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Arthur Karshmer Obituary
June 14, 1940November 15, 2015
Arthur I. Karshmer, professor emeritus at the University of San Francisco and an international pioneer in the field of assistive technology, passed away on November 11, 2015.Art was born on June 14, 1940, in New Brunswick, NJ, to Nathan Karshmer and Leona Kitay. He graduated from Rutgers, earned his PhD from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He launched his academic career in the computer science department at New Mexico State University, where he became Department Chair in 1992. In 2002, he was appointed Founding Chair of the Information Technology Department at the University of South Florida, and he served as a Program Director for National Science Foundation from 2001-2002.
In 2006 he joined the faculty at the University of San Francisco where he become Professor and Chair of the Department of Analytics and Technology in the School of Management, retiring from this role seven years later in 2013.
Art is survived by Judy, his wife of 42 years, and their two children, Elana and Avi and their loved-ones; two brothers, Norman and identical twin, Bernard his wife and families; sisters-in-law Deanna and Susan and their husbands and families; and brother-in-law Steve and his wife and family.
A memorial service will take place on Friday, November 20, at 5:00 p.m. at St. Ignatius Church. Donations may be made to the University of San Francisco Scholarship Fund or to the National Stroke Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Arthur Karshmer
Paula Steinbach
December 16, 2024
Art was my mentor at Temple Beth El in Las Cruces and the Faculty Advisor for the Hillel I started at New Mexico State University. He supported and nurtured us along and was a great help during a crisis Jewish students faced with a yearbook named Swastika. With Art´s help, we lobbied the Board of Regents to demand a name change. We were victorious - a great victory for our small but persevering group! We couldn´t have won without Art´s leadership!
Hemant Kirpekar
November 12, 2023
A very honest and hardworking professor
Hemant Kirpekar
September 19, 2023
Will never forget Art.
He was my ideal professor.
Ex student
Sudeep Sarkar
August 18, 2020
Was thinking about Art and all the great research we did together on automated recognition of sign language using computer algorithms. Art's legacy is alive.
Mark Last
November 20, 2019
If we could only spend one more dinner together...
Remembering Art and missing him so much,
Mark and Tami
Gwen van Servellen
November 12, 2019
Thank you so much for this opportunity to honor Art and to wish Judy, Elana, and Avi my very best. At first feelings of loss returned but then what set in was the idea that I could actually "bring him to life" ("virtually"- hope Art is smiling down). What also came to mind was Art's ability to focus on the bright side with a twist. I am thinking particularly of his infectious chuckle followed by his abrupt objectivity as if to say: "So?" There is no question that he will be remembered as a master of science and that his accomplishments were outstanding. Art - the person- was equally a gift to us all. My love to Judy, Elana, and Avi.
December 4, 2015
I want to take more than a moment to celebrate the life and times of Arthur (Art) Karshmer. My fondness and respect is strongly rooted in a long history of being friends and colleagues. I first met Art and Judy 40 years ago while teaching at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Art was in his PhD program and Judy was teaching with me in the School of Nursing at UMass. A transplant from California at the time I was certainly in need of friends and University family. Art and Judy welcomed me and my two young children with open arms and unrelenting smiles and support. I have followed Art's as well as Judy's career through the years and feel so lucky to have reconnected while living in San Francisco during the last few years. I am saddened by his passing and the heavy toll this must place on Judy, Elena and Avi. However, I feel so lucky to have the memories of Art, an incredibly supportive and brilliant friend and scholar. Art has made so many outstanding contributions in his field both here and abroad and I will always remember him as a very good friend and ready to find out: what's new? always with a smile and warm welcome. My sincere condolences and love and support to Judy and family.
Sincerely,
Gwen van Servellen, RN, PhD, FAAN, Professor Emeritus
School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles
November 20, 2015
DearJudy, Elana and Avi,
Our hearts go out to you. Art was such a wonderful person- .- so intelligent, warm and VERY funny. We have all lost someone so special. Please know our thoughts and caring are with you.
Elaine and Jim , Marshall and Dylan of Las Cruces
Karen Konrath
November 20, 2015
Condolences to the Karshmer Family. I knew Art when we worked at the USF in Lakeland, FL. He was a wonderful man with a great smile & always a joke. I loved his zest for life & education. Art: You will never be forgotten but always missed in this world...you are now in a better place, so Rest In Peace my friend.
Julio Abascal
November 20, 2015
I was deeply saddened by the news of Arthur's passing. It was an honor to have known such a great person. I will truly miss him. My heart felt condolences to his family.
Alireza Darvishy
November 20, 2015
Dear Arthur.
I was very shocked to hear about your death. You did many great things for the accessibility community, and we will all miss you.
Alireza Darvishy (from Switzerland)
Mark Last
November 19, 2015
We loved Art so much and will always remember him as such a great person, a real mensch.
Shaun Cooper
November 19, 2015
Art was a great mentor and friend. I recall his terrific leadership in Computer Science as department head. I admired his determination.
Roberto Manduchi
November 19, 2015
Arthur was a universally respected leader in the community of assistive technology researchers, and a constant source of inspiration in my own career. He will be missed sorely.
Mike Paciello
November 19, 2015
In memory of a great friend and colleague who inspired me and thousands to pursue a life dedicated to technology and people with disabilities. Rest in peace, Art.
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