Ridgewood Dedicates Mural, Street Sign To Longtime Teacher And Assistant Principal

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — A teacher and assistant principal in Ridgewood was honored last week with a mural and street sign dedication.

Basil Pizzuto died in 2022 at age 49.

He was honored in a ceremony as part of the high school's annual Celebration of the Arts.

The school district said: "Basil Pizzuto joined Ridgewood High School as a math teacher in 1997 and went on to serve in a variety of leadership roles, including lead grade administrator, interim co-principal, and assistant principal in charge of administration and student services.

"Described by colleagues and students alike as 'the heart and soul' of the school, Mr. Pizzuto was known for his unwavering commitment to students, his compassionate leadership, and his belief in a mission-driven, student-centered approach to education. He passed away suddenly on November 23, 2022, just one day before his 50th birthday."

A permanent mural was added along the graduation path, the route students will walk as they leave their commencement ceremony. The mural will also serve as a welcoming landmark for athletes arriving from the RHS Stadium field.

The mural was designed and painted through a collaboration between alumni artist Kyle McCullough and current RHS art students.

The unveiling ceremony featured student band performances and other artistic displays to reflect Pizzuto's passion for creativity, which he nurtured as a church organist.

“I can’t think of a better way to honor and celebrate the life of an amazing educator,” said RHS principal Jeff Nyhuis. “Basil's presence and contributions to Ridgewood High School are felt every day.”

After the ceremony, Pizzuto's family said, "Basil would be thrilled by today's turnout because he loved people and one of his life's missions was human connections.

"He would belly laugh about the street co-name, Pizzuto Way, and would be so proud and humbled by the talent, time and effort that everyone contributed to this mural and event on the grounds of Ridgewood High School, his second home...Thank you to everyone who made this day a reality and thank you for this touching acknowledgment."

Township Manager Keith Kazmark wrote on social media, "While I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Pizzuto, the stories that have been shared and those told on Friday show just how many young people he impacted at RHS. What a fitting tribute to honor an amazing legacy."

Pizzuto's obituary said, "he enriched the lives of thousands. Hired as a RHS math teacher in 1997, Basils titles during his 24-year career there included lead grade administrator, Interim Co-Principal with Jeff Nyhuis, and assistant principal in charge of administration and student services. Described by many as the heart and soul of the school, he was everyone's go-to person and was never too busy to help or advise a student or colleague."

The sign was placed above Heermance Place beside the high school.

Read more about the dedication here.