Who We Are
Meet Our Team
Rector
Rev. Richard N. Fragomeni, Ph.D.
Board
Velda Davino
Velda Davino is a real estate broker in Chicago, and has been on the Shrine’s Executive Council since 2011. Velda has a deep love for the Shrine as it is a place of renewal through prayer. Velda’s commitment to the Shrine comes from a deep dedication to the Shrine and its mission of inspiration.
Tracey Tarantino DiBuono
Mario Leggero
Mario grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago and began going to the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii when he moved into the neighborhood in 2012. Looking for a nearby Catholic church, he quickly found the Shrine and was drawn to its sense of community and tradition. Over the years, he became more involved with the Shrine as a lector and volunteer. Now serving on the board, Mario wants to help carry out the Shrine’s mission so it can be there for generations to come.
Andrew Lisowski
Tomasina Perry
Tomasina is Vice President of Sales for a national company specializing in products for the blind and visually impaired, and has been on the Shrine’s Executive Council since 2006. Tomasina’s grandparents were among the first parishioners of the former parish and her family has been deeply involved for over 100 years. Tomasina is committed to the mission of the Shrine so that it continues to be vibrant for her children and grandchildren and all future generations.
Brian Roman
Brian is Director of Metabolic, Molecular and Physiological Imaging at the University of Chicago and has been on the Shrine’s Executive Council since 2004. The Holy Spirit called out to him during a ‘chance’ walk past the Shrine in 1998 and he and his family have been involved ever since. He has been instrumental in the development of several of our pilgrimages and has served as our Festa di tutti I santi volunteer coordinator since 2006. Brian is motivated to be of service to others, especially the sick and elderly.
Dave Van Camp
Dave Van Camp is the President of Van’s Industries Inc., and has been on the Shrine’s Executive Council since 2009. Dave’s commitment to the Shrine is to help insure that the Shrine will be able to continue its work well into the future, so that others who have not experienced the Shrine’s programs, events and liturgies will be able to do so one day.
Staff
Marcia Piemonte
Director of Development / Special Events
Marcia joined the staff in 1999 as business manager and became the Shrine’s Director of Development and Special Events in September 2004. By chance, Marcia and her husband had attended a Christmas Eve mass at the Shrine which she felt was a wonderful experience. She and her husband have been coming back ever since. She can be reached via email or at 312.421.3757 x310.
Mary Beth Howard
Business Manager
Mary Beth became Business Manager in 2004. As Business Manager, she oversees the ongoing operation of the Shrine. “My work at the Shrine allows me to use the management skills I developed from previous careers, which blends well with the Shrine’s mission and, in particular with the expertise and devotion of my co-workers and friends.” She is an alumnus of the former Our Lady of Pompeii School and lifelong resident of the neighborhood. “From time to time, at our work, we all need a quiet place to reflect. God has blessed me, for my place is a pew in the church of the Shrine”. She can be reached via email or at 312.421.3757 x319
Colleen Grant
Communications Coordinator
Colleen has been a Shrine member since 2003, and was part of the Shrine’s Auxiliary beginning in 2007. At Old St. Pat’s, Colleen was co-chair of the giving tree for 18 years, and program coordinator with the Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly. She can be reached via email or at 312.421.3757 x306
J. Carl Wachsmann, M.A.
Pastoral Associate
Mr. Wachsmann was Called and Commissioned as a Lay Ecclesial Minister by Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., on 7 May 2006 at St. Monica Catholic Church, Chicago. “Lay Ecclesial Ministers are experienced pastoral ministers who have been spiritually formed and theologically educated for collaboration with a supervising [shrine rector] parish pastor… (cf. The Archdiocese of Chicago Directory 2015, pg. G2)”. Mr. Wachsmann currently serves as a Pastoral Associate at The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii. As of 2015, he is only one of several men whom have been Called and Commissioned as Lay Ecclesial Ministers within The Archdiocese of Chicago. He can be reached via email or at 312.421.3757 x315.
Krysten McOsker
Program Director of Pilgrimage and Retreat
Krysten McOsker is formed by a vocation of accompaniment; she brings experience in pastoral ministry, mission‑driven leadership, and community engagement, with a deep appreciation for pilgrimage as a journey of encounter and hope. A member of the Community of Sant’Egidio, with a commitment to the gospel, she ministers alongside those who are marginalized and isolated. She holds a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies and is a Spiritual Director. Krysten’s vision is to steward pilgrimages and retreats that honor the Shrine’s heritage while responding to today’s spiritual longings.
She can be reached via email kmcosker@ourladyofpompeii.org or 312.421.3757 Ext. 317
Laura Medina
Receptionist/Archivist
Laura Medina started as a volunteer archivist when Carl recruited her after seeing her attend the Wednesday evening mass in 2001. In 2006, she became the Shrine’s Receptionist/Archivist. If you have any questions about The Shrine, want to register for an event, or you need a mass card, or a membership in our Perpetual Light Society, Laura can help you. As archivist, Laura can provide you with a copy of your baptismal, wedding, or first communion certificate. She can be reached via email or at 312.421.3757.