Silvio LaTassa has been named the William Floyd Alumni Association Outstanding Educator for the Class of 2025. Born in Fabrizia, Italy, in August 1932, LaTassa moved to the United States in 1947. After serving in the U.S. Army, he earned a bachelor's degree from Iona College and a master's degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
LaTassa began his career at William Floyd School District in 1962 as a foreign language teacher and later became head of the department. Although certified to teach several languages, he was particularly passionate about Latin. He was known for bringing Roman traditions into his classroom; on the Ides of March, students who wore togas could earn extra credit.
In 1965, LaTassa helped establish the William Floyd Teachers Union with nine other teachers and served as its first president.
He also introduced soccer to William Floyd by creating the school’s first boys’ team in 1974. As head coach until his retirement in 1988, he led teams to multiple championships and received “Suffolk County Coach of the Year” honors several times.
LaTassa and his wife Virginia were active members of their community for over three decades. He held a leadership role at the Sons of Italy Lodge while Virginia helped found the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library. Their involvement at William Floyd High School created strong connections among teachers, staff, and students.
After retiring from teaching in 1988, LaTassa spent time with Virginia at their lake house until her passing in 1993. He later married Antoinette Delfino and spent his last years surrounded by her extended family before passing away in January 2020. He is remembered by his daughter Judith Ann and her husband Rick; his wife Antoinette; her children Anthony, Dawn, Donna, Rocky, Cindy, Domenick, Lucretia, Joe; as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.