Beloved teachers at same Ohio school die one day apart

Two educators from Princeton Community Middle School in Ohio died one day apart, leaving the district and its families “heartbroken,” according to school officials.

Deaths Shock Princeton Community

Carlee Bongiorno died on July 15. Justin Randle died on July 16. Both worked at Princeton Community Middle School in Cincinnati, and both were widely loved by students and staff.

Superintendent Mari Phillips announced the deaths in separate tributes, which quickly filled with messages from grieving community members.

Bongiorno Remembered for Kindness and Music

Bongiorno taught STEM and spent 19 years in education. She was known for her kindness, creativity, and passion for music. Phillips said she “made the world a kinder place” and built strong relationships with students.

Her obituary noted her lifelong love of singing and her deep ties to her church. She is survived by her husband, Robert, and her children, Arianna and Austin.

Great Oaks, where she also worked, said she would be “greatly missed” by colleagues and students.

A GoFundMe was created to support Bongiorno’s family.

Randle Celebrated as a Mentor and “Child Whisperer”

Randle served as a paraprofessional and coach. His impact, the district said, reached “well beyond the classroom.” He helped students feel “seen, valued, and capable of life success.”

One community member described him as a “child whisperer,” praising his ability to connect with students who needed extra support.

He also coached track at Princeton High School, where students remembered his encouragement and mentorship.

Community Mourns Two Losses in One Week

Tributes poured in across social media. Former students described Bongiorno as a teacher who made learning joyful. Families praised Randle for his compassion and steady guidance.

Princeton City Schools thanked the community for its support and said the losses were “deeply felt” across the district.

Officials did not release causes of death for either educator.