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Irving Kizner
1930 - 2016
Irving Kizner
1930 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1930
DIED
2016
Irving Kizner Obituary
Arrangements under direction of Boulevard-Riverside Chapels
A chapel service will be held at 12PM on Sunday, August 21, 2016 with interment following at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery in Glendale, New York
If you have any questions or need assistance please feel free to call the chapel at 516-295-3100
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Vicki Rosenzweig
June 23, 2024
He taught me Greek when I was in high school, in the late 1970s: I happened to be with some of my friends from his Latin class when he asked "who's taking Greek?" I impulsively said I was, so he asked my name, and added me to the group.
That was two years of Greek, not for credit, at Hunter High School, and then senior year he sent me over to the college, where I made my way through a little of Homer.
[I happened to think of him today, googled for his name, and found this page.]
Ina Karen Bendis
January 14, 2024
I'll share here with others who miss you what I shared with you in our interactions, that though my Latin translation skills were at-best mediocre when I took your class at Hunter from 1964 through 1968, you will always hold "best and most beloved" teacher Place In My Heart. Thanks for contributing to my life.
February 11, 2018
Dear Mr. Kizner,
I wish I had gotten to know you better. As a member of the class of 1972 I will always hold your memory dear to me and reflect upon the influence you had upon our collective thinking...
Linda Wallach '72
Helen Scott
July 17, 2017
One of the best teachers I've ever known. He passed his love of Latin to so many, and his patience with me and the others in Latin 1 put me on a path to my major.
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Allon Percus
January 8, 2017
Kiznerisms get passed on from generation to generation. My kids must have learned at least a dozen Kizner stories and jokes from me, and it wouldn't surprise me if I've unconsciously passed along another dozen to my students.
Here's one of my daughter's favorites. Every once in a while, Mr. Kizner used to open a closet door in the classroom and say: "Oh, look! There's a student from last year in the closet!" My brother had been in Mr. Kizner's class the year before me, and so one day - yes, you can see this coming - we decided to play a little joke. But we thought it would be even more hilarious if Mr. Kizner was in on it, and so we convinced him to participate. Before any of the students showed up to class, my brother hid in the closet. About five minutes into the class, Mr. Kizner told us: "You know how I sometimes say that there's a student from last year in the closet? Well let's see if he's still there." He went to the closet door, opened it, and my brother marched out to a sea of astonished faces in the classroom!
As many of you know, Mr. Kizner had a compulsive habit of retiring from one place, only to be found subsequently teaching at another place. He retired from Hunter High, and then reemerged at Spence. He must have retired from Spence at some point, and yet I found him teaching an intensive summer course at Hunter College. So I'm really not at all convinced that he has retired this time either. In fact, I'm fairly sure he'll turn up somewhere in a classroom again. (Preferably not in a closet.)
Speaking of the intensive summer course at Hunter College...one summer he agreed to let me sit in on it so that I could brush up on my Latin. Some of you may remember the little poems Mr. Kizner used to write on the board to pass the time while he was giving us a quiz or exam. One of his more famous ones was:
Many students come to Manhattan
For the purpose of studying Latin.
Why, you ask,
Do they perform this task?
Because of the toga you don't look fat in.
So I felt the need to respond with one of my own:
An intensive course given in Latin
Is not a good place to get fat in.
So, should I grow immense,
I'll reply in defense:
It's a course on which I only sat in.
A booming voice must surely be calling somewhere: KIZNER! GET BACK HERE AT ONCE!
December 6, 2016
Mr. Kizner's smiling presence, wit and genuine caring were like a cool drink in the summer. He didn't know me well, but when he called me "RP" one day, I became a fan for life.
- Robin Peress
Judy Klotz
November 25, 2016
My lifelong exploration of Hellenic civilization and world mythology grew from Mr. Kizner's teaching and inspiration...this must surely be true of countless other students as well. I am terribly stricken in learning now of his passing. He brought great joy to my years at Hunter High and I still sing in my mind the Class of 1964 song dedicated to him.
Rosemary Hoffman
October 24, 2016
Mr. Kizner's Mythology class, was probably the most fun I ever had at HCHS. Reading these comments, I am so jealous of those who were in his Latin classes!
More to the point, 55 years later, I remember the ending of a song from our class' 1961 Senior Play, sung to Gaudeamus igitur.
