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Judi Findlater Smith posted a condolence
Friday, October 30, 2015
I just read the obituary. It's been 6 years. I hope this site is still viable. If this reaches anyone please try to get this to his family, if possible. I want them to know that the effect he had on his students continues to influence others and always will -- exponentially.
In 1956, give or take, I was a 5th grade student in Ray Pressman's class. His wife (finance?) was my art teacher. I remember them both. In fact, in 1970, my husband and I and our 1 year old daughter, Audriellen, had dinner with them at their home Upstate New York. Ray was solely responsible for my decision to become a teacher and I implemented many of his classroom techniques in mine, teaching children as individuals, each with different levels and reasons for learning. I no longer teach in the public school system but I do sit on our District Accountability Committee. Just last week, I was explaining to our Middle School Principal and our Superintendent some of Ray's teaching methods and how important he was to my life, and, by extention to that of my children, grandchildren, and students, including the adults I teach today. I was actually complementing Ruby for an approach that reminded me of him. That's why I typed his name into Google tonight.
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Mickey & Frank LeGere posted a condolence
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Ray and Frank shared many years together beginning with his arrival from Hicksville to become Craig School principal. As Ray moved on in administration, Frank worked with Ray in forming the Visual-Motor-Perception Program for Niskayuna CS. We also worked closely in the School-to-School Program with the American Embassy School in Prague. It allowed us to meet Marcela Vesecka in 1980 as the LeGere's hosted Marcela during her stay in America. Ray and Frank have maintained contact with her some 30 years later. Ray was a strong visionary leader. I believe we last saw him at David Bundy's wedding after Jean died. Great memories. Mickey and Frank LeGere Our very best to Ron,Melanie,Eddie, and Kris
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Paul Kennedy posted a condolence
Friday, April 3, 2009
I too was a student at Hillside Elementary school. I was one of the those "eccentric" students. Mr Pressman handled my eccentricities with the patience of a saint. I was gratified too to learn, many years later, that by giving me the latitude to be myself, I was able to brighten his life in a small but noted way. Peace be with you Mr Pressman. <br> <br>Paul Rogers Kennedy, Esquire
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Deborah Friedson posted a condolence
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Ray was a delightful man who had a special place in my heart. Whenever the Jewish holidays came around I would try to touch base with Ray as we were few in number in our work place. He loved my Hamentaschen and I will forever remember him for the joy he exhibited from such a small cookie! He was a jewel of a man. Mary, my heart is with you.
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Derek Rice posted a condolence
Sunday, March 29, 2009
To friends and family, <br> <br>I was a student at Hillside Elementary School while Dr. Pressman was the Principal. Let's just say I was an active, young boy and Dr. Pressman and my mother were on a first name basis. By the time 5th grade was over I think I had my own private seat reserved in Dr. Pressman's office. No matter how much mischief I got into, Dr. Pressman never gave up on me. He took those opportunities not to just discipline me, but to talk with me and teach me. <br> <br>One day, after I had completed the 5th grade and I was no longer one of Dr. Pressman's students, I suffered a deep cut to my leg that took nearly 70 stitches to close. My parents could not be located and I was left in the emergency room all alone at 11 years old. The nurses called Hillside and Dr. Pressman came to the emergency room and sat with me until my mother arrived. <br> <br>These are the types of acts that create one's legacy. This is what greatness is made of. <br> <br>Dr. Pressman will be missed by all, but never forgotten. His legacy will carry on and manifest in the kind acts of others who learned from him. <br> <br>D.J. Rice <br>Hillside Elementary School
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Paul Gorsage posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Dr. Pressman was a wonderful kind person who loved his family. This man gave his heart to the children and parents at Niskayuna Schools. Ray always went out of his way to say hello to me, and share a laugh when I was a student. I will always remember what a great person and role model he was. My thoughts are with the Pressman family.
