Thomas Vincent "Tom" Morganti

Thomas Vincent Morganti, beloved husband, father, brother, teacher, and coach, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family, on November 15, 2025, after a 16-year diagnosis of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Tom's life was defined by kindness, patience, and a deep love for both people and the natural world. As an Earth Science and Astronomy teacher at Lancaster High School, he inspired generations of students to appreciate the planet and to live responsibly within it. In the 1970s, during the very first Earth Day movement, Tom helped start Lancaster's first community recycling program, later bringing the initiative to the school's LIFE Club - sparking a spirit of environmental stewardship that continues to this day.

For more than 30 years, Tom coached boys' and girls' tennis at Lancaster High, instilling not only athletic skill but also sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect. He also taught driver's education, helping many local teenagers gain confidence behind the wheel.

While raising his family, Tom enjoyed camping and traveling across the country, taking trips which reflected his lifelong curiosity about nature and joy in learning about the world around him.

Several years after retiring, Tom and his wife, Rita, moved to Venice, Florida, where he enjoyed the sunshine, good friends, and the chance to play tennis whenever he wished in his Bird Bay Village community. They also continued to pursue their love of travel for many years.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Rita Morganti; his children, Jennifer (Craig) Palmer and Matt Morganti; granddaughter Maya Morganti, his sister, Rosemarie Brown; and sisters-in-law Carol Pacifico, Eileen DePerto, and Joni McDonald (deceased).

Tom will be remembered as a kind, loving, and patient man - a devoted husband and father, a dedicated educator, and a true friend to all who knew him.

A celebration of Tom's life will be held at a later date in both Venice, Florida, and Lancaster, New York.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Thomas' memory to Affinity Care Hospice, 8590 Potter Park Drive, Suite B, Sarasota, Florida 34238