Obituary of Irene Agoratus

Irene Agoratus (née Chrampanis]), passed away peacefully at home on Friday, February 20, of natural causes. She was 88.

Born on September 13, 1937, in Staten Island, NY, Irene was the daughter of Anthony and Maria Chrampanis, owners of Chrampanis Farms in New Springville. She was the youngest of four children — Louis, Pauline, and Olympia — all of whom predeceased her.

A graduate of Port Richmond High School (1954) at just 16 years old. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Barnard College (1958), a Master’s Degree in Education from Richmond College (1969) and a second Master’s Degree in Supervision and Administration from The College of Staten Island (1982). Irene was fluent in Spanish, Greek, and French. 

Irene returned to Port Richmond High School as a Spanish teacher in 1958, beginning a remarkable 33-year career. A lifelong lover of literature, she held a special passion for the Spanish classic Don Quixote, which became a cornerstone of her teaching and a source of inspiration for generations of students. It was not uncommon for her to be stopped by former students eager to thank her for the doors she had opened for them. Years later, she continued to receive notes, cards, calls and visits from those whose lives she had touched.

Irene was appointed as Assistant Principal of the Foreign Language Department in 1982. Under her leadership, the department was awarded the prestigious James Allen Award as the best foreign language department among all New York City high schools. In 1985, she developed a Spanish culture curriculum for special education students that was adopted citywide. In 1987, Irene was selected to speak at the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of the New York Commission during the celebration of Foreign Language Week—an honor reflecting her dedication and impact.

Irene was known for her love and devotion to her children and grandchildren. She had a sharp intelligence, a love of New York Times crossword puzzles, was an avid reader of mysteries and crime novels and enjoyed travelling.

Irene shared a loving 60-year marriage with her husband, Harry Agoratus, who predeceased her in 2019. She is survived by her son, Steven (wife Lauren), her daughter, Ellen (husband Dominick), and her four beloved grandchildren, Stephanie, Dominick, Neil and Anthony.

Irene was a beloved mother and adored grandmother. She will be greatly missed. 

Services for Irene will be held at Burroughs, Kohrs and Dangler Funeral Parlor, 106 Main St., Madison, NJ 07940 on Wednesday, February 25th from 5pm-8pm. A private funeral service will follow on Thursday for immediate family members.