SERVING ALUMNI, PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF SALESIANUM

SPRING/SUMMER
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SERVING ALUMNI, PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF SALESIANUM
Message from the President
Dear Friends of Salesianum,
The warmth and freshness of spring has been compromised by
the newspaper headlines and the lead news stories concerning
the downturn in the economy and stock market melting down.
Even the excitement engendered by the NCAA Basketball
Tournament and the start of high school spring sports provide
only a temporary reprieve. Such is the world in which we all
live.
With gratitude for the hard work of our admission staff and the
rich tradition of student success, Salesianum is looking forward
to an entering freshman class at targeted projection. Even
more, we are on target to meet our school wide enrollment.
When I shared my enrollment enthusiasm recently, a Trustee
of a local school could only say: “What possible reason would
cause Salesianum to be concerned?” Still, there are a record
number of families submitting requests for financial assistance
with tuition for next year. This gives us reason to ask our
generous benefactors to dig a little deeper.
Recently, ISM, Independent School Management, conducted
a nationwide survey of parents of private-independent school students. The factors listed for enrollment decisions
were: safety, faculty caring and concern, character education, faculty expertise and academic rigor. From my own
conversations with our parents and alumni, our list would have to include these, plus spiritual formation, athletic
programs and a spirit of belonging. Being true to our mission, which encompasses all these, is a major factor for the
selection of Salesianum.
Visitors to www.salesianum.org in April were presented a link to Take our Planning Survey. The results to date
have urged us to consider increased tuition assistance, along with continued renovations to the building, especially
the athletic support area in the basement and the auditorium. If you missed the survey, ask for a printed copy to be
mailed.
The significant return on investment in education comes in the future. Halford Luccock described a small town that
was to be flooded as part of a dam project. The townspeople stopped all improvements and repairs to their property.
They reasoned: “Why repair anything when the whole village was to be wiped out?” The kernel of truth is: “Where
there is no faith in the future, there is no power in the present.” Bishop Cupich of Rapid City, South Dakota uses this
story to challenge our country to rekindle hope in our future. Nothing says invest in the future than commitment to
education, our own stimulus package.
Enjoy reading the following accounts of recent events, alumni updates and profiles. Thank you for your confidence
in Salesianum. We appreciate all you do for our students.
Sincerely,
Rev. James E. Dalton, OSFS
President
2008-2009 Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the governance
and management of Salesianum School. Trustees are
elected for three-year terms, renewable once.
SPRING/SUMMER 2009 / VOLUME V, ISSUE 2
Very Rev. James J. Greenfield, OSFS
Chairman
News from 18th and Broom
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Mark A. Degli Obizzi ’77
Vice-Chairman
Home Again
Steve Joyce ’86
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Peter G. Abessinio ’90
G. Howard Bathon, II, MD ’69
Harmon Carey
Dan A. Chila
Rev. James E. Dalton, OSFS
Rev. William F. Davis, OSFS
Rev. Richard R. DeLillio, OSFS ’56
Pedro M. Ferreira, Ph. D. ’65
Janis L. Julian
Gerard T. Kennealey, MD
Gilbert A. Leidig, Jr., MD
Nicholas M. Marsini, Jr. ’73
Rev. William T. McCandless, OSFS
Rev. Bernard F. O’Connor, OSFS ’62
Michael J. O’Rourke
Darryl A. Parson, Esq. ’83
William H. Schieffer ’79
Richard B. Skinner, Jr.
David J. Szaroleta, MA ‘68
Mark L. Reardon, Esq. ’78
School Counsel
Witness to History
Matt Payne ’09
Jason Rodowicz ’09
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One for the Roses
Andrew Szczerba ’07
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2008 Hall of Fame
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Grad Glimpses
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Upcoming Events
Back Cover
Jon Allison ’97, Assoc. Director of Development
Editor in Chief
Peter Castagna, Director of Communications
Managing Editor
MISSION STATEMENT
Salesianum School is a Roman Catholic independent secondary
school that teaches young men to live Jesus, guided by the
spirituality of St. Francis de Sales, through a college preparatory
education, enabling them to take their place in the world as
Salesian gentlemen.
The Distinguished Gentleman is published twice a year by the
Alumni/Development Office for the alumni, parents, and friends
of Salesianum. If you are interested in submitting an article or
Grad Glimpse, please send to:
Salesianum School
Distinguished Gentleman
Attn: Alumni/Development Office
1801 N. Broom Street,
Wilmington, DE 19802
(302) 356-2660
or pcastagna@salesianum.org
Rebecca Simeone
Rebecca Simeone Designs, LLC/Graphic Artist
Contributors
Jon Allison ’97
Brendan Kennealey ’94
Andrew Szczerba ’07
Nathan Bridge ’09
Matthew Casale ’09
Rose Lincoln (Boston College University)
Bud Keegan/www.budkeeganimages.com
Publisher
McClafferty Printing
(302) 652-8112
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DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN
SPRING/SUMMER 2009
News from 18th & Broom
1.) Five Salesianum Band members and
their instructor, Mr. Brian Cox, were
invited to perform with the Delaware
County Symphony Orchestra on Nov. 22
at the Kimmel Center for the Performing
Arts in Philadelphia. They joined the
orchestra for their performance of Pyotr
Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.”
The students are all members of the
Wind Ensemble at Salesianum, and
include trumpet players Alec Davis ‘09
and Alex Conti ‘09, trombonists Sean
Minderlein ‘09 and John Straguzzi
‘09, and euphonium player Stephen
Gilcrest ‘10. Mr. Cox, an accomplished
musician in his own rite, played the
tuba.
2.) Salesianum School is pleased
to announce that 13 current seniors
were recognized as National Merit
Commended Students. The seniors
are Joseph T. Angeloni, Paul C.
Arena, Brett J. Bukowski, Casey R.
Casalnuovo, Zachary W. Erdmann,
Ethan E. Essick, James B. Falandays,
Greg W. Fleming, Wesley Hamilton,
Christopher J. McLaughlin, Matthew
L. Payne, Louis J. Szgalsky, and
Kevin A. Touhey.
In late September, more than
two-thirds or about 34,000 of the
approximately 50,000 high scorers on
the PSAT/NMSQT® receive Letters
of Commendation in recognition of
their outstanding academic promise.
Commended Students are named
on the basis of a nationally applied
Selection Index score that may vary
from year to year and is below the
level required for participants to be
named Semifinalists in their respective
states. Although Commended Students
do not continue in the competition for
National Merit® Scholarships, some of
these students do become candidates
for Special Scholarships sponsored by
corporations and businesses.
3.) Salesianum School’s magazine
Distinguished Gentleman has been
recognized by the Brandywine Chapter
of the Association of Fundraising
Professionals as the 2008 Magazine of
the Year. The honor was presented at
the Annual Philanthropy Day Luncheon
on November 13.
The Distinguished Gentleman is
published twice a year by the Alumni/
Development Office for the alumni,
parents, and friends of Salesianum.
Jon Allison ’97, assoc. director of
development/alumni affairs is the
editor-in-chief;
Peter
Castagna,
director of communications, serves as
managing editor. Rebecca Simeone
of Rebecca Simeone Designs, LCC is
the graphic designer, and Bud Keegan
of Bud Keegan Images is the principal
photographer. Dan Sarkissian ’97,
director of development, Nancy Meier,
executive assistant, and Kara Wilson,
director of the annual fund also assist
in the production of each issue.
4.) Salesianum senior Antonin
Fusco is a semifinalist in the 2009
National Merit Scholarship Program.
He is eligible to be named a National
Merit Scholar when the awards are
designated in spring of 2009. Antonin
lives in Wilmington and is the son of
Gregory and Jennifer Fusco.
