Harry Marler deMontmollin Jr (85) of Port orange, FL passed away peacefully October 20, 2023 cared for by family, friends and the care providers at Halifax Health Hospice in Port Orange, FL.

Harry was Born October 1, 1938 and grew up in Jacksonville, FL. He graduated from The Bolles School in 1956, and he earned his Bachelor's degree in journalism and accounting from the University of Florida. He completed a a second bachelors degree from the College of William and Mary in history and received a masters degree in education from the University of North Florida. He served 2 years in the US Army, and returned to The Bolles School in 1964 as a teacher. He subsequently served the school as Director of Admissions and Director of Operations until 1975, when he was appointed Headmaster/Head of School.

As President and Head of School, deMontmollin directed The Bolles School through its most explosive growth ever in both numbers and distinction. He was instrumental in transforming the school from an all-boys academy to a co-ed institution in the early 1970s. With the assistance of his wife Jayne, deMontmollin successfully conceptualized, created and established the lower school, now known as the Whitehurst Campus, and consummated the acquisition and integration of Bartram School with The Bolles School in 1991. He later started a second lower school campus in Ponte Vedra.

He also converted the former Bartram School Campus into a fully recognized middle school, successfully orchestrated the acquisition and implementation of the Fine and Performing Arts Complex and was instrumental in creating multiple initiatives that raised Bolles to national recognition. He further elevated the school to international prominence when Bolles became one of only approximately 60 schools in the world, and first school in the state of Florida, that could nominate a student for the prestigious Morehead Scholarship Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

He took great pride in building the athletic success of Bolles by establishing the Olympic swimming and diving program which began sending swimmers to the Olympics in 1972, and developing the all around successful football, basketball, and baseball sports programs, which were consistently recognized as the best in the state of Florida by the Florida High School Activities Association.

Harry also enjoyed a rich life outside of his accomplishments at The Bolles School. His family and close friends recall fondly his love of music and live performances particularly opera, gospel, and Broadway, international travel with his favorite destination being central Italy, golf, flying, and fishing with close friends. He was also a truly avid reader, enjoyed playing cards, and was a talented cook.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents Harry deMontmollin Sr and Clara deMontmollin, and his brother Jon deMontmollin. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Jayne deMontmollin, sister in law Beth Ann Smith, brother in law Jim Smith (Sheila) and family, niece Bonnie Jean Smith (Audrey), nephew Scott deMontmollin (Eve) and family, and niece Carol Conti (Mark Anthony). He is also survived by his long time friend and business partner Edward Stopyra and Godchildren David Stopyra (Courtney) and family, and Kathleen Stopyra Dale (Edward) and family.

A private family service is planned, and in lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Harry M. deMontmollin Jr. '56 Endowed Fund which was established by The Bolles Board of Trustees in his honor to provide financial assistance to an Upper School student to promote diversity and inclusivity. Donations may be made by contacting Carol Nimitz in the Advancement Office of The Bolles School at 904-256-5020.