John Lackos

Retired Bellmore-Merrick United Secondary Teachers member John Lackos died Dec. 8 at the age of 86.

After working in the trade for 40 years, John became a vocational carpentry teacher at Calhoun High School for 10 years. He retired 20 years ago.

Albert Saladino

Albert Saladino, a member of the Faculty Association of Niagara County Community College, died Oct. 29, 2008, at the age of 56.

Al began his career at NCCC in 1986 and was promoted to professor in 2002. Published widely, he was highly regarded in the human services field in western New York.

He was coordinator of the Disability Studies and Chemical Dependency Counseling Programs and served on numerous college committees.

Al was past president of the faculty senate and the State Human Services Educators Association. The National Association of Social Workers named him Social Worker of the Year in 2007. Al also served as a member of the board of directors of the Faculty Association.

Stephen P. Trupp

Stephen P. Trupp, a member of the United Federation of Teachers who retired from PS229 in Brooklyn in 2001 after 34 years of service, died April 7.

Stephen was a military veteran who ran his fourth-grade classroom much like a sergeant.

His students came to realize that a gentle soul lay beneath his tough exterior. The "sergeant" protected and nurtured them while demanding from them a rigorous effort to achieve their full potential.

Stephen enjoyed landscaping and raised puppies for the Guide Dogs of Smithtown.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, and his mother, Jennie Trupia.