GradNews Summer/Fall 2019

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SFP President, Brother Leonard Conway, O.S.F. and Father Ralph Edel, Prep’s Chaplain, blessing the new Pathway memorials at the Annual Mass of Remembrance

Expanding the Pathway to Saint Francis

Remembering and honoring our Alumni and their Families, our Students, Faculty, Staff and Friends p. 4 Also Inside:

• An Exciting New Partnership with New York Presbyterian p. 6-7 • The Fabulous 60th Anniversary Class of 1959 p. 8-9

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

__________________ Bro. Leonard Conway, O.S.F. Dear Alumni and Friends of St. Francis Prep,

As I complete my sixth year as President of St. Francis Prep, I continue to be so impressed by and so proud of the overall quality and the amazing accomplishments of our incredibly diverse and talented student body, as well as our extraordinarily dedicated faculty and staff whose caring support for each and every one of our nearly 2500 students sets the stage for their future success.

With this in mind, you should know that all 581 of our seniors graduated this past June and 99.4% of them are attending college this fall, including schools such as Cornell, Princeton, Brown, Boston College, Georgetown, Villanova, Penn State, Purdue, Baylor, Southern Cal and many other fine institutions including St. John’s, Fordham, Manhattan, Hofstra, Stony Brook and our own St. Francis College. And these seniors were offered a total of $169 million in merit scholarship awards for their college education!

Their success can be attributed in large measure to YOUR involvement and support which allows us to offer all our students a truly outstanding academic and extracurricular program in the Franciscan tradition. So thank you again for all you do to help us in this mission!

In my role as President today, I continue to visit with alumni across the country, sharing the “Good News” about the Prep. You have so much to be proud of—and your ongoing involvement in our work continues to result in the success of wonderful students who come from all walks of life, as well as beautiful new and updated facilities designed to accommodate the highest-quality

programming that our students and their families are seeking in a high school education.

Speaking of beautiful facilities, let me take this opportunity to bring you up-to-date on the Prep’s Capital Improvement and Modernization program which is now entering its final stages. In fact, we are very hopeful that by next fall of 2020 just about everything we set out to accomplish originally will be completed.

Great progress is being made. Many of the new music facilities, such as the percussion room and the individual practice booths, have already been completed to rave reviews, while major areas on the west side of the building dedicated to the orchestra, band and chorus will be completed this fall. The brand-new student/athletic locker facility on the west side of the gym will also be finished. The work will then shift to the east side of the complex where additional music rooms and another new locker facility will take shape beginning this fall 2019 thru next summer 2020.

All of this current work of course follows the physical education and art education centers, the fabulous science labs and classrooms, and various other major improvements that have been made since our 150th Anniversary.

And as you know, The Campaign for St. Francis Prep, now in its second and final stage, has helped fund all of this important work. Thankfully, we now have just over $8.8 million pledged toward the second stage campaign goal of $10 million—and nearly $14 million committed toward our original, overall campaign stage one and

stage two combined goal of $15 million.

Looking ahead, I remain confident that we will be able to count on all our loyal alumni, parents and friends to help us cross the finish line during this upcoming 2019-20 year. So stay tuned.

As always, within these GradNews pages you will see the highlights from many of our events and activities that help keep you connected with us and with your classmates. I hope to see many of you at one of more of these events in the weeks and months ahead: either at the school (you’re welcome here anytime), or in the local area, or as I travel to meet alumni around the country.

Check the event calendar for the “all-alumni” reunion scheduled for the last weekend of October in Las Vegas. Maybe I’ll see you there! And don’t forget Homecoming Weekend: October 17-20. Also, consider joining us for our Alumni Memorial Mass and Brunch on Sunday, November 3rd.

In the meantime, please enjoy the rest of the summer and kindly accept my heartfelt thanks once again for everything you do in support of St. Francis Prep. And always remember: High School is four years but the Prep is forever!

Yours in St. Francis,

Brother Leonard Conway, O.S.F. President

St. Francis Prep Alumni Board 2018-19

President: Wally Bishop ‘80 Vice President: Gerald Scales ‘76 Ron Alama ‘86

Deirdre McDonough ‘81

Ryan Bacci ‘10

Angelica M. McKessy ‘02

Diane Bertoli ‘81

Chris Mendolia ‘87

Liz Bove 97

Michael Mongelli ‘79

John Brandes ‘82

Meagan Molina ‘10

Charles Casolaro ‘88

John Morana ‘07

Fr. Jim Cunningham ‘86

Marlon Morris ‘84

Sal Cocchiaro ‘13

Kevin O’Donnell ‘73

Devin Darmalingum ‘11

Joseph B. Pantaleo ‘03

Nancy Demers ‘91

John S. Pereira ‘62- Emeritus

Nancy M. Donato ‘76

Margaret Polino ‘81

Alice Dunkak Quinn ‘79

Donna Rodger ‘77

Barbara Gillespie ‘82

Jane Scandurra ’77

Chirag Jethanadani ‘11

Lawrence Schiralli ‘80

Michelle Kawka ‘95

Kathy Mackin Sciortino ’76

Brother Campion Lally ‘55

Judith Vincze Sheridan ‘85

Eileen LeMonda ‘78

Kristina Silvagni ‘07

Mike Madden ‘77

Kristina Veljak ‘90

Patrick J. McArdle ‘89

William A. Viscovich ‘79

John McAree ‘50

Follow us on Facebook: st.francispreparatoryschool • Event Photo Galleries • Upcoming Events • Alumni News • Class Reunions

Contents ________________________________

Cover Stories

Pathway to St. Francis Expansion • 4-5 Partnership with NY Presbyterian • 6-7 The Fabulous Class of 1959 • 8-9 Calendar of Event • 2-3 Alumni Events and Football Schedule • 2-3

Special Events

Walk-a-thon • 10-11 Annual Mass of Remembrance • 12-13 St. Patrick’s Day Parade • 14-15 Annual Homecoming Weekend • 16-17 Annual Golf Classic • 18-21 President’s Dinner • 30 Night at Citi Field • 31

Alumni Chapters

Washington D.C. Alumni Chapter • 22 Florida Area Alumni Chapter • 22 Healthcare Services Alumni Chapter • 23 Legal Services Alumni Chapter • 23 Financial Services Alumni Chapter • 23 Tech Alumni Chapter • 24 Arts & Marketing Alumni Chapter • 24

Alumni Class Reunions • 26-29

Class of 2009 10th Anniversary Reunion Class of 2004 15th Anniversary Reunion Class of 1999 20th Anniversary Reunion Class of 2014 5th Anniversary Reunion Annual Spring Reunion & Hall of Fame Ceremony

What’s Happening @ 6100 • 32-33 Grad Notes • 34-44 Alumni Authors • 40-41 2018-19 Athletic Season Round-Up • 38 Tribute to Coach Frank Nastro • 38 Franciscan Brothers News • 45 In Memoriam • 46-47

Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019

1

St. Francis Prep’s 2019-20

Alumni Event Calendar Fri. September 27, 2019 9th Annual Walk-a-thon SFP/Cunningham Park

9:30 a.m.

Donations and sponsorships from alumni are welcome. Event T-shirt included. Registration required.

Join our students, staff and faculty in the Prep community for this annual event! Last year we raised nearly $280,000 in support of the Capital Improvement Program. The two-mile course (approximately) is flat and runs through Cunningham Park.

___________________________

Thurs. Oct. 10, 2019

Education Alumni Networking Reception $45 per person 6:00 PM St. Francis Prep, Cafeteria

Network with alumni who work in all capacities of education, exchange experiences and learn about a variety of opportunities. Come hear and see what keeps the Prep on the edge as the largest Catholic High School in America!

___________________________

Thurs. Oct. 17, 2019

Homecoming Weekend 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament

In Memory of Jimmy ‘79 & James Prendergast H ‘11 3-Point Shot Contest in Memory of Brian O’Connor ‘86 St. Francis Prep Gymnasium 6:30 p.m.

Registration required.

Admission fee.

Raffles & Prizes Each year hundreds of alumni, family and friends participate in this annual contest in memory of Jimmy who passed at a young age from cancer, and his father, who passed away within the last few years.

___________________________

Fri. Oct. 18, 2019

Homecoming Weekend Friends of St. Francis Prep Football “Night of Champions” Bourbon Street 40-12 Bell Blvd, Bayside, NY 7:00-10:30 PM Advance registration required. $50 per person: open bar & hors

d’oeuvres $75 per person, open bar, hors d’oeuvres & two raffle tickets. $100 per person: Open Bar, hors d’oeuvres & 5 raffle tickets. ___________________________

Sat. Oct. 19, 2019

Homecoming Weekend

Day at the Races Special Note: We will not host the event this year due to the new arena construction at Belmont Race Track that has caused a shift in the October racing schedule to Aqueduct Racetrack. Watch for this event again next year!

___________________________

Sun. Oct. 20, 2019

Homecoming Weekend 5K Fun Run at SFP Dedicated to the FDNY, NYPD, PAPD and Military Men & Women and in remembrance of all of the Prep Alumni who passed away on September 11th.

Our 2019 5K Honorees: Brian McCarthy ‘80 (NYPD) John Sudnik ‘80 (FDNY) Mass: 8:00 AM, SFP Chapel Check-In: 8:00 -9:15 AM Pee Wee Race: 9:15 AM 5K Start: 9:30 AM Rain or Shine Award Divisions for Male & Female Awards Ceremony & Breakfast following the race Registration fees: Advance: $20 per runner Day of Race: $25 per runner (Children under 7 are free)

__________________

12:30 PM “Meet Up” Hosted by John Ryan ‘81

One Station Plaza 312-10 41st Avenue, Bayside, NY $40 per person Three Hour Open Bar & Appetizers

__________________

Homecoming Football Game 1:30 pm Fordham Prep @Van Buren HS

2 Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019

___________________________

Fri-Sun. Oct. 25-27, 2019 Las Vegas Reunion

Arrival and Friday Evening: The SFP Alumni in Las Vegas have made arrangements for you to book rooms at the Vdara. Additionally, the 2019 SFP Reunion meet and greet cocktail hour will be held in the lobby of the Vdara at the Vice/Versa Bar or in a Private Room.

Saturday Day: All SFP Alumni will be on their own to enjoy everything Las Vegas offers: amazing sights, world class shopping, exquisite dining and matinee shows that are sure to contend with anything in our beloved NYC! There are also helicopter rides to the Grand Canyon, tours to the Hoover Dam, and other attractions too numerous to mention!

Saturday Evening: The 2019 SFP Reunion Banquet will be held at the exquisite, unique, exceptional, and unrivaled Brooklyn Bowl’s Blue Ribbon Restaurant. Incomparable food and fare!

Saturday After the Banquet: All are invited to partake in a breath-taking, awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping, one-ofa-kind experience on the High Roller!!!

The High Roller is Las Vegas’ version of the London Eye in England! Enjoy a heart stopping ride that boasts spectacular views, while reuniting with friends and classmates with a sky’s-thelimit potential of add-ons including an open bar, DJ, and dancing!

Sunday Morning: Finally, one of the Las Vegas SFP Alumni is being most generous and hosting an end of reunion breakfast/brunch departure banquet at Silver Sevens Hotel & Casino. The hotel will provide shuttle service to the airport for those departing via airlines on Sunday and is located very close to main thoroughfares for those driving. So, don’t forget, don’t take your time, and don’t wait until the last minute. BOOK NOW FOR THE SFP 2019 ALUMNI REUNION IN LAS VEGAS!!! If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to e-mail Robert “Bob” Caccamo at: oropup@cox.net

Sun. Nov. 3, 2019 Alumni Memorial Mass Location: St. Francis Prep’s Auditorium 11:00 a.m.

Complimentary Breakfast to follow in the cafeteria.

RSVP required.

All alumni, family, friends of the Prep community are welcome to join us as we come together to remember those who have departed in the past year. ___________________________ Sat. Nov. 9, 2019 Class of 2014’s 5th Anniversary Reunion Celebration Location: TBD 7:30 PM ___________________________ Sat. Dec. 14, 2019 Christmas Party for Our Friends with Special Needs 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM St. Francis Prep Cafeteria Sponsors/donations welcome.

Volunteers needed.

When Sr. Joseph Agnes, DCH first organized this event many years ago, she started more than just a tradition. Alumni, current students, faculty and staff all pitch in and work side-by-side to serve those who might otherwise not find such joy and spirit in the Christmas season. Many individuals also contribute to the festivities as donors and sponsors. ___________________________ Sat. Jan. 25, 2020 Reunion of Classes of 2000, 2005, and 2010 St. Francis Prep, Cafeteria 7:30-11:00 p.m.

Registration fee: $60 per person in Advance $70 per person at the Door ___________________________

Sat. Feb. 29, 2020 Florida Alumni Reunion Spring Training Game & Reception Florida’s West Coast Reservations required.

