Mary Ellen Ceraldi (Havanec) (1974)

Class of 1974 ~ Ann Marie(Cortesa)Sweeney lost her battle with cancer.
Message Published on the Roanoke, Virginia SPCA website 01/14/12 ~
Ann Marie was known to many as the Foster Coordinator for the RVSPCA, a position she held for nearly 5 years.  She began her tenure at the RVSPCA as a volunteer and then as a member of the kennel staff.
Ann Marie will be remembered as the heart and soul behind the foster program.   She knew that the only chance many infant or orphaned animals had would be if they could be cared for temporarily by others in our community.  Foster care was also the answer for adult animals needing time to recuperate from injuries or illnesses, or those needing extra socialization and TLC before they could be ready to be members of a family.  Because of her dogged determination, development of the program became a priority for the RVSPCA.   More than 5,000 animals received their second chance in foster care because of Ann Marie's complete dedication to the animals and the families opening their homes to help.  She celebrated the successes and grieved for the little ones who didn't make it, but found comfort in the knowledge that they were loved and in a home, even for a short time.
Ann Marie's commitment to the welfare of animals was a personal as well as professional passion.  Before coming to Roanoke, she had been involved with the Animal Refuge League in Maine, adopting 4 dogs from that organization.  After moving to Roanoke, she sought out the RVSPCA, first as a volunteer and then as a key member of the staff.  She and her husband, Chris, fostered more than 80 animals, often caring for those suffering from illness or injury.  That number does not include the pups or kittens that she took home with her for a night or a weekend until a foster could be found.  She was adept at bottle feeding, pushing medicines and fluids, and nursed many back to health.  Out of all the animals cared for in her home, 8 found their permanent home with her.  It would be impossible to calculate the number of lives that have been touched by Ann Marie's work with the RVSPCA.  
 

Maura Smith (Cantwell) (1982)

Passing this along-
Lynn is the daugher of Gen Lacava Aureli, SCHS Class of 81

Please join us for a PASTA DINNER FUNDRAISER TO SUPPORT THE AURELI FAMILY

DATE: SATURDAY
OCTOBER 13th, 2012

TIME: 5:00 & 6:30 PM Seatings

PLACE: ST. JAMES CHURCH
PARISH CENTER
767 ELM STREET
ROCKY HILL, CT

TICKETS: $10.00

Lynn Aureli, a 16 year old junior at Rocky Hill High School, was recently diagnosed with (AML) Leukemia. Since her parents, Gen and Joe, are on family medical leave, all proceeds will go directly to the Aureli Family to assist with costs associated with Lynn’s recovery. Lynn is currently at the CT Children’s Medical Center in Hartford for chemotherapy and will then head to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston for a stem cell transplant.

Donations can be made payable to:
Lynn Aureli Fund
TD Bank - Attn: Brittany Shaw
632 Cromwell Avenue
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
(860) 257-6977

For more information, contact:
Susan Freeman-
860-305-3337
lacava1011@yahoo.com

Michael Devanney
860-869-2716
M71164@yahoo.com

Jim Lamarre
860-883-3785
jlrhfd@att.net

Sponsored by:
The Rocky Hill Firefighters Association in conjunction with the Rocky Hill Volunteer Ambulance Association
and friends of the Aureli family.

Rachel Leclerc (1973)

The Class of 1973 is planning itss 45th class reunion for the weekend of October 6, 2018. We are looking into a Saturday cocktail event or a Sunday Brunch. Venues in Newington and East Windsor are being considered, as well as Hartford.

Please let us know which event you would be interested in attending and please spread the word.

Respond to Rachel or Bruce - raeleclerc@aol.com  or  bruceperrone@aol.com

Rachel Leclerc (1973)

40th Reunion -- Class of 1973.  A slight correction -- RSVP by November 9th to Bruce bruceperrone@aol.com or Rachel raeleclerc@aol.com.

Reunion to take place on Saturday, November 16th from 6:00-11:00 at the Pond House in Glastonbury (on Main Street) -- not the Pond House at Elizabeth Park in Hartford.

