Mr. Hauer was such an awesome individual! I remember entering Bloomingdale High School and constantly hearing about Mr. Hauer and how awesome he is and thinking "Man I need to take his class."... Everyone was right, and it was one of the most fun school experiences I have ever had.  Every time I hear the song "Sound of Silence" by Simon and Garfunkel I think of you because you playing it in class. You were one of a kind Mr. Hauer, best of love. (Class of 2004 - formerly Boraiko)

As some others have said, thanks for pushing me, i am the person i am because of teachers like Mr. Hauer! (Class of 2001)

You always challenged me Mr. Hauer. Thank you for that and for your good work with students. (Class of 2000)

Matt was a wonderful person and teacher. He will be missed.

So sad to hear this...he was absolutely AWESOME and had such a passion for teaching which made you actually pay attention in his class. Being out of school almost 25years there are few teachers I can even bother to remember but Mr. Hauer is one of the few memorable ones! RIP

Best teacher I ever had at Brandon High. Luckily, my daughter also had the privilege to have him as a teacher at Bloomingdale.  Rest in Peace Matt.

Mr. Hauer was a great teacher who inspired his students not only to learn but to question things and to be independent thinkers.  His legacy will live on for decades.

As students we all shared the same experiences and influences from Mr Hauer. He encouraged individuality while his stories explained how we are all similar. We should all strive to leave such lasting impressions. May his family find peace in the legacy he created.  Thank you Mr Hauer for sharing your love of knowledge with all of us

Mr. Hauer was a true gift to his students, he was by far, the best teacher I ever had. His history and philosophy classes were my favorite.  He taught us to question, think and create and he instilled a great love of learning in all his students.  I always loved that he welcomed laughter in the classroom and let us listen to the WHO!!  I will remember him fondly.  Love and prayers to his family, he will be dearly missed but what an impact he made!!!

Mr. Hauer was a gift and a blessing to so many. Over the years, I have often heard his inspiring words & teachings, echoing in my head. Much love to his family in this difficult time.

Mr. Hauer lit a fire in his students, both inside and outside the classroom walls. I knew Mr. Hauer as the advisor of LEO Club at Bloomingdale. There was a vibrant energy and excitement that surrounded everything LEO Club did, from volunteering with the Brandon Lions Club to sharing Christmas cheer with the Head Start boys and girls in Dover. From my perspective, Mr. Hauer was the embodiment of an unquenchable, giving spirit. He convinced you that you wanted to serve in LEO even before you knew what it was. 

Hauer Family, thank you for sharing this amazing man with us. May God bless you in the difficult times ahead.

Hands down the best teacher I've ever had. I learned to believe in myself when no one else would. Mr. Hauer made me think, laugh, and question everything. He taught me to be a citizen of the world. To love life. He will be dearly missed.

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Hauer.  He was such a great teacher.  I remember fondly his reenactment of the death of Rasputin in our history class.  He truly brought history to life.  My sympathies to his family and friends.  Bonnie Chatfield Nivens, Brandon Sr. High School, Class of 1984

Matt you were a wonderful colleague, a inspirational and charismatic teacher. You mere presence at Bloomingdale inspired me as a teacher. Your personality so very genuine with compassion and empathy for all. You were a giving friend and you will be sorely missed. My condolences to Matt's family, I share your grief . With warmest regards.

He was one of my favorite teachers ever. He forever inspired me to study and cultivate my love of the social sciences. He was a great teacher michael my heart goes out to you and your family in these trying times there will never be another like him. Young men that were fortunate enough to have him as a teacher were forever left with a sense of curiosity into those issues so richly discussed in his classes. Whenever Don Quixote is brought up I always and forever remember the teacher that was happy to teach us to be critical in our thinking see beyond the immediate and taught us to seek and then keep seeking. The world lost an exemplary human being that has so much to enrich thousands of us!!❤..Thank you for never giving up on me Mr H auer. I know you are having fabulous conversations with the greatest minds such as your. Thank you sir for everything. Michael and the rest of your family my heart goes out to you all and it is with the deepest of condolences that I am engulfed utter sadness at his passing

Prayers for Mr. Hauer's family. I hope you can appreciate in your sadness what an inspiration he was to so many. I had him as a teacher at Brandon high in the early 80's. For all the angst teenagers have, he gave us hope. I know he was influential in my life outlook, I even graduated from FSU because of him! Rest knowing you "did good"  by many 
Class of 1982, Brandon High

