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David Pologruto Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for David Pologruto
Sponsored by Robert & Carol McLane.
Matthew Brodsky
July 26, 2007
Dear Mr. Pologruto(and Family),
I just found out about this, and I'm obviously devastated. When I was picking my classes for my senior year, I took this class called "robotics". I thought it would be a BS class that would be easy as I was already accepted into college. Senioritis was in full swing. Not only did Mr. Pologruto get me interested, but he managed to get me on all the trips to Motorola and beyond and I had a blast and learned a ton!
He helped kids get on the right track when it came to getting into college, teaching was his life and did everything to get us learning.
It's unfortunate that I did not hear about this until this past day...I would've been honored to meet many friends, family members, and students that had their lives touched by Mr. Pologruto.
Matt Brodsky
JPT c/o 2002
SIGMAC@T
Soap 108
Jerry Pearson
May 29, 2007
I as many of the people who have written entries before me was a former student of Mr. Pologruto. I had the pleasure of attending his class at Taravella my junior year in 96'. I have never met a teacher who showed so much concern for their students as he did. It is because of Mr. Pologruto that I took three physics classes in college toward a business degree.
My thoughts go out to his family.
Janette Pearson
May 24, 2007
I graduated from St. Thomas in 2003 and took honors physics with Mr. Pologuto my senior year. I am now at Nova Southeastern finishing up my pre-medical degree with a minor in Physics. I thank him for instilling a strong knowledge of physics in me back in high school. I loved his class and still enjoy and excell in physics courses. His kindness and passion for teaching stands out among the rest and I can still remember his smiling face. My brother and sister also took physics with him, but at Taravella in 1996 and 1997 and I can remember how neat it was to share such an amazing teacher with my older siblings.
We will always have our favorite teacher in our hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. God bless.
pam virgilio
March 4, 2007
My deepest sympathy to the Pologruto family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. love, cousin pam virgilio
Nataly Williams
February 27, 2007
The whole Pologruto family has been so kind to me. I am friends with Kelli and my first time going to their house the whole family welcomed me with open arms. I'm keeping the Pologruto family in my thoughts and prayers. Mr. Pologruto was such an inspiration to everybody and he was loved. I really wish I would have been able to attend the funeral services to say my last good- byes
Michelle Adrian (Dvorak)
February 15, 2007
My sincerest sympathy goes out to the Pologruto family. I had Mr. Pologruto at JPT in 1992. I remember he always found a way to make physics interesting and easy to understand. I am a teacher now, and appreciate that even more. I do remember that big project we had to do at the end of the year. My dog actually ate mine (true story)on the weekend of the prom. My boyfriend asked him, at the prom while he was dancing with his wife, if I had to redo it. He told me I didn't if I brought in the chewed up posters and told the class "My dog ate my homework." He always had a great sense of humor. May God bless your family during this difficult time.
Chris Carberg
February 13, 2007
To the Pologruto family,
My deepest prayers go out to you in this time of loss. I had Mr. Pologruto as a teacher in 2001, and while I was the worst possible student, he still made it fun with his laughter and kindness, and honestly, I really enjoyed him and almost joined robotics because of him. He will be missed. His is ith Jesus now.
Carolyn Gretta
February 11, 2007
Dear Kathy and family,
I would like to express my sincere thoughts with you and family.
Dave was a easy going guy, a great cousin and memories of kids in Phillipsburg. Glad we got to see him a few years ago, in Palm Bay, Fl. Take care God is watching over you and family.
Love Cousin
Bob and Carolyn (Sis) Palm Bay, Fl.
