In a letter to the editor, Union City High School teacher Rafael Martel fondly remembers one of his colleagues who recently passed: Heriberto Riancho.
Dear Editor,
Last October 2nd., Union City lost one of its teachers: Heriberto Riancho. He was dedicated as often teachers are. He was appreciated by his students and his co-workers.
He was affable with a solid sense of humor, a mark of great teachers. He was unassuming, cordial, and many times he seemed lost in his thoughts. Perhaps his thoughts, now deep in oblivion, enlightened by his hope of a better world.
He taught Algebra with uncommon passion and was always concerned about his students learning the complicated equations, and a human message that Mr. Riancho would include in his lessons.
He, like most Cubans, escaped the wrath of Communism, and built a life in America.
He was a veteran teacher dedicating his professional effort to assist in the development of Union City students.
He was divorced and leaves two children whom he loved dearly.
The day after his passing there were no especial announcements in the High School. No memorial, not a word. Few people knew about it. The ones who did chose silence.
Some were sorry, some were ambivalent with a casual Monday face as if his passing-at a still young age-was as uninteresting and frivolous as the times we live.
The next day the principal sent an e-mail mentioning the loss and a memorial service for Sunday, October 9th at 3 p.m. The location is Our Lady of Fatima Church, located at 8011 John F. Kennedy Boulevard in North Bergen.
May rest in peace my friend. I’m sure you’ll find a much kinder world. God Bless your soul.
Rafael Martel
Union City teacher and resident
