Thursday, August 20, 2020

Mendel Alumni Events 2021 Tentative


Alumni dinner October 8.

Hall of Fame postponed

Look at mendelchs.org for details

Stay safe.

Father Kret - RIP

 Father Kret was a good man.Always seemed to be fair.

Fr. John Anthony Kret, OSA, Age 86, Born into Eternal Life on August 16, 2020. Beloved son of the late John C. and Dorothy R. (Beier) Kret. Loving brother of Donald Kret and the late Judith O'Connor. Fond uncle to his nieces and nephews. He professed first vows September 10, 1954 and solemn vows September 10, 1957. He earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova University in 1958. He pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. receiving an M.A. in Religious Education in 1962. He was ordained a Priest June 7, 1961. Father Kret earned an M.S. in Library Science from Villanova University in 1964. Served as a Teacher and Librarian at Mendel Catholic H.S., St. Rita of Cascia H.S., and Bishop McNamara H.S. He taught Computer Science Technology at Providence Catholic H.S. where he resided from 2004-2019. Fr. John was a talented musician and song composer who performed at local venues in New Lenox. Visitation Thursday, August 20th, from 5-7 p.m., at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, 7740 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60620. Covid-19 guidelines for social distancing and masks to be observed by visitors. Mass of Christian Burial at 7:00p.m. Interment in Augustinian Plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip, IL, Friday, August 21st, at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Augustinians, 5401 S. Cornell Ave., Chicago, IL 60615-5664 to support care of elderly friars and seminary formation of young friars appreciated. Info: Heeney-Laughlin Funeral Directors 708-636-5500 or www.heeneyfh.com

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Mike Scaramella - RIP

Mike passed on May 3, 2020. Comments from friends will be added.
photo
On May 3, 2020, Michael Cesare Scaramella passed away at the age of 70. Mike was born on March 15, 1950, to Cesare and Lisetta (Alo) Scaramella. He was a star athlete for Chicago Mendel Catholic High School and graduate of Western Illinois University. Professionally, Mike wore many hats but was proudest of his involvement in starting several businesses, including The Thirsty Whale, United Parking Lot Systems, Sidekick's, Brother's Pizza, and Slab and a Half. He married Karen Mazur on November 6, 1976, and they raised three sons, Mike, Rob, and Tony.

Mike was a selfless family man who lead by example. For him, the satisfaction of helping loved ones was priceless. At the drop of a hat, Mike helped loved ones with any need or desire, such as receiving necessary healthcare, achieving lofty academic and professional goals, buying a first home, learning from life lessons, caring for pets, celebrating wonderful moments, and persevering through tough times. No reciprocation was allowed, and no mistake was unforgivable. His philosophy allowed loved ones to learn from their mistakes but never suffer because of them. As Mike often said, "I will let you fall but will always be there to pick you up."

His rugged physique, thunderous voice, and larger than life personality were no match for his infectious smile and jovial greeting ("yelllooo!"). Harley-Davidson motorcycles, a love second only to his family, instantly brought out that smile. Coach Scaramella also displayed large smiles after youth football victories. A slice of Boston cream pie, scoop of black cherry ice cream, and glass of scotch (preferably, Johnnie Walker Blue Label on the rocks with a twist of lemon) were welcomed treats. No treat, however, was better for Mike than a family gathering, especially one with his grandchildren.

On May 3, Mike was lovingly welcomed by his father, Cesare; mother, Lisetta; sisters, Eva, Dora, and Lisa; father-in-law Bruno; brothers-in-law Art and Jimmy; and dogs Shadow and Curly. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Karen; three children, Mike, Rob, and Tony; daughter-by-love, Kelly; much-loved new daughter-in-law, Lauren; beloved grandchildren Vincent, Holly, Paige, and Eva; sisters Elda and Lea; mother-in-law Dolores; sisters and brothers-in-law, Sue, Andy, Jeff, Caroline, and Mike; "granddogs" Nutulhu and Willow; and his ever-growing family, including many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held for Mike at a later date. Please consider honoring Mike in the same way he lived his life – helping loved ones with an infectious smile.


To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published in Chicago Tribune on May 24, 2020.

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Michael Garvey RIP

 Mike passed on January 6, 2020

Obit from NY Times
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/michael-garvey-obituary?pid=195156901

Nice photo of him with Mayor Giuliani when Mike was recognized for all his 9/11 efforts helping the rescue dogs. Mike looks good, Rudy has drastically aged.





