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 totalling 9000 or better were present.  This photo taken 20 minutes before game time shows the NC crowd extending to the goal line.

    Also enjoying the Brunch were the Kliniewski twins, Ron and Rob, both '62 and a lady friend.  A close-up of our fans seated at the 20 yard 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 pint conversion to put the Pioneers up 14-0.  That was the story of the first half.

    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 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.  The he ran it in for two points to put Frankord 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 twenty yard 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.

back to top

Turkey Bowl Beef and Beer

     Bobby Woltjen, '83, Chairman of the afternoon gathering at Chickie's & Pete's on the Boulevard is joined by Paul Mundy and John Barnes, '89.  Head Coach Charlie Sydlik (c.) poses with a couple of his staff.

     A table full of Board members:  Former presidents Tony Colletta, '72 and Steve Cardullo, '72, Mike Larthey, '99 Class Rep., and Joe Mulawka, '51, 2nd Assistant Treasurer.  In the middle photo, Secretary John Handley, '58, and family.  Far right, Kathleen Knobbs-Coleman, Emily Coleman, Barbara Knobbs and Ginger Pilawsky, and an unknown alumnus.

    Bill Feltwell, '73 (3rd from left), and Bill Feltwell, '03 (far right) are joined by family and friends.  Center photo:  a coterie of Falcons from Juniata.  Right photo:  Class Rep Bob Kennedy, '54, entertains his table mates.

     Mike Ferris, '82, Frank McGraw, '68, and an unknown alumnus pose at the bar.  Two of our larger than life alumni assume a pose for our photographer - Marty Lippincott, '85, and Joe Gabor, '61.  Far right:  three more Board members:  Kevin Leyland, '84, Ron Fanning, '39, and Tom McAvoy, '59.

OLD TIMERS' REUNION HOST CLASSES OF '29 TO '49

     Among those in attendance at our annual event, which this year was expanded to include the Class of '49, were (left photo: l. to r.) Ed Murt, '44, Tom Hall, '75, Tom Hall, '47, Jerry Mullin, '49, Jim Murt, '44, and Dr. Joe Toland, '49.  In the forefront of our middle photo are two of our elder statesmen - Pete Gallagher, '37 (who was the oldest alum in attendance) and Ron Fanning, '39.  In the back are an unidentified alumnus, Jim Rodgers, '44, and John Malone, '47.  On the right (l. to r.): Augie & Jenny Salvitti, '49, Stan Yorko, '48, Bill & Stephanie Hettel, '49, and Frank Davis, '44.

     Joining us once again as they have for many years were Bud & Betty DiGiacomo, '44.  Jim Rodgers, '44 and his wife danced to the music of the Ken Novak combo.  On the floor for the Mummers' strut were the sister of Joe Hunter, '45, and John Deegan, '38.

Bermuda Cruise

     Fifty four alumni, wives, and friends sailed from Philadelphia on the afternoon of Saturday, October 3.  They posed for  our photographer at the cocktail party held on Sunday evening.

     As we left the old Philadelphia Navy Yard aboard the Norwegian Majesty, some of our ship mates smilingly posed (l.) Gail & Frank Dufner, '41, (c.) Anne & Ed McKenna, '63, and (r.) Anna & Tony Zuvich, '53.

     Wally (Dougherty, '61) & Marge Mudrick and Barbara & Len Knobbs, '53.  President John Hanjeko, '65, gave a short talk at the cocktail party thanking those who participated and asking for their continued support.

     Everyone had a great time at the cocktail party and on the cruise, as evidenced by their smiling faces.  Left Photo:  Joyce Hanejko, Lauren Knobbs, Barbara Knobbs, Marge Mudrick, Kathleen Connor, Wally Mudrick, Ray Knobbs (Judge, '75), John Hanejko, '65.  Right:  Mary & Tom Darcy, '65, and Jon (Germantown HS) & Emily Garvey.

     Left:  Al Parrillo, '53, Joe Parillo, '54, Carol & John Reid, Robert & Mary Marinchick, Anne Parrillo, and Helen Parrillo.  Right:  Ellen & Ed Connell, '46, an Unknown lady, and Bonnie Smith, our travel coordinator from Atkinson, Mullen & Rosso Travel.

     Left:  Gail Dufner, Anna Zuvich, Elizabeth Konrad, Ed & Anne McKenna, John Konrad, '60, Tony Zuvich, and Frank Dufner.  Center:  Kathleen & Bob Connor, '59.  Right:  Loretta & Dennis Troutman, '49.

     There were a lot of interesting places to visit in Bermuda.  Taking a break on a park bench in Hamilton are Margaret & Ed Greiner (Frankford HS) and Helen & Richard Carroll, '54.  Outside a shop in St. George's are Ray Knobbs, Ed & Anne McKenna, Barbara & Lauren Knobbs.

     On deck are Bob Hagan, '49, and his wife, Susanne.  Relaxing on the beach at Horseshoe Bay are Tony & Anna Zuvich, and Joyce & John Hanejko.

     Also on the beach are Barbara, Len, Lauren & Ray Knobbs.  Wally & Marge Mudrick are relaxing on the ferry back to Hamilton after a day trudging the shops at the Dockyards and in St. George's.  At the farewell dinner are Jerry Falicki, '62 (far right), his Dad and travel coordinator Bonnie Smith.

     Also at the farewell dinner were Jack McGuigan, '49, Anna Nelson, Victor & Catherine Tumolo.  Catherine told us her husband attended (St.) John Bartram HS.  Elizabeth & John Konrad, Bob & Alice Furbee, and Ellen & Ed Connell.   Everyone had a great time.  Plan to join us on our next adventure.

back to top  

Annual Golf Classic at Torresdale Frankford C. C.

