The Hauppauge Public School is mourning the loss of a beloved fourth-grade teacher, Lara Damadeo.
Damadeo, with the Bretton Woods Elementary School, has died after a 24-year career in Hauppauge. The former Hauppauge High School grad died in recent days, as announced by the Hauppauge Public School District in a statement signed by Dr. Donald Murphy, the Superintendent of Schools. Lara died unexpectedly in Denmark while on vacation. No cause of death was officially listed.
Lara Damadeo graduated from Hauppauge High in 1995 after a stellar academic and extracurricular record. She was inducted into the National Honor Society and was known for her achievements in ballet and her involvement in the Interact club.
Damadeo pursued her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Elementary Education and Dance Education/Performance at New York University. She later earned an M.S. in Reading Teacher Education from Dowling College. She began her full-time teaching career in Hauppauge in 2000, where for over two decades, she was recognized for her dedication, her ability to engage students, and her kindness. Alongside her teaching, she was also a fitness and Pilates instructor at the Ohman School of Ballet and in private studios. In August 2024, she completed a Master of Science in Exercise Psychology at Concordia College.
Following her passing, many have shared tributes highlighting her influence.
“Lara was a sweetheart. Always kind to everyone, and a true lover of dance,” one tribute post read.
A parent also shared, “Ms. Damadeo was both my son’s and daughter’s teacher 7 years apart. I was also her class mom. She had a profound impact on both of my children and we will always be grateful for the time they had with her.”
Funeral arrangements will be announced in due time.