Golden Eagles take off during the St. Peter’s Boys High School Hall of Fame gala

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Five distinguished alumni and four community champions who embody an unwavering commitment to rising above themselves were inducted into the St. Peter’s Boys High School Hall of Fame on Saturday during an evening of pageantry, patriotism and pride.

More than 450 supporters gathered at the Hilton Garden Inn, Bloomfield, to greet the Golden Eagle and Honorary Alumni inductees and celebrate the storied history and promising future of the 107-year-old New Brighton school.

Comedian and entertainer Joe Piscopo added some spice as host of the event and the Midtown Men, of “Jersey Boys” fame, brought guests to their feet with a selection of oldies but goodies. Retired NYPD officer Daniel Rodriguez of Rossville, known as “America’s tenor,” sang the national anthem and Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.”

John A. Fodera, a 1962 graduate of St. Peter’s who has dedicated his career to strengthening the school as a teacher, dean, principal and, since 2017, its first lay president, was inducted as a Golden Eagle for his exemplary dedication to uplifting the school. mission and ideals.

“Fodera’s name is synonymous with Catholic education,” said Michael J. Cosentino, principal of St. Peter’s and a 2003 graduate, as he introduced the school president. “He is a man of faith, service, brotherhood, dedication and integrity who lives up to the Lasallian mission,” Cosentino added, referring to the Christian Brothers of St. John Baptist de La Salle, the school’s founders.

“I always wanted to go to St. Peter’s Basilica,” Fodera said. “When I heard I had been accepted, it was one of the happiest days of my life.” A four-year scholarship made his St. Peter’s degree possible, and “paying it forward, paying it forward” at his alma mater has been a priority ever since, he said.

Fodera choked up as he expressed his appreciation for the bonds he had built during his more than 50 years serving the school and for “a beautiful life” with his wife and three children.

“I am blessed to be a part of St. Peter’s,” he said.

He reiterated a promise he is keeping as president: “If a boy attends a Catholic primary school, he will never be denied a seat in St. Peter’s.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Frank C. Siller, class of 1971, was inducted as a Golden Eagle for his work as chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, founded in honor of his brother, firefighter Stephen G. Siller, who died during the world collapse. Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

“St. Peter taught me that you can live a meaningful life and make a difference,” Siller reflected during his introduction. He credited his parents and St. Peter’s with teaching him about God, faith, family and patriotism, all of which helped him cope with the loss of his brother.

“I learned how to use that sadness to bring some light into other people’s lives,” he said.

His foundation has raised more than $500 million to provide mortgage-free homes for Gold Star and fallen first responder families and specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.

Three additional alumni were inducted as Golden Eagles:

Dr. Harold F. Reilly ’50, a varsity baseball star during his years at St. Peter’s, was honored as a compassionate physician on Staten Island for more than 50 years.

John Astrab ’76 was recognized for his success as the former president, CEO and founder of Mission Search, a healthcare staffing firm.

Harry P. Doherty ’59 was honored posthumously for a career that included service in the U.S. Marine Corps and CEO of the former SI Bank and Trust company.

HONORARY ALUMNI

Also at the gala, four community leaders who represent the beliefs and ideals of St. Peter’s and who have contributed significant time and effort to the school, were inducted as honorary alumni of the Hall of Fame. They are:

Charles Driscoll, a former junior varsity and varsity basketball coach who led the St. Peter’s Eagles to 10 championships and 14 CHSAA division titles.

Eamon Shields, a native of Ireland, whose success as owner of Daggart Construction, St. Peter’s general contractor, is a testament to the American dream.

Brother Kevin McDonnell (posthumous), a member of the De La Salle Christian Brothers who was a teacher and track coach at St. Peter’s for more than 40 years.

Monsignor James Dorney (posthumous), Pastor and Pastor Emeritus of St. Peter’s RC Church, New Brighton, for over 30 years.

Fourteen Catholic elementary schools on Staten Island were recognized for guiding their students in discovering their true potential. They include the Academy of St. Dorothy, Blessed Sacrament School, Father Vincent Capodanno Catholic Academy, Notre Dame Academy Elementary School of Staten Island, Our Lady of Good Counsel School, Our Lady Queen of Peace School, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Sacred Heart School, St. Ann School, St. Charles School, St. Clare School, St. Joseph Hill Academy Elementary School, St. Patrick’s School and St. Teresa-St. Rita STREAM Academy.

BUILDING A SECURE FUTURE

Principal Cosentino and Assistant Principal John R. Walsh ’84 used the gala as an opportunity to outline the fourth and final phase of a capital improvement plan for the New Brighton campus.

More than $1.2 million in pledges have been secured for a five-year, $7.5 million campaign that will include a multi-use building and an expansion of the existing school building on Clinton Ave. 200, school leaders said.

An indoor turf portion of the new facility will alleviate restrictions on the current athletic field, where all of St. Peter’s athletic programs compete for practice times and competitions, Cosentino explained.

“Our goal is for St. Peter’s to remain competitive for the next 100 years,” while preserving the Lasallian tradition of brotherhood and family, he added.

Bishop John J. O’Hara, retired Episcopal Vicar of Staten Island and southern Manhattan, and Bishop Edmund J. Whalen, Auxiliary Bishop of New York, are honorary co-chairs of the Building a Secure Future Campaign.

Bishop Whalen, former principal of Monsignor Farrell High School, gave the invocation for the Hall of Fame Gala.