JASPER JOTTINGS Week 25 - 2009 June 21

Jasper Jottings - The achievement journal of my fellow Jaspers, the alumni of the Manhattan College

http://www.jasperjottings.com/2009/jasperjottings2009W25.html


INDEX

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POSITRACTION: Tech links; God’s hand?

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6386101.ece
From Times Online
May 29, 2009
Facebook reunites mother with long-lost son

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A mother was reunited with her son 27 years after the boy’s father whisked him away to live in Hungary when her sister tracked him down on the social networking website Facebook.

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What are the odds?

Very good it seems as people use various sites to put up signs: “I’m here!”. Certainy easier and more elegant than the cartoon guy stranded on an island scraping out an SOS on the beach.

Like the old joke “buy a ticket”, He certainly moves in mysterious ways.

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p.s., Why are the “good” stories coming from the English press?

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    * Posted on: Sun, Jun 14 2009 12:37 AM



MNews: First Ladies Historian at MC 6/28 1PM

https://www.westchester.com/Westchester_News/Schools/First_Ladies_Historian_To_Speak_At_Manhattan_College_2009032111178.html
First Ladies Historian To Speak At Manhattan College
Posted by Westchester.com  
Saturday, 21 March 2009

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Westchester School & Education News

Riverdale, NY – Dr. Betty Boyd Caroli, historian and biographer of first ladies in the United States, will speak at Manhattan College on Saturday, March 28 at 1:00 p.m. in the Capalbo Room of De La Salle Hall.

The event, part of Manhattan’s celebration of Women’s History Month, is free and open to the public.

Caroli is the author of numerous books, including The Roosevelt Women and Inside the White House: America’s Most Famous Home. She was among a select group of historians invited to meet with former first lady Laura Bush in 2008, and frequently appears on national television and the BBC to discuss the role of presidents’ wives in American politics. Caroli has been a guest on the Today Show, The O’Reilly Factor, PBS’s NewsHour and C-SPAN’s Booknotes.

A graduate of Oberlin College, Caroli holds a master’s degree in mass communications from the Annenberg School of the University of Pennsylvania and a Ph.D. in American civilization from New York University. A Fulbright scholar to Italy, she also held fellowships and grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, Herbert Hoover Presidential Library, and others.

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    * Posted on: Sun, Jun 14 2009 11:28 AM



JEmail: Toner, Mike (MC1972) comments on the last endnote

Dear John, et al,

A significant feature of the Roman Catholic “brand” has always been the recognized primacy of conscience.

Cardinal Newman (whose name, IMHO, has been hijacked by the right wing, intolerant Cardinal Newman Society) said it best in the following quote:

   “Conscience is the aboriginal Vicar of Christ,” Newman declared in his Letter to the Duke of Norfolk. He described it as, “a priest in its blessings and anathemas,” and he ended with his famous assertion: “Certainly, if I am obliged to bring religion into after-dinner toasts (which indeed does not seem quite the thing), I shall drink-to the pope, if you please-still, to conscience first, and to the pope afterwards.”

As always, thanks very much for your good work as CIC!

mike toner
BEE ‘72
buffalo, ny

ENDNOTE: Principles don’t change with party
Notre Dame’s Betrayal
By Patrick J. Reilly
president, Cardinal Newman Society
Catholic principles don’t change with party affiliation, and all serious Catholics would be happy if abortion and other intrinsic evils were opposed by both Democrats and Republicans.
[JR: The "Catholic" brand has been damaged by the priestly pedophilia and pro-abortion politician scandal. I'm no saint, but I'm insulted by these two "bad examples". The leaders of the Church have to reassert control of their "brand". Otherwise, they fail. At the very least, they have to apply the whip to those who give public scandal. The Amish shun; Catholics, and those kindred spirits, have to do the same. Remember that on voting day!]

