In Memoriam
Carl J. DiMartino, 1943-2007
NASP President, 2006-2007
Dear NASP Members, Friends, and Colleagues:
With great sadness, we announce that NASP President Carl J. DiMartino, PhD, NCSP died February 23, 2007 of an apparent heart attack. Carl was highly respected by his colleagues and loved by his family and friends. He was a valued member of the NASP, Pennsylvania, and broader school psychology communities. His leadership over 15 years has contributed to the Association’s strong commitment to being responsive to changing demands within the profession and to meeting the needs of the whole child.
Carl was deeply committed to advancing best practice and ensuring that all school psychologists have access to, and participate in, quality professional development throughout their careers. He worked to enhance school-based mental health services and was an early and vocal advocate for culturally competent practice. He believed in the ability and responsibility of every school psychologist to be an advocate for the evidence-based services necessary to make a significant and lasting difference in children’s lives.
Carl was on leave from his position as consultant with the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network to serve as NASP 2006-2007 President. In that capacity, he was the Network’s continuing education coordinator and developed and presented workshops for school psychologists, teachers, and administrators across Pennsylvania. Carl’s broad experience included being a practicing school psychologist in preschool, non-public, and K-12 public school settings; a special education teacher; an adjunct professor; and a site-based supervisor of school psychology interns, coordinator of psychological services, and director of special education. Carl earned his MS in Education and school psychology certification at St. John's University in New York City and his PhD in Educational Psychology at the University of Georgia.
Carl served the profession in many capacities. In addition to being NASP President, he was NASP Treasurer, Convention Chair, Nominations and Elections Chair, Ethical and Professional Practices Committee Chair and state delegate. He was also a Past President of the Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania and was awarded their Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003. Most recently, Carl was profiled in U.S. News and World Report’s coverage of the top professions in the United States.
Perhaps above all else, Carl was loved for his generosity, sense of humor, integrity, and loyalty as a friend and colleague. All who knew and worked with Carl will miss him greatly.
Carl is survived by his daughter, Lisa DiMartino, son, Eric DiMartino, daughter-in-law, Angela DiMartino, and grandson, Aiden DiMartino. Carl's family and friends gathered in Bellefonte, PA, on February 28, 2007 for a memorial service celebrating Carl's life.
Individuals wishing to share their memories and condolences may post a tribute to Carl at the link below. Those wishing to send private condolences to Carl’s family may send cards and letters via NASP, 4340 East West Highway, Suite 402, Bethesda, MD, 20814, c/o Rosemary O’Donnell.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Carl’s memory to the NASP/ERT PREPaRE Initiative at 4340 East West Highway, Suite 402, Bethesda, MD 20814 or via the NASP website.
NASP President-Elect Rhonda J. Armistead will assume responsibilities as NASP President from now through the end of her elected term in June 2008.