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David Jareckie Obituary

David S. Jareckie 1921 - 2008 BENNINGTON David Spelman Jareckie, 87, born at home in Madison, N.J., on Sept. 10, 1921, passed away Dec. 9, 2008, at his home in Benningtonthe same day as his father's death in 1974. A greater part of Dave's life, 37 years, was involved in a teaching career that he thoroughly enjoyed. A former colleague of Dave's, John Duval, aptly summed up how much Dave valued his profession, his students, and his colleagues in a tribute that he wrote for him at the time of his retirement: "If there was a Hall of Fame for teachers, this man would make it on the first ballot. As a beginning teacher at Bennington High School in September of 1965, I was, like all beginning teachers, at times confused, overwhelmed, and discouraged. It was David Jareckie who, in his own quiet, supportive way, took me under his wing and helped me become a teacher. It is a debt that I am sure I share with many other young men and women who have entered the profession. Dave was, and I am sure still is, a brilliant teach er, both technically and conceptually. He was always changing, always growing, always adapting, always eager to meet the needs of his students. David is a man of great personal courage and unquestionable integrity. I like to think that all men and women, given the opportunity to reflect, would endeavor to act during their time on earth in such a way as to make a contribution to the betterment of the human condition. Many of us often fall back from the challenge or fail in some small way. It takes guts, brains, vision, humility, compassion, and a clear sense of purpose to stay the course. Well done, David. You have made a difference." Dave received his early education in Madison, N.J. It took him six years to complete high school because of a learning disability. In the fall of 1941, feeling strongly that America would soon enter World War II, Dave enrolled at Norwich University. The military college, in Northfield, prepared Dave for service, and he was a member of the last horse cavalry unit at the University. Dave was eager to join the military and he purposely flunked out of Norwich and volunteered for the Army in May 1942. He was assigned to the Army Air Corps' 8th Air Force and served in England, Belgium, and France, where he worked as an aircraft instrument specialist mainly with B-17 bombers. In his spare time he helped fellow soldiers write love letters to send home to their sweethearts, and he spent days off in the homes of local people whom he had befriended. Dave was in Paris on leave when word got out that the War had ended and he had fond memories of taking part in the city's jubilation. Dave was discharged from the Air Force in October 1945. In January 1946, he used the GI Bill to return to Norwich University for a semester before transferring to the University of Vermont, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in Social Studies. Upon graduation, Dave went to Switzerland for two years where he attended Ecole Hoteliere to study cooking and hotelier in Lausanne. The rigorous classes were conducted in French and he spent his free time unwinding by hiking and skiing the Alps. During summer break, Dave went to Unterjoch, Germany, to lead a group of young people associated with the German Youth Camp in building a chalet in the Bavarian Alps. Dave felt that it was important to be involved in the rebuilding of Germany and to do his part to mend relationships with Germans after the War. It was this experience of working with young people that cemented Dave's interest in a career in education. Having his sights set on a career in education, Dave returned to the University of Vermont to earn his master's degree in Education, graduating in 1952. That same year he began his teaching career at Bradford Academy in Bradford. In 1954 Dave moved to Bennington to teach at "Benn Hi" and later at Mount Anthony Union High School. In 1956, Dave met Grace Jones, and the two were married at St. Peter's Church in 1957. Dave balanced his career with his growing family. During that time Dave's career sometimes took him outside the traditional classroom setting. His family (now including daughters, Ellen, Ann, and Wren) moved to Berkeley, Calif., in 1963 after Dave received a John Hay Fellowship to study Humanities at the University of California at Berkeley for one year. In 1966, through a Health Education and Welfare grant, he traveled to Ethiopia to study East African culture at Haile Selassie University, and he included travels to Kenya, Uganda, and Sudan. The following year, Dave received a grant through the Dept. of Education to lay the groundwork for a pilot program for high school students' participation in gaining insight into problems of developing nations. Dave and his family resided in Mexico for a year during the developmental stages of the program, when his son, David, was born. In the late '60's, Dave, Bob Howe, and John Duval brought MAU students to Atlapulco, Mexico, for several summers as part of the program to assist the villagers by teaching them English and developing a tourism industry based on mountain and rock climbing, hiking, and horseback riding. In the early '70s Dave worked with the Bennington Boys Program, an alternative program to foster students' self-development and education. The program offered physical challenges to develop students' confidence and courage. Following the Bennington Program, Dave returned to the traditional classroom setting at MAUHS until he retired from teaching in 1991. It was difficult for Dave to leave the profession for which he cared so deeply and only reluctantly decided it was time when he realized he was teaching the grandchildren of his first students in Bennington. For 51 years, Dave and Grace created a warm home filled with companionship, humor, and unwavering love and support for family and friends that extended to several international students from Japan, Malawi, and Russia. In between the academic periods Dave enjoyed summer breaks when he designed and built houses with friends, Ron VanOrden, Sandy Sumner, and Bob Howe. Dave and Grace worked side-by-side maintaining a large vegetable garden each year and intermittently raised farm animals. Dave had many other interests. Among them were spending time with his family, traveling, reading, politics, skiing, splitting firewood, hunting, and fishing. The simplicity of country life and the beauty of Vermont had appealed to Dave from the earliest days of his youth when his family spent their summers at Elmwood Farm in West Fairlee. The family's wonderful experience at the farm was attributed to the warm individuals who lived close to the land and led authentic and rewarding lives within the support of a small and close-knit community. Dave enjoyed physical activity and took great pride in running for health, pleasure, and competition. Dave kept running until the age of 79, when he was diagnosed with cancer and his exercise routine was replaced by walking until a stroke finally sidelined him this summer. Dave's tenacious and positive spirit and love of life will be deeply missed by those who knew him. Dave's warm charm always had a way of making everyone around him feel at ease. As a man of deep conviction, he followed his heart and stood up for causes he believed in. Dave's unceasing interest in people, history, and politics elicited many conversations over countless cups of coffee. Dave was profoundly happy upon supporting and witnessing the election of the first African American presidentit gave him hope that the country is on the right track. Dave leaves his wife Grace; daughters, Ellen of Shelburne, Ann of Bennington, Wren Sugarman of Medford, Mass,, and her husband, Jeff, and son, Jake; son, David of Bennington, and his partner, Sherry Schwarz; sister, Doris O. Honig of West Fairlee; brother, Stephen B. Jareckie of Worcester, Mass., and his wife, Gretchen, and many friends and family. Dave was predeceased by his parents, Eugene Albert and