[JR: Well, a lot of things and organizations seem to get hijacked these day. A very smart Brother at the Prep instructed us: "That we were to conduct ourselves in such a way that we could truthful report to our Mothers what we had done that day". Seems like he was defining, "conscience". I don't understand how some folks sleep at night. But, that's above my paygrade. Glad you like the work. "Good"? I was trying for "Outstanding". ROFL, fjohn68]

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    * Posted on: Sun, Jun 14 2009 7:05 PM



PRAYERREQUESTED: “Bad bug” prayer requested

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has progressed to quite a nasty cough and high fever (102.7 F). We spent a good part of Sunday in Urgent Care where she received IV antibiotics and fluids.

*** and ***

also gets her bone marrow aspirate, lumbar puncture, and next dose of vincristine at the next visit. So the prayers remain for continued remission!!

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[JR:The daughter of our fellow alum is in need of our robust Jasper prayers again. (I can't envision how this works. But, it must somehow.) I don't know that we have a specific organ to target, but let's have a "BAD BUG" prayer for this little girl.]

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    * Posted on: Mon, Jun 15 2009 9:32 AM



JEmail: McEneney, Mike (MC1953) ids Maligno, Vincent J. [MC1959]


By reinkefj on MC1959


RE: Maligno, Vincent J. [MC1959] writes a Christian Novel

Dear John,

   I believe that Vincent is a member of the Class of 1959.

   Mike

[JR: Thanks, Mike. Much appreciated. ]

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Maligno, Vincent J. [MC1959]

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    * Posted on: Mon, Jun 15 2009 9:35 AM



JNews: Byrnes, Larry [MC1962] Basketball Oldtimers of America HOF

https://www.nmnathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=52459&SPID=5439&DB_OEM_ID=12500&ATCLID=3726792 

Manhattan Alumnus Larry Byrnes ’62 to be Inducted to Basketball Oldtimers of America Hall of Fame
Release: 04/23/2009

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RIVERDALE, N.Y. – Manhattan College basketball alumnus Larry Byrnes ’62 will be inducted into the Basketball Oldtimers of America Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2009. Byrnes joins fellow inductees Davidson head coach Bob McKillop, renowned NCAA Division I official John Hughes and former St. John’s standout and NBA player John Warren. The 55th annual dinner ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 1 at Bishop Ford High School at 6 p.m.

Byrnes played basketball at Manhattan from 1959-61 under the direction of the program’s all-time winningest coach Kenneth Norton. During his 31 years as a high school coach Byrnes compiled 577 career wins, which ranks top-10 all-time in New York State history. His 82.3% winning percentage is also among the highest in New York City private schools.

Byrnes spent 21 of his years coaching at Collegiate High School where he compiled 461 wins (.757 winning percentage) as the head varsity coach. While at Collegiate, he guided the program to 15 20-win seasons, including eight years with at least 25-wins. Additionally, his squads never finished below .500. Byrnes’ teams earned three MAAPS League championships, eight Ivy Prep League titles and a 1996 New York State Championship game berth. Byrnes was inducted into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.

The Basketball Oldtimers of America organization was originally started by four guys as a way of getting people together, now it has evolved into a tradition of honoring people in New York basketball. The Hall of Fame consists of more than 150 individuals, including over 20 whom are also members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Manhattan College will be represented at the event by Director of Athletics Robert Byrnes ’68 and Head Men’s Basketball Coach Barry Rohrssen.

For more information about the event or to order tickets contact Ray Nash at 718-360-2501 or by email at dhalbran@bishopfordhs.org. Ticket orders will also be accepted by mail. Please address all orders to Raymond P. Nash, Bishop Ford High School, 500 19th St., Brooklyn, N.Y. 11215. Tickets to the event are $65 apiece.

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Byrnes, Larry [MC1962]

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    * Posted on: Mon, Jun 15 2009 10:35 AM



JBlogger: “Key West Lou” (MC1957) remembers Petrera, Matteo [MC1957]

http://www.keywestlou.com/2009/06/matteo-petrera-died.html
Tuesday, June 16, 2009

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Matteo Petrera died.

I have not seen nor heard from Matteo in over 50 years.

