Jeffrey Alexander Nardone

Jeffrey Nardone: Grosse Pointe South teacher loved working with students By Ann Zaniewski Detroit Free Press Staff Writer Jeffrey Nardone inspired generations of young journalists during nearly two decades as an award-winning student newspaper adviser and educator at Grosse Pointe South High School. Mr. Nardone of Grosse Pointe Park died Sunday from complications of T-cell lymphoma. He was 48. A graduate of Michigan State University, Mr. Nardone joined the staff of Grosse Pointe South in 1994, said his wife, DeEtte Nardone, who teaches at the school. He advised the Tower, the school's weekly newspaper. He also taught journalism and English. "He loved the kids most of all, guiding them and getting them excited about not only writing, but having a passion for something in their lives," DeEtte Nardone said. Mr. Nardone received several honors related to his work with student journalists, including the Golden Pen Award from the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association. He was a longtime board member of MIPA. His students have received more than 800 individual awards from state and national organizations, according to MIPA. In a statement on its website, MIPA announced the establishment of the Jeff Nardone Scholarship for MIPA's Summer Journalism Workshop. Mr. Nardone was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma in March 2012. He went through chemotherapy and was in remission until August 2013, DeEtte Nardone said. The staff at the Tower is preparing an eight-page special section about Mr. Nardone, said Megan Fleming, the 18-year-old editor-in-chief. Fleming said Mr. Nardone inspired her to pursue a career in journalism. "If you turned in something that wasn't what he knew you were capable of, he would be frank with you and tell you," she said. "He demanded the best." In addition to his wife, Mr. Nardone is survived by 14-year-old twin sons, Kal and Cy, and a 14-year-old stepdaughter, Shannon Horan. He leaves behind his parents Alex and Jo Anne; brothers Anthony (Kandi), John (Renee), Joseph (Dina), and James (Aggie); nieces and nephews Kourtney, Alex, Jennifer, Shelby, and Abby. Visitation is 2-9 p.m. Friday at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave. in Grosse Pointe Woods. The funeral is at 11a.m. Saturday at Grace Community Church, 21001 Moross in Detroit. Memorial contributions can be made to the Van Elslander Cancer Center, 19229 Mack Ave. in Grosse Pointe Woods.

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236