Sister Loretta Agnes
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Sister Loretta Agnes Weingart served the Sisters of Charity at St. Joseph's Hospital for decades. The Sisters of Charity were founded by Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in the spirit of Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint Louise de Marillac in Emmitsburg, Maryland, in 1809. In 1859, Mary Xavier Mehegan, a Sister of Charity of New York, at the request of the Bishop of Newark, founded the New Jersey Community known as Sisters of Charity and moved the Motherhouse to Convent Station. Seven years later the Sisters sponsored the opening of St. Joseph's Hospital in Paterson.
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St. Vincent de Paul
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Sister Anne Jean Regan, who came to St. Joseph’s in 1936, was also a giant who shaped St. Joseph's over her 37 year tenure. She became a beloved figure in the Paterson community. She was followed by Sister Jane Frances Brady who oversaw modern development St. Joseph’s starting in the early 1970s. Sister Jane also remains an icon in the State of New Jersey as a passionate advocate for the needs of the sick and the poor. The Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth remain focused on the heart of their calling: service and advocacy through their work
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Sister Loretta first worked under Sister Anne Jean and then Sister Jane Francis at St. Joseph's. Over that time period she nurtured a special relationship with the Paterson Fire Department and became a Guardian Angel for any ill or injured firefighter. She had kept vigil in the ER, ICU or floor for any injured or ill firefighter or their family.
In 1968 she received the high honor with a badge signifying her as an Honorary Battalion Chief (the first in the history of the Department): see presentation of the badge by Assistant Chief Joseph Dayspring below. Thereafter, many firefighters referred to her as "Chief" Sister Loretta.
Sister wearing her badge
Assistant Chief Dayspring and Sister Loretta
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Chief Dayspring and Sister Jane Francis (who became Administrator for St Joseph's Hospital)
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Bishop Casey
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FMBA President Fred Ricciardi
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1968: Paterson Fire Department Communion Breakfast at Tree Tavern. Sitting L-R Commissioner Edwin Englehardt, Bishop Casey, Sister Loretta Agnes (wearing her badge), and PFD Chaplain Doyle. Standing L-R are Fred Ricciardi (FMBA President), Ken Hayden (Fire & Police Commission Secretary), Mayor Pat Kramer, Assistant Chief Gerard Dugan and Assistant Chief Joseph Dayspring.
Dayspring Collection
May 25, 1969: Memorial Service at Post Office Plaza attended by Honorary Chief Sister Loretta
May 27 Paterson News
May 25, 1970: Memorial Service at Post Office attended by Sister Loretta
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
May 25, 1971: 9:00 PM From the Journal of Ambulance 94. To check on operations, Sister Loretta Agnes, accompanied by Assistant Chief Dayspring (Director of the Ambulance) visited the Riverside Firehouse to observe operations of the newly opened unit.
1981: Sister Loretta sent a card to Assistant Chief Joseph Dayspring upon his retirement: Note that she addresses the Chief (her very close friend) in an unlike-nun way as "OF" (old -F___) And she signs the letter using the nickname that the Chief often called her - "Holly Bones"
Dayspring Collection
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The Sister Loretta Christmas Dinner
The Christmas Dinner was started sometime in the 90’s while Sister was still alive by BC Glen Vetrano (who was also the Union President at the time), with chef Robert Santee and Chief James Pasquariello. The tradition began as a way of thanking Sister Loretta, for her many years providing caring and spiritual support to injured/ill Paterson firefighters at St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Initially she and a few of the clergy were invited to Fire Headquarters at 850 Madison Avenue for a very informal Holiday lunch/dinner. The event continued each year, and became a tradition with more and more clergy being invited & attending.
Initially she and a few of the clergy were invited to Fire Headquarters at 850 Madison Avenue for a very informal Holiday lunch/dinner. The event continued each year, and became a tradition with more and more clergy being invited & attending.
