Condolences and Remembrances

Larry Kohl

Tuscloosa, AL

Father Loughran was my Dean and my tennis partner at Fordham in the 1980s. He baptized my first-born son Jonathan. He represented the best that Jesuit education has to offer and he was a loyal friend. Though I hadn't seen him in twenty years, I will miss him and his great spirit.

Brian McCarthy, '61

San Diego, CA

Condolence is such a heavy word. It just doesn't fit Jim. Jim was light, not like a beer, but rich and light, at the same time. The photo of him in academic regalia reminded me. Several years ago he asked me to take his place at the inauguration of president at Univ. San Diego. He just could not make it. I accepted. But I'd no idea it involved donning the regalia. After all, I somehow squeezed by with a BA, but nothing more. But there it came, a big bundle in the hands of a friendly UPS man. So off I went for the ceremony in Jim's colors and joined the school procession of distinguished college presidents. I tried not to look conspicuous. Who can tell if Jim was proud, but I think he smiled when I sent him a photo of myself in his duds. My mother would shed tears at baptisms, saying,"I'm just happy." As a youngster I could not fathom that. I do now.

Gina Gonzalez, '08

Jersey City, NJ

Rest in Peace

Elizabeth McMahon

South Orange, NJ

I had the privilege of serving professionally at SPC for 12 years as Director of Community Service and Service Learning. I assumed the position shortly after Fr. Loughran became President. During the 10 years that followed, Father did his utmost to integrate the gamut of service and justice programs into the daily fabric of life at Saint Peter's. He championed community service and justice initiatives and encouraged student involvement at every opportunity. I will miss his spiritual core, candor, intellectual challenges, and Irish wit. May God Bless his efforts and memory... Sincerely, Liz McMahon

Lolliete Alvarez, '05

Union City, NJ

My prayers will always be with you. Rest in peace.

Gene Roman

New York, NY

I met Father Loughran at Loyola College in Baltimore where I worked in the early 1980's. He was on some kind of sabbatical.

I always referred to him as the "Jewish Jesuit" because like me he was from Brooklyn and understood all the classic New York yiddish phrases.

I loved hearing his stories of being a student of Dan Berrigan's at Brooklyn Prep.

If I was ever going to be a Jesuit, I would want to be like Jim Loughran.

Lesley Leighton

The loss of such a gifted, kind and talented man seems so untimely to those of us left behind, yet we must trust that his dedication to education and faith in humankind are being rewarded in heaven. He will be tremendously missed by all who knew him, and the absence of his humanity keenly felt by the world he wanted to enrich.

Lesley Leighton
Loyola Marymount University '84

Lore Major

Father's smile and awesome leadership will be greatly missed. His journey is now complete and he is now home safe and sound in our Lord's arms.

May we rejoice in his welcoming home and remember his spirit as we continue on our journey.

Linda & Alan Mulholland

Bayonne, NJ

We are very fortunate to have known such a wonderful man. We will miss him very much and know that he is smiling down on us right now (with his straw hat on) God Bless You Fr. Loughran.

Carol Wallace(Mrs.Wm.)Eager

As the Alumni newsletters arrived at our Reston,VA home, I was always struck by how very much Fr. Jim looked like my Grandmother, mother (Margaret Loughran Wallace), and my aunts and uncles. I believe my grandfather's name was Thomas Francis Xavier Loughran. I prayed for him (Jim)and his work at St. Peter's, a school central to the heart of Jersey City.

Jose Portes, '04

Father Loughran was a charismatic man. I will always remember him and appreciate his effort and devotion to the college and its students. I am deeply sadden to learn of the news of his passing. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and SPC. I believe he will continue watching over Us as he always did while at SPC. Thank you Father Loughran for all of your help, and may your soul rest in peace, next to the Lord!

Amir Gerges, '96

Seminole, FL

God Bless with a heavy heart, please accept my condolences. He is with God.

Stephen Falanga, '89

Woodcliff Lake, NJ

Father Loughran was so gifted with the spoken word. When he spoke of his work at St. Peter's College, as he so often did, he commanded attention and raised spirits because he truly believed in the mission of the College. But the memory of Fr. Loughran that I recall most strongly did not happen at an occasion where formal speeches were given; it was at an informal Class Leader dinner meeting a couple of years ago. Fr. Loughran was lamenting the Admissions Office request (in the interest of conserving his time) to get him to limit his practice of personally writing a note of congratulations to each incoming freshmen student. Fr. Loughran resisted the request commenting how wonderful it was for him to review the life histories of each new student. "All those souls," was his reflection. That one comment has stayed with me as a reminder of each person's uniqueness. Fr. Loughran was truly a man for others. Rest in Peace.

