"Come To Learn, Leave to Serve"

Class of 2025: share your email address with the school!

Duty / Honor / Commitment / Sacrifice / Valor / Freedom

"Let us be sure that those who come after us will say of us in our time, that in our time we did everything that could be done. We finished the race; we kept them free; we kept the faith." -- Ronald Reagan

On Behalf of a Grateful Nation

We lead this edition of Building The Legacy with a celebration of all our Hawk Veterans and highlighting the service of several who, for a variety of reasons, could not be included in last November's Special Edition.

To Hawk Nation, please remember in your prayerful intentions the safety of the following Hawk alumni who are in active military service today and could be called into harm's way at any moment: Lieutenant Colonel Michael Sarro '97 U.S. Army; Staff Sergeant Thomas Bender III '04, U.S. Army; Lt. Weeshamar Senatus '19, U.S. Army; Petty Officer Dominik Camooso '21 U.S. Navy.

To our Veterans of the Armed Services,

'In service to others' is a Lasallian mantra that Hudson Catholic has always sought to impress upon its students and graduates as a worthy way to lead our lives.

Your choice to serve our nation is perhaps the highest calling a person can make to live their life in service to others. 

On this occasion of Veterans Day, as our part of a grateful nation that salutes you, please accept the gratitude being conveyed to 105 known Military Hawks, on behalf of the entire Hudson Catholic community, for your courage, your service to our nation, and for the sacrifices made by your families.

Staff Sergeant Thomas Bender III '04 U.S. Army. Tom's active duty deployment to Syria ended at the start of 2025. He is now stateside and back serving in the National Guard. six years of service and counting.



Spec 4 Mark Muller '69 U.S. Army enlisted in 1971 and served four years working for PERSINSCOM -- Personnel Information Systems Command -- at the Pentagon and later in Alexandria, in the Command's computer center as an ADP Machine Operation Specialist.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Francis (Tony) Roselle '75 U.S. Navy served from 1975-1981 in the Underwater Demolition Teams. His home bases were Coronado, CA and then Little Creek, VA, but the vast majority of his service time was spent deployed -- to the Mediterranean, North Sea, and South America, and to Israel, Germany, England, Italy, and South Korea, training and operating with foreign special forces.

Petty Officer 1st Class Joseph Kelly '81 U.S. Army/U.S. Navy attended The Military College of Alabama from 1981 to 1983, then joined the NJ Army National Guard Infantry, and went to active service in 1986. Assigned to Fort Bragg, then Fort Campbell, he deployed to Infantry Camp Hovey in South Korea and on to the 502nd US Army Gulf Airborne -- for Air Assault, Jungle Warfare, and as an Imjin Scout. With ankles injured from numerous jumps and taken off Jump Status, he left the Army in 1992 and joined the Navy. There he sailed for two years with US Merchant Marine Military Sealift Command aboard USNS Neosho and served with the Navy Seabees in South America, working from Cartagena Columbia. In 18 years of service for two branches, Joe was eight years active, deployed twice, and 10 years Reserve National Guard, deployed to Iraq, Kuwait, Andros Island, and Djibouti.

One of three Hawks to serve in multiple branches.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Flanagan '82 U.S. Navy served six years, from 1983 to 1989 as an Electronic Technician, sailing the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea on an Amphibious squadron working with U.S. Marines.

Staff Sergeant Scott Niebuhr '90 U.S. Air Force served eight years (1990-1998) -- four Active / four Reserve as a Security Specialist of the Air Force Security Police for USAF nuclear weapons storage areas and air base ground defense. He served on the Emergency Services Team while stationed at Rhein-Mein Air Base, Germany; on the initial security team for Mogadishu Airport, Somalia in support of Operation Restore Hope; provided direct Presidential Security Support as close-in sentry for Air Force One; collaborated with the AF Office of Special Investigations in conducting weapons raids and counterintelligence operations in hostile environments; led security support for United Nations and US State Dept. activities throughout Angola; and, supported counterterrorism operations in Central / South America and the Middle East.

Alim Wilson '91 U.S. Coast Guard. Following the Coast Guard Academy, he served ten years, from 1993 through 2002, in Baltimore, Alexandria, Petaluma and Governor's Island.

