Anniversary
OUR 50thANNIVERSARY 1974-75 to 2024-25
Honoring our Brooklyn heritage and commemorating the amazing move from 186 North 6th Street in Williamsburg to 6100 Francis Lewis Boulevard in Fresh Meadows to become a great co-ed institution—and the largest, private Catholic high school in the country!
Dear Alumni, Parents and Friends,
I am writing this as we near the end of the summer, so I hope you and your loved ones enjoyed the warm days and had an opportunity to relax and spend some quality time together. Come September we look to “hit the ground running” once again, and we hope to do this with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
Here at the Prep we are about to embark on a very exciting year. Our enrollment will be at the highest level we have seen in recent years--with an incoming freshman class of well over 600 students. This validates our ongoing commitment to providing outstanding education in the Franciscan tradition—evidenced further by the 565 recent June graduates (100% of our senior class) who received over $175 million in college scholarship offers!
Another reason for our excitement is that the upcoming 2024-25 school year will mark the 50th Anniversary of the Prep’s relocation from Brooklyn to Queens. So, on April 12, 2025 we will celebrate with a Gala event at Russo’s-onthe-Bay to help honor our wonderful heritage at 186 North 6th Street in Williamsburg and commemorate our amazing move to 6100 Francis Lewis Boulevard in Fresh Meadows where we became a great co-ed institution--and the largest, private Catholic high school in the country!
Needless to say, we have so much to be proud of here at St. Francis Prep and so much to look forward to in the coming years. Among other things, over the past 10-15 years, we have made approximately $40 million worth of improvements to our facilities for the benefit of our students who continue to come to us from all walks of life.
And we will keep enhancing and updating these facilities to remain “on the cutting edge” of modern education and technology. In fact, we are already “looking ahead” at the next several projects we can address.
And my pledge remains: “No deserving student will ever be denied a St. Francis Prep education due to financial hardship.” Thanks to YOU we have always found a way to keep these students in our care and under our guidance here at the Prep.
I often remind our benefactors that their participation and support pay huge dividends that are seen in the accomplishments of our students and the great facilities and programs that have helped make their dreams a reality.
So thank you very much once again and God bless you for everything you continue to do for this great school. Enjoy the remaining days of summer, try to join us at the Gala in April--or at your class reunion, the Memorial Mass in November or the Golf Classic next June. I am always happy to see you! On for Ol’ St. Francis!
Yours in St. Francis,
Brother Leonard Conway, O.S.F. President
St. Francis Prep’s 2024-2025
Friday, September 27th
Walk-A-Thon & Senior BBQ
Thursday, October 24th
Three-on-Three Memorial Hoops
Friday, October 25th
Friends of Football Reception
Sunday, October 27th First Responders 5K Run/Walk
Sunday November 3rd
Annual Mass of Remembrance
Saturday, December 14th
Christmas Party for Our Friends with Special Needs
2025
Saturday, January 25th 10-15-20 Reunion: Classes of 2005, ‘10, and ‘15
Saturday, March 1st Florida Reunion (West Coast)
Monday, March 17th
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, April 12th
50th Anniversary Gala Celebration
Saturday, May 31st Commencement
Hall of Fame Induction and Annual Spring Reunion
Classes of 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995 & 2000
Monday, June 16th
The 31st Annual Alumni Golf Classic
Dear Alumni and Friends,
As we look toward the start of a new academic year, we have many things to be excited and grateful for in our community and in our lives. Looking back, it was a wonderful and exciting year. Looking ahead, we will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of our move from Brooklyn to Queens at a special Gala in celebration on April 12th at Russo’s on the Bay! More details can be found on the center spread of this publication. Now, let me address the “elephant in the room”.
By now, most of you probably have heard about my recent health challenges. Here’s the back story: A few months back my vision started to become blurry and continued to a point that it became worrisome. My eye doctor believed that it was due to the presence of cataracts and we scheduled surgery to eliminate them. However, before the surgery took place, my visual acuity worsened. CAT scans revealed that I had suffered two mini strokes which affect the part of the brain that controls vision. (My heartfelt thanks to all those who called, emailed and prayed for me.) After a few challenging months, I underwent the cataract surgery and my vision has improved incrementally. If we should meet in person, please don’t be put off if I don’t recognize you immediately. I have to place more reliance on the sound of your voice and the outline of your face to fully recognize most folks. (People I know for many years have gotten into the habit of opening a conversation by saying their name and class year at the start of the conversation--and that helps!) So please continue to keep me in your prayers!
Like I said, it’s been a great year for the Alumni Association Here’s an overview (in chronological order) of all of the wonderful events:
On September 29th the wind and the rain may have made it miserable outside but it certainly didn’t dampen our Terrier Spirits! Our 12th Annual Walk-a-thon was held indoors and everyone had a fabulous time walking the corridors! There were smiles everywhere! I’m so proud of our students, faculty and staff for thier spirit and resilience in the face of disappointing weather.
On October 19th, alumni, family and friends participated in the Annual Three on Three Hoops Tournament. Thank you to the Prendergast and O’Connor families for allowing us to honor your loved ones and for supporting this event each year for the past two decades.
On Sunday, October 22nd our Franciscan Spirit and Terrier Pride was on full display as hundreds of alumni, students, family and friends took part in the Annual First Responders Family Day and 5K Fun Run/Walk! Prep paid tribute to three alumni first responders who have led distinguished and productive careers: Anthony Catalanotto ‘75 , Thomas Henry Johnson ‘59 (posthumously) and Louise Golero ‘85. The run/walk awards were presented in memory of PAPD officer, Alfonse J. Niedermeyer ‘79 and FDNY Firefighter, Daniel Pujdak ‘01.
On Sunday, November 5th, alumni, family and friends gathered at Prep for the Annual Alumni Memorial Mass. Prep’s Chaplain, Fr. Ralph Edel blessed the new additions to the Pathway to St. Francis and the new Banners of Honor in the gym.
On Thursday, November 9th, 2023 we honored Prep Alumni Veterans beginning with an assembly in the Brother Ralph
Clifford Auditorium. John Haseney ‘02 was the keynote speaker.
On November 30, 2023 we held our 8th Annual Education Alumni Reception with guest speaker Francine Wisnewski, Ed.D, Class of 1984 who spoke glowingly about how her Franciscan education helped pave her way for a productive and rewarding career in education.
On December 1, 2023 we dedicated “the hardwood” in the Prep’s gym in memory of Jane Modry H‘00 & Tim Leary ‘63 The court dedication took place in front of a packed house following the girls and boys basketball doubleheader!
On Saturday afternoon, December 9th we continued the tradition initiated more than three decades ago by the late Sr. Joseph Agnes Hohmann at the Annual Christmas Party for Our Friends with Special Needs.
On Saturday evening, January 27th we the 10-15- and 20th gathered for the reunion anniversary classes of 2004, 2009 and 2014. Over 225 alumni were welcomed back by current and former faculty/staff members including:
> Mr. Joe Licata (fmr. Language Dept. Chair/Football Coach)
> Ms. Phyllis Gambino (Athletics Dept.)
> Ms. Kelly Jean Gavin (Religion Dept.)
> Mr. Frank Hamilton (fmr. Science Dept.)
> Ms. Mary Ann Spcijaric (frm. Science Department Chair)
> Mr. Boston Charles (Harvard Maintenance). My heartfelt thanks to each of you for helping to make the night special for our alumni! I know that they truly enjoyed seeing you there!
I’ve often said “If you can’t come to the Prep, Brother Lenny will bring the Prep to you!” And that’s what he did on Saturday, March 1st, when we celebrated our 29th Annual Florida Reunion in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
On March 16th we marched up 5th Avenue in celebration of our Irish heritage at the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade. We had a very impressive turnout of alumni, students and staff/faculty!
On Saturday, April 13th four outstanding member of the alumni community were inducted into the SFP Hall of Fame:
> Lawrence DiNardo ‘67 > Dominick Vulpis ‘74 > Dr. Gerard Compito ‘76 and > Eileen Shanahan-Ford ‘82 Our esteemed veteran SFP Math Department teacher and coach, Mr. Brian McCormack was made an Honorary Alumnus of SFP.
On Thursday, May 11, an energetic and enthusiastic group of alumni gathered on the outdoor deck atop of Bourbon Street Restaurant on Bell Boulevard for The Legal & Healthcare Professions Chapter!
I was fortunate to be able to attend the 30th Annual Golf Classic on June 17th honoring Jack & Jean Colucci-Kiley (Class of 1980) and teacher and softball coach, Ann Marie Rich. Each of them holds a special place in my heart! I recall Jeannie Colucci and Jack Kiley being in one of my classes. Jeannie asked me to change her seat because she “couldn’t see the board”. I did and as it turned out, she ended up sitting much closer to Jack... and the rest is history! Ann Marie Rich is someone who I hold in great esteem for all of the incredible work that she does with
Each year, I devote this space to the longest serving members of our faculty/staff as they step into retirement. This year is unique because only one member of the Prep community has announced their retirement. After 37 years of dedicated service, Social Studies teacher, WWII historian, photographer and website administrator, Mr. John Hessel announced his retirement. And even though all of his model military planes won’t be “flying” from the ceiling of his classroom, John will still “come in for a landing” from time to time because he’s staying on as the Prep’s website administrator. (It’s a role that he can perform remotely and come in when necessary.) Congratulations, John! Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm, talents, scholarship, and good nature with all of us for the past four decades!
our students as both a teacher and a coach. Ann Marie knows how to get the best out of our students in the classroom and on the field and makes it look so easy! That night was such a wonderful conclusion the Alumni Association’s calendar year!
I am so grateful for the tremendous dedication of our Alumni Board members. They are the backbone of all that we accomplish year in and year out! I am delighted to honor the following board members on the anniversary of their service:
>Kevin O’Donnell ‘73 || 35 Years
>Donna Rodger ‘77 || 25 Years
>Kristina Veljak ‘90 || 25 Years
>Ron Alama ‘86 || 20 Years
>Luz Bove ‘97 || 15 Years
>Deirdre McDonough ‘81 || 15 Years
Over the years, the Prep has continually evolved to meet the needs of the times. Since those days in that simple building on Baltic Street in Brooklyn, the school has relocated twice, initially in 1952 to 186 North Sixth Street in Brooklyn. In 1974, St. Francis Prep relocated once again to its present location in Fresh Meadows, Queens, at which point the Prep became a co-educational institution for the first time. As the Prep has grown and re-established itself in each new setting, it has steadfastly remained committed to fostering the intellectual and spiritual development of students who are experiencing the finest in Catholic education in the Franciscan tradition.
The start of the 2024-25 school year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Prep’s relocation from Brooklyn to Queens.
This historic move was in keeping with the well-established Franciscan tradition of improving the educational environment for our students. Please mark your calendars and make plans to join us on Saturday, April 12th, for a special Gala event honoring our Brooklyn heritage and commemorating the amazing move from 186 North 6th Street in Williamsburg to 6100 Francis Lewis Boulevard in Fresh Meadows to become a great co-ed institution—and the largest, private Catholic high school in the country!
Our honorees will be: Michael A. Henning ‘57; Julie Chen Moonves ‘87; Peter J. Callahan ‘59 (posthumously) and The Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn; The New York Tenors will entertain (Daniel Rodriguez, Andy Cooney and Christopher Macchio) and actor, comedian and radio host, Joe Piscopo will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
I hope that you will join us! Please see the center spread of this publication for more information. All of the details will be posted online at alumni.sfponline.org.
In Gratitude,
Brother Robert Kent, O.S.F. Alumni Director
The rain did not dampen our Terrier Spirit!
The 12th Annual Walk-A-Thon was held indoors on Friday, September 29, 2023 due to inclement weather. Our spirit came shining through with smiles and great joy spreading through the halls! More than $3.2 million has been raised over the past 12 years by our students, their families and friends in support of the Prep. It’s amazing what can be accomplished when we all work together!
Annual Homecoming 3-ON-3
The Annual Homecoming 3-on-3 Hoops Tournament (and the post-tournament reception) was held on Thursday, October 19th. It’s a night of friendly basketball competition that is “officiated” by members of the Boy’s Varsity Basketball team. Alumni, family and friends gather in remembrance of Jimmy Prendergast ‘79 (who passed away at an early age as a result of cancer), his father, James Prendergast H’11 (who also passed from cancer in 2012) and Brian O’Connor ‘86, who passed away in March 2017 at the age of 48 after fighting a long battle with cancer. (Brian was a regular participant in the tournament.) His wife, Trisha and their three children; Nicole, Stephanie and Ryan are present each year.
A team of SFP Alumni Board volunteers led by Nancy Demers ‘91 registered the teams,sorted out the vast number of donated raffle prizes and sold raffles. Nancy also served as the emcee at the reception! John Keane ‘80 (pictured below, second from left) is the proprietor of The Blarney Stone and catered the hot buffett dinner! Thank you to all of our event sponsors, raffle prize donors, alumni board volunteers and attendees.
THIS YEAR’S HOOPS TOURNAMENT DATE: Thursday, October 24 th
Sunday, October 23, 2023
This event recognizes and honors alumni who serve (and have served) as First Responders. One of the highlights is the presentation of the First Responders Memorial Scholarship Fund. This fund was established at SFP through the generosity of Christopher J. Greene and Teresa Downing-Greene ‘81 to help ease the burden of tuition for deserving students, with preference given (but not limited to) children of Police, Fire, Emergency Medical and Military personnel to include Veterans. Since its inception, the fund has annually awarded a student a one-time scholarship of $5,000. All event proceeds benefit the scholarship fund. Last year, we raised over $20,000 through this event. Enthusiasm and participation have grown each year! Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 27th for the Third Annual event!