Matt.  I've started this three times and have not been able to finish but like so many things you helped me with through the years, I know you would say "Just finish the thing!" I've always considered myself a good judge of character and from our first meeting in August 1995, I knew you were someone I could respect and learn from.  I never told you this but when I had to write an essay in order to get my teaching certificate, I wrote about how I wanted to be like Matt Hauer.  All I had to do was sit in your classroom for one period to know you were a master of your craft and that is what I and so many other teachers who worked with you sought.  If not for you, I never would have lasted as a teacher.  You always said that family comes first and that I was a part of your family.  For that, I will always be thankful.  Look at how many teachers in your department became department chairs or principals in the county.  Look at how many of your students are now teachers.  You were a part of that!  The world is a lesser place because you are no longer with us but I know you are in heaven with the angels and saints.  Those of us you left behind will one day travel the same journey as you.  I know my path will be easier because there will be a distant light to guide me.  And as I get closer to that source of brightness I will realize the light was from a bald-headed angel who was still complaining about the Gates Grant and Peer Evaluations.  I know that Michael, Matt and Luke have lost a father but I hope they remember that they have a lot of uncles and aunts who love them and are there for them 24-7.  Rest in peace my brother.  Save a spot for me.  Until we meet again.  Squeky aka Mr. Teflon

Mr Hauer was one of my favorite teachers and absolutely the most impressionable. He made his students, including me, want to learn. I loved that he had his own special way of grading and wanted to see each student succeed. He is someone I never forgot through the years and even apply some of the principles he taught. So sad and he will be remembered fondly. Bloomingdale C/0 96

Thank you, Mr Hauer, for being an inspiration and hope.  Your advice has stuck with me to this day.  Thank you for your passion of teaching and life advices.  May you rest in peace with God

Among an extraordinary array of teaching talent at Bloomingdale, Mr. Hauer stood apart as a charismatic, idiosyncratic, and eminently passionate teacher.  He was by turns John Keating and Jaime Escalante.  Comfortable relating to a diverse spectrum of adolescents, it was clear that he dedicated his life to the craft of teaching.  He was able to bring out the best in his students, encouraging them to focus not on the mechanical details of textbooks, but rather promoted dialogue on the bigger picture of how democratic institutions govern citizens, and how philosophy reflects the human condition.  I remember sitting in his second period philosophy class as we turned on the television and watched the second airplane crash into the World Trade Center.  In retrospect, his lessons endowed us with the ability to grasp and cope with how that moment would change our lives and the history of this country.  My condolences to the Hauer family.

Enjoyed Coach Hauer's Florida History class...he would give me a hard time bacause I actually knew about Florida History. He made his class fun! May you rest in peace, Coach!

Mr. Hauer had a great sense of how people ticked and could motivate them to do great things.  I enjoyed his class very much and will always remember his keen insights.  Such great teachers are rare and will be sorely missed.  My deepest condolences to his family.  May he rest in peace.

Mr. Hauer was one of the most inspirational teachers I had at Brandon High. He kept students thinking, wondering, interested. What a rapport he had with his students. I looked forward to his philosophy class and later American History. And that is saying something...for me to be interested in a HISTORY class! But it was MR. HAUER who made me want to be there. He touched so many lives, inspiring his own students to go into teaching as a career, me included. My condolences go to his family and friends.

Mr. Hauer,
You were once a neighbor then my teacher/mentor, and then my friend.  I always enjoyed your class, your passion, dedication, and your big heart.  I always enjoyed our conversations and listening to your advice.  I hope you truly knew how many lives you impacted in such a positive way, you will missed but never forgotten. I love you and I send my sincere condolences to your family.  God Bless and Rest In Peace.

Nicole Sposaro Rodriguez (Class '98)

To know Mathew as a teacher and friend, is to know how special he was. Having him as a teacher, working for him as a T.A. and getting to spend so much time with him, having him as the leader of our senior events in high school, but most importantly getting to know him as a friend/philosopher/comedian/amazing person...one of the best men I've ever had the pleasure of knowing and having shape my young life, you don't get many like him. It's funny the little moments and silly things you remember about someone looking back, even 16 years later. He was always so animated: throwing his hands up and being crazy right along with all the kids; hearing him down the hall...his laugh; waiting to see what he would say and do during class; the life lessons that were learned with even a minute in his presence; the faces he would make for no reason or every reason ha ha; all of it. You will be so terribly missed but so fondly remembered by many. <3

I only had Mr. Hauer for one class (Philosophy) but it made such an impact on my life. I always looked forward to his classes. He was by far one of my favorite teachers in High School. I will never forget his smile and how he was able to get all his students involved no matter how hard we tried not to be. He will be missed.