Admission fee for the game.

The St. Francis Prep alumni gathering in Florida alternates between the Palm Beach area and the Tampa area. We also try to secure a number of tickets to a “spring training” baseball game.

This year, we will be traveling to the west coast for what promises to be another splendid gathering.

Make plans to join us! ___________________________ Thurs. Mar. 5, 2020 Alumni Reception: Arts & Marketing Location TBD All are welcome A gathering for all alumni pursuing a career in all areas of the arts. ___________________________ Tue. Mar. 17, 2020 NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade Visit the SFP Alumni website for complete details.

RSVP required.

Alumni, students, current and former parents, faculty, staff, administrators and members of the Franciscan Brothers community all participate in the annual march up Fifth Avenue. ___________________________ Sat. Mar. 21, 2020 Red & Blue Terrier Ring of Honor Gala Crest Hollow Country Club, Woodbury, N.Y. The Red and Blue Terrier Ring of Honor recognizes the outstanding achievements of its prominent past athletes, coaches and athletic administrators who have enhanced the spirit and reputation of the Prep. ___________________________ Sat. Apr. 4, 2020 President’s Dinner St. Francis Prep, Library By invitation only.

Mass: 5:15 pm A gathering for all generous and loyal benefactors and administrators. ___________________________

Sat. May 2, 2020 Annual Spring Reunion & Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony $60 in Advance $70 at the Door Join us as we induct new members into the SFP Hall of Fame. The Golden Anniversary Classes of: 1945, 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, & 1970, will be inducted into the Golden Terrier Society.

The Anniversary Classes of 1975 (45th), 1980 (40th), 1985 (35th), 1989 (30th) and 1995 (25th) will celebrate important milestone anniversaries as well. Mass will be celebrated prior to the start of the Hall of Fame ceremony. ___________________________ Thurs. May 7, 2020 Philadelphia Alumni Reception Time: TBA Location: TBA Registration fee

2019 TERRIER VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Connect With Us Call

(718) 423-8810 ext. 230/268 Sunday, September 8th 1:30 pm Holy Cross @ Bayside HS

Click

___________________________ Thurs. June, 4, 2020 Financial Services Sector Alumni Chapter Reception Location: TBA 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Advance registration required.

Admission fee.

Join us for a gathering that is both professional and social for alumni working in finance. Participants range in age and industry experience. It’s always a splendid time for one and all! ___________________________ Mon. Jun. 22, 2020 27th Annual Golf Classic Cherry Valley Club Garden City, NY Advance registration required.

Many golf packages and sponsorship opportunities are available.

Visit the SFP Alumni website for complete details. alumni.sfponline.org Join us for a wonderful day with great friends on the finest golf course in the area!

Sunday, September 15th 1:30 pm Kellenberg @ Van Buren HS Sunday, September 22nd 1:30 pm Xavier @Van Buren HS

Website: http://alumni.sfponline.org/

Email

Sunday, September 29th 1:30 pm Farrell @Van Buren HS Sunday, October 6th 1:30 pm Chaminade @Chaminade

alumni@sfponline.org or development@sfponline.org

Saturday, October 12th 1:00 pm St. Peter’s @St. Peter’s Homecoming Sunday, October 20th 1:30 pm Fordham Prep @Van Buren HS Saturday, October 26th 7:00 pm St. Anthony’s HS @St. Anthony’s

Our “official” SFP alumni Facebook page www.facebook.com/ st.francispreparatoryschool 7,800 Followers

The Pathway to St. Francis Expansion The “Pathway to St. Francis” project is a brick walkway around the statue of St. Francis in front of the school at the intersection of Francis Lewis Boulevard and Horace Harding Expressway. It serves as an area for reflection, remembrance and prayer. Over the past decade, hundreds of bricks and other memorials have been purchased to honor or memorialize alumni, family members, students and friends of the Prep. A major expansion and renovation of the pathway was completed last fall and this provides for the inclusion of many additional memorials in the future. It’s designed in the shape of an “infinity” symbol because we are ever mindful of the idea that “high school is four years, St. Francis Prep is forever!” Aerial photo of the Pathway provided by John Hessel, SFP Faculty

The newly expanded pathway facing north toward the Horace Harding Expressway.

4

Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019

St. Francis Prep offers our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Janet & Peter Mazzurco H’13 and Anthony Porcasi H’13 for their most generous gifts of creating, maintaining and expanding The Pathway to Saint Francis!

May the Lord look kindly upon them and their families.

4 x 8 Engraved Brick

3 Lines • 14 Letters per line

$200 8 x 8 Engraved Brick

6 Lines • 14 Letters per line

$500

12 x 12 Engraved Brick

8 Lines • 16 Letters per line Annual Memorial Mass of Remembrance Sunday, November 3, 2019 All alumni, family, friends of the Prep community are welcome to join us as we come together to remember those who have departed in the past year. It is here where we also dedicate and bless the new additions to the Pathway.

St. Francis Prep Auditorium at 11:00 a.m.

Complimentary Breakfast to follow. RSVP required. alumni.sfponline.org • (718) 423-8810, ext. 330

$1,000

For more information on dedicating a paver or memorial bench on the Pathway to Saint Francis, please contact Brother Robert Kent, O.S.F. at (718) 423-8810, ext. 230 or by email at: rkent@sfponline.org.

Order online at: alumni.sfponline.org The deadline is July 31st of each year.

Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019

5

The Campaign for St. Francis Prep: The Next 150

New York-Presbyterian, Queens Awards Generous Grant to St. Francis Prep for a “Virtual Anatomy Table” Building on the foundation of St. Francis Prep’s outstanding curriculum, and thanks to a $100,000 grant from New York Presbyterian-Queens, our award-winning Science Department will now be equipped with the Anatomage Table — the world’s first virtual dissection table that provides a hands-on visualization tool for students in anatomy and biology courses.

Students will be able to see the interior of the human body and perform “operations” on over 1,000 virtual cadavers.

This life-size 3-D interactive table is today’s most technologically advanced digital visualization system for anatomy education.

It provides the most realistic view of human anatomy. It is both a virtual library of human and animal cadavers, as well as a clinical diagnostic tool by visualization of any Medical CT, CBCT or MRI scan.

All of the images provided with the table are from actual human bodies, not 3-D simulations or computer-generated models.

And, what makes this even more compelling is the fact that there are only a few hundred tables in use in the thousands of colleges and high schools in the U.S. and around the world!

Individual structures are reconstructed in accurate 3-D, resulting in an unprecedented level of accurate anatomy, dissectible in 3-D. The Anatomage Table allows for exploration and learning of human anatomy beyond what any cadaver could offer.

The Anatomage Table is the most technologically advanced 3-D anatomy visualization system for anatomy and physiology education and it will be used by students at St. Francis Prep. It is being adopted by many of the world’s leading medical schools and institutions because of innovative approach to anatomy presentation. Users can visualize anatomy exactly as they would on a cadaver.

6 Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019

The SFP Science Department now has the most advanced instructional Anatomy Education equipment St. Francis Prep graduates have a long, storied history of academic achievements across many disciplines. Prep alumni are included among the ranks of distinguished and noteworthy writers, actors, composers, artists, athletes/coaches, business/finance leaders, legal and medical professionals. In the area of science, our Science Research Program students have achieved an impressive record of being named Intel Science Talent Research SemiFinalists 12 times since 1999.

In 2015, the Prep’s Science Department

labs and classrooms underwent an impressive “floor to ceiling” modernization as part of the Prep’s Capital Improvement and Modernization Program that is funded by The Campaign for St. Francis Prep. The end result was five state-of-the art classrooms and labs. “We have incredible new facilities and a very dedicated faculty. The addition of the Anatomage table will greatly enhance student discovery and revolutionize the classroom experience for our students” according to Kim Istrico, Science Department chairperson.

One of the five recently renovated science classrooms.

COMING BACK AND GIVING BACK: Robert T. Blenderman PA, MBA • St. Francis Prep Class of 1997 a Physician Assistant does each day. The experience captured his interest and led him to nearby St. John’s University where he would major in Physician Assistant (PA) studies, and eventually become a certified PA.

St. Francis Prep Class of 1997 graduate, Robert Blenderman PA, MBA, Chief Operating Officer, New York Presbyterian, Queens (second from left) presents Prep’s Principal, Patrick McLaughlin with a $100,000 grant for the purchase of the Anatomage Table. Also pictured, SFP Development Director, Robert Angeletti (left) and Brother Robert Kent, OSF, Prep’s Alumni Director (right).

At the start of the 2017-18 school year, NY-Presbyterian Hospital, Queens Chief Operating Officer, Robert “Bob” Blenderman ‘97 met with SFP Principal, Patrick McLaughlin. Bob’s goal was to forge a partnership program that would introduce students to the many career options in health care. The students will be able to connect with preceptors at the hospital who could serve as mentors through its Health Care Discovery Program. Coincidentally, this program’s model is very similar to the way Bob began his career —he was encouraged by a teacher to volunteer at the hospital. It was during that time he discovered what

As he progressed in his career in medicine, his leadership abilities emerged, and he gradually took on greater responsibilities.

In 2017, Bob was named Chief Operating Officer (COO) of New York Presbyterian- Queens —the very building where his interest in health care began decades earlier as a volunteer.

As COO, Bob oversees operations, strategy, emergency management, patient flow and hospital safety. Bob is eager to help the current generation of Terriers learn more about careers in health care and have access to the best instructional equipment. “If you pause for a moment to think about it, Bob launched himself into the career path he is on today when he was a youngster and he’s returned to his alma mater to help the current generation of Prepsters attain the same success he’s had. We are so very grateful for this support” said, Robert Angeletti, the Prep’s Director of Development.

Prep’s Principal, Patrick McLaughlin said, “Having an Anatomage Table will provide new educational opportunities

for hundreds of SFP students in the near term and serve as preparation for their college studies. We are very grateful to NY Presbyterian Hospital- Queens and to Bob Blenderman for considering St. Francis Prep and its students worthy of this generous grant. It’s just another example ofour incredible alumni coming back and giving back.”

Above: The Queens Courier covered the news of the Prep students’ November 13th participation in the Health Care Discovery Program. Mrs. Istrico’s AP Biology students and Mrs. Rich’s Anatomy and Physiology students attended the program.

Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019 7

The Fabulous 60th Anniversary of 1959 In 1959, the senior class at St. Francis Prep was comprised of approximately 175 men. Their campus was a threestory red brick building located at 186 North 6th Street in the now trendy Williamsburg section of Brooklyn.

Major news stories of the time included: Fidel Castro coming to power in Cuba, The Dalai Lama fleeing Tibet, Alaska and Hawaii becoming the 49th & 50th state, NASA introduced America’s first astronauts, the microchip was unveiled, a 707 took its maiden nonstop voyage from coast to coast, and Barry Gordy founded Motown.

The Prep’s Principal was Brother Timothy and Brother Robert Smith served as the Assistant Principal.

Other people who helped define that era were Jim McHugh (the athletics 8

Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019

director) and Brother Owen and Brother Fabian who were team coaches and moderators. The young men in that senior class would go on to successful careers in business and industry, science and technology, and in education and the arts.

When you thumb through the pages of the The San Fran yearbook, it is replete with pictures of students engaged in a wide variety of extracurricular activities that ranged from the Flying Club to the Power Boat Squadron. It was a “golden era” for the young men in that class.

In the sixty years since their graduation, the Class of 1959 has distinguished itself as “amazing.”

They “come back and give back” in meaningful ways! The following page details some of the many ways

in which members of the class of 1959 have distinguished themselves in everything from reunion and event participation to annual giving participation and “leadership gifts.”

On for Ol’ St. Francis!

“In parting, our diversified Class of 1959, renowned for its athletes, scholars, journalists, musicians, scientists, and even actors, would offer this final testament to St. Francis: First, we offer thanks for the common foundation of a Catholic education imparted to all of us...”

-1959 San Fran Yearbook

A Look At The Class Of 1959 Alumni By The Numbers: #1 Percentage Rate of Participation in Annual Giving

Consistently Ranked High in Overall Class Contributions

Current Members of the SFP Hall of Fame

(2012-13)

2012-13

Peter England ‘59

25.21%

$279,133

33.73%

2013-14

25.64%

(2013-14) (2014-15)

36.90%

#1

Peter Callahan ‘59 James Jones ‘59 Ray Nash ‘59 Thomas J. Prendergast ‘59

#2

$222,873

Current Members of the

Red & Blue Terrier Ring of Honor

(2015-16)

2014-15

Nicholas Cirigliano ‘59

34.57%

$173,660

Charles Harris ‘59

(2016-17)

#1

Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019

9

St. Francis Prep

Walk-A-Thon

The Annual Walk-a-thon Benefits the Capital Improvement and Modernization Program On Friday, September 28th St. Francis Prep held its eighth annual Walk-a-thon fundraising event. The proceeds of this event benefit special projects and programs at the Prep, most notably the current Capital Improvement and Modernization Project. Prepsters remained undaunted by the rain and the SFP Cheerleaders led the spirited walk through the neighboring Cunningham Park. Members of the Music Department’s Jazz Band kept spirits high too! After the walk, students were treated to a full BBQ under a tent. Prizes were awarded to the top fundraisers and the Cors with the greatest level of donations received a credit on their Prep “food card” for use in the SFP cafeteria! $290,000 was raised by our students, alumni, parents and friends, bringing the eight year total to over $2 million!

