Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Karl Michael Tamburr

About

Princeton University Sweet Briar College

Karl Tamburr Obituary

Tamburr, Karl Michael SWEET BRIAR, Va. Karl Michael Tamburr, 60, of Sweet Briar, passed away Saturday, September 20, 2008 at Lynchburg General Hospital. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jane Campbell Tamburr. Born November 5, 1947, in Englewood, N.J., he is also survived by his parents, Joseph and Herta Hoffmann Tamburr of Sebastian, Fla. A graduate of Princeton University, Mr. Tamburr was a much-beloved professor of English for 33 years at Sweet Briar College. He obtained his doctorate at UVA. Karl was a true Renaissance man, well versed in many subjects and was the author of The Harrowing of Hell in Medieval England. Survivors also include a brother, Joseph Tamburr and wife, Patricia of Albany, N.Y.; a sister, Laurie Furlong and husband, Dr. James Furlong of Sand Lake, N.Y.; an uncle, Karl Hoffmann, of Midlothian, Va.; and four nephews. A private graveside service will be conducted at Briarwood Memorial Gardens by the Rev. Kathy Chase of Ascension Episcopal Church and the Rev. Adam White, Chaplain of Sweet Briar College. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Almost Home Pet Adoption Center of Nelson County, 29 Stagebridge Rd., Lovingston, VA 22949, or Sweet Briar College Student Scholarship Fund, Sweet Briar, VA 24595. Whitten Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Monelison Chapel is assisting the family. To send a condolence to the family, please visit, www.whittenfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Albany Times Union on Sep. 22, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Karl Tamburr

15 Entries

CATHY WARD

October 11, 2008

I ONLY KNEW KARL FOR 6 YEARS
HE WAS A GREAT GUY TO CHAT WITH AND WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED
JANE MAY U FIND COMFORT IN THE LORDS ARMS.
GOD BLESS U ALWAYS

Bill Standish

October 3, 2008

Our alumni Class of '66 at Goshen High School has lost a most cherished and treasured leader and friend. His smile was "born in place", his natural passion for caring for each of his friends and fellow classmates never faltered, and his sense of humor was more acceptable because of the first two traits. Some knew Karl very well...the rest of wish we could have. To Jane, Karl's parent, Joe, Laurie and immediate and extended families, my sincere expression of sympathy. We were so blessed to walk with Karl for 60 years, and how grateful we are to have had the opportunity to visit with him again at our last reunion. God's strength, peace and love to his family.

Jesse Miller

September 27, 2008

I was saddened to hear of Carl's passing. He and Jane were close friends of 35 years and I will always carry him in my heart.

Jesse F. Miller & family

Alice Dixon, '82

September 26, 2008

I was saddened to hear about Karl's illness, and shocked by the suddenness of his death. I got to know Karl when he and I served on the Judicial Committee together. I was so impressed by his commitment and seriousness of purpose in teaching the young women of Sweet Briar College. This was complimented by his charm and humor. His passing is a true loss to Sweet Briar, but the 33 years that he spent there, were a gift to his students, colleagues, and the College. I will often remember his impish smile, and the way that he peered out from under his eyebrows with interest and kindness. My deepest sympathies to his family, and to those who will miss him the most.

Katherine Barrett Baker

September 26, 2008

Always with a smile in his eyes and a happy soul energetically walking up and down 3rd floor Benedict, Karl Tamburr inspired many young minds through literature to strive for an ethereal understanding of ourselves as we relate to art, life, love, each other and the universe.
He often came to the Bistro on Friday nights to watch the Sweet Tones sing. He would have a beer with us afterwards, ask us how our lives were going and tease us about boys. Then, he would pull out his accordion and entertain us while basking in the glow of life's rythems.
A Renaissance man with true "sprezzatura", putting others at ease always. A scholar and a gentleman who now knows the secrets of the ascension into Heaven.

