This page is designed to keep our members and
friends up-to-date on what is happening within the Association.
The 91st Annual Memorial Mass and
Communion Breakfast
has been scheduled for Sunday, March 14, 2021.
The Golf Classic has been rescheduled for Tuesday, October 13.
The Cornhole Tournament has been cancelled.
Memorial Day Services have been cancelled.
The Turkey Bowl Beef & Beer has been cancelled. Watch this site and your mail for further details.
Northeast
Catholic Alumni Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc.
Announces exciting news for all
Alumni
Currently, we award a
Lou Baldwin, '53, recently wrote an article for
CatholicPhilly.com on the Scholarship Fund. Go to
www.CatholicPhilly.com and
type Northeast Catholic Alumni in the search box to go to the article.
NORTHEAST
CATHOLIC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, INC.
We are happy to report that we have moved to our new home - 2700 Rhawn
Street (SEC Rhawn and Fairfield Sts. - one block east of Roosevelt
Blvd.) See photos below. All our equipment and some of the NECHS memorabilia
came with us. What we received when the school closed is now
proudly displayed. The Shrine of Our Lady Fatima
and the plaques honoring our members who died during World War II,
Korea, and Viet Nam, which was the property of the Association came with
us have been reconstructed at the site. The men pictured below -
alumni and friends and relatives - were responsible for getting us moved
in.
Since June, 2010 when we
moved in,
we've made a number of improvements to the building and property, not
the least of which, was installing the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in
the rear yard. Of course, the plaques honoring the memory of the
265 alumni who gave their lives for their country in World War II,
Korea, and Vietnam are next to Our Lady. The Shrine was dedicated by Father Kilty on
Memorial Day, 2011.
The office as you walk in from the
entrance on Fairfield Street is the nerve center of your Association.
On the walls are a number of mementos of accomplishments from years
past. The desk on the right belonged to the secretary to the
President of NECHS and was made by Frank Fedele, '64. Above the
mantle on the left is an original cartoon by Bil Keane, '40
Two views of the operations
center where all mailings are produced. It is also used for
committee meetings and meetings of the Board of Trustees of the
Scholarship Fund. On the far right is the plaque honoring those
killed in Vietnam which hung at the end of the first floor corridor at
North. It now graces a wall in one of our Memorial Rooms.
Something new was added in
the summer of '13. Thanks to Mariana Bracetti Academy, the charter
school that purchased the NECHS building, we were able to secure the
banner above which was the top the marquee on the corner of Torresdale &
Hunting Park Aves. With some expert craftmanship, we were able to
cut it to size, frame it appropriately and it now hangs in a place of
honor in our operations center.
Some the Catholic League
Championship shields given to us when school closed. Our Hall of
Fame which honors our Outstanding Alumni, Outstanding Achievement Award
recipients, Honorary members, and past Presidents and Chaplains.
Some of the sports memorabilia that were presented to us.
On the left some more sports
memorabilia. On the right, the NECHS Hall of Fame plaques and a
tapestry honoring the 1956 City Championship football team.
Between the Hall of Fame plaques are three items of interest. The
Crucifix is from the chapel at North. Just below is a school
shield which dates to 1932, and, finally, the podium which graced the
stage at North since it was presented as a graduation gift by the Class
of 1951.
A wall with the trophies we
were able to obtain from the school. Center is a number of the citations
the school received from local and state government over the years.
Some banners and pennants gathered over the years, in particular, one
honoring the basketball teams achievements.
Some more memorabilia, in
particular an autographed picture of honorary member, Pope John Paul II,
and a plaque honoring the legendary Father Thomas "Knobby" Walsh, Hon.
'66. On the right, plaques and photos honoring former alumni, an
original "Reds" Falcon cartoon by Jerry Buckley, '50, and a copy of the
recruitment poster emphasizing that the "right direction" was North.
Now that you've had glimpse, why not stop by and view the building first
hand. Give us a call at 215-543-1051 to make sure someone is
"home".
