M O U N T C A R M E L H I G H S C H O O L A LU M N I M AG A Z I N E
Winter 2018
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Men of 6410 Current Student Features
Thomas Dart 2019 Making a move in Chess
By Claire Spakowski, Director of Marketing and Communications Involvement in Chess is a lifelong goal for junior Tom Dart. When asked about his future plans as a competitive chess player, he responded, “I have visions of myself as a stereotypical grey-haired, elderly man sitting on a park bench playing chess.” Dart began his chess career long before a grey hair would ever appear. Dart, a Keller Gifted Magnet School graduate, learned chess from his dad, Tom Dart ‘80, in first grade. He joined his school team a year later and has been playing chess ever since. Dart began making a name for himself in chess early, qualifying for every K-12 National Championship since 2013. However, Dart still finds time to play for the Caravan Soccer and Tennis teams, play club baseball, and participate in La Caravana, STEM and the Computer Club. Dart attributes his experience in chess for giving him a place where he belongs and building a strong reputation amongst his peers. A reputation that is sure to be strengthened throughout the 2017-2018 season. To date, the Chess Team has won all but one match and continue to prepare for sectionals and hopefully a run at a State Championship. The Chess team’s goal this season is to beat St. Patrick’s and to with the Catholic Conference on January 21 at Mount Carmel. Dart, a state hopeful, modestly jokes that his personal goal, “is not to get sick the day before state.” One of Dart’s favorite memories from being on the Chess team was visiting a local elementary school last year to help teach and mentor their chess team, “It was nice to get out and involved in the community and to see the little children expressing such an interest in the age-old game of chess.” The future looks bright for Dart as he plans to attend a college in the Ivy-League, although he admits he “hasn’t given it that much thought yet.”
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The Caravan Soccer team after their Regional Championship game vs. Bradley Bourbonnais High School.
Josiah Ash 2018
Building Soccer Legacy By Dan LaCount, Athletic Director Heading into the 2017 season, Josiah Ash was one of 8 starters from a team that went 19-4-1 and finished second in the state in 2016. That finish was the best in Mount Carmel history, but left this group of seniors more hungry than ever to win it all. Josiah was the Southtown Boys Soccer player of the year with 39 goals last season. When asked what the team goal for the season was after such a great year, Josiah gave a simple one word answer, “State.” “We have a very deep bench, and we have trained very hard. We know what it takes and we are ready to do what we need to do.” Being a captain of a Mount Carmel varsity sport is an honor and a responsibility. Many times, the captains play a significant leadership role on the field and have a special relationship with the coach. Many times the captain has the attention of his teammates and has a unique opportunity to impact his team. “Coach Godinez expects a lot out of us as captains. We have to lead on the field and at practice. He expects us to be vocal, and we also have to come to school when no other players are here. We organized the freshman jerseys, we pumped up all the soccer balls, helped organize everything before the season.” The hard work has paid off. After overcoming an early season injury at practice, Josiah and his teammates played well and ended the season as Regional Champions. While Josiah was missing due to injury, the team never lost a game. That’s teamwork. The Caravan soccer team has been moved from the 2A state bracket to 3A; the highest bracket of high school competition. The success of the program, coupled with being a private school, means the Caravan will be playing larger schools and different programs. Josiah says,” This is something I’m excited about. I have a lot friends that I play with on the club level and they all play for 3A schools. We want to compete against the best. We are excited to prove ourselves to everyone.”
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Luke Ehrenstrom 2018 Continues Speech Success
By Claire Spakowski, Director of Marketing and Communications Four years ago, Mount Carmel reinstated Speech as a club, an IHSA activity. It didn’t take long for students to start standing out at competitions statewide. Luke Ehrenstrom 2018 is leading the charge this year as captain of the Caravan Speech Team. Ehrenstrom attended St. Gerald in Oak Lawn, Illinois. He keeps busy not only as a member of the Speech Team and as an honors student, but also as part of Mount Carmel’s Gay-Straight Alliance, cross country team, the STEM cohort, the National Honors Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Drama, and the Math Team. Ehrenstrom describes speech as “the most important activity that I have been part of at Mount Carmel.” This importance is attributed to the diversity he has been exposed to not only at Mount Carmel, but at the state level. “It really is sort of shocking the diversity that is involved in Illinois Speech; while Mount Carmel introduced me to people that I may not otherwise have met, Speech truly bonded me with a wide range of students,” commented Ehrenstrom. “There’s no common race, outside activity, grade level, GPA, or otherwise on the Speech team, and yet, I would consider those on the Speech team some of my closest friends at school.” Speech has had an impact on Ehrenstrom on an educational level, “Speech also pushed me to be better. Public speaking and, to be honest, talking in general, was not something I was close to talented at before I joined the team. I would still argue that I have quite a bit to go in the category, but certainly the competition pushed me
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past my general shy nature and forced me to be more open and expressive, something that I greatly value.” Mr. Tyler Jones, Speech Team moderator and English teacher at Mount Carmel, describes Ehrenstrom as “The perfect embodiment of what we strive for in our speech team. He is inclusive, intelligent, bold, and articulate.” Jones attributes the growth of the Speech Team in part to Ehrenstrom who invites new students to join and mentors them as they develop speech skills. Ehrenstrom’s goal this year is to go onto state. “I have been stopped at Sectionals the last two years, and I would really like to head down to Peoria for the weekend and be able to see the competition.” Jones predicts a strong performance from Ehrenstrom this season, “I am excited to see where he goes in his events and I expect great things for his final year as the heart of MC Speech.” Although Ehrenstrom doesn’t plan on continuing Speech Team at the collegiate level, the skills he has learned will be useful when applying to such prestigious universities as University of Michigan, Harvard, and Stanford. While he is unsure what he will study, all will be a great fit for what he thinks his future as a lawyer, lobbyist, or activist will bring.
Abdel Raoul 2019
A Driving Success for Mount Carmel Golf By Dan LaCount, Athletic Director Playing golf at Pebble Beach is one of the dream courses for any golfer. Just imagine being a junior in high school and you are given the opportunity to miss school and play in a tournament at that iconic course. Well, that’s what Mount Carmel Junior, Abdel Raoul got to do in September. From September 19th to the 24th, Abdel traveled to California to play in the 2017 PURE Insurance Championships at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach, California. Abdel is only the third person ever to represent First Tee of Greater Chicago. First Tee was founded in 1997 by the LPGA, Masters Tournament, PGA, PGA Tour, and the USGA. It provides affordable junior golf programs to communities that do not have them. Their nine core values include: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, and judgement. Abdel’s home course is Jackson Park Golf Course. When asked about what it was like to be at Pebble Beach, Abdel said, “The vibe and the feeling that I got from being around other talented junior golfers, pros and amateurs and friends that were there was so great over all.” He said with a big smile, “It was a very special feeling for me and for my family. Definitely a highlight of my life so far.” Abdel is interested in attending college in Florida or North Carolina where “I can take golf to the next level. Golf is very important to me, but making sure I get a great education is the most important thing.” Abdel missed a week of classes, so coming back to school and trying to get caught up has been a challenge for him, specifically in physics class. But he’s back in class and getting the work done. “There was a quiz that I could not take while away and Physics is a tough class, so I had to study hard and do well.” Hard work is not a problem for Abdel. I have a feeling he’s caught up and doing just fine.
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Alek Thomas 2018
Dedication to family, baseball By Dan LaCount, Athletic Director The busy and successful summer of Alek Thomas has been well documented. He finished the 2017 high school baseball season in June, he participated in summer football workouts in July, and a full summer of baseball: • The Perfect Game National Showcase in Florida. • The USA Baseball Tournament of Stars in North Carolina. • The Under Armour All-American Game and Double Duty Classic in Chicago. • The Area Code Games and Perfect Game All-American Classic in California. • The Silver & Black Showcase in Wisconsin. • The World Baseball Softball Confederation U-18 World Cup for Team USA in Canada. Then on top of it all, after winning the Gold Medal with Team USA, Alek and his teammates were bussed through the night from Canada to Minneapolis on September 10th so that Alek could be back at Mount Carmel for class and football practice. Typing all that made me tired, I cannot imagine living it as a young high school student. His accomplishments are well deserved. Alek is not only an amazing threesport athlete, he is a remarkable student and a very mature young man. A man of Carmel we can all be proud of. During the weekend of September 7th to the 10th I took the opportunity to travel to Canada to support Alek and the USA Baseball team in the World Championship in Thunder Bay, Canada. As the Athletic Director at Mount Carmel, it was an honor to represent the greatest school in Chicago and to witness history. The trip was amazing. Alek and Team America won the gold. Alek was named to the All-World Team. As impressed as I am with Alek Thomas, I am even more humbled by Alek’s family for the tremendous sacrifices they made, just this summer, to support his dream of playing baseball. For an entire month, Alek’s mom Marcella, and his sister Alana traveled from Chicago to Minneapolis and Canada, literally living out of the back of their car, going from hotel to hotel in support of Alek. Back at home Allen, Alek’s father, watched his son’s games online when available. Allen’s job as Director of Conditioning with the White Sox required that he be with the White Sox team during September call ups. The days leading up to my trip to Thunder Bay, Canada, and the time I spent with the Thomas family gave me a firsthand appreciation of their love of family. With every tournament, showcase, all-star game, Allen, Marcella, and Alana supported Alek. To say they have sacrificed for their son and brother is an understatement. Chasing the dream of a major league baseball career takes the support of an entire family. I witnessed this with Alek’s family and every player on team USA. So to everyone in the Mount Carmel family, Alek Thomas is an amazing student-athlete. He is blessed with talent from God above. He is level-headed, humble, intelligent, and a joy to be around. How did that happen? Look no further than his family, Allen, Marcella, and Alana. I returned home from Canada impressed by a very talented USA baseball team member, but I was humbled by the love, support and sacrifice of his family. They too earned a Gold Medal. An All-World Family. CARMEL life | 9
ADVANCEMENT update
Students use the moveable furniture to work in small groups.
Mr. Antonio Mota is known to decorate his room with soccer scarfs. He has pioneered technology in the classrooms at Mount Carmel and often uses the large touch screens to help with language comprehension during his Spanish classes.
Campaign for Mount Carmel Moves Forward By Michael Holland ‘98, Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Over the summer, renovation on the main school building resumed, as most of the second floor was gutted and five new classrooms were constructed. Continuing the progress of complete renovation of the main school building, the second floor now features the technology and versatility in the classroom designed for 21st century learning, just as all of the classrooms on the third floor do. Since last fall, the third floor has brought excitement and innovation to the curriculum, and the anticipation for more remodeled classrooms is high. Students got their first look at the new space on October 9, just in time for the annual Mount Carmel Shadow Day, as nearly 150 students from across the area experienced a day in the life of MC students. Touch screen monitors, writable walls covering 75% of the room, and moveable chairs and tables highlight the renovation. In addition to the classrooms, the bathroom on the floor was completely renovated, much to the delight of the students! And yes, there are now doors on the stalls. The progress seen in the building has been a direct result of the investment of countless alumni, parents and friends. In particular, the success of class challenges has driven the success of the Campaign. To date, the classes of 1965, 1967, 1970, 1977, 1991, 1993 and 1995 have established challenges that have contributed more than $1 million to the campaign. Classmates banding together to make a lasting impact at Mount Carmel is a testament to the value of a Mount Carmel education and the impact we hope to have on alumni long after graduation. If you are interested in exploring a Campaign challenge for your class, please contact David Lenti, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, at dlenti@mchs.org or 773.324-1020, ext. 260. Moving forward, the summer of 2018 will see the completion of the second floor. The progress seen to date has been great, but there is still much to be done. When completed, the entire main building will be renovated, along with the Student Center, which will house an arts center. Consider getting involved in the Campaign today and contact David Lenti to make your gift.
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To date, these classes have established challenges that have contributed more than $1 million to the campaign. If you are interested in exploring a Campaign Challenge for your class, please contact David Lenti, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, at dlenti@mchs.org or 773.324-1020, ext. 260. Visit www.mchs.org/Campaign for more information on the Campaign for Mount Carmel
A Caravan of Support By Michael Holland ‘98, Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Anyone who has been to campus in the last several years and was unable to find parking in the student lot may have regretted not getting there sooner. The gravel faculty lot directly north of Haggerty Field, and the former site of Wadsworth Daycare, was nothing short of an adventure in getting your car in or out without damaging it. Pot holes, old pieces of the floors of the school, rebar and footings littered the lot and made it difficult to navigate, especially in winter. Mathematics instructor, Mrs. Jennifer Smola, uses the writable walls to assist students with in-class assignments.
But what started as a conversation at the annual Frank Kiszka Memorial Golf Outing turned into generosity from alumni, alumni parents and current parents that has drastically improved the lot. Tom Sulo (H) and John Estrada ’89 began discussing the project after Sulo returned to the Caravan football team as a coach. Noting that the conditions were not ideal for faculty and staff, a plan was put in place that displays the generosity of the Mount Carmel community. Jim Bracken, father of a current junior, donated all of the excavating to remove the concrete foundation and footings that remained in the ground after the school was leveled. Next, more than 200 tons of stone were added to level the area, so Mark Norville ’89 of Shoreline Sand Solutions stepped up and donated the needed gravel. Bracken provided the hauling, as the caravan of more than 20 trucks made their way to campus. Once deposited in the lot, alumni parent Mike Larson of Beverly Asphalt Paving donated the grading and compacting of the lot.
Class Challenges
1965 1967 1970 1977 1991 1993 1995
Now the lot is safe and more spacious, providing additional capacity for parking. The project became a true team effort that is appreciated by so many faculty, staff and parents who use the lot on a daily basis.
Caravan Gala Celebrity Chef Dinner a Slam Dunk By Michael Holland ‘98, Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement
At the 2017 Caravan Gala held in February, guests had the opportunity to purchase tickets for a dinner prepared by celebrity chef Charles Oakley. Once again the event was arranged and hosted by John ’91 and Julie Kelly. The Kelly’s have been tremendously generous to the Gala over the years, and this was the third event that they hosted, with all ticket purchases benefiting the Mount Carmel Educational Foundation. Through their generosity, these events have contributed more than $10,000 to support current and future Mount Carmel students. This year’s event was held on a near-perfect summer evening in July, as guests enjoyed appetizers, main course and dessert – all personally cooked by Charles himself! Oakley wowed the crowd with an eclectic menu of southern home cooking. Making the night even more special, Oakley shared stories, cooking tips and camaraderie with the guests in attendance. For an opportunity to participate in exciting events like this and for more exciting auction items, mark your calendars for the 2018 Caravan Gala, taking place on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile. On top of all of the exciting live and silent auction items, the evening features dinner, live music and dancing. It is a great night out to support Mount Carmel!
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ADVANCEMENT update
Society of Saint Cyril By Adrienne McArdle, Director of Annual Giving and Scholarships
Anyone who knows Mount Carmel knows that there is really nothing ordinary about it. The loyalty of our most generous and longtime donors upholds that fact.
The Society of St. Cyril takes its name from the patron saint of the Carmelites and was founded to recognize ongoing and extraordinary donor activity. The Annual Donor Recognition Dinner was held on October 12th at the Chicago Athletic Association to celebrate and give thanks to the entire St. Cyril membership. This year we were grateful to welcome 38 new Lifetime Members to the Society…yet we continue the quest of cultivating even more in the year ahead. 523 of these donors have achieved Lifetime Membership, measured by lifetime giving amounts of $10,000.00 or more. And while EVERY donor that Mount Carmel is fortunate to have is responsible for all that is extraordinary about 6410, this team of Lifetime members has contributed heavily to the success of where Mount Carmel is today. Giving levels ranging into the millions mark the benevolent progress of the alumni, friends, and organizations who have partnered with Mount Carmel to move us into the 21st century. The remaining contingent of the Society is our Sustaining Members – those whose cumulative investments in Mount Carmel have been significant and who are on the path toward Lifetime status. 2017 marked some changes for our donor recognition event. First- time venue for the Society of St. Cyril Dinner, the recently-renovated Chicago Athletic Association mirrors much of what is occurring with Mount Carmel itself: Both design initiatives are intent on preserving the crucial history of their respective sites combined with the necessity of modernizing as technology and industry excellence demand. Senior and Student Council President Zac Styka served as emcee for the event and Principal John Haggerty (H) was the keynote speaker. President Ned Hughes ’70 and David Lenti (H), Vice President for Institutional Advancement, completed the program by presenting certificates to the newly-inducted Lifetime Members who attended the dinner. As time marches forward and we are faced with rising costs and the challenges of maintaining excellence in a progressively competitive environment, the need for growing the Society and engaging new donors becomes increasingly important. We are grateful for our current SSC members’ confidence and steady investment in our advancement efforts and we look to the whole of our alumni constituency to commit to the same – an important objective in the quest for Mount Carmel to remain the premier, all-male, Catholic school in Chicago…to remain extraordinary.
For information on your lifetime giving total or to create a giving plan, please contact Adrienne McArdle at 773.359.0426 or amcardle@mchs.org. Mr. David Lenti (H) and Mr. Ned Hughes ‘70 honor those pictured to the right.
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Scholarship Spotlight
President’s Scholarship Mr. and Mrs. James and Kelly Bracken (not pictured) as New Lifetime Members of the Society of Saint Cyril.
By Adrienne McArdle, Director of Annual Giving and Scholarships
President’s Scholarship: The name itself implies that it is set aside from others -- residing in an anticipated place of leadership, authority, and excellence. The MC President’s Scholarship adheres to those values and strives to enroll and retain students who exemplify what it means to be a Man of Carmel.
