ISSUE # 50.xml
Media
Part of Marists All: Issue #50 September 1999
content
6/22/2021
Newsletter # 50
https://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/newsletters/newsletter50.html
1/10
ISSUE # 50
September 1999
SPECIAL EARLY EDITION
QUESTIONNAIRE There have been many responses to the "Questionnaire"
included in our August issue of Marists All. Though as yet there has not been
complete participation, we have many interesting stories from our friends. Thus,
instead of publishing the usual one fall issue in November, we expect to come
out with two issues, this one and another in early December.
At times we beg mightily for responses to meet our projection of publishing
quarterly; a few times we have been happily overwhelmed by the amount of
material sent to us. We trust that everyone understands that sometimes we must
make a few editorial decisions and adjustments caused by various restraints. So
necessarily some of the correspondence we now have in hand will be held for a
late edition. It has been a pleasure and a blessing for us to work on this project;
we thank all who have supported us in word and deed.
Gus Nolan, 50 South Randolph Avenue, Poughkeepsie NY 12601;
gusnolan@aol.com
David Kammer, 476 La Playa, Edgewater FL 32141; 386-426-6349;
kammer@mpinet.net
From BR. SEAN SAMMON, V.G. ('66): Enclosed is the questionnaire from
Marists All as well as help toward expenses of the publication. I'm in Acadia,
Florida, for a two-day reunion with some of the folks from the U.S. religious
conference with whom I worked when I was its president. It's been good to catch
up. I'll be in the U.S. for three weeks vacation. (Fratelli Maristi, Champagnat, 2;
C.P. 10250; 00144, Roma; ssammon@aol.com)
From MAURICE "Moe" LACHANCE ('59): Congratulations to the ingenious
person who thought up the "Questionnaire" idea! The real coup de grace is "Do
you wish to continue to receive Marists All?" Great move! Without that question
I may or may not have responded. However, not wanting to miss out on even a
single issue of Marists All I had no choice. Also contributing to my need to write
was the listing of "Junior Jubilarians," names of 19 men who are celebrating
their 40th anniversaries as Marists. These are some of the very wonderful men
with whom I shared eight of the most memorable years of my life in Esopus,
Tyngsboro, and Poughkeepsie.
So now a little about me! Early on, I taught as a Marist at St. Joseph's in Lowell
and at St. Agnes in Manhattan. However, God was leading me to a different
arena. By the spring of '64 I had decided to leave the life I had known from
August of 1955 when at the very mature age of 14, along with a group of other
young men including Joe DiBenedetto, I boarded the CCHS bus from Lawrence
for my first trip to Esopus.
6/22/2021
Newsletter # 50
https://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/newsletters/newsletter50.html
2/10
At the end of my school year at St. Agnes in '64 I intended first to make a retreat
in Tyngsboro. I made it to Tyngsboro. However, I never made the retreat. I
approached the provincial, Br. John Lawrence, and informed him of my decision
to leave. He sent me on my way with $100 and a very sound piece of advice:
"Don't marry the first girl you meet!" About two weeks later, the week after the
4th of July, 1964, I met the most beautiful girl in the world. I fell hopelessly in
love and 17 months later we were married. Lucille (Dufour) Lachance and I will
be celebrating our 35th anniversary this November 6th.
The Marist Brothers were no strangers to Lucille's family. Her dad Hector had
worked on construction at CCHS under Brother Nilus. Two of her three brothers,
Robert and Peter, as well as several cousins, graduated from CCHS. And Lucille
was a frequent attendee at CCHS dances. Lucille likes to muse that God kept me
in a safe place until he could arrange for us to meet.
Lucille and I have four wonderful children. Michelle, 33, attended Bentley
College and worked for several years as a financial analyst. She is married now
and lives in Essex, Vermont. Mark, 27, is a police officer in Manchester, New
Hampshire. Stephen, 25, graduated from the University of Rochester with a
degree in Chemical Engineering and is employed in Boston. And our youngest is
Danielle; she is 21 and is the only one still living at home. She will be in her last
year at St. Anselm College. One of her computer science teachers, Tom Murphy,
is a Marist College grad.
When I met Lucille, she was employed by Raytheon in Andover. When our
oldest daughter was born, Lucille became a stay-at-home mom. It is largely due
to her untiring efforts over the better part of 30 years that we are blessed with
four of the best kids any parents could ask for. Forget the "village" theory!
Recently Lucille re-entered the work force with a clothing store chain.
My lot was to be the breadwinner! My first job was a high school teaching
position in Methuen (French, of course). As I began to understand the value of
and need for $$$, I moved on the Newburyport, where I stayed for four years.
When we decided to move out of our apartment in South Lawrence and build a
home in Salem, I began my fifteen years of teaching at Salem High School. Of
course, a teaching job did not provide nearly enough income to house, clothe,
and feed four growing children, so I managed to get a second job. For seven
years during summers and on Saturdays I was a rural delivery mailman. That
tested not only me but my car as well. I then tried my hand at selling real estate.
After 12 years of dividing myself between teaching and selling real estate I
realized that it was time for a change, a complete change. In 1984 I moved into
the aerospace defense industry. I became an instructor in business management
computer software applications. I wonder how I ever made that transition!
However, the financial rewards were significantly better than teaching, so I was
able to forego the real estate market. Currently I work for Dynamics Research
Corporation, as a consultant to the U. S. Air Force.
I must not forget to mention "the only mistake I ever made in my life," my
venture into multi-family rental property … in central New Hampshire. Bad
move! Lucille and I have owned, managed, and maintained several of these
gems since 1985. We survived the recession of the late '80s and early '90s and
the Resolution Trust fiasco, but only by God's grace. The real test has been
dealing with tenants! Anyone want the experience? I have property for sale!
6/22/2021
Newsletter # 50
https://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/newsletters/newsletter50.html
3/10
I have often wanted to get back to visit with the Marist family I once knew, but
free time has been scarce. I do remember the phrase used time and again by my
Marist mentors, "A vacation is a change of occupation." I guess I've had a few
vacations over the years! Lucille and I are about ready to begin to slow down a
bit. God willing, we will get to visit with some of you. Thanks again to all who
have kept Marists All alive and well. (92 Zion Hill Road, Salem NH 03070-
1512; 603-898-7231)
From BR. CHARLES FILIATRAULT ('55): Yes, all eight of us here at 136th
Street in Miami read Marists All in its entirety, and we are close to you in
thought and prayer, thanks to the newsletter. Five of us celebrate our birthdays in
September. Brother Lawrence Joseph Poirier turns 92 and is the dean of both of
our provinces. Br. Daniel Andrew Kopecky turns 87, Br. Peter Chanel Arel turns
81, Br. Simeon Ouellet is 72, and Br. Charles Filiatrault turns 64. We celebrated
the 61st birthday of Br. Fabian Mayor in August. We will celebrate the 72nd
birthday of Br. Damian Galligan in November and the 66th of Br. Robert Ryan
in January.
Brother Simeon is the Director of the media center at Christopher Columbus
High School. Brother Fabian will begin a ministry as permanent substitute at St.
Brendan's High School. Brother Lawrence recently enjoyed a wonderful
vacation visiting with his sister in New Hampshire.
Brother Robert also enjoyed a vacation visiting with the Brothers and with
family members while staying at the Mount in New York. Brother Robert is very
active in St. Richard's parish as a member of the Knights of Columbus, giving
occasional talks at RCIA classes and at Masses. He has logged many miles on
his electric cart driving all over our own neighborhood and even beyond to a
radius of twelve miles.
Brother Peter Chanel, having served as infirmarian for twenty-six years,
continues to demonstrate care and concern for the Brothers, mainly spending a
great deal of time with Brother Daniel. His is a quiet presence and is very much
appreciated by Danny. Peter actions well the saying: "The older I get, the more I
listen to people who don't talk much!"
