Eric Riley
To the Sirianni family,
Mrs. Sirianni considered every student her child. She held a special place in her heart for members of GW's football team. For me, it was life after high school/HS football that I am most fond of and can truly cherish. I remember one training day with the LA Rams, and I hear this voice calling my name. Hey Riley! Every FMH student knew that voice. It was coach Sam (Senior) and of course Mrs. Sirianni by his side, with that joyful smile. They were vacationing in California and took the time to visit me.
Years later, Mrs. Sirianni continued her advocacy as a champion for public schools' students by becoming a school board member. It did not surprise me when the Florida School Board Association elected her, state president. In this role she traveled to Tallahassee often to meet with lawmakers. Working in Tallahassee myself, I was too proud to tell my bosses that she was my second mom. The first time my boss met Mrs. Sirianni, she informed me that Mrs. Sirianni informed her that I was "not good working with my hands". She said, I played sports only. On this particular day, I was attempting to put together a tv stand in my boss's office. I guess you could say that the two of them hit it off well, at my expense. That cracks my up still.
For years, whenever I came home, the first words from my mother were, did Mrs. Sirianni know that you are home and when will you see her? And Mrs. Sirianni would always ask how mom (Flossie) is doing. I am not sure if they have ever met but they were always on the same page whey it came to my welfare.
What an incredible life Mrs. Sirianni lived, blessing so many students with so much love and care.
I know she and Coach Sam will forever rest in peace.
Eric Riley