Our Terrier spirit was abundant at the Annual First Responders Family Day and 5K Fun Run/Walk on October 23rd as SFP paid tribute to three First Responders in the Prep Community who have led distinguished and productive careers in their respective service. Our 2023 honorees were: (1.) Anthony Catalanotto ‘75 (2) Friend and classmate, Winston Duckett ‘59 accepted the honor on behalf the family of Thomas Henry Johnson ‘59 (3) Louise Golero ‘85 (4) Honor guards representing police and fire agencies were present. (5) The run/walk awards were presented in memory of PAPD officer, Alfonse J. Niedermeyer ‘79 and FDNY Firefighter, Daniel Pujdak ‘01 Pictured: Daniel’s parents, Leo and Christine Pujdak (6) The Cheer Team brought out the Terrier Spirit. (7) Alumni, family and friends participated in the Run/Walk. (8) Amanda Tracey ran in memory of her uncle, PAPD officer, Alfonse J. Niedermeyer ‘79 who perished on 9/11.
You’re Invited to the Fifth Annual
& 5K Fun Run/Walk at St. Franics Prep
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Proceeds of this event will benefit The First Responders Memorial Scholarship Fund. The scholarship has been established at St. Francis Prep through the generosity of Christopher J. Greene and Teresa Downing-Greene ‘81. The purpose of this scholarship fund will be to ease the burden of tuition each year for a deserving senior student. Preference will be given (but not limited to) children of Police, Fire or Emergency Medical personnel. The scholarship award will be presented on September 11th each year in memory of a fallen hero and member of the Police Department, Fire Department or Emergency Medical Team who made the ultimate sacrifice either on 9/11 or in the performance of their duties before or after the tragic events of 9/11. If you would like to join the Greene’s in honoring and remembering the selfless sacrifice of all our fallen heroes as we commemorate the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, donations to the fund would be greatly appreciated so that many deserving students will benefit in the years to come. The First Responders Memorial Scholarship Fund will be a permanently endowed scholarship fund at the Prep. Register on the Prep’s Alumni Website: alumni.sfponline.org
E ach year at the Spring Reunion, the St. Francis Prep Alumni Board inducts fellow alumni into the Hall of Fame. At the same time, we also recognize members of our Franciscan Community, who are not graduates, by acknowledging them as Honorary Alumni. On Saturday, April 13th, we were delighted to induct Lawrence DiNardo ‘67, Dominick Vulpis ‘74, Dr. Gerard Compito ‘76 and Eileen Shanahan-Ford ‘82 into the St. Francis Prep Hall of Fame. We also inducted Brian McCormack as an Honorary Alumnus of St. Francis Prep. Pictured above (l-r): Eileen, Dom, Larry and Gerry.
Lawrence DiNardo ‘67
Larry DiNardo has been a legend both on and off the football field.
He was the President of St. Francis Prep’s Class of ‘67 while becoming one of the most outstanding football players in Prep’s history, earning the “Best Student Athlete” award in 1967. His academic achievements and his exceptional football talent put him in position to be offered a scholarship to attend The University of Notre Dame where he quickly established himself on the gridiron and received the Hering Award as “outstanding freshman lineman.”
Eventually, Larry’s football prowess and leadership skill earned for him welldeserved recognition as co-captain of the Fighting Irish and as Consensus All-American in 1970. Along with his
personal honors, he helped lead the Irish to unprecedented success, as the team lost just five games over his three Varsity football seasons. After graduating from Notre Dame with a BA degree in Government in 1971, the New Orleans Saints selected Larry in the 7th round of the NFL Draft.
Although his football talent was unmistakable, Larry decided to choose a different path, instead returning to Notre Dame where he earned his law degree with honors in 1974. After passing the Indiana Bar, Larry began practicing in South Bend, specializing in labor and employment law. Six years later, he joined the Chicago firm of Seyfarth, Shaw and Fairweather and eventually became a partner at the prestigious Jones Day Law Firm.
Over the years, Larry has practiced nationwide in all areas of employment and labor law. His passion for legal excellence and justice led him to take on many very significant cases and issues, including an important case he argued successfully before the U.S. Supreme Court in 2014, earning a unanimous 9-0 decision with an opinion written by Justice Antonin Scalia.
In keeping with his generous spirit, Larry has also helped influence the
next generation of members of the legal profession. With this in mind, he has served as a visiting law professor at Notre Dame Law School, as a guest lecturer at DePaul University College of Law, and has published in the Journal of College and University Law. He has also been very giving of his time by performing pro-bono legal work for the underserved population in Chicago and for the new immigrant population.
Reconnecting with his Franciscan roots and high school athletic achievements in 2014, Larry became a member of the inaugural class of inductees into St. Francis Prep’s Red and Blue Terrier Ring of Honor.
Today, Larry and his lovely wife Paula split their time between their homes in Wisconsin and in Miramar Beach, Florida, and they cherish the time they are able to spend with their two daughters, their son, and their grandchildren.
Larry is a true inspiration, and he has left a lasting impression on the world around him by way of his athletic accomplishments, his long and highly successful career as an attorney and legal scholar, and his extraordinary generosity.
Hailing from St. Bart’s Elementary School in Elmhurst, Queens, Jerry embarked on his high school career at the Prep in Brooklyn. Then, after 2 years, traveled in the other direction to Fresh Meadows with the Prep to complete his junior & senior years, where he was also elected Senior class Co-President and Vice-President of the National Honor Society. He was always grateful to have had “the best of both worlds” with the school’s Brooklyn AND Queens experiences.
Then at Columbia University, he majored in Biology as a pre-med student, during which time he also
Dom grew up in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn and attended St. Jerome’s Elementary School while playing C.Y.O. sports. His parents valued Catholic education as he followed in the footsteps of his brother, Frank. Dom attended the Prep and played football and ran track on a Veterans scholarship. He was the Student Council Body President of the last class to graduate from the North 6th Street campus.
still served as a team leader and guest speaker for H.S and College retreats at St. Paul’s Center in Brooklyn. He also worked at Cornell University Medical College, where he did research in their department of Biochemistry.
Jerry then moved on to S.U.N.Y.
Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY, but not before marrying his sweetheart (and other Brooklyn connection) Connie.
At Upstate, he served on several committees, including the Admissions Committee, and as the senior student representative on the Academic Ethics Adjudication Committee. He was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society in his senior year, and just a few days after graduation, he and Connie had their first daughter Daniela.
They all traveled back to the local area, where Jerry did an intensive medical internship at then North Shore University Hospital (now Northwell)
He went on to study at Brooklyn College and majored in Physical Education. From 1979 - 1985 Dom taught and coached at Prep: JV Soccer, JV Basketball assistant and coached Varsity Softball. During the summers he assisted Bro. Leonard Conway, O.S.F. at Camp Alvernia in Centerport. In all, Dom is most proud of his time with Varsity Softball where he saw them move from the CHSAA hardtop playgrounds using the “Clincher” softball to playing on the dirt fields and to using the “Dudley!”
During his tenure as coach, the Varsity Softball Team won the first-ever Metropolitan Softball Championship. With the support of Bro. Alan Zodda, Sr. Margaret Donnelly, and Sr. Anne Fitzgerald as role models, the Varsity Softball Teams could regularly be found in the chapel at morning Mass. Dom encouraged them to be more than just great athletes— emphasizing
and Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
The family moved into Manhattan for Jerry’s residency in Diagnostic Radiology at New York HospitalCornell Medical Center (now NY Presbyterian – Cornell Weill). There, he was appointed Academic and Administrative Chief Resident… but not before they added second daughter Diana to the family.
A Fellowship and clinical teaching appointment in Neuroradiology followed at a combined CornellNY Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering program. During that time, he was also an Attending Radiologist at then Booth Memorial Medical Center in Flushing, NY, and for the United Nations in NYC.
Jerry was then recruited by Princeton Radiology, a prestigious private radiology practice in New Jersey. (It was also where he really wanted to live and work, so things worked out well!)
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the importance of becoming “women for life.” He said, “They all went on to serve their communities as good parents, teachers, doctors, lawyers, administrators.”
Dom earned his Master’s Degree from Queens College and a Certificate of Administration from the College of Staten Island. He went on to serve as a teacher and administrator in the NYC Board of Education and was one of the “founding fathers” of the High School of Telecommunications in Brooklyn (1985-95). He then moved on to the East Rockaway School District to serve as the Director of Athletics (19952016). While at East Rockaway, Dom was awarded Teacher of the Year (1998) and Administrator of the Year (2010) for Nassau County Section VIII Athletics.
Now retired, he continues to serve East Rockaway as the President for the Board
Not long after the family’s move, they added son David. Jerry then reminded Connie that each time they had made major move, they had another child. It was at that point that Connie firmly stated, “We’ve got to stop moving!”
Jerry’s involvement in his new community led to both he and Connie serving as Eucharistic Ministers at their parish St. Charles Borromeo, having served there for 20 years.
As Jerry became more involved with his practice and with Princeton Medical Center, where he worked as a Neuroradiologist and Interventional Radiologist, more roles came his way. He was Director of Neuroradiology CT & MRI, and then dove into practice management and Hospital liaison positions, including Chair of Princeton Radiology’s Board of Directors, followed by President of the Princeton Health System’s Medical
DOM VULPIS (CONT’D)
of Education, member of the Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus, and Eucharistic Minister for St. Raymond’s Church. He is also the Executive Director of the Catholic High Schools Athletic Association (CHSAA) and retired assistant Executive Director of Section VIII Athletics in Nassau County. His “Franciscan Spirit” and the values instilled while at the Prep live on as demonstrated by the Mayor Charles Krull Award for his exemplary service to the youth of the East Rockaway Community and the National Football Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to high school athletics.
Dom married the love of his life, Kathleen Ruane. (Kathleen is in the CHSAA Hall of Fame and has been a physical education teacher at St. Edmund Prep since 1980.) Together they have three awesome children who serve in the NYPD and Occupational Therapy professions.
Staff. He chaired the Princeton Medical Center Credentials Committee, and served 8 years on the Penn Medicine - Princeton Medical Center Board of Trustees. This encompassed a period of transition to a newly built hospital medical center, followed by work in Strategic Planning , which ultimately lead to a partnership with Penn Medicine in Philadelphia.
After his term as Medical Staff President, the hospital system CEO asked Jerry to Chair the Hospital Foundation, a job he discovered he truly enjoyed, and thrived yet further. He personally assisted in raising over $24 million over his time as chair, including over $1 million for a single 100th Hospital Anniversary Gala event. In 2020, he was honored as the Foundation’s Physician Philanthropist of the Year.
Aside from his Professional Medical and Administrative work, Jerry is an
independent radiology adjudicator and reader for pharmaceutical trial evaluations, and has participated in over 75 independent drug trials, most of which have been for oncology treatments.
Jerry has been listed as a “Top Doctor” in New Jersey Magazine and Inside New Jersey since 2001. He was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Radiology, in recognition of his accomplishments in promoting Radiology. It is an honor that only a small minority of ACR members achieve over their careers.
All he ever wanted to do when he started out was to be the best husband, father, and doctor he could be. It’s the Franciscan education he received, both at St. Bart’s and here at the Prep, that serve as the foundation for all he is now grateful to pay forward.
HONORARY ALUMNUS
Brian McCormack H‘24
Brian Rory McCormack is currently in his 24th year as a member of the SFP Math department. He attended Archbishop Molloy H.S. because his mother would not allow him to attend a co-ed high school. He went on to Fairfield University for two years before transferring to NYU where he graduated in 1995 with a double major in finance and economics. In
the fall of 1995, while employed as a stockbroker, Brian volunteered to coach his first basketball team at Ss. Joachim and Anne in Queens Village. After he was injured in a car accident, he left the business world and took a job as a physical education teacher at Ss. Joachim and Anne in 1997 where he taught phys ed, coached basketball, and ran their CYO basketball program
Eileen Shanahan-Ford ‘82
E
ileen Shanahan is one of eight siblings who all graduated from St. Francis Prep. An alumna of the class of 1982, Eileen embodies the Franciscan spirit, especially the values of service and generosity. Eileen transferred to the Prep in her junior year where she immediately contributed to the Terrier community as an athlete. She played on the Varsity Volleyball team for two years with Coach Joyce Ford. In her senior year, she earned a spot on the Softball Team, coached by Dominic Vulpis. Eileen’s athletic skills carried her into college where she played softball and soccer at Sullivan Community College for two years. In her junior and senior years of college, Eileen earned a full scholarship to the New York Institute of Technology for Softball. She graduated New York Tech in 1987 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.
She is an American who recognizes that freedom is precious, yet, not free. Her love of country, love of horses, and desire to give back led
for two years before becoming a classroom teacher in his third year.
In August of 2000, St. Francis Prep was in need of a math teacher and Brian was hired by Sr. Mary Ann Nappier, CSJ to teach freshmen and juniors. This is when Brian fell in love with SFP and became more involved. He worked at Prep’s basketball camp during the summers and in 2003, Coach Tim Leary hired Brian to be an assistant coach for the freshman basketball team. He coached five years
her to founding Warrior Ranch Foundation, a safe haven of healing for veterans, first responders, their families, and horses.