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Published by Bennington Banner from Dec. 10 to Dec. 17, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for David Jareckie

Not sure what to say?





K. Walter Grom

January 3, 2009

Dear Grace and Family,
David's advice to a new teacher at MAU was that "you must survive, and use the point system with students in class." He was my greatest mentor. Life on his watch made many people better human beings. Thank you Dave.
My love to all of you.

Todd Cummings

December 22, 2008

Grace, David, Ellen, Anne and Wren,

Where do the years go... I just heard about Dave's passing and I wanted you all to know that Pam and I are thinking of you all.

I just read through all of the guest book entries and it brought a smile to face thinking of the positive ways that Dave touched so many people in his life including me.

He certainly had a big influence in my young life as a second father figure and one of my absolute favorite teachers.

I have many terrific and fun memories of all of you as my second family during my early years!

I have one particularly funny memory of Dave and maybe Bob Howe (or Rick or Bart maybe?) trying to pole vault over the pond at one of your summer parties!!
Hilarious to say the least.

I also remember David and I starting a campfire out in the marsh in winter because we were arctic explorers and needed warmth. We couldn't understand why big Dave came running frantically across the dry marsh waving his arms at us? As he came closer it became very apparent to us that perhaps a fire in the middle of a marsh in winter wasn't the best idea : )

I will always remember him fondly...

My love and hugs to all of you.

Todd

Gordon (Rip) Vail

December 22, 2008

To the Jareckie Family;

I knew Dave when our famikly lived across the street from the Jareckies in Madison, NJ. We moved to Bennington in 1941. Dave, in his college days used to visit my family and I know that I speak for my mother and father in expressing our grief. They loved Dave and truly enjoyed his visits.

Roger Schwarz

December 19, 2008

Dear Grace, Ellen, Anne, Wren, and David,
We are sincerely, profoundly touched by Dave's obituary and the many sympathy expressions all of which are wonderful and loving testimonies to the outstanding husband, father, friend, teacher, patriot, and human being Dave was! He was the epitome of the definition of "ManKind" and what "ManKind" should be more of in this troubled world. We truly admired his good natured conduct, strong character, wisdom, values, witty humor, total committment to family and real, wholesome other devotions. We always enjoyed the time spent with Dave and the redeeming value of his thoughts. Our heartfelt condolences and love to you! Linda & Roger

CraigR Reynolds

December 18, 2008

Grace and Family
This evening a friend sent me the
sad news about David. Although I did not take any classes with him at MAUHS , David gave me the opportunity for by far my most valuable learning experience in high school - the 69 and 70 trips to Atlapulco Mexico .It was an incredible experience that I still remember vividly today . His exuberance for fully experiencing life [ both ups and downs ] is how I remember him . He was a great guy , whose smile was like sunshine .

