Meet The 1994-2001 Hall Of Fame
1994 HOF Inductee
John Giunco '70
John Giunco is a native to Monmouth County. He was born in Neptune, grew up in Freehold on a peach and apple farm and presently resides in Manalapan with his wife Janet and children, Bert and Jill.
John attended Christian Brothers Academy and graduated in 1970. He then attended Villanova University receiving a B.S. in finance and graduated as President of the Finance Honor Society. He attended Temple University in the Masters in Business Administration Program and received a law degree from the School of Law of the University of Baltimore. John is currently admitted to practice in the United States District Court, Third Circuit, State of New Jersey and the Tax Court of the United States. He is a certified tax assessor and is Chairman of the Real Property Taxation Section and the Land Use and Development Section of Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla, the largest law firm in Monmouth County.
John is presently a trustee of Christian Brothers Academy and involved in the Building and Development Committee of Project 2000. John is a trustee of the Jersey Shore Medical Center Foundation, a member of the Jersey Shore Medical Center Board of Governors, a member of the Executive Committee of the Jersey Shore Medical Center Foundation and Chairman of the Grants for Foundation Committee of the Jersey Shore Medical Center Foundation. He also serves as a trustee as the Collier Services Foundation. He is a member of the Real Estate Advisory Board to Monmouth College and Chairman of the Monmouth Transportation Management Association.
In service to Christian Brothers Academy, John co-founded with Walter Brasch the CBA Businessmen Alumni Association which has since become the Alumni Association for the school, and has participated on behalf of the Father’s Club as keynote speaker for Career Day on two occasions and addressed the Academic Awards Ceremony in 1992.
1994 HOF Inductee
Thomas T. Warshaw
Thomas T. Warshaw has been involved with CBA since its inception. He was actively involved in the original campaign to begin CBA and graciously donated his legal services which eventually made the school a reality. Over the years, he has continued to represent the school, the New York Province, and most recently, provided his legal talents for the construction of De La Salle Hall on the campus. He was member of the CBA Board of Trustees for over twenty years, Past President of the Fathers Club and the Century Club, he was awarded the coveted title of affiliated Christian Brother in 1982.
Senior member of the Red Bank Law Firm of Drazin and Warshaw, where he has practiced since 1961, he has devoted his 45 years as a lawyer to general practice with emphasis on trial work. A Certified Civil Trial Attorney, he was admitted as both an Attorney and a Counsellor at Law and was awarded the New Jersey Trial Lawyer’s Award in 1986 for his outstanding achievements as a trial attorney.
Tom has served as the President of St. Mary Holy Name Society, Beacon Hill Country and the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of the Jersey Shore. In 1988 the Friendly Sons recognized him as their Irishman of the Year.
A decorated combat infantry officer serving in the Pacific during World War II, Tom has received the Combat Infantry Badge, Battle Stars for eight combat landings, including Leyte and Okinawa and the Bronze Star for bravery under fire.
Tom and his wife June live in Red Bank. They have five children: Michael (68), Kevin
(73), Catherine Warshaw Garguilo, Brian (75), Thomas, Jr. (77) and thirteen grand-children. His continued efforts and devotion to the ideas and principles upon which CBA was founded clearly exemplifies the spirit of the founders for which the Alumni Association is honored to recognize him with the first Founder’s Award.
1995 HOF Inductee
Walter J. Brasch '70
Walter J. Brasch was born in Newark, New Jersey and has lived in Monmouth County for over forty years. He grew up in Middletown attending St. Mary’s Grammar School and Christian Brothers. Upon graduation from CBA in 1970, Walter attended St. Bonaventure University and graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Accounting. Walter has worked in the field of public accounting for over twenty-one years and currently is a Partner in the accounting and consulting firm of Curchin & Company located in Middletown. He began his career in 1974 with one of the Big Six accounting firms and by 1981 achieved the position of Senior Manager.
Walter is very active in both community and professional organizations where he has served in leadership positions. He serves on a Board of trustees of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants and is also a Past President of the Monmouth/Ocean Chapter and Past Chairman of various key committees. He has and continues to serve on boards of a number of local charities including the Monmouth Council Boy Scouts and the Monmouth Day Care Center Advisory Committee.
Walter has been extremely supportive of CBA for over fifteen years. He helped organize one of the first class reunions in CBA’s relatively short history in 1980. He co-founded with John Giunco, the CBA Alumni Businessmen’s Association which has since become the official alumni organization for CBA. He is Past President of the Alumni Association and has worked as a class captain for the Annual CBA Phon-a-thon. He currently serves as President of the CBA Fathers Club and is the first alumnus to serve in that capacity.
Walter resides in Little Silver with his wife, Ann and children Catharine, 17 and Walter, Jr., 16 (Walt, Jr. currently attends CBA and will graduate in 1997). Walter firmly believes in the values and disciplines which are an integral part of the CBA education. He credits much of success in life from his experiences both in and out of the classroom while at CBA.
Walter truly exemplifies the spirit and dedication to both his family, his community and to CBA. The Alumni Association is proud to recognize him as the second recipient of the Alumnus of the Year Award.
1995 HOF Inductee
William J. Zapcic M.D. A.F.S.C.
William J. Zapcic, M.D. a family physician in the greater Red Bank area, was Christian Brothers Academy’s first school doctor. He is the father of six sons – all CBA graduates, a school record – and has made his home in Monmouth County since 1957, settling first in Lincroft, where he resided for 19 years, and most recently Red Bank.
A native of Steelton, PA, a rough-and-tumble steel mill town just downriver form Harrisburg, Bill Zapcic the high schooler distinguished himself both as an athlete (honored as Varsity football center) and as a scholar (winner of the Bausch and Lomb Science Award). He is a graduate of Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA, and of Temple University Medical School, Philadelphia, PA.
