Edward Vasta, professor emeritus of English at Notre Dame, died Monday at the age of 89, according to a University press release.
Vasta served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 through 1948, and earned a Fulbright Scholarship after graduating from Notre Dame in 1952 and returned to the University as a faculty member in 1958. He specialized in Middle English literature, medieval studies, creative writing and the humanities, the press release said.
Vasta was the head of the department of English at Notre Dame from 1972 to 1978 after serving as director of graduate studies from 1966 to 1969.
“Vasta had an infectious passion for literature, especially poetry,” Jacqueline Vaught Brogan, professor emerita of English, said in the press release. “My discussions with him over the latter remain among the high points of my time at Notre Dame and influenced my own creativity, for which I am grateful. His personal attention was an inspiration to many. He is sorely missed.”
According to the release, funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, with visitation one hour prior at the McGann Hay University Chapel. A burial with military honors will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery.
