To leave a personal tribute for the Harvey family, please scroll down to the comments section.
A lesson on loving and living life to its fullest – every day
We learned today that Elliot Harvey has expressed his love for his wife Chris, his daughters Adrienne, Anna, and Allegra, and their families who have provided him so much joy – for the last time in person.
We learned that it is our turn to be there for others, our time to take care of the student or person who needs an extra check-in, our moment to think “what if…?”, and our opportunity to make sure that we find time to ski or hike that trail.
Elliot has now relinquished to us the challenge of teaching the perfect class – of encouraging, supporting, and pushing each student and colleague to be their best.
Elliot has demonstrated to his fullest how to climb every mountain, whether that be always pushing yourself in physical conquest, intellectual growth, or in our caring for others.
It is our time to do as he has shown us in looking for the beauty and best in every day, in every interaction – to look for the best light in every potential image.
Elliot has taught us the ultimate lesson in what it means to live each day to its best, to teach our students with care, and to love our family and our community.
Our thoughts are with Chris and his daughters – his girls that he loved and was always so proud of. Elliot taught me about love of family over and over again with pride as his family grew, and the esteemed grandkids started coming, and then family and friends surrounded him in these last challenging months. He loved – and he so appreciated your love.
And he leaves us a remarkable legacy – not one so much made up of accomplishments and milestones, but more as the ultimate trail map of what it is to be a passionate and caring teacher and learner. I was reminded of this very recently when Elliot and I were talking, and he was discussing his goals in the time that he had left. A key one – he hoped that he would have an opportunity to get together with his students so that he could thank them for letting him be their teacher this year. Again – he wanted to thank them for letting him be their teacher.
We are going to miss incredibly this man and his wonderful passion for teaching and learning – but we shouldn’t because he has given us so many lesson plans that we need to follow in so many areas.
Please do what Elliot would do. Be there for Chris, his girls, their family – and all those so many others that he made feel like family. Try not to languish in loss, but do something – for someone else – and for Elliot. Be extra patient with a student. Give someone a ride – physically or spiritually. Look for the joy and beauty in every scene and interaction – whether through a lens or more importantly in our hearts. That is how we begin honoring this man who tried to be better every day.
Hatch, Marr, Newberry, Rotenberg, Dockery – founders, and trustees – leaders who guided the School, and in the School’s modern history, Bill LaBelle (fortitude), Dan Shattuck (inquiry), Bob Harrington (fairness), Pam Blair (integrity), and now Elliot Harvey (growth) – those educators, those lions and lionesses, who each have enriched the lives of thousands of students and become key parts of the underpinnings of what a Winchendon education is.
Elliot Harvey has been an inspired and inspiring educator – one who has taught me more than perhaps any other teacher. While smarter than almost all that I have been privileged to work with, this is far from his most important attribute.
As we think of Elliot today, I urge you to consider four of his many incredible attributes:
- Growth mindset – even as the School’s most tenured and one of its most seasoned teachers, he was also one of the most willing to try new approaches. He became one of the biggest proponents in the early days of Global Dynamics, smath, alternatives to traditional math and science offerings, ColLABs, and new technology and photography techniques. In recent weeks we had a wonderful “what if” conversation about the possibility of the next evolution of our curriculum.
- Making the most of every day – when many would have been preoccupied with their mortality, Elliot taught us about living – making the absolute most of every day, the opportunity to be better every day, the opportunity to find joy in every day no matter how hard things get.
- Personalization – with an unmatched commitment to not just the most successful students but to really embracing and supporting those to whom the subject comes hardest. He challenges the BC calc kids. He inspires and cultivates confidence in the “I-am-not-a-math person” types afraid to enter the Algebra classroom.
- Family man – He adores Chris and the girls, Adrienne, Anna, and Allegra. His pride in watching and being able to work with Allegra as she has grown into a wonderful teacher on her own. And it isn’t just his blood family, although they are always first, but all of his other kids that he looked out for and who gravitated to him, the Harvington posse, Valentims, Frushells, the Russian or South Korean kids, or very importantly the students who didn’t feel confident making friends or fitting in. Elliot has been an amazing father figure and friend.
