RIP in 2023

R.I.P. in 2023

A list of Patricians (mid 2023 to the present) who are no longer with us can be found by clicking this link.

Notices or short paragraphs describing the lives of Patricians who have passed away prior to 2023 can be found on a 'sub page' of this section (see menu above or click here).

Tony Gaynor has maintained a much longer list of Patricians (from 1981 to 2018) who are now resting in peace.

John ZIZYS (55-59)

SPOCA has not been in touch with John for some years, even indirectly, but some OPs have and the news recently came through that John died in 2023 (Feb 14) after experiencing health problems for some time, mainly and probably related to rare side effects from medication that he was prescribed.

John’s life-story is an unusual one which presented many difficulties and much hardship for him and his family. They came from Lithuania to Australia in 1949, after suffering for many years surrounded by war and all the deprivations that come with it.

Life in Australia for the Zizys family began in a migrant hostel in Bathurst before finding accommodation in Sale, Victoria. Their experiences since then are too numerous to be told in a short note such as this, but much of it has been recorded in a book* written and published by his mother, Elena, later in life. Elena and her husband worked hard to gain extra qualifications which helped them to get good employment during the 50s. They moved to Melbourne in 1954 after which John started his secondary education at St Pat’s in Second Year. His family continued their strong links with the Lithuanian community, with involvement in many activities most weeekends.

During his student years John’s focus was largely on his studies, and that resulted in regular appearances in the listings of subject results in the annual Patrician magazine. After school, John undertook studies at the University of Melbourne, gaining an Arts degree in 1963 and a teaching diploma at Secondary Teachers College after that. Thereafter, his career was mainly directed to poetry and other literary pursuits.

* The book can be found online at various bookstores (although often ‘out of stock’), but a shortened draft version can be accessed by sending an email to SPOCA.

RIP John

Graeme DONNELLAN (58-65)

After a short illness, Graeme died on 20 December 2023. He is well remembered and was well liked by all Patricians of the late 50s and 60s. Most recently, he had been living on the Mornington Peninsula, after having spent many years in Gippsland.

On learning of the passing of his old school mate, Chris Curtain recalled their many games of handball (both within the school grounds and in Graeme's home suburb of Pascoe Vale), Graeme's stylish dress sense, and his natural popularity among his classmates. Much more recently, Chris enjoyed the company of Graeme and Janice at his place in Bath (UK) when they holidayed in Europe in 2019.

During his school years, he was involved in a wide range of activities, excelling in many. In his last year (1965) he was handball champion in addition to being a member of the First XVIII football team, a very competitive swimmer, a sergeant in the cadets, and a member of many other groups.

Graeme is survived by his wife, three sons and many grandchildren, as well as his brother Lawrie and his family.

RIP Graeme

John PIRRIE (57-60)

John passed away on 15 Dec 2023.

RIP John

Raymond ANDERSON (42-47)

Ray died on 21 Nov 2023. He was born in 1932, not far from St Pat's, and began his schooling there in 1942. Although he always lived in Melbourne, Ray traveled far and wide in Australia in his employment within the aircraft industry. He was not a current member of our Association and so it was fortunate that his niece contacted us with an offer to hand over the St Pat's cap and tie which he kept ever since leaving school in 1947. It says something about the connection which many Old Patricians feel for our old place in East Melbourne that, despite not being in contact with other classmates to the extent of joining the Association, Ray nevertheless kept those small items as a personal reminder of his time with us. More of his interesting story, and a photo, can be found by clicking on this link.

RIP Ray

Michael COPPIN (55-60)

Michael had been living in Cairns for many decades, having been at St Pat's from 1955 to 1960. He died on 1 September 2023 (or near date). An old classmate and Patrician, Peter King (52-59), reported that he and Michael flatted together in Sydney during the late 1960s. Eventually, Michael went north and Peter went south, but they remained friends over the years.

RIP Michael

John Leonard LEEDS (52-62)

John passed away in August, and his funeral was held on Tuesday September 12 at 11.30. The venue was St Mary's Church in Hampton.

One of the many Patrician attendees was Jim Smith who was able to copy some of the photos on display, with the permission of John 's family (see John and trophies by scrolling down on our Victorian Collections website).

Jim reported on the impressive eulogies delivered, describing John's character and achievements during his school days, in his relationships with his children, and in life generally. During his St Pat's days, he was clearly a strong leader, being a Prefect, Capt or VC of many sports, including Captain of the First XVIII (with Peter Gaffney RIP, below, being his VC). He was quite a character, one who was highly driven to finish or succeed in whatever job or goal he set himself.

The following extracts from the 1962 edition of The Patrician demonstrate the breadth of John's sporting skills in addition to football and cricket. The first set of results are for Athletics, the second for Swimming, the third for Tennis and the last for Long Kicking. The latter would put John on the short-list for an AFL draft these days ... 198 ft converts to a 60 m kick ... one from inside the centre square on most grounds!

RIP John (16 October 1943 to 31 August 2023)

Peter Gaffney (54-62)

Peter passed away on 20 July 2023. He is well known to most Patricians as an outstanding and influential colleague through his College days, and throughout his adult life. His funeral was held on Friday 28 July at St Francis Xavier Parish, Montmorency. A goodly number of Patricians were in attendance, including two who shared the celebrant duties – Gerry McKernan and Gerry Healy (along with Fr Brian Glasheen). Others present included Tony Cavanagh, Denis Dalton, Michael Dolan, Brendan Lane, Kevin Lane, Paul McColl, Bernie Power, Joseph Santamaria, and Pat Talty.

The event was streamed (and saved) so readers may wish to view some of the proceedings via the link (it begins with some background music, with the ceremony beginning at about the 8 min mark; eulogies begin, at about 28 mins, with a couple of short family ones followed by a longer piece, about the 32 min mark, by Fr Colin Bourke who was Peter's PP at St Martin's in Rosanna).

Thanks to the Gaffney family and Le Pines Funerals for permission to use the above photo.

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