Obituary: Joseph H. Hartshorn, professor emeritus of Geology Joseph H. Hartshorn, 85, of Sarasota, Fla., professor emeritus of Geology, died May 5 at 85 in Sarasota, Fla.

Born in Cleveland, he was a graduate of Harvard University, where he earned his S.B. and M.A. in geology before completing his Ph.D. in geomorphology in 1955.

A decorated veteran of World War II, he was one of a few Americans to serve in the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Royal Air Force and the U.S. Air Force.

He was awarded Distinguished Flying Crosses by the U.S. Air Force and King George VI. At the end of the war, he held the rank of major. He later served as a colonel in the Air Force Reserve.

Prior to joining the faculty, he worked for the United States Geological Survey. He served as head and acting head of the Geology and Geography Department in the 1970s and received the Distinguished Teaching Award in 1973.

He was a fellow of the American Geological Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He was also a member of Sigma Xi, the American Polar Society and the International Geological Society. He retired in 1987 with more than 19 years of service.

Two wives, Eleanor Johnson Hartshorn and Sheila Garvey Hartshorn, died previously. He leaves his life partner, Patricia Cohen, formerly of Longmeadow; his children, JoAnn Morrisson, John Hartshorn and Kerry-Beth Garvey; two grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Joseph H. Hartshorn Memorial Fund, Department of Geosciences, Morrill Science Center. May 12, 2008.