,500
Tee Shirt Sponsor - $2,000
Award Sponsor - $2,000
Prize Sponsor - $1,500
FDNY Sponsor - $1,000
NYPD Sponsor - $1,000
PAPD Sponsor - $1,000
First Responder Sponsors - $500
Event Honorees Sponsor- $500
DIGITAL JOURNAL AD SPONSORSHIPS
Full Page - $250
Half Page - $125
This year, the First Responders Memorial Scholarships will be awarded in memory of Port Authority Police Officer, Alfonse J. Niedermeyer ‘79 and FDNY Firefighter, Daniel Pujdak ‘01
MASS: 8:00 AM in Chapel
REGISTRATION/CHECK-IN: 8:00 -9:15 AM
PEE WEE RACE: 9:15 AM
5K START: 9:30 AM
“RAIN OR SHINE”
$35 per person for all attendees. (Children under 10 are free.)
AWARDS CEREMONY & BREAKFAST FOLLOWING THE RACE!
AWARDS
Top Overall Male & Female 5K Finishers and Top Male and Female in each age division.
Saturday, May 6, 2023--Each year at the Spring Reunion, the St. Francis Prep Alumni Board honors a select group of alumni to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Hall of Fame inductees are those who have distinguished themselves in their professional vocation, community service and/or through their dedication to Prep and support of our Franciscan Mission. “We were delighted to honor Bill Maroney ‘55, Jim White ‘78 and Joe Pantaleo ‘03 this Spring” said Bro. Robert Kent, SFP’s Alumni Director. We also recognize members of the Prep community who are not graduates, by bestowing “Honorary Alumnus” status upon them. Ken Frers, Jeff Hohmann and George Ann Kotowicz were recognized as an Honorary Alumni. Congratulations to all of our wonderful honorees!
Annual Spring Reunion
In addition, We celebrated these well-deserved honors along with the return of our special Reunion Anniversary Class members. This event celebrated the return of the members of the 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th, 45th, 50th, 55th, 60th, 65th 70th and 75thAnniversary Classes.
50th Anniversary || Class of 1973
55th Anniversary || Class of 1968
60th Anniversary || Class of 1963
65th Anniversary || Class of 1958
70th Anniversary || Class of 1953
75th Anniversary || Class of 1948
of 1948 •75th Anniversary Reunion
Class of 1968 • 55th Anniversary Reunion Class
Class of 1973 • 50th Anniversary Reunion Class
Photos by Mike Graziano
Class
Class of 1978 • 45th Anniversary Reunion Class
Class of 1988 • 35th Anniversary Reunion Class
Bishop John Dunne (Class of 1955) celebrated his 60th Anniversary as a priest just days after the SFP Hall of Fame & Spring Reunion. On June 1, 1963 he was ordained by Bishop Kellenberg at St. Agnes Cathedral. Bishop Dunne attended the parochial school of St. Boniface Parish in Elmont and then went to St. Francis Prep when it was located in Brooklyn. He continued on to Cathedral College in Brooklyn before entering the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington. Thank you, Bishop Dunne, for more than a half-century of loving and dedicated priestly service to the people of God! Pictured (r-l): Bishop Dunne, Bro. Leonard Conway (Prep’s President) and SFP Chaplain, Fr. Ralph Edel. Inset (top): Bishop Dunne at the reunion (bottom) his 1955 San Fran yearbook image.
We are grateful for the talent and commitment of our student musicians and the SFP Music Department Faculty, which has been under the long-term leadership of department chair, Dr. Robert “Doc” Corbino (pictured inset). Many of alumni events “come to life” because they contribute their musical talents. We are delighted that the “next generation” of alumni have the opportunity to witness your enduring spirit and tremendous generosity as loyal and proud Terrier Alumni! Our reunion program also provides us with the opportunity to showcase the new facilities that have been constructed as part of the Prep’s Capital Improvement and Modernization Program. Alumni and guests gathered in the recently renovated student cafeteria as well as the new Music Classrooms for Orchestra Rehearsal and Instruction and Chorus Room. Prep’s Music department was recognized on the national level, by both the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation (NAMM) and Music for All’s Advocacy in Action. NAMM describes its recognition as, “A Support Music Merit Award is an opportunity for an individual school to be acknowledged for its commitment to music education.
The alumni board plays an important role in so much of what we do at St. Francis Prep. They encourage alumni to become engaged by attending events, serving as volunteers, and donating regularly. Brother Robert Kent, Prep’s Alumni Director said, “One of the most gratifying aspects of the Annual Spring Reunion is being able to honor the dedication, service, and creativity of our alumni board members on the anniversary of their service.” It should be no secret that the imagination, dedication and hard work of our Alumni Board Members, led by our President Wally Bishop ‘80, is one of the reasons for our continued success in faithfully trying to preserve our mission. The following members of the Alumni Board were acknowledged for their years of service and dedication:
We are so appreciative of the support, dedication and participation of our Alumni Board. A Year-End Planning Meeting and Appreciation Party was held on Wednesday, July 6th in Westbury, NY.
Ron Alama ‘86
Luz A. Bove ‘97
Charles Casolaro ‘88
Sal Cocchiaro ‘13
Nancy L. Demers ‘91
Nancy M. Donato ‘76
Alice Dunkak Quinn ‘79
Barbara Gillespie ‘82
Chirag Jethanandani ‘11
Michelle Kawka ‘95
Bro. Campion Lally, O.S.F. ‘55
Eileen LeMonda ‘78
John McAree ‘50
Patrick J. McArdle ‘89
Deirdre McDonough ‘81
Angelica M. McKessy ‘02
Chris Mendolia ‘87
‘76,
Michael Mongelli ‘79
John Morana ‘07
Marlon Morris ‘84
Kevin O’Donnell ‘73
Victoria Pascullo ’15
John S. Pereira ‘62*
Margaret Polino ‘81
Donna Rodger ‘77
Samantha Rooney ‘19
Lawrence Schiralli ‘80
Kathy Mackin Sciortino ‘76
Judith Vincze Sheridan ‘85
Denise Tracey ‘80
Kristina Veljak ‘90
William Viscovich ‘79
*Emeritus
Bro. Robert Kent, OSF, Alumni Director
Jen Hohman Assistant to the Alumni Director
Robert Angeletti H’11 Director of Development
Kim Perinuzzi Assistant to the Director of Development
Michael Graziano
Associate Director of Development
Sally Khan
Associate Director of Development
The Annual Florida Alumni Chapter Reception is a perennial favorite among alumni living in and traveling to the Sunshine State. The event rotates between the west coast and east coast each year! This year our gathering began with an outing at Steinbrenner Field to see the Yankees vs. the Tampa Bay Rays and it continued with a reception at the Buckhorn Springs Golf and Country Club in Valrico. A very special thank you to our reception hosts Paige and Marc Hamlin ‘84 for once again hosting us on Florida’s west coast. It was a fantastic and fun evening for one and all!
“As we begin our 166th year of Franciscan presence in ministry and service to God’s people let us not forget the many changes, challenges and adaptations that have occurred since we arrived from Ireland. Today we continue to adapt to the ever changing world in which we find ourselves. Its a marvelous time in our epic journey from the early days of catechesis and rudimentary education for the rural poor in the west of Ireland to our mission today of enhancing human sustainability via formal education in agricultural and academic skill development among the rural poor in Uganda, Kenya and South Sudan.” reads the website of The Franciscan Brothers of Mountbellew. Prep’s President, Brother Leonard Conway visited the Franciscan Brothers missions this summer as part of the 200th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Franciscan Brothers of Mountbellew, Ireland. This order founded our Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn as well as St Francis Prep in 1858! Bro. Leonard then traveled to Kenya and Uganda. In Kenya, he visited our twin school, St. Francis Secondary School in Lare. The Prep community provides significant financial support annually thanks to our students, parents and alumni.
Members of the Third Order Regular (TOR) and the Franciscan Brothers of Brookyn with Archbishop of Tuam, Francis Duffy.
St. Francis Prep re-established their Kenyan Exchange Program this summer (June 22-July 3, 2023) sending a team of four faculty members and our President, Bro. Leonard Conway to visit our twin school, St. Francis Secondary School in Lare, Kenya. Kevin Petry (Science) and Kristina Petry, (Mathematics), Thomas Vlkovic, (Religious Education), Christian Sullivan (Campus Ministry) and Bro. Leonard Conway, O.S.F. (President) traveled in July.
