Gloucester Catholic Yearbooks Added to Historical Society Archive

By William E. Cleary Sr.

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (March 25, 2026)(CNBNews)–Doing research we found a treasurer trove of Gloucester Catholic yearbooks posted on the Gloucester City Historical Society’s website. The first known yearbook begins with 1936. The Historical Society has every yearbook except 1937, 1938 & 1943. The Gloucester City Library may have those which the Historical Society does not have.

(photo property of George F. Cleary Jr., 1959 GCHS graduate)

The very first person in the front row is my brother George F. Cleary Jr., next to him is Vernon “Buddy” Myers. The photo is of members of the typing class that graduated in 1959, which was copied from George’s personal yearbook. Our mother, Mazie, insisted that George and I learn how to type. Those lessons paid off throughout my life, as it was a necessary skill for a reporter. George became a Morse code expert in the Army. He was stationed in Frankfort, Germany, during the time the Berlin Wall was being built by the Communists in East Germany. He and the pilot of a small airplane would fly over the Wall; George’s job was to decipher the Morse code messages being transmitted between the enemy. He would type those conversations and submit the information to his superior officer.

The Historical Society released the following remarks about the use of the data: “Below are links to yearbooks that have been digitized to date. The copyright status of these books is unknown. Access is provided for personal use only. These yearbooks may contain personal messages. Should you find anything that may be too personal or hurtful, please let us know, and we will attempt to edit out or omit those pages.

Click Here for Gloucester Catholic Year Books Online

Gloucester Catholic Years Books Flipbook

PDF versions of the Gloucester Catholic Yearbooks can be found below.

https://drive.google.com/embeddedfolderview?id=1B68uIO3FEq-klo9MLbHeRY0DpdzCBLG6#grid

The Gloucester City Historical Society is located at 34 N. King Street, Gloucester City NJ 08030

PPD to Host Department-Wide Blood Drive

Philadelphia Police Department personnel – including both sworn officers and civilian staff,
Representatives from the American Red Cross

The Philadelphia Police Department will host a department-wide blood drive, with more than 50 members of the department scheduled to donate. This initiative marks the return of a longstanding tradition, as the department resumes hosting department-wide blood drives in partnership with the American Red Cross for the first time since 2017.

DETAILS:
Members of the Philadelphia Police Department will come together to support a critical public health need by donating blood – an act that helps save lives across the region every day. Blood donations are essential for trauma victims, surgical patients, individuals undergoing surgery, battling cancer, and those with chronic illnesses.

This blood drive reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to service beyond public safety. Whether on duty or off, PPD officers and staff continually seek meaningful ways to support the communities they serve. Partnering with the American Red Cross to revive this initiative underscores that commitment and highlights the importance of giving back.

FROM OUR MORGUE: Gloucester Catholic Baseball Wins 1st Game

Bruce Darrow | Cleary’s Notebook Sports

First published April 2016

BROOKLAWN N.J. April 1, 2016 (Cleary’s Notebook News)--Gloucester Catholic Head Coach Adam Tussey (photo labove) notched his 1st win as the new coach by beating Kingsway High School 7 – 1 in the Rams home opener. Tussey who took over for Mike Rucci who departed for Rowan University was left a team needing to fill seven spots. The 2015 team loaded with future college players took not only seven fielding positions but Tussey needed to replace four pitchers.

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U.S. Men’s Hockey Team Wins Gold

Players of Team United States pose for photographs during the medal ceremony following the Men's Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) — **Johnny Gaudreau’s daughter Noa and son Johnny Jr. pose with Team USA after Olympic gold.**Credit : Gregory Shamus/Getty

(Milan, Italy)(February 22, 2026)(Cleary’s NoteBook News)-The U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey Team paid a heartfelt tribute to the late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau on Sunday after securing the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. In an emotional moment on the ice, players brought Gaudreau’s children—his daughter Noa and son Johnny Jr.—into the team’s post‑game celebration.

Gaudreau, who had been on track to make the 2026 Olympic roster, died in August 2024. His wife, Meredith, and his parents, Jane and Guy, attended the championship game and watched as the team honored his legacy.

Following Team USA’s dramatic victory over rival Canada, players carried Gaudreau’s No. 13 jersey onto the ice. Forward Dylan Larkin and defenseman Zach Werenski then brought Noa, 3, and Johnny Jr., 2, into the center of the celebration as the team posed for photos with their gold medals.

Larkin stood beside Johnny Jr.—who celebrated his second birthday on Sunday—while holding Gaudreau’s jersey aloft. Werenski held a smiling Noa as the crowd cheered.