Brother Damian is very active at St. Richard's parish. He is chairperson of the
Renew 2000 committee, full time organist, and animates many of the parish
activities, while contributing a great deal to our community life serving as
treasurer, assisting the Brothers with many of their ordinary needs, and also
embellishing the property with a dazzling array of plants, shrubs, and flowers,
many of which are orchids.
Brother Charles ministers to the needs of the community while finding time to
do translating for Br. Jose Luis, Secretary General, by way of e-mail with Rome.
Recently he acted as translator for Marist international meetings in Canada and
Puerto Rico.
Over the past year as in previous years the community has been blessed with
many guests and visitors. Many of the Brothers from the Mount come to Miami
to spend vacations with us. On the international level we have hosted Brothers
from Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, Italy, Brazil, and Haiti. Among
our guests this year were eight university and college exchange students from
mainland China, and from Taiwan.
6/22/2021
Newsletter # 50
https://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/newsletters/newsletter50.html
4/10
The last Friday of every month we host some twenty or more members of a
coffee group which meets every morning after Mass. The custom began several
years ago when Br. Timothy McManus, God rest his soul, was too ill to join the
group at church; so they came here, and have been coming ever since.
We celebrated July 26th, the feast of St. Ann and anniversary of our taking vows,
with the twenty Brothers from the area. We are looking forward to the
celebration of the canonization of St. Marcellin at the Miami cathedral on
October 24th with Archbishop John Favalora celebrating. We are preparing a
parish celebration of the canonization in conjunction with the taking of the vow
of stability by Brother Robert Ryan. The celebration will take place on the feast
of the Holy Rosary, October 7th, with our provincial Brother Patrick McNamara
present.
Teilhard de Chardin once wrote of "growth through diminishment." If it is true
that with age comes some form of diminishment, it is also true that the Lord
compensates for what has been lost through diminishment by deepening and
expanding loving relationships. We of the 136th Street Community are grateful
for all the people the Lord continues to send into our lives. and we thank you so
much for Marists All. The newsletter also promotes and deepens loving
relationships. We are enriched by it. You are always in our thoughts and in our
prayers, and you are always welcome to pay us a visit.
From BRENDAN (Brendan Lawrence)HAGGERTY ('50): Beyond the awe
and exhilaration of the canonization, which was captured so well by Jep
Lanning, Evy and I delighted in meeting so many "old" friends in Rome, monks
and former monks alike. We shared an eight-seater flight with an engaging
couple behind us, then turned to realize we were with Bob and Ginny Grady. Got
a bear hug at the Generalate from "Franco." Brother Al Matuga, my first Marist
teacher at St. Ann's, greeted me with "Freshman Class of '47; we won the
punchball championship!" What a memory! Rain came at St. Peter's Square and
Brother Jim Gaffney pulled out an extra umbrella for us. Talk about feeling
welcome. Joe Horan and Brother Bill Lavigne started talk about a '50s
millennium reunion. God willing!
I am retired now from Red Cross fund raising. Evy follows at year's end. Our
new vocation will likely be an extension of the present. Evy identifies immigrant
families, mostly Mexican, at her school, and I visit as a parish St. Vincent de
Paul member. We provide what is needed to get these great incoming families on
their feet with food, furniture, etc. I'm a latecomer to a realization of a need for
Spanish that Barney Sheridan saw decades ago, but I'm trying Barney. My
Spanish is even becoming comprehensible. Our St. Vincent de Paul treasurer
recently read a letter for us: "You help me and familia much. I have job now.
You take and do for other familia." In the envelope was $100 in small bills. We
have no doubt that our help is as appreciated as it is needed.
For a moment there I had the fleeting thought, as a former fundraiser, to "make
the ask!" Nope, from what I read you're all doing your share in comparable
apostolates. Stayed over with Br. Pat McNamara and community one night and
heard and read the Holy Father's call to help the poor - and the monk's
magnificent commitment. Still so proud to be "one of you." (3210 Crest Avenue,
Cheverly MD 20785; 301-772-1613)
From BR. PATRICK McNULTY ('52): I'm back from South Africa and am
now working as a guidance counselor at Christopher Columbus High School in
6/22/2021
Newsletter # 50
https://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/newsletters/newsletter50.html
5/10
South Miami. This summer, however, I was at Camp Marist as the assistant
director. Jim Halliday is in his second year as director. We've had a great
summer. 280 campers were here for the second and third sessions. The first had
only 180 boys, mainly because many schools were late getting out. Our camp
ends on August 4th and school starts up in Miami on August 17th. Not much
time for me to rest and get ready. Anyway, here at camp I was able to do some
fishing, bike riding, and photography, keeping active with my favorite hobbies.
Have a good school year; we'll see you at Camp Marist in 2000. (3000 SW 87th
Ave., Miami FL 33165; pmcnl05405@aol.com)
From ED TOWSLEY ('62): It's August 15th 1999. Thirty-seven years ago today
I and several of my close friends took our first vows in Esopus. We were a young
18/19, but most of us knew we wanted to commit our lives to serving the Lord.
We had ambitions to be teachers some history, some physics, some English,
others chemistry. But we also knew we were called to be examples for the young
men who would be entrusted to our care.
I had sent my whole life growing up in the presence of the Marist Brothers,
having spent my childhood as a boarder at St. Ann's Academy and later moving
on to high school at Molloy. My two year training period as a postulant and as a
novice was a great adventure, filled with many joyful and happy times with other
young men like myself. It was a challenging time also, a time when we needed
to continually reconsider if we "had a vocation." The sacrifices we made in our
separation from our families and from the world were genuine and difficult, but
they served a purpose and gained a reward.
Although some of us did not continue to full and permanent profession, many of
us are still being called to honor the commitment we made to the Lord on that
day. Some of us took permanent vows of a different kind, blessed by the Church
in the sacrament of Matrimony.
As I visited Esopus today, 1999, I noticed that the cemetery we used to visit after
dinner so many years ago is filled with memories of the men who helped to form
us. These were men who had made the same commitment on their profession
day as we did and who now have been called home to the Master of all masters
as good and faithful servants, their journey, their labor completed with
excellence. A thank-you to all those men, Marists still, who had a part in
forming me. (26 Revere Road, Fishkill NY 12524; 914-896-7540;
edtowsley@aol.com)
From MARTY CURTIN ('65): Livy and I celebrated our 28th wedding
anniversary last month. We raised six children. We are still recovering from the
death of our daughter Mary who died two years ago as a result of a fall at a
friend's house. Two of our children are due to graduate from SUNY in
Binghamton in May of 2000. One youngster has completed two years in the Air
Force and two are in high school. Joseph will graduate next year. Colleen is to be
a sophomore. The kids were very supportive of us when Mary died.
I officially retired from IBM last month but still work for them as a contractor. I
coach softball for my youngest. Livy is a substitute teacher. I was able to teach
part time for a couple of years and I loved it, at least now as I look back. Our
best to all people connected with the Greater Marist Community. Keep us in
prayer. (206 North Knight Avenue, Endwell NY 13760; 607-785-2253;
mcurtin22@aol.com)
6/22/2021
Newsletter # 50
https://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/newsletters/newsletter50.html
6/10
From SR. VIRGINIA CONNORS, S.S.S. I've already mentioned how much I
enjoy reading Marists All. From this issue (#49) I've made copies of Sean
Sammon's pages to share with other S.S.S. people. In fact, I make a photo copy
of each edition to send to our 84-year-old Blessed Sacrament sister who was a
Marist Missionary Sister for 18 years. She too devours every word. Even though
we don't know people by name, we've share the same life experiences. Our
congregation will be joining the Marists in Mozambique soon; we have been
accepted by the Cardinal-Archbishop of Maputo. In Eymard and Champagnat.
