Tributes flow for St Rita’s, Rivermount teacher Mario Collavino

The wife of an “inspirational” South East Queensland teacher has shared details of the unimaginable moments she learnt of her husband’s death and what he cherished most.

The wife of an “inspirational” South East Queensland teacher has shared details of the unimaginable moments she learnt of her husband’s passing and what he cherished most. Read her touching tribute.

The wife of a well respected and loved South East Queensland teacher who died suddenly has shared her heartbreaking tribute to him.

St Rita’s Catholic Primary School teacher Mario Collavino died suddenly on Monday October 30, 2023, aged 60.

Mr Collavino was a “well-spirited” teacher of physical education at the Victoria Point school and had previously taught at Rivermount College, Yatala, and as a younger man served in the Army and Police Force.

His wife, Shanine Collavino, said her husband cherished doing everything with his family and endeavoured to make an impression on every one of his students, despite how sporty they were.

Mario Collavino suddenly died on Monday October 30, 2023, aged 60.

Mrs Collavino said Mario was born in Hobart, his parents were immigrants from Italy who met on the boat travelling to Australia.

“Sadly, his mother died after giving birth to him and his father was left to raise him on his own, fortunately his aunt and uncle lived nearby and that was where he spent most of his childhood,” Mrs Collavino said.

“He joined the Army Reserves at the age of 17 and in 2009 joined the Police Academy, training to become a Police Officer,” she said.

Mr and Mrs Collavino met at Griffith University where they both studied education.

“Mario just loved his job, he loved that he could help children improve and develop their skills, especially with regards to sport,” Mrs Collavino said.

“He gave up so much of his time to run swimming clubs, athletics training and cross country before and after school, and spent his lunch times playing soccer with the kids on the oval.

“He was funny, took pride in what he did, had integrity and most importantly wanted the best for each child he worked with,” she said.

Mrs Collavino said the day of her husband’s death began like any other “normal” day.

“I got up early to get ready for work and he got ready for the gym, we all said our goodbyes,” Mrs Collavino said.

“My whole world stopped when I was called into the principal's office to find the police sitting there.

“My first thought is that ‘it couldn’t be him, they have the wrong guy’ as he is just so fit and active.

“I think my heart broke a hundred times that week as I was reminded over and over again that he wasn’t coming home,” she said.

Mr Collavino was immensely proud of his four children; Danielle, Ariana, Luca and Antonio.

The night before his passing Mr Collavino had discussed “slowing down” with his family, with plans to travel to learn about his Italian heritage and to buy a boat.

“He had put family and work first for a long time and he was looking forward to doing some other things and setting some different goals for the future,” Mrs Collavino said.

Mrs Collavino said her husband was immensely proud of his four children and she hoped they remember how much he loved each of them.

“They were his world, it seemed that anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him would receive an enthusiastic account of his children and their accomplishments, along with a plethora of photos from his phone,” Mrs Collavino said.

“I will miss the little things and the big things, like the way he always had a cup of coffee waiting for me in the morning, the way he would check in and the ‘I love you’s’.

“I will miss everything about him,” she said.

Family and friends have created a GoFundMe to assist the family through this unimaginable loss, if you can donate please click here.