REMEMBERING KRAUT
Mr. Jerry Krauthamer 1951-2015
Remembering Kraut
` D-E legend Jerry “Kraut” Krauthamer passed away on November 3, leaving behind not only family members who are part of the D-E community (his wife, Middle School history teacher Betsey Carson; brother-in-law Rob Carson, Jr., who is a former D-E director of Admissions, coach, and English teacher; nephews Rob Carson III ‘87 and Peter Carson ‘89; and niece Katharine Carson Miller ‘90), but also numerous colleagues, and legions of students he taught and athletes he coached. Prior to his retirement last spring, Kraut had been a member of the Upper School English Department faculty for 38 years and a long-time coach of cross country and track. As his wife Betsey noted, he was the kind of coach “who learned how to pole vault so he could teach and coach it. He ran and jumped and threw with the kids. He set up Sunday Boat Basin runs and ran.”
A memorial service was held for Kraut on November 14 in Silberfein Gym, just as he had requested in the months prior to his passing. The service, at which more than 400 were in attendance, was a “celebration of life” in the opening words of Head of School Dr. De Jarnett -- providing colorful insights into Kraut’s remarkable breadth of interests and why he was perhaps best viewed as a renaissance man. In addition to remarks from current student athletes Tara Satnick ’16 and Antonios Tsougarakis ’16, alumni and others contributed poetry, spoken word segments, and statements of sincere thanks. Those participating
included Young Park ’90 (who offered her own reflective comments to dovetail Betsey’s remarks), Shereen Al-Sawwaf ’15, and Shivali Shah ’93. Current and former colleages of Kraut’s who spoke included faculty member John Deal; faculty member and Varsity Cross Country Coach Dan Sussman; Robert Vigneau; Peter Platt; Sam Bacon; English Department Chair Fred Daly; and Upper School Principal Joseph Algrant. Additionally, the service included musical segments from the musical Guys & Dolls and the operetta Pirates of Penzance (sung memorably by Scarlett Diaz ’19 and Henrique Neves ’18 respectively) and the Adagio from String Quartette op.13 by Mendelssohn, performed by the Stott family and “friend” violist Jason Finn ’18. Duets from D-E Performing Arts Department Chair
John Littlefield and pianist Karen Littlefield added to the solemnity and beauty of the service.
Betsey closed her remarks during the memorial service with these profound words: “Please, today, take a moment, or this weekend. Reflect on your Kraut lessons. Please take time to share them with other people. Share them with me sometime. Please hear his voice as you run, as you work out, as you read, as you write, as you live your life. Finish what you start. And do as Kraut did—finish strong.”
The D-E community was extremely fortunate to have had a chance to honor Kraut before his death with joyful, fitting tributes to his contributions as a coach and as a teacher.
¬ Kraut and his wife and D-E faculty member Betsey Carson, under the D-E XC pop-up tent -- just one of the hundreds of items that Kraut personally purchased for the teams he coached.
¬ The Fun Run/Walk, a 1 km course, began on Graham Field, and wound its way up and around the D-E campus, ending on Leggett Field. More than 500 students, alumni, current and former D-E faculty and staff, members of Kraut and Betsey’s families, and friends all participated.
gathered on Graham Field for the event, which was spearheaded by Mathematics Department faculty member and D-E Athletics coach Patti Barrett together with student athlete Tara Satnick ’16. Ultimately the track and field and cross country teams joined in to help, along with dozens of faculty and staff members volunteering as well.
Prior to the sound of the starting gun, under the cross country team’s
A Classroom Dedication
that the event was finally putting into place Kraut’s vision for a cross country route in and around the D-E campus. And then they were off, all proudly wearing their official white “Kraut’s Running of the Bulldogs” tank-style T-shirts. In his characteristically generous (and humble) way, Kraut asked that all monies raised from the event – which as of early December 2015 was approximately $17,000 - be directed right back to support the Track and Field and Cross Country Teams.
¬ Cross Country and Track & Field Team members facilitated a Kraut-style stretching exercise prior to the “Kraut’s Running of the Bulldogs”.
