Man of the Year Archives
2021 Men of the Year
Tom Ashdown ’62 & Dr. John Bastulli ’72
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Tom graduated from Cathedral Latin School in 1962. After graduation he attended John Carroll University. In 1967 he joined the Army and served in the Vietnam War. Tom has been active in aiding and assisting those who are in need. He has worked at the Thea Bowman Center in the Mount Pleasant community. This organization provides services including education and food distribution. He has also volunteered at the Cuyahoga County Board of Mental Retardation at the Maple Heights Adult Training Center. His dedication to his religion is unquestioned. He provided volunteer service to St. Rita’s Parish through the Family Promise program and was involved in various projects at Saints Cosmas & Damian including teaching PSR classes to junior high school students. Tom tirelessly volunteered his services to the food and clothing distribution program of the St. Vincent De Paul Society at the St. Philomena location in East Cleveland, Ohio. He did everything from unloading pallets of foodstuffs delivered by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, to actually handing out shopping bags of food to needy families. In 1981, a few years after Latin closed, Tom Ashdown had the difficult task of carefully removing the WWII plaque from the main hallway before the school wasdemolished. Thanks to Tom’s efforts, the plaque was put in storage, refurbished and is now proudly displayed at NDCL. For over four decades, Ashdown has held several roles with the alumni association including Vice President and Trustee. In 2001, Tom was awarded the coveted “Golden Alumni Award.” This honor had been given to Cathedral Latin graduates who rendered outstanding and distinguished service to the alumni association. We all know the motto of Cathedral Latin School “Opere Et Veritate,” which can be interpreted to mean – doing what is morally right through everyday actions. That certainly seems to describe how Tom has conducted his life in service to others. This goes to show why his fellow classmates describe him as the consummate “Good Guy.” Ashdown’s two brothers graduated from Latin – Joe ’65 (deceased) and Bill ’67. His father, also named Tom, graduated in 1926. Tom resides in Solon, Ohio with his wife, Maureen. They have five daughters who all attended Catholic schools.
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Dr. John Bastulli joins his good friend, Mr. Joseph Marinucci, as the second member of the Class of 1972 to be selected as the Cathedral Latin Alumni Association Man of the Year. While at Cathedral Latin, Dr. Bastulli was a member of numerous committees and held various class offices, including Representative to Student Council. He earned varsity letters in football and baseball and played clarinet in the school’s orchestra. Dr. Bastulli was the class Salutatorian and received the Cathedral Latin Alumni Outstanding Graduate Award for Class of 1972. Dr. Bastulli participated in the planning for the Notre Dame Cathedral Latin Dedication Mass. Dr. Bastulli resides in Cleveland and is the President and Managing Partner of Cleveland Anesthesia Group. Dr. Bastulli earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Case Western Reserve University and Medical Degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University. He completed his residency training in Anesthesia at University Hospitals of Cleveland followed by a fellowship in Critical Care Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic. Board certified in both anesthesia and critical care medicine, Dr. Bastulli is Director of the Division of Anesthesia and Medical Director of Surgical Services at the St. Vincent Charity Medical Center. In addition, he is currently the Secretary/Treasurer of the Medical Staff and a member of the Medical Executive Committee, Hospital Board of Directors and Board Finance Committee. During his two decades at St. Vincent’s, Dr. Bastulli has held various leadership roles including a tenure as President of the Medical Staff from 2007 to 2013. He is the only physician in the history of the Medical Staff to be elected to three consecutive terms. In 2015, St. Vincent’s recognized him with its most distinguished honor by inducting him into the Society of St. Luke. The Society of St. Luke was established to recognize and honor selected members of the St. Vincent Charity Medical Staff for their distinguished service to their patients, the mission and community. Only 31 physicians have been inducted into the Society of St. Luke. Since 1991, Dr. Bastulli has been a Board Member of the Academy of Medicine of Cleveland and Northern Ohio. He is a past president and currently serves as Vice President of Legislative Affairs and is a member of the Executive Committee, Education Foundation and President of the Academy’s Political Action Committee. Incident to his impact on the medical community of Northeast Ohio, Dr. Bastulli has been the recipient of numerous awards by the Academy of Medicine of Cleveland and Northern Ohio, including the Dr. Bastulli holds several leadership positions within the Ohio State Medical Association and is currently a member of the Northeast Ohio Medical University Foundation Board and the Cleveland Chapter of the American Heart Association Board of Directors. Dr. Bastulli currently resides in Shaker Heights, Ohio with his wife, Lorene. They have four children, Cara, John, Jr., David and Mary Katherine. In addition, they have been blessed with two grandchildren, Maeve and Hayden. |
2020 No inductees due to COVID-19
2019 Men of the Year – Sam Colacarro ’62 & Clinton Jones ’63
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Sam Colacarro was born and raised in “Little Italy” in Cleveland, Ohio. He always wanted to attend Cathedral Latin from his early days in the 1950s. His father would take him to Latin games that he still finds legendary to this day. Sam was the son of a father who worked as a maintenance technician at St. Vincent Charity Hospital. His mother quit school after 10th grade to work. Colacarro, along with his two brothers, Frank ’64 and Bob ’67, learned too early lessons — family comes first and there’s nothing wrong with hard work to get what you want out of life. While at Latin, Sam was a member of the golf team for three years. He was also a homeroom officer and involved in Knights of the Altar and Choral Club. After high school, Sam attend John Carroll University where he majored in French and Spanish. He graduated with a degree in education. Sam applied for several teaching positions at various schools in the area. A Spanish teaching position became available at Latin, so he interviewed and got the job. Teaching at his alma mater was something special for him. During his first year at Latin, Sam also coached the golf team. That same year, Brother Tom Caffery called him and offered him the position of athletic director. After his initial shock, he took the position. He says he owes a great deal of thanks to Tom Ward, who was the football coach at that time. Tom guided Sam through that period and has always been an important figure in his career. After three years as athletic director for Latin, he was contacted by the principal at Lake Catholic — a new high school in Mentor, Ohio — and was offered the same position. At the time there was only a freshman class and the school was starting to grow. Tom Ward had transferred to Lake and was their football coach. So once again, they worked together to produce a strong athletic program. Lake Catholic is in its 49th year of existence, having opened in the 1970-71 school year and Colacarro has been the school’s athletic director for 48 of them. Sam was only 27 years old when he came to Lake Catholic in 1972 in charge of an upstart athletic department. Since coming to Lake Catholic, they have won five state championships, three in football, one in wrestling and one in volleyball. Two of the football state titles were under his classmate John Gibbons. On February 18, 2017, Sam was honored for 50 years of service in Catholic education at Lake Catholic’s annual gala at LaMalfa Party Center. Sam continues on with the regimen he’s followed for the past five decades, working behind the scenes to ensure the best possible athletic experience for the thousands upon thousands of kids he’s helped bring up over the years. “Above it all, above the wins, the best thing is when someone comes back, thanks you and tells you that you made a difference in their lives,” says Sam. Colacarro attributes much of his career happenings to the basic core values that he learned while a student at He said he has no intention of retiring and hopes to continue as long as he’s able. He enjoys his job and it’s Sam married Marianne in 1982 and they had two children – Dana and Tom. Dana is married to Troy and they have two children Jacob and Carter. In 2004 Marianne passed away from cancer and Sam remarried in 2007 to Tammy. He has a stepson, Ben. Sam says that he is blessed to have two women who have supported him and have been able to understand the long hours and time away from the family to perform his duties as athletic director. We congratulate Sam as the 2019 Man of the Year! |
