It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing two of our long-time members this week, Sylvia Hosie and Pat Bossert.

Sylvia Hosie, retired Middleville Home Economics teacher, passed away on September 15th at the age of 99. Her daughter, Cindy Gorman also an R-UTN member, taught high school science, and her grandson, Matthew Gorman, currently teaches 5th grade math at East Northport Middle School. Sylvia was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Bill, and her son Daniel. In addition to daughter Cindy and grandson Matthew, she is survived by her son John and daughters Jane Hosie-Bounar and Nancy Hosie Pierce; eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Sylvia earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Cornell University, where she was president of the Women’s Self Government Association. Because of her leadership skills, she was featured in “Life Magazine” on June 7, 1948, and on the cover of “What’s New in Home Economics,” February 1949 edition.

Sylvia worked as a nutritionist for the Red Cross before she and Bill moved to Northport, where she began her teaching career. Sylvia was an active volunteer all through her teaching career and in retirement. She was President of the local chapter of the AAUW, President of Delta Gamma and Delta Gamma Alumni; she volunteer with reading for the blind and the Guide Dog Foundation. At her church she worked in the thrift shop, taught Sunday School and played piano for children’s services. She was always stepping up to help anyone she knew in need, but most of all she loved dancing with her husband Bill.

The family is planning a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. October 18th at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport. Condolences can be sent to Cindy Gorman at 7 Carlisle Dr, Northport, NY 11768, or Mathew Gorman 42 Seacove Road, Northport, NY 11768.

Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation in Sylvia’s name is invited to donate to:
Retired Teachers of Northport Scholarship Fund – R-UTN, c/o Donna McGinn, 2 Furwood Ct., East Northport, NY 11731. Please specify R-UTN Scholarship Fund in memory of Sylvia Hosie.
Ecumenical Lay Council Food Pantry – click for link
Trinity Episcopal Church – 330 Main St., Northport, NY 11768
R-UTN members who have memories of Sylvia they wish to share, can email retirednorthportteachers@gmail.com. Please write Website Memories as the subject, and include your name and former school.

Dr. Pat Bossert, retired science teacher, passed away on September 17th at the age of 82. Pat is survived by her husband Frank, and her sons David and Timothy, and two grand sons.

Pat spent her entire 35 year teaching career at Northport, teaching all levels of biology, and she was instrumental in the development of the Independent Research in Science program at Northport High School. While teaching she also pursued her Ph.D in Ecology and Evolution at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, and after retiring from Northport she worked I the Stony Brook Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology. In 20111 she was appointed as a visiting scholar at the University of Geneva, Switzerland in the laboratory of Cnidarian Regeneration and Adult Neurogenesis.

Pat also pursued an active personal life. She enjoying downhill skiing with family and friends, and she was an avid horseback rider on her Arabian Palomino, 18-Karat.

Memorial visitation Monday, September 22 from 4-8 p.m. at Nolan Funeral Home in Northport, followed by a funeral mass on Tuesday, September 23, 11 a.m. at St. Philip Neri Church.

Donations in Pat’s name may be made to:
St. Philip Neri Church Northport
Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital
American Association for the Advancement of Science

Harriet McNamara, retired Northport High School math teacher, passed away on September 6. She was R-UTN member, as well as the mother of school counselor Jenny Konop and mother-in-law of math teacher, Alex Konop.

In addition to her daughter Jenny and her husband Alex, Harriet is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Terry; her son Michael and his wife Kristi; and her youngest daughter, Meghan, and her husband Rob. She was grandmother to Clover, Mackenzie, and Molly. She also leaves behind her brothers Keith, Tom, John and her sister Karen.

As a mother and grandmother of three, Harriet showed up for every game, concert, or school event—always cheering, encouraging, and making her presence known. In retirement she volunteered countless hours at the Vanderbilt Museum with other retired Northport teachers, and with the Henry L. Ferguson Museum, battling invasive plants and knotweed alongside Terry and the Trail Dogs, the Museum’s conservation youth corps. She loved biking, kayaking, traveling, and playing round after round of golf with Terry.

Harriet will be waked at Nolan’s Funeral Home on Monday, September 15, from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.
R-UTN members who have memories of Harriet they wish to share, can email retirednorthportteachers@gmail.com. Please write Website Memories as the subject, and include your name and former school.

On Wednesday, August 27th, friends and family of the late Danielle DePonte gathered in the courtyard outside of the World Language Department at Northport High School to honor and remember Danielle for her outstanding accomplishments, dedication and true passion as an educator, union activitist, mentor and friend.

Current and former teachers and administrators from both Northport High School and East Northport Middle School joined Danielle’s three children, Will, Paul and Noelle as a hand-crafted bench was unveiled. This beautiful, lasting memorial was made by students from Technology teacher, Greg Robinson’s Woodworking program, and under his guidance.

As many people spoke about Danielle, offering personal stories, memories and anecdotes, a common thread emerged. Danielle was loved by all. She was fierce, yet kind; strong, yet nurturing; tough, yet caring.  One speaker perfectly captured Danielle by calling her a “Mama Bear.”  She would always look out for those about whom she cared with love and kindness, but if she ever needed to go on the attack, don’t get in her way!

Danielle was also remembered by a phrase she often used, “We are the engine that runs this train.”  So many of her colleagues have repeated that line over the years and lovingly assumed it as a mindset. 

Not only have the lives of hundreds,if not thousands, of students been touched by Danielle, but so have those of her colleagues whom she mentored over the years.  She will forever by loved and remembered.

Photos from the dedication ceremony can be viewed in our Photo Gallery.