"Come To Learn, Leave to Serve"

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Make a Year End Gift

and Send Hudson Catholic

‘Soaring To New Heights’

Because 80% of Hudson Catholic families apply for financial aid each year, tuition assistance is the largest outlay of the general operating budget. Much of the aid provided by Hudson Catholic comes from generous gifts of alumni and friends made to The Fund for Hudson Catholic, either as gifts restricted for tuition assistance or unrestricted altogether.

Please consider making a gift by year end to

 The Fund for Hudson Catholic

 for Tuition Assistance or Unrestricted

Financial aid granted to our students by traditionally reliable Scholarship Organizations continues to decline. Aid from one source has declined from $223,000 in 2023-24 to $125,500 in 2024-25, to a commitment in the current 2025-26 year of just $50,000. That is a drop of 77% from the highpoint of their giving two years ago, which exacerbates the need for Hudson Catholic to secure greater levels of giving from among our loyal alumni and friends.

In trying to grow our non-tuition revenue from year to year, we have started out in a hole each of the last two years, having to make up these losses before we can even grow our revenue. Hence, the recognition leading to the theme that We Need More Hawks!

As a result, we are raising the profile for gifts into 1964: The Fund for Hudson Catholic that are restricted to ‘tuition assistance’ by earmarking such gifts to our long-running ‘Soaring To New Heights’ program. Originally designed to attract gifts of tuition assistance from among Friends of Hudson Catholic in support of named students, the ’STNH’ program will now be used to record, track, and administer tuition assistance gifts that come into The Fund with the same noble intention and impact as those designated to specific students.

With our challenges for supplementing the student body’s tuition obligations growing greater each year, please consider designating your gifts to the annual fund accordingly – for Soaring To New Heights – and increasing them, if possible.

Hawks don’t do easy – Hawks do hard!

Plan accordingly.

Passing of an Academic Giant

R.I.P. Mr. John Ferro

(April 16, 1932 - Nov. 2,2025)

Mr. John Ferro, a linchpin of the Hudson Catholic Faculty from 1968 to 1980 and a true Renaissance Man, has died. He and his wife of 69 years, Joan, who predeceased him, had retired to Palm Coast, Florida.

Mr. Ferro had earned a B.A. and M.A. in History and Political Science from Seton Hall University, along with Bachelor degrees in Math and Physics. Consequently, in his time at the Hawks Nest, he taught History/Social Studies, Math and Science. He was something to behold in front of a classroom. His deep emphasis as a speaker could literally breathe life into long-ago events during his History lectures. He was dedicated, serious, and inspiring, applying himself to ensure that students engaged in the subject matter and came away with learnings not soon to be forgotten. His obituary described him as follows: "His curiosity knew no bounds -- whether studying world events, exploring new ideas, or engaging others in thoughtful conversation, his love of learning enriched everyone who knew him."

He and his peers comprised a lay faculty that stood as a collection of academic giants in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Mr. James Gannon, a contemporary to Mr. Ferro, recollected fondly about his friend and perhaps said it best. "During my years at Hudson Catholic, the school was fortunate to have many talented teachers. None was more brilliant than John Ferro. Most of us were experts in our individual fields, but not John. He loved History but also became passionate about Mathematics. That passion drove him to get certified as a teacher of math. I have been exposed to only a few people in my life who have had the ability to "light up the room" and John was one. I can't recall John ever saying a bad word about anyone, his kindness had no limit."

Mr. Jake O'Halloran, another contemporary in the History department, told that his memories of John Ferro are all positive. "He was a short man with a big smile. Nothing made him more excited than the opportunity to take the podium in the third floor lecture hall (327) to address multiple classes gathered there. He started his teaching career later than most, but stayed at it through most of his working days. After Hudson, he went on to teach at the college level (including St. Peter's College) but always expressed the belief that the really good years were on Tuers Avenue. Ferro was the department chairman for several of the years that I was in the History Department. He ran a happy "ship." He trusted his colleagues to do their jobs in a professional manner but he remained ready to help any of the new members of the department whom he thought needed guidance from the more experienced hands. I know most of his students enjoyed having him as their mentor and teacher -- some of my students could be heard to say that they 'got stuck' with me rather than the easy-going Mr. Ferro. The History Department was a happy place in those days. Jim Gannon had been trying for months to locate John in order to schedule a zoom call with him, but we could not pull it off. We regret not being able to day goodbye to an old friend."

