Class Notes for May 2018

2010s

Daniel Aidoo ’17 was recently promoted to Records Coordinator at Taconic Innovations, a nonprofit organization that provides services and supports for day-to-day living, employment, health care, and transportation for individuals with developmental disabilities. Aidoo was previously an administrative assistant at the company, which he joined in October 2017.

Kim Murdick ’17 visited the Saint Rose campus in April for a Deep River Dialogue to share the story of her son, Sean Murdick, whom her family lost to a battle with addiction that started with a prescription for a broken arm.

Carly Weller ’17 is currently attending Wheelock College, soon to be Wheelock College of Education and Human Development, at Boston University. She is enrolled in the M.S. Child Life and Family-Centered Care program and will be graduating in December.

Sara Goldstein G’16 recently conducted an autism workshop at Touro College in New York City, discussing a therapy method called Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

Olivia Rickenbacher ’15 is the communications and public policy coordinator at the Alliance of New York State YMCAs, where she develops and implements communication strategies for advocacy efforts. At the same time, she is pursuing a graduate degree at Marist College.

Dogeli Rojas ’15 is pursuing her Masters of Public Health and working as a graduate research assistant at the University of South Florida. Her current research focuses on ways to increase maternal and infant health in the community.

Brittany Terry ’15 is finishing her M.S. in sociology at Loyola University in Chicago and graduates this May.

Alexis Williams ’15, who was working for the United States Olympic Committee as a contracted operations coordinator, reports that she is now working for USA Triathlon as a regional facilitator specializing in youth development at the grassroots level.

Adama Barry ’14 has been accepted as a masters in social work student at both the NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and Columbia University, and is currently deciding whether she prefers to study uptown or downtown. She is enjoying motherhood with her 22-month-old daughter, FatimaH Barry. She reports that she is searching for the perfect work-life balance, continuing to work full time as communications director for the New York State Assembly, and doing some volunteer work on the side with organizations involved in issues that she’s passionate about, such as gender equality, maternity and sexual and reproductive health and rights, and meaningful youth engagement. “#Strose always!!” she adds.

Laura Falkowitz ’14 has become head coach for the volleyball program at Union College. She joined from New England College, where she was head volleyball coach.

Jacquelyn Chyrell Richards ’14 sends her greetings from Ithaca, where she is happily completing her first year as a masters of public administration student at the Cornell Institute of Public Affairs. As president of the Cornell Black Graduate and Professional Student Association, she was one of nine student leaders who met recently with Cornell President Martha Pollack to discuss topics of common concern to the student body. Richards, who focuses her studies on government and public policy, is also involved in the Tompkins County Young Democrats. She has been chronicling her experiences and insights in a Cornell blog.

Maria Sanchez Gonzalez ’13 recently began a new position as women’s apparel retail buyer for Nike in Hilversum, North Holland Province, the Netherlands. She had previously worked as Women’s Running e-commerce and B&M Retail Planner in Amsterdam (the Netherlands) and has been with Nike since July 2014. She sends her greetings from the Netherlands.

Matthias Hackett ’13, an avid fly fisherman, combined his love of fly fishing with kite flying to invent the Castakite. He successfully commercialized and sold off the company, giving himself time to pursue other interests – namely, fly fishing. He is currently happily working as a fishing guide at Baxter House Outfitters https://www.baxterhouse.net/lessons-and-guides in Roscoe, New York.

Elizabeth Schultz ’13 has been promoted to art director at LP&M Advertising in Syracuse. She was formerly a graphic designer with the organization.

2000s

Mike Brown G’08 continues to carve out market share for his overcaffeinated Death Wish Coffee, recently entering partnerships with Walmart and Safeway that bring the popular brand to 2,000 retail locations nationwide.

Franco Pacheco ’06 is head swimming and diving coach at St. Norbert College (De Pere, Wisconsin), which he joined after serving as assistant swim coach and recruiting coordinator at Colorado College (Colorado Springs).

Nicole Gabriel ’05, G’09 has seen the a capella group that she began at Mohonasen High School, reach the quarterfinals of the International Championship of High School A Capella competition multiple times. This year, she once again led the group to win the quarterfinal phase of the contest.

Joyce Zacharewicz (Soodkanong Muongmee) G’05 has opened a second Short and Stout gourmet tea store in Crossgates Mall.

1990s

Thomas Schuttenhelm ’92 was named artistic director for the Network for New Music, a Philadelphia-based organization that supports new music and musicians through commissioning and performing works, and engaging in educational and artistic collaborations.

1980s

Tracie Killar ’86 has reached 20,000 healthy meals served to low-income children and families at the community dining place she founded in Albany, the South End Children’s Café.