"...and we say this because it's true,
Mr. Kizner, we love you."
Sabine Globig
October 13, 2016
I was saddened to learn of Mr. Kizner's passing; he was one of my most memorable teachers, and I still tell stories about his mythology class to my college students, almost 50 years later! He inspired me in many ways, and started my lifelong interest in Greek mythology and comparative religion. His classes were among the most popular at Hunter HS, and he was one of the most beloved teachers there. The world has lost a great and influential person - my condolences to his family, friends, and other former students. Sabine Globig, HCHS'67
Arlene Gibson
October 11, 2016
When I first came to Spence, Irv took me in hand and explained so much of what made the school the very special place it was. His was the class every girl wanted to take. He was the teacher who gave us his lunch hour for any student who wanted to add
Greek to her knowledge base.
What a gifted teacher and what an honorable man. It was a gift to be able to work with him.
AHelen Greene Stand
October 2, 2016
I will always remember Mr. Kizner as a unique and wonderful teacher and adviser at HCHS- not just of Latin but also Greek and Mythology. He Cared about his students. He loved "the Ancients". He gave good advice. His help is with me as a translator, and in learning other languages, in travels, with my young. His sense of humor helped in his teaching. He above all others made Hunter a special place. I condole with his family with my whole heart. Anne Helen Greene '67 in/for EU land 41 years.
Toby Wedeen Falk
September 21, 2016
A wonderful teacher. You made hic, haec, hoc fun.
We will always remember you fondly.
Helene Williams-Spierman
September 16, 2016
Loving messages from so many lives that Irving touched! I was in his Latin class in the 4-language sequence in 7th and 8th Grades at HCHS. And of course I took Mythology with him. But I got to know him after we graduated and he attended reunions. I sat at a luncheon table with him and asked questions about other teachers! Quite a discussion.... He was a treasure. HCHS '61
Patricia Youle Schoedel
September 16, 2016
We love you - one of the best and most memorable teachers I ever had. Hunter HS class of 1964
Central Park 1959.
Barbara Gary
September 16, 2016
Victoria Olsen
September 15, 2016
Mr. Kizner has already had a long and marvelous afterlife-- I've thought about him so often in the nearly 35 years since I graduated from HCHS. He was an inspiring teacher who made Latin fun and made everyone in his class feel special. His love of the classics sparked my love of literature and history but clearly the tributes here are less about his influence on any one of us than his influence on all of us, mirabile dictu.
.-- Victoria Olsen, HCHS 82
September 15, 2016
Mr. Kizner was one of the highlights of my Hunter years. I learned so much in his Latin class which helped not only in SATs but in life. He was definitely an outstanding teacher and role model whom I thought of often in later years.
Elizabeth Schiff Banco (Hartford, CT)
Rhoda Kullar
September 15, 2016
"Almost every day at Hunter I would come home with a Mr. Kizner story. He was an outstanding teacher, and his humor and artful teaching methods made learning a dead language fun. It's impossible to think of Hunter without thinking about Mr. Kizner, my all-time favorite teacher. He was a special soul, and I will never forget him."
Rhoda Kullar, HCHS 1964
ina gravitz
September 15, 2016
Mr. Kizner was my class' adviser at Hunter College High School. He understood my need to graduate early better than I did, and was instrumental in enabling me to do so. Thank you Mr. Kizner for all you did.
Barbara Gary
September 15, 2016
Irving Kizner was the most wonderful and inspiring teacher ever. How could anyone think of Latin as a dead language after attending his classes? Latin, Greek,and Mythology came alive for us because of him...A Funny Thing, Ben Hur,Saturnalia Fests with our Classical Club in our 7th floor gym was where we put the T in Toga and they were all due to his creativity. Irving Kizner and his colleague Jack McNeil were beloved by us at HCHS and have been remembered fondly throughout the years. To be exposed to their wit and passion for teaching which they shared with us during our six years there was something to be ever grateful and thankful for. RIP beloved teachers!
Barbara Gary'65. Lesvos, Greece
Doug H
September 15, 2016
Mr. Kizner was the single most influential teacher I ever had. I didn't want to take Latin - that was my parents' decision. Until, that is, the first day of class (which I remember to this day). His sense of humor was unmatched by most professional comedians, his warmth was nearly indescribable, and he made me want to learn things I never thought I'd be interested in. I never had another teacher like him, and I doubt there will ever be one. Although he will be sorely missed, I have no doubt he's now got a whole new audience rolling in the aisles the same way he cracked us up every day (in class and out).
