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Joseph Tranchina Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Tranchina
April 16, 2011
Joe was a upbeat, professional and always informed. His contributions to society, education and life were felt from the moment of his birth and will live on in the "remember when comments" made by generations of former students and friends.
Alice Flores
joy kutaka-kennedy
April 16, 2011
Joe was a delightful colleague, and he will be missed. He left a legacy of light behind him. Peace.
April 15, 2011
I was Joe Tranchina's student in the teaching credential program at National University and he is one teacher I will never ever forget. It has been about 5 years since I last saw him, but I will keep remembering him, keep missing him all my life. He was an amazing teacher, and a remarkable human being. His wit, his sharp intelligence, his humor, his kindness, his encouraging words, his constant smile, his real caring, his stories, his methods of teaching, I will treasure always in my heart. I can never forget how he memorized each student's name the first day of class. We said our names one by one, and after we were all done, he repeated them all one by one! Such was his caring...making such effort to know you personally by day one. He was such an inspiring man, a role model for all, a very unique and special individual. A man of all seasons.
~ Roma Kaur Rajpal, Santa Clara, CA
Marshal Merriam
April 15, 2011
I met Joe at National. He taught classroom management, perhaps the most important class I took there. All of us enjoyed his steady stream of stories, based on his extensive experience as a principal, all directly related to the topic. Later, he wrote me a nice recommendation when I was looking for a job.
Angela (Baroa) Bracher
April 14, 2011
Very sad to hear the news of Mr. Tranchina's passing. He was a good man and will be missed.
Jan Vallow-Latin
April 12, 2011
I'll miss those great conversations and the many lunches....but mostly, we'll all miss you, Joe.
Chris Rivera
April 11, 2011
While you never wanted to be called into Mr. Tranchina's office, he always made a point of knowing every student at his school and making sure that they were living up to their full potential. He was a great educator who wanted nothing but the best for his students. Everyone who encountered Mr. Tranchina is better for having known him.
Stephen Roberson (AHS '88)
April 11, 2011
Three months after graduation, I went to a Cal Bears football game. The stadium seated 72,000 people and who was sitting directly in front of me? Joe Tranchina. I asked him if he was following me and told him I already had my diploma so he couldn't give me any more Saturday hours. He had a good laugh. He was a fine man and a fine educator.
Colleen Weaver (Richards)
April 10, 2011
Mr. Tranchina was truly an inspirational man and a good friend throughout my high school years. His will always be remembered as such by this 1989 alumna.
David Debelak (AHS 1982)
April 8, 2011
Thoughts and prayers are with you ! I truely loved and admired his mentorship !
Sara
April 8, 2011
Mr Tranchina was a wonderful teacher during my credential program at National University. I looked forward to every class. I am much better at Jeopardy! after his cutural literacy lessons! I can't imagine how many lives he has had a positive influence on over the years. What a great man.
Greg Moss
April 8, 2011
I can't believe Joe is gone. His unique combination of talents will not be found again in one person. Joe may have been "old school," but his essence was timeless. He challenged as he encouraged; he raised everyone's expectations, but he never failed to nurture and support along the way. He was a guy we always expected to be there, just in case...just in case we needed his wisdom, humor, and insight along this tortuously rewarding path we call education. But if Joe was your teacher, you can relax. He's in you, unforgettably. Rest in peace, Joe.
Kerri Lauck
April 7, 2011
I took a class from him about a year ago. I have been a teacher for 20 years, and it was such a wonderful experience. He was able to make the class useful for everyone in there regardless of their experience or lack of experience. He will be missed.
Renato Muratalla
April 7, 2011
Joe was my proffesor at National University. He was very influential in my life by helping me get my teaching credential.He was truly one of a kind and will be dearly missed.Enjoy heaven Joe.
William Noble Twee Nguyen
April 7, 2011
Joe is a wonderful teacher and a great man.