Some additional items have
been recently acquired by what we lovingly call the Northeast Catholic
Museum. The family of Father Dan McLernan, OSFS, '34, North's
long-time soccer coach donated the plaque the school awarded to
outstanding players in the 90's and his plaque commemorating his
induction into the NECHS Soccer Hall of Fame in 2008.
Another recent addition came
courtesy of Bill Maher, '53, shown as he presented to the Association.
It is the sweater awarded to the 1952 City Championship Football Team.
Bill was an end on that team. The sweater now proudly hangs in one
of our trophy rooms.
Association Joins with Little Flower
for 30th Anniversary Golf Classic
Random photos taken
at our Annual Golf Classic at North Hills Country Club on October 13. On
the left the foursome captained by Jim Cirillo, '64 (2nd from left) that
captured first place with a score of 62, and included Bill Stringer,
Chris Stuhl, and Richie Wade. Second place went to a squad captained by
Mike McBride, '81, with a score of 65, and included Tom Crossett, '75,
Tom Klingenberg, '81, and Mike Ritchie, '84; and third place went to a
Little Flower foursome with a score of 67 that included Danny Ryan,
Kevin Sullivan, Michael Sullivan, and Mike Sullivan. On the right a
Little Flower foursome that included Doreen Halbruner, Kathy Kilian,
Tricia Parker, and Marie O’Riordan.
Not foursomes but
threesomes and perennial attendees at that. On the left, Bob Devine,
'73, Mike Kaiser, '73, and Joe Kaiser, '66. On the right, Dom DiSandro,
'57,Chris Lemma, and Larry Keefe, '57. Neither group won anything but
they had a great time.
This joyful group on the left was
led by Emmett Ruane, '55 (far right) and included Ron Offner, Charlie
Hines, and Bob Carr. On the right a threesome of Steve Andrews, Jim
Fenerty, and John McCourt, '65.
A dues paying member may apply for a grant for his child(ren)
and/or grandchild(ren). Grants are awarded to attend any of the
following colleges/universities: Cabrini College,
Radnor, Pennsylvania; Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
DeSales University, Center Valley, Pennsylvania; Georgian Court University, Lakewood, New Jersey; Gwynedd Mercy
University, Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania; Holy Family University, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania; Immaculata University, Immaculata, Pennsylvania; LaSalle
University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Neumann University, Aston,
Pennsylvania; Rosemont College, Rosemont, Pennsylvania; St. Charles
Borromeo Seminary College, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania; St. Joseph's
University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Villanova University,
Villanova, Pennsylvania. The applicant must be a senior in high
school to be eligible. Four grants of $32,000 are awarded to
applicants who meet our minimum academic and financial need requirements. They are payable in equal semi-annual
installments over four years providing the applicant meets our minimum
academic standards.
Grants
are also awarded to attend an
(arch)diocesan or parochial high school operated within the
canonical jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Camden,
New Jersey, and/or the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton, New
Jersey. The applicant must be in the 8th grade to be eligible.
The grants are awarded to applicants who meet our minimum academic
and financial need requirements. Five grants at $20,000, five at $16,000,
five at $12,000, and five at $8,000 are awarded. They are payable
in equal semi-annual installments over four years providing the
applicant meets our minimum academic standards.
Finally, grants are awarded to
attend a parochial grade school operated by a parish within the
canonical jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Camden,
New Jersey, and/or the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton, New
Jersey. To be eligible, the applicant must be in the 5th
grade.
The grants are awarded to applicants who meet our minimum academic
and financial need requirements. Three grants of $9,000, four
grants of $6,000 and three grants of $3,000 are awarded.
They are payable in equal
semi-annual installments over three years providing the applicant
meets our minimum academic standards.
The first step in applying for a grants is the qualified (dues
payer) parent or grandparent must complete our
request form and
return it to the Fund Office - P. O. Box 7005, Philadelphia, PA
19149-0005 - The forms will be accepted during the period 12/1/20
through 1/31/21.
