Dr. Monroe Fremed

Dr. Monroe Fremed, a longtime resident and educator of the Levittown School District, passed away on Feb. 13, 2008 at the age of 80.

During the 1950s, he moved into Forest City and worked as a science teacher at Memorial High School. He subsequently became a physics teacher, chairman of the Science Department at the Division Avenue Junior-Senior High School, assistant principal of the Division Avenue Junior-Senior High School and supervisor of science for the Levittown School District. There was significant recognition for Levittown schools during this period, including the building of the first high school level cyclotron on Long Island, the achievement of many Westinghouse Science Talent Search finalists, and the awarding of several National Science Foundation grants to students and teachers in the Levittown public schools.

Dr. Fremed held degrees in physics, science education and a doctorate in educational administration. Dr. Fremed was recognized by his colleagues in science education and was listed in the Who's Who biographical record of school district officials. He also served on the faculties of C. W. Post College and Hofstra University.

He and his wife of 56 years, Roberta, who also worked as a teacher in the district, raised three children, Gregg, Erika and David. They graduated from Lee Road School, Salk and MacArthur and went on to become an electrical engineer, computer programmer and accountant.

Dr. Fremed was principal of the Seaman Neck School until his retirement in 1991. When asked to reflect on education in Levittown, he stated that, "Both from personal experience as a resident and as a school administrator for children from our district, I find that most of the parents are dedicated to obtaining the best possible education for their children. I would also categorize the vast majority of our students as eager and hardworking. During the more than 38 years as a resident and educator in our district, I have always been and will continue to be proud of our community."

In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by a sister, Evelyn Bishop of Rockville Centre, daughter in-laws Noreen Fremed and Gayle Fremed, son in-law Dave Rabinowitz and grandchildren, Joshua and Jessica Fremed, Jamie and Brandon Fremed, and Amy and Daniel Rabinowitz.