St. Vincent Ferrer High School

Class of 1957 – Bulletin Board, 2017-2018

CLASS BULLETIN BOARD. These are items submitted by your classmates with the most recent on top. For earlier postings (2015-2016) click here. For more recent information, visit the current Bulletin Board.

(10/22/2018) Joseph Rolland "Rollie" Freitas

We mourn the death of our classmate Rollie. Here is his death notice.

Joseph Rolland "Rollie" Freitas

Joseph Rolland "Rollie" Freitas passed from this life on Oct. 14, in Pleasanton. As he was his style, he was surrounded by family and friends until the end. Born in Vallejo, on June 8, 1939 to Joe and Elaine Freitas. Rollie was a member of the first graduating class of St. Basil's and a 1957 graduate of St. Vincent's High School. He was a proud Santa Clara University Bronco (Class of '61) who valued his classmates as lifelong friends.

Rollie retired as an environmental services manager for ServiceMaster in 2006, then enjoyed traveling with his family and sharing smiles on his weekly Meals for Wheels route. Rollie lived by the motto, "Let go, and let God".

He is survived by wife, Ellen; sons, Joe (Elizabeth) of Livermore, Jim of Pleasanton and John (Crystal) of San Leandro; brother, Tom (Claudia) of Santa Clara, and sister, Jolaine (Rob) of Fair Oaks. He loved his five grandchildren, seven nieces and nephews and the blessings of his extended family through his 23 year marriage to Ellen. Rollie was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jerry.

Services, followed by a reception, will be held at 11 a.m., on Oct. 25 at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 3999 Bernal Ave., Pleasanton. He will be laid to rest at All Souls Cemetery in Vallejo. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County, 1777 Capitola Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95062.

Ellen Freitas: 1416 Calle Enrique, Pleasanton, CA 94566

(10/12/2018) New Address for Pat Curtin Hampel

Pat Curtin Hampel advises that, since her husband's passing, she has moved from Napa to be closer to her kids. Her new address is 232 Snowy River Court, Roseville, CA 95747. Pat's email address remains patbobtravel@aol.com.

(6/21/2018) Dr. Robert C. Morgart, 1931 - 2018

We were saddened to learn of the death of Jean Greggins Amodeo Morgart's husband, Bob Morgart. A memorial service and Celebration of Bob's Life will be held on Saturday, June 23, at 3 p.m., at Tulocay Cemetery, 411 Coombsville Road, Napa. Click here for his death notice.

(12/14/2017) Father Patrick (Leo) LaBelle

We have been mourning the death of our classmate Leo. Here is his death notice.

Fr. Patrick Leo James LaBelle

Patrick Leo LaBelle, O.P., A.F.S.C., D.Min., D.D. died on December 11, 2017 at CareMeridian in Fairfax, California surrounded by loved ones. Leo was born to Emmett & Alice (Boyle) LaBelle on July 1, 1939. A proud Roman Catholic his whole life and a native of Vallejo, California, he graduated from St. Vincent Ferrer Grammar and High Schools before studying at St. Mary’s College of California in Moraga. He entered the Order of Preachers (Dominicans, Western Province) in 1959 and received the religious name Br. Patrick. He made religious profession on September 8, 1960. He was ordained a priest on April 23, 1965 at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral in Oakland. He was given an honorary Doctor of Divinity by St. Mary’s College in 1975 and earned a Doctor of Ministry in 1994. Because of his love for the Christian Brothers (F.S.C.) and his years of hard work among them and for those they serve, the Brothers awarded him their highest honor, Affiliation, AFSC.

Fr. LaBelle happily served all of the People of God in his 52 years of priesthood, but he had a special love for college students and young adults, whom he loved like a father. His assignments included St. Thomas More University Parish (Associate Pastor and Pastor), Eugene, Oregon, Blessed Sacrament Priory (Prior) and the Newman Center at the University of Washington (Director), Seattle, Washington, Vicar to the Provincial, President of the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology (2 terms), Berkeley, California, Regent of Studies of the Western Dominican Province, St. Mary’s College Dean of Students, St. Mary Magdalen Parish (Pastor), Berkeley, California, the Catholic Community at Stanford (St. Dominic Parish, first Dominican Pastor), Stanford, California and Vallombrosa Retreat Center (Director), Menlo Park, California.

In no matter what context you met Leo, Patrick, Fr. Patrick, or Fr. LaBelle, you never forgot him. His belief in the goodness of people, his enthusiasm for his work and his plans for the next big thing were always larger than life and infectious. But when you spoke to him one-on-one, you were the complete focus of his formidable attention. He guided many, old, young and everywhere in between, through various problems, crises and issues with piercing insight, a heart as big as his personality, good humor, and an uncanny ability to get the listener to believe, as he absolutely did, that they would overcome whatever struggle they had, no matter how insurmountable it seemed. And he was usually right.

