CLIFTON PARK — A Shenendehowa school board member, who had served on the board for 19 years, died last week.
Gary DiLallo, a retired teacher who was first elected to the school board in 2001, died Nov. 21 as a result of complications from cancer, according to his paid obituary. He was 78.
DiLallo, who grew up in Schenectady, taught middle and high school social studies and computers for 28 years in Mechanicville. He also coached football, track and swimming, and was a past president of the Mechanicville Teachers Association.
After retirement, DiLallo was elected to the Shenendehowa school board in 2001. He was most recently re-elected in 2019 and had been attending board meetings virtually up until he was recently hospitalized.
School board president Deanna Stephenson said DiLallo was even-keeled, steadfast and a mentor to younger board members. Stephenson and Shenendehowa Superintendent L. Oliver Robinson memorialized DiLallo at an emotional board meeting last Tuesday.
"We’re very saddened," Stephenson told the Times Union Sunday. "He wasn’t only a colleague he was a friend, with so much experience. And coming from a teaching background he was able to give back. He could see (all) sides from an educator's point of view."
"He was a true public servant in every aspect of the word," Stephenson said.
DiLallo's obituary notes that through the New York State School Boards Association, he actively lobbied to modify and improve state and federal education regulations. The organization honored him as its Advocate of the Year in 2011.
DiLallo was also active in the Jonesville United Methodist Church, serving as a trustee of the congregation and sang for more than 20 years in the church's choir.
He also became a certified lay minister, which led to assignments as an interim minister in Ballston Spa and as pastor of the Edinburg United Methodist Church near Great Sacandaga Lake.
DiLallo is survived by his wife, Carol, two sons, a daughter and three grandchildren.
His obituary says no immediate memorial services will be held; a celebration of his life is anticipated for the summer of 2021. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Jonesville United Methodist Church or the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Stephenson said the board will decide by year's end if it will appoint someone, or wait for a special election to fill the rest of DiLallo's year-and-a-half term.
Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the date of DiLallo's death.
"board" - Google News
November 30, 2020 at 01:33AM
https://ift.tt/3qcs192
Shenendehowa school board member dies - Times Union
"board" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2KWL1EQ
https://ift.tt/2YrjQdq
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Shenendehowa school board member dies - Times Union"
Post a Comment