Dr. Zapcic has served on the Boards of Trustees of CBA and The National Council on Alcoholism. He was affiliated as a Christian Brother in 1971. He is a counselor to captains of industry and the foremost proponent of postural drainage in North America.
1995 HOF Inductee
Paul F. Richardson
Paul F. Richardson has been an integral part of the Christian Brothers Academy Alumni Association from its very beginning. He has brought his years of business and maritime experience to the task of “navigating” CBA through years of challenges and the “shifting currents” along the journey to security.
Born in Boston, Paul graduated from Boston University with a BA degree, and is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. A leader in the field of maritime transportation, he received the 1993 Connie Award from the Containerization and Intermodal Institute in recognition of his leadership in the transportation industry. In 1981, Paul was awarded the Meritorious Service Citation by the U.S. Secretary of the Navy for his efforts in behalf of the United States Navy in the fields of public relations and maritime education and cooperation.
Our honoree is the founder and president of Paul F. Richardson Associates, Inc. of Holmdel, New Jersey. Formed in 1977, his firm is an international maritime and transportation consultancy. The firm provides consulting services to shipping lines, ports, and ship-building companies. Since its inception, the firm has organized two international forums, one for the American Shipper Magazine and the other for Northwestern University, on matters of national maritime significance.
Paul served as president from 1970 through 1976 of the Sea-Land Service, Inc. and vice chairman of the company from 1976 to 1977. Providing a key leadership role in the dynamic growth of Sea-Land, he forged its development as a pioneer and recognized leader in world transportation. Paul started his transportation career as an executive trainee with the McLean Trucking Co. in Winston Salem, N.C., and served eight years in sales with that firm prior to joining Sea-Land.
As an industry leader, he was one of the founders and served as Chairman of the National Maritime Council. He was also an original member of the International Council of Containership Operators (Box Club), a group consisting of principals of the major liner operators in the free world. Paul currently serves as vice president and director of the United States Coast Guard Foundation. He is also a member of the Maritime Transportation Research Board, Commission of Sociotechnical Systems, National Academy of Sciences, and National Research Council. And recently, as a member of the Technical and Advanced Planning Committee of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, he published a paper on “The Difficulty of Introducing Meaningful U.S. Maritime Legislation.”
Paul serves as a Director and member of the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce Executive Advisory Committee. He was Chairman of the Board of Directors for the state Chamber from 1975 through 1977. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of WorldWay Corporation, Charlotte, N.C.
He formerly served the United Nations Association of the United States of America as a member of the Economics Panel of the UNA Soviet-American Parallel Studies Program. Paul also served on the Governor’s Economic Recovery Panel Commission in New Jersey as Transportation Subcommittee chairman.
1996 HOF Inductee
Tim Shaheen '66
Tim has been a full time native of Monmouth County since 3rd grade. Prior to that, he resided in Cranford, NJ and spent the summers in his parents shore house in Monmouth Beach. He now resides in Locust with his wife Patty and four children, Tim Jr, 22 (CBA Class of ’92), Lisa 21 (Middletown South Class of ’93), Michael 18 (CBA Class of ’96), and Brian 16 (CBA Class of 99).
Tim graduated from Holy Cross Grammar School in 1962 and from Christian Brothers Academy in 1966. He then attended Fairfield University and graduated with a BS in marketing. After six months of Basic Training for the Army National Guard, Tim joined his father in the family lumber business in December of 1970. Tim’s father, Victor (One of the original CBA Benefactors) passed away in 1978 at which time Tim assumed the role of President of the business, Builders’ General Supply Co. Builders’ General was founded by Tim’s grandfather in Cranford NJ in 1931. Under Tim’s leadership, Builders’ General has grown from one location to presently five locations throughout New Jersey and is one of the largest building materials supplier in the state employing 168 people. Two other CBA Alumni, Tim’s brother Phil (Class of 79) and Tim’s son, Tim Jr. (Class of ’92) are also members of the Builders’ General management team. Builders’ General has become known as a fine member of the communities in which it operates and has taken an active role in community events and fund raisers. Builders’ General has established itself by its outstanding reputation among its customers, suppliers, and competition. With a fourth generation of Shaheens waiting in the wings, it can be stated that Builders’ General has a “Proud Past and a Positive Future!”
Tim is a member of the Board of Trustees of Christian Brothers Academy and is also a member of the Building Committee for Project 2000. Time has worked the CBA Annual Alumni Phone-a-thon for the past 10 years. Tim has also served on the Board of Directors of the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation, one of Tim’s favorite charities and was honored as the “Volunteer of The Year” in 1987. Tim and Builders’ General has also helped The Collier School with donations and building supplies over the years, along with supporting The Rainbow Foundation, Brookdale Community College, the Red Bank YMCA and of course Christian Brothers Academy.
Tim is an active outdoorsman and loves to fish, hunt and work in his garden. He also is an avid NY Ranger fan, a reborn NY Yankee fan, and an ex-NY Jets fan.
1996 HOF Inductee
Brother Basilian O’Connell, FSC
The CBA Alumni Colt Spirit Award is bestowed upon an individual who has shown an affinity for and dedication to the school through service and support, and has shown respect for the ideals upon which CBA is built. No one could be more fitting to have this award presented to them than Br. Basilian O’Connell, F.S.C., and the first Athletic Director at CBA from 1959 to 1962.
“Basie” as he is affectionately called was the motivating force and the architect of the vast intramural program at CBA which is unique till this day. It was under his direction that the famous intramural “tackle football” program encompassing 18 fully equipped and coached teams competed on the beautiful CBA campus during the Fall season. It turned many boys into young men by the values it instilled within them and the dedication, teamwork and discipline they derived from this unique program has been carried over into their adult lives.
