| Graduation Year | Class of 1991 |
| Date of Passing | Jun 04, 2008 |
| About | Friends and family of the West New York School District are mourning the loss of one of Memorial High School’s most beloved English teachers Daniel DiSanti. A teacher in the English department for 27 years, Danny is remembered by his colleagues and students as a hard working and dedicated educator, who made learning fun. “Danny remembered everything I forgot,” said Diana Stedman, district supervisor. “He was someone I could really rely on as a teacher. He was an extension of me.” Danny suddenly passed on Wednesday evening, June 4, after a bout of pneumonia sent him to the hospital. “I worked with him in the English Department,” said Janet Lewis. “He was very funny and he was great with kids. The kids loved him; absolutely loved him.” At the time of his passing Danny was the head teacher in the English Department at Memorial High School. He had also taught grades 9 through 12 throughout his career, as well as English honors. Danny also worked after school with the students to help prepare them for the HSPA state exam. “He was a good story teller and a good buddy,” said Lewis. “He was the brother I never had and I will miss my brother.” To his colleagues Danny was a dedicated, diligent teacher, and laughter could always be heard outside his classroom. “He made learning entertaining and he personalized everything,” said Lewis. “He made each kid feel special.” Heba Awadallah one of his students remembers him as a decent man. “He’s protecting us and looking down on us even now.” she said. Daniel Hernandez (Class of 07’) recalls Mr. DiSanti as an inspirational teacher who cared about his students. Danny DiSanti grew up in Newark, or “Down Neck,” as he often referred to his childhood hometown. He grew up in a large Italian family and was very close to his mother. In addition to his love for traditional Italian cooking, Danny would frequent the Portuguese section of Newark for its fine Mediterranean cuisine. He was a graduate of Seton Hall University and is survived by a brother and large extended family including his beloved nieces and caring cousins. The wake was held on Thursday, June 5, at the Gallante Funeral Parlor in Caldwell, and the funeral at St. James RC Church in Newark which houses the same baptismal font where he was baptized 57 years ago. Danny was laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington. The West New York School District and his extended Memorial High School family extend their condolences to the DiSanti Family. Resto Nella Pace! You will be missed. |
