Verona Resident to Be Remembered at Montclair Memorial

Note: Event moved to The Little Theater at the George Inness Annex, 141 Park St. 

When Montclair High School teacher Patrick Dearborn died at the age of 68 on July 16, the Verona resident left behind a huge community of mourners. For 36 years, he taught art and drama classes and he also served as artistic director of MHS' School of Visual and Performing Arts, where he produced countless shows and directed 22 musicals. And that decades-long contribution will be commemorated at a special memorial event taking place Saturday.

The memorial is being planned by a group of parents and alumni who worked with Dearborn during his time with SVPA.  The afternoon event will feature a selection of speeches and performances in his honor. 

Superintendent of Schools Penny E. MacCormack said Dearborn's work has earned the tribute.

"Although I did not have the opportunity to work with Pat Dearborn, I have learned much about work he led with the School of Visual and Performing Arts, his 22 productions that wowed our community and the countless number of young lives that benefitted from his mentoring and directorship," Dr. MacCormack told Patch. "His legacy is a rich and inspiring one and he will be greatly missed."

According to SVPA organizers, Dearborn instituted a performing arts program at the high school that staged Broadway-level productions for the community.

The memorial event will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at The Little Theater at the George Inness Annex, 141 Park St. 

The man is also being remembered through a new scholarship fund in his name. Community members may contribute to the Dearborn Scholarship by sending checks to MFEE, 100 Chestnut St., Montclair, NJ  07042.  People are also being asked to memorialize Patrick Dearborn by donating to the MHS Take Your Seat fundraising campaign. For more information, write to dearbornmemorial@gmail.com.