John R. Angelo
John R. Angelo, 81, passed away suddenly Monday, May 11, 2009, at his home in Cape Coral. He was born in Buffalo, N.Y.
He served during World War II in the Navy and was a member of the original crew when the U.S.S. Adirondack was commissioned. He was awarded the Victory and American Theatre medals, and honorably discharged in September 1945 at Lido Beach in Long Island, N.Y. He was in the U.S. Naval Reserves until discharged in April 1951.
He graduated from Public Schools No. 68 and Kensington High School in Buffalo, N.Y. He attended the Normal College of the American Gymnastic Union, an extension of Indiana University in Indianapolis, Ind., and received his Bachelor of Science in physical education on campus at Bloomington, Ind., in 1951. He continued on to get his master’s degree in administrative education at Buffalo State College.
He came to Springville Schools from Farnham, where he had taught for one year. Since he began teaching at Springville, he progressed from teaching 7th- and 8th-grade math, science and physical education to elementary level head teacher, to junior high supervisor, to junior high assistant principal and finally to middle school principal. He was also the district transportation supervisor for two years, until a full-time position was created.
He was involved in many community activities while he lived in Springville. He is a past president of the Rotary Club and Junior Chamber of Commerce, as well as past chairman of the Springville Chapter of the American Red Cross and Community Chest (United Way) Fund Drive.
He also served on the Town of Concord Youth Recreation Board for three years. In 1965, he had the honor of being listed in that year’s edition of “Outstanding Young Recreation Men in America.” For a number of years, he offered summer swim lessons at his Ellis Avenue home to the people of Springville. The roller skating program that he and his wife helped found is still being offered by the middle/high school PTSA.
He left Springville schools on March 1, 1983, to enjoy a well deserved retirement in the Cape. During his 30 years in education, he touched the lives of many children and their families.
He was a past commander of the Hamburg Power Squadron and past president of the Western N.Y. Club. In Springville and the Cape, he was involved in the Moose, Elks and Knights of Columbus clubs, and the Sharps & Flats Organ Club of SW Florida.
He met his wife, Norma, when returning to Kensington High School to attain his diploma to enter college. They were married in Buffalo, July 17, 1948, and over the years welcomed three wonderful and loving children into the family. They, in turn, increased the family with spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
After he “retired” his boats, he and Norma enjoyed many cruises to the Caribbean and the last one to Alaska. He became an accomplished organist and quite a challenge to the Mexican Train Dominos group.
He was predeceased by his mother, Dorothy; father, Joseph; and youngest brother, Joseph Jr. of Buffalo.
He is survived and greatly missed by his wife of 62 years, Norma; children, Robert, Jeanne and Richard; sister, Teresa Stamm; grandchildren, Lauren, Ben, Kendra, Rebecca, Danielle, Alexis, Christopher, Johnathan and Rosina; great-grandchildren, Kalab, Trista, Elizabeth and one soon to arrive; and many nieces and nephews.
He will be greatly missed by all and be remembered for his warm, friendly smile, outgoing personality and love of music.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.