She has been the driving force behind the growth of Warrior Ranch Foundation from its humble beginnings in her backyard and private barns to the present-day six-acre operation in Calverton, Long Island. Eileen’s passion for this mission has inspired hundreds of people from all walks of life to step up and give of themselves to help build a place where veterans, first responders, and their families can heal, a place where horses are retrained and re-purposed so that they may be placed in new homes. To date, Warrior Ranch has served over 260 veterans and first responders, rescued four horses, and adopted out two horses.
While Warrior Ranch may be her greatest achievement, Eileen may be credited with more. For over 20 years, she served as a committee member and vice-president on the New York Leatherneck Ball, a subsidiary of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (MCSF). The MCSF honors Marines by providing educational scholarships for the children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen.
Eileen has worked in television and media shooting, editing, and producing television programs and commercials for more than 30 years. Programs include the Cable Ace
before being named head freshman coach in the 2008-09 season. Brian held this position for 8 years before stepping down when he had children of his own. In 2006, he was appointed as the coach of the varsity golf team and served from 2006-19 before stepping down to focus more on his own kids at home. During his tenure the team won Queens I Division Championships in 2016, ‘17, ‘18, and ‘19 and won the LuHi Open in 2014. Brian returned to his head coaching position in 2023 where they won another Queens
Award-winning Long Island Magazine, the Telly Award-winning Talkin’ Horses and Neighborhood Journal, as well as Horses 911 pilot series. Additionally, Eileen has won Axiem Awards as well as BOLI Awards for her editing skills.
Awards and Citations since founding Warrior Ranch Foundation:
> 2019 • EQUUS Film Festival
Winner for One Soldier, One Horse, a documentary about the first soldier and first horse who participated in the Warrior Ranch program
> 2020 • Eileen was honored at the Long Island Women Conference by Legislator Sarah Anker
> 2020 • Public Service Commendation Medal from Major General Jeffrey Milhorn
> 2022 • The Colonel E. David Woycik Jr., Esq, USA (Ret.) and Lance Corporal Matais Ferreira, USMC (Ret.) Outstanding Service Award for Outstanding Service to Military Veterans and First Responders
> 2023 • New York State Assembly Citation Women of Distinction from Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio
Eileen and her husband of 36 years, Jim Ford, are animal lovers who have rescued several dogs and horses over the years.
Division title. He is currently the team’s assistant coach.
Brian and his lovely wife, Meghan Mullaney ‘93 (who is a 2022 Red & Blue Terrier Ring of Honor inductee) have three beautiful children: Timmy, Ryan, and Laney. “I am honored and extremely humbled to be recognized as an Honorary Alumnus and I’m very grateful to all of my colleagues at Prep!” Brian said.
The court was dedicated in memory of two of our finest— Jane Modry H‘00 & Tim Leary ‘63 after the girls and boys basketball doubleheader on December 1, 2023.
Alumni, family and friends gathered for a reception in the cafeteria following the ceremony.
(1) Prep’s Principal, Patrick J. McLaughlin ‘73 (2) Alumni and Friends of Jane Modry. (3) Tim Leary’s grandchildren. (4) Sean Prendergast ‘80, Jack Kiley ‘80 & Matt Roberts ‘80 (5) Coach Jimmy Lynch ‘99 (center), Emily and Connor Bacci ‘15 (6) Brian O’Donoghue ‘81, Pat McLaughlin ‘73 & Denis Butler ‘83 (7) Robert Angeletti H’11 & John Pereira ‘62 (8) Shelia Hennessy-Thomas ‘91, Karen Hennessy ‘89, Nancy Demers ‘91, Regina Crowley ‘89 (9) The Pereiras: Jack (future Terrier), Jonathon ‘99 and his dad, John ‘62 (10) Cheer coach Rosie Tombolo ‘11, Sal Fichetti ‘83, Christina Glavan (left) and Annie Kambouras (right) (11) Wally Bishop ‘80 and Brother Leonard Conway,O.S.F., President of SFP
Jane Modry H’00 taught physical education and coached basketball, softball and volleyball over a 38 year career, first at Bishop Reilly H.S. (for seven years) and then continuing when Reilly became St. Francis Prep in 1974. Jane was one of the founders of the CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens Girls’ League, was named CHSAA administrator of the year and is a member of the CHSAA Hall of Fame. Jane passed away peacefully on September 8, 2014. She left a tremendous legacy of innovation and dedication when it came to growing women’s sports in New York City and will always be remembered by all those she taught and coached over so many wonderful years.
Tim Leary ’63 was a man of leadership, mentorship and service to others, most notably during his 43 years as the head basketball coach of his alma mater, St. Francis Prep. He was the heart and soul of the program and an inspiration and hero to so many within the Prep community. For 37 years, he served the NYC Department of Education as a Physical Education, English and Social Studies teacher, an Academic Dean, a District Supervisor, a District Coordinator for the Dropout Prevention Program, and a Director for both the After School/Evening Community Center and for the Summer Vacation Day Camp. All this while still finding the time to dedicate himself to his coaching duties at St. Francis Prep! He passed away on February 13, 2018 after a gallant year-long battle with gallbladder cancer.
(12) Lady Terrier atheletes from accross the eras were present to honor Jane Modry. Pictured (l-r): Lori Mitchell-Costello ‘80 , Denise Stradowski-Heckelman ‘84, Karen Hennessy ‘89, Regina Crowley Watson ‘89, Regan McGorry ‘90, Sheila Hennessy ‘91, Nancy Demers ‘91, Johanna Pappas ‘95, Jamie Owen ‘95, Denise McBride Fischetti ‘84, Eileen Strohm Wagner ‘03, Rosie Downing ‘80, Mary Irene Ilchert ‘77. Front row: Debbie Strack Cregan ‘79, Kathy Finn ‘79, Veronica Ganci ‘13, JoAnn Wagner H10, Katherine McCabe ‘95 • Keri BradyAndrean ‘85, Maureen Wagner Duda ‘96 (13) The Wagner/Brady families were near and dear to Jane Modry she was the godmother to Tim Wagner ‘99, who accepted the commemorative framed court photo in her honor. (14) Lynn Leary (Tim’s sister-in-law), John Miller, Sean M. Prendergast ‘80, Dan Leary (Tim’s brother) and Colin Quinn ‘77
It is the tradition of the Catholic Church to celebrate a Mass of Remembrance on the first weekend of November.
On Sunday, November 5th, alumni, family and friends gathered at Prep for the Annual Alumni Memorial Mass celebrated by Prep’s Chaplain, Fr. Ralph Edel. The new additions to the Pathway to St. Francis were blessed and a memorial scholarship award presentation was made prior to the start of mass. Alumni and family members were invited to bring a candle forward to be placed near the altar in remembrance of their loved ones. After mass, alumni gathered in the gym for the Raising of the Banners of Honor. Brunch was served in the remodeled student dining room immediately afterwards.
Pictured: (1). Prep’s Chaplain, Father Ralph Edel celebrating Mass.
(2) Families gathed in the Pathway around the statue of Saint Francis for a brief prayer service. Prep’s President, Bro. Leonard Conway and Fr. Ralph perform the blessing of the new memorials on the Pathway. The Pathway to St. Francis consists of more than 2,500 engraved bricks and other memorials. (Information can be found online at alumni.sfponline.org)
(3) The presentation of the Memorial Scholarships.
(4) (l-r) Brother Leonard Conway, Fr. Ralph and Alumni Board Member, Alice Dunkak-Quinn ‘79 (5) Members of the Truzzolino and Ryan families were present to pay tribute to their loved ones.
(6) Denise Tracey ‘80, (SFP Alumni Board) welcoming families in the lobby.
High school is four years, St. Francis Prep is Forever!
SATURDAY, JANUARY 27, 2024 AT ST. FRANCIS PREP
It’s always an amazing occasion when Prep alumni get together under the same roof— and this was no exception! SFP Faculty/Staff members—Mr. Joe Licata (Language Dept./ Football), Ms. Phyllis Gambino (Religion Dept./Athletics Dept.), Ms. Kelly Jean Gavin (Religion Dept.), Mr. Frank Hamilton (Fmr. Science Dept.) and Ms. Mary Ann Spicijaric (Fmr. Science Department) Bro. Robert Kent (Alumni Director/Math) and Mr. Boston Charles (Harvard Maintenance)— welcomed everyone back with smiles, hugs and laughter! Alumni were treated to a tour of the many newly renovated spaces at Prep--including the cafeteria! Find more photos on facebook.com/sfpalumni (St. Francis Preparatory School Alumni)
ALUMNI CHAPTER EVENTS
Prep’s professional networking chapters provide long-term value by giving alumni the chance to stay in contact and continue to learn from each other. The Legal & Healthcare Professions chapter provides networking and professional development opportunities for alumni and current students in the field. This year was an exceptional year with several sponsors underwriting the cost of the admission. Thanks to: Felicia Varlese ‘79, Mike Mongelli ‘79, Bill Viscovich ‘79, Tom Gebert ‘79 and Charles Casolaro ‘88 for your generous support of this chapter and St. Francis Prep.
Our regional chapters bring together alumni who have relocated to places outside the New York area. Over the past few years Prep has held regional alumni chapter events in Florida, Boston, Arizona and Washington, D.C. “If you can’t come to the Prep, we’ll bring the Prep to you!” said, Bro. Robert Kent, Alumni Director.
11, 2024• BOURBON STREET, BAYSIDE, NY
Thursday, November 30, 2023 || St. Francis Prep
St. Francis Prep’s Eighth annual reception for alumni who work in the field of Education was held on Thursday, November 30, 2023. Our guest speaker was Francine Wisnewski, Ed.D Class of 1984 (pictured) who is the Director of Undergraduate and Combined Degree Education Programs in the School of Education and Human Services at Molloy University. Francine spoke about how her Franciscan education was the foundation that helped her develop the confidence, spirit and skills to take on the many professional roles she has had throughout her career.
Spring Traing Game & Reception || Saturday, March 2, 2024
On Friday, March 1st, we celebrated our 29th Annual St. Francis Prep Florida Reunion in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Bro. Robert Kent secured 30 tickets for the Mets vs. Cardinals pre-season game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, FL. Alumni attended a Mass at St. Bernadette Church that was celebrated by Fr. Victor Ulto prior to the dinner reception on Saturday, March 2nd. (Fr. Victor formerly served in the Brooklyn Diocese and is pictured to the right with Bro. Leonard Conway and Robert Angeletti H’11.) Following Mass 40 Terrier alumni enjoyed a professionally catered meal in the St. Bernadett’s dining room.
On March 16th Alumni, Faculty/Staff, Irish Club, Student Government and the Cheer Teams marched alongside the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn and the St. Anthony’s High School Pipe & Drums in celebration of our Irish heritage at the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade. We were cheered on by alumni who lined the parade route. The highpoint is meeting the bishops of Brooklyn and the Archdiocese of New York in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
St. Francis Prep’s Social Studies Department honored our Alumni Veterans on Thursday, November 9th, 2023 starting with an assembly the Brother Ralph Clifford Auditorium with keynote speaker, John Haseney ‘02. John has served in the FDNY since 2005 and currently is a battalion chief. He served in the New York Army National Guard from 2004–2012 and is an Afghanistan combat veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom. Following his informative and inspiring remarks, veterans split up into smaller groups to speak to students in our Social Studies classes and shared their own experiences.
In conjunction with this program, the Prep community highlighted its year-long partnership with America’s VetDogs. America’s VetDogs specializes placing highlyskilled service and guide dogs to individuals with physical injuries, PTSD, hearing and vision loss, and seizures. We sponsored three VetDogs (the first two were named Francis and Clare) and our third, Lenny (pictured inset) was just beginning his training in November.
The day concluded with a lunch where the veterans had an opportunity to speak among themselves. Social Studies Department chair, Diane Housermann ‘02 said, “It was a fitting recognition to those in our alumni community who served our country —and currently serve —while demonstrating how we continue to honor and respect their courage and dedication.”
On Saturday, December 9, 2023 the Christmas tradition that was started by the late Sr. Joseph Agnes Hohmann more than three decades ago continued! Under the leadership of faculty members, Ann Marie Rich (Science) and Suzanne Camus (Social Studies) SFP demonstrates the true meaning of Christmas: service to others in the Franciscan tradition. Each year support is provided by the SFP Alumni Association, the SFP Parent’s Guild and most importantly—our Terrier Student Athletes and Coaches. They all work side-by-side to help seat the guests, serve them food and distribute all of the donated gifts. (Alumni, Parents, Students and Alumni pitch in with cash contributions and/or gifts.)
Thank you to everyone who helps make this day special!
The Annual President’s Dinner salutes all of the loyal alumni, parents, faculty, staff, trustees and friends whose generosity at the “leadership” giving level helped St. Francis Prep in many wonderful ways during the past year. More than 200 guests enjoyed cocktails and dinner on Saturday, April 22 nd at St. Francis Prep. The evening began with a Mass celebrated by SFP Chaplain, Fr. Ralph Edel in the Our Lady of the Angels Chapel. Guests enjoyed the musical talents of the String Orchestra, under the direction of Robert Johnston.
After the cocktail hour, Franciscan Brothers Superior General, Brother Gabriel O’Brien, O.S.F. offered an opening prayer and welcomed everyone. Brother Leonard Conway, O.S.F., Prep’s President updated guests on the significant and historic development efforts achieved through the generosity of our benefactors and the dedication of our talented faculty/staff and administration. Principal Patrick J. McLaughlin ‘73 introduced two outstanding students who chronicled their fouryear journey of extra-curricular activities, academic rigor and the evolution of their personal and spiritual development as students at St. Francis Prep.
