THEmpireWINTER/SPRING 2011

The Official Magazine of Alumni, Family, & Friends of Roman Catholic High School

Fostering Faith...Expanding Knowledge

President/RectorRev. John B. Flanagan

PrincipalMr. Robert P. O’Neill

Alumni AssociationPresident

Mr. Lawrence J. Elliott ’66

Executive Director of Institutional Advancement

Ms. Denise LePera

Director of DevelopmentMs. Ann Vassallo

Director of MarketingMr. Steven M. Ziegler ’04

Coordinator of Development ServicesMrs. Terri Evans

BookkeeperMrs. Lisa Wolfington

ContributorsBill Boyle ’87Dennis DiGiovanni ’02Jonathan DonnellyLarry Elliott ’66Fr. John B. FlanaganJim Fitzsimmons ’67Steve Johnston ’10John Livewell ’91John PensabeneVince Tarducci ’02

Editor: Steve Ziegler ’04Special Thank You to all the Alums who send in their class notes each issue.

Catholic High Alumni2 Roman Catholic High School

Fostering Faith...Expanding Knowledge

NecrologyTable of ContentsFrom the Desk of the Rector.........................pg. 3

A Message from the Alumni President..........................pg. 4

Fall Back..........................pg. 5

Donor Listings.................pg. 6

Athletics...........................pg. 8

Sports Hall of Fame.........pg. 9

Around Roman..............pg. 10

Class Notes....................pg. 12

Faith and Philly..............pg. 14

Romauction....................pg. 15

In Retrospect: The Legacy of Thomas E. Cahill...........pg. 16

Stay in Touch.................pg. 17

What’s Happening.........pg. 18

Estate Planning A Win-Win.....................pg. 18

Fides Et Scientia............pg. 19

AlumniHenry Schuck ’29Reverend Francis R. Duffy ’33Vincent F. Vassalluzzo ’34Joseph W. Lonergan ’35Edward J. Hardiman, Esq. ’38David W. Schafer ’39James A. Carney ’41Joseph A. Cronin ’41James J. Brady ’42John F. Deveney ’43Joseph Novetsky ’43William P. Quinn ’44Charles F. Sibre ’45Vincent P. Strenger ’45Joseph J. Maksin, Sr. ’46Frank X. McMahon ’46Charles F. Swope ’48Benjamin F. Rutkowski ’48Charles W. Lewis ’48Thomas J. Sweeney ’48Joseph A. Darcy ’49Rev. John J. Duminiak ’50Peter A. Petrella ’50Albert J. Pavucek, Sr. ’51John Mulligan ’52Joseph P. Burke, Sr. CPCU ’54Francis J. Greek ’54Philip A. Diaz ’55James George Kelly ’56William O’Neill ’57John J. Costello ’57Richard J. Endy ’58Walter J. Madrak ’58Joseph A. Oliver ’59Thomas R. Browning ’60James J. Keenan’61Robert C. Pedersen ’62Jose A. Herrera ’70Mark S. Gourley ’71William Miller ’76Daniel M. Bonis ’77Frank McBride ’87Anthony J. DeMarco ’09

Family & FriendsAlbert Blomer Father of Thomas ’80Charles J. Cannon Father of Charles ’74, Robert ’77 & Edward ’80Bernice Cassidy Mother of Jim ’73, Grandmother of Matt Belz ’97, Steve Belz ’99, Mike Cassidy ’03 & Tom Cassidy ’05Margaret E. Clancy Wife of Charles ’53Robert Clemson Father of Robert ’67 & Richard ’69Karen D’Alessandro Mother of Thomas ’14Marguerite DelMonte Grandmother of Joseph ’05 & Louis ’06Doris Dietzler Wife of Thomas ’40Jane Elliott Wife of Larry ’66Marion Giongo Wife of Albert ’51John J. Horgan Father of James ’80, John ’80, Daniel ’81, Grandfather of James Cooke ’09 & Colin Cooke ’12Josephine Kaminski Mother of Ronald ’66Rose M. LaPera Mother of Michael ’74John LippreGrandfather of Nicholas ’09 & Justin Polisi ’09, Father-In-Law of Jim Polisi ’80Stella Martynowski Mother of Frank ’69Helen Noel Wife of Nicholas ’42Vytautas Raubertas Father of Paul ’83Virginia Schafer Wife of David ’39Kevin Schenk Son of Patrick ’74 & brother of Patrick ’00Margaret Scherneck Wife of Alexander ’45Edward Stimmler Son of Edward ’58Marie Strenger Wife of Ernest ’56Herman P. Vivino Father of Michael ’72Edward Wynne, Sr. Father of Edward ’97

Please keep the families of these deceased Alums and friends of Catholic High in

your prayers.

Every attempt is made to keep an accurate list of

our deceased.

Please contact 215.627.5487 with any

corrections or additions.Roman students in full masquerade garb during the December performance of The Phantom of the Opera.

Dear Roman Family,

We have fiercely loyal alumni and a student body of 1,066 students who call themselves Cahillites and will always be “Brothers for Life.” For me, already here for more than six months, Roman Catholic has taken on a new meaning for myself, as I meet the Cahillites of 2011 and the boys from Catholic High from 1935 and beyond. Cahillites attended Roman during the Great Depression and today, young men walk through the doors at Broad and Vine during a recession. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Stan Nanczuk ’35. Stan, with his Roman tie and sweater, talked about Roman like it was yesterday. With a Roman flag for the class of 1935 draped over his couch, Stan says that there is no other school like Roman, and when the closing of Roman seemed imminent, Stan was one of many Cahillites who helped to save the school.

Cahillites from 1935 to 2011 filled the cathedral and the banquet room at the Sheraton with the spirit of Thomas Cahill at the Annual Communion Breakfast and Mass. Every year the morning concludes with a resounding version of The Purple and Gold. This year when we gather again in November 2011, the keynote speaker will be Villanova’s basketball coach Jay Wright, who presently coaches Maalik Wayns ’09.