Sergeant Philip Salinari '00 U.S. Marine Corps served for eight years, 2002-2010, consisting of two consecutive deployments in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, followed by deployment to the Horn of Africa during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Petty Officer Second Class Joseph Pallazzo '04 U.S. Navy served for eight years, beginning November 2005, stationed in Norfolk, VA in a Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron. He transferred to the First Naval Construction Division, where he managed a training budget supporting the entire reserve component of the Seabees. In 2008, he volunteered to deploy to Iraq, serving in Basra for one year in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, then returned to his former duties stateside until leaving active duty in October 2010. Thereafter, he reported to the Helicopter Mine Countermeasure Squadron, during which he deployed to Bahrain in support of overseas operations, serving until his separation from the Navy in November 2013. Today, he is a federal civil service employee for the Department of the Navy as a Program Analyst at Naval Facilities Engineering Command in -- full circle -- Norfolk, VA. 

TAPS

Mr. Dan Kelleher, Hudson Catholic Faculty (1988-2010) U.S Marine Corps TAPS 8-30-25 served during the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1971. He was decorated as a Commissioned Officer, receiving the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Sharpshooter Badge during his service.

Michael Stanziano ’69 U.S. Army TAPS 9-14-24 enlisted in January 1971, serving two years, and was honorably discharged in January 1973.

Aviation Support Equipment Technician 3rd Class Steven Bucherer ’79 U.S. Navy TAPS 5-3-25 enlisted upon graduation and proudly served until his honorable discharge in 1983. He was stationed aboard the USS Saratoga (CV-60), a Forrestal-class super carrier, maintaining and servicing aircraft engines with skill and dedication.

Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Alfred M. Fiume ’80 TAPS 7-29-15 entered into the United States Army National Guard in 1988 as a dentist. He served active duty until 1991 and then in the Army Reserves until his retirement in 2005. During his 18 years of service, he completed tours in Costa Rica, Bolivia, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

'75 is 50!

Return to The Nest

On Saturday night, October 18th, the Class of '75 became the eighth such class to celebrate their 50th Year Reunion, which has become customary at the Hawks Nest. As you can see, we had a great turnout of 58 grads and three venerable faculty of the day. They came from far and wide, with two coming cross-country from California, others from Georgia, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. Special thanks to the Reunion Committee -- Steve Cuccinelli, Vic Pianese, Mike Kahrer, Steve Neri, John Dinardo, Frank Martineau.

Strengthen Our Lasallian Mission

Without margin, there is no mission.

Revenue + Mission sustains a viable institution

that prepares our graduates to make

a meaningful difference in their communities.

The 2024-25 Hudson Catholic Annual Report of Giving

available for online viewing in flipbook format

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Invest in Hudson Catholic

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Tap on the box for Instructions

November 2nd

The Annual Alumni Mass of Remembrance

Praying for all those of the Hudson Catholic community who we lost in the past year

sponsored by

The Hudson Catholic Alumni Association

November 5th

November 8th

Tickets will be On Sale on November 6th

There will be a ticket link on the website

April 24th

Hawk Happenings

College Fair Has Hawks' Minds on Their Future

Football Roundup

The Hawks' fortunes took a turn south during the month of October. The Hawks came into the month at 1-4, facing the toughest part of their schedule, and that proved to be true, as Immaculata and Bayonne piled on, 49-6 and 42-0, respectively. The season finale takes place next weekend against Morris Catholic, with the Hawks having a shot at concluding the season on a winning note.

Magoosh is Here!

As we reported in a recent issue, thanks to the Alumni Association, we have been able to partner with Magoosh, an online ACT prep training program, to offer valuable test preparation resources to our juniors and seniors. Starting in mid-October, students have been granted access to the Magoosh platform, which offers flexible, self-paced study options from any computer or mobile device. This training program content is engaging, interactive, and designed to support a variety of learning styles, making it a great tool to help students feel confident and prepared for the ACT. We're thrilled to provide this opportunity and encourage students to take full advantage of it!