Alissa Fischetti
February 11, 2007
I had the honor of being in Mr. Pologruto's Physics class my senior year at Taravella. He was one of the most passionate, enthusiastic and encouraging teacher's I've ever had. His passion for the subject touched all of his students. My prayers are with his family during this most difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Connie Willoughby
February 10, 2007
Dear Kathy, Tina, Wendi, and Kelli,
My mind is still filled with disbelief. God's plan will never be understood by those of us on Earth. I know we are supposed to focus on how lucky we all were to have known him, but pain fills my heart to know that he will be missing from your life, at least until the day we all meet again. I'm so greatful for the recent visit, and to know that you are surrounded by so many loving friends and family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Connie
Luann (Sambataro) Alonso
February 10, 2007
I had the pleasure of having Mr. Pologruto back at Cooper City High School class of 1976. He was always so upbeat and in a good mood all the time. My children went to Travella High School and walking down the hall I saw him. He said he knew it was me by my voice. Over the years our appearance changes but he remembered my laugh and I thought that was great. May his family know that he was a real great teacher. May you all find peace during this difficult time.
Trish David
February 8, 2007
Dear Kathy, Tina, Wendi, Kelli, I have just read the expressions left by others and I have tears in my eyes. We were so blessed to have Dave in our lives. Kathy who could have told you and I all those years ago at Dania Elem. how our lives would be spent. Hold on to your faith and family and friends. We will allways have Dave with us in our hearts. Love, Trish and family
Corinne Weng ('90, formerly Wenz)
February 8, 2007
My deepest sympathies to the Pologruto family. Mr. Pologruto was one of my favorite teachers at Taravella. He brought energy and fun to the classroom. He was an inspiration to countless students.
Beth Hayden (Fromerly Greenberg)
February 7, 2007
I had the pleasure of taking Mr P's Physic's class not once but twice in 1991 and 1992. He was the best teacher and will be missed tremendously!
Livio Tornabene
February 7, 2007
My sincere condolences to the Pologruto Family.
I never had the honor of having Mr. Pologruto as a teacher, but I was a member of the Astronomy Club (89-91) that he sponsored and dedicated some of his personal time to after school. Today, I am a post-doctoral researcher and targeting specialist for the highest resolution camera ever flown beyond the bounds of Earth's orbit – the HiRISE camera aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. I would not be where I am today without the influences of great men like him. I am currently planning cycle 008 for HiRISE (all images taken from Feb 18th to the 25th), and I am dedicating all my work on this cycle to him.
Thanks for everything Mr. Pologruto!
Nora Rule Barber
February 7, 2007
During my time as a teacher at Taravella H.S., It was easy to see that Dave Pologruto had the respect, admiration, and appreciation of all who worked with him.
My heart goes out to Dave's family. I lost my father on January 29th two years ago. What helped me was knowing that my father lives on through me. He's in my heart, and with God. When I miss my father and want to honor his memory, I do something he used to enjoy or go to his favorite resturaunt. (for him)
After two years, I've learned that the sadness remains - though it is only a part of my life. It kind of visits from time to time. Holding on to the good memories keeps my heart from feeling heavy. Sadness is ok, its a reflection of your appreciation of someone.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
With deepest sympathy,
Nora Rule Barber
Mark Fisher
February 7, 2007
Let me add my voice to those of the many other former students of Mr. Pologruto.
I had Mr. P. for physics in the early eighties at Taravella. It was obvious to me even then that there were teachers that were teachers because it provided a paycheck, and others who taught because they wanted to teach. Mr. P was clearly in the latter category. He had enthusiasm and charm. He loved to be able to make the lessons fun and delighted when his students would finally grasp a difficult concept. He had a genuine interest in his students - I remember when he visited Atlanta for a conference the year after I graduated from High School, and he made time to meet with me and another former student going to school in the area.
One thing is clear, he will be greatly missed and his passing is a loss to not only those of us that knew him, but all the students that might have had a chance to have him as a teacher in the future.
Allyson Chiappa (Robbins)
February 7, 2007
Mr. Pologruto was a wonderful teacher. I had him while I attended Taravella and I will always remember his kindness and how he cared so much about the students he taught. My prayers go out to his family.
Sean Greenberg
February 7, 2007
Mr. Pologruto was one of the most dedicated men I ever met. He had a pure love of science that was absolutely contagious. It was his positive nurturing nature that made such a lasting impression and helped mold so many of our lives into what they are today. Thank you Mr. Pologruto, wherever you are.