Fr. Patrick was a true son of St. Dominic, a preacher of the Good News. The mission of Jesus was the mission of the Church, and all of the members of the Church, without exception, had work to do. God loved them, and everyone, yes, but you have work to do, a mission. He never shied away from controversial topics in his preaching (or conversation) when they needed to be addressed. His hearers did not always agree with him nor was that what he looked for. Rather, he wanted his preaching to help his listeners to think and act as he strove with integrity, “to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with” God (Micah 6:8) and “to love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39) If he helped you to do that, whatever that looked like in your life, he was happy.

Leo once said that people were his hobby. Boy, did he love his hobby! He loved being in touch with his family, his Dominican brothers and sisters, his friends and acquaintances, current and former students, current and former parishioners and colleagues, university presidents or the person serving his meal; they were all equally important to him. He had a gift for accompanying people on their journey through life and serving as a mentor. It did not matter whether it was for a long time or a single meeting, he was always genuinely interested in the person in front of him and their flourishing.

Patrick is survived by his brother, Robert, and his sister, Claire, their spouses, children and grandchildren. Services will be at St. Dominic’s Church, 2390 Bush St., San Francisco. The Vigil will be on December 14 at 7:30 PM. The funeral Mass will be on December 15 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow the Mass at St. Dominic’s Cemetery in Benicia at 2:30 PM. Donations in his memory, to support the formation of future Dominican priests and brothers, can be sent to Western Dominican Province, 5877 Birch Ct., Oakland, CA 94618-1627 or at opwest.org/frpatrickmemorial.

Leo's sister: Claire LaBelle Luke, 1149 Lasso Lake Lane, Lincoln, CA 95648

(11/8/2017) Life Summary of Sister Constance

Many of us met Sister Mary Murphy at our recent reunion. In addition to being Sister Constance's travelling companion she is also the historian for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. While we think it’s a bit soon for a Life Summary of Sister Constance, Sister Mary has prepared one and sent it to us. So we have added it to our website. You can read it here.

(10/31/2017) Bill Rogers on Patti's Illness and Death

Dear Al and Joan,

Thank you for the condolences and please do let her classmates know. She went through two years of chemotherapy and radiation in this long ordeal. She was optimistic till the very end. We had a family cruise set for January of this year and she insisted on going and we did despite my concern over her condition. She was in such high spirits that the doctors at UCLA asked her to give a talk to others going through chemo. Patty was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and was reduced to 89 lbs in the end. We returned from the cruise on a Friday and was feeling weak and sick. She had a doctors appointment that Monday and they immediately put her in the hospital for dehydration. After two days they released her home with hospice care and I knew at that point to be prepared. She came home and the hospice people brought in a bed and other equipment which we set up in the guest room where I could sleep next to her on the coach. She went unconscious the following day and Dr. Kelly arrived preparing Melissa and I for the end and kept her on morphine assuring us she felt no pain even though she wasn't conscious. Dr. Kelly spoke to her and she moved her finger in acknowledgment before she stopped breathing. I was there for her to die in my arms as she wanted. Her death was was Feb. 3 and she was cremated and then we drove to Rodeo where we had the mass and burial at St. Joesphs cemetery. I am so sorry I did not notify you and others from her class but her brother and sister planned the funeral and all the details since I was dysfunctional. It was simple but elegant with friends from Rodeo and family. I know how much you guys at St Vincents meant to her and talk about it all the time like it was yesterday (especial in the past year). Thank you all for what you meant to her life and I pray for you all too. God bless Al and thank you again for your love.

Sincerely,

Bill

(10/27/2017) Patti Littleton Rogers Passes Away

We were saddened to learn that Patti Littleton Rogers passed away this past February. Here is her death notice.

Patricia Lynn Littleton Rogers

Feb. 28, 1940 - Feb. 3, 2017

Los Angeles

Patricia (Pat), 76, passed away at home after a long battle with cancer on Feb. 3, 2017.

She was born in Emeryville and grew up in Rodeo. She graduated from St. Vincent High School in Vallejo in 1957.

While working as a Paralegal she went back to school in her 30's to complete her law degree, passing the California Bar Exam in 1980.

She married the love of her life, Bill Rogers, in 1976 and moved with him to Los Angeles two years later. Together they founded the law firm of Rogers & Rogers in 1989, and worked together until their retirement in 2003. They spent their retired years traveling the world.

