Jack Orbach, 94

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Jack Orbach, Ph.D., of Providence, formerly of New York City, died on March 18, 2022, after a brief illness. Born in Montreal, Canada, he was the son of the late Samuel and Claire (Field) Orbach.

Jack began his career as an experimental psychologist at the Yerkes Laboratory in Florida, work described in his book “Neuropsychology After Lashley.” He was a professor of psychology at Queens College in New York for many years and designed a course on the Psychology of Music based on his book “Sound and Music.” Jack was a lover of music throughout his life and played a number of ancient and modern instruments, including violin, viola da gamba and recorder.

Jack is survived by his wife, Hilary Ryglewicz Orbach, and a large family. He and his wife, Ruth Orbach (deceased), raised four children: Shelley Orbach (Julie Orbach), Betty[11] Ann Cadien (deceased), Judy Orbach (Larry Schoeneman) and Karen Orbach. Jack was also close with Hilary’s children, Robert Tyrka, Jr. (Cherry Grace Selomandin), Katherine Tyrka (Benjamin Coulentianos), Audrey Tyrka (Gregory Sadovnikoff), Douglas Tyrka (Natalia Pane) and Lisa Ryglewicz Covington (James Covington) and his beloved 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Donations in Jack’s name may be made to: The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School, 667 Waterman Ave., East Providence, RI 02914.