Mike & Joyce Ward
Mike and Joyce Ward embody the very spirit of dedication, vision, and generosity. In 2005, they took a
bold step by founding Ward Electric Company - starting in the humble confines of a spare bedroom with
just three field employees. Mike, with his leadership and expertise, served as the company’s General
Foreman, while Joyce, took on the roles of President, Bookkeeper, and Financial Secretary.
Through their steadfast commitment, they grew Ward Electric from those early beginnings to an
enterprise that today employs over 360 field workers, operating out of a 30,000+ square-foot facility in
Longmont. This remarkable growth is a testament not only to their hard work but to their shared vision.
Joyce Ward, the beloved matriarch of the family, passed away on February 29, 2020. She left behind a
legacy rooted in faith, family, love, and service to others - values that both she and Mike instilled in their
children and that continues to resonate within the broader community. Her spirit of compassion and
generosity still serves as a guiding light for all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Mike spent countless hours at Holy Family helping with anything and everything that the school needed.
His hard work can still be seen to this day. In particular, Mike’s efforts are a major reason we have
batting cages on our baseball field and that our stadium has lights.
Mike and Joyce made a commitment to Catholic education for their children and in turn, their children
have made the same commitment to Catholic education and Holy Family High School, with 10 of their
grandchildren having attended Holy Family High School and more on the way.
Mike and Joyce’s commitment to the school’s mission and their desire to uplift our community has
never wavered. Their support has been instrumental in our success. Their contributions, both to the
school and to the wider community, serve as an inspiration to us all.

Archbishop Chaput
As Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Denver from 1997 to 2011, Archbishop Chaput played a pivotal role
in shaping the future of our school. His leadership and vision were instrumental in Holy Family’s
transition from our long-standing Utica Street location in north Denver to our beautiful home in
Broomfield. Building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Cardinal Francis Stafford, who initiated the move,
Archbishop Chaput took decisive action to ensure its success. Through his tireless efforts, he not only
secured a major gift but also a matching gift, allowing us to significantly reduce the debt incurred by the
new construction. His unwavering commitment to Catholic education and Holy Family’s mission made
this crucial step in our school's history possible. Known for his collaborative leadership across the 
Archdiocese and the nation, Archbishop Chaput exemplified hands-on dedication. He was never one to shy 
away from a challenge and was always willing to engage deeply with the issues facing the Church and 
the broader community.

John Vess
For 22 years, John Vess was an integral part of our Science Department, and a beloved teacher who left
a lasting impact on our community. In addition to his teaching duties, John served as the school’s
Activities Director, attending all dances and several extracurricular events.
John’s dedication to his students went far beyond the classroom. He had a unique ability to inspire
curiosity and foster a love of learning, while his generous spirit and positive attitude made him a favorite
among the student body. His students adored him, and it was clear that he genuinely cared for each one
of them. In addition to his teaching, John was a talented photographer, capturing countless cherished moments
throughout the years—especially during Holy Family’s transition to the Broomfield campus. His
photography helped preserve key moments in our school’s history, allowing us to look back with pride.
John’s presence at Holy Family made a significant impact on everyone he encountered. His kindness,
wisdom, and unwavering support were felt by all, and his contributions to our community are something
we will always treasure.

Pete Sabell '45
Pete has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Catholic education, with Holy Family High School
holding a special place in his heart across generations. His dedication to this community is deeply rooted
in his family. Pete ensured that all three of his children - Paula, Class of 1971, Pete Jr., Class of 1973, and
Mike, Class of 1979 - received the same solid Catholic education he did at Holy Family. His legacy
continued with his granddaughters, Jennifer, Class of 1997, and Nina, Class of 2000, proudly following in
his footsteps. And the tradition lives on. Pete’s great-granddaughter, Ava, Class of 2028., 
and great-grandson, Mark, Class of 2032, follow in their family’s footsteps. Pete’s commitment to 
Holy Family High School extends far beyond his family ties. He has been an active and engaged member of our 
school community throughout the years, participating in countless initiatives and events. His support has 
helped shape the foundation of our school, making it a nurturing environment where faith and education come together.

