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ISSUE # 83
February 2006
www.ecommerce.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/
61 Golf View Drive, Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087; 609-294-2148;
vtpoisella@yahoo.com
717 Washington Ave, Chappaqua, NY 10514; 914-238-8001;
richard.foy@verizon.net
I-4524 #103 Royal Woods, Soth Naples FL 34112; 239-775-4104;
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476 La Playa, Edgewater, FL 32141; 386-426-6349;
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▲
click on email address to send email
▲
▼click on correspondent or topic to go to that item
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Correspondents
Bill Byrne '52
Jerry Byrne '60
John Dillon '60
Reggie Diss '60
Tom Fahey '58
Br Charles Filiatrault '55
Patrick Gallagher '53
Bob Hopkins '52
David Kammer '42
Bill Kawina
Rev John Miller '57
Don Mulcare '57
John O'Connell '58
Vince Poisella '58
Bill Reger-Nash '61
Kevin Ryan '66
Francis X (Barney) Sheridan '55
Topics
Br Joseph DiBenedetto '59
"Gathering " April 21-23
Bob Hopkins '52
Links to Marist Websites
Marist Family
Spirituality Weekend
Mary Sammon r.i.p
Br Peter Chanel Arel r.i.p
Br. Louis Richard '51 r.i.p.
Don Schmidt '53 r.i.p
Rick Oertle '59 r.i.p
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Twelfth Annual Marist Family Spirituality Weekend
July 7, 8, 9, 2006
Growing in Our Marist Spirituality Through the Lifespan
Contact: John Scileppi:
John.Scileppi@marist.edu
or (845) 575-3000
x2961
Accommodations: Marist College’s new Fulton Street Townhouses
Speakers: Br. Donald Bisson, Ph.D., an internationally known Jungian-
oriented spiritual director; a panel of men leading a discussion concerning
one’s personal spirituality in daily life. Other speakers will be announced
through the Marists All website.
Costs: Meals for Friday dinner through Sunday lunch, including
snacks: $105
Housing, including linens and blankets for two nights:
Singles, $65 (with meals, $170 per person)
Couples, $100 (with meals, $310 per couple)
Pre-registration: by June 15: $25 discount per person (Send to
Maurice Bibeau, 4 Van Wert Place, Hyde Park, NY 12538.)
From JOHN O’CONNELL ’58: This year’s “Gathering” in Esopus will
be the afternoon/evening of Friday, April 21
st
, and all day Saturday,
April 22
nd
, with most overnighters leaving on Sunday morning, April
23
rd
. Br. Don Nugent and Br. Joe DiBenedetto (who could use our
prayers in his fight against cancer), both Tyngsboro novices in ’59, run
the old “Prep” as a Marist retreat house. They will be holding open the
old twenty-two-bed Holy Rosary building for our use that weekend.
Friday afternoon and evening will be taken up mostly with the
rituals of early arrival partying and dinner. On Saturday we’ll gather
together about 10:00 am to swap stories and run right through to
about 8:00 pm with breaks for lunch, cemetery visit, and dinner out.
Please contact me as soon as possible with your intentions of joining up
with those who shared common experiences almost fifty years go at
Marist Prep in Esopus and Marist Novitiate in Tyngsboro.
(
OBbWAT@aol.com
)
Please let me know if you have not yet received the newly
updated Directory of almost 250 B/brothers with whom we once lived,
brought together as adolescents by a common “calling”/attraction to a
life of altruism, self-sacrifice, generosity of spirit, and sense of
community (with ninety-six of us actually being in touch, and forty-
three of us having broken bread together, thirty of us at one or more of
our annual April “Gatherings” in Esopus), connecting as “brothers” once
again.
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From TOM FAHEY ’58: I enjoyed reading Leo Byron’s memory
of the Prep in Marists All of me being carried off the field after an injury
in 1955 and stepping into a hole, breaking my left ankle. I forget the
name of the Brother nearby who did in fact tell me to walk it off,
figuring it wasn’t serious. That happened to me just after arriving at
the Prep in 1954, and I was almost sent home to recover. Instead, I
stayed on and, of course, missed most of the football season. But I do
remember kicking a few field goals before the season ended. It’s so
true about Br. Joseph Damian’s glare stare. The man was
extraordinary in so many ways. But I do remember Br. Master’s “burn”
when he was angry! Ah, the memories…. (5766 NW 99
th
Lane, Coral
Spring, FL 33076;
Faheytj@aol.com
)
From KEVIN W. RYAN ’66: I was a 1964 graduate of
Archbishop Molloy and was in the novitiate in Esopus from 1965 to
1967. I was under temporary vows for about three years during which
time I was assigned to Resurrection-Ascension parish in Rego Park with
Jack Redmond as local superior. Br. Leonard Voegtle was provincial and
moved his office into the Rego Park residence at that time. I left the
Brothers in 1970. Remarkably, my contact back has been casual over
the past decade or so since I have worked with religious congregations
on a variety of planning issues and have had the chance to see Br. John
Klein from time to time over the years. Actually, I had the enjoyable
good fortune of visiting with Br. Ronald David Barabino in Tampa
recently. It was like being back in his homeroom again. I have been
an educator at grammar and high school, as well as college. I have a
long career as a hospital administrator and a CEO of several hospitals
in the New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts areas. The irony is
that I have been working for the Society of Mary (Boston and Atlanta
Provinces) for the past several years and have thus reconnected with
Marist life and spirituality. I am married to Kathleen with two grown
boys, one of whom, Christopher, is married and father of our grandchild
Cailin, while my younger son Stephen is doing graduate work at NYU.
I have my own consulting practice now and have spent the greater part
of the last decade working closely with religious in terms of planning
for aging members and functional uses for real estate.
(
jethroassociates@aol.com
)
From BILL REGER-NASH ‘61: It has been a good year for my
wife Jan and me in West “by golly” Virginia. We will celebrate ten years
of marriage this coming August. We have completed our first full year
in our new home. We have met wonderful neighbors with whom we
picnic in our community park weekly throughout the summer. A forest
preserve of over a hundred acres surrounds our home. The setting
continues with Cheat Lake, an eight-mile long canyon lake. I am now a
full professor at West Virginia University School of Medicine in
Morgantown, WV. I enjoy my teaching, research and service, focusing
around community health and wellness. Thanks to my Aussie friends, I
now have a National Cancer Institute grant which will augment my
public health intervention research focused on physical activity. (304-
293-0763;
wreger@hsc.wvu.edu
)
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From REV. JOHN (DAVID JOSEPH) MILLER ’57: It is with
much excitement that I write to Marists All. Since leaving Marist
College, there has been a void in my life. I loved the congregation and
the Brothers so much – and still do. It has been 40+ years since I
have had any real contact with the Marist Brothers. My only resource
for a time was with those Brothers assigned to Central Catholic in
Wheeling, WV. About ten years ago, I purchased my first computer. In
my search for the Brothers, I limited myself to their main website and
was resigned to what it might offer. I had no idea that a “fraternity” of
Brothers – those who chose other areas of ministry and personal
endeavor – was in existence. I want to thank Br. Steve Milan,
Vocations Director, for pointing me in the “right” direction. I was able
to find names I recognized from the Marists All website, and after some
difficulty, I was able to send e-mails to Br. Joe Belanger and David
Kammer. I now feel I am back home! An empty spot in my heart has
been filled! Both David and Gus Nolan have encouraged me to send an
overview of what has been going on in my life since departing Marist
College in 1959.
