NELLO ALTOMARE

Condolences & Memories (29 entries)

• I met Nello twice while he was out and about during local events in Transcona, and once while he was campaigning. We chatted a little bit about the neighborhood and politics; he was very kind. Despite my just being a random constituent, he remembered me between encounters. I was surprised and saddened to hear of his passing. My condolences to his loved ones. - Posted by: Kyle (Constituent) on: Mar 08, 2025

• I met Mr. Altomare in his office on Regent when the province had masks available to the public while the mask mandate was active. I recall walking into the office and being greeted by a super kind person. I had expected a receptionist to receive my request as was my usual experience at a government office. Instead, Mr. Altomare was available and personally addressed my inquiry that day. He was the first politician I had met in my entire life. Thank you to Mr. Altomare for his years of dedication to education and public service. My condolences to the Altomare family for their loss. May Mr. Altomare rest in peace. - Posted by: Tina (Transcona resident) on: Feb 03, 2025

• Dearest Barb - so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. He was a remarkable man. Sending warmest regards to you and your family. - Posted by: Maureen Mouse(Grapentine) Davies (Friend of Barb) on: Jan 29, 2025

• Such a genuine, caring person. He touched so many people’s lives. - Posted by: Linda Altomare (Extended family) on: Jan 23, 2025

• Barb and family, so sorry to hear the sad news. Sending my deepest sympathies for your loss. I have fond memories of Nello at the CWB events as our children played together. Michelina - Posted by: Michelina Violi (Wife’s co-worker) on: Jan 23, 2025

• We loved having Nello visit East Park Lodge, he knew our children or grandchildren. My condolences to all the family and friends. We lost a wonderful person. May he rest in peace. We will miss him dearly. Frances Honke - Posted by: Frances H Honke (My boys knew him from the school division) on: Jan 23, 2025

• We were privileged to get to know Nello thru the relationship of our Grandson with Nello’s family. His kindness, acceptance and unselfish personality was a refreshing experience each time we associated with him. Nello was indeed a special person and left an example for each of us to follow. Bill, Carolyn and Family. - Posted by: Bill and Carolyn Burns (Friend) on: Jan 22, 2025

• I had Mr Altomare as a vice principal at John Gunn Middle school. He was such a nice and caring guy. My condolences to the family during this time. - Posted by: Alex Dupont (Vice Principal) on: Jan 22, 2025

• Barb, please accept my deepest condolences on Nello's passing. I hope and pray that you and family will find some comfort for your loss as you witness the outpouring of love and tributes to Nello in his professional life and as a wonderful husband and father. May he rest in peace and may God bless you and the children. Sincerely Chris Gillen, Ottawa (colleague and friend) - Posted by: chris gillen (work colleague) on: Jan 21, 2025

• I am so sorry for your loss Barb. My sympathies to you and your family. Benoit. - Posted by: Benoit Gauthier (Former colleague of Barb Altomare) on: Jan 21, 2025

• Nello and I first met when we were teenagers and our mothers worked together at Balmoral Hall. We were charged with setting up for events and cleaning up afterwards. He was always fun to work with! Later we taught together in Transcona. Nello was always a positive force in any situation. He truly cared for people and was a teacher to be emulated. He was particularly kind to me after my father passed away. Fortunately, we were able to reconnect when I brought my grade 9 Social Studies class to the Manitoba Legislature for a tour. I was proud to call Nello my friend. My deepest condolences to his family. - Posted by: Heather Ragot (Hinchliffe) (Friend) on: Jan 21, 2025

• Once a child neighborhood friend of a friend hide & seek touch football & street hockey was fondly memorable to see & chat briefly with him a few years back Rest in glorious peace Nello Friend of friend Paul Andree - Posted by: Paul Andree (Once a child neighborhood friend of a friend hide & seek touch football & road hockey. Rest in ) on: Jan 20, 2025

• I met Nello at a Ukrainian New Years function in Transcona two years ago. Just got lucky to sit as his table, (Russ Wyatt) could not attend. From the minute we sat down he engaged us in friendship and made us Feel welcome. When we were leaving hen walked us to our car in true gentleman fashion. I’ll never forget that Nello your work on earth was not done. Thank you for you Donna & Pat Mann - Posted by: Donna Boutang (Acquaintance) on: Jan 20, 2025

• Was always a pleasure to have Nello stop by our place just to have a little visit and talk. I will miss this man. As a total shock to his leaving us, our sincere condolences to your and your family. - Posted by: Robert & Terry Larochelle (Friend and neighbor 910) on: Jan 20, 2025

