On Sunday, Oct. 19, 1975, Cardinal Terence Cooke blessed the people of Yonkers, N.Y., and cut the ribbon to open Fr. Finian Sullivan Tower, an assisted living community named for the late pastor of Sacred Heart Parish. It rained heavily on the day of the ceremony, but that did not deter a very large turnout, as this was the first chance for many to get their look inside at this novel development dedicated to senior living. This 150-unit building was such a success, with long waiting lists for occupancy, that it was evident more needed to be done. Its sister property, Monastery Manor, opened across the street in 1982.

While Sacred Heart Parish in Yonkers has never been directly involved in the ownership or control of “The Tower,” its parishioners have been loosely affiliated with the development since its inception. It was the brainchild of a group of parishioners in 1970, including Pastor Finian himself (at right), along with Thomas Ahearn, William Bell, Br. Richard Donaldson, B.J. Harrington, Peter Hopkins, Frank Nevin, and Richard O’Neill. It took five years to get the project through the bureaucratic hoops, but through the diligence of this original team, the residence opened its doors to local seniors who patiently watched its progress. Richard O’Neill served as its managing agent and was assisted by Jim Landy. Both of them are still involved in the organization today. Currently, Susan Corbett, Maura Burke, and Joyce Goff manage the day-to-day operations.

From the beginning, Sacred Heart parishioners have been a part of the organization’s board of directors. Traditionally, the pastor of Sacred Heart has held one seat on the board in order to maintain a strong connection to the parish. Accordingly, Br. Robert Abbatiello serves as corporate secretary. Today, the housing board includes Martin Ball (an affiliate of the Province), Deacon Gianni DiPaolo, Moira Kiernan, Kathy Kuhnel, Jim Landy, and Alberto Solis. An affiliated organization is the Finian Sullivan Corporation, which does incredible good in our community in various ways and has as its members Shannon O’Neill Gallagher, Mike Galvin, Moira Kiernan, Jim Landy, Krista Deighan Landy, Jim Lavelle, Richard O’Neill, and Susan Sacco. These groups have continued the mission and legacy of the founders in providing a beautiful home for thousands of our seniors over the years, and we are grateful to them.

We join in prayer and celebration of this organization that has been a foundation for the Yonkers community for 50 years.

Fr. Finian Sullivan Tower, Yonkers, N.Y., is named for the former pastor of Sacred Heart Parish.