R-UTN

Sad News

Posted by

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of retired Middleville principal PAUL FAZIO. Paul passed on Sunday, September 13th, ten days short of his 103rd birthday. Paul was predecesed by his wife, Annette, and son Joseph. His is surviced by his son Thomas and daughter Linda, and two grandchildren.

Paul had a long and memorable career in the Northport – East Northport UFSD, and touched the life of countless students and staff members. To celebrate his hundreth birthay in September, 2023, Glenn Baldwin wrote a tribute which we have reprinted on our Member Spotlight page.

Visitation will be held this Wednesday, September 16th from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Nolan’s Funeral Home. A short service will take place at 6:00 p.m. followed by American Legion Honors.  Cremation will be private.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in his honor may do so to VNS Hospice House, 505 Main Street, Northport, NY   11768. (visitingnurseservice.org)

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

Sad News

Posted by

John “Jack” Kramer, instrumental music teacher remembered for the bands he directed at Norwood Ave., Pulaski Rd. and Fifth Ave. elementary schools, passed away on July 20th. Jack is survived by Kathy, his wife of 56 years; his sons, Andrew Schiller, Ian Kramer, and Kyle Kramer; and three grandchildren.

Jack served in the US Army, performing with the Army Band and conducting a choral emsemble and composing march music for various functions. Prior to his career at Northport, he performed and toured with many musical groups, including the Guy Lombardo Orchestra, and played in the pit orchestra for productions such as The Sound of Music.

In Northport Jack prided himself on teaching Western Classical and Concert Music rather than pop music, seeing his role as broadening his students’ experience, rather than repeating versions of music which could be heard casually in the students’ everyday life. To countless students, he was more than a teacher—he was a mentor who nurtured confidence, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at a later date. Donations in memory of Jack would be welcomed by:
The Foundation Fighting Blindness (https://give.fightingblindness.org/campaign/695812/donate) and The Newfield Public Library, 198 Main Street, PO Box 154, Newfield, NY.