St. Helena Alumnus Coaches Basketball in Dubai

Parkchester native Jermelle “Speedy” Fraser fell in love with hoops at a young age. While he does not play in the NBA, his basketball acumen has taken him across the globe.

Fraser, 33, was raised by his strict Caribbean mom, Roma Southwell, who cared more about school and books than she did about sports. As a child, basketball was Fraser’s safe haven and allowed him to stay off the violent streets of the Bronx.

“Basketball was something that kept us out of trouble,” he said.

He began playing in fifth grade, but the Bronx resident said that his troublemaking ways temporarily put basketball in jeopardy. Fraser attended Cardinal Spellman High School but was kicked off the team his sophomore year.
 

However, that roadblock did not deter him from playing the sport he loved. He joined the team at St. Thomas Aquinas College and then transferred to SUNY Maritime.

“For me, basketball was a passion and I never stopped playing,” he said.

In 2011 he graduated from Maritime with a degree in international trade. Though his desire to play hoops was still strong, he realized that a career in the NBA was not an option for him.

As he saw friends who played at St. John’s and Villanova go overseas, he thought he could follow the same route. Fraser served as an assistant coach at Maritime his senior year and after school began training with his mentor, Coach Tom “Tippy” McTernan of Big Apple Sports.

He worked a day job and was attending international tryouts, recalling that nothing was going to stand in his way of playing basketball.

“I still had that passion and that love, so it was something I was trying to chase,” he explained.

He landed his first gig in Kosovo and spent the past seven years on the other side of the globe. Fraser coached or played in Turkey, Spain, Sweden and the Czech Republic and is currently the coach for the NBA School in Dubai.

Fraser told the Bronx Times that being away from his family and friends for so long was a bit of an adjustment at first, but he soon got used to it.

“In the beginning it was tough,” he recalled. “You’re talking about migrating halfway across the world. The best thing about being overseas is connecting with people.”

Fraser stopped playing three years ago and is set on coaching in the college ranks and hopefully at the professional level one day. From 2019 to 2020, he was the assistant varsity coach and player development coach at Montverde Academy in Florida, where he worked with top high school prospects in the country.

According to Fraser, he credited a lot of his success to Tippy, who taught him to work hard and stay focused. He hopes to one day return to Parkchester and be able to give back to his community.

He stressed that whether someone wants to be a coach or a player, they should never give up on their dreams.

“I never imagined doing this,” he said. “I always just wanted to play basketball.”

Former St. Helena and MSHS Teacher Passed

Sister Eileen Clifford OP died on August 27, 2020, in Siena Hall, Dominican Convent, Sparkill, New York. She was 82 years old.

Born in the Bronx on January 1, 1938, Eileen Mary was the daughter of Jeremiah and Annie Hannigan Clifford. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8, 1955, and received the name Sister Theresa Deborah. She professed first vows in 1957 and final vows in 1962.

Sister Eileen earned a BS in Education from St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill, NY, 1960; and an MS in Educational Administration/ Supervision from Fordham University, New York, NY, 1967. She received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from St. Thomas Aquinas College in 2009.

Sister Eileen taught in St. Agnes Home and School, Sparkill, NY (1958-1959); St. Helena Elementary School, Bronx, NY (1959-1960, 1964-1967); St. Madeline Sophie School, Schenectady, NY (1960-1963); St. Catherine of Siena School, NY, NY (1963-1964); St. Pius X School, Scarsdale, NY (1967-1968); Msgr. Scanlan HS, Bronx, NY (1968-1975) as a teacher, (1975-1979) as Assistant Principal, and (1979-1993) as Principal. From 1993-2002, Sister Eileen served as Associate Vicar for Education in the Archdiocese of New York; she was appointed Vice Chancellor in 2002 and remained in this position until 2019.

Sister Eileen is predeceased by her parents Jeremiah and Annie Hannigan Clifford, her brother Cornelis, and her grandnephew Stephen. She is survived by her nephew Stephen (Tracey) and nieces Donna, Patricia Stelling (Steven), and Cecilia Garbarino (Joseph) as well as grandnieces and grandnephews.

Sister Eileen Clifford was a woman who made a difference in the lives of —students, parents, and colleagues as a teacher and administrator. She used her leadership skills in her ministry as Associate Vicar for Education and Vice-Chancellor of the Archdiocese of New York. For 65 years, Sister Eileen lived the Congregational goal to proclaim the reign of God through a ministry for justice. We thank God for her life in the community and pray that she will enjoy the fullness of God’s presence. Her Dominican Sisters, Associates, family, colleagues, and countless students will miss her presence. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant, Sister Eileen Clifford.


St.Helena class of 1966 school play.


