Issuu

THE

WINTER/SPRING 2021 A Magazine for Alumni, Parents & Friends of St. Francis High School

STRONGER TO G E T H E R

Story on pp. 6 & 7

2 Alumni Happenings 3 Traditions 4-5 President’s Letter

Covid’s Price Through the Eyes of a Student In Memoriam

6-7 7

Alumni News and Notes

8-9

Winter Sports Recap

10-11

Justinian XXXIX Virtual Auction

12-13

Happy Retirement Mr. Wcilso

Corsi Signs with Maine

Stronger Together

Dear Friends, It’s almost a year to the date that I needed to re-write my TAU letter of March 2020. In that letter I spoke about patience and the ever changing situation in dealing with the coronavirus. School was closed with the hope of coming back in session after our Easter break. We had no indication that this pandemic would affect us in the way that it has and continues to affect our daily lives. Events were cancelled and rescheduled only to be put on hold indefinitely. Life as we all knew it changed. How many of us discovered face coverings becoming part of our daily attire, and who would have thought we needed to shop for a mask that kept glasses from fogging and was comfortable to wear. The reality is there is no mask that is comfortable or keeps one’s glasses from fogging. But we learned to cope with the ever changing situation. Maybe we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, yet we need to continue to be vigilant and continue all the good practices we have adopted. Certainly, in reading the perspective of the two young men who wrote articles for this issue of the TAU, we discover how they coped and how their lives have been affected. I was enthused with how St. Francis was a beacon of hope, strength, and brought continuity to their lives. Yes, We Are Stronger Together. Please read their articles. Justinian XXXIX, Take 2 - will be a virtual event from May 4th to May 9th, with a live segment on May 8th. Please, we need your participation to make this virtual event a success. Check out the website for the how the virtual auction will work, and spend some time browsing the auction items. More than ever, St. Francis needs your participation and support. If you are not able to participate in the virtual auction, consider giving a gift to the Annual Giving Appeal. Funds raised from these events are already part of the budget and are necessary for our operation. I constantly remind myself that when times get a little tough around school, Fr. Justin Figas, the founder of our school, forged ahead with building St. Francis through the great depression. Look at how successful we have become. Like Fr. Justin Figas who was able to count on the generosity and hard work of many to help St. Francis grow, we also continue to rely on the help of many generous and faithful people in the continuation of St. Francis High School. Please know that all were remembered during my Easter Mass, and I pray all continue to practice patience and faith during this time of uncertainly. I trust and believe that God has a plan for all of us, and we will emerge from this crisis Stronger Together.

God Bless,

Fr. Michael Sajda, OFM Conv. President

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Save the Date

Thursday, September 2, 2021 for the Alumni Association Golf Tournament The 2020 Tournament was a huge success, raising over $43,000 despite being held in the midst of a global pandemic. Here are some photos from the event.

ANNUAL ALUMNI MEMORIAL MASS The annual Alumni Memorial Mass was celebrated on Sunday, March 21st. This annual event recognizes in a special way all of our Alumni who passed away over the past year. The Mass was pre-recorded and produced by the students of WSTF-TV, under the direction of Mr. Michael Messore’91. If you missed the mass it can be viewed on our website stfrancishigh.org under the Alumni tab, click Past Events.

St. Francis Tau | Vol. 12 No. 2 Published three times a year by the St. Francis High School Office for Institutional Advancement

4129 Lake Shore Road | Hamburg, NY 14075 | 716-627-1200 | www.stfrancishigh.org Sue Schaffstall Editor VP of Communications & Marketing

Fr. Mark David Skura ’71, OFM Conv. Cover Design

Paul Bartell ’88 VP of Development & Alumni Relations Alumni News and Notes

Photography Toni Lambert Yearbook Staff Lifetouch Photography

Contributors Jenny Attea Aidan Sikorski ’23 Grayson Warner ’23

Proofreading Pat Kaczmarczyk Mary Lou Stahl

Annual Report Kate Taggart Paul Bartell

We welcome your comments... schaffstalls@stfrancishigh.org

The TAU | 3

Traditions of Brotherhood

National Honor Society Inductions Thirty-six new members were inducted into the into the Dr. Leo Michalek, Sr. Chapter of the St. Francis High School National Honor Society. The 55th annual induction ceremony was held in Alumni Hall Theater on Thursday, February 25, 2021. Congratulations to our new inductees.

