Professor Emeritus Dr. Theodore “Ted” Namm of Chelmsford

1942 - 2020

No Vistitation Date Scheduled


No Funeral Date Scheduled


Professor Emeritus Dr. Theodore “Ted” Namm, 77, of Chelmsford, Massachusetts passed away unexpectedly on June 10, 2020 at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington, MA. Ted was married to Linda L. (Petit) Namm, with whom he celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary on May 27.

Born on December 29, 1942 in New York City, Ted was the son of the late Jacob and Rose (Deutsch) Namm.  A 1960 graduate of James Monroe High School in the Bronx, he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Fordham University, also in the Bronx, New York.  In 1968 he was awarded a PhD in Genetics from the University of New Hampshire in Durham.

His first teaching position was at the University of South Dakota in Vermilion for one year.  From 1969 – 1972 Dr. Namm was a faculty member at St. Francis College in Biddeford, Maine, now the University of New England.

Beginning in September of 1973 through December of 2014, Dr. Namm was a valued full-time professor for more than 41 years in what is now the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.  He developed and taught an undergraduate course in Medical & Clinical Genetics, as well as a graduate online course in Clinical Applications of Molecular Genetics which he last taught in the fall semester of 2018.  His students considered Dr. Namm an outstanding professor who challenged them to think.  They appreciated his knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject matter, his passion for teaching, and his efforts to develop their critical thinking skills.  He was the recipient of numerous teaching excellence awards over the years.

In 1994 Dr. Namm was promoted to the rank of full professor. During Commencement in 1996, he was awarded the University Medal for Distinguished Public Service.

Dr. Namm and his colleagues were co-authors of several editions of “A Laboratory Manual of Human Anatomy & Physiology”.  His organization skills made him the obvious choice to coordinate all of the Anatomy & Physiology lecture and laboratory sections.

He was a highly respected mentor to new faculty and colleagues.  His tenure as Department of Clinical Lab Sciences chairperson highlighted his years of service on numerous department, college, and university level committees including Pre-Med Advisor and Undergraduate Transfer Student Coordinator.

As a member of the American Society of Human Genetics, the Human Anatomy & Physiology Society, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Dr. Namm attended many annual conferences and conducted numerous workshops and poster presentations.

At no charge, Dr. Namm provided genetic counseling services to Lowell area residents.  For 32 years Ted volunteered weekly in the Hall of Human Life, and for many special exhibitions, at the Museum of Science in Boston.  Dr. Namm was frequently invited as a guest speaker on the topic of the latest and greatest in Genetics.  The week before his death he was preparing for his annual guest lecture for a UML Physical Therapy class, this time looking forward to the new challenge of presenting on Zoom.

Ted taught himself to play several musical instruments.  His collection of poems was accepted for publication.  He loved all sports, and as a transplanted New Englander, he became an avid fan of the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and Patriots.  Ted and Linda rarely missed watching the game show Jeopardy! together to keep their memory sharp and their competitive juices flowing.  Among family and friends, Ted was the go-to person to explain medical information.

Dr. Namm’s quick wit and dry sense of humor were legendary. A lifelong learner, Ted was truly an intelligent and multi-talented Renaissance man.  Over his 77 years, he impacted the lives of thousands and made a difference in many.

Ted is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Linda L. (Petit) Namm of Chelmsford; his cherished sister Anita M. Brownstein and her husband Abraham of Boynton Beach, FL; one brother-in-law, Norman J. Petit and his wife Margaret of Arundel, ME; three sisters-in-law, Joanne J. Eon and her husband Donald of Biddeford, ME, Carol A. Roy and her husband Guy of Plymouth, MA, and Janice E. Lapierre and her husband Gerard of Biddeford, ME; eleven nephews and nieces including Susan Wolkenbrod of Plainview, NY, Marcy Mielz of Boca Raton, FL, and Barrie Cota of Woodmere, NY.

Funeral services were private with burial taking place in Pine Ridge Cemetery in Chelmsford.  The obituary and online guestbook are available at www.dolanfuneralhome.com.

Memorial donations in honor of Ted may be made to: Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences Scholarship Fund, attn: Deme Gys, UMass Lowell Advancement Office, 45 Lawrence Drive, Lowell, MA 01854 or to:  Hall of Human Life Endowment Fund, attn: Annual Giving, Museum of Science Boston, 1 Science Park, Boston, MA 02114.

