On January 29, 2012, the parishioners of Our Lady of Victory welcomed the faithful in procession from St. Augustine's parish, closed that day and merged with Our Lady of Victory. ----
Webster Avenue proceeds north at the left of this 2008 photo. The rectory is the shorter building at the left. Maybe classrooms are above the church, but the parish has no elementary school. Instead, a vigorous CCD program is offered.
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See page 472 for the establishment of the parish of Our Lady of Victory, 1512 Webster Avenue, at East 171 St, a block south of Claremont Parkway, in 1909. See page 474 for a photo of the church, which dates from 1911. For an explanation of Mary's title, "Our Lady of Victory," you may check out this link from the University of Dayton. I have long been puzzled by the question, "Which victory?" The primary victory seems to be Lepanto in 1571, but as the French often use the plural, there is a hint of more than that single battle.
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The rectory address is 1512 Webster Ave., Bronx NY 10457, telephone 718-583-4044.
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To read the comments, please click on "Comments" below. A 2012 post is linked here.
38 comments:
I will never ever forget this school. I graduated in 1969. Those were the best years of my life. I remember Father John Carway, Father Sullivan, Sister France Marie, (Gym Teacher-Mr. Olivencia). etc.
Never will I forget. Thank You all for giving me Pleasant memories.
Aida Roman
I'm Michael McWatt and a proud member of the OLV Class of 1965. Our parish will celebrate it's
100th Anniversary in 2012.
Would someone describe where the classrooms, gym, and other facilities were located, that is, what was on each floor if this is a combined church and school? Thank you. If there is a website in preparation for the centennial, may I publish the address? Thank you.
Joe (blogger)
cjmcmann (at) msn.com
Hi Joe, The classrooms were located on two floors build above and around the Church in the center. The lunchroom/auditorium is in the basement. There was never a gym. The rectory stands directly to the left of the Church. The convent was torn down in the late 70's when the school closed. The parish remains open. Father Eric Cruz was recently appointed as our new Administrator after the recent death of our long time pastor. There is no website as of yet for the Centennial in 2012. Our Alumni can be reached at Classmates.com and on the Bronx Board.com
Mikegshi
Fran...I graduated in 1971 or 1972. Sister Lorraine was our teacher. What a year of good memories. I remember Sister Lorraine eating candy. She would allow it as long as you left a piece on your desk so that she could have some when she walked by. However, you not dare let her catch you chewing gum! Yikes. We would have gym on the roof of the building or go to Claremont Park on Tuesday afternoons. Correct Mike! The school did not have a gym. For years I would dream about walking down the steps from the class rooms that were located above the church. I also remember Father Sullivan and what a kind man he was. I often wonder where everyone is today. Lets see...there was Gary Marshall, Maria Maldonado, Dolores Perez, Roslyn Davis, Bradford Clark, Liz Martinez, Nilsa Cintron, Nancy Nieves, Fredericka...cannot remember her last name. John Ramos or Russo to name a few.
Mary- I graduated in 1949 the Paster was Monsignor Cummings and Fr Sullivan was the assistance. I have many happy memories of my days at OLV. I made all my sacraments there the last one was when I was married in 1955 by Fr. Sullivan. I lived on Clarement Pkwy. We used to eat our lunch and put on plays in the basement. My 8th grade teacher was Sr. Alice. That church and school will always be in my memories
Hi Mary, if you are on Facebook, we have a group over there for OLV Alumni. Type in Our Lady of Victory Classmates in the search box.
Mike
OLV65
my name is franchot richard. I graduated from olvi in 1962 i had two sisters and a brother that went there also. david maldonado and frank augart along with joseph spano and patricia mclave were but just a few of the students in my 7th and eighth grade classes. david smiley was also in my class. my teachers were sister anthony sister norbert. the principle was sister jerome.
Hi, do you remember Fran Suering?? She was also in the Class of 62.
I had mixed feeling attending OLV and living in the Bronx. We lived in the project building across from OLV. I attended OLV from 3rd to 7th grades; I think that was from 1966-71. I wasn’t very well liked in school and around the neighborhood. I didn’t’ care for a lot for the environment. I was at best an average student while at OLV. It was tough living with my father. But I was glad when we moved. My parents moved us out of the area during the summer of 1971 to Orange California. My dad’s family lived in Santa Anna/Orange California for several years. So I knew that sooner or later we would be moving to California, I was hoping sooner than we did. I remember Father Marrow, who I thought was always very cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I remember him playing stickball with us along 171th Street. I remember both Father Sullivan and Father Carway and how patient they were with my father. I think they knew what kind of personality my father possed. I was always the tallest and biggest kid in the class so I think it was always nature for people to think of me as big dumb and loathsome. I remember Mr. Brusher asked when I was moving to Califronia what was I going to do, I told him I would hit the beach.
