Alumni Profiles
Maria Burgess from the SMC 1978 Yearbook
Maria Burgess
The St. Mary’s College (SMC) Alumni Association would like to extend our condolences to the Burgess family (Steve, Julia & Miriam) on the passing of Maria Burgess. Click Maria Burgess Obituary.
On behalf of the St. Mary’s College Alumni Association,
MEET
ORLANDO M. ROSA (SMC Alumni Class of 1976)
Growing up in the west end of Sault Ste. Marie, Orlando's immigrant parents instilled in him a profound appreciation for education, a value he carries to this day. Orlando’s commitment to education and his appreciation of the importance of Algoma University, stems from the lasting impact of his parents’ beliefs.
As Counsel to Wishart Law Firm, Orlando brings a wealth of legal experience spanning over 41 years. His tenure as the firm’s long-time Managing Partner is a testament to his leadership skills. His civil and commercial litigation expertise has earned him recognition and respect throughout the Province. He is known as a seasoned litigator amongst his peers. Orlando’s client-centric approach, political acumen, and sharp intellect have been showcased at many levels of government and courts including the Supreme Court of Canada where he appeared as lead counsel. He has been recently appointed as a Commissioner of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC).
Orlando’s academic journey began with undergraduate studies at the University of Ottawa, where he later earned his law degree in 1981. Throughout his career, he has contributed to legal scholarship, notably as an Editor of the Ottawa Law Review and most recently as a contributing author to ‘Transport Law in Canada.’ He has also spoken at the American Association of Railways Claims Conference on Claims in Vancouver and has made presentations at the Canadian Transport Lawyers Association Annual Meetings.
Orlando’s dedication to community involvement is not just a part of his professional life but a personal commitment. This is evidenced through his leadership roles in organizations like the G. Marconi Society and his service on various boards, including the Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation and Sault College. His numerous accolades, including the Harry Hamilton Award for Professional Excellence and Community Service, are a testament to his commitment to giving back and enriching the community.
A firm believer in the transformative power of education, Orlando champions Algoma University as a cornerstone of community success. Alongside the Wishart Law Firm, he remains a steadfast university supporter, recognizing its pivotal role in fostering growth and prosperity.
Outside of work, Orlando treasures time with his family and friends, enjoying moments with his wife, Rose, and son, Adriano. In his free time, he’s a gracious host and skilled chef known for his inventive dishes and famous pizzas. Orlando is also passionate about tinkering around his house and garage with his array of tools and his Bobcat Toolcat, which his son, at a young age, named “Milo”.
Although he has stepped back from his role as Managing Partner from Wishart Law Firm, his dedication to law and client service remains strong. He looks forward to many more years in the legal field, all while embracing life’s simple pleasures and giving back to his community.
*This Biography of Orlando Rosa was taken from the John Rhodes Dinner Sponsorship Package 2024.
Algoma University
John R. Rhodes
S C H O L A R S H I P D I N N E R & ART AUCTION.
Thursday, October 24, 2024
The Machine Shop: 83 Huron St.
HONOURING
Orlando M. Rosa
Harvey Barsanti
In the year 2005, St. Mary’s College
will be celebrating its 50th anniversary.
In 50 years as an educational institution many students and teachers have
walked the halls at SMC but none more
so than Harvey Barsanti. For 5 years as
a student and 32 years as an educator,
mentor and friend at St. Mary’s College, Harvey is one of our most senior
and respected “Alumni”.
Through his spirit and dedication to teaching the fundamental values of family and faith
instilled upon him by the Basilian fathers, he has positively touched the lives of many young men and women who have worn the colors maroon and white and has proudly passed on the traditions and meaning of what it means to be a St. Mary’s KNIGHT. It
is for this reason; Harvey Barsanti has
been chosen the Honorary Chairman of the St. Mary’s College 2005 50th Reunion.
Joe Maione
March 28, 2018
Attention: SMC Alumni
Re: Joe Maione
On behalf of the St. Mary’s College Alumni Association, I am writing in support of the late Joseph (Joe) Maione who unfortunately had passed away on Friday, April 28, 2017. It was a shock to everyone who knew him.
