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David Dessler Obituary
March 30, 1955 - April 17, 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of David A. Dessler in April 2023, in Bryan, Texas. David was born in North Carolina in 1955, and grew up in Houston. He earned his B.A. in History and B.S. in Physics from The University of Oklahoma in 1978. He later earned his M.A. in 1980 and Ph.D. in 1987 in International Studies from John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.
David joined the faculty of William and Mary in 1984 and was a highly respected Professor of Government until he retired in 2016. From 2003-2005, he served as Associate Dean of International Studies at the Reves Center for International Studies, and from 2000-2005, he was the Director of the International Relations Program.
David was a phenomenal teacher. In recognition of his teaching excellence, he won the University's Thomas Jefferson Teaching Award in 1991 and the Princeton Review named him one of the 300 best professors in the country in 2012.
We will always remember David as a witty, smart, and charming person. He was known for his skillful guitar playing, his love for The Who, The Beatles, and Prince. He loved a good party, Texas barbecue, Houston Oilers football and Astros baseball, and was an activist for both women's and mental health issues. He was also a devoted uncle and great cat dad.
He was predeceased by his parents, Alex and Lorraine Dessler; and a sister, Valerie Greider. He is survived by a brother, Andrew Dessler; and sister, Pauline Dessler. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Dessler-Greider Fund for Physics and Astronomy at Rice Univ. (giving.rice.edu).
Memories and Condolences
for David Dessler
5 Entries
Diana "Crabtree" Blair
December 9, 2023
I was a grad student when I met David at William and Mary. He was never my teacher but he was a good friend. I remember trips to DC to visit the Cosmos Club and adventures crossing the Chesapeake Bay.
When Hurricane Floyd, (I think it was Floyd), had us on emergency alert, he tried to convince me to step out into the eye of the storm to experience it with him. I refused. He had very scientific explanations to reassure me that we could leave shelter safely. None of them worked.
I first experienced Ethiopian food and dim sum with David. He made life fun. We went to see Top Gun with a group of friends and we watched one of the Back to the Future movies. Back then, he liked to stay up late listening to music especially the Who.
David cared passionately about students, women and mental health. He was a strong advocate and a brilliant man. Most of all, he was a wonderful friend who made life much better.
Geoff Feiss
May 16, 2023
I am sad to learn of David's death. He was a wonderful colleague and a loyal friend. We worked together on more than one complicated and dicey issue and I came to rely on his wisdom, clarity of thought, and perseverance.
Anne Dingus
May 11, 2023
Pauline, I'm so sorry. If he was your brother, he was obviously a good guy. I'm thinking about you.
Bill King
May 11, 2023
I am so sad to hear this. I know this has been a hard time for you, Pauline. I feel lucky that I was able to meet the entire Dessler family.
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Kate Slevin
May 1, 2023
I am so terribly sad to learn of David´s passing. My sincerest condolences to his family.
David was a treasured colleague- super smart, warm and friendly. He was also a William and Mary "workhorse"- serving on many committees and always willing to do more than his share of governance service. May his memory be a blessing.
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