Marists All August 1988
ISSUE # 6
GMC PICNIC: Looking forward to seeing all those within a day's traveling radius of New York at the annual Greater Marist Community picnic to be held this year at the Mount in the garth and ball field areas. It will be on Saturday, September 17th, from noon to 4 or 5 p.m. Indoor facilities are available in case of rain. Come with spouse and children or come alone. Bring your own beverage and a pot-luck dish for a shared meal. Brothers are most welcome. Thanks to Br. John Francis Colbert for opening the doors to us.
GMC PICNIC
Mount St. Michael
Saturday September 17th 1988
FROM BR. JOHN McDONNELL ('59): Buon Giorno: By now you know that I'll be leaving for Rome on Friday, July 29th, to join the staff of our Marist Spirituality Center. For the next three years I'll be helping to conduct a sabbatical program in Rome for Marist Brothers, ages 35-55, from English speaking countries who are seeking personal renewal and updating. Each five month program ends with a two week pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Exciting, challenging, frightening!
Once again I ask for and count on the support of your prayer. Admittedly this is one of my bolder moves; and if I didn't confess I'm a tad scared, I'd be lying. Yet I really am confident that the support of our Lord, his Mother, and people like yourselves will keep me going, as will the chance to visit family in Cork and Dublin occasionally.
This past year I worked as Director of Novices, provincial councillor and a member of the Formation Team for the Marist Brothers, plus helping to conduct our parish shelter for homeless men and doing some spiritual direction and directed retreats. It was a wonderful year in so many ways. God continues to bless me with good health and much happiness, My brother Ted is beginning his fifth year as pastor of Holy Trinity parish in Manhattan and is quite busy and happy,
Will be mentioning all of you and those you love to our Lord in Rome. C'mon over and visit! Spaghetti carbonara and Frascati wine on me!. Am delighted with the newsletter. Could you put me on your "foreign" mailing list? Grazie:
FROM JOHN P. (John David) DUNN ('55): It is great reading the newsletter. Some of the names I am in contact with; others I have no idea what happened to them. It is great hearing about Art Lavigne. He probably still can't hit the fast ball with the brown bat!
After teaching at Resurrection Ascension in Rego Park with Felix, Joel, etc., I returned to secular life and taught a full year in the Levittown school district. However, Uncle Sam caught me, and I joined the 42nd Rainbow Division, 107th Infantry Regiment, a National Guard Unit. My only real claim to fame there was that we tested the M-14 for the regular army, which later became the M-16 used extensively in Viet Nam.
After my discharge, I entered the business world and have been a salesman for then past 24 years, working for four companies.Besides being the Regional Sales Manager for Guardsman Chemical now, I am class agent for Marist College, class of '59. And I still have my hand in education, teaching confirmation.
I married a Parkchester girl and have three children. My oldest daughter is now a Senior at Marist (boy, has that place ever changed). My middle child is a sophomore at College Misericordia in Dallas, run by the Sisters of Mercy. My son will start high school this fall, and is a real jock, like I pretended be.
I have been in contact with Rich Schiavone and Buddy Mullins, but would love to hear from others in my group and the surrounding groups. Everyone is in my prayers.
FROM CHARLIE (James Martin) SCOTT ('50): Thanks so much for making the newsletter a reality. Many have renewed contacts and rekindled friendships so long dormant, Directly after the first issue appeared, I had a phone call from Augusta, Georgia's Phil Kelly, perhaps the first time we've been in touch since he and Clyde Delanoy beat me in the annual Novice-Postulant baseball game in Tyngsboro, 1951. And just recently I had a splendid letter from Frank Moran (Peter Michael), now living with his wife and family in Dublin. So, I think you have really accomplished something wonderful in editing the newsletter.
The reunion in New York in June of '87 was quite extraordinary, at least for me, I had not felt so nervous since I gave my first lectures at the University of Wisconsin in 1963. Standing on the west side of Fifth Avenue across from the main entrance of St. Patrick's, looking anxiously into the growing assembly on the front steps, I remember wondering if there would be anyone I would recognize, if anyone would still recognize me. And then the relief to find Br. Hugh Andrew (John Crowe), with whom we have been in touch off and on over the years; and he, in his inimitable way, able to steer me in the direction of others from our era.