As the winter cold and snow haunt us, warmer weather and a fun night in the Orient await us. The Romauction “An Evening in the Orient” on March 5, 2011 will honor Jim Fitzsimmons ’67 as the Sophia Cahill Recipient and Dr. Richard Vassallo ’59 will chair the event. This year’s Romauction has a slightly different format with heavy hors d’oeuvres and the evening promises to be fun-filled with auction items for every budget and every interest.

Accolades and tributes are abundant at Roman with alumni, faculty and students basking in the spotlight. Under the direction of Roman’s Fine Arts Chair, Mr. Lance Moore, Roman, in collaboration with John W. Hallahan, put on one of the finest performances in recent years. “The Phantom of the Opera” cast and crew deserved the standing ovation received at each performance! On January 28th Rich Vassallo ’59 was honored by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at the Distinguished Alumni Awards. He was inducted with several deserving honorees and Roman is very proud of his accomplishments.

However, times remain difficult for many and some stories for students and families are ones of struggle. This past summer, a current student met with me and explained that his father lost his job while his mother was also not working. He quietly looked me in the eye and said that he was hoping that Roman would make some tuition arrangements with him, so that he could continue and fulfill his dream of graduating from Roman Catholic High School. Working three jobs to pay family bills, he maintains perfect attendance and discipline. Thomas E. Cahill, described in 1890 as an honest, simple-hearted, and humble man, had a dream and vision of a high school for boys which he wanted to be called Roman Catholic. You have an opportunity to perpetuate that dream with a contribution to the Adopt-a-Student program.

Jesus had a place in his heart in the Gospel stories for the poor and the brokenhearted. As the Roman Family, I simply ask you to consider supporting your brother in need. As Jesus said, “Whatever you do for the least of my brothers or sisters, you do for me”. Current tuition and fees are about $6,000. Please consider a financial gift of full tuition, half tuition or an amount that is comfortable for you.

Roman Alumni, I thank you for all that you do to continue and strengthen the pride and tradition of Roman Catholic High School! Let us continue to pray for and encourage one another. Please feel free to contact me or visit us at Roman throughout the year. I can be reached at 215.627.1270, ext. 110 or jflanagan@RomanCatholicHS.com. God bless you and God bless the Roman Family!

Peace,

Fr. John B. FlanaganPresident/Rector

The Empire 3

From the Desk of the Rector

Note: For a response form or to make your gift today to the Adopt-a-Student program, visit www.rchsalumni.org/Adopt.

4 Roman Catholic High School

A Message From the Alumni PresidentDear Fellow Alums,

Thank you for the tremendous outpouring of support I received after the passing of my beloved wife, Jane, this past December. Losing Jane during the Christmas season was undoubtedly the most trying time in my life. I took solace in knowing that my Catholic High brothers were supporting me. I sincerely appreciate everyone’s prayers, Mass cards, and presence. Roman was just as much a part of Jane as it was of me, and I know she is smiling on all of us.

As we move into a new year, it is time for us as alums to look back and ask ourselves what we have done for Catholic High and then look forward and ask “What are we going to do?” With much talk over the past year about accommodating new students and plans for expansion, many of you are anxious about what may occur. In order for a realistic, sustainable, future expansion on the grounds of Broad and Vine to happen, we will need your support. Many alums read this publication each printing and feel as though they have given much to our beloved alma mater. For your consistent involvement, I thank you immensely and can only hope for your continued support. While there are a great number of Cahillites who made Roman what it is today, the beneficiaries of those achievements must now step up and understand that the life-cycle of a Catholic High School requires your involvement. The sacrifices of your fathers, uncles, and brothers must now be repeated by you in order to benefit your sons, nephews, and fellow Sons of Cahill.

With the dedication and commitment of Faculty, Administration, and Development staff, Roman Catholic remains the most successful Diocesan high school in the city of Philadelphia. But, we cannot become complacent. A school can only do two things: become better or become worse. As alumni, we are proud of our great achievement in saving Roman Catholic High School once before. We should take our cue from the McSherrys, Trotters, and Grahams, to ensure that we never return to that desperation.

It is a new year, a new time. Through fostering faith and expanding knowledge, we can help to make the future brighter for our students and ourselves.

Sincerely,

Larry Elliott ’66PresidentRoman Catholic High School Alumni Association

Purple and Gold

When Day Mounts the East, what flag does he hold? He flings out his banner of Purple and Gold!

And when at the eve he sinks to his rest, with Purple and Gold still aflame is the West.

Then stand by the flag, the young and the old!

Its colors are yours - the Purple and Gold!

A smile on the lip, a tear in the eye - Salute ye the colors of Catholic High!

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!

The Empire 5

FALL BACKThe Fall of 2010 was a Memorable One for Catholic High Alumni

Cocktail Reception SponsorBPG Properties

Purple and Gold SponsorsIBEW Local Union 98

Stradley, Ronon, Stevens & YoungUtility Line Services

Roman SponsorsAqua America Inc.

Columbus ConstructionDrexel University

Independence Blue CrossKPMG

Mr. & Mrs. Kevin NigroObermayer, Rebmann, Maxwell & Hipple

Richard W. Vassallo, MD ’59Riggs Distler & Company

Wilmington Trust of Pennsylvania

In October, the Greater Philadelphia Area Leadership Award raised over $100,000 for student scholarships and tuition assistance. The

Roman community is grateful for the support of Presenting Sponsor PECO, Honoree Denis P. O’Brien, Guest Speaker Sr. Mary Scullion,

RSM, all of our sponsors, and all who attended for showing such support to the boys of Catholic High.