Vannie Sung
September 8, 2016
Mr. Kizner was not only a wonderful Latin teacher but an ever cheerful person. As a shy, awkward girl in my first year at Spence, he was one of the few teachers who I felt such at ease around to speak in class. I used to just go to class at least 10 minutes before after lunch just to talk to him. I'll miss his jokes, his humming, his shirt and tie- and am so very lucky to have known him for those 3 years in middle school.
James Dawson
September 8, 2016
In my many years at Spence, Irving was one of those individuals who had the remarkable ability to touch hearts, to move mountains, to instill hope, to make us laugh, to hold us spellbound, and to change us in a powerfully good way such that we were better people. Having known him, he passed along an energy such that we would become something more than we had been and thus never the same as before he entered the story of our lives. Thank you, Irving, for all you did for us and for the innumerable young people entrusted to your care. Rest in peace, my friend.
Dianne Martin
September 7, 2016
So many wonderful memories. Irving and I were friends from the time he arrived at Spence until my retirement in 2004. We shared the hosting and chaperoning (that part was at times hilarious!) of a trip to Italy for art history, Latin and classics students at Spence. What a wonderful experience to have Irving's wisdom and great unflappable good humor for about two weeks. We also shared the sometimes dubious distinction of being the departtment head representatives for some long early morning (7:00 am) meetings to hammer out a faculty evaluation system. Irving , of course was already at school at 7:00, having, I think, a special key to get there at who knows what early hour. Working with him on that committee put me in awe of his wisdom, knowledge and ability to negotiate using skill, smarts, and humor. And this long career at Spence was a "second career" for him after his previous teaching job. One can see here and on Facebook just a sampling of all the lives he touched. Irving, we miss you!
Mary Frosch
September 7, 2016
I co-taught a Philosophy course with Irving at Spence during many of the years that he was there. I also got to see him in action as a college advisor--the last of the great ones who could pick up the phone and persuade an admissions officer to give a candidate a second look (with the strong innuendo that said admissions officer would be a total idiot if she or he did not share Irving's opinion--an attitude he shared with colleagues and students, too, "by the way"--as he would say). He was a complete character who always tried his best to encourage all students, not just the swift of mind or slick ones, without losing his integrity--he always knew who lacked depth and who was not doing a speck of work. Though we didn't always see eye to eye, I will miss him being in the world. May he rest in his resting place in peace.
Amy Richards
September 7, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of Irving's passing. I have such fond memories of sitting in on his classes and observing his skillful, funny and enlightening lessons. His love of both his students and the material always shone through!
Julia Paterson
September 7, 2016
So many good memories. It was always a special day when you were luckly enough to have Irving join at your lunch table. Not only a great teacher but special person in every way.
Stephanie Hansen
September 7, 2016
I was so grateful to have Mr. Kizner during my high school years. He was an inspirational man who challenged his students to grow. It was a privilege to know him. My deepest sympathies to his daughters. May his memory be eternal!
Hanna Dameron
September 7, 2016
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Kizner's passing. I remember most his love of books, admonishing us never to highlight or write in them to respect the knowledge that they contain. He was a great educator and always a smiling presence in the Spence halls. Condolences, Hanna Lundqvist Dameron, Spence Class of 2004
September 7, 2016
Irving Kizner was one of the great teachers at Spence School. I remember the day we met in early 1980's when it took me about five minutes ,at most, to offer him the position of Classics teacher. I consider that to be one of the best decisions I made as Head of School. . He touched the lives of countless students and teachers with his goodness and wise perspective . He will be missed.
Edes Gilbert
Liz Falk
September 7, 2016
Mr. Kizner was one of my all time favorite teachers. His sense of humor, his keen mind, and his encouragement, his love of teaching will always remain with me. I am so thankful to have known him and even more thankful for the impact that he had on my love of learning.
Carol Reiman
August 30, 2016
Mr. Kizner always spoke of his daughters during the time I was his student as well as this past year. He was proud and appreciative, telling of them and their spouses and children and how well they took care of him. One of my favorite stories is how he told a daughter that he knew so much about Roman times because he had been a general in the Roman army (which didn't go over too well with her teacher). He told of his parents' support, how he met and courted his wife, how he became "the baby" at the Wingate breakfast table of his cohort of friends. He seemed to feel an amazed humility at how things had happened to him in life, and he always asked after others and their families.
