Reverend Mike Parrotta R.I.P.

 

From Brian Harrington, Investiture 1961:

 

Earlier this year, well-known & highly respected S.M.M. alum Fr. Michael Parrotta learned that his cancer had metastasized, and further medical intervention was not possible. Sadly, I now reportt that Fr. Mike passed away in Hospice care on October 14, 2022.

A native of Ozone Park, N.Y., Mike Parrotta enrolled at Montfort Prep Seminary in 1952 after graduating from St. Mary Gate of Heaven grammar school. He played varsity sports at MPS. Mike (a gentle giant) excelled in two of them. In soccer he was a fullback feared by opponents because of his size. He was strong and could kick a soccer ball fifty yards or more when clearing it from the goal he was defending. In baseball, he was the varsity catcher and field boss and the standout power hitter on the team. He could be an outspoken tease of fellow students but never a nasty one. We liked him, and he liked us.

He was invested in 1958 and entered Novitiate in Hartford City, Indiana. Following first Profession of vows in 1959, he began Major Seminary studies in Litchfield, Ct. At the conclusion of the 1962 academic year, Mike declined renewal of his vows and departed the S.M.M. after ten years of study.

Mike never quite abandoned his interest in priestly ministry. Years later, as a “delayed vocation” candidate, he resumed seminary education and was accepted for ordination by the Bishop of Fargo, North Dakota. Subsequently, with the approval of that Bishop, he requested and received a transfer to Florida to help a cancer stricken, neglected young woman, whom he later adopted. For the past 12 years, Fr. Mike has been on staff, serving parishioners at:

St. Rita's Catholic Church

13645 Paddock Drive

Wellington, FL  33414

(561) 793-8544

Dennis Kelly, RIP

 From Brian Harrington:

Heartfelt goodbye and thank you to Montfort alum Dennis Kelly. Dennis passed away at age 75 on 9/26/2022 while in memory care in Myrtle Beach, SC.

A Montfortian for just 2-years, he liked everyone he knew, and we liked him.

Dennis attended St. Mary Gate of Heaven grammar school in Ozone Park, NY and St. Leonard’s High School in Ridgewood, NY. Immediately thereafter he entered the S.M.M. in Hartford City, Indiana as a novice. He made his first profession of vows in August of 1966. The following month he began his college education at St. Louis University while residing at the McPherson Avenue residence of the S.M.M. After completing a first year at SLU, Dennis declined renewal of his vows, departed SLU, and returned to Queens County, NYC.

Those of us who knew him, especially remember his remarkable musical talent. Though he didn’t read sheet music, Dennis could pick up a random musical instrument, fiddle with it awhile and 15 minutes later, play a song on it. He sang and played guitar as a member of “The New World Singers” one of several Montfortian folk singing groups formed in the 1960s. Taken during his novitiate, the attached photo of that group includes [L to R]: George Sullivan, Jack Callery, Jack Lyons, George White, Steve Palmer, Larry Cullen, and Denis Kelly.

After his departure, Dennis sought to establish a new career path. He accepted a job as a New York City bus driver and did gigs as a recording studio session musician. He joined the Nassau County Police Department, from which he retired after 20 years of service. After that he became President of a private security service that offered protective services to entertainers, celebrities, and diplomats during their visits to the New York City metropolitan area.

A funeral Mass for Dennis took place at St. Mary Gate of Heaven Church and his remains have been interred at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale, NY. Should you wish to send condolences to his wife Cathie, she may be reached by e-mail at: howell5632@aol.com or by telephone at 516-330-5958. In lieu of flowers, Dennis' family suggested that memorial contributions in his name be made to a foundation devoted to assisting victims and families of those afflicted with life threatening childhood diseases.

Katie McBride Foundation

506 Lakeville Road

New Hyde Park, NY 11040

May he Rest in Peace.

Brian Harrington

Investiture Class of 1961 

 

[L to R]: George Sullivan, Jack Callery, Jack Lyons, George White, Steve Palmer, Larry Cullen, and Denis Kelly.