Clinton Jones was raised in a blue-collar neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio by his mother and grandmother. His mother was a constant presence in his life. She gave birth to him at the age of 15 and worked several jobs to make ends meet and take care of Clinton, her only child. When she was 20 years old, she was able to buy their own home. Jones transferred to a private Catholic school in the fourth grade. The black population in elementary and high school was only 2% or less, but he had the support of his mother and grandmother. They made it happen. That decision changed his life and exposed him to opportunities and education that the public schools were not providing. “The racial divide was always there, but there were fewer blacks to deal with, so we weren’t as threatening in numbers,” says Clinton. Attending Cathedral Latin showed his neighborhood boys he attended a school known for its excellence, not only in football and basketball, but as one of the premier schools for academics. The “Fighting Lions” changed his life and exposed him to mentors who loved and cared for him. While at Latin, Clinton excelled in track and football. Dick Marabito was his track coach as well as defensive line coach in football. After Latin, Jones attended Michigan State University. He had a great career in both football and track. In 1964 he was named Mr. Michigan State University. This was the first time in the school’s history that a minority and a sophomore was voted for this honor. Jones writes about his time with the team, “…we came together as a team and really jelled. There was civil unrest and the country was in turmoil, but on the MSU campus, we took the off-the-field adversity and turned it into opportunity. Despite our uniqueness and different life experiences, we focused on each other and developed a special bond. It was more than just about football.” He also enjoyed working within the East Lansing Community and received the 1966 Big Brothers of America “Big Brother of the Year” award. It meant a lot for Clinton to be a role model for his “little brother.” In 1967, he was drafted into the NFL and played for the Minnesota Vikings where he participated in the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs. He was traded in 1973 to the San Diego Chargers. In 1972, he was inducted into the Cathedral Latin Sports Hall of Fame. After a knee injury, Jones retired in 1975 after his contract expired. He enrolled in Cleveland Chiropractic College for four years of study in July 1975. During this period, he worked in the evenings as a correctional officer (youth counselor) at Ventura School Correctional Facility with convicted felon juveniles. He received his Doctorate of Chiropractic in 1979, passed his state board exams in 1980 and received his California Chiropractic license in 1981. He has been in practice as a chiropractic doctor with his wife, Rosielee (also a chiropractor), for over 48 years in California. In 2012, Clinton entered the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame and Michigan State Hall of Fame. In 2015 he entered the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame. Nichiren Buddhism was introduced to Clinton by his wife, Rosielee, in 1977. He joined The Soka Gakkai of the United States of America. This is the largest lay Buddhist organization with a collective goal: To realize world peace through each person becoming happy. Buddhism has had a profound effect on every aspect of his life. Jones is grateful for the opportunity to attend Cathedral Latin and Michigan State where he received a great education and formed lifelong friendships that continue today. Clinton has been married to Rosielee Jones, D.C. for almost 40 years and been in chiropractic practicetogether since 1980. They have five daughters – Dywana, Stephanie, Tiffany, Shani and Cara, and seven grandchildren. |
2018 Man of the Year – Joseph A. Marinucci ’72
Joseph Marinucci currently serves as President and CEO of Downtown Cleveland Alliance (DCA), the largest Special Improvement District in the State of Ohio. DCA is dedicated to improving the pedestrian experience for people who work, live and play in Downtown Cleveland and to attracting additional private investment to the Central Business District.
Prior to joining DCA, he served as President and Executive Vice President of DCA’s predecessor organization, Downtown Cleveland Partnership; Vice President of Real Estate Development for Cleveland’s Playhouse Square, the country’s second largest theater district; Director of Economic Development for the City of Cleveland; and Deputy Director for the Ohio Department of Development.
He has served as Chairman of the Board of International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and was recognized for his 37 years in the ED profession by being awarded Fellow Member, Honorary Life Member, and, in 2016, the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Honor of Edward DeLuca, recognizing his contribution to the economic development profession. He also served as treasurer of IEDC’s predecessor organization, the International Council for Urban Economic Development.
In addition, Joe’s volunteer contributions included serving on and chairing the Board of The Gateway Economic Corporation, the owner of the Gateway Sports Complex and more recently served on the Cleveland Host Committee or the 2016 Republican National Convention held in Cleveland.
In addition, Mr. Marinucci’s current community involvement includes the Union Club Board of Trustees, the Cleveland Restoration Society Board of Trustees, Little Italy Redevelopment Corporation (ex-officio), the Visiting Committee of Levin College of Urban Affairs at CSU, the Advisory Board for the Center of Population Dynamics at CSU, and the Urban Research Park CDE, based in Towson, Maryland.
A graduate of Cleveland State University, Joe was born in Giuliano Teatino, a small town 15 kilometers from the Adriatic Sea in the Chieti Province of Abruzzo, Italy. He migrated to the United States with his parents in 1956 and settled in the Little Italy neighborhood of Cleveland.
Today, he resides with his wife Dani in Westlake, Ohio, where they raised their four children: Antonia, Dante, Lucia and Vincenzo.
2018 Man of the Year – Fr. Paul M. Marshall, SM ’65
Father Paul Marshall graduated from Cathedral Latin School in 1965. In July of 1965, he entered the novitiate at Marcy, New York and professed his first vows in August of 1966. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton in 1969 and began working in youth programs for the City of Dayton. He served as the Director of the Urban Corps Program for youth services for the city and was honored as one of the Top 10 African American Males for his leadership and contribution to the Dayton community.
In 1972, Fr. Paul professed his final vows as a Marianist and earned a master of divinity from the University of St. Michael’s College in Toronto in 1976. He was ordained a priest in Dayton of that year and was assigned to Cathedral Latin School. He taught religion and was the school chaplain up until the school closed in 1979. He then served in a similar role at Dayton’s Chaminade Julienne High School.
He was assigned as pastor of St. Aloysius Parish in Cleveland in 1980 and served through 1997. During those years, he served on the board of trustees at the University of Dayton. He helped found the Ministry to Black Catholic Men and was a member of the Provincial Chapter of the Marianist province of Cincinnati.
Fr. Paul had a great passion for social and racial justice and promoting the gift of the black Catholic community to the entire church. For many years he was a board member of the National Black Clergy Congress and served as president of the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus. He spent time at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and in 2000 he returned to the University of Dayton as associate professor in the Department of Religious Studies.
Fr. Marshall served as rector of the University of Dayton from 2005-2010. As rector, he helped establish the Marianist Educational Associates, a program that develops a community of lay faculty, staff and administrators dedicated to preserving the University’s Marianist heritage. In 2010 he was appointed Assistant for Temporalities for the Marianist Province of the United States, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. He served as one of five top leaders where he oversaw Province finances and social justice initiatives.
Sadly, Fr. Paul passed away on July 17, 2014 at the young age of 66. At the time of his death, he was visiting Marianist ministries of the District of India, a dependent unit of the Province of the United States.