In 2009, the Franciscan Brothers of Mountbellew, Ireland, who founded St. Francis Prep in 1858, informed Bro. Leonard Conway, O.S.F., that we had a “twin school” in Kenya also named St. Francis and challenged SFP to connect with them. The schools formed a partnership that is growing and thriving -- with SFP fundraising for projects that have resulted in new water tanks, an expanded kitchen, concrete pathways, tiled classroom floors, a computer lab, a loaner bicycle program, a school minibus, and a basketball court. SFP also came together to provide solar panels for their twin school’s water pumping system, dramatically cutting electricity costs moving forward. “Over the last fourteen years we have helped transform the campus in Kenya. However, bringing members of our staff through our exchange program transforms our hearts,” stated Sullivan.
The SFP team shadowed partner teachers and administrators, toured the local community and schools, visited student homes, offered special enrichment classes, helped cook a special lunch for the entire school, met with political and church leaders, and socialized with the students and staff. One day was also spent off campus on a short safari. Sullivan has observed that faculty teach differently when they return, having gained a different perspective on social justice and on the world. “We bring U.S. dollars, but our Kenyan colleagues infuse us with the Franciscan spirit.”
In Lare, the team found a vibrant Catholic community where vocations to religious life are on the rise, liturgical celebrations are filled with joyous singing and dancing, and the Franciscan Brothers are expanding their ministries.
The Kenyan government has recently overhauled its educational system. It is now requiring all high schools to also provide middle school programs. St. Francis Secondary is expanding to accommodate a Junior Secondary School on campus to include grades 7-8. Most students walk two to three hours each way to school. SFP has pledged to help its twin to raise the $50K for a new 67 passenger school bus to expand the school’s reach into the rural community and provide safe transport for these younger students. “Education is a way out of poverty,” Sullivan explained, “where most parents are only making $2-3 per day.” Anyone interested in donating towards the new vehicle can send their contributions through St. Francis Prep.
ON THE COVER
A fter many years of planning, adjusting those plans and overcoming obstacles presented by the Covid pandemic, we are very happy to be able to say that the entire West side modernization of the school’s building complex is now complete--together with our beautiful new chapel and student dining facility. (An outdoor courtyard/atrium is still planned for next year in the “triangle” area adjacent to the building.) This west side project followed earlier phases of construction that resulted in new physical education and art facilities plus newly renovated science labs.
East side work has now started and will replicate the west side project during this upcoming 202324 year. This will all culminate next fall when we launch the 2024-25 celebrations to commemorate the Prep’s Golden Anniversary of its move from Brooklyn to Queens AND the evolution of the school as a co-educational academic institution which, 50 years later, proudly stands as the largest, private Catholic high school in the nation with 2400 wonderful students who come from all walks of life.
East side work has now started and will replicate the west side project during this upcoming 2023-24 year.
New West Wing Facade
New Orchestra Room
New Chapel
New Phys Ed Office
New Locker Room Facilities
Refurbished Auditorium Stage
New Chapel
Class of 2013
20th Anniversary Saturday, January 28, 2023 at St. Francis Prep
15th Anniversary || Class of 2003
Smiles, hugs and plenty of laughter and fond memories were the hallmarks of this special reunion gathering in January! Alumni were treated to a tour of the many newly renovated spaces at Prep--including the cafeteria! It’s always an amazing time when Prep alumni get together and this was no exception! Guests were dazzled and impressed by the ongoing capital improvement and modernization work that includes new science classrooms and labs, the new wing for the music rehearsal and instruction and locker rooms! When asked one alumnus said, “The Prep looks amazing and we’re so proud to be Terriers, but the best thing we saw tonight was each other!”
High
In 2008 an old tradition was revived when the St. Francis Prep community gathered to march in the NYC Saint Patrick’s Day Parade! Each year, we march up Fifth Avenue past many iconic landmarks including, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, The Plaza Hotel—all the way to 79th Street. Members of the SFP Irish Club, Student Government and the SFP Cheer Team march along with our Franciscan family from St. Anthony’s High School. Mark your calendars and come join with us in this wonderful tradition! The 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place on Saturday, March 16, 2024 and now you don’t have to take a day off from work! We anticipate an oversized level of participation this coming year!
More than $3 million has been raised over the past 12 years through The Annual Walk-A-Thon by our students,their families and friends in support of the Prep’s Capital Improvement & Modernization Program. It is amazing what can be accomplished when we all work together!
Our 13th Annual Walk-a-thon will be held on September 29, 2023
The Prep’s Annual President’s Dinner was held on Saturday, March 25 th at the school. This long-standing tradition is a salute to all of the loyal alumni, parents, faculty, staff, trustees and friends whose generosity at the “leadership” giving level helped St. Francis Prep in many wonderful ways during the past year.
The evening began with a Mass celebrated by SFP Chaplain, Fr. Ralph Edel in the Our Lady of the Angels Chapel. Following Mass, more than 200 guests enjoyed the musical talents of the String Orchestra, under the direction of Robert Johnston.
After the cocktail hour, Franciscan Brothers Superior General, Brother Gabriel O’Brien, O.S.F. offered an opening prayer and welcomed everyone. Brother Leonard Conway, O.S.F., Prep’s President updated guests on the significant and historic development efforts achieved through the generosity of our benefactors and the dedication of our talented faculty/staff and administration. Principal, Patrick J. McLaughlin ‘73 provided an overview of our students academic achievements.
Arianna Valte (who is attending Seton Hall University) and Gavin McArdle (who is studying at the University of Florida) both spoke with great reverence about their experiences at Prep and how the faculty and staff helped prepare them for college.
Pictured: (1) Fr. Ralph Edel, Prep’s chaplain celebrated Mass in the school chapel. (2) Benefactors, including William Maroney ‘55 listen attentively to the homily. (3) Patrick McLaughlin ‘73 receiving communion. (4) Prep’s President, Brother Leonard Conway welcomes guests.
(1) Arianna Valte ‘23 (fourth from left) is attending Seton Hall University and Gavin McArdle ‘23 (third from right) is studying at the University of Florida. Gavin’s parents are both Terrier Alumni —Colette (McCann) McArdle (Class of 1988) and Patrick J. McArdle (Class of 1989). Gavin’s brother, Patrick, is also a Terrier from the Class of 2018.
(2) The Franciscan Brothers were well represented: Brother Joshua DiMauro and Brother Gary Creagn
(3) Brother Bill Boslett and Gerry Scales ‘76
(4) Brother David Migliorino (Principal, St. Anthony’s High School) and Michelle Kwaka ‘95, Dr. Robert “Doc” Corbino (Music Department Chair)
(5) Members of the Prep’s faculty and staff always add a level of conviviality to the night: Mrs. Jennifer Hohmann (Alumni Office), Leo Pujdak (Religion-Ret.) and Mrs. Jeanne Buccino (Art Department, Chair)
(6) Billy Dobranski ‘77 and his wife, Joann, Wally Bishop ‘80 (Alumni Board President)
(7) Brother Robert Kent (Alumni Director) and Bernadette Lynch (sister of the late Michael F. Lynch ‘86). Bernadett’s late father, Daniel was a member of the Class of 1947.
An alumni chapter can do many different things. It can provide networking and professional development opportunities for alumni and current students in the field. Prep’s alumni chapters provide long-term value by giving alumni the chance to stay in contact and continue to learn from each other long after they have left school.
Monday, June 19, 2023
Cherry Valley Club, Garden City, NY
Our heartfelt thanks to all those who contributed to the success of the 29th Annual Golf Classic. This event could not happen without the hard work and dedication of so many participants, staff members and volunteers. In the end though, each year we come together with our Franciscan spirit and pride to honor some wonderful individuals! And this year is no exception. Our heartfelt gratitude and congratulations go to this year’s honorees: Jimmy Lynch ‘99 and Daniel Ryan ‘86. Also, thank you to all of our golfers, dinner guests, major sponsors, journal advertisers, and hole and tee sponsors. This event was “sold out” within days of the initial announcement and the “net” proceeds topped $100,000. The commemorative journal was also tremendous once again. This is a reflection of your devotion and generous commitment to the Prep. And our 2400 students are very thankful for your support! On for Ol’ St. Francis!
Lisa & Bob Adams ‘80
LUNCHEON SPONSOR
Lisa and Jeff Alter ‘80
Steel Equities
Joanne & Joseph Lostritto ‘79
FRANCISCAN BROTHERS
SPONSOR
Maspeth Federal Savings
JOURNAL SPONSOR
Eileen LeMonda ‘78, HOF ‘02
The LeMonda Family
LIVE & SILENT AUCTION SPONSOR
All Dimension Construction
GOLF CARTS SPONSORS
Wally Bishop ‘80
Michael Mongelli ‘79
CulinArt Group
Innovative Dining Solutions
DRIVING RANGE
CO-SPONSORS
Dave Beltran Stretto
Eddie Slampiak ‘90
CRM Construction & Maintenance
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Richard Mednick
Medco Electrical Contracting, Inc.
