Alumni Obits
---and I will raise you up on the last day----
October 10, 2011
Dear Ascension Alumni:
It is with a tremendous sense of loss that I write to tell you of the passing
of my sister, Lynn O’Leary, on June 26th, 2011.
She was better known back then as Ann Hurley.
her brother Robert,
and numerous nephews, nieces, and stepchildren.
Mary Hurley
*********************************************
December
21, 2011
My
sister, Evelyn
McClain Brawley ‘41
Passed
away on December
8th 2011
at
She
died peacefully in the same hospital room with her husband
Jim
Brawley and with eight of their children.
Ed
McClain ‘45
*******************************
December
21, 2011
It
is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of
Christine Halloran
Brennan (Class of 1945)
Chris,
a devoted daughter, loving wife, caring mother
dedicated
teacher and nurse, confidant and best friend.
Often
in my thoughts and always in my heart.
Lillian
Bauer Bickmeyer Class of ‘43
and--Class of ‘45
*********************************
December
21, 2011
Our
cousin, Mary
Zonneveld
Scipione, died on September 16, 2011 after a long illness.
I’m
not sure whether she graduated in 1950 or 1951.
She
completed a masters degree in education at
She
is survived by her brother Andrew Zonneveld, class of ’44, her husband Robert
Scipione of
She
will be missed by all of us.
Veronica
Cleary (Purcell) ‘45
Michael
Purcell ‘39
***************************************
October
20, 2011
Leroy Magno ‘48
died April
25, 2011
He
was from
on
104th between Columbus and Amsterdam.
He
was 77 years old.
His
picture is in the Older Links, Groups,
one
in
We
then left for
His
obituary can be seen at,
Teeters' Funeral
Chapel (Click on the
candles)
James Purcell ‘48
*****************************
October
9, 2011
Leonard Rishkowski
class of 1949
Passed
away peacefully on April 7, 2009.
Lived
on
Luckie
'49 were inseparable through many years.
His
brother Joseph Rishkowski '47'
***********************
October
7, 2011
John O'Toole
graduated Ascension in 1939,
and
was a longtime parishioner.
Please add him to the Obit section of the alumni website.
Thank you.
Barbara
Sorry
to read about John O'Toole death. His graduation was in 1939 not 1929. I knew him and his
family when they lived in the corner house on
Amsterdam
and 109th Street. From
***************************
October
5, 2011
Nancy Craddock
recently died.
Pat
Donegan Murray and I
are
sending a donation in memory of
Rose
*************************
October
5, 2011
My
sister, Louise
Heintz (Kayser)
Died 2011
at Ronconcama,
She
was the Class
of 1937
Also
Catherine White,
Class of 1938
Died December 2010
Age 88
And
finally
Katherine McVeigh
class of 1940
Died
at New Jersey 2010
Thank
you Tom Heintz Class of 1938
*************************
September
13, 2011
It is with heavy heart that I must report the passing of
Tom
Coady-‘44 on August 11/11
Tom went to Ascension and lived on 106th.Street,
between
Tom spent two tours with the Marines: WW 2
and reactivated for the Korean Conflict.
He spent his whole working life in the brewing industry,
retiring from Budweiser around 1995 and retiring to
Tom is survived by his wife Doris and his sister.
Tom was a great guy. Remember him in your prayers
and maybe donate something to the
Ascension Scholarship fund in Tom's mane.
John F Cleary
718-788-6506
***********************************
August
27, 2011
Joe Jackson
’41 passed away on August 25, 2011
Graduated from Ascension 1941.
Married to Frances O'Shea, class of 47.
Lived in Forked River, NJ
Joe’s Sister-
KathlineJackson
Relton, class of 43
passed away in May 2011.
Arthur O’Connell
********************************
June
16, 2011
It is with profound sadness that I write to say that my twin brother Robert (Bob) Sweeney, class of 1957 passed away on June 16, 2011. Following a heroic struggle with the ravages of Alzheimers disease characterized with acceptance, humor and courage, this gentle soul has gone to his reward. The battle is won, the victory is his. please remember Bob in your prayers.