It is with great sadness that we inform you that Mark Johnston '87 passed away in Chandler, Arizona where he lived due to a motorcycle accident.  Mark (47) was killed by a pickup truck that ran a stop sign due to distracted driving. Mark just lost his wife due to cancer three months ago and is survived by his 13-year-old son DeMarcus Johnston.  Please keep his family in your prayers. Mark's coworker Gina Ferrante shared this:  I was searching the internet for any news on Mark Johnston's funeral when I found your Facebook site and the recent post regarding Mark's death. I just wanted to reach out and let you know that I am his coworker. We loved Mark and we are so devastated by this loss! I wanted to let the members know who said that they remembered him that he must not have changed a bit since he was in grade school because he was still one of the kindest people you would ever meet. Anyway, thanks for making the post. We sure miss him!



ALUMNA PASSING

SR. ANNETTE BATE, O.P. PASSES
Sister Annette Bate (82) of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, died on November 29, 2019, in Siena Hall. She made a difference in the lives of many in her ministry as a teacher, counselor, and therapist. She served her God and congregation faithfully for more than 64 years as a Dominican Sister of Sparkill.
Born in the Bronx, NY on July 25, 1937, Annette was the daughter of Guy and Elizabeth Laiso Bate. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8, 1955, and received the name, Sister Annette Elizabeth. She professed her first vows in 1957 and final vows in 1962.
Sister Annette received a BS in Education from St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill, NY, 1960; an MS in Guidance/Counseling from Fordham University, Bronx, NY, 1970; and a Professional Diploma in Counseling Education, Fordham University, 1973. Sister Annette served in childcare at St. Agnes Home and School, Sparkill NY (1957-1958); she taught in the Archdiocese of New York at: Our Lady of Grace School, Bronx NY (1958-1960); Sacred Heart School, Suffern NY (1960-1963); St. Helena School, Bronx NY (1967-1970); Aquinas High School, Bronx NY (1970-1983).
From 1963 to 1967 Sr. Annette served in the Syracuse Diocese, St. Paul School, Norwich NY. For twenty-five years, Sr. Annette served as Co-Director, Family Consultation Service Bronx NY (1983-1988); Director of Siena Counseling Service, Bronx NY (1988-1992) and Therapist, New Beginnings, Bronx NY (1992-2007). Sister Annette retired to Dominican Convent in 2016. Sister Annette was 82 years old. She is predeceased by her parents Guy and Elizabeth Laiso Bate. She is survived by several cousins.
We thank God for Annette’s life, her presence and commitment as she was welcomed into the fullness of God’s presence. She will be remembered by her Dominican Sisters, Associates, colleagues and all who were touched by her life. May she be welcomed into the fullness of God's presence.

Veronica-Ronnie Hourahan Kiernan. SHS Class '61 and SHHS Class '65 passed away quietly in her home surrounded by her children. The wake will be Tuesday, September 24th from 2-5 and 7-9PM at Giordano‘s funeral home, 1727 Crosby Avenue in the Pelham Bay section of Bronx. It’s located between the Bruckner Expressway and the Hutch. Or you can take the 6 train to the Buhre Ave. station. The funeral will be at St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus Church at 2855 St. Theresa Avenue, Bronx NY (also in Pelham Bay) on Wednesday, September 25th at 11 AM.
There will be no interment ceremony. She will be cremated and placed in a niche at St. Raymond’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: The American Heart Association or The American Lung Association.


Joshua Rembert '00

We sadly announce the sudden passing of Joshua Aaron Rembert '00. His viewing will be on Friday, February 15 from 9-11AM with a Memorial Service at 11AM at the Granby Funeral Home, 4021 White Plains Rd., Bronx, NY 10466.


FORMER ST. HELENA PRINCIPAL PASSES.

Sister Theresa Mary McPartland, OP of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, died on December 19, 2018, in Montefiore Nyack Hospital in Nyack, NY. She was 84 years old.
Born in New York, NY on August 31, 1934, Mary was the daughter of Myles and Bridget O’Neill McPartland. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 7, 1952, and received the name, Sister Theresa Mary. She professed her first vows in 1954 and her final vows in 1959.

Sister Theresa Mary received her BA in Education from Fordham University, Bronx, NY, 1960; her MA in Business Education from Hunter College, New York, NY, 1972 and Certification in School Administration/Supervision from Fordham University, 1975.
Sister Theresa Mary taught in the Archdiocese of New York in St. John Chrysostom School, Bronx, NY (1954-1959); the Syracuse Diocese in St. Mary School, Fulton, NY (1959-1961). From 1961-1966, Sister Theresa Mary taught at Sts. Peter & Paul School, Easton, MD., Returning to the New York Sr. Theresa Mary taught at St. Helena School, the Bronx, NY (1966-1967) and Thorpe Secretarial School, New York, NY (1967-1971). Sister served as Principal at St. Anthony School, Bronx, NY (1971-1976); Assistant Principal, St. John Chrysostom School, Bronx, NY (1976-1978); Principal at St. Helena School, Bronx, NY (1978-1984). For ten years, Sister Theresa Mary served as the Administrator of Dominican Convent, Sparkill, NY. From 1994-1995 Sister participated in the Career Options program at Calvary Hospital then was a staff member at Dowling Gardens, Sparkill, NY (1995-1996) Sister served in elected leadership, (1996-2000) and then became Director of Development at St. John Chrysostom School, Bronx, NY (2000-2006) before retiring.

