PANJIM: Former eminent schools sports promoter and visionary headmaster of St Anthony’s High School, Monte de Guirim, Fr Joel Pinto, passed away after a brief illness in a Mangalore hospital on Wednesday.
His funeral will take place at St Fidelis Friary, Mangalore on Thursday.
Fr Joel, a doyen of OFM Capuchins, was the headmaster at Monte de Guirim school for almost 25 years until his retirement in late 1990s, during which the school carved out a niche in academics as well as sports, cornering top honours in several sports disciplines for a number of years with dominance in football, hockey, table tennis and boxing.
Fr Joel had also a penchant for music, composing arias and directing the orchestra at the school gathering.
Fr Joel had a passion for football and boxing, often coaching the boys during extra hours. He had a knack for spotting talent and then he would nurture it with a single minded dedication. Arjuna awardee Bruno Coutinho, late Baptist Fernandes of Dempo, Stanley Colaco, Alex Alvares are among many of the outstanding footballers who were personally guided by Fr Joel. He was also instrumental in opening the SAI schools (hockey). Fr Joel was an educationist par excellence having even opened a branch of the National Open School at Porvorim. Several ex-students have condoled the death of Fr Joel, whom they described as a true, motivating and inspiring educator who has left an indelible mark in their lives.
“We bloomed under his guidance. He was a gentle, passionate, inspiring father figure with compassion being his hallmark. We are indeed very grateful for all that he did for us,” they expressed.
