Condolences for
Michael Hopewell Gurysh

Mr. Gurysch was a wonderful math teacher with a lasting legacy. He was witty, fun, always polished and composed. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Katy Lu, UDHS 1985

Although I have not spoken to him since high school, Mr. Gurysh has been and continues to be helpful, memorable, and influential. Mr. Gurysh taught me Algebra 2 as a freshman and Calculus as a senior at Upper Dublin High School. Although my high school grades were less than ideal, Mr. Gurysh gave me the foundation to get an A in college calculus while tutoring classmates. Over the past five years, I have worked as a middle school math teacher. It is not an exaggeration to note that Mr. Gurysh enters my mind on a weekly basis. I call on every student every day just as he did, for he believed that every student should be noticed and have his/her name called each class period. Beyond his awesome sense of humor (“I wear the tie—I ask the questions”, hinting at an answer of zero by asking how many friends a student had, etc.), Mr. Gurysh was an amazing role model who truly cared about his students. Whether they liked math or not, Mr. Gurysh’s students felt excited to be in math class. Many of those students, myself included, went on to become math teachers. Our goal is to inspire others the way he inspired us. My sincerest condolences to the Gurysh family—know that Michael H. Gurysh will never be forgotten.
Scott Frank
UDHS Class of 1994

One remembers moments...the infamous canoe trip when, as part of Mike's ephemera, he was ordered by Ro to have lip balm and a life preserver (Steph's "Donald Duck" Styrofoam bubble which would keep all of Mike's 135 lbs. afloat and fit around his 24" waist) in case our (Rad/Mike's) canoe "tipped over at Foul Rift." Following Ro's instructions, we did not roll at FR, but proceeded to tip at Bellevidere, the previous rapids, since Mike's muscular body, sans bubble, was not hefty enough to keep the bow down. Whereupon, I remember a laughing Wemple yelling, "They're over, they're over!!" and Mike pleading for me to grab his lip balm as it floated past...Mike called me in Florida last year; first time I had spoken to him in seven years, and at the end of our conversation he said, “I’m glad I didn’t mess up.” …As long as I’ve known him, he never did.

He was one of the most inspiring, patient teachers I ever observed; the pride of his woodworking, the cottage in Maine, Ken, the good golfer, Dave, who worked for Grumman, the devotion to his parents, and love of Ro…Mike, another of the “Band of Brothers,” the chosen few, whom I will never forget.

Mr. Gurysh was one of my favorite teachers and made math fun. So sharp witted and funny, he inspired us all to be better. He will be missed. My deepest condolences on your loss.

Mr. Gurysh was a great math teacher. I had him for 12th grade calculus and, even though I got a B, I learned so much and understood everything (which is saying a lot). I always wished I had had more time to dedicate to his class so that I could have done better. I remember he would always give credit where credit was due, letting students know when they worked hard and did a good job. He also came to the chorus concerts and school musicals and was always super complimentary. Every time I came into class after a performance, be it a chorus concert or show, he would stop me and tell me how great the performance was, giving specifics. He made everyone feel valued. Over 15 years later, I still remember moments from his class.