Thank you Mr. Harvey for being the ultimate teacher and student – for your commitment to always trying to look out for those students and teachers who need someone to be looking out for them – for providing all of us with the ultimate trail map of what it means to be a great Winchendon teacher – nurturing, challenging and supporting each of our students in being their best – and in turn, becoming better ourselves each day. Thank you on behalf of the thousands you have taught and cared for. I will always be appreciative of and inspired by all that you have done for so many in our Winchendon School community.
We will be getting back to you in the coming hours and days as to how we will honor Elliot Harvey together and celebrate his remarkable contributions and service to our community. In the interim, please do as Elliot would wish – “just be there for each other, be nice, go for a walk, and find something beautiful to take a picture of.”
John Kerney
June 7, 2022
We are so sorry to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family as well to the winchendon school community. May you all hold on to those memories.
Famiglietti Family
Mr. Harvey captured a moment in my son’s life that I treasure… Colby was on the ice, doing what he loves and then, a perfect storm of precision, shutter speed, exposure, opportunity, composition … he zoomed in and captured pure joy. I never had the pleasure of being introduced to Mr. Harvey but seeing this picture will remind us of him every day. Deepest sympathy and prayers are sent to the Harvey family and the Winch community. What a legacy he leaves! May all the love, laughter and shared adventures bring you peace and comfort as you keep him close in your hearts.
Mr. Harvey was my teacher for a short time but, had a large impact on me as a person. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and anyone mourning the loss.
I was a student of his in late 90’. He was always passionate of teaching, and finding out something new about his students. Most of all, he always treated everyone with kindness and respect for who he/she is. He deeply cared of his students.
I am very saddened by his passing and would like to offer my prayer and thoughts to his family.
Mr Harvey was one of the biggest positive influences in my life at Winchendon. I have no doubt that he had the same effect on the countless other lives he touched. The strength of his resolve and character never wavered. He has truly made the world a better place.
Mr. Harvey was such a unique person. Throughout my tenure at the school, and after, not only was he a friend but a trusted source of sound advice for my successes and troubles. I always enjoyed my time with Mr. Harvey and he surely has left a lasting impression on me. I will miss him very much but I will cherish my memories with him.
As I grew older I began to respect and appreciate how he held accountable for my actions. Although only a year, I have begun to respect and admire the way he conducted himself as grow as a man, father, and human. Blessings and love for his family.
Mr Harvey touched so many lives, our 2 kids included, was a beacon of kindness and strength .
Always at school events with his camera slung over his shoulder sharing a laugh or memory with any who engaged him.
Rip Mr Harvey , you are missed
I am shattered to hear of Mr. Harvey’s passing. He was a truly gifted educator and mentor and an extraordinary human being. He talked me off a ledge one time when I was at my wits end over my son, and I will be forever grateful. He truly saved my sanity that, telling me he knew that my son was a good, kind, solid human being and who would turn out okay. He was right–my son is doing amazing at college, in large part to all the faculty and administrators at Winch. I kept meaning to reach out to Mr. Harvey and let him know how well my son is doing. This is a lesson…never wait to tell people how they have affected you and to thank them. Sending love to the Harvey family.
Mr. Harvey helped me get through Reese’s freshman year at Winchendon. He captured so many things that I was missing. I looked forwarded to his pictures everyday. I had a chance to meet him at a lacrosse game and he expressed how much he loved watching the kids compete and capturing those memories. I am so grateful I got to meet him and thank him for all the great pictures. Thoughts and prayers to the Winchendon community and his family.
Such a beautiful tribute. Thinking and praying for Mr. Harvey and his family.
A Teacher
A Mentor
A Host
A Friend
You were so much to me. The word thank you would not justify how much I appreciated all you did for me.
Ugh, our hearts ache for you all. Mr Harvey was special to many; personally we will forever be grateful for the persistence and care he showed when teaching Anya math. We also LOVED that he called Anya “Gatch” (which happened to be her grandfather’s nickname, and we lost him way too young as well). And we loved that he sent us personal photos that he would snap of Anya on campus. He gave us “Gatch” sightings and seemed to enjoy sharing the photos as much as we enjoyed receiving them. When Creigh joined Winch, on registration day, we heard from afar…”It’s another Gatch” It made Creigh feel instantly welcome and made us feel joy because of our connections to these special people.
