Sad News

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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.

Sad News

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Marie Butera, retired Northport High School Librarian, passed away on May 4 at 80 years of age. Marie is survived by her three sons, Christopher Cordani, Anthony Cordani and Daniel Cordani; three grandchildren and her sisters Cathy Butera and Joann Clark. She also leaves her rescue cat, Petey, who has been placed in a loving home. 

To the students who passed through her library, she was more than a keeper of books — she was a guide, an encourager, and a strong presence during some of the most formative years of their lives. Her spirit of adventure took her far beyond the library walls, visiting 45 counties over the course of her lifetime. 

Marie adored literature, films, fine art, and most of all – human connection. Marie had a great love of food and was an exceptional chef. Few things made her happier than to be surrounded by those she cherished enjoying the magic she delivered from her kitchen.

For further information, email Chris Cordani at cordani@gmail.com

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Marie’s memory to: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — mskcc.org/giving and
PAWS North Shore — paws-li.org/html/support/donate.html .

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

2026 Retirees

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The Retired-United Teachers of Northport welcomes the 2026 Retirees! Wishing you all many wonderful years of retirement.

Shown in the photo are new R-UTN members at the UTN End of Year Party.

2026 UTN Retirees

Dale Alessi, Nurse, Pulaski Road School
Christopher Cascone, Teacher of Math, Northport High School
Barbara Falcone, Teacher of Social Studies, Northport Middle School
Thomas Franco, Teacher of English, Northport High School
Marisa Gambino, Teaching Assistant, Northport High School
Elizabeth Knox, Teaching Assistant, East Northport Middle School
Linda Koulermos, Teaching Assistant, Northport High School
Loredana Kress, Teaching Assistant, Ocean Avenue School
Kelly Lange-Pitkin, Teacher of Science, East Northport Middle School
Sandra Leahy, Teacher of English, East Northport Middle School
Lisa Liberatoscioli, Teacher of Elementary, Northport Middle School
Edward Moloney, Teacher of Technology, E Northport Middle & Northport High Schools
Donna Mullin, Nurse, Northport High School
Elyse Pellicano, School Counselor, Northport Middle School
Kathryn Pileggi, Teacher of Elementary, Fifth Avenue School
Ann Rizza, Teacher of Reading, Northport Middle School
Pamela Sydney, Teacher of Speech, Pulaski Road School