James L. Fasching

James L. Fasching, 70, Professor Emeritus at URI, of Wakefield, RI, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 18, 2013, at the Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center of Home & Hospice Care of RI. He was the beloved husband of Diane (Bernier) Fasching for 45 years. Jim was born in Dickinson, ND on March 15, 1942 to the late Alvin and Margaret (Kreitinger) Fasching. In addition to his wife Diane, he is survived by his son Nathan of Narragansett. Jim leaves five grandchildren: Isaac, Amanda, Jessica, Kalene, and Kiara; and, one great grandson, Caleb. He is also survived by three sisters: Jean, Joan, Judy and three brothers: Al, Joe- Paul, Jan, plus numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother John. Professor Fasching received his BS in chemistry and mathematics from North Dakota State University and a MS and PH.D in nuclear chemistry from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Professor Fasching began his career at URI in 1969, retiring in 2007. He taught undergraduate and graduate analytical chemistry courses; directed 29 graduate students, and chaired URI’s Chemistry Department for a decade. In addition to his teaching, he engaged in research resulting in 52 publications and presentations worldwide. He also received the New England Association of Chemistry Teachers Timm Award for the Furtherance of Chemistry Studies. Besides his passion for learning, he was an avid science fiction buff. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 10 AM at Christ the King Church, 180 Old North Road, Kingston. Visiting hours will be held from 4 PM to 8 PM on Friday, January 25, 2013 at Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Aronson Chair for Neurodegenerative Disorders which includes research and care for Parkinson’s disease. Address memorials to the Aronson Chair – Butler Hospital Foundation, 345 Blackstone Boulevard, Providence, RI 02906.