5.) Salesianum School junior Andrew
O’Malley was named to the 2008
National Soccer Coaches Association
of America/adidas Boys High School AllAmerica Team. Andrew was a captain
of the state champion Salesianum
soccer team and played for Disney’s
Soccer Showcase Under-16 team this
past summer.
6.) Salesianum School has been
named one of the country’s 50 best
Catholic High Schools by the Catholic
High School Honor Roll for the second
straight year. This is the third time the
school has received this prestigious
honor since 2004.
The school
community celebrated the honor on
Nov. 12 with an all school assembly.
Rev. Msgr. Joseph R. Rebman,
vicar general for pastoral services
for the Diocese of Wilmington, and
the Very Rev. James Greenfield,
OSFS, provincial of the Wilmington/
Philadelphia Province of the Oblates
of St. Francis de Sales, were present
at the all school assembly.
“To be recognized as a Top 50 school
for a second consecutive year by the
Catholic High School Honor Roll is a
tremendous honor shared by the entire
school community,” said Rev. William
McCandless, OSFS, Salesianum’s
principal. “Just as last year, the rigorous
evaluation process enabled us to clearly
demonstrate who we are at Salesianum
School, and affirmed our mission to
educate young men in the example
of St. Francis de Sales.” The primary
goal of the Honor Roll is to encourage
schools to educate their students as
effectively as possible, in a way that
integrates Catholic faith and prepares
students for active engagement in the
world. Schools are evaluated on their
levels of quality in academics, Catholic
identity, and civic education.
7.) Salesianum School was honored by
the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
with the 2008 Community Greening
Award in a presentation on Nov. 2, 2008
at PHS headquarters in Philadelphia.
Salesianum’s grounds are maintained
by Mr. Don Savard, CSFM, along with
the school’s facilities department.
The award, a collaboration of PHS
and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful,
recognizes individuals, garden clubs,
civic
associations,
businesses,
municipalities and community groups
who have created and maintained
public green spaces that enhance their
communities. Seventy-seven winners
were selected from a record 101
entries from throughout Pennsylvania
and communities in New Jersey
and Delaware. At the ceremonies
in Philadelphia, 36 winners were
presented with awards. The other
winners were honored at ceremonies
held earlier in Pittsburgh and State
College. (continued on next page).
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“We would like to congratulate all of the
Community Green Award participants
for the impact they have made in their
communities,” said Blaine Bonham,
executive vice president of PHS.
“Studies show quality green spaces
enhance the health, beauty and
economic vitality of an area and often
serve as meeting places. This award
represents a mark of excellence.”
PHS, the producer of the Philadelphia
Flower Show, is a non-profit
membership organization with more
than 14,000 members spanning 48
states. Philadelphia Green, the urban
revitalization program of PHS, works in
partnership with agencies, corporations
and community groups to transform
abandoned land, streets and parks into
vibrant, stabilized, well-managed open
spaces. These efforts contribute to the
quality of life in those communities,
serve as an economic stimulus, and
provide a model for similar work
nationwide.
Salesianum School senior Mark
Simmons has been named a 2008-09
Coca-Cola Scholars Program semifinalist. Semi-finalists are the top 2% of
the 75,000 applicants, and are eligible
to win either a $10,000 or $20,000
scholarship award for college.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
works on behalf and at the direction of
the entire Coca-Cola system to provide
scholarship programs and enrichment
opportunities in support of exceptional
young people’s thirst for knowledge
and their desire to make a difference
throughout the world.
Salesianum School senior Greg
Fleming has been named an Al
Neuarth Free Spirit Scholarship winner.
He will receive a $1,000 scholarship
for college and is invited to attend the
Al Neuarth Journalism Conference
in Washington, D.C. By virtue of this
honor, Greg is being counted among
the top 102 journalism students in the
United States.
This program was created to honor Al
Neuarth, founder of USA TODAY and
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the Freedom Forum, for his long and
distinguished career in journalism and
his free spirit. At the conference, the
program will award two top scholarships
to one boy and one girl who are judged
the best free spirit scholars in the
United States.
8.) Salesianum School’s Soccer,
Cross Country and Swimming
teams all won their respective state
championships this past season. For
soccer, it was their fifth straight title, for
cross-country it was their 33rd overall
title, and swimming won their sixth title
in the last seven years.
Scott Mosier, Salesianum’s soccer
head coach was honored by the
Delaware Sports Writers Association
as the 2008 Tubby Raymond Coach
of the Year. The honor was double
for Salesianum as Pat Castagno ’84,
head cross-country coach at Tatnall
School, shared the award with Scott.
In January of 2009, Salesianum’s
Director of Activities, Fr. Michael
Vannicola, OSFS, ’95 was transferred
to St. Alice Parish in Naples, FL. The
school community wishes Fr. Vannicola
the best and thanks him for his service
to his alma mater.
school has been honored. Student
leaders from Salesianum will represent
Salesianum and the state of Delaware
at the Jefferson Awards National
Ceremony in Washington DC, June 15
– 17. Salesianum was selected at the
2009 Youth Service Spring Competition
and Conference for best showcasing
the programs’ seven deliverables in
the Jefferson Awards Turnkey System
and for their philanthropic contribution
to the community and their school.
They have helped to pave the way for
greater volunteerism throughout the
State of Delaware.
11.) Salesianum School once again
partnered with the New Candlelight
Theater Company to produce our fall
play. In November the school presented
Larry Shue’s The Nerd, a delightful
comedy that entertained many.
Distinguished Gentleman
wishes to extend our
sincerest apologies to the
following members of the
class of 2008 and their
families. Their names
were omitted off the list of
9.) Mr. Robert McConaghy, a member
of the social studies department, has
assumed the duties as the school’s
director of activities. Mr. Colbe Klein
’04, has joined the social studies
department to assume the majority of
Mr. McConaghy’s teaching duties.
10.) Salesianum students Briedy
Breidenbach ’09, Jerry Temple
’09, and Matthew Blake ’09, signed
letters of intent to play college athletics
next season. Breidenbach will play
baseball at West Chester, Temple, golf
at Delaware and Blake tennis at Mt. St.
Mary’s.
Salesianum
School
has
been
recognized by the Jefferson Awards for
Public Service Youth Service Initiative
as Delaware Recipient For Outstanding
Service By a High School. This is
the second consecutive year that the
DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN
SPRING/SUMMER 2009
graduates in the Fall
2008 issue.
- Wesley Bonnell ‘08
- Paul Cianca ‘08
- Jeffery DeAngelo ‘08
- Gabriel DeAscanis ‘08
- Adam Graff ‘08
- John Lane ‘08
- James Kerrigan ‘08
- Matthew Williams ‘08
- Aaron McCloskey ‘08
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HOME AGAIN
There is an old saying that once you leave, you can never go home again. If you
ask one of the more than 14,000 graduates of Salesianum if this is true, many might
politely disagree. In January, Distinguished Gentleman decided to put this idea to the
test.
Steve Joyce ’86, current vice president of the alumni association, was invited back to
spend the day as a Salesianum student. He was given a schedule, a notebook, and he
was charged with seeing how much the school has changed since he graduated, but
also how much it has stayed the same. (Editors note: one main change Steve noticed
was the dress code. His visit coincided with a themed dress down day for Spirit Week.
Students who brought in $2.00 for Salesian Missions could wear jeans and a collared shirt that day.)
After his day roaming the halls and interacting with teachers (many of whom he had when he was here), students,
administrators, and corners of the building he has not seen for more than twenty years, DG sat down with Steve
to see how his day went. To the right are excerpts from the conversation.
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DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN
SPRING/SUMMER 2009
Distinguished
Gentleman:
What
aspect of the school has changed the
most since you graduated?