Bob Stroebel ’69 offered this about the man: “We mourn his passing knowing that those of us who spent time in his classroom were truly blessed and inspired by a fine educator and a good man.”

A funeral mass will be held on December 10th at 10am in St. Dominic Church, Brick, NJ followed by interment at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Toms River, NJ.

May Mr. John Ferro rest in peace, wrapped in the loving arms of our Lord Jesus Christ.

"The song is ended, but the melody lingers on." -- Irving Berlin

Where Are Our Hawk Ballers This Season?

From the Morales Sports Bureau: We have three former Hawk teammates (and two McDonald's All Americans) active at the professional level. Jahvon Quinerly '18, after taking a year off following the completion of his collegiate career, returned to the Nest a few months ago to begin training for his first professional gig, with the second-tier Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese National Basketball League. Louis King '18 appears to be returning to the Fujian Sturgeons of the first-tier Chinese Basketball Association. And, Luther Muhammad '18 has returned to Poland, but with a new team, MKS Dabrowa Gornicza, in the city of the same name in southern Poland, in the first-tier National Basketball League. And, tomorrow, Zenai Jones '21 leaves for Europe where she will play as a member of the female Harlem Globetrotters!

At the college D1 Level, Tahaad Pettiford '24 is rounding into high gear at Auburn, leading all players in the 18-team early-season ERA Players Tournament with a 22.3 scoring average, topped by 27 points against St. John's. His Hawk backcourt mate, Alex Massung '24, at UPenn, and another former teammate, Elijah Gertrude '23 at Virginia, are both working their way back from injury last year. Their former teammates, Omari Moore '25 is working to break into the rotation at Manhattan, and Keith McKnight '25 is getting significant minutes at Quinnipiac.

Message From The Prez

On Tuesday, November 25^th, our Peer Ministers put together an incredible Thanksgiving Prayer Service for our students and staff. I continue to be amazed by the incredible gift that is our student-body and our staff. To see so many young people from such varied backgrounds come together every day and create miracles is something I wish each and every one of you could experience, if even just for a day. The diversity of Hudson Catholic is its gift and its strength as our students continually live the examples of empathy, acceptance and love that Christ set for His followers. With that in mind, I wanted to share the Thanksgiving message I sent to our extended Hawk family.

“As we gather around our tables this Thanksgiving, we pause to give thanks to God for the abundant blessings He has poured out upon our school community — a community that reflects the beautiful mosaic of His creation.

In our hallways and classrooms, we hear multiple languages being spoken. Our students share stories of parents and grandparents who crossed oceans to give their families a future, and they celebrate feasts from every corner of the earth. We break bread together as children of Mexican, Filipino, Vietnamese, Nigerian, Irish, Polish, Korean, Puerto Rican, Egyptian, Indian, Italian, Chinese, Lebanese, and countless other heritages — each family bringing its own flavors, traditions, and devotions to this common home. Here, the same Eucharistic Lord welcomes every nation, tribe, and tongue.

Pope Francis reminded us time and again that this rich diversity is not a threat to unity. Rather, it is its very expression within the Church.

He wrote, “Cultural diversity is not a threat to Church unity. The Holy Spirit, who is the source of diversity, also creates unity.”

Again and again, he taught that every culture bears original aspects of the Gospel: “In the diversity of peoples who experience the gift of God, each in accordance with its own culture, the Church expresses her authentic Catholicity and shows forth the ‘beauty of her varied face.’”