The Campaign for St. Francis Prep

The Next 150

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS AT WORK It is important for you to know that your generous contributions and pledges are being put to very good use each and every day for the benefit of our students!

Completed 2015

5 New Science Labs/Classrooms

Now Underway

Music Education Center

10 Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019

Phase III of St. Francis Prep’s Modernization Program continues with the re-designing and re-construction of the Music Education facilities. The end result will be highly advanced learning, practice, instruction and performance spaces for our award-winning music students as well as brand new student athletic locker rooms.

The Campaign for St. Francis Prep: The Next 150 (Stage Two of our Capital Campaign that benefits this Modernization Program) will continue through 2019-20, turning soon to the entire Prep community (alumni, parents, friends) to help achieve our goals. Since its inception, the Annual Walk-a-thon has contributed over $2 million to our Campaign goal of $10 million!

New Athletic Training Center

New Art Education Center

Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019

11

THE ANNUAL MASS OF REMEMBRANCE We Remember and we Pray

Prep’s President, Brother Leonard Conway and school chaplain, Father Ralph Edel blessing the newly installed brick pavers and memorial benches along the Pathway. The black granite bench, “Franciscan Strong” was donated by the following members of the Class of 1968 on their 50 th Anniversary of graduation: Patrick Diamond ‘68, Michael Grappone ‘68, Dr. Gerard Hevern ‘68, Paul Iacullo ‘68 and Eddie Jenkins ‘68.

On Sunday, November 4th, alumni, family and friends gathered at the Prep for the blessing of the latest additions of memorial bricks and benches on the Pathway to St. Francis in conjunction with the Annual Alumni Memorial Mass (celebrated by Rev. Ralph Edel, SFP Chaplain).

Following Mass, alumni and family members gathered in the Gym for the Raising of the “Banners of Honor” in honor of Coach Tim Leary ‘63, John E. Barnes H’16, Royce Mulholland ‘79 and Vincent Agusta ‘79. Brunch followed. SFP’s Alumni Director Bro. Robert Kent, O.S.F., said “It is the 12 Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019

tradition of the Catholic Church to celebrate a Mass of Remembrance on the first weekend of November.” He added, “It’s a wonderful time for us to come together as a Prep community and remember all those who we have lost during the past year.” Prior to the start of Mass, several student recipients of named/memorial scholarships and grants took part in a ceremonial presentation with their families and the benefactors who sponsored these funds.

The newly renovated “Pathway to St. Francis” has been expanded and beautified to accommodate engraved bricks and other memorials. It is a

place set aside for prayer, meditation, remembrance and gathering. The “pathway” is a beautiful way to remember your loved ones and it is a place of reflection where you can visit to honor your memories. The bricks can be personalized with names, dates and/ or other special messages. (See details online at alumni.sfponline.org) We invite you to add a personal memorial brick paver to the pathway to honor and celebrate those who hold a special place in your heart. (See pages 4-5 for more information.)

Named and Memorial Scholarship Presentations Our heartfelt thanks to those who have established these funds and whose generosity continues this legacy. St. Francis Prep welcomes the establishment of named, permanently endowed scholarship funds “in memory” or “in honor” of the individual(s) or family named. We hope to add many more scholarships in the years ahead through outright gifts made by generous graduates and friends, through bequests-by-will, and through other planned giving methods. To make a contribution to get more specific information on any of these funds, go to the SFP Alumni Website: alumni.sfponline.org/donations

The Bernice and James E. McHugh H ’92 Scholarship was presented to Chiara Cinquemani ‘19, Stephanie Zovich ‘19 and Constantino “Dean” Athanailos ‘19

The Michael F. Lynch ‘86 Memorial Scholarship was presented to Kyle Pearson ‘19.

The Alfonse J. Niedermeyer ‘79 Memorial Scholarship was presented to Shyann Cunnngham ‘19 and Mariarose Beccarelli ‘19

The Paulette and Vincent A. Toscano ‘53 Scholarship was presented to Diego Llanos ‘20 Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019 13

Annual NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade

GradPreparatory News • Summer/Fall 2019 Francis School 14 St.14

Since 2008, the Prep community (alumni, family members, students, faculty, staff and administration) has gathered together to march in the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade! Our group marches up Fifth Avenue alongside many New York iconic and landmark locations including St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center and The Plaza Hotel. Join us on March 17, 2020!

Please RSVP at alumni.sfponline.org/events so that we may order an appropriate number of souvenir SFP St. Patrick’s Day hats for all participants!

Photos by Mike Graziano

Grad News 15 Grad News• •Summer/Fall Summer/Fall 2019 2018 15

2018 Homecoming Weekend Held in memory of Coach Tim Leary ‘63 Thursday: Hoops Tournament in Memory of Jimmy ‘79 & James Prendergast H’11 Homecoming Weekend kicked-off with a Three-on-Three Basketball Tournament on Thursday evening in the Prep’s Gym. There are over 100 alumni, friends and family who participate in memory of Jimmy Prendergast ‘79 and his father, James H’11. For the second year in a row, the foul shot contest was held in memory of Brian O’Connor ‘86 who was also a regular participant in the tournament. After the tournament, everyone gathered in the cafeteria where there was an abundance of food and other refreshments. (Special thanks to John Keane ‘80, proprietor of The Blarney Stone, for providing the refreshments.)

Guests went home with raffle prizes and the winner of the 50/50 raffle won nearly $1,000! Many thanks to all of our participants, sponsors and volunteers who continue to make this event a success year after year!

Photos by Mike Graziano

Friday: Friends of SFP Football “Night of Champions” On Friday, October19th, The Friends of St. Francis Football gathered at Bourbon Street in Bayside for their first “Night of Champions” to celebrate the football program, its players and coaches. The group’s motto is “making opportunities happen” and they will present this opportunity for all to gather again this Fall during Homecoming Weekend. We are grateful to all of those who contributed prizes, volunteered their time and supported the event by purchasing raffle tickets. Mark your calendar for October 18, 2019 and join us at this year’s event.

Photos by Mike Graziano

16 Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019

Saturday: Annual Day at Belmont Racetrack Alumni, family and friends gathered in the exclusive Turf and Field Club at Belmont Park on the 20th of October for the Annual Homecoming Day at the Races. As always, the weather was wonderful and all of the races were exciting. Our group gathered in the Winner’s Circle to meet the jockey of the winning horse in the race dedicated to St. Francis Prep. (See image below.) In addition to the excitement of some lucky bets, one fortunate guest took home the proceeds of our 50/50 Raffle.

Special Note: We will not host the event this year due to the new arena construction at Belmont Race Track that has caused a shift in the October racing schedule to Aqueduct Racetrack. Watch for this event again next year!

Sunday: Annual 5K Fun Run

The 5K Fun Run is a perennial favorite and offers the Prep community a chance to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11. There were special awards and prizes for the top overall finishers (males & female) in several age categories. A buffet breakfast was served during the ceremony. In addition to our gratitude to the SFP Alumni Board, we offer special thanks to the members of the FDNY, Coach Jim May ‘76 and the SFP Girls Track Team and Leo Nicholas H’13 for all of their help organizing the event!

The next 5K Fun Run will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2019. This year will be very special in that we will be celebrating all our First Responders. (See details on page 48.)

Register online at alumni.sfponline.org/events

Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019 17

Photos by Mike Graziano

St. Francis Prep’s 26th Annual Golf Classic Monday, June 17, 2019 Cherry Valley Club, Garden City, NY

2019 Golf Classic Honorees

Joanne Persico ‘84 • Founder and Head Coach of the St. John’s University Volleyball Program • Member of the SFP Board of Trustees • Inducted into the Inaugural SFP Red & Blue Terrier Ring of Honor • Member of the SFP Hall of Fame

Marco Battaglia ‘91 • Former NFL Tight End: Bengals, Redskins, Steelers, Buccaneers & Panthers • Consensus first-team Football All-American for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights • All-New York City & All-State player at SFP • Currently the Assistant Athletic Director for Development at Rutgers University

Thank you to all those who contributed to the success of the 2019 Golf Classic— all our golfers, dinner guests, journal advertisers, major sponsors, the Golf Classic committee and the dedicated alumni volunteers! The main ingredients for its success and longevity are the spirit, pride and sense of community that our honorees bring to this event each year! In this instance, our heartfelt gratitude and congratulations go out to our honorees: Joanne Presico ‘84 and Marco Battaglia ‘91 18 Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019

Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019 19

Photos by Vincent Dusovic & Mike Graziano

20 Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019

EVENT AND DINNER SPONSORS Lisa & Bob Adams ‘80 COCKTAIL HOUR SPONSORS Lisa and Jeff Alter ‘80 LUNCHEON SPONSOR CulinArt Group FRANCISCAN BROTHERS SPONSORS Richard Mednick Medco Electrical Contracting, Inc. Eddie Slampiak ‘90 CRM Construction & Maintenance Corp.

JOURNAL SPONSOR Flynn & O’Hara School Uniforms, Inc. GOLF CARTS SPONSORS Wally Bishop ‘80 Michael Mongelli ‘79 DRIVING RANGE SPONSOR John Campo, Esq. Akerman LLP PUTTING GREEN SPONSOR Stretto Dave Beltran RAFFLE PRIZE SPONSORS Eileen LeMonda ‘78 The LeMonda Family Joseph Pantaleo ‘03 Joseph B. Pantaleo, DDS, PC Alice Dunkak Quinn ‘79 P.C. Richard & Sons Joseph Marrone Waldorf Risk Solutions, Inc. Tom Gebert ‘79 Primary Land Services, LLC The Nolan Group Harvard Maintenance Dan Duffy H’03 HOLE-IN-ONE PRIZE SPONSOR Koeppel Nissan Win a 2019 Nissan Altima SR

Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019 21

REGIONA L & PROF ESSI ON BA SED A LUMNI C HA PTER S

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The Greater Washington, D.C. Area Alumni Chapter Game & Reception

Nearly 50 Prep alumni from the D.C, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia area gathered together to watch the New York Mets take on the Washington Nationals on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at Nationals Park in Washington, DC. Prior to the game, Alumni Board President, Wally Bishop ‘80 and Alumni Director, Bro. Robert Kent welcomed everyone to a finely catered reception in a private room directly across from the ballpark (provided by Wally’s son, Walter). Prep’s Development Director, Bob Angeletti, provided an overview of the exciting developments at Prep. Once again, we are very thankful to Aris McMahon, SFP Class of 1989, and a Principal with Advantage Inc., for his generosity in sponsoring the game tickets for this wonderful and spirited event.

Photos by Mike Graziano

Photos by Mike Graziano

25th Annual Florida Area Alumni Chapter Reunion On March 2nd we held our 25th annual St. Francis Prep Florida Reunion in Port St. Lucie. It began at 1:00 PM with the Mets vs Astros game on at First Data Field with 40 alumni attending the game. Afterwards, we ventured across the street to St. Bernadette Parish for a wonderful reception hosted by Joanne and Bill Dunn ‘59.

We had a very good representation of alumni from Butler Street, North 6th Street and Fresh Meadows and we even discovered some alumni that we didn’t know had moved to the Sunshine State!! If you live in or are traveling to Florida next year at this time, please consider joining us on February 29th in the Tampa area!

Photos by Mike Graziano

22 Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019 22 St. Francis Preparatory School

The Health Care and Legal Sectors Alumni Chapter Reception Developing relationships and connections within your profession creates opportunities to advance your career. Participating in social events hosted by the SFP Alumni Association is a great way to connect with people in your field. Prep alumni in these sectors are always ready and willing to assist their fellow alumni. And the best way to get in touch, is to stay in touch in these professional networking forums.

In the health care sector, aging populations and innovative technologies continue to increase health care demand resulting in greater career opportunities. Technical developments in the legal industry require new strategies for professionals in everything from managing their careers to interacting with clients. St. Francis Prep’s 13th annual reception for alumni who work in either the Legal and Court Services Sector or the Healthcare Sector was held at the New Hyde Park Inn on Thursday evening, February 7th.