Mr. Hauer was probably the most passionate teacher I had at Bloomingdale High School. He made history and American Government come alive in ways that were meaningful to teenagers (no easy feat in the 90s!) as well as lasting in their effects. I am extremely saddened to hear of his passing and my sincerest condolences go to his family. Thank you for sharing him with us. You will be very missed Mr. Hauer!

Matt was a wonderful person and coworker. He will be missed.

Mr. Hauer was a GREAT person and a great teacher. Always able to make students and teachers laugh. What I remember mostly about him is the constant smile on his face and his teachings about thinking and reasoning in his philosophy class. In high school I never imagined that for such a silly and funny man that there was such depth to him. He will never be forgotten.

We are so sad to hear this news of Matt's passing. Our condolences to his family. He was a passionate historian and a great member of our docent team. He will be missed!

The Tampa Bay History Center

Mr. Hauer was one of my favorite teachers at BHS.  He epitomized what a mentor and educator was.  I had his Advanced American History and Philosophy classes and remember them well.  He was an opportunistic educator and would deviate from the curriculum if there was a teaching moment at hand.  He taught us so much more than just American History and Philosophy.  The impact and life lessons he imparted on his students will be everlasting.  My deepest condolences to his family.  May your memories sustain you during this difficult time and may the testimonies of his students bring you comfort. RIP Coach Hauer....

Devastated to see this news today. Mr. Hauer was a joy to be around for the many years we all knew him. Even if he wasn't your teacher, he always had some way of knowing who you were. I saw him reach students who were otherwise unreachable--his teaching methods inspired generations of cynical youths to put forth effort, where others failed. I still use techniques and lessons today that he taught me nearly 20 years ago. I'm almost positive I didn't learn a darn thing about Economics--but I learned enough about life to make up for it. Godspeed, sir. We'll miss you.

I never had Mr. Hauer as a teacher. Instead, he used to appear in several of my social studies classes at Bloomingdale High school back from 2001 to 2004. I remember him being a smart energetic teacher who loved to help Mr. Fuentes, Mr. Misckewicz, and Mr. Dyches stir up their classes. I was deeply saddened to hear about this. My condolences to his family.

Michael J. Durham
Captain, Military Intelligence
Wiesbaden, Germany

Mr. Hauer was such an inspiration to me and so many others.  When I look back at my time at Bloomingdale, he was one of the best.  My prayers are with the Hauer family. 

Chris Marshall
Bloomingdale 1999

Mr. Hauer was a profoundly positive influence on so many of us during senior year 1999. He will never be forgotten.

Mr. Hauer was my American history teacher at Brandon high. He was such an amazing teacher. He was larger than life and inspired my love of history. My deepest condolences to his family.  He was a great man and I'm sorry to hear he's gone. Rest in peace, Mr. Hauer.

Mr. Hauer was an inspiring teacher that was accepting of students that were learning about themselves and discovering their place in the world. As advisor of the Leo Club, he encouraged the members to have fun, give back to the and community, and have pride in the school.  Rest in peace and blessings to the family.

May you rest in peace. I had Mr Hauer at Bloomingdale my senior year. Such a huge influence on everyone that was lucky enough to know him. May your smile and laugh carry on in all that love you. You are missed dearly.

Was a student of Mr. Hauer at Bloomingdale High as part of the first graduating class. He was a great inspiration and had a great hand in allowing us to create the traditions that live on there today. He was a terrific teacher, a caring and compassionate man. He had a huge impact on many of our lives. My condolences to his family. He will be missed. R.I.P.

I was so lucky to have had you as a teacher. Your influence on myself and so many others was profound. Rest in peace.

He was my teacher at Brandon High when his daughter Michael was born. He was a great teacher. My condolences to his family.

Mr. Hauer was the only teacher that made American history interesting to me!  He will be missed, Kimberly Wehinger/ Tyson Brandon High School Class of 85

I grew up going to school with his daughter Michael at Nativity, then had him as a teacher at Bloomingdale. Such a great man and family. I am so sorry for your loss.

My heart is heavy knowing the world has lost such an accepting man. He helped shape who I have become and has always been a source of reflection. Thanks you Mr. Hauer, we'll take it from here.

You were my neighbor in Bloomingdale east and teacher to 2 of my children.  You were loved and admired by all who met you.  Condolences to your family.

Mr. Hauer was the best teacher I ever had. I graduated from Bloomingdale in 2001, and he left such an impression on me, that I still talk about him to this day. His passion for teaching was like none other. He leaves behind an immense legacy through the students whose lives he left his thumbprint on. Be in peace Mr. Hauer. You will be greatly missed.