$29.50 per person. Make checks payable to SCHS. Can be mailed or pay at the event. Pond House would like a count by November 9th.

Thanks and see you on the 16th.

Maura Smith (Cantwell) (1982)

From Fran Laffin-

DEADLINE  REMINDER
 
Please join us for the South Catholic Social Reunion which will be held on Friday, April 25th from 5:30-7:30 in the Rev. Bradford Colton Atrium at Northwest Catholic High ( 29 Wampanoag Dr, West Hartford, CT 06117). Cost is $15.00 per person. Beer, wine and light hors d'oeuvres will be served. All alums and friends are welcome. Many former teachers and staff will be in attendance. Deadline for sending registrations/checks ( payable to South Catholic Reunion Committee)  to Fran Laffin at Northwest Catholic is April 18, 2014. Tickets will not be available at the door. For further info, contact Fran Laffin at flaffin@nwcath.org or 860-236-4221 ext 160.

RSVP FORM ON HOMEPAGE OF THIS SITE.
 
                                                              

Leasella Reeves (Bongiovanni) (1990)

Hello,

I'm sorry I was unable to attend the All-Class Anniversary Gala. I am writing to inquire if there will be a 25 year High School Reunion for the Class of 90? I would like to know so I can plan accordingly.

Thank you.

Leasella "Lea" Bongiovanni (maiden name Reeves)

Maura Smith (Cantwell) (1982)

Lea, I have asked your question on our Facebook page. I will post back here if I get a response from anyone with info as to whether or not a 25th reunion is being planned for your class.

Our Facebook page-

https://www.facebook.com/groups/297211457186/

Leasella Reeves (Bongiovanni) (1990)

@Maura - Thank you for posting my question to Facebook. Have a great day.

Maura Smith (Cantwell) (1982)

This message was sent to all registered users on July 27, 2014-

Sent for Fran Laffin-

"THERE ARE NO STRANGERS HERE; WE ARE ALL FRIENDS!"

SAVE THE DATES

September 20, 2014  - 9th Annual Joseph Reilly Golf Tournament – Indian Hill Country Club 

Start Time - 1:30 p.m. 

Cost - $125 (includes buffet dinner at the Sidewalk Café)   