Michael Soliman, '01

Hawthorne, NJ

To a great man; a great leader. We miss you. May you rest in peace.

Jose M. Lafosse, Ph.D.

Littleton, CO

To Fr. Loughran's Family:

My name is Jose Lafosse, and I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program at Regis University, a Jesuit school in Denver, Colorado. I had the good fortune of starting my undergraduate years at Loyola Marymount University in the same year that Fr. Loughran started his presidency there. As a wide-eyed freshman, I marveled at the pomp and circumstance of the investiture ceremony during which Fr. Loughran officially became LMU's president. He delivered an address during the ceremony that was directed at all those gathered in Gersten Pavilion, and at the end he said something that particularly caught my attention. He said that he wanted to say something to all the freshmen in attendance, and proceeded to explain to us (I felt as if he was talking directly to me) that LMU, like all Jesuit institutions of higher learning, was comprised of faculty who were deeply committed to their students, and that we should take advantage of this great opportunity that LMU offered us. Specifically, he encouraged us to get to know at least one faculty member well before we graduated, to visit that professor during office hours, share a meal with him or her, to get to know that professor as a person, mentor, friend. I heeded his advice many times over, and it enriched my educational experience in ways that still benefit me today. I am now a faculty member at a Jesuit university myself, and on the first day of every class I teach I share this story with my students. My point is, as I look up from my computer screen and see Fr. Loughran's signature on my diploma from LMU hanging on the wall in front of me, that Fr. Loughran continues to enrich students' education through all of us that he touched, particularly those of us whom he inspired to not only reap the benefits of Jesuit education but also contribute to its tradition of educating students wholly so that they may serve others well. I mourn his passing with you, and will continue to honor him in my work at Regis.

Thomas Farley, '55

Upper Saddle River, NJ

We had a number of conversations after he became President but sad to say I never discussed our mutual love of the Brooklyn Dodgers. It wasn't until I went to his wake that I realized how much we had in common on that subject. "Down the road" we'll get to have that conversation.

Patrick Annello M.D., '99

New York, NY

Father was both a role model and a very dear friend of my family. His leadership and direction will be missed greatly. I hope that St. Peter's will continue his mission. He taught me how to be a great catholic and professional. I will be miss him dearly and know he is in heaven.

David Kriso

Hasbrouck Heights, NJ

I just heard about the passing of Fr. Loughran. I didn't get to know him closely, since I was a commuting student in the graduate education department.

When I graduated with my masters in education in 2003, I got to shake hands with him on stage when getting my diploma. He was a very friendly man and giving individual, and cared about every student who attended SPC.

May God bless him and all his work, and may God bless you the Loughrans, for sharing him with the students of SPC.

May his spirit guide SPC in all the good that it does in the future years to come.

God Bless you,

David E. Kriso
Class of 2003

Paul Kazanecki, '78

Dumont, NJ

I met Fr. Loughran only once at a men's basketball game several years ago. The game was during the Christmas break and Father happened to sit down a few feet away from me. We spoke during halftime, but in that short period he displayed a kindness that I will never forget. May he rest in God's peace.

Christine Payne

Lynchburg, VA

My heartfelt condolences to the family of Rev. James N. Loughran, S.J. and the entire SPC community. I was deeply saddened to learn of Father Loughran's passing.

Erik Hernández

Brooklyn, NY

Rev. Loughran was a great individual. I truly enjoyed listening to his homilies.

Jeiris J. Cook, '07

Easton, PA

I never had the opportunity to know him, but what I know from others is that he was a compassionate individual. He also showed steadfast commitment and dedication to providing a quality education to a diversified community of students. One that I can sincerely say I am proud to be a part of.  Any individual who brings that sense of belonging to complete strangers is an individual worthy of the highest acknowledgment. Thank you and my sincerest condolences to the family.

Dr. Ogonna Orjiekwe, '98

Morganville, NJ

It is with deep sadness that I send this condolence letter to the personnel and Saint Peter's College family on the passing of Fr. Loughran. I graduated in 1998 and I dealt with him on many occasions as a student. The last time I saw him was at a men's basketball game a few years ago. He was a very kind man and a good leader. I pray that God will continue to comfort his family and grant his soul eternal rest.

Gabe Chelala, '07

North Bergen, NJ

Since I am a new grad student at SPC I did not know Father Loughran personally; however, I was deeply sadden to hear of his passing.

Sherrie Shahat, '07

I will always remember Father Loughran. He was always so kind to me and I did feel special for that. I will remember being privileged for participating in the Dr.Martin L. King weekly discussions about Dr. King's writings with Father Loughran. I felt important. During the graduation exercise in 2005, I was removing my kenti cloth to put on my graduate collar. Father Loughran leaned toward me and whispered "not yet". He had little ways that touched people. I know he has been received with open arms by our Father in Heaven. I can't help feeling that some of my strive is for him.