In reflection on his 25th Jubilee as a Marianist, he wrote the following:
“The Marianists have always been open to someone of a different culture. Our life together, I believe, is a witness to the kingdom of God. Every race, culture and people are called to be followers of God. Mary, our model of faith, praised God who raised the lowly and freed the oppressed. Working for freedom and promoting the faith in the Black community have given meaning to my life as a Marianist.”
Fr. Paul was preceded in death by siblings Carl and Patricia. He is survived by his sister Iris Marshall Brown and brothers Isaiah and Aaron.
Let us thank God for the gift of his life. May he rest in peace.
2017 Man of the Year – Judge Timothy E. McMonagle (retired) ’63
Timothy E. McMonagle, Class of 1963, was a Judge of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas from 1983 – 1995. In 1995, he was appointed by then Governor George Voinovich to the Ohio Court of Appeals, Eighth Appellate District. While on the Court of Appeals, he served a term as Presiding and Administrative Judge. He also sat a number of times on the Ohio Supreme Court by assignment of the Chief Justice. He served until the end of 2004 when he chose to return to the Common Pleas Court, where, in addition to his regular duties, he served as head of the Mental Health Court until his retirement in 2010.
After Latin, Tim graduated from the University of Dayton in 1967 and then returned to Cleveland John Marshall School of Law (now CSU). He became a soldier in 1969 when he was drafted out of law school and into the United States Army. He then served a tour in Vietnam with the 25th Infantry Division as a combat medic. He earned various commendations, the most important of which to him was the Combat Medics Badge. He finished his enlistment and returned to law school. After the Ohio Bar Exam, he practiced both criminal and civil law. In 1980, he became a founding Board member of the Northern Ohio Vietnam Veterans. This Chapter was the very first chapter of the V.V.A. in this area.
He remained active in veterans’ affairs as a Judge. He has been a speaker at Veterans Day ceremonies on Cleveland Public Square, the Traveling Wall events at Cuyahoga Community College and at Mall A commemorating the end of the Vietnam War. He was also an active organizer of “Firebase Cleveland” which was the 1988 Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Parade and festivities.
Tim has served a number of terms as the Chairman of the Common Pleas Court Veterans Committee where he was instrumental in getting Vietnam veterans appointed to the county Veterans Service Commission. Presently, he is a member of the “Old Timers” – Vietnam Vets who allegedly are prominent in business and law. In this role, the “Older Timers” recently raised money to equip a home for veterans sponsored by the Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry and made possible by the Cuyahoga County Land Bank.
In retirement, Tim has served as the chair of the Cuyahoga County Debarment Commission which reviews claims of persons and companies barred from doing business with the county. He also served as the Co-Chair of the Task Force on Judicial Excellence sponsored by the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association.
Tim is married to Christine T. McMonagle, who is also a retired Common Pleas Court and Court of Appeals Judge. They have two children. Ryan is a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. Their daughter Talley is a social worker with the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging.
Tim writes, “I am truly proud to be included in the elite group of alumni previously selected as Man of the Year, especially Judges George McMonagle ’24, John Toner ’33, Frank Gorman ’36 and Salvatore Calandra ’39. All of them friends and greatly missed. It is my great honor to be included with them. My four years at Latin taught me to appreciate the school motto “Opere et Veritate. Literally it means In Deed and Truth, but to me it means Act in Truth. I have strived to let that be my guide in life as citizen, husband, father, lawyer and judge. To any extent that I have achieved success, I realize it all began at Cathedral Latin School.”
2016 Man of the Year – John C. Gibbons ’62
Growing up through part of his grade school years, John Gibbons ’62 remembers that his two sisters, in performing their babysitting duties, took him to see the high school football teams playing at Adams Field and was favorably impressed by the 1954 Cathedral Latin team. He also remembers going to Columbus, Ohio to see the great 1957 Cathedral Latin basketball team.
John was influenced by his dad who was a very good friend of Judge George McMonagle ’24, a staunch Latin supporter, and by Bill Peterson ’48, an ardent alumnus who coached CYO football teams at St. Gregory the Great. He also admired Mike Gavin ’46, who eventually married his sister Marge.
During his Latin days, he recalls those who had an effect in his school life. Mr. William Ternansky impressed upon him the importance of a knowledge of history and political science, yet made the study of subjects “fun.” Coach Michael Torrelli insisted that algebra was more important than football and demanded that he study in his homeroom and told John to find the answers without relying on his assistance. John admired the faculty and holds Brother Frank Nurthen in high regard for his assistance and guidance. These faculty members influenced John’s enthusiasm for history and his drive for competence as a teacher. John said his four years at Cathedral Latin School were formative, and provided the foundation for his career and family.
John was a member of the football team which played in the 1961 Charity Game at Cleveland Browns Stadium on Thanksgiving Day. After graduation, he went on to play football at John Carroll University. His passion for scholastic football has become legendary. He was head football coach at Cathedral Latin, Streetsboro, St. Edward and Bedford. He also served as head basketball coach at Lake Catholic, following several years at St. Joseph’s High School as an assistant. In 1991 and 1992 his teams won two state championships. Following his head football coach at Lake Catholic, he served in the same role at St. Edward for eight years, where his teams were consistently in the playoffs along with one state championship game appearance in 2003. John continues to coach at Lake Catholic as an assistant alongside his son, Tom, who serves as the defensive coordinator for the Cougars.
John was inducted into the Ohio High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 2015. This high honor reflects his accomplishments on the field and his integrity and sense of service as a role model to his athletes. His plaque and photo can be seen in the halls of the Ohio State University football complex. John has always exhibited a passion for the game of football. He excels at studying and coaching the game and especially teaching the fundamentals to young athletes. He is a recognized role model for football coaches across the state of Ohio and beyond.
John and his wife, Patty, have been married for over 47 years. They have nine children and many grandchildren. John has always been dedicated to family and his faith. He attends Mass on a daily basis with his wife Patty and serves as an excellent grill master for his family on frequent occasions. Hard work, sacrifice and integrity have always been a way of life, and he has instilled and modeled these virtues. The success of his children speaks to his leadership and family values.
John also stresses the importance of having fun in whatever one might do. That’s why he continues to coach with his son at Lake Catholic, inspires young athletes and continues to provide leadership in his community, family and his faith.
Sam Colacarro ’62, Lake Catholic Athletic Director, and Tom Lombardo, St. Edward Head Football Coach, are among a number of those who nominated John for this merit award. He lives the school motto in every aspect of his life, “in deed and truth.”
2015 Man of the Year – Richard A. Cavolo, D.D.S. ’74
After graduating from Cathedral Latin in 1974, Rick attended John Carroll University. While a student there, he met his wife, Bernadette, a Notre Dame Academy alum. He graduated from Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry. He has been in private practice in Highland Heights since 1981.
Rick’s service to the Cathedral Latin Alumni Association spans three decades. He first became a trustee in 1976 while still in college. As was the case with many alumni, the closing of the school in 1979 was devastating to him. He vowed that he would do whatever he could to see that the name and memory of Cathedral Latin would continue. Rick was among a core group of alumni that negotiated the affiliation agreement with the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1987 to create Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School. He was elected president of the alumni association in 1988, the year the formation of the new school was celebrated. Previous to serving as president, Rick was the secretary of the association. He has served on and chaired several committees over the many years.
