We remember the faculty and staff of St. Xavier High School who contributed to our education and formation as Men for Others. May they rest in peace.

TOM BALLABAN

Thomas N. Ballaban beloved husband of Claire Ballaban (Hennekes) of 62 years died peacefully in his sleep Christmas morning 12-25-14. Loving father of Patti Klotz, Sue (Jerry) Cash, Karen Ballaban, Sandy (Rick) Mueller, Lorie (Tom) MacDonald & Nicole (John) Prather. Pops of Thomas (Cindy) & Julia Klotz, Matthew & Sarah Cash, AJ (Ryan), Maggie & Kate Mueller, Brian (Jess), Patrick & Will MacDonald, Nicholas, Luke & Claire Prather. Great grandfather of Isabelle, Reagan & Dylan Klotz and Skylar Mueller. Brother of Pete (Ann) & Matt (Mary) Ballaban. Brother-in- law of Janet (Charles) Ellis & Ed (Margy) Hennekes. BAL will be greatly missed by the entire St. Xavier High School and Xavier University communities.

In addition to 45 years at St. Xavier and head football coach for the Bombers from 1953 to 1977, he was a standout athlete at Xavier University, which reports that Bal, as we all fondly remember him, was one of the unsung heroes on the Xavier front line when the Musketeers won the 1950 Salad Bowl, the forerunner of today’s Fiesta Bowl.

Bal was a fiery 6-foot, 200-pound offensive guard from Donora, Pennsylvania and had an outstanding high school career before enlisting into the Army, where he continued to play football. While in the Army, he was named Army All-America and All-Pennsylvania.

Bal was a three-year starter on the offensive line and was an instrumental force on the Salad Bowl team that finished 10-1. Xavier posted victories over Dayton, Miami of Ohio, Cincinnati and Arizona State (33-12 in Salad Bowl on New Year’s Day, 1950) that year.

During that 1949 season, he established himself as one of the premier offensive linemen in the area. At the conclusion of the season, he was named to the All-Ohio Team and was named 1950 Honorable Mention All-Ohio.

PAUL LAMMERMEIER

Paul lives on through the legacy of the work of the Paul Lammermeir Foundation, https://www.lammermeier.org/,  which provides housing  in Lima, Peru, to children without parental support centered on family and the Jesuit values of education and service to others. The foundation fulfills this work by operating three homes in Lima. Below is an excerpt from Paul’s obituary. It is hard for me to add to this tribute to his life and his life’s work.

PAUL J. LAMMERMEIER August 21, 1939 – August 17, 2022 On August 17, 2022 in Lima, Peru, Paul “Pablo” Lammermeier slipped quietly away to God and the eternal bliss of that warm embrace. And as St. Augustine noted, “Our loved ones only go from us to God….and God is very near.” Paul was born in suburban Cleveland, Ohio, August 21, 1939. Paul’s working class parents, Howard and Lucille, decided early on that Paul and his two younger brothers, Jim and Ken, would benefit from a Catholic education. So, at significant financial sacrifice, the three brothers attended St. Francis Xavier Parochial School and later, St. Ignatius High School. Paul blossomed both academically and spiritually at St. Ignatius. Upon graduation in 1957, Paul entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). As a Jesuit scholastic, he returned to St. Ignatius from 1964-1967, teaching History and Latin and serving as Assistant Athletic Director and as Prefect at the morning Liturgies. On weekends, he ran the local Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) basketball league. During his ten years in the Jesuits, Paul received an excellent education in Philosophy and the Humanities. He received an AB degree from Loyola University (Chicago) in 1963 and an MA in 1968, majoring in History. More importantly, he embraced Ignatian spirituality, seeing God in every person and every thing – and made this central to his life.