Brother Basilian’s first love has always been track whether it be cross-country, indoor or out-door. He started the very successful track program here at CBA and has been associated with this sport throughout his teaching career. After leaving Lincroft, Brother was associated with CBA in Syracuse for nearly 35 years. He has served as Athletic Director in the early 1960’s and was instrumental in developing the Central New York Cities Indoor and Outdoor Track Conference.
He has had teaching and coaching responsibilities in cross-country and track and field at Sacred Heart High School in Yonkers, LaSalle Military Academy in Oakdale and DE LaSalle College in Washington, D.C.
He currently maintains the grounds and athletic facilities at CBA in Syracuse and returns to DE LaSalle Hall in Lincroft during the winter to care for the infirm brothers. The Christian Brothers made a wise decision nearly 40 years ago when they asked Br. Basilian to be the cornerstone of the athletic programs at CBA in Lincroft. With Br. Basilian as that cornerstone, the “Colts” of Lincroft have been blessed with a solid foundation. Brother recently celebrated his 61st anniversary as a Christian Brother and we wish his continued good health and happiness.
To the Brothers of the Christian Schools he is a humble man and a “Brother’s brother”. To his former students, he is a true friend. Thank you “Basie” for touching our lives and making us better men.
1996 HOF Inductee
George Sheehan, Jr., M.D.
Born November 5, 1918, George Sheehan, Jr. was the first child of Dr. George & Mrs. Loretta Sheehan. He attended St. Saviour’s Elementary School and competitively won a scholarship to Brooklyn Prep. After graduation from Manhattan College and Long Island School of Medicine, he became a Lieutenant in the United States Navy serving as a physician on a destroyer in the Pacific during World War II. While serving abroad the destroyer, they were one of the first U.S. Navy ships to Nagasaki after the Atomic Bomb.
After the war he married Mary Jane Fleming (Peter Fleming’s daughter) settled in Red Bank and opened a practice in Internal Medicine as well as serving on the Cardiology Staff at Riverview Hospital.
He became one of the motivating forces in establishing a Catholic boy’s high school in Monmouth County and in 1959 Christian Brothers Academy was founded in Lincroft, New Jersey. Through the development of the CBA Track Team, Dr. Sheehan returned to his love of running and began to realize the value of exercising the human body in comparison to medicines and life styles. His hobby of writing a column about the benefits of running originally appeared in the Daily Register. The articles were widely acclaimed which led to the authoring of two books on running and health.
Both received national acclaim which to led lectures and inter- views throughout the country, as well as four more books. Known as the Runner’s Philosopher, his books were known as much for his call to excellence as they were for running and health.
Doctor Sheehan continued his busy schedule throughout his life, holding several running records for his age class and publishing articles in the Asbury Park Press. The CBA Alumni Association is proud to present the 1996 Founders Award posthumously to Dr. George Sheehan.
1996 HOF Inductee
Peter E. Fleming
Born February 5, 1888, a son of Irish immigrants in Chicago, Ill. Peter Fleming was one of three boys chosen by the parish priest to receive a high school education rather than going to work as a laborer in the stockyards. Upon graduation, he went to work in the office of the President of the Stockyards and later became one of the assistants. During World War I, Peter Fleming was appointed secretary of the Food Production and Conservation Department whose purpose it was to stimulate and encourage the production of the most needed foods during the war. After the War, he founded the Chicago Agriculture Club for Boys who wished to pursue an interest in farming. Over the years, the Club helped over 700 boys in pursuing an agricultural career.
He later married Ann J. Sullivan with whom he had a family of six children. He began a long and distinguished career as the top salesman for Worthy Manufacturing Co., producers of workman’s clothing. Mr. Fleming rose to the position of Vice President and moved East because of his longtime love for the Atlantic Ocean.
Again, called into service of his country during World War II, he was appointed a member of the Office of Price Administration in Washington, DC and the War Production Board dealing with problems of work clothing industry. Mr. Fleming retired in 1954 and became a substitute teacher in the Middletown School system. Because of his lifelong dedication to education, Peter Fleming was one of three men with the vision and commitment to have founded Christian Brothers Academy in 1959. It is our honor to recognize and posthumously award the 1996 Founders Award to Peter E. Fleming.
1997 HOF Inductee
Father Joe Farrell '65
Father Joseph J. Farrell Jr. is a native of Matawan, New Jersey. He attended St. Joseph’s Grammar in Keyport, New Jersey. With many of his friends, he entered Christian Brother Academy in September of 1961. While at CBA, he participated in many intra-mural sports and was a member of the National Honor Society. Following his graduation from CBA, he entered his studies for the priesthood. In May of 1974, he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop George W. Ahr for the Diocese of Trenton. From 1974 to 1986 he served as Associate Pastor in Saint Joseph’s Church, Toms River. In addition to his duties as Associate Pastor, he was Chaplain to Monsignor Donovan High School.
In 1986, he went to Boston College where he was part of the Chaplain-in-Residence Program. While at Boston College, he received a M.A. in Philosophy. Returning in 1988, he was appointed Associate Pastor of St. Ann’s Church in Keansburg. While at St. Ann’s, he became involved in the GURU program at CBA. He helped Dr. Garry Koch in teaching the students. In 1989, he was appointed Pastor of St. Agnes’ Church, Atlantic Highlands and continued his involvement with the GURU program. In 1992, he was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Christian Brothers Academy.
Currently, he serves in Holy Eucharist Church, Tabernacle, New Jersey. He also serves as Adjunct Professor of Philosophy at Burlington County College. He has one sister, Mary Jill Chaney and his father Joseph J. Farrell, Sr., who are with him tonight.
1997 HOF Inductee
Tony Chesney
Tony Chesney was born and raised in the Ironbound section of Newark, N.J. Heed from St. Benedict’s Prep, Newark in 1951 and from St. Vincent College, Latrobe, Pa. in 1955. He served in the U.S. Army, Far East Command, from 1955-1957. After his military service, Tony worked in the private sector in accounting and management.
