ARGYRIS, Chris, born in New Jersey on July 16, 1923, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, on Saturday November 16, 2013.
He served as a second lieutenant in the Signal Corps during WW2. After the war, he received his A.B. in psychology and business at Clark University in 1947, his M.A. in economics and psychology from Kansas University in 1949 and his doctorate in Organizational Behavior from Cornell University in 1951.
Having met and soon married in 1950, Chris and Renee celebrated their 63rd anniversary with their children, Dianne and Phillip, in July of this year.
Known as a founder of the field of Organizational Learning, he taught at Yale University for 20 years, where he was instrumental in the creation of the Yale School of Management. In 1971 he became the James Bryant Conant Professor of Education and Organizational Behavior at Harvard University, and held joint appointments at the Law School and later at the Kennedy School of Government.
He received numerous awards and honorary doctorates over his lifetime and was the author of over 30 books and 150 articles. He was a dedicated and passionate teacher, deeply proud of the work his students are continuing around the world today.
His love of the outdoors was reflected in his many hikes in the mountains of New Hampshire and across New England with family and friends. His best thinking was done while taking long walks, which he did daily until he was 89 old.
Chris is survived by his wife Renee, daughter Dianne, son Phillip, and brother Peter.
Visiting hours at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St., (Rt.16) WELLESLEY, Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 4-8 pm. Funeral Service in St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 57 Brown St., Weston, Thursday, Nov. 21 at 11 am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment Linwood Cemetery, Weston.