Stephen F. Berr, of Blue Bell, a longtime teacher and planetarium director for the Colonial School District known for his infectious love of the space and science education, died on January 30 at 84, writes Gary Miles for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Barr challenged his students, friends, and family to investigate the mysteries of the universe and those that surround us on Earth.

“He made science fun,” said his son, Jonathan.

“He excited a generation about astronomy,” wrote one of his former students on Facebook. “There were no barriers to educating his students too large to surmount.”

Barr taught at Colonial schools for nearly three decades. He retired in 1993 and to this day is remembered for his enthusiasm and devotion to his students and others who joined in his love of the cosmos.

“On our very first date, he said, ‘Let me show you the stars,’” said his wife of 56 years, Barbara. “He was always talking about the ‘mysteries of the sky.’ With his students, he was like the Pied Piper. They followed him when he taught.”

Read more about Stephen F. Berr at The Philadelphia Inquirer by clicking here.