2020 College Grants
$32,000 Grants:
James Bartelle - Father Judge HS - Chestnut
Hill College Shane McDevitt - Father Judge HS - LaSalle
University Olivia Headley - Conwell-Egan HS - Gwynedd
Mercy University Kyle Vella - New Foundations Charter HS - Holy
Family University Thomas Harper - Archbishop Ryan HS - DeSales
University
Alternates:
Peter Dolan - Father Judge HS
- Holy Family University Mark McDonnell - Father Judge HS - Holy Family
University Lilyanna Baynum - Camden Catholic HS - Cabrini
University Colin McDowell - New Foundations
Charter HS - Neumann University Becca McCue - St. Hubert HS - Holy
Family University
Mr. Bartelle declined our grant. He will
attend Pennsylvania State University. Mr. McDevitt declined our grant.
He will attend Kutztown State University. Mr. Harper declined our
grant. He will attend Pennsylvania State University. The grants
were awarded to Mr. Dolan, Mr. McDonnell, and Ms. Baynum.
2020 High School Grants
$20,000 Grants:
Molly McGovern - St. Peter, Merchantville,
NJ - Camden Catholic HS Emily Krajewski - Our Lady of Port Richmond - Little Flower HS
Anthony Frazier - St. Pio Regional - Roman Catholic HS
Grace Edney - St. Jerome - St. Hubert HS
Christopher McCole - Immaculate Heart of Mary - Roman Catholic HS
$16,000 Grants:
Grace Mott - St. Christopher - Little
Flower HS
Logan Klose - St. Matthew - Father Judge HS
Joseph McKillip - St. Laurentius - Roman Catholic HS
Juliana Quinn - St. Martha - Archbishop Ryan HS
Aidan Slook - St. Katherine of Siena - Father Judge HS
$12,000 Grants:
Gavin Lamb - Our Lady of Port
Richmond - Father Judge HS
Lauren Headley - Our Lady of Grace, Penndel, PA -
Conwell-Egan HS
Sean Rola - Christ the King - Archbishop Ryan HS
Jayden Rounbehler - Williamstown Middle - Roman Catholic
HS
Nicholas Ricci - St. Katherine of Siena - Roman Catholic
HS
$8,000 Grants:
Lillian Quaresima - St. Martha -
Archbishop Ryan HS
Emily Miranda - St. Katherine of Siena - St. Hubert HS Brayden Henes - Bridesburg Elementary - Father Judge HS
Timothy Rauch - Our Lady Of Calvary - Father Judge HS Ashlynn Fields-Clarkson - St. Ephrem, Bensalem, PA -
Archbishop Ryan HS
Alternates:
Allison Coleman -
Philadelphia Academy Charter - St. Hubert HS
Ethan Large - New Foundations Charter - Archbishop Ryan
HS
2020 Grade School Grants
$9,000 Grants:
Luke Dina - St. Pius X, Broomall, PA Alexander Vena - St. Dominic Emily McDonnell - St. Katherine of Siena
$6,000 Grants:
Daniel Holmes - St. Ephrem, Bensalem,
PA
Shawn Gozzi - Maternity B.V.M.
Shane McKillip - St. Laurentius
Madeline McKillip - St. Laurentius
Those in attendance join Committee
Chairman John Handley, '58, in prayers for our 257 brothers who gave
their lives in defense of freedom in World War II, Korea, VietNam, and
Afghanistan.
President Al Waskiewicz, '79, after
placing the wreath at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima with Old Glory
flying proudly above.
Some our guests reminiscing and enjoying the light refreshments
we provided. The family of Leonard Pelullo, '63, enjoying a cup of
coffee and some small talk after the Mass and service.
The concelebrants at Mass at St.
Martin of Tours (l. to r.) Fathers William Metzger, OSFS, Edward
Dougherty, MM, '67, Neil Kilty, OSFS, '59 (partially hidden),
Vincent Smith, OSFS, '74, and Lewis Fiorelli, OSFS. Father
John Spellam, OSFS, '56, was hidden from view. Representing
the honor Classes of 1943 and 1993 were Joe Dakiewicz, '43, and Joe
Lamb, '93. Dennis Kelly, '67, was our Lector and John Garson,
'72, was our Cantor.
