April 19, 2013 | Combined Reports - UConn Communications

John Löf, Emeritus Professor of Electrical Engineering, Dies

Löf first gained experience with computers as a graduate student at MIT during WW II and became director of UConn's new Computer Center in the early 1960s.

A candle burning.

Professor emeritus John Löf. (University of Connecticut Foundation Photo)
Professor emeritus John Löf. (University of Connecticut Foundation Photo)

John L.C. Löf, died April 10, at Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, following an extended illness. He was 97.

Born in Denver, Colo., Löf graduated from the University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He earned his master’s degree at MIT in 1942. As a graduate student at MIT, he participated in the development of the first generation of electronic computers that were used to assist the military effort during the Second World War.

In 1952, he joined the faculty of the University of Connecticut in Storrs as an assistant professor of electrical engineering. As the next generation of computers were developed, he advised and assisted UConn in opening an engineering computer center. He was the director of the Computer Center and also taught courses in computer programming.

The Computer Center expanded under his direction from the early 1960s through his retirement in 1976. Following retirement, he continued his affiliation with the UConn Computer Center as professor emeritus, assisting undergraduate and graduate students in the use of the computers to perform the work required for their studies.

In 2010, Löf announced that he was leaving the UConn Foundation a bequest of $1 million – the sum total of his retirement benefits from the University – for graduate education in the School of Engineering.

During his many years of retirement, he enjoyed his family and his home. He and his son shared many home improvement projects, yard work, gardening, and his special hobby, a backyard maple sugaring operation. He and the family also enjoyed vacations at their summer cottage in New Hampshire. Löf enjoyed scientific and technical literature, and shared with his wife a love of nature.

Löf is survived by his son Richard, daughter-in-law Anna, and granddaughter Alessandra. He was predeceased by his wife Ruth and his brother George Löf.

A service was held at Potter Funeral Home in Willimantic on April 13, followed by interment in Storrs Cemetery.

Contributions may be made in Löf’s name to the Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, 100 Warren Circle, Storrs, CT 06268, or to Hospice of Eastern Connecticut, 34 Ledgebrook Drive, Mansfield Center, CT 06250, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

For an online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com.