So sad. David was a big loss to Tottenville HS. 
He was the essence of a gentleman and a professional teacher. I am fortunate to have worked with this wonderful man.

Dave brought so much heart & light to the world. We were all lucky to know him. I feel much joy seeing the photos of Dave & Joyce & their lifetime of love, family, friends, and students— making the world better, always🌟 ❤️
Barbara Lee

I have known Mr. LaMorte since 1989 as a 6th Grader at IS75 in Orchestra class. Between that and Saturday music programs, I spent 7 years playing Double Bass for him. 

I can pinpoint the start of our special friendship. The first time we had practice after school he asked for volunteers to stay behind and clean up. I was the last one left when he asked me why I was here. I walked to school, so I didn't need to rush to my parents’ car to be picked up as did most of my classmates that evening. He needed for help, and I could provide it. I continued to volunteer most afternoons because he was so great to be around. 

Dave made school fun for all! But what made him special was the effort he took to learn about every person in his life – students, other teachers, and even the janitors. In my opinion, Dave was a master at psychology and motivation; he could relate to students in various ways. He would tell you when you were terrible because he knew you weren’t giving 100% and gave you all the credit and praise when a job was well done. And when a student needed help, he was there to lend that helping hand. I know of several students whose lives may have taken a negative path if it weren’t for the effort he put in. As an adult in his mid-40’s I find it remarkable he was able to accomplish this in his mid-20’s. He was there to teach music, but 34 years later I am most thankful for the small life lessons he taught along the way.

Even after my school days, Dave and I would have an hours-long conversation catching up with each other when we met; I’ll always remember enjoying the joyous reaction he had every time he saw me. I am truly sad that I will never be able to talk with him again, but I am truly blessed to have had Dave in my life. 

Dave had a saying that he used to repeat to us as students “Marvelous. Simply Marvelous”. That was Dave LaMorte - Simply Marvelous!

God Bless Joyce and the entire LaMorte Family, Dave truly was a gift to all that knew him.
Love,

Mr. LaMorte was one of my favorite teachers in high school and I was so sad to hear of his passing. He was one of those teachers that changed my views of music and life. Hearing all of the wonderful words everyone had to say about him confirms his impact on so many people. He was always so kind and had a way of engaging so many students to pursue music.  I’m thankful for having had the chance to know him and be in marching band under his direction. He will be missed ♥️

I am so saddened to hear of David’s passing, and wish strength, love and peace to his family and friends. I got to know David only briefly during our one summer together in the office at SAI, during which I came to know him as a wonderful educator and artist who led with grace and humanity. He treated me as a friend from the first moment I met him, and it was a privilege to be in his company for even just a short time. My thoughts are with all of you who are mourning his premature departure. 

Love,

Mike Fram
Repertory Company High School

My sincere condolences for all of Dave’s family. 
Joyce, you & Dave were a match made in heaven.  I am at a loss to tell you how honored I was to be in the presence of both of you. 
God needed a musician & He called for the best!!

I never met Mr LaMorte but I've heard many glowing comments about his mentorship from my granddaughter, Lauren Berntsen who is in the marching band.  May the memory of this wonderful musician and teacher live in the hearts of all his students.   No one who is loved and remembered is ever truly lost.

Dear Joyce:

I am so sorry for your tremendous loss.  Please take comfort in knowing how much your David was loved.  Just by reading all these comments.  God Bless you during this sorrowful time.  May David rest in eternal peace.
Your former Colleague Chris DImeo (Petrides Lunchroom)

Mr. LaMorte,

You have been a channel of blessings. So many of us tasted the bliss of heaven through your devotion to music education. Your legacy is immortal. I will meet you in the resurrection in the presence of God.
Until then,
Good bye, and thank you, uncle Dave,

Soyoung,

We had so much Joy & Pride watching our Daughter Christine Marching in Parades we have many Pictures &:Videos thank you for the Memories of 4 Wonderful Years Mr. David Lamorte!! Forever March Tottenville High School Marching Pirates!! 💜💜💜

Tottenville Marching Band Competitions how Special they were watching our Favorite Color Guard Captain our Daughter Christine March with our favorite Band  with great Pride we thank you Mr. Lamorte!! Frank & Joan Russo 💜💜💜

