Joseph P. Rumberger

Joseph P. “Joe” Rumberger passed away on Oct. 22, 2018, at the age of 92. He earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and naval science and a master’s degree in anthropology and linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania. He served in the U.S. Navy office training program and later received a fellowship to study linguistics at the University of Indiana. He was also a Fulbright Scholar and earned a second master’s degree from the London School of Economics. He worked at several places before coming to Wesleyan in 1977 to work as the director of personnel. He was active in the Middletown community, taught Swahili, and wrote a memoir. He is survived by Gertrude, his wife of 57 years; three sons, Tim, James, and John; seven grandchildren, and a nephew. He was predeceased by son Tommy and brother Andy.