CANTON, Mass. – Robert Ballin Neuman, 93, died May 24, 2013. Robert Neuman, born Feb. 29, 1920, was a third generation Washingtonian.
He attended Gordon Junior High School and Western High School. Dr. Neuman earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. During World War II, Dr. Neuman served in the U.S. Navy leaving as a Lieutenant. Like many in his generation the GI Bill supported his return to post-secondary education. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Geology from Johns Hopkins University in 1949. Robert Neuman’s work and lifelong passion was geology. His specialty was fossilized brachiopods. Beginning in 1949 Dr. Neuman was a scientist for the U.S. Geological Survey at the U.S. National Museum, Washington D.C. After his retirement in 1985 Dr. Neuman was an emeritus scientist of the Geological Survey and the Smithsonian Institution. Much of Dr. Neuman’s field work and research focused on Lower Ordovician marine brachiopods found in northern Maine. Neuman conducted field work in Maine for more than 30 years. In addition he introduced many students to geology through field expeditions. He worked closely with the Maine Geological Survey for many years. In 2007 a campsite on the International Appalachian Trail located near Mount Kathadin was named in his honor. Dr. Neuman had the good fortune to marry the late Arline (Ross) Neuman in 1949. Together they spent many summers on Shin Pond.
He is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth Reichman and husband, David, and Martha Welsh and husband, Dr. Michael. He has four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. His sister, Dr. Alice Bessman also survives.
In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to Orchard Cove Staff Appreciation Fund, 1 Del Pond Drive, Canton, MA 02021 or Maine Chapter of the International Appalachian Trail, P.O. Box 916, Gardiner, ME 04345.
Robert Ballin Neuman