Above:12th Rector Rev. Joseph Bongard ’77, RCHS Principal Bob O’Neill, Current Rector Rev. John B. Flanagan, Rector Msgr. Francis Beach ’67 and 11th Rector Paul Brandt ’06 pose for a shot at the Union League during the GPALA. Each year, they have worked alongside the Board of Advisors and Development Office to make this night a success.

Communion Breakfast 2010 A Great Success

Fall Admissions Predicts Large Freshman Class

The 2010 Communion Breakfast welcomed over 800 Cahillites to mass and breakfast in November. Special thank you to co-chairs Paul Marshall ’60 and Seamus Kearney ’60 for their efforts in securing Prinicpal Speaker Sr. Mary Scullion, RSM whose words resonated with the crowd. Most Rev. Joseph A. Pepe, JCD ’60 celebrated the mass and as always, Toastmaster “Speedy” Morris kept us laughing. The Communion Breakfast and Homecoming Mass were enjoyable, but unfortunately the memories must live on in our minds as our photographer’s camera was sadly stolen from his car on the Monday following the event. If you have any photos from the Communion Breakfast you would like to share, please e-mail Alumni@RomanCatholicHS.com or call 215.627.5487 ext. 310.

508 Students Applied to Roman Catholic this Fall. A freshman class of 280 students

is predicted. Interviews will be ongoing until March.

Thank you for helping get the word out about Roman Catholic, The Flagship of

the Archdiocese of Philadelphia!

6 Roman Catholic High School

DONOR LISTINGSIn Our 2009-2010 Annual Report, Some Names Were Printed Incorrectly. We Have

Correctly Printed These Listings and Societies BelowMonsignor Bonner Society

$2,500 - $4,999Aegis Property GroupJames J. Binns, Esq.Columbus Construction, LLCMr. & Mrs. Anthony ContiDr. Robert C. White Rowing TrustEmcor Services FluidicsMr. Robert FaheyMs. Mary McCloskey FenkelMr. James A. Fitzsimmons ‘67Mr. John J. GallagherMr. John J. Griffin ‘74Jeffrey F. Gryn, M.D. ‘76Francis J. Hartman, Esq. ‘48Independence Blue CrossKPMGLocal Union No. 98Mrs. Helen C. MacchiavelliMr. John P. McGee ‘67Dr. Dorothy McMullenMorgan & Smokey Brown FoundationMr. Edward H. Morris, Jr. ‘66Mr. Stanley J. Nanczuk ‘35National Penn BankObermayer Rebmann Maxwell & HippleMr. Ronald RubinSt. Malachy ParishStradley Ronon Stevens & YoungThe Philadelphia Trust Co.Verizon FoundationWilmington Trust of Pennsylvania

Monsignor Fisher Society $1,000 - $2,499

ACE Charitable FoundationAlan Ameche Memorial FoundationAlhambra Catholic Invitational Tourna-mentDr. Joseph J. Andris, DO ‘68Aqua America, Inc.Mr. William J. AveryBallard Spahr LLPMr. John V. BonnerBridgepoint Insurance Group, IncMr. Paul V. Bryson ‘61Ms. Jean Burke

Mr. Robert M. Byrnes, Sr. ‘58Mr. Joseph B. Callaghan ‘51Mr. James F. CampenellaClare McIlvaine MundyMs. Mary Filer CoffinaMs. Mary ColganComcast Spectacor FoundationCommunity Scholarship Fund-Waste ManagementMr. William F. Connolly, Jr. CPA ‘38Mr. Charles J. Day ‘59Deacon Industrial Supply Co., Inc.Mrs. Mary Ellen DeBellisDilworth Paxson, LLPMr. Leo J. Dolan ‘39Mr. Edward G. Donovan ‘66Drinker Biddle & Reath LLPEstate of Sam MorroneMr. Thomas FarleyMr. Joseph W. Ferry ‘65Fishtown A. C. Alumni AssociationMr. Joseph J. Flaherty ‘56Mr. Kevin C. Flaherty ‘84Dr. Harry P. Flanagan ‘64Mr. Michael A. Flood ‘81Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #5 PhilaFriends of Joe Kelly & Ed TobinMr. John M. FruncilloMs. Mary T. & Mrs. Agnes A. GiampietroMr. John P. Gibbons ‘52Mr. John P. GilmartinMr. Michael J. Griffin ‘49Fr. Edward Hamilton ‘47Henry James SaloonMrs. Mary T. HobanHope Partnership for EducationMr. Anthony J. Jessel ‘43John Redmond Memorial Tournament FundMr. John P. Jungers, CPA ‘50Mr. Joseph R. Kiernan ‘43Life Financial Planning, LLCMr. Francis J. Linardo ‘46Mr. Edward LivaMr. Peter S. LongstrethMr. John E. Loonstyn ‘87Mr. Ira Lubert

Mr. Howard F. MacGrady ‘53Mr. Robert K. MaloneyMr. Seymour MandellMarchiano’s BakeryMr. Joseph P. Marino, Jr. ‘66Mr. Joseph C. Mazur ‘70Mr. John J. McConnell ‘49Mr. John E. McDowellThomas J. McKeever, Jr. , Esq. ‘67Mr. Francis P. McMenamin ‘50McMonagle, Perri & McHugh, P.C.Milberg LLPRobert E. Moffit, Ph.D. ‘65Mr. William T. Morris ‘60Mrs. Theresa A. O’BrienMr. Joseph M. Ochman, Sr. ‘49Mr. J. Joseph O’Mara, Jr. ‘57Mr. Sylvester Paramore ‘63Parkway CorporationPhiladelphia Eagles LLCPhiladelphia Newspapers, LLCPNC Bank, N.A.PSDCMr. Gerald RankinMr. Joseph G. Roddy ‘52Mr. Gary SilviMr. John F. Slanga ‘57Mr. Charles L. Storm ‘63The Emerson GroupThe Philadelphia FoundationThomas J. Lally 25 Outreach FundMr. Thomas W. ThomsonTioga FoundationMrs. Bernadette M. TrotterMr. Michael A. Valucci ‘75Mr. Joseph L. Wachter ‘39Mr. Joseph D. Weber, Jr. ‘59Mr. Francis R. Welsh ‘66Mr. William WisterMr. Joseph M. Zakrzewski ‘75Michael J. Zakrzewski, D.O. ‘74Paul J. Zakrzewski, D.O ‘87Mr. John E. Zoller

Monsignor Henry Society $500 - $999

Advanced Door Service Inc.

