Name: Calling hours for David Paul Behan
Start: 2015-04-16T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2015-04-16T23:00:00.000Z
Location: H.M. Patterson & Son-Spring Hill Chapel

BEHAN, David Paul David Paul Behan, son of the late Edmund Joseph Behan, M.D. and the late Marie Ridinger Behan, was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on December 15, 1939. He died April 8, 2015. Mr. Behan attended Hopkins Grammar School, New Haven, and graduated from Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts. He received his B.A. from Yale University in 1961 and his Ph.D. in philosophy from Vanderbilt University in 1967. From 1966 - 70 he was Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Dean of Morse College, Yale University. Professor Behan pursued post-doctoral research at Christ Church, Oxford University, England, and Yale University. He taught philosophy at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, from 1974 until 2010, and was Associate Dean of the College 1985-87. He was also a past president of the Georgia Philosophical Association. He was Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at Agnes Scott College at the time of his death. His publications include articles on Descartes, Locke, and Hume. Mr. Behan's older brother, Robert F. Behan, died in 2007, and his oldest brother, Edmund J. Behan, Jr., died 1993. Mr. Behan is survived by two nieces and three nephews. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 587 Landers Dr., Mableton, Georgia 30126, on Monday, April 13, at 3:00 p.m. A reception will follow. Mr. Behan will be buried in St. Lawrence Cemetery, West Haven, Connecticut. Mr. Behan was a member of the Elizabethan Club of Yale University and held memberships in several philosophical associations. Gifts in memory may be sent to St. Francis de Sales Catholic church, 587 Landers Drive, Mableton, Georgia, 30126 or any charitable organization.

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Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Apr. 11, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for David Behan

Sponsored by H.M. Patterson & Son-Spring Hill Chapel.

16 Entries

Mary Beth Hebert

June 28, 2015

@Trish Dale: Oh my goodness! Finally, someone else who remembers THAT Dr. Behan. I have been surrounded for many months by several wonderful women who knew him in later, post-smoking in class, days. In cleaning out his office last week, I found "the shell" and immediately took it. I knew no one else would want it, or consider it meaningful, but it was THE symbol of the teacher who so inspired me and broadened by thinking. I cannot picture how he lectured when they took away his precious right to smoke while pacing. Thanks for sharing one of my fondest memories. (I've been telling lots of the younger students the story, but I somehow felt like they didn't quite believe me. It's nice to be vindicated. ;)

Trish Dale

June 27, 2015

My memories of Dr. Behan are from the Philosophy classes I took at Agnes Scott College in the 70's. At first, I took Philosophy as a lark, to fill a slot in my schedule. But I learned so much from him, and took as many classes as I could from him. The Existence of God was my favorite, and I still quote him to this day. My memories of him would not be complete without the cigarettes he chain smoked and the shell he carried at all times while he was teaching so he could flick his ashes in it. He was a good man and an excellent Professor.

Vanessa Greco

April 18, 2015

Dr. David Behan was a brilliant academic and an inspiring professor. He managed to teach me more about philosophy and life in general than any other human on this planet. He was much more than my professor - he was a true friend and he profoundly changed the course of my life. I am honored and humbled that he was my mentor and remained my dear friend long after graduation. There are simply not words that can adequately convey how much I will miss him.

April 14, 2015

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love of God, family and friends. Psalms 91:2

Heather Honerkamp

April 14, 2015

RIP to one of the best and toughest teachers in my life. He was an eccentric and didn't wear shoes only socks, but wore 2 watches and handed out candy in class. He wouldn't let you take notes because you were expected to listen and think. I wrote a paper of John Locke not reading the book and got an F from him that I deserved. I had to go to him and beg to pass and we struck a deal. I promised that I would never miss class (and I was a graduating senior and my final semester) and I would pass. I happened to take this class Pass/Fail which we were allowed 2 like that. My parents were on campus for the graduation festivities and I still didn't have my final grades. I remember the anxiety overwhelmed me when I opened the envelope and saw 17th Century Philosophy -- P. Honestly I don't remember much from his classes. But I do still think about suffering and the existence of God and knowledge. All things we talked about in that class where I barely passed. He's the professor from "Closer to Fine" for me because he indeed "graded my performance. Said he could see through me." I also remember he wouldn't let me take ethics over the summer at Polk Community College because it he thought it would be a joke and not up to his rigor. Thanks for demanding more of me. He was asking her for more before it was a thing. Love you and thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.

William Kirkham

April 14, 2015

He was a good hearten man full of knowledge. i wished i had more conversations about his past as to they were always interesting. Professor knew how he wanted things and was sure to have it his way. he was determined and trust worthy. It was my pleasure being his caregiver. William

Melissa Marino

April 13, 2015

Smoke a Lucky for me, Dave. You were not one of the best; you were the best. I loved every bit of work you dragged out of me...and I still open garlic cloves like you taught me.

Mary Beth Hebert

April 12, 2015

Like any great professor, he opened my mind in a way words cannot convey. He was everything a college professor should be, and every student who studied from him is the better for having learned from the best.

P. WOODS

April 11, 2015

MAY THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT, COMFORT YOU AT THIS TIME OF SORROW.

April 11, 2015

I'm sorry for your loss. May God comfort your hearts in your time of sorrow. 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17

April 11, 2015

"During all their distress it was distressing to him...In his love and compassion...he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old." (Isaiah 63:9) Please know that our Heavenly Father knows the pain you feel and promises to carry you through this distressing time.

E.W, ILLINOIS

Brittany Ramsey (2 Corinthians 1:3,4)

April 11, 2015

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

KWS Isaiah 25:8

April 11, 2015

Offering my sincere condolences to the Behan family. May you find comfort in the love of family and friends during this difficult time.

April 11, 2015

May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time

April 11, 2015

I offer you my deepest sympathy to your family during your time of grief. God is for you a refuge and strength, A help that is there to be found during difficult times. May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.

Claire Lemme

April 10, 2015

Dr. Behan was a wise mentor, delightful host, driven scholar, punny smart aleck, and dear friend. I will miss him so much. My sincere condolences to the Behan family.

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