Today we said goodbye to an angel. I met Joe DeAngelo long before I started at Badin. Joe, Kathy and Tim would sit close by each Sunday at Glenmary. I would often see Joe there in the summer at daily masses. We would sometimes walk those peaceful grounds and just talk and laugh a whole lot. He would offer me fatherly advice, knowing my dad had passed several years ago. He was a shoulder to cry on. He was a friend to the end. We shared a favorite bible quote, Hebrews13:2:

"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."

Joe never judged. Joe only knew to accept people. When I started at Badin, it was Joe’s smiling and jovial morning greeting which started my every day. He would peep in my door and say, “How is my work Mrs. D?” I will forever have a special place in my heart for Joe. He was honest and didn’t take himself too seriously. He inspired, listened and nurtured so many through the years. He truly touched so very many lives and the world is indeed a far better place because you were here Joe D. Heaven certainly has gained the best angel ever. He was more than one of the good ones. Joe was the real deal. And I am sure he is up there right now planning the most magnificent Spaghetti Dinner. I raise my glass to you my friend! Save me a seat!

Mrs. Sarah Daniels

If you're lucky, every student will have that one teacher who made a difference in their lives. I was doubly blessed because mine was a package deal...Mr. D and Mr. McCabe were mine. I came to Badin as the oldest in my family. Neither of my parents went to Badin, but my aunts and uncles did--so I didn't have that "Badin last name." Of course, Mr. D knew my family well, and instantly made me feel at home. He was always my safe place at school--there to encourage me when I was down and push me when I needed it. He saw something in me that I didn't see in myself. He challenged me to do more and to be more. I had planned to pursue nursing, but Mr. D was relentless about pushing me towards marketing and public relations (and Miami University!). He was right.

I wouldn't be where I am today without him.

When I think of all my life's chapters, there was never a time when Mr. D wasn't part of my story. He was at my wedding, he was there to celebrate the birth of all of my kids, he bragged to his classes about every one of my career moves and promotions. "She was one of mine," I can still hear him say, like a proud father.

In the last few years, when our family hit very challenging times, Mr. D was there. He checked on me daily. Prayed for our family. Always there for a hug, a kiss on the cheek, an "I love you." I'll miss those hugs, and his booming voice coming down the administrative hallway. I still expect to hear "hello, hello!" and see him round the corner and into my office. I don't know what Badin feels like without him here. There will never be another one like him. Even though aging is a fact of life, I seriously never entertained the idea of a world without Joe DeAngelo in it. Maybe because he was always bigger than life. I've been asking myself this question all week...how can we ensure his legacy continues? I don't know that I have any answers but I keep coming back to one simple idea...

be a Joe DeAngelo in someone else's life.

Mrs. Kelli Kurtz