Category Archives: In Memoriam

On behalf of the Art & Design Alumni Association, we are sorry to inform you of the passing of one of our alumni. Michael Cheverino, beloved HS of Art & Design teacher and former President of the A&D Alumni Association, and alumnus of the Class of 1971. 

Not only was Michael Cheverino a dedicated and caring teacher, he was also very involved with Art & Design’s Alumni Association. He was the organization’s Vice President from early 1992 through October 2008, when he became its President. He graciously offered his classroom for our meetings until we were able to secure a room of our own. Michael also encouraged his students to participate in our alumni events — often as hosts. It was a great way to inspire them to follow in our footsteps. I’ve known Michael, and worked with him, for a more than two decades. He was truly one of a kind and will be dearly missed.

Yvonne Fitzner, former Alumni Association President
(June 1990 – June 2007)

Michael J. Cheverino’s viewing and funeral arrangements.

Viewing Saturday and Sunday
July 22 & 23, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

Moore Funeral Home
54 West Jamaica Ave. Valley Stream, NY 11580

For directions and questions please call the funeral home 516-825-0036

Funeral on Monday
July 24, 2017 at 9:30 a.m.

Holy Name of Mary
80 South Grove Street Valley Stream, NY 11580

The Cheverino Family has asked that all donations be made to the Alumni Association in Michael’s name. If you would like to make a donation, please click here and in the comment box write
“In memory of Michael J.Cheverino”.

Please note that your receipt may not reflect “In memory of Michael J.Cheverino”, but it will show up in our records.

Tribute to Art & Design alumni who have passed on this year. Live, love… life.

 

The Passing of a Music Legend
Frankie Knuckles

We’re sad to report that legendary dj and A&D alumnus Frankle Knuckles has passed away. The dance community lost a pioneer who’s been referred to as “the Godfather of house” for bringing dance/club music to a new level. For those who “haunted” the dance clubs of the late 1970s thru the early 1980’s mourn the lost of another artist. Francis Nicholls attended Art & Design in the early 1970s and went on to attend FIT before moving to Chicago. The rest, well… you know. To read more about life and career of Frankie Knuckles, the New York Times and RollingStone Magazine wrote a very nice wrap up.

Joseph Leon (aka Doc Sunshine)

It’s with great sadness to report, the passing of alumnus Joseph Leon, who graduated from the School of Industrial Art in 1960. Leon, aka Doc Sunshine passed away peacefully on Friday, April 4th.  He was a native New Yorker and later became an award-winning commercial artist.  Leon who was of Native American (Taino), Puerto Rican and Czech descent had a passion for the Native American culture which led him into the world of fine art. Donations in his name are being sent to SaveKitty Foundation and Native American Indian Scholarship Fund. A memorial service will be held in July.

 

Janet Gonzalez

Janet Gonzalez, class of 1980 lost her battle with breast cancer and passed away on January 13, 2014. Janet was a career navel personnel, retiring in 2013 after 25 years of service. Thank you Janet for your service to our country.

Charles Michael Policastro

Charles Michael Policastro, 77, of Hookstown, died peacefully Wednesday afternoon, February 26, 2014, in the home that he built with his beloved wife at his side.

Born July 20, 1936, in Brooklyn, NY, he was a son of the late Charles and Mary (Gerardi) Policastro. He attended New York School of Industrial Arts and was founder and president of Policastro Construction Inc. His creative artistry will live on through his legacy and will be treasured by his family for years to come. His single goal in life was his devotion to and well being of his family.