And most beautifully: “The Church is called to be the house of the Father, with doors always wide open… where there is room for everyone, with all their problems, but above all with their differences.”

Pope Leo writes that the church has benefited from “the various movements of workers, women and young people, and the fight against racial discrimination,” which “gave rise to a new appreciation of the dignity of those on the margins of society.”

This is the genius of our Catholic faith: it does not erase cultures; it redeems and elevates them. Our school is enriched because every culture represented here points, in its own unique way, to the goodness, truth, and beauty of God.

This Thanksgiving, we thank God not only for turkey and stuffing (however delicious!), but for the tamales and empanadas, the phở and pierogi, the jollof rice and adobo that will grace our tables. We thank Him for the accents that fill our hallways, the dances that enliven our gatherings, and the prayers in a dozen languages that rise to Heaven.

So, we ask that God continue to unite us in charity, strengthen us in faith, and fill our hearts with gratitude for the glorious diversity that makes our Catholic family so radiantly whole. I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.”

As November gives way to December, it’s hard to believe that 2025 is coming to an end. 2025 was a hard year at the Hawks Nest as our community was devastated by the tragic deaths of Mr. Lamar McKnight, our PE teacher and Football Coach, and Brad Cunningham, Assistant Coach and Hawk alumnus. As the one-year anniversary of that terrible day arrives this month, I ask that you say a prayer for those two men who impacted so many in their short time here at Hudson, as well as for the students and staff who will undoubtedly relive that terrible time. May they continue to Rest In Peace.

Tax Smart Giving at Year End

Giving the Gift of Education at Year End can involve a choice of ways to boost a student’s future without it having to involve cash today.

You to the Rescue! Here are some ways that you can realize your own intentions to support Hudson Catholic at this year-end while advantaging yourself from a tax perspective:

·     Make a gift from your IRA (if you are age 70 ½) directly to Hudson Catholic through a Qualified Charitable Distribution, all the way up to $108,000, with no tax liability to you or to Hudson Catholic. Such a gift could also satisfy, fully or partially, an IRS requirement to take a minimum distribution beginning at age 73 (Classes of 1968 – 1970)

·     Open or contribute to an existing Donor Advised Fund (DAF). You’ll qualify for a tax deduction when you make a gift to a DAF, then can recommend a gift or recurring gift to Hudson Catholic at a time of your choosing.



·     Donate Appreciated Securities that you have owned for at least one year, and receive the same income tax benefit as if you had donated cash, with no tax due on any appreciation in the market value of the securities.

Finish the year with a charitable flourish!

If you are uncertain about making a gift to Hudson Catholic, or are unsure about the amount of the gift you’d like to make, consider asking this question of yourself, to help you clarify your decision: WHAT DO I VALUE MOST ABOUT HUDSON CATHOLIC?

Invest in Hudson Catholic

and Help Secure Our Future

Hudson Catholic receives, and you take a tax deduction for, 100% of the value of the donation

Tap on the box for Instructions

NEW DATE!

January 24th - 2pm

Attendance limited to 65.

The Scan Code takes you to the registration page

for payment to reserve your spot

New Date Set!

For the Class of '85 Reunion

March 28, 2026

More Details to Follow

April 24th

Nominations are now closed

REUNION REMINDERS

Hey '76ers!

It's not too early to be thinking about your

50-Year Reunion

Contact Jill Cypher at jcypher@hudsoncatholic.org

to express interest in having / helping with your class reunion

Hawk Happenings

We Remember

On the occasion of the Alumni Association's hosting of the 32nd annual Alumni Mass of Remembrance, they welcomed one newcomer and one old friend to the Mass held in the De Lasalle Chapel at The Residence on campus. Along with 75 family members in attendance, we were honored to have the newly installed Auxiliary Bishop Pedro Bismarck Chau, who replaced the retired Bishop of Hudson County, Gregory Studerus, celebrate the Mass, assisted by Deacon Len Mackesy '71 and Brother Edward Hoffman, FSC, who served at Hudson Catholic from 1998 to 2001 and travelled from Philadelphia to read out the names of all alumni, friends, and family members who have gone to their eternal rest in the past year.