Kenneth Porter

December 18, 2008

Dear Grace and family,
It doesn't matter that he was born in NJ,for he was one of the best Vermonters Iv'e ever known. A stalwart, straightforward guy with the courage of his convictions. I'm proud to have known him during our teaching days together at Benhi.

Natalie Brown

December 18, 2008

Gretchen and Steve,
I am very sorry to learn about, David, your brother’s passing.
He accomplished so much in his life, which is something to be proud and memories never to be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Your cousin,
Jerry and Natalie (Kinsman) Brown.

Nancy Page

December 17, 2008

Grace and family,

Dave -- Mr. Jareckie when he tried to teach me Social Studies -- was an erascible, cheerful teacher. Stubbornly cheerful. When I became bored in school -- which was often -- I would just talk and participate in class WAY too often. When I took this chatterbox habit of personality to Dave's class, he was just delighted to have constant participation by me. !!!??!! I found this fascinating. I began to develop actual opinions on what he was teaching and trying hard to understand what one is studying in a "history" class. He had this wonderful, wonderful stubborn smile, no matter how much I chatted away, or no matter what else happened in class. You could just tell he was happy to be teaching and to be alive.

Grace and Dave were so in love that it deeply saddens me that they should be parted on this fallen Earth. I loved, absolutely loved, visiting their home as a child. I loved Dave's highly creative family life -- filled with new hobbies (the homemade yogurt), new activites (ice skating on the pond). How old was Dave when he built his first house? About the age when a lot of men are thinking about planning for retirement.

Adventuresome in mind and spirit, cheerful, and wonderfully gracious. In every sense of the word. And such a brave ending to his life on this earth.

I'm happy to know that I'll have an eternity to get reacquainted with the unique image of Christ imprinted by God into the creation of Dave Jarecki.

Grace, if there is *anything* you want or need, just give me a ring. If by Jan 24th you're in the mood for a party, know you're most welcome to stop on by at the wedding. I love you all bunches.

May the entire Jarecki family feel the power of all our prayers and receive sustaining grace each day.

Chuck Webster

December 17, 2008

Dear Jareckie Family,
I am saddened to read of Dave's passing. Although we taught in different buildings, I always considered Dave a mentor. He always had sage advice to offer. When we were on negotiation teams together over the years, his thoughtful wisdom helped smooth the rough spots. The education community has lost a true icon who touched many, many lives.

Peter Vail

December 17, 2008

As a former student, and now, after a career (at least partly) as an educator and trainer, I realize that people like David pass through our lives very infrequently. He was one of a kind. He unzipped my brain and made me think for myself, and helped me discover that there was something inside that was worth sharing. I'm pleased that I got to share with him my gratitude for that, many years later.

Martha Emery (Porter)

December 17, 2008

Grace and family -
My Dad told me this past weekend of Dave's passing. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Some of my best childhood memories involve the farm and the pond!

Craig Sweet

December 17, 2008

"Jareckie" was an original....a terrific teacher, a great, great human being...such a wonderful and inquisitive spirit...David made high school tolerable for many of us...my thoughts are with you all...

Linda Allard

December 17, 2008

Grace and family,
"Mr. Jareckie" as I knew him in my early years was my social studies teacher in high school. I came to know him as "Dave" as he entered into my adult world through my nursing proffession- what a great pleasure that turned out to be- for me at least. I had the pleasure of getting to know one of the wisest, interesting, gentlest, educators- humans beings for that matter, that I had ever met. As a " know it all" teenage student I could never have
really appretiated the depth and wisdom of this man. As an adult with a bit more wisdom under my belt, I am blessed to have had the opportunity to have gotten to know him as the great man he was. I will truly miss seeing him and conversing with him about things we both loved to talk about, from world affairs to his garden. He continued to teach me even in his 80's and I was wise enough to realize it. How blessed I am! Life is such a funny thing.
Grace, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Tony Krulikowski

December 17, 2008

Grace,
The world is a little less bright without Dave. He was truly a gentleman and a role model that taught me so much. I know he leaves so much behind for us all to remember, the old mountain goat! Much Love, Tony

Frank Sutton

December 17, 2008

Prayers go to the loving family of David. Over the many years of teaching with him I admired his steady professionalism and will always warmly remember Grace and the children. May the sun shine warm upon you all.