¬ Throughout the day, dozens flooded in to admire the new Jerald Krauthamer Classroom and write messages of gratitude, well wishes, and congratulations to both Kraut and Betsey too.
¬ A small group of family and friends joined Kraut and Betsey for the official ribbon cutting to the new Jerald Krauthamer Classroom, the 2nd floor Harkness Leggett Hall classroom formerly known as L235. During the ribbon cutting Head of School Dr. De Jarnett indicated that the adjacent room will be saved for when Betsey Carson retires, ‘but hopefully that won’t be for a very long time’.
¬ Head of School Dr. De Jarnett presented Kraut with a bronze plaque identical to the one now found by the entryway of the Jerald Krauthamer Classroom.
` After the run, a small group of Kraut’s family and friends then proceeded to the second floor of Leggett Hall, where one of the Harkness Table classrooms that Kraut often taught in was officially dedicated as the Jerald Krauthamer Classroom. Head of School Dr. De Jarnett called attention to the framed interior plaque, featuring Jerry’s photo and an essay by Fred Daly, English Department chair and Jerry’s fellow coach. Guests were then encouraged to write a note or personal message to Jerry and Betsey and add it to a special memory book.
A Community Speaks
` The most poignant portion of the day was the ceremony that followed the classroom dedication, in Schenck Auditorium. A standingroom-only audience listened to a brief introduction by Dr. De Jarnett, followed by remarks from individuals who worked with or coached alongside Kraut, including the revered, now-retired D-E faculty member Doris Gelman (who took us back in time to the first few days of Kraut’s hiring), and Fred Daly, who spoke with reverence and customary humor of Kraut’s infamous study guides for Macbeth and Hamlet; his lunchtime editing sessions; and the infamous GUM (Grammar Usage Manual). After the formal remarks, there was the opportunity for anyone to have the microphone and say some words to Kraut, and Betsey too, with a full range of emotions on display, and all with a common theme of gratitude for Kraut’s constant dedication and generosity, his brutal yet refreshing honesty, his quirky sense of humor, and his integrity.
Sarah Krakoff ’82, now a professor at the University of Colorado Law School, who still holds the School record in 3200 meters, was the first to take the microphone. She noted that she and her brother, Jonathan
Krakoff ’81, were in Kraut’s first crop of runners on the track team. She said, “I …would not have run, but for you, if you hadn’t dragged me out there, you and [coach] Bob Vigneau, but I’ve been running ever since, and racing ever since and loving it. And I know Jonathan and I…have so many memories. I mean, really, my best memories from high school were from running and athletics and sports because, otherwise, I think I felt so strange. You took us to those amazingly fun, grimy meets at 168th Street at the Armory…And then, meets in Kearny and Jersey City, where when we would lie down to stretch, we’d get up, our sweatpants, and they were cotton back then, were just covered with grime and dirt. And then all winter, we’d go up and run along the Palisades and the “Manhattan Touch” [touch a tree below the George Washington Bridge] and back, and all of those runs. I remember every step of them. Every step. Every mile. Thank you so much for getting us started and for creating our best memories of life here at Dwight-Englewood.”
The event closed with a rousing standing ovation. Although clearly weary, Kraut still demonstrated his customary resilient grin, and epitomized the words from which so many have learned, “finishing strong.”
¬ Prior to leaving at the conclusion of the Schenck Auditorium ceremony, Kraut posed for this photo by the D-E Bulldog. From left are: John Brancato, David Tannenbaum ‘01, John McCabe, Doris Tannenbaum, Betsey Carson, Diane Christian, Liz Traub, Nancy Melser, and Patricia Dore.
¬ Kraut, Betsey, and family and friends reacted to one of the many humorous remarks made during the ceremony in Schenck Auditorium.
Editor’s Note:
Links to tribute articles about Jerry Krauthamer and the YouTube video of the November 14 memorial service for him can be viewed online at www.d-e.org/alumni
Those wishing to share a memory or note with Betsey Carson may do so by contacting Director of Alumni Relations Maria Sanchez Gardner ‘78 at sanchm@d-e.org or at D-E Alumni Relations, 315 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood, NJ 07631.
