Stephen Jasperson, a longtime professor of physics at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), died Oct. 5, 2016, at the age of 75.

Jasperson graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in physics. In 1968, he earned a Ph.D. in physics from Princeton. Then, he completed postdoctoral research at the University of Illinois before joining WPI.

He taught physics at WPI for 39 years and was chair of the physics department for 10 years. He was also secretary of the faculty. Jasperson’s research interests centered on solid-state physics and included optically detecting plasma oscillations in metals and semiconductors. He had a passion for teaching and in 2001 received the WPI Board of Trustees Award for Outstanding Teaching.

Jasperson was an accomplished pianist and sang in the Worcester Chorus for 38 years. An outdoorsman and hiker, he enjoyed traveling cross-country with his family, visiting almost every state in the continental United States. In 2012, after being diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy, he faced his health challenges with courage, determination, and humor.

He is survived by Ann, his wife of 51 years; two daughters; two grandchildren; and his father, Newell.

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.