The Very Rev. Lewis S. Fiorelli,
OSFS, Provincial of the Oblates' Wilmington-Philadelphia Province
delivered an inspiring sermon that had the rapt attention of the
congregation.
Father Fiorelli and the acolytes,
Jim, '61, and Bob Henes, '66, accept the gifts from 3rd VP Bob
Kensil, '74, and President Al Waskiewicz, '79, as John Garson, '72
leads the congregation in the Offertory hymn. The
concelebrants: Father John Spellman, OSFS, '56, Lewis Fiorelli,
OSFS, Edward Dougherty, MM, Vincent Smith, OSFS, '74, and Neil Kilty,
OSFS, '59. Father Metzger was hidden from view.
Fathers Dougherty and Fiorelli
distribute Holy Communion to those in attendance. President
Waskiewicz, '79, poses for our photographer prior to calling our
annual meeting to order at the Regal Ballroom.
Hall of Fame inductee Mike McCarron,
'84 (standing) smilingly poses with relatives and friends. To
his left, brother-in-law Bob Finn, '70, and his wife, Debbie, former
secretary to the president at NECHS, and then on the far right his
uncle, George "Bud" Kline, '55.
Another table of Mike's relatives and
friends including, to his left, his children and Joe Rapczynski, '70,
and on our far left, Tom Ballard, '86.
At this table, we have Ellen McGrother, and
Kathryn Boyle-Stone, daughters of Hall of Fame inductee Pat Boyle, '49, his wife,
Loretta, son, Patrick, and daughter, Maureen Loughlin.
Honoree Greg Blazic, '64 (center) is
surrounded by his wife Lellus, daughter Kirsten, and brother Chris,
'68.
Daughter Madison, wife, Paula, and
daughter Jillian, join with Hall of Fame Dad, Joe Marbach, '79, and
relatives and friends in posing for our photographer.
At the first of two tables honoring
Hall of Fame inductee Bill Welsh, '65 (2nd from right) are to his
right his wife Sue, and to his left, his sister Maryellen, her
husband Ed, '62, and Kathleen and John McKeever, '65. The
balance of the table and the other table are filled with relatives
and friends.
For the first time in years, we were
able to get a complete shot of the head table with everyone in their
proper place (l. to r.) Tom Morgan '64, John Hanejko, '65, Bob
Kensil, '74, Father Lewis Fiorelli, OSFS, Len Knobbs, '53. Christine
Flower, Al Waskiewicz, '79, Lou Nolan, Jim Kelly, '70, Jim O'Connor,
'61, Jim Henes, '61, Steve Cardullo, '72, Jeff Brown, '79, and
Father Neil Kilty, OSFS, '59.
This table, the young men from the
Class of 1956, obviously appreciate the remarks of Toastmaster Lou
Nolan, the long-time public address announcer for the Philadelphia
Flyers.
The audience listens attentively as
Oblate Provincial, Father Lewis Fiorelli, expresses the gratitude of
the Oblates for the support provided by the Association and its
member over the years.
Hall of Fame Committee Chairman Len
Knobbs, '53, gives those in attendance an overview over the Hall of
Fame,
Dr. Joseph R. Marbach, '79, accepts the
plaque and lapel pin symbolic of his induction into the Hall of Fame in
the field of Arts/Entertainment/Education. Dr. Marbach, President
of Georgian Court University, delivers his acceptance remarks. Our
inductee in the field of Athletics, Michael P. McCarron, '84, receiving
his plaque acknowledging his collegiate and professional basketball
experience and his coaching various teams in the Catholic League,
notably his AlmaMater, and then he delivered his acceptance speech.
Knobbs presents our Hall of Fame
inductee in field of Business/Labor/Military, Gregory J. Blazic, '64,
with his plaque. Mr. Blazic, was acknowledged for entrepreneurial
skills in a number of businesses. In his remarks, he remembered
his days at NECHS. William J. Welsh, PhD, '65, accepts his plaque
symbolic of his induction in the field of Religion/Science. Dr.
