In Loving Memory of David J. Walrod
St. Francis de Sales School Class of 1964
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David J. Walrod was a beloved member of the St. Francis de Sales School community. His deep
commitment to our school and his support over the years have left a mark on our institution. David
dedicated 40 years of his time and expertise to both the St. Francis de Sales School Board of Trustees
and the Foundation Board. His dedication and passion for our school’s mission have made a lasting
impact on many young men. One of David’s most cherished memories was the opportunity to deliver
the commencement speech at a St. Francis graduation ceremony. He was also a Golden Knight
recipient.
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At the request of the Walrod family, memorial contributions can be made to the scholarship fund
established in memory of his son, the David M. Walrod Memorial Scholarship, St. Francis de Sales High
School Foundation.
In Fond Memory of Stephen J. Kennedy
February 1, 1960 - June 24, 2023
The Kennedy family and St. Francis de Sales School Community are remembering the compassionate life of Stephen J. Kennedy and the impact he had on those around him. He will always be remembered for his kindness, curiosity, wonderful sense of humor, and his enjoyment of life.
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Stephen's educational journey began at Gesu Elementary and St. Francis de Sales High School, where he graduated with honors in 1978. During his time at St. Francis, he participated in SFS musicals, intramural sports, and was a member of Collegium Honorum for all four years. After completing high school, Stephen pursued higher education at the University of Virgina, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then went on to attend Harvard Law School, where he obtained his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
In memory of Stephen, the family has suggested that individuals contribute to the St. Francis de Sales School Foundation in Toledo, Ohio. Donations made to the foundation will serve as a tribute to Stephen's life. If you wish to contribute, you can check the "I want my gift to recognize" box to indicate that your donation is in memory of Stephen.
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In Memory of Nick Iorio
Nick Iorio was a scholar athlete who graduated from St. Francis de Sales High School
in 1995. He was fun loving, a hard working student and athlete, and a believer in Christ who
cared for other less fortunate people. St. Francis helped to mold Nick into the wonderful young
man he was. Throughout his four years at St. Francis he maintained excellent grades and
participated in several sports with football always his passion. At graduation, he was awarded
“The Athlete of the Year Award” and “The Oblate Award” given to the graduate who exemplifies
the principles of St. Francis de Sales and the Oblates. Those principles include excellence in
academics, spiritual life and leadership.
Unbeknownst too many, Nick was living with a mental health disorder which ultimately
led to his death by suicide. At the time of his death, he was a 4.0 junior at Bowling Green
State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. But, his heart always remained at St. Francis high
school.
“The Nick Iorio Scholarship” is given in his memory to a junior student at St. Francis de
Sales who plays football , is a good student and who exhibits hard working qualities similar to
Nick’s. The scholarship is to be used for the recipient’s senior year at St. Francis.
All donations are eligible for a tax deduction:
Please share your address and contact information to allow for proper acknowledgment and receipt.
In Memory of Walter R. Edwards
The Edwards family and the St. Francis de Sales Community celebrate the life of Walter “Wally”
Edwards. Wally was a proud alumnus of the Class of ’69 and continued to be devoted to his alma mater
throughout the rest of his life.
Whether organizing golf tournaments, class reunions, or monthly hangouts, Wally was always working
on ways to keep his classmates connected. He raised his three children on stories of the friendship and
love he shared with his St. Francis brothers. Always one to end a phone call with “I love you brother”,
calls and visits from the St. Francis Community strengthened and comforted Wally in his final days.
When Wally learned about students attending St. Francis who lacked access to food, he was deeply
concerned and motivated to do something about it. In memory of his devotion to ensuring the best
learning experience possible for all St. Francis students, the Edwards family kindly asks that
contributions be made in memory of Wally to help feed students and families in need.
Please share your address and contact information on the contribution form so that the Edwards family
may personally acknowledge your thoughtful contribution.
In Memory of Salvatore William Pinardo
The Pinardo family and the St. Francis de Sales Community thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support. Sal was a beacon of light and faith to all that knew him. He will be deeply missed.
Sal graduated from St. Francis de Sales in 2019. Like his father, Rick ’95, Sal enjoyed participating in athletics, including football, basketball, and baseball. Sal enjoyed the competition of sport but more important to him was being a winner in life.