DLR Group, the architects for the Campaign for Mount Carmel, as Lifetime Members of the Society of Saint Cyril. Jim Gibson accepted the certificate on behalf of DLR Group.
The ONIAC Foundation as New Lifetime Members of the Society of Saint Cyril. Mr. Jack Keene ‘60 accepted the certificate on behalf of the foundation.
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis ‘67 and Eileen Ryan (not pictured) as New Lifetime Members of the Society of Saint Cyril.
Early in 2017, a donor committed to investing $46,000 for the purpose of establishing the Mount Carmel President’s Scholarship. Along with that commitment came a challenge: Secure two additional donors by December 31, 2017 and a total of five at the end of 2018. To date, we have two paid commitments for the 2017-2018 school year and one which will begin with the 2018-2019 term. The scholarship is intended to fund one student over the course of his fouryear career at Mount Carmel; one of those scholarships now benefits two separate members of the Class of 2021 who fulfill the requirements of above-average academic and leadership potential and a third member who is a recipient of the award in its entirety. Each and every one of our scholarship partners contribute to the overall financial health and institutional growth of Mount Carmel. The structure of the President’s Scholarship is such that it essentially guarantees retention of the selected recipients. All of our families make sacrifices to afford the cost of education, and the MC President’s Scholarship provides exceptional support to parents who are committed to sending their sons to Mount Carmel – a win for everyone. It is not only among our students that we discover leaders. Donors who are able to make this commitment and provide full support to a student demonstrate leadership themselves and provide an example that our students will hopefully learn from and pay forward in the years ahead. Benefactors of the MC President’s Scholarship sign a pledge agreeing to the four-year term and are noted as anonymous donors to this cause. As costs continue to rise and enrollment trends become more competitive, growing this program is essential to the growth of Mount Carmel itself. Interested in learning more about or donating to one of our scholarship programs? Contact Adrienne McArdle at 773.359.0426 or amcardle@mchs.org.
Mr. and Mrs. William ‘51 (not pictured) and Shirley Worden as New Lifetime Members of the Society of Saint Cyril. CARMEL life | 13
ALUMNI update
By Craig Ferguson ‘79, Director of Alumni Relations
Class of 1992
25th Reunion
On Saturday, September 16, a busy day at Mount Carmel concluded with the Class of 1992 reunion dinner, held in the Mount Carmel student commons. More than 40 members of the Class of 1992, family, and guests attended a great night of celebration and fellowship. The evening began with a cocktail hour, followed by a tour of the school, including the newly remodeled classrooms on the 2nd and 3rd floors, and concluded with a wonderful meal from the Country House restaurant. Members of the Class of 1992 in attendance were: Michael Barcena Josh Barron David Broadnax Brian Bulger John Bulger Lamont Caldwell Jeff Chevalier Matt Crimmins Tony Difilippo Walter Donald Dave Finn
Lou Gade Sean Gleason James Helm Chad Jones Lance Kenzinger Joseph Kowalski Michael Lamantia Tony Mazurkiewicz Dennis McClelland Mike McCool Brendan McGlone
Mike McGrew Neil McKenna Mike Quinlan Keith Reynolds Simeon Rice Jeff Schneller Robert Skalski Steve Urbon Don Veronesi Josh Wallace Kevin Zanin
Also in attendance were faculty and staff David Lenti (H), Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Craig Ferguson ’79, Director of Alumni Relations, Michael Holland ’98, Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Jim Morrissey ’75, Rick Rundle ’73, assistant football coaches Tom Sulo (H), Mark Carmen (H), and former assistant coach Pete Kammholz (H). Thank you to everyone who attended and made this a great night to remember.
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Class of 1966 Spotlight
Thomas J. Ulrich By Rebecca Kohn, Advancement Office Coordinator
Earlier this year Mount Carmel and the Class of 1966 lost a great man, Thomas J. Ulrich. When reaching out to his classmates they remembered him fondly, “Tom came to Mount Carmel as a humble, shy, but very competitive young man,” remembered Marty Hughes ‘66. “He left as somebody who epitomized the school’s mantra ‘You came to Carmel as a boy. If you care to struggle and work at it, you will leave as a man’.” Tom grew up on the South Side of Chicago attending St. Kevin parish. The story of how Tom came to attend Mount Carmel was told often. It was a very cold night in January or February when Fr. Carey came to visit his house… He heard a knock on the back door. There was a priest; Tom thought it was a monk. He said, “Are you here to see my Mother?” He said, “No, I’m here to see you.” Tom’s mouth dropped. A monk. He was dressed in brown garb like a monk. His name was Father Carey. He was Athletic DirecPhoto Credit David R. Armer, The Southern Illinoisian tor for Mount Carmel High School. Tom let him in. His parents were there. They went into the living room and sat down. Father Carey said, “We would like for you to swim for Mount Carmel.” At 13, he had never heard of Mount Carmel High School. Father Carey said, “We will cover everything, tuition, books, etc. full scholarship to Mount Carmel.” He came to Mount Carmel as a swimmer and his freshman-sophomore records for the 40-yard backstroke, 80yard individual medley, and 160-yard freestyle still remain unbroken after more than 53 years. During his senior year Tom was co-captain of the varsity swim team along with Rich Balcerak. Ulrich and Balcerak represented Mount Carmel at the National Catholic League Meet in Pennsylvania where they finished third and fourth respectively. After graduating high school Tom attended South Illinois University Carbondale on a swimming scholarship. He graduated from SIUC in 1971, taught biological sciences at Fairfield Community High School from 1971-1975, and was
a part-time instructor at Frontier Community College. In an article, Tom mentioned he enjoyed teaching. His brother was in the Navy in Japan during the early 70’s and sent him a catalog and asked him, ‘Do you want a camera? They’re cheap.’ “I circled one and sent it back to him. I don’t even remember what I circled, but this camera showed up. I was going to actually sell it to make some money, but I started photographing some woodpeckers and deer near Fairfield, and enjoyed it.” This simple decision to choose a camera would forever shape Tom’s life. He eventually moved to Montana to fulfill his dream to become a wildlife photographer. In spite of never taking a photography class Tom Ulrich was highly acclaimed around the world for his nature photography skills. Many of his more than 800,000 transparencies have been used by numerous magazines and other publications. His work has appeared in National Geographic, National Wildlife, Audubon, American Hunter and many more publications. Tom is also responsible for publishing seven nature books. “I am self-taught,” Ulrich said. “I’ve never taken a class, but now I teach workshops. I take people all over the world to photograph, it’s all self-taught.” The recipient of many prestigious awards, including the 1987 International Wildlife Photographer of the Year in Mammal Behavior category, Tom was highly sought after to lead photography seminars and workshops around the country and lecture at numerous prestigious institutions. Outside of the classroom, Tom lead tours to remote parts of the world, such as Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica, and East Africa as well as to the greatest aviary spectacle known to man – Pantanal, Brazil. Tom not only left as a man, but also, went on to be an extraordinary example of what that means. He remained humble, but shed his shyness, with the end result being he attained professional and personal achievements that most can only dream of. However, he never forgot where he came from, and he continued to cherish his days at Mount Carmel until the very end. All of this was witnessed by his classmates from the class of 1966, and they are proud to say that he was one of them.
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ALUMNI update
The Life and Legacy of Col. Steven dePyssler ‘38 By Zachary Pasciak 2018, Editor for the MC Caravan Newspaper
A graduate of 1938, Steven dePyssler has dedicated his life to helping others. After a long military career spanning nearly 40 years and four different wars, dePyssler knows what it means to sacrifice for others. Now, at the age of 98, dePyssler still volunteers full-time, and continues his practice of generously donating to Mount Carmel for the advancement of the school and its students. Coming to Mount Carmel in 1934 from Holy Cross Parish on the South Side of Chicago, dePyssler was recognized for his athletic ability, playing football, basketball, handball, and boxing. He became the state boxing champion and was also a member of the Senior Championship basketball team. dePyssler joined the army in 1941 at the age of 21, just before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He went on to dedicate almost 40 years of his life to his country, serving in World War II, the Korean War, the French Indochina War and the Vietnam War, becoming the only known American to have served in four wars. At the end of his career, he had held every enlisted, warrant and commissioned officer rank in the US Army and Air Force - even though the Air Force was still a division of the army when he first started in 1941. Colonel dePyssler notes that the military was “very good to him,” and he was able to rise through the ranks rather quickly. After retiring from active duty in 1979, dePyssler’s life of helping others was far from over. Being a veteran himself, he understood how hard it was coming home and attempting to obtain the benefits entitled to veterans and families. He has since spent the past 30 years serving as the Director of Retiree Activities at the Barksdale Air Force Base, helping veterans and families of deceased veterans understand what benefits they have earned and helping them access these benefits. Colonel dePyssler was also instrumental in developing the Northwest Louisiana War Veterans Home in Bossier
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City, Louisiana-a 13 year project that he also helped to fund. He funded and helped initiate the All Wars Memorial and Avenue of American Flags in Bossier City in order to honor and remember all those who put their lives on the line to defend this country. Reflecting on his childhood, dePyssler notes that he comes from the “working class of America.” His father was a janitor, and he grew up with little money. He was able to attend Holy Cross Grammar School and Mount Carmel High School due to the generosity of others, and now he is doing the same for current students through his loyal contributions to the Men of Carmel Fund. Colonel dePyssler has established two additional funds which will benefit Mount Carmel well into the future. At the age of 98, Colonel dePyssler is one of the school’s oldest and most generous donors. “I know the importance of having a good education that starts at Mount Carmel,” dePyssler stated when asked about why he donates to help students afford a Mount Carmel education. Colonel dePyssler believes student loans have become a huge challenge for present day students. Students garner loans well into the thousands of dollars just to get a college education. To help alleviate this issue, dePyssler has created a scholarship for college-bound MC graduates, which will launch when he turns 100 years old. The Colonel is currently reaching out to approximately 300 alumni of Mount Carmel who graduated before 1959 to assist in building this fund. In recognition of his life-long contributions to the community of veterans he remains devoted to and his consistent investment in the students of Mount Carmel, Colonel dePyssler was honored as the Mount Carmel
Humanitarian of the Year and inducted into the Mount Carmel Hall of Fame in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Colonel dePyssler is very grateful for everything that Mount Carmel did for him. Without achieving a college degree, he has been able to do tremendous things both in his career and in his volunteer work. Reflecting on the many accomplishments that he has achieved in his life, dePyssler claimed “Everything I have done in my 98 years, I attribute to my Mount Carmel education.”
John “Jack” Darrah ‘57 By Rebecca Kohn, Advancement Office Coordinator
John “Jack” Darrah, Class of 1957, passed away in March 2017. He grew up on the South Side of Chicago and attended grade school at Bradwell before coming to Mount Carmel. After graduation Jack got a degree in philosophy at Loyola University, going to college at night while working days at a pipe yard to support his wife and children. He received a law degree in 1969 and worked for the Federal Trade Commission, but he was eager for trial experience. So, in the early 1970s, Darrah took a position as a public defender in DuPage County and later became a prosecutor. In 1976, he went into private practice with Jim Ryan, the DuPage state’s attorney who would go on to serve two terms as Illinois attorney general. Jack rose to success as an attorney and was elected a circuit judge in DuPage in 1986, a position he held for 14 years. During that time, he was active in the county bar association, and also was an adjunct law professor at Northern Illinois University and John Marshall Law School. A friend and peer described Jack as “fair and firm” on the bench “and not afraid to make hard and unpopular decisions if he felt they were correct.” “As a Judge I’m not aware of any lawyers who didn’t respect his knowledge of the law, his hard work and ability to be fair and respectful to all who appeared before him.” One word to describe Jack would be committed. He was committed to his profession, the White Sox, his students, and most importantly, he was committed to his family. Jack left behind a distinguished career as an attorney and judge, friends, and a loving family. Besides his legal career Jack leaves behind his wife, children, step children and grandchildren.
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ALUMNI update
Alumni Spotlight
Justin Schaifer 2012 Interview by Craig Ferguson ‘79, Director of Alumni Relations
What are you currently doing? I am the founder and executive director of a non-profit called Fascinate. Our most notable project is the Magic School Bus. Simply put, we want to fill a bus with cutting edge science and tech gadgets, and visit underrepresented and underperforming schools across the country, exciting youth about STEM. We have raised roughly $5,000 in the initial days of our fundraising campaign. Additionally, I am the host, editor and video producer of fascinated.com. This is a science website and YouTube series that features posts from Stem educated people from underprivileged groups, with the hope raising kids’ enthusiasm for science. In the near future, I hope to bring the bus to Mount Carmel. How did you decide to attend Mount Carmel? Actually my single mother made the decision for me. I came from St. Michael South Shore Catholic School, on the south side of Chicago. My grades were very poor and she felt I needed positive role models. Initially, I recall being disappointed because there were no girls here and I was one of the few African-American students in my classes, so I struggled relating to my peers, given my limited perspective. What activities did you participate in during your four years at Mount Carmel? I was on the cross country and track teams. I participated in the multicultural club, the player’s clubs and was a senior leader. Once I began getting involved in extracurricular activities, I started to feel like I belonged at Mount Carmel. Eventually, I gained a diverse circle of lifelong brothers, a few of whom are my current best friends. How did Mount Carmel prepare you for life? The narration, speaking, and leadership roles that I
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played at Mount Carmel prepared me for running for president of the freshman class at Hampton University. I was successfully elected to three campus positions in my tenure, including student body president. I remember a very specific turning point that occurred during my time at Mount Carmel. It was when Padre Benjamin spoke with me in front of my mother at parent-teacher conferences. He very bluntly, albeit accurately, told me that I was lazy. To balance out the reality check, he said that he saw my potential. He told me to imagine if I simply applied myself. He asked me how far I thought I could go. I do not recall a limit. I was mobilized by his honesty. He had no incentive to reveal these truths to me, other than to see me succeed. I will never forget his approach, as I mentor youth today. My time at Mount Carmel paved the way for my current careers as a science communicator, paid public speaker, and executive director of a nonprofit organization. What were your favorite teachers and classes? My favorite classes at Mount Carmel were the Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science and English courses. Mr. Mark Antonietti and Mr. John Hoerster’s approach to teaching English truly opened my mind to the importance of rhetoric and divergent thinking. Mr. Sobucki and Mr. Glonek’s Chemistry and Environmental Science classes taught me about laboratory procedure, which I utilized to graduate with the highest departmental GPA in my Marine and Environmental Science program at Hampton University. Coach E’s Physics course inspired me the most. His ability to practically and enthusiastically educate us in science compelled me to communicate science professionally. His legacy at Mount Carmel is truly unforgettable.
Amir Hardeman 2017 Already Impacting Society
By Joseph Egan 2018, Staff Writer for The Caravan Newspaper
Amir Hardeman is just one graduate from the class of 2017 who is already impacting society. Hardeman has been involved with art since he enrolled at Mount Carmel as a freshman. Hardeman`s artwork can be seen down the street at the Robust Cafe. He spends much of his time at the Hyde Park Art Center. While at the art center, he works with children and works on his own art. Hardeman is also involved at the Harold Washington Maker Lab downtown. The lab is a place where students can go to enhance their art skills and work with music and different mediums of art. His biggest achievement thus far was recently winning the Rising Star Award given by the Hyde Park Art Center for visual arts. This award recognizes young and upcoming artists in Chicago. Hardeman is enrolled in the art program at the University of Illinois at Chicago. In his time at Mount Carmel, Hardeman was very involved in the community. Hardeman was a leader of the multicultural club, leader for Kairos, and was a panel member for a diversity dinner last year. According to school counselor Mrs. Wheeler, “Amir was always active in the Mount Carmel Community and is a great kid.” This article was originally publised by the Caravan Newspaper on MCCaravan.org
Join the Caravan! Do you know a grammar school student who is interested in joining the Caravan? Visit www.mchs.org/JointheCaravan and send us their information!
Grammar school students are also invited to shadow a Mount Carmel student any day we are in session. Just call Director of Admissions and Enrollment, Bill Nolan, at 773.324.1020 ext. 265 or bnolan@mchs.org.
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ACADEMIC update
Mount Carmel Class of 2017 Awarded Record $16,843,827 in College Scholarships By Claire Spakowski, Director of Marketing and Communications
Mount Carmel High School’s Class of 2017 collectively has been awarded a record $16,843,827 in college scholarships. “We are proud of the academic success of our students and the support that they receive from our teachers and counselors, especially Tom Eisenbraun, who assists in the college admissions process,” said Mount Carmel Principal John Haggerty. “The almost 17 million dollars in scholarships earned by the Class of 2017 is a testament to the quality education that each student receives at Mount Carmel.” Mount Carmel Director of Guidance and College Counselor, Tom Eisenbraun, announced the total after all
scholarship data for the Class of 2017 was accumulated. The scholarship total is based on students providing the Mount Carmel Guidance Counseling Department with their scholarship verification forms listing the scholarship amounts they were offered from the various colleges to which they have been accepted. “This class was an absolute pleasure to work with. They are extremely ambitious and motivated, not just in researching and applying to schools, but in seeking various scholarships to help with the cost of tuition,” said Eisenbraun. “In doing so, they were able to find the best collegiate fit for themselves academically, socially, and financially.”