Welsh is a professor in Bioinformatics at the Robert Wood Johnson
Medical School of Rutgers University and a research professor at
Princeton University.
Patrick J. Boyle, '49, was honored in
the field of Service for his almost 65 years of service to the
Association as a member of the Board of Governors. He is a former
President (1963-66), Treasurer of the Scholarship Fund (1980-83) and is
a current Trustee of both the Association and the Scholarship Fund.
President Al Waskiewicz, '79, delivers his State of the Association
address. Father Fiorelli accepts a check in the amount of $1550
for the Oblate missions.
President Waskiewicz accepts a $350
check for the Scholarship Fund from Len Knobbs, '53, on behalf of the
Class of '53 as a result of their 65th Anniversary Reunion. Steve
Cardullo, '72, and Jim Kelly, '70, pose with the President after they
presented him with $200 checks from the Classes of '70, '71, '72, and
'73 as a result of their combined Reunion.
Class Rep Ray Rysak, '66, accepts a
plaque from President Waskiewicz honoring him for 50 years of service on
the Association's Board of Governors. Philadelphia Inquirer and
Daily News columnist Christine Flowers delivered and inspiring address
honing in on the Association and its members Catholicity and what we
have accomplished as a result. She accepts our Outstanding
Achievement Award from President Al Waskiewicz, '79.
President Al Waskiewicz, '79, our
Toastmaster Lou Nolan, Outstanding Achievement Award recipient Christine
Flowers, and 3rd VP Bob Kensil, '74. Executive Secreatry-Treasurer
Len Knobbs, '53, and Christine Flowers.
Congratulations to this year's Hall of
Fame members - Joe Marbach, '79, Mike McCarron, '84, Greg Blazic, '64,
Bill Welsh, '65, and Pat Boyle, '49. Our annual photo of the
Executive Board for posterity (l. to r.) 2nd VP James F. Kelly, Jr.,
'70, Ass't. Secretary Jeffrey W. Brown, '79, Historian Thomas P. Morgan,
'64, 4th VP James E. Henes, Jr., '61, Executive Secretary-Treasurer
Leonard F. Knobbs, '53, 2nd Ass't. Treasurer James F. O'Connor,
President Albert P. Waskiewicz, '79, 3rd VP Robert J. Kensil, Jr., '74,
1st Ass't. Treasurer John R. Hanejko, '65, and Secretary Stephen A.
Cardullo, '72. Missing from the photo were our Chaplain Father
Neil F. Kilty, OSFS, '59, and 1st VP Jeffrey C. Rzepczynski, '88.
Tom Morgan, '64, and Pat Bethel, '81,
pose behind Pat's elaborately decorated 1988 Pierce pumper (fire engine
to the uneducated) before the start of the parade. Bob Kensil,
'74, and Tom Gillen , '78, go over the final checks of our float while
Mike Brill, '88, our musician for the day (hidden by the American flag)
tunes up.
A frontal view of Pat's pumper and our
float as the parade starts. The front of our contingent led by
Jim, '70, and Dennis, '67, Kelly, Al Waskiewicz, '79, Mike McBride, '81,
hiding behind Jeff Brown, '79, Kathy Brown, and Bob Kensil, '74 along
with an unknown brother alumnus.
The contingent as it heads east on
Kennedy Boulevard. Look closely and you'll see the pumper flag
pole gently nudge the overhead traffic light standard - no damage to
either. Here we area as we round City Hall to head east on Market
Street.
Here we are - tired but happy - on the
bus after the parade for the ride back to the Alumni Office.
Our photographer forgot his camera
- no photos of this year. These photos are from 2017. Our Comedy Team consisting of (l.
to r.) Jake Mattera, Ed McGonigle, and Jim Daly played to a packed house
at AOH Division 39 Hall in Northeast Philadelphia. Daly, am
accomplished magician as well as comedian had part of his famous beard
shaped as a heart in recognition of Valentine's Day. The
production was under the guidance of Mike Dougherty, '74.
Our apologies!
Our photographer forgot his camera, so no photos of this year's
gathering at the Red Rooster Inn. These photos are of our
November, 2017 gathering at the Ashburner Inn.