In 1968, Paul made a major life change and withdrew from the Jesuits. During his years teaching at St. Ignatius High School, Paul had found his true calling as a teacher. To further prepare, he returned to school, entering a doctoral program at Kent State University, where he majored in American History with an emphasis on African American History. Those years were integral to the formation of Paul’s social consciousness as he studied the American Black experience and that of other minorities within American society. In the spring of 1974, St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, Ohio hired Paul to teach and formally establish its Community Service Program. Over the next fourteen years, Paul dedicated his life to instilling in his students the attitudes consistent with Jesuit philosophy and service to the needy in one’s community. This service included assistance to the terminally ill, tutoring disadvantaged youth, a Junior Big Brothers Program, canned food drives, etc. During his final year at St. Xavier, over five hundred students, just under 50%, participated in the Community Service Program. The program continues to thrive and has become a hallmark of the school on a national basis, even though Paul has been away from the school for almost thirty-five years.

In 1983, Paul made the first of several mission trips to Peru, each trip longer than the last. After a six-month visit teaching, learning the language, and working with the poor, Paul felt a calling to be a missionary in Peru. Five years later, in 1988, Paul sold his house and belongings, left everything that he loved and put himself in the hands of the Lord. Paul was hired to teach English and History and begin a small community service program at Colegio San Francisco Javier, a Jesuit high school in the Brena neighborhood of Peru’s capital, Lima. Through Paul’s community service work, he came to know many homeless Peruvian boys.

In 1992, he took one and later a second teenage boy into his small, 400 square foot apartment. With his meager teacher’s salary of $250. per month and unsolicited financial assistance from a handful of friends in the States, Paul was able to provide the essentials for these two boys: Edgar and Donato. Yet, Paul sensed that God was calling him to do more. On a trip back to the United States, Paul told some of his former St. Xavier students and friends of a home he envisioned for homeless boys. A dozen of these friends formed a non-profit organization with the sole purpose of providing funds for Paul’s efforts. Thus, the Paul Lammermeier Foundation (PLF) was created in 1995. PLF board members administer the foundation and the raising of its funds. By April 1997, the foundation, with the financial support of hundreds whom Paul had met while living in Cincinnati and Cleveland, had raised enough money to purchase Casa Javier (Xavier House) in Breña, a working class neighborhood in Lima. Casa Javier serves up to eight boys — all studying, all from desperate circumstances in the provinces of Peru and all provided an opportunity to further their education in a family environment. At that time Fr. Robert J. Welsh, President of St. Ignatius H.S., noted: “Clearly, the Lord has done something wonderful with Paul Lammermeier. He must have a knowledge of Christ that has transformed him into a man who is forgetful of himself and consistently alert to the needs of others – especially those in grave need.”

A few years later, the Paul and the foundation opened a second home for boys, Casa Ignacio (Ignatius House), and in 2011, Paul and the foundation opened Casa Teresa (named in honor of Mother Teresa) for girls. Paul always saw himself continuing in this project as long as God gave him the strength to do so, and presumably he still will. In early August 2022, Diego Vilela, Director of Casa Javier and longtime friend and companion to Paul commented: “Being a saint is not being extraordinary or performing miracles; it is simply being a reflection of a human Jesus on a daily basis. Transmit light and hope to other lives. I believe that Pablo is that for each one of us…”

Paul is survived by his brothers, Jim and Ken, his dear aunt, Sister Madeline Lammermeier, numerous cousins, and his wider family, including the dozens of boys and girls he raised in Lima (many now with their own children and some Paul’s Godchildren), board and staff of the Paul Lammermeier Foundation in Cincinnati and Asociacion Casa Javier in Lima, and hundreds of friends, colleagues and benefactors worldwide.

