Mourning a Blue Streak

SANDUSKY — Dan Poggiali will be remembered for the legacy he created over many years in the Sandusky Schools community, known as one of the most dedicated and caring members of the Blue Streaks family. Dan Poggiali smiles for a photo on Dec. 19, 2018. Register photo/ERIN CALDWELL Dan, a Sandusky High School graduate and retired employee, died on Thursday. He was 70. Dan was born and raised in Sandusky. His time earning a bachelor of science in education at The Ohio State University was the only time he lived away from the area. After college, Dan returned to his alma mater as a social studies teacher and football coach. Dan later returned to school to earn a master's in educational administration from Ashland University. He went on to be the principal of Adams Junior High School, assistant principal of Sandusky High School and later became principal of the high school. After three years of retirement, Dan returned to the school district as the chief of staff and transformation officer. Education was a big part of his life as well as his family's: • His wife, Elizabeth, was an English teacher at Sandusky Schools • Both of his children are Sandusky Schools graduates. His daughter, Jennifer Poggiali, his son, Lucas Poggiali, and their spouses are all involved in Sandusky and other school systems. Along with his wife and kids, Dan leaves behind two grandchildren, Ella Buening and Harper Poggiali. Speaking up Community and family showed support for the family and grieved the loss of a Blue Streak: • Daniel Rambler, superintendent of Sandusky Schools: Sandusky City Schools is deeply saddened by the loss of Dan Poggiali. Dan was a committed and passionate husband, father, grandfather, friend, and colleague within our district. He created a legacy that will continue to live on through all the individuals he impacted within the Sandusky community. His presence and continued leadership will be missed within our district and within our community. • Martha Murray, district board president: Dan Poggiali loved Sandusky City Schools. He was a caring, hard-working, and respectful man who supported all the children and staff of the district. He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sandusky City Schools in 2023 because he and his family worked so hard to improve and sustain the district over many years. Our hearts go out to his family and we wish them peace during this time. • Kathy Pace: Such a wonderful man with a wonderful legacy he is leaving behind. We always love and respect you for being such a caring role model to so many of us. • Melanie Muirhead: Definitely a great man and big influence in my life at SHS. Rest peacefully, Mr. Poggiali. • Davor Gowdy: I really liked and respected this guy. His dad was my principal in elementary school, and he was my teacher in high school. Always enjoyed seeing him, and he stayed around the corner from the (neighborhood) when I was in high school. Rest up, Mr. Poggiali. (You) will be missed. • Janeaya Jones: A great man and influence. Thank you for everything. Now take your rest. Editor's note: This story has been updated.