McCracken, Samuel
Was born in Columbus, Ohio, in November 1935. He was educated at Drake University, the University of Connecticut, the University of Wisconsin Madison and the University of London. He was author of The War Against the Atom (Basic Books) and numerous articles for Commentary, National Review, The New Republic, The New York Times and its Book Review, Columbia University's alumni magazine and other periodicals. He taught English at Boston University and humanities at Reed College and from 1974 until his retirement in 2005 was assistant to John Silber, president and then chancellor of BU. He is survived by his wife Natalie Jacobson McCracken; their son Harry McCracken and his wife Marie Domingo, and their daughter Elizabeth McCracken, her husband Edward Carey and their children Gus and Matilda. Also by his sister Elizabeth McCracken and cousin Lisa Peterson. McCracken was a man of wide-ranging erudition, wit kindly and otherwise, and prodigious memory. A memorial will be announced soon; for information, please ask his daughter at [email protected]. Donations can be made to the Lehigh Valley Railroad Historical Society.
Andrew J. Magni & Son F.H., Newton
www.magnifuneralhome.com

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Published by Boston Globe from Oct. 7 to Oct. 8, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for SAMUEL MCCRACKEN

5 Entries

Gregorio Enrique Sandoval

December 22, 2019

I knew your dad only through The War Against the Atom back in the 1980s. It was (and still is) a wonderful book that put everything into much needed perspective. I have lost both of my parents who were about 15 years older than your dad, so I really am sorry for your loss. I'm sure that for you, too, you will come to appreciate your dad's life and legacy more and more. It's not an adequate substitute for his own presence, but it remains a blessing.

February 15, 2014

To Natalie, Harry, and Elizabeth and families,

I knew Natalie and Sam when we were all students in London, England in the 1960s. They were a lively and entertaining couple, and we (me and my then-husband George) shared many frugal (but delicious meals) together. I remember very clearly going to St. Paul's cathedral for a community party where they were roasting an ox!! With our roast ox sandwiches in hand, either your Natalie or Sam said, "You sure know how to give a party." The perfect bon mot.

I'm sorry we lost touch.

Evelyn Samuel in Victoria, BC, Canada, My email is [email protected] should Natalie want to get in touch.

Ted Harwood

October 21, 2013

I was honored to be Sam's colleague at Boston University for about five years in the late 80's to early 90's. He was the go-to guy for just about any fact you needed, long before google; he was an immensely valuable resource for John Silber. He was a helpful colleague with a wonderful sense of humor.

October 8, 2013

Sam was a wonderful and unique colleague in John Silber's office. It is hard to imagine a world in which he will not be observing and commenting upon the works of mankind, whether profound or ridiculous. My prayers are with you, Natalie, and with all of your and Sam's family.

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Joseph & Sharon Bernstein

October 8, 2013

So sorry to hear about Sam. Our sincere condolences.

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