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John Algeo Obituary
John met his future wife, Adele Silbereisen, in graduate school. He was sitting on the UFL quad, trying to study, when he was distracted by the swish of a calf-length skirt and the lithe figure who wore it. When she showed up in his Old English class, a love match was made over ancient words and contract bridge.
John taught, lectured, and published on linguistics, fantasy literature, and religion. He is author or editor of 29 books, including the widely-used textbook, Origins and Development of the English Language. At UGA, he was Alumni Foundation Distinguished Professor, Department Head, and Director of Linguistics. He was President of the American Dialect Society, the American Name Society, and the Dictionary Society of North America. He edited the journal American Speech for ten years and, with Adele, for another ten years wrote its "Among the New Words" column on neologisms. He was a Fulbright Research Fellow and a Guggenheim Fellow at the University of London, Visiting Professor at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, and seminar leader for English teachers in Jerusalem.
John was fascinated with ritual, symbolism, and life's existential mysteries. A 70-year member of the Theosophical Society, he served as American President and International Vice-President. He rose to Thirty-Third Degree in the Eastern Order of International Co-Freemasonry.
He lost his beloved Adele in 2010 and is survived by daughter Katie, Scottsville, KY; son Thomas, Cincinnati, OH; and five grandchildren.
J.C. Kirby & Son Broadway Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Cremation was Chosen.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Algeo
Sponsored by OnlineAthens.com.
Mary Green
September 21, 2020
I was a student at the University of Florida I took Dr. Algeo's course about the English Language. Learning things , like the "Great Vowel Shift , made me realize that if I could get through this course I could get through anything in life. He was a tough task master, but a true inspiration.
October 27, 2019
October 27, 2019
Dear Kate,
Heartfelt wishes are sent to you with deep respect for all the care and support you have given your dear father!
With compassion and sympathy and kindness!
Diane Eisenberg
Donna Wimberley
October 27, 2019
John was the best boss a gal ever had! I loved John and Adele like they were my own family, and I I'm so happy to have such very fond memories of them. I have and will continue to miss them.
Diane Stilwell Weinberg
October 26, 2019
A very great loss to the Theosophical Society and to every person who knew John. My heart is with his family at this sad time.
Patricia Davis
October 26, 2019
Love to you, John! The Stil-Light Retreat was always full to overflowing whenever you came to speak. You will be missed.
October 26, 2019
Katie, I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad. He is now reunited with your Mom, You take care of YOU now, you've been such a great caregiver. If you're ever around this way, you know you've got a place to stay. Lynn Evans Carter
Brant Jackson
October 23, 2019
John and Adele, for I always considered them as a single unit in the Great Work, contributed so much light and knowledge where ever they worked. They were good friends and mentors to all the members of the Atlanta lodge, including me, for so many years. Their love of all matters theosophical was recognized early on, and they were chosen by our Elders for leadership by example on the local, national and international levels. Few Theosophists of their generation have left legacies of such personal impact on so many Seekers across the world.
Don't mourn their passing, for they have just entered a phase of life on a different level. John and Adele have reunited, and are one again. We who were their friends in the Great Work look forward to working under their leadership and example again.
Brant Jackson
DEEPA PADHI
October 23, 2019
With the demise of Dr.John Thomas Algeo,the former International Vice President,the Theosophical Society lost an ardent Theosophist,a great scholar and a motivational speaker.His articles,books,study courses on Theosophy are his great contributions to the World Theosophical literature.Such people never die.He will reincarnate to fulfill his unfulfilled work of the Theosophical Society.
I express my deep condolences to the bereaved family and pray for his soul ascension.
Deepa Padhi
DEEPA PADHI
October 23, 2019
From: Dr.Deepa Padhi
International Vice-President
Theosophical Society
Adyar,Chennai,India
With the demise of Dr.John Thomas Algeo,Former International Vice-President, Theosophical Society lost an ardent Theosophist, a great scholar and a motivational speaker.His articles,books,study courses on Theosophy are his valuable contributions to the World Theosophical Literature.Such people never die.He will reincarnate to fulfill his unfulfilled work of the Theosophical Society.
I express my deep condolences to the family and pray for his soul ascension.
Nitin Reshamwala
October 23, 2019
Rest in peace
Ed & Mary Abdill
October 22, 2019
John was my dear friend and fellow Theosophist for a good 40 years. We shared a similar view of life and a good sense of humor. He was only four years older than me, so we may soon be together again. Rest in the Eternal grant unto him, and my light perpetually shine upon him.
October 22, 2019
John was a great inspiration to me. His vast knowledge was equaled only by his deep humility and total lack of pretense. Although John was a great scholar, he had the rare ability to make complex and sublime ideas understandable to those of us who were not. His many lectures on esoteric topics were some of the best I have ever heard, both in terms of content and delivery. I will always treasure my memories of having served with John on the Theosophical Society in America's board of directors during the 1990s.
David Bruce
Melvyn New
October 22, 2019
John and Adele were our first friends when we arrived to the University of Florida English Department in 1966; his move to Athens was a very sad time for us personally and for our department. He was one of the most kind and generous of academics, a rarity in the profession. His children and indeed all who knew him were most fortunate to have had him in their lives.
Erica Georgiades
October 21, 2019
My condolences to his family and friends. For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one. Kahlil Gibran
MK Ramadoss
October 21, 2019
I met John and Adele when they visited San Antonio TS Lodge. He was a man you can easily talk to even when you don't agree with his views or policies. Had several telephone conversations with him at critical junctures in policy of American Section of TS. He worked tirelessly for theosophical cause and did not take salary from the Theosophical Society following the tradition of many leaders of the past. Hats off to his sacrifice at a time it is very hard to find many who sacrifice for the cause. May his soul rest in peace.
Brian James
October 21, 2019
A loss of a great Theosophical teachers. He was the most intellectual, articulate, even-keeled man I've known. He showed me so much in the work to persue Theosophical study as a dedicated Chela. I got the honor to know you well and help you when Adele passed. May your quest to the monaic be ever-continuing my dear John....You will be missed here on this plane and in this time...We will surely see you once again as is our karmic link in the Great Work.
Jeff Gresko
October 21, 2019
John was a mentor to me. He had faith in me and changed my life for the better. I'm certain there are many, many others who could say the same about this towering figure in whatever endeavor he was involved in.
Kathy Gann
October 21, 2019
I had the great pleasure of meeting John and Adele at the Theosophical Society headquarters in about 2000, and then again later when they visited Denver. John was such a wonderful speaker, writer and leader. Best wishes on the next leg of your journey, John!
Pedro Oliveira
October 21, 2019
The Theosophical Society has lost a great speaker and a great scholar. Our heartfelt condolences to John's family at this moment of irreparable loss. May he rest in Peace.
Linda and Pedro Oliveira
Sydney, Australia
Holly McClure
October 21, 2019
Condolences to his family and his many friends. He will be missed.
October 21, 2019
Our heartfelt condolences to John's family on the occasion of his passing. His contribution to the work of the Theosophical Society and allied movements was truly outstanding. He shall be remembered as a great Theosophical scholar who helped to bring the message of Theosophy to the contemporary world.
Rest in the Eternal grant unto him, O Lord, and may Light Perpetual shine upon him.
Linda and Pedro Oliveira
Jason Shreeram
October 21, 2019
John was a wonderful man and he and Adele were two of the most compassionate people I've ever known. He and his works will live on in Theosophy for eternity.
Joel Walz
October 20, 2019
A well respected scholar and friend to me.
Pat and Hubert McAlexander
October 17, 2019
We were so sorry to hear of John's passing.
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