 

 

Fr. Jerry Fitzsimmons

Prayers are requested for Jerry Fitzsimmons, SMM, as he deals with his recent diagnosis of ALS (Lou Gehrig disease). In his own words:".. your prayers put me in his (God's) presence and the power of his love." He let us know that he will be doing everything he can to work with the doctors, be a realist like the Blessed Mother, and that he will "Let God be God, in unconditional love." (Thanks to Lucille  Feeser for sharing this.)

Rev. Gerald Fitzsimmons, SMM

In other SMM news, Matt Considine, SMM, was recently appointed pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Manorville NY

Passing of Joe Fazzina

 

                                       Joseph Valentine Fazzina, RIP 2/14/1933-9/6/2022

 Joe professed vows in 1954 and was ordained in 1960. He taught at Bay Shore for a number of years. 

The following obituary was posted by Joe's son, Daniel, on Facebook.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

2 Timothy 4:7

Joseph Valentine Fazzina passed peacefully in his sleep into the glorious presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 6th 2022, after a brief bout with cancer. He was 89.

Joseph was a recent arrival to his new home in Newport News, Virginia, where he moved from Long Island, New York in February 2022 to be closer to his only son, Daniel Fazzina and his family, who are residents of Yorktown, Virginia.

Joseph was born on a snowy Valentine’s Day in Boston, Massachusetts in 1933 to Sicilian immigrants Salvatore and Maria Fazzina. He spent his elementary and high school years in Boston, graduating from Brighton High School in 1950. He then left for college, studying at many universities and earning a baccalaureate degree and several masters degrees in education, counseling, administration, and foreign languages from colleges such as McGill University in Canada, St. John’s University in New York City, and St. Joseph’s College on Long Island, New York. He also studied in seminary for 6 years, and was in full-time ministry for over 10 years before transitioning to his true calling and passion of teaching.

He started teaching in 1955, and throughout his long career as an educator, taught romance languages at all levels – from kindergarten through college. In addition to English, he was fluent in Italian, Spanish, French, and Latin. He spent 29 years teaching at Longwood High School in Middle Island, New York, from 1971 until his retirement in 2000. He loved sports, especially basketball, baseball and football. He played, refereed, coached and managed many teams over the years. He was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Mastic Beach, New York and deeply loved his friends from the congregation, whom he considered to be family. He would often rave about his home church, saying, “There’s no place like Grace.”

Joseph was an intelligent, kind, patient, humble, easy-going and generous man with an infectious smile and jovial demeanor. He was very social, and made friends easily wherever he went because he knew how to honor people and make one feel special. He was very spiritual and loved Jesus and desired to emulate and be close to Him. He loved to laugh, tell jokes and stories, and spend time with friends and loved ones. He loved volunteering at church and most of all, teaching. Nothing gave him more satisfaction than seeing a student learn, grow and develop.

Joseph is pre-deceased by his parents, Salvatore and Maria Fazzina, parents-in-law, Nicholas and Arline Large, sisters Josephine Fazzina Eliboro, Edythe Fazzina Dell’Orfano, Elvira Fazzina Martori, and by his wife of nearly 50 years, Gwendolyn Large Fazzina. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law Paul and Anne Fazzina, brother Frank Fazzina, sister Elinore Fazzina Souza, sister-in-law Marilynn Large Shultz, step-daughter Janine Van Zwienen, son Daniel Fazzina, daughter-in-law Sahani Howie-Fazzina, grandchildren Evangeline Fazzina, Gabriella Fazzina and David Fazzina, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and many other family members too numerous to list. 

 

***********************************************************************************

 

St. Louis U Revisited

 Al Schebera writes (on 9/16/22):

Last week Louis Miller and Jack Coyne visited me in St. Louis. We toured St. Louis University campus. The campus has changed so much that it is hardly recognizable. 

1964 Ordination Class

Richard Schebera, Jerry Pramuk, Pat Gaffney, Joe Hassett, Chick Schultz .  1963, Litchfield soon after deaconate ordination.

 

February 22, 1964 ordination Litchfield L to R: Hassett, Schebera, Schultz, Pramuk

February 23, 1964 Richard Schebera’s first mass in Litchfield chapel. L to R: Ed Blydenburg, Richard, Pat Gaffney

Pramuk, Hassett, Schultz, Schebera; 1963 ordination to deaconate Hartford, Connecticut.

