JASPER JOTTINGS Week 52 - 2009 December 27

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

http://www.jasperjottings.com/2009/jasperjottings2009W52.html


INDEX

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POSITRACTION: Stephen King to pay for troops’ holiday trip home

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20091213/D9CIFSU80.html

Stephen King to pay for troops’ holiday trip home
Dec 13, 9:47 AM (ET)

*** begin quote ***

BANGOR, Maine (AP) – Author Stephen King and his wife are donating money so 150 soldiers from the Maine Army National Guard can come home for the holidays.

King and his wife, Tabitha, who live in Bangor, are paying $13,000 toward the cost of two bus trips so that members of the 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Unit can travel from Camp Atterbury in Indiana to Maine for Christmas. The soldiers left Maine last week for training at Camp Atterbury. They are scheduled to depart for Afghanistan in January.

{Extraneous Deleted}

*** end quote ***

[JR: Small action; big reward. Dona Nobis Pacem.]

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    * Posted on: Sun, Dec 20 2009 12:37 PM




MFound: MC’s library satisfies a need

http://readingandknitting.wordpress.com/2009/12/19/i-was-wrong/

*** begin quote ***

Many of the older books I’ve asked for turn out not to be on the shelves when the staff go to look for them so they had to borrow The Retreat, 1953, from Manhattan College. It starts out a straightforward war story, officer caught up in miserable, messy retreat from France back to England.

*** end quote ***

[JR: Interesting how MC impacts others.]

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    * Posted on: Sun, Dec 20 2009 1:30 PM




JEmail: Insull, Bob (MC1963) finds a funny typo

John:

The obit for Bro. William Sullivan contains an interesting typo: “… and had received his Religious name, Brother Cyril William, and the Holy Habitat (sic) of the Christian Brothers on September 7, 1943.”

When I was at M.C. the “Holy Habitat of the Christian Brothers” was Lincoln Hall.

Pax (and Merry Christmas, too).

Bob Insull

[JR: ROFL! I missed that completely. And, I know I read it twice. Funny how one's "eye" subs in the correct meaning. Well, it least it wasn't intentionally disrespectful. Probably a spell checker gone wild. Merry to you and yours as well. And, I pray every night "Dona Nobis Pacem"]

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    * Posted on: Sun, Dec 20 2009 2:37 PM




JObit: Holland, Gerald Christopher [MC1949 RIP]

http://obits.nj.com/obituaries/starledger/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=137516920

Gerald Christopher Holland

Gerald Christopher Holland, 86, a longtime resident of Aberdeen, N.J., passed away on Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, after a long illness. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Waitt-Nelms Funeral Home, 501 Highway 79, Morganville. A Mass of the Resurrection will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Benedict Church, Holmdel, and interment with military honors will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, Keyport. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.waittnelmsfh.com.

Gerald was born in Yonkers, N.Y., on Dec. 31, 1922, to William and Bridget Philpott Holland. He was a veteran of World War II, where he served in the African and Italian war theatres with the 16th Army Evacuation Hospital Unit. After the war, Gerald attended Manhattan College, Riverdale, N.Y., where he graduated magna cum laude. He became a special agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with a career spanning 27 year in various field offices.

Gerald was an active member with St. Benedict Church, Holmdel, and volunteered his time with the parish in various ministries. He was a member of the Society of Former Agents of the FBI, New York City and Jersey Shore chapters, and a former member of the St. Benedict Bridge League. Gerald is survived by his wife of 58 years, Regina; five children; nine grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

Published in Star-Ledger on December 20, 2009 Print print

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Holland, Gerald Christopher [MC???? RIP]  

Guestbook: http://tinyurl.com/ydfpa7b

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Dear John,

   I believe that Gerald is a member if the Class of 1949.

   May He Rest In Peace.

   Mike

[JR: Thanks, Mike. Much appreciated.]

Holland, Gerald Christopher [MC1949 RIP]  

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    * Posted on: Sun, Dec 20 2009 4:14 PM
    * Updated: Sun, Dec 20 2009 11:48 PM




JObit: Perritano, Frank R. [MC1956 RIP]

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sanantonio/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=137511999

Frank Perritano

Col. Frank R. Perritano, USAF (Ret.), born on November 17, 1934, in White Plains, NY, left us to be with God on December 16, 2009.

