spring 2009 empire

America's First Free Archdiocesan High School

Roman Catholic High SchoolAlumni News

Spring 2009

The Dream of Thomas E. Cahill Lives on...

James G. McSherry '401921-2006

2 Roman Catholic High School

Executive Committee

Larry Elliott '66: PresidentMichael Finnegan '75: Immediate Past PresidentWilliam Myers '50: First Vice PresidentJoe Flaherty '56: Second Vice PresidentMike Rodden '77: Nominating ChairAl Price '68: SecretaryDave Falcione '77: Adopt-A-Student ChairJohn Gibbons '52: Buildings and GroundsVince Tarducci '02: Faculty LiaisonBill Boyle '87: FinancePatrick Smith '77: SHOF Chair

Alumni and Development Offices

Denise LePera: Executive Director of Institutional AdvancementAnn Vassallo: Director of DevelopmentBernadine Mahon: Coordinator of Development ServicesLisa Wolfington: Bookkeeper

A Special Thank You to the Contributions of :Father Joseph Bongard '77 - pg. 3Ed Keenan '54 - pg. 5Dennis DiGiovanni '02 - pg. 6Tom Kearney '58, S.H.O.F - pg. 7Thomas Bryan '00 - pg. 8Joe Boyle '84 - pg. 10Ronald Turkowski '74 - pg. 10Joe Weber '59, 1959 Reunion - pg. 14Maureen Brown, Roman Players - pg. 14John Riley '85, Jr. AOH - pg. 15John Corrigan, World Affairs Club - pg. 15

All the Cahillites who send in their Class Notes every issue

Steven Ziegler '04: Editor

Catholic High AlumniCourage. Character. Conviction.

This issue of the Alumni News is dedicated to the Men and Women

of the Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments who risk their lives to

make our city a safer place.

NecrologyJames Harkins '34Rev. Joseph J. Kennedy '36Bernard G. Walker '39Frank J. McGettigan, RA '40Charles J. Brimmer '41John Groome '41Edward Leonard '41John Elliott '42Alfons J. Muller, M.D. '42Nathan J. Rambo '43James J. Weir '43Joseph F. Dailey, Jr. '44James Leahy '44Joseph C. Byrne '46Robert F. Allison '47James J. Fowler '47Walter J. Turner '47Carl A. Zebrowski '47James Hildenberger '48Thomas P. O'Connor, Sr. '48Thomas J. Baldrick '49Richard T. Trotter '49Francis Eisennagle '50John J. Hynes '50Hugh C. Skiffington, Jr. '50John R. Lyman '52Thomas J. O'Toole '52Alber P. Waskiewicz, Sr. '52James W. Reed '53Francis J. Sienko '53John F. Steele '53William Strittmatter '53Henry J. Reinert '55Thomas J. Schofield '55William F. Distel '56Joseph Mueller '56Raymond Rambow '56Fredrick W. Buhalo '57John P. Curran '57Kenneth J. Olonovich '57Thomas P. Higgins '58Robert A. Skrock '58John Slawek '59Ernest Brown '60Douglas Gordon '60 Chester Pondo '60Bartolo D'Angelo '61

Joseph J. Colon '62Harry J. Helverson '62Benjamin J. Pagent '65Thomas M. Dunst '67Francis Eckert '69James Hettel '77Michael Trani '83Amier Grant '12

Friends and FamilyFrank J. Beisel (Grandfather of Michael Mason '11)Mildred Bitto (Mother of Msgr. Federico A. Britto '73)Dorothy Conboy (Mother of Charles '72, Stephen '74)Elizabeth Copestick (Mother of William '77, John '81, Mark ''83 & Robert '85)Mary Cousar (Mother of Tony '90)Augusting J. Dicciani (Father of Richard '64 and &Marc '70)Antoinette Fasy (Mother of Nancy Legradi, RCHS Faculty)Mary V. Heleniak (Mother of Robert '65)Paul M. Henkels (Friend of RCHS)Officer Christopher C. Jones (Uncle of Greg Potens '08)Theresa C. Loughery (Mother of Charles '67, Michael '68 & Eugene '81)Mary 'Mamie' Macintosh (Mother-in-law of John Hoban '59 (deceased))Grayson C. Olivereia (Grandson of Thomas O'Hara '58)Hilda Pacifico (Mother of Joseph '75 & Daniel '79)William Pilgermayer (Father of William F. '58)Robert J. Poulson, Jr. (Father of Robert '82 & Christopher '83)Matilda Quintero (Sister of Sal Poidoimani, Former RCHS Administrator)Margaret T. Ryan (Mother in Law of Thomas Murphy '74)Robert E. Senske (Former RCHS Baseball Coach)Guana T. Sims (Father of Ghana S. '12)John M. Walsh (Former RCHS Faculty

From the Desk of the Rector

(Rev.) Joseph W. Bongard '77Rector

3 Home of the Cahillites

Within the next few weeks, the admission process for the Class of 2013 will be completed. This year, over 500 students from throughout the Delaware Valley took our required scholarship/entrance test and we are anticipating a freshmen class of 275 students. In addition to the results of the test, personal interviews and letters of recommendation assist the Admissions Committee in choosing the best candidates for our school. While the process is deliberate, the quality of the students applying to our school has been outstanding.

