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Xaverian's Memorial Mass

Celebrate the lives of those we have lost.

The 2022 Xaverian Memorial Mass
Celebrating the lives of late alumni, faculty, and friends, the 2022 Xaverian Memorial Mass will be held on October 29th at 11AM in Xaverian's Performing Arts Center.

This year's Mass will pay special remembrance to former faculty members Mr. John Woods, Mr. Tom Grenham '66, Mr. Edward Breslin, Mr. John McCormick, Monsignor Peter Kain, Ms. Miriam Ligammari, Ms. Yanira Fuller, Mr. Robert Violetto, Brother Richard Angarola, CFX, Brother Harold Eccles, CFX, along with Mr. Robert C. Golden '64 and Brother Matthew Burke, CFX.

To RSVP, please fill out the form below. You may also include the name of a member of the Xaverian community that you wish to be remembered during the Mass.

For questions on this event, please email events@xaverian.org.

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Memorial Mass 2022 Livestream Link

Memorial Mass 2022

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We Remember...

Mr. Tom Grenham '66

A member of the class of 1966, Mr. Tom Grenham lived his life in dedication to decades of Clippers. During an esteemed career that spanned more than four decades, Tom's reach extended far beyond his expertise in the classroom. He held a position as a coach in the baseball program during his early years before serving as the school’s Athletic Director. In 1977, he was appointed Assistant Principal, and, in 1993, Tom was named the sixth Principal in Xaverian’s history.

It was during his tenure as Principal that Mr. Grenham established two landmark programs for which Xaverian is now recognized by many -- the Football Program and the Pipe and Drum Corps. Each of these extremely significant groups was founded as the result of Tom’s vision, hard work, and dedication to the students under his charge. To that end, he not only served as Moderator of the Pipe and Drums, but learned to play himself and marched often with his award-winning pipers. He is credited with getting Xaverian a premier position marching down 5th Avenue in the New York St. Patrick's Day Parade, leading the New York City Council down the storied parade route. Mr. Tom Grenham was also a member of the Padraic Society and a member of the St. Francis Xavier Society.

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Mr. Robert C. Golden '64

A proud Catholic man with so much love for his family and friends, Robert Golden '64 spent his life dedicated to the things that meant the most to him: his faith, his education, and the importance of helping those in greatest need. As such, Bob’s energy, effort, and philanthropic support can be seen across the city: The Cathedral Club of Brooklyn, the Emerald Association, HeartShare Human Services, The Knights of Columbus, and The Salvation Army are but just a few of the organizations to benefit from Bob’s unwavering charge to make the world a better place.

Likewise, Xaverian, as we know it today, can in part be credited to Bob’s love of being a Clipper and the value he placed on having a Xaverian education. The first recipient of the Spirit of Xaverian Award in 2010, Bob helped his 1964 Xaverian classmates with every reunion, social event, and fundraiser. To that end, it was Bob who helped begin our annual Cigar Night each September – a mainstay on the Xaverian calendar for almost 20 years running. A former Board of Trustees member, Bob served on multiple committees on behalf of the school and for decades personally sponsored scholarships for those young men and women who wished to have the same Xaverian experience that he held so dearly in his heart. Moreover, Bob Golden was a key player in every Capital Campaign to date in Xaverian’s history.

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Ms. Miriam Ligammari

Miriam Ligamarri began teaching in Xaverian’s Science Department in 2007, where she taught physics for 8 years. Prior to teaching at Xaverian, Miriam worked at a local junior high school. Miriam graduated with a degree in civil engineering from Polytechnic University, and thereafter worked on construction projects such as the reconstruction of part of the Belt Parkway; over time, Miriam developed a love of teaching and felt most fulfilled in the classroom.

Miriam always searched for ways to improve her craft. She was a physics grader for College Board’s Advanced Placement exams, working with educators from across the country to further her own understanding of the exam so she could better serve her students upon her return.

Miriam’s passion for physics, her compassionate nature, and her love for her students meant the world to her students. Miriam shared her passion with students outside of the classroom as the moderator of the Rocket Club, mentoring students on the design process and the mechanics of rocket building while bringing them to competitions around the Tri-State area.

Miriam’s warm heart meant the world to her students. A former student remarked of her, “Senior year at Xaverian was a trying time that Ms. Ligammari helped me through so much. I took AP Physics under her, and she kindled in me such a love of Science. I earned a B.S. in Chemistry this past May because of her, and as I continue my studies, I'll do them while keeping her in my heart. Thank you, Ms. Ligammari, for everything.”

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Mr. Edward Breslin

Mr. Ed Breslin joined the Xaverian faculty in 1987 and served as an English teacher and department chairperson until his retirement in 2005. He assisted in many after-school activities, such as Speech & Debate, the National Honor Society, and Yearbook, and was always available as a tutor for students. In 1998, he was honored with the Theodore Ryken Educator of the Year Award.

To know Mr. Breslin was to love him, and the long line of those that name him as mentor, friend, and dear colleague is a testament to just how impactful Ed was to generations of Clippers.

