| FAMOUS ALUMNI
Bernie Leahy — After his prep days at St. Mel and collegiately at Notre Dame, Leahy was a halfback for the Chicago Bears during the 1932 season in which they won the NFL championship.
Tom Bettis — This linebacker starred at Purdue, then went on to an nine-year career in the National Football League with Green Bay, Pittsburgh, and the hometown Bears from 1955-63. Bettis was a member of three teams that reached the NFL championship game in three of his last four seasons (1960, 1961, & 1963), then was interim head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs during the 1977 season.
Tom Keating — Following St. Mel and Michigan, the big defensive tackle starred for Buffalo, Oakland, Pittsburgh, and Kansas City between 1964-75, and played on three American Football League championship teams (1964, 1965, & 1967).
Walt Barnes — Continuing in the footsteps of Bettis & Keating as a defensive player, Barnes’ NFL career marked with stops at Washington and Denver from 1966-71 following All-American status at Nebraska in 1965.
Lee Loughnane (Class of 1964) Lee was a member of the St. Mel concert band as a trumpet player. He would become a member of the famous rock musical group “Chicago.”
John Kucan (Class of 1964) The captain of the varsity soccer team, who went on to becoming a renowned plastic surgeon in Springfield, Illinois.
Dennis O’Halleran (Class of 1964) – After graduation, became a police officer in Chicago before moving to Arizona, being serving in the state house of representatives in 2001, and moved up to the state senate in 2007. O’Halleran also was elected to the US House of Representatives from Arizona, effective January 3, 2017.
Frank Quilici (Class of 1956) Became a major league baseball player starting in the 1965 World Series at second base for the Minnesota Twins. Became manager of the Twins in 1972, a position he held until 1975. For more information check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Quilici.
MEMORIES & FACTS
From Paul Guerino (Class of 1960):
“Cardinal George’s father graduated from St. Mel in 1923 I believe. He was the highest ranking engineer in the Chicago Public Schools and was in charge of the Chicago Teachers College North Campus when it opened in 1965. I was a student there in the 1960s and we developed a friendship because I was a St. Mel graduate there in 1960.”
From Art Fox (class of 1948):
“We were the last class with R.O.T.C., won Federal Inspection for this district, which was held downtown Chicago reviewed by Gen. Wainwright, who surrendered Corrigidor in WWII. We had most sports, boxing, rifle, bowling, football, varsity basketball and intramural basketball at lunch period. Our basketball team was coached by Johnny Dee, who went on to coach Notre Dame basketball.
“The high school was razed and now occupies a cleaning store (yr. 2003). The former Catholic Church, across the street, where we held graduation, is now a Baptist Church.
“When attending Mels, I resided next to elevated directly behind Wrigley Field centerfield scoreboard, took close to 1 hour travelling on streetcars and buses. “
From John Brezina (class of 1967): “Hi there, I graduated St. Mel in ’67.
“As far as I am concerned, the reason it closed was not low morale, rather the fact that the MLK riots in ’68 started around Pulaski and Madison and the entire neighborhood was essentially burnt to the ground. The area is still like Beirut, or Warsaw after WWII, vacant lots and brickyards.
“I went to see the Chihuly exhibit at the Garfield Park conservatory with my daughter and decided to show her where I grew up. We went by Kildare and Madison. The east building is long since gone, I went there with Brother Gregory when the Christian Brothers were pulling out and scavenged stuff left after the auction.
“The west building was being used by the Chicago Board of Education for some sort of early childhood development center. There was a sign on the door that said ‘Drug and weapon free zone, no firearms or drugs allowed within 500 feet.’ The brothers are rolling over in their graves.”
From Bill Meyer (class of 1956):
“Really enjoyed the history, and have something you will be interested in. Had to be late 1920s/early ’30s, when no less than NFL HOFer Paddy Driscoll (who played with the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cardinals) was the football coach at our Alma! I only recall that because his name was engraved on some of those trophies in the big case on 2nd floor hallway in the East bldg.”
