By Rob Forleo
Special to the Voice
The West Haven Public Schools community is mourning the loss of Richard Hodes, a cherished former art teacher who dedicated over 30 years to the district and whose influence stretched across generations. Mr. Hodes passed away on May 10 at the age of 99, leaving behind a legacy rooted in kindness, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to education.
Though countless students may not have considered themselves artists, Mr. Hodes had a rare gift: he made every student feel seen, valued, and capable. One former student reflected, “I had him for art class. I was never any good at it, but he was so kind. More teachers should be like him.” Another said, “He was such a nice man and a really inspiring art teacher.” A third simply shared, “He really made a positive impact.”
Hodes was more than just an educator — he was a mentor, an encourager, and a joyful presence whose impact extended far beyond the classroom. His room was a haven of patience and creativity, a place where students felt free to express themselves, regardless of their skill level.
Superintendent of Schools Neil Cavallaro, a former student of Mr. Hodes, shared his heartfelt memories.
“Mr. Hodes painted every portrait of those who had a school named after them, or who were among our district’s earliest principals,” he said. “Anytime I walk by them, I always go out of my way to look for his signature. It brings back a lot of fond memories from my time as a student at Mackrille.”
For many students, art class quickly became a favorite — not just because of the projects, but because of the teacher who brought energy and joy into every lesson. Cavallaro recalled, “The kids always looked forward to art. I vividly remember Mr. Hodes walking into the class with a big smile, a funny story, and hopefully a magic trick. That would immediately grab our attention, and then he’d begin the day’s lesson. While many of us, including myself, had little talent when it came to art, it didn’t matter. We learned and did our best because we had so much respect for Mr. Hodes.”
In addition to being a beloved teacher, Hodes was an accomplished artist. His portraits of school leaders — many of whom helped build the foundation of West Haven’s educational community — still hang in the halls today. These works stand as lasting tributes to both the individuals he painted and the man behind the brush.
Mr. Hodes’s creativity reached beyond canvas and curriculum. He was also known for performing magic tricks during lessons, a small touch that brought wide smiles and made learning feel magical in every sense of the word.
“His artwork will live forever, and he was a huge part of this community,” Cavallaro said. “While he’s gone, he will certainly not be forgotten.”
As we reflect on the life of Richard Hodes, we remember a man who brought joy, inspiration, and kindness into every space he entered. He leaves behind more than just paintings — he leaves behind a community forever shaped by his gentle wisdom, his boundless creativity, and his warm heart.
He will be missed — but never forgotten.