John HAVRILLA Obituary

HAVRILLA, JOHN R., passed away peacefully on August 5, 2013 with his children, Brad, Beth and Heather present. John was the oldest child of John Havrilla and Helen Yurista born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Hazleton Senior High School in June, 1952. He attended and graduated from West Chester State Teacher's College with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1957. He enjoyed a full campus life and was a varsity basketball and soccer player. After working at the Devereux Foundation Gateway School in Devon, Pennsylvania he enlisted into the United States Army Security Agency (USASA). After basic training and several schools he was stationed in Hulbronn, Germany as a cryptographer. During his tenure in Germany he played company, battalion and divisional baseball and basketball and traveled extensively throughout Europe. Upon his honorable discharge he took a position at the Vanguard School in Paoli, PA in April of 1960. Vanguard was a school for children of at least average ability who had a specific learning disability. He worked as a classroom teacher, athletic director and middle school principal until June 1968. In July of 1968 he and his family relocated to South Florida, where he began the Vanguard School of Coconut Grove. He was the founding Director of the school who returned thousands of students to traditional educational programs and assisted them in becoming productive citizens. He was an avid sports fan whether it was college or professional. He followed and supported The Miami Hurricanes, The Miami Dolphins, The Miami Heat and The Miami Marlins. As an active sportsman he was usually found on the tennis courts in the Grove or in Miami Beach. He had a close relationship with his brothers, Gene and wife Carmella of Hazleton, Pennsylvania; Jerry and wife Jeanne of Wilmington, Delaware and sister Elaine and husband Tommy of Oakville, Connecticut. His pride and joy in life were his children, Brad, Beth and Heather along with their spouses and his grandchildren, Connor, Allison, and Katelyn. He loved the United States and traveling with his family throughout the states particularly historic sites and the national parks. He was an active educator serving as an officer and Board of Directors member of the Association of Independent Schools of Florida (AISF). He was also a member of the Dade Association of Academic Non-Public Schools (DAANS), the National Association of Private Schools for the Exceptional Child (NAPSEC) and the National Council for Private School Accreditation(NCPSA). He lived a full, enjoyable life by helping children and their families. A mass will be held on Friday, August 23, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Hugh Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Vanguard School of Coconut Grove, FL. 3939 Main Highway, Miami, FL 33133

Published by Miami Herald on Aug. 14, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for John HAVRILLA

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Hi my name is gail Gordon:
I was one of johns hardest students it pains me to find out that he passed on my deepest condolences.

June 13, 2014

Rest in Peace forvever. God bless you.
George Denis and family.

George Denis

April 24, 2014

Hello My Name is Evelyn Radi I was a student in Vanguard in the 1980s Mr Havrilla gave me hope. I will never forget him. Sorry for your loss. He was an amazing man. I was lucky to have known him. god bless your whole family.

Evelyn Radi

February 6, 2014

Thanks to you Mr. Havrilla I am who I am today! I will always remember you John Havrilla :(.

Lourdes Hernandez

October 27, 2013

My deepest condolences to you at this sad time.

Harriet Koffman

August 25, 2013

John planned his funeral to the very last word and Brad, Beth, and Heather carried out his wishes to perfection. The cemetary ceremony was quite impressive as Brad's friends arrived with the full compliment of honor guards and bagpipers. Later in the day, a beautiful Mass was held with readings given by family members, and a lovely soloist singing music chosen by John. Many former Vanguard students, parents, and teachers spoke of his influence in their lives. John would have loved their recollections and the lovely poem. Wonderful letters from out-of-town friends were read and a colleague talked of her own professional experiences with John over many years. John's final words were then read in his thoughtful "Celebration of Life" letter. Rest in peace. Jude

August 24, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Mr. Havrilla's legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of his students and their parents.

Jose, Esther & Marcela Guerra

August 22, 2013

I would like to use this opportunity as a olive branch bearing moment. You all rememembered me as a bitter, negative and immature person. Again, If it were not for Mr Havrilla, I would not been able to employed in this shaky economy. My vow is that I will not insult, criticize, or slander a former classmate,teacher or Mr Havrilla. I will strive for unity and peace to help Vanguard grow and build opportunities for people with disabilities. I believe now fate has brought me into being a crusader for people with disabilities rights for equality and opportunities to prosper.

Dan Roberts

August 21, 2013

It was very sad to here about mr Havrilla passing away. Lots of love Alexander Behar

Alexander Behar

August 20, 2013

If had one regret in life, and it was taking Mr Havrilla per granted. I had a misunderstanding on how he did things at Vanguard back in Miami. If it were not for him, I would not have been able to graduate from high school, have a steady job history, get my BA in merchandise and science from the University of Houston, or have a young sales career in jewelry with the philosophy, "matching customers with the products that are needed and wanted." My parents sent me to Vanguard to learn how to fit in, and it was quite the opposite. Education is defined by me is to be able to learn to think and speak for yourself, have confidence, learn new things, and blaze the trail where you can control your own fate. Thank you again Mr Havrilla for everything.

