John Bligh
- Teacher
- PS/MS 280, the Bronx
As tributes keep pouring in, it seems as if everyone at PS/MS 280, past and present, has a special remembrance of “Mr. B” to share.
Louis Barcelo, 54, spent his entire 32-year career as a physical education teacher at the Bronx school and, as one tribute noted, was “a father figure and positive role model for the students,” always advising them “to make the right choices.”
Louis died of coronavirus on April 16.
”We are blessed to have known this wonderful man,” said Nancy Hernandez-Soto, a longtime colleague and friend and the school’s former chapter leader. “He would say, ‘You have to treat people the way you want to be treated’ and modeled that respect and loving kindness with every single person. He practiced what he preached.”
News 12 reported that dozens of students showed up at the Norwood school after learning he had died to light candles in memory of Mr. B, who only days earlier had reached out to them on a video.
Hernandez-Soto has been collecting an email chain of tributes. As a primary support person for breakfast and lunch at PS/MS 280, Louis was a central figure in everyone’s school day for decades and many people are remembering him.
One, she said, recalled that on the playground, Louis connected the lonely child with the group and always made sure each child was playing fair and with respect.
Another remembered that Louis would lead the cafeteria in singing “Happy Birthday” to make a student feel extra loved.
“I am profoundly saddened by this loss,” one student wrote. “He was an amazing teacher.”
Chapter Leader Elan Schy noted that Louis, a UFT member for 32 years, “knew how to bring folks together, was always the first one at chapter meetings to sign up for staff happy hours and outings, and was a great dancer. ‘Sign me up,’ he would say.”
Schy said, “Students enjoyed him and gravitated to him. He was ‘old school’ and talked to students as if he had known them their whole lives.”
Louis had an infectious smile and a tremendous passion for life. “No one had more school spirit,” Hernandez-Soto said.
A man of faith, Louis treasured time spent with family and friends. He loved traveling and music and going out to dinner, movies and shows. He was the life of any party, “always singing and laughing and cracking jokes,” said Hernandez-Soto. “He was always full of positive vibes.”
Louis is survived by his domestic partner, Anne Marie Colon; his daughter, Briana; his mother, Olga Palermo; his sisters, Diana Arcentales and her husband, Gonzalo, and Louise DiMerchant and her husband, Jeffrey; his half-brother, Lucas; his half-sister, Karissa; and his nephews Christopher and Alex.
Condolences may be sent to:
Anne Marie Colón
69 Belmont Ave.
Yonkers, NY 10704
amcolon143@gmail.com
Olga Palermo
945 N.W. 197th Terrace
Pembroke Pines, FL 33029
I miss this guy, I was one of his favorite students and he was always nice to me, we had a playful relationship, calling each other bonehead, etc. I always remember him being joyous and teaching us so much, he would always motivate us to do things, he was such a good person. In all honesty he loved us, some teacher do it for the money, but he genuinely loved us. He made us a video a little before he died saying, “Mr. Barcelo loves you, he cares for you, and he will be there for you.” and that was amazing, he loved his job and really did do a lot for us. R.I.P Mr. Barcelo and you will be missed greatly.
I was shocked and saddened to learn that my friend and colleague Louis had passed. I had just googled his name I am in disbelief that he was taken from us so young. Louis and I worked together as a team at 280. or more than a decade Louis and I WERE the Physical Education Department at the school, bringing the kids back and forth from the gymnasiums which were located in the middle school. We also did the annual field days t Van Cortlandt and Central Parks as well as all sorts of support tasks. His bio though, is not 100% correct. Louis was not continuously at 280. At some point early on he was excessed to, if my memory serves me correctly, to JHS 141 in Riverdale. It was Mr. Gary La Motta, who had just come aboard as Principal, may he also Rest in Peace, who said ( I was right next to him when he said it) We are going to try to get Mr. Louis Barcelo back. And we did! I wish we could go back in time to those great days but time marches inexorably on. My deepest sympathies to his loved ones. Louis, you were a good friend and a kind and humble person. May you rest in peace. I will miss you!
I was shocked and saddened to learn that my friend and colleague Louis had passed when I out of curiosity googled his name. I am in disbelief that he was taken from us so young. We worked together as a team at 280. For more than a decade Louis and I WERE the Physical Education department at the school, bringing the kids back and forth from the gymnasiums located in the middle school.We also did the annual field days in Van Cortlandt and Central Parks. His bio , though is not 100% correct. He was not always at PS 280. At some point early on he was excessed from our school to , if my memory serves me correctly, 141 in Riverdale. It was Mr. Gary La Motta, who had just come aboard as Principal,may he also Rest In Peace, who I remember saying ( I was right next to him when he said it) we are going to try to get Mr. Louis Barcelo back. And he did!
I wish we could all go back to those great days but I am afraid that time marches inexorably on and we have to keep up. My deepest condolences to all his loved ones. With great love and sadness Louis may you Rest In Peace.
RIP Louis B Love… all our love, always, Carol-Linda. ❤️
Miss you Mr.Barcelo he was always someone who would make not only me but many students happy with his inspiring words ,jokes , songs he would sing . He will always be very important to us and in our hearts .