December 1995
December 23, 1995 Herald Courtesy Dennis Morrison
F/F Robert Santee and Tim O'Keefe
1998 December party.. Sister Loretta is 2nd from left. From 1999 Ball Book
December 1999 Party - from 2000 Ball Book
December 2000: Captain (Chef) Glen Vetrano with FFs. Frank Crampton Jr, Jim Hughes, Charlie Mignone, Mike Gallo and Pail Veltre
2000: Sister, Father John Piccione, Chief Pasquariello & Sister Loretta
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200 Party at Madison Avenue FH
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December 18, 2001
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December 18 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
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It got to the point that Madison Avenue was no longer big enough to host the event. Consequently, the dinner was moved to St. Bonaventure’s Church Hall for a few years. Once Headquarters was relocated to 300 McBride Avenue, we moved the event back to the firehouse.
Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
After her passing in 2002, the department has organized an annual commemorative Christmas dinner for the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth and clergy at held Fire Headquarters. When Sister Loretta passed away in 2002 the Paterson Fire Department, Trommelen said, provided "casket watch" for her, a tradition normally reserved for firefighters.
Dayspring Collection
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Dayspring Collection
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March 27, 2002: Letter from retired Assistant Chief Joseph Dayspring to the then President of the FMBA re Sister Loretta which discuses the Eulogy the Chief delivered at Sister's funeral as well as the special relationship he had with Sister.
Dayspring Collection
Dayspring Collection
Additional writings by Assistant Chief Joseph Dayspring re Sister Loretta Agnes,
AKA "Holy Bones"
AKA "Holy Bones"
Dayspring Collection
The Christmas Tree Incident - - Dayspring Collection
December 92002: Annual dinner continued in honor of Sister Loretta
De ember 10 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 9, 2003: Annual Dinner
December 12 Herald courtesy Dennis Morrison
December 16, 2016 Christmas Celebration Dinner
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December 5, 2017 Christmas Dinner: over 80 persons attend. Event organizer was Captain Michael Trommelen with FF Ralph Veltre assisted by Capt. Joseph Statuto, Captain Jason Macones, & FF Michael Gallo.
Mass Card from Sisters of Charity to Paterson Firefighters
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Prayer with Sisters of Charity St Vincent de Paul Insignia
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Honorary Deputy Chief Helmet for PFD Chaplain Father Ryan, Sister Loretta Agnes photo, Mass Card presented to PFD
Photo Presentation to Chief Postorino. DC Hancock at left and DC McDermott at right rear
Sisters presenting photo of Sister Loretta to Chief Postorino. DC Hancock to the left and DC McDermott (white shirt) at right rear
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Chief Postorino showing the photo. AT left BC Onorato, DC Hancock and Captain Trommelen.
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PFOA President BC Charles Onorato presenting “Honorary Deputy Chief” Helmet to PFD Chaplain Fr. Patrick Ryan
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DC Kevin Hancock, Captain Mike Trommelen, Father Ryan, BC Charles Onorato, Chief Michael Postorino
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PFA President Behnke, Captain Michael Trommelen, BC, PFOA President Charles Onorato, Chief Postorino, DC Brian McDermott, DC Kevin Hancock
Event Organizer Captain Michael Trommelen, Captain Joseph Statuto (Chef ), FF Michael Gallo (Chef)
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At right parents of Capt. Mike are Trommelen who each year prepare many of the deserts
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New recruits serving dinner
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New recruits serving dinner
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Supper
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Supper
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FF Frank Lozado serving the soda
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Spring 2018: New Dimensions Newsletter (of the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth)
Presentation to Chief Michael Postorino (future Chief Brian McDermott along wall)
December 4, 2018: Event organizer was Captain Michael Trommelen
Captain Trommelin, DC Hancock, Mayor Sayegh, Bishop Serratelli, Chief McDermott
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Special thanks to Head Chefs (L-R) Capt. Jason Macones, FF Ralph Veltre, Capt. Mike Gallo, Capt. Joseph Statuto
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Members of Headquarters, Tour 2, along with other PFA & PFOA volunteers,
Captain Beth Melhorn Fournier, with PFD family & friends