(101 Silver Street, Waterville Me 04901-5923; 207-873-4400)
From DAN ALLEN ('63): The Marists All newsletter has always been greatly
appreciated in our home. While I am not one for sitting down and writing about
what is happening in my life, this note will be a short exception. I've been
teaching at Sleepy Hollow High/Middle School in Sleepy Hollow, New York, for
the past 25 years and chairing the English Department since 1984. My wife
Muffitt teaches religion at Our Lady of Lourdes High In Poughkeepsie. We have
three children: Caitlin, who toured with "Riverdance the Show" for a year before
entering college and is now a sophomore at Notre Dame; Liam, a very avid
lacrosse player and freshman at Trinity College; and Eamonn, another lacrosse
player and a freshman at Sleepy Hollow High. My parents are still in Lawrence
and are doing well. My brother Shawn was ordained a priest for the Boston
Archdiocese this past May and is currently in a parish in Arlington,
Massachusetts. Thank you for your continued dedication to Marists All, and
thank you to all who share what is happening in their lives. (764 Robin Rd.
Yorktown Heights NY 10598; dallen412@worldnet.att.net)
From JAMES (Joseph Cadroes) SMYTH ('48): I went to the Esopus juniorate
to begin my sophomore year in 1945. I withdrew from the Poughkeepsie
provincialate in June of 1953. Thanks to my time in the Navy, the GI Bill paid
for my college as I went on to get an MBA specializing in accounting and
taxation.
My wife Mary, an RN, and I have been married 43 years. We have three sons: a
carpenter, an accountant, and a policeman, plus six grandchildren, all living
nearby. For 23 years we have been living in Cape May county in southern New
Jersey. We have now retired from our professions. We own and operate a small
motel outside Cape May. Over a 20-year period we have built it up from a little
summer motel to a year-round motel with 25 units on four wooded acres. I have
my own retreat grounds.
Some years ago Mary was working in a nursing home and noticed a picture of a
Marist Brother on a night stand. She told the patient that her husband was once a
Marist Brother. The patient told her son, and I have been receiving Marists All
ever since. Thank you. (535 Route 47 South, Green Creek NJ 08219;
wwmotel@bellatlantic.net; 609-476-7167)
From PAT GALLAGHER ('53): My sense of pride at the canonization of St.
Marcellin Champagnat is overwhelming. It was a wonderful feeling to be so
connected with Marists from all over the world when this event took place, to
have been part of his work, and to have partaken of his spirit. Now Mary and I
are reading everything we can get our hands on, trying to be prepared for
cultural trips in our area and studying Spanish and Italian in view of future trips
to Europe. We are going to Belgium, Holland, and Luxembourg next year and to
Ireland with my sister and her husband in September.
6/22/2021
Newsletter # 50
https://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/newsletters/newsletter50.html
7/10
Mary and I share lecture programs that have taken us to Boca Raton, Cape Coral,
and other locations up and down the East Coast. Through federal funding I have
been invited to speak on the subject of the use of force by police at a training
seminar that is scheduled to be held at Marist College in October.
Once again, we have an invitation out for anyone traveling up and down I-81 to
stop 30 miles south of Roanoke and stay at our B & B as our guests. We would
love to host you. (P.O. Box 60, Indian Valley VA 24105; 540-789-4056;
pgallagher@swva.net)
From JOHN (Michael Daniel) BRADY ('57): About five years ago on leaving
the Marist Family Picnic at the Mount I promised myself and Dave that I would
write. Yet, I have not written till now. I am living in Hazlet, New Jersey, and
working as a middle school counselor in the Tinton Falls School District. After
25 years in high school work as a teacher and counselor, I became a middle
school counselor ten years ago. I love working at this level, though I wasn't so
sure of the move when I first arrived.
Before leaving the Brothers I worked with Pat Gallagher, Eric Anderberg, and
Vince Poisella in LaPorte, Indiana. After leaving and marrying in the Midwest,
my wife Joan and I moved to New York City where I served as Guidance
Director at St. Agnes High School for five years before we moved to New Jersey
and I began to work in public schools. Besides my work as a counselor in the
schools I've been very active in the state school counselor organizations.
Joan and I and our two sons, Johnny and Matt, have kept in close touch with
Vince and Jane Poisella and their family over the years. In fact, Vince and I
traveled together and were roommates when we attended the canonization in
Rome of our Founder, St. Marcellin. Brother Nick Caffrey shared in many of our
celebrations and our sightseeing tours. What a memorable experience to be there
and to meet so many people that I had not seen in many years.
A word about Marists All: When I receive the newsletter, I don't just read it, I
savor it. I settle down where I can read it quietly and without interruption. As I
read the notes and letters in each issue, I am struck over and over by the Marist
spirit that fills the pages from those who write. There is a practicality and a
down-to-earth spirituality there, and a camaraderie based on shared experiences
and values. It inspires and encourages and truly moves me. What a gift to be
connected with such men, those I know personally and those whom I may not
have met. Peace! (3 Brookside Avenue, Hazlet NJ 07730; 732-739-3911;
jbrady@tfs.k12.nj.us)
From MAURICE BIBEAU ('50): Although I officially retired from teaching at
Marist College last spring, the death of my wife Donna this May suggested that
added time and a familiar, supportive situation would be useful and needed to
make adjustments. As a result I am teaching full time at the college during the
1999-2000 school year. I was blessed by my marriage to Donna, a very happy,
loving, courageous person. And I am blessed by my many years at Marist, with
all the friends and experiences which that includes. The chapel I helped build has
served as my place of worship for the past 35 years.
I am the only person thus far to have lived in the old St. Ann's Hermitage and
also to work at the new "St. Ann's Hermitage," a large house on a thirteen-acre
property at the north end of the campus, property bought by the college less than
two years ago. The building is serving as a temporary office building for the
6/22/2021
Newsletter # 50
https://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/newsletters/newsletter50.html
8/10
English and Modern Languages faculty. This school year will see the completion
of the new library and of the new Fontaine Building. The latter will house the
Division of Humanities and the Development and alumni Offices as well as four
classrooms and the Marist Institute of Public Opinion. The Adrian Building is
expected to be leveled next year. The Chapel is being renovated inside and out.
The same type of stone that is on the new library exterior now covers the
permastone and pillars of the chapel. (4 Van Wert Place, Hyde Park NY 12538;
845-229-0879;
Maurice.Bibeau@marist.edu)
From FRED (Raymond Frederick) HORN ('55): I spent about 28 of the most
enjoyable months of my life at St. Joseph's Novitiate in Tyngsboro with many
fine young men from the East Coast. It was my first substantial contact with
people who were not from the Wheeling area. I relish the memories of the walks
in the woods toward the old quarry, the time spent in silence on Saturday
mornings, the farm work, the two weeks spent at Camp Marist, and the trek to
the girl's academy at Christmas time for caroling. I think often of Br. John
Francis and his music, of Br. John Berchman and his skill with the hockey puck,
of Brother Pius and his smile, of Br. Frederick Charles and his sewing machines.
I learned much during my stay in Tyngsboro that has helped me in my oater
years.
After leaving the novitiate I started an apprenticeship in plumbing and
pipefitting trades, following in the footsteps of my father and his father before
him. I retired in March of this year after 42 years at plumbing. I did spend four
years in the service with a couple of tours of duty in Viet Nam with Special
Forces, Airborne Rangers, as an interpreter. That is another very special
experience I will never forget!
Ruth and I, married 30 years, have been blessed with four good children. We
have three married daughters living in Ohio, Wisconsin, and Georgia. Fred
Junior has just picked up the plumbing trade, after spending six years in the
Army. He is living at home until he gets his feet back firmly on civilian ground.
