We learned from his family that David Giammattei, instructor of history emeritus, passed away at the age of 87 on February 17, 2023. Mr. Giammattei, affectionately known as Mr. G., served on The Hill faculty from 1961 until his retirement in 1997. He and his loving wife, Ginger, who survives him, were devoted dorm parents to hundreds of students for many years.  Upon their retirement, the couple established The David & Virginia Giammattei Prize for Excellence in House and Dormitory Parenting. Their legacy of service and love for The Hill continues through this annual award is given to an outstanding “Hill home parent,” which reflects their belief that dormitory halls and houses are places for students to learn from faculty “parents” who care about each of their charges.

The Giammattei family has shared the following tribute with The Hill:

David Presby Giammattei was born on July 13, 1935 in Tarrytown, N.Y. He passed away quietly at home at Cornwall Manor, in Cornwall, Pa. He is survived by his wife, Virginia; his daughter, Virginia Barragan of Temecula, Calif.; and four grandchildren.

He was the third child born of Dr. Francis Giammattei and Mrs. Betsy Presby. He graduated from St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Wilmington, Del. In 1954, received his B.A. from Trinity College in 1957 and his M.A. in history from Boston University in 1959. He took other numerous fellowships to expand his knowledge base such as a history fellowship at Williamsburg and a General Electric Fellowship in Economics at Union College. He served in the U.S. Army in Counter Intelligence for three years and later was asked by President Reagan to serve on the local Draft Board of Montgomery County, PA.

He began his career in teaching history at the Hoosac School in Hoosick Falls, N.Y. from 1957 to 1959. It was “deep immersion” teaching five courses, running a dorm of 45 boys and being assistant director of athletics. After the Army, he began his 37 years at The Hill from 1961-1997. His wife, Virginia (Ginger), joined him in 1963. Over the years, he taught every course that was offered in the history department, including adding unique ones such as History of Change, Economics, and Government for eighth graders, where he was known to tell the boys, “you will know more about U.S. government that the average American.” Over the years, he and his wife ran three dorms ranging in size from 16-27 boys. When they moved to a four-bedroom condominium on campus, day students taking his courses were invited to stay with them during snowstorms, so they did not miss his first period class. Some of his many other responsibilities included running the dining room, coaching of various far fields sports, being an adviser to various student organizations, and serving as chair of the History Department for 18 years.

The G’s, as they were known by all the boys they mentored and taught, still continued providing their love, warmth, humor, encouragement, and hugs throughout the years. Then and now they were always available to listen and, when asked, giving honest answers. They both served The Hill and community at large with devotion and integrity. Wherever they have lived, their door has always been open or their phone answered no matter what the hour.

David and Ginger retired in 1997 to their home near Lake Hauto, near Tamaqua, Pa., where he taught the AARP Senior Safe Driving School Course in three counties, served on the Lake Hauto Board, participated as a member of the Vestry of Trinity Episcopal Church in Pottsville, Pa., and volunteered with the church group in feeding the area homeless. In 2005, they moved to Cornwall Manor where David was involved in numerous resident committees and continued to teach the AARP Safe Driving Course in the local area until 2015. He was very active at the All Saints Episcopal Church in Hershey, Pa. as a member of the Vestry and numerous other church programs.

In lieu of flowers, Mr. G. requested any donations be made to The Hill School in support of The David & Virginia Giammattei Prize for Excellence in House and Dormitory Parenting.

Funeral arrangements will occur at the convenience of the family.

The Hill School sends its deepest condolences to the entire Giammattei family during this difficult time.