YORK Jack Collins Van Newkirk, 77, died Sunday, 5:13 p.m., April 6, 2014, at York Hospital. He was the husband of Carolyn Harris Van Newkirk, to whom he was married for 54 years. He was born in West Chester and was one of four sons of Calvin and Helen Van Newkirk. As former Superintendent of Schools, School District of the City of York, 1981-2001, he was affectionately known as Dr. Van by the community and especially his students. He is survived by two children, Lauri Lyn Altman and husband Philip, and David Collins Van Newkirk; and three grandchildren, Jess Altman, Sydney Altman, and Nicole Van Newkirk. Dr. Van Newkirk was a graduate of West Chester State Teachers College, University of Maryland, and The College of William and Mary in Virginia where he received a doctorate in higher education administration. He was a former assistant superintendent of Portsmouth City Schools (VA), Director of Admissions, State University of New York, College at New Paltz, N.Y., teacher in public schools, and general manager of numerous hotels and motels in Maryland and Virginia. He was a member and benefactor of numerous professional and nonprofit organizations. A visitation for the public will be held 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2014 at Kuhner Associates Funeral Directors, Inc., 863 S. George St., York. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be forwarded to York City Dollars for Scholars, Inc., P.O. Box 2261, York, PA 17405-2261, or access the website yorkcity.dollarsforscholars.org and/or email address [email protected]. KuhnerAssociates.com
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I just found out about Dr Van's passing. I feel fortunate to have talked to him before because he was a huge influence on my life. Dr Van helped me choose a college to attend. He invited me to his home and took the time to get to know me as a young man and helped me choose based upon his knowledge of various higher learning institutions. An intelligent man who knew the value of higher education. Wish more people were like him. My condolences to the family. I am so thankful to have known Dr Van
Reese Cropper, III
September 10, 2014
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jack. I had the privilege to live under the roof of Jack and his wife Carolyn as an exchange student. During that time I got to know Jack as a kind person, who always had the well being of other people in mind. I will always have keep fond memories of him. My heart felt condolences go to his wife Carolyn and his family.
Lars Schulz
July 17, 2014
Our deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your beloved husband, Jack. May you and your family be comforted by the love and support of your family and friends. Steve & Regina Jacobs
April 23, 2014
To the Family of Dr. Van,
My condolences to you all. When I worked with him, during my tenure at the School District of the City of York, his utmost concern was that every student have their learning tools and his pride in the appearance of the buildings and grounds. He will be missed by so many.
Carol Smith - Moore
April 14, 2014
William H. Lockard
William H. Lockard
April 14, 2014
Dr. Van took great pride in driving his orange VW Beetle to lead the York High Alumni Band down the street! He was the best Superintendent.
April 13, 2014
To Carolyn and Family-
I am truly sorry to learn of Dr. Van 's passing. He was the most significant professional mentor in my life. I shall always recall his integrity, his kindness, and his commitment to the teaching and learning profession. Most of all I will treasure his friendship. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Glenn Burdick
April 12, 2014
One of the truly great men I had the pleasure working for at the School Dist. of York. He'll be missed.
April 12, 2014
Dr Van was the most caring and strongest advocate of education in York City. He had a positive influence on all that he touched with his unselfish service. I am a better person having known him.
April 12, 2014
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of this brilliant, quirky and kind man. He was a favorite of my mother's when she was on the school board and I enjoyed my interactions with him very much.
Emily Leader
April 11, 2014
Dr.Van has touched so many hearts and lives in his years of service in the YCSD. So many memorable moments will go unforgotten. Let the angels shout, "hip hip hooray!" RIP
Trish Weedon
April 11, 2014
My deepest sympathies to Carolyn and family for the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. Dr. Van was a gentle giant in our community and he will be sadly missed. Sincerely,
Mayor Kim Bracey
April 11, 2014
Was one of the best men I have ever worked for when in Portsmouth, VA. Will always remember him for the gentleman he was. My sincere condolences to the family.
