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William Fitz-Gibbon Obituary
August 19, 1934 - July 30, 2012
With great sorrow, the family of William Fitz-Gibbon announces his death from complications of surgery on July 30, 2012, three weeks short of his 78th birthday. Mr. Fitz-Gibbon grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and in 1956 graduated with a bachelor's degree in geophysics from MIT. After a stint in the military, he taught math and physical sciences at secondary schools in Switzerland, England, and Arizona before moving to Los Angeles in 1964. He earned a masters degree in math and math education from UCLA, and in 1968 began a remarkable 34-year career as a teacher in the Los Angeles school district. In 1971 he created a program for highly gifted students at the junior high level. Housed at Walter Reed Junior High (now Walter Middle School), the Individualized Honors Program, known as IHP, drew students from the district at large. Mr. Fitz-Gibbon taught, among other subjects, AP Calculus, AP Physics, and AP Chemistry. Early in his teaching career, he developed a forward-looking interdisciplinary curriculum for the 7th grade introductory science class. Some students have said that this course, "From the big bang to DNA," inspired them to think about careers in science. It is true that a large number of his students have become scientists, engineers, computer engineers, physicians and science teachers, but he was equally proud of his many students who have excelled as professors in the humanities and in other professions. In addition to his classroom work, Mr. Fitz-Gibbon coached some of his best 7th and 8th grade math students for the annual national math competition called MathCounts. His students won numerous awards at the local, region and state levels, and on some occasions, at the national level as well. After his retirement in 2003, Mr. Fitz-Gibbon continued to coach the IHP math teams until he was beset by illness in 2011. Mr. Fitz-Gibbon is survived by his wife Deborah Bochner Kennel, his son Keir Fitz-Gibbon (Anna Bevan) of London and children Zack, Stella, Lucas and Alice, and by his daughter Sorel Fitz-Gibbon (David Paige) of Los Angeles and children Taylor, Eric and Emmie. He leaves a brother Paul Fitz-Gibbon of Rancho Santa Margarita, California, and sisters Susan Winton of Elmhurst, Illinois, Carol Showalter of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, and Jane McKenna of Redding, California, eleven nephews and nieces, and sixteen great-nephews and nieces. He is also survived by his former wife and mother of his children Carol Taylor Fitz-Gibbon. He will be missed by his step-son Matthew Bochner Kennel (Maria Winograd) of San Diego, step-daughter Sarah Kennel (John Maggs) of Washington DC and children Luca, Ariel and Talia. Details for a celebration of Bill's life will be posted at the below website after August 14. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made in his memory to Walter Reed IHP (http://www.reedfihp.org).
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Memories and Condolences
for William Fitz-Gibbon
Sponsored by Sorel Fitz-Gibbon.
A Anonymous
September 22, 2015
I know her grandaughter, Emmie Fitz-Gibbon, as well as William, and Emmie is just like her grandfather! Kind, generous, loving, the best person in the world.
Steve Cox
August 4, 2013
I was in the IHP in the early 80's; Fitz was the guy who could teach Modus Ponens off the top of his head with a pen and an overhead projector, but could not remember where he put his disks. He was the archetype of the highly intelligent, highly compassionate, absent-minded professor, and we all loved him for it. Godspeed, Fitz; You were the shaper of yesterday's brightest minds into today's most brilliant worldmakers.
Daniel Cohen
March 26, 2013
I was, as many were, the recipient of a lot of love and kindness from Fitz. He was truly one-of-a-kind. I cherish the memories of the time we shared together, when he drove me to school at Walter Reed, for three years. My condolences to Keir, Sorel, and the rest of the family.
Peter Noerdlinger
February 9, 2013
I had met Bill Fitz-Gibbon but knew his wife, Deborah Kennel a bit better, in the Los Angeles area. So sorry he is gone, Debbie. I ran into this item starting with Eugenio Calabi, under whom I worked on the creation of our air traffic control system in Boston in 1956. Calabi was a student or your father. Small world. Best regards: Peter Noerdlinger 303-484-8274
RiChiella Johnson
September 7, 2012
Fitz, you made science so much fun. You were always so full of engery and excited about the topics. I loved going to your classes! (Class of 1994)
Brian Diamond
August 18, 2012
"If it rains, the ground gets wet." You nourished us all with your boundless zeal, vision, tolerance, inspiration and determination. Mr. Fitz, you are a part of me always.