Photo by Mike Graziano

The Financial Services Sector Alumni Chapter Reception On Thursday evening, June 7th we held our annual reception for alumni in the financial service sector at the Friars Club in Midtown. Our guest speaker for the evening was Aquiles Larrea, SFP Class of 1987 and the founder and CEO of Larrea Wealth Management. Aquiles provides financial services to Latino executives, entrepreneurs and families and is a frequent TV guest and contributor on Fox News. He provided everyone with a motivating discussion about how he rose up from an intern to broker to entrepreneur and frequent expert TV guest commentator. He also spent one-on-one time with alumni and provided each with a complimentary copy of his book, “Your Money and You”. Several students from the SFP Wall Street Club (along with club moderator, Mr. Joseph Masselli), found his story both inspiring and compelling.

Photos by Mike Graziano

Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019 23

Technology Alumni Chapter Reception St. Francis Prep’s 3rd annual networking event for alumni who are involved in technology was held on Thursday, March 21 and featured guest speaker, Daniel Eliot, an expert with the National Cyber Security Alliance, Washington, DC. Identify theft, social media scams, ransomware and data breaches were the topics that he addressed in his presentation entitled, “Clear out Cyber Clutter: It’s Time for a Digital Spring Cleaning!” We are grateful to Jane Scandurra ‘77, Technology Chapter Leader for coordinating the event.

Photos by Mike Graziano

Arts & Marketing Alumni Chapter Reception

Photo by Mike Graziano

St. Francis Prep’s 5th annual reception for alumni who work in the Arts (film, TV, photography, design, painting, drawing, theater, dancing, music, architecture, fashion, etc.) or Marketing was held on Thursday evening, March 7th. It was another spirited reception held at Blue Car Studio (between 5th and 6th Avenue). Thanks to Michele Kawaka ‘95 for leading the Chapter.

24 Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019

The Annual Christmas Party for Our Friends with Special Needs

Founded by the late Sr. Joseph Agnes, this party has provided Christmas cheer to our friends with special needs for more than 30 years. The event is now supported by the SFP Alumni Association, SFP Parent’s Guild and the faculty, students and staff. SFP Faculty members Suzanne Camus and AnnMarie Rich serve as the lead organizers. Students serve as volunteer aides throughout the party and assist guests as they enjoy lunch, dance, and visit with Santa.

Photos by Mike Graziano

Annual Alumni Career Day Alumni from a range of backgrounds visited Prep in January to share their wisdom and advice to our students about career choices as well as college decisions. Guest speakers ranged from recent grads who are currently enrolled in college to those who in various stages of their professional careers. The Guidance Department coordinates the program each year and all alumni are welcome to participate as panelists. Anyone interested in participating in January 2020 should contact Ms. Becky Barell at bbarell@sfponline.og Pictured (l-r): Clinton Ikioda ‘15, Eric Gioia ‘91, Miguel Gonzales ‘17 and Erica Viscovich ‘17

Photo by Mike Graziano

The Dan Apicella ‘00 Memorial Golf Outing & Scholarship Dinner It was another fantastic day at Inwood Country Club as friends and family came out to celebrate and honor the memory of Dan Apicella ‘00 on July 22, 2019. It was announced that senior, JeAnna Cunningham ‘20 was awarded the Daniel Apicella ‘00 Memorial Scholarship. (JeAnna was competing in a summer league and could not be present at the awards dinner.) During the past 8 years, more than $130,000 has been raised (not including the proceeds from this year’s event) and three scholarships have been awarded to deserving seniors who share the same level of school spirit and work-ethic that Danny did. The first three recipients were: Jayden Sutton ‘17, Constantino Kosmidis ‘18 and Justin Hendrick ‘19. Pictured (l-r): Kevin Wagner ‘01, Linda and Robert Apicella (Dan’s parent’s) Kevin’s daughter and Coach JoAnn Wagner H’10.

Photo by Mike Graziano

Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019 25

Annual Spring Reunion & Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Saturday, April 6, 2019 • The Annual Spring Reunion and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony once again provided a great opportunity for alumni to remember the reasons why so many of us found a “second home” and made life-long friendships at the Prep! The reunion anniversary Classes of 1944, 1949, 1954, 1959, 1964, 1969 were recognized as the newest members of the Golden Terrier Society— an honor bestowed upon alumni who have celebrated the 50th, 55th, 60th, 65th, 70th and 75th anniversary of their graduation.

The group was presented with special medals and enjoyed their cocktails and dinner in the library. The 25th Silver Anniversary Class of 1994 along with the Classes of 1989, 1984, 1979 and 1974 gathered in the cafeteria. It truly was a night of “golden” memories for everyone! Links to additional photos are posted on the St. Francis Preparatory Alumni Website and the St. Francis Preparatory School Facebook page.

Hall of Fame Inductees • 2019

Thomas J. Prendergast Class of 1959

Karen M. Haag Class of 1980

Martin G. Shannon Class of 1980

25th Anniversary • Class of 1994 26 Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019

Robert A. Waegelein Class of 1978

30th Anniversary • Class of 1989

35th Anniversary • Class of 1984

40th Anniversary • Class of 1979 Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019 27

Annual Spring Reunion

45th Anniversary • Class of 1974

50th Anniversary • Class of 1969

Photos by Mike Graziano

60th Anniversary • Class of 1959 28 Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019

Class of 2013's Fifth Anniversary Reunion • November 10, 2018

Photos by Mike Graziano

Reunion of the Classes of 1999, 2004, and 2009 • January 19, 2019

Photos by Mike Graziano

Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019 29

The Annual President’s Dinner

Brother Leonard Conway, O.S.F. hosted the Annual President’s Dinner—the annual “thank you” to the loyal alumni, parents, faculty, staff, trustees and friends whose generosity at the “leadership” giving level helped SFP in the past year. 150 guests enjoyed cocktails and dinner and a performance by the Chamber Orchestra under the director of Robert Johnston H’14 on Saturday, March 30th in the Prep’s Library. During dinner, Brother Leonard provided an update on all of the latest developments at the Prep. Patrick J. McLauglin ‘73 provided an overview of the outstanding academic achievements by our students and the many ways SFP remains true to its Franciscan mission. David Murtha ‘19 (SUNY Stony Brook), Joanne Gotanco’19 (Baylor University) and John “Jack” Lynch ‘19 (Sacred Heart University) each spoke about the various ways that St. Francis Prep changed their lives and prepared them for college and for life! They are pictured below, top right (l-r): Bro. Leonard, David, Joanne, Jack and Mr. McLaughlin.

Special guests also included the President of St. John’s Unviersity, Dr. Bobby Gempesaw and his wife, and our visiting Franciscan colleagues from St. Francis Secondary School in Lare, Kenya.

30 Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019

On Thursday, May 22nd, the SFP Chamber Choir, under the direction of David Kobayashi '93, performed the National Anthem at Citi Field prior to the Mets vs. Washington Nationals. English Department Chairperson, Robert Williams ‘92 threw out the first pitch with Father Ralph Edel (Prep’s Chaplain) behind home plate. Hundreds of alumni, parents and students attended the game!

3rd Annual SFP Night at Citi Field

Photos by Mike Graziano

Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019 31

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A Message from Brother Robert Kent, O.S.F., Alumni Director Dear Alumni and Friends,

It’s time for our Seniors to take their rightful place in the circle of life and the world that awaits them. As might be expected, the school year concluded successfully on Saturday, June 1st. All 581 seniors received their St. Francis Prep diploma at a festive and joyful ceremony held at St. John’s University.

Each year it would appear, that the outstanding accomplishments of the members of the graduating class grow ever more impressive. This claim is easily justified by the very facts themselves, since this year virtually every graduating senior (99.3%) will attend college this fall. Members of the class of 2019 have been accepted to more than 300 colleges and Universities throughout the country, including Ivy League and many other prestigious institutions.

Moreover, as a group they have been offered over $169 Million in College Merit Scholarships for the next four years.

It is these kinds of results, combined with their distinguished list of college and university acceptances, which clearly make manifest the high level caliber of our students, their tenacious work ethic and ultimately their high level of success.

These accomplishments serve to remind us that we could never provide all the resources we do to support our students without our loyal benefactors and their continued generosity. We welcome our new graduates as an integral part of our Prep Family, for they have now made the official transition from graduating seniors to Alumni of St. Francis Prep.

While it is true that the members of the Class of 2019 will physically depart for 32 Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019

within these walls, they nonetheless will take with them the interior spirit that animates the heart and soul of St. Francis Prep, and has done so since its humble beginning in 1850. It is this undaunted spirit that will help them to cope with all the myriad challenges they will face as they journey forth into the world before them.

a combined total of 120 years of loyal service to the Prep. We salute all of you for your commitment and many years of service. We thank you for the profound impact that you have made on the lives of those in your care. We are grateful that they have been our partners in our Franciscan Mission. Now it is time to smell the proverbial roses.

On Thursday, October 4th, we celebrated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi with a Liturgy offered by Bishop Raymond Chappetto. At this time, The Canticle Citation was presented to

At this juncture, we will like to acknowledge: • Maria Finn received the Faculty/Staff Franciscan Spirit Award and

Christopher Mendolia for his 25 years of service, and to Eileen Cogrove, Michael Hernandez, Stacey Godeck, George Anne Kotowicz, Mary Pappas, Melissa Rafferty and Marianna Ruggieri for their 15 years of Service. All these dedicated individuals have given so much to our students, and over the years have deeply impacted the lives they have intersected.

• John Lynch ’19 received the Student Franciscan Spirit Award.

I would like to take the time to recognize some special individuals who have made considerable contributions to our Prep Community and who are now retiring this summer. Let us bid a fond farewell to Sofia Eide for her 31 years of service in the Finance Office; Brother Adrian Fannon for his five years of service in the Attendance Office; and from the English Department, Nicholas Paccione for his 37 years of service. We also wish to salute Annabella Tang for her 14 years of service in the Finance Office. As well as Bill Turner for his 33 years of service in the Physical Education and Health Department. All together, this represents

• The General Excellence Award was presented to David Murtha ’19.

• The Al Powers Student Athlete Award was presented to Aramis Santiago ’19 and • The Shelia Barrett Knudsen Student Athlete Award was presented to Chiara Cinquemani ’19.

This year’s recipient of the faculty recognition for Educational Excellence was Sandi Vandermosten of the Physical Education and Health Department.

These award winners truly exemplify the Franciscan ideals in all aspects of their lives.

In that very spirit to actively participate in the life of the Prep, we appeal to you to make a firm commitment to support all our sponsored Prep events. Let us begin with a great turnout for our

“Time to Smell the Roses” Pictured (l-r): Sofia Eide for her 31 years of service in the Finance Office; Brother Adrian Fannon for his five years of service in the Attendance Office; and from the English Department, Nicholas Paccione for his 37 years of service. We also wish to salute Annabella Tang for her 14 years of service in the Finance Office, as well as Bill Turner for his 33 years of service in the Physical Education and Health Department.

Homecoming Weekend. This year’s weekend will commence on Thursday, October 17th with 3-on-3 Hoops Tournament in memory of Jimmy Prendergast ’79, James Prendergast ’11 & Brian O’Connor ’86. It will continue on Friday, October 18th with the Friends of SFP Football at Bourbon Street in Bayside. Following this, on Sunday, October 20th, we will first have our 5K Fun Run and Walk in honor of our Police, Firefighters, Military and September 11th heroes, and then our Homecoming football game against Fordham Prep at 1:30pm at Van Buren High School.

We are especially excited to announce that this year, SFP will hold an Alumni Reunion that takes place in fabulous Las Vegas ( Fri- Sun, Oct. 25-27). Our Alumni in Las Vegas have made a firm promise that our reunion in their city will constitute an unforgettable one which will motivate us to return there.

Viva Las Vegas!

On Saturday, March 21st, we will have the third Red and Blue Terrier Ring of Honor Gala at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, New York. The Red and Blue Ring of Honor recognizes the outstanding achievements of our past athletes, coaches, moderators and athletic directors. We also recognize the accomplishments of several championship teams. It is because of men and women such as these that the reputation of the school has been enhanced and the Franciscan Spirit has been extended beyond the confines of the school itself. We at Prep salute them and thank them for giving so much to their Alma Mater.

In all these events, your support and presence will be invaluable, making a clear and powerful statement to all that you care deeply for you Alma Mater.

As we move forward into the next 160 years and welcome our new Freshmen, the Class of 2023, we invite our Alumni, Benefactors and Friends to be a part of this journey.

We cannot go forward alone. We need you to support us in our Franciscan mission to serve the youth in our care and provide them with the tools they need for success. Never hesitate to participate in this sacred trust. Always remember that your roots are deeply buried in the rich soil of St. Francis Prep.

What would the world be without Spirit? St. Francis Prep has always been alive with a strong spirit which defines it, and takes joy in radiating that spirit out to all the work it encompasses. It is this self-same spirit which renews the commitment of an educational institution to accept the new challenges of the future and not miss the success to which it aspires by falling back on its past accomplishments alone.

