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Patricia Koontz uploaded photo(s)
Monday, August 17, 2020
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I just found out this week that my mentor and my hero, Mike Wilson, passed away. I am so sad. He was an amazing person and an excellent educator and leader. He was so intelligent, funny, and personable.
I was a Library Processor at Montgomery Elementary School where Mr. Wilson was our Principal. He came to me in the Library one day and asked me about my college background. I told him I never liked school and couldn’t wait to graduate from high school. No college for me, that’s for sure! He told me I would like school now and would do very well. I was 42 years old. I almost laughed in his face, but I had too much respect to do that. He continued to tell me exactly what I needed to do to go to college. When I asked him all kinds of questions, he explained to me how I could pay for it, how I would find the time to take classes, how my family would adjust, and how I would be an excellent Teacher/Librarian. He said it would be easy for me. He said I was great with kids. He told me I was smart. He told me I would get right into college English and may have to take intermediate Math. He suggested I take one class at the local community college. He was right about everything.
Eight years later, I received my degree in Library Science from Kutztown University (and later my Masters) and started my first job as a Librarian in the North Penn School District in Lansdale, PA. Mr. Wilson was long gone by this time because he moved back to New Jersey to be closer to his Dad after losing his Mom.
The people at Montgomery Elementary School loved and adored Mr. Wilson. He was one of the best Principals we had ever had. He listened to staff and students. He was respectful to us. He shared his wonderful and fun personality with us. We wanted him to stay forever but understood why he needed to be closer to home in New Jersey. Our days of saying, “Hello Mr. Wilson!!!” were over. Yes! We said it all the time! He was always a good sport!
He came to my college graduation party in 2005. Here are two pictures of Mr. Wilson from that party. We have other pictures of him from school because he was ALWAYS part of the staff and student shows and would do ANYTHING to be part of the fun!
This is now my time to retire from teaching. I wanted to be sure Mr. Wilson knew about my retirement. I knew he would be excited for me. What I found on the internet made me very sad. I will never forget what this wonderful man did to change the path of my own life. I will be forever grateful for his support and encouragement to become a School Librarian. If he hadn’t encouraged me to go to college at 42 years of age, my life would be very different today.
The staff at Montgomery Elementary School cherished our time with Mike. We were so shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. We would have all traveled to New Jersey (probably in a rented bus) to grieve with and comfort his wonderful wife and children. We will find a way to honor him here in Pennsylvania. Our lives were changed in so many good ways because of this wonderful man. God Bless!
Love, Pat Koontz and Friends
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Wendy Carreon posted a condolence
Sunday, March 1, 2020
Such wonderful memories of “Mr. Wilson”! A big part of our children’s lives at Lizzy and HMHS. He knew them by name and he knew their needs. He was kind, fair and perceptive. A gentle leader - so respected by students and parents. Our love and prayers to the whole family. Wendy Carreon
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Donna Tedesco lit a candle
Thursday, February 27, 2020
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Mike worked every day for his teachers and his students. He led with incredible kindness, respect, understanding and confidence. I am a better educator today because of Mike and am very grateful to him for many reasons. Most of all I appreciate all the individual efforts he made daily for each person under his watch.
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Jack O'Malley posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
The O'Malley Family
We were fortunate enough to have had three children pass through Elizabeth Haddon during Mike’s time there as Principal. They all loved him and Mike was especially caring with our middle child, Johnny. Johnny has autism and attended Lizzy Haddon daily with the assistance of an aide and by 3rd or 4th grade Johnny started splitting his day between Elizabeth Haddon and Kingsway Learning Center. Mike was emphatic that Johnny continue to spend a portion of each day at Lizzy Haddon - that was 'his class and his buddies"...and he did, right through 5th grade graduation. The other children treated Johnny as one of their own and we will never forget Mike's part in making for a wonderful experience for our entire family. Thoughts, prayer and condolences to Mike's entire family - he was truly a special man and a gift to all the families he touched over the years in the Haddonfield School system!
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Ashley Pfister lit a candle
Monday, February 24, 2020
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So sorry to hear of Mr. Wilson’s passing. I have fond memories of being a student at HMHS while he was Principal. Thoughts and prayers to his wife, children and family during this difficult time.
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Angela lit a candle
Monday, February 24, 2020
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One of the better men of our time. He can knock on Saint Peter’s gate and say, “I tried. I erred on the side of children.”
Angela Melzi & Family
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Sandy Gasparro lit a candle
Monday, February 24, 2020
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Sandy and Ryan Gasparro
Debbie and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss! Ryan remembers you fondly, Debbie, and sends his love during this time! I did not know Mike well, but every interaction I had with him was very pleasant and I have missed him in the halls of Haddonfield. I will pray for your family for comfort and peace and many happy memories of Mike and what he meant to you. I know you will miss him, but I hope you will just remember all of the wonderful memories you have built with him and are able to draw strength from them. Much love!!
