The R-UTN is sad to say good bye to the founder of the Retired – United Teachers of Northport, and retired Northport High School Guidance Counselor, John Brindisi. John passed away on June 6 at the age of 95 in Delray Beach, Florida. In 2012 he was predeceased by his wife Grace after 66 years of marriage. He is survived by his daughters Babette Wilcox and Nancy Smith, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A World War II veteran, John served in Patton’s Third Army, landing on Omaha Beach the day after D-Day in 1944. In 2015 he was awarded the French Legion of Honor medal in recognition of his part in liberating France from the Nazis.

In retirement John was an active member of the Italian Americans for Progress, served as president of the East Northport Rotary Club, and was the Rotary Exchange Student Coordinator for Long Island. He also volunteered at the Town of Huntington Senior Center and offered private counseling services in Northport.

Online condolences may be offered at; www. danielkeenanfuneralhome.com 

We are sad to report the death of Dr. Mel Ganz, the husband of R-UTN member Bette Ganz. The funeral was yesterday, May 20, and Bette will be returning to her home in Florida.

Condolences may be sent to Bette Ganz,  6805 Willow Wood Drive #5062, Boca Raton, FL 33434.

Donald Corie  passed away on April 15 at the age of 88. Don was teacher and guidance counselor at the Northport High School until his retirement in 1989. He is survived by his wife Joan, son Stephen, and daughters Beth Struthers and Jennifer  Counselman, and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Margaret  Darby. 

In retirement Don enjoyed working on his many hobbies including woodworking, gardening, his garden railway and restoring antique cars. His legacy was a Model A Ford for each of his children. He was challenged recently by Parkinson’s Disease but still looked forward to all his projects. 

All current services are entrusted to Nolan Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please consider planting something in Don’s honor, or making a donation to your local food pantry or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014.

We have learned that Charles Scott, retired Northport High School English teacher, passed away due to complications with Covid-19 on April 1. Charles is survived by his four daughter, their husband and four grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues. There will be no memorial service for now. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that you please stay home to flatten the curve.

In announcing his death, his daughter Kyla Arena wrote a moving tribute to her father, which we have posted it on our Memorial webpage.

Ruth Flynn, retired elementary teacher, passed away on Monday, March 23. Ruth taught 1st and 2nd grades at Dickinson Avenue School for twenty-nine years. She is survived by her husband John, sons Geoffrey and Kevin and two grandchildren. Graveside services Thursday, March 26 at St. James Churchyard Cemetery.

Ruth’s colleagues remember her fondly as a well loved, innovative and creative teacher. She loved her students, revered her colleagues, and was always ready to help and give guidance. She loved staff functions and her passion for the arts was inspirational.