In Memoriam

ALUMNI

Christine Mahfouz ’06

June 16, 2021

Christine Mahfouz was born in Mt. Kisco, New York, to her proud parents Sandra and Joseph on February 7, 1988. She was raised in Bedford Hills, New York.

Christine attended the Bedford Central School District, The Harvey School, and Suffolk University in Boston where she received a B.S. in Business and Entrepreneurship. She then pursued her passion for baking and the culinary arts after graduation from the Institute of Culinary Education in NYC.

At the time of her passing, she worked for Big Y World Class Market in Newtown, Connecticut.

Christine was known for her big smile, quick laugh, and great sense of humor. If you were fortunate enough to be her friend, there was no limit to her loyalty and what she would do for you. She possessed a lifelong passion for dogs, horses, and tropical fish.

Christine was taken from this world far too early. She had so much more to contribute. She touched so many lives and will be sorely missed by all who were lucky enough to have known her. The memories of her beautiful life will last with those who loved her for their lifetimes.

Christine leaves to mourn her passing: loving parents Joseph and Sandra; an adoring brother, Matthew; a loving grandmother, Dorrie Rabbett; eight wonderful aunts and uncles, and countless cousins. The family has requested that those wishing to honor her consider making a donation in Christine’s name to The American Stroke Association.

Remembrance

“I am so saddened by the news of Christine’s passing. I fondly remember Christine. She was lovely. I remember she left for one year and then came back. She didn’t tell me she was coming back because she wanted it to be a surprise. I couldn’t think of a better way to start the school year than having her as a classmate again.” — Emily Roman ’06

Brett Henry Lake ’11

October 4, 2021

The Harvey community was saddened to learn recently of the passing of Brett Henry Lake, Class of 2011. Brett, of South Salem, New York, died unexpectedly October 4, 2021. He was born July 4, 1993, in West Palm Beach, Florida, to Diana E. Lake. Brett is survived by his mother, his dog Spencer, and many friends and family.

Brett was a graduate of Hofstra University, receiving a B.A. in Political Science. At the time of his death, Brett was a second-year law student at Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University.

Tributes for Brett

Several of Brett’s former schoolmates, faculty, and friends shared their remembrances when learning of his passing.

“I was fortunate to have had Brett as my advisee and as his teacher for four years. Brett went on the Harvey trip to Japan, and we kept in touch after he graduated. Brett loved Japan and the Japanese language, and he especially loved anime. After our trip to Japan, he went back to Japan the following summer and spent a month there on his own doing a homestay and learning more about the language and culture. Quite impressive for a 16-year-old! But Brett was not afraid of challenges and was always comfortable in his own skin. He traveled far and wide, learning about the world or helping people through such organizations as People to People. He made friends wherever he went and was sure to cultivate these friendships by reaching out to people, even if distance and time separated them. He truly was a caring and gentle soul with an ebullient personality.

“He found his way at college and graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in Political Science in 2015. After that, he

did an internship in Washington, D.C. for House of Representative member Mike Honda of California. After that, he moved to the New York City mayor’s office as a community liaison. Brett then entered law school at Hofstra in 2018 and was on his way to a law degree. He truly seemed to be going places.

“On a personal note, Brett looked at me as a mentor, and for placing that trust in me I will always be grateful. I will try to pay it forward by doing the best I can as a teacher and advisor going forward with his memory as my motivation. His soul lives on in all of those he touched. Rest in peace, brother. Love you!” — Tim Cornell, Harvey Japanese teacher and language department chair

“I lost such a valuable friend this week … I can’t believe you’re gone after 15 amazing years of friendship. Brett Lake, you were always fun to be around and made me challenge myself. You made me think ‘big picture’ and gave me so much direction that words could not thank you enough. You made me safe to be myself without shame. You gave me hope for my future and helped me grow in indescribable ways. You mean so much to me and especially to my family, and you’ll always have a special place in all of our hearts. I know we were talking about reuniting in the summer and I’m so sorry you left this planet way too soon. There was so much I wanted to tell you, especially about life after Harvey. Thank you for being in my life and making life better.” R.I.P. — Shay Kessler ’12

“Rest in peace, my friend. You were one of the people I have known the longest in my life. From our high school adventures, to studying abroad in Japan, to becoming adults and still watching anime and making memories together. Your unforgettable smile, humor, and positive energy will always be radiating through all of us. You’ve made such an impact in all of our lives in the most amazing way. You will be forever missed and always remembered. I love you, Brett!” — Ashley Rooney ’12 “I was so blessed that I got to see you and have one of our movie and dinner nights. Brett, you were, and will still continue to be, like a brother to me. Your kindness, confidence, and selflessness truly shined whenever we were all hanging out. We had some amazing times, from going to punk shows, watching anime, and getting Cluckin’ Russians at Cams with the crew at 3 a.m. I love you, man. Thank you for 12 years of an amazing friendship.” — Chad Yvon ’11

STAFF

Michael A. Bonelli, Sr.

September 7, 2021

The Harvey School and the entire Evarts Rink skating community are mourning the passing of Mike Bonelli, Sr. of Brewster, New York, who died September 7, 2021 at the age of 83 from complications of COPD and lung cancer.

With more than 30 years associated with activities at the rink, including coaching and playing hockey, Mike was the face of Evarts Rink Wednesday and Friday nights and all day and night on Sundays, serving as rink supervisor and driver of the Zamboni that was used to cut ice for skaters. Among his many contributions to the local skating community was his coaching in 1985 of the area’s first women’s hockey team in the Hickory Hill program.

Born in Manhattan and a Korean War veteran, Mike was a successful artist whose most notable work included creating the sculpture for the now-retired Emery Edge NHL award, drawing NY Islanders player caricatures, and creating the official 25th anniversary Woodstock poster.

Mike is survived by his wife Donna, his five children Mike Jr., Ed, Chris, Donna, and Scott, and eight grandchildren.

#HarveyProud

We invite the entire Harvey community to participate in the 2nd annual Harvey Day of Giving February 10, 2022. This year, our activities will be interactive so you can follow along with us throughout the day. We will be announcing special challenges, hosting on-campus activities, and sharing fun videos.

Save the date, and be sure to join in on the fun!

260 Jay Street Katonah, NY 10536

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