Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Mr. Montedoro ("Chuck") was my American History teacher from 1959-1961. It was a two-year course. I remember him teaching about the system of capitalism. A business owner after investing his own capital, along with borrowed money, and many, many hours would get a profit (if they were lucky). It probably was a hard-sell in a blue collar, UAW town. But, that system produced the greatest prosperity the world has ever known. He taught us about the Constitution and what each Amendment was about. We learned about the Federalist papers too. There were a bunch of dates, the rest was a blur, and we'll forget about the presidential election exercise we had. Lexington and Concord, Boston Harbor, Old North Church, Williamsburg, Monticello, Mount Vernon, Independence Hall, Little Big Horn and the Alamo were places I just had to visit. In my yearbook he wrote "LOTS OF LUCK TO GREAT ESSAY BOY". A number of teachers teach you valuable skills, but Chuck stands out in my mind as the most influential of them all when it comes to values and principles. I can still hear his words today. It is with deep personal regret I learned of his passing today. When I was involved in economic development, dealing with business owners from around the globe, or trying to establish a high school machinist program locally, I was putting into practice the things he taught us about the American dream. When I write a Letter to the Editor or an Op Ed piece, I am fulfilling his prophecy. I hope that he left a similar legacy with other students. We needed more like him, and today they seem to all have vanished. My thoughts and prayers go with his family. Thank you for the cherished memories from long ago. Ralph Nayman Georgetown, TX