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ACADEMIC update
Scholastic Bowl Season off to Strong Start By Andrew Walsh 2018, Staff Writer for the MC Caravan Newspaper
On Tuesday, November 14, the Mount Carmel Scholastic Bowl drove down to take on other Catholic schools at St. Laurence in Burbank, Illinois. The Mount Carmel varsity team played three games, winning two and defeating St. Francis and St. Laurence. The first round was against St. Francis, with Mount Carmel defeating St. Francis 310 to 150. Next up, the MC team faced off against Providence Catholic. At the half, MC trailed 190 to 130. After an intense half, MC fell short by one question, losing 300-290. The final round was against St. Laurence. Though the game was close the entire round, MC pulled through in the end, winning 180 to 150. Overall, both the coaches and the players were satisfied with the way the team played. Senior Luke Ehrenstrom was especially satisfied with the team’s performance, saying, “Our performance at St. Laurence was far and away better than I had expected that we would do. For the first time in my experience as a member of the team, we were close to a clean sweep, losing only by a single question to Providence and winning our two other games.” Ehrenstrom also noted, when asked about
the players themselves, “We have significant diversity among our team in the sorts of questions we are able to answer, and it is looking like we will be a heavy-hitter on the Catholic League side of the sport.” Ehrenstrom believes that it was this diversity that enabled the team to answer 78 different questions correctly. Head varsity coach Tom Eisenbraun agrees with Ehrenstrom, stating that the team “has a lot of talent, on both the varsity as well as the freshman-sophomore team.” Eisenbraun also picked up on the diverse knowledge of the team, stating how the team has “a lot of students particularly knowledgeable about specific content; some may be in history, some may be in math. It makes for a nice well rounded team.” Eisenbraun was also very pleased with how the team performed against the opposing teams. Eisenbraun also claimed that the one question loss to Providence is nothing to be ashamed of, due to Providence “usually being one of those teams that is there at the end competing for the championship.” This article was originally published for The Caravan Newspaper on MCCaravan.org.
Varsity Scholastic Bowl Team left to right: Anthony Zralka 2019, Thomas Jacobs 2018, Andrew Walsh 2018, Marty Spring 2018, Luke Ehrenstrom 2018, and Nate Finn 2018.
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Father-Son Dinner Features Lester Munson By Andrew Walsh 2018, Staff Writer for the MC Caravan Newspaper
The well-attended evening event started with a talk from the president of the Father’s Club, Greg McKay. He talked about what the Fathers’ Club is, what they do, and encouraged all the fathers to join. McKay then introduced many members of the Fathers’ Club before the secretary, Tom Pasciak, led prayer. First, the fathers blessed their sons, which was followed by the sons blessing their fathers. The following meal consisted of salad, spaghetti and chicken parmesan, all of which was provided by the Fathers’ Club. After dinner, it was time for the guest speaker, Lester Munson, who has been a legal analyst for ESPN. He spoke of all he has been a part of in the sports world, including the famous “Deflategate” Tom Brady was involved in, and gave those listening advice from his experiences – do something as a career that you enjoy doing, be prepared to overcome adversity and give back to the community. Munson answered questions from the audience about his experiences and opinions involving the legal issues behind various sports stories and stayed after to pose for photos and talk to fathers and sons. It was another successful Father-Son Dinner.
Morgan Sanders 2020 with his father, Dane Sanders.
Lester Munson addressing the crowd.
Fathers’ Club President, Greg McKay and his son, Patrick McKay 2018 enjoy the Father-Son Dinner
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ACADEMIC update
Commended Students Named John Haggerty, principal of Mount Carmel High School, announced that Zachary Pasciak 2018 (Bridgeport, Chicago; Santa Lucia Parish), Luke Ehrenstrom 2018 (Oak Lawn, IL; St. Gerald Parish) and McLean Milavickas 2018 (Evergreen Park, IL; St. John Fisher and formerly Sacred Heart Palos Hills), have been named Commended Students in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conduct the program, will be presented to these scholastically talented seniors. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although these students will not continue in the 2018 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.6 million students who entered the 2018 competition by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/MMSQT). “The young men and women being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their school’s play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”
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Sr. Hurley Leaving After Decades of Service By Andrew Walsh 2018, Staff Writer for The Caravan Newspaper
Sr. Helen Jeanne Hurley is a loving teacher devoted to Mount Carmel. But, after 30 years, Sr. Hurley is leaving Mount Carmel. During her time at Carmel, Sr. Hurley taught and tutored many students, especially in math, and the impact she left on those she taught and those she worked with has left a lasting legacy. Mrs. Laura Mazurkiewicz first met Sr. Hurley in 1988 when her son Tony attended Mount Carmel. Later, in 2001, when Mrs. Mazurkiewicz started working at Mount Carmel, she saw a lot more of Sr. Hurley. When asked, Mrs. Mazurkiewicz talked about how Sr. Hurley has “always been a great friend, and always ready to help people, whoever needed the help.” Sr. Hurley was very active and full of energy, however Mrs. Mazurkiewicz does regret never being able to see one of Sr. Hurley’s tennis matches, and will very much miss her smile that she always wore, even when she wasn’t having the best of days. Sr. Hurley started working at Mount Carmel in 1986 after asking then principal, Father Bob Carroll, for a job, and loved Carmel so much she ended up staying for 30 years. The thing she loved best about teaching was working with the students. She loved “the spontaneity of the kids she taught,” and how they were all wonderful to her. But now that she is done teaching at Mount Camel due to health reasons, she is now spending her time at her mother house, also named Mount Carmel. Sr. Hurley said, “Every time I go there, and wake up in the morning, I know I’m at Mount Carmel, and I’ll always remember Mount Carmel High School….My years here were very, very happy ones, and if I could I would stay here for another 20 years, I would.” This article was originally published for The Caravan Newspaper on MCCaravan.org.
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ACADEMIC update
Woodlawn410
The story starts at the 64th Street Viaduct This article was originally published by The Caravan Newspaper on MCCaravan.org
On May 30, 2014, MC students, parents and faculty volunteers led by Bob Keeley ‘56 spent a morning scraping and painting the 64th Street viaduct. They also cleaned the small space west and south of the viaduct by removing weeds, small trees and junk. Perhaps a seed was planted? Since then the small green space has turned into a small park and the 64th Street viaduct includes a new mural. The next two viaducts south of the school have brandnew mosaic artworks. Plans for an Obama library and a new golf course in Jackson Park have certainly brought attention to Woodlawn, but many of the quiet changes like the viaduct painting demonstrate a broad base of gradual neighborhood improvements. A new, zero-energy model home for a planned 8-home development stands two blocks from MC at Marquette and Dorchester. POAH (Preservation of Affordable Housing) has developed eight significant residential and commercial projects near Cottage Grove in Woodlawn just in the past five years. Residences are a mix of market rate and assisted rentals.
terian Church. The Coalition to Save the Shrine joined with the Hyde Park Historical Society to promote a bike tour of Woodlawn on September 9th. Mount Carmel faculty volunteer George Vrechek led 25 interested local residents through Woodlawn to view improvements like those described as well as the sites of now demolished Woodlawn buildings. Sites closest to Mount Carmel included the 2,996-seat Tower Theatre, the Second Chicago Coliseum and Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show – all of which were located on the same site one block north of Mount Carmel. East of MC was the 63rd Street elevated terminal, the entrance to the 1893 Columbian Exposition and even a 300-room hotel on the current faculty parking lot. Years ago Woodlawn had 80,000 residents, 350 daily trains, 14 theatres, 20 hotels, 3 Catholic parishes and 148 liquor establishments. Those numbers may not be approached again, but there are definite signs that painting the viaduct was time well spent and a resurgence is happening.
The University of Chicago has been involved in three new schools built on 63rd Street in the past two years. The university has rapidly expanded their own campus south from 60th Street with classroom buildings, residence halls, an art center and a planned 180-room hotel. On October 7, 2015, the former St Clara / St. Gelasius Church at 64th and Woodlawn, now known as the Shrine of Christ the King, suffered significant fire damage. Rather than abandoning their considerable efforts over the prior 10 years to build a congregation and re-build their church, the parish joined with preservation advocates to form the Coalition to Save the Shrine. They report raising more than $2 million of the $3 million phase 1 restoration goal. Masses are being held in the adjacent First Presby-
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Robust is a local coffee house on 63rd and Woodlawn frequented by MC faculty and students. The coffee house and sandwich shop has also displayed art work by MC students, including Senior Anthony Morales.
The once blank 63rd Street Viaduct now commemorates influential African-Americans, including aviator Bessie Coleman, muralist Bill Walker, and the Obama family.
The Stony Island Arts Bank located on Stony Island and 67th Street was built in 1923 and has been reimagined into an art gallery, library, media archive and community center for Woodlawn residents. Fabian Briscoe 2008, works at the Arts Bank, which, is also the hub for the Rebuild Foundation, “a platform for art, cultural development, and neighborhood transformation.” Photo Credit Tom Harris for Rebuild Foundation.
Students admire “Skylanding”, a sculpture by Yoko Ono located in Wooded Island, part of Jackson Park just south of the Museum of Science and Industry. Wooded Island is also undergoing habitat restoration which students have been learning about during IMPACT weeks.
The Obama Presidential center will be located just two blocks from the Mount Carmel Campus in nearby Jackson Park. This rendering shows the north end of the project which will include a library and a center with classrooms and spaces for events, trainings and other gatherings. Photo Credit: Obama.org CARMEL life | 27
ATHLETIC update
Signing Day Fall 2017 Mount Carmel High School baseball, diving, and wrestling student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent for collegiate athletic programs on National Signing Day, November 8, 2017. NAME
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY
HOMETOWN
GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Christian Lucio
Eastern Kentucky University
Chicago Heights, IL
Greenbriar Elementary
Mark Williams
Lindenwood University (Belleville, IL)
Chicago, IL
Morgan Park Academy
Alek Thomas
Texas Christian University
Chicago, IL
All Saints Catholic Acad. (Aurora, IL)
Diego Munoz
Western Illinois University
Chicago Heights, IL
Parker Junior High
Anthony Herron
Missouri State University
Chicago, IL
Burnside Academy
Malik Peters
Northern Illinois University
Calumet City, IL
St. John De La Salle
Jake Kapers
Valparaiso University
Schererville, IN
Grimmer Middle School (IN)
Joseph Egan
Loras College
Chicago, IL
Mt. Greenwood School
Kendall Coleman
Purdue University
South Holland, IL
Morgan Park Academy
Eric Correa
University of Arizona
Dyer, IN
St. Thomas More (IN)
Bill Weick’s remarkable accomplishments: •
Team State Championships 1992-1993-1994
•
12 individuals won state championships A total of 21 by those twelve. Mike Manganiello 1988 Bill Walsh 1989
Coach Weick with 1993 State Champions Sheahan, Radosovich, Wiliams, and O’Rourke.
Bill Guide 1989 Joe Williams 1990, 91, 92, 93 Steve Williams 1991,92
Remembering Bill Weick
T.J. Williams 93, 94, 95, 96
On August 16, 2017, one of the giants of high school wrestling passed away. Weick’s coaching talents left the world and the lives he touched a little better off including the Caravan, who he coached from 1986 through 2003. He will always be remembered as a hard nosed, nononsense coach who cared deeply about his student-athletes.
Casio Pero 2002
Mount Carmel honored Coach Weick at Alumni Gym prior to the Brother Rice vs. Mount Carmel wrestling dual on Friday, January 12th.
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Tony Davis 1994 Jason Erwinski 1998 Charles Lloyd 2002, 03 Bryan Harney 2002, 03 Tom Treadway 2002 •
Mount Carmel Hall of Fame
•
Illinois Wrestling Hall of Fame
•
National Wrestling Hall of Fame
Honoring
Kevin Hansen By Dan LaCount, Athletic Director
The helmets are hung neatly on the east wall of the equipment room, and the shoulder pads are carefully stacked on top of each other. The jerseys are hung in order 1 through 99. Every hip pad, knee pad, and game pant is carefully numbered and stored away in bins awaiting the next season of Caravan football. This is the description of the equipment room found carefully tucked away in the deep recesses of the athletic center. It’s a dark and windowless space, resembling a cave. In August of 2017, the Mount Carmel administration, the varsity football team, coaches and the family of Kevin Hansen gathered outside this unlikely spot on campus to dedicate the equipment room to their beloved friend, son, and colleague. During the dedication ceremony, John Stimler, who was a dear friend of Kevin’s, spoke about Kevin’s deep faith and enduring personality. But for me, it was John’s reflection of Kevin as a man of faith, that will live forever in my memory. In the bible, 29 centuries ago, the Prophet Elijah retreated to a cave on Mount Carmel. It was in that sacred space that the Prophet listened to the word of God and found incredible inspiration to live his life boldly for God. Kevin, centuries later, retreated often to the cave that we know as the equipment room. And did his job as equipment manager.
The plaque outside the equipment room reads: Kevin Hansen taught theology at Mount Carmel from 2007 through 2015. He was the football equipment manager beginning in 2010 and served in that position for the State Championship teams of 2012 and 2013. Kevin took great pride in his job and relished his role with the football program. He organized and categorized all equipment and made certain that the program had the best possible and safest equipment. He made certain that the player understood the purpose of the equipment and held the player accountable for the condition of their equipment and returning it in the same condition at the end of the season. He always assisted any student who either lost or misplaced a piece of equipment or could not afford to pay. He was also a comforting mentor, coach and teacher to those young men who chose to play football. Kevin was well known and respected for his exceptional work ethic, discipline and attention to detail. He spent countless hours in this room working nights, Saturdays and entire summer days. He saved the school countless dollars, treating the equipment as if it were his own. He was often assisted by his mother who also washed and cleaned uniforms. Kevin played football at rival Joliet Catholic Academy from 1995 to 1998 and graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2003. He valued the core principles of team work, loyalty and persistence, yet his primary concern was the safety of the players.
The Hansen Family at the dedication with President Ned Hughes ‘70, Assistant Dean of Student Lorenzo Nunez, Director of Student Activities and Theology instructor Patrick McGarry 2007, Director of Ministry and Mission John Stimler and Director of Annual Giving Adrienne McArdle.
Kevin tragically passed away on April 11, 2015 following a valiant and courageous 7 day battle with acute myelocytic leukemia. This room is named in his honor to remember his spirit and to thank him for his role in helping to teach the men of Carmel that part of football which is not coached on the field.
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Class Notes Class of 1938 Send your notes to: Col. Steven dePyssler steven.depyssler@us.af.mil
Class of 1945 Send your Notes to: Joe Piette 5630 W. 158th St. #301 Oak Forest, IL 60452 (708) 535-6722 piettejp@gmail.com Representing the Class of 1945 at the 2017 Alumni Banquet on May 6th were John Tumpich and Mario Ortigara. They shared a table with Bard Brown and Larry Malek of the Class of 1944 as well as members of a few other classes. I understand the usual large turnout was on hand. On Friday, June 9, 2017 my wife Gloria and I attended the 90th Birthday celebration for our Classmate Victor Gonzalez. The dinner was held at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster, IN. Our Classmate Packey Butler was to attend also but, we learned he had a medical emergency. Thankfully we later learned that all is well with Packey. We did not take a head count but there had to be in excess of 400 people present to honor Victor. He worked his way up the ladder in management at the Sherwin-Williams plant on the south side of Chicago. Gloria and I had the pleasure of sharing a table with Victor’s co-workers. Family and friends of Victor were entertained throughout the evening including dancing and Victor was on the dance floor with almost every lady in attendance. What a guy, and 90 years old! In the absence of more news, in cleaning out my files I found a copy of the Notes column I wrote for the 1994 Spring Carmel Life. Back then the format was newspaper rather than magazine. Excerpts follow: Many thanks to those who contacted me following a letter I sent out in March. Mario Ortigara called and he will be at the Banquet. Mario is still in business at 10830 S.
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Central Ave. in Chicago Ridge selling and servicing Pianos and Organs. Stop in to see him at “Musicville”. Fred Hendron is in the insurance business in Kankakee, he called and will make the Banquet. I also heard from Vince Giammario, who in retirement is the Jogging Champ of Riviera C.C. in Orland Park he logged 2,282 miles in 1993. He will be out of town in May so he will not be at the Banquet but will be at the Alumni Golf Outing August 24th. Bob Knoerzer is still in the Real Estate business in the Palos/ Orland Park area and he will make both the Banquet and Golf Outing. Last but, not least John Tumpich called, he will be at the Banquet and Golf Outing. To the rest of our Classmates we had 40 at the Banquet for our 40th anniversary, with next year being our 50th lets shoot for a turnout of 50 for our 50th. I sure could use some news from you 45ers out there for next column. In the meantime, keep Fr. Bill Sheridan and the rest of our deceased in your prayers. Until the next time. “Be Careful out there.”