When I returned to Wheeling, I had no undergraduate degree. I
went to work for a family business and eventually got my bachelor’s
degree in education. I began teaching and working on my master’s
degree in education and administration. In the public school system I
served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal in the
Morgantown, WV area. Immediately after my tenure as a principal, I
returned to Wheeling and accepted teaching positions for the Diocese
of Wheeling-Charleston in the areas of general and Christian
education. I went back to school and earned my master’s in religious
education and eventually became principal of Bishop Donahue High
School where Br. Rene Roy served for many years. As vocations
declined and positions needed filling, I assisted the diocese in the areas
of parish administration.
I married Patricia in 1967, and we eventually became parents of
Melanie and Tiffany (ten years apart!). In 1987, at the age of forty-
two, Pat suffered a major heart attack, and a few days later on
December 20
th
, God took her home. As a new family structure, God
and Mary stayed very close to us. Believe me, I made a poor “Mr.
Mom.” But we managed.
During my years of being a widower and single parent, I received
tremendous support from the United Methodist Community in my
town. They and their pastors never forced themselves on us, but they
always seemed to be there. I found myself examining my vocation. I
felt myself being pulled to ministry in the United Methodist Church
where I could serve God as a pastor. After much prayer and many
rosaries, I began attending the local UMC in 1989 and asked that I be
considered as a candidate for ministry. I returned to school and
acquired my master’s degree in theology and divinity, which led to my
ordination as a full time pastor.
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My first year in the United Methodist Church involved a period of
probation. It was during this time that I met Carol Parsons, who
served as a lay leader and adult Sunday school leader. Carol had never
been married. After much prayer and consultation with my children
and our families, we married in 1991. Today we continue in our
various ministries together. I thank God every day for her presence in
my life.
In 2000 I began to have health issues and was forced to retire
from full time ministry. In 2002 I was diagnosed with cancer, and a
whole new venture in my life began. Due to God’s grace and Mary’s
protection, I made it through one major fifteen-hour surgery in 2003
and another surgery in 2004. On December 2
nd
, after an extensive
MRI, Carol and I were told that my cancer had returned. As I write to
you, I am waiting to hear from my surgeon who is in consultation with
other doctors regarding the procedures that will be followed. As in the
past, the situation will be placed in God’s hands with the knowledge
that Mary is holding my hand. I guess it can be said that the Marist
Spirit keeps me moving. (415 Alta Vista Avenue, Glen Dale, WV
26038-1427; 304-843-1181;
revjohn2538@comcast.net
)
Links: Those who are so inclined and would like to explore the
Marist world beyond Marists All may wish to delve into the following
websites:
Marist International
www.champagnat.org
Marist USA
www.marist.br.com
Esopus Retreat House
www.maristretreathouse.com
Marist Australia
www.maristoz.edu.au
(From VINCE POISELLA ’58, EDITOR: As the readers of
Marists All age each succeeding year, more emphasis in each issue is
being placed on sickness and death. This emphasis is not meant to
bring sadness, but rather, especially in the report of the death of one
of our own, an opportunity to celebrate a life. When we report
sickness, on the other hand, we seek support and prayer. Several
deaths have been reported to us in these past few months. Some
reports are immediate; others delayed. As for sickness, some would
rather bear their pain or discomfort quietly. In at least one case
recently, responses came back when sickness was reported. You will
read below excerpts from some of the letters of support.
In reporting the responses to the death of one of our own, I need
to apologize to our readers for being remiss in reporting the death of
Br. Peter Chanel who died on July 29
th
. I received information in the
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mail the day after the August issue went to press. Putting it aside for
the November issue, it was buried in one of a hundred cardboard boxes
in the move to our new home, and in the confusion of transition was
only rediscovered as material for this issue was being organized. Of
course, in my heart I realize that words of memory and praise for our
deceased Brothers and brothers do not have a statute of limitations.
But I still offer my regrets. You will find these words below along with
responses to the lives of others who have died recently.)
To BR. JOSEPH DIBENEDETTO ’59: (When John O’Connell
sent out an all-call for notes of support for Joe, over eighteen
responses arrived through e-mail. Below are a few excerpts.) From Bill
Dougherty: “Joe, since we had desks beside each other at Marist for
two years, I felt that I had to wish you the best. My story with cancer
had such a positive result that I wanted to share it with you in the
hopes that yours will be as well…. My prayers are with you for a
successful and quick recovery.” …from Russ Therriault: “Hi, Joe. Glad
to hear the doc was optimistic for you. It’s Sunday morn and I’m fixin’
to go to Mass. Will be thinking about ya’ll.” From Reggie Diss: “Hang
in there and keep on doing the good and wonderful “Joe D. things” I
remember you always doing during our days together at CCHS in
Lawrence. I remember cleaning our rooms on snow days,
congregating in our rooms after evening prayers and keeping an ear
out for the sounds of Pop’s shuffling slippers, sneaking out on Friday
nights to attend activities at St. Pat’s, working on Sodality projects and
being treated by Dom to dinner later in the evening, going to movies,
and building sets for proms.”
From PATRICK GALLAGHER ‘53: I received word from the
wife of Bob Hopkins, (formerly Br. Francis Matthew ’52 ), that on
January 10
th
, Bob, driving home near Londonderry, NH, was cut off by
a large truck, which forced him into a ditch where he hit a tree and was
critically injured. Quick response by a witness calling 911, and the
rapid response of Londonderry’s rescue units, according to Mar, saved
his life. He was airlifted to Mass General in Boston and was comatose
for two weeks, suffering a shattered femur, serious stomach injuries,
and three fractures in his spine, one at the base of the brain. The
airbags deployed, and he had his seat belt fastened. According to Mar,
when he arrived at Mass General, he was “bleeding to death,” and in
those first four hours there, it was touch-and-go. He is now in
Spaulding Rehab and moving toward an apparently “slow but complete
recovery.” There seems to be no damage to any of his faculties, and
he can, and is looking forward to, calls from his friends. He can be
reached at 617-573-7439. (Box 310, Springtown, PA 18081; 610-346-
7463)
From BOB HOPKINS ’52: This is my first sharing through
Marists All. As with so many others, I’ve always intended to sit down
and share my history since I left the Brothers in 1967. I did not leave
because I was unhappy with the monks. I had been a part of the
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congregation since I was fourteen. There were spiritual, theological,
and institutional issues that did not leave me any choice. I feel I have
contributed a great deal to the young men and women who have been
entrusted to me over the years in a way I could not have done as a
monk.
I want to thank the monks who helped me become the person I
am today. In the juniorate: Brs. Regis James, Stephen Urban, Joseph
Albert, and Luke Driscoll. In the novitiate: Brs. Louis Omer, John
Berchmans, and Simeon Gerard. For me, by the time of the
scholasticate, the magic had disappeared. The monks who influenced
me most during those years were those in my group, especially the
history majors.
During my teaching years those influencing me were my
superiors at the Mount, Central Catholic, and Molloy. I admired and
respected Brs. Wally, Pop, and Norbert. Teddy Morris (Br. Leo Richard)
and Pat Gallagher also influenced me. My relationship with Teddy was
special going back to the novitiate when Teddy arrived on the scene.
