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1937 - 2016

BORN

1937

DIED

2016

About

Newton North High School

TY VIGNONE Obituary

VIGNONE, Ty Was born in E. Longmeadow, MA in 1937. He was the son of the late Daniel and Marion and the brother of Tim. Prior to his 51-year career as a teacher, he served in the Peace Corps in Ethiopia from 1962 to 1964. Ty began teaching at Day Junior High School in Newton in 1965. He moved to Newton North High School in 1983, and taught there until this year. Ty instituted two programs for students that were often life-changing. One was the Close-Up Program, when he and his students would spend the week in Washington, D.C. learning about the government first hand. In recognition of his tenure and his dedication to teaching students about government, Ty was recognized by both Joe Kennedy, III and Elizabeth Warren last year. Another was the Prague Summer Program that Ty established in 1990. For many students, their participation in the program was the most memorable event of their high school lives. Over a three-week period, they studied with him in Prague, Krakow, and Berlin. He also was a mentor to countless young teachers over the years. Throughout his career, Ty received numerous teaching awards. Ty was a presence and no one loved life more than he did. No matter where he went, he made connections immediately, and always had a following. Ty made life-long friends with many co-workers in the Peace Corps and fellow skiers. He was an inspiration to his fellow teachers. He also exposed many friends and colleagues to far reaching corners of the globe. Many will recall with nostalgia "Ty-trips" to Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, and countless other countries in the world. In spite of the large number of people in his life, his friendships were genuine, reciprocal, unconditional, lasting, and acquired greater depth as they grew over the years. His students and his friends were his life. And those relationships continue in spirit. We will all miss you, Ty, but you are still a part of our lives. Burial will be private, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Donations may be made, in his memory, to the: Ty Vignone Student Travel Assistance Fund, c/o Newton North High School, 457 Walnut St., Newtonville, MA 02460.

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Published by Boston Globe from Nov. 26 to Nov. 27, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for TY VIGNONE

38 Entries

Molly

July 9, 2023

I just learned of Mr. Vignone´s passing while combing through childhood memories. Only now can I tie your influence and inspiration to so many of my life choices! My experience in Close Up inspired me to move to Washington, DC, after college, where I had the privilege of working for Senator Ted Kennedy for a few years. And the trip that you and "Bunny" led to Prague, Krakow and Berlin inspired me to major in European History in college and to study abroad in Berlin as a junior. Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm and talents with me and with so many others. You are missed!

Fondly,

Molly

Steve & Karen Chesebrough

December 23, 2016

Ty,
Our friendship goes back to 1962. So sorry you left us. We remember your enthusiasm and interest in everything. You left us with good memories.

Robert Provencher

December 10, 2016

I remember the first time I met Ty...he struck me more as a force of nature than a mere mortal. During my 40-year tenure in Newton, I learned much about teaching, and commitment, from Ty. He was truly an educator's educator.

Lin Chen

December 8, 2016

Mr. Vignone was one of the nicest teachers at NNHS and one of the best chaperones I could've asked for during the summer school trip to Prague in 2013. I am very thankful I met him.

Lois Shoemaker

December 4, 2016

Ty my love,
Forever dearhearts and soul-mates, with our adventures that began 54 years ago in the Peace Corps/1962-64. First in training at Georgetown University, then together in Asmara, Ethiopia teaching at the same school, taking many adventurous trips there and in other parts of Africa. In later years, we traveled much of Europe and back to Africa together with your always fabulous "Ty Trips" Thank you for a life time of memories!

We shared life for so many years together - now and always, close in my heart.
With much love and hugs, LoLo

Andrew Stephens

December 1, 2016

Viggy and I shared a classroom and office for three years at NNHS. I was just starting out as a teacher and didn't know anyone at North. From day one he made me feel welcome and helped me navigate those first years as a teacher when you don't know what the hell you are doing. We made a pair in that office and shared classroom as I'm 6'9" and he was a lot shorter than that. His personality made him much bigger than his stature.

The thing that always struck me about Viggy was just how much he loved what he did and what he was about. He never ever seemed to have a bad day. He didn't suffer fools and he loved his beer. He had such a varied set of life experiences and was an engine that never stopped running. More important, he loved life and went after it. I honestly thought he was going to live forever.

Whenever I talked to him, I always left the conversation with a smile and feeling better. I loved that little fella - they broke the mold with him.

Holli Marion Vignone Brandt

December 1, 2016

Ty, my favorite uncle. He loved us all so much and did soooo many things for all of us simply out of the goodness of his heart and always with mountain loads of modesty. Love you forever Uncle Ty, your favorite niece.

November 30, 2016

We are sorry to learn of the passing of Ty, but grateful for his service to our nation with the Peace Corps in Ethiopia.

Our Condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association

Elaine Severino

November 29, 2016

Ty,
I will miss you very much. We go back to the days of AIC, many ski trips & parties. We met for lunch a year ago & I owed you one back - sorry I didn't act on that sooner. " Thanks for so many memories".

Robin Kunitz Cohen

November 29, 2016

My condolences go out to his family and friends.
I never had him as a teacher, but I remember him from eighth grade. He made us memorize a poem because we upset our social studies teacher and made our math teacher cry. I remember playing diplomacy with him in our house and visiting him in Provincetown. He was a very nice and sweet man and will be missed.

Sara Emhof

November 29, 2016

Ty, You've been the highlight of my job at Close Up the last 6 1/2 years. An instant friend and partner in civic engagement. I'm honored to have known you and the impact you've had had your students. You are an inspiration for how to live a meaningful life!

