An Old Military Academy on Long Island

Thanks for the article,I attended LSMA all four year and graduated in 76,Although La Salle was not the only influence in my life,it was certainly that one that made me the man I am today.I moved to Texas after graduation and do not get back much,so its nice to relive some fond memories.Thanks
Mike Mannion 76
Go Long Horn’s

My uncle Brother Brendan (James Lannnon) was a Christian Brother at the academy in Oakdale for many years. He was principal in the early 1940’s as I remember seeing copies of the year books when I was growing up in the 50’s in Co Kilkenny in Ireland the birthplace of Brother Brendan who was born in 1895. I would like to hear from someone who remembers him at the academy. I remember my father receiving a letter in the 1950’s advising that he had died.

1980 .. graduation year, maybe one of the best years of my life. It is a shame it does not exit anymore, because
I have always brag about *LA SALLE M.A.* and I will always do. HELLO TO ALL MY CLASSMATES, AND I’AM SURE THAT I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU ALL.

Sad a treasure such as LSMA was closed in 2001.
A friend of mine gave me the bad news.

I left LA SALLE in 1985 but I keep with me all those memories of good friends,Brothers, and…food (not so good,but I wouldn’t mind to eat there again) play a little ”pac man” in the Boat House…etc… too bad all of us who attended LSMA no matter when.. never knew the situation of the school in order to do something for it.
The system of education we had…(Knowledge,discipline,order,spirituality,friendship) is already extinct….

God Bless you all…..

I worked at the LaSalle International Study Center
on weekends from 1980 to 1983.
I also lived there full-time from 1983 to 1989.
I’d love to know more about the students from the
International Study Center (La Salle Hall) …that’s the building next to the Library someone was wondering about.

I submitted details of my uncle Brother Brendan, who was on the staff in the 1940’s, on the 11th July 2010 and was surprised not to have received any information. Surely there is a De La Salle house in the US where I could get some information.

Pierce Lennon
8 Dunmore Park
Kilkenny
Eire

To the Class of 1961 as you are about to celebrate your Fifty year aniversary. And to my class mates, (class of ’51)as we celebrate our Sixty Year anniversary:

May God Bless all of you and keep you safe.

And as I said before, THE BEST IS YET TO COME !

Tom Powers,
LSMA, “51

LaSalle was a great time in my life 1967-1971. The life learning experiences made for myself and my classmates a stronghold that can never be matched. The Class of 71′ was the largest class to graduate and still holds the Spirit of Corps that will live with us forever.
God Bless.
Joe Gathard 71′

I attended LaSalle Military Academy for two years, freshman and sophomore years, 1976 to 1978. Many fond memories as well, member of the Drum and Bugle Corp.

After reading all the comments posted on this web site my thought was what a tribute to a remarkable place for adolescent school boys. The magic of LSMA is rooted in what most people said in their comments. It was a place that encouraged friendship, team work and spirituality. It was a time to explore ones gifts and talents.
The Brothers that I had the privilege to live in community at LSMA were caring men that helped adolescent boys mature into extraordinary men. The best way to describe LSMA is that it was an “experience” so that words cannot fully capture LSMA.
There is no perfect or utopian place on earth but LSMA made an attempt to help adolescent school boys dream about what the future might be like for them and search for it.
God bless all our LSMA graduates. Despite the fact that LSMA does not exist please remember you are not forgotten because you live in our La Sallian family. May Jesus live in your heart and the hearts of your family.
Brother Joseph Brienza,FSC
1974-to-1984

LSMA is ones of the oldest academies; it used to provide the best training to the aspirates. Although it does not exists today but has been renowned for its spiritual and faithful training offered here. Rigorous fitness activities helped youths to get best training. People, looking for more information on military schools for teenagers can visit this site.

I attended L.S.M.A. from 1979 to 1982, It was the best education I received, apart from the memories I took with me. I was really sad that such a fine institution as La Salle Military Academy had to close. All the experiences I had at LSMA have served me up to this day.

I graduated from LSMA in June 1973. I miss many of the friends I had there during my four year. The brothers were and continue to be an inspiration to me as an adult. No matter how bad we were….no matter how many mistakes a teenage boy made, each and every brother told us they loved us, and by example demonstrated the essence of christian belief…forgivness and love. For that I will never forget them..or La Salle Military Academy.

