
The Rev. John P. Smyth Standing Tall Charitable Foundation is proud to recognize two of its most dedicated benefactors and cherished patrons, Nelson (“Fritz”) Hartrich and Ciro Rossini. Both men served as longtime board members and steadfast supporters of the Foundation’s mission, bringing not only their leadership and generosity, but also their deep belief in the values and vision of Rev. Father Smyth. Their commitment helped strengthen the Foundation’s work and expand its ability to serve children and families who need it most.
Fritz Hartrich and Ciro Rossini understood that meaningful change begins with compassion, opportunity, and service to others. They believed deeply in Rev. Father Smyth’s message of making the world a better place by investing in the further education and support of children facing hardship, including those from broken homes and poverty. Their legacy is reflected in the lives touched through the Foundation’s work and in the lasting example they set through their kindness, faith, and dedication. We honor them with sincere gratitude and remembrance, and we remain inspired by the standard of service they so faithfully upheld.

Born in Chicago, Rev. John P. Smyth is a 1952 graduate of DePaul Academy and a 1957 graduate of the University of Notre Dame. He captained the Notre Dame basketball team his senior year; was selected an All-American; and was a first-round draft choice of the then young NBA’s St. Louis Hawks. He elected to forgo a professional basketball career and entered the seminary instead.

To provide the means through which the lives of homeless, underserved and/or at-risk children and disenfranchised families may be improved in order to develop and establish a safe, secure, functional, and productive lifestyle for the well-being of the child and/or for the preservation of the family unit.
Your support and contributions will enable us to fund our mission, allowing more students access to education.