PAUL ZOOK

ZOOK, PAUL R. St. Xavier ’57 born July 22, 1939 passed away peacefully at home at age 86 on November 9, 2025. Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marianne (nee Fellinger), survived by his children, Sarah Koetting (Steve), Paul (Michelle), and Annie Lawrence (Patrick). He was the doting grandfather of Noah, Dalton Lawrence ’29, and Joey. Paul was a proud graduate of St. Xavier High School (class of 1957), and of Xavier and Loyola universities. He went on to a successful career at St. Xavier HS as a teacher, coach, and eventually Director of Development. He will be remembered for his integrity, humor, and ability to build lasting friendships. But Paul is most known for his love and devotion to his family, especially his wife, Marianne, and truly lived his life as a “Man for Others”, in the Ignatian principle of “ad mojorem Dei glorium”- for the greater glory of God. As a good friend said, “Your dad’s spirit was larger than life, and now it’s released into the heavens”. He will be deeply missed and remembered by the countless lives he touched.

DENNIS AHERN

AHERN, DENNIS ’56 (FORMER ST. XAVIER FACULTY/STAFF) – “‘Rev. Dennis P Ahern, S.J., was born in Cincinnati on October 14, 1938, to Jean and Paul and siblings Patricia, Kathleen Marcum, Ann Baird, Neal, and Mark ’73. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1957 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1970. In Cincinnati, he ministered at St. Xavier High School, Xavier University, St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, and Community of Hope parish. He also served at Loyola University Chicago. He died on June 13 at the Colombiere Jesuit community, Clarkston, Michigan.

REV. JOSEPH BRENNAN

REV. JOSEPH T., S.J., age 79, October 17, 2015 in Clarkston, Michigan. A Jesuit for over 58 years, Father Brennan spent the majority of his career in Chicago and Cincinnati. Dear brother of Thomas P. Brennan (Gale Dreas-Brennan). Cousin of Patti Tobin and Sr. Sarah Brennan, RSCJ.

JAMES CAHILL

CAHILL, JAMES F. “JIM” (’64, Former St. Xavier Fac/Staff), 66, beloved husband of Dianne (Gray) Cahill, died peacefully on Monday, May 6th, 2013. Loving father of Therese (St. Xavier Fac/Staff) (Philip) Bower, Jim (’92) (Beth) Cahill and Laura Cahill. Proud grandfather of Will, Charlie, P.J. and Nora Bower and Aidan and Colin Cahill. Jim is survived by his dear brother Tom (’56) (Claire) Cahill as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews (Brian T. Cahill (’83), Daniel J. Cahill (’85), Kevin J. Cahill (’97), Sean P. Cahill (’89 and St Xavier Fac/Staff), Timothy J. Cahill (’90)) and dear friends. A graduate of St. Xavier High School and Xavier University, Jim recently retired from teaching English Literature and Shakespeare after 43 years at St. Xavier High School.

DONALD DILG

DILG, Donald Michael “Dilger”, beloved husband of Sharon M. Dilg (nee Schmolt), loving father of Shari L. Dilg, loving step-father of Stephanie M. (Jack) Volker and Emily N. (Mark) Bayer, cherished grandfather of Madeline Volker, Logan Bayer, Ava Volker, Evelyn Bayer and baby-to-be Volker. Retired Teacher and Coach from St Xavier HS, LaSalle HS and Fenwick HS. Died, Friday, September 12, 2008, in his 70th year.

