The-News-Leader.com - Abood steps aside after 41 years at St. Peter Chanel

by Mike Lesko

Bedford Times-Register Editor

Bedford -- At St. Peter Chanel High School's June 2 graduation ceremony, each of the 82 seniors gave Roger Abood, the school's retiring principal and president, signed and decorated golf balls.

"It was thoughtful and kind," Abood said. "I cherish that moment."

There are countless moments that Abood cherishes in his 41 years as a science teacher, baseball coach and principal at Chanel.

Abood, who turned 65 on June 28, is stepping down. He was principal for the last 21 years. His last day was June 30.

"It was a very difficult decision, but the timing seems to be right," he said. "I have nine grandchildren who all live in the area. I am anxious to spend more time with them."

Abood will be succeeded by Sister Maria Berlec, a former principal of Villa Angela/St. Joseph High School who has been a member of the Chanel faculty since 1998, teaching math and Spanish.

"Roger had a vision of what the school could be and pushed it in that direction," said Bill Parris, dean of student activities who worked with Abood for 39 years.

"He was knowledgeable, cheerful and dedicated. And he was a leader," Parris said. "He had that aura about him that made you feel welcome all the time."

Born in Cleveland Heights, Abood was the youngest of James and Rose Abood's four children. They encouraged him to pursue whatever career path he wanted.

James Abood owned The Garden Tavern on E. 75th Street and Euclid Avenue. Young Roger worked at the bar on Sundays when it was closed.

"Dad would throw a few coins on the floor and told me I could keep anything I swept up. He got cheap labor out of me," he said, laughing.

After graduating from Cathedral Latin High School and John Carroll University, he took a job as a science teacher at Chanel in 1967.

"I had never heard of Chanel before that," he said. "But it was a lot like Cathedral Latin. It seemed to be a good fit."

Abood became assistant principal for three years but stepped down because "it was too encompassing of a job." He remained as a teacher.

A year later, though, Bernie Rickleman stepped aside as principal, and Abood took the job in the 1987-88 school year. It meant he could no longer teach science or coach varsity baseball.

"The challenging part, though, was that it was an opportunity to help further the mission of the school," he said.

"As principal, you have to be a good listener," he added. "You have to remember that parents are making great sacrifices to send their children to private schools. You have to support your staff so they know you are behind them.

"Most of all, you have to really focus on young people as they develop through crucial times in their lives. Never forget that they are children, that they need guidance and direction."

For the last 21 years, that is what Abood tried to do.

How would he like to be remembered?

"As someone who was fair and compassionate and who was interested in what was good for the students," he said. "And as someone who made decisions in a difficult world."

E-mail: mlesko@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3167