Sheldon Earle Newhouse

Sheldon was born November 12, 1942, and grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. As a young man he loved baseball and music, often performing as a singer/guitarist in coffee shops. For a time he even aspired to a future as a classical guitarist. His parents nudged him toward a more practical career, however, and after graduating from the University of Maryland he continued his studies at the University of California, Berkeley. There he earned a Ph.D. in Mathematics and along the way discovered a deep and lasting love for the subject.

Sheldon went on to become a highly respected mathematician whose work in dynamical systems has influenced researchers around the world. The “Newhouse phenomenon,” which bears his name, continues to appear in mathematical research today. Known as an enthusiastic collaborator and engaging speaker, he was invited to lecture and visit at universities across the globe, including visiting professorships in Brazil and France. He spent most of his academic career as a tenured professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1972–1994) and later at Michigan State University (1994–2017). Among his honors were a Fulbright Exchange Scholarship to lecture in Brazil in 1984 and an invited address at the prestigious International Congress of Mathematicians in 1990.

Outside of mathematics, Sheldon remained devoted to music throughout his life. He loved

playing classical guitar and singing. For several years he also immersed himself in the study of

lindy hop dancing, traveling around the country with his wife to workshops and classes. He was

an enthusiastic supporter of live theater and a regular subscriber to several San Diego arts

organizations. After moving to San Diego in 2017, Sheldon especially enjoyed the chance to spend more time

with his grandchildren. He delighted in following their sports, performances, and activities, and

being part of their everyday lives.

Sheldon is survived by his wife, Patti Lamm; his children, Beverly, Daniel, and Mark Newhouse;

his grandchildren, Bryce and Lainey Newhouse; and several nieces and nephews. He was

preceded in death by his parents, his brother Donnie Newhouse, and his sister Marilynn Fradin.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sheldon’s memory may be made to the American Stroke

Foundation or to a charity of your choosing