Marty Sweeney, '57
********************************
February
12, 2011
It is with deep sadness I announce the passing of
my
ex-wife;
Janice (De
It happened today Feb. 12th at
but many knew her and her family
from
Please remember her in your prayers. Thank you,
Jim De Berry '54
***************************
February
9, 2011
My sister, Patricia
Quinn Sanders (Patsy) ‘58, died one year ago this past July
Please remember her in your prayers. Thank you,
She had ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. It was very
aggressive and
she died within one yr. of being diagnosed.
Patsy leaves behind her husband Dennis, 3 children
and 3 grandchildren. Please take a moment to say a prayer for her and her
family who miss her dearly.
We lived at
She and I graduated in 58, and our older sister Loretta Quinn Houlihan graduated in 56'.
The 3 of us went to a reunion there many years ago, and we got to see the old neighbors. What an opportunity!!
God Bless,
Mary Quinn Prescott
************************************
January 8,
2011
Ed Conroy of our class ’44 passed away after a long illness.
Please keep him in your prayers.
Eddy's family ran the horse stables for the Lion Brewery, which is mentioned when talking about the numbers of Breweries located in the metropolitan area years ago.
God bless Eddie
Jake Barrett
nanjake@udel.edu
**********************************
January 5,
2011
Robert
Parker class 1941 passed away May of 2010 at his home in
104 Street and
They lived at 60 West 106 Street top floor.
James Purcell
***************************
December
29, 2010
Sorry to report Alumnus Kenny Curtain passed away, Tuesday Dec. 28, 2010
He spent part of his youth in our neighborhood,
W 109St. Bet. Amst. and
John O’Donahue
*****************
December
23, 2010
John M Lynn class of ‘48 Died 12/20/10
John would be 77
James Purcell ‘48
**********************************
December 2,
2010
Joseph Raymond McClain ’44 passed away on
December 1, 2010. He was 80 years old.
Born and raised in
Joseph served in US Army as a Second Lieutenant in the Airborne Rangers during
the Korean War and worked as a crane operator for Union Local #14 in
He was a member of the Indian Lake Community Club, Past Commander of the
Denville V.F.W. Post #2519
and he was a coach for
Denville Little League.
He is predeceased by his brothers and sister Sonny, Rene, Jim and John, and
also by his brother in-law Tom O'Grady.
Joseph is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Eileen M. (O'Grady) McClain ‘47.
He is also survived by his loving children Kevin, Michael, Brian, Tim, Daniel,
and Nancy McClain and families. He is also survived by 14 Grandchildren, 8
Great Grandchildren and his siblings Edward (& Eileen) McClain of Florida,
and Evelyn (& Jim) Brawley of
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Carmelite Sisters, Carmelite
Monastery
****************************
To the
It is with much regret that we inform you of the death of
Mary Alice Chiffriller
(Holy Name)
retired – O’Malley
Library.
Condolences may be sent to:
Donald Chiffriller
3900 Bailey Avenue
Donald's dad was
Frank Chifferilla was care taker of the Church
and they lived in
the house right next to church.
Peggy
McKiernan
*****************************
November
25, 2010
Richie Youngers (TANK) wife Catherine (KIT) passed away on Sunday Nov. 21 2010 Richie was from 109 street.
Funeral at T J McGowans 133 Broadway Haverstraw N Y 10927 Tel. 845 429 2130 Tuesday NOV 24 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM
Mass at
************************
November 2,
2010
I am sorry
that I have to inform you that my
friend and classmate, Matty Scott ’41 passed away
on Monday,
November 1st
The wake will be at Fred McGrath Funeral Home
On Friday November 5th from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM
The funeral mass will be on
Saturday, November 6th at 10:30 AM,
at the Church of the Annunciation
and the burial will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery .
May he rest in peace.
******************************
August 16,
2010
I have just learned of the passing of Sissy Dwyer Maloney, ’50
a great gal from
Patsy Boyle
Hagner
*********************
August 8,
2010
TULLY-Maryanne (nee Rowe). beloved wife of the late Jack Tully.
