I heard the sad news that one of my favorite teachers, Anthony Lanzi, passed away. This is an essay I wrote about him a few years ago.
Mr. Lanzi’s sixth-grade class, DeWitt Clinton Elementary School, Rome, New York (1980-81). I’m third from the left in the first row.
Our sixth-grade teacher, Mr. Lanzi, was a towering figure with a swarthy complexion and dark, wavy hair teased high and coated with hairspray. Not a strand seemed out of place. Imagine, if you will, a taller, thinner, nattier version of Elvis Presley. That’s how I remember Mr. Lanzi.
I think he had previously studied or worked in the theater, and he wore a hint of makeup to class—light powder on his cheeks—as if he might be called upon in the middle of a school day to fill the role of an understudy and he wanted to be prepared to take the stage…
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Francis DiClemente 
Hello, Francis, my friend. I hadn’t visited your pages in quite some time, and I’m so glad that today, I did. I loved your piece about Mr. Lanzi and, especially, your piece about Colin’s 7th birthday. A very belated happy birthday to him and happy birthing day to you and Pam. Yes, having a child–all with their special gifts–is a gift to be treasured for our lifetimes. It’s clear that you are doing that and doing it so well. Warmest wishes to you and to your family.
Hi Kathy. Thank you for taking the time to read the blog and for your kind words and your friendship. I hope you are well doing well.