With heartfelt condolences, may Father Loughran rest in peace.

Love Sherrie Shahat

Joe Turkoc, '80

Chesterland, OH

Another painful loss....My wife and I send the SPC family our deepest condolences.

Tamara Colon

Jersey City, NJ

It was a pleasure meeting Fr. Loughran but rather short. I appreciated his vision for the college and concerns for the students. He is missed.

God, please give us strength to get through this lost especially to his family members and close friends.

Kathy Almanzar, '06

New Milford, NJ

Our Father who art in heaven, holy be thy name thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us on this day thy holy bread and forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil Amen!

You have taken one of yours and for this we pray.

Rich De Cicco, '07

Palisades Park, NJ

Well I didn't know Father James Loughran personally, however whenever I used to see him around campus, he always had a smile on his face. The man was very kind and generous. My prayers and condolences go out to his family. He will be missed. May God rest his soul.

Carlos F. Tapia, '97

I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Fr. Loughran, S.J., as well as to his fellow Jesuits. I kept in touch with Fr. Loughran ever since I graduated from St. Peter's. I will forever be grateful for the prayers and Masses Fr. Loughran offered for my uncle, who has been battling cancer. Thanks in part to Fr. Loughran's prayers, as well as those of other Jesuits, my uncle's health improved significantly. Rest in Peace, Fr. Loughran.

James Dillon, '11

North Cape May, NJ

Father Loughran will be sadly missed by all who knew him, directly and indirectly. One of the things that he said to us the Freshman class that has stuck with me is, "St. Peter's College is a haven for new challenges in your courses of study, be active in your work and activity. If you find yourself saying, 'I bored than you are one of the best at doing that' for it is hard to do that at St. Peter's to be bored. However, his true message behind those words meant that take advantage of your time and what is occurring around you. He was a true treasure to the college and to those who knew him. For he would be truly missed for there is no other man like, Father James N. Loughran, S. J.

Janet Agresta, '08

What a great loss. He was such a kind person and a great president to the college. He will be missed. He did so much for the school and its students. Thank you Father Loughran.

Christina Fuller Drake

Massapequa, NY

I worked for Father Loughran in the President's Office at LMU from 1986 - 1990 as a student worker. He referred to me as "the kid" and I enjoyed his New York wit and humor. He gave me his tickets to Game 7 of the 1988 World Series, fully confident that the Dodgers would wrap it up early. Father Loughran will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Tara Maureen Stephens

Redondo Beach, CA

I am saddened to learn of Fr. Loughran's passing. My years at LMU were marked with kindness and inclusiveness under his leadership. My condolences to his family.

Tara Maureen Stephens
LMU, Class of '90

Bob Arnold, '70

Verona, NJ

Having a freshman at Holy Cross this year, I was advised of a Crusader pre-game luncheon in one of the SPC dining rooms just prior to a clash with our Peahens. While Coach Gibbons was giving his audience the low down on his team, Fr.Loughran walked in to offer a warm welcome. I could see his surprise in finding me breaking bread with our opponents (but I reminded him my surname was Arnold, and that we often found ourselves in enemy territory). Father went on to relate a story about women's basketball at SPC and its little known first coach...a scholastic name Mr. Jim Loughran, S.J.  Requiescat in pace.

Fran Sakata

Manhattan Beach, CA

Fr. Loughran was my boss (his colleague as he put it) at Loyola Marymount University. I can safely say that I never worked so hard in my life and that he personally matched that hard work and then some. However, there was so much laughter in our office and never a dull moment. We kept in touch over the years and I'll miss him so very much.

Yvonne Krol, '07

Middletown, CT

Father Loughran will be greatly missed. He was a remarkable man and I will never forget his ability to light up any room.

Leighann Mackiewicz, '10

It was really sad to learn of Father Loughran's passing. He was such a pleasant person, and one of the friendliest people I know. He will definitely be missed by the college students.

Myrna Ruiz

Jersey City, NJ

Although I did not know him well I had heard of him and his humanistic approach to all. I had been told he was a straight forward man who spoke his mind without excess. Having low tolerance for wasting time this is a characteristic I truly appreciate. I had the pleasure of serving mass with him as a Eucharistic minister on two occasions. We never spoke though except for hello and thank you. I attended his mass and was so touched by the words being spoken about him. He will be greatly missed and hard to replace. For his family I pray for strength and love. The Lord will provide whatever is needed to get through this sad time.