Pictured (top row, l-r): (1) Fr. Ralph Edel, Prep’s chaplain celebrated mass in the school chapel. (2) William “Bill” Maroney ‘55, Brother Leonard Conway, O.S.F. and Aimee Maroney (3) Don Devane ‘61 and Robert Angeletti H’11 (Director of Development) Pictured (bottow row, l-r): (4) Standing: Brother “Bill” William Boslett, Brother Gabriel O’Brien (Superior General), Patrick McLaughlin ‘73 (Principal), Joanne Persico ‘84 (Trustee) , Brother Leonard Conway (President), Mary Macchiarola and Kathy McLaughlin. (5) Prep’s Principal, Patrick McLaughlin ‘73 (center) with the student guest speakers Payton Buchanon ‘24 (left) and Emily Hagen ‘24 (6) The talented student musicians who performed during the cocktail hour (l-r): Mia Cocheo, Sophia Tejada, Mr. Robert Johnston H’14, Melissa Quizhpi Sarmiento and Channah Kim.
The 2024 Commencement Challenge honored the 565 members of our Class of 2024 (who received a cumulative $175 million in college scholarship offers) while addressing a very special project at the school. The special project we have funded through this year’s Commencement Challenge is the complete renovation and modernization of our existing Computer Lab facilities to create the brand new Brother Leonard Conway, O.S.F. Technology Center.
The Brother Leonard Conway, O.S.F. Technology Center will help ensure that St. Francis Prep stays “on the cutting edge” of advancing technology for the benefit of our students. Brother Leonard was the “founder” of the Prep’s computer science program back in the day at North 6th Street in Brooklyn (that’s his photo—taken back then), so we build on his legacy with this modernization effort.
New equipment, furnishings, lighting and electronics will be incorporated into the design at an overall cost of $100,000 to $150,000. The new Technology Center will be ready for the start of the school year in September. For more info visit the SFP Alumni website at: alumni.sfponline.org/donations
Celebrate the 50 th Anniversary With Us! April 12, 2025 at Russo’s On The Bay
Honoring our Brooklyn heritage and commemorating the amazing move from 186 North 6th Street in Williamsburg to 6100 Francis Lewis Boulevard in Fresh Meadows to become a great co-ed institution—and the largest, private Catholic high school in the country! The Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn; Michael A. Henning ‘57; Julie Chen Moonves ‘87; and Peter J. Callahan ‘59 (posthumously) are our honorees. The New York Tenors will entertain (Daniel Rodriguez, Andy Cooney and Christopher Macchio) and actor and comedian, Joe Piscopo will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
Peter Callahan, SFP Class of 1959, an extremely loyal and extraordinarily generous benefactor of St. Francis Prep and St. Francis College passed away on May 9. Over the past 50+ years, Peter has maintained close ties to both the Prep and the College, and has always been supportive of the Franciscan Brothers Mission in education.
Throughout the many years of his engagement with the St. Francis Prep Alumni Association, Peter has been a sponsor at the leadership level of each of the Prep’s capital campaigns and many other events and activities. He was inducted into the Prep’s Hall of Fame in 2000. He’s welcomed alumni into his beautiful home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and in more recent years, he hosted a dinner reception for Prep alumni at his golf club near Palm City, FL. He was a gracious host who willingly gave of his time and resources, always very polished while displaying the grace and humility instilled by his parents while growing up in Astoria, Queens. He will surely be missed! May he rest in peace! He is survived by his three lovely daughters, Christine, Carolyn and Tricia, their mother Lee, and their families, including seven wonderful grandchildren.
(1) Peter and a classmate on The Circle Line Boat Ride in Senior Year.
(2) Peter played on two sports teams at Prep: Football and Baseball. This yearbook photo caption reads: “Peter Callahan drives Chaminade’s halfback toward the sidelines.”
3) The SFP 1959 Varsity Baseball Team.
(4) Peter playing in the Faculty-Student Basketball game; it’s a tradition that continues today. Inset image: St. Francis Prep was located at 186 North 6th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn from 1952-1974.
High School is Four Years; St. Francis Prep is Forever!
Three Peters” (above): Friends and Classmates, Peter England ‘59, Peter Callahan ‘59 and Peter
at
Pictured below: Peter’s tremendous generosity paved the way for many successful Florida Alumni Receptions. “He always enjoyed bringing alumni together and ensuring that everyone had a great time.” said SFP Alumni Director, Brother Robert Kent. Below (l-r): Bro. Leonard Conway OSF, Peter Callahan ‘59 and Brother Robert Kent.
At the 2022 Florida Alumni Reception Peter and his buddy, Peter Corritori ‘59 —reminisced about how they became friends in grade school and continued that friendship throughout their years at St. Francis Prep and as later, as Terrier Alumni!
Even though Peter lived in Florida since 1989, he still loved New York City and made a point of visiting the Prep and the College regularly. Pictured above (l-r): Peter with Coach Vince O’Connor. Pictured below in this 2010 photo at SFC (l-r): Carolyn Callahan, Peter, William “Bill” Turner (retired SFP Faculty) and Bill’s children: Tara ‘08, Shamus ‘11 and Deidre ‘06 (who was the John Daniel Callahan Memorial Scholarship recipient).
The Prep’s 2023 Boys Varsity Baseball Championship Team was surely inspired to victory by the presence of our esteemed alumni—Peter and his classmate, Ray Nash ‘59 were members of the Terrier Baseball Team that won the City Title in 1959! Bro. Rober Kent, recalls that Peter Callahan ‘59 hit a triple in the 1959 post-season!
(1) In the dugout (pictured l-r): Ray Nash ‘59, Peter, Patrick McLaughlin ‘73 (SFP Principal), Justin Kelly ‘69 and Brother Robert Kent, O.S.F. (Alumni Director and Baseball Coach) (2) Peter throwing out the first pitch during the Brooklyn/Queens playoffs. (3) Former teammates, Ray Nash ‘59 and Peter on the mound at the 2023 Boys Varsity Baseball playoff game. Photos by Justin Charneco ‘24
Peter and his family gather at Prep to celebrate his induction into the SFP Hall of Fame in 2000.
Terriers from the Classes of 1959 and 1960 got together for lunch in New York on a regular basis!
Peter with his classmates and friends at an event honoring Coach Vince O’Connor and Frank Nastro at the Long Island Marriott in
In the late 1980s, Peter owned his own company and did a lot of business with someone he considered a mentor. One day over breakfast, the man suggested they should go into business owning a few racehorses. Preakness Winner Swiss Skydiver’s colors are red and blue —Peter’s homage to SFC and the Prep. He attended both St. Francis Preparatory School and St. Francis College.
Peter Corritori ‘59 was inducted into the Prep’s Hall of Fame in 2022. That evening, Peter Callahan announced the establishment of an endowed scholarship—The Peter Corritori ‘59 STEM Scholarship Fund— in honor of his life-long friend and classmate! Pictured (l-r): Peter Callahan ‘59, Bro. Robert Kent,OSF, Peter Corritori ‘59 and Bro. Leonard Conway, SFP’s President.
We reached a major milestone on Monday, June 17, 2024 —we celebrated our 30th Annual Golf Classic at the Cherry Valley Club, Garden City, NY. This event was “sold out” within ten days of the event notice. And the commemorative journal is the largest we have seen in years. This is a reflection of the great enthusiasm, devotion and generous commitment that so many Terrier alumni have to St. Francis Prep. It’s also a reflection of the warm feelings about our wonderful honorees and their families!
This year we extend our heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to Ann Marie Rich and Jean ColucciKiley ‘80 & Jack Kiley ‘80. “Ann Marie and the Kiley’s exemplify the best of our Franciscan tradition. They have helped us promote academic excellence, true sportsmanship, generosity, and service to others--traits that have distinguished the St. Francis Prep community since its founding in Brooklyn more than 160 years ago.” said Prep’s President, Brother Leonard Conway, O.S.F. He concluded with, “ Thank you for helping us carry on this legacy!”
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible” is a quote attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. Some say the quote is a road map for achieving great things, and that it emphasizes hard work and fortitude. An event of this magnitude is possible because of the great efforts of many individuals within the Prep community. Each year everyone comes together in the Franciscan spirit to do great things.
Our event co-chairs — Charlie Casolaro ‘88 and Alice Dunkak Quinn ‘79 — provide the leadership and enthusiasm necessary to make this an incredible success! The student volunteers and the SFP Alumni Board members contribute in so many ways--seen and unseen— in support of the Office of Development and Alumni Relations staff in the 12 months leading up to this event and on the day of the outing!
Also, thank you to all of our golfers, dinner guests, key sponsors, journal advertisers, and hole and tee sponsors, especially to Lisa and Bob Adams ‘80, our overall Event Sponsors once again.
Brother Leonard said, “I want to express my gratitude to all the members of the SFP Alumni Board, the Golf Classic Committee and the many individuals who work together to organize this event each year .” He concluded by saying, “I truly appreciate your efforts!”
Our 2024 Honorees
Ann Marie Rich SFP Science Faculty & Softball Coach
Jean Colucci-Kiley ‘80 and Jack Kiley ‘80
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MASTERS RAFFLE WINNER
Sean Griffin from Sayville, NY
We hope that you have an incredible time next year in Augusta!
Monday, June 17, 2024 || Cherry Valley Club || Garden City, NY
EVENT SPONSORS
Lisa & Bob Adams ‘80
AWARDS DINNER SPONSORS
Jean Colucci-Kiley ‘80 and Jack Kiley ‘80
COCKTAIL HOUR SPONSORS
Lisa & Jeff Alter ‘80
LUNCHEON SPONSOR
CulinArt Group
FRANCISCAN BROTHERS SPONSOR
Maspeth Federal Savings
JOURNAL SPONSOR
Eileen LeMonda ‘78, HOF ’02
The LeMonda Family
LIVE & SILENT AUCTION SPONSORS
Eddie Slampiak ‘90
CRM Construction & Maintanence
Richard Mednick
Medco Electric Contracting, Inc.
GOLF CARTS SPONSORS
Wally Bishop ‘80
Michael Mongelli ‘79
DRIVING RANGE SPONSOR
Dave Beltran Stretto
PUTTING GREEN SPONSOR
Patrick Goulard ‘84
RAFFLE PRIZE SPONSORS
Steel Equities
Lostritto Family Foundation
Joanne Frisoni-Lostritto & Joseph Lostritto ‘79
Eileen LeMonda ‘78, HOF ’02
Harvard Maintenance
Dan Duffy H’03
Beth Olwell-McNulty ‘80 & Bob McNulty ‘80 McNulty Outdoors
Tom Gebert ‘79
Primary Land Services
Ed and Derek Nolan
The Nolan Group
Alice Dunkak-Quinn ‘79
Waldorf Risk Solutions
HOLE-IN-ONE PRIZE SPONSOR
Koeppel Nissan
Monday, June 17,
THANK YOU to all of our Golfers, Dinner Guests, Major Sponsors, Journal Advertisers, and Hole and Tee sponsors.
BOYS BASKETBALL
B/Q Champions
Final Four City Championships
GIRLS BASKETBALL
3rd Place B/Q Championships
BASEBALL
B/Q Finalist
BOWLING 4th Place
CHEERLEADING
Gameday Routine 7th @ Nationals
FOOTBALL
AA - Play-off Quarterfinals
Zalen Nelson ‘18 has been awarded the 2024 Outdoor Track and Field National Champioship (800 meters) for Trinidad and Tobago— his parents native country. Zalen (who earned his dual citizenship with the USA) went to the lead and never looked back. He will now look to hit the standards to qualify for the world championship next year! Congratulations, Zalen!
In addition to Zalen’s success, the Prep’s Track team boasts a total of 15 alumni athletes who are competing in either a Division 1 or Division II schools this year. On for Ol’s St. Francis!
2nd Place in the Division Playoff Quarterfinals
HOCKEY
1st Place A Division Champions
GIRLS LACROSSE
A Division City Champions
BOYS SOCCER
B/Q - 1st Place
CHSAA City Champions
Mayors Cup Champions Franciscian Cup Champions
GIRLS SOCCER
1st Place
Play-off Finalist
Frank Pomarico ‘70 was Captain of Ara Parseghian’s 1973 Notre Dame National Championship team that beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. You can listen to Frank’s Notre Dame Report— a podcast segment that features special insights into Notre Dame’s football team. Frank also coached at Notre Dame in 1980 and served as TV and Radio Analyst for WNDU during the 1986 Notre Dame football season. He has been doing this segment since 2002. Pictured above (l-r): Jack Cahill ‘67 (fellow ND alum), Brother Robert Kent (a lifelong fan of the Fighting Irish) and Frank.
2023-24 SEASON ROUND-UP
SOFTBALL 2nd Place Play-off Semi Finals
BOYS SWIMMING
4th Place in the Division Division 2 Novice Champs Finished 2nd in their division, 9th/20th in entire CHSAA 3X CHSAA Diving Champ Three year straight at States for Ethan Wong ‘24.
GIRLS SWIMMING
5th Place in the Division Girls finished 5th .
BOYS TENNIS 3rd Place
BOYS TRACK & FIELD B/Q Champions
GIRLS TRACK & FIELD
B/Q & City Champions
BOYS VOLLEYBALL 5th Place in the Division
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
2nd Place in the Division Play-off Finalist
On April 15th, the Prep’s Boys’s Varsity Baseball Team reached an important milestone—700 Career Wins under head coach, Bro. Robert Kent! Brother Rob has been coaching (and teaching) at Prep for 50+ years and is a legend in the SFP and CHSAA community. Congratulations!!!
