Dr. Charles Suffel, a highly regarded professor of mathematical sciences at Stevens Institute of Technology in the Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science and a former Dean of Graduate Studies passed away on February 4, 2021.
Professor Suffel earned his bachelor’s degree in 1963 and his master’s in 1965, both in electrical engineering. He was awarded his Ph.D. in mathematics in 1969. He earned all of his degrees at the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn.
Professor Suffel’s distinguished career at Stevens Institute of Technology spanned more than five decades. He joined Stevens in 1969 as assistant professor of mathematics. He became an associate professor in 1974 and a full professor in 1979. He served as Dean of Graduate Studies from 1995 to 2015, before rejoining the faculty ranks.
Professor Suffel’s research focused on graph and network theory and the reliability of networks. He served as managing editor of the journal Networks from 1978 to 1999. In addition to authoring a large body of archival publications in graph theory and network reliability, he was the advisor for 17 doctoral students. He was also a participating scholar in the New York Academy of Sciences. Professor Suffel was a co-recipient of the Jess H. Davis Memorial Award for Research Excellence in 1982.
Professor Suffel was a gifted teacher who dedicated himself to mentoring and educating students. His exceptional teaching was recognized with the Henry Morton Distinguished Teaching Professor Award in 1989 as well as the Stevens Alumni Association Outstanding Teacher Award in 1978 and 1991, an award that can only be received twice in a lifetime. He received the degree of Master of Engineering (Honoris Causa) from Stevens in 1985. Professor Suffel was also involved with various department and university committees and served as a member of the Academic Council, chaired by the Provost, from 2007 to 2013.
As noted in an official statement from Stevens, “Professor Suffel made a defining impact on Stevens Institute of Technology during his five decades as a faculty member and an administrator. We are thankful for and proud of his legacy at Stevens and we are certain that it will endure.”
Professor Suffel was born on December 9, 1941 in Brooklyn, New York. He was a dedicated Yankee fan, a lover of good beer, cigars, and sudoku puzzles. He was a wonderful friend, father, and husband. He is survived by his daughter Dorothy Rose Bousseau and husband Larry Pisano, his son Charles Laurence Suffel, wife Jennifer, and his two loving grandchildren Rebecca Danielle and Charles Daniel.
Visitation will be held for relatives, friends, and colleagues at Failla- McKnight Memorial Home in Hoboken on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 beginning at 3:00 pm and concluding at 8:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday February 10, 2021 at Our Lady of Grace Church in Hoboken at 10:00 am. Interment to follow at All Faiths Cemetery in Middle Village, Queens, New York.
In lieu of flowers, the family of Professor Suffel has requested that remembrances be made in the form of donations to his favorite charity St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Stevens Institute of Technology is also planning a memorial service which will be announced on a future date.