It is with great sadness and a profound sense of loss that The Green Vale School shares the news that its beloved Assistant Headmaster and Upper School Director, John A. Cosentino, suffered a fatal heart attack while hiking out of the Grand Canyon in Arizona on Thursday, May 6. John, 46 and a resident of Syosset, was leading the ninth grade class on a week-long camping trip, an annual tradition for ninth grade students. With him on this trip was his son James who will graduate from Green Vale next month. John's daughter Christina, now a senior at Our Lady of Mercy Academy in Syosset, made the same camping trip with her father while she was a ninth grade student at Green Vale.

In addition to his two children, John is survived by his beloved wife, Susan, his cherished parents, Joseph and Jean Cosentino, his siblings, Andrew (Eileen), Joseph, Ann Marie, Vickie (John) Beck, Terry, and Michael (Julia), and 22 nieces and nephews.

Mr. "C" (as students fondly referred to him) began his 25 year career in education at The Green Vale School as a Science and Reading teacher. He also taught English, History and Math over the years, was the Director of the Middle School from 1984 to 1993 and assumed the roles of Upper School Director and Assistant Headmaster in 1994. Directing the annual ninth grade play was a labor of love that earned John the additional, yet unofficial, title of musical and creative consultant for all of the School's class plays.

Prior to taking his position at Green Vale, John received his bachelor of arts in biology from SUNY Potsdam. He also earned his master of science degree at LIU-CW Post, and his certificate of advanced study - educational administration at Hofstra University.

John was a creative, talented, passionate and inspiring educator who touched the lives of more than a thousand young students, and mentored scores of young teachers. His genuine affection and respect for students of all ages, love of life and loud, contagious laugh will never be forgotten.

John Cosentino's legacy is all those students who became life-long learners because of the foundation he helped them build for themselves. His final moments were spent doing exactly what he loved doing - leading and teaching children. As Thomas McPartland, president of Green Vale's Board of Trustees, said, "His life was a gift to the children."

In lieu of flowers, John's family has requested that donations be made to the American Heart Association. In addition, The Green Vale School community is in the process of establishing an educational support fund for John's two children. Details on this will soon be available and if anyone is interested they may contact the school directly, at 516-621-2420, extension 117.

A funeral mass was held at 10 a.m. on May 12, at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Brookville.

Josephine Colangelo (nee Giunta), age 92, of Glen Cove, passed away on May 6, 2004. Beloved wife of the late Frank. Beloved and devoted mother of John Robert Colangelo and Frank V. Colangelo (Ann). Loving sister of Sarah Pacchiarotti (nee Buffa), Gaspar Buffa and Joseph Buffa and loving sister of the late Mary Burrello (nee Buffa) the late Peter Buffa and the late Sebastion and Joseph Giunta. Grandmother of four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. MOM, we will miss you very much, rest in peace.

Nancy M. Monaco (nee Coschignano), of Delray Beach, FL, formerly of Syosset, for 30 years, died on May 8, 2004. She graduated from Oyster Bay High School in 1955. She went on to marry the late Edmund G. Pettersen and raised six children in Syosset. She was a Columbiette of the James Norton Council, Glen Cove. She married Vincent J. Monaco, formerly of Oyster Bay and moved to Delray Beach where they lived happily. She was the president of her Community Association for the last 10 years. Wife of Vincent J. Mother of six wonderful children and four stepchildren, Edmund (Jane), Peter, John, Mary, Erik, Nancy (Sebastian), Linda (Rick), Eva (Mike), Rosemary (Mike), Vincent (Alison). Sister of Peter (Pauline), Joseph (Fay), John (Elizabeth) Coschignano. Grandmother of 10. Great-grandmother of four. Nancy is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements were made by the Francis P. DeVine Funeral Home, Oyster Bay. Funeral Mass in the Chapel of St. Dominic's RC Church. Donations may be made to Hospice by the Sea, 1531 W. Palmetto Park Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33486.