1976 Boys Basketball Team
In 1976, this extraordinary group of athletes achieved a historic milestone by bringing home Holy
Family’s first state championship in the public schools league, following the dissolution of the parochial
league in 1968. This legendary team was composed of John Gabriel, Matt Golesh, Mike Kohn, Joe McEahren, John
Owens, Mike Volz, John Dowd, Mark Frazzini, Sam Roskopf, John Golesh, Shawn Haggerty, Tim Volz, and
Coach Jim Ernst. Together, they exemplified the spirit of teamwork, perseverance, and dedication,
setting a standard of excellence for future generations. From our earliest days, Holy Family has thrived 
through the sacrifices and efforts of countlessindividuals, and the success of this celebrated basketball 
team is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work and commitment.

Peggy Greaney
Peggy was among the most dedicated teachers Holy Family High School students have ever known. 
Her accomplishments were many and varied. She has a generous heart and a positive attitude. 
She gave entirely and selflessly. She mentored numerous young men and women in the Holy Family 
community. Peggy taught Science, Biology, AP Biology, Anatomy & Physiology in her 26 years at 
Holy Family. She was also the moderator of the National Honor Society. Even after long days of 
teaching, Peggy could often be found in the stands cheering on the Tigers at athletic events. 
She dedicated a large portion of her life to educating the youth of Colorado. 

1947 Football Team
This incredible undefeated team outscored their opponents 113-7 on the season. 
In fact, the only points they surrendered came in the State Title game, where 
the Tigers defeated Pueblo Catholic 27-7. Led by co-captains, Frederick Sabell 
and John “Muzzy” Vecchiarelli, this team was about far more than just winning the 
state title, they gained lessons in faith, character, discipline, accountability, 
and teamwork. They pushed their boundaries and fueled the spirit and community of 
Holy Family High School.

P.A.C.E. Committee
The Archdiocese of Denver formed a High School Planning taskforce in 1988, which after 
months of research, recommended that Holy Family High School be moved to a new larger 
facility in the Northwest Metro Denver area. When Sister Mary Rose Lieb was hired as 
Principal in 1990. The process of scoping out a new home began, and many committees formed. 
None more impactful than the  “Parents Advocating Catholic Education” Committee. In 1994, 
P.A.C.E. contracted with Meitler Consultants to survey, gather demographic data, and prepare 
detailed enrollment projections. After obtaining their 501 (c) (3) status, PACE Committee members 
could collect vital seed money and work with the Archdiocese on the move. In many ways, parent 
involvement has always been Holy Family’s most significant asset. Members of the PACE committee 
were the spark. They were skillfully and authentically dedicated to our students and the success 
of Holy Family High School. They took smart risks, engaged in extensive conversations about our 
challenges, and explored initiatives that changed the path for our great school.

Cardinal Francis Stafford
Cardinal Stafford was the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Denver from 1986-1996 and was crucial 
in Holy Family’s move from our Utica Street location in north Denver to our beautiful home in Broomfield. 
As Archbishop of Denver, Cardinal Stafford hosted Pope John Paul II for World Youth Day in 1993.On the 
heels of the Pope’s visit, the Archdiocese of Denver formulated and executed the “Hearts on Fire” capital 
campaign to raise money to carry forward the work St. John Paul II. Several leading Denver philanthropists 
insisted that a portion of the funds would be designated to support Denver Catholic schools. This was the 
beginning of the Seeds of Hope endowment, which carries on to this day and benefits Holy Family students. 
We are grateful and forever indebted to Cardinal Stafford for all he has contributed to Holy Family.

Sister Mary Rose Lieb, OSF
Little did Holy Family know that the hiring of Sister Mary Rose Lieb as Principal in 1990 would forever
change the footprint of the school. She was quick to realize that Holy Family’s survival was based on
growth, and the school wasn’t going to grow in a landlocked location on Utica Street in North Denver.
Her dream became a reality in 1998 as construction began on the new Holy Family High School campus
in Broomfield. In her years as principal, she double enrollment, established the endowment fund and, of
course, led the monumental move to our Broomfield campus. Sister Mary Rose was eventually called away 
from Holy Family in 2008 to answer a leadership role in herCongregation. It didn’t take her long to get 
back into education as she became the principal at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Grade School in Denver in 2012.
Sister Mary Rose provided tremendous leadership, vision and dedication to our community and Catholic
education. Her strength, wisdom, and humor helped Holy Family through a challenging transition.
We are eternally grateful God graced us with Sister Mary Rose.

