Jeanette M. Pietrantoni
Jeanette M. Pietrantoni, a longtime president of the Syracuse Teachers Association, died Jan. 21; she was 77.
A graduate of SUNY Albany, Jeanette taught English in the Syracuse City School District and spent two years volunteering for the Peace Corps in Kenya.
When she returned from Kenya in 1968, a lot had changed. The Taylor Law granting teachers the right to organize and bargain collectively had passed and teachers were forming their own unions separate from administrators. Jeanette returned to the classroom and the Syracuse TA, writing a weekly newsletter.
She served as president of the Syracuse TA for 21 years. Jeanette also served on the NYSUT Board of Directors; as a vice president of the American Federation of Teachers; treasurer of NYSUT Retiree Council 7; and a member of the Alliance for Retired Americans.
In 2007, she was the recipient of “Not for Ourselves Alone:” The Sandy Feldman Outstanding Leadership Award, the highest NYSUT recognition for union women.
Jeanette is survived by her brother, Joseph (Marilyn); two nephews, Joseph (Robin) and John (Nancy); niece, Mary Ann (James); great-nephews, Joseph, John Thomas, Sam, Will, Robby and Andy; great-nieces, Jennie, Carrie and Wynne Abigail.
Jules Lavner | Jan. 30
United College Employees - Fashion Institute of Technology
Jules served on the faculty of F.I.T for 32 years. He began his career in the textile industry in New York City, serving in many executive positions.
Jules was a civil rights and anti-war activist. He attended the 1963 March on Washington.
Jules is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Gerry; his dear son, James (Christina); wonderful grandchildren. Julianna and Jack; his sister Sheila (Manny); and his sister-in-law, Eileen. His daughter Ronna, predeceased her loving father.
Richard Theodore | Sept. 5
Carmel Teachers Association
Stephanie Ann Vierno | Oct. 6
United Federation of Teachers
Stephanie Ann Vierno, 46, Died Oct. 6 after a short
illness. Stephanie spent most of her 24 year career teaching at PS 41,
the New Dorp School, Staten Island, where she taught 2nd and 3rd graders
and eventually became the school's librarian. Stephanie's library was
the hub of all activity at PS 41. During her career, Stephanie was a
mentor to many new teachers, in addition to a cherished friend and
colleague. Her students remembered her for her high standards and
cheerful encouragement. She taught them the value of service, engaging
them in a myriad of projects to support the New Dorp community.
Stephanie led the school's annual Sept. 11 memorial and spearheaded
relief efforts for families who suffered losses during Hurricane Sandy.
Many PS 41 administrators relied upon Stephanie's expertise. She held a
professional diploma in educational administration from St. John's
University where she served on the executive board of the education
club, as well as the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. The
District 31 Community Education Council has started the approval process
for renaming PS 41 the Stephanie A.Vierno School.
Obituary policy
Obituary submissions for publication in NYSUT United must include decedent’s full name, union affiliation and date of death, and telephone number or email address of the person submitting the information.
You may fax submissions to 518-213-6415; send to Andrew Watson, NYSUT United, 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110-2455;