J
Joe O’Brien lit a candle
Monday, February 24, 2020
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Mike was an excellent educational leader and a great family man. It was an honor to work with him and to know Mike. May his legacy live on through his family and may he Rest In Peace forever ...
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Martha Goettelmann posted a condolence
Sunday, February 23, 2020
Soooooooo sorry to read this. When my younger children were forced to change elementary schools, Mike was incredibly caring. He made the transition as seamless as possible. He left a wonderful legacy here in Haddonfield.
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pgaffney2@verizon.net posted a condolence
Sunday, February 23, 2020
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO DEB AND SARAH SUCH A BIG LOSS. NO WORDS CAN I FIND TO COMFORT YOU AT THIS DIFFICULT TIMES BUT HE WAS A GENTLE GIANT OF A DAD FOR SARAH AT HER DANCE RECITALS AND ENJOYED WATCHING HER PERFORM. MAY YOU BE AT PEACE. AND GAINING YOUR WINGS TO WRAP YOUR LOVED ONES TIL WE ALL MEET AGAIN. SORRY FOR THE ALL CAPS BUT DISABLED DUE TO A STROKE. PRAYERS FOR ALL OF MIKE'S FAMILY AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
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Jackie Carroll posted a condolence
Sunday, February 23, 2020
So sorry to hear this. My heartfelt condolences to Mike’s family. Over my long teaching career, I met and worked with so many colleagues, and Mike stands out as one of my very favorites. So many fond memories, and I am so sorry that he is gone so soon. He was a great guy, and he made a difference in so many lives.
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Jim Ward posted a condolence
Sunday, February 23, 2020
Mike was a tremendous help with my BooksinBarbershops literacy project - in his physical presence, his ideas, his encouragement, and in bringing district resources to bear. And at the same time, so easy to talk to and a great guy.
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Kathy Henkel posted a condolence
Sunday, February 23, 2020
Dear Debbie, Michael and Sarah,
We are so very saddened to hear this news.
We will always remember Mike's huge smile and "Dance Dad" devotion to Sarah at KHSoD.
Rest in peace Mike and watch over your dear family.
With love,
Kathy and Klaus
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Allie Westerside posted a condolence
Sunday, February 23, 2020
Mike's leadership at the High School In 2008 was one of the reasons I decided to continue teaching at HMHS through a very difficult time. I was new to the state of NJ, and being bullied by a parent in the community. As a new teacher, this time was extremely difficult. Mike encouraged me to persevere. For this reason, his leadership and encouragement was life changing for me. He had a gentle and diplomatic way of operating although he always stood for what was right.
I am so glad we have the bench at Lizzy to sit on and tell stories about Mike. So deeply sorry for your loss.
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Allie Westerside posted a condolence
Sunday, February 23, 2020
As principal at HMHS, Mike knew every students name, as well as the names of the faculty member's spouses and their children's names and ages. One day in the hallway at the HS I asked Mike, "How do you know every student's name?" Mike laughed "I have a secret, I had all of these students at Lizzy Haddon!" The truth is, he only had a third, the other students were at the other 2 Haddonfield elementary schools. Mike worked hard to get to know everyone. He was all about heart.
After hearing about Mike's passing, my husband and I were sharing stories about Mike. My husband knew Mike because whenever he came to the HS, Mike, as busy as he was, took the time to have a conversation, as he did with everyone.
Having Mike as principal enriched my career. One of many examples, Mike gave the HS art teachers freedom to teach our specialty and design classes knowing that we could pass enthusiasm on to our students. Mike was a honest and caring leader and the tragedy of his passing makes this an extremely hard time for the Haddonfield community.
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Laurie Bushey posted a condolence
Saturday, February 22, 2020
Mike’s huge heart, great sense of humor, and unwavering support of kids and educators alike made Haddonfield a very special place. I feel so fortunate to have known him. My prayers go out to his family, who he spoke of with such love. The world is a little dimmer without him in it. Godspeed Mike!
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Denise Sellers posted a condolence
Saturday, February 22, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mike Wilson. I was just telling someone the other day what a great colleague and friend he had been to me during my years as Director of Haddonfield Child Care. Throughout his tenure in Haddonfield, both as a Principal and Assistant Superintendent, he graciously guided and partnered with me, always with the best interest of the students at heart. He was a kind, friendly, and respectful man ... one of the good ones.
I wish the family peace at this difficult time.
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Debra Nussbaum posted a condolence
Saturday, February 22, 2020
Mike was was the kindest, most wonderful principal. He was also a great mentor to my oldest son. He was so understanding with children and parents. He started in Haddonfield the same year our daughter started. He said, don’t worry Molly, I’m new too and don’t know everyone’s name. He made her feel so at home. He did that for all students. His mentoring of our son was also amazing. Mike will always be remembered. We are praying for Mike’s family.
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The family of Michael P. Wilson uploaded a photo
Monday, September 9, 2019
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