Laura Burdick
April 10, 2014
My prayers go out to your family. He was one of my biggest influences in my teaching career. When I felt I couldn't accomplish something he was always there to help it happen. Thanks Dr. Van
Pat Byerly
April 10, 2014
Dear Carolyn and Family,
Our deepest condolences to you. We lost a dear Friend and Professional Mentor as did York. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time, God Bless you.
Greg & Marjorie Carkhuff
April 10, 2014
With deepest sympathy to Carolyn and the family. Dr. Van was a special friend. We will greatly miss him.
Sharon & Bill Askew
April 10, 2014
Dr. Van actually made it fun to go to school! Showed us how to have PRIDE in YCSD, something that is surely missing now. R.I.P. Dr. Van!!!
April 10, 2014
Thanks for making me a much better person today with all your help back then You were a friend who taught me how to be a young man instead of a young punk Thanks for being my friend R.I.P.
Terry Frederick
April 10, 2014
My condolences go to the VanNewkirk family sorry for your lost May God bless
Vincent Clayton
April 9, 2014
Dr Van was the best supporter of his students at York city schools! What a great legacy he will live behind...Thank you Dr Van Newkirk for always encouraging us to do our best! Hip, Hip.....Hooray!
Class of 1992
Sheri Bergman (Vaughn)
April 9, 2014
My sincere condolences. Dr. Van was well respected by all and was a terrific asset to the School District of the City of York.
Sue Keller (Bonita Springs, Florida)
April 9, 2014
Carolyn and family,
Know many hearts are with you in this time of sorrow, including those of numerous women pilots across the country and internationally. May all the memories and lives he touched help carry you forward. My condolences.
Denise
April 9, 2014
Dr. Van.
I am writing a paper today for a health psychology class. The subject is class autonomy, relatedness and competence. I write this paper for you. You always made each class proud of our accomplishments and made sure we knew we were one class part of a bigger team.. WE ARE!!! Love and respect to your family.
Kimberly Whalen
April 9, 2014
Dear Carolyn & family - I scanned my computer websites for the day - I'm so sorry to see that Jack passed away. I will forward a cc along to my Clark Family Reunion list. Sorry I cannot attend funeral, as am hopping around on Walker & Cane. Seems I have a Siatic Nerve problem in my right leg. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Much love, Cousin Indie & Mike
Indiana Shepp
April 9, 2014
Jack was the best for the longest. He had it all; management ability, devotion to education, love of students, ability to lead and communicate effectively. He was one of the best Superintendents ever anywhere. He was a good friend and a pleasure to work with. I will miss Jack. My deepest sympathies are extended to family and friends.
Bruce Campbell
April 9, 2014
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
April 9, 2014
Dr. Van will truly be missed.....I saw Dr. Van several times throughout the years since graduation and after twenty plus years he always remembered me and could call me by name. Dr. Van was invested in the students and we felt that in every hip hip hoorary!!! York City Schools and the students of York City were so very blessed to have Dr. Van Newkirk in our corner. My prayers are with the family.
Donyal Beattie
April 9, 2014
Dear Carolyn and family,
Jean and I offer our deepest condolences for your loss.
Dick & Jean Yoder
April 9, 2014
He was what made York City Schools great! He was also an inspiration to all of his students and knew every one of us by name. My condolences to the family on your loss. RIP Dr. Van.
Ben Lightner
April 9, 2014
My condolences to the family. He was a great man. He cared about the students as well as the staff. He will be missed. Praying for the family.
Bernadean Brabham
April 9, 2014
Sorry for your lost. God has a legend with him. Well done Dr. Van kirk. Well done. Prayers for the family.
A former Student
Kendrick
April 9, 2014
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Sue Spellman
April 9, 2014
Carolyn and family, I am so very sorry for your loss.
Adrian Smith
April 9, 2014
Dr. Van will be greatly missed. I was fortunate to work in the district while Dr. Van was Superintendent. Dr. Van always encouraged me to do my best and because of his encouragement I am where I am today. It still makes me smile with rumor that Dr. Van would only close school if his dog would not go out in the snow because it was to high. Dr. Van will always be remembered as the Man with big plans. The things he brought to the York City School District will never be forgotten. God bless your family. My prayers are with you all.
Fern Sardegna
April 9, 2014
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