RoseMarie F Moschetta, FC'79

Our deepest condolences to Fr. Loughran's family,and the Jesuit and St. Peter's College Communities on this tremendous loss of a beloved relative, colleague, leader and friend. Fr. Loughran was one of my favorite professors at Fordham (FC'79) and my hands down favorite philosophy professor. He was so warm, witty, funny, playful and enthusiastic(and always a bit mischievous!). He loved where he lived and what he did. This girl from a blue collar family in the Bronx, the first in her family to attend college, will never forget his kindness and encouragement. He remembered his students long after they had graduated, even those he had not seen for years. He was always able to connect with young people. Perhaps the greatest compliment I can give is that he was a good priest and a shining example of the Jesuit ideals of service and education. Any time I would read about him in the papers (i.e. - being selected as President of St. Peter's, I rejoiced for him and recalled the memories of conversations with him, chance meetings outside Keating Hall and on campus. He is truly an unforgettable man; to me he WAS Fordham. I wish I could think of a catchy Latin phrase to end this tribute, but alas I cannot. One thing is for sure, Fr. Jim would not be at a loss for words! I would like to say Rest in Peace, but I can picture him leading a choir of angels in song, cheering on souls in Purgatory, urging them onward and upward and even teasing St. Peter himself!

RoseMarie (FC '79) and Anthony Moschetta (FC '79)

Nicole Cordani, '04

Jersey City, NJ

Father Loughran cared deeply about the students of St. Peter's and the resurgence of the school as the "Harvard on the Boulevard." He was a wonderful man, priest and leader. We will always remember him.

Rev. Sr. Mary Chukwuleta Ugocha (DMMM)

Pompano Beach, FL

I would like to express my deepest condolences to Fr. Loughran's community (the Society of Jesus), his family and friends.

Even though I did not meet Fr. Loughran at LMU personally, I passed through the university and enjoyed the legacy he left behind. He will be missed by so many.

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.

Tom Von Der Ahe

North Hollywood, CA

I will always remember Fr. Jim for his wit, humor and his willingness to always see the bright side of things. He was a great individual. He will be missed. May God rest his soul and give him everlasting peace.

Angela Guzman, '07

Bronx, NY

I just wanna send my condolences to his family and friends. Father Loughran was a very nice man. He always greeted me with a smile and was blessed for his good heart! I know God has him in His glory resting peacefully in His Kingdom! Rest in peace Father!

Jonathan Ambrose, '03

Hammond, LA

I would like to send my deepest condolences to the Loughran family. My prayers are sent to the SPC community on the loss of a remarkable and astonishing man. I will cherish the times I had a chance to speak with him and I will never forget the hospitality and humility that he expressed to my parents each time they came in.

Thank you for the memories.

Matthew Sweeney

Danbury, CT

I worked at SPC during Fr. Loughran's first year. I very much enjoyed my brief encounters with him. My condolence to the SPC community and his family.

William T. Loughran

Fort Myers, FL

My deepest sentiments of sympathy and solidarity go out to the Saint Peter's College community, the Society of Jesus and the family and friends of Fr. Jim Loughran. We were related, though how closely or distantly I am not sure-! How many people do you know named "LOUGHRAN"---and can pronounce it properly?

What a grand soul! Heaven is that much richer tonight!!Everything I've read, everything I've seen, my faith and my own DNA tell me that our prayers now should be not so much for Fr. Jim as for us, the poor schmucks who continue to muddle along, finding our benighted way.

Fr. Jim Loughran left us a good model to follow...one of good cheer: He (and the model he left us) shall remain in the front of my own mind as I rise to the affray of teaching my high school kids in this, the thirty-something year of my career.

I celebrate "a job well done."

William T. Loughran
Academic Dean
Canterbury School
Fort Myers, Florida 33929

Billy Joe Mercado, '07

Jersey City, NJ

On behalf of the Student Senate, I want to offer our deepest condolences to Father Loughran's family and our fellow members of the SPC community. This loss is a tragic one for the College, but I know that with the members of our College community, we will be able to overcome the grief and to bring the College forward in his memory and honor.

Aida Jurgensen

Jersey City, NJ

I am truly sorry about Father Loughran's death. I met him at our (Schumann Hanlon) holiday party on December 19, 2006. My sympathies to Saint Peter's College for their loss.

Anthony R Herring, '06

Lawrence A. Holfelder

Tampa, FL

I was sorry I did not get to meet with Jim's family @ the wake or after the Mass. I will miss him and fondly remember our high school days, Holy Cross and subsequent years. I was looking forward to seeing him tonight in Orlando.

Keith Carlsen, '08

He was a great man who touched many people. SPC will never be the same.