Many times we worked moving rocks, trying to construct a drainage
ditch near the barn. Periodically, Teddy’s brother would show up with
his ice cream truck, and we would enjoy a rest period while consuming
the ice cream. On other occasions, we would sneak up to the barn and
take apples from a storage area. We enjoyed one another’s company.
I don’t think we admitted to these infractions of novitiate etiquette at
the Chapter of Faults, but I am sure we felt guilty. We both coached
shot putters: Teddy at Molloy and I at the Mount. When I was at
Molloy, we spent many hours, with innumerable others, walking
students through the Esopus weekends. He was a true friend.
My life since leaving the monks has been a journey of many ups
and downs. I actually met my wife Mary before I formally left the
Brothers. Br. Kieran, who was my provincial at the time, was
extremely supportive and helped make the transition an easy one. Mar
and I met while working on a CCD program in Bellrose at St. Gregory’s
Parish while I was teaching at Molloy. After I left, we continued our
friendship and were married in 1968 in Jessup, Iowa. Mar was a
veteran of the Civil Rights Movement in Chicago and had worked with
Dr. King, Jesse Jackson, and Father Clements. Having encountered
intense racism from the nuns with whom she taught in Chicago, she
moved to New York to be with close friends. That is when I met her.
We have been blessed with three children: Patrick, Craig, and Colleen.
After I left Molloy, I obtained a position at Lynbrook High School in New
York. I taught there until 1979. A good friend convinced me to apply
for a teaching position in the social studies department at a new high
school in Londonderry, NH. I remained at Londonderry until 2002 until
I retired.
Spiritually, I have gone in a different direction from the one I
lived for so many years. I feel very comfortable with where I am in my
relationship with Christ. But I read the message differently now than I
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did in the past. I feel freer to live the message without institutional
constraints.
I would like to express one last note of gratitude to a group of
monks who were extremely kind to me when I was going through a
personal crisis in 1995. I am a recovering alcoholic and have been for
the last ten years. When I decided to stop drinking on January 27,
1995, I was overwhelmed by the task. I realized the need for help.
My wife and my children were there during the entire process.
Recovery from forty years of drinking was daunting. Consequently, in
May, I decided to take a sick leave from Londonderry and go on a
personal retreat. I was given permission by Br. John Klein, Provincial,
to spend some time at Bellport with Jogues and Ed. They were
incredibly supportive, along with Danny, Charlie, and Bob. They were
an indispensable part of my recovery. I owe them so much, especially
my life, both spiritual and physical. Thank you! Again, thanks to all
the monks who helped me along the way. (199 Fieldstone Drive,
Londonderry, New Hampshire 03053; 603-434-1914)
From BR. CHARLES FILIATRAULT ’55: Reflections on the life
of Br. Peter Chanel Arel (b. September 5, 1918 - d. July 29
,
2005):
Very much like the scene of the two disciples on the way to Emmaus,
five of us were discussing at supper last night how Br. Peter touched
our lives. Two of the feelings that surfaced most often were Peter’s
love to be of service to others and his genuine simplicity. Although he
was a teacher for eight years, most often he was called upon to make
use of his gifts in areas that most of us would tend to avoid. He often
shared with me how much he enjoyed serving the Brothers as a cook,
especially with Br. Danny Demers. However, it is as a caregiver that Br.
Peter is perhaps best known. He served the Brothers as a licensed
practical nurse for twenty-six years and attended to the details of the
burial of sixteen Brothers. Certainly, cooking, attending to the needs of
children in a boarding school as a prefect, and caring for the Brothers
as a nurse are not areas that most of the Brothers would rush into;
yet, Br. Peter did all of these things with simplicity and enthusiasm.
(8230 SW 136
th
St., Palmetto Bay, FL 33156-6640; 305-251-6484
From DAVID KAMMER (as found in Marist Bulletin #224):
Death of the mother of the Superior General: On the 20
th
November
2005, Mrs. Mary Sammon died at the age of ninety-five. She was the
mother of two Marist Brothers, Sean Sammon, Superior General of the
Institute, and Henry Sammon of the Province of the United States of
America, as well as of a daughter, Mrs. Moira Sammon Magro. We wish
to inform all our readers of this poignant loss, and we wish to share our
condolences with our Brothers Sean and Henry, to whom we unite
ourselves in prayer for the eternal repose of their dear mother.
From BILL BYRNE ‘52: I read with surprise, but not sadness,
of the passing of Br. Louis Richard, “Louie,” as I knew him. It’s hard
for me to be sad. Time, distance, and life choice may have separated
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us for so long, but I always knew that Louie had his “eyes on the
prize,” and now it is in hand for him.
We spent a year together as the working contingent for Marist
College in 1956-57. While the rest of the graduating class went to
teaching assignments, four of us were “red-shirted” to work a year at
the college. Louie had graduated in 1955 and was completing his
second year in the tailor shop. We five, Jim O’Brien and Harry Henke
(chefs), Louie (tailor), Raphael Martin (laundry person), and I (printer’s
apprentice), formed a community of our own, living in the Brothers’
house on North Road in a set-off section of three rooms. I’m not sure
about the others, but in my case, I remember Br. Paul Ambrose
intimating that my assignment was an effort to get me “more
seasoning.” It took some time for Br. Tarcisius, from his perspective
and need, to agree that I was worth the seasoning experiment. It was
“Tarsy” who reconnected me with Louie. I had written a piece for
Marists All on my relation with “Tarsy” during that eventful year in my
life. Reading what I wrote prompted Louie to send me a note last year
on how much he enjoyed the remembrance and how much he agreed
with its content. Now, in one of life’s ironies, I am about to do the
same for him. One incident that year fifty years ago has remained with
me and shows how humble and thoughtful Louie was. Br. Paul
Ambrose, deciding to reward the five of us for our work on behalf of
the college, orchestrated a weekend trip to Old Lyme Shores, CT. As
we piled into the college’s station wagon, he directed me to take the
jump seat in the back, the one facing the oncoming traffic. I objected,
feeling that I was being relegated to the steerage compartment along
with the baggage. Louie sensed my discomfort and volunteered to
take my place. Ungraciously, I accepted his offer. Thanks for that,
Louie. After we reached our destination that evening, Br. Paul asked us
what we would like to do. Louie insisted that a movie would cap the
night. I forget the name of the movie. I think it was some kind of
Jacques Cousteau undersea exploration saga. What I do remember
was that barely into the opening underwater scene, Louie was sound
asleep, much to Br. Paul’s chagrin.
Like many things in my life, one of my unfinished tasks was to
respond to Louie’s kind note of a year ago. I hope this will make
amends. At least, I’m sure now that he will understand how much I
valued it. What I would have written to him was how I remember his
unfailing kindness, his even-tempered demeanor, his humble
acceptance of what I’m sure was an unglamorous, self-effacing work
assignment. I remember how he would sincerely laugh at what I
thought was the feeble humor that both Br. Tarcisius, his refectory
table opposite, and Br. Aloysius, his tailor mentor, were guilty of ad
infinitum. I remember gloating over the Yankees’ successes at the
hands of his beloved Red Sox. As much as it hurts for a die-hard
Yankee fan to admit, I’m glad he got to see them “reverse the curse.”
