Jun 3, 2017

Obituary: Arthur Alexander Dole, Jr.

From ICSA:

Arthur Alexander Dole, Jr., pacifist, scholar, and independent thinker, died peacefully at home on May 16, 2017. Art’s intelligence, humor and passion for nonviolence defined his long and varied life. Born in San Francisco on October 25, 1917, he has been affectionately known as Danny, “Red” “Old Dole,” or simply “Art.” The family would like to thank the staff at Birch Bay Retirement Village for the excellent care and support during his residency.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marjorie Welsh Dole; two sons, Peter and Steven Dole, and a daughter, Barbara Dole Acosta. His six grandchildren are Isaac, Nathan, and Sam Dole, Alyssa Dole Witeof, and Margarita and Gabriela Dole Acosta. Two great grandchildren are Maya and Caroline Dole.

Dr. Dole was Professor Emeritus, Psychology in Education Division, University of Pennsylvania. He was a member of the ICSA Board of Directors and the Editorial Advisory Board of International Journal of Cultic Studies. He conducted numerous research studies and presented many papers at professional meetings. Among his many publications was a chapter on terrorists and cultists in the four-volume, The Psychology of Terrorism. In 2010 ICSA awarded Dr. Dole the Herbert L. Rosedale Award in recognition of leadership in the effort to preserve and protect individual freedom.”

Dr. Steve Eichel, President of ICSA, captured the feelings of many who knew Dr. Dole: “Arthur Alexander Dole, the brilliant retired professor at the University of Pennsylvania who is responsible for bringing me to Philadelphia to study the psychology of cults and cultic processes, has passed away. He was 99. Art was the most gentle and humanistic soul I've ever met. This is a great loss...and his was a life incredibly well-lived. RIP Art. You have touched more people than I could ever count. My deepest condolences to his amazing family, especially his daughter Barbara. Your flame may be extinguished but your light remains forever.”

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