Joann Emmanuel, '05

Jersey City, NJ

From personal experience, I know that you have touched the lives of many. I have so many fond memories of our countless conversations, and your smile and wave as you walked away, usually on your way to the residence, or to some meeting or event. I consider myself blessed to have known you; and pray that God will eternally keep you in His care. I have no doubt that as you departed this life, and left behind your earthly robe, God was waiting with a "New Robe" and a new residence. I hope that as you look on at the work that continues here at Saint Peter's College, it will be with great pleasure.

Martin Shanahan, '67

Pequannock, NJ

I first met Jim when he was a scholastic and I was a student at SPC in the 60's. I reconnected with him when he became President in 1995. Jim was a wonderful example of Christian love. He treated me me like a brother and helped me through a most difficult time in my life.

His cheerful nature and ready smile touched so many people.

Jim's spirit lives on at his beloved SPC. Jim, may God bless you the way your friendship blessed my life.

James Keeney, '60

Boston, MA

It is with a great deal of surprise and sadness that I learn of Fr. Loughran's passing. He was very attentive to out-of-state alumni and I looked forward to his periodic fund-raising visits to address St. Peter's Boston contingent. His enthusiasm and stewardship on behalf of St. Peter's will be missed.

Robert J. Giugliano, Ph.D., '64

Brooklyn, NY

Fr. Loughran epitomized the Ignatian spirit of the magis and I grieve along with the college community at his untimely death. He brought so much to St. Peter's especially the capacity to inspire all to become who God meant them to be. He grew St. Peter's and in his spirit we will continue to move forward.

Joe Little

Jersey City, NJ

On behalf of Sungard Higher Education and the IT department, our sincerest condolences to Father Loughran's family and to the SPC community. We will miss his warmth, his leadership and his humor.

Alissa Giordano, '08

North Plainfield, NJ

Father Loughran you will be missed. For the past two years at SPC you have made a great and challenging adventure for me. Thank you.

Hermann K. Platt, Professor Emeritus of History

Jersey City, NJ

Father Loughran's death came as a great shock, which goes without saying.  I will remember his kindliness towards me, especially when he visited me twice in the hospital last winter.  He'll be missed.

Rabia Sattaur, '06

Jersey City, NJ

It's amazing how life can give and take away all at once...Fr. Loughran was indeed a gift given to SPC, but no, he was taken away from us for he has left a legacy and a continuing journey for us to make SPC a great home.

I was honored when Fr. Loughran asked me to be the student rep. on the Board of Trustees. Of course, he continued to make us all laugh with his witty jokes, and always remained warm and friendly to everyone.

You will be dearly missed but you have never left us since you will forever remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Yours Truly,
Rabia Sattaur '06

Bill Murphy, '05

Jackson, NJ

Fr. Loughran was such an encouraging guy, a wonderful priest, and a good president. So many humorous anecdotes come to mind when I remember him, that's the kind of guy he was.

Margaret Bratteson, '04

Father Loughran - I didn't know you personally that well while I was a returning student @ SPC, but the few conversations that we had, you were pleasant, upbeat, and funny. From what I understand about you, I know that you'll be greatly missed, but your spirit will live in all of the people from the SPC community. Rest in peace, Father Loughran.

Andrea Contreras, '08

Los Angeles, CA

Fr. Loughran was more than just the President of Saint Peter's, he was the joy of Saint Peter's. It was always a joy to go to events where he was present. He had a way of making everyone in the room smile. He will be greatly missed.

Alyssa Sommers, '00, '07

Jersey City, NJ

Our families thoughts and prayers are with Father Loughran's family and friends. He was a wonderful man and did many GREAT things for the college - he will be greatly missed.

Danielle Dadamo

Jersey City, NJ

When I opened up the Jersey Journal on December 26th, I was quite shocked. My condolences go to the Loughran family and the SPC Community.

The MacMurray Family

Condolences to Father Loughran's family, the Jesuits, and the SPC community. He was a good friend to our family since his days at Brooklyn Prep with our Uncle Bob. He was a good man and will be missed.

Joan E. Gaulene

New Orleans, LA

It is with joy and pride that I will always remember working with Jim at Loyola Marymount University. He inspired me, encouraged me, and humored me on stressful days.

Susan Mascolo, '09

It was an honor to sing at Fr. Loughran's funeral. It was a beautiful services filled with love and dignity. I wish I had gotten to know Fr. better, but I do have one really nice memory. He sat next to be during the Aidan C. McMullen Chorale reunion this past November. He was making little jokes and I was laughing. At the moment, I thought it was awesome that the President of my college was sitting next to me and speaking to me. Now I think that it is even more incredible. After my choir members and I sang, Fr. Loghran was so thrilled and proud.

He will be missed dearly.