We thank our loyal Alumni and friends for their generosity and continued support of the Prep Community, for its strong dedication to the pursuit of excellence, for its tireless concern for all those entrusted to its care, and its unwavering commitment to develop future leaders of tomorrow.

As always, I am grateful to the members of the Alumni Board for all they have done and will continue to do for St. Francis Prep. Thank you for your unfailing support.

May the Blessing of St. Francis 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

It is only by facing the future with courage, wisdom and conviction, all qualities clearly associated with the Prep, that a new age of education can be ushered in. Those who are aware of the profound impact that a Franciscan Education has on young and impressionable minds can only expect a continued dedication to the ideals that the four golden links represents and an openness to the challenges that the future entails.

Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019 33

| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |GRAD | | | | | | | | | | NOTES |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

Phil McBride Sr., SFP Class of 1947 inducted posthumously into the CYO Hall of Fame on May 15, 2019, where he joins his son, long-time local basketball referee and 2015 inductee Phil McBride Jr. Phil McBride Sr. was a three letter sports player at St. Francis Prep in Brooklyn.

In the early 1950’s, Phil initiated sports programs at St. Stan’s, St. Ann’s and other parishes via tournaments he ran for the Catholic War Veterans. In 1959, the CWV recognized him for organizing the best youth program in the United States. In 1960, he founded the St. Stan’s CYO program and became its Athletic Director, being ably assisted by people like Mickey Kolinsky and Chet Wernicki. His goal was to teach the kids teamwork and responsibility. Phil created (1) a new soccer program, and (2) girls’ basketball and softball teams. This greatly expanded the number of St. Stan’s kids participating in CYO. Phil believed that CYO was more than sports. St. Stan’s CYO ran events to assist the Trinitarian Sisters Mission at Transfiguration Brooklyn. The St. Stan’s CYO program and the Holy Name Society ran

an annual Christmas party giving toys to the Transfiguration kids. From 1959 to 1969, St. Stan’s had a day of basketball with St. Ann’s Flushing on Palm Sunday to raise money for 1st Communion outfits for Transfiguration kids.

In the 1960s, Phil (along with St. Matthias Charlie Ernst) established the South West Deanery Athletic Directors (DADs) to represent those parishes with CYO. DADs also ran All Star games and foul shooting contests. In 1967, CYO established the position of Parish Athletic Representative (PAR), with Phil becoming PAR at St. Stan’s.

He became one of the PARs on the Bishop’s CYO Council on Athletics.

In 1973, Phil and his wife Loretta moved to Flushing where he lived until his untimely passing in 1980. He volunteered to coach immediately, and within two years he was running St. Ann’s basketball.

He started a new intramural program which later joined with St. Andrews (John Coster), St. Fidelis (Paul Dispensa) and St. Robert’s (Joe Fristachi) and was called the “Fun League.” It helped plant the idea

for the CYO 3rd and 4th grade leagues we have today.

In 1976, Phil was selected by the CYO office to receive the Bishop Mugavero CYO Award for his work in his parishes and the Diocese. He was also the President of the St. Stan’s Holy Name Society and Commander of the St. Ann’s Catholic War Veterans Post.

Phil asked many other people to coach/ help CYO. If they declined, he would say, “The people who don’t have the time, find the time.” Bob Siebel, Catholic Charities Executive Director who worked for and led CYO, told the Queens Ledger in 2009, “Phil McBride led his programs with charismatic leadership.” Most of his players and coaches would agree.

The CYO, St. Stan’s and St. Ann’s communities thank Phil for his dedicated service and proudly induct him into the CYO Hall of Fame.

On December 1st, Prep’s President, Brother Leonard Conway, Alumni Director, Brother Robert Kent and the Director of Development, Robert Angeletti paid a visit to Prep Grad, Joe Torre, SFP Class of 1958. Joe is Major League Baseball’s Chief Baseball Officer and he is also the founder of The Safe at Home Foundation. They met to explore the possibility of developing a partnership with “Safe At Home” at the Prep. They also presented Joe with a plaque commemorating the 60th Anniversary of his graduation from Prep. (See photo.)

The Safe at Home Foundation provides healing services to youth who have been traumatized by exposure to domestic violence, child abuse, and teen dating abuse.

Joe and his wife, Ali, founded the Safe At Home Foundation in 2002. The Hall of Famer and former Yankee manager candidly speaks about his own personal experience, “Growing up in a home where there was domestic violence was very difficult and left lasting scars...As an adult, I began to speak openly about my childhood experience with domestic violence...too many children live in fear, are unaware of how to ask for help, and suffer the same debilitating fear that I and my family had.” Joe and his four siblings grew up in Marine Park, Brooklyn and he attended Prep when it was located at 186 North 6th Street in Williamsburg. Joe’s sister, Sr. Marguerite Torre, taught Spanish for years at the Prep. (We will keep you updated on progress with this proposal in future editions of the Grad News.)

34 Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019

Pictured (l-r): Director of Development, Robert Angeletti, Alumni Director, Brother Robert Kent, Joe Torre ‘58. and Brother Leonard Conway.

Fred Salvo ‘66 has been retired from the SFP Math Department Faculty for a couple of years. And while he always says that he truly enjoyed teaching, he emphatically declares that he “loves retirement!” This year he and his wife, Susan have traveled to France, and spent a week in Indiana with their son, daughter-in-law and two year old granddaughter. In December they have plans to go to Portugal.

The Class of 1960: Seven classmates and two wives braved the cold and attended a luncheon at Porter House Bar and Grill, Columbus Circle, NYC on December 6th.

Pictured (below) around the table starting at the left are: Fran Wickham, Brian Wickham, Bill Spadola, Ben Ruggiero, Ray Iannicelli, Peter Swist, Jimmy Dunphy, Rose Dunphy and Bill Zuk. The group trekked from Kings, New York, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties and from New Jersey. Conversations covered writing novels, non-directive therapy, back problems, old times at the Prep, but no politics.

On May15, 2019 members of the Class of 1960 continued their get-togethers in the NYC metro area with a luncheon at Gallagher’s Steakhouse in the Big Apple.

In attendance (see below) were: Jimmy Dunphy, Rose Dunphy, Ben Ruggiero, Bill Spadola, Larry Laskowski, Ray Iannicelli, Ray Dudzinski, Bill Zuk, James Mazzeo and Brian Wickham. The group convenes regularly during the year, usually changing the venue.

Recent visits have included Porterhouse Steakhouse, Le Rivage and the New York Athletic Club.

Lance Evans ‘71 Newly elected Civil Court Judge Lance Evans was sworn in at a special induction ceremony on Wednesday, November 28, 2018.

Judge Jeremy Weinstein administered the oath and several of Evans’ relatives participated in the ceremony, including Evans’ cousin Joseph Evans, who held the Bible. Evans, a court attorney-referee in the Residential Foreclosure Part, was elected to the bench in November’s general election. Congratulations, Lance!!

Peter W. Buchbauer ‘76 Receives Family Law Section’s 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award The Virginia State Bar Family Law Section has awarded its highest honor, the Betty A. Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award, to Peter W. Buchbauer of Buchbauer & McGuire, P.C. in Winchester.

The award recognizes a lawyer who has made a substantial contribution to the practice and administration of family law in the Commonwealth of Virginia and is given at the discretion of the VSB Family Law Section Board of Governors.

The award was presented during the section’s 35th annual Advanced Family Law Seminar on April 11, 2019, in Richmond.

Buchbauer founded his firm with James J. McGuire in 1995, devoting his practice to family law for over two decades. A frequent writer and speaker on domestic law topics, Buchbauer is a Fellow, and current Virginia Chapter President, of the

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, a Fellow, and current First Vice-President of the United States Chapter, of the International Academy of Family Lawyers and a member of the Virginia Family Law Coalition, a group of family lawyers who work with the Virginia General Assembly on family law legislation.

In nominating Buchbauer, Carl J. Witmeyer of The Witmeyer Law Firm in Ashland wrote: “There is no member of the Virginia State Bar that has better promoted Family Law matters and continues to do so on an extremely regular basis than Pete.

His litigation skills, all the way to the Court of Appeals, are legendary.”

A magna cum laude graduate of St. John’s University and American University’s Washington College of Law, Buchbauer is married to Jane Buchbauer, his wife of 38 years, and is a father of four and grandfather of three, who enjoys travel, golf, and volunteering in his community. Congratulations, Peter!

Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019 35

| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |GRAD | | | | | | | | | | NOTES ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Class of 1976 Mini Reunion

Enjoying brunch with Joseph Trotti, RoseMarie Abiuso DiMaria, Jerry Compito, Kathleen Brix Fallon, John Fallon, Mario DiMaria, Susan Loftus, Connie Compito and Gerry Scales at The Smith-Nomad. High school is four years; St. Francis Prep is forever!

John Amato ‘76 is delighted to announce that he graduated from SUNY Farmingdale State College with an Associates Degree in Horticulture on Tuesday, May 21, 2019.

Congratulations, John!

Football Uniform Honors the Memories of Tim Stackpole ‘77 and Coach Vince O’Connor

The SFP Varsity Football team honored the memories of NYFD firefighter, Timothy Stackpole ‘77 and the late Coach Vince O’Connor last season. A special uniform bearing the initials “TS” and “Vince” on each of the shoulders was worn at the home opener. Pictured above (l-r): Coach Rich Carroll ‘86 (far left) Coach Bob Waegelein ‘78, Mike McGovern ‘78, Frank Morgera ‘77, Tom Nevitt ‘77, Phil Bracco ‘77, Mrs. Mary O’Connor-King, and John Pomarico ‘77

Joseph Sciame ’78 Elected by The Science Teachers Association of New York as Fellow for 2019 On Saturday, May 4, 2019, The Science Teachers Association of New York State (STANYS) Board of Directors elected Joseph Sciame of the Westchester Section as Fellow for 2019. Joe formerly taught in the Science Department and is currently serving at the Chairperson of the Business Department at St. Francis Prep. He will be honored at the Annual Convention this November. The Science Teachers Association of New York State (STANYS) is New York’s oldest and highly respected professional organization of science educators. This award is the highest honor that is bestowed upon a member. Fellows are chosen on the basis of their effective teaching and active participation in professional scientific organizations. Their leadership and scholarly endeavors in science education are noteworthy. The organization inaugurated the STANYS Fellows Award Program in 1949 to honor teachers who have served with distinction as science educators in New York State. Congratulations, Joe!

36 Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019

| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |GRAD | | | | | | | | | | NOTES ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| “Mastering the Markets” is a course offered to Prep students by James “Jim” Gannon ‘83. Jim employs his nearly three decades of Wall Street experience in financial markets and his passion for teaching the next generation about financial markets in this intensive week-long summer course. He engages other like-minded Prep alumni from the financial service section in the course. This year, Wally Bishop ‘80, former high level executive at Deutche Bank and Danny Ryan ‘86, a partner in E&J Securities Corp. Pictured: Students in the program visit the NYSE on the last day of the course, They learn about the trading operations and have the opportunity to meet and speak with professional traders.

Joanne Persico ‘84 attended the St. John’s Bread & Life 21st Annual Johnny’s Angels Awards Dinner on May 2nd at Giando on the Water in Brooklyn where she met fellow Prepster, Joe Torre ‘58. Joanne said, “I went up to introduce myself and told him that his sister taught me Spanish and we both attended St Francis Prep! He got a big kick out of that and said that his sister, Sr. Marguerite Torre (an Ursuline Sister of Tildonk) – will be 90 years old and currently lives in Florida.” Like Torre, Persico has thrived in a coaching role. Her teams won three straight Big East regular season championships (2006-2008) and made two NCAA Tournament appearances (2006, 2007). She’s also recorded nine 20-win seasons. Both are members of the St. Francis Prep Hall of Fame and were part of the school’s inaugural Red & Blue Terrier Ring of Honor. Joanne was also honored recently at the June Golf Classic.

Two Prep Alumni Appointed to New Leadership Roles at New Jersey Commercial Banking Division Steve Vitale ‘87 has been promoted to First Senior Vice President and Department Head of Valley’s New Jersey C&I Banking Department. In this new role, Steve will be leading multiple New Jersey based teams responsible for leveraging the Bank’s commercial banking product platform for the benefit of new and existing commercial clients. Steve joined Valley in 2013 and served as a Senior Vice President and New Jersey C&I Divisional Manager.

Over his career Steve has experienced success in business development, credit risk management and experience starting up a new line of business for major investment banking firm. Steve’s track record of success in Business Development, Credit Risk Management and Team Building is very impressive. Steven and Harry Prassakos ‘94 (pictured below) participated in the Prep’s Financial Services Alumni Networking event and posed for a photo! We wish both of them much success!