Bold: 10 years Consecutive Giving Italics: Includes Matching Gift † Deceased

The Empire 7

AnonymousAutomatic Door Enterprises, Inc.Base Balancing Inc.Mr. Michael Bennett ‘77Mr. Frank G Binswanger, Jr.Blue Cross Broad Street RunBochetto & Lentz, P.C.Mr. Francis J. Bold ‘51Mr. Perry M. BonifaziMr. Joseph D. Boyle ‘84Mr. William J. Boyle ‘87Brian’s Harley-Davidson/BuellMr. Lloyd BrownMr. Thomas A. Burke ‘47Citizens BankMr. Norman S. CohenMr. Patrick F. Conville ‘76Mr. Lawrence G. Costigan, Sr. ‘59Mr. Joseph J. Coyle ‘64C-Store ConceptsMr. James A. Daily ‘55Mr. Joseph Digiovanni ‘62Mr. Vincent J. Donahue ‘59Mr. Joseph T. Doyle ‘44Duane Morris LLPMr. John H. Dzwil ‘69Mr. Richard T. Farrell ‘92Mr. Michael H. Finnegan ‘75Mr. Daniel M. FrameMr. Michael GalballyMr. Daniel T. Gallagher ‘51Mr. Gerard E. Gantert ‘40Mr. Carmen D. Gaspero ‘57Mr. Gerald F. Gibbons ‘73Mr. John M. Gibbons ‘48Mr. Domenico A. Giordano ‘10Mr. Robert A. Glascott ‘53Mr. Stephen J. Griffin ‘63Mr. & Mrs. Robert GriffithCOL Edward S. Gryczynski, USA(Ret.) ‘57Joseph Hagan, M.D.M.P.A. ‘65Mr. Anthony J. Hagerty ‘73Mr. Joseph E. Hanlon ‘54Mr. Bradley D. HelselMr. Stanley HinesMr. Daniel T. Hoban, Jr. ‘92Mr. John J. Horan ‘48IUOEMr. Daniel J. Jankiewicz ‘00Mr. Joseph J. Jaworowski, Jr. ‘58Jennings Sigmond, P.C.Mr. & Mrs. Scott E. KeeleKeenan’s Valley View InnMr. Dennis M. Kelly ‘59Councilman John P. Kelly ‘56Mr. Robert P. Kelly ‘57

Mr. Francis Kerrigan ‘68Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey V. KohlerMr. Eugene P. Koller ‘60Michael T. Kost, CRNA ‘78Joseph A Lannon, Ph.D. ‘58Dr. Albert C. LaTorre, Jr.Herbert Lee, M.D. ‘72Dr. John R. Lund, PhD ‘78Mr. John B. Lynch, Jr. ‘54Mr. William J LyonsMr. James MahoneyMr. Peter M. Marziano ‘47Mr. Joseph L. McCann ‘60Mr. Michael McCarthyMr. Joseph J. McCourt ‘01Mr. William C. McCoy ‘49Thomas J. McGarrigle, Esq.Mr. Arthur S. McGinn ‘43Mr. & Mrs. Patrick McGonagleMr. Joseph M. McGrath, M.D. ‘50Mr. John J. McGuinn ‘39Mr. Patrick McIntoshMr. Chris McMahonMr. Joseph J. McMahon, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Michael McMahonMr. Christopher McNesby ‘95Mr. James P. McPhilemy ‘99Mr. Peter Mecznik ‘64Mr. & Mrs. Eugene L. MelcherMr. Michael J. MocharnukMr. Keith MorrisMr. John D. Muldowney ‘38Mr. & Mrs. Joseph MullinMr. William A. Myers ‘53Mr. Furman J. Nagle ‘55Mr. Daniel A. Nolasco ‘82Mr. John F. O’Connor ‘60Mr. Timothy O’DonovanMr. William O’Grady ‘57Reverend James P. O’Toole ‘54John C. Papandon, Esq.Mr. Keith A Pellicone ‘96Mr. Michael J. Pelone ‘77Mrs. Lisa PicciottiMr. Andrew E. Quinn ‘44RDS Vending, LLCMr. Donald J. Reape ‘49Mr. Joseph N. Reilly ‘63Mr. Jack RodgersMr. Paul R. RosenRothman InstituteSaint Joseph’s UniversityMr. Harold SchaefferMr. Charles J. Schock ‘66Mr. Robert J. Schock ‘59Mr. and Mrs. David Serratore

Mr. Kenneth Share ‘58Mr. James M. Shields ‘79Mr. John P. Shields ‘75Mr. W. Barry Siegfried ‘52Dr. Michael A. Slawek, D.D.S.Dr. George J. Stockburger, PhD ‘45Ms. Bernadette C. StrangeSuburban Philadelphia AbstractMs. Barbara A. SwiderMr. Joseph J. Taimanglo, USA ‘01Dr. and Mrs. Nicholas C. TenagliaThe Egg’s NestThe Prudential FoundationNino V. Tinari, Esq.Tri -State Imaging Consultants, L.L.C.Mr. Don WagnerMr. Andrew WillisKevin Zakrzewski, M.D. ‘80Mr. Mark J. Zakrzewski ‘76Mr. Matthew J. Zakrzewski, Jr. ‘78Mr. Matthew J. Zakrzewski ‘56

Above: The transferral of the flag.

