alumniupdates

ALUMNI UPDATES

Frank Maturo

I attended St. Lawrence School from 1963 through 1972, 1st through 8th grade.
I then attended Notre Dame High School in West Haven, and, subsequently, went on to attend Yale University. After
graduating in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree. I worked for a mutual fund company for two years, and then
attended the Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania where I received my MBA degree in Finance in
1984. I then headed to Wall Street and worked for Salomon Brothers for 15 years in Boston and New York, before I
left in 1999 to go to work for Merrill Lynch. I am a Managing Director in Equity Capital Markets.

My twelve years of Catholic education led me on the path to success in many ways. The structured environment put
me in a safe comfort zone to focus on learning. The repetitive aspect of class work and homework enabled me to
build confidence in my abilities, and for the concepts to become second nature to me. The discipline that was
expected by the nuns, priests, and brothers who taught me made me understand the importance of following
directions and respecting others. In addition, it showed me that I can learn things on a daily basis from people I
interact with. The culture and supportive, nurturing environment of a faith-based education taught me the
importance of how I act not only reflects on me, but on the school, team, community, and/or business I represent.

Besides the terrific academic and religious education, my Catholic schooling was critical in my moral and ethical
upbringing. I learned the skills to set standards for myself and set goals to reach for. These are the traits that have
propelled me growing up in a hard working family whose parents never went to college, to a respected, experienced
managing director at a top Wall Street firm who is comfortable interacting with CEO’s and Boards of Directors.

Because I was so blessed with teachers and coaches who cared about my whole being, today I get tremendous
enjoyment out of mentoring others, whether it is the junior people I work with in business, or the youngsters I coach
in town basketball.

In summary, my Catholic education both at St. Lawrence School and Notre Dame gave me the push and the tools
to become what I wanted to be.

Thank you St. Lawrence School

Joe Houley

An alumnus of St. Lawrence School for 47 years.

My wife Linda and I, married 20 years this year, have 2 children, Andrew and Virginia (18 and 17 respectively). We
live in Natick, Massachusetts. I thoroughly enjoy receiving the mailings about the school as, my mother, Betty, still
lives in West Haven and can be seen at 8:00am Mass most Sundays. She is now 97.

Our class (1962) was the last single class (40 students) and the last class where the boys were not required to
wear uniforms, but we did have to wear a shirt with a tie.
In those days sneakers were for playing.

For the eight years spent at St. Lawrence, I was part of one of the musical families (the Dolans and the Cubanskis
come to mind). Piano lessons from Sr. Petronilla in the convent were a weekly activity as well as singing in the choir
at 8:00 Mass on Sunday. This particular exposure to musical education served me very well over the years. It was
Sr. Mary La Salette who did the most to encourage more and more involvement in musical performance. I owe her
a great deal of thanks for “the push” that she alone was able to give to me and others. I remember her often.

Another activity which gave a great foundation and focus to my life was serving at the altar. There were six to eight
altar boys at each Sunday Mass. We also served at the funerals and weddings. This allowed me to be close to the
Lord. I have not lost that great desire to be such.

My life has taken some interesting paths. I did attend the Seminary in Bloomfield and in Boston. Actually, going
there ( Boston ) put me in the place where I have spent most of my life since 1969. I worked in a hotel which is now
closed, I worked as an accountant in Filene’s which is now closed. I played the organ in a parish for 25 years,
where we were married – and which I now closed. I continue to play and direct a choir each week, which has been
my main stay over the years. Also, I am employed in the non-profit sector as an accountant in a Cambridge based
“think tank”.

I applaud St. Lawrence Parish and all those who ministered there, priests, sisters, and lay people. Father Curtin
would be proud and amazed at the stability that has borne fruit for so many. May it continue to do so with the Lord’s
help and with ours.
Time, Talent, and Treasure freely given are the mark of any Catholic education.

Jerome A. Lacobelle, Jr.

I am a 1977 graduate of St. Lawrence School. The 8 years there allowed me to graduate with a strong foundation
to further my education, spirituality and eventually develop my social skills and work ethic. I then attended Notre
Dame High School in West Haven, Providence College and went on to the
University of Bridgeport School of Law where I obtained my law degree in 1989.

Teachers like Mr. Brooks, Mr. Moore, Mr. Biondi, Sister Presentation, Mrs. Danehy and Sister Alice taught me not
only educational concepts, but also values which I still cherish. The discipline and structure of a religious
education has allowed me to excel and succeed in the “real world”.

Presently I am the principal owner of The Law Offices of Jerome A.
Lacobelle, LLC located just one block from the School. I truly appreciate
my experience at St. Lawrence School which was an essential part to my
professional success. Thank you to all at the school who touched my life
and made me who I am today.

Jerome A. Lacobelle, Jr.
Class of 1977


	In Our Prayers Sister Mary Presentation Hoye Sister Presentation taught 8th grade at Saint Lawrence School from 1976 until 2005. She was a member of the Sisters of Saint Joseph and passed away on Monday, June 8th at the Provincial House in West Hartford.