Zeeshan Iqbal (Zee), '03

Jersey City, NJ

My sincerest condolences to Father Loughran's family and to the SPC community. It seems as if by losing him we have lost a great father figure in our SPC family. His actions and talks always seeped of humility, kindness and generosity. He was an embodiment of a true Jesuit and he will be greatly missed.

Dr. Rachel Wifall

On the same morning upon which we lost Fr. Loughran, my grandfather also passed away. Let's rejoice that they were with us as long as they were, and that they now are with God. Thank you, Fr. Loughran, for your service to Saint Peter's and your hospitality to your faculty, with whom you shared good cheer in regular lunches, dinners and holiday parties. We will miss our president, colleague and friend.

Ana Sierra, '06

Jersey City, NJ

My deepest condolences... a part of Rev. Loughran will always stay in my heart...

Jonathan Polanco, '08

Jersey City, NJ

My sincerest condolences to Father Loughran's family and the SPC community, he will be miss by all of us at SPC.

Brandon Blum

Peoria, AZ

I had the opportunity to travel to SPC and participate in the Open House held in November. During the open house I remember the kindness I received as Rev Loughran briefly spoke with my father and I. It was only at this moment that I ever spoke to Rev. Loughran, but for that brief amount of time I could see the heart he had for SPC and the students there.

With this memory, I offer my condolences to Rev Loughran's family and SPC.

Mike Kahrer, '79

Cranford, NJ

My sincerest condolences to Father Loughran's family and the SPC community on the tragic loss of a man who was so full of life. All who knew him appreciated his quick wit, his humbleness, his inspiring leadership and his short speeches! Most importantly, we will remember that he served SPC during a time when its future was to be determined. Through his leadership, a successful transformation of the college took place ensuring the continuity of Jesuit higher education in Jersey City. May he rest in God's eternal embrace.

Francisco Guzman

Jersey City, NJ

As a "companero (SJ)" he helped so many become their best. He will be missed, but not forgotten.

Steven Llanes, '02

Washington, DC

My thoughts and prayers are with Father Loughran, his family, and the entire Saint Peter's College Community. Father Loughran was truly a "man for others, " in the Jesuit tradition, whose leadership example and teachings will live on forever. I am fortunate to have known him.

Amy Sweeney

Jersey City, NJ

I want to pass along my deepest sympathy to the family of Father Loughran and to the entire Saint Peter's community. I have had the honor of getting to know Father Loughran over the last few years through my role at Fidelity Investments. I will miss his kind and gentle disposition, and I will always remember one very special email that he sent to me this past May which only served to underscore to me his commitment to "one student at at time". He really made it a point to get to know each and every student, and to take an interest in ensuring the Saint Peter's students were well prepared to enter the workforce. That email, reminded me of something my own Mother had said to me during my teen years-- "I hope that you will always know that I am always in your corner". And I thought about Father, and his approach to his responsibility to the Saint Peter's students-- "he, too, was always in their corner".

Amy Sweeney
Board of Regents

Johanna DeMaria

Bayonne, NJ

You will be missed greatly. The College will not be the same without you.

Kristina Chew

Jersey City, NJ

One December day in 2000 shortly before Christmas, the phone rang in our small kitchen in our rented house in Glendale, Missouri. My husband, Dr. James T. Fisher, answered and spoke for some time. When he hung up, he told me that it looked like we might be able to get ourselves back to New Jersey: The call was from Fr. James Loughran, S.J., the President of Saint Peter's College in Jersey City, New Jersey, and he offered Jim a one-semester endowed chair at the college.

Jim said yes.

We packed up our car in May of 2001 and drove East past St. Louis' Gateway Arch and over the Mississippi River and we never looked back. We had been wanting to return to New Jersey for the sake of our son Charlie, who has autism; New Jersey has some of the best autism schools in the country. Charlie is now 9 1/2 years old and has been doing very well; his smile is testament to something more than our hopes. When I got a position to teach Classics at Saint Peter's starting in the fall of 2005, I was thrilled to be able to teach Latin and Greek again, and thrilled to be part of the place that had helped Jim and me remake our lives and give Charlie the education he needs. Being able to teach and work at Saint Peter's has been a true gift.

It all started with that call from Fr. Loughran. And when, with Charlie tucked in bed on Christmas Eve while we were visiting my family in California, I turned on my computer and found out that Fr. Loughran had passed away, I could not stop thinking about that telephone call from him back in December of 2000. I cannot stop thinking of him, black-clad and a straw boater at a jaunty angle on his head, walking round our small campus; of the email he sent me last month when a student I advised was a finalist for a Rhodes Scholarship ("Great news. Keep me posted," Fr. Loughran wrote to me); of the whiff of a world now gone about him, a world that he called up when he spoke of Brooklyn Prep and of his mother, of teaching philosophy to Fordham undergrads and his annual "News from the Universe" addresses to our College community.

