A good time was had by all at the annual Bishop DiMarzio Golf Classic conducted by DeSales Media, the parent company of The Tablet. The outing took place July 13 at the North Hills Country Club in Manhasset, L.I. (See photos here.)
Honorees for the event were Msgr. John Delendick, chaplain for the New York City Fire Department, and Steve Cassidy, the former firefighters union representative who now serves as executive director of the firefighters’ pension plan.
In his acceptance remarks, Msgr. Delendick talked about his experience of being at Ground Zero on the day the Trade Center was attacked. The word went out early that a Fire Dept. chaplain had been killed, and many thought it was the priest from Brooklyn.
Fortunately, the eulogies were premature and Msgr. Delendick has continued to serve the FDNY in an exemplary way. As he pointed out, he considers himself to be a pastor to the FDNY, while he also serves as pastor of St. Jude’s parish, Canarsie.
Cassidy, a product of St. Thomas Aquinas parish, Flatlands, and Nazareth H.S., East Flatbush, is a popular veteran firefighter who has served his fellow firefighters in a number of leadership roles and on national advisory boards. As a testament to his popularity, a contingent from his East New York firehouse was on hand to watch Cassidy accept his award from Bishop DiMarzio.
A former CYO and high school athlete, he’s quick to tell you that he came out of the same system as did hoops Hall of Famer Chris Mullin, who sent a congratulatory message.
Especially enjoying the festivities were members of the Sisters Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara. The community, that includes both cloistered and active sisters, are part of the community at Precious Blood Monastery in Borough Park along with the Sisters Adorers of the Precious Blood.
The Sisters were presented a check for $100,000, representing the proceeds of the outing. The money will be put toward repairs to the windows of the Brooklyn monastery that is more than 100 years old.
Winning, of course, always helps one have a good time. The foursome of Al Valdez, Robert Magan, Serio Martin and Nick Bucciero, representing Eldorado Coffee Roasters, turned in the best score (63) of the day. The runners-up were John Zanotti, Randy Tucker, Gerald Jones and Tim Capstick of Evolve Pharmacy Solutions.
The longest drive competition was won by Mike Cole, part of State Sen. Marty Golden’s group, who hit a ball more than 300 yards off the tee. The closest to the pin contest was captured by Rich Yates, a member of Jim Quinn’s quartet.
Maybe the guy who had the most fun was guest emcee, Msgr. David Cassato. Not only did he bring a good-natured fraternal tone to the proceedings, but as a NYPD chaplain, he demonstrated the great respect that exists between the city’s uniformed services.
When he gently ribbed some of the clergy present, the monsignor quipped, “I won’t be invited back next year.”
At which point, he was immediately signed up for a return appearance that will take place July 2018.
Mark your calendar now!