Passed away peacefully at home on Monday August 2 2010
surrounded by her loving family.
She is survived by her cherished sister Donna Rowe
Wake was held at Williams Funeral Home at
232 Street and Broadway.
Mass of Resurrection was celebrated August 5th
at Church of the Ascension
Interment at Gate of
In place of flowers donations can be made in Maryanne’s memory
to the Church of the Ascension,
221 West 107 Street
****************************
July 14,
2010
THOMAS F. MURPHY 46
AGE: 78 BRADLEY BEACH
Thomas F. Murphy, 78, of Bradley Beach, formerly of Old Bridge, died Tuesday, July 13, 2010, at
Thomas was predeceased by his brother, Bernard Murphy. Surviving are his
beloved wife of 45 years, Joan (Galvin) Murphy; three daughters, Marypat
Jeffries and her husband David of Old Bridge, Sheila Murphy of Manalapan, and
Dina Starace and her husband Edward of East Brunswick; a sister, Joan Murphy;
and a nephew, Gregory McGrath and his wife Sharon. He also leaves four
grandsons, Thomas and Jeremy Jeffries, Kyle and Ryan Starace; and his
much-loved dog, Brandy.
Visiting will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 14 and July
15 at the O'Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Highway 35 at New Bedford Road, Wall. A
Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Friday, July 16 at the
Church of the Ascension 501 Brinley Ave., Bradley Beach. Burial will follow in
St. Anne's Cemetery, Wall. For more information or to send condolences, please
visit www.obrienfuneralhome.com.
********************************
July 8, 2010
Blaney, Deacon James J. ’40, passed to God’s glory
on July 6, 2010, at age 85.
Survived by wife of 60 years, Mary Caulfield Blaney, ’43,
children James T., Cathy, Jean, Mary & Jack Impellizeri, Bernadette & Frank Chavez, and Theresa & Hector Duran; as well as grandchildren Shannon & Brad Branham, Colin & Melissa Blaney, Traci, Jack & Jeremy Impellizeri, Brittany, Kristen, Frank & Kate Chavez,
and RJ, Katie & Matthew Duran.
Also survived by 4 great grandchildren Emma & Grace Blaney
and Conor & Baby Branham.
Ordained May 7, 1988, Deacon Jim served
Our Holy Redeemer parish,
St. Luke’s Church in
Jim was a 4-time Emmy award winning audio engineer at NBC TV
where he worked for 35 years.
Private burial at
In lieu of flowers, donations to
St. Luke’s Outreach
There will be a memorial mass for Jim
at the
where Jim served when he was ordained as a deacon.
The mass will be held on
July 24th
at 10:30 at
Our Holy Redeemer Parish
************************************
June 20, 2010
Ray Moorehead '43 passed away last night June 19,2010
in
Nancy&Jake
Barrett
*************************
June 6, 2010
Joe Devaney ('44) has passed away.
Joe and Ann had just returned from
when he was hospitalized and he died peacefully the following week.
Mary B. Gallagher ‘52
****************************
June 3, 2010
My brother Stanley Forrester passed away December 1st 2009.
He graduated in 1950 He died suddenly.
He served in the army for 21 yrs. Served in
Retired as a Sgt Major.
He lived in
He is survived by his loving wife Bencha and me.
Colette Forrester 1955) tullythecat@comcast.net
****************************
May 15, 2010
James
O’Keefe, class of 1939
Husband of Gloria Grasso (Holy Name)
Died suddenly on August 28th,2009at age 85
Jim was the second youngest of eight children,
John, Mary (Mae) Raymond (Happy),
Margaret ’31, Richard ’33, Michael ’35, and Catherine ‘41
Thank you,
Catherine O’Keefe
*********************************
April 1st 2010
My brother Walter
Sheehan ’38 died February 13, 2010
He was a good man.
Tommy Sheehan ‘51
******************************
March 1, 2010
I have just been informed that John T. McGuire [Jack] died Thursday.