All proceeds support Catholic education.   More to come in a future posting.

~~~~~~~~~

October 24, 2014 - Please join us for the Dedication of  “A Tribute to South Catholic “

6-8 p.m. on Friday,  Oct. 24, 2014 at Northwest Catholic High School       

Cost- free of charge              

See below for more info.

Dear Friends,
You are invited to attend a dedication ceremony that will honor the South Catholic community in a very special way!
South Catholic High School was a vibrant community of Catholic education in the south end of Hartford for 30 years. Over 6,000 graduates and many more students were guided by its beacon of discipline, intellectual stimulation and spiritual force. The dedication of a permanent display to remember South Catholic  within the newly created Rev. Henry C. Frascadore Hall of Achievement will take place at Northwest Catholic High School on Friday, October 24 from 6-8p.m. The Master of Ceremonies will be the voice of the UConn Huskies, Mr. Joe D’Ambrosio ’71 from WFSB and WTIC. Our featured speaker will be the Hall’s namesake, Father Henry Frascadore, beloved vice-principal and principal of South for eight years.  Please join us!
The establishment of the Rev. Henry C. Frascadore Hall of Achievement was generously made possible by gifts from members of the Northwest Catholic High School and South Catholic High School communities. This Hall will feature a special display entitled “A Tribute to South Catholic High School”. This tribute is on behalf of all those who graced the halls of South Catholic and in memory of those who are no longer with us to celebrate. We are grateful to our sister school, Northwest Catholic, for allowing us this physical space to perpetuate the South Catholic legacy and our fondest memories of her.
To create this display, we are asking the South Catholic community to donate items to be placed in this display.  Please e-mail photos of suggested items that you would like to contribute for viewing in this display case to the planning committee ( e-mail address - flaffin@nwcath.org). For questions, call ( 860-236-4221 x 160 ) or e-mail Fran Laffin. There will be more information coming soon re: further details for this Event.
Sincerely,
“ The Tribute to South Catholic” Planning Committee
 

Joan Francoline (Solmonson) (1965)

Maura Smith (Cantwell) (1982)

This message  was sent to all registered members on August 30, 2015.

From Fran Laffin-

Upcoming SCHS  EVENTS

                                        10th  Annual Joseph F. Reilly Golf Tournament

When - Saturday, October 3, 2015     Scramble, Start time: 1:30p.m.

Where  - Indian Hill Country Club , Newington, Ct.

Cost  -   $125 ( includes 18 holes, carts, buffet dinner at the Sidewalk Cafe, prizes)

Proceeds - All proceeds go toward scholarships for needy East Catholic High and            

                      Northwest Catholic High School seniors  

Registration -  Call Fran Laffin   860-236-4221 ext. 160    Deadline: 9/27/15

Donations -   Checks can be made to:  Joseph F. Reilly Golf Tournament

                                                                     c/o Fran Laffin

                                                                      Northwest Catholic High School

                                                                      29 Wampanoag Dr.

                                                                      West Hartford, Ct.  06117  

                                                         SCHS Community Gathering   

What  :  An evening with Pulitzer Prize nominee author and South Catholic alum

                Mark Granato ’70.

Refreshments: Wine, beer, cheese, etc.

Where :   Northwest Catholic High School, 29 Wampanoag Dr., West Hartford, CT.

Date   :    Friday,  Nov.  27, 2015      6-8 p.m.

Cost :       Free      Available to all friends of South Catholic High

Rsvp    :    Deadline = Mon.  Nov.  23, 2015

Have a glass of wine and enjoy an evening visiting with old friends while listening to acclaimed author F. Mark Granato ’70 talk about his books and how growing up in Hartford’s South end influenced his writings. After nearly thirty years as a journalist and corporate executive who traveled the world extensively, Mr. Granato has authored six historical fiction novels including the acclaimed “Finding David”, a story about a boyhood friend and South Catholic student who was killed in Vietnam.

For Questions and RSVP contact :  Fran Laffin    860-236-4221 ext 160  or e-mail flaffin@nwcath.org 

Additional Information-

We are continuing to look for South memorabilia that people would like to donate to the expanding "Tribute to South Catholic" exhibit which is located at Northwest Catholic High. Pictures of the Oct 24th Dedication to South and the accompanying slide show about SCHS can be seen on the South Catholic link posted on Northwest Catholic High's homepage. Interested people can contact Fran Laffin  at 860-236-4221- ext 160.

Francis Wilkosz Jr. (1965)

Thanks to all '65 classmates for a wonderful time at our 50th reunion. Special thanks go to all comittee members especially Al May out chair.  Frank J Wilkosz

Joan Daly (Martin) (1965)

Adding my thanks for  a wonderful 50th Reunion...special thanks to the Committee who gatherd us beautifully.

Hated to see it end! 