For a Great Cause

"Freddy's Golf Outing" on October 6th at the Rutgers Golf Course, sponsored by The Alfred M. Fiume Foundation (Joanne Fiume, President; Alyssa Fiume, Vice President) in memory of Dr. Freddy Fiume '80, supports Therapeutic Assistance, and Scholarship at Hudson Catholic. Freddy's classmates turned out in remembrance and support. From L. to R., Ken Such '80, Ray Pipher '80, Kevin Carroll '80, Joanne Fiume (Fred's widow), Ed Hickey '80, Paul Ebert '80. Joanne and Alyssa plan to visit Hudson Catholic to present the Dr. Alfred Fiume Scholarship Award to President Terry Matthews in the near future. This award will become part of the Hudson Catholic Scholarship Program and will be open to donations at any time.

Black & Golden Lager

remains available for sale!

Order at the button

Pick up at 902 Brewery any time.

Tell them The Hawk sent you!

Alumni Spotlight

Leadership, Service, Achievements

(and occasional whimsy)

Living up to her name. Saran Nurse '25 is planning on living up to her name -- she is attending William Paterson University and is in their nursing program!





In for a Promotion. Bernadette Matutino ‘21, a sports marketer, served as the Social Media Lead / Coordinator for the Cosmos' First FanFest held at Hinchliff Stadium in Paterson. She led social media coverage, created content, coordinated with photographers and videographers, and assisted with stadium setup. The once-fabled Cosmos Soccer Club of the NASL, and Pele fame, will play its first USL League One season at Hinchliffe starting in 2026, marking the team's return to New Jersey. The Fan Fest enabled fans to select seats for the upcoming season.

Steward of Fed Funds. Erika Leynes '14 is a Program Manager for the City of Jersey City, providing strategic planning and compliance oversight for federally-funded Community Services Block Grant programs. She holds a B.S. in International Business & Trade, and an MBA in Business Administration & Management, both from St. Peter's University.

Hail to the Chief. Joseph Scerbo '86 has recently been appointed Chief of Police for the City of Bayonne, NJ.

From Running to Walking. Mayor of Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, Ron Kistner '78 has been, for years, walking to HHHS Aviators football games to raise money for charities. Along with his friend, Bob Salerno, they began walking to HHHS football games over ten years ago, choosing the furthest games as fundraisers to support various causes. Sadly, Bob passed away in December 2021. Ron continues to walk in Bob's memory, choosing Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center as his cause now. Ron's goal is to spread the message that no one should ever give up on fighting. This year's walk was a 21-mile journey to Butler for a game there, and the Aviators came out to see him off.

Legendary New York nightclub impresario, restaurateur, performer, and Event Producer to the Stars, Steven Minichiello '75, has spent his adult life in the entertainment industry, from running and creating some of the most exclusive, famous and chic New York nightclubs -- Studio 54, Xenon, Cafe Society, The Supper Club, The Palladium, and Copacabana, to developing deep, trusting relationships and friendships with many celebrities, such as Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, Cher, Madonna, and too many others to list, that enabled him to become their private event producer. Steven said that walking into his class reunion recently "felt like opening a time capsule and being reminded once again of all the treasures hidden away, only to be found again, impacted by how beautiful and wonderful those treasured memories were and will forever be." When he spoke at the reunion, he acknowledged that it was his Hudson Catholic years, his fellow classmates, and staff that gave him the freedom and the confidence, the safe space to begin to truly recognize who he was......and feel empowered and safe in his own skin. His deep affection for former faculty member, Ms. Adrienne Wozniak, is grist for another story.

Irish Hams. The O’Riscoe’s (Thom) and O’Bulwicz’s (Mark) of ‘73 and grammar school buddies before that at St, Anne's, returned to their roots and met up in Dublin to usher in September. Hawk swag -- Riscoe's hat and Bulwicz's shirt -- was the uniform of the day.

The Art of the Art. John Kelly '72 was an Artist in Residence at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston for the month of October. John reports that he had unfettered access to the incredible and unique collection housed at the museum, and met with the archivists, restorers, and curators who maintain the legacy of the visionary Mrs. Gardner.

