Prep Talk
Mr. Paul Rodio ‘70 Receives Prestigious Mendel Medal
Posted November 23rd, 2016
On Thursday, November 17, 2016 the St. Augustine Prep community bestowed the prestigious Mendel Medal upon legendary educator and coach, Mr. Paul Rodio ‘70. The Board of Directors and Fr. Donald F. Reilly, O.S.A. were present to honor Coach Rodio, the 43rd recipient of the award.
Coach Rodio has been the Hermits head basketball coach since 1978 and his relationship with St. Augustine Prep began as a student in 1966. He has amassed 861 wins, making him the winningest coach in South Jersey history on his way to leading the Hermits to five State Championships. He is a proud member of the NJSIAA Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame, the New Jersey Coaches Hall of Fame and the Basketball Coaches of South Jersey Hall of Fame. Under his direction the basketball team has claimed 13 South Jersey Championships and many of his former players have gone on to have successful collegiate as well as professional careers.
The evening not only honored the career of Mr. Rodio, but also celebrated the Prep’s transformative past, exhilarating present and future of promise. Mr. David Catalana ’82, and Mr. Antony P. Rodio ’12 served as Co-Chairs of the event; attendance and sponsorship of the St. Augustine Fund was the greatest to date.
Mr. Dennis Foreman ’87, Ex. Director for Advancement remarked, “Paul Rodio has shaped the personality of St. Augustine Prep and has been the source of life-long memories for students and their families. To see nearly four hundred guests on campus, including almost one hundred members of the alumni, speaks volumes to the positive influence Coach has had on this loving community.”
The legacy that Coach Rodio continues to build has impacted individuals from all walks of life which was evident from the overwhelming support during the ceremony. Hermit pride was on full display to show appreciation for Coach Rodio’s influence on the campus.
Previous Mendel Medal Recipients
1974 Lawrence Pepper, Sr.
1975 Domenick DeRossi
1976 Judge Harry Adler
1977 Nicholas Marchione, M.D.
1978 Frank Guaracini
1979 Peter Galetto
1980 Louis Pizzo
1981 Frank LoBiondo
1982 Anthony DiPaola
1983 Casimer Dallago
1983 Victor Rone
1984 Wilbert Pagliughi
1985 Joseph Chinnici
1986 John B. Morello
1987 James Bertonazzi
1988 Walter Cherniak
1989 Carmine Catalana
1990 Catherine Arpino
1991 Anthony Napoli, M.D.
1992 Dominic Toscani, Esq.
1993 Hon. Philip Gruccio
1994 Chief Mario Brunetta
1995 Albert Fralinger, Jr.
1996 Americo Antonelli, Esq.
1997 John J. Pastore, M.D., P.A.
1998 Lawrence A. Pepper, Jr. Esq.
1999 Peter Galetto, Jr. ‘71
2000 Dr. Joseph P. Bernardini ‘64
2001 Frederick N. Angelo
2002 Leon J. Mazzocchi
2003 William J. Hallissey
2004 Thomas J. Merighi, Sr.
2005 Rev. Stephen J. LaRosa, O.S.A.
2006 Frank Guaracini, Jr.
2007 Mark D’Onofrio
2008 Agostino R. Fabietti, Jr.
2009 Daniel S. Falasca
2010 John F. Scarpa
2001 Peter R. Capizola
2012 Kenneth F. Pustizzi, Sr.
2013 (Spring) Barbara & Dennis Gomes
2013 (Fall) Charles “Chalky” Ottinger
2014 Daniel J. Hilferty ‘74
2015 Anthony J. Spina