“Faith is the strength by which a shattered world
shall emerge into the light.”
Helen Keller (1880–1968)

Knights of Columbus Msgr. Henry O’ Carroll Council 444 hosted its annual Columbus Day Ball, Oct. 11. More than 150 guests filled the house with KOC members, dignitaries, clergy, family and friends who gathered at La Casa Vicina, to celebrate Deacon Thomas L. Neppl, Knight of the Year, and The Haight Family, Family of the year.

Deacon Neppl is a Fourth-degree Knight of Columbus, having received the honors of First Degree in 2011, the Second Degree in 2013, and the Third Degree in 2013. He now serves as the Lecturer in the Knights of Columbus Council 444.

He is also a Vietnam Era veteran, and “activated in 1990 and served seven and one-half months in combat in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia with the 318th Theater Army Movement Control Agency. We are most gracious for his unwavering service to our country.

For 23 years, Deacon Neppl taught the difficult subject of Social Studies to bilingual Hispanic students at Newburgh Free Academy. He also served as an Assistant Principal for Summer School from 2000 to his retirement in 2009.

Tom’s journey to be ordained a permanent deacon in 2010, in the Archdiocese of New York, began ten years before with the formation program. Sacred Heart Church was honored to have Deacon Neppl assigned to their parish until 2016, when he was transferred to St. Patrick-St. Mary parish.

Married for 52 years, Tom and Maureen enjoyed the evening surrounded by loved ones and friends.

The Haight Family is humbled to be chosen Family of the Year, and it is with heartfelt gratitude to the Knights of Columbus for this distinguished honor. Deacon Peter and Louise have always prayed together and have embraced their Catholic faith with continual love and prayers throughout their adult lives affecting their own children and grandchildren.

Newburgh residents all their lives, Deacon Peter and Louise were married in St. Mary’s Church by Monsignor Edmund P. Burke. In their 61 years of marriage, they were blessed with six loving children and seven grandchildren.

Deacon Peter graduated from Marist College, and taught for a total of 33 years, including 32 years at South Junior High School and Newburgh Free Academy. Louise graduated from Mount Saint Mary College and taught second grade at Gardnertown Elementary School, but gave up her teaching career to be a loving, stay-at-home mom.

Actively involved in the community his whole life, Deacon Peter earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1956, and has been a member of Scouting America for over 78 years. He joined the Knights of Columbus over 28 years ago, and has been a Sir Knight for 25 years. After a calling from God over 46 years ago, Peter was ordained a permanent Deacon in 1980. He has been the Catholic fire chaplain for over 25 years, for multiple local fire departments. Louise recently celebrated 30 years, as an active member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Patricia 195, and has proudly written for a family-friendly newspaper, The Mid Hudson Times, as a weekly columnist for decades, showcasing the good that people do in our community, highlighting God’s gifts and graces.

Domingo “DJ Ming” Ampil kept the dance floor hopping throughout the evening, as young and old alike danced to myriad favorites, some even clutching canes. The photo booth was a fun addition with the props and accessories, making delightful memories. Monsignor Peter Tran Van Phat joyfully sang grace and blessed the food before all enjoyed a delicious meal. Multiple dignitaries and clergyman shared in the Columbus Day Ball.

Knights of Columbus Directors, William F. Kuntz Jr. and Grand Knight, Frank Gerbes, ensured the night’s festivities ran smoothly and did a great job as emcee, host, and organizer, and we thank them for their tireless dedication, and for being a beacon of God’s shining light.

May you always have an angel at your side.