Authoring a Talk. Joe Slota '72, author of the recently published book "From The Streets to Global Seats," recently addressed 600 new hires for a Fortune 10 company as their Keynote Speaker. Asked why they selected him, the Head of Talent Development told him they were deeply impressed with his hybrid memoir/blueprint for its realism and transferability across generations.

Might you know the Jeepster Hawk driver of this Hudson logo-festooned Wrangler? Hint: he pulled up to the Black & Gold Golf Classic in this classic! Responses to advancement@hudsoncatholic.org. JCPD Hawks are ineligible to play.

Tell Us

Just one of many things that unites us as Hawks is that Hudson Catholic alumni spread around the nation and the world are making incredible contributions to their communities, professions, and to Hudson Catholic.

If you know of an exceptional Hawk deserving recognition, we invite you to share why, by writing to advancement@hudsoncatholic.org with examples of Hawk alumni and alumnae leadership, service, and achievement...........and occasional whimsy.

Hawk Gatherings

Hawks Assemble! At the Columbus Day Parade Gala in Bayonne, Bill McGrath '79 huddled with Dennis Danilewicz '71, Sister Josephine Galasso, M.P.F. (Italian Woman of the Year), and classmates John Burns '79 and Monsignor Charles Antonicelli '79.

Later, Msgr Charles, Bill, and Dennis were bookended by Chris Cassaro '99 and Jack Dunne '83. Bill added that Louis (Mike) Greco '96 was the DJ and couldn't be pulled away for a photo, while Jack's brother Pat Dunne of the HC Board of Consultors was named the Honorary Italian Man of the Year.

Mr. Frank McGady coaches an age 16 hockey team called the King Cobras. Recently, they went on the road to face the Princeton Day School Tigers. And when Frank went to blast a whistle by the referee, he ran right into one of his former Hawk players, Bill Pein '93.

At it again is our professional parade-goer, Bill McGrath '79, who also serves as a cub shutterbug for this digital magazine! Thank you, Bill! One week after the Bayonne Parade, we have the Jersey City Columbus Day Parade. In the first photo, that's Bill with Mike Pecklers '71 and Jack Dunne '83. The second photo is Mike Greco '96 and his daughter, Sofia, who was Miss Columbus. In the third photo, that's Mike, Joe Galano '83, Jack, and Bill.

Blasts From the Past

Once a busy scoreboard year-round, it tallied players and scores from Jackie Robinson's professional debut in a minor league game to seven Brooklyn Dodgers games played in the 1956 and 1957 seasons, to a minor league season of Hall of Famer Ricky Henderson's rise to the major leagues. It also witnessed the Hawks' only Thanksgiving game ever played at home, on Thanksgiving Eve 1972, as well as every Hawk touchdown scored in home games from 1967 to 1981, starting with Nelson Baez '69 in 1968 and ending with George Isabella '82 on October 3rd, 1981 in the Hawks' next to last game there, vs. Prep (in their last game ever, the Hawks were shutout by Lincoln, 12-0 on Halloween 1981). Extra trivia: Isabella was not the last Hawk to score at Roosevelt Stadium -- that honor belongs to Cleveland Eatman '82 who kicked the extra point following Isabella's TD. Following the closure of Roosevelt Stadium in 1982, the scoreboard and all else fell into disrepair and decay as the result of neglect following closure, until the entire stadium was razed in 1985.

There once was an after-school club called The Herpetology Club, for guys who didn't get queasy around snakes and reptiles. Here, club Moderator Brother Lloyd Hepburn shows off his mastery (or sorcery) over a resident anaconda in the Biology Lab to, L. to R., Bohdan Halibey '69, Paul Camp[ell '69, Mark Muller '69, Carl Russo '68, and the late Bob Zieja '69. Other clubs of a bygone era: The H.O. Racing Club; the Savings Club. Got others? Send them to advancement@hudsoncatholic.org

Do You Have a 'Blast From The Past' to Share?

Whether from the 60s, or all the way up to the Aughts and beyond

(at least ten years old), or in between,

if you have a great rare memory, artifact, or whimsical item,

send it to advancement@hudsoncatholic.org

and we will try to share it with the HC community

If you can't take it with you,

why not leave it to Hudson Catholic?

