Streets Renamed To Honor Farmingdale Educators Killed In Bus Crash

FARMINGDALE, NY — Farmingdale roads have been renamed in memory of the two beloved educators killed in last year's marching band bus crash in Orange County.

Woodward Parkway at 10th Avenue was renamed in honor of Gina Pellettiere, the former director of the Farmingdale High School marching band, while Woodward Parkway and 11th Avenue was renamed for Beatrice "Bea" Ferrari, a former teacher and chaperone to the marching band.

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman Lou Imbroto and Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato joined Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, state and local officials, and Farmingdale School District Superintendent Paul Defendini to host a special remembrance ceremony and street dedication in honor of Pellettiere and Ferrari. The two were traveling on a charter bus that overturned during the marching band's trip to band camp on Sept. 21, 2023.

"These two amazing women were true role models and the inspiration for what our futures will bring," Saladino said in a news release. "They represented the gold standard of service and were the heart and soul of the band. They were, and always will be, true Dalers. As the saying goes, 'Once a Daler, always a Daler,' a legacy that we will forever celebrate. When students, faculty, residents and visitors pass by 10th Street and 11th Street along Woodward Parkway, they will forever remember that two inspirational educators selflessly gave their all in doing what they loved — which was instilling knowledge, determination, curiosity, dedication, love and hope in the young people they educated."

Hundreds of residents gathered on the football field at Farmingdale High School, listening to stories from the families of both educators, and enjoying heartfelt performances from the marching band. Saladino proclaimed Oct. 8 as "Beatrice Ferrari Day" and "Gina Pellettiere Day" in the Town of Oyster Bay.

Ferrari was a dedicated global studies teacher for 36 years; 32 of them in the Farmingdale School District. Despite retirement, she remained involved, joining the high school marching band every year at band camp.

"Her kindness, compassion and selflessness earned her the admiration of students, colleagues and friends alike," the town stated.

Pellettiere, known as "Ms. P" to her students, was the longtime band program director at Farmingdale High School.

"She was not just the leader of the band, she was a leader in life, making everyone in her orbit feel seen and valued," the town wrote. "She led her young musicians with an infectious personality that created an atmosphere of growth and inclusion. Her profound impact on students through her passion for music and teaching is immeasurable."

The marching band returned to band camp last month — just one year after the tragic crash. Defendini previously told Patch that Pellettiere and Ferrari's spirit was present across the four-day camp, saying "band is a family."

"That’s what it is at the end of the day and what makes it so special," Defendini said in a previous interview. "Yeah, they play great music. Yeah, the marching band is fun to watch, and they do a great show. But the connections that are made at band camp come from the heart and soul of our band. And the heart and soul of band as long as I can remember, especially band camp specifically, was Gina and Bea. The two of them. They were the mom and grandma of band, and they created a family environment and a culture up there that made it really special. Something that kids really wanted to be a part of. That will live on forever."