Col. Perritano graduated from Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, New York; then earned a Civil Engineering degree at Manhattan College with an MBA from Central Michigan University. After working with American Bridge Corp. in Pittsburgh he entered the US Air Force. He spent most of his career as a navigator and Combat Tactics specialist.

After retiring he became an avid ballroom dancer and, through an organization he founded known by the acronym ASCOT (Affiliated Singles Clubs of Texas), he joined together all singles from 28 singles organizations in San Antonio for combined dancing and special “gatherings of singles”. He also began an internet website, called Dance San Antonio (dancesa.com) to help promote ballroom dancing.

Col. Perritano was preceded in death by his parents, Pietro and Giovanna Perritano; his sister, Theresa and his brother, Peter. He leaves behind five children, Debi Krebs, Mike, Jeff, Steven, and Dr. Diane Perritano-Ortega; 16 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; three step-grandchildren and two orphans he helped to support as well as his sister, Catherine Izzo; his brother, Ralph and his wife Marilee; and his other brother, Jon Paul. He also leaves behind his uncle, Ralph Cirillo and his wife Anita, with whom he grew up; and numerous other aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was awarded the Legion of Merit, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Cuba), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Air Medal, Combat Readiness Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster. The family will receive friends beginning at 6:00 p.m., Monday, December 21, 2009, at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

ROSARY MONDAY DECEMBER 21, 2009 7:00 P.M. PORTER LORING NORTH

CHAPEL MASS THURSDAY DECEMBER 22, 2009 10:00 A.M. ST. MATTHEW CATHOLIC CHURCH

Interment with Full Military Honors will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, consider supporting an orphan or donating to the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging, One Elmwood Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas 66103 (800-875-6564).

Published in Express-News on December 20, 2009

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Perritano, Frank R. [MC???? RIP]  

Guestbook: http://tinyurl.com/ye63b78

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http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/79766822.html

Web Posted: 12/20/2009 4:42 CST
Perritano served 26 years in Air Force
By Michele Gualano – Express-News

*** begin quote ***

While serving 26 years in the Air Force, Col. Frank R. Perritano earned many honors including the Vietnam Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and National Defense Service Medal. After retiring from honorably serving his country, Perritano shocked his family when he developed a passion for something far removed from military life — ballroom dancing.

“He never danced,” daughter Debi Krebs said. “At my wedding he was just proficient enough to handle the fox trot.”

But during his newfound leisure time, Perritano began taking ballroom dance lessons and found he had a knack for it. From then on, it became not just a hobby but a means to network with countless fellow ballroom enthusiasts.

Perritano died Wednesday. He was 75.

Before his military endeavors, Perritano developed an interest in engineering. After high school, he earned a civil engineering degree from Manhattan College and soon began working for American Bridge Company in Pittsburgh. After spending two years as an engineer, he decided to pursue a new career in the Air Force.

As a navigator of C-141, C-5 and C-130 aircraft, Perritano was involved in numerous crash-site rescues and combat airlift operations. He flew 75 missions in Vietnam, before heading off to combat missions over Cambodia flying as an AC-130 crewmember.

Later, he became chief of combat tactics and techniques and oversaw 21 Air force combat control teams and airlift control elements.

Perritano ended his 26-year stint at Randolph Air Force Base, where he was doing administrative duties and missing the exciting days of flying combat missions.

“That was his first non-flying assignment and he just wasn’t as happy not being where the action was,” Krebs said.

Perritano’s love for ballroom dancing developed unexpectedly. One day he just decided to try it. He took a few lessons and was hooked. During his 15-year run, he started a dance Web site (dancesa.com) and an organization that catered to Texas singles called Affiliated Singles Clubs of Texas.

His development of ASCOT brought together members from 28 singles clubs, a combination of dance organizations and non-dance, into one entity. And the dance Web site was something Perritano worked on daily to provide photos and news about upcoming competitions or classes.

“He was a good dad who always provided for his family, and even though his job took him away from us more than we’d like, we got to see more of the world and country than most,” Krebs said.

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Dear John,

   I believe that Frank is member of the Class of 1956.

   May He Rest In Peace.

   Mike

[JR: Thanks, Mike. Much appreciated.]

Perritano, Frank R. [MC1956 RIP]

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    * Posted on: Sun, Dec 20 2009 7:25 PM



JEmail: Stebbins, Donald M (MC1961) and O’Connell Bill (MC1976) discuss

http://libertyslifeline.com/2009/12/05/economic-malpractice/

Stebbins, Donald M (MC1961) and O’Connell Bill (MC1976) are expanding on last week’s endnote in the comments.