Pictured above (l-r): Frank Pinto, Lou D’Alessio ‘95, Mike Ryan ‘04, Brother Robert Kent,OSF, Robert McDermott ‘87 (Manager) and Chris Bettencourt ‘18
At this year’s Commencement
‘76
In honor of Peacemaker Month (January 2024) Prep’s Franciscan Youth Movement invited Class of 1982 alumna, Donna Aufiero Rosenblum to speak about anti-semitism and the history of the Holocaust. “Donna works tirelessly to bring Holocaust education into school curriculums and library collections throughout Nassau County.” Dr. Christian Sullivan, Director of SFP’s Campus Ministry said. She has conducted workshops for educators at the U.S. Holocaust Museum, Hofstra Summer Institute, and numerous other sites. Her work at both the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County and the Holocaust Resource Center at Temple Judea, have given her the opportunity to mentor thousands of today’s youths. She is now a part-time educator at HMTC working with the staff and docents to strengthen the legacy of survivor testimony for future generations. Pictured: Brother Leonard Conway, OSF, Prep’s President with Donna Aufiero Rosenblum, Class of 1982.
Join us on Sunday, September 22 at 1:30pm (at the intersection of 217th Street and Jamaica Avevenue in Queens Village) for a street co-naming in recognition of NYPD Officer Paul Heidelberger (SFP Class of 1982) who died in 1992 while trying to break up a bar fight on Bell Boulevard.
Paul was a six-year veteran who worked out of a police unit in the Vladek Houses and had been awarded three medals for Excellent Police Duty, including one he received after he was wounded in the leg while responding to a burglary in January 1991. Street co-naming generally recognize individuals who made profound contributions on the blocks in which they either grew up or worked.
It’s Deja Vu All Over Again -Yogi
Berra
Louis D’Alessio ‘95 played on the St. Francis Prep 1995 Championship Baseball team against Bishop Ford High School at Yankee Stadium. After the Terrier’s 3-1 victory, Louis and his father posed for a photo with Coach Brother Robert Kent. The D’Alessios recreated the moment on May 5, 2024 at the Baseball team’s Senior Day. It’s just another example of why we say, “High School is Four Years; St. Francis Prep is Forever!”
Nicole Radske Miskiewicz ‘05 returned to Prep to catch the Alvernian Drama Society’s performance of High School Musical Nicole is a Commercial Interior Designer and resides on Long Island. After many years in corporate interiors she switched to educational design and is the Project Director Interiors of Facilities Design & Construction at St. John’s University.
On Friday May 10th, the Class of 1981 brought the Terrier Spirit to Citifield to cheer on the “Amazins” but more importantly they were there to honor the NY Mets Veteran of the Game (their classmate) Maj. Edward Nugent ‘81 who returned to the NY area in 2022 after 30 years of service in the US Army and other D.O.D. positions. Ed earned a Masters in Information Systems while deployed in Hawaii.
The Peter and Henry Block Foundation Awards Scholarship to Prepsters
On Friday, May 3rd Louisa Bisogno from the Peter and Henry Block Foundation presented scholarships to two seniors: Melissa Tyska ‘24 (above, left) and Emily Hagen ‘24 (right) —both of whom plan to pursue studies in nursing—each received $5,000 in college scholarships from the Block Foundation. The Foundation is a memorial to brotherly love and commitment to community. It seeks to honor with grants - individuals and groups that give selfless service to their neighbors and communities.
Peter Block graduated from St. Francis Prep in 1940 (pictured above, inset photo) and enlisted in the Army AirCorps in 1943. He became a pilot and was assigned overseas duty. Before heading to Europe Lieutenant Peter was given a short leave. He flew a small transport to Floyd Bennett army Field in Brooklyn very near his home. He spent a few hours with his beloved family in Flatbush. As he was leaving Peter gave his seventeen year old kid brother Henry a hug and said “Go up to the roof and wait for me. I’ll fly over.” Henry went to the roof. Waited. He heard, then saw the plane. When it was directly overhead the wings tipped, then tipped again in a goodbye wave. It was Peter’s last farewell to Henry.
Weeks later, word came that Peter’s plane had crashed and he died. A Gold Star was hung in the Block family window. Henry became a New York City firefighter serving bravely for nearly four decades. He saved a part of every paycheck so one day he could establish a Memorial to his personal hero and big brother, Peter.
Pictured above: Prep’s Principal, Patrick McLaughlin ‘73 (left) and SFP President, Bro. Leonard Conway (right) both with the Block Foundation officers and scholarship recipients.
The Dr. Phillip F. Acevedo, Class of 2006 Memorial Scholarship Fund
Dr. Phillip “Phil” Acevedo ‘06 earned three varsity letters in football, track and field, and swimming winning CHSAA championships in football and swimming while captaining the swim team at St. Francis Prep. After high school he applied to and was accepted by the very competitive City College of New York seven-year combined BS/MD program where he finished his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science and the first two years of his medical education receiving high honors. He continued the last two years of his medical education and graduated from the Albany Medical Center in Albany, NY. Associates in Bethlehem, PA. The world suffered a great loss when, on August 8, 2021, Phil passed away in his sleep at home in St. Petersburg, FL.
Phil was a very independent, resourceful and loving individual whose smile would light up any room and person he entered or met. He always offered his love and genuine persona to all he met and his captivating smile, kind words, and unique laugh all served to mesmerize all he met and will for always define his kind and true spirit. His support and encouragement for all of his friends and family was what made him special.
The Dr. Phillip F. Acevedo ‘06 Memorial Scholarship Fund at St. Francis Prep will be a permanently endowed fund by way of charitable, tax-deductible contributions.
Pictured above (l-r): Frank Acevedo presented Kaelle E. Jesuca ‘24 with a scholarship award from The Dr. Phillip F. Acevedo, Class of 2006 Memorial Scholarship Fund on what would have been Phillip’s 36th birthday—April 11th, SFP President, Brother Leonard Conway, O.S.F. and Robert T. Angeletti, Director of Development.
Share Terrier Roots
Rev. William F. Sweeney (affectionately known as Father Bill) and Christine Persichette ‘90 both work—albeit in different ways —to spread the good news of our Catholic faith to the community.
Father Bill, a devoted and very approachable priest of more than four decades, uses his humor to create “community” wherever he goes. Prior to bringing smiles to parishioners at St. Francis de Sales, Belle Harbor as its Pastor, Fr. Bill served a total of 19 years as our Chaplain at St. Francis Prep. And even though it’s been several years since he moved into his “new” role, many Terrier alumni still associate him with Prep. In July, he met up with award-winning broadcast journalist, anchor of Currents News, and Prepster, Christine Persichette ‘90. (Currents News is a comprehensive nightly news program from the Catholic perspective.) Christine was doing a story on the SFDS Summer League Basketball program—one of the largest of its kind in NYC! During her years at Prep, she served as a retreat leader and enjoyed English classes, reading, and writing. After Prep, Christine went on to earn a B.A., Communication Arts at the University of Albany and later an M.A. in Broadcast Journalism at NYIT.
Before joining Currents News, Persichette worked as a morning anchor for FiOS1 News where she hosted a half-hour show which highlighted individuals making a difference and giving back to their communities. Currents News airs weeknight at 7 pm and streams on netny.tv and YouTube.) Her career highlights also include ten years as a general assignment reporter for Fox 5 and My 9 News. She has also worked for News 12, the Fox affiliate in Rochester,NY and the ABC affiliate in Elmira,NY.
Since its founding in 1858, St. Francis Prep has remained committed to fostering the spiritual development of students in the Catholic, Franciscan tradition.
“Our Mission Statement provides direction, serves as our compass that lights our path, and provides us with the guardrails to stay strong in our convictions.” said Patrick McLaughlin ‘73, Prep’s Principal. Recently, he challenged all members of the Prep community to “incorporate our mission into learning activities and through routine interactions with students, colleagues, and parents.” This is a follow up to last year’s Mission Mondays in which every member of the school community wore tee-shirts emblazoned with our mission statement. It was done to keep the Prep’s mission “front and center” one week at a time. At the annual faculty/staff retreat, members of the faculty/staff were asked to share how they personally incorporate the mission into their daily work lives. The following are excerpts from talks given by two members of the faculty and staff at the retreat.
St. Francis Prep is a Catholic, Franciscan, college preparatory school where we treat all of Creation with dignity and respect.
As instruments of God’s peace, justice, and love, we form leaders who achieve academic excellence, create community, and proclaim joy and hope.
Debbie Doster, Technology Department Staff
“I am blessed to serve and assist as best I can, support as much as I can and motivate as many as I can ...and be a positive role model for the students and a comfort to the parents that I assist daily with technical issues.”
“I am also thankful to be a part of the dedicated Prep Team that our students can depend on. It has been an honor to watch them grow into the amazing young people that we all have inspired and encouraged in their four years of high school.”
“The good news is, no matter how big or small we all have a role in the mission...the mission works thru Prayer, Unity, Dedication and Team Spirit. My plan is to remain full of joy and hope as I continue to assist and be supportive to the students, parents and my coworkers because together we all make it matter at St. Francis Prep.”
Diane Hausserman, Social Studies Chair
“One thing I have always had great pride in is how I and my department treat each of our students and each other with dignity and respect. First within my department - we have great respect for each other. We value each other’s opinions - even if we are on opposite ends of the political spectrum. We take part in friendly banter. We support each other and each other’s families. We help each other out with lesson planning and share ideas about everything from classroom management to assessment techniques. This idea extends to my relationship with my students. I want my students to know that I am there for them - to advocate for them and to guide them through their high school journey. We all lead by example. Whether it is the respect I show my colleague’s expertise or the respect I show for my students’ time and thoughts, I believe I live the mission in how I treat others. Grand gestures and events are not always needed to show you live the mission. Making someone feel like they matter reflects St. Francis and the Franciscan mission just as much.”
When asked why there has been renewed focus on the school’s mission, Mr. McLaughlin said, “We should always be seekers of truth and new learning...to become our best selves, to be all we can be. We don’t do that by sitting back and resting on our accomplishments.” He added, “Our school provides a Catholic education that gives all students the opportunity to grow in faith and an understanding of the Gospel message. Our students grow into responsible, respectful,educated individuals who positively contribute to society and our Church. Along the journey, we all need to model our four Franciscan values: Live Lovingly ; Care for Creation; Proclaim Joy and Hope; Be Living Instruments of Peace.” Mr. McLaughlin thanked everyone for their spirit and dedication to the mission of SFP.
The Franciscan Brothers of Mountbellew, Ireland established Saint Francis Secondary School in Lare, Kenya in 1986. They did it in the same spirit as when two Brothers were sent to New York City in 1858 to establish a school to provide a quality, Catholic education to the area’s under-served residents. The Franciscan Brother’s missionary spirit and devotion is the same in Kenya, but the region is vastly different than it was in the “rural” mid- 1800s Brooklyn era. This part of Kenya is challenged by drought, civil war, pervasive wealth inequality and limited access to health care and education. In the 40 years since their founding of the secondary school, their mission has endured challenges and expanded. In the past decade, SFP students have raised money to purchase 60 bicycles for students who had to walk several miles to and from school each day; a new photocopy machine; a new laptop and digital camera to begin an electronic exchange program; school fees and food for orphaned students and desks and chairs for newly enrolled students. Recently the Brothers expanded their educational offerings and added a middle school to the program; creating what is now called the “Saint Francis Schools” in Lare, Kenya.
Transportation Challenges
There’s an old quip that “old timers” in the U.S.A. use about “having to walk several miles to school.” But for many students at our “twin school” in Lare, Kenya, that’s a present day reality. They travel by foot upward of three miles and, very often they arrive late to class. At the end of the school day they may find themselves on a dark road on the return trip home. It was about 15 years ago that the St. Francis Prep community raised funds that were used to purchase bikes for student transportation that would reduce their travel time. “With younger children enrolled in the middle school, safe travel to school is a greater concern. A bus was needed to bring students from the rural areas around Lare to the school,” explained Dr. Christian Sullivan, Director of SFP’s Campus Ministry. Last year, the Campus Ministry team rallied the student body, parents, faculty and staff raised $12,700 to enable them acquire a mini-school bus.
The school’s Board of Management performed some additional research and projected that a larger, 65-passenger school bus would not only provide safer travel, it would enable them to attract more students to enroll in the school. They revised their plans and made a second appeal to the Prep community.
Prep President, Bro. Leonard Conway, O.S.F. visited the Franciscan Brothers
community in Kenya two times over the past ten years and established a unique and strong bond with the Brothers during his stay. He said,“When the Kenyan Brothers at the St. Francis Schools reached out to us and St. Anthony’s [High School] as their
“It was a natural extension of our mission to provide those in our school community with the opportunity to support Franciscan education globally,” said Prep’s President, Bro. Leonard Conway,O.S.F.
‘American cousins,’ it was only natural that we would want to lend assistance.” All told, the Prep community raised an additional $25,ooo. St. Anthony’s matched the amount raised by SFP, sending a $35,ooo donation to Kenya. When the new bus arrived in late May, the students were dancing in the streets! “It has been a game changer... the students now comfortably get to the school on time. To all that gave a hand in the acquisition of our very new bus, we say God’s blessings upon them.” Victor Kebaki Momanyi, principal of the Saint Francis Schools.