To ensure the continuation of Catholic High traditions, support

Annual Giving.

Visit www.RCHSAlumni.orgClick 2010-2011 Annual Giving

Contact215.627.5487

Alumni@RomanCatholicHS.com

8 Roman Catholic High School

ATHLETICSBy: Dennis DiGiovanni ’02, Athletic Director

Visit www.RomanCatholicHS.com for updates. Click on Calendar, Sports Calendar.

BasketballCoach Chris McNesby’s ’95 Varsity team will look to continue their successful season when they begin their playoff run in the mid-dle of February and their state championship run in March. The Cahillites are led by senior Junior Fortunat ’11 and junior Montana Mayfield ’12.

Indoor TrackUnder the direction of new head coach Maurice Broadwater, the Roman Catholic High School Indoor Track team is looking to make some noise in the Philadelphia Catholic League. Their experience and hard work will hopefully have them excelling towards the top of the PCL. They are led by Richard Gatewood ’12, Stephen Monaghan ’12, Jim McShane ’12, and Daryl Mintz ’12.

BowlingThe Roman Catholic Bowling team is having another very successful season. The team is currently tied for 1st place in the PCL and is looking to secure the first bowling championship for Roman in years. They are under the direction of second year head coach, Joe Wildes ’74. They are led by Rashaan Hale ’11, Chris DeMayo ’12, and Tom McGuinn ’12.

WrestlingThe Roman Catholic Wrestling team is looking to have another strong season under Coach Waverly Lane. Senior Tyreef Cash ’11 is a tremendous leader both on and off the mat. Coach Lane and his staff look forward to the post-season push with the young group of talent they have.

SwimmingThe Roman Catholic Swim team is on their way to another successful season under Coach Mike Womelsdorf and his assistant Kathy Womelsdorf. Through hard work and dedication, the swim team is looking to repeat its winning season from last year. They are led by senior Luke Lahann ’11 and sophomore Dan Slivjak ’13.

Ice HockeyThe experienced Roman Catholic Varsity Hockey team has begun their title defense. Led by Matt D’Andrea ’11, Anthony Mauro ’11 and Mike Pagliarella ’11, the Cahillites have once again been a tough team to compete against in their division. The Cahillites look to repeat as PCL Champs!

Cahillite Takes Center Stage on the Main Line

Maalik Wayns ’09 has been starting for Jay Wright’s Villanova Wildcats. Wayns has been making an impact at point guard this season, replacing Scottie Reynolds.

As a freshman last season, he averaged just under seven points in just about 15 minutes per game. As of this printing, Maalik has averaged 14 points and nearly six assists a game. The Catholic High Alumni Association wishes Maalik continued success in his career.

For More on Cahillites Enjoying Post-Catholic High Success, Visit Page 13

The Empire 9

Dear Mr. Kearney, Thank you for sending the Sports Hall of Fame certificate for my father, Bruno Talvacchia. He was delighted to receive it and asked me to tell you. It brought back happy memories of RCHS and of the induction ceremony with his friend Jack Gillin (deceased). Bruno will be 93 next week and is doing very well for his age. He appreciates the continued contact with Roman.

Judy Talvacchia

A Special Thank You

Martin Sculley, Class of 1919Football, Basketball, Baseball, & Track

John Dinan, Class of 1958Football

Al Little, Class of 1960Football & Basketball

Mike Morrow, Class of 1976Basketball

Tim Gramlich, Class of 1978Football

Tarone Thornton, Class of 1984Basketball

Mike Carr, Class of 1992Baseball

Daison Haire, Class of 1998Track

1999 Football TeamTim Schmidt, Class of 2000

Football

Special AwardsJoseph ‘Goldie’ Graham ’33 Memorial Award for Loyalty

Bill MyersClass of 1950

John Gillen ’33 Memorial Inter-League Award

Jack Pyrah Villanova Track

John Hoban ’35 Memorial Service AwardKevin Verbrugghe ’80,

Cross Country Coach

William ‘Speedy’ Morris ’60 Community Award

Edward Jones ’72

Sports Hall of FameRoman Catholic High School Sports Hall of Fame will celebrate its 21st

Induction Ceremony on Friday, April 8th, 2011 at Williamsons Restaurant in Horsham, PA. Join us as we honor some of the greatest Cahillites ever to grace

the gridirons, courts, tracks, and diamonds of Catholic High.

Congratulations to all of this year’s inductees.

Order Your Tickets for the 2011 Sports Hall of Fame Banquet

Tickets are $35 per person

Contact John Livewell ’91, Chair215.627.5487, ext. 314jlivewell@hotmail.com

On the afternoon of Friday, April 8th, S.H.O.F Inductees will be honored at

Roman Catholic High School

10 Roman Catholic High School

AROUND

Feelin’ BeachyNikolaos Canio ’13 and Trevor Polk ’13 volunteered on October 23rd to help clean up the beaches in Sea Isle City, New Jersey. There were about 100 volunteers total that did a number of different jobs, such as picking up hundreds of pounds of trash and scattering beach grass in the dunes. The event was co-sponsored by the Clean Ocean Action, a non-profit organization based in Sandy Hook. These Cahillites were highlighted in the Philadelphia Daily News for their efforts.

A Cahillite Joins the Rank of Eagle Scout

Sean Connolly ’10 was recently awarded with the rank of Eagle Scout at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor held at the Roxborough Baptist Church. Sean finished his requirements for the rank of Eagle in May of 2010. He began as a Tiger Cub with Pack 474 in 1998 and has been a member of Boy Scout Troup 114 since 2003. Sean is currently a Freshman at York College in Pennsylvania where he is majoring in History.