PUTTING GREEN
SPONSOR
Smith & DeGroat Real Estate
HOLE-IN-ONE PRIZE
SPONSOR
Koeppel Nissan
Hole #5 Win a Nissan Altima
RAFFLE PRIZE SPONSORS
Eileen LeMonda ‘78, HOF ‘02
The LeMonda Family
Dover Gourmet Corp.
Harvard Maintenance
Dan Duffy H’03
Tom Gebert '79
Primary Land Services
Ed and Derek Nolan
The Nolan Group
John P. Campo, Esq. Akerman LLP
Eddie Slampiak ‘90
CRM Construction & Maintenance
Richard Mednick
Medco Electrical Contracting, Inc.
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Waldorf Risk Solutions
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McNulty Outdoors Inc.
Beth Olwell McNulty ‘80 & Bob McNulty ‘80
were on hand to throw out the first pitch on the day of the 2023 City Championship game. Their team (pictured below) claimed the City Title in 1959! In the San Fran yearbook picture Peter Callahan is in the top row (second from left) and Ray Nash is in the front row (second from left).
Put
finished
overall in
put at the NYS Federation Outdoor Track and Field Championships. At the CHSAA B/Q and City Championships, he placed first in both the shot put and discus earning him the MVP award of the city’s ‘AA” division. A week later, he won the NYS Catholic Intersectional championship in the shot put and advanced to the NYS Federation meet, where he became the first SFP thrower to break 50 feet in the shot put in over 20 years! Photo by Justin
This year at the CHSAA Intersectional Championship our boys’ 4x100 meter relay team of Steven Herbert, Spyridon Kaloudis, Dionis Best, and Jaden Rose ran 43.21 to break a school record that has stood since 1957. Our freshman Frank Corrao also broke the school’s freshman 1600 meter record with a time of 4:42.40.
BOYS BASKETBALL B/Q Finalist Final Four City Championships
GIRLS BASKETBALL
3rd Place B/Q Championships
BASEBALL
B/Q & City CHAMPIONS
BOWLING 4th Place
STEP SQUAD CHSAA Championships
FOOTBALL AA - Play-off Quarterfinals
GOLF 1st Place in CHSAA Division
HOCKEY 2nd Place Play-off Semi Finals
GIRLS LACROSSE A Division City Champions
BOYS SOCCER B/Q - 1st Place Play-off Quarter finalist
GIRLS SOCCER 2nd Place Play-off Finalist
SOFTBALL 2nd Place Play-off Semi Finals
BOYS SWIMMING 4th Place in the Division
GIRLS SWIMMING 4th Place in the Division
BOYS TENNIS 3rd Place
BOYS TRACK & FIELD B/Q Champions
GIRLS TRACK & FIELD B/Q & City Champions
BOYS VOLLEYBALL
5th Place in the Division
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
2nd Place in the Division Play-off Finalist
TENNIS CHAMPIONS
Third consecutive undefeated season
Last August Varsity Football Coach Rich Carroll ‘86 took part in the annual Alcatraz Sharkfest Swim — a two-mile swim across the San Francisco Bay from the infamous Alcatraz federal prison to raise funds for the purchase of a scoreboard for the Prep’s junior varsity and freshman football field. He initially sought to raise $5,000, but thanks to the tremendous support of the St. Francis Prep football community, he quadrupled his goal in raising $20,000 — the remainder of which will be used to enhance the football experience for the Terriers’ student-athletes. On August 26, 2023 the Prep unveiled its new scoreboard at the football program’s annual preseason kickoff barbecue. Families and alumni were on hand to celebrate the joyous occasion. Pictured: Coach Rich Carroll ‘86 (right) addressing the crowd with assistant coach, Bob Waeglein ‘78 (left) and the new scoreboard prominently displayed.
The strong Terrier spirit that we know today began way back when Prep was located in Brooklyn--nearly a half century ago! Today these “Brooklyn Terriers” are the standard bearers of the great Prep spirit and tradition which all other alumni classes emulate! Members of the Class of 1960 continued their monthly lunch meetings. In July they met at “Uncle Bacala’s” restaurant in Garden City. Pictured at left (seated l-r): Ray Iannicelli, Bill Zuk, Pat Armstrong, Ben Ruggiero, Bill Spadola and Tony Biancaniello Their August monthly luncheon at the “Second Avenue Deli” in NYC. Pictured below (l-r): Ray Dudzinski, Bill Spadola, Ray Iannicelli, Ben Ruggiero, Brian Wickham and Tony DeSantis. There was plenty of good food and good stories. On for Ol’ St. Francis!
John Pereira ‘62 and his wonderful wife, Terry are celebrating their 50th Anniversary of marriage this year! John has been a member of the SFP Alumni Board for more than three decades and is a member of the SFP Board of Trustees. They are the parents of Terriers, Jonathan (Class of 1999) and Casey (Class of 1994). They are a regular presence at so many of our alumni events and are generous and steadfast supporters of the Annual Fund and the June Golf Classic! Congratulations and thank you for all that you do for the students of St. Francis Prep!
Justine and John Kosinski ‘84 just celebrated 32 years of marriage. They have four wonderful children who are all Prep alumni; Nastassja (Class of 2011) Angelica (Class of 2013) Marissa (Class of 2017) and Gianna (Class of 2020) John is an attorney and Justine works as an assistant to the registrar at SFP. Pictured: John and Justine at the Terrier Red & Blue Ring of Honor Awards Dinner in 2022.
Almost 40!
William “Billy” Ashton ‘76 and his lovely wife, Debbie celebrated their 39th anniversary of matrimony! Billy has been a long time supporter of the Prep’s Washington D.C. Area Alumni Chapter. Upon graduation from St. Francis Prep in 1976, he joined the U.S. Navy. During his 23-year career he advanced from Seaman Recruit to Lieutenant Commander and retired in 1999. Upon retirement, Billy enjoyed a very diverse second career.
Brother David Migliorino 50th (History)
Brother Larry Boyle 60th (History/Registrar)
Brother Patrick Campbell 60th (English)
Brother Louis Miratello 65th (Science/Aviation Club)
Brother Mark Waldman 25th (Technology/Business)
Judith Vincze Sheridan ‘85 and her devoted husband, Michael celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary this summer! Congratulations to these two wonderful “kids”! Judith serves as a member of the SFP Alumni Board and is President of the Putnam Symphony Orchestra. She enjoyed a career at J.P. Morgan Chase before becoming President of “Home and Heart”. She is a 1981 graduate of St. Robert Bellarmine School in Bayside.
What are the chances of three Class of 1979 Prepsters meeting up in an airplane hangar? Frank Gasper ‘79 , Bill Viscovich ‘79 and his wife, Felicia Varlese Viscovich ‘79 learned that their children (Jack and Adam) were flying together in their F-18 during Carrier Family Day in March at Naval Station Lemoore in California. They wound up hosting a mini SFP reunion in the hangar after their flight. Pictured (l-r): Lieutenant Jack Gasper, his father, Frank Gasper ‘79, along with Bill Viscovich ‘79, Felicia Varlese ‘79, their daughter, Erica Viscovich ‘17, and their son, Lieutenant Adam Viscovich ‘15.
The CHSAA held its annual Hall of Fame induction golf outing and dinner on May 18 at the Inwood Country Club on Long Island. A group of 10 inductees joined the ranks of dedicated former student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and officials who have dedicated their lives to Catholic high school sports in the New York City area. This year’s class included our very own, Sal Fischetti ‘83. Sal began teaching full time in 1987 in the Physical Education Department at Prep. He then coached girls’ varsity basketball from 1989-1996 and was named Coach of the Year in 1995 when his team won the New York State Class ‘B’ Federation championship. He was appointed chairperson of the Physical Education Department in 1991 and by 1998 he assumed the additional role as athletic director. He now serves on a number of local and state sports committees and continues to be the tennis chairperson for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, L.I.
After nearly four decades at St. Francis Prep, Fischetti says that he’s “been blessed to work in a community with so many people that he admires and respects.” Pictured above: Sal poses with his wife, Denise ‘84 and many colleagues whom he also counts as dear friends. Missing from the group photo, but pictured (inset) is SFP Alumni Director, Brother Robert Kent, OSF, who was “working the room” and is pictured with Bob Malandro,
School.
“ Prep provided me with a nurturing learning environment... the Franciscan Brothers always demonstrated enthusiasm for teaching...they developed positive relationships with students and were highly motivated and committed.”
Brother Louis Miritello, OSF encouraged Prep students to learn the theory of flight on a flight simulator in the mid-1970s; that was well before Microsoft released their flight simulator game for PCs in the early 1980s. It was then that Charles Casolaro ‘88 decided that he wanted learn how to fly. He recalled the moment saying, “I was totally captivated the moment I sat in the flight simulator. My parents objected to the idea of me taking flying lessons, but while I was visiting my grandparents in Florida, I convinced them to take me to a flight school.” After a short time in a real plane, the flight instructor turned to his grandparents and declared, “that boy is gonna become a pilot!” Charlie ultimately decided to study law and is a practicing attorney and a private pilot in his leisure time. Today he is Chief Counsel to the Nassau Comptroller as well as an attorney in Private Practice. Charlie is a member of the Lawyer/Pilot Bar Association and the New York State and Nassau County Bar Associations, and the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy. He is also admitted to the New York State Bar, and the United States District Court Bars for the Southern and Eastern districts of New York. Charlie is a member of the SFP Alumni Board and chair of the Annual Golf Classic. Pictured clockwise from top left: Brother Louis Miritello in the flight simulator at SFP. || || A view from cockpit at dusk. (Look closely for Charlie’s silhouetted profile on the left) || Charlie performing routine maintenance on his plane. || Charlie at a recent Prep alumni event.
During his four years at St. Francis Prep, Tom recalls that he preferred experiencing the great outdoors and nature’s beauty rather than parsing over the intricacies of financial concepts. However, today, he finds himself at the helm of a $2 billion, mutual-savings association. Rudzewick is the president and chief executive officer of Maspeth Federal Savings and Loan Association. He excels in business and yet still maintains reverence for his core values of family, community, faith and nature.
As a young boy, Tom admired his dad— Kenneth T. Rudzwick —who started working at Maspeth Federal Savings (MFS) at the age of 19 and worked his way up from teller to president and CEO. “When I was a little tyke going to grammar school,” he said, “I was the only one walking in with a trench coat and a briefcase trying to emulate my father.”
His father enjoyed a 40 year career at Maspeth Federal, but Tom never intended to follow in his father’s footsteps. “I was much more of an outdoors man and I thought I would be doing something other than sitting at a desk,” Rudzewick said. It was only in college that Tom realized that he had a pretty good knack with numbers.
After graduating from Iona, Tom served as a real estate appraiser for Cushman & Wakefield and other entities before joining his father at Maspeth Federal as its chief lending officer in 2000. “The recommendation to come join the bank was more because of my background,” he said. “I knew everyone on the Board of Directors and I was very comfortable going here, even knowing my father had created a tremendous legacy.”
After being promoted to senior vice president he was elected to the Board of Directors in 2011. And after three decades Tom did become the “man behind the desk” and was appointed to serve as his father’s successor at Maspeth Federal in 2016.
Being behind the desk in the top spot at the bank hasn’t made Tom inaccessible. “It’s about the community,” he said in an interview with the Queens Chronicle. “The phrase ‘It’s not personal, it’s business’ couldn’t be further from the truth because everything we do is personal,” he said. That is something his late sister (a NYC school teacher) taught him- to keep the personal aspect of things in focus.” MFS puts customers, communities and employees at the forefront of everything they do. This philosophy has proven itself true
during the toughest of times--particularly in March 2020 when all nonessential activity throughout the state went on pause with the Covid-19 epidemic. “If somebody would call and say, ‘I know it’s the 15th and my payment is due, but I have to go to the hospital with my husband or grandfather or one of my children.’ We told them, ‘Go to the hospital.’”
The spread of corona-virus was gaining momentum. As a preparation, the MFS board had crafted a forbearance program. “We were ready to respond,” Rudzewick said. During the height of the pandemic, some 1,000 clients were able to arrange to adjust or temporarily defer their payments until the storm passed.
Tom is a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Maspeth; he served as a board member of the Queens Museum, and has volunteered as the general manager of the St. Anthony High School Hockey Club for the past eight years. Jamaica Hospital in Queens honored him for his humanitarian contributions at its Annual Gala in 2017 and he was the recipient of distinguished service awards from the Martin Luther School and the St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy, both located in Maspeth. The bank supports many community events during the course of the year. It was a lesson that he learned growing up, as his father got the family very involved in the local parish (St. Stanislaus), area sports activities and the Boy Scouts.
Tom has also been very committed to helping St. Francis Prep students in the area of Personal Financial Literacy. Each year he visits the Prep and makes presentations on budgeting, spending and the wise use of credit. This represents another example of the “community outreach” effort that Tom has so skillfully nurtured in recent years, as well as the spirit of generosity he has exhibited toward the Prep.
Jim Gannon ‘83 founded the Common Cents Program in 2015, which conducts financial workshops geared toward high school students interested in finance. This summer he offered it to Prep students and invited his classmate, Bob Marietta ‘83 and Wally Bishop ‘80 were guest speakers. Jim currently works with The Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University, as well as other educational institutions delivering finance programs to teenagers. In addition to his professional experience on Wall Street, Jim is a Certified Financial Education Instructor, a member of the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association, the Catholic Finance Association, and The National Arts Club. This past spring semester, Jim served as a guest lecturer at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in the Business Journalism course. Jim lives with his wife and two children in Manhattan and is a graduate of Queens College.
Julie Chen Moonves ‘87 was in town visiting family and catching up with friends and arranged a visit to meet the recipients of the scholarship she established in 2018. The Julie Chen ‘87 Scholarship is a permanent scholarship fund that assists deserving students who may otherwise find it financially difficult to attend the Prep. Julie has been the host of the American version of the CBS reality-television program Big Brother since its debut in July 2000. She often credits Prep for helping to put her on her path and for the wonderful, lifelong friendships she made at Prep—including Tina Reali ‘87 who accompanied her on her visit!
At every home game at Citi Field, the NY Mets salute the “Veteran of the Game”. A player presents the honoree with an American flag that flew over Citi Field and Citi Vision plays a segment showcasing the soldier’s achievements while serving in the military. Sergeant James Giordano (United States Army) father of Denise Giordano Caiafa ‘88 and James Giordano, Jr. ‘92 was Veteran of the Game at CitiField on August 12, 2023 (Mets vs Braves)
Briana Kapela Del Pilar (Class of ‘09) and Marc Del Pilar (Class of ‘07) proud to announced that they welcomed a daughter into the world on July 18, 2023—River Francis. Congratulations!
Almost all of the Catholic high schools within the Diocese of Brooklyn have lay leaders who lead and organize the religious activities within the schools’ communities. These dedicated ministers are responsible for planning liturgies, retreats, sacramental preparation, charity drives, service and social outreach programs and providing pastoral care for students. Campus Ministry encourages students to make time for prayer, service and reflection during high school and in life. St. Francis Prep has always done (and continues to do) an outstanding job with students through experiences such as retreats, days of recollection, spiritual direction/counseling and religious worship; all of these activities lend to their spiritual development. It came to light at a May 2023 meeting of the Diocesan Campus Ministers, that there are St. Francis Prep alumni working in Campus Ministry at five different schools in the area. This highlights the impact that Prep has made on its students and our commitment to the ministry of young people.
The newest addition (and largest) memorial on the Pathway to Saint Francis is a Gazebo that honors the lives of First Responders who made the ultimate sacrifice. Alumni Director, Bro. Robert Kent said, “No one will be forgotten... it will honor all Terriers who served as First Responders and lost their lives in the years leading up to and including September 11th.” The gazebo also stands as an homage to our roots in Brooklyn. When the Franciscan Brothers first arrived in America, they established a Friary at 300 Baltic Street. The Brothers reorganized the building and established their monastery in the basement and converted the upper floors into classrooms. An “arbor” was constructed and it was used as an outdoor gathering space for the Brothers The Brothers occupied that space from 1858 until 1952. In the ensuing years a photo of the building on Baltic Street and the iconic arbor captured the imagination of the earliest generations of Prepsters. “This new addition also serves to honor our early roots in Brooklyn.” said Bro. Robert. Pictured: (inset) Baltic Street and the new gazebo on the Horace Harding Expressway side of the building.
On Thursday, August 17th, Danny Finn, Class of 2011 played for FDNY Baseball team and drove in a run at the annual NYPD vs. FDNY Battle of the Badges charity baseball game at Citi Field. While at Prep Danny played soccer, baseball and was on the swim team. His mom, Maria, taught religion at Prep and is currently the coach of the SFP swim team. Way to go, Danny!!
As part of their end of the year project, the students in Mr. Gonzalez’s (below,center) Regents Physics course designed and built roller coasters. Their project was judged on both functionality and creativity by two of Mr. Gonzalez’s former students. Prep alumni Stephanie Castro ‘12 (left) and Albert Munoz ‘12 (right) are licensed engineers who acted as the judges! Another important example of how Terrier Alumni are “coming back and giving back” to the next generation! Thank you Stephanie and Albert!