Helen Feingold Friedman
August 29, 2016
Irving Kizner will long be remembered as a respected teacher and colleague. He made Latin come alive. I am sure many of my classmates can still recite from memory...and with feeling...the opening lines of Cicero's 1st Cataline Oration:
"Quo usque tandem abutere, Catilina, patientia nostra? quam diu etiam furor iste tuus nos eludet? quem ad finem sese effrenata iactabit audacia? Nihilne te nocturnum praesidium Palati, nihil urbis vigiliae, nihil timor populi, nihil concursus bonorum omnium, nihil hic munitissimus habendi senatus locus, nihil horum ora voltusque moverunt?"
It was empowering to learn from the ever-dramatic Mr. Kizner about praeteritio and other Ciceronian rhetorical devices. I have thought of Mr. Kizner with gratitude and a smile, especially when evaluating political speeches over lo these many decades.
With deepest sympathy to all who mourn the loss of Mr. Kizner, Helen Finegold Friedman, HCHS ' 63
Carol Reiman
August 29, 2016
May his family and friends be comforted. A remarkable man who shared his memories with me recently in Needham. I was delighted to reconnect with him after having had him as a Latin teacher in the 1960s in New York. Always kind, with a quirky sense of humor. He kept an eye on the comings and goings as we talked in the lobby in Needham; he seemed to know everyone and elicit a smile and greeting from most. He will be missed.
Lauren Buxbaum - Kacir
August 27, 2016
Mr. Kizner reinforced my preference to approach learning with humor and creativity. He also epitomized the commitment our teachers displayed toward us Hunter students. I have never forgotten monstrum nostrum who would read apples and eat books.
You will live on in my memory and in that of every student in your classes.
David Robison
August 26, 2016
Mr. Kizner was certainly one of my favorite teachers at HCHS. In addition to his humor and positive, fun approach to Latin, he also showed such kindness and empathy. Even when students were having deep troubles and having difficulty in his class, he showed his caring.
Margreth Schmitt
August 26, 2016
Mr. Kizner taught my 8th grade Latin class; those were the days when we 'studied' 4 languages in 2 years. The smattering of Latin I learned was nothing compared to what I learned of the English language and credit my NYT crossword skills today to him as well. All I know today of mythology, I learned that semester too. In the spring of that year he was conscripted to teach German as well, clearly not his choice. When I protested that the class was more Yiddish than German, he ultimately relented and the class became a study hall.
My condolences to his loved ones,
Marge (Deissenberger) Schmitt, '61
Pat Loudis
August 25, 2016
Thank you Mr. Kizner for your wonderful lessons for life.
Alison Ozer '71
August 25, 2016
Mr. Kizner was significant in influencing me during my time at Hunter both as a Latin teacher and an advisor. He was warm, engaging, fun, and funny. He loved to tease me about my outfits, especially my berets, affectionately, and never in a mocking way. I felt seen and heard in his classes. I will never forget us reading the Iliad and Odyssey (or attempting to). Condolences to his family and close friends.
Liz Bumgarner
August 25, 2016
What a wonderful person and teacher. He surely had an important influence on all Hunter girls with his insistence on and appreciation of intelligent women. Mr. Kizner's Latin classes opened everlasting interest in history and English and taught us how to write correctly. Requiem in Pace Mr. Kizner. Blessings and condolences to his family, Betsy Carey (Liz Bumgarner)
August 25, 2016
Rest in peace. dear Mr. Kizner. You helped me get through a difficult time with your kindness, wit and overall menschlichtkeit (if that's not a word, it should be..).
My sympathy goes out to your family. They are lucky to have had you.
Vivian Rosenberg, Santa Monica CA
HCHS '63
Carolyn Cohen
August 25, 2016
Mr. Kizner was one of the most remarkable people I've met and was one of my most memorable teachers. Along with everyone who knew him, I loved his gentle sense of humor. Surely we all remember his classic early Latin lessons when he wrote the word "macron" on the board and then slyly altered it by inserting another 'a' and another 'o'. Mr. Kizner sparked my love of languages, the NYT crossword, and later on my mastery of botanical Latin. He was one of a kind. Carolyn Habib Cohen, Class of 1961
Rhoda Rothenberg Ferat
August 25, 2016
Irving Kizner not only taught my favorite course ever, Mythology, not only was our class advisor, but was truly an inspiration to me and all who knew him. His intelligence, great sense of humor and caring was felt by us lucky Hunter girls who interacted with him. His memory will live in the better people we became because of knowing him.