Where it can provide perhaps the greatest gift of all

THE GIFT OF EDUCATION

For more information on ways to arrange a meaningful planned gift

Contact the Chief Advancement Officer, Gary Ferrari '73 at gary.ferrari@hudsoncatholic.org or 201-888-6276.

Did You Know?

The Hall of Fame trailblazing class of 1968 not only holds the distinction of being the First Graduating Class in the history of Hudson Catholic, but 18 members of that class who went on to and graduated in 1972 from then-St. Peter's College, became members of SPC's Centennial Class that year, and in 2022, were honored as such during the now-St. Peter's University's 150th Year Celebration. They are: Tom Davidson, John Dineen, Matt Donohue, Patrick Finucane, Mike Garner, Bob Gironda, Thomas Hahner (dec.), John Lane, Mark Lott, Jerry McCann, Stephen McMahon, Dennis Murphy, Rich Muzikar, Brian Nodine (dec.), Gerard Norcia, Arthur Schwank, and William Tamko.

Nice Socks!

You can't buy them, you can only earn them!

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No Hawk Left Behind

We lose touch with some of our graduates who move around, go off to college, start careers, get married, etc. In some cases, they retire, having used their work email to receive ' BTL', and forget to notify us of a personal email address. Help us find them again and make it harder for us to lose touch. Many on this list have siblings who are Hawk alumni, so turn them in at advancement@hudsoncatholic.org or send them to hudsoncatholic.org/stay-connected to update their contact info.

Reminders

To advertise your business or service

and support this newsletter,

Plan a visit back to The Hawks Nest,

Obtain or donate a Hawk Yearbook

through the Yearbook Exchange,

drop a note to

advancement@hudsoncatholic.org

If you receive our email at your workplace

We may not be getting through to you if our email is being intercepted by your spam filter. Only you can correct that by placing us on your safe list, which would allow communications from our Constant Contact email platform to reach you.

For Hawks at or nearing retirement age

and receive this newsletter at your workplace email address

Please send us your personal email address at hudsoncatholic.org/stay-connected, or we will lose touch with you! This happens often.

Death Notifications

may be sent to

info@hawkalumni.org

Catch up on back issues of

Building The Legacy 

Do you have a newsworthy item or something from the present or past to share with the Hawk community?

·    Landed your first job? Taken a new one?

·    Received a promotion or honor?

·    Gotten engaged or married?

·    Celebrated a milestone anniversary?

·    Welcomed a child or grandchild?

·    Reminisced with fellow Hawks recently?

·    Relocated?

·    Retired from your last job?

Hudson Catholic welcomes any and all news about your career, education, family life, and reconnecting with other alumni.

Submit a note and share photos with the Hudson Catholic community at

advancement@hudsoncatholic.org

Words of Wisdom

"For us, there is only the trying. The rest is not our business.”

-- T.S. Eliot, American poet and essayist

"The easy road is wide, full of laughter, and distractions. The hard road is narrow, but it leads to places most will never see. The finish line you dream of only you can decide if it is worth the sacrifice."

-- Anonymous

"Everything I have today is the result of showing up, standing tall, and never quitting - even when no one was watching. Life doesn't reward talent, it rewards the refusal to give up."

-- Jason Statham, actor

Requiescant in Pace

Vita Mutatur Non Tollitur

(Life is changed, not ended)

___________________________

Thomas Hahner '68 (d. 2020),

brother of Joseph Hahner '72 and the late John Hahner '74

Michael Stanziano '69

Joseph Aziz '03,

brother of James Aziz '04

Victor Cypher,

brother of Ms. Jill Cypher, HC Administrator

Ezzat Faltas,

father of Sam Faltas '91

Amanda Javier,

wife of Michael Javier '94

Alice Regan,

mother of William Regan '72, the late Jeffrey Regan '74, and Daniel Regan '83

___________________________

Will be remembered in the annual

Alumni Mass of Remembrance

on November 2nd, 2025

The Office of Advancement ~ Gary, Jill & Jenine

201-332-5970 x118

Advancement@hudsoncatholic.org ~ OR ~ gary.ferrari@hudsoncatholic.org

We Thank

Our Alumni Sponsors