Gary Blankenburg

Gary was my 12th grade Honors English teacher and he introduced to a rich variety of the world's greatest literature--Shakespeare, Russian Literature and my favorite unit, "The Bible as Literature". I owe my appreciation of the rich variety of world literature to Gary's teaching. He treated his students more like college students than high school seniors. He will always be one of my two most memorable high school teachers (the other being Nick Grabner--my teacher for Chemistry and Advanced...

I can't remember what I shared in my first memory but I will say again Dr blankenburg was probably one of my favorite teachers. I always remember his laid-back attitude and of course the recliner in the classroom.

"poetry is harder than writing- rip Gary

Dear Jo and Family,

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Though I never had him as a teacher, I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the weekly poetry readings in his class. His magical touch resonates to this day through beautiful prose through friends, who were former students. Dr. B was such a legend.

Yen Edwards

former coworker
CHS Alumni

One of the best teachers I ever had. At the time he was the only teacher at Catonsville High with a doctorate so the principal wanted the students to call him “Dr. Blankenburg”. He told us all to just call him “Gary”. A low key guy with a larger than life impact on his students.

Always enjoyed your views on life in the simplicity of it all.

While sadly thinking of Gary’s passing, I smile when I think upon our “Childhood Kissing Cousin days! I do regret the years, miles and careers that unfortunately have a way of seperating us from our loved ones. My Aunt, Gary’s Mother was good to keep in touch, and how rightfully proud she was of her SON’ and the fine, brilliant, young man, he would become! Gary was truly a phenomenal teacher and mentor. It does our hearts good to hear how many friends and students prospered and enjoyed his...