Passing of Howard Fink

Dear all,

It is with profound sadness that I must share the news of the death of Howard Fink, Adjunct Instructor of Hispanic Studies.  For the past six years, Mr. Fink shared his dedication to the importance of understanding language, his pedagogical gifts, and his love of Spain with his students at Vassar. He will be deeply missed.

After a life-changing year as a Queens College undergraduate studying abroad in Spain, Mr. Fink went on to earn graduate degrees in Spanish Language and Literature from the CUNY Graduate Center.  He taught at Queens College, Montclair State University, and Marist College before joining us at Vassar.  His academic interests focused on 18th- and 19th-century Spanish literature and the Spanish comedia.

Mr. Fink loved his Vassar students, several of whom were inspired by him to continue their studies of Spanish language and culture after graduation.  He stated that his years teaching here were the happiest of his career.

A celebration of Mr. Fink’s life will take place in the spring.  On behalf of the Vassar community, we extend our deep sympathy to his spouse of 45 years, Richard Harr, and to all on campus who knew him. 

Elizabeth H. Bradley, President
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
@EHBVassar