Long Island Reunion 1977

Left to Right by couples: Front Row: Barbara Dolan Kelly and baby, Mary and Frank Kennedy, Marian and Denis Sullivan (holding daughter), Dennis Kelly, Ted and Barbara Schmidt; Middle Row: Kevin and Pat Somerville, Ed and Margaret Dilgen, Dave and Lucille Feeser , Chuck and Millie Imbergamo; Top Row: Susan and Chick Schultz, Brian and Joan Harrington, John and Christine McCrann

 

Marybrook Novitiate, 1958

All photos on this page are provided by Al Schebera.

Class entered novitiate 195?  L to R: Joe Hassett, Chick Schultz, Frank Dumont, Mike Parotta, Vinny Kandrotas, Dick Schebera, Mike Dorman, and Bob Calilli.

Class of 1957: Front Row: Marty Curley, John Bemelmanns, Willie Peers, Brother Paul Laurens. Second Row: Mike Dorman, Joe Hassett, Chick Schultz, and Dick Schebera. Back Row: Mike Parotta, Brother Chris and Vinny Kandrotas.

 

 

Class of 1964 - Front Row: Louis Miller, Ed Elibero, Joe Valentine, Brother John, Gil Daniels. Second Row: Bob Cassidy, Bob Borchert, Marc Burgett and Ross Caputo. Back Row: Al Schebera, John Coyne, George Werner, John O'Reilly,  (part of) Paul Baker, Kevin Somerville and Don Middendorf

In full regalia, Investiture class of 1957, L to R: Vinny Kandrotas, Chick Schultz, Joe Hassett, James Schumacher, Bob Calilli, Mike Dorman, Dick Schebera, Mike Parotta

Genesis  of the Montfort Mission? L to R: Joe Valentine, John O'Reilly, Ed Dilgen, George Werner, Al Schebera and Dick Schebera

 

 

 

 

Dick Schebera SMM, Paul Baker, Ed Dilgen and John O'Reilly

Lourdes in Litchfield and the Brothers Who Built It.

 "The Shrine of Lourdes in Litchfield is a replica of the Grotto  of Lourdes in France. Built of local fieldstone by two Montfort Brothers, Brother Alfonso and Brother Gabriel, with the help of Montfort seminarians and people from the area, the Shrine was dedicated in 1958." Lourdes in Litchfield web site

The Grotto, Litchfield, Connecticut

The Brothers who built the Grotto came from the Montfort Province in Italy, with the express mission to build a replica of the Grotto of Lourdes, France on the grounds of the then major seminary in Litchfield Connecticut.  Anyone who has been to Lourdes can testify they did a brilliant job. They were artisans and masons but also took on many other tasks.  First they had to clear the site on the hillside below the seminary and remove all the trees and brush,  Then they proceeded to dig into the hillside and pry loose, using dynamite and their own strength, the field stone which would eventually become the Grotto. Finally they built the Grotto into the hillside, stone by stone, with the help of the scholastics (seminarians) in residence. It took two or three years to complete the replica before its dedication in 1958, the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin to a young peasant girl, Bernadette Soubirous.

 

 

 

 

A word about the Brothers, Alphonso and Gabriele.  They were plainspoken, dedicated religious men. Gabriele was man of the earth and a bit rough aroind the edgesat times but always friendly. He also enjoyed playing little tricks  on the seminarians.  Alphonso was  a bit more genteel. He was always peaceful, friendly and supportive. Many times as the seminarians labored under a hot sun to load or unload the portable cement mixer with, sand gravel and cement powder, or move the large blocks of field stone for the brothers to put in their place in the Grotto, he would give an encouraging 'Fortia', 'Couragio' or 'Patientia' accompanied by an encouraging smile. Alphonso was happy to tell you he and Gabriele were from the Bergamo Province in Italy, which was the birthplace of Angelo Guiseppe Roncalli who became Pope John XXIII in October, 1958 (the same year the Grotto was completed).