Class of 1947 Send your notes to: John E. Munnelly, Colonel USA (Ret) 8556 Colony Lane Kalamazoo, MI 49009 Scorch6@comcast.net Stating the obvious, we are all advanced in age and well into our eighties. It is getting increasingly challenging to find classmates to interview. There are, however, survivors who warmly recall their lifelong commitment to Mount Camel. My mission: find classmates, interview them, update for Class Notes. Our classmate, Alex Adduci, has disclosed a heretofore unheralded narrative about our classmate Michael Bransfield. Michael was a member of a prominent and wealthy family. A brilliant student Michael had limitless potential. Following graduation Michael entered religious life and spent his life as a missionary. I was unable to verify or learn more. If a reader is knowledgeable please email me with an update for inclusion in a
future issue of Class Notes. Adduci remains a committed Carmel Alumnus attending reunions and Carmel sports. Retired from elective office Alex is devoted to his extended family. Alex is recovering from a painful encounter with an irresponsible driver. Alex was to join family at a Western Ave restaurant. Crossing the street Alex was hit by an accelerating driver. Getting up, Alex, bleeding and in shock, made it into the restaurant. Waiting family met him and called an ambulance. Alex kept his composure insisting to be taken to Christ Hospital, closer to family and home, rather than to a more distant hospital. No broken bones. Alex is undergoing physical therapy. Time consuming strenuous therapy is working. Alex is a doting father and grandfather. He has two daughters and five grandchildren. One grandson is at Loras College. A granddaughter is in law school. His extended family live in close neighborhood proximity. Larry Panozzo continues to enjoy health and enthusiasm for his profession. Larry tells me he continues his presence in the business. He insists on highest professional standards. He is in his undertaker office several days a week. Way to go, Larry! Since a number of classmates are declining I started research by looking for Michiganders in Michigan where I live. Using my 2007 alumni directory I found an entry for Joseph Chelbana. I reached his wife, Irene. She tells me her beloved husband Joseph died over ten years ago. Diagnosed with cancer, Joseph was given three months to live. Irene persuaded him to move from the big city to a summer home in Cassopolis, MI. With loving daily care, Irene, with Joseph’s determination, successfully extended their time together by thirteen years. In life Joseph was proprietor of the Rosemoor Funeral Home in Lansing, IL. Irene and Joseph have a son, Christopher and daughter, Loreen. Chris has entered his Dad’s profession with Rosemoor. Their daughter, Loreen, is an engineer. She heads a thriving
construction-engineering company. Joseph was a regular at Alumni reunions and lifelong fan of Carmel sports. A letterman, Joe was proud of his Carmel sweater. Mysteriously the sweater disappeared. Irene took on the task to restore Joe’s sweater. Irene determined the sweater coloring and matching letter earned by her husband in athletics. Irene restored the traditional “C” earned by Joe. With fanfares she presented a renewed sweater to her husband on his 66th birthday to the applause of Joe and family. Currently the Chelbana family has expanded with six grandchildren and, now, five great-grandchildren. These remembrances are not complete without recalling classmates who sacrificed their lives in service to our country. We graduated when WWII was recent history. Carmel graduates participated in every geographic area of that war. Yearbook photos reminded us of the thousands of heroic graduates in WWII. Carmel graduates suffered and died to defeat tyranny. Korea is back in headline news. When South Korea was attacked by the Communist North in June, 1950 class members characteristically responded. Carmel graduates traditionally have answered our country’s call. Classmates James Ford and James Doyle answered that call along with many of our classmates. Ford and Doyle gave their lives fighting in Korea. Doyle played Carmel intramural basketball and baseball. James Ford was a Carmel wrestler, played football, and was active in intramural basketball and baseball. They sacrificed lives of potential and accomplishment. Tragically their loss resulted in unrealized lives, professions, families, and dreams. Their souls and similarly departed souls of Carmelite brethren await us eternally. Here is an autobiographical note: Army: 33-years Colonel; then Business: VP Svc, SPX Corp, (Retired again); then management consulting; Community College teaching; and some writing. Regular Army: Korea, Platoon Commander, (1950-51); Europe, Command & Staff; (1954-1958); Korea 8th Army Staff (1962-63); Vietnam, 101st Airborne, Battalion Commander, (1966-67); Cambodia, (1972-73); U.S. major commands, and Pentagon (General Staff, (three tours). Personal: Wife, Connie, 60+years, Sons, Jay, Washington, D.C., Joseph, Lexington, KY,,
Members of the Class of 1952 William, Kalamazoo, MI, Daughter, Joan, Sacramento, CA. Eight Grandchildren, Thirteen Great-Grandchildren. I’ll end with prayerful gratitude to the Carmelites who devoted their lives to inculcate in all of us the academic and spiritual values that contributed to the men we became.
Class of 1950 Send your notes to: Bill Morrison 46sc50mc@att.net
Class of 1952 Send your notes to: Fran Houlihan franhoulihan@gmail.com On May 5 the great Mount Carmel Class of 1952 celebrated their 65th anniversary of graduation from Mount Carmel at the 81st annual Alumni Banquet held at Mount Carmel. Walter Ahern, Bruce Barton, George Boddy, Thomas Crane, Richard Duffner, Neil Glynn, Thomas Horan, Fran Houlihan, Bernard Keating, Ray Kelly, John McMahon and Robert Zahorik were all in attendance and had a great time swapping stories of our time at 6410 S. Dante. Please pray for all the members of the Class of 1952 and their families, especially those who are no longer with us. Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Pray for Us.
Class of 1953 Send your notes to: Fran Houlihan franhoulihan@gmail.com
Class of 1955 Send your notes to: Bob Fattore 10600 S. Bell Chicago, IL 60643 fattorer@gmail.com Greetings, There’s not much to report in this issue of Carmel Life. The only news I have to report and it’s sad news is Dan Del Grosso passed away recently. Dan was a great classmate, teammate and a true Carmel man. I send my deepest condolences to Dan’s family along with my thoughts and prayers. I also want to take this opportunity to thank Matt Taylor and Bob Keeley, class of ‘57 and ‘56, for keeping me in the loop about the goings on at 6410 S. Dante and elsewhere. I know a lot of guys from the 1957 class, and it’s always nice to hear how they’re faring. Keep it up guys; I’m very appreciative of your communication. Thank you very much. Hopefully I’ll hear from some of my classmates so I’ll have some news to report for the next Carmel Life issue. My email is: fattorer@gmail.com - I’m waiting!! - Bob Fattore ’55
Class of 1956 Send your notes to: Bob Keeley 10532 S. Bell Chicago, IL 60643 Robertkeeley555@gmail.com On my desk is Fr. Tracy O’Sullivan’s autobiography Been There all Along (O. Carm, & MC ’54). Raised in St. Lawrence Parish, 72nd/ Dorchester, his inspirational stories on his 55
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Class Notes plus years of service to the church are filled with overcoming life’s struggles, wisdom learned from the streets of Chicago, D.C., Los Angeles and now San Salvador and above all, HOPE for parishioners and readers. He and Fr. Peter (we knew him as our teacher ‘Fr. Canisius’ in our day) are still on the frontier of service to the poorest of the poor, in this world who the Lord challenged us to feed, clothe & bless with justice. Meanwhile, another true classmate from our era, Fr. Dave Dillon----a great teacher and 20th Century “MC Man of the Century” ----is still serving parishioners from his semi-retired position in Darien, IL. And Fr. Jim Lewis joined the MC faculty in 2015 as a counselor after years as a Dorm Rector at Notre Dame. Great, caring guys. Fr. Jim is in his 50s, Dave is in his 70s; Tracy, his 80s and Peter, his 90s. A tip of our hat, lads, to these four! My ear to the wind. Chuck Larson, still arranging vacations and travel; Tom Rooney organizing St. Ailbe alumni to support MC and their old parish; Jay McMahon, providing fire and alumni support to MC’s wrestling history; Jim Ciresi is serving his parish as Lector; John McMahon and Paul Kovacevich holding seminars on the 67th Street Bus; Washington state’s own Tony Dunne visited his sister “Tiny” (widow of our class’ Larry Coffey) in Chicago last summer; Jerry O’Connor is still lecturing on naval history and Jim Gould travels back and forth between Michigan & Chicago keeping in touch with his daughter. Bill O’Neill just retired from the U of Illinois at Chicago as an engineering biologist. We caught Dennis Kasper and his bride at a celebration this past spring at the Beverly Arts Center. Georgine McLaughlin’s fave husband Tom is resting his knees and feet, sore from too many years running marathons— and from making us all look bad! He retired from College administration admired deeply by colleagues and studentry. His cousin, Phil Gleeson, drives to Chicago from Cincinnati at least once a year to visit family. Our class’s annual giving is among the top ten for a good part of the last 25 years. Tom and Terri Grojean have provided that leadership, capping their annual efforts with this past year’s matching grant challenge for our ‘56ers. If you get to an ND football game this fall and catch the Band’s performance, Tom & Terri’s grandson Grant is one of the three ND Drum Majors. Jim Ciresi is in Wisconsin; Emmett is in Flor-
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ida riding out the waves, as is Jack Brennan and Walt Septoski; Rocky Ryan is still in Michigan; Ken Clark holds the fort in Lake County, IL. Don Drakulich has spent some 30 + years teaching the children of our troops stationed in Europe at all levels, including the religion of 16” softball from Chicago-- from his days stumbling around first base for Lombardi’s Tap Park league softball squad (Russell Square Park) in Sout’ Chee-caw’go. Back at home in Colorado now, Don still teaches, this time, pre-retirement seminars to government pre-retirees. His latest was at Kayenta, AR, in the northeast corner of that state. His 15 Navajo students gave him a “Standing Oh!” at the end of the 2 days. Rumor –started by Jim Brne--has it that, that only happened after he taught them MCHS’s “Championship Shooter.” On one summer vacation on the beach of Costa Del Sol, Spain, Don met a swimming Arina Von Bokhurst from Liederdorp, Netherlands. They talked and the next day he told her he was going to ask her to marry him. (Vote recorded by alive and well classmates this fall: “Poor Lady!” by a vote of 87-52.) On Sept 7, 2017, they celebrated their 50th year together as young lovebirds. Mike Royko and Michael Patrick Aloysius Murphy would have approved. We the class of 56 too! On-going Legacy of 6410. MC Band graduates from the last four years have started making a name for themselves in the arts. Some enrolled in college: Derrick Davis (piano) and Ryan Person (percussion) at Columbia College; Will Maloney (trombone) at Wabash college IN; Gabe Nunley (Percussion) at River Forest’s Dominican U; Khanna Barrow (alto sax) at Lincoln in Missouri; Nick Dimas (alto sax) at Western Michigan; Conor Langs (alto sax) at Mizzou, as a freshman this fall started right off doing play by play announcing for the university’s football broadcasting network; Steve McGhee (trombone; percussion) at Holy Cross College in South Bend trying out for club-sport Rugby for the Irish and joining the Fighting Irish’s Pep Band for the winter sport season. While other grads jumped into a year of alternative effort: Example #1: Wallace Goode (Bass drum) spent a serious “gap year” in the Caribbean studying marine life. #2: Into the world of work: Cole Gryczan (percussion), who when our fall 2014 MC Band played at Sr. Theresa O’Sullivan’s Women’s Shelter home at the old St. Clara School at Christmas time, (Cole) put on a long white clerical robe and convincingly
played The Lord himself. After the concert, he sat to listen and talk with the moms’ little pre-schoolers on his knee. More convincing than any Santa, he showed a beautiful caring heart for a high school senior. Incredible! Now with two hardworking pals, Cole started his own construction company in DePere, WI. All these lads are a fine tribute to the Arts Department teachers and Arts Council at MC. Sundays at Ellie’s: After the 8 O’clock Mass, a small group of us, Carmel guys and wives, gather for breakfast. Jack Quigley MC ’54, Jack Regan MC ’55, Mark Fleming MC ’73 and I, listen—as best we can keep up—to the tales of Jack Regan’s career as a CPS school engineer—and then further in awe to the stories of Mark Fleming—“Mr. Fix-it for the Planet Earth”--as he describes his oncall ventures on 3 continents fixing all matter of IT and engine malfunctions; describing in detail his fix-it methods few on earth have ever dreamed of doing. I have applied to IIT for a Master’s Degree to be awarded to me just for listening to Sunday breakfast with these guys. MC classes around us. “I see be the papers” (as Finley Peter Dunne’s character in the ‘Archey Road’ Tap used to say) that Jim Civik and Matt Mulka are still leading the charge in MC alumni affairs. MC 1957 - Congratulations to MC ’57 grads: Joe O’Gallagher for entering the MC Hall of Fame, and Matt Taylor, for earning MC’s Man of the Year at this past May’s annual alumni banquet. Finally, pray for our classmate Don Mahoney, an insightful writer and incredible comedian who died this summer in St. Louis; as a sophomore, Don gave us the deeply ponderous, philosophical truth: “He who remembers, never forgets!” (smile) For the Cadillac Class of THE High School of the City. Bob Keeley
Class of 1957 Send your notes to: Matt Taylor 9951 S. Damen Chicago, IL 60643 matt@taylorfax.com 2017 was a great year for the Mount Carmel class of 1957. Not only did we celebrate
our 60th anniversary of our graduation, but two of our classmates were honored at the Alumni Banquet on May 5. Matt Taylor was honored as the “Man of the Year” and Joe O’Gallagher was inducted into the “Mount Carmel Hall of Fame”. Both men had their families in attendance to share the honor. We were honored for our physics ability while at Mount Carmel. Joe was at the top of the physics list, he went to Massachusetts Institute of Technology on a four-year scholarship and I went to summer school with Mr. Matt Smith. On May 4, we had an anniversary luncheon in Darien, IL. In attendance was John and Karen Mc Donnell, John also served as Master of Ceremonies, Gene and Veronette Orchowski, Jim and Sue Riedle, Matt and Mary Catherine Kulusic, Terry and Pam Ahearn, Jim and Betty O’Donnell, Jim and Peggy Dunlavy, Ken and Sheila Jackson, Jim and Peggy Durkin, Joe and Joan O’Connor, Joe and Ellen O’Gallagher, Charley and Helen Drumm, Ed and Carol Jaeky, Bob and Mary Walsh (St. Ethelreda), Bob and Sandy Glynn, Matt and Nancy Taylor and their daughter, Mary O’Connor, Dave Fetyko, Fr. Dave Dillon, O.Carm, Marty Stadler and Ed Kosteck. Ed Lyons was brought there by his brothers-inlaw, Mike and Jim Duhig, both MC grads and his caretaker. In attendance at the banquet, were Ed Kosteck, Bob Glynn, Dave Fetyko, Al Asherman, Pat Sullivan, Rich Hobson, Bob Lucas, Jim Riedle, Terry Ahearn, Fr. Dave Dillon, Bob Walsh (St. Philip Neri) John Mc Donnell and Jim Dunlavy. Heard from Tony Matz in Tucson, AZ, where he has lived since 1958. He had spinal surgery on July 31. His spouse Gerri is nursing him back to his physical greatness. Between Gerri and Tony, they have five children (all working) and seven grandchildren. Tony is working as a Construction Consultant for Surety Bond and Insurance companies. He owns and operates a sport fishing business in San Carlos, Mexico, consisting of 4 twin diesel boats from 30ft to 38ft. He celebrated his 78th birthday on August 27 and is looking like his father: short, fat and bald. Heard from Tim Hinchey in Roseville, CA. “Life is good in Sacramento! Just finished my 3-year term as a member of the Board of Directors for our 3,110 homes Sun City Homeowners Association. I am grateful to have served, but very grateful that my last volunteering trek is over!! Nancy is doing very well and all the kids and grandkids are
active and healthy.” Heard from Ed Kompare in Farmington, NM. “I have finally retired from the active practice of medicine but still am on a couple of hospital committees and am medical director at a nursing home. My wife, Maria, and I like to visit our 4 kids and 9 grandkids as much as possible except it’s kind of difficult to do so since they live all over the country. We both like to play disc (Frisbee) golf. It’s a lot of fun and good exercise. In September we are going on an archeological hike to the Bear’s Ears monument in Utah, as arranged by the local college. It should be fun. I hope all our classmates are doing well.” Heard from Tom Wargin in Beltsville, MD. “I took a retirement buyout from 40 years of railroading, 24 with the Rock Island in Chicago and 16 with CSX in Baltimore as a towerman (back then when there were towers) and 31 years as a computer programmer (getting in on the ground floor) 17 years ago so I am on the east coast gainfully UNemployed. My wife passed away in 09 and I have family in the Baltimore area, relatively close. I’m still interested in model railroading, but space, money and dexterity (all of which I lack) dictate I DON’T DO much with it except read about it. My current hobby is acrylic painting. My middle daughter is a real artist and my baby daughter is interested in Astrology, so we talk about it and take walks in the woods. The signs of old age are really showing. The county public library mails books both ways for old geezers and I just received my driver’s license renewal form which suggested I may want to give up driving.” Heard from Deacon Ken Jackson in Wheaton, IL. “I have completed 35 radiation treatments for my prostate cancer and have 9 more to go. I will continue my daily hormone pill and hormone injection every 4 months for at least 1 year. I continue to receive weekly “good” reports from my Oncologist, Dr. Golden. I highly recommend Dr. Golden, his staff and all the wonderful people connected to the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, Illinois. My wife Sheila has been at my side through it all. She truly is “The Wind Beneath My Wings”! I want to thank all my Mount Carmel classmates and their families for their prayers, cards, e-mails and phone calls encouraging and cheering me on during this challenging period of my life. It means so much to know that people care. Thanks
Class of 1957 for your loving support! Peace to you and yours.” Heard from Ed Jaeky in Indian Head Park, IL. “For the third year in a row, our family has raised funds to send 12 children with Epilepsy to Camp Blackhawk, each year during August. (Team Julia has raised more than $34,000 during the 3 years. Our 13-year-old grandchild Julia was having up to 90+ seizures while she slept when she was in 3rd grade. With the drugs that she is taking, she has not had one in 2 years. Because of my involvement with our Township Mental Health Commission, I met David and Sue Axlerod. They mentioned that if their 22-year-old daughter had the same drugs that Julia takes, she would be able to speak today and not living at Misercordia. Last year Mayor Emanuel received an award for his work with the organization during the past 22 years. I got to meet him at the ceremony. He was very easy to speak with, gave an excellent speech, and not a body guard in sight. We have been visiting with Jim and Betty O’Donnell, not as do Matt and Nancy Taylor. Jim has a great attitude even though the Parkinson’s plays hell with his leg and hand movements. I know that he would love to hear from you either by phone:708-586-2433, email Betty at betty@ jimbettyod.com, or write, 13212 S. Oak Hills Pkwy #1B, Palos Heights, IL 60465-2667. Carol and I will be celebrating our 55th. Anniversary September 29th.” Life is good and getting better” as Matt would say. That, my friends is a great attitude.” Heard from Fr. Dave Dillon, O.Carm. in Darien, IL. “One of the organizations that I support and am a member of is called “The Children of Abraham.” They support our brother and sister Catholics in Palestine. They hope to raise money to purchase an ambulance to serve the Catholic Community in the West Bank (the occupied territory of Palestine.) It is a worthy cause.” Heard from Tom Rolewicz in Mendota Heights, MN. Tom wrote regarding the health of his brother, Fr. Dick Rolewicz, a Maryknoll missionary working in the Far East. Fr. Dick is a member of the Mount Carmel class of 1953 and was the first awardee of the Mount Carmel Humanitarian Award. “Please keep in your prayers my older brother Dick, Father Dick Rolewicz. Recently he was diagnosed with a low-grade leukemia and has been forced to come back from Korea to Maryknoll, N.Y. where he will probably stay.”