Katherine Barrett Baker
Sweet Briar Class of 1983

Joseph Cassel

September 25, 2008

Jane , Joe , Herta , and family ; Karl was always the very best of friends !! Out of my 60 years , having known Stinky for 55 , we were never mad at each other . Miss you is NOT enough !!!!!!!

Cara Gunther Waterhouse

September 25, 2008

Dr. Tamburr,

You were a fantastic friend, mentor, and teacher. You made me who I am today and gave me that little bit of faith in myself. Thanks for being part of my life at Sweet Briar. (Class of 1994)

Bill Trost

September 24, 2008

Karl's family and friends,
Our deepest sympathies to all...my wife Kathy and I went to high school with Karl. We were most happy to see him a few years ago at a reunion. Excelling in all academics I am happy that Karl found and kept true to his passion--the written word. He no doubt inspired countless students along the way. We share in your loss but take consolation that we walked and talked with Karl--a remarkable person who we miss and will always remember.

Jim Grippe

September 23, 2008

Karl
and I grew up together, went to Princeton together, and he was Best Man
at my wedding. A lifelong friend, sick humor buddy, and someone with
whom I shared so very much, I can't believe he's gone. I am happy for
the incredible impact his existence has had on all who knew him. My
heart is broken. He was the smartest person I ever met. My wife, Linda,
who knew Karl from elementary school on, and I send our deepest
condolences to all his family.

Gil Stallard

September 23, 2008

Dear Family Members and Friends of Karl,
You are a blessed group of special individuals who were allowed to walk with Karl. Though I saw Karl too few times after high school he left a lasting impression as a gift from God who just wanted to be a friend to all. Never egotistical, always dignified, humerous in his manner to make himself a part of, generous in material things and generous in sharing his well though out conversations with all. I will miss Karl along with you but I do believe he will walk again in the Ressurection and once again shine that smile on all of us. God bless Mom, Dad, family and most of all his beautiful wife Jane for your loss.

Jeanne Pahucki

September 23, 2008

As a former H.S. classmate, please accept my deepest condolences in Karl's passing. As president of our senior class, Karl was known for his easy good nature and bright mind. He was as well rounded a fellow as one could ever find, and will be sadly missed by those of us who grew up with him in Goshen, NY. We were fortunate to have known him.

Courtney Alford

September 23, 2008

My heart goes out to Dr. Tamburr's family, friends and students at this sad time. He will be remembered by every young woman he taught as a brilliant, interesting and witty professor who was passionate about literature and writing and truly interested in his students' opinions. His early encouragement during my years at Sweet Briar defintely influenced my decision to become an English major. May you find solace in the positive impact his life had on so many people. Sincerely, Courtney Banton Alford, SBC Class of 1987

Mr. Tamburr - my favorite Professor at Sweet Briar

Katie Keogh Weidner

September 23, 2008

I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Tamburr. He had a significant impact on my years at Sweet Briar and I think of him regularly when I help my own children write papers. He was funny, kind and very supportive. I feel so grateful that I got to see him last Spring at reunion. He greeted me with a big smile and I loved hearing his take on everything going on at school. I loved so much about him but especially his sense of humor. He will live on in the lives of so many grateful students!

Shannon Wood Bush (87)

September 22, 2008

Words cannot express how sad I was at the news of Karl's most untimely passing. Although I, too, never took a class of his, he was one of my favorite professors and friends at SBC. His quirky smile, shinning eyes, quick wit and genuine-ness will sorely be missed by the entire community. To his family, I was grateful to have known Karl and will keep you in my prayers. He was so very special to many people.

Anne-Claire Wackenhut

September 22, 2008

What a loss Professor Tamburr will be to the Sweet Briar community. While I never had a class with Dr. Tamburr, I enjoyed getting to know him in a variety of other campus venues and I always appreciated his genuine smile and personable nature. I extend my condolences to the family in this time of grief.
Sincerely,
Anne-Claire Wackenhut
Sweet Briar College, Class of 1998

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results