We were in college together. Manhattan College. I was a resident student and Matteo a day hop.That means I had the money to live on campus. Only because of a sholarship. Matteo lived in New york City proper and took the subway or bus, or both, to school each day from his home.

We went through 4 years together. He was my partner in biology lab.

We were not close. I never recall our going out together on the weekend. But we talked every day.

He perceived me as a farm kid from somewhere in upstateNew York. I saw him as this street smart kid from New York City.

Matteo was physically large. Not fat. Tight. Like a full back.

He knew about everything. He was the expert. Girls, studies, the world. Nothing was beyond his knowledge and comprehension.

He taught me much. I used to hang on his every word. He was sort of a hero to me.

I have not seen Matteo since our college graduation in 1957.

Yesterday, I received the Manhattan College Alumni News. It noted the death of Matteo Petrera.

I felt sad. I went to the computer and googled Matteo. His obituary came up. Turns out Matteo touched many in his lifetime.

He became a high school teacher for 30 years on Long Island where he eventually lived. Taught history and was a guidance counselor. Was married for 46 years. Had several children who gave him several grandchildren.

He apparently was well liked by his students, who affectionately referred to him as Mr. P.

I love his Italian background!

His family came from Bari in Italy. They settled in Harlem, where he was raised. Harlem is where he got the street smarts of which I was so much in awe.

Matteo, God bless you! Keep an eye out for me when I arrive where you are! Perhaps you can give me the lay of the land, oops Heaven, so I can better find my way around!

{Extraneous Deleted}

Posted by Key West Lou at 7:34 AM

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“Key West Lou” (MC1957)

Petrera, Matteo [MC1957]

[JR: We never reported that obit so we missed it too. Sigh. Need more eyeballs.]

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    * Posted on: Tue, Jun 16 2009 9:27 AM



JFound: Brethel, Brendan (MC2011)

http://www.collegenews.com/index.php?/article/though_last_on_the_bandwagon_facebook_urls_a_big_hit_061620091112/
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One lucky guy grabbed /loljk, irreversibly allowing an increasing number of people to know that he goes to Manhattan College, class of 2011.

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Brethel, Brendan (MC2011)

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    * Posted on: Tue, Jun 16 2009 7:14 PM



JFound: Patterson, James [MC1969] funds scholarships

http://www.news.wisc.edu/16825
UW-Madison > News > Author’s Badger spirit insp…

Author’s Badger spirit inspires nursing gift
June 16, 2009
by Chris DuPre

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Best-selling author James Patterson admits he’s been taken over by Badger enthusiasm, and that’s translated into a significant gift for the School of Nursing.

“I have become a massive Badger fan in all ways — in terms of the academics the school has always fostered, the great spirit you hear from people who went there or whose kids are going there now and, on another level, the athletics. I follow the football and basketball teams very closely.”

Patterson’s wife, Susan, earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UW-Madison, and she is the daughter of rabid Badger fans, Patterson says. “I have become a massive Badger fan in all ways — in terms of the academics the school has always fostered, the great spirit you hear from people who went there or whose kids are going there now and, on another level, the athletics. I follow the football and basketball teams very closely.”

While speaking at a June 15 campaign event, UW-Madison Chancellor Biddy Martin announced that a gift from James and Susan Patterson will establish the Lorraine and O.B. Solie Nursing Scholars Fund in honor of Susan’s parents. Nursing students who plan to pursue their doctorates in nursing will be eligible for $10,000 a year in scholarships. Additional money will be deposited in an endowment to ensure future scholarship funds.

Nursing, like teaching, is one of those categories the best and brightest students need to consider, James Patterson says.

“Nursing is not on people’s radar the way it should be,” he says. “Hopefully, contributions like this and others you’ll get will shine a light on it. It’s something a lot of men and women would find very, very rewarding.”

With 39 New York Times best sellers, Patterson tops the newspaper’s list of best-selling authors. His Alex Cross detective series includes “Along Came a Spider” and “Kiss the Girls.” He also wrote “Women’s Murder Club,” and his first young adult novel, “Maximum Ride,” spent 12 weeks in the top spot on the New York Times chapter book best-sellers list. He recently established Read Kiddo Read, a Web site to encourage reading.

