PAWLING – A memorial service will take place Saturday, June 8, at Christ Church in Pawling to remember the life of a giant of a man who molded the lives of thousands of Carmel School children during his career in the classroom.
John Brockway, 80, died suddenly in East Greenwich, Rhode Island following a family weekend to celebrate his granddaughter’s graduation from Providence College.
Brockway’s eldest daughter, Amie Brockway-Metcalf, remembered her dad Sunday as a “Navy vet, a husband of 58 years, and the best dad and grandpa of two kids, five grandchildren and two exchange students. My dad was a
teacher and a volunteer and a supporter of the weird kids,” she said.
One of Brockway’s students was Michael Judge who currently resides in upstate New York. Judge reflected on the man who “made a profound impact on my life and shaped and molded me into who I have become. It was Wednesday,
September 8, 1971, when I first met Mr. Brockway as my 5th grade teacher; he become one of the most important people in my life. Mr. Brockway created an atmosphere of warmth, compassion and understanding. It has been over 50 years, and yet, the biggest impression I have from Mr. Brockway is how he was able to teach so that you could not forget. What I remember most is from our Earth Science course, where we studied the different types of rock—Igneous; sedimentary, metamorphic! Yes, Mr. Brockway rocks.”
In later years, Brockway served as president of the Pawling Historical Society. A society spokesperson noted: “Please no flowers. Plant some in your garden to honor John.”
Brockway-Metcalf requested those desiring to remember her father and “wish to honor his memory, send a donation to a public school’s library fund or place some good books in a little free library—better yet, put in some sweat hours at your favorite local charity.”
Saturday’s service is planned for 2 pm.
