A sad and tragic story to report after a beloved teacher died in what a boating accident.
Eric Przykuta is being remembered as a loving husband and father as well as an advocate for children.
In a joint statement released by the Lancaster Central School District (LCSD) and the Lancaster Central Teachers Association (LCTA), “We are sad to confirm the loss of Association President, Mr. Eric Przykuta, aged, 43, who succumbed during the tragic fishing accident that occurred late Saturday evening in the small boat harbor,” Superintendent of Schools, Michael J. Vallely, Ph.D confirmed. “Eric and I had a great great relationship that had a mutual foundation of respect and trust. I’ll miss him greatly,” Dr. Vallely said.
Mr. Przykuta, who is survived by his wife, Lori, and children Landyn and Emersyn, was president of the teachers association for the last 10 years and taught. Mr. Przykuta also coached boys modified lacrosse and was active in community and youth activities. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his brother, Aaron, also a teacher at Lancaster Middle School, his father Dennis, (a retired Lancaster teacher) and mother Diana. “He was a highly respected teacher at Lancaster Middle School, regarded as an advocate for children, both in the classroom and on the athletic field,” said Mr. Peter Kruszynski, Lancaster Middle School principal. “As president of the LCTA, and on a personal level, he was respected by peers and administrators alike.”
He was honored by the New York State United Teachers with their Leadership Award. Because this tragedy touches not only Mr. Przykuta’s students, past and present, but the entire faculty and staff in the Lancaster Central School District, grief counselors and other emotional support staff will be present in the
buildings on Monday. The district is grateful for the ‘mutual aide’ of counseling support that is being provided by neighboring school districts during this difficult time, Dr. Vallely said.
Arrangements are being made for wake services at Wendel and Loecher Funeral home on Aurora Street in Lancaster, with a memorial service to be held at Lancaster High School auditorium on Saturday May 19, at 9:30 a.m.
The Lancaster Central Teachers Association will be making arrangements for ways in which Mr. Pryzkuta will be honored in the future. LCTA Vice President, Mr. Donald Kirsch, said of his friend and colleague, “Eric always put others before himself. He was the first to show up for anyone in need. His passion for the teachers and students of Lancaster was unmatched. He was a true friend and we will miss him.”
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