Dorothy C. Kappenberg died on February 24, 2017, surrounded by her family. She was 87.
Born to Benjamin and Lucy Case on November 9, 1929, she grew up in Riverhead and was the first in her family to go to college. She studied education at the State University of New York at Oneonta and later earned a master’s in special education at Adelphi University. She was a beloved and respected teacher and reading specialist for many years in the Riverhead School District, where she served as a leader for her students and other educators. She continued her career after teaching as a reading consultant for schools across the tristate area. She was very involved with Rotary International, serving as past president of the Westhampton Beach Rotary Club and on the Rotary International Council on Legislation. She also made history as the first female District Governor for District 625.
Ms. Kappenberg was also very active in St. Marks Church, where she served as warden, sang in the choir, and supervised the church school program. She helped run the church’s charitable second-hand store for many years, as well. She enjoyed spending her free time with family, traveling, and at the Swordfish Beach Club.
Ms. Kappenberg is survived by her husband of 61 years, Alvin Kappenberg; two daughters, Janet and Muriel; and five grandchildren, Brad, Catherine, Jason, Mitchell and Matthew.
A memorial service will be held at St. Mark’s Church in Westhampton Beach on Saturday, March 11, at 10 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to the Rotary Foundation, rotary.org.
on Mar 6, 2017