Harry Prassakos ‘94 has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Valley’s New Jersey C&I Banking Department. In this new role, Harry will lead the discussions and participate in the decision-making process for all new and existing New Jersey C&I commercial credit requests. Harry joined Valley nearly four years ago and served as a First Vice President and Senior Credit Officer in the Credit Risk Management Department. Harry is also a special events volunteer for Make A Wish Foundation of Metro New York, and a founding member of the Alumni Student Career Alliance at Fordham Graduate School of Business. He earned a B.S. in Finance and Marketing from the Stern School of Business at NYU and an M.B.A. in Finance from the Fordham Gabelli School of Business with a designation in Entrepreneurship and Venture Initiation.

Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019 37

2018-19 Terrier Athletics Season Round-Up

IN MEMORY OF Our Beloved, Legendary Coach

Frank J. Nastro H’85 Frank Joseph Nastro Sr. was born and raised in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn and attended Manual Training HS where he was a standout football player. Upon graduation, he was awarded a full football scholarship to the University of South Carolina. After one year at South Carolina, Frank enlisted in the Marine Corps and spent two years of his enlistment playing football for the Camp LeJeune football team. Frank married his beloved wife, Doris McMahon, on February 6, 1954 after his honorable discharge from the Marines.

Boys Basketball Brooklyn/Queens Division 1 • 5th Place Play-offs - Quarterfinalist

Boys Soccer Brooklyn/Queens Division 1 • 1st Place 2018 City Semi-Finalist

Girls Basketball Brooklyn/Queens Division 1 • 2nd Place Play-off - Finalist

Girls Soccer Division 2 – 2nd Place • 2018 A Division Champions

Baseball Brooklyn/Queens • 3rd Place Intersectional Play-offs 2nd round

Softball Division 2nd Place Diocesan – Semi-Finalist Boys Swimming Division 1 - 4th Place

Bowling Varsity 5th Place JV – 2nd Place

Girls Swimming Division 1 - 4th Place

Football AA Division Semi-Finalist

Girls Tennis 3rd Place – Play-off Semifinalist

Golf A Division 1st Place • City Play-off - Quarterfinalist

During his 37 year career with the FDNY, Frank rose through the ranks, retiring as the Assistant Chief of the Department in 1994.

Education was always important to Frank and his one regret was not graduating from South Carolina. In 1973, he returned to school at St. John’s and over the next 10 years earned his degree in Athletic Administration. He played football, softball, hockey, golf and won a gold and silver medal at the World Police and Fire Games. After retirement, Frank and Doris traveled extensively with their extended group of friends but his favorite trip was when just the two of them drove cross country.

In 1985, he was made an Honorary Alumnus of Prep. In 2014 he was inducted into the inaugural class of the Terrier Red & Blue Ring of Honor.

Coach Nastro died on Tuesday, February 12, 2019. The flag at Prep flew at half-mast the morning after we received word of his passing.

Coincidentally, that morning was the one year anniversary of Coach Tim Leary’s passing and the following day was the fourth anniversary of Coach Vince O’Connor’s passing. May they all be coaching the AllStars in heaven!

Boys Tennis A Division • 3rd Place

Hockey B Division -6th Place

Girls Lacrosse B Division – 5th Place

In the fall of 1956, he began coaching football at SFP in Brooklyn and in February, 1957 he joined the FDNY. Frank was lucky to have two very successful careers which brought him great satisfaction and fulfillment while impacting many young lives. In 35 years of coaching alongside Coach Vince O’Connor at the Prep in Brooklyn and Queens, they won the CHSFL Championship 14 times.

Boys Track & Field Brooklyn/Queens - 2nd Place Girls Track & Field Brooklyn/Queens Outdoor Champions 2019 With Coach Vince O’Connor in 2004

38 Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019

| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |GRAD | | | | | | | | | | NOTES ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Patrick Piccininni ’83 Appointed as Chief Legal Counsel

Ohio Secretary of State-Elect Frank LaRose announced key staff appointments for his office. One of them includes a St. Francis Prep Alumnus, Patrick Piccininni ’83 to the position of Chief Legal Counsel. Patrick has been a practicing attorney for nearly three decades and is currently serving in the administration of Ohio Governor John Kasich as Chief Legal Counsel for the Ohio Department of Transportation for the past eight years. Prior to that he was an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney practicing Civil Litigation and Election Law. The Ohio Secretary of State is responsible for maintaining business filings and conducting Elections in the state of Ohio. Congratulations, Patrick!

Adriana Rodriguez ‘86 Promoted to Director of Communications and Press Secretary

DeSales Media Group, the communications and technology arm of the Diocese of Brooklyn, is pleased to announce Adriana Rodriguez has been promoted to the position of Director of Communications and Press Secretary, effective January 2, 2019. Before joining DeSales Media Group in 2017, she held numerous positions over a 25-year career in local and national TV news. She was an on-air reporter for 12 years, including locally at WNBC and WABC, and covered the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism at New York University and is currently completing her Master’s Degree in Public Relations at Hofstra University.

Prep Alumni in the Medical and Dental Professions Help Bring Smiles to Our “Sister School” in Lare, Kenya Tomorrow’s Smile Today Foundation Event Brings Alumni Together for the Common Good at Ousia, West 57th Street, New York City

Dr. Kamica Lewis, ‘99 (pictured above) is a faculty attending physician in Family Medicine at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

She is also an associate clinical professor for three medical schools in New York City. Dr. Lewis completed her residency at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. and medical school at NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Ever since her days at Prep, Kamica has been passionate about helping under-served communities. But after participating in two medical missions in Ecuador and Honduras early in her training, she fell in love with international medicine. Since then, Kamica has participated in numerous medical

missions, leading her residents on medical trips to South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

After re-connecting with fellow Prepster, Joe Pantaleo ‘03, Kamica was invited to visit to St. Francis Secondary School in Lare, Kenya in 2017. She was appalled by the poverty and lack of resources there but in awe of the work ethic and kindness of the people in the community. After completing a population health assessment there last summer, she agreed that there was a great need for medical care and health education in Lare. Soon after, she accepted the position of medical director for Tomorrow’s Smile Today (TST) and is excited to be a new member of the TST team.

Joe Pantaleo ‘03 created Tomorrow’s Smile Today, Inc (TST) in 2015. It is a dental non-profit organization that promotes the education and practice of dental services in areas of the world in which dental care access either does not exist or is limited. Joe has involved many St. Francis Prep Alumni in his endeavors.

Pictured: (Left) Kamica speaking at a TST fundraising event on May 15th at Ousia on West 57th Street in Manhattan. (Center) Kamica and her family enjoying the reception.

(Right) SFP Alumni Board members Bro. Campion Lally ‘55, Joe Pantaleo ‘03 and Gerry Scales ‘76 Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019 39

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“The Prep Alumni Publishing Club” after though, he meets a quirky Broadway actress who helps the young man shake his funk. The book has scenes in Astoria, Little Neck, Middle Village, Maspeth and Rego Park. “A lot of the scenes of my book were based off of me growing up in Queens,” Sciarratta said.

Anthony Sciarratta ‘13 is set to release his first novel, Finding Forever, a romance that takes place in the “World’s Borough” this fall. He recently signed a book deal with publisher Post Hill Press.

Finding Forever tells the story of a young Italian-American man in the 1970s, hurting over a recent break-up. Soon

Patricia A. Blount (Moreno) ‘83 was very quiet as a youngster at Prep, but found her voice in books. Today, she is a Curriculum Developer at Canon USA and the author of contemporary romance and young adult fiction.

She writes smart and strong characters willing to fight for what’s right and is an

40 Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019

He says that the reason his debut novel takes place in 1970s is because it’s an era that has always spoken to him. “My parents tell me stories of when they were kids and how different it was from today,” Sciarratta said. “I was always into the music and the culture from that area. My mind is kind of set back there, to that era.”

As to why it takes place in Queens, that should be obvious. “I’m a Queens boy, through and through,” Sciarratta said.

Sciarratta’s deal with Post Hill Press includes a second novel after Finding

Forever, and a book of poetry. All three will be available wherever books are sold.

“My formative years at SFP truly influenced me and put me in the right direction. My experience at the Prep was a direct contribution to pursuing my dreams!” Anthony said. While at Prep, Anthony’s favorite subject was Social Studies. He admits, “I wasn’t the biggest fan of English classes in high school. I actually struggled in English during that time.” Anthony points to the variety of faculty members who were major influences on him: Mr. Pudjak, Mr. McCormack, Ms. Vivona, Mr. Licata, and Mr. Zientarski. He played football in his sophomore year and served as a peer counselor during senior year.

Anthony’s novel will be released across the country on November 5th!

Congratulations, Anthony!

award-winning author of edgy, realistic, gut-wrenching contemporary and young adult romance. Patty is a solid supporter of women’s rights and loves delivering school presentations.

is book 4 in the multi-author Christmas in New York series from Tule Publishing Group. Patty also wrote a sequel called “The Paramedics Rescue”, part of the ‘Heroes of New York’ series.

As a contemporary “Internet Issues” novels for teens, Patty’s work has earned awards —including the 2015 Firecracker Award-winning Some Boys —which is also a Bookseller’s Best and RITA awards finalist! Her novel, Someone I Used to Know, dropped August, 2018, and was named a 2019 Best Children’s Book of the Year by Bank Street College of Education and is a 2019 YARWA Athena Award winner for both “Best YA Contemporary Novel” and “Best of the Best”.

She released Nobody Said It Would Be Easy, a second-chance love story featuring the oh-so-sweet widowed father of four, Gabriel in August 2018. Patty is currently working on a mystery now and hopes that it will drop next year.

She is also the author of contemporary romances. A Match Made at Christmas

Patty blogs at YA Outside the Lines and is also active online. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website at pattyblount. com.

Congratulation on all of your fine work, Patty!

Thomas F. Comiskey ‘71, an attorney and mob historian, delves into the relationship between mafia bosses and one of the most diverse and emblematic neighborhoods in New York City in his book, The East Village Mafia. In it Tom explores the history of this little-known Manhattan mafia enclave that wielded influence on the direction and destiny of organized crime in New York City. Few New Yorkers are aware that the tenements and storefronts of the East Village, famous for Beat poetry, avant-garde art, and alternative rock music, were a stronghold of mafia racketeering, treachery, and intrigue for almost seventy years. From the 1920s to 1990, mob icons lived in or frequented the East Village, known as part of the Lower East Side until the mid1960s. Comiskey grew up in Stuyvesant Town, just a few blocks south of the area.

His book is available on Amazon and Barnes & Nobles and, they have it as an ebook ($2.99) or paperback ($11.99), where you can read a preview.

Congratulations, Tom!

Stephanie Laterza ‘97 is a writer and attorney from Brooklyn, NY. She is the author of a poetry chapbook, The Psyche Trials, (Finishing Line Press). “The Psyche Trials is inspired by the myth of Psyche and Eros that contemplates a feminist resolution for Psyche along a sensual path that leads from infatuation and loss to self-love and discovery.

She holds a B.A. in English from Fordham College at Lincoln Center and a J.D. from New England Law School in Boston. Stephanie’s work has appeared in L’Éphémère Review, First Literary Review-East, Ovunque Siamo, Literary Mama, Akashic Books, A Gathering of the Tribes, Newtown Literary, The Nottingham Review, Obra/Artifact, and elsewhere. Stephanie is the recipient of a SU-CASA 2018 artist-in-residence award from the Brooklyn Arts Council and the author of feminist legal thriller, The Boulevard Trial. It has gained recognition for its portrayal of motherdaughter, lawyer-client relationships, and feminist solidarity.

Congratulations, Stephanie!

Tara O’Grady ‘90 was an English teacher who became a jazz singer, recording artist and songwriter. She has released five albums of jazz, blues and folk music and performs with her band all over the world. This is her first book. She is the daughter of Irish immigrants and lives in New York City. In April, a Queens bookshop hosted Tara as she promoted her work, Migrating Toward Happiness.

Several alumni were present.

About the book: Guided to take a symbolic journey replicating her Irish immigrant grandmother’s 1957 American road trip in a Chevy Bel Air, Tara begins her path to a spiritual awakening, soundtrack included. It is a road trip like no other. Tara shows you how to reconnect to a life beyond the cubicle and follow your intuition to fulfill your heart’s desire. Malachy McCourt said, “It’s got prose, poetry, music, musing and humor spiced with history all soaring in a wild profusion of color and romance settling on a positive peak. Get elevated. Read it.

I loved it!”

Congratulations, Tara!