• Barb, I am very sorry for your loss. Nello was an amazing individual from all the things I've been hearing about him. He was very much respected. He had such compassion for people and was so caring and kind. I can imagine how very difficult this must be for you. I sincerely hope that your treasured memories of Nello will help you and your children get through this very sad time. 🥰 May Nello rest in peace. 🙏 - Posted by: Ricki Daly (Leslie's friend) on: Jan 20, 2025

• My Deepest Condolences for your Loss. My Heart and Prayers go out to you Barb, the kids and Families. I had the pleasure of knowing Nello and being his Barber for so many years. We had many great discussions. We always talked about family and cooking. Many laughs. Rest in peace My Friend. You will be forever missed by all. - Posted by: Lou Vena (Friend) on: Jan 19, 2025

• We want to express our sincere gratitude for Nello helping the Transcona residents. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family - Posted by: Sheila and Bob Webb (Friend) on: Jan 19, 2025

• Nello was an amazing man who always tried to do what was best for everyone. He will be greatly missed but his impacts on the education community will always be remembered and hopefully continued in his memory. My sincerest condolences to his friends, family and colleagues. - Posted by: Maddy () on: Jan 18, 2025

• My Condolences to Nello's Friends, Family and people who knew taught by Nello I first Met Nello at a ByElection for Fort Whyte when I met him he said you follow me on Twitter when Bill 64 happened that when I got involved in politics making sure are public education is protected and children and students were able to learn and be successful in school I even learned a thing or two in Question Period I really loved watching him in Question Period because he knew how things are supposed to run and education supposed to be Education is what got into this mess Education is what going to get us out of it We love you Nello thank you for making are Education better and advocating for better your work will continue on - Posted by: Chad Gillert (Friend) on: Jan 18, 2025

• Deepest condolences from the Maslanko family. In 2019 my Dad voted for the last time for Nello. When he arrived and waited in line to vote he turned to my niece and announced "we all know who to vote for right - Altomare." He watched Nello grow up and then serve Transcona giving his very best. When I talked to him about it he said Nello was a good kid, honest, worked hard, and had a nice family. Those things meant alot to my Dad and Nello according to him was all those things and more. Of course the ties run deep in Transcona and my Dad was a friend of Tommy and Shirley's and Tommy was my Godfather. Nello your passing is a loss to Transcona but your mark will be remembered you did good work making sure the residents and the kids were well taken care if. RiP Nello Thank you. - Posted by: Janice Maslanko (Former resident of Transcona) on: Jan 18, 2025

• Mr. Altomare was my Grade 7 teacher many years ago. He always remembered my name when he was out campaigning in Transcona and when I would run into him at community events. My sincerest condolences to his family. He will be missed. - Posted by: Amy MCDONALD (Former student) on: Jan 18, 2025

• I first met Nello back in 1968 and later went to school with him during the 1970’s. In my opinion, during that time, there were some serious problems with how students were treated in the schools. Over the years that followed, I saw Nello become a Teacher, Vice Principal and Principal. I often heard many positive things about his dedication to his career and the students. I recall reading the minutes from a meeting from the retiring Principal of John W. Gunn Junior High, ”Nello Altomare, your caring for the students is duly noted.” It was very fitting for Nello to be elected as the MLA for Transcona and to become the Minister of Education. He made things better for his students. For this reason, Nello, you will always have my respect. Rest in peace Nello. My deepest condolences to the Altomare Family. Bill Badlo - Posted by: Bill Badlo (Friend) on: Jan 18, 2025

• Barb and family, I am so sorry for the pain you are enduring with the loss of your precious husband and father. I knew you both during Nello's first act as a teacher and I was blessed to attend your wedding and the wonderful celebration we all had. Back at school and in the gym, I remember his school spirit and "booming" voice when he coached "Good job, yes, yes, you got it!!" And his unique "Nello" sense of humour, always perfectly and unexpectedly timed to keep his collegues smiling during tough days. His cleverness and dynamic delivery were spot on!! Even in those early days it was evident that he was going to make great contributions in education and boy did he ever!! How grateful I am to have known him. I wish you love and comfort as you grieve such an exceptional man, husband, and father. - Posted by: Cheryl Sokalski (colleague/friend) on: Jan 18, 2025