The author’s childhood babysitter gave him an early respect for nursing. Coming from a troubled home, she became a dedicated emergency room nurse. “The passion that she would show for the profession — I always loved talking to her,” he says.

James Patterson’s mother-in-law, Lorraine Solie, earned her nursing degrees at UW-Madison, became head nurse at Wisconsin General Hospital, the forerunner to UW Hospital, and taught in the School of Nursing. She lives in Rockford, Ill. O.B. Solie, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in art and design from the university, died in 2006.

“I hope the fund will inspire people to go into nursing,” Susan Patterson says. “We’ve all been in situations where rely on those contacts with nurses to assure you, to care for you and to make you feel good. … Nurses don’t get the respect they deserve.”

Because he is close to the Solie family, James Patterson says that he loves to be able to honor his in-laws as well as contribute to UW-Madison. “Philanthropy has always been part of my life,” he says. “You help out as much as you can. It’s part of the makeup of my family and the Solie family as well. They’ve always been the kind of people who want to pitch in and help.”

James Patterson made national headlines with his Page Turner Awards, which honor schools, libraries and bookstores “doing a great job spreading the joy of reading.” He’s also established a need-based scholarship program at Manhattan College, where he earned his undergraduate degree.

The UW Foundation, working on behalf of the UW-Madison, helped the Pattersons craft a fund they felt emotional about, James Patterson says. “What’s important to me is that we are choosing situations where the contributions will be used wisely,” he adds.

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Patterson, James [MC1969]

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    * Posted on: Tue, Jun 16 2009 7:24 PM



MNews: Scholarship’s connection to MC

http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009906170373
Family creates scholarship in memory of New City teen
By Ben Rubin
June 17, 2009

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NEW CITY – Despite Brandon Berman’s learning disability, his parents say he transcended an auditory processing disorder by working twice as hard and studying more hours than his peers in school.

Berman, a 2007 Clarkstown South High School graduate and Rockland Community College student, was considering going into optometry when he died in a car crash last year on his 19th birthday.

Hoping to keep his memory alive and give recognition to students like their son, his parents, JoAnne and Scott Berman, started a college scholarship in his honor.

*** and ***

Senior Sara Blumert, who is headed to Manhattan College, will be the first recipient of the award.

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Their son Joshua, 24, recently graduated from Manhattan College

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Berman, Joshua [MC????]

Blumert, Sara [MC2013]

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    * Posted on: Wed, Jun 17 2009 7:23 PM



JObit: Geissler, “Frank” Francis X. [MC1951]

http://www.legacy.com/HartfordCourant/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=128581450
Francis X. “Frank” Geissler

GEISSLER, Francis X. “Frank” Francis X. Geissler “Frank” died peacefully at Connecticut Hospice after a courageous 18-month battle with cancer. He has returned to Heaven to join his Lord and many wonderful family and friends. Frank was married to the love of his life, Joan Elizabeth Christophel Geissler, for 51 wonderful years. He was the adored father of Anne-Marie Geissler of Groton; Frank Geissler and his wife, Lisa, of Farmington; Stephen Geissler and his wife, Susan, of Burlington; and Mary Beth Geissler of Mystic. He leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren, Michael, Emma, John, Andrew and Matthew Geissler and Sam and Gillian Jordan, who will always lovingly remember him as their “Pop”. He was predeceased by his sister, Barbara Geissler Sekreta, and leaves behind a brother, Paul Geissler of Baton Rouge, LA. He will also be dearly missed by his many nieces and nephews, and by Zoey, Bubba and Hammie (family pets).

