he helped secure more than $1 billion in development projects, creating and preserving more than 6,000 affordable housing units while transforming neighborhoods and restoring historic properties throughout New York State. Among his most notable projects were St. Bernard’s Park and Eastman Gardens, both recognized for their lasting impact on their communities. For John, development was never just about constructing buildings— it was about strengthening communities. He was known as a thoughtful mentor, teacher, and problem solver. Through Edgemere Development, he taught what he called “Development 101,” mentoring local developers and sharing the knowledge he had gained over decades in the field. He also encouraged nonprofit organizations, including the Choroideremia Research Foundation and the Carbon Forestry Trust, to build strong boards, pursue grant funding, and actively engage their communities. His ability to unite government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private partners earned him the respect of colleagues, clients, and public officials alike, along with numerous professional awards and recognition. At age 18, John was diagnosed with choroideremia, a rare degenerative eye disease that gradually took much of his vision. He never allowed that diagnosis to define him or limit his aspirations. Instead, he became a founding leader of the Choroideremia Research Foundation, helping advance research, education, and hope for others facing the same disease while continuing to lead an extraordinary professional career. His lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship continued as well. In 2021, he founded the Carbon Forestry Trust, an organization dedicated to planting trees to help offset carbon emissions and promote sustainable forestry. John loved writing. He published a science fiction novel The Last Pope. Passionate about genealogy, he researched his family history over decades, leading him to publish The Curtis Family of England, Rochester and Other Places and The Oster Family of Elsenz, Germany, Rochester and Other Places in 2024 and 2025. A skilled pianist, guitarist, and harmonica player, he performed with bands from 1965 through 2024, including at his Holy Cross 60th year reunion. Family music time is a tradition that his children and grandchildren continue today. A proud Aquinas alumnus, loyal supporter, and active classmate, John remained deeply connected to his alma mater while quietly living the Basilian ideals of Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge. John and his wife, Loron, passed on their love for Aquinas to their three children: Rachel ‘01, John ‘03, and Charlie ‘06. His last project, his home on Beach Ave, fulfilled his dream of a home on Lake Ontario. John’s legacy is measured not only in the communities he helped transform, but in the countless lives he has strengthened through his leadership, humility, generosity, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. REV. ROBERT THOMAS WERTH ’63 Meritorious Service For generations, Aquinas has sought to form young men and women of faith, character, and service. Few alumni embody that mission more completely than Rev. Robert Werth. For more than six decades, Fr. Werth has faithfully answered God’s call to serve others. As a Catholic priest, educator, licensed social worker, and community leader, he has dedicated his life to strengthening the spiritual, educational, and emotional well-being of countless individuals throughout the Diocese of Rochester. His life’s work reflects the values of faith, compassion, and service that have guided him since his days as a student at Aquinas. The foundation for that remarkable life of service was established at Aquinas. A member of the Class of 1963, Fr. Werth immersed himself in campus life through Sodality, Mission Unit, the Arete yearbook, bowling, and several student organizations while earning Honor Roll recognition. Among his most cherished memories is participating in a Mission Unit conference at the University of Notre Dame during his senior year. More than simply a memorable school trip, the experience became a pivotal moment in his faith journey, helping shape the vocation that would lead him to a lifetime of priestly ministry. Following graduation, Fr. Werth earned degrees from St. Bonaventure University, Barry College School of Social Work, and St. Bernard’s Seminary before being ordained to the priesthood in 1979. Over the past four decades, he has served the Diocese of Rochester in parish ministry, Catholic education, correctional ministry, and pastoral leadership, combining the compassion of a licensed social worker with the heart of a devoted priest. His commitment to serving others extends beyond parish life through leadership with numerous civic and Catholic organizations, including the Fr. Laurence Tracy Advocacy Center, the Laurelton Fire Department as Catholic Chaplain, Gateways Music Festival, the Knights of Columbus, and the Knights of Peter Claver, where he has helped recruit new members to further the organization’s mission. His service to his beloved alma mater has been equally meaningful, first as a past member of the Board of Trustees and now as a current member of the Aquinas Campus Life Team. Reflecting on Aquinas, Fr. Werth often returns to the words of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew: “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.” He believes Aquinas provided that firm foundation, preparing him to answer God’s call and to spend a lifetime serving others. His legacy is measured not in records or accolades, but in the countless lives he has touched through his ministry, his compassion, and his unwavering commitment to living the Gospel. THE VALENTINO FAMILY Family For more than six decades, the Valentino family has embodied the Aquinas tradition of Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge. Beginning with Hall of Fame member Hon. Joseph D. Valentino ’64 and his wife, Janet, three generations of the Valentino family have strengthened Aquinas through leadership, athletic achievement, service, and an unwavering commitment to Catholic education. Their dedication to Aquinas is evident through the many family members who have proudly called AQ home. Together, Judge Valentino and Janet instilled in their children and grandchildren a deep appreciation for Catholic education and a lifelong commitment 21 Continues on page 22
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