Lined up at the door waiting
to greet our guests are (l. to r.) Chairman John Hanejko, '65, Tom
Morgan, '64, and Bill Smith, '53. Gary McNulty, '59, entertains
the ladies - Joyce Hanjeko and Barbara Knobbs.
Obviously enjoying
themselves are these two trios. Left - Joe Lamb, '93, Mark Toner,
'80, and friend. Right - Ray Rysak, '66, Bob Birney, '64, and
friend.
A number of long time attendees -
Jerry, '51, and Mrs. McCool, Ramiro, '60, and Mrs. Yabor.
The photo on the right features Jim Dugan, '63 (center) and friends.
This corner of the bar
features Charlie O'Donnell, '53, friends, and Charlie Meissler, '71
(green shirt). John Hanejko and '65 classmate Jim Fogarty.
Another group of long time
participants, the Nilan Family - Rich, '76, Rich, '02, Grandpop and Mrs.
Nilan. We didn't get the names of this lovely couple - sorry!
Something our photographer
said or did really tickled the Musial's - John, '63, Margaret Mary, and
Wanda. Immediate Past President Jeff Brown, '79, and his wife
Kathy.
Ann & Ed McKenna, '63
(center) and friends. Another lovely couple whose names our
photographer neglected to obtain - Sorry!
Bill Pellegrini, '71 (red
shirt) and friend had a great time. Left to right: Bernie Grill, Len Knobbs, '53,
Jack Devine, '69.
54 Alumni and friends
journeyed to Trenton to watch the Reading Fightin Phils lose to the
Trenton Thunder. Despite the rain and cold weather everyone had a
great time - so they say! Brian Devine, '80, and his wife.
Tom Morgan, '64, and his grandchildren and then Steve Cardullo, '72, and
his wife. Mrs. Peteraf, Ron Kliniewski, '62, and John Peteraf,
'70.
At this table enjoying the
buffet which was part of our admission package are Kathleen Knobbs-Coleman,
Barbara Knobbs, Robert Knobbs, and Frank Kelly, '50. John Garson,
'72 and his wife are stretching their legs.
Jim Kelly, '70 along with his wife and
father-in-law. A view of the picturesque park as darkness descends
John Malone, '47, and
his wife smilingly pose for our photographer. Obviously
enjoying themselves are President Jeff Brown, '79, John Cassidy,
'44, and John Malone, '47.
Joe Muffler, '49, Frank
Kelly, '50, and his lady friend Jean; standing are Walt Kirwan, '56, and
his wife. At this table we have (clockwise from lower left)
Nancy McCormick, Matt Fasbinder, '52, Jim Foley, '52, Bill Degnan,
'52, Frank Noonan, '51, and Marty McCormick, '52.
Some of the Class of '49
- Bill Hettel, Joe Kain, Jerry Murphy, Stephanie Hettel, and Pat
Boyle. This contingent from the Class of '53, had one outsider
and he (Joe Pajak, '50) has his back to the camera. Clockwise
from left - John Pajak, Barbara Knobbs, Dolores and Bob McDonnell, Tom and
Patricia Gilligan, Frank and Jean MacLeod, and Bill Smith.
Wayne McKeever, '53,
Luncheon Chairman Tom Dougherty, '51 and his wife Ellie, Arline McKeever,
Matt Berenato, '51, and Jack Bonner, '51, along with a couple of
gentlemen are photographer couldn't capture in the photo fill this
table. Among the Class of '56 in attendance were Joe Mulcahy,
Gene Mather, Tom O'Rourke, Ron Secoda, Dolores Mulcahy, Mrs. Secoda,
Jack McErlean, Bill Chase, and Walt Rider.
We got the photographer
to take another shot of this table so Joe Pajak, '50, could prove he
was there! That's him at the head of the table making the OK
sign.
The Class of '10 enters Holy
Innocents Church for the last Baccalaureate Mass for NECHS.
Families and friends of
graduates filled Holy Family University field house to overflowing.
