Memorial Celebration Honoring Yassine Benzinane

On Sunday, October 4, 2026, Choate Rosemary Hall will gather at Colony Hall at 1:00 p.m. to celebrate the life, legacy, and lasting memory of our friend, colleague, and beloved peer, Yassine Benzinane. Students, staff, faculty, and community members are welcome to attend this ceremony honoring his impact on our School and reflecting on our fond memories of him as an educator, husband, father, and friend.

Yassine was a passionate, dynamic, and dedicated educator who devoted his time and effort to helping his students grow and evolve both in and out of the classroom. His teaching career began at The Hill School in Pottstown, Pa., where he spent seven years and served as the Herbert B. Finnegan Memorial Instructor of World Languages. In a news article highlighting his contributions to the school, one of his students, Owen Manganiello, described him as a "friend" and "mentor."

"Mr. Benzinane creates a calm and accepting environment with his jovial and welcoming personality. You will never find a language teacher as qualified and as fit at his job as Mr. Benzinane," Owen wrote. "Mr. Benzinane is a friend and a mentor.”

After seven years at The Hill School, Yassine joined the Choate Rosemary Hall community and immediately made an impact as Director of Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies. However, his infectiously bright spirit and gracious nature were not limited to the classroom. He also worked as the School's Muslim Chaplain, coached tennis and squash, and served as the faculty adviser to the Muslim Students Association and Middle East and North Africa Club.

After five meaningful years with Yassine, the Choate Rosemary Hall community mourned the loss of his light and spirit. On June 18, 2026, Yassine, 52, passed away while at prayer in a local mosque. He is survived by his wife, Shana, and their two children, Adam and Kadija ’27.

"Our sorrow is a reflection of what Mr. Benzinane meant to this community. We grieve so deeply because he brought us so much joy," Head of Student and Academic Life Will Gilyard ’98 said during an all-School meeting. "Our sadness is also a testament to the love, laughter, wisdom, faith, and care he shared with so many of us."

Parking for the event will be available at the Colony Hall Lot off on Rosemary Lane.