Joyce: Technology is just off the charts.
It’s crazy to see teachers like Matt
Kegelman using an online calculator, and
every teacher using power points. Jack
Kramer using video to teach Spanish and
being able to stop the conversation and
ask the room, “What did they just say?”
DG: What aspect of the visit made you
say, “This is where I went to school.”
Joyce: Without a doubt the teachers. The
folks that are still there are still fresh and
sharp. I had a chance to see Phil Vavala,
Jack Kramer, Fr. Spellman, and Matt
Kegelman today, which is over 100 years
of teaching experience combined. These
teachers have adapted their teaching
style to the students of today versus the
students of twenty or thirty years ago.
DG: You had the opportunity to sit in
on Phil Vavala’s biology class in one
of the new class rooms in the Rocco
A. Abessinio ’59 Science Center. How
was that different than what you
remember?
Joyce: The room was a lot more
spacious, and had air conditioning, which
we didn’t have back then. The one thing
that struck me was how bright the room
was. When I had his class in his old room
twenty years ago, for some reason the
sun never seemed to get into that room.
Those classrooms are phenomenal, from
the desks, the computers, everything.
Phil even showed me how he can look
at the 24 monitors in the room on his
computer.
DG: What were some of your first
impressions when you walked in to the
classrooms?
Joyce: Well, as you get older you get
more philosophical — whether it is a sign
of maturity or senility I don’t know —
but when I walked into Matt Kegelman’s
room, I thought of Ed Kowalski, who
passed away a few years ago. I had
Mr Kowalski in that classroom when
I was here. He was one of my favorite
teachers.
When I was in Katie Godfrey’s room,
I thought of Louise Sechler, my algebra
teacher, who taught in the room Katie is
in now.
DG: What is the biggest difference
between a Sallies student of today
versus a student of your era?
Joyce: The kids are more relaxed.
When I was here if you spoke when you
weren’t called on you got a look; you
said another word, you got JUG. Today,
the classroom has more conversation
between the teachers and the students.
In Jack Kramer’s class a student
mistranslated a term and ended up saying,
“I love my mother because she goes to the
bathroom.” The room laughed, and so
did Jack. He then corrected the statement
and the class went on. The kids in general
have a great sense of humor, and hearing
some of the side comments at lunch, it
was just a riot.
DG: Any other differences?
Joyce: These kids seem to know a lot
more because there is more information
available to them, and the jokes are a little
more intelligent. Sometimes the teachers
are laughing at some of the things the
kids say. Also the school planner the
kids have. We didn’t have that back then,
but even in this age of technology the
kids still have to take the initiative and
write down everything. These kids are
much more aware of the work they have
to do. In almost every class, a student
was going up to the teacher to go over
something from that class, or ask about
an assignment due in the future. From
what I saw, these kids really want to
stay on top of their work and I think that
speaks to the families at home as well.
DG: Is the school still the same place?
Joyce: It is definitely the same place.
Of the seven classrooms I was in today,
I actually had class in four of them. The
rooms look the same, except for the
computer monitors. You still have a
presence of the Oblates. You still have
the kids changing classes in an orderly,
yet chaotic fashion. When it comes time
to say a prayer, everyone is silent and
everyone is reverent. I had forgotten how
much prayer is done during the school
day. Before every class, a teacher led
a prayer, which helped show the guys
the real purpose for why they are there.
I was taught responsibility, reverence,
respect and how to work hard at Sallies,
and these guys are getting those same
lessons.
DG: Keeping on the philosophical
track, when a member of the class of
2009 gets asked back in 23 years to
spend the day a Sallies, what will he
notice?
Joyce: God willing everything he
remembered will still be there; he will be
more blown away than I was because of
how fast our society advances now, and
how fast Salesianum is adapting to those
advances. It was five years between when
I was introduced to computers to when I
actually got an e-mail address, now you
can learn everything in a month. I think
the kids will just be so much brighter
because of this. But the teachers I saw
today, both new and experienced, will be
able to adapt to those changes and still
provide the students 23 years from now
the same great educational experience I
saw today, and received 23 years ago.
CLASS SCHEDULE
First Period | Room A203
Mrs. Godfrey
Algebra
Home Room | Room B165
Mrs. Romano
Biology
Second Period | Room C151
Fr. Spellman
Religion
Third Period | Room B163
Mr. Vavala ‘66
AP Biology
Fourth Period | Room B085
Mr. Gioffre ‘99
US History
Fifth Period | Room A206
Mr. Kegelman ‘73
Trigonometry
Sixth Period | Room A113
Mr. Kramer
Spanish
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9
witnessing
history
T
he inauguration of President Barack Obama
and Vice President Joe Biden was one of
the most viewed events in the past ten years.
The levels of excitement of the thousands of
people who braved the cold weather that January
morning was difficult to equal. Two Salesianum
students, Matthew Payne ’09 and Jason
Rodowicz ’09, were among those witnesses to
one of our country’s more unique traditions,
the inauguration of our Commander in Chief.
“The energy of the people down there was
almost impossible to believe,” said Payne.
“Everyone was so nice to us too, which is
hard to believe when you have that many
people crowded into one place, in the cold.”
Matthew and Jason were traveling with
Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference,
which is part of the Congressional Youth
Leadership Conference.
Many Salesianum
students have been active with this organization
in the past, traveling to our nation’s capitol
for
different
educational
experiences.
“It was a very hectic five days for everyone,”
added Matthew. “But the highlight for me was
the concert on the eve of the inauguration at
the Lincoln Memorial. Then President-elect
Obama was there, and the crowd was just so
excited. It was a very memorable experience.”
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DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN
SPRING/SUMMER 2009
One for the Roses
Andrew Szczerba ’07 is a rising redshirt
sophomore tight end at Penn State. This
past season, the Lions earned a birth to the
Rose Bowl in Pasadena on New Year’s Day.
Below are some of Andrew’s thoughts on
his experience.
Back to Basics
The Rose Bowl was a great experience for my family and
me. The whole team arrived about two weeks early for
the game. Our first hotel was in Santa Monica. What
I like most about our first stay was that it was right
on the beach. It was crazy to think that only a day or
two prior to getting to California, I was in freezing
cold weather in State College. It was a shock for me
to walk the beach with beautiful weather in December.
It was actually the first time I had seen the ocean in
about two years because I have been up at school for
the past few summers. Our days were very busy. We
would wake up for mandatory breakfast and then head
right to our positions meetings for about an hour and a
half. Then from there we would all load up the busses
and drive to the Home Depot Center. That is where we
would practice for the next few weeks. Our practices
were long and tough the whole first week. It was actually
almost exactly like football camp in August. Because we
didn’t have a game to play for such a long time, Coach
Paterno thought it would be good to work us hard. The
first few days of practice were a wake up call for all of
the players. We were used to having shorter practices
towards the end of the season, so having longer and
harder practices in the heat was tough getting used to.
teams got to go to Disney Land. It was a lot of fun. The
park was packed but that didn’t stop us from going on
all the rides. We also went to a comedy club that week.
It was reserved just for the players. That was probably
my favorite team activity. Finally as a team, we all went
to Lawry’s Steak House, for the annual Lawry’s Beef
Bowl. The whole point of the Beef Bowl was to see
which team could eat the most Beef. It has been said
that the team that wins the Beef Bowl, usually wins the
Rose Bowl. This Beef Bowl has been an ongoing tradition
for quite some time. It was a great honor to be there
knowing how many great players and teams have taken
part in the Beef Bowl. It was crazy to think that (NFL
Hall-of-Famer) Dick Butkus was in the Beef Bowl in 1963.