Football Roundup

Our Hawks closed out their regular season schedule with a home victory against Morris Catholic, 28-22, to end the month of October.

They were then invited into the State Playoffs in Non-Public Group B to face off with the Caseys (named for Monsignor Casey) of Red Bank Catholic, played 'down the shore', which proved to be a step up in competition. The season ended on a down note with a 41-0 defeat. The Hawks look forward to next year after playing a very challenging schedule under first year Coach Yasir Thomas. Thank you, Coach Thomas for taking the reins of a team that undoubtedly was hurting returning to the gridiron this year without the late Coach Lamar McKnight.

Hawk (at the Shore) alumni came out to provide support. Tom Morey '77 came over from Eatontown and had this to say: "Tough loss to a powerful Monmouth County program. Good to go to my first Hawk football game in 49 years." Red Bankers Hall of Famer Bill Cullen '72 and Wall of Honor member Bobby England '83, pictured, took advantage of the local venue to take in the game -- Nice Shirts! Hawk Pride.

They're Published!

Each Dual Degree Program Sophomore entered a Young Writers Contest in which they work with a particular writing prompt and are challenged to write a creative story of 100 words. This year, Stranger Sagas was the focus of the creative prompt, and the stories had to be science fiction based. Every Hawk who entered had their work selected for inclusion in a Young Writers 2025 Publication.

Doctor in the House

Dr. Khalid Sawaged '85 returned to the Nest recently to address the Hawk STEM Club. Judging by the turnout, Hawks clearly were interested in what he had to tell them.

Hawk Drama Society Showcases to

Area Grammar Schools

On November 20th, our Hawk thespians delivered a matinee performance of Beetlejuice before an audience comprising select elementary school 8th grade classes. This fall production is presented on a comparatively smaller scale than that in the spring when The Hawks Nest hosts 6th and 7th graders to take in our Spring Musical. But it served a dual purpose, as a dress rehearsal for the public performance dates of November 20th & 21st.

The Other Side of the Lens

Mr. Frank McGady's Photography Club convened their annual field trip to lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, courtesy of a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. The pictured stop is The Oculus transportation nexus at the World Trade Center.

When Hudson Catholic was St. Patrick's School

(we didn't open at McGinley Square)

When Newark Archbishop Thomas Boland authorized the construction of a new regional high school at Bergen Avenue and Mercer Street along with plans to open the new school in September 1964, planning for the reality took a few twists and turns. The main one was that the main school building backing up to Tuers Avenue would not be ready for the receipt of our first freshman class. Consequently, an invitation from the pastor of St. Patrick's Parish, Rev. Egbert Heinlein to house our pioneer class on the top floor of the parish school on Bramhall Street in the Lafayette section of Jersey City was accepted, and the six Founding Christian Brothers arrived that August, to be housed in the parish facilities through 1965 into 1966.

Among the Class of '68, ten graduates of St. Patrick's enrolled at Hudson Catholic and, at least for their freshman year of high school, remained situated in the grammar school from which they had just graduated. Those ten St. Pat's Pioneer Hawks are: Kevin Adams (dec.), Robert Carroll (dec.), Charles Cavallo, Charlie Hart (dec.), Carl Russo, Tom Flanagan, Fred Moss, Dennis Murphy, Bill Sellinger, William Tamke. The below St. Pat's class graduation photo is one of their two classes and it contains six of our ten future Hawks: in the second row, left to right, Murphy, Sellinger, Adams, Carroll, in the third row, Tamke, first on left, and in the last row, Hart in the middle.

5^th row: 4^th from L: Charlie Hart; 6^th from L: Freddie Moss

4^th row: 5^th from L: Carl Russo (?)