I confess it was as disconcerting as it was wonderful--a kaleidoscope of people images, almost all looking only vaguely familiar until some certainty was established, and then the excitement of rediscovery. Expecting some faces, suddenly being confronted by others, trying to adjust realities to preconceptions. What I remember most is searching the faces of men to see in them the remembered faces of youth. Sometimes the match was was really good--Frank Casey was easy to recognize, and Charlie McNiff, and Joe Kelly, but I'm very glad that many others caught the unsureness in my eyes and reminded me who they were. In my first message to you I wondered publicly where Jeptha Lanning might be, and there he was; I hope there will be other occasions. If not, the newsletter is next best.
FROM REV. MICHAEL THOMAS FLANAGAN ('50): Reading the newsletter was like taking a walk down memory lane. After almost twenty-seven years as a priest I had no trouble remembering the many memories of my life as a Marist Brother and the people who contriubted to my well being,, like Br. Louis Omer, Br. Cyril Robert, Br, Aidan Francis, and a host of men who influenced my life in so many ways. I guess there are too many to mention. Not only do the Marists have a very special place in my heart but I feel that it was via the Marists that led me to the priesthood, as well as to my devotion to the Blessed Mother.
I was delighted to read about the many Marists and former Marists, where they are today and what they are doing with their lives. I was especially interested in hearing about a few of my former classmates, one or two of whom I keep in touch with from time to time, viz. James Venantius and Leonard Voegtle.
At this writing, I have been a pastor for fifteen years, seven of which have been spent in this parish. While this is not my favorite parish, I also realize that there is no perfect parish, especially in today's 'modern' Church. Nevertheless, there are distinct advantages in being here, like being only fifty miles from Dallas, having a beautiful parish plant in the country ... and no debt;
Don't forget to send me the back issues of Marists All as I would like to hear from and about my former Marist classmates. Any Marist is welcome to come by and see me should he find himself in the Dallas area,
FROM PETE SEDLMEIR ('61): I promised myself that when the summer came around, I'd write something and send it for the newsletter. When I told this to Br. Pat Hogan, he laughed a "I'll believe it when I see it" type of laugh. I've so enjoyed reading the past issues of Marists All that I felt I had to contribute.
After I left the Brothers in 1979, I got a job as an electronics engineer at Sperry (now Unisys), and I married my lovely wife Margaret. We moved to Mineola, Long Island, and have been in Corpus Christi parish for nine years. About five years ago I was asked to consider becoming a deacon, and this past May, I was ordained as a permanent deacon in the Rockville Centre Diocese. My wife and I are active in the parish In-Home Pre-Cana program and currently I'm in the process of organizing a Pre-Cana program for the Portuguese parishioners who make up approximately half the parish.Guess who's trying to learn Portuguese? The Spirit will certainly have to work overtime;
During the years I've had the good fortune to mainain contact with several monks. I've also been able to continue working at the camp for deaf children at Esopus. In addition, Margaret and I take care of the applications for the camps for retarded children and adults at Esopus. Little did I think, when I was in the Juniorate in Esopus, that one day I'd be patrolling that dark dorm like Br. John Berchmans used to!
At a Mass of Thanksgiving for one of the men who was ordained with me, I ran into Jack Meehan and his wife. Apparently she did not believe Jack when he said to her, "I know that guy!" After Mass we began talking, and it seems that many former Marists who were in the Juniorate in the '57 to '60 time period live in the St. James, L.I., area, I also found out that the fellow whose ordination we were celebrating has a brother who was in the Juniorate with us (Jim Maher). It is certainly a small world! Thanks for organizing this newsletter;
I hope it continues for many years. By the way, you might be hearing from Br. Pat Hogan shortly ... I think!
FROM JERRY DALY ('62): I want to thank you both for all your work in getting this Marists All project off the ground. It's been great to hear how so many old friends are doing and more important to be able to get in touch with them. I want to send you some names now, and I'll write more about myself in a future letter.
