Obituary of Vincent Monachino

Vincent Monachino “Local Educator” Rushford, NY—Vincent Monachino of Rushford, passed away Monday (July 16, 2007) at the Olean General Hospital after a short illness. Born September 1, 1943 in Canicatti, Sicily, he was the son of Antonio and Santa Ferrante Monachino. On June 3, 1983 in Olean, he married Sandra Bullock who survives. When he was 14 years old, Vince moved to Mt. Kisco, NY from Sicily with his family. When he started school at Fox Lane High School, Vince understood and spoke very little English. Even with this disadvantage he was able to graduate and attend the State University College at Oneonta, NY. He received a scholarship to play soccer, later becoming the captain of the team. Upon graduation, he began his career teaching math at Albany High School. He then continued his education at the University of New York at Buffalo where he received his master’s degree. Vince moved to Olean in September of 1972 to begin teaching math in the Olean City School District. He later became head of the math department. Throughout his teaching career, Vince can be described as a true advocate for students. He supported and was involved in numerous activities to challenge student growth. For example, when students received a 100% on a Math Regents, Vince would take them to a restaurant of their choosing. He chaperoned student activities such as “Scholastic Challenge”, and was always willing to attend any event to cheer for and support students who invited him to their competitions. His yearly homemade preparation of the Italian dessert of cannoli was eagerly anticipated by all. In 2000, he was nominated by the students as “Teacher having influenced them the most.” Vince retired in June of 2002. He was the most recent recipient of the Olean High School Academic Wall of Fame award (2007). Vince was a member of the Association of Mathematics Teachers of NYS He was involved with the Olean High School STAR program and Spotlighter Theater Workshop, and a supporter of Olean Community Theater. He also served as an adjunct professor at Jamestown Community College, a Board Member of the Olean Child Development Center , Board Member and Treasurer of the Olean Teachers and Postal Credit Union, NYS Teachers’ Retirement Delegate, and a member and officer of the Olean Teachers Association. Surviving besides his wife Sandra of Rushford and his mother of Mt. Kisco NY are two daughters Sandy (EJ) Chafouleas of Tolland CT, and Kristi (Aaron) Fish of St. Mary’s GA; two brothers Joseph (Angie) Monachino of Mobile AL, and John Monachino of Mt. Kisco NY; a sister Mary Pietraszko of Mt. Kisco NY, five grandchildren Maggie, Zoe and James Chafouleas of Tolland CT, Morgen and Jaden Fish of St. Mary’s GA; and several nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Friday July 20, 2007 at 11am at the Premier Banquet Center on 2000 Constitution Ave in Olean. Rev. Brad Chesebro of the Rushford United Methodist Church will officiate. The family will receive friends at a reception to be held immediately following the service. Friends may contact his wife Sandra at sandymonachino@yahoo.com. Memorials if desired can be made in Vincent’s name to the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis Suite F, # 227 1659 Branham Lane San Jose, CA 95118-5226. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Casey, Halwig and Hartle Funeral Home , Olean, NY.