David Edwards Harley

Obituary

On Sunday, June 28th, David Edwards Harley passed away. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Diana, his brothers James and Donald, his sons Chris and Matt, and his grandchildren Michael, Zoe, Sam, and Luke. Dave taught at McDonogh School for 47 years, where he was a beloved teacher of history and economics and a driving force behind student exchange programs with schools in Ukraine and Japan. He loved art, music, birding, and spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed by his family and by the generations of students he influenced. 

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Upon learning of Dave's passing, McDonogh School's Office of Alumni Engagement shared a notice with alumni that included the following tribute from his 2014 retirement. At that time, retired Head of School Charlie Britton offered the following remarks:

"Up next is Dave Harley, who is sitting to my right in the same desk chair that he has sat upon every day since he arrived on campus in 1966 to teach math in the Middle School. After 47 years or 1/3 of the school’s history, Dave and “his chair” are retiring. During his time here, Mr. Harley has graced McDonogh with his keen and inquisitive intellect; his forays into coaching; his creation of foreign exchanges; and his love of ceremony and the absurd.

Mr. Harley is a scholar who seeks to broaden his own mind and those of his students and colleagues. He studied medieval history, and he brought the love of philosophy, art, and Sir Gawain the Green Knight into his classroom. His students will always remember his essays about “Odie the Pig Boy” that introduced his final exams.

Outside of the classroom, he won the very first Cardboard Boat Race B.O.B Award (Best Overall Boat) 25 years ago; he established freshman “Bollard Day” when students decorate the posts along Shell Drive in historically silly costumes; and he figures out the historically-accurate themes of the History Department’s “Faculty Poor Friday breakfasts”--convinced that the Historians throw a better breakfast than any other department.

In high school, Mr. Harley went to Germany as an exchange student, and that grand adventure inspired a life-long love of travel and cultural exchange which inspired his creation of McDonogh’s exchange programs with Ukraine and Japan. The program with Seijo Gakuen Senior High School in Tokyo, where Mr. Harley is apparently considered a “rock star,” is now in its 26th year.

He is the consummate ambassador for McDonogh. With his hat, walking stick, and always-fabulous beard, Mr. Harley revels in the pomp and circumstance of all-things school related. Over the years, he has coached a variety of Middle and Upper School teams and has been a fixture at games and meets. Of course, I would be remiss if I did not highlight that Mr. Harley is also the creator and grand marshal of our one-of-a-kind, double-self-enveloping spirit parade, which has become an annual tradition before the McDonogh vs. Gilman football game.

Mr. Harley and his wife, Diana, raised their sons, Matt and Chris, on campus. I know they are looking forward to spending more time with the boys and their families.

Mr. Harley, for the generations of students and colleagues whose lives and intellects you have touched, we thank you. You are one of McDonogh’s giants, and your legacy will live on forever."

Gallery

Memory wall

July 25, 2026

I was a new 7th grade scholarship student in 1966 when Mr. Harley arrived as the 8th grade math teacher, replacing a legend, Major MacHamer. He left for a year and when I arrived for 9th grade, he was my Western Civilization teacher. The A section was always challenging in those days, but even more so because it seemed like Mr. Harley was building this course from his graduate school notes. Introducing 14 year olds to Beowulf, the concept of Weltanschauung, the Renaissance, Humanism and so forth kept our minds busy and our notebooks full. His essay exams challenged us to think critically and prepared us for college. We had a year off and then I landed his AP U.S. History class that turned the apple cart upside down regarding most of what I had learned about the American Revolution and other notable events. He convinced me thoroughly that the study of History was worthwhile and I chose it as my college major. Years later, I was a Board member and selected to collaborate with faculty on the school's first Mission Statement. Dave was a member of that committee and kept us focused on keeping the word count down and reflecting on our cultural DNA. It's hard to believe that it's been 60 years since I first met Mr. Harley and 58 since he introduced me and my classmates to the concept of Weltanschauung. When I think about his passionate dedication to his profession and to McDonogh School, I can only wonder about how many thousands of students whose Weltanschauung was shaped by some of the self reflecting ideas encouraged by Dave Harley. Thank you, Dave, for opening our minds and thank you for your many contributions to McDonogh.

Wally Boston

July 24, 2026

My first introduction to Mr. Harley was in the Fall of 1996 as a freshman in his Honors European History class. A rock of consistency all year, Mr. Harley ruled his classroom with a dry wit, sharp intellect, and obvious passion for his work. I found him magnetic and inspiring, and also admired his strictness. His sternness made his smile more rewarding when you got one. I was also lucky enough to be taught French by his wife for two years. I have memories of marching with the drum corps in countless Spirit Parades right behind Mr. Harley, but I have one personal memory that stands out.

Mr. Harley was a strict and demanding teacher and he treated his students with a respect that had to be earned. But the moment a McDonogh student touched their diploma, he ceased to be Mr. Harley and became Dave. My friends had a post-commencement party over their house, parents upstairs and kids downstairs, and Dave chose to be with us in the basement. He spoke with us as equals, not as teacher and students. It was an unexpected but deeply rewarding and touching change that illustrated not only the legend and status Mr. Harley had, but also the deep compassion and humanity he shared with his students.