Jr. Ring Mass Members of the class of 2022 officially ascended to the ranks of upperclassmen when they received their class rings on March 11, 2021. The ceremony, which included the celebration of Mass, was held socially distanced in Alumni Hall Theater. Unfortunately, parents were not permitted to attend, but were able to view a video of the event that was filmed and produced by WSTF-TV. Both events were planned and coordinated by Dr. Stahl. We were also able to take the traditional iconic ring picture.

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A Tradition of Service In true St. Francis form, the Franciscan Youth Ministry and the Alverna Service homeroom continue to advance the mission of the school by serving those less fortunate. FYM has added some new activities this year. They started weekly meetings for a brief Scripture reflection in which they read together and reflect upon the Sunday Mass readings for the upcoming weekend.

We collected 2640 pounds of food! That is more than 1000 pounds more than last- Donated to FeedMore WNY They have also organized several sandwich-making sessions after school in which 15 or so students make over 150 sandwiches. Mr. Reichenberg brings the sandwiches to St. Luke’s for distribution. The Alverna homeroom, under the direction of Friar Matt, organized a Thanksgiving food drive, collecting over a ton of food (2640 lbs. to be exact) and a Christmas toy drive as well as the annual Catholic Charities collection, which raised over $3300.

We ended up taking five packed cars to St. Luke’s to deliver toys. When we got there we met with a volunteer. She shared with the guys that our donation was earmarked first for 11 young people who lived with their moms at an abused women shelter. The shelter had reached out just that morning about their need. It made the guys feel really good (and me too!)

The TAU | 5

Covid’s Price Thr the Eyes of a Stu spread far. Oh boy was I wrong. Then, through time I realized that it was serious and my opinion changed on everything. Cases rising by the thousands, death the same way. I really became cautious of the virus when my good friend got it. He didn’t have a great time with it and now I knew that anyone could get it, even me.

Aidan Sikorski The pandemic has been...interesting. It’s been around for a year now and just keeps surprising me. At first it was just a free twoweek break, something all students were happy about. Then another break after that made it seem like a miracle for students. Quickly we all realized that it wasn’t the break we were hoping for; there was a catch. We had school from home. The country closed everything down. Unless going to the grocery store was one of your pastimes, then you weren’t likely having fun. These new masks were something we had to wear, for a few weeks, right? We were all used to everything working out, and then realized that maybe it’s worse than they made it seem. Instead of one month, it became one year. At first, I told myself it would all be back to normal soon. It was all just a small little delay that would never affect me in a bad way. But it ended up being something much worse. The life that was supposed to be a detour became the norm. It was confusing at first, wearing masks and the six feet stuff. Looking back when it all started I thought it was all an overreaction and that this new virus wouldn’t

6 | WINTER/SPRING 2021

The worst part about the pandemic was that I couldn’t be with my friends and some of my family for a big part of it. There was nothing to do other than stare at a ceiling all day, maybe playing video games and practicing some hobbies. Just something that passes the time as best as possible. But once restrictions started to get lifted it became better, being able to go out and see friends and do some things. The question of what school was going to be like was one of the most uncertain things during this pandemic. It ended up being in person, but we went online a lot too. It was weird going from online to in school to online every few weeks, but it was nothing that really affected anything. I really enjoyed online classes this year and was fine with doing what was necessary to keep us working. All in all, the pandemic has been a bumpy ride but we all moved through it and adjusted. F

Aidan Sikorski is a St. Francis sophomore from South Buffalo. He started playing the guitar about eight years ago and says he got a lot better and played a lot more over the Covid “lockdown”. Aidan says playing the guitar is a good outlet for him. What are his plans for the future? While he is not quite sure what the future holds career wise he did say that he always wanted to be a Buffalo Firefighter like his dad and most assuredly, he will continue playing guitar.