Steve Blair
Steve began influencing lives in the Holy Family community as an assistant girls basketball coach in 1982
and was hired as a full-time faculty member in 1986. During his time at Holy Family, Steve has done it all.
He has taught every course in Social Studies and has also coached boys and girls basketball, football, track, 
and boys and girls cross country. Steve is remembered by years of graduates for his famous KAIROS talk called,
Obstacles to God's Friendship. The talk was a powerful plea to the students, asking them to examine the masks they all wear
and to be more vulnerable to each other. It is a powerful reminder of Christ’s command to Love each
other AS WE ARE! Steve was born and raised in Wheat Ridge and starred as a student-athlete at Wheat Ridge High School
& led the Farmers to the state football championship during his senior year and was named to the All-
State team as a center. He received his degree in Education from the University of Northern Colorado
and later earned a degree in Counseling to connect more deeply and to help his students beyond the
classroom. He used his education to follow his father’s footsteps and became a social studies teacher. Steve was
known for constantly seeking positivity and often believing in people, even when they didn’t believe in
themselves. His wisdom and constant support greatly impacted countless lives in our community.

1945 Boys Golf Team
The Holy Family athletic program has a proud, winning tradition dating back decades, and our teams
compete consistently for conference and state titles. This culture of state titles started in 1945 when the
Boys Golf team, led by team captain Vincent Fiorella, brought home our first-ever parochial league state
title. From our earliest roots, we have known success and growth only through the combined sacrifices of the
many hardworking people, like the young men on this celebrated golf team. However, athletics at Holy
Family is about far more than winning, our athletes gain lessons in faith, character, discipline,
accountability, and teamwork. They push their personal boundaries and fuel the spirit and community of
Holy Family High School. Our athletic program wouldn’t be what it is today without the accomplishments 
of the 1945 boys golf team.

Eloise & Henry Pohs
Henry and Eloise Pohs were life-long supporters of Holy Family High School and Catholic education.
Volunteering at Holy Family during school functions kept them both busy. Henry loved announcing at
football and basketball games. He was also known for painting the banners that hung in our gymnasium
at the former Utica Street home and also crafted the Staff of Knowledge that is carried by Holy Family
faculty during graduation ceremonies. Eloise enjoyed selling game tickets and helping at the concessions 
stand during sporting events and spent countless hours volunteering. “Giving back” to 
Holy Family High School was always a part of their lives.

Frank Evans
Frank Evans was one of the most dedicated teachers Catholic high school students, in the Archdiocese of
Denver, have ever known. His accomplishments were many and varied. He was dedicated to helping youth, 
and proud of his years of service in the U.S. Navy. He enlisted during the Korean War. After completing 
his four years he went on to graduate from THE Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism and 
eventually headed west to California. With the help of his high school friend and former Pittsburgh Steelers 
and NFL Hall of Fame head coach, Chuck Noll, Frank landed his first teaching & coaching position at 
St. Anthony’s High School in Long Beach. Frank and his wife, Dorcas, soon moved to Denver where he began 
teaching English and Journalism and coaching in the Archdiocese of Denver - including his first stint at 
Holy Family from 1975-1979. Eventually he returned to the Navy after a Direct Commission as a Lieutenant 
in Public Affairs. The Navy was a second family for him, and he ended his career with a total of 28 years, 
retiring after serving on General Norman Schwarzkopf’s staff as a speech writer during the first Gulf War. 
In 1993, he returned to Holy Family until 2005 when he retired. Frank, who was known as Commander, was a 
man who held many job titles over his lifetime. He was a husband, father, grandfather, sailor, public affairs officer, 
public relations and marketing director, teacher, and a coach. To each of these titles he was devoted and focused.
Frank Evans was a man who dedicated his life to youth and his country. He had a generous heart and a
positive attitude. He gave entirely and selflessly .He mentored numerous young men and women in the
Holy Family community during his career. We are forever grateful that Frank Evans was a part of our
school’s rich history.