Heather Dorf-Dolce
February 7, 2007
Mr. Pologruto was one of my favorite teachers. My deepest regards to his family. I will never forget his kindness and sense of humor.
Stephen Donahue
February 7, 2007
I always looked forward to 7th hour Physics with Mr. P. He was loved by many and respected by everyone who has ever known him. There was more to this man than just Physics. He was defined by his character and his genuine compassion for his students and peers. My condolences and prayers are with the Pologruto family. He will be missed.
Satu Shah
February 7, 2007
As a former student, I can say unreservedly he was a kind, gentle, and patient teacher.
Julie Wiernik
February 6, 2007
I had Mr.Pologruto during my senior year (Class of 92). He was not just a great Physics teacher but a gentle and honest man. My sincere condolences for the Polugruto family and everyone who has come to know and love him.
Tom Betor
February 6, 2007
My deepest sympathies go out to the entire family. I am so sorry for your loss. I had Mr. Pologruto for Physics at Taravella in the early 80's. My clearest memory of him is his kindness and understanding. He will be greatly missed.
Jennifer Keil
February 6, 2007
I had the pleasure of being in Mr. Pologruto's class during the 1992-1993 year. He made physics a fun and enjoyable learning experience. I will always remember him. He was a great teacher! My thoughts and prayers go out to the Pologruto family.
Lance Rachbind
February 6, 2007
Over the course of a student's life in school, they have many teachers. And although I couldn't tell you the names of most of the teachers I ever had, I always remembered Mr. Pologruto. He was my physics teacher at Taravella High. A great teacher and a great person, he will forever be remembered by his students...because he's just one of those teachers you never forget.
Rest in Peace, Mr. P. My condolences to the family.
Silvia Leyva
February 6, 2007
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
I too was a student of Mr. Pologruto in 89-90.
Melissa Morgan
February 6, 2007
To those who knew and loved him, know that Mr. Pologruto will be remembered by students as a kind and caring teacher who taught students while treating them with respect. He will be missed, and you can be very proud of his accomplishments.
Debbie Rodkin
February 6, 2007
Please accept my condolences. Mr. Pologruto was my physics teacher at Taravella 1989-1990 and we have many fond memories of the class. My thoughts are with your family.
Jill Love (Wong)
February 6, 2007
Mr. Pologruto was my science teacher at Taravella (1988-1992). I never enjoyed school very much, but Mr. Pologruto made class fun, and interesting for me. I did better in his class than most of my other classes. I knew him to be nothing but honorable, and well respected to his students. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Randall Haws, Class of '92
February 6, 2007
My deepest sympathies to the Pologruto family. I have fond memories of him teaching physics my senior year at Taravella. He made the class interesting and fun even though I didn't care for the subject. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss.
Steven DeMatteo
February 6, 2007
Our deepest sympathies to the Pologruto family. I have very fond memories of his physics class and his dedication to the school and students. We will keep you in our prayers during this time of need.
Jim Ohrberg
February 4, 2007
Mr. Pologruto was a wonderful teacher, and I still have vivid memories of his class 22 years later.
ARCHIE ALFORD
February 4, 2007
It was such an honor to teach with Dave at Taravella High. Dave was one of the nicest persons that I have ever met. I will always remember the chats that we had after school. Just talking in general about sports, the kids, a new method of teaching a particular topic and most of all about his dedication to the students. I will miss him dearly. He was one of a kind. To Kathy and the kids, you have lost one of God's greatest creations. God will carry you all through this.
Cathy (Sniegocki) Billoni
February 3, 2007
Passing on our deepest condolences from the Sniegocki Family. Mr Pologruto was a well loved teacher and very respected man. My mother was his daughters teacher as well and even though she has passed on as well, please know that my dad, brothers and I all wish your family our deepest sympathy and thoughts during this time. -Cathy Sniegocki Billoni
Judy, Cory and Lizzie Pugatch
February 3, 2007
Kathy and family...
