Alumni Blog

Golden Hermits of 1970 Take Center Stage

Posted July 17th, 2020

“We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us” a mantra heard time and time again at St. Augustine Prep and it is said with good reason.

The Hermit Brotherhood has not been spared from the realities facing society due to the continued impact of the Coronavirus.  Through the darkness came a long-awaited reprieve; a beacon of sorts from the Class of 2020 which was brought about by an on-campus commencement ceremony once thought to be an impossible task.  As is tradition, the current graduating class is joined by their Hermit Brothers who are celebrating their 50th anniversary of exiting as men to serve.  This year, these Golden Hermits were members of the Class of 1970 and they proudly stood beside their brothers from the Class of 2020 (six-feet apart of course).

The school community was delighted to be joined by six members of the 1970 graduates: Michael Carabrese ’70, Nicholas Cashan III ’70, William Chambers ’70, Samuel Fiocchi P’06, Ronald Petrosky ’70 P’96, and Paul Rodio ’70 P’09 ’11.  Learn more about our attendees below:

Michael Carabrese – While a student at the Prep, Mike was an accomplished athlete and captain of the baseball team. He graduated from Stockton University and spent 37 years as an executive in the Transportation and Logistics Distribution business, where he earned a Black Belt in Business Philosophy of Six Sigma from Lockheed Martin. Mike is presently enjoying retirement with his family.

Nicholas Cashan III – Nick was the president of his graduating class and went on to receive his Bachelor degree from Villanova University, He entered his family business and in 1982 assumed the role of President of the company. He is presently a partner in the BCA Insurance Group and has served on numerous non-profit boards and organizations in the South Jersey Community.

William Chambers – An accomplished student while at the Prep, Bill was the Salutatorian for the Class of 1970. He went on to graduate from Villanova University and enjoyed a successful career in the retail food business and then managed his family owned business. He currently enjoys his semi-retired life, especially with his six grandchildren.    

 

Samuel Fiocchi – After his graduation from the Prep, Sam attended Widener University. Along with his brother Lee from the Class of ‘68, they operated their successful family business for nearly forty years. Additionally, Sam served his community as an elected official, first as a Freeholder in Cumberland County, then as an assemblyman in the state legislature; he has actively volunteered and served many community organizations as well. He has received numerous awards and recognitions over the years; however, he is most proud of his family and two grandchildren.

Ronald Petrosky – Following his graduation from the Prep, Ron attended Biscayne College in Miami. He returned to South Jersey and worked for Sears Roebuck in management where he was instrumental in the opening of new stores from Toms River to Cape May. He made a career change which proved very successful in the retail and wholesale produce business, including opening his own operation with his wife and children. Ron is enjoying his retired life with his wife of 46 years and attributes his personal and professional success to the values he learned at the Prep.

Paul Rodio – Coach Rodio, as he is affectionately known, began his relationship with St. Augustine Prep as a feisty and proud member of the Class of 1970. Following his graduation, he attended Villanova University and then worked briefly in his family’s business until his Augustinian friend and mentor, Fr. Stephen LaRosa asked him to work at his alma mater in 1975. For the next 44 years, Paul Rodio has inspired, taught, coached, mentored and shared the high school experience with over 3500 young men. His passion and endless energy has helped shape the culture of excellence at St. Augustine Prep and what it means to have Hermit Pride! Coach Rodio’s legacy is forever cemented here in Richland and the entire school community is grateful for your life investment to our school.

These men – along with the entirety of the proud members of the St. Augustine Prep Alumni – have laid the foundation for the Class of 2020 and future Hermit Brothers. We thank them all for their continued commitment to the Brotherhood of St. Augustine Prep.

St. Augustine Prep – Class of 1970

Robert C. Ballard
Jeffrey L. Barnes
Michael Carabrese
Nicholas A. Cashan III
William J. Chambers
Damion L. Chmelewski
Peter Cifaloglio
Edward M. Connor
Edward P. Dondero
Michael E. Duffy
William J. Emow
Robert A. Feller
Samuel T. Fiocchi
Curtis A. Foster
Edward M. Macri
James A. Marinelli
David D. Martinelli
Gary D. Mesiano
James R. Pagnam
Ronald J. Petrosky
Frank Pitale III
Paul A. Rodio
Daniel B. Samchuck
Anthony F. Sparacio
James M. Sullivan
Dennis M. Trainor
Joseph J. Yugovich