On November 29th, SFP proudly welcomed back Marine Private First Class, Anthony Doster, SFP Class of 2020. Anthony had just completed 13 weeks of intense training at the US Marine Corps. Basic Training Facility in Paris Island, South Carolina. He demonstrated the physical, mental, and moral strength that are prerequisites to earn the respected title of United States Marine. Anthony led the school in the morning prayer and in our Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you, Anthony for your service to our country and for coming back! Pictured above: Anthony with his mom, Debbie, who is a Prep staff member in the Technology Department.
Pictured below: Bro. Robert Kent (Alumni Director) Bro.Leonard Conway (President), Anthony and Patrick McLaughlin (Principal)
Prep Athletics Director, Sal Fischetti ‘83 truly embodies the Franciscan spirit evidenced by his committment to our students and also by providing warm welcomes to all returning Terrier alumni athletes. Basketball program alumni, Chance Morrish ‘22, Jessie Kilian ‘22 and Jaden Daughtry ‘22 often return “home” to Prep to visit Mr. Fischetti and use the opportunity to work out in the fitness center and practice on the hardwood. It’s just another example of why we say, “High school is four years; St. Francis Prep is Forever!”
Dr. Nicole Rebusi ‘09 returned “home” to Prep on June 2nd and was the keynote speaker at the Prep’s annual 2023 Science Research Symposium Nicole is an Infectious Disease Fellow at Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA. (Coincidentally, she was in her senior year during N1H1-Swine Flu outbreak.) As a student, Nicole participated in SFP’s rigorous, multi-year Science Research Program and was a semi-finalist in the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS).
Nicole provided an overview of the wonderful career that she currently enjoys and attributed much of her success to the rigors of her participation in the Prep’s Science Research Program. “Prep was academically challenging-but fun! The memories that I made here...the friendships, my teachers, mentors and coaches certainly shaped who I am today.” After Prep, Nicole went on to earn her Bachelors at New York University. Her work as an EMT in college, influenced her decision to pursue a career in the medical field. She earned her Doctor of Medicine at Central Michigan University College of Medicine in 2019. Nicole spoke encouraginly to the students about knowing how much work and preparation lies ahead them. She said, “Like the hummingbirds, you will feel like your wings are flapping at a million miles per minute. But know that you’ll always have a home/nest you can come back to...to build upon... here at St. Francis Prep. This is an environment that nurtures you and supports you, be confident in knowing that you will always have a community in SFP.” Pictured above(l-r): Nicole, SFP faculty members, Casey Clark (Science Research Program Director) and James Larocca (Assistant Director). Inset: Nicole and Ms. Maryanne Spicijaric ‘84 in 2009.
On a winter afternoon in February 2022, Prep Art Department Faculty member and Terrier alumna, Dianna Shmerykowsky ‘01 took the microphone at the closing of the faculty/ staff retreat to make an urgent appeal to her colleagues. She spoke with a sense of urgency and passion about the great humanitarian crisis that was unfolding in Ukraine in the wake of Russia’s invasion of the country. She cited the critical needs—including food, safe drinking water, shelter, and emergency health care.
Dianna also spoke of the volunteer work that she was performing on behalf of Plast, a Ukrainian Scouting Organization. (Similar to Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the principal obligation of a Plast Scout is to help others within their community.)
“My community has continued with humanitarian aid in terms of medical supplies and the creation of Pocket First Aid kits. In NYC, we have already made nearly 2,000 of these kits and the goal is to make another 5,000 this weekend” Dianna said in a June 2022 email--when it was just four months into the crisis.
Since then millions of Ukrainians have fled the country in what amounts to the largest population outflow in Europe since World War II. Humanitarian assistance—helping Ukrainians maintain access to fundamental services, like healthcare and heat, as they fight for their liberty and sovereignty continues.
Plast coordinated the collection of supplies as the Russian military tried to use winter as a weapon against the Ukrainian people. Dianna again reached out to the Prep community and asked for donations to Ukraine for children through an effort dubbed “Warm Hands & Warm Feet” to save lives and meet the urgent needs of the Ukrainian children.
Shmerykowsky, whose mother passed away when she was a child, has always maintained
close ties to her family’s Ukrainian heritage. Since she was a youngster, she’s been involved in a Ukrainian American Dance Company —Syzokryli—which was profiled in the March 2023 edition of the monthly fashion and lifestyle magazine, Vogue. Dianna said, “Getting involved in the dance company was an instinctual thing... as I grew older it became something I wanted to continue in order to continue my mom’s legacy.” Dianna also honors her late father, John Shmerykowsky, a very prominent architectural engineer, through her devotion to teaching and inspiring Prep students in the Art Department.
Service to the poor and marginalized, affirmation of the unique worth of each person, appreciation for beauty, reverence for all creation, and faith in a personal and provident God—these are the values and vision of St. Francis of Assisi
As the war in Ukraine grinds on, Dianna’s steadfast dedication continues. In a recent email to the Prep community she stated “If you are interested in helping in another way, there is the “Medical Relief for Ukraine” which is based in Hudson, NY. This organization was created to assist in treatment and rehabilitation of the wounded during the war in Ukraine.”
Dianna Shemerykowsky, a dedicated teacher, talented artist and proud promoter of her Ukrainian heritage is a fine reflection of the values we teach at St. Francis Prep. She demonstrates to our students how our faculty and staff put our Franciscan values into action!
The Three C’s: Carol Schneider ‘79, Connor Kennedy ‘10 and Courtney Yepez Kennedy ‘07 Connor Kennedy ‘10, a graduate of USMMA, just graduated again—this time from the FDNY Academy! Connor, a Terrier football alum, served as an assistant coach for the SFP Varsity Football team in 2019 and later joined the Mariner football coaching staff in July 2020. While at USMMA, Connor was an outstanding player. After graduation, he spent six years working as a Marine Engineer for the NYC Department of Transportation. On May 6, 2023, Connor and his lovely wife, Melanie, welcomed Colin Thomas Kennedy into the world. His sister, Courtney (Kennedy) Yepez ‘07 and her wonderful husband, Anthony, welcomed Roman Anthony into the world on October 24, 2022. Their mom, Carol Schneider ‘79 (who is the manager of the SFP Bookstore) is simply overjoyed!
SISTERS ENSURING THE HEALTH & SAFETY OF PREPSTERS
Mary Pappas ‘78 and her sister, Johanna ‘95 work at Prep to ensure our student’s health and safety. Mary is the school Nurse and Johanna is a member of the security team. Another sibling, Bernadette (Pappas) Bruno ‘80 (not pictured) is part of the Attendance Office team at the school. Thanks to the Pappas family for all that you do for the students at St. Francis Prep! Pictured (l-r): Johann ‘95 and Mary ‘78 pose for a photo at the close of a very successful 2022-23 academic school year.
Blair Mulholland, Class of 2023 is the latest member of the Mulholland family to graduate from St. Francis Prep! Her Terrier family history dates back to her grandfather, Joseph (Class of 1946) and continued with her late father, Royce (Class of 1979) and her uncle, Josh (Class of 1984). While at Prep Blair excelled academically and was a member of the National Honor Society. She was also selected to participate in the rigorous, multi-year Science Research Program at Prep. She was also a retreat leader, a peer counselor and a member of the Irish Club. Now Blair is off to study Nursing at Marquette University.
Pictured: (1) Connor’s FDNY graduation photo. (2) (l-r) Anthony Yepez, Courtney ‘07, Carol Schneider ‘79, Connor ‘10 and his wife, Melanie and her mom, Mae and Jimmy Kerwin. (3) Colin Thomas Kennedy born on May 6, 2023. (4) Courtney ‘07 (holding her son and future Terrier, Roman) and Connor ‘10 (holding his niece and future Terrier, Jolie)
Pictured (top to bottom): Blair and her mom, Lauretta Kennedy-Mulholland || her grandfather, Joseph (Class of 1946), her late father, Royce (Class of 1979) and uncle, Josh (Class of 1984)
AN “ARIEL” VIEW OF THE CITY ARIEL VIERA ‘06 CREATES STORIES ABOUT HISTORY, ARCHITECTURE, AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Ariel Viera ‘06 is a New York City based freelance video content creator and the founder and creator of the show, Urbanist. Ariel focuses on history, architecture, and urban development and has amassed an audience of more than 1.5 million subscribers across all of his social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. He describes himself as a filmmaker, storyteller and short-form content creator. Ariel says, “I combine my filmmaking skills and storytelling expertise to create impactful, shortform stories that matter.”
