Tributes to Professor Al Labriola

Date: Fri Mar 13 8:02 AM, 2009

Tributes to Professor Al Labriola

Date: Fri Mar 13 8:21 AM, 2009

Dear Colleagues,

I join with everyone who knew him in mourning the untimely death of Al Labriola.

Anna Nardo

Alumni Professor, Chair of English

Louisiana State Universtiy

Date: Fri Mar 13 8:53 AM, 2009

Al's death is a great loss to all of us in Renaissance studies. He was a model of scholarly precision, elegance, wit, and kindness. May we all emulate him!

My most vivid memory of Al is embarrassing, but I can't resist mentioning it: when I finally submitted the revised manuscript of my first book, I received a brief email from Al in his capacity as editor of the Medieval and Renaissance Literary Studies series: I had a typo, he said, on my title page. I'd transposed two letters in my own name. Not to worry, though: he himself typed a new title page for me. Nor was that by any means the least of Al's generous contributions to my work as an author!

Eternal rest grant to him, o Lord; and may perpetual light shine upon him!

Date: Fri Mar 13 9:10 AM, 2009

I was deeply saddened to hear about Al Labriola's death. In the many years since I first met him at a John Donne Conference, he has been to the highest degree both a gentleman and a scholar. I personally received much kindness and support from him, and his early appreciation of my work on John Donne helped spur me forward to complete my book. Indeed, his continued critical acumen has been invaluable to me. May his memory be blessed. Chanita Goodblatt

Date: Sat Mar 14 5:20 AM, 2009

From Leiden, The Netherlands, I have heard the very sad and unexpected news of Al's passing. Al, the last time we met was at Gulfport somewhere after 9/11 (because we talked about it) and before Katrina, but even though I did not go to every meeating I remember receiving, among the editorial material Gary would pass on, your meticulous reports on the progress of the S&S Variorum Commentary. In this respect you were one of the most organized, together and respected members of the DV team. It is saddening to know you will not see the fruits of your labours, but I share with eveyone in expressing my celebration of your life. I shall be with you and all at the funeral mass at Duquesne on Monday in spirit.

In Paradisum deducant te Angeli ...

Date: Sun Mar 15 8:54 AM, 2009

To Friends of John Donne and Albert Labriola,

            Albert Labriola's death leaves us all a little diminished. I met Albert only once a good while ago but I still see him when I read his criticism. We were all very lucky to have had him for the time that we did and we continue in that good fortune realizing that by his writings he still defends our beliefs in life and literature. Albert's family supports the greatest loss of all and we collectively think of them at this time.

                                                                              Sincerely to all,

                                                                              Tony Raspa

Date: Tue Aug 31 1:28 AM, 2010

Friends, I greatly appreciate all the info I have read here. I will spread the word about your blog to other people. Professor. Albert Labriola of Duquesne University was one of the foremost Milton scholars in the world.