Russell Foxworthy

November 29, 2016

I was Ty's tenant and neighbor for the last 4 years. Ty was a one-of-kind person who had a profound impact on me. He served as an unexpected mentor during an interesting time in my life. I am very grateful to have known him.

November 28, 2016

Cousin Ty, I will forever remember your sense of humor and all the times I met up with you in DC. Our families have some wonderful memories that we shall never forget. See you again some day.
Love you,
Maria Vignone
Alexandria, VA

November 28, 2016

Mr. Vignone was my seventh grade teacher in 1963 at Day Jr, High school. He will always be remembered by me as the very first teacher that believed in my abilities and aptitude for learning. Teachers previous to Mr. Vignone felt I would never make it through high school but not Mr. Vignone. It was because of him that I started believing in myself and went on to receive two Bachelor degrees and a Masters in science.

His love of teaching caused me to greatly enjoy history and think more openly and thoughtfully when considering many viewpoints.
Thank you for your belief in me, Mr. Vignone I know you will still be helping students from the other side of the veil.

Stay busy!
Lea Ruggiero Kagel

Anna Leone-Wallace

November 28, 2016

Mr. Vignone was my F.A. Day Junior High teacher. He was a teacher that inspired kids and made us laugh. What a great role model. Rest in peace.

Haley Stewart

November 27, 2016

I send my condolencess to the vignone family. You truly were an inspiration to your students and brought so much culture to the young minds of today. You will be missed - Rest peacefully Viggy❤
NNHS -Class of 2006

Benjamin Spensieri

November 27, 2016

A role model to many, and one of my only teachers whom I thought of as a true mentor. Words cannot represent the impact you had on countless students. Even after graduation we kept in touch and always joked about the day we'd enjoy a beer together (instead of me serving you). Relax and Dream Viggy, you will be missed.

Viviana Planine

November 27, 2016

Thank you Ty, we will always remember you for helping Marco and Julia, our children. You were a master teacher and you helped to change so many lives, your memory will keep on living for ever! We love you.

Paul Kassabian

November 27, 2016

Please accept my deepest sympathy. I loved him. He was an awesome teacher and I remember stopping by the house with my dad just to say hi. He will be sorely missed. God bless your family and his sole and spirit!

Jill Hancock

November 27, 2016

Mr. Vignone was an inspiration as a teacher and person. I was lucky enough to have been a part of both Close-up and Prague with him. Having dedicated teachers such as you helped me to become an educator myself! Thanks Mr Vignone

Judy Vignone Erickson

November 27, 2016

Ty is my cousin and I will always remember his energy and love for teaching. A special man to so many.

Paul Lombardi

November 27, 2016

Cousin Ty,

What do you say after a lifetime of memories? I remember when you were visiting one summer day and trying to teach your little cousin to whistle all to no avail. I just couldn't catch on to it, but you were patient and told me that it was no big deal as you patted me on the shoulder. WE both joined the Peace Corps and we both chose to teach, but I stopped after a scant 32 years while you just kept going on.

Rest in peace. You have left a wonderful legacy and now it's your turn to dim the lights.

I felt so fortunate that you were my cousin. In many ways, you were a power of example to me.

Sleep well.

Paul Lombardi,
Franklin MA

Jill Hancock

November 27, 2016

Mr Vignone had a passion for teaching and life! I was fortunate enough to experience Close Up and Prague with him. It is not surprising I am an educator now due to wonderful influences like Mr. Vignone.

Nancy Gair

November 27, 2016

Extraordinary man, a fine and strong presence at the school.

Robert Lowney

November 27, 2016

Mr. Vignone was one of those special teachers that people remember their whole lives. His influence on this at-risk 9th grader helping me appreciate and get excited about intellectual pursuit and learning. He also demonstrated that short people can be very cool. Always impeccably dressed and so very stylish.

Ty, you were one in a million. It was so much fun sitting in your classroom during a Parent/Teacher Night at NNHS many years later when you had my daughter Emily in your class. You are already missed!!!

May you rest in peace.

Andrea Karis

November 27, 2016

What a bright, shining personality! We were lucky to have our lives touched by Ty.

Steve

November 27, 2016

Great guy and a great influence. Really glad to have known him at Newton North HS. Rest in peace, Mr. Vignone.

Andrew Lipsett

November 27, 2016

I'm a teacher in no small part because of you. Peace, my friend.

Caitlin Caudill

November 27, 2016

Thank you for being a great teacher.

Cheryl Stover

November 27, 2016

I've been missing your energy since October. I miss you my friend. You gave me so much, more than you know. The desire to LIVE like you lived for every minute of every day for one. Newton North will not be the same without you especially graduation xoxo My heart hurts today but it will heal like you would expect, and I hope it has more of your spirit in it when it does xoxo
Cheryl Stover

Cheryl Kosmo

November 27, 2016

I had Mr. Vignone in 9th grade at Day Junior High in just his second year of teaching. He introduced me to the plays of Arthur Miller. In history he taught us the four "isms." My daughter was fortunate to have him for history at Newton North High School. We have lost a dedicated educator, a man who makes me proud to say that I am a public school educator. He continues to be an influence in my life.

Roberta Whalen

November 27, 2016

Truly a trailblazer. I will miss your smile, your joy and how genuinely important you made each of us feel. Rest In Peace.
Roberta

Kyle

November 27, 2016

Mr. Vignone was my teacher at Day Junior high (yes, it was Junior High back then). He was hilarious and insightful as he taught us to think about things in ways we hadn't before. He was a good person and will be missed by many.

Bill JoinerO

November 26, 2016

The world has lost a truly Great Man

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