Richard Edward Organisciak

I had the honor of working closely with Richard on issues that, at times, provided significant challenges for the broader community. However together we were able to focus upon reason and implement the reasonable. Thank you Richard.

Richard was my boss when I was an AP at OES. A good boss in a good organization which helped disenfranchised students earn their diplomas. We brought school to the students, to housing projects, hospitals, community organizations, drug rehab programs, etc.
Richard was very inspiring and had a wicked sense of humor. I miss those days. Even though I've been retired for many many years, I still think about OES.
I am sorry to be sending these condolescences so late. I just recently heard of his death. I was out of the country for a couple of months.
In sympathy, Ann Mele

Richard was a dear partner and guiding force in bringing the Waterways Project, a creative writing and literacy program, to thousands of New York City alternative high school students. His humanistic appreciation of literature and student expression enabled the arts to flourish under his roles as principal and superintendent. Barbara Fisher and I were shocked to learn today of his passing. His life affected so many. A good man.

We just heard. We would like to offer our condolences to the Organisciak Family. Few students are more at-risk than pregnant and parenting teens. Mr. Organisciak was instrumental in getting the LYFE Program off the ground. Many a meeting took place before and after hours with Carol Burt-Beck, the founder of the LYFE Program, Mr. Organisciak and me, the former LYFE Coordinator regarding putting day care centers into NYC high schools. The program began in 1982 and continues today. In appreciation , he was presented with a framed handprint of some of the babies. On behalf of All of us who remember, may you be comforted by warm, wonderful memories of a man who truly cared about the students he served.

Richard was a fair and professional Superintendent to the NYC BOE Adult Education department. I live in New Rochelle each start of the school year I promised myself that I would stop by NR Bd of Ed and say I am so glad you are in m community. I never followed through and I am now saddened that I did not. My fellow NReans - who I spoke with all had praise for Richard. Thank you for what you did for Adult Ed and wha you did for NR. COndolences to the family.
Nancy RUSSO

I worked with Richard at Offsite Educational Services. I will truly miss him. He cared about the stuents that we serve. He also cared deeply about his staff. My prayeers are with his wife and daughter.

Thank you for all you did.

Resr in peace Rich! From going up in tough East New York to High school together to the Board of Education together nothing held us back. You helped thousands of students and you will be missed tremendously.
Condolences to Ann and family.

Pete Taurasi
Nazareth High School, class of 1968
NYC Board of Education. 1975-2005

Richard- We went through some ups and downs but we went through them together and we emerged stronger with sound and indeed sincere friendship.

I consider it a privilege to have worked with you and to have known you. I always enjoyed our stimulating conversations for which you always made time.

True- I thought your football allegiance was misguided but I could always somehow always overlook that particular issue!

I shall miss you my dear friend. You were indeed a valiant warrior and that endearing smile never left your face.

My prayers and those of our Young Israel of New Rochelle family go out to the family. May you always be strengthened by your lasting memories of this gentleman- of this scholar.

Richard was a remarkable individual who profoundly impacted many, many individuals through his leadership as the School Superintendent in NYC. Richard was committed to improving the quality of education and making it available to all people.

On a personal level Richard always made us feel very welcomed anytime we visited, and was always very warm and engaging. He will be truly missed by everyone who knew him.

Ann, Jana, Josh and family- you are very much in our hearts and our prayers.

All our Love,
Laurie and Bobby Curti