Frederick C. Mosteller *46

Frederick C. Mosteller, a pioneering giant in the field of statistics, died July 23, 2006, in Falls Church, Va., of sepsis. He was 89.

Many of Mosteller’s works in both theoretical and applied statistics are considered classic texts. His influence also extended into other fields, especially health care and public education.

After receiving two degrees in mathematics from the Carnegie Institute in 1938 and 1939, Mosteller came to Princeton to study with Professor Samuel S. Wilkes. During his time at Princeton, he also met his lifelong collaborator and friend, Professor John W. Tukey *39.

In 1946, after receiving a doctorate in mathematics from Princeton, Mosteller joined the Harvard faculty. By 1951, he was a full professor. And in 1957, when Harvard created a statistics department, Mosteller became its chair. He was also the chair of three other departments during his Harvard tenure. In 1988, he became professor emeritus, but continued with active research and daily office hours until moving to Virginia in 2003.

Mosteller’s honors, offices, and positions held, let alone achievements, are far too numerous to be listed in this limited space. He is survived by two children and one grandchild. His wife, Gale, whom he married in 1941, died in 2001.