The “Granddaddy of Them All”
Game day was awesome. The weather was perfect and
the atmosphere was amazing. We would have liked a
different outcome, but USC was the better team that
day (USC defeated Penn State, 34-24). The Rose Bowl
was definitely an experience of a lifetime. We plan to
be back there next year. We are only in spring ball right
now, and know that bowl games are several months away,
but that’s what keeps us motivated to work everyday.
After practice we would load up the busses and drive
back to the hotel where we would have lunch. After
lunch was over, you were on your own and free to do
as you pleased until curfew.
That was everyone’s
favorite part of the day, being on your own. For the
most part, that was our daily schedule out in California.
The Beef Bowl
On Christmas Eve, we moved into our next hotel. We
were located right in Beverly Hills. Our second week was
a little bit more relaxed when it came to practice, but
you could tell that the coaches and players were getting
nervous and anxious to play the game. That week both
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11
We’ve Moved...
S
alesianum’s Office of the President, as well as the Development
and Alumni offices, has moved from the school building to 2012
North Broom Street. Through generous grants from the Welfare and
Raskob Foundations as well as other previous donors, the school was
able to renovate a house purchased three years ago and provide new and
expanded office and meeting facilities for the president and his staff.
Phone numbers and contact information for all Development and Alumni
staff members will remain the same. The previous rooms used to house the president and his staff will now be
converted back to classrooms and our Brisson Center, which will offer academic support.
A formal name for the new offices is still to be determined; currently the new location is being called “The
President’s House.” If you are in the neighborhood, please come by for a visit and receive a full tour. Office hours
remain consistent with school hours.
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DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN
SPRING/SUMMER 2009
2008-09
CALLING CAMPAIGN
The 2008-09 Calling Campaign has come
to a close. We would like to thank all of
you who literally answered the call from
Salesianum. In both our fall and spring
calling sessions many of our students were
able to connect with alumni, parents and
friends of Salesianum to let them know what
is going on at the school, and ask them to
join in support of the school.
The Calling Campaign is an annual tradition
at Salesianum, and it allows those members
of our extended school community to literally
connect with current Salesianum students.
The juniors and seniors who participate
in the campaign look forward to speaking
with those who have given support to the
school, to thank them for their past support
and to encourage them to keep supporting
Salesianum.
Again, to everyone who answered the call
for this campaign, we thank you very much,
and hopefully you’ll be hearing from us in
the fall!
The Fund for Salesianum
has been growing, but we
still need your help. At
press time for Distinguished
Gentleman, the Salesianum
community has contributed
$608,757 towards our goal
of $800,000. Please remember Salesianum in your giving
this year and help us to continue to educate young men in
the example of the gentleman saint, Francis de Sales.
If you want your gift to count for the 2008-09 fiscal year, it
must be received by June 30, 2009. For more information,
please contact Kara Grugan (formerly Wilson) at (302) 356-2656, or kgrugan@salesianum.org.
Please consider
naming
Salesianum in
your Will.
Take Hold and Never Let Go.
For more
information call
(302) 655-1072
WWW.SALESIANUM.ORG
13
ALUMNI
Hall of Fame
William Henry “Billy” Gebhart III (Business/Labor/Military)
was born in Wilmington in 1949, the eldest son of William H.
Jr, and Evelyn D. Gebhart of New Castle. Billy grew up in New
Castle and attended Saint Peter’s elementary school. He entered Salesianum School in September 1963. He enlisted in the
United States Army in February 1968, completed basic training
in May at Fort Bragg, N.C., and Combat Infantry Medic Training
in July at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas.
Immediately following training, Private First Class (PFC)
Gebhart was shipped to the Republic of Vietnam for a 365-day
tour as a Combat Medic with the U.S. Army’s American Division
in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.
Billy’s Vietnam experience was a seminal point in his life. The
things he did, the things he saw, and the things that were asked
of him changed this small town boy forever. He developed
a zest for life that only those who have witnessed the violent
death of young friends can understand. He returned from the
war determined to live his life on his terms. Upon completion of
his tour, by then Specialist 5 (SPC 5) Gebhart was assigned to
Hunter Army Air Field, Fort Stewart, Savannah, Ga. Billy fell in
love with Savannah’s southern charm and, at least one of her
southern belles, the former Susan “Susie” Clark of Savannah
became Mrs. William H. Gebhart III in 1974.
After his discharge from the Army in 1971, Billy decided to
remain in Savannah and spent most of his life there. Billy’s pride
14
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8
and joy, his baby boy, Richard Patrick Gebhart, was born and
raised in Savannah and lives there today serving the Savannah
community as a paramedic. Back in civilian life, Billy continued
his education in Savannah, and, thanks to the “GI Bill”, received
a B.A. (Summa Cum Laude) in English Literature from Armstrong
State College in Savannah and his M.A. in English Literature
from Georgia Southern University.
Billy’s passion was the theater. He became one of the leading
figures in the then fledgling Savannah theater community as
an actor, writer, director, and teacher of the theater crafts. His
versatility put him in high demand in Savannah theater circles
as he directed and/or played leading roles in comedy, musicals,
and high drama.
Billy left this world much too early. He was diagnosed with cancer
in the spring of 1996. Billy passed away in September of that
year. He was 46 years old. He is remembered by many, many
friends in both the New Castle and Savannah communities and
is missed by his family.
Originally, Bernard I. “Bernie” McInerney (Arts/Education/
Entertainment) wanted to be a baseball announcer. However,
once he appeared as John Proctor in The Crucible in his senior
year at the University of Delaware, he knew what he wanted to
do. Bernie was born in Wilmington, graduated from Salesianum
in 1954, the University of Delaware in 1959, and earning his
Master of Fine Arts from Catholic University in 1963.
SPRING/SUMMER 2009
Excerpts
from
Bernie
McInerney’s speech at his
Hall of Fame Induction :
There are two people who I
know would’ve loved to be here
with us tonight –my parents.
And I can just see the scene
in Heaven. God turns to them
and says, “Why don’t you take a
break from gazing on me for a minute, and look down there and tell
me what you think.”
My parents look down and say, “Oh look at that! Bernie’s getting
an award at Sallies.”
My father says, “Hey – I have an idea. Let’s get his teachers over
here and see what they think.” So he calls, “Fr. Donovan, Fr.
Dougherty, Fr. Birkenheuer, Fr. Kelly, Fr. O’Neill, Fr. Lawless. Fr.
Butler, Fr. Durken, Fr. Gambet. Oh, is Fr. Tucker there? What?
Oh, he’s checking on the news from Monaco? Never mind, we’ll
get him later. Now look down and tell me what you think of Bernie
getting this award?”
They all look down, and then to one another, and finally one says,
“I don’t remember him. Do you remember him?” “No, I don’t
remember him. Sorry.”
My father says, “Don’t worry about it. It’s okay. See you back at
the pool.”
Gee, even in heaven there are awkward moments. But isn’t it great
that all those teachers are in Heaven? They are there, aren’t they?
Oh, I’m sure they are...I’m thankful for the foundation I received at
Salesianum. For without it, I don’t think I could’ve dealt with my
Broadway debut, going out on stage in front of a thousand people,
or my first good movie part in “The Natural” with Robert Redford.
And there was the director Barry Levinson, his eyes right next to the
camera lens, watching every expression on my face. That’s pressure!
At Salesianum they taught us pride and that certain toughness.
So for all Salesianum has given me in preparation for my life, I
could never repay. And now to be honored like this – it puts me
forever in debt to what in my subjective estimation has to be the
greatest high school in America.
He has worked in the business for 49 years, having appeared in
more than 30 films (including the Natural, Suspect, Dan in Real
Life, and the upcoming Paul Blart: Mall Cop), 14 television films,
five Broadway plays, ten off-Broadway plays, more than 10
television episodic shows (including Law & Order and currently
the Late Show with David Letterman), eight soap operas, three
international and national tours, and ten regional and summer
theatres.
