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Robert Edwin Herzstein
1940 - 2015
Robert Edwin Herzstein
1940 - 2015
Obituary
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Robert Herzstein Obituary
COLUMBIA - Historian Robert E. Herzstein passed away at home after a long illness on January 24, 2015. Dr. Herzstein was a Professor of History at the University of South Carolina and was considered a leading international scholar in Holocaust studies and the Nazi era.
Born in 1940 in New York City to Jean L. and Harold L. Herzstein. Bob came to his life-long interest in politics early, regularly visiting Albany with his father, who was a prominent attorney and Legislative Representative for the City of New York. Bob attributed his love of history to his maternal grandfather, Henry W. Lewis, who resided with the family during Bob’s childhood. One of Bob’s most indelible childhood memories was cheering his beloved New York Giants on to their 1951 National League pennant win over the Brooklyn Dodgers. Bob attended the Gramercy Park School and McBurney School and went on to earn a B.A., M.A., and a Ph.D. from New York University.
Before coming to USC in 1972, Dr. Herzstein taught at several colleges, including MIT and Carnegie Mellon. Professor Herzstein retired from USC as Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History in 2008, although he continued to teach and write even in retirement. Retirement also gave him time to immerse himself in classical music, another life-long passion.
Dr. Herzstein was the author of many acclaimed books including Roosevelt and Hitler: Prelude to War (1989); The War that Hitler Won (1978); and Adolf Hitler and the German Trauma, 1913-1945 (1974). His work Waldheim: The Missing Years (1988) revealed Kurt Waldheim's hidden war record and played a crucial role in the re-examination of the former Secretary of the United Nations and Austrian President's past. His more recent works explored the role of the media in the formation of American foreign policy. They included Henry R. Luce: A Political Portrait (1994) and Henry R. Luce, Time, and the American Crusade in Asia (2005). Among Dr. Herzstein’s proudest achievements was his role in advocating and securing passage of the Nazi War Crimes Disclosure Act, which made thousands of previously classified documents available to the public and researchers.
Dr. Herzstein leaves behind his beloved cat, Muffin, his partner, Faye Flowers, first cousins Donald Herzstein and Barbara Hershey of California, his many friends, including especially Elizabeth P. Stewart and Meredith A. Wallace and Oliver B. Wallace, his distinguished friends and colleagues at USC and beyond, and several generations of inspired students. All of us will miss his quick wit, his keen intellect and his generosity. Donations may be made in his memory to The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Ave., 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT. 06851 or online at www.themmrf.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Susan C. Strausbaugh
December 6, 2018
I was watching the Today show and they were talking about Schlinder's List which made me think of Dr. Herzstein whom I mentioned to my friend. I worked in the History Dept. at USC from '72-76 on a work-study program and full-time 76-78, where I met Dr. Herzstein. I recognized him in 2011 whenever my husband was receiving chemotherapy. I was surprised I remembered his last name but it cane automatically. I asked did he remember Susan Collins that worked in the History Dept. I remembered his specialty being about the Nazis and the Holocaust. I plan to read some of his books.
R.I. P. my friend - fantastic job well done.
March 20, 2016
Iam saddened by the news of Robert's death.
I rememberhim from our days as students at New York University. We had many conversations about history, both European and American. His brilliance and enthusiasm were obvious to all even then.
Frank Jonas
Brenda Knepper
November 26, 2015
I'm very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I met him in the mid-70s and provided a place for him to stay on several occasions when he traveled to Washington, D.C. to do research. I always enjoyed his wit, his intelligence, and his passion for historical research and writing. I am honored to have called Robert Herzstein a friend. The world has lost a bright light; yet we are blessed that his teaching and writing leave a lasting legacy. My sincere condolences to family and friends.
Laura Rogers
February 16, 2015
I am deeply saddened to learn of Bob's death; i met him as he was researching his book on Alfred Kohlberg, my grandfather. His willingness to dig into historical and legal documents and to entertain the most outlandish tales told by my mother endeared him to us, never more than when he told her she was, after all, accurate in her history--a great accolade from the supreme historian. He was generous with his time and interests, and i am sorry not to be able to read the results of his final work. My family sends their thoughts to you, Faye--we almost felt we knew you too.
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Diana Klebanow
February 11, 2015
I knew Bob from our graduate student days at NYU, where he stood out for his brilliance and outstanding work
My heartfelt sympathy to Faye, his family and friends.