Fr. Loughran's call gave us something that I am only beginning to understand the depths of----that I glimpse in moments, that I hear when Charlie speaks.

Requiescat in pace, Fr. Loughran, et tibi multas gratias ago.

Doug Demeo

Jersey City, NJ

I remember sitting with Father Loughran for the third quarter of the Saint Peter's College football game this past season. We were getting shut out at the time, and a runner had the ball going 30-40 yards for a touchdown, and I never saw Fr. Loughran jump up and get so excited like that before. Then he realized it was the wrong team!

Father Loughran showed me a very personal care and interest in campus ministry activities I was involved in. I'll miss his sense of humor and fatherly presence. Rest in peace, Father Loughran, but please never stop cheering for us!

Christine Yanuzzi

North Arlington, NJ

My daughter is a freshman at SPC. My first introduction to Father Loughran was at orientation. I was greatly impressed by Father. Therefore, it is with extreme sadness that I write this condolence. Goodbye, Father Loughran and thank you for giving of yourself to the community of SPC.

Tracey Clark, '07

Sayreville, NJ

Father Loughran was such a fun, caring man. He will be greatly missed by all of the St. Peter's College family. St. Peter's will not be the same without him. May God bless his soul and may he rest in peace.

Alison Pratt, '07

Jersey City, NJ

My condolences goes out to the family and friends of Rev.James N. Loughran S.J. Even though Rev. James was a private person he always had a smile and wave for you. May God keep him safe.

Emily Olsen, '00 and Jarrud Olsen, '01

Westampton, NJ

Fr. Loughran was a great president. He was always cheerful and friendly to the student body. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Fr. Loughran's family and the school community.

Natalia Bradshaw-Parson, 94, 96

Harrisonburg, VA

During my tenure as an undergraduate and graduate student at SPC, Father Loughran always greeted me with a smile and I always returned a tennis challenge to him as I was on the women's tennis team. He was an avid player and quite competitive I might add.

May his soul rest in peace for his life played out as a wonderful game, set and match filled with love!

Barbara Kuzminski

Bayonne, NJ

To the family of Fr. Loughran, this most definitely includes the Jesuit Community:

I will miss Fr. Loughran. He was always so pleasant to everyone. I am a staff member. I will miss him at our Staff Recognition Dinners and also at our Christmas gatherings.

I saw him right before the party on December 22nd and he was joking around about the doors to McIntyre Lounge always being locked.

My prayers go out to everyone whoever came in contact with him. He will be missed!

Lenore Strocchia-Rivera

Highland, NY

Fr. Loughran was a man with a great perspective and sense of humor about life. I wish my children would have gotten to know you, Jimbo.

Beatriz Rodriguez, '01

My prayers go to all the SPC. He will be missed.

Andrea Lee, IHM

St. Paul, MN

I was shocked and saddened to learn of Jim's death. He has been a wonderful colleague and I will miss his friendly countenance and wise heart. As a native New Jerseyan, I especially admire the obvious commitment to the people of urban New Jersey that so characterized St. Peter's under Father Loughran's leadership. I extend the prayers and sympathy of the entire College of St. Catherine community to the Board, administrators, faculty, staff and students of St. Peter's.

Andrea J. Lee, IHM
President

Dave Bryngil, '91

Weehawken, NJ

I always appreciated the support Father Loughran showed me as Director of the Yanitelli Center. Father was a tremendous advocate of recreational sports and a friend to all of us at the Yanitelli Center. I had the opportunity to speak and joke with Father at the College's Christmas party, and I am truly glad that I had one final opportunity to share a few moments with him. I will certainly miss Father Loughran and offer my condolences to all of his family and friends.

Mark Medina

Secaucus, NJ

I remember when I first met Father Loughran at New Employees Orientation in September. He was a great man and very personable. He made me feel at ease during the orientation and also crossing Kennedy Boulevard with him when I would go to lunch. He looked back and I was right behind him and he smiled and said hi to me without hesitation. I am going to miss seeing him on campus.

May Father James Loughran live in our hearts forever.  

Telephone ServiceS/Operators at SPC

Jersey City, NJ

We were blessed to have known and worked with Father Loughran. We were really blessed. Rest in Peace.