Margaret M. Higgins ’80 was appointed President of Cristo Rey San Jose High School (San Jose, California) in January. She had previously worked at Santa Clara University as senior director of development and scholarship initiatives.

1970s

Dennis McDonald ’77, G’91, and Jeanne O’Connor McDonald ’78, G’92, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on January 21. They have planned a trip to Ireland in August to continue the celebration. 

John Antonio ’71, G’80 recently provided his musical expertise to coach young percussionists at A Day of Percussion in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey.

1960s

Molly Biggs Celani ’61 is a candidate for the Granville Board of Education. She is currently vice president of the board.

In memoriam

Eileen Sullivan ’00 passed away at the age of 40 on April 4 in Albany. A communications auditor for Blue Shield of Northeastern New York in Latham, she graduated from Dover High School and earned a B.A. in public communication at Saint Rose. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice. To send the family an online condolence, please visit www.hufcutfuneralhome.com.

Deborah “Debbie” Knoll ’92 passed away at the age of 47 on April 14. Born in Albany, Knoll graduated from Berne-Knox Westerlo High School and earned a B.S. of business administration from Saint Rose. She worked as a mortgage underwriter for Homestead Funding Group for 20 years, as a Cub Scout pack leader and treasurer for Pack 1083 for seven years, and was an enthusiastic supporter of the sports that her boys, Ryan and Justin, enjoyed. She was a frequent school volunteer and field-trip chaperone. She also cared for three rescue pups, Bella, Miles, and Taz. She also loved yearly trips to the ocean – whether Hampton Beach, Salisbury Beach, or Wildwood at the Jersey Shore.

Melissa Moore ’97 passed away on March 28 at the age of 43. Originally from Saratoga Springs, she graduated from Ballston Spa High School and earned a B.S. of social work at Saint Rose. A probation officer for the Saratoga County Probation Department for 19 years, Moore loved spending time at the ocean, gardening, and baking; her greatest joy was her family. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to Ronald McDonald House, 139 South Lake Ave. Albany, NY 12208 or Saratoga Co Animal Shelter, 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Judith Boehlert Schram ’72 passed away at the age of 71 in New Hartford on April 7. A native of Utica, she graduated from St. Francis de Sales High School in Utica, earned a B.S. in Elementary Education: pre-K-grade 6 from Saint Rose, and a master’s degree from SUNY Oswego. She worked for many years as a teacher with the Poland Central School, later Sacred Heart in Utica, and most recently the Utica City School District. She enjoyed bowling, swimming, and baking, and excelled at golf. She was known for her great sense of humor and love of telling jokes. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in Judy’s name at act.alz.org. Online guestbook and messages of sympathy can be left at www.heintzfuneralservice.net.

Sister Judith Ann Howley ’65, CSJ, passed away at the age of 76 on April 21 at St. Joseph’s Provincial House in Latham. A native of Schenectady, Sister Judith, who earned a B.S. in elementary education at Saint Rose and pursued postgraduate work at Syracuse University, Colgate University, and the Illinois Institute of Technology, began her teaching career at St. Peter’s School in Troy. She worked also at the Syracuse Diocese, St. Brigid’s School and West Side Consolidated School, and St. Andrew’s Parish, all in Syracuse; she served for nearly 20 years as director of the Asian Apostolate of the Syracuse Diocese. Ill health forced her to retire in 2012; she moved to St. Joseph’s Provincial House. While she found joy in all of her work, she felt most fulfilled in the Asian Apostolate, where she helped welcome refugees from Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Bhutan, and Myanmar. She spent her years giving voice and hope to those in search of home, and her legacy of hospitality and hope lives on. Contributions in Sister Judith’s memory may be made to the Development Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 385 Watervliet Shaker Road, Latham, NY, 12110. Please express your condolences by visiting sanvidgefuneralhome.com.

Sister Germaine Lichtle G’64, CSA, passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on April 7 at St. Francis Home in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Born in Decatur, Indiana, She earned a master’s degree in business education in 1964. Orphaned at the age of 7 after the deaths of her parents, she and her siblings were brought up by their grandparents. She graduated from Decatur Catholic High School and entered St. Agnes Convent in Fond du Lac, professing her vows in the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Agnes in 1944. She completed a B.S. in education from Marian College and an M.S. in business education from Saint Rose. She later earned certification as a retirement planning specialist. She taught elementary school for 11 years in Indiana and Kansas, and secondary-school business classes in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and New York for 34 years. She served as adjunct faculty at Marian College and local coordinator for retired sisters in Fond du Lac. She later joined the Foster Grandmother Program and tutored in the Learning Resource Center at St. Mary’s Springs Academy for 17 years. She was inducted in 1995 into the Hall of Fame at Sacred Heart High School in Yonkers, and received the St. Joseph Volunteer of the Year Award at the St. Mary’s Springs Benefactors Recognition in 2009. Memorials can be directed to the Sisters of St. Agnes Development Office, 320 County Road K, Fond du Lac, WI 54937.

