Obituary
Francis William Lawvere, (born Muncie, Indiana,
February 9, 1937), died at sunrise on January 23, 2023, aged 85,
after a long illness at his daughter's home in Chapel Hill, NC.
Bill graduated from Muncie Central High School in 1955 after
attending Jefferson Township High School, Upland. He became a
mathematician and received his undergraduate degree from Indiana
University, Bloomington and his Doctorate from Columbia
University, New York City. He did his post-doctoral studies at
the ETH in Zurich, Switzerland.
Bill was devoted to scientific research, education and the
democratic renewal of society. He continues to be greatly
appreciated for his research insights and his many collaborations
in discovering and elaborating a wide array of new concepts in
mathematics and several related fields. As one of the leaders in
the field of Category Theory, Bill worked to unify and simplify
both advanced and elementary mathematics, so that mathematics and
philosophy can continue to serve as guides for science and
education. Bill was an internationalist who considered research
and teaching as part of the work needed for enlightenment and
building the movement for a new society. He courageously opposed
war, supported liberation and resistance struggles of people
around the world and at home, and participated in or encouraged
progressive political activities his entire life. He stood for
free speech and vigorous discussion to involve everyone in
addressing problems based on theory and a commitment to
progress.
Bill generously gave help and encouragement to countless
undergraduate and graduate students, as well as researchers in
many countries. In addition to his many classes, Bill wrote
several books and many articles representing his research and
vigorous collaborations with many colleagues. His wife Fatima was
a constant collaborator in his remarkably fruitful career in
mathematical education, publishing and lecturing. Additional
information and useful links regarding his scientific life can be
found here. Among
many recognitions, in 2010, he was proud to have received the
"Premio Giulio Preti" prize, awarded by the Regional Council of
Tuscany and to have been elected as an American Mathematical
Society Fellow in 2012.
Many of Bill's discoveries in advanced mathematics developed
as ways to improve teaching. Bill taught at State University of
New York at Buffalo for 26 years. He retired as professor
emeritus in Mathematics and in Philosophy at SUNY Buffalo in
2000. He also held positions at various Universities starting in
Portland, Oregon; New York City; Halifax, Canada; Chicago,
Illinois; Zurich, Switzerland; Aarhus, Denmark; Perugia, Italy;
Paris, France; and Sydney, Australia. In addition, Bill lectured
and collaborated with scientists in dozens of countries. His
contributions continue to widely impact several areas of
science.
Bill frequently visited and spoke highly of his childhood farm
outside Matthews, Indiana, the surrounding farms and towns, and
especially of his many relations, friends, classmates and
influential teachers who had encouraged him throughout his early
education.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Francis W. and
Delight (Moorman) Lawvere, his son, Nevin Lawvere, his first wife
Sybil Lawvere, his sister-in-law Dorothy Lawvere, and his brother
Albert Lawvere.
He is survived by his beloved life partner of 57 years Fatima
Fenaroli Lawvere, now in Chapel Hill, NC; his children, Marco
Fenaroli (Medellin, Colombia); John Theodore Lawvere (Tucson,
AZ), Philip Lawvere (Angistri, Greece); Danilo Lawvere (Loretta
Gmeinder), (Buffalo NY); Silvana Lawvere de Moreno (Adrian
Moreno) (Chapel Hill, NC); and grandchildren Edoardo, Odilla and
Jamila Lawvere, and Diego Moreno. He is also survived by brother
Jon Lawvere (Karen Smile); sister LaRea Lawvere Slater (Jim
Slater); Gabi Lawvere (Widow of Albert Lawvere), all still living
on the family farm in Matthews, Indiana.
He was adored by friends, family, and colleagues and loving
care-givers. They referred to him as a generous spirit, a gentle
giant, always ready with a smile and thank you. He will be
missed.
No services will be held at this time, however, several
memorial celebrations of life and scientific work are
anticipated.
Correspondence with family can be sent to his wife Fatima at
fatimaylawvere@gmail.com or to 111 East Winmore Ave., Chapel
Hill, NC 27516.
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