To honor Sal’s life, memorial contributions are being accepted through St. Francis de Sales School on behalf of the St. Francis de Sales Foundation for the Sal Pinardo Scholarship Fund. Scholarship support from the Fund will provide scholarship support to fellow Knights who lead with character, strength, and faith.
Please provide your address and contact information on the memorial contribution form so that the Pinardo family may personally acknowledge your contribution.
In Memory of David Robert “Dave” Snell
The Family of Dave Snell and the St. Francis de Sales School community are
celebrating the life and contributions of Robert “Dave” Snell. Dave was an
engaged member of the St. Francis de Sales Foundation and served as a Trustee on
the St. Francis de Sales School. The SFS Community always looked forward to
having Dave participate in our retreats and events for his encouragement, support,
positivity, and wisdom. Dave’s sons, Drew ’04, Sean ’07, and Jay ’13 are
graduates of St. Francis de Sales School.
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As a tribute to Dave, the family has suggested contribution through the St. Francis
de Sales School, Toledo OH for the benefit of the Snell Family Scholarship Fund.
Please share your address and contact information on the contribution form so that
the Snell Family may personally acknowledge your memorial contribution.
In Memory of Dr. Marshall D. Nickerson
The Nickerson family and the Francis de Sales Community are celebrating the life of Dr. Marshall D. Nickerson. Dr. Nickerson was a member of the first graduating Class of 1958 and a lifetime member of St. Teresa Church, Toledo OH. Dr. Nickerson was the first African American to attend and graduate from St. Francis de Sales School. He was known as an avid learner, positive influencer, and great classmate to all. He graduated with high honors, served as the Vice-President of his senior class, and participated in basketball, football, band, and drama. Dr. Nickerson was proud to be an SFS Knight just as the St. Francis de Sales community is proud and honored to have him as a member of the SFS family.
Dr. Nickerson graduated from John Carroll in 1962 and Howard University Medical School in 1972 where he received his Doctor of Medicine. In his early years as a Research Assistant at Case Western Reserve, he was published in the American Journal of Experimental Molecular Biology, American Journal of Physiology, and several other professional periodicals. He enjoyed traveling, being a father and grandfather, spectator sports, Jeopardy, jazz, and tutoring youth in math and science. His family acknowledges that Dr. Nickerson “set the example of family standard”.
To honor Dr. Nickerson’s memory and his affinity for St. Francis de Sale School, his family has suggested memorial contributions to St. Francis de Sales School, Toledo OH.
Please share your address and contact information on the contribution for so that the family may personally acknowledge your gracious contribution.
In Memory of Jeff Patterson
The Patterson family and St. Francis de Sales would like to thank you for your thoughts and prayers. The passing of Jeff is a difficult loss for his family and the St. Francis de Sales School community.
As the Director of Maintenance and Facilities, Jeff was an integral part of the school but he preferred not to be the center of attention. Jeff was a master craftsman that took great pride in his work and held himself to a high standard. He often worked on special projects for others but without any special fanfare or public acknowledgment. It was often said that Jeff was the one person who kept the building operational on a shoestring budget due to his innovation and knowledgeable insight. Jeff was a kind and generous colleague; his presence is truly missed by all at St. Francis.
Many have asked what they can do to help during this difficult time. If you would like to make a memorial distribution in honor of Jeff, you may direct your gift to the St. Francis de Sales Office or make an online donation using the link below. All donations will be directed to Jeff’s wife, Terri, to benefit the family grandkids.
In Memory of James P. O’Connell
The O’Connell family and St. Francis de Sales School Community are celebrating the life of James P. O’Connell (Liam), Class of 2004. James will always be remembered as a competitive, fun, and loving friend to all that knew him.
James was named First-Team, All-State Boys all four years at St. Francis and was also the State Doubles Champion in 2003 with his Cousin, Mike O’Connell ’05. James went on to play Division I Tennis at the University of Dayton, earning All-Atlantic Honors in years 2006-2008.
As a tribute to James, the family has suggested contributions through St. Francis de Sales School, Toledo, OH for the benefit of the Foundation,
Please share your address and contact information on the contribution form so that the O’Connell family may personally acknowledge your heartfelt contribution.