Mr. Lamorte was always available to our Family no matter how busy he would always make time to talk to us!! He was very real, approachable & very funny with many stories to tell!! We will miss you Mr. Lamorte.. Once a Pirate always a Pirate..Sending Prayers to your Wife & Family!! Rest in Eternal Peace.. With Love The Russo Family 🙏🥲💜💜💜

Daily Practices led By Mr. Lamorte such Professionalism & Pride as they Marched  through the Hallways gave  us Chills as our Daughter Christine & the other children would learn Patience, Values & Playing & Moving to Beautiful Music Created by Mr. Lamorte💜💜💜

Christine’s greatest moment in Marching  was auditioning for Color Guard Captain and then Officially being Nominated and becoming a Leader of the Tottenville High School Marching Band!! How Humble and excited she was for this Challenge 💜💜💜

I am so very sorry to hear of Dave's passing and my thoughts are with his family.  He was a great colleague and person.
I have such fond memories of working with him at the NYC Summer Arts Institute, he was a remarkable man of great kindness and talent
Mary Ann

Our family sends condolences on the loss of a great man. To his wife Joyce, we hope that Dave’s memory will bring a blessing to you always.

We are very sorry to hear of David’s death he was a wonderful person and Great friend I knew him many years in the Italian Feast Band many prayers from my family to his Jeff Yarns and family

I'm sorry that I never actually knew Mr. LaMorte personally, but I definitely know what kind of music educator he was, as it was obvious from the many students of his I got to know at Montclair State University. My thanks to him for preparing not only fine young musicians, but fine young people as well. May he rest in peace.

It was a privilege to have worked with Dave. He was a talented educator and a kind gentle soul. 
Jeff Preston

My deepest condolences to the La Morte family. 
Words cannot express how much you will be missed. You were one of the best educator and colleague at Tottenville HS. 🙏❤️R.I.P

G. Arlia

RIP  David LaMorte. It is so very nice and heartwarming to read all of the beautiful and heartfelt messages and memories written for Mr. LaMorte. David (3 years older than myself) and I shared the experience of having been mentored by Larry Laurenzano, and later playing gigs together for Larry in his Italian Festival Band. It is remarkable how similarly their lives unfolded, including passing on way too early. It is abundantly clear that David will be terribly missed by the Staten Island community, but it even more apparent that he has created a legacy of kindness, greatness, and a love for music and humanity, which will echo through generations to come.   My brothers and I wish to express our Sincere  Condolences to David’s family, especially his brothers Mickey, Jimmy, and Scott, with whom we  share so many memories. 
Most Sincerely, 
The Harding Brothers, 
Bill, Steve, and Joe

I was fortunate to be there when Dave ( and his brother) began there musical education at IS 61 in the early '70s.  It was clear then he was bound for great things. Involved, committed, talented are all ways he could have been described then, and throughout his life. Proud to have known him, and played music with him all those years ago. My condolensces to the entire family, and his professional colleagues and students upon which he left an enormous impact.

I Apologize, I meant David, His brother in-law informed me of David’s death and I had Michael’s name on my mind. My condolences Thomas Iommi

Very sorry to hear of Michael’s passing. I’m much older than Michael, but I do know the Lamorte family and Michael from Prospect avenue and New Brighton. My condolences to the Lamorte family. Thomas J Iommi

My condolences to the LaMorte family upon David’s passing.

I was a student of David LaMorte for only two years in school, in the mid 1990s. His contagious enthusiasm and love for music, and love of teaching, changed the trajectory of my life. Not only did he help me find my love of music, he helped me to find myself. He showed that it was ok to be nervous, and ok to make mistakes, as long as we practiced and tried our best. He demonstrated to middle schoolers (and later high schoolers) that the path to talent is pushing through fear, and becoming dedicated. I am still an avid violinist today. Most of my most cherished friends in life I’ve met through music… and because of him. He influenced so many lives, and we’ll miss him dearly.

David made the World a better place his impact to the world will be lasting. He knew Joy and he lived each day with a unending pursuit of its importance. Joyce was his world and his love for her is something all of us can aspire too with those we love. His Family the Ravioli Sundays the nights at the diner and the many celebrations were everything to him. For his kids and his fellow teachers he was Honored to be a part of your lives ,he beamed with Pride each time he would talk about all of you. I love you and will miss you David. Until we meet again my Wonderful friend..All my love to Joyce and the entire Family and those who love David.

