Dante Zambrini leaves legacy of caring leadership

As an exceptional educator, Dante Zambrini taught myriad valuable lessons to thousands of receptive Mahoning Valley students over the past four decades. Indeed his altruistic life as a teacher, administrator, schools superintendent, college vice president and community leader stands out itself as a lesson for all in pursuing ambitions passionately and in helping others compassionately.

Mr. Zambrini died unexpectedly and far too young earlier this week at his home in Canfield at 61. The community gathered Friday in St. Michael Church to memorialize his life and career. And what an amazing and exemplary life he led.

Mr. Zambrini is best known and loved for his teaching acumen and leadership prowess in the Canfield Local School District over 36 years as a teacher, administrator and superintendent. One former student posted this comment on his online obituary: “He was a great teacher. Everyone who had him was better for it.”

So, too, was the greater Canfield community better for his leadership in his role as superintendent of the academically distinguished district from 2002 to 2012. While his priority No. 1 rightly focused on maximizing student success, Mr. Zambrini also kept the interests of supportive taxpayers foremost in mind. For example, while other school districts spent millions in building new campuses, Mr. Zambrini argued that Canfield residents would be better served by spending less and preserving more of the district’s existing facilities.

POWER BEHIND EGCC EXPANSION

In recent years, Mr. Zambrini carried his talent and passion for education administration to the next level as a trustee and an interim vice president of Eastern Gateway Community College. As Atty. Sherilynn Vantassel, vice president of EGCC, put it, without Mr. Zambrini, the mammoth expansion the college into the Mahoning Valley likely would never have gone as smoothly as it did.

Retired EGCC President Laura Meeks said, “He helped plant the seeds, and then he tended the garden. I’ll always think of him when I think of the college. ... He created a very caring climate there.”

Colleagues there also report that he would go as far as giving students money from his own pocket to ensure they had food, gas and means to pay essential bills.

Mr. Zambrini’s giving nature also extended to his Canfield community and the Mahoning Valley. In addition to his involvement in a variety of statewide professional organizations, he also was an active member and leader of such groups as the Canfield Rotary Club, where he three times won the Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow Recognition.

His talents also strengthened the Canfield Historical Society, Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens, Canfield Community Club, the Youngstown State University Alumni Association and other worthwhile community groups. As a proud and fluent Italian, Mr. Zambrini was honored as Man of the Year at the 2014 Greater Youngstown Italian Fest.

In short, Dante Zambrini has left an indelible imprint on the educational landscape of the Mahoning Valley. His legacy of caring community leadership should inspire others for years to come.