In 2008, Rick became a member of the Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin Board of Directors. He felt urged to join out of gratitude for the many blessings his family has realized through the school. Their three children, Rick, Jr. and wife Jennifer (both 2001), Steve (2005) and Marie (2008) are proud NDCL graduates. Rick states, “We couldn’t be happier with the experience our children had at NDCL. They were excellently prepared for college and their faith was wonderfully nurtured during those years.” Steve and Marie are officers in the NDCL Alumni Association and Jennifer is also a member of the NDCL Board of Directors.
Rick has a proud lineage of Cathedral Latin relatives. His father, Charles, graduated in 1938 and his brothers, Chuck and Dan graduated in 1964 and 1969 respectively. His great uncle, Frank Catalano, MD, was in the class of 1927. In addition, Bernadette had six uncles that all were Latin graduates.
Other organizations that Rick has been active in over the years include the Northeastern Ohio Dental Society. This is the local affiliate of the American Dental Association. Rick has served as treasurer and president. In addition, he currently is active at the state level with the Ohio Dental Association.
The Cavolo family has been actively involved with the Boy Scouts for many years. In 2005, Rick and Bernadette received the Silver Pelican award for their years as counselors for religious medals. In 2006, members of Troop 195 in Chesterland contributed to have a James A. West Endowment Award presented in Rick’s name in appreciation of his many years of volunteer service. However, the ultimate award for Rick and Bernadette was seeing their two sons become F.agle Scouts.
Rick and Bernadette have been married 33 years and reside in Munson Township. Their children all live in the area as well. Their first grandchild Richard Charles, arrived late in 2013. The Cavolos are all active members in their parish, the Church of St. Anselm in Chesterland.
2015 Man of the Year – General John D. Lavelle ’34
General John “Jack” Lavelle was born in 1916, in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Cathedral Latin School, where he was on the honor roll, played varsity basketball and was a member of Sodality. He graduated from John Carroll University in 1938.
In 1939 he enlisted as an aviation cadet in the Army Air Corps and received pilot training at Randolph and Kelly fields, Texas. He received his wings and a commission as a second lieutenant in June 1940. He returned to Randolph Field as a flying instructor and in 1942 was assigned as part of a cadre to open Waco Army Air Field, where he served as squadron commander and director of flying. During World War II he saw combat in the European Theater of Operations, where he served with the 412th Fighter Squadron flying P-47s.
In January 1946 he was assigned to Headquarters Air Materiel Command at Wright Field, Ohio, as Deputy Chief of Statistical Services. When the U.S. Air Force was established as a separate Service in 1947, he was one of the two Air Force officers who negotiated with all seven Army Technical Services and wrote the agreements for the division of assets and the operating procedures to be affected during the buildup of the Air Force. He was assigned in October 1949 as the Director of Management Analysis and later as the comptroller of the Far East Materiel Command at Tachikawa Air Base, Japan. During the Korean War, he was commander of the Supply Depot at Tachikawa. He was awarded the Legion of Merit for the reorganization of the theater supply system and the establishment of a procedure for control of the transshipment of supplies direct from the United States to Korea.
In November 1952 he was assigned as commander of McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., and the 568th Air Defense Group. During his tenure there, the Military Air Transport Service facilities and air terminal were constructed and McGuire Air Force Base became an East Coast aerial port. When the base was transferred to MATS, he became the MATS Transport Wing commander. While at McGuire Air Force Base, he established a community relations program which did much to ease the problems that normally befall an area where a military installation grows from approximately 1,500 to 10,000 personnel. General Lavelle is still considered an honorary citizen of many of the small communities around McGuire and an honorary member of the local Lions International and Kiwanis Club.
He attended the Air War College in 1956-1957 and then spent the next five years at Headquarters U.S. Air Force as deputy director of requirements; secretary of the Weapons Board; and deputy director of programs. While in the Pentagon, he was principally responsible for the reorganization of the Air Force Board system and the establishment of program control through the Program Review Committee. He was awarded an oak leaf cluster to his Legion of Merit at the end of this tour of duty.
General Lavelle went to Europe in July 1962 as deputy chief of staff for operations, Headquarters Fourth Allied Tactical Air Force, NATO comprised elements of the German, French and Canadian and the U.S. Air Forces in Europe. For his accomplishments while in this headquarters, he was awarded a second oak leaf duster to his Legion of Merit and the “Medaille de Merite Militaire” by France. In September 1964 General Lavelle was assigned to Headquarters U.S. Air Force as the director of aerospace programs, Deputy Chief of Staff for Programs and Resources. As director, he was principal backup witness in presenting and defending Air Force programs to the Congress. In addition, he served as chairman, Air Staff Board, and as chief, Southeast Asia Programs Team.
Command of the Seventeenth Air Force, headquartered at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, was General Lavelle’s next assignment in July 1966. Seventeenth’s operations spanned Germany, Italy and Libya. In this position, General Lavelle commanded a versatile, combat-ready force equipped with supersonic jet fighters and tactical missiles with nuclear, conventional and air-to-air capabilities. In December 1967 General Lavelle was assigned to the Defense Communications Planning Group located at the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C., where he served as the Deputy Director for Forces. In February 1968 he assumed duties as the director of the Defense Communications Planning Group.
General Lavelle was assigned as vice commander in chief, Pacific Air Forces, with headquarters at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii in September 1970. He served in that capacity until assuming command of Seventh Air Force on July 29, 1971. In March 1972, General Lavelle was removed from command as a result of allegations that he ordered unauthorized bombing missions into North Vietnam, and that he authorized the falsification of reports to conceal the missions. He was retired in the grade of major general, two grades lower than the last grade he served on active duty.
In 2007, newly released and declassified information resulted in evidence that General Lavelle was authorized to conduct the bombing missions. In light of the new information, a request was made to the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR) for reinstatement to the grade of general, his last grade while on active duty.
In 2008 the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records agreed and further found no evidence General Lavelle caused, either directly or indirectly, the falsification of records, or that he was even aware of their existence. Following the AFBCMR decision and recommendations from the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of the Air Force, General Lavelle was nominated posthumously by the President to the Senate for advancement on the retired rolls to the grade of general. The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) returned the nomination with a request for additional review in 2010. That review is ongoing as of this date.
General Lavelle died of a heart attack on a golf course on July 10, 1979. He is survived by his beloved wife Mary “Jo” Lavelle also of Cleveland, and his proud and devoted children, Barbara Lavelle Foster, Jere Lavelle Enloe, John D. Lavelle, Jr., Patricia Lavelle Evans, Michael J. Lavelle, Timothy W. Lavelle and Dennis K. Lavelle.
2014 Man of the Year – Ivan L. Otto ’55
After graduating from Cathedral Latin, Ivan received an undergraduate degree from John Carroll University and a J.D. from Case Western Reserve. Following military service, he joined the prominent law firm of Squire Sanders (US) LLP where he became a partner.
In his Squire Sanders career, Ivan specialized in general municipal and public law and was distinguished for his effectiveness in the financing of infrastructure such as sewers, sewage treatment plants, water lines, pollution abatement, roads and schools. He drafted legislation for the Ohio General Assembly and other legislative bodies relating to financing, zoning, taxation and industrial development financing. He is a recognized authority on public law and has made presentations in many forums such as the Ohio Municipal League and the Municipal Treasurers Association of the United States.
