Member News

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.

Sad News

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Susan DeVerna, retired Bellerose Avenue teacher, passes away on June 21st, one week past her 75th birthday. Susan was predeceased by her husband, Robert. She is survived by her three children, James, Christine Glover, and Matthew; three grandchildren and her sisters Kathy Jablonski and Debbie Binsack, and her brother Jim Biondo.

The family will receive visitors from 1 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM on Friday, June 26, 2026. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 AM on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at St. Anthony of Padua Church in East Northport, with a private cremation to follow.

Donations to the Alzheimer’s Association https://alzfdn.org, in her memory, would be appreciated.

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

Musical Peom Premier

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A poem that written by Linda Trott Dickman, R-UTN member and Northport High School class of 1970, and set to music by another NHS Grad, Rich Campbell class of 1975, will be premiered on May 13th at the Northport High School. 

Sad News

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Jeanne Clarke, retired Northport High School Spanish teacher, lost her husband Ward of 40 years.

A visitation for Ward was held on Sunday, May 3, followed by a Funeral Mass  on Monday, May 4 at the Infant Jesus Chapel at St. Charles in Port Jefferson and interment to follow at St. James Cemetery in Setauket.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in loving memory of Ward to either Good Shepherd Hospice Foundation, Development Department, 110 Bi-County Blvd., Suite 114, Farmingdale, NY 11735 or the Rotary Club of Port Jefferson, P.O. Box 461, Port Jefferson, NY 11777.

Sad News

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Penelope “Penny” Daly, retired Northport High School English teacher, passed away on January 17 at the age of 91. Penny was predeceased by her former husband, Russ Daly, and her son, Chris Daly. She is survived by daughters, Carol Gaughran and Tracy Janes; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Penny was born on July 17, 1934 at a WPA writers’ camp in West Virginia. She was raised in Milford, Connecticut by her parents, Jack Devine, an editor for the Bridgeport Herald, and Dorothy Devine, a travel agent with Barnum Travel, who inspired her lifelong love of education, reading, and travel. Penny attended Lauralton Hall and Milford High School and later earned her BA from the University of Connecticut and her MA from Stony Brook University. 

Penny moved to Northport in 1964 and taught at NHS for twenty years. A dedicated and compassionate educator, Penny cared deeply about her students and consistently challenged them to learn. She was heavily involved with the Northport High School Learning Center and was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. 

Penny’s love of books led her to a second career as an antiquarian bookseller. She founded WellRead Books, selling rare and collectible books online and at book shows throughout the East Coast. She was a proud member of the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America and the Long Island Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association. 

Travel was one of Penny’s great joys. She explored the world extensively, often traveling with her children and later grandchildren, sharing with them a deep interest in history, culture, and adventure. 

A celebration of Penny’s life will be held in Northport in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lewis Oliver Farm.

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