Janet Gaw-Adamski was a talented teacher and loyal colleague who served as a third- and fourth-grade classroom teacher, third-grade teacher consultant and computer lab teacher at PS 58 in Brooklyn. She was an example and mentor to many of her colleagues. She was also a talented musician who played the piano for the school's many musical productions and for numerous graduation ceremonies.

Selina Ahoklui, the 1998 New York State Teacher of the Year, died on May 22. She was 76 years old.

Dorothy Evans died on April 19, 2017, at the age of 72.

Born in Millen, Georgia, she lived in Manhattan.

Dorothy was a paraprofessional at PS 75 in the Bronx and a UFT member for 29 years. She was a UFT para representative and always attended the UFT Delegate Assembly and participated in parades and rallies. Friends say she was known as the “phone bank princess” for all her UFT phone bank work.

At PS 75, Dorothy managed the school’s Right to Read lab and assisted in the math lab.

Johanna Schwencke died on March 30, 2017. She was 74 years old.

Born in Berlin, Germany, Johanna lived in North Merrick, Long Island.

A UFT member for 54 years, she taught physical education at William Cullen Bryant High School in Queens for many years and is remembered as an excellent teacher who successfully mentored many young teachers. She also served as the UFT chapter leader at Bryant.

Edward Markowitz died on March 3, 2017. He was 83.

Born in Yonkers, Edward lived in Hartsdale, New York, before retiring to Boynton Beach, Florida. A UFT member for 50 years, he was also a member of the Steamfitters union local. He taught air-conditioning and refrigeration at DeWitt Clinton HS in the Bronx for 22 years.

After retiring from teaching, Edward embarked on an active career repairing and restoring antique clocks. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing golf and fishing.

Rose M. Sabatino died on Nov. 21, 2016 at home in Manhattan. She was 93.

Reynaldo Beltre was a UFT member for 10 years and a dedicated paraprofessional at the Business of Sports School in Manhattan. Known for his mentorship to staff and students alike, he was also a beloved baseball coach for grades 9 through 12. He is survived by his wife and two children. 

Robert Rizzotti was a 5th-grade teacher at PS 276 in Brooklyn. Robert began his teaching career with the Department of Education in 2000, starting as a substitute teacher at PS 244 in Brookyn. In September 2000, he was regularly appointed to PS 276, where he remained for the next 17 years until his passing on March 26, 2017. Robert was loved by his family, dogs, friends, colleagues, and the numerous students he taught over the years.

Alice was a teacher and assistant principal in multiple schools in Brooklyn and Queens prior to working as a mathematics coordinator for the New York City Department of Education. She was a pioneer in math curricula for the education department from the 1960s to the 1980s.

Gerald Fitzgerald, a former media teacher at MS 324 in Washington Heights, passed away after a heart attack on Nov. 19, 2016. Known to many as “Mr. Fitz,” he retired after over 25 years of service with the Department of Education, where he touched the lives of many that passed through his school.