3^rd row: 2^nd from L: William Tamke   

2^nd row: 1^st from L: Dennis Murphy; 3^rd from L: Billy Sellinger; 5^th from L: Kevin Adams; 6^th from L: Bobby Carroll

Uncertain which ones are Thomas Flanagan, Charlie Cavallo

Of the seven living classmates, we were able to gather some firsthand information from two -- Bill Tamke and Dennis Murphy -- about their experiences back then and how they view those days now.

Dennis Murphy would have attended St. Michael’s Union City if Hudson Catholic didn’t come along. Dennis told of feeling odd returning to his grammar school on the first day of high school, seeing a lot of new faces and happy to see some familiar faces. As freshmen, they did not change classes, only meeting as a group at lunch, so that made it difficult to get to know many of the class. Each day, each student took home all their books at the end of the day, and returned with all of them the next morning because – no lockers!

There were no lay faculty and staff in that first year, and not until sometime into the next year. You were expected to come to school prepared each day to participate in classes and school life.

Once the first year concluded, expectations were that the student body, now consisting of that group and a second class, would start the year right after Labor Day in the new school building in McGinley Square, but that did not happen as planned. Not all parts of the school were available for use. The year started with shorter time periods per class. Later in the year, class periods were lengthened to make up for lost time, and that was around the time that Lay Faculty began to make their initial appearance at Hudson Catholic.

Dennis doesn’t recall focusing on things happening ‘for the first time’, but remembers lots of things “being an adventure.”

Bill Tamke tells of growing up with Kevin Adams, Charlie Hart and Dennis Murphy on Randolph Avenue in Arlington Gardens, a/k/a “the projects.” From here on, Bill tells it best.

The Roots: Arlington Gardens was a unique place. To live there, families were required to have at least two children. There were five buildings and nearly 300 kids. Can you imagine that? We had our own little enclave tucked into Jersey City, where everyone knew everyone. The four of us were neighborhood buddies from the start—running around outside until dark, forming the bonds that would carry us into high school. Bobby Carroll, Charlie Cavallo, Thomas Flanagan, Freddie Moss, Carl Russo, and Billy Sellinger lived In the surrounding neighborhoods. We were all part of St. Patrick’s Parish, which included the elementary school on Bramhall Avenue and the historic St. Patrick’s Church just across the street.

By 1963, though, things had started to change—some families were moving to other parts of the city, and my own family relocated to the Greenville section. I still commuted to St. Patrick’s by bus for 8^th grade, leaving behind my short walk to school. Despite those changes, we stayed close as Sister Rose Ellen’s 8th-grade class—St. Patrick’s Class of 1964. I remember being in her classroom that November afternoon when we heard the shocking news that President Kennedy had been assassinated—an unforgettable moment for all of us. And as graduation approached, the world around us was changing fast: the music, the culture, the energy of the 1960’s was just beginning to take shape. Against this backdrop, we started looking ahead.

Returning as High Schoolers: In September 1964, we began a brand-new chapter. The ten of us were excited to be part of the first graduating class at a brand-new high school—Hudson Catholic, a school that would maintain our Catholic values while providing the academic rigor to prepare us for college. For me, returning to St. Patrick’s felt surreal, like a bridge—linking my childhood school to the future at Hudson Catholic. It was familiar and comforting, but also strange. We were high school students now—no longer kids—yet we were walking in the same halls, sitting in the same classrooms.

Biggest Changes: One of the most significant shifts from grammar school to high school was the change in the school environment. St. Patrick’s was co-ed, and most of the teachers were women—mostly nuns. Hudson Catholic was an all-boys school led by the Christian Brothers. The Brothers brought a new energy. They were warm, but strict, and they cared deeply—not just about our education, but our formation as young men. They required us to wear jackets and ties, reflecting the discipline, unity, and professionalism they expected from us. They challenged us to think harder, aim higher, and take responsibility. The Brothers had a presence that kept you on your toes. They expected a lot, but they gave a lot in return.