Now and then I think of Johnny Russo. I worked with a female police officer whose last name is Russo so I think of Johnny. I hope he and his sister are doing fine. He was one of the biggest Yankees Fan I ever met. I think of Gary Marshall and his brother Clarence and sister Marylyn. Gary and I had our ups and downs but he and his family were good people. I remember one time after class Gary brought his electric guitar in and played. I now play and have both acoustic and electric guitars. I remember Bradford Clark a great person. He was just a nice person from a good family. I remember our 5th grade teacher Mr. Lapazia, I think the spelling is correct, had myself, Gary, and Bradford do push-ups for something stupid we did. Bradford got down a crank out like a dozen in no time, just like a Marine. Gary struggle to get one completed. I lucked out; I got a pass on it from Mr. Lapazia. Because everyone was amazed at Bradford’s ability and Gary inability to do push-up. That was pretty funny. I remember, Maria Maldonado, Roslyn Davis, and Nancy Nieves. I hope they’re all doing well.
Anyway, name is Gil Ayala and my sister’s name is Gissel Ayala. She was one year ahead of me in school at OLV. My family moved to Orange California. I quickly fell into the So Cal scene, beach, skiing, sports, and So Cal Blonde Babes!! I attended Orange High went to Cal State Fullerton and onto LAPD. I have two great young adults’ children. One is a grad student at Chapman University and the other is graduating from UC Merced this May.
I like to think that I experienced something good while attending OLV and growing up in the South Bronx. I think is some aspects I did, in a small way. I thank God for Father Carway, Marrow, and Sullivan. Yes, they did show me with a little patient and finding the good in people and all things around you, sometimes things just work out!!!! For the teachers at OLV Hmmm!!!!! FYI I’m 6’5 240 pounds I still run 3 miles and work out every other day. My current girlfriend, Denise, we attended Orange High School together. It's a long story how we got together. She tells me I still look the same since high school. So to Mr. Brusher yes, I still hit the beach, but also ski!!!!.
I’m 52 and little over weight but I still been known to carry myself well.
What can I say com'on dude
Life is a Beach!!!!!!!
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U U
V
My dad, James Griffin, graduated from OLV grammar school in 1924 and Regis HS in 1928. He died in 1986 but spoke often of the nuns who helped him at OLV and the wonderful education he received. Thank you OLV.
PMG
My dad, James Griffin, graduated from OLV grammar school in 1924 and Regis HS in 1928. Although he died in 1986, he often spoke of the nuns who helped him and the wonderful education he received. Thank you OLV.
I attended the OLV dinner dance at Villa Barone and although I went by myself I had a great time and met some past alumnae of the school. Father Eric Cruz was a very dynamic person who puts a lot of time and effort into the parish. I understand after several years at OLV he will be leaving for other endeavors. The food was great and the music kept you dancing (even though I didn't know how to dance to salsa music), I still danced and had a good time.
I am glad I attended and look forward to future events from my old parish which will always remain with me and be a part of my life.
Damon Urso, OLV Class of 64'
I am so happy to see some pictures of a place that I will never forget. It was in 1964-1969 that I lived in the projects in front of the church, Our Lady of Victory, then I came to live to P.R. Father Carway was the priest for the wedding of my aunt, I just can close my eyes and see this. I also remember Father Sullivan. My mom always took us to the church and I did my first comunion there. Wow, so great memories.
I attended OLV in 1965. Does anyone remember Sister Christine?
I attended OLV from 1951 thru 1955. I was always in trouble, got kicked out of OLV and went to P.S. 53. My mother was close to the nuns and got me back into OLV. Never graduated there because we moved and I attended John P Susser and the DeWitt Clinton. My best education came from US Marine Corps.
I studied OLV from 63-68. I remember F.Carway, F. Sullivan, Mr Lapazia, Sister Francis Mary, ,Sister Dominic Marie. All the girls were in love with F.Carways eyes. I didnt like the the tomatoe soup.jajaja In the winter we used get in the rectory and five minutes they would throw us out. To many kids making noise wanting to keep warm. Couldnt go home at lunch since we lived in Fulton ave. Its was great going to the candy store. I studied with Maryln Marshall ,Valerie Vazquez ,Leticia, Diana. O my first love at first sight. He was in 8 and I was fifth grade. Loved my school.
I studied OLV from 63-68. I remember F.Carway, F. Sullivan, Mr Lapazia, Sister Francis Mary, ,Sister Dominic Marie. All the girls were in love with F.Carways eyes. I didnt like the the tomatoe soup.jajaja In the winter we used get in the rectory and five minutes they would throw us out. To many kids making noise wanting to keep warm. Couldnt go home at lunch since we lived in Fulton ave. Its was great going to the candy store. I studied with Maryln Marshall ,Valerie Vazquez ,Leticia, Diana. O my first love at first sight. He was in 8 and I was fifth grade. Loved my school.
