Dr. Dana Tesone, a professor at UCF\u2019s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, died Saturday, April 25 in Orlando. He was 60 years old. Tesone joined Rosen College in 2001 and previously taught at the University of Hawaii,\u00a0Nova Southeastern University and the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.<\/p>\n
Rosen College will host an on-campus gathering in the Darden Auditorium this Friday, May 1 at 12 p.m. for faculty, staff, students and friends to remember and celebrate Tesone\u2019s life.<\/p>\n
\u201cDana was one of our finest faculty members; a prolific writer, innovative researcher and creative thinker,\u201d said Dr. Abraham Pizam, dean of Rosen College. \u201cHe was witty and funny with a unique sense of humor and a sharp mind, but above all, he was a kind, friendly and supportive colleague who was always ready and willing to help others. Though he was taken away from us prematurely,\u00a0he will always live within the hearts and minds of the Rosen College faculty, staff and the thousands of his students who respected and adored him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tesone grew up in Cherry Hill, NJ and spent 20 years working in the hospitality industry in human resources, operations and administration for properties like the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, FL and the Pier 66 Resort and Marina in Fort Lauderdale. He devoted the rest of his career to education, teaching and preparing the next generation of hospitality industry leaders. Outside the classroom, Tesone enjoyed golf, the beach and music. Like his father, he was a talented musician and spent his spare time singing and playing the bass guitar as a member of the Soul Riders band.<\/p>\n
Tesone was an alumnus of Nova Southeastern University. He received a bachelor\u2019s degree, two master\u2019s degrees and a Ph.D. from the institution. He is survived by his mother, Lea Tesone; twin sister, Rana Beasley; brother-in-law, Len Beasley; two nieces, Brooke and Erin; and four great-grandnieces and nephews.<\/p>\n
In addition to the event at Rosen College, there will be a memorial service on Friday, May 1 at the Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, located at 1413 S. Semoran Blvd. in Orlando. Visitation is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with the funeral service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Colleagues and friends may also click here to sign the guestbook.<\/p>\n