February 27, 2015

Just wanted to tell you my Mother died on tuesday.....Wake is at Dangler Funeral Home 600 Speedwell Ave., Morris Plains.....I am sure some of you remember her reading on the couch...All the kitties around.....Patty.....PS....Friday Feb.27 at 4 to 8 pm.

Patty Walsh Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: paw388@aol.com

January 22, 2015

Passing of John Leslie.

I was so sorry to read about one of my best friends from all souls in the paper. It said john passed away suddenly on Monday 1/19/2015. I know we're all getting older, but we don't think about people we went to school with passing away. I was very glad to know John and his little brother Jimmy. Rest in peace.

chris denotaris, Class of 1967
e-mail: deno062@gmail.com

November 18, 2014

It is with great sorrow that Madelynne Vackner (class of 1969) passed away on Monday, November 11, 2014. She leaves behind 4 terrific children and 4 grandchildren. She will be missed by all.

Bill Vackner, Class of 1965
e-mail: billvack@gmail.com

Dear Bill,
So sorry for your loss -- Ted Mooney, Class of '59

July 9, 2013

SISTER AGNES BERTRAND DREW
Entered eternal life on March 22, 2013
"Come, you who are blessed by my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you". (Matthew 25: 34-40)

Sister Agnes Bertrand Drew was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, on March 22, 1925, the daughter of Earl and Josephine Lindner Drew. Named Josephine Drew after her mother, she was welcomed by her loving brothers Tom and Danny and her sister Agnes. It was from her loving family that she learned the virtues of charity and helping other people.
Agnes was educated by the Sisters of Charity at Holy Rosary School in Elizabeth until eighth grade. She then entered the Juniorate of the Sisters of Charity (also known as the Prep school) where she received her high school education. Her Bachelor's Degree in elementary education was from the College of Saint Elizabeth, and a Master's Degree in reading from Seton Hall University.

There are no better words to describe Sister Agnes Drew (aka - Sister Agnes Bertrand, Josephine Drew, or Jo Drew) than the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. In her lifetime she touched so many lives. Agnes began, at a very young age, reaching out to others when she helped care for her sister who had polio. With her sister in leg braces, Agnes told me stories of how the two of them would walk to school together sometimes falling and laughing along the way. Although it slowed them down, they never let her handicap get in their way.

Sister Agnes spent 68 years as a Sister of Charity, entering on September 8, 1944. More than 23 of these years were spent as a dedicated teacher in the classroom. Sister Agnes served with enthusiasm in a myriad of capacities as teacher. Her educational career started at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Hoboken where she not only taught fifth and sixth graders, but also piano. On occasion, she was in charge of both the grammar and high school boarders when Sister Ethelberta was not home. One of the boarders, Louise, told me numerous stories of how much they loved Sister Agnes. Only recently, did Louise realize Agnes was only a few years older than she was. Most of Agnes' educational career was spent teaching seventh and eighth graders. As the Sisters of Charity records indicate she taught in Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament in East Orange, Saint Francis in Ridgefield Park, Saint Cecilia in Kearny, Saint Thomas the Apostle in Bloomfield, and Our Lady of All Souls in East Orange. She also served as Vice Principal in Saint Cecilia in Kearny. Another 22 years was spent teaching reading and math as a Title One Teacher at Saint Joseph in Orange, Our Lady of All Souls in East Orange, and Our Lady Help of Christians in East Orange.

After retiring from full time ministry, Agnes volunteered for 15 years at Allendale Nursing Home as a Eucharistic Minister and Patient Visitor. She not only ministered to the patients, but she listened to and gave support to their caregivers as well. Long after the patients died, or went home in some cases, the caregivers kept in touch with Agnes and vice versa. Sister Agnes was a person with a listening heart. She instinctively knew when someone was hurting and did whatever she could to help the person.

The sisters at Saint Francis Convent, Ridgefield Park also experienced her welcoming and supporting heart for 14 years. This was where I first met Agnes. Her door was always open. Each day as we came home from our ministries, we would go in and share our day's experiences with her. She listened, gave her support, gave some suggestions, but she never forced her ideas on anyone. I often joked that she should put out her shingle. Agnes was always helpful in assisting sisters when they, or their family members, were ill. She would sit for hours in the emergency room, in the waiting room when someone was having surgery, or had to go for chemo treatments. She supported everyone, and her sense of humor helped in keeping everyone calm.

