A tribute upon Dr. Mulare’s passing by John Bartels

Lisle Alumni, I am saddened to report that Dr. John Mulcare passed away at age 87 after a full life.  We should remember Dr. Mulcare as one of the exceptional teachers ever at Lisle High School, whose positive influence on his students spanned 30 years from the early 1960s through his retirement in 1993.  Those of us students in his chemistry class remember his commitment to allowing everyone to participate in the learning experience.  His outstanding teaching method included hands-on labs, demonstrations, and continuous challenges to observe and think critically through complicated problems.  We also remember how much he cared for his students, insisting on kindness and full engagement in his classroom.  He was a shining example to his students and faculty peers and continued to stay in touch with his many friends from Lisle High School during his retirement.
In 2014, the Carlin Nalley Foundation honored Dr. Mulcare by naming one of our eight Lisle High School scholarships after him.  The Dr. John Mulcare Scholarship is a monetary & academic award given to an outstanding senior science student.  He was always very proud to tell his friends about his award, and they were usually amazed that he was still so highly regarded and remembered decades after retirement.  Those who knew him during his days at Lisle were unsurprised that he received this honor.
Over the last several years, I have occasionally joined Dr. Mulcare for dinner at his home in Lincoln Park, Chicago.  Despite his age and health challenges, he remained fiercely dedicated to living independently in the city, which he managed to do until months before his passing.  He is remembered fondly by his family, friends, partners in the Lisle faculty, and, of course, the thousands of students whose lives he touched.  I invite you to pray for Dr. Mulcare and his family and reflect on his positive impact on you during his rich life.
Click here to view his obituary.

John Bartels, Class of 1985
Carlin Nalley Foundation President