Margaret “Peggy” Zoretich ’63 passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 26 at the age of 76. She was born in Troy, attended Catholic High, and earned a B.S. in elementary education from Saint Rose, and taught at Simcoe Street School, later establishing her own book-keeping and tax business. She volunteered at the Stamford Minor Hockey Concessions, chaired the United Way Poor Boy, and worked for the March of Dimes. An avid reader and fierce bridge player, Zoretich loved traveling throughout the world; she spent many winters in Punta Gorda, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society or Autism Niagara would be appreciated. Memories, and condolences may be shared at www.morseandson.com.
 
Sister Mary Irene Lolli ’62, O.P., passed away on April 1 at Mohun Health Care Center in Columbus, Ohio. Born in Strafford, Pennsylvania, she entered the congregation of Saint Catherine de’ Ricci (now the Dominican Sisters of Peace) in 1952. She earned a B.A. in adolescence education: social studies from Saint Rose, as well as a degree from the Franciscan School of Theology, and performed retreat ministry in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Mexico. She was a pastoral minister in Florida and New York, and served as secretary general of her congregation. Memorial gifts in Sr. Irene’s memory may be sent to the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Dr., Columbus, OH, 43219 or submitted securely at oppeace.org.

Mary Gallitelli ’51, G’56, passed away on April 21 at the age of 88. She earned a B.S. and M.S. in elementary education: pre-K-grade 6 at Saint Rose, and was a member of the Capital District Alumni Chapter, and attended many Reunions (most recently in 2011). An active communicant of the Parish of St. Joan of Arc, Menands, she taught religion, was a lecturer and Eucharistic Minister, and belonged to the Rosary Society. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 2550 Webb Avenue, Bronx, NY 10468.

Barbara McCarthy Grzelecki ’51 passed away on March 25 in Schenectady at 88 years of age. A graduate of the former St. Joseph’s Academy in Schenectady, she earned a B.S. in business at Saint Rose, and went on to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in New York City and Albany, and for General Electric in New York City and Schenectady. After her children were grown, she worked as a legal secretary in Schenectady; she volunteered at her church and the Dominican Retreat House in Niskayuna. She was also a frequent, enthusiastic volunteer at Saint Rose for the Capital Campaign and Phoneathon.

Barbara Sheehan Craven ’48 passed away at the age of 91 on February 17 in Sunderland, Massachusetts Born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, she attended Holyoke schools and earned her B.A. at Saint Rose.

Angelina Bagnardi Lombardo ’48, and former Saint Rose employee, passed away at 90 years of age on April 21. The Brooklyn native, who grew up in Oneonta, studied nursing at Saint Rose, sponsored by the U.S. Army. While at Saint Rose, she met her husband of 22 years, Pasquale “Pat” Lombardo, of Lombardo’s Restaurant, with whom she raised six children. She later traveled with her daughter Johanna to help and educate women with breast cancer. She was fond of knitting, traveling, sitting on Manasquan Beach, reading, listening to Frank Sinatra, and watching the Yankees. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern NY, 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Albany, NY, 12205. To leave a special message for the family, please visit: NewComerAlbany.com.

Natalie “Billie” Battaglia Tessitore ’46 passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at her Schenectady home on April 6 at the age of 94. She attended the Academy of Holy Names and earned her B.S. in business at Saint Rose, and was a shining example of the selflessness of her generation and her upbringing in a close-knit Sicilian-immigrant family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 423 A New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205.

Eileen Stiglmeier Cameron ’45 passed away peacefully at the age of 94 in Albany, on March 28. A native of Albany, she graduated from St. Teresa of Avila School and Vincentian Institute, and earned a B.S. in business at Saint Rose. She worked first at City Savings Bank, and later as secretary for Thomas I. Tyrrell, M.D.; after his retirement, she worked as secretary for Haider G. Goussous, M.D., then as office manager for Albany Surgery Associates. Those wishing to remember Eileen in a special way may send a contribution to St. John’s/St. Ann’s Outreach Center, in Albany. To leave a message for the family or light a candle, please visit McveighFuneralHome.com.

