A decade ago, the world was shaken by the tragic events of Sept. 11, and a surge of shock and sadness flooded the hearts of those near and far, including our University community.
Michael Costello ’96, Timothy Finnerty ’90, Charles Heeran ’00, Timothy Hughes ’80 and William Kelly ’93, as well as 32 others who were related to students and graduates, were taken from us that day. Their names are forever enshrined on a plaque in the Madonna della Strada Chapel.
While we still mourn their deaths, we pause now – 10 years later – in remembrance, celebrating their lives.
Michael Costello
For Nancy Costello, Michael’s mother, Sept. 11 is a day for both mourning and joy. In a strange twist of fate, Dan Keenan ’95 – Michael’s good friend and roommate for seven years after college – and his wife, Jessica, gave birth to twin boys on Sept. 11, 2008. The boys were named Daniel, after Dan’s father, and Michael, after Nancy’s son. “This has truly been a blessing for our families, as has been the love and support given to us by all of Mike’s friends that he made while at the University,” says Nancy. The Michael S. Costello ’96 Memorial Scholarship, dedicated in his memory, continues his legacy at Scranton.
Timothy Finnerty
In the fall/winter 2001 issue of The Scranton Journal, Timothy’s father, Peter, remembered his son as an “extraordinary child,” who left a lasting impression on all those who knew him. The former Scranton basketball player, who helped the Royals advance to the Division III Championship in 1988, always had a passion for the hardwood, coaching at all levels, from youth church teams to the college ranks. The Timothy J. Finnerty ’90 Memorial Scholarship at the University was created in his memory.
Charles Heeran
Ten years after his brother’s passing, Sean Heeran remembers how determined, hardworking and outgoing his sibling was. A natural extrovert, Charles loved to get together with friends and family. Always a gentle, happy, fun-loving guy, Charles’ persistence and tenacity made him a success at everything he put his heart into, whether it was the University’s rugby club or trading on Wall Street.
Timothy Hughes
James Hughes ’79, Timothy’s brother, can hardly believe that 10 years have passed since Sept. 11, 2001. “I still miss him a great deal,” he says. “It was a tragic end for a wonderful guy with a beautiful spirit.” James’ daughter, Alexandra Hughes, carried on the Hughes’ family tradition, graduating from Scranton in 2010.
William Kelly
Bill’s family and friends continue to celebrate his life through the Bill Kelly Jr. Memorial Tournament, an annual golf event benefiting the William Hill Kelly, Jr. Endowed Scholarship at the University. “He was just such a kind and generous soul,” recalls Mimi Donegan, Bill’s sister. “This tournament really helps us all heal in a lot of ways. It has turned into a celebration of Bill’s life, and there are so many incredible people who come back year after year to help us celebrate.”