FROM BILL (Bernard Gilmary) CONNELLY ('55): As so many others have commented, the circulation of Marists All has opened doors to the past that were unfortunately beginning to close. After being dispensed from my vows in 1965, I left Christ the King High School and taught math and science and coached football at a high school in Tarrytown, N. Y., for a year. Then in October of 1966 I was sworn in as an FBI agent, I was assigned to Springfield, Illinois, 1967-68, Cleveland, Ohio, 1968-78, and for the past ten years I have been doing Organized Crime and Narcotics investigations in the ever-bustling Miami FBI office.
I was first married in 1966 and have two wonderful daughters, Cheryl (21) and Karen (18), who live nearby with their mother. Both are working and going to college in South Florida. We spend much time together and Cheryl plans to marry next year after getting her B.S. in counseling. In 1979, I married Lucie.. a fellow FBI agent. We were amicably divorced in March of this year. I am eligible to retire from the FBI at this time, but will probably stay three more years until mandatory retirement at age 55. I do a lot of boating, water sports, and tennis; and I plan to live out my retirement in South Florida.
My faith continues to nurture with the aid of an almost charismatic Catholic Church in Ft. Lauderdale, St. Maurice. The church building is a converted horse stable; the community, aptly called the Family of the Stable, is a group of dedicated and active Catholics who live their religion. They are even polite and friendly leaving the parking lot after the liturgy. Each service is orchestrated by a dynamic Irish pastor who truly leads his flock in Christ's footsteps, My best to all my many good friends. Get in touch any time you're in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area.
FROM REV. FRANCIS X. (Stephen Joachim) GALLOGLY ('52): Thanks for the newsletter. I enjoy every inch of it. At the moment I am at St. Augustine's Parish in Andover, Mass. I came here three months ago from St. Thomas University in sunny Florida where I have been for the past four years. I am doing parish work while school is out. This time I may stay in a parish; I really enjoy it here. We have very fine Augustinian communities here in the Lawrence area.There are about 55 Augustinians living in seven communities. I met a lot of Marist Brothers recently at the funeral for one of our men.
Before Easter I worked with young people from Central Catholic, the Brothers' school in Lawrence, and from Presentation, a girls' school in Methuen. One Brother at Central told me that I was his freshman teacher way back when he was at Mt. St, Michael in the Bronx; now he is a Marist and a very nice man; we will get together for dinner one of these days (probably Br. Gerry Doherty, '62).
On my day off I enjoy driving the half hour it takes to get to the Augustinian vacation home in Rye, New Hampshire. I went for a walk along the ocean and then drove up to Portsmouth for the day.When I got home I had a wind/sun burn. Last week I went to Kittery.. York, and Ogunquit, along the rocky coast of Maine. It is pleasant to come back to Rye in the evening with a nice big Maine lobster and with happy thoughts and peace of mind.
FROM BR. VINCENT JEROME DOUGHTY ('51): Many thanks to you all for the interesting updates in the Marists All newsletter. It is a marvelous publication, and we here in Kobe, Japan, enjoy reading about the people and happy memories from the good ole days.
After having read several issues of the newsletter, I thought it a good idea to very briefly fill you in on our mission in Japan. Our school in southern Japan, Kumamoto, is doing very well. Bros. Patrick Francis Tyrell, Matthew Michael Callanan, and Bernard Yamaguchi are holding the fort with some 1000 boys, mostly boarding students. We in Kobe have 291 boys and girls, kindergarten through 12. Besides myself there are Br. Luke Pearson, principal, Br. Vincent Benedict Moriarty, assistant principal, Br. Augustine Francis Landry, Br. Simeon Arthur Oullette, Br. Joseph Yoshida, and Br. Stephen Weber, a German Brother, displaced from his original mission to China. After coming to Kobe for one year to help Matty with reading, I have stayed on for seven years, now working in guidance, my major field.
Rick Jambor ('50) and his wife and son often attend Mass here. Rick's wife is on the school faculty and his son is in Grade 9. We'd like to hear from anyone who would like to write to us.
FROM BR. CYPRIAN ROWE ('53): Marists All is like recall of the whole life without an intermediate dying; or, perhaps, like reclamation breaking wide the pretense that any death is final.