As you can appreciate, the national economic recession is hitting our families hard. I have received numerous phone calls and letters over the last several weeks from parents struggling with loss of jobs, health issues and even foreclosures. With tuition for next school year scheduled to be $5,100, many are finding the cost prohibitive. Scholarships and tuition assistance are becoming the life-line for many of our families. Because of the generosity of so many alums and friends of our school, monies donated through Annual Giving and the Adopt-a-Student program are directly helping our young men stay in school and meet tuition obligations. A heart-felt thank you is extended to all who are helping this generation of Cahillites. Your commitment and investment in our young men is nonpareil. Please know that all benefactors are remembered in the daily prayers and Masses of the school community.

I extend an open invitation to all alumni to stop by for a visit. So many wonderful changes and improvements have been made to our historic building. Our young men are proud of your legacy and always welcome a visit from the Cahillites of yesterday. If you are ever in town, our door is always open!

To Whom It May Concern:

Sad to inform you, James F. Groome passed away on October 18, 2008. James would have been a member of the Class of 1941, but he decided after the tenth grade that he wanted to go to Dobbins vocational school, which he did. During WWII, he served in the U.S. Navy and was injured during an explosion on the island of Linan. He was proud to have served his country.

Even though he changed schools, James kept sending contributions to Catholic High. He always wanted to receive notices from Roman. James and I attended the 50th Anniversary of the Class of 1941 years ago.

James was preceded by his brothers who graduated from Roman: John Groome William H. Groome Gerald Groome Francis Groome

Enclosed is a check for a donation to help in whatever way you desire. Even though he didn’t graduate from Roman, he was always proud of that high school.

God Bless You,Mrs. James F. Groome

(Mary)

A Cahillite At Heart

After examining several antique photos of our historic building, it has become evident that the gothic transoms above the doors on Broad, Vine and Pearl Streets were originally decorated with stained glass. After consulting with Beyer Studios, a local Philadelphia firm, a plan is being developed to craft new stained glass reflecting the history and foundation of our Alma Mater. Themes will include our school motto, various academic subjects, sports teams and athletics as well as the religious symbols reflective of our founder, Thomas Cahill and his wife Sophia. The cost of each of the transoms will be approximately $10,000.

A limited number of six sponsorships are being offered at $5,000. The transoms can be dedicated in whole or in part to a loved one or family member. If anyone is interested in sponsoring the restoration of one of the transoms, please contact Father Bongard;215-627-1270, [email protected].

Historic Restorations


Dear RCHS Alumni,

I thank you very much for your support of young people going into high school. Your continued support will help my family and me very much over the next four years. This scholarship and grant will aid my family because I come from a family of eight children and money can be tight at times. My grandfather and great uncle went to Roman and have told me about their great times. My decision to go to this great and historic school has made them proud. My scholarship is a motivation for me to keep my grades up while attending Roman. Thank you once again, I am hav-ing a wonderful time at Roman.

Sincerely,"Joe" '12

Dear Alumni,

Thank you so much for your most gracious contribution towards my education at Roman Catholic High School for the past three years. The experience and great education I received has been very rewarding to me. You gave me the opportunity to receive a great education, which my mother and I would otherwise not have been to afford. I am looking forward to entering my senior year as September approach-es. My goal is to achieve honor roll once again and graduate with honors. I am working part-time at an architectural firm as a clerk after school, so that I can save money to contrib-ute to my college education. In 2009, I will be graduating and will continue on the path to a bright and promising future by furthering my education at a four-year institution. Currently, I have narrowed my interest down to the follow-ing colleges: Temple, Penn, Fordham, and Hofstra. I plan to major in Finance and Management Information Systems. Once again, thank you for providing me with a worthwhile education. I will forever be grateful to you.

Sincerely,"Anthony " '09

Dear Roman Alumni,

I am writing this letter to thank you for the generous money donation you have given to me. This money has helped my family and me in so many ways. Without yours and other donations, I would not be able to attend Roman Catholic High School. I am in my sophomore year at Roman Catholic and was nominated to be a school ambassador for this year. I was a member of the freshmen football team and the varsity outdoor track and field team. Thank you again, for allow-ing me to attend such a wonderful school. I hope my efforts meet your expectations.

Sincerely,“Mark” ‘12

Above: Father Bongard '77 and Principal Robert O'Neill present the Dan DiLella '69 Leadership Award to Daniel Lieber '09 and Matthew Pemper '10 in Renaissance Hall.


