The Sayville, New York, community is mourning the loss of Andrea Nocito, a beloved kindergarten and first-grade teacher at Sunrise Drive Elementary School, who passed away on September 5, 2026 — her 48th birthday. Nocito, who was remembered by parents, colleagues, and former students for her warmth, gentleness, and unwavering dedication to her students, died after a battle with ALS. Her passing has left a deep void in the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her, and the community has come together to honor her memory through an outpouring of grief, gratitude, and shared remembrance that reflects the profound impact she had on generations of young learners.
Nocito was a dedicated educator who spent her career shaping the minds and hearts of young children. She taught kindergarten and first grade at Sunrise Drive Elementary School, where she was known for her ability to make every child feel valued and capable. Her classroom was a place of warmth, patience, and encouragement, and she was beloved by students and parents alike. She had a rare gift for connecting with children at their level, understanding their fears, their joys, and their unique ways of learning. She did not simply teach reading, writing, and arithmetic; she taught kindness, resilience, and curiosity. She created a space where children felt safe enough to make mistakes and brave enough to try again. Her students left her classroom not only with foundational academic skills but with a sense of confidence and a love for learning that stayed with them for years.
In 2023, Nocito was nominated for T-Mobile’s Teacher Spotlight through Patch, where parents described her as someone who “goes above and beyond” for her students. That nomination was a reflection of the deep respect and admiration her students’ families held for her. Parents spoke of the extra time she spent with struggling readers, the handwritten notes she sent home celebrating small victories, and the way she made each child feel like the most important person in the room. She remembered birthdays, favorite colors, and the names of family pets. She knew when a child was having a difficult morning and knew exactly how to turn their day around with a kind word or a gentle smile. These were not grand gestures, but they were the kind of consistent, daily acts of care that built trust and transformed a classroom into a second home.
Former students and parents have flooded social media with tributes, sharing memories of Nocito’s kindness and the lasting impact she had on their lives. “She had such a warm and gentle way about her,” wrote Kristen Scheibe Aue, whose son was taught by Nocito. Another parent, Nicole Vitale-Tracy, added, “I hope her family knows how many kids loved her.” A former student, now in high school, wrote that Mrs. Nocito was the first teacher who made her believe she was smart, and that she still thought about her kindness whenever she faced a challenge in school. These messages paint a picture of a woman who was not just a teacher but a mentor, a confidant, and a source of comfort and stability for the young children in her care. She saw the potential in every child, and she nurtured it with patience and grace.
Nocito’s death has also been a profound loss for her colleagues at Sunrise Drive Elementary School, where she was a beloved member of the faculty. She was known for her professionalism, her dedication to her students, and her willingness to help her fellow teachers. She was the kind of colleague who always had time for a conversation, who shared lesson plans without hesitation, and who celebrated the successes of others as if they were her own. Her presence in the school will be deeply missed, and the school community is grieving alongside her family. The principal of Sunrise Drive Elementary issued a statement expressing the school’s sorrow and acknowledging the enormous void left by Nocito’s passing. Counselors have been made available to students and staff who are struggling to process the loss of such a beloved figure.
Beyond the classroom, Nocito was a devoted wife and mother. She is survived by her husband, Rob, and their child, Ady. She is also survived by her parents, Rosemary and Allen Cottrell, and her brother, Robert Cottrell. Her family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from the Sayville community and beyond, and they have expressed their gratitude for the many tributes to Andrea’s life and legacy. In their grief, they have found comfort in knowing that her impact was not just personal but widespread. They have shared that Andrea often spoke of her students at home, recounting their funny comments, their breakthroughs, and their small acts of kindness toward one another. Teaching was not just her career; it was her calling and her joy.
Visitation for Andrea Nocito will be held at Bryant Funeral Home, 411 Old Town Road in East Setauket, on Tuesday, September 8, from 6 to 8 p.m., and Wednesday, September 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at St. James R.C. Church in Setauket on Thursday, September 10, at 10:45 a.m. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to ALS United Greater New York, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The organization provides critical services including support groups, assistive equipment, and advocacy for research into treatments and a cure. For the Nocito family, this cause is deeply personal, and they have expressed hope that donations made in Andrea’s name will help other families facing the same devastating illness.
Nocito’s battle with ALS was a difficult chapter in her life, but she faced it with the same grace, courage, and determination that she brought to her teaching. She continued to work as long as her health allowed, and even when she could no longer be in the classroom, she kept in touch with her students and colleagues. She wrote letters to her class, recorded video messages, and stayed connected to the school community that meant so much to her. Her willingness to continue serving her students even as she fought her illness was a testament to her unwavering commitment to the children she loved. Her legacy will live on in the countless students whose lives she touched and in the hearts of everyone who knew her.
The Sayville community has lost a remarkable woman, but her memory will continue to inspire. Andrea Nocito will be remembered for her kindness, her dedication, and her ability to make every child feel seen and valued. Rest in peace, Andrea Nocito. You will be deeply missed, but your memory will never be forgotten. Condolences are extended to her husband Rob, her child Ady, her parents Rosemary and Allen Cottrell, her brother Robert Cottrell, and all who are mourning her passing. May the community continue to honor her legacy through acts of kindness, through support for ALS research and patient care, and through the simple but profound act of remembering a teacher who changed lives by believing in the power of love, patience, and the boundless potential of every child.