CHARDON, Ohio — The Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School in Chardon is mourning the death of longtime physical education teacher Mr. Joseph Spicuzza.
Principal Joseph A. Waler confirmed details in a letter to the NDCL community on Friday morning, saying Spicuzza collapsed and died while taking a hike on campus with his students earlier this week.
“Our students who were with Mr. Spicuzza at the time of his death were truly the angels that led him into paradise Tuesday afternoon,” according to Principal Waler’s statement. “As his dear wife shared with me, Mr. Spicuzza couldn't have scripted his final moments any better: He was doing the physical activity he so enjoyed in the company of the young people he loved and served throughout his life.”
Principal Waler says Spicuzza was planning to retire from NDCL next week after working as a physical education teacher there since 1990.
“Our school counselors, Father Caddy, and a counselor from Cornerstone of Hope have been supporting our students and staff as we grieve a beloved teacher and devoted colleague,” Waler writes. “We encourage our students to reach out to our counselors to share their stories, struggles, and questions as they mourn the loss of Mr. Spicuzza and other losses in their lives.”
Spicuzza’s wake will be held from 3-7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 23, at the McGorray-Hanna Funeral Home of Westlake, which is located at 25620 Center Ridge Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 24, at Saint Marck Church in Cleveland, which is located at 15800 Montrose Avenue.
NDCL will be closed on Wednesday “in honor of Mr. Spicuzza and to permit students and staff to pray with his family at his funeral.”
His obituary says he was 71 years old.
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Editor's note: Video in the player above was originally published in an unrelated story on May 17, 2023.
Editor's note: Video in the player above was originally published in an unrelated story on May 16, 2023.