Through Urbanist, he explores the places (home and abroad) that you won’t find in the guidebooks. Ariel says, “I’m driven by one thing: to tell stories that will change the way you view the world.” All of his content is meticulously researched. He said, “On a tour, I’m researching anywhere from three to 10 hours or more.” Ariel believes “with great stories comes great responsibility because stories have the power to shape our perspectives of the world; to establish connections through shared experiences; to be a driving force for change.”
Throughout his career he has explored 30+ cities across the world and has had the privilege to create short-form content for NYCgo, Visit Stockholm, RiseNY, Bulova, Corcoran, Serhant, and Douglas Elliman. He is a self-published novella author, a 2018 Shorty Award Finalist for Live-Streamer of the Year, and a music producer with five albums that blend various genres into story-focused scores.
Ariel struck out on his own seven years ago and since then has created more than 2,000+ videos. He has collaborated
with brands such as New York Tourism Board, Visit Philly, Visit Helsinki, Atlas Obscura, CityLab, Facebook 360 team, Sennheiser, Central Park Conservancy, (RED), Untapped Cities, Museum Hack, and many others. In his former “9 to 5” professional career he built communities and created content for Gawker Media, Vox Media, Foursquare, and Museum Hack.
His signature ‘sign-off line’ at the end of every Urbanist production is: “Stay curious my friends!”
Gisselle M. Aguirre ‘84, a Prepster who embodied artistic curiosity and talent —and integrity—having the courage to live her life truthfully and morally, and having the strong character to work hard with community purpose, compassion and spirituality. Affectionately named “Gissy”, she was a truly fine person. Her sister, Ariana Goldman vividly illustrated her life: “She was beautiful, loyal, moral, hardworking, creative, highly organized, intelligent, fashionable, loving, faithful, humorous, inquisitive, caring, generous, energetic, well-traveled, an avid reader, and a tireless learner.”
Gisselle was a fearless leader as a Nursing Healthcare Administrator (NHA). Her commitment to excellence shone in her care for others always, as well as adding a personal touch to really get to know everyone she met during her daily routine. She was a volunteer with the American Red Cross, and Habitat for Humanity, extending her commitment to helping others in need. She showered her family and friends with unconditional love by spending quality time together and being generous. She enjoyed laughing and sharing stories. She was provocative in thought and an excellent conversationalist and loved connecting people either for networking or for helping others.
Gisselle passed on July 22nd, 2022 at the age of 56 due to complications from a viral infection. Her death was unexpected, and she was taken too early from her family and friends. Her sister, Ariana, SFP Class of 1985, established this award in her memory.
THE MIKE ABRUZZO & RUTH SPEER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
DR. PHILLIP F. ACEVEDO ‘06 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE ELIZABETH G. ‘80 & ROBERT J. ADAMS, JR. ‘80 SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE LISA A. AND JEFFREY D. ALTER ‘80 SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE DANNY APICELLA ‘00 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE JOSEPH M. BARBARINO ‘62 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE MICHAEL BRENNAN ‘91 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE PETER CALLAHAN & CLASS OF 1959/1960 SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE JULIE CHEN ‘87 SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE CORBISIERO FAMILY (ANTHONY ‘87) SCHOLARSHIP FUND
For information about establishing a scholarship, please contact the Office of Development at (718) 423-8810, ext. 269
Jeanine was a teacher who passed away in 2015, and her family, especially her sister Nicole Sturiano who donated the award, want Jeanine remembered at Prep in this way. This will be given to a graduating senior each year, and we are proud to present Kodie Williams ‘23 with this year’s award.
Jeanine radiated beauty, poise, compassion, grace, and love. She was kind and funny. Jeanine had a magical way with young children - teaching them how unlock the key to reading and nurturing their joy of learning. Jeanine was a loving thoughtful friend, daughter, wife and an outstanding cook. Many lucky friends, colleagues, and family members were often delighted with surprise batches of cookies that Jeanine would bake to brighten their day.
When a persistent cough in the fall of 2013 turned out to be stage 4 lung cancer, Jeanine fought a tough battle with her usual grace, determination, and passion. She became a spokesperson for the American Lung Association’s Lung Force Walk which led the way to greater awareness and support for women fighting lung cancer. Jeanine was so amazing God made her an angel 4 years ago. She is sorely missed. Jeanine’s incredible influence and spirit live on in her family, friends, colleagues, and thousands of children.
THE PETER CORRITORI ‘59 STEM SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE TIMOTHY DEVANE ‘57 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE GEORGE DILLMAN ‘00 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE MARTIN DOHERTY ‘76 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE DANIEL J. FINNEGAN ‘80 SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE FIRST RESPONDERS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE FRANCISCAN BROTHERS CLIFFORD, CONWAY & SMITH SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE FRIENDS OF SFP FOOTBALL FUND
THE VINCENT GIAMMONA ‘79 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE WALTER & MARY HENNING MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE PAUL M. JOURCIN ‘65 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE HUGH & MARGARET KELLY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE THOMAS R. KELLY ‘80 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE BROTHER ROBERT KENT, O.S.F SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE LOSTRITTO FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP FUND (JOANNE & JOSEPH ‘79) EST. IN MEMORY OF ROYCE MULHOLLAND ‘79
THE MICHAEL F. LYNCH ‘86 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE WILLIAM D. MARONEY ‘55 SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE JOHN “ZEEK” MARCHASSALLA ‘79 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE BERNICE & JAMES E. MCHUGH H’92 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE TIM LEARY ‘63 & JANE MODRY H’00 MEMORIAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FUND
THE BRIAN MURPHY ‘83 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE ALFONSE J. NIEDERMEYER ‘79 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE MARY & VINCENT O’CONNOR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE JAMES PRENDERGAST ‘79 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE DANIEL PUJDAK ‘01 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE ALBERT MAXWELL ROBB MEMORIAL FINE ARTS SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE THOMAS SHEEHAN ‘55 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE TIMOTHY STACKPOLE ‘77 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE MARK TEOFILO/JOHN MCGINLEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
#Terrier STAR Student Tuition Assistance & Relief
THE PAULETTE & VINCENT A. TOSCANO ‘53 SCHOLARSHIP FUND
THE MAY 12TH SCHOLARSHIP FUND (est. & fully funded by Jeannie & Jack Kiley ‘80)
THE 186 NORTH 6TH STREET BROOKLYN FUND SCHOLARSHIP FUND (est with a $50,000 initial investment toward a fully documented $1 Million bequest-by-will from a member of the class of 1957)
THE MATHEW VALENZA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND (est. by the Schaetzle Family)
THE VONA FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP FUND (est. & fully funded by Joseph Vona ‘92 & Robert Vona ‘90)
St. Francis Prep has a long and illustrious history of recognizing, honoring and paying tribute to alumni who have gone to their eternal reward, especially those who were role models for the youth of today.Gisselle M. Aguirre ‘84 Art Scholarship Award Jeanine Morin Pucci ‘89 Memorial Scholarship
William McLaughlin 1940
Joseph P. Callahan 1943
Nicholas J. Caragiulo 1949
Nicholas E. Conti 1949
Bro. Robert Schaefer, O.S.F. 1950
Herbert T. “Herb” Gerardi 1953
James M. Healy 1953
William A. Proefriedt 1953
Arthur Swaine 1954
George Guglielmo 1955
Carmine J. Bracco, Jr. 1956
Edward Joseph Checkett 1958
(LISTED ALPHABETICALLY WITHIN GRADUATION YEAR)
John M. Gibbons 1958
Michael P. Jeffrey 1958
Angelo V. Martino1958
Robert Sugameli 1958
Dr. John J. Williams 1958
Peter Ghisone 1959
Joseph T. Gatti 1960
Arthur W. Toohig, Jr. 1960
Harry Singleton 1962
John Clark 1963
Richard C. Strype 1966
Paul J. Hoolahan 1967
Marie Abiuso- mother of RoseMarie DiMaria ‘76
John J. Allen- father of John Allen ‘93
Sister Martha Arnold, O.P.-former faculty member
Henry Back- father of Susan Vivona, (Ret. Religion Faculty)
Maria Batagely- mother of Barbara Batagely ‘78
Margaret “Peggy” Buckleyretired SFP Librarian and mother of Erin Buckley-Deluca ‘81, Neal G. Buckley ‘85, and Noreen Buckley Van Derzee ‘86
Patricia A. Chapman-mother of Richard Chapman ‘83
Gaylene M. Clayton- daughter of Jack Ward ‘55
Donna Conforti- mother-in-Law of Ted Alexandro ‘87
Jane D’Agostino- mother of Maria D’Agostino-Velissari ‘86
Florence Dillon-mother of Suzanne Dillon-Dorney ‘80
Robert Dillon- brother of Maureen Dillon-Brennan ‘82
Margaret “Peggy” Dobranski- mother of Bill ‘77 and Tommy Dobranski ‘76
Gerald “Jerry” Evagelatos 1968
Gerard Pierre Paul 1968
Jeffrey Hergen 1970
Zenon Szaro 1974
Denise Perlak 1975
Richard Siconolfi 1975
Marianne E. Flanagan-Hurewitz 1976
John “Buddy” O’Neill 1978
Brian Murphy 1980
Bridget M. Bishop-Pomposelli 1982
Bryan P. Collins 1982
Christopher T. Holmes 1983
Floracita “Flo” Dunn- mother of Carrie Dunn-Fischetti ‘82
Maureen Dunne- former Nurse at SFP
Scott Eide- son of Sofia Eide (Ret.Staff)
Delanie Fekert- daughter of Mary Lou ‘84, niece of Colleen (Browne) Magaraian ‘83 and Patti-Ann Browne-Ronan ‘83
Doris Gadpaille- mother of Ivanhoe ‘83
Margherita Ganci- mother of David Ganci (Faculty Member)
Sr. Elizabeth Mary Gildea, C.S.J. -sister of Monsignor John Gildea, Friend of St. Francis Prep
Maureen Gillan-wife of Martin Gillan ‘54
William H. Hafker -father of Eric Hafker ‘86 (English faculty) and grandfather of Jake ‘20 and Max ‘23
Jane Howley- wife of Thomas Howley ‘67
Father James F. Joyce, S.J. - cousin of Brother Robert Kent, O.S.F. H’96, Brother Edward Kent, O.S.F. H’14, and Donald Kent ’62
William G. Kelly, Sr.- father of Matt Kelly ‘79 and Billy Kelly ‘74
Joan Kruger- mother of Gerard Kruger (Faculty Member)
Noreen S. Kunzi- former Phys Ed teacher and coach
Sister Mary Kenneth Lane, C.S.J.retired faculty member (Library/Media)
Carmelo Licata- father of Joe Licata (retired faculty member); grandfather of Giuseppina ‘04, Carmelo ‘05, Angelina ‘06, Graziella ‘08, Salvatore ‘10, Gabriella ‘13, and Pierangelo ‘14.