Both brothers were also knowledgeable and hardworking farmers.  They planted and harvested vegetables for the seminary kitchen and raised chickens, sheep, pigs and cows, which contributed to the community food stock.  (As seminarians we had the wholesome experience of helping in all these ventures, including once in a while milking the cows, collecting eggs, killing, de-feathering and dressing (gutting) the chickens, etc. We also spent many hot summer days loading hay bales onto the truck and then stacking them in the barn. I'm sure the experience heightened our appreciation of farmers and farm life. My own experience included helping Brother Gabriele birth a calf. I also tried to milk the cows, not very successfully, when the brothers were away on retreat or a vacation trip back to Italy.  And, not to be forgotten, Gabriele and Alphonso made their own polenta and Grappa.  I imagine they routinely shared the Grappa with the seminary faculty but not with the seminarians. However there was one  frigid winter day when classes were cancelled so all the scholastics could help the Brothers finish siding a new shelter they had built in which the sheep could more safely birth and nurse the season's lambs. It was so cold that when the job was completed after about three hours working in freezing temperatures, the Seminary Rector, Tom Kelley, treated us all to a small shot of Grappa, to keep us from getting pneumonia.  No one did, so it must have worked. Good Grappa!    

Salute Fratelli Gabriele y Alphonso!

(Editor's Note: If anyone has pictures of the two Brothers, it would be great to publish them here.)

Mt. Washington

 In 1996 Cliff Laube organized an SMM reunion  trip to Conway NH and the nearby Mt. Washington. As the third picture below suggests, one reason for the trip was to celebrate Frank Kennedy's 60th birthday

Here are some pictures taken  at the time.  If anyone has other pictures (from this or any other events) please share for publication here. Thanks to "Anonymous" for pinning down the year of the Mt. Washington adventure.

 

Brian Harrington and Frank Kennedy

Frank K, Sue Schultz, Cliff Laube III

The writing on the cake is "Thank you for giving my 60th birthday some real meaning"

Esther Laube watching Sue and Frank pick a lobster

Frank K, Sue Schultz, Cliff Laube III

Heading up the mountain

Frank Kennedy, Ed Dilgen, Dick Schebera, Brian and Joan Harrington, Paul Provost

Monsieur Paul

Margaret Dilgen

Beautiful view

That's far enough!!!

 

 

 

Memorabilia from 2000 Reunion

 Courtesy of Jack Dolan

Spirituality for the Street

                Joe McCarthy ( Bay Shore 1955 – 1960 )

                offers weekly reflections.

                They vary in focus, style and length.

                The hope is to clarify and encourage.

                The blog is in its sixth year.

                 Joe writes under the nom de plume John Frank -

                 John the Apostle of Love,

                 Francis, radically alive/loving.

                 Joe admits the blog is an excellent cure for insomnia!

                 You can reach Joe at 908-763-2057,

                 joemccarthy40@gmail.com

 

                                        frankly speaking

                                 spirituality for the street

                     

    https://johnfrankshares.blogspot.com

In Memory of Ross Caputo

Obituary compiled by Brian Harrington: 

March 18, 2022 

Dear current and former Montfortians, 

 Sadly, we have lost a former confrere, a friend to many, a humanitarian, and an exemplary Christian. Rosario “Ross” Caputo died unexpectedly in Padua, Italy on March 9, 2022, at the age of 77. Cause of death was a cerebral hemorrhage. 

A native of Brooklyn, NY, Ross entered Montfort Prep. in 1958 and was invested in 1964. He made his first profession the following year and departed the Community in 1968. He was the only-child of Italian immigrant parents, and a lifelong bachelor with no biological descendants. 

After departing the S.M.M., Ross worked and lived alternately in Tucson, Arizona, and from several addresses in Italy. He went on to a storied career as a global teacher and counselor to disadvantaged teens, orphans, neglected or impoverished children and those with special needs. 