He was a classmate of my brother Bob and John McClain
and they graduated from Ascension in 1934.
***************************
February 10, 2010
Dennis
Sweeny of
One of the14 Sweenys of Bway and 106St. above the
and husband of Eileen Kelly.
Dennis was the younger brother of my brother-in-law
Mike Sweeny, deceased, late husband of my sister Judy.
Jake Barrett ‘44
*************************
January 24, 2010
Genevieve
(Peggy) Harmon ‘43
Passed away
September, 2008
Jim Blaney ‘43
******************************
January 22, 2010
Pete Basabe from our neighborhood passed away, Sunday Jan 17,2010.
I don't know any other details other than, he passed while in the hospital.
May he RIP. He was a good man.
John O’Donohue
***************************
January 21,
2010
Margaret McInerney ‘25
(August 5, 1908 - January 20, 2010)
101, of New
Port Richey died at
Survivors
include her son, Eugene,
Just to let
you and the Ascension alumni know that my Mom,
Margaret McInerney ’25,
passed away yesterday January 20th
at 101 years of age. The end of an era.
Son, Gene
McInerney
**********************
January 19,
2010
Stanley Forrester, class of
50" passed away on Dec. 1, 2009
in
I
understand from his wife it was quite sudden.
Stan lived
on 105th
Helen
**************************
November 7,
2009
Patricia Devaney Stevens ’48
Loving wife
of Jim ’46 died, August 2009
after long
illnesses.
Pat and Jim
lived on
They have
lived in
********************
October 9,
2009
HIGGINS-James
J. On October 7, 2009.
Beloved
husband of Catherine (nee Landers).
Loving
father of James (Donna), Mary (Chris) Perez,
Christopher
(Christie Barricella).
Devoted
grand father of Coleen and Kevin Higgins,
Christopher,
Maryalice & Cynthia Perez.
Dear brother
of Daniel Higgins & the late Margaret Waitkus.
********************
September
22, 2009
Brother Michael Farrell, FSC died suddenly on September 29, 2009.
He is survived by his siblings,
Brother John Farrell, FSC, Kathleen, James and Eugene.
The Farrells lived on 109 Street and Michael
graduated from Ascension in 1954. Michael spent over 20 years in
.
Sister Mary Gallagher SC
***********************************
August 24,
2009
RAWDON-Angela
(nee McLoughlin)
’51 On March 3, 2009.
Retired registered nurse, Coney Island Hospital.
Beloved wife of Philip. Devoted mother of Christina Diminno
(Bart), Theresa Hyland (Chris) and Carolyn Scannell
(Joe). Loving grandmother of Ryan,
Don Greeley
***************************
August 24,
2009
I , have just learned that
Ann Carolyn
Alva ‘51
from
Patsy Boyle Hagner
ALVA, ANN C.
- Ann C. Alva ‘51 of
We are truly grateful.
*******************************************
August 1,
2009
I have just been informed that our classmate
James Healey
died yesterday, July 31st.
He was married to Margaret Hines.
********************************
July 30,
2009
Another member of the Ascension Alumni passed away last night.
Pat Murtha (Gurman), she was a great gal, full of fun.
Myself and Betty Butler use to go to Wildwood with Pat for five days in May,
and believe me she and her sisters, Ann and Kay, were a big part of the fun we had on that trip.
The Murtha Family, were fine people, one as good as the next.
I know Pat is safely home, and I hope she knows.
There are a lot of people who will miss her dearly.
The likes of her will never pass this way again.
Patsy Boyle Hagner
Pat Murtha lived in the
there was a wake today and her family celebrated her life today.
Her sister Anne Murtha McHugh was with her till the end..
The Kilcooley Family wishes to offer our condolences
to the Murtha Family in their time of mourning.
We grew up as each other's extended family, probably even wearing each others
clothes.
Please say a prayer for Pat, she will be missed.
John
Kilcooley ‘51
*****************************
July 26,
2009
My husband John J. Bernard ’41 died in June
of last year.