When Agnes came to Saint Anne Villa in 2006, she continued visiting and listening to the sisters. If she didn't go to them, they came to her. In the beginning, you never knew where Agnes was when you came to visit her. She was always gallivanting. However, in her later years, at the Villa, when her health slowed her down, and her eye sight wasn't at its best, she spent most of her time in her room. But everyone knew they could always count on her and on her prayers. Once you were put on her prayer list, you never got off. We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary care Agnes received at Saint Anne Villa. The dedicated staff, nurses and aids took care of her increasing needs with love and compassion. We are fortunate to have such a place for our sisters.
Each of us here today remembers Agnes for her many kindnesses, her concern, and her compassion. How happy she must have been when Jesus greeted her and said:
"Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter the kingdom of heaven that I have prepared for you."
Sister Maureen Mahan

Anne Cunniffe, Class of OLHC 1978
e-mail: pranyf@aol.com

Passing of Robert Colucci

August 20, 2012

Robert Colucci class of 1971 passed away on May 31st, 2011 of cancer.
He leaves behind his wife Anne Colucci (Camisa) and son, Joseph and a daughter Dana.

Anne Colucci (Camisa), Class of 1972
e-mail: acolucci@essextech.org

Dear Anne,
So sorry for your loss Anne -- Ted Mooney

Passing of Harold LaPointe

August 14, 2011

Harold LaPointe, 56, of Parsippany, N.J., passed away on Aug. 14 at home, after courageously battling pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his loving wife of 30 years, Patricia LaPointe; daughter, Jennifer LaPointe; son, Nicholas LaPointe; sister, Claire Angelo, and sister-in-law, Monica Nagy. In accordance with Harry's wishes, no services will be held. Harry was born on May 31, 1955, in Newark, N.J., to Elizabeth Jenkins. He worked hard all of his life to support his family. After 32 years, he retired from the City of East Orange as assistant superintendent for the Shade Tree Division. Harry enjoyed cooking, fishing, riding his motorcycle, enjoying good times at Binky's, and playing his favorite LCR dice game with the family. He was often found in Atlantic City trying his luck at the tables. Harry is also survived by three other siblings; many nieces, nephews, and a very large extended family. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Digestive & Liver Diseases at Columbia University, Department of Medicine, 161 Fort Washington Ave., 8th Fl., Room 864, New York, N.Y., Attn: Anna Ignat, or The Lustgarten Foundation, (www.lustgarten.org). Published in Star-Ledger on August 17, 2011

obits.nj.com/obituaries/starledger/obituary.aspx?n=harold-lapointe&pid=153151500

Monica (on behalf of Patricia Collaco-LaPointe)
e-mail: mnagy714@yahoo.com

Passing of Jack Walsh Class of 1966

I am sorry to report the passing of my brother Jack Walsh on February 12, 2010.
I'm sure many of you know Jack, not only from OLAS and Columbia Park, and the neighborhood overall, but I know he touched the lives of many of you, as he has done over the years since his graduation from OLAS.

Services:

Viewing:

Shook's Cedar Grove funeral Home
486 Pompton ave. (Route 23)
Cedar Grove. NJ 07009
973 239 1489.
Monday 2/15.
2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00

Funeral Mass:
St Catherine of Sienna Church
339 Pompton ave
Cedar Grove, NJ. 07009
973 239 7960
Tuesday morning 2/16 at 10:30

Patty Walsh Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com

May 3, 2010

Dear Patty Walsh: I so clearly remember when Judi first introduced me to Jackie...seems like just yesterday. He was special, and we are so sorry to hear your sad news. Ginger Daire

Ginger Daire, Class of 1960
e-mail: gingeralicedaire@yahoo.com

Dear Patty,
So sorry to hear of your loss, Patty, and this loss to our fondly remembered neighborhood -- Ted Mooney

January 30, 2010

I just heard that Mrs Marge Decker has passed on......I am sure many of you had a Decker child in your class...I had Margee Decker and Jimmy and I are still friends.....The W ake is set for SUNDAY.JANUARY 31 from 2 to 6 pm....At Bailey Funeral Home...8 Hilltop Road, Mendam, NJ.....Patty