To the family of David La Morte,
Receive my deepest condolences. 

Betty Alcalde

We send our most sincere condolences to Joyce and the entire Lamorte family.

I was very lucky to have Mr. LaMorte touch my life recently at the NYSSMA all-state band in Rochester. Although we knew each other briefly, he was one of the many hands that have helped me fight against my odds on the road to success in my musical journey. I am forever grateful for my experience in the nyssma band and for his guidance and expertise. Mr. LaMorte will not go quietly, but powerfully and with his legacy living on.

It is heartbreaking to hear of Dave’s untimely death.  He was part of my entire teaching career, from the time  I was new to Staten Island and he was a middle-schooler to his many years sharing the joy of music with multiple generations.  It was  a source of pride and pleasure to see him pass on the  things he'd absorbed nearly five  decades earlier in the Staten Island Boro-wide Band. How gratifying  it was to witness the many awards and honors which he received!  
By no means do I consider myself his only mentor, but as long as our paths crossed in music education circles, he always greeted me with “Take out the Brahms!”, a former battle cry of mine at Saturday morning rehearsals. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him as their teacher,  administrator or friend.  With fond memories and deepest sympathy, Barry Bilowitz

I am so heartbroken over the loss of such an amazing teacher, musician, mentor, and person.  Mr. LaMorte left a huge positive and lasting impact on countless people’s lives.  He cared about each of his students and taught us the value of hard work, dedication, team work, kindness, and being there for each other.  His passion for band, music, and helping others was evident in everything he did.  Some of my favorite memories from high school were from his class, concerts, and NYSSMA performances.  

Mr LaMorte, I feel lucky to have known you and to have had the privilege of being in your band class.  You are so loved and will be greatly missed.   The world lost a truly incredible man, but Heaven gained an angel.   Tottenville High School and all of Staten Island will never be the same without you, but I know your legacy will live on in all who knew you.  Sending condolences and prayers to Mrs LaMorte and family.  
- Angelique DeMeo

I’ve had dozens of teachers over my lifetime. Most have faded into distant memory. Mr. LaMorte is one that never will. His impact in my life is undeniable. He was one of the first to recognize and foster my talent. I had the privilege to be his student first at IS 75 and then subsequently at Tottenville. As an awkward teen, I wasn’t always comfortable in my own skin. But I knew in Mr. LaMorte I had someone who championed me and provided me a safe harbor to be me. Reading story upon story of the students he impacted just shows what an influential man he was. The work that he did created a wave that will resonate for generations, I’m sure.

Words cannot express the sadness over the loss of David, Mr. LaMorte. He was always there for the children, his students and anyone he encountered. When my child died in 2002, of a unexpected illness he was heart broken. He brought the marching band to play at the wake. His heart felt our pain. Every year, he has made sure that another student received an award in his honor. He went to the cemetery regularly and had a picture on his desk. Mr. LaMorte you are an angel and we will never forget you!

David served for many years as executive director of the NYCDOE’s Summer Arts Institue, an annual monthlong intensive for middle and high school students that I co-supervised. He was the very soul of SAI, bringing his inimitable warmth, humor, generosity, high standards, love of kids, and passion for the arts and education to the program.  His skillful and gentle way with students was remarkable to behold. He was the consummate colleague. His heart was as big as the world. My deepest condolences to the family. I shall dearly miss him, but cherish having known him.

I never had Mr. LaMorte as an instructor, but his kind and empathetic nature would always be felt whenever I passed him in the halls and saw his love and passion for the music and students he worked with so closely. even from someone who didn't know him well, he left an impact and the Tottenville community has lost an incredible spirit. My condolences to the family, please know he left an impact far beyond the classroom.