Our memories of Dave are of the great husband, teacher and freind but most importantly the great Chrisitan role model for us all. What a warm, giving,patient and funny man. Tutoring Cory in math while waiting for Kelli brings smiles and gratitude. Feeling your tremendous loss, we pray daily for him as he sits with the Lord on high.
Michele Bourst-Majkowski
February 3, 2007
My sincere and deepest sympathy for the loss of such a wonderful man. Mr. Pologruto was my science teacher in the early 80's at Western High School. My children have and are attending St Thomas Aquinas to have met up with him again. He was still the most amazing and kind man that I remembered from years ago. The sadness for the loss, along with the celebration of his wonderful influences in my life and my childrens will carry thru the years.
With great fondness and memories,
Michele Cirou-Bourst-Majkowski
and Family
Michael Record
February 2, 2007
Mr. Pologruto was my homeroom teacher at Taravella for four years. What I can say unreservedly about Mr. Pologruto is the highest praise you can say about someone: he was a kind man. In a thousand small ways every day, he made everyone's life a little better.
Melissa Dolton
February 2, 2007
Death never makes sense, and what makes the least amount of sense was that Uncle Dave was taken from us too soon.
He was one of the most incredible, gentle, and sincere people I've ever met. I believe his strong faith and commitment to God allowed him to be the wonderful, well-rounded person he was. He touched all of those he came in contact with; whether it was a student, or a neighbor down the street.
I love you Aunt Kathy, Tina, Wendi, Kelli, and Grandma!
We will miss him!
Love,
Missy
(Matt and Nicholas Dolton, too)
Gabrielle Barlak
February 2, 2007
My thoughts are with the Pologruto family. Although I did not have Mr. Pologruto as a teacher while attending J.P. Taravella, I knew him as did anyone who went to school there. I'm sorry for your loss. He will be missed by everyone
Brandon Rivera
February 2, 2007
It was an honor to have had Dave as a friend for the last several years. Dave was one of very few people that made me feel humble. He brought out the best in everyone. He was a father figure to me and he'll always be in my thoughts and prayers. Dave, thank you for all the support, advice and kindness you gave our family. It was a pleasure to have had one of God's miracles in our lives.
CHARLENE DEROSA
February 2, 2007
KATHY,TINA,WENDI,KELLI I THINK WHAT I WILL REMEMBER MOST ABOUT DAVE(PAUL AND DONNIE TOO)IS ALL THE FUN WE HAD AS KIDS. MY HAPPIEST MEMORIES ARE SPENDING SUMMERS IN PHILLIPSBURG W/NONNIE AND POPS BUT THEY WERE ALWAYS THERE TOO, MOSTLY TO TORTURE ME AS BOY COUSINS WILL, BUT WE HAD THE BEST FUN.I REMEMBER BEING HELD DOWN BY THEM(AND UNCLE JUNIOR) AND THEY HAD A BIG BLOCK OF SMELLY CHEESE. THEY WOULDN'T LET ME UP UNTIL I ATE A PIECE. I THINK I WAS SAVED BY NONNIE. EVERYTIME I SMELL ROMANO CHEESE( WHICH I HATE) I THINK OF THEM AND SMILE! I'LL MISS YOU DAVE. CHARZ
BOB CAPRARO
February 2, 2007
KATHY AND FAMILY, I'LL MISS DAVE. HE WAS A GREAT GUY AND A GREAT COUSIN. BOB
Dane Thomas
February 2, 2007
I had the greatest privilege of having Mr. Pologruto as my Physics teacher at Saint Thomas Aquinas HS during the 2002 - 2003 school year. I will never forget his passion, enthusiasm, and love for science and teaching. He was always there for me when I needed help with physics. I would not have done well in physics in college if it weren't for Mr. Pologruto's superb teaching.
To the Pologruto family, I send my sincere condolences to you and you all will be in my prayers. Mr. Pologruto will never be forgotten.
Jahnydia E. Martinez
February 1, 2007
I wanted to take a few moments to express my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Pologruto family.
I was one of Mr. Pologruto's students my senior year in High School (1999-2000) at Taravella, but I met him when I was in 7th grade through the Minority Summer Science Program.
