arts program under the Reverend Jack Crocker. Gina continued in theater and education after Jack’s death teaching at Friends Seminary as a drama teacher and later serving as college counselor. She resided at 2501 Palisades Ave. in Riverdale and later at Thornton Oaks in Brunswick, Maine, and summered on Matinicus, Gotts and Great Cranberry Islands, where Jack painted until his death in 1969. Gina enjoyed, entertained and hosted friends and acquaintances spanning generations, cultures and continents. She leaves eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was a life-enhancing and wise, iconic presence in many lives. [The New York Times] George Orio, former Director of Technology at Friends from 2005 - 2014, passed away suddenly in February, 2015, while on vacation in Puerto Rico with his family. George left his wife Dina Gabriel and three children, Andrea, Daniel and Matthew. A memorial service was held on April 11, 2015 at Convent of the Sacred Heart, where George taught prior to joining our family at Friends. Tim Cooper, former technology faculty at Friends, writes: “George was one of the most influential people in my life and one of my best friends. He was an amazing mentor, boss, colleague, neighbor and most importantly, friend. He was such a character, always playing the clown, while secretly the smartest guy in the room. He could talk to anyone and would if the opportunity presented itself. He had no airs or condescension; on occasion he might have a hint cynicism or righteous indignation. Although he hammered you mercilessly with his points, he would always be open to changing his mind if you made a good case. I learned so much from him. He taught me so much about people and looking at technology as a tool for empowerment rather than a service. We didn’t give people technology, we empowered them to do stuff that
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mattered to them with whatever tools we could find. Simple tools were better than fancy ones. Finding opportunities to let people play with tools, helping them to feel comfortable and skillful and setting up a reliable environment to use those tools was our job in the gospel according to Orio. George knew how to get the most out of people. He would make it clear that he cared about you as a person. He wanted to know why you felt down. He really wanted to know what you thought and would let you try stuff out even if he was not convinced it was the best idea. George was one of the hardest working people I know, but always found time to see his son’s basketball game or lots of other family stuff. To you, George Orio, you will be sorely missed. We are all so much better off for knowing you.” Other memories of George are shared on his memorial page: celebratinggeorgeorio.tumblr. com. It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Larry Wilson, after a long battle with cancer, on September 20. Larry worked as a crossing guard, receptionist, and after-school supervisor at Friends for 14 years. His bond with students, and alumni, was deep. Gordon Hulse writes: Larry has left a big hole in the heart of Friends Seminary. I first met Larry in 2001 when he was hired by our evening supervisor, James Gales. Larry was an outstanding worker and soon was transferred to the Annex security team. This position required constant vigilance and interaction with the whole school community, and Larry excelled. In recent years, Larry served as the Annex receptionist, and everyone agrees that his warm greetings and personable manner made passing through the entry each day a true pleasure. Larry had genuine interest in the school, kids, and teachers. He was always ready with a tidbit of information or a story. No one was surprised when the head of the Middle School proposed that
Larry be appointed a recess supervisor. His security schedule was adjusted to make it possible, and recess supervisor became the job he really loved. He could easily get the kids to laugh, and also to understand the importance of playing by the rules. Not only did he supervise, Larry also offered life lessons as he was helping them learn to play fair. Teachers valued the insights that he shared about students’ social behavior, often so different in the playground than in the classroom. I asked several people in the school for reflections about Larry, and I want to share some of them with you. Said one person – “The children in Middle School loved Larry. Even in Larry's absence, the kids know how to line up and call the rules, and it's done without discussion or disagreement. They always ask substitute referees to ‘be like Larry’.” Said another person – “The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Larry were his wonderful quirks-- his love of movies, classic Turner in particular, the garden gnome, which mysteriously appeared all over the school, his Elmo shirt, and his love of college calendars and more than anything, though, it was his gentle spirit, his friendly and caring approach to everyone... Students, parents and faculty/staff alike. He had a way with people of all ages; he made you feel important, cared for, looked after. He always had a ready smile and a piece of news or trivia to share. My days will never be the same without seeing him each morning and evening. He gave so much to all of us and fought a valiant battle to the end. I miss him.” We all agree with that. Larry will be sorely missed by all of us. He was one of those rare human beings who made everyone better just by being there.