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Jean Duboscq Obituary
ITHACA - Jean Etienne Duboscq, born February 5, 1964, in St. Etienne de Baigorry, France, died of renal cancer June 13, 2008 in Ithaca, NY. Survived by daughter, Sandrine, age 11; mother, Anne Marie; sisters, Marie Christine, Yvette, and Genevieve; siblings-in-law, Shelby, Larry, and Lynn; nieces, Elise and Anna; uncles, aunts, and a tribe of cousins in France and California. Beloved of Amy. Predeceased by his father, Remi, in 1993.
Jean Etienne earned a four-year scholarship to Johns Hopkins a year before graduating from the Lycee Francais in San Francisco, and left for Baltimore. While there, he became "Jean" because it was easier for his classmates and because his unusual name won him a bed in a freshman women's dormitory.
He entered the Ph.D. program in particle physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara, earning his Doctorate in 1992. For years afterward, he enjoyed the company of the physics monks he met there, including Chris Felix, who also died too young.
From 1992 to 1994, he worked at the nuclear research center CERN in Geneva, Switzerland. While there, he visited relatives in the Basque country and near Paris, played washboard in the band Randy Mantooth and the Jaws of Life, and once dressed as a French poodle for Halloween.
He worked as a researcher at Wilson Lab at Cornell University from 1994 on, first for Ohio State University, then for Cornell directly, participating in the CLEO project and specializing in tau particles. He brought focus, energy, passion, and a unique sense of humor to his work.
A memorial service will take place on Wednesday, June 18, at the Unitarian Church of Ithaca, 306 N. Aurora Street, at 4 p.m. For details, contact the Ness Sibley Funeral Home, Trumansburg, 1-888-534-5446. His ashes will be placed in Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, California, in late June.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to either the Jean Duboscq Memorial Fund for his daughter, c/o Guttman & Wallace, 411 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY, 14850; or to Hospicare, 172 East King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. The family thanks all the Hospicare staff for their excellent care of him and of us all in his final two weeks.
We will miss his energy and wit, the spring in his step, and his steady affection. We love you, Jean Etienne, and will watch the night sky for one star a little brighter than the others.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jean Duboscq
Sponsored by his family.
Amy B Altman
June 13, 2023
Still my most favorite human in the world! I miss you and think of you all the time. XXOO
Miss you forever. My best friend.
Amy Altman
June 15, 2016
Sharon Burke
August 7, 2014
Jean was an old friend from UCSB days. He was a treasure. He gave us much to think about and many reasons to smile. His appreciation for life's quirky moments made me laugh when we were young and brings me comfort now that I'm older. Jean was warm, funny, and so unassuming, despite his many accomplishments. Missing you, old friend.
Anne Marie Duboscq
March 23, 2014
Always in my mind,maman
Amy Altman
August 4, 2013
Hello Dear Jean... How I wish you were here with me! Xxoo
Amy Altman
January 2, 2012
There hasn't been a day when I haven't thought of you!
Christine DeCoteau
August 13, 2009
To the Family of Jean Etienne, I can only offer what seems to be the most heartfelt and sincere sympathy one could offer a family and to a very special young daughter in great legacy to one of the most amazing men I've ever known. It was only three months it seems to the date of his passing that I shared with him of my newly announced marriage to my husband now John Paul DeCoteau. I knew he would be proud of my choice in French Heritage as a mate. He shared with me so much of his life and I "listened" to him so many times with great admiration of his wisdom, his wit and great passion for his work and fondness for his friends and family around him near and far. I offer one of the most humble and sincere sympathies one could. I now know.. why I had not received replies from several emails sent after our wedding announcement. Forgive this belated sentiment and know my heart and love for Jean and all he had touched in his life will be cherished.
May the peace and the path of understanding be with you all always and to Jean, rest well my friend until we meet again.
Christine Yvonne DeCoteau
Tallahassee, Fl
Brigitte et Maxwell Chertok
December 15, 2008
You will be always in our souvenirs.I will always remember your kindness and your smile on your face.We had such a great time at Cern with you.
We were very sad when we heard that you were sick.
Peter Sanders
July 30, 2008
From times at CERN I remember Jean always has a smile on his face and was great company. But most importantly always had time ... time to stop and chat about what ever you wanted.
Some time later I bumped into Jean at SLAC and it was as if id seen him yesterday. He still had time to stop and talk and joke.
I wish I had the chance to bump into him one more time.