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Class Notes Heard from Einer “Joe” Ohlin in Wake Forest, NC. “Got in our usual ocean beach time at Corolla on the Outer Banks. Of the five grandchildren, one in law enforcement (Colorado), one at the U. of Iowa, one in junior college (Colorado), one just started high school (NC), and the youngest just started junior high (NC). Of the four grown kids and their spouses, two have their own businesses (where’d that come from?), the oldest is currently in Geneva, Switzerland, for three weeks (!) worth of meetings having to do with international monitoring of the internet, one is an accountant, one a nurse, and one an information systems whiz who works for a Beltway Bandit across the Potomac from the nut house we usually call the White House. Wife Karen is finally serious about retiring, so we might just turn up in Chicago, Michigan, Colorado, California, to visit family and friends. Of course, if I keep having to file all those medical receipts Karen might be traveling without me. My latest adventure was a trip and fall that dislocated two fingers and put a bunch of stitches in my hand. Another four weeks and I might be able to feed myself with my right hand again.
Heard from Paul Cieslak in Presque Isle, WI. This summer Paul and his wife Joan came down to Chicago from their summer home at the top of Wisconsin. Paul had a tumor removed from inside his bladder. This was done at the University of Chicago Hospital. Paul is home and getting treatments for bladder cancer. It went very well with no complications and so far, no side effects. “I am convinced that all these prayers we are sharing are responsible for my good results. Once again, I thank you all. You are right Matt; life is good and getting better. Our Lady of Mount Carmel pray for us!” Regret the passing of our classmates, Mike Davis in Janesville, WI and Cornelius “Connie” Fitzmaurice in Lowell, IN. Fr. Dave Dillon con-celebrated Connie’s funeral Mass. Connie and Dave were classmates at Our Lady of Peace and Mount Carmel. Bricks for the Prayer Garden at Mount Carmel were purchased for these deceased members of our class. Two were purchased in memory of Brian “Butch” Lewis, one from his class and one from the 1953 class of St. Philip Neri. One each were purchased in memory of Hon. John “Jack” Darrah, Dennis Hearne, Ron Murphy, and Cornelius “Connie” Fitzmaurice.
Probably too long and not quite what you had in mind, but worth sending even if you and Fr. Dave Dillon, my pal I sat next to most of those four years at Carmel, are the only ones who read it.”
That completes the medical report of the Class of 1957. Thank you, Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid and all our secondary insurers.
Joe is not the only one who had a trip that sent me to the hospital. I landed on a concrete sidewalk and a brick wall. Went to the emergency room at 7PM and got home at 4AM. Wore a bandage that covered almost the length of my left arm, a chin that looked like a grape jelly goatee and 3 or 4 fractured ribs. I am over it now.
Class of 1959
Heard from James Brown of Yorkville, IL. “Jim Brown is back in town, sort of, Yorkville in Fox Valley. We spent the last 26 years in Henderson (Las Vegas), NV. Last March I asked Helen if she wanted to return to our roots and three days later we had the sign up and on the road May twelfth. We since have bought our house here. Rented a cabin in Pigeon Forge, TN with the family for a week. The fire damage in the area was not as severe as we thought from the news coverage this spring. So, for now we are just going to enjoy life and winter somewhere warm.”
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Send your notes to: Michael O’Connor mejpoc@aol.com The weather is more summer than fall but we are all glad that it is not back in the late 50’s at MCHS when there was no air conditioning. You have not given me much to write about for this fall. We lost Jim Sherlock this past summer. Several of our class did pay their respects at his wake and funeral. Please keep Jim and all of our deceased class mates in your prayers. Please let me know how your winter progresses so we will have a more informative Spring Class Notes. My E-Mail address is mejpoc@aol.com.
Class of 1961 Send your notes to: Tim Finnegan Timfinnigan29@icloud.com 24 Little Pine Court Bluffton, SC 29910 Timfinnigan29@icloud.com 312.961.0194 Greetings---I’m back. And I will be writing to you once again as a representative of the graduating class of 1961…The Flower of All Classes! I had taken a sabbatical as the result of “brain freeze”. In actuality, after retiring for two years I was coaxed back to work by my good friend Mike Keenan, but more about that later on in my dialogue. What has been going on with you and your family? C’mon, twice a year you can’t call, text, email or write a note to me, even if you send it through snail-mail to me? If not, you will only hear about me---BORING! But more about that later on in my dialogue---believe me it would get boring. We had a lake home in Indiana where there is just a host of Carmel/South Shore neighborhood individuals that I would often see like Bobby Glynn ’57, Mo Fox ’69, Ed Sylvester ’60, Dan Moran, ’62, Tom Gibbs ’64, Mike Keenan ’61, Tony Carey ’61, Tom Carey ’51, Ed Austin ’62, Joe Cate ’63, Frankie Moran ’71 are just some of the Carmel guys that have a summer place there. South Shore neighborhood mugs that I would encounter are Dr. Jerry Murphy the handball guru from Rainbow Beach, Joe Tackish, Jim Connell yadda, yadda, yadda. Of course it won’t surprise you that Mike Keenan and Tony Carey are proud owners of rather large motorcycles. They are spotted on the highways and backroads all throughout Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. Happy to say they dress in very protective gear when out on their travels. Each of them owned bikes going way back when so they are going through their second childhood, or maybe their third? Dan Moran, retired Chicago Police Lieutenant, was recently at a gathering for one of his granddaughters and ran into a classmate of ours who was also attending the same function. After small talk they started to exchange the proverbial, what parish are you from, where did you go to school, what did you do after Carmel and did you know my good friend “what’s his face”? Turned out it was none other than anoth-
er very good athlete and a good man from Visitation and a basketball teammate of mine---Jerry Hayes. Jerry extended his best, through Dan, to all. I know Len Davia, and Jerry McCabe have places way up north in Wisconsin that they go to for R & R. Ray Shipanik leaves Goodyear, AZ each summer and goes even farther north than Jerry and Len---Ray is right near the Canadian border and is a real outdoorsman. Charley Kelly is still in Silver City, New Mexico. We are getting so much older, just picture this…Charley’s youngest, Danny, graduated from the Naval Academy, fulfilled his military duty as a “lifer” and is now working in the private sector! Wow the years fly by, eh? JJ Dervin who lives in Houston advised me that they have returned to their home after hurricane Matthew with what appears to be minimal damage. Of course you never know until you are back in the house for a time frame and experience everyday life to see what works and what doesn’t. Good luck JJ. I talk to Rich Hobby on occasion and he is still working in his own business and lives in Crown Point, IN. Good luck Rich. My wife, Michelle, and I sold our townhome downtown Chicago in Kinzie Park and moved to a condo (Sky Bridge) at Halsted and Washington. We lived there for three years and sold it as well as the lake house in Indiana. We have owned some property in Bluffton, South Carolina (just before you go over the bridge to Hilton Head Island) and have now decided to build a home here. We are located in a community called Hampton Lake-lots of great amenities. There is a string of lakes running through the community much like the Chain of Lakes up in Northern Illinois. We are renting a home for a year now while we build. This the fourth time we have built so we think we know what we are doing---haha! And me…after retiring from the food/packaged goods business I did the proverbial retirement thing---go here, go there, do this and do that. Then my dear friend Mike Keenan called. While his primary occupation was in the banking business he had been an officer in the ticket sellers union for decades. He wanted to know if I would be interested in the position as Treasurer of the Box Office at the Lyric Opera. Since I
was never a member of Mr. Fabish’s marching band I thought it would be a chance to enhance my appreciation of the fine arts. Since we lived just 5 blocks from the Opera and the season was September to April with hours of 11:30 am to 6:30 pm it sounded ideal for a few years. My wife was still working so it kept me out of trouble. Well, 11 years later, and never having attended an opera, I did however experience lots of fun times and humorous scenarios. And that is the rest of the story. As you can see I do not have a lot of material at this time but if you could just take a few minutes and send me some gibber-jabber…I will print it! Oh yeah and a shout out to Ed Jaeky ’57. And until the next publication---unless you contact me. Good Luck and Good Health Tim Finnigan ‘61
Class of 1962 Send your notes to: Frank Frasor frasor@aol.com Graduation 1962, saw 6 guys from Blue Island and St Benedict Grade School march down the aisle, and through the doors of MCHS. I know these six guys entered those doors as kids, but I’m just not sure if they left as men. A lot was thrown at them at the time…the Vietnam War, unrest in America, rioting. Sounds familiar. But here is what those six guys accomplished. Russ Diller, probably the biggest ladies man in the Class of 1962, attended Indiana University on a football scholarship. He graduated and runs a successful construction company in Beaufort, South Carolina. His company has been voted one of the top ten builders in Beaufort County. John Frasor, attended Illinois on a baseball scholarship. He was instrumental in helping MCHS win the Catholic League Baseball Championships in 1961 and 1962. His claim to fame was catching Denny McLain, who attended MCHS and was Major League Baseball’s last 30 game winner; and Kenny Holzman, the former Cub pitcher, at Illinois. He also started his own business, a maintenance business, which he still oversees today.
Rich Bolen, probably the smartest of the six Blue Islanders, graduated from DePaul University. His career led him to Vice President, Merrill Lynch. Tom Paetsch, also attended DePaul University; and upon graduation spent two years serving our country in Vietnam. He re-enrolled at DePaul getting his MBA. Met his wife there, and recently completed 45yrs Heading up the Placement Office at DePaul. He and his wife have three sons; all three graduated from MCHS. Stan Volp, also a member of MCHS 1961 & 1962 Catholic League Championship Baseball Teams, spent two years serving our country…a year in Thailand and a year in Vietnam. He graduated from Northern Illinois University. He worked mainly in the toy industry, and worked his own business, as a Sales Rep, for the last 20 years. He resides in Ely, MN with his wife of 46 years. Frank Frasor, the third member of the group to help MCHS win the 1961 and 1962 Catholic League Baseball Championships. Graduated from St Joseph’s College and worked for Keebler Co for 26 years, mainly as one of its Controllers. He and his wife have been married for 50 years and have four sons. One son who played Division 1 basketball for Eastern Michigan, and one son who pitched in the Majors for 12 years, getting his World Series ring with the Kansas City Royals. MCHS has developed many kids who have gone on and created many success stories involving themselves, their kids or even their grand kids. And it all started at MCHS, my friends, and that can never be taken away. And finally remember this; Mary Queen of Carmel continues to take care of her boys, regardless of their age.
Class of 1963 Send your notes to: John McHugh 28870 Forest Lake Lane Green Oaks, Illinois 60048 847 362 8389 johnmq@aol.com Mike and Patsy Stadler took her dream cruise recently around Cape Horn at the tip of South America, visiting Rio De Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Santiago, and Patagonia.
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Class Notes Back in the 1870s, Patsy’s great-grandfather, a 17- year old Belgian sailor, made three trips to the western U. S., via Cape Horn, before settling in California. Generations later, Patsy was born in the San Francisco area. Lou Osika had “a bit of a heart issue” last spring while visiting family and friends in Arizona. After a “jolt” at a nearby hospital, everything is back in working order. So far, Lou is taking a daily pill, and all is OK. This health scare prompted a visit from son, Lou Jr. ‘93 and daughter, Anne Marie. Now that Lou and Betsy have bought a place in Mesa, all four Osaka’s will be spending lots of time there beginning this winter. Tom and Patti Werner bicycled their way through New Mexico last spring, and will be taking an autumn hike through northern Minnesota again this year. Stan Juracich sent videos of his grandchildren, Ethan, 10, and, Lily, 6, snow skiing on the 4th of July (during the Australian winter). They took to the slopes in hopes of making their school’s ski team. Stan is still working part-time, “clocking up” 11 years at PeopleScout/TrueBlue. He adds, “the ultimate irony is that their headquarters are just outside downtown Chicago.” Duke Desmond and Mike Stadler report that several ‘63 guys have been getting together for lunch periodically, most recently at Bourbon Street on 115th Street, including Tom Werner, Bill McGowan, Bob Sheehan, Pat Donovan, Jim Cusack, Ralph Rangel, Bob Kuenn, Joe Cate, and Jerry Lyons. Plans call for a lunch about every three months, and locations might vary. Tom Werner began this gathering about ten years ago. If you’d like to join in, contact Tom at thomaswerner@comcast.net. (Speaking of lunch, I strongly doubt if Bourbon Street has anything on its menu like my daily freshman lunch: four Oscar Meyer baloney sandwiches on Silvercup white bread, two 16-ounce Cokes and as many bags of Jay’s potato chips as I could fit under my chin. How my complexion survived to sophomore year has always been a mystery.) Denis Puszkiewicz spends a good amount of time on security issues in Australia and China, including “some work and some play.” Denis lives in the Tahoe basin, and recently adopted a military service dog. “A great addition to the family.” While visiting Dublin’s infamous Kilmainham Gaol (jail) this summer, I met a couple
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from Montana who told me they’d lived in Hyde Park for several years. Learning I was a Woodlawn native and Mount Carmel grad, they related that their son was about to attend Carmel, but they were transferred West. The very disappointed boy, a football player, followed the Caravan on the web, including two state championship teams he would have loved playing for. Do other high schools generate that sort of following? Finally, Mount Carmel Memories, #143: In our junior year, Jim Enright, a Tribune sportswriter and Aquinas dad, attended a pep rally, accompanied by Cub outfielders George Altman and Billy Williams. Finishing his remarks, Enright asked if anyone had a question. The rally ended when a senior shouted down from the upper deck: “What are the Cubs?” Only at Carmel! Stay in touch boys!
Class of 1964 Send your notes to: Jim Civik 10933 S. Longwood Drive #1 Chicago, IL 60643 312.480.6979 jimcivik@gmail.com To lose a classmate is to be reminded of one’s personal mortality, prompting a man to gaze a bit more deeply into the late evening sky, or sip his morning coffee more slowly and thoughtfully. Bill Reidy became my close friend rather late in life. Our friendship began when I joined Mount Carmel in 2001 first as a volunteer, then grew when I became a teacher and then alumni director, and after that into retirement. His memory of our days at the school as students was encyclopedic. “Remember the fight between so and so and what was his name in the handball court when we were sophomores? And remember P.J. Quinlan in the coat check room at the socials?” As his health declined, his spirit continued to sparkle, and there is no question that he drew strength from the students he served, and colleagues and fellow alumni he loved. To the students, he was “Rusty Bullets”. He could calm a nervous freshman one moment, and then spot an untucked shirt
across the Commons, always correcting such violations quietly and in a non-confrontational way. In the army, he had seen the nightmare that was Viet Nam, and for years he walked the mean streets of his hometown in a CPD uniform. Bill spoke constantly about his wife Jo and his children, Erica, Bill and Ken. Jo was an irrepressible member of the school’s musical theater group (I met her during the staging of “Bye Bye Birdie”), and was as Italian as he was Irish. He was an avid Cubs fan, but most of all loved Mount Carmel football, reminding me more than once that he had been the starting center on the freshman football team. On the day Bill passed last April, I am absolutely certain that the sky about Gately Stadium brightened a bit, as his gentle, generous soul walked the home sidelines one final time. Westbrooke Bradley was sighted walking toward Carey Field the day in September when we played De Paul College Prep. Phil Dillon, who continues to work for my beloved Veterans Administration, is spending a good deal of time (or a deal of good time) sailing with classmates Guy LeBreton and Jim Lavigne. Phil also is planning to go on a Rhine river cruise. Personally, I am planning a cruise on the River Seine and an extended visit to the City of Light.