An obituary from his Veterinarian collegues:

It is with great sadness that we relay the passing of Dr. Mike Garvey, one of the 19 Charter Diplomate of American College of Veterinary Emergency Critical Care (ACVECC). Mike's many accomplishments and contributions to our field are best described by Dr. Mike Schaer's tribute below. Thank you, Mike, for all that you have done, and your contributions to this specialty that nearly 800 Diplomates call home. Rest easy. You will be missed...

Dear ACVECC Colleagues:

I have been asked to write this tribute in remembrance to Dr. Michael Garvey who passed away two days ago (January 6). Mike (The GARV) and I crossed paths during his internship and residency at the The Animal Medical Center back in 1975-78. What an amazing house officer he was with a gift of unlimited intelligence, learning potential, and work capacity. He was indeed an amazing learner besides being a great teacher. My opinion was shared by so many others as you can surmise from the list of accomplishments listed below.

To complement his many professional attributes, Mike was such a real person with a unique capacity to tell stories like nobody else. His heart was huge and there wasn’t anything he would pass on, if his actions could help others. When The Garv was nearby either you could see him as bigger than life or you could clearly heard his voice that was usually associated with humor. Those of us who shared moments with him at DICK’S on the Riverwalk in San Antonio will definitely attest to this. Working with him and traveling with him over the years that followed made everything so positively memorable. In his final years, Mike experienced several health setbacks but he miraculously endured those setbacks and made the most of what he had. His death was sudden on Sunday, January 5, so now we can all be assured that he is finally at peace. Below is an abbreviated list of his accomplishments. I might add that his two most heartfelt honors were his receiving the Jack Judy Award from the AAVC for his huge efforts with the House Officer Matching System, which he did single handedly for years and New York City’s recognition for his efforts during the 9-11 disaster.

Bio for Dr. Michael Garvey, DVM, DACVIM (Internal Medicine), DAVECC

Dr. Garvey grew up in Chicago, Illinois and graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1974. After a year in private practice in the Chicago area, he moved to New York City to serve an Internship and Internal Medicine Residency at the The Animal Medical Center. After his residency, Dr. Garvey returned to private practice in the Chicago area. In 1981, Dr. Garvey returned to The Animal Medical Center as Chairman of the Department of Medicine, a position he held until 1997. In 1997, Dr. Garvey was named Director of The E. & M. Bobst Hospital of The Animal Medical Center and Chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine and Critical Care, positions he held until he retired in 2007.

Dr. Garvey is a Board Certified Specialist in both Veterinary Internal Medicine and Veterinary Emergency Medicine and Critical Care. He has lectured throughout the United States and 20 foreign countries on various topics in the fields of internal medicine and emergency medicine/critical care. Dr. Garvey has authored numerous scientific articles, chapters, and proceedings and has recently authored, with colleagues, two books on pet health for pet owners: The Veterinarians' Guide to Your Dog's Symptoms and The Veterinarians' Guide to Your Cat's Symptoms, published by Villard, New York, 1999. Dr. Garvey has received many professional awards including The Lester E. Fisher Award for Outstanding Student in Veterinary Clinical Medicine, The Animal Medical Center's President's Award for Outstanding Intern, Award of Merit from the Veterinary Medical Association of New York City, Friskies PetCare Award, Distinguished Leadership Award, Clinical Faculty Achievement Award, and Outstanding Service Awards from both the New York City and New York State Veterinary Associations . Dr. Garvey recently received awards from the Long Island Veterinary Medical Association, Veterinary Medical Association of New York City, and ASPCA, and St. Louis, Missouri Police Department for his care of the Search and Rescue Dogs at the World Trade Center disaster site. He was appointed New York Police Department Veterinarian for his World Trade Center service. He is the former President of American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM), Vice-President of the Specialty of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, President of the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians, and President of the Society for International Veterinary Symposia. Dr. Garvey is a consultant to pharmaceutical companies, pet food companies, veterinary schools and medical schools. He serves on the Community Advisory Board of New York Presbyterian Hospital and is the only veterinarian on the New York City Task Force on Biological Terrorism. He is also listed in Who's Who in Veterinary Medicine and Who's Who in America. In 2009, he received the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Distinguished Service Award for outstanding and dedicated service to the college, in a volunteer capacity.”

As a toast to a truly great man I write: “To a colleague who truly helped make veterinary medicine the great profession as we know it today. We love you, Mike, and you will be in our hearts forever”.

Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice)