Principal Dave Lofgren

Dave Lofgren, retired principal of Clermont High School, passed away on Saturday, July 11 from complications of the COVID virus, leaving behind a legacy of fond memories, guidance and loving discipline.

Dave, a WWII Veteran and long-time resident of South Lake County is affectionately remembered by his Clermont High School Alumni. The Clermont High School Highlanders Facebook page is filled with testimonials to the valuable impact left behind by Principal Lofgren.

Highlander Kelly Russ noted it perfectly, “Another Clermont Gem lost”.  Alumnus Marian Daniels Monk recalled, “Principal Lofgren was a fixture at CHS and a kind leader who loved his faculty and students”.  Michael Delaney, 1991 graduate recalls, “Mr. Lofgren was a man that impacted so many lives”. Danny Hoskins remembers, “My senior year 1981, Mr. Lofgren gave me plenty of guidance! I love the man and his family”.  Don Haddock wrote of him as a great man who truly loved his staff and students and Michelle Barnard Pines sadly proclaimed, “another great Highlander is gone but will not be forgotten”. (Go to Clermont High School Alumni Facebook page for more remarks)

Retired South Lake High School teacher Toni Bell worked with Dave Lofgren and recalled, “Mr. Lofgren was my principal for 18 years and was the best boss in the world.”

On the 2nd Thursday of each month for years, Dave met a group of his friends, the Clermont Pack, at one of the local sports bars for dinner and to watch a game on the big screen, while talking about guy things. This year, the Clermont pack celebrated Dave’s 96th birthday with him.  Bill Delaney, one of the pack and long-time friend of Dave said, “It just won’t be the same without him”.

Dave and his wife Eleanor were married 72 years ago this August.

Dave and Eleanor Lofgren

They got married on a Thursday evening in New York and immediately drove to Florida.  That Monday, Dave started working as a teacher and throughout the years, he remained active in his church and community.

No funeral arrangements have been made yet and additional information will follow.