Rosemary, a gracious and generous-hearted lady, left us on July 2, 2020 at the age of 99. She was a gifted teacher, author, Dickens scholar and lover of the arts who attended Caldwell College and received her Masters degree from Fordham University.

She taught in the NYC school system and in 1983 she was honored as Manhattan’s Teacher of the Year. After her retirement in 1990, she taught the classics and creative writing at Marymount Manhattan College’s School of Continuing Education and was Adjunct Professor of Communications at NYU where she later taught literature in their continuing education program into her 90s.  Rosemary was the recipient of several Fellowships in World Literature, published extensively in literary journals and wrote a book on classical literature, as well as co-authored eight English as a Second Language textbooks with her dear friend, Judith Kay, published by St. Martin’s Press and Cambridge University Press.

Rosemary was a world traveler, but NYC was her home. She volunteered her time in many innovative ways, conducting creative writing classes with homebound adults by conference call and teaching English skills to workers at a local supermarket chain.  

She lived for her faith, her country and her love of people. Her brilliance, wit, generosity and kindness brought joy to all who knew her.  She will be sorely missed by her family and friends.

A remarkable force of life and energy, Richard Lopez, who passed away on June 21, 2020 will be remembered for many talents. An award-winning titan of the ad world in the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s, he was a creative director admired for his vision and distinct design sense.

He began his association with St. Jean’s in 1971 using his musical talent as the director and guitarist in the weekly folk mass. His connection with our church would last for the rest of his life. St. Jean’s was the site of his wedding in 1973 to Barbara O’Dwyer, the baptism of his son and granddaughters as well as their first communions. A 2001 book on the church’s restoration and history, on which he collaborated with his wife and Pastor John Kamas, is a showcase of the art and beauty of our national landmark.  

He devoted decades of his time and skills to design work for Eglise St. Jean Baptiste. The church logo––which is the first thing you see when you open this website––is his design. His touch is on so many things: stationery, posters, fliers, fundraising booklets, invitations, the weekly bulletin, website consultation, even coffee mugs, among other things.

Music was always the backdrop for his life. In his later years he turned to composing music for piano in the romantic style, publishing an album of his work in 2002 and continuing to write until the final year of his life.

He was a wonderful husband and father who will be deeply missed by his wife, Barbara; son, Damon; daughter-in-law, Kendra and granddaughters Evelyn and Nina.

His legacy will be felt and cherished forever.