By Donato A. Bendinelli
“Doc” was like a grandfather figure to his students.” That's how Bradley Tramunti, a member of the Holy Cross High School class of 2000, remembers his chemistry teacher.
“Doc” was Richard Schiliro, who had taught biology, general and earth science as well since he joined the Flushing school in 1958.
He died March 16 just short of his 64th birthday.
A Fordham University alumni for both his undergraduate and master's degrees, Schiliro made his home in Howard Beach.
Tramunti said students understood he was serious about science, yet capable of reaching students less than thrilled to be in class. He made it seem easy. He made it fun.
Joseph Giannuzzi, principal at the high school, was proud of Schiliro's impact on the students. “Not just within the curriculum but in many ways beyond school, he was often willing to help,” Giannuzzi said.
“You could see it in the hundreds of messages posted on the boards that were there at his wake,” the principal said. “Students had their lives touched in many ways beyond his teaching. Most of those at the funeral home were people who knew him through Holy Cross.”
Giannuzzi had the perspective of a student as well since he graduated from the school in 1965.
I entered Holy Cross as a freshman in 1960. “Doc” was the adviser to the Forensic Society, which was the speech and debate club. During the next four years I had contact with him hundreds of times, practicing each afternoon for Saturday contests throughout the school year.
He was an inspiration, encouraging each member of the team to do well. He was there to celebrate the victories and console us in defeat. He instilled in us the desire to represent the best that was Holy Cross to the outside world during our years at the school and after our graduation.
After the second of three rounds during a competition on the campus of St. John's University, three other contestants, the judge and I found ourselves locked in the building. All of the other occupants had gone to another building for lunch. It was “Doc” who brought a university maintenance man to open our building. He realized something was wrong when two members of his team were missing.
I remember his sense of humor. As a sophomore I had him for biology. He caught me talking during class. He fixed his gaze on me, frowned and from behind the desk on a raised platform said, “Bendinelli, you're off the team!”
Of course, this was early in the week. By Thursday it was, “Bendinelli, make sure you're at practice today.”
“But, Mr. Schiliro,” some classmate said, “you told Bendinelli he was off the team.” Schiliro just smiled.
The next time I was “thrown off the team” the class would laugh out loud with “Doc” joining in.
Richard “Doc” Schiliro is survived by his son, Hugh Blando, and his daughter-in-law.
On May 19 at 6:30 p.m. there will be a mass in the main auditorium at the high school. All those who remember him and want to share in this celebration to his life are welcome. Call (718) 886-7250 Ext. 510 with any questions.
