Gabe Kotter, Beloved Teacher Who Gave “Last Lecture” That Inspired Many, Beaten to Death by Students

BROOKLYN – Gabe Kotter, a teenage troublemaker who returned to his former high school to teach a new generation of delinquents and wrote a best-selling book based on his “last lecture,” was beaten to death by a gang of former students yesterday.

Police have arrested Arnold Horshack of Fire Island, Vinnie Barbarino of Bensonhurst, Frederick Washington, a homeless man, and Juan Epstein of the East Side, and charged them with first degree murder. Authorities said the men were taught by Mr. Kotter over twenty-five years ago, but school records reveal that none of the suspects graduated. Detective Mike Maloney said the men confessed that they were jealous of the notoriety Mr. Kotter had achieved following the news that he was terminally ill.

“Mr. Kot-ter made us sit through those corny speeches every day,” Mr. Washington said in his statement to police.  “He bored the hell out of us so bad we all dropped out. We didn’t want him doing that to other kids.”

Mr. Kotter, who was diagnosed with cancer of the moustache six months ago, became an international inspiration after delivering a final message at a whole-school assembly in the gymnasium of Buchanan High. The lecture was filled with amusing anecdotes and stories involving many of Mr. Kotter’s zany aunts and uncles. “It is important to laugh every day,” he said. “Especially at the things I say.”

Kotter’s former boss, Mr. Woodman, sounded a discordant note on an otherwise somber day. “He was a lousy teacher, and a poor excuse for a comedian. But I suspect his words will live forever, as long as people still watch reruns.” 

Jul 31