Saturday, April 2, 2011
I was a student of Mr. Belsito's and I am certain it must be close to 25 years since I last saw him but I can remember him so clearly. I can picture him exactly as he was then. I remember being in class with him, watching videos and hearing stories about adventures in Papua New Guinea. In the fourth grade, he helped me prepare a science project for which I won first prize at our school science fair. Impressive, especially considering he was my french teacher! I come from a broken home, we moved a lot, I didn't have friends. There are three teachers who helped me overcome those challenges and for whom I cared deeply and Mr. Belsito is the first. He was vibrant, cheerful, kind, funny, caring and the zest with with he approached everything was contagious. It was impossible not to smile when you were near him. He made everything seem like an adventure, everything seemed more interesting when he explained it. He was always encouraging and helpful. When he saw me struggling, it seemed a natural thing for him to help me. He made me love learning. Considering where I came from, that love of learning changed my life. I mourn his loss and I knew him only briefly, as a child whose life he touched momentarily. The depth of grief his family must feel is surely profound. He was an inspiration to me as I'm sure he was to many others. The sun shines less brightly without him. Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. Sincerely, Christina Speers
