LYNN — More than 750 donors have contributed to the GoFundMe page set up in honor of late Lynn Public Schools physical education teacher Joseph Correnti, who died on March 30. The fund has already surpassed the set goal of $70,000.
Correnti was a PE teacher for 27 years in Lynn Public Schools. A GoFundMe was set up to support Ava and Eliza Correnti, his two daughters, and their future endeavors. In addition to his daughters Joseph leaves behind his wife, Cheryl, after 19 years of marriage together. Cheryl was also involved with Lynn Public Schools, and the post reflected on the service that they both had done for the district.
“Joe was a loving husband, father, son, brother, brother-in-law and friend,” said the GoFundMe post. “He knew how to inspire others and bring out the best in them. Joe was someone you could lean on for advice or support, and his love and devotion to his family meant the world to him.”
A graduate of Salem High School, he attended Westfield State College where he earned his bachelor’s degree before receiving his master’s from Salem State University. While in high school, Joseph was a star football and baseball player.
Joseph’s passion for athletics stretched far beyond his high school days. In addition to his time coaching youth soccer, he was the athletic director at Breed Middle School and served as the assistant coach for girls varsity soccer at Lynn Classical High School.
Many of his 27 years in Lynn Public Schools were spent at Breed, and his most recent role as an adaptive PE teacher involved helping special needs students who have physical limitations.
In a post on the Lynn Public Schools Facebook page, Superintendent Debra Ruggiero said that everyone Joseph met was greeted with his “infectious smile,” and that he brought the best out of everyone he worked with.
“He has brought so much joy to the students he worked with, and they always looked forward to seeing him each week,” said Ruggiero in the post. “He was a dedicated professional committed to giving high quality services to our children.”
In the GoFundMe post, Joseph and Cheryl’s siblings thanked those who have donated and supported their families.
“We have been incredibly overwhelmed with people’s words of support and desire to help Cheryl and the girls,” said the post.
As of Wednesday afternoon, 763 donations had been made to the Correnti family for a total of $72,350. Those who wish to make a contribution can do so at https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-correnti-family.