IN MEMORIAMThe A.S.I.S.T Program Remembers 2008

Mr. Ed Keenan '54

For the last two graduating classes of Catholic High, the calendar year 2008 will be remembered for the losses of several important alumni who were active participants in the ASIST program. The spirit of the older sons of Cahill lives on in the lives of the young graduates who showed interest and shared themselves with these men who, in His time, have returned to the Father this past year.

For one last time, one last tribute, in an official organ of our school, the Alumni Association offers a genuine “thanks” to these mature co-educators for their generosity “to the boys from Roman.” Multiple times over multiple years, these stalwart ASIST participants shared their time, their histories, their love for Catholic High, their life-long learning, their wisdom and their gifts to expand the understanding of their young visitors – this generation of Cahillites.

The alumni opened their doors and were flattered. They shared their stories and were shown renewed respect. They listened and gave honest instruction. Not surprisingly, inspiration ruled on both sides of the generation gap.

We salute these “counselors-beyond-the-walls” of Broad and Vine. To honor the alumni who shared themselves even in the last months of their lives, we share their graduation pictures when they were in their prime at our beloved school.

We remember, fondly, their kind service and the glory of their spirits.

Art McArdle '43

Joe Hoelle '31 Tom Schofield '55

Ed Loebley '43 Tom Christman '46

If you know of any Cahillites who would like a visit from the A.S.I.S.T students, please contact 215-627-5487

Athletics


Dennis DiGiovanni '02Athletic Director

INDOOR TRACKFor Roman’s indoor track and field team, it’s been quite a turn around since last year. They’ve gone from “no-names” in the Catholic league to true contenders. Under Head Coach David Robinson, RCHS Class of 2000, the team has become a solid foundation of runners. Coach Robinson and assistant Coach Askari Moore, Class of 2001, have really taken the team under their wings. Both coaches ran on Roman’s 2000 Indoor Track & Field Championship team.

Senior Kasseim Everett placed third at the Molly Stanner Games in NY in the 55m dash against a field of some of the

top sprinters in the country. Seniors Justin Polisi, Maxwell Helee, juniors Dontae Leaf and Mike Alvarez, sophomore James Archie and freshmen Richard Gatewood and Vernon Dorman build the strong sprinting core that has become an integral part of Roman’s track team. The distance team has become a force to be reckoned with. Senior Alek Hughes has posted some of top the 800m and mile times in the state. Juniors Sean Kelly and Gebran Mansour, sophomores John Dipierro, Haydn Cieri, and Tom Piszczyk, and freshman Steve Monaghan are the key components to the Roman distance team. Senior Terrell Hutchins and juniors Eric Campbell and Greg Pirolli are the team’s shot put throwers, all of who contribute to the Cahillites success. Regardless of what part of the team they are on, or what event they run, they are a team.

BASKETBALLCoach Chris McNesby’s Varsity Basketball team finished 1st in the Red Division. They finished with a league record of 13-1 and an overall record of 15-7. Some of the key victories included a pair of wins against the defending champions of Northeast Catholic and a win against the nationally ranked Arlington City (FL). The Cahillites also suffered a tough, two-point loss against the number one team in the nation, Mater Dei (CA). The Varsity team was a forced to be reckoned with in the Catholic League playoffs, defeating La Salle College High School and Archbishop Carroll to return to the Catholic League Championship game yet again. The Cahillites were defeated by Neumann-Goretti in the title game but are looking forward to making a state championship run in March. The Cahillites were led by senior Maalik Wayns, who received First Team All-Catholic and Red Division MVP Honors, averaged 19.6 points a game, and is a McDonald’s All-American candidate. Also a First Team All-Catholic, junior Rakeem Brookins is averaging 21 points per game. Senior Koron Reed was named Third Team All-Catholic.

BOWLINGThe Roman Catholic Bowling team had another very successful season. The team finished in first place and made it to the Catho-lic League Championship match by defeating Conwell-Egan by 496 pins. They met Father Judge in the championship match and suffered a tough loss. They were led by seniors Daulton Sladek, Kevin Salinis, Ian Evans, Brian Karakedos, and Tyler Nocella. Congratulations to the bowling team and good luck next year.

SWIMIMINGAfter starting slow, the Roman Catholic Swim team finished the season strong. Coach Mike Womelsdorf and his assistant Kathy Womelsdorf stressed the importance of hard work all season and it paid off during the second half. Led by seniors Steve Metzinger, Rob Presel, Avery Sheridan and junior Gabe Keown, the team won key meets against Lansdale Catholic, Archbishop Wood, Arch-bishop Carroll and Valley Forge Military Academy. WRESTLINGThe Roman Catholic Wrestling team recorded another playoff victory this season with their third consecutive win against the lions of Cardinal O’Hara. Coach Waverly Lane knew that he had a great group of hardworking kids and he was able to harness their hard work ethic and produce another triumphant season. Seniors Devon Cobb, Thomas Sinclair, Ed Berry, and Jan Mendoza were tremendous leaders both on and off the mat. Coach Lane and staff look forward to next season with the young group of talent they have.

