Faculty Memorials
William “Marty” Becker (1923-2018) A retired professor of physics and astronomy, Becker passed away at age 94 on March 30, 2018. While teaching at Purdue, he created Physics Funfest, an annual show that introduces children to physics. He retired from Purdue in 1990, but remained involved in physics education for the rest of his life.
Everett Klontz (1921-2018) A professor of physics and astronomy, Klontz passed away at age 96 on Jan. 25, 2018. He received his bachelor’s degree from Kent State University, master’s from the University of Illinois and PhD from Purdue. Klontz served as a professor of physics for 46 years at Purdue, retiring in 1992.
Roberto Colella (1935-2018) A retired professor of physics and astronomy, Colella passed away at age 83 on March 31, 2018. He joined the Purdue faculty in 1971 and retired as a full professor in 2007. During his tenure, he was a visiting scientist at the Italian Universities of Genoa, Rome, Trent, Trieste and at the Frascati National Laboratories. He is best known for his world-famous work on neutron mechanics and optics.
John W. Mackay (1923-2018) The retired professor of physics and astronomy passed away at age 95 on July 15, 2018. He received his master’s and doctoral degrees from Purdue in solid state physics. Once Mackay joined Purdue’s faculty in 1953, he taught and conducted research until he retired in 1988.