This page is designed to keep our members and friends up-to-date on what is happening within the Association.

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.

     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".

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 College, 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.  Three grants of $20,000 and three grants of $12,000 are awarded.  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.  Five grants at $12,000, five at $8,000, and five at $4,000 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. Six grants of $4,500 and 5 grants of $1,500 are awarded.  They are payable in equal semi-annual installments over four 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 12/15/12 through 1/31/13.

2012 Scholarship Fund Recipients

     The Board of Trustees of the Northeast Catholic Alumni Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc. met on April 17 and selected the following young men and women as the recipients of this year's grants.

College Grants

$20,000 Grants:

Sierra Rodriguez, Wyomissing Area HS,112 Tulpehocken Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611 -  LaSalle University
John Kradzinski, Roman Catholic HS, 218 Parkdale Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154 - DeSales University
Matthew Schwoerer, Roman Catholic HS, 570 Rector Street, Philadelphia, PA 19128 - Villanova University

     Ed Dougherty, '61, Lector at the Memorial Mass celebrated at St. Martin of Tours on March 25, welcomes his fellow alumni.  Our cantor, Bill FitzPatrick, '59, leads the assembly in responsorial psalm.  Father Stephen D. Thorne, '86, pastor of St. Martin dePorres parish in Philadelphia, delivered an inspiring homily.

     Our Chaplain, Fr. Neil Kilty, OSFS, '59, Father Thorne, '86, and acolytes Bill McCormac, '61, and Jim Henes, '61, await the presentation of the gifts.  Father Thorne, '86, and concelebrants, Fr. Kilty, '59, and Father Kevin Naldolski, OSFS, Development Director of the Oblates, during Mass attended by many alumni.

     President John R. Hanejko, '65, conducts the annual business meeting of the Association prior to Breakfast.  Hall of Fame inductee Frank Fedele, '64, being his usual shy self is in the center behind his wife and surrounded by family and friends.  The family of our Outstanding Achievement Award recipient Philadelphia Inquirer sports columnist Frank Fitzpatrick also turned out in full force.

    Hall of Fame inductees Frank Fedele, '64 (seated - center) and Ed Tuirzanski, '77 (standing - far right) are surrounded by relatives and friends.  Those in attendance listened intently to our speakers.

     The program began under the direction of our Toastmaster John Kensil and featured Fr. Neil Kilty, OSFS, '59, our Chaplain and his remarks on our continued support of all things North Catholic.  Fr. Kevin Naldolski thanked the Association for their continued generous support of the Oblates and their missions.  Len Knobbs, '53, Chairman of the Hall of Fame committee introduced this year's recipients Ed Turzanski, '77, and Frank Fedele, '64 who enthralled the audience with their acceptance speeches.  President John Hanejko, '65, delivered his state of the Association address and thanked the membership for their continued support.  The principal address was delivered by our Outstanding Achievement Ward recipient, Philadelphia Inquirer sports columnist Frank Fitzpatrick.

     Chairman Len Knobbs, '53, presents a plaque to Frank Fedele, '64, symbolizing his induction into the NECHS Hall of Fame in the category of Service to NECHS and the community with President John Hanejko, ;65, looking on.  He presents a similar plaque to Ed Turzanski, '77, who was inducted in the category of Arts/Entertainment/Education with Hanejko lending support.  President Hanjeko presents Frank Fitzpatrick with the Outstanding Achievement Award for for outstanding achievement in the field of sports journalism.  Hanejko presents Bill FitzPatrick, '59, with a plaque commemorating his 25 years of service on the Alumni Board of Governors.

     Class Reps John Peteraf, '70, Jim Kelly, '70, and Joe Pilawsky, '71, present President Hanejko with checks for the Alumni Memorial Scholarship Fund on behalf of their classes as part of a joint reunion they held last Spring.  In the center is a group of '55 alums enjoying the proceedings.

     In the center a group from the Class of '51 and the Class of '61 is at the right rear both were celebrating anniversaries at the Breakfast.  Our Executive Board (seated l. to r.) 2nd VP Steve Cardullo, '72, Fr. Neil Kilty, OSFS, '59, Chaplain, President John Hanejko, '65, 1st VP John Musial, '63, and 4th VP Tom McAvoy, '59; (standing l. to r.) Executive Secretary-Treasurer Len Knobbs, '53, Historian Frank Kelly, '50, Ass't. Secretary Jeff Rzepczynski, '88, 3rd VP Jack Devine, '69, and Secretary John Handley, '58.  Missing from the photo are 1st Ass't. Treasurer Jeff Brown, '79 and 2nd Ass't. Treasurer Joe Mulawka, '51.   All photos were by Jenna Rzepczynski - to whom we extend our sincere gratitude.

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Turkey Bowl Beef and Beer

     Our apologies for taking so long to update this portion but what with the FALCONWAY and the Christmas season, we've been up to our ears.  Kathy (2nd from left) and Jeff Brown, '79, are joined by his classmate Ed Baker and at far left a friend of Kathy's.  Our middle photo pictures a man deep in thought.  Since he had just split the Big Board jackpot, he's probably figuring out how to spend the cash.  He did make a donation to the Scholarship Fund.  The couples on the right are with us every year and thoroughly enjoy their afternoon.

