St. John's Prep is excited to announce to the 2026 Hall of Honor inductees!
Bob Marinelli (In Memoriam), the Mathers family—Tom, Michele, Tucker ’13, and Savannah, and Mark Sullivan '73 will be inducted into the Hall of Honor at the fifth annual Honor Reception. Fr. John Unni will also be honored with the second J. Peter Frates ’03 and 1st Lt. Derek S. Hines ’99 Servant Leadership Award for his exemplification of servant leadership in the community.
The Honor Reception, held annually in June, is a special evening to recognize our Hall of Honor inductees, express our gratitude for our community of supporters, and celebrate the mission, vision, and values of St. John's Prep. The event will bring together members of the St. John's community to celebrate our shared commitment to the Prep, and to recognize this year's inductees, all of whom have contributed to St. John's in meaningful and special ways.
Meet our Honorees
Bob Marinelli
In Memoriam
For 43 years, Bob Marinelli was a fixture of the St. John’s Prep community, embodying the School’s mission through his quiet integrity and legendary commitment to his students. As the school’s longtime attendance officer, he was the face of Brother Benjamin Hall and the Brother Edward Keefe, C.F.X. Academic Center, serving as a steady, guiding presence for generations of young men.
On the ice, Bob’s impact was equally profound. Over a storied coaching career, he helped lead the Eagles to the 1985 Division 1 state championship as an assistant before taking the reins as head coach. Under his leadership, the Prep reached the postseason eight times, including seven Super 8 appearances. His 132 career wins and unwavering dedication to sportsmanship earned him induction into the Massachusetts State Hockey Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2011.
Whether pacing the sidelines as a football official or maintaining his "bible" of alumni directories, Bob’s loyalty to the Prep was unmatched. In 2015, he was honored with the Ryken Award, the highest distinction in Xaverian education, recognizing a lifetime of service. A man of deep humility and old-school toughness, Bob’s legacy remains a model of how to lead with respect, listen with heart, and always do things the right way.
The Mathers Family
The Mathers family—Tom, Michele, Tucker ’13, and Savannah—are a cornerstone of the St. John’s Prep community. Grounded in integrity and service, Tom and Michele have fostered a family legacy defined by professional achievement and a profound commitment to others.
A West Point graduate and decorated Gulf War Apache pilot, Tom carried his leadership into the biotechnology sector while serving as a trustee for Butler University and a member of the Marblehead School Committee. Michele, a pediatric occupational therapist, has spent decades advocating for children and community health through her work with McLean Hospital and North Shore Arc, while remaining a dedicated voice on the PREP Parent Council. Together, they model lives of discipline, generosity, and service.
This spirit of zeal is mirrored in their children. Tucker’s leadership and work ethic earned him the 1st Lt. Derek Hines ’99 Scholarship Award, the Loyalty and Service Award, and he was later inducted into the 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame. He continued to Tufts University, where he won two lacrosse national championships, and now serves as a Naval officer. Savannah, whose leadership began at Camp Christopher, became a National Champion cheerleader and Student Council President at Butler University. She now works in the biotech sector and serves as Co-Chair of the Advisory Board for Best Buddies in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Beyond their personal achievements, the Mathers family is defined by their immense generosity and sharing of treasure. Understanding that the Prep experience is a gift to be passed on, they have been instrumental in ensuring that future generations of Eagles have the same opportunity to soar. Their philanthropic stewardship reflects a deep belief in the transformative power of a St. John’s education.
Mark Sullivan '73
Mark Sullivan ’73 demonstrates a profound commitment to education, athletics, and character development, shaping the legacy of St. John’s Prep through his dedicated service and philanthropy. A 2018 Athletic Hall of Fame inductee and former boarding student, Mark credits the Prep and mentors like Coach Bob McKenna and Brother Linus with instilling the integrity, humility, and discipline that have guided his life.
Mark’s dedication to the Prep is perhaps best seen in his leadership on the 50th Reunion Committee, where he was instrumental in rallying his classmates to invest in the school's future through the creation of the Coach John Boyle Scholarship Fund. His generosity extends further through endowment support, including the Marion and Francis Sullivan P’73 Fund and the Bro. Edward J. Keefe, C.F.X. Fund, ensuring that future Eagles have access to the opportunities that shaped his own experience.
His commitment to service also extends to his community in Chicago, where he served on the Board of Directors for Montini Catholic High School and spent eight years coaching girls’ varsity basketball and lacrosse. His teams captured four Illinois State Championships, and his mentorship provided student-athletes with meaningful opportunities for growth and success. Through his faith-driven leadership and dedication to others, Mark continues to advance the mission of St. John’s Prep and its commitment to educating the whole person.
J. Peter Frates '03 and 1st Lt. Derek S. Hines '99 Servant Leadership Award
Fr. John Unni
As Pastor of Saint Cecilia Parish in Boston, Fr. John Unni embodies servant leadership, answering the call to serve others with a radical, inclusive love. His ministry is defined by a profound commitment to the dignity of every individual, particularly those on the margins. Like the alumni for whom this award is named, Fr. John leads through bold action and compassionate presence, seeking to influence every situation he encounters for the benefit of others.
Whether advocating for the homeless or fostering a spirit of unity within his urban parish, Fr. John mirrors the selflessness of Pete Frates ’03 and the courage of 1st Lt. Derek Hines ’99. His ability to build bridges across diverse communities creates a sanctuary of hope that resonates far beyond the pulpit. In recognizing Fr. John with the J. Peter Frates '03 and 1st Lt. Derek S. Hines '99 Servant Leadership Award, we honor a man whose life’s work reflects tireless dedication and lasting impact. From celebrating Mass with students and faculty to accompanying seniors through the Prep Leadership Institute, he has a gift for making everyone feel at home. A longtime friend of St. John’s, Fr. John ensures that all who encounter him feel known, valued, and loved.