Rodger Dohm
August 18, 2012
As an educator myself I know the huge impact one can make on a person's education. William was truly an inspiration and blessing to the lives of so many students with dedication and results that few achieve. His impact on the profession not only has changed students' lives, but the lives of many others in the teaching profession by following his example. Thank you for all that you have done for kids!
Michael Mace
August 14, 2012
Our society honors people who accomplish conspicuous things -- acts of heroism, athletic excellence, the founding of big companies, and so on. But I wish we had a better way of recognizing people who work quietly to improve the lives of others around them. If we had that sort of award, Mr. Fitz would win it. He and Mr. Mertens and Mrs. Selsor improved my life immensely by challenging me, showing me what I could do, and introducing me to other kids who thought like me. They gave me a great start, and I am very grateful to them.
-Mike, IHP '75
Matthew Smith
August 13, 2012
Mr. Fitz-Gibbon was my homeroom teacher for his first two years at WRJHS in 1970-71. He was a special man and visionary teacher. Kind and accessible, he was a favorite teacher who encouraged my interests in science.
Steven Yoshizumi
August 8, 2012
The IHP class of 1981 remembers Fitz well. I personnally saw his dedication to his students and to learning in everything he did. I know my life was enriched by being one of his students.
Wendy Maples
August 8, 2012
Bill was such a kind man; seemingly distracted most of the time, he nevertheless managed to do just the right thing, encourage in just the right way and offer shelter for numerous lost souls. Often the world is divided into thinkers and doers. Bill was both -- the very best of both. We will miss him terribly.
Melanie Maxwell
August 7, 2012
Dear Fitz:
My heart has been heavy since I learned of your passing. Without your encouragement during one of the most difficult periods in my personal life, I could have easily become a statistic: a child of very modest means and a broken family, living in a bleak and less-than-challenging educational setting, ultimately lost to the world of drop-outs and addicts. Instead, I thrived under your care and that of Paul Mertens and Judi Lawson Selsor. You not only taught me math and science, but also important life skills that I continue to use to this day. May your family be comforted knowing how many young lives you not only touched, but also saved. Thank you from a grateful alumnus of the 1974 IHP class.
Jake Campbell
August 7, 2012
Your superior intellect was only matched by your saintly patience. You touched our lives by creating a safe place to learn and pushing us to be the best we could be. I am grateful everyday for the things I learned and the friends I made in the IHP. They have and will continue to serve me the rest of my days. My sincerest thanks on behalf of the entire IHP class of 1991.
Robert Pearson
August 7, 2012
After 35 years, it is perhaps easier to appreciate just how exceptional he was. Our hearts are so heavy with his loss, but lightened by the joy of his legacy. It is immeasureable! Thanks for all he has given from the class of '75
Bill Walter
August 6, 2012
Fitz was a singular teacher, and I'm honored to have been his student.
Lauren Woodland
August 6, 2012
I remember you teaching us logic on the overhead projector. You were an inspiring and compassionate teacher. I will never forget you. Thank you so much!
Robert Sarrow
August 6, 2012
They say that person's life can be measured by how many others it touches, and by that measure Fitz's life was an unparalleled success. He helped shaped the minds of generations of gifted students, launching them into careers of math and science, and taught them the important lesson of how to systematically tackle and solve a problem, in any facet of life. He also handled even the rowdiest of students with his signature calm demeanor. My eyes are filled with tears today knowing that he is no longer with us. I have such fond memories of the time I spent in his classroom. I will miss you Fitz. Thank you for everything.
