Michael Pasetsky, retired biology teacher at East Meadow High School, dies at 83

Educator Michael Pasetsky left a mark on many students in his classroom, according to friends and family.

"He really changed people's lives," said his son Mark Pasetsky, of Manhattan. "As a teacher, he believed in what he did, and he treasured the bond he had with his students."

The former Long Beach resident died on Jan. 9 of complications from Type 1 diabetes. He was 83.

Pasetsky was born on Feb. 25, 1942, in the Bronx. He graduated from Hofstra University in 1963 and spent his career teaching biology at East Meadow High School from 1963 until he retired in 1999. He also served as an adjunct professor at Nassau Community College.

Pasetsky met his wife, Mimi, in September 1967; they married three months later. The couple raised their three sons — Mark, Rob, and Peter — and resided in several Long Island towns, including Levittown, Smithtown, Commack and Long Beach, as well as Manhattan. They also spent time at their winter home in Delray Beach, Florida.

"They were inseparable. They traveled all over the world and loved spending time together," Mark said.

Peter Pasetsky remembers his father as someone who had "a tenacious heart, so much energy, and a crazy smile that everyone knew and loved."

"You don't really recognize what a parent does for you until you have a kid," said Peter, of Miami, Florida. "My dad was always there; he worked really hard, and he worked long hours, but he never let it stop him from having a catch with me or taking us to a soccer game."

Pasetsky enjoyed coaching his sons' baseball and soccer teams and taught them how to play tennis. According to Peter, his father was "fiercely loyal and loved people with all his heart."

"He was a simple man who enjoyed being around his family and was so proud of his kids," he said.

Pasetsky was a dedicated teacher, as well as a mentor and friend, according to former students.

Stephen Corn, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, was in Pasetsky's AP biology class in 1977. "He really made things interesting and fun. He not only addressed biology and what we needed to learn, but he also addressed being a good person and social issues," said Corn of Sharon, Massachusetts. "Among all the teachers and mentors I've had, he's among the finest. He inspired me to continue the biology path and to be a lifelong teacher. I still call him Mr. Pasetsky."

According to Corn, Pasetsky was a humble man who would want to be remembered as "a person who always tried to do the right thing and inspire others."

Glenn Sheinbaum, Pasetsky's former colleague at East Meadow High School, would agree.

"He was very upbeat, and he was a very relaxed and easygoing teacher," said Sheinbaum, of Commack. "He'd want to be remembered as a great teacher who really cared for his students and was happy to see them succeed."

Pasetsky was an artist who painted in the style of Jackson Pollock. He also liked playing tennis, was an avid Mets fan and enjoyed the theater.

"He was a very loving, passionate, and emotional man. I think he'd want to be remembered as a great father, a great teacher, and a great friend — someone who was always there," Peter said of his father. "He lived every day to its fullest, even at the end."

In addition to his sons Mark and Peter, Pasetsky is survived by his wife, son Rob, and five grandchildren. Funeral services were Jan. 13. at Riverside Memorial Chapel in Manhattan. Donations may be made to the American Diabetes Foundation.