ICE HOCKEYThe youthful Roman Catholic Hockey Varsity AAA team has battled in close games all year. Led by senior Captain Chris Allbrook and junior Captain Dave Hayes, the Cahillites have once again been a tough team in a very competitive division. Outstanding goal-tending all year has been provided by senior Steve Reddell. All-Catholic selections for the 2008-2009 were juniors Joseph Urban, David Hayes, Matthew Pemper and seniors Steven Reddell and Chris Allbrook.


All-Catholic Cahillites

Dennis Seddon Basketball CoachDave Falcione '77 Athletic DirectorAl Skavicus '40 FootballPaul Taylor '56 FootballArnold Morris '62 Track & Track CoachEd Hoban '71 BasketballTim Dougherty '80 FootballDave Melaragni '94 Football & BaseballWill McKnight '95 Basketball1997 Soccer Team

Special Awards for 2009William 'Billy' Markward Humanitarian Award

Rev. Msgr. Francis W. Beach '67

John J. Hoban, Sr. '35 Memorial Award for LoyaltySilvio 'Rocky' Long

Joseph 'Goldie' Graham '33 Memorial Award for LoyaltyTom Kearney '58

William 'Speedy' Morris '60 Community Service AwardJoe Novetsky '43

John J. Gillen '33 Memorial Inter-League AwardDan Dougherty *Episcopal Academy

2009 SHOF Inductees

The awards banquet will be held on Friday evening, April 17, 2009 at Williamson’s Restaurant on Blair Mill Road in Horsham, Pa. For reservations please call or e-mail SHOF Chairman Pat Smith '77 at 215-533-4426 and [email protected] or Mike Rodden '77 at 215-487-3342 and [email protected]

BasketballFirst TeamMaalik WaynsRakeem Brookins

Third TeamKoron Reed

Ice HockeyFirst TeamJoseph Urban David Hayes Christopher Allbrook Matthew Pemper Steven Reddell

Indoor Track & FieldSecond TeamKasseim EverettEric Campbell

Honorable MentionAlek HughesTerrell Hutchins

WrestlingFirst TeamDevon Cobb Jan Mendoza Edward Berry

Second TeamThomas Desiderio Tyreef Cash

Honorable Mention Thomas Sinclair Sean McGinley Michael Gritsko

BowlingFirst TeamBrian Karakedos Dalton Sladek Kevin Salinis Second TeamIan Evans

Congratulations to Scott Paxson '01 and the Pittsburgh Steelers on their win over the Arizona Cardinals in Superbowl XLIII.

Best wishes for many seasons to come, Scott. The Roman Catholic family is very proud of you.


Sounding OffA Message from the Catholic High Music Department

The Music Department is looking for any alumni who would like to come back and resurrect the lost “Music of Roman.” Currently, we only have copies of “The Purple and Gold,” “Sons of Cahill Fight,” “Roman Rock III,” and “The Star Spangled Banner.” We are seeking any band alumni who have copies of their old band music. We are missing songs such as “Roman Victors” and “Roman Rock I, II, and IV” (written by Victor Hugo). We are asking for anyone who would have a copy of their old parts to send to us.

Aside from getting the old music together, we will be hosting a recording session and luncheon towards the end of the school year. Any interested Band Alumni can contact me at the information listed below.

We will also be starting an Alumni Band to perform at various functions and events. We are looking for anyone who is interested in playing as a Cahillite once more. We will be holding monthly practices.

The band and chorus have become signature programs of the school since their resurrection in the late 1980s, thanks to our illustrious alumni. They are a band of the world, having recently traveled to Ohio, Florida, and Virginia, winning 1st place in both Concert and Jazz Band competitions. We perform in the Berks County Jazz Fest, Festivals of Music and Music in the Parks along with various other venues aside from our duties at Roman.

Come check us out at our Spring Concert on May 13th at 7 P.M.

Any correspondence can be sent to :

Mr. Thomas Bryan '00Director of MusicRoman Cathoic High School 301 N. Broad StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19107(215)-627-1270 ext. [email protected]


Purple, Gold, and...Green?While Roman Catholic High School is usually noted for being a trendsetter in many ways in Catholic education, this winter we decided to follow in the latest mainstream phenomenon of “going green.”

With the effects of global warming being felt around the world, there is no denying that helping to make the air we breathe just the slightest bit cleaner on the smallest of scales will impact the future in a positive way. Before the greening of our campus, the only “garden” in our parking lot consisted of a patch of dirt with a few withering blades of grass and a varietyof growing weeds.

