Stanner Life Magazine – Latest Issue Debuts
This August, Molloy was proud to present its latest issue of Stanner Life, the school’s annual alumni magazine. The magazine greeted over 23,000 alumni, family members, and friends in their mailboxes and shared stories about The Fund For Molloy, the Stanner Hall of Fame, the Marist Brothers, athletics, alumni events, class updates, and more. We have already received much feedback from our community. For many of you, our Lifetime Connections article resonated in a special way. You have since shared your lifetime connections with us, and let us know about all the friendships you’ve maintained for decades, or told us stories about the Stanners you’ve bumped into when you never expected it. In addition, our article on coeducation sparked pride in our recent graduating classes, and many from the Classes of 2004 and 2009 have renewed excitement for the upcoming reunion on Saturday, November 1st. Whether you are interested in what your classmates are up to, or the latest happenings around the school, there’s something for everyone in the newest Stanner Life.
The Stanner Alumni Center would like to thank all alumni and friends that provided the photos, quotes, and additional content that have made this such a vibrant and exciting issue. Your efforts are greatly appreciated, and we hope you are satisfied with the end results! If you did not receive the magazine, please contact us at (718) 441-9210 to update your mailing address and we will send you a copy as soon as possible. A low resolution web version is also viewable on Molloy’s website. If you missed your chance to provide an alumni update for the magazine, you can always email The Beehive with your updates and photos to be used in future issues!
We Remember Stanner Hall of Famer Tom Sowinski ‘64
Molloy remembers Tom Sowinski ’64, a Stanner Hall of Famer in every sense. Tom, a Howard Beach resident, passed away suddenly on August 7th at the age of 68. A graduate of St. John’s University, Sowinski earned a business administration degree but had a true passion for athletics. He coached basketball and baseball at Adelphi University, baseball at Queensborough Community College and Manhattan College, and most recently was an active coach at Queens College. Sowinski had pro experience of his own influencing his coaching style, as he was a pitcher in the LA Dodgers organization and a member of the 1968 College Basketball “All-American Team” and the 1968 College World Series “All-Tournament Team.” During the 2000’s, Sowinski partnered with Armpow’r Inc., which patented the invention of an arm-strengthening device for the benefit of baseball athletes. The device would limit the damage certain baseball reps tend to cause.
In addition to the Stanner Hall of Fame, Sowinski also resides in the Adelphi University and St. John’s University Halls of Fame. He was awarded the Frank Cassell Memorial Award from Adelphi, which is described as “recognizing contributions made to Adelphi Athletics above and beyond.” Tom Konchalski ’64, a classmate and friend of Tom’s renowned for his astute scouting of high school athletes, spoke with President Richard Karsten ’81 following Sowinski’s sudden passing. Konchalski could offer nothing but praise for the late coach, who starred on Jack Curran’s baseball teams in the early 1960’s. “He was one of if not the best pitcher in Molloy history, an amazing college athlete, and one of the best coaches in New York City,” said Konchalski. Sowinski compiled a 30-2 record while pitching in three seasons of Varsity ball at Molloy. He also was the starting and winning pitcher in two city championship victories in 1963 and 1964. He was undefeated in his senior year, putting up an incredible 14-0 record. At St. John’s University, Sowinski took full advantage of his athletic scholarship by continuing his excellence on the court and field. He played freshman basketball, but showed flashes of brilliance as the anchor for the St. John’s pitching staff. He led the team through the Division I College World Series in 1966 and 1968 and finished his college career with a record of 41-7.
Sowinski was an extremely influential figure wherever he played or coached, and his passion for athletics helped hundreds of athletes succeed for many years. His legacy will live on at each school he inspired, not least of all Archbishop Molloy High School. Please join us in remembering Tom Sowinski in your prayers. (Photo courtesy of Queens College | Some references courtesy of Jim Mancari and The Tablet)
Class of 1982 Celebrates Their 50th Birthdays
Many Stanners have been enjoying a long and mild summer here in New York. What better time to get together with good friends? Molloy alumni from the Class of 1982 took advantage of the great weather and some time off when they recently gathered at the home of Kevin Dehler ’82 to celebrate their collective 50th birthdays this year. Members of the Class of 1981 were also invited to join in on the celebration. “It’s been a tradition for over 20 years for Molloy’s ’82 grads to get together along with friends at my home in Sag Harbor,” said Kevin. This year, Kevin also invited alumni from The Mary Louis Academy’s Classes of 1981, 1982, and 1983 to the gathering in addition to his usual crowd of Stanners.
