Mr. Lelesi was easily one of my favorite teachers, of all time, in a pantheon of great educators. His passion for literature was infectious and has informed my entire life. His support of me as an artist spanned a number of disciplines. His appreciation of a good array of the humanities was as catholic as his good heart. Finally, I recall the first beautiful Spring day of 1980. I can see among others George Koenig, Jack Mason, Philip Saltzbart. We all grabbed all the desks in the classroom, marched out the fire door, set up the whole classroom on the lawn, and waited for Mr. Lelesi. Who arrived, walked into the classroom, out the fire door, onto the lawn, took off his jacket as was his wont, sat down and taught for 50 minutes without once acknowledging our prank. He was an AWFULLY good sport. Good night, sweet prince.
