a gentleman from the old school

A particularly well-mannered and considerate man, especially one who adheres or subscribes to traditional values and standards of proper behavior. I tell you, your father was a gentleman from the old school. Always a kind word for those around him, with the most impeccable manners you could imagine. I think I only ever saw Uncle Al in a suit and tie. He was a gentleman from the old school that way. Dad was a gentleman from the old school, all right—he would always stand when a lady entered the room, and then he would help her to her seat.