Grayson Warner @It was Friday, March 13; we all talked and joked about the Coronavirus, the idea of a free two-week vacation brightened my day and put a smile on my face. Little did I know what would come of this. I was excited to sleep in for a couple weeks and play video games but the things I had once loved and dreamed of doing every day would come to haunt me. There is a certain dark reality of our perfect world that we do not see until we are present in it. @At the beginning I figured it would be much like the flu. I thought that in a couple weeks it would all blow over and we would be back in school better than ever ready to continue with our lives; I was wrong. My sleep schedule fell apart as my diet and exercise habits slowly regressed into a pathetic state. To my surprise I was bored sleeping and playing video games all day; I was bored in a “perfect world.” It was at this time when the struggle truly began, I could not see my friends or anybody other than my family for that matter and I began to fantasize walks outside simply because it was a change of scenery. As I was stuck inside and my physical and mental health diminished,

ough dent so did the world around me; businesses failed and political leaders clashed, making everything worse. In a time of crisis our leaders could not even put together a measly plan of action because they could not put their own ideas aside and act for the sake of others. I was never really scared of the virus, but rather being stuck inside forever is what gave me nightmares. People who never had to live in those circumstances, especially not as a child still growing up in their first year of high school were trying to tell me how I should feel, and rather than coming to the aid of those in need they would rather ridicule them and tell them to grow up. But it’s hard to grow up when you’re stuck in a box. @The progression of this virus and the original impact was more than any of us had thought or expected, myself especially. I must look to rebuild from where I crumbled and fell and even a year later continue to use the impact that Covid-19 had on me to help others and to prevent others from feeling the same neglect that I felt from those who were supposed to help. Coronavirus taught me to seek the best in a situation and cherish times of struggle because inevitably they will only make you stronger. Thank you Covid-19 for tearing me down because I was able to rebuild 10 times stronger. F

Grayson Warner is a sophomore who travels 40 minutes each way from South Wales to attend St. Francis. He is a member of the JV soccer team and enjoys working out. Once an avid video game player, Grayson says that his desire to play dwindled while quarantining. The game controller was traded in for his bike that he loves to ride. While he is not sure about a future career path just yet, he says working at a gym or even possible owning a gym of his own is a possibility.

In Memoriam Please remember in your prayers the following members of the St. Francis High School Family who have recently passed away.

ALUMNI +Edward Bajer ’62 +Lt. Col Zygmunt Bystron ’62 +Thomas Cieslica ’48 +Joseph Dietterich ’04 +Victor Galdes ’60 +Frank Jarmusz ’50 +Larry Jay (Jarzynski) ’61

+Jamie Jayes ’97 +William Kania ’58 +Paul Kuebler ’66 +Anthony Nowak ’61 +Nelson Rivet ’68 +Robert Tremonte ’55 +John Wichman ’79