His ex-wife and their two children live in Michigan, but right now we are
enjoying his summer custody of the two kids.
A month after my March retirement I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I have
just completed a regimen of radiation treatments and will have radium implant
surgery on the 19th of August. My oncologist believes that we will beat the
cancer completely. I know he is right! I ask for your prayers anyhow.
Ruth and I have been serving as Eucharistic ministers at St. Vincent de Paul
Parish for the past 15 years. I am also a lector at many of the 8 a.m. Sunday
Masses. I have served on many CRHP's and Cursillo weekends. Ruth and I
together have led several renewals for couples. We have very much enjoyed the
time we have spent assisting the Marist priests who service our parish. The
Marist Brothers are back in Wheeling, working with the poor, much like
missionaries; they are well respected for their work. I read Marists All in its
entirety, and I look particularly for names that are familiar. I really love to hear
more from those of my time. (70 Burkham Court, Wheeling WV 26003; 304-
242-5839; hrf@juno.com)
From BILL (David William) POWERS ('50): I'm still working as an
educational materials salesman. I have my own company called "Maps Plus" and
I cover the eastern part of upstate New York. As we are self-employed
Jacqueline and I can travel a lot. We have recently been to Florida, Rome,
6/22/2021
Newsletter # 50
https://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/newsletters/newsletter50.html
9/10
Greece, Geneva, and Potsdam - all in New York State, of course! However, what
we do best is sit on our back porch and watch the birds come to our birdbath as
we eat Jacqueline's homemade cooking, recently acclaimed "the Best Cooking
north of the Jersey Border." Five of our six children are married and have given
Jacqueline and me ten beautiful grandchildren with one more to come in August.
(That's why I'm still working!) I have been a lector in the local parish, St.
Anthony's, for thirty or more years. The other Sunday I almost sounded as good
as Brother Hugh (John Crowe). Well, I guess I'll have to keep working at it. (17
Blauvelt Street, Nanuet NY 10954; 914-623-2935)
From JOHN (James Austin) McALEER ('42): I appreciate the kind remarks
about my autobiographical sketch in the May issue of Marists All. I am
extremely grateful that I had the opportunity to do it. It has opened up a part of
my life which has remained dormant for so long. I think I had a need which I
was unaware of. It was not that I had any resentments or bad feelings. All I know
is that what is going on now seems healthy and grace-filled, and I'm enjoying it
thoroughly. Letters are still arriving and I'm doing some e-mailing as well.
Ruth and I will fly to Chicagoland for ten days at the beginning of August. We'll
stay with our son Sean and his wife in the city and with friends in Lake Bluff on
the north shore where we raised our family. I had hoped to see Br. Julian Roy
while in the windy city but he's heading for the New England states the day we
arrive. While in Lake Bluff we plan to drive to Milwaukee to visit Bill Murphy
(Joseph William '40) and his wife Sandy. Thank you for your thoughtfulness,
care, and concern. I can't ell you how much I admire and appreciate what you
two have been doing. (8700 Metcalf #102, Overland Park KS 66212; 913-381-
6548)
From PAUL (Damian Andrew) BRUNEAU ('51): Thanks very much for the
August issue of Marists All. Keep them coming. I enjoy them all. July 26th,
1999, reminded me that if I had stayed with the Brothers I'd be a "Junior
Jubilarian" celebrating my 48th anniversary. How times flies! I'd like to say "Hi
and sincere congratulations" to all the "Junior Jubilarians" with whom I worked
and shared community. Among them: Tim Brady, Henry Sawicki, and Emil
Denworth in Trumbull with "Moo- moo" (Roy Mooney) as our director; Gerry
Brereton during the first year at Marist in Chicago with Pius ("Food is food,
ontologically speaking," Gerry); John McDonagh and Mike Williams at the
Mount; and Hugh Turley at Dubois with our boss John Arthur. Oh, such fond
friendships and fond memories!
After a year in Lumen Vitae in Brussels and a half-year at the second novitiate in
Fribourg with Ethelred, I was assigned to Trumbull. I left the brothers in 1970. I
retired from the classroom in July of '92 after 35 years in secondary education:
14 years with the Brothers and 21 years teaching Introduction to college
Psychology in Ridgefield, Connecticut. While there I also did stress management
workshops for teachers; CEU seminars; adult ed and undergrad psychology at
the local state university. Now that I'm retired, unmarried, and living in a big
house, call me or drop in if you are in western Connecticut. (612 Jeremy Drive,
Davenport FL 33837) (377 North Candlewood Lake Road, New Milford CT
06776; 860-355-1839)
From ROBERT LOPEZ ('59): I'm still teaching at Rose-Hulman Institute of
Technology. However, I'll be on leave this coming year to finish writing an
advanced engineering math text. My wife Glenda manages an Alzheimer's unit
at a nursing home. Both of our sons are married and gone. The younger one just
6/22/2021
Newsletter # 50
https://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/newsletters/newsletter50.html
10/10
got his PhD in medieval history from Yale. The older one has just finished the
first chapter of his thesis for a PhD in sociology from Berkeley. For the past two
years I've been clocking a weekly hour at the Perpetual Adoration Chapel at our
local church. Very revealing, very rewarding. I have developed a great respect
and admiration for the "yes" my classmates who persevered have made. God
bless them. They are the pillars of the universe. (59 Hermitage Drive, Terre
Haute IN 47803; rolopez@rose-hulman.edu)
From BILL COWIE ('60): Greetings! I guess you could call this an extremely
long overdue letter. I left in 1983 while Dean of Students at Central Catholic,
Lawrence, and I continued in that position until 1997 when I went back to
teaching at that school. I had been in the Dean's job for 18 years, so I was ready
for a change. I love teaching and I feel very fortunate to be doing it at Central
which has a great staff and great kids. I feel very fortunate to have been
associated with the monks all these years. It was Cronan Halsey, I think, who
once said to me at the Mount that monks are the greatest guys in the world. He's
right!
I married in 1989 to Carole, a lovely girl; she is a school psychologist in North
Andover. We just celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary with a trip to England
and Scotland. Best wishes to all. (27 Stinson Road, Andover MA 01810; 978-
475-3739)
From HELEN TOBIN: I know the enclosed questionnaire was meant for the
men but as a "Marist widow" I filled it out just for fun. It was nice to see Pat's
old letter on the front page of the last issue of Marists All. Even though Pat
enjoyed that picnic in 1976, I couldn't get him to attend any other function
because he felt it was too emotional for him. I still read the newsletter
completely. I particularly enjoyed Sean Sammon's article in that last issue.
Pat and Steve Minogue had been friends for 60 years when Pat died, and I have
had the gift of his friendship for 35 of those years. It was in seeing the name of
Luke Driscoll as a presenter in 1996 that brought me to attend the Marist Family
Spirituality gathering. I haven't missed a year since! There is such a tremendous
feeling of love and belonging at those gatherings. (75 Revere Court, Montville
NJ 07045; 973-335-3758)
DECEASED: The Marist community mourns the death of John Sullivan's wife
Celia. A memorial service was held August 28th; it was attended by a wide
range of family and friends acknowledging her outstanding qualities as a teacher
and friend. Many will recall that John was from Lawrence and of the Tyngsboro
group of 1962. (8 Carol Dr., Poughkeepsie NY 12603)
From GUS to all E - M A I L E R S: Thank you for your responses to our
request for e-mail addresses. Now a simple request; please send me an e-mail
note, any note, so that I may more easily have your address in my address book.
