Monthly Archives: December 2020

Honoring alumni veterans

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Wreaths across America at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in 2019.

Today would normally be when the chapter would join in Wreaths across America, annual wreath-laying ceremonies honoring deceased U.S. veterans at more than 2,000 locations across the country. Pandemic regulations have prevented such gatherings and have restricted access to national and other cemeteries.

The Boston College Veterans Alumni Network presented a video this morning in which several alumni chapters recognized, in brief pre-recorded talks, individual alumni veterans buried or interred at national cemeteries in their areas. San Diego Chapter Leader Lissa Tsu ’00 represented our chapter in the video. You can view it here. It’s an 18-minute video, and Lissa appears at the 14:15 mark . . . in case you want to fast forward.

Lissa talked about John C. Kelleher ’58, MBA’65, who served in the Navy and whose ashes are interred in the columbarium at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on Point Loma.

A native of Hingham, Mass., John Christopher “Jack” Kelleher graduated from BC in 1958. In 1960, he joined the Navy and was commissioned through Officer Candidate School. During service off Vietnam, as a Lieutenant Junior Grade, he was Executive Officer of USS Whitfield County (LST-1169). He also served on the USS Oriskany (CV-34).

His most distinctive tour of duty was as 51st Commanding Officer of the USS Constitution (“Old Ironsides”) 1963-65, during its refurbishment in dry dock in Boston. He used that opportunity also to marry Dianna in 1964 and obtain an MBA degree from BC in 1965. Following naval service, he returned to Massachusetts and worked as sales director at several technology companies. He later retired to Brewster, Mass., and spent summers there and winters with his family in San Diego. He died August 5, 2018.

Here is a gallery of photos of LT Kelleher, during his Navy service and with some of his family, provided by his son, John J. Kelleher. It includes photos from his wedding, welcoming his parents aboard USS Constitution, and with his son and grandsons.

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery permitted wreath-laying ceremonies on a small-group, appointment basis last Thursday. Lissa and the group was able to lay a wreath near the location of the ashes of Mr. Kelleher and his wife.

San Diego Eagles first participated in Wreaths across America in 2019 and, with the expectation that pandemic restrictions will no longer be in place next December, the Chapter intends to be active in person in 2021. Two other Boston College alumni are buried or interred at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery and five alumni veterans are buried/interred at Miramar National Cemetery.

Grosel gutsy in loss

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Dennis Grosel about to heave one. BC photo

With starting BC quarterback Phil Jurkovec injured and on the sidelines, backup junior QB Dennis Grosel “let if fly” against Virginia yesterday, tying another former BC backup for most yards passing in a single game. Grosel and Doug Flutie stand atop the BC record book with 520 yards passing.

Oddly, perhaps, BC lost both games in which its quarterbacks threw for 500+ yards. Yesterday, the Eagles fell to Virginia in the regular season finale, 43-32. Flutie’s effort came against Penn State in 1982 as the Nittany Lions crushed BC, 52-17.

Both teams yesterday put up gaudy offensive numbers or perhaps lousy defensive ones. Virginia outgained the Eagles 549-513 in total offense. BC had fewer yards total than passing, as the team lost seven yards more than it gained on the ground. Virginia was certainly more balanced, running for 262 yards and passing for 287.

After a UVa field goal started the scoring in the first quarter, BC took the lead when Grosel threw a 45-yard touchdown pass to Zay Flowers. A Virginia touchdown and field goal and a BC field goal brought the somewhat quiet first half to an end at UVa 14, BC 10.

The Cavaliers dominated the third quarter, possessing the ball for more than four-and-a-half minutes longer than the Eagles and outscoring them 10-0. Virginia opened the final quarter with a touchdown to expand its lead to 36-17. The teams traded touchdowns to bring the score to 43-25 and, with Grosel passing on every down, the Eagles scored again to make the final score 43-32. A BC penalty on the ensuing onside kick gave the ball to Virginia to run out the clock.

Grosel was 32 of 46 passing for 520 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. His longest pass was for 50 yards, but he also threw passes for 45- and 36-yard gains. Several were to Flowers, who had 8 receptions for 180 yards and 2 touchdowns. Tight end Hunter Long also had 8 receptions, for 109 yards and a touchdown.

BC gave up the most points it had all season in the game and the second highest number of yards. 

This was BC’s first loss ever to Virginia. Its record had been 6-0 all-time until yesterday.

Here are game highlights.

The Eagles finish the regular season 6-5, 5-5 in conference play. Participation in a post-season bowl game is uncertain. While BC reached the normal 6-victory requirement, that has been waived this season. Many bowl games, however, have been canceled, so it is unclear how many teams will have a post-season opportunity.