Gustav Fritz Papanek

Professor Gustav Fritz Papanek, died peacefully at his home in Lexington, MA on September 20, 2022. Gus, the husband of the late Hanna Kaiser Papanek was born in Vienna, Austria on July 12, 1926, the son of the late Dr. Ernst Papanek and Dr. Helene Papanek.  His father was a committed social democrat and educator who was forced into exile in 1935 as the impending storm approached in Germany and Austria. His mother, a physician, looked after Gus and his late brother, George as Ernst evaded persecution. As Socialists and Jews, the family fled initially to France where Ernst ran homes for refugee children. Gus met his future wife Hanna when they were 13 years old in one of the children’s homes. With the impending fall of France, the family knew that Europe was no longer safe for them and in 1940 with the support of the International Rescue Committee they made it to New York. Gus frequently reminisced about teaching English during the journey and sailing into New York Harbor past the Statue of Liberty.

Gus graduated from high school at age 16 and went to Cornell University - initially studying agriculture and working his way through school with farm jobs. His college years were interrupted by WWII - he enlisted in the army and was trained in the infantry and artillery until the army realized that a native German speaker was more valuable in military intelligence. Gus trained at the well-known Fort Ritchie in Maryland and was then deployed to Germany where he assisted in finding Nazi war criminals. He was always proud of his military service.

When he returned home, he graduated from Cornell. Gus and Hanna married soon after their college graduation. Gus went on to study economics at Harvard University under John Kenneth Galbraith, receiving his Ph.D. In 1952. Hanna received her Ph.D. in Sociology at Harvard, and their careers and work were entwined for the duration of their nearly 70-year marriage. Gus went on to take a job in the US State Department in Washington, DC working with the Agency for International Development - however it was the height of the McCarthy era and Gus was fired for his socialist beliefs. He rebounded and returned to Harvard where he began his life’s work of studying income distribution, employment, and poverty in developing countries. He and Hanna moved to Karachi, Pakistan with daughter Joanne and son Tom, returning to Harvard in 1958. Gus worked in many countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America - advising governments on developing effective economic policies Gus ultimately specialized in Asian economies where he was recognized as a pre-eminent expert on Pakistan and Indonesia. He developed strong ties in both countries as a friend and trusted advisor. During the struggle for the independence of East Pakistan, Gus was an active advocate testifying before the US Congress and recognized by the government of Bangladesh as a Friend or the Liberation War Honor.

In 1974, Gus moved to Boston University as Chair of Economics, building a renowned department with strong interests in development economics. During his career, Gus trained two generations of economists who would go on to take important leadership positions in their home countries. After achieving emeritus status at BU, Gus continued his consulting work through his company the Boston Institute for Development Economics - working on books, papers and giving invited university lectures until several months ago. This year, he sent his last two books to the publisher – one a blueprint for the Indonesian economy and the last a memoir drawn from a series of talks that he gave to family and friends this past spring.

Gus was devoted to his family – teaching his son and daughter to ski, white-water kayak and hike in New Hampshire and Maine, and snorkel the reefs of the Caribbean. For over 40 years, Gus and Hanna’s vacation home in Brownfield, ME was a focal point of family life for their children and grandchildren.  As Gus traversed the globe, he always ensured that his itinerary included Chicago to spend time with Tom, Doris, and their children. He and Hanna traveled widely – often visiting family and drawn overseas by interests in other cultures and landmarks. They instilled their love of travel in their grandchildren, who accompanied them on many journeys over the years.  Meals were the focal point of family gatherings – with long, spirited and often political conversations - always concluding with chocolate in some form.

Gus is survived by his son Tom Papanek (Doris Wells Papanek) of Barrington, IL, daughter Joanne Papanek Orlando (Rocco Orlando, III) of South Glastonbury, CT, grandchildren Jessica Papanek, Julia Papanek, Rocco Orlando, IV (Katie Moran), Alexander Orlando, great granddaughters Brooke and Willow Orlando as well as his nephew Michael Papanek, niece Deborah Ferreira (Chris). His niece Susan Papanek McHugh (Steve) pre-deceased him recently.

A celebration of his life will be held later this year. Memorial contributions in honor of Gus can be made to the International Rescue Committee, P.O. Box 6068, Albert Lea, MN 56007-9847.