Last summer I was driving down a busy street in Baltimore. On the corner I thought I saw Michael Kramer. Since turning was impossible at that place and time, I assuaged my disappointment with the idea that I had been mistaken. As news about former confreres goes, the rumors about Mike had placed him pretty definitely in New England. Both my cup and sense of sanity ran over when I saw the note in Marists All reporting that MK was now living in Owings Mills, right outside Baltimore. So it was probably he that I saw; Since I will be taking up residence in B'more once again next fall, chances are that he and I will make contact.
Raphael Martin talks to me de temps en temps when he he is not talking to the Lord.
After three years living in the novitiate here in the Chicago area, happily creative both here and at my Loyola University offices and classrooms, I am going back to Baltimore for work at the University of Maryland and at Johns Hopkins. Given my patterns, friends might have expected the change.
No attempt at a summary statement of the ways and wayfarings of CLR is necessary. The years have been swift and full. While there have been few actual encounters with the personal content of my past, there are always, ALWAYS, reminders that Marists have cut a wide path through American wheatfields.
In December of '86, took the the vow of stability. Decided that Marcellin Champagnat, Malcolm, and Martin spoke similar languages. And I guess I recognized that I've spent a lot of happy years. Looking forward to Chesapeake Bay. Will be at St. Peter Claver Parish
FROM TOM CRIMMINS ('63): It has been fantastic to hear from the many people I met along the way during my fifteen years with the Marist Brothers. I left community life in 1974, after teaching at Resurrection-Ascension and at Christ the King. Over the past fourteen years I have stayed in touch with a number of people, especially Br. John Dunning, who was my best man when I married Cathy in 1976. He was also the godfather for my first-born son, Tommy, in 1979. Since then we have been blessed with Michael, age 7; Kathie, age 4; and Mary, who turned one this past April. Jim Meehan and D. Hartnett, who teach in the Miami area, drop in every time they're up for a visit, And after all these years I still get my annual "birthday letter" from Br. Leonard.
I attempted to stay in Catholic schools, but after going through three teachers' strikes in eight years, I knew it was time to get into public education. I have been a vocational counselor at Elmont High since 1982. As a result of all those "league games" in the Juniorate, I have coached a number of sports and am presently the varsity basketball coach here at Elmont. My wife, Cathy, is an R.N. and teaches Child Birth classes at St. Vincent's Hospital in Manhattan when she has free time, Our children are a great joy to us, and we're always running to soccor practices, Cub Scouts, Little League, swimming lessons, etc. As good as life is for me and as happy as I am with my wife and family, those fifteen years in community were so important and so valuable.
My brother Frank ('65) never left the Pksie area when he graduated from Marist College. He works with E.D, students in a BOCES program. He's married and has two children. He's coming down this summer to help me turn my attic into a bedroom for the two boys. I always think of the tremendous talent of Br. John Berchmans during my Esopus days, I wish I had paid more attention to "Berkie" every time I have to pay someone to do carpentry work on my house.
FROM FRED (Raymond Frederick) HORN ('55): Just a few lines to thank you for including me in the mailing and to tell you that I read and reread everything in each newsletter. The memories these letters provoke are priceless, and a true gift from God,
Issue #5, May 1988, had a couple of letters from men whose names had escaped me for many years, Rich (curve ball) Schiavone and Art Lavigne, Joe Belanger wrote of his brother Ernie who is living in Spain. Ernie and I were almost inseparable in Tyngsboro in 1954 and 1955. I spent less than two years there at St, Joseph's, but those months were so important to me. They were two years that helped to shape me and form my life, two years that I will always remember and always cherish.
Since leaving St, Joseph's Novitiate, I have spent all of my time in my home town of Wheeling, WV, with the exception of about three years in Uncle Sam's service in Vietnam as an interpreter. I married at the age of 26, a young girl I met at a Holy Name Communion breakfast. We will be celebrating our 25th anniversary later this year. We have four children: Freddie, who is 14, Ruth 18, Jane 20, and Michelle 22, who with her husband Dave is expecting our first grandchild later in the year.
