From: Brill, Dave (MCattendee)
Date: Mon, Dec 19, 2011 at 9:02 PM
Subject: Fandel RIP and photo
Hi FJohn,
Thanks for your reply. I’m glad to hear that John Fandel had other fans also. I wrote a little appreciation below, and I’m attaching a photo from one of his books, “Testament”.
Dave
——————————————————————————————
I was saddened to hear of John Fandel’s passing. Last week, I was reading something that reminded me of him. I did an online search for his name, and found quite a few items, some indicating that he was still active in his eighties. I was thinking of writing him a letter, but then saw the notice that he’d died just a few weeks ago. I wish I’d done the search earlier.
I attended Manhattan College from 1961 to 1963 and took classes from him both years. He was unequivocally the best teacher I ever had. I’d never understood what literature, especially poetry, was about (other than a high-school chore). But his insight and enthusiasm gave me a strong appreciation of writing, and of the arts in general.
In the classroom, John Fandel was more than just a lecturer. He saw his students as individuals with different concerns and aspirations. He was generous with his time, and I think many students saw him as a friend.
This was especially true in my case. In 1963, I was expelled from the College for handing out a newssheet that mildly satirized some aspects of Manhattan and the Church. I’d been summoned to a hearing conducted by the College President and other officials. To my surprise, John, on his own initiative, came and testified on my behalf (though to no avail). I’ve always been grateful for his kindness.
People sometimes say their lives were touched by one teacher in particular. For me, it was John Fandel. He opened my eyes to many possibilities. It was a privilege to know him, and may he rest in peace.
—————————————————————————
# – # – # – # – #
JR:
So, you’re that “Dave Brill”. Believe it or not that, I remember and read that handout. It went throught the Prep like wildfire. The Brothers went through and collected ALMOST all the copies. I vaugely remember my home room teacher “refuting it” point by point the next day. Sometimes he said “that’s a good point”. You don’t, by chance, have another copy do you? I’m active in a group of Prepsters Class of 1964 and I’m sure they get a kick reminiscing about it again. That would be a real collector’s item for us!
Unfortunately, I never met the man, John Fandel. Maybe that was good? Wonder how he felt about young soon-to-be-fat soon-to-be-old white guy injineers? We weren’t welcome up on the erudite hill. Too fixated on objective reality I was told many many times.
Thanks for sharing that story. And sparking another piece of Jasper lore. I kinda know how you must have felt. I’m not too popular with certain parts of the Administration. (They say I interfere with their fundraising.) But unlike your case, there’s not a lot they can do about me. Guess they could revoke my diploma, find a bill that I’d never paid, or conduct an exorcism.
What was that Groucho Marx line: “I would not want to join a club that would have me as a member.”?
I can’t imagine the suffering that they inflicted on you for a few words? No matter how blasphemous.
Dona Nobis Pacem
# – # – # – # – # 2011-Dec-20 @ 07:49