Frank was born in 1929 in New York City to Francis and Anna Geissler and he lived in the City until he was married to Joan in 1957. A graduate of Regis High School, Manhattan College and New York University, Frank had a successful career as an electrical engineer. He was employed as an engineer at American Bosch Arma Corp. and Airborne Instruments both on Long Island and then later as General Manager of Cramer Corporation in Old Saybrook. He founded Microtechnologies, Inc. in 1980 with his son, Frank, and remained active in the corporation until his death. Frank, Joan and their children moved to Westbrook in 1969 and were always active in both St. Mark’s Church and their community.

Frank loved to sail the waters of Long Island Sound, and he traveled extensively with his wife, and often with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed many wonderful friendships throughout his life; and he will be missed by family and friends. With such wonderful friends, family and spouse and life, Frank has set a very high standard for his children to live up to, but they intend to do their best. Frank’s family wishes to thank the many wonderful physicians, nurses and healthcare providers who cared for him during his illness, especially those at Memorial Sloan Kettering and Connecticut Hospice.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 19, from 5-8 p.m. at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street, Centerbrook. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday morning, June 20, at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Mark’s Church, 222 McVeagh Road, Westbrook, CT 06498. Burial will follow in the Resurrection Cemetery, Westbrook. In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank’s memory may be made to The Connecticut Hospice, Inc., 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405 or to Saint Mark’s Church.

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Geissler, “Frank” Francis X. [MC????]  

Guestbook: http://tinyurl.com/nczjv3

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Dear John,

   I believe that Frank is a member of the Class of 1951.

   May He Rest In Peace.

   Mike

[JR: Thanks, Mike. Much appreciated. ]

Geissler, “Frank” Francis X. [MC1951]  

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    * Posted on: Thu, Jun 18 2009 8:24 AM
    * Updated: Fri, Jun 19 2009 5:38 PM



MNews: Jasper basketball player used as example

http://riverdalepress.com/full.php?sid=9049&current_edition=2009-06-18
Bringing B-ball back down to earth for students and athletes alike
By N. Clark Judd

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Brandon Adams, a forward and rising senior at Manhattan College, went to Matestic’s workouts. When he’s not coming off the bench for the Jaspers, he studies marketing and global business management. He’s still not sure what’s next for him: maybe law school, maybe a return to his family’s business, the Riverdale staple Lloyd’s Carrot Cake on Broadway.

“New York City basketball becomes a business,” Adams said. “It’s about who can win games, and who can get contracts, sneaker contracts to get more kids.”

*** end quote ***

[JR: BBall is deflated in this sad piece.]

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    * Posted on: Thu, Jun 18 2009 8:49 AM



JNews: Paciello, Joan [MC2000] honored by Villa Maria Academy

http://yournabe.com/articles/2009/06/18/bronx/doc4a32558645a7a202912007.txt
Villa honors Miss Linda
by DANIEL BEEKMAN
Friday, June 12, 2009 9:24 AM EDT

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Villa Maria Academy honored alumna Linda Giancaspro last month. Giancaspro teaches ballet in Locust Point to children like Olivia Mancino, 9. Photo by Victor Chu

Linda Giancaspro is and always will be a Villa girl. Villa Maria Academy presented Giancaspro with a Decades of Achievement award on Saturday, May 9.

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So were … …  Joan Paciello, Manhattan College graduate, class of 2000

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Paciello, Joan [MC2000]

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    * Posted on: Fri, Jun 19 2009 4:48 PM



JHQ: Something new off the MC homepage?

https://self-service.manhattan.edu:9010/KORE_PROD/twbkwbis.P_GenMenu?name=homepage

200906191651.jpg

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[JR: Hmmm?]

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    * Posted on: Fri, Jun 19 2009 4:52 PM



MNews: McGorty, Michael [MC2013?] is MC bound 2be an entrepreneur

http://www.newstimes.com/danbury/ci_12582087?source=rss 

Brookfield graduate looks ahead to career as entrepreneur
Newstimes
Updated: 06/19/2009 01:44:40 PM EDT

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BROOKFIELD — Michael McGorty will major in business at Manhattan College in the fall.

He’s hoping his higher education will enable him to help the U.S. solve its economic crisis.

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“I feel I’m ready,” McGorty said. “I want to be an entrepreneur.”

