“A man who never permitted defeat to mar his soul. His spirit lives on as a symbol of inspiration.” – Plaque, Erie City Hall

We the family of the late Mike Cannavino have been urged by numerous persons to nominate him for membership into the Erie Hall of Fame. While most people remember him as a political figure from 1937-1965, he is being nominated more for his humanitarian and innovative ventures. Much of what he did was considered “new and novel” at the time, but these undertakings improved quality for all who live in the region today. His style was personal, with his hand on every person and project. Listed below are some high-lights of his major accomplishments.

History

1. At old Central High Mike excelled in sports which earned him a college scholarship in the 1920's. Scholarships were rare in those days and not as common as they are today.

2. Unfortunately he lost his leg in an auto accident and was forced to forfeit his hard earned scholarship. This life changing event began to test his mettle and shape his life course. As he struggled thru this dark period of physical handicap, he became keenly aware and sympathetic to others who were also struggling. His willful determination to overcome his disability was crucial to his humanitarian development. After all, there were no support groups or agencies to help him with his rehabilitation. He became a compassionate visionary and champion of causes and individuals who needed support, too.

3. He gravitated toward “public service” and developed a maverick style which would characterize his personality. His choices demonstrated a sincere and genuine concern for his fellow man. His involvement with people was unending. He was always calling, visiting, and speaking out when others needed help. He never wavered from this theme during his life time.

Politics

4. Mike is generally known for his political life, started in 1939, as Third Ward Assessor, known today as District Justice. In 1944, he was the only Democrat and Italian-American elected to a Republican dominated city school board. In 1948, he was elected to city council – regularly recording some of the highest vote totals (in excess of 38,000 plus – no easy feat!). He served in that capacity and also as acting mayor until his death when fate touched him for the last time. Mike was the Democratic Mayoral Nominee and would have become the first Italian-American Mayor when he passed away just ten days before the election. Had he lived he would have reached another first in his short 57 years. While the legislative performance would have been enough for most men, it wasn't for Mike.

Promoter

5. As a result of his athletic career being cut short, many coaches became life long friends of the gutsy boy from Erie. Mike's love of sports inspired him to ask his friends who were then coaching BIG TEN football teams to consider his latest idea. Could these coaches bring their players to town for a special exhibition game? The Gem City Bowl was played on Thanksgiving Day and became instrumental in putting Erie on the map! Our region later was recognized for developing great athletes because these same coaches who came for the bowl game began to scout local talent. Never one to stand still Mike is credited with more firsts. He began Mike's Bantams Football Team and managed various baseball teams at Glenwood Field (presently ice rink). The Erie Gunners Baseball Team during war time played at Ainsworth Field. Mike wanted to build a new baseball park for the city then but couldn't get enough financial support.

Because Mike was well known outside of Erie his sports pals were always ready to support his events. Cleveland Indians players, Sal Maglie – New York Giants, Bernie Flowers – Purdue all-American, Rocky Marciano heavyweight champion of the world (48-0) were just some notables who came to town at Mike's request. Ara Parsegihian, N.D., and Ste Holcome, N. Western, were regular phone buddies who visited Erie. Who can forget the annual train excursions to South Bend for the N.D. – Purdue game that he sponsored? Many local fans remarked about meeting the coaches and players for autographs. Mike and Art Arkelian enticed many to come for our annual sports banquet. In the 1950's Erie had it's first pro baseball team. The Erie Sailors Baseball Team played at Ainsworth for eleven seasons. Mike single handedly sponsored, managed and tried to raise money to keep wholesome activities for families and fans.

Mike never missed an opportunity to promote local “lads,” and was credited with obtaining scholarships for them. At the time of his death several BIG TEN coaches paid tribute to this diminutive guy with weighty vision. He was a founding member of a group who established amateur boxing that continues today at the Avalon Hotel. You would think all of this would have made Mike a rich man. Yes, he was abundantly rich in generosity, but not in terms of personal wealth. Much of the above was financed by him, not by groups or businesses, and sacrifices in time and health had its toll

Humanitarian

6. Much of what is stated next came to light in his later years by others who related this to family members. Never one to seek public recognition or talk about his deeds, he always just did it in a quiet manner. He did what he did because he believed in “playing it forward” before it was fashionable. He improved the quality of life one person at a time. He could laugh at life's irony and not take himself too seriously. He became a magician, comedian, entertainer and actor. When he wasn't meeting with people at the family restaurant in Little Italy, he was stopping “to take care of a little thing.” His charismatic personality allowed him to move freely within the community. Everybody knew “Mike” and they knew and respected his word. There are too many acts to be mentioned here, because his acting on behalf of little people was done in silence.

• Dr. Gertrude Barker credited Mike for helping her to acquire the first building that would become the G.B. International Institute. She often stated that she told him only once, and he delivered in spite of the struggle.

• He was recognized by the Red Cross during WWII for innovating fund raising to help the troops – a national honor.

• He often visited and encouraged disabled vets. If he could make it work so could they.

• Throughout his life he regularly visited hospitals, schools, churches and events regardless of race or creed. He never said no, often volunteered to help, and never asked for or received compensation. It was just something he was driven to do.

• He personally collected old toys, broken toys and even discards from Mary Toys. He found a group of men (fire fighters) who would repair and distribute the toys throughout the year to children who needed them…especially to hospitals.

• He visited funeral homes on a regular basis to extend condolences to the then large families. Often times he was criticized by opponents as seeking votes. But as one family reported, “He never missed one of our funerals in spite of inclement weather – AND there were no cameras or media present.” He continued to send support after the funeral and out of pocket – not money raised for himself.

When the Erie Playhouse (on 7th street) was in need of funds they asked councilman Cannavino to star in their production of Fiorello! (former mayor Fiorello La Guardia of NYC). Some felt that was undignified for a councilman, but that didn't stop him. By all accounts his performance was average at best, but the playhouse was packed nightly; so much so, they had to extend shows. They raised much more money than anticipated, too! Needless to say this was a first for Erie, and Mike's only theatrical adventure.

Visionary

7. Mike was small in stature, but he accomplished big things for the populous and town. He took risks regardless of disability, time, cost, circumstances or criticism. He helped people and promoted his hometown before “community pride” was labeled. He demonstrated what one person could accomplish for the good of the whole.

As his niece and unofficial secretary I am still told stories of his generosity 42 years after his death. I, also, can attest to his future vision for Erie. Mike was working on his platform speech for Election Day and several key points he wanted to develop • Improving health options for those in need • Forming citizen groups to work on local projects • Developing Erie as into a recreational place for residents of other areas, including Buffalo, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh – thru advertising.

Lastly, when he died unexpectedly on October 23, 1965, the family was surprised by the number of religious leaders who spoke about his faithful gestures toward their churches and members. One gesture reported to us was most unusual. Then Bishop, John Mark Gannon personally brought a wreath to City Hall. He asked permission to have it placed on Mike's vacant chair. It seems as though the two men frequently shared lunch on Thursdays at the Bishop's residence as reported to the clerk. She relayed his sentiments to the family “A man of his authenticity happens rarely.” He truly was the ultimate public servant as acknowledged throughout the state and country.

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