It was during this time that the desire to teach and coach began to burn inside him. 1961 became a bench- mark year in Tony’s life. In April, he married Barbara Lee, his lovely wife. In September, he became one of the two original lay teachers hired at Christian Brothers Academy. During his 34 years at CBA Tony taught Health, Physical Education, General Science, Business Management and Accounting to all levels. While doing all this, he was able to receive a Master’s degree in Education from Seton Hall University.
He was instrumental, along with Bob Mason, in starting the full-equipment, full contact Intramural Football Program. Every afternoon in the fall close to 400 young men would head out to the “football barn”, don their equipment and participate in what was a nationally recognized program. Many of us have very fond memories of those times.
For ten years Tony coached 3 sports- Intramural Football, J.V. and Varsity Wrestling and J.V. Baseball. He also coached the Marine Corp. Physical Fitness Team in the spring (while coaching Baseball) to a second place state ranking and national recognition. “Coach” was responsible for an outstanding wrestling program; the first to be instituted at a Christian Brothers school. This wrestling team, consistently one of the best in the Shore and the State under Tony’s leadership, produced 28 District Champions, 6 Regional Champions and CBA’s only State Champion, the late Pete Black. Tony is still a member of the N.C. Wrestling Coaches Association and in 1991 was honored by that Association when he was elected to the Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame. Today, Tony is an active member of the Shore Coach’s Officials and the N.J.S.I.A.A. Race Director for Cross Country.
Tony is the proud father of three children – Thomas, Patricia and Kevin, and the REALLY proud grandfather of Alysse, Tara and Brianna. Tony and Barbara reside in Jackson.
Many CBA graduates became men because of the leadership and guidance of “Coach” Chesney. He was always true to his convictions. He taught us not to make excuses, to persevere, to “stick to our guns”, to never compromise our values. We “feared” him as freshmen but by our senior year we loved and respected him as a teacher, coach, father-figure and friend! Thanks Coach and Congratulations!
1997 HOF Inductee
Charles F. Henderson
Charles Henderson is the oldest of seven children, born to John and Anita Walsh Henderson. He was raised in South Orange, NJ, spending summers on a farm within three miles of CBA on Rt. 527. He attended Catholic Grammar Schools and Seton Hall Prep, Holy Cross, Princeton and Columbia, which he attended through a Naval Program.
Charles Henderson served in the navy for three years during World War II – 1 1/2 years in the South Pacific in the Naval Air Transport Service VR13 in Australia, New Guinea and the Admiralty Islands.
After graduation from Seton Hall University in 1948 he joined the family firm and purchased his own seat on the New York Stock Exchange for $48,000. Mr. Henderson is still a member of the NYSE and will reach the 50 year mark in 1998.
He served on many Boards of Exchange and became Chairman of Henderson Brothers, a large specialist firm. He’s a member of Friendly Sons in New York City, a Knight of Malta and holds membership in many clubs in Florida, New York and New Jersey. For twenty years he has been a member of the Board of Trustees of St. Leo’s College in Florida, where he has a foundation and a dormitory named after his son, “Chuck.” The CBA Board of Trustees has benefited from his advice and generosity for over twenty years. Presently he is very actively involved as a Board Member with the Noreen Mc Keen Residence of Carmelites in W. Palm Beach, Fl.
He and his wife, Mary Lou Schatuorchio Henderson, had six children (five sons and one daughter) and eighteen grandchildren. Three of his sons and one son-in-law are on the NYSE. His official address is in Palm Beach, Fl.
1997 HOF Inductee
John C. Henderson
John C. Henderson, all during his life, was intensely interested in broad education. He spent many summers in Monmouth County before moving permanently to Middletown in 1954 and he saw first-hand the growth in need for a secondary school that would teach young minds the skills necessary for success in this life and young souls the ethical and religious principles necessary for true goodness in this life so that they attain happiness here and hereafter.
Having five sons and two daughters of his own and already seeing the beginning of what would be a clan of 28 grandsons and I5 granddaughters, he could not resist, as he discussed a new educational academy with Peter Fleming and George Sheehan, a leaning toward a school for boys. After all, his wife, Anita, and he had already founded an elementary and high school for girls at Marylawn of the Oranges in South Orange.
Thus, with the help of many others and much “blood, sweat and tears” was Christian Brothers Academy born. “Jack” Henderson never ceased his caring for education, serving as a Trustee of C.B.A., of Marylawn, of Seton Hall University and of Georgian Court College.
1998 HOF Inductee
Thomas W. Strachan '63
Thomas Strachan is the second of two children of Thomas and Edna Strachan.
He was born and raised in Little Silver, NJ and graduated St. James Grammar School in Red Bank. He entered CBA in his sophomore year after first attending Red Bank Catholic. His parents were instrumental in convincing Tim to attend CBA where he was a member of the first graduating class. At CBA Tim found the discipline and guidance which helped him attain his goal of attending the University of Notre Dame.
At Notre Dame Tim majored in finance and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration. He is a member of the Sorin Society at Notre Dame.
After graduation Tim worked for Bankers Trust Company and attended New York University Graduate School of Business. He then moved on to CIT Financial Corporation where at 29, he became a Vice President.
Tim is currently an Executive Vice President with BNY Financial Corporation (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank of New York). His area of expertise is asset based lending to middle market corporations involving turnarounds, recapitalizations, and acquisitions.
Tim has been a tireless worker for CBA. He is a charter member of the CBA Alumni Association, a member of the Alumni Board of Trustees, and actively works the phone-a-thon every year.
Tim presently lives in Holmdel with his lovely wife, Sura Malaga-Strachan.