ALUMNI PUBLICATIONS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS Gus Alfieri ‘55 -Lapchick -The Heart of a Champion: A Basketball Coach’s Memoir of a Championship Team Jack Hogan ‘56 Romero’s Legacy Bob Martin ‘67 Bronx Justice: A Novel Straight from the NYPD Files

Dr. Stephen A. Marino ‘71 -A Language Study of Arthur Miller’s Plays: The Plays in the Colloquial -The Salesman Has a Birthday: Essays Celebrating the Fiftieth Anniversary of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman Richie Burriesci ‘72 Ontario Rose John “Jake” McNicholas ‘74 Manhattan North Narcotics

Peter J. Rappa, M.D. ’79 - A Hero in Time -Healing Heart to Soul Eric Hafker, ‘86 Bare (A collection of poems) Are you an author or do you know of one from your class?

Email us at: alumni@sfponline.org

Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019 41

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Pictured above (far right): Maj. Jophiel “Jophy” Philips, SFP Class of 1999

Jophiel “Jophy” Philips ‘99 was promoted to the rank of Air Force Major on Monday, November 5th at a ceremony that was held in the auditorium at St. Francis Prep. At SFP, he played football and was awarded the John (Zeek) Marchassalla ‘79 Scholarship for his character and hard work. Jophy went to Stony Brook University where he continued to play football. He entered the Air Force in February 2012. After graduating from the University of San Francisco School of Law,

he was given a direct commission into the Air Force. Prior to his current assignment, he served as the Chief of Military Justice at the Expeditionary Center at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ. As the Chief of Justice, he provided legal advice on criminal matters to the commander and the six wings and two groups within Air Mobility Command. In 2015, Maj. Philips deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Resolute Support where he received a Purple Heart and earned a

Bronze Star. He is a Special Victims’ Counsel in the United States Air Force and is currently assigned to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ. Maj. Philips provides independent legal representation and advocacy on behalf of sexual assault victims during the investigation and military justice process. Maj. Philips is permitted to practice law before the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals, the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, and is a member of the New York and New Jersey State Bar Associations. He and his wife, Neethu, have one son, Kaelon McKenna Philips.

Assistant Principal Xenos Novoa ‘93 said, “Jophy could have had his ceremony anywhere he wanted but he chose to have it at St. Francis Prep.” He added, “As his former coach I am proud to see that his hard work and perseverance didn’t end once he stepped off the field, but carried over to all aspects of life.”

Joseph Staszewski ‘02 spent eight years covering local sports for some of the largest media outlets in the New York metro area as a writer, photographer and videographer.

The award-winning writer also has experience in professional and college sports. He is currently a sports copy editor/web producer at the New York Post. He has written for Newsday and the New York Post and was named editor of the Community News Group’s three weekly sports sections. His go-getter spirit pushed him to co-found the successful local sports website FiveBoroSports.com, which caught the eye of Rupert Murdoch, the CEO and founder of News Corporation. He had the privilege of designing the front page of the New York Post on Sunday, June 30, 2019. (See image at right.) Joe is the nephew of the SFP Annual Golf Classic supporter, James Pagano, Esq.

Congratulations to Dr. Nicole Rebusi ‘09 and Dr. Jason Phillipe ‘07! They are now officially medical doctors having graduated from Central Michigan University College of Medicine in May. Nicole is now a Resident Physician at Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME and Jason is a Resident Physician at Bayfront Health in St. Petersburg, FL. While in medical school, Jason served as Dean’s Ambassador Student Delegate to the Michigan State Medical Society, Treasurer of the Orthopedic Surgery/Sports Medicine Student Interest Group, Member of the Learning Environment Committee, Parliamentarian of Student National Medical Association local chapter.

42 Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019

Nicole was a Finalist in the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Program, an Intel Talent Search Semi-finalist and a distinguished participant in the Prep’s Science Research Program (SRP). The SRP is an intensive four-year extracurricular academic program at Prep which has paved the way for many highly motivated students like Nicole to develop their critical research skills for admission and success in competitive higher education programs in medicine, research, engineering and related disciplines.

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Edwin-Nikko Kabigting ‘08 Earns his Ph.D.

Nastassja Kosinski ‘11 married Jesse Garbacz this summer. After graduating from Prep, she went on to study accounting at Molloy College and worked for KPMG for several years after graduation. She is currently an accountant at Kimco Realty Corp.

Nastassja is truly part of a “Prep family” beginning with her father, John, Class of 1984, mother, Justine, who works in the SFP General Office and her three sisters.

Pictured above (l-r): Angelica ‘13, Nastassja ‘11, John ‘84, Justine (SFP staff), Marissa ‘17 and Gianna ‘20.

Adam Viscovich ‘15 graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) where he studied Maritime Logistics and Security. He was sworn in as an Ensign in the United States Navy and was then off to Pensacola, FL for Naval Flight Officer training! At Prep, Adam played on the varsity baseball team and he also played ball at the USMMA. Adam is also part of an extended Prep family; his mother, Felicia Varlese ‘79, his dad, William ‘79, his sister, Erica ‘17. Other Prep family members include his aunt, Diane Viscovich-O’Sullivan ‘89, uncle, John Viscovich ‘81, aunt, Doris Varlese ‘81, and Laura Ann-McCormack ‘85 and cousin, Katelyn McCormack ‘23.

Good luck Adam!!! We’re so very proud of you! Pictured above: Adam and his family and friends at graduation. Inset: Adam participating in the tradition whereby the newest Merchant Marine Officers ring the bell to signify the successful completion of license exams and academics.

Edwin-Nikko was awarded his Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from Binghamton University’s Decker School of Nursing. Dr. Kabigting taught at Binghamton University at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Certificate in Forensic Health of Adults, Master of Science in Community Health Nursing, Graduate Certificate of Advanced Study in Nursing Education from Binghamton University’s Decker School of Nursing. Clinically, he previously worked as a Registered Nurse in the observation unit of the emergency department, telemetry/ stroke unit, geriatrics, and in postacute care. Dr. Kabigting has served in several leadership roles as a nurse including as unit practice council chair and as a member of a hospitalwide patient excellence team on issues related to the delivery of person-centered care.

Edwin-Nikko is now an Assistant Professor in the Foundations in Adult Nursing Practice Department at Adelphi University’s College of Nursing and Public Health (CNPH).

During his time at Prep, Edwin was involved in the Prep’s Music program and was a talented violinist in the Chamber Orchestra.

Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019 43

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Jaclyn (Arfanis) Jimenez ‘08 and her husband, Jantony welcomed a baby boy, Jaxson Dean into the world on June 2, 2019. Jaxon’s Aunt Rachel is a Prep alumna from the Class of 2005 and his grandparents, Ellen and Dean Arfanis were active in the SFP Parent’s Guild.

Ellen is currently on staff in the Prep’s Finance Office. Congratulations!

St. Joseph’s College (Brooklyn) junior forward Lauren Quesada ‘16 was selected as the Skyline Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Week (November 26, 2018). The co-captain recorded her second double-double of the season scoring 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting while hauling in 18 rebounds and dishing out five assists. A three-time Rookie of the Week selection as a freshman, this was the first time Quesada has received Player of the Week honors and just the third garnered by a Bear women’s basketball player since joining the conference in the 2015-16 season.

Nicholas M. Provenza ‘18 came back to visit Prep after completing his Marine Corps basic training. Nick played football at Prep and was delighted to show his former football coach, Rich Carroll ‘86 his new uniform!

Congratulations to Abigail Bossa ‘19. Abby completed in the NAACP Afro-American Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics and was the gold medal winner in the medicine & health category. It is a yearlong achievement program designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African-American high school students. She was invited to compete at the National competition in Michigan.

We wish her the best of luck as she continues to “go for the gold”!

SFP Faculty Joseph Sciame ‘78 and James May ‘76 inducted the newest members of the The Franciscan Chapter of the Computer Science Honor Society (Class of 2019) on Tuesday, May 21, 2019: Laura Armellino, Alex Baraian, Kasper Bielecki, Aleya Boatwright, Jacqueline Fogarile, Angelo Galanis, Andrew Goetz, Tiffany Hatzidimitriu, Marcella Hurtado, Giovani Laurent, Raymond Lavarello, Leonard Livreri, Joel Perry, Elizabeth Oser, Ryan Persaud, Jeremy Rakotonirina, Anmol Singh, Victoria Sorrentino, Michael Valenzuela, and Chencheng Yang. The Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology was awarded to Alex Baraian ‘19, Marcella Hurtado ‘19, William Andrade ‘20, Eleni Garuffi ‘20, Ansel Johnson ‘20, Anastasia Micich ‘20, and Kimberly Tsang ‘20.

44 Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019

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Hosted by the Irish American Building Society (IABS), the Annual Great Irish Fair is a family-friendly day which celebrates New York City’s great Irish-American heritage and culture. Among the honorees in September of 2018 were our President, Brother Leonard Conway, O.S.F. who was presented with the Father Mychal Judge O.F.M. Memorial Award. Pictured with Brother Leonard is his long-time colleague, TMLA’s Sister Kathleen McKinney, CSJ, Ed.D. who was presented with the St. Brigid Award.

Brother Gabriel O’Brien, O.S.F. Elected to Superior General During the Easter Break, the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn elected a new Council. The Council members began their terms following installation this summer. Br. Gabriel O’Brien, O.S.F., is the new Superior General. Br. Damian Novello, O.S.F., will be Assistant Superior General. Brothers Richard Contino, O.S.F., Joshua DiMauro, O.S.F., and David Migliorino, O.S.F., will also serve on the Council.

Brother Gabriel spent the last 21 years ministering in the Diocese of Paterson as the on-site manager of the Martin de Porres Village, which offers housing for seniors and families.

On June 9, 2019, the newly installed Superior General, Brother Gabriel O’Brien commissioned five Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn to assist immigrants at the El Paso, TX border.

They spent the week in ministry with our immigrant brothers and sisters. The Brothers ministered to those in need by providing food, water, oranges, diapers, and various hygiene products. The group (pictured above) included: Brothers Greg, Tom, Padriag, Geoffrey, and Joseph.

Prep’s Alumni Director and Varsity Baseball coach, Bro. Robert Kent, O.S.F., was the deserving recipient of the coaching excellence award for his dedication to the advancement of local sandlot programs at The Greater New York Sandlot Athletic Alliance (GNYSAA) 14th Annual Raymond F. Church Service to Youth Baseball Awards Dinner on November 28th.

“It’s not about me,” said Brother Robert, “It’s all my assistant coaches and my players. They deserve most of the credit.” He added, “The sandlot leagues have made thousands of kids – even millions of kids – better people and keep doing great things for the young men and women,” he said.

On April 4th , SFP Campus Ministry and the Religion Department hosted several guests for a “Vocation Awareness” day. Bishop Paul Sanchez, several diocesan priests, representatives from The Franciscan Brothers, and religious sisters were present.

Pictured above is Brother Geoffrey Clement, O.S.F., an adjunct professor at St. Francis College who shared the story of his journey into the Franciscan Brothers. We thank these men and women for coming and sharing their vocation stories with our students. The purpose was to raise awareness about vocations to priesthood and the religious life.

Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019 45

In Memoriam

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.

Sr. Louise Sheehan, R.S.M.

Alumni Joseph M. Baxley • 1942 Robert McDade • 1944 Roger Daly • 1948 Richard Nolan • 1949 Ronald Hoefner • 1950 Frank Ingalls • 1951 Francis X. Bernard • 1952 Henry “Harry” O’Reilly • 1954 James Scanlon • 1955 Thomas Cuite • 1955 Thomas E. Doherty • 1956 William J. Gribbin • 1956 Robert Schell • 1957 Bruce Thomsen • 1957 Robert Fabbricatore • 1959 John Moore • 1966 Barry A. Giambalvo • 1967 Ernest Roggelin • 1968 Michael Sadler • 1968 Karen Franz Pender • 1976 Michael McGill • 1977 Neil Corcoran Jr. • 1978 Loretta Koster • 1978 Theodore J. Curcio • 1982 Bernadette McCann • 1982 Mary Joyce Ollen • 1983 Frank Nastro • H’85 Walter Foley • H’91 Franco Juricic • 1984 Wade Jason Williams • 1987 Suzanne Shickler Decina • 1988 Peter Patrissi • 1988 James Farrell, Jr. • 1995 Amelia J. Monteforte-Kalb • 1992 Woodney Chrstophe • 1994 Brian Gill • 2001 Brad McFarlane • 2010 Carla Atropiades • 2011 Varun Vasudev • 2018 Brooke Pearson • 2022 ***** Brother Jude Byrne, O.S.F. ***** Mike Eisenberg, SFP Girls Basketball Coach ***** Hannah Masterson, SFP Board of Trustees 46 Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019

Sister Louise was a member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Mid-Atlantic Community for 73 years. She was a member of our English Department from 1975 until her retirement in 1998. She moderated the Alvernian Drama Society, the Yearbook, and the Mothers’ Guild; she was also the driving force behind the Social Committee. She was passionate about literature and taught for a total of 50 years.