Gifts in honor of and in tribute to Kraut may be directed to:
Dwight-Englewood School
Restricted Track & Cross Country 315 E. Palisade Avenue Englewood, NJ 07631
Contributions can also be made online at: www.d-e.org/giving, where it is possible to specify in the comments section: Restricted Track & Cross Country.
Gifts may also be directed to:
VNA (Visting Nurse Association)
Englewood Hospice 15 Engle Street, #301 Englewood, NJ 07631
Sharing Our Memories
In the weeks leading up to the dedication of the Jerald Krauthamer Classroom and the Kraut’s Running of the Bulldogs event in September, the D-E community was invited to share memories with and for Jerry and his wife, Betsey Carson. Hundreds of letters, emails, and postcards were sent the school—and more are still coming in—all of which are so compelling and sincerely appreciated. This small sampling only begins to convey the deep admiration and love that the D-E community felt for Kraut:
` I don’t know if you know this, but I was the person who brought Jerry to Dwight-Englewood, in the late 1970s. I first met him when he was a classmate of my daughter’s at New College in Sarasota, FL. For a short period after his graduation Jerry lived with us, and it was during long talks at that time that I came to know his deep love of literature, his gift of enjoying young people, his obvious love of teaching, and his lightning and mischievous sense of humor. I have been privileged to maintain my friendship with Jerry for these many years, and when he and my dearest, dearest friend, Betsey became close and later married, my heart leapt up. I wish I lived closer now, but it is a great comfort to see how Dwight-Englewood and a large community of loving friends have given Betsey and Jerry their care and support.—Doris Gelman, Former Faculty (1967-2007), Head of History Department and Former Trustee
` Dear Mr. Krauthamer,
¬ Retired faculty member Doris Gellman and Kraut, beloved D-E teachers (and friends) together once again.
An Inspirer. An Empowerer. An Engager. These three characteristics are just a short sample of the many you demonstrated with all of your students, including me. Too often we progress through the “ropes of life,” and do not invest the time to express our gratitude and authentic value for the support you so eagerly shared for our growth, as not only students, but also as global citizens of society. You made me feel truly supported when you said, “Please let me know how I can be helpful” and genuinely meant it. Also, the excitement you expressed to co-learn with me, rather than teach me, makes me feel like I was a partner in my learning experience. As an educator, your title ensured a role of heightening my knowledge in academics. You saw me not as one of the many students you have, but instead you valued me for my uniqueness and strengths. Your classroom promoted an environment where I felt like I was able to not only share my contributions, but also knew they were actually considered and appreciated. Thank you for being genuine. Thank you for being you. Thank you for being one of the few great teachers out there and for being such an incredible asset to the Dwight-Englewood School community. Henry Brook Adams wrote that “a teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” I have absolutely no doubt that you will forever inspire others to achieve greatness. With deepest gratitude—Karen Buckmiller Howarth ’94
` Coach Krauthamer, I always look back on my time on D-E’s cross country and winter/ spring track teams with fond memories. Group workouts that stand out include: 24x200, group runs along Henry Hudson Drive, and of course repeats up Booth. You were truly the first person to encourage me to push myself to discover just how much I could accomplish.
In my sophomore year, I was determined to complete the Boston marathon, a dream of mine since I was young, and although I know you felt it was not the best idea, I remember your congratulations when I had succeeded. Without the foundation that you provided by training the right way, I doubt I
would have been able to complete that race.
Thank you for your encouragement, dedication to team, and commitment to Dwight-Englewood all these years.
Extremely grateful to have had you as a coach.
Ken Landau ‘82, P’13 &’17
` Mr. Krauthamer, You were one of my favorite teachers at Dwight. You encouraged me to dig deeper into what I was reading and look beyond the text in front of me to bring the stories to life. You inspired a love of reading that is with me to this day. You taught me how to fail (I received my only F ever in your class!)
but also how to correct my mistakes and learn from them (I turned that F into an A+ by understanding what my errors were).