1998 HOF Inductee
Vinnie Cox
Vinnie Cox was born and raised in the Parkchester section of the Bronx in New York City. He attended St. Ann’s Academy on a basketball scholarship where he played for Lou Carnesecca and was a member of the National Catholic Championship teams in 1954 and 1955. He then attended Fordham University on a basketball scholarship where he played for John Bach. He holds a Masters degree in Education from St. John’s University; started his teaching career at Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens in 1959 and his coaching career at lona Prep in 1960. He coached two years at lona Prep, compiling records of 4-14 and 17-6 before accepting a teaching and coaching position at CBA in 1962. Vinnie coached CBA teams for eighteen years compiling a record of 350 wins and 100 losses. His players won five Parochial “A” State Championships and seven South Jersey Parochial “A” State Championships and in 1973, CBA was ranked the #1 team in the state of New Jersey with a record of 28-0. CBA teams still hold the Shore record of 43 consecutive wins from the ’72 to ’74 seasons.
Vinnie was inducted into the NJ Interscholastic Coaches Hall of Fame, the Holiday Jubilee Hall of Fame, and the Jersey Shore Hall of Fame. Coach Cox has been the recipient of the Jim Sullivan Award for contributions to basketball and the Joe Callano Memorial Award for his contributions to basketball officiating from Shore Board #194 IAABO. For the past eighteen years he has been a member of the Shore Board #194 as a basketball official. He and his wife Maureen have been married for 39 years and are proud parents of four daughters; Cathy, Tricia, Diane and Lorraine. They have ten grandchildren; among them, six grandsons who someday in the near future will hopefully attend CBA.
1998 HOF Inductee
George Werner
George Werner is an only child born to Mary and George Werner. He was raised in Jersey. He spent his summers in Lake Parsippany, N.J. at their summer lake home. He attended St. Pauls Grammar School, St. Peters Prep and New York University receiving a B.S. Degree in Accounting. George ran track for St. Peters Prep. and received three full scholarships to Pennsylvania University, New York University and Alabama University.
He decided to stay close to home and joined the National Guard for ten years. He accepted the scholarship to N.Y.U. and commuted daily from home.
He married in 1954 to Theresa and has 3 sons George, Richard and Kurt and 8 grandchildren.
During the growing years, George coached and managed Little League Baseball, Soccer Minor and Major teams quite successfully. He was President of his Bowling League for over 20 years. He contributed his time to St. Thomas Parish and Father French, St. Bernadette’s and the Holy Name Society for many years.
He dedicated 30 years to Christian Brothers Academy. During which time 3 sons graduated. He was a Board Member and ran the Cadillac Raffle for many years raising large sums of money for CBA. George is still managing his insurance business and likes to meet the public and stay active.
1999 HOF Inductee
Donald Norkus '67
Donald Norkus was born at Jersey Shore Medical Center, then Fitkin memorial Hospital in 1949. As a young boy growing up in Freehold, Donald was active in sports, served as an altar boy and was a Boy Scout achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Donald graduated from St. Rose of Lima Grammar School upon which he entered Christian Brothers Academy.
Don remembers fondly his four years at CBA, and attributes much of his success to the Brothers, the teachers and other students he came in contact with there. At CBA he was challenged academically, excelled in Cross Country and Track, learned how to be a leader, and to set and achieve goals.
His relationship with the Christian brothers continued as he embarked on a BA in Marketing from LaSalle University.
Upon graduation, Don entered the family supermarket business with his father and brother and continued in that field, growing the business that was Norkus Brothers, Norkus Enterprises and Francis Markets, Ltd. It was a business endeavor that included supermarkets, liquor stores and convenience stores.
Don served on various community, business and charitable organizations over the years. he was an active member of the Point Pleasant Chamber of Commerce, past president of the Western Monmouth Chamber of Commerce, a founding member and President of the Millstone Soccer Association, member of the CBA Alumni Association and past member of the board of Trustees, Past President and continuing active member of the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, benefactor to and volunteer at Saturday Soup in the Asbury Park Exodus House.
Don also served on various committees at Foodtown and Twin County Grocers, as well as the Board of Directors at Twin County. He has served on the Board of Directors of the New Jersey Food Council, the trade association for the food industry in New Jersey, and is currently serving out his second year as Chairman.
Don has been married to his wife, Joan, for twenty-eight years and has two wonderful daughters. Their daughter Kristin is a graduate of Catholic University of America and received her Masters degree from American University. Kristin lives with her husband Brian Rath in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Don and Joan’s youngest daughter, Michelle, is a graduate of Georgetown University and currently serves as the Senior Relationship manager for the Council on Financial Competition in Washington, DC.
Just recently, Don sold his business and is enjoying a sabbatical while he works on his tennis game, does some travelling and awaits the arrival of his first grandchild in February.
1999 HOF Inductee
Joseph Castle
Joseph Castle is a graduate of Oratory Prep in Summit, New Jersey. He continued his studies at St. Michael’s College in Sante Fe, New Mexico earning a Bachelor degree in Political Science. Upon graduation he served in the United States Marines Corps from 1965 to 1968 receiving an honorable discharge and achieving the rank of sergeant for his outstanding service and leadership to his men during Vietnam.
After his tour of duty, Joe began his career in the dairy industry starting at Sealtest Foods in New York as Senior Account Manager. He then went onto Johanna Farms, Flemington, New Jersey as the Director of Sales and Marketing. The last ten years, he has served as Director of Sales and Marketing for Consolidated Dairies in Union, New Jersey.
Having worked in the dairy industry for thirty-one years, he has been an active member in the National Association Dairy Council, the New Jersey Food Council and the Eastern Dairy Deli Association.
Joe is married to the former Suzanne Haborak, a former elementary school teacher and graduate of Kean College. They have shared their lives together for over thirty years, along with their son Joseph and daughter Anne. Joseph is a 1990 graduate of Christian Brothers Academy and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Chicago. Anne is a 1992 St. John Vianney graduate, as well as a 1996 Carnegie Mellon University graduate with a degree in Fine Arts.