Thanks for a series of life lessons you taught me in our time
together, Louie. You were childlike, Christ-like. I know you will
continue to keep your memory of us, as we continue to value our
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memory of you. (154 West Church St., Clarkston, MI 48346; 248-625-
6555;
hatchbom@aol.com
From FRANCIS X. (BARNEY) SHERIDAN ‘55: Don Schmidt ’53
(Br. Damian Eugene) passed away on December 24, 2005. Don came
to the Marist Spirituality weekends for several years and shared his
spirituality honestly and openly with the community. He proudly
invited his brother, a retired military chaplain, to celebrate a liturgy for
the group. During all this time, Don suffered a lot of pain from joint
disease and lung problems. He never whined. Don has been
handicapped since at least 1999, yet was determined to attend the
canonization of Champagnat. Using a cane, he made sure he attended
every ceremony possible. He was an inspiration to all. At the mass of
the resurrection, some features unique to Don’s life story were
highlighted: his love for Mary and love for the Marists; his love of
nature; his Master’s Degree earned in Spain; his mission in Monterey,
Mexico; his interest in the organization of Retired Americans.
Classmates from St. Agnes High School were present: Br. Ed
Maher, Br. Dan Grogan, Ray Hussey, Bob Grady with his wife Ginny. My
wife Anne and I joined them. His colleagues from JFK High School in
Wantagh, NY, came to honor him for his successful career there.
Messages of support may be sent to Don’s wife Mary at 712 Koelbel
Court, Baldwin, NY 11510-3914; 516-623-4052;
mfs712@earthlink.net
). Don’s death on the eve of the Christmas
season reminds us to reflect on a Divinity who took on our human
frailty. Don can be seen as a witness to that Incarnation. (626 E. 20
th
Street, 9A; NY, NY 10009-1515; 212-529-2257;
fxsheridan@hotmail.com
.
From DON MULCARE ’57: Don Schmidt and I grew up about
five blocks away from each other. We belonged to Our Lady of
Perpetual Help Parish in Ozone Park. I even went out with his sister
Kathy a couple of times. I can still remember him when I visited the
scholasticate as a high school senior. In those days he was curly-
haired and athletic. I appreciated the opportunity to meet Don again
many years later at several of the Marist Spirituality weekends. These
occasions allowed Don and me to travel to Esopus and commune with
the living and the dead. (7 Staffon Road, Fairhaven, MA 02719-4214;
508-994-8605;
dmulcare@comcast.com
)
From JOHN DILLON ‘60: Rick Oertle passed away on January
18
th
. He lived out here in Los Angeles not far from my place. He and I
had kept in touch since our departures from the Esopus juniorate. I
moved to LA twenty years ago, and he moved out here about ten years
later. I used to give him copies of Marists All after I had read them,
but I guess he never placed himself into the radar for his own
mailings. He suffered a massive heart attack in the parking lot of the
CBS television city offices where he had worked for several years. He
was also a current card carrying SAG member and had appeared in
several films and at least one TV sitcom episode that I am aware of.
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He was in a coma and passed away peacefully two days ago. His two
sisters flew in with their children, and there will be a memorial for him
on Sunday. I also found that he was very friendly with Br. Leonard
Voegtle. Rick and I both had Lenny at the Prep. Lenny had visited
Rick when Rick lived in New York. I believe that Rick graduated from
the Prep in 1959. He was nicknamed “Ertz” while there. His
classmates included Ronnie Mulholland, Kevin Finn, and Reggie Diss.
Reggie met him for lunch out here a few years ago and they caught up
with old times. (346 1/2 Westminster Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90020-
4618; 323-938-7224;
junnyd@aol.com
)
From REGGIE DISS ‘60: Rick Oertle’s passing is a great loss to
all who knew him; through his humorous antics and kind manner, he
endeared himself to many. Rick always had a flair for acting; he was
born for the spotlight! His sister Barbara, who phoned me the other
day to tell me of Rick’s death, told me that his ashes were scattered at
the “Hollywood” sign in LA. How fitting!
One of my fondest memories of Rick is rooted in our days at the
juniorate when he, Ron Mulholland, Raoul Molnar, and I played “end
men” in Steve Urban’s Mother’s Day production of Here Comes the
Showboat! The four of us had so much fun learning to dance the
Varsity Drag under the supervision of Dennis Damian. As I recall,
Raoul Molnar never did catch on, and Rick made spastic kicks
intermittently throughout the dance. We were a great hit nonetheless!
I had not seen Rick for well over thirty years until five years ago
when we had lunch together in LA while I was there attending a
conference. He spoke openly about his life in LA, especially living as a
recovered alcoholic and his work sponsoring others in AA. Rick was a
wonderful guy; he will be spoken of often, and always with a smile.
(511 N. Main Street, Rural Retreat, VA 24368; 540-686-5539;
rediss@ehc.edu
)
From JERRY BYRNE ‘60: So another – Rick Oertle – from our
class of ’59 at the juniorate has passed on. I have the list of forty-six
names in front of me: those who graduated June 1959. Deceased are
Tim Dooley, Bob Englert, Pat McMahon, and now Rick Oertle. Today,
only a few remain in religious life, I think: Bart Boscia, George Kopper,
and Rev. Ed Doran. Who can forget Bart as Carmen Miranda or Mike
Connelly doing Splish Splash or even me doing a forgettable singing
attempt of Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White in English and
French? I’ve been back to Holy Rosary these past two Gatherings and
even slept in my old room trying to remember who my roommates
were: Ron Mulholland, Kevin Finn, Jim “Goose” Duffy, and Jim Maher,
at least. Where are the “lost”? Where’s Frank Bernasek (one of the
last guys I saw the morning I left the Mansion to go home for good in
July of 1960), Jim Duffy, or Charlie Gawlik (who had a wine still in the
Mansion basement)? The Gathering coming up in April is a great
chance to reconnect, even to visit just for the day. Maybe we shouldn’t
live in the past, but it surely is nice to meet people who once shared
our lives and remember how we thought that God had singled us out
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for life as a religious, later realizing He had another plan for us.
Wherever we are is probably where He wants us to be. Like Rick and
several others of us, I am a recovering alcoholic these past sixteen
years. So much for anonymity! Drop a line, and let’s reminisce a little
and not forget those formative years when we all lived and prayed
together. (2217 Orchard Drive, S. Plainfield, NJ 07080-2933; 908-561-
1267;
gerardbyrne2217@comcast.net
)
From DAVID KAMMER ‘42: The following notice was sent by
Bill Kawina (
bkawina@yahoo.com
) , a former monk from Africa who
studied at Marist College and who now teaches in Canada. Br. F. Dostie
(
provsec@africaonline.co.zw
), Province Secretary in Zimbabwe, sent us
the report of the death of Br. Abdon Nkhuwa. Both also studied in
Poughkeepsie. “Br. Abdon Nkhuwa passed away in the early hours of
the morning on January 1
st
. He made his first profession in 1958 and
his final vows in 1964. In 1965 he went to Canada and then Marist
College in Poughkeepsie where he graduated in 1969. He returned to
his native Zambia to teach. During his last years, Br. Abdon suffered
from a debilitating case of diabetes and found great difficulties
balancing medication, exercise, and diet.”