She was born in Castletown Bere in Co. Cork, Ireland. She attended St. Michael’s School, Flushing, and Bishop McDonnell D.H.S., Crown Heights. Louise entered the Sisters of Mercy Novitiate in Syosset, L.I., in September, 1945, and professed her final vows in September, 1951.

Formerly known as Sister Mary Venard, she taught at St. Agatha, Sunset Park (1948-49); St. Brigid, Bushwick (1949-53); St. Therese of Lisieux, E. Flatbush (1953-60); St. Joseph the Worker, Patchogue, L.I., (1960-61); and St. Thomas Aquinas, Flatlands from 1961-62.

After serving as librarian at Mater Christi D.H.S., Astoria (1962-63) she taught at Mercy H.S., Riverhead, NY (1963-75); St. Gerard Majella, Hollis, (1975-76) and at the Prep from 1976-98. Sister Louise also served as an adjunct professor at St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights.

Sister Louise passed away on October 17, 2018 at the age of 94.

May she rest in peace.

Bro. Becket Ryan, O.S.F. Brother Becket Ryan, O.S.F., a member of the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn for 63 years passed away at the age of 91. Brother Becket was a part of the Prep for over 30 years. Brother Beckett was proud to be the oldest member of the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn.

Born in Barberton, Ohio, he entered the Franciscan Brothers in 1955 from St. Augustine parish in Washington, D.C. Bro. Becket served as attendance officer at St. Francis Prep when it was located at 186 N. 6th Street in Brooklyn (1957-62). He taught in the parish school at St. Joseph, Babylon, NY (1962-66) and taught at Prep from 1966-67. He served as principal of St. Francis Xavier School, Park Slope (1967-70) before returning to Prep in 1970 as a teacher and alumni director until 1988. He meticulously kept early records of our alumni by hand.

From 1988 until his retirement from active ministry in 2005, Brother Becket also served as an advocate for the elderly at St. Charles Borromeo parish in Brooklyn Heights. He spent most of his retirement in residence at Our Lady of Angels Friary in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn.

Brother Becket passed away on October 16, 2018.

May he rest in peace!

Sr. Rita McCauley, C.S.J.

Bro. Ronald Moore, O.S.F.

Fr. James Toal, O.F.M.

Bro. Alan Zodda, O.S.F.

Sister Rita graduated from Holy Family School in Fresh Meadows, and then Bishop McDonnell H.S., before entering the congregation in 1963. She earned a master’s degree in secondary education from St. John’s University in 1972 and pursued numerous grants over the years to sharpen her teaching skills. Sr. Rita taught at St. Robert Bellarmine, Bayside (1968-74); Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Sunset Park (197475); and St. Ann, Flushing (1975-79); before spending the next 37 years (1979-2016) at Prep. Sr. Rita began her tenure at SFP in the Social Studies Department and later served in the Library until her retirement.

On July 5, 1951, Bro. Ronald entered St. Bonaventure’s Postulate (King’s Park) and received the Franciscan habit on February 3, 1952. On January 24, 1954, he made temporary profession of the three vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and was finally professed three years later. After temporary profession, he spent the next six years teaching in elementary schools: St. Joseph’s School (Babylon), Our Lady of Lourdes School (East New York), Our Lady of Good Counsel School (Bedford-Stuyvesant), and St. Francis Xavier School (Brooklyn). In 1960 he was sent to St. Francis Prep (Brooklyn) until 1967, when he was assigned to be Principal and Superior at St. Joseph’s School in Babylon. He was Alumni Director and assistant in public relations at St. Francis College (Brooklyn) from 1975-77. In 1977, he returned to Prep as a teacher. In 1988 he started his retirement from education to enter nursing school; in 1992 he graduated from Molloy College with a B.S. in Nursing.

Before his ordination as a priest in 1975, Fr. James was a Franciscan Brother known as Brother Fabian and then Brother James. Bro. Fabian taught at Bishop Ford High School and St. Francis Prep. At Prep, he held a number of positions in the late 1960s and the early 1970s. He taught junior and senior English, served as moderator for Baseball, Basketball, Father’s Guild, Student Council, Athletic Control Board and served as Principal. After serving as Principal of St. Francis Prep, he was ordained a priest in 1975; a member of Holy Name Province in the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor (OFM).

Brother Alan Zodda received the Franciscan Habit on August 15, 1951, and in August of 1953 he professed his temporary vows of poverty, obedience and chastity. He taught at Our Lady of Good Counsel, Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Patrick’s and St. Anthony’s grammar schools. Over the course of the next dozen years Brother received his BA from St. Francis College and went on to study at NYU where he received his MA. In September of 1961, Brother Alan arrived at St. Francis Prep working in the Attendance Office for a few years. He then worked at St. Leonard’s Academy the year it closed and then transferred to Bishop Ford. It was in 1965 that Brother returned to the school that he loved: St. Francis Prep! Brother Alan is most renowned for the coaching of JV and Varsity Handball. Under his guidance, the SFP Handball Team became a dynasty, winning the CHSAA City Championship 15 times, setting a stellar record of 159 consecutive victories over a 12 year period He received the following honors, awards and recognition:

As a teacher, her giftedness made history come alive. She was constantly taking courses and workshops to make sure that she brought the best to her teaching. Her colleagues remember her fondly as someone who mentored new teachers and knew her students. Sr. Rita brought the depth of her interest, compassion and intellectual competence to her students. Her compassion was born of her own life’s experiences that led her to support others who were facing their own hardships. Former students still recall her challenging lessons and projects both from elementary and high school. One of her students wrote, “I’m saddened to read this. Sr. Rita was a superb teacher—running her Criminal Justice class the way a smart and impartial judge runs a case.

I enjoyed arguing a case before her years before attending law school. Sr. Rita: Heaven is a much better place with you in it.” She loved to travel and was always seeking to add new experiences that would enrich her life and then the lives of her students.

Sister Rita Maria McCauley passed away on January 18, 2019 in the 56th year of her religious life.

May she rest in peace.

He began nursing in Coney Island Hospital working in Pediatrics and Nursery, NICU, and Medical Surgery for one year. He went to Alhambra Day Treatment Center from 1994-2006 where he worked as a nurse for God’s very special people. On December 10, 1997, he was especially blessed with a heart transplant which enabled him to live a happy, healthy, and productive life. Brother Ronald then moved to Centerport. His ministry also included volunteer part-time service as coordinator of Saturday evening liturgies at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip along with pastoral and health-care ministry to brothers, clergy, and others in need. Brother Ronald was noted for his compassion and sensitivity toward the ill, the elderly, and anyone suffering emotionally or physically.

Brother Ronald went to his eternal reward on July 10, 2019.

May he rest in peace.

Over the course of his career, he held several leadership positions in higher education, serving as President of Quincy University in Quincy, Illinois for 14 years, and executive vice president at St. Bonaventure University in New York from 197683. Fr. Toal retired in 2008 as vice president at Siena College where he served for nearly 40 years. A native New Yorker, he earned a bachelor’s degree in English (with minors in French and History) from St. Francis College, a Master’s in English from St. John’s University, and a Ph.D. in college administration and supervision from Fordham University.

He also attended the Weston School of Theology in Boston.

In 2014, he was inducted into the St. Francis Prep Red & Blue Terrier Ring of Honor.

Father James passed away on July 24, 2019 in St. Petersburg, FL. May he rest in peace.

-The Sports Illustrated Merit Award (September 1974) -15, 20, 25 and 50 Year Canticle Citations for Service at SFP -Elected into the CHSAA Hall of Fame (May 1988) -Honorary Alumnus of St. Francis Prep (April 2005) -The SFP Handball Tournament was established in his honor (2007) - Inaugural Member of the Terrier Red & Blue Ring of Honor

In 2011, he celebrated his Diamond Jubilee (60 years) as a Franciscan Brother of Brooklyn. He moved from the St. Francis Prep Friary in 2013 to Our Lady of Consolation in West Islip where he lived out his final years in good spirits while receiving the best of care.

Brother Alan passed away on August 2, 2019.

Homecoming Weekend 2019 NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS

Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019

3-on-3 Basketball Tournament In Memory of Jimmy ‘79 & James Prendergast H ‘11 3-point Shot Contest in memory of Brian O’Connor ‘86 St. Francis Prep Gym 6:30 p.m.

Registration required.

Raffles & Prizes Refreshments to follow Register online: alumni.sfponline.org

A Day at the Races

Saturday Event

Special Note: We will not host the event this year due to the new arena construction at Belmont Race Track that has caused a shift in the October racing schedule to Aqueduct Racetrack.

Watch for this event again next year!

St. Francis Prep will host an “Open House” on this day!

October 19, 2019

Homecoming Football Game Sunday, October 20th

1:30 pm Fordham Prep @Van Buren HS 48 Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019

Friday, October 18, 2019

Homecoming Weekend Friends of St. Francis Prep Football “Night of Champions” Bourbon Street 40-12 Bell Blvd, Bayside, NY 7:00-10:30 PM Advance registration required. $50 per person: open bar & hors d’oeuvres $75 per person, open bar, hors d’oeuvres & two raffle tickets. $100 per person: Open Bar, hors d’oeuvres & 5 raffle tickets.

Homecoming Weekend 5K Fun Run at SFP

Sunday, October 20, 2019 Dedicated to the FDNY, NYPD, PAPD and Military Men & Women and in remembrance all of the Prep Alumni who passed away on September 11th.

Our 2019 5K Honorees: Brian McCarthy ‘80 (NYPD) and John Sudnik ‘80 (FDNY) Mass: 8:00 AM, SFP Chapel Check-In: 8:00 -9:15 AM • Pee Wee Race: 9:15 AM • 5K Start: 9:30 AM Rain or Shine Award Divisions for Male & Female Awards Ceremony & Breakfast following the race!

Registration fees: Advance: $20 per runner • Day of Race: $25 per runner

(Children under 7 are free) Register online: alumni.sfponline.org

12:30 PM Post Race “Meet Up” Hosted by John Ryan ‘81 One Station Plaza, 312-10 41st Avenue, Bayside, NY $40 per person • Three Hour Open Bar & Appetizers

It’s Easy to Lend Your Support For St. Francis Prep Gifts of any size are appreciated and will help make a Prep education more affordable for a deserving student. There are many ways to offer your support:

Online Giving Gifts made with a credit card help the Prep benefit almost immediately. You may donate to Prep using your American Express, MasterCard, Visa or Discover Card on the St. Francis Prep Alumni Website at: alumni.sfponline.org. (Click on the “Donate to the Prep” menu item.)

Check or Money Order If you wish to make your gift by check or money order, kindly forward it to: St. Francis Preparatory School, Office of Development, 6100 Francis Lewis Boulevard, Fresh Meadows, NY 11361. Checks or money orders should be made payable to St. Francis Prep.

Pledged Gift You may pledge a gift and arrange convenient payment installments. Later this year and next you will be asked to consider your “pledged” support for the campaign to help fund the Prep’s modernization program.

Gifts of Stocks and Bonds Donating appreciated securities is another way of helping Prep while also providing potential tax advantages for you. For example: If you purchased stock many years ago for $1,000, and it is now worth $10,000, an outright gift of that stock to St. Francis Prep would result in a charitable deduction of $10,000. You also avoid paying capital gains tax on the $9,000 of appreciation. For further information on how to transfer stock, please call Robert Angeletti at (718) 423-8810, ext. 269.

Corporate Matching Gifts

Double Your Gift!

Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match any charitable contributions made by their employees, and in many cases, even retirees and/or spouses. A matching gift allows your donation to go further. If your company is eligible, request a matching gift form from your company’s Benefits department. Complete and sign the form and send it in with your gift. We will do the rest.

For more information...

The SFP Alumni/Development Office is dedicated to securing the support for the programs and students of St. Francis Preparatory School. For more information on how you can become involved, please contact us.

Robert T. Angeletti Director of Development (718) 423-8810, ext. 269 email: development@sfponline.org

Brother Robert Kent, O.S.F. Alumni Director (718) 423-8810, ext. 230 email: alumni@sfponline.org

Michael Graziano Associate Director of Development

Kim Perinuzzi Assistant to the Director of Development

Sally Khan Associate Director of Development

Grad News • Summer/Fall 2019 49

St. Francis Preparatory School Office of Development 6100 Francis Lewis Boulevard Fresh Meadows NY 11365 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PA I D Permit No.658 Hicksville, NY

SAVE THE DATE Saturday, March 21, 2020 The Red & Blue Terrier Ring of Honor Gala

Crest Hollow Country Club, Woodbury, NY

The Red and Blue Terrier Ring of Honor recognizes the outstanding achievements of its prominent past athletes, coaches and athletic administrators who have enhanced the spirit and reputation of the Prep.

Online registration: https://alumni.sfponline.org/events