In Memory of Bill O'Neal
Bill, like his wife Fran, had a passion for education, teaching and travel. Bill served the University of Toledo for 44 years, holding several positions, authored several publications, and received numerous awards. He was also a part-time Latin teacher at St. Francis teaching 4th year Latin to advanced students. In December of 2019, Bill established The Fran O’Neal Scholarship Fund to honor Fran’s love of English and Teaching and her devotion to him and her students. Fran taught at St. Francis de Sales for 25 years.
To honor Fran’s memory and their shared passion for teaching and education, Bill shared his wishes for memorial contributions to be made to The Fran O’Neal Scholarship Fund through the St. Francis de Sales School, Toledo OH.
Please share your address and contact information on the contribution form so that the O’Neal family may personally acknowledge your thoughtful contribution.
In Memory of Judy Dettinger
A Dettinger Family Scholarship Fund has been established at St. Francis de Sales School. The family asks that memorials in Judy’s name be given to the Dettinger Family Scholarship Fund. Judy was a beloved and patient wife, mother, and teacher. She had a special talent and interest in helping students with learning disabilities explore their individual talents and reach their goals.
In memory of Judy, contributions may be made through the St. Francis de Sales School for the Dettinger Family Scholarship Fund for the benefit of St. Francis de Sales School, Toledo OH.
Please share your address and contact information on the contribution form so that the Dettinger family may personally acknowledge your thoughtful contribution.
In Memory of Theresa Emrick
The Emrick family and the St. Francis de Sales Faculty and Staff would like to thank you for your thoughts and prayers. The passing of Theresa Emrick was a very difficult loss as she was not only a colleague but also a friend and a member of our St. Francis Family.
Many have asked what can we do for the Emrick family in their time of need. Theresa’s husband Troy expressed that meal trains have already begun by other loved ones. Mrs. Skinner and Mrs. Bockbrader who worked closely with Theresa offered Troy some other options or ways we could bring comfort to their family and it was decided that the St. Francis Family will help Troy with the planning and costs associated with their son Braden’s high school graduation party this spring/summer. He said that is something that family would do, and since Theresa had begun working at SFS, it has always felt like family.
If you would like to make a donation to help with Braden’s graduation and to honor Mrs.Emrick’s memory you may send a donation into the office labeled “Emrick Fund.” You can also make a donation with PayPal using the link below.
Once again, we thank you for your love and support as we continue to pray for the Emrick family.
In Memory of Fran O'Neal
Mrs. Fran O’Neal, a beloved teacher at St. Francis for 25 years, passed away on
December 20. She was an inspiration for her students and colleagues alike. Fran
had very high standards. She was an exceptional English teacher and expected
great work of her students. She also commanded respect in the classroom.
“Gentlemen, I will write you up in triplicate,” was a line Fran used sparingly but
with great effect to calm down youthful exuberance.
To honor and memorialize her love of English and teaching, Fran and her husband
of 56 years, Bill, established the Fran A. O’Neal Scholarship Fund. It will benefit
deserving young men at St. Francis who have demonstrated great proficiencies
and interest in English and teaching.
Fran devoted her life devoted to her husband, her students, and her community.
In memory of Fran, contributions may be made to the high school through the
Fran A. O’Neal Scholarship.
Please share your address and contact information on the contribution form so
that Bill O’Neal may personally acknowledge your memorial contribution.
In Memory of David M. Walrod
In memory of David M. Walrod (March 14th, 2019), a memorial scholarship fund is being created to
continue the traditions of Saint Francis that he held so dear. A proud 1988
graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School, this scholarship fund will be used to
honor David’s legacy and to assist other future Knights to realize their potential as
David did.
He lived his life embodying the SFS motto “Be who you are and be that well”.
David’s impact on his family, friends, and community was immense and lasting.
His fierce loyalty and love will be missed and will be honored through this
scholarship.
In memory of David, contributions may be made through the St. Francis de Sales
School for the David M. Walrod Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Please share your address and contact information on the contribution form so
that the Walrod Family may personally acknowledge your memorial contribution.