   August 1 dawned bright and sunny and as the day wore on it got brighter and sunnier.  The temperature set a record that day but there were no records set on the course.  Among those teeing off at 8 AM were the Gold Sponsor team of Joe Gabor (left photo - l. to r.)   Tony Aspite, '61, Joe Gabor, '61, Joe Wulko, '66, and Jake Veasey, and (middle photo - l. to r.) Jim Whalen, '67, Ed Dingley, '53, Jack Downey III, and Jack Downey, Jr., '57.  Among those in the afternoon group were (l. to r.) John McShane, Walt Lucenko, Joe Dunn, '54, and Paul Sullivan, '53.

   Our sponsors were out in force - (left photo) - the team representing Gold Sponsor Reedy's Tavern (l. to r.) Paul Conlow, Lou Rota, '57, John Reedy, '57, and John Reedy, Jr.  In the middle photo is the team representing Corporate Sponsor Mick's Inn (l. to r.) Stosh Quinn, '66, an unknown gentleman, Ray Janiszewski, '58, and Paul Kaiser, '67.  Gold Sponsor McCafferty-Sweeney Funeral Home had a prime foursome (l. to r.) in Golf Classic Chairman John Barnes, '89, Paul Mundy, Joe Slabinski III, and Joe Slabinski IV.

   Representing perennial Gold Sponsor Fairmount Pharmacy (left photo - l. to r.) were Bob Hennessy, '70, Jerry Volgraf, '81, Bob Woltjen, '83, and Bill Woltjen, '82.  Center photo (l. to r.) pictures the team representing the McBride Insurance Agency sponsor of the Hole-in-One prize - Pat Bethel, '81, Mike McBride, '81,and two guests.  On the right, putting contest judge Brian Glackin, '07, carefully eyes the contestant and his putt.

   The Gold Sponsor team of Rising Star Printing (left photo - l. to r.) was represented by former alumni president Tom Morgan, '64, and Jerry Lynch, '64.  Relaxing at the dinner (center - l. to r.) held after the long day on the course were former Philadelphia mayoralty candidate John Egan, '61, and classmate Joe Gabor.  On the right at dinner are (l. to r.) Mike Orzechowicz, '76, Ed Goshow, '55, and Walt Lucenko. 

   Joining our Chaplain, Father Neil Kilty, OSFS, '59, (2nd from left) were (l. to r.) Jerry Lynch, '64, Joe Kalinowski, '88, and a guest.  Joe and the guest represented Gold Sponsor A & W Pharmacy in the Classic.  A foursome headed by Tom Woltjen, '77 (far right) included (l. to r.) his son, Tom, Jr., Larry Sullivan, '66 - former soccer coach at Villanova and Father Judge - sporting one of our new alumni caps, and Nick Bella. 

Falcons Fun in the Sun at Lighthouse Pointe

  Pictured at far left is a gentleman who manages to con our photographer into taking his picture every year but he won't tell us who he is.  If you know let us know.  Charlie O'Donnell, '53 raises his glass in a toast.

   The Henes boys entertain a young lady while she smiles for the camera.  The Class of '61 is represented by Jack Brent, Tony Aspite, and Dan Meenan.  They were among the 716 in attendance on August 1.

   Jesse Dugan, '63 (2nd from left) and Don Woods, '64, and friends enjoyed the afternoon.  Likewise, Class of '46 stalwarts, Lou Dollarton, Jack Donnelly, and Jim Pepper had a great time.  Jim Buddle, '61, and the Gabors - Joe, '61, and Ann take time from bending elbows to pose for our photographer.

   Jack McGrogan, '62, and friends pose for the camera.  Caught unawares by the camera were Steve Coyle, '63 (far left) and Tom Morgan, '64 (far right).  Former NC Athletic Director Fran Dougherty, '59, poses with friends.

   Joe Hunter, '87 (2nd from left), Mike McBride, '81 (far right) and friends proudly display their Phillies' pride.  We don't know the gentlemen in the center and right photos but we know they have good time every year because they keep returning.

   Our gentleman on the right is closing his eyes from the sun.  He really did have a good time as evidenced his friends smiles.  NC Assistant Football Coach Joe "Lugo" Lawinski (center) and John Cutsavage, '70, (right) pose with friend.

   Law enforcement was well represented by the men of the Class of '65 - George Hallet and Jim Fogarty.

2009 Graduation Ceremonies

     A new tradition was established at the commencement exercises on June 4.  The Class of 1959, celebrating their Golden Anniversary was honored with a Gold Diploma commemorating the occasion.  Class Rep Tom McAvoy accepted the diploma on behalf of the Class from school president Stan Witalec, '66.  Looking on were school principal, Father Nicholas Waseline, OSFS, and Auxiliary Bishop Joseph McFadden (obscured by McAvoy).  Bob Fitzsimmons, '53 was also honored for 50 years of service as a teacher at NECHS.  Suffice it to say, he was his usual witty self.

back to top

60th Anniversary

MEMORIAL DAY

Services

   Our Chaplain, Father Neil Kilty, OSFS, '59, is joined by Father Vincent Smith, OSFS, '74, in concelebrating Mass in memory of our 253 alumni brothers who made the supreme sacrifice in World War II (199), Korea(24) and Viet Nam (30).  Over 80 people attended Mass in the auditorium and the services at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima.

   Father Kilty offers prayers for the deceased in front of Our Lady's Shrine and the crowd joins in.  Wreaths were placed at the foot of the Shrine by President Ed White, '55, and Jim Creaturo, Commander of the John J. McVeigh Post of the Catholic War Veterans.  The Post is named in memory of Sgt. John McVeigh, '39, who was killed in action in France on August 29, 1944 near Brest, France.  He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions.