Sha-lou’s high school teacher Mr. Michael Giammarino left this comment last night on Memories.

It is with great sadness that I learned of Sha-lou’s passing only 15 minutes ago. I was Sha-lou’s Spanish teacher in both 10th and 11th grade. Not only was he an excellent student, who always got a 100 on every test ( or argued over the points on the tests that he didn’t) and had a mind like a sponge. I remember his impeccable handwriting, and how he always corrected me if I left the hypen out of his name. That was Sha-lou. Eventually I just started calling him Shamu!! That was the sense of humor we both shared.

Sha-lou knew me only too well. In the class plays at Nyack High School, he played me. His portrayal was spot on; he had my mannerisms, humor, quirks, and clothing done to a T. I used to call him my “Mini me.” I often wondered if one day he would follow in my footsteps and become a teacher. And today I found out that he indeed did, and surely inspired many others in the process.

I enjoyed many moments during rehearsals for the class play and other junior class activities with Shal-lou. He was always reliable and helpful and always made everyone laugh.

The last time I saw Sha-lou was in 1999 when he visited me during his senior year. I am proud to see all that he has accomplished and the legacy he leaves behind in the students and friends whose lives he touched. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

I accompany his friends and family at this difficult time in their sadness.

FYI, we have had 1,266 to the site as of 9:50 AM PST. There are now 30 members on the Facebook group. Please keep the memories coming. If you are having trouble figuring it out shoot me an email and I would be happy to walk you through it. I know it is new for a lot of people.

Julia