24 Condolences for Professor Emeritus Dr. Theodore “Ted” Namm of Chelmsford

  • Avatar

    Donna Nadeau

    |

    Deeply saddened by Ted’ passing. Such a kind and generous man. Enjoyed all the times at Christmas and summer time playing miniature golf. Always was willing to help with medical research on various family illnesses. He was a fine cousin, friend, and will surely be missed. Rest in peace Ted.

  • Avatar

    Jan Dubois

    |

    Ted was always a joy to be around and I enjoyed all of our conversations. He always was ready and willing to help me with medical questions as my Mom went through cancer treatments. I always loved how he took the time to check in on how everyone in the family was doing. He was a gem and will be missed.

  • Avatar

    Ron

    |

    I’m saddened for this wonderful family who has lost such a beloved member. Everyone who came to know Ted has had their lives enriched. Be at rest and go with God.

  • Avatar

    Guy Gosselin

    |

    I can readily recall that Ted was always present at all important family events, the victories and the sorrows. Ted and Linda always showed for many memorial masses and events. One of his gifts is that he ” met you where you where at” in conversations and did his best to convey concern and understanding. He will truly be missed, but never will be forgotten…

  • Avatar

    Anne Gosselin Girard

    |

    I will always treasure Ted as he always left a positive light wherever he was. He was always interested in our life happenings and strongly encouraged us to pursue higher education and, more importantly, life long learning. He listened more than he talked and when he did talk….there was wisdom, kindness and encouragement. He was truly a beautiful man. Linda, may you find comfort and peace is knowing you were his true love and the marriage you lived is inspirational to many ???✝️

  • Avatar

    Barbara Mawn

    |

    I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of this brilliant, generous and witty man. As his colleague at UMASS Lowell, I was indebted to him for his generous collaboration with our PhD in Nursing program where he guest lectured our students on genetics for many years. My condolences to his wife and family for the loss of this cherished man.

  • Avatar

    Lisa Abdallah

    |

    I am saddened to hear of the loss of Dr. Ted Namm. He was truly a wonderful colleague who was dedicated to students success and the mission of the University. May he rest in peace. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

  • Avatar

    Elaine Rossignol Cooper

    |

    Dear Linda, I am so sorry to hear of
    your husband’s untimely death. As I
    read in his obituary I understand what
    an incredible man he was, and that he
    will greatly missed.
    You Have My Deepest Sympathy.

  • Avatar

    Karen K McBride

    |

    I am so extremely saddened by the loss of my dear friend, for almost 47 years. My daughters and I considered he and Linda to be part of our family throughout the years and he was referred to as “Uncle Ted”. Although we moved away, he was always there for advice, wisdom, and caring through a phone call or email during all the celebrations and sad times over the many years. When I first met he and Linda, we would get together for “game night” which usually turned into playing Jeopardy. As imagined, Ted would definitely be leading, especially in any Science question. However, what I loved more, is his calling out “Buzz” imitating the buzzer when the rest of us would take too long to answer. He actually had that nickname “Buzz” for years with us.
    Ted – you were an amazing man while here and I will always remember your singing and playing on the banjo – “Charley on the MTA” with some of your own clever lyrics. I am so thankful to have known you and will always considered you as one of my dearest friends.
    Karen McBride

  • Avatar

    Jerry Lapierre

    |

    I will miss Ted he was a lot of fun to have around and he helped me with all sorts of sports injuries. He was my personal trainer and provided me with great medical advice. Every time he was me he would say well I think the Knicks have good shot of winning the NBA championship and of course I would laugh. Always enjoyed going to visit them when the kids were younger. He would make us laugh. At supper time he wasn’t big on veggies and Linda would say you will eat them and he did. Then when he was finished supper he would look at me and say well Jerry no snacks tonite. But I knew he would always have his bowl of cereal at night. I will miss my pal but I won’t forget the memories. Thank you for making me laugh and your help. RIP.

  • Avatar

    Patricia Lieberman

    |

    Linda so sorry for your loss ! My condolences to you ! I only met him once and thought he was so very nice! May God give you strength and comfort in the days ahead ! Cherish your special memories! You will be in my thoughts and prayers !

  • Avatar

    Tom Taylor

    |

    Ted was a valued colleague who genuinely cared for co-workers and students alike. He bridged many relational gaps as an outstanding scholar who always took time to say hello. My condolences to Linda at this time, who was equally a caring and friendly face in any crowd.

  • Avatar

    Bob Friesner

    |

    Linda – we are very sorry for the loss of Ted. Tell us if we can help in any way.

    Bob & Kate next door.

  • Avatar

    Caryn Bourgoin

    |

    Linda I was so sorry to hear about your loss. I will forever be grateful for Ted’s help so many years ago in nursing school, I am not certain I would have passed my anatomy class if it were not for his assistance. He truly found and lived his calling.