Though not many TMLA alumni were able to attend, Barbara Brady Canalizo ‘81, Jeanine Carroll ’82, and Leslie Poole-Petit ’82 (Molloy’s Admissions Director) stopped by to proudly represent Molloy’s sister school during the festivities. “TMLA grads from ’81, ’82 and ’83 were very close with many of the ‘Molloy boys’ back then,” said Leslie. “We like to stay in touch and try and see each other as much as we can, especially before or after a TMLA or Molloy reunion!” Kevin was thrilled to have a great turnout and looks forward to another gathering next year. “Thanks again to everyone for making the trip to the east end. There were lots of laughs,” said Kevin. Pictured in the photo above: TOP ROW – Patrick Carroll ’81, Liz Bell Carroll, Jeanine Carroll Ferrone, Brian O’Connor ’81, John Coffey ’82, Theresa Krische. BOTTOM ROW: Leslie Poole Petit (TMLA’82); Phil Ferrone ’81, John Mangan ’82, Kevin Dehler ’82; Barbara Brady Canalizo (TMLA ’83); Paul Foshi ’82, Paul Krische ’81.
Around the School
Molloy Welcomes CYO Essay Contest Winner This Fall
Earlier this summer, eighth grader Fiona McCaul ’18, a student from St. Gregory the Great in Bellerose, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship after winning the Catholic Youth Organization’s (CYO) essay contest. Fiona successfully articulated an answer to the question “What values have you learned as a member of the CYO that will influence you in the future,” which was published in full in The Tablet Diocesan newspaper. In Fiona’s words, “Sports metaphors are used to talk about life. “The ball is in your court now.” “You hit a homerun in there.” “They’re in a league of their own.” We easily translate the ideas of winning and losing to different aspects of our life, but what do sports really teach us? I have been a member of the Catholic Youth Organization since I was five years old, wanting to play every sport such as soccer, swimming, volleyball, softball, basketball and cheerleading. Taking part in these activities has taught me many important lessons that have made me become the person I am today and will keep influencing my actions throughout my life.” Presented the award at the CYO Hall of Fame dinner by director Rob Caldera, Fiona is excited to attend Molloy this Fall. In congratulating Fiona, Molloy’s Principal Br. Thomas Schady remarked, “I was so happy and proud to read your essay and to learn how important the Holy Spirit and your Catholic faith is to you. The education, Catholic foundation, and guidance that you received at St. Gregory the Great has well prepared you for your high school career at Molloy.” Congratulations to Fiona and the McCaul family from everyone here at Molloy! Special thanks to Jim Mancari and The Tablet for their help in assembling this story (Photo by Jim Mancari).
John Florio ’78, author of Sugar Pop Moon and One Punch From the Promised Land, is proud to have his latest work published this summer. Blind Moon Alley, released on August 19th (Prometheus/Seventh Street Books), is the second in a series of crime novels featuring Jersey Leo, an albino bartender working in an underground speakeasy during Prohibition. The book has already garnered excellent reviews, including a starred review from Publishers Weekly. Find out more at John’s website.
Philip Ingenito ’71 is getting set to help the psychology department at Stony Brook University restart their parenting clinic in Fall 2014. His interest in applied media psychology has led him to pursue a new parenting series for CUNY TV titled The Six Essential Elements for Effective Parenting, which he hopes to produce.
James Lynch ’83 attended the NY Fringe Festival performance of My Personal Hell, which was written and directed by his nephew Jonathan O’Neill. After the show, James met up with one of the cast members, Devin Chowske ’10. Devin is a recent graduate of Fordham University as well as the son of fellow Stanner Joe Chowske ’81. “As the district attorney with morality issues, Devin delivered a tremendous performance. I would recommend the show to all,” said James.
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Edward Kunkel ’06. Beloved son of Francine A. and Edmund Kunkel Sr., loving brother of Annemarie Kunkel, cherished grandson of Maria & the late Salvatore Ottomanelli and Leo & Helga Kunkel, dear nephew of Jerry Ottomanelli, Michael Ottomanelli, Frank Ottomanelli and Rudy Kunkel, and is also survived by numerous loving cousins and friends. Please keep Edward and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time of mourning.
We are saddened to share the passing of Stan Derby ’54. A resident of Williston Park, Long Island, Stan is survived by his wife, Kay, his son, three daughters, and grandchildren. Stan was a graduate of St. John’s University and was a 1st liutenant in the Marine Corps for three years. Several classmates, including Gene Carbine ’54, Jim Drago ’54, Tom Reddy ’54, Frank O’Reilly ’54, and Tony DiNome ’54 represented Molloy’s Class of 1954 at memorial services for Stan. Please keep Stan and the Derby family in your prayers.
We were informed of the passing of James W. Tuomey ’60. Please keep James and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
The Arrigo family asks that the Stanner community pray for Joseph R. Arrigo, father of Joseph ’77, Stephen ’83, and Christopher ’88. Please keep Mr. Arrigo and his family in your prayers.
We pray for the repose of the soul of Joan Pierog Morris, mother of Chris Morris ’95. Mrs. Morris passed away on July 25, 2014. The following are Chris’s words: “It was due to her hard work and sacrifice that I was fortunate enough to attend Archbishop Molloy High School and create a foundation for my future. Because of Joan I made everlasting friendships and was able to achieve socially, occupationally and educationally. Her gift will not be forgotten or squandered. Joan is survived by her son Christopher and granddaughter Summer Morris.”