[JR: Interesting. Well worth a read.]

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    * Posted on: Mon, Dec 21 2009 7:44 AM




MFound: on the bench at MC

http://christophersstudio.net/blog/?p=1006

Christopher’s Studio

Groomsmen on the bench at Manhattan College

[JR: But who?]

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    * Posted on: Mon, Dec 21 2009 2:47 PM



JEmail: Dans, Peter E. (MC1957) likes the heartwarming

Thanks, John, for the marvelous story about the British soldier and Auschwitz. It was heartwarming to see the reunion and the clip of the Jewish survivor he helped save. I don’t think I could have been so brave.

Best wishes to you and your family for a Blessed Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year and for continued stamina and enthusiasm for keeping Manhattan College alums together.

Peter

P.S. My book “Christians in the Movies: A Century of Saints and Sinners” which looks at the treatment of Christianity and especially Catholicism in about 200 films from 1905 through 2008 published in May should be out in a more popularly priced paperback in the Spring. I’ll keep you posted.

[JR: I KNOW I wouldn't have the stones to go into a death camp for any reason. Call me "pebbles" or "bb-s". And, save some one besides. Stunning. But we still have the Holocaust Deniers? Best to you and yours and all our fellow alums. You're right: stamina is definitely needed. Please let us know when your book is out. I'm sure it will sell a lot more than I did; maybe you'll get "patterson-like" numbers! (Did you see his TV commercial?) "CHURCH 10●19●62" sold a little under 800, but it was a labor of love.]

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Dans, Peter E. (MC1957)

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    * Posted on: Tue, Dec 22 2009 11:22 AM




JFound: Mulholland, Marypat [MC1985]

http://chicago.blockshopper.com/news/story/500050745-Wells_Fargo_managing_director_drops_Ravenswood_5BD

Wells Fargo managing director drops Ravenswood 5BD
by Betty Verdun, published Dec. 22, 2009 ShareThis

*** begin quote ***

Marypat Mulholland and Robert E. Mulholland sold a five-bedroom, 4.5-bath home at 1456 W. Cuyler Ave. in Ravenswood {Privacy Shield Invoked}

The 2,746-square-foot house, built in 2002, is in Graceland West.

Ms. Mulholland is a managing director at Wells Fargo Securities.

She was previously managing director of equity sales at Prudential Equity Group, has served as senior vice president at Oppenheimer & Co., and worked on institutional equity sales at CIBC Oppenheimer.

She earned her B.A. in english and economics from Manhattan College in 1985 and her M.B.A. in 2000 from Boston College’s Wallace E. Carroll Graduate School of Management.

Ms. Donovan is a manager at Northwestern Dental Center and attended Xavier University.

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Mulholland, Marypat [MC1985]

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    * Posted on: Tue, Dec 22 2009 5:52 PM




MFound: MC affection noted

http://www.windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=2573261

MelissaTC
Location: Triangle area, North Carolina

*** begin quote ***

DH went to a small, Catholic college in NY. He had the grades to go anywhere but he loved the school and that is where he went. He later went on to Columbia for grad school. If you ask him, he will tell you that he preferred his little Catholic college. Columbia had its perks for sure and definitely opened up a lot of opportunities for DH. But he still loves his Manhattan College better. So there you go.

-Melissa

*** end quote ***

[JR: "Jasper DH", his love for MC is known to others.]

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    * Posted on: Wed, Dec 23 2009 9:52 AM




JFound: Rufeh, Mark [MC1991]

http://www.tracked.com/person/mark_rufeh

Mark Rufeh

*** begin quote ***

Mark Rufeh is a Managing Director and co-Head of Citigroup’s Global Operations and Technology. Mr. Rufeh also serves as Chief Administrative Officer for the Institutional Clients Group and is a member of the Citigroup Senior Leadership Committee.

Prior to joining Citigroup in 2008, Mr. Rufeh was a Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer for the Investment Banking Division of Credit Suisse Group and a member of the Investment Bank’s Management Committee.

Mr. Rufeh also served as Chief Executive Officer of The Westchester Capital Group, a private equity firm specializing in real estate-related investments.

He spent fifteen years with Lehman Brothers, where he was a member of the Lehman Brothers Operating Committee and held a variety of senior leadership positions, including Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Lehman Brothers Division. Mr. Rufeh began his career with The First Boston Corporation.