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Mr. Robert Violetto

Mr. Robert Violetto taught at Xaverian from September 1965 to June 2004. He was a member of the English, Social Studies, and Guidance departments throughout his tenure on Shore Road, and was later the Director of the Guidance Department. Bob was a member of the Padraic Society, the St. Francis Xavier Society, and a recipient of the Ryken Educator of the Year Award. He is survived by his wife Tess, and children Robert Jr. '03 and Tressa.

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Mrs. Yanira Fuller

Yanira began teaching in Xaverian’s Language Department in 2002, where she taught the Spanish language and culture for 11 years. She was often found after school donating her time to her students who needed extra help or wanted to share in Spanish fun.

Former Language Chairperson Victor Coradin stated, “She was extremely passionate about teaching language and culture and took pride in her Spanish heritage. Her positive energy, bright smile, and her sympathetic nature made her a memorable teacher and colleague.”

Yanira loved planting, shopping, and cooking for her sons. Yanira had a heart full of love and will be truly missed. She passed away on July 28, 2020.

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Mr. John Woods

Mr. John Woods, faculty member; 1960-1998.

Mr. Woods taught English and Latin, worked as a guidance counselor, and held the position of both Varsity Baseball and Varsity Basketball head coach throughout his tenure at Xaverian. He was a member of the St. Francis Xavier Society, the Padraic Society, and the Xaverian Athletic Hall of Fame. Additionally, Mr. John Woods was also a member of the CHSAA Hall of Fame.

The core of what Xaverian truly stands for, whether today or back in 1957 when the doors of 7100 Shore Road first opened, has always been to give our lives in service to others. Mr. John Woods has truly done just that. There are countless members of the Xaverian community, spanning over five decades, that can attest to the teaching, guidance, and friendship offered to them by Mr. Woods.

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Monsignor Peter Kain

Born in Flushing, Queens, Monsignor Kain was baptized at Most Precious Blood Church in Long Island City. After studies and formation at Cathedral College of the Immaculate Conception, Brooklyn, and the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, Huntington and after earning an STB in sacred theology from the Catholic University of America, he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Bryan McEntegart at Saint James Cathedral on May 29, 1965. He later earned an MA in counseling from Manhattan College in 1970 and an STM in sacred theology from the New York Theological Seminary in 1976.

After his ordination in 1965, Monsignor Kain served as the chaplain of the Bishop McDonnell Summer Camp in Commack, New York. From there, he was the parochial vicar of Saint Catherine of Siena in St. Albans, Queens (1965-1969) and served as Chaplain for the Newman Center of Kingsborough Community College (1969-1976) and Queensborough Community College (1976-1985).

After a sabbatical at the Pontifical North American College in Rome in 1985, Monsignor Kain was made the pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes, Queens Village. Pope Saint John Paul II named then-Father Kain as a Prelate of Honor with the title of Reverend Monsignor in 1989, and prelate of honor in 2007. Upon completion of his assignment as pastor in Queens Village, Monsignor Kain was made the pastor of St. Ephrem, Dyker Heights, until his retirement in 2015.

While serving at St. Ephrem, Monsignor Kain also served as a member of Xaverian’s Board of Trustees and later returned as a part-time chaplain until moving to the Bishop Mugavero Residences 2021.

Sal Tinervia ’97, Campus Minister at Xaverian, stated of Monsignor Kain, “He was an avid supporter of our school and an inspiration to our students and enjoyed coming to Xaverian weekly. He loved preparing students for the Soup Kitchen Retreats, celebrating the Liturgy, and delivering donations to The Bridge to Life in honor of Respect Life. Students looked forward to school on Tuesdays, knowing they would be seeing Monsignor and hearing his stories. He truly modeled Christ's love to everyone he met. He was adored by all.”

Bishop Bootkoski, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Metuchen, New Jersey, and a friend of Monsignor Kain for 45 years, said in the homily he delivered at the funeral Mass, “Ministry was important to him. He kept that focus, always getting insight into Jesus Christ. He was a good and faithful servant, a man of God.”

Monsignor Kain is survived by his sisters Elizabeth and Cathleen, brother-in-law Michael, six nieces and nephews, their spouses and ten children.

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Brother Richard Angarola, CFX

Richard was born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 10, 1942 to Catherine (nee Bianchino) and Albert Angarola. His older brother Donald pre-deceased him. Richard is survived by his loving niece Donna Angarola Marino, Donna’s husband, Paul Marino, and Mary Angarola, his loving sister-in-law.

Upon graduating from Saint Catherine of Alexandria Elementary School in 1956, Richard attended Saint Michael’s Diocesan High School. He first met the Xaverian Brothers there. After his freshman year, he left home and entered Saint Joseph Juniorate in Leonardtown, MD, a program for high schoolers interested in becoming a Brother. In 1960 Richard graduated from Ryken High School. In July 1960, he entered Sacred Heart Novitiate also in Leonardtown. On September 8, 1960, he received the Xaverian habit and religious name, ‘Brother Robert.’ Upon completing the novitiate, he continued his formation at Xaverian College in Silver Spring, MD, earning his BA in French from the Catholic University of America in 1966.