Wow!!!! hearing you people and your stories is great!!!! I am an administrator of a page in Facebook it called:
OUR LADY OF VICTORY CLASSMATES BRONX NEW YORK.
If you want to join it would really be a pleasure!!!! so you can talk about your experiences with the rest of the people!! we have 64 members.
The Bad News Michael McWatt died this year September around the 10. We really miss our Classmate he was an active member and very well loved by all.
I will be expecting to see you all in the page!!! WELCOME MY FRIENDS!!
I went to OLV from 63-70 was in the graduating class of 1970. It was a memorable time. There were so many wonderful experiences, students and teachers. I attended the school at a time of transition in the south bronx, so my class was completely multicultural! Which was great. I was an altar boy and my best friend Michael Cappizoli use to early morning mass, during the week. I was always amazed at how many people would go to church even during the week, before work or school. I lived in the projects a block away (1408) so did Mike. We played alot of baseball! Then he moved to New Jersey. But I will never forget Father Sullivan and Father Carway. They were nice giving people. And the nuns (at times not so nice) like Sister William Marie! But sister Lorraine and Frances Marie were cool. I remember we had this music teacher Mr. Sax really funny. Mr. Brusher, Mrs. Henshe, and many more. I eventually moved from the south bronx right after I graduated in 1970. Those were special years for me now. One special note the class of 1970 is notable for three reasons. Three students from my class (that I know of)went on to be successful in their fields: Brenda Braxton went on to be an award winning theater actress and dancer on Broadway, Manny Vega went on to be a noted painter/artist, his murals and mosiacs can be seen on buildings and train stations throughout East Harlem and lastly Frank Perez became an award winning theater director and published author and playwright...that's me. I'm still friends with Manny we both live in Manhattan to this day. Thanks OLV, for the wonderful memories.
Hello Francine, I think I graduated OLV with you because I remember Gary Marshall, Nancy Nieves, Nilsa Cintron,Rosslyn Davis Bradfield Clark, Delores Perez & Maria Maldonado. Do you remember Edgar Lugo, Danny & Rafael Garcia? Rody
I attended OLV from 1963 to 1968. 1st through 4th grade. 1st grade was Sr. Dominic Marie, 2nd grade was Ms Egan, 3rd grade was Sr. Thomas?, and 4th grade was Mr.? Attended with Marilyn Mendez, Valerie ?, and Steven Colon. One of our classmates was killed crossing Webster Avenue in 1st grade. His name was Christopher.
I remember there was a small store behind the school. We would go there to buy candy. I remember fire drills walking down those long metal steps of the fire escapes. There were doors on the landing that led to different rooms, some of them were storage rooms. My mom (Inez Montalvo)also went to OLV for 2 years - 7th and 8th grades about 1950-51. Would love to hear from other OLV alumni from my time period.
Class of 1971
My Parents were married there 1957
I was baptized there 1958
I went to school there from 1st grade to 8th Grade Graduated 1972
Father Sullivan was the Monsignor he married my parents baptized me did my first communion and holy confirmation
Sister Dominc Marie Ms Egan Mr. Bressier Mr Laponzina Sister Agnes, Sister William Marie who also was my 9th grade at St. Pius V HS,
Michelle Ramdas was Michelle Alexander Parents Lenore and Leonard Alexander
I remember the bus rides to Bleuvet and it was a wonderful trip with my mom, all the nuns at OLV called me smiley I was always smiling
Hey Michelle, I was in your class from 2nd Grade, till eighth, as was Gilbert Ayala (3rd to 7th)(who wrote the long post above). Sad to hear he thinks he was not well liked. Tried to find him without success to let him know that was not the case. Here’s some names you may remember: Elizabeth Maldonado, Wanda Rivera, Nilsa Cintron, Blanca Melendez, Lizbeth Ramos, Maria DiDio, Nancy Nieves, Roselyn Davis, Johnny Russo, Rody Rosally, Tony Soto, Tony Reyes, Ricky Soto, and more…. I too have very fond memories of OLV. Sr. Lorraine was a major stand-out ! Loved her. We also had Mr Brescia(4th & 7th),Mr. LaPonzina(5th). Fr. Sullivan, Fr. Carway, later Fr Marold(would come out and play ball with us at lunch-time). It was THE BEST education. Lots of work, many books to carry home and back. I lived over the tracks, just the other side of the bridge on Park Ave., in the Projects. Seemed like a long way with all those books, but I know many lived much further than I. Hope you are well, and staying safe. Thanks for posting,… Michele Alexander, a blast from the past ! Be well.
