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A COVID Memorial: Marking a Year of Loss

Gold and white ribbons with names written on them hang on a cable above cemetery

The ribbons seen shimmering above the Augustinian cemetery on Main Campus were a public remembrance of the losses mourned by members of the Villanova community due to COVID-19 (or other causes). On display April 9–May 15, 2021, the ribbons bore the names of Villanovans’ deceased loved ones, which are also listed below.

Marie Guerrini

 March 3, 1925–November 27, 2020

Marie Celeste Guerrini passed away of COVID-19 at Valley View Retirement Community in Belleville, PA. She was the beloved mother of Delmer Guerrini '72 (wife, Rose '73) and grandmother of Steven Guerrini '07 and Christine (Guerrini) Stackhouse '09, '17 MS, a staff member in the Office of Alumni Relations.  

—Christine Stackhouse

Sarah Riso

August 20, 1918–June 1, 2020

My grandma always stressed the importance of education and wrote to me frequently while I was a student at Villanova to help keep me going. She put herself through college in her 50s and was a lifelong learner. She touched many lives in her 101 years, and we miss her dearly.

—Lindsay Marsh

Donald Schuck

May 30, 1928–October 10, 2019

Donald E. Schuck passed away at the Manor at Penn Village, Selinsgrove. Donald was a 1946 graduate of Selinsgrove High School. He had been employed for 35 years at the Selinsgrove Center, where he retired as a supervisor. He had also worked for 15 years as a caseworker with the Area Agency on Aging. He was a member of the Church of the Nazarene. He enjoyed his cats and found his greatest joy in his family.

—Brenda Stover

Jerry Haymaker

August 8, 1957–June 24, 2020

Jerry worked at Lehigh University for seventeen years and also did construction work. He attended Holy Infancy Roman Catholic Church, Bethlehem. Jerry was an avid fisherman and enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews.

—Katie Haymaker

Ray Torello

December 5, 1940–April 18, 2020

Ramon "Ray" Torello departed this life at Crozer Chester Medical Center. Ray grew up in Upper Darby and graduated from Monsignor Bonner High School in 1958. Ray was a loving husband to his wife of 50 years, Nancy, and devoted father to his three daughters: Tina Carola, Tara Torello-McClanahan and Ann Marie Torello-Arnott. Ray was a helper, a jack of all trades, a friend to many and a practical problem solver. 

—Marykay Klara

Kurt Spitaler

August 26, 1939–April 3, 2020

Kurt Spitaler died of cancer in his home in Austria. He was a graduate of the Federal School for Forestry and worked for 40 years as a forester before retiring.

—Peter Spitaler
 

Loretta Landes

Died January 11, 2021

Loretta M. Landes of Yardley, PA, formerly of Chalfont, passed away peacefully in her sleep at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital. She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Clair F. Landes, who died in 2001. She is survived by her children: Steve (Susie), Jane Naylor (Russ), Brian (Susie), Carol Franklin (Lou) and Christine MacElroy (Scott), 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

—Michele Lefchak

Charles Faracchio

July 5, 1951–January 25, 2021

—Marci Paton

Alex Mendez

May 13, 1962–January 7, 2021

—Marci Paton

 John M. Joseph '61

June 6, 1939–March 27, 2021

John M. Joseph was a lifelong educator who taught in both the Philadelphia parochial school system and the Philadelphia public school system.

—Suzanne M. Tavani '80

Hector J. Varona

July 27, 1943–December 8, 2020

"Papa" spent his childhood years in Cuba in a home down the block from Ernest Hemingway before migrating to the US in search of freedom. He was involved in the Spanish music industry based in New York City, and enjoyed his children and grandchildren, fishing, traveling, cooking, and watching the Mets.  

—Isabella Varona

older woman sitting at table holding a pastry

Rosemary Weiss

February 21, 1940–May 28, 2020

—Hannah Weiss

Robert O'Brien

—Beth Hassel

Sister Maureen Hickey, PBVM

August 10, 1958–October 25, 2020

—Beth Hassel

Carl R. Maio '49

March 2, 1926–April 9, 2020

Carl R. Maio was a dear friend to my father (Class of '51) and my family. He was a generous supporter of Villanova; he and his wife funded an endowed student scholarship that provides funding for students year after year. Several of his children and grandchildren are alumni as well. "Uncle Carl" was a true gentleman and is missed by many.  

—Christine Acchione

Michael Ortiz

October 30, 1971–April 10, 2020

—Courtney McPheter

Barbara Marks

Died April 6, 2020

Barbara Marks was a retired longtime nurse who cared for many patients, family and friends who needed her care. She was a wonderful, devout woman, mother of four and grandmother of four. She also filled the void for many who needed her guidance and love. She will be missed greatly.

