Robert I. Krasner, 84

BOSTON – Robert I. Krasner died Oct. 9. He was the husband of Lee (Friedman) Krasner; they were married for 50 years.

He was born in Providence, a son of Jacob and Lillian (Siebel) Krasner.

He earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. in biology from Boston University. He received his master’s degree in public health at the Harvard School of Public Health at age 68. He served as professor of biology at Providence College for 50 years. Since his retirement, he served as Professor Emeritus at Providence College. He was the author of many textbooks and articles, including “The Microbial Challenge” and “Microbe Hunters.” He continued to write textbooks and articles until his passing. He was invited to study microbiology at The Pasteur Institute and tropical diseases at Hebrew University in Israel. He founded and directed a summer science program for high school students for 30 years. He was an Eagle Scout and camp director of Boy Scout Camp Yawgoog in Rhode Island for many years. He served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in Japan following the Korean War.

He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He was compassionate, caring, loving and generous in every aspect of his life.

Besides his wife Lee, he is survived by his children: Prof. Jon Krasner of Franklin, Mass.; Drs. Lisa and Andrew Sussman, of Dover, Mass.; and his siblings; Harold Krasner of Cranston; Frima Marquez of Las Cruces, N.M.; and Blanche Levine of Scottsdale, Ariz. He also leaves six grandchildren; Benjamin, Joshua, Noah, Harris, Simon and Julina. He was the brother of the late Alvin Krasner.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute Leukemia Program, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, Mass. 02215.