Robert E. Shamu

SHAMU, Robert E.
Of Kalamazoo Died October 26, 2012, at the age of 79. He was born June 14, 1933, in Sharon, PA, to the late George and Margaret Mack Shamu. He was united in marriage to the former Judith DeWese on November 28, 1959, who survives. Bob graduated from Hickory High School, near Sharon, PA, and The Pennsylvania State University where he received a degree in Electrical Engineering. He earned M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Physics from The University of Wisconsin-Madison. His career included research in nuclear physics at Australian National University, Argonne National Laboratory, Bruyères-le-Châtel, and Los Alamos National Laboratory. He served for over 37 years as Professor of Physics at Western Michigan University where he made significant contributions to both research and teaching. Also surviving Bob are his children, Caroline Peter Sorger Shamu of Winchester, MA, Margaret Demetrius Spaneas Samu of New York, NY and Geoffrey Laura Shamu of Sharon, MA; twin grandsons, William and Nicholas Sorger; brother, George Shamu; sister, Irene Rodolfo Ruibal; and several nephews and nieces. Preceding Bob in death were sisters, Margaret Halula, Delores Shamu and Eleanor Young; and brothers, Louis and Julius Shamu. A memorial service will take place on November 11, 2012, at 2:00 o'clock at the Langeland Family Funeral Home, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, where family will greet friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested any memorial contributions be directed to Hospice Care of S.W. Michigan or to the Physics Department at Western Michigan University.