McKeesport mourns teacher’s death

By JEFF STITT

jstitt@yourmvi.com

The McKeesport Area School District is mourning the loss of one of its beloved high school educators.

Matt Bauman, a historian, an 11th and 12th grade history, science and English teacher and an active McKeesport Regional Heritage and History Center board member, passed away Oct. 14 after a battle with cancer, according to a statement from his family. He was 36.

The family said Matt was always mature beyond his years, had “an inner strength” and could be a bit stubborn and his passion for his family and his job of educating others were paramount in his life. 

Matt, a Port Vue resident, is survived by two young sons, Jack and Theo, and his wife, Samantha Bauman, whom he met in French class at McKeesport High School, his mother and father, Pam (Torbic) Bauman and Tom Bauman; and his brothers, Zach and Ben.

“He was a kind, loving, caring, teaching and helping father and husband. He made us so, so proud,” the family said in a prepared statement.

“I’ve always thought that it was the duty of each young man to look to his father and learn valuable lessons so that he could become a better person than his father,” Matt’s dad said. “That was maybe a lofty, unachievable goal for me as I compared myself to my father, but Matt was able to become more than both myself and my father.”

The family said Matt had a gift for spreading knowledge and sharing wisdom.

“Matt was almost too intelligent for his own good. He shared his knowledge generously and inspired others to become more knowledgeable,” the family said. 

McKeesport Area School District spokeswoman Kristen James said the district is in mourning. 

“It is with an extremely heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of our friend and colleague, high school teacher, Matthew Bauman,” James said. “Mr. Bauman was a well-liked and respected teacher that has been with our district in various roles since October 2008. Please take a moment today to turn your thoughts and well wishes to the Bauman and Humanic families during this trying time in their lives.”

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