A COVID Memorial: Marking a Year of Loss
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
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
February 4, 1919–May 24, 2020
Rita was my aunt and sister of Joseph O'Connor, OSA (1928–2017).
—Kathy O'Connor '77
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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