Daniel E. Beaumont *91

Dan died Aug. 6, 2025, in Rochester, N.Y.

He was born in Seattle, Jan. 22, 1952. Dan earned a bachelor’s degree in 1975 and a master’s degree in 1986 from the University of Washington. His interest in Arabic language and studies began when he worked for his father in Libya from 1980 to 1982. His father was hired by the Gaddafi government to operate cloud seeding operations. Dan earned a Ph.D. in Near Eastern studies from Princeton in 1991.

In 1992, Dan joined the faculty of the University of Rochester to teach Arabic language and studies. He remained at Rochester for 33 years. His courses included Arabic, medieval and contemporary studies, European philosophy, and the blues. Dan was the author of two books, Slave of Desire: Sex, Love, and Death in the 1001 Nights, and Preachin’ the Blues: The Life and Times of Son House. At the time of his death, he was working with a Hollywood literary agent on a new novel.

Dan is survived by his daughter, Lily; siblings Cathleen and Peter; and several nieces and nephews.

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.