He had
suffered form Alzheimer’s disease for many years.
John J.
Bernard, 81, of
Mr.
Bernard, born in NY City, was a World War II veteran, serving in the US Navy as
a Radar man 3rd Class on the USS Burleigh until honorably discharged in 1946.
He continued as a Naval Reservist until leaving with the rank of Lieutenant
Commander in 1979.
He resided
in Brick, NJ until after the loss of his first wife, Patricia Bernard.
Moving to
Mr Bernard
graduated from
He also
served with USAID in
As a
Certified Public Accountant, he was a member of AICPA.
Mr. Bernard
was a parishioner at St. George Roman Catholic Church in
Sandra
Cristofori
***************************************
July 1,
2009
My sister, Catherine (Kathleen or Kay) McHugh
Brautigan, 1944
passed away
on July 8, 2008 at the age of 78.
Her
husband, John J. Brautigan, a NJ resident all his life, passed away in
February 2006.
My sister
is survived by seven children and twenty grandchildren
ranging in
ages from 6 months to 24 years.
She is also
survived by four brothers, Thomas '42, Patrick '46, Bernard '48 and Peter. Also, three
sisters-in-law: Rosemary Mayol (Mrs. Bernard McHugh) and Yolanda Mayol
(Mrs. Peter McHugh). Rosie and Joey graduated in the fifties, but I don't
know the exact years. Tommy and his wife, Joan M. Bell McHugh,'44, live
in Wall Township, NJ, Barney and Rose live in Dumont, NJ as does Peter and
Joey.
Please ask
everyone to remember her in their prayers.
Pat McHugh
’46 pfmcq@verizon.net
**********************************
January 4, 2012
I just heard
that Theresa Leo, class of ‘41
died last
Sunday June 30,2009 out in
She was Donny Leo’s sister
**************************
June 26, 2009
********************
May 23, 2009
TROTTA-Mary (nee Henessy) 75, May 22, 2009. ‘48
Beloved wife of Bernard.
Devoted mother of Trudy, Margaret (deceased) & Thomas (Rosemary).
Adoring grandmother of Carolann, Teresa & Nicole.
Resident of Brooklyn & Breezy Point.
Member of A.O.H. St. Bernard's Rosary Society
& Catholic Daughters of America.
------------------------------
It is with very deep regret that I inform Ascension Alumni of the passing of my mother, Mary Hennessy Trotta, (class of '48) on May 22, 2009.
My heart breaks as I write this, but I know she would want me to reach out to her old childhood friends and say "thanks" and "fond farewell!"
She
always spoke so lovingly and fondly of her years in
Mom
loved attending reunions and chatting with old friends and neighbors from the
upper west side. If you knew my mother, please take a moment and say a prayer
for her....and for me.
Many thanks,
Trudy Trotta
-------------------------------
Mary Hennessy Trotta '48 died yesterday at
****************************
May 8, 2009
Sadly, I must inform you of the death of my cousin,
Mary Hartnett (Class of ’44), September 29,
2008
Please
pray for Mary
She was the sister of the late Timothy Vincent Hartnett (Class of ’47)
Sister Marian Hunt ‘36
***************************
May 8, 2009
Sorry to report that my cousin
Jackie (John) Scully died January ’09
in
I think he was class of ’47 or ‘48.
We all lived at 93 West 103rd across from Arden Theater
Mary Keating McGrail ‘46
*********************************
May 1, 2009
We would like to inform you of the passing of our brother
Thomas Devaney class of ‘41 on April 27
after a long illness.
He was predeceased by his two wives and is survived by three step children,
one son and one grand daughter.
PLEASE
KEEP HIM IN YOUR PRAYERS.
Joe ‘44 and Frank ‘45 Devaney
*********************************
May 1 2009
Another member of Ascension, passed tonight, Joe Zane,
A real great guy, to those of you who remember him, say a prayer,
he went
to mass every morning, and prayed for everyone.
God Speed Old Friend,
Patsy
Boyle Hagner / John O’Donahue
******************************