Nicholas Garbarino Obituary

He was a good teacher :D

I knew Mr. Garbarino very well, and I know he was loved by everyone at Kennedy Jr. High. His loss came as such a heartbreaking surprise to everybody. I will always remember him because he was such a great man. He will be loved forever more.
God bless!

I just got the news of Mr. G's passing. He was a truly awesome man, and shattered the stereotype of a gym teacher. I was a student of his in the late 70s at Westmont Jr. High. He was concerned with the morals and values of his students, their emotional well-being, not just their physical development. For a tubby awkward kid, his constant encouragement, guidance and support meant a lot. He always made time for me, and got me involved in Panthers football. I was able to gain self-confidence through his mentoring as I improved my skills, and his thoughtfulness and caring still touches my life today. I still remember the black and white photos on his desk of his service in Vietnam, of which he was quite proud.

My deepest condolences go to the Garbarino family on your loss.

Dear Garbarino Family,

I know this is late. I apologize for your loss. Mr. Garbarino was a great man and by far the best substitute. To ever walk Kennedy's halls. I was devastated by the news of his death. My prayers are with you.

Like many others, Mr. Garbarino was my gym teacher at Westmont Jr. High in the 70s. For those of us who weren't the best athletes, he taught us to push ourselves beyond what we thought we were capable of. These lessons helped me to be a better athlete and to push myself in other areas of life. I didn't play basketball, but I was a big fan at Westmont, and the teams were fun to watch in part because of Mr. G's efforts at WJHS. Thanks for being such a positive influence on so many! My sympathies and prayers to the Garbarino family.

Pam and Sean, I am very sadden about the death of Nick. I will miss seeing him in the health club and around the neighborhood. The man was always up beat and friendly. I remember how he got the Bulls championship plaques for Daniel. The man would do anything for any body. I will truly miss him. If there is anything I could do for your family please let me know because I know Nick would be there for me.

I was so saddened to read and hear of the recent passing of "Nick the Great" Garbarino... Nick was a suitemate of mine at Elmhurst College in 1971-72, along with Tim Fitzpatrick and Hall of Fame athlete Mike Papoccia...I was so happy to read the many and great testaments about his life by his students and friends.. Nick was truly an inspiration - he was always full of cheer and laughter that seemed to follow him in life after our EC days. May the many who were influenced by Nick continue to enjoy each and every day you are here on earth, just the way Nick exampled...

deepest personal regards,
Bill Farley, Athletic Director, University of Central Oklahoma...

My thoughts and Prayers go out to the Garbarino family. My Junior High and Highschool years will always be in my memory. This includes all the special people and teachers who impacted our lives. Mr. Garbarino was one of them. He made Physical Education very enjoyable.

Dear Mr. Garbarino,
what can i say? You were the coolest substitute teacher at KJHS. every student, staff, and teacher will always remember you forever. Its very sad to see someone who was well-known, pass away.
Mrs. Garbarino,
Im very sorry for your loss, he was a great man.

Dear Garborinos....
Mrs. Garbarino...u probably dont remember me but i went to Ranchview School...
i was very sad when i heard about mr. G. he was my sub many times and showed us how to make learning fun! he left all of us too soon..
i am truly sry...
he was a good man.
Love always,
Shelby Martin

To the Garbarino Family-
I was saddened to hear about your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Mr. G. was my P.E. teacher and basketball coach at Westmont Junior High. He instilled many values as a teacher and a coach that I still carry with me as an adult. He was loved and admired by many of his students.

To the Garbarino Family: I send my deepest condolences for your loss. Mr. Garbarino was an inspiration to anyone he taught. I had the privilege to experience Mr. Garbarino as my coach and gym teacher for two years at Westmont Junior High. They were two of the greatest years of ball I played. I also had the opportunity to referee with him at the Westmont Park District and learned a great deal. Nick Garbarino was a huge motivator for me and made a huge impact in the person that I am. I'm sad to see him go and my sympathies go out to his family and close friends. There was never a better man with a greater love for basketball, his students, and his family.

Pam and Sean-
although my sympathy to you during your time of sorrow can only do so much, i will continue to pray for your family. Nick was one of the funniest guys i have ever met and will remember him always with a smile on my face. From the old neighborhood to the new... friends remain the same. I love you both so much, we have lost someone wonderful and will always remember him.

My name is Robert Donahue, and my sister is Dorothy Donahue.We grew up with Nick in Cicero. Bob and Nick played on the same Pony League team. This is a real tragedy
for Nick to die at such an early age. We wish the family our condolences at thia time of sorrow.

BoB Donahue and Dorothy Donahue(O'Boyle) 323 Capital Dr. Shorewood,Il. 60404-9573.