John H. Lydon- father of Beth LydonHanning ‘90
Francesco “Franco” Mangiaranofather-in-Law of Michael Mongelli ‘79 & Mark Jarmek ‘78
Charles May- father of Nicole May (Technology/Science)
Barbara A. McAuley- wife of Shaun L. McAuley ‘60
Kieko McKeon- mother of Karen McKeon ‘77
Richard Milla- husband of retired faculty member, Irene Milla
Patricia O’Keeffe- mother of faculty member Elizabeth Glaser
Michael O’Neill- brother of Frank Pinto (baseball coach)
Catherine Passaro- sister of John Pereira ‘62, aunt of Jon ‘99 and Casey
Elizabeth “Betty” Pietromonacodedicated volunteer coordinator at SFP
Mary Polino- mother of Margaret ‘81
Gisselle Aguirre 1984
James M. DeFilippo 1984
John Genna 1985
Angela M. Lenihan 1985
Connie Barone 1986
Catherine O’Dea Anderson 1986
Donna Valenzano1986
Sylvester Evangelista 1987
Thomas DeLuca 1993
Charles J. “C.J.” Mallia 1993
Michael Walsh 2014
Andrew H. Mayer 2020
Frank Ragazzo- brother-in-law of Paul Mannix ‘81
Edward J. Ronan- father-in-law of Patti-Ann Browne-Ronan ‘83
Martin Rueth- husband of Loretta Palyo-Rueth ‘80 and father of Mary ‘16 & John ‘18
Eileen A. Ryan- mother of Eileen RyanTruzzolino ‘79 and John Ryan ‘81
Ava Marie Salonia- daughter of Jessica Gaipa ‘92, niece of Jennifer Gaipa Immello ‘89
Patricia Shurina- mother of AnneMarie ‘80, Patricia ‘82, Stephen ‘84, John ‘86, and Susan ‘88
Christine Sidoli- mother of faculty member Juliette Sidoli
Gary Spampanato -father of the late Paul Spampanto ‘74
Mary C. Stimus - mother of David ‘83 and Aileen Stimus-Leibman ‘87
Zenon Szaro ‘74 - brother of Richie Szaro ‘69
Karen Tripp-mother of Mikayla Tripp ‘26
Adam Vezza- son of Dana Hamlin Vezza ‘86, brother of Taylor Rae Vezza ‘13, nephew of Marc Hamlin ‘84 and Lisa Hamlin Binkley ‘87
Janis Walkow- wife of Franz Walkow ‘54
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.
Martha Marie Arnold, OP who served as a member of the Prep community in the 1970s was welcomed home by God on December 21, 2022. She was 88 years old and had devoted 70 years to religious life. Sister Martha earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from St. John’s University and another master’s degree from the College of St. Rose. She was called to minister in education; first in elementary schools in Brooklyn and Long Island and then as a principal. She continued her ministry in secondary education and worked at St. Francis Preparatory School for over 30 years. She was a kind and gentle woman. We ask that you remember her and all her loved ones as they mourn her loss.
Bishop Kearney High School and Our Lady of Perpetual Help High School. In 1992, she arrived at St. Francis Prep, where she would spend the next 19 years. Her colleague and friend, Sister Mary Ann Napier, CSJ said, “When I think of Mary a quote from Pope Francis resounds in my mind: ‘The person who loves, gives, gives things, gives life, gives herself to God and to others.’”
In 1998, he returned to the classroom to teach mathematics to the college students until 2016. For many years, he delivered meals to the homebound for the Heights and Hills Community Center. Brother Robert Schaefer lived at Our Lady of Angels Friary in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. He is survived by his sister Dorothy Seery and her husband Tom and is also survived by his Franciscan Brothers.
Paul J. Hoolahan ‘67 passed away unexpectedly on November 16, 2022 at the age of 72. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Katherine and their three daughters: Kate, Molly and Megan; siblings Priscilla Stewart (late Frank), Nancy Staab (Al), and Stephen Hoolahan (Amy) as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Mary Hoolahan.
Sr. Mary Kenneth Lane, CSJ– a Sister of St. Joseph for 79 years, died on February 10, 2023 at Maria Regina Residence, Brentwood. She was 96 years old. After graduating from The Mary Louis Academy, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph and was given her brother’s name, Kenneth, when she received the habit a year later. In the next 27 years, she taught in 10 different elementary schools in the dioceses of Brooklyn and Rockville Centre. In her warm and caring way, children in grades one through seven and their families were taught about a loving and caring God, who would be part of their lives forever.
Her next response to God’s call was to serve as a nurse’s aide in Mercy Hospital, being present to those who were helpless and needy. Earning a Master’s in Library Science and Certification as Media Specialist from St. John’s University changed the direction of her life and led her into the world of books and growing technological advancements.
In her calm and reassuring manner, she served as librarian and “go-to” person for students and faculty at
Bro. Robert Schaefer, O.S.F. ‘50 entered Eternal Life on March 16, 2023. Brother Robert was a Franciscan Brother of Brooklyn for 71 years. He grew up in Brooklyn attending St. Jerome’s Parish Elementary School and St. Francis Prep. At the Prep, he was on the Optimates Honor Society and enjoyed playing varsity football and baseball. Upon graduation, he attended St. Francis College for one semester and transferred to St. Bonaventure’s Postulate of Smithtown, Long Island. On August 15, 1951 he received the habit of the Third Order of St. Francis and received the name Brother Canisius. After Vatican Council II, he returned to his baptismal name. After a two year Novitiate in Wyandanch, Long Island, he professed his vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
In 1961, he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in mathematics from St. Francis College and was assigned to teach mathematics at St. Francis Prep where in the summer months he was director of Camp Alvernia in Centerport, Long Island. In 1970, he accepted the position of Registrar at St. Francis College. It was a position he held for twentyeight years. He was recognized as the Administrator of the Year by the Alumni Association and the Student Government Association. He was inducted into the Duns Scotus Honor Society and later awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree. Upon retiring from that office, he was designated Dean Emeritus of Registration and Academic Records.
We are truly saddened to announce that Noreen S. Kunzi, a longtime physical education teacher and coach at St. Francis Prep passed away in the comfort of her home on February 19, 2023 at the age of 76. Noreen carried on the wonderful tradition (started by Sr. Joseph Agnes) of hosting a holiday party for Our Friends With Special Needs at Prep. She was also very involved in the Our Lady of Lourdes Church community, volunteering much of her time to various programs there. Although gone too soon, Noreen lived a life full of love, adventure, and faith. We are all blessed to have known such a beautiful soul.