I loved him so much. He was the best teacher there can ever be. I always wrote him notes like a little girl with a crush. I at least got to show him my daughter and see him when I used to live across the street always waved always so kind and gentle heart. When I was told he passed I cried like I lost a part of me. And I know his family misses him but everyone misses him. He was a beautiful soul and the world was better with him in it.. rest in peace..
we will always love you Mr.B
My mind is blown right now. I had met Louis in the late 80’s at a club in portchester. Our friendship was a short one due to I moved to Fl. I recall when his sister Louise was a singer and louis was a back up dancer. I remember Louis being a kind, funny, sweet, great dancer. I also remember him showing me a college pamphlet from Penn State he was on the cover and he’d laugh because they made him dress preppy but he refused to take off his thick gold bracelet that had his name on it. 30 years later (today) not sure why but I just googled his name and I can’t believe that I’m reading this devastating news of his passing. My deepest condolences to the Colon family.
Rest In Peace, Mr. Louis Barcelo ❤️
He was a bright light at P.S.280 with his supportiveness, love, and compassion for both students and staff.
How he brightened every morning in the library with his radiant smile, sense of humor,
music, ensuring fresh coffee was brewing, as
well as his wonderful conversations and advice.
I always admired his fortitude and enthusiasm
even while overcoming his own health issues.
My prayers and condolences to his family.
It was an honor to have known Mr. Barcelo and he earned a place in my heart…❤️
Mr. Barcelo was an amazing person, teacher, mentor and friend. I was privileged enough to know him as a teacher, mentor and friend. He taught my four children. They are better humans for knowing him, learning from him not just about school, but about how to treat people. He will forever be missed, he will forever be loved and admired. We have wonderful memories and cherished stories of how he personally touched our lives. He was one of the first to open his arms and heart to my children and I will forever be grateful to him for that. He was an incredible man! My heart breaks for his love, Anne Marie and his entire family. Rest In Peace Papa!❤️
To Anne Marie Colon and family of Louis.
Louis was one in a million. Yes, he wore his deep Faith in God on the many messages he sported on his shirts. More importantly he let this message of God’s Presence be experienced in his many acts of Love and Care. I am so very grateful to have known Louis in his presence at the Colon household and in the many wonderful messages of Love that he shared with everyone.
Louis I miss you and trust that you are in the closer embrace of the God you loved and served. Watch over Anne Marie and your family I pray. Sr.Jo-Anne Faillace,OP
We are going, we are missing you so much Louis, you were a brother to my daughter who still crying and having a hard time accepting that you are not longer with us, my grandkids are in disbelief, you were not only their teacher but an uncle to them, you were full of love for all your students and all your coworkers, it hurts so much to say RIP I know you are with God now, in a better place than us, Oh…but it hurts so much!!! We love and miss you so much, it hurts
Louis was a “one in a million person!
There are so many things to be said about this remarkable man. Mr. Barcelo was one of the first people to welcome you at school. He was unique with his positive outlook, his music, his T-shirts, and his ever-present smile. You could always count on him to bring a smile to your face even if you had a frustrating day. He always said, “Mr. Barcelo loves you!”
We are blessed to have known this wonderful man and I cannot imagine what our school will be like without him.He was “an amazing person, full of energy and love for everyone, especially the students.Virtually every child he encountered has stated that he was their father figure and positive role model.
He truly made every child feel like they were important.“I will never forget Mr. Barcelo, the love he had for all the students, and the ever-lasting friendships he had with the teachers, faculty, and staff.Life will never be the same without him! He was a beautiful soul! P.S./M.S. 280 will never be the same.“He was loved by so many, his family, his friends, his colleagues, and his students.
“He had such a love for music and dancing and going to parties and celebrations. He was a monumental dancer and was the Life of the Party! He always got the party started on the dance floor. He was also a great singer. He always sang his favorite songs all the time.
He will always be remembered by his words! “Treat others the way you want to be treated! “Please make good choices!” “Thank God it’s Friday!” Mr. Barcelo loves you!” “You know I love you”
He always talked about love. He was called Louis B Love! He practiced what he preached! There will never be anyone like him, we should all be like him . He was such a good listener and a caring friend. He had a great sense of humor. He always made everyone laugh. His spirit lives on.
In his own words he once said:
“WE ALL NEED TO VALUE AND APPRECIATE LIFE AND LOVE THAT IS RECEIVED AND GIVEN. WE ALL NEED TO VALUE LIFE, LOVE, HAPPINESS… OR THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS, A SENSE OF BELONGING TO OUR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS!! GOD BLESS EVERYONE FOR ALWAYS AND FOREVER IN YOUR PRAYERS, US HUMAN BEINGS SHALL CONTINUE IN THE TRUE MEANING FOR THE QUEST OF LIFE AND LOVE IN OUR LIVES!! REMEMBER MR. BARCELO LOVES YOU!”
I am very saddened by the loss of my dear friend and brother. My husband and I and my family carry a heavy heart and will miss Louis terribly. My condolences to Anne Marie, Olga, Diana, Louise ,Lucas, Karissa ,Briana ,all his family, friends, and the 280 family. May he Rest In Peace.”
“Mr. Louis S. Barcelo was like a great light in the world that even after he’s gone, the light will remain! He will be missed and never forgotten!” I will miss you my dear friend. Till we meet again!
Heartbreaking! He sounds like one in a million! My sincere condolences to Mr. Barcelo’s family and the PS/MS 280 school community.