After 47 years, 'face of Mundelein High' to retire

After more than 47 years as a teacher, coach and counselor at Mundelein High School, Frank Giannamore is set to retire next week.

Forty-seven years. Pause for a second. Let that sink in.

When Giannamore, who's cagey about his age, joined the staff, John F. Kennedy was president. That year, Walter Cronkite was named anchorman of the CBS Evening News, Marilyn Monroe died and Ringo Starr joined the Beatles.

Through the ensuing decades, Giannamore became a fixture at Mundelein High, a beloved teacher, mentor and friend. He is, in the words of school board member Vicky Kennedy, "the face of Mundelein High School."

"He has seen the changing times and the changing of the guard, and he's the one thing that's been constant," Kennedy said. "We're truly going to miss him."

Giannamore, whose last day on the job is Tuesday, said he never had a reason to change schools during his long career.

"If you're enjoying something, why move?" the Mundelein resident said. "I can't remember a morning, after I got up, that I had a problem coming to school. I never looked at it as a job."

Known fondly as "Mr. G" by students and staffers alike, Giannamore was hired at Mundelein High in January 1962, midway through its inaugural year.

At the time, it was a sister school of Libertyville High, which split off to form its own district in 1963.

His first two years, Giannamore spent half the day teaching driver education at Mundelein and the other half teaching at Libertyville.

He also taught physical education and coached sports, including wrestling and baseball. But Giannamore really left his mark athletically in football, leading the varsity football team to a perfect 9-0 record in 1968.

It was the only undefeated football squad in school history.

Members of that team flew in from around the country to attend Giannamore's retirement dinner this week.

"It was a big surprise," said Giannamore, a member of the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. "My wife really pulled one on me."

For the last five years, Giannamore's strictly been a guidance counselor, advising students about college scholarships, career choices and other post-high school matters.

He's looking forward to resting and traveling with his wife, Judy, a retired teacher and administrator. This fall, right about the time school is set to resume, they'll be headed to Jordan and Israel.

The timing isn't accidental.

"I think she probably wants to get me away from school," Giannamore said.

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