Former Ravenscroft leadership team member John Dover died June 24. He was 74.

Dover was born in New York, New York.  After earning a bachelor of science from Long Island University, he became a teacher and coach. Launching his career at his alma mater, McBurney School in Manhattan, he served as a biology teacher and basketball coach. His McBurney basketball squads met with consistent success. Dover’s magnetic energy and personal warmth defined his teaching both in the classroom and on the court. In time, he paired his teaching and coaching with administrative responsibilities.

In addition to Ravenscroft, where he served from 2004 until 2016, he worked at Kentucky Country Day School in Kentucky, William Penn Charter School in Pennsylvania and Davidson IB Middle School in North Carolina. Dover also worked for a time on the staff of Davidson College. 

His passion was in developing programming that fostered the leadership skills and ethical development of students and promoted inclusive communities. 

“John was a wonderful member of our Ravenscroft leadership team. He was committed to the development of young people and gave us the early seed work on leadership development for what would eventually become our Lead From Here programming,” Head of School Doreen Kelly said. “His joy and his smile were infectious, and he saw the best in all around him. We will miss our friend.

“We look forward to hosting a celebration of John’s life here on campus in early September, with details to follow.” 

Dover was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary; his brother, William Dover Jr.; and his sister, Jackie Ruffin. He is survived by his wife, Maria Dover, and son, David (“DJ”) Dover ’08. 

An end-of-life gathering is planned for Friday, June 30, at  Porta Coeli Funeral Home in Kissimmee, Florida. Read Dover’s complete obituary and share memories and condolences with the family here.