Richard’s first teaching assignment was at Saint Xavier High School in Louisville, KY. There he taught Latin, French, religion, and history and also moderated the Student Council. He also served as Retreat Director. While at Saint Xavier, he earned his MA in Education at Spalding University.

Richard contributed to the mission of Xaverian education as a teacher and retreat director at Saint Xavier, as an administrator and teacher at Saint Mary’s Ryken, as teacher and counselor at Xaverian and Nazareth. He also ministered at Joliet Catholic, a Carmelite high school in Illinois. He was also principal at Sacred Heart School in Lombard, IL. He shared ‘home’ and remained faithfully in contact with students and teachers in each of those places. If you were his friend, he was your friend for life. Richard also served the former Central Province as Development Director, Director of Ryken House and Director of Volunteer Ministries.

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Mr. John McCormick ST. M '57

Mr. John McCormick, who was perhaps best known to those at 7100 Shore Road as the Director of the Senior Involvement Program at Xaverian, joined the Religion Department in 1978. Although he initially hoped to teach for 25 years and retire at the age of 65, Mr. McCormick found himself dedicating 35 years as a full-time teacher before retiring from teaching in 2014. After his “official” retirement, John continued his commitment to our school and its mission by devoting two days per week overseeing the Senior Involvement Program as well as assisting the Campus Ministry Department in the planning of retreats, liturgies, prayer services, and community service programs, until his health prevented him from continuing his commute to the school in 2018.

John graduated St. Michael’s in June 1957 as a proud member of the last class to graduate from the physical building on 43rd Street and 4th Avenue. Dedicating his life to creating a better world for those in it, John set out to work across New York City, creating programs for senior citizens in areas including Yorkville and Fort Greene. In 2014, John became the first Michaelman to receive the prestigious Spirit of Xaverian Award for this life-long dedication to service, both at 7100 Shore Road and the Greater New York City area.

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Brother Matthew Burke, CFX

Brother Matthew, CFX (Robert John Burke) died at Nazareth Home on November 27, 2020, at the age of 82.

Bro. Matt was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1938 to John S. and Cecilia Foley Burke. John was born in New York, and Cecilia was born in Ireland. They predeceased Bro. Matt along with his stepmother, Lucille Connolly Burke, and sisters Virginia Wenz and Carol Poletto. He is survived by his sisters Deborah May, Patricia Smith, and Jacqueline Clifford and nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

In 1956, Bro. Matt entered the Xaverian Brothers and, after religious formation and college education, taught at Nazareth High School in Brooklyn from 1962 until 1975, serving as principal during his last six years. During this time, he earned an MA degree from the University of Michigan and began work on a PhD from Fordham University, completing the degree in 1976. That fall, he became Principal of St. Mary's Ryken High School in Maryland until 1983. After a year's sabbatical in 1984, he joined the American Central Province's (ACP) administration concentrating on developing the current association of Xaverian Brothers' Sponsored Schools which continues today.

From 1988-94 he served as Provincial of the ACP and was elected Superior General of the Xaverian Congregation in 1995, serving until 2001. During that time, Brother Matthew served on Xaverian's Board of Directors from 1986-1988 and 1994-1995. Bro. Matt went to Kenya in 2002 to 2008, serving there as Regional Director and Novice Master. Upon returning to the US, Bro. Matt volunteered in different ministries in Romania and Baltimore, MD until 2016 when he retired to Ryken House in Louisville, KY.

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Brother Harold Eccles, CFX

Brother Harry passed peacefully on March 8, 2021 at Nazareth Nursing Home in Louisville, his hometown. He had been a resident there for over a year and endured the hardship of no visitors during COVID-19 restrictions. He kept in touch through letters, emails, and even telephone calls until the very end.

Harry joined the Xaverian community after high school at St. Xavier in Louisville in 1945 and lived 76 years incarnating the charism of his beloved congregation, missionary evangelizers. He received the religious name Bernard which he kept until the late 60s when he returned to his baptismal name. He completed his initial formation and university education in 1950, taking the good news of Jesus and proclaiming it with great conviction and integrity, whether in the classrooms of St. John’s Prep in MA, Good Counsel in MD, St. Michael’s, Xaverian or St. Brendan’s in Brooklyn or St. Joseph’s in Bardstown, KY. He was an inspiring English and Religion teacher, a faithful guide on student retreats and a pioneer in the Encounter Movement in Brooklyn. He is well remembered by his alumni as a “special presence” and a “blessing,” as someone who taught from his heart.

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Attend the Memorial Mass

Celebrating the lives of late alumni, faculty, and friends, the 2022 Xaverian Memorial Mass will be held on October 29th at 11AM in Xaverian's Performing Arts Center.

To RSVP, please fill out the form below. You may also include the name of a member of the Xaverian community that you wish to be remembered during the Mass.

For questions on this event, please email events@xaverian.org.

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Established in 1957, Xaverian is one of thirteen schools nationwide sponsored by the Xaverian Brothers.