How do you replace a legend? Two words. You don’t.

Mr. Louis Naccarato, who has taught tech courses at Beaver Area High School for 50 years, has decided to retire. He has left an impact on countless students and faculty members, and will be greatly missed.

Mr. Naccarato is one of the tech teachers at Beaver Area High School.

“Well some of the biggest changes I’ve seen [over the years] have occurred to the building itself. When I came here this building only taught grades 9-12, College Square was a junior high school, and we had about five or six elementary schools,” said Mr. Naccarato.

Mr. Naccarato has been teaching at Beaver Area High School since January of 1969. He’s held no previous jobs coming to Beaver directly from college.

“When I first started here I taught metal working and wood working. However, I’ve also taught architectural drawing, manufacturing construction and transportation, and advanced manufacturing construction and transportation,” said Mr. Naccarato.

“It might take some time, but I believe I can be replaced. Everybody can be replaced,” explained Mr. Naccarato.

When asked if he’s ever considered quitting in those 50 years, Mr. Naccarato only had one thing to say.

“No,” said Mr. Naccarato.

Though no longer in the classroom, Mr. Naccarato will continue to serve on stage crew, and will continue to help with high school football and basketball games.

“I really enjoyed teaching, every day was favorable. I’ll miss the day-to-day interactions with students. However, I don’t think I’ll miss the in-service days,” admitted Mr. Naccarato.

Besides helping with stage crew, basketball, and football games, Mr. Naccarato plans to volunteer at locations such as the Humane Society.

Mr. Carmen DeSanzo, one of the physical education teachers at Beaver Area High School, is a friend of Mr. Naccarato.

“Very wise, calm, very funny are the first few things that pop into mind when I think of Mr. Naccarato. Any time I’d ask him for advice, he’d always come back with a good perspective of the situation. You could go to him for anything; he’s always willing to help you out,” said Mr. DeSanzo.

Asia Frantz is a junior at Beaver Area High School and served on the stage crew with Mr. Naccarato last year.

“Mr. Naccarato has always shown me how happy and fun life can be when you’re doing something you enjoy, and I will miss saying ‘hi’ to him every day on my way to band,” said Frantz.

Mrs. Patti Gradisek is one of the guidance counselors at Beaver Area High School, and is a long-time friend of Mr. Naccarato.

“Mr. Naccarato is one of my favorite people. We’ve been friends for about 40 years. He’s very intelligent, very loyal, loves his job, loves his family, and he’s just one of those guys whose all around a great person. I’m not only blessed to have him as a colleague, but I’m blessed to call him my friend,” said Mrs. Gradisek.

“I’m in charge of the SAT’s, and Mr. Naccarato he’s been a runner for me for many years. Some of the things that we’ve experienced through those days, like kids coming from other schools getting lost, parents not knowing where to go, just a lot of moments like those we were able to share together were very special,” explained Mrs. Gradisek.

“It’s almost like he’s part of my family, like an older brother. I’m just really going to miss having him here, but I’m so happy for him because he’s really excited to be starting a new chapter of his life,” said Mrs. Gradisek.

Brody List is a senior at Beaver Area High School, and has gotten close with Mr. Naccarato throughout high school.

“I had shop class with him. I really enjoyed Mr. Naccarato because he was like a history book. Anything you wanted to know or were interested in about the school he knows, and he always has an energetic, upbeat vibe. The hallway will not be as fun,” said List.

Perhaps closest of all is Mr. Justin Martincic, Beaver Area High School’s other tech teacher and Mr. Naccarato’s closest colleague.

“Mr. Naccarato is just a great person to be around. He’s one of those people who can make you feel good about yourself. His best quality has to be his ability to bring the best qualities out of anyone,” said Mr. Martincic.

“My first day here, I was lost trying to find the main office. Mr. Naccarato was the one who ended up showing me where the office was. So I sat down, and it turns out that he was the one that was going to interview me for the position,” explained Mr. Martincic.

“I think I’ll miss him always being right next door. He’s become one of my best friends. To me, it feels like a best friend is moving away. I’ll miss talking to him about classes, students, and just everyday things that occur,” said Mr. Martincic.

Derek Burton graduated from Beaver Area High School last year. He’s served on stage crew and had Mr. Naccarato as a teacher all four years of high school.

“Mr. Naccarato was one of my favorite teachers—not only because of the subject that he taught and the projects that we did in this class, but because he was always a light heart and treated everyone with the utmost respect. I feel like Mr. Naccarato is one of the first teachers to treat me and talk to me as an adult no matter what the situation was which helped me grow up,” said Burton.

Mr. Naccarato, your time at Beaver Area High School is well beyond appreciated, and we wish you well in your future endeavors.