"Helping America's Future, One Student at a Time"

Our monthly meeting will be on Tuesday, September 7th at 7:00 pm


OUR BOARD

Our monthly meeting will be on Tuesday, September 7th at 7:00 pm

Paterson Police Department Mourns Sudden Loss of Captain John Phelan


The Paterson Police Department is in mourning following the sudden death of longtime Captain John Phelan.


Phelan, 58, died Sunday morning after medical complications while at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Paterson.


John was a long time member of the Do Good Student Support Group.


"Captain John Phelan left an indelible mark that will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of the department and community," a statement read.


A second generation Paterson police officer, Phelan followed his father, the late Lieutenant Jack Phelan, on the job and also served alongside his loving wife, Paterson Police Deputy Chief Lourdes (Mercado) Phelan for 15 years.

 

"Captain John Phelan was known for his vast knowledge, and equal desire to share that with everyone throughout the department, regardless of rank. John was equally known as a humble, dedicated, community oriented, public servant, who was always genuinely kind to everyone he met," the statement continued. "One of John’s many gifts was his openness and ability to help and communicate with people, one he would routinely utilize to help enhance public safety.


“We grew up together and our fathers served together on the department, this is the only job we ever thought of doing," Captain Patrick Murray of the Paterson Police Special Investigations Division stated. "John touched more people than any of us will ever know and I am proud to call him my friend.”


Captain John Phelan, a 911 responder, began his career as a Paterson Police Officer in June, 1984 and served as a Sergeant, and Lieutenant before being promoted to Captain of the Paterson Police Patrol Division. Throughout his career Phelan was assigned to the Narcotics Division, Detective Bureau, Patrol Division, in each, the statement read, he "made an amazing mark and outstanding contributions to his respective assignments."


There will be a department funeral with honors and the arrangements are being made at this time and will be released.



John Tahmoosh

President


In Memoriam: Louis J. Amendola


Louis J. Amendola, 87. of Totowa, NJ passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2020. He was born in Paterson, NJ and lived in Haledon, NJ before moving to Totowa in 2002. He was a self employed paving contractor. He served in the United States Army. He was a member of the Franklin Pleasure Club, The Italian Circle and the Do Good House. He was an avid golfer and card player and he enjoyed going to the Atlantic City Casinos, The Meadowlands and Monmouth Park.  Beloved husband of 60 years to Rosemarie Amendola (nee Nicoline). Devoted son of the late Angela (nee Romanelli) and Joseph Amendola. Loving father of Gina Stanziale and her husband David and the late Louis J. Amendola, Jr. and his wife Valerie. Cherished grandfather of Louis J. Amendola III, Lindsay Amendola, Christopher Stanziale, Michael Stanziale and Nicholas Stanziale. Funeral from DeLuccia-Lozito Funeral Home, 265 Belmont Avenue, Haledon, NJ on Saturday at 8:30 AM. Funeral Liturgy at St. James of the Marches R.C. Church, Totowa, NJ at 9:30 AM. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa, NJ. Visiting on Friday from 2-6 PM. Everyone visiting is required to wear a mask and please keep your visit to a minimum and please adhere to all social distancing guidelines.


John Tahmoosh

President


In Memoriam: Vincent "The Shoemaker" Barbuto


Vincent Barbuto, 80, of North Haledon, NJ passed away on Thursday, December 24, 2020. He was the owner of Parker Shoe Repair in Paterson for 65 years. He was a member of the Wayne Elks Lodge No. 2181 and was also a member of the Do-Good House in Totowa, NJ. He cherished his family and his friends. He was an avid lottery player, loved to shoot dice in Atlantic City and going out to dinner. He enjoyed the last 25 years of his life with his soulmate, Kathy Payne. Devoted father of Terri Barbuto and her companion Alan. Dear brother of the late Tony Barbuto, Cicci Barbuto and Rose Perrotta. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Visiting at DeLuccia-Lozito Funeral Home, 265 Belmont Avenue, Haledon, NJ on Tuesday from 5-8 PM. Funeral Mass and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Do-Good House Student Support Group, 195 Union Boulevard, Totowa, NJ 07512. 


John Tahmoosh

President


In Memoriam: Robert E. Gut


Robert ”Bob” Eugene Gut ,age 88, passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on December 14, 2020.


Bob was born in 1932 to Antonina and Frank Gut in Passaic, NJ. He grew up in Garfield when the family purchased a home on Hudson St. Bob attended Pope Pius XII High School in Passaic where he was a member of the football, basketball and baseball team earning varsity letters all four years and All State honors as well as being captain of each sport. When he was 16, he met the love of his life Florence Serafin at CYO dance. They were married in 1955, and enjoyed a wonderful 65 year marriage. He affectionately called her Flocha and his “Baba” and their love story flourished for all to admire.


Upon graduation from high school, Bob accepted a full football scholarship to the University of Virginia, where he played offensive center and defensive linebacker. He was a sixty minute man playing both sides and was a part of a defense that in 1952 was number one in the nation. Upon graduation, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and went to Germany to fulfill his ROTC commitment. His wife joined him in 1955 and there their daughter Karen was born. In 1960 they moved to the “country” from Garfield to Wayne and were founding members of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church.


Bob was known for always being on the go with his cherished wife Florence. Be it Aruba, Europe, cruising, a Giant's game, an athletic dinner or LBI summer vacations. They especially loved their weekly trips to Atlantic City where a one night stay would often become three.


 In 1956, Bob returned from Germany and began his professional career teaching physical education, science and driver's education in the Paterson School System at School 21, Central and John F. Kennedy High School until his retirement in 2007. . While teaching at Kennedy, he became the head coach of football, golf, track and tennis. In 1974 his JFK football team had its first undefeated season, going 9-0 and participated in the first state playoffs.


 In 1979, Bob became the Athletic Director at Kennedy High, which under his leadership in the 1980s and 90s, became known as ``Championship High.'' The Boys Basketball team won four County titles in a row, and a sectional title; the Girls team won five straight county titles and the Tournament of Champions. Championships, League and Sectional titles were also won by the Track, Cross Country, Soccer, Baseball and Football teams. As Athletic Director, Mr. Gut has organized the annual John F. Kennedy All Sports Awards Dinner, and he was involved in the creation of the Central-Kennedy Athletic Hall of Fame


In 2000, Bob was named a Passaic County ``Player of the Century'' by the Bergen Record and the Herald News. Coach and athletic director Paul Kelly called Bob, ``the greatest athlete he ever coached--bar none,''


 Bob's professionalism has extended beyond Passaic County. He served for 20 years on the Advisory Board and Eligibility Committee of the NJSIAA governing body and was the chairperson of the Eligibility Committee for 10 years. He served 28 years as the Chairperson of Bowling in the Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League. He has long been a high school referee and umpire and served as President of the Tri-County Basketball Officials Association. He also volunteered his time for Passaic County Coaches Association, the Old Timers Association of Greater Paterson, and The Do-Good House.


He received numerous recognition throughout his career including being inducted into the Hall of Fame of Old Timers Athletic Association, Central-Kennedy and the Director of Athletics NJ.


Sportsmanship has always been his first priority for his players, coaches, and the fans. Bob was proudest of ``Sportsmanship Awards,'' and the NNJIL Sportsmanship banners that Kennedy High continuously won while he was Athletic Director. He felt sports developed strong moral and ethical standards. His coaching peers across the state nicknamed him ``The Monsignor.''


Whether you knew him as Dad, Pop, Uncle, teacher, coach or monsignor, he will be remembered for his great love of family and his strong moral presence. He was loved by many and respected by all.


Bob was the beloved husband of the late Florence Gut(2020), loving father of Karen Giblin, and her husband Jim of Wayne. He is the cherished grandfather of James Giblin and his wife Victoria of Colonia and Kristen Giblin of Verona NJ. He leaves great grandchildren Charlotte and James. He is predeceased by siblings Nellie Hetel(2016), Stanley Gut(1979) and Eugene Gut (1976).

 

Friends may visit with the family on Friday, December 18, 2020 from 4-8 PM at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne. A 11:30 AM Funeral Service will be held Saturday, December 19, 2020 at Our Lady of the Valley RC Church in Wayne NJ


Memorial donations to the Do-Good House 195 Union Boulevard, Totowa NJ would be greatly appreciated.


John Tahmoosh

President

OUR BOARD

Each member of The Do-Good board works hard to make sure that our organization is reaching it's full potential. If you get to know any one of these individuals, you will find that they have strong morals that align perfectly with the values upheld by The Do-Good House.

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