Meet the Board!
Honoring a legacy of kindness. Meet the team dedicated to continuing Perry Stio’s mission of empowering future educators.
Johan Dabare
How did you know Perry Stio?
He was my 'American Grandpa.' Mr. Stio started out as the legendary principal at Randolphville Elementary, truly the best there ever was, but after retirement, he became family. He was a constant in my life, going to my baseball games, a birthday, or a graduation. He didn't just show up; he was always there for the moments that mattered most.
Whats your favorite memory of Perry Stio?
During before care, Mr. Stio would take me and my friend Jillian on all sorts of adventures and jobs, from grabbing diet coke and snapple out of his car to building a castle out of the cans from the Randolphville food drive, he made showing up to school at 7am fun.
Founder and President
Caitlin Fiumara
How did you know Perry Stio?
Before I met Mr. Stio, I met his son Vinny. I was exercising at the Y and had a Quinnipiac T-shirt on. I had just finished a long-term sub position in Connecticut and had also just passed the NJ Praxis teaching exam. Vinny worked there and asked if I was a PT major. I said, “No—education!” He replied, “No way! My dad is a principal and is looking to hire people.” I said, “Great, I’ll bring my resume and cover letter tomorrow.”
Fast forward a few weeks… I walked into Mr. Stio’s office, we hit it off, and he forwarded my information to central office. The following school year, I was working in his building as a second-grade teacher. Mr. Stio later told me that he was annoyed with Vinny for “Telling random girls at the gym he was hiring,” but that he was happy he did—and I was too. Working alongside him would be the greatest experience in my professional life. He has forever shaped the way I teach.
Whats your favorite memory of Perry Stio?
I have so many memories of Mr. Stio. It’s hard to narrow it down to just one, to be honest. However, venturing into the city (multiple times) and sharing a meal at Tony DiNapoli’s before seeing a Broadway show together was always fun. I loved that he was so passionate about supporting the arts and bringing his teachers together outside of school.
To me, Mr. Stio is legendary. He was thoughtful, generous, supportive, and kind. From home-cooked meals during difficult times to stickers on my lesson plans, there’s no one quite like him. If he could’ve taught a course on being human, there’s no doubt in my mind that the world would be a better place.
Secretary
How did you know Perry Stio?
Perry Stio was the greatest father anyone could ask for, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be his son. What stands out most is his generous heart and his unwavering presence for others. The joy he shared continues to live on in all who knew him-family, friends, colleagues, and students alike.
Whats your favorite memory of Perry Stio?
My favorite memory is the way he lived his life with a big heart and always bringing laughter and joy to all around him.
DirectorVincenzo Stio
How did you know Perry Stio?
I first met Perry when I was touring schools for Maiya’s kindergarten. I remember arriving for our appointment and finding Perry right there at the door to greet us. He personally walked us through the entire school, and by the time the tour was over, we had both absolutely fallen in love with him. He just had this amazing way of making you feel like you belonged there.
Whats your favorite memory of Perry Stio?
Some of my favorite memories with Perry were the afternoons we spent hanging out in his kitchen while he taught me how to cook his amazing Italian food. We’d spend hours over the stove, and it always turned into him telling stories about his mom and how she taught him everything he knew. We talked about her, we talked about life, and we made some incredible food. Those days weren't just about the recipes, they were about the laughs and the wisdom he shared along the way.
Treasurer