Ivan has been active in the Catholic Charities Corporation where he led as president and a member of the board of trustees; he has been an officer and board member of St. Augustine Manor. He currently is active in the RCIA program of his parish and a member of the board of Judson Foundation.
He was instrumental in the legal development of the Cathedral Latin Alumni Association and the merging of the Association with the Sisters of Notre Dame to establish Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School.
Readers of the CLS history book were particularly affected by his comments for the book, two of which are noted here:
“…he recalled that the Marianist faculty had a great deal to do with infusing ‘Latin Spirit’ into his daily classroom routines. ‘Brother Ken Sommer was an inspirational leader,’ Otto asserted. ‘He was a strict disciplinarian and fervent in his devotion to Our Lady. He was my freshman homeroom teacher, taught religion, and instilled in us the importance of combining spirituality and education in our daily lives. Those qualities are with me today. ‘ “
“He summed up his recollection with these remarks: ‘Latin was a wonderful place to be—to go to school every day and enjoy being there. You had kids from all over the city and from several counties. We all had different backgrounds, different cultures, and, figuratively speaking, we were all mixed into one big pot. We had young men teaching young men—the chemistry was there and it worked.”
Ivan currently resides in Cleveland, Ohio. He and his wife, Kathleen (deceased) have three children, James, class of ’79, Richard and Mary Lou Splain
2013 Man of the Year – Paul L. Wilkes ’56
Paul is an author of over twenty books, social entrepreneur, speaker and documentarian. His newly released book The Art of Confession: Renewing Yourself Through the Practice of Personal Honesty is one of America’s most respected writers on religious belief and personal spirituality. He is also the host, writer, director or producer of seven PBS documentaries.
His book, In Due Season: A Catholic Life, was chosen by Publishers Weekly as one of 2009’s 100 outstanding books. In a review, PWcalled In Due Season “an exquisite memoir that often reads like a novel.”
Paul lectures across the country about the role of religious belief in individual lives as well the place and impact of religion in public life. As a commentator on religious issues, he has appeared on all major television networks.
Another book, In Mysterious Ways: The Death and Lift of a Parish Priest, was a Book of the Month Club selection, and won a Christopher Award. In addition to MERTON, which aired on PBS, Paul Wilkes was host, writer, and associate producer of the acclaimed television series, SIX AMERICAN FAMILIES, which won a DuPont-Columbia award for documentary excellence.
He has written for numerous national magazines, such as The New Yorker, The Atlantic and The New York Times Magazine, and is a former reporter for the Baltimore Sun and the Boulder (Colorado) Daily Camera.
He has been a visiting writer and guest lecturer at Clark University, Columbia University, the University of Pittsburgh, College of the Holy Cross, Boston University and Brooklyn College. He was Welch Visiting Chair at Notre Dame, and Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
Paul has been honored for his body of work with a Distinguished Alumnus Award from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, where he received his advanced degree, and with a By-Line Award from Marquette University, where he graduated.
In 2006, Paul founded Homes of Hope India-U.S. to support orphanages and schools for street children in India. He is a co-founder of CHIPS (Christian Help in Park Slope), a Brooklyn center that has served the poor and homeless young mothers and children for almost forty years.
A practicing Catholic, active in his parish, he lives in Wilmington, North Carolina, with his wife, Tracy, who founded DREAMS, an arts program for at-risk children. The Wilkes have two sons, Noah and Daniel.
2013 Man of the Year – J. Packy Hyland ’60
Packy played basketball all four years for the Lions, and he was also a member of the bowling team the year Latin was Cuyahoga County champs. Packy self-effacingly offered, “I had the lowest average on the team.” His average was a very solid 171.
Through much of his adult life, Packy was an entrepreneur. He attributed his business success to a “more than casually competitive nature.” From 1960 through 1991, when Hyland Software was founded, Packy held sales positions with three Fortune 500 companies. He also started a few successful companies of his own. Of course, with corporate success comes family moves. Packy and his family lived in Chicago, Wisconsin, Texas, Italy, Ireland and Cleveland (East and West sides). Packy would laugh and state, “Some say I was a white-collar migrant worker.”
The fun-loving Irishman explains his unusual name. “Packy is an Irish nickname for Patrick. My father and I both are ‘John Patrick,’ and my parents did not want to call me Jr.”
In 1991, the Hyland’s unpacked their bags for good, settling their family on Cleveland’s west side. Hyland Software was co-founded with his son, John Patrick “Packy” Jr. Packy was part of the team that transformed Hyland Software from a two-man operation in 1991 into a thriving, global software company. He was president of the company from 1991 to 1997. He stayed with the company until 1999 and remained on its board until 2007.
Today, there are three businesses run by family members: Hyland Software, OneLink Technical Services, and Workflow.Com, all located in Westlake.
Many of his family members also graduated from Cathedral Latin. His father, John, Class of 1930, his brother Tom “T”, Class of 1964 and his brother Jim, Class of 1978.
Packy passed away in May 2009. He is survived by his wife, Charlene and sons, Packy, Jr., Chris, and A.J., and daughters, Kate Ashcraft and Micayla Martin; as well as 23 grandchildren.
Friends remember him as the life of the party — outgoing, friendly and always ready with a funny story. He was the kind of man who forged strong relationships with people and kept them for a lifetime.
Packy and his wife Charlene have a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. As an example of their devotion, they contributed to a pair of beautiful recognition benches on campus near the statue of Mary.
2012 Man of the Year – Bishop Neal J. Buckon ’71
Bishop Neal Buckon graduated from Gesu Elementary School in University Heights and Cathedral Latin High School. He continued his education at John Carroll University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree through his participation in the ROTC program at Carroll. “Even before college, I knew I wanted to be in ROTC,” Bishop Buckon says. “It wasn’t something that was popular at the time with Vietnam, but my grandfather and other family members served. I felt every citizen ought to consider being of service.”
In May 1975, he was recognized as a Distinguished Military Graduate, appointed as a Regular Army Officer, and served in both the Infantry and Transportation branches of the U.S. Army. As a member of the Infantry, he served as Rifle Platoon Leader and Weapons Platoon Leader with the 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry, 1st Armor Division, Erlangen, Germany; and Battalion S4 and Company Commander with the 3rd Battalion, 19th Infantry, 24th Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. As a member of the Transportation Corps, his assignments included serving in Mannheim Germany as a Platoon Leader and Company Operations Officer with the 28th Transportation Battalion and as a Platoon Leader and Transportation Officer in the Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the Allied Command Europe, Mobile Force (Land) (AMFL) (including deployments to Denmark, England, and Norway).
Following seven years of active duty, he resigned his commission and traveled to more than 100 countries. Inspired by these travels Neal entered the ministry. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Cleveland State University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Borromeo College of Ohio. He later received a Masters of Divinity degree and a Master of Arts degree in Church History from Saint Mary’s Seminary in Cleveland, Ohio. Following his graduate theological studies, he was ordained a priest in May 1995 for the Diocese of Cleveland and assigned to Saint Margaret Mary Church in South Euclid, Ohio. While in the seminary, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Chaplain Candidate and was subsequently accessioned into the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps in 1996.