Joseph G. Castle has proven to be passionate alumni father and great supporter of all CBA activities for many years. His Colt Spirit is unmatched.
1999 HOF Inductee
Brother Stephen McCabe, FSC
Brother Stephen McCabe, F.S.C., 83, of Lincroft died on January 16, 2012 at De La Salle Hall, Lincroft. Brother Stephen was born in Brooklyn, N.Y, and had received the Holy Habit of the Brothers of the Christian Schools on September 7, 1947.
Brother Stephen was a graduate of Catholic University, Washington, D.C. and earned a Master of Arts Degree from Fordham University, New York City in 1956.
Brother Stephen’s assignments included Good Shepherd School, New York City, St. Bernard’s School, New York City, Director and Principal at St. John’s School, Bronx, Director and Principal of Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, La Salle Provincialate where he served as Director of Education and Associate Provincial, La Salle Academy, New York City, where he served as Principal and Director of Education, St. Peter’s High School, Staten Island where he served as Principal, Christian Brothers Academy, Syracuse, N.Y. where he served as Principal, La Salle Provincialate where he served as Director of Development and LaSallian Family Director, Director of De La Salle Hall, Lincroft, and Community Director of Christian Brothers Academy, Syracuse. Brother Stephen was in residence at De La Salle Hall since 2011.
1999 HOF Inductee
Brother Peter Mannion, FSC
Brother Peter Mannion, F.S.C., 87, of Lincroft died on April 20, 2013 at De La Salle Hall, Lincroft. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. and received the Holy Habit of the Christian Brothers on September 7, 1944.
Brother Peter was a graduate of Catholic University, Washington, D.C. and received a Master of Arts Degree in history from Manhattan College.
His assignments included La Salle Academy, New York City, De La Institute, New York City, St. Joseph Normal Institute, Barrytown, N.Y. where he served as Director of Novices, Manhattan Prep School, New York City, St. Bernard’s School, New York City, St. Joseph Collegiate Institute, Buffalo, N.Y., St. Joseph of the Palisades High School, West New York, Christian Brothers Academy, Syracuse, N.Y., De La Salle College, Washington, D.C., La Salle Provincialate where he served as Director of Candidates, and Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft where he served as Principal from 1972 to 1979 and later in the Guidance Office and Development Office. Brother Peter was in residence at De La Salle Hall since 2012.
1999 HOF Inductee
Brother Bernard McKenna, FSC
Brother Bernard “Barney” McKenna, F.S.C., 88, of De La Salle Hall, Lincroft died Friday, November 23, 2007 at De La Salle Hall. Brother Bernard was born on October 6, 1919 in New York City and had received the Holy Habit of the Christian Brothers on September 7, 1936.
He was a graduate of St. Jerome’s School, New York City, St. Joseph’s High School, Barrytown, N.Y., and Catholic University, Washington, D.C. He also attended graduate school at Manhattan College, St. John’s University, and Fordham University, where he earned a Master of Science Degree in Social Welfare. Brother Bernard’s assignments included St. Bernard’s Annex, New York City, St. Thomas Apostle School, both of New York, Lincoln Hall, Lincolndale, N.Y., St. Mary’s School, Waltham, Bishop Loughlin High School, Brooklyn, N.Y., St. Joseph’s School, Buffalo, N.Y., LaSalle Institute, Albany, N.Y, La Salle School, Albany, N.Y., Queen of Peace School, North Arlington where served as Director. Brother Bernard moved to De La Salle Hall, Lincroft in 1979.
He had the ability to make all those who crossed his path feel welcomed, safe, comforted, and loved. He also had great passion as a teacher and Irish historian. His writing and photo albums documented the family the family lineage and will be cherished forever.
1999 HOF Inductee
Brother Andrew O’Gara, FSC
Brother Andrew O’Gara, FSC died Saturday, November 8, in the community residence at Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, NJ. Brother Andrew, 80, had become the first President of Christian Brothers Academy in 1991, a position he held until his death. Prior to that appointment, Brother Andrew had been principal of CBA since 1979.
A native of the Bronx, John O’Gara left home to study at the Christian Brothers junior novitiate in Barrytown, New York. In 1946 he received the habit of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and the religious name Brother Andrew of Mary. After studies at Catholic University and Manhattan College, Brother Andrew served as teacher and administrator at La Salle Academy, NYC and Lincoln Hall, Lincolndale, NY. In 1966, he was appointed principal of St. Raymond Boys High School in the Parkchester section of the Bronx, a post he held for 13 years prior to his assignment at CBA where he spent the last three decades of his career.
The son of the late Conal and Catherine O’Gara, Brother Andrew was preceded in death by a sister, Sr. Mary Theresa O’Gara, SMR. He is survived by his brother James (Barbara) 0’Gara and his sister Catherine (John) Callahan. Eight nieces and nephews, 10 grand nieces and nephews also survive, as do legions of admiring alumni from the schools where he served.
1999 HOF Inductee
Brother Ralph Montedoro, FSC
Brother Ralph Montedoro, a devoted son of St. La Salle, served Christian Brothers Academy for over four decades in roles including teacher, counselor, campus minister, Associate Principal, Principal, and Executive Vice President. Renowned for his humility, Brother Ralph embraced a collegial leadership style that inspired creativity and collaboration among faculty and administrators. As Principal, he expanded the school’s athletic offerings and championed the inclusion of laypeople, alumni, and women in key roles, ensuring the Academy’s mission thrived amid evolving times. His deep compassion and dedication to service were evident in his tireless support for those facing challenges and his involvement in charitable efforts. Among his lasting contributions is the service program he established, reflecting his unwavering commitment to fostering both academic and moral excellence within the CBA community.
