In Memoriam

July 1, 2009

Brother Michael Quinn ’47, the 25th president of Saint Mary’s and a psychology professor, died on March 15. He was 86.

Brother Michael was SMC president from 1962–69, taking office after the sudden death of Brother Albert Plotz in a car accident. Brother Michael led the College during its centennial celebration and oversaw the completion of most of the campus plan drawn up by his predecessor, including the construction of Saint Albert Library.

Brother Michael was also dean of the School of Science, chair of the graduate and undergraduate psychology departments, and the auxiliary visitor of the Brothers’ San Francisco district. He retired to the Holy Family Community at Mont La Salle in 1997.

“Brother Michael was a bold leader called for in a time of significant leadership challenges, during troubling times in society and on campuses across the country,” said John Parziale ’62. “He was caring, supportive and helpful to staff, faculty and students while maintaining a keen sense of humor.”

Brother Michael entered Saint Mary’s as a lay student and decided to join the order two years later. He taught at Cathedral High School in Los Angeles, and was a teacher and director of the Brothers’ Juniorate at Mont La Salle before returning to Saint Mary’s. In 1963, he received his Ph.D. in psychology from Loyola University in Chicago.

Brother President Ronald Gallagher observed that “Brother Michael’s contributions to the growth and development of Saint Mary’s College have been significant and long lasting.”
Brother Michael is survived by his brother Myles and wife Phyllis and nephew John and wife Benita.

Miles McAfee, the former head baseball coach and the all-time leader in wins for the Saint Mary’s baseball program, died on March 8. He was 76.

Mr. McAfee coached the Gaels from 1973 to 1980, and was the first African American to become a head baseball coach at the Division 1 level. He compiled a 220–185–7 career record and a 107–102–2 conference mark.

Mr. McAfee’s best seasons in Moraga were in 1976 and 1977, when his clubs finished 33–15 and 41–13, respectively. The 1977 record of 41 wins still stands as the program best for wins in a season. In all, McAfee had six winnings seasons during his eight-year tenure. He also sent five players to Major League Baseball.

“Miles McAfee was a great man and father figure to me,” said Aaron Turner ’81. “He gave me a baseball scholarship at Saint Mary’s and a great chance to achieve success. Because of Miles, I completed my education and I later worked alongside him in his sports agency business. He taught me so many things and he always treated me with kindness, dignity and respect.”

In 1955, Mr. McAfee received his B.A. from Tuskegee Institute, where he lettered in football and baseball. He signed a pro contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he played professionally for five years. In 1960 he became a scout for the Pirates. He also served as an agent for former players Chili Davis and Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson.

Michael Edward Porcella ’95 was killed at his home in Oakland on April 10, and a suspect has been charged with murder. He was 36.

Mr. Porcella, an Integral major, earned a law degree and was admitted to the California bar in 2006.

Mr. Porcella’s choice of law as a profession resonated with Integral tutor Steve Cortright.

“The thought of Michael Porcella wielding an attorney’s influence made for satisfaction, for he was a vir honestus,” Cortright said. “In that character, he was the heir and praise of his parents, a credit to the College and to the Integral curriculum, a valued colleague and the delight of his friend.”

Mr. Porcella is survived by his parents Edward Porcella ’64 and Karen, and his sister Julie Porcella Rolland ’91.

John Hege ’90, an Oakland police officer, and three police sergeants were killed on duty on March 21 during a rampage that ended with the gunman, a parolee, shot dead by officers. Hege was 41.

Officer Hege had been in the Oakland police reserves from 1993 until 1999, when he was hired as a full-time officer. He had earlier been a physical education teacher at Tennyson High School in Hayward, where he coached and officiated prep sports. He was also a youth baseball umpire.

Oakland police officer John O’Reilly ’90 was impressed by Hege’s decision to volunteer to work full-time as a reserve, remarking “He was an amazing character. I don’t know anyone who gave that much to the city of Oakland and people he didn’t even know.”

O’Reilly says he didn’t really know Officer Hege at Saint Mary’s, but they would talk about the College when they found out they were both graduates.

“He loved the environment,” O’Reilly says, “He got a lot out of it. He enjoyed playing rugby.”

He also enjoyed teaching, and he was a field training officer. Hege was very upbeat, positive and generous.

“He had a lot of friends. It didn’t surprise me when he donated his organs. He always wanted to help.”

Alumni

Gary A. Abono ECR
Aggie L. Burns EE ’79
Thomas E. Dillon ’68
Leo P. Foley ’43
Michael T. Galinas ’76
David C. Haffner ’51
Guido Inzerillo EE ’78
Frank Leahy ’53
Madeline J. Lee ’92
C.B Maisel ’50
Joseph A. Martinez, Jr. ’63
Richard C. O’Sullivan ’54
Frank E. Perry ’58
Charles W. Petty ’69
John Sandman ’50
Anita L. Vencentini ’86
John F. Viera ’68
Gregory J. Wells ’65

Saint Mary’s magazine runs the names of recently deceased alumni, Christian Brothers and friends who have given to Saint Mary’s.

In Memoriam

Alumni

Family and Friends