His Chaplain assignments included locations around the world. Some of the locations and deployments were: Cleveland, Ohio (including a deployment to Bosnia); Fort Stewart, Georgia; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Baghdad, Iraq; Heidelberg, Germany; and Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He served his last assignment as the Eighth United States Army (EUSA) Chaplain for Current Operations and Catholic Chaplain in Yongsan, Korea.
His awards include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Parachutist Badge, and the Ranger Tab.
U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Neal J. Buckon retired on December 31, 2010 after 28 years of distinguished service in the military. Three days later, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI named him Titular Bishop of Vissalsa and Auxiliary Bishop to the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.
Bishop Buckon’s appointment was announced in Washington, D.C. on January 3, 2011 by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. He explains his role as auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. “Archbishop Broglio reorganized the areas of responsibility for his four auxiliary bishops. I will be his vicar for the Western United States, situated in San Clemente, California, traveling to 95 military installations in 18 western states, including Hawaii and Alaska. The Archdiocese for the Military Services includes the Catholic service members and their families on Active Duty in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. In addition to celebrating annual Confirmation Masses at these installations, I will support the Catholic Chaplains by answering questions, resolving issues, and talking through difficulties to find solutions. I will also provide pastoral care to those serving in the military and their families. I will be working with the Catholic Chaplains to sustain the spirituality and souls of those in our Armed Forces. As I serve God, I am also serving this great nation and the brave service members of the U.S. military,” Bishop Buckon states proudly.
Bishop Buckon notes, “Christianity is a very powerful thing because it is the love of God. As bishops, we select our own coat of arms and motto. I selected the motto of Cathedral Latin, opere et veritate, which means “in deed and in truth.” In the letter of John 3:19, Jesus says, ‘Little children, do not merely talk about love. Let us serve in deed and in truth.’ This is a wonderful message for our military. It has strengthened and encouraged me since my Latin days.”
On Feb. 22, Buckon was ordained a bishop during a ceremony at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Neal asked three friends and former Cathedral Latin alumni to serve as deacons at his ordination Mass on February 22: Bruce Battista ’71, of Holy Rosary Church, Little Italy; John Wenzel ’65, of St. Anthony of Padua, Fairport Harbor; and John Sferry ’63, of Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Why? “Because they were Latin grads,” jokes Bishop Buckon with a laugh. “They are good friends, and we’ve worked together or stayed in close touch all these years.”
Bishop Buckon is a native Clevelander and is the son of John (deceased) and Rita Buckon. His siblings include Liz (deceased), Nancy, Jane, Marie, Leo ’73 and Paul ’76. He currently resides at Our Lady of Fatima Church in San Clemente, CA.
2011 Man of the Year – Bro. Victor M. Forlani, S.M. ’61
Some colleges have an artist-in-residence. Most business schools have an executive-in-residence.
But Brother Victor M. Forlani, S.M., is in a class by himself. The 1961 Cathedral Latin School graduate with the ready smile and hearty laugh is Marianist-in-residence at the University of Dayton School of Business Administration. UD was founded in 1850 by the Society of Mary.
Forlani earned his doctorate in business administration, with a focus on strategy and ethics, from Boston University’s School of Management. He holds two masters’ degrees, an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and an education degree in secondary school administration from Syracuse University. He graduated from the University of Dayton in 1965 with a double major in business administration and education.
Forlani first professed vows in 1962 and made final profession of vows in 1966.
Forlani served as director of financial development for Cathedral Latin School from 1970 to 1975. Along with Brother Frank Nurthen and staff he worked with CL Alumni Association to organize their Annual Telethon, which endures to this day.
After leaving Latin in 1975, Brother Victor was principal of Hackett High School in Kalamazoo Michigan for five years. He spent most of the 80’s as president of Bergamo Center for Christian Renewal in the Dayton area. While at Hackett, Victor was moderator of the Diocesan Pastoral Council. While at Bergamo, he was on the Board of Directors of the Beavercreek Chamber of Commerce and chair of its Business Development Committee
Marianist-in-residence since 2009, Forlani works to integrate the principles of Catholic social thought and the University’s Marianist heritage into the business school’s curriculum. As part of the faculty since 1995, Forlani’s teaching has focused on ethics and the role of faith and religion in the business world and workplace.
Forlani has touched the lives of hundreds of students and business professionals, helping them shape careers that are successful, humane and full of faith. First through the annual Business as a Calling initiative, and now as founding director of the University’s new Center for the Integration of Faith and Work, Forlani creates programs and courses that help students explore the value and meaning of their chosen life’s work.
His philosophy is rooted in Catholic, Marianist social thought: “By viewing a business career as a calling — as distinct from a series of jobs — a deeper sense of purpose and social awareness is fostered and, at the same time, creates a culture of business integrity,” Forlani says. “Although ethics is very much a part of what we explore, the work of the center goes beyond ethics and look at how values, personal commitment and character are inseparable from leadership ability.
In his role as Marianist-in-residence, Forlani teaches ethics courses in the MBA program; brings top executives to campus such as Clayton Mathile, former CEO of the Iams Corp. to discuss business integrity; coordinates Walk the Talk sessions that bring students together with business professionals to discuss religion and ethics; and leads discussion and information sessions with faculty, staff and students on religious traditions.
He also leads by example. In 200l he was troubled by the growth of predatory payday lending practices. So he challenged students in his management class to work with local credit unions to devise a long-term solution to help families living paycheck to paycheck avoid high fees associated with payday lenders. The resulting StretchPay lending program is highly successful and now used by 58 credit unions in eight states. Last year alone, it is estimated to have saved borrowers more than $4 million in interest and fees.
Along with many local civic involvements in the Dayton area, he has been a member of the Board of Trustees for St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas since 2003.
2010 Man of the Year – J. Joseph Whelan ’60
After graduating from Cathedral Latin in 1960, Joe earned his undergraduate and graduate degree from John Carroll University and Case Western Reserve University.
Joe then pursued a teaching career at St. Francis Elementary/High School, before being named principal at Chambers Elementary School in East Cleveland, Ohio from 1969 to 1990. While principal of Chambers, his school was nationally recognized twice by the U.S. Department of Education in 1986 and 1990. This was the first all-minority school in the country to receive that award. J. Joseph Whelan was Ohio’s Distinguished Principal in 1988.
After leaving Chambers Elementary School, Joe became a professor of education at John Carroll University for 14 years. Joe taught the undergraduate methods courses and the educational graduate classes. Upon leaving John Carroll, he became an international consultant working with teachers across the United States and Canada.
Joe has had the great fortune to teach at all grade levels. He has taught at the elementary level, middle school level, high school level, college level and post graduate level.
Joe’s success was based on making children love learning and involving their parents in the educational process. He made a difference in the lives of the children entrusted to him.
Joe is a Lead Trainer in the process of learning walks, a management by walking around system for improving curriculum and instruction in the classroom. Joe has done on-site instructional analysis and follow-up support through workshops and coaching of Principals and Teachers.
Joe is a highly sought Keynote speaker in North America. His stories, humor and passion for learning are recognized by teachers, principals, and educators with a strong belief that all students can learn regardless of the disadvantages they face. For decades, Whelan has devoted his passion for learning with over 25,000 educators across North America.
