Long-Time New Rochelle Special-Ed Teacher Denninger Dies At 43

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The City School District of New Rochelle is deeply saddened by the passing of Lauren Denninger, a special education teacher and facilitator at Isaac E. Young Middle School known for her devotion to her students. She died August 18 and had served the district for 19 years. Denninger was 43 years old.

“Lauren was a dedicated special educator who touched hundreds of children’s lives,” said Yvette Goorevitch, the New Rochelle schools Director of Special Education who hired Denninger in 1998.

Denninger’s devotion to her students extended beyond the school day, according to a spokesman. She spent hours after school and weekends tutoring students to help their reading development.

“Early on in her career, she sought training in the intensive Wilson Reading System teaching program, because she understood the importance of helping adolescents learn to read in order to forever change their lives,” Goorevitch said. “Lauren was a trusted colleague and friend. She was among the ‘coalition of the committed.’ ”

Isaac E. Young Principal Anthony Bongo added that Denninger’s capacity to love students and staff created a climate of compassion and understanding that made it easier to accomplish very difficult tasks.

“Her humor, mixed with her fierce commitment to our school, made students and staff better,” he said.

“Lauren was an excellent teacher, a wonderful person and a tremendous asset to Isaac E. Young Middle School and the entire school community,” said schools Superintendent Dr. Brian Osborne. “She will be deeply missed by all.”

“She had a lasting and profound impact on many students over the years,” said New Rochelle Board of Education President Rachel Relkin.

Family and friends will gather from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, August 21 at Coxe and Graziano Funeral Home, 767 East Boston Post Rd., in Mamaroneck, according to the notice on the funeral home’s website. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 22 at Saints John & Paul Roman Catholic Church, 280 Weaver St., Larchmont. Interment will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Toms River, NJ.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers can be made to NY Medical College of Cancer Research. In addition, donations can be made to a college fund for Denninger's daughter, Margaret.

Photo caption: Lauren Denninger with her daughter Margaret. Photo credit: Submitted.