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John Airola Obituary
John Airola
80 of Terre Haute, IN passed away Regional Hospital on April 5, 2013. He was born in Clinton, IN on October 7, 1932, to Anthony and Rose Airola.
John was a lifetime educator for the Indianapolis Public School system for over 50 years. He enjoyed spending time with his family and reading. John received his B.A. and Master's Degree in Education from Indiana State University.
John was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Anita Mattox. He is survived by his nephew Tony (Anne) Mattox of Terre Haute, niece Cathy (Bob) Jones of Indianapolis, brother in-law Robert Mattox, one great niece Taylor Mattox, and three great nephews Jarrett Mattox, Hunter Jones and Caleb Jones. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a service to follow at 1:00p.m. at Roselawn Funeral Home . Burial will follow the service at Roselawn Memorial Park. http://www.roselawnfuneralhome.net
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Memories and Condolences
for John Airola
Jeani Collins
May 3, 2014
Once again John was highly respected and a wonderful neighbor.......his sister Anita was my friend in high school, sweet memories of both....Nobody could clean up the outside like John........God love you all
jerri johnson
July 12, 2013
My heart breaks reading this ! I never knew John I was recently doing a family tree and found John is My great Uncle , My Grandma Mary Airola was his sister . I live in indians and never knew .I lost my Mom at age 15 and last year lost my son in a Fire truck accident here in eveansville. Prayers to john friends and family
Brittini Brown
April 16, 2013
I remember Mr. Airola when he was the principal at my school 25 years ago. Fond memories of a nice man and a peaceful time.
Laura Baker
April 13, 2013
Where do you even begin? He was the best of the best. For him, children always did come first. He worked tirelessly to insure that his students were successful and well-prepared to meet the world on their own. He drew out the talents of his teaching staff and pushed them to greater things. His standards were high, and it made all the difference in the world. He will always be a milestone in my professional career with many spirited conversations about educational practice. I'll leave you with this, Mr. Airola, Crow and Weasel really paid off!!
Jack Reiche
April 12, 2013
I have many fond memories of my time as an instructor of Spanish at School 67 in the early 1980s. John Airola was a very caring administrator, and 30 years later, I use classroom methodologies that I learned from him. John has a special place in my heart, and always will. What a wonderful person!
DENISE DEAN
April 12, 2013
I HAD HIM AS A TEACHER WHEN HE WAS AT 61 GOOD GUY
Susan Wakefield
April 12, 2013
My children attended IPS #67 while Mr. Airola was principl. He was a gifted leader, an inspiration! He touched many lives and will be fondly remembered.
Marie Lawlor
April 10, 2013
Mr. Airola was the epitome of what an educator should be. I am a former IPS parent; our group was made stronger by his support, knowledge and helpfulness. We appreciated and respected him so very much.
Gilda Eller-Wolf
April 9, 2013
Mr. Airola was a wonderful teacher at School #61 in '59-61. I loved his perfect handwriting especially! He made us work and we excelled because of him. Condolences to his family.
Aleicha Ostler
April 9, 2013
Mr. Airola was a wise man. I was always glad to see him in my school building. I considered him a great mentor. I would take in every word he said because I knew that he was a great educator with amazing insight. I feel privilaged to have worked under his supervision. Not only was he an amazing mentor, but just a good guy. His passion for education was admirable. He will be greatly missed in IPS.
Phyllis Fischer
April 9, 2013
Mr. Airola was my first principal back at School 41 in 1972. He was a fine man. He helped me get started as a teacher and I will always remember his support and kindness to me. Please accept my sincere sympathy.
Dr. Michael Brown
April 9, 2013
A great educator God's speed.
Terry Moore
April 8, 2013
I had the privelage of getting to know Mr. Airola over the past two years as he worked in many different capacities in our school building. I have never met someone who was as caring and honorable as Mr. Airola. He was a true gentleman and I am a better person for having known him.
Stephanie West
April 8, 2013
My first two years of being a principal were made easier because of Mr. Airola. He listened, mentored, encouraged and supported me always even after those first 2 years. His legacy will go on forever through the educators and children that he touched daily in IPS even after his retirement!
Jennifer Halley
April 8, 2013
Mr. Airola was an inspiration to all. It was an honor to be coached by him as an educator. He always encouraged you to do your best.He will be truly missed by those who loved and respected him. My condolences to his family.
Joe Pockrass
April 8, 2013
I had the distinct pleasure to work with Mr. Airola on and off the past couple of years. He was a great educator who dedicated his life to the children of IPS. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to the family.
Becky Franklin
April 8, 2013
Mr, Airola was my mentor and my friend. He was my first principal at School 41 back in the 70's. He was a perfectionist and ran a tight ship, but would never ask anyone to do anything he wouldn't do.
He was incredibly dedicated. School was his life and the kids were his family. He would always go all out at Christmas to make it super special for the kids and he enjoyed it as much as they did.
I was lucky to work with him again after he retired, as he tutored and mentored at School 54. We did a lot of reminiscing and I had a chance to tell him how much he influenced my teaching career. We shared stories and laughed about his lack of mastery of anything high tech and his fear of being found out. I say this with a smile but also with respect for the high standards he held even for himself.
He was very proud of his family and actually glowed when he spoke of them.
John Airola was an educator, a mentor, a leader, a gentleman and a friend to so many. He truly "made a difference."
Heidi Van Duzer
April 8, 2013
Mr. Airola always had a smile to share. He even let me call him Johnny. We both laughed every time I did. He was an amazing man that had so much knowledge to share. I am blessed to have known him. My prayers are with his family as the celebrate the life of Mr. John Airola.
