Truly miss Rudy's presence among us.
As one of the lucky teachers in Ringwood, interviewed and hired by this calming and encouraging leader, I spent the next 22+ years in the place where I felt I belonged. With thanks to Dr. Sellitti, for all that he gave , in sheer goodness to our Ringwood School District family. Continuing love to Barbara, and their children.
0
Rudy was Mike's principal and instead of being afraid of him (Mike never did anything naughty) he loved him. Wished he knew he lived down the street as Mike's dad was cruel/unpredictable and he said he would have trusted Rudy to confide in, as an adult he helped Mike enormously. He instilled confidence as the pastor said at the church service, he listened. Rudy looked for the best in people and therefore BROUGHT out the best in people. He lived a charmed life doing what he loved and he loved what he was doing. We shall never forget him, and we know he had a long life, still, we'll be sad until this time passes that his bright light isn't shining in this world, the darkness around us is deep. Hugs and love to his family and lovely wife Barbara. I hope she reaches out if she needs anything at all.
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I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Sellitti. He was truly the best Superintendent Ringwood ever had! When I arrived in the district as a new teacher in the late 70’s, the school system was undergoing rather tumultuous times. Rudy’s arrival brought much needed stability. His ability to unite the community and bring about educational changes that fostered discipline with respect, while improving test scores, cope with state regulations, and budget restrictions were phenomenal. He was always approachable and kind, while still maintaining one’s awareness of his strength and position. We worked together on contract negotiations, revamping the grading system, the always controversial “Family Life” curriculum, and the Environmental Ed Program.
Above all, though, he was always a proud dad. In addition to the wonderful stories he’d share in later years about his daughter, Jennifer, my former student, I will never forget his participation in the outdoor pursuits at Stokes State Forest when she was our student. We all held our breathe as her dad bravely crossed the river on a cable wire, in front of his little girl, after just having recovered from bypass surgery! We all prayed that we wouldn’t need to use our CPR stills on the CSA, or have to call his wife, Barbara, to explain why we couldn’t talk him out of doing it!
He was a true hero in the eyes of many. I greatly appreciated being able to work for and with such a wise and wonderful leader.
With heartfelt sympathy to all who loved him. He will be missed, but not forgotten.
2
To the Sellitti family, I was sorry to hear about Mr. Sellitti when I read in the paper. I of course knew him years ago at Ryerson, very nice, caring man. Also saw him at the lake when I lived there from 1962 to 2007. God bless him, he was an amazing man.
2
Dear Barbara and Family,
It was saddening when I learned of Rudy's passing. He was a great
Superintendent, friend and my email buddy for many years. I admired
and respected Rudy from the day we met back in 1983.
We all know that a couple being together for so long creates a bond, that
when broken causes deep grief and sorrow. Unfortunately,
this will happen to half of us. The survivor must be strong by
using the many happy memories left behind.
God Bless you and the family Barbara and may the passing of time heal this
great loss in your lives.
Fondly,
Frank Chiofalo
2
Truly heartbroken to have lost the dearest colleague and friend! How could one ever begin to list all the astonishing acts of kindness offered to this world by our friend, Rudy! May his beloved family rest assured that he has taken his place in Heaven, continuing the loving acts he was known for here with us. Mari Karner
2
My heartfelt condolences to the family. Rudy was an active member of Christ Church where I had the pleasure of getting to know him through various committee and vestry work. He approached every task with joy, positivity, and a truly giving spirit. There are not many like him, he will be remembered always.
2
Rudy was the ultimate educator. He cared not only about his job but the students and his staff. I asked him to be an interim Supt. at the Sussex-Wantage school district when I was the Board President He did such a great job that they wanted me to ask him to stay on as our permanent Supt. He was well respected by all for his gentle manner. I will miss him as a true friend. RIP.
2
My Husband Jim and Rudy became great friends when Jim became a Ringwood School Board Member. Then I got to know Rudy and Barbara and we all became friends. Rudy is one of the kindest people I know and he will be greatly missed. He was someone who always had time to listen (a rare quality) and because of that quality, he lifted folks up and solved problems. Everyone who knew Rudy, has a richer life because of that!
2
Rudy has been a great inspiration for me in my life for the past 20 years. He was always able to get through the weeds and find the heart of the matter, then find a solution that was most equitable. I will miss the Christmas ornament gifts, which to me , always symbolized his talent and love. Peace and love to you always, Rudy!
2
He was one in a million. I appreciated everything he did for our children and community. He was a great man.
2
All of my memories of Dr. Sellitti are of a very kind and generous man. My children graduated from the Ringwood School District. They always spoke of Dr. Sellitti with affection. I specifically remember my daughter helping with Ringwood Safety Town. She was concerned about one little girl. She spoke to Dr. Sellitti and he understood her concern and gave her useful and compassionate advice. His life was a gift and his death is a great loss.
2
Dr. Sellitti was a kind, caring and talented man. I remember him as such from when he was a student teacher in my sixth grade class in Paterson’s School12 until the day he joined the Lord in Paradise. I will truly miss him With love, Ruth Ann Salmanowitz
2
I'm sending my condolences to the entire Sellitti family. What a gentle soul and a beautiful man who passes on a legacy of love.
2
Rudy was a great friend of ours during 1956-1959. He was my baseball catcher in 1956. The obituary was well written and eulogized his life the the tee! Shirley and I would like to extended our sincere sympathy to you and your family. Jack and Shirley Keyser class of 1959
3
I remember Rudy from Paterson Central High School. He was a quiet kid, a very nice kid, one his family can be very proud of. I am so sorry for your loss.
Norma (Barow) Geiger
2
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