I am a construction worker, like my father and his father before him. Ruth and I and the kids are very active in the spiritual functions of our parish, St. Vincent de Paul, here in Elm Grove, Wheeling, especially in Family Life and marriage programs, and most often with Christ Renews His Parish and with Cursillo. Keep the letters coming; I'll drop a line later.(70 Burkham Court, Wheeling, WV, 26003)
SHORT NEWS NOTES: The house of formation on Rue Louis Braille in Fribourg, Switzerland, has been sold, and an English speaking second novitiate will be established in Rome in a building separate from the generalate property. Br. John McDonnell ('59) will be on the staff. Attending January to July of 1989 will be Br. Hugh Turley ('54), Br. Anthony Huck ('66), Br. John Byrd ('67), and Br, Donald Neary ('68),
Br. Ronald Pasquariello's book Conversations with Andrew Greeley is ready for publication this fall by Quinlan Press,
Br. James Kearney ('49), presently superintendent of schools for the New York Archdiocese, has been elected to the executive board of the Middle Atlantic States Evaluation Association.
Br. Stephen Urban has been named to a three year term as director of the Marist Brothers' generalate in Rome.
Br. Owen Cuthbert, now 91 years of age, is seriously ill in Chicago. He had a bad fall that may have been precipitated by a mild stroke.
This coming fall Br. Michael Mullin ('59) will go to Rome to attend conferences involving all branches of the Marist family: priests, nuns, and Brothers.
Br. John McDonagh ('59) has been named director of the community of retired monks at Leeds Terrace in Lawrence.
On his way to visit Br.Tom Kelly in Pakistan to project the future of Marist work there, Br. Sean Sarmon, provincial of the Pksie province, will visit Mexican staffed Marist schools in Korea this September; Korea is relatively new in the Marist world.
The scholastic year of 1989-90 will be celebrated as Champagnat Year by the Marist Brothers. It will be the 200th anniversary of the birth of Blessed Marcellin Champagnat and the 150th anniversary of his death,
Soon Br. Leonard Voegtle will be coming.out with the first volume of the history of the
U. S. province of the Marist Brothers from its beginnings in the 1880's to 1915.
The new mission in Liberia is now staffed by Br. Paul Ambrose, Br. Leo Shea ('52), Br. Pat McNulty ('52), and Br. Dave Cooney ('62). Br. Norbert A. Cote ('30) and Br. Lucian Duguay ('42) had to return home because of ill health; and Br. Adolph Leo's departure for Liberia has been delayed because of his blood pressure. Also Br. Simeon Oulette returned from Japan due to sickness.
New principals in the Esopus province: Br. Edmund Sheehan ('59) to Bayonne, Br. Michael Lineen ('61) to Brownsville, and Br. Kevin Handibode ('57) takes over at Christopher Columbus in Miami; no changes in the Poughkeepsie province.
Br. Philip Robert Ouellette ('48), assistant general, visited his brother Kenneth Robert ('50) at Camp Marist recently; other members of their family joined them there. Phil was on his way to Brazil where he will be part of a team of three assistants general visiting the five or six provinces in Brazil over the next three months. Phil is especially responsible for formation.
MORE NEWS NOTES: Early in the summer season at Camp Marist, Br. Joseph Abel ('17) fell accidentally, broke his right arm, and injured his back.To get the regular attention he needed under the circumstances, he went to a nursing home nearby in New Hampshire; he was able, though, to get a day visit to camp off and on. He has lost weight and could use the help of our prayers.
For two and a half months, September to mid-November, there will be a renewal session this fall for senior Brothers, 60 to 75, at the generalate in Rome. Conferences on Scripture, theology of aging, prayer of the elderly, and similar topics will be given by resource people. Br. William lavigne ('50) and Brother Roy Mooney ('52) will be on the staff. Attending will be Br. Charles Raymond Hamel ('27), Br. Bernard Gregory Flood ('33 ), Br. Paul Urban Phillip ('40), Br. Thomas Edward Hennesey ('40), Br. Edwin Giles Keogh ('41), and Br. Patrick Eugene Magee ('43).
ABOUT THE PHILIPPINE PROVINCE:
Br. James Adams ('55) has been in the Philippines for over twenty years, most recently serving as director of the Marist Brothers' school in Marbel, where there are 6500 college, high school and grammar school students with many lay teachers. He is now back in the states for six months of study, retreat, and rest, basing himself in Manhassett where he had taught for several years. A phone conversation with Brother James left us the following picture of the Brothers' work in the Philippines.