2000 HOF Inductee
Edward J. McKenna, Jr. '68
Edward J. McKenna, Jr. was born on April 7, 1950 in Red Bank, New Jersey. Mr. McKenna attended St. James Grammar School and Christian Brothers Academy, Thereafter, Mr. McKenna attended Villanova University graduating in I972 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a major in Accounting, Mr. McKenna then attended Fordham University School of Law graduating with A Juris Doctor degree in 1975. Mr. McKenna also took post graduate courses at Harvard Law School.
Upon graduating law school he served as law clerk to Three Superior Court Judges for one year and then entered the private practice of law. He is admitted to practice law before the States of New Jersey and New York, the District of Columbia, the United States Tax Court, the United States Claims Court, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and the United States Supreme Court.
In 1980 Mr. McKenna formed his own law firm which continues through the present time. In his practice he represents over 50 financial institutions, a number of businesses, many developers, the Borough of Tinton Falls and hundreds of private clients. He has served as an Arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association since 1982 handling hundreds of cases in the areas of Labor and Employment Law, personal injury, construction law, contract law, and many other areas. He served as a medical malpractice panelist for the Superior Court and has served as a Blue Ribbon panelist for the Superior Court on Family Law matters for over I0 years.
Mr. McKenna has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Monmouth Bar Association for over 15 years and has chaired several committees. He has held all of the officers positions of the bar association to include serving as President from 1996 to 1997. He also was a member of the New Jersey Supreme Court Ethics Committee for District IX and was Chairman of that committee. He also served on the boards of both the Legal Aid Society of Monmouth County and Ocean-Monmouth Legal Services. Mr. McKenna has lectured extensively on Credit Union Law and Employment Law and has served on many panels as a guest speaker.
Mr. McKenna’s public service began in 1976 when he was appointed to the Red Bank Parks and Recreation Committee where he was Vice Chairman and helped in the renovation and redesign of Red Bank’s main waterfront park. He became a member of the Red Bank Board of Adjustment in 1978 and served until 1981.
In 1986 Mr. McKenna was elected as a member of the Red Bank Borough Council. He was appointed to the Red Bank Planning Board in 1989 and continues to serve to the present. Mr. McKenna was elected Mayor of Red Bank in 1990 and was re-elected in 1994. Upon becoming Mayor he initiated a new way of conducting government business. He has run the Borough like a business eliminating much of the red tape normally associated with government. In I99] the Borough created a business improvement district that is now ranked as one of the top five in the United States. Red Bank’s downtown vacancy rate before Mr. McKenna became mayor was 35%. It is now less than I%.
As chairman of the Master Plan review committee Mayor McKenna helped draft a new master plan for Red Bank that was revolutionary in nature and has received numerous planning awards. During Mayor McKenna’s administration the Borough of Red Bank has been designated as a Regional Center by the Office of State Planning qualifying the Borough for priority for state funding for special improvements and projects and Red Bank has been cited by a number of publications as one of the best examples of the renaissance of a city to include the New York Times and New Jersey magazine. He was one of the founders and now serves as chairman of the Two River Council of Mayors which is a group of 13 mayors who meet monthly to share information and exchange ideas on keeping taxes down and how to provide the best services to their communities.
Mayor McKenna was the first recipient of the Spinnaker Award as elected official of the year from the Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce, he received the Citizen of the Year Award from the Red Bank Rotary Club, the Dr. Esther H. Chang Founder’s Award from the American Cancer Society, The Morris Miller Americanism Award from the Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. and two Certificates of Special Recognition from the United States Congress. He is a former member of the Board of Trustees for the American Heart Association, the Board of Directors of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Trenton and currently serves on the boards of the Monmouth County Arts Council and the Monmouth County Urban League, Mayor McKenna has made many television and radio appearances and has been a guest speaker and lecturer at many conferences to include Downtown New Jersey and the New Jersey League of Municipalities conferences.
Mayor McKenna is married to Christine McKenna and has two children, Sean and Kayla.
2000 HOF Inductee
Jim Higgins
Family man, community leader, concerned citizen – James F. Higgins was reared on a Colts Neck farm, attended Colts Neck and Marlboro schools, and graduated from Freehold High School in 1941. In World War Il he served in the Army Air Corps, 9th Air Force 39Ist Bomber Group. Upon his return home, he attended Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and in 1954, opened the Higgins Memorial Home in Freehold.
In an industry which people don’t think about until they must, Jim built a thriving business and through his compassion, understanding and professionalism, became an integral part of the Freehold community. His community service includes 28 years as a School Board member, with seven terms as Board President, and 18 years as member and chair of the Freehold Planning Board, He is Chairman of Hudson Manor, low-and moderate-income senior citizen residence which opened in 1979.
Jim has devoted his leadership skills to Freehold Rotary Club, Western Monmouth Exchange Club, Freehold Optimist Club and Freehold Lions Club, American Legion Post #148, Veterans of Foreign Was Post #4374, Freehold Elks Lodge, Freehold Council #1672 of the Knights of Columbus and the Christian Brothers Academy Century Club. He has received many honors for his service, including the Book of Golden Deeds Awards, the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, selection as a Paul Harris Fellow and as VFW Citizen of the year. Jim has extended his personal kindness in dedicating his professional services to the Brothers of CBA at their time of need.
Jim’s brothers, Jack and Bob, and his sister Mary have grown through the years together. He and his late wife, Angela, have raised two sons, J. Noland and Gregory, both of whom graduated from CBA. Gregory presently teaches at CB and Chairs the Religion Department. They and their wives Christine and Eileen have given Jim four grandchildren, Jessica, Allison, Emily and James. Because to Jim, community means family, he is confident that this newest Higgins generation will continue the legacy of community service.
