Bethel Park celebrates life of teacher: Jon Gentile remembered by family, friends and fellow Phish fans
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Ask the average music listener about the rock band Phish, and a likely response is either the faintest hint of recognition or a flat-out blank stare.
But concerts by Phish — yes, that’s with a “Ph” — marked special occasions for Bethel Park High School teachers Jon Gentile and Rich Casagranda, as they and fellow fans made many pilgrimages together to see the band live, starting a dozen years ago in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
“To celebrate the life of one of the best friends I’ve ever had, I’m going to talk about one of the newest friends, a guy named Guy,” Casagranda said as he paid tribute to Jonathan David Gentile, who died May 24 in a kayaking accident at age 38.
During a remembrance held at the high school two months later, Casagranda told of a Phish cap he bought for Gentile after that first show, and how he’d wear it to the point where it “became part of him.”
Unfortunately, its current whereabouts are unknown. So Casagranda embarked on finding one just like it.
“But that’s hard to do,” he said. “How do we find a hat from 2010, limited release?”
Thanks to an online Phish forum, Guy Ottaviano of Burlington, Vt. — coincidentally, where the band got its start the same year Gentile was born — learned of the situation.
“He said, ‘I have that hat, and I’d be honored to send it to Kathy and Giancarlo,’ ” Casagranda said about Gentile’s wife and son. “So a few weeks ago, I got a package in the mail. Sure enough,” he said as he opened it to reveal the contents, “here’s that hat.”
Then he presented it to 9½-year-old Giancarlo.
“I hope it brings you joy. Whether you wear it or display it, I hope you’re reminded of the many communities, plural, that love Jon,” Casagranda said, subsequently asking those in attendance “to really cheer and clap, so that I can send a video to Guy Ottaviano and say this means something.” They responded overwhelmingly.
Joy was a recurring theme of the afternoon as family members and colleagues shared memories of Gentile. In fact, his wife of 11 years, also a teacher at the high school, led audience members in singing along to a particularly relevant Phish song.
It’s called “Joy,” the title track of the group’s 12th studio album.
“As I look around today, I’m reminded of the overwhelming generosity and love of this community” Kathy Gentile said. “My heart truly is so full, and Giancarlo and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Jon’s mother, Deborah Gentile-Miklosey, also expressed her appreciation.
I want to take a good look at all of you and thank you for the incredible support you have given the Gentile family, and for honoring our son, Mr. G, today,” she said. “Our family has had a front-row seat to witness the character of the Bethel Park community and the Bethel Park School District. Students, teachers, administrators, business owners and residents have participated in doing acts of kindness and giving generously to the Gentile family.”
She suggested further celebrating Jon’s life with “G” Days.
“We could make posters displaying examples of kindness, and have games and athletic competitions about sportsmanship, rather than winning or losing,” Gentile-Miklosey said. “In the spirit of Mr. G, students can hand out chocolate kisses and pass out notes of encouraging words, and look for opportunities to turn a frown into a smile.
“Every school should have a ‘G’ Day to highlight those people whose character changed the world around them.”
Justin Gentile, Jon’s brother, announced the establishment of a memorial scholarship to be presented to Bethel Park High School seniors.
“I will be personally donating to it every single year. The family will be donating to it every year,” he said.“It’s a community fund that I think makes a lot of sense with who Jon was. He always wanted to engage with his community and bring people together and find a place where we can be together.
“So I encourage you to also donate to the fund so that every year, Jon’s legacy will go through another person and have a positive impact on them for years to come.”
For more information, visit bold.org/funds/gentile-scholarship-fund.
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