21st centuRy RenaiSSance Man

By sue schaffstall

“Don’t be afraid to be who you are,” is the advice from class of 2023 graduate Devon Shepherd. Looking back over his four years at St. Francis, Shepherd reflects on his academic, athletic, and spiritual growth.

“St. Francis is special, and everyone should make the most of their time here,” said Shepherd. A three-sport athlete and a member of the National Honor Society and Men’s Choir, he has undoubtedly taken his own advice to heart. Shepherd personifies the modern Renaissance man. He leads by example, is humble, and has earned the respect of his peers.

As a member of Alverna, Shepherd said the group helped him think about his faith daily. “Coming into St. Francis as a Catholic, I had some foundation of belief, but through religion classes and being surrounded by other faithful people, it encouraged me to grow my faith, and it’s helped me grow in my relationship with God. I embraced that and gave in to everything St. Francis offers, and this has not only helped me in my faith, it’s also helped me to become a better person, to be comfortable with who I am.”

In addition to attending daily Mass as often as he can, Shepherd is the leader of the Knights of Mary, a group of about 20 students who come together to pray the rosary. Yes, a group of 20 teenage boys praying the rosary! “It’s definitely helped me as a leader,” said Shepherd. “I like the rosary because of the ability to pray with like-minded people, high school boys, it is a valuable practice, and I don’t think people would expect that. There is a lot of grace in doing so, and I enjoy doing it. It has helped me in my relationship with Mary and God. Overall it’s just helped me to become a better person and a better St. Francis brother.”

Mr. Rory Reichenburg, Religion Department Chair, and FYM moderator, says he has known Devon for three years and was skeptical about the Knights of Mary being a success. “The Knights of Mary was a club started by Ryan Harrington ’22 two years ago, and to be honest, I wasn’t sure that it would be successful.” Reichenberg goes on to say that much earlier in the history of our school, there was such a club where students got together weekly to pray the rosary after school. “I didn’t know if any other students would be interested and participate, but they did. Devon was one of those students.”

Reichenberg explains that when Ryan graduated last year, he was not (once again) too optimistic that the club would continue. “Devon not only picked up the mantle of leadership but brought many new faces into the club over the course of this year. Students gathered weekly this entire school year. We had students from every grade level participate, but what really stood out was the number of fellow seniors Devon brought in. Some weeks there were ten or more seniors who showed up to pray. He showed me throughout the year his ability to motivate others to join him in such a positive endeavor. The Knights of Mary would not have continued this year without the commitment and leadership shown by Devon. I hope now another young man will follow his example forward.”

Leading by example is another hallmark of the Renaissance man. At St. Francis High School, the ideals of leadership and Franciscan brotherhood are essential to a St. Francis education. Shepherd says valuing every relationship here at St. Francis and ensuring everyone feels included unites the school community. “I think of being there for the other person no matter what and treating them with love and respect, no matter the circumstances, no matter their background, and really being there for everyone in the community. Brotherhood is rooted in unity, an unrelenting relationship, being there. There are things that unite us, like our faith and sports.”

Shepherd plays lacrosse and runs indoor track and cross country. He says the high point of his four years was winning three straight cross country championships. “The hard work accumulates, and then you do something that no one else has ever done.”

In the classroom, Shepherd has taken advantage of the opportunity to learn.”Academically, I feel very prepared for college.” Shepherd goes on to say he is grateful for his St. Francis education. As an honors student, he feels ready to take on the rigors of college next year. His plans include majoring in Global Studies at the University of Richmond. “I’m not sure where it will lead me, but other cultures and different parts of the world have always interested me.”

As he prepares for the next phase of his life, he advises incoming freshmen to get involved. “Make the most of everything this great school has to offer, from an academic standpoint, building relationships with teachers, getting to know your brothers, and forming relationships with classmates. Get involved in sports and clubs. There is so much that St. Francis has to offer from a religious and fine arts standpoint, don’t be afraid to show who you really are and immerse yourself in everything.”