2000 HOF Inductee
Thomas J. Carey
Tom Carey was born in Brooklyn, NY and after spending a year at Bishop Loughlin High School his family moved to North Bergen where he graduated as Valedictorian from St. Michaels, Union City, County of Hudson. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree cum laude in accounting from St. Peters College in Jersey City which led to a career as a CPA after serving as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Finance Corp. He retired in 1991 as a Partner from the big five accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche. He then served as Chief Financial Officer of the Home News, a newspaper and multimedia company located in New Brunswick. Tom presently serves as Vice President-Finance of Driver-Harris Company, a multi-national holding company, which owns the oldest U.S. company in Ireland, Irish Driver-Harris Ltd., New Ross, County Wexford. He also serves as Business Manager for St. Rose High School in Belmar and as a Director of ATS Money Systems in Englewood.
Tom served as President of the New Jersey State Society of CPAs during 1993-1994 and was a New Jersey Representative to the American Institute of CPAs from 1993 to 1999. He is presently a member of the Business Advisory Council of Georgian Court College and Treasurer of the 200 Club of Monmouth County. He served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of his alma mater, St. Peters, New Jersey’s Jesuit Institution, and is presently a Regent Emeritus of the College.
Tom was President of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of the Jersey Shore in 1988 and was honored as Irishman of the Year in 1996. He is also a life member of the Friendly Sons of the City of New York and chaired the Irish Youth Fund, Iselin.
Tom has been married to Mary Jane for 38 years and their five sons: Tom ’82, Tim ’83, Tony ’76, Chuck ’87 and John ’88 are all graduates of CBA. After serving as President of the Fathers Club, he joined the CBA Board of Trustees in 1986. After serving as Chairman of the Board for the past eight years, he became a Trustee Emeritus this September. He now looks forward to seeing his grandsons attend Christian Brothers.
2001 HOF Inductee
Carol Ann (Cookie) McKay
Cookie McKay was born and raised in midtown Manhattan. She graduated from St. John the Evangelist Grammar School in 1955 and Cathedral High School in 1959.
After graduation, Cookie was employed by the Colgate Palmolive Company’s Corporate Headquarters in New York for eight years. She held many positions at the Company attaining the title of Chief Purchasing Agent for her last five years of employment. Cookie married peter H. McKay in June 1966 and retired to become a mother and household engineer in 1967.
They first became involved with the Academy in 1981 during the project 80’s Campaign. A new freshman wing, science labs and a brand new Chapel were the results of this endeavor. The chapel was dedicated in their name as the result of their untiring involvement with the school. Cookie served on the Mothers Club for many years. She ran the Mothers Club Retreat for several years and participated in the 50’s – 60’s Dance, the Art Shows and the Craft Shows at Fleming Hall, and helped Brother Andrew with various mailings.
Cookie is a member of the Colts Neck Women’s League, Bamm Hollow Country Club, and supports many other charities in the Monmouth County area. Peter was working on the new Project 2000 with Brother Andrew when he suffered a severe stroke in 1991 and subsequently died in 1992. Cookie stayed with the project to see its completion. This resulted in the new wing being dedicated in Peter’s memory and the new intramural gym named in his honor.
Cookies family consists of sons, Brian (85); Kevin and his wife, Jennifer; and Timothy. The apple of her eye is her grandson, 2 year old Connor Peter. Cookies greatest hope is for Connor Peter to be an Academy boy one day. She has the distinction of being the second woman appointed to the Board of Trustees, currently serving a second term.
2001 HOF Inductee
Thomas Peter Wilkens '94
Thomas Peter Wilkens (born November 25, 1975) is an American former competition swimmer and Olympic medalist.
Wilkens represented the United States at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. He received a bronze medal for his third-place performance in the men’s 200-meter individual medley, finishing with a time of 2:00.87. He also competed in the preliminary heats of the men’s 200-meter breaststroke, but did not advance.[3] The breaststroker was one of the featured swimmers in P.H. Mullen’s book Gold in the Water.
Wilkens grew up in Middletown Township, New Jersey, while swimming at the Middletown Swim and Tennis Club. He attended Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft, and graduated from Stanford University.[4]
He helped Stanford win the NCAA team championship in 1998, in addition to second-place finishes in 1995 and 1997. He won five NCAA championship events: the 400 individual medley in 1997, the 200 breaststroke in 1998, the 200 and 400 individual medleys in 1998, and the 400 medley relay in 1998. He was inducted into the Stanford Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023.[5]
He was elected as a Republican to serve as a Township Committeeman in Middletown Township.
2001 HOF Inductee
Thomas Heath '65
Thomas Heath was born to Mary and Thomas Heath on November 19, 1947 in the Bronx, N.Y. He attended St. Margaret Mary Grammar School, All Hallows H.S. and graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1965. He graduated from Montclair State College in 1969 with a BA in Math Ed. Tom began teaching at CBA in Sept., 1970. He has been teaching all levels of math since then.
Tom also began his coaching career that same September. He has coached Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track for a total of 96 straight seasons. CBA’s Cross Country team has won 247 straight dual meets. They are undefeated since Oct., 1973. The national record is 265. During that span the harriers have won 58 State titles, 73 County titles and 35 Shore Conference titles. They have been nationally ranked an amazing 18 times! Many of the Outdoor teams have won team titles as well as individual honors. In fact, the 1996 Distance Medley team and the 2001 4 mile Relay team were ranked #1 in the country. Tom’s tireless dedication and love of the sport and CBA are legendary. When asked about his accomplishments he said, “The kids are the ones who deserve all the credit. They did the work, paid the price, they should reap the reward.” When asked further he replied, “We worked hard, ran a few races, went to the wall, did our best.” It is humble attitude and fierce determination combined with great demand and sacrifice that have made these teams so successful and special.
Tom lives in Spring Lake with his wife, Cathleen Hanson Health. Tom has a daughter, Kelly, living in Dallas, TX with her husband, Greg Flinn; a son Tom, who lives in New York City and two step-sons, John Hanson, who lives in Boston, Mass. and Keith Hanson, who attends the University Rhode Island.
We join Tom’s family in congratulating him on his well-deserved selection as this year’s Colt Spirit Award Winner!