Sai Kumar
April 7, 2011
Mr. Tranchina was a humorous gentleman. He was my mentor at National University. I intend to leverage the valuable insights that he provided for my future. I truly appreciate and cherish the support, guidance, and the encouragement he provided during my credential program. Though he will be truly missed, I can take solace in knowing that there will be a guardian angle watching over the students and teachers.
Tom Martin
April 7, 2011
Joe was the highlight of my credentialing work at National University. He was, and remains, an inspiration. He will be missed.
Allison Espejo
April 7, 2011
A few years ago, I attended a 3-week summer course taught by Joe, and it was one of my favorite classes. He was definitely one of the best! I loved the end of class ... "What did you learn today?", and the many interesting conversations as a result. He taught us well!
Colleen Segale
April 7, 2011
I was just thinking of Professor Tranchina today. He was so inspiring to us novice teachers, and his stories and sense of humor taught us a lot about the teaching profession. The assignments he gave us helped prepare me for student teaching. I am a better person and a more passionate teacher because he touched my life. He will be missed.
Michelle LaMarche
April 7, 2011
I just heard of Joe's passing and I was so sad! He was one of the best instructors I had while getting my teaching credential at National. He took a personal interest in us and even organized a 'cocktail hour' after our last class at his expense! He personally helped me to meet potential job contacts for teaching at Irvington High School. I thought those efforts were above and beyond what a graduate studies teacher would do for his students. What a great man and a great role model. I always told him I wanted to be like him when I grew up...and I am over 50! RIP,Joe.
Persia Wirth
April 7, 2011
Joseph Tranchina was a wonderful instructor.
April 7, 2011
His courses at National were the most relevant and useful of the entire credential program. A genuinely nice man.
Jim Grassi
April 7, 2011
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Jerrye Hoyt
April 7, 2011
I taught English/writing for Joe @ American High. Joe was involved with education, and every spring he wrote a Haiku to introduce my students' poetry book...he wrote this in '87: The 'lentless tiger/creeps with patience and mischief/seeking prey and a meal. --Jerrye Hoyt
Steve Davis
April 6, 2011
I am also saddened to hear of Joe's passing. Joe told it like it was and prepared his student teachers for the reality of the classroom. He lives on. I and many others use his philosophy and techniques in our classrooms. If you had Joe at National U. then you know about cultural literacy. I use it with my seniors and we get a lot out of it. Joe was hard on us and we learned a lot from him and each other. The world is a better place because of him.
Lara Sepulveda
April 6, 2011
Joe's passion for education as it could be, as it should be, shone through in everything he did. The respect and love he showed for his students - young & old, current & former - is something that I strive to demonstrate daily in my classroom. Of the many professors I've had in my life, Joe is one of the only ones I remember by name. His spirit lives on in the lives of the many people he touched.
Rest in peace. Here's hoping you're swimming in the most beautiful heated pool you've ever imagined.
Alex Sarria
April 6, 2011
I am extremely sad to hear that Joe has passed away. He was a great man and a great educator. I learned so much from him during my Credential program at National University that I have applied in my classroom. He was one of a kind, and he will be missed.
Marc Annicchero
April 6, 2011
Joe Tranchina was a tremendous person with an amazing mind and a keen intellect. He challenged you and celebrated your efforts as well as your achievements. It was an honor to have been instructed by him and to have known him. God Bless.
Marc Annicchero
April 6, 2011
Joe Tranchina was a tremendous person with an amazing mind and a keen intellect. He challenged you and celebrated your efforts as well as your achievements. It was an honor to have been instructed by him and to have known him. God Bless.
Joe's annual Christmas lunch with National University staff
Alle Alvarez
April 4, 2011
Joe's annual Christmas lunch with National University staff
Alle Alvarez
April 1, 2011
Dave Smith
March 30, 2011
RIP Captain America. You were a special person to all of the students, teachers and staff that you touched during your career and in your life outside of school. You fit the "grand plan" for American High. Hard as nails when you needed to be, but most of the time smiling and talking to us everyday over the loudspeaker. You were our Captain. It was a privilege and an honor to have known you. God Bless you.