Roman Student Shares His Voice of Democracy for 2nd Year

James Corcoran ’13 won 1st place for District 1 (City of Philadelphia) in the Voice of Democracy essay contest for the second consecutive year. As of this printing, James was on his way to Gettysburg, PA on the weekend of January 21st to receive his award and compete against those in other districts for a chance to move on as a State Finalist to the National Competition in Washington, D.C. This year, James’ essay asked the question, “Does Our Generation Play A Role in the Future of Our Country?” He answers this with a resounding “Yes.” James writes, “Tomorrow is looking great. I am not talking about weather, either. I know that each of us has a specific talent that will benefit our brothers and sisters in humanity. I feel that many of the people in my generation have such a drive to be great, and in that drive positively affect the people around them.” Good luck to James Corcoran from everyone in the Roman Catholic High School family. You represent us and your entire generation in the best way possible. Tomorrow is certainly looking great for you.

Investing in the FutureMatt Kulpa ’02, a Senior Accountant at Roman & Company, LLC in Manayunk visited Ms. Theresa Lazorko’s Accounting class during the Fall Semester. He spoke to the class about wealth management, investment, and a career in the world of finance.

After speaking to two of Ms. Lazorko’s Accounting classes, Matt hopes to return and field even more question from these future moguls.

Above: Matt Kulpa ’02 speaks to an RCHS Accounting class during 7th period in the McSherry Annex.

The Empire 11

ROMANRCHS Soccer,

A Band of BrothersThe Roman Catholic soccer team was recently featured in the Northeast Times. The article highlights why boys from across the entire city migrate to Roman Catholic for athletics and more. Senior Nico Delgado said “I love it at Roman. I love the tradition here. It’s been around forever. Everybody loves it and wants to be there.” Sophomore Joe Steward believes that this team can achieve greatness this year. “I think we have the potential to be great, we just have work to do. We have a lot of new players but we manage to keep the brotherhood because that’s what Roman is all about – band of brothers.”

Community Service Corps Teams with Ronald McDonald House

Just before the Thanksgiving break, Roman students gave up one of their much anticipated Friday nights to host a game night for children at the Ronald McDonald House on 38th and Chestnut Streets in University City.

The Cahillites brought board games and prizes to the children ranging in age from 5 to 14. One parent whose sons were awaiting treatment was amazed by the maturity of the Roman students. “You can’t imagine what this is like until you go through it,” he said. “And for these guys to come out here to [play games] with them, it means a lot to the kids. It means a lot to me.”

Special thank you to Mike Leitner ’12, Mike Donados ’12, John Kradzinski ’12, Eric VonHofen ’12, and Matt Lawson’14.

Above: Nico Delgado ’11; proud to be part of the Roman brotherhood

12 Roman Catholic High School

CLASS NOTES 1938 Edward J. Hardiman passed away on Monday October 18, 2010, at 90 years young, but this class note was contributed by his loving wife, Mary Grace. Edward entered the Navy in the V-12 Program in WWII after graduation. He became a commissioned officer, graduat-ing from Columbia University Midshipman School in 1944. During WWII he spent his time on the USS Columbus in China and Japan. He then joined the Naval Reserves and eventually graduated from the Wharton School and then Temple Law in 1950. He was recalled to service as an Intelligence Officer in Japan during the Korean War. He remained in the Naval Reserves until the late 1950s and then practiced law for 51 years. Our prayers are with Edward’s family as we mourn the death of a decorated Cahillite.

1939Francis A. Mueller is living in Red Hook, NY. He sends his regards to his Roman brothers as he was unable to attend the Communion Breakfast. He wishes the best of luck to the Class of ’39.

1948Fran McMenamin is the proud grandfather of Kevin, Class of 2012, who is carrying on his legacy at Catholic High.

1949Robert Furlong attended the Class of 1949’s 6th Annual luncheon at Keenan’s Valley View Inn. Awards were made to Fr. John Bloh ’49 and a good time was had by all.

1950William J. Hildebrand has been retired for 13 years and celebrated his 51st wedding anniversary this year. He is the proud grandfather of 8 grandchildren; 4 college

grads, 1 law school student, and 3 high school students. William is enjoying life and able to travel.

1953Thomas LaCorte and his wife Terry celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with a cruise to Alaska in July and a trip to Ireland for 7 days.

1959Joe Bisch retired in March, 2010. He is spending a lot of time at the shore in Ventnor.

1964Michael P. Cooney retired from the Philly Police Department in 2002 as Commanding Officer of the Training Bureau. Michael’s third “Mickey Devlin Novel,” Dublin Odyssey is due out in January 2011. Michael’s fourth novel, Imperfect Contrition, is scheduled for release in the spring. Michael can be contacted at mpcooney4@msn.com.

1971 Mike Days, Editor of the Philadelphia Daily News has been appointed Managing Editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer. For 25 years, Days has worked as a reporter and editor in Philadelphia and according to Inquirer Editor Stan Wischnowski, “has established himself as one of the most respected journalists in the city and beyond.”

1975Mike Finnegan, President of the Cahill Club, has enjoyed a growing success over the past several months. In December, he was notified that he would be receiving the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Administrator of the Year Award. Then, he received a great Christmas present in the form of an announcement from the United States Youth Soccer Association Administrator of the Year for US Region 1. Region 1 covers Connecticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maine, Massachussetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. The region is home to 1.2 million players. In February, he will not only be honored at the National Gala in Louisville Kentucky, he will also discover whether or not he has been chosen as the United States Youth Soccer Association National Administrator of the Year, an award he has been nominated for against the 3 other regional administrators.

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1998Rasual Butler was recently profiled in the Philadelphia Daily News by Sam Donnellon on his NBA career. The article takes a look at Butler’s Philadelphia background and highlights his playing days at Roman Catholic as a the foundation for his journey to the NBA. This article can be found on www.philly.com.

