HOPEWELL, Va. -- Hopewell School Board Chairman Greg Cuffey passed away over the weekend. His cause of death has not been disclosed but a social media post by the Hopewell Schools Superintendent called the death a "sudden loss" and that Cuffey was "surrounded by his family."
"We wanted to express our deepest condolences to his mother, his wife, his extended family, his friends, his students, his Petersburg City Public Schools’ colleagues and especially his two beautiful children, of whom he was so very proud," Hopewell Schools Superintendent Melody Hackney posted on Facebook. "While we will miss him beyond measure, we will strive each and every day moving forward to honor his precious memory and make him proud."
Cuffey, 52, had served on the Hopewell School Board since 2015, but he was known for much more.
"He wore many many hats and was a great role model," Petersburg High School Assistant Principal Felicia Bishop, said. "His vast experience he would bring with him to the classroom and use real world examples with the kids."
Cuffey taught science at Petersburg High School where he helped with the recent science lab renovation.
"He played a critical role in doing the research to make sure that the science lab was going to be up to par for our students," Petersburg Schools Superintendent Dr. Maria Pitre-Martin said. "He was always there to lend a helping hand. He was always there to mentor, notably our students but also pre-service teachers."
Co-workers said they'd remember Cuffey's smile and willingness to help others.
In addition to his roles in the classroom, Cuffey served on Hopewell City Council from 2006 to 2010, Petersburg High School golf coach, and even as an auxiliary deputy with the Hopewell Sheriff's Office.
"He was the perfect leader during this time of pandemic," Linda Hyslop, who served on the school board with Cuffey said.
"We have to remember, he has touched hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of students and educators in his career," Dr. Pitre-Martin added. "That is what is so positive when you can leave that kind of memory, that is long-standing, even after you're gone, you know that's a life that has been lived well."
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