Suzanne Ahart
August 6, 2012
Dear Fitz-Gibbon family,
My son was one of the very lucky young people who benefitted greatly from Fitz's guidance and tutelage at Walter Reed in the early 90's. That was a time when the 60's generation was parenting and schools were on a year round schedule that was accursed for teachers like Fitz. He had patience with the restlessness of youth and the inexperience of young parents. And, there was no limit in the amount of time he would give to others. He was especially encouraging of those many students who were not only capable of taking the ball and running with it, but who had the drive to accompany their abilities. My son has had a distinguished education and career already and I hope that somewhere Mr. Fitz-Gibbon is smiling his wry smile of approval. Our family will always remember him and be grateful for his presence in our lives. Our most heart-felt sympathy to you all. With fondest regards, SA
kelly oleary
August 6, 2012
The Fitz was one of the best teachers Ive ever had the pleasure of learning from. He was smart and dedicated teacher. My sincerest condolences to his family. XO
Sarah Lehrer-Graiwer
August 6, 2012
While I may have thought I appreciated the incredible and generously challenging education Fitz gave us at the time, it's only now that I can grasp the impact of his legacy through the inspiring example of his own life's path and labors.
August 6, 2012
Fitz, you no doubt jump started my education and opened incredible doors for my future. I don't know anyone else who would even attempt to teach seventh and eighth graders AP Physics and even calculus. Your dedication to teaching was unparalleled. Thanks to you I will always remember that no problem is insurmountable if you break it down and tackle it one piece at a time. Thanks for everything. -Lloyd Cuzzo, MD (IHP Class of 1998)
Josh Lehrer
August 6, 2012
I'll miss you Fitz- even if we seemed like a pack of wild things in your class, we were inspired and changed for the rest of our lives. You were truly a unique, selfless, and generous soul. Dedicated to us beyond reason.
August 5, 2012
Fitz was an amazing influence on generations of young students. The IHP program he developd with Mr Mertens and Mrs.Selsor was recognized as a model for the most challenging, innovative curriculum in the country for bright, talented students. He transformed lives by offering extraordinary possibilities for growth and exposure to new ways of thinking. My four children all benefitted from his commitment to excellence. Our gratitude for the inspired education he gave them is boundless. He created a living legacy in the lives he touched.
Shelah and Jonathan Lehrer-Graiwer
Terri (VicDomino) Anderson
August 5, 2012
Mr. Fitz-Gibbon, your influence lives on in your many students. Thank you for all you've given us.
August 5, 2012
I opted out of Fitz's classes midway through 7th grade but remember to this day his insistence that girls must think of themlseves as every bit as capable at math and science as boys. It was such an important message and particularly powerful when delivered by a man of his generation. His recognition of gender inequities and his determination to address them sticks with me to this day. To say that Fitz has left an indelible mark on so many is a gross understatement. My heart goes out to his family.
-Vicki Shabo (WR IHP '87)
Oliver Benjamin
August 5, 2012
Fitz, you were the best. Eric Olson and I even wrote a song about you. I'm sure I have it somewhere. Thanks for the inspiration and the kindness.
August 5, 2012
Fitz was such an important person in our son David's life. We will remember him forever. Rena & August Maymudes
Patti Eskander
August 4, 2012
I have such wonderful memories teaching with Bill at Walter Reed. He was a true scholar and friend. My condolences to Bill's family.
Lizanne Schader
August 3, 2012
Dear Mr. Fitz-Gibbon - your impact on my life continues every day. You will never be forgotten. Thank you for I.H.P. With love from the Walter Reed class of '74.
Dan Kamins
August 2, 2012
You will be missed, but the mark you left on the world will be forever, as the legions of children you inspired go on to make the world a brighter place. If it rains, the ground gets wet, and if the ground gets wet, the flowers grow. Thank you being who you were and for the significant role you played in my life.
Brunardot
August 2, 2012
Bill, I'm pleased that what remains will be among the celebrities . . . where you belong after a difficult lifetime struggle. Your brother.
August 2, 2012
I send my deepest sympathy to the family.Sincerely, Janet Chadwick
Rob and Nina Moore
July 31, 2012
To the family and friends of William M. Fitz-Gibbon,
Our deepest sympathies to you all and may you have comfort, hope and fond memories.
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