David Lowenthal Phd

Dearly beloved husband, father, friend, colleague, and teacher David Lowenthal, 99, passed away peacefully at his home in Princeton last Thursday, April 28, 2022. All those who knew David were deeply touched by his personal warmth, generous spirit, and mighty intellect.

Born in Brooklyn to Rose and Jules Lowenthal, David is survived by his wife Sandra; children Laura, Harry, David, Richard and Mark Lowenthal; in-laws Ted and Janice Steeves; as well as several nieces and nephews. His sister, Ruth, predeceased him in 2015. David attended Brooklyn College and went on to graduate school at the New School for Social Research, garnering a Ph.D. there in 1953.

A prominent scholar of Shakespeare, Lincoln, both ancient and modern philosophers, the First Amendment, the Constitution, and more, David was the author of several books including two books on Shakespeare (Shakespeare’s Thought and Shakespeare and the Good Life); one on Lincoln (The Mind and Art of Abraham Lincoln); as well as numerous articles and publications. His latest book, Slave State: Rereading Orwell’s 1984, came out only last October. He also published two small poetry books in recent years, an accomplishment that was particularly rewarding for David. He taught at several colleges, most notably Boston College from 1966-2000. He continued teaching from 2000- 2002 at Assumption College and then from 2003 – 2006 as adjunct Professor at College of the Holy Cross. His many honors included: President, New England Political Science Association; member of National Endowment for the Humanities; Halle Graduate Fellowship New School; d’Alzon Chair at Assumption; Grants from Ford and Earhart Foundations; Consulting Editor of journal Interpretation. David served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a radar technician, flying 13 weather missions over Japan from Tinian with the 313th Bomb Group, 1944-45.

An avid reader of philosophy and literature, he enjoyed Jane Austen and P.G. Wodehouse on the lighter side. His many and varied interests also included a love and appreciation of art, raising roses and gardening generally, and tennis (first playing, more recently watching). His family is convinced that the key to his longevity was a salutary diet of sauerkraut, pickled herring, and delicatessen (a hotdog with sauerkraut and mustard was a particular favorite).

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden, Ma 01520. Please join us for a Celebration of Life at Boston College to take place near the end of June/early July. Details will be posted here as soon as possible; please check back and plan to come!