38
Canisius High School Today
through alumni games in their sport(s),
at Canisius athletic events, and at alum-
ni luncheons, reunions and speaker
events.
Gemmer joined the faculty in 1972 and
has been instrumental in the ice hockey,
lacrosse and rugby programs, coach-
ing varsity hockey, football and track,
as well as managing the intramural
sports program. The Physical Education
Chairman for 20 years, Gemmer was
also a member of the Canisius High
School Athletic Hall of Fame committee
for 15 years and currently serves as the
committee’s chairman. In 2009, he re-
ceived the John Barnes Award for dedication to Canisius athletics.
Gemmer is an Air National Guard veteran and graduate of SUNY Brockport
(B.S. physical education ’72) and Canisius College (master’s in education
’78).Heandwife,Judy,liveinLancasterandhaveoneson,Christopher,andthree
grandchildren.
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NewAppointees
continued from page 38
‘38
Mr. James J. Redmond, Jr.
‘40
Mr. Joseph W. Scott
‘41
Mr. James T. Clauss
‘44
Mr. Paul A. Smith
‘45
Dr. Louis C. Cloutier, M.D.
‘45
Mr. George J. Mullenhoff
‘45
Mr. Conrad D. Muller
‘45
Dr. Bernard M. Reen
‘47
Mr. Richard T. Campana
‘47
The Reverend Richard J. Keppeler
‘47
Captain Donald H. McVay USN (Ret.)
‘48
Mr. Henry J. Bower
‘49
The Reverend Monsignor Robert A. Mack
‘49
Mr. Alfred C. Ryan
‘50
Mr. David J. Ambuske
‘50
Mr. Francis J. Cieslar, Jr.
‘50
Mr. Peter J. Gugliuzza
‘51
Mr. Edward F. Haberl
‘51
The Reverend Patrick T. Sullivan, S.J.
‘52
Lt. Col. William G. Birnbach USAF (Ret.)
‘53
Mr. Raymond P. Arno
‘53
Mr. B. Ronald Sherer
‘56
Mr. David J. Chojnacki
‘58
Mr. John B. Sweeney III
‘59
Mr. John A. Costello
‘59
Mr. Dennis J. Dee
‘61
Mr. Anthony L. Panzica
‘65
Mr. John W. Hagen
‘67
Mr. Paul F. Cummings
‘70
Dr. Russell LoBrutto
‘73
Mr. Edward F. Graczyk, Jr.
‘78
Mr. James R. McHugh
In Memoriam
James R. “Jim”
McHugh ’78
A true and longtime Canisius
supporter, James R. “Jim”
McHugh ’78 died in his Buffalo
home on April 4, 2012. McHugh
was the owner and founder of
Personal Touch Food Service, a
food-service management com-
pany catering to local schools and businesses, including
Canisius High School where he kept his office for 17 year
“Jim loved giving back, with joy and satisfaction …he had
a huge heart, and his love for Canisius High School was
great,” says David Cervi, president of Personal Touch and
friend for over three decades.
In addition to building Personal Touch to employ 600 and
provide service throughout Western New York, McHugh
was a dedicated community leader. He was a generous
benefactor to several nonprofit institutions and private
schools, including Canisius High School. McHugh and his
wife, Maureen, who predeceased him in 2009, also sup-
ported Kenmore’s St. Andrew’s Country Day School and
Parish, and Gilda’s Club, where McHugh also served on
the board.
McHugh is survived by four children, five siblings and his
mother. A scholarship fund at Canisius High School has
been established in his name.
Upcoming Alumni Athletic Programs
hosted by Jeff Gemmer
Mon., Aug. 27, 3 to 5 p.m.,
Robert J. Stransky Memorial Athletic Complex
Alumni soccer game with Coach Belsito
Wed., Nov. 21, Bernard J. Kennedy Field House
3-on-3 alumni basketball game
Wed., Nov. 21, Canisius pool
Annual Blue Gold alumni swimmeet
Sat., June 15, Robert J. Stransky
Memorial Athletic Complex
Alumni baseball game,
Alumni rugby game
Sat., June 15, 2013, and Sun., June 16, 2013,
Robert J. Stransky Memorial Athletic Complex
Alumni lacrosse game
Jeff Gemmer, Canisius High School health
and physical education teacher, freshman
football assistant coach and club rugby
moderator, is the new alumni moderator.