Arthur Daigon, emeritus professor of curriculum and instruction, died on June 12 of natural causes at his home in Corte Madera, Calif. He was 83.

Daigon was born on Feb. 8, 1928 in New York City. He grew up in the New York metro area, graduating from James Monroe High School in 1945. He earned a Ph.D. in education. He was a professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the University of Connecticut’s School of Education from 1966 to 1986, before retiring to the San Francisco Bay area.

The main focus of his work was motivating young people to write. He himself was a prolific writer, authoring Dig U.S.A.; School – Pass at Your Own Risk; and Put it in Writing, among other publications.

Ruth, his wife of more than 50 years, died in February, 2010. Daigon is survived by his two sons, Tom and Glenn.