A street corner in the Tottenville neighborhood of Staten Island has been officially renamed to honor the memory of Todd Branden Hack, a dedicated local educator who died in September at the age of 46. Family, friends, students, and colleagues gathered on October 10 for a ceremony dedicating the intersection of School Street and Oakdale Street as “Mr. Todd Hack Memorial Street.”
The newly named street is located directly in front of Public School 8, where Hack spent much of his more than two-decade career with the New York City Department of Education. The tribute recognizes his lasting influence as a teacher, coach, and mentor within the community.
Key Takeaways
- The corner of School Street and Oakdale Street in Tottenville is now named “Mr. Todd Hack Memorial Street.”
- The renaming honors Todd Hack, a 46-year-old teacher at P.S. 8 who died suddenly in September 2024.
- Hack was remembered for his two decades of service, his work in an integrated co-teaching class, and his mentorship as a soccer coach.
- The ceremony was attended by his family, P.S. 8 colleagues, former students, and city officials.
A Community Remembers a Dedicated Teacher
The ceremony on Friday afternoon brought together dozens of people whose lives were touched by Todd Hack. He was remembered not only as a teacher but as a pillar of the school community, known for his patience and warm sense of humor.
For over 20 years, Hack devoted himself to educating children on Staten Island. He began his career at PS 3 in Pleasant Plains before moving to PS 8, where he would remain for the rest of his professional life. In his later years, he led an integrated co-teaching class, a specialized program that combines students with and without special needs into a single classroom environment.
“His absence leaves a void we can not fulfill but his legacy will continue to inspire us, to lead us with the same integrity, humility and care that he showed every student that crossed his path,” said PS 8 principal Lisa Esposito during the ceremony.
His approach to teaching focused on fostering compassion, inclusion, and helping students understand different perspectives. This philosophy extended beyond his classroom walls and onto the soccer field.
More Than a Teacher: A Coach and Mentor
Hack’s commitment to mentorship was also evident in his passion for soccer. A former goalkeeper for the Silver Lake Soccer Club and later at Goucher College in Maryland, he passed on his love for the sport to the next generation.
He served as a volunteer coach for his daughter’s team with the Silver Lake Soccer Academy, a role he held up until his death. His impact as a coach was built on inspiring confidence, kindness, and a sense of teamwork among his young players.
Todd Hack: A Life of Service
- Born: May 1978 in Washington, D.C.
- Died: September 2024 at age 46.
- Education: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education from Goucher College.
- Career: Over 20 years as a teacher with the NYC Department of Education, primarily at PS 8.
- Specialization: Taught fourth grade and an integrated co-teaching (ICT) class.
City Councilmember Frank Morano, who attended the event, spoke of Hack's widespread influence, even on those who never met him personally.
“I never knew Mr. Hack but I feel like I did, hearing so many stories of his colleagues, of his students, of his family... And I really think that there’s no chance of anybody that worked with him and anybody that was ever a student of his, is ever going to forget him,” Morano stated.
Personal Tributes from Family and Colleagues
The ceremony was filled with personal anecdotes that painted a picture of a man who made a lasting impression through small, consistent acts of kindness. His mother, Marjorie Branden Hack, attended wearing his leather jacket, a treasured gift he received from his school.
“It is overwhelmingly wonderful, very exciting and he so deserved it. He’s a fabulous teacher,” she said. She explained that her son was known for returning presents he didn't like, but the jacket from his school was one he would never return.
The Significance of Integrated Co-Teaching
Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) is a model where a general education teacher and a special education teacher work together in the same classroom. This inclusive environment is designed to provide specialized instruction and support to students with disabilities while they learn alongside their peers, promoting academic and social growth for all students.
Hack's brother, Charles Hack, remembered his brother’s tireless work ethic and his ability to make everyone feel seen.
“He worked here, like 40 to 50 hours a week,” Charles Hack said. “He reminded you every day that he remembered something about you or he made a sly joke at you that made you laugh. I know that because I got those like every day and I still think about those so I understand that they may have a massive impact.”
Colleague Dennis Modafferi shared a similar memory, noting, “Every day Mr. Hack used to have a sly joke for me and he always used to talk about his son.”
A Lasting Impact on Students
Former students also came to pay their respects, sharing how Mr. Hack’s teaching style had a direct and positive effect on them. One student, Jason Deomar, recalled how Hack changed his perspective on schoolwork.
“I used to hate reading and we read a book—I forgot what it was called—but he used to make the book really fun to read and that’s like the only book I ever enjoyed reading,” Deomar explained. This ability to connect with students and make learning engaging was a hallmark of his teaching.
As the new street sign was officially unveiled, the crowd of supporters responded with a mix of tears and applause, celebrating a permanent tribute to a man who dedicated his life to his community. The memorial street ensures that the name and legacy of Todd Hack will remain a visible part of the neighborhood he served for so many years.