From Robb Soria (class of 1965):
Hi..my name is Robb Soria (although the yearbook has me captured under the name Richard!)
I actually found your information by “accident”…but, then again, who doesn’t find info on the internet by accident?
Just wanted to share some “trivia” about some St. Mel memories…
About 6 years ago, I and my current girlfriend (never married..was always kind of a playboy)…we were on our way to attend a play in downtown Chicago. We were coming from the far west suburbs, so we took the Eisenhower heading east. It was a beautiful summer evening about 6pm..when we headed into some serious traffic around the Mannheim exit area. I decided that after driving 15-20 miles an hour wasn’t going to help us..so, I exited on Austin and Congress. I decided to take Madison Avenue east…at least for a few blocks ( I know what you’re thinking…”I must be crazy driving through that neighborhood !”). But, I was anxious to see if the west building of St.Mel was still there. I think this was the year 2006? The lady and I were shaking all the way ..we finally did pass the building (saw it from the street) and couldn’t believe the condition of the building or the area. I hadn’t been to St. Mel High School since late May,1965..a few days before graduation (which took place at the original McCormick Place).
We finally picked up speed and headed further east taking Lake Street…WILL NEVER DO THAT AGAIN!
I remember a lot of great things about my attending the school…the brothers were tough…but, they were always fair and could they teach ! I had four years of cross-country, two years of track, was secretary of the National Honor Society, and graduated either 2nd or 3rd out of about 400 other seniors (pretty big class for that era). I NEVER was late for a class or missed even one day during all four years! Had several senior letters from cross country and had I believe a 98% average for all 4 years! When I went to DePaul (had a four year scholarship), the discipline and training from the brothers made my college life a lot easier. In addition, I managed to work for two very prestigous law firms and put in a lot of work hours (in spite of the scholarship..needed money for clothes, and other personals). But, again the bottom line is that the college prep training at St. Mel was fantastic!
I had a feeling that the “end” of the REAL St. Mel was coming to a close even while I was there. In my first two years, my family lived two blocks away. But, during my Junior year, we moved to Cicero (my father owned a business there and the neighborhood around St. Mel was quickly changing for the worse. I remember, several times, both the cross country teams and the football teams were “attacked” by local gangs. We had no sports facility, so we had to jog down to Garfield Park..about 2 miles east of us. Finally, I think in our senior year, all practices for football, soccer and cross country was done at Columbus Park (by Austin and Congress).
“In fact, unfortunately, I remember an incident that happened during my Sophomore year..my kid sister and I walked from our home to the local library..near Pulaski and Madison. We were just a block from the library, when two guys punched me in the stomach at the same time…FOR NO REASON! Just trying to “tell us who owns the neighborhood!”
I lost touch with most of the guys…I was fortunate to have a lot of friends outside of high school ..so, they became my social life for awhile.
Anyway.. I did manage to be contacted and attended my 25th reunion..it was held at the old Sabre Room…in Hickory Hills (don’t think it is still there?) Saw quite of few of the guys..but, again, lost touch.
Unfortunately, I was out of town for my 40th reunion in 2005. Heard that a lot of my class attended! I hope to be there for my 50th reunion in 2015!!!
As June 15th, 2012 comes near, I will be celebrating my 40th anniversary as one of the leading life insurance and financial consultants in the country. I have been ACKNOWLEDGED AS THE FIRST OFFICIAL Hispanic Financial Consultant In USA history! I was hired by the large corporation-Trans Union Corporation as a financial analyst. But, then went on my own in 1972.
So…in summary, I have a lot to be thankful for being a graduate of the REAL St. MEL ..Class of 1965 ! Go Knights !!!
Robb Soria—Wayne,IL
ps Still have my high school sweater with all the letters ! It’s a little tight on me!
from Tony Schiffer:
“I attended St Mel in 1952 it was a great place at the time I lived at Addison and Harlem. One name I remember was Jerry Carbone and the all-girls high school at Central Ave and Washington Blvd.”
from Dennis Hadac (class of 1967):
“I found your page while surfing the web. I was checking out things out after getting my invite to the 50th high school reunion. My brothers David (class of ’62), Ronald (class of ’64), and myself will also be attending this year (2017).
