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Ernst Rothkopf Obituary
Rothkopf, Ernst Z, died peacefully at his home in Summit, N.J. on July 15, 2012. He was 86 years old.
Born in Vienna, Austria he escaped the Holocaust and served in the 88th Infantry Division, 913 Field Artillery as an officer in World War II. He was a distinguished alumnus of Syracuse University and the University of Connecticut where he received his doctorate. After many years as head of the Learning and Instructional Processes Department at Bell Telephone Laboratories he went on to become the Cleveland E. Dodge Professor of Telecommunications and Education at Columbia University Teacher's College. Dr. Rothkopf wrote over 100 significant articles on educational psychology and developed the theory of mathmagenic behavior that aided in the understanding of learner's internal transformation of instructional content. He served as the president of Division 15 (educational psychology) of the American Psychological Association and was the winner of the Edward Lee Thorndike Award.
Devoted husband of Carol Zeman Rothkopf and adored father of David, Paul and Marissa and father in law to Mark Bates and Adrean Scheid Rothkopf he is the grandfather of Cate and Oliver Bates and Joanna and Laura Rothkopf.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ernst Rothkopf
Julie Yi-Wilson
June 27, 2013
Dear Mrs. Rothkopf and family, I so sorry to hear that Dr. Rothkopf has passed. I had not kept in touch as I should have due to living abroad and having bouts of my illness.
I just always assumed he will there to exchange humerous holiday cards, get updates on our kids, discuss his latest tennis plans, etc.
Having met Dr Rothkopf was the best thing in my graduate studies. He was brilliant, articulate, passionate, and fierce about his topics. Always with a tinge of mischievousness in his sparkling, piercing eyes waiting to call out a mistake from students.
He taught me to think wider, write better, defend fiercely, enjoy the process, and to go further.
I will miss your strengths and encouragements. I will continue to apply all that you have taught me to future endeavors, always remembering you as my first real teacher.
Thank you, Dr. Rothkopf. Rest in peace. God bless you and your family.
May 14, 2013
Dear Carol,
I only just learned of your husband's death. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
David S. Rode
South Orange NJ
May 14, 2013
Jane Prelinger
February 12, 2013
In loving memory of Ernie, important to me in so many ways.
Hilary Wilder
July 25, 2012
This is for Ernie (who is probably right now coaxing angels to sit in his barber chair so that he can track their eye movements): yes, I still have a “low head to heart ratio” but your continued mentorship and advise over the past (many, many) years always helped me maintain a balanced skepticism. Whether I was going on about the dismal state of telephone technician training, or in anguish over the entire Namibian educational system, you found a way to put things in historical context and help me see the bigger picture.
I will miss you.
Daniel Schwartz
July 25, 2012
Ernie was a professor when I met him at Teachers College. So many of the students loved Ernie for his "take no prisoners" directness and humor, and of course, his tremendous wisdom. My favorite moment was when he looked at me in the hallway and said, "They won you know." I asked who, and he said the "Gestalt psychologists." I will always have wonderful memories. He did a lot of good for those coming up behind him.
Will Thalheimer
July 25, 2012
Ernie was my dissertation advisor. In the mid 1960's he coined the term "mathemagenic" which means "to give birth to learning." Ernie was one of the most mathemagenic people I've ever known, having helped many people learn deeply about learning.
I remember twinkling eyes, a child-like love of creative turns, a gruff honor for standards of excellence, complex experimental designs, the way he and Carol would meet up after work in his office at TC, blue-covered reprints he shared with me, and the long and wrangling talks we had in his office.
I miss him!
Robbie McClintcok
July 24, 2012
Ernie's life was exemplary for us all. He had a rare combination of critical intelligence and wry humor. He will be missed.
John Black
July 19, 2012
Carol, I was very sad to hear of Ernie's death. My condolences. He was a very good colleague and friend.
David Richards
July 19, 2012
Der Carol, Marissa, Paul and David, Marianne and I send our sympatny for the loss of Ernie. He was a man of the antique stamp, firm but fair to the outside world, and caring for and attentive to his family and friends, and will be much missed. Dave and Marianne Richards
Mark Holechek
July 19, 2012
Dear Mrs. Rothkopf, David, Paul and Marissa, We are so sorry for the loss of your Husband, Father and Grandfather. His intelligence, contribution and sense of humor lives through your family, and is something our family will always cherish and aspire to achieve. With Love, Mark Holechek & Family
July 18, 2012
Carol: Please accept my sympathies on this sad occasion.
Jean Ashton, New York, NY
July 17, 2012
Dear Carol: I was very sad to learn of your husband's death. I send you and your family my warmest sympathies.
Richard Dannay, NYC
Isaac Gewirtz
July 17, 2012
Dear Carol, Please accept my sympathy and condolences on the death of your husband.
With warm regards,
Bill Higgins
July 17, 2012
Dear Carol
My deepest condolences to you and your family on Ernie's death. Anne and I were in London last week and, as always when we are there, thought of you both. With sympathy and affection,
July 17, 2012
Dear Carol,
I am so sorry to learn of your remarkable husband's passing. With my deepest sypathies to your family and to you, Always, Dyke
john van sickle
July 17, 2012
Dear Carol,
recalling with gratitude & affection your cordial encouragement for my contribution to the Grolier memoirs & so many friendly greetings at the club over the years, enriched now too by reading of your husband's life, permit me to share your grief & look forward to renewed encounters at the Grolier.
John Van Sickle
Lea Iselin
July 17, 2012
Dear Carol: I am thinking of you at this very sad time with fondness and much sympathy. With much affection.
Martin Hutner
July 17, 2012
Dear Carol, It saddened me to learn of Ernie's death.I liked him, and missed seeing him in recent times. My heart and my sympathy are with you. Remember that you have another family at the Club. Love, Martin
Mary Schlosser
July 17, 2012
I am away in North Carolina, and am so sorry to learn this sad news. I send much sympathy to you and your family.
Anna Lou Ashby
July 17, 2012
Dear Carol,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. All my sympathy to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Anna Lou
July 17, 2012
My heart felt condolences.
Most sincerely,
Bob Ruben
sheila griffin
July 16, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Ernst's passing. Carol, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
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