David Roger "Doc" Munsick

December 10, 1949 - September 22, 2021

David Roger "Doc" Munsick Jr., beloved teacher, faithful friend, brilliant historian, knower of all sports information, and witty conversationalist on any and every subject, died on September 22, 2021, in an automobile accident in Albemarle County.

Born on December 10, 1949, Roger was the only child of David Roger Sr. and Elizabeth H. Munsick, both of whom preceded him in death, and grew up in his family home in Summit, New Jersey. He was a lifelong bachelor who dedicated his life to his students, colleagues and friends, and the study of history.

A 1968 graduate of The Pingry School, Basking Ridge, New Jersey, Roger went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Washington & Lee University in 1972 with honors in History. He then received the Masters of Arts in English History at the University of Virginia in 1975.

A devoted son, Roger cared for his widowed mother in New Jersey until her death in 1993.

In 1997 he completed his PhD in History from the University of Virginia. In the course of his academic career, Roger taught history at Randolph-Macon College, Mary Washington University, Davidson College, Northern Virginia Community College, and Piedmont Community College. Roger's academic awards include: The Elizabeth B. Garrett Scholarship in History, and The Ring-turn Phi Award, both from Washington & Lee, Phi Beta Kappa, Omicron Delta Kappa, and Sigma Delta Chi.

In 1999, Roger joined the faculty at The Covenant School and taught European History. During his tenure, he also served as The Department Chair of History. Juniors and Seniors at The Covenant School looked forward to the day "Doc" would deliver his presentation on Henry VIII to current sophomores. Past students crowded his doorway to see their esteemed teacher singing "I'm Henry VIII, I Am" at the end of his informative lecture. Always the gentleman, Dr. Munsick would address his students as Mr. or Miss in the classroom and would stand whenever a female colleague or student entered his classroom. A favorite to students at every winter pep rally, he was cheered by the entire student body while making free throws, lay ups, and the occasional 3 pointer in the competition. Roger always knew what sport and position each of his students played, and the next morning, after a game or match, could recite verbatim what plays happened at each sporting event.

In the last 24 years Roger became a well-loved figure serving as an interpreter at Ash Lawn-Highland, later James Monroe's Highland, in Albemarle County. Roger's thorough knowledge of history, keen wit, and abiding kindness were cherished by the Highland community. He often spoke of his friends at Highland with great affection.

A committed Christian and parishioner at First Presbyterian in Charlottesville, Va., Roger was a deeply private person, but those who knew him saw that he exhibited the fruit of the Spirit as explained by St. Paul, "love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Indeed, seldom will one find a person who exhibits these traits of a Godly life more so than did Roger.

Roger resided in Nelson County for the last two years, and will be sorely missed by a widespread community of friends and former students.

A memorial service to celebrate the amazing life of Roger Munsick will be held 3 p.m. Friday, December 10, 2021. This time to remember Roger will be held at his beloved James Monroe's Highland, 2050 James Monroe Parkway, Charlottesville, VA 22902. No flowers please.

For those who cannot attend, a website has been set up. https://rogermunsick.wordpress.com. This site will host a video of the Memorial Service after the event.

Byrum-Parr Funeral Home

Roseland, Va.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Progress on Dec. 6, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for David Munsick

10 Entries

Paul Maloney

April 29, 2022

I only recently learned of the passing of my dear friend Roger as his obituary appeared in the 1968 class notes of The Pingry School alumni magazine.

Roger and I first met at summer boys camp in NJ around 3rd grade. We became close friends through elementary and high school. Our mutual interest in Baseball and Pro Basketball were the subject of constant discussion. Roger joined my class at Pingry in eighth grade. Invariably, he was the smartest student in the room. After graduation, Roger attended W&L and I Lehigh. In 1972, he was Best Man at my wedding.
Distance separated us as I went to Detroit for law school and he studied in Va. Our contacts became more infrequent over the years. I deeply regret that.
Others have commented that Roger was a private person and indeed he was. A kinder man you will not meet. I never heard him say a bad word about anyone even in situations when the other person deserved it. He was a beautiful human being. I will always be proud to call him my friend. May he rest in peace.

Tyler Sawyer

February 28, 2022

It's never easy searching for someone with the intention of reconnecting- only to find out that they've passed. Doc Munsick was a treasure. I transferred into the Covenant School for the start of my 10th grade year and felt like a complete outsider. Having attended public school K-9, the culture shock was visceral. Doc was one of the first to make me feel normal in an unfamiliar place. I can still hear his voice calling out "Mr. Sawyer" and can remember the atmosphere of his classroom as though I'd left an hour ago (it's hard to believe its been 16 years since I sat in that seat). While Doc could be vague on matters not directly related to the course material, he had a keen perception and a preternatural ability to read people. Although his chosen nick-name for me- "Mr. 50s"- had me incredulous at the time, it's hard not to think about it each time I pick up a film camera, carburetor, or LP; he seemed to know me a decade before I knew myself. I have no doubt in my mind that I'm not the only one who experienced this- he really truly cared. I wish I would have tried to catch up sooner.

Doc, you are loved and will be missed.

lou tanner

December 13, 2021

A second comment but after attending the memorial service the other day, it is hard to brush from one's mind the countless things that were said. Roger's constant habit of saying 'thank you' seems to have been one of the grand themes of the day so I just have to turn it around. Eternally grateful, Roger, for the warm afterglow you left in so many lives and the deep and entirely good thumbprint you made on us all. It is you who should be thanked.

Tom Foley

December 12, 2021

Thanks to the more than 100 friends who gathered at The Highland on the 10th. A video of the service will be available as soon as possible. It will be available to view online. All further updates will be made on the webiste listed.

Frank J Squillace

December 12, 2021

Doc, it was a pleasure to get to know you, not only through wonderfully and uniquely teaching our children, but through the past few years that we personally shared together. Miss you already but heaven is rejoicing in your company. Peace my friend.

Cynthia Alling

December 10, 2021

Sending sympathy to Roger's friends and students....we worked as guides at Ashlawn-Highland in the early 2000's; and I was sorry to read about his accident and death in the Daily Progress....May he enjoy peace with all those who have gone before.....

Molly Barnes

December 6, 2021

Roger was a dear friend of my parents from their days as graduate students in history at UVA. When I was growing up in the '90s and 2000s, Roger was synonymous with Thanksgiving at our house - he would drive down to NC from Charlottesville and share the day with us, regaling us with stories, jokes, memories, and his endless well of knowledge about just about everything. We will miss him and we pray that he is at peace.

Steve

December 6, 2021

Doc, how I miss working with you, sharing a dinner at the Bonefish Grill, and exchanging sports trivia and other stories from New Jersey. RIP, my friend.

lou tanner

December 5, 2021

Roger was one of the best. No one who knew him could ever forget his eccentricity, his warmth, his enormous curiosity, his limitless knowledge of fascinating information. I envy any students who ever had him as a teacher. I will feel honored forever to have called him a friend.

Michelle

December 5, 2021

Oh Roger, you were a true-blue friend and a fabulously funny, brilliant, witty, weird, and kind human. I love you dearly and my life is better for having known you.

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