Mike Lonergan

Excuse a stupid question: was LSMA “just” a high school?
I know of one cadet who was 20 years old when he graduated in the 1930s. He apparently graduated with a commission as a second lieutenant…

Thanks for any information on this point

My Father attended La Salle I think he went there from 46 to 52. His name is Walter Edward Boylan, he was from Queens, NY., his father was also named Walter. If there is anyone out there that may have known him, please send me an email. He is still alive and lives in Florida. He does not use computers and leads a pretty sheltered existance. I live in South Carolina. He talked fondly of going to school there, of course the Brothers and Sisters were tough. I think he may have played basketball, he did some art work too. Wish I had a pic to post. He does have some of his year books but his graduation picture has been destroyed. Thanks for your time. God Bless all of you.

i was on canpus 80s it was a wonderful time, and great´s experience thanks for all that i got.

I graduated from LSMA in 86 and can only say that it was a tremendous place to come of age. The campus was magnificent , the spirituality of the experience was life changing , I cannot say how truely sad I am that I cannot offer this to my children. Only those that were there can appreciate what I say.

To- Peirce Lennon I remember Brother Brendan, as he was superintendent of La Salle, at the time I was there (1939-1943). I remember that he dispenced our report cards every week in class. It was good incentive to strive harder., He, though cheerful, was a no- nonsense kind of guy.He did a good job and he loved his vittles

It brings back great memories of glorious and exciting days
Regards, Bill Schreiber ’43
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regard

To Natlalie Gawdiak Your question about a direct commission in U.S. army from La Salle is true providing, you completed 4 yrs. at La Salle, and in your junior year you spent 6 wks at the National Guard camp at Plattsburg, NY for advanced training, After 1942, this commissioning was stopped, and instead you were allowed to go to Officers Candidate School in order to obtain a commission. P,S. very few were able to pass. In my opinion, it was because they were too young and inexperienced Bill Schreiber ’43

I graduated from LSMA in 1968. I have always had fond memories of my years there. I can’t remember what I did last year but I could give a good accounting of my years at LaSalle.

Ny father, Francis Joseph Guarino attended LaSalle 1944-1947. I have 1944-1947 year books, Lasalle hat and many pictures. Is there a place to share these?

Graduated in ’81, the best decision my parents made was sending me there. It was so sad when I found out it had closed, I so wanted to send my sons there to experience what I did.

after all these years i never thought that me and my best friend terry conti (77) last week would be speeding past la salle on the great s bay on my friends spssd boat wow ..yes i hang out in oakdale 2-3 times a week Its almost like i never left but that was thirty years ago The brooklyn boys hated long island (oakdale)but i was in the middle (plandome)so i got the best of both worlds joseph m fraumeni

I worked at LaSalle for several years with one of my best friends, Tom Anderson back in the early 80’s. We worked in the kitchen and served the cadets. Being teens ourselves, we often wondered what it would be like to attend LaSalle as students due to the quality of the education and the high expectations established by the brothers. We often talk about our memories of that job – especially the fun we had working for a very unique man named Bob Conners who ran the food service. – Mike Allers

As I was browsing the computer seeing the effects of Hurricane Sandy on Long Island I came across Oakdale and that made me think of LSMA, which led me to this article. My thoughts on this school mirror the myriad of comments offered by those above. I attended LSMA between 1983-1986 after the local school that I was attending in Staten Island told my parents that I was not going to graduate from that school.The school was both great and difficult. I remember vividly the sacrifices my parents made to send me there, the separation anxiety and the financial toll, this school was not inexpensive.
As one of the comments said you came across all types of people from all walks of life at LaSalle. There were those from the inner city, like one of my first roommates who came from the South Bronx and there were those who came from modest backgrounds from manhattan to the end of the island and there were those from the international community who came here from Latin American countries. However, all of these different people had to come together and live under one creed and one regiment.
While there were bullies and students who when given a little bit of power abused it, the majority were well intended and tried to help others succeed. While there were lay teachers that you wondered if the school even checked to see if they were licensed, the majority of them knew how to engage the students and teach the material, and while there were brothers who seemed to be frustrated with the position in life that they had, the majority of brothers were kind men who truly cared for the cadets, (Brothers Luke, Francis, Robert).
These senior students, faculty, prefects, and the administration and staff made an experience that was truly unforgettable and difficult to explain in words. I believe it was the fact that we all came together and had to live together for five out of seven nights made us share many different experiences that you would not experience in any other regular school. If you had difficulty in dealing with one person you had better figure out a way to deal with that person because while the campus was huge you surely could not hide from any person or situation.
LSMA definitely can be called the formative years. You had to learn how to deal with the senior students who ran the military, somewhat like an older brother telling you what to do. You had to deal with the rigors of academics and the afterschool activities and you had to deal with the brothers who acted as surrogate parents to all of the cadets.
In looking back I clearly remember going thru difficult times at LSMA, perhaps because I was a difficult student to begin with, however I remember those years very fondly now and truly appreciate the education I was provided both academically and socially.
St. Joseph De La Salle – Pray for us ; Live Jesus in our hearts – Forever.

