A Loss to the MKA Community

In a week marked by loss, it is with profound sadness that The Montclair Kimberley Academy announces the death of Upper School faculty member Dr. Marty Fossett following a courageous eight-year battle with brain cancer.

A graduate of Hopkins School, Middlebury College and the University of Utah, Marty was a researcher, scientist and an inspired teacher.  Prior to joining the MKA faculty in 2001, he taught science at Tabor Academy and the University of Utah.  Marty taught other science faculty for many summers at the Taft Educational Center and was a regular College Board reader for Chemistry AP exams.   During Marty's ten years at MKA, he co-chaired the Science Department, taught AP Chemistry and guided students engaged in independent scientific research.

A dedicated, enthusiastic and caring teacher, Marty imparted his profound knowledge and love of chemistry to all of his students.  He had a gift for challenging the most dedicated science students and for inspiring those who came to the subject a bit more reluctantly.

"Marty was a deeply respected colleague and an integral member of the MKA community." comments MKA Headmaster Tom Nammack. "He will be missed more than words can ever express.  I know you will join me in sending heartfelt condolences to his family, his wife Amy, an MKA Middle School Science teacher, and his son Caleb, a member of MKA's second grade.  In all respects, Marty has been a source of pride to MKA."

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 24th at the Union Congregational Church, 176 Cooper Avenue, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043.

The family has requested that any donations in Marty's name be made to either the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center or to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.