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Donald Bockler Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Bockler
41 Entries
Katie Moussouris
May 24, 2025
I just found out Doc Bock passed as I was looking him up after seeing a Instagram reel about inspiring teachers. He was among my most memorable & influential teachers, for AP bio that prepared me to work on HIV research & the Human Genome Project, and for survival, that gave me such a sense of independence & accomplishment that I carry with me to this day. He provided experiences outside the traditional classroom and turned the world into a classroom that was limitless, and so helped me feel limitless. He was one of a kind in terms of educators and mentors. I hope his family knows that his legacy & influence on all of us is still helping to shape the world for the better, all these years later.
Zi Dong Fan
June 7, 2009
Mr. Bockler was my favorite teacher of all time! He not only taught me for three years about biology and environmental science, he also gave me profound advice on my personal life. His friendship with me and my family was very meaningful. I will miss him dearly. Marzina, I hope that you are hanging in there!
Joan FitzGerald
November 9, 2008
I have just learned of Don's passing with much dismay and sadness. He was the TA in several ecology courses at Harvard Extension and without his organization and readiness to support his students the classes would not have been as instructive. His enthusiasm for ecology and enabling people to appreciate the natural world was unquenchable and infectious. I will miss him.
Amy Gazza
October 3, 2008
Don Bockler what a great mentor to all who had him for a teacher....
My brother Joe and myself had him for survival, After we graduated from AHS we staffed with Don.
We really had some good laughs with Don and the crew on survival..
To Don Family and Friends I am very sorry for your lost. He was a great man.. Fondly Amy Gazza (Roper)
i loved this sense of humor!
October 3, 2008
donnie b rockin his air guitar and cowboy hat
October 3, 2008
donnie b on grape island
October 3, 2008
Anna Sessa
October 3, 2008
Good ol' Donnie B. A few fond memories: making fun of "KEGGAS", allowing us an AP class-designed tshirt, which I still wear and of course your geeky science sense of humor (of which I inherited). I would like to thank you for the strong science foundation that has supported me in my continued biological studies. One day I'll win that nobel prize you so rightly desired and deserved. You will be missed.
James Piechota (AHS '98)
September 15, 2008
I knew Mr. Bockler as a great teacher both inside and outside the classroom. What this guest book has shown me is that he has been a great teacher to over 30 years of students. He will be missed, but could never possibly be forgotten.
John Walker
September 14, 2008
I am saddened to hear of Don's death via an email yesterday.
I had just spent a delightful morning at the end of August with Don and 30 MIT freshmen from around the world. Don led them on a trailblazing expedition through the Alewife Reservation as a community service component of their orientation period.
Don peppered their work with flora and fauna curiosities, history, geography and just plain good advice.
We enjoyed a sunny bag lunch on the reservation and Don left to help a neighbor as he had earlier promised. I wrapped up, thanked and wished the students the best at the T station and thought I'll never see them again.
Little did I think I would never see Don again.
Don was steady Eddie for our Friends of Alewife Reservation group, always dependable, a voice of reason when needed, nudging our course in the right direction and always there for heavy lifting and the unglamorous jobs. His wealth of universal knowlege and great stories made any job enjoyable.
I will miss Don. He left big shoes to fill. Our group depended on him as we will now discover and appreciate.
I offer my sympathy to Don's family and to others who miss him as well.
Sincerely,
John Walker
Jacqueline Eagan
September 14, 2008
I have considered Mr. Bockler a mentor, teacher and friend for 6 years. He inspired me to delve into the world of science with interest and enthusiasm and never ceased to amaze me with his quirky happiness, impressive intelligence and most of all his absolutely 100% kind heart that only wanted the best for others. He has impacted so many lives in the best ways possible and was one of the best people, in every sense of the word, that I have ever met.
Laura Tannenbaum Class of 1991
September 14, 2008
From watching The Fly and eating popcorn out of lab beakers to camping trips on Grape Island with the rabbits to having the entire class over to his home at the end of the school year (and allowing us to show off our juggling skills in his house - with newspaper on the floor of course), Mr. Bockler was more than just a teacher of biology. He inspired so many students to learn, to question, to follow their dreams. I would not be the person I am today without his tutelage, his guidance, and most of all, his friendship. He will missed by many, fondly and lovingly remembered by even more.
Paul King
September 13, 2008
Don has been a colleague and friend for many years. We met as members of the Greater Boston Biology Teachers Roundtable, and continued sharing our love for teaching and biology in various roles within the Massachusetts Association of Biology Teachers. Most recently Don and I were working together to put in place a long-needed website for the Association.
Don’s interest in biology education and his students, as well as his helpfulness to his colleagues, was extraordinary. In his quiet way he continued after retirement from Arlington High School to promote biology education through his dedicated involvement with the MABT, NABT, Harvard University and other enterprises. Biology education has lost a good and trusted friend. And I sincerely miss his steady influence, wisdom, and counsel. He has been a "rock" where now there is only an empty space. I truly had not realized how much his presence meant to me. I will miss you, Don.
Ryan Whitney, AHS Class of '98
September 12, 2008
Mr. Bockler was far and away my most influential teacher. From endless hours of AP Biology, to Grape Island and juggling, to delivering a deer leg to my survival solo site; Mr. Bockler is the reason I studied biology in college. He was truly an inspirational teacher and I feel lucky to have had him for two years. He will be missed.
Denis Sirringhaus
September 11, 2008
I will greatly miss Doc Boc. He was a tremendous influence on my life and he made the world a better place. Marzina, my condolences to you for your loss.
Lexie Fichera
September 11, 2008
Merely a month ago, I was standing in front of one of my first classes, showing them how I could juggle- inspiring them to learn how to do something interesting, just as Mr. Bockler inspired me a short five years ago. Maybe it was that lab on learning or his great passion for teaching (or both!) that inspired me to become an educator.
Mr. Bockler was a wonderful teacher, who was committed to his students. I am honored to have had him, in his last year at Arlington High School.
Many condolences to his family- he will be truly missed, and never forgotten.
Allen Hagar
September 11, 2008
"The gift" (a poem)
He is a guide's teacher. He is a teacher's guide. The gift made itself present and in turn presents itself in guiding light!
He has a teacher's humor; the body, the blood, and the soul. The quick wit, wry and even tempered, perhaps a medal (of too many schoolhouse hallway wars?).
His love of the city is unmatched but by his affection for the country, the classroom at ease indoor as out. As a youth upon the stage, his love of performing evident in his playful manner and touching way.
Always ready to offer a sincere and gentle smile, his many gifts are those of an honest man and loving husband.
So may he forever be remembered as that rare and guiding teacher, whose lessons are dearly planned, and whose class we all wish we had!
Tina Broccolo
September 11, 2008
I am truly saddened this morning to learn of Mr. Bockler's passing. He was such a wonderful teacher who challenged his students to achieve more than they thought they could. I was never a fan of bio, but his class was a pleasure and his fantastic sense of humor made each day enjoyable. He will truly be missed.
Abbie Meador
September 11, 2008
Mr. Bockler inspired me, like so many other students, into a career of conservation work. He was by far the most important mentor I had throughout school. His camping trips on Boston Harbor Island and survival training lead to my love of the outdoors, hiking, and backpacking. I will miss him!
Ellizabeth Kreischer
September 11, 2008
Mr. Bockler not only helped me navigate the thousands of pages in the Campbell's Biology textbook but also taught me how to create a darkroom and pursue my interest in photography. Today I teach photography. Thanks Mr. Bockler.
Andrew Castiglioni
September 10, 2008
I am where I am today because of Mr. Bockler. He sowed an appreciation of the natural world that propelled me on a course to the neuroscientist I am today.
Mr. Bockler, my prayers are with you and your family.
Maureen McCann, AHS Class of '98
September 10, 2008
Every student has a list of their favorite teachers, and Mr. Bockler is right up at the top of mine. I was lucky to have him for two years, for both biology and ecology. Things I learned in his class still stick with me over ten years later, and there is no doubt they will never leave me. I will always be grateful for, and will never forget, how much he supported my desire to pursue a career in the field of science -- a path that I ended up following. My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Danielle Loos (Borgesano)
September 10, 2008
Doc Boc...what great high school memories he had made for me. What inspiration he was. My heart dropped when I got the email today...I still talk about him and our AP bio class to this day. My thoughts to all that have known and loved him.
Nicholas Pintabone
September 10, 2008
Donald Bockler was one of two major positive influences in my life. His teaching, humor, and personality brought out self-confidence and appreciation I formerly did not realize I had in me. I have cited him as a role model for myself on many occasions, and went to college for Biochemistry in large part due to how much I enjoyed his classes. His passing is of the most morose provocation, and I grieve his passing immediately. He will truly be missed.
Allen Hagar
September 10, 2008
I remember first meeting Don on a walking tour of Boston. What struck me most about the man was his quiet and subtle humor. He was a friend, and he will be missed.
Maura Carney
September 10, 2008
Mr. Bockler was one of my favorite teachers and it was a privilege to be one of his students. I hope he knew how many of us were inspired by him. My thoughts are with his family~
Chris Perriello
September 10, 2008
Doc Boc will undoubtedly live on as an incredible inspiration and role model for students and teachers alike.
Kate Ryan
September 10, 2008
Mr. Bockler or "Bockler" as I jokingly referred to him was one of the best, if not THE best, teacher from which I had the privelege of learning. He was incredibly smart and knew how to make biology interesting and fun. His curriculum was quite challenging but he presented it in such a way that it did not feel burdensome. I'll always remember his dry sense of humor and how he inspired each of his students to be the best they could be, not only at biology, but at everything in life; he reminded us to be good people. He was a beautiful human being and I will always remember him. AHS will be lucky to acquire a teacher with half his smarts, technique and generous nature. To learn of his passing puts a hole in my heart and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Lucinda Gorry
September 10, 2008
Don has been a friend, a fellow " Boston by Foot" guide, and a teacher to me. As part of the "Labor Day" walking tour , Don and I have discussed 18th, 19th, and 20th century Boston. We have had our differences . He thought I spent too much time talking about the mayors of Boston and I would make fun of interest in Chinatown . I will miss his enthusiasm and his never ending curiosity about anything related to the history of Boston and beyond.