return to ===>>
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ISSUE # 83
February 2006
www.ecommerce.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/
61 Golf View Drive, Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087; 609-294-2148;
vtpoisella@yahoo.com
717 Washington Ave, Chappaqua, NY 10514; 914-238-8001;
richard.foy@verizon.net
I-4524 #103 Royal Woods, Soth Naples FL 34112; 239-775-4104;
gusnolan@aol.com
476 La Playa, Edgewater, FL 32141; 386-426-6349;
jdkammer@earthlink.net
▲
click on email address to send email
▲
▼click on correspondent or topic to go to that item
▼
Correspondents
Bill Byrne '52
Jerry Byrne '60
John Dillon '60
Reggie Diss '60
Tom Fahey '58
Br Charles Filiatrault '55
Patrick Gallagher '53
Bob Hopkins '52
David Kammer '42
Bill Kawina
Rev John Miller '57
Don Mulcare '57
John O'Connell '58
Vince Poisella '58
Bill Reger-Nash '61
Kevin Ryan '66
Francis X (Barney) Sheridan '55
Topics
Br Joseph DiBenedetto '59
"Gathering " April 21-23
Bob Hopkins '52
Links to Marist Websites
Marist Family
Spirituality Weekend
Mary Sammon r.i.p
Br Peter Chanel Arel r.i.p
Br. Louis Richard '51 r.i.p.
Don Schmidt '53 r.i.p
Rick Oertle '59 r.i.p
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Twelfth Annual Marist Family Spirituality Weekend
July 7, 8, 9, 2006
Growing in Our Marist Spirituality Through the Lifespan
Contact: John Scileppi:
John.Scileppi@marist.edu
or (845) 575-3000
x2961
Accommodations: Marist College’s new Fulton Street Townhouses
Speakers: Br. Donald Bisson, Ph.D., an internationally known Jungian-
oriented spiritual director; a panel of men leading a discussion concerning
one’s personal spirituality in daily life. Other speakers will be announced
through the Marists All website.
Costs: Meals for Friday dinner through Sunday lunch, including
snacks: $105
Housing, including linens and blankets for two nights:
Singles, $65 (with meals, $170 per person)
Couples, $100 (with meals, $310 per couple)
Pre-registration: by June 15: $25 discount per person (Send to
Maurice Bibeau, 4 Van Wert Place, Hyde Park, NY 12538.)
From JOHN O’CONNELL ’58: This year’s “Gathering” in Esopus will
be the afternoon/evening of Friday, April 21
st
, and all day Saturday,
April 22
nd
, with most overnighters leaving on Sunday morning, April
23
rd
. Br. Don Nugent and Br. Joe DiBenedetto (who could use our
prayers in his fight against cancer), both Tyngsboro novices in ’59, run
the old “Prep” as a Marist retreat house. They will be holding open the
old twenty-two-bed Holy Rosary building for our use that weekend.
Friday afternoon and evening will be taken up mostly with the
rituals of early arrival partying and dinner. On Saturday we’ll gather
together about 10:00 am to swap stories and run right through to
about 8:00 pm with breaks for lunch, cemetery visit, and dinner out.
Please contact me as soon as possible with your intentions of joining up
with those who shared common experiences almost fifty years go at
Marist Prep in Esopus and Marist Novitiate in Tyngsboro.
(
OBbWAT@aol.com
)
Please let me know if you have not yet received the newly
updated Directory of almost 250 B/brothers with whom we once lived,
brought together as adolescents by a common “calling”/attraction to a
life of altruism, self-sacrifice, generosity of spirit, and sense of
community (with ninety-six of us actually being in touch, and forty-
three of us having broken bread together, thirty of us at one or more of
our annual April “Gatherings” in Esopus), connecting as “brothers” once
again.
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From TOM FAHEY ’58: I enjoyed reading Leo Byron’s memory
of the Prep in Marists All of me being carried off the field after an injury
in 1955 and stepping into a hole, breaking my left ankle. I forget the
name of the Brother nearby who did in fact tell me to walk it off,
figuring it wasn’t serious. That happened to me just after arriving at
the Prep in 1954, and I was almost sent home to recover. Instead, I
stayed on and, of course, missed most of the football season. But I do
remember kicking a few field goals before the season ended. It’s so
true about Br. Joseph Damian’s glare stare. The man was
extraordinary in so many ways. But I do remember Br. Master’s “burn”
when he was angry! Ah, the memories…. (5766 NW 99
th
Lane, Coral
Spring, FL 33076;
Faheytj@aol.com
)
From KEVIN W. RYAN ’66: I was a 1964 graduate of
Archbishop Molloy and was in the novitiate in Esopus from 1965 to
1967. I was under temporary vows for about three years during which
time I was assigned to Resurrection-Ascension parish in Rego Park with
Jack Redmond as local superior. Br. Leonard Voegtle was provincial and
moved his office into the Rego Park residence at that time. I left the
Brothers in 1970. Remarkably, my contact back has been casual over
the past decade or so since I have worked with religious congregations
on a variety of planning issues and have had the chance to see Br. John
Klein from time to time over the years. Actually, I had the enjoyable
good fortune of visiting with Br. Ronald David Barabino in Tampa
recently. It was like being back in his homeroom again. I have been
an educator at grammar and high school, as well as college. I have a
long career as a hospital administrator and a CEO of several hospitals
in the New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts areas. The irony is
that I have been working for the Society of Mary (Boston and Atlanta
Provinces) for the past several years and have thus reconnected with
Marist life and spirituality. I am married to Kathleen with two grown
boys, one of whom, Christopher, is married and father of our grandchild
Cailin, while my younger son Stephen is doing graduate work at NYU.
I have my own consulting practice now and have spent the greater part
of the last decade working closely with religious in terms of planning
for aging members and functional uses for real estate.
(
jethroassociates@aol.com
)
From BILL REGER-NASH ‘61: It has been a good year for my
wife Jan and me in West “by golly” Virginia. We will celebrate ten years
of marriage this coming August. We have completed our first full year
in our new home. We have met wonderful neighbors with whom we
picnic in our community park weekly throughout the summer. A forest
preserve of over a hundred acres surrounds our home. The setting
continues with Cheat Lake, an eight-mile long canyon lake. I am now a
full professor at West Virginia University School of Medicine in
Morgantown, WV. I enjoy my teaching, research and service, focusing
around community health and wellness. Thanks to my Aussie friends, I
now have a National Cancer Institute grant which will augment my
public health intervention research focused on physical activity. (304-
293-0763;
wreger@hsc.wvu.edu
)
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From REV. JOHN (DAVID JOSEPH) MILLER ’57: It is with
much excitement that I write to Marists All. Since leaving Marist
College, there has been a void in my life. I loved the congregation and
the Brothers so much – and still do. It has been 40+ years since I
have had any real contact with the Marist Brothers. My only resource
for a time was with those Brothers assigned to Central Catholic in
Wheeling, WV. About ten years ago, I purchased my first computer. In
my search for the Brothers, I limited myself to their main website and
was resigned to what it might offer. I had no idea that a “fraternity” of
Brothers – those who chose other areas of ministry and personal
endeavor – was in existence. I want to thank Br. Steve Milan,
Vocations Director, for pointing me in the “right” direction. I was able
to find names I recognized from the Marists All website, and after some
difficulty, I was able to send e-mails to Br. Joe Belanger and David
Kammer. I now feel I am back home! An empty spot in my heart has
been filled! Both David and Gus Nolan have encouraged me to send an
overview of what has been going on in my life since departing Marist
College in 1959.
