Member News

Member Spotlight – Dr. Fran McGarry

Posted by

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.

Listen to Fran’s Podcast

Sad News

Posted by

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.

Sad News

Posted by

Sue Steinberg, retired Ocean Avenue teacher, passed away on November 13th. Funeral service were held today, November 17th, at the Gutterman’s Funeral Home in Woodbury, followed by interment at Beth Moses Cemetery.

The family were sitting Shiva at the home of her son, Jordan Steinberg, at 80 Hickman Street in Syosset, today and tomorrow, Tuesday, November 18 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Condolences can be sent to Sue’s husband, Alan Steinberg, 179 Halley Drive, Blue Point, NY 11772.

R-UTN members who have memories of Sue they wish to share, can email retirednorthportteachers@gmail.com. Please write Website Memories as the subject, and include your name and former school.

Sad News

Posted by

Mary O’Donnell, retired Northport High School English teacher, passed away on October 11 at the age of 85. Mary is survived by her husband, Thomas and daughters Deborah Roulston and Jacqueline Dumbroff, and four grandsons. She was predeceased by her son Kenneth.

Mary found great joy in sharing her love of literature with her students. She taught at Northport High School for over twenty-five years, and over the course of her tenure she taught many of the AP English courses. She and her husband loved traveling, especially to Hawaii. In retirement Mary maintained her friendships with many of her colleagues, and she was a regular attendee at R-UTN events and celebrations.

Visitation Thursday, October 16, from 5 to 8 PM at Brueggemann Funeral Home – 522 Larkfield Road, East Northport, followed by Funeral Mass on Friday, 10:00 am at St. Anthony Of Padua R.C. Church, East Northport. Interment to follow at Calverton National Cemetery.

R-UTN members who have memories of Mary they wish to share, can email retirednorthportteachers@gmail.com. Please write Website Memories as the subject, and include your name and former school.

Sad News

Posted by

Sergio Giovina, husband of retired  NMS English teacher, Roseann Giovina, passed away on September 21 at the age of 86. Sergio was a retired NYC Firefighter and in addition to Roseann, he is survived by their daughters Lori Haubrich and Nicole Neems, and five grandchildren. Vistiation at Brueggemann Funeral Home on Friday, September 26 from 4-8 p.m., followed by a Funeral Mass on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church in East Northport.

Condolences can be sent to:
Roseann Giovina
18 Perth Place
East Northport, NY 11731