A MAN FOR OTHERS

I sympathize with anyone undergoing chemotherapy. Although often a necessity in the battle against cancer, my chemo time was certainly a period of estrangement from everyday life.

Though mercifully he doesn’t have cancer, my friend Leo Cornacchia is currently in the midst of a fourth round of chemo in an effort to ameliorate a serious kidney condition. My recent visit to his home found him in good spirits despite his significant struggles with the side effects of his bi-weekly chemo regime. The fact he still has a full head of hair is of little consolation to someone who is not able to get a good night’s sleep and who has to walk the tightrope of a very restricted diet to balance his diabetes.

Leo was the head caretaker at Brebeuf College for seventeen years although his career with the Toronto Catholic School Board was actually his third profession. As a young boy in his native Italy, Leo trained as an apprentice barber and tailor before arriving in Canada in the early sixties. He worked as a barber until 1966 when the Beatles craze made getting a monthly haircut the exception rather than the norm. He moved into the garment industry making high end suits for a Toronto distributer. Again, he was at the whim of the marketplace when cheaper clothing began flooding the Canadian markets in the early eighties.

With energy and determination, Leo began his new career with the Catholic Board where his exceptional work ethic and attention to detail was quickly recognized and rewarded with the position of head caretaker at an elementary school and later at Brebeuf.

Like his predecessor, Tony Tersigni, Leo served the school with a dedication and diligence that far exceeded what could be expected from anyone. Brebeuf’s true ironman, he worked tirelessly from the moment he opened the school at 5:30 am to the end of his day at four in the afternoon. Often a one man gang, Leo always strived to ensure that the physical environment of the school was ideal for student learning. Indeed, he was a daily inspiration to the entire school community.

And now this man for others, without the comfort of his wife who passed away seven years ago, waits patiently his next set of test results, his next round of chemo, his next visit to the doctor.

Leo, you continue to inspire me by your faith and perseverance at this challenging time. Never feel that you have to go it alone; let others help lighten your burden. And know that the prayers and best wishes of everyone at Brebeuf College are with you and your entire family.

Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example,

that you should follow in His steps.

1 Peter 2:21