Antonio Colannino with his wife Anna and children Iriana, Daniela and Gianmarco.
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FONDAZIONI
“Mr. C” by Aicha Cissé
“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”
T
hese immortal words spoken by the great Albert Einstein can easily be applied to the late Antonio ‘Tony’ Colannino. A dedicated husband and proud father of three, Colannino shared an unabated passion for education. “Mr. C”, the sweet-tempered teacher, who passed away in 2005 after a battle with cancer, will forever be remembered fondly by his loved ones and the people of John F. Kennedy High School. Tony Colannino dedicated most of his time to enjoying life to its fullest and giving back to his community. His wife and best friend Anna Paduano is the first to reminisce about her husband’s love of life, almost teary-eyed. His children, Iriana, Daniela and Gianmarco share an equally inspiring sense of admiration when they Antonio Colannino (1948-2005) speak of their father. “My dad was always busy, always helping people. He fixed everything around the house. I’ll never forget how kind-hearted and generous he was, almost selfless” describes his 24-year-old daughter Daniela. Born in Panni, a small southern Italian town, Tony came to Canada at the age of 13. He graduated from McGill University in 1971 with a BA followed by a teaching certificate the year after. His 33-year career as an educator began at John F. Kennedy High School – he spent 29 years there. He taught religion, mathematics, languages and special education before becoming a vice-principal. Tony then briefly pursued his teaching career as principal of Leonardo Da Vinci Elementary School, in Rivière-des-Prairies. He went back to JFK after realizing that high school felt more like home, and became principal there. Tony’s good-natured personality enticed him to get A dedicated educator. involved in many community-related projects. A soccer enthusiast, he served as vice-president of the RDP Soccer Club, as well as contributing to its House League during the early and mid 1990’s. Tony loved being in the ‘limelight’. He was very committed not only to school activities but also to personal events involving the Panni Cultural Association. He simply delighted in organizing the Association’s Children’s Christmas Party or the Annual Dinner Dance. On the school front, his interests ranged from ordinary activities to far-fetched ones like the collection of $2000 in ‘pennies’ which he had the students roll and send to the Red Cross. The collecting of these “pennies for peace” took place during the conflict in Kosovo. He had a way with everyone – but unfortunately, when it all seemed to go well, Tony was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme, one of the most aggressive forms of brain tumors that afflict men over the age of 50, and true to the norm, he was diagnosed on January 13th and passed away on September 13th, the same year that he had planned to retire. But, on January 12th, 2006, exactly a year after he left his beloved school, JFK paid back by holding a very moving Memorial in his honor at which time the auditorium was named for him. Also, every year, at graduation, a student who has made the most improvement will receive the Tony Colannino Award. This award, which is non-academic is a true tribute to “Mr. C” who cared not only for the academic aspect but to the total development of the student as a person – a human being. “My husband lived his life to the fullest. His passing left a huge void, but generated something wonderful and that is the very newly established Tony Colannino Foundation. The purpose of the Foundation which is a wholly non-profit organization is to increase awareness in the devastating effects of brain tumors and the funds will be used to promote research on the disease. His wife, retired in 2000, now dedicates her time to the foundation. The Tony Colannino Foundation will be formally launched with a Cocktail Party on Friday, September 21st, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Complex Le Baron. All proceeds will go to the Montreal Neurological Institute. v