SALEM - Dr. Robert "Bob" E. Briney, Jr., 77, of Salem, a professor in the Mathematics Department and Computer Science Department of Salem State University from 1968-2008, died unexpectedly at his home on November 25, 2011. Born in Benton Harbor, MI, Bob was the son of the late Robert E. Briney Sr. and Catherine (Duncan) Briney. He was raised and educated in Benton Harbor and Muskegon, MI and graduated high school in 1951. He matriculated to Northwestern University in Evanston, IL where he earned an A.B. in Mathematics with a minor in Philosophy and Modern Languages. Bob relocated to Cambridge, MA and attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology during the mid-1950s. In 1961 he earned a Ph.D. in Mathematics with a minor in Languages from M.I.T. An educator by profession, Bob taught at M.I.T. and Purdue University prior to joining the faculty of Salem State College in 1968 as a professor of mathematics. Bob served two terms as Chair of the Mathematics Department. In 1977 Bob founded Salem State's Computer Science Department and served four terms as its Chair. Bob's contributions to the development of the Computer Science major were essential to its approval in 1984 and formed the core of the curriculum that received ABET accreditation in 2003. Bob was a published academic with memberships in several departmental governance committees. He was a long time dedicated member and secretary of the College Curriculum Committee and he received the Distinguished Service Award three times during his tenure with Salem State. Bob's avocations, however, were in the fields of mystery writing, science fiction and fantasy. A freelance writer and editor, he contributed to numerous publications including Classical Outlook, The Armchair Detective and the Journal of Popular Culture. In 1970 he took over as editor/publisher of The Rohmer Review and contributed to many other journals and publications over the course of his life. He was a member of the Mystery Writers of America and the Science Fiction Research Association. He was a leading expert on author Sax Rohmer and lectured on aspects of crime and mystery fiction at various universities. Bob wrote prolifically and with dry wit about the books and authors of the genres he loved; his appetite for mystery, science fiction and fantasy novels was insatiable. He assiduously collected a vast library as well as a capacious music collection including styles ranging from jazz to classical to medieval troubadour. Bob was a man of many interests and hobbies who shared his passions with others.

He enjoyed friendships with fellow mystery aficionados from across the U.S. and Canada. Bob was a devoted professor and mentor who helped inspire countless students throughout his career.

He will be deeply missed by many friends, colleagues and former students. His legacy will always be held in high esteem for the lasting impact that he made at Salem State University, his contributions to the world of mystery/fiction literature and the inspiration that he provided to numerous scholars.

Bob is survived by his sister, Marie Butcher of Michigan, his nephew, Donald Butcher of Hawaii, as well as many colleagues and dear friends.

ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral service will be held Monday, January 23, 2012, graveside in the Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem at 9 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. in the Martin Luther King Room of the Ellison Campus Center located on Salem State University's North Campus. Contact: Patricia Kantorosinski, Computer Science Department (978-542-6256). Assisting with the funeral arrangements is The O'Donnell Funeral Home, 46 Washington Sq. (at Salem Common), Salem.

To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com or for further information, inquire at 978-744-2350.