West Orange Teacher Dies; Gifted Students With ‘Love For Science’

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A West Orange community already reeling from the sudden death of a beloved educator in March was confronted with another heartrending loss last weekend when longtime science teacher Susan Zaccaro passed away following an illness.

West Orange School District administrators announced Zaccaro’s passing on Monday night.

Zaccaro, 54, a Nutley resident and Edison native, taught at Liberty Middle School and Edison Middle School during her time with the district. She was known not only as a mentor for teachers, but students, instilling a love of science in many students that went on to major in STEM careers, administrators said.

The longtime educator held a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in counseling and human services from Montclair State University. She also had training in special education and technology education.

There will be a “celebration of life” in her memory on Monday, July 9 at the S.W. Browne & Son Funeral Home, 267 Centre Street, Nutley, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Click here for more information.

Zaccaro’s colleagues at Liberty Middle School have established the “Susan Zaccaro Leadership Fund” via the West Orange Education Association and the West Orange Scholarship Fund. The scholarship will be awarded to graduating seniors at West Orange High School.

Donations to the fund have been requested by the family in lieu of flowers. Checks can be mailed to Liberty Middle School, One Kelly Drive, West Orange, NJ, 07052, c/o Susan Zaccaro Student Leadership Fund. Payment can also be made online at the West Orange Scholarship Fund on the West Orange School District Website at https://www.woboe.org/domain/303. Please note “Susan Zaccaro Scholarship” in the Special Instructions section.

Zaccaro is survived her husband Mark Mochan, daughter Jacki Zaccaro, grandson Ryan, and brother Danny Goodstein. Condolences may be sent to:

• Mark Mochan & Jacki Zaccaro, 342 Winthrop Drive, Nutley, NJ 07110
• Danny Goodstein & Family, 1 Mary Lane, Spotswood, NJ 08884

West Orange school administrators wrote of the longtime teacher:

“Zaccaro was on the cutting edge of STEM curriculum and activities at Liberty, involving students in climate change youth conferences and other innovative programming. She was integral organizing the annual Multicultural Expo at Liberty that celebrated the diversity of students and staff.”

According to her obituary:

“Susan E. Zaccaro, of Nutley, passed away on Saturday, June 30, 2018. Born in Elizabeth, the daughter of the late Roseanne J. (Sussman) and Robert J. Goodstein, she lived in Edison prior to moving to Nutley 30 years ago.

“She is survived by her husband Mark Mochan, daughter Jaclyn Zaccaro, step-daughter, Amber Mochan, brother, Daniel Goodstein, sister-in-law Stacey Cicero, niece Lauren Goodstein, and nephews Jacob and Luke Goodstein.

“She was a Science Teacher with the West Orange Public School District for 27 years. Sue always took a leadership role as a teacher and colleague. She was advisor to many student groups, including, but not limited to: Peer Mediation, Helping Hands, Building Bridges, Science Club, STEM Club, and her beloved Student Council. Through student council and her role as team leader she organized many activities including the annual Cultural Expo, School Pride Events, Leadership Training for Students, and sponsored multiple charitable events and fundraisers. She was nominated for several prestigious teacher of the year recognitions and received a 2018 Community Service Award for her work in the West Orange School District.

“There will be a celebration of Life Service held on Monday, July 9, 2018 at the S.W. Brown & Son Funeral Home 267 Centre St., Nutley. Visitors will be received at the funeral home on Monday, July 9th from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. A special tribute will start at noon.”

• See related article: West Orange Teacher Dies 'Surrounded By Family' After Car Strike

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Photo: West Orange Public Schools