In Memoriam
We are saddened to note the passing of emeriti who played essential roles in the development, growth, and evolution of their academic departments. Below we note their names as news of their passing reaches us. Please reach out to the Executive Board if you have updates to share. Links to obituaries are greatly appreciated.
November 27, 2016
A celebration of Duane's life was held at 5 PM on Friday, February 10, 2017, at Sonoma State University Green Music Center, Weill Hall Lobby. A full obituary was published in the Press Democrat in December.
April 9, 2015
We are sad to report that Dr. Hee-Won Kang, a former faculty member in the School of Education has passed away after a long illness. She will be remembered for her contributions to the University, her School and her department and especially to all the students who she mentored and taught in her 17 years at Sonoma State University.
December 27, 2015
It is with sadness that we report the passing of Professor Emeritus John Palmer. John had a long and distinguished career at Sonoma State in the 1960s and beyond. He co-founded SSU’s graduate program in counseling, was professor of psychology and served under President Peter Diamandopoulos as dean of students.
It is with a great deal of sadness to inform the community that Dr. Laurence Horowitz passed away on June 27. Larry came to the Psychology Department in 1969 and retired in 1992. He received his Ph.D. from Stanford in 1958 where he studied with Albert Bandura.
A philanthropist, educator, and international scholar has passed away. LeVell Holmes, a history professor as well as a one-time chair of the history department at Sonoma State University passed away May 20, 2012.
April 6, 2015
I am sorry to report that Dr. Peter Diamandopoulos, 4th president of Sonoma State University, passed away on April 1.
Ray Castro, 64, passed away after a long illness. Ray was born in south central Los Angeles. He attended St. Anthony's Franciscan Seminary for high school, graduated from UCLA in 1970 with a BA in Spanish, earned a master's degree in Public Administration in 1972 from UCLA, and received a doctorate of education from Harvard University.
September 16, 2015
Dr. Silver, professor emerita of the Department of Anthropology and a linguist who specialized in Californian and American Indian languages, passed last week from complications during surgery. Dr. Silver was very active in scholarship, teaching, and faculty governance. She began teaching at SSU in 1970 and retired in 1998.
Professor Emeritus, Psychology
March 14, 2023
Richard Zimmer has notified us of the recent passing of Frank Siroky. Here is the Press Democrat's obituary from Sunday's paper:
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/pressdemocrat/name/frank-siroky-obituary?id=51529036
Professor Emeritus, Art History
August 27, 2020
He was born on October 2, 1934, in Wheeling, West Virginia, son of Stratos G. and Elene S. (Saterides). He is survived by his daughter Elene Ashe, son Alex Rodetis, and granddaughter Athena Ashe.