College mourns loss of Howard Munford '34, longtime professor

A note to the College community:

It is with great sadness that I write to inform you of the death of Professor Emeritus of American Literature Howard Munford, who passed away on Monday, June 30.

A beloved professor, as well as a 1934 graduate of Middlebury College and a master’s degree holder from the Bread Loaf School of English, Howard touched many lives as a longtime friend and neighbor in the Middlebury community.

Howard joined the Middlebury faculty in 1937, was appointed the Charles A. Dana Professor of American Literature in 1941, and retired after 40 years in 1977. It was his great honor to carry on the success of the College’s nationally recognized American Literature department, as established by the legendary Reginald "Doc" Cook, an important mentor and friend to Howard when he was a student and, later, a departmental colleague.

With his love for literature and spirited personality, Howard had an obvious and indelible impact on students and colleagues alike. In 1998, Alexandra Rosen, a former student and a graduate of the class of 1959, established the Howard M. Munford ’34 Scholarship Fund to support financial aid, with preference given to students of literature, especially American literature. That same year, the former Chi Psi Lodge on South Main Street was officially designated Munford House in honor of Howard.

Those who had the pleasure of knowing Howard will remember fondly his warm welcome, passion for literature and learning, and appreciation for all things Middlebury.

He is survived by his daughter Martha and her husband, Middlebury College Professor Emeritus of English Robert Hill; and his son David, a 1972 Middlebury graduate, and his wife Tami, a 1982 graduate. He was predeceased by his wife Marion Jones Munford, a 1932 graduate, in 1999.

A celebration of Howard’s life will take place on August 23, with more information to follow as it becomes available.

— Ronald D. Liebowitz