The Frontier Central School District is mourning the passing of Board of Education member David Ceccarelli.
“David passed away after a strong and courageous battle with cancer-related health issues, a fight that reflected the same determination he showed throughout his life,” Superintendent Christopher J. Swiatek said.
Ceccarelli truly believed that lives could be lifted through education. A proud graduate of Lackawanna Public Schools, he earned degrees from Canisius College. He was a teacher for 37 years, shaping minds from grades 7-12 and welcoming students of all ability levels with compassion and high expectations.
Ceccarelli wore many hats and embodied the true spirit of Frontier: teacher, department chair, union leader, mentor and innovator.
“David was a man whose life was defined by service, resilience and heart,” Swiatek said.
His leadership of Frontier’s Alternative Education and Academic Catch-Up Program stands as a testament to his belief that you should never give up on a student.
“That belief guided his service on the Board of Education. David understood that fiscal decisions impact real lives, and he led with empathy, experience and integrity. I am forever grateful for the mentorship and guidance he shared with me while on the Board of Education,” Swiatek said. “David Ceccarelli’s legacy lives on in the countless students he inspired, the colleagues he supported, and the community he loved. Frontier is better because of him!”
He was the beloved husband of Alma A. Marranca-Ceccarelli; loving father of Steven (Tracey), Renee (Jack) Hazard, Nicholas (Jacqueline), Phillip (Lainey); cherished grandpa of Cooper, Luca, Ashley, Taylor and Adam; dearest son of the late Sessio John and Philomena "Dolly" (nee Andreozzi) Ceccarelli; dear brother of Joseph (Chris), Donald (Debbie) and the late John (Carol); brother-in-law of Rose Marie Marranca, Angela (late Alan) Belknap, Carmelo (Paula) Marranca and Barbara (Robert) Comfort; also survived by many other loving family members and dear friends.
The family will be present to receive friends on Tuesday, January 13 from 3-7 p.m. at the John J. Kaczor Funeral Home, Inc. (Hamburg Chapel), 5453 Southwestern Blvd. (corner of Rogers Road). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, January 14, at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 4263 St. Francis Dr., Athol Springs, NY 14010.