Man, So Used To Helping, Needs Others Now

By MICHELLE BEARDEN The Tampa Tribune

Published: Jun 9, 2007

I don't know Harold Aubel.

I wish I did. Maybe, in time, I'll get a chance to meet this extraordinary man.

Even without knowing him, I am guessing he wouldn't like to be referred to in this manner. He would probably prefer "an ordinary man."

He's an elementary school teacher, a tireless volunteer at Tampa's First Christian Church and a choir singer for his church and community chorales.

He's also a motorcycle enthusiast; a member of Tres Dias, an interdenominational group that helps people strengthen their Christian walk and develop as leaders; a youth camp counselor; a good friend; and a divorced dad with two teenage daughters.

Until May 26, he was also an able-bodied man in good health for his 58 years.

Aubel was the head of a pack on Interstate 75 near Brooksville, riding with his Gold Wing motorcycle buddies. It was one of his many passions and one he pursued safely, always wearing a helmet and riding with caution on his pride and joy: a 2006 model of the Honda bike.

About 5 p.m. on this fine Florida day, his tire blew. The bike skidded and bounced. The helmet saved his life. But it couldn't protect his spine.

Doctors at Tampa General Hospital, where Aubel underwent surgery, say he suffered irreversible neurological damage. Barring a miracle, he is facing the challenge of life as a quadriplegic.

It is unlikely he will return to his beloved third-grade classroom at Maniscalco Elementary School in Lutz, where he taught math and science. That saddens Frank Zuccarello, a Tampa Realtor and school volunteer. Aubel taught his 13-year-old daughter, Lauren, five years ago; he had hoped the same for his 7-year-old son, Dylan.

"A perfect male role model" is how Zuccarello describes Aubel.

"We have a lot of special-needs students and Joshua House kids at our school," Zuccarello says. "Harold never turned away any of them. He made an effort to reach out to every single child. He's a very special person, the kind you want in the classroom teaching your own children."

Zuccarello says he never heard a harsh word about the computer-savvy teacher, known for his brilliant mind and great sense of humor.

The Rev. Betsy Goehrig, pastor at First Christian, says news of Aubel's accident rocked the church family.

He was no ordinary member, content to sit in a back pew at Sunday services. Aubel would serve in "any capacity he was needed," she says, from chairing the church elder group to putting on an apron and cleaning up the kitchen after a Wednesday night potluck supper. He sang tenor in the church choir and taught Sunday school.

"He didn't need to be in the limelight. He did it because he's a good servant," Goehrig says.

Less than 24 hours after word of his accident, church members hastily arranged a prayer vigil for their friend. People came from the many facets of his life: school and community, Tres Dias, church choirs, motorcycle riders. For all that Aubel has given to others, it was time to pay back with prayer and support.

Close friend and former neighbor Bob Park keeps a daily vigil at Tampa General. Aubel can't communicate because he's on a ventilator, but he's alert and making eye contact.

Park knows the months ahead will be difficult for his buddy. Aubel won't be able to negotiate his two-story town house in Lutz. He won't have an income, at least for a while.

And with his daughters and mother living in Ohio, the man so used to giving of himself will have to depend on the kindness of his friends.

We'll be there, Park promises.

"Whatever functionality he has, he'll use it for the best benefit," Park says. "That's the kind of guy he is. He has incredible spirit. God will show him another purpose."

Apparently, Aubel's accident has already served a purpose: Park says he'll never ride his motorcycle again.

To help Aubel with expenses, send donations in his name to First Christian Church, 350 S. Hyde Park Ave., Tampa, 33606. Cards and letters also can be sent via the church.

Michelle Bearden can be reached at (813) 259-7613 or at mbearden

@tampatrib.com