Alumni Newsletter Summer 2012

ST. AGNES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
SUMMER 2012

Gloria Kingsley, our Association mainstay for so many years, passed away on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital, Newburgh, NY. She was 86 years old. A wake was held on Monday, May 21 and a Funeral Mass on Tuesday at Sacred Heart Church in Highland Falls, Gloria's home town. Reverend Jack Arlotta officiated at the Mass (as he did at Art's Mass in 2009). Gloria was laid to rest at Eagle Valley Cemetery in Highland with Art Kingsley, her husband for almost sixty years and a founding member and stalwart of our Association. A number of members and friends of the Association and their spouses attended the ceremonies: John and Aida Antonacci, Ray and Marcy Adames, Dave and Pat MacMillan, Frank Bradicich and daughter, Joe Stanaitis, Joe White, Pat and Debbie Moriarty, and Maryann Streever. Gloria's great friends Rich and Joyce Irizzary and Jerry Merna who were unable to attend sent beautiful flower arrangements. Sisters Peggy Scarano, Maryann Summa, and Joanne Deas also attended.

Gloria is survived by her niece Janelle Stiglic and John Blair (who has been very helpful to Gloria with the Newsletter). The family graciously hosted a luncheon following the internment.

Words are inadequate to convey the meaning and impact of a life (or lives in this case). Gloria and Art were joined as a team, a loving team for a life of meaning and service. Gloria's continuing service to the Association kept her close to her "sweetheart" Artie. Their work extended to the entire community of Highland. They were models for truly American lives.

For us older folks losing these links to a past that had such an extraordinary impact on our lives can only give us pause again to recall again how far many of us have come. The Association gives us an opportunity to reach back in time and not to forget that past. Art and Gloria with him were there at the beginning of the Association with Coach Faulk, Joe Rosen and the other founders. And when Joe left us, Gloria and Art picked up the baton.

I am including in this mailing the last Newsletter piece written by Gloria. And a poem which Gloria had received from Sr. Ann Rooney.

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ST. AGNES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
LETTERS AND NOTES

TOM O'BRIEN sent along a note thanking Gloria for helping in contacting TONY PEREZ and FELIX VALLE. Tom wrote that he can be contacted at TOBREF@AOL.COM , Tom would like to contact JAMES LUNDBERG.
Tom - there is an letter from Jim Lundberg dated 2006 on the St. Agnes website.

MARIO AND KATHLEEN ALTOMARE, AND JANET VANKEUREN sent donations to the Association in memory of JOHN ALTOMARE.

JIM MERNA sent along his annual update on his family's doings. Sons John, Jim, Matt and Mike are all doing well personally and professionally. Jim served on a Service Academy Selection Committee being inspired "...to see so many youngsters willing to serve as our future leaders." Jim's grandchildren ranging in age from 15 to 16 months (as of December) are delighting him with their progress. Ten year old Tyler Merna has been performing in major shows around the country and on TV.

OTHER BUSINESS

JERRY MERNA has decided to downsize and is in the process of selling his current home and move into a smaller residence, probably a condo. Jerry having had some health issues is feeling great and hopes to see us on August 18 in Piermont at the picnic.

As you might imagine, Gloria's passing has created quite a vacuum to fill even for our small organization. But we intend to soldier on and continue the Association with your help and support. We are hoping that those men and their families who came after the original founders will help in that process of continuing the Association. Some word of mouth advertising and encouragement to attend the annual picnic would be of great help.

Also, it would be of help if you could keep us updated on any change of address, phone, email, etc.

THE PICNIC IS SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2012 AT THE PAVILION IN PIERMONT.

A MASS IN MEMORY OF GLORIA KINGSLEY AND DECEASED ALUMNI WILL BE CELEBRATED AT THE ST AGNES CHAPEL AT 11 AM ON AUGUST 18, 2012.