KARL HAUCK

HAUCK, KARL L. (FORMER SAINT XAVIER FACULTY/STAFF) (PARENT OF ALUMNUS) (GRANDPARENT) – Karl B., aged 87 of Cincinnati, passed away peacefully on Wednesday April 6, 2022. Karl was a 1952 Graduate of Roger Bacon High School, after which he served honorably in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Stoddard In the Korean War. Upon returning to Cincinnati, Karl earned the first of multiple degrees from Xavier University and embarked upon his lifelong devotion of educating young minds, first at his Alma Mater, and then for the next 38 years as a mainstay with the Social Studies department at St. Xavier High School. The streets of Cincinnati and multiple other locations are filled with men whose minds were molded by Karl’s gifts. Karl lived life to its fullest, dabbling with fervor at painting, carpentry, wine-making (all with minimal success) but also with his true passions: WWII history, travel, and his family. He took special pride in his 18 grandchildren and traveled far and wide to attend their games, performances and academic endeavors. Karl’s second ‘career’ was centered around volunteerism, both as the founding Archivist at St X, as well as a 20 year volunteer at Matthew 25 Ministries, packing boxes and dispensing advice to the younger generation. Karl was preceded in death by his parents Bernard Hauck and Florence (Bothe) Hauck, his brothers Roger and Dick, and the love of his life and soulmate, his wife of 50 years, Patricia (Williams). He is survived by his children: Andrew (Stephanie Trautman) Hauck ’79, Barbara (Tom Riddle), Amy (Pam Roehling), Emily (David Yungblut) and Alex (Katie Crowley) Hauck ’91, as well as his grandchildren: Nick (Paula) Lewis ’10, Patrick, Sam Hauck ’12, Isabel (John Berdux), Cooper (Autumn), Jack Hauck ’21, Annie (Jake Spurgeon), Claire, Alex, Sophie, Charlotte, Lucy, Pete, Jack, Will, Henry, Caroline and Emma. Karl will be remembered fondly by his friends, his St X family, his Matthew 25 family, and the scores of former students his life positively influenced. Special thanks to the staff at the Lodge Rehab Center for providing him comfort in his final days.

JOHN HUSSONG

HUSSONG, JOHN FRANCIS – (PARENT OF ALUMNUS) (GRANDPARENT) (FORMER ST. XAVIER FACULTY/STAFF) – Cincinnati – John (Jock) Hussong, age 87, of Cincinnati, passed away peacefully on October 23rd, 2021 after listening to the St X football game. John is preceded in death by his dear parents, John and Freda; brother Fred, and his nephews and in-laws. Those left to celebrate John include wife Joan (nee Hoersting, married 57 years); daughter Mara (Kurt), Nick and Katie Maurer ’87, grandson Nicholas Maurer ’22; son John (Rachael) Hussong ’89 and Harrison Hussong; son Dan Hussong ’93, brother Nick Hussong, extended family Glen, Colleen, Liz, and Christina Steyer, and numerous friends and family. A special thanks to faithful friend, John Gray. Jock grew up in Dayton, Ohio during the Depression. Generations came together to live in a family home on Wyoming Avenue where he fine-tuned his imagination and good humor. He was a member of the Inland Children’s Chorus, attended St. Anthony Grade School, Chaminade High School ’52, University of Dayton ’56, University of Detroit, and Miami University. He served honorably as an officer in the U.S. Army. He taught at Chaminade High School and Miami University. He made his biggest contribution teaching 50 years at St. Xavier High School (1964-2014). For additional details about Jock’s life, go to www.springgrove.org/obituaries <https://www.springgrove.org/obituaries>. His eye for justice, sharp wit, compassion, and unending patience were loved and respected by all who knew him.

BRO. JACK MARTIN

MARTIN, JACK ’55 (FORMER ST. XAVIER FACULTY/STAFF) – Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of our brother, Br. Jack (John) Martin, S.J., who died on April 24, 2024, at Colombiere Jesuit Retirement Center. He was 87 years old. He is survived by his sibling Mary Martin. He is preceded in death by his parents Madeline and Fred Martin, his brother James Martin. Jack was born on June 30, 1937, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He entered the Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus September 11, 1955, at Milford Novitiate, Milford, Ohio. He professed final vows on August 15, 1968, at St. Xavier High School Cincinnati, Ohio. While in the Society Jack worked as a cook at the novitiate in Milford, Ohio, and West Baden College, West Baden, Indiana and at Bellarmine School of Theology, North Aurora, Illinois. He also served as the Secretary to the Assistant Principal at St. Xavier High School, Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the Manager/Director of Mary Magdalen House in Cincinnati, Ohio. Jack was a devoted Jesuit and Brother. He had a great love of the Society of Jesus and Mary Magdalen House in Cincinnati. He was caring, thoughtful and supportive to those he served and lived with in the Society of Jesus.

