We hope to see you there!
Member Spotlight – Dr. Fran McGarry
So many R-UTN members are spending their retirement years pursuing their passions in inspiring and meaningful ways. Dr. Fran McGarry is a wonderful example.
After more than 30 years teaching English and theater at Northport High School, Fran’s “retirement” has been anything but quiet. She continues to nurture young voices through her work with Sondheim’s Young Playwrights, Inc., and she has built a career as a professional actress
Adding yet another creative chapter, Fran hosts the podcast First Online with Fran, where she shares stories from people around the world whose lives have been transformed by the arts. Fran invites our members to listen to the latest episode of her podcast, Rosie Steward: Freedom-to-Read Revelations. Ms. Steward is the senior public policy manager at Penguin Random House publishers, where she advocates for the freedom to read, and advances the mission of igniting a universal passion for reading by creating books for everyone.
Wishing everyone a Happy & Healthy New Year
Winter Newsletter Ready for Download ➡
Sad News
Frances Luther, retired instrumental music teacher in the Northport-East Northport schools, passed away December 14, at the age of 86. She is survived by her husband Bob and daughter Michele Kucic; sisters Connie Zimmerlich and Joanne Hawkinson; grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was predecesed by her daughter, Debbie Ferrante.
Frances enjoyed a distinguished 33-year career in public school music education, teaching instrumental music in both the Huntington and Northport School Districts. In her time at Northport schools, she taught band at Northport High School, East Northport Middle School, and Bellerose Avenue Elementary School, retiring in June 1999. Frances was deeply committed to her students and inspired countless young musicians.
Fran’s husband Bob was her college sweetheart, whom she met at Ithaca College through their shared love of music and education — a partnership that remained central throughout her life. Both Fran and Bob played the clarinet, and performed as clarinetist with the Atlantic Winds Band on Long Island.
In addition to her public school teaching, Frances maintained a lifelong dedication to private music instruction, teaching students for more than 60 years, until 2024. In retirement, she remained actively engaged in music and the arts, pursued photography, and competed successfully in the Long Island Bridge League. Last year Fran and Bob moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Visitation will be held on Saturday (12/20) and Sunday (12/21), with visiting hours from 2:00–4:00 PM and 7:00–9:00 PM each day at O.B. Davis Funeral Home in Port Jefferson Station, followed by a Funeral Mass on Monday (12/22) at 9:30 AM at St. James Roman Catholic Church in Setauket.
R-UTN members who have memories of Fran they wish to share, can email retirednorthportteachers@gmail.com. Please write Website Memories as the subject, and include your name and former school.