I taught at North Allegheny Intermediate High
School for 35 of my 37 years. I was honored to be part of a faculty that
lived the mantra of excellence in teaching. One of my former colleagues
died on Saturday after a brief illness, and not only was he an excellent
teacher, he inspired others through his life story.
Frank Dileo was born in the small town of Sant'
Onofrio, Calabria, Italy. After World War II, his mother recognized that
she wanted a better life for her children. With several relatives already
in America, she pinned a note to Frank's shirt front - reading FRANCESCO
DILEO BRACKENRIDGE, PA - and kissed Frank goodbye before he boarded a
ship for the United States. Earlier, Mrs. Dileo saw a woman getting ready
to board - she explained that Frank was just 9 years old and all alone on this
voyage - and she asked the woman to check on him. Frank later told me
that he saw her just one time. She asked if he was doing OK, and he
replied yes. It was a scary voyage for a young boy all alone. When
he got to the port of New York, Frank was retrieved by his relatives from
Brackenridge, and he went on to get his education and make his mark from there.
During high school, Frank's artwork was entered into a contest by his art
teacher. Frank won that contest, winning a full scholarship to IUP. Frank’s
proactive art teacher, a caring person who looked out for his students, and winning
that contest changed the course of Frank's life. The
prize gave Frank the opportunity to study and graduate from college, receiving both his Bachelor’s and Masters' from the Indiana
University of Pennsylvania. Those two degrees led to Frank’s tenure at North
Allegheny as an art teacher for 40 years. It seems only fitting that
Frank would become the kind of teacher he was, as he repaid the kindness and
interest shown by his high teachers to
his own students.
I wonder how many of us would have the
fearlessness to put our 9-year-old child on a ship all alone for 12 days, even if it meant a better
life for the child? Frank was so courageous, bound for a new land, where
everything would be unfamiliar, including the language. Frank faced it all,
married, and had a wonderful family. As a side note, I actually knew some
of Frank's other relatives, since I was from Natrona Heights, a little town
next to Brackenridge, PA, where Frank grew up. His brother Paul had a
booming shoe repair business, and he fixed our family shoes for over 40
years. Another one of Frank's relatives was a band and music teacher at
the local high school. Funny how one's life is always so intertwined with
so many others. I feel so lucky that I knew Frank and his family, and that he
left such a wonderful family legacy.
Throughout my 35 years and Frank's 40 years at
the same school, we had many occasions to spend time together: lunch,
hall duty, staff meetings, and hanging out together in the teachers'
room. Frank was always so proud of his wife and children, and so appreciative
that he was an American. In fact, Frank embodied the American dream.
Although I am not an artist, I have long admired
Frank's work. Although many artists prefer just one genre, Frank was good
at so many art forms. He was an excellent potter, jewelry maker, and
painter. Frank inspired many students to go on to make art their life's
work. I fondly remember hearing so many of my former students talk about
Mr. Dileo's talent, and more importantly, about how Mr. Dileo was a great
teacher who helped them to achieve things they never thought
possible.
You see, a good teacher's influence never
ends. Although Frank is gone from this earth, his teaching and
inspiration live on through the lives of all the students and faculty members he
touched. Rest in Peace, Frank. You were a wonderful friend and
teacher.
"What a teacher writes on the blackboard of life can never be erased." Unknown
Visit Dede's web page for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics.
I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books. Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self. However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37
Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book. I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading. Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!
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