• Barb, I am very sorry for your loss. I never got to meet Nello, but I have only heard such positive, wonderful things about him. I know you and your children are so very proud of Nello's accomplishments, his kindness and his compassion for others. I know he will live on in your hearts and in your memories. May Nello rest in peace.🙏 - Posted by: Ricki Daly (Leslie's friend) on: Jan 18, 2025

• My deepest condolences to Nello's family, Nello and I started teaching together at JWG, he was a passionate and dedicated teacher, who also enjoyed classroom competitions during Spirit Week! I appreciated Nello who found time to always come to read to my class during I love to read. - Posted by: Larisa Veryha (Colleague/friend) on: Jan 18, 2025

• I met Nello Altomare when he became the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning. He knew about active teachers. However we represented the retired teachers. He was eager to learn about the challenges and issues of being a retired teacher as well as being an older adult. He listened closely to our concerns. When invited to attend our AGM, he was able to plan a quick visit with us amongst his very full schedule. He was always a very attentive listener to our issues. My condolences to his loved ones. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Linda Blair (RTAM) on: Jan 18, 2025

• I first met Nello in 1981 when the Miles Mac kids joined the Transcona crew on a high school trip to Europe. It was many years later I ran into him again when I became the assistant day care director at a before and after program in Polson school. When I walked in, he smiled at me and said hello but didn't recognize me--yet. I left the building about 20 minutes later and felt I should introduce myself as we would be working together. I walked up to him and said "Mr. Altomare" and he said "Yes?" and I said "I'm......" and that's as far as I got. He smiled and said "Wow, Mendy Wolchock--you're a Miles Mac girl!" and proceeded to give me the biggest hug. I hadn't seen him in many years and not only did he remember my first name, but my last name as well! This was a renewal of a friendship that lasted until his passing and he always introduced me as "A Miles Mac girl" or "Mendy is from the early childhood community". I volunteered on his team in 2019 spending many hours going door to door with him, where he ran into many former students and knew every name and school he taught them in; doing office support and attending his fundraising dinners. My friend your kindness, generosity, big smile and dedication to students and the children of Manitoba are an amazing legacy to be proud of. I will miss you always. My sincerest sympathy to the entire Altomare family, especially Barb, Kira and Aidan at this difficult time. May his memory be a blessing. - Posted by: Mendy Wolchock Moroz (Friend and former coworker) on: Jan 18, 2025

• My deepest condolences to all of you. Nello was truly the best administrator that I worked for. He valued the opinions of us EAs and made us feel heard and respected. I wrote this little poem for him when he retired from Polson and wanted to share it with you (I read it to him at his party at Dals) Nello Altomare A little diddy about a principal named Nello He was a particular kind of fellow Slight in stature but his heart is big, at Polson he would be 4 years with us, we learnt a lot, We’ll share with you, you’ll see With the food he ate or the wine he drank It was of the finest kind Italian cuisine with old red wine This is what you might find Not from Italy as you might expect But Bruschetta and pasta too Only from Dals Family Restaurant cause nothing else would do He was particular about his snacks Hidden and out of sight Hawkins cheezies in his desk Were his afternoon delight The “finest kind” would soon end here A dress code would come into play Those purple shirt Friday’s were required of us We’re just thankful it wasn’t everyday Star Trek or Star Wars Are they not one in the same? R2D2 or C3PO is THAT really in their name? One is better than the other Oh, is this really a debate? Just beam me up Scotty Quickly now Before I make a mistake A movement break or just a walk down the hall You would often find Nello striding Keeping fit, was this his goal? Or from children was he hiding? Hockey hockey was his game His Jets jersey, he wore it proud And if he was watching a game in his room He’d be sure not to cheer too loud Polson Spike upon the floor of our school gym you now will see Thanks to Nello Purple piranhas and teal blue seals Will all have a place to be Staff meetings and PD days Donuts and coffee at Roll Call At the end of the day “you now may leave But please stay out of the mall” His dog Davey was his pride along with his daughter and son His face would light up oh so proud When he would talk of each one Four years have now come and gone The future is yet afar But rest assured when we see a purple shirt We’ll think of Mr Altomare - Posted by: Patty Enns (Co-worker at Polson School) on: Jan 18, 2025

• To Joan, sorry to hear about your son in law’s passing. Have always heard good things about him. Our prayers to Barbara, Kira and Alden. May he rest in peace. Ray and Margaret Taplin. - Posted by: Ray and Margaret Taplin (Distant cousin) on: Jan 18, 2025