Friends of Saint Rose

Former Saint Rose fire-safety inspector James V. Fox passed away peacefully, at age 73, on April 2 after a brave battle with cancer. A native of Queens, he graduated from Brooklyn Tech High School and went on to a long, successful career with New York State government. He worked for the Public Service Commission as chief electrical officer, an assistant mechanical construction engineer with the Office of General Services, and a building supervisor for the State Education Department. After retiring in 2006, he found that he disliked retirement: Within six months, he was back working as a fire-safety inspector at Saint Rose, and later worked for the City of Albany as a code-enforcement officer. He finally retired in 2015 at the age of 71, whereupon he enjoyed taking his dog to the park and spending time with his daughter, Abigail. A lifelong learner, he never stopped taking classes, earning certification at Hudson Valley Community College in mechanical and electrical specializations. He loved cars, motorcycles, and planes, held a pilot’s license, and enjoyed taking apart and attempting to reconstruct cars. More than anything, he loved his children; he also loved and cared for animals, adopting his children’s pets as his own. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be made to The Community Hospice, St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY, 12208. Online condolences may be offered at danielkeenanfuneralhome.com.

Dr. Robert Giammatteo, an adjunct faculty member at Saint Rose from 1988 until 1993, passed away at age 86 on April 11 in Fort Myers, Florida. Born in East Greenbush, he grew up in Poughkeepsie, graduating from Roosevelt High School. He completed undergraduate and graduate degrees, and later his doctorate, at the University at Albany, served in the U.S. Army as an intelligence officer stationed in Austria and Italy. After completing his military service, he taught French at the Orleans American High School (Orleans, France), then returned to East Greenbush to serve as director of guidance and counseling at Columbia High School as well as adjunct instructor at Sage and Saint Rose. After retiring about 20 years ago, he enjoyed living in New York and Fort Myers Beach, Florida, especially the time spent with his grandchildren.

Margaret Lalor, formerly Sister Robert Joseph, CSJ, who taught English and Film at Saint Rose briefly, passed away on March 26 in Glens Falls, after a short illness. She was 85 years of age. She graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Glens Falls, entered the order of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, and taught lower grades through high school in several Catholic schools around New York State. She participated in the civil-rights march, led by Martin Luther King Jr., from Selma to Montgomery in 1965. She earned an M.A. in English from the University of Chicago in 1968 and taught at Saint Rose in 1969. Shortly thereafter, she left the convent, moving to Newport Beach, California. She then traveled for several years before returning to work as a research verifier at SUNY Plattsburgh, then in the office of Glens Falls Hospital ER. After retiring, she worked part time at the Chapman Museum, High Peaks Hospice, and Charles R. Wood Theater, and enjoyed the Crandall Public Library, NPR, PBS, and the New York Times crosswords.

Former faculty member John Philip Pendleton passed away on March 22 after a brief illness. Originally from Ithaca, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and graduated from Cornell with a B.S. in civil engineering. He worked for New York State Department of Public Works, and later became an engineer (and finally chief engineer) for the New York State Thruway Authority. He received a Professional Engineering license for New York and North Carolina, and served on the National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board, the Institute of Transportation Engineers, and the International Bridge, Tunnel, and Turnpike Association. After retiring, he earned degrees in psychology from Sage Graduate College, and became an academic advisor at Saint Rose; he also volunteered for his church and for the local fire department, Boy Scout troop, and senior-citizens’ groups in Slingerlands. He relocated to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where he worked for the University of North Carolina and at the Unicorn Bereavement Center in Hillsboro, North Carolina. He later moved to Holly Springs, North Carolina., where he volunteered in WakeMed Cary Hospital Emergency Department and Hospice of Wake County before moving to North Port, Florida, where he volunteered at Tidewell Hospice and the North Port Emergency Facility of Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

Nancy Briwa Veeder passed away on March 25 in Slingerlands at the age of 92. Born in Hudson, she grew up on a dairy farm in Claverack, where she discovered her lifelong love for horses. She married real-estate developer Harold G. Veeder, with whom she built the Holiday Inn Motel in Lake George, and enjoyed antique motor boats and Adirondack history. A leader in Latham and Lake George businesses and real-estate broker, she also co-owned and co-operated the Residence Inn and constructed the Fairfield Suites Inn in Malta; owned and operated the Lake George Holiday Inn and a Northland Motor Lodge; won awards for unique restaurant facilities; and held leadership positions in the Holiday Inn corporate organization. In addition, she owned the Country Miss Apparel Shop from 1953 until 1990. She studied at Centenary College, NYU, Saint Rose, and Adirondack Community College. A director of Key Corp., she was a director of Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Capital District Healthcare Coalition. She was instrumental in higher education, volunteering at or contributing to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Centenary College, and Saint Rose; she also held leadership positions with the Boy Scouts of America and Twin Rivers Council nominating committee, and participated heavily in fund raising for the YMCA. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, www.trfinc.org in Nancy’s memory. Online condolences may be offered at danielkeenanfuneralhome.com.