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Hugo Lijeron Obituary
NISKAYUNA, N.Y. -- Dr. Hugo Lijerón Alberdi died on Sunday, March 31, 2019 at the age of 88.
Born May 6, 1930, in Bolivia, Hugo earned a law degree from San Xavier University and received a scholarship from the Spanish government to study international diplomacy in Madrid (1954). In 1956, Hugo joined his brother in the United States. He earned a master's degree from Middlebury College in Vermont and a Ph.D. in Hispanic Literature from the University of Madrid. Hugo taught at Williams College and was a visiting professor for the Peace Corps at Kent State University.
For 40 years, Hugo was a professor of Spanish at The University of Akron in Ohio. He specialized in 20th Century Latin American literature. While at Akron, he served as Chair of the Department of Modern Languages and was also Director of the Latin American Studies program. Hugo co-founded the Institute of Bolivian Studies to give a voice to young writers from his country. In 1985, Hugo was named Ohio's Most Outstanding University Professor by the Ohio Modern Language Teachers Association. In 2000, the year he retired as Professor Emeritus, Hugo received the Ohio Foreign Language Association's Community Service Award. His passion for Latin American and Hispanic culture inspired generations of teachers.
A gifted and humorous storyteller, Hugo loved international travel, music, and dancing. He was an enthusiastic weekend soccer player until the age of 70 and a dedicated fan until his last day.
Known affectionately to family and friends as "Chicho", Hugo is survived by his wife of 57 years, Janet "JJ", daughters, Marta Lijerón Ozisik (Rahmi) and Julia Lijerón (Hicham). He was a loving grandfather to Metin, Merjan, Laila and Sami. Hugo was predeceased by his brother, George and is survived by his siblings, Carlos, Mirtha and Jaime (Belinda), along with nieces and nephews, Julie, Antonio Roberto, Ana Carolina, Diego and Veronica.
At Hugo's request, his body was donated to the Anatomical Gift Program at the Albany College of Medicine. A family celebration of his life will take place in the near future.
Contributions in Hugo's memory can be made to the Association of University of Akron Retirees' Scholarship Fund by mailing a check to: The University of Akron Foundation, Infocision Stadium, Suite 236, Akron, Ohio 44325-2603 with AUAR Scholarship Fund in the memo line. Questions can be directed to: 330-972-5409.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Hugo Lijeron
Sponsored by Akron Beacon Journal.
Luisa Gunther
March 29, 2024
Dr. Lijerón, cared about us in all the areas of our lives. School yes, but also our families, relationships, problems and our health. He was my "Migraine friend". I had terrible migraines and he always encouraged me and share his tips, since he also sufferec from them. He used to tell me that he ate cheese, crackers and cornish hens, and that pretty much everything else triggered it for him, but, if everything fails said, I should remember that experts think that people who suffer migraines are very intelligent. He always put a smile in my heart, even in hard times.
Jane Donatelli
March 28, 2024
As the years tick by, todavía extaño a mi compadre. abrazos, Juana
Jane Donatelli
March 28, 2021
another year has come and gone as time marches on. And we are all still doing what we always do. Seems like the last year was a good one for Hugo to have missed. love you all, Juana, Matt & Tom
Brad Ayers
January 4, 2021
I just learned about Dr. Lijeron's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He was very special to me. I obtained a BA with a major in Spanish Language and Literature from The University of Akron in 1999.
Dr. Lijeron was my Professor for many classes. He also hosted a weekly luncheon where we watched news in Spanish and had discussions in Spanish. I think he was wonderful. His stories were the best. He was a great person and will always be a big deal to me.
David Gruccio
May 22, 2020
I was fortunate to have been in three of his university Spanish classes when I obtained a bachelor's degree in the language from the university of Akron last century. One class dealt with novel and short stories from South America. It was my introduction to the serious study of formal literature connected with three countries there. The other class dealt with hispanic cultural aspects of the several groups in this country including efforts for members of that immense group to assimilate to this society. Motivation for continuing my study of Spanish came from being in those classes. Much substance of an intellectual commodity well worth preserving and discussing can remain as a lasting memory from taking these classes;. The third class was focused on contemporary parts of Latin American countries including literature and current events. Most memorable were the efforts made by several of the fellow faculty members to participate in departmental parties and receptions for a variety of reasons. Much of my current awareness about Latin America and Spain came from being in these classes and paying attention to events dealing with Spain and South America. The principal intellectual focus was Latin America. Much gratitude can be extended to Hugo Lijeron for his contribution to my formal education in so many ways. His attitude toward assisting me to attain educational goals goes with his ability to use humor for an effective strategy in teaching me. He gave me inspiration to complete the bachelor's degree in Spanish. Good efforts to keep me enrolled as a student came in several forms from Hugo Lijeron. A memorable good experience from being in his class was accompanied with his participation in parties which students attended. Things could not have been better for me in those days. There was a joviality about his personality. He made so much of the Spanish program go forward.
Tracy Shriver
August 29, 2019
Dr. Lijeron was one of my best professors when I was an undergrad. He was like a father figure to me in school. He made me laugh and he laughed at my strange ways of pronunciation. There was always a lot of laughter in his classes. We shared an admiration of Tom Cruise in "Born on the Fourth of July". He taught me a lot and I was so happy to have him for several semesters. It was a privilege to know him and an honor to have him as a teacher. He will be missed greatly. Lo siento por tu perdida. Paz a tu familia.
