Longtime Sacramento State (CSUS) professor Jerry Tobey died April 19, 2018. Born January 6, 1934 in Parma, OH, he grew up in the projects in Boston, where he acquired a slight accent, an affinity for the Red Sox, and a lifelong love of learning. As a youngster he would happily spend entire days at the library after being dropped off by his older brother, Gene.
While earning his B.A. from Northeastern University, Jerry became the school’s first Rhodes Scholar nominee. He earned his M.A. from Brandeis University in 1958. His doctoral studies were interrupted for two years while he studied in Germany as a Fulbright Scholar. There, he became fluent in German and was taken under his host family’s father’s wing. He completed his Ph.D. at Brandeis in 1964.
After two years teaching at University of Arizona, he joined the faculty at CSUS in 1965, where he taught History and Humanities until 2003. His publications included two volumes on the history of ideas from classical antiquity to early modern Europe. He became the first Chair of the Academic Senate to serve two consecutive terms and was a substantial contributor to the life of the university. Liked and respected by students, faculty, and staff, he was known for his warmth, academic rigor, and dedication. Colleague Brad Nystrom remembers him as the only professor who took the trouble to learn the subjects when conducting program reviews of other departments. Jerry also taught as a volunteer in the academic program for inmates at Folsom Prison.
In retirement, he taught with the Renaissance Society and twice was president of the CSUS Retirees Association. He enjoyed playing tennis, traveling internationally, and spending time with his family and many friends, who were drawn to his kindness, humor, intellect, stimulating conversation, and humble nature. Above all he’ll be remembered for his passion for learning, with interests ranging from history to biology to politics. He could answer arcane questions on virtually any topic, yet never flaunted his knowledge. He was reading new theories of evolution and critiques of the President up to the day of his death, always happiest when surrounded by books.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Beverly Meeker Tobey; stepdaughter, Amanda Meeker, and her husband, Wil Davies; brother Gene and his wife, Nancy; nieces and nephews Mac and David Ross and Christina, Raym, Dom, John, and David Tobey; and grand-nieces and nephews. We all will miss him dearly. Already passed away are his father, Raymond Tobey; mother, Doris Kemper Tobey; sister, M. Joanne Tobey Ross; brother Malcolm Tobey; and ex-wife, Marilyn Hanley.
Remembrances may be made to the Sacramento SPCA. A memorial gathering will be held in May; email [email protected] for details.
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