Sister Theresa Mary McPartland is predeceased by her parents Myles and Bridget O’Neill McPartland. She is survived by her sister, Sr. Margaret McParland, OP and brothers Joseph (Kathleen) and John (Barbara) along with several nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews whom she dearly loved. Sister Theresa Mary McPartland was a kind and gentle woman who made a difference in the lives of those who knew her. She served her God and congregation faithfully for more than sixty-six years as a Dominican Sister of Sparkill. We thank God for her life and her goodness and we pray she may enjoy the fullness of life in the presence of the God she loved and so faithfully served. We will miss her presence among us.


Dominic Zeccola ’69 went to St. Helena H.S. for Boys and was a member of the last junior class to receive a St. Helena H.S. class ring, and he was also a member of the first graduating class of Msgr. Scanlan H.S.  He worked for 11 years at a Seafood Company and then in Heavy Equipment Construction until his retirement.  He was married 40 years ago in St. Helena’s Church on August 18 (the feast of St. Helena), 1978.  He has two sons and a daughter and a grandchild on the way, He remembers taking piano lessons with Sr. Rose Eileen, who was also the principal and who always rang the bell.  He also fondly remembers his English teacher Sr. Margaret Mary, who was one of the smartest women he has ever met and the very kind and gentle History teacher Sr. Boniface.

Philip E. '48 and Patricia A. Parker

After graduating from St. Helena Grammar School, Philip E. Parker ’48 graduated from Manhattan Prep, attended Baruch College ’57 and then graduated from New York Law School ’59. He is currently in private practice, specializing in Real Estate and Mortgage Law. He married his wife Patricia, who was a St. Helena parishioner, in 1954, and they celebrated their Golden Jubilee in 2004 with a Mass at St. Helena celebrated by Msgr. Derivan. Sr. Purissima Reilly, OP began teaching him Latin in second grade, and he fondly remembers that he received his First Holy Communion in 1941 at what used to be the bar rail of what is now the current classroom in the Green Building, having been at that time a Beer Hall temporarily transformed into the parish church. He also remembers that he and Patricia used to go roller skating in what is now the school gymnasium. The Parkers had three sons and two granddaughters. At the age of 50, Patricia decided to go to college. She attended Mercy Hills College and then graduated from the Fordham University School of Social Work ‘91 where she received her degree as a Clinical Social Worker and certification as a psychotherapist. She currently practices in Westchester Square.

Andrew Curiel '10 has been selected as a Victory Scholar with the Sport Changes Life program for the 2018 - 2019 year. For the next year, he will be living in Limerick, Ireland earning his Masters in Business Marketing, playing for the Limerick Lions, and most importantly coaching/mentoring the youth of Ireland through the game of basketball! Congratulations to Andrew.



HELEN BREEN HAYES Funeralon August 21

We regret to announce the passing of Helen (Breen) Hayes '55. She was the wife of the late Jack Hayes and the mother of John and Mickey Hayes. Helen graduated from St. Helena High School for Girls in 1959 and later St. Vincent Nursing School, and she worked for many years as a nurse and later an administrator at the VA Hospital in Montrose. Her Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, August 21 at 11AM at St. Helena's.

Marianne O'Leary '56 graduated from St. Helena School for Girls in 1960. She graduated from Marymount Manhattan College in 1964 with a bachelor's degree in English and then received her master's degree in English from Fordham in 1967. She taught for many years at PS 23 and PS 47. She has a son who is also a teacher and two grandchildren.

Jane O'Leary '61 graduated from St. Helena's School for Girls in 1965. She went to nursing school at Mary Immaculate, and she worked as an OB Nurse for 39 years at Einstein Hospital.

DIAMOND WEDDING JUBILEE

Richard and Maureen Condon were married at St. Helena's on July 19, 1958, and on Sunday they renewed their wedding vows during the 10:30AM Mass. The Condons were classmates in second grade at St. Helena School, and they re-met each other at a St. Helena Dance. Maureen graduated in the third graduating class from St. Helena High School for Girls. Richard was a police officer, and they have three children and three grandchildren. Congratulations.