Mr. Rufeh received his B.S. from Mercy College in 1983 and an M.B.A. from Manhattan College in 1991.

Mr. Rufeh is also Vice Chairman and a member of the Board of Trustees of Graham Windham, one of the leading children welfare organizations in New York.

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Rufeh, Mark [MC1991]

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    * Posted on: Wed, Dec 23 2009 8:41 PM




MFound: MC Coach comments on a good man

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/app/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=137727199

*** begin quote ***

KENNETH P. WILLIAMSON

AGE: 80 LONG BRANCH

Kenneth P. Williamson, 80, of Long Branch, one of the nation’s most noted track and field officials, passed away Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009 at home. Williamson, whose specialty was the throwing events, officiated at track and field meets throughout the state and nation, and reached the highest level of the sport when he served at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Among the many meets he officiated at were the Millrose Games, the New Jersey International Meet, the IC4A Championships, the USA Track and Field Indoor and Outdoor National Championships, and the USA Olympic Trials. Earlier, he had officiated in soccer, baseball and football.

{Extraneous Deleted}

“Ken Williamson was an outstanding official, a mentor, and a guiding force in the New Jersey Officials Committee,” said Crawford Sabin, chairman of the USATF state officials committee. “He laid the foundation and set an example for many young officials who went on to serve in leadership capacities at national meets. His spirit will always be with us.” “Ken was not only an outstanding official but a great person and friend,” said Dan Mecca, track and field coach at Manhattan College, where Williamson often officiated.

*** end quote ***

[JR: Sounds like a good man who some Jaspers may remember.]

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    * Posted on: Thu, Dec 24 2009 7:46 AM




JEmail: McEneney, Mike (MC1953) touts MC to a mag

Hi!

   I thought that you might be interested in seeing the e-mail that I sent to the Magazine Ireland of the Welcomes.

   Mike

——– Original Message ——–

Subject: Article: Here Comes St. Patrick (Vol. 59 No. 1 page 28)
Date: Thu, 24 Dec 2009 01:33:43 -0500
From: Mike McEneney
To: letters@irelandorthewelcomes.com

Dear Editor,

   This evening when I read the January/February Issue of Ireland of the Welcomes, I was delighted, and surprised, to see a picture of the Manhattan College Bag Pipe Band on page 28! I am a 1953 Graduate of the College and a former President of the Alumni Society, which explains my delight. I should also point out that it is appropriate that this picture was chosen to accompany a story that reports that New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly will be the Grand Marshall for the 2010 St. Patrick’s Day Parade up Fifth Avenue. Commissioner Kelly is a 1963 Graduate of the College!

   I am a long time subscriber to Ireland of the Welcomes and look forward to each issue. I find that it helps keep me connected during the years that we are unable to visit the family in Ballyhaunis.

   Keep up the good work.
   Michael F. McEneney, Esq.
   Woodlawn (The Bronx), New York

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McEneney, Mike (MC1953)

http://www.irelandofthewelcomes.com/index.php/current_issue/

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    * Posted on: Thu, Dec 24 2009 9:10 AM




JFound: November video interview of Brennan, Robert T. [MC1982]

http://www.thebiggertruth.com/2009/11/center-stage-interview-bob-brennan-iron-mountain/

Steve Duplessie
The Bigger Truth

Center Stage Interview: Bob Brennan – Iron Mountain

*** begin quote ***

Below is my video interview with Iron Mountain’s Bob Brennan. If you don’t know much about IRM – and most don’t – you should. The thing is a gold mine (limestone mine actually) with one of the most trusted brands on the planet. Fascinating business, and Bob has the place humming right now.

*** end quote ***

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Brennan, Robert T. [MC1982]

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    * Posted on: Thu, Dec 24 2009 11:19 AM



JEmail: Ferrara, Richard P. (MC1972) appreciates the effort

On Dec 24, 2009, at 9:55 AM, Richard Ferrara wrote:

John:

Thanks for all your efforts for the Jasper community over the years. It is greatly appreciated, but probably not too widely acknowledged. Someday, there will be a Reinke Hall on campus. ;-)

All the best to you and the Mrs. for a holy and Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year!

Richard P. Ferrara ‘72

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Rich,

Thanks, I appreciate it. The only way I’ll get a hall is if I hit the lotto. The effort is a good hobby. And, it’s taught me the limits of computer searches.