Class of 1965 Send your notes to: Terry Stadler Tjs47@att.net Starting these Notes with some sad news, we’ve had two classmates die since the last Class Notes in spring: Mike Ficaro and Tom Ruth. May they rest in peace. Well, it’s been quite a journey, both happy and sad. Many Carmel guys attended Mike Ficaro’s wake & funeral on July 20th. For all of us, it is that time as we enter our 8th decade of life. Mike was a very successful lawyer, but still a person who would help his Carmel family at the drop of a dime. Our faith teaches us, and many of us know, he is now in a good place. John mentioned to his wife that we are here if she needs us. She said
she knew that He and his family are in our prayers. Bob Kieta invited John Potocki, of all people, to his 50th year wedding anniversary. Holy cow! It was great to see how happy he and his wife, Pat, are. They have, as Pat said, seven magnificent grandchildren and two beautiful daughters. It was a beautiful affair, and one that John will remember. John Potocki also attended the recent Mass on July 9 where Father Vernon presided at the Carmelite Facility in Darien. The class of 1968 was the main group there. Father Vernon is really a blue collar type and down to earth. He is from the east coast, which some of us did not realize until he opened his mouth back in the early 1960s, and he rolled his “Rs”! The Mass was quite a spiritual experience. That Carmelite Center is really something if you have never been there, you must visit it and/or go on a retreat there. Mike Rogan has been up from his Florida home again and stayed with Potocki, again! Chico is now on this way back to Florida, looking good, down 150 pounds! He still thinks he’s a lover boy! He’s a good friend and is still trying to get family members’ children to attend Carmel. Some of our classmates are the recipients of news articles, awards & salutes: John Potocki was quoted in a Sawyer County Record newspaper article earlier this year. The writer was interested in John’s views about ways to prevent CTE, that horrible brain condition affecting so many football players. John offered 6 suggestions to make the game safer. Way to go, John! Barry Anderson recently received the coveted Federal Budgeting Career Legacy Award. Barry is only the third recipient of this special Washington DC award, after Alice Rivlin, former head of the OMB, CBO & Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve and Paul O’Neill, former Secretary of the Treasury! Retiring after his Washington career, Barry moved across country & now lives in Encinitas, CA. Way to go, Barry! Jerry McGovern is being honored as “The Hero of the Game” by the Chicago White Sox on Sunday, August 13, for his Marine Corps service during Viet Nam. Way to go, Jerry! A small group of us had a great lunch with classmate, Dan Krause in his home, with his
wife, Margie. After a long legal career, Dan had to retire due to his health. And before Dan and Margie sell their Oak Forest home and move to North Carolina, we wanted to bring a subset of the Class Gathering to Dan. Joining John and Terry at Dan’s home was Jack Ridges, Dennis Radowski and Terry Mulcahy. Dan and Margie were both very grateful. Way to go, Dan & Margie! Frank Jachim, one of our guys who love to stay in touch, despite living in Wales, UK, recently called Potts and said he really enjoyed the annual alumni banquet in May. He had one suggestion, however, saying he would have preferred steak to the chicken. But we suspect that the friendship at the event easily made up for his negative thoughts about the entree. We think the drinks that night also helped. It is always good to hear from Frank. His recent e-mail to Terry summarized his military career: I was in the U.S. Army as a Specialist Five / Sergeant Intelligence Analyst who was even assigned to the U.S. Navy as U.S. Army Liaison to the staff of the Admiral of the 6th Fleet, in my early twenties! I had traveled to three continents covering 30 countries in Europe, the Mediterranean Area, the Caribbean Islands, and the Arctic Circle. I was an information collector and security evaluator to our close friendly countries to test and evaluate their security premises. I attended as many military courses as possible to avoid going to Vietnam, not realizing that my training made me a prime candidate. I even tried to study Russian, but was sent to Vietnam where I led a team near the DMZ. Many of you, our classmates, in addition to Frank, served in the military, and some in Viet Nam. Thanks to you all for your Service. Recently, Terry Stadler asked for Stories or Testimonials from our classmates: stories about elements/aspects from their Carmel experience that influenced who they became over these last 52 years! He recently published six stories and gave them to the folks at Carmel to use! Thanks to Ernie Harris, Mike Donaghue, Malachy Walsh, Terry Stadler, Jack Roberts & Frank Jachim. If you want to see what they wrote, contact Terry at tjs47@att.net The Class of 1965 continues to meet informally every other month at the Cork and Kerry Pub at 10614 S. Western Avenue. Come and join us. Dates are announced via e-mails to the 144 classmates who have given us their e-mail addresses. We have any-
where from 15 – 25 guys show up at these informal (no agenda) Gatherings. Just great conversations, stories and fellowship! Won’t you consider joining us at one of our future Gatherings? Well, that’s it for now. The Lady is still with us all. We are the Savages of 1965!
Class of 1966 Send your notes to: Rich Kuzmar ccarak1@yahoo.com Greetings 1966 Classmates: It’s been well over a year since the memorable experience of our 50th Reunion. Since then, I am happy to say that some of us have had the opportunity to reengage a number of times to reminisce about our experiences at Carmel and share about our lives and those of our classmates over the past 50 years. We will continue to keep you informed about future get-togethers and look forward to more of you attending. Finally, I would also like to thank those who contributed to the memories and comments below, and I ask all of all of you to send me your thoughts for future issues. 1966 Class Happenings Congratulations to Marty Hughes as he moves from his dual role as Chairman and CEO of HUB International to Chairman. Marty will continue to work almost full time in his new role. Despite his busy schedule Marty continues to make most of our 1966 Class Outings. Marty, on behalf of the Class of 1966, thanks for all you do to support Mount Carmel! (see Article www. chicagobusiness.com/article/20170906/ NEWS01/170909946?template=printart ) Ron Thomas recently underwent some serious eye surgery. The recovery process takes several weeks and he cannot drive. Ron tells me he is thankful for his “Uber” driver, Tina, his spouse. Get better soon Ron! I ran into Jack Hermanski recently. Jack had a successful basketball coaching career at both the high school and college level. He says “Hello” to everyone. From Rich Stupka.. So Rich (I’m Rick) Remembrance of my best friend at Carmel, Izzy (Jim) Vega. Puerto Rican, red hair and green eyes. Go figure. Not either the greatest driver or navigator ever created in heav-
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Class Notes en. We got to the Prom and had a great time. Had made reservations at a Steak House on Commercial Ave. But could not find it in the dark (yes Virginia, the street lights were on). Called from pay phones several times in our tuxes and prom dresses (can’t remember who was wearing what) to change and finally cancel the reservations cause we just couldn’t find the place. Gave up and started to head home, and drove right past the place! Pulled in, and the management couldn’t have been nicer. Saw we were in formals and sat us down to a great steak dinner cooked to order. The next day we were a little sleep deprived but made it to the Senior picnic. One of the many treasured memories I’ll always keep of Jim. A wonderful and unique guy who couldn’t be found for the 50th, and is presumed passed. He and I? Got many more as we roomed in college on the same floor as Bill Sconza, another great guy who taught me to shoot craps and then took my lunch money! Dennis Sura writes…..Dennis Sura accompanied by Fr. Vernon, Ron Thomas and Rich Kuzmar toured Lewis University, Joliet and had lunch at Merichkas in Crest Hill this past July. What a bunch of stories were told on this rainy morning and afternoon> It ended with afternoon cocktails at Ron’s home. Dennis and Kathy Sura toured Scotland and Ireland in September and will leave for The Isla de Mujere off of Cancun, Mexico in October. Father Vernon says “Hello to All” and writes…Rich, I spent three months over the summer traveling to Chicago and Canada and Boston and Cape Cod and got phished out....now back in 500,000 Cowtown Tucson enjoying the sunshine....Fr. Vern Carmel Golf Outing - We had five classmates who attended the most successful Carmel Golf Outing ever in terms of participants (needed two courses #1 and #3) at Cog Hill last Friday. Attending were Ron Thomas, Bill Sconza, Rich Kuzmar, Ric Johnson, Tighe Reardon. Ron Thomas came to visit afterward for Dinner and won a Yeti cooler. We represented our Class well by scoring a 65 (one better than our graduating class of ‘66)! Upon learning of this news Father Vernon an avid golfer to this day said “Fabulous golf! And even more fabulous guys from MCHS, especially Tighe the Tiger...God bless you all and the lads of 66!!! Fr. Vern” Passing of Jack Walsh... We were all sorry to hear about the sudden passing of our
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classmate Jack Walsh. It was great to have seen and spent some time with Jack at the Reunion. Our condolences go out to his family especially his brother and our classmate, Pat Walsh. Some of our classmates met on August 28 at Krapil’s to toast to the memory of Jack. Those attending were Tom Jarosik(1967), Bob Moody, Marty Hughes(standing), Jack Leonard, Rich Kuzmar, Paul Skopp, Tom Fabing, Bob O’Donnell. Not able to attend in person but joined via Face Time: Ron Thomas(recovering from eye surgery last Tuesday), Bill Sconza (Cranking out the Steel Products at US Steel). Hope to see more of you at the next one. On that subject, Ray Maddalone wrote, “One of these times I’m going to kiss my wife goodbye and make the 6 hour round trip from Indy to the Southside.” Looking forward to seeing you, Ray! (PS your wife is welcome) Since our class Reunion Jim Judson and Wally Piskorski have been collaborating to swing a business deal in Poland. I understand that Jim has become very fond of polish sausage, sauerkraut, and czarnina! Good Luck guys! Class of 1965 – We had a great joint get-together with the Class of 1965 in March at Cork and Kerry in Beverly. Larry Norris, Class of 1971 and the author of the new book, The Brown and White, joined us. Rich Kumar, Bill Sconza, Rick Johnson, Ron Thomas, Bob O’Donnell, Jim Garlanger, Tom Fabing, Bob Moody, Marty Hughes. Many thanks to Terry Stadler for the invite. Since many of you missed reading the electronic edition on-line… In Memoriam – Tom Ulrich We were all surprised and sad to hear from Henry Jazdzewski about the sudden death of our classmate Tom Ulrich on February 10, 2017 from a rare form of leukemia. Tom was a picture of health when several of us had connected with him in December of 2015 as he was recognized at the Alumni association “Salute to the Champions” and later at our Reunion where he was reunited with his swim teammate, Rich Balcerak. Many of Tom’s swim records set during our time at Carmel still stand. After graduating from college, he taught in high school and went on to distinguished himself as a world famous nature photographer and author. Bill Sconza, Ron Thomas, Rick Johnson , Jim Garlanger and Paul Nowakowski attended Tom’s memorial service at Our Lady of
Mount Carmel Church in Darien. During the service, Tom’s life partner, Linda, delivered a moving eulogy describing the great life Tom had lead. It was truly a privilege for all of us to have known him. “Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for him!” Thaddeus O’Brien commented upon learning about Tom Ulrich: “Thanks very much for the note about Tom. It was a grace to have time with him at the reunion. He could be characterized as the strong silent type who always seemed centered. Your minibio was a great refresher on someone who found a passion in life and followed it purposefully. The suddenness of his illness and death is reminder of how fragile our time here is and how we have to make the most of every day.” “I will keep Tom in my prayers.” 1966 50th Class Reunion Memories Package: Hope all of have downloaded our 50th Reunion Memories Package with the reunion picture, which now shows all (except one) who attended with their names appended, additional biographies, a video with music(thanks to Bill Sconza), and many photos from the Reunion Celebration and events that have taken place since then. Instructions for downloading were sent to all classmates in an email on 9/27/2016. If you need a copy contact Rich Kuzmar @ ccarak1@yahoo.com. Once again, many thanks and much appreciation go out to our classmate Ray Maddalone for the countless hours he spent creating this wonderful memory for all of us. We hope you thoroughly enjoyed it. Facebook Page: Our class has a Facebook page. Please visit it and feel free to post any news you may have. See: www. fa c e b o o k . c o m / M o u n t- C a r m e l - H i g h School-Chicago-Class-of-1966-50th-Reunion-1522611401364240/ Ongoing Events and Communications: Our Committee will to continue provide future opportunities for us to get together. Last fall we met twice at Krapil’s in Alsip. In March we plan to get together at Cork and Kerry with the Class of 1965. We hope to change the venues from time to time. All are welcome to come. Watch your e-mails for future time and locations. News from/about Classmates... Reflections on graduation 50 years ago from Classmate Dennis Sura: “I attended a Chicago Public
Grammar School in a neighborhood called South Chicago located in the shadows of then US Steel at 87th and the lake. The rigor of walking 6 blocks to catch the route #1 bus each day coupled with the class load was a new experience. I shared this journey every morning with my new friend Bob Cwalinski. Like Bob, I was not involved with extra school activity as we both worked after school. Mount Carmel and Mr. John Woods was responsible for getting me into shape coupled with the four years of after school work. The majority of our teachers back then were Carmelite Priests and male lay teachers. These folks drilled us well as we experienced new subjects like foreign language, higher mathematics and in depth science. The Catholic education required us to take many religion classes that supplemented a base that the nuns at St. Michaels provided at catechism classes. In speech class we were made to stand up in front of our peers and make various talks as requirements for class. This paid me many benefits for preparation while attending college as well later in my sales career. When I think back I am most appreciative for the priests like Clavier, Malley, Bruno, Neal, Aloysius and Blaine as well as the lay teachers like, Guterez, Gutch, Scanlon, Murphy, and Fagan who labored to make us better men. This new knowledge complimented the base I already had and I have good memories from each of these men for what they taught me. The rigor Mount Carmel provided was tough and fit the era well in which we grew up. We didn’t know it at the time, but we were developing into people who could take care of ourselves and further our chances of making something of our lives. Fifty years later after graduation from Carmel it was good to come back and reminisce with old classmates and friends. Men of Carmel came from all over the city, suburbs and Indiana. Back then most relationship developed in the neighborhoods in which we live. At the reunion it was fun to listen and share life experiences when we were boys turning into men and returning after 50 years later as grandfathers I so much enjoyed influencing Fr. Vernon Malley into attending our 50 reunion. I so much enjoyed talking to him now when he is 82 and I am 68 as when we met in 1962 he was 28 and I was 14. We still talk and I visit
him on my travels west. Now he is my favorite holy men. Mount Carmel thanks for all you have done for me. Our Lady of Mount Carmel Pray for Us.” P.S. Dennis caught a 49 inch Muskie in Holcombe, Wisconsin last summer. Marty Hughes shares the following: I recently read the book, The Brown and White, by Lawrence Norris. A fictional story, that is pretty much factual, about a young kid who enters MC as a freshman in 1967, so, a year after we got out. It will never capture any literary awards, but you will recognize many of the players and their methods of dishing out corporal punishment. You might have a little fun reading it, but be prepared to skim over some of the sections. I am still working hard, but beginning to think about retirement. I will continue to explore the possibilities over the next several months, but, it is a big decision and one you want to get right. I will report back on my progress as time goes by. Julie and I are going down to our house in Cabo for a couple of weeks and looking forward to that, as 5 of our grandkids will be down there for 8 days with us. They are a joy! That is all until next time. Dick Post relates: Dick continues to run his real estate company from his Orland Park office after over 45 years! Fortunately two of his four daughters are working in the business with him and doing a wonderful job. Dick frequently goes to San Diego where he has another home and two daughters and two grandchildren Max seven and Riley four. Hoping for the day that the two girls can take over the office and just send a check once a month. (Ha Ha!) By the way we can work with both Buyers and Sellers throughout all Chicagoland. GO CARMEL! Classmate Dave Byrne who now lives in Minneapolis, MN recalls: Here is a little story that I think has never been told. At the end of the 1966 school year, the Carmel baseball team had one more game with DePaul Academy. I am pretty sure classes had ended for the year insuring that this story never had a wide audience. The coach Wil Kozlowski had some kind of an emergency and called the DePaul coach to forfeit the game because no coach was available. The DePaul coach would not agree as he had a shot at the playoffs and did not want to get
in by forfeit. On Friday night, Wil called John Genell and told him that he and Jim Callahan should run the game. Players had been told earlier in the week that the game would not be played. On short notice Genell and Callahan had to round up players and field a team in Jackson Park on Saturday morning. By Saturday morning, they were still short players. I was along for the ride hoping to see Genell and Callahan play which was always amusing. John and Jim made a slew of phone calls from the school and finally had 8 players at the school or on the way. Even this little incident showed Carmel spirit above and beyond the call of duty. Ed Brosius showed up with his head wrapped in bandages. It looked like something out of Red Badge of Courage. This was a Keystone Cops scenario with cars showing up and racing to Jackson Park. I never did hear what happened to Brosius’ head. Brain surgery or a bad haircut? Eventually Genell and Callahan had to face the reality that I was the 9th player. I headed to Jackson Park in street shoes, black socks, and a too small uniform. I took my place at first base and threw grounds to the infielders. To the best of my memory, here was the lineup: RF Genell 3B Jim Shanahan LF. Ed Brosius C Jerry Cuddy P Callahan 1B Dave Byrne After 50 years, these are all the names I remember. At the very last minutes, a chubby sophomore first baseman showed up and I went to the bench. The only spectator was an old guy eating his breakfast, Hormel chili right out of the can. DePaul won a close game as Callahan went the distance. He didn’t have much choice as there was no bullpen. P.S. Genell learned so much from his first coaching job that he was eventually baseball coach at Morgan Park. Rich Stupka, now living in Los Alamos N.M writes: Remodeling bathroom and putting new carpet in the house! Hoping for Scon-
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Class Notes za, Kuzmar, Sura, and a few others to make a trip to New Mexico to see the sights! My home will be upgraded and ready. Are you? It’s a beautiful state with many attractions close by. A very enriching experience with some unbelievable NM food to top it off. And Room is free! Jim Judson update: Jim lives in Minneapolis. Jim has an 8 year old daughter, Jasmine, who attended our reunion with his wife Maria. Jim continues to tell his daughter that he was the smartest student in our class and that everyone copied off of his tests and papers. I am sure you will all agree that Jim still has quite a creative imagination. Jim asked me to send along the following: Jim is the 2017 President of TCRG, the Twin Cities Rubber Group http://www.twincitiesrubbergroup.org/ which is part of the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society. Not bad for a guy who just barely passed Mr. Smith’s chemistry class at Mount Carmel. My real life job title is Sales and Marketing Manager for NorthStar Elastomers www.northstarelastomers.com which is a member company of TCRG. Ron Thomas and Bill Sconza are still waiting to hear back from John Springer. Are you back from Florida yet? Mount Carmel vs. Taft - August 28, 2016 : Mount Carmel had no trouble disposing of Taft yesterday at Soldier Field. We had a great time at the game and before the game tailgating on the Soldier Field Waldron Parking Deck courtesy of the Sconza family with some of our fellow 1965 classmates. Bill Sconza has declared that this will be an annual event going forward and welcomes you all to come this summer. In attendance were: Rich Kuzmar, Spike O’Hara, Terry Hotchkiss, Bill Sconza, Tighe Reardon, Chuck Fabing (Our classmate Tom’s brother and Ignatius grad), Jack Roberts(‘65), Tom Hotchkiss (‘65), John Drew (‘65), Tighe Reardon. On October 7, 2016: Tom Fabing, Bill Sconza, Rich Kuzmar, Ron Thomas, Bob O’Donnell, and Bob Moody got together for $2 beers and half price appetizers at Krapil’s, Marty Hughes was on his way out to join us from the city, but unfortunately got turned back on the Stevenson due a nasty traffic jam. On Veteran’s Day (Observed) October 10, 2016: Dennis Sura, Bill Sconza, Bob Moody, Ron Thomas and Rich Kuzmar visited the
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grave site of our classmate Leo Rolek at Holy Cross Cemetery in Calumet City, IL. We prayed for our classmates Leo and Danny Miller as well as all of our classmates who served in the military. Afterwards, we joined to celebrate with other veterans at the American Legion Post 330 in Calumet City where Dennis Sura is a member. While there we called to chat with Esther Rolek, Lee’s mother. She was very grateful we had remembered her son. On December 8, 2016: Marty Hughes hosted a lunch at Beverly Country Club. Bill Sconza, Ron Thomas, Jim Cremin, Bob O’Donnell, Jack Leonard, Bob Moody, Dick Post, and Rich Kuzmar attended and helped Marty finish spending his 2016 minimum. Thanks, Marty! Bill Sconza and Rich Kuzmar are looking forward to playing more golf in 2017 with Tighe Reardon and Rick Johnson. Ron Thomas is living in Burr Ridge, IL and has five grandchildren: Recently learned from Ron that he and his wife Tina celebrated their 48th Wedding Anniversary on November 23rd, 2016 which also happens to be Tina’s birthday. Ron considers himself lucky he met Tina and also that he only has to remember one important date! Heard from Tim Cullnan. He could not make the reunion but says “Hello” to all! Recently talked to Terry Hotchkiss. He has four children and he and his son, Brendan, who graduated from Carmel in 1997 and lives in Scottsdale, plan to be at this year’s reunion to celebrate Brendan’s tenth anniversary. Good to hear from Ron Lis via email: Ron is a retired Naval Officer (Captain) and lives in Frisco, Texas (near Dallas) with his wife who is a 20 year career naval officer. This past summer he wrote that he was attending a Texas Ranger game with his son. However, he still favors the White Sox. Ron’s son also plays high school football and recently played a game at the new Dallas Cowboys practice facility (Ford Center at the Star) in town. Last spring Kevin Sheehy wrote: Good to hear from you. I did three years eleven days in the Land without Sun as I called it. I was a Ranger Advisor to the BDQ or Vietnamese Rangers … Let everyone know that I wish them well and that they are in my prayers.