“I wanted to make sure you were aware of the ’67 basketball team under coaches Slingerland and Saturnus that won the Chicagoland Prep League and Paris Tournament Trophies that year. They had a regular season record of 20-5, and went through the first three rounds of the state tournament before losing in the sectional to Oak Lawn 77-68.
“I believe they warrant a mention on your page, especially as we prepare for the 50th reunion.
From an anonymous grad of the class of 1965:
“I graduated from St. Mel High School in 1965. The one aspect of my education that I am grateful for is the emphasis on learning and not getting by with less than a full effort. I recall many of my teachers and instructors, relatively fondly. Some of them were great educators, but the majority were not. Nonetheless, I learned the basics for going forward and graduated from the University of Illinois, CCC, and John Marshall Law School.
“I believe anyone who remembers me thinks of me in terms of the work I did in the Drama department. I received a lot of attention through that vehicle and I believe people thought that my private side (which was usually on display in the classroom and the hallways) was an aspect of exclusivity and snootiness. This resulted in fellow students really not liking me at all, and I found after that the fact that some talk of going to my home and throwing a bomb on the front steps of my house. I had no idea if the teller of this tale actually believed what was being told to me, but that is what I was told.
“I, in no way, regret going to this high school from 1961 to 1965. I believe that my experience there encouraged me to work hard and become as good as I could be. For this, I will always be grateful for the stern, but well-intentioned tutelage of the Christian Brothers.”
from Linda Gulotta (daughter of student alum Frank Reda, received April 3, 2017):
“My father went to (St.) Mels High school, he was born in 1929. I found pictures of my dad in his high school ROTC Program. My best friend and I realized that both of our parents went to St. Mel High School. We brought him to my dad’s restaurant, and he saw a picture of my dad at St. Mel’s, and told us that he, too, went and graduated. He seemed to talk to me non-stop about “the Glory of High School.”
from an anonymous graduate from the class of 1949 (received August 9, 2018):
“As a past graduate of St. Mel High School class of 1949, I was fascinated by the memories and remarks of past graduates. I tell friends these days that in reflecting on my school days is like talking about the “dark ages” because the world has changed so much. That being so, I still think those times added to making America the great country it is today. We learned back then to be self-reliant and make our own good times.
“The Christian Brothers at St. Mel High School were better teachers back then than most college professors at our best prep schools today. They did it for their love of God, just as the nuns of the time were doing. What a great deal of gratitude we, who were educated by them, owe them.”
from Tim Trainor (son of alum Ken Trainor, class of 1943, dated July 2, 2019):
“My father Ken was a 1943 grad of St. Mel. My brothers Mike (’68) and Tom (’69) also attended.
“You were wondering about the school building’s fate. In 1979, my father and I drove down from Oak Park because it was being demolished, and my dad wanted to see it one last time and get a brick, which sat by his fireplace the rest of his life.
“Anyway, I am correct on the time of that visit, and thus the demolition year of 1979. I hope this helps.”
from Larry (Labno) Aliotta (former student, dated May 29, 2020):
“I attended St. Mel-Holy Ghost School when we lived at 4423 W. Jackson and a choice of attending St. Philip’s or St. Mel’s…I could walk to St. Mel’s. I was on the wrestling team and played football. I vividly remember running in full uniform to Garfield Park for practice.
“When my dad passed, we moved to the Northwest side and I finished high school at Notre Dame High School (for boys) College Prep. I have lived in Florida since the great blizzard of 1967, but still consider myself a West Side Italian from Chicago.”
from Chris Bomicino (grandson of alum Ernest Bomicino, class of 1952, dated December 15, 2022):
“My father, Ernest Bomicino, attended St. Mel, I believe he graduated in 1952. He passed a few years back and I’ve been trying to go through his things albeit it’s been an emotional toll and has taken some time.