Bernie has three children: Kathleen, Bernard, and Dan, and has
been married to his wife, Leilani, for 38 years. He lives in New
Jersey, just outside of New York City.
Born in 1948, Daniel “Dan” Mulvena (Athletics) attended
St. Paul’s and St. Thomas elementary schools before entering
Salesianum in 1962.
At Salesianum, Dan was elected vice president of student
council in 1964-65 and president in 1965-66. As a member of
the Salesianum football team, Dan was the starting defensive
tackle for the 1964 undefeated state champions. The following
year, he played both ways as starting offensive and defensive
tackle, a co-captain on the final Dim Montero-coached
Salesianum squad. In recognition of his play, Dan was selected
to participate in the 1966 Blue-Gold All-Star Game.
After graduation, Dan moved south to Vanderbilt University on a
full athletic scholarship, where he played varsity football for the
Commodores from 1967-69. He graduated from Vanderbilt in
1970 with bachelors degrees in history and political science.
Dan has worked for worldwide leaders in development of
cardiovascular devices, first serving as president of Bard
Cardiosurgery Division, at C.R. Bard, Inc. (1980-1988); as
chairman, president and CEO of Lithox Systems (19881992); and as vice president for cardiology at the Boston
Scientific Corporation (1992-1995). Currently, he is the owner
of Commodore Associates, a position he has held since 1995.
He also has served on the board of directors for Thoratec
Corporation and Zoll Medical Corporation, both NASDAQ
companies.
Dan married the former Darlene “Tiny” Jones 40-years ago,
and the Mulvenas have resided in Delaware, California and
Massachusetts.
Justice Joseph T. Walsh (Service to Salesianum and
Community) (retired) is of Counsel to McCarter & English, LLP.
His practice focuses on mediation, arbitration and counseling in
connection with Delaware corporate and business law matters.
After graduating from Salesianum, Justice Walsh received his
B.A. with honors from LaSalle College in 1952, and his LLB
degree from Georgetown University Law School in 1954.
Justice Walsh served three years on active duty as a member
of the Judge Advocate General’s School of the United States
Army and is a graduate of Judge Advocate General’s School at
the University of Virginia in 1956. He is admitted to the District
of Columbia Bar, and to the Delaware Bar.
From 1958 to 1972, Justice Walsh engaged in general practice
of law in Wilmington. In July 1972, he was appointed associate
judge in the Superior Court in the State of Delaware. Twelve
years later, Justice Walsh was appointed vice chancellor, Court
of Chancery of the State of Delaware.
On September 30, 1985, he was appointed Justice of the
Supreme Court of the State of Delaware. Justice Walsh was
reappointed justice in 1997, and retired in April 2003. In addition,
he has spent time as an adjunct professor at Widener University
School of Law, earning an honorary Doctor of Laws in 1997.
Justice Walsh is a trustee of St. Joseph’s on the Brandywine
Church, and is also a member of the Catholic Diocese Finance
Committee and Real Estate Committee. He and his wife,
Madeline, have six children and 15 grandchildren.
WWW.SALESIANUM.ORG
15
Honoring Law
Enforcement Officials
S
alesianum School celebrated a Blue Mass
to honor members of law enforcement in
the Delaware community on Tuesday, Jan.
20 in Centenary Hall. All members of the law
enforcement community were invited to attend.
As part of the mass, Salesianum announced
its intention of establishing an endowed Law
Enforcement Scholarship Fund to serve students
in need of assistance, whose parent(s) are either
active, retired, or fallen in the line of duty law
enforcement. Several leaders of the Salesianum
and law enforcement community have already
begun their support of this endeavor.
“We are extremely proud of our graduates who
choose to serve the community in this capacity,”
said Rev. James Dalton, OSFS, school president.
“This scholarship and this celebration of the Blue
Mass was a fitting tribute to these men and their
families.”
A Blue Mass is a celebration of the Roman Catholic
mass to honor members of law enforcement. Many
cities across the United States celebrate masses
such as these during the year.
16
DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN
SPRING/SUMMER 2009
My Days
by Brendan Kennealey ‘94
I arrived at Salesianum in the fall of 1990. Hair bands were in and grunge was
right around the corner. My first memory of Salesianum was waiting outside
the school in a sea of blue sport coats on the first day for freshmen. Some
kids looked like they were in 5th grade and others like they were ready for the
NFL. What at first seemed like an intimidating and cold institution, eventually
became a family, guiding us from young students into gentlemen.
The faculty was full of legends and characters. Mr. Nowak used to mercilessly
harangue the student “runners” who came with the notes requesting a student
see Mr. DiPietro. Eventually, some of them got so scared to deliver the notes
that they just knocked, slid it under the door, and ran away. I never had Mr.
Rusnak in class but had the pleasure of hearing from him everyday at lunch as
he called up “all wrestlers” to see him. Even better was Dan McGee’s (’94)
impersonation…“all wrestlers, anyone who’s ever heard of wrestling, seen
wrestling on TV, come on up here.”
Most people remember Mr. Ford for his ridiculously hard math classes,
graphing calculators, and flying erasers. I, however, remember him for
something very different. My junior year I had Mr. Ford for Algebra II – Trig
and also played baseball for Coach Walker. Mr. Ford was a big fan of the
baseball team, but he certainly enjoyed taunting me about what was going
to happen at practice the day after a loss. In that high-pitched screeching
voice, that he usually reserved for berating unprepared students or for his
own moments of sheer mathematical euphoria, he would say things like,
“Kennealey! You’re gonna crawl like a reptile out there today!” Deep down,
I think this was his way of sympathizing…maybe not. In many ways baseball
practice did resemble boot camp with Drill Sergeant Walker leading the way.
More importantly though, I remember Coach Walk reminding us about the
things that are most important in life and how, despite the yelling and insane
practice schedule, we had to have the right priorities. I still use my graphing
calculator (TI-82) and am grateful to Coach Walker.
Chief’s class lived up to its legendary status as he entertained us with a rolodex
of stories and his never ending list of “chief” names. I was “Wanderer Chief.”
About midway through class I would ask to go to the bathroom and Chief
would say, “Sure Chief, see you tomorrow.” My wanderings typically included
stopping by Fr. Wrightson’s office to discuss critically important student council
business. One of the important topics of the day was selling oranges to defray
the cost of prom tickets. On the day the 18-wheeler arrived, we loaded up
everyone’s car with crates of citrus. I vividly remember one classmate sold
so many that all the crates wouldn’t fit in his two-door hatchback. So, while
he was in class, we dumped the oranges in his car, literally filling it with loose
oranges and leaving only a small space for him to sit.
Today, I remember these stories and many more. I remember Mr. Selvaggio
getting me interested in reading (I still have my copy of Story and Structure),
coming together to pray and mourn the tragic loss of an upperclassman,
and the gentle guidance and compassion of Oblate teachers and friends. I
remember the enduring friendships, growing up, making mistakes, hard fought
accomplishments, and being a part of a tradition. Fifteen years after graduating,
I have not forgotten how grateful I am to Salesianum. - Tenui Nec Dimittam
WWW.SALESIANUM.ORG
17
REUNION
NEWS
Salesianum Classes of 1958, 1963, 1968,
1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1998 and 2003
each celebrated class reunions in 2008-09.
Some classes are featured in this issue of
the Distinguished Gentleman, and more will
be featured in the fall.
YOUNG ALUMNI DAY
Classes ending in ‘9 and ‘4… this is your
reunion year! If you would like to serve on
your committee, please contact Jon Allison
’97 at jallison@salesianum.org or (302) 3562643.