Just saw the coment from Jeffrey Lane, trying ti get in touch with you for some time now, reply to my e mail

looking for jeffrey lane to remenber good times at the international studies center, and at lsma reply gtudelach@yahoo.com

LaSalle will continue to exist as long as there is at least one remaining cadet with memories of that very unique experience. I wish all the members of the Long Grey Line and especially my ’67 classmates, all the best.

I graduated from LSMA in 1967. I echo the comments above in that on subsequent visits to LSMA, the lax ad degradation of attention to traditions, formalities, ceremonies, were shocking and collectively caused the ultimate collapse of the Academy as we once knew it. I have continue in the service of this great country as a volunteer Honor Guard Unit Our web address is http://www.usvny.com

I will always remember the days at LSMA. My best wishes to all.

Sincerely,

Howard Jackson, Class of 1967

LSMA was one of the most exciting experiences of my life… my friends, my teachers I miss you all… Don Irving was the first classmate contacted some years ago and late on some more friends contacted… Jose Guillermo Lewis, Celso and Carlos Carbonell, Manuel Ferrer, V. Lombardo… still searching… God Bless all of you! Andres

I spent 5 summers as a camper and 3 as a Canoeing Counselor at Camp La Salle – what fun times! I was sad to hear that the Academy closed but it’s good that St John’s University took it over. The area is absolutely beautiful and I’m sure that it’s being well cared for.
Thanks to Peggy, who managed the day to day operations at the Camp, for hiring me in 1989 – I haven’t had as much fun on the job since then! May the memories of “The Color Wars” live on!!

The finest years of my life. Thanks to LSMA for the experience, the friendships and the good sound catholic education. Too bad that LSMA is no longer around for my son to experience. It was truly a great institution.
Adam ’82

LSMA’s experience has made me the person I am today. Where a handshake means your word and friendship. I only wish there were more unique places like
LaSalle to bring back the values and respect that is sorely needed in our society today. Thanks Brothers and LaSalle for the solid grounding you gave us to succeed.
Tom ’75

On this mother’s day 2013, I like to thank my hard working-single mother, who came here to America (I believe it was late 40’s early 50’s) on a boat from China, for the wonderful education I received at LaSalle Military Academy.

Sometime after WWII her father came to America on a boat. He opened a restaurant in the Bronx made some money to bring my mother to America. (1952 to 1996)

My older brother Dewey (’70) and younger brother Derwin (’75) also attended LSMA because of moms hard work and desire for her children to succeed with the finest education. (Coming from China how did she know about LSMA?)

Because of her I served with the finest police department in the world – the NYPD. Derwin served as a Pilot in the finest military in the world – the USMC and Dewey attended the finest military academy in the world – the US Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Oh, and not to forget my sister Delilah who, if she could, would have attended LSMA, however she is married to the finest man – the Police Chief of West Springfield, MA.

Thanks mom for the education and everything else. Enjoy your painting, relaxing and happy lifestyle in sunny Ocala, Florida. I LOVE YOU

A very nice article. it was a very sad day 11 years ago when I had first heard the news that LaSalle had closed its doors forever. The place (my home for 4 years 79′ – 83′) 100th Graduating class of 83′, gave me a foundation of education, street smarts, strength, loyalty, determination, perseverance, spirit, and ethics that has to this day allowed for me to move almost impossible mountains of improbable challenges. I have had to cope with and overcome obstacles recently that I probably would not have had even the most remote chance of overcoming, had I not attended this prestigious and magnificent institution. It allowed me to become a man very early in life, leave home take roots in Miami (play football for the NCAA National Championship football Miami Hurricanes) become an entrepenure at a very young age. It allowed me to navigate all the successes and failures (turn the Lemons into Lemonade) so that those same failures became success stories. I was just a humble student in the early 80’s but with the guidance of my teachers, prefects, classmates at LSMA I am a much richer humble alumni (riches not in wealth but in character) Thank you LSMA

La Salle lives in our hearts forever for that’s where it has always lived. Unfortunately sometimes it takes a tragic event like the closing of the school to see the real beauty in it. Having walked the Senior Steps and tossed my cap I joined a group I am proud to call my brothers, and based on the comments they are equally proud. La Salle was a magic place.

