Peter Franklin Conrad

I would never have gotten my PhD without Peter's mentorship and his good cheer. I miss him.

Peter Conrad was kind to me even before I joined the Sociology Department at Brandeis. Specifically, without having met, he invited me to co-edit the journal, Qualitative Sociology, which we did for 10 years before people were using computers for this type of work. I don't remember a single disagreement between us. A second thought is that Peter had a Jewish identity and I think he would have been horrified about the antisemitism that has become rampant throughout almost the entire world. I remembered this about him recently when I received a letter from members of the American Psychological Association documenting the antisemitism that pervades the organization. One group they mentioned specifically was Sociological Study of Social Problems, of which he was once the president. He would have done something about it.
Shulamit Reinharz

I will forever cherish the memories of Peter's support during my undergraduate years at Brandeis. In 1991, I approached him with an interest in exploring the AIDS epidemic through a sociological lens. Over the course of a year, Peter dedicated his time and expertise to guide me through conducting an ethnographic study with ACT UP. His mentorship extended far beyond my time at Brandeis, as he continued to offer encouragement and assistance in finding publication opportunities for my research. Peter's warmth, kindness, and unwavering support will always hold a special place in my heart.

I had he privilege of taking one of Peter's courses at Brandeis, as an international Fulbright scholar in 2008. I found his work fascinating, and his down to earth style and wry humor very encouraging. I recall the end of semester potluck dinner held at his house with fondness. Rest in Peace, Peter.
Yasmin Zaidi

I always loved seeing Peter and his warm smile and overall warmth at conferences throughout my career. Peter was generous and curious. Very supportive to others working on medicine and society. He always stopped and talked with students and junior colleagues at ASA. He will be missed and forever appreciated. Of course his scholarship made an incredible contribution as well.

I owe so much to Peter -- He was a visiting Professor at NYU as I was ready to do my doctorate. It wasn't a topic the department looked approvingly upon. He told me I have one year, while he was there, if I wanted to just do it he'd support me in that. And he did. It's been my life's work and he made it possible. Thank you Peter, for all you were, for all you did.

I am so saddened to hear these news... a measure of my admiration and deep respect for Peter.
He contributed so much to others, to the profession, and to Brandeis. He will be hugely missed.
My sympathy and condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Rubén

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Rubén G. Rumbaut
Distinguished Professor of Sociology
University of California, Irvine

Professor Conrad really amazed me in his lectures. It was because of my admiration of his intellect, passion, and dedication to understanding and advocating for public health that I was part of the first year that HSSP major as a senior. I vividly remember sitting in one of his sociology lectures and realizing what an opportunity and honor it was to learn from him and how I need to take more advantage of this. Afterwards, I pretty much signed up for all his classes and decided to tack on that double major my senior year :). My condolences - Professor Conrad was my most beloved professor at Brandeis, not only for his intellect but his heart, passion, humanity, insight, and wisdom.

Peter was such a kind, sweet, gentle, friendly, brilliant man and such an icon in his field and a real treasure to our department and our community. Such a mensch! I loved working with Peter and he always had a big smile and was a pleasure to work with and learn from. It was an honor to have known Peter and work with him. He will be deeply missed. Holding you all in my thoughts and heart.

Warmly,
Lauren
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Lauren Jordahl
Brandeis University, Department of Sociology

My deepest sympathy to Peter's family, friends, and community. Peter was one of my first Sociology professors as an undergraduate student in the 1980s. His kindness, teaching style, mentorship, and lived example helped to inspire me to become a Sociologist and scholar-activist. It was always such a treat to see Peter at conferences or when I was back on the Brandeis campus. His books on health and illness are seminal in my own structural development analysis. As nice and humble as he was brilliant, a true mensch, mentor, and groundbreaking sociologist.

Peter was a kind and gentle person, who loved a good vest! He always had a smile and a kind word. I will miss him.