I began weekly private lessons with Mr. LaMorte when I was eleven, and to this day I attribute my survival to his incredible musical direction and emotional guidance. His enduring unconditional love and acceptance over the last thirty years has been too great for words, and while his teaching and leadership capacities are unquestionably remarkable, what was most admirable was his commitment to making sure his students became loving and responsible human beings. When I made the difficult decision to not pursue music professionally, he was unwavering in his support. He told me that he would never be disappointed in me--as long as I was kind, did my very best, and was dedicated to helping others. Even in his physical absence, his influence will permeate exponentially through the thousands and thousands of students he taught and the thousands of people that these people have known and will ever know, for generations to come. He continued the legacy of Mr. Laurenzano, who we also lost too soon at the age of 61---and I am sure that all of the music teachers that he mentored will do the same for him. Being a teacher is not about creating professional musicians, although this can happen from time to time. Music teachers are not only life sustainers, but ensure that a love and appreciation of music and the arts persists infinitely by creating active listeners who can then support professional performers so they too can continue a cultural lineage and create a livelihood doing what they love.

He will be greatly missed.

A teacher who became a friend . The man really wanted to teach kids the love of music and he just did that to me . I fell in love with classical music because of him and he taught me how everything can relate today. 

Hope you RIP
Anatoly

A True and Dedicated leader in education. You will be missed. May your music play on…Love always, Erica & Matthew Mattera

Mr. LaMorte was a very empathetic and kind human being. Being an educator myself, I understand that his dedication to his students was one of a kind. He was extremely kind to my daughter, who was a Tottenville student (not in his class)  and helped her through a difficult scheduling problem just because he could, and for no other reason. The world has lost a very special human being today.

I worked with  Dave for many years in the theater arts dept. at I S 75. He was a wonderful person and friend. Dave was always the ultimate professional teacher. He really cared about his students. MeyGod bless his soul ! Dennis Genovese

My late husband Mark and I were very actively involved with the Marching Band when my son attended Tottenville. My son was drum major in his senior year. He graduated in 1998. We loved Dave and Joyce. He was a true leader and a wonderful teacher and mentor. God Bless him!

I had the honor of working with David at Tottenville.  He was a great administrator who truly cared about the kids, staff and entire community.  

His family can take solace in he fact his legacy will live on with the many lives he has touched.

Mr. Lamorte was my band teacher in I.S 75. He was always such a kind man. I had the honor to meet him again 25 years later at tottenville and he was the same kind, gentle man I remember. Prayers to his family and may he rest in eternal peace.

Dave you will be missed by many. The halls of Tottenville HS will never be the same. You have made such a great impact on so many students and I am so glad that you are apart of my work family. God bless you and be at peace. I will miss your voice saying  good morning and how’s Cathy. Love you Dave

Very saddened to hear the news of Mr. LaMorte’s passing. I have known Mr. Lamorte since 1986, as he was my orchestra teacher at I.S.75. The most loving, supportive teacher I have ever met. By far the BEST part of Middle School. I was fortunate to see him a few years ago when his Marching Band played at my school. Still the same wonderful man♥️ I have been blessed to have him a part of my life. Sending prayers to your family and all of the students who had the honor of knowing you. May you rest in the sweetest of peace🙏❤️‍🩹🙏-♥️Snoopy

Mr. Lamorte spread joy and positivity throughout the Tottenville HS community. He never shied away from sharing words of encouragement or wisdom when needed. It was a pleasure working with him. My deepest condolences to Mr. Lamorte’s family.

I am so incredibly grateful that I had the privilege to be taught by Mr. LaMorte. He pushed me to be the best musician I could be, and his kindness is unforgettable. What was most special to me was him willing to meet me down in Florida and ride this roller coaster: an experience he had recounted countless times in the 2022-2023 school year. His leadership as my teacher in symphonic band and marching band was what encouraged me to bring out my best, and his warmth is something I will remember forever. My deepest condolences for his family, and may he rest in peace.

I adored you in 6th grade at 11 years old. Fast FWD at 47, loved you even more. The world lost the most incredible man and educator on the planet. There is only one you! Love you Mr LaMorte ! 
Forever your Rosie Baby Brown

Prince among Men.  Dave was a wonderful mentor and friend to me.  He will be missed by so many people.  May God Rest His Soul.

I was very sad to hear about David LaMorte's passing. I knew him through The OMNI Ensemble's concerts at Tottenville High School for the past 14 years. We performed three times  a year at the school, and David was always very welcoming and appreciative of our visits. With his support, we even worked out some live video speaking and pre-recorded concert videos during the pandemic. He was a very special individual who cared deeply about music, his students, and how music can touch everyone. He will be missed.