When I returned to Wheeling, I had no undergraduate degree. I
went to work for a family business and eventually got my bachelor’s
degree in education. I began teaching and working on my master’s
degree in education and administration. In the public school system I
served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal in the
Morgantown, WV area. Immediately after my tenure as a principal, I
returned to Wheeling and accepted teaching positions for the Diocese
of Wheeling-Charleston in the areas of general and Christian
education. I went back to school and earned my master’s in religious
education and eventually became principal of Bishop Donahue High
School where Br. Rene Roy served for many years. As vocations
declined and positions needed filling, I assisted the diocese in the areas
of parish administration.
I married Patricia in 1967, and we eventually became parents of
Melanie and Tiffany (ten years apart!). In 1987, at the age of forty-
two, Pat suffered a major heart attack, and a few days later on
December 20
th
, God took her home. As a new family structure, God
and Mary stayed very close to us. Believe me, I made a poor “Mr.
Mom.” But we managed.
During my years of being a widower and single parent, I received
tremendous support from the United Methodist Community in my
town. They and their pastors never forced themselves on us, but they
always seemed to be there. I found myself examining my vocation. I
felt myself being pulled to ministry in the United Methodist Church
where I could serve God as a pastor. After much prayer and many
rosaries, I began attending the local UMC in 1989 and asked that I be
considered as a candidate for ministry. I returned to school and
acquired my master’s degree in theology and divinity, which led to my
ordination as a full time pastor.
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My first year in the United Methodist Church involved a period of
probation. It was during this time that I met Carol Parsons, who
served as a lay leader and adult Sunday school leader. Carol had never
been married. After much prayer and consultation with my children
and our families, we married in 1991. Today we continue in our
various ministries together. I thank God every day for her presence in
my life.
In 2000 I began to have health issues and was forced to retire
from full time ministry. In 2002 I was diagnosed with cancer, and a
whole new venture in my life began. Due to God’s grace and Mary’s
protection, I made it through one major fifteen-hour surgery in 2003
and another surgery in 2004. On December 2
nd
, after an extensive
MRI, Carol and I were told that my cancer had returned. As I write to
you, I am waiting to hear from my surgeon who is in consultation with
other doctors regarding the procedures that will be followed. As in the
past, the situation will be placed in God’s hands with the knowledge
that Mary is holding my hand. I guess it can be said that the Marist
Spirit keeps me moving. (415 Alta Vista Avenue, Glen Dale, WV
26038-1427; 304-843-1181;
revjohn2538@comcast.net
)
Links: Those who are so inclined and would like to explore the
Marist world beyond Marists All may wish to delve into the following
websites:
Marist International
www.champagnat.org
Marist USA
www.marist.br.com
Esopus Retreat House
www.maristretreathouse.com
Marist Australia
www.maristoz.edu.au
(From VINCE POISELLA ’58, EDITOR: As the readers of
Marists All age each succeeding year, more emphasis in each issue is
being placed on sickness and death. This emphasis is not meant to
bring sadness, but rather, especially in the report of the death of one
of our own, an opportunity to celebrate a life. When we report
sickness, on the other hand, we seek support and prayer. Several
deaths have been reported to us in these past few months. Some
reports are immediate; others delayed. As for sickness, some would
rather bear their pain or discomfort quietly. In at least one case
recently, responses came back when sickness was reported. You will
read below excerpts from some of the letters of support.
In reporting the responses to the death of one of our own, I need
to apologize to our readers for being remiss in reporting the death of
Br. Peter Chanel who died on July 29
th
. I received information in the
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mail the day after the August issue went to press. Putting it aside for
the November issue, it was buried in one of a hundred cardboard boxes
in the move to our new home, and in the confusion of transition was
only rediscovered as material for this issue was being organized. Of
course, in my heart I realize that words of memory and praise for our
deceased Brothers and brothers do not have a statute of limitations.
But I still offer my regrets. You will find these words below along with
responses to the lives of others who have died recently.)
To BR. JOSEPH DIBENEDETTO ’59: (When John O’Connell
sent out an all-call for notes of support for Joe, over eighteen
responses arrived through e-mail. Below are a few excerpts.) From Bill
Dougherty: “Joe, since we had desks beside each other at Marist for
two years, I felt that I had to wish you the best. My story with cancer
had such a positive result that I wanted to share it with you in the
hopes that yours will be as well…. My prayers are with you for a
successful and quick recovery.” …from Russ Therriault: “Hi, Joe. Glad
to hear the doc was optimistic for you. It’s Sunday morn and I’m fixin’
to go to Mass. Will be thinking about ya’ll.” From Reggie Diss: “Hang
in there and keep on doing the good and wonderful “Joe D. things” I
remember you always doing during our days together at CCHS in
Lawrence. I remember cleaning our rooms on snow days,
congregating in our rooms after evening prayers and keeping an ear
out for the sounds of Pop’s shuffling slippers, sneaking out on Friday
nights to attend activities at St. Pat’s, working on Sodality projects and
being treated by Dom to dinner later in the evening, going to movies,
and building sets for proms.”
From PATRICK GALLAGHER ‘53: I received word from the
wife of Bob Hopkins, (formerly Br. Francis Matthew ’52 ), that on
January 10
th
, Bob, driving home near Londonderry, NH, was cut off by
a large truck, which forced him into a ditch where he hit a tree and was
critically injured. Quick response by a witness calling 911, and the
rapid response of Londonderry’s rescue units, according to Mar, saved
his life. He was airlifted to Mass General in Boston and was comatose
for two weeks, suffering a shattered femur, serious stomach injuries,
and three fractures in his spine, one at the base of the brain. The
airbags deployed, and he had his seat belt fastened. According to Mar,
when he arrived at Mass General, he was “bleeding to death,” and in
those first four hours there, it was touch-and-go. He is now in
Spaulding Rehab and moving toward an apparently “slow but complete
recovery.” There seems to be no damage to any of his faculties, and
he can, and is looking forward to, calls from his friends. He can be
reached at 617-573-7439. (Box 310, Springtown, PA 18081; 610-346-
7463)
From BOB HOPKINS ’52: This is my first sharing through
Marists All. As with so many others, I’ve always intended to sit down
and share my history since I left the Brothers in 1967. I did not leave
because I was unhappy with the monks. I had been a part of the
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congregation since I was fourteen. There were spiritual, theological,
and institutional issues that did not leave me any choice. I feel I have
contributed a great deal to the young men and women who have been
entrusted to me over the years in a way I could not have done as a
monk.
I want to thank the monks who helped me become the person I
am today. In the juniorate: Brs. Regis James, Stephen Urban, Joseph
Albert, and Luke Driscoll. In the novitiate: Brs. Louis Omer, John
Berchmans, and Simeon Gerard. For me, by the time of the
scholasticate, the magic had disappeared. The monks who influenced
me most during those years were those in my group, especially the
history majors.
During my teaching years those influencing me were my
superiors at the Mount, Central Catholic, and Molloy. I admired and
respected Brs. Wally, Pop, and Norbert. Teddy Morris (Br. Leo Richard)
and Pat Gallagher also influenced me. My relationship with Teddy was
special going back to the novitiate when Teddy arrived on the scene.
