|
| |
Memorial for Dr. Paul C. Wermuth Sr.
|
Born in Philadelphia, PA on Oct. 28, 1925
Died Oct. 26, 2009 and resided in Swampscott, MA.
|
|
| Visitation: |
Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009
|
| Service: |
Friday, Nov. 27, 2009
|
| Cemetery: |
Swampscott Cemetery
|
|
Please click on the links above for locations, times, maps, and directions.
|
|
|
|
  |
Dr. Paul C. Wermuth, Sr., of Swampscott, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 26, 2009, at his home in Swampscott, MA. Son of the late Paul and Susan Wermuth of Philadelphia, PA, he was the beloved husband of Barbara Wermuth, father of Geoffrey P. of Abington, Paul C. Jr. of San Diego, CA, Alan J. of Swampscott, and Stephen M. of Maryville, TN, grandfather of Genevieve, Michael and Stephanie, uncle to Anthony, and great-uncle to Elizabeth (Royer) Patel, Janice (Shatto) Denison and Philip Shatto. He also leaves a sister, Gertrude Fischer, of New Jersey.
Born on October 28, 1925 in Philadelphia, PA, Dr. Wermuth was a noted scholar and author, and was Emeritus Professor of American Literature at Northeastern University, where he taught for twenty-five years and was a former Chair of the Department. Dr. Wermuth received both his BA and MA from Boston University in 1951, when he also married the former Barbara Braun. He received his Ph.D from the Pennsylvania State University in 1955, where his doctoral dissertation was on the literary criticism of George Santayana, a nineteenth and early twentieth century American philosopher, author and critic perhaps most famously remembered for two oft-misquoted and misattributed remarks: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it," and "Only the dead have seen the end of war."
Over the course of his 40+ year teaching career, Dr. Wermuth was the author of hundreds of essays and reviews, and several books including Modern Essays on Writing and Style, a standard text for many years in undergraduate English courses. Dr. Wermuth loved the art of writing, and believed that writing could be taught through a study of style; as he wrote in the Preface to the Second Edition of Modern Essays on Writing and Style:
For, as any teacher of writing knows, each student does already have a style of his own, however primitive or embryonic it may be. It is one of the marvels of humanity that every person has a uniquely different spark that is himself, and that spark shows up in his writing. It ought to be the job of the teacher of writing to encourage that spark as much as possible, to make it into a real, developed style, which is one way – and the best way – of having the student realize himself.
Dr. Wermuth also published a biography of Bayard Taylor, an immensely popular mid-nineteenth century American novelist, travel writer and poet in the Genteel Tradition – a cluster of beliefs and attitudes common in nineteenth century America concerned not only with literary values, but also with social and economic values - who also served in diplomatic posts such as Ambassador to Germany. Even in retirement, Dr. Wermuth edited The Selected Letter of Bayard Taylor, published in 1997.
Dr. Wermuth's interest in the Genteel Tradition began with his doctoral dissertation on Santayana, who originally coined the term, and whose observations on American literature and life transcend their times. Dr. Wermuth especially enjoyed teaching his American Literature courses on Mark Twain, Henry James, American Realism, and Humor in American Literature. Dr. Wermuth began his teaching career at Clarkson University in New York, and also taught over the years at The College of William & Mary, Middlebury College and Central Connecticut State College (now University).
Appointed in 1968 to the Chairmanship of the English Department at Northeastern University, Dr. Wermuth led the Department for seven years through a tumultuous era on college campuses. Through his implementation of rigorous academic standards, hiring and administration, he considerably enhanced the continued growth and professionalism of the Department. In 1975, he returned full-time to his first academic love, teaching writing and literature, until he retired in 1993.
Prior to his academic career, Dr. Wermuth enlisted in the United States Army Air Force in 1943 at the age of 17, and served as a gunner-mechanic and instructor in the 3028th Army Air Force Base Unit until 1946, when he was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal. He received the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon and World War II Victory Ribbon for his service.
A devotee of the intellectual life, Dr. Wermuth relished long debates and discussions on a variety of topics, including current events, literary value, authors, and social trends and issues; he particularly enjoyed being the devil's advocate to stimulate discussion. He also was a lifelong contrarian who was highly suspicious of fads and political correctness in all their forms. Also a music buff, Dr. Wermuth enjoyed all forms of classic jazz and light opera (especially Gilbert & Sullivan), and was fond of string quartets by Bach, Hayden and others.
A motorcycle aficionado for many years with a love of Triumphs and BMWs, Dr. Wermuth belonged to both the American Motorcycle Association and the Retreads, an organization of older motorcyclists in which he was active. He enjoyed long rides through the backroads of the North Shore of Massachusetts with his cohorts. He was also a member of Mensa for many years. In his later years, Dr. Wermuth enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-nieces and nephew, as well as his wife Barbara, and applying his mechanical expertise to various recalcitrant items of household and landscaping machinery.
Passionate about education and reading, Dr. Wermuth also served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Swampscott Public Library for nineteen years and was the driving force behind lobbying for, and the funding and construction of, a substantial addition to the Library, dedicated in 1996. Post-retirement, he also did several poetry readings at the Library, sharing his enthusiasm for various nineteenth and twentieth century poets with appreciative audiences. Dr. Wermuth also served as an elected Town Meeting member for many years, and was active in Town affairs, being particularly remembered for his frequent contrarian letters to the editor.
Visiting hours will be held at the SOLIMINE LANDERGAN AND RICHARDSON FUNERAL HOME, 67 OCEAN STREET (RT. 1A), LYNN, on Wednesday, November 25, 2009, from 5 to 8 p.m, A celebration service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, November 27, 2009, at 10 a.m., with interment at the Swampscott Cemetery afterwards. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Friends of the Swampscott Public Library, 61 Burrill Street, Swampscott, Massachusetts 01907, or other charitable organization of choice. Directions and guestbook at www.solimine.com
|
| |
|
|
|
