He was predeceased by his mother, Nina Fedorova (teacher and author of "The Family" and "The Children," for which she won an Atlantic Monthly award in 1942), his father, Valentin A. Riasanovsky (lawyer and author of "Fundamental Principles of Mongol Law" and "Fundamental Institutions of Chinese Civil Law"), and his older brother, Nicholas Riasanovsky (Rhodes Scholar, University of California history professor, author of "A History of Russia" and distinguished alumnus of the University of Oregon).
Alex is survived by his loving wife Janis (14 years), his daughter Nina Rowland (Skip), his daughter, Katya Riasanovsky, grandson, Beauregard Rowland, grandson, Bruce Neal, grandson, Alexander Riasanovsky, granddaughter, Alexandra Rowland, step-son, Scott Silverman and step-grandsons, Justin Silverman and William Silverman.
When Alex was 9, Japan invaded China, and his family fled to Eugene, Oregon. At the time, Alex did not know English, but he learned the language along with his other subjects in elementary school. After graduating from high school, Alex enlisted in the Army as a paratrooper on September 28, 1946, serving in Japan as part of the occupation force. Alex earned both a World War II Victory Medal and an Army of Occupation Medal, Japan. Alex separated from the Army with an honorable discharge on February 19, 1948.
Upon returning to the United States, he attended the University of Oregon and graduated Phi Betta Kappa with his bachelor's degree. At the University of Oregon, Alex was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma social fraternity. He was later inducted into the Webfoot Society of Distinguished Alumni at the University of Oregon. From there, he was accepted as a Rhodes Scholar into St. John's College, Oxford University. He received a B.Litt. degree from that university. He married Barbara Hearst and two daughters were born of that marriage: Katya and Nina Riasanovsky. He also received a PhD from Stanford University in Russian Medieval History and was among the first group of exchange students with the Soviet Union, attending Moscow University.
Alex taught Russian history at a number of universities. For thirty-five years, he was on the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania, winning many best professor awards, which included the University of Pennsylvania Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award. Alex was noted as an engaging and lively professor, and alumni groups chose him to deliver lectures across the country. He retired as Professor Emeritus at the University of Pennsylvania.
Alex's accomplishments were many and varied. In addition to his remarkable teaching career, he co-authored "Readings in Russian History": Volumes III-IV. Alex was also a poet, and selections of his poems were in the book "The Family Album," including the poems "Time, "The Reality of a Dream" and "Ghost Music of a Rail Journey." Alex was a great artist, who worked in the Modigliani style. Alex was a member of the American Association of Rhodes Scholars and frequently delivered lectures to the State Department and the Department of Interior.
A funeral service will be held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 509 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, Florida 33602, at 11:00 am on September 24, 2016. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Melech Hospice House or the Alzheimer Society are sincerely appreciated.
rangements under the direction of Blount & Curry FH-Macdill Chap, TAMPA, FL.
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