Lifetime Achievement AwArds dinner & ceremony
Program for the Evening
Master of Ceremonies
Mike Murcia, ’08
t Invocation and Welcome
Michael Gomez, Ed.D., ’91
President, Saint Peter’s Prep
t
Induction of the Legends Class of 2022 Patrick Reidy†
John Mullin, S.J.
John Irvine, ’83, P’11
Jim Dondero, ’66, P’00
Tony Azzarto, S.J. t
Pride & Glory † indicates posthumous induction.
Legends of Prep XIII
Tony Azzarto, S.J.
“He has personified the adage that the most important thing in life is just being there. And by being there—with warmth, wisdom, good humor, and genuine care—for so many, for so long, in so many ways, Tony has also come to personify the very best of what Prep strives to be.”
Look in the bleachers at a Prep sporting event. There he is. Look in the audience at a Prep play. There he is. Look wherever an alumnus and his family are marking a major milestone. There he is. A hospital bedside? There he is. A Prep reunion? There he is. Mass on campus? There he is. Look up “ministry of presence” in the dictionary, and if it’s a dictionary worthy of fellow Legend Jack Campion’s throwing arm, then by all rights he should be there, too. Since he arrived at Grand & Warren as a young scholastic in the fall of 1963, Fr. Tony Azzarto, S.J. has personified the adage that the most important thing in life is just being there. And by being there—and being there with warmth, wisdom, good humor, and genuine care— for so many, for so long, in so many ways, Tony has also come to personify the very best of what Saint Peter’s Prep strives to be.
His four “official” stints at Prep (1963-65, 1972-80, 1985-2005, and 2007-18) saw him serve formally as a guidance counselor, a teacher, a chaplain, a retreat director, a moderator for numerous activities, and an alumni chaplain. And in those roles he has modeled, and virtually defined, Ignatian spirituality, pedagogy, and service for generations of Prep men (not to mention colleagues!). In 1995, fellow Legend Jack Raslowsky, ’79 wrote of his tireless efforts in growing Prep’s retreats, “walking the road to Emmaus with the fervor of Cleopas and his friend, sharing the news of the Risen Lord. Each retreat is a new and special journey for him.” But as he has also taught so many of us, it is the in quiet moments, in the liminal spaces, in the margins, where God really speaks to us. And in those places and spaces he has shone brightest, serving at times as the go-to celebrant for alumni weddings, baptisms, and funerals; a friendly ear to those in turmoil; a stalwart supporter of Prep athletics; hot dog chef extraordinaire; chronicler of Prep life through his omnipresent camera and impromptu photo galleries around campus; signatory to untold thousands of birthday and sympathy and get well cards; purveyor of ties and belts to the tie-or-belt-less and of peanut butter sandwiches to students in need of a simple lunch.
He has continued to wear many of those hats—and, amazingly, still more—even four years into being officially “retired,” and living at Fordham University in the Bronx, often through his work with Prep’s Alumni Spirituality Committee. With the committee’s support, he crisscrosses New Jersey to pray with Prep families at “Prep on the Road,” arranges lectures and baseball outings and more, visits the sick and mourning, and generally remains the spiritual glue of the Prep community—and is home in time to root for his beloved Dodgers.
Perhaps more amazing still is that he has done so much at Prep, while also doing so much beyond Prep. The “gaps” in his Prep résumé include a brief time as an Army chaplain, a youth minister, a retreat house superior, and two stretches of service as a pastor in Nigeria.
For nearly 60 years, we have seen him everywhere at Prep, and tonight, we finally see him take his rightful place among the greatest contributors to Prep’s legacy. Alumni have known him as Taz, Tony A, Fr. A. S.J., and even Zippy. But now, at last, we can call him Legend of Prep.
Legends of Prep XIII
Jim Dondero, ’66, P’00
“Whether it was helping a junior formulate a plan for applying to his dream schools, or helping a student get through a loss in their family, Jim was there, modeling cura personalis every step of the way. ”
For over forty years, two names have dominated Prep’s Guidance and College Placement Department. The first, Fr. Ray Balduf, S.J., was honored as a Legend of Prep in 1999. The other was Jim Dondero, who fittingly looked up to Fr. Balduf as a mentor.