Sheera Stern
August 25, 2016
Mr. Kizner was my inspiration for what a teacher can be and for what it means to live a life of open inquiry. He was also the steadying influence in my life during adolescence. I think of him often in adulthood. My condolences to his daughters, especially L9ur9 and Nina, and their families.
Mark Nadel
August 25, 2016
Irving was my role model, my mentor and my good friend. He was warm, funny and smart. And a wonderful, exemplary teacher. I fondly remember him teaching me (and a few other colleagues) Latin during lunch period once a week. During those sessions, we were able to get an idea of how special it was to be one of his students. I will miss him and always remember him. My condolences to his daughters and their families.
Marilyn Hersey
August 24, 2016
My four years of studying Latin at Hunter with this amazing man had much to do with my lifelong love of language, as well as an insatiable curiosity about the history of western civilization. His use of humor (anyone remember the picusnicus where we drank cokum colum?) brought a supposedly dead language to vibrant life. And I clearly credit Dr. Kizner with giving me the gifts which even today enable me to complete the NYT Sunday crossword. I mourn his passing and expect he is celebrating a life well lived with a host of Roman deities!
August 24, 2016
Mr. Kizner was a gifted, funny, human teacher and guidance counselor. Those of us lucky enough to have been at Hunter while he was teaching there will remember him with warmth, affection, and deep appreciation. Bea Lorge Rogers, '64
Joy Hecht
August 24, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear that Irving Kizner has passed on. Such a good and caring teacher. 8:00 a.m. through my ICY year (1973-4) I met with him in his office to read Virgil and Ovid and whoever else, I can't remember. But for some reason I wanted to learn more Latin and he was happy to have a student interested enough to come in early to do it - maybe we were both lucky. Thank you Irving Kizner, RIP.
August 24, 2016
I had to go to summer school at Erasmus Hall HS to advance a year in French in order to make my senior year schedule work to include 4th year Latin and Mythology with Mr. Kizner. I never gave it a second thought even though Latin was my lowest graded subject. He gave me special projects to pull up my grade, and I had had the pleasure of spending 2 periods a day being taught by him. My condolences to his family on their loss. Linda Wohlhorn Simard HCHS '67
Deborah Kahn
August 24, 2016
Irving Kizner was not one of my favorite teachers at HCHS - he was my absolute favorite. His warmth, intelligence, kindness and generosity of spirit meant the world to me, and he will live forever in my mind's eye. May his memory be for a blessing. Deborah B. Kahn - Class of 1975 (New York, NY)
Leonore Tiefer '61
August 24, 2016
The HCHS Class of 1961 was so fortunate to have Mr. Kizner as our teacher and advisor. We stayed in touch with him for decades and never failed to thank him and tell him we loved him. We grieve with his family and the larger Hunter family for one of its most cherished figures.
Susan Fuhrman
August 24, 2016
Irving Kizner is one of the best teachers I ever had. He made me love Latin. As a result, I made sure my sons took it.. Now that studying and understanding good teaching is part of my professional life, I appreciate even more his approach to challenging students while engaging them.
August 24, 2016
Mr. Kizner was an inspiration to me for how to teach, and I strive to live up to his model. As smart as he was energetic, always smiling, he gave me a lifelong love of languages.
I am glad I got to see him at the end of his life, when he was just as witty as ever.
Nancy Sorkin Rabinowitz ('63)
Susan Gerbi-McIlwain
August 24, 2016
Mr. Kizner was a terrific teacher. Not only did I learn Latin in his class, but also I learned English grammar. He was so dynamic, and my rave reviews of his classes led my mother to ask if she could also do the assigned readings. He was happy to have her as an additional pupil. He was one of the memorable highlights of my years at HCHS.