I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Garbarino family. I'm sure coach is in Heaven watching over all of us. Coach had a huge influence on me beginning in 7th grade (1976-77) where he was my homeroom teacher. He constantly talked to us about respect and responsibility with great emphasis put on respecting our parents. He was instrumental in the rise of the prominent Westmont boys basketball program. I attended his summer basketball camps throughout Jr. High and benefited greatly from them both as a person and a player. My wife and kids had the privilege to meet him 2 years ago while he was refereeing a basketball game that I happened to be involved in as a coach. We will miss you coach...
The Winclechter Family

Mr. Garbarino was my gym teacher at Westmont High from 1977-1980. It was a long time ago, but I'll never forget what a wonderful teacher he was. ALWAYS smiling! My prayers go out to his family.

Garbarino Family ... I had the sincere pleasure of competing against Nick in both Basketball and 16" Softball in the old days of the Berwyn and Cicero leagues. It was also a surprise to find him in Naperville where we continued our relationship thru Youth Sports. He was a true Gentlemen on and off the fields ... May His Memory Live Forever

On behalf of the Kardynalski family, we send our deepest sympathies to the Garbarino family.
My two sisters Deanna and Ashley, my brother Matt, and myself all had Mr. G (as his students often called him) as our teacher/coach at Westmont Jr. High school. He was a wonderful person and contributed so much to WJHS and to his students. He will be truly missed.

For me, Mr. G reinforced the lessons my father imparted on me at home and held us accountable for our own behavior. Truly, I will remember him respectfully and fondly. I still tell stories (at age 37) dating back to being 10 years old from Mr. G's gyn class.

Rest in Peace.

Dear Pam:
We have never met, but had the pleasure of knowing Nick and seeing him when he came to the house. My husband handled the sports "plaques" that Nick would pick up and sell. What a wonderful person, always smiling,full of energy and so enthusiastic. We were so sad to read of his passing. Our deepest sympathy to you and Sean. May you find comfort in your memories.

Mr Garbarino-
You will never be forgotten, and forever will you be loved. Whenever we had a teacher absent from Kennedy, I would always ask if you were there. I just saw you Tuesday and I still hear your deep voice, I used the lab equipment you cut for our science class yesterday. I'm sure you're in a special place right now, it's just too sad you had to leave so quickly.

Dear Garbarinos:
You probably dont know who i am but i was a student whho witnessed the greatness of Mr. G. He was one of the only subs who i remmebered after he left. He would always put a smile on everyones faces. He was a good person. I am very sorry for your lose.

Pam and Sean,please accept my deepest sympathy. I knew Nick for over 35 yrs. We were former teamates in softball and basketball. He was a terrific person and a true gentleman. I will miss him dearly. Of course Retta, I know what a tremendous loss this is for you.

Dear Mrs. G
though you may not remember me as a student of yours, i remember you. I also remember how great of a person mr. g was at Kennedy. He was always helping as much as he could. He also kept smiles on our faces with his jokes and stories. He never ran out of stories. We all at Kennedy Jr. High will remember Mr. Garbarino forever. He will stay in our hearts and minds forever.

Mr Garbarino was the greatest substitute teacher we ever had. He was kind and genuine about everything he said, without his encouragement I do not know what i would have done. He never said anything mean to a child and he always made us smile. I know his passing comes at a major loss to us but we know he went to a great place because he was too good-willed a man. I want to give my condolences to the garbarinos, I am sorry you had to part with him. We will never forget all you did for us Mr.G.

Mr. Garbarino was probably the greatest substitute at Kennedy. We'll miss you!

I am so saddened to hear about this loss. Mr Garbarino was my favorite substitute teacher. I had him many times at Kennedy Jr. High. I give my best wishes to the Garbarino family.

Pam and Sean,
My heart goes out to you both and Nicks sister and other family members.
I remember your wedding day and what a wonderful couple I thought you both were, My prayers are with you all.

Love Sandy Dement & Family

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Mr. Gabarino was my teacher at Westmont Jr High in the 1980's. He was a wonderful teacher!

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Garbarino was a good friend and a great neighbor. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Garbarino family. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.

Dear Pam, Sean and Retta,
I am saddened to hear of Nicky's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

My son, Ricky, is a 7th Grader at Kennedy and loved when Mr. Garbarino was his Sub. Our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Garbarino and her family.

Mr. Garbarino was my Jr High Gym teacher as well. Everyone loved him and thought he was the greatest. My deepest sympathy to his family.

My deepest sympathies to Mr. Garbarino's family. I had Mr. Garbarino for 6th grade gym at the Westmont Jr. High. He could be tough at times but always cared about his kids. I have great memories of him. I feel blessed to have had him as my teacher back in the late 70's. You will be missed.

Carm DiBona-Montalbano

Dear Pam,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Sean.
Fondly,
Anita DiNello

Oh Pam and Sean.....my heart is with both of you. Please know that I am praying for you. May God comfort you both and may His presence and love hold you through this heartache.The Bible says in Hebrews 11:4 "...that although Able has passed away, he still speaks" This is also true of Nicks life. Nick without a doubt is Never Forgotten, Always Loved! My love and prayers to you both! debbie