Michele Fig Terranova, recently retired, is beginning to realize her dream and has found herself a wonderful spot in one of Northport Village’s favorite shopping destinations – Nest on Main. There she has on display a varied selection of – how perfect for a teacher! – BOOKS!!! You’ll find Kristin Hannah’s latest THE WOMEN, as well as a perfect gift for Mother’s Day called DRAW WITH MOM! There are many other choices neatly arranged for perusal. Michele’s nickname (and her website) is “The Book Whisperer”, given to her by a friend and colleague who recognized her love of books and reading. She was adept at finding that special book for each of her students year after year. Take a look – you’ll be sure to find that perfect book! She also offers the option of procuring books for you. Visit her on Instagram at bookwhisperer22. We wish her good luck and congratulations!

Marianne Kleczka, retired elementary teacher, passed way on April 13. Born in 1924, Marianne reached her centennial in 2024. She was predeceased by her husband Daniel and is survived by her three sons Mark, Michael and Timothy; twelve grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Visiting at Nolan’s Funeral Home in Northport, 2-5 & 7-9 p.m. on Friday, April 19^th, followed by a funeral mass at 10 a.m. on Saturday at St. Philip Neri Church. Interment to follow at Northport Rural Cemetery. Donations to St. Philip Neri Church, Parish Outreach, in her memory, would be appreciated.

R-UTN members with memories of Gretchen they wish to share can email [email protected]. Please write Website Memories as the subject, keep your commemorative brief and include your name and former school.

Gretchen Manzo, retired Northport High School Science Teacher, passed away. Gretchen is survived by her husband Paul, son Shane and his fiancé, her husband’s parents, and her brother’s and sisters.

In 2007 Gretchen began her second career, teaching Earth Science at Northport High School, after earning a M.A.T. in Earth Science from Stony Brook University. Her first career was as an environmental safety expert and business integration expert for several companies on Long Island, including Estée Lauder and Honeywell. An outdoor enthusiast, Gretchen enjoyed road and mountain biking, canoeing, backpacking and sailing. She was also a talented multi-instrument musician and hosted jam session at her home in Greenlawn.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, at the Centerport United Methodist Church, 97 Little Neck Rd, Centerport. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Swans Island Educational Society would be appreciated: https://swansislandeducationalsociety.org/support-us/

R-UTN members with memories of Gretchen they wish to share can email [email protected]. Please write Website Memories as the subject, keep your commemorative brief and include your name and former school.

On September 21^st, at the R-UTN Annual Picnic, our membership had the honor of celebrating the 100th birthday of Paul Fazio. As part of the celebration, Glenn Baldwin “Living Eulogy” to honor Paul. Glenn’s last word were exceptionally meaningful –

“Eulogies are usually delivered at funerals and memorial services. Nice, but not very helpful to the departed. Why not say nice things to honor someone who’s still with us? On his 100^th birthday, Paul Fazio deserves this living eulogy and all the respect, affection, gratitude, and friendship we have for him.”

The full text of Glenn’s tribute can be read on our Member News Page. Thank-you Glenn for this very special “eulogy.”