Julie Fortier

December 17, 2008

Dear Jareckie Family,
I'm sorry to hear about Mr. Jareckie. He was one of the best Social Studies teacher's that I had at MAU. He will be missed by all of his students.

Cecilia Crawford

December 17, 2008

I'm sorry to hear of Mr. Jareckie's passing. I remembered him well as a student at Mau, years ago. One of the most patient and understanding teachers I've ever had.

Jeannette Jones

December 17, 2008

Grace and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of your husband, and Dad. He will now be at peace after his many adventures in his and your life together. I have not seen you for a bit of time now. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Your neighbor down the road,
Jeannette Jones

Don Letizia

December 17, 2008

The Jarecki Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your many memories bring you comfort. It was indeed an honor to know David, not only as a faithful customer to Green Mtn Surplus, for many years, but, as a genuine, entertaining individual and man of integrity. We shall all miss him.

Janice Gilbert

December 17, 2008

I am writing to you to express my sympathy for the lost of David Jareckie.
Janice Kinsman Gilbert

Joyce Harrington

December 15, 2008

Dear Grace and family,
David's lessons and his example of lust for life have been with me all the years since I left Benhi. It was very important to me to visit with you both any time I had a chance, because you have both been a continuing inspiration for me to keep trying to be a better person. I know that he lived every minute to the fullest, and that you provided continual strength and support . My sincere condolences to you all.

Jeff Leake

December 15, 2008

Grace and family,
Sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I know he has impacted many lives within the community and he will be deeply missed. I was glad to spend time with him.

Kelly Hayes

December 13, 2008

Ann and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and family.

Judith Pennock

December 12, 2008

Dear Jareckie Family,

As a member of the education community in Bennington, I knew Dave in that context. I also knew him from my next job at Evans' News downtown. Soft-spoken and kind, he always saw the best in people, and that is a gift in itself. I also heard wonderful things about his teaching from students whose lives he touched, and from colleagues fortunate enough to work with him. So although you don't know me, I wanted to sign this guest book and offer my sincere condolences to you all at this time of sadness and loss.

Sincerely,

Susan Wiskoski

December 11, 2008

Dear Gracie

I am so sorry to read of Dave's death. I loved him and his quiet, joyful, eye-twinkling ways. He will be missed. I know all the times you shared and memories you have will help you in this difficult time. God bless. Lovingly, Sue Wiskoski

Yvonne Hyde

December 11, 2008

Dear Grace and family, I was so sad to hear of David's passing. He was one of my favorite patients. David and your entire family were wonderful to work with. May you be comforted by God and each other during this difficult time. With love, from Yvonne (physical therapist).

Mary Reczek

December 11, 2008

Grace and family - David was the anchor of the Social Studies Department for so many years. I admired his ability to think outside of the box. At our department meetings, he could be counted on to make observations and arguments that altered the way we saw issues. Dave was so genuine! His dedication to the our students and to the community should be a source of pride to his family.

Meg Pond

December 11, 2008

Dear Grace and Family,
I heard from Sarah vanRyckevorsel that Dave had died and I've been thinking of you all since then. My love and peace - Meg Pond

Wayne Baker

December 10, 2008

I am sorry to read of your loss.
David was also one of my favorite teachers in the late '50s in a class called Problems of American Democracy and "a coming of age class." It was when you two were first married. The kids in that class were outrageous, esp. the girls. They had him embarrassed all the time asking about what he would do in certain circumstances. He was so strait-laced and naive, he was a riot! He was not only a teacher but a mentor to many kids, more like a friend. I haven't seen him in about 15 years but I wondered from time to time what he was doing with himself after retirement. Whenever I see your daughter's mouse cards, I think of your family. I hope that your family is doing well and are healthy.

Jeanne Miller

December 10, 2008

I didn't have the honor of knowing David well, but what I did know, I admired. He was a man of incredible inner strength and had a verve for life that we should all be so lucky to have. You are all in my prayers. Please know that you now have a very powerful angel watching out for you..Love, Jeanne M. Miller

EVA HESS

December 10, 2008

Grace & family,
David was my favorite teacher in Bennington High School-but he was more than a teacher. He was a mentor and a true example of a compassionate, caring person. I respected his knowledge and wisdom and the guidance he gave me. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Denise Dean (Kelley)

December 10, 2008

My heart is with you all. I spent some wonderful times with this family as a child and and as a student. May the love I witnessed as a child help you thru this time.

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