FAMILY AND FRIENDS +Douglas Cawthorn Father of Brett Cawthorn ’12

+Jack Magavern Grandfather of Jace Magavern ’12

+Vincenza Cooke Mother-in-Law of teacher Jason Cretacci

+Mary Ann Najuch Former long-time St. Francis High School Employee, Benefactor

+Robert F. Dauer Grandfather of Conor ’21 and Sean ’17 Black

+Gerald O’Brien Father of Owen ’24 and Thomas ’17

+Ethel DiPaolo Grandmother of Ilio DiPaolo ’06, Benefactor

+Yvonne Rechin Grandmother of Brandon E. Drummond II ’24

+Robert Dobinski Grandfather of Alec ’20 and Brett ’16 Dobinski

+Edward Sikorski Grandfather of Travis ’21 and Lucas ’18 Sikorski

+Gretchen DeMeo Mother of Jack DeMeo ’21

+Margaret Skutnik Mother of Robert Skutnik ’94

+Madonna Dotterweich Mother of Joseph ’76 and Martin ’77 Dotterweich

+Gerald Sullivan Grandfather of Brian Sibley ’23

+Norma Fahnestock Benefactor +Robert Hoelzl Father of Thomas ’74, Michael ’70 and Bruce ’78 Hoelzl +Joseph Kirby Grandfather of Nash ’22 and Dennis ’20 Osinski +Joseph Krug, Sr. Father of Dean of Students, Joseph Krug Jr., Father-in-Law of Cynthia Krug, Director of Guidance Services Grandfather of Andrew Krug ’23

+Robert “Nutsey” Skura Brother of Fr. Mark David Skura ’71 +Herbert Stockschlaeder Father of Herbert Stockschlaeder ’87 and Grandfather of Herbert Stockschlaeder III ’22 +Carol Trimper Grandmother of Aidan Trimper ’23 +Robert Trimper Grandfather of Aidan Trimper ’23 +Marilyn Young Mother of Eric Young ’85 +Joan Waldorf Mother of Daniel ’85 and Terry ’87 Waldorf

Please note that St. Francis High School publishes memorials at the request of family and/or friends of the deceased and reserves the right to edit for content.

The TAU | 7

alumni news 1950s Thaddeus Rychlik ’58 and his wife Vicky have move to Discovery Village Retirement Community in Fort Myers, FL where they are enjoying the good life with year round golf and new friends. Anthony Rudnicki ’59 and wife Lynn celebrated their 50th Anniversary in January 2020 with a 38 day cruise in the South Pacific and New Zealand. They now are great grandparents. Tony also completed a two hour movie screenplay “Touching” that can be found online at his website touchingscreenplay.com.

1960s Roger Marks ’62 moved to Castine, ME with his wife Peggy, and they recently became first time grandparents with the birth of granddaughter Julianna Rose. John Compisi ‘66 and his wife Linda (Immaculata ’66) recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Their daughter Aimie, along with her husband, Jim and sons, Jimmy and Jake, prepared an intimate but elegant backyard dinner in San Jose, California in early August. Due to the COVID restrictions, the party included four friends of John and Linda, and John’s brother Pete and his wife Rhonda, who drove cross-country from Indiana to participate. Aimie prepared amazing food, served by the boys, and the wine, as you might guess, flowed freely. The evening was complete with a cake topped by John and Linda’s 50 year-old wedding cake topper.

1970s The Class of 1970 has been meeting regularly via Zoom as their 50th Reunion was put on hold due to the ongoing pandemic. This photo of a March 3, 2021 gathering shows, from top row and left to right, Norb Pienta, Tom Kloc, Bill McCarthy, Tom Compisi, Tim Krakowiak, John Bava, Chuck Rinaldi, Brian Parks, Robert “Mr. T” Torgalski, coach and physical education teacher in 1970, Joe Twist, Mike Kruse, Chuck Goergen, and Mark Heckman. Others who have joined in prior calls include

8 | WINTER/SPRING 2021

Larry Carter and Dan Steinmetz. If you are a class of ‘70 member and want to join future Zoom calls, email Norb Pienta at npienta6@ gmail.com. Norb Pienta ’70 is retired in Athens, GA and is a talented artist as exemplified below in his recreation of a once a year blooming flower in stained glass.