Gigi Berube
July 10, 2008
To his family, sincerest sympathies!
Pushpa Dalal
June 28, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Andy Cody
June 27, 2008
My fondest recollection of Jean is from Charlies in St. Genis during his CERN years.
He translated a Jacques Briel song for me.
With a half smile that might be mistaken for cynicism were it not for the warmth of his wit and the glow of his generosity.
And all the time that wonderful glint in his eye..
JED at the Great Wall, China, 2004
June 26, 2008
Sherry (dee) Lester
June 25, 2008
I did not know Jean, but heard about him through Linda, and looking within her heart and soul, I saw a wonderful person that must have made a lot of souls happy. I know the great person only calls back his children when he needs new little angels, so never doubt he is watching over all that he loved. He is never far from the hearts that he touched..may he rest in peace as his journey has only ended here, but it will never end..Just believe there is one more beautiful star shining in heaven tonight..
Linda Mendoza
June 25, 2008
I will always remember Jean Etienne as the little seven year old red headed boy at the top of his stairs in his navy blue shorts and a look of wonderment in his eyes. That wonderment never left him and he blesses us all with the beautful memories all of us can share. He is not gone. He simply went home. The other home that always fascinated him so. Look up to the night sky and you will know he is helping to make our night a little less dark. The night sky was a passion shared by many. Rest well my friend, rest well.
Rafael Cardoso
June 24, 2008
Very sad news, indeed. I knew Jean at college and remember him fondly. A truly warm and kind human being. My deepest sympathy to family and friends.
Tony Massey
June 24, 2008
I knew Jean at Johns Hopkins, and though I lost track of him after graduation, he’s been in my thoughts from time to time. He was truly a lovely guy—funny, smart and a very decent human being. I miss him already.
Miguel Sanchis-Lozano
June 24, 2008
Jean was a brave person who kept a battle against cancer keeping his unique sense of humour. Already started his illness, I once received an email from him with physics questions and comments during a meeting at DESY in Hamburg as he was tuned in to the broadcast talks from US! We indeed could appreciate his competence as a scientist and his sense of humour when he visited Valencia in November 2005 where he gave an excellent talk. Jean, my family and I spent a very nice evening having dinner at home talking sometimes in English, sometimes in French or Spanish (Jean could speak either). Our Institute in Valencia and myself have lost a keen collaborator and a friend. May he rest in peace.
Aditya Sinha
June 23, 2008
Jean and I were in the same dorm our freshman year at Hopkins, and then we were apartment-mates sophomore and junior years. Senior year, we fought over a girl. I moved to India 22 years ago, and caught up with Jean and Sandrine on a visit to Ithaca in 2001. He was warm, smart, funny, wacky, supportive, wise, solicitous, humble, generous; he was a pal. You are a part of me, Jean, that I will cherish forever.
Amy Nevel
June 21, 2008
Jean was a dear friend to my husband, Chris Felix, who died in 2001. I knew Jean best after Chris died when he would call weekly to check in with me. Jean's humor and willingness to listen got me through those early weeks of grief. I will always be grateful for his kindness and friendship during that time. I am heartsick by the loss of these two great men -- Jean and Chris -- for all our sakes, but especially for Jean's daughter, Sandrine, and Chris's daughter, Cora. At the same time I know we are all richer for having known them and for them being part of our lives.
Jean, I wish you peace, my friend.
Sarah Shirley
June 20, 2008
My mother Molly and I send thoughts and prayers and condolences to Amy and the rest of Jean's family. We knew Amy through Carepages.com because my dad also lived and died with renal cell carcinoma. We enjoyed Jean's blog -- how very bright and funny he was!
Jerry Jodice
June 20, 2008
I have known Amy for many years and extend condolences for everyone's loss.
Roy Briere
June 20, 2008
Jean was a class act, one of the most diverse
and interesting colleagues I've ever had.
He was a funny scholar, an upbeat cynic,
a social savant, and oh so many other savory
combinations...au revoir, mon ami.
Peggy McKernan
June 20, 2008
I know Jean mainly as the father of Sandrine. Our daughters went to the same pre-school and grade school, and we laughed together through many a play date and birthday party. Jean just loved being Sandrine’s dad; he wasn’t an openly sentimental person, but he could never hide his joy, delight and pride as he watched his wonderful daughter play and grow. Sandrine brought so much happiness to Jean’s life, and his love for her will strengthen her throughout her life. May he rest in peace.
