'Legendary' Bergen County English Teacher With 52-Year Career Dies

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A "legendary" English teacher who taught in Bergen County for 52 years died on Wednesday, his obituary said.

Bruce Philbrick Emra died in Greer, South Carolina, at 81. He had grown up in Glen Rock, Ramsey, and Mahwah.

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Known to his students as "Mr. Emra" for more than half a century, he taught at Northern Highlands Regional High School longer than any teacher there to date. "He taught his students' children and even some grandchildren in his remarkable career," notes his obituary. He also published collections of literature with teacher guides, took a sabbatical to follow the Yankees, and brought celebrities to school including Harry Chapin, Don McClean, and Jean Shepherd.

A memorial service will be held in October. Find out more here.