Glenn Macaluso, class of 1972, passed away last Sunday after a long, hard battle with pancreatic cancer.. In lieu of flowers since its such a short time, consider a donation to St Jude's. Or get in touch with an old friend you haven't spoken to in years, he would have liked that.


We regret to announce the passing of Carole Mary Cinnante '62. Her Funeral Mass was held on July 2 at St. Helena. Carole received all of her sacraments at St. Helena. She was a cosmotologist and owned two beauty salons. She leaves behind a son and a daughter and several grandchildren.



Raymond Alexander '58 attending the Parkchester Reunion at Brewski's. Billy Stapleton '76 is in the background.



Kathleen (Smith) Rango passed away at age 68. She is the mother of Eileen Rango '83. Kathleen's Cremains Mass will take place at 11AM on Friday, May 25 at St. Helena's.

Sister Margaret Murphy, O.P. '61

Sister Margaret Murphy, OP of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York died peacefully on January 31, 2018 in Siena Hall, Sparkill, NY. She was born in the Bronx, NY, and she graduated from St. Helena in 1961. Margaret entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary on August 30, 1965 and received the name Sister John Magdalene. She professed her first vows in 1967 and her final vows in 1972.

Sister Margaret Murphy served in the Archdiocese of New York, at St. Agnes Home and School, Sparkill (1967-1968); Sacred Heart School, Monroe (1969-1974) and Albertus Magnus High School, Bardonia (1974- 1985). Upon completion of her studies in computer science in 1986, Sister Margaret worked as a programmer at the Diocese of Rockville Centre. She then served as Director of Computer Services from 1987-1989 at Holy Trinity High School, Hicksville. From 1989 to 1994 Sister Margaret was a financial programmer and analyst for an insurance service in Pearl River, NY. Sister Margaret was elected to Congregational Leadership in 1994, directing the Office of Information Services until 2000. After a sabbatical year, Sister Margaret became the Finance Officer at the Leviticus 25:23 Alternative Fund, a position she held for almost 16 years.

Sister Margaret Murphy was faithful to the God she loved and to the life she chose as a Dominican Sister. We will remember her for her generous spirit. We are grateful for her more than fifty-two years as a Sparkill Dominican and thank God for her life and her goodness. May the Lord shine His light upon her and give her eternal rest in the kingdom of heaven.

Her wake:will take place at Sparkle on Friday, February 2,  beginning with the reception of the Body at 3:30 p.m. and Evening Prayer at 6:30 p.m. Her funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, February 3 at 10:30 a.m. If you intend to be at dinner on Friday evening and/or lunch on Saturday following the Funeral Mass please contact Sr. Margo Saich at 845-359-4188 or her email: msaich@sparkill.org. Thank you.

The future Sr. Margaret Murphy, O.P. and her Kindergarten Photo.  She is front row, third from right.

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Alumnus Memorial Mass: We are sorry to report the recent passing of Bryan F. O’Rourke ’60, who lived in San Diego, CA and passed away at the age of 72. Bryan lived on Benedict Avenue in Parkchester for many years and was a member of a group of close friends who attended St. Helena’s School and went to St. Helena’s Church. Bryan loved Parkchester and frequently lit vigil candles whenever he entered a church. He donated his body to science. The 7:30PM Mass on the Feast of the Assumption on August 15 will be celebrated in his memory. R.I.P. Bryan.

Oliver Moe ’11 is currently a junior at Colgate University where he is pursuing a double major in Peace and Conflict Studies and Asian Studies. He graduated from Xavier High School in 2015. He is currently a member of the Division I University Track and Field Team where his major event is the 400 meter. This summer, he won a highly competitive grant which is enabling him to participate in an internship in Boston, where he is working for a non-profit agency training at risk youth to be personal trainers.



Bradley Seaton, who attended school here for grades 4, 5 & 6 (2002 - 2005) was drafted by the Tennessee Titans as the #236th pick. He attended high school in Connecticut and played OT for Villanova. His older brother Wayne graduated from St. Helena in 2005. Bradley is expected to be a mainstay on the offensive line.


St. Helena Class of 2016


ON MEMORIAL DAY
REMEMBERING ST. HELENA'S AMERICAN HEROES WHO DIED WHILE SERVING THEIR COUNTRY

John Montague Mansfield ’60
PFC, U.S. Army
HHC 3rd BN, 12th Infantry, 
4th Inf Div., USARV
died: March 9, 1967
Phu Yen, South Vietnam

Gerald Lawrence Fox ’60
PFC, U.S. Army
Infantryman Bravo Company
died:  July 12, 1967
Pleiku, South Vietnam

William David Bridge ’61
1st Lt,. U.S. Army
198th Light Infantry Brigade
died: June 16, 1970
Quang Ngai, South Vietnam