Michael S. Mahoney *67

After graduating magna cum laude from Harvard, he studied for two years at the University of Munich before beginning doctoral study at Princeton. He was appointed an assistant professor of history in 1967.

Mahoney’s major areas were the history of pre-1700 mathematics and the recent history of computers and information technology. He wrote The Mathematical Career of Pierre de Fermat, 1601-1665; monographs on the mathematics of René Descartes, Isaac Barrow, Christiaan Huygens, and Isaac Newton; and dozens of articles on computer science and software engineering as technical disciplines.

Robert L. Tignor, Rosengarten Professor of Modern and Contemporary History, emeritus, recalled that Mahoney “loved this University and thought it was the finest institution for undergraduate education in the country. He helped to make it even better, for he threw himself wholeheartedly into teaching and advising . . .” Mahoney oversaw many doctoral dissertations as well as alumni-education programs and innumerable professional and civic activities on and off campus.

Mahoney is survived by Jean, his wife of 48 years; two children; four grandchildren; and his mother, Dorothy.

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.