Farmingdale Community Mourns Loss Of Beloved Teacher

The Farmingdale School District recently lost a beloved member of the local community.

Miller Place resident, Jim Anziano, who worked as a 6th grade technology teacher as well as a coach for the girls' softball and basketball teams, died on June 10 just twp days after 56th birthday.

He is survived by his children: Allison Bocca (James); Keith (Stephanie); Mary; Pam; and Lauryn Zoccoli.

In addition, Anziano is survived by his grandchildren of Isabella, Arianna and James as well as his siblings; Robert J., Jr. (Jean), Thomas (Sharon) and Kathi Cullinane (Charles).

Anziano also worked as a teacher in the Miller Place School District.

However, the Farmingdale community really felt the loss of the beloved teacher.

Students and staff of Howitt Middle School posted signs and notes throughout the hallway of the school in his memory:

Photos courtesy of Jacqui Merlo

In addition, several teachers and alumni wrote tributes in his honor. Read their testimonies below:

After teaching technology and coaching varsity baseball in eastern Long Island for several years, an experienced, tenured teacher found himself without a job when the technology department was cut. While looking for a new job, he applied for a position in the Farmingdale School District. Farmingdale was lucky enough to gain an experienced teacher who spent the next 14 years bringing his positive outlook on life to Howitt Middle School. This teacher was none other than our Jim Anziano.

Jim was the type of person who's smile would light up a room and his positive attitude could change your whole perspective. In the 14 years that I have had the privilege of working with him, I have never heard him say anything negative or seen him be anything but happy. He was nothing but a ray of sunshine, a breath of fresh air.

When I found out this past Saturday that Jim had passed, I was in complete shock. How could he have passed? He was only 56! He just celebrated his birthday! He was just showing off pictures of his newest grandchild! I just saw that infectious smile and heard "Hey coach!" yesterday. This can't be right! Unfortunately, it was.

When you lose someone unexpectedly, it takes a while for the shock to subside and for the fact that you will never see them again to sink in. On Monday, the halls were full of people but quiet. Our principal, Mr. Pena, made a tribute during the morning announcements and we held a moment of silence. That's when the reality set in. People were crying and trying to console one another. Jim's classroom had become a Memorial of sorts with notes, signs, and pictures growing exponentially in size as the days passed.

Jim, or Mr. A as the students referred to him, was so much more than just a technology teacher. He was a girls basketball coach, a softball coach. He taught our kids how to get the job done, in the classroom and on the court/field, with a smile and a positive attitude; to never look back but keep looking forward; to strive to be the best that you can be.

On Saturday, the Daler community lost more than a great man, teacher, and coach. Our kids lost an amazing role model, their Mr A. He will be greatly missed and he will forever be in our hearts. Once a Daler, Always a Daler
- Jacqui Merlo
Math Teacher

Jim Anziano was a gentleman and a gentle man. His religion was decency and his character was honesty.
Jim's love of life was contagious, people wanted to be in his presence for he was truly a happy go lucky person. His quick wit and bright smile made everyday sunny. He loved to share stories about his family, especially his three grandchildren, and he always wanted to know how your family was doing. His concern for each and every person he was in contact with was genuine.

Jim never raised his voice unless it was to cheer his teams on. His teaching techniques were unique. Every child learned how to design, measure, cut, sand and build buttons, baskets and towers to name a few of his projects. The highlight of every 6th graders day was having TECH with Mr. A.

Having known Jim for over 40 years I can honestly way I am a better person for having him in my life. He was my colleague and my dear friend. He was one in a million and we will all miss him. Rest in Peace dear Jim.

- Lynne Kennedy Johnston
Daler Class of 78'

To me and like many others especially his students, he was and will always be an imprint in our lives. As an educator, the greatest compliment that probably could be made is to be remembered. Sharing a room with Jim I got to see how one is able to reach that echelon of great teachers. I’ve been saying Jim was “that guy”. You know, whether what the circumstances that describes a person to another level for whatever reason, he was “that guy”. In terms of kindness, happiness and an ability to make the day better, Jim could do it. For the last decade or so, Jim and I shared a classroom together and I was able to be fortune enough to know this man and be friends with this man. He talked nothing more than of his wife, Joanie and his daughter Allie. He was a proud person and forget about it, when he became a grandfather and I didn’t think his smile could have gotten any bigger, it did. He always had your back. When I was in the hospital recovering from a hip replacement, he was there. If I needed help or had a problem, he was there to help fix it. I looked up to him for guidance as an educator and he gave it. But he didn’t give his guidance by telling me, he gave it by showing me in his actions. I use to tell him all the time he was my mentor. And when the topic of my career is brought up in conversation with anybody, I tell them the same. We had things in common as well. We were both graduates of Farmingdale, we were both athletes and we both chose a career path that fit us. There are many things I’ll remember about Jim especially some of his phrases he would say, “ Everyday is a good hair day”, “ We work hard because we’re lazy”, “ Coo coo for coco puffs”and “Bazinga!”. I can only hope to carry on Jim’s optimism and love for life half as well as he did. I am gonna miss him dearly.

- Jeffrey Rysanek Daler Class of '91

Having worked next door to Jim, we crossed paths many times a day. He and I talked multiple times everyday really about anything- work, retirement, his grandchildren, weeked plans....and I can say the same thing as everyone else about Jim: he made you feel good. He always had time for you. He was always smiling, always positive. I loved watching him interact with the kids-it seemed like he had a special relationship with each one of them. I think each one thought they were his favorite because of the way he treated them!

What I want to add, is that our music department considered Jim an honorary member! He was constantly involved with the "goings on" of our department. He was the first to say "Sign me up!" for all chaperoning opportunities. He came to the musicals, the concerts, popped into rehearsals-always complimenting us and supporting us. He'd tell the students how cool they were for being part of the chorus, the band, the orchestra...and how great they sounded! He's stop into my chorus room when he heard a song he liked just to let us know he was enjoying listening to us!

I am going to miss seeing "Mr. A" everyday. If you didn't really know him, just stop down his hallway and see the tribute that his students have paid him. You'll get to know him quickly.

- Danielle Tucker Music Teacher