STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A beloved educator, coach and mentor was honored Friday afternoon as family, friends and colleagues gathered in Great Kills to celebrate the life and legacy of Todd Branden Hack.
On Oct. 10 at 4 p.m., the corner of School Street and Oakdale Street was officially renamed “Mr. Todd Hack Memorial Street” in recognition of Hack’s impact on students, family and friends, and his unwavering commitment as a teacher with the New York City Department of Education.
The long-time educator died suddenly in September 2024 at age 46.
“His absence leaves a void we can not fulfill but his legacy will continue to inspire us, to lead us with the same integrity, humility and care that he showed every student that crossed his path,” said PS 8 principal Lisa Esposito during the ceremony.
Hack, who was born in May 1978 in Washington, D.C., to David Hack and the former Marjorie Branden, devoted his career to shaping young minds. He was a teacher for more than two decades, first at PS 3 in Pleasant Plains before transferring to PS 8, where he spent the remainder of his career. The renamed street is in front of the PS 8 building.
Known for his warm sense of humor and deep patience, Hack taught fourth grade and in his later years led an integrated co-teaching class, which brought together students with and without special needs to learn from one another. His approach emphasized compassion, inclusion and the importance of understanding other perspectives.
Hack’s passion for mentorship continued beyond the classroom and onto the soccer field. He played goalkeeper during his youth for Silver Lake Soccer Club and later for Goucher College in Maryland. There he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degree in education. On Staten Island, he coached his daughter’s team with Silver Lake Soccer Academy, a volunteer position he held until his death.
Families and colleagues say the street renaming tribute was well-deserved; they described Hack as a mentor who inspired confidence, kindness and community wherever he went.
His mother, Marjorie Branden Hack, shared how meaningful the moment was for their family, “It is overwhelmingly wonderful, very exciting and he so deserved it. He’s a fabulous teacher.”
In honor of her son, Marjorie Hack wore his leather jacket to the ceremony and shared some background about its significance. “So, Todd growing up, not every present he got, but many times, Todd would say, ‘I don’t like this.’ One time it was a leather jacket and I’m like, ‘What, are you kidding me?’ And he was known for returning gifts. This is one he would never return. This is from his school,” she said.
Among those in attendance was City Councilmember Frank Morano, who reflected on Hack’s influence in the community. “I never knew Mr. Hack but I feel like I did, hearing so many stories of his colleagues, of his students, of his family, having been at his memorial essentially, having been at PS 8 graduation where there’s the award in his honor,” said Morano.
“And I really think that there’s no chance of anybody that worked with him and anybody that was ever a student of his, is ever going to forget him,” he added.
Hack’s brother, Charles Hack, spoke about his brother’s tireless commitment and the small gestures that left a lasting impression.
“He worked here, like 40 to 50 hours a week. I structured my calls to my brother around those 40 to 50 hours and it started early before he went in and he got here so he can get ahead so he can spread his gifts,” said Charles Hack.
“He reminded you every day that he remembered something about you or he made a sly joke at you that made you laugh. I know that because I got those like every day and I still think about those so I understand that they may have a massive impact,” he added.
Hack’s colleague, Dennis Modafferi said, “Every day Mr. Hack used to have a sly joke for me and he always used to talk about his son. I always used to talk about my son and when my son was born—my son’s name is Robert, and he always used to call him ‘Bobito’.”
Former students also reflected on how Hack’s teaching made a difference. “I used to hate reading and we read a book—I forgot what it was called—but he used to make the book really fun to read and that’s like the only book I ever enjoyed reading,” said Jason Deomar.
As the street sign was revealed, the ceremony ended with smiles, tears and applause.
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