` I am a better writer, a better reader, and a better person because of you. I was honored to have you speak on my behalf at the Cum Laude induction ceremony before graduation. I still have your speech saved on my computer, and when I come across it I am always touched by your words. I strive every day to be the dedicated person you saw in 10th grade, and I hope I am achieving my goal. You will be sorely missed, but always remembered.
Many thanks, Marcia Zelman ’07
In Memoriam: Sonnet for Jerry Krauthamer
By John Deal, Upper School Faculty
Macbeth and Lear stop up all words and stand In tongueless tribute to a friend now lost; And widowed Gloriana doth command Her subjects doff their tiny caps bemoss’d. Mid-lecture, Mrs. Wingfield, eyes half-crossed, Is hushed; and each glass animal as well; Phil Marlowe, weather-beat and tempest-tossed, Says this big sleep can up and go to hell. No better houseguest in a book did dwell Than he, our fallen friend and neighbor dear; And every page turns blank with grief to tell The ending of his story-rich career. Let libraries lock tight, dust jackets sigh, To mourn the leaf too fast to fall and die.
In Gratitude
Contributed by Terecille Basa-Ong ’03
I was driving around Englewood in late August and had always wondered what St. Peter’s College looked like up close, so I drove through and then stumbled upon neighboring Allison Park. Kraut had recommended it to me, a few months back, when I encountered him sitting at an empty table in the cafeteria amongst the students, as usual, waiting for anyone who needed him. I had never been to this park before, as it is hidden like he had said it would be. What a treasure. Here it was, 15 years after Kraut had been my teacher, and he was still teaching me new things.
I didn’t realize that that would be my last lesson from him. Just like I didn’t realize that the last time I’d ever see him would be at the first-ever and soon-to-be annual Kraut’s Running of the Bulldogs event on September 19. And as I, like him, never want to call attention or be in the spotlight, I didn’t even get to speak with him that day. The only interaction we had—our final exchange—was when he rolled past me in his wheelchair, en route to Schenck Auditorium after the room dedication; all I did was smile shyly, and I believe, I think—I hope—he smiled back.
We lost him six weeks and three days later. We honored him exactly eight weeks after the Fun Run/Walk with a memorial service that filled Silberfein Gym to the brim with Kraut’s former and recent colleagues, alumni, students, athletes, and D-E parents (including my own). Some of them got to speak and teach us all a little bit more about the show-tunes- and sonnet-loving Kraut—including Kraut and Betsey’s “adopted” daughter, Young Park ’90, and former track coach and/or English colleagues Robert Vigneau, Peter Platt, and Sam Bacon. And they spoke standing up at a wooden lectern, which reminded me of how Kraut would open each class by standing—with both hands clutching either side of the top—at a similar lectern that had somehow made its way into the room formerly known as L203, now the Jerald Krauthamer Classroom.
While my heart sank on November 3, as I’m sure it did for most of us who cherished him, I was also quickly comforted by the fact that he was no longer in pain. For me, the memorial did give me a sense of closure after months of not seeing Kraut around campus and wondering how he
was doing—though, seeing photos pop up on Facebook did help and assure me that he was still going.
I’ve told countless people, but I don’t think I ever told him, that Kraut is the reason why I am the writer/proofreader/ communications professional I am today. I had been a public school kid who thought she was a decent writer— until coming to D-E in 9th grade and not being placed in Honors English both freshman and sophomore years. But that actually turned out for the best, as I was fortunate enough to be in Kraut’s 10th grade English class. He taught me everything I know about grammar, writing style, Shakespeare. No other English teacher, college professor, newspaper editor—no one ever came close. After nearly four decades of coaching and teaching, Kraut leaves behind not only an irreplaceable legacy of GUM and (handmade) Shakespeare manuals, but also a legion of grammar freaks, of which I am one, and damn proud of it.
Thanks, Kraut, for everything.
¬ Fred Daly, after delivering remarks honoring Kraut from his uniquely dual perspective as both “boss” (given his role as D-E English Department Chair) and “employee” (given his role as a D-E Assistant Coach) obliged Kraut’s request for the microphone. To everyone’s delight, Kraut clarified a few points made about him and then spoke meaningfully about what he himself had gained through being both a teacher and coach.