Irving-Koppel-Obituary

Irving Koppel

Durham, North Carolina

May 9, 1928 – Apr 27, 2025 (Age 96)

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BORN
May 9, 1928
DIED
April 27, 2025
AGE
96
LOCATION
Durham, North Carolina

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Educator & social justice activist Irving Koppel (age 96), died on Sunday, April 27 at Duke Hospice. He taught world history & French for 34 years primarily at Irvington High School in the Fremont, CA Unified School District. Additionally, Irving was an active member & organizer...

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Mr. Koppel was one of my favorite teachers. I babysat for the family many times.

Mr. Koppel was absolutely my favorite teacher at Irvington High School. He was kind, patient and had the unique ability to hold the attention of teenage students. I liked him so much that I asked to be his T.A.. He kindly said yes so I was fortunate to have two years with him. One memory that stands out is he got a little teary when teaching the Holocaust, he spoke very passionately about it and because of him my interest in that subject was born. The world could really use some Mr....

I had Mr Koppel for French in my freshman year at Irvington (1983-84). My sisters Kathy and Laura had him for history. I didn't pass his class, but he tried to help as best as he could. I have great and personal respect for him. And he was surprised that I was related to my sisters. A Fremont legend will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace Mr Koppel

From my yearbook, IHS class of 1985

Robin Fischer Kamp So sorry for your loss, I had him for government and he was such a great teacher! He was a teacher you never forgot.

Irv Koppel was a wonderful man and teacher. I remember his World History class fondly. Everyone I know had nothing but wonderful things to say about him. The planet and the world of teaching will not be the same without him.

Irv Koppel was *that* teacher, the one who let me get away with murder in his classroom (I never once took a final in his classes) but would not let me get away with shortcuts in life. One side-eye from him and I knew immediately that I was making a poor choice and he expected self-correction. Partly because of him, I became who I am today. I sent my kid to private school because he sent his kid to private school. There has never been a time when I set foot in any of the historical sites he...

I am very saddened by this news. Mr. Koppel was one of my favorite teachers at Irvington. He became a friend over the years exchanging letters when people still sent them through the mail. I remember U.S. History and World History with him, and his dry sense of humor and the great patience he had. I remember meeting up with him and his family when I lived in NY. I am so sorry for your loss, but please know he made quite an impact me. He will be missed.

Oh Mr Koppel! You were the best! I was one of your students. You asked me to babysit David and then later, Danielle. I remember when Mrs. Koppel came home from the hospital with Danielle and you asked me to come over and take care of David and help around the house. I was so honored. You knew when things weren´t right for me, when my parents split up, and you had a "fatherly" talk with me, you were so kind. You were a wonderful teacher, a funny, kind and caring human being. To the Koppel...