—Kathleen DeMara

Rita-O'Connor-smiling-elderly-woman

Rita O'Connor 

February 4, 1919–May 24, 2020

Rita was my aunt and sister of Joseph O'Connor, OSA (19282017).

—Kathy O'Connor '77

Yearbook excerpt of Frances Bundzinski, circa early 70s

Frances M. Bundzinski

February 14, 1953–April 7, 2020

Frances was my cousin and niece of Joseph X. O'Connor, OSA (1928-2017).

—Kathy O'Connor '77

Elderly woman smiling, gray hair, glasses

Mary Anne Garvey

December 12, 1941–February 16, 2021

Mary Anne was my aunt.

—Kathy O'Connor '77

Roserita Schrettner

November 10, 1932–December 30, 2020

Roserita was born in New York City to parents that immigrated from Ireland. In the early 1950s she was an airline stewardess for Eastern Airlines. She married the love of her life and had five children and twelve grandchildren.

—Liam Shay

The Rev. Augustine Esposito, OSA

September 10, 1951–January 9, 2021

Father Gus was a widely known and admired religious and priest, spiritual director, mentor to seminarians, educator, and preacher. He received the Papal Honor of the Cross in 2006.

—The Rev. Arthur Purcaro, OSA

The Rev. Dennis Gallagher, OSA

March 30, 1935–November 22, 2020

Father Gallagher was the University’s first full-time archivist, a position he held from 1985 to 2016. He also served as a weekend assistant in several Trenton dioceses for nearly 30 years.

—The Rev. Arthur Purcaro, OSA

The Rev. Dennis Harten, OSA

January 19, 1947–November 14, 2020

Father Harten was a former pastor of St. Thomas of Villanova Parish, a Villanova alumnus and a beloved friend.

—The Rev. Arthur Purcaro, OSA

Sister Thomas Joseph, OP

Died December 13, 2020

Sister Thomas Joseph was a friend of the Augustinians.

—The Rev. Arthur Purcaro, OSA

Marcy Bray

January 27, 1954–May 20, 2020

Marcy was the executive administrative assistant for Mission and Ministry.

—The Rev. Arthur Purcaro, OSA

Delfina Federico  

August 14, 1930–January 16, 2021

Delfina Federico, grandmother of Nicholas Federico '23, passed away peacefully from complications of COVID-19.

—Patrick Federico

John Keenan  

September 14, 1935–April 18, 2020

John Keenan was the father of three Villanova alumni: John Keenan Jr., Kathy McLaughlin and Patricia Schwarte, and my great uncle. He had a long career in business and enjoyed a happy marriage with his wife, Sally, who predeceased him in 2017. John delighted in being with his children and especially his many grandchildren.

—Daniel Gorman Jr.

Older man and woman smiling

Peter Macaluso

December 6, 1928–April 9, 2020

Peter was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. We miss you, Grandpa!

—Samantha Macaluso

Jack Quinn  

July 11, 1940–November 26, 2020

Jack was a longtime coach, adviser and friend at St. Rita Augustinian High School in Chicago. Always there for his family, friends and students with an encouraging word!

—The Rev. Bernie Scianna, OSA

Dave Leffelman

April 18, 1953–October 30, 2020

Dave was a golf buddy of Augustinian Affiliate Michael Scianna and a lifetime member of Amboy Fire Department.

—The Rev. Bernie Scianna, OSA

John William Hartnagel '19 VSB

August 25, 1997–June 6, 2020

John William passed due to myocarditis. He loved Villanova. His plan was to use financial success to make the world a kinder place. 

—Linda Hartnagel

grandfather-with-arms-around-young-adult-grandsons

James P. Casey Sr.

February 28, 1940–December 12, 2020

If you were lucky enough to be a recipient of his “business card,” you would see that he held himself out first and foremost as a “People Person.” Jim was kind, compassionate, fun-loving, devoted and honest. He offered his help, even if you didn’t always want it, and would never take no for an answer. He lived to serve others, enjoyed life and had a strong presence up until the end.

—Maureen Pontarelli

older male with glasses and little smile

Joseph Sousa III

August 5, 1939–October 20, 2020

Joe was an Affiliate of the Order of St. Augustine, a lector at St. Thomas of Villanova Church and an executive director at Amtrak. He was a wonderful husband and father—a very good man.

—Teresa Martini Sousa

Agustin Esquivel

August 28, 1951–December 25, 2020

My grandfather was the first generation to come to the United State from Aguscalientes, Mexico. He was a wonderful father and grandfather. 

—Rafael Guerrero

John Joseph Zogby

April 4, 1935–January 6, 2021

Jack was a true supporter of Villanova and loyal alumnus. 

