Remembering Romano Zavaroni
Eulogy – November 2023
Being human is remarkable and Romano Zavaroni was a remarkable human being.
He was the most wonderful, loving husband to Jean and doting, inspirational father to Andrea.
At home, good food was part of Romano’s everyday life. Whether blending the perfect ground coffee or cooking a delicious Italian meal, he loved sourcing and using the finest ingredients and sharing what he made.
To have someone close, prioritising others over themselves, is a prize of infinite value.
And so education won the lottery when Romano chose it as his profession.
Most educators work with students. Romano worked with individuals.
In schools and ultimately St John’s College in York, his teaching went beyond and then often so much further.
Romano demanded and expected much from his students but in return he gave far more, and always gave wholeheartedly.
The time, empathy & candid kindness he shared, always with considered thought, makes it possible today for cherished memories to fall with grace and gratitude upon our cheeks.
Like the maturing of fine wine, the years of reflection allow us to truly appreciate the impact and value of Romano’s decades of dedication. From guiding trainees, teaching sport and ultimately leading Recreation Management degrees, he was an inspirational role model.
A worthwhile life is one that makes a difference. Over multiple generations, Romano made a difference to thousands of lives.
But how did he do it?
As an educator, Romano didn’t follow. His approach was not to lecture, talk nor judge. Moreover, with gravel voice, he asked us questions and asked us to question ourselves.
Curiosity sparked, our titan of teaching sat back and simply watched and guided as an amphitheatre of learning bubbled and occasionally boiled. Unlike dull, traditional lectures, his classes of concentrated minds stoked tension, excitement and drama.
Such events memories savour. Such events build skills and lead to excellent jobs.
To students he gave direction and hope.
And hope created confidence and self-belief.
And with self-belief came purpose and the desire to discover what makes us sing and the ability to sing our own song.
Highly respected and popular at St Johns College, Romano was never without steely character, quiet charisma and selfless charm. He didn’t differentiate and sought and saw the best in everyone.
As a term of endearment, those close knew Mr Zavaroni affectionately as ‘Zav’. This simple three-letter word became a revered college brand, often uttered in hushed tones by curious students, caught somewhere between awe and wonder.
People would often catch sight of ‘Zav’ walking through college. Wearing one of his flawlessly tailored three-piece suits and fine Italian leather shoes, he was the standout academic.
But, no-one is perfect.
So perhaps now is a good time for eyes to raise and us to question Romano’s incongruous preference for carrying his daily workload in an orange Sainsburys carrier bag.
But if we are to dig at what carried his books, then we must appreciate, admire and applaud what carried Romano.
Like his food, shoes and history, he loved quality Italian.
No surprise then that like the engine beneath the bonnet, he purred when given the opportunity to blather about his beloved Alfa Romeos.
How fitting.
Alpha Romeo deserved Alpha Romano.
And one final thought…
Over the years, students from every generation will have received handwritten letters from the great man and Honorary Fellow that we remember today.
Those letters, often covering multiple pages, were all crafted in ink and laced with love. Those letters were typically timed to provide guidance and support when needed most.
If Romano had a pound for every letter he wrote, he’d probably have been an extremely wealthy man.
But for Romano, knowing and supporting people mattered far more than money. And the truth is, he was one of the richest people any of us will probably ever know.
He taught so many, so much and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to guide us all for the rest of our lives.
Being human is remarkable and Romano Zavaroni was a remarkable human being.
