Beloved security guard Joe Conforti has been working at Glenbard South High School for ten years scanning passes, patrolling the halls and working the crosswalk in the mornings. His loving personality and humor make him a personable and loving staff member at Glenbard South, but what do we really know about Joe outside of Glenbard South?
In an interview, Joe Conforti revealed many fascinating facts and stories, as well as life lessons for the students and staff of Glenbard South.
Joe Conforti is 81 years old. He lived in Chicago until he was 13 years old, then lived in Elmhurst and Willowbrook. Joe attended Willowbrook High School for three years, enjoying various activities and clubs like woodworking. When asked about his own high school experience, Joe stated, “I had lots of friends and was very personable. My favorite part of high school was when the bell rang.” Outside of school, Joe found the job he worked for half a century through a friend. Joe stated, “I was looking for a job, and my buddy just got a job as an apprentice meat cutter at Jewel, so he said to me, ‘Hey you want to come, I’ll get you in’. I said okay.” Joe was accepted for the job, starting his career as a butcher’s apprentice fresh out of high school at 18 years old. Joe maintained this job for a majority of his life, saying, “I started on Halloween, October 31, 1960, and retired October 31, 2010 on Halloween.” Joe worked as an apprentice and journeyman meat cutter for fifty years. Joe said he enjoyed his time as a meat cutter, his hardworking determination still showing at the age of 81. Joe’s favorite memory as a meat butcher was playing baseball in the lot behind the deli with his coworkers. His least favorite memory came that same day. Joe said, “I broke my leg playing ball, but I still went to work right after in a boot.”
Joe spends his time away from the Jewel deli with his wife and kids. Joe has three boys and one girl with his soulmate of 62 years. I asked Joe what the secret to his long marriage was, to which he responded, “I dodged the pans”, showing off his humorous personality. Joe spent a fair share of his time enjoying his favorite hobbies, playing poker and going out with friends after work. Joe shared a funny story about going out with his friends at the deli, saying, “My friends encouraged me to drink. There were six beers in front of me in the middle of the booth. My friends encouraged me to drink but I don’t drink. After we would get done at the tavern we went back to the deli.” Staying away from alcohol adds to Joe’s value as a person both physically and mentally.
His tenacity and dedication inspire the students and staff of Glenbard South to live life to the fullest while working hard. Joe advises, “Stay out of trouble and pursue your dreams.” While his positive influence is clearly felt by Glenbard South, Joe insists that he also feels impacted by the students and staff he works with. Going to class, multiple students and staff greet Joe, contributing to the unique sense of unity and relation in Glenbard South.
Taking a moment to learn about Joe’s story allows students to appreciate the kind of loving and hardworking person he is. By sharing his memories of working until the age of 81, being married for 62 years and providing dozens of laughs for his peers, Joe demonstrates the gravity of his impact at South and beyond. His dedication to being a Raider goes past just being a security guard;Joe is a person that spreads positivity wherever he goes. Joe Conforti will forever be remembered as an all time great in the Raider community.
