2026 Levittown School District Hall of Fame Inductees
Thomas Cestaro
Service Award
Thomas Cestaro devoted 37 years to educating and inspiring students in the Levittown Public Schools, building a legacy defined by excellence, mentorship, and heart. For most of his distinguished career, he taught English at Division Avenue High School, where he became one of the school's most respected and beloved educators.
Dynamic, demanding, and deeply invested in his students' growth, Tom had a rare ability to connect with young people while challenging them to think critically and strive for their best. He served as advisor to the National Honor Society and coached basketball early in his career, always seeking ways to mentor students beyond the classroom.
One of his most lasting contributions was co-creating and teaching the senior-level "Integrated Studies" course with Fred Goelz. This innovative class blended English, social studies, and the humanities into a rigorous, discussion-based experience in which students researched topics of personal interest, wrote extensively, and presented their work. For 13 years, the course became a transformative capstone experience, remembered by generations of seniors as one of the most meaningful classes of their high school careers.
Former students consistently speak of how he changed their perspectives on learning and life. Hundreds have shared stories of how he inspired them to pursue their passions and become productive, contributing members of society. Many stayed in touch long after graduation, inviting him to reunions and gatherings. Yearbooks were frequently dedicated to him - a testament to the respect and admiration he earned.
His influence extended to colleagues as well. He mentored new teachers, formed lifelong friendships, and helped cultivate a strong professional community. A founding member of the Levittown United Teachers, he twice ran for president to address inequities in the district's salary schedule. Though he did not win, his advocacy helped bring attention to the issue, leading to negotiations in the 1988 contract that benefited many educators.
Tom also played a key role in sustaining the Levittown Employees Memorial Mass, annually reading the names of employees who had passed and ensuring their contributions were honored - even when it meant paying tribute to close friends.
At home, he led by example. Inspired by his love of teaching, all three of his children pursued careers in education. He often quoted his cousin, Vince Lombardi: "The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have." He lived those words - pushing his children and students to be their best while teaching the importance of integrity, effort, and family.
Family was always his first priority. Tom worked extra jobs so his wife could be home with their children and later found immense joy in supporting his seven grandchildren at games, performances, and graduations.
In 2024, Tom was honored with the NYSUT Legacy Award, recognizing a lifetime of dedication to public education.
Through nearly four decades of service, Tom Cestaro embodied the very best of Levittown - passion, innovation, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to students and family - making him a most deserving member of the Levittown Public Schools Hall of Fame. Having passed away in 2023, we are proud to honor his memory permanently in our hall of fame.