Mr. Pologruto had such a extreme passion for various aspects of science. He gave many young students, including myself, the power and opportunity to be actively involved in the subject of his passion and to see it through his eyes, by discussing and demonstrating some of the most bizarre things.
Mr. Pologruto was a man who always demonstrated positivity. I have a high respect for him not only because of who he was, but what he overcame to be where he was. He never gave up on any of us, and he was always concerned not only for our scholastic achievement, but for our well-being.
Only recently did I find out that one of my co-workers is his daughter. The day I found out, I told her that her father was one I respected and remembered, and I always will. Wendi - I want you to know that I feel honored to work with one of the daughters of a teacher who impacted my high school career.
Mr. Pologruto will never be forgotten. Until the day we see him again, may he rest in peace.
Larry Maniscalco
February 1, 2007
Mr. Pologruto will be deeply missed. As a former student I have always remembered his physics class fondly. As he pushed us to be better than we thought we could be we achieved in school and in life. The world needs more men like him. My deepest sympathy to the family and friends.
Kimberley Eichholtz
February 1, 2007
I had the honor of having Mr. Pologruto as my homeroom teacher at Taravella for four years. He was a teacher that inspired and motived his students; he possessed integrity and professionalism. I think of him often when I am interacting with my students. I always knew that I wanted a career in education and Mr. Pologruto's caring nature and love of learning encouraged me to emulate those attributes I hold in such high regard.
I was greatly saddened when I heard about his sudden passing from my sister-in-law. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Fondly,
Kim (Rosenbaum) Eichholtz
Jared Ross
February 1, 2007
I had the pleasure of learning from Mr. Pologruto at JP Taravella HS. This is sad news and my thoughts and prayers are with your entire family
Vivian Corll
February 1, 2007
To the Pologruto family:
Your husband, brother, and father was dearly loved here at Taravella High School. Though I did not know Dave very well, I still remember years ago when I shared a room with him for our two homeroom classes. I still remember with amazement his kindness, compassion, and especially his energy in engaging the students during these brief moments with amazing science information. Even this old English teacher was fascinated! He was truly a professional.
My prayers are with you all.
Vivian Corll
Rika DeMascolo
February 1, 2007
Our deepest condolences to the Pologruto family. We were so sorry to hear about your loss. We can only imagine how difficult a time you are going through.
Tina and Karin were college room-mates and you and David were very helpful and kind to her during those years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Eddie Kenny
February 1, 2007
Pologruto family,
Our prayers and sympathies are with you during this very difficult time.
It was a pleasure to have known a man with such dignity, respect and love for all people. He will be missed but his inspiration for us all will not be lost.
God bless,
Eddie and Wendy Kenny
Gloria Santoro
February 1, 2007
Dearest Kathy, Tina, Wendi and Kelli:
On behalf of our entire family, we would like to extend our sincere condolences on the loss of your dear husband and father.
David was a great man and will be remembered and deeply missed by all who knew him.
May God comfort and keep you in this time of sorrow. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
The Santoro Family
Mike McInnes
February 1, 2007
My deepset sympathies on your loss
My prayers are with you and your family
Marilyn Young
February 1, 2007
We are deeply saddenned by Dave's passing. He was a wonderful person, father-in-law to our son, Brian, and
he created a special home environment for his family.We loved him and respected him. We will be there for the service. We love you all, and we will pray for all of you. His life was a true example of
what a loving father and family man should be. We will miss him!
CHARLENE AND TOM DEROSA
February 1, 2007
KATHY, TINA,WENDI KELLI AND BROTHER DONNIE WE SEND OUR LOVE,PRAYERS AND DEEPEST OF GODS BLESSINGS TO EVERYONE. WE WISH WE COULD BE THERE TO CELEBRATE DAVES WONDERFUL LIFE, LOVE CHAR AND TOM
Marsha Hoffman
February 1, 2007
Dave was an inspiration to students and teachers alike. He was an irrplaceable treasure: we were all made better by his life.
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