Jean J. DeGaetan

April 28, 1933 – September 13, 2022

DEGAETAN – Jean J. April 28, 1933 – September 13, 2022. Winter Haven, FL (formerly of Massapequa Park, NY, and Brooklyn NY). Jean was born on April 28, 1933 in New Jersey, the loving daughter of Anna DeGaetan (1914-2001) and Cyrus “Jerry” DeGaetan (1912-1991). She is survived by her sister Helen Stegmeier, two nieces Laura Pettinato and Andrea Ulinski, nephew-in-law Mark Ulinksi, grandniece Hayley Pettinato, and grandnephew Logan Pettinato. At Brooklyn College, Jean earned her Bachelor’s degree in 1951 and her Master’s degree in 1955. Upon graduating from college in 1951 (a member of the Phi Beta Kappa national honor society), Jean began her teaching career in the NY City School System. Jean was loved by her students, and was licensed to teach history and literature. She spent her last 30 years of teaching at Canarsie High School in Brooklyn. During her time as a teacher, Jean travelled the world extensively, enjoying many sabbaticals in Europe, often spending months at a time in cities including Rome, Florence and Venice, as well as the Irish countryside. During her 30-year retirement, Jean was passionate about service and giving to several causes, and was a loyal supporter of the St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Alzheimer’s Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, St. Joseph’s Indian School, and many other charities. A devoted daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, and great aunt, she spent her retirement years with her loving family and pursued her passions of travelling, dining, playing Mahjong, caring for her pets, and keeping in touch with her many students and friends. Family will receive friends Monday, September 18, 7-9:00 pm at the Massapequa Funeral Home, 1050 Park Blvd, Massapequa Park, NY 11762. Burial service at Pinelawn Cemetery in Farmingdale, NY will follow Tuesday morning, September 19. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to the charities listed above.

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