Renee Rothbard Mackey

I will always remember Father Loughran as my favorite philosophy professor at Fordham, the Dean of Fordham College and a mentor to me at a formative time in my life. I will always remember his humor and the way he teased me mercilessly! He and I are in a photo together in the 1978 Fordham yearbook. He lived in my dormitory and his door was always open to me. Sometimes I would come in and find him laying on his back on the floor. He said this helped with back pain. Rather than send me away he would invite me in and talk to me from the floor! He even attended my wedding. He was the most accessible and "regular" priest I ever knew. As a woman studying Philosophy in what was an all-man's world, that meant the world to me and always will.  

Renee Rothbard Mackey
Fordham College, Class of 1980

Craig W. Pilant, PhD

New Rochelle, NY

I remember Fr. Loughran running up to Keating Hall early one morning while he was Acting as Academic Dean. There had been some sort of power failure on campus, and it was occuring early as classes were beginning. He was a startling sight: usually you would see him on campus in his clerical blacks, or at least with some sport shirt and black trousers. But this morning, he had been roused early before he got dressed for the day, and appeared at the doors of Keating in jeans and a white t-shirt. It was a startling sight, but one which reminded me that some of the Jesuit administrators were more concerned with the students and campus than about themselves and how they appeared.

I always appreciated his kindness and his generosity. He was a gentleman and a great embodiment of what being a Jesuit was about. More especially, he was a good and beloved human being. What more could one aspire to in this life?

Rest in Peace and in Eternal Light...        

Consuelo A. Lorenzo

Jersey City, NJ

My deep condolences to Father's family, the Jesuit Community and to his family at Saint Peter's College. I will surely miss his smiles and humor. At least now we have a representative to pray for us in heaven.

Edna Carolina Zalenski, '00

Bayonne, NJ

I will remember Fr. Loughran crossing the boulevard wearing his hat and saying hello to everybody.

Katherine M. Restaino, Ph.D.

Teaneck, NJ

I am sad for the College and the Jesuit Community of Saint Peter's. I especially remember Fr. Loughran's early letters to the College community when he reflected on the direction of Saint Peter's in passages filled with spirituality. Those letters were beautifully written, and when he stopped sending them, I told him that I missed them. 

Robb and Beth Santos, '91

Fr. Loughran truly touched our hearts. His personal and warm greetings at the many gatherings that we attended embodied CURA PERSONALIS. May he rest in peace.

Eleanor McKee Fujita

To the family of Father Loughran,

I served in the Admissions Office for Fordham College from 1972 to 1977 often working with Father Loughran on admissions folders. He welcomed me even though I was very new to Fordham, the Bronx and even the NYC area. I have good memories of his wide smile and quick wit. Then when I worked at the community college in Jersey City many years later, he treated me to lunch in his office as only he could -- coming in with a hat looking more like one for fishing than for a college president. I was very saddened to learn of his death and offer condolences to his family.

James F Donohue, '65

Father Jim Loughran had a deep and abiding love for St Peters College and respect for its traditions as well as everyone associated with the college. He also was deeply committed to excellence with a vision of not only sustaining the magnificent teaching, community service, and scholarship at St Peters,but enhancing these activities as SPC grows. Father Loughran was an outstanding academic leader,dedicated to the students and faculty of St Peters. But,most importantly,he was a warm and caring friend who was loved by all of us and will be greatly missed.

Richard Yanikoski, ACCU President

Washington, DC

Father Loughran's passing is a great loss to Saint Peter's College and to all of Catholic higher education. His leadership of four Catholic institutions of higher learning and his dedicated service as a philosopher-teacher earned him a respect which makes his death all the more painful. We at the Association of Catholic Colleges and University will miss him! We offer our condolences, prayers, and best wishes to the entire Saint Peter's College community during this period of sadness and transition.

Joel Cavicchia

Washington, DC

My deepest sympathy to Father Loughran's family.  I have known Father Loughran since I was a Fordham freshman in 1970.  I will always remember him for his wit, compassion and intelligence.

Daniel F. Curtin

Washington, DC

When Mount Saint Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland was searching for an Interim President, a number of candidates were considered. It fell to the Chair of the Board, Dick Ridgway and myself as Vice Chair to finalize the selection of Father Loughran as our Interim President. We could not have made a better selection because he immediately gained the respect and admiration of the trustees, alumni, faculty, seminarians and students. His clear vision and calm style of leadership brought a period of calm to a troubled campus and allowed the Mount to plan for a future leader. Father Jim was truly a gifted priest, educator and friend to Catholic higher education. May God be good to his soul.

Daniel F. Curtin C'64
Mount Saint Mary's University

Aimel Rios, '06

Elizabeth, NJ

Dear friends of Saint Peter's College, I mourn with you the passing of our President, Father Loughran and pray so his soul is closest to God everyday. I feel honored to have been part of the last graduating class he presided over.

Let us continue making Saint Peter's College great as the highest tribute to him.