I’ll repeat that wish right back to you and yours and hope for peace in the new year. One of our fellow alums has his youngest in harm’s way. So it would be a great if we can get him home.

fjohn68

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[JR: Merry and Happy to all our fellow alums. My "hall" will be a virtual one. Hopefully, I can find someone to pick Jasper Jottings up. Eventually, I'll have to give it up. But not just yet. Each New Year's, I think about it. But, emails like Rich's make me keep going.]

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    * Posted on: Thu, Dec 24 2009 3:59 PM




JFound: Balko, Alexander S. [MC????]

http://www.tracked.com/person/alexander_balko

Alexander S. Balko
CFO & Sr VP: Metropolitan Jewish Health System

*** begin quote ***

Alexander S. Balko is Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer responsible for the participating agencies and programs that make up Metropolitan Jewish Health System.

Mr. Balko’s responsibilities include overseeing all phases of the organization’s Finance Department and Information Systems Department. He manages annual revenues in excess of five hundred million dollars.

Previously, Mr. Balko was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, which included the hospital, two nursing homes, six clinics and several assisted living facilities.

Before joining Brookdale, Mr. Balko was Executive Vice President for Administration at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center in Manhattan. He held responsibility for a variety of departments, including finance, management information systems, network operations and managed care, facilities improvement, real estate, human resources and materials management.

Prior to holding that position, Mr. Balko served as Vice President of Finance at Cabrini Medical Center, where he was responsible for all fiscal functions, as well as management information systems and material management.

He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Healthcare Financial Management Association, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Mr. Balko holds a B.S. degree in Accounting from Manhattan College, and an M.S. in Health Services from New School for Social Research.

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Balko, Alexander S. [MC????]

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    * Posted on: Thu, Dec 24 2009 8:49 PM




ADMINISTRIVIA: My wish for my fellow alums

May your neighbors respect you, trouble neglect you, the angels protect you, and heaven accept you.

– an Irish proverb

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    * Posted on: Fri, Dec 25 2009 12:01 AM




JFound: Regan, Michael J. [MC1963]

http://www.tracked.com/person/michael%20_regan

Michael J. Regan
  Director, AlliedBarton Security Services

*** begin quote ***

Michael J. Regan is a former Vice Chairman and the Chief Administrative Officer of KPMG LLP, a leading provider of audit and tax services. Over his 40 years with KPMG, Regan was involved in a wide range of business activities, was lead partner for many well-known Fortune 500 companies and was head of the New York Audit Practice. He is a graduate of Manhattan College, where he is currently a member of the board of trustees, and served four years as a naval officer. Regan sits on the Board of Eyetech Pharmaceuticals, which is a publicly traded company on the Nasdaq Stock Market. He is also a member and former chairman of the board of directors for the United Way of Bergen County, NJ.

*** and ***

AlliedBarton Security Services is the largest American-owned security officer services company in the United States. AlliedBarton has more than 38,000 employees in 79 offices serving more than 2,000 customers coast to coast, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. Established in 1957, AlliedBarton has developed enhanced expertise in a number of markets, including commercial real estate, higher education, healthcare, residential communities, manufacturing and distribution, financial institutions, shopping centers and other commercial facilities.

*** end quote ***

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Regan, Michael J. [MC1963]

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    * Posted on: Fri, Dec 25 2009 9:15 PM




JObit: Goodman, Robert W. [MC???? RIP]

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/northjersey/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=137810583

Robert W. GOODMAN

GOODMAN Robert W. of Englewood, died on December 23, 2009.

He is survived by his wife Andrea, daughter Sheilah Goodman Ober, sons Brian and Daniel Goodman, grandson Max Ober, and sisters Mary E. Garrahan and Sr. Rita Goodman SSND. He was the adored uncle of Moira, Elizabeth, Christopher, Joseph, Michael and Great-uncle of Alyse, Brennan, Chris, Casey and Lillian.

Bob grew up in Leonia, where he attended St. John the Evangelist Elementary School and graduated Regis High School, N.Y.C. He was a graduate of Manhattan College and Villanova Law School. As a parishioner at St. John’s, he was a charter member and original advocate of Carmel Council 8982 of the Knights of Columbus. As a Parent at Don Bosco Prep High School in Ramsey, he served on the Board of Trustees and was active in the Fathers’ Club. Bob had been a dedicated member of many organizations over his lifetime, especially including the IAUC (Irish American Unity Conference) and on the Board of ANJEC (Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions).