  • Avatar

    Arthur Belair:Sandra Belair

    |

    Linda so very sorry to hear of your loss, May God watch over you and your family

  • Avatar

    Karen Devereaux Melillo

    |

    I extend condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Dr. Ted Namm. I had the pleasure of interacting with Ted over many years as a nursing faculty colleague at UMass Lowell. His unwavering commitment to teaching excellence and student-centered learning was evident in all that he did. Students valued his passion and expertise for genetics. I fully expect Ted’s caring impact will live on in those he taught. With deepest sympathies.

  • Avatar

    Norm Petit

    |

    Our family was shocked to hear this news. Ted was always very humble. I enjoyed our conversations, he always spoke down to my level and never about himself. I especially enjoyed talking sports with Ted. He loved baseball the most, it was remarkable watching his enthusiasm playing in the family softball game, at his age. He was unbelievably generous to us, especially my kids and grandkids. His sense of humor will be missed at future family gatherings and the Family Football Pool will not be the same without Ted.

  • Avatar

    Ryan Stoddard

    |

    My wife and I extend our condolences to the Namm family. Dr. Namm was such an enthusiastic educator with a fun wit that made learning engaging and entertaining. He has delivered countless lectures, though my favorite were his guest lectures at UML in the realm of genetics. Those whom have had the pleasure, will always remember his caring and compassion for the students, and love of the subject matter. I have learned so much on so many levels and am grateful to have known him. Rest well Dr. Namm.

  • Avatar

    Mahdi Garelnabi

    |

    I am very sorry to hear of the loss of Professor Ted Namm. He was a great educator, a mentor, wonderful colleague and a great friend. He was loved by everyone in my department (BNS). He was kind and always cares about others. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and my colleagues. My his soul rest in peace.

  • Avatar

    Jay Dolan

    |

    Linda, my condolences on your loss. I met Ted a few times when you worked at UGRD Admissions and he was very nice. My prayers are with you during this time.

  • Avatar

    Paula Haines

    |

    Offering sympathy to Ted’s family on the loss of this kind and gentle soul. He will be missed and remembered by many colleagues at UMass Lowell.

  • Avatar

    Charlotte Bouchard Jacques

    |

    Linda, We were sorry to hear ofTed’s passing. We have you in our prayers. Take care.

  • Avatar

    Eugene Rogers

    |

    I am very sadden to hear of the news of the passing of Ted Namm. I had the pleasure of working with Ted at the University since the early 1980’s. He was a mentor, a colleague and a friend and I sought his advice throughout my career from my early days as a new instructor through my final position as Department Chair. His door was always wide open not only for me but for everyone.
    Teaching was his job but student thinking and learning his objective. Although trained in the basic sciences he knew early that his interest was applying this knowledge to programs and students in the health related fields.
    Over the years, students would indicate how tough he was in class but then mentioned how much they learned. Ted was also a pioneer in the early days of online instruction when the effectiveness of such a folly was greatly questioned but he bravely stepped into this new world and proved critics wrong demonstrating that teaching in this way using the appropriate technology could be very effective. His online genetic courses drew thousands over time and could not be offered enough for student demand. He often stepped up to offer extra class sections beyond his responsibilities always just doing what was best for student needs. Through this technology, he attracted students from all over the world and contributed early to the recognition that the University could play a major role in global education.

    A role model for commitment to student learning. Ted has left a mark on many and will be sadly missed.

  • Avatar

    Nicole Cushing (Adams)

    |

    I am so sad to hear about Dr. Namm. He was a fantastic professor and I will never forget my anatomy and genetics classes. He really is the most brilliant man I have met and without him I would not be where I am today. Dr. Namm was the one at the UML open house that took me over to the Medical Lab Science booth and told me it was the best option for me. My love for science grew tremendously! Thanks for everything Dr. Namm!

Comments are closed

Signup for Obituary Email Notifications

Obituary Notification Email
Obituary Notification Email
Loading

Hours

  • For Deaths: 24/7/365 by phone
  • For Pre or Atneed Arrangements: Please call for Appt.
  • Office Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm
  • Phone: (978) 256-4040
    or (978) 251-4041

Obituaries Notification

Obituary Notification Email
Loading

Service Areas

Dolan Funeral Home serves greater Lowell and southern New Hampshire, including Chelmsford, N. Chelmsford, Tyngsboro, Westford, Dunstable, Dracut, Lowell, MA, Nashua, Windham, Hudson, NH.

Call Now Button Skip to content