EDWARD MCDONNELL

MCDONNELL, EDWARD G. Cincinnati – Edward G. McDonnell, Loving husband of Huguette McDonnell (Former St X Faculty Member). Loving father and father-in-law of Matthew (Cecile) Magner ’72 and Mark (Beth) Magner ’73. Devoted grandfather of Alexandra (Robert) Buchanan, Mark (Kristin) Magner, Tony (Jillian) Magner, Matthew (Michelle) Magner, and Marie Magner. Survived by 11 great and great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Dear brother of Claudette (Charles) Harrer and Kathryn (Martin) Zizzi. Preceded in death by his parents, George and Myrl and his sister Carolyn (Robert) Brennan. Passed away suddenly on Saturday, August 3, 2019. Edward was a college counselor and teacher at St. Xavier High School for over 30 years. He loved to play and watch tennis.

RALPH PRANGER

PRANGER, RALPH (FORMER ST. XAVIER FACULTY/STAFF) – Ralph Joseph Pranger passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, just 14 days shy of his 98th birthday. He was born on January 23, 1928 in Covington, Kentucky, the son of Frank Nicholas and Mary Georgina (Harmeling) Pranger. He graduated from Covington Catholic High School and earned a B.S. in Education and an M.A. in History from the University of Dayton. He then earned an M.S. in Guidance Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh. He was a teacher at many schools in his career. He specialized in English, French, history, Latin, mathematics and science and performed various Catholic missionary work in Africa, including establishing a technical school in Malawi. He finished his career as a Guidance Counselor for 18+ years at St. Xavier High School, Cincinnati before retiring in 1994. When he wasn’t teaching, he was painting and cartooning. He was preceded in death by his wife Jeanette Carolyn Pranger (née Mudd), sister Mary Louise Pranger, brother Arthur B. Pranger (Rose), and sister Mary Joan Saalfeld (née Pranger). Cherished uncle to Gary Pranger (Mary), Patricia (née Pranger) Enzweiler (Steve), Christopher Pranger (Denise), John Pranger, Mary (née Pranger) Brown (Jim), Larry Pranger (Michelle), Donna (née Pranger) Gurren (Bob), and many other nieces and nephews.

GENE THOMAS

Thomas, Gene E. , age 77, passed Tuesday, June 14, 2011. Loving Husband of Claudette; Father of Jana Brown (Mike) Mullins, Laura (Igor) Radetic and LATE G. Mark Thomas; Grandfather of Logan Brown. Gene and his wife Claudette were in charge of computer operations at St. Xavier High School for many years.

HOWARD TOLBERT

TOLBERT, HOWARD (PARENT OF ALUMNUS) (GRANDPARENT) (FORMER ST. XAVIER FACULTY/STAFF) – Proud graduate of Norwood High School class of 1941 and Xavier University class of 1948. Answered the call and enlisted in the United States Army in December of 1941. Married June Haake, his high school sweetheart, on a weekend pass in Biloxi, Mississippi, in February of 1942. He would not see her again for four years. During these years, he would earn combat ribbons for Normandy, Ardennes and Rhineland, a bronze star, a purple heart, and witness the horror in liberating several camps. Upon returning home, he enrolled at Xavier University, where he pursued a degree in education. As a member of the football team, he would throw a touchdown pass on the first play against Miami and later lead the Muskies to a stunning upset of U.C. Four decades of teaching and coaching would follow at Purcell, St. Xavier and Colerain. Loving father of Steve ’69 (Susan Laker) (PARENTS OF ALUMNUS), Mike ’71 (Jean Tepe) (PARENTS OF ALUMNUS), Amy (Tony) Kenny (PARENTS OF ALUMNUS), cherished grandfather Colette, Steve Jr. (Stephanie) Tolbert ’09; Michael and Molly Tolbert ’12; Jennifer (Josh) Baughan and Ryan Kenny ’11, dearest great-grandfather of Andrew, Maddison, Aiden and Sam. Howard passed away on Sunday April 7, 2024 at age 101.