May 1, 2019
Descansa en paz admirado tocayo: Chicho Lijeron Alberdi. Paz y luz en tu tumba y en el corazón de tu esposa Janett y tus hijos. Nos legaste tu conocimiento y tu literatura, y la escala de palabras te ascendió al infinito. Gracias por tu noble y generosa amistad, y por tus valiosas enseñanzas que guardamos en nuestro corazón cual precioso tesoro. Un recuerdo y oraciones de dos amigos tuyos. Luis Andrade S. Y Chicho Saavedra Weise. Santa Cruz, Bolivia, 01/05/19
April 21, 2019
Dear Janet, Marta and Julia,
It is with great sorrow that we mourn the passing of our family friend and amazing professor, Hugo. We cherish so many memories and great times spent together over the years with our entire family, friendships that endure still today. Our prayers and condolences are with you.
The Vidlak Family, Akron, OH
david gruccio
April 18, 2019
If I needed a reason to earn my BA degree in Spanish at the University of Akron many years ago this man was it. If I needed to find a reason for being grateful for attending the classes there - including his classes - here it was in abundance. He and Don Pepe made the undergraduate program go forward with majesty. Maybe he offered the most fulfilling purpose for attending Spanish classes there. Signing up to take his classes were motivational factors to keep me enrolled. As a strategy it worked. He offered me guidance and assistance for getting through the program with as much success as I could bring with me to his classes and other classes as well. Courses in literature were essential for my relationship with him to be as good as it was. Inspirational for certain and receptive of my comments and questions in class as well as outside the class about several topics. He let me learn about several parts of Latin America. His intellectual stature for sure was essential for doing these things, but he was most encouraging and a passionate believer in serious learning about serious topics. Perhaps part of my intellectual skills reside in me today as a result of his contribution to my learning. His lasting contribution to my young adulthood extended beyond the intellectual learning connected with his classes to several activities that were essential parts of his contribution to learning and social relationships with people. His sense of humor for sure worked magic with me. Members of my family then were part of his work at the university when he provided guidance for graduate students. A better source for motivation about learning these topics would be most difficult to find now as it was then.
Diana Chlebek
April 18, 2019
Dr.Lijeron was an excellent teacher and a fine person. My sincere condolences to his family.
Sergio
April 6, 2019
Dr. Lijeron was my Spanish professor at the University of Akron between 1997 and 2000. I was probably one of his last students. Sorry for your loss.
April 6, 2019
Dr. Lijeron was a wonderful person and teacher.
He made my career possible in the APS. I'll never forget him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Haberkost
Akron, OH
Luisa Gunther
April 5, 2019
Queridas Juana, Marta y Julia:
Les doy mi más sentido pésame de todo corazón. El Dr. Lijerón fue un gran mentor y amigo para todos nosotros. El ha dejado una huella muy profunda en nuestras vidas. Su legado y su ejemplo no se olvidarán jamás.
Sally Olivera
April 5, 2019
Me da mucha tristeza la muerte del Dr. Lijerón. He was my first professor during my undergraduate years and provided me with guidance and inspiration while completing my Masters Degree. I will always remember his sense of humor during class.
April 5, 2019
Me da inmensa pena la muerte del Dr Lijeron. Le debo bastante y nunca le olvidare. Que su memoria de paz a todos que le quieren.
Flynn (MARIO) McGowen, Stow, OH.
Tom Lukes
April 5, 2019
Hugo shared humor, courage, empathy, a warrior-spirit and much more that vibrates today putting a smile on my face and lifts my heart when I think of him. I will miss our conversations.
Cally Rifenburgh
April 4, 2019
JJ and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Thankful to have met Hugo at the terrace, he never failed to put a smile on my face. Will miss him greatly.
April 4, 2019
Juanita,
so very sorry to hear about your loss - and so many wonderful memories. Un abrazo fuerte-
Anne (Wilson) Perrine
Benny Pietrangelo
April 4, 2019
Lindisimos recuerdos de un gran ser humano.
QEPD.
Benny&Betty Pietrangelo
April 4, 2019
Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Rosa and Steve
Juana Donatelli
April 4, 2019
para Coma, Marta, Julia y todos los demas:
Ojalá que encuentren paz en esta temporada de tristeza, ya que Hugo está con su paz. He touched the hearts and lives of many people and he will long be remembered with love and affection. abrazos de Juana, Mateo y Tomás
Michaelanne DiBianco
April 4, 2019
JJ and family, so very sorry for your loss.. I had the pleasure of knowing Hugo and yourself on my work days of where you live, he always greeted me with a smile, and good sense of humor. May he be at peace.
Sara-Jane Salstrom
April 4, 2019
We are keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers.
Nelly Muresan
April 4, 2019
Dear Julia and family,
I am so saddened for your loss, please accept my sincere condolences.
With a big hug
Jack and Mimi Burgermeister
April 3, 2019
Though we didn't know Hugo personally, we knew him through Janet. No question he must have been a wonderful man, husband, father, and grandfather. Condolences to his grieving family.
Isabel Fernández
April 3, 2019
Os acompaño en el sentimiento. Un abrazo
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