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McGorty, Michael [MC2013?]

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    * Posted on: Fri, Jun 19 2009 6:50 PM



JObit: O’Connell, Emmett J. [MC????]

http://www.legacy.com/BurlingtonFreePress/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=128651936
Emmett J. O’Connell

EMMETT J. O’CONNELL BURLINGTON – Born on Christmas day, 1921, the son of Dennis and Teresa (Hennessey) O’Connell, he passed away on June 18, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and children.

Emmett was born on Staten Island, N.Y. and attended Blessed Sacrament Grade School, Saint Peter’s High School, and Manhattan College. During World War II he was a Bomber Pilot flying B24’s and B-29’s. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force as a Major in 1947. He was a member of the Air Force Association and a long standing member of St. Mark’s Church. He worked for Aetna Life and Casualty before retiring in 1986.

Emmett was a devoted husband, loving father, and role model to all those who knew him. He was dedicated to his family and very proud of his children. He enjoyed playing golf and tennis, skiing, gardening, and traveling. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren who adored him.

He was predeceased by his parents; three brothers, Daniel, Dennis, and Father John; and two sisters, Marguerite and Sister Marie-Emmett. Left to cherish his memory are the love of his life, Rose, his wife of 58 years; his children, Emmett Jr. and Judy O’Connell of Stowe, Vt., Mary and Ken Stella of Vershire, Vt., Dr. Patrick and Susie O’Connell of Virginia Beach, Va., and Sarah and David Kalil of Stow, Mass.; and his 10 grandchildren, Sarah, Sean, and EJ O’Connell, Emily and Joe Stella, Kathryn, William, and Patrick O’Connell, and Sean and Maura Kalil. He is also survived by his sister Teresa Murphy of Long Beach, Calif.; many brothers and sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Mimi Apaloo, Pat Roder, and Yiinu Tornwini who so lovingly helped take care of Emmett in recent months.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 22, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Mark’s Church, North Ave., Burlington. Interment will follow in Resurrection Park Cemetery, South Burlington. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Ready Funeral & Cremation Service North Chapel, 934 North Ave., Burlington. In lieu of flowers contributions in Emmett’s memory may be made to the VNA Hospice of the Champlain Valley, 1110 Prim Rd., Colchester, VT 05446. To send online condolences to the family please visit www.readyfuneral.com .

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O’Connell, Emmett J. [MC????]  

Guestbook: http://tinyurl.com/ldp4ah

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    * Posted on: Sat, Jun 20 2009 9:35 AM


MObit: Peknik, Paul Edward [MCxfac]

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/stamfordadvocate/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=128614761
Paul Edward Peknik Jr.

PAUL EDWARD PEKNIK, JR., age 84, passed away at his home in Stamford, Thursday, June 18, 2009, after a valiant battle with prostate cancer.

Paul was born in Danbury, August 17, 1924, to the late Anna Fako and Paul Peknik. Paul served in the U.S. Army, 35th Infantry Division, 101st Airborne, during World War II, in France. He was awarded the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster. Paul received a B.S. in Science from the University of Bridgeport, a M.S. in Science Education from Texas A & M University, and his sixth year diploma from Florida State University. He taught science in the Stamford Public Schools at Burdick and Dolan from 1950 to 1967. He served as science coordinator, Stamford Public Schools, from 1967 until his retirement in 1984. He taught at Manhattan College, Norwalk State Technical College, Manhattanville College, Hunter College, Kean University, the University of Bridgeport and most recently at Iona College.

