Frank Fiumano

Hewlett resident Frank Fiumano, Assistant Superintendent for Business at the Baldwin School District, died at home with family by his side on Saturday, Feb. 13 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 63.

"We are all saddened by his passing," said Superintendent Dr. James Mapes. "This represents both a personal and professional loss to each of us."

Fiumano served as Baldwin's Assistant Superintendent for Business for the past three and a half years, a position in which he was largely responsible for overseeing the district's finances, particularly in the crafting of the district budget each year.

But aside from his professionalism, office colleagues remember him playing Santa at the district's Christmas parties and as the "Flower Man," who placed a single flower on the desk of each female staff member at the District Office for every holiday.

"Frank always treated his staff as equals," said Carol Smith, who worked with Fiumano in the Business Office. "He was truly one of us. He was a very good man and an extremely generous person."

Mary Jo O'Hagan, president of the Board of Education, said the district staff was deeply appreciative of Fiumano's financial wisdom and judgment. Said O'Hagan, "His warmth and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew and worked with him."