The graduating class processes in under the watchful eye of Father
Vincent Smith, OSFS, school president.
Joining the Class of '10 in
singing the Alma Mater are: Father Robert Bazzoli, OSFS, '77
(Pastor of Our Mother of Consolation parish; Father Michael Murray, OSFS,
former NECHS principal and president; Father John Fisher, OSFS, teacher
at NECHS; Father Nicholas Waseline, OSFS, North's principal; Father
James Greenfield, OSFS, Provincial of the Oblates'
Wilmington-Philadelphia Province; Most Rev. Robert Maginnis, auxiliary
bishop of Philadelphia; Father Vincent Smith, NECHS president; Michael
McCall, '10, Valedictorian, and Robert Franco, '10, Salutatorian.
Sadly, this was the last
time the NECHS banner will fly over a graduation ceremony.
Class of '11
The young men pictured above
left: (1st row l. to r.) Robert Dunphy, Matthew Dugan, Thomas Goodyear,
Dylan Marnoch, Raymond Kolakowski, (2nd row l. to r.) Jeremy Reith,
Michael Negroni, Thaddeus Meyers, Patrick Bradley, and Andrew Mitchell
returned to North on May 7, 2011 to celebrate their Senior Prom.
On the right the boys pose with their dates for posterity.
Christopher
Abramson, Jeremy Reith, Joseph Janda, Thomas McGowan, Ray
Kolakowski, and Justin Zarzycki on the steps at their Alma Mater
after their graduation from Judge on June 8, 2011. These
young men are eligible to join the Association and some already
have. We look forward to hearing from this year's
graduates from other schools who spent at least one year at
NECHS.
Brendan Bradley, '11 (l.)
and his best friend, Erik Crudele, '11, pose on the steps of NECHS which
they specially decorated for their graduation pictures (albeit from
Ryan). As you can see they altered the marquee outside North to
reflect their sentiments.
On Sunday, June 6, 2010, the
School and the Association combined to host a closing Mass and luncheon
for alumni and friends of the school. At the concelebrated Mass,
Jeff Brown, '79, Association 1st Assistant Treasurer and Len Knobbs,
'53, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, proclaimed the readings.
Hank Stahl, '66, Association
2nd V. P., read the intercessions. Father Vincent Smith, OSFS,
'74, NECHS president delivered an inspiring homily. After Mass,
Association President John Hanejko, '65, welcomed the crowd and advised
them that the Association would continue and would maintain all of the
North traditions.
Association Assistant
Executive Secretary Ed White, '55, and 2nd Assistant Treasurer Joe
Mulawka, '51, presented the gifts. At the conclusion of Mass, the
entire assemblage rose as one and sang the Alma Mater.
Three classmates from '59 relax
and enjoy the luncheon (l. to r.) Helen and Ed Alegado, Kathleen and Tom
McAvoy, and Bill FitzPatrick. Another table of alumni enjoying the
afternoon.
Someone got the bright idea
of taking a photo of everyone on the front steps. Needless to say
by the time a ladder was found and the photo was snapped total chaos
reigned.
Keep this picture and the
memories it invokes forever alive in your hearts and minds!
Prior to the 82nd Annual Northeast
Catholic - Frankford Thanksgiving Day Classic, a number of alumni
gathered in the LaSalle University Student Union Ballroom for our
version of a super box. Among those in attendance were John
Cutsavage, '70 (2nd from left) and friends. A crowd totaling 9000
or better were present. This photo taken 20 minutes before game
time shows the NC crowd extending to the goal line.
Relaxing
at the Brunch were immediate past president Ed White, '55, Class Rep Joe
Pilawsky, '71, and former Daily News reporter Frank Dougherty, '59.
Posing for our photographer were two members of the 1952 City
Championship team - Bill Maher, '53, and Pete Gibbons, '53, who proudly
displays the sweater awarded to team members. He notes, with due
pride, that he still fits into it. Prior to kickoff Father
Nicholas Waseline presented a framed NC jersey to the Pioneers Coach,
Mike Capriotti, and the team captains..