2004Lee McInerney graduated from Gwynedd Mercy College in 2009 with a degree in Criminal Justice and graduated from the Philadelphia Police Academy on October 8th. He is now stationed at the 14th district.

2005John Hellings graduated from the Philadelphia Police Academy in

CLASS NOTESOctober, 2010. During his time at Roman he was an active member of the Ice Hockey team and Rock Climbing club. Congratulations to John from his family, friends, and all of us here at Roman.

2006Jarrett Burks graduated in May 2010 from Yale University with a B.A. in Sociology. He is currently a Teach for America corps member teaching 6th grade English at Prestige Academy, an all boys charter school in Wilmington, Delaware.

2007Christopher Koehnlein was a member of Class 357 that graduated this past fall from the Philadelphia Police Academy. Chris is currently assigned to the 19th Police District.

1991William Greene and his wife Melissa welcomed Michael Gabriel on August 6, 2010. He is behind big brother Bill, 3, and big sister Vanessa, 2.

Tim Kearney is a partner in a new restaurant located on Samson St. on Penn’s campus. Venice Baby Blues Ribs is a franchise restaurant from California. This is their first venue in the east. To learn more, visit www.babybluesvenice.com

1992Joe Tremoglie, RCHS faculty member and former Roman head baseball coach, has been named a volunteer assistant coach for Saint Joseph’s University baseball this season. Tremoglie is a 1996 graduate of St. Joe’s. During his four seasons on Hawk Hill, Tremoglie played 75 games, making 24 starts at first base and hit for .280 during his junior year.

What Have You Been Up To?Let Us Know!

The EmpireRoman Catholic High School

301 N. Broad StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19107

alumni@RomanCatholicHS.com

Pictured Right: Roman Soccer Alums find Success at Gwynedd Mercy College. Matt Meier ’07, Ryan Murray ’07, Lou Vessels ’08, and Fran Vogelman ’10 pictured with their GMC Coaches and teammates

14 Roman Catholic High School

An Alum’s Gift Represents Faith and Philly Roots

James Joseph “Doc” Weir ’43 remained loyal to Catholic High for many years following his graduation, rarely missing a Communion Breakfast. After his graduation, he enlisted in the United States Naval Air Corp and served from 1943-1946 in the Pacific Region. Following his discharge from the Navy, James began working at RCA Service Company, utilizing a certificate he earned at Temple University in TV and radio repair. During his career, he earned a marketing degree from La Salle University in 1961. He enjoyed a long career at RCA. James and his late wife Catherine were the loving mother and father of seven daughters: Maureen, Kathleen, Annie, Eileen, Patricia, Theresa, and Elizabeth. In his dedication to Roman Catholic High School, James bequeathed a Saint John Neumann Statue which now resides in the foyer of Renaissance Hall. Saint John Neumann, Bishop of Philadelphia, passed away on January 5, 1860 on Vine Street just one block away from what would thirty years later become the site of Roman Catholic High School. On Monday, December 20th, Roman hosted a statue dedication followed by a luncheon at the Moshulu posthumously hosted by Doc. Father Flanagan blessed the statue and thanked the Weir family for their undying support of Roman Catholic. The statue of Saint John Neumann will grace the halls of Roman Catholic for many years to come, representing Doc’s legacy at his beloved alma mater.

Right: The beautiful Saint John Neumann Statue that sits in Renaissance Hall, watching over the young men of Catholic High.

Roman Alum Hears His CallingEric Banecker ’07 will graduate from the University of Pennsylvania this Spring with a Bachelor’s degree in English and classical studies. Eric has decided to answer God’s call and enter Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in the Fall.

In January, Eric was profiled by Christie L. Chicoine of the Catholic Standard and Times regarding his decision to enter the seminary following his Ivy League career. The native of Epiphany of Our Lord parish in South Philadelphia had this to say; “God works. That can happen in a minute, in an hour, in a day. But I’m very stubborn. It took a year, then actually it took four years after that before I worked up the courage to apply.”

The Roman Catholic High School family wishes Eric the best of luck on his journey. Who knows? We may one day see him in the President’s Office at Roman.

Above: Eric Banecker ’07 will graduate from UPenn in May and enroll in Saint Charles Seminary in the Fall.

The Empire 15

ROMAUCTION 2011

An Evening in the OrientSaturday, March 5, 2011

Roman Catholic High School

Cocktail Reception & Silent/Live Auction

Sophia Cahill Award RecipientJames Fitzsimmons ’67

Honorary ChairDr. Richard Vassallo ’59

Roman Catholic High School invites you to join in 2011’s premier event - Romauction. This year, Romauction will transform Roman’s historic gymnasium into an Asian Palace. This evening provides fun and and excitement with live and silent auctions featuring fine restaurants, business services, vacation packages and artisans in the Delaware Valley.

The auctions will be coupled with a cocktail reception and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

The Romauction is a major fundraiser for Catholic High which benefits the extra-curricular and co-curricular programs of the students.

Take a Chance to Win$10,000!

Purchase a Romauction Chancefor only $100, you can

support the Romauction and take a chance to win $10,000*

*Drawing will be a 50/50 if less than 100

chances are sold

Tickets to the Romaucation are $45 per person. For more information or to purchase your tickets, Romauction Chance,

or sponsor the eventContact

Donna Candelora (Tickets) or Kathleen Kelly (Advertisements)215.627.1270 ext. 221 or Romauction@RomanCatholicHS.com

For a Response Form or to Register Online at www.RCHSAlumni.org/Romauction

Left: RCHS Faculty Members Mike Sabatino ’98 and Vince Tarducci ’02 enjoying the 2010 Romauction festivities.

Right: Roman parents man one of the many tables at the silent auction

Above: A 1920s Model-T Replica, one of the great auction items up for bidding.

