As the proud parents of four SHA graduates (Renee Marquardt ‘88, Tricia Kiernan ‘91, Anne Durnan ‘95 and Rose Mary Helfenstein, ‘00) and two SHA granddaughters (Lauren Marquardt ’23 and Annie Kiernan ’24), Pat and Neil have a unique inter-generational appreciation for the value of all-girls Catholic education.
The Bianco legacy begins with their own Catholic education at St. Michael’s Elementary School and St. Athanasius School in Brooklyn, respectively. All four of their girls attended Our Lady of Lourdes (OLL) in Malverne. When it was time to explore high schools, Sacred Heart Academy was a familiar fit to Pat, a member of the first graduating class of Bishop Kearney, an all-girls Catholic high school in Brooklyn, sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Pat and Neil were very involved in their daughters’ educations, serving on the School Board at OLL, the Board for the OLL Youth Advisory Council, basketball and softball coaches, the Director of Cheerleading, a SHA Shop Mom, and volunteering at multiple fundraising events.
Pat and Neil will celebrate 56 years of marriage in October. They are blessed with 13 grandchildren ranging in ages from 21 to 5 years old.
Neil spent 41 successful years in the energy industry. As Senior Vice President and General Manager of the largest multi-state energy marketer, he focused the last 8 years of his career on energy acquisitions.
Pat began her career at Mobil Oil Corporation before taking a break to raise her 4 girls. Most recently, Pat spent over 20 years as the administrator for a periodontal practice, coordinating and managing the operations of the surgical office.
In retirement, Pat and Neil enjoy spending time with their extended family, including attending their grandchildren’s sporting events. Most recently, they were super fans of the SHA basketball team cheering on their granddaughters Lauren Marquardt ’23 and Annie Kiernan ’24. They enjoy weekends at their home in Windham, vacations on Hilton Head Island and summers at The Ocean Club in Atlantic Beach.
The Sacred Heart Academy Golf and Tennis Tournament is a fundraising event directly benefiting the 700 girls attending SHA currently.
To register or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit https://sacredheartacademyli.org/golfouting
