David S. Wyman

1929 - 2018

A memorial remembrance for David S. Wyman will be held Sunday, April 15, at 2 p.m. at South Congregational Church in South Amherst, Mass. 1066 South East Street, Amherst, MA 01002.

David died peacefully Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at his home in Amherst following several years of declining health.  It was his fervent wish to remain at home until the end.  

He was born March 6, 1929, in Weymouth, Mass. to Hollis and Ruth (Sword) Wyman, and grew up during the Depression and World War II in Auburndale, Mass.  He married Midge Smith, a college classmate, in 1950.  In 1956, they purchased land and built a home in Canterbury.  David taught sixth grade in Tilton-Northfield and at Penacook High School from 1957 through 1961.  After returning to school in 1961, he and Midge spent summers in Canterbury until age and infirmity restricted their ability to travel.

David began teaching history at the University of Massachusetts in 1966, remaining there until his retirement.  In the 1980s, he was one of the founders of the Judaic Studies Department.  He is known for his best-selling book, Abandonment of the Jews, published in 1984, as well as several other writings about the holocaust and is viewed as a leading scholar on the American response to the holocaust.  His work continues at The David S. Wyman Institute of Holocaust Studies in Washington, DC.

David's other great interest was baseball, especially minor league baseball.  During his retirement he traveled throughout the United States and Canada to locate sites of minor league ballparks and research their history.  His hope of writing a book on this subject ran out of time.  He also loved nature, being outdoors, and smelling blossoms. He and Midge took many long walks in the woods, usually with a dog or two.  He loved animals, particularly dogs, and especially greyhounds.

David was predeceased by his parents, his beloved wife, Midge, in 2003, his brother, Hollis, and a sister, Patricia.  He is survived by his youngest sister, Nancy Spraragen, of Oakland, Calif., a son, Jim Wyman of Ashford, Conn., a daughter, Teresa Wyman of Canterbury, two grandchildren, Tom Wyman and Katie Harden (Brian), of Minnesota, a great-grandson, Ralph Harden, and several nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Donations in memory of David may be made to Fast Friends Greyhound Adoption.  Please make checks payable to Fast Friends Rescue, and send to "Fast Friends"  P.O. Box 10093, Swanzey, NH 03446 or to The Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies via credit card at wymaninstitute.org, or by sending a check to the Institute at 1200 G St. NW, Suite 800, Washington, D.C. 20005.

Memorial register at douglassfuneral.com