Obituary of Patrick DiDomenico

FORMER BUENA REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT Patrick DiDoenico, 95, passed away October 28, 2010, after an extended illness at the Brandywine at Dresher Estates Assisted Living Facility.He and his wife Margaret, (deceased January 2010) were residents there for five years. Born to Michael and Grace (Mignona) October 7, 1915, he was born with a physical defect thatleft him with a limp. His entire life was a succession of hurdles and obstacles. He spent his entire life fighting people's prejudices and ignorance in order to become a teacher. It was the most difficult thing he had faced in his 60 years as an educator and administrator. In 1938 after three years at Glassboro State College, he was informed that because he h ad a physical handicap, state law would not permit him to teach. Devasted with this news, DiDomenico conferred with the physician in charge of college health services. She formed a special committee that persuaded administrators to change their decision. When he began searching for a teaching position a clerk in one of the school districts said, "DiDomenico that's an Italian name. You must be Catholic. You won't be considered here." He was eventually hired to teach in a one-room school house in Newtonville in the Buena School District. He taught kindergarten, first, second and third grades. DiDomenico remained in his home district until his retirement in 1977 after fifteen years as a teacher, three years as a junior high school principal, three years as an acting superintendent and eighteen years as district superintendent. He obtained his undergraduate degree from Glassboro State College, a Masters in administration from Rutger;s University and additional courses at Temple University. He had earned enough credits toward his doctorate, but never completed his doctoral dissertation. DiDomenico's retirement was of a short duration. He spent time working at the Training School in Vineland, working with the mentally challenged clients. In 1978 he became a part-time administrator at the Creative Achievement Academ, a private alternative school for emotionally disturbed students. DiDomenico's biggest satifaction came from former pupils who shared with him the impact he had on their lives. And he still remembered those teachers who helped him through many difficult years. DiDomenico and wife Margaret (deceased) would have been married 63 years. He is survived by his daughter , Denise Zaborowiski and her husband Michael, grandson and Jeffrey, of Willow Grove, PA. He is the last surviving sibling of ten children.