16 Roman Catholic High School

In RetrospectThe Legacy of Thomas E. Cahill

By: Steven Johnston ’10May 27, 1828, a son was born to Irish immigrants who wouldchange the city of Philadelphia forever. As a young child he would go to “private school,” moving on to Southwest Grammar School, and then would attempt to finish his education at Central High School.Entering high school 6 months before the designated age this enterp-rising young man was intelligent beyond his years; however, due to the death of his mother and hard times for his father’s business Thomas E. Cahill had to leave school to get a job. His ingenuity, dedication, and entrepreneurial skills would soon push him towards his future wealth, foreshadowing certain success. Obtaining a grocery store position as a clerk Thomas was a diligent worker and within ayear became a proprietor of a similar establishment.

At the age of 22, in the year 1850, our beloved founder started in the coal and wood business with some interest in shipping. Disaster soon struck, “a freshet [flood] in the Schuylkill swept away all his stock” and Cahill was financially ruined. Over the next three years Thomas re-built his holdings, paid his debt, and in 1869 consolidated all the local ice businesses into the Knickerbocker Ice Company. He was the first president of this company and remained as such until his death. On August 9th, 1878 one of the most generous and valiant benefactors departed this world into the next. At his death, extremely wealthy and without an heir, he endowed a large part of his fortune to the founding of an all-male school. This school would allow young Catholic men in the city to be educated for free, something Thomas was denied.

Described as, “A school building said to be the finest in the country, with a course of study as complete and practical as a knowledge of modern methods can make it” Roman Catholic High School for Boys would become the first free Diocesan high school in the United States and would be the jewel of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The temporal affairs and building of “The Cahill School” were entrusted to the Board of Trustees, as they are today, and on September 5th 1889 the “1890 building” was blessed by his eminence, Archbishop Ryan. History was made, Thomas was no longer childless, and on September 8th 1889 105 “Sons of Cahill” were admitted into the care and tutelage of the new faculty. Catholic High would remain open for the next 120 years, despite hardship and crises, to serve and educate the young men of Philadelphia.

“In Retrospect” is still accepting stories from alumni. Please send anything you wish to share to the Alumni Office.

The Empire 17

Stay in Touch With Catholic High

Stay Updated on Current Cahillite Events by Joining Our Facebook Page

www.Facebook.comRoman Catholic High School Alumni Association

Do You Know a Fellow Alum who is elderly or sick and would

appreciate a visit from Roman Students?

Contact Ed Keenan ’54Director of the ASIST Program

215.627.5487859Keenan@gmail.com

We Are Looking For Yearbooks!

Many Yearbooks from the early years of Catholic High as well as issues of The Cahillite and other

documents need to be found and /or replaced.

Ed Keenan ’54 is compiling a list of what is needed and gladly

appreciates your help. Contact Information Above

Become a Regular

The Alumni Association is always looking for volunteers,heads for specific committees, and new Trustees

Visit www.RCHSAlumni.orgContact

215.627.5487Alumni@RomanCatholicHS.com

UPDATE YOUR RECORDS!

Many Alums have never changed their mailing addresses or updated us

on their occupations.

Keep us informed and we can do the same!

18 Roman Catholic High School

Estate Planning a Win-WinWhat is the Fides Et Scientia Society? In the preservation of the legacy of Thomas E. Cahill, the Fides Et Scientia Society is our planned giving society. This society honors those who have made a planned gift to Ro-man Catholic High School. Two of our newest members to the Fides Et Scientia Society are two alums whose graduation dates are twenty years apart but whose love of Roman Catholic is unchanged with each passing year. James A. Fitzsimmons ’67 has worked in the fundraising and development profession for over 30 years most notably serving as the Dean of Students at Temple University and currently the President of Malvern Retreat House. Bill Boyle ’87 is a Registered Financial Advisor at Life Financial Planning, LLC.

“We were blessed to have a great faculty and staff at Roman. The diversity of the student body was enriching and allowed us to participate in co-curricular activities and leadership positions. I have always been impressed that a layman had the foresight to fund a Catholic High School through his estate plans,” says Fitzsimmons, “I valued the mission of Roman and hope to continue its strong tradition of providing a Catholic education for young men throughout our region.”

(continued on page 19)

Plan Your Legacy at Catholic High

“It is estimated that almost 70% of people do not have a will or estate plan. That can be a costly error.”

-Jim Fitzsimmons ’67

“Planned giving allows the donor to ensure that his/her legacy gift can be given directly to heirs and chari-table institutions rather than be inappropriately taxed by the government. It provides you with an additional opportunity to donate funds to a favorite charity that you may not be able to give to while you are living and worry about unexpected medical bills for oneself or surviving spouse,” Fitzsimmons explains. “Planning your estate is good stewardship of your assets and allows you to give the legacy gift directly to those you wish. It is estimated that almost 70% of people do not have a will or estate plan. That can be a costly error.”

“I see the good that planned giving does in many ways,” Boyle says. “It benefits the organization that is get-ting the money, even if that is years away. Planned giving helps to promote the mission of the charity and if you fill up the pipeline of giving, it can be built into future budgets.”

Planned giving does exactly what Thomas E. Cahill did – it helps plan for the future, knowing that the in-come will fund future operations at the organization and support special interests of the donor including scholarships and service opportunities. Roman Catholic High exists because of the planning of our beloved founder. “Estate planning,” Fitzsimmons says, “is a win-win situation for everyone.”

• Appreciated securities receive the same deduction as cash gifts and you pay no capital gains tax on the transfer.

• Donate a life insurance policy whose coverage your family no longer needs, or real estate like a second home or parcel of undeveloped land.

• Name Roman Catholic High School as a beneficiary of your will, revocable trust, or retirement plan.

Contact the Alumni &Development Office

215.627.5487 ext. 312Alumni@RomanCatholicHS.com

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