John Bligh
- Retired teacher
Jennie Esposito, a retired business education teacher and guidance counselor at August Martin HS in Jamaica, Queens, died on Feb. 13 of cancer. She was 72.
Jennie was a “superlative teacher,” a loyal friend and a wonderful person, said Denise Dawson, a retired teacher and Jennie’s former colleague who led the school’s Business Education Department. She had known Jennie for about 35 years.
In the middle of her teaching career, Jennie pursued additional coursework to become a certified school counselor. She retired in 2014 after 37 years of service to city public school students.
“She spent her life dedicated to children and working as a business education teacher, a Future Business Leaders of America adviser and eventually a guidance counselor,” said Dawson, who retired out of state but continued to keep in touch with Jennie.
As an educator, Jennie was “just so cooperative, never complained, and was a hard worker who did outstanding work,” Dawson said. She described Jennie as a private person who “never wanted anyone to shed a light on her.”
The students, Dawson said, “loved and adored her. And they knew — the most important thing is that they knew — she was there for them. The kids respected her and they knew she did a good job.”
After retiring from the city Department of Education, Jennie worked part-time teaching business courses at the community college level and advising students, according to Dawson.
Jennie loved traveling and being involved with the Catholic Church after she retired, Dawson added.
Jennie was well cared for when she was ill by close friends and a home-based nurse.
She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.
“She was just a wonderful human being,” Dawson said, “and I wanted everyone to know that.”