Carol Vierra Szymkiewicz
March 28, 2011
I had the privilege of typing Mr. Tranchina’s doctorate thesis when I was in high school. That was way back at Skyline High in either 1963 or 1964. I can’t remember much about the paper except that it was about the education of teens. I would imagine that he carried a flame in his heart for every child he ever touched and I know we all were better people for having known him. Gosh, I hope there are no grammatical errors in this!!
March 27, 2011
Joe was one the most dynamic and creative men that I have ever known, totally unafraid of trying new things. High energy, hard working, and tireless. His teachers meetings I always enjoyed and never missed a one. The best thing though, was that he took the time to be friends. We were so fortunate to have spent many meals and share drinks with him and Mike. He will be missed and prayers go out to his family. Keith & Karen Kato
Sri Komar
March 27, 2011
I am deeply saddened to learn of Mr. Tranchina's passing away. He was truly one of a kind. His teaching methods at National University were legendary. He inspired me and challenged me to hone in on my own strengths. He advocated for the rights of not only students but also of teachers. The most remarkable thing about him was that he had such a thorough understanding and wisdom about world cultures and made every student feel included and respected. Mr. Tranchina, you will be missed!
Carol Purcell
March 26, 2011
Joe was my principal during my whole teaching career. He had an incredible impact on my life, not only as a teacher, but later, when I became a school administrator. And, retired less than a year, I got a phone call from Joe, inviting me to supervise teachers at National University. That led to 11 more years in education. Joe mentored all of us, students and teachers. He was always supportive and positive. I hope his family realizes how many lives he touched. We share your sorrow.
Carl "CJ" Johnson
March 26, 2011
Mr. Tranchina was a very good and nice man. I loved having his as my principal at American High School. My parents really liked him as well. We always enjoyed talking to him when we would run into him outside of school. I remember how nice it was to see him at my 10 year reunion (which was the last time I saw him). He will be truly missed.
Trina Bega
March 25, 2011
Joe was a National University professor while I was earning my teaching credential. He was so darn funny, smart, and inspiring. His stories captivated us and the majority of us were in tears laughing on most evenings. We learned so much about teaching philosophies and the politics of teaching. He truly loved and believed in kids and knew how to hire the right people for the job. I often recall his words of wisdom including, "If you want to reach teens, try thinking like a teen. Try thinking about what was important to you at that age because I guarantee it wasn't sheer excitement about reading Hamlet." He encouraged us to think outside the box as educators. Thank you, Joe.
Jane Mueller
March 25, 2011
As a parent of students who graduated from American High School, I was very sorry to hear the news about Joe. He was a force of nature in our community. We are diminished by his passing. I hope his family understands that there are hundreds of us who join in their loss.
Kathy Ronay Birdsong
March 25, 2011
Mr. T was easily The Most Influential Teacher in my life. He challenged all of us with work we didn't think we could do, but DID. The books we read were required in college, not high school. We wrote, wrote, wrote and had to think. Such a novel concept! I still have the essays and beginning chapters of a novel that he assigned. I am sure he was a terrific administrator as well as teacher, parent and husband. What a man. My deepest sympathy to his family.
(Class of 1962, Oakland Tech)
Cindi (Ratliff) Amador
March 24, 2011
Mr. Tranchina was a wonderful man and an excellent Principal. My sincerest condolences to his family for such a heart ibreaking loss. I have the fondest memories if him and I will always hold them dear. I cam hear his unmistaken voice in my head and it warms my heart. May you rest in peace Joe.
Monica Serresseque Freeman
March 24, 2011
Mr. Tranchina was my principal and a wonderful role model. There are many, many memories of him strolling around the rotunda talking and smiling at all of us. One fond memory I have was of an April Fools trick he played on a good friend of mine. It was a difficult trick to pull off, but it really showed his love of humor and just making AHS a place that has such good memories. My thoughts and prayers are with all who will miss him.
Bill & Max
March 24, 2011
Heard from Sue about your dad....we are so sorry for your loss.
