Angus Neaves, 78; professor taught physics at Widener

Angus Neaves, 78, of Wallingford, emeritus associate professor of physics at Widener University, died of heart failure Sunday at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Born in Leven on the Firth of Forth, he grew up on the east coast of Scotland and earned his bachelor's degree in physics from the University of St. Andrews in 1952 and his doctorate there in 1955.

Mr. Neaves arrived in the States in 1957 and worked as a physicist in the research laboratories at the Franklin Institute from 1959 to 1969.

He taught evening classes part time at Temple University from 1960 to 1967 and at what is now La Salle University from 1967 to 1977.

After a year teaching physics as an associate professor at what is now Widener, he was named acting head of his department in 1970.

In 1977, he served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Widener, but he returned to full-time teaching in 1982. Later, he served briefly as acting dean of the School of Hospitality Management there.

Mr. Neaves was elected chairman of the faculty and served on Widener's schedule and calendar committee as well as its curriculum, executive and planning committees. He retired in 2000.

He was president of the St. Andrews Society of Philadelphia from 1993 to 1995 and a former chairman of its scholarship committee.

He was a member of Rose Valley Folk, the 7:07 Club, and the Partridge Lake (N.H.) Association.

Mr. Neaves is survived by his wife of 45 years, Phyllis, daughters Alison Keffer, Elizabeth Straw, and Kathleen Krejci; a sister; and seven grandchildren.

A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. tomorrow at Lathem Hall on Widener's main campus in Chester, where a reception will follow.