By Eugene Mulero, Daily Record

ROCKAWAY TWP. -- Vincent Grippo, the newly hired Rockaway Township schools superintendent, died on Saturday at his home in Staten Island from heart complications. He was 58.

Grippo, who took over for former schools Superintendent Tom Parciak in April, was hired in the fall after the school board interviewed 30 candidates, according to board President Frank P. Giarratano.

"He was absolutely the best candidate for the position. He had an excellent track record … (he) immediately set to work in revamping the district," Giarratano said during a phone interview on Sunday.

"He was a very nice individual, loved children, loved education and was an instructional leader. I feel our district has suffered a tremendous loss."

His wife, Veronica Grippo, said her husband loved being Rockaway Township's schools superintendent.

"He lived life to the fullest every single day," Veronica Grippo said. "He believed every child can learn."

ADVERTISEMENT

"He always went far and beyond. He had a gift. He loved to go to work everyday," Veronica Grippo added.

Prior to his post in Rockaway Township, Grippo was executive vice president for program development and evaluation for the newly created New York City Leadership Academy, a recruitment and support system for school principals in the city.

Grippo began his career as an elementary school teacher in Brooklyn. He quickly moved up the ranks, serving as an assistant principal and principal and then a deputy schools superintendent. In 1994, he became community superintendent of District 20 in the city. He later was named a senior schools superintendent by former New York City Schools Chancellor Harold O. Levy.

"He wanted to get back in the school district; he was really committed to children," Giarratano added. "He wanted to make sure the students had the benefits of the best curriculum possible."

Grippo's hiring was met with opposition from township officials and some residents who criticized his $165,000 annual salary and his involvement with the district as a consultant for several months under Parciak, before taking over the job in the spring. Despite the pressure, the school board defended its decision and Grippo had expressed optimism with the job.

"I'm not here for a title or a salary. I'm here for the children," Grippo said in the spring.

The board will meet in executive session tonight to determine who will be named interim superintendent, Giarratano said. Stephen Gottlieb is the district's assistant to the superintendent/principal for administrative services.

Grippo is survived by his wife of 36 years, Veronica, and by two sons, Vincent and Michael, both of Staten Island. Visitation will be held at the Matthew Funeral Home in Staten Island today from 7-9 p.m. and Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. The funeral will be held at the Church of Our Lady of Pity in Staten Island at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Following the Mass, burial will be at Moravian Cemetery in Staten Island.