Many times we worked moving rocks, trying to construct a drainage
ditch near the barn. Periodically, Teddy’s brother would show up with
his ice cream truck, and we would enjoy a rest period while consuming
the ice cream. On other occasions, we would sneak up to the barn and
take apples from a storage area. We enjoyed one another’s company.
I don’t think we admitted to these infractions of novitiate etiquette at
the Chapter of Faults, but I am sure we felt guilty. We both coached
shot putters: Teddy at Molloy and I at the Mount. When I was at
Molloy, we spent many hours, with innumerable others, walking
students through the Esopus weekends. He was a true friend.
My life since leaving the monks has been a journey of many ups
and downs. I actually met my wife Mary before I formally left the
Brothers. Br. Kieran, who was my provincial at the time, was
extremely supportive and helped make the transition an easy one. Mar
and I met while working on a CCD program in Bellrose at St. Gregory’s
Parish while I was teaching at Molloy. After I left, we continued our
friendship and were married in 1968 in Jessup, Iowa. Mar was a
veteran of the Civil Rights Movement in Chicago and had worked with
Dr. King, Jesse Jackson, and Father Clements. Having encountered
intense racism from the nuns with whom she taught in Chicago, she
moved to New York to be with close friends. That is when I met her.
We have been blessed with three children: Patrick, Craig, and Colleen.
After I left Molloy, I obtained a position at Lynbrook High School in New
York. I taught there until 1979. A good friend convinced me to apply
for a teaching position in the social studies department at a new high
school in Londonderry, NH. I remained at Londonderry until 2002 until
I retired.
Spiritually, I have gone in a different direction from the one I
lived for so many years. I feel very comfortable with where I am in my
relationship with Christ. But I read the message differently now than I
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did in the past. I feel freer to live the message without institutional
constraints.
I would like to express one last note of gratitude to a group of
monks who were extremely kind to me when I was going through a
personal crisis in 1995. I am a recovering alcoholic and have been for
the last ten years. When I decided to stop drinking on January 27,
1995, I was overwhelmed by the task. I realized the need for help.
My wife and my children were there during the entire process.
Recovery from forty years of drinking was daunting. Consequently, in
May, I decided to take a sick leave from Londonderry and go on a
personal retreat. I was given permission by Br. John Klein, Provincial,
to spend some time at Bellport with Jogues and Ed. They were
incredibly supportive, along with Danny, Charlie, and Bob. They were
an indispensable part of my recovery. I owe them so much, especially
my life, both spiritual and physical. Thank you! Again, thanks to all
the monks who helped me along the way. (199 Fieldstone Drive,
Londonderry, New Hampshire 03053; 603-434-1914)
From BR. CHARLES FILIATRAULT ’55: Reflections on the life
of Br. Peter Chanel Arel (b. September 5, 1918 - d. July 29
,
2005):
Very much like the scene of the two disciples on the way to Emmaus,
five of us were discussing at supper last night how Br. Peter touched
our lives. Two of the feelings that surfaced most often were Peter’s
love to be of service to others and his genuine simplicity. Although he
was a teacher for eight years, most often he was called upon to make
use of his gifts in areas that most of us would tend to avoid. He often
shared with me how much he enjoyed serving the Brothers as a cook,
especially with Br. Danny Demers. However, it is as a caregiver that Br.
Peter is perhaps best known. He served the Brothers as a licensed
practical nurse for twenty-six years and attended to the details of the
burial of sixteen Brothers. Certainly, cooking, attending to the needs of
children in a boarding school as a prefect, and caring for the Brothers
as a nurse are not areas that most of the Brothers would rush into;
yet, Br. Peter did all of these things with simplicity and enthusiasm.
(8230 SW 136
th
St., Palmetto Bay, FL 33156-6640; 305-251-6484
From DAVID KAMMER (as found in Marist Bulletin #224):
Death of the mother of the Superior General: On the 20
th
November
2005, Mrs. Mary Sammon died at the age of ninety-five. She was the
mother of two Marist Brothers, Sean Sammon, Superior General of the
Institute, and Henry Sammon of the Province of the United States of
America, as well as of a daughter, Mrs. Moira Sammon Magro. We wish
to inform all our readers of this poignant loss, and we wish to share our
condolences with our Brothers Sean and Henry, to whom we unite
ourselves in prayer for the eternal repose of their dear mother.
From BILL BYRNE ‘52: I read with surprise, but not sadness,
of the passing of Br. Louis Richard, “Louie,” as I knew him. It’s hard
for me to be sad. Time, distance, and life choice may have separated
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us for so long, but I always knew that Louie had his “eyes on the
prize,” and now it is in hand for him.
We spent a year together as the working contingent for Marist
College in 1956-57. While the rest of the graduating class went to
teaching assignments, four of us were “red-shirted” to work a year at
the college. Louie had graduated in 1955 and was completing his
second year in the tailor shop. We five, Jim O’Brien and Harry Henke
(chefs), Louie (tailor), Raphael Martin (laundry person), and I (printer’s
apprentice), formed a community of our own, living in the Brothers’
house on North Road in a set-off section of three rooms. I’m not sure
about the others, but in my case, I remember Br. Paul Ambrose
intimating that my assignment was an effort to get me “more
seasoning.” It took some time for Br. Tarcisius, from his perspective
and need, to agree that I was worth the seasoning experiment. It was
“Tarsy” who reconnected me with Louie. I had written a piece for
Marists All on my relation with “Tarsy” during that eventful year in my
life. Reading what I wrote prompted Louie to send me a note last year
on how much he enjoyed the remembrance and how much he agreed
with its content. Now, in one of life’s ironies, I am about to do the
same for him. One incident that year fifty years ago has remained with
me and shows how humble and thoughtful Louie was. Br. Paul
Ambrose, deciding to reward the five of us for our work on behalf of
the college, orchestrated a weekend trip to Old Lyme Shores, CT. As
we piled into the college’s station wagon, he directed me to take the
jump seat in the back, the one facing the oncoming traffic. I objected,
feeling that I was being relegated to the steerage compartment along
with the baggage. Louie sensed my discomfort and volunteered to
take my place. Ungraciously, I accepted his offer. Thanks for that,
Louie. After we reached our destination that evening, Br. Paul asked us
what we would like to do. Louie insisted that a movie would cap the
night. I forget the name of the movie. I think it was some kind of
Jacques Cousteau undersea exploration saga. What I do remember
was that barely into the opening underwater scene, Louie was sound
asleep, much to Br. Paul’s chagrin.
Like many things in my life, one of my unfinished tasks was to
respond to Louie’s kind note of a year ago. I hope this will make
amends. At least, I’m sure now that he will understand how much I
valued it. What I would have written to him was how I remember his
unfailing kindness, his even-tempered demeanor, his humble
acceptance of what I’m sure was an unglamorous, self-effacing work
assignment. I remember how he would sincerely laugh at what I
thought was the feeble humor that both Br. Tarcisius, his refectory
table opposite, and Br. Aloysius, his tailor mentor, were guilty of ad
infinitum. I remember gloating over the Yankees’ successes at the
hands of his beloved Red Sox. As much as it hurts for a die-hard
Yankee fan to admit, I’m glad he got to see them “reverse the curse.”