Patty Walsh-Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com

March 18, 2009

Long time parishoner Alice Reilly Mooney of East Orange passed away on March 18 at the age of 93. She was proceeded by her husband Ted and daughter Alice Gauli (OLAS Class of 1956). Surviving her are sons Ted (OLAS '59) and Robert (OLAS '63), and daughters Katherine Curran (OLAS '61) and Mary Mooney (OLAS '68), thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. Wake services at Jacob Holle Funeral Home, Maplewood, on Sun. Mar. 22 from 3-7; funeral mass Mon. Mar. 23 at 9:30 at Our Lady of Sorrows, So. Orange. In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzeimer's Association Greater N.J. Chapter, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, N.J. 07834 appreciated.

Condolences  

Mary, Ted, Bobby, Kathy and families, so sorry to hear of your mom's passing because a truly great woman has left this world. A fighter who beat the odds, she was ahead of her time - a working mom in the 50's & 60's, she found time to take care of a "village" of kids. I don't think there was a day that went by that she didn't lend a helping hand or speak well of someone. We all have our favorite side-splitting "Mrs. Mooney stories" imbedded into our memories. She taught us it's okay to laugh at yourself and let things roll off your back - maybe the secret to her longevity.

Her riches were all of you, her precious children, grandchildren and families. Remember all the good times and celebrate her wonderful life. God bless all of you.

Marian (Smeraldo) Allegrino

Dear Ted, Bob, Kathie and Mary,
Your dear mother added to our lives in many ways. The memories we have of her will last a lifetime. The days we spent together were all the more special due in large part to your mother. I will be thinking of you all.
Love Melba

Mary Robinson

So Very Sorry to hear about your Mom...I remember her soo well........Always answered the phone when we needed plumbing help.....Even in the middle of the Night......Will tell my Family..........Prayers are being sent..Patty

Patty-Walsh Robinson

May 22, 2007

Our good friend Bruce Smith (Smitty) has passed away this week...You would know from Star Tavern.....Rest In Peace my Freind......Patty

Patty - Walsh -Robinson, Class of: 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com

March 25, 2007

Sister Patricia Margaret O'Neill our third grade teacher passed away on March 25, 2007. One of her students who became reacquainted with Sister over the last several years tells us it was great getting to know, once again, this very special teacher.

Ted Mooney, Class of 1959

December 26, 2006

My Father, Thomas J. Walsh Passed away on Dec.20th 2006 ..... He was an usher an OLAS chuch forever ... I'd like to thank Marion Smeraldo-Allegrino and Mark, Kathy , Jimmy and Mrs. Decker for all their support ..... Patty

Patty Walsh Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com

May 20, 2006

Alice Mooney, Class of 1956, beloved sister of OLAS graduates Ted Mooney, Katherine Mooney Curran, Robert Mooney, and Mary Mooney passed away in Jensen Beach Florida on May 15. Alice is also survived by her husband Robert Gauli, her daughters Mary Alice Carella, Lorraine Gauli Rufo, and Kathy Jo Burns, her son Sean Gauli, and her mother Alice Reilly Mooney.

A brief memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday May 27 at Hydewood Park Baptist Church, 100 Norwood Ave., No. Plainfield, NJ.

Ted,
Mt heartfelt condolences to you and your family......Patty

Patty Walsh Robinson

Ted, so sorry to hear about Alice's passing. I remember all the fun times I had with her playing double solitaire (even though she beat me all the time), babysitting for her gorgeous children, the washed out July week at the shore which she blamed on them "walking on the moon," the long rides "Up Fred's" (Ben Henry's in PA), her contagious laugh and beautiful smile. My deepest sympathy to you, Mary, Bobby, Kathy, Bob Gauli, Mary Alice, Kathy Jo, Lorraine, Sean and their families. Marian

Marian (Smeraldo) Allegrino

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Mary Ellen Giblin Bogart, Class of: 1956

The family fondly remembers you as Alice's childhood friend, Mary Ellen, and we thank you for some of Alice's happy days -- Ted

Dear Ted and family.
The memories I have of Alice are too numerous to list here. Suffice to say that what I will hold in my memories are the fun times with Alice. She had such talent and intellect.
My heartfelt sympathy to all.
Melba

Mary Melba Robinson-Rossetti

June 29, 2004.