Marge Goldsmith '61
August 24, 2016
Irv Kizner was a great guy.! He was a spectacular teacher, combining his intense knowledge of the classics with humor and enthusiasm in the classroom. I think I was in his first class at Hunter and he was amazing . His good natured teasing made every student feel important and included. In my teaching career, I tried to emulate many of his ways. When I first started teaching at Hunter he welcomed me back as a colleague, I learned even more in that role. He was a true faculty leader; informed and understanding of the needs of the students. He was a rational voice during some contentious times. Before he moved to MA, he attended several Reunions, invited by 50th year classes. Fifty years later he was surrounded by students transfixed by his conversation and stories. I'll remember him always. My condolences to his wonderful daughters and their families.
Rest in peace Irv..
Joyce Goodwin McLaren
August 24, 2016
Irving Kisner was a wonderful, memorable teacher. I still tell friends about his reading of "Winnie Ille Pooh" 55 years after graduating HCHS. My condolences to his family; he was a very special man.
Sharon Klayman Farber
August 24, 2016
Irving Kizner was one of my favorie teachers at Hunter.His warmth, humor, and empathy will always be remembered.
Mary Tibbetts '71
August 23, 2016
What a wonderful teacher Irving Kizner was! Nearly 50 years later, I still think about the tour de force that was Irving Kizner. Whether emoting on Roman culture (naive tourists in ancient Rome waving their wallets), silly classical references in modern Grade B beach blanket movies ("Quissem Ubet Ve Quissem!" on top of a college cornice), a spontaneous rendition of Hiawatha ("By the shores of Gitchee Gumee"), etcetera, etcetera, it was exciting to be in Latin class. His kind-hearted teasing, his love of the rhythm of language & relish for life's idioms made Latin come alive & his classroom the best place to be. I am sorry that I did not tell him personally how much his class meant to me. He lives on in the memories of the many Hunter students that he touched. Many thanks, Mr. Kizner!
Virginia Manuel
August 23, 2016
Humor. Wit. Compassion. A wonderful teacher of the classics, and also a very inspiring guidance counselor who walked me through the college admission process. Mr. Kizner will be greatly missed but he made a difference!
Susan Burk
August 23, 2016
It was a privilege and a pleasure to learn Latin from Mr. Kizner so many years ago. His ideas and his sheer enjoyment of life made an impression on all of his students. The way he taught -- with knowledge and insight and especially laughter -- made him a role model for me. May his memory always be a blessing for all his family and also for everyone who was lucky enough to to learn from him. Susan Pincus Burk '63
August 23, 2016
It was a pleasure and a privilege to learn Latin from Mr. Kizner so many years ago, and it was a pleasure and a privilege to be able to visit with him during the past year and to continue to learn from him. His ideas and joy in living will continue live on in those of us who were lucky enough to have him as a teacher. May his memory always be a blessing for his family and for all of us whose lives he touched.
Susan Pincus Burk '63
Josephine Polizzi Mahaney
August 23, 2016
Our condolences to the family that mourns . Please know Mr Kizner helped us learn life's lesson by always. smiling and being kind, never condescending. We certainly gave him reason to laugh but it was always with us, not at us. God's grace on the memories of a good man.
Ronnie Ancona
August 23, 2016
We all adored Mr. Kizner at HCHS! So fun and funny, great teacher, great heart. For my class (1968), he and Mrs. Morello were our guiding mentors. I took Myth with him, but no Latin, as I chose Spanish for high school. What a treat when in my 30s, having become a classicist, I got a job teaching Classics at Hunter College (where I still teach) and he and I became colleagues! I just shared the sad news with my colleagues there.
Helga [Teddie] Shiva
August 23, 2016
My deepest sympathies to Mr. Kizner`s loved ones. He was a tremendously compassionate and understanding man and an incredible teacher. I will always remember him fondly.
Rachel Perkel
August 23, 2016
Mr. Kizner was an incredible teacher. He touched my life and that of so many others. I will always remember him with tremendous affection and admiration.
August 23, 2016
Mr Kizner,
Haec et olim memenisse juvabit.
You are fondly remembered as a shining light of my Hunter years.
You made Latin and ancient history fun and fascinating. You were kind and unconditionally generous and supportive. Your passion and joy for Latin and history was instilled in so many of your students... Isn't that what great teaching is all about?
Roseann Eppolito Needleman - class of '67
Amy (Gluck) Eberhardt
August 23, 2016
Mr. Kizner was my favorite teacher at HCHS, and one of the best teachers of my life. A very kind and funny man. May his memory be for a blessing!