I remember one class with Brother Norbert Dunn. He was writing on the board when the student next to me started talking. Brother Norbert turned and asked, “Mr. Tamke, were you talking?” “No,” I replied, hoping that was the end of it. Without pause, he asked: “Were you listening?” “Uh… yes,” I said. “Good,” Brother Norbert replied, “then you were involved.” Following a simple gesture not to be detailed here, he sent a message to the entire class and left a big impression about attention and accountability. Still makes me laugh to this day.

Forming Identity: During that freshman year at St. Patrick’s, our identity as Hudson Catholic students was just beginning to form. Sports teams—football, baseball, basketball—were getting off the ground. I can’t say exactly when it became official, but I remember the excitement when the school colors—originally blue and white—were introduced and the Hawk became our mascot, symbolizing strength, elegance, and reverent ambition. Suddenly, we had something of our own. As the colors quickly evolved to black and gold, seeing those colors on the uniforms or banners filled us with pride. We weren’t just students anymore—we were Hawks.



McGinley Square Opening: When the new building finally opened, I remember being awed by how modern and bright it felt. The shine of the waxed floors and new lockers, the echo of footsteps in hallways that had never been walked before—it was exhilarating. It felt like a fresh start and with the next graduating class now joining us, it felt like we were finally part of something bigger. After a year at St. Patrick’s, this new building made it seem like we had truly arrived. Everything seemed possible.

Creating Firsts: With no school history to fall back on, we were building everything from scratch. The Christian Brothers, lay faculty, and students worked together to create something lasting. Clubs were forming. Sports were growing. School traditions were being born. I especially loved going to the football games -- the energy, the excitement, and the sense of unity were unmatched. Cheering on the Hawks with classmates and fans made every game unforgettable. There was a sense of pride—and pressure—in being the first class. Every day brought new “firsts”: first team, first club, first play, first assembly, first dance. There was the sense that we were laying the groundwork for those who would come after us.

Challenges and a Tragic Loss: Of course, not everything went smoothly. Things didn’t always go according to plan. But honestly, I don’t remember or focus on the mishaps as much. I remember the energy of figuring it all out. We rolled with it, and that became part of the charm—and the challenge—of being first. There was one heartbreaking exception. In April 1967, during junior year, our gym teacher, Tony Guerrieri, suffered a heart attack in gym class. We were shocked—he was young, strong, and seemed the picture of health. Another teacher led us out, and we waited outside on Mercer Street, holding vigil. He died that day. He was only 33. Days later, we boarded buses to attend his funeral. It was sad and it hit us hard, but we carried his memory into senior year.

Becoming the Foundation: In senior year, I was especially proud to be part of a new program moderated by Brother Bernard Gresh—an initiative where we high schoolers tutored struggling elementary students from surrounding parishes. About 38 Hawk seniors, class of '68, volunteered for the program. I was proud to come up with the name: H.E.L.P.—Hudson Elementary Learning Program This program was important - it reflected the values of Hudson Catholic: service to others, spiritual and social values, and academic excellence. The commencement ceremony for our first graduating class held in June 1968 witnessed a real beginning, bringing together young men from parishes all over Jersey City and Hudson County. We didn’t have a legacy — we helped build one. And in doing so, we became part of the foundation on which Hudson Catholic continues to grow.

Looking Back: Today, when I think back to those early days, I’m filled with pride. Not just in being part of the first class, but in what we helped start. The memories of those early days at St. Patrick’s and Hudson Catholic, the lessons from the Christian Brothers and faculty, the bonds we built—they’re all still with me. And whenever I see the black and gold, I smile, knowing that we were there at the very beginning.

If You've Got the Time, We've Got the Beer

Black & Golden Lager

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)

National acclaim. Tahaad Pettiford '24. The New York Post recently named its pre-season selections for the NCAA All American teams, and Tahaad, a sophomore at Auburn University, showed up as a Second Team All American. As a Frosh, he scored 11.1 PPG and dished out 3.0 APG. We wish Tahaad the best of luck for the season, now underway.