1949
1998
1973
CLASS OF 1958 - 50TH REUNION
(left to right) - First Row: Jim McInerney, Tony Llorca, Bill Mackey, John Taylor, Stan Kisielewski, Dennis Reardon, Ed
Lynch, Vince Marinelli, Bob Curry and Jim Durborow.
Second Row - Roy Pollard, Paul Colatriano, Ray Ademski, Bob Petka, Henry Wisniewski, Ed Devlin, Nick Mercante, Larry
Hahn, Len Quinn and Paul Quinn
Third Row - Fr. Dalton, Frank Donovan, Joe Bellanca, Marty Clark, Bruno Muzzi, Steve McBride, Joe Renzetti, Jim
Pratzner, Dave Geiszler, Joe Stiller, Rudy Bacher, Jack Gleason, Bill Smith, Stan Bartkowski, Bill Press, Larry Peart, John
Bisio and Tony Vari
Back Row - Frank Mlynarczyk, John O’Brien, Ed Scully, Paul Toselli. Wes Tatman, Pete Feeney, Drew Sikorski, John
Dowling, Joe Reardon, Mike Boyd, Jack Mulvena, Tom Hall and Gene Buckley
18
DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN
SPRING/SUMMER 2009
35 Years of Influence
S
alesianum Football Alumni joined with the Cape Henlopen
community to honor former Head Coach George Glenn ’60,
and to celebrate his 35 years of influence on the football programs
of Salesianum and Cape Henlopen High School. The celebration
was held at Crabbers Cove at Ruddertowne in Dewey Beach this
past December.
In honor of Coach Glenn’s retirement and in recognition of his
service and dedication to the Salesianum community, the George
Glenn Endowed Scholarship Fund was established through the
generosity of Coach Glenn’s former players. This fund will serve
to help future students with a demonstrated financial need attend
Salesianum School.
To learn more about the scholarship, please contact Jon Allison ’97
at jallison@salesianum.org or (302) 356-2643.
WWW.SALESIANUM.ORG
19
The Third Annual 4 THE BOYS proved to be a wonderful time for the
entire Salesianum community to gather in support and celebration of
Salesianum School. 600 alumni, parents and friends joined in the fun of
live and silent auctions and horse races. Everyone sampled food from
various local restaurants, and enjoyed the music of the Salesianum
Jazz Band.
A special thank you to this year’s event chairs, Ellen Hamilton (P ’02,
’05, ’08), Susan O’Brien (P ’05, ’06, ’08), and Kathy Skinner (P ’08,
’10), and the many parent volunteers, donors, sponsors and guests who
helped to make the evening a success. This year’s event, on behalf of
the Salesianum Parents’ Association, netted a record $65,000 for the
school to help implement Phase II of the school’s security system.
20
DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN
SPRING/SUMMER 2009
ALUMNI SPORTS BANQUET
The 61st Annual Alumni Sports Banquet added to the great tradition of Salesianum
honoring both senior athletes, but also remembering those who have gone before
them. Salesianum was honored to welcome former Philadelphia Eagle Vince
Papale as the keynote speaker. Mr. Papale’s story of triumph was immortalized
in the major motion picture Invincible in 2006 and the audience enjoyed his
message of hard work, determination and faith.
.
This year’s alumni speaker was Brad Lenoir ‘05, who is currently a senior at the
University of Notre Dame and a volunteer assistant with the women’s basketball
team. This coming fall he will begin medical school at The Ohio State University.
Thank you, also to, Robert Liszkiewicz ‘09, who was this year’s senior speaker,
and to Sports Journalist Kevin Noonan who served as our emcee.
WWW.SALESIANUM.ORG
21
Grad
Glimpses
Bernie McInerney ’54, HOF
’08 - Bernie had a part in
Kevin James’ movie Paul
Blart: Mall Cop.
AA&CC’s Strategic Planning and
Outreach efforts and, in 2007/2008,
in establishing an Endowment for the
benefit of the Center.
Bill McMahon ’57 - Bill retired from
DuPont, and he is currently doing
engineering consulting with nine major
corporations.
John Riley ’61 - After 25 years as
Art director with a national printing
company, John changed careers and
worked for 12 more years as a Quality
Analyst and Quality Manager with
two more companies. He is currently
employed by the State of Delaware,
Dept. of Services for Children, Youth &
Their Families. His daughter Kathleen
is married to G. Carleton Foster. John’s
granddaughter, Alyssa, is 16 and in the
International Baccalaureate program at
Mount Pleasant High School.
50’s
Stanley S. Wisniewski ’58 - Stanley
is still working part time at Bank of
America on Sanibel Island. He loves
the beach and sunshine there.
Anthony
J.
(Tony)
Montcalmo ’60 - Tony has
been named President of
The Asian Arts & Culture
Center (AA&CC) Advisory Board.
The Center, housed on the campus
of Towson University (TU), near
Baltimore, Maryland, promotes the art
and culture of Asia to area students,
faculty, artists and the regional
community through exhibits in its
newly renovated Gallery and through
specialized programming and events.
Tony retired from McCormick & Co.,
Inc. in 2005, where he was responsible
for global Human Resource programs,
and served as a full-time Towson
University
faculty
member
in
its
Graduate Program
on Human Resource
Development during
2006 and 2007. He
has been instrumental
in
guiding
the
60’s
22
Ed Pankowski ’64 - After Sallies, Ed
went to The University of Delaware,
class of 1968, then to Dickinson Law
School, J.D. 1971. He has worked
as a criminal prosecutor and is now
in private practice. At present, he
is specializing in criminal defense,
residential real estate, wills and estates.
Ed was captain of the 1964 track and
cross-country teams and member of
Coach Kenney’s baseball team; he
stayed involved in sports playing
varsity baseball at U of D then semipro ball. Ed has been doing marathon
running (23 total) and bicycle riding
to keep up with his wife, a Padua
graduate. Ed has three stepchildren. He
remarks, “life is good.”
Charles Ramsberger, D.M.D. ’64 Charles is helping his son & daughter-
DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN
SPRING/SUMMER 2009
in-law with his new granddaughter.
Charles worked at Wilmington
Medical Center and the Bangor,
ME free clinic. He formed a private
practice 1974. He served on various
town and government commissions
for 10 years and taught dentistry at the
University of Maine part time for 19
years. Charles and his wife have two
adult children and have been married
for 39 years & counting.
Kevin McDerby ‘65 - Kevin retired
from the Delaware State Police in 2000
with the rank of major. He currently is
the Chief of Police of the New Castle
County Police Department.
John J. Ruane, Jr. ’65 - John has been
working in the Surveying Profession
for 44 years. He has been married
for 39 years and has four children:
Leigh is married to Steve Plomchok
of Louisville, KY and is a Pathologists
Assistant at John Hopkins Pathology
Dept.; Timothy is married to Heather
Bryant of Atlanta, GA and is currently
in Corpsman’s School in Portsmouth,
VA and is on his second enlistment
in the Navy; Sarah is married to
Bobby Thornton and they live with
their son, Chad Michael Thornton, in
Smyrna, DE. Bobby is an independent
contractor specializing in remodeling/
refurbishing homes; and then there is
Mary Catherine, who at almost twenty
years old keeps her parents hopping.
John works as the Head of the Survey
Dept. in Dover, DE for Landmark
Engineering, Inc.
David Dobraniecki ’66 - After a career
of 32 years in sales for G.E., David
has decided to retire. He will continue
to live in the Trolley Square area of
Wilmington and spend his summers at
his beach house in Rehoboth Beach.
Mike Williams ’66 - Mike spent 26
years in the Navy after graduation.
