Joseph T. Ghegan

I'm terribly sorry to have learned a few days ago of Mr. Ghegan's passing. I will never, ever forget what a wonderful, inspiring teacher he was. His classes were simply like none other. His attitude and approach to chemistry, to say nothing of his sense of humor, made his classes the one I looked forward to more than any others. In my freshman year in college I had to drop my chemistry class because it simply did not even come close to matching Mr. Ghegan's. I too, like someone who wrote...

My condolences to the Ghegan family.

You surely already knew how many students Mr. Ghegan inspired, and are being reminded of that now.

Let me add to that (I graduated CHS in 1982).

Mr. Ghegan expected the best of us, expected us to excel, and led us to discover the joy of learning.

He inspired me to work in the formulations lab of a major pharmaceutical company during my summers in college. And later to get a Ph.D. (albeit, in economics) and teach at NYU,...

I was very sad to hear of Mr. Ghegan's passing. He was truly one of the great teachers at Columbia High School. He connected with his students in a way few teachers do and made chemistry class something you looked forward to. He will be missed.

I was very sad to hear about Mr. Ghegan's passing (my sister and I both had him in the 80's). I did not end up with a science background but Mr. Ghegan was one of the most inspiring teachers I have ever had. At a trivia game just this past weekend I was able, without hesitation, to reel off his mnemonic on the first elements of the periodic table (Helibebcanoffnenamagalsipschlorine -
H He Li Be B C N O F Ne Na Mg Al Si P S Cl). I had a smile thinking about him while I said it.

Mr. Ghegan was my favorite teacher of all time. We did not have a text book for the class...he asked the questions to get us to think and discover... He will never be forgotten CHS class of 1965

Mr. Ghegan was one of my favorite teachers. He truly enjoyed his subject and his students. I have great memories of my high school chemistry class. My son is in 8th grade and has been coming home this fall excited about the science experiments he is doing in school. I have been sharing stories from my chemistry class in return - all the great experiments and, of course, the supersized beaker filled with candy for when we watched movies.

I am sad knowing that such a wonderful man is...

Mr. Ghegan was my favorite teacher. He influenced me to become a chemist. My sympathies go out to his family.
Al Bauer
CHS class of 1973

Joe will always be remembered for his caring and concern for his students and his neighbors. My deepest sympathies to you and your family in this time of great sorrow.

Joe was a wonderful colleague to me and a beloved teacher for both my daughters. The world has lost a special person.