Well-served. Kiannisha Santiago '22 of Rider University, has been named Player of the Year for Volleyball in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.



Matriculating. Alexandra Ruiz '14 has changed roles at St. Peter's University and is now Admissions and Enrollment Specialist. Keep an eye out for our Hawks!



Catholic Communicator. Joseph Pagetta '90, who is Director of Communications at Tennessee State Museum, has been accepted as a freelance member of the Catholic Media Association, where he hopes to take advantage of all the resources the association has to offer and all the ways he can contribute to it's being a valuable and vibrant professional organization.

Anything for a Good Cause. Anthony Luna '89 is proud to have been the live auctioneer at Big Brothers, Big Sisters Bucks County Autumn Olives and Vines Gala, transforming "big and little lives forever."

Different Strokes. Scott Nickerson '88 is the owner and CEO of the Scott Nickerson Art Studio in Long Branch, NJ, where he produces commissioned portraits. His works are displayed worldwide in private and public collections, including at universities and government agencies. Scott is also an Instructor of Painting & Drawing at Colorest Art Supplies in Red Bank. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York City and continued his studies at the Art Students League in New York and Studio Incamminati in Philadelphia with distinguished artist and teacher Nelson Shanks.

A Doctor's Doctor. Dr. Khalid Sawaged '85 is a surgeon and Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children's Hospital, part of the RWJBH Healthcare System. He has served as the discipline chief for the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he played a vital role as an OB/GYN preceptor, mentoring and shaping the next generation of medical professionals. He is trained in the use of the Da Vinci Robot, specializing in minimally invasive robotic surgery. And, he is involved in graduate medical education at Newark Beth Israel.

Hoboken Meets Its Match. Larry Basinski '70 appeared on a YouTube livestream episode of Hoboken Talks sponsored by the Hoboken Historical Museum and hosted by Bob Foster. Larry shared many personal anecdotes of his early life in Hoboken and continued support of the Hoboken Arts community through the years. Catch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zQerenAaK8

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

Bowling for Soup at the Bradley Bowl in Bradley Beach are Class of '73 keglers, front, L. to R, Rich Naviello, Lou Manzo, Tom Mullarney, Ted Natoli, Casey Zachowski. Back row, L. to R., Jim Sweeney, Carl Gargiulo, Thom Riscoe, Tom Borkowski, Al Long. Word is, they bowled 300 -- in total.

At a recent New Jersey Devils game, former Hudson Hawk Hockey standouts John Pein '95, right, and Justin Cetro '93, left, ran into each other, and grabbed a pic for us. That's Justin's mom and Alumni Parent Mrs. Cetro in the center. John was a member of the '94 Handchen Cup title team. That team dedicated their title to the '93 Team who John says "went through the hardest of times and missed what they deserved by a year - Chris Heger (Wall of Honor), Bill Pein, and Saverio Ortizzo" off the top of his head. His brother Bill '93 was fifth in scoring in the state his senior year, the first Hawk ranked that high since David Barbossa '87 (Wall of Honor). Bill Pein, one of the hockey greats at Hudson Catholic!

'The Four Hawk Horsemen' of St. Paul of the Cross Parish's 'The Courts' are, L. to R., the Calcagno Brothers - Mike '74 and Joe '70, Hawk Author Joe Colicchio '70, and Mike 'Rabbit' Drennan '70.

Legacy Hawks

Father and son Hawks enjoying the national pastime this season are dad Gary Caporale '69 flanked by twin sons Gary and Chris of the Class of '96.

Heard on the Street

(or, at least at dinner)

LT. Dan Niekrasz '07 of the Bloomfield Police Department dropped us this note that should make us all proud of our Hawk Heritage.