St. Mary Magdalene parish was recently combined into St. Michael Parish on 83rd and South Shore Drive. St. Kevin Parish in South Deering was recently combined with St. George (East Side) and Saint Francis De Sales (East Side). Wishing you all the best, keep sending me your news! Rich Kuzmar
Class of 1967 Send your notes to: Tom Mangan tmangan@schoenmslaw.com On May 5, 2017, over 60 of our classmates attended the 81st Annual Alumni Banquet held at the school. It is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of a 50th Anniversary Class in the history of the school. Many came from various states. We started the day with Mass at Carmel. It was celebrated by a Legend of Mount Carmel Fr. Dave Dillon ‘57. On the next day approximately 25 classmates (some with their spouses) attended a Brunch at Gilhooleys. On July 9, approximately 20 classmates attended a Mass celebrated by our former Principal Father Vernon Malley at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Darien IL. A highlight of the cocktail hour before the Banquet was when Terry Funderburk and John Pautlitz, 2 outstanding grapplers reenacted a photo from the yearbook. They both looked like they could still wrestle. The success of the fine turnout was due in part to our Committee which met monthly from August - April. Led by our Chairman the indefatigable Ed McCambridge, the Committee was comprised of Tom Jarosik, Abe Gomez, MikeO’Brien, Jim Muldoon,Denny Ryan, Brian Sullivan, Kevin Sullivan, Blair Makinney, and myself. These gentlemen worked very hard. The meetings were enjoyable, and they are simply Great guys. Craig Ferguson ‘79 did a wonderful job giving us advice and working as a liaison with the school. Kevin Sullivan did a great job coordinating the Brunch. Fr. Vernon is retired and living in Arizona. After teaching for a number of years, he was a Marriage Counselor for 30 years. Julian Bolton came from Memphis along
with his wife. He is still practicing as an attorney. Adrian Poniatowski (now Warren) resides near San Francisco and is working for a non-profit.
Dear Class of 1971, I have volunteered to take on the task of writing our class notes so please send me your updates on how and what you are doing these days.
On a very sad note, our classmate Gerry Mitchell died leaving behind his Wife Judy and 4 children. Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for him and his Family.
Congrats to our own Mike McGarry on his induction into the Mount Carmel Hall of Fame last May. Mike has done so much for MC over the years and his induction is very much deserved.
Tom Mangan
Class of 1968 Send your notes to: PJ Walsh pjwalsh@nc.rr.com
Class of 1969 Send your notes to: Greg Mauloff gmauloff@nwscorp.com Greetings Class of 1969, It looks like I’ve been volunteered to write our news update on a regular basis. I’m excited about the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and classmates. I’m sorry to report that we recently lost a classmate, Pat Tyrrell. As some of you may recall, Pat was a fraternal twin of our other classmate Tim Tyrrell. Pat had recently been in Chicago for a fundraiser. He was able to connect with other classmates, Mark McGowan and Larry Akers, a couple of ND classmates, and Jim Szarek and myself. Please send your thoughts and prayers to the Tyrrell families. In the future, I would appreciate any comments or updates about our classmates. Hopefully the next letter will be a little bit more upbeat. Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us. Your classmate, Greg
Class of 1970 Send your notes to: Ken Kukla krkukla@comcast.net
Class of 1971 Send your notes to: Bill Corbett bcevergreenpark@aol.com
The Class of 1971 had a great showing at the Frank Kiszka Memorial Golf Outing this past July. Jack Kilmartin, Pat Tumpane, Steve Kemph, George Toomey, Mike McGarry and Joe Duffy represented our class well. That’s all until next time. – Bill
Class of 1972 Send your notes to: Marty McGarry Mcgarry453@gmail.com 773-988-7665 Hello class of 1972. These are my first class notes. Many of you know that I have been involved with MC for a long time, most recently with the MC Fathers Club and Fight Night. My son is now a teacher there, so I thought it’s the right time to step it up with the Alumni. My first task is to update our class list. We are missing much information on our fellow classmates. If you know the whereabouts of these guys please call or email me. Missing classmates: David Bailey, Victor Bond, William Bryar, Lawrence Burns, Bernard Carey, Thomas Collins, James Conrath, Joseph Cooley, Brian Crepeau, Robert Delaney, Milton Dixon, Thomas Dosen, James Foertsch, Gregory Faskett, George Gonzales, Louis Hardy, Edward Hespen, Kevin Hodgson, John Horn, Raymond Howard, Thomas Howe, William Jack, Kevin Johnson, Douglas Jones, Brian Kelly, Ronald Klein, Christopher Knapik, Dennis Lee, Norbert Lewandowski, Kevin Lidgus, Michael Lacasio, Robert Maloblocki, John Martinez, Vincent Marzullo, Timothy McAuliffe, Duane McCoy, Josue Moreno, William Moriarty, Howard Nowakowski, Daniel Oborkovitz, Daniel O’Conner, David O’Keefe, Thomas Powers, James Ramsey, Bruce Ritchie, Ralph Rolling, Charles Rosek, John Santos, Anthony Smith, Walter Smith, Alan Tarzoff, Walter Vermeulen, William Walkowiak, Philip Walsh, Steven Worsham.
Now I know some of these guys might have passed away, so I need the guys reading this to help me. We just had our 45th reunion and our 50th is in 2022. I would love to see as many of my classmates as possible. They won’t attend if they don’t get invited. Help me find them and any other updates. Sincerely Marty McGarry
Class of 1973 Send your notes to: Dan Thompson thompson9158 @yahoo.com Greetings Class of 1973: It has been quite a few years since our class has been represented in this magazine. Please send me your updates on how you have been doing in the nearly 45 years since we graduated from 6410 S. Dante. I hope everyone is well and may Our Lady of Mount Carmel bless us all. Dan
Class of 1974 Send your notes to: Leo Dombrowski ldombrowski@sanchezdh.com The Class of ’74 has been absent from these pages for some time, but now we’re back bigger and badder . . . well, we’re back anyway. Leading us off is: Kevin Ryan lives outside of Baltimore, MD, with his wife, Colonel Laura Ryan, USAF, and daughter Kasey. His son, Mike, lives in Reno, NV where he’s an EMT working on a degree in nursing. Kevin is a Boeing 767 Captain for Atlas Air, flying cargo for DHL and Amazon, occasionally overnighting at O’Hare. He was a Chicago policeman for about 10 years and retired from the Army Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel with 34 years of service in 2011. Kevin served in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2005. Laura served in Afghanistan in 20162017. Following Laura’s retirement from the Air Force, they’ll all move back to the greater San Antonio, TX area where they’ve already enjoyed six years of living. Dale Todd moved to Cedar Rapids, IA in 1974 and has been there ever since. He received bachelor’s degrees in political science and criminal justice from Mount Mercy College. In 2008, he put on the very first event in
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Class Notes Iowa for Barack Obama and is the only African-American ever elected to the Cedar Rapids City Council (1998-2002). He recently announced that he’s running again to keep the city moving forward. Kevin Lipine is living in Chandler, AZ working as a manager at Cubesmart, a self-storage company. He’s been married for 36 years and his wife, Marge, is a nurse for Brookdale. Andrew Wasik has been coaching rugby at Mount Carmel for the past 20 years. After playing in college, he played for the Windy City Nomads and then the Chicago Blaze. He played all over the USA and in England. Victor Martinez has been married 34 years to Linda, a retired occupational therapist. He’s retiring next month as a lieutenant from Chicago Fire Department after 38 years of service. They have two sons—Christopher, who is also a Chicago fire fighter and part time RN. Christopher and his wife Stephanie have a three-year old son, who is doted on by his grandparents. His other son, Kyle, is a clinical researcher, married to wife Dana, living in Denver, CO. Victor and his wife just completed building a new home in New Buffalo, MI and are looking forward to a happy and healthy retirement. John Heaney and his wife, Sue, will be celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary in November and recently found out that they are going to be grandparents for the first time. Their oldest daughter, Carolyn, is expecting in March. They have another daughter, Nancy, and a son, John, who graduated from MCHS in 2011. Andy Wasik was one of his rugby coaches. John, who played water polo at Carmel, played in the Old Timers water polo game in December 2015 and saw fellow classmates Pat Blake and Ed Diluia, along with many of the 1975 state champion players. The Old Timers won a 10-10 tie. On a sad note, John reports that fellow classmate, best friend and his best man, Frank Jordan, passed away in August 2015. Leo Dombrowski—Your humble correspondent has been an environmental attorney for the last 27 years, representing the good guys—chemical companies, manufacturers, developers—those that create jobs and keep the economy going. Before law school, I took a 5 ½ year detour to West Germany (back when there was one) teaching English as a second language, running my own translating business, and traveling ex-
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tensively throughout Europe, among other things. Keep cards and letters coming! Leo
Class of 1975 Send your Notes to: Jim Morrissey Jim@wholesaledirectinc.com
Class of 1977 Send your notes to: Dave Novosel davenovosel@comcast.net Several members from the Class of 1977 celebrated our 40th reunion at the school in May. The attendees included Mike Burke, Gene Munin, Miles Cahill, Dave Duffy, Bruce Barton, Keith Hoglund, Vince Scannell, John Cronin, Steve Kemph, Mike Gilbert, Dan Hack, Kevin Kurry, Marty Burke, and Dave Novosel. But the highlight of the evening was the attendance of Mark Furjanic. After what appeared to be just a persistent cough, Mark was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in November of 2014. He had a spot on his lung and enlarged lymph nodes. Mark went through several chemotherapy regimens. Although the growth became smaller subsequent to the treatments, it later became enlarged again. He then began some clinical trials of other drugs. Unfortunately, these did not work either. Finally a little over a year ago the doctors recommended a stem cell transplant. None of his brothers (all eight of whom are Mount Carmel graduates) were a perfect match. Fortunately, his sister Laura was a perfect match. The treatment was successful. Over the past year the growth slowly went away, and about a month ago, the doctor finally announced that the cancer was in remission. Mark is now feeling great, and looking forward to getting back into the work force. Although the last of my three sons graduated from MC in May of 2016 (my other sons graduated in 2010 and 2012), I am around MC quite often these days. I currently serve on the Board of Directors as well as the MC Educational Foundation (the school’s endowment). I hope to see you at a Mount Carmel event in the near future. Send me your updates!! Dave
Class of 1980 Send your notes to: Tim Scannell Tscan711@yahoo.com Jay Michel just recently moved to Cape Coral, Florida with his wife Tracy and youngest son Blase. They arrived in time to evacuate hurricane Irma and go back up North. Jay says he’s getting settled in and enjoying the Florida life style, where nobody works, or rushes to do anything. Happy hour is not quite the same so if anyone lives or visits the area, be sure to stop and visit - he has a boat and loves to golf! Jim Nosich is in Coral Gables a few blocks away from the U. Of Miami. He was 80% without power after Irma and lost a lot of fiches trees. Good news, power is back up and all is good. Jim is gearing up for the continuation of the Notre Dame vs. Miami rivalry set for November in Miami. If you are heading down for the game let me know and I will pass you Jim’s email address. Jim is apparently a master tailgater! Marty Lucas is in Schererville Indiana and I am in Valparaiso so for any fellow 80’ Hoosiers let’s get a local alumni get together. Dan McGary and Roger McCann reached out and are both doing well. If you have any updates send them to me at Tscan711@yahoo.com
Class of 1981 Don O’Keefe 9307 S. Richmond Ave. Evergreen Park, IL 60805 okeefedon@hotmail.com Please send me some updates! meantime, here is all I have…
In the
Condolences go out to the Kienzle clan on the passing of their father, Tom. Mr. Kienzle was truly a gentleman, and always greeted everyone with a smile because he was happy to see you! He will be sorely missed at MC, where he volunteered in the security office for decades. May he rest in peace – he finished the race, and he truly kept the Faith. Once again, the Annual Frank Kiszka was a smashing success. While the number of Class of 1981 golfers was slightly down, the overall numbers were at an all-time high, and we were on two courses for the first time! We were represented by John Lynch,
Ed Kurasz (who golfed with his son and fellow alum, Kyle), Marty Rogers, Dan Walsh, and myself. It was John and Ed’s first Outing, but won’t be their last! Pat Walsh was a last minute cancellation due to work, but his brother, Jimmy Hoey ’84, golfed in his stead. Dan Walsh’s brothers, Matt ’83, Joe ’89, and Kevin ’98 also golfed, and we were grouped with some 1982 grads – Chuck Taffe, Tim Kennedy, and John Sterkowitz. Once again, Marty’s son, Pat Rogers, and my son, Liam O’Keefe, brought out an impressive showing from the Class of 2008. We had a ton of fun, and the funds raised go for a great cause – reducing the tuition cost for legacy students currently attending Carmel. Next year’s Outing will be held on Friday, July 13, 2018 at Cog Hill. We need 53 more golfers to fill that second course, and we can always use more help on the planning Committee. Reach out to Dan Walsh, Marty Rogers, or me if you want to get involved – the Committee is a great bunch of guys. To extend the golf theme, a group of us from Mount Carmel and NIU went up to Saugatuck, MI for an annual reunion in September. Dan and Matt Walsh, Marty Rog, and I were joined by Tom Duffner, Brian O’Connell, Pat Walsh, Marty Walsh, and Ted Taffe ‘79. Once again, Marty Walsh graciously acted as our Executive Chef – and cooked an unbelievable meal for all of us. I ran into Brian Collins at the St. John Fisher carnival on the day I came back, and I think I sold him on attending next year. While we did go out to the store and drop off some food at his mom’s house, there is absolutely no truth to the rumor that Marty and I went antiquing in Saugatuck on that Saturday while everyone else was at a pub watching NIU beat Nebraska. Speaking of Marty Walsh, his son, Martin, is a freshman at Carmel – playing soccer and looking forward to baseball season. The Alumni Association has three ways to raise funds – the Alumni Banquet (which will be held on May 4, 2018), the Golf Outing, and the annual Alumni dues ($35). All of the funds raised are used to reduce the tuition cost for legacy students by $1,000 per year. We are hoping to double the amount of guys paying their dues this year. Please consider paying your $35 dues – just go to the Alumni page on the Carmel website (www.mchs.org/alumni) and pay online, or send a check to our Alumni Director, Craig Ferguson ’79, at school.