1950s

Joe Plandowski ’58 has been appointed to the Conservation Commission for the island of Nantucket (MA). This is in addition to his appointment to the island’s Cannabis Committee.

1970s

Dr. Andy Blidy ’72 stopped by campus in February while visiting his family. Andy lives in California and is the Chief Scientific Officer for SaltusBiotech, LLC. After graduating from St. Francis, Andy attended D’Youville College and worked at Roswell Park in the early 80s. He then moved to Boston to work at Tufts Medical School with some of the world’s top immunologists and later moved to California. He has worked on HIV research and the Human Genome Project.

Paul DiNunzio ’76 retired in January of 2022 after a forty-two-year career at Moog Inc. as a Quality Assurance Engineer.

CDR (Ret.) Arsenio “Chico” Menendez ’79 reports that he just retired from Northrop Grumman Corporation after 25 + Years as a Senior Systems Engineer. This is his second retirement as he retired from the Navy in 2004.

1980s

1990s

Eric Mangiardi ’84 visited campus with his wife and son in February on a trip back to WNY from his current home in Ireland. Eric is the CEO at Q3 Medical Devices Ltd. On their visit to see friends and family, they stopped by campus and reconnected with Coach Smith and Ms. Hess. They also managed to catch up with Mark Favre ’83, Matthew Dealy ’84, and Peter Frank ’84.

Patrick Flaherty ’85 recently started his role as Vice President of Finance at St. Francis High School. Prior to returning to his alma mater, Pat concluded a successful career in private sector business as President of Beacon Solutions.

Bill Pippine ’91, his wife Kelly, and their sons Liam and Aidan recently relocated from Vancouver, WA, to St. Louis, MO. He recently became National Fleet Account Manager for the Southeast with Bendix Commercial Vehicles. The family is still making trips to the mountains for skiing and biking.

1990s

leaders, journalists, writers, and filmmakers. Fourteen presidents of the United States have been members.

Mark Sullivan ’86 headed over to Bills Backers establishment Exiles Bar in Washington DC to watch the Bills/Jets game with his son-in-law Anthony Castiglia ’11 and ran into a couple of other SFHS alums. Pictured below, left to right, are: Mark, Norb Kupinski ’93, Anthony, and Eric Young ’85.

Tom Bestpitch ’96 is pleased to announce the opening of Wayland Brewery in Orchard Park, NY. He and his partners Brad Rowell, Caryn Dujanovich, and PJ Dunn first welcomed guests on April 30th. The facility contains a brewery, restaurant, beer garden, taproom, banquet room, and bocce courts.

2000s

Jonathan Senchyne ’00 was elected to membership in the American Antiquarian Society, a learned society and major independent research library founded in 1812. Senchyne’s election to the membership of the American Antiquarian Society is an honor bestowed by his colleagues in recognition of his scholarship in the history of the book in America and for exceptional contributions to national leadership in humanistic affairs. The Society’s current membership includes scholars, educators, publishers, collectors, cultural administrators, civic

Frank Zawodzinski ’05 recently won the 4th - 6th Grade Teacher of the Year award. The Friends of the Better Buffalo hold a yearly Excellence in Education award ceremony for Teachers, Administrators, and important staff positions in the Buffalo Schools, Charters, and other Elementary and High Schools in the City of Buffalo. This was the Fourth Year that it was held at Canisius College Montante Cultural Center. Frank Zawodzinski ’05 is currently a Fourth Grade teacher at School #74. Previously he was a teacher at Claude and Ouida Clapp Academy for seven years and has taught both 4th and 6th Grade at the school.

Ryan Cooley ’07 earned tenure in September 2022 as a Social Studies Teacher for Clarence Central School District in Clarence, NY. He is grateful to God and the countless teachers at St. Francis who inspired him to see education as a true vocation, especially +Mr. Bruce Reopolos, may he rest in peace.

Andrew Lickfeld ’08 married Margaret Hanneman on September 10, 2022 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Hamburg. A reception followed at Cloverbank Country Club, also in Hamburg. They honeymooned in the Mediterranean and currently reside in Eden, NY.