Our sincere condolences to the Winchendon family and our heart-felt condolences to the Harvey family. ❤️
The Winchendon School was extremely fortunate to have Elliot on staff for so many years. He gave a hell lot more than he got, from the school. But he was loyal, and he stayed – for the students. He knew his investment in their future was priceless. He didn’t need a lot to live a happy life, with his adoring wife and daughters. He was extremely grateful for the blessing of life, and shared his worldly wisdom so eloquently. Thousands of students adored him – not just knew him. Not many people know the depth if his unrelenting dedication to the school to the students. He lived quite large with little. God bless you, Elliot. RIP.
I’m very sorry to hear about the passing of Elliot Harvey. He was my first manager after teachers’ college and gave me some amazing opportunities and mentorship. I still remember being shocked when he told me to build my own textbook and set my own curriculum my first week on my first job. That trust and confidence he gave me has continued to help me in my career.
Thank You Mr. Harvey!
We are so sorry to hear about Mr. Harvey. Our deepest condolences to his family and the Winch family.
Live then, and be happy, beloved children of my heart! And never forget that until The day when God will deign to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is contained in these word,’Wait and hope.’ Your friend, Edmond Dante’s, “Count of Monte-Cristina.” God Bless and God Speed, Elliot.
I am so thankful I got to tell Elliot all I wanted him to know— again and again!— before he took a new form. I’m even more grateful that he heard it and read it, again and again, and responded with kindness and humor. For 28 years, he was part of my chosen family, although the relationship could never be thought of as equal. I needed his advice and support so much more than he ever needed me for anything (insert background music by Lulu here). I will miss him every day, but I have the lessons he taught me tucked away, close to my heart.
To Chris and The Harvey Girls (and all of their families): you dazzle me with your unique talents and charm. I am in awe of all that you have weathered and all that you are. Thank you for being your gifted, brilliant selves and for letting me and my family enjoy your light.
It was such an honor to be a student in Winchendon School, which provided me an opportunity to take Mr.Harvey’s calculus class. He was the best math teacher I have ever had in my life. Even after the graduation, I kept in touch with him, and he wrote me a great recommendation letter, which eventually let me in to my dream college. Mr. Harvey, thank you so much for everything you have done for me. You were surely the best man.
He was an amazing human being, an amazing teacher, and an amazing mentor who always motivated me to give my best.
He always made the classroom brighter with his knowledge and wisdom. That will definitely be gravely missed. I appreciated all you did for me.
My deepest condolences to his family. Chris, Adrienne, Anna, and Allegra.
Your Proctor
Christopher Hagerty
Class of ‘93
Few people I know have worked so hard, with so much thought, and with so much success, to live a rich life and enrich the lives of others.
I’m one of many to have benefited from Elliot’s mentorship and friendship over the years.
So, Chris told me that you had esophagus cancer (which my mother had had several years ago….found it at the earliest stage per my advice and removed the esophagus completely; problem fixed) and told me to call you.
So I called at my soonest opportunity, and your reply was “I was sleeping” Then, I got this message that you passed away. Wait, what’s this? You left without letting me know? You don’t leave a friend behind like this. Yeah, I’m talking to you, Elliot. I now feel like left alone.
We need to have a talk when I get there, young man.
Kanji Kotaki, class of ’91 or ’92, can’t remember
Elliot was a stalwart of The Winchendon School community for so many years. As a young teacher at the time, he was incredibly knowledgeable and an invaluable mentor and resource for me and many others. I miss our chats around history and of course the Red Sox. My deepest condolences to the entire Harvey family especially Chris and the girls during this difficult time.
Elliot Harvey, one grade above me at Dartmouth, was a member of my fraternity, but only until principals caused him to reconsider things. During pledge period most people were accepted, but for some reason, one pledgee who Elliot endorsed, did not make the cut. This angered Elliot a great deal and he chose to walk away from it all, not out of bitterness or dislike for his brothers, but really our of a feeling that the rejection of this person was uncalled for and unjust. It was not a fair system that he wanted to have any part of any longer. Good for him. I waited until senior year to go inactive, for other reasons. It’s clear that Elliot continued to live a good life and was kind to others including several generations of students who were lucky to have him as a teacher.