As John Sharrino would say, “all good things must come to an end.”
Mr. Sharrino, athletic director at the Westmoreland Central School District for the past 13 years, retired on November 9.
Mr. Sharrino started his career in education as a physical education teacher at a Catholic school in New Jersey and then eventually chose to return “home.” He spent the next 15 years as a physical education teacher and athletic director at the Frankfort-Schuyler Central School District and then another 18 years at the Camden Central School District as a physical education teacher. He came out of retirement to work at Westmoreland.
Along the way, Mr. Sharrino mentored thousands of student-athletes and coached at the modified, junior varsity and varsity level, including football, baseball and boys’ and girls’ basketball.
Mr. Sharrino says he will miss working with kids the most. He particularly enjoyed coaching at the modified level.
“I did modified basketball for 15 years at Camden. Young kids love to learn and they are just so much fun to be around,” Sharrino said. “I enjoyed that more than anything.”
And, although Mr. Sharrino never anticipated working at Westmoreland for more than a year, he has treasured every moment of it.
“Westmoreland has been the greatest job for me,” Sharrino said. “The Board of Education, Mr. Migliori and all of the principals have been so supportive. I am really, really going to miss working with my colleagues. This has been a phenomenal place to work and I have met so many nice people. I have never been treated so well in all my life. It’s going to be real hard for me to leave here.”
Mr. Sharrino resides in Rome with his wife, Janice. In his “second” retirement, they both plan to frequently visit their daughter and two grandchildren in North Carolina. They also have a son and a grandchild in Rome.
In the end, Mr. Sharrino was always “about the kids.” And, even though he has always shied away from accepting credit and recognition, the district would like to acknowledge his many years of outstanding and dedicated service.
Thank you, John, and best wishes for a great retirement!