Meredith Gaudreau accompanied the children to the game, joined by Gaudreau’s parents. Guy Gaudreau was visibly emotional after Jack Hughes scored the overtime game‑winner that clinched the gold for Team USA. The tribute served as a powerful reminder of Gaudreau’s impact on American hockey and the bond he shared with many of the players who took the ice in Milan.

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USA Hockey Honors Gaudreau brothers

Camden Diocese Reaches $180 Million Settlement with Abuse Survivors, More Than Doubling Previous Agreement

Thursday, February 19, 2026

The Diocese of Camden has agreed to pay $180 million to more than 300 survivors of clerical sexual abuse, marking one of the largest such settlements in New Jersey history and representing a significant expansion of compensation for victims who have waited years for justice. The agreement, announced Tuesday in a letter from Bishop Joseph A. Williams to diocesan clergy and faithful, more than doubles the $87.5 million settlement the diocese reached in 2022. The victim support fund will be financed through contributions from the diocese, its parishes, and insurance carriers following a protracted legal dispute. The settlement represents a breakthrough after years of contentious negotiations between the diocese, claimants’ attorneys, and insurance companies that had resisted earlier payment demands. The agreement must still receive approval from the bankruptcy court, as the Camden diocese has operated under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection since 2020.

A Long-Awaited Milestone

In his letter dated February 17, Bishop Williams acknowledged the profound significance of the moment for those who suffered abuse at the hands of clergy members. The bishop offered a direct apology to victims, calling their suffering the result of “grave sin and a devastating betrayal of the trust you placed in the Church that you loved.”

Years of Legal Battles

According to a statement from Lowenstein Sandler, the law firm representing plaintiffs in the case, the new agreement supplements rather than replaces the earlier settlement, bringing total compensation to victims to more than a quarter-billion dollars.

For the more than 300 survivors involved in this case, the settlement offers financial recognition of their suffering, though many advocates note that no amount of money can truly compensate for the trauma of childhood sexual abuse and its lifelong consequences.

Context and Implications

The agreement also reflects the ongoing financial and moral reckoning facing the Catholic Church as it continues to confront the legacy of clergy sexual abuse scandals that have spanned decades.

For more information, visit: https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-usa/2026/02/diocese-of-camden-nj-reaches-180-million-abuse-settlement

Resume for John P. Driscoll Sr.; Candidate for Gloucester City School Board

June 2015

I am a dedicated and enthusiastic candidate with a Masters of Special Education Degree. I have six years of substitute teaching experience, experience as Gloucester City’s DARE Officer, and I am the current Vice Principal of Holy Name Elementary School in Camden, NJ. I am seeking a position as an advocate for children. I have been lucky enough to have been able to retire from the NJ Police and Fire Pension system. I believe in my second career I am meant to demonstrate and encourage a passion for learning and helping to meet the needs of our exceptional children.

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Gloucester Catholic 100th Year Anniversary

Rams Centennial Social Saturday, November 8, in GCHS Gymnasium: Registration Now Open!

image source Gloucester Catholic High School


Share Your Memories of GCHS! The 2025-26 school year marks the centennial celebration of Gloucester Catholic High School, a significant milestone for generations of alumni. It’s tme to reconnect with old friends, share cherished memories, bring out our school spirit and honor our legacy. Share your school memories with us and we’ll post them on Facebook and Instagram. Click Here to Share your memories For more info on the GCHS Centennial Celebration, Click Here

Share Your Memories of GCHS!

The 2025-26 school year marks the centennial celebration of Gloucester Catholic High School, a significant milestone for generations of alumni. It’s tme to reconnect with old friends, share cherished memories, bring out our school spirit and honor our legacy.

Share your school memories with us and we’ll post them on Facebook and Instagram.

Click Here to Share your memories

For more info on the GCHS Centennial Celebration, Click Here

MY CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN HAVE MADE US PROUD

Dear Family,

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (CNBNEWS)–Today, at St. Mary’s Church, I looked at all of you. I was struck by the powerful lyrics of a Darius Rucker song that capture our family’s essence. I’ve included a verse from that song along with the link below—make time to listen. (photo courtesy of St. Mary’s Facebook)

It won’t be like this for long

One day soon, that girl is gonna be

All grown up and gone

Yeah, this phase is gonna fly by

So, he’s tryin to hold on

Cause it won’t be like this for long

It won’t be like this for long.

, Preform by Darius Rucker

Reflecting on this song brought vivid memories of each of your births—Kelly Ann, Connie Lynn, and Billy. Your bright blonde hair and radiant smiles were undeniable gifts from heaven. Yes, you tested our patience at times, but the joy you brought into our lives far outweighed any challenges. Your mother and I felt young and vibrant, and I wouldn’t trade those days for anything. Watching you grow into a strong woman and a remarkable man fills me with pride, especially as you now bless us with wonderful grandchildren who are continuing this legacy of love.

