In Memoriam: Reginald A. Ney

1944-2016

by Michael Sheetz, CHP

Reginald (Reg) A. Ney, 72, of Debary, Florida, formerly of Pleasant Hills, Pennsylvania, passed away Wednesday, 18 May 2016. Reg was born on 24 January 1944 to Marie M. (Pukansky) and Raymond W. Ney. He was a graduate of St. Elizabeth High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; received his bachelor's degree from Duquesne University; and received his master's degree in radiological health from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health.

Reg started working at Duquesne University as a laboratory assistant in the Physics Department, advanced to teaching many physics and radiation health courses, and ultimately became chairman of the Physics Department. He was also an advisor to the Lambda Sigma Honor Society, where he became famous for cooking his special spaghetti dinners at the honor society's annual retreat. He retired from Duquesne after teaching for 30 years.

Reg was a member of the Health Physics Society (HPS) since 1973, was active in the American Association of Physics Teachers and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and served in the Army Reserves. He was a member and strong supporter of the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the HPS and served as its executive secretary for over 30 years. He chaired the Local Arrangements Committee for the 1986 HPS Annual Meeting in Pittsburgh. He was instrumental in holding the Western Pennsylvania Chapter together as it struggled, like many local chapters, to maintain an active membership.

Reg enjoyed golf, traveling, photography, and following technology, and in his later years, he devoted his time and energy to caring for his aging parents (now deceased). He will be well remembered by his colleagues and the many students he influenced over the course of his career.