"A note to express how proud I am of my Alma Mater. I was out at dinner at the NJ League of Municipalities conference. I overheard a conversation involving someone who works in Bloomfield Township about how wonderful his daughter's high school is. As I entered the conversation, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that he was talking about Hudson Catholic. He specifically mentioned President Terry Matthews. I beamed with pride as I told him I was an alumnus and previously served on the Alumni Association Board. I told him I knew Terry for over 20 years. I recounted how Terry drove me (as an 8th-grader) to and from school for the Hawk For A Day Program, and that the fact that he went out of his way to give me those rides solidified Hudson Catholic as my choice for high school. The family's name is Schwindt."

And, as it happens, Karrington Schwindt is this year's Student Council President.

Blasts From the Past

From the '86 Hawk Yearbook, the Hawk Swim Team was so anxious to hit the pool at SPC, they forgot something. Pictured, front row, L. to R., Keith Bojarski '88; Nick D'Adamo '89; Sal Nostame '87; Jeff Manese '86; Sean O'Donnell '86; Andrew Fellowes '86; Back row, L. to R. Assistant Coach John Dapolito '82; Jose Panchi '87; Tim Brennan '89; Head Coach Rocco Filerino '80 (dec.); Chris Meehan '86 (dec.); Pat Fay '87; Xavier DeCardenas.

The Class of '73 loved their mamas, and their mamas loved them back!

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.

The Changing Neighborhood

The Loews Comes Back to Life

After completion of restoration work on the Main Lobby ceiling, work on the Historic Loews Theatre in Journal Square has continued onto the Main Auditorium theatre. Rising 80 feet in the air, a complex scaffolding system has been erected to provide access for their specialty team from contractor Evergreen to continue restoration. With their talented Decorative Plasterers, Art Conservators, and Decorative Painters, they are taking on the immense task of bringing back the Main Auditorium to its former glory. Crews are also retrofitting the theatre to bring it to code. The aim is to make the Lowes Jersey Theatre a state-of-the-art entertainment venue while retaining the historical beauty of the building.

Did You Know?

Frank Infante of musical fame as the lead guitarist with the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame band Blondie enrolled at Hudson Catholic and attended for the 1965-66 school year, before transferring out to Dickinson, where he graduated? Many older Hawks will know him from the local band WWIII that played at a Hudson Catholic dance. Had he stayed at 790, he would have graduated with his cousin, also Frank Infante, in the Class of '69.

Nice Hats!

That's your Chief Advancement Officer in the company of John Robinson '71. They met up in Charleston, South Carolina for some low country shrimp, a pint, and a lot of memories and laughs. John has resided there since the late 70s (a 'Been Here'), while the CAO is among Charleston's newest residents (a 'Just Arrived'). They are now conspiring to gather Charleston-area Hawks for a downtown pub crawl, just not for SantaCon!

Korrection Korner

In the August edition of Building The Legacy, ‘BTL v125’, we goofed in the Alumni Spotlight on Zanai Jones’ class year. Our all-time Girls Basketball leading scorer left the Hawks Nest with the Class of ’21, not ’25 as originally and mistakenly reported.

You can help Hudson Catholic

with 'likes' & 'shares' of our posts to your networks, from

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

"Meet the moment, always be accountable, and show up!”

-- John Chell, NYPD Chief of Detectives (ret.)

"Your altar is the classroom."

-- St. John Baptist de La Salle

"What else am I supposed to do with all of this?"

_ Shaquille O'Neal, Hall of Fame NBA player,

upon being asked why he gives so generously

Requiescant in Pace

Vita Mutatur Non Tollitur

(Life is changed, not ended)

___________________________

Mr. John Ferro

Former Faculty

Robert Sudman '75

Philip Lore '81

Joyce Lockwood,

mother of Glenn Lockwood '79 and Timothy Lockwood '84

___________________________

Will be remembered in the annual

Alumni Mass of Remembrance

on November 1st, 2026

The Office of Advancement ~ Gary, Jill & Jenine

201-332-5970 x118

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

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