Key Takeaways
- She graduated from Hauppauge High School in 1995 and returned to teach in the same district in 2000, dedicating over 24 years to teaching there.
- She held three degrees: a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Dance Education from NYU, a Master’s in Reading Teacher Education from Dowling College, and had just completed her M.S. in Exercise Physiology from Concordia College in August 2024.
- Beyond her role as a fourth-grade teacher at Bretton Woods Elementary School, she served as a fitness and pilates instructor at Ohman School of Ballet for 23 years, combining her passion for education with dance and fitness instruction.
The Hauppauge community faces a profound loss with the sudden passing of Lara Damadeo, a cherished fourth-grade teacher at Bretton Woods Elementary School.
Damadeo passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to education and other performing arts.
A proud Hauppauge alumna from the Class of 1995, Damadeo devoted her career to shaping young minds in the same district where she once walked the halls as a student.
Her journey in education began in 2000 when she joined Hauppauge Public Schools, bringing with her a unique blend of academic excellence and artistic passion.
Damadeo’s commitment to personal growth and education remained constant throughout her life.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Dance Education from New York University, followed by a Master’s in Reading Teacher Education from Dowling College.
Most recently, she completed her Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from Concordia College in August 2024.
Beyond her classroom duties, Damadeo shared her love for movement and dance as a fitness and pilates instructor at the Ohman School of Ballet.
For over two decades, she inspired students and adults alike through her teaching of ballet and fitness.
“Ms. Damadeo will be remembered for her passion and creativity in the classroom, as well as her dedication, kindness, and professionalism,” says Dr. Donald Murphy, Superintendent of Schools.
“As both a student and teacher, she has left an indelible mark on our community.”
Via Facebook
Her impact extended beyond academics.
As a high school student, Damadeo earned membership in the National Honor Society and participated in the Interact Club, embracing the principle of “service above self” – a value she carried throughout her teaching career.
The Hauppauge School District has mobilized support staff, teachers, and administrators to help students and families process this devastating loss.
Damadeo embodied the district’s motto, “Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle,” through her lifelong dedication to the Hauppauge community.