Loved the chance to re-kindle  friendships and share memories and laughter!

Joan Daly-Martin 

Margaret Allen (Uliano) (1965)

Many thanks to all who made our 50th reunion last night such a great success ! It was a wonderful night, filled with so many memories of a most important time on our journey. Also, thanks to everyone who recognized me without looking at my name tag, and I will always appreciate winning the two hour Dance Contest ( which was so much more important than winning a Door Prize !!!!!!!!). Love to all my awesome classmates !!   Peggy

Donna Whitmore (Bedus) (1971)

Judith Martin (Bell) (1971)

Hi Donna and all from Class of 71,

Donna I should still be here as long as it is not later down in the year and I would love to help out as well. Thank you for getting the ball rolling. I have not been here for so many and I am hoping to be here for the 45th!!!! Wow, sounds so long ago. Hope everyone turns out for this.

Judy (Martin) Bell

Roger Pelletier (1971)

Hey, everybody!   If you all would like to have entertainment for the re-union, I have some options for you to consider.   First, I perform solo, doing songs that include lots of Beatles and other classic rock, I sing and play acoustic and electric guitar and keyboards.    The second option is my band Darkhorse, and we play classic rock with a big emphasis on vocals.    Then for the hardcore, my other band, The HD Allstars plays heavier classic rock and blues.    If you all are interested, message me by e-mail.   If you prefer just me going solo, I will play for the cost of my ticket to the re-union.   The price for each band is $300.   I'm looking forward to another Class of '71 re-union!    Roger "Rocky" Pelletier.    My e-mail is rpelletier15@snet.net

Nanci Amenta (Ozment) (1971)

I would be happy to help if there is something I can do from Florida.

Carol-Lynn Liberator (Miller) (1976)

    Why are all of the classes of 1965 to 1991  to 94  grouped together ?   Just wondering!

I just went to the funeral of a friend this week.  Ned Smith was the Coventry CT HS  Band Director.  He died over the weekend.  He was 30. Great Teacher, Great Friend, Great Musician and Percussionist. A spiritual  young man.  A Catholic young man who would share his philosophical & spiritual wisdom without hesitation. He reminded me of Les.                                                                                                                                   

I thought of our dear friend, Les and what an impact he has continually made through my life.  Les's  life lives on and on in each one of us who experienced Les's compassion for teaching and of fellowship through music.  I never experienced any one quite like Mr C before when I entered South Catholics doors.  His Cheshire cat smile and twinkle in his eye.  That sweaty brow.  That voice that poured out a Crayola Box of  music notes.     Mr C gave me confidence and told me so and encouraged me.  He brought out in me a love of singing that was hidden in my music box.  Being taught to sing in a way I didn't really know any one could. That one could be trained to... sing !   NED,  the same as LES  went to Hartt,  and I was on the committee to interview Ned.  The first thing this young man presented was how he wanted everyone to sing their parts.  FUNNY thing was Ned was being interviewed for BAND director.  BUT i knew !   I knew if H S students could hear and sing their parts  what better music students they would be.  Ned got the job.  His impact, as with other "life" teachers you know has such a powerful ripple effect out to others. 

Is Mr C smiling at you now.....    smile back and wear that smile.  So many poeple we pass each day NEEED to see a smile and hear a hello.   Try it you'll like it.

I want to share a story of how this man. A  larger than life teacher.  The first black man in my life.  I say it that way because it was sooo important and brave of him to teach in the south end. Especially after the '60's.  He taught so many of us, our Parents Family & Friends too  that we are all Children of Our Father.  He came to our house with out reservation of what  "neighbors" thought.  He taught friendship and respect of all. 

  Mr C gave me driving lessons in 1977  in his crapped out car (was it a Pontiac)  with the bent out of shape drivers seat.  Why did he ?

So we could attend the first Spoleto Festival in Charleston SC.  We went. The two of us.  I felt safe but i don't know if he did.  I received careful instructions .  I got a dose of the true south through Mr C and how weird to experience that,  as i am "well  "  white and a new englander.   I learned that seperation existed . Sadly exists still.  My life was never the same after that trip.  It molded my person, My stronger Catholic person that I am today. 

My faith ful Catholic life changed dramatically after many years of marriage to my wonderful husband Glenn.   God always knows everything about each one of us.... from  who are grandparents were to be  & before we were conceived ...to how are life role  would play out.  What we would do and how we stray.  GOD forgets nothing. 

God loves you right were you're at but HE loves you too much to leave you there.                                            We are HIS creation  and HE loves us sooo very much.   You & you and YES !  you too.                                              