Joe was guest speaker at Bishop Pilla’s 1998 Man of the Year induction. In 1994, Joe gave the NDCL commencement address.
Joe is an avid golfer and currently resides in Euclid, OH. He has two children, Sean (wife Mariah) and Thomas (wife Kristen) along with three granddaughters.
2010 Man of the Year – Nick Orlando, Sr. ’56
Nick and his two brothers, Chester (Sonny) and John, like generations passed, began working at The Orlando Baking Company on Woodland Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio in grade school, making breadcrumbs in the bakery basement. Nick was a member of the first eighth-grade graduating class at Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish and went on to attend Cathedral Latin. After his graduation in 1956, he attended John Carroll University.
According to family, it was Nick’s vision that grew Orlando Baking Company in the 1970s. “He always felt we could do more – do better. Nick had the same outlook in life,” Sonny remembers fondly. His father died in 1970 and his mother in 1971. Nick became president in 1970. He harbored big plans for the small family business, pushing brothers Sonny and John to invest $1.4 million in a new plant at 7777 Grand Avenue.
“Nick was the guy with the rose-colored glasses,” insists John. “The vision he had to move to a new, modern plant positioned us for future growth. Nick was also determined to stay in Cleveland and improve the old neighborhood. He loved this city, but it was experiencing bad times and he knew it could be a gamble.
Today, 30 family members work at the 136-year-old family company, including two of Nick’s sons, Michael and Nick Jr. and John and Sonny’s sons.
For more than 105 years, the Orlando family has contributed to many volunteer, fundraising and charitable projects throughout greater Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. Their strongest, non-profit connection is with the Hunger Network of Cleveland, the largest, direct, emergency-food network in Cuyahoga County. They give out an award each year at their annual benefit entitled “The Nick Orlando Giving Award” in honor of Nick.
They are committed to helping the hungry in Cleveland and also support The Cleveland Foodbank, which serves as a clearinghouse for surplus food in the greater Cleveland area. Nick was one of the first to agree to donate to the food bank when it started in the 1970’s. Orlando Baking Company also participates in three benefits for Harvest for Hunger: “Celebrity Soup”, “Market Under Glass” and “Taste of the NFL.”
Other organizations that Orlando Baking Company assists are DARE, American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, Ireland Cancer Center, The Kidney Foundation, The Cleveland Pops, The Cleveland Restaurant Association and The Cleveland Metroparks.
Nick’s favorite hobby was photography. Family & historical photographs adorn the wall of the reception and hallway areas at his company as well as hundreds more at his home. He loved to read books about history and anything Italian. Nick was also an avid reader of the New York Times, La Gazzetta Italiana and other publications. He often called the La Gazzetta offices to critique each monthly edition, as well as offer storyline ideas. Sometimes his suggestions even converted into interesting stories.
Nick died on January 9, 2008 of congestive heart failure in Naples, Florida at 69. His wife, Anna Marie preceded him in death in 2004. He is survived by his three children, Nick Jr., Kelly and Mike. Prior to his death, Nick had agreed to serve on the cabinet for NDCL’s Capital Campaign Drive. Sonny says this about his brother, “Nick was a Latin guy through and through. Ever go by his house in Beachwood? You’ll see the Lions on either side of his front walkway.” His Latin letter was one of only two items displayed in his coffin. The other item was his camera.
2009 Man of the Year – William T. Slick, Jr. ’41
William T. (Bill) Slick, Jr. ’41, personifies the phrase “Man of Latin.” The retired Exxon Oil Company senior executive and long-time advocate and supporter of Catholic education (and many other causes) has served the Lord, his community and the needy “in deed and truth.”
Bill has long been active in his local parish where he led its participation in the Diocesan-wide campaign for Houston’s new Cathedral. In 1997, Slick was awarded the Papal Gold Medal Auguste Crucis Insigne Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice by Pope John Paul II. It is the highest award given to laity by the Papacy.
Slick’s family upbringing and his Catholic education are things he has always valued. Bill always enjoyed school — especially his years at Cathedral Latin. He appreciates the solid academic foundation that he received from the Marianists. He learned about values at Latin — order, commitment and discipline. “My whole being was influenced at my mother’s knee by her simple truths, mottos we all learned, and at Catholic institutions,” Slick reflects.
After graduating from Latin and serving in the Army Air Corp, Bill attended Brown University on the GI Bill and earned a degree in mechanical engineering in 1948. While at Brown, Bill met his wife Pattie. The two married and started their family. Together, they reared two children, Steven and Susan, from whom Bill has three grandchildren and two great-grandsons. Sadly, Pattie passed away in 1985. Also in 1948, Bill took a job with Humble Oil Company in Tomball, TX, in a move that began a successful 35-year career in the petroleum industry. By 1961, Slick was promoted to Executive Assistant to the Chairman of the Board of Humble Oil. In 1972, Bill was made a Senior VP and member of the Management Committee of Exxon USA. Bill retired from Exxon at age 60 in 1983.
Throughout his busy career and in his retirement years, Bill always found time to give back to others. He joined the Board of Trustees at Brown University and later joined the Board of Directors of the University of St. Thomas – then a struggling Catholic college in Houston. He chaired a capital campaign for UST that raised over $35 million and helped lay the foundation for a generation of growth there. Despite the loss of his first spouse, Bill considers himself “blessed” to have found a second love in his wife, Sally. The couple shares a passion for travel and an interest in philanthropy. In 1996, the Sally S. Slick and William T. Slick, Jr. Endowed Collection in Business Ethics was established at the University of St. Thomas. They have established scholarships at Brown and UST as well as several Catholic high schools including NDCL, where Bill established the Robert E. Van Bergen ’41 Endowed Music Scholarship at NDCL — in memory of his classmate and good friend Bob Van Bergen. Many Latin alumni will remember Bob as a state champion trumpet player and the leader of the music department at Latin from 1962-71.
2008 Man of the Year – Roger R. Abood ’61
St. Peter Chanel High School President and Principal Roger Abood ’61, a well-known Catholic educator in the Cleveland area, has been chosen to receive the highest honor of the Cathedral Latin Alumni Association, the Merit Award, for 2008. The annual Merit Award is given to one who by his conduct and example has brought renown to Cathedral Latin School.
After Latin, Roger went on to John Carroll University for undergraduate and graduate degrees in the sciences, with further graduate work at John Carroll, Ursuline College, and the University of Dayton.
Abood has been a teacher, coach and administrator at Chanel since 1967 and was appointed principal in 1987. He taught many science courses, including anatomy, biology, chemistry and earth science. He also taught at Cuyahoga Community College. Abood has been recognized for his professional contributions by Chanel, John Carroll and the North Coast League. He also has been honored as North Coast League Baseball Coach of the Year.
Abood followed his older brother, Jim ’47, to Latin, but says it was the reputation of CLS at St. Ann School that was the most compelling reason for making his choice.He recalls that he was most impressed with the devotion of the Marianists to Mary and that priest and brothers were authentic people – that they smiled and were interested in you.
In particular he recalls Brother Frank, Brother Tonry, Brother Conlon, and Brother Geiger. Also important was the dedication of the lay faculty, and the ‘addendum’ of Mr. Ternansky.
