You know, when you go to write down your thoughts for something like this, it’s hard to know where to begin. But, since I have little kids at home, let’s start there. Dads are like magic to a little child and our Dad was extraordinary. In fact: I literally thought he knew everything in the world until I was in 4th grade. A game he readily played. He was always kind of joking about it. But, since he seemed to know at least something about everything, we gave him the benefit of the doubt. He was definitely larger than life for this little boy. I try this with my own kids. Not sure if it’s my delivery or what. But, they don’t believe me, not a chance. That was his gift.

Dad gave us the love of nature and of being outside. Something I will always keep with me. Canoeing, fishing, hiking, camping, road trips. Just being in nature, outside together, was enough. The calm place, where peace can be found, was always outdoors. Where we all had tons of great adventures.

He was such a loving Dad. I always knew in my heart. Deep, deep down. That he loved me and believed in me unconditionally. I have come to know how important this is. To have a solid foundation, that both he and my Mom gave to us. I strive every day to recreate that warm embracing feeling for my own children. A gift from Dad, unconditional love passed down for eternity. Passed down and cherished by us all.

He was very generous with his unconditional support. His career speaks to his dedication to teaching and nurturing children. This was his calling and purpose. And he was very talented at it. Because his soul was in it, and he believed in the innate potential in all children. It was just a matter of finding the potential, teasing it out, and seeing where it takes you. He was inexhaustible in his quest to see kids reach their full potential. The world was lucky to have him choose to be an educator. As lucky as we were to have him as our Dad.

Today: His two boys are thriving, his grandchildren are thriving. He gave everything he had to improving the lives of future generations through his teaching. He loved, he lived, he made the world a better place than when he found it. Dad’s was a life well- lived. All the way to the end. We just miss you Dad.

I was grouped with a handfull of kids in the late 70's, identified as " gifted".  In the sixth grade, we were "gifted" with then, "Mr" Colavito.  Later, as I recall his explanation, he was hand picked by the superintendent to teach our class. He would not report to the principal of the school, but only to him, the superintendent. He could do "whatever he wanted". What resulted, is what I imagine, any educator would dream of... what any student would die for... what followed was a year of magic. The man was on fire! He pushed the limits.  (The list here could go on for days... OMG! He had a burning passion, and he was on fire!) We had  a (long weekend?) field trip to Hanes park. A (long weekend?) field trip to the coast. The lessons learned that year are innumerable! I had been in that group since the fourth grade. That group continued as a family through high school. Some were college roomates. We were a family, but rooted by Mr Colavito. Sidelined on disability in 2008, I hunted down my sixth grade classmates, and then "Dr" Colavito, and bullied them into signing onto FaceBook. We had our sixth grade 30 year reunion in 2009.  Words cannot describe it. I can't imagine the gratification as an educator. The pleasure was all ours as his students. That year in 1979 was magic in a bottle, and the reunion was just as special. We maintain a "Mr Colavito's 6th Grade Class" group page on  FB. It is private, and I won't breach that trust, but the outpouring of love is noteworthy. He had a profound impact on our group, and I can't imagine the impact of his career. He always said "If you're ever in Oriental...", and in 2018, I was! Sailing down the ICW with my brother in law, we stopped at the marina for the night in Oriental.  Dialed him up, and told him I was sitting in an adirondack chair at the tiki bar, and he said "that's where I had my wedding reception".  In spite of a shingles infection, he braved an outing, and posed for an obligatory picture.  I am very thankful for that last visit. Fair winds and following seas, Jim.