Jim Dommer ’71 is retiring after 45 years as CPA at the end of tax season, Jim adds, “I know they extended the tax season but that was after I made my decision, so he who decides first wins.” Larry Palaszynski ’72, under the artist name “Larry Pal”, has been recognized by the Nashville Songwriter’s Association International listed him as “One to Watch” for songwriting. NSAI song evaluators have identified Larry as a rising songwriter. The Class of 1972 is planning on their 50th Reunion for 2022. Please contact Allan Kasprzak at (716) 655-6575 or Dennis Ruda at (716) 544-4454 or dennisruda@gmail.com to get involved and informed. There is a Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/ groups/729820697567552 Gerry Fortain ’73 reports he is happily retired as of this year. Jim Gould ‘76 is fast approaching retirement after a career as a college professor, a freelance journalist, and a senior executive in the energy industry. He is currently the Director of Corporate Affairs at Franklin Energy, a small national clean energy firm focused on energy productivity and grid optimization. He lives with his wife, Judy, near Boston, where they (barely) manage the comings and goings of their five teenagers. Ed Pryzbysz ’79 has retired after 40 years in the chemical industry. He reports that he has relieved his mind of all worries caused by physical possessions that he can’t carry on his back, and plans to spend the rest of my life traveling the world looking for the next great adventure. He is currently in Thailand, and will be going wherever the winds take him.

1980s Charlie Makey ’86 has been named President of Merchants Insurance Group in Buffalo, effective April 1, 2021. Prior to his appointment, he served as the Senior Vice President of Insurance Operations. He will be the 10th President in the company’s 103year history and join the company’s Board of Directors.

and notes... Thomas Orrange ’89 is the Interim Dean of the School of Leadership, Science and Technology at Medaille College in Buffalo. He has worked at the college since 2005 and previously worked in the legal and banking fields. During his career at Medaille he has also served as the chair of the faculty council, and as the faculty representative on the president’s cabinet.

1990s Jonathan Wright ’94 was promoted to Detective in the Town of Hamburg Police Department. He has been in law enforcement for 13 years and on the Hamburg force for 11 years. Lt. Col. Christopher Glascott ‘96, U.S. Army JAG, and his wife, Lt. Col. Julie Glascott, U.S. Army JAG, are currently deployed to South Korea . Stationed at Camp Humphreys, Chris is Chief, Military Justice, and Julie is Chief, Administrative Law; their golden retreiver, Indiana is Chief, Dog. They are on a two year assignment. David Hahn ’97 recently completed his PhD at SUNY Buffalo. He is a currently a Professor at SUNY Geneseo teaching Philosophy. Davis and his wife Laura are the proud parents of Gwendolyn, Cordelia, and Winston.

2000s Clay Miller ’00 and his wife Heather welcomed their second child, Clayton James Miller born October 19th, 2020. Timothy Quinn, M.D. ’00 was promoted to Chief of Critical Care at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. He has also been selected to the Buffalo Spree’s Top Doctors in Western New York list in 2019, 2020 and 2021 in both Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine. Paul Gorczyca ’02 is now the Supervising Customs and Border Protection Officer in the Area Port of Buffalo. Previously he served on the Port’s anti-terrorism team. Paul currently resides in Orchard Park, NY with his wife Kathryn and daughters Victoria and Evelyn. Andy Lanigan ‘02 and his wife Sarah welcomed their first child, daughter Penelope Ruth Lanigan born on December 27, 2020. Penny was 8 lbs 7 oz and 21 inches. Mom, Dad, and Penny are doing great!

Staff Sgt. Matthew Bauman ’04 has been named New York State Airman of the Year for his service in medical support missions, as well as an instructor in Self Aid Buddy Care and in the Tactical Combat Casualty Core. Ilio DiPaolo ’06 is currently operating Sole’ at Woodlawn Beach as well as taking over many duties from his father Dennis at the family restaurant (Ilio DiPaolo’s) founded by his grandparents. Frank Castiglia ’08 graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, completed his residency and has become a third generation Licensed Funeral Director for Castiglia Funeral Home, Inc. and Erie County Cremation Service. He is following in the footsteps of his father, Charles F. Castiglia, and grandfather, Frank R. Castiglia. Recently the family renovated and expanded operations at Castiglia Funeral Home, Inc., at 873 Abbott Road in South Buffalo, NY. This includes adding a cafe for refreshments, a modern audio/visual system, live streaming capabilities, flat screen tv’s for slideshows, three operating fireplaces, expansion of the visitation chapels, merchandise selection room and restrooms, increased parking, a heated driveway with ground level main entrance. Frank looks forward to continuing his family tradition of service to all those living in the WNY community.