Our hearts and prayers are with his family. He loved music and had a huge impact on all his students.  May he rest in peace

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Lamorte’s passing. I was one of many students he taught. The one thing I will never forget about him is how he absolutely loved teaching music. His talent and passion was so strong. He was a great man. May he rest in peace.

Mr. LaMorte’s family, you are in my prayers.

Mr. Lamorte was a wonderful teacher, mentor, and all-around inspiration.  Because of him, I decided to stay in the orchestra program and that was the best choice I would ever end up making. I  remember I would see him in the hallway when I was practicing, he had the best advice for when I was struggling. He always knew what to say to help me and make sure I was never discouraged and had something kind to say, no matter how badly I played. He also taught me how to fix my first viola string when it snapped, and now I am the one my peers go to when they need their instruments fixed. I intend to continue playing the viola for the rest of my life, I have him to thank for that.  Thank you, Mr. Lamorte, Your guidance will forever hold a place in my heart.

Mr. LaMorte was my music teacher for 7 years from 1993-2000.  I had fond memories of him teaching me how to repair stringed instruments.  He was a good friend and teacher to an insecure 6th grader who didn't have many friends.  God used him to show me that life is still full of hope and things to learn.

My condolences to all. I worked with Dave for 8 years at Tottenville. He was a role model
For all of us. Always smiling and in good spirits. Wonderful man, coworker and teacher!

Mr. Lamorte was my orchestra teacher at 75. He made a huge impact on my life. He always made sure I did my best. I wish I can strive to be the teacher he was. He is our Mr. Holland and we are his opus. Rest easy my friend.

Dave was such a great colleague and friend . He was always so easy to talk to and chat with about anything. He was a great listener and helped me out a few times. I could always count on going to him and chatting about some things and he would give his advice and his opinion, and it helped. I treasure all my moments with him for my 26 years of teaching. He was a tremendous man and I will miss him. God speed Dave until we meet again.

David was a mentor - to me and so many others. He coached me in developing my leadership capacity. While there are many competing priorities as a leader, David had a very clear and simple way of cutting through all the noise - he would also ask me "what is in the best interests of the students?" And then he would smile and wait for me to gain clarity. That was David to me - always centered on the best interests of young people. He led with his heart, and always put people first. I learned so much from David. Our little corner of the world was immeasurably better because David was part of it. His kindness and attention for each person rippled to make everyone around him better. I am grateful to have been mentored by David, and will continue to strive to live up to his expectations and example. My deepest condolences to David's family and the Tottenville community.

Mr. Lamorte was had a great passion for music and loved to share it with everyone. He was an inspiration to many in their musical careers. He was such a kind and remote soul. May he rest in peace. ❤️🕊️

Mr. LaMorte was my orchestra teacher in 1991/1992 at IS 75. He was the young, cool teacher at the time. He was funny and inspiring and I am so happy to have had him for a teacher.  Please know his family is in my prayers.

The music world will not be the same without Mr. LaMorte. He will forever live on in all of the lives he has touched. He was a great man and an excellent teacher. He will be greatly missed.

Mr LaMorte was loved by many. His impact changed the course of my life. I will forever be grateful for him. He is part of the reason why I am a music teacher.

David Lamorte was inspirational to my children Rob and Emily to love music and to learn how to work together. You will be missed by all that ever met you.

Mr. LaMorte was a fantastic educator and mentor giving a space for so many wonderful memories during high school

DAVE WILL BE TRULY MISSED.   HE WAS NOT ONLY A GREAT NEIGHBOR,  BUT A WONDERFUL FRIEND.   TONY AND I WILL REMEMBER ALL OF OUR TIMES TOGETHER.   MAY HE REST IN GOD'S ETERNAL PEACE.   
WITH OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES,  
TONY AND JOANNE DELUCREZIA ❤️

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

David S. LaMorte

22 mars 1963 – 27 décembre 2023

Harmon Funeral Home

Montrez votre soutien

Envoyez Vos
Condoléances

Partager
L'avis De Décès

Obtenir les mises à jour

Prestations de Service