Thanks for a series of life lessons you taught me in our time
together, Louie. You were childlike, Christ-like. I know you will
continue to keep your memory of us, as we continue to value our
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10/12
memory of you. (154 West Church St., Clarkston, MI 48346; 248-625-
6555;
hatchbom@aol.com
From FRANCIS X. (BARNEY) SHERIDAN ‘55: Don Schmidt ’53
(Br. Damian Eugene) passed away on December 24, 2005. Don came
to the Marist Spirituality weekends for several years and shared his
spirituality honestly and openly with the community. He proudly
invited his brother, a retired military chaplain, to celebrate a liturgy for
the group. During all this time, Don suffered a lot of pain from joint
disease and lung problems. He never whined. Don has been
handicapped since at least 1999, yet was determined to attend the
canonization of Champagnat. Using a cane, he made sure he attended
every ceremony possible. He was an inspiration to all. At the mass of
the resurrection, some features unique to Don’s life story were
highlighted: his love for Mary and love for the Marists; his love of
nature; his Master’s Degree earned in Spain; his mission in Monterey,
Mexico; his interest in the organization of Retired Americans.
Classmates from St. Agnes High School were present: Br. Ed
Maher, Br. Dan Grogan, Ray Hussey, Bob Grady with his wife Ginny. My
wife Anne and I joined them. His colleagues from JFK High School in
Wantagh, NY, came to honor him for his successful career there.
Messages of support may be sent to Don’s wife Mary at 712 Koelbel
Court, Baldwin, NY 11510-3914; 516-623-4052;
mfs712@earthlink.net
). Don’s death on the eve of the Christmas
season reminds us to reflect on a Divinity who took on our human
frailty. Don can be seen as a witness to that Incarnation. (626 E. 20
th
Street, 9A; NY, NY 10009-1515; 212-529-2257;
fxsheridan@hotmail.com
.
From DON MULCARE ’57: Don Schmidt and I grew up about
five blocks away from each other. We belonged to Our Lady of
Perpetual Help Parish in Ozone Park. I even went out with his sister
Kathy a couple of times. I can still remember him when I visited the
scholasticate as a high school senior. In those days he was curly-
haired and athletic. I appreciated the opportunity to meet Don again
many years later at several of the Marist Spirituality weekends. These
occasions allowed Don and me to travel to Esopus and commune with
the living and the dead. (7 Staffon Road, Fairhaven, MA 02719-4214;
508-994-8605;
dmulcare@comcast.com
)
From JOHN DILLON ‘60: Rick Oertle passed away on January
18
th
. He lived out here in Los Angeles not far from my place. He and I
had kept in touch since our departures from the Esopus juniorate. I
moved to LA twenty years ago, and he moved out here about ten years
later. I used to give him copies of Marists All after I had read them,
but I guess he never placed himself into the radar for his own
mailings. He suffered a massive heart attack in the parking lot of the
CBS television city offices where he had worked for several years. He
was also a current card carrying SAG member and had appeared in
several films and at least one TV sitcom episode that I am aware of.
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He was in a coma and passed away peacefully two days ago. His two
sisters flew in with their children, and there will be a memorial for him
on Sunday. I also found that he was very friendly with Br. Leonard
Voegtle. Rick and I both had Lenny at the Prep. Lenny had visited
Rick when Rick lived in New York. I believe that Rick graduated from
the Prep in 1959. He was nicknamed “Ertz” while there. His
classmates included Ronnie Mulholland, Kevin Finn, and Reggie Diss.
Reggie met him for lunch out here a few years ago and they caught up
with old times. (346 1/2 Westminster Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90020-
4618; 323-938-7224;
junnyd@aol.com
)
From REGGIE DISS ‘60: Rick Oertle’s passing is a great loss to
all who knew him; through his humorous antics and kind manner, he
endeared himself to many. Rick always had a flair for acting; he was
born for the spotlight! His sister Barbara, who phoned me the other
day to tell me of Rick’s death, told me that his ashes were scattered at
the “Hollywood” sign in LA. How fitting!
One of my fondest memories of Rick is rooted in our days at the
juniorate when he, Ron Mulholland, Raoul Molnar, and I played “end
men” in Steve Urban’s Mother’s Day production of Here Comes the
Showboat! The four of us had so much fun learning to dance the
Varsity Drag under the supervision of Dennis Damian. As I recall,
Raoul Molnar never did catch on, and Rick made spastic kicks
intermittently throughout the dance. We were a great hit nonetheless!
I had not seen Rick for well over thirty years until five years ago
when we had lunch together in LA while I was there attending a
conference. He spoke openly about his life in LA, especially living as a
recovered alcoholic and his work sponsoring others in AA. Rick was a
wonderful guy; he will be spoken of often, and always with a smile.
(511 N. Main Street, Rural Retreat, VA 24368; 540-686-5539;
rediss@ehc.edu
)
From JERRY BYRNE ‘60: So another – Rick Oertle – from our
class of ’59 at the juniorate has passed on. I have the list of forty-six
names in front of me: those who graduated June 1959. Deceased are
Tim Dooley, Bob Englert, Pat McMahon, and now Rick Oertle. Today,
only a few remain in religious life, I think: Bart Boscia, George Kopper,
and Rev. Ed Doran. Who can forget Bart as Carmen Miranda or Mike
Connelly doing Splish Splash or even me doing a forgettable singing
attempt of Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White in English and
French? I’ve been back to Holy Rosary these past two Gatherings and
even slept in my old room trying to remember who my roommates
were: Ron Mulholland, Kevin Finn, Jim “Goose” Duffy, and Jim Maher,
at least. Where are the “lost”? Where’s Frank Bernasek (one of the
last guys I saw the morning I left the Mansion to go home for good in
July of 1960), Jim Duffy, or Charlie Gawlik (who had a wine still in the
Mansion basement)? The Gathering coming up in April is a great
chance to reconnect, even to visit just for the day. Maybe we shouldn’t
live in the past, but it surely is nice to meet people who once shared
our lives and remember how we thought that God had singled us out
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for life as a religious, later realizing He had another plan for us.
Wherever we are is probably where He wants us to be. Like Rick and
several others of us, I am a recovering alcoholic these past sixteen
years. So much for anonymity! Drop a line, and let’s reminisce a little
and not forget those formative years when we all lived and prayed
together. (2217 Orchard Drive, S. Plainfield, NJ 07080-2933; 908-561-
1267;
gerardbyrne2217@comcast.net
)
From DAVID KAMMER ‘42: The following notice was sent by
Bill Kawina (
bkawina@yahoo.com
) , a former monk from Africa who
studied at Marist College and who now teaches in Canada. Br. F. Dostie
(
provsec@africaonline.co.zw
), Province Secretary in Zimbabwe, sent us
the report of the death of Br. Abdon Nkhuwa. Both also studied in
Poughkeepsie. “Br. Abdon Nkhuwa passed away in the early hours of
the morning on January 1
st
. He made his first profession in 1958 and
his final vows in 1964. In 1965 he went to Canada and then Marist
College in Poughkeepsie where he graduated in 1969. He returned to
his native Zambia to teach. During his last years, Br. Abdon suffered
from a debilitating case of diabetes and found great difficulties
balancing medication, exercise, and diet.”
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