Beloved Farmingdale Educators Killed In Bus Crash Get Posthumous Street Naming

The Town of Oyster Bay unveiled two new street signs in Farmingdale honoring late Farmingdale High School band director Gina Pellettiere and retired teacher Beatrice “Bea” Ferrari during a ceremony held Tuesday, Oct. 8.

Pellettiere, age 43, of Massapequa, and Ferrari, age 77, of Farmingdale, died when a charter bus carrying the school’s marching band to a band camp in Pennsylvania overturned on I-84 in Orange County, in the town of Wawayanda, on Sept. 21, 2023.

At least 43 people were also injured, mostly students, when the bus rolled 50 feet down an embankment. Five students were hospitalized in critical condition.

A preliminary investigation pointed to a faulty front tire, according to New York State Police.

Pellettiere was a mother of a 3-year-old boy. Ferrari was a longtime chaperone on school band trips after teaching social studies at Farmingdale High for 26 years.

Dozens were on hand for Tuesday’s ceremony, during which Farmingdale School District leaders unveiled the new signs: one dubbing nearby 10th Avenue “Gina R. Pellettiere Way” and the other remaining 11th Avenue “Beatrice Ferrari Way.”

“Once a Daler always a Daler,” both signs read.

The school’s marching band performed the National Anthem, while the Dalerettes and the Daler Guard showed their school spirit. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino were also in attendance.

Pellettiere taught music at Farmingdale High School for 13 years, directing the school’s Level VI Wind Ensemble, according to Nassau-Suffolk Performing Arts.

Under her direction, the group earned ratings of three Golds and 10 Golds with Distinctions at the highest level of the New York State School Music Association’s (NYSSMA) annual Large Organization festival.

She also directed the school’s marching band, one of the largest on Long Island with over 300 members.

Pellettiere graduated from Hofstra University with a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in wind conducting. She served as chairperson of the Nassau All-County Division 5 Symphonic Band for several years and was a guest conductor for both Nassau and Suffolk All-County Festivals.

“Her warm smile, infectious laugh, incredible story telling ability, passion for life, and talent at her craft will be greatly missed by all who knew her personally and professionally,” the Nassau Music Educators Association said in a tribute on Facebook.

Ferrari started her teaching career in Brooklyn before moving to Farmingdale. In 2012, she was among eight women to be honored by the Town of Oyster Bay, earning the “Distinguished Woman in Education” award for her impact on students and mentorship to colleagues.

Families of both educators addressed the crowd Tuesday, with Pellettiere’s mother, Diane, urging attendees to chase their passions, set goals, and cherish time with family.

“They hope these street signs will serve as a beacon for future generations, encouraging them to honor their loved ones and pursue their dreams,” the district said.

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