Philip “Mr. Phil” Gugliuzza, a charismatic teacher whose joyfully infectious brand of leadership inspired generations of high school students, died April 11 at his Thibodaux home. He was 85.
He died of throat cancer, said Michael Hollis, a friend and one of Gugliuzza’s many protégés.
“He instilled upon everybody the qualities of a leader but treated everybody with kindness and love,” Hollis said. “He was a great leader. He wanted people to do their best. … He helped shape our entire lives.”
Undated file photo: Phil Gugliuzza's happy in a life dedicated to education - Mr. Phil is what he's affectionately called at Grace King High School. And, despite the fact that most students tower over him, he's known as the biggest man on campus.
Throughout his three-decade career in the Jefferson Parish school system, spent largely at Riverdale and Grace King high schools, Gugliuzza was always known as “Mr. Phil” to students and adults alike. He taught English, speech and leadership, but he was best known for his work with students in their extracurricular activities. He was, former students said, a man who not only encouraged budding leaders but also participated wholeheartedly in the activities of the groups he was advising.
“He always had a laugh and a smile,” said Bill Newton, who met Gugliuzza when Newton was a student at East Jefferson High School. “He always made you feel good about being yourself.”
“When we had a dance or other activity, he was always there. He seemed to enjoy it as much as the kids,” said Cindy Logrie Woessner, who worked with Gugliuzza when she served on the Riverdale Student Council. “He wasn’t like our parents, who stood back and watched. He participated in the fun. He enjoyed the company of young people.”
Despite the familiarity that Gugliuzza encouraged, it was always understood that he was a faculty member and, therefore, an authority figure, Newton said. “I don’t think he crossed that line.”
“We trusted him,” Woessner said. “He seemed to have a respect for the students. The people you’re teaching, particularly in middle school and high school, are so vulnerable. If they can look up to you, they believe everything you say.”
Gugliuzza’s work with young people continued after his retirement during the 1992-93 school year. For decades, he was executive director of the Louisiana Association of Student Councils and administrator of the LaMissTexas district of Key Club International, a service organization for high school students, and he lectured widely on leadership.
“It was a life calling for him,” Woessner said. "These kids were his family.”
Undated file photo taken at East Jefferson High School, 400 Phlox St., Metairie. Phil Gugliuzza, guest speaker, waves a flag after his speech to the children during the Bicentennial Patriotic Rally.
A native of Hammond, Gugliuzza showed his flair for leadership early on when, as a representative of Hammond High School, he was elected governor of Pelican Boys State, the American Legion’s annual exercise in practical civics in which participants form model governments at the city, parish and state levels.
After graduating from Southeastern Louisiana University, Gugliuzza spent his career teaching at Riverdale and Grace King and, finally, working in the central office.
Gugliuzza spoke on leadership in every state and 27 countries, Hollis said. He was a former president of the National Association of State Student Council Executive Directors and a member of the Southern Association of Student Councils, and he received the Earl Reum Award from the National Association for Student Activities.
He also was a member of Kiwanis International and the Home, Hook and Ladder Fire Company of the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department.
Throughout his career, Hollis said Gugliuzza gave students colored marbles inscribed with the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Many wore them on chains, Hollis said, adding that Gugliuzza will be buried with his marble around his neck.
Survivors include a niece and nephews.
A Mass will be said April 27 at noon at St. Louis Cathedral. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m.
Burial will be private.
Ordoyne Funeral Home of Thibodaux is in charge of arrangements.