Dan Roberts

August 19, 2013

Dan Roberts

August 18, 2013

As one of the "originals" who moved to Miami from Paoli, Pennsylvania in 1968, I am so saddened to learn of our loss. John was an inspiration as a leader and mentor. He was a wonderful guy who brought encouragement to those around him, a desire to do the very best, and a special ability to identify the needs of the children he loved so well at Vanguard. Brad, Beth, and Heather, I remember you as babies and children. I truly feel that he felt you were his best accomplishment! He was so proud of you! Loving wishes to you and the Vanguard family. I wish you continued success.....
Sincerely,
Nancy (Deeks) Kennedy

August 16, 2013

Wow ! I am so sad to hear about your loss. John was the first person to hire me out of college and was such a fantastic mentor during my years at Vanguard ! We miss you John and thanks for the support, love, encouragement and friendship all these years !
God bless,
Michele Gerrits-Faeges

August 16, 2013

The Valor family is eternally endebted to Mr. Havrilla and Vanguard school for all he did for our son Jack. He was truely a great man. May he rest in peace.

August 16, 2013

P.S. Last but not least, John was a loving and thoughtful grandfather. J

August 16, 2013

John was a strong father, brother, friend, educator and fighter to the end. Rest in peace. Jude

August 15, 2013

I am so honored to have known and worked for Mr. Havrilla for the past 13 years. My family and I will be forever grateful that we were welcomed into the Vanguard family. Mr. H's leadership and dedication to the school is what has made it such a success. His passion for educating children has inspired me to strive to be a better teacher year after year. I loved Mr. H dearly and will greatly miss him, as will my family.
Sincerely,
Katherine, Oscar, and Sophia "your little princess"

Katy Sol

August 15, 2013

Beth so very sorry to hear about your loss, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers

Doreen & Brad Siegel

August 15, 2013

My heart goes out to the Havrilla family and friends. He was truly an extraordinary, dedicated man. I'm so sorry for your loss. ~Kirsten

Kirsten Bergk

August 15, 2013

From Benjamin Rebustillo to The Havrilla Family I would like to say How Sorry I am for your Loss,, Mr Havrills was the Best Person and Best Pricipal that I ever met and I will miss hia a lot,, :'-(

Benjamin Rebustillo

August 15, 2013

WoW,, I don't know wut to say but I am Really sad to hear that the Pricipal who changed my Life has passed away,, I am so Sorry Beth,, My Condolences to you and the Rest of your Family,, This man was not just a Great Man but he was a Great Principal who Changed everyone's life while they attended Vanguard School,, Once again Mr havrilla you will be Missed :'-(

Benjamin Rebustillo

August 15, 2013

you are truly missed, and the wonderful memories we shared are close to my heart. rest in peace, and know that you touched so many people in your life...ronnie

August 15, 2013

I am saddened to hear about the passing of Mr Havrilla. I was a student of Mr.Havrilla for approximately seven years during the 1980s and we were very fortunate to have Mr. Havrilla there for us. Mr. Havrilla was a pioneer in field of Special Education in South Florida. He was a dynamic individual, a mentor, a leader, a man of tremendous caring, kindness, compassion and integrity. He empowered students who had learning disabilities, and persons with all types of disabilities such as myself to never give up hope, and to never give up your dreams. He was determined to ensure that every student who walked through the doors of Vanguard received an education, a Special Education. To Mr Havrilla it was not just an "education" it was about teaching his students about adapting to your surroundings, about exploring your possibilities of what you can do despite the hardship and disability one faced in life. Mr. Havrilla and others at Vanguard School and the Miami Dade Schools enabled me to become the man I am today. Mr Havrilla was also like a second father to many and inspired many to do their best, to go the extra mile to help others in need. Mr. Havrilla would play sports together, engage us with numerous innovative student activities.We traveled to Disney with our classmates for many memorable times, and participated in other educational trips to broaden our intellectual growth. Mr. Havrilla often would try to lift my tiny body high up to reach the basket ball net when we were playing basket ball. He would personally meet with his students like myself and empower us about how to overcome life difficulties, school projects, home work assignments, and learning to tie a tie the right way. I would like to offer my condolences and sympathy to Mr Havrilla family. Mr.Havrilla will be missed.

Jason Rose

August 14, 2013

R.I.P. Mr. Havrilla

Ralph Bichachi

August 14, 2013

John loved the kids and was such a good principal. I taught for him while my husband was in grad schl at UM and later got my MS in LD in Ga due to his influence. He brought in top notch professionals for workshops and contributed to my educ. Rest in peace. Ruth Ann Vericella (1969-71)

RuthAnn Vericella

August 14, 2013

You are all in my thoughts and prayers!

Debbie Hertz

August 14, 2013

Randye Brauntuch

August 14, 2013

Just when I thought I was ready to consider changing careers, John Havrilla entered my life. He became my mentor, friend, and truly my second father. Working with him and being a part of his family have given me many, many cherished times and the memories will last throughout the remainder of my life. In loving honor and memory of an exceptional man--always--Randye

Randye Brauntuch

August 14, 2013

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