IRWIN SARASON

SARASON--Dr. Irwin G. Dr. Irwin G. Sarason, professor emeritus of Psychology at the University of Washington died on November 6th, 2025 at the age of 96. Irwin was born in Newark, NJ on Sept. 15, 1929 and was the son of the late Maxwell and Anna (Silverlight) Sarason. After graduating from Rutgers in 1951, he began his studies in clinical psychology at the University of Iowa where he met his late wife Barbara R. Sarason. Both Irwin and Barbara received their Master's degree from Iowa in 1953 and were married that fall. In 1956, after receiving their PhDs in clinical psychology from Indiana University, and completing their clinical internships they moved to Seattle, WA. Irwin became an assistant professor at the University of Washington, then became a full professor in 1965. During his tenure at the UW, Irwin was the chairman of the Psychology Dept. in the mid 1980's to early 1990's. Irwin's focus was social psychology, cognition, and psycho therapy. He was the author of many articles and books. The Abnormal Psychology textbook, written Irwin and Barbara, went through eleven editions and has been widely used throughout the world. Their Social Support Questionnaire has been employed in thousands of research studies worldwide and has been translated into many languages. Irwin retired in 2000, although continued his writing and research. Irwin influenced the development of many graduate and undergraduate students who valued greatly what he contributed to their personal and professional lives. Irwin was a member of the American Psychological Association, the Western Psychological Association (where he was a past president), and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He also received the Western Psychological Association's 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award. Irwin had many interests. Irwin valued opportunities for travel, especially living in England for a year and in the Netherlands for 18 months. Irwin and Barbara also gave many lecture series in Japan, Australia and throughout Europe. Irwin had a great interest in classical music, opera, architecture, and visiting churches and cathedrals. Irwin thrived on continuous learning in so many areas within and outside of psychology. He was a voracious reader. He was an avid sports fan with baseball being his favorite. Irwin is predeceased by siblings Mildred (1989) and Seymour (2010), wife Barbara (2017), daughters Suzanne (2021) and Jane (2023). Irwin will be deeply missed by son Don (Peggy), grandchildren Daniel, Gabriela (Eric), Joshua, Natalie, great-grandchildren Jesse and James, step-grandson Chris Di Giusto and sister-in-law Mary Ann Shubert (Bruce). Irwin's wish was to be cremated and at his request there will be no funeral services. A celebration of life will occur at a later date.