Dr. James P. Harten, 71, of Old Saybrook, passed away on March 24, 2014. Jim was born in the Bronx, New York. He began his teaching career at Albertus Magnus High School in Bardonia, New York, where he met his wife of 45 years, Marilyn (Riccardone) Harten, who predeceased him in 2013.

He was a high school and middle school history teacher and department chair in Eastchester, New York, for 30 years. He earned his doctor of arts from St. John's University in 1994. After retiring from Eastchester in 1998, he joined the faculty of Manhattan College's School of Education in Riverdale, New York. He taught and supervised student teachers there until this past week and continued to share his positive passion for teachers and education.

He loved the New York Yankees; coaching, watching, and discussing basketball; and a good debate about politics, as long as you agreed with him. He was generous with his time and often surprised friends and family with meals, gifts, and visits.

He is survived by three sons: James and wife Ina of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts; Michael and wife Kelly Danielson of Woodstock, Connecticut; and Joseph and wife Allison of Rockaway, New Jersey. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Ariana, Victoria, Troy, and Austin; sister Mary Jo Clark of Newark, Deleware; brother Dennis Harten of Naples, Florida; and brother Daniel Harten and wife Noreen of Carteret, New Jersey.

Family and friends may visit the Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook, Friday March 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday March 29, at 11 a.m. at St. John Church, Main St., Old Saybrook. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Old Saybrook High School Activity Fund/Harten Memorial Scholarship Fund, 1111 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook CT 06475. Please visit www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com for online condolences and tributes.