30 AQUINAS LANDMARK | WINTER 2024 Alumni Notes Tom Riley ’56 was recognized as one of the Rochester Business Journal’s Health Care Heroes for 2023. Congratulations to James Englert ’61, who was a Rochester Business Journal 2023 Financial Leaders Lifetime Achievement honoree. Father Bill Leone ’65 was honored by the Fr. John Knights of Columbus Council in Weedsport at their 25th anniversary celebration. Father Bill was the first Chaplain of the Council. Bernie Tomasso ’68, an officer in the Council, was chair of the event. Rev. John F. Gagnier ’69 celebrated his 45th Anniversary of Ordination in Assisi and Rome where he was greeted by Pope Francis. Rudy Valentino Jr. ’71 was inducted into the Rochester Music Hall of Fame as a member of the Majestics – a Rochester band that recently celebrated 50 years of performing original roots music plus distinct versions of classic reggae songs. Dan Sullivan ’73, a licensed pastor in the Free Methodist Church, is currently working toward ordination. He will complete the program in 2024-2025. Tom Pennella ’76 was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Atlanta Chapter in May. Herbie J. Pilato ’78 and his book, Retro Active Television, were named 2023 Independent Book & Author of the Year by the Los Angeles Book Festival. His latest publication, Connery, Sean Connery, is a biography of the late actor. Greater Living Architecture was recognized in the Rochester Business Journal Reader Rankings as the best architectural firm. Joseph O’Donnell ’80 is President of the firm. Todd Battaglia ’82, CEO/President of MG&A Wealth, was selected by AdvisorHub as a top 100 Registered Investment Adviser to Watch for the second consecutive year. Bob Bleier ’82 was inducted to the Rochester Red Wings Walk of Fame for his professional sports career. He was a standout quarterback while at Aquinas, holds 16 offensive records at the University of Richmond, and was quarterback for the New England Patriots (1987). Father Lance Gonyo ’82 celebrated his 30th Anniversary of Ordination in May. He is a pastor at Saint Kateri in Irondequoit. David Riedman ’82, President & CEO of Riedman Companies, was listed in the Rochester Business Journal’s Power 30 for Construction and Real Estate. Ralph “Rocky” Perrotta ’83 was inducted to the Rochester Red Wings Walk of Fame in the contributors/administrators category. He was a public address announcer for every professional sports team in Rochester, as well as local high school and college athletics. Steven Terrigino ’85 was appointed The Bonadio Group’s Small Business Advisory (SBA) Service Line Leader. Chris Martins ’86 received the Distributor Veteran Rep of the Year Award from the Advertising Specialty Institute for his exceptional work with Cooley Group as a brand consultant. Cooley Group specializes in promotional products, branded apparel, printed products, and more. Scott Peters ’86 was named Chief of Police for the Irondequoit Police Department earlier this year. Tom Cevicelov ’87 got a hole in one at Terry Hills Golf Course in June! Jim Brennan ’88 was named to the Rochester Business Journal’s Accounting & Finance Power 30 list. He is a managing partner at Deloitte & Touche LLP and also vice chair of the Aquinas Board of Trustees. Mark Huber ’88 received the Silver Beaver Award from the Seneca Waterways Council. This award is the highest recognition that a council can bestow upon an adult volunteer. After 25 years of service, Timothy D’Imperio ’88 retired from the Rochester Fire Department in September 2022. During his career, he was promoted to Lieutenant and also served 19 years on the Executive Board of Rochester Firefighters IAFF Local 1071 as trustee, secretary, and vice president. Alanna Parrinello Dominguez ’88 received her Juris Doctor from Saint Mary’s University School of Law, Cum Laude. She previously attended West Point, served as an Officer in the Army, and started her own business! John Messura ’88 was inducted into the Edinboro University Athletic Hall of Fame as a four-year standout on the football team. He is ranked ninth in Edinboro history in career sacks with 17 and is tied for tenth in sacks in a single season with nine. Paul D’Aiutolo ’90 and The D’Aiutolo Malcolm & Associates Investment Consulting Group has been named the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA) Top Defined Contribution (DC) Advisor Team by Assets Under Advisement for 2022. Sara Nuñez ’92, Executive Director at Pace Center for Girls Broward, was highlighted in the August issue of The Well of PBC. Michael McNelis ’93 took the RCSD United boys swim program, which included Aquinas students Gabriele Momoni, Sean Clark ’25 and Jack Clark ’23 to the State Tournament this past spring where they made the finals in several events. Congratulations on a great season coach! Terry Sinopoli ’93 attended the 100th Birthday Celebration of the National Costumers Association in August. Terry was elected President of the Association and will serve a two-year term. Thad Brown ’94 was honored as “Sportsperson of the Year” at the 2023 Tops St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Michael Burns ’95 was named a Rochester Business Journal 2023 Budget Director/Manager Financial Leaders honoree. Liz (Johnson) Clark ’95 was listed as one of Washington DC’s 500 Most Influential People of 2023! She is CEO & President of IHRSA, the Global Health & Fitness Association. Jay Wegman ’96, vice president of operations for real estate development firm, Wegman Companies, was recently featured in the Democrat & Chronicle on the company’s successful revival of Elm Ridge Plaza in Greece, NY. Meredith Bielaska ’00 completed her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Kent State University in August 2023. Aquinas classmates Kristin Weilert Lindley ’00 and Meg Baker ’00 cut the ribbon on their new home for their business, Upstate Roots Design. The two began work on the Pollok House, a historic cobblestone in Greece, NY in January Nicole Read-Ugorek ’01 is the co-owner of Four Pups Barkery, which she started with her sister in May. The business specializes in creating dog treats that are 100% homemade and made with 100% natural ingredients. Check them out at fourpupsbarkery.com. Donny Moss ’03 became the new head lacrosse coach at Blue Ridge School in Virginia. Previously, he was the assistant head coach of men’s lacrosse at the Rochester Institute of Technology, a position he held for seven years. 2023.
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