Sisters of Loretto
Reverend Cornelius O’Farrell, the pastor of Holy Family parish from 1919 to 1923, began building a
school on the south side of the church that the Sisters of Loretto opened in Sept. 1920.
The basement auditorium of the fast-growing school was partitioned in 1922 to create a 9th grade
classroom. 30 students enrolled, starting what has become Holy Family High School.
The five Sisters of Loretto who arrived in north Denver and started the school in 1920 probably did not
envision more than one hundred and fifty Sisters of Loretto following them to teach in the grade and
high schools. From our earliest roots, we have known success and growth only through the combined 
sacrifices of the many hardworking people, united by our belief in the value of Catholic education.
We wouldn’t be here today without the work of the Sisters of Loretto.

Bob & Jean Gryzmala
Make no mistake, we wouldn’t be the school we are today without the support of Bob & Jean Gryzmala.
Bob served on the Board of Trustees and was instrumental in the planning and construction of Holy
Family’s Broomfield campus – and also led the fundraising efforts for it. It’s safe to say, their tireless
dedication made certain Holy Family continued to thrive in Broomfield. Matthew 6:3-4 tells us 
“when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your 
giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Bob and Jean are humble and often inconspicuous as they support Holy Family as well as numerous
other charitable organizations. We are forever thankful and appreciative of Bob and Jean Gryzmala.

Sister Aline Dalton
She was a Sister to be reckoned with and was a positive figure of faith at Holy Family. Sister Aline Dalton
knew how to balance a spirit of support and authority, and always sought to do what was best for our
students and their families. As a Sister of Loretto, she was committed to improving the conditions of 
those who suffer from injustice, oppression, and deprivation of dignity. Through the scholarship fund 
she started in 1995, she showed a form of mercy that has remained at the heart of the Holy Family community.

Margie ’50 & John ’49 Conway
John and Margie have been life-long supporters of Holy Family High School and Catholic education.
During their high school years at Holy Family, they fell in love and were married at Holy Family Church.
Their dedication and support of Holy Family continued throughout their marriage. Being near to their
church and the school was very important to them, so when it was time to build their home, they made
sure they were within walking distance. They sent all six of their children to Holy Family grade and high
schools. Volunteering for Holy Family church and school functions kept them both busy. John loved announcing
at football, basketball, and volleyball games. Margie enjoyed selling game tickets and helping at the
concessions stand, and also volunteered in the school cafeteria. John was on the committee that organized 
the annual Sister Aline Dalton golf tournament and also helped to form the Holy Family High School Alumni Association.
“Giving back” to Holy Family High School was always part of their lives.

Father Marty Lally '68
Father Lally from the Class of 1968 is a second-generation Holy Family graduate. His parents both
graduated from Holy Family Grade School and Holy Family High School.
He attended the University of Northern Colorado before entering St. Thomas Seminary in Denver and
was ordained a priest in 1978.Father Lally was an assistant pastor and pastor at several metro area parishes 
and spent over 8 years as the pastor of Holy Family Parish. Father Lally has said that his vocation was born at 
Holy Family High School and he has been actively involved in our school community for decades.

Patty ’70 & Mike ’70 Gabriel
Patty and Mike, both from the Class of 1970, demonstrated their passion for Holy Family High School
through their time, talent, and treasure. They have been faithful stewards of Holy Family and have
dedicated their lives as alumni, parents, administrators, and grandparents.
We are extremely grateful for and forever indebted to the Gabriel’s for all they have contributed to Holy
Family over the years. Their name has become synonymous with Holy Family High School.
Patty did just about everything at Holy Family. Although her title was Director of Alumni Relations, she
was truly a motherly figure at the school. She is now watching over us from heaven and is dearly missed.
Mike served twice as interim principal, was the Dean of Students, Athletic Director, a teacher, Football
Coach, Baseball Coach, Wrestling Coach and even served one year as the Cheerleading Coach.