John B. Harbaugh

Renaissance man John Harbaugh lived a full life.

An educator, athlete, world traveler and musician, he taught for 48 years, starting in Brooklyn, NY. He taught German and English at Satellite High School, where he also coached cross-country and began its "Dead Poets Society." He taught German at Eastern Florida State College and Florida Tech. An avid crew member, he rowed for his alma mater, Dartmouth College, and coached the Space Coast Crew.

He loved music (from the Beatles to Beethoven), literature (especially James Joyce and Herman Hesse) and the theater. He studied viola with Lillian Fuchs at the Aspen Music Festival and later played with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra. He frequently played guitar for his students and cherished the memory of his lengthy discussion with Bob Dylan one early morning in NYC's West Village.

John also wrote poetry and short stories. His collection, "To the Corner and Back," details his wholesome childhood in Toledo, Ohio, where he attained Eagle Scout status at age 12. A lifelong athlete, he golfed, hiked, rode, ran and skied.

He had dual master's degrees in English and German and was awarded the National Board Certification for teachers. He learned to love music from his mother, violist Kathleen Thompson Harbaugh and played with the Toledo Youth Symphony. He learned his love of German from his father, Theodore Hartley Harbaugh. John supported causes for the environment and education and was an active member of the Cocoa Beach Community Church.

He is remembered also for his bright smile, soft-spoken demeanor, positive support of others and being a champion for peace and justice. He was 73 when he died at home, Sept. 3, from pancreatic cancer, which he had fought for two years. His family was at his side.

He is survived by his wife, Pam, daughters Jessica and Brooke, and brothers Bryce and Ross. Donations can be made in his name to the Cocoa Beach Community Church, the Brevard Symphony Orchestra or the Melbourne Chamber Music Society.

A celebration of life is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday at Cocoa Beach Community Church.

— Published in FLORIDA TODAY on September 7, 2018.