Tuesday, January 21, 2025
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I had the privilege of working with Custodian, Franco Gruadagnoli for a number of years at San Lorenzo Ruiz C.E.S.
When Franco walked down the school hallways first thing in the morning, his keys by his pocket jangled. As they jangled, they sang a song of duty, honor and dedication.
Franco, you were key to our safety and security. You understood that children and sometimes even adults failed to look where they were going. So, when a student spilled up water, you set up a cone, rerouted the troops, and mopped it up. After a snowfall, you would clear and salt all the walkways so that we wouldn’t slip and fall. During fire and lock-down drills, you would ensure that everything was safe and secure. You climbed on tall ladders and replaced spent lightbulbs in dark hallways. Although it was not in your job description, if a car had a dead battery on the coldest of winter days, we knew that we could call on you.
You were key to our comfort. Sometimes the students and staff flooded you with complaints about the HVAC system. It was either to “too cold” or “too hot.” You always did your best to regulate the system as you understood that if students were uncomfortable, they wouldn’t be able to learn, and that the staff would get irritable. You caulked drafty windows, oiled squeaky doors, and synced clocks.
You were key to our positive image. You displayed our banners, flags, and awards with care. You made sure that the grounds were presentable as you were as proud of our school as we were. You dedication and diligence really showed on Sunday mornings when we celebrated mass at our school in the gymnasium. You were so methodical in setting up the altar and chairs and lining them up properly. I would bring you and whoever would be working with you a coffee and a muffin. Interestingly, you would never consume your coffee or muffin until everything in the gym had been duly set up for the mass.
You were key to our good role model. You understood and had a wonderful rapport with the students, who referred to you as “Mr. G.” You remembered each of their names and made sure that they were addressed appropriately. Parents certainly treated you as a valuable staff member. They never failed to acknowledge you on special occasions by sending you acknowledgement cards or small tokens of appreciation.
Franco, one day you said that we could really use a ratchet set at school. I didn’t know much about tools and it sounded more like a racquet set to me. I asked why we would need a ratchet set. Franco responded that in his “down” time, he could fix chairs, i.e. secure the backs of chairs that had become wobbly or useless due to screws having become loose or missing. Lo and behold, Franco was so fond of his ratchet set. Frank assiduously worked on repairing student chairs in his “quiet” moments. We never ran out of student chairs going forward.
I recall one day when our Superintendent Nancy and I met with you regarding the safety concerns regarding the construction of an addition to our school. Nancy mentioned a few protocols to be addressed. Franco summarized everything quickly at the end of the conversation as it were the easiest task to accomplish. Then, he punctuated it all with his closing remarks, “We’ll do this…We’ll do that, and that’s it.” He was so confident and reassuring. Nancy and I who usually were never at a loss for words were speechless. After Franco left, Nancy and I were still chuckling. Nancy kept saying in an amused tone: “We’ll do this…We’ll do that, and that’s it.” Yes, of course you were right, Franco, and as usual, you had everything under control. You accomplished it all without a snag.
I remember running into you, Franco, and Allison, your wife, at Markville Mall. I thought that you were a sharp looking couple. Most importantly, I noted how proud you were of Allison and how much you loved her. If at school you smiled, now in her presence, you were beaming. Your sensitive, human side manifested itself when one of our parishioners, Carmela and her husband, renewed their vows at our Sunday mass in our gym. You said that you couldn’t even look at Carmela and not become emotional as she looked so much like and reminded you of your late mom. I have now been retired for 9 years, but Franco, you still remind me that regardless of your role in the organization, character matters the most. Franco, you were an unsung hero. You may be gone but you will never be forgotten. Franco, the memories of you will endure in the hearts of those you left behind. May you rest in Peace.