A proud alumnus of the Class of 1966, Jim returned to Grand and Warren in 1988 as a guidance counselor. Throughout his career, Jim’s ties to Prep as an alumnus were bolstered by his impactful leadership roles, which include serving as Director of Guidance and College Placement for fourteen years, moderator of Prep’s Ebony Club for eighteen years, director of eighteen Prep musicals and eight Dramatics productions, advisor of Prep’s Student Council for eight years, advisor of Prep’s Dance Committee for fourteen years, SAT testing supervisor for twenty-eight years, and an original member of Prep’s Alumni Association, among many other roles. On top of all this, Jim could even be found at the gate of Prep’s football games, serving as a home game site manager for fourteen years, helping with logistics, and setting a great example of service to his alma mater for the students and families in attendance.
In a school like Prep, college placement is not just part of the experience, but one of its defining characteristics. Jim’s patience, creativity, empathy, and sense of urgency all shaped the model of the department chair’s role and set the tone for his colleagues. Most importantly, his students were impacted in remarkable ways. Whether it was helping a junior formulate a plan for applying to his dream schools, or helping a student get through a loss in their family, Jim was there, modeling cura personalis every step of the way.
Another Prep Legend, Fr. John Browning, S.J., ’46, created the Prep Spirit Awards in 1981 to “celebrate all that Prep represented…the unsung heroes that come in many different forms.” Throughout his career, Jim has embodied this profile. His office was always known as one of the most welcoming places on campus, especially for students who just needed to talk, to be heard, and to be assured all would turn out fine. Over the years, countless students, alumni, and families have shared how their lives were changed, impacted, and touched by Jim’s love. His goal was never to be recognized; he simply wanted to help. He modeled all that was good about the Jesuits who taught him, and he was certainly proud and eager to do the same.
In the 2003 Petrean, the dedication noted, “You impact our lives just like a dad does—not just hearing us, but listening to us; not just advising us, but guiding us; not just doing your job, but genuinely caring for us,” a fitting tribute to a proud Prep dad (Jim’s son Mark graduated in 2000). It continued: “For always having a smile on your face, for always being there when we’ve needed your advice or just someone to talk to, and for always instilling in us a sense that we, too, can live extraordinary lives, it is with genuine pride that we, Senior Class of 2003, dedicate our yearbook to you, Mr. Jim Dondero.” That was then, and nearly two decades later, we proudly recognize the extraordinary life of this new Legend of Prep.
Legends of Prep XIII
John Irvine, ’83, P’11
“For the past 20 years he has served as the first, and to date only, full-time admissions director in Prep’s history, lighting the way to the starting line for the Prep journeys of some 4,500 freshmen...”
“Who’s better than you?” It’s a rhetorical question, a singular expression of gratitude from the singular figure who has literally defined the role of admissions director at Saint Peter’s Prep. After being done a small favor around the office, others might reach for an ordinary, “Thank you,” or a declarative, if slightly over-the-top, “You’re the best.” But the John Irvine who taught English at Prep from 1989 to 2002 might, with a red pen as quick as his celebrated wit, circle such remarks and scrawl the dreaded “Joe Average” in the margin. In the 43 years since he arrived at Prep as a freshman, John Irvine has been many things, but “Joe Average” has never, ever been one of them.
“Who’s better than you?” As a Prep Soccer coach, no one to date. Although his former player Josh Jantas, ’95 has joined him in the 200-win club, John’s 217 wins at the helm from 19902007 (including, of particular interest to this former All-County and All-State goalkeeper, 144 shutouts) remain the benchmark, and his many soccer accolades include a spot in Prep’s Athletic Hall of Fame (Class of 2011).
“Who’s better than you?” Even in the elite company of Prep English teachers—no other department among Prep’s faculty has seen more of its members inducted as Legends, and both Prep’s current principal and president are former members, too!—John holds his own. A firm command of the course material always helps, and he had that well in hand. But the high school English teacher’s true challenge is to connect with the students and make the material relevant to those young minds. And by combining genuine care for each student with an inimitable sense of humor, he did just that for 13 years. Two decades after he traded the classroom for the admissions office, many of his former students still can’t resist working his catchphrases and mannerisms—a “Heh-heh-hey” here, a golf clap there, a hearty “C’mon in, it’s the place to be!” for good measure—into daily conversation. And it’s a safe bet that no other Legend has ever offered to waive a JUG if the offending student could defeat the youngsters of the now-defunct Saint Peter’s grammar school in a game of tag, or stand outside and sing the theme from Reading Rainbow loud enough for the class to hear.
