Obituary of Anthony J. LoCurto

Anthony J. LoCurto, 93, longtime resident of Syosset. Beloved husband of 61 years to Maryanne. Loving father of Anthony George (Debbie), Lisa, and Karen (Allen) Underwood.  Adored grandfather of Anthony Cecil (Alisha), Josephine (Chant) LoCurto-Becker, Allen Joseph, and Mary Anne.

Born and raised in Woodhaven, Queens Anthony was the product of New York City School System; after graduating Richmond Hill High School he attended and graduated St. John’s University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree, and he earned a Masters of Arts from New York University two years later. 

Anthony began his career with his appointment to P.S. 121 in 1953; nine years later (after time out for military service in the United States Coast Guard during the Korean conflict) he became a guidance counselor and served in five schools in District 28; he then served as Assistant Principal of P.S. 121 for five years. 

Anthony was appointed Principal of P.S. 122 Queens in February 1975; he served in that position until his retirement in August 1996. In 1986 Anthony launched the District 30 sponsored Academy for Intellectually Gifted Students Grades 4-8 at P.S. 122. This outstanding program saw 95% of its students going to the New York City’s specialized high schools and winning accolades from the John Hopkins University Talent Search for Gifted Students project.  His more than two decadesof stewardship of the Mamie Fay School – P.S. 122 Queens was filled with a myriad of innovative and outstanding achievements. His philosophy of being attentive to students’ strengths and learning styles in a caring and sensitive school environments fostered individual creativity, cooperative interaction among peers and the number one reading scores in the District.  In the New York Department of Education’s first school by school reports published in 1997, P.S. 122 Queens was listed near the top for students’ exemplary achievements in reading; following this report New York City’s Chancellor Rudy Crew placed P.S. 122 Queens on the Honor Roll of New York City Schools. 

Anthony worked for the New York City Board of Education writing teacher exams and interviewing teaching candidates.  Ever the master teacher he strived with his work at the Board of Education to provide a new generation of teachers to educate children. 

With his beloved wife, Maryanne, they were Syosset residents and parishioners of St. Edward the Confessor R.C. Church for 55 years.  Their devotion and love for each other throughout difficult and joyful times was a wonderful model of love and commitment for their children, grandchildren and all who knew them.  Devoted to his community, he would share written and computer curriculum with his parish’s elementary school in Syosset. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Auto Sons of Italy. Upon retirement his greatest love was spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He loved painting and drawing, attending the opera and Broadway shows, and walking in beautiful Oyster Bay.

In lieu of flowers donations in his memory can be made to Knights of Columbus, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, or American Heart Association

MEMORIAL SLIDESHOW: In Loving Memory of Anthony J. LaCurto