Philip Momberger III

Falstaff and Einstein
Fused in one form
Nectar of fine wine
Exceeding the norm

Gruff in his manner
Pursuing the truth
An intricate planner
A genius since youth

Such appellations depict Mister Phil
A grand human being, A triumph of will.

There are few men, nay, teachers and thinkers, like Dr. Momberger. I thank him forever for 'Aguirre, Wrath of God', and his wit and wisdom on many a humid Florida afternoons. Our directed study of Wallace Stevens remains a seminal period of my early adult imagination. Who shall take the place of such a great generation of teachers as this?

I took several classes taught by Dr. Momberger, and, ironically, one my favorite classes with him was one he was teaching for the first time and did not feel particularly comfortable with: Literary Criticism. I had never before heard anyone explain that literary movements come into being as reactions to major historical events and scientific breakthroughs. I was fascinated with that and always looked forward to those classes. My very favorite class with Dr. Momberger, though, was Realism and Naturalism. I loved the books he had selected for us to read in that class and benefited from his vast knowledge of and insight into the material. You may be gone, Dr, Momberger, but you are not forgotten!

He was the magister ludi. Well read, astute, a walking thesaurus, who finally quit smoking when smokers became ostracized like the lepers depicted in Ben Hur.
And no one taught Gatsby like Momberger. Even Fitzgerald would've been awestruck by his analysis.

This is my third message
So far none has appeared. My heart is filled with sympathy for Lynn. She has lost the love of her life. Stay strong. Love, Mary

Dr. Momberger was a great teacher and a generous man. I will forever be in awe of him.

Lynn,
Phil was a brilliant gentle giant of a man with a huge heart and keen wit. We were blessed to know him. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Michael & Chrissy Day