Joseph M Moschella

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Longtime Staten Islander Joseph Michael Moschella, 86, of Bethlehem, Pa., a veteran and beloved New Dorp High School teacher who was recalled for his zest for life, died Thursday in Kirkland Village, Bethlehem.

Mr. Moschella was born and raised in Rosebank.

He graduated from New Dorp High School.

Mr. Moschella was a corporal in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1947 and served stateside.

After serving in the army, he lived in Great Kills. In 1988, he relocated to Stewartsville, N.J., and settled in Bethlehem in 1991. He lived there until four months ago, when he became a resident of the nursing home.

Mr. Moschella earned a bachelor's degree in physical education and received a master's degree in education, both from the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind.

Mr. Moschella taught physical education for more than 30 years at New Dorp High School. He continued to wear many hats throughout his teaching career. Among those hats were guidance counselor, college adviser and dean of students.

Mr. Moschella touched the lives of hundreds of students. Many will remember him fondly for his dedication and deep interest in their well-being.

Mr. Moschella retired from New Dorp in 1987, but he never quite left teaching or learning behind. He volunteered his time at the Nitschmann Middle School in Bethlehem, acting as a mentor to children with special needs.

He was a member of the Richmond County Country Club and often could be found there playing a round of golf, which was one of his passions.

He also enjoyed fishing, studying Italian culture and history, and most especially spending time with his family and friends.

He was a loyal New York Yankees and Notre Dame fan.

On the Island, Mr. Moschella was a parishioner of St. Clare's R.C. Church, Great Kills; in Bethlehem, he worshiped at Notre Dame of Bethlehem Church.

He is survived by his two sons, Vincent and Drew; his two daughters, Marybeth Bongardino and Joann Moschella; his former wife, Tina Marotta Moschella; his longtime companion, Dolores Berardi; five grandchildren, and three great- grandchildren.

The funeral will be Monday from the Casey McCallum Rice South Shore Funeral Home, Great Kills, with a mass at 9:45 a.m. in St. Clare's Church. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Pleasant Plains.