Mr. Harley was a McDonogh cornerstone, a member of McDonogh royalty, and remains one of those teachers whose legend precedes them and whose legacy remains behind him.

Thank you, Mr. Harley, for the lessons, the laughs, the experiences, and the privilege of being your student.

Andrew Dickman

July 20, 2026

So many fond memories of Mr. Harley.... reading Njal's Saga, learning about the importance of the Roman arch, Bollard Decoration Day, seeing him lead the spirit parade.... One of my favorite memories is how he once indulged an absurd debate my friend and I were having during one of his classes. We were arguing over who would win in a dual... the world's best ninja with three throwing stars or a novice with a machine gun. We decided to stage this in literal fashion the following day in the hallway outside his classroom (using nerf weapons of course) and he actually "refereed" the spectacle. Given our poor skills I imagine we both "lost." In any case, his willing participation in our antics certainly endeared him to us all the more. His contributions to McDonogh and its students were immense and the place will never be the same without him.

David Plitt

July 19, 2026

Uncle Dave Harley will be greatly missed, but he left us with wonderful memories and lifelong lessons. He taught me to boogie board, to play cards, build sand castles as big as I dared, to think critically, and to ask good questions. His impact, like his daiquiri recipe, lives on.

Samantha Wilson

July 19, 2026

Words can't express the sadness we all feel. Dave was a great guy who we all enjoyed spending time with at family gatherings. He was beloved by all who knew him. He showed compassion to everyone and never lost his sense of adventure and learning new things.

My personal recollection is Dave having seafood night at the beach. He used all of the pots and pans in the kitchen to create delicious dishes for us all. He was also the master of cocktail hour where his
teaching skills came into play with the art of creating the perfect
Manhattan. On the golf course he never wanted to give up on finding a lost ball of anyone in the foursome.

David Bosely

David Bosely

July 18, 2026

Oh, Dave Carlton, you make me sad that I wasn't an "outlaw." I missed seeing that side of Dave Harley as he was known to us as we had three Daves in our family.

He loved his Manhattan cocktail and when he came for a visit in NC, we searched high and low for a bottle of Vermouth. The picture shows the joy when he and my brother, David found it at Food Lion.

Dave was always one to engage our nieces and nephews in creative ways whether making fantastic sand sculptures or playing cards and games.

Dave also loved birding and would lead willing souls on walks to find and identify them.

I have special memories of going over Christmas break to Glade Spring, their vacation home in Central PA, with my husband and son. Dave and Diana always made us feel welcome. It was especially fun when there was snow to tromp through to get to the sledding hill. Then back to the house to warm up by the fire. It was extra special when my parents, sister and her sons were there, too.

Dave Harley, you have left a legacy of love and leadership for your extended Bosely family. Thank you.
Love,
Marcia Hoffmann, Sister-in-law

Marcia Hoffmann

July 18, 2026

At Bosely family reunions, Dave was usually the one who came up with field trip ideas so that us outlaws could leave the sisters free to catch-up with the goings on of each other’s family.

One such trip was to Gettysburg. Dave was clearly in his element as he stepped us through all the major events that took place, telling us the hows, whens, and wheres that made Gettysburg a pivotal battle. To end the visit, he had us re-enact Pickett’s Charge. He lined us up at the same spot as Pickett lined his troops to begin the charge. As we walked the same field as the soldiers walked, he narrated the order of events, making the charge come alive. As we got closer to the Union line, he had us break into quick step, then jog, and finally into a running charge onto no-man’s land, ending at the Union Line. He made the history come alive.

Whenever a Bosely family reunion took place, you could always count on Dave to plan a getaway field trip. And if the visit was to a local historic site, Dave, the History teacher, would fill in the blanks and tell you the ‘rest of the story’.


So thank you Dave for being an Uncle who always made my kids feel special and important, for the memorable field trips and tours, the seafood nights, the cocktail hours, and finally, for sharing that joke about the sadistic physical therapist and the masochist patient. My Doctor thought it was great.

Dave Carlton

July 17, 2026

Dave was a consummate teacher. He encouraged students to think beyond the dates and dry facts. He did this by projects such as the procession and the pediments that graced the doorways and walls in Allan Building. When we went to Odessa the first time, it was amazing to see Dave’s ability to navigate what could have been a tricky situation. Lifelong friends were mad. One of my favorite moments with Dave was during a presentation by John Keller. The faculty was outside and John taught us about “far distinguishers.” We had to hide behind a bush because we were laughing so hard.
I will miss “Mr. Harley.”

Mina Wender

July 16, 2026

Dave was a constant in my life. I was 14 when he joined the Bosely family. He was always ready for card games, 4 square, and helping us ride the waves at the beach. He took an interest in what was happening in my life, taught me to drive stick shift, and took photos at my wedding. He included and made my kids feel special with his antics. He is loved and will be missed.

Janice Carlton

July 16, 2026

As Admissions Director it was a great joy to lead tours and visit Dave’s classes. He mesmerized students with his passion and command of history and probably slightly terrified some with his Socratic method! He loved his work, he loved the students and he was one of the kindest people. So grateful to have known him. Sending love to Diana and family.

Anita Hilson

Celebration of Life