His extensive professional and educational credentials included: 

St. Louis University – B.A. Degree in Sociology 

Southern Illinois University – Masters Degree in Special Education 

Columbia University, NYC – Doctorate in Education 

Brescia University, Owensboro, KY – Assistant Professor, Special Education 

University of Arizona – Adjunct Professor, Special Education/Rehabilitation 

St. Louis Juvenile Court – Volunteer Counselor 

Missionaries of Charity, Rome, Italy – Lay religious member [diary entry follows] 

• Jan. 5, 2018: Today we went to visit a hundred men and some women in the Tijuana jails...amidst unbelievable stench and suffering, these people only thanked and blessed us in word and smile for a few peanut butter sandwiches. Ross Caputo 

May he Rest in Peace. Brian Harrington Investiture Class of 1961 

An outpouring of sentiment was posted on Facebook following news of his death. Reproduced below in purple are several lightly edited examples from friends in Italy:

 I still remember your words, before the pandemic, here's what you asked "Please help in the Mother Church Hall every Thursday from 4pm... you together with Elena Salvaggio and Sarah ... The boys need you badly.... I hope and pray that you can do this" 

“Love your neighbor as yourself. " A man who made the greatest teaching of Our Lord His lifestyle has passed away. 

 Can't believe this is true. We lost a great man this morning. He has been taken too soon.....Rest in peace 

Rosario Caputo Your strength, your will and your love will accompany us forever. You were a great Man. Goodbye Rosario Caputo I will always remember you with great affection Have a safe journey my friend, I still can't believe it, the world wasn't ready to lose you yet. I will always love you and I carry you in my heart forever. Rest in peace, great missionary of life and good Rosario Caputo 

Hi Ross, my dear friend, see you on the other side Dear friend… 

“zio” Rosario Caputo you have made my life better and this world a much brighter place where all are loved and welcomed. Thank you! Thank you, God, for this precious life you have used to touch mine and countless others… Rosario pray for us!

 Go Rosario you've always been a warrior, you've always fought for the good, for the boys, for all those who need it the most.... You are a humble, kind-hearted man like Very few in this world.... You were a pillar in my adolescence, and I will never forget all the good you did to me. You are a special being. I pray for you because the world still needs your infinite love. I love you so much and my heart is close to you Great warrior, we are all with you keep going, fight that the one who loves you is waiting for you Rosario Caputo 

Come on Rosario! Fight this battle for life too. All your friends and relatives scattered across the 5 continents are united with you in a network of affection and prayers. 

Rosario suffered a cerebral hemorrhage on Sunday, (March 9, 2022).  

 ****************************************

The following pics are of Ross Caputo, provided by Al Schebera, who wrote

I also remember Ross Caputo and have attached some photos. I had not had any contact with him in about 50 years and thanks to Louis Miller I contacted Ross In Tucson AZ. For about 2 years I had long phone conversations with him until he departed for Italy. He sent me photos and emails always asking to be remembered to the Montfort brethren. He had friends all over the world. With the exception of the Sicilian mafia everyone he knew loved him. I will miss him. AL

Christmas, 2019, Tucson, Arizona

Summer 1966 Ross speaking to a poor Appalachia glue sniffing youth in St. Louis

Padova, Italy. June 2021<>

Padova, Italy, June, 2021

Italy, September, 2021

August, 1964 - Hartford City Indiana - First day of novitiate
L-R Dick Schebera, Joe Collins, Ross, Paul Baker, Al Schebera

St. Louis de Montfort

Thanks to Al Schebera for this picture of St. Louis, marking his feast day (a day late - my bad)

Montfort Alumni Reunion, Bay Shore, 2000

2005 Reunion at Bay Shore. To see who's who, consult the photo key below.
Move the scroll bar at the bottom of your screen to the right >>> to see the full picture.
If you would like to identify individuals in the top picture please send the name and corresponding number from the bottom picture to edilgen34@gmail.com

Use the numbers below to identify individuals in the group picture: 

Use <Control +> to zoom in.

 

 

Montfort Prep Seminary 1964 Investiture Class

This is one of many photos that were originally published on the web site Monfortalumni.org Thanks to George White for sending them along.  I will try to add names but please send me any for people you recognize whom I missed or misnamed. mailto:edilgen34@gmail.com  More of the old photos can be found on the "Rogues Gallery" pages.  See the Pages list on the right.

 

Investiture Class, May, 1964, Montfort Prep, Bay Shore, NY. Standing L-R John O'Reilly, Paul Baker, Ross Caputo, Kevin Somerville, Pete McGorry, John Massey, Bob Casey, Mark Burgett. Sitting L-R Lou Miller, Bob Borchert, Gil Daniels, Ed Elibero, Joe Valentine, Jack Coyne.