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Randee Hartz posted a condolence
Sunday, March 22, 2009
My sincere condolences to Mary and the entire Pressman family. Having the privilege and pleasure to work with Ray closely for 13 years when he served as Director of the Special Projects program, I was always grateful for his strong educational leadership and support of my work with the students. Ray was a significant influence on my development as a teacher as he undoubtably was for so many others. Physically he may be gone from us, but his mark is clear, as is the difference he made. Know that his memory remains in our hearts. I wish you all peace. <br>Love and blessings, <br>Randee
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Jack and Bernie Dunn, Courtenay and Matt Dunn posted a condolence
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Dear Mary...We are all so sorry to hear of Ray's passing. We have so many fond memories of him. He instilled in Courtenay and Matthew the love of learning that they continue today. A very rich life and memories have been left behind. I so remember the year when all the teachers wore Ray masks for Halloween. Such great memories. God speed. <br>The Dunns
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Natalie Finder posted a condolence
Friday, March 20, 2009
Morris and I extend sympathies to Ray's family. Ray and I were doctoral students together in Reading so I'd known him a long time. He was a wonderful person.
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Barbara Madison Ripps posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
How often does a student have the opportunity to be a colleague of a former Principal? That was exactly what happened. I remember Ray as a Principal at Hillside School. At that point, I never realized how tough it was to be in that role. Years later, he graciously filled in as Principal in South Colonie and was my boss and colleague. I had the opportunity to be Principal of the Day when he was out of the country and what an awakening that was. I prefer to be the teacher. What an honor it was to work side by side with Ray. This was too good to be true...The professionalism and thoroughness he exhibited was so welcomed. How absolutely refreshing it was. Ray never "settled" for anything. It was done first-class all the way. Ray will be missed by so many who learned from him, worked with him and who loved him right back! He touched so many people in just the right way. Thanks for the memories.
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Patricia Couture posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
To The Pressman Family, <br>May the angels be comforting you in this time of grief. May God bless your family as well. <br> I am sure Dr.Pressman is smiling down at us right now! He was the sweetest man on earth! I remember him when I was a small child at Hillside. There was not one day that I did not see his smiling face when I walked through the doors at Hillside! I would run up to him and give him a huge hug! Those were the days...how they have changed.I have still kept in touch with several friends from that school. <br>My mother remembers a particular incident when I ran in to his office to hug him for the day,because he was nowhere to be found. She was upset and said,"Patty, you can not just barge in to his office!" He told my mother that I was welcome anytime I wanted and not to tell me otherwise! That made my day! <br>I am deeply saddened by his passing and will always remember him with a smile upon my face and with love in my heart! <br>Thank you Dr.Pressman,You were the light and the person to make a huge impact in my life! You are greatly missed. Tears stream down my face as I read this to my mother. <br>With love and sincere empathy, <br>Patricia Ann Couture. Hillside1978.
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Winnie Meyer posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
My deepest sympathy to Mary and the Pressman family. Ray was an inspired leader and a kind, decent human being. He was a well respected presence in the Niskayuna community who touched the lives of numerous individuals. He will be missed.
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Judy Dannes posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
My husband and I were saddened to learn of Ray's passing. His presence at Hillside Elementary School was a strong reassurance that our small child was under a watchful and caring eye. I served with Ray on various committees within the district over the years, and I always admired his wisdom and leadership. I am grateful for his friendship. Lately,our occasional meeting at Price Chopper always included a warm hello, and an interesting story about your family - including your beloved dogs. I will certainly miss seeing him. Our community is a nicer place because of him. My sincere condolences go out to your entire family.
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Karolyn posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Dr. Pressman was principal at Hillside Elementary School while I was attending school there. I have such fond memories of my time at that school. I remember Dr. Pressman always being a presence in the hallways. My thoughts are with your family and I hope that happy memories will help you through this sad time.
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Bob Treat posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
My deepest sympathies to Ron and the entire Pressman family. Ray was my principal at Craig School in the mid-60s and was well respected by teachers and student alike. I used to see him at Niskayuna H.S. basketball games when I went there, and he would always make a point to say come by and say hello. Always had good feelings about him.
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Carol baldwin posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
My heartful sorrow to the Pressman family. Ray was a fantastic man and he lived life to the fullest; all the time enjoying his family and friends. A great lost. Carol Baldwin
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Carol baldwin posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
My heartful sorrow to the Pressman family. Ray was a fantastic man and he lived life to the fullest; all the time enjoying his family and friends. A great lost. Carol Baldwin