Upendo: A Sponsorship of Love Getting to school was the first challenge. Another great challenge is affording the tuition. This past November, St. Francis Prep created the Upendo Sponsorship
Program to provide tuition assistance to families in Lare. (Upendo is the Kiswahilli word for love.) The average annual income of most families in Lare—most of whom are subsistent farmers and day laborers— ranges between $2,000-$3,500 (USD). The tuition at St. Francis Schools (SFS) is $600. Our goal was to find fifteen sponsors (this year) and have them continue helping the students over four years. Currently, 32 students are being sponsored!
Members of the alumni, faculty/staff, and the parent communities have made $600 donations to pay for the annual cost of tuition for students in the freshman class. Kenyan families are responsible for school fees related to uniforms, books, and transportation. “Although it is difficult for Kenyan families to afford these additional fees, we thought it was important to structure the program with an appropriate level of expected contribution from the family to respect the Kenyan cultural values of work and dignity,” explained Sullivan. He added, “It’s common for families to provide labor or goods in lieu of cash payment for school fees.”
These efforts will transform the lives of poor students with tremendous academic potential,” said Sullivan. Those interested in becoming an Upendo Sponsor, can set up a monthly payment plan or pay all at once. Donations can be made online at: alumni.sfponline.org/donations
Joseph
Dr. Joseph Pantaleo, DDS (Class of 2003) embarked on his first Mission trip as a medical professional nearly a decade ago. Each successive trip helped inform the future direction of both his personal and professional life path. “Dr. Joe”, as his friends and patients know him, attended both St. Francis Preparatory School and St. Francis College, before going on to study at NYU Dental School. According to Pantaleo, “Growing up in a Franciscan community, the entire philosophy is based on love; love for each other, love for animals and love for the environment.”
The medical Mission trips ignited (or perhaps reignited) something profound in his heart. “As part of my Franciscan education, I learned to live every moment with intention and with love. In medical education, we were taught to treat every person with respect and dignity. These teachings share the very same fundamental values based upon love.” In that moment of clarity, Dr. Joe consulted with a mentor who encouraged him to start a non-profit of his own.
In 2015, Tomorrow’s Smile Today, a 501(c)3 charitable organization was born. Its mission reads, “To provide healthcare and education to under-served communities across the world.” Where would he begin? Dr. Joe met with his former high school principal, Bro. Leonard Conway, O.S.F. (currently Prep’s president) to discover how he could best perform his professional skills through service rooted in his Franciscan values. Brother Lenny said, “You need to go to Kenya because we [Franciscan Brothers] have a school there.” Joe went to see what—if any—
impact he could have on the community in rural Lare, Kenya.”
Upon returning from Kenya, Joe said, “The people live in a harsh environment and are dependent on the earth for all their resources. They are mostly farmers by trade, and very few get the education they desire. They live without clean water, plumbing, or sanitation. Electricity has
become more common, but not enough power or resources to have refrigeration or a freezer.” He concluded with a sense of admiration, “Their ability to adapt to the harsh environment has led these good people to thrive in spirit and in hope.”
Dr. Joe then devoted 20% of his time to working on fundraising events and activities. “The donations we received are from friends, family, colleagues and even the patients in my dental practice.” He returned to Kenya only to learn that the first need was to build a medical and dental facility. “At first I thought that this was going to be impossible. But now I
realize that having God in my heart, and thoughts that were pure in spirit, that it became a reality!” Reflecting on this journey has provided him with a greater sense of appreciation for the deeper meaning of daily life. He concluded by saying, ”I am not even able to recognize how it happened and this in itself is grace.”
Over the past 10 years TST has grown so much larger than he ever imagined. It has focused most of its attention on clinical care to the surrounding community in Lare. “Initially we were working through the Franciscan Brothers community. Later on we began working with the Kenyan government on the local and federal level.” TST has reached thousands of people in Kenya who had no access to medical/dental care. And at home in the U.S.A., TST provides educational outreach and dental kits to K-12 schools, while also engaging emerging leaders at dental colleges throughout the nation.
TST has been a model of success. “We have been able to make TST a sustainable non-profit organization for years to come.” Dr. Joe said. “We have accomplished so much and there is still so much more to do.”
Joe has served on the SFP Alumni Board since he graduated and was inducted into the SFP Hall of Fame in 2023. We are inspired by all of his good works in the spirit of St. Francis.
Information on Tomorrow’s Smile Today can be found on their website and on all social media platforms. Donations are 100% tax deductible and are used 100% for the Ken-Ya Smile Project.
John A. Blaho, Ph.D. is the Director, Industrial and Applied Research, City University of New York. Dr. Blaho was recognized in the Medical Sciences section for his “substantial advances in the field of virology and the development of innovative training programs for commercializing basic science research discoveries.” Dr. Blaho has received the lifetime AAAS Fellows honor for both his basic science and applied research careers at CUNY; he was the only CUNY AAAS Fellow in 2022.
Dr. Blaho was first appointed to the doctoral faculty of CUNY in 1995 as a microbiology professor at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, formerly affiliated with CUNY. He joined the CUNY Central Office in 2010 as its founding director for industrial-academic research. He is currently the program director of the New York I-Corps Hub based at CUNY, supported by the largest National Science Foundation award ever received by CUNY.
Dr. Blaho is also the principal investigator of the NYC Innovation Hot Spot, based in the CUNY Innovation and Applied Research Division, which the NYC Regional Economic Development Council of Empire State Development selected as a 2022 priority project. He recently co-authored (with Dr. Stephanie Marrus of University of California, San Francisco) an article for Nature Biotechnology, “Increasing the success potential of promising biotech companies.” In it, they explore ways to help speed the process of bringing biotech discoveries to market, proposing a post I-Corps program modeled on the top academic and private sector accelerators that would be dedicated exclusively to I-Corps graduates.
Dr. Sonia Kreidenweis ‘79 Class of 1979
Dr. Sonia M. Kreidenweis is a professor of atmospheric science at Colorado State University. She received her B.S. in chemical engineering from Manhattan College and her M.S. and Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the California Institute of Technology. Prior to joining CSU in 1991, she was an assistant professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at San Jose State University and served as a consultant in aerosol and chemical interactions in the atmosphere at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Her research focuses on characterization of the physical, chemical, and optical properties of atmospheric particulate matter, and the effects of the atmospheric aerosol on visibility and climate. A particular focus area is the characterization of aerosol interactions with water vapor. She has conducted field studies in several U.S. national parks to establish the sources and characteristics of particulate matter responsible for visibility degradation, with a recent focus on the impacts of prescribed and wild fires.
Sonia is a past president of the American Association for Aerosol Research and also served on the executive committee of the American Meteorological Society. She is a Fellow of the American Association for Aerosol Research, American Meteorological Society, and American Geophysical Union. She was named a University Distinguished Professor in 2014.
Dr. Stephanie Tuminello is a proud alumna of the Prep’s Science Research Program and credit the program with having a tremendous impact on her career trajectory. In 2010 she was an Intel Science Talent Search Semifinalist (now Regeneron) and received a scholarship to Stony Brook University. This paved the way for her to pursue her dream to be a researcher—a dream that began at age 14 in the early-morning Science Research classes. She feels lucky to be living that dream today.
Currently, Stephanie is an Instructor in the Department for Thoracic Surgery and Institute for Translational Epidemiology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She is a trained molecular and genetic epidemiologist focused on lung cancer. Her research interests include immune dysregulation and cancer development, clinical and molecular biomarkers for response to cancer treatment, and inequity in cancer prevention, treatment, and outcomes. Her research has also focused on how environmental exposures impact cancer risk. (Her PhD dissertation explored an epigenetic mechanism between World Trade Center exposure and cancer development in WTC responders and survivors, groups for which excess cancer risk is well documented.) Her overarching goal is to bridge the worlds of molecular biology and epidemiology to conduct research that is translational and impactful for cancer survivors.
Beyond research, Dr. Tuminello is passionate about teaching and training the next generation of scientific researchers. In addition to directly mentoring undergraduate, graduate, and medical students, she is the professor of “Principals of Epidemiology” for the CollegeNow program at Hunter College. This program is designed to introduce high school students to higher education, setting them up for success in college. It truly was a proud moment for St. Francis Prep when Stephanie —Dr. Tuminello —delivered the keynote address at the 26th Annual Science Research Symposiium on May 30, 2024. Pictured above (l-r): Frances Jimenez (SRP, Assoc. Director) Stephanie and James LaRocca (SRP Director)
After graduating from St. Francis Prep, Dawn Chante Flythe attended University of Maryland, College Park, where she earned a degree in government and politics and a certificate in women’s studies in 1997. Her extensive career includes serving in high-level state government positions and holding influential roles on the boards of non-profit organizations. She has served as a community organizer, campaign strategist, and is the current first lady of Maryland as the wife of Governor Wes Moore. She is the first African-American first lady of the state. In her role as first lady, Dawn collaborates with her husband on initiatives addressing military families, mental health, women’s economic empowerment, and arts and culture. As co-founder of the Moore Family Foundation, she has been instrumental in providing strategic grants to local nonprofits, supporting diverse initiatives in Baltimore City. Dawn’s philanthropic spirit and her drive to create lasting positive change reflects our Franciscan spirit!
Teresa Petruccelli-Weston ‘97 was inducted into the Brooklyn/Queens Girls CHSAA Hall of Fame at Russo’s on the Bay on Thursday, April 11, 2024, . Teresa was a standout student athlete at St. Francis Prep serving as a four-year starter and team captain for two years. Among her many athletic accomplishments as a teen athlete, Teresa was a member of the USYYSA New York Olympic Development Team and played for the Regional Under-16 and Under-18 teams. She also played for the Long Island Lady Riders in 1996-97, contributing to the team’s W League Championship win in 1997. She also played for HOTA Bavarians Soccer Club, where the team won three Eastern New York State titles.
Teresa went on to study at Boston University where she earned a BA in communications and sociology and while serving as a fouryear starter and team captain of the women’s soccer team. During her time, the team won two America East Championships and made
Lori Haggerty, a staff member in the SFP General Office is a proud parent of a second Prep grad; her daughter, Amy, Class of 2024 is off to study at the University of New Haven this Fall. During her time at Prep, Amy volunteered at PS-4 and served on the San Fran Yearbook committee. Lori’s other child, Brian (Class of 2014) played four years of basketball and one each of volleyball and track for the Terriers. He was named the team’s Most Improved Player in both of his final two years and is currently a member of the coaching staff of the SFP Terrier Boys Basketball team.
two appearances in the Division I NCAA Championship Tournament. She made history as the first girl from the Auburndale Soccer Club to receive a full scholarship to a Division I college.
She is the founder and co-owner (along with Jacklyn James-Kalaydjian ‘05) of KickStart Soccer Academy. The academy is known for its First Kicks Soccer Program, which introduces children aged three to five to the sport through skills training and team
Robert T. Angeletti ‘H’11- SFP’s Director of Development was honored on March 14th at the Salesian High School President’s Dinner. Bob is member of SHS’s Class of 1971 and served on the school’s Board for many years. In recognition of his many professional achievements and enduring support of Salesian, their president, Fr. James Heuser, S.D.B.,presented Bob with the Bishop Ernest Cappo Award for Alumni Achievement. Pictured: Bob and his daughter, Colleen Cluess Angeletti
building exercises. She also created the first adaptive soccer program for special needs children within the Auburndale Soccer Club. Additionally, she runs a soccer and lacrosse leadership camp called “For Girls-By Girls” which focuses on teaching girls soccer and lacrosse skills and leadership skills.
Teresa is a co-owner of Publicans in Manhasset, NY and works as a marketing manager at Adelphi Unversity. In 2016, she was named the Italian Woman of the Year by the Italian American Soccer League and was inducted into the St. Francis Prep Red & Blue Terrier Ring of Honor in 2017. Teresa is married to Robert Westson and they have three children.
Learning the importance of both saving and investing are lessons that are learned over time. Experts say that the best time to begin learning about the value of money is in the teen years. Tom Rudzewick ‘81 and Jim Gannon ‘83 are dedicated to helping the next generation of Terriers become savvy with money matters.
Thomas K. Rudzewick ‘81 and his team at Maspeth Federal Savings and Loan Association educate young people about the importance of budgeting, the responsible use of credit and financial discipline. These financial literacy seminars are designed to help our city’s youth improve their economic quality of life and financial future. It’s also an extension of his Franciscan, Catholic educational roots and the ethos of the community bank he leads.(Tom is President & CEO of Maspeth Federal Savings and Loan Association.)
Rudzewick joined Maspeth Federal Savings as vice president and chief lending officer in 2000 and moved up to his current role eight years ago. Tom also serves on the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s Mutual Savings Association Advisory Council and on the board of the COCC, a financial technology company. He is also the past chair of the American Bankers Association’s membership council and its professional development group and participates in the organization’s government relations and membership council. He is an active ambassador in other banking-industry associations, including the New York Bankers Association and the Independent Community Bankers Association. Tom is a regular participant of the Annual SFP Golf Classic. Pictured above: Tom and his team from Maspeth Federal Savings presented a workshop to Prep students on May 16, 2024
Kelly Jean Gavin ‘14 graduated from Binghamton University in 2017 with a BA in History and a minor in Education. She stayed on and earned an MA in History in 2018. Kelly Jean later enrolled in an Educational Leadership program with a concentration in Leadership, Learning, and Stewardship through the University of Saint Francis (Joliet, IL) and graduated this past Spring. She is currently a faculty member in the SFP Religion Department. In her “spare time” she volunteers for service learning activities while acting as Moderator of the San Fran yearbook. It was quite a fitting honor to have been selected to recite the prayer of Saint Francis at her graduation.