—James E. Zogby

husband and wife smiling

Patricia Smith Tobin

November 9, 1937–April 19, 2020

Patricia was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She had a lifelong love of the beaches at the Jersey Shore. She attended St. Michael's Grade School in Philadelphia and graduated from John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls High School. She and her husband, James E. Tobin Sr., raised four children. Patricia was a member of St. Bernard’s Church. She is dearly missed. 

—Cathy Toner

Man smiling in black tuxedo

John J. Monaghan '70

May 22, 1948–November 25, 2020

John “Jack” Monaghan earned his Bachelor of Arts and served in the Navy ROTC at Villanova. Jack was the owner of Monaghan Funeral Home Inc. in Red Hill, PA, The Oliver H. Bair Co. and Montrose Cemetery in Upper Darby, and Cumberland Cemetery in Media. Jack loved relaxing on the porch at his beach house in Ocean City, NJ, and watching Villanova basketball. 

—Kristin Monaghan Helfrick

Jennifer Higgins 

February 7, 1938–April 14, 2020

Jennifer was a loyal friend, an alumna and a longtime supporter of Villanova basketball.

—Harvey Hillman

Older woman with dark curly hair, smiling

Barbara Zimmerman

July 20, 1933–April 4, 2020

Barbara Jane Zimmerman of West Dundee, IL, passed away at Rosewood Care Center of Elgin. She received her Master of Arts degree from Northern Illinois University. Barbara's life was centered on her family. She was warm and nurturing, accepting, and nonjudgmental to everyone. She was eternally optimistic, and had a sly, disarming sense of humor that made her the life of the party.  

—Melanie Zimmerman '23

grandfather with family members on the court of Villanova basketball game

Edward Logan

February 13, 1943–April 9, 2021

Ed has been a proud Villanova parent since 1986, when his daughter Eileen entered Villanova. He was an avid Villanova basketball fan and wore his Villanova cap proudly. Ed’s granddaughter Kate Schlusberg is a cheerleader for the Cats and is in VSB. Ed’s other granddaughter, Erin Schlusberg, will be joining Kate at Villanova this Fall in the School of Nursing. Ed is deeply missed.

—Eileen Schlusberg

Dennis M. Corso

October 24, 1951–April 5, 2020

Dennis was our uncle, the joy of our lives, the ultimate giver of love. While he was born with an intellectual disability (Down syndrome) we don't know anyone who lived life more fully and purely. Dennis loved working, meeting people, entertaining his family and had a fuller social schedule than anyone else we knew. His unconditional love and generous spirit enhanced the lives of all.

—Kara Nelson

Eleanor Eccles Mercer

February 21, 1933–December 4, 2020

My sister, Eleanor Eccles Mercer, graduated from Rosemont College in 1952. She married Ralph Mercer in December 1952. They had three children, William, Daniel and Mary. Eleanor was an elementary school teacher. 

—Nancy Eccles Cox

James Patrick Genoy Jr. '84

April 30, 1962–December 11, 2020

—Lisa Genoy

Donald J. Conlon

April 15, 1934–April 20, 2020

—Maureen Kobrin

Patrick Knowlton

December 4, 1962–February 21, 2021

Pat had such a kind heart, and he cared so much for his family and friends. He loved life and always had a warm smile to brighten your day. He is sorely missed by so many. May he rest in eternal peace.

—Kathleen Belfatto

Dr. Gregory Amendola '53

March 25, 1931–May 6, 2020

Dr. Gregory A. Amendola, retired obstetrician and gynecologist of Wilton, CT, died after a courageous battle with COVID-19. He earned his medical degree in 1959 from Universita Degli Studi Di Roma La Sapienza, Italy. He practiced medicine in NYC and the Bronx for over 60 years. Dr. Amendola is survived by his wife, Lidia Amendola; his daughter, Sabrina; his son, Anthony; and three grandchildren.

—Anthony Amendola

Thomas King

—Jared May

Anthony Ricciardi

May 29, 1941–January 31, 2021

—Cherilyn Barnett

Wayne L Raudenbush Jr.

April 27, 1948–January 28, 2021

Wayne was a husband, father, grandfather, uncle and US Army veteran. He was the life of any party he attended, making you laugh until your sides hurt, and enjoyed spending time in the mountains. He will be sorely missed by his wife of 51 years, his children and his grandchildren, as well as by his large extended family and many friends.

—Tracy Coady

Maureen Cooper '71

June 12, 1949–January 19, 2021

Maureen Cooper was a registered nurse at Women for Women at Lankenau Hospital. She had a beautiful singing voice and was a longtime member of the Mother of Divine Providence Church Choir in King of Prussia. She had an unmistakable laugh and a smile that would light up the room, and she gave the best hugs.