He earned his BS Degree from North
Carolina State in 1973 and an MBA
from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University in 1982. He now lives in
Georgia and works for IBM.
own performance and organizational
development consulting business. He
has been happily married for over 25
years. All three of his children are out
on their own. Paul reports he is still
using the values of being a Gentleman,
and has “VJ on my business cards.”
Rick Shea ’77 - Rick is the athletic
director and yearbook advisor at
Brandywine High School.
His
youngest son Danny is a member of
Salesianum’s class of 2012.
Frank Grande’80 - Frank
relocated back to the area
after 10 years in Southern
California. He met a wonderful woman
and is now remarried. He is currently
working as the Information Systems
Security Manager for Boeing in Ridley
Park.
80’s
Maj. Gen. Charles J. Dunlap, Jr.
USAF ’68 - Charlie has forthcoming
articles in the Stanford, University
of Nebraska, and South Texas law
reviews respectively. In addition, he
visited Iraq last summer, and the above
photo is from that trip.
Richard O’Leary ’71 Richard was just promoted
to Global Director of
International Human Resources at
Corning, Inc.
70’s
Donald J. Dixon ’74 - Donald
completed a nuclear steamfitter
apprenticeship in 1980. He worked as
a nuclear steamfitter for over 35 years.
Currently, he is working in power plant
operations management.
Capt. Martin Deppe ’80 USN - Martin
remains on active duty with the Navy,
and in February 2008 he took command
of the Navy Unmanned Combat Air
System program. Their charter is to
demonstrate that a tailless unmanned
aircraft can operate safely from an
aircraft carrier no later than 2013.
Mark Martell ’80 - Mark has been
active with many organizations,
holding leadership positions with the
Delaware Audubon Society, Snipers
Hockey, Inc., Emerald Ridge Service
Corporation, and the Delaware Humane
Association.
Joseph Menta ’80 - Joe is currently
the director of communication for
Philadelphia Regional Port Authority.
He and his wife Alison have been
married since 2004.
Michael Ruddick ’75 - Michael and his
son Alex won the Willowbrook Court
Disc Golf Challenge at Brandywine
Creek State Park, in double overtime.
Randall Robinson ’81 - Randall
is working on getting his Miami
Architecture Guide to the publisher.
Paul Armstrong ’76 - Paul has his
William P. Mahon, Sr. ’81 - William
owns and operates W.P. Mahon, Inc.
Roofing and Sheet Metal Company
James T. Pierce ’81 - James and his
wife are busy raising their six kids
ranging from ages five through 18.
John S. Ruello ’83 - John is married
with three children; Jack, Michael, and
Juliana. John is the head coach for IHM
Baseball, and assistant head coach for
IHM football. He also volunteers at
Nativity Prep, aiding in the athletic
department, helping to create their own
football and baseball programs.
Martin Cassidy ’84 - After selling the
Karate School which he had for seven
years in Brookhaven, Martin and his
wife moved to Florida for the nice
weather with their three little girls.
He has a fourth daughter from his first
marriage. Now, he is just enjoying the
Florida sun, and catching up with the
Phillies each year at Clearwater.
Stephen P. Wham ’84 - Stephen has
been married to his spouse, Dana, for
15 years and they have a seven-yearold son named Jordan. He is currently
working for Koch Industries as Director
of Risk Management, Latin America &
Global Risk Systems for the Apparel
Division.
William Murray ’84 - William has been
a Delaware State Trooper since 1989.
He and his wife Valerie have three
children — Sean, Lauren and Colleen.
Joseph Principe Sr. ’86 - Joseph owns
and operates Benchmark Transmission,
Prices Corner Location. He also does
volunteer work for Autism Delaware.
He has been married for 15 years to
Deanna and they have two children,
Joey and Samantha.
(contined on next page)
WWW.SALESIANUM.ORG
23
Grad
Glimpses
Donald C. DeLisi Jr. ’88 - Donald is an
Oral Maxillofacial & Implant surgeon
with an office in Bend, Oregon. He and
his wife Michele have four beautiful
children.
Tony Simone ’88 - Tony now works for
JP Morgan’s Investment Bank, and he
has two sons (Antonio Gabriel born
June 2006 and Sebastian Alejandro
born February 2008).
Kevin Conley ’88 - Kevin and his wife
Tina have two children Dylan, 11 and
Brynn, seven. He left his teaching and
coaching job for the past 20 years to
open the MOT Running Company. The
MOT Running Company has a mission
to provide our community with quality
athletic products and running advice.
Tina and Kevin have both been running
for a combined total of over 56 years.
Their staff consists of high school and
college athletes and coaches, as well
as marathon runners. They utilize this
extensive experience in their customer
service and running advice.
Stephen L. Catalina, III ’88 - Stephen’s
wife Tressa gave birth to their son
Stephen, IV in August.
Kenneth S. Eden ’89 - Kenneth is
raising two boys, Danny, five, and
Kevin, three.
Matthew Endicott ’89 - Matthew
currently runs his own lighting and
entertainment company; visit his Web
24
site: www.flashlightproductions.net
Daniel Carlton Smith ’90 - Daniel
has been a research scientist at Johns
Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
for the past four years. He has a threeyear old daughter and a two-month old
son.
90’s
Martin Steinetz ’90 - Martin
is married with three sons:
Marty is 4, Owen is 2½ ,
and Carter is 10 months.
Brett Reilly ’95 - Brett and his band,
Mere, had a song chosen by AT&T
to be on the Official 2008 Summer
Olympics Soundtrack with Nelly,
Queen Latifah, 3 Doors Down, Chris
Brown, The Goo Goo Dolls and Sheryl
Crow. The CD raised more than $1
million for the Olympic team.
Todd Wilkins ’95 - Todd and his wife
had their second son, Ryan Joseph, in
January.
Tom Moro ’91 - Tom and his wife
Jill welcomed their third child in
September, 2007. Tom Jr. joins twin
sisters Ashley and Lauren, who are
two.
Roger Componovo ’92 - Roger works
as an orthopedic surgeon in Pittsburgh,
where he resides with his wife, Jenna,
and daughter Angelina, who is two.
Roger notes that he’s maintaining
his loyalty as an Eagles fan, which is
difficult in “Steeler Country!”
Stephen Winchell ’93 - Stephen had a
baby boy on Oct. 10, 2008 — Harry
Stephen Winchell.
Kevin Broomall ’94 - Kevin continues
to reside in New York City, where
he is employed by Juniper Street
Productions, a production management
firm specializing in Broadway shows.
He is currently assigned to a new
musical which is slated to open on
Broadway in October, 2009.
DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN
SPRING/SUMMER 2009
Brian Downing ’96 - Brian and his
wife Lindsay welcomed their second
child, Charlotte Ann Downing, into the
world on September 26. Brian reports
that everyone is healthy and happy.
Jeffery Alberts ’96 - Jeffery was
recently released from Active Duty
after 10 years of service as an
infantryman. He is currently serving
in the Alaska National Guard in the
Long Range Surveillance Company
(LRSC),1-297 Cav (RECON). He
served tours in Afghanistan and Iraq
with the 10th Mountain Division, and
4th BDE(ABN), 25th Infantry. He is
now finishing up his college degree at
The University of Alaska-Anchorage.
has been married for 8 years and plans
on staying in Alaska.
James Horning, Jr. ’96 - James has two
children: daughter Caitlin was born in
February 2006, and son James III was
born in June 2008. He was admitted to
practice law in NJ & PA and has passed
the DE Bar Exam.
