Along with Walter Cronkite we also lost acclaimed teacher and author Frank McCourt over the weekend. McCourt was 78 years old and passed away from metastatic melanoma.

McCourt was best known for his memoir Angela’s Ashes that chronicled his harsh childhood.  McCourt spent most of his life teaching writing in the New York Public School system and didn’t write his famous book until 1996. Following Angela’s Ashes he also wrote ’Tis in 1999 and “Teacher Man” in 2005, the first about adjusting to New York City and the second about his work as a public school teacher.

He led a truly extraordinary life in which he gave more than he got.

For more on his story read any of his three books and also check out his New York Times obituary.

Also, in the spirit of education, please check out the work of our education blogger Melanie Smollin

*photo by torre.elena (CC)