When Woodward Parkway Elementary School first opened its doors in 1956, Murray Cantor had just recently graduated from Hunter College and was very excited about beginning his teaching career in Farmingdale. Beginning his career as a fifth grade science teacher, he then became dean of students and currently holds the position as assistant principal.

"Throughout his 45 year tenure he has been known for always greeting children with 'high fives' and giving them affectionate nicknames. His love of children has been a focal point in his life and it is reflected in all that he does," said Woodward Parkway Principal Anita Solovey. "Mr. Cantor's gregarious and outgoing personality, coupled with being caring and compassionate, is the driving force behind the family atmosphere found within the Woodward Parkway building. He is truly loved by staff, parents and children and will be sorely missed."

A few months ago when Cantor announced his intention of retirement, he said he began to find himself surrounded with feelings of deep emotion, realizing that leaving Woodward Parkway would not be easy.

"I will be doing this with a very heavy heart," Cantor said. "I am not exaggerating when I use the word 'love' to describe my feelings for the people of Woodward. I can only hope that my retirement is as enjoyable as my time at Woodward. It's been overwhelming, the past few weeks, and just the fact that I've touched so many people in a positive way, it's incredible."

"One of the things that is part of my job is to meet with a lot of people when it is their time to submit a letter of retirement and many people are emotional and share with me their successes and commitments to the community and their feelings about the children and staff that they've worked with," Superintendent of Schools Gerard Dempsey said at a recent board of education meeting. "I can assure you that I've spent no more emotional a moment than I did with Mr. Cantor. His commitment to the community, to the faculty, to the parents and to the children of this community is unmatched. And 45 years of service is outstanding."

At that board meeting, Dempsey read Cantor's letter to administrators, board members and the public:

"It is with a feeling of deeply mixed emotion that I wish to hereby resign my position as assistant principal for the purpose of retirement as of July 1, 2001. I cannot even begin to put into words what the last 45 years working in the Farmingdale School District has been to me. The love, knowledge, education, caring and professionalism that I was so fortunate to be a part of will be an integral part of me for the remainder of my life. After six decades at Woodward Parkway I will not say goodbye to my extended family that I love so dearly. I will simply say thank you so much for being a major part of my life. And may the good Lord bless you as he has me by giving me the opportunity to be a Farmingdale educator."

At the groundbreaking ceremony celebrated at Woodward in March, Cantor explained to students the impact that the school has had on his life.

"This is our home, and this is truly our family," Cantor said. "I must say that it might not seem like 45 years is a short time but it seems like just yesterday, when I came here somewhat frightened...And when I came in here I went into my classroom like so many teachers and did not know what to expect. I found that there was a love, a warmth, a caring and a sharing that makes Farmingdale so very different. It makes a person like me feel so sad to be leaving.

"We have had a staff and a generation of children who have turned out to be some of the most outstanding leaders both in our community as well as in our country," Cantor added. "Our motto has been, the future begins here. We are looking to a brighter future."

At the groundbreaking, Solovey added that Cantor will be missed very much following his retirement. "He is a man who has dedicated his life to the children of Woodward Parkway," she said. "There will be a tremendous void in my life when Mr. Cantor retires in June and in the Woodward Parkway family too."

"I wish the future is full of everything that you would like it to be," Cantor told the children at the groundbreaking. "Be the best that you can. Grow up, try, and whatever you put your mind to do, you can. To our adults who are here, may your futures be filled with good health, success; Dr. Gerald, may your future be as bright as our past was," Cantor added to upcoming Superintendent Dr. Roberta Gerald.

Nassau County Legislator Salvatore Pontillo, a former student and graduate of Woodward Parkway, remembered his time as a student in Cantor's classroom.

"Mr. Cantor was my teacher 36 years ago. I sat in the classroom and looked at this man and said, 'Wow, he really cares, he really teaches.' He makes teaching fun and he makes learning fun."

Dennis Kesden, a former Woodward Parkway student and graduate who was present at the groundbreaking also reminisced about his time as a student of Cantor's. "He was so enthusiastic, he was somebody who would never turn you aside," he said. "You could see him everywhere, you could see him at the Farmingdale Youth Council playing basketball." Kesden added that many students, including himself, always considered Cantor as a role model.

"He will be greatly missed by all. His contributions will never be forgotten and he will live on into the future," Jillian Troiano, student council president said at the groundbreaking.

After his retirement, Cantor looks forward to spending more time with his family, but hopes to continue working with children on some level. " I have a very special love for children, and if I can continue to do something with children, the joy and satisfaction and pleasure, I would like to on as much of a basis as I can...possibly going into some mentoring program or something in education. I would love to spend time travelling and I never want to sever my ties with my Woodward family," Cantor said.

Cantor's Woodward Parkway family and Farmingdale School District wish Mr. Cantor a very happy and healthy retirement and thank him for his 45 years of dedication to the children of Woodward.

A gala celebration will be held on June 8 at Jericho Terrace to honor this icon of the Farmingdale School District. For further details, please call Viv at 752-6560.

Any former students, alumni and friends wishing to send memories about Mr. Cantor may send them to Woodward Parkway Elementary School, 95 Woodward Parkway, Farmingdale NY 11735, Attention Mrs. Armstrong.