Marcy Chudnov
April 8, 2013
I was a Chapter One Reading Teacher at School 67 for three years. Mr. Airola was a wonderful administrator and ran a tight ship at PS#67. He expected the best from his staff and students and his students and staff lived up to his expectations. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
May his memory be for blessings.
Barry Olshin
April 8, 2013
John was a dedicated educator for whom I always had the highest respect and admiration. He was bright and intuitive, but most of all never failed to exhibit the highest degree of integrity. A very special person who will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Kevin McMahan
April 8, 2013
Mr. Airola made one of the biggest impacts on my career in education. He was always knowledgeable, positive, and a pleasure to have in the building. I can only attempt to accomplish some of the many things he did and what he stood for during his illustrious career with IPS. He will be greatly missed.
Lori Pollert-Brady
April 8, 2013
Mr. Airolla mentored, inspired and guided many students and staff members during his time with Indianapolis Public Schools. He will be greatly missed and always remembered.
Debbie Dyar
April 8, 2013
I learned so much from Mr. Airola. He was my first Principal who I taught under, and School 67 was my first teaching job. He taught me so much. He had high expectations of his staff, and of his students... and because of that, people wanted to do well. Students and teachers. Thank you for all that you taught me, Mr. Airola. You set a wonderful example to everyone in your school... you will be missed my many.
Susan White
April 8, 2013
So many lives touched, so many educators enriched by a devoted and dedicated teacher. Your legacy lives in the lives of children and teachers throughout IPS. I will miss our many conversations about the art of teaching.
Vicki Bailey-Waln
April 8, 2013
Wonderful teacher, gave me a lifelong love of history My eighth grade homeroom teacher at PS # 61 RIP
April 8, 2013
Mr. Airola was one of the greatest influences on me growing up in the 50s & 60s at P.S. 61. We will miss him and my prayers go out to his family.
DWM
April 7, 2013
The last time I saw Mr. Airola, I was having an incredibly bad day. He sat with me, let me cry, and then was incredibly kind and encouraging. He was actually that way every time I saw him. I will miss chatting with him about teaching, students, and life. I hope that I will live up to his example of what an educator should be! My greatest sympathies for your loss...and ours.
Jennifer Harris
Marlys Pedigo
April 7, 2013
My heart goes out to Mr. Airola's family and friends. He always had a wonderful smile and encouraging word for everyone he met~students, families, and staff. He will be missed by many.
Misty Ackles-Dumas
April 7, 2013
Mr. Airola was such an awesome person and educator. He will be greatly missed.
Shannon Schenk
April 7, 2013
John Airola was a great mentor and leader to me as well as many of my colleagues. He lead us to greater things than we could see ourselves. Thank you Mr. Airola.
Michelle McKeller
April 7, 2013
Mr. Airola was a great supportive educator that would listen! I enjoyed having conversations with him about education and things that were happening in my classroom. My prayers and thoughts are with his family and he will be greatly missed!
Margi Higgs
April 7, 2013
John was one of the best administrators with whom I've had the pleasure to work. He was not only my supervisor at times, but always a friend and a mentor. He encouraged me as the newest principal in Montessori when I first started and was always there for me if I needed help or advice. I will carry his memory with me as I continue the wonderful role as a Montessori principal.
Cheryl Hazlett
April 7, 2013
Mr. Airola was a fabulous educator and leader. He made a tremendous impact on so many students and teachers. I know that I am the teacher I am today because of him.
Jeni Fleming
April 7, 2013
What a wonderful man and incredible educator. My first grade teacher was Mrs. Elizabeth Calet, a close friend of Mr Airola and we talked several times about our mutual love for her. I will miss him and what he stood for in IPS. My sympathy to his family.
April 7, 2013
A GREAT TEACHER AND EDUCATOR LEON REID
April 7, 2013
John Airola personified the word "educator". He was that to the administrators under his tutelage, parents, teachers and most importantly, the children.
He impacted many in his years as an educator.
I thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from my interaction with Mr. Airola.
My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones.
Mrs. Dixie Seaver
Ann Mennonno
April 7, 2013
Mr. Airola was a wonderful gift to IPS! His service will not be forgotten.
Cheryl Hazlett
April 7, 2013
John Airola was a fabulous educator and colleague. He devoted his life to children. I know he touched many students and adults that he worked with. I feel blessed to have worked with him.
Alan Stein
April 7, 2013
Mr. Airola will be missed by all IPS family members.
Patricia Bradley
April 7, 2013
John was an amazing educator and such a wonderful man.
He touched the lives of so many children, parents, and co-workers throughout his many years of dedication to Indianapolis Public Schools. He will truly be missed, and remembered, always.
Laura DeHart
April 7, 2013
Mr. Airola was a man who brought a smile to everyone's face. Each day John visited a building in which I worked, the day just got better. He was not only one of the best educator's in the district, but a wonderful person. I will greatly miss him!
Susan Graves
April 7, 2013
Mr. Airola was a loyal and supportive educator who will be greatly missed. My prayers are with your family.
PATTY POWELL
April 7, 2013
MR. AIROLA-ONE OF MY VERY FAVORITE TEACHERS AT SCHOOL 61. HE WAS AN AWESOME TEACHER. I ALWAYS WANTED TO DO WHAT HE ASKED AND PLEASE HIM-I HAD SO MUCH RESPECT FOR HIM. VERY FOND MEMORIES OF SCHOOL 61. PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY. PATTY POWELL EICHLER
Paula Corley
April 7, 2013
To the Family of Mr. John Airola:
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Mr. Airola's instructional expertise extended was appreciated by many colleagues and students. His contributions were abundant as an educator. Please accept my condolences.
With sympathy,
Duncan Pat Pritchett
April 7, 2013
John was a wonderful educator who cared about helping all students achieve to their maximum potential. He was respected by students, parents, teachers and all of us who worked with him. He will be missed.
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