An Attorney with offices located in Hackensack, Bob found professional joy in his Adoption practice. He also specialized in Divorce & Family Law., and Environmental, Real Estate & Municipal Law. Early in his career, he served for over 6 years as a Bergen County Assistant Prosecutor. He later achieved admittance as an Attorney to the United States Supreme Court.

Visitation will be December 27 from 2-6 PM at the Frank A. Patti and Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home, 327 Main Street, Fort Lee. Funeral Mass at St. John’s, Leonia at 10 AM Monday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. Call 1-800-FOR-KIDS to donate by phone, or www.unicef.org. For condolences, directions, or information call (201) 944-0100 or www.frankpatti.com

Published in The Record and Herald News on December 26, 2009

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Goodman, Robert W. [MC???? RIP]  

Guestbook: http://tinyurl.com/yhok4kk

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    * Posted on: Sat, Dec 26 2009 8:01 AM



ENDNOTE: Jasper “Key West Lou” [MC????] thinks about abortion

http://www.keywestlou.com/2009/12/yesterday-was-not-typical-sunday.html

My Life in Key West
Monday, December 7, 2009
Jasper “Key West Lou” [MC????]

*** begin quote ***

And back to Saint Ambrose.

The Italians celebrate his day big time. Especially in Milan where he sat as Bishop.

Ambrose was born in Germany around 340 AD. Not an Italian. He died in Milan in 397 AD.

Ambrose was rich. Also, a big time political figure. This is before he became Bishop of Milan. This is before he was even a priest. In fact, it is even before he was baptized a Catholic.

The Church had its problems even back then. Powerful political figures were elevated to lofty Church positions.

The Pope wanted to make Ambrose Bishop of Milan. A big job! But he was not even a baptized Catholic. Ergo, he was not a memebr of the Catholic Church.

No problem. He was sprinkled with water and baptized. A week later the Pope officially made Ambrose Bishop of Milan!

I do not know why the Pope made Ambrose bishop. Whatever he may have expected from Ambrose did not materialize. Ambose took the job seriously. He was not just another political hack.

He gave all his lands and money to the poor. Shades of Saint Anthony. He commenced living the ascetic lifestyle.

Ambrose was not married before he became Bishop. Nor did he marry afterwards. Nor did he fool around.

Clergy were permitted to marry in those days under certain circumstances. Ambrose would have nothing of it.

Theodosius was Emperor at the time. He and Bishop Ambrose had a falling out over some issue. Bishop Ambrose forbad the Emperor from partaking of the Sacraments, including receiving Communion. It took seven months for Theodosius to see the light of day. When Theodosius corrected what Bishop Ambrose thought were his errant ways, the Bishop returned him to the Sacraments and the right to receive Communion.

I tell this story on this special day because it reflects what some of the Catholic Church hierarchy are attempting to do with certain elected officials over the abortion issue today.

Nothing changes.

The Catholic Church in one of its corrupt times still had members who believed and lived God’s life. As it is today.

I do not know who is right. This abortion issue is difficult. I believe in separation of church and state.

Is refusal to offer communion a violation of that separation? Is abortion a violation of God’s law?

Enjoy your day.

*** end quote ***

[JR: Abortion is certainly a difficult issue. And, I certainly don't hold myself out as a paragon of virtue or the ultimate moral authority. But certain principles are easily observable to this old injineer. (1) Abortion kills a potential human life. And is the start of the "slippery slope". (2) The Catholic Church has a right and duty to protect and preserve its "brand". Politicians, who voluntarily assert they are "catholic", have to observe the organization's dogmas. (3) As a Little L Libertarian, the "separation" is about the proper role of the State on the People. (4) As a "pro-lifer", I shouldn't be force to pay taxes for a morally abhorrent activity. (5) Finally, abortion is a personal issue. The State should have a very small role in protecting its future citizens. That is to make sure that abortions are as rare as possible. "Refusal" isn't a violation of the separation. Abortion as it is performed today most certainly is. Even if there is no God, it's a contra survival practice for a species. What if we have aborted the person who would cure cancer? Seems an appropriate Christmas reflection. Holy Innocents? Hope everyone had a happy holy day.]

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    * Posted on: Sat, Dec 26 2009 6:37 PM

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"Bon courage a vous tous"

"Dona Nobis Pacem"

-30-