David Behrbom was diagnosed with leukemia in March, and soon afterwards contracted COVID-19, which required him to be hooked up to a ventilator a short time later. His family launched a campaign to allow him to be treated with the plasma of people who had already beaten the virus, but he passed away on April 5, before that could happen.

From his earliest days on the baseball diamond, Behrbom loved sports, and especially, the Yankees.

He grew up to be the much-loved physical education teacher in PS 55 in the Bronx, N.Y.

Behrbom taught for more than 15 years and was a member of the United Federation of Teachers even longer, for 21 years. He was described by union chapter leader Deborah Morgan as a warm and friendly teacher who never forgot a name once he had met someone.

Passionate about his chosen pursuits, Behrbom organized the annual “Olympic Games” day of competition held at the school, and also taught classes in health and math.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and their children, Alex and Eliana. Behrbom is also survived by his mother, a brother and two stepbrothers.

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