There are now fifty Brothers in the Philippine province, running seven schools, all of which have two to six thousand students. Though there are still seven Americans in the Philippines, the province is run more and more by Filippinos. Br. Renato Cruz (Tyngsboro '58) has been on the general council in Rome for eight years but is presently detailed to serve as provincial of his own province. Others who had their formation in Tyngsboro and Poughkeepsie and who would be known to many of the readers of this newsletter are: Br. Leonard Songa ('54) director of Dadiangas; Br. Pius Tojo ('55) till recently director of Guam; Br. , Timoteo Cabaguon ('56) teaching in Jolo; Br. Fernando Armendez ('54) in Lagao; and Br. Gilben Bagacia in Marikina, Manila.
The Americans still in the Philippines are: Br. Herbert Daniel ('35) a former provincial and one of the four Brothers who founded the mission forty years ago, now retired and living in Marbel; Br. Henry Joseph Ruiz ('26) originally from Spain but a member of the U.S. province teaching at St. Ann's Academy for many years, a former econome of the Philippine province, now treasurer of the school in Dadiangas; Br. Bernard Curtin ('36) coordinator of religious studies for the Brothers' schools in the Philippines; Br. Norman Roy ('39) former master of novices; now director of the novitiate property in Cotabato; Robert McGovern ('48) administrative assistant in charge of fund raising; Br. Alfred George ('47) teaching in Kidapawan; and Br. Louis Dubois ('44) teaching in Marikino. Br. Paul Meuten ('55) a German-born Brother who did his studies at Marist College, does much administrative work in Marbel and is on the provincial council.
Three American Brothers have died in the Philippines: Br. Regis Xavier Creegan ('40) in 1978; Br. Maurus James ('29) in 1985; and Br. Reginald Theodore ('44) this past year.
Some twelve to fifteen additional Brothers, now back in the Esopus and Poughkeepsie provinces, have served in the Philippines in previous years.
Remembering CLEM (Luke Anselm) MARTIN ('49): Knowing a person for over forty years and in that time experiencing together unique joys and sorrows leaves one with a reservoir of thoughts and fond memories. Perhaps central to these thoughts and memories is the strange paradox that though Clem was a tough, fiery individual, he was ever gentle and kind of spirit,
When Richard Tinker was told of Clem's death by classmates, his response was that he always saw him standing there at home plate with a bat in his hands. Those were Clem's boyhood days when he was a great competitor, not only in sports but in whatever he was doing. That zest for life and for competition never really left him. He never changed.
In St. Ann's Academy that youthful enthusiasm sparked his teaching and his dynamic coaching. Under the watchful eyes of Bill Murphy and Lou Carnesecca, Clem turned out top-ranked Stanners. That same drive carried over into his private spiritual growth, into his course work in graduate school, his love of music (he taught me the wonders of Handel's Messiah), and his play in the "yard" or the gym. Sometimes, but not often, he would follow the monks' whisper ... "Let Big Ben win."
The South was to be the site of events that turned out to have the greatest impact on him. The misfortune was that his body collapsed despite the drive of his spirit; and then came flames that permanently scarred his body. But that agony was followed by the joy of meeting Secoura. Then eventually a beautiful marriage and the arrival of their two girls, Allie and Mannie, and two boys, Clem and Sam,
The Martin family settled in Suffern. Clem became Chairman of the Language Department in the high school, and in the local parish he was involved in the Cursillo and family movements. Clem showed his gentle nature in caring for his aging mother for whom he provided through her final years in his own home. The most difficult change for Clem must have been the call to retire from active teaching. For more than two years his role was to sit on the sidelines and have life reported to him. But anyone who visited him in those years knows that the zest for life remained, and one went away enriched with what Clem gave: his love and appreciation.
