John F. DeGregorio, longtime regional director of NY State United Teachers, dies at 94

John F. DeGregorio had a knack for finding humor in difficult moments, whether he was navigating a labor negotiation or even preparing his own farewell.

In a final message written before his death, the longtime teachers union leader opened with the kind of line his loved ones said was pure John: "So you thought you heard the last of me — not just yet."

Over 39 years as a regional director, first with the New York State Teachers Association and later with New York State United Teachers, DeGregorio advocated for teachers in contract negotiations and built partnerships across Long Island’s education community. The Melville resident died May 22. He was 94.

DeGregorio’s work helped strengthen Long Island’s schools during a period of growth, helping attract strong teachers and administrators to the region, according to Shirley Bart, his life partner.

Those who knew DeGregorio said his influence was matched by a charisma that seemed to leave an impression wherever he went.

"Once you met him, you didn’t forget him," Bart said. "He brought love and happiness to all who knew him. His family and friends meant the world to him."

Born April 24, 1932, in New York City, DeGregorio grew up in Lower East Side tenements before his family moved to Ridgewood, Queens.

Bart said those early years, marked by poverty during the Great Depression, stayed with him and helped shape his determination to build a better life. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Queens College, a master’s degree in administration from Hofstra University and a doctorate from New York University in 1972.

From classroom to union work

Drawing on his early career as a sixth grade teacher in Hicksville, DeGregorio sought to change how educators were seen and represented, and in 1964, he moved into union work with the New York State Teachers Association, a predecessor of New York State United Teachers.

When he retired in 2003, DeGregorio had been NYSUT’s longest-serving field official, with 39 years as a regional director.

Peter Verdon, a former colleague and the current regional staff director for NYSUT in Suffolk, said DeGregorio was a "foundational member and force" behind the Long Island Education Coalition. He also helped build the coalition’s relationship with the Long Island Association, bringing educators and business leaders together on school issues.

"Many of the partnerships and coalitions which John established are still very much in effect to this day," said Verdon, of Centerport.

That warmth came with a readiness to step into difficult moments, colleagues said. Richard Baron, a former colleague, said DeGregorio knew how to keep negotiations from falling apart.

"He always used to say to me, ‘Keep the balls in the air,’ " said Baron, of Wellington, Florida. "Don’t let anything fall until everything comes together, and it’s not over until it’s over."

Beyond the bargaining table

Bart saw that same resolve in DeGregorio's teachers union work. In negotiations, she said, he tried to keep people hopeful about progress, even when the outcome was imperfect. One of his sayings was, "More is great, but less is better than nothing."

In retirement, DeGregorio stayed involved in his community. After moving to Melville, Bart said, he became active in the homeowners association and served as its first president, continuing the same hands-on leadership and commitment to community that had defined his career.

Away from work, DeGregorio loved watching tennis, going to local theater, listening to Frank Sinatra and having long conversations about the news.

He also had a table for decades at Rao’s in Harlem, where Bart said he often gathered with friends and family over the restaurant’s famous meatballs.

At home, he cooked stuffed artichokes, linguine with clam sauce and pesto made from basil he grew himself.

Family meant everything to DeGregorio, said his niece and goddaughter, Anita Visone, of Queens. DeGregorio never had children but treated her "like a daughter," she said. He brought relatives together for holidays and dinners, bought tickets to shows and helped family members when they needed him.

"He truly enjoyed helping people," Visone said. "He would go above and beyond for the people he loved."

In addition to Bart, DeGregorio is survived by Bart’s sons and grandchildren, as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. A funeral Mass was celebrated on May 27 at the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Deer Park. He was buried at St. Charles Cemetery in East Farmingdale.