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.

28th Anniversary Golf Classic at Riverton Country Club

   Waiting to tee off is one of Gold Sponsor foursomes headed by Joe Gabor, '61 (seated) and including (l to r) Ray Brown, '91, Jason Pacetti, '91, and Tony Aspite, '61.  Our second foursome includes Bob Carr, Charley Hines, Emmett Ruane, '55, and Joe Malmacie.  Our third group consists of Mike Hastings, Jerry Johnson, Jim Kohlmeir, '65, and George Colella, '65.

   Jim Walls, '66, Tom Walls, and Jim Walls, Jr, are relaxed before teeing off.  Followed by this group from the Class of '81 - Ken Olejniczak, Tom Klingenberg, and Mike McBride.  Once again, a memory lapse by our photographer so we can't identify this last group.

   Long time supporters of the Classic include Charlie Corace, Bill Hoffman, Greg Corace, and Tom Wysor.  The next two foursomes could also lay claim to that title.  First, JIm Kelly, Jr, Don Liebsch, '56, and Jim Kelly, Sr., '54; and then Larry Carnesi, Patrick Wellde, Judy Welde, and Charlie McKee.

   This handsome group includes Greg Malkowski, '82, Ray Longstreth, Joe Kelly, '83, and Tom Prieb, '85.  Steve Coyle, '63, Gerry Lynch, '64, John McCourt, '67, and Jim Fenerty are ready for all challengers.  This foursome headed by Association attorney Dennis George, Hon '03 (2nd from left), includes his son, and Billy Blanco, and Chuck Barry.

  Frank Heljenek, '64, Dom DiSandro, '57, Larry Keefe, '57, and John Heljenek, '64, are ready to take on all comers.  Relaxed and ready to go are Joe Kaiser, '66, Mike Kaiser, '73, and John Smith, '74.  Another contingent of the Walls Family headed by Joe, '60 (2nd from left). 

   This foursome of Joe Burns, Scott Burns, Dave Leipert, '79, and Brian Smith represented two of our Silver Sponsors - Burns Funeral Homes and Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate.  Classic Chairman Tom Morgan's daughter Colleen poses beside the array of items that were available for bids at the silent auction.  Colleen and her sister, Rachel, were a great help all day

   The foursome headed by Emmett Ruane, '55, (2nd from left) enjoys a cold brew before dinner.  President Al Waskiewicz, '79, welcomes everyone to the Golf Classic dinner and awards ceremony.

   Golf Classic Chairman Tom Morgan, '64, acknowledges the applause of those in attendance for another well run successful outing.  Larry Keefe, '57, Dom DiSandro, '57, Frank Heljenek, '64, and John Heljenek, '64, acknowledge our photographer.

     Tom Morgan's daughter Rachel, a great help all day poses along with some of the silent auction items.  Tom congratulates Greg Corace - his foursome finished third in the Classic.

   Larry Keefe, '57, and Tom Morgan, '64, acknowledge the foursome headed by Joe Gabor, '61, that captured 1st place.  Jim Walls, Jr. and Tom.  Jim seems to be the perennial winner of the longest drive contest.   Jim was also part of the second place foursome.

   Tom Congratulates Ray Brown, '91, who captured the prize for closest to the pin.  Committee members relaxing after dinner - Bob Kensil, '74, Jack Devine, '69, Joe Pilawsky, '71, and John Hanejko, '65.

69th Anniversary

MEMORIAL DAY

Services

   Memorial Day Services Chairman John Handley, '58, reads the prayers at the Shrine on behalf of Father Neil Kilty, OSFS, '59, who was unable to be with us this year as President Al Waskiewicz, '79, and some of those in attendance listen in listen in prayerful silence.

   President Al Waskiewicz, '79, placed a wreath in front of the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima honoring the 257 Alumni who gave their in defense of our country's freedoms.  Some of our guests enjoying coffee and cake after the ceremony.

   All of the men - young and old -who joined us for the annual services at the Shrine.

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 12/1/18 through 1/31/19.

2018 Scholarship Fund Recipients

     The Board of Trustees of the Northeast Catholic Alumni Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc. selected the following young men and women as the recipients of this year's grants.

College Grants

                  Kelly Walsh - St. Christopher
                  Katie Crompton - St. Martha
                  Alexa Harr - St. Laurentius

   The Concelebrants and Acolytes before heading to the altar (l. to r.) Frank Staub, '77, Fathers Edward Dougherty MM, '67, John Spellman, OSFS, '56, and Richard Rudy, '67, and Jim Henes, '61.  Our Chaplain, Father Neil Kilty, OSFS, '59, was already on the altar.