PJ Dempsey
February 3, 2015
I first met Bob as his editor (ROOSEVELT AND HITLER). At first I was intimidated as his reputation at that time was at an all-time high. Everyone knew his name. But as I was soon to find out, he was not intimidating at all. In fact not only was he an exceptionally intelligent, quick witted person, he was also just as warm, considerate, and funny. My late husband, Michael, and I enjoyed many good times with Bob. In fact he and Michael were kindred spirits and became real buddies--the doctor and the professor--both with the same "sick and wicked" sense of humor. Now they are both gone and I hope they've found each other again. I will miss Bob very much--as will everyone who has ever known him. His type doesn't come along every day, I'm just glad I was on this earth at the same time that he was. Rest in Peace, Bob, and thanks for keeping in touch through the years.
PJ Dempsey
alan kahn
February 2, 2015
Bob was very generous with his time to serve on panels and participate in many lectures and events at USC . I appreciated the chance to get to know him and benefitted from his discussions and willingness to make himself available .
He was a very special person who did great scholarship and historical work.
We were very lucky to have him here.
Sincerely,
Alan Kahn
Joseph White
January 30, 2015
My condolences go to Professor Herzstein's family, friends, and the many former students whose lives he touched. RIP. -- Joe White
David Murphy
January 28, 2015
Bob Herzstein was a dynamic lecturer who brought the drama and sweep of history to life. Also a kind and thoughtful man who truly cared about his students. Godspeed old friend.
J.R. Fennell
January 26, 2015
Dr. Herzstein was a great professor who not only helped shape my thesis but the way I look at history. He will be missed.
Margaret Jordan Osburn
January 26, 2015
Dr. Herzstein was my favorite professor at USC and I took every class he offered. He will be greatly missed.
January 26, 2015
Dr. Herzstein was one of my favorite professors at USC. He made European History so exciting to learn that I took (3) classes under him. He was so passionate and enthusiastic in sharing his knowledge. May God Bless his Family during their great loss.
Mary O'Neil Canty
Houston, TX
Kenneth Peters
January 26, 2015
Dear family and friends of Dr. Robert Herzstein,
Ellen and I convey our sympathy on Bob's death. I was a colleague of Bob's and I enjoyed his friendship. He devoted great attention and time to his scholarly efforts, which were many. He was a devoted researcher, teacher, author, and mentor. His service to the University of South Carolina, to the state of South Carolina, to the Nation, and to the world are highly significant. It is my earnest hope that there will be others who will continue to pursue the truth and proclaim it as Bob so often did in his work.
Kenneth E."Ken" Peters, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus, Department of History
University of South Carolina
Dot Brown
January 26, 2015
One of the most delightful and enjoyable professors I had in my years as a student at USC. When I taught European history I often found myself repeating some of his words to my class. His teachings and influence will be felt by many for generations to come.
Jimmy Grant
January 25, 2015
Dr. Herzstein served on my Ph.D. Dissertation Committee. I was in several of his reading seminars, and he was one of the most influencial people in my life. We shared many hours in his office, at Starbucks in Five Points, and in various restaurants around Columbia discussing history. I shall miss him very much. He was truly an extraordinary man.
Laura Pritchard
January 25, 2015
My condolences, Faye. He will be missed.
(Liz's sister)
Phil Klugh
January 25, 2015
He was my favorite Professor at USC. He had the ability to bring history alive in a lecture. You could feel his passion for the historical forensics of why and where and not so much when.
Liz Stewart
January 25, 2015
Bob was ever the teacher, patient and enthusiastic about sharing his passions; I have many happy memories of learning about politics, music, books, movies, wine, and food at Bob's side. He had so much more work to do, but his scholarship left an indelible mark on the world, not just in academia, but also by ensuring that historical actors cannot escape the consequences of their deeds, for good or ill. I hope you are at peace, now, Bob, but your friends, students, and colleagues will always remember you.
Marcia Synnott
January 25, 2015
Bob e-mailed me a New Year's Update in late December, mentioning that he was having "a difficult time" with his health, but he hoped for improvement. He looked forward to seeing colleagues "in the coming year." Regrettably, that was not possible. We joined the USC History Department in the same year, 1972, and I shall miss his lively intellect and wry sense of humor.
Rita Spearman
January 25, 2015
I meet Dr. Herstein at the University of South Carolina while I was a student in 1977. He had a great sense of humor and love of teaching. His passion for history made the subject fun. My sympathies goes out to his friends and loved ones.
Rita D Spearman
Leon Ginsberg
January 25, 2015
A wonderful scholar whose good humor and serious research will be missed. I enjoyed him as a colleague in many different assignments.
Leon Ginsberg (dean emeritus, USC College of Social Work)
Faye Flowers
January 25, 2015
I will always love you.
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