NATHAN KOLODNEY

I didn't know Nate, but was going through old photos of my Dad's - Merwin Ellis - and found this. They were both born in 1927 so I'm guessing they were classmates.

Ellen: I remember you and the "wonderful" Mr. Kolodney from Van Buren HS. He was a fabulous teacher, always inspiring and bringing out the best in his students! His passion for writing and music was infectious. His intellect and humanity was impressive! I greatly enjoyed being part of his folk music club. He was a treasure... and will be emboldened in my memory!

It was just by chance that I googled Nat's name 2 days ago, and was greatly saddened to see that we lost him literally one year ago today. Nat was my boss and supervisor for my first job out of social work grad school, and I loved working with him. He excelled in so many areas-was so bright, an intellectual, so knowledgeable about....everything, had a great sense of humor, a wonderful ability to engage with everyone, was talented in language/communication, and music, and also exhibited...

Due to Mr. Kolodney's connection with the 92nd Street Y, the Van Buren Folk Music Club was able to put on a concert there. It was a great experience that I have never forgotten.

Mr, Kolodney (Mr. K) was the staff leader of the Folk Music Club at Martin Van Buren High School in the mid-1960s and he made it a wonderful experience for all of us who were members.

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Nathan and David tried to open up my naive and unchallenged eyes during the summer of '62 at Cornell. They were an exotic species from NY; I was a high school junior from Niagara Falls. I knew enough to know that they were going to be special men some day. I wish that I had been able to keep in touch. It would have been an honor to call Nathan a friend. My condolences for your great, unnecessary loss.