Taylor
Rand proudly wearing Falcon red leads the crowd in the singing of our
National Anthem. To her right, our Chaplain, Father Neil Kilty,
'59, who delivered the invocation. Coach Charlie Szydlik rallies
his team prior to kickoff. And the game is underway - notice the
gaps in the crowd on the Frankford side.
Frankford scored first, near
the end of the first quarter, on a 68-yard punt return by Taron Mills.
The try for the extra point was wide. They scored again in the
second period on a 16-yard run by Tyrell Martin and he ran for a two
point conversion to put the Pioneers up 14-0. That was the story of
the first half.
Falcon fans view the game from our version
of a Super Box while in the stands we spot a smiling Joe Glackin, '73
with his family and friends.
Attending the game from the Super
Box were three outstanding alumni - Paul Hondros, '66, and brothers,
John, '62, and Bob, '67, Doman. The Falcon crowd is on its feet at
halftime to sing the Alma Mater.
The Falcons came out
determined in the second half and marched down the field on a 16-play
70-yard drive that consumed eight minutes and thirty-four seconds capped by a
1-yard plunge by junior quarterback Anthony Reid. John McCarthy's
kick for the extra point was good and North trailed 14-7.
Early in the fourth stanza,
North scored on a 5-yard run by back-up sophomore tailback Taishan
Tucker. Then Coach Charlie Szydlik made a gutsy move and went for
the lead and potential win in what to then had been a tight game.
The Pioneers stopped the attempt for a two-point conversions and led
14-13 with a little more than eight minutes on the clock.
Surprisingly, this turned out to be the most exciting eight minutes of
Falcon - Pioneer football this writer has observed in sixty years of
watching the games.
After our defense forced a
three and out, the offense took over once again. Senior tailback
Eugene Byrd broke loose on a 45 yard scamper that set up an eight yard
TD pass from Reid to Julian Huggins and Reid carried it in for a two
point conversion and the Falcons led for the first time with 2:28 left
in the game.
The Falcons stands
anticipation of victory was short lived. A little over a
minute later, Frankford running back Jeffione Thomas took off on an
electrifying 55-yard cutback run to put the Pioneers ahead with 1:11 on
the clock. Then he ran it in for two points to put Frankford up by a
point. North was not to be outdone. Frankford, for some
unknown reason, made an on side kick which gave the Falcons the ball on
their 38 yard line with 67 seconds remaining. What happened next
will go down in the annals of Philadelphia High School Football as both
dramatic and historic. Reid engineered a seven play drive that
would have made some pro quarterbacks jealous. Using the sidelines
to march down field, He ended the drive with a pass
over the middle to tailback Eugene Byrd who took it in from twenty yards
out. McCarthy added the point and the Falcons were in front 28-22
with 13 seconds left. The defense held true on Frankford's one
play and that was all she wrote.
As the game ended and players
milled on the field, the crowd exploded from North's stands onto the
field to congratulate the team who afterwards saluted the stands.
And the crowd responded by standing and
saluting the team and singing our Alma Mater.
On Saturday, June 7, 2014, a mural of
Petty Officer 1/C Michael J. Stange, '04, was dedicated at
Belgrade & Clearfield Streets. Michael, a member of the
prestigious Seal Team Six, was killed in Wardak Province,
Afghanistan on August 6, 2011. The morning began with a
Memorial Mass at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Fishtown celebrated by
the pastor, Father Michael Zingaro. The family was escorted
from the church to the dedication site by a motorcycle escort
bearing our flag and led by the Philadelphia Fire Department's Engine
28 and Ladder 16. The invocation was delivered by our
Chaplain, Father Neil Kilty, OSFS, '59.
Among the speakers were U. S.
Congressman Bob Brady, State Representative John Taylor, '73, and
Philadelphia City Councilman Bobby Henon, '87.
The chairman of the event, Tom
Hanson (son of Mike, '52) spoke of the many people involved who
donated their time and talent to create the mural. Mike's Dad,
Charlie, spoke eloquently of his son and his love of his family,
friends, North Catholic , and his country.