 In 1999,  the year Mr C died, the Lord led us to a mission at our parish to open our ears, minds and our hearts.  We met Father Ray Introvigne.   He is one of the greatest priests God created.  Fr Ray spoke about the Love that Our Lord wants us to take.  Years later,   we have been knocked down silly with how Jesus has opened our lives to HIM and  to know & share the Love of our dear Lord to many others especially through the Holy Spirit and Spiritual Renewal, through Life in the Spirit, Philip, Unbound  & the ACTSCT retreats.

I wish you all a new Autumn season and a full ... filled to the brim Advent season.  Read the Bible - Get into a bible study.  Or Better yet.  A Catechism study .   Know your Catholic faith.  Defend your Catholic faith.  Go to Mass!  There is one everyday.     As Fr. Ray says  " YOU  may be the only Bible somebody reads  "

I pray for all your joys, griefs, and for you to become the Best Authentic Whole person that God wants to you TO be !

Blessings of our Lord to all of you,

Carol-Lynn Miller (liberator) 1976  Coventry CT

Maura Smith (Cantwell) (1982)

Kevin Dolin is in the process of planning a reunion for the Class of 1979 on November 26th. He is looking for anyone who has a contact at a local-to-Hartford restaurant. Also, looking for people to make phone calls and get the word out using social media. He needs to get a handle on a headcount, so please respond to Kevin, if you are interested in attending and if you are willing to help with the event.  

Contact Kevin at Kevinskoaches@gmail.com or 860-402-7787.

Alan Desmarais (1967)

On April 12, six 1967 South Catholic graduates met at the First and Last on Maple Ave. The purpose of the meeting was to first enjoy some south end camaraderie but also to discuss the possibility of organizing something for our class's 50th reunion. Given our class's history of reunions, a 50th reunion seemed unlikely. One of the many difficulties of organizing reunions, is trying to assure potential attendees that their personal high school friends will attend. We all have heard the stories of people attending reunions only to find their favorite people weren't there.

Well we met again and laughed again, and our group has grown to over 20 just by word of mouth.

So we are taking a slightly different tack. Before planning an event we are contacting 1967 graduates to gauge interest in attending. Our intent is to include on the South Catholic reunion site those who have been contacted and confirmed an interest in attending. So far we have contacted and confirmed interest from:

Jim Allen, Terry Borjeson, Helen Allen Clark, Alan Desmarais , Pat Droney Sandy, Ray Dyson, Donna Grillo Antaya, Susan DiBella Roberts, Michael Hoban, Camilla Donahue Hynes, Phil Kolakowski, Russ Leavitt, Alice McCollam Neary,  John Mulrain, Jerry O'Brien, Annette Landry, Annmarie Lavoie Veniscofsky, Emmy Moran Vasquez, Joe Palombizio, Marty Roy, Shirley Jacques Schoenholz, Susan Hynes Tevald, Dick Yuskevich Lawrence

The list continues to grow daily. We will be meeting again soon to discuss dates and the event itself. The group is thinking of an event where people would be free to mingle and see as many old friends as possible. If you think you would be interested in hearing more or attending the event please email Alan Desmarais at alanjdesmarais@gmail.com

Also it helps if you  register at the South Catholic class creator site:

https://www.classcreator.com/Hartford-CT-South-Catholic-1965-1991/

and Facebook account:

https://apps.facebook.com/classconnection/?cct=EF06CA9C-5AD7-49AD-918D-3AE191481B30

Those sites will also give you contact information for registered graduates. Also please mention this reunion effort on your own personal Facebook page. Its incredible how far reaching those efforts can be. 

Thanks and we look forward to first hearing from you and then seeing you.

The Class of 1967 50th Reunion group.

Donna Whitmore (Bedus) (1971)

Carolyn Camarco (D'Onofrio) (1972)

                                 CLASS OF 1972 REUNION

                                                                       45TH

                        Saturday, November 4, 2017

                               7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

                                 $40.00 per person 

             includes passed appetizers and 2 drink tickets   

                     Wood-n-tap Bar & Grill Newington 

                               3375 Berlin Turnpike 

                               Newington, CT. 06111 

Checks can be mailed to:

Carolyn D'Onofrio

Box 327

Haddam, CT. 06438   

Please submit payment by : October 9th

Questions:  Runways@comcast.net

Andrew Crafa (1968)

Does anyone know what happened to Sister Edward Marie who taught Sociology? She is not mentioned anywhere on this site.

Maura Smith (Cantwell) (1982)

Andrew Crafta-regarding your question- “Does anyone know what happened to Sister Edward Marie who taught Sociology? She is not mentioned anywhere on this site.”

Do you know her last name? I don’t have any information, but posted your question on the South Facebook page. Hopefully someone will have information to share. 

Maura Cantwell- Class of 82