Office of Public Relations

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Anthropology Professor Emeritus J. Richard Shenkel Dies

J. Richard Shenkel, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology, died on Friday, January 25, 2008. He was 66.

Dr. Shenkel, who earned a doctorate in anthropology from The State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, will be “fondly remembered by students, colleagues and many, many alumni all over the city, region and country,” said David Beriss, associate professor and chair of the UNO Department of Anthropology.

An archaeologist, Dr. Shenkel specialized in Native American cultures of the Mississippi River Delta, human evolution and the cultural anthropology of Western civilization. He was a recipient of the UNO Teacher of the Year Award, and was recognized in “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.” He retired from UNO in June 2006 after 36 years of service.

Dr. Shenkel grew up on the beaches of Sarasota, Florida, where he helped run the family restaurant and hotel before heading off to college. He developed a fondness for cooking at a young age. When he was not teaching, he enjoyed being in the kitchen and was an avid chef.

Dr. Shenkel also loved classical music and played string bass with the New Orleans Civic Orchestra for many years.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia Shenkel; a sister, Jo Shenkel; a son, Christopher Shenkel; a stepdaughter, Bonney Chatellier and her husband; a stepson, Bret Chittenden and his wife; two grandchildren and two step-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Dr. Shenkel’s memory to the Louisiana SPCA, 1700 Mardi Gras Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70114.