Sitting in church this past Sunday, I reminisced about my time as a young altar boy, serving alongside the priest while my father sat in his customary spot, lost in prayer. Those moments reminded me of my life journey, from childhood to the present, and how swiftly the years have flown by.

You deserve to know about the simplicity of your mom’s and my upbringing. Life back then was straightforward, and we often took our good fortune for granted. I am genuinely concerned about the challenges you face today. Growing up in today’s world is undoubtedly difficult, and I want you all to understand that you have my unwavering support.

I often think of my parents and the time I would have loved to spend with them. Watching them age was painful, as they became almost childlike in their needs. Many nights, I cried in silence, wishing for their peace. I miss my brother and the invaluable conversations we shared.

Now, I fully grasp my father’s tears while listening to music in his final days. He was likely reflecting on his own life, as I do now.

I stand firm in saying that I have been blessed with a wonderful life, and a significant part of that comes from each of you. My only regret is not expressing my love for you more often—I know your mother would feel the same way.

You each make me proud in your own unique way, and I want you to know that we could not ask for a better family.

With all our Love,

Dad, Grandfather, Mom, Grandmom

Kevin O\’Donnell “Heavy Kevy”, of Williamstown, formerly of Gloucester City, Rams Alum

Kevin aka “Heavy Kevy”, O\’Donnell, age 59 of Williamstown, New Jersey passed away peacefully on March 12, 2020 surrounded by his family. Beloved husband to Vickie (nee Curtis) O’Donnell, devoted father to daughters Devin and Riane

“Heavy Kevy”

O’Donnell. Cherished son of Thomas J. O’Donnell and the late Kathleen (nee Delahunty) O’Donnell. Son-in-law of Wilma Curtis and the late Charles T. Curtis. Kevin was happily married to Vickie O’Donnell for 21 years. There is nothing in the world he valued more than his family. He is survived by 5 siblings – whom all share the most remarkable bond with each other. Dr. Deborah Mulgrew (Joe), Kelly Duffy (John), Tricia Cunningham-McNulty (the late Steve McNulty), Michael O’Donnell (Denise), and Thomas E. O’Donnell, Esq. (Ruth). He is also survived by an uncle, aunts, cousins and many nieces and nephews.

Kevin was from Gloucester City, New Jersey. He graduated from Gloucester Catholic High School in 1978 as a proud Ram. He received a degree in business and finance from West Liberty University. Kevin worked briefly as a stockbroker but most of his career was in the mortgage industry. He was a valued employee of Greentree Mortgage Company in Gibbsboro, New Jersey. Kevin worked in the mortgage and banking industry for over 30 years. He was an active member of the New Jersey Mortgage Bankers Association and was commonly considered a “mortgage savant”.

Kevin was well-known as Heavy Kevy, a champion Wing Bowl competitor and commentator. He was a proud winner of Wing Bowl 2 and 3 and went on to be inducted into the WIP Wing Bowl Hall of Fame. If you knew anything about Kevin O’Donnell, you knew he had impeccable style. He was always well dressed, and he enjoyed working as a mortgage banker very much. He was a devout Catholic, and a friend to anyone in need. As a kind and compassionate man, he sought every opportunity to comfort and support those who needed help in any situation. He enjoyed coaching football, watching sports, hanging out with his girls and binge-watching Dallas, The Sopranos and Live PD. An avid music lover – Kevin could quote the lyrics to nearly any song between 1970 and 2000. A Phillies and Eagles fan till the end, he assures us all he will talk to the Big Guy about getting us another Super Bowl win this year.

There will be a viewing from 6:00pm to 9:00pm Monday evening at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE. Viewing Tuesday morning 9:00am to 10:00am at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE. Funeral Mass 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Church Gloucester City, New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Kevin’s name, payable to the Ram Fund c/o Gloucester Catholic High School, 333 Ridgeway Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030.

Gloucester Catholic\’s Philanthropy Week

Announcing our 3rd Annual Philanthropy Week! In 3 weeks, March Madness returns to Gloucester Catholic. Your support of #OurWeekForGC makes a profound difference. Starting March 23rd, it\’s your chance to show pride and gratitude for the impact that GC has on each of us. We thank you in advance.

VENMO

@gcramsgiving

ONLINE

http://gchsrams.org/wordpress/?p=10085

TRADITIONAL MAIL

Kindly make check payable to:

Gloucester Catholic High School

333 Ridgeway Street

Gloucester City, NJ 08030

Memo PW 2020