Anthony DeMarco ’10 married his wife Jasmine on September 9, 2022, and they are now expecting their first child. After six years of business-to-business outside sales in the manufacturing industry, Anthony joined his brother Vinny ’04 in the family company Queen City Foods, which is expanding its wholesale food production, providing “grab and go” items to markets and convenience store chains throughout New York and Pennsylvania.

2010s

Dr. Jeff Basty ’12 recently joined the team at Lancaster Depew Chiropractic, where fellow Red Raider Alumnus Dr. Jason Cichocki ’92 is one of the owners. Jeff earned his Doctorate of Chiropractic from D’Youville University and his BA in Exercise Science from John Carroll University.

Josh Dempsey ’12 and John Ferris ’12 are both living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Between rounds of West Coast IPAs, John works as a Senior Technical Engineering Program Manager for 4680 Battery Cell Engineering at Tesla. Josh is an Assistant Principal and middle school teacher in the Diocese of San Jose. Both credit their drive for success in their independent fields to their experiences and friendships built during their years at St. Francis High School. John received his B.S. in Chemistry from SUNY Geneseo, and Josh received his B.A. in Philosophy, M.Ed, and M.A. in Educational Leadership from the University of Notre Dame.

Andrew Hayes, ’12, married Breann Coffaro on September 24, 2022, at The Promise Gardens of The Adirondacks in Lake George, New York. Several Saint Francis High School friends celebrated their union, including Ben Duszkiewicz ’12, Ian Pacholec ’12, Alex Schaffstall ’12, Andrew, Aaron Hayes (Best Man) ’14, Tanner Kendall ’14, and Brennan Macey ’13. It was the most beautiful day of the Fall, and all enjoyed an amazing time.

Alumni were present for the joyous occasion. Pictured below, left to right, are; Jacob Bell ’17, Anthony Stachowski ’06, Stephen Stachowski ’10, Nick, Ben Ziobro ’23, and Eric Ziobro ’88.

Matthew Minnick ’14 married Sarah Taylor on January 21, 2023, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Indianapolis, IN. Rev. Daniel Walsh of Dunkirk celebrated the Nuptial Mass. Both graduates of Mercyhurst University, Matt is a pitcher in the NY Yankees organization, and Sarah is a professional dancer with Dance Kaleidoscope in Indianapolis.

Colin Edbauer ’14, Andrew Anderson ’15, John Kalinowski ’15, and Tyler Randle ’15 opened the doors to their new venture Sad Boys Brewery, on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. It is located at 567 Exchange Street in Buffalo. They look forward to seeing plenty of SFHS alums in the near future, so stop by, sample a few of their offerings, and support this new alumni business. (picture)

Joseph Calabrese ’18 is currently on active duty in the United States Navy assigned to the Carrier Strike Group, USS Nimitz CVN-68 home based in Bremerton, WA. Joe completed one deployment and is currently on another. Joe has received numerous, including the Good Conduct Medal, and also became an official “Shellback” as he crossed the equator on November 20, 2020. Upon his return from his current deployment, Joe will continue his work in the Navy while going to school to complete his degree.

Konstantin Rudnikov ’18 was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force and graduated with a BS in Global Security and Intelligence Studies. He will be starting his career as an Air Force Intelligence Officer. (pic)

Ian Schmidt ’18 will graduate from Canisius College in May of 2023 with an MBA in Accounting. He has accepted a position with The Bonadio Group as a staff accountant.

Have news? K EEP US I NFORMED!

recently married? Blessed with the birth of a child? open a business, start a new job or get a promotion? please forward these and other milestones for us to share with your fellow alums by contacting: vp of development & alumni relations paul Bartell ’88 bartellp@stfrancishigh.org

(716) 627-1200 ext. 465

Nick Stachowski ’15 and his wife Kate had their son Harrison baptized by Friar Matthew Foley, OFM Conv. on January 1, 2023, in the St. Francis High School Chapel. Several SFHS