Technology
Anthony Cardinale, 51
Died January 6, 2021.
Woodmere Middle School, Woodmere, NY
Technology
Hewlett-Woodmere School District faculty members and students from past and present shared their memories of beloved Woodmere Middle School faculty member Anthony Cardinale.
The district announced that the middle school technology teacher died on Jan. 6 from Covid-19 complications. He was 51. Cardinale had contracted the virus during the holiday break.
A Brooklyn native, he began working in the Hewlett-Woodmere district in September of 2004, all at Woodmere Middle School. Cardinale was previously a teacher at Valley Stream Central High School from 1996 to 2004.
He also served as an adviser to clubs and activities at the school including, the art, chess, multimedia and video clubs, along with being the set designer for the middle school’s musicals and the trip coordinator for the sixth and eighth grades.
Cardinale was well known for taking photographs as the students presented their projects at the History and science fairs, Career Day, Invention Convention and many other school events.
Superintendent Dr. Ralph Marino Jr. said in a statement that Cardinale was a well-liked staff member. “The Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools family suffered a devastating loss with the passing of Mr. Anthony Cardinale,” Marino wrote. “He was an extraordinary and caring educator who always put his students first. It was impossible not to smile while in his presence and feel uplifted after even the briefest conversation with him.”
Alexandria Blair is a Hewlett-Woodmere graduate who currently works as a teaching assistant at the middle school. Blair had Cardinale as a teacher during her middle school years and noted how his class helped her get through tough times.
“My middle school experience was not easy to say the least being the new kid who moved from out of district and being in the midst of being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease,” Blair said. “Mr. Cardinale was always kind to me when kids were not. His class was exciting and he never failed to make us laugh. He made coming to school easier, even on my hardest days.”
Blair noted that it was an honor to be a co-worker of Cardinale’s years after she sat in his classroom. “I can hear his voice carrying down the hall, my first year working at WMS, telling anyone who would listen, ‘Did you know this beautiful young lady was my student?” she said. “This man had such a genuine and sweet soul.”
Anthony Sylmetaj said he was a friend of Cardinale’s for roughly 30 years. He described Cardinale as being a gentleman. “Every year, we would all go out for Christmas dinner with our families and have 4th of July barbecues,” Sylmetaj said. “I’ll miss meeting up at the pool hall every weekend. Anthony made everyone around him feel comfortable like the true gentleman he was.”
Marino added that Cardinale will always be remembered fondly by students and staff. “Mr. Cardinale will be greatly missed by all,” he said. “His legacy will live on through the memories of all who had the honor of knowing him.”
Timothy Clyatt, 59
Died November 13, 2020.
Bannerman Learning Center, Green Cove Springs, FL
Technology
Timothy Ray Clyatt, 59, of Green Cove Springs, FL passed away November 13, 2020. He was born April 16, 1961 in Lake City, FL. He graduated from Columbia High School as part of the class of 1979. Timothy received a Master’s Degree in Education from Florida State University in 1992 and continued his career with the Clay County School District. He was known for his strong Christian faith and playing the piano at his church. Timothy was a member of the National Education Association, Florida State University Garnet Key Honor Society, Clay County Education Association and Florida Education Association. He expressed a tremendous love for his friends and family and would always be there when someone needed him. Timothy had a huge heart, infectious laughter and his sense of humor was unforgettable. He was a kind and gentle person and Timothy will be deeply missed by all who had the honor to know and loved him. He is preceded by his brother, Randall Clyatt and his grandmother, Agnes Lewis. Timothy leaves behind to cherish his memory his parents, Loma and Charles Willis and siblings, Therese Willis, Billy Willis and Pilar Dixon with many friends and extended family.
Gerard Jarvis, 72
Died December 10, 2020.
Elliott Alternative Education Center, Modesto, CA
Adult Education & Technology
Gerard “Jerry” Jarvis, a computer and adult education teacher, as well as an adult education counselor at the Elliott Alternative Education Center high school, recently died from complications related to COVID-19 according to a post on the district’s Facebook page.
Jarvis, who was with Modesto City Schools for 32 years, all at Elliott, contracted COVID-19 outside of the work environment in mid-November, according to the post.
Jarvis was known for bringing doughnuts for all of his students and the entire staff on the last day of every quarter as well as visiting “every office/classroom” on a daily basis to ask how everyone was doing.
“Jerry was loved immensely by everyone, and he will be truly missed,” the post said. “His memory will live on, not only on the Elliott campus, but also in the entire Modesto community.”
Fellow Elliott teacher Fred Johnston said in a text message to The Bee on Sunday, “All of his students had good things to say about him. That is rare, especially at Elliott, but it shows everyone respected him and liked him.”
Johnston said he told a former student about Jarvis’ passing and the young man replied that Jarvis made a huge impression on him. “Jerry urged him to step out of his comfort zone and to write and apply for the local American Heritage essay contest” perhaps about a decade ago, Johnston said.
The student’s piece was selected as one of the top three essays, and “he wouldn’t have even attempted such a thing if Jerry hadn’t suggested it and encouraged him.”
Johnston also shared a recollection by Elliott data entry clerk Ashley Wheeler about meeting Jarvis when she was 11 or 12. Her grandfather took an adult education introductory computer class Jarvis taught, and “Jerry would give Ashley word searches and spreadsheets to put together so she would not bored while her grandfather was in class. Jerry cared about EVERYONE.”
Johnston said Jarvis was a role model for all people, not just teachers. “As I am writing this, another student reached out to me expressing his sorrow about the passing of Mr. Jarvis. That’s the kind of teacher Jerry was.”
Other friends and colleagues mourned Jarvis on Facebook. One fellow educator said she was “gutted” by the news of his death. “He was a gentleman and a good teacher, and even better person. Elliott will never be the same without him.”
Another Elliott teacher commented, “He was one of my favorite people on earth. I learned a lot from Jerry and will miss him dearly.”
Teresa Gaither, 61
Died November 9, 2020.
Easton Elementary School, Winston-Salem, NC
Technology
On November 9, 2020, Teresa Spaugh Gaither was called to her heavenly home. Born on November 4, 1959, at Forsyth Hospital, Teresa just turned 61. It was a privilege to have known and loved this amazing woman.
Teresa was a spirited, compassionate, and strong individual. For 22 years, she has worked at Easton Elementary in multiple capacities. She loved her students as though they were her own kids, with some even seeing her as their second mom. She also was a Girl Scout leader for multiple troops for 25 years. Teresa loved camping, playing bingo, and playing with her dog, Jasper.
As Teresa reunites with her husband, Randall Clay Gaither, and daughter, Tina Marie Gaither, she is survived by her brother Ricky Spaugh (Glenda), her daughters Krystal Gaither, Angela Koenig (Leo), Nancy Bellous, and Amanda Fulp. Her 3 grandchildren, Ason, Sean, and Jordan will also miss her dearly