As the longtime director of Prep’s Higher Achievement program for rising eighth graders, John has followed in the footsteps of fellow Legend John Browning, S.J., ’46, a legacy he has also proudly carried through his enthusiastic support of the Prep Spirit Awards, which seek to recognize the unsung heroes among the Prep community. And arguably, no one knows better just who exactly makes up the Prep community. For the past 20 years he has served as the first (and to date only) full-time admissions director in Prep’s history, lighting the way to the starting line for the Prep journeys of some 4,500 freshmen, one of whom was his son, John, Class of 2011.
An alumnus reflecting on life at Prep will remember many faces and voices, perhaps forever. It is absolutely to Prep’s credit that for the past 20 years, the first face and voice a young man and his family likely associate with this storied institution are those of John Irvine, ’83, P’11.
“Who’s better than you?”
Legends of Prep XIII John Mullin, S.J.
“In fact, he embraces every opportunity to...demonstrate a level of compassion that reminds us of the unconditional love we attribute to the Society of Jesus. Simply put, he embodies the ideals of a Man for and with Others.”
Any member of the Prep family—student, parent, colleague, or alumnus—is guaranteed to receive two things when interacting with Fr. John Mullin: a firm handshake and a keen, studious facial expression. It’s an expression all who have encountered him have seen…and when coupled with a, “Hmm…,” it signals Fr. Mullin is processing what you’ve said and preparing to celebrate you or provide supportive, loving feedback. It’s a part of his DNA and his brand–one that has made hundreds of Prep students feel safe, heard and understood for over five decades.
Fr. Mullin’s service to Prep has been profound from the start—when he first arrived as a Jesuit scholastic in 1970. He started as a classroom teacher, in biology and religion classes, and after leaving Prep to complete an assignment at Saint Peter’s Parish in Jersey City, from 1977 to 1979, returned as Prep chaplain. Fellow Prep Legend Fr. Ned Coughlin, S.J., had recently created the Emmaus retreat, and over the next seven years, Fr. Mullin would help to grow it—along with the rest of the Campus Ministry program—into a staple of the Prep experience.
Fr. Mullin would spend more than a decade away from Prep, including campus ministry work at Saint Peter’s University and at Fordham, successfully introducing the Emmaus retreat in both collegiate settings before returning in 2003. It was then that he took on his current role as a guidance counselor, in which he has become an indispensable part of life at Prep. He has since helped a generation of students, primarily freshmen, through the often challenging transition— both academically and socially—from grammar school to the demands of a Jesuit high school.
Fr. Mullin has had a further impact on Prep through his work spearheading Prep’s Christian Life Community (CLC) and the Saint Peter’s Prep Performing Arts Club (SPPAC). CLCs offer students the opportunity to meet weekly, form trust through shared spaces, and participate in reflections that mirror the work of Saint Ignatius and his Spiritual Exercises. A former student recalled working with him in the 3rd Day/Genesis 9, a CLC for students grieving a loss in their family or experiencing a separation or divorce between their parents: “This group helped me find resources and mechanisms to process my feelings, find ways to ask for guidance, and understand I was not alone in my struggles. I found support from my peers and solace in Fr. Mullin’s dedication to ensuring we were all okay.”
As the driving force behind SPPAC, Fr. Mullin has fostered a genuine love for the arts in hundreds of students. The club regularly attends plays, operas, ballets, symphonies, and more in Manhattan and beyond, inviting students to experience the performing arts at the highest level. Finally, and maybe most importantly, Fr. Mullin is one of only two active Jesuit priests at Grand and Warren. Because of this, he has willingly taken on the duties of “overextending” himself by leading liturgies and prayer services on campus to an extraordinary degree. One nominator wrote, “As tough as that may be, Fr. Mullin never seems to be bothered by it. In fact, he embraces every opportunity to lead our community in prayer, meet alumni coming home to 144 Grand Street, introduce students to a world of art and culture they may have never experienced before, and demonstrate a level of compassion that reminds us of the unconditional love we attribute to the Society of Jesus. Simply put, he embodies the ideals of a Man for and with Others.”