Pat was the proud mother of four children, Melissa, Jeffrey, John and Jeanette, and was blessed with seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She readily supported any family member in need and gave generously to a number of charities. Her loss will forever be felt by her immediate and extended family.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Bill, her children Melissa(Peter), Jeffrey(Sarah), John(Alison) and Jeanette. She also leaves behind her sister Donna, and brothers Donald and Tim and a host of nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her Mother, Mary Broderick Blotzer, Father, Robert Blotzer and her brother, Robert(Bobby) Blotzer.

Services to be held on Friday, February 17th at 10am at St. Patrick's Church, 825 Seventh St., Rodeo, Ca. Internment will follow at St Joseph's/Holy Angels Mausoleum, 2540 Church Lane, San Pablo, Ca. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Pat to St. Patrick's Church in Rodeo, Ca.

(10/3/2017) News from distant classmates

Judy Olsen Carothers reports from Payette, Idaho that she won’t be able to attend the reunion but is looking forward to seeing the photos on the website.

From Henderson, Nevada Pat Silveira Stegall regrets she also will have to miss the reunion. She sent along the good news that Theresa Flegge Welsh, in Palm City, Florida, survived Hurricane Irma with hardly any damage of any kind.

(9/24/2017) Leo LaBelle update

Martha Bertain reports that she talked with Leo yesterday. He is back at CareMeridan in Fairfax after having been hospitalized at Marin General for an infection. He reports that he is making progress. He can rise from a chair and take a few steps with a walker. Let's keep Leo in our prayers!

(9/5/2017) Sad news: Lynn Level Griffith

We were sorry to learn of the death of Lynn Level Griffith. When her reunion invitation was returned by the Post Office, Bill Chavez searched Google to learn that she had passed away on September 29, 2014. Her last address was in Utica, Kansas.

(8/27/2017) Sign up now for our 60th Reunion

Our 60th Reunion is all set. It’s a luncheon at Zio Fraedo’s in Vallejo on Wednesday, October 25. For complete information, click here.

(8/16/2017) 60th Reunion is October 25

The Reunion Committee has announced that our 60th Reunion will be a luncheon in Vallejo on Wednesday, October 25. More information will be available soon.

(8/09/2017) Terry Moroney

We received a phone call from Terry Moroney today confirming that we have his correct mailing addrerss in Winters, CA. We had some trouble remembering Terry but it helped when he explained that he never went to St. Vincent's High School. Terry attended Vallejo High School but reported that he had attended St. Vincent's Elementary School with us. He appreciates being retained on our mailing list.

(7/26/2017) Dennis Decius

Our search for missing classmates is having results. Today we received a call from Dennis Decius who is now living in Reno. Dennis reported it’s his 48th wedding anniversary so he and his wife, Rae, are taking off for a week in the mountains. His email address is ddecius1@earthlink.net.

(7/24/2017) Jackie Valado Canepa

We received a call from Jackie's daughter in Urbandale, Iowa. She advised that Jackie is in senior living care near her and would be unable to attend our upcoming reunion. We asked her to tell Jackie that we would miss her and to give Jackie our best wishes.

(7/19/2017) Sad News - Nadine Data Lloyd

We were saddened to learn that Nadine Data Lloyd passed away in February. Nadine lived with her husband, Jules, in Southington, CT.

(7/18/2017) News about your Classmates

In preparation for our upcoming 60th Reunion we have been verifying some of the older addresses on our mailing list.

Margie Jones Hillious advised that we have her correct postal address in Lodi and furnished her email address: mhillious@sbcglobal.net. She added: Because of health issues and distances, I do not attend events that take me away from my home base, so I will not be attending the 60th Reunion. Have fun!

The Postal Service advises that Jackie Valado Canepa has moved from Napa to Urbandale, Iowa. We are contacting her there and hope to hear from her soon.

(7/02/2017) Another Update on Father LaBelle

Bill Chavez reports that Father Leo’s current location is CareMeridan, 2390 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Fairfax, CA 94930. Leo is in physical therapy in the morning, so it’s best to call him in the afternoon. Cell: 415-500-1041; cards are welcome.

(1/7/2017) Update on Father LaBelle

Bill Chavez reports that Father Leo LaBelle is recovering slowly after a serious lung infection. He was visited by Sister Anne (Martha) Bertain today. He welcomes phone calls at 415-500-1041.

(1/7/2017) New Address for Rollie Freitas

Bill Chavez has furnished a new address for Rollie Freitas: 1416 Calle Enrique, Pleasanton, CA 94566.

Looking for earlier postings? 2015-2016 2013-2014 2011-2012 2009-2010 2007-2009

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