It is with heavy hearts that the O’Connell community shares the news that Brother Bart Schlachter, FSC (Brothers of the Christian Schools) passed away on Aug. 18, 2014, in Lincroft, N.J. He was 83 years old.
Brother Bartholomew is fondly remembered by the first graduating classes at Bishop O’Connell High School, where he taught Religion and American History from 1957 through 1961. He went on to school administration in Pennsylvania and Ohio before becoming dean of students at Christian Brothers College in Memphis, Tenn.
Funeral arrangements for Brother Bart are as follows:
Sunday, September 7, 2014
10:00 a.m., Memorial Liturgy
Reception to follow
La Salle College High School Student Chapel
8605 Cheltenham Ave
Wyndmoor, PA 19038-7199
For more information, visit:
http://www.lasallian.info/2014/08/19/brother-bart-schlachter-rip/
News of his passing prompted an outpouring of memories from O’Connell alumni, including the following:
"In my last conversation with Brother Bart about a planned visit with a classmate about a week before he died, he told me that the only caveat was that we might have to accompany him to minister to the homeless--as was his routine. He was an emissary of God to the end."
"We will never forget his gracious and interesting manner and the craft projects that we built for his class.”
"The first motto learned at O’Connell was: ‘Boys will be boys, but Brother’s boys will be gentlemen!’ Brother Bartholomew has moved on from this mortal life, but his adages will always ring true."
"I will admit I was at first scared of Black Bart in History class with that dark scowl and daily quiz, but a noble friend and care giver he became to me and many others.”
“When we try to go thru the Pearly Gates, he’ll probably be standing there with his sleeves rolled up and a series of questions that we have to answer correctly before we’re given a provisional admittance.”
“Brother Bart had a very significant impact on me. He helped me learn how to study and what was important. What he taught me helped me significantly through VA Tech and beyond.”
“He was such a dynamic and faith filled person – really unforgettable!”
“He was much more than a teacher. He was a positive impact for me throughout that year and an excellent role model for the entire school.”
“Of all the brothers, I remember him as kind, fair, and rather hip and understanding.”
"He was a true mentor and role model throughout my high school years."
May he rest in eternal peace.
