Robert A. Ferguson, age 75, of Kingsboro Avenue, Gloversville, died peacefully on July 1, 2017, at Mountain Valley Hospice in Gloversville. Born in Catonsville, MD, on January 5, 1942, he was the son of the late Harry and Eleanor Sanner Ferguson Jr. He will be much missed by many.
Robert went to high school in Catonsville, MD. He then went on to earn his AB, JD, and PhD (American Studies) at Harvard University.
He held appointments as Professor of English and of Law at Harvard University, the University of Chicago, and since 1989, at Columbia University. Robert was also the author of numerous books and articles, and a forthcoming book (2018), “Metamorphosis: How to Transform Punishment in America.” He was a member of the Eccentric Club in Gloversville and various professional organizations.
Robert is survived by his wife, Priscilla Parkhurst Ferguson, whom he married on September 13, 1987; a brother, Harry Ferguson, and was predeceased by his sister, Eleanor Davis. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Family and friends are invited to join in a celebration of life on Thursday, July 6, 2017, at 11 a.m. at the John W. Finocan Funeral Home, 13 Prospect Avenue, Gloversville NY 12078. A special thank you to everyone at Mountain Valley Hospice for making this uncertain transition as certain as possible. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Robert’s memory to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Avenue, Gloversville NY 12078. Please visit the online guestbook at www.finocanfh.com.
