The DelGiorno Family

 

Mary DelGiorno and her late husband, Dr. John DelGiorno, discussed what they wanted for their six children as they were growing up. They agreed that Catholic high school was a must. They wanted a school that would support their morals, ideals, and values. Mary recalls, “John and I were first introduced to Paul VI in the 1970s by a friend who brought us to a basketball game. We were very impressed with the school that night. Our decision was solidified after our visit to a Paul VI open house with our first son, Thomas.”

 

The rest is history. All six children are Paul VI alumni. All excelled in academics, went on to receive advanced degrees, and now enjoy accomplished careers. Mary herself is a member of the Paul VI Board of Trustees. Here is how Mary tells their story.

 

“None of our children particularly stood out at Paul VI, but each had unique experiences that forever indebted them to the school. Tom ’89 was a serious and dedicated student who was an integral part of the tennis team. Father Rock was a good source of support to Thomas as his senior English teacher. Joseph ’90 did well academically and on the soccer field, but focused just as much energy on his social calendar as on school. His favorite memory of Sister Marianne is when she asked to watch the final episode of the Sopranos with us after dinner one night. Charles ’91 was our best student at Paul VI despite the fact that, as Sister Marianne can attest,  his sleep schedule often interfered with his participation in school. He played soccer all 4 years and was awarded Student-Athlete of the Year. Father Rock and Sister Marianne were a great source of support to our daughter Tamara ’94. During high school, she was performing regularly with the Pennsylvania Ballet, and they allowed her to adjust her school schedule to her performance schedule. John ’96 was a good student and athlete. However, Paul VI also inspired in him a passion for social activism. In his junior and senior years, he arranged a large canned good donation project throughout Camden County. He received the Christian Spirit Award when he graduated, and his commitment to community service continues to this day. Michele  ’00 played for the girls’ varsity soccer team and made it to the state finals in 1999. She was an excellent student and was inspired by her great teachers at PVI to become a teacher herself.”

 

“Although their experiences were unique, they were all very well prepared for their higher education because of the academic, personal, and spiritual foundation that Paul VI provided. All six of our children went to St. Joseph’s University, my husband’s alma mater. When Michele told her father that she was considering Villanova, he famously replied, ‘You could go there, and you could also pay.’ After they attended St. Joseph’s, each of our children pursued graduate education. Thomas, Joseph, and Charles went to medical school and became a nephrologist, a pediatrician, and an endocrinologist, respectively. After a short career as a professional ballerina with the Cleveland Ballet, Tamara also went to medical school and became an internist. John got his doctorate in physical therapy, and after 5 years of practice, he decided to go to medical school. He is now a pediatrician with Joseph at my husband’s practice. Michele followed a different path. She earned a master’s degree in linguistics and now teaches Chinese and social studies at Malvern Preparatory School.”

 

“In 2002, I was asked to be a member of the Board of Trustees. It has been an honor to serve a school that had supported my family for more than 20 years.” Mary has remained serving on  the board since that first year of the board’s inception.  She has continued to serve as the chairperson for the Academic and Student Life Committee.  Mary’s committee has brought about a positive change at Paul VI such as seeking to begin the ice hockey team and boys and girls volleyball.  Mary’s passion on the Board is to provide for students the opportunity to become involved, excel, and succeed while attending Paul VI.

 

“My advice to Paul VI students today is the same advice that my husband and I gave to our own children: Work to your full potential, have a goal in mind (you can always change it), and aim for your dream. Always remember your roots, and as you succeed, give back to those who are less fortunate.”

 

“My husband, John, who lived by the advice he gave, passed in August 2015, after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. I know that he is looking down on Paul VI and praying for God’s continued blessing on this school, a school that blessed our family with strong support, firm guidance, and an excellent education.”