" I miss Jeff's good nature and kind humor. My days were always brighter when I was lucky enough to run into him. Being on opposite sides of the school placed a limit on our interactions at least until the need arose for navigating the internet to complete the yearly health questionnaire. Then, the pleasure of conversation and enjoying his easy going nature and humor was mine. Jeff was one of the good ones. He is sorely missed."
In loving memory of
Jeffrey Edward Ostheim
May 30, 1959 - October 6, 2017
Jeffrey Edward Ostheim, 58 years old, passed away on October 6, 2017 at Holy Cross Hospital.
Jeff was proud to be born in Yonkers, New York in 1959. His true identity was wrapped up in his upbringing in Red Hook, New York, in the heart of his beloved Hudson River Valley. He grew up with, what turned out to be life-long passions, for basketball, history, art and mostly music. Saving his money as a kid to go to Kingston to purchase a new 45 record, listening to favorite radio stations, and dreaming of being a radio announcer were all recurring memories that have lasted a life time. Jeff was a compassionate human being and began his career pursuits at Dutchess Community College in community health. He worked as a pharmacy tech for years after moving to Florida to be with his family. Later he graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a degree in history and began teaching. He taught world history, American history, geography and government and economics for 21 years at Santeluces High School in Palm Beach County. He is loved by his colleagues and has touched the lives of his many students. He was an avid reader, reading three newspapers a day and several books a month. His reading centered on history and politics and music and he had a passion for the lives of the presidents. Jeff met his wife, Susan twenty years ago. Their Buddhist, backyard wedding took place in 2007. They had a rich and wonderful life together traveling, creating a beautiful home and backyard retreat, and supporting each other in life through good times and difficulties. Jeff loved to plan trips that coordinated art, music, nature and history in a thematic way. Jeff leaves behind countless friends who will miss him greatly. He is survived by his wife Susan, his father Henry, his mother Joyce, and his two brothers Chris (Debbie and Jason and Brian) and Ken (Gail). His large extended family, many friends and coworkers will remember him forever. His double dachshunds Klaus and Lola are adjusting to his absence.
Please visit the family to offer condolences at Fred Hunter Funeral Home in Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at 2pm to remember Jeff's life. A private burial will take place later this fall on the Hudson River.
Consider donating to the following charities today or any day: Jerry Garcia Foundation (for support of the arts and music), Tibet House US (Health, Human Rights and Peace), Habitat for Humanity (Housing for the poor) and Amnesty International (Human Rights and World Peace)
Tributes
"Our best memories of Jeff are in his and Sue's backyard, especially the Eater egg hunts. Some might not know this, but Jeff was an expert Easter egg hider. The success of finding a plastic egg was always accompanied by chocolate and Jeff's great laugh. We shared many great laughs and conversations in their backyard over the years and still find it hard to believe he is no longer with us. He will be deeply missed. We love you Aunt Sue!"
"Jeff and I worked together for many years at Santaluces. He was always easy-going, friendly, compassionate, and optimistic with teachers and students. He really cared about the ESE students in his classes, and he would talk with them individually to encourage them to succeed. I was always thankful when my students had him as a teacher because i could count on him to give extra support to my language impaired students. He is sincerely missed for his compassion and friendly nature. I believe he is at peace and smiling down on his family and friends. Thank you, Jeff, for all you did for us while you were here!"
"While it has its advantages, longevity in life also has its pitfalls. The most grievous of which is that if you live long enough you will witness the passing of beloved family members and close friends. I considered Jeff to be a close friend. To be honest in our numerous conversations over 17 years as colleagues and friends at Santaluces High School we often disagreed on my things- especially politics and sports. Sometimes our discussions would become heated but would never filled with vitriol. I believe that this was because we respected each others opinion, even we did not share it. I was the aggressive debater while Jeff stoically but resolutely expressed his opinions. Next day all was forgotten. I relished those days and sorely missed them when I retired. I wore a tie every day and Jeff dressed casually, What we did have in common was our enjoyment of humor (although sometimes we were both somewhat sophomoric). I looked forward to our almost every day meetings. He made me and others around him laugh. Although I didn't let him know it Jeff also made me think. I will be indebted to him forever for helping me to realize the importance of a spouse. He loved you Susan. Being with you was all it took to make him content He enjoyed planning and going on your many travels and working on your home and in the yard with you. In short you were his life. He met the right woman and he married her. There are so many things I could say about Jeff Ostheim but to sum it up he was a unique and caring man who was always "comfortable in his own skin" and made others feel comfortable as well. Jeff made indelible footprints in the lives of many.While his physical body may have passed his memory will always bring a smile. I am smiling now. "
"To the Ostheim Family, So very sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. I sure your sadness at this very difficult time. Angela M. Fraleigh (formerly of Rhinbeck, N.Y.)"
"As a student here at Santaluces from 2007-2011 I had many teachers and coaches who influenced and impacted my life in many different ways. Mr. Ostheim was definitely one of those teachers. Sophomore year world history was one of my favorite classes I took at Santaluces and he had everything to do with that. His love for history and his students really showed day in and day out and I am honored to be able to call him my teacher and my colleague. It was him who opened up my eyes to becoming an educator so I could impact the lives of kids like he did for me. I will definitely miss walking in the halls and seeing Mr. Osthiem and him saying "hey Matt". You will be missed Mr. Ostheim. "
"One of the many Chiefs that make Santaluces such a unique and special school. I'm sure they already know, but all of his current and former students sure were lucky to have had Jeff as one of their teachers. He cared deeply that you left his classroom with more knowledge than you had before you walked out that door. Our school has lost a great one and he will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. Jeff, you will always be a Chief!"