Hoolahan directed Sugar Bowl operations as the organization’s chief executive officer for 25 games, including five national championship games. In over two decades with the Sugar Bowl, Hoolahan directed organizational efforts which generated well over $3 billion for the local economy.
Hoolahan’s involvement in college football at the highest-level dates to his playing days at the University of North Carolina where he was an All-ACC lineman. Hoolahan later returned to UNC, where he would serve as a strength and conditioning coach, an academic advisor, an assistant athletic director, and finally an associate athletic director. Hoolahan also served as Director of Athletics at Vanderbilt University.
Elizabeth “Betty” Pietromonaco, passed away on May 18, 2023 at the age of 90. Betty was a long time volunteer at SFP and later served as coordinator of volunteers for many years. Betty was dedicated to the SFP community and was a wonderful person who was greatly admired by her colleagues for her gentle and kind nature. She was a member of the Secular Franciscan Order at St. Adalbert Church, Elmhurst. She will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her. We were blessed by her presence and devotion to St. Francis Prep.
Hoolahan coached and played high school football at St. Francis Prep and was enshrined as an inaugural member of St. Francis Prep’s Athletics Ring of Honor. Hoolahan, who was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2015, was presented with the National Football Foundation’s Legacy Award in 2018. He was also presented a Legacy Award in 2019 for “distinguished service within the bowl industry” by the Football Bowl Association.
Paul will be remembered for his generous spirit. He was a true leader and had a way of making everyone he met feel important and valued, welcoming them as a friend. Despite his many professional accomplishments, his greatest pride was his family. To his family, Paul was thought of as one of the toughest people with the kindest heart. He taught his daughters the importance of hard work and dedication in each of their pursuits and showed them how to live a life full of courage, compassion, integrity, and laughter.
Long Island football legend, the longtime CW Post/Long Island University coach Bryan Collins ‘82 died suddenly on Saturday, July 8, 2023. Bryan played linebacker for St. John’s University. At SJU he was the recipient of the Dr. Peter Vitulli Award, given to the St. John’s student-athlete who demonstrated the most courage, perseverance, dedication and spirit of self-sacrifice in seeking to attain the highest ideals of sportsmanship.
After college Bryan returned to the Prep to start his coaching career under Coach Vince O’Connor and then moved to the college ranks, where he left his mark as one of Long Island’s coaching greats while at LIU (C.W. Post).
He began his college coaching career at C.W. Post back in 1991 and eventually became university’s sixth head football coach in 1998, leading the program to six NCAA Division II tournament appearances, eight Northeast-10 Conference championships, 16 winning seasons and three undefeated campaigns. He was also recognized as Northeast-10 Coach of the Year seven times.
In addition to his head coaching duties at LIU Post, from 2006 until 2017, he served as the department’s
Director of Athletics where he helped build the Pioneers into one of the most respected and accomplished departments in Division II.
In 2021, Coach Collins left LIU after 23 seasons and 162 wins as the program’s all-time winning-est coach. He then joined the staff at Stony Brook University and after two seasons coaching the defensive line, Collins was promoted to Defensive Coordinator this past January.
Coach Collins will be forever remembered for the role he played in countless student-athletes’ lives, preparing them both on and off the field to become the best that they can be. SFP Varsity Football Coach, Rich Carroll ‘86 said, “He was a great coach but more importantly a great man and mentor to the coaches and players under his tutelage. He will be greatly missed by the Prep Football Community and so many of the fine men whom he influenced.”
Frank Nastro, Jr. (the son of our late, legendary assistant coach, Frank Nastro) said, “He was one of my dad’s all-time favorites.”
Bryan is survived by his wife, Patti, his two children (Tyler and Megan) as well as his brother, John Collins ‘79 and his wife Christina.
Bridget Bishop-Pomposelli, ‘82 inspired so many people by her strength, positivity, smile and love of life. When Bridget was injured in a car accident in her sophomore year at Prep, she spent over a year in hospitals and rehab facilities, determined to get back and graduate with her classmates. And she did. From that point forward she committed herself to living her life to the fullest and she never looked back.
Bridget truly enjoyed life – she went everywhere - concerts, Met games, Woodside fundraisers, local bars and restaurants, countless vacations and celebrations. She was a die-hard New York Giants and Mets fan. Even on the tough days, she always felt that tomorrow was going to be a great day - a better day.
Bridget went to Hunter College where she obtained both a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in social work. From 1994 – 2011, Bridget worked as an underwriting assistant for Mutual Marine Insurance Company in NYC. Bridget married Louie (the love of her life) in 2004. It was the ultimate love affair.
Bridget was part of the Woodside community where she was born and raised. She was very active in
the parish of St. Sebastian’s where she graduated from grade school, was baptized, made her first holy communion, celebrated confirmation and was married.
In 2022 she and her husband, Louie moved to Florida where she passed away on March 25, 2023.
Bridget is survived by her brother, Wally ’80 (SFP Alumni Board President) and sister, Mary Proietta and her devoted husband, Louis. She is predeceased by her father, Walter P. Bishop, who was an Honorary Alumnus (2008) and was a consulting engineer on the construction of Prep’s current building (then Bishop Reilly H.S.) in 1962. Her mother Mary Theresa Bishop, passed in 2020.
It is the tradition of the Catholic Church to celebrate a mass of remembrance on the first weekend of November. Last year, on Sunday, November 6th, alumni, family and friends gathered at Prep for the Annual Alumni Memorial Mass celebrated by Prep’s Chaplain, Fr. Ralph Edel.
The new additions to the Pathway to St. Francis were blessed and a memorial scholarship award presentation was made prior to the start of mass. Alumni and family members were invited to bring a candle forward to be placed near the altar in remembrance of their loved ones. (This year we recognized those who passed away in 2020, 2021 and 2022 since we were unable to during the covid lockdown.)
Afterwards, alumni gathered in the gym for the “Raising of the Banners of Honor” in recognition of Dr. Jean Coppola ‘82 || Sister Philip Kiley, O.S.J. || John Owens ‘71 || Rudy Zientarski ‘63 || Margaret “Midge” Stack-Lennon H’06 || Brother James McVeigh, O.S.F. H’15 || Joan M. Brady H’14 || Philip Brady H’14 || James E. McHugh H’92 || and Walter L. Foley, Jr. H’91. Brunch was served in the newly remodeled cafeteria immediately afterwards.
Pictured: (1) Alumni Board Members, Alice Dunkak-Quinn ‘79 (at podium) and Kathy Mackin Sciortino ‘76 (seated) served as lectors at the mass.
(2) Bro. Leonard assists Fr. Ralph during the blessing of the new memorials on the Pathway. Bricks and other memorials can be personalized with names, dates and/or other special messages. (See details online at alumni.sfponline.org)
(3) Families gather in the Pathway garden around the statue of Saint Francis for a brief prayer service. The Pathway to St. Francis consists of more than 2,500 engraved bricks and other memorial and is a place set aside for prayer, meditation, remembrance and gathering.
(4) Alumni Boardi members serving as ushers; Kevin O’Donnell ‘73, Charlie Casolaro ‘88 and Marlon Morris ‘84
(5) Members of the Wagner Family (the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of banner honorees , Philip and Joan Brady H’14) pose for a photo at the Blessing of the Banners of Honor.
(6) Ed Kennedy ‘57 (right) and Dan Corry ‘58 (second from right) with Bro. Leonard Conway (center) making the presentation of the Bernice and James E. McHugh Memorial Scholarship to Sydney Morgan ‘23 and her parents.
(7) Al Santangelo ‘86, Santina Liotta Petruso ‘86 and Elaina Gabriele-Gilson ‘86 were present to honor the memory of their dear friend, Danielle Colonna, SFP Class of 1987.
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6100 Francis Lewis Boulevard
Fresh Meadows NY 11365
The Third Annual First Responders Family Day and 5K Fun Run
Sunday, October 22, 2023 at St. Francis Prep
JOIN US AS WE PAY TRIBUTE TO FIRST RESPONDERS WHO ARE A PART OF THE PREP COMMUNITY. Our 2023 Honorees are:
Anthony Catalanotto ‘75 Thomas Henry Johnson ‘59† Louise Golero ‘85
MASS: 8:00 AM in the SFP Chapel || REGISTRATION/CHECK-IN: 8:00 -9:15 AM
PEE WEE RACE: 9:15 AM || 5K START: 9:30 AM (Rain or Shine)
Online Registration: Scan QR code Awards Ceremony for Top Male & Female Finishers and Breakfast after the race!
This year, the First Responders Memorial Scholarships will be awarded in memory of Port Authority Police Officer, Alfonse J. Niedermeyer ‘79 and FDNY Firefighter, Daniel Pujdak ‘01