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.

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    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.

Scholarship Fund

     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.

70th Anniversary

MEMORIAL DAY

Services

   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.

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St. Patrick's Day Parade

   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.

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Comedy Night

    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.

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Turkey Bowl Beef and Beer

     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.

Falcons Fun in the Sun at Flip Flopz

     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.

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Trenton Thunder vs Reading Fightin Phils

     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.

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     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.

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2010 Graduation Ceremonies

     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.

     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.

Closing Mass for Alumni

     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!

FALCONS - 28