Erwin A. Jaffe

About

Rutgers University University of New Hampshire

Erwin Jaffe Obituary

JAFFE--Erwin A., was born on August 28th, 1928, and died September 5th, 2008, in Hackensack, NJ, eight days after his 80th birthday. He studied at Rutgers University where he received a Ph.D. in Political Science before becoming an educator at the University of Nevada in Reno, the University of New Hampshire, New England College, and California State University, Stanislaus. He was a teacher and mentor to students who became educators, lawyers, authors, public servants, involved citizens, and members of various professions in almost every state of the nation. He added to scholarship in political philosophy through his writings and lectures in the United States and abroad. Those who are left will carry on his legacy. They include his wife of 51 years, Marianne, his sister Geraldine Applebaum and family, his many students and friends whose lives he touched and influenced. Remembrance contributions may be sent to Doctors Without Borders because Erwin Jaffe believed in people without borders.

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Published by New York Times on Sep. 14, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Erwin Jaffe

12 Entries

Jim Knapp

January 24, 2023

I was a farm farm boy with no understanding of the world.

Dr. Jaffe was that one professor, you know... the One. He taught me how to learn. How to process, understand the intellectual and abstract. He started me onto a life that has seen an endless thirst for knowledge and understanding.

I'm not a professor, not a published writer or academic, just a farm boy who's life was changed forever by such a patient wonderful professor. He truly was a treasure.

Richard Backus

October 14, 2008

It’s impossible to adequately describe the effect Erwin had on me and how much he meant to me. I so admired his mind and the way he thought but I also admired his dedication to helping anyone who crossed his path. Any question raised in a letter or email was always thoughtfully and thoroughly answered, in ways that I couldn’t begin to duplicate, but he did inspire me to share what I could of my experiences as an actor or writer with anyone who took the time to ask me. He also made me listen to music in an entirely different way (though never with the acute ear he had). I remember Erwin telling me about attending a symphonic performance that was being conducted by a friend. After the performance, the friend decided to “test” just how good Erwin’s ear for music really was and asked which piece was played the best. Erwin named it. Impressed, the friend upped the ante to ask which movement was the best, and much to his surprise, Erwin named it. The friend asked Erwin how he knew, and Erwin said, “It was the only movement that made me cry.” I will never forget that, and I will miss Erwin terribly. I already do.

Gail Silvers

September 26, 2008

There are so many things that I did not know about my Uncle Erwin...I was never on the same intellectual level as he, so it was always tough for me to have a casual conversation with him. I'll never forget the many times I would write him emails and his reponses were paragraphs long!!! All I could think was that a simple response would have been fine, but not from my uncle. Regardless, I loved and respected him and will miss him. To my Aunt Marianne, I know both you and Erwin trully loved one another and were constant companions, so I hope you can get through this tough time. "May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead". I love you Aunt Marianne, Arielle loves and misses you and hopes to see you soon and Gary sends his love as well. My father sends his condolences.

Will Grimes

September 21, 2008

When a mentor dies
the loss becomes magnified
by the emptiness:

the thought that questions
will not beget wise answers
or gentle prodding

the thought that this friend
can no longer say, I know,
I've been there before

the thought that his voice
only echoes now in faint
reverberations.

CHARLOTTE TELL

September 21, 2008

ERWIN WAS A VERY, VERY DEAR FRIEND OF MY HUSBAND, BARRIE'S, (WHO PRECEDED ERWIN IN DEATH BY 3 WEEKS) FROM COLLEGE DAYS FORWARD AND OF MINE FOR MORE THAN 55 YEARS. ERWIN HAD A BRILLIANT MIND WHICH LED TO HIS MYRIAD ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND A LOYAL, LOVING HEART. HE IS AND WILL BE MISSED FAR INTO THE FUTURE.

Erwin Jaffe

Herbert Tischler

September 19, 2008

Erwin,
We'll miss you…we will miss you.
Herb and Annette Tischler

Patricia Rogero

September 19, 2008

His was a brilliant mind who inspired and challenged anyone who had the privilege of hearing him. He was a kind and gentle soul who brought out the best instincts in all whom he touched. His legacy will endure in his students and in his soulmate Marianne.

Larry Struve

September 18, 2008

Erwin Jaffe was a professor of political theory at the University of Nevada in Reno from 1961 to 1963. Though his tenure was brief, his impact on his students was enormous. Erwin was a mentor and a friend to his students, though his standards were high and his expectations even higher. Erwin convinced many talented, young students at a small western university that they could think and perform on a level comparable to that of graduates of Ivy League colleges and Universities. I know. I was one of them. But for Erwin, I would not even have been considered for a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship. He believed in all his students, and we believed in him. We can never thank him enough for what he did for us. Hopefully, our life work and accomplishments will be his legacy. We all thank Erwin for a job well done. We will miss but can never forget him. And we thank Marianne for being at his side all these years, complementing Erwin's style with her graciousness and caring concern, as if we students were part of her own special family. We have been touched by some special people, and it will always feel special to us. Thank you. Larry Struve, University of Nevada, Class of 1964, WWF '65, M.A. Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts Univ., 1965, J.D. Univ of California, Berkeley (Boalt Hall)

Jeffrey Sylvester

September 16, 2008

Erwin was a wonderful friend to my family, as I know he was to so many, many others. He had a great sense of humor and cared for us all deeply, without wearing such things on his sleeve yet with undisguisable love. People cared about him, and he cared first. There are so many stories and so many times spent with him and with his wife Marianne that I can't be pressed for examples. It would go on too long and then fail to be long enough. He was a great guy.

Jeff Stamps

September 14, 2008

Erwin was a teacher, mentor, and friend. A unique person, a gift to all who knew him. Our thoughts for his beloved Marianne.

Anthony Iannacone

September 14, 2008

Marianne Erwin was a true friend & I recall many times we spent together at Rutgers & our trip cross country. Also the times in Calif. I will always treasure them. Tony Iannacone.

John Grimes

September 14, 2008

Professor Jaffe was a teacher who paid attention to the important things in life and encouraged many students like me do the same. I find no adequate way to thank him enough for his kindness and patience.

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