I learned today of Professor Herlacher's death.

I took advanced calculus from him at Cleveland State in the early 1980s. He was the best teacher I ever had, including all the math and physics profs I had at Cornell University Engineering School, where I started as an undergraduate.

Professor Herlacher truly had a beautiful and brilliant mind. I loved his lectures. All of them were excellent, but some (maybe a third to a half) I found extraordinary. Those lectures seemed to me like symphonies. They had major themes and minor themes that would recur at just the right moments. He worked from a slip of paper containing a few short notes and derived from those all the complicated equations required to explain the subject matter. Thus he composed these symphonies extemporaneously.

At the end of winter term, I asked him if he would let me take the succeeding math course as an independent study with him since it was only offered every other year, and my work schedule would prevent me from taking it the following year. He willingly did this even though it meant extra work for him.

After I received my grade for that course, I gave him a small gift: a western style belt buckle (from Bill Jones' Leather Shop on Coventry Rd.) that fit with the garb (including a bolo tie) that he habitually wore. I have always regretted that I didn't purchase him a belt to go with the buckle, but I had thousands of dollars of student debt at the time and felt that I couldn't afford it. Professor Herlacher made a point of showing me the belt he had gotten to go with the buckle when I saw him the following academic year.

At some point he mentioned to me that he enjoyed judging roller skating competitions on the weekends. I didn't know that he had been a top notch skater himself until I read it in one of the other guest book entries.

I also didn't know that he was a superb musician until I read it on this site. I guess my analogy of his lectures as symphonies is more apt than I had imagined.

What a wonderful guy he was: so unpretentious, so brilliant, so friendly and kind.

It saddens me to learn that he is gone and even more to know that he didn't have full use of his wonderful mind toward the end of his life.

I will use his death as an opportunity to make up for the belt I didn't get him by making a contribution to the Alzheimer's Association in his memory.

My sincere condolences to his family on the loss of one of the greatest guys in the world.

Sorry, I only just came across this memorial now.  I have many great & happy memories of Dave, because I've known him my whole life (I'm 59).  When I was a child, our families lived near each other in Cleveland, Ohio.  Dave was always such a cool guy - fun, funny and always making lots of fun toys & puzzles.  We all used to ice skate together in our back yard in winters and swim in the summers.  We went on picnics to the park twice a year for Memorial Day & Labor Day.  Joyce & Dave were always like an aunt & uncle to me.  Love you all.  *hugs*

Joyce and family:
Just heard about David's passing today and was so sorry to learn of it.  I was the secretary in the Math Dept when he was at Cleveland State and always found him good humored and easy to work for. Deepest condolences on your loss.  Ann

I remember the first time I saw David skate at a meet: his infectious smile that conveyed the joy he felt to the entire audience; the lilt in his stroke that exuded the fun he was having; and the sheer beauty he brought to the sport. David was always a joy to have at skating meets, and the memory of his skating, along with his vibrant personality, will remain always in our memory!

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

The Herlacher family thanks everyone for signing David's guest book and for all the warm thoughts and memories your shared.  We appreciate everything and cherish all of our family and friends very much.  God bless.

He was the smartest man I've ever known. A fantastic uncle. He will be missed!

Dear Joyce, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God comfort you during this time.

Joyce and family- David was among the top 3 smartest people I ever met. He was the first person I knew who owned a home computer and he taught me to calculate compound interest. May you find comfort in your memories and in knowing that so many admired him.

Dear Joyce and family.....we are sending our love to all of you at this sad time.  David was a wonderful man & we admired him greatly.  Our hearts go out to you.  Love, Howard & Barb

Uncle David was one of the smartest and funniest man I know.  He always had time to listen to us kids.  He had a sparkle in his eye that will not be forgotten.  His and Aunt Joyce's skating was like angels floating across the floor.  With love and comfort to Aunt Joyce and his family.  Love, Kathy Winkelman (Niece)

OBITUARY

David Herlacher

February 17, 1931 – December 23, 2015

T.G. McCarthy Funeral Home

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