Philip A. DeLise
Sometimes a person starts down one path, only to find that another leads to fulfillment. Such was the scenario for Philip A. DeLise, who sought a career in business but was guided down a different path, where he found happiness.
Born in 1930 in New Haven, Phil majored in economics at Quinnipiac University. He later earned his master's degree and sixth-year certificate from Bridgeport University. After college and the service, Phil worked as a manager, first at Shemitz Electric and later at B. H. Spinney Company. As an undergraduate though, he had been asked to teach night classes in distributive education at Wilbur Cross High School. Then he was offered a day job. Acknowledging that he enjoyed teaching, Phil eventually took a substantial pay cut to teach full-time-a decision he has never regretted.
Phil was married to Alba in 1955-forty-six years ago. The couple has five children: Mary Elizabeth, David, Philip, Pamela, and Mark. Now Phil and Alba also enjoy their five grandchildren to be increased by one in August.
Phil was lured to Branford High School in 1965 to launch a vocational education program. Vocational education-today's career education-prepares students for the world of work. Phil added units on distribution and health care, and he introduced a work experience program using the community as a laboratory. Phil also launched the first diploma program for night-school students. While teaching, he also served as the evening-school principal for two years. In 1970 Phil was named assistant principal of Branford High School and served as principal from 1981 until his retirement in 1986.
Today colleagues remember that Phil was ahead of his time. He was a "lifelong learner" before the phrase became part of our language. Long before service requirements were in vogue, Phil recognized the value of providing service to others. He established a link between the Branford Rotary Club and the high school that developed into the Interact Club, a BHS service organization still very active today. While the recipients certainly benefit, so do the students. As they establish a habit of service, they gain self-esteem when they better understand they have something to contribute and see that they can make the world a better place.
Phil is described as a "true humanitarian," interested in the welfare of the whole person, whether youngster or adult. That humanitarianism explains how Phil conducts his life. He has always been generous in contributing his time to civic organizations. Some of those that benefited from his volunteerism include: the board of directors of the Visiting Nurse Association, 1990-1995; Branford Italian-American Social Club, 1967-present; American Legion Post 83, 1965-present, Commander in 1996; Branford Administrators Organization, 1968-1988, president in 1973; and Branford Rotary Club, 1970-present.
Among his many honors, Phil was named Branford Citizen of the Year in 1970 and an Outstanding Teacher of America in 1970. He received the 1972 Humanitarian Award of the Branford Chamber of Commerce; the 1979 Bravery Award of the American Legion Post 83; and the Branford Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow Award in 1991.
All five DeLise children attended Branford High School while Phil was an administrator there. That made for some lively dinner table conversations! He says his proudest life accomplishment is his family, noting that two of his children are educators also.
Phil DeLise followed his heart and found a fulfilling career as an educator. He's still proving that it's never too late to learn-he's spending a lot of time nowadays learning to follow a little white ball around a golf course.
Born in 1930 in New Haven, Phil majored in economics at Quinnipiac University. He later earned his master's degree and sixth-year certificate from Bridgeport University. After college and the service, Phil worked as a manager, first at Shemitz Electric and later at B. H. Spinney Company. As an undergraduate though, he had been asked to teach night classes in distributive education at Wilbur Cross High School. Then he was offered a day job. Acknowledging that he enjoyed teaching, Phil eventually took a substantial pay cut to teach full-time-a decision he has never regretted.
Phil was married to Alba in 1955-forty-six years ago. The couple has five children: Mary Elizabeth, David, Philip, Pamela, and Mark. Now Phil and Alba also enjoy their five grandchildren to be increased by one in August.
Phil was lured to Branford High School in 1965 to launch a vocational education program. Vocational education-today's career education-prepares students for the world of work. Phil added units on distribution and health care, and he introduced a work experience program using the community as a laboratory. Phil also launched the first diploma program for night-school students. While teaching, he also served as the evening-school principal for two years. In 1970 Phil was named assistant principal of Branford High School and served as principal from 1981 until his retirement in 1986.
Today colleagues remember that Phil was ahead of his time. He was a "lifelong learner" before the phrase became part of our language. Long before service requirements were in vogue, Phil recognized the value of providing service to others. He established a link between the Branford Rotary Club and the high school that developed into the Interact Club, a BHS service organization still very active today. While the recipients certainly benefit, so do the students. As they establish a habit of service, they gain self-esteem when they better understand they have something to contribute and see that they can make the world a better place.
Phil is described as a "true humanitarian," interested in the welfare of the whole person, whether youngster or adult. That humanitarianism explains how Phil conducts his life. He has always been generous in contributing his time to civic organizations. Some of those that benefited from his volunteerism include: the board of directors of the Visiting Nurse Association, 1990-1995; Branford Italian-American Social Club, 1967-present; American Legion Post 83, 1965-present, Commander in 1996; Branford Administrators Organization, 1968-1988, president in 1973; and Branford Rotary Club, 1970-present.
Among his many honors, Phil was named Branford Citizen of the Year in 1970 and an Outstanding Teacher of America in 1970. He received the 1972 Humanitarian Award of the Branford Chamber of Commerce; the 1979 Bravery Award of the American Legion Post 83; and the Branford Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow Award in 1991.
All five DeLise children attended Branford High School while Phil was an administrator there. That made for some lively dinner table conversations! He says his proudest life accomplishment is his family, noting that two of his children are educators also.
Phil DeLise followed his heart and found a fulfilling career as an educator. He's still proving that it's never too late to learn-he's spending a lot of time nowadays learning to follow a little white ball around a golf course.