To all of those who knew my friend Anna Marie Fehn, I just wanted to let you know that she died Saturday, June 26th, 2004. Ann Marie Fehn graduated from OLAS class of 1971. I knew her for 46 years and I will miss her very much.

Anne Colucci (Camisa), Class of 1972
e-mail: acolucci@essextech.org

Jan 23, 2004

To all of those who knew my brother Gary Crane, I just wanted to let you know that he died Thursday, January 21, 2004. It was complications of a skin bacteria and a blood infection. His services is on Sunday, Jan 25, 2004 at Gleasons Funeral Home in Somerset NJ. 2-4 and 7-9.

We will all miss him greatly

Deborah Crane Nowlin, Class of 1969
e-mail: debjets@yahoo.com

May 8, 2003

I am sorry to have to report the sudden passing of Paul Brady this week. Originally from Blessed Sacrament Parish, living on Halsted and Central Aves., Paul and his family moved into the parish in the early 60's. Living on N. 19th St., he attended Columbian graduating in 1964 and Clifford Scott in 1968. He was employed by Air Compressor Technology in Nutley; Vice President of Saylor-Beall, Michigan and Vice President of Sales at CoAire Compressor and Western Hoist companies. He resided in San Diego, CA and is survived by his wife, Christine, son Jimmy and brother, Bryan.

Marian (Smeraldo) Allegrino, Class of 1968

Mar 31, 2003

Hi all. Bad news . My Mother just told me she read in the Star-Ledger that Sr. John passed away. I guess it was today's paper, March 31st.

Patty Walsh Robinson, Class of 1973

When I read in the paper about the passing away of our dear Sister John Maureen, many thoughts entered my mind. Most of all her kindness. Sister John was my favorite nun. She had a lot of compassion and love for her children. I wish I could have seen her before her death to tell her how much I cared for her and always felt very loved and important in her class. She was truly the best in my book. I'm sure there are many more that feel the same. Now we have another angel in heaven to look after us and pray for us. GOD BLESS YOU SISTER JOHN MAUREEN

Linda Flavell Thomas, class of 1962

Sister John Maureen

I am not an alumnus of OLAS but of Blessed Sacrament -- on the other side of East Orange. Sister John Maureen was my sixth grade teacher at Blessed Sacrament. Since my defunct grammar school does not have such a fine alumni website, I thought that I might share a few thoughts about Sister John with her OLAS students.

Without a doubt Sister John was my very favorite teacher. I remember her warmth, her kindness, her genuine concern for her students, her wonderful sense of humor, her smile, her towering 6'2" stature, and, of course, her love of both music-especially Harry Belafonte-- and Notre Dame football. If Notre Dame won on Saturday we were homework-free on Monday.

Some dozen year later, by one of those fortuitious coincidences, I had a second opportunity cross paths with Sister John Maureen. This time, however, she was Sister Dorothy Harkins. As it turned out, we were both graduate students at the University of Notre Dame ( She was in religious education; I was in mathematics.) At last, she could finally watch her beloved Notre Dame football team in person. During her year at Notre Dame I got to know her all over again. I once again marveled at what remarkable nun and truly wonderful woman she was -- and she was quite a good cook too.

I hope that more of her students will share their memories, thoughts and stories about Sister John Maureen. She made a difference.

Ralph Bravaco
e-mail: ralph@alumni.nd.edu

May 17, 2003

Sr Maureen was nothing more then a Saint on Earth. She was not your typical nun "GO NOTRE DAME" I was so glad to speak with her at the All Souls reunion in 1989. She was without a doubt a Nun/Woman/Frend/and a true influence on so many lives. As Linda F. said we have another looking out for us from above!

I don't have to say God Bless you, or Rest in Peace.

Sr Maureen, put in a good word for us from above!

JIM.

James (JIM) Giblin, Class of 1962
e-mail: jagiblin@earthlink.com

Parishioner George R. Bonscher

I'm sorry I can't call each one of you individually, but I just wanted to let everyone know my father died today, Tuesday, December 10 at 12:30 in Englewood, CO. My brother Joe, and sister Patricia were with him. His funeral will be Monday at Light of the World Catholic Church in Littleton, and burial will be next to my mother at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver.

Mary Ellen Bonscher, Class of 1959, Dec. 10, 2002.

