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Irving Koppel Obituary
Irving was known for his wry sense of humor & his thoughtful, Socratic classroom discussions that challenged his students to think for themselves.
He was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 9, 1928 to Ukranian & Lithuanian, Jewish parents Eddie & Sophie (Kaufman) Koppel. Eddie ran an independent fruit & vegetable business out of a truck & moved the family to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Irving's siblings included a younger sister Annette Koppel & a younger brother Stewart Koppel both of whom eventually resettled in Los Angeles.
After graduating from Washington High School in the late 1940's, Irving attended both the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee & Madison. He graduated in 1952 with a bachelor's degree in history.
Feeling restless, Irving set out for CA where he received his teaching credential from UC Berkeley & taught in CA public high schools from 1954 - 1988.
In 1968, he married Patricia Ann Taber, a Fremont high school English teacher originally from Bakersfield, CA. Together, they raised a family of three children in the Warm Springs neighborhood of Fremont. They eventually retired & moved to Durham, NC.
Irving is survived by his wife Patricia, his children David, Danielle & Elliott, his grandchildren Owen & Joshua & his nieces Carol Hines & Kim Freeman.
Durham -
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Sandie Richards Fyke
June 6, 2025
Mr. Koppel was absolutely my favorite teacher at Irvington High School. He was kind, patient and had the unique ability to hold the attention of teenage students. I liked him so much that I asked to be his T.A.. He kindly said yes so I was fortunate to have two years with him.
One memory that stands out is he got a little teary when teaching the Holocaust, he spoke very passionately about it and because of him my interest in that subject was born. The world could really use some Mr. Koppel´s right now. What a wonderful, inspiring man. Rest in peace, sincere condolences to the family.
Phil Potter
May 13, 2025
I had Mr Koppel for French in my freshman year at Irvington (1983-84). My sisters Kathy and Laura had him for history. I didn't pass his class, but he tried to help as best as he could. I have great and personal respect for him. And he was surprised that I was related to my sisters. A Fremont legend will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace Mr Koppel
Michael Hebert
May 13, 2025
From my yearbook, IHS class of 1985
Robin Kamp
May 12, 2025
Robin Fischer Kamp
So sorry for your loss, I had him for government and he was such a great teacher! He was a teacher you never forgot.
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Stanley R Souza
May 12, 2025
Irv Koppel was a wonderful man and teacher. I remember his World History class fondly. Everyone I know had nothing but wonderful things to say about him.
The planet and the world of teaching will not be the same without him.
Pamela Depper Rosen
May 12, 2025
Irv Koppel was *that* teacher, the one who let me get away with murder in his classroom (I never once took a final in his classes) but would not let me get away with shortcuts in life. One side-eye from him and I knew immediately that I was making a poor choice and he expected self-correction. Partly because of him, I became who I am today. I sent my kid to private school because he sent his kid to private school. There has never been a time when I set foot in any of the historical sites he brought to life for me that I didn´t think of him and know that I was there because his teachings sent me there. He kept my family history project because he said that he knew I would become a writer, and gave me a pass for writing (at age 13) that my great-grandparents "crossed the border from Poland into England." He was looking for imagination over accuracy...he was *that* teacher we all deserve and so few get. Almost 50 years later, his influence is still thriving and resonating in so many of us.
Brian Baldini
May 12, 2025
I am very saddened by this news. Mr. Koppel was one of my favorite teachers at Irvington. He became a friend over the years exchanging letters when people still sent them through the mail. I remember U.S. History and World History with him, and his dry sense of humor and the great patience he had. I remember meeting up with him and his family when I lived in NY. I am so sorry for your loss, but please know he made quite an impact me. He will be missed.
Carin (Freitas)?Milligan
May 12, 2025
Oh Mr Koppel! You were the best! I was one of your students. You asked me to babysit David and then later, Danielle. I remember when Mrs. Koppel came home from the hospital with Danielle and you asked me to come over and take care of David and help around the house. I was so honored. You knew when things weren´t right for me, when my parents split up, and you had a "fatherly" talk with me, you were so kind. You were a wonderful teacher, a funny, kind and caring human being. To the Koppel family, my sincere condolences for the loss of this wonderful man.
Randy and Lisa Eacret
May 11, 2025
Randy and I have so many wonderful memories of Irv as a teacher and friend. I loved babysitting for the family and keeping in touch after we left high school. The world is a better place because he was in it. Our condolences to the family.
Greg Wellman
May 11, 2025
So sorry for your loss. He lived a long productive life. Touching so many people and challenging them to think, act and make the world a better place. He will be greatly missed. He will always hold a special place in my heart
Tony & Janet Pagan
May 11, 2025
He was not only my high school history and government teacher but my friend for some 47 years. We didn´t see each other often but spoke on the phone and he was one of the wisest men I have ever known. I was blessed to know him and his beautiful wife Trish. My wife and I love much and will keep you in our prayers.
Kim Rogers
May 11, 2025
So very sorry to hear about Mr Koppel. He was a wonderful teacher and meant a lot to many students.
Michael Hebert
May 11, 2025
My deepest condolences to the Koppel family. Mr. Koppel was my French teacher for a year at IHS and one of the best teachers I ever had.
Je vous prie d'accepter mes plus sincères sympathies
Lynne Andersen Randolph
May 11, 2025
Mr. Koppel was an excellent teacher and I couldn´t wait until I took his American Government class at Irvington. I´ve had a 35 year career in public service due in large part to Mr. Koppel. Tough but well loved. I graduated in 1979. Prayers for your family.
Duncan family
May 11, 2025
My deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community.
I had the privilege of having Mr. Koppel as my French teacher when I was a junior in high school (80´s).
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1113 W. Main St, Durham, NC 27701
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