I first met John in the fall of 1968 as I walked into his Chemistry classroom at the end of the science wing at Maryvale High School. What struck me about him initially was his quiet, yet commanding presence in the classroom. I don't ever remember him having to raise his voice in class in order to say what he wanted. All those around him respected his authority while getting to know him. His love of chemistry was such that some of his students, including me, grew to love it as well, and went on to further their education in the field of chemistry and especially the teaching aspect of it. I am proud to say also, that John served as my coorperating teacher when I did my student teaching in chemistry in the spring of 1974. His friendliness and especially his counsel helped me to become, what I hope, is a better teacher. I am now close to retirement, and even at this stage in my life, I think of John from time to time while teaching and ask myself how he would have handled certain situations. He will be truly missed, but please keep in mind that many others who have gone down the road of science education have and continue to stand on John's shoulders.

Dear Tammaro family, We bid farewell to a respected colleague, superb teacher, and a good man. John's sharp wit, yet gentle manner, endeared him to one and all. Truly, he was one of Maryvale's greatest. Rest in peace, John. Ed & Gerry Szemraj

To John Tammaro’s Family, John was my chemistry teacher at Maryvale in ’58-’59, then, after returning to teach there, it was wonderful to became just one of his many life-long admiring friends. In 1989, it was my great pleasure – I’ll always treasure - to play a part in his retirement party. John’s loving devotion to his Irene and family, his great intellect – his guidance often sought out by other administrators, his science department leadership, his personal chemistry-gentle nature - and then his awesome stand-up sense of humor at retirement parties – no one could come close – mild mannered John would become a side-splitting commentator beyond measure – all made him greatly admired, treasured and loved. My deepest sympathy - his immense talents and friendship will be sorely missed.