Dr. Bardi was one of my all-time favorite professors. He connected with all of his students (including myself) over life, philosophy, and love of music. The way he thought was so innovative; it’s no wonder he captivated so many of us college students during his classes outside under the tree in front of the general studies building. He was one of the first professors I had who really believed in me, beyond just telling me I was getting an A in the class, but by telling a little 17 year old me that he saw me going places in the world. Coming from someone as great as him, calling it a compliment is beyond an understatement.

Everyone says John Bardi is legendary, and I fully agree with that. He is greater than his earthly self and his spirit and philosophies will truly live on in everyone he inspired throughout his lifetime.

I met John Bardi circa 2001 when I started dating his son Jason (now my husband of 16 years). Reading all these tributes, mixed with my own memories, has me awash in sorrow that this inimitable human being is gone. Inspirational professor, deep-dive philosopher, skeptic, and alien analogizer, braided-haired guitar hero, all-star high school football player, sports afficionado, and, two our two kids, colorful Grandpa John... just a huge part of our lives. He’d show up in December having somehow fit a Christmas tree into his Miata. In other seasons he’d bring a marble rye, which became an inside joke in our family along with a few priceless “JBisms” that we’ve had many laughs about over the years.

The singular characteristic I keep coming back to is his voice—the ideas he put forth but also its deep timbre and the cadence of his speech. He was someone you wanted to listen to. And it wasn’t all so serious either. JB could get downright giddy and he reveled in mischief as much as he railed against authoritarianism or injustice. His eyes would twinkle and his nose might pinch as an unabashed grin took over his face. With his brilliant mind, huge heart, and that voice—it’s no wonder he was a favorite professor of so many. To my husband (for whom my heart is breaking right now) he was a supremely proud father offering true kinship and wise counsel. I know all his kids and his widow Amy are hurting. Keep the good stories coming for them! RIP JB, you unforgettable man.

So sorry for your loss. It was an honor to have known John. I took several of John's philosophy classes as an older adult student. After the first course, I was hooked. I was mesmerized by what he had to say and often couldn't wait until the next class. I loved to stop by his office and hear what was on his mind that particular day. What an amazing character, his smile, his laugh, the way he looked at you when he was being ornery. I can still see him brushing his dreads from around his face. Hoping the memories of John help you all cope with his loss.

I first met John during memorial day weekend 2013. I had been dating Andy for a year and I was very nervous to meet the man I had heard so many stories about. John immediately greeted me with a big smile and even bigger hug. His warmth was contagious. I remember being in awe of his house filled floor to ceiling with books and neat trinkets like a life size knight in shining armor medieval statue.

This bigger than life man soon became my father in law and I could not have been more fortunate. There are so many fond/funny memories. The time John decided to wear his soft ugg slippers around our rescue dog Snow because he didn't like his hard threatening looking boots, all the times he came over for food and sports, the impromptu bongo drumming session we had in his kitchen in Gettysburg...there are too many to list.

I feel so lucky to call him family and l am heartbroken that our time has been cut short. I want to say thank you John for raising a wonderful son like Andy whom I am deeply, madly in love with and thank you for being the best father in law anyone could ask for. I will miss that "mmmmmm" sound you made whenever you were over for some Korean food and sports. I can still hear your voice so clearly in my mind. You will forever be missed, forever loved, never ever forgotten and you will always be a part of our life, with each milestone Andy and I take.