Chris Kyper ’96 - Chris has worked for
Wells Fargo Financial for seven years,
starting his career in Lancaster, PA and
then managing the York, PA office for
three and a half years. After working
in central PA for six years the company
relocated him to Malvern, and he
currently lives in West Chester, where
he grew up. He graduated in 2001 with
a BS in Business Marketing from West
Chester University and played on the
men’s tennis team. He is currently
enrolled in the Masters of Leadership
Development Program at Penn State
Great Valley. He is also an avid tennis
player, recently winning a national
championship for WTT tennis out in
California
Rich Quashne ’96 - Rich and his wife
Laura and daughter Katy welcomed
Alexander Richard Quashne into the
world on Sept. 19. The Quashnes
currently live in Wilmington, where
Rich is a marketing program manager
at Agilent Technologies in their Life
Sciences and Chemical Analysis
division.
Greg Simeone ’98 - Greg has been
working at JPMorgan Chase for five
years and is currently a Senior Associate
Manager in Derivatives Operations
within the Investment Bank. His wife
works for Wawa in their Marketing
Department and is currently in charge
of beverages for the company. Greg
and his wife welcomed a son, Andrew
Robert Simeone, on June 7, 2008.
Chris Dayett ‘00 - It is
with great joy that Chris
announces the release
of his second album,
Coming Home. To hear clips from
the album, visit his website, www.
christopherdayett.com.
00’s
Christopher Nunan ’00 - Chris and
his wife Rose are the proud parents
of Hayden Christopher, born on Aug.
6, 2008. Hayden weighed 8 pounds,
11 ounces at birth. Both Penn State
graduates, Christopher and Rose are
also the new owners of Servpro of
Hershey/Swatara in Hershey, Pa.
Franklin Pyle ’00 - Franklin graduated
magna cum laude from Penn State
Dickenson Law School in May, 2008.
He is employed at a firm in Center City
Philadelphia.
Chad Weniger ’00 - After attending
a semester in China to study law,
Chad graduated from the University
of Maryland with an MBA and Juris
Doctorate degree. He has accepted a
position with Huron Financial Corp
in Washington, D.C., and currently
resides in Bethesda, MD.
and Bob Day ‘04, groomsman Jeff
Dandoy ‘08, and bridesmaid Kasey
Ketterer (Padua ‘06) as well as other
close family members and friends.
Both Audrey and John are University
of Delaware graduates. Audrey now
works as an economist for the Bureau
of Labor Statistics in Philadelphia
and John is a Delaware state trooper.
After honeymooning in Ecuador for
two weeks, the couple, who have been
together since high school, settled in
their home in Hockessin with their
beloved German Shepard Bonita and
their new poodle Ginger.
Andrew Feeley ’01 - Andrew is
currently a culinary mentor at Sunset
Village in Sylvania, Ohio. He and his
wife Heather welcomed a daughter to
their family in June 2008.
John Gillespie ’01 - John is in his third
year of medical school at New York
Methodist Hospital.
Kurt Burkhart ’01 and Dan Bailey ‘01
- are both now running a landscaping
company called Baileys Lawn and
Landscape in Middletown that also
serves the New Castle area. Visit their
web site: www.baileyslandscape.com.
Colbe Klein‘04 - Colbe graduated with
honors from Mars Hill College in 2008
and recently began teaching history at
Salesianum School. He will serve as
an assistant lacrosse coach.
Brad Grenda ’04 - Brad graduated
from St. Joseph’s University and is
now employed as a financial analyst
with Honda Financial.
John Day ’01 - On July 26, 2008, John
married Audrey Dandoy (Padua ‘03) at
Saint Paul’s Roman Catholic Church
in Wilmington. A reception followed at
the Mendenhall Inn. The wedding party
included best men Mike Carunchio ‘01
Dylan Thompson ’05 - Dylan is
engaged to Kimberly Hale of Aston,
with a wedding date of Nov. 7, 2009
set. Dylan works for his father’s
company as a bricklayer, and will begin
deployment for the United States
WWW.SALESIANUM.ORG
25
Grad
Glimpses
Coast Guard in May to a mid-Atlantic
destination.
Josh Hyman ‘08 - Josh had a record
setting day at the CAA Swimming
Championships for the University of
Delaware. He opened up the day by
clipping nine seconds off his own record
in the 400-individual medley with a
time of 3:56.03 in the preliminaries.
He broke the school’s 10-year-old
record in the 200-breaststroke with
a time of 2:03.51 in the preliminaries
before placing sixth in the finals. Josh
also broke the program record in the
200-individual medley. He took down
Ryan Fauth’s 10-year-old record in the
IM after touching the wall in 1:52.30.
MAY THEY REST IN PEACE
Luis Bango
John J. Bourdon ‘32
Eleanor Burns
Joseph J. Cane ‘49
John F. Cleary
John P. Connell ‘41
Joseph A. Connolly
Joseph D’Amico
Stanislas A. Dauphin ‘31
Michael D. Dixon ‘75
Gabriel W. Dominelli
George N. Eriksen ‘39
John J. McMenamin ‘46
Bruno J. Muzzi ‘58
James J. O’Neill ‘50
Robert W. Schneider ‘62
Gunter C. Sunkler
Henry J. Swarter ‘62
Patrick T. Tobin ‘50
John J. Traynor ‘42
Battista A. Turcol ‘49
Byard J. Widdoes ‘70
James L. Wroten
3rd Annual
Salesianum Open
Monday, June 22, 2009
Hartefeld National Golf Club
12:30 p.m. tee-time
Individual and foursome golfer
packages available
Sponsorship packages
Makes a great Father’s Day gift!
Space extremely limited!
Contact Jon Allison ’97 at
(302) 356-2643 or
jallison@salesianum.org
for more information.
26
Did You Know?
For 40 years the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales
have been providing spiritual enrollment cards.
Prayer and remembering are wonderful ways to tell others you care.
The Oblates provide for such a ministry through daily Masses at Childs, Md.
Enrollment cards help you communicate what you may find hard to express in words.
Cards are available for many occasions including:
Deceased • Wedding • Mother’s Day • Birthday • New Baby • Thank You • Christmas
DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN
As well as many others…You can contact us at:
Oblates Development Office, PO Box 87 Childs, MD
• 21916-0087 • Tel: 410.398.3057
Web: www.Oblates.org
l d l
ffi
bl
SPRING/SUMMER 2009
BECOMING A LEGEND
T
he image of Rev. James V. O’Neill, OSFS ’32, beloved Salesianum
teacher, administrator, and coach, now joins other Salesianum
legends Rev. John J. Birkenheuer, OSFS and Rev. Robert D. Kenney,
OSFS ’42, outside the school gymnasium. A portrait of Fr. O’Neill,
commissioned by Salesianum and painted by faculty member Brian Magargal ’83, was formally dedicated before
the Gold and White Dinner during Homecoming Weekend.
Fr. O’Neill was a legendary football coach at Salesianum, and had a positive impact on countless students over
the many years he served the school.
Scholarship funds currently exist to honor both Frs. O’Neill and Birkenheuer. If you would like more information
as to how you can support the fund, please contact Kara Grugan (formerly Wilson), director of the Fund for
Salesianum, at (302) 356-2656, or kgrugan@salesianum.org.
WWW.SALESIANUM.ORG
27
Salesianum School
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Wilmington, DE 19802
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Calendar of
ALUMNI EVENTS
MAY
16: Fine Arts Day
19: Salesianum Alumni
Association Social, 7 p.m.,
Centenary Hall
JUNE
4: Baccalaureate Mass, 6 p.m.
5: Commencement, 7:30 p.m.
22: 3rd Annual Salesianum
Open Golf Tournament,
Hartefeld National
JULY
24: Salesianum Alumni
Fishing Trip
25: Salesianum Alumni
Day at the Beach
OCTOBER
22-24: Homecoming
Weekend 2009