Joseph Quartararo

Joseph Quartararo – Innovator in Mathematics Education

Joseph Quartararo of St. James, NY died on October 31st, 2022 at the age of 79, but his quick wit, corny jokes, kindness and generosity will not be forgotten. It was his strong will and sheer stubbornness that saw him through an 8 year battle with cancer.

For 55 years, Mr. Quartararo inspired generations of students with elaborate word problems and a chalkboard as a Mathematics Teacher. He built a 35 year career at Northport School District as math teacher, administrator, and Principal, followed by 17 years where he chaired the Math Department at The Green Vale School in Brookville. From 1968 until his passing, he also taught evening courses at Nassau Community College, rising to the rank of Adjunct Professor.

His passion for math extended beyond the classroom. In 1979, he was a founding member of The Continental Mathematics League (CML), allowing schools from across the country to participate in mathematics competitions by mail. Also in the 1970s, he established the American Regents Math League (ARML). For over fifteen years Mr. Quartararo was President of the Long Math Fair, which allowed 7th through 12th grade students to present original research papers. The highlight of his career, however, came in 1987 when Mr. Quartararo was recognized and honored with the prestigious Presidential Award for “Mathematics Teacher of the Year,” which he received in person from President Ronald Reagan at the White House.

Mr. Quartararo was so much more than a Math Teacher. Survived by his loving wife of fifty-two years, three devoted daughters, five wonderful grandchildren, two zany son-in-laws, and two caring sisters, Mr. Quartararo was the true boss of the family. He planned everything, memorable parties with eclectic playlists only he could dance to and summer vacations that took him all over the world. As an avid sports fan, he rooted for the Mets, the Yankees, the Jets and the Giants, but his real allegiance was always with his boxes.

He touched so many lives, and everyone he knew was amazed by his love for his family and friends, his dedication to his work and his many acts of kindness and generosity.

Reposing for Mr. Quartararo is at Moloney’s Hauppauge Funeral Home, 840 Wheeler Rd., Hauppauge, NY. Funeral Mass will be held Friday 10:30 AM at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Smithtown, NY, Entombment following at Pinelawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Farmingdale, NY. Visitation Thursday 2-4 & 6-9PM. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Good Shepherd Hospice. www.moloneyfh.com