Memorial Service March 3 to Remember and Honor Longtime Andrew Warde High School Science and Biology Teacher Salvatore Fama

Longtime Andrew Warde High School science and biology teacher Salvatore Louis Fama, age 78, beloved husband, father, friend and teacher, died February 27, 2009, following a progressively debilitating illness.

"He brought anatomy and psysiology to life," said former Andrew Warde High School student Diane Kiraly after hearing of Fama's passing. Fellow Class of 1976 product Tony Procaccini added, "Back in our day, I knew Mr. Fama marginally, but my older brother Joey (AWHS 1972) knew him quite well, and in later years taught guitar to one of his kids. Mr. Fama (was the) father of our classmate Vinny."

Mr. Fama was born in Ansonia, on May 26, 1930, the son of Sicilian immigrant parents Carmelo Fama and Lucy Lastrina. After attending a technical high school, he served in the Korean War as a medic. After the war, he was the first in his family to attend college graduating from Fairfield University with a Biology degree in 1957. He went on to earn his Master's degree in Biology and then teach there.

His love of teaching led him to Andrew Warde High School where he had a very successful 30-year career teaching science and biology. Mr. Fama was not a conventional teacher as he courageously brought his students outside the classroom. His passion for science was contagious, as many of his students later have said that he was the one to inspire them to study to be doctors, nurses and scientists.

After retiring, he did not slow down, and his unconventional approach to life did not wane. He was a business owner, phlebotomist, pilot, singer and actor. He was a spiritual man in his own way continuing to learn and teach whenever the opportunity arose.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; four sons, Vincent, Matthew, Paul, and Salvatore II; two step sons, Lee and Scott; seven grandchildren, Jamie, Tony, Philip, Liam, Annamarie, Gregory and Viviana; as well as many friends and former students who will miss his adventurous spirit and love of learning.

A Memorial service will be held Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Rd., Fairfield. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Vitas Hospice, 777 Commerce Dr., Fairfield, CT 06825. For on line condolences visit www. SpearMillerFuneralHome.com.

Please sign the AWHS Guest Book.

Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.

Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".