Clifton High School mourns death of beloved biology teacher, Mr. Meck, 35
Steven Meck, who died Friday, was an exceptionally gifted teacher who taught honors and Advanced Placement biology, peers and students said.
Clifton High School mourns death of beloved biology teacher, Mr. Meck, 35 Steven Meck, who died Friday, was an exceptionally gifted teacher who taught honors and Advanced Placement biology, peers and students said. Check out this story on northjersey.com: https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/passaic/clifton/2019/05/14/clifton-high-school-mourns-death-beloved-biology-teacher-mr-meck-35/3665991002/
Matt Fagan, North Jersey Record Published 8:05 p.m. ET May 14, 2019 | Updated 8:40 p.m. ET May 15, 2019
The Clifton High School community is mourning the sudden death of beloved biology teacher Steven Meck, 35.
Meck, who died Friday, was an exceptionally gifted teacher who taught honors and Advanced Placement biology, peers and students said.
Steven Meck (Photo: photo courtesy of McGuinness Funeral Home)
"I doubt I could have had a better time learning biology than I did in his class, both times, freshman year and senior year," said student Maharsh Barot. "He was a cool mentor and a good person. He was important to my life and to me."
Meck was a well-liked and dedicated teacher, said Clifton High School Principal Michael Doktor.
"He had the respect of his students," Doktor said.
Beloved Clifton High School teacher Mr. Meck remembered
Steven Meck, center, was a beloved Clifton High School biology teacher. Courtesy Meck family
Steven Meck, right, with family. Courtesy of Meck family
The late Steven Meck, Clifton High School biology teacher, on left. Courtesy of Meck family
Clifton High School biology teacher Steven Meck, second from left, died suddenly Friday. He's pictured with friends at a student, faculty basketball game in 2014. Courtesy of Meck family
Steven Meck photo courtesy of McGuinness Funeral Home
The respect was earned because of Meck's willingness to go the extra mile to prepare his students for their Advanced Placement exams or whatever the next step in their education, said the district's science supervisor, Gary Frankel.
"He was super creative," Frankel said. "He'd come in weekends or nights to help kids."
Former student Mary Alex said Meck's enthusiasm for the subject matter was infectious.
"It was one of those classes I was excited to be in, no matter what we were learning," said Alex, who is graduating from Montclair State University this week. "He was relatable, he was funny ... he made class fun. You could tell he cared about his students."
Just realized how short is life, lost a great teacher today. Rest In Peace, Mr. Meck. I was looking forward to have you again in Senior year but I guess things don't work out the way you plan, sometimes. I hope and pray that you're in a better place, now. I miss you. pic.twitter.com/cMYkwJxJHk
— eman (@itsemanfatima) May 13, 2019
Meck's mother, Liz Meck, said he was naturally nurturing and a "great guy."
"He had a younger brother who he loved taking care of and teaching," she said.
Meck was vegan and opposed all animal cruelty, his mother said, adding that he even grew his own vegetables.
"He had a number of friends and was best man at their weddings," his mother said.
Meck started to teach at Clifton High School right after he graduated from Rutgers University in 2005. He was born and raised in Washington Township, in Gloucester County, and graduated from Gloucester Catholic High School in 2001. He later received a master's degree from Montclair State University.
R.I.P to one of the greatest role models of my life. You were never just a teacher; you were a friend. Thank you for teaching me to push for my goals and dreams and to never let up, no matter how hard it gets. Heaven gained an Angel on this "Marvelous Monday"💔🕊 pic.twitter.com/RyPndaiJr5
— Khaled (@KhaledS38) May 14, 2019
Meck is survived by his parents, Liz "Betty Jo" and Malvin Meck; his brothers, Bob of Eddystone, Pennsylvania, and David of Bloomfield; and his grandmothers, Florence Cuthbertson and Jean Meck.
Visitation will be Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 9 to 11 a.m. at McGuinness Funeral Home, 573 Egg Harbor Road, Sewell. Funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday. Interment will be private by the request of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter 1244 N. Delsea Drive, Vineland, NJ 08360, or by visiting southjerseyregionalanimalshelter.org
Email:fagan@northjersey.com
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