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David Fox Obituary
A mathematician, business leader, and longtime resident of Providence, 82, died peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, July 13. A graduate of Oberlin College with a Ph.D. in mathematics from NYU, he was a pioneer of early computing.
He started Fox Computer Services in 1957 where he invented computer languages and designed war gaming strategies for the Navy. He went on to become President of CTI, a global container shipping company. Dr. Fox then became CEO of Nestor Inc., a company which utilized neural network technology developed by Brown professors.
Dr. Fox was a skilled private pilot, an American Crossword Puzzle Tournament Champion, and an eclipse hunter who witnessed 12 solar eclipses on 4 different continents. In his retirement, he coached the math team at Community Prep to its first victory and was designated a Visiting Scholar at Brown University's Institute for Brain and Neural Systems.
He was dearly loved by family and friends who are grateful to have shared his extraordinary life. Survived by his loving wife Ginny; his children Cedering, Lora, Kell, and Lanny; his grandchildren Zachariah, Lillian, Emily, Evelyn, and Elliot.
A memorial will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Unitarian Church of Providence. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Peace Flag Project at www.thepeace flag-project.org or The Environmental Defense Fund at www.edf.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Fox
Joan Devine
April 12, 2024
what an extraordinary man- wish we could have met him.
Bernie and Joan Devine
Darryl Tookes
September 15, 2019
So deeply saddened. No words are sufficient.
I idolized David, and cannot imagine the loss your family is suffering.
I shall always remember David as someone whom I should try to emulate in my life. The Fox family are extraordinary people. I miss you, and shall do my best to see you soon.
Love and comfort from Donna and Darryl Tookes, and the Tookes family
September 10, 2018
Dear Ginny - David truly made a difference wherever he went. He was a role model of someone who made the most of many talents. I was continually surprised by the depth and breadth of his interests and desire to make positive change. And I was often on the receiving end of his skills on the golf course and tennis court.
Deepest sympathies...
Skip Carlin, Narragansett, RI
August 2, 2018
"Our condolences to Ginny, Zach and all of the family..."
Karen & Ed Crowe
July 31, 2018
My condolences to David's family especially to you Ginny! I am thinking about you and sending love.
Odile Mattiauda
Alana Sharp
July 31, 2018
I cannot measure the amount I'm going to miss David. I love you all, Fox Family!
July 30, 2018
My condolences to the family. May the God of all comfort help you endure this pain of losing your loved one.
Happy memories make the heart heal.
Alana Sharp
July 30, 2018
Alana Sharp
July 30, 2018
Alana Sharp
July 30, 2018
Dancing with my handsome Dad.
Lora Fox
July 28, 2018
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