Isaac Tashjian, Beloved Math Teacher At Toll Middle School In Glendale, Dies After Battle With COVID
GLENDALE (CBSLA) — A beloved math teacher at Toll Middle School in Glendale has died after being hospitalized with COVID-19.
Isaac Tashjian was admitted to the hospital with his wife Heather on Aug. 21, according to a gofundme page set up by a family friend. Her brother, Jeff Hintz, gave the heartbreaking update Thursday.
"It's with a heavy heart I need to inform you all that Isaac has passed. The lord brought him home," he wrote.
An earlier update from Heather Tashjian said she wasn't allowed to see him before she went home to recover, and that their daughter had not been aware of just how sick he was.
In a message to the Toll Middle School community, Principal Jennifer DeLadurantey said Tashjian had taught math at the school for more than two decades and was fondly known as "Tash." She said he had not been back to the school since the summer and did not return to the campus this school year.
"He was a quiet and strong presence in the classroom and leaves a legacy of students who are better people because he was their teacher," DeLadurantey said in her message. "Mr. Tashjian never failed to support his colleagues by sharing his mastery and love of mathematics. More importantly, he was a devoted, kind, and generous friend to all of us."
The gofundme campaign's originally set out to raise $10,000 to help the family cover hospital bills, lost wages, and other needs. In six days, the campaign raised more than $20,000, some of whom included messages that said Isaac Tashjian was the "best math teacher I had" and "helped shape so many lives."