    Tom McAvoy, '59, was our Lector.  Father Richard Rudy, '67, proclaimed the Gospel.  Father Edward Dougherty, MM., '67, was the Principal Celebrant and Homilist.

   John Garson, '72, led the singing as our Cantor while the congregation joined in.

   Another view of the congregation and our concelebrants - Fathers Kilty, Dougherty, Spellman and Rudy.

   Those in attendance at the Breakfast applaud Father Kilty's short and pleasant "Thank You's" to all the participants at Mass.

   Hall of Fame Chairman Len Knobbs, '53, explains the history of the NECHS Hall of Fame and asks those in attendance who are members to stand and be recognized.  Our photographer captured (l. to r.) for posterity Tom Morgan, '64, John Hanejko, '65, and Ftaher Edward Dougherty, MM., '67.

   Michael Trombetta, '72, accepts the plaque for his brother Leo, '69, who was inducted into the Hall in the category of Arts/Entertainment/Education.  Len Knobbs, '53, presents Pat Morris, '95, with  a plaque symbolic of his induction in the field of Athletics.  Morris delivers his acceptance remarks.

   Len Knobbs, '53, presents Vince Market, '81, with his plaque emblematic of his induction in the Business/Labor/Military category.  Mike Kaiser, '73, accepts the Service Award on behalf of his classmate Bob Devine.  President Al Waskiewicz, '79, delivers his "state of the Association" address.

   C. R. "Chuck" Pennoni delivers the principal address.  Mr. Pennoni's speech dwelt on the fact that his Catholic upbringing and life had much to do with his success in the business world.  President Waskiewicz presents Father Kilty with a check for the Oblate Missions.  Pat Morris, '85, is surrounded by his happy family.

   Dr. Joseph R. Vaisnys, '52, A Yale Professor was inducted into the Hall of Fame in the field of Region/Science.  Unfortunately, he could not be with us because he was in Lithuania.  Len Knobbs, '53, read his acceptance speech.  President Al Waskiewicz, '79, presents former president John T. Musial, '63, with a plaque honoring him for 50 years of service on the Board of Governors.  He is the seventh man in our history to reach this milestone.

   "Chuck" Pennoni smilingly shows off his Outstanding Achievement Award.  Len Knobbs, "Chuck" Pennoni, Al Waskiewicz, and Toastmaster Mike The Legendary Wid Baldwin pose for our photographer.

   Speaking of poses!  Here's our Executive Board in their annual pose for posterity - (l. to r.) 3rd VP Bob Kensil, '74, 1st Ass't Executive Secretary-Ass't Treasurer John Hanejko, '65, Secrtetary Steve Cardullo, '72, Executive Secretary-Treasurer Len Knobbs, '53, 4th VP Jim Henes, '61, Historian Tom Morgan, '64, Chaplain Father Neil Kilty, '59, President Al Waskiewicz, '79, Ass't Secretary Jeff Brown, '79, 2nd Ass't Treasurer Jim O'Connor, '61, and 1st VP Jeff Rzepczynski, '88.  Missing from the photo was 2nd VP Joe Pilawsky who was on vacation in Florida.

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St. Patrick's Day Parade

   John Peteraf, '70, and, our musician for the day, Mike Brill, '88, pose for the camera while, in the background, Tom Morgan, '64, readies the float.  The float - carrying Brill - was built by the Peterafs - John and Steve, '76, and decorated by they and Morgan and Jeff Rzepczynski, '88, - on a trailer owned and pulled by President Al Waskiewicz, '79, with his ever present cigar.

   As we near City Hall, our banner carried by former President Jeff Brown (l.) who is looking back to check that the float and marching contingent are in close order and Len Knobbs, '53 are halted.  Len and classmate Bob McMonagle, who is a parade official, discuss the happenings with a Fire Captain who is an alumnus.

   Throughout the length of the parade we were greeted by many North alumni and supporters.

   One our contingent straightens one of the banners adorning the float as former president Tom Morgan, '64 marches proudly.  The music of Mike Brill certainly enlivened the marchers and and made the trip a little easier.

   At the end of the parade, Jim Kelly, Jr., '70 (c) and Len Knobbs, '53, were greeted by his Dad, Jim, Sr. who served as president of North's Fathers' and Mothers' Club many years ago.  Of course, every Irish contingent must have a Leprechaun and we have ours in the person of John Peteraf, '70.

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Comedy Night

    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!  We've had a minor problem with the site that prevented us from updating so we're a little late getting these photos of our November 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