James “Jim” Gannon ‘83 (pictured above, right) conducts a week-long summer workshop for high school students who want to learn more about financial markets, the basics of investing and explore the possibility of majoring in finance in college. The program focuses on how to analyze information, predict outcomes and cultivate critical thinking skills. Jim enjoyed a 25 year career on Wall Street in domestic and international equity trading before founding The Common Cents Program. For the last 10 years, he’s also been teaching at Fordham’s Gabelli Business School’s high school summer business program, “Wall Street in the Classroom”—a program that he developed and taught from its inception. It is a big success and attracts students from around the country and the world. He was also a guest lecturer in the Business Journalism course at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism in addition to serving as an adjunct professor at King’s College. Jim mentors students about career options, course work and interviewing skills. Jim is a Certified Financial Education Instructor, a member of the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association, the Catholic Finance Association, and The National Arts Club. Pictured above: Prepsters who participated in the Summer Workshop capped off the lessons with a in-depth, guided tour of the NYSE on July 19, 2024
Second Generation Prepster, Madison Murillo ‘19 is “Lighting Up” Social Media for SFP!
Madison Murillo ‘19 (inset) studied Journalism with minors in Peace and Social Justice and Media Studies at Emerson College where she graduated in 2023. She founded Talk Artificial, a visual creative focused on mini documentaries and photo essays that highlighted young artists and creative visionaries in the Boston area. Today, Madison is at SFP producing creative and attention getting posts for Prep’s social media viewers on Instagram and Facebook. A recent Class of 2024 Commencement post reached nearly 100,000 accounts and racked up nearly one million views! In addition to being a beloved member of the Prep family at work, Madison is also a second generation Terrier; her mother, Cecelia Valdez, Class of 1982!
Pictured above (l-r): Madison ‘19 and Cecelia ‘82
Ariel Viera ‘06 and collaborator Kahlil Greene won a Peabody Award for their six-part micro-documentary series called The Hidden History of Racism in New York City. Peabody Awards honors excellence in storytelling that reflects the social issues and the emerging voices of our day.
Matthew G. Kraljic ‘10 holds a Doctorate in Aeronautical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and is currently a pilot and a Lieutenant in the US Navy. The US Naval Institute News quoted him several times in a story about his flight activities while on deployment in Okinawa, Japan. (Matt’s call sign is “Realdoc” because he has a Ph.D. in aerospace and aeronautical engineering.) Matthew is the son of John ‘80, the first cousin of each of Nicole Holloran ‘14 and Kristen Holloran ‘16 and cousin of Suzana Grego ‘90.
Sabrina Piazza ‘10 has embarked on a new career path within the field of Radiology. She is now a professor of Radiologic Technology at Midland College —a public community college in West Texas. She is looking forward to inspiring the next generation of students in the same fashion that she was inspired! Congratulations Prof. Piazza!
Ariselly (Aris) Fernandez ‘13 earned her J.D. at Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. She interned in the Queens District Attorney’s Office and as a student attorney in Villanova’s Clinic for Asylum, Refugee, and Emigrant Services! Congratulations, Ariselly!
Gabriela Espinal-Santiago ‘18 is a Board-Certified Music Therapist. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Music Therapy degree from Molloy University and continued on at Molloy in their Graduate Music Therapy program. Along with her studies, she served as a Student representative of the Music Therapy Equity and Inclusion Collective and the Music Therapy Program’s Hispanic/Latinx Music Therapy Affinity Group. Her interests within the field include advocating for the music therapy profession and learning more about interdisciplinary therapy work and research.
Franco Raicovich ‘79 is the chef and proprietor of the Fresh Meadows based, Fuzi Pasta Co. (Fuzi is a traditional handmade pasta from Croatia that is folded like a bow and is usually served with a slow cooked ragu of mixed meats with wine rosemary and tomato paste.) A review on Yelp! aptly described the restuarant as having “a very friendly feel where the chef/ owner will deliver your main course, have a conversation and share a perfect sliver of biscotti after the splendid desserts.”
For Franco, it is a restaraunt concept created to recall the most cherished family experience: “Sunday afternoon at my grandparents in Woodside...as we arrived, Nonno Bepe would be sipping a glass of vino and Nonna Angela was putting the finishing touches on the salsa oro. In the middle of the table there’d be a stack of pasta diamonds which we would all gather around and start the family folding ritual, turning this humble pasta into something magical. Of all my food memories, this is by far my most cherished.” Franco concluded by saying, “With Fuzi Pasta Co., I hope to share a small part of this experience with you! Buon Appetito!!
Anthony “Tony” Lamonica ‘79 crafted a succesful career on Wall Street as a commodities trader before winemaking became his passion. He started making his own wine in 1987, and continued to do so for the next twenty years. With the dream of owning his own wine company, Tony set out to learn all aspects of the business. He served as manager/wine director at a restaurant; learned the retail end of the wine business and worked sales for an Italian wine importer/distributor. At the same time, he diligently studied wine and is now a Certified Specialist of Wine. Golden Vines, the company he co-founded is a wine importing company that focuses on wine made in the more traditional, “old school” way. “We believe the important work is done in the vineyards, not in the cellar.” Tony said. “We choose wines that are sourced from family farms [that] know how to tend to vines all year in order to make the best wine possible at harvest time.” Tony traces this concern for freshness and authenticity to his family, “From an early age, my family instilled in me an appreciation of local handcrafted food (homemade pasta, mozzarella, and sausages were de rigueur) and, later, wine.”
(Pictured above, left): Tony and Franco not only share Franciscan roots, but also a passion for great food and fine wine. They teamed up to co-host dining and wine tasting experience which features multi-course dinner sampling with carefully selected wine pairings at Fuzi. (Pictured above, right): Their Prep family remains close too—in January 2024, a group of Lady Terriers from the Class of 1979 gathered for luncheon at Fuzi Pasta.
Joseph “Joey” Fortunato ‘77 is a classically trained Executive Chef who has worked in the hospitality industry for over 25 years. After graduating from New York City Technical College with a degree in culinary arts, Joey worked at The Manhattan Ocean Club where he was encouraged to study in France. After a year in Paris working at Michelin-rated restaurants, he returned to New York City where he worked in some of the city’s best restaurants (La Cite, Picholine and Tribeca Grill) before becoming Executive Chef at Layla, Scarabee, Swissotel the Drake and The Tonic. 20 years ago, Joey found the right partner with whom to realize his dream of owning and operating his own restaurant. As chef and co-owner of Extra Virgin in NYC’s West Village neighborhood, Joey creates inventive high-end Mediterranean-style food at approachable prices.
Dedicated on November 5, 2023
ALUMNI (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY WITHIN CLASS YEAR)
Walter Suskevich 1944
Anthony J. Caulfield 1946
Joseph P. Reid 1947
Rev. Dominic F. Scotto 1947
Father Ciarán Fergus, O.P. 1949
John J. Killcommons 1949
Charles V. Austin 1950
George J. Clough 1950
Paul G. Trogele 1950
George J. Witt 1950
Patrick J. McLaughlin 1951
Bruce T. Brereton 1953
William B. Bessman 1954
William R. Fagan, Jr. 1954
Robert J. Frank 1954
John R. Krouse 1954
Phillip S. Perlongo 1954
August “Gus” Alfieri 1955
Francis “Frank” Burfield 1955
Matthew DeLuca 1955
William “Bill” Himmel 1955
Paul Ragnetti 1955
Mario Santamaria 1955
Patrick F. Herlihy 1956
John J. O’Brien 1956
Patricia Alger- mother of Maripat Alger-Cottone ‘81 & mother-in-law of Michael ‘78
Bernadette J. Alter- mother of Jeff Alter ‘80
Sr. Maryann Ambrose, CSJ- aunt of Meghan Gratzer ‘12 and Jillian Gratzer ‘15
Charles L. Annibalefather of Anne-Marie AnnibaleBaumis ‘81
Josephine Arkwright- wife of Richard Arkwright
Henry Back- father of Susan Vivona (former faculty member)
William M. Sullivan 1956
John C. Tuffy 1956
Dr. David J. Gatti 1957
Eugene “Gene” McCaul, Jr. 1957
Angelo Zarra, Sr. 1957
Peter J. Callahan 1959
Regis V. Lake 1959
Richard C. Aiken 1960
Thomas J. Blenk 1960
J. Byron Fanning 1960
Thomas J. Gerald, Jr. 1960
Walter L. Hahn 1960
John J. O’Connor 1960
Francis “Frank” Reilly 1960
Martin Scheuing 1960
Edward T. Walker 1960
Richard J. Weilminster 1961
Theodore “Ted” Bajo 1962
Robert J. DeYoung 1962
John E. Gibbons 1962
Thomas “Frank” O’Neill 1962
Richard Cullen Jewell 1963
John F. Cain 1964
Patrick J. Foran 1964
Robert J. Guasta 1964
Yfosine Baptiste- mother of Daniel Jean-Baptiste (SFP faculty member)
Maria Batagely- mother of Barbara Batagely ‘78
Alice R. Baxter- wife of Gerard Baxter ‘51
Geraldine Biondolillomother of Anthony Biondolillo (SFP faculty member)
Richard A. Bowes, Sr.great-grandfather of Lawson ‘21, Ella ‘22 and Matthew Hohmann
Andrew Caliendo- husband of Dorothy Caliendo (former SFP staff member)
Kenneth M. Orbes 1964
Theodore “Ted” Prociv 1966
John B. O’Donnell 1967
Gerard “Jerry” Hevern 1968
Frank T. Pugliese 1968
Dennis P Gallagher 1969
Thomas M. Lanigan 1969
Kenneth N. Perrotta 1970
Robert F. Schurott 1970
William “Bill” Hall 1971
John J. Duffy 1972
Thomas Kensett 1974
Edward J. Strivelli 1974
Zenon Szaro 1974
Gerard M. Timmons 1974
Peter L. Eiring 1975
Theodore C. “Ted” Newkirk 1975
Joseph P. Brady 1976
Lawrence Falabella 1976
Helen Herz-Laub 1976
Karen R. Kane-Lucero 1976
Anne T. McHugh Johnson 1976
Marisa Savino-Denzler 1976
John P. Stacom 1976
Kerry Connolly 1979
Fran Carroll- mother of Rich Carroll (SFP staff member)
Audrey Chambers- mother of Michael Chin (SFP staff member)
Patricia Mary Cook- wife of Walter Cook ‘60. Mother of Maripat Cook-Hardart ‘85, Walter J. Cook ‘87, Thomas P. Cook ‘89, Keith D. Cook ‘90 and Grandmother of Amanda Hardardt ‘17.
Nancy Corritori-daughter of Peter Corritori ‘59
Patricia Cunninghammother of Gene Cunningham ‘86 & Tara Cunningham-Zickerman ‘91
Thomas Dooley 1979
Kerri-Ann Kraetzer 1980
Rosemarie Peluso-Wick 1980
Blaise Saunders 1980
Colleen Keneally Brown 1981
Salvatore Recupero 1982
Thomas C. Linitz 1983
Joseph F. Herbert III 1984
Richard B. Alexandro 1985
Gabriela Borda-Fuini 1988
Peter R. Caparelli 1988
Richard A. DeFrank, Jr. 1988
James Michael Murray 1988
Karen J. King-Balbi 1993
Amy Fabbricante-Malave 1995
Siran A. Kalaijian 1995
Olivia Soltan Giordano 1999
Anthony “Tony” Barricelli H’ 99
Jason Reis 2001
Jessica M. LaPenta 2002
Mary Curran- mother of Mary Curran-Vetter ‘85, Joseph Curran ‘87, Maureen CurranLettau ‘89 and Grandmother of Megan Vetter ‘15 and Richard Vetter ‘17
Charles A. DeBenedittis, Sr.- father of Charles Jr. ‘78, Lisa ‘79, Robert ‘82 and Paul DeBenedittis ‘88. Grandfather to Siena ‘17, Carine ‘20 and Stephen ‘25 and Elena DeBenedittis ‘25
Dominick DeLutrigrandfather of Dominick ‘22, Johnny ‘23 and DeAnna ‘27 DeLutri, father-in-law of RoseAnn DiNatale-DeLutri ‘92
Frank DeStefano- retired math teacher
Cornelius “Neil” DowdRetired maintenance staff
Josephine Downing- mother of John ‘79 (RIP), Rosie ‘80, Joseph ‘82 and Denis ‘86
Denise Duffell- wife of Rich Duffell
Paul Duplatre- father of Ellen ‘84 and Michelle DuplatreMilone ‘86
Derek J. Eide- son of Sofia Eide (Ret. SFP Staff)
Theodore “Teddy” Fisherbrother of Jeff Fisher (SFP Security)
Gerard Flood- father of Gerard ‘87 and Kyle Flood ‘89
Victor Fonseca- retired SFP Maintenance
Frances Funke- wife of Rudolph Funke ‘62
Fr. Peter D. Gillenbrother of Kieran Mills (SFP Maintenance)
Janet Goodman- mother-inlaw of Paul Cohen (SFP Faculty)
John F. Guilfoyle- former SFP Plant Operations Director
Mary Ellen Guthenbergwife of Bobby Guthenberg (retired Math teacher); mother of Michael ‘94, Christina GuthenbergCacchioli ‘98, the late Ann Guthenberg ‘01, and Kathleen Guthenberg-Hadizadeh ‘03; grandmother of Christian Guthenberg ‘18 and Sofia Guthenberg ‘24
Roberta Hafker- mother or Eric ‘86; grandmother of Jake ‘20 and Max ‘23
James J. Henningbrother of Michael ‘57 & Dan ‘60
Ann Houseman- mother of Tracy Houseman (Math Dept. Faculty, ret.)
John C. Hughes- husband of Diane Roche-Hughes ‘76, Lonna Joseph Mother of Amy Larilus ‘25
Angela Kalaitzis- mother of Maria ‘23 and Konstantinos Plioutas‘26
Metin Karaca-father of Murat Karaca (SFP Music Dept.) & Isabella Karaca ‘27
Michael Kuz- father of Jennifer Kuz (SFP Staff)
Fay Lavelle- mother of Anne Lavelle-May ‘78, Michael Lavelle ‘80, Paul Lavelle ‘82, Susan Lavelle-Kopen ‘85; motherin-law of James May ‘76 and Diane McCabe-Lavelle ‘78; grandmother to Andrea Ribaudo ‘06, Deirdre May ‘08 and Jillian May ‘12
Edward Lotze- father of Gretchen Lotze ‘24
Bro. Lawrence Makofske, O.S.F.-former SFP Building Manager & Science Teacher
Sr. Mary Maloney, SFPdear friend of the Franciscan Brothers
Corrado Mancini-father of Frank ‘76 and Elizabeth ManciniBarbieri ‘79
Charles Mantione, Sr.-father of Lisa (Elizabeth) Mantione Adams ‘80 and fatherin-law of Robert Adams ‘80
Louis J. Matinale- husband of Dorothy ‘80 and father of Dorothy ‘17
Bro. Joseph Murphy, S.C.
Noreen Napier- sister of Sr. Mary Ann Napier (Ret. SFP Math Dept. Chair)
Janet A. Nolan- wife of Michael E. Nolan ‘59
Jeffrey J. O’Brien- brother of Jimmy O’Brien ‘67
Kathleen “Kay” O’Donnell- grandmother of Neil ‘22 and James O’Donnell ‘27
Thomas Oko- father-inlaw of Thomas Burns (SFP math Department)
Gina Pappas- daughter of Agnes Pappas (retired SFP faculty), sister of Mary Pappas ‘78 (SFP nurse), Bernadette Bruno ‘80 (SFP attendance) & Johanna Pappas ‘95 (SFP security)
Diane Parkes- mother of Lynn Cirino-Cavell ‘79 and Jill CirinoSeyfert ‘80
Paul Parrinello- husband of RoseAnn, (retiree and long time member of the Prep community), father of Joseph ‘92
Francis Oblena Pascualfather of William-Franz Pascual ‘26
James “Dusty” Pergolafather of Suzanne Camus (SFP faculty), Uncle to Annemarie Rich (SFP faculty) and grandfather of Nicole ‘19 and Erica Camus
Mary Polino- mother of Margaret ‘81
Angelo Protouncle of Sal Fischetti ‘83
Veroine Pulisic- mother of Vesna Vulin (Ret. SFP staff), Grandmother of Danijela VulinWhelan ‘02 & Lisa Vulin-Misiti ‘03
Josephine “Jo Pat” Schiano- Sister of Achilles Schiano ‘52
Sr. Millie Schubert, S.C.former SFP school psychologist
Colleen ScullyCousin of Jeff Hohmann (SFP Plant Director)
Warren Taylor -father of Eric ‘81
Benedict J. Tockarshewsky, Sr. -father of Margaret Anne, Benedict ‘84, Robert ‘86, Lisa ‘90. Grandfather to Benedict III ‘10, Thomas ‘13, and Maxim ‘18
Paul Vallone-father of Charlie ‘25, Lea ‘18 and Catena. Uncle to Catherine ‘12 and Caroline ‘13
Fr. Aaron Vellaramparampil- friend of Mike Graziano (SFP Development office)
Eric Weinberger -husband of Karen ‘79 and Father of Kaitlyn ‘13 and Zachary ‘15
Joyner Wright-father of Janai ‘24
The Pathway to St. Francis is an ongoing project which affords alumni and friends of Prep the chance to remember family members and other loved ones by purchasing paving stones and other memorials that will remain on permanent display in front of the school. If you are interested in purchasing a brick or memorial bench, please contact Bro. Robert Kent in the SFP Alumni Office at (718) 423-8810, ext. 230 or visit the SFP Alumni Website at: alumni. sfponline.org
Dr. Gerard J. Hevern,known affectionately as Jerry, peacefully entered eternal rest surrounded by loved ones at his home in New Hampshire on Sunday, April 14, 2024, At SFP he excelled in football, track and field, and rugby. Continuing his success at Harvard University, Jerry earned the title of All-Ivy Guard before graduating in 1972. After completing his medical studies at the SUNY at Stony Brook School of Medicine in 1976, Jerry embarked on a journey of compassionate care. He established his practice as a family physician in Suncook, NH, serving the community for over four decades. Throughout his career, he contributed tirelessly to various committees and volunteer boards at the Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, where he served as the Medical Director of the Riverway Center for Recovery for twenty years. Jerry’s advocacy for humane pain treatment and expertise in Substance Abuse Disorders earned him recognition as the Family Physician of the Year by both the New Hampshire Academy of Family Physicians in 2016 and the American Academy of Family Physicians in 2018.
His achievements on and off the field led to his induction into the St. Francis Prep Hall of Fame in 2011, a testament to his lifelong commitment to following the Path of St. Francis of Assisi in his career as a family physician.
Jerry’s legacy extended beyond his professional achievements. He embodied the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, radiating compassion, kindness, and love. Jerry’s commitment to his family was evident through his 38-year marriage to Donna. They cherished every moment together, whether on family vacations or surrounded by loved ones at their lake home. Their gatherings were filled with laughter, boat rides, s’mores, and campfires, crafting unforgettable memories that would be treasured for a lifetime.
As he rests in eternal peace, Jerry leaves behind a legacy of compassion, kindness, dedication, and love that will forever be remembered by those whose lives he touched. One of his very dear friends (and classmate) Paul Iacullo ‘68 said in his eulogy, “I lost my best friend...the best friend a man could ever have and I think everyone here feels the same way.” He went on to say, “Our experiences at St. Francis Prep brought us to where we are today. We started as teammates and grew as a family with friendship and love. To commemorate that experience we placed a granite bench in the garden of St. Francis Prep. Eddie Jenkins, Mike Grappone, Patrick Diamond, Jerry Hevern and myself have our names engraved in the black granite along with the saying “family, friends, and teammates-Franciscan Strong.”
Adding, “Nothing was more important than his family. Most important to Jerry was his wife Donna...and children and grandchildren along with his older brother Vinny.”
His lasting hope was for each person he connected with to experience every day some joy, peace, and kindness. Jerry Hevern was truly a Franciscan in every imaginable way.
Sr. Millie Schubert, S.C.
Sr. Millie, was a school psychologist at Prep from 1980 thru 2001. After leaving SFP, she went on to serve as the Director of the Religious Consultation Center in the Diocese of Rockville Centre until 2019. She had been living in Elizabeth Seton Residence Nursing Home in Wellesley, Massachusetts since 2023. Sr. Millie passed away on August 28, 2024. May she rest in peace. On March 7th of this year, Sr. Millie celebrated her 80th birthday and was overjoyed to receive many cards and messages from her former SFP colleagues. “They brought a smile and heartfelt joy to Millie’s
Anthony L. Barricelli H ‘99
As chair of the Science Department at SFP, where he taught for almost 40 years, he introduced innovative academic structures, taking seriously the ideas he gleaned from his studies, in his relentless pursuit to find the best ways for students to learn. Anthony put that mission into effect not only in the classroom, but also on the soccer field, golf course, bowling alley, astronomy outings, and in chess matches. He was a winning coach and moderator. But it was the deep bonds he formed with his students, athletes, and mentees that revealed the power of his presence in their lives. However, the bond he has had with his two sons, seven brothers, cousins, and many nieces and nephews is the clearest reflection of a life well lived. The stories that they tell of their experiences with Anthony are funny, irreverent, poignant, (and mostly true), creating a portrait of the man whose words and actions are indelible, because of an almost larger-than-life love of life.
Anthony loved a lot of things on this Earth: Star Trek, horses, good (“better be hot!”) food. But some might be surprised how much he appreciated the beauty of artistic expression. He came to passionately embrace opera in his thirties, but long before that he held a deep connection to poetry, especially T.S. Eliot (whom he quoted even
more often than he did Spock), who offered Anthony’s hungry mind a challenge and solace. Anthony taught his students how to think, and meet challenges.
In a written tribute to him, former student and science department chairperson, Maryann Spicijaric (Class of 1984) said, “Anthony taught his students how to think, and meet challenges. He would instill these lessons not by didactic instruction, but rather by taking a step back and allowing his students to lead the way...one would hear many student voices debating solutions to problems, collaborating on the correct series of steps in an experimental protocol, and laughing and celebrating when “Mr. B.” told us we got the right answer or we came up with a great idea or question.” She added, “The learning environment that he created is best described as “controlled chaos”. When you were in the middle of it, your learning was sometimes messy, confusing, and uncomfortable, but his guidance and facilitation brought us all through those feelings and resulted in a deep love and understanding of the scientific world.” She concluded, “I am eternally grateful for what he taught me and the opportunities he provided me.”
Mr. Barricelli was a resident of Valley Stream, NY, and died on April 27, 2024. He was the father of Thomas ‘11 and Daniel ‘13; brother of Peter (Sandra), Joseph (d. 2020), Louis (Irene), Michael (d. 2012), John, Paul, and Robert. Also a loving cousin, uncle, and friend, Anthony was a scientist with a poetic soul.
day.” it was said. Pictured: Sr. Millie in 2008. Below (top) Sr. Millie (left) with her twin-sister, Margie— both proudly wearing matching SFP sweatshirts.Sr. Millie with SFP President, Bro. Leonard Conway on a Thanksgiving Day visit!
Frank retired from the SFP Math Department after serving from 1997 to 2016. His patience, care, and commitment to his students left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of being in his classroom.He lived a life filled with love, dedication, and service to others. As the devoted husband of 53 years, he and his wife, Barbara, built a loving family, raising two children, Frank Jr. (Jennifer) and Renee (Bill) and cherished their grandchildren; Cassie, Jake, and Abby; A dedicated educator, Frank’s love for sports was well-known. He was an ardent fan of the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Dodgers, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. His
favorite player was the legendary Willie Mays, a testament to his lifelong passion for the game. Faith was a cornerstone of Frank’s life. As a devout Catholic, he found strength and comfort in his faith, which guided him through life’s challenges and triumphs.
He passed away peacefully on June 24, 2024. Frank will be remembered for his loving, caring, and patient nature. He was a family-oriented man who always put his loved ones first, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
Frank DeStefano’s life was a testament to the power of love, dedication, and faith. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by his family, friends and all who knew him.
We are so grateful for the support, dedication and participation of our Alumni Board Members. The Year-End Planning Meeting and Appreciation Party was held on June 27th in Westbury, NY. Thank you for another great year! (Present, but not pictured Paul Mannix ‘81 and Judith Vincze Sheridan ‘85.)
SFP Alumni Board Appreciation Party• June 2024
2024 Alumni Board Service Awards
35 Years
Kevin O’Donnell ‘73
25 Years
Donna Rodger ‘77 and Kristina Veljak ‘90
20 Years
Ron Alama ‘86 and Luz Bove ‘97
15 Years
Deirdre McDonough ‘81
High School is Four Years; St. Francis Prep is Forever!”
The Alumni Board plays an important role in so much of what we do at St. Francis Prep. They encourage alumni to become engaged with the Prep by attending events, serving as volunteers, and donating regularly. Prep’s Alumni Director, Brother Robert Kent, said, “One of the most gratifying aspects of the Annual Spring Reunion is being able to honor our board members for their dedication, and creativity on an anniversary of their service. The dedication, imagination and hard work of our Alumni Board contributes to the continued success we have in living out the Prep’s mission.” Special thanks to the alumni board members (listed above, left) on the anniversary of their service.
Wally Bishop ‘80 President
Ron Alama ‘86
Luz A. Bove ‘97
Charles Casolaro ‘88
Sal Cocchiaro ‘13
Nancy L. Demers ‘91
Nancy M. Donato ‘76
Alice Dunkak Quinn ‘79
Chirag Jethanandani ‘11
Michelle Kawka ‘95
Bro. Campion Lally, O.S.F. ‘55
Eileen LeMonda ‘78
Bro. Robert Kent, OSF, Alumni Director
Jen Hohmann Assistant to the Alumni Director
Paul Mannix ‘81
John McAree ‘50
Patrick J. McArdle ‘89
Deirdre McDonough ‘81
Angelica M. McKessy ‘02
Chris Mendolia ‘87
Michael Mongelli ‘79
John Morana ‘07
Marlon Morris ‘84
Kevin O’Donnell ‘73
Victoria Pascullo ’15
Robert Angeletti H’11 Director of Development
Michael Graziano Associate Director of Development
Gerry Scales ‘76 Vice President
John S. Pereira ‘62*
Margret Polino ‘81
Donna Rodger ‘77
Samantha Rooney ‘19
Kathryn Ruiz ‘19
Lawrence Schiralli ‘80
Kathy Mackin Sciortino ‘76
Judith Vincze Sheridan ‘85
Denise Tracey ‘80
Kristina Veljak ‘90
William Viscovich ‘79
Sally Khan Associate Director of Development
Kim Perinuzzi Assistant to the Director of Development
* Emeritus
St. Francis Preparatory School
6100 Francis Lewis Boulevard
Fresh Meadows NY 11365
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