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Hightower served for three decades as principal at Bedford junior high and middle schools, from 1969 to 2000, and also worked as principal of Westport Adult and Continuing Education. He was also active in Westport Police Athletic League programs.
A native of Oklahoma City, Okla., Hightower played quarterback for his high school team from 1954-56, while in the spring he was a catcher on the baseball team and earned all-state honorable mention honors. Hightower attended Oklahoma State University and played baseball his freshman year. A medical condition eventually ended his formal sports participation as an athlete but didn’t keep him away from the sports scene.
Hightower was an accomplished recreational athlete. He competed national handball tournaments. He has also completed 24 marathons, including the New York Marathon 15 times from 1974-88 with a best time of 3 hours, 8 minutes. He has also raced 10 Ultra (50-mile) Marathons. In addition, Hightower coached Girls Softball teams in Westport from 1978-97 and served on the league's leadership team. He also was active in the Westport PAL football program.
Hightower was also active in the Westport Rotary and United Methodist Church and often took roles in school plays.
His wife, Beverly, predeceased him. He is survived by three daughters: Holly of Ashburn, Va., Julie of Baltimore, and Heather of Charlottesville, Va., and four grandchildren.
"Glenn was the embodiment of an educator who was committed to his students, his profession and his community,'' Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe said. "He was compassionate and caring and influenced countless lives not only through his roles in the Westport Public Schools but also through his participation in youth athletics.
A memorial service will be held at United Methodist Church of Weston and Westport on Saturday, January 21, at 2:00 p.m., followed by a reception in Fellowship Hall.
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