Legends of Prep XIII Patrick Reidy
“He has devoted his life to Prep and its ideals, giving selflessly of himself, to make life a little easier for all of us.”
The editors of the 1998 Petrean, Prep’s yearbook, dedicated that book to Pat Reidy, noting, “From the early hours of the morning until the late afternoon, he can always be seen working diligently at his desk - often behind the scenes and long after others have gone home…He has devoted his life to Prep and its ideals, giving selflessly of himself, to make life a little easier for all of us at the Prep.” Those who were his students and colleagues served as witnesses of these ideals in action every day. Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Pat entered the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, at Saint Joseph’s High School in Metuchen, at the age of fourteen. Upon his graduation from Saint Joseph’s, Pat obtained his undergraduate degree at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, and a Master’s in Theology from Fordham University in the Bronx. From 1972 to 1976, Pat served as principal of Saint Joseph’s—an opportunity that strengthened his love for his alma mater (a love he fondly expressed even in his time at Grand & Warren a decade later).
Pat joined Prep’s faculty and staff as a vice principal and math teacher in 1988. As vice principal at Prep, Pat was responsible for the complete restructuring of the Math and Science Honors and AP programs, the summer school programs, the interface and goal setting for the Guidance Department, and the overseeing of the student orientation program. The success of these programs at Prep, today, is rooted in the foundation laid tirelessly by Pat. Prep in the 1990s, like so many other institutions, had one foot in each of two worlds—one where business was conducted in ink and paper, and another where computers were revolutionizing the way administrative work was done—and the office of Vice Principal Pat Reidy reflected the times. On the one hand, he was instrumental in Prep’s early steps into electronic grade reporting and student record-keeping. On the other hand, the summer would find the walls and surfaces of the office covered in handwritten index cards as he built, shuffled, and reshuffled the master schedule for the new year’s courses and classrooms.
Additionally, Pat oversaw the orientation program for new faculty and staff, and coordinated AP and SAT administration, while also making time to serve as moderator of a very successful Math Team at Prep. Simply put, Pat wore many hats…and he did it with poise and grace.
One nominator summed up Pat’s work ethic and style by stating, “Pat was the role model for what we want every Prep student to become. He was honest in everything he did. He was loving of the students and the faculty. Whether his responsibility or not, he stepped into situations that required immediate attention, and he asked for no recognition in doing so. Thousands of students, and hundreds of teachers, are better today because of Pat’s guidance, dedication, love, competence, conscience, and especially his compassion.”
After twenty years of service to Prep, Pat retired in 2008. He passed away on October 24, 2012, at the age of seventy-four. Pat’s wife, Margaret, passed away on May 25, 2022, at her home in Henderson, Nevada. Accepting his induction into the Legends of Prep is Pat’s brother, Dennis Egen, Sr.
AUT SINT PRIMI AUT NON SINT
“Let them be the best or let them cease to be” ... Prep Activities are expected to carry the stamp of Excellence. Sloppy, second-rate, undisciplined performances are taboo.
Prep Men and Manners – Student Handbook, 1950–1975
Congratulations, Legends of Prep XIII!
Fr. Anthony Azzarto, S.J. Jim Dondero, ’66, P’00 John Irvine, ’83, P’11
Fr. John Mullin, S.J. Patrick Reidy
...Paul Schaetzle, ’71
CONGRATULATIONS
to Rev. Tony Azzarto, S.J. and the Legends of Prep Class of 2022.
For “Tony A S.J.,” a fitting honor for a legacy of service to Prep covering six decades. We are forever grateful for your service and the example you set each and every day.
In the Stillness is the Dancing...
THE SCHEMBER FAMILY
ALL THE BEST TO THE BEST!
HELEN AND KEVIN COLLINS, ’57
IN CELEBRATION OF Fr. Tony Azzarto, S.J. “A TRUE LEGEND”
Fraternally, Fr. Peter J. Palmisano, ’76
CONGRATULATIONS
to the
Anthony Azzarto, S.J. Jim Dondero
John Irvine
Rev. John Mullin, S.J. Patrick Reidy
FAZIO LAW FIRM
FAZIO, ’77
CONGRATULATIONS
Fr. Tony Azzarto, S.J.!