Knowing that the situation needed to be corrected, President/Rector Father Bongard ’77 called upon Leo Lorenz Landscaping to beautify our campus once again Mr. Lorenz is the father of Kyle '08 and Brett '11. Through the construction of a small garden wall and the planting of several trees on each side of the schoolyard we were not only able to display the welcoming nature of Roman Catholic that our friends have come to know and love, but we were also able to do our part for a planet in need.

If Thomas E. Cahill were here, he wouldn’t necessarily give these trees a hug, but we know he would support every effort in making our school and the world a better place.

Above: The dismal state of Roman's schoolyard called for an aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly change.

Trees planted by Lorenz Landscaping will bloom and bring a uniqueness to Roman Catholic High School's "Campus in the City."


Forever Faithful to Catholic HighJames G. McSherry graduated from Roman Catholic High School in 1940, but in many ways he never left. Present at every sporting event and a vibrant part of the alumni association, McSherry was a great admirer of Thomas E. Cahill, Roman’s founder. Jim McSherry passed away in 2006 and his name will live on forever as he has become the largest benefactor in Catholic High history, surpassed only by the founder he adored so much, through a bequest of over $425,000. When coupled with his generosity to Roman during his lifetime, this bequest makes the McSherry legacy at Roman Catholic High School worth well over one-million dollars.

“Roman was his first love,” says Austin McGreal, Esq., McSherry’s lawyer who maintained a friendship with him from 1950 until the time of his death. “He was dedicated to educating young people.”

Like many of the men in his generation, McSherry served his country in World War II where he learned much about life and unfortunately, death. McSherry lost his best friend, Lt. John Murphy '40, on the beaches of Normandy. “When he visited those beaches years later, he wept,” says McGreal. “I had never seen Jim weep before that.”

Even though McSherry would always associate the war with the death of his best friend, he often said that he had the best learning experience of his life in the service. It was in the army that McSherry actually got to see and experience the equality and respect for his fellow man regardless of creed or color that he so firmly believed in, but had not yet seen on American soil. McSherry’s support of Roman Catholic continued to grow even in his later days as Roman has become the most diverse Catholic high school in the City of Philadelphia.

Jim McSherry, the largest benefactor in Roman's history since Thomas E. Cahill.


Left: Jim McSherry '40 receiving the Monsignor Nevin Fisher Stewardship Award at the 2005 Greater Philadelphia Leadership Award Dinner.

After World War II, McSherry became the fi rst member of his family to earn a college degree by attending La Salle College through the G.I. Bill. He went on to found JG McSherry Real Estate Inc., and even spent a term as the President of the Philadelphia Real Estate Board. All the while, Jim McSherry, a bachelor, was providing students at Roman Catholic High School, students he considered to be his sons, with the education they desperately wanted, but often could not afford. A humble man, he never spoke of these good deeds, but was not afraid to speak up for the causes he believed in and he played an important role in keeping Roman Catholic open during the school’s fi nancially troubling times in the 1980s.

Alumni President Larry Elliott '66 said, “Mr. McSherry was a leader and a humble man. Yet, no matter who he was in a room with, be it the Cardinal, Mayor, or Governor, he had everyone’s attention. He supported all endeavors of the school, always with his eye on the future. His wisdom will surely impact future generations.”

Today, Jim McSherry has a building named after him at Roman Catholic High School. The McSherry Annex stands proudly at 13th and Wood Streets as a testament to a man who not

Right: Jim McSherry '40 and Dick Trotter '49 (back row) along with many of their friends and Catholic High alums at the Catholic Historical Society.

only helped to keep Roman Catholic High School alive, but whose philanthropy speaks volumes about a generation of Americans who have never turned their backs on a cause they believed in.


During his lifetime, Dick Trotter ’49 preached teamwork and leadership, two qualities that he exemplified and instilled in his thirteen children. Raising such a large family was no easy task, but he never faltered in his duties. In fact, he took on even more responsible by giving so much of himself to Roman Catholic High School.

Celebrating the Life of a Cahillite

“He was 78, but in his heart he was 17,” says Richard Trotter, the eldest of the Trotter children. “Dad wanted the students now to know that they are just as great as the students sixty years ago, and to the alumni, he would want them to be as generous as they can with their time, talent, and treasure in the best ways that they can.”

Dick spent his younger days living above his aunt’s bakery, Essig's, in Northern Liberties. At Roman Catholic, he ran track and became best friends with Roman football great, Bob Evans. He was drafted into the military and fought in the Korean War before coming home and meeting his future wife, Bernadette. They wed in 1955 and raised thirteen children together.

“My dad wasn’t our pal, he was our father,” says Richard. “His motives were pure to keep on us on the right path. There were seven girls and six boys, and each one of us raises our kids the same way.” Dick taught his children, along with those that he coached in CYO and those that he inspired at Roman to always give one-hundred percent and to never give up.

