John Bligh
- Retired teacher
Donald Isoldi loved sharing his passion for music — both while he was a math and business teacher at Harry Van Arsdale HS in Brooklyn, and later as a retiree teaching Si Beagle courses on different musical genres, including the Big Band era and the doo-wop sound of the 1950s. “We sing along and look at old clips,” Isoldi told the Staten Island Advance in 2013. “We’ve become more of a family group than a class. It’s very gratifying for me and I can’t get enough of it.”
Donald, 70, died of pneumonia on March 16, 2021. He lived in Eltingville, on Staten Island, and was remembered fondly by those who met him at both stages of his teaching career.
“He was a DJ at our school functions, Christmas parties and other events,” recalled Semeon Krukovsky, who taught science at Van Arsdale HS, where Isolde also was a dean. He was a very well-liked person, one of those people you enjoyed seeing in the teachers’ room.”
Debbie Harari, who retired in 2011, came to know Isoldi when she took his Si Beagle class devoted to the history of doo-wop music, a vocal style characterized by the a cappella singing of nonsense syllables in rhythmical support of the melody.
“It was a family,” Harari said. “He brought the group together and a bunch of us got to be friends.” She recalled videos and music by doo-wop groups the Drifters, the Platters and the Chantals. “We were about 15 people who met every Tuesday at 10 a.m. We were there like clockwork. We miss him very much.”
Before he became a high school teacher in 1992, Donald was a bank executive. “Teaching was second nature to Don,” recalled his wife of 44 years, Rosalie. “Prior to teaching high school math and business with the DOE, Don taught at the American Institute of Banking while he was a senior executive with a major financial institution. He also taught adults in the GED program.” When he retired in 2006, Donald created seminars and taught classes on music genres spanning the last 60 years. Donald had his own radio show in college and later was the owner of Personal Touch Entertainment DJ and Emcee.
Donald was a Cub Scout leader, a charter member of Kiwanis Club Central Staten Island and raised funds to combat juvenile diabetes.
In addition to his wife, Donald is survived by two sons, Donald Jr. and Michael; a daughter-in-law, Eleni; and two grandchildren, Michael and Konstantino.
Don was a dear friend. Im addition to his musical and educational talents he was a silent comedian. One of those guys who you’d be having a serious conversation with and then it would take about 30 seconds to realize he had inserted something funny or satirical. Miss his quick wit! He lives on
In memories. Love to you Rosalie
Don was a unique human being. He was so very warm and enthusiastic. I knew him on a personal level, and also took his class at the UFT, where he did bring people together to share his love of music.
He was also the quintessential family man, so loving towards his wife and family, proud of his awesome sons, and thrilled with his grandchildren. He is missed by many.
Don was such a kind and giving person. I loved when he DJ’d at our holiday parties with his 2 sons. I could see the love that Rosalie and Don had for each other. He is gone too soon but will always remain in the hearts ♥️ of his beautiful family. RIP Don! You are missed by many.
A beautiful tribute to a wonderful man and good friend. Miss his classes and family-like atmosphere that he created.