George R. Bonscher, 86, of Littleton. Preceded in death by wife Lorraine. Father of Mary Ellen, George T., Barbara, Joseph, Peter and Patricia. Grandfather of seven and great-grandfather of four. Served in the U.S. Army Air Corp in India during WWII and received Presidential Unit Citation. Attended Seton Hall University, John Marshall Law School. Visitation, Sunday 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd. Funeral mass, Monday 11 a.m., Light of the World Catholic Church, 10316 West Bowles Ave. Interment, Fort Logan National Cemetery. Memorials to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee. Published in the Denver Newspaper Agency on 12/14/2002.

Jimmy Robinson, Class of 1956

Apr. 17, 2002

My sister Mary Rossetti directed me to this site and you wouldn't believe the waves of great memories that swept over me.

The last people I remember seeing from our class ('56) were Hank Rogers, 10 years ago, and Roger Riggs, probably 30 years ago.

After All Souls, I went to Clifford Scott H.S. then to William Paterson U. (then known as Paterson State College)graduating in '60. Then to U. of Virginia Graduate school of Education.

Became sales representative for The Upjohn Co. in NYC, then began a career in medical marketing and advertising with J. Walter Thompson, then to Young & Rubicam.

Was transferred to Sydney Australia for 5 years, and then to Chicago. Then joined two colleagues in opening our own "shop".

Was married in 1967, to Sue Daly from West Orange, and we had three wonderful children (Laura, Scott, and Holly). Sadly, Sue passed away in 1991.

I was very fortunate to find a wonderful woman, Mary Jane, my yellow rose of Texas.She has four sons and we married in 1994, and are currently living on Skidaway Island, just outside of Savannah, Ga.

James Robinson [Deceased], Class of 1956

 Death of Jimmy Robinson

Janice and I lost our "big brother" last night to cancer. He was diagnosed in late August and although his battle was brief it was fought with such bravery. His wife and youngest daughter were his caregivers and the rest of us prayed a great deal. God took him in peace.

Mary Melba Robinson-Rossetti <jerzey@bellsouth.net> Oct. 16, 2002

James Albert Robinson, 60, died peacefully in his home on Tuesday, October 15, after a brave and brief battle against liver cancer. He died in the loving care of his family. He was preceded in death by his wife, the late Susan D. Robinson and is survived by his adoring wife, Mary Jane Robinson.

Jim was born June 23, 1942 in Newark, NJ to the late Loretta S. Robinson and James P. Robinson. He was a graduate of William Patterson College in Wayne, NJ earning a BS degree. He then attended University of Virginia earning a MS degree. His career was in the Pharmaceutical industry in New York City, Australia and Chicago for companies, Sudler & Hennessey, Sieber & McIntyre, and Young & Rubican. In Chicago, he became the executive Vice-President of Goble & Associates, a Healthcare Marketing Agency. He retired his association and ownership of the company in 1993. After retirement, Jim and Mary Jane moved to The Landings in Savannah and became active in the community. Jim was intrigued by the charm of historic Savannah and founded JA Robinson & Assoc., a historic restoration and renovation company. He worked on various projects in the downtown and Beach Institute areas. Jim was an enthusiastic traveler, an avid tennis player, an antique collector and most importantly, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Survivors: his wife, Mary Jane Robinson of Savannah; children, Laura C. Robinson of Chicago, IL, Scott A. Robinson of Chicago, IL, Holly R. Harris of Savannah, Denis Molloy of Chicago, IL, Sean Molloy of Atlanta, Daniel Molloy of Atlanta and Teague Molloy of Chicago, IL; son-in-law, Reid "Lex" Harris of Savannah; grandchild, "his little angel", Hannah Elizabeth Harris; sisters, Mary M. Rossetti of Milford, NJ and Janice A. Martin of Scarsdale, NY. Funeral Services: 2:00 p. m. Friday, October 18, at St. Peters Episcopal Church, 3 West Ridge Road, Skidaway Island. Burial will be private. Remembrances: In lieu of flowers, Jim would prefer donations to Curtis & Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute, Memorial Health Trust, Serenity Garden Project, P. O. Box 23089, Savannah, GA 31403 (912) 350-6370 and Hospice Savannah, P. O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416. Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors Hodgson Chapel. Savannah Morning News, October 17, 2002.