LANA & JOE FALCICCHIO, ’99
IN HONOR OF
IN HONOR OF Fr. Tony Azzarto, SJ
Fr. Tony Azzarto, SJ
A GREAT INSPIRATION, TEACHER AND BROTHER PRIEST
A GREAT INSPIRATION, TEACHER AND BROTHER PRIEST
WISHING YOU ALL THE VERY BEST
WISHING YOU ALL THE VERY BEST
REV. EDWARD G. LAMBRO, ‘65
REV. EDWARD G. LAMBRO, ‘65
Congratulations to
legendary Jimmy D!
love you very much!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Fr. Tony Azzarto, S.J. Jim Dondero, ’66, P’00
John Irvine, ’83, P’11
Fr. John Mullin, S.J.
Liz Walsh
LEGENDS OF PREP! You are Our Pride and Our Glory! KAREY & MARK HOGAN, ’83
Love,
The Culhanes
Father Azzarto, The word “Legend” may not suffice to describe your impact on the Prep family.
Thank you for impacting our highs, our lows, and everything in between.
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”
— Jackie Robinson
all the newly
especially John Irvine and
you for being
part of
BATTISTA FAMILY
Thanks for all the
would like to congratulate Coach John Irvine,
and all the newest
Legends Indeed.
Congratulations
Tony, John, Jim, John and Pat †.
The gifts you have given we shall never forget.
The Raslowskys Jack, Sarah, John, Christian, Rebecca and Rachel
The Class of 1979 remembers our departed classmates.
Vita Mutatur, Non Tollitur
Edward Adam Carther Harris Nicholas Kapakos
John Lee Paul Lopez Michael O’Regan Dave Peters Bill Petrick
Andrew Rabbat
Thomas Rush Thomas Ryan Michael Sivilli David Williams
May they rest in God’s peace.
of
and a Special
You to Fr. Tony Azzarto, S.J. and John Irvine,
Acknowledgments & Special Thanks
Prep’s Office of Institutional Advancement, along with other members of the Saint Peter’s Prep staff, have played an essential role in ensuring the success of this evening’s event. In particular, we thank the following.
For Their Leadership Support: Michael Gomez, Ed.D., ’91
President Mike Murcia, ’08
Director of Alumni Relations Loual Puliafito Chief Advancement Officer
For Their Ongoing Logistical Support
Jim Horan, ’70; Mike Jiran, ’03; Kate Lillis-Magnus; Debbie Peko-Lillis, P’10; Dalma Santana and Liz Walsh
Journal design: Mike Jiran, ’03
The Prep Alumni Board
Legends of Prep was created in 1993 as the highest honor presented by the Saint Peter’s Prep Alumni Association. For their leadership and continued support in sponsoring this evening’s event, we wish to thank the members of the Alumni Board:
Al Rinaldi, ’98 President
Mark Goldsack, ’00 Vice President
Joe Amoroso, ’94
Tony Azzarto, S.J. Joe Battista, ’02
Kevin Brodbeck, ’89
Brendan Bryant, ’08
Mike Cardino, ’92
Lou Castelli, ’66
Jack Caulfield, ’71
Jim Coe, ’04
Joe Amoroso, ’94
Tony Azzarto, S.J.
Joe Battista, ’02
Kevin Brodbeck, ’89
Brendan Bryant, ’08
Mike Cardino, ’92
Lou Castelli, ’66
Jack Caulfield, ’71
Jim Coe, ’04
Daryl Corwin, ’99 Secretary
Sean McNally, ’97
Mike Murcia, ’08
Luke Power, ’08
Frank Romano, ’06
Jim Ryan, ’66
Paul Schaetzle, ’71
Chris Sclafani, ’86
George Taite, ’73 Rob Valente, ’92
Sponsors & Donors
We are grateful to our sponsors, whose generous contributions support the Legends of Prep Scholarship Fund.