Richard Vehlow
August 23, 2016
He was perhaps my favorite HCHS teacher that I never actually had. He was chair of the foreign languages department in the 1980s, when I was involved in the German exchange program in 1984-85. he knew who I was and I him, and he seemed to be a kindly uncle to all. He will be missed, and he and his family are in my prayers. -Richard Vehlow, class of 1987
Sharon Kitter
August 23, 2016
Have told my daughters many "mr kizner" stories. He was far and away my favorite teacher and certainly the most memorable. We've lost a treasure
class of 1966
Allan Tulchin
August 23, 2016
He was a phenomenally gifted teacher. Off the charts, really. A wonderful human being.
Tom Russo
August 23, 2016
Mr. Kizner was one of the best teachers I ever had, and one of the kindest. Tom Russo, HCHS class of 1981.
Ronnie Schenkein
August 23, 2016
Mr. Kizner was both an outstanding teacher and a fine human being. He had a profound influence on my life. I am so grateful for his presence.
Ena Malone
August 23, 2016
This sad news brought tears to my eyes and an ache to my heart. As my guidance counselor at Hunter College High School, Mr. Kizner gave me great support and encouragement during one of the most difficult periods of my life. He will be greatly missed. I extend my deepest sympathy to all of his loved ones. Ena Malone, HCHS '64
Elisabeth Vazquez
August 23, 2016
Mr. Kizner enriched my life and my love of classical learning. He was a gifted teacher, a funny man and an outstanding person. Elisaberh Wellman Vazquez, Hunter , '60
Madi Horstman
August 23, 2016
I don't know if Mr. Kizner knew it, but he was my shining light during those difficult years, always compassionate and understanding, the only teacher who seemed to sense my troubles, forgive my shortcomings, who always found a way to cheer me up. I hold him close to my heart, in veritas.
Bess Karmen Teller
August 23, 2016
I picture him with a smile on his face. He never scowled or insulted anyone. He was truly a mensch. I never heard a complaint about him, only praise, as a teacher and a man
HCHS Class of 63
Emily Furman
August 23, 2016
Irving Kizner completely failed to teach me Latin - thou I subsequently failed to learn any French and German, so maybe it wasn't his fault. He did his best thou and it was great fun to have him as a teacher. My mother died while I was a Junior (and my sister, also at Hunter, a few years behind me). I sort of knew at the time that my father had several meetings with him shortly after her death. Recently, I asked Mr Kizner about those meetings. Basically my father desperately needed advice about how to bring up 3 daughters on his own (this WAS 1960!). I have absolutely no doubt that he was a great help to my Dad. That conversation gave me a whole new insight into my father's life as a grown up person, rather than a 16 year old child. He was the best of Hunter and a lovely man.
Lawrence Kleinberg
August 23, 2016
Wow. Such a great teacher who could even make Latin fun and the Roman writings so inspiring that I still think about some things I learned back then. So special. Continued Latin for a year in college and it was neither of those things anymore. Class of 1981
Peter Clateman
August 23, 2016
You have left an amazing trail of influence and inspiration. You were long ago enshrined in my memories in the Pantheon of teaching greats. The hallways of HCHS echo with our fond greeting "Hail, Kizner!"
Marion Levy
August 22, 2016
RIP Mr. Irving Kizner, one of my greatest teachers at HCHS and beyond. I learned so much from you - about Latin, life, and pizza -- and I am ever grateful also for the wit you injected into the classroom, making it fun to be at school. To your family, I send heartfelt condolences -- and to you, I say a final, fond "te amo."
August 22, 2016
Friends were speaking French, Spanish and even Russian while I was joyfully quoting Cicero admonishing Catiline in the Senate. Quo usque tandem abutere, Catiliina, patientia nostra? I will never forget that speech, nor Cicero's use of triplicates to make a point. It was simple joy spending part of every school day in Mr. Kizner's class. Nothing is more memorable about Hunter than Mr. Kizner. He was a one of a kind who was so dearly loved by all of us. Audrey Konow Hunter College High School Class '65
Helaine Ettinger
August 22, 2016
I am another of the many students that your father/grandfather inspired during his time at Hunter. He generously guided me through two years of independent study in Latin at HCHS. He was kind and funny and smart and encouraging and wise. I was lucky to be on of his students.
May God comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Lauralyn Bellamy
August 22, 2016
"BELLAMY! WHAT are you DOING here!" Every September, for 5 years, Mr. Kizner would enter his room for the first day of Latin class and, beginning my second year, he would stop at the sight of me and with fierce confusion, bellow that question at me.