James Deacon, Class of ‘72.
Hi Jimmy I remember you very well we got along we all had fun at lunch break, do you remember Richard Lamosa also?,I do remember Gilbert Ayala he was a very quiet and to himself person. Danny Hinton, his mother was the music teacher. Geneive Pisantaile, the Christmas shows in the cafeteria were fun.I join the basketball team in 7th grade Sister Dominic Marie was our coach. I remember Liz Ramos and Maria DiDio were the tiny ones in out class. Thanks for remembering me. Keep safe and take care.
Hi again Michelle, I’m drawing a blank on Richard Lamosa. Any clue as to where he lived ? I do remember Danny Hinton, and his Mom. A lovely lady, was so kind, patient, and fun trying to teach is to appreciate music. Actually, Danny was one of the kids I was thinking of when I said, that others lived further away than I did. He was down around 167-168th Sts. on Washington. A pretty good hike ! I didn’t know we had a basketball team, but I do remember our school and Christ the King getting together for something, I guess it was basketball ? Miss Eagan was a blast also. She would hit a Spaldeen off the wall above the blackboard for us to catch. I thought that was so much fun at the time. Do you remember, that she had left for a while, and when she came back, she was a nun ? She was such fun, I thought she was playing a joke on us, but, no, it was for real. Here’s a few more names for you,…..Gary Marshall, Fredrika Brumby, Roberto Sanchez(my best friend), Bradford Clark,……….your turn :) Be well, Michelle. It’s great reminiscing with you about OLV !
Jim Deacon ‘72
Hi Jimmy I remember Ms Egan coming back as a nun. I remember Gary Marshall always getting into trouble lol, Frederika, Roberto, I remember Bradford Clark he was a gentle person, Liz Ramos tiny person and Maria Dio Dio she was tiny also. Rosalyn Davis she was fun to hang with at lunch do you remember Genieve Picentilei?, John Russo, Sister Lorraine and Sister Dominic Marie coached the girls basketball team. Be safe it was fun take care Jimmy.
Yes do. She sat behind me in the 8th grade. She wrote something in my 8th grade year book that i will never forget
Class of 1966...Michael A. Cruz
https://www.shrineofremembrance.com/dr-michael-a-bo-cruz-november-30-2021/#comment-6566
Hello everyone! Really great to read all of these fond memories. My name was Patti Shank brother Billy, sister Donna and we all attended OLV. we lived across the street in the projects 1458 webster. I remember most my closest friend Marilyn Marshall and her brothers Mr Brusha, Sr Lorraine, Mary, Lucy and John Mazzura. I graaduated in 71 and moved from the projects to co-op city in 1970 but commuted back daily to finish 8th grade. Always wondered What happend to Marilyn Marshall and the Mazzura family and Luis Ramos from 1458 webster? Now living in Pennsylvania raised four children have 5 grandchildren. Thanks for the memories
Where is e eryone?
Hello, everyone, Wilfredo Rodriguez here. I did not go to OLV school although I was an alter boy there mid to late 60's. Received first communion and confirmation there. I also played the guitar during mass and we first began having youth mass in the basement just before the transition from Latin mass to English. My brothers and I participated in plays that included gift of the maji, West Side Story, and an attempt to make a film of The Sound of Music. Father Carway, Father Sulliven, Sister Mary and a shorter sister whose name I cannot recall.
Hi Patti. I also lived in 1458. Didn't go to OLV. Went to Immaculate Conception on Melrose. Used to play stickball every day in the summer on 171 next to OLV. Buy candy cookies and soda at titos store. My pop used to play dominoes there while I played stickball. Great memories. I don't remember your name but I'm sure we probably were in same orbit. I lived on the 11th floor
What a wonderful tribute to a lovely church! My mother remembers when my brother (1966) and I (1965) were both baptized by Father Sullivan, a young man at the time, and that he used to bring cans of fruits, bread and milk over to the house. What a beautiful man, God Bless wherever he is!
Thanks for the memories!
VictoriAnna Gonzalez
Mother, Betsy Gonzalez
What a wonderful tribute to a lovely church! My mother remembers when my brother (1966) and I (1965) were both baptized by Father Sullivan, a young man at the time, and that he used to bring cans of fruits, bread and milk over to the house. What a beautiful man, God Bless wherever he is!
Thanks for the memories!
VictoriAnna Gonzalez
Mother, Betsy Gonzalez
Great memories i still have the class picture with mr. Brucher he was the school principal that year. He and i worked later on at the US postoffice after our day work. Felt good to catch up on our lifes.
Gil you were liked but i was definitly not liked hell no one even remembers my name and i am one who had fond memories of OLV.
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