March 24, 2011
Joe was very influential in my life. He helped to make me the teacher that I was and to enjoy every minute. He allowed us to step out of our box and try new things. I went on to help Irvingon develop the program that we tried to achieve at American. Joe was just too far ahead of his time in 1970. It took 20 years for the rest of the district to catch up with him. We had lunch with Joe in Dec. to help celebrate his 79th birthday. I am thankful that I had that time to spend with him.
He will me missed but his legacy of educators lives on.
With Love,
Sharon Ceresa
Bob Mallon
March 24, 2011
Mr. Tranchina never stopped being my principal. Long after I graduated from American High, he continued to give me guidance, advice, and unflagging support. Even just a few years ago--in the aisle at Lucky's, for goodness sake--we shared a five-minute, direction-shifting conversation that resonates with me still. Thank you, Mr. Tranchina. Bless you, your family, and all of us you touched who feel your loss.
Karen Lanthier Havstad
March 23, 2011
Mr. T was what all educators should aspire to be. With his guiding hand, American was where we began to discover who we were and who we wanted to become.
Having his generous spirt, respect, guidance, encouragement and firm voice in our lives every day was a blessing I understood even as a teen. As a parent now, I can only wish for my teens to have a teacher, counselor, principal or coach who understands and inspires them as Mr. T did for me.
Shannon Echols
March 23, 2011
There is a picture I treasure of Mr. Tranchina handing me my high school diploma. If it hadn't been for his generosity and belief that I could get myself back on track, that day would have never happened. Thank you Mr. Tranchina for believing I could do it!
John Bowen
March 23, 2011
I would not be the person I am today were it not for the guidance, wisdom, encouragement trust and belief Mr. Tranchina bestowed upon me and countless others. I'm sure he is busy mentoring the angels now. Rest in peace, tiger .... and thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
March 23, 2011
Joe gave me my start as a counselor at Mission San Jose High School in 1968. He was a great boss and an even greater person. I regret that I have not seen him over these many years, but I have thought about him and our fun times together way back when. The education system has lost a very valuable person, and I'm sure there are many, many students and teachers that were enriched by his presence in their life. I know I was.
John Oldemeyer
March 23, 2011
Mr. Tranchina was such a great support and mentor during my high school years at American. I feel very blessed to have had a wonderful relationship with him and I appreciate the impact he had in molding me into the adult that I am today. Thank you for being a part of my life Mr. T, I am a better person because of you.
Victoria (Klink) Casaray
March 23, 2011
Mr. Tranchina was my High School Principal, and a wonderful one. I remember his beautiful smile. My thoughts and prayers our with the family. I'm sure he is brightening up Heaven with his smile right now. Until we meet again.
Barbara Russell Dubois
March 23, 2011
Since others refer to "Mr. T." and discussions on Galileo, I assume I write concerning the right Joseph Tranchina, the English teacher, school counselor, and principal in the East Bay. I knew him at Oakland Tech High School 1961-2 and Skyline High School 1962-3. I know you will hear from many other students who were particularly inspired to continue with higher education because of his influence. We were in "Honors" English, and he was famous for taxing our abilities, laying out the foundation for our future Western Civilization studies. Mr. T., I remember everything you said! I was an English major because of you. My husband Paul Dubois also was in your classes, and we talk about you still.
Kathleen Miller
March 23, 2011
I have thought many times about the impact Joe had on my life. I was so saddened by the news of his passing.
Cheri Block Sabraw
March 22, 2011
Joe, Joe, Joe!!! I miss you so much. Joe and I met weekly to discuss history, philosophy, literature and life. We were just finishing a "quarter" on Galileo. Joe, I picked up the phone several times to go over an idea or two.
I count myself blessed that you were such an integral part of my life.
Things will never be the same.
Phil Hagmann
March 22, 2011
Mr T. was our next door neighbor. What a guy! Always whistling his little tune. We will miss him. We extend our condolences to the family and will be praying for your comfort during this difficult time. We send our love for him to you.
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