Abi Soffer
June 20, 2008
I knew Jean when I was a graduate student on the CLEO experiment, and he was a postdoc, freshly back from CERN. He was pleasant to be with and fun to talk to. Scott Menary recalls in his entry of this guest book that Jean had said that he wasn't brave. I'd like to share a little anecdote about that. In those days we finally woke up to the realization that the growth in the number of academic physics positions was long over. Alone among the voices encouraging students to turn to more "real-life" careers upon graduation, Jean told us to listen only to our own interests, do physics if that's what we liked, and not worry about making less money than the other guy. It's not quite like chasing a mugger, but I felt that Jean helped us all be a little braver that day. My condolences to his family.
Scott Menary
June 19, 2008
Jean wrote in his blog: "Monday August 27, 2007 : I've heard some people say that I am displaying a "brave" attitude in the face of all this. I am not being brave - bravery is what you show when you chase down the mugger of an old lady across the street - the difference is that you have a choice. Here, I have no choice. The alternative is defeat. And I am still too stubborn for that. " I used to tell people about this statement because I thought it was profound and I agreed with it. But rereading Jean's blog I find I can no longer agree with it. I think his words showed he displayed enormous bravery in the face of terrible odds. He was one of the truly "nice" guys in the field and he'll be missed. My heart goes out to his family.
Paul Ackman
June 18, 2008
Taken too soon from us. I'm Amy's friend in Richmond. I'd see Jean when he came to visit.
Deborah Atella
June 18, 2008
My sincerest condolences on Jean's passing. I knew of him and his courageous battle through Amy, and kept him in my prayers, then and now. He is at peace, and I wish his family and friends peace and strength at this difficult time. It is because of people such as Jean and my husband Al, and the ongoing clinical trials, that some day the people to come will be able to live with this disease.
Karen Glikman
June 18, 2008
Hermann Broch wrote, "No one's death comes to pass without making some impression, and those close to the deceased inherit part of the liberated soul and become richer in their humaness." Clearly JE has made many richer. We are holding you all in our hearts through this impossibly difficult time.
Love,
Jerene & Karen
Brenda, Diane, & Bob Del Fiorentino
June 18, 2008
We are friends of MC and know how much she loved and admired her brother. We will be lighting candles for his loving spirit. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Blessings,
Brenda, Diane, and Bob Del Fiorentino
Sandy Goldin Zaccagnino
June 17, 2008
I also know Jean Etienne as MC's brother. But since MC is, for me, a sister, I guess that made him a half-brother to me, and I followed the story of his life through the years, and through this past year, with pride and caring. Love to you all from me, and also from Mike.
Richard Gray
June 17, 2008
I wish I had gotten to know Jean better. He was a great guy, who could approach anything with a smile. This last Christmas season I bumped into him at the Syracuse airport and got to talk to him for an hour while we waited for our planes. Despite all of his treatments and everything he was going through he was still upbeat, with the same great sense of humor as always. I consider myself lucky for having known him.
Werner Sun
June 17, 2008
Jean was a buoyant spirit, a careful scientist, and a good person. He brought a sense of levity to the serious work he did, and we are all the better for it. He will be sorely missed.
Richard Galik
June 17, 2008
Jean was a valued colleague as well as a friend. I was also his supervisor and fellow traveler in the land of Sutent. Lots of courage, lots of loyalty, lots of honesty. We'll all miss him.
Linda Puertolas
June 17, 2008
Jean is now at rest. He will be greatly missed by all. My heart hurts for his family members who have lost a loved one.
My sympathies to all family and friends.
Linda Puertolas
david zimmerman
June 17, 2008
Jean,
You were always a good friend and an inspiration. I miss you.
David
Peggy Kavaljian
June 17, 2008
I knew Jean Etienne as Marie Christine's baby brother, who often brought a smile to her face, and whom she dearly loved. He will be missed so very much, and will always be remembered in love.
Daniel Cronin-Hennessy
June 17, 2008
I remember Jean as a good and decent person. I remember Jean as person with an unusual capacity for creating joy. He will be remembered and missed.
Pete Zweber
June 17, 2008
I knew Jean for seven years. When I arrived in Ithaca from Chicago, I found the town to be a little small. He told me this about Ithaca: "First, you hate it. Then, you dislike it. Finally, you become indifferent to it." I will miss him.
cathy white (HHA) tracey parker (HHA)
June 17, 2008
jean will be missed by all. and we are sorry for your lost.
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