Joe has been a great friend of the alumni since the SMC 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2005 some 13 years ago. I was a Co-Chair while Joe was a member on several committees. Joe was a very humble man who liked to remain behind scenes. Joe Maione was a great Humanitarian. He was happiest when he was working on behalf of every charitable organization in need of financial support especially for Rotary, Special Olympics, Easter Seals and YMCA. Also, his dedication to his alma mater St. Mary’s College (SMC) and the SMC Alumni Association was very dear to his heart.
Joe and I along with Harvey Barsanti and our SMC Golf Committee have worked together for 13 years in support of the SMC Alumni & Friends Golf Classic and SMC Alumni Scholarships given out yearly. Joe was the driver who provided his time, organization skills, financial support and prize donations without which, we could not provide the annual scholarships and/or financial support for in school activities.
Joe was a key member of the SMC Alumni Committee whose fundraising efforts among his personal giving allowed our organization to raise enough money to donate $50,000.00 to the SMC AsOne Campaign for the new school rebuild. Scholarships continue to be given at SMC and Sault College in his name.
As one SMC Alumni Mike Delfre, commented “Joe defined charity in the most simple, eloquent way. He gave without being asked and after he gave, he gave more. May he rest in peace”.
Rev. Brian Higgins C.S.B.
http://www.yourlifemoments.ca/sitepages/obituary.asp?oid=984939
“St. Mary's MAN”
For almost fifty years that has
been a mantra for every boy
who entered the old St. Mary's
College on the St. George's hill.
For almost twenty years it has gone on to become "St. Mary's Woman" as well.
No one is certain if Father Brian Higgins CSB actually coined the phrase or not. What is certain is that he is credited with making it part of the SMC mythos. "Why are you here son?" "I want to be a St. Mary's man, Father." "Great!"
Carmen Provenzano
https://www.sootoday.com/obituaries/provenzano-carmen-145096
The St. Mary’s College Alumni Association is deeply saddened by the death of Carmen Provenzano who passed away suddenly on Wednesday July 27, 2005. Carmen attended St. Mary’s College when the doors first opened in 1956; he was also the schools first president of student’s council.
Carmen Provenzano was a man who dignified and upheld the best in Parliamentary tradition.
A popular, hard-working MP, his aim was to serve the best he could the needs of his community and constituents.
He also worked unceasingly on behalf of the disabled and in promoting education.
Mr. Provenzano was proud to be a Member of Parliament, serving on a number of parliamentary committees and as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veteran’s Affairs.
He was proud, too, to be the son of a steelworker and a native of Sault Ste. Marie; and immensely proud of his family.
1968 Yearbook
Bob Denham
See Bob's Obituary Click Here
One of Bob's legacy to St. Mary's College (SMC) was the creation of the Pennies from Heaven (now known as Heaven Cent) Fundraiser held yearly at SMC for the last 30 years.
Follow this link Heaven Cent founder deserves recognition to read about the history of the fundraiser. This was Published Jan 20, 2023 by of the Sault Star.
Rev. Gerald T. Gregoire, C.S.B.
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theglobeandmail/obituary.aspx?n=gerald-gregoire&pid=189818742
Father Gregoire spent several years teaching at St. Mary's College in the late 1960's and 1970's. He served as principal from 1973-1975. He will be sadly missed by all students and staff of SMC who had the privilege of knowing him.
Rev. Dan Zorzi, C.S.B.
This profile of Father Dan was published during the St. Mary’s College 2005 reunion.
https://saultstar.remembering.ca/obituary/daniel-j-zorzi-1076184148
Father Dan was very involved during his high school years as he evolved to become a true “St. Mary’s Man”. This carried on throughout his short life as he had achieved many accomplishments.
- Graduate of St. Veronica Separate School, Sault Ste. Marie, ON.
- Graduate of St. Mary's College, Sault Ste. Marie, ON.
- Fr. Dan earned his B.A. (Honors Psychology) from McMaster University, Hamilton, ON in 1983.
- He taught high school at St. Charles College, Sudbury for one year before entering the Novitiate of the Congregation of St. Basil in Sugar Land, TX in 1985.
- Professed vows on August 10, 1986.
- He was appointed to St. Basil's Seminary in Toronto and earned the M.Div. from the Faculty of theology, University of St. Michael's College (USMC) in 1989.
- He was ordained to the priesthood by Rev. Bishop Pappin at Precious Blood Cathedral in Sault Ste. Marie on December 2, 1989.
- Then served as Priest-Chaplain at St. Thomas More College, Saskatoon, SK from 1989 to 1991.