Maroon & White Club
Philip F. McGovern, Jr., ’76, P’11
Sons & Daughters of Saint Peter's
Mary Beth & Jack Caulfield, ’71, P’00,’03
Karin & Tom Liccardo, ’80
to the Legends Scholarship
Joseph Boccassini, ’85
Kyle Bowes, ’15
Eugene Boyle, ’56
Vincent Brennan, ’57
Jim Clossey, ’67
Nancy & Edward Hamill, ’74 Jon Hammer, ’68
Maureen & Wayne Hoffman, ’65 in honor of John Irvine, ’83, P’11 Brian Kelly, ’63
David McClave, ’65
Kathryn & Robert McDonough, P’19, ’21 Christopher Robinson
Jim Ryan, ’66, P’04
Joe Russoniello, ’59
Alfred Sattelberger, ’66
David Scian, ’65
David Simone, ’80
Christine & Claudio Zamarra, ’90, P’21 Chester Zegler, ’53
Legends XII (2018)
Past Legends of Prep Honorees
Fr. Edward “Ned” Coughlin, S.J. Sr. Frances Marie Duncan, O.S.F. Mr. Philip F. McGovern, ’76, P’11
Legends XI (2015)
Legends X (2012)
Legends IX (2009)
Legends VIII (2007)
Legends VII (2005)
Legends VI (2003)
Legends V (2001)
Mr. William Ahearn, ’75, P’01
Mr. John P. Campion Ms. Ana García
Br. Paul J. Harrison, S.J. Dr. Richard Kennedy
Mr. Thomas P. McGinty, ’71
Mr. John V. Caulfield, ’71, P’00, ’03
Mr. Carl S. DeLorenzo, ’67
Mr. James C. Horan, ’70
Mr. Raymond Aumack, ’55 Mr. Gene Boyle, ’56
Mr. Gerry Bellotti, P’88
Mr. John J. Bergin, ’50
Mr. Laurence T. Fell, ’54
Mr. John J. Finn, ’52, P’81, ’82 ’85,’87,’94
Mr. Ernest J. Baker, ’38, P’67,’71
Mr. Kevin J. Collins, ’57
Mr. Sam C. DiFeo, ’32, P’63,’66
Vincent P. Butler, Jr., M.D., ’45
Mr. John J. Casey, III
Mr. Joseph M. Cooney, ’45, P’68,’76
Mr. Robert P. Howard, ’41, P’67
Fr. Raymond J. Balduf, S.J
Legends IV (1999)
Legends III (1997)
Legends II (1995)
Legends I (1993)
Fr. Robert E. Reiser, S.J. Mr. James F. Ryan, ’66, P’04
Mr. Richard Hansen, P’03,’09
Mr. J. Paul Schaetzle, ’71
Mr. Gerald Sheehan, ’48
Mr. John R. Raslowsky, ’79
Mr. John E. Savage, ’57 Br. Joseph Wuss, S.J.
Mr. Walter B. Koszyk, ’60, P’92
Mr. Thomas J. Leane, ’65, P’04
Mr. Edward G. McNally, ’17
Fr. James F. Keenan, S.J. Mr. Charlie Lizza, ’74
Mr. Richard F. Gronda, ’59, P’86,’89,’90
Mr. Bernard M. Hartnett, ’47, P’78
Mr. Francis J. Mertz, ’54
Mr. Hubert J. O’Toole, ’51
Mr. Charles F.X. Poggi, ’49
Mr. Kenneth F. Kunzman, ’54
Mr. Robert A. McGuinness, P’69,’73,’80
Mr. Robert F. Mulvihill
Mr. Louis J. Parisi, ’44, P’70
Fr. Francis J. Hamill, S.J., ’46
Coach Roy H. Leenig
Mr. Donald P. Moriarty, ’48
Prep’s Nine Founding Jesuits
Joseph V. Braddock, Ph.D., ’47
Coach William (Bill) Cochrane
Fr. John E. Browning, S.J., ’46
Coach Jerome T. (Jerry) Halligan
Fr. Charles F.X. Dolan, S.J., ’32
Fr. Earle L. Markey, S.J., ’49
Mr. Joseph W. Sinnott, ’17, P’57
Mr. Thomas J. Sullivan, ’53, P’93
Fr. Raymond York, S.J.
Ms. Catherine J. Collins
Msgr. William J. Linder, ’54
Fr. Joseph P. Parkes, S.J., ’62
Fr. Francis J. Shalloe, S.J.
Mr. Clement C. O’Sullivan, ’23
Mr. Charles J. Rooney, P’67,’69