Enjoy the holidays, gentlemen! May Our Lady of Mount Carmel continue to watch over and Bless you and yours.
Class of 1982 Send your Notes to: Mike Mahoney Mikmoon22@yahoo.com Thank you for reading the class notes for 1982 and your support of Mount Carmel is greatly appreciated. I waited until after the Brother Rice game to submit my offerings so as to be in a good mood. The Caravan looked good on Friday night and the future looks bright as I attended the freshman contest as well. The freshman game featured a gathering of famous Catholic League legends and has been in the south end zone that had it been filmed on a network the content would appeal to both ESPN and Comedy Central. Amazing how much this crew (Ron Sze, Ron Oglesby, Ron Rose, Tom Dunellen, Baz O’Brien and Marty Walsh among others) knows about football and can somehow still see better than the 6 officials in some cases 70 yards away from our vantage point. I reminded Sze of some of his speeches, especially his famous “ I don’t like my parents, I doubt I’ll like yours so don’t have them talk to me”, and he reminded us of telling big Brett Shelton to get off the bus first and ask the Rice players where the bathroom was. The 6’7 290 pounder told Sze he didn’t have to go, Sze screamed at him just go do it, and the faces of the Rice kids seeing this man child get off the bus angry was all we needed. Marty has a son in the freshman class and I hope he makes as many friends and memories as we did in our time. The class of 82 BSU officers had a mini reunion at Foxes a couple of weeks back, Vashon Morgan, Lionel Kelly, Billy Wagner and Jim Van Buskirk ate some pizza and remembered all the house music and dance steps they used to get down to. Wags is still a Chicago cop, and has built a powerhouse at St. Christina as their head football coach, and Lionel is actually one of the referees in the league. As an official Lionel makes a great whiffle ball player, he must not have been paying attention when holding was taught at Kennedy Park back in the day. Vash is still at the CME, he may well be the last guy there and will turn off the lights when he finally leaves.
Mike Maloney got married in Dubuque over the summer and a good portion of the greater Homewood-Flossmoor area was represented. Details of the weekend and in particular the reception remain sketchy but from what I recall a great time was had by all. That is all for now, please send your updates to mikmoon22@yahoo.com or call my cell 708 650 0807.
Class of 1983 Send your notes to: Chuck Toland talktochuck@moneyshopmidwest.com Aloha Class of ‘83 Although I am not in Hawaii, I feel my brain and soul are better off somewhere on an island rather than in Oak Forest, IL. My plan is to be in Florida within 10-years as soon as my wife can retire. She is a school teacher in Homer Glen, and her pension is so messed up by the State that she cannot transfer it to another state. I keep telling her I will get a tent and move to the Keys and meet her there. Do any of my Florida brothers have a storage shed or man cave I can crash in for 10-years or so? Maybe I can be out in a year or two…. Well the family is great. Kids are doing well in sports. My daughter Samantha is a senior at Oak Forest High School. She had her last swim meet the other day, and she had a great career. She made All Conference 2 years and came close to a State time in several events. She will start water polo in the spring. My son Charley never stops growing. He is about 5’10” and 165 pounds. He is in 7th grade and plays water polo, volleyball, baseball and swims. He probably grew some more today. Well as far as work goes, I am still in the mortgage industry. Interest rates are still fantastic. I have a very popular program where I offer $2000 in closing credits to all referral loans, so if your kids are in the market, or you know someone who needs to refinance or purchase, please think of me and send them my way. Starting out with $2000 puts me ahead of my competitors and I never get beat on rates. I am bummed to say I missed out on a weekend where a bunch of guys met at Greg Mazurek’s house. I didn’t do anything
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Class Notes that weekend, but on Sunday, I realized I had missed it. From what I understand, Tom French came up from Dallas, TX. Speaking of Frenchie, he wrote me a note saying he was recently 1 of 15 in the State of Texas to receive the Heroes for Children Award issued by the State Board of Education for volunteer work. Great job Tom!!! If nothing else, we are a giving bunch. Rich “Lewman” Lewis started a new job with M&M Construction. It’s good to see him using his construction expertise to something solid in the industry. I hope those construction guys want to learn a thing or two. I went to the MC/St. Rita game with Lew. It was not a great game for the Caravan, but I had coached a few of the players from St. Rita, and it was exciting to see them in action especially at the sophomore level where one of the kids I coached ran all over the place. Watch out the next couple of years for a kid named Tahron Haynes who is a sophomore right now at Rita. He is the goods. I think the last guy I coached who is going to MC is Jack Carter. Well, with the sad passing of our classmate Mike Clotier, I was reminded that we need to stay in touch. We need to get together anytime we can. When we actually have time to do it, it might be too late. Let’s all try to make it a point to get to the Alumni Banquet this year. I touch base with a lot of you on Facebook, but that is not enough. We had a great group of guys at Carmel, and we need to get back together. Put it in your calendar right now, and send me an email for tickets. The banquet will be Friday May 4, 2018. I hope to hear from you soon. – Chuck Toland
Class of 1984 Send your notes to: John LeRose j.lerose@lwcbank.com 708-466-6273 Greetings Class of 1984. As I sit and type, It’s the day before Labor Day and I’m about to pack up the DJ equipment to head off to play music for another wedding reception. It’s been almost 30 years that my company “Partytrain DJ” has been rolling down the track. Even though popular music has changed over the years, I can still fill those dance floors each and every weekend. One thing changed for me though, I left a com-
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pany where I wrote mortgage loans for 5 years and took an offer to work for Guaranteed Rate as a VP of Mortgage Lending. I’m still doing what I love, writing mortgage loans for purchases and refinances; but now I’m at a company with much better technology and better marketing to increase my level of production. And even though GR sponsors the Chicago White Sox, my clients whom are Chicago Cubs fans will receive the same great service, low rates and low closing costs! Thanks for keeping me in mind for friends, family, co-workers who may need a hard working mortgage guy (and now for some of you, your children who are starting to buy homes). For a free pre-approval in less than an hour I’m at 708-466-6273 or john.Lerose@rate.com. Now for the task at hand. Since all ya’ll are so busy these days, I had to creep your FB pages to see what you’re up to. Hit me whenever if you want the following lies corrected in my next column. Tommy Paholke watched his beautiful daughter Samantha walk across the stage graduating from Marist this past semester. Phil McNally celebrated his 50th birthday last May and it looks like Phil had a blast at their annual camping trip. Roderick Martin is shouting out for all fantasy football members to come join the fun. Pat McGrath is back from his extended stay at his summer home in Michigan (get back to work ya slacker). Dr. Robert Bonzani had a “radical cystectomy” and is doing much better. Not sure what the heck that is but chances are I’ll need one as I get older. Dan Nikolic is enjoying his son’s football games. John Antanaitis survived hurricane Harvey in Texas. Dale Brown was rocking out at the Coldplay concert at Soldier Field. Michael Gulley has by far the funniest jokes on FB, albeit mostly “R” rated! Michael says he is homesick for Chi-town. Ken Draus had a ball at his annual traditional “Shrimp Boil” at Izack Walton in Dolton (brings back memories for me). Ken also won the Polish Lottery. $1,000,000 dollars, payable $1.00 per year for a million years. Mrs. John Hearne came to see our band “The Grateful Dadz” play last June with some mutual girlfriends. John had to stay home and ice his legs from running. Not sure what John is still running from. But John’s wife reminded me that I DJ’d her and John’s wedding like 50 years ago I think. Dwayne Chandler is the poster child for positivity on FB. Dwayne, I love your faith and your posts. May God bless you buddy. Sean Walsh appears to be having a blast being a dad. It was great helping
Tim Durham and his awesome wife Melynie buy a home this past year. Art Kragness and John Cleland ‘83 came to see our band earlier this year and it was great to see Art. Rod Garner took in a SOX game at Guaranteed Rate field. I’ll try and get some tickets for ya’ll. I hear my new company has some great seats. And finally our friend and classmate Michael Dolan was excited to see his beautiful daughter start her senior year of HS. Happy Birthday Mike (this past August). When I was 40 years old, I met a gentleman at a wedding who was 80 years old and he graduated from Leo HS. We hit it off talking about Catholic Schools in Chicago. I told him that looking back, it seemed like the past 40 years, (40 years at that time), went by fast. And then the man replied and said this which I will never forget... he said: “Young Man, if you think the first 40 years goes by fast, just wait and see how fast the second 40 years goes by”. So true. May God bless your families always!
Class of 1985 Send your notes to: Kevin Malone kpmalone@hughes.net Class of 1985: I have taken on the responsibility as point of contact for our class. It has been a long time since we have been represented in Carmel Life magazine. For any news on classmates or anything of interest, please reach out to me at kpmalone@ hughes.net 24359 Arrowhead Drive, Manhattan, IL 60442 (708) 289-6049.
Class of 1987 Send your notes to: Junior Guerra juniorn3@sbcglobal.net
Class of 1989 Send your notes to: Edward Cherullo Edward.cherullo@uhhostpitals.org
Class of 1991 Send your notes to: Dan Harkins dharks@hotmail.com
Class of 1992 Send your notes to: Mike McCool Mmccool18@gmail.com
Class of 1993 Send your notes to: John Castro xjohncastrox@gmail.com
Class of 1994 Send your notes to: John McGowan Johntmcgowan76@hotmail.com With two very young kids at home, I’ve been having a hard time getting to alumni board meetings. Matt Osiol has graciously filled in as our class captain and he’s been attending the meetings regularly (thanks, Matt!). Please feel free to reach out to Matt or myself if you are looking for an ambassador to MC alumni activity. Some of you knew this, but Matt’s father and my own dad were business partners in the 1980s. I still proudly wear a St. Barnabas men’s softball tee-shirt that shows “McGowan & OsiolCPAs” as the team sponsor on the backside. Matt and I would often travel downtown with our Dads on Saturdays to their office in the Fisher Building (now condos). I recall we would park on Columbus Drive for free and walk to 343 S. Dearborn, eager to help our dads with their “work.” But I’m not sure how much work actually got done- as my best recollections are of Mr. Osiol showing me his famous pen collection, and then leaving before noon to get lunch at Manny’s coffee shop or the Dill Pickle. Other times we’d go directly to the White Sox game for a Saturday matinee. Great memories.
you are having back troubles, call Dr. John at (773) 429-8912. Sean McAuliffe, Ian Kingsley (‘96), Mike McMahon (‘95) and I all helped Conor Ruel celebrate his marriage (to Jennifer) this past spring. His brother Brady put together a band for the reception at Emmett’s brewing in Wheaton and we all had a blast. I also had the the honor of meeting Conor’s nephew, Jack Bracewell. Jack started at quarterback for MC at Soldier Field this past August and threw a touchdown pass in the 53-0 drubbing of Taft. Sergio Sanchez continues to entertain us with his posts on Facebook. I respect those of you who avoid social media (there are many reasons to do so), but if you don’t have a Facebook account and you want to join or class group (or just follow Sergio), sign up and search for Mount Carmel (Chicago) Class of 1994.
Class of 1997 Send your notes to: Matt Hooker Matthooker97@gmail.com
Class of 2007 Send your notes to: Patrick McGarry patrickmcgarry@mchs.org The Class of 2007 celebrated our 10-year reunion on Saturday, November 11th at Irish Eyes in Lincoln Park (2519 N. Lincoln Ave). Thank you to all who joined and to Mr. Bri-
an Hurry and Mr. Pete Kammholz for guest bartending. All tips were donated to Mount Carmel Alumni Association. Keep sending me your updates. Thanks! Pat
Class of 2008 Send your notes to: Brendan Carey brendancarey@gmail.com
Class of 2012 Send your notes to: Conor Hirsch chirsch@mchs.org Hi Class of 2012! As some of you may know, I have returned to MC as a substitute teacher and teacher’s assistant. It’s been quite interesting to see daily life at 6410 South Dante from a different perspective. I’ve gained a new level of respect for our teachers and all they put up with! There are many changes going on at Carmel and it’s amazing to see the progress that’s been made, even since we graduated some 5 years ago. The third floor of the old building has been completely renovated, and is almost unrecognizable. The bathroom stalls even have doors! A portion of the second floor has also been renovated. Here are some additional updates on our classmates: Quinn Sheridan graduated from Western
Trying to muster up news on our classmates 2x per year has been difficult as I don’t live in the 19th ward (where I might run into our classmates more often). But I’ll try my best: Pete Kratzer and Sandor Williams discovered they work together at ComEd. When I talked to Sandor, he mentioned he was expecting his first child. By the time of this publication, that may be old news. I ran into John Joyce at “Fisher Fest” in September and confirmed that he is indeed the man behind “Joyce Family Chiropractic and Wellness” located at 3440 W. 111th St. So if
Members of the Class of 2007 at their 10 year reunion.
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Class Notes Michigan University with a Bachelor’s in Telecommunications and Information Management and received a Master’s in Information and Communication Sciences from Ball State University. He currently works as a Pre Sales Engineer at Motorola Solutions in the Loop. Jack Ragen is a Mobile Business Consultant at Bosch and works on mobile application development. He graduated from University of Illinois with a Bachelor’s in Marketing, focusing on International Business. If anyone has any updates on their own lives that they’d like to share, please send them to me at chirsch@mchs.org so I can share them with the rest of the MC community. Hope to hear from you all soon and Keep On Keeping On! - Conor Hirsch
Class of 2013 Send your notes to: Pablo Iglesias piglesias@mchs.org Over the past month, I caught up with a few classmates from the Class of 2013. Leading things off for the class notes is Buster Sheridan, who was our class’s valedictorian in addition to being a member of the 2012 8A state champion football team. Graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Notre Dame, Sheridan took his talents over to the well-known Fighting Irish and played as a walk-on wide receiver for four years. After hanging up his cleats, he went on to go full-time with ARCO Murray Construction Company as a Project Manager. A familiar name I featured in my last piece, Mateo Gomez, is continuing his career in acting. Gomez is currently involved in an independent television program, Sellouts , and will be premiering to the public shortly. Gomez filled me in on the show in brief along with the sold-out opening screening the whole cast and crew hosted at the Music Box Theatre. Back at MC, I am currently serving as the Multi-Media Marketing Specialist in the Marketing and Communications department and additionally, moderating the Caravan Broadcast Network. However, I am not the sole representative from the Class of 2013 on the MC faculty and staff. I’m joined by Mr. Dominic Villa, who is currently teaching freshman math courses
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and will also be coaching football and volleyball. It took a little bit for us to get adjusted to being on the other side, especially calling our former teachers by their first name. Now, we are doing just fine with that and our respective jobs as well. For all members from the Class of 2013, please send me your stories via social media or email at piglesias@mchs.org . Let’s hear what you have to say! All the best! Go Caravan!
Class of 2016 Send notes to: Benjamin Jarzombek benjarzombek@gmail.com 219-779-4400 Well gents, it’s been over a year now since we’ve last graced the halls of 6410, and that means we’re all well into our lives post high school. Since this is the first note we’ve participated in, I don’t have much to report, but I urge you to contact me by e-mail or phone with any news or updated contact information. As for me, I am entering my second year at the University of Missouri. I have decided not to pursue journalism major anymore; I am studying Textile and Apparel Management full-time with an emphasis on product development. I spent this past summer living in Missouri, and things have otherwise been great. I’m lucky to occasionally run into our classmate AJ Lewis, who is proudly representing the Mizzou Tigers in baseball; I also continue to see another fellow MC grad and Mizzou Tiger, Thomas Swenson 2015. As far as updates to Carmel go, we’ve now renovated the second and third floors completely. Ned Hughes ’70 is still president, and Mr. Haggerty has become the principal. A lot can change in a few years, and the wheels keep turning over on Dante Avenue. Let us pray for the members of our class who are currently in the service with our nation’s military, as well as any member of our class who may need our thoughts and prayers. Once again, please contact me from now on with any information on your lives or the lives of our classmates. Best of luck to all of you, and may Our Lady continue to watch over each and every one of us.
Class of 2017 Send your notes to: Dominic Antonietti dominicantonietti@gmail.com Class of 2017, Hello all! It’s crazy to think that just a few months ago we walked the halls of MC. Even though our time at Carmel is done, our friendships that we have built through the past four years will hopefully continue to stay strong. Hopefully everyone is doing well in their lives outside of MC at their respective colleges or careers, but our time there is something that helped define us all. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your classmates! One of the greatest parts about our time together was the people, so take advantage of the time that we had. Please update me on any of your changes in address, especially email. I hope all is well. Go Caravan!
Don’t see your class? Contact Craig Ferguson to start submitting notes for your class! cferguson@mchs.org 773-324-1020 ext. 290
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Save the Date
March 10, 2018 Marriott Downtown - Magnificent Mile Register at www.mchs.org/CaravanGala
Fashion Show April 15, 2018 The Serbian Social Center Purchase tickets and ads at www.mchs.org/FasionShow
Fight Night April 28, 2018 Mount Carmel High School
Alumni Banquet May 4, 2018 Mount Carmel High School
Frank Kiszka Golf Outing July 13, 2018 Cog Hill Golf and Country Club