Paul is survived by his wife, Judy Bassin Peknik; his children, Donald Peknik of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Lisa Henry (David) of Castle Pines, Colo., Davida Hoffman of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Daniel Peknik of Los Altos, Calif.; his granddaughter, Tara Peknik, and his stepchildren, Susan Feuer of Thomaston, and Drew Feuer of Brooklyn, N.Y. He is also survived by his sisters, Mildred Torielli (Jack), Kristine Jacobelis (Sam), and Anna Blackman (Allen). Paul was predeceased by his brother, Edward.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, June 23, 10 a.m., at St. Cecilia’s Church, 1184 Newfield Avenue, Stamford. Internment will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Lake Avenue Ext., Danbury. Relatives and friends may visit at Leo P. Gallagher Funeral Home, 2900 Summer Street, Stamford, Monday, June 22, from 5 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Stamford Health Foundation, Bennett Cancer Center, 1350 Washington Boulevard, Stamford, CT 06902 or Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care (VNHC) of Southwestern CT 1029 E. Main Street, Stamford, 06902, in Paul’s memory.

Published in StamfordAdvocate from 6/19 to 6/20/2009

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Peknik, Paul Edward [MCxfac]  

[JR: Mindful of the service of good men and women that comprise the Jasper "forge", making us what we are, we remember these good people.]

Guestbook: http://tinyurl.com/l7z6jj

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    * Posted on: Sat, Jun 20 2009 9:53 AM



CARTOON: Breen, Jerry (MC1971) remembers stranglove

John: Here’s a new cartoon, about North Korea’s psycho dictator Kim Jong Il. Even though his country is the poorest nation in the world and his people are starving (human arms and legs have been seen for sale in his country’s meat markets), Kim has devoted his country’s resources to developing ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons. Now Japanese and U.S. intelligence agencies are predicting that he will launch a long-range missile (with a nuke?) toward Hawaii on around July 4th. Obviously, we would be forced to respond. Since Kim recently renounced the 1953 armistice that ended the Korean War, that war has actually officially resumed. So nobody should be surprised by the events of the coming weeks. Not if they’ve been paying attention to the news. – Jerry Breen ‘71 www.newbreen.com



200906201005.jpg

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    * Posted on: Sat, Jun 20 2009 10:07 AM


Comment on JObit: Sandiford, Arthur C. [MC1968] 

By Fr. John Ahearn, MM

It has been a shock to all who knew Arthur from St. Jerome Elementary school in Brooklyn – Class of 1960 – to hear of his death. We have been trying to contact members of our grammar school class and did get briefly in touch with Arthur and his wife Liz ( also a classmate from St. Jerome ). Arthur lived across the street from my family on Newkirk Avenue in Flatbush, Brooklyn. I am sure the bonds from St. Augustine ( Arthur and I graduated from there together ) and Manhattan College are as strong as the bonds we shared in our most formative years in elementary school….he was a gentle man and we are all saddened by his death. Prayers for all the family and for him…….

Fr. John Ahearn, MM
Hong Kong

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    * Posted on: Fri, Jun 19 2009 2:24 PM



ENDNOTE: Assisted Suicide; a moral hazard

http://www.lifenews.com/bio2855.html

Washington Sees First Person Die Under Second-in-Nation Assisted Suicide Law
from LifeNews.com Pro-Life Headlines (Steven Ertelt)

*** begin quote ***

Olympia, WA (LifeNews.com) — Washington has now seen the first person die under state’s the second-in-the-nation law legalizing the practice of assisted suicide. A 66-year-old woman from Sequim named Linda Fleming died Thursday night after taking a lethal cocktail prescribed to her by a physician under the law.

*** end quote ***

It far above my pay grade to comment on this poor woman’ decision. Everyone sees things differently. I see this a failure of our society.

If you read the high points of the law, two docs have to guess that you have only six months to live. That seems presumptuous. From my personal dealings with the medical profession, they ain’t sure of what they are doing. That’s the “art” part of the expression “an art; not a science”.

We’ll never know how it might have worked out for this woman. All we can do is pray for her soul, the doc’s who make such a risky decision, and ours.

Ours cause we are on that slippery slope.

What’s next the depressed, those drawing from a bankrupt social security system, the “expensive patients”, babies with defects, or as in China ... girls.

Mess with His Plan at our own peril.

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    * Posted on: Sat, Jun 20 2009 8:37 PM

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"Bon courage a vous tous"

"Dona Nobis Pacem"

-30-