Obituary: Honey Hollow Teacher John DeCuzzi

Long-time Honey Hollow educator John DeCuzzi never stopped teaching, his daughter Ginny, said.

The retired Hauppauge teacher taught fourth grade at Honey Hollow Elementary School for 25 years, before the building was demolished and turned into The Lakes condominium in 1985.  

Even after his retirement, DeCuzzi kept teaching, Ginny said. After his years in the classroom, he became was a mentor and teacher for a family who came to the states from El Salvador.  

The beloved teacher died April 10 at age 80. A Funeral Mass was celebrated April 15 at St. Gerard Majella Roman Catholic Church, Port Jefferson Station with an entombment following at Pinelawn Memorial Park.  

DeCuzzi was not only a part of Honey Hollow’s past, but he also helped revive the memory of the school at a 50th Anniversary Reunion in August 2011. About 100 former students and teachers attended, including DeCuzzi.  

During the reunion, a time capsule from 1962 that had been found just days earlier, was opened. The capsule featured a news article announcing the passing of the 1962 school budget, letters from teachers and students, textbooks and more.  

Items from the time capsule are on display at the Whiporwil administration building at 495 Hoffman Lane. The display will shortly be swapped out for another showcase. Those interested in seeing the items, should head down to the school soon.