It is with great shock and sadness that the R-UTN Executive Board announces the untimely death of our beloved R-UTN President, Frances La Duca. Fran was the epitome of all you could ask of anyone who served in this highly respected position as R-UTN President. She worked tirelessly to assist all our members and our community. We were not ready to say goodbye – she left a hole in our hearts and in the spirit of the Retired – United Teachers of Northport .

Fran is survived by her Sister, Antoinette Colletti and her husband Anthony; her niece Elizabeth Colletti-Knowles and nephew Ted Colleti and their children Madison, Lexington and Gilmore.

Fran retired from the Northport – East Northport School district after thirty-three years as High School Library Media Specialist. She made a difference in the lives of many students, both at Northport High School and at C.W. Post University where she taught as an adjunct for twelve years.

Services are currently pending and will be announced when finalized.

Condolences may be sent to:
Antoinette Colletti
449 Hays Drive
Hardwick, VT 05843

Her family requests donations in Fran’s name to Big Brothers – Big Sisters of Long Island (bbbsli.org).

An obituary and tributes can be found on the Member Memorials page of this website.

John Conroy, husband of Maureen Conroy, former nurse at Dickinson Ave Elementary School and father of Ocean Avenue first grade teacher, Maggie Conroy, passed away on July 9th.

Condolences may be sent to Maureen at 83 Lakeland Ave., Babylon NY 11702.

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.