Obituary of Barbara M. Sperrazza

Barbara M. Sperrazza, of Northport on March 24, 2023. Barbara was an amazing actress and a retired English teacher with the South Huntington School District. Beloved wife of Roy Sperrazza. Loving sister of Michael (Angela) DePaula and Dolores (Chris) DiMasso. Visiting 3-5 & 7-9 PM on Sunday. Funeral Service 11 AM on Monday at the funeral home. Interment to follow at Genola Rural Cemetery, East Northport. Donations to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) in her memory, would be appreciated.

This was written by one of Barbara's students.

There are 2 teachers that will forever hold a piece of my heart (as they have held each others for over 30 yrs.) Ms. DePaula and Mr. Sperrazza.

English, how I dreaded it in my early days. Boring! UNTIL the day I walked into Ms. DePaula’s class. I can still see her in a lavender dress smiling at us as we walked in and feeling so welcomed. I‘d love to say that I became a star pupil but this is truth not fiction (See Barbara I still remember the difference!) I remember having to write an essay about our future life and actually being excited to write a it! Of all my years in school I still have that essay in a box safely tucked away. To me she wasn’t just a teacher she was my friend, she never talked to me like a child and trust me we use to talk. I remember sitting on the front steps and just talking about life. Genuine care is so rare these days but caring, empathy and compassion poured out of her heart and soul to all who took the time to know her. As an adult I have had the privilege to spend time with her and what I learned is that you can’t fake being and amazing person for 40 years! I love you Ms. DePaula thank you for always being there when I needed a friend. Anyway, if you’re still reading thanks for taking the time to finish. JHS 125 #1 in my heart!!

P.S. Someone give Ms. DePaula a red pen so she can check this essay for me!