(Include more for the newsletter if you wish.) So far we have well over 50
addresses, and we expect more; the prospect of re-typing them without mistake
"overwhelms" me! E-mail to: gusnolan@aol.com Many thanks
Newsletter # 50
https://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/newsletters/newsletter50.html
1/10
ISSUE # 50
September 1999
SPECIAL EARLY EDITION
QUESTIONNAIRE There have been many responses to the "Questionnaire"
included in our August issue of Marists All. Though as yet there has not been
complete participation, we have many interesting stories from our friends. Thus,
instead of publishing the usual one fall issue in November, we expect to come
out with two issues, this one and another in early December.
At times we beg mightily for responses to meet our projection of publishing
quarterly; a few times we have been happily overwhelmed by the amount of
material sent to us. We trust that everyone understands that sometimes we must
make a few editorial decisions and adjustments caused by various restraints. So
necessarily some of the correspondence we now have in hand will be held for a
late edition. It has been a pleasure and a blessing for us to work on this project;
we thank all who have supported us in word and deed.
Gus Nolan, 50 South Randolph Avenue, Poughkeepsie NY 12601;
gusnolan@aol.com
David Kammer, 476 La Playa, Edgewater FL 32141; 386-426-6349;
kammer@mpinet.net
From BR. SEAN SAMMON, V.G. ('66): Enclosed is the questionnaire from
Marists All as well as help toward expenses of the publication. I'm in Acadia,
Florida, for a two-day reunion with some of the folks from the U.S. religious
conference with whom I worked when I was its president. It's been good to catch
up. I'll be in the U.S. for three weeks vacation. (Fratelli Maristi, Champagnat, 2;
C.P. 10250; 00144, Roma; ssammon@aol.com)
From MAURICE "Moe" LACHANCE ('59): Congratulations to the ingenious
person who thought up the "Questionnaire" idea! The real coup de grace is "Do
you wish to continue to receive Marists All?" Great move! Without that question
I may or may not have responded. However, not wanting to miss out on even a
single issue of Marists All I had no choice. Also contributing to my need to write
was the listing of "Junior Jubilarians," names of 19 men who are celebrating
their 40th anniversaries as Marists. These are some of the very wonderful men
with whom I shared eight of the most memorable years of my life in Esopus,
Tyngsboro, and Poughkeepsie.
So now a little about me! Early on, I taught as a Marist at St. Joseph's in Lowell
and at St. Agnes in Manhattan. However, God was leading me to a different
arena. By the spring of '64 I had decided to leave the life I had known from
August of 1955 when at the very mature age of 14, along with a group of other
young men including Joe DiBenedetto, I boarded the CCHS bus from Lawrence
for my first trip to Esopus.
6/22/2021
Newsletter # 50
https://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/newsletters/newsletter50.html
2/10
At the end of my school year at St. Agnes in '64 I intended first to make a retreat
in Tyngsboro. I made it to Tyngsboro. However, I never made the retreat. I
approached the provincial, Br. John Lawrence, and informed him of my decision
to leave. He sent me on my way with $100 and a very sound piece of advice:
"Don't marry the first girl you meet!" About two weeks later, the week after the
4th of July, 1964, I met the most beautiful girl in the world. I fell hopelessly in
love and 17 months later we were married. Lucille (Dufour) Lachance and I will
be celebrating our 35th anniversary this November 6th.
The Marist Brothers were no strangers to Lucille's family. Her dad Hector had
worked on construction at CCHS under Brother Nilus. Two of her three brothers,
Robert and Peter, as well as several cousins, graduated from CCHS. And Lucille
was a frequent attendee at CCHS dances. Lucille likes to muse that God kept me
in a safe place until he could arrange for us to meet.
Lucille and I have four wonderful children. Michelle, 33, attended Bentley
College and worked for several years as a financial analyst. She is married now
and lives in Essex, Vermont. Mark, 27, is a police officer in Manchester, New
Hampshire. Stephen, 25, graduated from the University of Rochester with a
degree in Chemical Engineering and is employed in Boston. And our youngest is
Danielle; she is 21 and is the only one still living at home. She will be in her last
year at St. Anselm College. One of her computer science teachers, Tom Murphy,
is a Marist College grad.
When I met Lucille, she was employed by Raytheon in Andover. When our
oldest daughter was born, Lucille became a stay-at-home mom. It is largely due
to her untiring efforts over the better part of 30 years that we are blessed with
four of the best kids any parents could ask for. Forget the "village" theory!
Recently Lucille re-entered the work force with a clothing store chain.
My lot was to be the breadwinner! My first job was a high school teaching
position in Methuen (French, of course). As I began to understand the value of
and need for $$$, I moved on the Newburyport, where I stayed for four years.
When we decided to move out of our apartment in South Lawrence and build a
home in Salem, I began my fifteen years of teaching at Salem High School. Of
course, a teaching job did not provide nearly enough income to house, clothe,
and feed four growing children, so I managed to get a second job. For seven
years during summers and on Saturdays I was a rural delivery mailman. That
tested not only me but my car as well. I then tried my hand at selling real estate.
After 12 years of dividing myself between teaching and selling real estate I
realized that it was time for a change, a complete change. In 1984 I moved into
the aerospace defense industry. I became an instructor in business management
computer software applications. I wonder how I ever made that transition!
However, the financial rewards were significantly better than teaching, so I was
able to forego the real estate market. Currently I work for Dynamics Research
Corporation, as a consultant to the U. S. Air Force.
I must not forget to mention "the only mistake I ever made in my life," my
venture into multi-family rental property … in central New Hampshire. Bad
move! Lucille and I have owned, managed, and maintained several of these
gems since 1985. We survived the recession of the late '80s and early '90s and
the Resolution Trust fiasco, but only by God's grace. The real test has been
dealing with tenants! Anyone want the experience? I have property for sale!
6/22/2021
Newsletter # 50
https://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/newsletters/newsletter50.html
3/10
I have often wanted to get back to visit with the Marist family I once knew, but
free time has been scarce. I do remember the phrase used time and again by my
Marist mentors, "A vacation is a change of occupation." I guess I've had a few
vacations over the years! Lucille and I are about ready to begin to slow down a
bit. God willing, we will get to visit with some of you. Thanks again to all who
have kept Marists All alive and well. (92 Zion Hill Road, Salem NH 03070-
1512; 603-898-7231)
From BR. CHARLES FILIATRAULT ('55): Yes, all eight of us here at 136th
Street in Miami read Marists All in its entirety, and we are close to you in
thought and prayer, thanks to the newsletter. Five of us celebrate our birthdays in
September. Brother Lawrence Joseph Poirier turns 92 and is the dean of both of
our provinces. Br. Daniel Andrew Kopecky turns 87, Br. Peter Chanel Arel turns
81, Br. Simeon Ouellet is 72, and Br. Charles Filiatrault turns 64. We celebrated
the 61st birthday of Br. Fabian Mayor in August. We will celebrate the 72nd
birthday of Br. Damian Galligan in November and the 66th of Br. Robert Ryan
in January.
Brother Simeon is the Director of the media center at Christopher Columbus
High School. Brother Fabian will begin a ministry as permanent substitute at St.
Brendan's High School. Brother Lawrence recently enjoyed a wonderful
vacation visiting with his sister in New Hampshire.
Brother Robert also enjoyed a vacation visiting with the Brothers and with
family members while staying at the Mount in New York. Brother Robert is very
active in St. Richard's parish as a member of the Knights of Columbus, giving
occasional talks at RCIA classes and at Masses. He has logged many miles on
his electric cart driving all over our own neighborhood and even beyond to a
radius of twelve miles.
Brother Peter Chanel, having served as infirmarian for twenty-six years,
continues to demonstrate care and concern for the Brothers, mainly spending a
great deal of time with Brother Daniel. His is a quiet presence and is very much
appreciated by Danny. Peter actions well the saying: "The older I get, the more I
listen to people who don't talk much!"