“I came across three items from 1952 from St. Mel, a commencement program from 1952 and two plays/performances from that period. I don’t have any connection to St. Mel myself, but, I decided to search for any alumni organization or the school itself to see if there was interest. I found your website and thought I would reach out if there was any interest in these. I’m not one to just throw things away especially if someone else can find use from them. I”ve attached a picture (see below).”
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from Joe McMahon (class of 1965, dated 4/29/2024):
“I am a 1965 graduate. I went on to become a Chicago Police officer, where I proudly served for 37 years. Along the way I also became an attorney, going to John Marshall Law School nights while working during the day. After retiring from the PD, I started teaching criminal law at Wright College, and continued to do so for 12 years.
“As a police officer, I served mainly on the West Side of the city, often passing St. Mels. One Christmas Eve in the late 90’s, while working midnights in the Austin District, I attended midnight Mass at St. Mel Church. The parishioners there for Mass were friendly and welcoming. The interior had been substantially changed, with the confessionals
removed as well as most of the statues. I remember as a child, going there for Mass with my grandmother. This was no longer Grandma’s church. It was quite sad. I never went back, preferring to preserve my memories of a bygone era.
“Working as an attorney, I had a client who owned a construction company. He was a Muslim that did a lot of commercial work. When talking one day, he mentioned that he did work at the old St. Mel Church, converting it when it was sold, and became a Baptist church. We spoke of the beauty of old St Mel, and he mentioned that the marble of the altar rail was of such high quality, he kept several pieces. A few days later, he gave me a piece. That was thirty years ago. I put it on my desk at home, where it remained. I am holding it as I write. I have several old photos of St. Mel buildings which I include as attachments (see below as well as school building at top of this page).”
 
from Richard Bruce (student of St. Mel Grade School and High School. dated 5/2/2024):
“I was born and raised in the St. Mel parish. I attended St. Mel grammar school from 1955-1965, and the high school 1965-1967. Anyone who was there during those years had to remember Sister Bernard, Sister Marie George, Sister Barbara Marie, Sister Helena, and I think the principal was Sister Veronica Ann. Oh yeah, and don’t forget our wonderful lay teacher Mrs. Harris. I was a patrol boy and remember watching them build Purcell Hall.
“Here are some of the Christian Brothers names I remember from St. Mel high school, Brother Francis, Brother John Conser, Brother George, and Brother Mark the principal. Mr. O’Brien taught me algebra, and Mr. Magalpin and Mr. Buscarini phys. ed.”
“Anyway, that was a fantastic neighborhood to grow up in and walk to school. There were so many great families living there. It was peaceful and safe until the mid ’60s. We would go to the Marbro theater to watch movies or the Byrd, and do all of our shopping on Madison Ave. The neighborhood fell on hard economic times and began to fall into disrepair. The high school buildings were torn down along with the convent and the brothers’ home building. The church although renamed still stands along with the grammar school building, as well Purcell Hall. Sometimes I drive through that neighborhood that I loved, and my eyes have a hard time looking around and remembering a different way of life.”
THERE’S PLENTY OF ROOM FOR MORE INFORMATION!!!
We are in need more information about St. Mel High School, such as names of outstanding alumni and coaches, and photos of the school building and teams that wore the Purple and Gold of St. Mel. Send us your information to us at the following addresses:
By email: dr.veeman@gmail.com
By USPS: Illinois High School Glory Days
6439 North Neva
Chicago, IL 60631
| St. Mel Drum & Bugle Corps |
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| courtesy of Ann (Corcoran) Jasper |
| Chicago St. Mel School Cadet Corps Badge |
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| Courtesy of Darrell Hovland |
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I remember hearing of a scandal involving St. Mel Basketball in the 40’s or 50’s. It seemed that St. Mel had taken advantage of an obscure rule that allowed them to have the same starting 5 for 7-8 years.