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Harold Pepinsky Obituary
Hal had an extensive academic career both as a student and a teacher. He earned a B.A. at the University of Michigan in 1965, a J.D. from Harvard University in 1968, and a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1972. The majority of his career he was a professor at Indiana University, Bloomington, in the Department of Criminal Justice. Hal also worked briefly at University of Minnesota, State University of New York at Albany, University of Sheffield, University of Oslo, University of Dar es Salaam, Iowa State University, Walden Institute, and Fort Lewis College.
Hal was passionate about learning diverse and international alternatives to social control and peacemaking, and conducted field research around the world in countries including Great Britain, Tanzania, and New Zealand. He was conversant in many languages including Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Swahili, Chinese, Russian, French, and Arabic. Hal was a prolific writer and published numerous books and journal articles.
Hal was also a musician who built bridges through his gift of sharing music wherever he traveled and with whomever he met. At an early age, he began to play music on a ukulele, and later learned the guitar. He sang and played with many different people and in places including nursing homes, churches, karaoke bars, and in all corners of the world.
Hal's personal and professional experiences touched many people and radically influenced the fields of criminal justice and peacemaking.
A celebration of life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Durango on March 11, 2023, from 2-3:30PM, with a reception following at Bowman Hall.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Harold Pepinsky
Susan Edwards
May 22, 2025
A great scholar and friend and a loving family
Sue Edwards
Noor
July 28, 2024
Mr. Pepinsky, I never met you in person, but you helped me when I contacted you in facebook, by giving me your list of book that I should read to finish my thesis. I haven't thanked you enough, because I got depression soon after I finished my Thesis. I'm okay now, and I'll try to keep doing my best in life as the way of remembering you.
This is the quote that you put in your email to me, something that I'll keep deeply in my heart, forever.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
CHUCK REASONS
November 13, 2023
I have fond memories of your friendship, intelligence, caring and being a great person over the decades. You touched many lives in an import an way.
David Lanoie
May 5, 2023
Hello, please accept my condolences . I´m a professor in Massachusetts and have been teaching criminology as empathy based on the great work of your dad and husband . Circa 2018, we exchanged email in which professor Pepinsky gladly offered to ` Skype´ into one of my classes .... We never made it to that . Going forward , I will honor his work and memory by continuing to use and cite his visionary approach to looking differently at our social system and the way we use research . Godspeed in this time of sadness , David A. Lanoie, JD , chair CRJ programs - Greenfield Community College , Greenfield Mass
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Jane Taylor-Heidug
March 22, 2023
Dear Harold, The world was gifted with your uniqueness, kindness and comprehensive education and understanding of how you wanted a better world to be. Thank you. Jane Taylor -Heidug
Benjamin Reynolds
March 9, 2023
Hal was a light and a guide to make the world a better place. I was proud to be his classmate at University School in the class of 1962.
I celebrate his life and contributions to society.
Love to Hal, family and friends
He was a member of the Alumni Association University School.
https://www.tosus.org/
TK Vinod Kumar
February 20, 2023
A great person and a beloved teacher who gave me a different perspective on life. His ideas will remain with me in my thoughts and actions.
Indebted to him for his continuous support.
Deeply saddened by his passing.
Rest in Peace, Hal.
Kyle McNamara
February 17, 2023
Deeply saddened by this loss. Dr Pepinski was the instructor for 3 courses I took at IU Bloomington 2006-08. He was far ahead of his time, and still influences my beliefs in non-violence and radical change and progress through his writings. I consider myself very fortunate to have had him as a teacher. His friends and family must feel as fortunate to have had him in their lives as they are hurting for their loss.
Mary Gayle Davidson
February 2, 2023
Katy, So very so for your loss. After reading his Obituary, he was truly a remarkable man, who raised a truly remarkable young woman. Hugs, love, and prayers for you and his family.
Mary Gayle Davidson
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