     Class Reps Frank Kelly, '50, and Joe Pilawsky, '71, are celebrating the success of another great NC Alumni event.  Center photo (far right) event Chairman and 3rd VP Jack Devine, '69, entertains a few guests.  Ellie Dougherty, wife of Class Rep Tom, '51, reminisces with old friend Bill Smith, '53. 

     Class Rep Joe Mulawka, '51 (left) and friends enjoy a beer or two and some great beef and crab fries.  At the bar (l. to r.), we have a gentleman whose name we didn't get, Dominic Zinnie, '45, and 4th VP Tom McAvoy, '59.

     Listening to Secretary John Handley (far right) explain why the Eagles are having a bad season are Class Rep Walt Coughlin, '46, a friend, and John's son.  The crew on the right consisting of Class Rep Tom Dougherty, '51, Charlie Meloro, '66, Ed Jaskowiak, '66, and 1st VP Steve Cardullo are celebrating our Alma Mater's proud history of victories over Frankford.

     The food and beverages were plentiful as attested by the full plates and smiling faces of (l. to r.) 1974 Class Reps Lou Szojka and Bob Kensil, Jr., a friend, and Bob Kensil, Sr.  First time attendees but obviously having a great time were Class Rep Al Waskiewicz, '79 and his wife.

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     The members of the Class of '51 (l. to r.) Jerry Gallagher, John Arndts, Russ DiBella, Jerry McCool, Joe Mulawka, Rich Hanagan, and Tom Dougherty.  Looking over their shoulders in the back is President John Hanejko, '65.  A table of revelers from the Classes of '49 to '51 (l. to r.) Tony Amand, '50 & Mrs. Amand, Mrs. McCool & Jerry, '51, Tom McCool, '50, Jerry & Mrs. Gallagher, '51, and Richard & Mrs. Camp, '49.

     Among our guests were the McCool brothers, Jerry, '51 & Tom, '50, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Camp, '49, Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Gallagher, '51, Rich Hanagan, '51, and Ellie & Tom Dougherty, '51, Gene Carr, '48, and his daughter.

     Walt & Maria Tyson, '41 and Gail & Frank Dufner, '41 - Walt entertained by playing a rendition of the school's old Alma Mater on his harmonica, Frank was the event Chairman.  John Kingston, '43 and his daughter.  The Malone boys and their wives - Dave, '50 and John, '47.

     Also in attendance were John, '47 & Mrs. Grosik, Betty & Bud DiGiacomo, '44, Don Kelly, '49, Joe Muffler, '49, and Frank Kelly, '50.

     Ed, '50 and Mrs. Swier are joined by Mrs. & Joe Hueber, '49, Mrs. & Jim, '49 Maguire and John McGuigan, '49 and friend, Frank, '42, and Doris Devinney.

     We apologize to our guests on the left as we don't know who they are.  On the right is Frank, '49 and Mrs. Slavin.  Rich Hanagan, '51 (c) is surrounded by classmate Russ DiBella and his wife.

     There's that Hanagan fellow again joined by Fran Murphy who graciously took most of the pictures for our spread.  Another apology is due as we don't recognize the couple in the middle.  On the right are our chaperones for the day - Barbara & Len Knobbs, '53 and President John Hanejko, '65.

Falcons Fun in the Sun at Lighthouse Pointe

    Obviously enjoying themselves were a group of our younger two-fisted drinkers.  Dave Levy '90, surrounded by a bevy of admirers.  Rich Nilan, '76 (2nd from right) and friends.  The lower Port Richmond contingent of Jim (Jesse) Dugan, '63 (center) and Jake Booth, '55 (right) - sorry we don't know the man on the left.

     A rose surrounded by thorns - Ellie Dougherty with (l. to r.) John Handley, '58, Steve Cardullo, '72, and Tom Dougherty, '51.  The Class of '61 was well represented as usual by (l. to r.) Dan Meenan, Tony Aspite, Joe Gabor, and Ken Peters.  More '61 - Jo Meenan, John Heavey, and Anne Gabor.  John Giel, '66, Mike Cliggett, '66, and Ed O'Connell, '63 pose for our photographer.

     Mrs. Amand, Joe Mulcahy, '56, and Tony Amand, '50, residents of Cape May county had a short jaunt to Lighthouse Pointe.  Jack Devine, '69 (right) keeps a close watch on Joe Pilawsky, '71, and Frank Kelly, '50 (seated).  A trio from the Class of '53 (l.to r.) unknown (our apologies), Charlie O'Donnell, and Mike McNamara.  This gang of stalwarts sporting Falcons at the Beach t-shirts was having a great time.

     Jake Booth, '55, Don Woods, '64, unknown, and Steve Pascavitch, '68, raise a glass in memory of our Alma Mater.  Representing the Class of '81 were (l. to r.) Vince Market, Jerry Volgraf, and Mike McBride along with a friend.  Jim Meehan, '67 (second from left), his wife Jean and classmate "Jason" Marquess are joined by a friend (far left).  Class Rep Ray Rysak, '66, and classmate Joe Kaiser display the t-shirts they had made especially for their 45th anniversary reunion.

     George Hallett, '65 (second from left), and Paul Worrell, '66 (4th from lest) are joined by a bunch of friends and obviously having a great afternoon.  Dave Levy, '90, and Mike Fenerty, '81 pose for the photographer.  Tony Colletta, '72, Steve Cardullo, '72, and John Savage, '73, and his wife spent most of the afternoon selling our memorabilia.

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