Dick Trotter '49 addressing his fellow Cahillites at the 2008 Communion Breakfast


These beliefs stemmed from Dick and Bernadette’s devout Catholicism that their children view as the greatest gifts their parents ever gave them. The Trotters were daily Communicants, prayed the rosary everyday and taught their children to love unconditionally.

“Raising thirteen children didn’t allow for large sums to sit in a checking account,” Richard says. Dick worked for 30 years as a salesman for his brother’s pretzel business until his brother passed away and the business was sold. “My father worked his whole life, so it was distressing for him to be unemployed in his fifties.” Dick was unemployed for a year and a half until he founded Baker’s Best Snack Foods in 1989. He sold the business in 1996, gaining enough to provide for himself and Bernadette when he retired. The only vacations Dick ever took during the fall and winter were to travel with Roman’s basketball and football teams to Hawaii, Florida, Missouri or wherever it was that he had to go to support the team.

Dick Trotter passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2009. He will always be remembered by the Roman Catholic family as the epitome of the stewardship he preached. We will miss you, Dick. Your legacy lives on in every student who walks through the doors of Catholic High knowing that you were one of the great men who allowed him have this experience.

Dick with wife Bernadette at the 2005 SHOF Banquet.

Dick Trotter '49, accompanied by SHOF Chairman Pat Smith '77 and Jim Hughes '52 proudly displaying the Markward Award he received at the 2006 SHOF Awards.


Attention all '59ers!

It’s time to get serious about making your plans to be part of the gathering of the class for our 50th Anniversary Celebration - only 6 months away! Mark your calendars TODAY - Friday, Sept.25th through Sunday, Sept. 27th. Your Reunion ’59 Committee is planning activities for the whole weekend - Golf Outing Friday - Hoagie/Beer casual night Friday evening; Main event sit- down Dinner & Music from the 50s on Saturday at The Meadowlands CC (scene of our Senior Prom); and Memorial Mass for deceased classmates, Tour of the School, and Closing Brunch, all at the school on Sunday. We expect to be concluded by 1:30pm. Look for the details, costs, and reply instructions in a May/June mailing. DON’T FORGET - The Class Purse to be presented to the school at the Communion Breakfast in November - send donations in any amount to :

RCHS Alumni Assocation’59 Class Purse

301 N. Broad St. Phila., PA.19107

A classmate, who wishes to remain Anonymous, has pledged to match the first $5,000 donated - so do so, if you can, today!

Check also the '59 Blog at: www.rchs1959reunion.blogspot.com

Your Committee : Joe Weber, Chair; Joe Bisch; Larry Costigan; Vince Donahue; Paul Dornisch; Frank Gartland; Dennis Kelly; Bob Smith; Chalie LaFontano; Frank Peszka; Paul Roman; In Memoriam - John Flanagan and John Hoban.

Class of 1959 Reunion Take A Bow

The Roman Players Proudly Present“Law & Order – Fairy Tale Unit”

SHOWTIMESFriday, March 20th Saturday, March 21st8PM performance Dinner and a Show!Box office opens at 7:30 Dinner is served at 6 PM Tickets must be purchased in advance

Sunday March 222PM performance

Box office opens at 1:30PM$10.00 for adults

$5.00 for children, students and senior citizens

Support the Roman Players'Take Me Out to the Ballgame'

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Tampa Bay Devil Rays(pre-season)

Saturday, April 4, 20091:30PM

Terrace DeckSection 427

$15.00 per ticket

Hurry! These tickets will go fast. Deadline is March 13th. Please make checks payable to “RCHS”.

All profits will benefit The Roman Players trip to Broadway.

For tickets to the show and the Phillies game, contact Maureen Brown; [email protected] or 215-627-1270

Roman Catholic students Chris Fitzpatrick '09, Vincent Cannady '09, Bill Guy '11, Wil Pierce '10, and Eric Denczi '09 are to be commended for an outstanding performance and their representation of our school in the Little Flower production of Thoroughly Modern Millie. The girls of Little Flower appreciated the help. The show could not have gone on without our guys.

Kasseim Everett '09 is continuing his education and football career at the University of Delaware.

Senior defensive-end Tahir Basil '09 committed to Lafayette College on February 4, 2009.

Kevin Dwyer '09 was accepted into the United States Air Force Academy.

Joseph Horn '12 received the St. James Alumni Scholarship along with 23 students from local Catholic High Schools.

Congratulations


Around RomanJR. AOH

Roman Catholic HS Jr AOH and Pro Life Club are selling raffle tickets for 76ers Tickets to a game 3/27 against the Charlotte Hornets.

There are two tickets with each having a face value of $125.00. The cost for the raffle tickets are $1.00 per piece.

Please call John Riley '85 at 215-601-5836.

On March 17th 2009 from 8:00 am through 11:00 am, all Alums are invited to join the AOH at FADO at 1500 Locust Street is hosting the 4th Annual AOH Division 1 Charity Breakfast.

Cost is $15.00 for a traditional Irish Breakfast or breakfast boxty along with two Guinness products . Proceeds benefit the Adopt-a-Student Fund at RCHS Alumni Association and the Hibernian Hunger Project events that the young men of Roman Catholic participate in and run on an annual basis.

Above: Father Bongard '77 and the students of Roman Catholic with Bishop Daniel Thomas '77 at the Pro-Life March in Washington, D.C.

PRO-LIFE MARCH

WORLD AFFAIRS CLUB

Student members of the World Affairs Club recently participated in two programs. The team of seniors Thomas Shattuck, Andrew Tietjen, Robert Smith, Gregory McNichol and Ryan Beckler competed in the Academic WorldQuest on January 23, 2009 at J.R. Masterman High School.

Four Roman students participated in the Model Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearings held at the Union League on Friday, January 30, 2008. Juniors Stefan Johnson and Alex Arroyo took on the witness role of Condoleeza Rice, former U.S. Secretary of State, before the Subcommittee on International Operations, while sophomores Tyreef Cash and Robert Camunas had the witness role of William Brownfield, U.S. Ambassador to Columbia, before the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. In this program, students research their roles and topics of investigation using the Great Decisions publication of the Foreign Policy Association as their primary source of information. On the day of the event, students simulate the roles of senators and witnesses in committee hearings, trying to reach resolutions regarding the various topics under investigation by the U. S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Above: Tyreef Cash '10, Alejandro Arroyo '10, Stefan Johnson '10, and Gregory McNichol '09 represent Roman well in debates and Model Senates in the Delaware Valley.


George Boyle '49 Scholarship Fund Golf Outing

Solid Gold

Dear Fellow Alums,

The 15th Annual Golf Tournament to Benefi t the George Boyle ’49 Scholarship Fund at RCHS was held this past October at the Avalon Golf Club in New Jersey. Over 160 golfers participated in the tournament this year. The fund has 14 students receiving aid at the school and has awarded over $50,000 to RCHS students over the past 13 years. The Boyle Family would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who has golfed, sponsored a hole, purchased chances, and/or volunteered over the years. The event is a nice tribute to a great man, father, and friend from the great class of 1949.

Thanks, Joe Boyle ’84

Above: Members of the Class of 1949 - Bob Furlong, Jack McNicholas, and Steve Scheier enjoying themselves at the George Boyle '49 Golf Outing.

From 1973-1976 Roman band member graduates fused their Roman roots in music to form a musical ensemble at that time called “8 Karet Gold,” which was popular among the Cahillites. They returned to school in 1978 as The “Karets” to perform a mini-concert in the gym in efforts to stimulate interest in the school’s music program. The members of the “Karets” are Ronald J. Scotleski ‘73, Daniel J. Brown ’73 (deceased), Ronald “Turk” Turkowski ’74, John J. Melusky ’74, Stephen “Ben” Melusky ’74, Francis “Frank” Quarino ’76, Raymond “Fred” Ferretti ’76. Their music stood the test of time and a recent discovery of a studio master tape prompted Ron Skotleski, president and owner of SKOTLESKI Audio/Video Productions to digitally enhance their sound on a compact disc recording. You can visit the band at http://www.myspace.com/karetsmusic. Roman brought us all together and here 30 years later we meet and share the never ending memories of some of the bestimes and memories of our music in the marching dance and show bands at Roman.

-Ronald M. Turkowski ’74

The Karets in 1979

The Karets Today


Class Notes1939Francis Mueller is sorry that he could not make it to the Communion Breakfast this past fall. He is in good health and would like to say “Hello” to the Class of ’39

1941Robert F. Cahill, Captain of the Roman Golf Team in 1941, nephew of Msgr. Paul Cahill ’26, is still proud to hold his “C” for Golf.

1948Frederick F. Green and his wife Sylvia are the proud aunt and uncle of Joe Flacco, the quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens, a graduate of Delaware Univer-sity.

1950Thomas F. Carr was honored at the Fairmount Brewerytown Sports Associa-tion’s 62nd Annual Awards Ceremony on Oct. 15, 2008 at Williamson’s Restaurant in Horsham, PA.

Jim Manion was elected President of Fairmount Brewerytown, Sports Associa-tion.

Pete Petrella is under the weather and would like a call from his form class-mates, especially Joseph F. Rapone, Harry Spearing, Joe Sulimay, Rudy Val-ley, etc.

Robert J. Queppet has kept himself trim and healthy since graduating, which has given him the confidence to do many things. Robert joined the Air Force in 1952, met and married wife Elizabeth in 1954, had seven children, and now has 8 grandchildren. He served with the 55th fighter bomber squadron based in England (NATO), was discharged in 1956 with the rank of Sergeant and went to work for the U.S. Postal Service where he retired in 1988 as the Director of Customer Service and Delivery Opera-tions. He continued to coach boys and girls sports, volunteers at hospitals as a

1976Jerry J. Fox is alive and well. He resides in heart of Sea Isle City, NJ. Last May at 5:16 P.M., he turned a youthful fifty. He is the official “Barefoot Runner” of Sea Isle, running the beach six to seven miles in the sand everyday. He never ran for Roman because he is not an early riser. He played street hockey, hand ball, and two years of ice hockey. Jerry is an artist and a writer of poems and short stories. He is also an avid member of St. Joseph’s Parish. He attended the Class of ’76 thirty-year reunion in 2006 and the Day at the Bay in Wildwood in 2008.

2003Robert Fletcher is an Allied Therapist at M.C.E.S on the grounds of Norristown State Hospital. He is starting nursing school this year.

2005Andrew Kerr will graduate from the United States Naval Academy in May 2009 with a BS in Aerospace Engineering. Then, off to flight school!

Eucharistic minister and worked with IU-13 handicapped children ages six to sixteen.

Tom Stokes and his wife Mary recently welcomed their seventeenth grandchild, Conor William O’Boyle. Conor is the son their daughter Mary Ellen and her husband, Jim.

1951Francis Bold would like to provide everyone with a some Roman trivia, reminding them that the Winter Alumni Raffle held on December 6, 2008 marked the 61st Anniversary of the ’47 City Championship over Frankford.

Ray Seigried is currently living in Lititz, PA, close to his second son after he had an accident in 2002 in his home. All is well now and Ray welcomed his first great granddaughter in December, 2007 born to the first born daughter of his first born son. Go Roman!

1955Daniel O’Callaghan just moved into a “55” and better community in Schwenks-ville, PA 19473

1964Joseph Adams is retired and living in Deptford, NJ. He would like to hear from his classmates. (856)-853-1374

1970Estes D. Smith says to his classmates, “Many of us are still here. We meet and smile at least once a year. God Bless Mr. Greico, Mr. Bell, Mr. Alezo, and Msgr. Gallen.”

1973Andy Sontag became a grandfather twice in 2008. Granddaughter Abby Ponza was born to his daughter Becky on June 22nd and grandson Kenny Earn-shaw was born to his daughter Mary Beth on Oct 7th.

Send your Class Notes to:

Mr. Steven Ziegler '04Director of Marketing

Roman Catholic High School301 N. Broad Street

Phila, PA 19107

or E-mail them to:

[email protected]


8th Annual Spring Alumni Reunion

Calling All Alums through the Class of 2005

Come Out and Join Fellow AlumsFor a fun evening

AtFinnigan’s Wake

3rd & Spring Garden Sts.Thursday

March 26, 20096-9 pm

$20 per personIncludes Open Bar & Buff etReturn the Form Below by

March 21, 2009*Must be age 21 to attend

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Yes, I will attend the Happy Hour at Finnegan’s Wake on March 26, 2009 from 6-9pm

_______ # attending @ $20 each = $_______ (enclosed).

Make checks payable to: RCHS Alumni Association301 North Broad St., Phila., PA 19107

Name ____________________________________________Class of _________

Address _________________________City ______________ State ____Zip ______

Phone_______________ Email _______________________________________

Or you may confi rm attendance by email to [email protected] or by phone to 215-627-5487 and pay at the door.


Alumni Calendar

March 12 - SHOF MeetingMarch 12 - Executive Committee MeetingMarch 26 - 8th Annual Spring Alumni ReunionApril 2 - Board of Trustees MeetingApril 2 - SHOF MeetingApril 17- SHOF Induction CeremonyMay 3 - Broad Street RunMay 8 - Alumni Golf OutingMay 14 - Executive Committee MeetingMay 14 - SHOF MeetingMay 27 - Founder's DayJune 1- Board of Advisors MeetingJune 11 - Executive Committee Meeting June 6 - Cahill DrawingJune 11 - SHOF MeetingAugust 2 - Day at the Bay

Left: The Class of 1954 at their annual luncheon in October 2008.

The next luncheon for the Class of 1954 will be held on September 24, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. at the Frankford-Torresdale Country Club

Above: Joe Casee '55 with his son Greg '92 on the steps of Renaissance Hall at Roman Catholic High School. For Joe's 70th Birthday, his sons took him for a limo ride and one of the stops was RCHS. A good time was had by all.

Save a Tree!

To receive your Alumni News via e-mail, please contact Bernadine Mahon, Coordinator of Development Services at 215-627-5487 or [email protected]

Non Profit Org.U.S. Postage PaidPhiladelphia, PAPermit No. 201

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Roman Catholic High School Alumni Newsletter301 N. Broad StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19107

Richard T. Trotter '491931-2009

Celebrating the Life of a Cahillite

Published by the RCHS Alumni AssociationPhiladelphia, PA 19107Telephone: (215) 627-5487 Fax: (215) 627-2179

spring 2009 empire

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