Thanks for the article and trip down memory lane. I attended La Salle M.A. 1983-85. I came from El Salvador, thanks to my loving parents sacrifice in between a civil-war torn country, I escaped the majority of the communist backed war and received the finest education possible, I have many thanks to the La Salle Bros for the experience and solid education that has helped me survive such trying times until today. I feel nostalgic and sorry that one of the finest institutions in the planet will be dearly missed by future generations. La Salle proudly lives in my heart and soul forever, marked by wonderful experiences and learnings that have been character builders in my life and helped me face adverse challenges and conquer them. Thank you LSMA. God bless the La Salle Christian Bros.

what else can i say other than what was already written? after a recent visit to la salle after my 40th reunion, i have decided that when the time comes, i want my ashes spread on the parade field overlooking company street , st joes, and the mansion. this is where my heart is, this is where i belong. forever……..

I attended La Salle for 1 year, 78-79, and although brief
Being a cadet at LSMA was the best year of all my years in primary education.

LSMA was more than a school, it was a proving ground. I mean this in the most fundamental way. It was a place where students were not only educated, they were challenged; challenged to rise above; challenged to be a better human being; challenged to be a better citizen (no matter what country they came from); challenged to succeed.

If I ever win the lottery and I can swing it I would buy back La Salle and return it too its former glory and status as a school where challenge lives.

I graduated in 84 are there any of my class mates out there?
It was great remembering, thanks to everyone who posted.
I remember the secretary used to get us all excited she was beautiful
does anyone remember her?
Also brother Francis Brancato was mean as hell but for good reasons
I heard he eventually left the brotherhood and got married.

My email is ScrappyJoe123@aol.com

I went to summer camp at Lasalle. Does anyone know what happened to brother Cormac. I kept in touch with him for years after I moved away but dropped my communication. I loved this camp, I have moved away but every time I am home one of the places I like to go see is LSMA.

I was part of the Class of 1983, The Centennial Class of LSMA…I was counting on another 100 years to go, but I guess not….I thank my Parents for giving me that opportunity to go to LSMA, because all my best friends and Brothers I found there. I am so sad I could not send my 2 boys to have such a wonderful experience…My last comment is to stay in touch, for we have cultivated a valuable friendship through a great Institution…Long Live LSMA in our hearts…God Bless You all….

I taught at lsma 90 – 96. Any students or other teachers remembremember the epic basketball games at the field house? Or clamming in the bay after school? Some good memories

To William B Schreiber ’43
Apologies, I missed your reply last year and very much appreciate you getting back to me. I am delighted at making contact with someone who knew Brother Brendan in the US. I am starting to do the family tree and seeking as much information as possible on Brother Brendan and another brother and sister who emigrated to America in the early part of the 20th century. I am going to New York for a 2 week vacation on the 3rd September and will be visiting the old Academy in Oakdale, Long Island when I am there.
Many thanks again for making contact and if there is any more information you may have whether you consider it insignificant or otherwise I would be delighted to hear from you.

Regards

Pierce

pierce_lennon@hotmail.co.uk

To Catherine Szabo
Hi Catherine I just came across your posting dated 1/12/12. I am most interested in the fact that you have year books for the period 1944 – 1947 as my uncle Brother Brendan (James Lannon) was a member of the staff in the Academy during that period and may have held a prominent position. I am researching the family tree and know that Brother Brendan arrived in Ellis Island from Queenstown in Ireland on the 2/10/1914 at the age of 18 as a member of the De La Salle Christian Brothers.

Regards

Pierce Lennon
Kilkenny
Ireland
pierce_lennon@hotmail.co.uk

Absolutely the best years of my life. The bonds of friendship that I have with some of my La Salle brothers will last forever !!!!

Graduated LSMA in 1960. the first year was very hard for me.By the second year it got a little easier.The problem was me not the school.I tried to do things my way and not the LSMA way so I was making it tough on my self. Once I learned to do things the LSMA way my problems went away. Yes I was picked on by the upper classmen but I learned how to deal with it mostley through sports.I have found memories of the campus the nights we went down to the beaches and had our beer parties. Oh come on admit it you guys did it to.We did alot of things we weren’t supposed to. to Yes together we had a great time and we grew up With a foundation that can’t be matched. Thanks to all of you for growing up with me.Well ihave to go now It’s my turn to guard that stupid tree.

Hi to those that remember me.That sure was a great time back then.I’m still in Liberty,NY 12754 Cell 914-799-0245 Call if you’d like to reminisce or come up if you want to play some golf. Class of 72 you rocked. PS just became a Grandpa!!!

My Dad was All American in football in the late 30’s
He played with Charlie Trippi at LaSalle . Hall of fame running back out of U Georgia .
He roomed with the future Pres, of Nicaragua Samosa

Nice pictures, thank you! I wonder where all my classmates are? I seem to be the only one of us who found this page…