—Jennifer Derry

older man in cap and wearing glasses

Michael J. Killian '52

October 27, 1929–January 11, 2021

Michael J. Killian, formerly of Drexel Hill, died surrounded by his loving family. He was a true gentleman who was devoted to his family, courageous in service to his country and an avid Villanova sports fan. He is survived by his wife, Jean; his children, Katharine Shoff, Laura Voigtsberger, Barbara Horan, Joseph, Bethanne and Amy Nardi; 10 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

—Amy KIllian Nardi

William E. Dougherty Jr.

June 27, 1947–January 10, 2021

Bill was the most wonderful husband to Sharon for 49 years. He was born in Pennsylvania and settled in Colorado in 1972. He was proud to be an Air Force veteran and manager for Mt. Bell, Qwest and CenturyLink for 35 years. He is survived by Sharon; brother, John; sister, Joanne Dougherty; son, Shaun; daughter, Shannon; and granddaughters, Aspen and London Dougherty.

—Shannon Dougherty

Alicia de la Campa

March 28, 1945–December 26, 2020

Alicia Maria Teresa de la Campa passed away unexpectedly in Lawrenceville, NJ. After being forced to leave Cuba as a teenager, Alicia moved to Washington, DC, a city she had fallen in love with when she visited her grandfather at the Cuban Embassy. She was predeceased by her husband Alberto. She is survived by her children, Alicia Ana Maria Brabant and Lorna Cole Durish, and her grandchildren.

—Lorna Cole Durish

Mary Gin Harrington

September 18, 1936–January 17, 2021

Mary Gin will be remembered for her steadfast devotion to her family and faith and her ability to always make people smile and laugh. She had a charming skill of getting into funny predicaments, which often became subjects of her warm and engaging storytelling. Following the loss of her dear husband, Bob, in 1991, Mary Gin was an inspirational matriarch to her entire family.

—Hope Harrington

older woman in rocker smiling

Jeanne Elizabeth Clarke

October 31, 1926–January 11, 2021

Jeanne was born in West Pittston, PA, and graduated cum laude from Marywood College. In an era when there were far fewer women professionals, Jeanne was a pioneer in the field of nutrition and served as the Executive Director of the Dairy Council of Greater Metropolitan Washington, DC. She was an avid traveler and a longtime parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Bethesda.

—Michael Murphy '98 CWSL

Thomas Kinney

August 12, 1933–February 17, 2021

Millie Kinney

December 13, 1933–February 18, 2021

My grandparents had a huge impact on my life and were there every step of the way. They always supported me and were so proud. They were married for almost 70 years and left us only 18 hours apart. They lived a fairly-tale marriage until the end.

—Travis Brown

John Hood Sr.

January 10, 1940–March 10, 2021

John Hood Sr. was a firm believer in community first. He gave so much to his home community, his family community and even the Villanova community for his granddaughter, Samantha. The love he gave to everyone, stranger or friend, will forever be remembered.

—Samantha Hood

Nelson Perez

November 29, 1949–December 18, 2020

Nelson was a loving husband, father and grandfather, as well as a caregiver. He always showed love and concern to his wife, daughters and his grandchildren. He is dearly missed!  

—Melissa Rosado

Dana G. Fitzpatrick

March 24, 1930–December 18, 2020

—Kerry Fitzpatrick Allison

older woman smiling and sitting on porch

Vitina Gilchrist

November 18, 1931–March 15, 2021

Vitina, or more commonly known as Grandma, mother of four, grandma of five and great grandma of one, lived an amazing life of 89 years surrounded by family and love. Tragically, she contracted COVID while recovery from hip surgery and lost her battle. She will always be in our hearts.  

—Angela Cicalo

Rosemary Thompson

February 2, 1945–April 9, 2020

Rosemary (O'Donnell) Thompson, longtime resident of Bensalem, PA, died at her daughter's home in Annandale, NJ, due to complications of COVID-19 and a 10-year battle with progressive supranuclear palsy. She raised three children—Kelly Clark, Thomas and Christine Rush—as a single mother. Her greatest joy was found in her love for her children and grandchildren. 

—Justin Rush

Ann Sullivan

February 14, 1931–December 8, 2020

Ann will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was a devoted and kind person who endeared herself to all who met her. She was smart, tenacious and open-minded, always inspiring everyone to be their best self.

—Julia Zazycki

Dianne Lehman

March 4, 1958–December 18, 2020

Dianne was a loving mother, wife, grandmother and aunt who was a caretaker of others. She liked to volunteer her time. She always thought about others before herself.

—Andrew Lehman