Mr Hauer was one of my favorite teachers. I remember our first class of African American history and that he addressed the elephant in the room. How could he teach this class? He said unfortunately there wasn't any African American teachers that wanted to teach it and he thought it was important. He taught is "real history". He didn't sugar coat. He said history is important because if we don't understand it, we will repeat it. I learned to love history and I still do. Thank you Mr. Hauer for being an amazing teacher to me. For helping me to love history and just being a great guy. You never made anyone feel stupid for not knowing the answer. And I'll never forget the kindness you showed us when the announcement came that David had passed away. I was in your class when we hear and you gave all those who wanted it hugs. Tears are flowing while I type this but I'm also smiling and remembering the coolest teacher at Bloomingdale

Mr. Hauer brought true emotion to american history.  He found a way to motivate his students and knew how to keep them engaged.  I learned a lot from him.

Mr Hauer was always one of my favorite teachers -- always enlightening, challenging, and respectful to everyone.  Truly an inspiration of how to be a better person in this world.  My thoughts are with his family.

I am mourning the loss of a dear colleague and friend, yet celebrating a life well lived and generously shared. Matt was an awesome educator to which his students are a testament. He cherished his family most of all.  Please know you have my sincerest and heartfelt sympathies. Though far too soon, Rest In Peace, my friend!

Mr. Hauer left a great impression on my learning back at Bloomingdale. I still hold many of his philosophy lessons dear. His memory will definitely live on with me and many other students like myself.

Mr. Hauer was my favorite teacher. He was so kind, funny and wise. We all loved him. My condolences to the family.

Natalie Jones Davey 
Bloomingdale HS 
Class of '97

Matt, you were quite the character and will be remembered with laughter and love by so many. When we opened Bloomingdale High School 30 years ago you became a friend and mentor in my first years in the district. You were always so proud of your children and I wish them peace in that knowledge.

Mr. Hauer was an amazing teacher and mentor. Rest in Peace. I know you are in the heavens making so many people laugh and smile.

Mr Hauer was my teacher at Brandon High School on 85
 His ability to make Economics enjoyable was a gift. He was loved many and will be missed by all. Gone way to soon. To his family...my prayers..may he RIP

Matt was a colleague for many, many years. He was smart, funny, loved to talk. He was passionate about teaching and was a good teacher. He will be missed by the many who loved and respected him.
Kathy Taylor

Rest in Peace Matt. The memories are uncountable.  Love, Bob & Anita

Michael, Matt and Luke,

I'm so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you guys during this difficult time... may your dad Rest In Peace. 

Love, Gaesenee

Thank you for three wonderful years and Bloomingdale. I will hold those moments close. ❤KVK

Mr.  Hauer was the first person to teach me that history wasn't just about a bunch of old dead people.  He inspired and challenged us,  broadening our minds, breathing life and even humor into history. I can see I'm not the only one who had this experience with him. He was always available and I always looked forward to his class. Thank you for that. Many blessings. 

Class of '82

What a funny guy!! Mr. Hauer was my American History teacher at Brandon High School, and the laughs we had in that classroom will never be forgotten. He gave each one of us a nickname and was constantly fighting the powers that be. I'm sure that he left behind some great memories for his children and grandchildren, and I hope that these memories will guide you through your grief with a brightness you can turn to and smile about.

To my drinking buddy "MAD DOG" we had some great times together at Barnacles, and Lee Roy's. Thank's for the memory's, Big Matt.



                                                                     Jim Frederiksen, NCA

I only knew Matt for a short time, but he was an amazing man.  Smart, witty, full of life and seemed to know everyone!  He was always approached by former students who touted their undying love and appreciation to him for how he touched their lives. He always spoke of his family and the love was so full and evident in his voice and his eyes....so I know his family has lost someone treasured.  Words of sympathy sometimes aren't enough, but it's all we have. So many will miss his beautiful soul.  But I can only imagine the lively conversations and laughter he will create in Heaven.
May God Bless his family. Rest In Peace our friend...you will be missed.

I was in Mr. Hauer's American History and Philosophy classes in 1981 - 1982 and they were some of the best classes of my life...very sorry to hear of his passing! Mark Bogenrieder (BHS Class of '83)

Love you Dad. May you rest in peace. I miss you. Love Michael

Michael, Matt and Luke, Sadness filled our hearts when we learned of your father's death. He was a good man and a loving father and grandfather. He was very proud of all three of you.

OBITUARY

Mathew Earl Hauer Jr.

December 25, 1950 – November 21, 2016

Stowers Funeral Home

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