"As a new teacher at Santaluces High School, Jeff's classroom was right in front of mine. As a result, and because he was just a friendly person, we talked every morning while waiting for our students to flood the hallway and enter our rooms. Jeff always said something funny to cause laughter in my day. Wow, that is how I started my day! Even though I knew him for a short time, I will certainly miss him. Good Bye Jeff!!!!!! "
"I find it hard - and so disturbing - to accept that Jeff is no longer with us. First, no one should leave us at such a young age. This is so unfair, not just because he was only 58, but more importantly, because he was so special. I always thought of his appearance as an oversized Teddy bear, a unique breed though: kind, intellectual, empathetic. As his colleague, a chat with Jeff before, after or (let's be honest) during faculty meetings was always warm and witty.It seems wrong that the world will go on without him, but without Jeff, it will be a smaller, colder place."
"I would like to share my thoughts about my good friend Jeff, or as I affectionately called him--Jeffy. Jeff loved books, film, art, music, sports and, above all, Susan. He loved collecting records. He loved the New World symphony in Miami and the Miami Book Fair. He was born in Red Hook on the Hudson River in New York. He loved NYC and wanted to return to the area, when he retired. He loved telling jokes. He was a great conversationalist, good-natured and funny. Sometimes, his stories would drag on torturously, and I would be saved by the school bell. He loved all things historical. He had a great memory for significant as well as insignificant events. He loved baseball and football, the Mets and the Jets. He loved Phillip Roth, John Franzen, Donna Tart, among many other authors. He loved obscure music and film-- Jazz, Rock, New Classical and punk. The Ramones, Iggy Pop, Patti Smith, Pere Ubu, The Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, John Adams, John Cage, Philip Glass, Steven Reich were just some of his favorites. As for film, he loved anything directed by Wim Wenders, Jim Jarmusch and Werner Herzog. He was computer challenged, well not completely, but he had some issues when it came to computers. He loved tuna fish sandwiches, carrots and apples. He never would finish his apple, which drove me completely crazy. He loved Denny's and always ordered a' moon over my hammy.' He was genuine. I met Jeff in the year 2000. We were both dining at what once was referred to as the faculty dining room at Santaluces High School. Back then, it was a favorite if you really wanted to stuff your face, quickly. We did a lot of talking about music. When I first met him, I remember, I brought up an obscure band I had seen in the mid-80s in the Lower East Side of New York City. The show was in a hole- in-the-wall on 8th street between Avenues B and C, named, aptly, 8BC. The music: James Chance and the Contortions. Jeff knew the band and knew the location where the show was held. That started our friendship. We have been friends for 17 years, eating lunch together almost every work day since the beginning. I'll miss my good friend, Jeff, very much. James Connolly "
"Those of us from Red Hook remember "Chet" well. In reading the tributes it is apparent that he made an incredible impact in the classroom. He left a lasting legacy. Our thoughts go out to Jeff and his entire family. "
"Mr. Ostheim was so caring. It saddens me to hear of his passing. He was loved by so many of his students. His passion for History led to me taking two years of classes with him while attending santaluces. He was a great teacher and most definitelly will be missed. My deepest condolences to the family and friends who have to deal with his passing first hand. Rest in peace, Mr. Ostheim. "
"Susan, we are so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Though we didn't know him well he seem truly to be your soul mate and we can't imagine your loss. Sending our love and sympathy, Naomi & Dana Stone"
"I never had Mr. O as a teacher at Santaluces but I did hear many great things about him and that he was one of the best teachers on campus. I am deeply sorry for your loss and sending love and prayers to the family. "
"Our deepest sympathies on Jeff's passing. Sending love and light to Susan and the Ostheim family at this very sad time. Good night sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. "
"I am so sorry for your loss of the wonderful person that he was. I very much enjoyed the variety of conversations with Jeff over the years we worked together - his breadth of knowledge, his perspective on so many issues, his temperament and his laugh. He will be missed. Ingrid Kehlhofer Teacher at Santaluces and former classroom neighbor"
"junior year was the best year for me in Mr.O class he's always had our back and never gave up on us. I wasn't the best student but he helped me no matter what and this really hurt to receive this news but he is in a better place and I will always remember him as he made an impact on my life.-Former student Will Perez"
"Sophomore year he'd always want to chat with me after class. One thing that stuck with me was when he said "I know you're very smart. You have potential and I know you like to make people laugh. But I know you don't want to make people laugh forever right? you can be an educated comedian" Opened up my eyes. He WILL be missed. "
"What a kind sould and a great educator. I will always remember Jeff fondly as a good man, good friend and coworker. My deepest condolences to his family. "
"Ommited word "former students were given a gift" "
"What am amazing man and colleague! He was always smiling and went out of his way to ask you how you were doing. This OITSTANDING Educator gave of himself tirelessly. I remember saying to him a few days before surgery, "See you in a few days!" Santaluces High School is a better place because of him! Thousands of former students were given a by having him as a teacher. Hundreds of teachers mourn the loss of a great man! Just last week he was awarded History Department Staff Member of the Month! Well deserved! Until we meet again, sir. Rest In Peace! J. Michael Woods, M.Ed. / Special Education Teacher, Santaluces High School. "
"Jeff was truly a warm and compassionate human being. I feel honored to have known him and am saddened by his passing. I will miss his smiling face and the conversations we shared, but will hold on to those memories. Please know that his students adored Mr. O. I am sending positive thoughts for strength and healing to his family and loved ones. -Alison Moe"