"The science wing at the new middle/high school will be rightfully named in honor of Richard "Doc" Tacelli. Tacelli who dedicated several years of his life as a high school biology teacher, educating Winthrop students on the importance of being environmentally friendly long before it was trendy.
He used creativity in the classroom to inspire curiosity in the students and left an imprint on nearly every person who had the good fortune of being acquainted with him. Students he had all those years ago, still share their memories with the Tacelli family today, often times including the drastic impact that he has made on their lives and it certainly can't be denied that he has made an imprint on this town." |
"Born in Winthrop, he spent his younger years in East Boston and Somerville, graduating from Somerville High School in 1948. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. With a passion for science and education, he earned a doctorate degree in optometry from the New England College of Optometry and a Master of Administration and Supervision from Boston College. He was a popular biology teacher at Winthrop High School for many years where he shared a deep-rooted knowledge and passion for science and the natural world with his students. He was President of the Winthrop’s Teacher Association and was awarded fellowships from the National Science Foundation to to the University of Rhode Island, Bowdoin College and Boston College. While teaching, he also served the community through his practice as an optometrist. With a keen interest and commitment to Winthrop, Doc dedicated much of his time to various roles in the community, including Water Commissioner, Board of Health Director, and President of the Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of Town Meeting, the Rotary Club, the Winthrop Auxiliary Police Department, the Winthrop Yacht Club,the Kiwanis and the Knights of Columbus." |