Brother Damian is very active at St. Richard's parish. He is chairperson of the
Renew 2000 committee, full time organist, and animates many of the parish
activities, while contributing a great deal to our community life serving as
treasurer, assisting the Brothers with many of their ordinary needs, and also
embellishing the property with a dazzling array of plants, shrubs, and flowers,
many of which are orchids.
Brother Charles ministers to the needs of the community while finding time to
do translating for Br. Jose Luis, Secretary General, by way of e-mail with Rome.
Recently he acted as translator for Marist international meetings in Canada and
Puerto Rico.
Over the past year as in previous years the community has been blessed with
many guests and visitors. Many of the Brothers from the Mount come to Miami
to spend vacations with us. On the international level we have hosted Brothers
from Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, Italy, Brazil, and Haiti. Among
our guests this year were eight university and college exchange students from
mainland China, and from Taiwan.
6/22/2021
Newsletter # 50
https://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/newsletters/newsletter50.html
4/10
The last Friday of every month we host some twenty or more members of a
coffee group which meets every morning after Mass. The custom began several
years ago when Br. Timothy McManus, God rest his soul, was too ill to join the
group at church; so they came here, and have been coming ever since.
We celebrated July 26th, the feast of St. Ann and anniversary of our taking vows,
with the twenty Brothers from the area. We are looking forward to the
celebration of the canonization of St. Marcellin at the Miami cathedral on
October 24th with Archbishop John Favalora celebrating. We are preparing a
parish celebration of the canonization in conjunction with the taking of the vow
of stability by Brother Robert Ryan. The celebration will take place on the feast
of the Holy Rosary, October 7th, with our provincial Brother Patrick McNamara
present.
Teilhard de Chardin once wrote of "growth through diminishment." If it is true
that with age comes some form of diminishment, it is also true that the Lord
compensates for what has been lost through diminishment by deepening and
expanding loving relationships. We of the 136th Street Community are grateful
for all the people the Lord continues to send into our lives. and we thank you so
much for Marists All. The newsletter also promotes and deepens loving
relationships. We are enriched by it. You are always in our thoughts and in our
prayers, and you are always welcome to pay us a visit.
From BRENDAN (Brendan Lawrence)HAGGERTY ('50): Beyond the awe
and exhilaration of the canonization, which was captured so well by Jep
Lanning, Evy and I delighted in meeting so many "old" friends in Rome, monks
and former monks alike. We shared an eight-seater flight with an engaging
couple behind us, then turned to realize we were with Bob and Ginny Grady. Got
a bear hug at the Generalate from "Franco." Brother Al Matuga, my first Marist
teacher at St. Ann's, greeted me with "Freshman Class of '47; we won the
punchball championship!" What a memory! Rain came at St. Peter's Square and
Brother Jim Gaffney pulled out an extra umbrella for us. Talk about feeling
welcome. Joe Horan and Brother Bill Lavigne started talk about a '50s
millennium reunion. God willing!
I am retired now from Red Cross fund raising. Evy follows at year's end. Our
new vocation will likely be an extension of the present. Evy identifies immigrant
families, mostly Mexican, at her school, and I visit as a parish St. Vincent de
Paul member. We provide what is needed to get these great incoming families on
their feet with food, furniture, etc. I'm a latecomer to a realization of a need for
Spanish that Barney Sheridan saw decades ago, but I'm trying Barney. My
Spanish is even becoming comprehensible. Our St. Vincent de Paul treasurer
recently read a letter for us: "You help me and familia much. I have job now.
You take and do for other familia." In the envelope was $100 in small bills. We
have no doubt that our help is as appreciated as it is needed.
For a moment there I had the fleeting thought, as a former fundraiser, to "make
the ask!" Nope, from what I read you're all doing your share in comparable
apostolates. Stayed over with Br. Pat McNamara and community one night and
heard and read the Holy Father's call to help the poor - and the monk's
magnificent commitment. Still so proud to be "one of you." (3210 Crest Avenue,
Cheverly MD 20785; 301-772-1613)
From BR. PATRICK McNULTY ('52): I'm back from South Africa and am
now working as a guidance counselor at Christopher Columbus High School in
6/22/2021
Newsletter # 50
https://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/newsletters/newsletter50.html
5/10
South Miami. This summer, however, I was at Camp Marist as the assistant
director. Jim Halliday is in his second year as director. We've had a great
summer. 280 campers were here for the second and third sessions. The first had
only 180 boys, mainly because many schools were late getting out. Our camp
ends on August 4th and school starts up in Miami on August 17th. Not much
time for me to rest and get ready. Anyway, here at camp I was able to do some
fishing, bike riding, and photography, keeping active with my favorite hobbies.
Have a good school year; we'll see you at Camp Marist in 2000. (3000 SW 87th
Ave., Miami FL 33165; pmcnl05405@aol.com)
From ED TOWSLEY ('62): It's August 15th 1999. Thirty-seven years ago today
I and several of my close friends took our first vows in Esopus. We were a young
18/19, but most of us knew we wanted to commit our lives to serving the Lord.
We had ambitions to be teachers some history, some physics, some English,
others chemistry. But we also knew we were called to be examples for the young
men who would be entrusted to our care.
I had sent my whole life growing up in the presence of the Marist Brothers,
having spent my childhood as a boarder at St. Ann's Academy and later moving
on to high school at Molloy. My two year training period as a postulant and as a
novice was a great adventure, filled with many joyful and happy times with other
young men like myself. It was a challenging time also, a time when we needed
to continually reconsider if we "had a vocation." The sacrifices we made in our
separation from our families and from the world were genuine and difficult, but
they served a purpose and gained a reward.
Although some of us did not continue to full and permanent profession, many of
us are still being called to honor the commitment we made to the Lord on that
day. Some of us took permanent vows of a different kind, blessed by the Church
in the sacrament of Matrimony.
As I visited Esopus today, 1999, I noticed that the cemetery we used to visit after
dinner so many years ago is filled with memories of the men who helped to form
us. These were men who had made the same commitment on their profession
day as we did and who now have been called home to the Master of all masters
as good and faithful servants, their journey, their labor completed with
excellence. A thank-you to all those men, Marists still, who had a part in
forming me. (26 Revere Road, Fishkill NY 12524; 914-896-7540;
edtowsley@aol.com)
From MARTY CURTIN ('65): Livy and I celebrated our 28th wedding
anniversary last month. We raised six children. We are still recovering from the
death of our daughter Mary who died two years ago as a result of a fall at a
friend's house. Two of our children are due to graduate from SUNY in
Binghamton in May of 2000. One youngster has completed two years in the Air
Force and two are in high school. Joseph will graduate next year. Colleen is to be
a sophomore. The kids were very supportive of us when Mary died.
I officially retired from IBM last month but still work for them as a contractor. I
coach softball for my youngest. Livy is a substitute teacher. I was able to teach
part time for a couple of years and I loved it, at least now as I look back. Our
best to all people connected with the Greater Marist Community. Keep us in
prayer. (206 North Knight Avenue, Endwell NY 13760; 607-785-2253;
mcurtin22@aol.com)
6/22/2021
Newsletter # 50
https://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/newsletters/newsletter50.html
6/10
From SR. VIRGINIA CONNORS, S.S.S. I've already mentioned how much I
enjoy reading Marists All. From this issue (#49) I've made copies of Sean
Sammon's pages to share with other S.S.S. people. In fact, I make a photo copy
of each edition to send to our 84-year-old Blessed Sacrament sister who was a
Marist Missionary Sister for 18 years. She too devours every word. Even though
we don't know people by name, we've share the same life experiences. Our
congregation will be joining the Marists in Mozambique soon; we have been
accepted by the Cardinal-Archbishop of Maputo. In Eymard and Champagnat.