It was a struggle for me to maintain a C average. We both knew that. We both knew what that was doing to my GPA; hence the question.
And every September I would look at him with a sheepish grin, shrug my shoulders and say, "I LIKE Latin."
To which he never had a retort. He made a "dead" language come alive for me! To read the actual words of Cicero, Ovid, Julius Caesar was literally thrilling to me. And it was due to the gifts Mr. Kizner gave to us: his breadth of knowledge, of course; but, also his spellbinding storytelling that gave history, culture and context for what we were translating so pleasurable, I WANTED to stay engaged in the mission to break the code (i.e. translate). And I made sure to tell him so when I graduated.He knew I would carry the memory of learning from him as a heartfelt treasure. And I always will. Thank you for giving me 5 years of your lifelong love of teaching Latin, even if I was a "straight 'C'" student. You will remain alive in my heart!♡
Joan Banko
August 22, 2016
He was such an example of living honorably and having fun. He loved telling us about his family amidst joyfully teaching us joys of Latin language and Roman history. One of my most important and memorable teachers, and a good, good person. Condolences to all of his friends and family.
Helen Meltzer-krim
August 22, 2016
Mr. Kizner was my guidance counselor. After I failed to register for the SATs, and didn't mail my applications to Binghamton or Albany, Mr. Kizner laughed and said, I guess you don't want to go away to college. When he said it, I knew it was true, but more important I knew it was OK. What a relief! What a great, kind, man.
August 22, 2016
A great teacher of Latin and life. Mr. Kizner made my Hunter experience so memorable! Ave atque Vale!! Gloria Lerner Class of '60
Alynn Nathanson
August 22, 2016
So sorry to hear this news. I and many of my classmates remember him fondly. He was senior advisor to the class of 1964 and helped us through some difficult times. May his memory be for a blessing. Alynn Nathanson HCHS 1964
Lyn Kaplan
August 22, 2016
Mr. Kisner was one of the good guys: a great teacher with a wonderful sense of humor. My condolences to his family.
(Eve)Lyn Horwitz Kaplan, HCHS Class of 1960
Penney Mitchell
August 22, 2016
Mr. Kisner was the best teacher I have ever had. There was always joy in his classroom. Condolences to his family.
Hunter High School Class of 1960
Nina Haft
August 22, 2016
Mr. Kizner was hands down the best teacher I had at HCHS, and remains my biggest inspiration whenever I am with my own students. I like to think I can make learning as exciting and rewarding as he did. My condolences to his family. His memory lives on in so many of us. May his name be for a blessing.
August 22, 2016
One of the best teachers at HCHS. Hands down, one of the great ones. I took French but had student envy of every student who took Latin with Mr. Kizner. He touched all of our lives. He will be missed. Cecilia Meagher MD HCHS class of 1981.
August 22, 2016
Mr. Kizner, amamus te.
Anna Napoli, HCHS 1061
Joanne Weston
August 22, 2016
Mr. Kizner, you were one of my most memorable teachers. Rest in Peace.
August 22, 2016
A teacher whose students cry at his passing almost 60 years after they were his students has left a legacy beyond measure, Gaudeamus igitur.
Deena Daniels Yachymiak, HCHS class of 1960
Helga Borck
August 22, 2016
Mr. Kizner was the best teacher I ever had the good fortune to study with. My years of learning Latin at HCHS were a joy.
August 22, 2016
Irving Kizner was one of the most inspiring teachers and I am so grateful for the years of Latin I studied, especially my ICY year when we read the Aeneid in his office (there were only 5 or 6 of us). My condolences to his family and to all the Hunterites who mourn with me.
Ellen Grotenstein Glass '74
Judy Lind
August 22, 2016
A wonderful teacher with a great sense of humor. RIP.
Judy Lewis Lind, 1961
Nancy Shapiro Kolodny
August 22, 2016
Rest in peace, Mr Kizner. I can still conjugate many of the verbs you taught us. Your wit, kindness, humor and amazing teaching had a profound impact on me. You were among the best of the best. My condolences to your family.
Nancy Shapiro Kolodny, HCHS, 1963.
Judith Sachs
August 22, 2016
Mr. Kizner not only taught me Latin; he taught me how to laugh. What a wonderful man! He will be missed. My love and condolences to the family.
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