Gerald A. McCool, S.J. (FCRH ’40), professor emeritus of philosophy and a member of Fordham University’s faculty since 1947, died on Tuesday, July 26. He was 87.
“Father McCool was a remarkable person and a vivacious teacher who alumni remember with great devotion for his quiet wit and deep clarity of explanation,” said Joseph Koterski, S.J., professor and chair of the Department of Philosophy.
In addition to teaching in the philosophy department, Father McCool served as the department chair from 1977 to 1981. He also taught theology in Fordham’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences from 1995 to 1997.
“He was one of the great figures in the history of Fordham’s philosophy department,” said Norris Clarke, S.J., professor emeritus of philosophy. “He was my strongest colleague and a pillar of Jesuit education.”
During his 58 years as a Fordham faculty member, Father McCool served as chairman of the Faculty Reappointment and Review Committee, and the University Tenure Review Committee. He also served on the Executive Committee of the Philosophy Department, the Board of Directors of Jesuits of Fordham, the Fordham College Curriculum Committee and the Fordham University Faculty Senate. In 1985, he won the Outstanding Teacher Award.
Father McCool received an A.B. from Fordham College at Rose Hill in 1940, an M.A. from Woodstock College in 1947, an S.T.L. from Woodstock College in 1953 and a Ph.D. from Fordham University in 1956.