(101 Silver Street, Waterville Me 04901-5923; 207-873-4400)
From DAN ALLEN ('63): The Marists All newsletter has always been greatly
appreciated in our home. While I am not one for sitting down and writing about
what is happening in my life, this note will be a short exception. I've been
teaching at Sleepy Hollow High/Middle School in Sleepy Hollow, New York, for
the past 25 years and chairing the English Department since 1984. My wife
Muffitt teaches religion at Our Lady of Lourdes High In Poughkeepsie. We have
three children: Caitlin, who toured with "Riverdance the Show" for a year before
entering college and is now a sophomore at Notre Dame; Liam, a very avid
lacrosse player and freshman at Trinity College; and Eamonn, another lacrosse
player and a freshman at Sleepy Hollow High. My parents are still in Lawrence
and are doing well. My brother Shawn was ordained a priest for the Boston
Archdiocese this past May and is currently in a parish in Arlington,
Massachusetts. Thank you for your continued dedication to Marists All, and
thank you to all who share what is happening in their lives. (764 Robin Rd.
Yorktown Heights NY 10598; dallen412@worldnet.att.net)
From JAMES (Joseph Cadroes) SMYTH ('48): I went to the Esopus juniorate
to begin my sophomore year in 1945. I withdrew from the Poughkeepsie
provincialate in June of 1953. Thanks to my time in the Navy, the GI Bill paid
for my college as I went on to get an MBA specializing in accounting and
taxation.
My wife Mary, an RN, and I have been married 43 years. We have three sons: a
carpenter, an accountant, and a policeman, plus six grandchildren, all living
nearby. For 23 years we have been living in Cape May county in southern New
Jersey. We have now retired from our professions. We own and operate a small
motel outside Cape May. Over a 20-year period we have built it up from a little
summer motel to a year-round motel with 25 units on four wooded acres. I have
my own retreat grounds.
Some years ago Mary was working in a nursing home and noticed a picture of a
Marist Brother on a night stand. She told the patient that her husband was once a
Marist Brother. The patient told her son, and I have been receiving Marists All
ever since. Thank you. (535 Route 47 South, Green Creek NJ 08219;
wwmotel@bellatlantic.net; 609-476-7167)
From PAT GALLAGHER ('53): My sense of pride at the canonization of St.
Marcellin Champagnat is overwhelming. It was a wonderful feeling to be so
connected with Marists from all over the world when this event took place, to
have been part of his work, and to have partaken of his spirit. Now Mary and I
are reading everything we can get our hands on, trying to be prepared for
cultural trips in our area and studying Spanish and Italian in view of future trips
to Europe. We are going to Belgium, Holland, and Luxembourg next year and to
Ireland with my sister and her husband in September.
6/22/2021
Newsletter # 50
https://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/newsletters/newsletter50.html
7/10
Mary and I share lecture programs that have taken us to Boca Raton, Cape Coral,
and other locations up and down the East Coast. Through federal funding I have
been invited to speak on the subject of the use of force by police at a training
seminar that is scheduled to be held at Marist College in October.
Once again, we have an invitation out for anyone traveling up and down I-81 to
stop 30 miles south of Roanoke and stay at our B & B as our guests. We would
love to host you. (P.O. Box 60, Indian Valley VA 24105; 540-789-4056;
pgallagher@swva.net)
From JOHN (Michael Daniel) BRADY ('57): About five years ago on leaving
the Marist Family Picnic at the Mount I promised myself and Dave that I would
write. Yet, I have not written till now. I am living in Hazlet, New Jersey, and
working as a middle school counselor in the Tinton Falls School District. After
25 years in high school work as a teacher and counselor, I became a middle
school counselor ten years ago. I love working at this level, though I wasn't so
sure of the move when I first arrived.
Before leaving the Brothers I worked with Pat Gallagher, Eric Anderberg, and
Vince Poisella in LaPorte, Indiana. After leaving and marrying in the Midwest,
my wife Joan and I moved to New York City where I served as Guidance
Director at St. Agnes High School for five years before we moved to New Jersey
and I began to work in public schools. Besides my work as a counselor in the
schools I've been very active in the state school counselor organizations.
Joan and I and our two sons, Johnny and Matt, have kept in close touch with
Vince and Jane Poisella and their family over the years. In fact, Vince and I
traveled together and were roommates when we attended the canonization in
Rome of our Founder, St. Marcellin. Brother Nick Caffrey shared in many of our
celebrations and our sightseeing tours. What a memorable experience to be there
and to meet so many people that I had not seen in many years.
A word about Marists All: When I receive the newsletter, I don't just read it, I
savor it. I settle down where I can read it quietly and without interruption. As I
read the notes and letters in each issue, I am struck over and over by the Marist
spirit that fills the pages from those who write. There is a practicality and a
down-to-earth spirituality there, and a camaraderie based on shared experiences
and values. It inspires and encourages and truly moves me. What a gift to be
connected with such men, those I know personally and those whom I may not
have met. Peace! (3 Brookside Avenue, Hazlet NJ 07730; 732-739-3911;
jbrady@tfs.k12.nj.us)
From MAURICE BIBEAU ('50): Although I officially retired from teaching at
Marist College last spring, the death of my wife Donna this May suggested that
added time and a familiar, supportive situation would be useful and needed to
make adjustments. As a result I am teaching full time at the college during the
1999-2000 school year. I was blessed by my marriage to Donna, a very happy,
loving, courageous person. And I am blessed by my many years at Marist, with
all the friends and experiences which that includes. The chapel I helped build has
served as my place of worship for the past 35 years.
I am the only person thus far to have lived in the old St. Ann's Hermitage and
also to work at the new "St. Ann's Hermitage," a large house on a thirteen-acre
property at the north end of the campus, property bought by the college less than
two years ago. The building is serving as a temporary office building for the
6/22/2021
Newsletter # 50
https://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/newsletters/newsletter50.html
8/10
English and Modern Languages faculty. This school year will see the completion
of the new library and of the new Fontaine Building. The latter will house the
Division of Humanities and the Development and alumni Offices as well as four
classrooms and the Marist Institute of Public Opinion. The Adrian Building is
expected to be leveled next year. The Chapel is being renovated inside and out.
The same type of stone that is on the new library exterior now covers the
permastone and pillars of the chapel. (4 Van Wert Place, Hyde Park NY 12538;
845-229-0879;
Maurice.Bibeau@marist.edu)
From FRED (Raymond Frederick) HORN ('55): I spent about 28 of the most
enjoyable months of my life at St. Joseph's Novitiate in Tyngsboro with many
fine young men from the East Coast. It was my first substantial contact with
people who were not from the Wheeling area. I relish the memories of the walks
in the woods toward the old quarry, the time spent in silence on Saturday
mornings, the farm work, the two weeks spent at Camp Marist, and the trek to
the girl's academy at Christmas time for caroling. I think often of Br. John
Francis and his music, of Br. John Berchman and his skill with the hockey puck,
of Brother Pius and his smile, of Br. Frederick Charles and his sewing machines.
I learned much during my stay in Tyngsboro that has helped me in my oater
years.
After leaving the novitiate I started an apprenticeship in plumbing and
pipefitting trades, following in the footsteps of my father and his father before
him. I retired in March of this year after 42 years at plumbing. I did spend four
years in the service with a couple of tours of duty in Viet Nam with Special
Forces, Airborne Rangers, as an interpreter. That is another very special
experience I will never forget!
Ruth and I, married 30 years, have been blessed with four good children. We
have three married daughters living in Ohio, Wisconsin, and Georgia. Fred
Junior has just picked up the plumbing trade, after spending six years in the
Army. He is living at home until he gets his feet back firmly on civilian ground.