2010s Patrick Sullivan ’10 worked for the Biden-Harris Transition Team on the Domestic Policy Cluster. He has since joined the Biden Administration to work in the Office of Management and Budget on National Security Programs. Before working on the Transition Team he served as the Director of Operations for Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26). Brett Cawthorn ’12 currently the Plant Manager at Prana Sleep in Depew, NY. Tyler Siminski ’13 attended Duquesne University and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2017 with a degree in Economics. After Duquesne he attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Law School, graduating Cum Laude in May 2020, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree. There were several delays with the bar exam due to Covid, but Tyler recently found out he passed the Pennsylvania Bar Exam. He currently resides in Pittsburgh and is employed at Reed Smith, LLP as a litigation associate.

The TAU | 9

WINTER SPORTS RECAP Photography by: Toni Lambert

BASKETBALL Season Record 8-8 @1st Team All Catholic Peyton Consigli • School Record Holder: Single Season 3-point Field Goals Honorable Mention Amiel Collins

FED HOCKEY Niagara Cup Champions Season Record 10-2 Sam Cureo, Goalie • Niagara Cup MVP

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BOWLING SWIM All Catholic Jude Strittmatter – 200 Freestyle

CLUB VARSITY HOCKEY Season Record 3-5-2

The TAU | 11

Fr. Michael announced the co-chair couples for Justinian XXXIX, the first ever Virtual Justinian Auction

Thomas ’96 and Kara Bestpitch (Thomas ’21)

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Matthew ’85 and Kelly Jaworski (Matthew ’21)

David and Laurie Syta (Ty ’18 and JT ’21).

Browse and Bid at: stfrancishigh.maestroweb.com Tuesday, May 4 – Sunday, May 9 Thank You to our Event Sponsors

Lupkin Family

St. Francis High School Educating the whole person, mind, body and spirit... The TAU | 13

Happy Retirement Mr. Wcislo

1998

2000

2009

At the end of the 2019-2020 school year, Mr. Walt Wcislo retired from St. Francis High School after 22 years of dedicated service. Besides teaching in the social studies department, Walt has been a beloved coach of the Indoor Track team. We wish Walt the very best in his retirement!

corrections to the 2019-2020 Annual Report of Gifts Annual Giving appeal Alumni

Alumni Parents

Scholarship Funds

Cornerstone Club ($1000-$2,499)

Yearly Scholarships

Mr. & Mrs. C. Jake & Katie Schneider ’73

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Penna Brothers’ Scholarship Mr. Adam Penna ’06 Dr. Elliott Penna ’07 Mr. Robert Penna ’03 Mr. Ryan Penna ’04

Corsi Signs with Maine Antonio Corsi ’21 participated in a virtual signing to attend Maine University and play Division 1 Football for the school! Antonio is from Ottawa, Ontario Canada and transferred to SFHS his sophomore year. He is a versatile athlete who played all over the field, and his main contribution and excellence as a player came as a receiver. We were so happy to welcome him into our program a few years ago. Antonio also holds a number of spots in the St. Francis record books for his performance on the football field. He was also AllCatholic 1st team in 2018 and 2019, and the #1 tight end in NYS for reception yards in 2019! He is still holding out hope he has an opportunity to participate in his final year for St. Francis if there is a spring season. Congratulations Antonio! We will all be in your corner and cheering you on throughout this next step in your journey!

The TAU | 15

4129 Lake Shore Road • Hamburg, NY 14075-0185 www.stfrancishigh.org

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