On July 23rd, in his own home, Clem left this world for a never changing one. A final tribute was offered July 26th in the Mass of Christian Burial, concelebrated by eleven priests. Nearly a dozen of his brothers gathered to sing what Clem sang so often, the "Salve Regina"; then an unforgettable "In Paradisum," (This tribute was written by Gus Nolan,)
FROM LUCILLE SHURKUS: I was so pleased to hear from you through the Marist newsletter ... Al's disease progressed rapidly after the diagnosis in May of '87. He remained optimistic throughout the course of his treatment because he believed in miracles and felt assured that the disease would reverse itself. It was not till Christmas week after a short hospitalization that it became evident that death was imminent. With help I was able to take care of him at home, a fact for which I am extremely grateful.
Al was able to talk about his death. He was able to talk to friends and family about his upcoming fate. Because he was able to talk, it helped me to start putting a closure to our relationship; and we spent some tender moments over that. I know that time will soften the pain, but I still miss him deeply. I am happy to have shared the gift of life with him for 18 years. I feel his loss profoundly.
On May 7, 1988, Al will be awarded an Honorary Degree in Humane Letters, posthumanously, at Rivier College, Nashua, N, H., where he taught since he left Marist College.
FROM JIM GARGAN ('59): Great to see all of you last summer at the Marist Centenary. Marists All is deeply appreciated. I know that a bridge between brothers, past and present, has been cemented so strong that it will continue and grow. I've been meaning to write this letter for so long ... Am now cleaning up my office prior to vacation; we're touring the West for a month and I've finally taken the collected Marists All off my credenza and am putting pen to paper.
I was in from 1958 to 1965, mainly at Marist High in Bayonne. Bayonne was made great by Binsky, Teddy Morris, Felix Elardo, to name a few. Taught English in college in Michigan (Ferris State, 1966-1967, and Eastern Michigan U., 1967-69). It was then that I decided to go to Law School (U. of Michigan) and there ran into Tom Hourican in 1968. We've been good friends since then, other than the time he stole my piggy bank of pennies in 1974 and presented it to me as a wedding gift that year. Tonmmy had the temerity to send a modest money order in my name to the Marist College Fund with my address so that I'd get all future solicitations. He even gave you my address at the centenary, so that now I get his copy and my copy of Marists All. What some people won 't do to avoid fund raisers
A number of us get together at least five times a year with our families. Besides Tommy Hourican ('60), our crowd includes Jack Meehan ('61), Paul Stengel ('62), Frank Sutton ('59), Richie Schiavone, ('55), Mike Sheridan, Jim Friel ('52), Terry McMahon ('56), Binsky (Martin Patrick ('51), Ziggie (Br. Richard Rancourt ('48). Also from time to time at these gatherings we have seen Tim Dooley ('60), Billy Ford ('61), Billy Carroll ('61), Tom Byrnes ('61), Pat Collins ('62), Jerry Callahan ('62), Br. Jim McKnight ('61). Our next meeting is scheduled for my house about the third Saturday in January. I'd be delighted to hear from and see any Marists All then. I'd just ask for a phone call several days in advance for logistics.
I'm blessed with a great wife Ginny (she was a Josephite) and Suzanne who's 13 and Jimmy who's 11. Since shortly after law school I've been an attorney in the securities-commodities field. Have been VP and Counsel for the New York Cotton Exchange for the past ten years. We trade cotton, orange juice, U.S. dollar and treasury note futures. Never a dull moment. Have found that the background in English, especially literature, was a wonderful preparation for the law.
About three years ago we started a "Great Books Discussion Group" here in Merrick. I recommend it highly to all who first read only for credits with Doc Schroeder, George Summer, Milton Teichman, Ziggy, and Richard "Dirty Mac" McCarthy!
BUSINESS UP-DATE: At this date we have enough funds for three more issues, but the flow of news and correspondence has slowed down this spring and summer. Let's hope that as we get into September, we will hear from more people.
We plan issue #7 for December of 1988. Be sure to think of notifying us if you have a change of address. By the way, our mailing list is weak on groups of the 1940's. If you know of anyone from that era, please make an extra effort to get their addresses to us. We send back issues to any new addresses. Mail to David Kammer.
LATE WORD: We hear that BILL (William Benedict) KANE ('47) passed away in late July. We hope to have more information and a-write-up in our next issue.
Source: Original Marists All Site
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