His ex-wife and their two children live in Michigan, but right now we are
enjoying his summer custody of the two kids.
A month after my March retirement I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I have
just completed a regimen of radiation treatments and will have radium implant
surgery on the 19th of August. My oncologist believes that we will beat the
cancer completely. I know he is right! I ask for your prayers anyhow.
Ruth and I have been serving as Eucharistic ministers at St. Vincent de Paul
Parish for the past 15 years. I am also a lector at many of the 8 a.m. Sunday
Masses. I have served on many CRHP's and Cursillo weekends. Ruth and I
together have led several renewals for couples. We have very much enjoyed the
time we have spent assisting the Marist priests who service our parish. The
Marist Brothers are back in Wheeling, working with the poor, much like
missionaries; they are well respected for their work. I read Marists All in its
entirety, and I look particularly for names that are familiar. I really love to hear
more from those of my time. (70 Burkham Court, Wheeling WV 26003; 304-
242-5839; hrf@juno.com)
From BILL (David William) POWERS ('50): I'm still working as an
educational materials salesman. I have my own company called "Maps Plus" and
I cover the eastern part of upstate New York. As we are self-employed
Jacqueline and I can travel a lot. We have recently been to Florida, Rome,
6/22/2021
Newsletter # 50
https://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/newsletters/newsletter50.html
9/10
Greece, Geneva, and Potsdam - all in New York State, of course! However, what
we do best is sit on our back porch and watch the birds come to our birdbath as
we eat Jacqueline's homemade cooking, recently acclaimed "the Best Cooking
north of the Jersey Border." Five of our six children are married and have given
Jacqueline and me ten beautiful grandchildren with one more to come in August.
(That's why I'm still working!) I have been a lector in the local parish, St.
Anthony's, for thirty or more years. The other Sunday I almost sounded as good
as Brother Hugh (John Crowe). Well, I guess I'll have to keep working at it. (17
Blauvelt Street, Nanuet NY 10954; 914-623-2935)
From JOHN (James Austin) McALEER ('42): I appreciate the kind remarks
about my autobiographical sketch in the May issue of Marists All. I am
extremely grateful that I had the opportunity to do it. It has opened up a part of
my life which has remained dormant for so long. I think I had a need which I
was unaware of. It was not that I had any resentments or bad feelings. All I know
is that what is going on now seems healthy and grace-filled, and I'm enjoying it
thoroughly. Letters are still arriving and I'm doing some e-mailing as well.
Ruth and I will fly to Chicagoland for ten days at the beginning of August. We'll
stay with our son Sean and his wife in the city and with friends in Lake Bluff on
the north shore where we raised our family. I had hoped to see Br. Julian Roy
while in the windy city but he's heading for the New England states the day we
arrive. While in Lake Bluff we plan to drive to Milwaukee to visit Bill Murphy
(Joseph William '40) and his wife Sandy. Thank you for your thoughtfulness,
care, and concern. I can't ell you how much I admire and appreciate what you
two have been doing. (8700 Metcalf #102, Overland Park KS 66212; 913-381-
6548)
From PAUL (Damian Andrew) BRUNEAU ('51): Thanks very much for the
August issue of Marists All. Keep them coming. I enjoy them all. July 26th,
1999, reminded me that if I had stayed with the Brothers I'd be a "Junior
Jubilarian" celebrating my 48th anniversary. How times flies! I'd like to say "Hi
and sincere congratulations" to all the "Junior Jubilarians" with whom I worked
and shared community. Among them: Tim Brady, Henry Sawicki, and Emil
Denworth in Trumbull with "Moo- moo" (Roy Mooney) as our director; Gerry
Brereton during the first year at Marist in Chicago with Pius ("Food is food,
ontologically speaking," Gerry); John McDonagh and Mike Williams at the
Mount; and Hugh Turley at Dubois with our boss John Arthur. Oh, such fond
friendships and fond memories!
After a year in Lumen Vitae in Brussels and a half-year at the second novitiate in
Fribourg with Ethelred, I was assigned to Trumbull. I left the brothers in 1970. I
retired from the classroom in July of '92 after 35 years in secondary education:
14 years with the Brothers and 21 years teaching Introduction to college
Psychology in Ridgefield, Connecticut. While there I also did stress management
workshops for teachers; CEU seminars; adult ed and undergrad psychology at
the local state university. Now that I'm retired, unmarried, and living in a big
house, call me or drop in if you are in western Connecticut. (612 Jeremy Drive,
Davenport FL 33837) (377 North Candlewood Lake Road, New Milford CT
06776; 860-355-1839)
From ROBERT LOPEZ ('59): I'm still teaching at Rose-Hulman Institute of
Technology. However, I'll be on leave this coming year to finish writing an
advanced engineering math text. My wife Glenda manages an Alzheimer's unit
at a nursing home. Both of our sons are married and gone. The younger one just
6/22/2021
Newsletter # 50
https://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/newsletters/newsletter50.html
10/10
got his PhD in medieval history from Yale. The older one has just finished the
first chapter of his thesis for a PhD in sociology from Berkeley. For the past two
years I've been clocking a weekly hour at the Perpetual Adoration Chapel at our
local church. Very revealing, very rewarding. I have developed a great respect
and admiration for the "yes" my classmates who persevered have made. God
bless them. They are the pillars of the universe. (59 Hermitage Drive, Terre
Haute IN 47803; rolopez@rose-hulman.edu)
From BILL COWIE ('60): Greetings! I guess you could call this an extremely
long overdue letter. I left in 1983 while Dean of Students at Central Catholic,
Lawrence, and I continued in that position until 1997 when I went back to
teaching at that school. I had been in the Dean's job for 18 years, so I was ready
for a change. I love teaching and I feel very fortunate to be doing it at Central
which has a great staff and great kids. I feel very fortunate to have been
associated with the monks all these years. It was Cronan Halsey, I think, who
once said to me at the Mount that monks are the greatest guys in the world. He's
right!
I married in 1989 to Carole, a lovely girl; she is a school psychologist in North
Andover. We just celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary with a trip to England
and Scotland. Best wishes to all. (27 Stinson Road, Andover MA 01810; 978-
475-3739)
From HELEN TOBIN: I know the enclosed questionnaire was meant for the
men but as a "Marist widow" I filled it out just for fun. It was nice to see Pat's
old letter on the front page of the last issue of Marists All. Even though Pat
enjoyed that picnic in 1976, I couldn't get him to attend any other function
because he felt it was too emotional for him. I still read the newsletter
completely. I particularly enjoyed Sean Sammon's article in that last issue.
Pat and Steve Minogue had been friends for 60 years when Pat died, and I have
had the gift of his friendship for 35 of those years. It was in seeing the name of
Luke Driscoll as a presenter in 1996 that brought me to attend the Marist Family
Spirituality gathering. I haven't missed a year since! There is such a tremendous
feeling of love and belonging at those gatherings. (75 Revere Court, Montville
NJ 07045; 973-335-3758)
DECEASED: The Marist community mourns the death of John Sullivan's wife
Celia. A memorial service was held August 28th; it was attended by a wide
range of family and friends acknowledging her outstanding qualities as a teacher
and friend. Many will recall that John was from Lawrence and of the Tyngsboro
group of 1962. (8 Carol Dr., Poughkeepsie NY 12603)
From GUS to all E - M A I L E R S: Thank you for your responses to our
request for e-mail addresses. Now a simple request; please send me an e-mail
note, any note, so that I may more easily have your address in my address book.
(Include more for the newsletter if you wish.) So far we have well over 50
addresses, and we expect more; the prospect of re-typing them without mistake
"overwhelms" me! E-mail to: gusnolan@aol.com Many thanks