Of course, as most alumni remember, he noted the vibration of the gym during the rallies and the spirit of the senior class. The experience at CLS was responsible for his decision to be an educator. His impression of CLS will never be lost to him.
Roger and his wife, Kathleen, have four children and nine grandchildren.
2007 Man of the Year – Thomas J. Rodeno ’64
Thomas Rodeno ’64, a man with a steadfast commitment to helping others, has been chosen to receive the highest honor of the Cathedral Latin Alumni Association, the Merit Award, for 2007. The annual Merit Award is given to one who by his conduct and example has brought renown to Cathedral Latin School.
While at Cathedral Latin, Tom played sports at the varsity level and was captain of the basketball team. After CL he went on to the University of Nebraska on a scholarship and played until injury ended his participation. After graduation from Nebraska in 1969, he coached there for several years, and then returned to Cleveland where he was JV coach at CL. In 1993 he was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his All-East Senate and All-Catholic performance in football as a senior and his co-captaincy of the basketball team.
Subsequently he went on to a business career, and after he and his family moved to Denver area, he established a manufacturers representative business in the pipe, valve, and fitting industry that has become very successful, employing twenty-five people.
The most notable point is his leadership in the community. After the diagnosis and then death of their child, Amy, at seven years old from cystic fibrosis, he and his wife, Mary Jo, have spent many years with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The Foundation in Denver calls Tom “ an integral part of our fundraising activity and works on our behalf consistently throughout the year.” He started the 65 Roses Golf Classic in Denver which over the past ten years has raised close to three million dollars, with the 2007 event in the works. At the national level, Tom is currently a member of the Board of Trustees; he is past Secretary/Treasurer of the national organization. The national cystic fibrosis program has raised over $200 million, of which ninety-one percent has gone to research and education. In the past twenty-five years or so, the average lifespan of a person afflicted with the disease has risen from seven years to thirty-eight years.
He is active in the Diocese of Colorado Springs in their program to develop plans and raise money for the primary and secondary education in the Douglas county area.
Reflecting on his life Tom said that three things deeply affected him—his faith, his family, and Cathedral Latin School. At Latin he says, “I grew up, my faith was fostered, I learned to take responsibility, I developed lasting friendships, I became a student, and I earned my way to college, where I met my wife. Lastly, many dreams were fulfilled that would carry into the future.”
Tom is married to Mary Jo and they have three children.
2006 Man of the Year – Edmund J. Turk ’43
In recognition of a lifetime of public service and civic endeavors, Edmund Turk ’43 has been chosen to receive the highest honor of the Cathedral Latin Alumni Association, the Merit Award.
Ed ’s mother wanted to him to attend Cathedral Latin because she was impressed by the Society of Mary when his older brother went to Latin. After graduation from CLS, he served in the military from 1943-46. He earned an undergraduate degree from John Carroll University and went on to receive a law degree from Cleveland Marshall Law School, after which he practiced general law.
Ed entered the public service arena and was elected to six successive terms in Cleveland City Council in the 1960’s and early 1970’s, ultimately serving as president of the Cleveland City Council in 1972-73. He later chaired the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and was a member of the governor’s cabinet in 1973-75. In the 1980’s he served as a member and vice-president of the Cleveland Civil Service Commission, the Cleveland Zoning Appeals Board, and a Cleveland Municipal Court judge.
In general service to the community he has been active in many local, county, and state commissions and councils: the Charter Review Commission of the City of Cleveland, the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Criminal Justice Co-Ordinating Council, the Governor’s Commission on Energy, the Energy Advisory Council, and the National Association of Regulatory Commissioners, and the U.S. and Canadian Energy Supply Committee.
He has been active in St. Vitus parish and Slovenian-American cultural affairs for his adult life.
Ed and his wife Linda Sue, who now reside in Mentor, Ohio, have been married for 33 years. They have a daughter, Elizabeth, and two grandchildren.
The Alumni Association would like to congratulate Ed on receiving the Man of the Year Award.
2005 Man of the Year – Peter R. Pucher ’55
Pete spent 18 years as a guidance counselor, teacher and coach. He began his career at Cathedral Latin, teaching 3 years. He moved to St. John Cansius High School for 2 years, and then taught at Holy Name High School for 6 years. Serving as head football coach and athletic director, his teams compiled a 35-10-1 record. In 1970, he was named West Senate Coach of the Year.
In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, Pete worked in the administration of properties for the city of Cleveland, including Cleveland Municipal Stadium. In 1985 he returned to education as the head of major gift development for John Carroll University. In 1988 he moved to NDCL as the development director.
Pucher continues his mission of giving back to his community. He served 25 years as a volunteer in the Selective Service System and has been an active member of the Knights of Columbus for 43 years. A life member of the American Football Coaches Association, he received the Great Cleveland Football Coaches Association’s Golden Deeds Award in 1991.
Pete spent 16 years on the Greater Cleveland Convention Bureau and was named the 1995 Greater Cleveland United Way Volunteer of the Year. In 1989, he helped create the Geauga County Touchdown Club and is now a lifetime member. He was a member of the Chardon Rotary Club and the National Society of Fund Raisers Executives, where he also served as local chapter president and board member.
The Alumni Association would like to congratulate Pete for his induction into the Man of the Year award.
2004 Man of the Year – Rev. John S. Putka, SM ’56
Fr. Putka is a member at the University of Dayton’s Political Science Department. He has taught for 44 years, the last 15 at Dayton. He also has graduate degrees in sacred theology, historical theology and political science. Fr. Putka has been recognized as an outstanding educator by the Jaycee; appointed to the Kentucky consumer protection council; served on the educational advisory board of TIME magazine; and has been a guest chaplain of both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. He was featured on C-SPAN and also appeared on “The O’Reilly Factor”.
The Alumni Association would like to congratulate Fr. Putka for his induction into the Man of the Year award.
2003 Man of the Year – Bishop A. Edward Pevec ’43
Retired Cleveland Bishop A. Pevec served the Catholic Church and Diocese of Cleveland for more than 52 years, 32 as a priest and 20 years as a bishop. He grew up on East 70 the Street in Cleveland and began thinking about the priesthood in the fifth grade while serving as an altar boy at the St. Vitas parish Masses. Particularly influential in his decision was his mentor, Father Bartholomew Ponkivar, who paid the tuition for young Eddy to attend Latin.
After his graduation in 1943, Bishop Pevec enrolled in Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit and was ordained in 1950. In 1982, Pope John Paul II named him bishop. Now, at 77 years old, Bishop Pevec officially retired last summer.
Bishop Pevec was the principal Celebrant for the service held at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in downtown Cleveland. Rev. Mr. John P. Sferry, ’63 served as Gospel Proclaimer. Concelebrants were Rev. Michael Ausperk, ’80, Rev. Mr. Lawrence Cermak, ’68, Rev. Anthony G. Jansen, and Rev. John Wenzel, ’65. First Reading was done by Albert A. Musca, M.D., ’53, Second Reading by Frank J. Soltis, ’53 and the Gift Bearers were Salvatore R. Felice, ’53, Al Perko, ’53 and John A. Winter, ’53.
Click here to view his “2003 Communion Breakfast Speech”
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