Jonathan Vogan
September 10, 2008
Mr. Bockler was an exceptional teacher. His efforts and dedication were herculean, and his kindness and concern for his students were without limit. More than instilling a love of science in general and biology in particular, which he certainly did in many many students, what I remember is the example he set that one person can choose to get up every day and make a difference in the world around him or her, by simply doing all that is possible. I exchanged a couple of emails with him a year and a half ago and it seemed that even in "retirement" he was managing to do far more than I, or most people I now, manage to do working full-time.
It is a sad to have to mourn the passing of such a beautiful human being.
Marylee Gilchrist
September 9, 2008
Don was an enthusiastic and knowlegable docent for Boston By Foot. I was a support guide for him on a Cambridge tour and worked with him on last year's Big Foot. He will be missed. Please accept my sincere sympathy.
TOD FORMAN
September 9, 2008
I SAW BOCKLER ON THE TRAIL, ALONG COMMONWEALTH, CAMBRIDGE AND PARTS OF CHARLESTOWN- TOUREES ALONGSIDE, ATTENTIVE, HAPPY, RAPT IN LOCK STEP. HE PAUSES, POINTS BEHIND, DELIVERS, DESCRIBES, KINDLY SHARES THEN RUSHES ON AS IF TIME ITSELF FORCED ITSELF INTO HIS TOUR. BUT TIME ITSELF HAS QUIT THIS WALK. THE PACE HAS SLOWED AND EVERY CURB STONE, EVERY CORNICE, EACH GAS LIGHT, GUTTER AND GABLE DESCENDS INTO SHADOW. AND EACH IS LEFT TO BEAR ITS SILENT WITNESS - "A GENTLENESS IS PASSED."
Rob Summers
September 9, 2008
Don was a wonderful human being, husband, friend, teacher and mentor. His passing is a sad moment for all who knew him. I was lucky to know him as a colleague and friend at Arlington High school. He shared his gift for teaching readily and generously devoted himself to the Arlington High community. He inspired many students to follow their passion for science. His impact on his students will last for many years to come. Our thoughts and hearts are with Marzina and family.
bill croke
September 9, 2008
I am saddened to learn of Don's passing. As a guidance counselor at Arlington High, I worked with him for many years. He was a dedicated, caring teacher, an outstanding educator. Arlington was fortunate to have him at the high school for so many years.
Sheldoln Obelsky
September 9, 2008
I am truly saddened by the passing of Don. As a colleague of Don's at AHS I respected him as an outstanding educator and understood his worth was measured by the overwhelming number of students who truly loved him. I often referred to these students as "Bocklerites".
Shelly Obelsky
Rucker Alex
September 8, 2008
I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Don Bockler's untimely passing. Few have influenced me so profoundly, and so positively. As my biology and then AP biology teacher at Arlington High, he taught me how to observe and appreciate the natural world—and the lessons radiated out through his guidance: overseeing expeditions to collect local flora; monitoring frostbitten adolescent high school students during our “winter survival solo” experiences; teaching us to juggle—for stress relief or prep for physics, I don’t know; introducing the refinement of Bob Dylan, the other Minnesotan musician; setting up photography darkrooms in his classroom office; and encouraging us to get out of town—and even the country—see the world, and give back to it the best we know how. I am tremendously grateful for the education, the influence, and the inspiration, and I know he’ll live on in all of us students who had the pleasure to meet him. Marzina, my thoughts and deep affections are with you.
Bill Gibbons
September 8, 2008
I was saddened to hear of Don's passing. As my earth sciences teacher in 1977 he inspired me to pursue a career in geology. He was a wonderful teacher and will be missed.
Gary Allen
September 8, 2008
My sympathies to Don's family
When I was at Arlington High & became interested in science I had several conversations with Don (Mr. Bockler) during study hall & with his encourgement continued on with engineering.
My deepest sympathies
class of 1976 (Boeing Aircraft Company)
Sarah Partridge
September 8, 2008
I was fortunate to have Mr. Bockler as a teacher and later a colleague when I taught in Arlington Public Schools. I can truly attest that he was one of the finest educators I've encountered. He embodied knowledge, patience, and humility, modeling these qualities for his students and peers as well. I'm grateful for my Arlington public education, and Mr. Bockler was an important component. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. The learning community has lost one of the greats.
Sarah Partridge,
AHS class of '98
Reed Taylor
September 8, 2008
It is with great sorrow that I learned of Donald's passing. I worked with Donald when I was Assistant Principal at AHS. Donald was a wonderful teacher and a warm human being. My sincere Sympathy to the family.
Reed K. Taylor
Thomas Vaughn
September 7, 2008
We want Marzina, family, and friends to know that Don was beloved by all who knew him. We are sad to learn of his passing because he was such a great human being who was eager to help others such as his students and his colleagues. We will miss him and determined to carry on his mission of educating people about this wonderful Planet Earth and to treat it lovingly.
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